Jay Duplass is a filmmaker and mumblecore pioneer. Michael Strassner is a comedian and the protagonist of "The Baltimorons." We discuss solo directing after 14 years, sobriety as creative fuel, guerrilla filmmaking, and serving stories over ego. READ MORE👉 http://bit.ly/richroll933 ✌🏼🌱 - Rich This Episode Is Brought To You By… Bon Charge: Save 15% on my favorite wellness products👉 https://bit.ly/boncharge2025 On: High-performance shoes & apparel crafted for comfort and style👉https://bit.ly/ONXRRP2025 Seed: Save 25% OFF your first order 👉https://bit.ly/seedxrrp2025 Squarespace: Use code RichRoll to save 10% off 👉 https://bit.ly/squarespace2025 Check out all of the amazing discounts from our Sponsors 👉🏾 https://bit.ly/rrpsponsors LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/rrpitunes Spotify: http://bit.ly/rrpspotify Google: http://bit.ly/rrpgooglepods Meal Planner: http://meals.richroll.com Voicing Change Book: http://richroll.com/vc Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RichRollPodcastClips Newsletter: http://bit.ly/rollcallemail CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:45 Make Movies, Not Meetings” Philosophy 00:02:52 Jay’s Transition to Solo Directing 00:04:55 Meeting Michael: Instagram Connection & Collaboration 00:07:32 Michael’s Sobriety & Manifesting the Film 00:09:09 Building the Film from Real Life & Baltimore Locations 00:11:50 Serving the Audience & Earnestness in the Film 00:13:48 Making the Movie on a Shoestring & Self-Fulfillment 00:15:29 Power Moves & Democratization of Filmmaking 00:16:36 Persistence, Attrition, and the Myth of Overnight Success 00:19:13 Distribution Success & Audience Awards 00:20:05 Sponsor Break 00:22:06 Michael’s Backstory: Addiction, Comedy, and Early Life 00:26:01 Rock Bottom, Sobriety, and Recovery 00:29:46 Comedy, Sobriety, and Fear of Losing Humor 00:32:52 Early Sobriety & Vulnerability in the Film 00:42:53 Family, Loss, and Generational Change 00:45:47 Authenticity & Humility in Performance 00:48:27 Sponsor Break 00:51:04 Jay Duplass’s Running & Overcommitment 00:53:55 Duplass Brothers’ Upbringing & Entry into Film 00:56:56 Finding Their Filmmaking Voice & The Puffy Chair 00:58:22 Crafting a Story That Works 01:00:37 Shooting in Baltimore: Permits & Local Support 01:03:49 John Waters, Baltimore, and Local Legends 01:06:53 Filmmaking Rules: Make Bad Art, Find Your Voice 01:09:34 Mumblecore Origins & Digital Video Revolution 01:12:51 Every Film Feels Like a Disaster 01:16:53 YouTube, New Platforms, and Changing Industry 01:21:29 Turning Down Hollywood Franchises & Staying True 01:24:31 Balancing Art, Money, and Lifestyle 01:27:16 Collaboration, Feedback, and Creative Process 01:32:38 Creator vs. Destroyer: Editing and Letting Go 01:38:54 Acting, Casting, and Emotional Availability 01:43:06 Jay’s Acting Journey & Industry Role 01:49:55 Creativity, Sobriety, and Presence 01:53:14 Duplass Brothers’ Evolution & Conscious Uncoupling 01:58:49 Yearning for Authentic, Human Stories 02:00:10 Cultural Mythology, Superheroes, and Storytelling 02:06:39 Advice for Aspiring Artists: Don’t Give Up 02:09:19 Making Good Days & Prioritizing Art 02:14:36 Podcast Wrap-Up & Upcoming Film Release CONNECT WITH RICH ✩ Website - http://richroll.com​ ✩ Rich Roll Podcast - https://richroll.com/all-episodes/ ✩ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richroll/ ✩ Twitter - https://twitter.com/richroll ✩ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/richrollfans ✩ Strava - https://www.strava.com/athletes/14443?oq=rich ✩ Memoir: Finding Ultra - https://www.richroll.com/shop/books/finding-ultra/ ✩ Meals - http://meals.richroll.com​ ✩ Cook - The Plantpower Way - https://www.richroll.com/shop/books/the-plantpower-way-signed/ ✩ Italian! - The Plantpower Way: Italia - https://www.richroll.com/shop/books/the-plantpower-way-italia-signed/ ✩ Support - https://www.patreon.com/richroll FILMED AND EDITED BY DAN DRAKE https://www.dandrake333.com/ * * * * * NEW TO RICH? Hi I'm Rich Roll. I'm a vegan ultra-endurance athlete, author, podcaster, public speaker & wellness evangelist. But mainly I'm a dad of four. If you want to know more, visit my website or check out these two the NY Times articles: http://bit.ly/otillonyt http://bit.ly/vegansglam I LOVE MAIL! SEND IT HERE: 2630 Conejo Spectrum St. Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 #richroll #richrollpodcast