Disney Legend Mark Henn, the animator behind Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Young Simba, Mulan, and Tiana, shares how a childhood spark became a career-defining experience during the Disney Renaissance. After three rejections from Disney, he found his way through CalArts and mentorship by studio greats.

We explore the acting behind animation: how he carves distinct personalities so Belle never moves like Ariel, why a swimmer's hair flip made Mulan feel real, and how personal references (like modeling Jasmine on his sister Beth) unlock a character's essence. Mark opens up about design retreats, story challenges, and balancing style with cultural research. He reflects on his passion project, John Henry, and on witnessing Disney's transformation from hand-drawn to CG.

The constant across decades? Story and character. Films resonate when viewers see themselves in the stakes and humor. Letters from fans—children who saw themselves in Tiana, teens who found confidence in Belle—affirm why these stories matter. Mark's faith grounds his focus on excellence, gratitude, and legacy: do the work with care and leave behind characters that continue to inspire.

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The 10th Anniversary of the novel Allen Wolf wrote, The Sound of Violet, is now available wherever you buy books. Kirkus Reviews calls it "A heartwarming love story with standout characters that readers won’t forget.” The BookLife Prize says, “The prose has the sweet, forward-moving cadence of a great romantic comedy, and readers will swoon.” See more at thesoundofviolet.com.

Actor Edwina Findley takes us on a deeply moving journey through the entertainment industry, revealing her journey from humble beginnings to Netflix's "The Residence" while maintaining her integrity in a challenging business.

Edwina shares stories of powerful moments that shaped her career and affirmed her belief that surrendering to a larger calling would yield greater fulfillment than pursuing self-generated dreams alone.

Early career obstacles tested Edwina's resolve when agents told her "Hollywood is for beautiful people" and pressured her to compromise her values regarding content. These challenges forced her to develop resilience and clarity about her boundaries. Her approach to maintaining health while working in entertainment offers practical wisdom for anyone navigating creative industries—build community, serve others, and avoid idolizing your career.

Academy Award-winner Viola Davis, who wrote the foreword to Edwina's debut book "The World is Waiting for You," describes her as "a life force" who alters lives upon contact. This conversation demonstrates why—Edwina's authentic vulnerability, wisdom, and joy create space for listeners to reflect on their own purpose beyond professional achievements.

Check out Edwina's book "The World is Waiting for You," available for pre-order wherever books are sold.

Navigating Hollywood: NavigatingHollywood.org

Edwina on Instagram: www.instagram.com/edwinafindley

Edwina Findley: edwinafindley.com

Allen Wolf: AllenWolf.com

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Philip Winchester takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable journey from Montana to the Royal Shakespeare Company to Hollywood, revealing how his mother's brave decision to send him to London drama school launched a career spanning classical theater, action-packed television, and movies.

On the adrenaline-fueled set of "Strike Back," Winchester performed jaw-dropping stunts—stepping off helicopters onto moving trains. His next challenge came in mastering the rapid-fire "legalese" of Dick Wolf's courtroom dramas, delivering eight pages of complex dialogue daily. Winchester also opens up about the unexpected spiritual awakening he experienced after a chance encounter on the London Underground—a moment that completely transformed his understanding of fatherhood and purpose.

Join us for this powerful exploration of balancing Hollywood ambition with deeply personal values—a conversation that will leave you reconsidering what truly matters when the cameras stop rolling.

Philip on IMDb

Watch Philip in In My Sleep on Tubi

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