Nira Burstein is a documentary filmmaker based in New York City.

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(00:00) Growing Up in Queens

(02:41) Everyone Is an Artist

(05:13) Discovering Donnie Darko

(08:02) Choosing Filmmaking Over Stability

(10:49) Internships and Early Career

(13:27) Mining for a Story

(16:11) Portraying Her Parents

(18:46) The Emotional Heart of Filmmaking

(21:20) Building Charm Circle Over Six Years

(26:04) Festivals, Rejections, and Sheffield Premiere

(30:08) Reflections on European Audiences

(33:11) Passion, Purpose, and Healing

(36:23) Success, Struggles, and Staying Inspired

(38:17) Advice to Young Filmmakers

(40:25) The Power of Vulnerability

Jessica Silver is a standup comedian based in Manhattan.

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(00:00) Dreaming of New York City

(03:12) Moving From Virginia to NYC

(06:20) Late 20s in the City

(08:15) Childhood Trouble and Shyness

(11:02) College Acting and Comedy Interest

(13:40) First Stand-Up Class and Debut

(16:25) Overcoming Stage Nerves

(19:18) Finding Her Comedy Style

(23:05) Writing Challenges and Creative Flow

(27:42) Growing in NYC’s Comedy Scene

(31:30) Raunchy Humor and Family Influence

(35:10) Introverts in Stand-Up Comedy

(38:18) Defining Success in Comedy

(41:02) NYC’s Supportive Comedy Community

(43:10) Advice for Aspiring Comics

Nira Tarr is a comedian, a DJ, and an actress based in New York City.

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(00:00) Moving to New York in a Pandemic

(03:42) LA vs. New York Comedy Scenes

(06:15) Anti-Intellectualism and Youth Culture in LA

(09:04) Mushrooms, Epiphanies, and the Decision to Move

(12:30) Golden Handcuffs and Creative Plateaus

(15:11) Comedy Career in LA Before New York

(18:46) Starting Stand-Up and UCB Improv

(21:50) Clown Training and Its Influence

(26:23) Clown Philosophy and Audience Connection

(29:42) Fear, Failure, and Resilience in Comedy

(34:05) Comedy or Acting: Why She Chose Stand-Up

(37:40) Hitting the Ground in New York as a Comedian

(42:18) Producing Shows and Building Community

(46:06) Making Money vs. Artistic Success

(50:17) Favorite Venues and the Spirit of New York Comedy

(53:41) Redefining Success and Creative Freedom

(56:29) Advice to New Comedians in New York

(59:30) Persistence, Patience, and the Long Game