Welcome to the DMF! I'm Justin Younts, and today I’m thrilled to introduce Christine La Monte, who shares her inspiring journey through the film industry. Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Christine was surrounded by art, culture, and cinema, which sparked her lifelong passion for storytelling and filmmaking.

From her early memories of watching films in theaters to working with major studios like Universal and Disney, Christine’s career has been shaped by powerful mentors, unforgettable projects, and a deep respect for the craft. She reflects on the lessons she learned along the way—what it truly takes to create stories that connect with audiences on an emotional level.

Christine believes film is far more than entertainment; it’s a unifying force that brings people together and gives voice to shared human experiences. In this episode, she opens up about her career, the creative risks she’s taken, and the joy of producing work that inspires others.

Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a creative professional, or simply someone who loves movies, Christine’s story offers insight, motivation, and a genuine love for the art of cinema. Join us as we explore the magic behind the scenes and uncover what makes storytelling such a powerful force in our lives.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:12 - Early Life and Love for Arts

00:02:12 - College Life and Exposure to International Films

00:03:43 - Moving to Aspen and First Producing Job

00:04:38 - Career as a Studio Executive

00:07:01 - Working at Universal and Disney

00:08:06 - Moving to New Zealand and Working for TV3

00:08:53 - Joining Orion Pictures

00:10:26 - Working with Directors and Marketing Films

00:12:08 - End of Orion Pictures

00:14:24 - Transition to Producing Plays

00:16:04 - Producing Viva Verde

00:16:51 - Working with Franco Zeffirelli

00:17:13 - Development of Viva Verde

00:17:46 - Viva Verde's Impact and Recognition

00:19:06 - The Power of Intergenerational Exchange

00:20:06 - Film Distribution and Outreach

Welcome to the DMF! I'm Justin Younts, and today I had the pleasure of speaking with Kris Keppeler, an audiobook narrator, voice actress, and writer. Kris shared her fascinating journey from growing up in the snowy Midwest to exploring the arts and finding her passion in acting and voiceover work. She opened up about her experiences moving from Ohio to Michigan and then to Washington State, where she discovered a love for the arts that would shape her career. Kris's story is one of resilience and determination, as she faced discouragement in her singing journey but persevered to find her voice. We discussed her transition from stage acting to film and voiceover, and how her background in opera has influenced her work. Kris also shared insights into her creative process, her love for storytelling, and her passion for helping others through her podcast and YouTube channel. If you're curious about the world of voice acting or looking for inspiration to pursue your dreams, this episode is for you! Tune in to hear Kris's incredible story and learn how you can transform your life through the arts.

00:00:00 - Introduction and Greetings

00:00:21 - Early Life and Moving Experiences

00:03:45 - Interest in Arts and Initial Challenges

00:05:28 - Journey into Acting and Training

00:10:00 - Experience with Improv and Challenges

00:12:57 - Education and Career Shift

00:14:21 - Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking and Love for Acting

00:16:22 - Transition into Film Acting

00:17:00 - Challenges of Transitioning from Stage to Film

00:20:16 - Transition into Voice Acting

00:20:57 - Challenges and Techniques in Voice Acting

00:22:33 - Role Preparation and Character Building

00:27:08 - Incorporating Singing Skills into Voice Acting

00:27:33 - Experience with Opera

00:29:40 - Transition into Chris Keppler's Company and Narration

00:31:35 - Transition into Audiobooks

00:31:46 - Creating a Home Studio

00:32:29 - Working with Voice Fatigue and Studio Preferences

00:34:18 - Creation and Evolution of Podcast

00:37:05 - Challenges and Learning Experience in Audio Editing

00:40:53 - Exploring Different Genres and Creating Children's Shorts

00:44:14 - Exploring the Potential of AI in Content Creation

00:46:50 - YouTube Channel and Future Plans

00:47:57 - Venturing into Writing a Book

00:48:28 - Writing Process and Memoir Creation

00:49:31 - Affection for Animals and Childhood Experiences

00:50:52 - Future Plans and Monetization

00:53:32 - Daily Routines and Meditation

00:59:09 - Reading, Listening and Watching Preferences

01:03:41 - Contact Information and Conclusion

Here is her website:

https://www.kriskeppeler.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf34F6oBy2VEGbLYXHlot2sPgvaGIaIf8qAKbqbVtqHzK1-eIMwAwDRng0KEw_aem_ITCHIEhwWKr_memIv26Zbw

https://www.instagram.com/kriskeppeler

Check out her YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBpQqs-cpq3z7FLcVTrf0Tw

Welcome to the DMF! I'm Justin Younts, and today we're diving into the world of YouTube monetization. Is there something you want to accomplish on YouTube that you haven’t done yet? Many creators feel that way — including Kris Keppeler, who joins me to share her own goals and experiences in content creation.

Kris talks about expanding her platform through writing a book, growing her podcast, and creating new forms of engaging content. She’s driven not just by monetization, but by a deep desire to tell meaningful stories and shine a light on issues she cares about, including women’s rights.

She also shares how her love for animals helped her cope with childhood trauma, adding a powerful emotional foundation to the stories she tells. For Kris, content creation isn’t just a career — it’s a way to connect, heal, and inspire others.

We discuss the importance of finding a personal routine, whether it’s caring for pets, meditating, or carving out time to create. Kris emphasizes that everyone has their own rhythm, and the key is working with your natural flow, whether you're an early riser or a night owl.

If you’re navigating the challenges of YouTube growth and monetization, this episode is full of insight and inspiration. Join us as we explore the realities of being a creator and the joy that comes from sharing your passion with the world.

Don’t forget to check out Kris’s YouTube channel and her upcoming projects. Let’s embark on this journey together and make our creative dreams a reality!

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:05 - Monetizing YouTube and Blogging

00:00:27 - Writing a Book

00:02:01 - Affection for Animals

00:03:22 - Future Plans

00:05:42 - Retirement Thoughts

00:06:22 - Morning Routine

00:10:07 - Nighttime Routine and Meditation

00:11:26 - Fitness Routine

00:11:41 - Current Reading and Listening

00:16:12 - Contact Information

00:17:09 - Conclusion

Here is her website:

https://www.kriskeppeler.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf34F6oBy2VEGbLYXHlot2sPgvaGIaIf8qAKbqbVtqHzK1-eIMwAwDRng0KEw_aem_ITCHIEhwWKr_memIv26Zbw

https://www.instagram.com/kriskeppeler

Check out her YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBpQqs-cpq3z7FLcVTrf0Tw

Welcome to the DMF! I'm Justin Younts, and today I'm diving into the creative world of Kris Keppeler, the voice actress, narrator, and podcaster behind Does This Happen to You? Kris shares how her podcast was born from her love of comedy and storytelling. She first considered writing her own comedic material but quickly realized there were countless amazing stories already out there. That’s when she began reaching out to other writers and narrating their work—launching a podcast that has grown far beyond what she imagined.

Kris discusses how the podcasting landscape has evolved, noting that even in a TikTok-driven world, listeners still crave long-form storytelling. While short clips work well on YouTube, she’s found that deeper narratives resonate more strongly with her audience.

Handling everything herself—from production to editing—Kris even took engineering classes to sharpen her skills. Her narration portfolio has expanded into children’s books, comedy, and even hypnosis.

Networking has been a major part of her journey. A connection with a children’s author on a small business site led to award-winning audio-visual collaborations—an example of how creativity thrives through teamwork.

As Kris continues to grow her podcast and YouTube channel, she’s excited to explore new stories and work with more creators. She encourages anyone interested in podcasting or storytelling to take the leap—there’s a world of stories waiting to be told.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights from Kris’s creative journey!

00:00:00 - Introduction and Background

00:00:05 - Concept and Evolution of the Podcast

00:01:39 - Podcast Format and Audience Preferences

00:02:38 - Future of AI in Narration and Film Making

00:02:52 - Production Process and Learning Experiences

00:04:55 - Audio Standards and Editing Tools

00:06:40 - Narrating Different Genres

00:07:38 - Creating Children's Shorts and Winning Awards

00:12:34 - Transition to YouTube and Conclusion

Here is her website:

https://www.kriskeppeler.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf34F6oBy2VEGbLYXHlot2sPgvaGIaIf8qAKbqbVtqHzK1-eIMwAwDRng0KEw_aem_ITCHIEhwWKr_memIv26Zbw

https://www.instagram.com/kriskeppeler

Check out her YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBpQqs-cpq3z7FLcVTrf0Tw

Welcome to the DMF! I'm Justin Younts, and today I'm diving into my journey into voice acting with the incredible Kris Keppeler. It all started when I was searching for more acting opportunities in Seattle, and someone suggested I try voiceover. I never considered it before, but once I found a coach, I discovered how much I loved combining my singing and acting skills. Voice acting has become a joyful partnership for me, giving me the chance to express emotions and bring characters to life in a unique and powerful way.

Transitioning into voice acting came naturally thanks to my background in singing and acting. I learned that voiceover requires conveying emotion without relying on body language—everything comes through the voice. I often visualize a character’s posture or state of mind to help me connect with the role.

I also share my experiences voicing a wide range of characters, from a beefy crime boss to a heroic ex-thief. Each role demands its own emotional depth, tone, and vocal texture, and I love the challenge of finding what fits. My opera training has been invaluable, teaching me vocal control and how to project emotion effectively.

Voice acting is about feeling your way through a script and connecting personally with the character. It’s not just reading—it’s performing. I encourage aspiring voice actors to embrace their uniqueness and let their experiences shape their work.

If you're interested in voice acting, remember: practice is everything. I’m always exploring new characters and finding joy in narrating unusual stories. Whether you're a beginner or looking to grow, keep going and enjoy the ride. Please like, share, and subscribe for more insights into the world of voice acting. Thank you!

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:05 - Transition into Voice Acting

00:00:47 - Voice Acting Techniques

00:02:22 - Working on a Role

00:07:02 - Influence of Singing on Voice Acting

00:07:57 - Opera Training and its Impact

00:09:28 - Transition into Chris Kepler's Company

00:09:34 - Narrating and Audiobooks

00:11:35 - Setting up a Home Studio

00:12:55 - Working on Audiobooks

00:14:05 - Conclusion

Here is her website:

https://www.kriskeppeler.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf34F6oBy2VEGbLYXHlot2sPgvaGIaIf8qAKbqbVtqHzK1-eIMwAwDRng0KEw_aem_ITCHIEhwWKr_memIv26Zbw

https://www.instagram.com/kriskeppeler

Check out her YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBpQqs-cpq3z7FLcVTrf0Tw

Welcome to the DMF! I'm Justin Younts, and today I have the pleasure of introducing Kris Keppeler, an incredible audiobook narrator, voice actress, and writer. Kris shares her fascinating journey from the snowy winters of Michigan to the sunny deserts of Washington, and how each move shaped her love for the arts.

She talks about her early experiences with singing, the challenges she faced, and how she overcame discouragement to find her true voice. Kris’s story isn’t just about acting—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and the joy of discovering one’s passion.

If you've ever felt afraid to pursue your dreams or doubted your abilities, Kris’s journey will inspire you to take that leap of faith. Join us as we dive into her experiences in theater, film, and voiceover work, and learn how she transformed her life through the arts.

Don’t miss this engaging conversation that just might motivate you to follow your own creative path!

00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:00:20 - Guest's Early Life and Moving Experiences

00:03:45 - Interest in Arts and Initial Singing Experience

00:05:28 - Transition to Acting

00:07:24 - Acting Training and Techniques

00:09:59 - Challenges and Experiences in Improv

00:12:57 - Education and Career in Allied Health

00:14:21 - Return to Acting and Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking

00:16:21 - Transition to Film Acting

00:17:02 - Challenges in Transitioning from Stage to Film

00:18:34 - The Art of Film Acting

00:19:20 - Exploring Voiceover Work

00:20:11 - The Importance of Practice

Here is her website:

https://www.kriskeppeler.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf34F6oBy2VEGbLYXHlot2sPgvaGIaIf8qAKbqbVtqHzK1-eIMwAwDRng0KEw_aem_ITCHIEhwWKr_memIv26Zbw

https://www.instagram.com/kriskeppeler

Check out her YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBpQqs-cpq3z7FLcVTrf0Tw

Welcome to the DMF. I'm Justin Younts, and today I’m speaking with filmmaker Sara Alessandrini about her powerful and controversial documentary, This Is What New Yorkers Say. Sara created the film out of frustration with how the media portrayed Andrew Cuomo and what she saw as a lack of due process in the public discourse surrounding him.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:07 - Guest Introduction

00:00:32 - Guest Background

00:01:19 - Guest's Early Life and Influence of Cinema

00:03:04 - Guest's Views on Movies and Society

00:03:24 - Discussion on Political Correctness in Movies

00:08:31 - Guest's Journey into Filmmaking

00:09:51 - Guest's Experience with Acting and Theatre

00:14:37 - Guest's Film School Experience

00:15:32 - Guest's Experience in Film School

00:18:15 - Guest's Post-School Experiences and Projects

00:20:29 - Guest's Previous Education in Telecommunications and Engineering

00:26:51 - Guest's View on Education Systems

00:27:41 - Guest's Approach to Problem Solving in Filmmaking

00:31:12 - Guest's Practical Approach to Filmmaking

00:33:25 - Guest's Views on Director's Role in Filmmaking

00:36:00 - Guest's Learning Experience in Film School

00:37:25 - Guest's Approach to Learning Multiple Roles in Filmmaking

00:39:22 - Guest's Frustration with the Movie Industry

00:39:33 - Guest's Experience in Music Videos

00:41:25 - Origin of 'This is What New Yorkers Say' Project

00:46:39 - Guest's Experience with Netflix and Theaters

00:52:15 - Guest's Interaction with Dario Gento

00:56:10 - Guest's Frustration with COVID and Politics

00:59:06 - Guest's Aspiration to Improve Society

01:02:09 - Guest's Frustration with Theatre Management

01:02:16 - Guest's Experience with Business and Theatre Reopening

01:02:30 - Guest's Experience with Workplace Politics

01:03:05 - Guest's Views on Safety in Theatres

01:06:49 - Guest's Decision to Move to Albany

01:08:55 - Guest's Views on Cancel Culture and Offense

01:10:40 - Guest's Experience with Workplace Complaints

01:14:20 - Guest's Views on Due Process and Weaponization of Offense

01:15:25 - Guest's Experience with Filming Documentary

01:16:28 - Guest's Views on Society's Fickle Affection

01:17:35 - Guest's Experience with Social Media and Its Influence

01:18:40 - Guest's Views on Social Media Algorithms and Content

01:19:16 - Origin of the Cuomo Documentary Project

01:22:01 - Guest's Views on Political Movements and Questioning

01:24:50 - Guest's Experience with Content Promotion and Platform Bias

01:26:21 - Guest's Experience with Documentary Production and Challenges

01:27:36 - Guest's Views on the Importance of Policy in Politics

01:30:37 - Guest's Experience with Workplace Politics in Filmmaking

01:32:43 - Challenges and Threats During Documentary Production

01:34:20 - Dealing with Legal Threats and Bullying

01:36:00 - Last Minute Changes and Meeting Deadlines

01:36:48 - Dealing with Financial Constraints and Legal Issues

01:37:17 - Experiences with Bullies and Legal System

01:39:27 - Documentary Screening and Unexpected Challenges

01:40:06 - Facing Accusations and Defending Ownership

01:43:36 - Aftermath of the Documentary and Dealing with Fame Seekers

01:43:46 - Facing False Claims and Media Manipulation

01:44:18 - Reflections on the Movie Industry and Unfinished Projects

01:44:27 - Experiences with Donation Scams and Misrepresentation

01:48:02 - Challenges in Editing and Legal Review

01:49:56 - Experience with Distributors and Aggregators

01:52:47 - Experience with Subtitles and Closed Captioning

01:57:19 - Future Aspirations and Current Focus

01:59:11 - Personal Routines and Interests

02:03:46 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Welcome to the DMF!
I’m Justin Younts, and in this episode, Sara Alessandrini opens up about the chaotic and often brutal world of documentary filmmaking.

Sara walks us through the challenges she faced while creating her documentary — challenges that went far beyond the expected hurdles of production. She dealt with legal threats, bullying, and intense pushback from some of the very people she interviewed. What was meant to be a creative pursuit quickly revealed the darker, more hostile side of the industry.

Throughout the episode, Sara explains how she navigated these obstacles: managing aggressive interviewees, protecting herself legally, and fighting tirelessly to get her film accepted into festivals. She shares the emotional toll the project took on her and the determination she needed to keep her vision alive despite the odds stacked against her.

For Sara, this journey wasn’t just about making a film — it became a test of strength, resilience, and integrity. She discusses the importance of due process, the complexities of handling real stories responsibly, and what it means to stand your ground in a competitive and often unforgiving industry.

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes realities of documentary production, this episode offers raw insight, hard-earned lessons, and inspiration to keep pushing forward no matter the challenges.

Join us as Sara pulls back the curtain on the truth, the chaos, and the courage it takes to tell a story that matters.

00:00:01 - Introduction

00:00:06 - The Role of Politicians

00:00:42 - The Making of the Documentary

00:01:30 - Challenges in the Film Industry

00:01:49 - The Process of Making a Documentary

00:01:59 - The Impact of Bullying in the Film Industry

00:02:02 - The Fight for Ownership of the Documentary

00:02:14 - The Transition from a Documentary to a Mini Series

00:02:25 - The Release and Reception of the Documentary

00:02:36 - The Politics Behind the Documentary

00:04:09 - Legal Challenges and Threats

00:04:32 - The Screening of the Documentary

00:08:01 - The Confrontation at the Film Festival

00:09:08 - The Aftermath and Ongoing Legal Issues

00:10:39 - The Attempt to Sabotage the Documentary

00:11:18 - The Aftermath of the Screening

00:11:43 - The New Documentary Project

00:12:16 - The Motives Behind the New Documentary

00:12:45 - The Scam Behind the New Documentary

00:13:16 - The Desire for Fame and Recognition

00:14:00 - The Misunderstanding of the Role of a Producer

00:15:06 - The Reality of the Movie Industry

00:15:11 - The Problem of Unfinished Movies

00:15:25 - The Misuse of Funds in Film Production

00:15:40 - The Need for Legal Protection in the Film Industry

00:16:04 - The Issue with Personal Motives in Film Production

00:16:29 - The Miscommunication of Risk in Film Funding

00:16:50 - The Misrepresentation of Film Producers

00:18:00 - The Influence of Current Events on Documentary Editing

00:19:38 - The Challenges of Editing a Documentary

00:21:09 - The Process of Distributing a Documentary

00:22:03 - The Role of Aggregators in Film Distribution

00:22:57 - The Decision to Self-Distribute

00:23:51 - The Process of Getting a Documentary Approved for Distribution

00:24:42 - The Role of AI in Film Editing

00:28:32 - The Future Plans of the Filmmaker

00:30:34 - Daily Routine and Meditation

00:31:37 - Physical Fitness and Sports

00:32:26 - Reading and Family History

00:33:25 - Music Preference

00:33:40 - Watching Habits and Recent Movies

00:35:22 - Contact Information

Check out Sara's website, where you can learn more about the documentary miniseries and find links to watch it!

https://www.thisiswhatnewyorkerssay.com

https://www.instagram.com/lasava.alessandrini/