Episodes

  • In this episode of In Her Words, listeners will dive into the professional journey and insights of Elsa Ramo, founder of Ramo Law. Established in 2005 by first-generation Syrian Elsa Ramo, Ramo Law is a pioneering, female-owned, bi-coastal firm representing prominent producers, content creators, financiers, and studios in the film and television industry. With a focus on empowering clients to retain and strategically leverage ownership rights, Ramo’s practice transcends conventional corporate law to meet the dynamic needs of content creators in today’s evolving marketplace.Ramo’s influence has earned her recognition in Variety’s 2024 and 2023 Legal Impact Reports, the Daily Journal’s Top 100 Women Lawyers, and the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women of Influence. Her firm has also been celebrated as one of Los Angeles Business Journal’s Most Admired Law Firms and nominated for its Diversity, Equity + Inclusion Awards. Join this episode for an engaging exploration of Elsa Ramo’s impactful career and the essential lessons she’s learned as a trailblazer in entertainment law.In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.Listen on:


    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975
    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908Find us on:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

  • Shachar has built and scaled global brands like Meta Reality Labs, Bumble, Snapchat, and Apple over her 20-year career. After graduating from UMass Amherst, she advocated for women’s rights with Planned Parenthood and shaped the brand for NCJW, a historic women’s organization. She later earned her Master’s in Strategic Communications from Columbia University, leading digital strategy for top New York agencies.

    At Apple, she led market strategy for their digital ad platform, and later served as Managing Director at West, before leading Global Brand Marketing at Snap. In 2020, she became Bumble’s VP of Global Marketing, then joined Meta Reality Labs in 2021 as VP of Marketing, overseeing VR, AR, and metaverse products.

    Shachar chairs the board of SAY.org, serves on TouchTunes’ board, and lives in Venice, CA, with her husband and twin children. Originally from Israel, she immigrated to the U.S. in 1985.

    In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908

    Find us on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

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  • In this spotlight episode, we sit down with Debora Cahn, an esteemed American writer and producer whose work has significantly shaped contemporary television drama. Known for her roles on acclaimed series like Homeland, where she served as writer and executive producer, and FX’s Fosse/Verdon, which earned her a Writers Guild of America Award, Cahn has continually demonstrated her skill for crafting complex, engaging narratives. Her credits extend to Paterno on HBO, Vinyl with Martin Scorsese, Grey's Anatomy, and her early work on The West Wing, where she contributed from 2002 to its final season in 2006. Now, through her multi-year deal with Netflix, she brings her talents to The Diplomat, acting as showrunner and executive producer for this riveting political thriller.

    The Diplomat explores the intricacies of diplomacy, political tension, and personal ambition, capturing audiences with its thoughtful storyline and compelling performances by Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell. The series, set to launch its much-anticipated second season on October 31st, dives deeper into the world of international relations and the high-stakes challenges faced by U.S. diplomats abroad. This conversation offers an inside look at Cahn’s creative process, her vision for Season 2, and the real-world inspirations behind The Diplomat’s layered plotlines and character dynamics.

  • In this inspiring episode of In Her Words, we sit down with powerhouse producers Jessamine Burgum and Kara Durrett to delve into their journey in shaping impactful films and building female-led partnerships in the entertainment industry.

    Jessamine, founder and CEO of Pinky Promise, has led the company to premiere standout features like HONK FOR JESUS. SAVE YOUR SOUL at Sundance, collaborating with Monkey Paw and Focus Features, while more recent premieres, such as IF YOU WERE THE LAST and THE GRADUATES, continue to make waves at major film festivals. With an impressive $23 million in private equity raised to champion diverse voices, Jessamine’s commitment to empowering creatives from underrepresented backgrounds is at the heart of Pinky Promise’s mission.

    Kara, president of Pinky Promise and a 2019 Sundance Producing Lab Fellow and 2023 Sundance Producers Fiction Award winner, brings her own successful productions into the mix. She shares insights from her experience with acclaimed projects like THE STARLING GIRL, HONK FOR JESUS. SAVE YOUR SOUL, and SAVE YOURSELVES! that celebrate boundary-pushing storytelling. Together, Jessamine and Kara share how they’re shaping the film landscape, championing voices, and building a production powerhouse that thrives on female-led partnerships and innovative storytelling.


    In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.
    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908

    Find us on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

  • Claire Mundell is a BAFTA and Royal Television Society (RTS) award-winning film and television producer, known for her work on high-profile projects like The Cry and The Tattooist of Auschwitz. She is the founder and creative director of Synchronicity Films, a Glasgow-based independent production company. Mundell has built a strong reputation in the UK and internationally for producing critically acclaimed television dramas and films.

    Her production credits span a variety of genres, including the psychological thriller The Cry, starring Jenna Coleman, which garnered significant attention in the UK and abroad. She has also produced feature films such as The Party’s Just Beginning, directed by Karen Gillan, and Only You, a love story starring Laia Costa and Josh O'Connor. Additionally, she worked on Weekend, a double British Independent Film Award (BIFA) winner.

    Before founding Synchronicity Films, Mundell held a senior leadership role at the BBC, where she served as the Head of CBBC Scotland, overseeing productions like the BAFTA-winning Shoebox Zoo. Her career is characterized by her commitment to fostering creative talent outside major film and television hubs like London, while still developing globally recognized work

    In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908

    Find us on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

  • Annie Potts is a renowned American actress whose career spans over four decades in film, television, and stage. Best known for her roles in iconic '80s films like Ghostbusters (1984) and Pretty in Pink (1986), Potts solidified her place in Hollywood with her portrayal of the witty Mary Jo Shively in the hit sitcom Designing Women (1986-1993). She later lent her voice to the beloved character Bo Peep in Pixar’s Toy Story series, including Toy Story 4 (2019). In recent years, she has gained acclaim for her role as Meemaw in the CBS hit series Young Sheldon (2017-present), further showcasing her comedic and dramatic range. Potts has earned multiple award nominations throughout her career, including a Screen Actors Guild Award and Golden Globe nods, reflecting her enduring impact in the industry.

    Beyond acting, Potts is deeply committed to philanthropy, co-founding The Heart Channels, a charity focused on supporting single mothers and families in crisis. She is also an advocate for children's welfare and education. Through her work, both on and off-screen, Potts continues to inspire with her dedication to storytelling, advocacy, and empowering others.

    In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908

    Find us on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

  • Layne Eskridge is a producer and the president of POV Entertainment. Under the POV Entertainment title, Layne oversees many projects, most recently producing LADY IN THE LAKE, starring Natalie Portman for Apple TV+. Layne most recently was an Executive Producer on the Apple TV+ period drama series based on the acclaimed book, MANHUNT, starring Tobias Menzies, Anthony Boyle, Lovie Simone, Will Harrison, Brandon Flynn, Damian O’Hare, Glenn Morshower, Patton Oswalt, Matt Walsh, and Hamish Linklater, and created by Monica Beletsky. Episodes are currently available on the platform and follows the astonishing story of the high-stakes hunt for John Wilkes Booth following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.POV Entertainment, a newly formed television and film company focused on telling culturally specific and universally themed stories, further has THE PLOT starring Oscar winner Mahershala Ali with Onyx Collective and Hulu, as well as projects with Regina Hall, André Holland, OZARK co-creator Bill Dubuque and writer-producer Brian Chamberlayne (BILLIONS, ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK) at places such as Showtime, FX and Max. Layne is also Executive Producing a graphic novel with Ryan Coogler and Nia DaCosta.Prior to POV, Layne was a trusted creative executive at Apple TV+ and Netflix where she oversaw production of OZARK, SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT, SEVEN SECONDS, DEAD TO ME, WHEN THEY SEE US, TOP BOY, MESSIAAH, and SELF MADE (Madam CJ Walker limited series) plus several upcoming Apple originals. Before Netflix, Layne was an executive at Ellen DeGeneres’ company where she was responsible for developing scripted projects for both broadcast and cable television such as ONE BIG HAPPY, LITTLE BIG SHOTS and the Netflix original series GREEN EGGS AND HAM. Layne was also a vital member of the Universal Cable Productions programming team where she oversaw series development for John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co., in addition to helping to identify scripted projects for cable networks such as Bravo and E!.In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975 Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908 Find us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

  • Heather Graham is an actress, writer, and director. Her next film is an American Western titled Place of Bones, directed by Audrey Cummings and also starring Tom Hopper, and will be in select theaters and on digital/demand on August 23rd. The film is about a mother and daughter who fight for survival after a gang of outlaws descend on their ranch following a botched bank robbery.

    Heather has made a conscious choice over the years to tell empowering female stories and to write/direct and produce as well.

    Following, she will be seen in A Chosen Family, a film that she also wrote and directed. The cast of the film, which made its world debut at the 2024 Santa Barbara Film Festival, includes Julia Stiles, Thomas Lennon, Andrea Savage, John Brotherton and Michael Gross. She recently received the King Vidor Award while showcasing the film at the SLO Int’l Film Festival. Check out the trailer HERE. This comes as her second feature after Half Magic, which she wrote, directed and starred in and made waves in the industry in 2018.

    This year also marks 25 years since Heather graced the screen in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, and 15 years since she was seen in The Hangover, both iconic films and exciting anniversaries.


    In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908

    Find us on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

  • Sara DeWitt is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of PBS KIDS, where she oversees the strategic direction of the nation’s leading educational media service for children. She manages a cross-disciplinary team that produces content, develops digital platforms, distributes assets, and creates educational products aimed at fostering learning. Under her leadership, PBS KIDS has established itself as a trusted educational brand, delivering innovative digital experiences such as award-winning games, apps, podcasts, augmented reality experiences, and learning analytics platforms that track children’s progress. Her efforts have also helped make PBS KIDS a gold standard in children's digital privacy and security.

    With over 20 years in public media, DeWitt has been at the forefront of the digital transformation of PBS KIDS. She is a sought-after speaker on topics like screen time, games, and learning, delivering a TED Talk and speaking at conferences such as SXSW, Games for Change, and the Grace Hopper Celebration. Her contributions to the field have earned her accolades including Cynopsis Media’s Top Women in Digital Award and the Hedy Lamarr Award for Innovation in Entertainment Technology. DeWitt holds both an MA and a BA in English from Stanford University and has a background in early childhood education and media research.

    In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908

    Find us on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

  • Attica Locke is a New York Times bestselling author, screenwriter, and producer, celebrated for her gripping narratives in both literature and television. She is best known for her Highway 59 trilogy, which includes Bluebird, Bluebird, Heaven, My Home, and the latest release, Guide Me Home, all praised for their deep exploration of race, justice, and identity in the American South. Locke has won numerous accolades, including the Edgar Award, and her screenwriting credits include Empire and When They See Us. She also serves as a producer for Little Fires Everywhere. A graduate of Northwestern University, Locke continues to captivate audiences with her ability to tell powerful stories across genres and mediums.


    In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908

    Find us on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

  • Chai Vasarhelyi is an award-winning filmmaker known for her compelling documentaries and narrative films. She co-directed the Academy Award-winning documentary Free Solo, which captured the breathtaking journey of rock climber Alex Honnold. Vasarhelyi's body of work often explores themes of resilience, risk, and the human spirit, as seen in films like The Rescue and Nyad, a narrative feature she co-directed about legendary swimmer Diana Nyad. A storyteller at heart, Vasarhelyi blends her background in journalism and photography with a passion for intentional storytelling, creating films that push boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide.


    In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908

    Find us on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

  • Writer, Director, Producer Veena Sud is no stranger to dark crime and mystery dramas and continues to break barriers as a cutting-edge filmmaker with a knack for “dark, flawed and complicated” women.

    Currently, Sud is adapting Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo as a TV series for Amazon Prime Video with Left Bank Pictures executive producing. Sud is most known for creating, writing, and producing the ground-breaking AMC/Netflix original series The Killing, which was the first US television series of its kind to portray a murder mystery over the course of multiple seasons. The series was nominated for a Golden Globe and six Emmys, including Outstanding Cast for a Drama series and Outstanding Writing for a Drama series.

    Sud’s second original series from Netflix on police violence in America, Seven Seconds garnered an Emmy win for Best Leading Actress in a Limited Series, a Golden Globe nomination, and several NAACP Image Awards.

    Sud’s feature film THE LIE (Blumhouse), which she wrote and directed, premiered as a Gala Screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, and debuted on Amazon in 2020. Her dark thriller TV series hybrid, The Stranger starring Maika Monroe and Dane DeHaan was a standout series on Jeffrey Katzenberg’s Quibi mobile platform. It’s since been re-edited as a feature-length film and will debut on Hulu on April 15.

    Sud was previously a writer, executive producer, and showrunner on the CBS police procedural Cold Case. She worked as a print and broadcast journalist in New York City and in film distribution at Third World Newsreel before moving into television writing. Sud is an alumnus of New York University’s Graduate Film and Television program and earned her B.A. at Columbia University. Her short films have also been screened internationally, including at the Berlin International Film Festival.

    Sud has been included in The Hollywood Reporter’s Power Showrunners List as well as Variety’s Women’s Impact Report. She is represented by William Morris Endeavor and Anonymous Content and her attorney is Bruce Gellman at Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman and Newman. She currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.

    In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908

    Find us on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

  • Melanie Marnich is a Golden Globe-winning writer, internationally acclaimed playwright, and seasoned television showrunner known for her masterful storytelling. With a career spanning both stage and screen, Melanie has garnered critical acclaim for her work, including her standout episode of Big Love, "Come, Ye Saints," which earned her a Writers' Guild nomination and was named one of the best TV episodes of 2009 by Entertainment Weekly and TIME Magazine. Her plays have been produced at prestigious venues like The Kennedy Center, Steppenwolf Theatre, and Manhattan Theatre Club, showcasing her deep understanding of character and narrative.

    As the creator and showrunner of the Peacock TV series Apples Never Fall, based on Liane Moriarty’s bestselling novel, Melanie brought her unique vision to life, blending suspense, intrigue, and emotional depth. The series dives into the complexities of family dynamics and secrets, earning praise for its compelling adaptation.

    In addition to her writing and showrunning work, Melanie serves on the Board of Trustees for the Humanitas Foundation, where she continues to champion the power of storytelling. Her work across multiple mediums has made her a respected voice in the entertainment industry, known for her ability to craft narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.

    In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908

    Find us on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

  • Sharon Lawrence grew up in North Carolina (Charlotte and Raleigh), graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Journalism and spent her college summers doing musicals in summer stock. She became an Actors Equity Member in 1984 and a SAG-AFTRA member in 1987. She may be best known for her multiply Emmy Award-nominated and SAG Award-winning portrayal of ADA Sylvia Costas Sipowicz in NYPD Blue. She also played, among many roles, a stay-at-home prostitute in Desperate Housewives, a charming but murderous realtor on Monk, the twisted jailbird mother of a sociopath on Criminal Minds, a serial killer on Law and Order: SVU, and a mother coming to terms with her long-lost daughter on Rizzoli & Isles -- not to mention bantering with Alfred Molina on Ladies Man or beating up Larry David on Curb Your Enthusiasm.

    An accomplished stage actress, Lawrence played twenty different female characters in the Noel Coward cabaret, Love, Noel at the Wallis. Lawrence starred in Sir Noel Coward's final play, A Song at Twilight, at the Pasadena Playhouse, and as Vivien Leigh in Orson's Shadow (winner LA Drama Critics Circle Award, nominated for Ovation Award). At the Mark Taper Forum, she created the role of Maureen in the premiere of Theresa Rebeck's Poor Behavior and was featured Carl Reiner's gala, Enter Laughing. Her Broadway credits include revivals of Cabaret, Fiddler On The Roof and Chicago (as Velma Kelly).

    A former Chair of Women In Film Foundation, she is affiliated with the Board of Directors of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation as well as WeForShe.org, HealTheBay.org and UNC-Chapel Hill General Alumni Association.

    In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

    Trigger Warning: A very small part of our conversation is about Sharon's new play, which is centered around suicide. We want to flag this sensitive subject matter for any of you who may have been affected.

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908

    Find us on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

  • Kara Talve is an Emmy-nominated composer and multi-instrumentalist renowned for her work in film and television. As a leading composer at Bleeding Fingers Music, she has significantly contributed to numerous projects with her exceptional talent and collaborative spirit. Most recently, Kara co-scored Peacock & SkyTV’s series “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” with Hans Zimmer, starring Harvey Keitel and based on the popular novel by Heather Morris, which earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Music composition for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score) and and Emmy nomination for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.

    Another notable recent project is Apple TV+‘s “Prehistoric Planet,” where she collaborated alongside Hans Zimmer and Anže Rozman. Narrated by David Attenborough and produced by Jon Favreau in conjunction with BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit. This work received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Music Composition for a Documentary Series or Special, won Best Original Score for a Documentary Series at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMAs), and was nominated for the 2022 Bulldog Television Broadcast Awards.

    Other recent releases for Kara include Baz Luhrmann’s celebrated “Faraway Downs,” the expanded version of the film “Australia” starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, for which she used an 80+ piece orchestra, and “Adrift,” directed by Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker Rory Kennedy. She is also currently a composer on the iconic animated series “The Simpsons,” where her styles range from the show’s iconic orchestral sound to nearly every other genre imaginable, including their famous annual Treehouse of Horror episodes.


    In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908

    Find us on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

  • Leah McKendrick is a Latina American multi-hyphenate filmmaker and actress from San Francisco. Her directorial debut, SCRAMBLED, which she also wrote and stars in, premiered at SXSW 2023 and is based on Leah’s real journey through egg freezing and 30-something singledom.McKendrick has multiple projects in various stages of development including the Paramount romantic comedy BETTER LATE THAN NEVER which she is attached to direct, and penning the screenplay for TriStar’s reboot of the 80s cult classic, TROOP BEVERLY HILLS. Up next she’ll be writing the legacy sequel to the 90s slasher, I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER.McKendrick previously wrote, produced and co-starred in the vigilante thriller M.F.A. alongside Francesca Eastwood which premiered at SXSW in 2017 and was dubbed “the first horror movie to speak to the #MeToo era” by The New York Times. McKendrick’s romantic comedy VOICEMAILS FOR ISABELLE was preempted by Sony Pictures and landed her on the Black List in 2019. McKendrick also wrote the GREASE prequel SUMMER LOVIN’.In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Wor... Find us on:Instagram: / women_in_entertainment Facebook: / womeninentertainment Twitter: / wientertainment

    #Scrambled⁠ ⁠#LeahMckendrick⁠ ⁠#BeverlyHills⁠ ⁠#iknowwhatyoudidlastsummer⁠ ⁠#MFA⁠ ⁠#SummerLovin⁠ ⁠#DirectorialDebut⁠ ⁠#Masterclass⁠ ⁠#CreativeCareers⁠

  • This week on In Her Words as part of our Summer Stories Series, we sit down with the amazing writer, actor, producer and podcast host, Tembi Locke.

    Tembi’s memoir, “From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home,” a NYT bestseller, was adapted as a limited series - From Scratch - for Netflix in partnership with Hello Sunshine. Serving as co-creator and executive producer, the adaptation became an instant global hit, spending weeks on Netflix’s Top Ten List in over thirty countries around the world and earning six NAACP Image Award nominations and the prestigious Los Angeles Film Italy award. Tembi is also an accomplished actor with over sixty film and television credits, most recently recurring on Never Have I Ever. Offscreen, she is a nationally recognized speaker for her keynotes on resilience, loss, and motherhood; her TEDX talk has been viewed by individuals and nonprofits worldwide.

    Tembi launched the second season of her weekly original podcast “Lifted,” on Jan 25, 2024. This new season of the podcast specifically takes a look at women in the food industry and culinary arts. From change-makers to entrepreneurs, this season highlights the way women are changing culture and business; and builds on the first season, in which Tembi shared her own personal journey and interviewed other female creators and artists involved in making From Scratch.

    In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908

    Find us on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

  • Emily Henry is a bestselling author known for her contemporary romance novels that have captivated readers around the world. She gained widespread acclaim with her debut adult novel, Beach Read, released in 2020, which quickly became a sensation for its witty banter, emotional depth, and engaging characters. Since then, she has continued to dominate the romance genre with a new novel each year, including People We Meet on Vacation, Book Lovers, and Happy Place.

    Emily's books are celebrated for their sharp dialogue, relatable characters, and heartwarming love stories, often infused with a blend of humor and poignancy. Her work has resonated with a diverse audience, making her a prominent figure in contemporary fiction.

    With her novels set to be adapted for film and television, including a Netflix series produced by Jennifer Lopez, Emily's influence is expanding beyond the page. She continues to be a trailblazer in the romance genre, crafting stories that resonate with readers and viewers alike.

    In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908

    Find us on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

  • This week on In Her Words as part of our Summer Stories Series, we sit down with the amazing Jessica Knoll!

    Jessica Knoll is a literary sensation, known for her gripping and thought-provoking novels. Luckiest Girl Alive and The Favorite Sister have both been bestsellers, captivating readers with their sharp insights into the complexities of modern womanhood. Not content with just writing, Knoll has also ventured into screenwriting and producing, with Luckiest Girl Alive now available on Netflix. With her highly anticipated third novel, Bright Young Women now available everywhere, Knoll is sure to continue inspiring and entertaining audiences for years to come.


    In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908

    Find us on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE

  • This week on In Her Words as part of our Summer Stories Series, we sit down with the amazing Rachel Yoder!

    Rachel Yoder is the author of Nightbitch (2021), her debut novel. A film adaptation of her novel, written & directed by Marielle Heller and starring Amy Adams, will be released in 2024. She is an Assistant Professor of Screenwriting and Cinema Arts at the University of Iowa. Selected as an Indie Next Pick in August 2021, Nightbitch has gone on to be named a best book of the year by Esquire and Vulture and recognized as a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Fiction, finalist for the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award, and shortlist for the McKitterick Prize.

    Her stories and essays have appeared in publications such as Harper’s, The New York Times, The Paris Review, The Southern Review, and The Sun. With Mark Polanzak, she is a founding editor of draft: the journal of process.


    In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908

    Find us on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE