The Big Twist

About The Big Twist

Frank interviews on the creative process and the big plot twists that shape our lives. Hosted by TV writer/producer Angela Treviño and TV/Film/Stage actress/writer Anna Carini.

Publisher

The Big Twist

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Jul 2025

Latest episode

2 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Jul 2026

   EP18: From Pop Star to Producing True Crime to Writing for TV and Thriller Podcasts with Minoti Vaishnav

   In this episode, we sit down with prolific thriller and mystery writer Minoti Vaishnav to discuss her journey from aspiring pop star to television writer. Minoti shares how her relentless work ethic, commitment to building meaningful relationships, and how her experience producing reality TV shaped her unique voice and experience as a TV writer. Her tenacity, industry insight, and practical advice make this conversation a great listen for anyone pursuing a career as a writer in Hollywood.You'll also hear about:Minoti's philosophy that you don't have to know everything to succeed. If you're willing to do the work, believe in yourself, and stay persistent, you'll figure it out.How fellowships have accelerated her career through mentorship—and just how many she's been accepted into (spoiler: it's a lot!).The additional obstacles writers of color often need to overcome to build a successful career.How to not only play the game but beat the game to find success as a TV writer. Why having multiple writing samples has been a key factor in her success.Why knowing which problems are yours to solve on set—and which aren't—is essential.Her strategy for staying connected by leaning on her creative community.How she maintains discipline by scheduling dedicated writing time and how she avoids procrastination.

2. 

   30 May 2026

   EP17: From Backpacking Alone Thru Europe to Writing Before Sunrise with Kim Krizan

   In this episode, we talk with iconic screenwriter and author, Kim Krizan about her inspiration for writing the iconic "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset" films. She shares with us the story of meeting Richard Linklater while acting in one of his earliest films, "Slacker," and how their writing partnership grew from there. Kim took a deep interest in the Diarist Anais Nin and gives us insight into the book she wrote about her, "Spy in the house of Anais Nin." Kim elaborates on her curiosity around why people are creative and what she’s learned about how we “create our way out of our wounds.” You’ll also hear about: Kim's philosophy of kindness, and how it fuels her work as a teacher at a community college, how valuable it can be to come at things with just enthusiasm, even if you don’t have all the knowledge, how utilizing many creative outlets can free you up when working on the one important project in your life, how Kim was influenced by a diverse group of artists during her time living in Austin, and how fluidity with her creativity opened her up to more inspiration, the value of "just going on the ride," and not having a solid plan but an idea of what you want and trusting you’ll get where you want to go with a broad goal or direction, how creativity is vital to humanity’s survival, and not just a frivolous pursuit, and how what you’re drawn to has a purpose. If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know. Instagram: @thebig_twist

3. 

   17 Apr 2026

   EP16: On Acting for Beginners and Making Art in the Age of AI

   In this conversation with each other, we dive into our latest developments, sharing where we are 16 episodes into recording The Big Twist, dive into what makes a great performance and making art in the age of AI. Angela talks about taking an acting class for non-actors and a directing workshop that inspired her to get back into directing and taught her to be less precious about her own work. Anna shares what sets great actors apart from average ones, and her experiences working with some amazing co-stars, learning from the best the difference that a great scene partner can make. We also explore the state of the film industry and what gives us hope at this current moment. If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know!

4. 

   27 Mar 2026

   EP15: From a Near Death Experience to using her Writing Skills as a Health Advocate with Taylor Coffman

   In this episode, we talk with Actor/Writer turned Health Advocate Taylor Coffman about how her harrowing near death experience completely redefined her life’s purpose She shares with us her memories of crashing when a rare disease was triggered in her body immediately after giving birth to her daughter. After days in a coma, an out of body experience, and being weaned from dialysis, she emerged as a mother and wife forever changed, dedicating her life to helping other patients find hope, empowerment and meaning while living with chronic disease. You’ll also hear about: How using your creativity to advocate for yourself and others is so rewarding, how important it is to get creative navigating within the systems that exist, how being polite can directly impact your level of care in a hospital, and how keeping faith and hope alive can be a fight but it’s worth the effort.You can find Taylor on Instagram ‪@taylorcoffmanmade and read her Substack, "Rare Disease Girl," at: https://taylorcoffman.substack.com/ -- Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know!

5. 

   5 Mar 2026

   EP14: From Disney Star to Running Her Own Creative Agency with Actor turned Director Michelle Carter

   In this conversation with Actor turned Director Michelle Carter, we dive into her incredible plot twists, from her childhood home getting destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, to watching an episode of "Hannah Montana" and realizing she wanted to pursue acting, then landing her first acting job on "Hannah Montana." Michelle also walks us through becoming a "movie surfer" for The Disney Channel, meeting her future husband when they were both teen stars and the pressure they faced to keep that relationship a secret since he was in a boy band, continuing to act as an adult, and landing the role of Madison Kelly in BET's "The Quad" before she pivoted into running her own Creative Agency with her husband -- Shot by the Carters. We also dive into the importance of leading with joy, making lemonade out of lemons, how to peacefully collaborate with your significant other, and the importance of tailoring your communication style to specific individuals. You can find Michelle on Instagram ‪@mdefraites -- Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know!

6. 

   23 Feb 2026

   EP13: How 'Insecure' Was Actually Made With Producer Deniese Davis

   In this conversation with TV and Film Producer Deniese Davis, we dive into Deniese's big pivots, from producing Issa Rae’s award-winning web series "The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl" to producing the HBO hit series, "Insecure," then launching her own production company, Reform Media Group, and most recently producing "One of Them Days" as well as "Hard Feelings," financed by Tyler Perry Studios. We also explore the cultural impact of "Insecure," how to stop waiting for permission to creatively pursue what you love, how you have to learn to wear many hats as a producer, how creatives can meet this inflection point in the TV and film industry, and how stepping out of your comfort and betting on yourself pays off. You can find Deniese on Instagram ‪@smsdeniese -- Find out more about The Producing Playbook Deniese created at: https://www.theproducingplaybook.com/ -- Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know.

7. 

   31 Jan 2026

   EP12: From Working for NASA to Writing on Sci Fi Series with TV Writer Sabrina Almeida

   In this conversation with TV Drama and Features Writer Sabrina Almeida, we dive into how, by focusing on self care and silencing the inner critic, you can become more productive as a writer and avoid burnout. You’ll also learn about:Sabrina's big pivot, from pursuing aerospace engineering and working for NASA to enrolling in USC's producing program, and eventually writing for major sci-fi shows like "Andor" and "For All Mankind." How losing her brother to cancer at a young age led her to realize how life is too short to not pursue what you're truly passionate about (in her case, writing). How the way you present yourself matters in the film industry more than in the hard sciences. Why so many TV writers have pivoted to writing features. How AI will continue to reshape society, and how it presents some interesting dilemmas for writers to mine. The best way of giving other writers and creatives feedback on their work. And how tailoring your communication style to a given person can increase the odds that your advice will be implemented. You can find Sabrina on Instagram ‪@sabrinacapoeira‬ -- Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know.

8. 

   21 Jan 2026

   EP11: From Modeling to Stand Up to Writing on Sitcoms, with TV Comedy Writer Shelley Dennis

   In this conversation with TV Comedy Writer Shelley Dennis, we talk about how pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and operating from a growth mindset can help you accomplish your goals and unlock your true potential. You’ll also hear about: How investing in yourself pays off, and the benefits of taking classes and hiring life coaches at different crossroads in your career in order to grow past previous ceilings. The day-to-day life of a TV writer working on a sitcom like Happy's Place and The Conners. How focus and determination are just as important, if not more so, than talent and drive. How Shelley overcame an extreme fear of public speaking by pushing herself to perform stand up comedy, and how she went from crying in her car after sets to loving performing. Thinking of comedy like math, and studying and practicing the formula of jokes in order to perfect it. How breakups can help you grow in ways you didn't think were possible, pushing you to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on others for your own happiness and fulfillment. How Charlie, her dog, is the best at punching up jokes.You can find Shelley on Instagram ‪@shelleydennis‬ Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know.

9. 

   24 Nov 2025

   EP10: Acting on Broadway While Juggling an Engineering Career, with TV Actor Christine Lin

   In this episode with TV and Broadway Actor Christine Lin, we dive into her fascinating journey, from getting a biomedical and electrical engineering degree from Duke University, to giving up that path to be a theatre actor in Chicago before returning to it as a consultant, and eventually moving to NYC to star in a Broadway play (David Henry Hwang's "Chinglish") before settling in LA. We also dive into her martial arts training, the Chicago theatre scene, how being a mother sharpens your self-healing abilities, and the power of giving something a go even when you're unsure about the outcome. Other topics include landing representation, productivity apps, the importance of building up your savings when times are good if you work in a creative field, and how COVID and the strikes have impacted the entertainment industry. You can find Christine on Instagram  @Christine2Lin  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCk2h7D2jLg656oWV8NVbqSg). Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know.

10. 

    6 Nov 2025

    EP9: Learn to Trust Your Creative Process and Embrace the Imperfections | The Big Twist

    In this interview with Actor/Writer Anna Carini and TV Writer/Producer Angela Trevino, we dive into our creative process for making this podcast as well as for auditions and writing. We share where we are in our journey eight episodes into creating The Big Twist, laugh at our mistakes, lament the pressures of being on camera and discuss our different approaches to hosting a podcast. We also introduce our fabulous producer, John! Anna shares how trusting her gut got her the job on a TV show, and Angela gets real about the experience of seeing herself on camera when she’s always tried to remain behind it. We also explore the current state of the industry in 2025, the impact the fires in January had on our communities, and what wins we’re celebrating this year! This episode is a pivot from our usual format of interviewing other creatives. Join us as we reflect on how far we’ve come in our podcasting journey, and what we’re looking forward to!

11. 

    22 Oct 2025

    EP8: On Acting and Radically Accepting Your Life with TV Actor and Acting Coach April Billingsley

    In this interview with Actor and Acting Coach April Billingsley, we dive into her emotional journey, from a child theatre actor, to establishing herself in the industry, to wanting to become a mother and then learning to let go of what she thought would be in order to embrace and take joy in what is. We also explore learning to enjoy the journey, how finding community and leaning into it helps you feel less alone, how to handle rejection, how to celebrate everything as a win, from getting the audition (when potentially thousands were submitted), to the callback, booking, etc. April imparts so much wisdom, such as “stories can change hearts and minds in a way no argument can” and “acting is a radical practice in all that is humanity.” Join us for her wonderful story of trusting what she loves over all else. Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebig_twist/

12. 

    4 Oct 2025

    EP7: Finding Success After Giving Up on a Dream with TV Actor Turned Development Exec Lauren Chavez Myers

    In this interview with Hasbro development exec Lauren Chavez-Myers, we dive into her journey, from TV actor to starting from square one as an assistant at a studio before climbing up the Hollywood ladder. We talk about the importance of listening to yourself, what it means to be a true leader, how to embrace changing identities, and the challenge of giving up on one dream in order to fulfill another. We also explore the best way to give script notes, how creativity thrives in boundaries, why it’s important to remember that this is still a business as a creative, why ferrets make great pets, the brilliance of ANDOR, and how it all ties back to the movie BOWFINGER. Also, as mentioned in the episode, a link to the micro short film that Angela directed for a directing workshop and Anna starred in is found here for your amusement: https://vimeo.com/1078586781 Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know. #film #business #interview #hollywood #podcast

13. 

    16 Sept 2025

    EP6: From Dental School to Podcast Mogul with Writer, Director, Producer Melisa D. Monts | The Big Twist

    In this episode with Melisa D. Monts, we dive into her fascinating journey, from dental school, to digital content producer, to co-hosting and producing four podcasts per week, all while directing over 70 audiobooks, including WHAT WE CARRY by Amanda Gorman and BLACK SHIELD MAIDEN by Willow Smith. If that wasn't enough, Melisa is also a Staff Writer for PocketFM and has scripted several short-form drama series. We also explore what it takes succeed in the film industry, how you have to believe you can figure it out before you're ready and dive head first into a new skillset, and how that 'can-do' mindset is the rare gift that has gotten her this far. Other topics covered include SUCCESSION, soap operas, preventing deaths by choking, and tomato vine groomers, not in that order. You can find Melisa on Instagram @sheisnotmelissa. You can find the podcasts she co-hosts with Meghan Rienks @meghanandmelisa, including "Don't Blame Me / But Am I Wrong." Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know.

14. 

    8 Sept 2025

    EP5: How Saying YES Can Change Your LIFE with Lawyer Turned TV Writer Detra Hicks | The Big Twist

    In this episode with lawyer turned TV Writer, Detra Hicks we discuss how saying yes to a simple invitation completely changed her life. We also explore the nuances of having multiple careers, going from acting to writing, how as creatives so much of what we do is to embody others' emotions in the hopes that our audience will connect with them. Recorded on the eve of the last presidential election, we also dive into politics, for as Toni Morrison once said, "All good art is political." We discuss how conversations we may not be able to have with a friend or sibling can be broached if we see them played out on screen, and in this regard, how art can change people's minds or make someone feel seen that might feel invisible otherwise. We also elaborate on how helping others helps ourselves and our creativity, how to see close calls as wins, how to make the most of a "pause,"  how learning diplomacy informs our art, how access to diversity and being “othered” shapes storytelling, seeing connection as a form of legacy, and how having a second career can further your creative career. You can find Detra on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/scribblerhicks/?hl=en If you haven't, please hit the subscribe button. It really helps the channel more than you know.

15. 

    23 Aug 2025

    EP4: From Working with a Criminal to Crime Writing with TV Writer Meagan Daine | The Big Twist

    In this episode, we dive into Meagan Daine's background as a TV and crime podcast writer, including her work on the Amazon Prime series Cross, based on the NY Times bestselling detective series written by James Patterson. We dive into her fascinating past, how she broke into the industry, her undercover decoy job working for an unscrupulous private investigator, and how this shaped her ability to write complicated characters who find themselves in sticky situations with the law. We also explore how to make the jump from writers' assistant to staff writer on a TV series and the kinds of ethical decisions that creatives often face. If you haven't, please hit the subscribe button. It really helps the channel more than you know.

16. 

    12 Aug 2025

    EP3: Learn to Transform Trauma Into Creative Fuel with Director Columbia Tatone

    In this conversation with director Columbia Tatone, we delve into how to reinvent your trauma, turning it from a source of pain into a source of creative fuel. In this podcast, you'll also learn about: building a successful directing career by following your gut, how to find purpose and on-going work in the film industry despite the current contraction, the power of remaining resourceful throughout your career, how we're more than just our creative pursuits, and how examining our past can help us reconnect with who we really are. Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/thebig_twist/ https://www.instagram.com/angela3vino/ https://www.angelatrevino.com/ https://annacarini.com/ ... creative podcast, film industry podcast, acting podcast, screenwriting podcast, TV writer interview, working creatives, building your brand, personal branding for artists, acting career advice, writing for television, storytelling podcast, emerging creatives, creative entrepreneurship, film industry tips, behind the scenes TV ⁠#creators⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/creators) ⁠#actinglife⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/actinglife) ⁠#screenwriting⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/screenwriting) ⁠#filmindustry⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/filmindustry) ⁠#creativecareer⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/creativecareer) ⁠#personalbrand⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/personalbrand) ⁠#storytelling⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/storytelling) ⁠#workingcreatives⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/workingcreatives) ⁠#podcastforcreatives⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcastforcreatives) ⁠#tvwriters⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/tvwriters) ⁠#actorsjourney (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/actorsjourney)

17. 

    25 Jul 2025

    EP2: Why Telling Your OWN Story MATTERS with Writer Jenny Connell Davis | The Big Twist

    In this episode, we discuss some of the biggest plot twists in Jenny's creative life, including her pivot from acting to writing, how to thrive as a playwright and TV/film writer while living outside of NYC/LA, and how adversity can fuel your drive. We also explore how to balance life with having a career, choosing where to live based on your personal needs, how to "pandemic," how to land open writing assignments, selling ideas off a pitch without having written the pilot. Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/thebig_twist/ https://www.instagram.com/angela3vino/ https://www.angelatrevino.com/ https://annacarini.com/ ... creative podcast, film industry podcast, acting podcast, screenwriting podcast, TV writer interview, working creatives, building your brand, personal branding for artists, acting career advice, writing for television, storytelling podcast, emerging creatives, creative entrepreneurship, film industry tips, behind the scenes TV ⁠⁠#creators⁠⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/creators) ⁠⁠#actinglife⁠⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/actinglife) ⁠⁠#screenwriting⁠⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/screenwriting) ⁠⁠#filmindustry⁠⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/filmindustry) ⁠⁠#creativecareer⁠⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/creativecareer) ⁠⁠#personalbrand⁠⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/personalbrand) ⁠⁠#storytelling⁠⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/storytelling) ⁠⁠#workingcreatives⁠⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/workingcreatives) ⁠⁠#podcastforcreatives⁠⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcastforcreatives) ⁠⁠#tvwriters⁠⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/tvwriters) ⁠⁠#actorsjourney⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/actorsjourney)

18. 

    3 Jul 2025

    EP1: Our Biggest Plot Twists and How to Thrive in the Film Industry | The Big Twist

    Welcome to Episode 1 of our very first podcast! In this episode we discuss our biggest plot twists, how to thrive in the film industry we're both employed in, and why developing your own personal brand is imperative. You'll also learn: * About our personal journeys, getting to write and act for TV. * How being brave in one aspect of your life translates to another. * Why adaptability is so important as a creative. * About our mission to interview other working creatives who may not be famous (yet!) but whose stories and insights are just as vital. * How to tell if a script is phenomenal. * Why staying humble pays off. Follow us here: Instagram: @thebig_twist Angela Treviño - Instagram: @angela3vino Angela Treviño - Website: http://angelatrevino.com (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazBfdl90eGNnb0N4N0lWa2xvOHU3bElCRDBvUXxBQ3Jtc0trbUdXcmxYb3AwTWY4NGpTSmctYldaeGxkZGRMX1c3NU5aSXFJbjRtLThkNEtZekphT1h1Z0I1ZExYLXJiMVlIdGFGMEhCdmVueko0empZWl83ZlVNRDBsLWEtMFh2ZkVlRXRXWEd4cmlqd2JNRzVOQQ&q=http%3A%2F%2Fangelatrevino.com%2F&v=biB82_e8eyo) Anna Carini - Website: http://annacarini.com (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmlyTmVXLXdBOEpEU29UaHpONWI2YkI3eGdaQXxBQ3Jtc0ttelVRMVpmTGx6OVdHcGpLeG82Z09VMnBaLUxoLTlUQVd0X053Z3NOQi1EODNJV2dfY29VLUN4Z2FvSGQ4MWRmZmVOZ2VjeTl6bDFfR1F0bXFQOWZHNWZ0UUtaNlA2ZXUxcEZfWjM2R2RFZ28wTlV4SQ&q=http%3A%2F%2Fannacarini.com%2F&v=biB82_e8eyo) ... creative podcast, film industry podcast, acting podcast, screenwriting podcast, TV writer interview, working creatives, building your brand, personal branding for artists, acting career advice, writing for television, storytelling podcast, emerging creatives, creative entrepreneurship, film industry tips, behind the scenes TV #creators (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/creators) #actinglife (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/actinglife) #screenwriting (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/screenwriting) #filmindustry (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/filmindustry) #creativecareer (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/creativecareer) #personalbrand (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/personalbrand) #storytelling (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/storytelling) #workingcreatives (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/workingcreatives) #podcastforcreatives (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcastforcreatives) #tvwriters (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/tvwriters) #actorsjourney (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/actorsjourney)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.