Actor, writer, and first-time novelist Jon Duque joins the podcast to discuss his debut novel, Letting Go, a heartfelt coming-of-age story that explores grief, resilience, identity, and hope. Jon shares the inspiration behind the book, the personal experiences that shaped its emotional core, and the journey of transitioning from acting and screenwriting to novel writing.

In this conversation, we dive into the themes of loss and healing, the role of football culture in the story, the creative process behind building its supernatural elements, and what Jon hopes readers will take away from the novel. Whether you’re a fan of compelling character-driven stories, interested in the writing process, or looking for an inspiring discussion about overcoming life’s challenges, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Letting Go is available on Amazon June 9th

On this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Blake Winston Rice and actor/writer Victoria Ratermanis to discuss their acclaimed short film DISC. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film follows two strangers whose one-night stand leads to an unexpectedly intimate and chaotic predicament, blending sharp comedy with genuine human connection. Blake and Victoria take us behind the scenes of the film’s creation, from developing the story together to collaborating with star Jim Cummings, navigating the festival circuit, and exploring themes of vulnerability, intimacy, and modern relationships. It’s a candid conversation about independent filmmaking, creative partnerships, and finding humor in life’s most uncomfortable moments.

Blake Winston Rice is an award-winning writer and director from New Jersey and a graduate of Rowan University. His breakout short film, Tea (2024), starring Michael Gandolfini and executive produced by Patty Jenkins, premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival and went on to screen at numerous Oscar-qualifying festivals.

Victoria Ratermanis is an actor, writer, director, and producer who is a lifetime member of the Actor’s Studio. She gained widespread recognition for her role in the Oscar-nominated short film A Lien and has appeared in projects including Fosse/Verdon. A graduate of Pace University with a BFA in Acting and trained in the Meisner technique at Playhouse West Brooklyn, Victoria has built a multifaceted career both in front of and behind the camera. With DISC, she serves as co-writer, producer, and star alongside Jim Cummings, marking a significant step in her filmmaking journey. Born in Baltimore and raised overseas, her unique upbringing has helped shape the imaginative storytelling and versatility that define her work today.

Writer and director Alexandra Bahíyyih Wain joins the podcast to discuss her short film in the clouds, a poignant and imaginative work that explores identity, connection, and the complexities of growing up. In this conversation, Alexandra shares the inspiration behind the film, her creative process as both a writer and director, and the challenges and rewards of bringing such a personal story to the screen.

Alexandra Bahíyyih Wain is a British writer and director whose work focuses on unconventional relationships, marginalized communities, and emotionally resonant human stories. Drawing from her experiences as a neurodivergent storyteller, she is committed to bringing diverse and underrepresented perspectives to the screen.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Shin-Fei Chen to discuss her short film, A Mary Can Dream. As the film’s writer, director, and star, Chen shares the inspiration behind the project, the creative journey of bringing Mary’s story to life, and the themes that shaped the film’s emotional core.

We explore her transition from acting to directing, the challenges and rewards of independent filmmaking, and her passion for telling authentic stories that resonate across cultures. Whether you’re a filmmaker, film lover, or simply interested in the creative process, this conversation offers an insightful look into the making of A Mary Can Dream and the artist behind it.

Shin-Fei Chen is a Taiwanese-born actress, writer, producer, and filmmaker whose work spans film, television, and digital media. She is known for her performances in projects including The Son, Doctor Who, and the short film A Mary Can Dream, which she also wrote and directed. Beyond acting, Chen has built a diverse creative career as a writer and producer, creating and developing stories that highlight underrepresented voices and cross-cultural experiences. Her work reflects a commitment to character-driven storytelling and authentic human connection.

This week on 1st on Film, we sit down with the creative minds behind County Blooms, the flower-powered Canadian lifestyle series celebrating growers, designers, and floral creatives across Ontario and Québec. Host and creator Jen Pogue and filmmaker Navin Ramaswaran join us to talk about building the series, capturing the beauty of floral culture on screen, and the passion behind telling stories rooted in creativity, community, and nature. From behind-the-scenes production stories to the growing success of the series, this conversation blooms with insight, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.

About Jen Pogue

Jen Pogue is a Canadian award-winning host, creator, actor, producer, and writer best known as the creator and host of County Blooms. She won the 2024 Canadian Screen Award for Best Host, Web Program or Series for her work on the show. Beyond County Blooms, Pogue has appeared in productions including Ghostwriter, I Woke Up a Vampire, Hudson & Rex, and Endlings, while also producing independent Canadian film and television projects through FILMCOOP INC

About Navin Ramaswaran

Navin Ramaswaran is a Canadian filmmaker and cinematographer known for his work across independent film and television. On County Blooms: A Flower-Powered Adventure, he served in directing and cinematography roles, helping shape the show’s vibrant visual style and intimate storytelling approach. His work focuses on visually driven narratives that spotlight culture, creativity, and human connection.

At the red carpet event for Shenanigans Toronto, we caught up with creator and host Jen Pogue for County Bloooms alongside directors Michelle Jedrzejewski and Navin Ramaswaran to talk about bringing the project to life. From the inspiration behind the series to the creative process and what audiences can expect, the trio shared insights into the heart, vision, and collaboration that shaped County Blooms.

Jen Pogue is a Canadian award-winning host, creator, actor, producer, and writer best known as the creator and host of County Blooms. A passionate advocate for floral design and storytelling, Jen has worked across film, television, and digital media, with credits including Ghostwriter, I Woke Up a Vampire, and Hudson & Rex. She won the 2024 Canadian Screen Award for Best Host of a Web Program or Series for County Blooms.

Michelle Jedrzejewski is a Canadian writer, story producer, and director known for her work on County Blooms and County Blooms: A Flower-Powered Adventure. Michelle has contributed as both a writer and director on the series, helping shape its heartfelt storytelling and creative vision through a mix of lifestyle programming and documentary-style filmmaking.

Navin Ramaswaran is a Canadian filmmaker, director, and cinematographer recognized for his visual storytelling work across film and television. On County Blooms: A Flower-Powered Adventure, Navin served as both director and director of photography, bringing the series’ vibrant floral landscapes and intimate creative moments to life on screen.

This week on 1st on Film, we sit down with editors Erin DeWitt and Nate DeYoung to discuss their work on Oscar Boyson’s provocative dark comedy-drama Our Hero, Balthazar. The pair break down their collaborative editing process, balancing the film’s sharp tonal shifts between satire and emotional realism, and shaping two contrasting perspectives into one cohesive story. We also dive into their creative partnership with Boyson, the challenges of pacing character-driven tension, and how the film’s themes of online culture and modern alienation informed the final cut. A fascinating conversation about storytelling, rhythm, and finding humanity inside chaos.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with writer-director John Gray to discuss his powerful short film A Guest in My Country. Gray shares the inspiration behind the story, the themes of identity and belonging woven throughout the film, and the creative process of bringing such an emotional and timely project to life. We also talk about the challenges of independent filmmaking, storytelling through a deeply human lens, and what he hopes audiences take away from the experience.

John Gray is an award-winning writer, director, and producer known for his work across film and television. He is the creator of the long-running hit series Ghost Whisperer and has written and directed numerous acclaimed projects throughout his career. With a storytelling style that often explores human connection, spirituality, and emotional truth, Gray has built a reputation for creating thoughtful and compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. A Guest in My Country continues that tradition, offering a moving and timely reflection on identity, compassion, and belonging.