Host Vedant Akhauri sits down with the incredibly unique Wade Simmons – a man who masterfully navigates the seemingly contrasting worlds of independent filmmaking, the funeral business, and professional wrestling. This isn't just an interview; it's a deep dive into an extraordinary career journey that will challenge your perceptions transferrable skills across industries.
Discover the fascinating insights in this episode:
• Dual Ambition & Career Path: Hear directly from Wade how, from childhood, he knew he wanted to be both a film director and a funeral service worker. Learn about his educational pursuits in both fields and how he successfully built a career spanning these unique disciplines.
• The Filmmaker as an Event Planner: Wade reveals the surprising transferable skills and unique viewpoint he gained from the funeral industry that directly apply to his role as a film producer. He explains how both roles are essentially about event planning and bringing people together
• Funding Indie Projects: Wade shares how his work in the funeral business provided the necessary financial support for his film projects, especially given the competitive nature of the film industry.
• The Unexpected Turn into Pro Wrestling: Uncover how filmmaking unexpectedly led Wade into the world of pro wrestling. He shares his experience working in the wrestling industry and what he learned from its tight-knit community.
• AI & The Future of Creative Industries: Wade offers his insightful perspective on the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on filmmaking and other creative industries. He discusses the need for regulation and highlights the importance of preserving human creativity amidst technological advancements.
• Pursuing Dreams & Living with Purpose: Drawing profound lessons from his experiences, particularly in the funeral business, Wade shares an inspiring message that tomorrow is not promised to anybody, and that should be all the more reason why we should pursue our dreams.
This episode is a powerful reminder to stay determined and enjoy your craft, regardless of scale or industry.
Join us for an unforgettable conversation about entrepreneurship, work-life balance, documentary filmmaking, and the courage to forge your own path.
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Wade Simmons can be found on Vimeo (wadefilmer777), Instagram @wadesimmons99, and Facebook.
