In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with Venezuelan-American filmmaker Joel Novoa, a passionate storyteller whose journey winds through political unrest, deep personal reflection, and a relentless pursuit of creative expression.
Joel shares how his early life in Venezuela shaped his worldview, teaching him to move forward even when everything around him felt stuck. With both a legal background and a master’s in screenwriting, Joel brings a unique lens to storytelling, one that honours the personal as much as the political. His work in film and television, including titles like Arrow, The Long Road Home, and the indie gem Day of Reckoning, speaks to his ability to navigate big industry machines while staying connected to the heart of a story.
The conversation gets real about what it means to be a “creative rebel”—especially when your identity doesn’t neatly fit into Hollywood’s boxes. Joel talks about the fear that comes with creating, the drive to prove your worth, and the decision to fully commit to storytelling as his only path forward—no backup plan, no safety net.
From the emotional cost of writing from your core to navigating stereotypes in the industry, Joel’s candid honesty pulls no punches. He encourages emerging creatives to embrace the discomfort and keep pushing, because resistance, as he puts it, is a sign you’re on the right track.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling the weight of expectation, battling imposter syndrome, or trying to break through the noise while staying true to themselves. It’s not just about writing scripts—it’s about writing your own narrative.
“Sometimes the resistance is just telling you this is the place you have to go.” — Joel Novoa
“I couldn’t afford a Plan B. It was all or nothing.” — Joel Novoa
“The stories I tell are the stories I’ve lived, or fought to understand.” — Joel Novoa
“You can be terrified and still do the thing.” — Michael Dargie
“If I don’t put my full identity on the page, who will?” — Joel Novoa
[2:15] Origins in Venezuela | Joel reflects on his upbringing and how political instability shaped his desire to tell meaningful stories.
[5:42] From Law to Film | He talks about his academic background and how a shift to storytelling was a calling, not a decision.
[10:30] No Plan B | Joel opens up about committing fully to film and screenwriting without a backup plan.
[15:08] Fear as a Creative Compass | The idea that fear and resistance can point you toward the most important creative breakthroughs.
[20:45] Identity and Representation | Joel discusses the complexity of Latinx identity in Hollywood and the responsibility of authentic representation.
[27:12] Breaking Stereotypes | How Joel challenges expectations both in front of and behind the camera.
[33:50] Writing from the Core | The emotional cost and reward of writing stories that come from lived experience.
[38:17] Final Advice | Joel leaves listeners with powerful thoughts on what it means to live and create without compromise.
Joel Novoa’s Website (https://www.joelnovoa.com)
Hosted by: Michael Dargie
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