Episode 133: Talk w/ Filmmaker Jordan Bryon and Co-Director/Journalist Monica Villamizar

In this spellbinding episode, we delve into the extraordinary life of Jordan Bryan, an Australian transgender filmmaker. Jordan shares his personal journey and unique experiences which have shaped his self-identity and approach to storytelling. He discusses the challenges and anxieties associated with living dual identities, and his unexpected comfort among a Taliban unit in Afghanistan compared to a queer bar in Sydney.

The conversation takes a turn as Rick from Sigma Duocast steps in as this week's guest host. The pair share light-hearted banter about their shared love for gaming and their dependence on energy drinks to power through long hours. They then shift focus to their Podcast Pals program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at aiding fellow podcasters in increasing their visibility and reach.

The main feature of the episode is an interview with Jordan Bryan as he narrates the process of creating his poignant feature-length documentary titled "Transition". The film offers a profound and highly personal glimpse into Afghanistan's rich cultural landscape. "Transition" intertwines Jordan's gender transition journey with his experiences in Afghanistan, making it an emotionally charged piece of art that challenges perceptions, biases and the complexities of human identity.

In the latter part of the episode, our guest speakers delve deeper into their experiences creating this thought-provoking documentary, the effects it has had on viewers, the essence of storytelling and the critical role journalism plays. They highlight the profound effects their documentary venture had on their perception and their deepened empathy for the individuals featured in the film. They also touch upon the ethical considerations involved in documentary production and the immense personal sacrifices made by conflict reporters, terming them ‘the real heroes’.

Wrapping up, the speakers share updates on the life of one of their documentary characters and express empathy for refugees forced to leave their homeland under difficult circumstances. They also encourage more people to watch their impactful documentary available on various digital streaming platforms. This episode serves as a moving commentary on the profound impacts of storytelling and documentary filmmaking, and the critical role of journalism in modern society.