Phil Cooke Podcast

Are you passionate about Christian storytelling and dreaming of a career in faith-based filmmaking? Join media executive Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com and Ryan Grow, Executive Producer and Head of Lifeway Films, for a powerful and practical conversation that dives deep into the world of Christian movies and documentary filmmaking.

From pitching your first project to navigating story structure and the unique challenges of faith-driven media, Ryan shares industry insights, personal stories, and what it truly takes to create films that impact both hearts and culture. Learn how filmmakers can bridge the gap between church and cinema—and what surrendering your dreams to God looks like in a creative career.

🎬 Want to Work in Faith-Based Film? This Conversation Is for You!

👉 Watch now and transform your creative career!
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on creative leadership.

Enjoying the content? 🌟 Show your support with a Super Thanks below! Your contribution helps me create more inspiring videos and podcasts for creative leaders like you. 

Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ 

Get Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking
Print and Kindle: https://amzn.to/3Lj9gNU
Audio: https://amzn.to/3ywcINP 

👉 New Masterclasses
Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass

Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline 

Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership
https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live. 

Prefer audio? Listen to my Podcast here: https://apple.co/2XbMgDL 

========================================

Phil Cooke – Media Producer/Writer/Speaker/Coach
Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be. 

As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I’ve produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. 

My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process. 

==========================

Connect with me on social media:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

=========================== 

*More About This Episode* Living the Dream – Faith-Based Documentary Filmmaking with Ryan Grow | Lifeway Films

Read more at Phil’s Blog: “The Explosion of Documentary Films”  https://www.philcooke.com/the-explosion-of-documentary-films/ 

More about Ryan Grow, Executive Producer / Head of Lifeway Films
With a deep passion for conveying the gospel through storytelling and a people-first approach, Ryan has successfully led film/video projects across the globe. Starting off filming weddings and real estate videos he eventually started Grow Productions which led to docu-series, narrative features, reality shows, ministry & branded content. Ryan works for Lifeway Christian Resources and leads their cinema division, Lifeway Films.  

Connect with Ryan:

Ryan Grow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangrow/

Ryan Grow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryangrow85/

Website: www.growproductions.tv 

Find out more about Lifeway Films: https://lifewayfilms.com

Lifeway Films Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifewayFilms/

Lifeway Films Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewayfilms/#

Lifeway Film X: https://x.com/lifewayfilms  

00:00 Media Executive Phil Cooke introduces Ryan Grow, Executive Producer and Head of Lifeway Films to discuss faith based filmmaking
01:31 Ryan’s journey from public speaking to storytelling and filmmaking
02:25 Finding God’s calling for his life in the film industry
05:06 Letting the dream die and how God resurrected it
06:39 Lifeway Publishing history and expansion into faith-based films
12:00 Lifeway Films and documentary filmmaking
20:29 What filmmakers are not doing well
23:18 Tips on producing faith based content and how to take notes to make your movie better
26:09 Pitching a film and understanding story structure
28:18 Short film and documentary filmmaking
30:07 Outro by Phil Cooke 

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support!)

Church doesn’t have to be boring! In this interview, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com talks with Executive Pastor Ben Stapley of Zarephath Christian Church to uncover creative, practical ways to revitalize your worship experience. Whether you're running a traditional or contemporary church service, these creative strategies will boost engagement, improve sermon retention, and help your congregation connect with God on a deeper level. 

👉 Watch now and transform your creative career!
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on creative leadership.

Enjoying the content? 🌟 Show your support with a Super Thanks below! Your contribution helps me create more inspiring videos and podcasts for creative leaders like you. 

Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/

Get the planner! “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” available here: https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo

Get the book! “Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking” available here: https://amzn.to/3Lj9gNU

Support the mission! Get a free copy of Phil’s books when you give a generous gift to The Influence Lab. Find out more here: https://influencelab.com 

👉 New Masterclasses
Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass

Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline

Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership
https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Prefer audio? Listen to my Podcast here: https://apple.co/2XbMgDL

========================================

Phil Cooke – Media Producer/Writer/Speaker/Coach
Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World
Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be. 

As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I’ve produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. 

My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process. 

==========================

Connect with me on social media:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

=========================== 

*More About This Episode* How to Make Church Worship Engaging Again | Interview with Executive Pastor Ben Stapley
For over twenty years Ben Stapley has created and captured moving and memorable moments for individuals, non-profits & corporations across the globe. He also consults for churches, teaches at universities and speaks at conferences about leadership, communication and creativity including Modern Church Leader, First Impressions Conference, Capture Summit, Church Facilities Expo and SALT. 

Ben received a BA in Video Communications from MBI in Chicago. After graduating he worked in Toronto as a television producer for Context, a national news program. He designed compelling services at South Ridge Community Church as the Director of Programming & Media. During this time he received a MDiv from Missio Seminary in Philadelphia. After that he worked at Liquid Church as the Creative Arts Pastor. He then served at Christ Fellowship Miami on the executive team as the Experience Director and at The Life Christian Church in West Orange NJ as the Executive Pastor. 

Ben is currently the Executive Pastor at Zarephath Christian Church leading staff and volunteers to execute the vision and mission of the church. ZCC is located in central New Jersey and is known for its compassion and community outreach. Ben and his wife Rose enjoy life with their two lovely daughters, Violet & Scarlet in New Jersey. Find out more: https://www.benstapley.com/

 (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

What does it take to thrive in church media ministry? Join Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com for an inspiring conversation with Will Chapman, Online Minister at Cottonwood Creek Church and seasoned media director. Gain valuable insights on church media leadership, team building, communication, and the use of AI for church teams that can help you build an impactful media ministry within your church.

🔥 What You’ll Learn:
✅ Bridging the gap between pastors and media teams for better communication
✅ Building and training a volunteer media team (why students make the best camera operators!)
✅ Maximizing church technology—from lighting design to AI in media production
✅ Theology meets creativity—how to align your media work with your calling
✅ The secret to growing a media ministry (hint: it starts with stewardship and trust)

📢 Church media directors—don’t miss this! Subscribe for more insights.

Enjoying the content? 🌟 Show your support with a Super Thanks below! Your contribution helps me create more inspiring videos and podcasts for creative leaders like you. 

Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/

👉 Get Phil’s Planner!
“Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” available on Amazon here: “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo

OR – support the mission of The Influence Lab and get the planner as a “thank you” for your generous support. Find out mre here: https://influencelab.com/donate 

👉 New Masterclasses
Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass  Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline

Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership
https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live. 

Prefer audio? Listen to my Podcast here: https://apple.co/2XbMgDL 

========================================

Phil Cooke – Media Producer/Writer/Speaker/Coach
Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be. 

As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I’ve produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. 

My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process. 

==========================

Connect with me on social media:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

=========================== 

*More About This Episode* Technology, Theology, & the Heart of Church Media Production| Interview with Will Chapman
Will Chapman is the Online Minister at Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen, TX, where he has filled multiple roles over the past 21 years in media and AVL, among others.  He is also a contributing writer for ChurchProduction.com, writing articles about AVL and issues that affect the church and media ministry.  In addition to this, Will is a speaker and workshop leader and has spoken at the Church Facilities Expo, SALT Conference, Capture Summit, Metro Media and Communications Association Conference, and National Religious Broadcasters Convention. 

Will graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with majors in Business Management and Management Information Systems. He also graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages. In addition to his formal education, Will is also a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with the Maxwell Leadership Group.  He enjoys playing keys in bands and smoking Texas-style BBQ.   

Follow Will Chapman:  
Church – https://cottonwoodcreek.org
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wichapman/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/will.chapman.3705
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/will4president/
Maxwell Leadership Group - https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/willchapman 

ChurchMedia #WorshipTech #TheologyAndTechnology #ChurchProduction

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

Ever wondered how reality TV and game show careers work behind the scenes? In this interview, showrunner-producer Sean Kelly and editor-producer Matthew McCartie with host Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com dive into the fascinating world of television production, sharing insider secrets about working on reality shows, game shows, and the creative process behind some of your favorite unscripted television programs, like Shark Tank, Biggest Loser, and Big Brother. If you're aspiring to break into the industry as a producer, editor, or showrunner, this video offers valuable insights from industry veterans.

Find out how to break into a career in television, get your reality show or game show ideas in front of the right people, and navigate faith and family within the television industry. For creatives dreaming of a career in TV production, editing, or showrunning, this is a must-watch!

Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ 

👉 New Masterclasses

Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass

Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline  

**Unleash your creativity: Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking

 Print and Kindle: https://amzn.to/3Lj9gNU

Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.  

========================================

Phil Cooke – Media Producer/Writer/Speaker/Coach
Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be. 

As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I’ve produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. 

My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process. 

==========================

Connect with me on social media:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

=========================== 

*More About This Episode* Inside Reality TV and Game Show Careers: Interview | Showrunner Sean Kelly & Editor Matt McCartie 

Matthew McCartie, Editor-Producer
Matthew McCatrie is a two time, Emmy nominated Reality/ Documentary editor and producer, known for top television shows such as Shark Tank, Big Brother, America’s Next Top Models, Hell’s Kitchen and more. He is also a former touring musician and songwriter, a father of three and a competitive ultra-trail runner.

Find him on IMDb here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1386267/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1

Find Matthew McCartie here: https://staffmeup.com/profile/id/10017?ne=1

Sean Kelly, Showrunner-Producer
Sean Kelly and Steve Hughes are an Emmy-nominated show running / producing duo who thrive off formats with a concentration on game and competition. For the past seven years, they’ve been in an overall deal with MGM Television, where they’ve sold and executive produced multiple series, including MAKE ME SCREAM at Prime Video (MGM & Amazon’s first partnership) WORLD PET GAMES at Fox, TKO: TOTAL KNOCKOUT with Kevin Hart at CBS, and the reboot of the hit game show, ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER? for Nickelodeon, which was nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Game Show. 

Currently, they just wrapped two new series for Prime Video: ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A CELEBRITY? with Travis Kelce and WISH LIST GAMES with Nick Cannon, which are both set to release later this fall. As an integral part of the MGM development team, they’ve also set up projects at Turner, Discovery, History, Youtube, The CW, MGM+ and Lifetime, consistently maintaining a heavy output of original ideas.
Find Sean Kelly on IMDb here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4406254/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_sean%2520kelly

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

#RealityTV #GameShowCareers #Showrunner #TVProducer #EditingCareers #NonScriptedTelevision #CreativeJobs #SharkTank #BigBrother

Improv is not just for actors! Find out how improvisation skills can elevate your ability to land on your feet in any situation as Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com interviews Kelsey Cooke and Chris Guerra of thisishardtoread Productions and Oddity Improv. Together, they break down the values of improv classes for spontaneity, team collaboration, self-confidence, speaking skllls and for boosting creativity in any environment. 

Join Chris and Kelsey as they share how improv can change the way you communicate, build teams, and approach creative challenges. 

👉 Watch now and transform your creative career! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on creative leadership.

Enjoying the content? 🌟 Show your support with a Super Thanks below! Your contribution helps me create more inspiring videos and podcasts for creative leaders like you. 

Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ 

Amp up your creativity! Get Phil’s book: Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking
Print and Kindle: https://amzn.to/3Lj9gNU
Audio: https://amzn.to/3ywcINP 

👉 New Masterclasses
Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass

Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline 

Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership
https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live. 

Prefer audio? Listen to my Podcast here: https://apple.co/2XbMgDL 

========================================

Phil Cooke – Media Producer/Writer/Speaker/Coach
Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be. 

As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I’ve produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. 

My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process. 

==========================

Connect with me on social media:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

=========================== 

*More About This Episode* Unlock the Power of Improv! Acting, Team Building & Communication with Kelsey Cooke and Chris Guerra 

Meet Kelsey Cooke: Director/Writer/Producer/Actor
Kelsey began acting professionally in Hollywood at age 7 and earned a Bachelor's in Theatre Arts from Vanguard University. She pursued a Broadway, TV, and film career in New York, working on shows like Pan Am (ABC) and Royal Pains (USA). Her career brought her back to Hollywood, where she trained at The Groundlings and worked on projects like Life Partners, Black November, Bad Teacher, and The Veronica Mars Movie. In 2020, she co-founded "thisishardtoread" productions and became an award-winning producer, writer, and actor for the feature comedy RE-OPENING. Find out more on IMDb here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0177456/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm 

Meet Chris Guerra: Director/Writer/Producer/Actor
Chris discovered theatre in high school and earned his BFA from Pace University. He performed on and off-Broadway in shows like Company (understudying Stephen Colbert), Avenue Q, Spamalot, and the Sister Act National Tour. After moving to LA, he joined The Groundlings Main Company and developed his Roger Bastion character for RE-OPENING while performing as Olaf in Frozen: Live at the Hyperion for four years. With nearly 800,000 TikTok followers for his Facebook Marketplace Nightmares, Chris is now the co-founder of Oddity Improv in Tennessee, a leading theatre and school for character-based improv and sketch. Find out more on IMDb here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10196139/?ref_=nm_mv_close

Based in Franklin, Tennessee, Oddity Improv provides workshops and one-day classes for teams and individuals. Check out Oddity Improv’s upcoming shows, classes, and more at oddityimprov.com 

#Improv #Acting #TeamBuilding #CommunicationSkills #CleanComedy #OddityImprov 

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)