Rejection and Resilience: Lessons from Every Creative Who "Failed" 🎭🔥
🔥 Rejection. Failure. Flops. Every creative has been there.
From The Graduate to Megalopolis, legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has seen both meteoric success and epic flops. And guess what? So has every creative person. 🎭
The hard truth? Failure is inevitable. But it’s also where we find growth, resilience, and our next big idea. Even the best in the industry—Coppola, Spielberg, Nichols, comedians, artists, entrepreneurs—have had projects that bombed. What sets them apart? They keep going. They keep creating.
💡 Failure isn’t the end—it’s just part of the process. It means you took a risk. It means you’re actually doing the thing while others are stuck on the sidelines, too afraid to fail. And that’s a win.
🎬 So, what can we learn from the best of the best about rejection and resilience?
📖 Read more in my latest article.
🌿🎥 Into the Wild: My Untamed Filmmaking Journey
What’s it really like to capture untamed moments in nature? Spoiler: It’s equal parts exhilarating, unpredictable, and sometimes downright chaotic. On Calling All Creatures, I chat with Laurie Fivecoat about the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of filming in the wild—plus how my journey has taken me from remote jungles to the far reaches of space.
If you love wildlife, adventure, and behind-the-scenes filmmaking stories, you won’t want to miss this one! 🌍🐾✨
Lessons from a Life in Television: Overcoming Roadblocks 🎬🚧
Problem-solving is the backbone of television production. No matter how perfectly you plan, roadblocks will happen—equipment failures, last-minute cancellations, and unexpected curveballs are just part of the job. The real test? How you handle them.
In this piece, I break down the mindset and strategies that have helped me navigate the unpredictable world of TV production, creative leadership, and high-stakes decision-making. From backup plans to keeping your cool under pressure, these lessons go beyond the industry—they’re essential for anyone who wants to think fast, adapt, and succeed.
Because here’s the truth: roadblocks only stop you if you let them. 💡
✨ Have you ever hit a roadblock that tested your patience (or sanity)? I’d love to hear how you handled it—or what you learned along the way. Feel free to share your thoughts!
Shannon Malone-deBenedictis: The Power of Creativity & Being Fully Unapologetic
What does it really take to own your story and show up Fully Unapologetic? I sat down with The KiDD & Friends Podcast to spill the tea on building a fearless creative career, winning an Emmy, and shaking up the industry with bold storytelling.
We dive into behind-the-scenes moments from my Emmy-winning work, why I launched Padlin Creative, and how stepping into your power (without waiting for permission) changes everything. Plus, we tackle self-doubt, confidence, and why perfection is not the goal—authenticity is.
Oh, and tech hiccups? Yeah, we had a few. But trust me, this conversation is worth it.
If you’re ready to take up space and own your story, you won’t want to miss this convo!
Emmy-Winning Producer: The TRUTH About Success & Self-Doubt!
✨ Podcast Feature Alert! ✨
What does real success look like? (Hint: It’s not just about the money.)
I sat down with The Self Study Show to spill the tea on success, leadership, and why self-doubt is basically that uninvited guest who refuses to leave. As an Emmy-winning producer, I’ve spent years leading high-stakes creative projects—and trust me, navigating uncertainty is part of the job. But here’s the thing: learning to navigate it like a boss is what separates those who play it safe from those who own the room.
In this episode, we dig into:
🎬 How top creatives and leaders handle self-doubt (yes, we ALL have it)
💡 The mindset shift that turns challenges into opportunities
🚀 Why success isn’t about wealth—it’s something way bigger
🔥 How to step into your power and take up space in your career
If you're ready to ditch the doubt and redefine success on your own terms, watch the full episode on YouTube. Link below! ⬇️
Everyone Who Works in Media Has Anxiety—And That’s OKAY
🚨 Media professionals, creatives, and freelancers—this one’s for you! 🚨
The TV and media industry isn’t just “evolving”—it’s in free fall. Job security? A myth. Stress levels? Off the charts. And if you’re feeling burned out, stuck, or straight-up invisible, you are not alone.
In this article, I dive into:
👉 The relentless pressure of working in media & entertainment (and why it’s getting worse)
👉 The brutal reality of creative burnout, job insecurity & impostor syndrome
👉 Why the SNL 50th Anniversary Special hit way too close to home
👉 And most importantly—why it’s OKAY to just be okay (seriously!)
💡 If you’ve ever felt like you’re white-knuckling it through your career, this is for you.
Read the full article here ⬇️ and tell me—how are YOU navigating all this uncertainty?
Mattsplaining on Wildlife Filmmaking
Matt Storrs explains how we have wildlife filmmakers to thank for coming up with the idea for Nerds Rope and Gummy Clusters.
Shannon Malone-deBenedictis (https://www.padlincreative.com/) gives Matt a 30-40% accuracy rating and agrees that animals are divas.
Why it might be unexpectedly dangerous to be a production assistant on a remote wildlife filmmaking shoot.
Matt reveals the 13th most common injury for trail walkers and hikers.
How to access roadkill in Nordic countries to improve your carnivore filming chances.
The fine line between bear proofing and human proofing.
How to not get mistaken for Bigfoot.
Crafting Success with Daniel Stih
What does it take to thrive in the ever-changing world of film and television? Emmy award-winning producer Shannon Malone de Benedictis joins me to share her inspiring story of carving her own path in an industry dominated by expectations and challenges.
From her zig-zag journey to success to producing groundbreaking documentaries like Secrets of the Whales and Inside the Mind of a Cat, Shannon provides a behind-the-scenes look at crafting stories that captivate audiences. We explore her creative philosophy of tailoring life to fit your dreams, navigating the ups and downs of the film industry, and overcoming barriers as a woman in a competitive field. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a storyteller, or someone looking to chart your own course in life, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and actionable insights.
Feeling Small
Feeling small doesn't mean you're weak. It's a reminder that even when the world feels overwhelming or bullies try to tear you down, you can still stand tall.
🌟 Whether it's turning your back on negativity or confronting it head-on, never let anyone take away your worth. You are not small—you are resilient. 💪✨
Fully Unapologetic: It’s January 15th. Are you thin yet?
"Are you thin yet? Accomplished all your goals? It’s been two weeks, after all! 🙃 Let’s cut the nonsense—January doesn’t have to be a gauntlet of unrealistic expectations.
This season is tough enough without piling on guilt. Instead of striving for perfection, aim for progress. Some days, just being ok is a win. Take it one day at a time—1-0, every day.
Remember: it’s ok to be ok. 💛"
Fully Unapologetic: What Inspires Me (as a 54-year-old Fat Woman)
What happens when a middle-aged woman reflects on life, Star Wars, fashion, body image, and the extraordinary voices challenging societal norms? You get a raw, heartfelt, and uplifting perspective on what it means to embrace yourself at every size and every stage of life.
In her latest essay, Shannon Malone-deBenedictis, an Emmy-winning storyteller, dives deep into the progress we’ve made—and the trailblazers lighting the way forward. From plus-sized fashionistas and unapologetic athletes to celebrities dismantling Hollywood's outdated body ideals, Shannon celebrates the inspirations that fuel her unapologetic self-love.
✨ For anyone who’s ever felt unseen, this essay is a reminder: you belong, and your light matters.
✨ For everyone else, it’s a glimpse into the power of acceptance, resilience, and finding joy in the chaos of life.
Fully Unapologetic: Finding Body Liberation in 2025
🎉 Embrace 2025: Love Your Body, Liberate Your Mind! 💪✨
BEHIND THE CAMERA: How The Current Media Landscape Breaks You Down
I was already dealing with anxiety and discrimination—both gender and weight bias—so jumping into freelancing at the worst time for TV and media felt like a recipe for disaster. Yet, here I am, sharing my journey of braving the industry’s biggest contraction in recent memory.
In my new post, I unpack the “streaming gold rush” that went bust, how it’s impacted our mental health and creativity, and why—despite it all—there’s a new path forward for those of us behind the camera. If you’ve felt the squeeze or battled your own shame spiral, you’re not alone.
art by AJ Jones via Deep Dream Generator
The Burden of "Invisible" Bias: How Weight Discrimination Shapes Our Lives
William Howard Taft: President. Supreme Court Chief Justice. Devoted husband and father. Lived well beyond his peers. Yet what’s his legacy? The tub.
In this essay, I reflect on Taft, history, and the weight bias that still drags people down. It’s time we learned more about the person, not the punchline.
Body Image in the Workplace: The Unspoken Rules for "Looking Professional"
One of my all-time favorite comedies, Working Girl, isn’t just a brilliant 80s film—it’s a powerful commentary on confidence, professional attire, and the biases that come with it. From Sigourney Weaver’s iconic red dress to the struggle Tess McGill faces in the corporate world, this movie resonates on so many levels. As someone who's battled with fitting into the "one-size-fits-all" corporate dress code, I reflect on how clothing can empower or diminish us, especially for women with body types that don't conform to societal norms. Here’s a look at how Working Girl and my own experiences highlight the pressure to "dress to fit"—and why it’s time to let individuality and confidence shine. ✨ #Fashion #BodyPositivity #ProfessionalStyle #Confidence
FILM PRODUCTION AND THE MICHAEL JORDAN EFFECT
Michael Jordan may be the GOAT, but his success wouldn't have been possible without his teammates—Pippen, Rodman, Kerr, and others. In both sports and the entertainment industry, the “stars” are nothing without their supporting teams. Just like in film production, where directors get the spotlight, there’s a whole team behind the scenes—producers, marketers, legal experts, and more—making sure everything runs smoothly. Let’s stop overlooking these crucial roles. Success is a team effort, and everyone’s contribution matters. #Teamwork #Collaboration #CelebrateEveryone #MichaelJordan #BehindTheScenes
LIFE AFTER TELEVISION: Cecile Weiland
In this episode of Life After Television, host Shannon and Cecile Weiland, a documentary filmmaker and executive producer, discuss the importance of networking, cultural nuances in collaboration, and Cecile's new venture in helping Americans relocate to France.
LIFE AFTER TELEVISION: Compilation
Listen to experts in the television field discuss how they’ve transitioned into new roles beyond the airwaves. Producer, director, network executive, editor, line producer—there is life after television.