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On this episode of In Love with the Process, Mike dives into one of his biggest obsessions outside of filmmaking, cooking. We all hear it, “get a good chef’s knife.” But what does that actually mean? What goes into making one? And why does it completely change the way you cook? Mike sits down with Justin Miller, a self-taught bladesmith and the owner of Running Man Forge, to break down the art and craft of knife making from the ground up. They get into the process of forging steel, what separates a great knife from a bad one, and why your tools in the kitchen are just as important as your ingredients. Justin also shares how he built his business from scratch, how he found the money to start, and how social media helped him connect with customers… until the algorithm changed everything. And because it’s In Love with the Process, the conversation takes some unexpected turns, mythology, UFO sightings, and the strange overlap between craft, obsession, and belief. This episode is a perfect mix of practical knowledge and wild storytelling. If you care about cooking, filmmaking, or the process behind anything made with intention, this one’s for you. ► Running Man IG ► Mike's IG  ► ILWP's IG  Music: Betamaxx & Code Elektro ——SPONSORS—— ► FujiFilm 10% off Accessories (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/accessories/) and Merch (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/brand-merch/) Promo code PROCESS10 ► Puget Systems ► Blackmagic Design Inlovewiththeprocess.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special catch-up episode of In Love with the Process, Mike pulls back the curtain on something deeply personal, the making of his upcoming film. For the first time, Mike breaks down the real process he and his writing partner Will Simmons used to bring this story to life. From early conversations to building treatments, to the detailed director’s prep that turns ideas into something you can actually see and feel. This isn’t theory. This is the work. Mike dives into how he approaches storyboarding, how he visualizes a film before a camera ever rolls, and the skills he’s developed over decades to translate emotion into images. But this episode goes deeper than process. Mike takes a moment to reflect on the fact that he’s never been this close to making a film at this level. He looks back on the last 25 years, the people, the risks, the failures, and the lessons that all led to this moment. It’s honest. It’s raw. It’s the kind of episode that reminds you why you started. If you’re a filmmaker, or just someone chasing something big, this one hits. ► Mu Pan IG ► Mike's IG  ► ILWP's IG  Music: Mitch Murder & Code Elektro ——SPONSORS—— ► FujiFilm 10% off Accessories (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/accessories/) and Merch (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/brand-merch/) Promo code PROCESS10 ► Puget Systems ► Blackmagic Design Inlovewiththeprocess.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode of In Love with the Process, Mike dives into the surreal, violent, and wildly imaginative world of artist and illustrator Mu Pan. Known for his massive, Boschian battle scenes filled with hybrid human and bestial figures, Mu Pan creates work that feels like a lost myth, somewhere between ancient history and a fever dream. His art pulls from Japanese manga, traditional Chinese scroll painting, American history, and Hong Kong cinema, blending them into something completely unique and deeply personal. His work has been exhibited internationally, including a major retrospective at Espacio Solo in Madrid, and even appeared in the award-winning horror film Midsommar. Mike first discovered Mu Pan through his book American Fried Rice, a collection that feels like a twisted children’s storybook, equal parts playful and disturbing, and it completely blew his mind. In this episode, the two go deep into: Why art school can sometimes kill creativityHow your true artistic voice is often formed in childhoodThe long journey of losing that voice and fighting to get it backThe importance of constantly challenging yourself as an artistThe influence of manga, monster movies, and cultural storytelling on Mu Pan’s workWhy embracing the strange and uncomfortable leads to more honest artMu Pan also discusses his sculptural work, “OrigaMu,” and how building physical versions of his characters expands his creative world beyond the page. This is a conversation about art in its purest form, messy, violent, playful, and deeply human. If you’re a filmmaker, illustrator, or creative struggling to reconnect with your voice, this episode is for you. ► Mu Pan IG ► Mike's IG  ► ILWP's IG  Music: Betamaxx & Code Elektro ——SPONSORS—— ► FujiFilm 10% off Accessories (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/accessories/) and Merch (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/brand-merch/) Promo code PROCESS10 ► Puget Systems ► Blackmagic Design Inlovewiththeprocess.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode of In Love with the Process, Mike sits down with Canadian brother duo ROMES, a band that’s been quietly building something explosive… and now it’s breaking through. Their debut album SONIC TRASH is out now, already surpassing 1.5 million streams completely independently. No label, no machine, just strategy, consistency, and a deep understanding of how to move in today’s music landscape. But this didn’t happen overnight. ROMES have stacked an impressive resume behind the scenes, landing sync placements across TV, gaming, and major sports campaigns, touring with bands like The Strokes, and even collaborating with Mark Foster (Foster the People), all while staying independent. In this episode, Mike and the guys go deep into: What it actually takes to build momentum as an independent artistThe real strategy behind successful social media campaignsWhy generative AI music is flooding platforms and devaluing streamsThe difference between touring in the US vs EuropeHow to create work that cuts through the noise in an oversaturated marketThis is an episode for musicians, filmmakers, and anyone trying to build something real in a world chasing numbers. If you care about craft, independence, and the long game, this one hits. ► ROMES ► Mike's IG  ► ILWP's IG  Music: Romes & Code Elektro ——SPONSORS—— ► FujiFilm 10% off Accessories (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/accessories/) and Merch (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/brand-merch/) Promo code PROCESS10 ► Puget Systems ► Blackmagic Design Inlovewiththeprocess.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of In Love with the Process, Mike sits down with Chuck Costas, VP of Business Development at Propstore, to dive deep into the wild world of film memorabilia, comic art collecting, and the emotional power of owning a piece of cinematic history. Chuck has been collecting since the mid-1980s, curating major exhibits and hosting collector events across the country. Now he’s helping bring some of the most iconic pieces of art and film history to auction, including one of the biggest headliners: A Frank Frazetta original painting, the “Captive Princess” cover art from The People That Time Forgot, estimated between $500,000 and $1,000,000. Mike and Chuck break down what makes a piece like this so valuable, not just in dollars, but in legacy. They also get into: Why seeing real film props changes how you experience movies The psychology behind collecting and bidding What separates a casual fan from a serious collector How collections are curated, preserved, and elevated into exhibits Why physical artifacts still matter in a digital world This is an episode for filmmakers, collectors, and anyone who’s ever wanted to hold a piece of movie history in their hands. ► Propstore ► Mike's IG  ► ILWP's IG  Music: Mitch Murder ——SPONSORS—— ► FujiFilm 10% off Accessories (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/accessories/) and Merch (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/brand-merch/) Promo code PROCESS10 ► Puget Systems ► Blackmagic Design Inlovewiththeprocess.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Thursday catchup episode of In Love with the Process, filmmaker Mike Pecci continues unpacking his recent trip to London and the unexpected things that ended up inspiring him along the way. First up, Mike gets completely nerdy about one of Britain’s greatest culinary traditions, the Sunday Roast. What started as a casual meal quickly turned into a full blown obsession. Mike breaks down what makes a proper roast work, the importance of the Yorkshire pudding, why the potatoes might be the real star of the plate, and why this simple tradition says a lot about culture, community, and slowing down for a meal. Then the conversation takes a strange but fascinating turn into something Mike deals with daily, what it is actually like to live with a deathly food allergy. Not the casual “I avoid gluten” kind. The real kind where one wrong bite can send you to the hospital. Mike talks about how it affects travel, restaurants, and social situations, and why most people truly have no idea what that level of caution feels like. Along the way he shares more stories from London, wandering the city, creative inspiration, and why stepping outside your routine always shakes loose new ideas. This is one of those classic hangout episodes where Mike just talks life, food, travel, filmmaking, and the strange things that make us who we are. Welcome back to the Genuine Human Experience. ► Mike's IG  ► ILWP's IG  Music: Mitch Murder ——SPONSORS—— ► FujiFilm 10% off Accessories (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/accessories/) and Merch (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/brand-merch/) Promo code PROCESS10 ► Puget Systems ► Blackmagic Design Inlovewiththeprocess.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode of In Love with the Process, filmmaker Mike Pecci records straight from London while traveling with photographer Gina Gizella Manning on a shoot photographing Carey Mulligan. What starts as a work trip quickly turns into one of those rare creative days that reminds you why you fell in love with storytelling in the first place. Mike talks about stepping inside one of the most legendary museums in the world and getting face to face with authentic Samurai armor while researching his upcoming film. Seeing the craftsmanship, the brutal practicality, and the artistry up close sparks a conversation about how real objects and real history influence the way we design worlds on screen. But the trip is not all film nerding out. After years of saying he would do it, Mike finally pulls the trigger and buys a proper British suit in London. Not just a suit, but a piece of clothing that feels like stepping into a new version of yourself. He talks about the strange psychology of wardrobe, confidence, and why filmmakers often underestimate how much identity and presentation matter in this industry. Along the way Mike also shares stories from wandering London, and how stepping outside your routine can reignite inspiration. This episode is about creative fuel. Travel. Craft. History. Style. And why sometimes the best thing you can do for your art is simply go experience the world. Welcome back to the Genuine Human Experience. ► Mike's IG  ► ILWP's IG  Music: Mitch Murder ——SPONSORS—— ► FujiFilm 10% off Accessories (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/accessories/) and Merch (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/brand-merch/) Promo code PROCESS10 ► Puget Systems ► Blackmagic Design Inlovewiththeprocess.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special Oscars episode of In Love with the Process, host Mike Pecci breaks down the awards walking through his favorite picks in the major categories, not just who he thinks will win, but who actually moved him as a filmmaker and storyteller. Along the way, he highlights films and performances that were completely ignored by the Academy and absolutely should not have been. He also pulls back the curtain on how the Oscars actually work, who votes, how campaigning really happens, and why the awards often feel disconnected from what audiences and artists are responding to. This episode is part celebration, part frustration, and part film school, all rolled into one. If you’ve ever yelled at your TV during the nominations, wondered how certain films got snubbed, or just want thoughtful recommendations for movies that flew under the radar this year, this episode is for you. No red carpets. No politics. Just movies, craft, and context. ► Mike's IG  ► ILWP's IG  Music: Mitch Murder ——SPONSORS—— ► FujiFilm 10% off Accessories (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/accessories/) and Merch (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/brand-merch/) Promo code PROCESS10 ► Puget Systems ► Blackmagic Design Inlovewiththeprocess.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Right Place Right Time, Mike Pecci sits down with actress comedian and jewelry maker Emily Fleming (Good Mythical Morning, Free with AD's Podcast) for a conversation that feels like hanging out with two old friends. Emily talks about how being in the right place at the right time led to her landing a role on Good Mythical Morning and how her start in stand up comedy quietly positioned her for bigger opportunities in acting. What looked like luck from the outside was really preparation meeting timing. The conversation moves from career pivots to dating stories in Los Angeles, and Emily opens up about what it is like being single in a city built on image. She shares how she is focused on building confidence and happiness within herself first and why being alone does not mean being lonely. They dive into horror movies, Power Rangers nostalgia, sweater puppies, and Emily’s deep love of synth wave music. If you are chasing creative work, navigating relationships, or trying to find your footing in Los Angeles, this episode hits home. Find yourself in the Right Place and Right Time. At 5PM PST watch the full episode on YouTube at @inlovewiththeprocess and visit inlovewiththeprocess.com for more episodes and stories. 👉 More podcasts at inlovewiththeprocess.com Emily's Jewelry Emily's IG Mike Pecci https://www.mikepecci.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mikepecci/ Lance A. Williams https://www.instagram.com/golancego Theme song by: https://www.instagram.com/big_black_delta/ Show produced directed by Mike Pecci & ILWP Podcasts Sound mix by https://www.instagram.com/dj_voltran/ Sound Effects from https://soundmorph.com/ Cameras from https://fujifilm-x.com/ Edit Support http://puget.systems/go/ILWTP Visit https://www.inlovewiththeprocess.com/right-place-right-time-podcast Merch: https://www.inlovewiththeprocess.com/store Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of In Love with the Process, filmmaker Mike Pecci is joined by Academy Award–nominated VFX Supervisor Michael Ralla, whose work on Sinners helped shape one of the most visually and emotionally striking films in recent memory. The two go deep into how Sinners was actually made, breaking down the collaboration between the VFX department and director Ryan Coogler, and how Coogler’s clarity, trust, and creative leadership inspired the entire team. Michael demystifies what a VFX supervisor really does, how visual effects serve story rather than spectacle, and how restraint can often be more powerful than excess. As always on this show, music finds its way into the conversation. Michael’s background as a drummer plays a surprising role in how he approaches rhythm, pacing, and visual flow in his work. And yes, there’s an incredible moment you won’t believe, involving who played drums on the film’s score and their unexpected connection to Metallica. But the most fascinating part of the episode is a bold new theory that could change how we think about cinema entirely. Mike and Michael explore the idea that films projected on actual film may hold an audience’s attention longer and more deeply than digital projection, digging into the psychology, texture, and subconscious impact of the medium itself. Is it true? And if it is, could it reshape how movies are shown in theaters going forward? This episode is a must-listen for filmmakers, cinematographers, VFX artists, musicians, and anyone obsessed with how movies really work. ►Michael's IG ► Mike's IG  ► ILWP's IG  Music: Big Black Delta, Code Elektro ——SPONSORS—— ► FujiFilm 10% off Accessories (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/accessories/) and Merch (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/brand-merch/) Promo code PROCESS10 ► Puget Systems ► Blackmagic Design Inlovewiththeprocess.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s catch up episode of In Love with the Process, Mike checks in to talk about two things that have absolutely hijacked his brain this month. Olympic curling and Batman. Mike breaks down how he somehow fell headfirst into Olympic curling and why it might be the most quietly intense, brutally strategic sport on the planet. Precision, patience, teamwork, and zero margin for error. Basically a nightmare for anyone who likes chaos, which makes the obsession even more confusing. From there, things spiral into comics, specifically how hard Mike has fallen for the Absolute Batman series. He talks about why it hits, how the visuals punch you in the chest, and why comics still teach better storytelling than half the movies being made right now. This episode is less about sports or capes and more about obsession, curiosity, and letting yourself like what you like without apologizing for it. No trends, no productivity hacks, just falling in love with things again and letting that fuel the work. It’s loose, nerdy, slightly unhinged, and exactly the kind of check in this show was built for. ► Mike's IG  ► ILWP's IG  Music: Mitch Murder ——SPONSORS—— ► FujiFilm 10% off Accessories (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/accessories/) and Merch (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/brand-merch/) Promo code PROCESS10 ► Puget Systems ► Blackmagic Design Inlovewiththeprocess.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of In Love with the Process, filmmaker and cinematographer Mike Pecci sits down with BAFTA Breakthrough cinematographer Nathalie Pitters, known for her work on Netflix’s How to Get to Heaven From Belfast, to explore how personal life experience shapes visual storytelling. Mike opens with a deep dive into the real challenge of cinematography: translating vision into image. Not copying references. Not chasing trends. But blending naturalism with subtle surrealism in a way that feels lived in and emotionally honest. Nathalie shares how her background in art history and journalistic photography sharpened her instincts behind the lens. She talks openly about confronting insecurity and imposter syndrome, and how learning to trust and lean on the talented artists around her ultimately made her a stronger cinematographer. The conversation takes an unexpected turn as they discover a shared love of metal music. Nathalie explains how the intensity, rhythm, and emotional catharsis of metal has influenced her visual style, teaching her to embrace contrast, atmosphere, and bold emotional swings in her work. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your images feel personal instead of polished, or how to inject your life experience into your craft, this episode is essential listening. Cinema isn’t just what you see. It’s who you are. ► Nathalie's IG ► Mike's IG  ► ILWP's IG  Music: Code Elektro , Mitch Murder, Ron Cannon ——SPONSORS—— ► FujiFilm 10% off Accessories (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/accessories/) and Merch (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/brand-merch/) Promo code PROCESS10 ► Puget Systems ► Blackmagic Design Inlovewiththeprocess.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode of Right Place Right Time, Mike Pecci and Lance A. Williams hang out in the studio for one of those episodes that starts chill and slowly goes off the rails. Lance shares how a painful rejection as an actor didn’t end the road, but somehow turned into a completely different role in a film. A perfect reminder that timing and perspective can flip disappointment into opportunity. Mike talks about experiencing Blade Runner with a full orchestra performing the score live, and how it completely rewired the way he thinks about cinema and sound. The conversation shifts to Oscar nominations, industry frustrations, and why the guys believe Guillermo del Toro deserved a Best Director nomination. Opinions are strong. Feelings are felt. Then things get dangerous. Their friendship is put to the ultimate test with a round of Last Film Standing, where a shocking truth is revealed. Lance has apparently been lying to Mike for years about which films he has actually seen. Trust is questioned. History is rewritten. The friendship may never recover. Will this end the podcast. Will this end the friendship. You’ll have to tune in to find out. Watch the full episode on YouTube at @inlovewiththeprocess and join the ride as Right Place Right Time continues to grow every week. 👉Watch at 3PM on YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Ok8Xe0ojvhw 👉 More podcasts at inlovewiththeprocess.com Mike Pecci https://www.mikepecci.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mikepecci/ Lance A. Williams https://www.instagram.com/golancego Theme song by: https://www.instagram.com/big_black_delta/ Show produced directed by Mike Pecci & ILWP Podcasts Sound mix by https://www.instagram.com/dj_voltran/ Sound Effects from https://soundmorph.com/ Cameras from https://fujifilm-x.com/ Edit Support http://puget.systems/go/ILWTP Visit https://www.inlovewiththeprocess.com/right-place-right-time-podcast Merch: https://www.inlovewiththeprocess.com/store Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the best parts of In Love with the Process is getting to skip the gatekeepers. No agents. No managers. Just real conversations with actors Mike genuinely loves watching right now. These are the performers who shine on screen, who feel dangerous, curious, and alive, and who represent the next generation of talent taking us to strange new worlds through film. On today’s episode, Mike sits down with Taylor John Smith (Warfare, The Outpost). As part of the show’s Genuine Human Experience initiative, the two get deeply nerdy about acting, process, and what actually motivates a performance. They talk about how Taylor gets his hands on material through his team, what he looks for in scripts, and how he prepares emotionally and physically for demanding roles. Taylor flips the script and asks Mike the questions actors actually want to ask directors, leading to an instant bond over the performances, films, and filmmakers that excite them both. Taylor also goes deep into how the brutally intense film Warfare was made, what the experience demanded of him, and how he ultimately landed the role. It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation about craft, trust, and the work behind performances that truly stick with you. If you care about acting, filmmaking, and real conversations with artists who are shaping the future of cinema, this episode is essential listening. ► Taylor's IG ► Mike's IG  ► ILWP's IG  Music: Code Elektro , Mitch Murder, Betamaxx ——SPONSORS—— ► FujiFilm 10% off Accessories (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/accessories/) and Merch (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/brand-merch/) Promo code PROCESS10 ► Puget Systems ► Blackmagic Design Inlovewiththeprocess.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode of In Love with the Process, host Mike Pecci dives deep into the medium that has single handedly shaped his life as a storyteller, photographer, and director. Comic books. From the first day he cracked open a comic, Mike understood the raw power of visual storytelling. How the human brain can look at two separate images and subconsciously fill in everything that happens between them. How a strong silhouette can communicate more about a character than pages of dialogue. And how movement, posture, and framing often say everything words cannot. To get properly nerdy about it, Mike is joined by John Amor, Eisner nominated artist and creator of Urban Animal. John is known for drawing iconic characters at an epic scale and distilling them down to their most essential shapes and gestures. His work proves that storytelling lives in posture, weight, and intent. The two break down why comics remain one of the most powerful storytelling tools ever created, how artists guide emotion between frames, and why filmmakers have so much to learn from the medium. This episode is a love letter to visual language, composition, and the art of saying more with less. If you love film, illustration, comics, or storytelling in any form, this episode is essential listening. ► John's IG ► Mike's IG  ► ILWP's IG  Music: Code Elektro , Mitch Murder ——SPONSORS—— ► FujiFilm 10% off Accessories (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/accessories/) and Merch (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/brand-merch/) Promo code PROCESS10 ► Puget Systems ► Blackmagic Design Inlovewiththeprocess.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.