Brandyn Johnson

Brandyn Johnson

From First Time Go by Benjamin Duchek

May 1, 2026 · 42 min · Season 4 · Episode 24

About this episode

In this episode, Benjamin Duchek interviews filmmaker Brandyn Johnson about his experiences with fatherhood, mentorship, and the filmmaking process.

Watch This Episode On YouTube The film SEAWEED SNACKS (2026), which screened at Slamdance this year, was so moving for me as a father that I wanted to talk with the person that directed it -- Sylvia Ray , a great episode, you can find it linked in the show notes -- and my guest today, the writer, Brandyn Johnson. What does it feel like when someone else directs your words? Why the focus on fatherhood? What is it like mentoring young up and coming filmmakers at Ghetto Film School? Is a USC grad education worth it? We get into all this and more with Brandyn, a brilliant filmmaker and writer currently based in Los Angeles. Finally, we talk about suicide in this episode. If you're struggling, there are resources, starting with 988 if you need someone to talk with about your journey. Kindness truly is currency, as Brandyn says on the show; we want you sitting next to us at the birthday party. n this episode, Brandyn and I talk about: why the topic of fatherhood is so important to him; how much he believes in "write what you know"; his start in filmmaking and the incredible work he does for Ghetto Film School; whether teenagers are benefiting from a filmmaking perspective from constant…

People in this episode

Host: Benjamin Duchek

Guest: Brandyn Johnson

Topics covered

  • fatherhood
  • filmmaking
  • mentorship
  • screenwriting
  • mental health

Keywords

  • fatherhood
  • filmmaking
  • Ghetto Film School
  • screenwriting
  • mental health
  • USC
  • Slamdance
  • SEAWEED SNACKS

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ghetto Film School, USC

Books & works: SEAWEED SNACKS

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