
The MAKE IT Podcast
by Chris Barkley & Nicholas Buggs
Is this your podcast?Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs are independent podcast creators known for their dedication to the indie film community. Together, they host The MAKE IT Podcast, which focuses on providing valuable insights and guidance tailored for aspiri…
On the show
From 25 epsHosts
Recent guests
Recent episodes
447 - What Money Can’t Fix on a Film Set, Why People Need People, and Creative Sets, AI, and Staying Weird - Nichole Marie Lim
Oct 2, 2026
1h 54m 54s
SUMMARIES - Keith McDaniel - How he made "The Clinton 12," Cast James Earl Jones, and Why Local Beats Bigger
Sep 29, 2026
21m 01s
446 - Isabel Hagen on Making 'On a String', Winning Tribeca, Cancel Culture, and Surviving Stand‑Up
Sep 18, 2026
1h 34m 04s
Film Brief - Who Is Stan Smith? - The Man Behind the Three Stripes
Sep 16, 2026
11m 58s
SUMMARIES - Alexis Gambis - CRISPR, Cinema, and Identity—The Human Story of Science
Sep 15, 2026
20m 26s
Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
- indie film production insights
- advice from industry professionals
Podcast Focus
- interviews with film experts
- guidance for film professionals
Publishing Consistency
- 510 episodes released
- active for 8 years
Platform Reach
- available on major podcast platforms
- website for additional content
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Most discussed topics
Brands & references
Total monthly reach
Estimated from 11 chart positions in 11 markets.
By chart position
- 🇺🇸US · Film Interviews#15300K to 1M
- 🇩🇪DE · Film Interviews#8030K to 100K
- 🇬🇧GB · Film Interviews#1045K to 30K
- 🇨🇦CA · Film Interviews#1195K to 30K
- 🇳🇴NO · Film Interviews#1230K to 100K
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
118K to 400K🎙 Daily cadence·535 episodes·Last published 5d ago - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
393K to 1.3M🇺🇸75%🇩🇪8%🇳🇴8%+8 more - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
157K to 533K296K real followers tracked across platforms
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
—
Total Plays
—
Total Reviews
—
* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
Social Links & Contact
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Official Website
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/2/26 | 447 - What Money Can’t Fix on a Film Set, Why People Need People, and Creative Sets, AI, and Staying Weird - Nichole Marie Lim | This episode is brought to you by MAKE IT Academy. Get access to 200+ courses today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/pages/academy and use code: ACADEMY50 for 50% off the Academy for a year! Hello, Hello! In this episode, we speak with Nashville filmmaker Nicole Marie Lim about building a career across makeup, writing, producing, and directing. Nicole explains how supportive relationships, practical set skills, and respectful leadership shape better creative work. The conversation also examines AI, vertical video, mid-budget filmmaking, actor chemistry, and what it means to make it without losing the joy of creating.We also talk about:How makeup artists can prepare for their first professional set.Why continuity, schedules, and department-specific language matter.The limits of glamour, fame, and money in filmmaking.Why directors should trust department heads and communicate according to individual needs.How chemistry reads can reveal unexpected casting choices.People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:PeopleNichole Marie Lim (also IMDb) Joy ToddDavid LimMichelle LimJohn AugustCraig MazinJim HensonJ.K. SimmonsBrad PittDavid AyerStephen NorringtonTim BurtonChristopher NolanZendayaRobert PattinsonMilla JovovichViola DavisBrands & ProductsMy Kit CoRCMA MakeupSenna CosmeticsListerineAltoidsHer ProjectsCheckmate, The Way Back Down, Mom Cult, American Quilt ContestFilmsHolland (2025)BladeThe League of Extraordinary GentlemenThe MigrantMarie AntoinetteAmélieRomeo + Juliet The Sound of MusicThe Expendables 2SinnersThe 'BurbsPoor ThingsThe OdysseyOppenheimerGrizzly ManJawsAlienA Week AwayPlaces & InstitutionsNashvilleOhioNew YorkAmsterdamMumbaiNashville Film FestivalFrist Art MuseumMAKE ITMake It AcademyMastering Film Marketing (e-book)The MAKE IT PodcastWe are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEITwww.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/supportAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | 1h 54m 54s | ||||||
| 9/29/26 | SUMMARIES - Keith McDaniel - How he made "The Clinton 12," Cast James Earl Jones, and Why Local Beats Bigger | We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEITSubscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/supportHello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness examine Keith McDaniel’s path from singer, designer, and scriptwriter to documentary filmmaker and community leader. They explore how he learned filmmaking without formal training, documented complex Tennessee history, and built a sustainable local film festival. The conversation also connects creative independence with health, discipline, and the possibility that starting late can mean starting prepared.We also talk about:How a poor first documentary can still reveal the right creative medium.Why interviewing original Oakridgers preserved primary historical testimony.How James Earl Jones added credibility and distribution power to The Clinton 12.Why Keith treated 40 film festivals as research laboratories rather than applause tours.How the seven-day shootout created audience ownership through participation. People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:Keith McDaniel (also IMDb)James Earl Jones Ken BurnsFilms & ProjectsThe Clinton 12 Secret City: The Oak Ridge Story The Belmont Reasons Companies & OrganizationsSecret City FilmsSecret City Film Festival Knoxville Film FestivalDogwood ArtsDiscoveryJupiter EntertainmenteBayMotel 6PlacesOak Ridge, TennesseeRoane County, TennesseeKnoxville, TennesseeRegal Downtown West Cinema 8History & ConceptsBrown v. Board of EducationManhattan ProjectVHSSlow-carb dietAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | 21m 01s | ||||||
| 9/18/26 | 446 - Isabel Hagen on Making 'On a String', Winning Tribeca, Cancel Culture, and Surviving Stand‑Up | This episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good enough—it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks WITH you, not for you. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeitThis episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/products/mastering-film-marketing. Use the Discount code: NASHFILM20 for 20% off EVERYTHING at themakeitpodcast.comHello, Hello! In this episode, Isabel Hagen joins us to discuss her work as a comedian, filmmaker, and classically trained violist. She explains how her freelance music career inspired the feature film On a String, which premiered at Tribeca and won Best Screenplay in the U.S. Narrative Competition. The conversation also explores comedy in the age of clips, creative persistence, protecting real people in fiction, film criticism, artistic identity, and what it means to make it.We also talk about:Turning experiences from weddings, funerals, and private music gigs into heightened comedic characters and situations.Why live comedy benefits from audiences putting their phones away while performers test unfinished material.Isabel’s process for becoming a stronger comedian through open mics, recordings, repeated performance, and daily review.The creative lessons she draws from Paul Thomas Anderson, including the scale of One Battle After Another and the score of Phantom Thread.How nostalgia, streaming overload, and the paradox of choice influence how audiences rewatch their favorite movies.People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:PeopleIsabel Hagen (isabelhagen.com)Brandon Tamburri William PrimrosePaul Thomas AndersonMaria BamfordMarina AbramovićLana Del ReyFilms & TVOn a StringThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonOne Battle After AnotherPhantom ThreadHappinessThe OmenThe Parent Trap GoodfellasChallengersSaltburnIt's a Wonderful LifeThe Princess BrideFerris Bueller's Day OffThe NeverEnding StoryThe Dukes of HazzardCompanies & OrganizationsJoke ZeroTribeca Film FestivalThe Juilliard SchoolNBC Symphony OrchestraHollywood Walk of FameNashville Film FestivalSubstackSoho HouseMusicGuns N' Roses"Welcome to the Jungle"Food & PlacesLaGuardia AirportSeattle7th Street BurgerShake ShackBeecher's Handmade Cheese The Capital GrilleMAKE ITMake It AcademyMastering Film Marketing (e-book)We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEITwww.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/supportAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | 1h 34m 04s | ||||||
| 9/16/26 | Film Brief - Who Is Stan Smith? - The Man Behind the Three Stripes | WHAT IS FILM BRIEF?Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.BRIEF:In this episode, Nick reviews Who Is Stan Smith?, Danny Lee’s documentary about the tennis champion whose name became attached to one of the world’s most recognizable sneakers. The film moves from athletic achievement and fashion history to Stan Smith’s friendship with Arthur Ashe, humanitarian work, and commitment to players’ rights. The conversation ultimately asks what kind of signature each person leaves behind when fame and branding are stripped away.TAKEAWAYS:Smith’s rise from Southern California and USC tennis to former world number one.His 1971 U.S. Open victory, 1972 Wimbledon victory, five U.S. Open titles across singles and doubles, and eight championship Davis Cup teams.The open era of professional tennis and the movement for greater player control.Smith’s 1973 Wimbledon boycott after Nikola Pilic was suspended.The sneaker’s adoption by musicians, artists, designers, and fashion communities.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:The FilmWho Is Stan Smith?Danny LeeRebecca HalpernPeopleStan SmithArthur AsheJohn McEnroeDarryl "DMC" McDanielsPharrell WilliamsNiki Pilić Products & BrandsAdidas Stan SmithRun-DMCInstitutions & EventsUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUS OpenWimbledonDavis CupEbook: "Mastering Film Marketing"The MAKE IT PodcastWe are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating us, or leaving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEITAll Links: www.themakeitpodcast.store/shop/supportAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | 11m 58s | ||||||
| 9/15/26 | SUMMARIES - Alexis Gambis - CRISPR, Cinema, and Identity—The Human Story of Science | We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEITSubscribe: https://themakeitpodcast.store/shop/supportHello, Hello!In this episode, AI Hosts Alex Ivey and Allison Inverness dive deep into the world of filmmaker and Scientist, Alexis Gambis. He explains how a background in molecular biology can serve as a foundation for filmmaking rather than be an abandoned career. The conversation explores the Science New Wave, a movement that combines rigorous science with emotional storytelling, culture, and personal identity. It also examines CRISPR, de-extinction, creative practice, and the infrastructure needed to bring hybrid science films to audiences.We also talk about:The patience and observation skills Gambis developed while studying fruit flies.His father’s shift from engineering to painting and the role of family history in his films.The resistance Gambis encountered from both biology and film communities.Spike Lee’s mentorship and the fruit-fly drawing displayed beside a photo of Patrick Ewing.The Symbiosis initiative’s one-week collaborations between scientists and filmmakers. People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:Alexis Gambis Spike LeeJames FrancoJessica ChastainTenoch Huerta Kurt AndersenThomas Hunt MorganFilms & ProjectsThe Fly Room (2014)Son of Monarchs (2020/21)The Next Jaguar Disposable The Color of Time Institutions & PlatformsThe Rockefeller UniversityNYU Tisch School of the ArtsColumbia UniversityLabocineImagine Science FilmsScience New Wave — LabocineSundance Film FestivalAlfred P. Sloan PrizeScience & ConceptsSymbiosisCRISPRCas9Thylacine (Tasmanian tiger)Woolly mammothAsian elephantAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | 20m 26s | ||||||
| 9/4/26 | physical media vs digital ownershipcultural nostalgia+5 | — | Mastering Film MarketingSony+3 | — | physical mediadigital future+5 | The MAKE IT PodcastNASHFILM20 | 1h 23m 19s | ||
| 9/1/26 | creativityanimation+4 | Jeffrey Pittle | DisneyUniversal+6 | — | Jeffrey Pittleanimation+7 | — | 23m 55s | ||
| 8/21/26 | filmmakingindependent film+5 | Oscar Boyson | Claude ProNeistat Brothers+2 | — | Oscar BoysonOur Hero Balthazar+6 | Anthropic | 1h 23m 16s | ||
| 8/19/26 | creative processfilm industry+4 | Kevin Goetz | Mattel | — | BarbieKevin Goetz+5 | — | 14m 01s | ||
| 8/18/26 | filmmakingstorytelling+4 | Nathaniel Nuon | Full Sail University | Cambodia | Emmy-winning filmmakerCambodian refugee+4 | — | 20m 03s | ||
| 8/12/26 | voice actingX-Men '97+4 | Lenore ZannJP Karliak+1 | Claude ProDisney++1 | — | voice actingX-Men+7 | Anthropic | 1h 12m 49s | ||
| 8/7/26 | animationAI in film+5 | Jesse Weglein | Illuminai StudiosPixar+5 | Mount Fuji | animationAI+6 | The MAKE IT PodcastNASHFILM20 | 1h 46m 10s | ||
| 8/4/26 | acting careeraudition techniques+4 | Christine Woods | HBOABC+7 | — | Christine Woodsaudition+6 | — | 21m 00s | ||
| 7/24/26 | YouTube loreHollywood playbook+5 | — | Enlightenment Film AcademyWarner Bros.+4 | — | YouTube loreHollywood+8 | Mastering Film Marketing | 1h 57m 38s | ||
| 7/21/26 | actingteaching philosophy+3 | Caroline Locorriere | — | — | acting craftempathy-driven teaching+3 | — | 20m 23s | ||
| 7/10/26 | independent filmmakingdark comedy+5 | — | Claude ProOur Hero Balthazar | — | Oscar BoysonOur Hero Balthazar+5 | Anthropic | 42m 58s | ||
| 7/8/26 | film analysisPixar+4 | — | PixarToy Story 5 | — | Toy Story 5Andrew Stanton+7 | — | 9m 28s | ||
| 7/7/26 | independent filmmakingartistic expression+4 | Josh Bishop | South by SouthwestNew York+2 | — | indie filmmakerdocumentary+5 | — | 22m 43s | ||
| 6/26/26 | independent filmA24 acquisition+4 | Daril Fannin | Claude ProA24+2 | — | A24Undertone+6 | AnthropicCODE | 1h 48m 34s | ||
| 6/23/26 | visual effectsindependent filmmaking+4 | Magali Barbe | 20th Century FoxHollywood+5 | — | visual effectsindependent film+4 | — | 24m 26s | ||
| 6/12/26 | audience testingfilmmaking+4 | Kevin Goetz | Screen EngineBBMG Entertainment | Bensonhurst, Brooklyn | audience researchfilm marketing+4 | Mastering Film Marketing | 1h 26m 20s | ||
| 6/11/26 | superhero cinemacharacter study+3 | — | Spider-Noir | — | Spider-NoirNicolas Cage+8 | — | 11m 40s | ||
| 6/9/26 | resiliencechild stardom+4 | Danielle Vega | Barney and FriendsEast Los High+1 | — | Danielle Vegaresilience+7 | — | 17m 46s | ||
| 5/29/26 | film productionbudgeting+4 | Stephen Marinaccio | Claude Pro | — | film budgetproduction management+4 | AnthropicMAKEIT | 1h 59m 24s | ||
| 5/26/26 | multi-hyphenate careerfilmmaking+3 | Jennica Schwartzman | Purpose Pictures ProductionsTMDB (The Movie Database)+6 | Fayetteville Travel Center | multi-hyphenatefilmmaker+6 | — | 19m 22s | ||
| 5/15/26 | entertainment lawfilmmaking+4 | Elsa Ramo | Imagine EntertainmentScott Free Productions+3 | Marina del ReyLA | entertainment lawyerfilmmaking strategy+5 | Mastering Film Marketing | 1h 36m 17s | ||
| 5/14/26 | film reviewvideo game adaptations+3 | — | Mortal Kombat II | — | Mortal Kombat IIfilm analysis+3 | — | 10m 52s | ||
| 5/12/26 | crowdfundingcommunity support+5 | Sevan Najarian | The Whitest Kids U' KnowChannel 101+5 | ModestoCalifornia+1 | Sevan NajarianMars+8 | — | 13m 10s | ||
| 5/1/26 | Kanye WestMichael Jackson biopic+4 | Nick CorirossiArmen Weitzman | Claude ProThe Napa Boys+1 | — | Kanye WestMichael Jackson+5 | AnthropicMAKEIT | 1h 48m 00s | ||
| 4/29/26 | film analysisvisual storytelling+3 | — | Ebook: "Mastering Film Marketing"University of Southern California+4 | Oakland, California | Ryan CooglerLocks+5 | — | 7m 38s | ||
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Distribution & Reach
About the show, platforms, and key insights.
Distribution & Reach
About the show, platforms, and key insights.
Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs are independent podcast creators known for their dedication to the indie film community. Together, they host The MAKE IT Podcast, which focuses on providing valuable insights and guidance tailored for aspiring film professionals. Their candid conversations with industry veterans offer a wealth of advice and knowledge, making the podcast a go-to resource for those navigating the complexities of the film industry. What sets The MAKE IT Podcast apart is its commitment to celebrating the voices and experiences of indie filmmakers. Covering a range of topics from interviews with seasoned pros to discussions about society and culture, the show fosters a supportive environment for creativity and innovation in film. The format encourages in-depth exploration of the challenges and triumphs within the industry. The podcast attracts a diverse audience of aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts eager to learn from experienced professionals. Listeners gain practical advice, inspiration, and a sense of community, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to carve out a career in the indie film space. With over 510 episodes and an estimated listener base of 225K to 713K, The MAKE IT Podcast has established itself as a significant platform in the film industry.
By the numbers
- Total followers: 296K
- Total plays: 6.8M
Platforms
Castbox
- Followers: 19
- Plays: 242
YouTube
- Subscribers: 296K
- Views: 6.8M
- Videos: 1.9K
Podcast Republic
- Followers: 1
Find them online
Audience
general
Key insights
What the show covers
- interviews with film experts
- guidance for film professionals
- discussions on film industry trends
- exploration of creative processes
Audience interests
- indie film production insights
- advice from industry professionals
- candid conversations with creators
- inspiration for aspiring filmmakers
Platform reach
- available on major podcast platforms
- website for additional content
- social media presence on Instagram
- engagement on X platform
Publishing consistency
- 510 episodes released
- active for 8 years
- weekly or more episodes
- consistent content delivery
Chart history for The MAKE IT Podcast
Peaked at #12 in Norway, currently #12 in Norway.
| Market | Genre | Peak | Current | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | — | #12 | #12 | — |
| United States | — | #15 | #15 | — |
| TH | — | #35 | #35 | — |
| HK | — | #55 | #55 | — |
| PL | — | #64 | #64 | — |
| TW | — | #64 | #64 | — |
| Germany | — | #80 | #80 | — |
| South Africa | — | #98 | #98 | — |
| United Kingdom | — | #104 | #104 | — |
| Canada | — | #119 | #119 | — |
| Ireland | — | #187 | #187 | — |
Chart Positions
11 placements across 11 markets.
Chart Positions
11 placements across 11 markets.