In Love With The Process

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 moviesThe psychology behind collecting and biddingWhat separates a casual fan from a serious collectorHow collections are curated, preserved, and elevated into exhibitsWhy physical artifacts sti

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 fe

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

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

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 Lo

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

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, slig

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

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

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 mad

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 wh

Mike jumps on real quick from a parking garage to drop some fresh thoughts on lighting, creativity, and the new project he just wrapped with Gina for Entertainment Weekly. From shaping mood with light to pushing visual storytelling even further, this quick hit is a behind the scenes look at how their latest shoot came together and what inspired the choices on set. A fast, honest creative check in straight from the field. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode of In Love with the Process, host Mike Pecci goes deep into one of the most powerful and artistic roles in filmmaking, Production Design.Joining Mike is Academy Award winning production designer James Price (Speak No Evil, Poor Things, Bugonia) whose work on Poor Things earned him an Oscar for creating one of the most visually rich and emotionally immersive worlds in modern cinema.Together they break down what a production designer actually does on a film, how James collaborates closely with directors and cinematographers, and why production design is the backbone of tone, mood, and storytelling. This is the department that quietly shapes how you feel in every scene.James walks through his full creative process, from building miniatures and custom sets, to why he often insists on constructing ceilings for realism and lighting control, to how he creates detailed mood books the moment he reads a script. These books are a collection of sketches, images, textures, and thematic references that g

It’s been a hot second, and today on In Love with the Process, host Mike Pecci goes deep into the real job of an actor.Not the red carpets. Not the highlight reels. The actual work.Joining Mike is actor Dan Shaked, known for his work across television and film including series like The German (2025), The Mysteries of Laura (2014) and Body of Proof (2011), and more. Dan pulls back the curtain on how he actually finds work, connects with casting directors, playwrights, and filmmakers, and builds momentum without waiting for permission.They explore Dan’s “horizontal networking” approach, unconventional methods that go beyond submitting headshots and hoping for callbacks. These are practical, real world strategies that working actors use to stay employed and visible in a crowded industry.If you are an actor, filmmaker, or anyone trying to break into a creative field, this episode is packed with honest insight, motivation, and tools you can start using immediately.► Dan's IG► Mike's IG ► ILWP's IG Music:

On today’s episode of In Love with the Process, host Mike Pecci opens up the inbox and responds directly to questions from the Film Club and fan emails.Mike gives honest, practical advice on how writers can get exposure without chasing trends or begging for permission. He talks about what actually moves the needle, how to put yourself in situations where your work can be discovered, and why patience and consistency still matter more than hacks.The conversation shifts into Mike’s recent photography adventures, heading out with a camera in search of genuine human stories and real moments. Not content for content’s sake, but exploration as a way to stay creatively alive.To close things out, Mike delivers on a fan favorite request and shares three movie recommendations, explaining why each one matters and what filmmakers and writers can learn from them.This episode is thoughtful, practical, and grounding. A reminder that exposure comes from doing the work, staying curious, and engaging with the world instead of h

On today’s episode of In Love with the Process, host Mike Pecci goes deep into one of his favorite obsessions, men’s boots.There is an old saying that what matters most is your haircut and your shoes and everything in between is forgivable. Mike takes that idea seriously and unpacks why boots are more than fashion. They are utility, identity, craftsmanship, and a reflection of how you move through the world.Joining Mike is Kevin Wilson, the founder of Caswell Boot Company, a one man operation built from the ground up in Washington DC. Kevin walks us through the entire boot making process from selecting animal hides to tanning, design decisions, construction, pricing, and the realities of building a sustainable business in a world dominated by fast fashion.This episode gets wonderfully nerdy as they talk materials, longevity, ethics, branding, and what it really takes to create something meant to last. It is a conversation about patience, pride, and the value of making things the right way.If you love clothing

On this supersized New Years Day edition of Right Place Right Time, Mike Pecci and Lance A Williams sit down to look back and learn from the biggest right place right time moments of 2025.The year delivered everything from smuggling rats into a Vegas casino to fist fights in Hollywood, broken bones, and moments where things could have gone very wrong very fast. These are the stories that tested instincts, reshaped perspective, and forced real lessons in the middle of chaos.Along the way there were also quieter wins that reminded them why they keep going, including unexpected moments of validation and connection in Hollywood that felt earned rather than flashy.This episode will make you laugh, hit harder than expected, and leave you reflecting on your own year. It is not about glorifying chaos. It is about understanding it.Before stepping into 2026, it felt important to respect everything that was lived through in 2025.Watch the full episode on YouTube at @inlovewiththeprocess and listen wherever you get your

Host Mike Pecci has been sitting behind the mic of In Love with the Process for nine years. Nine years of deep conversations with artists, filmmakers, chefs, musicians, and people chasing genuine human experiences.As we move into 2026, a time when it is becoming harder to tell what is real and what has been generated by AI, Mike lays it all out. This show will always be about the human experience. It will always be a place to come for help, inspiration, guidance, and perspective. A lighthouse for anyone searching for something real.In this episode, Mike talks honestly about what to expect from the show in the coming year. He challenges you to think differently, to unplug from the hornet’s nest of social consciousness, and to become an explorer again. Not of trends or algorithms, but of ideas, craft, culture, and lived experience.He shares practical tips you can actually use to create, to reconnect with something genuine, and to build a recipe for long lasting inspiration. Consider this episode a reset. A remi

On this very special Christmas episode of In Love with the Process, host Mike Pecci skips the guest entirely and sits down for a one on one episode with the only people who actually matter. You.This is a full year wrap up fueled by holiday chaos, reflection, and questionable decision making. Mike talks about attending the Scott Free Christmas party and casually meeting Ridley Scott, which is exactly as surreal as it sounds. He also tells the story of renting a mansion in the Hollywood Hills for a family Christmas, complete with a hot tub, a heated pool, and billionaire neighbors who were absolutely not thrilled about any of it.Somewhere between the champagne and the chlorine, Mike drops new information about his next film and starts unpacking the mantra guiding him into the new year. The conversation turns toward staying human in an industry that feels increasingly automated, performative, and obsessed with AI content farms. Less hustle culture, more real life. Less chasing trends, more stories worth telling.

On today’s episode of In Love with the Process, host Mike Pecci sits down with model, cosplayer, and podcaster Erica Fett, whose journey is anything but ordinary.Erica walked away from a career in criminal justice to pursue life as a full-time pinup model and cosplayer, choosing creativity, authenticity, and nerd culture over a traditional path. Today she is one of the most recognizable faces in modern pinup and a thriving creator with a massive following.Mike and Erica go back to their early days together during Mike’s Suicide Girls photography era and dive into the craft behind creating an unforgettable image. They talk about what it takes to shoot a truly electric photo, how a model stays consistent in style and tone, and how Erica built a career by unapologetically being herself.Erica also opens up about the pressures of modeling, how law school gave her the confidence to bet on her own voice, and the realities of making a living through modeling, cosplay, and content creation in today’s world.If you have