The Power of the POD: From Podcast Inception to Valuable IP

Amber Rasmussen is a storyteller and communications strategist whose work spans podcasting, documentary, and long-form narrative media. With over 25 years of experience crafting stories for global audiences, she brings a profound understanding of how authentic, human-centered storytelling resonates across various platforms.

Amber is the creator and host of the chart-topping podcast Ex-Wives Undercover, a raw and gripping exploration of toxic relationships and survival that has been adapted into a docuseries for Paramount+ called “Don’t Date Brandon”. She also hosts "Next Realm: Beautiful Stories from Beyond," a contemplative podcast that focuses on spiritual experiences, grief, and the unseen connections that bind us.

Across her work, Amber’s storytelling centers on real people and real experiences, emphasizing authenticity, emotional depth, and the power of narrative to move audiences—regardless of format.

Missy Greenberg is a former stay-at-home mom turned writer, filmmaker, and producer. In the same week her divorce was finalized, she launched Slut in Training, a comedy podcast inspired by her short film of the same name. The short film has garnered over 1.4 million views, on YouTube Not From Here Media channel, in under four months. Her work blends humor, honesty, and bold storytelling centered on modern identity and reinvention.

Demystifying the Pitch Deck

Clarissa Jacobson is a screenwriter, filmmaker and voiceover artist. She wrote the horror feature Gara’s Return with Rebel Minx creative partner, Shayna Weber, and their co-directed/produced doc Butts is on the film circuit now. She is also the creator of the multi-award-winning comedy/horror short - Lunch Ladies, has been a juror at top film festivals, and has spoken on short film promotion all over the world. Clarissa wrote the book – I Made A Short Film now WTF Do I Do With It (a guide to film festivals, promotion, and surviving the ride), which was translated into Indonesian and will soon be available in Spanish. Find out more about her and her projects at HeyImClarissaJ.com.

Shayna Weber is a screenwriter, producer, and director specializing in horror and comedy alongside her Rebel Minx partner, Clarissa Jacobson. Together, the’ve written the horror feature Gara’s Return and directed/produced the documentary short Butts, among other creative projects. Shayna also co-produced the award-winning horror-comedy short Lunch Ladies, which screened at over 100 festivals worldwide and earned forty-six awards. With over twenty years in production, Shayna has produced unscripted shows including RuPaul’s Drag Race and So You Think You Can Dance, and has worked for MTV, VH1, NBC, Lifetime, Disney, Travel Channel, and Bravo. Her reality TV years have honed her problem-solving abilities and given her a treasure trove of knowledge about weird subjects.

Shayna is Creative Executive at International Screenwriters Association and works with their Development Slate to champion emerging talent, firmly believing that writers are the most important piece of the filmmaking puzzle.