Jealousy Bites | Brain Games
“That which makes you different makes you special”
As a child my love for adventure and travel was inspired by the aerial photography of Osa and Martin Johnson, depicting incredible wilderness and wildlife across the African Safari.
From humble Kansas roots, a love of nature grew into studying ornithology and biology, and in 3rd Grade I used my parents VHS Recorder to film myself documenting the beauty, elegance, and wild spirit the great Trumpeter Swan. Inspired by the great orators, David Attenborough, English broadcaster, writer, and naturalist, and late Steve Irwin, wildlife conservationist and television personality.
For decades, this swan was under severe threat due to 1800-1900 fashion and Europe’s elite demand for fur and plumage.
Looking back at my younger self is a reminder of my courage, kindness and love of the natural world.
I’m proud to say despite zero video editing, The Trumpeter Swan documentary became a classroom favorite for years to come, my elementary school teacher inspiring generations with my passion, creativity and storytelling. That same year, I was published for a story in the Chanute Tribune titled, “Lucky The Duck,” a story about when I helped save and hatch wild duck eggs to be released into the wild.
A few kids made fun of me for the documentary, commenting on my “gay voice.” I had a dream that I engineered wings, thatched from leaves. The next day I showed up to school with my new wings, nobody believed they would work, they tried to stop me, but I ran so fast, and believed in myself so much, that I took flight soaring over “Suicide Hill.” and the bullies at Murray Hill Elementary.
Instead of falling, I soared.
Instead of fear, I grew stronger.
A Dream set my heart on fire,
Belief, and some curiosity made it possible.
I was born to be wild, I was born to fly.
In 2017 I received the most exciting email:
NEW CASTING From the Creators of Brain Games
”You're receiving this email because you applied or appeared on National Geo's Brain Games. We are revving up the engine again, because we are casting a brand new show for Netflix and this time we're looking for adults AND kids!”
Below is the casting announcement. ALL positions are paid/non-union. Feel free to post and share with family and friends. Auditions will be in NYC next week and shooting starts in the NY Tristate area in December (there may be some episodes to be filmed in LA - if you live in LA please note it in your response).
Thanks and good luck!
The Brain Teasers Team
________________________________________________________________
MAJOR CASTING FOR KIDS 9-17 AND ADULTS 18-35! - PAID - NON UNION
Finally a show that brings you the talent and excitement of adventure-seeking kids!
Are you curious? Do you love having fun and enjoy discovering the science behind everyday life? Then we want to hear from you!
From Emmy-Nominated Atomic Entertainment and i am OTHER’s Pharrell Williams and Mimi Valdés, premiering 2018 on a major streaming platform!
Seeking Kids ages 9-17 of all ethnicities + Adults ages 18-35 of all ethnicities as participants/extras/audience members/and scripted roles.
**Adults will likely have specific roles, so a background in acting and improv is a plus!
Auditions to take place in NYC the week of November 13th - Shoots begin in December in the NYC Tri-State and surrounding areas.
Email BrainTeasersCasting@gmail.com with:
A CLEAR photo of yourself
Your Age
National Geographic Brain Games Audition Tape Jealousy Bites
Hopeful for a dream-come-true TV debut with my temperamental Jack Russell Terrier, I submitted our audition tape to National Geographic and waited for a call back. I was ecstatic perhaps even a bit of dramatic, signing NDA’s and advocating like Kris Jenner, acting like a newby NYC stage dad to by “Furbaby,” Ms. Emma Jean.
On the taxi ride to the studio in midtown, we were nervous, but I tried to center, taking calming yoga breathes and leaned in to allowing the universe to work its magic. When we arrived were welcomed and offered refreshments, then they set me up with a microphone and earpiece to help direct the scene. They assured me we would me having several takes and mostly to act natural with Emma. Playing with toys and pretending to play the guitar, they instructed me to ignore Emma as she nervously and playfully started to explore the set. The real TV DRAMA happened when they instructed me to go to the props and pick up “Noodle, a robotic dog that barks and wags its tail.” As you’ll see, it was a fun scene but my internal dog-dad defense popped off and I started feeling embarrassed for my misbehaving pooch. Here we were, finally made it to National TV and Emma decides to start biting and pulling the dog tail! I was mortified, afraid she’d ruin the prop but the directors laughed and loved it, they said “It’s okay, let her tug it a little.”
At the end of the production, we collected her paycheck and headed straight to PetSmart where I let her pick out $200 of her favorite balls, squeaky toys and treats. Ms. Emma Jean passed away in , January, 2024 at 17.5 years old, and it has been both a relief, grief and a hole that will never heal. These memories have fortified my faith in dreams coming true, finally realizing my dream of fatherhood through the eyes of a scraggly and sweet Jack Russel Terrier.
She taught be patience, understanding, and made me a more patient dog-daddy.
Now viewed +9Million times on YouTube and Disney+ I’m especially grateful for the impact this experience has had on my life and hopefully the world. I hope it helps humanity recognize that jealousy is a natural feeling, and yes it “BITES” but often stems from fear and can be calmed with attention, care, admiration and a sense of belonging.
I have immense empathy for those who feel unworthy of love, who have been withheld love or been bullied into believing they are not good enough or too stupid to be loved. Perhaps that’s why I prefer adopting dogs, sentient beings who have been discarded but always can find a way to love again.
“All you have to do in life is be passionate and enthusiastic and you will have a wonderful life.”
