#29: Survival, Courage & Storytelling - Fire, War & The Brother Who Never Walks Away

Overview

This episode dives into the extraordinary life of Brandt Andersen, an award-winning filmmaker, activist, and former tech entrepreneur. From near-death experiences like a skydiving accident and surviving the Malibu fires, to his humanitarian work in war zones and refugee camps, Brandt shares the pivotal moments that shaped his philosophy on life, courage, and storytelling. The conversation also explores his latest film, I Was a Stranger, inspired by the Syrian refugee crisis, and the lessons he's learned about empathy, resilience, and the human condition.

Notable Quotes

- The point of life is not to make yourself happy. The point of life is to feel the moment that you're in. – Brandt Andersen, on embracing life's challenges.

- Don't judge people by their worst day. – Brandt Andersen, on finding empathy for others.

- No great sculpture has been made out of clay. They're all made out of stone. – Brandt Andersen, on the transformative power of hardship.

🪂 Skydiving and Facing Mortality

- Brandt recounts a harrowing skydiving accident where his tandem instructor panicked mid-air, leading to a failed parachute deployment. The reserve chute saved them just in time.

- This experience underscored the importance of trusting the right people and facing fear head-on.

- Brandt later overcame his fear by skydiving again, describing it as a metaphor for life: You’ve got to do the hard things with the right kind of people.

🎥 Storytelling Through Film

- Brandt’s passion for filmmaking stems from its ability to transport audiences and evoke deep emotions. He recalls formative experiences watching films like Pulp Fiction and Dances with Wolves.

- His entry into Hollywood began by leveraging his business acumen to help producers structure deals, eventually transitioning to creative roles.

- His latest film, I Was a Stranger, tells interwoven stories of families affected by the Syrian refugee crisis, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human experiences.

🌍 Humanitarian Work and Empathy

- Brandt’s humanitarian efforts have taken him to disaster zones like Haiti after the 2010 earthquake and war-torn regions in Syria and Gaza.

- He shares a poignant story of meeting a smuggler in Turkey, discovering the man’s love for his son despite his morally complex actions. This encounter shaped how Brandt portrays nuanced characters in his films.

- His work is driven by a desire to create empathy and understanding, channeling his emotions into art rather than judgment or anger.

🔥 Surviving the Malibu Fires

- Brandt and his son Brody stayed behind during the Woolsey Fire to protect their home and art collection, only to find themselves surrounded by flames.

- The experience inspired a scene in I Was a Stranger, capturing the bond between a father and son in a life-threatening moment.

- Brandt reflects on the lessons learned: Hard things make strong people.

🧠 Resilience and the Philosophy of Life

- Brandt emphasizes the value of embracing hardship, seeing it as a privilege that shapes character and resilience.

- He advocates for training the mind to focus on positivity and gratitude, noting that the most successful people actively cultivate this mindset.

- His advice: Get back up. Everyone loves a story of redemption.