You moved to Asheville, North Carolina back in 2018 to nurture your creativity outside a major city. What made you choose Asheville in particular and what lessons have you learned living there thus far? I chose Asheville because I was following the call, so to speak. I’ve learned the importance of surrounding yourself with people who don’t work in the creative or entertainment industries – to have a diverse group. I’ve learned the importance of proximity to nature to my artistic process. I’ve learned how to say no to going to the party. I’ve learned that we all need people a little more than we think. 

You self-directed Live From Blackalachia there back in 2020. What do you enjoy the most about directing films? 

I think if you had asked me this in 2020 I would have said nothing, ha. Directing, for me, is like scratching an existential itch … the pleasure is derived from a sense of relief. But now that I’ve had experience acting I realize what I love most about directing is a total (and totalitarian) sense of control. It’s such a blessing to have a vision and then get to see it all the way through. It’s also painful and painstaking, and I take the privilege of directing very seriously – which is why it’s difficult to enjoy it sometimes. But at the end when I look back at what I’ve made, the sense of pride in “having made” is unparalleled.