In this cinematic new episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with acclaimed film and television actor Jay Huguley — days away from the world premiere of Death on the Brandywine, the Delaware-made thriller that’s taking the festival circuit by storm.

With three screenings added after sell-outs at the Rehoboth Beach International Film Festival, Huguley opens up about stepping into his latest role as Rye Riley, a mysterious and morally conflicted character whose presence tilts the film’s entire emotional gravity. Directed by Nick Wilkinson and produced by Lisa Black, Death on the Brandywine stars Huguley alongside Tuc Watkins, Kate Burton, Rena Sofer, and Guy Nardulli — and is already being hailed as the most successful feature ever shot entirely in Delaware.

Jay takes listeners behind the scenes of the production — the creative alchemy that comes from indie filmmaking, the freedom to build complexity into a role, and the thrill of watching audiences respond in real time. He also reflects on his larger body of work — from 12 Years a Slave and The Walking Dead to Taylor Sheridan’s new Paramount+ series Landman — and offers insight into how an actor stays sharp, grounded, and creatively alive across decades of transformation.

This is a conversation with an actor at full stride — one who turns every project into proof that determination is the ultimate talent.

-Death on the Brandywine showcases the power of independent filmmaking done right.

-Playing Rye Riley let Jay explore the tension between danger and empathy.

-A “troubled” character can be the heartbeat of a story when grounded in truth.

-Success comes from longevity — and embracing reinvention across roles.

-Determination isn’t a mindset; it’s a discipline.

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Jay Huguley

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In this gripping episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Emily Harrington — world-renowned professional climber, mother, and IMAX documentary star of Girl Climber.

Emily opens up about the physical and emotional peaks behind her record-breaking climbs, including her free ascent of El Capitan, balancing motherhood, and the deep human lessons that come with facing fear thousands of feet in the air.

What makes Emily’s story so powerful isn’t just the scale of her climbs — it’s the honesty behind them. She shares how fear still finds her on every wall, how she’s learned to trust her gear, her partners, and herself, and how failure is not the enemy but the environment climbers live in.

Together, she and Shawn explore the psychology of resilience, the beauty of imperfection, and the parallels between climbing and life — from battling self-doubt to finding meaning beyond the summit.

The conversation also touches on her marriage to fellow climber and guide Adrian Ballinger, her late mentor Hilaree Nelson, and her deep love for Ecuador, where she and Adrian were married. Between discussions of altitude, family, and fear, Emily paints a portrait of determination that transcends sport.

If you’ve ever faced something that scared you, doubted your own strength, or wondered what’s left after achieving the impossible — this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways

-Fear doesn’t disappear — it evolves. Even pros feel it at the edge.

-Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s the path to mastery.

-Parenthood and adventure aren’t mutually exclusive — both require endurance and grace.

-The real summit isn’t the wall, it’s who you become climbing it.

-Vulnerability is strength; perfection is a myth.

-Gratitude and perspective are the antidotes to burnout.

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Emily Harrington

https://www.instagram.com/emilyaharrington/

In this profoundly emotional episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Andrew Pollack, father of Meadow Pollack — one of the victims of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida

Andrew shares his journey from unimaginable loss to relentless advocacy, turning grief into a nationwide movement for school safety, accountability, and change. He speaks candidly about the failures that led to the tragedy, the reforms Florida has implemented since, and his ongoing mission to make sure no parent endures what he has.

Through moments of heartbreak and hard truth, Andy’s voice cuts through the politics and noise to remind listeners that parental involvement, training, and accountability save lives. From holding local officials responsible to designing cutting-edge safety technology, Andy’s message is clear: complacency kills — action protects.

The conversation expands beyond headlines into personal conviction, faith, and leadership. Andy shares how Florida became a national model for school safety, why armed guardians and plain-clothes officers matter, and how technology is reshaping emergency response. He also exposes the systemic failures, misguided leniency policies, and lack of courage that cost innocent lives.

This episode is not political — it’s personal. It’s a father’s mission to protect every child in America.

Key Takeaways

-Parents have the power to demand change and protect their children.

-Florida leads the nation in school-safety reforms — accountability matters.

-Complacency kills: “You gotta know better now.”

-Accountability for law enforcement and policy leaders saves lives.

-Technology and training together create real-world safety solutions.

-Victims deserve action, not excuses.

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Andrew Pollack

https://www.instagram.com/andrewpollackfl/