Branding, Influence & Reinvention: A Masterclass for Creators and Filmmakers with Linda Arroz
Tue Feb 03 2026
In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Linda Arroz — lifestyle writer, speaker, advisor, former plus-size spokesmodel, and media strategist — for a wide-ranging conversation on reinvention, branding, and storytelling in today’s entertainment landscape.
Linda shares her unconventional journey from working at General Motors to becoming a nationally recognized fashion and media authority, styling hundreds of TV shows and commercials, appearing on major networks, publishing books, and now developing podcasts and documentaries at the intersection of media, technology, and culture.
In this episode, we explore:
🎥 How to break into media and entertainment without a traditional path🧠 Why storytelling and communication skills matter more than credentials👗 Branding yourself like an influencer — lessons filmmakers can apply📣 Why filmmakers must market themselves, not just their films📚 Turning expertise into books, speaking, and multi-platform projects🎙️ Developing podcasts as IP for future documentaries and films🤖 Technology, blockchain, and AI as tools for modern creators🎬 Building visibility through Q&As, public appearances, and media🌱 The power of mentorship, adaptability, and lifelong reinventionLinda also discusses her current work developing narrative-driven podcasts, including true crime and documentary projects, and why creators must evolve their skill sets to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry.
This episode is essential listening for filmmakers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and women in media looking to build sustainable careers by combining storytelling, branding, and strategic visibility.
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In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Linda Arroz — lifestyle writer, speaker, advisor, former plus-size spokesmodel, and media strategist — for a wide-ranging conversation on reinvention, branding, and storytelling in today’s entertainment landscape. Linda shares her unconventional journey from working at General Motors to becoming a nationally recognized fashion and media authority, styling hundreds of TV shows and commercials, appearing on major networks, publishing books, and now developing podcasts and documentaries at the intersection of media, technology, and culture. In this episode, we explore: 🎥 How to break into media and entertainment without a traditional path🧠 Why storytelling and communication skills matter more than credentials👗 Branding yourself like an influencer — lessons filmmakers can apply📣 Why filmmakers must market themselves, not just their films📚 Turning expertise into books, speaking, and multi-platform projects🎙️ Developing podcasts as IP for future documentaries and films🤖 Technology, blockchain, and AI as tools for modern creators🎬 Building visibility through Q&As, public appearances, and media🌱 The power of mentorship, adaptability, and lifelong reinventionLinda also discusses her current work developing narrative-driven podcasts, including true crime and documentary projects, and why creators must evolve their skill sets to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry. This episode is essential listening for filmmakers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and women in media looking to build sustainable careers by combining storytelling, branding, and strategic visibility.