No Map Included Wed, 01 Jul 2026 10:11:20 -0700 https://nomapincluded.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 No Map Included yes 4df49c56-4ac8-5a55-9da0-ad40c728a29b yessicadeborah@gmail.com yessisanchezth@gmail.com Yessi Sanchez episodic false How many versions of yourself have you already lived through?

A career that ended. An identity you outgrew. A dream that changed. A version of yourself that's simply over.

Most of us only hear these stories once they've been neatly wrapped up.

No Map Included is about the part before that.

Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast combines honest conversations with people navigating identity shifts, creative careers, and uncertainty with real-time documentation of building independent films from the ground up.

No one here has everything figured out.

That's the point.

If you're trying to figure out who you are after something changed, start with whatever episode feels right.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Yessi Sanchez yessicadeborah@gmail.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/08ypxpdisgtwsp6f8290w7l229us?.jpg No Map Included https://nomapincluded.buzzsprout.com Yessi Sanchez Floriane Andersen | Building a Sustainable Creative Career Floriane Andersen | Building a Sustainable Creative Career In this episode of No Map Included, I sit down with my friend, collaborator, and Artak Pictures co-founder Floriane Andersen to talk about something we've both been thinking about a lot lately: boundaries.

When you're starting out, saying yes to everything can feel like the only option. But eventually there comes a point where every "yes" starts costing you something, your time, your energy, your health, or the work that matters most to you.

We talk about how producing changed the way we think about responsibility, why ambition and competitiveness aren't the same thing, and how learning to protect your time can actually make you more intentional about the career you're building.

We also pull back the curtain on the film festival circuit, what people see on social media versus what it's actually like behind the scenes, and how Floriane approached this year's festival run very differently after burning out the year before.

More than anything, this conversation is about redefining success. Not by asking, "How much can I accomplish?" but by asking, "What kind of life am I actually building?"

If you've ever struggled to say no, found yourself constantly chasing the next opportunity, or wondered how to build a creative career without losing yourself in the process, I think you'll find something in this conversation.

Connect with us!
Floriane Andersen

Artak Pictures
https://artakpictures.com

If this conversation resonated with you, I'd genuinely love to hear your thoughts. You can leave a comment, send me a message, or subscribe to No Map Included wherever you listen to podcasts. Your messages often shape future conversations, and I'd love to know what part of this episode stayed with you.

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> In this episode of No Map Included, I sit down with my friend, collaborator, and Artak Pictures co-founder Floriane Andersen to talk about something we've both been thinking about a lot lately: boundaries.

When you're starting out, saying yes to everything can feel like the only option. But eventually there comes a point where every "yes" starts costing you something, your time, your energy, your health, or the work that matters most to you.

We talk about how producing changed the way we think about responsibility, why ambition and competitiveness aren't the same thing, and how learning to protect your time can actually make you more intentional about the career you're building.

We also pull back the curtain on the film festival circuit, what people see on social media versus what it's actually like behind the scenes, and how Floriane approached this year's festival run very differently after burning out the year before.

More than anything, this conversation is about redefining success. Not by asking, "How much can I accomplish?" but by asking, "What kind of life am I actually building?"

If you've ever struggled to say no, found yourself constantly chasing the next opportunity, or wondered how to build a creative career without losing yourself in the process, I think you'll find something in this conversation.

Connect with us!
Floriane Andersen

Artak Pictures
https://artakpictures.com

If this conversation resonated with you, I'd genuinely love to hear your thoughts. You can leave a comment, send me a message, or subscribe to No Map Included wherever you listen to podcasts. Your messages often shape future conversations, and I'd love to know what part of this episode stayed with you.

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> Yessi Sanchez Buzzsprout-19409250 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0700 1970 1 14 full false LOVE/HATE | What My Vertical Series Taught Me About Storytelling LOVE/HATE | What My Vertical Series Taught Me About Storytelling In this episode of No Map Included, I look back on one of the biggest creative experiments I've ever taken on: making a zero-budget vertical series for social media.

Before moving on to the next chapter, I wanted to unpack what this project taught me.

I talk about what surprised me, what didn't work the way I expected, what I loved about producing for social media, and what ultimately made me realize that the kinds of stories I want to tell belong somewhere else.

Every project teaches you something.

Sometimes it confirms the direction you're already heading.

Sometimes it changes the next decision you make.

For me, LOVE/HATE became both.

I tried something I'd never done before. Here's what worked. Here's what didn't. And here's how it's shaping the way I approach storytelling going forward.

Watch LOVE/HATE

https://instagram.com/thisislovehate

https://tiktok.com/@thisislovehate

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> In this episode of No Map Included, I look back on one of the biggest creative experiments I've ever taken on: making a zero-budget vertical series for social media.

Before moving on to the next chapter, I wanted to unpack what this project taught me.

I talk about what surprised me, what didn't work the way I expected, what I loved about producing for social media, and what ultimately made me realize that the kinds of stories I want to tell belong somewhere else.

Every project teaches you something.

Sometimes it confirms the direction you're already heading.

Sometimes it changes the next decision you make.

For me, LOVE/HATE became both.

I tried something I'd never done before. Here's what worked. Here's what didn't. And here's how it's shaping the way I approach storytelling going forward.

Watch LOVE/HATE

https://instagram.com/thisislovehate

https://tiktok.com/@thisislovehate

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> Yessi Sanchez Buzzsprout-19386977 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0700 712 1 13 full false Dr. Laurie Bruce | Who Are You When Everything Changes? Dr. Laurie Bruce | Who Are You When Everything Changes? In this episode of No Map Included, I sit down with Dr. Laurie Bruce, a clinical psychologist, mindfulness coach, and host of the podcast From Both Sides of the Couch, for a conversation about major life transitions, identity shifts, grief, and learning how to navigate uncertainty when you don't know what's next.

With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Bruce helps people build resilience, regulate their nervous systems, and move through life's challenges with greater self-awareness and compassion. Through her work and her podcast, she explores mental health, burnout, relationships, emotional wellness, and the very human experience of healing from both the clinician and client perspective.

Together, we talk about what it means to be in the messy middle of a major pivot. Laurie shares her experience navigating an unexpected divorce after thirty years of marriage, while I reflect on stepping away from acting after nearly three decades of building my identity around it.

We explore grief, uncertainty, resilience, and the stories we tell ourselves when a chapter of our lives comes to an end. We also talk about therapy, the importance of allowing yourself to be supported, and why healing often begins when we stop trying to rush through difficult emotions.

We also share some of the resources that have helped us navigate change, including Atomic Habits, The Pivot Year, This Is How You Heal, Yoga with Adriene, The Wellness Scoop, and MadFit.

And if you're currently navigating your own transition, whether it's a career pivot, the loss of a relationship, the end of a dream, or simply not knowing where you're headed next, I hope this conversation reminds you that uncertainty isn't something to solve. Sometimes it's where the next chapter begins.

Connect with Dr. Laurie Bruce:

Podcast: From Both Sides of the Couch
Website: www.drlauriebruce.com

If this conversation resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you. And if you know someone currently finding their way through a major life transition, send this episode their way.

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> In this episode of No Map Included, I sit down with Dr. Laurie Bruce, a clinical psychologist, mindfulness coach, and host of the podcast From Both Sides of the Couch, for a conversation about major life transitions, identity shifts, grief, and learning how to navigate uncertainty when you don't know what's next.

With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Bruce helps people build resilience, regulate their nervous systems, and move through life's challenges with greater self-awareness and compassion. Through her work and her podcast, she explores mental health, burnout, relationships, emotional wellness, and the very human experience of healing from both the clinician and client perspective.

Together, we talk about what it means to be in the messy middle of a major pivot. Laurie shares her experience navigating an unexpected divorce after thirty years of marriage, while I reflect on stepping away from acting after nearly three decades of building my identity around it.

We explore grief, uncertainty, resilience, and the stories we tell ourselves when a chapter of our lives comes to an end. We also talk about therapy, the importance of allowing yourself to be supported, and why healing often begins when we stop trying to rush through difficult emotions.

We also share some of the resources that have helped us navigate change, including Atomic Habits, The Pivot Year, This Is How You Heal, Yoga with Adriene, The Wellness Scoop, and MadFit.

And if you're currently navigating your own transition, whether it's a career pivot, the loss of a relationship, the end of a dream, or simply not knowing where you're headed next, I hope this conversation reminds you that uncertainty isn't something to solve. Sometimes it's where the next chapter begins.

Connect with Dr. Laurie Bruce:

Podcast: From Both Sides of the Couch
Website: www.drlauriebruce.com

If this conversation resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you. And if you know someone currently finding their way through a major life transition, send this episode their way.

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> Yessi Sanchez Buzzsprout-19316143 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0700 2070 1 12 full true Stay/Away | Momentum, Vulnerability & What's Next Stay/Away | Momentum, Vulnerability & What's Next In this episode of No Map Included, I share a real update on Stay/Away and why, after feeling stagnant for so long, the project suddenly feels alive again.

I talk about bringing a Swiss production company on board, officially deciding to move forward with the proof of concept short film, and what happens when a project you've been carrying privately for years starts becoming real in the outside world.

We get into financing, grant applications, development strategy, casting, language, and the practical realities of independent filmmaking; the parts that are far less glamorous than people often imagine, but essential to getting a film made.

I also talk about why I changed my mind about making the proof of concept, what I'm learning about collaboration, and how Stay/Away is becoming a bridge between my life in Los Angeles and my roots in Switzerland.

And because this story is deeply personal, I reflect on the emotional side of the process too: vulnerability, self-image, stepping back in front of the camera, and what it means to tell a story that comes from such a real place.

More than anything, this episode is about the moment a project stops feeling like an idea and starts becoming something tangible with all the excitement, uncertainty, and responsibility that comes with it.

And if you're building something of your own and waiting for momentum to arrive, I hope this episode reminds you that sometimes things are moving long before you can see the results.

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> In this episode of No Map Included, I share a real update on Stay/Away and why, after feeling stagnant for so long, the project suddenly feels alive again.

I talk about bringing a Swiss production company on board, officially deciding to move forward with the proof of concept short film, and what happens when a project you've been carrying privately for years starts becoming real in the outside world.

We get into financing, grant applications, development strategy, casting, language, and the practical realities of independent filmmaking; the parts that are far less glamorous than people often imagine, but essential to getting a film made.

I also talk about why I changed my mind about making the proof of concept, what I'm learning about collaboration, and how Stay/Away is becoming a bridge between my life in Los Angeles and my roots in Switzerland.

And because this story is deeply personal, I reflect on the emotional side of the process too: vulnerability, self-image, stepping back in front of the camera, and what it means to tell a story that comes from such a real place.

More than anything, this episode is about the moment a project stops feeling like an idea and starts becoming something tangible with all the excitement, uncertainty, and responsibility that comes with it.

And if you're building something of your own and waiting for momentum to arrive, I hope this episode reminds you that sometimes things are moving long before you can see the results.

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> Yessi Sanchez Buzzsprout-19260344 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0700 639 1 11 full false Nina Seul | Different Callings Within One Lifetime Nina Seul | Different Callings Within One Lifetime In this episode of No Map Included, I sit down with actress and producer Nina Seul for a conversation about identity, intuition, reinvention, and what happens when a lifelong calling begins to shift.

After spending more than twenty years building her life around acting, Nina opens up about the gradual realization that the career path she had centered her identity around no longer felt aligned in the same way. We talk about moving to Los Angeles, navigating the industry as a European actress, the emotional impact of rejection, and the pressure of constantly trying to prove yourself in a career that often feels deeply personal.

Nina shares how the pandemic, burnout, aging in the industry, and years of instability slowly changed her relationship to acting, and how she eventually found herself asking the universe for a new path entirely.

We also talk about intuition, immigrant experiences in the entertainment industry, finding joy outside of acting, and the difference between giving up on a dream versus allowing yourself to evolve beyond it.

More than anything, this episode is about realizing that identity doesn’t have to stay fixed forever, and that sometimes moving in a new direction isn’t failure, but growth.

And if you’ve ever questioned the path you built your life around, struggled to separate yourself from your career, or felt afraid to outgrow an old version of yourself, I hope this conversation makes you feel a little less alone.

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> In this episode of No Map Included, I sit down with actress and producer Nina Seul for a conversation about identity, intuition, reinvention, and what happens when a lifelong calling begins to shift.

After spending more than twenty years building her life around acting, Nina opens up about the gradual realization that the career path she had centered her identity around no longer felt aligned in the same way. We talk about moving to Los Angeles, navigating the industry as a European actress, the emotional impact of rejection, and the pressure of constantly trying to prove yourself in a career that often feels deeply personal.

Nina shares how the pandemic, burnout, aging in the industry, and years of instability slowly changed her relationship to acting, and how she eventually found herself asking the universe for a new path entirely.

We also talk about intuition, immigrant experiences in the entertainment industry, finding joy outside of acting, and the difference between giving up on a dream versus allowing yourself to evolve beyond it.

More than anything, this episode is about realizing that identity doesn’t have to stay fixed forever, and that sometimes moving in a new direction isn’t failure, but growth.

And if you’ve ever questioned the path you built your life around, struggled to separate yourself from your career, or felt afraid to outgrow an old version of yourself, I hope this conversation makes you feel a little less alone.

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> Yessi Sanchez Buzzsprout-19238173 Tue, 26 May 2026 07:00:00 -0700 1243 1 10 full false Creating Without Chasing the Outcome Creating Without Chasing the Outcome In this episode of No Map Included, I talk about what it means to stop living entirely for the outcome.

After spending years attaching my identity to achievement, momentum, and long-term goals, I’ve been trying to rebuild my relationship to creativity, ambition, and uncertainty in a way that feels healthier and more sustainable.

I talk about stepping away from acting professionally, navigating rejection with Stay/Away, returning to writing, and realizing how much of my life had become focused on chasing outcomes instead of actually experiencing the present.

I also get into identity shifts, background acting, books that found me at the right time, building new habits, and the difference between creating from pressure versus creating from genuine curiosity.

More than anything, this episode is about making room:
for new dreams, new versions of yourself, and a life that feels aligned even without a perfectly clear roadmap.

And if you’re currently in your own messy middle, trying to let go of an old identity, rethink success, or figure out what comes next, I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not the only one navigating that transition.

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> In this episode of No Map Included, I talk about what it means to stop living entirely for the outcome.

After spending years attaching my identity to achievement, momentum, and long-term goals, I’ve been trying to rebuild my relationship to creativity, ambition, and uncertainty in a way that feels healthier and more sustainable.

I talk about stepping away from acting professionally, navigating rejection with Stay/Away, returning to writing, and realizing how much of my life had become focused on chasing outcomes instead of actually experiencing the present.

I also get into identity shifts, background acting, books that found me at the right time, building new habits, and the difference between creating from pressure versus creating from genuine curiosity.

More than anything, this episode is about making room:
for new dreams, new versions of yourself, and a life that feels aligned even without a perfectly clear roadmap.

And if you’re currently in your own messy middle, trying to let go of an old identity, rethink success, or figure out what comes next, I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not the only one navigating that transition.

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> Yessi Sanchez Buzzsprout-19198787 Tue, 19 May 2026 07:00:00 -0700 1246 1 9 full false Letting Go of the Dream I Built My Life Around Letting Go of the Dream I Built My Life Around In this episode of No Map Included, I talk about what it feels like to let go of a dream you built your entire life around.

After more than a decade of pursuing acting professionally, I finally made the decision to step away from it as a career. Not because I stopped loving storytelling, but because my relationship to the industry, the instability, the constant hustle, and the version of life I had built around it no longer felt sustainable.

At the same time, the restaurant I had been working at suddenly closed, forcing me into an even bigger period of uncertainty and transition.

This episode is about identity shifts, burnout, social media pressure, survival jobs, and the emotional reality of realizing that something you once wanted deeply may no longer fit the person you’ve become.

I also talk about the complicated relationship between creativity and visibility, the pressure to constantly market yourself as an artist, and what it means to make room for a completely new chapter even when you don’t fully know what comes next.

This episode doesn’t really end with answers. It’s more of a snapshot of being in the middle of a major pivot while trying to trust that something new is waiting on the other side of it.

And if you’ve ever outgrown a version of your dream, or found yourself questioning the life you built around it, I’d genuinely love to hear from you.

Connect

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> In this episode of No Map Included, I talk about what it feels like to let go of a dream you built your entire life around.

After more than a decade of pursuing acting professionally, I finally made the decision to step away from it as a career. Not because I stopped loving storytelling, but because my relationship to the industry, the instability, the constant hustle, and the version of life I had built around it no longer felt sustainable.

At the same time, the restaurant I had been working at suddenly closed, forcing me into an even bigger period of uncertainty and transition.

This episode is about identity shifts, burnout, social media pressure, survival jobs, and the emotional reality of realizing that something you once wanted deeply may no longer fit the person you’ve become.

I also talk about the complicated relationship between creativity and visibility, the pressure to constantly market yourself as an artist, and what it means to make room for a completely new chapter even when you don’t fully know what comes next.

This episode doesn’t really end with answers. It’s more of a snapshot of being in the middle of a major pivot while trying to trust that something new is waiting on the other side of it.

And if you’ve ever outgrown a version of your dream, or found yourself questioning the life you built around it, I’d genuinely love to hear from you.

Connect

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> Yessi Sanchez Buzzsprout-19143115 Thu, 07 May 2026 14:00:00 -0700 817 1 8 full false Jacqueline Rosenthal | Finding a Path That Feels Aligned Jacqueline Rosenthal | Finding a Path That Feels Aligned In this episode of No Map Included, I sit down with student Emmy award winner Jacqueline Rosenthal for a conversation about what happens when the path you’ve been on no longer feels right.

Jacqueline started out as an actor, then decided to pivot, because acting never seemed to be fully aligned with her. We talk about building your identity around acting from a young age, and how validation can shape the choices you make without you even realizing it.

Jacqueline shares what it looked like to step into directing, how she reframed success and recognition, and why staying grounded became essential in a career built on highs and lows.

We also get into the parts that are rarely talked about: Working other jobs while building a career, navigating how others perceive that, and the reality of sustaining creative work over time.

This conversation is about choosing the work that feels right even if it means letting go of something you’ve held onto for a long time.

Connect

Jacqueline Rosenthal

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> In this episode of No Map Included, I sit down with student Emmy award winner Jacqueline Rosenthal for a conversation about what happens when the path you’ve been on no longer feels right.

Jacqueline started out as an actor, then decided to pivot, because acting never seemed to be fully aligned with her. We talk about building your identity around acting from a young age, and how validation can shape the choices you make without you even realizing it.

Jacqueline shares what it looked like to step into directing, how she reframed success and recognition, and why staying grounded became essential in a career built on highs and lows.

We also get into the parts that are rarely talked about: Working other jobs while building a career, navigating how others perceive that, and the reality of sustaining creative work over time.

This conversation is about choosing the work that feels right even if it means letting go of something you’ve held onto for a long time.

Connect

Jacqueline Rosenthal

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> Yessi Sanchez Buzzsprout-19109506 Fri, 01 May 2026 09:00:00 -0700 2459 1 7 full false New Strategy for my Zero Budget Vertical Series New Strategy for my Zero Budget Vertical Series In this episode of No Map Included, I talk through the next phase of building LOVE/HATE, and everything I’m learning as I move into Season 2.

Season 1 was an exploration. Testing format, structure, and how a vertical series can live on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Now, I’m looking at what’s working, what’s not, and what I want to adjust.

I talk about the challenge of building something for a platform that isn’t designed for the way the story is meant to be watched, and the tension between believing in the project and not seeing the level of engagement I expected.

This episode also gets into the practical side of making the series:
scheduling without a budget, writing within real constraints, simplifying locations, and finding ways to keep the process sustainable.

At the same time, Season 2 is already in production with new approaches to structure, distribution, and filming.

If you check out LOVE/HATE, I’d love to know what you think. You can find it on Instagram @thisislovehate (start at “Start Here” and scroll up).

And if you found the show through this podcast, comment “podcast”. I’m really curious how this process translates.

If you’re building something in real time too, feel free to share what you’re figuring out.

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> In this episode of No Map Included, I talk through the next phase of building LOVE/HATE, and everything I’m learning as I move into Season 2.

Season 1 was an exploration. Testing format, structure, and how a vertical series can live on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Now, I’m looking at what’s working, what’s not, and what I want to adjust.

I talk about the challenge of building something for a platform that isn’t designed for the way the story is meant to be watched, and the tension between believing in the project and not seeing the level of engagement I expected.

This episode also gets into the practical side of making the series:
scheduling without a budget, writing within real constraints, simplifying locations, and finding ways to keep the process sustainable.

At the same time, Season 2 is already in production with new approaches to structure, distribution, and filming.

If you check out LOVE/HATE, I’d love to know what you think. You can find it on Instagram @thisislovehate (start at “Start Here” and scroll up).

And if you found the show through this podcast, comment “podcast”. I’m really curious how this process translates.

If you’re building something in real time too, feel free to share what you’re figuring out.

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> Yessi Sanchez Buzzsprout-19028168 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0700 685 1 6 full false I asked for this, so why does it feel so hard? I asked for this, so why does it feel so hard? A few months ago, things were slow. Now, there’s momentum. Work, projects, responsibilities. It’s what I’ve been asking for.

And still, I feel burnt out.

Not overwhelmed in the way I used to be, where everything felt like too much, but a quieter version of it. The kind where you keep going, but you know something needs to shift.

This episode is a real-time reflection on time management, boundaries, and trying to balance multiple paths at once without dropping the things that actually matter.

I also talk about the tension between that and the good things happening at the same time: new opportunities, creative work, and moments that remind me why I’m doing this in the first place.

If you’re going through something right now, feel free to share in the comments, on Instagram, or on LinkedIn.

Sometimes just hearing what others are navigating can make it feel a little lighter.

And if you know someone who might need this, send this episode their way.

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> A few months ago, things were slow. Now, there’s momentum. Work, projects, responsibilities. It’s what I’ve been asking for.

And still, I feel burnt out.

Not overwhelmed in the way I used to be, where everything felt like too much, but a quieter version of it. The kind where you keep going, but you know something needs to shift.

This episode is a real-time reflection on time management, boundaries, and trying to balance multiple paths at once without dropping the things that actually matter.

I also talk about the tension between that and the good things happening at the same time: new opportunities, creative work, and moments that remind me why I’m doing this in the first place.

If you’re going through something right now, feel free to share in the comments, on Instagram, or on LinkedIn.

Sometimes just hearing what others are navigating can make it feel a little lighter.

And if you know someone who might need this, send this episode their way.

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> Yessi Sanchez Buzzsprout-18958901 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0700 1040 1 5 full true Zari Rose | Creativity Through Grief & Falling Back in Love with Acting Zari Rose | Creativity Through Grief & Falling Back in Love with Acting In this episode of No Map Included, I sit down with actress Zari Rose for a raw and honest conversation about grief, and what it means to find your way back to acting through it.

We met in 2018, at a time when acting felt more straightforward. Since then, the industry has changed, and so have we. What started as a clear goal slowly turned into something more complicated: pressure, expectations, and trying to follow a timeline that didn’t hold up.

We talk about falling out of love with acting while still pursuing it, and what it takes to come back to it from a different place.

Zari shares how grief reshaped her connection to the work, and how acting became less about proving something and more about understanding people.

If you’re in a phase where things feel unclear, or like you’re holding too tightly to something, maybe this is your reminder to step back, let it breathe, and trust what’s unfolding.

And if you know someone going through a difficult moment while still trying to hold onto what they love, send this episode their way.

Connect

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> In this episode of No Map Included, I sit down with actress Zari Rose for a raw and honest conversation about grief, and what it means to find your way back to acting through it.

We met in 2018, at a time when acting felt more straightforward. Since then, the industry has changed, and so have we. What started as a clear goal slowly turned into something more complicated: pressure, expectations, and trying to follow a timeline that didn’t hold up.

We talk about falling out of love with acting while still pursuing it, and what it takes to come back to it from a different place.

Zari shares how grief reshaped her connection to the work, and how acting became less about proving something and more about understanding people.

If you’re in a phase where things feel unclear, or like you’re holding too tightly to something, maybe this is your reminder to step back, let it breathe, and trust what’s unfolding.

And if you know someone going through a difficult moment while still trying to hold onto what they love, send this episode their way.

Connect

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> Yessi Sanchez Buzzsprout-18914322 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0700 1738 1 4 full true Stay/Away | Logline, Pitch Deck, Grant Applications Stay/Away | Logline, Pitch Deck, Grant Applications In this episode of No Map Included, I share what the early development stage of Stay/Away actually looks like, after the proof of concept is written, but before anything is financed or produced.

I talk about moving into pitch decks and grant applications, and how those materials don’t just present the story; they reshape it. Writing loglines, synopses, and a writer’s statement forced me to get clearer on what the film is really about.

I also get into the practical side of development:
researching grants, deciding where to apply, translating materials between English and German, and building a full package before funding is in place.

This episode is about a stage that’s mostly invisible:
rewriting, refining, second-guessing, and making decisions without knowing where they’ll lead.

If something in this episode sparked an idea, shifted your perspective, or made you rethink your own project, I’d love to hear from you.

You can reach out on Instagram or share your thoughts directly.

And if you know someone who’s in the middle of building something, send this episode their way.

Connect

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> In this episode of No Map Included, I share what the early development stage of Stay/Away actually looks like, after the proof of concept is written, but before anything is financed or produced.

I talk about moving into pitch decks and grant applications, and how those materials don’t just present the story; they reshape it. Writing loglines, synopses, and a writer’s statement forced me to get clearer on what the film is really about.

I also get into the practical side of development:
researching grants, deciding where to apply, translating materials between English and German, and building a full package before funding is in place.

This episode is about a stage that’s mostly invisible:
rewriting, refining, second-guessing, and making decisions without knowing where they’ll lead.

If something in this episode sparked an idea, shifted your perspective, or made you rethink your own project, I’d love to hear from you.

You can reach out on Instagram or share your thoughts directly.

And if you know someone who’s in the middle of building something, send this episode their way.

Connect

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> Yessi Sanchez Buzzsprout-18871071 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0700 802 1 3 full false Making a Vertical Series with Zero Budget Making a Vertical Series with Zero Budget What does it take to make a series with no budget, no crew, and no roadmap?

In this episode of No Map Included, Yessi Sanchez breaks down the creation of LOVE/HATE, a vertical fiction series filmed entirely for Instagram.

Shot in POV style and produced with a small group of collaborators across Los Angeles, the series became an experiment in building narrative storytelling outside traditional production systems. Yessi shares how the idea evolved, how the cast came together, and what it looked like to direct, act, produce, and edit the project at the same time.

From filming on buses and city streets to shaping episodes for social media attention spans, this episode explores the creative and logistical challenges of producing something ambitious with almost no resources.

Watch the Series

LOVE/HATE is a vertical fiction series set in Los Angeles, following a group of friends after one of them suddenly disappears.

Watch on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thisislovehate

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> What does it take to make a series with no budget, no crew, and no roadmap?

In this episode of No Map Included, Yessi Sanchez breaks down the creation of LOVE/HATE, a vertical fiction series filmed entirely for Instagram.

Shot in POV style and produced with a small group of collaborators across Los Angeles, the series became an experiment in building narrative storytelling outside traditional production systems. Yessi shares how the idea evolved, how the cast came together, and what it looked like to direct, act, produce, and edit the project at the same time.

From filming on buses and city streets to shaping episodes for social media attention spans, this episode explores the creative and logistical challenges of producing something ambitious with almost no resources.

Watch the Series

LOVE/HATE is a vertical fiction series set in Los Angeles, following a group of friends after one of them suddenly disappears.

Watch on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thisislovehate

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> Yessi Sanchez Buzzsprout-18819312 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0700 1316 1 2 full false The Story I Couldn't Let Go Of The Story I Couldn't Let Go Of In this first episode of No Map Included, I share how the journey started, from touring European film festivals as an actor to discovering filmmaking and writing as the form I was meant to pursue.

I talk about the story behind Stay/Away, a deeply personal feature film now in development, and LOVE/HATE, a zero-budget vertical series built entirely outside traditional systems.

This episode is about beginnings that don’t look like beginnings: imposter syndrome, scrapped drafts, creative pivots, and learning to create without waiting for permission.

Projects mentioned

Stay/Away — feature film in development
LOVE/HATE — vertical series now releasing on Instagram

Watch LOVE/HATE:
https://www.instagram.com/thisislovehate

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> In this first episode of No Map Included, I share how the journey started, from touring European film festivals as an actor to discovering filmmaking and writing as the form I was meant to pursue.

I talk about the story behind Stay/Away, a deeply personal feature film now in development, and LOVE/HATE, a zero-budget vertical series built entirely outside traditional systems.

This episode is about beginnings that don’t look like beginnings: imposter syndrome, scrapped drafts, creative pivots, and learning to create without waiting for permission.

Projects mentioned

Stay/Away — feature film in development
LOVE/HATE — vertical series now releasing on Instagram

Watch LOVE/HATE:
https://www.instagram.com/thisislovehate

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> Yessi Sanchez Buzzsprout-18785705 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0800 737 1 1 full false No Map Included - Official Trailer No Map Included - Official Trailer This trailer introduces the development of Stay/Away alongside the launch of LOVE/HATE, documenting what it actually looks like to build projects in real time; from early drafts to financing conversations and beyond. Along the way, the podcast features conversations with filmmakers and creatives about the work behind the work.

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> This trailer introduces the development of Stay/Away alongside the launch of LOVE/HATE, documenting what it actually looks like to build projects in real time; from early drafts to financing conversations and beyond. Along the way, the podcast features conversations with filmmakers and creatives about the work behind the work.

Send us Fan Mail

About the Podcast

No Map Included documents the process of building stories in real time: from proof of concept to premiere.
Hosted by filmmaker and producer Yessi Sanchez, the podcast explores the work behind the work and the paths that don’t show up on IMDb.

]]> Yessi Sanchez Buzzsprout-18748337 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0800 94 1 1 trailer false