Aden Yaregal on Television, Global Stories, and Craft of Storytelling
“Don’t take someone’s no away from them.”
Aden Yaregal is an LA-based first-gen Ethiopian American working towards cultivating an executive-level career in television development to unite communities through representation and diverse storytelling. Aden is co-producing the Greater Film Festival and working with the Enclave Entertainment Group as a development coordinator and script reader. Previously, Aden began her career in telecoms sales and media before shifting full-time into entertainment.
In this conversation, Aden and I explore why storytelling captured her attention at such a very young age. And as a child of an immigrant, we explore why storytelling can help you make sense of a brand new place where your parents can't provide that for you.
We talk much more about leaping into the unknown for yourself. As I mentioned in the intro, she's working towards becoming an executive-level producer. A couple of years ago, she decided to start working full-time in the entertainment world, even though it was a major pivot and she wasn't getting paid. Her story shows that if you believe in something, you must just leap at some point rather than just dream about it. You have to start making it a reality.
Then, from there, we explore what it is to be in pursuit of something but also to be more present at the same time because it's one thing to be driven all the time, but also you need to put space in between your days so that you can play the long game.
I enjoyed this conversation with Aden; she's full of stories, has a passion for stories, and provides a lens on the world for experiences that have not already been captured. Please enjoy this conversation with Aden Yaregal.
Connect with Aden!
Instagram @ayaregal
Twitter @AdenYaregal
Show Notes:
[00:03:56] Aden's Background
The Twilight Saga (film series)
[00:07:14] Resistance from parents
[00:08:44] Having the courage to quit your job
[00:11:53] TV to make sense of the world
[00:14:03] Why are they ready to hear her story?
[00:15:40] The power of global stories
[00:20:03] Nollywood
[00:20:30] Romance example in different cultures
A Cultural Perspective on Romantic Love
[00:22:09] Storytelling tools that are overused or limitations to play with
20 Movie Cliches and Tropes to Avoid in Your Next Screenplay
[00:24:39] Undercutting the value of our interests
'The Queen's Gambit' is inspiring millions of newcomers to play chess
[00:28:03] What Aden is less excited about in storytelling
[00:31:48] Seeing yourself reflected in the characters you watch
An Oral History of The Office on Apple Podcasts
The Office (American TV series)
[00:37:33] Staying focused
[00:39:34] Finding Peer Groups
[00:42:30] Saying Yes to everything
[00:45:37] Connecting with people
[00:48:34] Stop comparing yourself to other people
How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
[00:54:47] Difficulties when you're interested in a topic at a young age
[00:56:01] Exploring careers
[01:00:35] Never stagnating
[01:07:25] Awareness
Awareness by Tony De Mello
Headspace: Meditation and Sleep Made Simple
[01:10:15] Recommended books
The Screenwriter's Problem Solver by Syd Field
