We recently had the chance to connect with Jeff Macolino and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jeff, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
After we finished filming Thanksgiving, Again?! in June I got really into taking daily walks and other exercises. I end up walking over 10 miles most days now, and I’ve lost a lot of weight. Really brings me joy and helps me find peace often times as I walk and allow my mind to wander.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jeff Macolino — a filmmaker, actor, and podcaster based in St. Petersburg, Florida. I’ve always been passionate about creating things that make people laugh, think, and feel connected. I host The Jeff Macolino Podcast, where I’ve had over 200 guests from all walks of life, and I recently started producing and starring in independent films shot right here in Florida.
My production company, Macolino Entertainment Network, focuses on telling authentic, character-driven stories while building the local film scene. We recently wrapped Thanksgiving, Again?!, a heartfelt and funny family comedy, and I’m also starring in The Last Ryde, a drama filmed throughout St. Pete. What makes my work unique is that it’s rooted in real people and places — I love showcasing Florida talent and producing quality indie films on realistic budgets.
At the end of the day, I’m just someone who loves entertaining people — whether it’s through a movie, a podcast conversation, or a story that makes you laugh or feel something unexpected.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Not to get crazy philosophical, but I think I’ve used “self-hatred” as a motivating factor in my life. The belief that no one else believes in me, or that I’m not good enough to accomplish a goal motivates me to prove myself and everyone else wrong. And while that was a driving factor in getting my two movies filmed in less than a calendar year, it does wear on you mentally to constantly be inside your own head telling yourself that you suck.
So I’m trying to release that and take the advice of so many loved ones in my life. It’s OK to accept myself as me. Not that I can’t continue to improve and get better and accomplish more. But there’s no need to be so harsh on myself.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Well, I started a job in insurance when I was 23, fresh out of college. I learned all about 401ks and IRAs and all that. I did the math and realized all I had to do was make it till 58 and I’d be able to retire with millions in the bank. I told myself, after I get there, then I could enjoy my life and do things that I wanted to do. I was miserable, and sadly, I wasn’t failing. I was great at my job, so I kept getting promotions and more money and more responsibility that I didn’t really want.
It wasn’t until a decade later that I had the realization that I’m going through my life like a zombie and if it kept going like this, I wouldn’t make it to age 58 alive. Don’t get me wrong, I did my best as a father, friend and family member, but I just kept telling myself “only 25 more years of this and I can finally live the life I want!” And I knew if I kept at it, there was no way I’d make it 25 more years.
So I changed my mind and started my new journey. Trying to make a living doing things I love doing. Work for me now is stuff I want to do until the day I die. Retirement isn’t a thing I ever think about anymore.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
More or less. I exaggerate certain things for comedic purposes for sure, but for the most part I try to be as authentic as a possibly can. I think if I succeed in this journey it’s going to be because people see someone not afraid to be authentic and share things that most people would consider embarrassing or shameful.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Being sober, probably, would top the list.
But seriously, I’d make more of an effort to spend more time with the people I love and waste less time with people who don’t bring joy into my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jeffmacolino.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintjmac/
- Twitter: https://x.com/SaintJMac
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffmacolinopodcast
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jeffmacolino
- Other: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thanksgivingagain
