Creating Under Pressure: Joshua Caldwell on Hollywood, Psychology, and the Art of Directing

In this episode of Mental Health and Business, Dr. Nicholas Samstag sits down with director, writer, and producer Joshua Caldwell to explore the emotional and psychological weight behind creativity in high-stakes environments.

From self-taught beginnings and high school parodies to working with stars like Bella Thorne and Brian Cox, Joshua shares how his approach to storytelling is deeply rooted in character psychology, presence over performance, and collaboration over control.

They dive into:

The mental health toll of working in a volatile Hollywood

Why directing is as much about psychology as it is about craft

How creating a safe emotional space for actors leads to better art

And how fly fishing became a powerful metaphor — and practice — for staying grounded

Whether you’re in the arts, business, or just navigating a high-pressure career, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how to create without losing yourself in the process.