Brian Grazer (Oscar and Emmy-Winning Producer) on Curiosity, Creativity, and Human Connection

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews legendary producer Brian Grazer. As co-founder of Imagine Entertainment with Ron Howard, Grazer's films and television shows have earned 47 Oscar nominations and 242 Emmy nominations, with his movies grossing nearly $15 billion globally. Known for hits like A Beautiful Mind (which won him the Academy Award for Best Picture), Apollo 13 , and Friday Night Lights . During the conversation, Grazer opens up about the power of curiosity, the secret to his 40-year partnership with Ron Howard, and the magic of connecting with audiences through emotionally resonant storytelling. The Power of Curiosity (03:38) Grazer shares how he built his career through "curiosity conversations" with industry legends, discussing his unique approach to meeting and talking with influential figures. Finding Creative Purpose (10:59) Grazer reflects on how watching E.T. transformed his understanding of cinema's emotional impact, inspiring him to create films that elevate audiences. The Heart of Storytelling (13:13) The producer discusses his philosophy that stories are designed to ignite emotion, and how he seeks projects that allow characters to achieve emotional transformation. Grazer believes that his greatest successes come from connecting to the soul of the material instead of merely making "business" decisions. Building Imagine Entertainment (26:13) The producer discusses his 40-year partnership with Ron Howard, explaining how their contrasting personalities and aligned values created a perfect collaboration. Oscar Night Memories (29:42) Grazer shares his Academy Award experience, starting with a surprising admission about Apollo 13's loss years earlier, and how his Best Picture win for A Beautiful Mind was a moment of redemption. The Art of Human Connection (37:06) Grazer discusses his two books, explaining how "A Curious Mind" explores curiosity as an engine. He shares how his second book, "Face to Face: The Art of Human Connection," was inspired by a profound interaction with his housekeeper. Brian Grazer's remarkable career demonstrates the power of curiosity, emotional storytelling, and human connection in creating impactful entertainment. From his early days selling newspaper subscriptions to winning an Oscar for A Beautiful Mind , Grazer's journey exemplifies how maintaining humility, following one's instincts, and seeking deeper meaning in stories can lead to extraordinary success in Hollywood. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or connect on social media. We look forward to bringing you more revelations from behind the scenes next time on Don't Kill the Messenger! Host: Kevin Goetz Guest: Brian Grazer Producer: Kari Campano Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano Audio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment) For more information about Brian Grazer: Wikipedia: https: For more information about Kevin Goetz: - Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com - Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678 - How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/ - Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360 - LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz - Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com