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Danny Fehsenfeld is a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, known for his versatile contributions as an actor, singer/songwriter, public speaker, and writer. With a rich career that spans across various mediums, Danny has left his mark on audiences worldwide. He is recognized for his role as "Gil" on "The Young & The Restless" and his compelling presence on YouTube with over 250 million views. As the face of national campaigns for brands like Jeep, Chrysler, and 5 Hour Energy, Danny's influence in advertising is undeniable, with award-winning Super Bowl commercials and notably setting trends with his viral campaign for Nordnet.
His voice acting prowess is showcased in the Oscar-winning "Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse," and he stars in several major animation features, including "Chickenhare & The Hamster Of Darkness" and "Latte & The Magic Waterstone," both acclaimed on Netflix. Danny is also the voice behind "Bogota" in the globally celebrated series "Money Heist" (La Casa De Papel).
On-screen, Danny's notable roles include Nelson Stone in the TV series "Scarlett" and appearances in "The Upshaws" and "The Day You Found Me." His vocal talents extend to the music industry, backing icons like Celine Dion and John Legend, and leading the praise band at the Crystal Cathedral.
Growing up on the road with a public speaker father, Danny's early life was filled with travel and homeschooling experiences that shaped his passion for art and communication. Today, he continues to inspire through his performances and as a speaker at various events, embodying the transformative power of creativity and imagination.
Show Notes:
- 4:00 – Danny shares his story, his “La La Land” journey, as he falls in love with singing and acting and begins to follow his dream. He talks about the tenacity and faith it takes to follow a dream to Hollywood.
- 12:00 – The entertainment industry is built on selling perception. The entertainment industry is not so much interested in what is best but what is being bought. He shares how to become and remain relevant in the industry.
- “Art itself is always a reflection of the culture from which it is derived… anytime you try to regulate art, it ceases to exist; art in its purest form is freedom.”
- 20:00 – Danny shares his first “big break” and how that altered his perception of his finances. He then talks about experiencing an empty feeling after starring in a #1 film as he immediately started to think about what came next.
- “Who I am as a man always takes precedence over my accolades.”
- 26:00 – “How soon can I buy my freedom?” Danny shares what things were most important to him– not being bound to a day job, freedom to travel, etc– and what he did to achieve those goals financially.
- 32:00 – How to be an entrepreneur in the entertainment industry, the mindset and habits needed to have success!
- “All that fear and anxiety is excitement with a negative outlook.”
- 48:00 – Danny shares his background and how he began his journey of self-discovery. He talks about how he reprogrammed his mind to restructure his life. He talks about the power that the words you speak and the thoughts you possess have over your reality.
- 1:05:00 – Major career “breakthroughs” followed a changed mindset and lifestyle. He discusses the differences in the genres he has worked within– musicals, animations, comedies, and more– and what he enjoys about each process.
- 1:10:00– Danny discusses the industry logistics of how the studio works when recording animation films and the creative methods that he can implement when acting.
- “The four deepest fears of humanity are the fear of death, rejection, failure, and public speaking. I think the fear of public speaking is connected to some of those other fears.”
- 1:15:00 – Danny talks about the different segments of voiceovers and the commercial industry segments. He then talks about the process of casting within commercials.
- 1:24:00 – Danny gives his insight on how the watching habits of America (switching over to streaming services) affect the industry. In the same way, technology and innovation impact everything, it impacts this industry.
- 1:27:00 – Danny talks about how the writer's strike impacted the entertainment industry.
- “Every time you have a strike, it’s not just the artists that are out of work; you are affecting the economy and the entire state drastically.”
- 1:33:00 – Danny analyzes where he foresees zones of opportunity in the future of his career. He shares how he can look at his life in a way where he makes the decisions. He is moving towards being in the “driver's seat” with what he delivers.
- 1:42:00 – Danny shares his perspective about what he has seen of other people in the industry who are not willing to go through the dream, struggle, victory process. He shares his experience with and around these “opportunity hoppers” who are just looking for instant home runs.
- 1:48:00 – Danny discusses the process motivating him over the end success. Danny says that the best life is balance, balancing love for the process with achieving your goals.
- 1:54:00 – Danny talks about how he learns best and where he has sought mentorship. Along with this, he talks about his time reflecting and introspecting. Danny says that applying your understanding garners more knowledge and wisdom beneath what you have been taught.
- “I would primarily like to be remembered as someone who loved well.”
- 2:00:00 – Danny shares his last bit of advice on how to overcome the limitations that only exist within your mind.
- Books - “Who Switched Off My Brain: Controlling Toxic Thoughts and Emotions” by Dr. Caroline Leaf, "Rich Dad, Poor Dad", "The CashFlow Quadrant"
Follow Danny Fehsenfeld on Instagram and Facebook @DannyFehsenfeld and check out www.DannyFehsenfeld.com
Creators & Guests
Producer
Mitch White
Freelance Audio Engineer, 2011 Recording Connections Certified Audio Engineer
What is Taking the Leap?
Taking the Leap Podcast hosted by Robert Dickie III discusses changes in our global economy impacting the way we work and live. For young professionals starting their careers, mid-career professionals navigating changes and late-career professionals thinking about starting an encore career, Robert and his guests discuss the global economy, technology, workplace developments, and all the latest changes impacting our professional lives.