When people think about my life, they usually imagine the fast-paced world of Hollywood—writers’ rooms, production meetings, deadlines, and the constant push to create something fresh. But behind all that hustle, I’ve learned that staying grounded is just as important as staying productive. For me, that balance comes from sports—specifically golf and, more recently, pickleball. These aren’t just hobbies. They’re essential tools that help me clear my mind, refocus, and bring my best self to the stories I tell.
Hollywood can be a high-pressure, high-stress environment. Creativity is expected on demand, and every day presents a new set of challenges. Without an outlet to step away and recharge, it’s easy to get burned out, stuck in your head, or lose perspective. Golf and pickleball have been my escape, my reset button, and in many ways, a form of meditation that keeps my creativity flowing.
The Calm of the Course
Golf has been part of my life for years. There’s something almost spiritual about being on the course—standing on the tee, taking in the green, and lining up your shot. It forces you to slow down, focus, and be present. In our industry, it’s rare to have a moment where the world just stops and allows you to breathe. Golf gives me that moment.
Beyond the mental clarity, golf teaches patience and discipline—qualities that translate directly into storytelling. Every round is a lesson in strategy: knowing when to take risks, when to play it safe, and how to recover from mistakes. That’s not so different from producing a show or writing a script. Some days, a scene doesn’t land the way you imagined it. Some jokes fall flat. Golf reminds me that recovery and adjustment are part of the process, whether on the course or in the editing room.
The Energy of Pickleball
Pickleball, on the other hand, brings a different kind of energy. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and social. Unlike golf, which is more introspective, pickleball keeps me on my toes and forces quick thinking. It’s a great way to blow off steam, laugh, and connect with people in a fun, low-pressure setting.
I’ve found that the agility, reflexes, and focus pickleball demands also sharpen my mind in other areas of life. It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t just about planning and structure—it’s about spontaneity, timing, and responding to the unexpected. That kind of thinking often sparks ideas for scenes, characters, or dialogue in ways that sitting at a desk simply can’t.
Balance in a Busy Life
Balancing family, career, and personal health is never easy. I have a wife, Valicia, two incredible kids, and a creative team made up of my family members. Each day involves a mix of writing, producing, and directing, often on multiple projects at once. Without outlets like golf and pickleball, I wouldn’t have the stamina or focus to give each of these roles my best.
These sports remind me to take care of myself physically and mentally. They teach me that creativity and productivity are sustainable only when you maintain balance. The clarity and calm I get from stepping away from the studio or set carry directly into my work, making me a better storyteller, leader, and father.
Lessons from Sports That Translate to Storytelling
Sports and storytelling might seem worlds apart, but for me, they’re deeply connected. Golf teaches patience and precision, qualities essential when building a scene or developing a character. Pickleball teaches agility and adaptability, which come in handy when navigating the unpredictable twists of production. Both sports reinforce the importance of focus, mental toughness, and resilience—all traits that Hollywood demands daily.
I often tell young creatives that your environment shapes your mind, and finding outlets outside of your craft is crucial. The lessons you learn in sports, hobbies, or even simple daily routines can enhance your work in unexpected ways. For me, the connection between sports and storytelling is clear: both require discipline, creativity, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
Finding Time to Play
In the hustle of Hollywood, it can be tempting to put self-care and hobbies last. But I’ve learned the hard way that neglecting these moments leads to burnout. Making time for golf and pickleball isn’t indulgent—it’s necessary. I schedule it just like I would a writers’ room session or a production meeting, because I know the benefits extend far beyond the court or course.
Playing sports also gives me moments to think freely, away from the constant pressure of deadlines. Some of my best ideas for shows and scenes have come while lining up a putt or serving a ball. The mind works differently when you’re moving, laughing, or competing. It’s in these spaces that creativity often finds me.
Sports have always been more than a pastime for me—they’re a lifeline, a teacher, and a source of inspiration. Golf teaches patience and strategy, pickleball teaches agility and adaptability, and both give me a mental reset that keeps me grounded in a world that never slows down.
For anyone trying to navigate a high-pressure creative career, I can’t stress enough the importance of finding your own outlet. It doesn’t matter what it is—sports, music, painting, or simply walking outside. The point is to step away from the grind, recharge, and let your mind reset. That’s when the best ideas, the clearest vision, and the most authentic stories emerge.
For me, the next time you see me swinging a club or diving for a pickleball shot, know that it’s not just a hobby—it’s part of how I stay balanced, stay sane, and keep telling stories that matter.