Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast Ep 595 - The Man Who Saves the World? (feat. Gabe Polsky)
11 snips
Jan 22, 2026 
Gabe Polsky, a talented filmmaker known for his character-driven documentaries, joins the discussion to dive into his latest project, The Man Who Saves the World?. He shares insights on his unique approach to storytelling, including the challenges of filmmaking and the incredible life of his subject, Patrick McCollum. The conversation explores themes of optimism and the significant impact of small gatherings on larger movements. They also touch on creativity in sports and the intriguing world of psychedelics, highlighting their role in existential understanding.
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The Chosen One Who Doubled As A Character Study
- Gabe Polsky followed Patrick McCollum, a man the Amazonian elders identified as a prophet who might 'save the world.'
- Polsky recounts McCollum's eclectic life from carnival kid to friend of Jane Goodall and the film explores whether the prophecy was sincere or self-created.
Force A Timeline On Open-Ended Shoots
- When filming uncertain documentary subjects, pressure the timeline by repeatedly asking 'what's happening next' to force clarity.
- Limit open-ended shoots to avoid years-long projects that drain resources and momentum.
Big Ripples Start As Tiny Gatherings
- Small, seemingly insignificant gatherings can seed movements that later have large ripple effects.
- Polsky compares modest tribal meetings to historical origins of major changes like religious or social movements.
