Rebecca Davis Interview: Co-Creator of "Join or Die"
Diana Landau | February 11, 2025
This month's episode is a unique one. Carl interviews filmmaker Rebecca Davis about her new, award-winning documentary, "Join or Die." She is a director and producer of short and long-form documentaries and was previously a senior producer with NBC News for nearly a decade. Though Rebecca is not near retirement, her movie sheds light on how the "(un)retired" can create community in a time when the isolation of the internet and cell phones can absorb much of their daily lives. The movie explores how joining clubs and organizations, in addition to engaging in intergenerational exchanges and mentorship can actually serve to strengthen our society. "Join or Die" is now on Netflix. (Spoiler Alert! Carl is a huge fan of the movie and its message.)
Rebecca grew up in a middle-class family in Virginia, near Washington D.C. "My brother and I felt lucky to grow up there, as we were exposed to lots of different perspectives," she says. She was also inspired by her father, an anthropologist with a curious eye on the world and community life. In high school, Rebecca worked on the school newspaper with dreams of becoming a journalist and photographer. She tells us that after college and the advent of the digital age, she found a way into video format from journalism and photography, "as a way to do storytelling and explore the narrative more."
Rebecca began working on "Join or Die" when she was still a full-time media producer, working on the film on weekends. It was her first documentary and took 8 years to complete. She says making the film was a "life raft, emotionally" for her as news production isn't always that positive. She was inspired by the work of political scientist and author Robert Putnam, whose earlier work, "Bowling Alone" went viral. Americans had stopped joining clubs and civic organizations. Even the number of dinner parties and picnics had declined. His research showed that those "joining" activities directly correlated to how our Democracy is doing.
Politicians on both sides of the aisle have been supportive of Rebecca's documentary and understand the implications for a healthy nation. After living in NYC for decades, Rebecca has recently moved back to the Washington D.C. area to be closer to family. She notes, "The irony of the internet is someone might know what is happening in a neighborhood in China, but not what's happening on their very own street. And when someone tells me they watched my film and they are now joining a club, I feel really good about that!"
Rebecca's 2nd (or 3rd) Act Advice:
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"Community happens when you do what you love with others. The bar doesn't have to be high to get going-- start a cycling group, form a movie night, create a cookbook club."
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"Start with a group and then do the hard work of showing up every week. The gains come from doing that."
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"Live the life you want to live in the future right now, and see where that leads you!"
Diana Landau is the Content Wrangler for Pickleball Media. After 15 years in corporate marketing, in 2012 she pivoted to write and wrangle content for Niche Media's weekly blog. She now manages the "I Used to be Somebody" blog
Melissa Davey Interview: Take that Detour!
Diana Landau | April 13, 2021
What a compelling interview this week! Carl interviews Melissa Davey, age 71, a documentary filmmaker, director and executive producer of "Beyond Sixty". It all started when Melissa made a brave, bold move at 65—she took that detour! Prior to her work in film, Melissa had a big-time career as a national Senior Vice President for Genex, developing and managing the Social Security Disability Programs, where she worked for two decades.
Growing up, Melissa’s family was on the move, living in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont. “Each time we moved I became more curious about everything.” As an adult, Melissa took an unconventional path, marrying young, having children young, divorcing young. “Looking back, I am so glad I experienced my young life in the way that I did. I really don’t believe I would have made the choices I have if it had been different.”
At 65, Melissa knew that she was ready to do something new, but not sure what. On a whim, she bid on a charity prize for the M. Night Shyamalan foundation, a day on the set with the well-known director. She won and had the opportunity to spend the day watching how a film was made.
Then, a pivotal lunch conversation with the director changed everything.
He said to her, “What do you do?” Melissa attempted to briefly explain the complexity of the insurance industry. “What do you want to do?” he asked. Melissa answered, “I want your job!”
The director nodded and replied, “Well you better hurry up.” This conversation stayed with Melissa. She had always been interested in films but had no time for it with her hectic schedule.
Melissa came up with a great idea for a film and a brave, bold plan. She told her husband she was going to quit her job and film a documentary, even though she had no experience making films. She told her boss she would transition out over a year, giving her time to set up her filmmaking process and conduct some interviews for the project. A year later, she devoted her time to creating, producing and directing “Beyond Sixty….” a documentary about the fascinating lives and accomplishments of women in their 60’s, 70’s and beyond. “The film brings women’s voices forward…and we still have much time left to do new things.” “Beyond Sixty…” released on streaming video this week. “It’s been so amazing!” Melissa says of the journey. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll make another movie!”
Melissa Davey’s Advice for (Un)Retirement:
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“Make sure you take the detour every time it’s presented to you because you never know what’s down that road, you never know what might present itself to you as an opportunity.”
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“When you take off in a career you put your body and soul unto that and sometimes you have to walk away from relationships you’ve had—there’s no time. When you stop working so much, you have time to reconnect. It’s funny, with the good ones you just pick up right where you left off.”
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“After 3 decades of being the boss it’s your identity (and ego.) You had a team of people to help you accomplish things. I have a great appreciation for the people who helped me!”
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“Exiting your work life is a huge transition. Push through the fear. Most of our inability to move forward is fear-based.”
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“You really are never too old to try something new. I’m going to do another film, and maybe another!”
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“Learn how to pivot. It’s never too late!”
Diana Landau is the Content Wrangler for Pickleball Media. After 15 years in corporate marketing, in 2012 she pivoted to write and wrangle content for Niche Media's weekly blog. She now manages the “I Used to Be Somebody” weekly blog.
