Justin “JJ” Jaeger is a recovering news reporter turned podcaster, performer, and professional deep-convo enthusiast. A fixture on TruStory.fm shows like The Film Board, Trailer Rewind, and Marvel Movie Minute, he now mixes book reviews on his YouTube channel Jayge’s Pages with the occasional mic-drop at Portland karaoke bars.

Tommy Metz III—filmmaker, festival favorite, and proud recipient of “Most Handsome Son” (per his mom)—has directed award-winning shorts, a horror standout (Static), and the feature film 30 NIGHTS. He’s also spent 20+ years mentoring young writers through Young Storytellers. He lives in Sherman Oaks with his four-legged co-star, Foster, who may or may not have beef with skateboards.

Steve Sarmento is an educator, writer, and film buff in Phoenix, Arizona. He’s been a part of the fabric of The Next Reel Film Podcasts since its inception. He has served to educate and illuminate through his regular participation in The Film Board and the two podcasts he developed and hosted, Trailer Rewind and Three of a Kind.

Pete Wright is a veteran broadcaster and media consultant with a 30-year career spanning journalism, brand storytelling, and podcasting. He is a co-founder of TruStory FM, where he hosts and produces podcasts that blend education, entertainment, and human-centered communication.