280: My Octopus Teacher with Pippa Ehrlich
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280: My Octopus Teacher with Pippa Ehrlich
Episode 280: Show Notes
In this episode, Light Watkins sits down with Pippa Ehrlich, the co-director of the Academy Award-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher. Pippa's journey is nothing short of remarkable—she left behind a stable, dream-worthy career as a marine journalist to follow an inner calling that defied logic. With no guaranteed funding and no clear roadmap, she took a leap of faith to help filmmaker Craig Foster tell an extraordinary story—one that would ultimately captivate millions.
Pippa shares how diving into the great African seaforest transformed not just her perspective on storytelling, but also her sense of purpose. She describes the visceral experience of free-diving, the magic of witnessing underwater creatures in their natural habitat, and how these moments helped her find her creative voice. Light and Pippa also discuss the pressures of filmmaking, imposter syndrome, and the unexpected emotional weight that comes with massive success—including how winning an Oscar didn't make self-doubt disappear.
If you've ever stood at a crossroads between comfort and passion, or wondered what it really means to follow your intuition despite uncertainty, this conversation is for you. Pippa's story is a testament to trusting your instincts, showing up fully, and embracing the unknown—even when the path ahead makes no practical sense.
Tune in to hear how Pippa turned a wild idea into an award-winning film, how she’s navigating her journey as a filmmaker, and why sometimes the best opportunities come when you stop asking for advice and just say yes.
Key Points From This Episode:
The Leap of Faith That Changed Everything: Pippa walked away from a dream career in marine journalism to co-direct My Octopus Teacher, despite having no funding or clear plan.
Finding Her Voice Through the Ocean: Diving into the great African seaforest wasn’t just about exploration—it became a path to self-discovery and storytelling.
The Magic of Craig Foster’s Perspective: Pippa describes how Craig’s deep connection with the ocean opened her eyes to a hidden world and changed how she saw nature.
The Reality of Filmmaking Pressure: Despite the dreamlike nature of directing, Pippa shares how managing a production, deadlines, and expectations can be overwhelming.
Why Imposter Syndrome Doesn't Disappear: Even after winning an Academy Award, Pippa struggled with feelings of unworthiness, proving that external validation doesn’t erase self-doubt.
The Power of Saying Yes Without a Safety Net: Pippa didn’t seek advice before making the leap—she just knew in her gut it was the right move, a lesson in trusting intuition.
How My Octopus Teacher Almost Had a Different Message: Craig and his wife initially wanted a stronger conservation angle, but Pippa and co-director James Reid fought to keep the story personal and emotional.
The Intense Process of Working With Netflix: Pippa reveals how Netflix initially rejected the first cut of My Octopus Teacher, forcing a deep rework of the film.
How Success Can Feel Invasive: Winning an Oscar was incredible, but it also led to unexpected challenges, like losing anonymity and feeling emotionally drained from constant interviews.
he Importance of Strong Collaborators: Pippa emphasizes how crucial it is to have people who push back, challenge ideas, and bring fresh perspectives to a project..
Lessons for Aspiring Filmmakers and Storytellers: She shares advice on crafting a compelling narrative, choosing the right subjects, and attracting mentors—no budget required.
Quotes:
"I had this incredible job, but I realized I was always a filter for other people’s experiences. When I started diving, I finally felt like I was inside something, not just observing it." — Pippa Ehrlich
"Saying yes to making the film made no logical sense. There was no money, no plan—but every part of my body knew I couldn’t say no." — Pippa Ehrlich
"You can’t be too self-conscious in the filmmaking process. You have to back yourself, trust your instincts, and remember that no one knows the story’s blueprint better than you do." — Pippa Ehrlich
"Winning an Oscar doesn’t erase imposter syndrome. If anything, success can amplify that inner voice telling you you’re not enough." — Pippa Ehrlich
"If you want to make a film, a book, or anything creative, you have to be obsessed with the idea—like it’s burning a hole in your soul. Otherwise, it’s too hard to finish." — Pippa Ehrlich
"The best collaborators aren’t the most experienced or well-connected—they’re the ones who show up, stay curious, and do the work with no ego." — Pippa Ehrlich