• Ep 12: From Films to Philanthropy: Tom Provost’s Journey

  • Jul 4 2024
  • Length: 45 mins
  • Podcast

Ep 12: From Films to Philanthropy: Tom Provost’s Journey

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  • Summary

  • In today's episode, Eve Richards, the host of The Discovery Pod With Eve, and Melissa Niece Smith, the cohost of this episode, are joined by Tom Provost, founder and CEO of BAGS AND GRACE. This 501c3 non-profit organization has been distributing 500 bags monthly throughout the year to the unhoused people across Los Angeles County since 2017.
    In today’s episode, Tom Provost sheds some very powerful insights on how he had a passion for movies as he was growing up, how he maintains a sense of self in the Film Industry, his favorite movie genre, why he wanted to tackle the problem of the unhoused people, items inside the Bags And Grace bags, how he stays motivated, call to action to everyone listening to what he is doing, if the county is helping with donations for Bags And Grace, the way forward for a long-term solution for NGOs and the government concerning unhoused people and how he came up with the name Bags And Grace.
    Tom talks further and shares his thoughts on how he stays protected from the unhoused people, his current projects, things he does to stay zen, advice to anyone who wants to be an entertainer or start a business, one of his huge writing gigs in the Film Industry, transition from acting to being behind the camera, how he handles rejection, his favorite movie or TV project he worked on and three people he would have dinner with and why. Tune in to learn more!
    Timestamps
    [02:59] What keeps Melissa motivated
    [5:19] Did Tom have a passion for movies growing up?
    [06:15] How Tom maintains a sense of self in the Film Industry
    [07:11] Tom’s favorite movie genre
    [09:33] Why Tom wanted to tackle the problem of unhoused people
    [11:00] Items inside the Bags And Grace bags
    [13:14] How Tom stays motivated
    [15:25] Call to action to everyone listening to what Tom is doing
    [16:44] Is the county helping with donations for Bags And Grace?
    [18:13] The way forward for a long-term solution for NGOs and the government concerning unhoused people
    [19:09] How Tom came up with the name Bags And Grace
    [20:51] Is Tom still doing artistic activities as the CEO of Bags And Grace?
    [22:24] Is Tom at the point where people recognize him?
    [23:41] About Tom Provost
    [25:08] Tom’s current projects
    [25:58] How Tom stays protected from the unhoused people
    [26:54] Street families Tom has encountered
    [28:01] Things Tom does to stay zen
    [28:48] Tom’s favorite meal
    [31:38] Advise to anyone who wants to be an entertainer or start a business
    [34:06] Has Tom’s struggles been worth it so far?
    [35:16] One of Tom’s huge writing gigs in the Film Industry
    [35:42] Transition from acting to being behind the camera
    [36:49] How Tom handles rejection
    [38:22] Tom’s favorite movie or TV project he worked on
    [39:22] Advice to anyone who wants to move to L.A.
    [40:43] Three people Tom would have dinner with and why
    Notable Quotes
    (03:34) “Regardless of the difficulty you are going through, the key for us is surrounding yourself with people who motivate you and uplift you.”
    (03:44) “Never give up regardless of your circumstances.”
    (09:36) “There is no one easy solution.”
    (32:31) “Work hard on your craft and then just keep going.”
    (32:55) “If you just keep trying and you just keep working and get better at your craft at some point, it’s going to pay off.”
    (39:52) “Preparation and opportunity is what gives you success.”
    (40:09) “Don’t judge yourself by other people.”
    Resources Mentioned

    The Movie - Under Suspicion
    SeaQuest DSV - TV Series
    Connect With Tom Provost
    Bags And Grace Website: www.bagsandgrace.com
    Food and Film Website: onfoodandfilm.com
    Cinema Language Website: onfoodandfilm.com
    Website www.cinemalanguage.org
    Facebook @provostom
    Instagram @bagsandgrace
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