When people look at my career, they usually see the end product—the shows, the writing credits, the producing and directing. What they don’t always see is the constant balancing act behind the scenes. Being a writer, producer, and director comes with nonstop deadlines, creative challenges, and leadership responsibilities. It’s rewarding work, no doubt, but it can also be all-consuming if you let it. That’s why over the years, I’ve learned that balancing my career with my health and hobbies isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential to staying sharp, happy, and inspired.
The Hustle Never Stops
The entertainment business is famously a hustle. When you’re running shows, juggling projects, and overseeing everything from scripts to casting to production schedules, the pressure can feel intense. There’s always another deadline, another pitch, another meeting. Especially when you care deeply about your work and want to give it your best, it’s easy to let your personal life take a backseat.
I’ve been in this game long enough to know that the hustle will never fully stop. The key is learning how to manage it in a way that doesn’t burn you out. Early in my career, I definitely ran myself ragged, thinking I had to do everything and be everywhere all the time. But that’s neither sustainable nor healthy.
Finding Time for Health
One of the first things I realized is that health isn’t something you can put off or ignore, no matter how busy you are. Taking care of your body and mind is the foundation for everything else. For me, that means making time for physical activity, eating right, and getting enough rest—even when the schedule gets hectic.
Golf and pickleball have become my go-to ways to stay active. Both give me a chance to get outside, move my body, and clear my head. Golf, in particular, is something I enjoy because it challenges your focus and patience, while also being social and relaxing. Pickleball, on the other hand, is fast-paced and fun—a great way to break a sweat without it feeling like a chore.
Exercise helps me reset when I’m feeling overwhelmed or stuck creatively. Sometimes, stepping away from the desk and into the fresh air is all it takes to come back with new energy and ideas.
The Importance of Mental Health
Physical health is important, but mental health is just as critical. Creative work can be mentally exhausting. You’re constantly solving problems, making decisions, and managing people. There’s a lot of pressure to deliver something great every time, and that can weigh on you.
Over time, I’ve learned to be intentional about protecting my mental well-being. That might mean taking a day off to recharge, spending quality time with my family, or simply unplugging from work emails and phone calls. My wife Valicia and our kids Bentley Jr. and KyLee are a huge source of balance and perspective. Being with them reminds me what life is really about beyond the hustle.
Meditation and mindfulness have also been helpful tools. Even just a few minutes of quiet reflection can calm the mind and help me focus on what really matters.
Making Time for Hobbies
Hobbies often get pushed aside when work piles up, but they’re vital to a well-rounded life. For me, hobbies like golf and pickleball aren’t just about staying fit—they’re about having fun and connecting with others outside of work.
These activities give me a break from the constant “work mode” mentality. When you’re on set or in a writers’ room, the focus is all business. Hobbies remind you to relax and enjoy the moment. They also help build relationships with friends and colleagues in a more casual, less pressured environment.
Whether it’s hitting the golf course on the weekend or a quick game of pickleball after work, these moments recharge my spirit and help me stay grounded.
Balancing Family and Career
Another big part of balance for me is family. As much as I love my work, nothing compares to the joy and fulfillment I get from being a husband and father. My wife Valicia and our children are my anchor. They keep me humble and remind me why I do what I do.
Finding time for family isn’t always easy, especially with the demands of running multiple projects. But I make it a priority. Whether it’s dinner together, helping with homework, or just hanging out, those moments mean everything. They remind me that success isn’t just about awards or ratings—it’s about love and connection.
I’ve learned to set boundaries to protect that family time. Turning off work notifications after a certain hour or dedicating weekends to family helps create that separation. It’s important to be fully present when you’re with your loved ones.
The Benefits of Balance
When you can balance hustle, health, hobbies, and family, everything benefits. Your work improves because you’re more focused and creative. Your relationships thrive because you’re present and engaged. And most importantly, you feel happier and more fulfilled.
That doesn’t mean it’s easy. It’s a daily practice and requires discipline. There are always weeks when work takes over and self-care slips. But the key is recognizing when you need to reset and making the choice to do so.
I believe that taking care of yourself is the best investment you can make—not just for your career, but for your life as a whole.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to anyone chasing big dreams in a demanding industry, it’s this: don’t neglect the other parts of your life that make you whole. Your health, your hobbies, your family—they’re not distractions from success; they are part of what makes success sustainable and meaningful.
I’m proud of the career I’ve built and the stories I’ve helped tell. But I’m just as proud of the life I’m building outside of work—the time I spend on the golf course, the laughs with my family, the moments of quiet reflection.
Balancing career with life isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. And honestly, it’s one of the most important shows I produce every day.