Step Into 2026 with Purpose, Growth, and Clarity

The post-production sound industry is in flux, and navigating its challenges requires more than just technical expertise. Whether you're at the start of your career or a seasoned professional looking to reignite your passion, the landscape can feel uncertain and overwhelming.

But here's the truth: Success in this industry isn’t just about faders, EQs, or mastering Pro Tools—it’s about aligning your career with your personal growth and well-being

 

Welcome to...

Journey Beyond Sound

1:1 Career Coaching for Post-Production Sound Professionals

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Hey friend, I'm Joel D. Catalan. With over 18 years navigating the ups and downs of Hollywood's post-production sound industry, I've mixed alongside some of the most talented filmmakers. But here’s what I’ve learned: It’s not just about mastering your craft—there are deeper principles at play when it comes to “making it” in this industry.

This isn’t just another coaching program—it’s a transformative experience designed to empower sound professionals to thrive. Together, we’ll focus on not just where you are but where you’re meant to be, cultivating the clarity, confidence, and resilience you need to make your mark in post-sound and beyond.

What You’ll Walk Away With:

  • Holistic Approach: Go beyond tools and mixers—develop the mindset and resilience needed for long-term success.
  • Discover Your 'Why': Uncover the deeper purpose driving your passion for post-sound.
  • One-on-One Guidance: Receive focused, personalized mentorship to fine-tune both your technical and soft skills.
  • Set and Achieve Meaningful Goals: Define clear objectives and create actionable plans to reach them.
  • Overcome Limiting Beliefs: Identify and dismantle mental barriers holding you back.
  • Ignite Your Dreams and Passion: Rekindle your enthusiasm and commitment to your craft.
  • Enhance Overall Well-being: Focus on mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health to become a better creative and person.
  • Customized Coaching Tracks: Choose from a 6 or 12-month coaching program tailored to your unique goals.

 

What Coaching Clients Are Saying...

Real Success, Real Impact

 

Ivan C.
Post-Production Studio Owner/Mixer

"I had the privilege of having Joel as my coach. His feedback on my past work was eye-opening and helped elevate my approach to sound. Joel was very supportive and open, providing me with invaluable insights into Hollywood's post-production audio industry."

Ben R.
Sound Designer

“When I started working with Joel, I struggled to make the right connections and lacked confidence. Joel encouraged me to network authentically and pushed me outside my comfort zone. Beyond the technical advice, Joel helped me navigate the mental fortitude required to succeed in such a competitive industry. Throughout our coaching, I always felt supported, and his feedback kept me on track."

Garret R.
Supervising Sound Editor/Re-Recording Mixer

“During my mentorship with Joel, he took a dedicated and genuine interest in my career. He helped me strategize my next steps and stand out for a studio role. Thanks to his advice, I secured a position at Margarita Mix in LA. Joel was an open book about the industry, always offering the fine details that allowed me to excel."

Sal O.
Emmy Nominated Re-Recording Mixer

“Having Joel in your corner in the ever-changing world of post-production sound is invaluable. He helped me design a focused career strategy and offered guidance on everything from mixing techniques to networking strategies and personal wellness. Joel's dedication and passion make him an exceptional mentor for anyone looking to succeed in this industry."

Gregory V.
Re-Recording Mixer

"Working with Joel the past 6 months has been the most impactful experience I've had toward my career in post audio. Joel custom-tailored my coaching experience, meeting me exactly where I was in my journey as a re-recording mixer in search of my big break. He’s like the optometrist of post-audio career goals—once I put on the glasses from his teachings, everything has become clearer and within reach."

Brandon H.
Sound Designer

“After graduating from audio school, I knew I needed help. I had been following Joel on LinkedIn and booked a consultation. The difference in my work after his feedback was night and day. He didn't just tell me what to fix—he recorded a video for me, making everything clear. Now I feel prepared to take the post-production industry by storm."

Stephen L.
Sound Editor/Re-Recording Mixer

“Transitioning from full-time work to freelancing was a huge shift, and Joel was pivotal in guiding me. His insights into effective client outreach and navigating freelance life were invaluable. Whether you're fresh out of school or have a decade of experience like me, Joel’s guidance is essential for success in the post-production world.”

Are You Ready to Elevate Your Career and Life?

This is more than coaching, it’s an investment in your future. With a free 15-minute discovery call to get started, we’ll explore how this program can help you achieve the clarity, confidence, and results you’ve been searching for.
2026 is your year to thrive. Let’s build a career, and a life, that resonates with purpose and passion.

 

Apply To Work With Me

What’s really holding you back?

Let’s be honest — it’s not your talent.

It’s not that you’re “not cut out for this.”

And it’s definitely not because you don’t want it badly enough.

What’s really holding you back is the quiet stuff nobody talks about:

👉 You’re doing this alone.
And in this industry, isolation kills momentum. When you don’t have community, mentorship, or a clear roadmap… you start to second-guess everything.

👉 You’re overthinking every move.
“What should I say?”
“Who should I reach out to?”
“Am I ready?”
And that internal noise keeps you stuck in preparation mode — instead of progress mode.

👉 You’re waiting to feel ‘confident’ before you take action.
But confidence doesn’t come before the reps. It comes because of them.

👉 You’ve been playing safe.
Not because you’re lazy — but because you’ve been trying to protect yourself.
From rejection. From embarrassment. From being seen.

But deep down… you know you’re meant for more than playing small.

And I want you to hear this clearly:

You already belong here.
You’re not behind. You’re not broken.
You just need clarity, support, and a real strategy — so your talent actually has somewhere to go.

Who/what is to blame?

First...this isn’t your fault.

You didn’t fail because you weren’t good enough.

You got stuck because nobody ever showed you how this industry actually works.

Most people think post-sound is a meritocracy… like:

“Just get good, work hard, and you’ll get your shot.”

But you and I both know that’s not the full truth.

The real “game” includes:

  • relationships
  • reputation
  • timing
  • confidence
  • self-advocacy
  • and knowing where your next move should be

And most sound pros were never taught that part.

They were taught plugins.
They were taught shortcuts.
They were taught technique.

But not how to:

✅ build trust with the right people
✅ communicate like a pro under pressure
✅ stop being invisible
✅ position themselves for better opportunities
✅ actually grow a long-term career

So if you’ve felt confused, alone, or like you’re spinning your wheels…

That doesn’t mean you’re not meant for this.

It just means you were missing the real roadmap.

And that’s exactly what we build together in 1:1 coaching.

Why now?

Because time is going to pass either way.

And the gap between people who get mentored and people who “figure it out alone”…

…gets wider every year.

Here’s what’s happening right now in our industry:

🎬 The talent is everywhere, but clarity is rare.
More people than ever want into post-sound, but most don’t know how to stand out, build relationships, or create momentum.

⚡ The industry is moving fast.
New workflows. New tools. New expectations.
If you don’t have guidance, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly catching up.

🤝 Relationships are becoming the real currency.
The people getting hired consistently aren’t always the most talented…
They’re the most trusted.

And trust doesn’t come from watching more YouTube videos.

It comes from showing up differently, with confidence, strategy, and intentional connection.

So why now?

Because if you wait “until you feel ready”…
you might be waiting forever.

And I don’t want you looking up one day thinking:

“I was always capable… I just didn’t take the leap.”

This is your time.

Let’s move.

Why should I trust you?

You shouldn’t trust me because I have a nice website…

or because I can say the right motivational words.

You should trust me because:

✅ I’ve lived this.
I’m not guessing. I’ve spent the last 18 years in the trenches mixing and supervising real film and television, under pressure, on deadlines, with high expectations.

✅ I know what it feels like to fight for your spot.
To wonder if you belong.
To feel behind.
To feel invisible.
And to still keep going.

✅ I don’t just teach skill, I help you become the kind of pro people trust..
Because talent is not what holds most sound pros back.

Belief is.
Confidence is.
Courage is.
Relationships are.

And that’s what we build together.

When you work with me 1:1, I’m not here to “coach you from the sidelines.”

I’m in it with you.

I’ll help you:

  • get clear on your exact next moves
  • stop second-guessing yourself
  • build confidence through reps
  • learn to advocate for yourself with integrity
  • and finally feel like you’re not alone in this

Because I’m not just here to help you get better at post-sound.

I’m here to help you become the version of you who thrives in it.

You belong here.
And I’ll help you prove it to yourself.

What Do You Have to Lose?

I get why you’d ask that.

And here’s the honest answer:

More than you think.

If you don’t get support right now, you might stay stuck in the same frustrating cycle…

Trying to break in (or level up), feeling like you’re doing everything you can…
but still not seeing the progress you know you’re capable of.

You risk spending another year:

  • watching others land the gigs
  • staying quiet instead of advocating for yourself
  • second-guessing your skills
  • and feeling like you’re on the outside looking in

And I don’t say that to scare you.

I say it because I’ve been there.

The industry is hard enough! You shouldn’t have to do it alone.

What we do in 1:1 coaching isn’t just career strategy.

It’s building the version of you that finally believes:
“I belong here… and I can thrive here.”

This is about confidence. This is about clarity. This is about learning how to move through this industry with courage, community, and purpose.

The biggest risk isn’t investing in coaching.

The biggest risk…
is letting another year go by still wondering, “Am I really cut out for this?”

You are.

Now it’s time to act like it.

Apply To Work With Me