114: The Power of Authenticity in Content Creation

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this ‘hands-on’ experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 13 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries.

In our first segment this week Lauren Kalama sits down with Kamaka Dias, host of The Keep It Aloha Podcast, to explore his unique journey of starting his podcasting career. Dias reflects on growing up in Hawaiʻi as a Native Hawaiian and shares how his heritage shaped his worldview and influenced his career. They explore how Dias’ passion for social media evolved into a thriving creative career leading him to podcasting and the importance of infusing cultural authenticity into his media content. The interview then concludes with offering advice for aspiring creatives in hopes of being an inspiration and guide in navigating their path while honoring their cultural identity.
We wrap up this week’s episode with David Cole who interview with journalist-turned-content creator Dani Schulz. Cole talks with Schulz about how she built a thriving 7-figure digital business centered around empowering others to create, connect, and monetize through social media. The pair start by looking at Dani’s college days and the pivotal moments that shaped her professional life and led to the creation of her successful brand.  Schulz also shares some of the struggles she has faced and  how determination to turn obstacles into opportunities helped her to cultivate an authentic social media presence, build a loyal community, and develop scalable income streams, all while staying true to herself and her values. They wrap the conversation with a look at Schulz’s approach to overcoming adversity and embracing creativity in order to offer practical advice for anyone looking to pursue their dreams on their own terms.