127: Looking at Evolution of Design and Creativity in CCIs

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 14 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries.

Our first segment of the Catalyst Podcast this week features Nicole Kavros as she sits down with Ilana Kaplan, a pop culture journalist and author of Nora Ephron at the Movies. A self-proclaimed rom-com enthusiast, Ilana has built a career writing about the things she loves, with bylines in Vogue, Vanity Fair, GQ, and Rolling Stone. They discuss Ilana’s path into journalism, from her early beginnings to her debut book, and how she carved out a niche for herself as an expert in romantic comedies. Ilana reflects on the challenges of breaking into a competitive field, the evolution of media in the digital age, and the balance between passion and persistence that has fueled her career. Ilana also shares practical advice for aspiring writers—highlighting the importance of building marketing skills, developing a personal brand, and learning how to stand out in a crowded creative landscape.

In the final segment of the week host Anisa Abdulkariem speaks with Marie Fitch, an interdisciplinary designer working across graphic and interior design. An Orange County native, Marie reflects on how the imaginative spark from her youth grew into a career built on curiosity and creativity, citing the influence of architects like Frank Lloyd Wright in her work. Together, Anisa and Marie explore the realities of pursuing a multifaceted creative career—balancing agency work, private client projects, nonprofit branding, and more. They also touch on the evolving design industry and the value of experimentation, self-education, and bold outreach alongside formal training. Marie’s story highlights the resilience and passion it takes to carve out a unique path in the creative world, reminding listeners that imagination and determination can open doors in unexpected ways.