130: Planning and Performance in the Creative Industries

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.

Sophia Hall begins this week’s episode of Catalyst with her interview of Maia Nantais, an Event Director at The Perfect Event, a premiere event production and planning company operating in Southern California and Arizona. Maia discusses her start as an intern and working her way up to director where she oversees more than 200 events a year—from university galas to private weddings and everything in between. As the pair discuss Maia’s career Maia reflects on her professional growth, the creativity and organization required in event planning, and the challenges of transitioning from student to professional life. As they wind down the conversation Maia offers valuable advice for students and recent graduates about persistence, adaptability, and taking initiative when pursuing opportunities.

In this week’s second segment Emily Murden sits down with Will Buie Jr., a talented young actor best known for his role as Finn on Disney Channel’s BUNK’D, his performance in Netflix’s thriller In the Tall Grass, and guest appearances on Modern Family and Daytime Divas. Will opens up about getting his start in acting at a young age, the challenges of growing up in a professional environment, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. The conversation balances personal reflection with humor and honesty, as Will shares fun stories from set, friendships with co-stars, and insights into the realities of the entertainment industry. He discusses how his early experiences have shaped his outlook on both work and life, and what he envisions for his future in the creative world.