Catalyst: A Creative Industries Podcast
From Chapman University in Orange County California, Catalyst gives listeners a chance to learn about the Creative Industries through conversations with individuals from a wide array of backgrounds who are working in CI all over the globe. Hear how CI is influencing the public and private sector alike, and how local influences shape a region’s creative landscape.
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133: Navigating Boundaries and Expectations as a Creative
11/13/2025
133: Navigating Boundaries and Expectations as a Creative
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. On today’s episode we begin with Daylen Motamed who sits down with Amalia Serrano to discuss the world of graphic design. Amalia starts the interview with her lifelong love of creating art, and how she chose graphic design as her career path. Their conversation touches on topics that are relevant to creatives working in CCI such as how to handle rejection, navigating creative freedom, strategies for dealing with art fatigue and something that is particularly relevant in today’s world, conquering AI fear. This candid and inspiring conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own relationship with creativity and change. The episode concludes with Vendela Smedeby and her interview with photographer Jena Hess. To begin Jena shares how her passion began at a young age, growing up surrounded by cameras and fascinated by capturing the world around her. They discuss how A spontaneous opportunity to work alongside professional photographers inspired her to turn photography into a career, and how she now runs a thriving personal business that allows her to offer clients the same meaningful, personal experience she once had. The pair also cover how Jena’s creative style has evolved, leaning toward authenticity and cinematic storytelling. She and Vendela discuss the pressures of sustaining creativity, the reality of burnout, and the ongoing process of growth that all artists experience.
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132: Internal Vs. External roles in the Creative Industries
11/06/2025
132: Internal Vs. External roles 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. Anna DiPasquale begins the podcast this week with her interview of Colleen Piechota, the Director of Human Resources at VEA Newport Beach, a stunning Marriott International resort and spa located right on the coast. Colleen shares her remarkable journey into the hospitality industry, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how she worked her way up to a leadership role in HR. Together, they discuss what a day in the life of an HR Director looks like—from shaping workplace culture and overseeing employee relations to handling training, hiring, and compliance in an ever-evolving industry. Colleen reflects on the skills and mindset needed to build strong, supportive teams and shares thoughtful insights on how the role of HR continues to evolve in today’s business landscape. They conclude the episode with Colleen’s take on the most underrated skills in HR and what truly defines great leadership. In the second segment Lily Bradbury sits down with John Bradbury, Managing Director of Global Issues and Crisis Management at Ketchum Inc. in New York City, a PR & Marketing Communications Consulting firm. Together, they dive into John’s extensive experience in strategic communications and public relations, exploring how he helps corporate clients protect and enhance their reputations in high-pressure situations. John discusses the analytical and creative sides of crisis management, emphasizing how tailored communication strategies can engage diverse audiences while maintaining trust and transparency. John also reflects on his academic journey, beginning with his political science background, which gave him a strong foundation in stakeholder engagement and professional dialogue. He explains the differences between working with corporations versus individuals, highlighting his preference for the objectivity and collaboration found in corporate partnerships. Throughout the conversation, John offers valuable advice for students interested in communications and PR—stressing the importance of networking, internships, and the human connections that lie at the heart of the industry.
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131: A Discussion on Promotion and Production in CCIs
10/30/2025
131: A Discussion on Promotion and Production 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. In our first segment of Catalyst this week, Madison Charbonneau sits, down with Jaiden Reilly, Marketing Coordinator at Makeup Eraser. They discuss how Jaiden began her journey as an intern at Makeup Eraser while attending Loyola Marymount University, later turning that opportunity into a full-time position after graduation. Now, as Marketing Coordinator, she manages content creation across Instagram, TikTok, and the company’s website while collaborating with teams throughout the brand to bring its vision to life. Madison and Jaiden also dive deep into the creative process behind brand-aligned content, the importance of collaboration, and the realities of working in marketing and social media. Finally, Jaiden reflects on how she landed her dream job and what her day-to-day work looks like in the fast-paced beauty world, and offers practical tips for students and recent graduates about how to stand out, build a personal brand, and translate passion into a career. We conclude Catalyst this week learning about what it is like to be an Associate Producer at NBC Universal, when Ella Deiner brings us an interview with Caylen Greenberg. Caylen talks about her path into the film industry—from her first experience behind a camera to her current role at one of the world’s leading media companies. Caylen shares how her early curiosity for filmmaking evolved into a professional pursuit, beginning with her decision to attend film school. She reflects on the internships that gave her hands-on experience and opened doors in the industry, as well as the professors and projects that helped her grow as a storyteller and creative. They also discuss Caylen’s current work as an Associate Producer, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. They wrap up with a look at the variety of projects Caylen manages, the skills that have helped her succeed, and the thrill of seeing her work out in the world, including lessons learned, obstacles overcome, and her long-term goals in the film industry.
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130: Planning and Performance in the Creative Industries
10/23/2025
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.
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129: Creative Entrepreneurship and Athleticism
10/16/2025
129: Creative Entrepreneurship and Athleticism
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 podcast this week features and interview by Madison McMinn, who speaks with Entrepreneur and founder of Beachside Custom Gyms, Kali Sudbrrok. Growing up in Southern California, Kali earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees at Cal State Fullerton before beginning her professional life as a fitness program director at UCI. Over time, her creative drive led her to take a leap of faith and start her own company, Beachside Custom Gyms, where she combines her passions for fitness, design, and construction to create personalized spaces for her community. Kali shares about the challenges of transitioning to entrepreneurship, giving honest insights into what it is like to leave a stable job for an unpredictable creative career. She also covers how she has navigated working in a male-dominated industry, and the importance of curiosity and persistence. Concluding today’s episode ShelBee Wu, aerial performer and instructor, sits down to talk to Grace Max about the artistry and athleticism have shaped her creative career. Grace and Bee explore what it is really like behind the scenes of teaching fitness through alternative arts, from how Bee creates an inclusive and supportive environment for her students to the transformations she witnesses as they gain confidence, strength, and self-expression through movement. Bee also reflects on how social media has played a crucial role in building community and expanding awareness around this unique type of athleticism and expression.
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128: CCI Explores Divergency in Forms of Communication
10/09/2025
128: CCI Explores Divergency in Forms of Communication
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. Kicking off our show this week Carly Arebalo sits down with Gianna Verde, a Public Relations trainee at Christian Dior in New York City. Originally from a small coastal town in New Jersey, Gianna always dreamed of working in fashion, a passion that took her to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Through multiple internships, she discovered her love for public relations and followed that path to Dior, one of the world’s most prestigious luxury fashion houses. In this conversation, Gianna reflects on her journey from creative childhood to young professional, offering a candid look at the challenges of breaking into the fashion industry. She shares honest advice for students and recent graduates about resilience, determination, and the importance of taking on responsibility. Wrapping up the episode today is a conversation with Nick Weihe, a Baltimore-based visual artist and clothing designer who speaks with Sidney Karjian about his creative journey. Raised in Seattle, Nick studied Fine Art Photography and Film Studies at Seattle University before earning his MFA in Photographic and Electronic Media at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Weihe talks about starting out at Youth in Focus, a photography program in Seattle and how it sparked his lifelong interest in telling stories through images. In their discussion, Nick reflects on how his work evolved from darkroom photography and graffiti to his current work with hand-stamped fashion designs. Weihe also discusses the balance of emotional storytelling and experimentation in his work, and the challenges of sustaining a creative practice. He offers advice on trusting your instincts, staying motivated, and continuing to create—even when it feels imperfect.
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127: Looking at Evolution of Design and Creativity in CCIs
10/02/2025
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.
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126: CCI Blurs Lines Between Science and Art
09/25/2025
126: CCI Blurs Lines Between Science and Art
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. This week we kick off the episode with Parker Dalton who sits down with Emma Bekes, a recent graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder who has already carved out a career in international advertising. Originally an Environmental Science major, Emma discovered her creative calling during college and decided to pursue it wholeheartedly. That choice led her abroad, first to Sweden for a semester and later to South Africa for an international advertising internship. With global experiences under her belt Emma reflects on how working overseas felt like a natural extension of her life. In their conversation, she discusses why she chose to stay in South Africa after graduation, the lessons she’s learned about navigating a foreign workforce, and her advice for college seniors interested in building careers that cross borders. We conclude our episode this week with a segment that comes to us from Greta Kunze who speaks with Emily Willoughby. A renowned paleo-artist, illustrator, writer, photographer, and researcher at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Emily’s work bridges the worlds of art and science, with her illustrations and research reaching institutions such as the Shanghai Natural History Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and journals like Evolution. Together, Greta and Emily explore how creativity informs scientific understanding, particularly in the popular realm of dinosaurs, and how artists can use technology to bring prehistoric life to the public imagination. Emily reflects on her journey from a high school dinosaur sketch that went viral online to a career that blends behavioral genetics research with internationally recognized paleoart. Listeners will gain insights into her creative process, her path through both science and art, and even how scientists can predict the colors of dinosaurs through modern discoveries.
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125: The Creative and Cultural Industries on Tour
09/18/2025
125: The Creative and Cultural Industries on Tour
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. First up is Hayden Dalton sits down with Morgan Dench, the current tour director for Sabrina Carpenter. With more than two decades of experience, Morgan reflects on her remarkable journey, beginning with her first job on Sesame Street Live, which she credits for laying the foundation of her career. From there, she built an impressive resume touring with acts as John Mayer, Harry Styles, and the Spice Girls. She shares insights into the many roles she has taken on in the touring industry—including tour accountant, tour manager, and tour director—while reflecting on where she fits best and what she enjoys most. The pair end the interview with some strong advice for those who are thinking about the many and varied roles that are out there in the world of live entertainment touring. We end the season’s first episode with Lauren Oh and her in-depth interview with Brandon Moreno, a triple threat performer who has just wrapped up the North American touring production of Mean Girls: The Musical. Lauren talks to Brandon about what life is like on the road as part of a touring company. He recounts his journey from training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York & Los Angeles to landing a spot on a Broadway national tour. Together, Lauren and Brandon bond over their love of musical theatre as he opens up about his daily routines, audition experiences, and the discipline required to maintain his skills as a well-rounded performer. With honesty and optimism, Brandon reflects on both the challenges and rewards of the industry, offering listeners a candid glimpse into the world of Broadway touring.
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124- Catalyst Presents: The Artist is Present - Jessica Bocinski
07/31/2025
124- Catalyst Presents: The Artist is Present - Jessica Bocinski
“The Artist is Present” is a special series which is being hosted under the Catalyst: A Creative Industries Podcast of the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at Chapman University. “The Artis is Present” was developed under the direction of the Phyllis and Ross Escalette Permanent Collection of Art’s Director, Fiona Shen, and Collections Manager, Jessica Bocinski, so that a wider audience would have the opportunity to hear directly from the artists in the Escalette Collection at the University. In this episode of The Artists is Present, host Helene Vlok interviews Jessica Bocinski - the Escalette Collection’s Collections Manager. From hosting acquisition meetings, training student workers, managing funds, exhibition planning, and cleaning sculptures and storage spaces, Jessica does it all! A Chapman alumna herself, Jessica will share how she came across the Escalette Collection, what her favorite part of her job is, and the significance of art preservation. Moreover, Jessica will also talk about new projects that the Escalette is working on, and give some advice to aspiring collection managers. Listen along to learn more about the daily roles and responsibilities of collection managers, the establishment of the Escalette Collection, and the opportunities available within the collection to students who are passionate about art.
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123- Catalyst Presents: The Artist is Present - Bonnie Barrett, speaking about artist Inna Jane Ray
07/24/2025
123- Catalyst Presents: The Artist is Present - Bonnie Barrett, speaking about artist Inna Jane Ray
“The Artist is Present” is a special series which is being hosted under the Catalyst: A Creative Industries Podcast of the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at Chapman University. “The Artis is Present” was developed under the direction of the Phyllis and Ross Escalette Permanent Collection of Art’s Director, Fiona Shen, and Collections Manager, Jessica Bocinski, so that a wider audience would have the opportunity to hear directly from the artists in the Escalette Collection at the University. In this episode of The Artists is Present, host Helene Vlok interviews Bonnie Barrett - one of artist Inna Jane Ray’s dear friends. After Inna passed in 2020, Bonnie has dedicated countless hours to sharing Inna’s work with the world. The Escalette Collection is honored to be home to more than 100 artworks by Inna Jane Ray and is excited to present the Inna Jane Ray Exhibit at the Hilbert Museum of California Art, running from March to August 2025. A graphic designer herself, Bonnie explains how she met Inna at Immaculate Heart College and how they became instant friends, and later roommates. Bonnie explains how the shared love and passion for art amongst their friend group blossomed into the establishment of their zine, Native, in which poetry and paintings alike were celebrated. Moreover, Bonnie provides a timeline of her friendship with Inna, shares what styles and individuals in the artworld had a significant impact on Inna, and why she is so committed to sharing Inna’s work with others. Listen along as Bonnie gives insight into navigating creative processes and the significant role that friends and family play in them, and as she celebrates the life of Inna Jane Ray.
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122- Catalyst Presents: The Artist is Present - Virginia Katz
07/17/2025
122- Catalyst Presents: The Artist is Present - Virginia Katz
“The Artist is Present” is a special series which is being hosted under the Catalyst: A Creative Industries Podcast of the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at Chapman University. “The Artis is Present” was developed under the direction of the Phyllis and Ross Escalette Permanent Collection of Art’s Director, Fiona Shen, and Collections Manager, Jessica Bocinski, so that a wider audience would have the opportunity to hear directly from the artists in the Escalette Collection at the University. In this episode of The Artists is Present, host Helene Vlok interviews artist Virginia Katz - an artist whose muse and medium is nature. Fueled by curiosity and endurance, Virginia has applied the lessons she learned from her experience as a marathon runner to her art. Virginia explains how her childhood spent in upstate New York significantly influenced her creative process - which is often experienced in nature, her commitment to networking within the art industry, and her goal of inspiring young artists. Much like our previous guest, artist Lorena Ochoa, Virginia uses some unconventional methods to create her art. Listen along as Virginia explains why she considers herself a “collaborator with nature” and how both the WIND and OCEAN series were created.
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121- Catalyst Presents: The Artist is Present - Lorena Ochoa
07/10/2025
121- Catalyst Presents: The Artist is Present - Lorena Ochoa
“The Artist is Present” is a special series which is being hosted under the Catalyst: A Creative Industries Podcast of the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at Chapman University. “The Artis is Present” was developed under the direction of the Phyllis and Ross Escalette Permanent Collection of Art’s Director, Fiona Shen, and Collections Manager, Jessica Bocinski, so that a wider audience would have the opportunity to hear directly from the artists in the Escalette Collection at the University. In this episode of The Artists is Present, host Helene Vlok interviews artist Lorena Ochoa - the newest addition to the Escalette Collection family! Lorena is a multi-media artist that draws inspiration from their childhood spent in Santa Ana, CA and addresses topics such as identity, socio-economic status, migration, art accessibility, and cowboy culture in the United States. Research, both historic and locational, is an essential part of Lorena’s creative process, as is the practice of collecting numerous smaller objects, to save for when the perfect opportunity comes along to add it to new artworks. Lorena refers to these objects as “record keepers” and utilizes them in the form that they were originally found, often on construction sites, to share a message of authenticity with viewers. Listen along as Lorena explains how they source their material, the significance of locations in their work, and what advice they have for young artists still navigating their creativity.
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Catalyst -Trailer for Summer Series-The Artist Is Present
07/03/2025
Catalyst -Trailer for Summer Series-The Artist Is Present
This summer 2025- Catalyst: A Creative Industries Podcast at Chapman University will host new episodes of the special series, The Artist is Present. This 4 part series which is being produced in conjunction with the Phyllis and Ross Escalette Permanent Collection of Art at Chapman University, will feature interviews with some of the artists whose work can be seen as part of the Collection. This trailer gives a wrap up of Catalyst’s Season 13 and a preview of Season 14 as well as the official teaser for this summer’s episodes of The Artist is Present.
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120: Season 13 Finale- Using Creative and Cultural Industries to Shift Perspectives
05/08/2025
120: Season 13 Finale- Using Creative and Cultural Industries to Shift Perspectives
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. We start the Season Thirteen Finale off strong with a look the incredible life and work of Zaydee Sanchez, a Mexican American documentary photographer, visual journalist and writer originally from Tulare, California whose work focuses on labor workers, the environment, and migration, who is interviewed by Kendal Roney. They begin with a discussion of Sanchez’s journey of becoming a journalist including how she started off by taking photos at Skid Row to display the heart of the community and then transitioned to documenting a Guatemalan man for two years. They talk about the impact visual journalism has on our society and why it’s so valuable. Sanchez dives into the process of documenting hot button topics of recent years and explains how she paints an authentic picture of the people and communities she covers, noting the strict morals that go behind it all. They conclude with Sanchez explaining her evolution as a visual journalist and why it started from a passion project. And we send the 13th season of Catalyst off into the sunset with this concluding interview of TikTok content creator Sarah Pascarella by Samantha Perez. A graduate of Cal State Long Beach University with a degree in Interior Design and a minor in Journalism, Sarah discusses how she made the decision post-graduation to live abroad as an Au Pair in Paris, France. Sarah and Samantha discuss how Sarah, having not known the language at first and experiencing the cultural shift of the move, decided to document her experiences on TikTok sparking discussions on the cultural differences. Sarah’s documentation of her life and work have given her a unique voice as a content creator, as she looks at her own perspective shifts in witty and authentic ways. The pair also discuss how diving into the role of influencer has given her new career goals and how she plans to integrate her creativity into her influencer content. They wrap up the interview with some poignant advice from Sarah regarding taking new leaps in life and how new experiences can shape you, just as her choices in career and living in Paris have shaped her own development as a person.
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119: The Business of Performance Based Industries
05/01/2025
119: The Business of Performance Based 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 13 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. We start Catalyst this week with Mackenzie Kim and her interview with Sharon Westenhofer, executive director at The Music Room, a school for performing arts in Orange County. Mackenzie dives in with Sharon by discussing the balance of business and art and what the good and the bad aspects of creating your own company and studio can be. They talk about the inner workings of The Music Room, including classes and what is required in money and manpower to make the business work. It is revealed through the conversation that several Chapman students work at The Music Room as both teachers and directors. Listen to hear how this creative business has been succeeding in Orange County for Forty years! Concluding our episode this week is an in depth interview with someone that many of our audience members may know from their TV screens. Singer-songwriter Jenna Marquis sits down with Leila Neet, to discuss her illustrious career including her appearances on BOTH American Idol and The Voice, the latter of which where she was coached by the one and only Gwen Stefani. Jenna and Leila delve into what it is like as a creative performer to be on both of those shows and what their main differences are. They also discuss some of the behind-the-scenes aspects and what a performer can expect of an experience like that. The pair also discuss what it is like to be in a performance-based industry and still struggle with anxiety. Jenna gives the listeners tips on how to deal with stage anxiety and how she has overcome these struggles over the years.
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118: Women Leading in the Realm of Communication and CCI
04/24/2025
118: Women Leading in the Realm of Communication and CCI
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. To begin our show this week Laeticia Cerdas interviews Warner Brothers Senior Producer Image and Sound, Victoria Kennedy. They begin with a discussion of what got Victoria into the industry backtracking to her high school experience. Victoria explains how that is when she began in journalism and got the opportunity to shadow at the local news station. They talk about her trajectory post college from small-town news in Sherman-Dennison, Texas, to a bigger market in Dallas, Texas, and how she got into her current position in Atlanta as Senior Producer Image + Sound. The pair also revisit some moments in Victoria’s career that stick with her to this day, such as working breaking news during the Sandy Hook shooting and the Orlando bar shooting, where she was called to report on the scene. Finally, Laeticia asks Victoria what advice she would give to journalism students, which includes making connections with the professionals met along the way, persevering despite how hard of a market it can be to pierce, and for students to take risks and decide what they want early on. Our final segment this week looks at the career of Claudia Camp, the Associate Director of Communications for Latin America at Activision Blizzard sits down to speak with Jannelle Martinez about what it has been like working with Blizzard for over 8 years. Claudia and Jannelle discuss the various challenges and opportunities of managing communication across a large region such as Latin America. She touches on tackling language barriers, travel, and the importance of effective communication when working with different countries, especially when handling campaigns. Additionally, Claudia explores how the gaming industry connects to creative and cultural industries through its use of collaborations such as how Blizzard partners with various artists and film companies to reach broader audiences and attract more attention to their launches. In wrapping up the interview the pair touch on social media influencers' role in public relations and how they have aided in bringing together a sense of community. For anyone looking to work in the field of communication, particularly in gaming, Claudia offers valuable tips and tricks to help achieve those goals, highlighting the importance of teamwork and adaptability.
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117: Transforming Fashion Norms
04/17/2025
117: Transforming Fashion Norms
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. On this week's first segment Brenna George gets to speak with Naomi Alabi, the founder of SFWRUNWAY. SFWRUNWAY is an innovative job board platform with a specialized focus, centered around the fashion and creative industries and aims to connect job seekers with unique, high-quality career opportunities. Naomi goes into her backstory and the origin of SFWRUNWAY and what motivated her to start the company. They discuss how Alabi wanted to create a space where creators could not only connect but grow with SFWRUNWAY by offering helpful resources along with job opportunities. She emphasizes the challenges in this industry, and how to set herself apart, Alabi is cultivating a community that is both unique and diverse. The pair also discuss how Alabi perceives CCIs as she explains that all the people she surrounds herself with are involved with CCI, which is motivating for her. To finish the segment, Naomi gives a little advice to those just starting out in the creative industries. We wrap up the episode this week with Sherwin Salehi’s interview of fashion tiktoker Rwang. Salehi discusses with Rwang, also known as Ricky, what it is like to run the fashion brand IONGAF. The pair speak about Ricky’s journey on social media and what motivated him to leverage platforms like TikTok to build a dedicated community. Ricky opens up about the challenges he faced in the early days and the pivotal moment that led him to transform his social media presence into a thriving business. The conversation then shifts to IONGAF itself, where Ricky provides insight into what it’s like to manage and grow a brand from the ground up. They discuss the concept of “normalizing niche” through unique designs and content and what the daily duties look like when running a fashion brand. They wrap up the interview talking about the current state of the fashion industry and where it’s headed. Ricky shares his thoughts on the future of fashion over the next decade and offers advice for anyone looking to break into the industry.
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116: Breaking into Creative Careers
04/10/2025
116: Breaking into Creative Careers
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. Senior Sydney Cook Rogoff begins our episode with an in depth discussion of the Creative and Cultural Industries with Kellen Sweny, a Tech Initiatives Program Manager for the Walt Disney Company, specifically Walt Disney World. They discuss in detail the study of Creative and Cultural Industries before diving into the different aspects of the Walt Disney Company and focusing specifically on the responsibility the company has to continue to produce outstanding content and how Sweny contributes to this goal. They touch on how Sweny came to work for the company and what drew her to it in the first place, before they conclude with Sweny’s “words of wisdom” for anyone trying to get a job in the corporate world of Disney, and how she herself worked to get her job. They touch on the Disney College Program (a program setup by the Walt Disney Company for aspiring Disney employees) and how this program helped her attain her current role at Disney. Our second segment in today’s episode features an interview with Travis Garcia, the Co-Director of Features Programming at the Newport Beach Film Festival, who speaks with Marisa Lamas. Listen in as Marisa and Travis delve into the film festival industry and find out what it takes to take on the role of a director of features programming. They discuss Travis’ previous work experience and what prepared him for his current job, from interning with the Austin Film Festival to student teaching at Cal State Fullerton in the Film, Cinema, and Media Studies sector. They also explore some of the position’s highlights and challenges which prompts a discussion what kind of skills are needed to truly succeed in a position like Travis’ and how to develop those skills. As they wrap up the interview, Travis has a chance to discuss some of the influential figures who were responsible for steering him in the right direction, and the advice that they bestowed on him that will always hold a prevalent place in his mind.
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115: Challenges and Influences in Performance based CCIs
04/03/2025
115: Challenges and Influences in Performance based 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 13 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. Hosting our first segment this week is Jadyn Ayala who brings us an interview with Joshua Gaspar, professional dancer and choreographer. Joshua opens up to Jadyn about his early years in dance, sharing how his passion transformed into a career despite financial challenges and setbacks. They discuss how Joshua founded Exchange, a dance team focused on sharing ideas, power, and community and what it was like to build that team from the ground up. Next they discuss Joshua’s residency in Las Vegas and how he later turned that into a North American tour with Donny Osmond. They close the interview talking about how Joshua plans to take his passion even further in the future. Next up this week, is an interview with a singer/songwriter who performs as Acacia. Acacia sits down to talk with Gabby. The pair discuss Acacia’s creative process, revealing how she manages to balance deeply personal experiences with universal themes. They also discuss the evolution of her music over time—how her sound has shifted and what’s influenced these changes. Acacia reflects on the roles her cultural background has played in shaping her music, offering a deeper look at how her life experiences and where she grew up influence both the lyrics, the melodies she creates, and her experiences with interpersonal relationships. They wrap up the interview with an exploration of the realities of the music industry, from how involved Acacia is in the business side of things to the biggest challenges musicians face today.
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114: The Power of Authenticity in Content Creation
03/27/2025
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.
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113: Freelancing in the Creative Industries
03/20/2025
113: Freelancing 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 13 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. This week’s first segment looks at what it is like to be a freelancer in the music industry landscape of Los Angeles in the year 2025. Amber Zhu dives into this topic with the subject of her interview, Lu Cheng, a freelance music composer based in Los Angeles, California, who got his master's degree from USC has worked as a composer for various media formats including film, TV and the gaming industry. Zhu and Cheng discuss Cheng’s career trajectory, from his first job as a composer assistant, through his moving on to short films and then expanding to other media forms. They discuss the experience of working with and for creatives before touching on current industry trends including Cheng’s insights regarding the emergence of AI technology and how short-form vertical videos like those on the ReelShort platform have changed or will change the landscape of the creator's community. They wrap up the conversation with Lu's advice for future creators and people who want to pursue careers in the creative industries. Our second episode of the week follows Will Swan on his journey through the career of Elizabeth Moore. Moore, who currently uses her skills and knowledge from working in the creative industries as a consultant and life coach, started her career in radio and print on Boston’s North Shore at: WFNX Radio, The Marblehead Reporter, and WNSH Radio. She moved on to become Personal Assistant to Maury Povich before working as an executive assistant to Jann Wenner, of Wenner Media, publishers of Rolling Stone, US Weekly, and Men’s Journal. Perhaps what she is most known for is holding the position of Chief Of Staff to Oprah Winfrey for 11 years before serving as a consulting Producer with the original team that created the Emmy award winning Super Soul Sunday on OWN, The Oprah Winfrey Network. Swan and Moore delve into Moore’s long and varied career, reflecting on the work and projects she has contributed to throughout. Before concluding the conversation, they touch on advice that Moore has for those navigating through entertainment industries, including dealing with some of the more corporate aspects.
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112: Creativity within Digital Marketing and Ad Sales
03/13/2025
112: Creativity within Digital Marketing and Ad Sales
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. This week starts off with a real bang as Franca Strandell leads us through an interview with Ned Dane, the Digital Partnerships Marketing Coordinator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). They discuss how Ned's career took a surprising turn when, after starting in finance, he accepted an internship with Formula 1 racing that opened his eyes to the world of sports partnerships and marketing. The pair discuss the highs and lows of moving from finance to sports, the differences between the industries, and what it takes to break into the competitive sports industry. Dane also gives the audience an idea of what his current role at the UFC is like, where he spends his days analyzing data and planning creative projects like content shoots featuring top fighters. Before signing off, Franca and Ned touch on the difficult balance of optimizing partnerships and how to keep the UFC’s brand authentic without overdoing commercial content. Closing the episode this week is Eric Hong, a sales ad intern at NBC Universal who sits down to talk to Anna Gemmell. Hong delves into what being an ad sales intern entails and what being an intern specifically at NBC Universal is like including what is expected when collaborating with other departments of the company and the feeling of Universal’s company culture. Gemmell and Hong talk about some of the fun perks of being part of the intern program, and Hong discusses the NBC Universal application process, interview process, and tips to help other potential interns applying for this specific internship process. They finish the interview with a discussion of how ad sales can often be overlooked as a pivotal part of marketing, which dots landscape of the creative and cultural industries more than people realize.
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111: Exploring the Visual Arts from New Angles
03/06/2025
111: Exploring the Visual Arts from New Angles
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. We kick off Season 13 of Catalyst with a look at the career of Sammy Smith, a talented Los Angeles-based photographer, who sat down to speak with Brianna Jones. Sammy relates how she grew up in Connecticut and what her journey was like, both physically and professionally, as she made her way west to become a successful freelance photographer working with influencers, celebrities, and at numerous high-profile events. Sammy highlights the growing field of Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) as the pair explore the connections between digital storytelling, influencer culture, and Sammy's career. The conversation dives into the pressures and excitement of working at fast-paced events like concerts and magazine shoots, the important role of creating a positive on-set environment and the looming impact of AI on creative processes. We close out our first episode of the season with Matthew Dewey whose interview of JY Aubone takes a look at how a creative industry’s tools can be used in new and unique ways. Aubone is a professional tennis coach who recently found a new way to teach tennis players: through virtual coaching. His innovative thinking has led him to create a program whereby his clients can have the advantage of their coaches being able to see every one of their matches. JY and Matthew talk about how JY identified a need in the industry and has partnered with a mobile app to create a new style of coaching. JY can now analyze his players’ footage in SwingVision and then talk with them about their statistics, their strategy, and what they need to work on in their practices. Matthew and Sammy wrap up the interview with some reflections on the benefits to virtual coaching, and how this style is now much more economical for a lot of players, which is allowing them to now get the practical feedback to help them excel.
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110: Season 12 Finale- A Day in the Life from a Creative’s Viewpoint
11/07/2024
110: Season 12 Finale- A Day in the Life from a Creative’s Viewpoint
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 12 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. Our final episode of Season 12 of Catalysts starts with Katelyn Vu who takes the audience on a journey as she and her guest, Kaitlyn Antonio, discuss Antonio’s body of work as a content creator and how she manages it marry that with her academic pursuits in the area of Food Science and Nutrition. Antonio emphasizes the opportunities that come from being creative on the internet and how her Nutrition major benefits from collaborating with many well-known brands as it allows her to make connections to potentially work with them. They talk about what the day to day really looks like for effective content creation, and end with a topic that hits close to home, when discussing how parents view careers in social media, and whether or not that is changing. The season 12 finale ends with Kailey Schulz and her interview with Cayla Sacre, a talent, animation, and voice-over assistant at the Independent Artists Agency, or IAG. Cayla sits down to talk with Kailey Schulz on the day-to-day routine of a bustling agency like IAG, and shares some of her work experience including how to balance the needs of the different agents she works with and how to effectively communicate with creatives from various entertainment industries. Cayla relays to Kailey her impetus for entering this niche area of the industry and they examine the intersection of business and art within the context of the entertainment. They conclude with a look at how Cayla chooses to expresses her creative skills outside the confines of her creative career.
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109: How Much Creativity is Required: a look at the worlds of Event Management and Public Relations
10/31/2024
109: How Much Creativity is Required: a look at the worlds of Event Management and Public Relations
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 12 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. As we begin to wind down the season, we start today’s episode with an intriguing interview featuring Montana Golin. Montana is the events producer at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University and she speaks with Iliana Nordenso about her career trajectory, starting with her education at Southern Methodist University in Texas. The pair examine the world of event management including Montana's various experiences as a general event planner with non-entertainment events such as weddings, corporate events, and ceremonies. They also discuss the path to her current position, and what the day-to-day looks like as an events producer. Montana elaborates on some of her accomplishments that she feels most proud of, and they conclude by revealing some interesting misconceptions about event planning and what Montana wishes aspiring event planners knew about events. Our second episode of the week delves into the world of Las Vegas, and what it is like to be the Public Relations Coordinator for one of the most world-renowned Casino/Resorts on the famous Vegas Strip. Sammy Baloch sits down with Chapman University Alumna, Haley Ben Moshe’22, to talk about her role in PR with MGM Resorts International. Moshe lays out what her journey has been since graduation, touching on the atmosphere and culture of work in the area of content creation / Influencing in Los Angeles, and how that experience guided her to make a move back to Nevada, where she has found a better fit with MGM. They talk about the details and responsibilities that she faces in the position, and what she finds to be her favorite parts of the job. Before signing off, Moshe reflects on what she has found to be the most rewarding aspects of her career journey thus far, and shares with Baloch some personal advice for current students or recent grads that are just starting their own journeys.
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108: Teaching and Tech in the Creative Industries
10/24/2024
108: Teaching and Tech 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 12 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. We jump into this week’s episode of Catalyst Sofia del Rey and her interview with Ryan Metzler. Metzler, a educator whose focus is in media production and the film industry has worked with students that range from middle schoolers to college. Metzler talks about his role in helping students to develop the vocational and creative skills necessary for those pursuing careers in the film industry. They also discuss what he sees as the importance of fostering community within his classrooms, teaching students that they must rely on the support of those around them. In closing he touches on the challenges of working in the Creative and Cultural Industries, but they wrap the interview with Metzler’s advice for those pursuing a career in the arts. To close our episode this week Maya Caparaz talks with John Lacy, a veteran Film Industry lighting technician from the Bay Area who has more than 30 years of experience. Lacy’s career illustrious career includes credits on such films and TV projects as Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, American Sniper, 13 Reasons Why, and Captain Marvel. Maya and John discuss how his interest in filmmaking as a child influenced him to study film in college. They then talk about John more recent projects such serving as the chief lighting technician on Freaky Tales, a film that premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and is set to be released in theaters with stars like Pedro Pascal and Tom Hanks. Through the interview John explains the work that he does as a chief lighting technician including working directly under the director of photography to implementing their ideas for the lighting while also taking into consideration the budget that the producers have decided for the lighting department. They conclude the interview with some of John’s thoughts on the influence of lighting on the acting and story of a film or television show.
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107: Artist Advice and Insights
10/17/2024
107: Artist Advice and Insights
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 12 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. In this episode of Catalyst Nicole Marsh, starts us off with her interview of artist, and educator, Cedric Tai. Together the two discuss Cedric’s career as an artist, including their most recent project that was featured in the Guggenheim Gallery, located on Chapman University’s campus. The exhibit, @fakingprofessionalism, stood out from other art exhibits in many ways from the incorporation of virtual reality to interactive art exhibits. Cedric provides insight into what it means to truly be a part of a creative industry, and what draws specific kinds of people to these fields of work. They also offer insightful advice for aspiring young artists considering pursuing work in the creative industry. In the second interview of the episode Rajbir Sambi speaks with Lisa Cera, a Los Angeles-based professional who mainly operates in the arenas of film and fashion. They begin with a discussion of Lisa’s recent role as a producer in an upcoming short film. As the interview progresses, the focus shifts to how the industry has evolved and adapted into its current state and Lisa provides valuable insights including how perseverance and dedication are required to succeed in the film and fashion industries. They conclude the interview with Lisa offering practical advice for college graduates pursuing careers in creative and cultural industries. Reflecting on her experiences, Lisa hopes to inspire listeners to pursue their passions with determination and creativity.
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106: A Look at Theme Park Operations as Creative and Cultural Industries
10/10/2024
106: A Look at Theme Park Operations as Creative and Cultural 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 12 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. Our episode of Catalyst starts this week with an interview of Jenny Pershon, a live performance technician specializing in audio and video effects. Jennings Gibbs-Barger talks to Pershon about her career from her beginnings where she worked at such theme parks as Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm as a tech behind the scenes at some of their live performance shows. They discuss how Pershon now works as a freelance contracted live technician, specializing in audio and video effects, for live immersive experiences. Pershon talks about the differences in working for a company like Disney versus working as a freelance contractor as well as the advantages and disadvantages to both. They also talk about what the day to day looks like for her now as a freelance technician and discuss where they think the future of live immersive experiences is headed. The second episode of the week features Nathan Slevcove’s interview with McKenna Madison, an Intern with the Disney Company in the area of Costuming. The segment starts off with the pair talking about McKenna’s overall job as a seamstress, which then leads into a more in-depth account of the role she plays. Madison elaborates on her duties as a seamstress, which include such tasks as repairing costuming of the Disneyland Park mascots, maintaining the specialized animatronic costumes, or simply mending the thousands of thousands of pounds of fabric pieces that exist in the park as part of normal operations. McKenna, although describing it as a rigorous challenge, describes how she takes it on with a smile, and they conclude the interview with her hopes of moving up to becoming a costume designer.
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105: Creative Career Viewpoints in Film & Television
10/03/2024
105: Creative Career Viewpoints in Film & Television
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 12 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. To begin our episode this week Annie Hirsch speaks with Debby Pearlman, President and co-founder of SparkBird Productions, a television and film production company based in Los Angeles, California. The pair discuss Debby’s years of experience developing show ideas in the television industry including her experience working as Senior Vice President of Development for Bright-Kauffman-Crane which produced the hit television show Friends, and how that compares to her current experience working with her smaller production company. Through the interview Debby discusses her creative process including how she now utilizes social platforms as a tool for her current work. Debby also touches on the importance of acknowledging that every person/department that works on a project is equally important, from producers to actors, screenwriters, original creators, costume designers, etc., as they all play a part in the storytelling. Jordan Miller-Lulla closes out the episode this week with their Claus Lulla Interview. Lulla, who is a two-time Emmy Award-winning makeup artist, discusses with Jordan his career that includes working in the entertainment industry for over 20 years. Starting as a makeup artist working on theater productions in Austria, Claus talks about his later move to Los Angeles and how he worked his way up to films and TV show productions there. Jordan and Claus discuss what attracted Claus to the entertainment industry and what it means to work in a creative field where you are pushed to be a perfectionist and to be highly detail-oriented with your craft. They explore what a typical day of filming looks like in a television production as a makeup artist and what challenges Claus faced as he was starting his career. They wrap the interview with some sage advice for those wanting to enter the competitive and compelling industry of entertainment.
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