Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Jayson Johnson, an award-winning writer, director, and producer whose work spans short films, feature development, and collaborations across major networks and independent platforms. Jayson shares how early experiences watching television with his family sparked a curiosity about the people behind the screen and eventually led him into radio, TV, and film studies. He reflects on the winding path that brought him to California, including an unexpected job at Francis Ford Coppola Winery that shaped his approach to craft, quality, and passion for storytelling. He talks about building his career through short films, learning every role behind the camera, and founding Strike Five Films as a philosophy of persistence rather than perfection. He shares his perspective on the realities of film financing, the risks of streaming distribution, and why strong characters and honest stories matter more than spectacle. Tune in to hear more about Jayson’s upcoming feature film Roger and Me, his views on streaming versus theatrical releases, and how collaboration with actors shapes the final story audiences see.

Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker chats with Ivy Dieujuste, a Temple University senior majoring in accounting and finance and the latest recipient of the James E. Walker Scholarship. Ivy shares what it feels like to navigate college as a first-generation student while balancing a demanding academic workload, work responsibilities, and the pressure to plan for life after graduation. She reflects on how her family’s sacrifices shaped her motivation and how finding the right support systems helped her push through moments of doubt. She talks about choosing Temple University, discovering her path into accounting and finance, and committing to a rigorous major even when others around her changed direction. She offers a candid perspective on what it is like to be a college student today, including the role of technology, the challenges of time management, and the value of mentorship and real-world experience. Tune in to hear more about Ivy’s experience as a Temple student, her thoughts on artificial intelligence in education, and her goals as she prepares to begin her career in the accounting profession.

Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Shannon Malone-DeBenedictis, a two-time Emmy Award winning documentary filmmaker whose work spans Disney Plus, Netflix, National Geographic, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Shannon shares how her path into nature filmmaking was unexpected, beginning as a self-described city mouse before being pulled into the world of wildlife storytelling through her early work on Planet Earth. She explains how her role has always centered on story first, focusing on emotion, structure, and the human connection that helps audiences care about animals, ecosystems, and the people protecting them. She reflects on projects like Secrets of the Whales and Saving Yellowstone, describing how concepts like culture, stewardship, and survival shape the narratives she builds. She also speaks candidly about leadership, mentoring creatives, managing egos, and learning when to support someone else’s vision rather than impose her own. Tune in to hear more about how Shannon finds the story inside nature, why she believes documentaries should feel like an experience rather than a lecture, and how she continues to evolve her career through teaching, consulting, and independent filmmaking.

Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Tim McLoone, a New Jersey Hall of Fame inductee, musician, restaurateur, and founder of the nonprofit Holiday Express. Tim shares how music has always been the throughline of his life, from early piano bar gigs and years on stage with legendary artists to the moments during the pandemic when playing became a form of personal survival. He reflects on the unlikely path that led him into hospitality, including a New Year’s Eve leap of faith that turned an abandoned waterfront property into the first chapter of McLoone’s Restaurants. He describes how Holiday Express grew from a single Christmas Eve visit into a massive volunteer-driven effort that now reaches tens of thousands of people each year who are often invisible to society. He speaks candidly about failure, risk, and the responsibility that comes with success, and how giving back became a way not just to help others, but to heal himself along the way. Tune in to hear more about the origins of Holiday Express, the lessons Tim learned from building restaurants and bands at the same time, and why he believes he was born to do this work.

Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Simmy Kustanowitz, an Emmy-nominated executive producer whose career spans hit shows from Total Request Live to Impractical Jokers. Simmy describes how live television shaped the way he thinks under pressure and how that mindset carried into years of creating unscripted moments built on authentic reactions. He reflects on the cross-generational appeal of Impractical Jokers and the way simple ideas become unforgettable when the Jokers’ real fears, loyalties, and instincts take over. Utilizing his experience in the entertainment industry, Simmy talks about founding Clocktower Innovation to help businesses rethink how they use time, structure, and creativity to solve problems. Tune in to hear more about the evolution of the Jokers’ punishments, the unexpected moments that shaped his career, and the ideas he brings into the corporate world today.

Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker chats with Teri Pruitt, a Broadway wardrobe professional who has spent over 25 years bringing some of theater’s most iconic productions to life, including 18 years with Wicked. Teri shares how an unexpected audition in junior high sparked a love for theater that carried her from Kansas to some of the country’s most respected regional stages. Teri reflects on the unique energy of working in the epicenter of American theater, from celebrity encounters to unforgettable moments during presidential visits. She describes the realities of live performance, the quick problem-solving required backstage, and the moments when improvisation becomes its own form of artistry. Teri also talks about the calm that settles in before a show, the rush of a great audience, and the nightly routines that keep long-running productions seamless for the people watching. Tune in to hear more about the backstage issues she solves mid-show, the performances that have moved her as an audience member, and the future she envisions for artists transitioning into new careers.

Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Courtney Stanfield, a Canadian TV broadcaster, mom of three, and creator of the anonymous emotional wellness app Air Out. Courtney describes how a dream set her on the path to develop an app for those who need to vent. She talks about the intention behind Air Out and the relief people find when they can share honest thoughts without attaching their names to them. Courtney reflects on the reactions she has seen from users who come to the platform looking for a moment to breathe. She also shares how some posts reveal humor, others reveal exhaustion, and many reveal the kind of emotional clutter people usually keep to themselves. Tune in to hear more about the unexpected ways people interact with anonymous spaces, the emotional patterns Courtney has noticed across users, and the growing community that is forming around the idea of honest release.

Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Toni Will, a general manager, speaker, and advocate for women in sports. Toni reflects on her unconventional path to becoming the first female general manager in ECHL history, leading the Kalamazoo Wings to record-breaking attendance and multiple league honors. She discusses the challenges she’s faced as a woman in a male-dominated sport and how she uses her leadership platform to empower other women across the industry. Toni highlights her passion for mentorship, storytelling, and helping others unlock their potential through her Women In podcast, coaching work, and upcoming book. Tune in to hear more about Toni’s leadership pillars, the evolution of her 5-to-9 passion projects, and her mission to create space for women to rise.

Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker chats with Julian Hampton, an award-winning author, screenwriter, and director known for his captivating storytelling and thoughtful approach to filmmaking. Julian explains how his creative ideas often begin with a simple “what if” moment that evolves into full-length scripts, and he shares his deep passion for exploring emotion and human experience through film. He discusses his early inspirations, his process for writing comedy and thrillers, and the meticulous craft of translating vision into production. Discussing his acclaimed film Finding Olympus, Julian offers insights into creating the project, recognition on the festival circuit, and the inspiration behind its story. Tune in to hear more about how Julian captures ideas in the moment, his perspective on casting and collaboration, and the exciting projects he’s bringing to life in the coming years.

Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Nan Avant, an award-winning composer and pianist whose work bridges classical tradition with modern expression. Nan shares how her early piano lessons led to a lifelong passion for composing orchestral works, often inspired by her surroundings and emotional experiences. From her years of studying at the California Institute of the Arts to her fascination with orchestration, Nan reflects on the process of transforming inspiration into sound. She describes the creation of her moving piece Nani Lahaina Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra, a tribute to Maui’s spirit after the devastating 2023 fires, and how she captured the voice of the wind through innovative instrumentation. Nan also discusses the evolution of her composition tools, the challenges of translating emotion into melody, and the role of authenticity in her creative process. Tune in to hear about Nan’s approach to composing orchestral works, her latest single, and how she continues to honor culture, emotion, and place through music.