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 season finale starts with Taylor Green who speaks with Olivia Halton co-founder of 760skin, a clean, vegan skincare brand. The pair explore how creativity shapes both of their lives and how persistence and innovation guided Olivia through moments of uncertainty. They discuss how Olivia turned a personal passion into a thriving company, and her decision to pursue entrepreneurship over a traditional 9-to-5 path and revealing the inspiration behind the name 760skin. She opens up about the challenges and triumphs of building a business from the ground up, offering valuable insights into creativity, branding, and resilience.

Wrapping up our episode, and our season, Kaylee Chapman brings us an interview with San Francisco tattoo artist Lo Gwyn. Chapman and Gwyn take an in-depth look at the artistry, emotion, and individuality that define the tattoo industry. Lo shares how she forged her path through a nontraditional route, emphasizing the role of networking, self-motivation, and creative risk-taking in shaping her career. She offers candid advice for aspiring artists about finding sustainability and success outside conventional apprenticeships, while staying true to their vision. Lo reveals her creative process, the emotions that drive her work, and how she navigates growing trends in the industry. She also addresses misconceptions about tattooing and the lack of recognition it often receives as fine art—responding with thoughtful, passionate insight.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.