Could Be Pretty Cool

Description: Explore how data and creativity intersect to empower communities and creators through two unique perspectives. Featuring demography expert Professor Ness Sándoval on making data accessible for community advocacy, and scientist-turned-entrepreneur Zakiya Whatley on transforming analytical skills into creative storytelling tools.

Key Topics: 

· Making demographic data accessible to communities

 · Using data to validate creative impact

 · Bridging science and digital media entrepreneurship

 · AI's role in creative and analytical work

 · Documenting community stories

 · Data transparency and advocacy 

· Creative entrepreneurship as a cross-industry skill 

· Building sustainable creative practices

Featured Guests: 

Professor Ness Sándoval- Professor of Demography and Sociology at St. Louis University; Leader of Demography for Democracy initiative

 Zakiya Whatley- Scientist, educator, digital media entrepreneur; Co-host of Dope Labs podcast

Notable Quotes: "Money should never be a barrier to understanding and advocating for justice, or advocating for equity, or advocating for improving the human condition." - Ness Sándoval

"I think if you were to step back and give one piece of advice that I think I didn't take, and I wish I did, it is to not seek permission, but to just create." - Zakiya Whatley

Connect with our guests: 

Ness: LinkedIn

Zakiya: Dope Labs Podcast (returning March 9th, 2025)

Follow Could Be Pretty Cool News: @couldbeprettycool couldbeprettycool.com couldbeprettycoolnews.substack.com

Keywords: data analysis, community advocacy, creative entrepreneurship, demographic research, science communication, digital media, storytelling, data transparency, creative documentation, community impact, independent creators, AI in creativity

Description: Explore the evolving relationship between independent creators and major media companies through the contrasting journeys of podcasting and animation. Featuring podcast pioneer Rob Greenlee on the medium's shift from indie roots to mainstream influence, and 2D animator Jaron Johnson on finding opportunities beyond traditional studio systems.

Key Topics: 

·      The evolution of podcasting from independent to mainstream 

·      Animation's expansion beyond traditional studios

·      Balancing authenticity with commercial success 

·      Video's role in modern podcasting 

·      New platforms and opportunities for creatives  

·      Building sustainable creative careers  

·      Navigating industry changes while maintaining creative vision 

·      The future of independent media creation

Featured Guests: 

Rob Greenlee- Former executive at Microsoft, PodcastOne, Libsyn, Spreaker, Podbean, and StreamYard; Chairperson of the Podcast Hall of Fame 

Jaron Johnson - 2D animator specializing in action animation; worked on Aqua Teen Hunger Force and various independent projects

Notable Quotes: "Each one of us are different. We have to play into our uniqueness as much as possible... maybe we really can't compete, but what we can be is unique to who we are." - Rob Greenlee

"Your demo reel or your projects, what you put out there are what people are going to gravitate and come to you for... you won't have to try to fake it until you make it because you've demonstrated that is in your skills." - Jaron Johnson

Connect with our guests: 

Rob: @ robwgreenlee

Jaron:@jaronjolt 

Follow Could Be Pretty Cool News: @couldbeprettycool couldbeprettycool.com couldbeprettycoolnews.substack.com

Keywords: podcasting, animation, independent creators, media industry, digital transformation, creative careers, content creation, visual media, studio animation, podcast monetization, creative authenticity, digital platforms

Description: Dive into how modern creatives are building sustainable careers across physical and digital spaces. Featuring The Bardo founder Luther Ocasio on creating immersive community experiences, and multihyphenate artist Charis Sellick on transforming traditional theater skills into digital success.

Key Topics:

· Navigating both physical and digital creative spaces

· Building authentic community experiences

· Adapting traditional arts for digital platforms

· Monetizing creative content across mediums

· Using AI as a creative tool

· Managing mental health as a creative entrepreneur

· Creating sustainable business models in the arts

· The evolution of multihyphenate creative careers

Featured Guests:

· Luther Ocasio - Experiential Designer, Founder of The Bardo Atlanta

· Charis Sellick - Actor, Director, Content Creator, Filmmaker

Notable Quotes: "We started the studio for people to experience what it is we're trying to communicate to these other places that weren't necessarily giving us chances." - Luther Ocasio

"Be yourself or die, basically... I am my life is funded by the people who like my videos. And it's not as funded by advertisers as I would like it to be. But we're all in control of so much." - Charis Sellick

Connect with our guests:

Luther: @florapapi_

The Bardo: @bardo.atl

Charis: @charissellick

Charis's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CharisSellick

Follow Could Be Pretty Cool News: @couldbeprettycool

couldbeprettycool.com couldbeprettycoolnews.substack.com

Keywords: creative entrepreneurship, experiential design, content creation, theater, multihyphenate artists, digital transformation, creative business, community building, YouTube monetization, performing arts

Description: Season 2 premiere! Explore how creative entrepreneurs are building sustainable careers in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. Featuring JV Agency founder Jazmine Valencia on growing a music marketing agency from internship to industry leader, and independent artist Lánre on strategically balancing creativity with business acumen.

Key Topics:

·       Building sustainable creative businesses in the digital age

·       Adapting to emerging technologies in music marketing

·       Balancing creative work with practical business strategy

·       The evolution of independent artist careers

·       Using AI and new tools in music promotion

·       Strategic approaches to touring and market expansion

·       The importance of maintaining work-life balance as a creator

Featured Guests:

·       Jazmine Valencia - Founder of JV Agency, music marketing expert

·       Lánre - Independent artist, singer-songwriter

Notable Quotes: "I like to tell people to just don't think AI, think software because what it is is just another version of a software that's helping us." - Jazmine Valencia

"There's not one way to do this. You know, there's so many different routes you can take because this music industry, it just keeps getting more diverse." - Lánre

Connect with our guests:

JV Agency: @jvagency

Lánre: @lanre.official

Follow Could Be Pretty Cool News:

@couldbeprettycool

couldbeprettycool.com couldbeprettycoolnews.substack.com

Keywords: creative entrepreneurship, music marketing, digital transformation, independent artists, music industry, creative business, artist development, digital marketing strategy, music technology

Join us for the season finale of Could Be Pretty Cool News as we explore two distinct perspectives on creative careers. Dr. Steven Sparling shares insights from his journey from professional performer to researcher, studying how artists balance multiple income streams in today's economy. Then, dancer and choreographer Annalee Traylor discusses her evolution from traditional company work to collaborative dance theater.

Key Topics:

Featured Guests:

Dr. Steven Sparling - Researcher, Former Actor/Dancer Annalee Traylor - Dancer, Choreographer, Educator

Connect with Could Be Pretty Cool:

Email: [email protected]

Season 2 premieres January 2025!

In this episode of Could Be Pretty Cool News, we explore two distinct creative journeys. First, we meet Asia Kuykendall, a finance expert whose personal transformation led her to develop "quantum wealth theory" - an approach that helps artists redefine their relationship with money through mindset and vision-setting. She shares how creators can align their financial goals with their artistic aspirations, challenging traditional narratives about struggling artists. Then, we dive into the world of film industry graphic design with Callan Ramirez, who creates the visual details that bring movie and TV worlds to life. From designing period-accurate business cards to managing complex production timelines, Callan offers an inside look at this specialized creative field and her path from high school newspaper designer to union film professional in Atlanta's entertainment industry. Through both conversations, we discover how creatives are forging unique paths and finding success on their own terms.

In this episode of Could Be Pretty Cool News, we first meet Vanessa Kuhlor, a Brooklyn-based creative who transformed her experience with Silicon Valley Bank's collapse into an opportunity to reimagine work through her creative consultancy, In Between Dreams. Drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as birdwatching to African textiles, Vanessa shares her journey of building a creative practice centered on "ease and leisure." Our second guest, Miller McCoy, takes us from selling his first t-shirt at an Iowa sneaker convention to founding Limitless Manufacturing Group in Los Angeles, where he now produces merchandise for major recording artists. Through chronic illness, a shattered leg, and a pandemic lockdown, Miller built his fashion empire by refusing to accept limitations, proving that creative dreams can flourish anywhere.

In this spooky edition of Could Be Pretty Cool News we interview Ben Armstrong, co-owner of Netherworld Haunted House, now in its 28th year of operation. Ben shares the origins of Netherworld, discussing how it evolved from charity events to a major attraction known nationally and internationally. He explains the creative process behind developing new themes each year, the logistics of running a seasonal business, and the community aspect of employing hundreds of "Nether Spawn" staff members.

In this special episode of Could Be Pretty Cool News, we take you inside DreamHack Atlanta 2024, a pivotal event in the gaming world. We explore how this festival unites diverse elements of gaming culture, from esports to indie developers, cosplayers to robotics enthusiasts. Featuring an exclusive interview with Guy Blomberg, Event Director of DreamHack Festivals in North America, we also spotlight three unique creator stories: Darius (YoNuggGaming), a content creator and gaming journalist; Liz Howard, a cosplayer and community builder with Beltline Cosplay; and Cecilia, a 16-year-old robotics enthusiast. Join us as we delve into the opportunities, inspirations, and future of the gaming industry through the lens of DreamHack Atlanta 2024.

This episode of Could Be Pretty Cool News juxtaposes macro and micro views of the creative industries. Shira Gans from NYC's Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment unveils how data shapes policies supporting various creative sectors, unpacking economic impact studies, program evaluations, and the nuanced challenge of quantifying arts initiatives' tangible and intangible impacts. We then pivot to Mykal Alder June, an Atlanta-based audio engineer, producer, writer, and musician, who chronicles their journey from childhood radio shows to a 12-year NPR career and co-founding Write Club, a raucous live literary event. These conversations illuminate the intricate interplay between policy, data, and grassroots creativity, showcasing how both institutional support and individual innovation propel our cultural landscape forward.