Cultural Catalysts with Alison McNeil

By Alison McNeil

Welcome to Cultural Catalysts with Alison McNeil—the podcast that celebrates the creative visionaries working behind the scenes in arts and entertainment. This podcast uplifts the voices of producers,... more

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FAQs about Cultural Catalysts with Alison McNeil:

How many episodes does Cultural Catalysts with Alison McNeil have?

The podcast currently has 11 episodes available.

Cultural Catalysts with Alison McNeil episodes:

March 26, 2025Lila Mayes: Mentoring Creatives and Building Inclusive Pathways in Film and TV
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil sits down with Lila Mayes, Program Administrator for the Directors Guild of America - Producer Training Program. With a vibrant career spanning artist relations for the Grammys and mentoring aspiring filmmakers, Lila shares her journey of finding purpose and paving the way for inclusivity in the film and TV industry.
Discover how Lila empowers young creatives, champions diversity, and transforms non-linear career paths into success stories. From set visits to mentorship masterclasses, Lila unveils the magic behind the scenes in entertainment.
📣 Podcast Producer: Letisha Bereola (Paradigm Media Group)
🎭 Find out more about Americans for the Arts.
🔗 Connect with Alison:
LinkedIn
Instagram
🌐 Find out more about McNeil Creative Enterprises.
...more
32min
March 19, 2025Aja Burrell Wood: Ethnomusicology and Inclusion in Jazz
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil interviews Aja Burrell Wood, the Managing Director of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. An ethnomusicologist, curator, and educator, Aja has dedicated her career to exploring the intersections of race, gender, and performance. She shares her journey from Detroit, Michigan, to Berklee Institute for Jazz and Gender Justice, highlighting how her passion for music and cultural advocacy led her to amplify underrepresented voices in jazz.
Tune in to hear Aja discuss her work, her love for ethnomusicology, and the ways she’s building a more inclusive future for the arts.
🌐 Find out more about Ethnomusicology: Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice | Society for Ethnomusicology
📣 Podcast Producer: Letisha Bereola (Paradigm Media Group)
🎭 Find out more about Americans for the Arts.
🔗 Connect with Alison:
LinkedIn
Instagram
🌐 Find out more about McNeil Creative Enterprises.
...more
54min
March 12, 2025Mazi Mutafa: Transforming Communities Through the Power of Hip-Hop
On this episode of Cultural Catalyst, Alison McNeil sits down with Mazi Mutafa, Founder and Executive Director of Words Beats & Life, shares his journey of using hip-hop to empower historically-excluded voices and create opportunities for young artists. From pioneering community-focused arts education to blending hip-hop with cultural diplomacy and wellness, Mazi unpacks the transformative power of hip-hop culture beyond music. Listen to how Words Beats & Life is breaking barriers and shaping the future of creative arts.
🔗 Connect with Mazi: LinkedIn
🌐 Find out more about Words Beats & Life.
📣 Podcast Producer: Letisha Bereola (Paradigm Media Group)
🎭 Find out more about Americans for the Arts.
🔗 Connect with Alison:
LinkedIn
Instagram
🌐 Find out more about McNeil Creative Enterprises.
...more
59min
March 05, 2025Marjuan Canady: Pioneering Paths in Broadway and Creative Entrepreneurship
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil speaks with Marjuan Canady, a Tony-nominated Broadway producer, award-winning Caribbean-American artist, and cultural entrepreneur. From creating her one-woman show, Girls! Girls? Girls. to founding the Callaloo brand of children’s books, puppetry, and theater, Marjuan shares her journey of centering Black and Caribbean stories in her work.
Listen as she discusses her path from acting to producing, her experiences balancing the creative and business sides of her career, and the importance of cultural identity in storytelling. Discover how Marjuan is creating opportunities for artists and inspiring the next generation of creatives.
🔗 Connect with Marjuan: Website | Instagram | Facebook
🌐 Find out more about Callaloo Kids and the Canady Foundation for the Arts.
🌐 Fellowships mentioned:
Black Theatre United
The Prince Fellowship
Front Row Productions Fellowship
📣 Podcast Producer: Letisha Bereola (Paradigm Media Group)
🎭 Find out more about Americans for the Arts.
🔗 Connect with Alison:
LinkedIn
Instagram
🌐 Find out more about McNeil Creative Enterprises.
...more
59min
February 26, 2025Mitra Arthur: Building Bridges Between the Performing and Cinematic Arts
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil interviews Mitra Arthur, a dynamic storyteller with a background spanning the performing and cinematic arts. Mitra shares her journey from live arts and arts administration to producing, directing, and editing impactful films and media. Now a video producer at NPR Music, Mitra discusses the importance of honoring Black women’s stories, fostering curiosity, and creating spaces where art fosters connection and community. Discover how Mitra’s journey reflects McNeil Creative Enterprises’ mission to amplify creatives’ voices and cultivate transformative arts experiences.
🌐 Find out more about Mitra Arthur on NPR.
👁️‍🗨️ Read: What Happened to All the Black Girl Groups?
🎵 Listen to Durand Jones – Wait Til I Get Over
📣 Podcast Producer: Letisha Bereola (Paradigm Media Group)
🎭 Find out more about Americans for the Arts.
🔗 Connect with Alison:
LinkedIn
Instagram
🌐 Find out more about McNeil Creative Enterprises.
...more
1h
February 19, 2025Jennifer Bowman: Bridging Communities Through Music
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil welcomes Jennifer Bowman, Houston Grand Opera's Director of Community and Learning. Together, they explore Jennifer’s journey as a trailblazer in arts leadership, her dedication to making opera accessible, and the powerful ways she fosters community connections through creativity and collaboration.
Discover the magic that happens when passion meets purpose in the arts and entertainment industry.
🔗 Connect with Jennifer: LinkedIn
🌐 Find out more about the Houston Grand Opera.
📣 Podcast Producer: Letisha Bereola (Paradigm Media Group)
🎭 Find out more about Americans for the Arts.
🔗 Connect with Alison:
LinkedIn
Instagram
🌐 Find out more about McNeil Creative Enterprises.
...more
40min
February 12, 2025C. Brian Williams: Transforming Stepping into a Global Art Form
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil interviews C. Brian Williams, founder and executive producer of Step Afrika!, the first professional dance company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. From its origins at Howard University to becoming an internationally celebrated cultural ambassador, Step Afrika! has revolutionized the art of stepping.
Brian shares how the company honors the roots of stepping while evolving it into a world-class art form, the challenges of running a dance company, and the importance of cultural preservation through movement. Learn how Step Afrika! employs artists full-time, performs globally, and continues to innovate after 30 years of impact.
🌐 Find out more about Step Afrika!:
Watch Step Afrika! on The TODAY Show
Catch Step Afrika! in Washington, DC
Website | Instagram | Youtube | Facebook
📣 Podcast Producer: Letisha Bereola (Paradigm Media Group)
🎭 Find out more about Americans for the Arts.
🔗 Connect with Alison:
LinkedIn
Instagram
🌐 Find out more about McNeil Creative Enterprises.
...more
55min
February 05, 2025Mastering Publicity Strategies with Nyle Washington
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil speaks with Nyle Washington, Senior Award Series Publicity and Talent Relations Manager at Netflix. With over 20 years of experience in PR and media strategy, Nyle shares her journey from internships at The Oprah Winfrey Show to leading award-winning campaigns for hit Netflix series like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Squid Game. Nyle discusses the evolving media landscape, the art of building lasting relationships, and the strategies behind crafting impactful publicity campaigns.
🔗 Connect with Nyle: Instagram | LinkedIn
📣 Podcast Producer: Letisha Bereola (Paradigm Media Group)
🎭 Find out more about Americans for the Arts.
🔗 Connect with Alison:
LinkedIn
Instagram
🌐 Find out more about McNeil Creative Enterprises.
...more
43min
January 29, 2025Sharon Ingram: Championing Music Professionals and Protecting Creatives' Rights
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil interviews Sharon Ingram, Executive Director of the DC Chapter of the Recording Academy. Sharon shares her fascinating journey from performing artist to becoming a champion of music professionals. With over 20 years in entertainment, Sharon has worked with Hidden Beach Recordings and the Clio Awards, honing her passion for building community and creating resources for creatives.
Listen as Sharon discusses how the Recording Academy serves the music industry beyond the Grammy Awards, dispels myths about the organization, and explains how to thrive in a creative career. Whether you're a music professional or just curious about the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.
🌐 Find out more about The Recording Academy - DC Chapter.
📣 Podcast Producer: Letisha Bereola (Paradigm Media Group)
🎭 Find out more about Americans for the Arts.
🔗 Connect with Alison:
LinkedIn
Instagram
🌐 Find out more about McNeil Creative Enterprises.
...more
35min
January 22, 2025Pamela Green: The Business of Representing Artists and Ensuring Opportunity in the Industry
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil speaks with Pamela Green, founder of PMG Arts Management and a trailblazer in arts administration. With over 30 years of experience, Pamela has worked with renowned artists like Ronald K. Brown, Camille A. Brown, and Nnenna Freelon, shaping multidisciplinary projects that have left a lasting impact on the performing arts world.
Pamela shares her journey from curious arts enthusiast to industry leader, her passion for mentoring artists of color, and her insights on how creativity fuels successful management.
Tune in to hear Pamela’s reflections on legacy, creativity, and the future of arts management.
🔗Connect with Pamela: [email protected]
📣 Podcast Producer: Letisha Bereola (Paradigm Media Group)
🎭 Find out more about Americans for the Arts.
🔗 Connect with Alison:
LinkedIn
Instagram
🌐 Find out more about McNeil Creative Enterprises.
...more
49min

FAQs about Cultural Catalysts with Alison McNeil:

How many episodes does Cultural Catalysts with Alison McNeil have?

The podcast currently has 11 episodes available.