Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am.

Learn more about FYI:

https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement

This week on the Culture FYI’RS Podcast, we celebrate the journey of Iman Jordan, an artist and artivist who has dedicated his life to music, community wellness, and social impact. In an inspiring conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, Iman shares his evolution from a struggling artist in the music industry to winning the prestigious Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change award at the Grammys.

Iman opens up about the challenges he faced while navigating the major label system and the importance of living authentically. He reflects on the struggles of coming out and how embracing his true self has allowed him to create music that resonates with his audience. With a focus on artist wellness, Iman discusses his new nonprofit, the Art Well Coalition, which aims to heal artists and, in turn, heal the world.

Join us as Iman dives into his creative process, the power of storytelling through music, and the significance of using one's voice for social change. He also shares insights on his upcoming podcast, Artivism, which will explore the intersection of artistry and activism.

Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Iman:

https://fyi.ai/p/cf106

Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session:

https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs

This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken. 

Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am

Learn more about FYI:

https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement

This week, our guest is Ori Winokur, founder of Artlist, the revolutionary music licensing platform that's transformed how creators access and use music. Ori comes from a traditional music background but recognized early on how technology was reshaping the creative landscape. Under his leadership, Artlist pioneered a subscription-based licensing model, essentially creating a Spotify for content creators, which has grown into a thriving ecosystem supporting artists and creators worldwide.

Having navigated the seismic shifts in the music industry and the rise of the creator economy, Ori shares his insights on how Artlist has solved one of content creation's biggest challenges: accessible, affordable, high-quality music licensing. In conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, he explores the delicate balance between leveraging AI technologies and preserving human creativity, emphasizing that while tools evolve, the heart of artistic expression remains fundamentally human. 

At this live Culture FYI’RS event, the audience also got an exclusive look at an exciting collaborative project featuring artist Capri Everett and director and editor Jordan Orme, who created a music video using Artlist's AI tools—a perfect example of how technology can enhance rather than replace the creative process while maintaining artistic integrity.

To see the video yourself, click the link below, which will give you access to the FYI Project for this Culture FYI’RS event with Ori:

https://fyi.ai/p/IDFM8z0LkyvlQVd8BU7zYryp05mC2jhDgVmK23wCxWc=

Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session:

https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs

This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken. 

Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am

Learn more about FYI:

https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement

This week, we are thrilled to bring you an electrifying conversation with the visionary Jarret Myer, co-founder of Ruckus Records and Uprock Studios. In an engaging dialogue with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, Jarrett takes us on a nostalgic journey through the vibrant music scene of New York in the mid to late '90s, sharing stories that shaped his creative path.

Jarret paints a vivid picture of life in a city brimming with artistic energy, from the gritty streets of New York to the rise of iconic artists, and reflects on the challenges of launching Ruckus Records without the guidance of social media. 

As the conversation unfolds, FYI Founder will.i.am comes to the stage to add his insights as Jarret discusses his current venture at Uprock Studios, where he collaborates with brands to create authentic connections with the music community.

Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Jarret:

https://fyi.ai/p/cf105

Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session:

https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs

This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken. 

Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am.

Learn more about FYI:

https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement

This week, we dive deep into the science of optimism with the remarkable Dr. Deepika Chopra, known as the "Optimism Doctor." In an enlightening conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, Doctor Chopra shares her personal journey and the science behind cultivating resilience in the face of adversity.

Dr. Chopra, despite not being a naturally optimistic person, has dedicated her career to understanding and teaching the principles of optimism through neuroscience. She candidly discusses her struggles and the transformative lessons learned during her family's challenging experience with her son’s health. This heartfelt narrative reveals the profound connection between optimism and resilience, emphasizing that true optimism is not about ignoring life's difficulties but about navigating through them.

Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Dr. Deepika Chopra:

https://fyi.ai/p/cf103

Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session:

https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs

This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken. 

Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am

Learn more about FYI:

https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement

This week, we're bringing you a conversation from an inspiring workshop led by the innovative Mindagus Petrutis, who shares insights on validating ideas in the creative process. After a whirlwind of travels, MP returns to FYI with a mission to empower creators to take the crucial first steps in creating their projects—understanding the "why" behind their ideas before diving into building.

In an engaging conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, MP reflects on lessons learned from the recent Loveable event at the FYI campus and emphasizes the importance of identifying the problems that need solving. With the rise of AI tools democratizing the creation of software, MP highlights the common pitfall of jumping straight into development without validating the concept, leading to projects that fail to resonate with audiences. This conversation is not just about building; it’s about building thoughtfully and intentionally.

Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with MP:

https://fyi.ai/p/cf101

Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session:

https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs

This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken. 

Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am.

Learn more about FYI:

https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement

This week, we are honored to host LA Taco’s Director of Engagement, Memo Torres, and multimedia journalist, Aisha Wallace-Palomares, who share their compelling journey into on-the-street journalism and the challenges they face in the turbulent and chaotic socio-political climate of Los Angeles in 2025. In an insightful conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, they discuss the evolution of LA Taco from a grassroots blog to a leading publication dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities in L.A.

Memo recounts the origins of LA Taco, which began as a platform celebrating local culture, food, and art, and evolved into a vital source of news during a time of crisis for local media. He emphasizes the importance of "street-level journalism," shedding light on the stories of individuals often overlooked by mainstream media. Aisha highlights the urgency of reporting on immigration issues, detailing the dangers faced by journalists covering these topics and the responsibility they feel towards their communities.

The episode delves into the day-to-day realities of their work, including the challenges of covering ICE raids and the impact of local journalism on community awareness and activism. 

Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with L.A. Taco:

https://fyi.ai/p/AnrudpOiDhphbYcCCthuugtt-B4VEqIFS7YoyOJCRAY=

Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session:

https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs

This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken. 

Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am.

Learn more about FYI:

https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement

This week, we are excited to feature TDE Engineer extraordinaire Derek Ali, AKA ‘Mixed by Ali”.  A self-taught audio engineer turned startup founder, Derek takes us on a journey through his unique path from humble beginnings in Gardena, California, to becoming one of the most highly regarded engineers in the modern Hip Hop space.

Derek shares how his early experiences hustling ringtones led him to record his first full song. He reflects on the importance of mentorship, the challenges of transitioning from engineering to entrepreneurship, and the innovative platform he's building to revolutionize the music industry.

With insights into the creative process, the role of technology in music production, and the impact of AI, Derek provides a fascinating glimpse into the future of music. Join us as we explore Derek's journey, the evolution of his platform, Engineers, and how it aims to empower artists and audio engineers alike. 

Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with MixedByAli:

https://fyi.ai/p/culturefyirs99

Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session:

https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs

This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken. 

Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am.

Learn more about FYI:

https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement

This week, we are thrilled to feature the innovative mind behind Spout, Ruben Vollmer, who is pioneering a groundbreaking approach to water generation. In an engaging discussion with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, Ruben shares his inspiring journey from a concerned son witnessing his family's water rights threatened in California to creating a revolutionary machine that extracts water from the air.

Ruben recounts the decade-long process of development, emphasizing the importance of iteration and feedback in bringing his vision to life. He dives deep into the technology behind Spout, explaining how it utilizes a unique clay wheel and advanced filtration systems to produce clean, drinkable water, regardless of environmental conditions. This episode highlights the pressing issues surrounding water contamination, particularly in urban areas, and the necessity for innovative solutions to ensure access to safe drinking water for all

Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Ruben:

https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs96

Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session:

https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs

This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken. 

Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am.

Learn more about FYI:

https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement

This week, we are thrilled to welcome high-performance nutritionist Natasha Pestano, who shares her transformative journey from the world of culinary arts to championing holistic health. In a lively discussion with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, Natasha highlights the profound impact of nutrition on our overall well-being and the importance of community in fostering healthier lifestyles.

Natasha recounts her family's rich culinary heritage and how it shaped her understanding of food as medicine. She candidly shares her experience navigating her mother’s battle with breast cancer, which ignited her passion for nutrition and health optimization. Throughout the episode, Natasha emphasizes the significance of ancient wisdom in conjunction with modern technology, advocating for a return to simpler, nutrient-rich foods that empower individuals to take control of their health.

Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Natasha:

https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs97

Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session:

https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs

This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken. 

Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am.

Learn more about FYI:

https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement

This week, we are thrilled to welcome the legendary Mike Dean, a master producer and musician known for his iconic collaborations with some of the biggest names in the music industry. In a riveting conversation with Hip Hop commentator Jeremy Hecht, of Uproxx, Mike shares insights from his illustrious career, including his work with The Weeknd, GUNNA, Travis Scott, and more.

Mike dives deep into the creative process behind his recent projects, including the sonic vision brought to life in The Weeknd's latest works. He discusses the importance of collaboration, revealing how he motivates artists to contribute their best while navigating the complexities of a shared vision. With anecdotes from his time working on classics like "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy," Mike reflects on the magic of live improvisation and the unique energy that comes from creating in the studio.

Join us as we explore Mike Dean's journey, his approach to artistry, and the invaluable lessons he has learned along the way.

Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Mike:

https://fyi.me/p/psXx3RT9pAhilXFU4u32VcAcS3xYZIROM7zImxhjkCU=

Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session:

https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs

This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken. 

Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play