In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with singer-songwriter and performer Mergui for a raw, thoughtful conversation about identity, fame, and the inner work it takes to create music that’s truly honest.

Mergui takes us back to his upbringing in Tel Aviv, growing up in a deeply musical household, building a bedroom studio, and making the bold decision to commute two and a half hours each way to attend an arts-focused high school—an early sign of the commitment that would shape everything that followed. He shares the moment his life flipped overnight at 17, when a cover he recorded (and his dad secretly sent out) led to a last-minute audition on Israel’s biggest televised competition—where he navigated pressure, judgment, and sudden public attention by staying locked into the art.

We also talk about what it means to be a musician when you’re “working with your soul,” how he protects his creative flow from outside opinions, and why he believes nobody really knows the one perfect path—there are countless ways to build the same dream. Mergui opens up about writing as a way to understand emotion, how vulnerability becomes the most powerful ingredient in a song, and why his project Dark Side of the Rainbow transformed from a breakup story into something deeper: a journey of self-discovery.

Plus, he breaks down the story behind his single “3 Tears”—including a standout writing session with Amy Allen and Andrew Goldstein—and explains how his definition of success has evolved from chasing results to building freedom, balance, and a life he can actually enjoy.

🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding

In this interview, you’ll learn:

How Mergui’s childhood in Tel Aviv shaped his relationship with music and identity

Why his parents’ support (without pressure) helped him choose his own path early

The defining moment he walked away from soccer to follow a creative calling

What it meant to commute 2.5 hours each way to study music—and why it was worth it

How one cover recording led to an overnight career shift at 17

What it’s really like competing as an artist—and staying focused when the world is judging you

Why being on stage is his most natural “flow state,” even as a perfectionist and overthinker

How his music became more personal over time—and why vulnerability creates the best results

The session story behind “3 Tears” and what made it feel instantly “right”

Why he’s experimenting with letting songs shape the “world,” instead of forcing a concept first

How moving to the U.S. helped him find balance, privacy, and space to live

The biggest lesson fame taught him: being himself without apologizing

The advice he’d give his younger self: stay true to what feels right—because nobody has the one answer

Listen to Mergui’s new single “3 Tears” - OUT NOW!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY8nOkR28vk

https://open.spotify.com/track/0hzaaTLCdtSC6ZFJePiNfG

https://music.apple.com/us/song/3-tears/1861504548

"3 Tears" was co-written by Mergui, Amy Allen, and Andrew Wells, with Andrew Wells producing.

Episode Resources:

https://www.mergui.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mergui/

https://www.tiktok.com/@mergui

https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation

https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation

https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding

https://x.com/fvtcpodcast

Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality.

This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Margaret Cho — comedian, actor, author, and cultural trailblazer — for an intimate and deeply reflective conversation about creativity, resilience, and what it truly takes to sustain a life in the arts.

Margaret opens up about starting stand-up comedy at just 14 years old, the fear she felt stepping on stage at such a young age, and why she believes comedy — and success in any creative field — is less about raw talent and more about endurance, discipline, and showing up when it’s hard. She shares how humor became a coping mechanism, how failure is a constant part of the process, and why fear is often a signal that something meaningful is at stake.

We also talk about the realities of building a long-term career in entertainment, navigating self-doubt, learning from mentors, and staying committed to your craft through exhaustion, uncertainty, and change. Throughout the conversation, Margaret reflects on legacy, inspiration, and what it means to create work that allows others to see what’s possible for themselves.

This episode is a powerful reminder that creative success isn’t instant — it’s built over time through persistence, courage, and a willingness to keep going.

🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding

In this interview, you'll learn:

What starting stand-up comedy at 14 taught Margaret about fear and confidence

Why comedy — and creativity — is about endurance, not just being “good”

How fear can be a sign you’re moving in the right direction

Why failure is an unavoidable (and necessary) part of the creative process

The importance of dedication, discipline, and showing up consistently

How mentorship shaped Margaret’s early career and long-term growth

What legacy means after decades of creative work

Why inspiring others to pursue their own paths matters more than accolades

Episode Resources:

https://www.margaretcho.com

https://www.instagram.com/margaret_cho

https://www.tiktok.com/@themargaretcho

https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation

https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding

https://x.com/fvtcpodcast

Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality.

This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Dr. Lucky Sekhon — double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, fertility expert, and author of The Lucky Egg — for an honest, science-based conversation about fertility in the modern world and the massive misinformation gap that leaves so many people anxious, confused, and feeling alone.

Dr. Sekhon shares her personal journey from growing up in Toronto in a hardworking family to becoming a leading voice in reproductive medicine — and why her early experiences, including her younger brother being born extremely preterm, shaped her passion for women’s health and safer pregnancies. We also talk about what it’s been like to practice in a field that was once considered experimental, and how advancements in IVF, embryo freezing, and embryo testing have transformed outcomes and reduced risks like twin pregnancies.

One of the most powerful parts of this conversation: Dr. Sekhon opens up about going through IVF herself and how becoming a patient changed the way she supports others — especially around the mental health toll of fertility journeys. She explains why The Lucky Egg was written as “Health Class 2.0,” designed to give people foundational knowledge, calm, and control — so they can make informed decisions long before they’re in crisis.

If you’re trying to conceive, considering egg or embryo freezing, navigating IVF, supporting someone through infertility, or simply want to understand fertility with clarity and compassion — this episode is for you.

🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding

In this interview, you’ll learn:

Episode Resources:

⁠https://theluckyegg.com⁠

https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon

⁠https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding⁠

⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation⁠

⁠https://x.com/fvtcpodcast⁠

https://resolve.org/

Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality.

This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at⁠ www.properplacement.com⁠.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Agatha Relota Luczo — founder of Fortuna Skin and former high-fashion model who was scouted at just 15 years old and quickly became the face of Chanel after walking Paris couture.

Agatha shares the incredible origin story behind Fortuna Skin — from sitting in the makeup chairs of legendary artists and falling in love with skincare, to building a mission-driven brand rooted in a certified-organic, regenerative farm in Sicily. Alongside her husband, Agatha helped transform a small piece of ancestral land into an 800-acre farm powered by natural spring water, rich volcanic soil, and over 80 medicinal plants — with a guiding philosophy: leave the world better than you found it.

We dive into the science and sourcing behind Fortuna Skin, including their sound bath extraction method designed to preserve plant potency, the skincare benefits of extra virgin olive oil and olive leaf water, and why “single estate” sourcing matters — both for what you eat and what you put on your skin. Agatha also opens up about balancing motherhood with building a global brand, staying grounded in tradition and integrity, and why she believes your team can become your greatest asset.

If you’re interested in beauty entrepreneurship, clean skincare, regenerative farming, longevity, ingredient transparency, or building a brand with real values behind it — this is an episode you’ll love.

🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding

In this interview, you’ll learn:How Agatha was scouted at 15 and became the face of ChanelWhat she learned from the world’s top makeup artists — and how it shaped her love of skincareHow an 800-acre certified-organic farm in Sicily became the foundation of Fortuna SkinWhat “sound bath extraction” is — and why it matters for ingredient potencyWhy extra virgin olive oil may be one of the most powerful longevity ingredients (inside and out)How to shop for higher-quality olive oil (what to look for on the label)Why over-washing your face can work against your skinThe “non-oily oil” approach behind Fortuna Skin’s bi-phase oilHow Agatha balances raising four children while running a global brandWhat she believes the beauty industry is getting right — and where it’s headed next.

Episode Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/furtunaskin

https://www.instagram.com/agatharelotaluczo

https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation

https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding

https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation

https://x.com/fvtcpodcast

Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality.

This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Tomás Mier — Rolling Stone writer, music journalist, and Grammy Museum moderator, shaping the conversation around pop and Latin music today.

From front-page stories at the Los Angeles Times to covering major cultural moments at People and now Rolling Stone, Tomás has built an impressive career at a remarkably young age. He has interviewed artists like Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Benson Boone, Julia Michaels, Megan Moroney, Chappell Roan, and many more — earning a reputation for thoughtful, disarming interviews that feel human, honest, and deeply researched.

In this conversation, Tomás opens up about his journey into journalism — from being a curious kid who cold-called a radio station at 13 to becoming Editor-in-Chief of his college paper and landing competitive internships that launched his career. He shares how starting a Fifth Harmony fan account unexpectedly led him toward music journalism, why preparation and empathy matter more than “gotcha” questions, and how he balances speed, accuracy, and heart in a fast-paced news environment.

We also dive into what it’s really like interviewing icons like Lady Gaga, how live interviews differ from print, what makes certain artists instantly magnetic, and why authenticity — both from the interviewer and the artist — is the secret ingredient to great storytelling. Tomás also reflects on interviews that changed him personally, the rise of Latin and Mexican music, and what aspiring journalists need to know about building a voice, platform, and career in today’s media landscape.

If you’re interested in journalism, music, pop culture, interviewing, storytelling, Latin music, or building a creative career, this is a must-watch conversation.

🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding

In this interview, you’ll learn:

How Tomás went from a teenage radio caller to writing for Rolling Stone

What really goes into preparing for a great interview

How to disarm guests and create conversations that feel real

What it’s like interviewing Lady Gaga — and why that moment mattered so much

The difference between live, on-stage interviews and long-form print profiles

How journalists decide which pitches deserve deeper coverage

Why authenticity and empathy outperform “gotcha” journalism

The rise of Latin and Mexican music — and why language barriers matter less than ever

Advice for aspiring journalists on finding their voice, building a platform, and standing out

What Tomás hopes to create next — including books, hosting, and leading coverage

Episode Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/tomas_mier/

https://www.tiktok.com/@tomasmier

https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation

https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding

https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation

https://x.com/fvtcpodcast

https://www.rollingstone.com/

Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality.

This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with la georgea, Dan Bucatinsky, and director Kelley Kali to unpack their deeply intimate short film elle|elle — a brave, emotionally resonant story rooted in la georgea’s real-life experience of coming out as a transgender woman to her husband, and the complicated, human aftermath that follows.

Kelley shares how the film was born as a love letter to la georgea — and a mission to help the world see her the way her community does: fully, honestly, and without judgment. la georgea opens up about the terror and healing of reenacting her most private truth on camera, what it meant to finally feel safe, and the years of “performing” masculinity to survive. Dan, as both performer and outsider to the personal story, explains why the script grabbed him immediately: it refuses to villainize either partner — and instead invites viewers into the raw, behind-closed-doors moment where two people fight to be seen, heard, and understood.

We talk about the film’s universal impact (including how many non-LGBTQ+ viewers see their own marriages inside it), the unspoken misogyny and bias that can exist even within marginalized communities, and the creative choices that made elle|elle feel so real — from micro-silences to blocking, mirrors, and the quiet scenes of loneliness that land like an emotional gut punch.

If you care about storytelling that humanizes, challenges, and stays with you long after the credits roll — this conversation is for you.

🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding

In this interview, you’ll learn:

How elle|elle began as Kelley Kali’s “love letter” to la georgea — and why making the film became an act of advocacy

la georgea’s emotional journey of sharing her real-life coming out story on screen, and why she calls the film her “rebirth”

Why Dan Bucatinsky felt the story was something he’d never seen before — especially inside a long-term gay marriage

How the filmmakers worked intentionally to avoid villainizing either partner, and why that balance is the film’s power

The layers of identity: sexuality, gender, and the painful reality of “performing” masculinity to survive

The conversation rarely addressed out loud: misogyny and bias within the LGBTQ+ community, and how storytelling can break “othering”

Kelley’s directing choices that preserved honesty — including subtle blocking and mirror framing that creates subconscious tension

The most emotionally difficult scenes to film (and how time pressure, vulnerability, and trust shaped the final moments)

The question the film leaves you with: what does unconditional love really mean — and what truths are we afraid to say out loud?

Episode Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/elleellefilm/

https://www.instagram.com/lageorgea

https://www.instagram.com/danbucatinsky

https://www.instagram.com/danbucatinsky

https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation

https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding

Watch info: check the Deadline piece and screening links referenced in the episode notes, and reach out via publicist Monique Moss for viewing access.

Monique Moss’s Email: [email protected]

https://deadline.com/video/elle-elle-interview-short-film/

Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality.

This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, Shopify builds, PR, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with la georgea, Dan Bucatinsky, and director Kelley Kali to unpack their deeply intimate short film elle|elle — a brave, emotionally resonant story rooted in la georgea’s real-life experience of coming out as a transgender woman to her husband, and the complicated, human aftermath that follows.

Kelley shares how the film was born as a love letter to la georgea — and a mission to help the world see her the way her community does: fully, honestly, and without judgment. la georgea opens up about the terror and healing of reenacting her most private truth on camera, what it meant to finally feel safe, and the years of “performing” masculinity to survive. Dan, as both performer and outsider to the personal story, explains why the script grabbed him immediately: it refuses to villainize either partner — and instead invites viewers into the raw, behind-closed-doors moment where two people fight to be seen, heard, and understood.

We talk about the film’s universal impact (including how many non-LGBTQ+ viewers see their own marriages inside it), the unspoken misogyny and bias that can exist even within marginalized communities, and the creative choices that made elle|elle feel so real — from micro-silences to blocking, mirrors, and the quiet scenes of loneliness that land like an emotional gut punch.

If you care about storytelling that humanizes, challenges, and stays with you long after the credits roll — this conversation is for you.

🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding

In this interview, you’ll learn:

How elle|elle began as Kelley Kali’s “love letter” to la georgea — and why making the film became an act of advocacy

la georgea’s emotional journey of sharing her real-life coming out story on screen, and why she calls the film her “rebirth”

Why Dan Bucatinsky felt the story was something he’d never seen before — especially inside a long-term gay marriage

How the filmmakers worked intentionally to avoid villainizing either partner, and why that balance is the film’s power

The layers of identity: sexuality, gender, and the painful reality of “performing” masculinity to survive

The conversation rarely addressed out loud: misogyny and bias within the LGBTQ+ community, and how storytelling can break “othering”

Kelley’s directing choices that preserved honesty — including subtle blocking and mirror framing that creates subconscious tension

The most emotionally difficult scenes to film (and how time pressure, vulnerability, and trust shaped the final moments)

The question the film leaves you with: what does unconditional love really mean — and what truths are we afraid to say out loud?

Episode Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/elleellefilm/

https://www.instagram.com/lageorgea

https://www.instagram.com/danbucatinsky

https://www.instagram.com/danbucatinsky

https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation

https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding

Watch info: check the Deadline piece and screening links referenced in the episode notes, and reach out via publicist Monique Moss for viewing access.

Monique Moss’s Email: [email protected]

https://deadline.com/video/elle-elle-interview-short-film/

Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality.

This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, Shopify builds, PR, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Dr. Mindy Pelz — New York Times bestselling author, women’s health and fasting expert, and one of the most influential voices reshaping how women understand hormones, menopause, and aging. 

For more than two decades, Dr. Mindy has helped millions of women around the world learn how to work with their biology instead of against it — through her viral YouTube channel, top-ranked Resetter Podcast, and books Fast Like a Girl, Eat Like a Girl, and her newest release, Age Like a Girl: How Menopause Rewires Your Brain for Mental Clarity, Increased Confidence, and Renewed Energy.

In this conversation, Dr. Mindy opens up about the health crisis that changed the entire trajectory of her life — being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome at 19, being told she might never return to school, and then completely reversing her symptoms through food and lifestyle. That experience ignited her mission: to empower people to understand that the body is not broken, it’s brilliant — and that lifestyle is the first medicine.

From there, we dive deep into women’s health, fasting, and the neuroscience of menopause. Dr. Mindy explains why women’s bodies are more like violins than kazoos, why survival and reproduction shape the female brain, and how menopause actually rewires women for clarity, courage, and leadership — not decline. She also talks candidly about nervous system dysregulation, stress, perfectionism, and why so many women hit an emotional breaking point in midlife.

We also zoom out into the cultural and practical: food as mood, the delayed impact of what we eat, why metabolic flexibility matters more than calorie counting, the biggest myths about intermittent fasting, what still needs to change in women’s health, and how men can better support the women in their lives. And in the final part of the conversation, Dr. Mindy breaks down the real path to writing and publishing a successful book — from building an email list and platform to finding an agent and landing a deal.

If you’re interested in women’s health, fasting, hormones, brain chemistry, relationships, creativity, storytelling, or simply becoming more authentically yourself with age, this is a must-watch conversation — for both women and men.

🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding

In this interview, you’ll learn:

How a devastating diagnosis of chronic fatigue at 19 led Dr. Mindy to discover the healing power of food and lifestyle

Why she chose chiropractic and holistic health over a conventional medical path

What most people get wrong about chiropractors — and how they can address physical, chemical, and emotional “interference” in the body

Why “your body is not broken, it’s brilliant” is more than a quote — it’s a new operating system for health

How food impacts mood, brain fog, anxiety, and energy — often days after you eat it

Why fasting is not just calorie restriction, and how using both “sugar burner” and “fat burner” systems creates true metabolic flexibility

The most common myths about intermittent fasting (including coffee, creamers, and what actually breaks a fast)

How women’s bodies differ from men’s in hormones, brain wiring, and stress responses — and why that matters for health, performance, and self-compassion

Episode Resources:

https://www.drmindypelz.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dr.mindypelz

https://www.drmindypelz.com/books

https://www.youtube.com/drmindypelz

https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation

https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding

https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation

Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality.

This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, Shopify builds, PR, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Dr. Gabriel Chiu — Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, master of aesthetic artistry, and one of the most trusted names in cosmetic medicine, known worldwide for his precision, integrity, and deeply human approach to beauty.

With over two decades of experience, Dr. Chiu has built a reputation not only for surgical excellence but also for redefining plastic surgery as a blend of art, psychology, and purpose. From his starring role on Netflix’s Bling Empire to his patient-centric practice in Beverly Hills, he has become a global advocate for transparency, education, and compassion in a field often misunderstood.

In this conversation, Dr. Chiu opens up about the truth behind aesthetic surgery, the psychology of beauty, the evolution of his craft, and why he believes genuine patient care will always matter more than business metrics. He also speaks candidly about building a practice with his wife Christine Chiu, navigating public life, supporting the AAPI community, and the deeply personal struggles behind their IVF journey.

From taking his vacation time to chase a plastic-surgery fellowship, to overcoming doubt, pivoting careers, and finding meaning in service — this conversation goes far beyond cosmetics. It’s about resilience, identity, discipline, partnership, and the courage required to forge your own path in a high-stakes, highly scrutinized profession.

If you’re fascinated by human behavior, ambition, beauty, psychology, relationships, or the pursuit of personal excellence, this is a must-watch interview.

🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding

In this interview, you’ll learn:

Why Dr. Chiu changed career paths multiple times before discovering his calling in plastic surgery

The artistic, surgical, and psychological “trifecta” behind great cosmetic results

How beauty standards differ across cultures — and why “normal” is never universal

The biggest misconceptions about plastic surgery and cosmetic trends

How to know whether someone is seeking surgery for the right reasons

Why integrity and patient-centric care matter more than trends or profit

The story behind the fellowship rotation he took on his own vacation time

How Dr. Chiu built a private practice from the ground up with his wife, Christine

The emotional complexity behind their IVF journey and why they chose to share it publicly

What social media, selfies, and camera distortion have done to modern beauty standards

His advice for young doctors, creators, and anyone redefining themselves.

In this interview, we discuss:

0:44 Dr. Chiu’s Journey to Plastic Surgery

6:59 The Art of Psychology of Plastic Surgery

28:53 Building a Successful Practice

48:22 The Power of Collaboration

49:38 Impact of Bling Empire

54:56 IVF Journey and Advice

1:03:48 Trends in Cosmetic Surgery

1:12:42 Butt Augmentations Explained

1:22:09 Supporting Charitable Organizations

1:31:06 Life Lessons and Advice

Episode Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/drchiubhps

https://www.instagram.com/christinechiu

https://www.beverlyhillsplasticsurgeryinc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation

https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding

https://www.tiktok.com/fromvisiontocreation

Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality.

This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, Shopify builds, PR, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Terri J. Vaughn — award-winning actress, director, producer, and creator of the hit Netflix series Miss Governor. From her breakout roles in Friday and Don’t Be a Menace, to becoming the unforgettable Lovita Jenkins on The Steve Harvey Show, to winning three consecutive NAACP Image Awards, Terri has built a career defined by talent, consistency, and purpose.

But beyond the screen, Terri is a force for representation and creative empowerment. Through decades of navigating rejection, breaking stereotypes, and challenging Hollywood’s limited narratives about Black women, she has emerged as a storyteller determined to create space for voices too often overlooked. Her 20-year journey to launching Miss Governor — and the incredible story behind how it finally got made — is a testament to persistence, faith, and vision.

In this conversation, Terri opens up about her childhood in San Francisco, the unexpected path that led her into acting, the emotional toll of constant rejection, the responsibility of representation, the importance of community, and why laughter is one of the greatest healing tools we have. She also shares how she co-created Miss Governor, how London Breed’s story inspired the show, and how Tyler Perry helped bring her dream to life.

If you’re passionate about creativity, storytelling, representation, or the real behind-the-scenes journey of building a career in Hollywood, this is a must-watch episode with one of the most resilient and purpose-driven voices in entertainment.

🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding

In this interview, you’ll learn:

How Terri went from a pageant monologue to touring nationally as a stage actress

The moment she realized acting was more than a dream — it was her purpose

Why rejection is unavoidable in Hollywood, and how she learned to rise above it

How The Steve Harvey Show changed her life (and how it changed audiences' lives)

The deeper calling behind representation and why she protects her characters

The real story of how she transitioned into directing and producing

Why she co-founded Nina Holiday Entertainment and later launched TJV Enterprises

The 20-year journey to creating Miss Governor and why it almost didn’t happen

How London Breed inspired the series

Why laughter is healing — and why Terri is committed to bringing joy into the world

Her advice to young creators and the one thing she’d tell her younger self

In this interview, we discuss:

 2:54 Early Life and Influences

6:06 The Defining Moment: From College to Acting

11:55 Breaking Into Hollywood: Early Roles and Challenges

34:36 The Power of Positive Energy

35:38 Lovita's Impact and Representation

42:19 From Acting to Producing 

48:21 Founding TJV Enterprises and Creating Miss Governor

1:10:02 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

Episode Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/terrijvaughn

https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation

https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding

https://www.tiktok.com/fromvisiontocreation

Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality.

This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, PR, email marketing, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices