From Vision to Creation

In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Rozzi — singer-songwriter discovered by Adam Levine and the first artist signed to his record label — to explore how purpose, vulnerability, and creative evolution shape a lasting career in music. From touring with Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson to creating her deeply personal new album Fig Tree, Rozzi opens up about womanhood, loneliness, and the courage it takes to keep saying yes to growth.

If you’re into music, creativity, and authentic storytelling, this conversation dives into the art of self-discovery and staying grounded while chasing your vision.

🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding

In this interview, you’ll learn:

How Rozzi was discovered by Adam Levine and became the first artist on his label

The creative process behind her upcoming album Fig Tree

How she distinguishes fear from intuition when facing new challenges

Why she believes artists must live fully to create truthfully

The story behind her song “Hold Tight” and how freezing her eggs inspired its raw honesty

How collaboration with legends like Nile Rodgers shaped her artistry

In this interview, we discuss:

1:11 Rozzi’s Musical Beginnings

3:54 First Song and Early Creativity

6:22 College and Building a Community

8:41 Licensing Music and Saying Yes 

11:14 Intuition and Facing Fear

14:02 Signed by Adam Levine

20:28 Touring

25:26 Creating For Yourself vs. Pleasing Others

26:21 Working with Nile Rodgers

28:02 Entering a New Chapter with Fig Tree

31:39 Balancing Art and Life

36:47 The Inspiration Behind “Hold Tight”

39:19 Ki Smith Gallery Collaboration

42:35 Personal Growth and Choices

48:47 The Importance of Being Yourself and Final Thoughts

Listen to Rozzi’s New Single “Hold Tight”:

https://ffm.to/rozzi-holdtight

Watch “Hold Tight” on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKyc_ImiM9Q

Episode Resources:

https://www.thisisrozzi.com

https://www.instagram.com/thisisrozzi/

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

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 brands grow through social media marketing, paid advertising, PR, email marketing, 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 Carolina García Jayaram — founding CEO of The Elevate Prize Foundation — to explore how storytelling, wellness, and trust-based philanthropy can supercharge social impact. From volunteering alongside Mother Teresa in Calcutta to launching Elevate Studios and the “Nevertheless” documentary series, Carolina shares how visibility, unrestricted funding, and whole-leader practices help change makers scale solutions and stay resilient.

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Joining us today is the brilliant mind behind the laughter at Comedy Central, the former President and CEO, Larry Divney! Larry's journey in the entertainment realm has been nothing short of remarkable. He's a living testament to the power of experience, dedication, and learning from every step of the way. On today's episode, we get to hear from Larry himself about his incredible career trajectory, how his diverse range of roles prior to becoming CEO primed him for success, and a few of the pivotal moments that shaped Comedy Central's history.

And of course, we can't talk about Comedy Central without delving into one of its most iconic and groundbreaking shows - South Park. Larry saw the rise of this sensational animated series that pushed boundaries, sparked conversations, and became a cultural phenomenon. Hear how Larry reflects on the impact South Park had on the network, the challenges they faced, and the unforgettable moments that shaped its legacy.

Join us as we unravel the laughter, the business, and the genius of Larry Divney's time at Comedy Central.

This podcast is produced and edited by EveryWord Media (https://everyword.media).

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In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with musician and New York Times bestselling author Bill Janovitz — frontman of Buffalo Tom and author of The Cars: Let the Stories Be Told — to unpack how one of rock’s most distinctive bands built their sound, navigated success, and ultimately unraveled. Bill shares how access to all three surviving members shaped the book, why multiple perspectives matter, and how his life onstage informed his writing.

If you’re into creative collaboration, honest music history, and the craft of biography, this conversation is a masterclass in telling complex stories with care.

🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding

In this interview, you’ll learn:

The secrets even The Cars didn’t know about themselves

How Bill gained the trust of the surviving band members

Why The Cars’ music still sounds fresh 50 years later

Lessons modern artists can learn from their downfall

How to balance passion, career, and identity as a creator

In this interview, we discuss:

1:35 Bill’s Musical Journey and Passion Projects

4:28 Fronting Buffalo Tom and Life on the Road

7:47 Writing The Cars Biography

14:12 Challenges and Discoveries in Research

18:04 Gaining the Trust of the Band Members

25:52 Balancing Objectivity and Fan Perspective

27:38 Portraying Success and Conflict

29:30 Reflections on Truth and Perspective

30:43 Collaborative Storytelling in Bands

31:59 The Cars’ Musical Journey

34:10 Timeless Influence of The Cars

35:57 Lessons from The Cars’ Rise and Fall

38:35 Writing Biographies of Iconic Bands

42:14 Advice for Aspiring Writers

53:49 Personal Growth and Identity

56:15 Final Reflections and Advice

Episode Resources:

https://billjanovitz.com

https://www.instagram.com/billjanovitz/

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 brands grow through social, paid, PR, email, 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 Schmieding sits down with creator–musician–author Peet Montzingo to unpack the decade behind his “overnight success,” growing up the only average-height person in his family, surviving boy-band breakups, and turning ADHD into a creative superpower. From Wipeout war stories and an X Factor rejection to viral mom videos, spooky nights across from the Cecil Hotel, and his hit kids’ book Little Imperfections, Peet shares how radical authenticity—and a lot of persistence—built a community of 41M+ across platforms.

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In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Max Talisman—actor, writer, director, producer, and founder of Malibu Bro Productions—for a candid conversation about crafting your own opportunities and telling queer love stories beyond the “coming out” plot. From booking Orange Is the New Black and Super Dark Times soon after moving to New York, to writing his first draft of Things Like This in a few days and refining it over years, Max unpacks how theater shaped his on-set leadership, why film acting isn’t “smaller”—it’s more intimate—and how trusting your instincts (and your team) gets an indie feature across the finish line.

If you’re curious about building a durable creative career, raising indie film financing, leading a set while also on camera, and using music to architect story and emotion, this one’s packed with hard-won wisdom.

In this interview, you’ll learn:

Why rejection is data—not a verdict—and how to keep going anyway

Theater vs. film: scale, truth, intimacy, and the myth of “smaller” acting

Writing fast, revising smart: turning a lightning-draft into a finished film

Casting vs. financing: what actually comes first (and how to juggle both)

Directing while starring: hiring right, trusting associates, using playback

The soundtrack method: building worlds with playlists and score

Distribution realities: sales agents, theatrical runs, and finding your film’s “family”

Career advice: create your own roles, take notes, choose collaborators you trust

🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding

In this interview, we discuss:

1:00 Discovering a Passion for Storytelling

3:42 Early Career and Moving to New York 

6:39 Shifting from Theater to Film

11:28 Creating Roles and Writing Scripts

14:14 The Journey of Writing 'Things Like This'

16:13 Breaking Away from Conventional LGBTQ Narratives

21:15 The Evolution of the Script

22:57 The Challenge of Independent Filmmaking 

28:03 Navigating the Film Industry

35:26 Lessons from Big Productions

37:19 The Role of Music in Creativity

41:06 Personal Growth Through Filmmaking 

43:32 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers 

47:08 Life Lessons

Episode Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/themaxtshow

https://www.instagram.com/malibubropro

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

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, 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 Charl Brown—Tony-nominated Broadway star of Motown the Musical (Smokey Robinson), Sister Act, Dreamgirls, and a lead voice in The Doo Wop Project—for a candid conversation about perseverance, craft, and community. From gospel harmonies in San Diego church choirs to eight shows a week on Broadway, Charl unpacks the athlete-level stamina the stage demands, the mindset to handle constant “no’s,” and why live performance still matters in a hyper-digital world. He also shares the origin and mission of The Doo Wop Project—and how timeless harmony can reconnect a new generation to love, joy, and American musical roots.

If you’re curious about building a durable creative career, mastering stage vs. camera technique, thriving as a swing/dance captain, and keeping your ego out of the work, this one’s packed with hard-won wisdom.

In this interview, you’ll learn:

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Can changing your diet end years of eczema—and can your gut microbiome actually predict how fast you age?

In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Dr. Nigma Talib, ND—celebrity naturopathic doctor and bestselling author of Younger Skin Starts in the Gut—for a candid deep dive into root-cause medicine, the gut–skin axis, and the real story behind her viral “Four Faces of Aging” (Wine, Gluten, Sugar, Dairy). Dr. Nigma shares how a stool test at 13 and targeted diet shifts ended her own flare-ups, why conventional care often misses the root cause, and the simple, science-backed skincare routine most people actually need.

If you’re curious about microbiome diversity, stool testing, eczema/acne triggers, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and how to build sustainable habits (80/20 rule), this conversation will help you trust your gut and transform skin from the inside out.

In this interview, you’ll learn:

How diet and microbiome testing (stool tests) can shift skin conditions and inflammation

The difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and a “naturopath”—and why it matters

The “Four Faces of Aging”: Wine, Gluten, Sugar, Dairy—what each does to your skin (and what to do about it)

Gut-friendly foods to add (omega-3s, cabbage/glutamine, blueberries) and common triggers to trial-eliminate

A minimal, effective skincare routine (cleanser, serum, moisturizer, SPF) without 10+ steps

Supplement quality basics (glass vs. plastic, third-party testing) and microplastics awareness

Why conventional appointments can default to prescriptions—and how to advocate for root-cause care

Dr. Nigma’s entrepreneurial journey, pop-ups worldwide, and her Beverly Hills longevity center vision

Mindset & lifestyle: moderation over perfection, daily habits, and listening to your body

🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding

In this interview, we discuss:

0:00 Intro

1:55 Early Influences and Upbringing

3:43 First Encounter with Naturopathic Medicine

7:30 Challenges with Conventional Medicine

12:05 Naturopathic Medicine vs Naturopathy

14:07 Entreprenuerial Journey

16:21 Expanding the Practice Globally

18:25 “Digest-aging” and the Microbiome

24:06 Creating Supplements and Skincare Products

28:16 The Role of Nutrition in Medicine

32:20 Gut-Friendly Foods & Foods to Avoid

34:24 Understanding Gluten Sensitivity

37:40 Wine Face

40:53 Gluten Face

43:55 Sugar Face

47:08 Dairy Face

47:44 Reversing Damage Through Diet

49:36 Essential Skincare Regimen

53:41 The Rise of Naturopathic Medicine

58:38 Final Thoughts and Advice

Episode Resources:

https://healthydoc.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@Healthydoc/featured

https://www.instagram.com/drnigmatalib/

https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation/

https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding

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

https://www.youtube.com/@FromVisionToCreationPodcast

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, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com.

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

Have you ever wondered how a young founder turns rejection into resilience—and transforms centuries-old traditions into a modern beauty movement?

In this episode, we discuss:

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Have you ever wondered how a music festival can literally save lives?

How do you turn grief, stigma, and addiction into community, recovery, and real-world solutions?

In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with a journalist-turned-community organizer and board member behind Healing Appalachia—the grassroots movement and festival supported by artists like Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton—for a candid conversation about empathy, harm reduction, and building a solutions-first culture where there’s no “us vs. them,” only us.

Our guest shares how a small-town upbringing rooted in service shaped his worldview, why storytelling matters in recovery, and the nuts and bolts of transforming a volunteer-led idea into a multi-day festival that distributes Naloxone, connects people with 90+ recovery service providers, funds music therapy, and launches workforce programs for people in recovery. We get into stigma, statistics, and what actually works—from Quick Response Teams to sober-friendly events and the power of connection (including support from the Matthew Perry Foundation).

If you’re an artist, organizer, policymaker, or anyone who wants to turn compassion into action, this conversation will give you a blueprint you can use today.

In this interview, you’ll learn:

Why “don’t judge someone by their worst day” is more than a slogan—it’s a system design principle

How storytelling + community organizing scale recovery faster than shame and silence

What reduced U.S. overdoses from ~110,000 to ~80,000 in a year—and why we must double down

How Healing Appalachia distributes 20,000+ doses of Naloxone and normalizes carrying it

The role of music therapy, sober spaces, and “California sober” paths in real recovery

How volunteers in recovery gain career pathways (stagehand certifications, touring jobs—even Metallica!)

Practical steps families and friends can take to help without burning out

How to start where you are (you don’t need to launch Farm Aid—start with one small show)

🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding

In this interview, we discuss:

0:00 Intro

1:31 Growing up in service: pastors, steelworkers, and learning empathy

3:57 Finding a voice through books, music, and journalism

6:34 From reporter to organizer: neighborhood institutes & creative placemaking

7:48 The opioid crisis in Appalachia: scale, causes, and human stories

14:14 What’s working: QRTs, first-responder wellness, Lily’s Place, Project Hope

18:51 Why overdose deaths are falling—and how to keep momentum

21:19 Origin of Healing Appalachia: tiny start → movement

29:05 The Role of Community and Connection

32:12 Music and Art as Healing Tools

35:10 Empowering Change: Healing Appalachia’s Mission & Early Challenges

38:30 Musicians as Second Responders

39:30 Adapting During COVID-19

41:25 Expanding the Festivals Impact

43:10 Empowering People in Recovery

47:49 Mental Health and Community

54:40 Hope and Harm Reduction

59:11 Future Vision for Healing Appalachia 

1:02:51 How to Get Involved and Make a Difference

1:06:02 Advice and Reflections

Episode Resources:

https://healingappalachia.org

https://www.instagram.com/healingappalachia/

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

https://www.matthewperryfoundation.org

https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation

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

https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding

Related artists & allies mentioned: Tyler Childers, Chris Stapleton, Molly Tuttle, Remi Wolf, Infamous Stringdusters, Trey Anastasio

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, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com

Produced and edited by Proper Placement – https://www.properplacement.com

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