From Vision to Creation

In this episode of From Vision to Creation, we sit down for an eye-opening conversation with Mory Fontanez—author of Higher Self, founder of the Eight22 Group, and a leading intuitive guide for some of today’s most prominent change makers.

Mory shares how childhood trauma, cultural expectations, and a high-powered career in crisis PR led her to a breaking point—and ultimately to a spiritual awakening. With honesty and insight, she opens up about her journey back to self, the moment she rediscovered her inner voice, and how she helps others reconnect with their intuition and highest truth.

We dive into what it means to live in alignment, how to distinguish between fear and intuition, and the importance of healing your inner child to unlock your fullest potential. Mory also discusses her work coaching public figures like Jonathan Van Ness, Alok Vaid-Menon, and Dylan Mulvaney, and how radical self-love is at the core of transformation.

If you’re navigating uncertainty, burnout, or seeking more meaning in your life—this episode will help you reconnect with your inner wisdom and remind you that your Higher Self is always guiding the way.

Hosted by Alexander Schmieding

Get the book Higher Self wherever books are sold

Follow Mory: @moryfontanez

Listen to her podcast: Signal 

Subscribe for more inspiring stories from visionaries who turned ideas into reality.

Links & Social Handles:

https://www.instagram.com/moryfontanez

https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding

https://www.eight22group.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Higher-Self-Reclaiming-Power-Intuition/dp/0063309998

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/signal-with-mory-melissa/id1600566734

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 how we can help at www.properplacement.com.

Produced and edited by EveryWord Media – https://everyword.media

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In this episode of From Vision to Creation, we sit down for an interview with David Barta, diving deep into his remarkable transformation—from aspiring professional baseball player to reality TV star, personal trainer, and now co-owner of a gym in Los Angeles.

David opens up about the devastating injury that ended his baseball career, his identity crisis that followed, and the mental health challenges he faced during his lowest points. With honesty and vulnerability, he shares how he found new purpose through personal training, building his own gym (the “Dave Cave”), launching a fitness app, and starting a meal prep business—all while working up to 75 hours a week.

We also explore his time on Paradise Hotel and Ex on the Beach, what it’s really like training Hollywood’s biggest stars, and why helping others transform their lives is what fuels him most.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or afraid to take that next step—this episode will inspire you to keep going, bet on yourself, and chase your vision with everything you’ve got.

Subscribe for more inspiring stories from visionaries who turned ideas into reality.

Links & Social Handles:

-Proper Placement Marketing Agency Website: www.properplacement.com

-Proper Placement IG: @properplacementmkt

-From Vision to Creation IG: @fromvisiontocreation

-Alexander Schmieding (Host) Instagram: @alexschmieding

-David Barta (Guest) Instagram: @davidbartatraining

-Body by Barta App: apps.apple.com/us/app/bodybybarta/id6739247820

Interested in working together? Please email: [email protected]

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

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Today, I’m thrilled to welcome a guest whose career has shaped the landscape of contemporary musical theatre—composer Scott Frankel. From his early days as a music director and conductor on Broadway classics like Into the Woods, Les Misérables, and Falsettos, to his collaborations with legendary performers like Shirley MacLaine and Meryl Streep in Postcards from the Edge, Scott’s journey is a testament to artistic passion and perseverance.

Scott is best known for his Tony-nominated work as a composer, having brought us stunning musicals like Grey Gardens, Far from Heaven, and War Paint. His collaborations with lyricist Michael Korie have not only graced Broadway stages but have also been recognized with prestigious awards, including the ASCAP Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award and the Frederick Loewe Award.

Beyond composing, Scott is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of theatre makers, teaching musical theatre composition at Yale University. His works continue to inspire, challenge, and redefine what musical theatre can be.

Join us as we dive into Scott’s creative process, his inspirations, and his remarkable journey from vision to creation.

Links & Social Handles:

-Proper Placement Marketing Agency Website: www.properplacement.com

-Proper Placement IG: @properplacementmkt

-From Vision to Creation IG: @fromvisiontocreation

-Alexander Schmieding (Host) Instagram: @alexschmieding

-Scott Frankel (Guest) Instagram: @scottfrankelny

Interested in working together? Please email: [email protected]

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

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Mitch Kaplan is an award-winning musician, songwriter, producer, and musical director with an incredible career spanning decades. He’s worked with some of the most iconic names in music and entertainment, from writing songs for Thelma Houston and Sister Sledge to serving as the longtime musical director for the legendary Sandra Bernhard.

His influence extends far beyond music— You may have also seen his work on TV shows like Will & Grace, Roseanne, and The Tonight Show, or heard his music in films like Something Wild and Studio One Forever. Mitch’s career is a testament to artistic collaboration, innovation, and reinvention. Today, we’ll explore how he has brought his creative visions to life, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and what continues to inspire him.

Links & Social Handles:

-UnCabaret Website: www.uncabaret.com

-Proper Placement Marketing Agency Website: www.properplacement.com

-Proper Placement IG: @properplacementmkt

-From Vision to Creation IG: @fromvisiontocreation

-Alexander Schmieding (Host) Instagram: @alexschmieding

Interested in working together? Please email: [email protected]

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

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

Today, I am thrilled to welcome a truly inspiring guest, Maite Gomez-Rejón—an art historian, chef, educator, writer, and curator whose work bridges the worlds of art and food history in remarkable ways.

Maite’s passion for storytelling through food and art began along the Texas-Mexico border, where she was raised with a deep appreciation for cultural traditions. She earned her BFA from the University of Texas at Austin and her MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago before moving to New York, where she immersed herself in museum education at some of the world's most prestigious institutions, including The Met, MoMA, and the Getty.

Her love for culinary history led her to the French Culinary Institute and kitchens in France and Mexico, where she honed her cooking skills. In 2007, she combined her passions to create ArtBites, a unique initiative that brings history to life through food. She has since led lectures, tastings, and cooking classes at renowned cultural institutions, written for publications like Life & Thyme and Gastro Obscura, and appeared on NPR’s Splendid Table, the Today Show, and KCRW’s Good Food.

In 2022, Maite launched the podcast Hungry for History with Eva Longoria, exploring the rich and often untold stories behind the dishes we love. Most recently, she has curated exhibitions on the history of maize, chocolate, and legendary Mexican chef Josefina Velázquez de León. In recognition of her work, she was honored with the Latino Spirit Award in 2024.

Join us as we explore Maite’s fascinating journey—from her early days in the art world to becoming a trailblazing voice in culinary history. From museum halls to restaurant kitchens, and now as a curator, educator, and podcast host, Maite has masterfully blended food, history, and culture to create something truly unique.

Links & Social Handles:

-ArtBites Website: www.artbites.net

-Hungry for History Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hungry-for-history-with-eva-longoria-and-maite-gomez-rej%C3%B3n/id1648678981

-Proper Placement Marketing Agency Website: www.properplacement.com

-Proper Placement IG: @properplacementmkt

-From Vision to Creation IG: @fromvisiontocreation

-Alexander Schmieding (Host) Instagram: @alexschmieding

-Maite Gomez-Rejon (Guest) Instagram: @artbites_maite

Interested in working together? Please email: [email protected]

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

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

Today, on From Vision to Creation, we are thrilled to welcome a true trailblazer in the world of comedy and storytelling, Beth Lapides. Beth is the creative force behind the iconic UnCabaret, a groundbreaking comedy institution that has redefined the alternative comedy scene for over 25 years. UnCabaret isn’t just a show—it’s a movement. Rolling Stone described it as a "comedy be-in," and Vanity Fair simply called it "nothing cooler." With a magical blend of honesty, humor, and innovation, UnCabaret has touched countless audiences through live performances, television specials, streaming, and touring.

Beth herself has been hailed by The LA Times as the "godmother of alternative comedy," a title that speaks to her role in shaping and nurturing a space where comedy could evolve beyond punchlines into deep, meaningful storytelling. She’s not just a performer, though—Beth is also a celebrated author. Her original audiobook, So You Need to Decide, was named one of Vulture’s best comedy books of 2022, with Variety calling it "a potentially life-changing treasure."

Over the years, Beth’s work has been featured in countless outlets, from The New York Times to Vanity Fair, and she’s made appearances on platforms like Comedy Central, NPR’s All Things Considered, and SiriusXM’s Netflix is a Joke Radio. She’s also been a guest on an array of popular podcasts, including Lovett or Leave It and The Mental Illness Happy Hour.

Beyond her media success, Beth is also a passionate educator and coach. Through her Infinite Creator program, she has helped countless writers, performers, and creators tap into their own unique creative voices. From teaching at places like Second City and UCLA to mentoring her clients toward book deals, stand-up specials, and TV success, Beth has dedicated much of her career to empowering others on their own creative journeys.

Beth’s journey from an artist and comedian to a pioneering force in alternative comedy is nothing short of inspiring, and I’m beyond excited to delve into her process, her passions, and what she’s learned along the way. 

Links & Social Handles:

-Beth Lapides's Website: www.bethlapides.com

-Beth Lapides's Substack: bethlapides.substack.com

-Life and Beth Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-and-beth/id717763884

-UnCabaret: www.uncabaret.com

-Proper Placement Marketing Agency Website: www.properplacement.com

-Proper Placement IG: @properplacementmkt

-From Vision to Creation IG: @fromvisiontocreation

-Alexander Schmieding (Host) Instagram: @alexschmieding

-Beth Lapides (Guest) Instagram: @beth_lapides

Interested in working together? Please email: [email protected]

This podcast is produced and edited by Proper Placement (https://properplacement.com).

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

On today's episode of "From Vision to Creation," we have the extraordinary Caroline MacDougall, a true pioneer in the world of herbal beverages and environmental stewardship. Caroline's journey began in the most unexpected way—with a dream. As the Minister of Herbs at the Republic of Tea, she dreamt of harvesting herbs in a Costa Rican rainforest and creating a caffeine-free cappuccino called Teeccino. That dream sparked a mission that has since revolutionized the way we think about coffee alternatives.

With a deep passion for preserving wild spaces and a sensitivity to caffeine, Caroline founded Teeccino in 1994. Drawing from decades of experience as an herbal products innovator, she crafted a unique blend of organic roasted herbs, fruits, nuts, and spices. Teeccino quickly became the leading brand of coffee alternatives, offering a rich, full-bodied flavor without the caffeine kick.

But Caroline's vision goes beyond just a cup of herbal coffee. Her dedication to sustainability and rainforest preservation is woven into the very fabric of Teeccino. By sourcing ingredients like the Ramon seed from the Maya Biosphere Reserve, Caroline ensures that communities in these regions can earn a sustainable income while protecting their natural environment from deforestation.

Join us as we dive into Caroline's incredible story of turning a dream into a thriving brand that not only satisfies our taste buds but also nurtures our planet.

Links & Social Handles:

-Teeccino's Website: www.teeccino.com

-Proper Placement Marketing Agency Website: www.properplacement.com

-Proper Placement IG: @properplacementmkt

-From Vision to Creation IG: @fromvisiontocreation

-Alexander Schmieding (Host) Instagram: @alexschmieding

-Teeccino (Guest) Instagram: @teeccino

Interested in working together? Please email: [email protected]

This podcast is produced and edited by Proper Placement (https://properplacement.com).

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

Today, we are excited to feature Shane Thomas, a true luminary in the world of hairstyling and high fashion.

Shane's journey began with a spark of inspiration from George Michael's iconic "Freedom" video, featuring supermodels Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Tatjana Patitz, and Cindy Crawford. Coupled with the stacks of fashion magazines his parents received at home, these early influences ignited Shane's passion for the fashion industry.

Shane's path to the top has been marked by hard work, dedication, and extraordinary talent. His first major milestone in his career was working with industry legend Guido for four years. Guido, known for his groundbreaking work in George Michael's "Freedom" video and his contributions to the grunge movement of the mid-'90s, is a major force behind many of today's fashion trends. Guido's global influence and extensive work with high-profile designers like Calvin Klein, Prada, and Versace set the stage for Shane's entry into the world of high fashion.

After four successful years with Guido, Shane joined Duffy's core team, where he has flourished for the past five years. Duffy, another powerhouse in the fashion industry, has created looks for prestigious brands such as Alexander McQueen, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. 

Shane's dedication and skill earned him the prestigious role of lead colorist on Duffy's team—a remarkable achievement in the high-stakes world of fashion. His impressive portfolio includes collaborations with stars like Carey Mulligan, Michael Fassbender, Zoe Kravitz, Nicolas Ghesquière (the creative director of Louis Vuitton), and Barbara Bush, among others. Beyond his work with these industry legends, Shane has also built his own successful business, embodying the spirit of turning a vision into creation.

Join us as we explore Shane Thomas's incredible journey, from his early inspirations to his rise in the fashion world and beyond. 

Links & Social Handles:

-Shane Thomas's Website: www.shanethomashair.com

-Proper Placement Marketing Agency Website: www.properplacement.com

-Proper Placement IG: @properplacementmkt

-From Vision to Creation IG: @fromvisiontocreation

-Alexander Schmieding (Host) Instagram: @alexschmieding

-Shane Thomas (Guest) Instagram: @shanemichaelthomas

Interested in working together? Please email: [email protected]

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

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

Today, we have an extraordinary guest whose lens has captured some of the most iconic faces of our time. From Harrison Ford to Kim Kardashian, Audrey Hepburn to Paul McCartney, and Whitney Houston to Jay-Z, Timothy White's three-decade-long career in photography is a testament to his unparalleled talent and unique approach to the craft.

Timothy began pursuing his passion for photography at the Rhode Island School of Design. Post-graduation, he moved back to New York, where he hustled for jobs, photographing aspiring models and young musicians. His dedication and distinctive style quickly caught the attention of major magazines, leading to significant assignments, including a coveted cover contract with Rolling Stone.

Timothy's career is filled with remarkable stories, like having the opportunity to work with legends like Michael Jackson and Yoko Ono or the five-day motorcycle ride through the Mojave Desert with Brad Pitt. Known for his ability to disarm his celebrity subjects and capture their true essence, Timothy sees his job as a psychological one, skillfully leading and molding his subjects without prying too much.

Beyond his illustrious career in celebrity photography, Timothy has embarked on deeply personal projects, including a photo book about his parents, documenting history, aging, and inevitable loss. His artistic explorations continue to evolve, including innovative collaborations with artists like Joel Zimmerman (deadmau5) and curating at the Morrison Hotel Gallery in Los Angeles.

American Photo named Timothy White one of the most influential people in photography. White's work showcases the extravagance of celebrity life and delves into the intimate and personal realms of his subjects. Today, we're thrilled to delve into his journey, creative process, and the stories behind some of his most famous shots. Please welcome the legendary Timothy White to "From Vision to Creation."

Links & Social Handles:

-Timothy White's Website: www.timothywhite.com

-Proper Placement Marketing Agency Website: www.properplacement.com

-Proper Placement IG: @properplacementmkt

-From Vision to Creation IG: @fromvisiontocreation

-Alexander Schmieding (Host) Instagram: @alexschmieding

-Timothy White (Guest) Instagram: @timothywhite

Interested in working together? Please email: [email protected]

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

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

Joining us today is Tommy Stinson, a renowned rock musician who first rose to prominence in the 1980s as the bass guitarist for The Replacements, one of the most definitive American alternative rock groups of all time. After the band’s breakup, Tommy continued to shape the rock landscape by forming Bash & Pop, where he took on the roles of lead vocalist, guitarist, and frontman.

Throughout the mid-90s, he fronted the rock band Perfect before joining the hard rock juggernaut Guns N' Roses in 1998. In addition to his band roles, Tommy has pursued a solo career, releasing his debut solo album, "Village Gorilla Head," in 2004 and the critically acclaimed "One Man Mutiny" in 2011 on his own Done To Death Music label.

Tommy's versatility as a musician is further demonstrated by his stint with Soul Asylum, contributing to their album "The Silver Lining" and joining them on tour. He has consistently reinvented himself, reuniting Bash & Pop in 2016 and releasing the album "Anything Could Happen" in 2017.

Today, Tommy continues to inspire with his musical projects and unique approach to the industry. Join us as we dive deep into the life and career of Tommy Stinson, exploring his creative journey from vision to creation.

Links & Social Handles:

-Tommy Stinson's Website: https://www.tommystinson.com/

-Proper Placement Marketing Agency Website: www.properplacement.com

-Proper Placement IG: @properplacementmkt

-From Vision to Creation IG: @fromvisiontocreation

-Alexander Schmieding (Host) Instagram: @alexschmieding

Interested in working together? Please email: [email protected]

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

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