In this episode of Halfway, host Jer interviews composer and sound designer Mark Menza. They discuss Mark's journey from his early education in music to his current work in film and TV scoring. Mark shares insights into his creative process, the importance of collaboration, and the evolving role of AI in the arts. They also touch on Mark's involvement in various projects, including an art installation at the University of Texas at Dallas and his experiences working on independent films and TV shows.

#MarkMenza, #MusicComposition, #SoundDesign,#FilmScoring, #CreativeCollaboration, #AIinArts, #IndependentFilms, #TVShows, #CreativeProcess

In this engaging conversation, Jeremy Roden interviews Jon the Dad, a creative content creator known for his relatable parenting parodies and music. They explore Jon's journey from a shy theater kid to a confident musician and content creator, discussing the influences of music, the challenges of navigating the creative industry, and the impact of social media on artistic expression. Jon shares his experiences in advertising, the transition to influencer marketing, and the birth of his comedic persona, emphasizing the importance of overcoming fear and embracing creativity in the messy middle of life. Jon Armstead shares his journey of self-discovery, creativity, and the pivotal moments that shaped his life. He discusses the importance of pursuing one's passions, the impact of humor in connecting with others, and the challenges of navigating parenthood. Jon reflects on the influence of nostalgia in his content creation and the significance of community in fostering connections. He emphasizes the need to overcome fear and embrace authenticity in order to pursue dreams with purpose.Takeaways:

Jon's journey began in childhood with theater and music.

He faced shyness but found confidence through performance.

Music from the 90s heavily influenced his creative style.

Transitioning to serious music was a pivotal moment for him.

He learned to appreciate various musical styles in college.

Navigating the music scene in Dallas presented challenges.

His advertising career shaped his understanding of creativity.

The pandemic sparked his desire to create content.

Social media has transformed how creators share their work.

Overcoming fear is essential for pursuing creative passions. The superpower is when I care about something.

Life's pivotal moments often come from loss and reflection.

Breaking free from societal expectations leads to authenticity.

Pursuing passion projects can ignite a creative fire.

Going viral on social media can change your trajectory.

Humor is a powerful tool for connection and relatability.

Parenthood is a chaotic yet joyful journey.

Finding your voice in content creation is essential.

Nostalgia can be a rich source of inspiration.

Taking the leap into full-time creativity requires courage.

#JontheDad #parenting #parentlife #parenthood #dadlife #dadmoves #dadjokes #dadsofinstagram #momlife #momsofinstagram #familylife #grunge #90s #90sGrunge #music #Parodies #Halfway #MessyMiddle #JeremyRoden #HalfwaywithJeremyRoden #findingpurpose #pivot #comedy

In this episode, Jeremy Rodin welcomes his cousin Bailey Rodin to discuss her journey into the world of agriculture and agribusiness. Bailey shares her experiences from growing up in Queen Creek, Arizona, to becoming an influential figure in agriculture education. She highlights the importance of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the impact of mentors in shaping her career. The conversation delves into the challenges and innovations in the agriculture industry, the role of women in agribusiness, and the significance of agricultural literacy.

Key Topics:

Bailey's educational journey and career in agriculture The influence of family and mentors The role of FFA in personal and professional development Challenges and innovations in the agriculture industry Women in agriculture and agribusiness The importance of agricultural literacy and advocacy

Guest: Bailey Rodin, Agriculture Educator and Advocate

#Agriculture #Agribusiness #FFA #WomenInAg #Education #ArizonaStateUniversity #MorrisonSchoolofAgribusiness ##WPCareySchoolofBusiness

Summary

In this episode, Jeremy Roden interviews Keith Alcorn, aprominent figure in animation known for his work on "Jimmy Neutron." They discuss Keith's early influences, the formation of animation clubs, the importance of kindness in the industry, and the journey of starting DNA Productions. Keith shares insights on collaboration, the challenges faced inthe animation industry, and the excitement of receiving an Academy Award nomination. The conversation also touches on Keith's current projects, including faith-based animation and the success of "The Chosen".

Takeaways

• The importance of collaboration and learning from peers in the animation industry.
• Kindness and respect in theworkplace can lead to better teamwork and success.
• Starting a business in animationrequires persistence and creativity.
• The journey to creating 'JimmyNeutron' was filled with challenges and learning experiences.
• Receiving an Academy Awardnomination was a pivotal moment in Keith's career.
• Building trust within a team isessential for a successful production environment.
• Working with talented individualsin the industry can be inspiring and humbling.
• Current projects focus onmeaningful storytelling and faith-based themes.
• The animation industry hasevolved, but the core values of creativity and collaboration remain vital.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Keith Alcorn

00:36 Early Influences and Beginnings in Animation

02:31 The Formation of DNA Productions

06:30 Lessons Learned in Leadership and Team Dynamics

07:44 Navigating Challenges and Building a Business

15:47 Fostering a Positive Work Environment

18:02 The Growth and Success of DNA Productions

20:08 The Importance of Teamwork and Asking for Help

21:30 The Journey of Johnny Quasar and Early Success

25:21 Building Relationships in the Industry

30:12 Navigating the Nickelodeon Pitch Process

34:53 Collaboration and Respect in Creative Work

39:18 Finding Meaning in Creative Projects

43:02 Faith-Based Animation and New Ventures

47:07 The Chosen Adventures Release

48:03 Nostalgia in Animation: Old Projects Resurfacing

48:52 The Multifaceted Roles in Animation Production

50:21 Memorable Commercials and Their Impact

51:58 The Legacy of Animation and Storytelling

52:06 Behind the Scenes of Jimmy Neutron

55:03 The Academy Award Nomination Experience

01:01:06 Creating a Positive Work Environment in Animation

01:03:24 Introduction to The Chosen Adventures

01:04:44 Personal Reflections and Gratitude

#animation #Keith Alcorn #JimmyNeutron #DNAProductions #filmmaking #industryinsights #collaboration #kindness #AcademyAwards #TheChosen

Summary

In this episode of 'Stories from Halfway', Jeremy Roden interviews Fursey Gotuaco, an award-winning speech and strength coach, who shares his journey from being a theater teacher to a speech coach. They discuss the importance of education as a means of drawing out potential rather than just filling minds with knowledge. Fursey emphasizes the significance of community, mentorship, and the power of storytelling in creating lasting impact. The conversation also touches on the challenges of engaging audiences, the lessons learned from failures, and the importance of being 'all in' when it comes to teaching and coaching. Fursey's insights on personal growth and redefining oneself resonate throughout the discussion, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in leadership and education.

Takeaways

Education is about drawing out potential, not just filling minds.

The importance of believing in students to foster growth.

Community and mentorship are crucial in education.

Lessons learned from failures are often the most impactful.

Transitioning from teaching to coaching requires adaptation.

Captivating an audience takes only seconds; engagement is key.

Stories connect people and create lasting impact.

Every individual has the potential to redefine themselves.

Trust is built through genuine connection and commitment.

We are all on a journey, and it's important to recognize that.

⁠#HalfwayPodcast⁠ ⁠#PublicSpeaking⁠ ⁠#TEDx⁠ ⁠#Toastmasters⁠ ⁠#JeremyRoden⁠ ⁠#FurseyGotuaco⁠ ⁠#SpeechCoach⁠ ⁠#TheatreTeacher⁠ ⁠#LSU⁠ ⁠#JeremyRoden⁠ ⁠#tedtalk⁠ ⁠#debut⁠ ⁠#episode1⁠ ⁠#powerofpositivity⁠ ⁠#RichlandHighSchool⁠ ⁠#LSU⁠ ⁠#LSUFloresMBAProgram⁠ ⁠#education⁠ ⁠#secondaryeducation⁠ ⁠#highereducation⁠ ⁠#leadership⁠ ⁠#agileleadership⁠ ⁠#mentorship #MelRobbins #MelRobbinsPodcast#MelRobbinsInspiration⁠ #TEDX

Throughout my career and personal life, I’ve learned we’re all somewhere in the middle—not at the beginning or the end, but in that messy, meaningful halfway point where friction ignites new ideas and purpose. Named after the small northwest Texas farming town where my father overcame a childhood of adversity, the Halfway with Jeremy Roden Podcast reminds us to pause, reflect, and move forward with purpose.

This podcast was born out of a guest speaker series I’ve hosted for a graduate leadership course in business at LSU for over 5 years. What started as classroom conversations to help guide and coach students at the professional level has grown into something bigger. This is a global guest series where I sit down withbusiness professionals, educators, community leaders, creatives, and quiet heroes to share stories of growth and impact. Thank you for your interest and support.