Halfway with Jeremy Roden

Discover how AI is transforming industries, education, and leadership through insights from Dr. Andrew Schwarz, a seasoned professor with nearly 30 years of AI expertise. This episode explores the opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations of integrating AI into everyday life and business.In this episode:

• The rapid rise of AI and the pivotal role of university research in commercialization
• How organizations can start small with AI projects for quick ROI
• The evolving landscape of AI literacy and education strategies for companies and families
• The shift from exploration to integration: AI’s transition into organizational operations
• Dealing with fears around job displacement and ethical dilemmas in AI adoption
• The importance of human-AI collaboration and the concept of multi-agent AI
• Challenges of AI guardrails, hallucinations, and AI hallucination mitigation strategies
• The impact of AI on competitive strategy, including reverse engineering and personalized marketing
• The nuanced approach to AI ethics, regulation, and intellectual property
• The influence of AI on the future of healthcare, space exploration, and other critical industries
• Preparing for a systemic AI-driven shift and fostering an innovative, educated mindset

Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and background of Dr. Schwarz’s AI expertise
02:10 - When AI started gaining university leadership attention
03:27 - The growth of AI post-ChatGPT and initial uncertainty
04:46 - How companies and universities are experimenting with AI
05:40 - AI’s influence on competition and innovation in sports and business
07:05 - Practical examples of AI ROI, including predictive maintenance
08:25 - Addressing fears of AI, job displacement, and ethics
09:57 - The importance of AI literacy and responsible experimentation
11:09 - Ethical considerations: using AI appropriately vs. neglecting opportunities
12:20 - The evolving role of human-AI collaboration and strategy planning
13:49 - Tools and platforms transforming AI deployment at the organizational level
14:56 - Challenges and limitations of public-facing language models and corporate data
15:47 - The shift from large to small, specialized language models
17:45 - Managing AI bias, hallucinations, and ensuring contextualization
19:48 - Practical ways employees and leaders can experiment and influence AI use
21:17 - Innovation stories from industries like forestry and athletics
22:48 - The accelerating pace of competition with AI reverse engineering
26:00 - AI-powered competition strategies and industry disruption
28:48 - The transformative impact of AI on productivity and leadership
30:02 - Governance, regulation, and ethical boundaries of AI deployment
31:16 - Deepfake technology: risks, misinformation, and societal impact
33:50 - AI’s influence on education, privacy, and family life
36:46 - Ensuring equitable access and AI literacy for all socioeconomic levels
39:36 - The potential for AI in revolutionizing healthcare and space exploration
43:23 - Legal and legislative challenges regarding intellectual property and AI-generated content
44:43 - Practical steps for families and organizations to prepare and adapt
48:24 - The importance of mindful AI use and human connection over automation
50:35 - The systemic nature of AI transformation and leadership responsibility
64:17 - Final advice: embracing the AI shift with education and strategic influence

#AIinBusiness

#FutureOfAI

#AIInnovation

#EdTech

#AIRevolution

#TechInEducation

#AIInsights

#BusinessTransformation

#AILeadership

#DigitalTransformation

Episode 08 – Terry Loftis: From a Dallas Music Hall Dream to Leading the New Jersey Symphony

Discover how a young boy inspired by music in a Dallas concert hall grew into the President & CEO of the New Jersey Symphony. In this episode, Terry Loftis shares the journey that took him from early musical inspiration in Dallas to leading one of the nation’s major orchestras—while navigating innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of classical music in the digital age.

Jeremy and Terry explore how tradition and innovation intersect in the arts, how orchestras are adapting to new audiences, and how storytelling and digital media can help classical music remain vibrant and relevant.

• Early musical influences and childhood experiences in Dallas

• Transitioning from arts education to executive leadership in orchestras

• Innovation and the role of social media in modern classical music outreach

• Balancing artistic integrity with business and nonprofit leadership

• How arts organizations adapted during COVID-19

• The importance of diversity and inclusivity in orchestral leadership

• Overcoming adversity and building community through music

• Programming evolution: classics, contemporary works, and multimedia collaborations

• Strategies for attracting younger and more diverse audiences

• The power of storytelling and digital content in keeping classical music relevant

• Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts

• Dallas Symphony Orchestra – https://www.dallassymphony.org

• New Jersey Symphony – https://www.njsymphony.org

• Henry Lewis – pioneering African-American conductor

• Marilyn Horne

• TACA – https://taca-arts.org

• Dallas Museum of Art – https://dma.org

• Hertz – https://www.hertz.com

• Vivian Beaumont Theater – https://www.lct.org

00:00 – Introduction to Terry Loftis and his background in arts and media
02:15 – Early exposure to music in Dallas and childhood inspiration
04:00 – From jazz and classical performance to arts education and leadership
06:34 – Comparing artistic planning in Dallas and New Jersey orchestras
09:11 – Selecting performances and commissioning new works
11:56 – Expanding audiences and engaging younger listeners
14:26 – Terry’s first instrument and overcoming childhood challenges
16:40 – The role of family, community, and arts magnet programs
19:00 – Serving on nonprofit boards and building philanthropic networks
21:11 – COVID-19 and innovation in arts funding and programming
24:14 – Moving from advertising to the arts world
27:45 – An unexpected path into Broadway producing
33:50 – Risks and rewards of Broadway collaborations
38:10 – Creative fundraising and artist support during COVID
44:22 – Film, multimedia, and engaging modern audiences
50:22 – Social media and digital storytelling for orchestras
54:35 – Communicating classical music to new generations
58:10 – Music education and building future audiences
62:24 – Youth orchestras and community development
65:01 – Memorable youth orchestra collaborations
66:23 – Personal challenges and resilience through music
70:33 – Adaptability and redefining success
74:17 – Terry’s breakthrough into Broadway production
77:20 – Producing large-scale theater and musical productions
82:07 – Reimagining classic music through new mediums
88:29 – History and leadership of the New Jersey Symphony
92:52 – Failure, perseverance, and authentic relationships
98:43 – Mentorship, family, and community influence
103:36 – Final reflections on career diversity and giving back

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com

Halfway with Jeremy Roden explores the stories behind pivotal "The Messy Middle" moments in people’s lives—the choices, challenges, and experiences that shape who we become.

Episode – Paul Claerhout: From Stop Motion to Digital Animation

Join Jeremy Roden for a conversation with veteran animator Paul Claerhout, whose career spans decades of animation history—from the influence of classic stop-motion films to working on beloved shows like Jimmy Neutron and Bob’s Burgers.

Paul shares stories from his creative journey, reflecting on the evolution of animation technology, the craft of storyboarding, and the relationships that shape a creative career. Along the way, he offers practical advice for aspiring artists navigating today’s digital landscape while staying grounded in timeless artistic skills.

In this episode of Halfway with Jeremy Roden, animator Paul Claerhout discusses the influences that sparked his passion for animation and how that curiosity turned into a lifelong career in film, television, and music.

Jeremy and Paul explore how animation has transformed—from physical film and stop-motion techniques to fully digital production pipelines—and why foundational drawing and storytelling skills still matter. Paul also shares personal stories about mentorship, industry challenges, and the importance of building trust through consistent creative work.

Whether you're an animation fan, aspiring artist, or someone curious about creative careers, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the craft and the mindset required to succeed in the industry.

• The history of animation and the films that inspired Paul early in life

• Transitioning from traditional animation methods to digital tools

• Storyboarding and the creative process behind animated storytelling

• How the animation industry evolved from film production to digital pipelines

• Mentorship and relationship building in creative industries

• Balancing foundational artistic skills with modern technology

• The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius

• Bob's Burgers

• Ray Harryhausen

• Toon Boom Storyboard Pro – https://www.toonboom.com/products/storyboard-pro

• Toon Boom Harmony – https://www.toonboom.com

• Wacom Cintiq – https://www.wacom.com/en-us/products/pen-displays/cintiq

• Pink Panther

• Doyle Bramhall

• Stevie Ray Vaughan

• Charlie’s Guitar Shop

00:00 – The journey begins: early animation memories and childhood inspiration
02:59 – Influences that shaped Paul’s creative path
06:09 – Transitioning into CGI and adapting to new technology
09:00 – How animation evolved from traditional methods to digital production
11:52 – Working on Bob’s Burgers and entering a new chapter
14:57 – Challenges and growth in the animation industry
17:59 – Personal projects and insights from Paul’s YouTube work
21:01 – Nostalgia and reflections on past creative work
24:03 – The role of animation in childhood imagination
30:08 – The evolution of storyboarding techniques
37:36 – The creative process behind animation storytelling
40:10 – Challenges for newcomers entering the animation industry
49:44 – Mentorship and influence in creative careers
58:24 – Career highlights and reflections
01:01:47 – The current state of the animation industry
01:06:22 – The future of production in California
01:09:52 – Transitioning from film to corporate creative work
01:24:13 – Advice for aspiring artists and creators

“King Kong blew my mind as a kid.”

“Gaining trust through good work.”

“Traditional skills still matter—even in a digital world.”

• Start creating and sharing your work today using accessible tools.

• Build relationships and trust through consistent, quality work.

• Stay adaptable as technology and the creative industry continue to evolve.

Halfway with Jeremy Roden explores the pivotal moments in people’s lives—the decisions, challenges, and experiences that shape their journey forward.

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.