Intern to Empire

Intern to Empire Ep. 16 is live!

This week we sat down with Tariq Lawal to talk about building a life without putting yourself in a box. From growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, to homeschooling, internships, youth advocacy, and working with organizations like TikTok’s Youth Council, Tariq shares how staying open to opportunities completely changed the direction of his life.

We also get into entrepreneurship, self-doubt, burnout, mentorship, and the pressure young people feel to have everything figured out so early. Tariq talks about learning to trust the process, taking risks before feeling “ready,” and why patience is one of the most important parts of seeing your hard work pay off. This episode is packed with advice about internships, networking, creativity, leadership, and believing in yourself even when things feel uncertain.

One of our favorite lines from the episode:
“Be patient enough to see your work through.”

Co-hosted with @innaswinton (writer, actress, producer, and lawyer).

🎧 Link in bio for the full episode
#leadership #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #GenZ #internships

Intern to Empire Ep. 15 is live!

This week we sat down with Ian to talk about his transition from New York City to Dartmouth College and what it’s really like studying engineering at a rigorous, outdoors-driven school. He shares how he’s balancing academics with commitments like ROTC and ski patrol, and why being in that kind of environment has pushed him to grow!

We also discuss into what the first year of college actually looks like for engineering students, from managing workload to finding your people. Ian breaks down how he chose Dartmouth, what surprised him most, and what incoming students should know before stepping onto campus. If you’re thinking about engineering, ROTC, or navigating your freshman year, this episode is for you!!

Co-hosted with @innaswinton (writer, actress, producer, and lawyer).

Ian’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-campbell-a197972b8/

🎧 Link in bio for the full episode

#InternToEmpire #Podcast #engineering #collegeapplications #ROTC

Intern to Empire Ep. 14 is live!

This week we sat down with Amaya Romero to talk about her theatrical journey and what it’s really like pursuing a BA at one of the most theatre-intense colleges in the country. She shares why she genuinely loves the training, the environment, and the pace, and how being fully immersed in theatre confirmed that this is exactly where she’s meant to be!!

We also dive deep into the college application process, breaking down the BA vs. BFA route and what students should actually know before applying. From auditions and callbacks to choosing the right program, Amaya offers real tips and tricks straight from someone who’s lived it. If you’re navigating theatre college decisions and want insider insight, this episode is for you!!

Co-hosted with @innaswinton (writer, actress, producer, and lawyer).

Amaya Romero Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaya-romero-192a69299/

🎧 Link in bio for the full episode

#InternToEmpire #Podcast #theatre #collegeapplications #BA BFA acting

ntern to Empire Ep. 13 is live!

This week we sat down with Daniel Simpson, who’s studying theatre at the University of Michigan while also pursuing business through the Ross School of Business. He shares how he’s found real passion in both worlds and why building a career doesn’t have to mean choosing just one lane.

From navigating rejection and internship searches to studying abroad and discovering what actually excites him, Daniel talks about learning what he loves by trying things, not by narrowing too early. If you’re figuring out how to follow multiple interests without forcing a tradeoff, this episode will resonate.

Co-hosted with @innaswinton (writer, actress, producer, and lawyer).


Daniel Simpson Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel—simpson/

🎧 Link in bio for the full episode

#InternToEmpire #Podcast #theatre #business #universityofmichigan

Intern to Empire Ep. 12 is live! This is the first episode of our Mentor Talk mini-series where we give established professionals a space to share their stories and the lessons they have learned along the way!

This week, we sit down with Brandon Roberts, Emmy award winning composer of Free Solo, Andor, and Quiet Place. We talk about why just getting started is often the hardest part of creative work, and how momentum comes from taking that first step before everything feels ready.

Brandon shares why patience is essential to the creative process, especially in an industry built on trust and collaboration. We discuss the importance of good manners, humility, and respect for the people around you: colleagues, mentors and mentees.

Co-hosted with @innaswinton (writer, actress, producer, and lawyer).

Brandon Roberts website: https://brandonrobertsmusic.com/

🎧 Link in bio for the full episode

#InternToEmpire #Podcast #filmmusic #justgettingstarted #composer

Intern to Empire Ep. 11 is live!

This week’s episode is all about getting involved with intention and finding the communities that matter to you. We sit down with Ava Cashman to talk about business frats, sororities, music organizations, and how to be truly present in the groups you choose to join. From showing up authentically to focusing on quality over quantity, Ava shares why being involved in the right organizations, not just more of them, can shape your college experience in the most meaningful way.

Co-hosted with @innaswinton (writer, actress, producer, and lawyer).

Ava Cashman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avacashman/

Episode Link: https://youtu.be/aHDGTwhXP9g (link in bio)

🎧Link in bio for full episode!! 


#InternToEmpire #Podcast #CampusLife #StudentOrganizations #gettinginvolved

Intern to Empire Ep. 10 is live!

This week’s episode is all about strength, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to ask for help.


We sit down with Anjali Mazurek to talk about balancing a BA in Theatre with Psychology, and how those two worlds intersect in her creative life. She opens up about learning when to ask for help and why vulnerability has become one of the most powerful tools in her life.

Co-hosted with @innaswinton (writer, actress, producer, and lawyer).

Episode Link: https://youtu.be/zykPQ41MnwE

Anjali Mazurek Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-mazurek-8b7b082a4/


🎧 Link in bio for the full episode.

#InternToEmpire #Podcast #AskingForHelp #Vulnerability #Strength

Intern to Empire Ep. 9 is live!

This week’s episode is a real look at balancing priorities and making intentional choices.

Peace talks honestly about life as a BFA actor and how she balances training, auditions, school, work, and taking care of herself while learning how to prioritize what’s most important. We get into how she makes tough choices, sets boundaries, and stays grounded in an industry that constantly demands.

Co-hosted with @innaswinton (writer, actress, producer, and lawyer), who brings her insight and humor to the conversation.

Episode Link: https://youtu.be/ThoOGpr7AgA (episode link in bio)

Peace LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/peacechoirgan/

MORE EPISODES COMING SOON!💼⚡️

Follow @interntoempire and stay tuned for more stories.

#InternToEmpire #Podcast #CareerJourney #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #Relationships #ThankYouNotes #studentsuccess

Intern to Empire Ep. 8 is live!

This week’s episode explores how we make choices and the role economic thinking plays in finding our direction. Olivia Feldman shares her “Decision Making 101” lessons with us and the value of trying new things!! She also talks about Amherst’s economics department and why it has been such an important part of her academic journey.

Co-hosted with @innaswinton (writer, actress, producer, and lawyer), who brings her INCREDIBLE insight and humor to our conversation!!!

MORE EPISODES COMING SOON!💼⚡️

Episode Link: https://youtu.be/6_iRyejpwOM (episode link in bio)

Olivia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-feldman/

Follow @interntoempire and stay tuned for more stories.

#InternToEmpire #Podcast #CareerJourney #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #Relationships #ThankYouNotes #studentsuccess

Intern to Empire Ep. 7 is live!

This week’s episode is all about intentionality, relationships, and the power of small gestures that make a big difference. Max Perry shares why he always keeps handwritten thank you cards with him—and how showing genuine appreciation can transform a simple interaction into a meaningful, mutually valuable relationship. From building trust to giving back as much as you receive, Max breaks down the habits that help every connection grow.

Co-hosted with @innaswinton (writer, actress, producer, and lawyer), who brings her insight and humor to the conversation.

MORE EPISODES COMING SOON!

Max LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxsperry

Follow @interntoempire and stay tuned for more stories.

#InternToEmpire #Podcast #CareerJourney #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #Relationships #ThankYouNotes #studentsuccess