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The lines between artificial intelligence and art are vanishing faster than expected. In this episode, Leandro discusses OpenAI’s bold new project Critterz—an animated feature film produced in just nine months, with a fraction of the usual budget and team size. By blending human creativity with AI-driven production, Critterz shows how technology is reshaping not just efficiency, but the very future of storytelling.

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Caregiving and creative careers have long been treated as incompatible worlds, forcing artists and arts administrators to choose between their passion and their families. Rachel Spencer-Hewitt, founder of the Parent Artist Advocacy League (PAAL), is challenging this false dichotomy through groundbreaking advocacy work.

This eye-opening conversation delves into Rachel's personal journey from hiding her pregnancy as a Broadway actor to creating a national organization that's transforming how the arts industry supports caregivers.

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When the National Endowment for the Arts abruptly terminated funding for organizations across the country in what became known as the "Friday Night Massacre," many arts leaders wondered if federal arts funding could be trusted again. In this eye-opening conversation, arts entrepreneur and consultant David Mack shares his journey through nonprofit arts management and his recent  encounter with NEA leadership.

Check out David's website to learn more about him and his business: 

https://www.artistmagnet.com/about

Correction: Brett, a consultant mentioned in our podcast, did not post an article from Nonprofit Quarterly. 

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As summer winds down, the EMC crew reflects on their summer and the upcoming fall. We discuss what we're watching out for in the arts and culture sector including a lawsuit, technology, and the changing nature of leadership roles in a new world. We also give candidates and clients some tips and advice that clients and job candidates alike should be thinking about for the near and long term future. Finally, we end telling you what we're excited about ahead in pop culture. Hint - Cardi B might be involved. 

Article Link: The One Danger That Should Unite The U.S. and China - https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/02/opinion/ai-us-china.html 

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In this episode, Leandro and Al dive into the groundbreaking albums of The Velvet Sundown, a synthetic music project shaped by human imagination and guided by artificial intelligence. We explore not just the music itself, but also what it reveals about the evolving future of art-making. Can A.I. help us express what makes us most human? Don’t miss the final chapter in our A.I. series, where we unpack the next phase of creativity, content, and the ever-shifting line between human and machine-made art.

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In this episode, Leandro reveals how he keeps up with the latest news and updates about artificial intelligence. He discusses the various A.I. platforms he uses, his go to influencer for coding tips, and the number one thing you can do to improve your A.I. game and knowledge.  

In this solo episode, Leandro reveals how he keeps up with the latest news and updates on artificial intelligence. He discusses how he experiments with different A.I platforms, the influencer who gives him tips on coding, and his number one piece of advice for you to up your A.I. knowledge. 

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In this episode, we explore how our understanding of AI has evolved in just a few short months—shaped by new breakthroughs, public debates, and hands-on experience. From early optimism and hype to a more nuanced grasp of AI’s capabilities and limitations, we unpack what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how these shifts are influencing the way we work, learn, and imagine the future. We discuss ways in which we have seen A.I. deployed and what that means for the future or work and productivity. 

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Welcome back to the EMC Podcast! After taking July to recharge and map out our fall season, we’re kicking off August with a topic that’s everywhere all at once: Artificial Intelligence.

This month, we’re diving deep into how our team is exploring A.I., how the technology has rapidly evolved in just the past few months, and practical ways you can stay ahead of the curve. Expect insights, strategies, and tips to make sure you’re not just keeping up, but you’re leading the conversation.

In this first episode, our partner Leandro revisits an article he wrote on a critical challenge for nonprofits: the risks of using A.I. without a clear plan. From missed opportunities to potential pitfalls, he lays out why a thoughtful approach matters now more than ever.

 You can read his full article on our blog at emcforward.com/blog.

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In this episode, we delve into Al Heartley's thought-provoking piece, "For Leaders, Power Is Part of the Job," exploring the nuanced role of executive power in leadership. Heartley challenges the notion that power is merely about control, positing instead that it's about the courage to make decisions and accept their consequences. Through real-world examples, including the complexities faced by nonprofit leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic and the expansive use of executive authority in political spheres, we examine how power, when exercised responsibly, becomes a catalyst for effective leadership.