Teen Trendsetters

In this episode of Teen Trendsetter, I interview Dominic, a multi-talented creative making his mark across acting, fashion, music, and dance. From landing early opportunities at just eight years old, including a major TV appearance, to building his own fashion brand, Dominic shares the mindset, discipline, and purpose driving his success.

The conversation dives into the realities of working in entertainment, the importance of understanding both performance and production, and how creativity can connect across multiple industries. Dominic also opens up about his faith-inspired fashion line, Thorns ‘N Thread, and how giving back plays a central role in his journey.

This episode is packed with inspiration for young creators ready to turn passion into purpose.

What We Cover:

• Starting young in the entertainment industry (age 8 breakthrough)
• Appearing on The Tonight Show and how it shaped his path
• Behind-the-scenes insights into production and filming
• Acting techniques and preparing for diverse roles
• How hip hop dance builds discipline and confidence
• Launching his fashion brand Thorns ‘N Thread
• Inspiration behind his upcoming collection, Exodus
• The role of music in storytelling and creative direction
• Balancing multiple creative passions
• Why success should always be tied to purpose and giving back

Key Takeaway:
Success isn’t just about talent—it’s about discipline, versatility, and using your platform with purpose.

Connect with Dominic:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominicdigravio/ and https://www.instagram.com/thorns_n_thread_streetwear/

 (Stay tuned for his upcoming online store launch)

Stay Connected with Me:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_actor_model/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewrodriguezactor 

For Inquiries to insert an ad for your business, brand, or for a shoutout with your social links at the end of an episode,  please send a DM to my team on Instagram or email us at [email protected].

In this episode of the Teen Trendsetter Podcast, I speak with photographer duo Dana and Josh about their journey from Instagram DMs to shooting international fashion weeks. In under two years, they’ve worked in numerous states and many countries, building a name for themselves through creativity, connection, and consistency.

They share valuable insights on the importance of relationships, adapting to new environments, making clients feel comfortable, and developing a standout personal brand. Dana and Josh also emphasize that long-term success comes from persistence, mindset, and staying authentic—not just chasing numbers.

Topics Covered:

• Built their career in under two years, shooting in 22+ states and four countries
• Focus on genuine relationships, not just networking
• Adaptability is essential in different locations and shoot styles
• Making clients comfortable leads to authentic results
• Confidence matters more than perfect posing
• Strong branding helps you stand out
• Success requires consistency, mindset, and authenticity

Stay connected with Dana and Josh:

Dana: Instagram: @photography.ethereal

Josh: Instagram: @_jp_photography

Stay Connected with Me:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_actor_model/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewrodriguezactor 

For Inquiries to insert an ad for your business, brand, or for a shoutout with your social links at the end of an episode,  please send a DM to my team on Instagram or email us at [email protected].

In this episode of the Teen Trendsetters Podcast, I sit down with international singer, actress, advocate, and Coachella 2025 performer Shannon K to talk about what it really takes to build a meaningful creative career.

This episode is full of honest advice for creatives who want to stand out, stay true to themselves, and build a career with purpose.

Topics Covered:

• The importance of authenticity in music and acting
• Using your platform for advocacy and impact
• Balancing multiple creative passions
• Performing at Coachella 2025
• Choosing meaningful projects
• Advice for young artists navigating the industry

Follow Shannon Kay:
Instagram: @shannonksinger
YouTube: @shannonk Spotify: Shannon K

Stay Connected with Me:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_actor_model/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewrodriguezactor 

For Inquiries to insert an ad for your business, brand, or for a shoutout with your social links at the end of an episode,  please send a DM to my team on Instagram or email us at [email protected].

In this exciting episode of the Teen Trendsetters Podcast, I sit down with identical twin models and actors Olive and Paige. They share their inspiring journey in the entertainment industry, what it’s really like growing up as twins in the spotlight, and how they’re using their platform to promote confidence, kindness, and individuality.

From landing their first major commercial to launching their own brand, Olive and Paige prove that being a twin doesn’t mean losing your identity—it means doubling the impact.

What We Talk About:

• Growing up as identical twins and finding individual identities
• How Olive and Paige got started in modeling and acting
• Their first professional booking for an Infiniti car commercial
• Navigating constant comparisons and embracing differences
• Launching a business, a brand focused on self-acceptance and confidence
• Fashion, personal style, and being styled live at the mall
• Their involvement with the No Bullying Festival
• Balancing school, sports, and professional careers

Follow Olive & Paige:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehermantwinss/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hermantwinsss

This episode is full of inspiration, laughter, and powerful reminders about confidence and staying true to yourself. Don’t miss it!

Stay Connected with Me:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_actor_model/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewrodriguezactor 

For Inquiries to insert an ad for your business, brand, or for a shoutout with your social links at the end of an episode,  please send a DM to my team on Instagram or email us at [email protected].

In this episode of That Teen Trendsetter Podcast, we sit down with Christian Alan, an award-winning filmmaker and marketing specialist making meaningful, impact-driven work in the industry. Christian shares powerful insights on building a creative career with purpose, resilience, and long-term vision.

🌟 What We Cover:

• Embracing imperfection and doing things scared
• The importance of teamwork, communication, and strong relationships
• Networking with intention and authenticity
• Creating content that resonates and inspires social change
• How An Unplanned Milestone evolved into an award-winning project with real-world impact

🎬 Featured Projects:

• Emmy-nominated series at Justice Central TV
• An Unplanned Milestone
• In the Eyes of Flies, The Narcissist & Jackals

💡 Words of Wisdom:

Christian shares why writing ideas down and evaluating opportunities beyond money have been key to his success.

Follow our guest: https://www.instagram.com/itschristianalan/  

Listen until the end to find out about the announcements dropping January 1st! Follow here to see the upcoming projects:  https://www.instagram.com/byatbstudios/

Watch An Unplanned Milestone: https://www.youtube.com/@byatb3.0

Stay Connected with Me:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_actor_model/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewrodriguezactor 

For Inquiries to insert an ad for your business, brand, or for a shoutout with your social links at the end of an episode,  please send a DM to my team on Instagram or email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Teen Trendsetters Podcast, I speak with actor Jacob O’Keefe about his journey into acting, his award-winning role in the horror short Jackals, and how he balances school, sports, and creativity as a teen in the industry.

What We Cover:

• Jacob’s first acting experience auditioning with his identical twin
• How his passion for acting developed over time
• Auditioning for and landing the role of Michael in Jackals
• What it was like filming a horror project at a young age
• Balancing acting, school, and soccer
• Jacob’s unique talent for geography
• Advice for aspiring young actors
• Exploring future goals, including voice acting

Follow Jacob on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14583162/?ref_=tt_ov_3_3

Stay Connected with the Director and Producers of Jackals:

• Director/Producer/Lead: https://www.instagram.com/harryfakora/
• Producer: https://www.instagram.com/itschristianalan/ https://www.instagram.com/byatbstudios/

Stay Connected with Me:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_actor_model/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewrodriguezactor 

For Inquiries to insert an ad for your business, brand, or for a shoutout with your social links at the end of an episode,  please send a DM to my team on Instagram or email us at [email protected].

This week on the Teen Trendsetters Podcast, I’m joined by Peja—actress, model, recording artist, and digital creator with over 1 billion YouTube views and 175 million TikTok views in the past year.

In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to grow as a creator while staying true to yourself. Peja shares honest insight on confidence, authenticity, and balancing multiple creative passions in today’s fast-moving digital world. This conversation is inspiring, real, and packed with takeaways for teens and parents alike.

What We Talk About:

• How Peja got started and what pushed her to take her creativity seriously
• Balancing acting, modeling, music, and content creation
• Staying authentic while building a massive online platform
• Handling criticism and protecting your confidence
• Using your voice and platform to inspire others
• Behind-the-scenes moments from her music and creative projects
• What’s next for Peja, including new music and upcoming acting work

This episode is all about believing in yourself, staying grounded, and continuing to grow—both on and off the screen.

Stay connected with Peja:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peja
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pejaanne/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pejaandmom

Stay Connected with Me:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_actor_model/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewrodriguezactor 

For Inquiries to insert an ad for your business, brand, or for a shoutout with your social links at the end of an episode,  please send a DM to my team on Instagram or email us at [email protected].

Season 2 - Teen Trendsetters Podcast 

I am kicking off Season 2 of the Teen Trendsetter Podcast with an amazing conversation featuring the incredibly talented Kylee Levien!   

In this episode, Kylee talks about her lead role in A Chrismystery, her award-winning performance in Roswell Delirium, her stunt debut in Rebel Moon, and how figure skating has helped shape her discipline and confidence. She also shares powerful advice for young creatives and why staying grounded and giving back are so important to her journey.

Listen now and welcome back to a new season!
Follow Kylee on Instagram: @kyleegracelevien TikTok: @itskyleegrace

Stay Connected with Me:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_actor_model/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewrodriguezactor 

For Inquiries to insert an ad for your business, brand, or for a shoutout with your social links at the end of an episode,  please send a DM to my team on Instagram or email us at [email protected].

 In this inspiring episode, we meet J'Miah, a 15-year-old powerhouse from Orlando, FL who’s making waves in basketball, R&B music, acting, and dance. J'Miah shares how he manages his busy life, what drives his passion, and the big dreams he’s chasing—including becoming the first NBA player to win a Grammy! 

Highlights from the Episode: 

• Balancing Talents: J'Miah's 5 AM routine includes basketball drills, vocal warm-ups, homeschool work, and weekly music covers.
• Industry Recognition: He’s been noticed by legends like Timbaland and Troy Taylor, even recording a birthday song with the latter.
• Early Beginnings: Inspired by Michael Jackson, J'Miah's performance journey started in 5th grade with a choir solo.
• Authentic Songwriting: His music draws from real-life emotions, including his heartfelt track “Ready for Me.”
• Dream Collabs: He hopes to work with Tyler, the Creator, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams.
• Big Goals: J'Miah dreams of filling arenas—and winning a Grammy while playing in the NBA.
• Upcoming Event: He’s opening for Tyla Yaweh, proving he’s a rising star to watch.

 Actionable Advice for Young Creatives:

• Time management is your superpower.
• Start small, stay consistent.
• Use personal experiences to fuel your art.
• Connect with your idols—and stay humble when you do.
• Dream big and plan ahead.

Connect with J'Miah:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjmiah_/

Website: https://therealjmiah.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4aCMFlXrDC8UXKRW8yQfgE

Stay Connected with Me:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_actor_model/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewrodriguezactor 

For Inquiries to insert an ad for your business, brand, or for a shoutout with your social links at the end of an episode,  please send a DM to my team on Instagram or email us at [email protected].

I’m excited to share a special episode of the Teen Trendsetter Podcast with you. This time, the tables have turned, and I, Matthew Rodriguez, am the one being interviewed! Our guest host, the amazing Ava Yarusso, takes the lead to uncover the stories behind my journey in acting, modeling, and music. Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect:

Behind the Scenes with Matthew Rodriguez

• Who Am I?: Discover the real me beyond the spotlight. I’m just a typical teen who loves performing and staying grounded with sports like football, cross-country, and track.
• Fashion Week Highlights: Relive my unforgettable moments at New York and LA Fashion Weeks, from the applause at Willow Bean show to singing while modeling for Rhinestone Sugar Couture.
• Podcast Inspiration: Learn why I started the Teen Trendsetter Podcast – a space for teens to be authentic, share their journeys, and find guidance in the entertainment industry.
• Memorable Guests: Hear about my first guest, a fellow singer, and the special bond we shared through music.
• Hidden Talents: Guess what? I have a knack for memorizing lines and lyrics quickly, a skill that’s been a game-changer in both my acting career and school life.

Stay Connected with our Guest Host Ava:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fly_girl_ava_/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fly_girl_ava_official

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fly_Girl_Ava_Official

Stay Connected with Me:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_actor_model/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewrodriguezactor 

For Inquiries to insert an ad for your business, brand, or for a shoutout with your social links at the end of an episode,  please send a DM to my team on Instagram or email us at [email protected].