The Undaunted Creative

Sally Blandon is an accomplished music educator and music programmer who makes a direct impact daily with her empathetic and caring nature working with students. Outside of the classroom, she created and stars in, “Tears Dry On Their Own, A Tribute to Amy Winehouse.” This extraordinary production is dedicated to raising awareness around mental health and addiction and substance abuse through tribute performances honoring the late Amy Winehouse. Sally joins Tom to discuss her passion for music and how it has blossomed into a multi-faceted career, overcoming uncertainty in her early years as a performer, as well as directing, producing, and starring in a production honoring a musical icon.

Ray Flores

Ray Flores is one of the preeminent ring announcers and play-by-play commentators in the world of boxing and mixed martial arts. Every week he can be heard and seen plying his craft at any number of television networks and arenas worldwide. Host Tom Joyce has a ringside seat as he talks to Ray about his creative output, what fuels his passions, overcoming adversity, staying motivated, and his love for Chicago sports.

Niko Gerentes

Niko Gerentes is a podcast producer and casting director based in California. This Columbia College Chicago graduate has used his passion for all things audio and voiceover to craft a career in the arts doing what he loves. Host Tom Joyce has a birds-eye-view as Niko talks about making the move from the Midwest to the West Coast, creating a successful award-winning audio drama, and giving excellent tips for those seeking to enter these industries.

Jaymie Bowles

Jaymie Bowles is a successful entrepreneur who, after starting out in radio at a young age, decided to create not only her own radio station, WJMS Radio, but also her own media company, WJMS Media. Based in Savannah, Georgia, Jaymie’s career has been built on helping others through her companies. She sits down with host Tom Joyce to expound upon her career, the importance of empathy, and being faced with an unexpected medical diagnosis that made her resolve for success even stronger.

Twitter: @derek_fawcett

Twitter: @Kevkellam

Instagram: @micaelamercyart

CaSera “DJ Ca$h Era” Heining has become a household name nationwide as she has graced the stages at festivals such as Lollapalooza and Pitchfork, while simultaneously juggling a career in media as a radio producer. Columbia College Chicago Internship and Career Advisor, Tom Joyce, sits down for a frank discussion on diversity, finding success in multiple fields, and details how and why change is needed in the music industry.

Music industry professional Matt Rusinek has found success in the music world at an early age due to perseverance, honing his skills, and learning new ways to make himself indispensable. Columbia College Chicago Internship and Career Advisor, Tom Joyce, discusses with Matt touring with a major label artist, bringing value to every position he has had, and assisting with being a major component behind the scenes at Lollapalooza.