Episode Snapshot:

From Hoover video class to MLB live experience

• College access gaps and the value of Kent State’s TV2
• Freelance work, internships, and the first break in Cleveland
• A chance pizza-window conversation that changed everything
• What unpaid internships really teach
• Learning the “why” behind buttons and storytelling
• Professionalism under pressure and crew culture
• Growing from producer to department leader
• Hiring for potential, passion, and communication
• Spotting future leaders through team-first behavior
• Mentorship, program legacy, and broadcast collaboration

New here? Start to learn photography and visual storytelling at zoomwithourfeet.com.

What You’ll Learn:

• How opportunity actually shows up (and why most people miss it)
• Why mentorship beats credentials every time
• What hiring managers notice when no one’s watching
• How leaders surface long before they get titles
• Why team-first thinking keeps creative careers alive

Why It Matters:

Creative careers are rarely straight lines. Nick’s story is a reminder that longevity comes from trust, attitude, and being ready when opportunity appears—not from titles or tech.

About This Guest:

Nick Gambone didn’t follow a straight path into sports media—he worked his way in by showing up, learning fast, and earning trust. From early hands-on video work to leading live in-game experiences for the Cleveland Guardians, Nick’s career reflects what happens when opportunity meets preparation, curiosity, and team-first thinking.

— Nick Gambone | Director In-Game Experience, Cleveland Guardians

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Check out our other great ZWOF podcast Episodes!

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IG: @tvcommandomedia | FB @ZoomWithOurFeet 

In this episode of the Zoom With Our Feet Podcast, TMac talks with media arts teacher and former radio producer Bernie Van Tilburg about how teaching, storytelling, and real-world media skills help students learn photography, video, and creative production the right way.

• radio beginnings and learning timing under pressure
• why teaching sharpened empathy and communication
• building a modern media arts program with Adobe, VFX, and live production
• teaching three editing ecosystems with shared fundamentals
• sequencing projects from scenes to complete stories
• student tech gaps: phones vs real computers and file discipline
• teamwork, communication, and career-ready creative skills
• career advice: eagerness over ego, grit over glamor

You can see his students' fantastic work at cvccwork.edu slash mediaarts
Looking for gear or a cool photography t-shirt? You can trick out your kit and your wardrobe in the ZoomwithOur Feet shop. Use our affiliate links from SmallRig, Adorama, and Printeak. Remember, anytime you make a purchase using our links, we may get a small commission that doesn't affect the price of your item.
Be sure to take a peek at the other great guests we've had on the Zoom pod at zoomwithourfeet.com slash podcast or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

EXPLORE MORE:

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IG: @tvcommandomedia | FB @ZoomWithOurFeet 

We trace Todd’s path from a basement darkroom to a thriving production company, focusing on film-era discipline, business choices, and the power of relationships. We share practical systems for shooting, hiring, and staying resilient while moving into documentaries and nonprofit storytelling.

• origin story from school darkroom to ad agency lead
• manual exposure discipline and SAKI workflow
• translating product lighting to automotive shoots
• forming an LLC, studio acquisition, and negotiation
• evolving from stills to video and hybrid sets
• building a team, internships, and studio rental
• short form content, nonprofit films, TV pitch development
• marketing by SEO, decks, and word of mouth
• navigating canceled jobs and cash flow realities
• creative purpose on big sets and solo shoots
• five-year aim toward legacy documentary stories
• hiring for humility, using proper channels, EQ in management

Use our affiliate links from Small Rig, Adorama, and Printeak. Remember, anytime you purchase using our links, we get a small commission that doesn't affect the price of your item.

EXPLORE MORE:

Check out our other great ZWOF podcast Episodes!

Grab my new Mastering Composition eBook!

Link and follow for more great #learnphotography content:

IG: @tvcommandomedia | FB @ZoomWithOurFeet 

National Geographic photographer Jason Edwards joins the ZoomPod to talk about a career built on light, patience, and discipline—first on Kodachrome, now in the digital field.

Episode Snapshot:

National Geographic photographer Jason Edwards has spent decades learning how to see light before pressing the shutter—and how to turn individual frames into long-term visual stories. In this episode, Jason breaks down lessons from shooting transparency film, applying that discipline to modern digital workflows, and building bodies of work that last longer than trends. If you’re trying to learn photography beyond gear and shortcuts, this conversation resets your priorities. 

What You’ll Learn:

• Applying film-era discipline to digital capture
• Building stories using a core idea with supporting “spokes”
• Lens choices that hold up in real field conditions
• How early wildlife and zoo experience shaped his eye
• The making of Icebergs to Iguanas
• Luck vs. preparation in award-winning images
• Sustaining passion, fitness, and craft over decades
• Why being kinder to yourself improves your work
• Practical ways to share your photography locally

About This Guest:

— Jason Edwards, National Geographic Channel's Pure Photography

Through commissioned work and as the face of National Geographic Channel’s Pure Photography, Jason Edwards has taken his storytelling to dozens of countries and every continent. His work has appeared in hundreds of publications, including National Geographic Magazine, BBC Wildlife, Australian Geographic, Sports Illustrated, Condé Nast Traveler, and The New Yorker. Jason is also an author of science education books, and his imagery has been used everywhere from environmental campaigns to Hollywood productions.

Guest Bonafides

• Website: https://www.jasonedwards.co/en-us
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/jasonedwardsng/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/jasonedwardsng
• National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/expeditions/experts/jason-edwards/
• Other: https://www.conservationphotographers.org/u/edwards/about

EXPLORE MORE:

Check out our other great ZWOF podcast Episodes!

Grab my new Mastering Composition eBook!

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IG: @tvcommandomedia | FB @ZoomWithOurFeet 

Claire Komerak joins the ZoomPod to break down how design thinking and photography work together, from college sidelines to national broadcasts and championship moments.

Episode Snapshot

In this episode of the ZoomPod, Claire Komerak traces her path from disposable cameras and yearbook sidelines to shaping TCU’s visual identity, designing promos for CBS Sports, and photographing an MLS Championship with the Columbus Crew. Claire shows how design instincts sharpen photographic decisions—and how intentional visuals sell both the story and the feeling behind a moment.

What You’ll Learn:

How color and brand choices reinforce team identity

• Moving from sport mode to manual with mirrorless cameras
• A crash course in leadership and visual consistency at TCU
• CBS Sports promo workflows, specs, and delivery expectations
• Building proof-of-partnership through shot lists and trust
• Compact Sony kit choices and real-world lens strategy
• Handling stadium light, smoke, and peak fan emotion
• Lessons for aspiring photographers on curiosity, grit, and growth

About This Guest:

Claire Komerak is a staff sports photographer for the Columbus Crew, and broadcast graphic designed for CBS Sports. Her work spans collegiate athletics, professional sports, and broadcast media. Her background in design informs how she builds images that align with brand goals while still capturing authentic emotion in live sports environments.

Guest Bonafides

• Website: Portfolio
• IG: @clairekomarek
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/ClaireKomarekPhoto/

EXPLORE MORE:

Check out our other great ZWOF podcast Episodes!

Grab my new Mastering Composition eBook!

Link and follow for more great #learnphotography content:

IG: @tvcommandomedia | FB @ZoomWithOurFeet 

In this episode of the ZoomPod, Director of Video Production for the Cleveland Cavaliers talks sports video production careers, live production workflow, leadership, building reels, and hiring future media production pros.

Episode Snapshot:

A former North Canton Hoover High School Video Production student turned Senior Director of Video Productions for the Cleveland Cavaliers shares how a love of sports and early live-production reps led to 15 seasons producing shows with the Cleveland Browns and a return to pro sports after teaching. We dig into storytelling, leadership, hiring, and how to build a standout reel.

What You’ll Learn:

• Sports fandom shaping career choices
• First live camera reps and finding purpose
• Building live sports at Kent State
• Freelance van-life and early ESPN3 gigs
• Changing roles at the Browns to director
• Docu-series craft and Emmy-winning process
• Managing teams, partners, and deadlines
• Pitching big ideas and securing buy-in
• Pandemic pivots and remote live streams
• Family priorities, burnout, and teaching
• Moving to the Cavaliers and in‑arena content
• What do hiring managers look for
• Growing future leaders through mentoring

About This Guest:

Paul Taylor is a Cleveland-based sports media professional and Senior Director of Video Production for the Cleveland Cavaliers. A former student turned industry leader, Paul’s career spans more than a decade in live sports production, digital storytelling, and team leadership.

Before joining the Cavaliers, Paul held key production roles with the Cleveland Browns and NFL.com, where he helped build workflows, teams, and content strategies under real broadcast deadlines. He is a graduate of Kent State University, where he studied Sports TV Production and Sports Administration.

As a former high school teacher, Paul brings a teaching mindset to his leadership, with strengths in storytelling, production processes, mentoring, and building teams that can execute consistently under pressure.

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Check out our other great ZWOF podcast Episodes!

Grab my new Mastering Composition eBook!

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IG: @tvcommandomedia | FB @ZoomWithOurFeet 

Ryan Sampson shares his journey from multimedia production student to Executive Producer of Digital Media at the New York Post. 

Episode Snapshot:

Ryan also reveals how he navigated the challenging world of sports broadcasting and ultimately built a sustainable career and found a better work-life balance. As an experience EP, Ryan also gives advice on career paths in media production, on attitude and your ability to edit content in the digital age. He also drops a few bombs offering interview and hiring advice like only a native New Yorker can! Heeeeyy!

What You’ll Learn:

• Started at Ashland University with no clear career path before discovering a passion for media production
• Pursued graduate studies at Elon University, producing a documentary in Guatemala as his master's project
• Secured coveted position at ESPN through networking and persistence
• Worked grueling hours (5pm-3am) at ESPN cutting highlights, operating the teleprompter, and logging footage
• Created his own role as a breakdown producer for NFL talent, including Randy Moss and Matt Hasselbeck
• Left ESPN after seven years due to limited advancement opportunities and work-life balance concerns
• Joined the New York Post and helped it transform from a traditional newspaper into a digital media company
• Now leads teams developing original video content, podcasts, and digital strategy
• Emphasizes editing skills as non-negotiable for anyone entering media production today
• Values initiative, pitching ideas, and willingness to learn in potential hires

About This Guest:

Ryan Sampson is the Executive Producer for Sports at the New York Post, where he leads teams producing original video content and digital sports storytelling. Before joining the Post, Ryan spent seven years at ESPN, including work on NFL Countdown, where he cut highlights, supported on-air talent, and helped shape weekly football coverage. He studied journalism and digital media at Ashland University and digital and interactive media at Elon University, and brings a strong hiring-manager perspective on what skills actually matter for aspiring media producers.

Pro Tip: 

"If you can't edit in this current modern-day digital world that we live in, because everyone needs to be an editor, you have no chance of working in this business."  -Ryan Sampson, Executive Producer of Multimedia, NYPost

Guest Bonafides

• Website: NYPost Sports
• IG: NYPost
• FB: NYPost
• X/Twitter: NYPost

EXPLORE MORE:

Check out our other great ZWOF podcast Episodes!

Grab my new Mastering Composition eBook!

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Mike Wendt joins the ZoomPod to talk about building a sustainable filmmaking career in Ohio through community, collaboration, and smart use of regional resources.

Episode Snapshot:

Ohio has quietly become one of the most accessible places in the country to learn filmmaking, build credits, and grow a professional network—and Mike Wendt has been at the center of that ecosystem. In this episode, we unpack how local film commissions, tax incentives, and grassroots community involvement create real opportunities for filmmakers at every stage. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to level up, this conversation shows how careers are built locally before they scale nationally.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why community matters more than gear when building a filmmaking career
• How the Greater Cleveland Film Commission supports local and visiting productions
• How Ohio’s film tax credits expand opportunities for crew and creatives
• Why networking is a skill—not an accident
• How workshops, local sets, and small projects lead to bigger roles
• Why aspiring filmmakers should explore multiple roles early on
• How regional filmmaking builds both experience and confidence
• What sustainable growth looks like outside major production hubs

About This Guest:

Mike Wendt is a filmmaking advocate and industry connector based in Ohio, where he works to support independent filmmakers, crews, and production teams through community building, education, and access to regional resources. Through his work with the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, Mike helps filmmakers navigate opportunities created by Ohio’s film tax credits, local production incentives, and an expanding creative workforce. His focus is on sustainable career paths—showing emerging filmmakers how to grow skills, networks, and credits without leaving their home state. Mike’s film credits include production and location management work on Captain America: The Winter Soldier and The Fate of the Furious; both filmed in Ohio. He also directs and produces his own projects and remains active in Ohio’s documentary and festival scene.

Pro Tip:

— Mike Wendt, Production Coordinator | Cleveland Film Commission

Guest Bonafides

• Website: https://www.clevelandfilm.com/ 
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/clevelandfilm/ 

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Check out our other great ZWOF podcast Episodes!

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IG: @tvcommandomedia | FB @ZoomWithOurFeet 

Through the lens of Gary Wiggins, we explore how photography transcends the boundaries of mere documentation. Gary's journey from a day job in data administration to a thriving career as a sports photographer illustrates the power of passion, technical mastery, and the art of storytelling in capturing unforgettable moments.

• Journey from childhood toy cameras to professional sports photography
• The importance of learning the technical triangle of exposure
• Current photography gear and practical accessories for comfort
• Strategy and logistics behind shooting soccer games
• Capturing emotion on the field and in the stands
• The significance of post-production techniques for efficient workflows
• Composition as a key skill for compelling photography
• Emphasizing the story within sports through off-field moments
• Connection between photography as a creative outlet and building community

Lets's talk to a pro!

Gary's Bonafides:

IG: gwiggins18

Web: @gwiggins18

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IG: @tvcommandomedia | FB @ZoomWithOurFeet 

On this episode of the ZoomPod ... Mogul, Mentor, Friend. Dr. Phil Hoffman joins me to talk about media, students, education, professionalism, and his lifelong obsession converging media and music! 

The latest episode dives deep into the journey of Dr. Phil Hoffman, a media mentor who explores the intersection of education and creativity in media. Through his anecdotes and insights, we learn what it takes to nurture talent and pursue excellence.

• Introduction of Dr. Phil Hoffman and his background in media
• Journey from radio enthusiast to Emmy-winning program leader
• The impactful connection between music and media storytelling
• Insights on cultivating a strong work ethic in media students
• The significance of mentorship in shaping future media professionals
• Practical skills that aren’t taught in classrooms
• The balance of chaos and creativity in media production
• Navigating the challenges of managing teams in the media field
• Encouragement for new professionals to embrace passion and dedication
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Doc's links:

• https://indianapublicradio.org/about/staff/phoffman/
• https://www.bsu.edu/academics/collegesanddepartments/media/academic-programs/bachelors
• https://www.youtube.com/officialballstate
• https://www.instagram.com/ballstateuniversity/

Doc's work:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7TcPI-vCDI (Clevelan'd Ghoulardi!)
• https://philrhoffman.foliohd.com/hammer-on-steel-national-distribution-via-pbs-neta (Hammer on Steel - Doc Segment & Concert Song Segment)
• https://www.wucf.org/watch/wucf-productions/summer-of-space/wucf-space-chase-usa/ (Space Chase)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNUeeMtb_tY (Fleeing Flyover Country)

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See video ZoomPods:
https://www.youtube.com/@zoomwithourfeet/podcasts
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FB: https://www.facebook.com/zoomwithourfeet

EXPLORE MORE:

Check out our other great ZWOF podcast Episodes!

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IG: @tvcommandomedia | FB @ZoomWithOurFeet