In this episode of What’s Next with Lacey, Lacey is joined by the incredible Kristen Buckles—writer, director, and producer with one seriously fascinating career path. From professional horseback rider (yes, really 🐎) to working behind the scenes in film and TV, Buckles shares how she made the leap from producing to writing and directing her own projects.

They talk about what it actually takes to make it in the entertainment industry, a rom-com she wrote that is currently in the works, her upcoming feature film Mother, and so so much more.  

Along the way, Buckles drops honest, practical, and genuinely inspiring advice for creatives—on persistence, trusting yourself, getting better at your craft, and finding joy even when the journey feels messy.

If you’re navigating a career change, working in (or dreaming about) film and TV, or just need a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out—this episode is for you.

Timestamps: 

0:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:48 Introducing the Guest: Buckles

01:58 Buckles' Career Journey

03:03 Current Projects and Future Plans

09:50 Daily Life of a Filmmaker

12:31 Navigating the Film Industry

19:54 Personal Reflections and Challenges

20:31 Directing and On-Set Experiences

31:14 Living and Working in Different Cities

34:30 Finding Happiness in Your Environment

34:57 Starting a Podcast: The Journey and Motivation

35:54 Manifestation and Personal Growth

37:34 Navigating Jealousy and Envy

39:51 The Role of Community and Networking

43:10 Entering the Entertainment Industry

48:19 Transitioning from Acting to Directing

58:33 Advice for Aspiring Creatives

01:06:45 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

Welcome to Season 3 of What's Next? with Lacey! And we’re kicking it off with the world of Music Marketing.

In this  episode, Lacey sits down with Alexa, who currently works as the Director of Marketing at Cinq, for a deep dive into the world of music marketing, creative storytelling, and career growth in the media industry. Alexa breaks down what her role really looks like, how she designs campaigns that actually tell a story, and the path that took her from her college hustle to leading major marketing initiatives.

Alexa got her start the way many of us do in the entertainment industry—juggling internships, building connections, and leveraging every skill she had to climb the ladder. She shares the behind-the-scenes of working in strategic partnerships, gaming marketing, and building a career that blends creativity, storytelling, data analysis and business.

And because transparency is everything, Lacey and Alexa also share their stories of something very relatable: the struggle of dealing with unemployment in the entertainment industry and the challenge of getting your foot (or… getting it back) in the door. Their conversation digs into resilience, reinvention, the help you can get from your community and what it really takes to stand out in today’s competitive employment landscape.

Of course, before the episode ends, Alexa shares her best career advice for anyone trying to break into the field—so if you're building a career from the ground up or making a comeback, this is your new favorite episode.

In this episode of What’s Next? with Lacey, Lacey sits down with a friend from London, Maria. Maria is a dentist in England specializing in oral surgery, with a career path that has taken her across the country, into hospitals, and through some of the most competitive programs in her field.

Maria shares how she’s shaped a more “traditional” career path into something uniquely her own, fueled by passion and persistence. From navigating moves and selective opportunities to building a career in a demanding specialty, her story offers inspiration for anyone considering how to make their career fit their life — not the other way around.

(Quick note: the mic had a small glitch during this recording — but Maria’s insights more than make up for it!)

In this solo episode of What’s Next with Lacey, host Lacey dives into the real power of networking — and why it’s so much more than trading business cards or sending cold LinkedIn requests. She shares personal stories, including how a simple coffee chat led to an internship at The Tonight Show, and why she calls herself the “Queen of Networking.”

Listeners will hear why networking matters now more than ever, the role it plays in opening doors and building support systems, and how it can spark both personal and professional growth. Lacey also breaks down practical ways to start building a network today, tips for nurturing relationships, and how to overcome the common fears that hold people back.

Whether you’re shy, worried it feels “fake,” or simply unsure where to start, this episode will give you the encouragement and tools to see networking as something human, fun, and life-changing.

Credits: 

Hosted and Produced by Lacey Dikkers 

Art by Lacey Dikkers 

Music by Organic Lo-Fi, PIxabay 

On this episode of What’s Next? with Lacey, Lacey chats with Natalie, a Database Marketing Associate who takes us behind the scenes of her world. From what a “typical” day actually looks like, to how her role has shifted over time, Natalie shares the highs, the challenges, and the surprises of navigating her career path. It’s part career story, part real talk, and totally inspiring for anyone figuring out what’s next in their own journey.

In this episode of What’s Next?, host Lacey chats with Sean, a third-year Cardozo Law student whose path from pre-med to patent law is anything but ordinary. From navigating the grind of law school to working in healthcare during the chaos of COVID, Sean’s story is packed with curveballs, lessons, and a few laughs.

They get real about Law Review, why patent law excites him, and how music still plays a big role in his life—proof that you can chase multiple passions without losing your mind.

Listen in for:

• What law school is really like
• The leap from medicine to law (and why it worked)
• Why time management is the secret weapon
• Advice for making your own big career pivot

Whether you’re rethinking your future or just curious about the twists and turns of a life in progress, this episode’s for you.

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In this episode of What’s Next? with Lacey, Lacey sits down with emerging actor Dustin Damonte for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation about what it really takes to pursue a career in acting. From the nerves of auditions to the exhilarating moments on stage, Dustin shares the highs and lows of navigating the early days of his career. He opens up about the realities of auditioning in New York, the transition from opera to musical theater, and the importance of community, routine, and mental health. His passion is palpable, and his perspective is both grounded and motivating — offering heartfelt stories, practical advice, and a refreshing take on what it actually means to "make it."

05:42 A Day in the Life of an Actor

19:07 The Audition Process: Challenges and Strategies

35:37 Building a Supportive Community

42:49 The Passion for Acting: Why We Do It

48:42 Proudest Moments in Acting

58:23 Transition from Opera to Musical Theater

01:21:10 Advice for Aspiring Actors

01:29:34 Conclusion and What's Next

Support the show: 

• Please rate, review and share the podcast with your loved ones!

Need more What's Next? 

• Like and Follow What's Next? wherever you are listening to the podcast
• Find me on LinkedIn and Instagram at @Whatsnextwithlacey 
• Subscribe to my Substack @LaceyDikkers via https://substack.com/@laceydikkers
• For more info about the show and episodes; check out the website https://whatsnextwithlacey.buzzsprout.com

Hosted, Edited and Produced by Lacey Dikkers.

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In this solo episode of What's Next?, host Lacey gets real about one of the most stressful and isolating moments in any career: unemployment. Whether you've just been laid off, are between gigs, or considering a pivot, Lacey shares 5 actionable tips to help you navigate the uncertainty. 

From finding a bridge job that pays the bills, to figuring out balance the budget, to the underrated importance of finding your people - this episode is equal parts pep talk, strategy session, and personal storytime. 

If you're in your "unemployed era" (or just want to be prepared for when life gets messy), this one's for you. 

Highlights:

-Celebrating 30 Episodes

- Launching a Substack

- Topic of the Day: Unemployment

- Tip 1: Get a Bridge Job

- Tip 2: Be Smart with Money

- Tip 3: Networking Over Cold Applying

- Tip 4: Find Your People

- Tip 5: Let Go of Shame

Affiliate links:

Substack - https://substack.com/@laceydikkers

Founder of Rhize episode - https://pod.link/1715368900/episode/f78c69ab4034642a1b521bfe062f126a

Support the show:

• Please rate, review and share the podcast with your loved ones!

Need more What's Next?

• Like and Follow What's Next? wherever you are listening to the podcast
• Find me on LinkedIn and Instagram at @Whatsnextwithlacey
• Subscribe to my Substack @LaceyDikkers via https://substack.com/@laceydikkers
• For more info about the show and episodes; check out the website https://whatsnextwithlacey.buzzsprout.com

Hosted, Edited and Produced by Lacey Dikkers.

Send us a text

This week, Lacey sits down with her college friend Amelia — and yes, they do start with a little nostalgic spiral about their first job mixing cocktails on campus. But from there, it gets into all things health tech.  

Amelia is now a Product Owner at a health tech company, and she’s got a story. We’re talking: prepping for the MCAT, applying to 20+ med schools… and then pulling out of all of them. Yep. Full pivot energy. She walks us through how she trusted her gut, started from scratch, and found her way into an industry she loves.

If you're curious about health tech, want the inside scoop on what a Product Owner actually does, or just need a reminder that it’s okay to change your mind — this episode is it. Amelia drops the kind of honest, no-fluff advice we all need more of.

Pour a coffee (or a cocktail), and press play! Enjoy!

Support the show:

• Please rate, review and share the podcast with your loved ones!

Need more What's Next?

• Like and Follow What's Next? wherever you are listening to the podcast
• Find me on LinkedIn and Instagram at @Whatsnextwithlacey
• Subscribe to my Substack @LaceyDikkers via https://substack.com/@laceydikkers
• For more info about the show and episodes; check out the website https://whatsnextwithlacey.buzzsprout.com

Hosted, Edited and Produced by Lacey Dikkers.

Send us a text

This week, Lacey sits down with Britt, a Partner Manager in Emerging Sales — or, as Lacey puts it, a total powerhouse in the world of advertising and media (cue the Mad Men reboot).

Britt breaks down what it’s really like to work in advertising and sales — the pressure, the pace, and the pivot she made from media planning to a client-facing role in sales. They dive into her career journey, her agency experience, what drives her, and the lessons she’s picked up along the way.

Whether you're curious about the advertising industry or just figuring out your next move, Britt’s insight is thoughtful, relatable, and full of sharp advice.

Support the show: 

• Please rate, review and share the podcast with your loved ones!

Need more What's Next? 

• Like and Follow What's Next? wherever you are listening to the podcast
• Find me on LinkedIn and Instagram at @Whatsnextwithlacey 
• Subscribe to my Substack @LaceyDikkers via https://substack.com/@laceydikkers
• For more info about the show and episodes; check out the website https://whatsnextwithlacey.buzzsprout.com

Hosted, Edited and Produced by Lacey Dikkers.