After School with Dylan Mak

In this episode, we interview Joe Tyler Gold, an accomplished artist known for his unique integration of magic and filmmaking. From performing magic shows with a deck of cards to creating acclaimed feature film comedies, Joe's creative journey is as diverse as it is fascinating. Today, we dive into Joe's multifaceted career, exploring his transition from magic to the screen, his storytelling techniques, and his recent ventures into television comedy writing. We'll uncover the inspirations behind his innovative work, what drives him to push the boundaries of traditional entertainment, and everything in between.

In this episode, we interview Dr. David Evans, a distinguished Professor Emeritus of Clinical Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia University. Dr. Evans is celebrated for his innovative contributions to pediatric asthma management and his extensive work on environmental health issues affecting children. Today, we dive into Dr. Evans' illustrious career, exploring the foundations of his dedication to public health, his pioneering educational programs like Open Airways for Schools, and his impact on health policy and community outreach. We'll uncover how he has navigated the challenges of medical education and public health advocacy in a rapidly evolving world, and everything in between.

In this episode, we interview Jeff Jones, an esteemed activist renowned for his commitment to social and environmental justice. Jeff has spent decades on the front lines of grassroots movements, advocating for change and mobilizing communities to fight for a sustainable and equitable future. Today, we dive into Jeff's passionate career in activism. We'll uncover the roots of his dedication to social justice, what it takes to lead successful campaigns, how he has navigated the challenges of activism in a rapidly changing world, and everything in between.

In this episode, we interview Dr. Marc Lemchen, a distinguished orthodontist renowned for his expertise and innovative approaches in the field. Dr. Lemchen has significantly contributed to orthodontics, particularly in integrating cutting-edge technologies with traditional practices to enhance patient care and treatment outcomes. Today, we dive into Dr. Marc Lemchen's illustrious career in orthodontics. We'll explore the origins of his passion for dental health, what it takes to pioneer new techniques in orthodontic treatment, how he has remained a prominent voice in the orthodontic community amidst rapidly evolving technological advancements, and everything in between.

In this episode, we interview Holly Leicht, an esteemed urban planner, environmental advocate, and policy expert. Holly has made significant contributions to urban development and environmental policy through her work with various government agencies and non-profit organizations. She is renowned for her insightful and impactful work in areas such as housing, urban planning, and environmental sustainability, contributing to major initiatives and policy reforms.   Today, we dive into Holly's illustrious career in urban and environmental policy. We'll explore the roots of her passion for sustainable urban development, what it takes to implement effective environmental policies, how she has remained a significant voice in the urban planning community amidst rapidly changing environmental challenges, and everything in between.

In this episode, we interview Mike Lupica, an esteemed sports columnist, novelist, and commentator. Mike is renowned for his insightful and engaging sports journalism, contributing to major publications like ESPN and the New York Daily News while also authoring numerous bestselling young adult sports novels.  Today, we dive into Mike's illustrious career in sports media. We'll uncover the roots of his passion for sports, what it takes to craft compelling sports narratives, how he has remained a significant voice in sports journalism amidst the rapidly changing media landscape, and everything in between. 

In this episode, we interview Elana Weinstein, author, teacher, and executive coach of voice programs at Google. Elana is an accomplished executive leadership coach and organizational psychologist with extensive experience across the education, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. She specializes in empowering clients to become more authentic and effective leaders, utilizing her expertise in authentic leadership, team dynamics, change management, and strategic vision. Today, we sit down with Elana to delve into her journey of becoming a leadership coach. We'll explore what drives her passion for leadership and development, how she's made such a significant impact in various sectors, her methods of influencing senior management in complex organizations, how she navigates the challenges of being a leader and everything in between.  

In this episode, we interview Amy Brightfield. A health & features director for the Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Amy covers nutrition, diet, family, parenting, money, travel, and much more. Today, we interview Amy to ask her about how she got into all of this, how it's like being a director, being sociable on television, and everything in between.

In this episode, we interview Robin Spigel, a partner at Allen & Overy. Robin is an active member of legal committees and has contributed as an author of Collier on Bankruptcy. Her work encompasses in-court and out-of-court company restructuring, as well as representing clients in sale transactions. Today, we ask Robin how she became a trusted expert in the field, what compromises she made to get her success, how she views work-life balance, and everything in between.

In this episode, we interview Neil Kleinberg, a chef, writer, and restaurant co-owner. Neil has been classically trained in the French culinary tradition. While he worked in various kitchens, he has since moved on to co-owning a restaurant with his partner Dede called “Clinton Street Baking Co.” There, they have been praised for their fantastic food, most notably their pancakes. Today, we ask Neil about his journey into the culinary world, how he successfully runs a restaurant, how he compliments his partner, and everything in between.

In this episode, we interview Subir Lall, a deputy director of the Middle Eastern and Central Asian Department at the International Monetary Fund. Subir specializes in Macroeconomic and financial markets analysis and policy; economic forecasting, economics of technology, foreign exchange, and fixed-income markets. In this episode, we interview Subir to ask him about his journey into economics, his methods to keep up with the trends, his mindset when he makes mistakes, and everything in between.

In this episode, we interview Jenna Hammond, a children's author known for the beloved barnyard yoga book, "Downward Mule." However, she was editor-in-chief at a desk job and led family yoga classes on the weekends. Beyond writing, Jenna works as a special needs classroom aide, volunteers with kids, and enjoys sports with her family and rescue dog. Today we interviewed Jenna to ask her how and why she wanted to write children's books, how an unforeseen passion in yoga shaped her writing career, how she deals with rejection and writer's block, and everything in between.

In this episode, we interview Ayman Mukerji Househam, Founder at Jivika - Mindfulness through Micro-habits. Ayman helps frontline caregivers prevent burnout by using mindfulness techniques. She has also hosted her own Ted Talk where she shared her own personal experiences and how they shaped her. Today, we interview Ayman to ask her about where she got her courage from, how she grew to be so outspoken, and everything in between.

In this episode, we interview Ricky Yu, a tech-loving connoisseur who has worked as a software engineer at IBM and climbed the ranks to become the Director of Product Marketing at Meta (formerly known as Facebook). Ricky shares his journey, discussing the tech boom's impact on his life, his love affair with technology, the early reception of Facebook among Ivy League students like himself, his path to leadership, and everything in between.  

In this episode, we interview Walter Baddoo. Walter was born and raised in Accra, Ghana, and is also passionate about the power of technology-enabled businesses to unlock access to Africa's trillion-dollar informal economy. He is now Co-Founder and General Partner of 4DX Ventures. However, before Walter spent a decade at Morgan Stanley. In this episode, we interview Walter and ask him how he started his company, what it takes to be an entrepreneur, how his mindset has helped him get through life, and everything in between.

In this episode, we interview Douglas Caroll, who is an engineer, previously in the US Navy, avid hockey lover and player, and now pilot for American Airlines. Doug served in the military for thirty seven years, and has been an airline pilot for the last twenty two years. Today we interview Doug to ask him about his journey into the flying world, who and what inspired him, how he got there, lots of behind the scene pilot questions , advice for aspiring children, and everything in between.  

In this episode, we interview Chris Belden, a musician, movie lover, and writer. He attended the University of Michigan and received a B.A. in Film & Video Studies. Chris is the author of the novels Carry-on and Shriver, where a version of Shriver, titled A Little White Lie, was turned into a movie! Today we interview Chris to pick apart his writing process, what it takes to be a funny writer, how he decided and got to where he is now, what traits a good writer has, and everything in between.

Aurorae Khoo is a playwright and television writer who has written for the CBS show  Unforgettable,  Showtime's  Nurse Jackie, the USA network's In Plain Sight, and Running Wilde on Fox. She's also produced episodes of the CBS shows JAG and Walker, Texas Ranger. In this episode, we interview Aurorae and ask about her journey into the writing world, some good habits she picked up along the way, and everything in between.

Sylvie Bigar, an International food and travel writer, was born in Geneva, Switzerland, and is based in New York City. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, and many more. She recently wrote a book called Cassoulet Confessions. Today we interview her on her journey through food and how it connected to her writing, how she finds inspiration, and writing tips for others, with everything in between.

Rabbi Davidson was honored with a Corkin Family Fellowship at the Herbert D. Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies at the University of Pennsylvania and Clal-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership. He has also written articles in The New York Times, The New York Post, The Jerusalem Post, and more.  Today we interview him to ask about his journey into becoming involved with religion, if this was always his calling or if he pursued something else at the start, and essential pieces of advice he learned from being a leader.

Amanda Dubois has been an independent commercial producer since 2004, a full member of the Broadway League since 2005 with shows such as Lehman Trilogy, Grace, and Spring Awakening, and has several shows in various stages of development. Today we interview her and ask her about her journey to the theater industry, if she always knew this is what she wanted, and tips and tricks for future people interested.

In this episode, we interview Alice Ho, Co-Director of the Breast Cancer Clinical Research Unit at Duke University Medical Center. Today we ask Alice about how she got into the business, her childhood and upbringing, what she does daily, and advice she has for younger kids figuring out what they want to do.

In this episode, we interview Rory Christian. An engineer at heart, but his official title is the Commissioner of the New York State Public Service Commission. Today, we ask Rory about his rise to the top, the pressures of being there, how race has played a role in his career path, and what advice he has for people that want to become leaders.

In this episode, we interview Francisco António Duarte Lopes. Recently, appointed the new Ambassador of Portugal in Washington. While he has also served as permanent representative of Portugal to the United Nations (UN) since 2017. He has had many other distinguished roles. Today, we ask about his different experiences, how he got to where he is, and what advice he has for people that are interested in careers regarding communication skills.

In this episode, we interview Mark Gutkowski. A global academic dean who works at Avenues The World School, whose lessons are drawn from concepts such as philosophy, educational theory, and psychology research, where he puts it all into classroom settings. This episode is a bit different. Instead of just getting Mark's career path, we also get into the philosophy that he dabbles in. He gives us insight into younger people such as myself on finding a passion, growing up, and more. 

Sanford M. Benardo has achieved global recognition within the legal and medical communities as an innovator in the fields of surrogate parenting and alternative family formation. In this episode, we interview Sandy to learn the answers to questions we don't normally ask, what's it like to start a company and make it successful, how it is to work with your partner and many more.

In this episode we interview Seth following the founding of the company Conductor, and how has led the company through multiple financing rounds and extraordinary growth, such as Conductor's successful spin-out from WeWork in 2019, as well as his expertise in customer-first marketing, people-first culture, and entrepreneurship, as well as how he overcame the challenges he faced. 

In this episode, we interview Hooni Kim, the first Michelin-starred chef in Korean cuisine, who trained at Daniel and Masa before opening Danji and Hanjan. We ask Hooni the steps he took to get to the Michelin level, how he got started, and everything in between.

In this episode, we interview Marc Edelman, is a tenured Professor of Law at the Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, the City University of New York, where he writes and teaches sports law, antitrust law, intellectual property law, and gaming/fantasy sports law. In this episode, Marc tells us how he got into this abstract career, how he fell in love with it, as well as how he overcame the challenges he faced.  

In this episode, we interview Lior Lev Secarz, a chef, spice blender, and owner of La Boîte, a biscuit and spice shop in New York City. Lior and La Boîte have been featured in publications including The New York Times, Vogue, and more. In this episode, Lior tells us how he manages to run a business, how he found his passion for cooking, and his advice for future cooks.

In this episode, we interview Yaron Benchlouch, who works at LivePerson, a global technology company that develops conversational commerce and AI software. In this episode, Yaron tells us how he got into this "modern" career, how it changed his outlook on life, as well as how he overcame the challenges he faced.

In this episode, we interview Woody Pak, an award-winning composer and who has had his music in many commercials, including BTS. In this episode, Woody tells us the skills he learned he needed to succeed in the music industry, as well as how he overcame the challenges he faced.