Media Industry Guru

Follow Media Industry Guru
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Welcome to the Media Industry Guru podcast. Do you know you want to work in media but not sure where? Are you trying to figure out what you're doing with your life? Are you in college deciding on what clubs you should take part in, how can you volunteer, what to do next? Here, I’ll be interviewing a lot of guests including recent college grads, entrepreneurs, singer/songwriters, record label professionals, film industry execs, to people who work in theatre arts and tech that will give you some professional wisdom so you can achieve your goals.

Forbs West


    • Jun 4, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 213 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Media Industry Guru with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Media Industry Guru

    Globally Acclaimed Actress and Journalist Uses Her Voice to Empower Women with Emma J Purvey |Season 17, Episode 9|

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 25:00


    From her first campaign at age 7 to performing Shakespeare in Venice, Italy, Emma's path to becoming a professional actress has been shaped by a tapestry of experiences—modeling, broadcast journalism, and on-camera hosting. These roles opened the door to acting, but it was her decision to fully commit to the craft—training at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC and RADA in London—that marked a turning point. Now based in the U.S. on an O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability (the same tier used by Oscar winners), Emma's work reflects both the caliber she's achieved and the trajectory she's on.While acting remains her core focus, Emma's storytelling extends beyond the screen. She's directing her first docuseries using her broadcast background, starting with Love.Truth.Plants, a personal project supported by her fashion-for-a-cause t-shirt line, Moulton. Her platform My Beauty Diary—published in VegWorld Magazine and soon expanding to a major outlet—offers a behind-the-scenes look at how she beautifies from the inside out, blending wellness, empowerment, and purpose. Through every role she plays, behind or in front of the camera, Emma continues to build a legacy rooted in depth, impact, and authenticity. We will wrap up the episode hearing her career advice too.

    Composing for Video Games with Lennie Moore |Season 17, Episode 8|

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 29:20


    For decades, Lennie Moore has been a driving force in shaping the soundtracks behind some of the most iconic video games and visual stories. From Outcast and Halo to Star Wars: The Old Republic, his compositions have elevated immersive worlds and defined emotional beats across screens big and small.But Lennie's impact doesn't stop at the console. As an educator, he's mentored the next generation of media composers at USC, UCLA Extension, and now the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Whether he's scoring a cinematic cutscene or guiding students through the language of music for media, Lennie continues to push the boundaries of storytelling through sound. Stay tuned as we sit down with Lennie to explore the craft, creativity, and career behind the music. We will get to hear his upcoming goals with his own band and music as well.

    Founder of The Recording Fund with Max Allyn |Season 17, Episode 7|

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 31:09


    Here we are with Max Allyn. Born and raised on rhythm, Max Allyn built his life around music—from producing records with legends to launching the Recording Fund, a nonprofit reshaping access in the industry. He's not just making tracks—he's building homes for artists who need a real shot. This is music without gatekeepers. This is equity with a beat.After years behind the board helping others craft their sound, Max saw the cracks in the system—how talent often gets stifled by lack of access, not lack of vision. So he created a new model: one that funds artistry, not algorithms. Through the Recording Fund, he's shifting power back into the hands of creators and building a new kind of music economy—one rooted in fairness, community, and sound. We will hear his advice and especially learn more about his upcoming personal and professional goals and applying to The Recording Fund.

    Film Actress and Podcast Host of "Mentors on the Mic" with Michelle Miller |Season 17, Episode 6|

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 21:26


    Here we are with Michelle Miller. Every role she takes on is a new opportunity to tell a deeper story. From appearing in Homeland, Blue Bloods, and Winter's Tale to captivating audiences on off-Broadway stages, Michelle has brought authenticity and nuance to every performance.But her passion for storytelling extends beyond acting. As the creator and host of the podcast Mentors on the Mic, Michelle spotlights the journeys of industry professionals, offering valuable insights and inspiration to the next generation of creatives.Her journey is far from over, and each project is a step further into the art of meaningful storytelling. We will learn about her professional journey and what inspired her to be in the acting and theatrical business and her upcoming goals with her book.

    A Storyteller for the Arts with Khaya Fraites: Professional Actor, Narrator, and Writer |Season 17, Episode 5|

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 16:09


    Khaya Fraites is a storyteller in every sense of the word. Whether she's breathing life into bestselling characters through her voice, writing and directing award-winning short films, or being spotlighted by NBC and Empire Magazine, her artistry speaks volumes—literally and visually. With projects spanning Penguin Random House, Macmillan Publishing, and Graphic Audio's Empyrean Series, Khaya's voice is becoming one of the most captivating in the industry. From sound booth to film festival, she's charting her own creative path—one word, one frame, one story at a time. We will hear about her unique background from starting off doing theater and then transitioning to becoming a VO actress, narrator, and writer. We will hear about her upcoming professional goals in the upcoming Big Apple Film Festival, what books she will be narrating next and her parting words of widsom.

    The Life of a Storyteller: Still in the Works with Professional Photographer Lauren Davis |Season 17, Episode 4|

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 26:31


    Here we are with Lauren Davis. At 15, she picked up a camera—not to chase perfection, but to make sense of the world around her. What started as a quiet exploration became a lifelong pursuit of storytelling through images, sound, movement, and emotion. With a background in Anthropology from Skidmore, her lens is drawn to the invisible threads that connect people—across borders, cultures, and living rooms.Whether behind the camera, at the piano, or stepping into a character, she chases meaning through creativity. Even when the path feels unclear, her passion pulls her forward. Because sometimes, not knowing exactly where you're going is the most honest way to begin. We will hear about this amazing journey and her upcoming goals with her freelance work as a photographer in NYC.

    Producing, Professing, Performing: Wearing Many Hats To Achieve Industry Success with Jesse Robinson |Season 17, Episode 3|

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 24:07


    Here is Jesse Robinson — actor, producer, professor, comedian, and a creative force who's done it all. From performing at the Comedy Store alongside Damon Wayans Jr. to playing body double for Christian Bale in Vice, Jesse's career has never stayed in one lane.He's produced award-nominated TV series, written indie films, and taught the next generation of actors at Shenandoah University. His impressions? Over 100 and counting—including ones he performed alongside the legendary Robin Williams.Now, Jesse is leading Shenandoah Studios with two bold new projects: Almost Magic, a documentary about the Disney theme park that never was, and We'll Still Be Here, a vampiric short film set to shoot this spring.Whether it's in front of the camera or behind the scenes, Jesse Robinson is always telling stories worth watching. He will talk about his fascinating journey and his advice for people that want to be in his shoes.

    Words of Wisdom in Media with Broadcasting Professional Jackie Sweger |Season 17, Episode 2|

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 24:48


    Here we are with Jackie Sweger. Jackie didn't enter college with a set path—until she watched Pitch Perfect and saw herself in Becca, the character who juggled college radio and a capella. Inspired, Jackie declared a major in Communication and soon discovered a deep passion for music, writing, and journalism.That spark led her to work for companies including NPR and SiriusXM. At SiriusXM she helped program content for legendary stations like U2 and the flagship pop channel, Hits1. Along the way, she's gathered lessons, stories, and the kind of experience that only comes from living inside the pulse of the music industry.Now, Jackie is entering a new season—freshly married, diving into gardening and cooking, and reflecting on what's next in media. She's all about growth—on the air, in the garden, and in life. We will wrap up the episode hearing more about her advice and what's next for Jackie.

    New Music, Social Media and Gigs from Skeletubbies |Season 17, Episode 1|

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 17:08


    Here we are with the rising NYC based spooky band Teletubbies. Here we are with two of the band members where they will share more about how they formed their band, their background in music, and their professional goals with social media, performing at comedic open mic nights and other venues in the Manhattan area. We will wrap up hearing their advice and upcoming releases on SoundCloud.

    Chase Your Dreams and the Money Will Come with Composer and Drummer Mark Griskey |Season 16, Episode 13|

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 33:25


    Composer Mark Griskey has scored some of the most iconic video game titles of the last two decades — from the Star Wars universe to Pirates of the Caribbean and Marvel Super Hero Squad. Now, with a fresh master's degree in Music Business from Berklee, he's blending creative mastery with industry strategy.Here we sat down with Mark to talk about the evolution of video game music, his time at LucasArts, and how going back to school is shaping the next chapter of his career as well as his advice for people that want to be in his shoes.

    Sophie Sargent, Media Personality and Miss New Hampshire Candidate |Season 16, Episode 12|

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 28:51


    Here we are with Sophie Sargent. She is a New England native building a career in media through persistence and passion. During college, she launched a self-help podcast and began working in radio and TV, while completing a degree in Homeland Security.She currently co-hosts the morning show on 95.7 WZID, is a night DJ on 96.5 Live Free Country, and reports for NESN. Sophia also works as a freelance model and actress and is competing for Miss New Hampshire this May.Follow along for updates on her work in media, her perspective as a member of Gen Z, and her journey across multiple creative platforms and her upcoming personal and professional goals with Miss New Hampshire.

    The Art of the Deal (For Artists): The Fight for Fairness in Music with David Fagin

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 21:23


    Here we are with musician, songwriter, and activist David Fagin who has spent his career challenging the industry. As frontman of The Rosenbergs, he pioneered artist-friendly deals and teamed up with Robert Fripp to fight for master ownership. He's testified on Capitol Hill, composed for major networks, and co-wrote Boston Strong, the Boston Marathon theme song.A former HuffPost columnist, he's never shied away from controversy, from taking on corporate exploitation to creating viral videos with millions of views. Leading The Counterfeiters and The Wankers, he mixes music, satire, and pranks—including fooling the internet with a fake Oasis reunion tour. We will get to hear about his unique experience and the advice he shares for artists.

    Nikita Lev, Crafting Cinematic Soundscapes & Pushing Genre Boundaries |Season 16, Episode 10|

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 15:44


    Here we are with Nikita Lev. Nikita grew up on Manhattan's Upper West Side, immersed in a world where music was always present. With a family background in chamber music and a mother who played in a 90s rock band, she was exposed to a wide range of sounds, from ABBA to The Rolling Stones. Inspired by seeing Taylor Swift perform on television at the age of four, she picked up a guitar and began writing songs by the time she was ten. Rather than following a traditional path of formal training, she developed her craft intuitively, allowing her songwriting to evolve naturally. Her music exists at the intersection of indie pop, electronic, and cinematic storytelling, blending folk-like intimacy with layered, textured production. Influenced by artists like Radiohead, St. Vincent, and The 1975, she gravitates toward raw, emotionally charged soundscapes that explore themes of longing, transformation, and self-reconstruction. Whether through hypnotic guitars, pulsing beats, or haunting melodies, her work captures the tension between solitude and connection, nostalgia and uncertainty, and the fleeting moments that shape human experience. We will get to hear more about her professional experience, her upcoming goals with her new EP "Waiting" out May 16th and her goals regarding performing and songwriting collaboration.

    Benji Stein, Founder of PlaylistSupply and Booking-Agent.io |Season 16, Episode 9|

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 24:48


    Here we are with a veteran artist manager and creative director Benji Stein. After seeing many other managers struggle with playlisting and booking shows, Benji created an automated tool for playlist research and a talent buyer search engine. The platforms are called PlaylistSupply and Booking-Agent.io. He wanted to make the process more accessible to himself, his friends and indie artists who may not have a team, label or budget. Here we will get to chat about the transition from the management side to the tech side of the music business, what his biggest takeaways were and the evolution of AI within the tech scene. We will wrap up hearing more about his upcoming goals with another startup he is launching in the works.

    Analog Society Band with Mashups and Covers |Season 16, Episode 8|

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 19:30


    Here we are with Analog Society. Analog Society is a Timeless Pop band from London, reinventing the best of 60s and 70s music by blending catchy melodies and anthemic choruses with sophisticated arrangements. Their sound bursts with soulful vocals, funky riffs, and Motown-style horns, creating a fresh take on classic influences. We will get to hear how the band formed, their upcoming professional goals, advice, as well as a fun mashup at the end of the episode.

    Hearing from the Comedian, Actor, and Writer Jared Sigman |Season 16, Episode 7|

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 15:44


    Jared Sigman is an actor, writer, and comedian based in Los Angeles. He is a member of the comedy troupe Business Ethics, and you can see him in 'The Jared Show,' and "SOAPS" which are both set to premiere later this year. Jared began his journey in the Bay Area Teen Improv Troupe, Creatures of Impulse, and recently co-wrote and starred in the award-winning short film 'Zipsul' alongside Danny Hanna. We will get to hear his experience (like mine) working at a movie theater in high school and also his tips on breaking into the comedy sector.

    Xavier Dubose, Founder of Variable X Pictures-Learning from a Creating Producer and Entrepreneur |Season 16, Episode 6|

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 15:57


    Here we are with Xavier DuBose. He is a creative producer and founder of Variable X Pictures, a production company that empowers artists, filmmakers, and brands to create entertainment that captivates audiences. From live experiences and activations to feature films, Xavier has worked with companies like Mazda, Netflix, Lifetime, and Hallmark, delivering high-quality and memorable experiences. We will get to hear his upcoming goals of creating two longer produced films and getting his advice on breaking into the field.

    Christine Shoshannah Mulitplatinum Songwriter |Season 16, Episode 5|

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 14:47


    Here we are with Christine Shoshannah, Mulitplatinum Songwriter and founder of Shoshannah Balm™. We will get to her more about her genre choice of music including R&B, folk, and soul and what led her to be a multitalented and multifaceted Grammy nominated songwriter. She is also a producer and mixer and we will get to her more about her experience simultaneously being a businesswoman with her lip balms. We will get her take and advice on her upcoming professional goals within her career musically and lip balm wise.

    Loving What You Do. The Art of Songwriting with Kristoffer Birkedal |Season 16, Episode 4|

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 14:43


    Kristoffer Birkedal is a musician and songwriter whose life revolves around his love for music. Songwriting is his passion and purpose—a craft he pursues with unwavering dedication because it brings him true happiness. Drawing inspiration from genres with depth and substance, Kristoffer's influences span folk, jazz, reggae, classical, and beyond. His own sound is deeply rooted in the 60s folk revival, shaped by artists like Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, and Bert Jansch. Kristoffer's journey has been anything but conventional. From hitchhiking across Europe and playing gigs in small venues, to working on farms and performing on the streets, he has channeled his experiences into his art. His debut album, A Tapestry, set for release in 2025, captures years of personal growth and change. Now based in Oslo, Kristoffer is finishing the album while co-hosting Folk & Røvere Festivalen, a folk music and poetry festival he organizes each summer with his girlfriend. The festival celebrates creativity, community, and the spirit of folk music. Follow his journey as he brings his heartfelt stories to life through music.

    A casual chat with a cool fun guy doing cool fun things with Writer Danny Hanna |Season 16, Episode 3|

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 11:32


    Here we are with Danny Hanna, a writer and film editor. Here he is going to chat more about his professional background within the film and theatrical space and what it was like going to USC one of the top film schools. He is going to chat more about his credits and major highlights working with industry professionals and major actors. Finally, we will wrap up the episode hearing more about his application for the Hollywood Fringe Festival.

    Breaking the Binaries of Art, Media, and Entertainment with Brit Baltazar |Season 16, Episode 2|

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 18:20


    Here is Brit Balazar. Brit worked as a researcher in a brain cancer laboratory for two years from the ages 15 through 17 before experiencing multiple deaths in her life and realizing life was way too short to not pursue their greatest passion — arts and entertainment! We will learn more about Brit's background now pursuing a career in the entertainment and theater world as well as her upcoming personal and professional goals. Follow Brit on Instagram @thebritbaltazar, and stay tuned for the official launch of Brit's next project — a reality TV immersive show at The 2025 Hollywood Fringe Festival! If you're interested in booking Brit as a game host for any virtual parties, go to vortexevents.online and enter the discount code BRIT10.

    Everything Everywhere All At Once with dolltr!ck |Season 16, Episode 1|

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 24:57


    Here we are with dolltr!ck. Capturing your ears and eyes with a genre-blending sound of Owl City-meets-Clean Bandit-meets-Korean pop, dolltr!ck is the artist project of Singapore-born music technologist and electronic musician Claire Marie Lim. She entered the industry as a creative force behind-the-scenes, and is now known for her dynamic live electronic music performances as an independent artist, displaying forward-thinking creativity and virtuosic sets that have taken her to esteemed venues and events across the globe and on the World Wide Web.With influences from the likes of Disclosure, TOKiMONSTA, Madeon and more, dolltr!ck's palette of dreamy synths, punchy drum machines, and crystal-clear vocals lets her paint auditory experiences that seamlessly meld electronica, pop, future bass, and dance music. Her endeavors have been hailed as “shattering the glass ceiling of electronic music”, especially in her advocacy of female and Asian representation. Having gained recognition from giants like iHeartRadio, Spotify, and the Recording Academy, the years ahead only look brighter for dolltr!ck and her sonic universe. We will chat more about her personal and professional goals and her upcoming release with her newest project on December 31st.

    Harry Eucrow, Band Member and of The Sorry Lot + Novelist/Playwright |Season 15, Episode 12|

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 17:40


    Here we are with Harry Eucrow. He plays Southern Gothic Americana and Folk-Rock along with his band The Sorry Lot. They've put out two EPs and a couple of singles over the last 5 years, and played a bunch of shows in Denmark, Norway, Spain and the US. Harry started out playing in a lot of shitty punk bands as a kid, then moved on to being campfire guitar player, and finally decided to take my music as seriously as others seemed to be doing. As Harald Toksværd, he is a novelist and playwright, with two novels, two books of poetry and a play behind him, and work as a newspaper opinion writer, academic researcher, mayoral speech writer and terrible bartender. We will get to her his career advice and what it is like being a musician outside of the US and his tips and upcoming personal and professional goals this upcoming 2025 year.

    Lauren Castro, Entertainment Journalist and Social Media Professional at Texas Monthly |Season 15, Episode 11|

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2024 15:41


    Here we are with Lauren Castro. She is an entertainment journalist, writer and social media specialist for Texas Monthly. She knew that she wanted to be a writer before she got to college. She genuinely enjoys learning from others and what their passions may be, how they got to where they are, what makes them tick, etc. She loves storytelling and everything that goes into it: the vulnerability in sharing your innermost thoughts, pouring your heart into a project that can potentially help others, refining your own words and arranging a piece to better tell a story. Once Lauren got to UT Austin, she was opened up to the world of journalism and how many facets there are to it. Reporting can come to you in so many ways (social media, video, podcasts, and traditionally, articles) and she just happened to land at a job that was in need of a social media editor. At Texas Monthly, she's been given the opportunity to work on my writing and report on topics she is interested in while also doing her main job which includes scheduling posts on all of our platforms, making sure each story is getting the promo it deserves, and keeping a finger on the pulse of the ever-changing media landscape. We will get to hear her favorite interviews and her upcoming professional goals as well as a few more sneak peaks for up and coming interviews.

    Songwriting as a practice, a passion and a career with Elizabeth Woolf |Season 15, Episode 10|

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 23:56


    Here we are with Elizabeth Woolf. Elizabeth is a Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. She debuted her first album in 2020. Elizabeth has performed extensively, both locally in LA and internationally. She recently completed a west coast co-headline tour with Phoebe Katis.In addition to her solo artist career, Elizabeth is a songwriter, having co-written songs for various artists. Most recently she co-wrote "Stalemate" by Merrick Winter, which has garnered 1M streams on Apple Music, trending on Apple's acoustic playlist.

    Pursuing the Music Industry as Full Time Professionals with Umami House |Season 15, Episode 9|

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 21:36


    Here we are with Umami House, a band that moved from DC to NY to create curated food and music experiences. We will get to hear more about how the band formed, what made them interested in creating a potluck music experience for their friends, and what made them decide to move to the Big Apple. We will also get to hear more about what have been some exciting, challenging, and very great experiences that Umami House has created--from even a sushi curated music experience. Umami House will be performing at Mercury Lounge with Lillimure on December 15th and we will wrap up the episode hearing more about their launches and endeavors in 2025 with releases.

    New Single "Call For Me" with Band Members Omar and Robert from 2LOT |Season 15, Episode 8|

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 27:22


    Here we are with two band members from the band 2ŁØT. We will be speaking with Omar Jahwar II (Drummer, co-producer) and Robert Trusko (Bassist, Music Director, Ableton Push Player, co-producer). 2ŁØT is a genre-blending five-piece band creating transformative music that fuels social change. Known for their unique style, Electronic Jam Music (EJM), which merges hip hop, soul, funk, jazz, rock, and electronic elements, 2ŁØT approaches music as a tool for connection and advocacy. Formed during a period of uncertainty, the band—comprised of Rudy Love Jr, Omar Jawar II, Sage Judd, Chase Koch, and Robert Trusko—draws inspiration from the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics, striving to combat social entropy with themes of resilience, community, and support. Their new single, “Call For Me,” emphasizes the power of unconditional love and connection, underscored by a poignant music video about healing from substance abuse. A portion of the song's proceeds supports The Phoenix, aligning with 2ŁØT's dedication to addressing addiction recovery and social isolation. As they anticipate the release of their debut album this fall, 2ŁØT continues to inspire listeners to embrace connection and join their movement of positivity and societal impact. We will also get to hear their upcoming personal and professional goals with releases and contributing to non-profits.

    How To Color In Your Summer Blues with Lillimure |Season 15, Episode 8|

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 20:06


    Lillimure is a singer, songwriter, and producer based in NYC. Influenced by melodies of her multicultural upbringing, she draws from introspective lyricism and pulsing grooves for when you want to run away and find yourself at the same time. Lillimure's genre-bending sound can be described as pop with a heavy sensibility to musicianship influenced by sounds from R&B, jazz, and folk to the likes of John Mayer, Tom Misch, and Emily King.Her journey began as a songwriter with her first single “Summer Blues” in 2017. Her latest singles, "Lately" (2024)and "Favorite Song" (2023), debut her work as a producer as well as showcase the band she tours with. Lillimure's music has made its way to many stages including locally at the Pleasantville Music Festival, The Mercury Lounge opening for Kiltro and Eaglin, and her annual return to the New York Botanical Gardens, and internationally at The Forge in London and Salotto Di Alice in Naples, Italy.Her upcoming body of work surrounds the emotions of knowing people and places for a brief period of time, and keeping those memories close as the pages turn. Find her on all social media @lillimure to keep up with her latest projects! Lillimure's next upcoming goals are to focus on her show at the Mercury Lounge on December 15 as well as her upcoming music video and single "Slow Rider" releasing in 2025.

    Philanthropy, Social Impact, & Artist Management in The Music Industry with Paula Park |Season 15, Episode 7|

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 28:38


    Here we are with a first-generation Korean Brazilian and rising music executive who manages Korean American artist Audrey Nuna. Paula is carving out a unique space in the industry by championing social impact initiatives and helping artists find purpose beyond the stage. As someone who has navigated the complexities of two distinct cultures, Paula is deeply connected to the growing wave of Korean cultural influence in the U.S., yet her work goes far beyond the typical K-pop narrative. She's focused on amplifying the voices of underrepresented artists and pushing boundaries around what it means to be a Korean and Korean-American artist today. Her insights on blending music and philanthropy, building authentic social impact initiatives, and navigating cultural identity in the music business make her a compelling figure to watch.Paula began her career at a major label in Brazil before joining Scooter Braun's SB Projects, where she quickly rose to lead the company's Social Impact and Philanthropy department. She played a key role in creating global campaigns for high-profile artists, including Demi Lovato's reproductive rights initiative and Quavo's anti-gun violence project, The Rocket Foundation. Now, she's focused on developing artists with a strong sense of mission, purpose, and creative vision. With a degree from Berklee College of Music and additional studies at Harvard Business Online and MIT Sloan, Paula combines industry expertise with a deep passion for social good. We will up the episode getting her advice on social impact and justice.

    From Stage to Screen with Angela Chapman |Season 15, Episode 6|

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 18:39


    Here we are with Angela Chapman. Angela is a Producer and University of Southern California alumni. She has produced, edited, and assisted on several shorts, student films, and live shows and events. Previously, she has had the pleasure of working with Showtime, 3311 Productions, The Green Room Talent Management, Malka Media, Visions & Voices, and Impulse Theatre Company. Currently, she is part of ONYX Films, a female led production company. She also works at TMG - a company that specializes in managing celebrity hair and makeup stylists. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, going to the movies, and spending time with friends. Here, we will get to chat more about her eclectic background and get some of her advice when it comes to the film, fashion, and makeup industry.

    Nora Quinn NY Based Music Artist And Storytelling |Season 15, Episode 5|

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 19:28


    Nora remembers sitting at the desktop computer in the closet, typing out stories about fairies and girls like me in carefully chosen fonts on Microsoft Word. Nora started writing regularly as soon as she learned to read. Storytelling has always been part of my ethos. Nora's dad put her in piano lessons at seven. She grew up listening to him play guitar in the living room, mostly The Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan. Music was never a serious career pursuit of her's until she met her current partner. He's been pursuing music for the last few years in addition to other creative forays. She never really considered it a possibility: Nora was supposed to be a lawyer or a doctor or an analyst of some sort. She met him at an open mic playing original songs. He pushed her to start going after gigs again after a years of writing in my room. She started playing out: open mics, bar gigs, opening for bigger artists, headlining on weeknights at tiny clubs. She went ever so slightly viral on Instagram for a clip of a song she wrote during my senior year of college. Now, doing anything else without music as the dream feels unimaginable. He flipped a switch in her brain: She can do this. Nora has been playing regularly in my Upstate NY hometown, recording on the side, and she'll be officially moving to Brooklyn in November. She will chat about her next steps including recording more music and finding my community in the city.

    Overcoming Heartbreak with Songwriting with Reina Mora |Season 15, Episode 4|

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 17:30


    Reina Mora is an LA based Puerto Rican singer/songwriter, performer, and activist. She writes and sings in multiple genres such as Rock, Pop, Folk, Latin, and even Country. She started singing well before she could ever speak, as her grandfather, a Puerto Rican Bolero, was her mentor through her early years.Now, as a go to collaborator when writing with other artists, she loves the joy of making something out of nothing with like minded creatives. That level of trust, intimacy, and confidence in knowing that everyone has a story, it just hasn't been written yet. She also performs her own music, like her NPR featured single “Trouble”, or through her Folk Duo, Willow Crest, where their single “Folktale” won SiriusXm's most haunting song of 2021! She loves advocating through volunteering her time to WriteGirl, where she's been a special guest the last 3 years and by helping SONA for the last 5 years. The thing she loves most from continuing to give back, is being a part of something bigger than herself. We will get to hear her advice living her dream out in LA pursuing music.

    Mastering the Art of Creating Opportunities for Yourself with Alyssa Heyer |Season 15, Episode 3|

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 21:33


    Here we are with Alyssa Heyer, actress, writer, and director. In middle school, her best friend really wanted to audition for the school play, but she didn't want to do it alone, so she dragged her into the audition with her. She ended up being cast as a kid who got to spray mace and she absolutely fell in love with theatre from there.In high school, Alyssa continued to perform in plays and competitions ranging from state to internationals and was so blessed to be accepted into the University of Southern California's School of Dramatic Arts in 2019.Growing up in Missouri, there's wasn't much opportunity for on-screen acting, so when she got to LA, she focused primarily on the business and art of film and television. Alyssa fell in love with everything about the process and have now dabbled in directing, screenwriting, casting, and producing, as well as maintaining my main passion of acting.Alyssa would like to give a shoutout to Brandon Whipple and Some Dude Productions. She's been working with Brandon for 5 years and not only did he take a chance on her as an actor, but he's helped her grow so much as a person and artist. He gave her the opportunity to direct for the first time through SDP and has entrusted her with casting all of their productions. We will wrap up the episode where she will give some career advice and updates on her professional goals, one of them being getting an agent.

    An algorithm to predict the future of music talent with Maxime Laharrague |Season 15, Episode 2|

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 21:42


    Here Maxime Laharrague, founder of Sonar. He played music for quite some time as a kid and grew up surrounded by friends playing in bands, which gave him a knack for working in the industry. But going to college in France coincided with directing his studies in engineering.Fast forward to 2019, Maxime wrapped up grad school in NYC and looked for an internship which would be critical to being able to maintain my visa. He combed through so many tech companies, some of the really big names just as much as small startups, and the only offer among dozens was from Spotify. He took it as a sign of faith! And I've been in the industry since then. After working at Spotify, he decided to become an entrepreneur and now is off to his adventures still taking lessons from Spotify and implementing them into his new algorithmic music industry company for artists. We will wrap up the episode with his upcoming goals traveling to LA for a music tech conference.

    Hopping Dimensions: Writing, Recording and Finding Yourself with Singer-Songwriter Libby Tisler |Season 15, Episode 1|

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 21:33


    Libby Tisler, a Nashville-based indie-pop artist, channels her emotions into her music with a straightforward songwriting process: she hits record and strums her guitar until something sticks. Her dreamy sound finds beauty in the ordinary, crafting metaphors from everyday moments. Blending melancholic lyrics with airy harmonies, she reflects on life's journey. On September 27, she will release her debut EP, Hopping Dimensions, a “coming of age story” about emerging from darkness, coping, letting go, and finding joy in change. The EP's lead single, “End of An Era” (June 12), captures the anxiety of transitions. The second track, “The Artist” (July 10), uses artistic mediums to express heartbreak. “Age of Reason” (August 7) draws from her own experiences of lifting herself up and letting go. The final single, “Visine” (September 4), explores finding love through a symbolic lens. Libby, originally from Rhode Island, studied music at Tulane University before moving to Nashville, where she writes songs and records them with producer Alex Bonyata. Her keen attention to detail and use of familiar symbols allow listeners to uniquely interpret her lyrics, much like life's varied experiences. To wrap up the episode, we will get to hear her upcopming prfoessional goals as an artist living life in Nashville.

    Making an Independent Movie with Filmmaker Brandon Tamburri |Season 14, Episode 13|

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 17:17


    Brandon Tambuirri, began creating short films and scriptwriting at a young age. Now, he's bringing comedy to South Jersey with his independent production company, called Joke Zero. Tamburri graduatedwith a major in business. He will talk about his ecclectic positions within producing and writing scripts in comedy to horror. He had a full-time position with NFL Films, then landed an opportunity to direct and produce several projects for National Lampoon and served as an associate producer on A24's horror film, “Hereditary.”  Here, Brandon will chat about his film under Joke Zero brand, "Plan B” was filmed in South Jersey in 2022, featuring an A-list cast including Jamie Lee, Jon Heder, Kate Flannery, Tom Berenger, Shannon Elizabeth and Vernon Davis. Brandon will share his advice on what it is like to be an entrepreneur and create a successful film and the lessons he learned along the way.

    Artist Identity-Creating Your World and Authentic Brand with Wendy Parr |Season 14, Episode 12|

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 23:34


    Wendy Parr, The Holistic Artist Coach + Founder of The Parr Method has spent 30 years in the entertainment industry empowering recording artists to develop their authentic voice with consistency across every platform. She empowers recording artists Melanie Martinez, Regina Spektor, Sara Bareilles, Ballistik Boyz, PVRIS, Qveen Herby, Marc Bassy, + took A Great Big World from 1st vocal session to a GRAMMY. Compass, her 6 month artist development program takes pro + emerging artists on a deep dive into who they are empowering them to lean into and layer their weirdness, passions, and skills to create a magnetic and authentic brand. Wendy excels at bringing out the truth of the artist, the heart of their story + Uses her coaching skills to elevate, expand and take the artist somewhere new vocally + artistically. She has been featured at the largest TED community, TEDx Gateway, NAMM, Jump Global, CLIVE DAVIS Institute, NYU, Chiat Day, CD Baby DIY Conference, and MusiCares. We will get to hear more about her programs and courses and basically a crash course 101 on living the life as a potentially successful artist.

    Steelheart's "Trust In Love" with Miljenko Matijevic |Season 14, Episode 11|

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2024 24:24


    Here we are with Steelheart's lead singer Miljenkio Matijevic. He is expanding his artistic footprint with a big-screen debut in the acclaimed dramedy Trust in Love, directed by Mick Davis. The film, already a global festival success with 23 awards, releases in theaters and on VOD in August 2024. Alongside acting, Matijevic is crafting new music with Niclas Engelin of IN FLAMES, delivering a darker, heavier rock sound expected later this year. He will also hit the road with SteelHeart on their 2024 tour, with performances across the U.S.

    Rising in the Music Industry from Grammy U to SXSW with Alany Rodriguez |Season 14, Episode 10|

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 24:08


    Here in today's episode we are with Alany Rodriguez. Alany is a conference programmer at SXSW where she oversees the music mentor sessions, workplace track, and assists with new music conference initiatives. Her main role is to curate and showcase inspiring, creative, and forward-thinking content at SXSW by working with top industry professionals from around the globe. At 18 years old, Alany began working in the music industry. She started at Bass Concert Hall on UT Austin's campus and climbed her way up into gaining invaluable experience working or interning at companies such as Warner Music Group, Live Nation, Pulse Music Group, Orienteer, and her previous role, which was at the Recording Academy working as the Texas Chapter GRAMMY U Representative. During her time at the GRAMMYs, Alany worked on both local and national projects, events, and initiatives, including GRAMMY Week festivities, launching the GU Instagram, GU Social Media lounge at SXSW, Texas Chapter Advocacy Day, GRAMMY Career Day, Up Close and Personal events with artists Leon Bridges and Rico Nasty, GRAMMY U's national conference, and was a contributing writer for GRAMMY.com. Now in her role at SXSW, she continues to use her experiences in music/entertainment to curate unforgettable and valuable moments that have long lasting impact. We will wrap up the episode talking about her personal and professional goals and what advice she gives to aspiring industry professionals and also artists.

    How Music and Digital Intersect in Modern Day Entertainment with Arielle Harris |Season 14, Episode 9|

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 28:35


    Here we are with Arielle Harris, Founder of RELMORE ENTERTAINMENT. Based in Los Angeles, California, Harris constantly surrounded by the world of music. As her involvement in the music industry expanded, she realized that her passion was in guiding artists and securing opportunities for those who had extraordinary talent and vision. After being taken under the wing of legendary music manager, Trudy Green (Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, to name a few), Harris quickly learned the effective and constructive ways to be a manager in the entertainment industry. She went on to work for talent managers in the digital space to better understand the landscape and eventually apply her knowledge and connections to the music space under her own company. She's been an independent music manager since July 2021 and has had the fortune of working with some of the best industry on both the talent and industry side. She will talk about what it's been like having her own company and her upcoming goals with her clients. She will also wrap up talking about advice that she's taken along her epic career journey.

    Young Professionals Looking for Creative Spaces in the Music Industry with Amanda Sherman |Season 14, Episode 8|

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024 16:45


    Here we are with Amanda Sherman, a graduate of the University of Maryland. She developed a profound passion for the music industry during her undergraduate years. She was an active part of her school's Music Business Society and record label. Amanda gained valuable experience as a Summer 2022 intern for Universal Music Group. Presently, she serves as the Digital Marketing Coordinator at Spirit Music Group, an independent music publisher representing renowned artists like The Who, Chaka Khan, Ingrid Michaelson, and Tim McGraw. Just when she thought she couldn't get enough of creative marketing in music, she is staring an indie record label with her friend Jake! We will wrap up the episode hearing more about her upcoming adventures with her label and what advice she'd like to share that she learned along her journey.

    Dylan Emmet, Music Producer, Artist, and Mentor |Season 14, Episode 7|

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 22:46


    Here we are with Dylan Emmet, music producer and artist. We will get the chance to hear more about his background in music and what got him passionate at such a young age to be an artist. We will get to hear more about his professional background as well mentoring artists on a day-to-day basis. We will wrap up the episode hearing more about his professional goals with producing and songwriting especially his latest upcoming releases.

    Trust your gut, and always be true to yourself, with Chelsea Cankar |Season 14, Episode 6|

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 27:36


    Here is Chelsea Cankar. She started her career in music by having a music/fashion blog (Stic-of-the-Week). She really had learned the ropes of the industry through her creative mind, and this was pre-Instagram. She then ended up befriending some bookers and venues and covering shows, which then he finally told her she needed to start talking to PR people. Before she knew it she was having more own events/DJing and covering major music festivals like Lollapalooza and Coachella. Doing all this landed her a job at UMG and then Interscope and then forming her own business Cankar Creative. She will get to chat about her advice and the pros and cons of having her own business.

    Film Audio with Sean Bucheck of Stereogram Sound |Season 14, Episode 5|

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 22:10


    Here is Sean Bucheck. He co-founded a producing studio called Stereogram Sound. We will learn about his musical background and his transition to producing and also pitching music for artists to get sync deals. He is also an in house mixing engineer for Symphonic Distribution. We will hear about what it is like to pay the hours as a producer until it pays off. We will be discussing music and its place in film whether it be composing, pitch writing, or post sound designed certified in Dolby Atmos. Finally, Sean will chat about his upcoming career goals.

    Music Industry Collector and Publisher with David Frangioni |Season 14, Episode 4|

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 16:36


    Here we are with David Frangioni. He is here to chat about his amazing drum kits with Goldin. He talks about his experience appearing on Netflix's King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch. David also will chat about the iconic drum kits that he's auctioned as well as other rare music memorabilia. This collection includes legendary kits from Neal Smith (Alice Cooper), Joe Stefko (Meat Loaf), Frank Beard (ZZ Top), and Bun E. Carlos (Cheap Trick). Finally, he will also share his books that's published as well his upcoming goals with his museum.

    Stephen Phillips, What it Really Means to be a Full Time Artist |Season 14, Episode 3|

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2024 27:14


    Here we are with Stephen Phillips. We will get to hear more about his background in music growing up in Syracuse and what it is like to have a team of musicians that are supporting you along your journey. We will also learn more about his works including "5:17," "Nineteen," and "twenty-two." Finally, we will get to learn more about Stephen's upcoming gigs in NYC and his other newest single coming out in September.

    With Katie Otter, Actress In Films Sunkiss and Acting School, Learning On Set & In the Classroom |Season 14, Episode 2|

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 16:15


    Here we are with Katie Otter. Katie Otter grew up traveling from back and forth from her hometown of Las Vegas, NV to Los Angeles, CA, where her love of Old Hollywood, sitcoms, and filmmaking first began! She has studied screen acting, theatre, and musical theatre for over 11 years. Since graduating from the USC School of Dramatic Arts and School of Cinematic Arts, Katie has continued to study on set for projects like her most recent two, SUNKISS (@sunkissfilm) and ACTING SCHOOL (@actingschoolfilm). She also takes classes at The Groundlings and is a Studio Tour Guide at the World Famous Universal Studios Tour. Katie sees working in any capacity as a learning experience, but mainly adores stories about the human experience, finding herself drawn to ensemble and romantic comedies, independent dramedies, and coming-of-age stories. We will also get to wrap up the episode hearing more about her upcoming mockumentaries.

    Meeting Allison Leah in the "Garden" to Discuss Her New Single! |Season 14, Episode 2|

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 22:32


    Here we are with Nashville based singer/songwriter, Allison Leah. Here, we will get to learn more about her background working in the music industry starting her career singing jingles as a kid. When she was young, she turned to music when she needed someone to talk to, or when she needed to feel understood. Now, she creates music for that same reason. Her favorite jingle she did was the "Hess Truck" Commercial and a GE commercial that aired during the 2010 Olympic Games! We will get to hear more about her college journey and her upcoming professional development goals studying the production side of the music industry and also learning about her singles including, "Constellations," "Coffee Cup," and her latest single "Meet Me in the Garden."

    A Conversation with Americana Artist Natalie Del Carmen |Season 14, Episode 1|

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 18:47


    Here we are with Natalie Del Carmen. Natalie is a musician, songwriter, and artist from Los Angeles. She has carved a niche in the Folk-Americana genre with touches of Pop. A Berklee College of Music graduate at 20, she debuted with her 11-track album “Bloodline” in Spring 2023, exploring themes of love, diligence, and time, and recorded in Nashville with Brunjo. Her EP “Tandem Songs,” produced by Zack Burke and Brunjo, marks her shift towards Americana. Featured in Medium.com's “The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry,” Holler Country's “10 Upcoming Country & Americana Artists, Nov 2023,” and KCSN 88.5's “SoCal's Next Big Sound” competition, Del Carmen is making waves in the country music scene. In 2024, she delves into self-acceptance with “Good Morning From Magnolia” her latest single release. We will get to hear her advice in the music industry and her upcoming goals on touring.

    Scarlet Fiorella is "Too Hot and Too Busy" Rolling Out Her Debut Album |Season 14, Episode 1|

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 25:36


    Here we are with Scarlet Fiorella. She began singing at a very young age and always gravitated towards different creative endeavors. As she got older, she merged her love for writing, singing, performing, and theatrics and slowly began to build out an artist persona. Scarlet is a singer, songwriter, and producer. Here, she'll discuss the expenses that come with being a recording artist and how much money goes into funding a project. She will also chat about the imposter syndrome that comes with being a female producer. Finally, we will get a sneak peak of what is coming up with her professional endeavors including releasing an album in October and releasing 4 more singles throughout the summer.

    A Sit Down With Mason Edwards, DJ in Nashville |Season 13, Episode 12|

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 17:16


    Here, we are with Mason Edwards. He grew up on the east coast and after college moved to Nashville to pursue a career in the music industry but then turned entrepreneurial becoming a DJ. We will get to learn more about his experience and what it's like being a DJ in the South. We will get to hear his upcoming personal goals with his newest band's single and performances.

    Claim Media Industry Guru

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel