Podcasts about Point Park University

What happens when you realize the person you've been presenting to the world for decades isn't your true self? Jay Washington's powerful conversation takes us on a journey through authenticity, emotional growth, and unexpected life pivots.The conversation takes a deeply moving turn as Jay shares his transition from being the fun uncle ("funkle") to becoming a father figure ("dunkle") for his niece and nephew after they lost both parents. Rather than seeing this unexpected responsibility as a burden, Jay discovered it became his North Star, providing purpose and healing wounds he didn't know existed. "To make the choice to love a child that you didn't biologically create is a special gift," he reflects.Jay's insights on setting boundaries, emotional intelligence, and breaking generational cycles offer practical wisdom for anyone navigating their own pivot. His simple yet profound advice to his younger self "I would hug him and tell him you are enough" encapsulates the core message of his transformation. For men especially, his advocacy for emotional expression challenges harmful societal norms: "The more emotionally in touch you can be as a man, it takes security in yourself to go against what society has prescribed for you."Guest Bio:Jay Washington is Client Advisor, Vice President Workplace Retirement Solutions for JPMorganChase.  He works with Chase Business Bankers and other intermediaries provide a turnkey 401(k) solution to business owner plan sponsors. Jay Joined JPMC  in March 2025. Prior to that, Jay spent 25 years in the retirement space in various client facing roles, where his passion for better participant outcomes provided a wealth of opportunities.Jay graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with degrees in Economics and Journalism, and obtained his MBA from Point Park University— in addition to several industry designations. He holds FINRA Series 6, 7, 63 and 65 licenses. In his spare time, Jay enjoys working out and traveling. He is an active father-figure to his niece and nephew, as well as an active member and officer of five nonprofit boards.Connect with Jay:LinkedIn Connect with Theresa and Ivana:Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: tsc-consultants.com LinkedIn @treeconti, Insta @tscconsultants Ivana, Courageous Being: courageousbeing.com LinkedIn @ivipol, Insta @courbeingSITP team, Step Into The Pivot: stepintothepivot.com LinkedIn @step-into-the-pivot, YouTube @StepIntoThePivot

Kiesha Lalama is an internationally recognized dancer, choreographer, and teacher who has created works for stage, film and TV. She is currently Point Park University's interim Dean of Theatre, Film and Animation, and the Executive Producer of the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Kiesha co-founded and has choreographed 15 years of Broadway's the Jimmy Awards, which has reached over 120,000 students annually. She choreographed the feature films, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” and “Sorority Row,” the documentary series “Broadway or Bust” for PBS, and two critically acclaimed TV series, “Outsiders” and “American Rust”. Her international concert dance works continue to be performed throughout Europe and Asia, including: Shed, Catapult, Alegria, Kinex, Aftermath, Wish, Jolt, Unsung Moment, and Vicious Cycle. She's also created three critically acclaimed full-length dance theater productions including The Bench: Journey into Love, HeartShakes, and Bound in Before.Kiesha's regional theater highlights include: All Shook Up at North Shore Music Theatre, Jesus Christ Superstar at Kansas City Starlight Theatre, Into the Woods at the Arsht Center, and for the Pittsburgh CLO, Judge Jackie Justice, Ruthless! The Musical, First Date and the Gene Kelly Awards.For the record, Kiesha and I have known one another for a number of years as we were both faculty members in the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park.https://kieshalalama.com/https://www.pointpark.edu/academics/schools/copa/copadeptsmajors/dance/faculty/kieshalalama

Commercial Dance Hosted by: Anna Harsh Guest: Nicole Rae Jones In this episode, we're moving into the fast-paced, high-pressure world of commercial dance—where performance meets precision. Nicole is teaching this style so listen in for tips and advice.Nicole Bio:A graduate of Point Park University, she has performed in several national tours, including “An American in Paris”, “Legally Blonde”, “South Pacific”, and with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings on “Swing!”. Since returning to Pittsburgh from New York City, she performs and choreographs in the local theater scene for theaters and dance schools. Nicole has choreographed in Pittsburgh, New York City, and London's West End. Most notably, she associate choreographed the 2022-2023 national tour of “Legally Blonde” andthe 2024 Western PA premier of “Alice By Heart.” Nicole is resident dance faculty at Seton Hill University and teaches locally in the Pittsburgh area.Follow Nicole on IG. https://www.instagram.com/ni_cole_rae_choreographyFor more on Anna Harsh www.AllegroDanceCompany.netLike Share and Subscribe for more! #CommercialDance #TheDanceFloorPodcast

Guest: Shannon Gregg   Guest Bio: Shannon J. Gregg, PhD, MBA, is an aficionado of sales technology to increase efficiency in the sales process, and an early adopter and adoption influencer for sales technology systems, particularly Salesforce.com and technology that integrates with the Salesforce platform. Dr. Gregg is the President of Cloud Adoption Solutions, a sales process and Salesforce.com consulting practice, and she also provides keynote talks, consulting and workshops on sales productivity. Her popular book, “It's About Time,” is available now and is being used by sales teams across the country to refocus on what's really important to drive revenue and results. She also instructs the Professional Selling course at Point Park University. She also competes on a jazz dance team for moms.   Key Points: Career Transition to Sales Technology: Shannon started in sales almost by accident, selling software in the nuclear nonproliferation space. She discovered that sales is like choreography, focusing on improving sales processes to help salespeople focus on delighting prospects and customers. Shannon transitioned to sales management and eventually started her own Salesforce.com practice in 2018, which has been successful.   Sales Choreography: Sales is more complex than sports analogies like "at-bats"; it's about choreographed moments where various teams (marketing, sales, etc.) move prospects through the funnel in a coordinated manner. Having a dance background helped her think quickly on her feet, which is a crucial skill in sales, especially when unexpected challenges arise.   Sales Technology: Technology is a tool, not a solution in itself. It should help salespeople do what they do best without overcomplicating things. Sales technology can range from simple tools like phones and Zoom to complex CRMs integrated with other systems. The key to success with sales technology is choosing tools that are easy to use and integrate naturally into the sales process.   Adoption of Technology: Sales technology should be easy to adopt. Sales leaders should ensure the tools don't overwhelm the team with complexity, which could lead to poor usage and frustration. Avoid forcing long training sessions. Instead, show how the tools benefit the individual salesperson by demonstrating their value through real-life examples and role-playing.   Process in Sales: Having a defined sales process is crucial before introducing technology. Sales leaders should first educate themselves on sales processes and how they fit their market. Sales leaders should focus on progress, not perfection, when creating a sales process. The process should evolve based on feedback and performance.   CRM (Client Relationship Management) Tools: A CRM helps sales leaders track where salespeople need coaching and support. CRMs help manage data more efficiently than spreadsheets, providing visibility into the sales pipeline and buyer's journey. CRMs should be customizable to fit the organization's process, but it's important to start with an out-of-the-box version before making customizations.   Getting Salespeople to Use Technology: To encourage salespeople to use a CRM, leaders need to show what's in it for them. Demonstrate how using the system helps them perform better. Rather than pushing lengthy training sessions, involve reluctant salespeople in the design and testing phases of the process to ensure the tool works for them. Reluctant salespeople can be powerful allies in motivating others to adopt the tool once they see its value.   Challenges with Salespeople's Reluctance: Salespeople often resist using CRMs because they see them as time-consuming or invasive. Leaders should address these concerns by focusing on the benefits of CRM usage, such as better organization and visibility of the sales pipeline, and ensuring the tool is user-friendly.   Behavioral Change and Buy-in: Getting salespeople to adopt new systems requires not only clear communication of benefits but also continuous feedback, training, and reinforcement. Real-world examples of success stories, like a salesperson improving their results, can help convince others to embrace the technology.     Guest Links: Salesforce User Adoption in the Age of AI eBook Connect on LinkedIn       About Salesology®: Conversations with Sales Leaders Download your free gift, The Salesology® Vault. The vault is packed full of free gifts from sales leaders, sales experts, marketing gurus and revenue generation experts. Download your free gift, 81 Tools to Grow Your Sales & Your Business Faster, More Easily & More Profitably. Save hours of work tracking down the right prospecting and sales resources and/or digital tools that every business owner and salesperson needs. If you are a business owner or sales manager with an underperforming sales team, let's talk. Click here to schedule a time. Please, subscribe to Salesology®: Conversations with Sales Leaders so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to https://podcast.gosalesology.com/ and connect on LinkedIn and follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check out our website at https://gosalesology.com/. 

Brent Dean Robbins is a psychologist, scholar, and all-around thoughtful human whose work has profoundly shaped existential and humanistic psychology. He is one of those rare thinkers who makes psychology feel alive—not just a collection of theories and data, but a field full of urgent, deeply human questions. He's a professor of psychology and the director of the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program at Point Park University, where he's helped create one of the most distinctive training programs in the country. He earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Duquesne University—home to some of the most beautifully dense phenomenological work you'll ever have to read twice—and is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania. In this two-part conversation, we'll explore Brent's career—from his early work critiquing the overmedication of children to his scholarship on metabletics and cultural therapeutics. We'll also discuss how he's navigating his current health journey and cancer diagnosis as an existential psychologist and his hopes for the future of the field—how we might reimagine mental health care in ways that embrace the messy, wondrous, irreducible nature of being human. *** Thank you for being with us to listen to the podcast and read our articles this year. MIA is funded entirely by reader donations. If you value MIA, please help us continue to survive and grow. https://www.madinamerica.com/donate/   To find the Mad in America podcast on your preferred podcast player, click here: https://pod.link/1212789850   © Mad in America 2025. Produced by James Moore https://www.jmaudio.org

Brent Dean Robbins is a psychologist, scholar, and all-around thoughtful human whose work has profoundly shaped existential and humanistic psychology. He is one of those rare thinkers who makes psychology feel alive—not just a collection of theories and data, but a field full of urgent, deeply human questions. He's a professor of psychology and the director of the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program at Point Park University, where he's helped create one of the most distinctive training programs in the country. He earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Duquesne University—home to some of the most beautifully dense phenomenological work you'll ever have to read twice—and is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania. In this two-part conversation, we'll explore Brent's career—from his early work critiquing the overmedication of children to his scholarship on metabletics and cultural therapeutics. We'll also discuss how he's navigating his current health journey and cancer diagnosis as an existential psychologist and his hopes for the future of the field—how we might reimagine mental health care in ways that embrace the messy, wondrous, irreducible nature of being human. *** Thank you for being with us to listen to the podcast and read our articles this year. MIA is funded entirely by reader donations. If you value MIA, please help us continue to survive and grow. https://www.madinamerica.com/donate/   To find the Mad in America podcast on your preferred podcast player, click here: https://pod.link/1212789850   © Mad in America 2025. Produced by James Moore https://www.jmaudio.org

This week's episode brought to you by Indy Wrestling US, Slice on Broadway, Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.Patreon.com/AwesomeCast In this special solo episode of AwesomeCast, Sorg dives into trending tech topics, social media trends, and gaming nostalgia while testing his chops at keeping the podcast feed alive—just as he teaches in his Point Park University podcasting class!

This week's episode brought to you by Indy Wrestling US, Slice on Broadway, Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.Patreon.com/AwesomeCast In this special solo episode of AwesomeCast, Sorg dives into trending tech topics, social media trends, and gaming nostalgia while testing his chops at keeping the podcast feed alive—just as he teaches in his Point Park University podcasting class!

Episode Summary: Menina Fortunato interviews Traci Reszetylo, a 22-year veteran of the Radio City Rockettes, to discuss her incredible career and journey in the dance world. Traci reflects on her early dance training in Pittsburgh, her move to New York, and her audition experiences for the Rockettes, eventually landing the role on her second attempt. She shares the challenges and rewards of performing with the Rockettes, including her experiences on tour, in prestigious events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and her role as dance captain. Traci also talks about her passion for teaching, which led her to create Exactitude Dance during the pandemic. She explains how the studio evolved from online classes to an in-person space in Brooklyn, where she combines precision dance with other genres and offers career development workshops. Traci offers valuable advice for aspiring dancers, emphasizing the importance of consistency, humility, and building relationships in the industry. She shares audition tips, time management strategies, and insights on how dancers can create a sustainable career in dance. This episode is filled with inspiration and practical advice for dancers at all stages of their careers. Show Notes: (00:00) - Introduction to Traci Reszetylo (02:15) - Early dance training in Pittsburgh and competing (05:30) - Auditioning for the Radio City Rockettes and getting the job (10:00) - Performing with the Rockettes: Tours, TV shows, and events (15:30) - Becoming a Dance Captain and the team-oriented culture of the Rockettes (20:00) - Starting Exactitude Dance during the pandemic and growing the business (25:30) - The evolution of Exactitude Dance and its workshops (30:45) - Balancing a dance career with family life and other pursuits (35:00) - Advice on auditioning: staying in the moment and managing nerves (40:00) - The importance of consistency and humility in dance (45:30) - Final thoughts on building a successful dance career and long-term sustainability Biography: Traci, the founder of Exactitude Dance & dancer for Radio City Rockettes, attended Point Park University focusing on jazz and musical theater. While attending Point Park, Traci performed in the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's Richard Rodgers Awards, and also performed as a dancer/ singer for Royal Caribbean. She was then cast in Pittsburgh Musical Theater's production of Chicago, performing the role of “Liz” at the Byham Theater. Traci moved to NY and was chosen to be a Radio City Rockette in 2002. Her first four years as a Rockette, she performed on tour in several cities, and in 2006, started performing at Radio City Music Hall. She has been performing there to the present date. Traci was selected as the Assistant Dance Captain in 2009. In 2010 was cast as a swing, and in 2014 Dance Captain/ Assistant Choreographer for 5 years. Traci has performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Today Show, Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting, Dancing With the Stars, America's Got Talent, Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, Tony Awards, Live with Kelly and Ryan, Ellen, and the Wendy Williams Show. Traci participated in Oprah's celebration for the 10th anniversary of her O Magazine, and also traveled to Vienna, Austria, where she performed in Diane Von Furstenberg's fashion show at the Life Ball. Traci has led & assisted auditions, taught for Rockettes Summer Intensive and assisted in teaching and staging the Christmas Spectacular. Her passion is teaching and working with her students. She cannot wait to share her knowledge of precision dance and create exactitude in you! Connect on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/tracirez https://www.facebook.com/traci.reszetylo.167

RJ Thompson is the driving force behind Orange Arrow's “cool factor.” By day, he serves as the Manager of Digital Strategy in the Health Sciences at Pitt and teaches at Pitt, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Point Park University, and West Virginia University. A longtime supporter, RJ is the creative mind behind the evolution of the OA brand and various OA projects, including launching this podcast. Tune in to hear how Captain America inspired his career in graphic design, and stay to discover how he listens to stories to capture the spirit of OA in his designs.

Jasmine Hearn is an interdisciplinary artist, director, award winning performer, choreographer, organizer, doula, and teacher. They earned a B.A. from Point Park University, has performed in many cities nationwide, and received numerous awards, fellowships, grants, and residencies. Jasmine lives in her hometown of Houston, Texas. 

Ashley Lauren Rogers takes center stage in our latest episode, bringing her dynamic artistry as a playwright, podcaster, and actor to our conversation. Discover how a high school program and Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun" sparked Ashley's passion for storytelling, while her battle with ADHD turned plays into her refuge. As an out trans woman, Ashley is committed to crafting narratives that humanize misunderstood communities, using her personal experiences to challenge societal stereotypes and advocate for inclusivity.Join us as we unravel the art of creating authentic characters and inclusive stories in theater. We explore the challenges of casting trans characters and the responsibilities theaters hold in fostering genuine representation. With inspiration from Lin-Manuel Miranda's philosophy, Ashley shares her creative process, revealing how her ADHD shapes her storytelling journey and how her characters naturally lead the narrative. Hear how a playwright's willingness to adapt a script for a trans actor exemplifies the essence of inclusivity in the arts.Finally, we navigate the current state of playwriting and the hurdles playwrights face today. Despite the industry's focus on revivals and adaptations, Ashley emphasizes the enduring power of theater to unite audiences through live performances that spark societal conversations. As a multi-hyphenate artist, she discusses the necessity of embracing varied roles to sustain a career in the arts while championing the transformative impact of playwrights in reflecting humanity's diverse narratives. Tune in for an enriching dialogue that underscores the vital role of authenticity and inclusivity in shaping the future of theater.The podcast is sponsored by Point Park University's MFA program in Writing for Screen and Stage. Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3zjugR2To support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/QuillandCurtainPodcastThe Podcast SWAG store!: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-quill-and-curtain-podcast/To read Darrin Friedman's work, please go to: https://newplayexchange.org/users/76352/darrin-friedman

Join us for a captivating conversation with Jonathan Alexandrados, a gifted New York-based writer and playwright, as we explore their unique journey into the world of theater. Jonathan opens up about their challenging transition to New York City during the tumultuous events of 9/11, and how the experience, coupled with a passion for toy collecting and historical narratives, has shaped their creative process. Discover how playwriting became a powerful tool for self-discovery and how Jonathan's work resonates deeply with audiences through its transformative storytelling.Our discussion takes a meaningful turn as we delve into the nuances of gender identity and inclusion in the arts. Jonathan shares their experiences as a non-binary artist, highlighting the importance of inclusive collaboration and the cathartic power of overlooked moments. We examine the evolving language of gender in theater and the genuine effort required to create safe and respectful spaces for all. This dialogue serves as a poignant reminder of the value of a community that embraces diversity and fosters a sense of belonging.Rounding off our episode, Jonathan provides insightful perspectives on the challenges faced by playwrights, offering strategies for overcoming creative blocks and advocating for a revolutionary approach to play development. They discuss exciting new projects, including a book on fast food toys and a thought-provoking article on horror, while also reflecting on their journey through rejections and the positive experiences that emerged. This episode is a rich tapestry of creativity and community, sure to inspire and engage listeners with the transformative possibilities of the theater.The podcast is sponsored by Point Park University's MFA program in Writing for Screen and Stage. Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3zjugR2To support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/QuillandCurtainPodcastThe Podcast SWAG store!: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-quill-and-curtain-podcast/To read Darrin Friedman's work, please go to: https://newplayexchange.org/users/76352/darrin-friedman

Point Park University Expansion full 403 Tue, 15 Oct 2024 15:17:32 +0000 Mz71H85OLncyOl7n9aZMVUpq1PlzIgCt news,a-newscasts,top picks The Big K Morning Show news,a-newscasts,top picks Point Park University Expansion The Big K Morning Show 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News News News News news News News News News News False https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-link=https%3A%2F%

Welcome to another episode of Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast! You're in for a very exciting treat as we venture into interviewing dance professionals from across the USA. Today we are interviewing four dance figures from Pittsburgh, PA about their careers and the dance culture in their city. Tuning in, you'll hear all about our incredible guests, Shana Simmons, Peter Kope, Alan Obuzor, and Brittany Nettles' careers, how they have navigated the dance scene in Pittsburgh, what resources have helped them, and so much more! We delve into how dance fits into Pittsburgh's culture before discussing the competition and collaborative spirit in the city. We go on to talk about the incredible changes they have seen over the years in the Pittsburgh dance world and what they'd love to see happen in the future. Finally, they share beautiful moments that made them so passionate about working as dance professionals in Pittsburgh and why they love it so much. You don't want to miss out on this inspirational episode, so be sure to press play now!  Key Points From This Episode: ·       A brief overview of Pittsburgh's history of dance.  ·       Introducing today's guests: Shana Simmons, Peter Kope, Alan Obuzor, and Brittany Nettles.  ·       How they navigated dance careers in Pittsburgh and the resources that have helped them.  ·       Our guests tell us where dance fits into the culture of Pittsburgh.  ·       The collaborations and competition each of our guests experience.  ·       What kinds of classes they offer and the struggles they face when it comes to consistency.  ·       How they have seen the local dance community change over the years.  ·       The changes and collaborations they'd love to see in the Pittsburgh dance scene.  ·       Our guests tell us what they love about working in the dance industry in Pittsburgh.  Podcast Guests: Shana Simmons is the Founder and Artistic Director of Shana Simmons Dance, a contemporary dance organization and company whose mission is to bring high quality dance experiences through performance, education, and community building. Peter Kope is Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Attack Theatre, which fuses modern dance, original live music, and interdisciplinary art forms to create engaging dance performances. Alan Obuzor was born in Pittsburgh, he trained predominantly at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's school before joining their company for 7 seasons. After that he taught at PBT school before founding Texture contemporary ballet in 2011 and Texture Ballet School in 2019.  Brittany Nettles (she/they) is a Pittsburgh based freelance dancer, choreographer and educator, who has worked with groups such as Shana Simmons Dance, Point Park University, PearlArts, and InterPGH. For more on this episode: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast For the latest, follow on Instagram & Facebook  

In this edition of Quill and Curtain, Darrin interviews prolific playwright George Sapio. Here is a little bit about him: George believes in learning all there is to making theatre happen; he's not just a playwright but has worked extensively as a director, producer, dramaturg, and designer. The podcast is sponsored by Point Park University's MFA program in Writing for Screen and Stage. Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3zjugR2To support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/QuillandCurtainPodcastThe Podcast SWAG store!: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-quill-and-curtain-podcast/

Delphia L. Howze serves as the CEO and Founder of D. Howze Solutions, LLC, a consultancy specializing in Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), and as the Chief Inclusion Officer for a large scale national laboratory. With over two decades of experience, she is recognized as a forward-thinking leader in Human Resources and D&I, adept at helping organizations harness human capital and diversity to cultivate inclusive environments. Known as the Inclusion Strategist, Delphia's expertise lies in developing and implementing HR and D&I strategies, facilitating talent development through training, mentorship, and leadership coaching, managing Affirmative Action Plans, and delivering impactful keynote presentations. As a thought leader in the field, Delphia is often sought after for her insights and expertise on diversity and inclusion matters. She has served on panels, contributed to publications, and spoken at conferences and events, inspiring others to embrace inclusion as a strategic imperative. In her capacity as an HR and D&I leader, Delphia collaborates with senior executives, key stakeholders, and HR professionals to craft, refine, and implement HR and D&I strategic initiatives aligned with the organization's objectives. Throughout her professional journey, Delphia has honed her expertise as an executive leader, HR practitioner, and D&I advocate through a progression of roles across diverse industries including retail, banking, energy, transportation, logistics, consulting, and higher education. She contributed as a member of the Diversity & Inclusion Expertise Panel for the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and held the position of President for SHRM of Tompkins County, NY. Delphia consistently demonstrates her dedication to advancing HR and D&I initiatives by actively participating as a board member and trustee for various organizations. Additionally, she engages with college students as an Adjunct Instructor, imparting knowledge in HR, D&I, and business principles. Delphia earned her BA from the University of Pittsburgh, followed by an MBA from Point Park University and a Project Management certification from Villanova University. Currently, she is working towards a doctoral degree and maintains a SHRM-CP certification. Additionally, she has emerged as a new author with her new book, "Including You! Leading Inclusion From Where You Are." With her unwavering commitment to valuing diversity and activating inclusion, Delphia is dedicated to driving meaningful change and creating inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

WELCOME BACK TO THE DANCER'S CHOICE PODCAST !!! This week Riley sits down with creative, Vanessa Eirekat, to discuss what life looks like exploring different medias and career paths outside of simply dancing. If you're interested in becoming an entrepreneur, mentoring young artists, creating a balanced life for yourself, or seeing what else exists in this industry besides "being the dancer" then this episode will be a breath of fresh air for you! Vanessa Eirekat is a proud alumna of Point Park University, where she received her BFA in Dance with a minor in Communications. Her versatile dance training stems from working with profound choreographers and mentors such as Jennifer Archibald, Tyce Diorio, Christopher Huggins, Jason McDole, Garfield Lemonius and more. She has had the opportunity to perform at the Joyce Theatre in NYC, receive an acceptance into the Cirque Du Soleil dancer database, work with Nickelodeon, perform back-up and more. Her experiences have allowed her to launch a thoughtful mission surrounding the arts...Vanessa is the founder of Vanessa's Creative Connect - a space where private dance processes and creative media connect. She collaborates with creatives of all forms to help them thrive through their art. These processes include dance mentorships, photography, video content creation, and graphic/logo design. Vanessa has always believed artists have the advantage of wearing many hats. We understand how a variety of art forms align and compliment one another! To Further Connect with Vanessa: Instagram: @vanessaeirekhat Vanessa's Creative Connect: https://www.vcreativeconnect.com Hiphop Mentorship- Winter Sessions: https://www.vcreativeconnect.com/winterwaitlist

Art is one of those things that is not clearly defined. Sure some people might think it is because they might view it narrowly as only something that hangs in a gallery by a painter who has studied for years. But that is not what art is. And murals are helping to prove that as artists take their art to the street. We are fortunate here in NEPA to have many colorful murals in Scranton and the surrounding area--so many that one local artist, teacher and doctoral candidate chose to do her research about murals in the area and how people in the communities connect to them. My guest this week is Lisa Murphy, an arts teacher in Hazleton, a mom, an artist herself and a student of Point Park University who will display the results of a summer research project with a reception at Afa Gallery on October 19. The art will remain on display after the opening. Tune in to hear our conversation about the importance of community art, how it reflects a region's history and hope for the future and the importance of having everyone represented in such art. Thank you to my podcast sponsor Budget Through Life who helps to make this podcast possible each week. Founder Emily Hickox is knowledgeable about finances and passionate about helping everyone understand credit, debt and how to budget through their life. Follow Budget Through life on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for tips and to connect with Emily for individual coaching or schedule a group class. If you would like to support this podcast, please reach out to Jeannine.Luby@gmail.com for sponsorship rates or buy Jeannine a coffee to show your thanks for these amazing conversations. Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram to learn about comedy shows, contests and get some laughs. I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.

Andrew Conte, director of the Center for Media Innovation at Point Park University, and graduate student Nick Tommarello share how the Center for Media Innovation is revitalizing local journalism in Pittsburgh.Visit the It's All Journalism website to find out how to subscribe to our podcast and weekly email newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Andrew Conte, director of the Center for Media Innovation at Point Park University, and graduate student Nick Tommarello share how the Center for Media Innovation is revitalizing local journalism in Pittsburgh. Visit the It's All Journalism website to find out how to subscribe to our podcast and weekly email newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are beyond thrilled to welcome the talented playwright TJ Young to the latest episode of The Quill and Curtain Podcast!Known for his powerful storytelling, TJ's work dives deep into human connection, culture, and identity. In this episode, TJ shares his journey as a playwright, what inspires his writing, and the stories behind his most iconic works. Don't miss this insightful conversation that delves into the heart of creativity and storytelling!The podcast is sponsored by Point Park University's MFA program in Writing for Screen and Stage. Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3zjugR2To support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/QuillandCurtainPodcastThe Podcast SWAG store!: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-quill-and-curtain-podcast/

In this special episode of the Build Up podcast, we're celebrating five years of growth, evolution, and impact at the Build Up Companies with Katy Thompson, the very first employee and now the Director of Global Operations and Culture. Katy joins our Founder, CEO, and Managing Attorney of The Build Up Companies, Nic Campbell, to reflect on the journey of BUC, from its early days to the global presence it holds today.Katy shares her unique perspective, having started as the Executive Assistant, and now leading operations and culture across the organization. Together, Nic and Katy discuss the challenges and triumphs of growing a small, dynamic team, maintaining strong relational connections, and embodying the core values of being brave, ever-learning, relational, and striving for excellence.The conversation dives into pivotal moments that shaped BUC's path, including how brave innovation and a commitment to excellence have driven their success. They explore how these values will guide BUC's next five years and beyond.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, organizational growth, and the intricacies of building a value-driven and people-centered company culture. Tune in to hear insights from Katy and Nic on how to create lasting impact in a constantly evolving sector.Katy Thompson, Director of Global Operations and CultureKaty Thompson is passionate about sparking positive change globally. She holds a BS in Intelligence and National Security and an MS in Environmental Studies from Point Park University and has had diverse professional experiences that have taken her around the globe. Throughout her studies and career, Katy has focused on connecting food security and national security, sustainability, and innovation, finding simple solutions to serve as powerful tools for social and economic development. Katy firmly believes that building effective organizations with robust infrastructure is the key to making a measurable impact.At Build Up, Katy is responsible for managing The Build Up Companies' processes and operations around the globe. She directs a portfolio of projects to strengthen the Companies' internal infrastructure, and ensures that systems, processes, and policies are in place to support internal operations as well as our clients' work.Outside of the office, Katy is a 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher, specializing in yoga for addiction and recovery. When she is not working or on her yoga mat, you can find her getting lost in a good book.

Join Joe Swenson, the creative force behind Broken Arts Entertainment, as he delves into the world of storytelling, creativity, and the arts. Joe, an accomplished author, playwright, director, and producer, brings his unique perspective to the podcast, exploring the intricate process of creating compelling narratives and innovative art. The podcast is sponsored by Point Park University's MFA program in Writing for Screen and Stage. Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3zjugR2 To support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/QuillandCurtainPodcast The Podcast SWAG store!: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-quill-and-curtain-podcast/

Thank you for listening. Send us a text message. In this episode of Intentionally Overheard, I have a conversation with Founding Artistic Director of Dance Happens, Inc, Paula LeVere.  Introduced to the art form of ballet 45 years ago, Paula shares her life's journey through the world of dance, and how she is embracing living a life of purpose on purpose.  Paula recalls the moment in life areer when she decided move from performing to teaching in order to give   Over the course of her career, Paula has studied with some of the well known names of the ballet world: Sylvester Campbell with The Baltimore School for the Arts, Laura Alonzo with the Cuban Ballet Company in Cuba, Arthur Mitchell with Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Fredrick Franklin of the Ballet Russe. Through her intense studies, Paula was able to perform major ballets such as Giselle, TheNutcracker, Swan Lake, Firebird, and other notable ballets. Paula also appeared asa guest soloist on a PBS TV Series, Mr. Roger's Neighborhood.In 1993, she earned a B.A. in dance from Point Park University where she was apositive influence in the lives of toddlers, children, and young adults through herteachings of ballet. Most importantly, Paula has found a love in being a positiverole model to the children she has guided and instructed throughout herprofession, and she has shared her knowledge and passion for the art of balletthrough volunteer work with the inner city.Furthering Paula's accomplishments, she formed a youth ensemble, Union CityYouth Ensemble, for the inner-city kids of New Jersey. Paula's love for dancebrought her back where it all began in Baltimore, Maryland. Prior to creatingDance Happens, Inc., she was given a great opportunity to build the danceprogram at Meade Senior High School where she was Director of the dancecompany. Currently, Paula is Founding Artistic Director of Dance Happens, Inc.,which is a thriving 501c3 nonprofit organization that caters to Baltimore's Citykids.Support the show

In this week's episode of Quill and Curtain, we have DonMike Mendoza. Don Michael H. Mendoza, (Don Mike), is the Founder of DMH Mendoza Productions and the Co-Founder and Executive Producer of LA TI DO Productions where through both entities he's produced on Broadway (Smash, Here Lies Love), Off-Broadway (Hazing U), and hundreds of cabarets, concerts, theatrical shows, and events nationally since 2012. Concurrently, he is an independent marketing professional who served as the first Director of Marketing & Media for the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra in Los Angeles. Mendoza is an alumnus of the Commercial Theater Institute in New York City, and holds a B.A. in Musical Theatre & Journalism and an M.A. in Strategic Communication from American University where he sits on the Alumni Association Board, and he also sits on the Board of Directors for New York Theatre Barn, and The Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh. The podcast is sponsored by Point Park University's MFA program in Writing for screen and stage. Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3zjugR2 To support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/QuillandCurtainPodcast The Podcast SWAG store!: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-quill-and-curtain-podcast/

Welcome back to the Dancer's Choice Podcast! Today, the girls are blessed to sit down and chat with artist, Myles Canonge!  Myles Canonge is a dynamic artist whose faith in Christ is the cornerstone of his life and work. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Myles honed his craft at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, where he graduated with a B.F.A. in dance and performance. Driven by a passion for performance, Myles ventured to Los Angeles to pursue a professional career in dance. His journey has seen him grace the stages of world tours and the screens of film and television, captivating audiences with his talent and dedication. Myles continues to inspire others through his art, embodying the belief that faith and creativity are intertwined in a beautiful dance of expression and purpose. You Are Appreciated Podcast THANK YOU MYLES

Hello plant people and welcome back to Herbal Radio! Over the next couple of weeks, we are thrilled to share two episodes featuring the four esteemed organizations that were the recipients of the 2023 Grants 4 Plants Program. For those unfamiliar with Grants 4 Plants, Mountain Rose Herbs created the grant program back in 2018 to support nonprofits, small businesses, and home herbalists who are working towards making this planet a better place. Since its inception, we've proudly been able to fund many invaluable initiatives leading towards organic and sustainable agriculture, herbal education, protection of native and medicinal plants, and environmental stewardship. This week, we are featuring two of the Regenerative Agriculture Fellows of Saticoy Food Hub, Kim Aguilar and Soli Guitierrez, and the Garden Coordinator of Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Memorial Garden, Kate Robson.  We hope each of you listening in today will be inspired by the commendable work these organizations are providing for their communities and beyond. Please be sure to check out the links included below to find out how you can support these invaluable initiatives. We'll see you next week when we hear from the other two organizations that won the 2023 Grants 4 Plants program. For now, we thank you for joining us on another botanical adventure!  Learn more about these organizations and the hard-working faces behind them: Saticoy Food Hub is a non-profit organization located in Saticoy, California, which is an unincorporated area of Ventura County. There, they work to build food sovereignty with Saticoy residents and help sustain the organization's three major programs: Saticoy Community Fridge, Saticoy Certified Farmers Market, and Saticoy Sowers. Saticoy Sowers is food and medicine cultivation education that is meant to bring community members together to learn from each other about traditional and regenerative agricultural practices in culturally-relevant ways. The Saticoy Sowers program also provides access to the Food Hub's newly established seed library, nursery, and gleaning tools, thanks in part to the generous support of Mountain Rose Herbs.  Kim Aguilar (they/them) is a community advocate with a background in Environmental Studies and Sociology, holding a B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara. They are dedicated to advancing the vision of food sovereignty in Saticoy through food access and self-sufficient food cultivation. In their time at Saticoy Food Hub, they helped develop Saticoy Sowers, a backyard growers program that integrates herbalism and holistic medicine aimed at fostering sustainable practices and community health. Soli Gutierrez (she/her) is a community educator and organizer focused on food sovereignty, traditional regenerative agriculture, and Spanish language access. Born and raised in Ventura County. In 2019, she co-founded the Pesticide-Free Soil Project, which collaborated with schools on compost tea parties and hosted local environmental experts. Since 2021, she has been working in bilingual education, relearning traditional food cultivation methods, and restoring native plant habitats.  If you are a champion for social justice and healthy food systems, you can support their mission by donating HERE. Sign up for the Saticoy Food Hub Newsletter! Follow Saticoy Food Hub's programs on the Instagram accounts below: Saticoy Food Hub Saticoy Community Fridge Saticoy Farmer's Market ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Memorial Garden, founded by North Hills Community Outreach's (NHCO), is a volunteer, community-supported organic garden that provides over 1,000 families with an average of 4,500 lbs. of produce every year that is distributed throughout their three  designated food pantries throughout northern Allegheny County. NHCO strives to provide low-income families access to quality, healthy, and nourishing food, and this mission is the driving force behind the hard work that is poured into the Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Memorial Garden. If you are interested in helping further the mission of NHCO to provide locally-grown, organic produce to families in need, please consider donating by following the link HERE.  Learn more about garden volunteer opportunities HERE.  Kate Robson (she/her) grew up on a rural farm in Indiana County, PA, where her parents and grandparents took pride in the food they grew. Some of Kate's earliest memories with her family included shucking corn, snapping beans, and squeegeeing tomatoes. After a decade in science and agriculture education, Kate received her Master's Degree in Environmental Science from Point Park University. Her thesis focused on the health, environmental, and community impacts of community gardens in urban areas, and her goal was to get involved with urban agriculture in Pittsburgh, PA. Kate took a position at North Hills Community Outreach, where she focuses on helping community members facing crisis, hardship, and poverty in northern Allegheny County. Kate currently serves as the Garden Coordinator of the Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Memorial Garden.  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Join our community! Subscribe to the Mountain Rose Herbs newsletter Subscribe to Mountain Rose Herbs on YouTube Follow on Instagram Like on Facebook Follow on Pinterest Read the Mountain Rose Herbs blog Follow on TikTok Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world. Mountain Rose Herbs www.mountainroseherbs.com

Emily Spencer set her sights on winning the Miss New Hampshire pageant eight years ago. First, she won Miss Bedford in 2019. And then Miss Greater Nashua in 2022, Miss Rockingham County and Miss Winnipesaukee in 2023, and then, in May of 2024, she was crowned Miss New Hampshire. Now, the 23-year-old Bedford, NH, native has her gaze set on an even bigger prize, a prize that Miss New Hampshire has never won before: the coveted Miss America title. In today's conversation from my makeshift studio in Portsmouth, Emily and I discuss: Winning Miss New Hampshire (00:00) The long road to becoming Miss NH (06:05) The positives and negatives of the job (10:00) Emily's future aspirations (26:11) Miss America preparation (30:25) Emily's New Hampshire upbringing (34:20) Emily's service initiative, Miss Inspiration (39:33) What's your mission? (49:30) Emily Spencer is the current Miss New Hampshire. A participant in pageants across the state since 2016, Emily is also a graduate of Point Park University, one of the top dancing schools in the country. She currently lives in Bedford, where she splits her time dancing for a local company, choreographing, working as a flexologist, and fulfilling her laundry list of duties as Miss New Hampshire. --For more information on how to support Emily and the Miss New Hampshire program, please visit MissNH.org. --To support the telling of more awesome ⁠Seacoast Stories ⁠like this one, please FOLLOW this podcast on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and/or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ feeds. It helps more than you know. This podcast is hosted, written, researched, and produced by Spotify's ⁠⁠⁠Troy Farkas⁠⁠⁠, who lives in downtown Portsmouth.

Is more conference realignment on the horizon...a report is out that the Big 12 has spoken to Clemson and Florida State; MEC commisioner Reid Amos joins the show to talk about Point Park University becoming an official league member.

Discover the inspiring journey of Lexx Truss, a writer, director, and producer from Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduating from Point Park University's Cinema & Digital Arts program in 2015, Lexx showcased his talent at the Cannes Short Film Corner and continued to refine his craft through various freelance projects. In 2018, he won the Shore Scripts Logline Contest with his comedy short, "A Kid Named Leslie," and was declared the Grand Prize Winner of the 2019 Emerge! Filmmaking Lab for his psychological thriller, "Zarina." Join us as we explore Lexx's path to success in the film industry. 

In this episode, Jason Kirby, DO, MBA, FASAM, shares what led him to the field of addiction medicine and describes a particular turning point in his career path. Dr. Kirby discusses the importance of individualized treatment, the similarities between fitness and recovery communities, and how his interest in human behavior influenced his career journey. He stresses the critical importance of self-care among physicians and other care providers, the benefits of physician health programs, and addressing the four facets of well-being. Dr. Kirby shares his thoughts about the stigma associated with addiction and the critical role education plays in reducing stigma and promoting recovery. He discusses his efforts as president of the Tennessee Society of Addiction Medicine (TnSAM) to address stigma and other issues and shares his primary goals in this leadership role. Dr. Kirby highlights some impactful moments during his career and offers advice for the next generation of addiction medicine providers. Dr. Jason Kirby serves as the chief medical officer for Landmark Recovery and Praxis by Landmark Recovery and is currently the president of TnSAM. He is an expert in population health policy, healthcare economics, and human behavior and is dual board-certified in addiction medicine and family medicine. He received his medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and his MBA from Point Park University. Dr. Kirby also is a fellow and leader of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), having served or currently serving on its Finance, ASAM Criteria Strategy Steering, Annual Conference Program Planning, and Levels of Care Certification Oversight Committees. Recently, he co-authored the withdrawal management chapter for The ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition. He previously served as medical director of addiction and recovery services at St. Peter's Health Partners in Albany, NY, and practiced at St. Peter's Hospital as their chief of behavioral health. Prior to that, Dr. Kirby served as medical director for Gateway Rehabilitation Center and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield's Medical Management and Policy Division. Originally from West Virginia, Dr. Kirby is also an avid woodworker, competitive CrossFitter, husband, and father to three amazing little boys. Links: Tennessee Society of Addiction Medicine (TnSAM) American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) The ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition Find your State Physician Health program CrossFit   If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not along. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM's Patient Resources page for more information. The information shared in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or ASAM management.

In this season-ending episode, award-winning playwright Robert J. LeBlanc interviews Darrin for the podcast. They discuss Darrin's experiences that have brought him to where he is now as a playwright and storyteller, and they discuss what it means to be vulnerable and authentic with an audience. The podcast is brought to you by Point Park University's MFA in writing for stage and screen. You can find out more about Darrin at HTTP://darrinwrites.com.

Melinda Colaizzi is the founder of Women Who RockTM , a leader at global companies like Live Nation/Ticketmaster, ShowClix, and a graduate of Berklee College of Music, which led to her working with Aerosmith, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Comedy Central, and more. Women Who Rock has united some of the biggest stars in the music industry including Jordin Sparks, Sheila E, Rita Wilson, and many more! Melinda also developed Rock the Future of Women's Health, which hosts annual benefit concerts and pop-up events throughout the nation featuring a 100% female-fronted music lineup. Proceeds from the benefit concerts support life-saving women's health research at Magee-Women's Research Institute, our nation's first and largest research institute dedicated solely to women's health. Melinda is also a Grammy member at the Recording Academy, part of the Gibson Gives Influencer group, and was a 2020 finalist for Ad Week's "The Future is Female" Award. Staying true to her passion of music, Melinda is a national recording artist and lead singer of the blues/rock band Melinda and the Night Sky. The band has shared the stage with iconic acts like the legendary B.B. King Blues Band. She is also an Associate Professor of Music Business and Entertainment at Point Park University. https://womenwhorock.info Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialwomenwhorock IG, Twitter, TikTok: @officialwomenwhorock

It's the Friday news roundup! If you've been sneaking a peek at your cell phone while driving, it's time to stop. The city's technical and training schools are struggling to the point of closure. And tiki boat captains may be the unsung heroes of the Allegheny River – after all, they keep performing rescues. We always cite our sources: Tiki boat captains keep rescuing people in the Allegheny River, which reminds us of a classic Bruce Willis movie filmed in Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania banned cell phone use while driving; the ban goes into effect next summer. Triangle Tech is shutting down, but students can still graduate with their degrees through June 2025.  Pittsburgh Technical College is also closing its doors after running into financial troubles, declining enrollment, and issues with leadership. Point Park University will maintain official records from Pittsburgh Technical College. POGOH added adaptive bikes to its program, and you can reserve one to ride on their website.  Basketball icon Jerry West died this week; his photo was the inspiration for the NBA logo. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 14th episode:  Rivers of Steel Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Quill and Curtain, we speak with Debra A. Cole, an award-winning playwright, director, and theatre/writing/arts educator from Lawrence, Kansas. Her plays have been seen by audiences around the world. Tune in to the Quill and Curtain Podcast to discover more about Debra's creative journey, her inspirations, and the magic behind her thought-provoking plays! Our podcast is brought to you by Point Park University's MFA program in writing for stage and screen.

This week, we're thrilled to have Julie Nemitz, an in-demand theatre marketing consultant and the founder of Theatre Marketing Lab, as our special guest. Julie brings her expertise in marketing innovation, systems, and content to help theatres grow revenue and delight their audiences. In this episode, Julie shares marketing insights and strategies to help playwrights get exposure. Remember, whether you're a theatre professional, an aspiring playwright, or simply a theatre enthusiast, this podcast is your backstage pass to all things theatre marketing! Brought to you by Point Park University's MFA in Writing for Stage and Screen.

Welcome back Jam Fam!  Today we talk with the fantastic Jenny Oehlwein, on stepping outside your comfort zone, fighting imposter syndrome, finding your place in the dance community, and of course, dance competitions!  Jenny has a vast resume and is coming on strong in the Latin Jazz genre.  Thank you Jenny for sharing your time with us.  Jam Fam, we hope you enjoy another great episode featuring Jenny Oehlwein!Jenny grew up dancing in the competitive dance world and ballroom circuit. She graduated from Point Park University with a BA in Dance and a minor in Musical Theatre. She has made her career of performing, choreographing, directing, and judging across the globe. During college she had the privilege of training with Hubbard Street and River North for their company summer intensives. Upon graduating she took to the seas with Royal Carribean, singing and dancing. She continued her ballroom training there in shows choreographed by Louis Van Amstel, dancing with partners from all over the world. Upon moving to NYC a new opportunity fell into her lap working as a Rehearsal Director for a world-renowned entertainment company. Directing and installing casts for cruise-ships, theme-parks, industrial gigs, and occasionally assisting the casting team on their auditions. Some of Jenny's musical credits include- West Side Story, Legally Blonde, The Producers, The Bodyguard, the national tour of Elf, and Broadway Bares. Most recently Jenny was featured in Disney's 50th anniversary celebration concert as well as a Coca-Cola commercial. Additional commercial/tv credits include- Succession, Billions, Malouf, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Adventureland.As an educator she is very passionate about sharing her love of dance and helping people be their truest self in the room. She teaches on the convention level for Encore Extreme and Dinamic Dancers Inc. Jenny is a regional director for the competition Encore DCS and a proud judge on the IDA panel. She travels and teaches all over the country, inspiring the next generation of dancers. She considers herself lucky to have made a career out of her passion and to be able to help others find theirs.Thank you for listening Jam Fam! Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com

Guests - Joshua Dawson, Mary Hondal and Laci JusticeHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 189 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we hear straight from dancers in three college dance programs - Pace University, University of Alabama, and Point Park University - about what life is like as a dance major! Topics Include: How each program is structured What each dancer wishes they knew before entering their program How their competitive dance career prepared them for college dance Best advice for upcoming college dance majorsHelp support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-onlyPriority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.Ad-free listening for all of Season 4 & 5. No sponsored ads!20% off all IDA MerchandiseExclusive bonus content released throughout the yearDiscounted IDA Online CritiqueGroup Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizLesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.danceJoshua Dawson - @mr.broadwayMary Hondal - @maryselene_Laci Justice - @lacijusticeThis episode is sponsored by:Francisco Gella Dance Works - Season 5 Premier Sponsor!Educational and developmental programs, intensives, and seminars designed to empower students, parents, educators, and artists.Register now for an upcoming intensive, workshop or seminar! Lilly Lashes Top quality, multi-dimensional, reusable eyelashes! Use code IMPACT20 in all caps at checkout to receive 20% off every order!Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.comSupport the Show.

RJ Thompson is the driving force behind Orange Arrow's “cool factor.” By day, he serves as the Manager of Digital Strategy in the Health Sciences at Pitt and teaches at Pitt, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Point Park University, and West Virginia University. A longtime supporter, RJ is the creative mind behind the evolution of the OA brand and various OA projects, including launching this podcast. Tune in to hear how Captain America inspired his career in graphic design, and stay to discover how he listens to stories to capture the spirit of OA in his designs.

We're joined by Susan Stowe, Chair of the Department of Dance at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. Ms. Stowe discusses the various tracks students can follow in the dance department, including degrees in ballet, jazz or modern dance and gives us a sneak peek at their latest initiative. Beginning Fall 2024, Point Park University's dance program in partnership with the School of Education will offer a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education Certification Pre-K through 12 program. She also discusses where the school recruits students as well as what careers the school's graduates pursue. For more information visit: Point Park University School of Dance Links: Ballet Help Desk Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk

This week we introduce Matt Pelfrey, the Program Director of Point Park University's MFA in Writing for Stage and Screen. Not only is Matt a seasoned writer with a stack of produced works, but he's also on the frontlines of nurturing the next generation of theatrical and cinematic voices. We'll be diving deep into Matt's perspective on the ever-evolving world of playwriting and screenwriting. From navigating the industry to getting your content seen, Matt will be sharing his insights and wisdom to help you turn your passion project into a full-fledged production. So, buckle up and get ready to take your writing career to the next level!

Living with a disability presents a unique set of challenges, especially when it intersects with professional life. In this special and insightful episode, Jaime has an engaging conversation with RJ Thompson, who is the Manager of Digital Strategy in Pitt Health Sciences. RJ shares his personal experiences of working and thriving in a professional setting while living with cystic fibrosis, offering a valuable perspective on this often-overlooked aspect of the workplace.In this episode, listeners can expect to gain several key takeaways:Insights into Navigating a Career with a Disability: RJ opens up about the strategies he uses to manage his work while dealing with cystic fibrosis, providing listeners with real-life examples and practical advice. This segment is particularly enlightening as it delves into how individuals with disabilities can navigate their career paths effectively.Ideas for Supporting Colleagues with Disabilities: Jaime and RJ discuss the roles and responsibilities of supervisors and coworkers in creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. This part of the conversation aims to foster greater understanding and empathy, offering tangible ways in which people without disabilities can be allies and supporters in the workplace.Leadership Tips for Unseen Disabilities: This episode also sheds light on the challenges faced by leaders in recognizing and accommodating staff members with non-visible disabilities. Listeners will learn how to create an inclusive culture that respects privacy while offering the necessary support.Remote Work as an Equity Issue: The conversation also explores how remote work arrangements can play a crucial role in promoting equity in the workplace. We delve into the benefits and challenges of remote work, especially for people with disabilities, highlighting how flexible working arrangements can be a game-changer in terms of accessibility and inclusivity.Guest Name: RJ Thompson, Manager of Digital Strategy in Pitt Health SciencesGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/studentofdesign/Guest Bio: RJ Thompson, MFA, is an award-winning marketing and graphic design professional. Currently, RJ is the Manager of Digital Strategy in Pitt Health Sciences. He was most recently the Director of Digital Marketing in the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business and College of Business Administration at the University of Pittsburgh.Before joining Pitt, he was a tenured Assistant Professor of Graphic + Interactive Design in the Department of Art at Youngstown State University. Previous to Youngstown State, RJ taught at Carnegie Mellon University, La Roche University, and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Continuing his career in education, RJ has been an Adjunct Professor of Graphic & Interactive Design at Point Park University since 2019 where he was responsible for writing and teaching the interactive design curriculum. In 2020, he began teaching at the Community College of Allegheny County.Outside of marketing, design, and teaching, RJ is also the Co-Principal and Creative Strategist for +Public, a Pennsylvania-based social enterprise that focuses on cultivating community and economic development impact through the creation of branded communication platforms, creative place-making, and storytelling initiatives for communities-in-revival.Throughout his career, RJ has received many accolades for his creative works: In 2015, he was one of several recipients of the National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town” grant, valued at $100,000, for the INPLACE (“Innovative Plan for Leveraging Arts & Community Engagement”) project. In 2017, RJ received a “Best of Marketing Award” from the Ohio Economic Development Association for his efforts in rebranding the City of Youngstown, Ohio. In 2018, RJ was accepted into the prestigious Cohort 2 of the National Arts Marketing Project, a program supported by Americans for the Arts and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. In 2019, RJ also received a scholarship to join the National Arts Strategies Executive Program in Arts & Culture Strategy through the School of Public Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2019, RJ was honored with the Ohio Governors Award in the Arts in Community Development, the state of Ohio's highest recognition in the arts sector.Recently, RJ was the recipient of a certification scholarship from the National Institute for Social Media and received accolades from GDUSA and the University & College Designers Association for "Pitt Business Backstory" and "Business.Pitt.Edu" websites. RJ is presently the President of the Pittsburgh chapter of the American Marketing Association. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMCAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you'll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include Talking Tactics and Higher Ed Pulse. Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:Exciting news — Jaime will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we'd love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI. Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200! Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can't wait to see you there!

And she's back!  We were so happy to have Alicia back on the show, talking about Bold Dance Project,  the dance world, dance competitions  and all things dance.  Alicia brings up some great things in this episode and we know you will enjoy every moment!Alicia Pociask is a Brooklyn based choreographer, director and educator. She attended Point Park University, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Dance and Minor in Theater Arts. Alicia's worked at theme parks and theaters around the country, performed in industrials for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and was a video tracked dancer for Pepsi. She spent her last performance years as a dancer with Holland America Cruise Line.Alicia spent 8 years as a resident show supervisor, choreographer, and director for the Emmy Award winning production company, RWS Entertainment Group where she choreographed five mainstage production shows for Holland America Cruise Line, was an associate choreographer for STEP ONE Dance Company, and directed and choreographed three mainstage shows for Azamara Club Cruises. Alicia had the honor of assisting Al Blackstone (SYTYCD) for the workshop of Crazy in Love, an original short musical written by Kooman and Dimond. Most recently Alicia choreographed six shows for Carowinds in Charlotte, NC and travels around the country as an audition instructor for Creative Studios by Norwegian Cruise Line.Alicia is extremely passionate and invested in the education of young performers. She travels around the world as a guest teacher, choreographer and judge and is the Owner of NYC based company bold dance project.instagram: @aliciarose33website: aliciapociask.comThank you for listening Jam Fam! Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com

Grab your text book and meet us in class as we head to Pittsburgh to chat with Paige Beal, Associate Professor at Point Park University in the Rowland School of Business, who teaches in the Sports, Arts, Entertainment and Music Business (SAEM) program. In a city packed with entertainment venues like PPG Paints Arena, Acrisure Stadium, PNC Park, and Highmark Stadium as well as numerous other venues - Paige talks to us about their program and how they work with the local venues on an extensive internship and shadowing program. We talk about industry and program trends and how students were challenged and affected by the pandemic. Hear different tips for hiring new staff if you're in the industry or pursuing jobs and networking if you're entering the field – and how the importance of networking cannot be overstated. Paige walks us through her career and background of working in traditional and digital media, and how her experience in those fields has helped inform her teaching. She talks about how she and the staff stay on top of emerging trends and technologies - including teaching and engaging with AI so students know how to properly use it and create good prompts – and how its critical to remain curious in your career. Enjoy this interesting episode taking a look inside the classroom at the future of the live event industry, and advice on navigating changes no matter where you are in your career.Paige Beal: LinkedIn | Instagram | Threads | TikTokPoint Park University: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram  ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

New on this week's episode is the incomparable Gwydion Suilebhan. He is an activist, award-winning playwright, and the person behind the New Play Exchange. You may not know his name, but if you are a playwright, chances are you owe him a thank you. Listen to this extraordinary man talk about what he believes is the role of the playwright in today's society, the mission of NPX, and what he sees as the future for us all. This is a must-listen! This episode is brought to you by Point Park University's MFA in writing for stage and screen.

New on this week's podcast:! Meet Andrew Pond, the Artistic Director of the Eclectic Full Contact Theatre in Chicago. Come listen as he discusses the realities of producing great work in today's landscape and how they develop and look for upcoming artists and playwrights. Peek behind the curtains and see how the decision-makers do their thing. Sponsored by Point Park University's MFA in Writing for Stage and Screen.

New on this week's podcast: we welcome playwright and podcast goddess Rachel Feeny-Williams, who talks about her role in getting talented voices heard and produced. From her successful podcast "Theatrical Shenanigans," where she promotes and produces playwright's audio plays from all over the world, to discussing her work, Rachel's focus on creating great material is evident and infectious. Listen to this brilliant and prolific playwright discuss her vision of the playwright's landscape and the place we all fit in it. This podcast is sponsored by Point Park University's MFA in writing for Stage and Screen. Artistic awards are available. This is a low-residency program.

TEDx 2024 at Point Park University was all about “renewal.” In this episode, I share my takeaways from speaking at this incredible event.   You'll learn:   My biggest takeaway from each talk What I learned preparing my own talk Common themes and threads throughout the day