Guestlist

Samar Khan and Nanami Garcia Soga
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entertainment News
  • Updated weekly

The inside baseball on global culture, creativity, and technology. Guestlist is an independent media platform founded by Samar Khan and Nanami Garcia. Drawing on experience across major labels and live entertainment, they speak to the visionaries and emerging talent shaping culture and impact in the entertainment industry. Through honest conversations, we explore how cultural legacies are built, what’s changing and what to watch next. For anyone curious about how entertainment really works, Guestlist gives you a seat at the table. Follow to join the community and receive exclusive updates.

Episodes

  1. 1 day ago

    The Creative Agency Behind Videos for Megan Thee Stallion, Rosalía & Ye | Mike Sunda: Guestlist Ep 4

    In this episode of Guestlist, we speak with Mike Sunda, co-founder of PUSH Japan, who has produced projects for artists including Megan Thee Stallion, Rosalía and Ye. Mike shares his experiences of building a global creative career, and how his beginnings in Japan led to creating content for some of the largest brands and artists in the world.The conversation explores:– Moving out of the UK and building a career from scratch– Producing the Japan shoots for Megan Thee Stallion’s “Mamushi” and Rosalía’s “Tuya”– Winning clients and building an independent creative studio amid a pandemic – Advice for people who want to build an international career in entertainment– What Western brands and entertainment companies often misunderstand about JapanCOMING NEXT WEEKIn next week's episode of Guestlist, we sit down with Jasmine Dotiwala OBE, broadcaster, producer, cultural commentator and media leader, for a wide-ranging conversation about music, television, representation and the changing media landscape. From MTV and music television to social media, creators and algorithm-led discovery, Jasmine reflects on more than three decades of cultural change, the artists and moments she experienced first-hand, and the question of who gets to shape culture, and whose voices get heard.Subscribe to Guestlist and turn on notifications so you don’t miss it. New episodes every Wednesday!FOLLOW GUESTLISTInstagram: @guestlist.podTikTok: @guestlist.podLinkedIn: @GuestlistYouTube: @GuestlistPodSpotify: @GuestlistTIMESTAMPS⁠00:00⁠ Episode preview⁠00:54⁠ Intro with Mike Sunda⁠1:38⁠ From a Journalism Degree to Agency Founder ⁠4:41⁠ Is it better to be a generalist or specialist creative?⁠7:26⁠ What creative skills are in demand? ⁠8:43⁠ The importance of storytelling ⁠13:44⁠ Moving From London To Tokyo⁠15:07⁠ Advice and lessons from a Founder⁠22:45⁠ Learning The Skill Of Discernment⁠24:48⁠ Thoughts On Work From Home Culture ⁠27:03⁠ Mike’s Early Creative Influences⁠32:50⁠ Private Equity And The Arts⁠34:20⁠ One Piece Of Advice For Creatives⁠35:42⁠ Cross Cultural Investment: Rosalía, Megan Thee Stallion & more⁠38:00⁠ Working With Global Artists ⁠41:08⁠ Founder Hardships⁠43:12⁠ Emotional Discipline And Being Optimistic ⁠47:25⁠ The Future Of Entertainment ⁠49:18⁠ Advice Mike Is Glad He Didn’t Take ⁠50:14⁠ Traits Mike Looks For In Interviews ⁠52:14⁠ Creative Pillars That Stand The Test Of TimeABOUT GUESTLISTGuestlist is an independent, video-led media platform leading candid conversations with the people shaping entertainment, culture and technology. We go beyond the polished version of people’s stories to explore how careers are built across the entertainment industry, what people learn along the way, and what’s coming next in the world of creativity.DISCLAIMERGuestlist is an independent media platform. This episode is not produced, sponsored or officially endorsed by any current or former employer(s) mentioned. The participants speak in a personal capacity, and the views expressed are their own.

  2. 26 Aug

    What Nobody Tells You About Life As A Content Creator I @ayybaybay_radio: Guestlist Ep 3

    How do you turn a genuine love of music and culture into a distinctive content platform, and build an audience that trusts your taste?In Episode 3 of Guestlist, we speak with Baylee Lefton, the founder and creator behind @ayybaybay_radio, about music discovery, building a recognisable creative identity and growing an audience of more than 600,000 on Instagram - built in just a year and a half.Baylee shares how she found her voice online and built a global community, connecting people through her love of music.The conversation explores:– Realistically building a career as a full-time content creator– Building an audience around music discovery– Developing trust and credibility to build a following– Staying consistent and avoiding burnout - without sacrificing creativity– The films, art and creative work she believes people should be paying attention toCOMING NEXT WEEKNext on Guestlist, we speak with Mike Sunda, co-founder of PUSH Japan, who has produced projects for Megan Thee Stallion and Rosalía. Mike discusses building a global creative career across cultures, and how his beginnings in Japan led to creating content for some of the largest brands and artists in the world.Subscribe to Guestlist and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next episode - catch us here every Wednesday!FOLLOW GUESTLISTInstagram: @guestlist.podTikTok: @guestlist.podLinkedIn: @GuestlistYouTube: @GuestlistPodSpotify: @GuestlistTIMESTAMPS00:00 Episode Preview00:59 Meet Baylee Lefton @ayybaybay_radio05:05 What Makes Baylee’s Content Stand Out?06:38 The Turning Point to Becoming a Full-Time Creator08:22 Building a Global Perspective Through Culture11:45 Transitioning From a Full-Time Job Into Content Creation14:14 Where Does Ayybaybay Radio Go Next?16:24 Baylee’s Content Creation & Curation Process18:18 Why Film Soundtracks Matter So Much19:59 Helping a Song Reach a Bigger Audience22:35 The Less Glamorous Side of Content Creation24:16 Staying Creative When the Algorithm Rewards Consistency25:02 The Future of Music Discovery27:04 An Artist That Changed Her Life: Michael Jackson28:18 Advice for Aspiring Content Creators30:29 This Week’s Song on Repeat30:42 The Advice She’s Glad She Didn’t TakeABOUT GUESTLISTGuestlist is an independent, video-led media platform leading candid conversations with the people shaping entertainment, culture and technology. We go beyond the polished version of people’s stories to explore how careers are built across the entertainment industry, what people learn along the way, and what’s coming next in the world of creativity.DISCLAIMERGuestlist is an independent media platform. This episode is not produced, sponsored or officially endorsed by any current or former employer(s) mentioned. The participants speak in a personal capacity, and the views expressed are their own.

  3. 19 Aug

    How To Secure An Internship At Sony Music (Charlotte Tindle): Guestlist Ep 2

    This episode answers some of the biggest questions applicants have about creating a strong application and securing an internship in a competitive landscape. In the second episode of Guestlist, we speak with Charlotte Tindle from Talent Acquisition at Sony Music Entertainment about applying for internships, demonstrating your potential and approaching the process with confidence. Charlotte shares practical insight into the internship application process, including: – Creating a standout application – What applicants should understand about the process before applying – Common mistakes candidates should avoid – The importance of authenticity in music – Building relevant experience before entering the industry – Dealing with rejection and remaining perseverant  – Starting a career in music without following ‘one prescribed route’ Whether you are currently preparing your Sony Music internship application, or exploring how to begin a career in the music industry, this conversation shares tips directly relevant to early-career applicants. COMING NEXT WEEK In next week’s episode on Guestlist, we speak with Baylee Lefton, the creator behind @ayybaybay_radio, who has built an audience of more than 600,000 followers on Instagram through her distinctive approach to music content. We discuss her distinct voice online, building a loyal following, maintaining a career as a content creator, and much more. Subscribe to Guestlist and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next episode - catch us here every Wednesday! FOLLOW GUESTLIST Instagram: @guestlist.podTikTok: @guestlist.podLinkedIn: @GuestlistYouTube: @GuestlistPodSpotify: @Guestlist Timestamps: 00:00 Episode Preview 01:07 Introduction 01:20 The People Behind Sony Music & the Internship Experience 07:04 Inside the Sony Music Internship Programme 10:16 What Qualities Matter Most in the Music Industry? 12:52 Building Confidence Early in Your Career 16:00 Generalist or Specialist: Which Path Is Better? 17:42 Breaking Into Music: Standing Out in a Competitive Industry 23:17 The Less Glamorous Reality of Working in Music 25:33 The Shared Love of Music 28:40 Can Recruiters Tell If You Genuinely Love Music? 29:52 Hiring With Impact: Shaping the Future of Music 32:26 The Video Cover Letter: What Recruiters Look For 35:57 What Makes Someone the Right Fit? 37:40 Access, Representation & Who Gets Through the Door 41:18 How Quickly Can You Read a Candidate? 42:35 Final Comments ABOUT GUESTLIST Guestlist is an independent, video-led media platform leading candid conversations with the people shaping entertainment, culture and technology. We go beyond the polished version of people’s stories to explore how careers are built across the entertainment industry, what people learn along the way, and what’s coming next in the world of creativity. DISCLAIMER Guestlist is an independent media platform. This episode is not produced, sponsored or officially endorsed by any current or former employer(s) mentioned. The participants speak in a personal capacity, and the views expressed are their own.

  4. 12 Aug

    Inside Music & The Major Label Internship: Guestlist Ep 1

    Welcome to the very first episode of Guestlist! For the first session, we bring together former interns of Sony Music Entertainment UK’s 2024 internship programme, for an honest conversation about breaking into the music industry, and turning your first opportunity into a career.  They share what the internship was really like and where their careers have taken them since, across the wider entertainment industries. The group discusses: – How they secured their Sony Music internships – Advice for students and graduates applying for creative industry opportunities – The skills and mindset that can help early-career applicants – What helped their applications stand out, and the importance of authenticity– Lessons they learned during the programme– The realities of starting a career in music and entertainment– The current state and future of the music industry They also share their personal takes on music, films, books and cultural moments (including where they would take Frank Ocean for dinner…). CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Episode Preview00:45 – Meet the Guests03:12 – Inside the Sony Music Internship: Applications & Experience14:16 – Building Experience Before Your First Major Label Role16:00 – Guilty Pleasures: Music, TV & Pop Culture19:25 – Dream Dinner Guest: Which Artist Would You Choose?20:26 – If You Weren’t Working in Music, What Would You Be Doing?21:50 – Where Does Fandom Live Today?26:00 – The Return to Physical, Live & Exclusive Experiences29:20 – AI & the Future of the Music Industry39:07 – The Most Underrated Piece of Culture43:36 – The Last Thing That Gave You Full-Body Chills47:03 – Advice You’re Glad You Ignored GUESTLIST I EP. 1 - Samar Khan [Host and Co-founder of Guestlist] - Nanami Garcia Soga [Co-founder of Guestlist] - Jayden Nelson: Creative Production - Iona Roger: Influencer Marketing [The Beauty Tech Group] - Corinne Stewart: Artist Promotions & Relations EMEA [Ticketmaster] ABOUT GUESTLIST Guestlist is an independent, video-led media platform leading candid conversations with the people shaping entertainment, culture and technology. We go beyond the polished version of people’s stories to explore how careers are built across the entertainment industry, what people learn along the way, and what’s coming next in the world of creativity. JOIN THE CONVERSATION What questions do you have about breaking into the music industry? Let us know in the comments. COMING NEXT WEEK In next week’s episode, we speak with Charlotte Tindle, who works in Talent Acquisition at Sony Music Entertainment. Charlotte shares the inside scoop on the best music-industry applications, and what candidates should consider before securing their dream role. Subscribe to Guestlist and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next episode - catch us here every Wednesday! WATCH AND LISTEN YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuestlistPod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033JDif131kruEH8HmyOC3 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/guestlist/id6799271175 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/d26584dc-0838-4f32-9550-46ee8ea95fc9/guestlist FOLLOW GUESTLIST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guestlist.pod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@guestlist.pod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guestlistofficial/ Listen to Guestlist’s playlist - check out what our guests are recommending: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4acNpgYAnqm9tcKNGpXZwR?si=suk2VDgdTqKPqBFVrgED3A  DISCLAIMER Guestlist is an independent media platform. This episode is not produced, sponsored or officially endorsed by any current or former employer(s) mentioned. The participants speak in a personal capacity, and the views expressed are their own. #MusicIndustry #Careers #Internships #Advice #GuestlistPod

  5. Trailer

    Welcome to Guestlist | Official Trailer

    Welcome to Guestlist. Guestlist is an independent media platform built from inside the entertainment industry, bringing you closer to the rising talent, visionaries and leaders shaping entertainment, culture and technology. Co-founded by Samar Khan and Nanami Garcia Soga, Guestlist is rooted in the conversations that happen beyond the spotlight: candid, curious, and grounded in how the industry actually works. Hosted by Samar, we go beyond the polished version to explore how careers are really built, the decisions and turning points behind them, and what’s changing next. No tired advice - just real conversations. Our first full episode drops August 12th. New episodes every Wednesday. Follow Guestlist to be the first to listen.

Trailer

About

The inside baseball on global culture, creativity, and technology. Guestlist is an independent media platform founded by Samar Khan and Nanami Garcia. Drawing on experience across major labels and live entertainment, they speak to the visionaries and emerging talent shaping culture and impact in the entertainment industry. Through honest conversations, we explore how cultural legacies are built, what’s changing and what to watch next. For anyone curious about how entertainment really works, Guestlist gives you a seat at the table. Follow to join the community and receive exclusive updates.

Information

  • Creator
    Samar Khan and Nanami Garcia Soga
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Samar Khan and Nanami Garcia Soga
  • Show Website
    Guestlist