The Zicast

Ryan Ziaks
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A podcast hosted by Ryan Ziaks and joined by friends. Get to know me while you get to know others. "Everyone has a story."

  1. 1 day ago

    Episode 127: Nick Lofgren—Embracing The Lifelong Cycle Of Animal Care

    On Episode 127, I'm joined by Veterinary Student: Nick Lofgren! We discuss his early hands-on clinical experience assisting with animal surgeries, the unique challenges involved in working with large equine patients, how he balances personal emotion and mental well-being in a demanding medical field, and his personal advice on believing in yourself through academic and professional obstacles.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezicast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQj8MsxHQlcwjno1SEDRZ?si=c5f525d4c4324a9fTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thezicast?_t=8oqlOi6Xi0Y&_r=1#podcastepisode #newepisode #podcastinterview #podcasting #interviewseries #veterinarymedicine #vetmedlife #futurevet #vetstudent #prevet #vetschoollife #dvm #veterinarian #vetlife #animaldoctor #vetmedlife #veterinarystudent #vetschool #animalcare #pethealth #vetsurgery #equinevet #exoticpets #vetclinic #vettech #surgicalcare #vethospital #animallovers #quinnipiac #StGeorgesUniversity #bobcatnation #collegetocareer #gradschool #careerjourney #Inspiration 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 127!00:35 — About Nick01:29 — Discovering a Passion for Vet Med01:58 — Surgical Experience at Tower Hill Animal Hosptial 05:04 — Small Animals, Exotics, and Equine Care13:21 — Bonding with Different Animals15:05 — The Emotional Realities of Vet Care20:21 — Misconceptions About Veterinarians23:04 — Acceptance to St. George's Vet School25:59 — Advice for Aspiring Vet Students28:11 — Get to Know You's 40:14 — Outro & Final Thoughts

  2. 21 Aug

    Episode 126: Lara Gedeon—Applying TV Producing Principles To Content Creation

    On Episode 126 I'm joined by Television Producer & Content Creator: Lara Gedeon! We discuss her career producing for major networks like CBS, NBCUniversal, FOX, and Amazon Live, her secrets to building trust with people during crucial moments in their lives, her transition from working behind the camera to creating her own online pickleball content, and her best advice for breaking into media and writing your own story. Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezicast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQj8MsxHQlcwjno1SEDRZ?si=c5f525d4c4324a9fTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thezicast?_t=8oqlOi6Xi0Y&_r=1#tvproducer #televisionproduction #contentcreator #storytelling #mediaproduction #digitalmedia #behindthescenes #producerlife #cbs #nbcuniversal #fox #amazonlive #pickleball #podcastepisode #newepisode #podcastlife #mediacareers #careeradvice #broadcastmedia #contentcreation #unscriptedtv #digitalcontent #humanconnection #creativejourney #podcastcommunity 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 126! 00:26 — About Lara 01:15 — Getting a Foot in the Door of Television Production 04:30 — Impactful Career Moments at CBS, NBCUniversal, FOX & Amazon Live 09:12 — How to Build Trust & Connect with People on Camera 14:45 — What Working in Fast-Paced TV Teaches You About People 18:20 — Staying Calm Under Pressure & Early Career Lessons 22:10 — Transitioning Behind the Camera to Creating Pickleball Content 28:35 — Advice for Breaking Into TV, Digital Media & Content Creation 33:15 — Get to Know You's 41:10 — Outro & Closing Thoughts

  3. 14 Aug

    Episode 125: Dylan Cohen—Why Creative People Shouldn’t Box Themselves Into One Lane

    On Episode 125, I'm joined by Screenwriter and Actor: Dylan Cohen! We discuss his journey writing on the Netflix series YOU, how he navigated the fear and anxiety of moving across the country to Los Angeles, crucial storytelling lessons regarding character intention and emotional arcs, stepping in front of the camera with his sketch comedy channel, finding a creative community in LA, and his personal advice for aspiring writers and performers.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezicast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQj8MsxHQlcwjno1SEDRZ?si=c5f525d4c4324a9fTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thezicast?_t=8oqlOi6Xi0Y&_r=1#podcastinterview #podcastepisode #fullepisode #netflixyou #youseries #netflixseries #joegoldberg #writersroom #TVWriter #tvproduction #behindthescenes #screenwriting #screenwriter #storytelling #scriptwriting #characterarcs #screenwritingtips #writingcommunity #writerlifestyle #indiefilmmaker #filmmaking #sketchcomedy #comedian #actor #acting #comedyskits #contentcreator #creatoreconomy #creativeadvice #hollywoodjourney #entertainmentindustry #overcomingfear #impostersyndrome #creativecommunity #pursueyourpassion #careeradvice #quinnipiac 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 125! 00:10 — About Dylan05:05 — Moving from Connecticut to Los Angeles 08:40 — Working in the Writers' Room for Netflix's YOU 12:27 — How to Excel in a TV Writers' Room 16:44 — Key Storytelling Lessons from YOU23:01 — Stepping in Front of the Camera & Launching a Sketch Comedy Channel 28:03 — Finding a Comedic Voice & Writing Authentic, Relatable Content 33:05 — The Importance of Collaboration & Building Community in LA 37:00 — Advice for Breaking Into the Entertainment Industry 46:21 — Get to Know You's56:11 — Outro & Closing Thoughts

  4. 7 Aug

    Episode 124: Amari Smith—Finding Your Voice Through Public Speaking

    On Episode 124, I’m joined by multimedia creator and aspiring journalist: Amari Smith! We discuss his experience organizing the first student-led TEDx event at Quinnipiac University, how saying “yes” to new opportunities transformed his college experience, the leadership lessons he learned from building a team around a shared vision, and how public speaking continues to shape his career in journalism. Amari also shares advice on embracing uncertainty, finding purpose through your passions, and why putting yourself out there can open doors you never expected. Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezicast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQj8MsxHQlcwjno1SEDRZ?si=c5f525d4c4324a9fTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thezicast?_t=8oqlOi6Xi0Y&_r=1#podcast #podcasting #podcastlife #interview #interviewpodcast #creator #contentcreator #journalism #broadcastjournalism #journalist #news #newsanchors #nbc #internship #publicspeaking #communication #communications #storytelling #leadership #studentleaders #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipskills #tedx #tedxquinnipiac #tedxtalk #publicspeaker #confidence #growthmindset #personaldevelopment #selfimprovement #motivation #inspiration #career #careeradvice #careerjourney #college #collegeadvice #collegeexperience #transferstudent #quinnipiac #quinnipiacuniversity #students #studentlife #networking #sayyestolife #opportunity #purpose #passion #purposedriven #mindset #goals #success #successmindset #professionaldevelopment #communicationskills #teamwork #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #community #mentor #mentorship #broadcasting #television #radio #acting #theater #performance #creativity #creativelife #lifelessons #motivational #motivationalspeaker #inspirational #dreambig #keepgoing #nevergiveup #personalgrowth #youngprofessionals #futureleaders #media #mediaindustry #broadcastmedia #creatorcommunity #voice #findingyourvoice #leadwithpurpose #leadershipjourney #studentcreator 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 116!00:26 — About Amari 01:14 — Transferring From Syracuse To Quinnipiac03:05 — Advice For Transfer Students & Putting Yourself Out There05:00 — Joining Campus Organizations & Saying "Yes" To New Opportunities07:34 — Creating A Poetry Radio Show & Finding His Creative Niche09:10 — Discovering Public Speaking & Finding His Voice11:24 — Organizing The First Student-Led TEDx Quinnipiac14:37 — Behind The Scenes Of Bringing TEDx To Life18:28 — Leadership Lessons From Building TEDx Quinnipiac22:11 — Advice For Leading Big Projects26:27 — Journalism, NBC Connecticut & Career Goals30:38 — Learning To Think On Your Feet In The Newsroom33:26 — Get To Know You's45:35 — Outro & Closing Thoughts

  5. 12 Jun

    Episode 123: Tressa Pantalena—Breaking Mental Health Stigmas Through Neuroscience

    On Episode 123, I'm joined by Neuroscience Researcher: Tressa Pantalena! We discuss her journey from studying psychology to pursuing a neuroscience PhD, how modeling psychiatric disorders in the lab can help break mental health stigmas, her practical advice on rewiring the brain to overcome daily motivation hurdles, and the true realities of building a career in scientific research. Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezicast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQj8MsxHQlcwjno1SEDRZ?si=c5f525d4c4324a9fTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thezicast?_t=8oqlOi6Xi0Y&_r=1#neuroscience #neuroscienceresearch #behavioralscience #motivation #humanbehavior #mentalhealth #breakthestigma #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #endthestigma #gradschoollife #graduateschool #lablife #stem #womeninstem #sciencecommunication #selfhelp 00:00 – Welcome To Episode 123!00:44 – About Tressa & Her PhD Journey01:21 – What Inspired Her to Pursue Neuroscience02:42 – Day-to-Day Life in a Research Lab04:54 – The Most Challenging Part of Scientific Research07:35 – How Studying Behavior Changes Self-Understanding09:09 – Actionable Tips for Rewiring Your Brain14:16 – Debunking Common Brain Myths & Misinformation21:22 – Do High-Pressure Lab Environments Create Deeper Friendships?23:10 – Lessons Learned From a Career in Academia30:51 – Get to Know Tressa37:20 – Why She Loves Horror Movies and How They Resonate44:06 – Outro & Closing Thoughts

  6. 5 Jun

    Episode 122: Daniel Orlandi—Collaborating With Hollywood Icons Through Costume Design

    On Episode 122, I’m joined by Costume Designer: Daniel Orlandi! We discuss his philosophy on how clothing helps actors truly inhabit a role, sharing incredible stories of how he matched Robert De Niro's intense attention to detail from the socks up and the exact moment a first fitting with Sandra Bullock completely reshaped a character. Daniel also opens up about what it takes to build trust with legendary directors like Ron Howard, James Mangold, and Joel Schumacher, while reflecting on how he integrated a childhood love of theater into his cinematic career and his essential advice for anyone looking to break into filmmaking.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezicast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQj8MsxHQlcwjno1SEDRZ?si=c5f525d4c4324a9fTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thezicast?_t=8oqlOi6Xi0Y&_r=1Learn More About Daniel's Work Here:https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0649937/ #costumedesigner #costumedesign #behindthescenes #filmpodcast #moviepodcast #cinemapodcast #robertdeniro #sandrabullock #ronhoward #jamesmangold #joelschumacher #DeNiro #Bullock #hollywoodlegends #wardrobedesign #fashioninfilm #characterdesign #visualstorytelling #moviemagic #filmindustry #filmmakersofinstagram #indiefilmmaking #filmproduction #characterdevelopment #creativeprocess #behindthelens #podcastrecommendations #moviebuff #cinephile #filmcommunity #storytelling #mustlisten #podcastcommunity 00:00 – Welcome To Episode 122! 00:23 – About Daniel 01:11 – Discovering A Passion For Costume Design 03:14 – Transitioning From Theater School To Film 04:05 – Breaking Into The Industry & Early Art Department Gigs 05:53 – The Fine Art Of Collaborating With Actors To Find Character 06:24 – Lessons In Attention To Detail From Robert De Niro 07:38 – How Joel Schumacher Built His Confidence On "Flawless" 08:19 – Stripping Away Color With Sandra Bullock For "The Blind Side" 10:03 – Bonding With James Mangold Over Robert Mitchum For "Logan" 11:32 – Navigating Different Directorial Styles From Ron Howard To Jay Roach 16:05 – Designing Costumes For Historical Figures vs. Source Material 20:10 – Key Career Lessons & The Value Of Practical Experience 21:12 – The Best Advice He Ever Received 24:02 – Why The Best Costumes Are Sometimes Perfectly Unnoticed 26:57 – Get To Know You's 32:05 – Outro & Closing Thoughts

  7. 29 May

    Episode 121: Zuzanna Tarnacki—Embracing Spontaneity And Failure On The Path To Filmmaking

    On Episode 121, I’m joined by Visual Artist: Zuzanna Tarnacki! We discuss her transition from a ten-year career as a child model to finding her true purpose behind the camera, the creative insights she gained from editing the short film Out of Focus, how interning at the Cannes Film Festival and traveling across Europe broadened her perspective, and her personal advice on pushing through mental blocks and welcoming failure as a stepping stone to success.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksTechnical Directed by: Presley Schmitt, Jack Gatta, & Nick GreggThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero #filmmaking #filmstudents #womeninfilm #independentfilm #productiondesigner #setdesign #propmaking #filmproduction #filmeditor #postproduction #indiefilm #setlife #visualartist #childmodels #modelingindustry #abercrombieandfitch #cannesfilmfestival #festivaldecannes #internationalcinema #foreignfilms #bungeejumping #southafricatravel #krakowpoland #travelstories #leapoffaith #interstellar #alfredhitchcock #letterboxd #filmbuff 00:00 – Welcome To Episode 121! 00:25 – Meet Z!00:42 – Navigating The 3+1 Program At Quinnipiac University 01:06 – Discovering Film Through A High School Hitchcock Class 03:21 – Growing Up As A Child Model In New York 10:14 – Editing The Short Film "Out Of Focus" 21:18 – Interning At The Cannes Film Festival 27:34 – What A Road Trip Misadventure In Poland Taught Her About Life 32:36 – Get To Know You’s33:10 – Conquering One Of The Tallest Bungee Jumps In South Africa 32:36 – Get To Know You’s43:48 – Outro & Closing Thoughts

    Episode 121: Zuzanna Tarnacki—Embracing Spontaneity And Failure On The Path To Filmmaking

  8. 22 May

    Episode 120: Nick Gregg—Understanding Why Sound Is Half The Movie Through Hands-On Production

    On Episode 120, I’m joined by Grip & Electric Technician: Nick Gregg! We discuss his academic transition from the pre-med track to film production, the underrated technical importance of capturing high-quality sound and Foley on set , the hierarchy of communication within the Grip and Electric departments, and the incredible story of receiving life-changing advice from Steven Spielberg in an LA parking garage.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksTechnical Directed by: Presley Schmitt, Jack Gatta, & Zuzanna Tarnacki The Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero#filmmaker #filmmakers #ElectricTechnician #GripAndElectric #soundtechnicians #setlife #foleyartist #stevenspielberg #advice #careerpivot #leapoffaith #dontbeafraidtofail #networking #storytelling #hockeyplayer #starwarsfan #inception #spiderverse #theaterexperience #indiefilmmaking #screenwriting #quinnipiac #podcast 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 120! 00:40 — About Nick 02:08 — Trading Pre-Med For Film After A Challenging Road In Chemistry 06:30 — Learning The On-Set Duties Of A Sound Technician 10:06 — Understanding Why Sound Is Half The Movie 13:12 — Navigating The Hiearchy Of Grip And Electric Work 18:31 — Working On The "Oopsy Daisy" Capstone Short Film 22:20 — The Magic Of Foley And Post-Production Sound 24:33 — Advice On Simplifying The Art Of Student Storytelling 26:09 — Building A Career Through Relentless Networking And Leaps Of Faith 30:08 — Get To Know You's 40:14 — Receiving Career Advice From Steven Spielberg In A Parking Garage 46:35 — Outro & Closing Thoughts

    Episode 120: Nick Gregg—Understanding Why Sound Is Half The Movie Through Hands-On Production
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About

A podcast hosted by Ryan Ziaks and joined by friends. Get to know me while you get to know others. "Everyone has a story."

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Ziaks
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ryan Ziaks
  • Show Website
    The Zicast