culture FYI'RS

FYI.AI

Welcome to the Culture FYI 'RS podcast. Culture FYI'RS is a creative collaboration meet-up held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am. Every episode presents the culture FYI'RS conversation and includes a project link to the event in the FYI App, including a discussion tab, photos, and more. The FYI app is available for free download in the App Store and Google Play.

  1. Whatrr with Steven Howell

    1D AGO

    Whatrr with Steven Howell

    Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am. Learn more about FYI: https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement This week, we’re exploring the intersection of creativity, sustainability, and entrepreneurship with Steven Howell, the 24-year-old founder and CEO of Whatrr — a Los Angeles-based startup on a mission to end our dependence on plastic, aluminum, and glass bottles, one plant-based, biodegradable bottle at a time. In a lively conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, Steven shares his passion for transforming the water industry through biodegradable bottles that decompose in just seven years, compared to the typical 700 years for traditional plastics. As the conversation unfolds, Steven recounts his journey from a serial entrepreneur to a water advocate, discussing the challenges and triumphs of launching a startup in a competitive market. He emphasizes the importance of community, sustainability, and innovative thinking in today’s entrepreneurial landscape. With insights into the water quality crisis and the hidden truths behind bottled water, Steven encourages listeners to be mindful of their consumption choices and to engage in meaningful conversations about environmental responsibility. Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of water, explore the impact of technology on business, and discover how one individual can spark change in a stagnant industry.  Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Steven: https://fyi.ai/p/cf108 Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session: https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken.  Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

    37 min
  2. Building Worlds with Roahn Hylton

    FEB 9

    Building Worlds with Roahn Hylton

    Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am. Learn more about FYI: https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement This week, we dive into the world of music production and leadership with the talented Roahn Hylton, known widely by his moniker, Firstborn. In a captivating conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, Roahn reflects on his journey from crafting hits like Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" to composing scores for television, including the acclaimed "Bel Air" on NBC. Roahn shares insights into the evolution of the music industry, the impact of virality, and the importance of embracing change as a creator. He discusses his transition from being a producer to taking on leadership roles in film scoring, emphasizing the need for artists to build their own platforms in an ever-evolving landscape. With a focus on courage and community, he encourages fellow creatives to lean into their unique voices and advocate for their rights in the face of new technologies like AI. Join us as Roahn explores the intricacies of conducting a symphony, the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome, and the value of networking horizontally across industries.  Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Roahn: https://fyi.ai/p/7OT48ga8eVQKFdqQTqBb2q3-mcAY05AnnHXun3y-QNE= Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session: https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken.  Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

    41 min
  3. Artivism with Iman Jordan

    FEB 2

    Artivism with Iman Jordan

    Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am. Learn more about FYI: https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement This week on the Culture FYI’RS Podcast, we celebrate the journey of Iman Jordan, an artist and artivist who has dedicated his life to music, community wellness, and social impact. In an inspiring conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, Iman shares his evolution from a struggling artist in the music industry to winning the prestigious Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change award at the Grammys. Iman opens up about the challenges he faced while navigating the major label system and the importance of living authentically. He reflects on the struggles of coming out and how embracing his true self has allowed him to create music that resonates with his audience. With a focus on artist wellness, Iman discusses his new nonprofit, the Art Well Coalition, which aims to heal artists and, in turn, heal the world. Join us as Iman dives into his creative process, the power of storytelling through music, and the significance of using one's voice for social change. He also shares insights on his upcoming podcast, Artivism, which will explore the intersection of artistry and activism. Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Iman: https://fyi.ai/p/cf106 Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session: https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken.  Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

    40 min
  4. Artlist with Ori Winokur

    JAN 26

    Artlist with Ori Winokur

    Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am Learn more about FYI: https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement This week, our guest is Ori Winokur, founder of Artlist, the revolutionary music licensing platform that's transformed how creators access and use music. Ori comes from a traditional music background but recognized early on how technology was reshaping the creative landscape. Under his leadership, Artlist pioneered a subscription-based licensing model, essentially creating a Spotify for content creators, which has grown into a thriving ecosystem supporting artists and creators worldwide. Having navigated the seismic shifts in the music industry and the rise of the creator economy, Ori shares his insights on how Artlist has solved one of content creation's biggest challenges: accessible, affordable, high-quality music licensing. In conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, he explores the delicate balance between leveraging AI technologies and preserving human creativity, emphasizing that while tools evolve, the heart of artistic expression remains fundamentally human.  At this live Culture FYI’RS event, the audience also got an exclusive look at an exciting collaborative project featuring artist Capri Everett and director and editor Jordan Orme, who created a music video using Artlist's AI tools—a perfect example of how technology can enhance rather than replace the creative process while maintaining artistic integrity. To see the video yourself, click the link below, which will give you access to the FYI Project for this Culture FYI’RS event with Ori: https://fyi.ai/p/IDFM8z0LkyvlQVd8BU7zYryp05mC2jhDgVmK23wCxWc= Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session: https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken.  Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

    20 min
  5. UPROXX Studios with Jarret Myer

    JAN 19

    UPROXX Studios with Jarret Myer

    Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am Learn more about FYI: https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement This week, we are thrilled to bring you an electrifying conversation with the visionary Jarret Myer, co-founder of Ruckus Records and Uprock Studios. In an engaging dialogue with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, Jarrett takes us on a nostalgic journey through the vibrant music scene of New York in the mid to late '90s, sharing stories that shaped his creative path. Jarret paints a vivid picture of life in a city brimming with artistic energy, from the gritty streets of New York to the rise of iconic artists, and reflects on the challenges of launching Ruckus Records without the guidance of social media.  As the conversation unfolds, FYI Founder will.i.am comes to the stage to add his insights as Jarret discusses his current venture at Uprock Studios, where he collaborates with brands to create authentic connections with the music community. Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Jarret: https://fyi.ai/p/cf105 Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session: https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken.  Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

    57 min
  6. The Power of Optimism with Dr. Deepika Chopra

    JAN 12

    The Power of Optimism with Dr. Deepika Chopra

    Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am. Learn more about FYI: https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement This week, we dive deep into the science of optimism with the remarkable Dr. Deepika Chopra, known as the "Optimism Doctor." In an enlightening conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, Doctor Chopra shares her personal journey and the science behind cultivating resilience in the face of adversity. Dr. Chopra, despite not being a naturally optimistic person, has dedicated her career to understanding and teaching the principles of optimism through neuroscience. She candidly discusses her struggles and the transformative lessons learned during her family's challenging experience with her son’s health. This heartfelt narrative reveals the profound connection between optimism and resilience, emphasizing that true optimism is not about ignoring life's difficulties but about navigating through them. Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Dr. Deepika Chopra: https://fyi.ai/p/cf103 Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session: https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken.  Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

    49 min
  7. Validating Ideas with Mindaugas Petrutis

    12/15/2025

    Validating Ideas with Mindaugas Petrutis

    Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am Learn more about FYI: https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement This week, we're bringing you a conversation from an inspiring workshop led by the innovative Mindagus Petrutis, who shares insights on validating ideas in the creative process. After a whirlwind of travels, MP returns to FYI with a mission to empower creators to take the crucial first steps in creating their projects—understanding the "why" behind their ideas before diving into building. In an engaging conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, MP reflects on lessons learned from the recent Loveable event at the FYI campus and emphasizes the importance of identifying the problems that need solving. With the rise of AI tools democratizing the creation of software, MP highlights the common pitfall of jumping straight into development without validating the concept, leading to projects that fail to resonate with audiences. This conversation is not just about building; it’s about building thoughtfully and intentionally. Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with MP: https://fyi.ai/p/cf101 Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session: https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken.  Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

    20 min
  8. L.A. TACO with Memo Torres & Aisha Wallace-Palomares

    12/08/2025

    L.A. TACO with Memo Torres & Aisha Wallace-Palomares

    Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am. Learn more about FYI: https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement This week, we are honored to host LA Taco’s Director of Engagement, Memo Torres, and multimedia journalist, Aisha Wallace-Palomares, who share their compelling journey into on-the-street journalism and the challenges they face in the turbulent and chaotic socio-political climate of Los Angeles in 2025. In an insightful conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, they discuss the evolution of LA Taco from a grassroots blog to a leading publication dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities in L.A. Memo recounts the origins of LA Taco, which began as a platform celebrating local culture, food, and art, and evolved into a vital source of news during a time of crisis for local media. He emphasizes the importance of "street-level journalism," shedding light on the stories of individuals often overlooked by mainstream media. Aisha highlights the urgency of reporting on immigration issues, detailing the dangers faced by journalists covering these topics and the responsibility they feel towards their communities. The episode delves into the day-to-day realities of their work, including the challenges of covering ICE raids and the impact of local journalism on community awareness and activism.  Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with L.A. Taco: https://fyi.ai/p/AnrudpOiDhphbYcCCthuugtt-B4VEqIFS7YoyOJCRAY= Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session: https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken.  Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

    41 min

About

Welcome to the Culture FYI 'RS podcast. Culture FYI'RS is a creative collaboration meet-up held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am. Every episode presents the culture FYI'RS conversation and includes a project link to the event in the FYI App, including a discussion tab, photos, and more. The FYI app is available for free download in the App Store and Google Play.