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. 2d ago

    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

    44 min

  2. Jun 5

    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

    34 min
  3. Episode 121: Zuzanna Tarnacki—Embracing Spontaneity And Failure On The Path To Filmmaking

    May 29

    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

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

    May 22

    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

    47 min
  5. Episode 119: Hallie Nissenbaum—Finding Her Rhythm In The Film Industry Through Music Supervision

    May 15

    Episode 119: Hallie Nissenbaum—Finding Her Rhythm In The Film Industry Through Music Supervision

    On Episode 119, I’m joined by Aspiring Music Supervisor: Hallie Nissenbaum! We discuss how she found her rhythm in the film industry through music supervision, the logistical and budgetary side of licensing music for movies, the technical differences between narrative and documentary filmmaking, and more! Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksTechnical Directed by: Presley Schmitt 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#MusicSupervision #FilmIndustry #MusicInFilm #WomenInFilm #BehindTheScenes #FilmProduction #MusicLicensing #DocumentaryFilmmaking #Soundtrack #FilmScore #MarvelCinematicUniverse #MCU #QuinnipiacUniversity #QU31 #QuinnipiacBobcats #GradStudentLife #ClassOf2026 #CollegeToCareer #CareerJourney #MusicCareer #IndustryInsights #CreativeCareer #Mentorship #KindnessInIndustry #ComingOfAge #Storytelling #MediaProfessional #DigitalCommunity #FilmStudent #MusicLovers00:00 — Welcome to Episode 119!00:35 — About Hallie 01:34 — Where her Passion for Film and Music Began04:15 — Understanding the Role of a Music Supervisor05:02 — The Realities of Music Licensing & Budgeting06:08 — Working as an Assistant Director on the Documentary "Solo"07:53 — Key Differences Between Narrative and Documentary Filmmaking17:38 — Hallie's Dream "Cut to Credits" Song18:18 — The Emotions of Graduating Twice by Age 2121:01 — Get to Know You's24:41 — Industry Insights from the Marvel Cinematic Universe30:32 — Outro & Closing Thoughts

    31 min

  6. May 8

    Episode 118: Vladimir Maruska—Building a Creative Community From The Stage To The Screen

    On Episode 118, I’m joined by filmmaker: Vladimir Maruska! We discuss his transition from musical theater to the technical world of filmmaking, founding Third Drawer Down Studios, the nostalgic process of choreographing Star Wars fan films using the Jedi Code , and the psychological buildup required to direct an effective horror film. We also dive into how his English background influences his screenwriting and his core mission to use film as a tool for empathy and community growth.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 #filmmaking #director #indiefilm #shortfilm #creative #storytelling #behindthescenes #art #cinematography #newepisode #starwars #jedi #lightsaber #fanfilm #choreography #actionmovies #theforce #sith #trending 00:00 – Welcome To Episode 118! 00:10 – Meet Vladimir 00:56 – Transitioning From The Stage To Filmmaking 03:01 – Co-Founding Third Drawer Down Studios 07:37 – The Process Behind Creating Star Wars Fan Films 14:22 – Challenges In Directing Action And Editing 19:46 – Directing The Horror Short "Uninvited" 31:19 – Bridging English Studies And Screenwriting 36:17 – Using Film As A Tool For Empathy 41:33 – Get To Know You's54:27 – Outro & Closing Thoughts

    55 min
  7. Episode 117: Gabriella Vilas Boas—Adapting Stories To Every Format Of Journalism

    May 1

    Episode 117: Gabriella Vilas Boas—Adapting Stories To Every Format Of Journalism

    On Episode 117, I’m joined by Journalist: Gabriella Vilas Boas! We discuss how different forms of journalism require unique styles of storytelling, the technical shift from print to the high-pressure broadcast newsroom at NBC Connecticut, the importance of maintaining accuracy over speed in the age of social media, and what it’s really like to coordinate breaking news from an assignment desk.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksTechnical Directed by: Presley Schmitt 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#journalism #broadcastnews #storytelling #mediaproduction #digitalmedia #nbcconnecticut #newsroom #careerpivot #communications #journalistlife #behindthescenes #NewsReporter #contentcreation #mediastudents #broadcastjournalism #podcastlife #storyteller #careerjourney #quinnipiac #bobcatnation #studentjournalism 00:00 – Welcome To Episode 117!00:23 – Meet Gabriella 00:50 – Transitioning From Acting To Journalism03:20 – Internship Experience At NBC Connecticut06:53 – Reporting In The Field And Pivoting Stories10:20 – How The Assignment Desk Works17:01 – Accuracy Vs. Speed In Modern News18:10 – Telling Stories Across Different Media Forms24:18 – Using Social Media To Build Audience Trust26:04 – Get To Know You’s32:33 – Outro & Closing Thoughts

    34 min
  8. Episode 115: Presley Schmitt—Controlling The Chaos Of An Unconventional Film Journey

    Apr 24

    Episode 115: Presley Schmitt—Controlling The Chaos Of An Unconventional Film Journey

    On Episode 115, I'm joined by Aspiring Cinematographer: Presley Schmitt! We discuss his unconventional path through the arts and the lessons learned during a pivotal move early in his academic career, the logistical challenges of directing photography for his senior capstone film, his experience working with real-world clients through student-run marketing and PR agencies, and his passionate perspective on the importance of physical media and visual clarity in modern storytelling.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksTechnical Directed by: Jack GattaThe 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#filmmaking #filmstudents #contentcreation #videoproduction #mediaproduction #creativelife #storytelling #film #filmmaking #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #explorepage #viral #trending #podcastclip #podcastlife #careeradvice #quinnipiac #quotes 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 115!00:45 — About Presley 07:25 — Transitioning from Culinary to Film10:15 — Directing Photography for a Senior Capstone24:22 — Attending the Cannes Film Festival27:10 — Experiencing Sundance in Park City34:45 — Marketing and PR Experience at The Agency40:32 — Using Music to Storyboard and Frame Shots44:45 — Hot Takes on Modern Cinematography48:30 — Get to Know You's54:15 — Outro & Closing Thoughts

    55 min
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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
    127
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ryan Ziaks
  • Show Website
    The Zicast