Catalyst: A Creative Industries Podcast

Chapman University
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From Chapman University in Orange County California, Catalyst gives listeners a chance to learn about the Creative Industries through conversations with individuals from a wide array of backgrounds who are working in CI all over the globe. Hear how CI is influencing the public and private sector alike, and how local influences shape a region's creative landscape.

  1. A Discussion on Promotion and Production in CCIs

    2D AGO

    A Discussion on Promotion and Production in CCIs

    Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 14 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. In our first segment of Catalyst this week, Madison Charbonneau sits, down with Jaiden Reilly, Marketing Coordinator at Makeup Eraser. They discuss how Jaiden began her journey as an intern at Makeup Eraser while attending Loyola Marymount University, later turning that opportunity into a full-time position after graduation. Now, as Marketing Coordinator, she manages content creation across Instagram, TikTok, and the company's website while collaborating with teams throughout the brand to bring its vision to life. Madison and Jaiden also dive deep into the creative process behind brand-aligned content, the importance of collaboration, and the realities of working in marketing and social media. Finally, Jaiden reflects on how she landed her dream job and what her day-to-day work looks like in the fast-paced beauty world, and offers practical tips for students and recent graduates about how to stand out, build a personal brand, and translate passion into a career. We conclude Catalyst this week learning about what it is like to be an Associate Producer at NBC Universal, when Ella Deiner brings us an interview with Caylen Greenberg. Caylen talks about her path into the film industry—from her first experience behind a camera to her current role at one of the world's leading media companies. Caylen shares how her early curiosity for filmmaking evolved into a professional pursuit, beginning with her decision to attend film school. She reflects on the internships that gave her hands-on experience and opened doors in the industry, as well as the professors and projects that helped her grow as a storyteller and creative. They also discuss Caylen's current work as an Associate Producer, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. They wrap up with a look at the variety of projects Caylen manages, the skills that have helped her succeed, and the thrill of seeing her work out in the world, including lessons learned, obstacles overcome, and her long-term goals in the film industry.

    32 min

  2. OCT 23

    Planning and Performance in the Creative Industries

    Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 14 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. Sophia Hall begins this week's episode of Catalyst with her interview of Maia Nantais, an Event Director at The Perfect Event, a premiere event production and planning company operating in Southern California and Arizona. Maia discusses her start as an intern and working her way up to director where she oversees more than 200 events a year—from university galas to private weddings and everything in between. As the pair discuss Maia's career Maia reflects on her professional growth, the creativity and organization required in event planning, and the challenges of transitioning from student to professional life. As they wind down the conversation Maia offers valuable advice for students and recent graduates about persistence, adaptability, and taking initiative when pursuing opportunities. In this week's second segment Emily Murden sits down with Will Buie Jr., a talented young actor best known for his role as Finn on Disney Channel's BUNK'D, his performance in Netflix's thriller In the Tall Grass, and guest appearances on Modern Family and Daytime Divas. Will opens up about getting his start in acting at a young age, the challenges of growing up in a professional environment, and the lessons he's learned along the way. The conversation balances personal reflection with humor and honesty, as Will shares fun stories from set, friendships with co-stars, and insights into the realities of the entertainment industry. He discusses how his early experiences have shaped his outlook on both work and life, and what he envisions for his future in the creative world.

    35 min
  3. Creative Entrepreneurship and Athleticism

    OCT 16

    Creative Entrepreneurship and Athleticism

    Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 14 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. Our first segment of the podcast this week features and interview by Madison McMinn, who speaks with Entrepreneur and founder of Beachside Custom Gyms, Kali Sudbrrok. Growing up in Southern California, Kali earned both her undergraduate and master's degrees at Cal State Fullerton before beginning her professional life as a fitness program director at UCI. Over time, her creative drive led her to take a leap of faith and start her own company, Beachside Custom Gyms, where she combines her passions for fitness, design, and construction to create personalized spaces for her community. Kali shares about the challenges of transitioning to entrepreneurship, giving honest insights into what it is like to leave a stable job for an unpredictable creative career. She also covers how she has navigated working in a male-dominated industry, and the importance of curiosity and persistence. Concluding today's episode ShelBee Wu, aerial performer and instructor, sits down to talk to Grace Max about the artistry and athleticism have shaped her creative career. Grace and Bee explore what it is really like behind the scenes of teaching fitness through alternative arts, from how Bee creates an inclusive and supportive environment for her students to the transformations she witnesses as they gain confidence, strength, and self-expression through movement. Bee also reflects on how social media has played a crucial role in building community and expanding awareness around this unique type of athleticism and expression.

    34 min
  4. CCI Explores Divergency in Forms of Communication

    OCT 9

    CCI Explores Divergency in Forms of Communication

    Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 14 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. Kicking off our show this week Carly Arebalo sits down with Gianna Verde, a Public Relations trainee at Christian Dior in New York City. Originally from a small coastal town in New Jersey, Gianna always dreamed of working in fashion, a passion that took her to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Through multiple internships, she discovered her love for public relations and followed that path to Dior, one of the world's most prestigious luxury fashion houses. In this conversation, Gianna reflects on her journey from creative childhood to young professional, offering a candid look at the challenges of breaking into the fashion industry. She shares honest advice for students and recent graduates about resilience, determination, and the importance of taking on responsibility. Wrapping up the episode today is a conversation with Nick Weihe, a Baltimore-based visual artist and clothing designer who speaks with Sidney Karjian about his creative journey. Raised in Seattle, Nick studied Fine Art Photography and Film Studies at Seattle University before earning his MFA in Photographic and Electronic Media at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Weihe talks about starting out at Youth in Focus, a photography program in Seattle and how it sparked his lifelong interest in telling stories through images. In their discussion, Nick reflects on how his work evolved from darkroom photography and graffiti to his current work with hand-stamped fashion designs. Weihe also discusses the balance of emotional storytelling and experimentation in his work, and the challenges of sustaining a creative practice. He offers advice on trusting your instincts, staying motivated, and continuing to create—even when it feels imperfect.

    57 min
  5. Looking at Evolution of Design and Creativity in CCIs

    OCT 2

    Looking at Evolution of Design and Creativity in CCIs

    Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 14 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. Our first segment of the Catalyst Podcast this week features Nicole Kavros as she sits down with Ilana Kaplan, a pop culture journalist and author of Nora Ephron at the Movies. A self-proclaimed rom-com enthusiast, Ilana has built a career writing about the things she loves, with bylines in Vogue, Vanity Fair, GQ, and Rolling Stone. They discuss Ilana's path into journalism, from her early beginnings to her debut book, and how she carved out a niche for herself as an expert in romantic comedies. Ilana reflects on the challenges of breaking into a competitive field, the evolution of media in the digital age, and the balance between passion and persistence that has fueled her career. Ilana also shares practical advice for aspiring writers—highlighting the importance of building marketing skills, developing a personal brand, and learning how to stand out in a crowded creative landscape. In the final segment of the week host Anisa Abdulkariem speaks with Marie Fitch, an interdisciplinary designer working across graphic and interior design. An Orange County native, Marie reflects on how the imaginative spark from her youth grew into a career built on curiosity and creativity, citing the influence of architects like Frank Lloyd Wright in her work. Together, Anisa and Marie explore the realities of pursuing a multifaceted creative career—balancing agency work, private client projects, nonprofit branding, and more. They also touch on the evolving design industry and the value of experimentation, self-education, and bold outreach alongside formal training. Marie's story highlights the resilience and passion it takes to carve out a unique path in the creative world, reminding listeners that imagination and determination can open doors in unexpected ways.

    39 min
  6. CCI Blurs Lines Between Science and Art

    SEP 25

    CCI Blurs Lines Between Science and Art

    Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 14 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. This week we kick off the episode with Parker Dalton who sits down with Emma Bekes, a recent graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder who has already carved out a career in international advertising. Originally an Environmental Science major, Emma discovered her creative calling during college and decided to pursue it wholeheartedly. That choice led her abroad, first to Sweden for a semester and later to South Africa for an international advertising internship. With global experiences under her belt Emma reflects on how working overseas felt like a natural extension of her life. In their conversation, she discusses why she chose to stay in South Africa after graduation, the lessons she's learned about navigating a foreign workforce, and her advice for college seniors interested in building careers that cross borders. We conclude our episode this week with a segment that comes to us from Greta Kunze who speaks with Emily Willoughby.  A renowned paleo-artist, illustrator, writer, photographer, and researcher at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Emily's work bridges the worlds of art and science, with her illustrations and research reaching institutions such as the Shanghai Natural History Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and journals like Evolution. Together, Greta and Emily explore how creativity informs scientific understanding, particularly in the popular realm of dinosaurs, and how artists can use technology to bring prehistoric life to the public imagination. Emily reflects on her journey from a high school dinosaur sketch that went viral online to a career that blends behavioral genetics research with internationally recognized paleoart. Listeners will gain insights into her creative process, her path through both science and art, and even how scientists can predict the colors of dinosaurs through modern discoveries.

    38 min
  7. The Creative and Cultural Industries on Tour

    SEP 18

    The Creative and Cultural Industries on Tour

    Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 14 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. First up is Hayden Dalton sits down with Morgan Dench, the current tour director for Sabrina Carpenter. With more than two decades of experience, Morgan reflects on her remarkable journey, beginning with her first job on Sesame Street Live, which she credits for laying the foundation of her career. From there, she built an impressive resume touring with acts as John Mayer, Harry Styles, and the Spice Girls. She shares insights into the many roles she has taken on in the touring industry—including tour accountant, tour manager, and tour director—while reflecting on where she fits best and what she enjoys most. The pair end the interview with some strong advice for those who are thinking about the many and varied roles that are out there in the world of live entertainment touring. We end the season's first episode with Lauren Oh and her in-depth interview with Brandon Moreno, a triple threat performer who has just wrapped up the North American touring production of Mean Girls: The Musical. Lauren talks to Brandon about what life is like on the road as part of a touring company. He recounts his journey from training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York & Los Angeles to landing a spot on a Broadway national tour. Together, Lauren and Brandon bond over their love of musical theatre as he opens up about his daily routines, audition experiences, and the discipline required to maintain his skills as a well-rounded performer. With honesty and optimism, Brandon reflects on both the challenges and rewards of the industry, offering listeners a candid glimpse into the world of Broadway touring.

    45 min
  8. Catalyst Presents: The Artist is Present - Jessica Bocinski

    JUL 31

    Catalyst Presents: The Artist is Present - Jessica Bocinski

    "The Artist is Present" is a special series which is being hosted under the Catalyst: A Creative Industries Podcast of the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at Chapman University.  "The Artis is Present" was developed under the direction of the Phyllis and Ross Escalette Permanent Collection of Art's Director, Fiona Shen, and Collections Manager, Jessica Bocinski, so that a wider audience would have the opportunity to hear directly from the artists in the Escalette Collection at the University. In this episode of The Artists is Present, host Helene Vlok interviews Jessica Bocinski - the Escalette Collection's Collections Manager. From hosting acquisition meetings, training student workers, managing funds, exhibition planning, and cleaning sculptures and storage spaces, Jessica does it all! A Chapman alumna herself, Jessica will share how she came across the Escalette Collection, what her favorite part of her job is, and the significance of art preservation. Moreover, Jessica will also talk about new projects that the Escalette is working on, and give some advice to aspiring collection managers.  Listen along to learn more about the daily roles and responsibilities of collection managers, the establishment of the Escalette Collection, and the opportunities available within the collection to students who are passionate about art.

    40 min
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About

From Chapman University in Orange County California, Catalyst gives listeners a chance to learn about the Creative Industries through conversations with individuals from a wide array of backgrounds who are working in CI all over the globe. Hear how CI is influencing the public and private sector alike, and how local influences shape a region's creative landscape.

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