Hey, Retriever!

Jon Michael Ryan
  • 5.0 (4)
  • VISUAL ARTS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Hey, Retriever! showcases the diverse journeys of those who make a living in commercials, film and photography. Each episode is a peek inside someone's life's work, offering personal stories, hard-won insights and truth about navigating the highs and lows of our field. Learn from established pros and rising stars about what their paths have been and what yours might be. One thing's for sure, it's uniquely yours to script.

  1. 08/26/2025

    Hey, Zack Margaret : Creative Producer

    In this episode, Noah and Jon interview Zack Margaret, a creative content producer with a storied career in filmmaking. Zack shares his journey from growing up in Waterbury, Connecticut, to becoming inspired by music videos, attending NYU, and navigating the freelance world. They discuss his work on various documentary projects and his passion project, First Take, a nonprofit film program for kids. Zach reflects on the joys and challenges of being a multihyphenate creative and highlights the importance of representation in the film industry. LISTEN NOW! ABOUT ZACK Queer. Latino. Filmmaker. Producer. Zack tells stories that matter—TikTok to TV—documentaries, brand narratives, and everything in between—always championing unheard voices. Check out and connect with Zack below: website - Zackmargaretmedia.com social - @ZackMFilmsStuff This is a Retriever Production Produced & Edited by Princess Sims  Sound Mix and Design by Dane Dickmann  Stay connected with Hey, Retriever!  follow us on IG: @hey.retrievervisit our website at heyretriever.com

    43 min

  2. 08/12/2025

    Hey, Brennan Full : Director of Photography

    In today’s episode, Jon and Noah discuss navigating the film industry with cinematographer Brennan Full. The discussion ranges from Brennan's career across various cities like New York, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and Toronto, to the challenges and rewards of working in different film markets. Brennan talks about her experiences shooting feature films and tackling commercial projects. The episode also delves into the practical aspects of filmmaking, like building relationships with rental houses and finding balance in the unpredictable nature of the film industry. Tune in now! ABOUT BRENNAN Brennan Full is an American cinematographer currently based in Toronto, Canada. Over the past 10 years, Brennan has shot feature films, documentaries, music videos, and commercials around the world.  Her commercial clients include Huggies, Purina, Pepsi and more. Brennan loves to shoot character focused narrative projects that reflect all the deeply beautiful, absurd, and challenging aspects of humanity.  In 2018 she lensed Sati Kaur’s short film “Blood and Glory” which was accepted into festivals nationwide, including the Tribeca Film Festival. She has since gone on to shoot several feature films and countless shorts, including the Vimeo Staff Pick “Gone Viral” which explored Ken Bone’s 2016 unexpected viral internet fame. Most recently, Brennan was brought on to shoot Chell Stephen’s stylish Feature Film Debut “Byeeee” starring Romina D’ugo, Augustus Oicle, and Djouliet Amara. Check out more of Brennans work below on her website and insta. website -brennanfull.com social - @BRENNAN_FULL This is a Retriever Production Produced & Edited by Princess Sims  Sound Mix and Design by Dane Dickmann  Stay connected with Hey, Retriever!  follow us on IG: @hey.retrievervisit our website at heyretriever.com

    48 min

  3. 07/29/2025

    Hey, ACE King : Videographer & Content Producer

    In this episode of Hey Retriever, we chatted with Jordan Watson, aka Ace, a content producer, creator and storyteller. Jordan shares his journey of growing up in Louisiana, diving into his creative process, the impact of his dance background, and his unique approach to creating engaging short-form videos for brands like Meta, Bose and some of the celebrities you know and love. The discussion also covers the evolution of social media content, the importance of adaptability on set, and Jordan's ambitious plans for the future. About ACE King Jordan aka Ace is a Afro-Latino creator from New Orleans but is currently bicoastal working both in Los Angeles & New York City. More than just an internet sensation Ace has created and consulted for the industries brightest stars and the world's number one platform. As a Meta Partner represented by the entertainment division Ace has been called upon to create content for todays top actors like Keke Palmer 'NOPE' and Simu Liu 'Marvels Shang Chi' to celebrity chefs for the cast of Netflixs' "Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend" and many more. website - aceshotit.univer.se social - aceking This is a Retriever Production Produced by Princess Sims  Sound Mix and Design by Dane Dickmann  Stay connected with Hey, Retriever!  follow us on IG: @hey.retrievervisit our website at heyretriever.com

    38 min

  4. 04/29/2025

    Hey, Becca : Actor, Host, Gamer

    On this week’s episode, multifaceted creator Becca Scott - actor, host, gamer, and co-founder of Good Time Society - joins us on the Hey, Retriever! Podcast. The conversation delves into Becca's experiences with the tabletop gaming community, hosting on Geek and Sundry, working with Dropout TV, and her involvement in Magic: The Gathering. Becca also discusses the importance of embracing play, board game nuances, and the joy she finds in creating inclusive spaces for diverse gamers. Listen Now! About Becca Scott is an actor, internet nerd, and performer. She is best known for her gajillions of board game tutorials, as Sophie Gray on South Park S23, Penny Luckstone on Dimension20’s “The Seven”, Dropout’s “Game Changer” & “Um, Actually”, The Glass Cannon Podcast Network, Stream of Blood, Vampire the Masquerade: LA by Night, Geek & Sundry, Nerdist, as a spokesperson for Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, Games Workshop, and many more places on the internet. Connect and follow along for Becca's journey here: website - thebeccascott.com social - https://linktr.ee/thebeccascott This is a Retriever Production Produced by Princess Sims  Sound Mix and Design by Dane Dickmann  Stay connected with Hey, Retriever!  follow us on IG: @hey.retrievervisit our website at heyretriever.com

    42 min

  5. 03/18/2025

    Hey, Nkosi: 16mm Film DP

    What happens when 3 DP's get together? On this episode of the Hey, Retriever! podcast, Jon and Noah nerd out with Nkosi Roma, Film cinematographer. They discuss the nuances of shooting on film vs. digital, the importance of intentionality and preparation in filmmaking, and the unique learning curve that comes along with this medium. Listen Now! About NKOSI ROMA is a narrative cinematographer and a current ASC Vision Mentee ('24–'25). One of the few next gen filmmakers specializing in motion picture film, his work includes Method, featured at Venezia Shorts, By The Dawn, premiering at Oklahoma's only Oscar Qualifying film festival, DeadCenter, and Honorable, a retelling of Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and Maya Angelou's encounter in Ghana, screened at the St. Louis International Film Festival and the International Black Film Festival in Nashville. Connect and follow along for Nkosi's journey here: website - https://www.nkosiroma.com/ social - https://www.instagram.com/nkosiroma/ This is a Retriever Production Produced by Princess Sims  Sound Mix and Design by Dane Dickmann  Stay connected with Hey, Retriever!  follow us on IG: @hey.retrievervisit our website at heyretriever.com

    35 min

  6. 03/04/2025

    Hey, Matt Ogens: Oscar-Nominated Director

    In this episode, Jon hosts an insightful conversation with acclaimed filmmaker Matt Ogens. Ogens, renowned for works like 'Audible' on Netflix and 'Madu' on Disney+, discusses his passion for storytelling across various formats, including commercials and documentaries. The conversation covers his filmmaking philosophy, balancing commercial and documentary projects, and the emotional depths required to tell compelling stories. Listen in now! About Matt Ogens Matt Ogens is an Academy Award-nominated director known for capturing authentic human stories through an evocative visual and narrative aesthetic. Matt’s Netflix Original “Audible” was nominated for an Oscar®, an immersive coming-of-age documentary told from the perspective of Deaf high school students and communicated through sign language. His latest film “Madu”, a Disney Original Documentary, premiered on Disney+, is the epic journey of Anthony Madu, a 12-year-old who leaves his home in Nigeria to study at the prestigious Elmhurst Ballet School in England. Learn more about Matt and his latest work. This is a Retriever Production Produced by Princess Sims  Sound Mix and Design by Dane Dickmann  Stay connected with Hey, Retriever!  follow us on IG: @hey.retrievervisit our website at heyretriever.com

    45 min

  7. 02/18/2025

    Hey, Keith Kennedy: Commercial & Film Director

    We're back for Season 3! In this episode, Jon and Noah welcome commercial director Keith Kennedy, who dives into his journey to becoming a Director. Keith shares insights into his creative process, the challenges and triumphs of his career, and discusses the importance of intentionality in his work. From Saint Louis to LA, Keith also reflects on the influence of his Midwestern roots, the impact of professional collaboration, and his perspective on AI in the ad industry. About Keith Kennedy Keith is a Saint Louis-born, LA-based director working in commercial production. With extensive agency experience and a background in post-production, he looks for unique and compelling methods to help brands showcase themselves in a way that feels authentic, but relevant. Read More here Follow Keith Kennedy website - keithkennedy.meInstagram - @_k_kennedy_ This is a Retriever Production Produced by Princess Sims  Sound Mix and Design by Dane Dickmann  Stay connected with Hey, Retriever!  follow us on IG: @hey.retrievervisit our website at heyretriever.com

    41 min

  8. 08/27/2024

    Hey, Chick Entertainment : Lauren Andrade and Olivia Crist - The Dynamic Producer & Director Duo

    Matt and John discuss the ins and outs of the production world with Lauren Andrade and Olivia Crist of Chick Entertainment. They dive into the importance of relationships in the industry, the journey of starting Chick Entertainment, and their commitment to creating a positive, human-focused work environment. Lauren and Olivia share their experiences, challenges, and the development process in various production spaces, including commercials, documentaries, and narrative features. They also touch on their philosophies of producing and the impact of COVID on their careers. About Chick Entertainment Founded by award-winning filmmakers Olivia Crist and Lauren Andrade, Chick Entertainment produces bold and disruptive content. The company’s recent documentary series release, "Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets," was a smash hit for Amazon Studios and a Critics Choice Awards Nominee. The series was produced by Andrade, directed and executive produced by Crist and was the largest documentary series debut that Amazon has ever had. Crist and Andrade have built an impressive portfolio across scripted, unscripted, and branded content. Notably, they produced Vanity Fair's series, "What is Cinema," featuring legends like Halle Berry, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Rian Johnson, The Daniels, Sarah Polley, and Ruben Östlund. Andrade also earned a co-producer credit for the 2021 romantic comedy "The Long Weekend," which was acquired by Sony's Stage 6 Films. Both Crist and Andrade hold co-producer credits for the Gotham Award-nominated film "Swallow." They have an exciting slate of projects ahead including an upcoming documentary series that is currently in production.  Follow Chick Entertainment website - https://www.chickent.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chickentertainment/ This is a Retriever Production Produced by Princess Sims  Sound Mix and Design by Dane Dickmann  Stay connected with Hey, Retriever!  follow us on IG: @hey.retrievervisit our website at heyretriever.com

    45 min
See All (27)

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Hey, Retriever! showcases the diverse journeys of those who make a living in commercials, film and photography. Each episode is a peek inside someone's life's work, offering personal stories, hard-won insights and truth about navigating the highs and lows of our field. Learn from established pros and rising stars about what their paths have been and what yours might be. One thing's for sure, it's uniquely yours to script.

Information

  • Creator
    Jon Michael Ryan
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved by Retriever LLC, 2023.
  • Show Website
    Hey, Retriever!