CK Café: Conversations with Indie Creatives

CK Productions / CK Records (A CK Productions Company)
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Film Interviews
  • Updated Weekly

CK Café is a filmed podcast and live conversation series spotlighting creators —especially those from underrepresented communities — who are building their careers in film, music, theatre and beyond. Each episode explores the artist’s personal journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the love behind their work. Whether through deep-dive interviews, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, or live panels, CK Café offers inspiration and real talk for artists and audiences alike. The podcast was created by CK Productions, an independent film and multimedia company, dedicated to bold storytelling, championing underrepresented voices, and producing innovative projects that bridges art and impact. Follow CK's journey at https://instagram.com/ckproductionsny and on Substack https://ckproductions.substack.com/ Visit our website to learn more about CK at https://ckproductionsnewyork.com  CK Café is Hosted by Rosie Dean (@RosieDean21) and Ethan Felizzari-Castillo (@ethanfelizzari).

  1. 5d ago

    Behind the Seams with Alexis Yulo Hoffman

    Costume and fashion designer Alexis Yulo Hoffman joins us at the CK Café to talk all things wardrobe—from her journey out of fashion and into costuming to the power clothing has to transform a character, shape perception, and fully immerse audiences in a story. Follow Alexis: Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/alexisdiana5503 Website -  https://www.alexisyulohoffman.com/ What is CK Café? CK Café is a podcast and live conversation series by CK Productions spotlighting creators who are building their careers in film, music, theatre and beyond. Each episode explores the artist’s personal journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the love behind their work. Whether through deep-dive interviews, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, or live panels, CK Café offers inspiration and real talk for artists and audiences alike. Follow CK's journey at https://instagram.com/ckproductionsny and on Substack https://ckproductions.substack.com/ Visit our website to learn more about CK at https://ckproductionsnewyork.com  CK Café is Hosted by Rosie Dean (@RosieDean21) and Ethan Felizzari-Castillo (@ethanfelizzari) and produced by produced by Anabella Barrios & CK Records (A CK Productions Co.).

  2. Jul 16

    Making Moves & Movies Today with Eddy Frumkin of Making Movies Today

    This week on CK Café, we're joined by the one and only Eddy Frumkin—film journalist, personality, and a true icon of NYC's independent film community. We dive into Making Movies Today, the filmmaker-focused social series produced by CK Films, exploring how it came to life, the incredible filmmakers and events it has covered, and the exciting growth it's experiencing as it continues to spotlight the independent film world.  Beyond social media work, we discuss Eddy himself and his passion for cinema, his infectious energy, and the unique perspective that has made him such a beloved figure in the industry. There really is no one quite like Eddy, and we couldn't have been happier to welcome him to the show for a conversation full of stories, laughter, and a genuine love for independent filmmaking. Follow and support Eddy & Making Movies Today: https://instagram.com/making_movies_today https://www.instagram.com/eddyfrumpkin What is CK Café? CK Café is a podcast and live conversation series by CK Productions spotlighting creators who are building their careers in film, music, theatre and beyond. Each episode explores the artist’s personal journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the love behind their work. Whether through deep-dive interviews, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, or live panels, CK Café offers inspiration and real talk for artists and audiences alike. Follow CK's journey at https://instagram.com/ckproductionsny and on Substack https://ckproductions.substack.com/ Visit our website to learn more about CK at https://ckproductionsnewyork.com  CK Café is Hosted by Rosie Dean (@RosieDean21) and Ethan Felizzari-Castillo (@ethanfelizzari) and produced by produced by Anabella Barrios & CK Records (A CK Productions Co.).

  3. Jul 3

    The Art of Sound, Music & Magic with Nathan Rantala

    What do magic, music, and sound design have in common? Nathan Rantala. This week on CK Café, we're joined by Nathan Rantala; a sound designer, musician, and magician (yes, you read that right). Nathan joins us for a conversation about building a creative career that refuses to fit into one box. He has designed sound for independent films, performs and records music as one half of the indie duo 'All I Do Is Daydream', and has captivated more than 587,000 followers online with his mind-bending card magic. We dive into the art of storytelling through sound, balancing multiple creative passions, building an audience online, and why following your curiosity can lead to the most unexpected opportunities. Follow and support Nathan's work: https://www.instagram.com/nathan.rantala/ https://www.youtube.com/@UC4pBD8lfNzOmAIK9vdaPEgw https://open.spotify.com/artist/4aSxGK0afj1s1XswrQcDUm?si=VjH0DzCoS8eDFZ9GYrS7sQ What is CK Café? CK Café is a podcast and live conversation series by CK Productions spotlighting creators who are building their careers in film, music, theatre and beyond. Each episode explores the artist’s personal journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the love behind their work. Whether through deep-dive interviews, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, or live panels, CK Café offers inspiration and real talk for artists and audiences alike. Follow CK's journey at https://instagram.com/ckproductionsny and on Substack https://ckproductions.substack.com/ Visit our website to learn more about CK at https://ckproductionsnewyork.com  CK Café is Hosted by Rosie Dean (@RosieDean21) and Ethan Felizzari-Castillo (@ethanfelizzari) and produced by produced by Anabella Barrios & CK Records (A CK Productions Co.).

  4. Jun 27

    The Actor-to-Producer Pipeline with Nicole Rivera of Dead Horse Productions

    What does it really take to make the leap from actor to producer? This week on CK Café, Ethan Felizzari-Castillo & Rosie Dean sit down with Nicole Rivera, producer and co-founder of Dead Horse Productions, to talk about building a career on both sides of the camera and the stage. From producing independent theatre and film to balancing the demands of acting while leading productions, Nicole shares the realities of wearing multiple hats in today's entertainment industry. The conversation explores creative collaboration, producing with limited resources, building sustainable artistic communities, and what it truly means to create work the independent way! Follow and support Nicole & Dead Horse Productions' work: https://www.instagram.com/deadhorse.co/ https://www.instagram.com/nicole.rvra/ https://www.nicolemrivera.com/ What is CK Café? CK Café is a podcast and live conversation series by CK Productions spotlighting creators who are building their careers in film, music, theatre and beyond. Each episode explores the artist’s personal journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the love behind their work. Whether through deep-dive interviews, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, or live panels, CK Café offers inspiration and real talk for artists and audiences alike. Follow CK's journey at https://instagram.com/ckproductionsny and on Substack https://ckproductions.substack.com/ Visit our website to learn more about CK at https://ckproductionsnewyork.com  CK Café is Hosted by Rosie Dean (@RosieDean21) and Ethan Felizzari-Castillo (@ethanfelizzari) and produced by produced by Anabella Barrios & CK Records (A CK Productions Co.).

  5. Jun 18

    Jumping from Shorts to Features w/ Apple House Pictures' Grant & Adam Conversano

    This week on CK Café, Ethan Felizzari-Castillo and Rosie Dean sit down with filmmaking duo, brothers Grant and Adam Conversano, the team behind Apple House Pictures. Together, they discuss the realities of independent filmmaking today, their work in documentary, and the exciting challenge of making the leap from short films to feature filmmaking. The conversation explores building a production company with family, navigating the ever-changing film industry, and the lessons they've learned while developing larger-scale projects. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned creative, Grant and Adam offer an honest look at what it takes to keep making movies in today's landscape. A conversation about storytelling, collaboration, and taking the next step in your filmmaking journey! Follow and support Apple House Picture's work: https://www.instagram.com/applehousepictures/ https://www.applehousepictures.com/ https://www.instagram.com/grantconversano/ https://www.instagram.com/adam.conversano/ What is CK Café? CK Café is a podcast and live conversation series by CK Productions spotlighting creators who are building their careers in film, music, theatre and beyond. Each episode explores the artist’s personal journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the love behind their work. Whether through deep-dive interviews, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, or live panels, CK Café offers inspiration and real talk for artists and audiences alike. Follow CK's journey at https://instagram.com/ckproductionsny and on Substack https://ckproductions.substack.com/ Visit our website to learn more about CK at https://ckproductionsnewyork.com  CK Café is Hosted by Rosie Dean (@RosieDean21) and Ethan Felizzari-Castillo (@ethanfelizzari) and produced by produced by Anabella Barrios & CK Records (A CK Productions Co.).

  6. Jun 12

    The Power of Being a "Joy" on Set with Joy Walsh

    CK Café is back with an all-new episode featuring filmmaker, producer, photographer, and all-around creative force Joy Walsh. In this conversation, Joy joins the show to discuss the realities of being a multi-hyphenate artist in today's film industry, what it means to wear multiple hats on set, and how embracing a wide range of creative skills has shaped her career. From producing independent films to directing projects, photography, and balancing the demands of freelance creative work, Joy shares honest insights into building a sustainable life in the arts. They also dive into the importance of gratitude, maintaining a positive attitude on set, and why being a true "joy" to collaborate with can be just as valuable as technical talent. Plus, Joy gives us a look at several exciting projects currently on her horizon! Joy also served as a Producer on CK Films' upcoming feature film Offsides. ABOUT JOY: Joy Walsh is a Barbadian-American filmmaker and visual storyteller whose work spans award-winning short films, branded content, music videos, and photography. A graduate of CUNY Brooklyn's Film Production program, she continues to tell impactful stories across multiple mediums while championing collaboration and creative growth. Follow and support Joy's work: Instagram Upcoming Short Film Learn more about Offsides here: https://ckproductionsnewyork.com/offsides What is CK Café? CK Café is a podcast and live conversation series by CK Productions spotlighting creators who are building their careers in film, music, theatre and beyond. Each episode explores the artist’s personal journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the love behind their work. Whether through deep-dive interviews, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, or live panels, CK Café offers inspiration and real talk for artists and audiences alike. Follow CK's journey at https://instagram.com/ckproductionsny and on Substack https://ckproductions.substack.com/ Visit our website to learn more about CK at https://ckproductionsnewyork.com  CK Café is Hosted by Rosie Dean (@RosieDean21) and Ethan Felizzari-Castillo (@ethanfelizzari) and produced by produced by Anabella Barrios & CK Records (A CK Productions Co.).

  7. Jun 4

    Directing, Producing & Inspiring the Next Generation with Nelson Isava

    CK Café is back with all-new episodes for Season 2! For our latest conversation, we sit down with filmmaker, theatre artist, and educator Nelson Isava to discuss his journey from Venezuela to New York City and the path that led him to a life dedicated to storytelling. Nelson shares insights from his work as a producer, director, and creative leader across film and theatre, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of building a career in the arts. We also explore his passion for education and empowering the next generation of artists through his work with students and emerging creatives. From creative inspiration to community building, this episode is a heartfelt conversation about perseverance, purpose, and the transformative power of the arts. Follow Nelson's journey and support his projects here. Follow on Instagram here. What is CK Café? CK Café is a podcast and live conversation series by CK Productions spotlighting creators who are building their careers in film, music, theatre and beyond. Each episode explores the artist’s personal journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the love behind their work. Whether through deep-dive interviews, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, or live panels, CK Café offers inspiration and real talk for artists and audiences alike. Follow CK's journey at https://instagram.com/ckproductionsny and on Substack https://ckproductions.substack.com/ Visit our website to learn more about CK at https://ckproductionsnewyork.com  CK Café is Hosted by Rosie Dean (@RosieDean21) and Ethan Felizzari-Castillo (@ethanfelizzari) and produced by produced by Anabella Barrios & CK Records (A CK Productions Co.).

  8. Feb 12

    Crafting Theatre in a Changing Industry with Julia Segal

    In this episode of CK Café, Ethan Felizzari-Castillo sits down with musical theatre composer and songwriter Julia Segal for a thoughtful conversation about creating in today’s theatre landscape. Julia opens up about her upcoming musical theatre work, her journey as a songwriter, social media and how she balances artistic integrity with the realities of commercial production. Together, they explore the evolving state of Broadway and indie theatre - what’s thriving, what’s struggling, and where emerging creators fit into the equation! From developing new work to navigating industry expectations, this episode is a candid look at what it means to build theatre in a changing creative economy. Follow Julia on Instagram to learn more! What is CK Café? CK Café is a podcast and live conversation series by CK Productions spotlighting creators who are building their careers in film, music, theatre and beyond. Each episode explores the artist’s personal journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the love behind their work. Whether through deep-dive interviews, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, or live panels, CK Café offers inspiration and real talk for artists and audiences alike. Follow CK's journey at https://instagram.com/ckproductionsny and on Substack https://ckproductions.substack.com/ Visit our website to learn more about CK at https://ckproductionsnewyork.com  CK Café is Hosted by Rosie Dean (@RosieDean21) and Ethan Felizzari-Castillo (@ethanfelizzari) and produced by produced by Anabella Barrios & CK Records (A CK Productions Co.).

See All (20)

About

CK Café is a filmed podcast and live conversation series spotlighting creators —especially those from underrepresented communities — who are building their careers in film, music, theatre and beyond. Each episode explores the artist’s personal journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the love behind their work. Whether through deep-dive interviews, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, or live panels, CK Café offers inspiration and real talk for artists and audiences alike. The podcast was created by CK Productions, an independent film and multimedia company, dedicated to bold storytelling, championing underrepresented voices, and producing innovative projects that bridges art and impact. Follow CK's journey at https://instagram.com/ckproductionsny and on Substack https://ckproductions.substack.com/ Visit our website to learn more about CK at https://ckproductionsnewyork.com  CK Café is Hosted by Rosie Dean (@RosieDean21) and Ethan Felizzari-Castillo (@ethanfelizzari).

Information

  • Creator
    CK Productions / CK Records (A CK Productions Company)
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 CK Café: Conversations with Indie Creatives
  • Show Website
    CK Café: Conversations with Indie Creatives