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. 3D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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

  4. APR 17

    Episode 115: Emily Meyer—How Running A Childhood Toy Drive Led To A Career In Public Relations

    On Episode 115, I'm joined by PR Specialist: Emily Meyer! We discuss her journey from founding a childhood toy drive to appearing on Good Morning America, her leadership roles within student-run PR agencies at Quinnipiac University, how international travel has shaped her perspective on communication, and her personal advice on finding balance between professional ambition and personal well-being.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 #publicrelations #pr #communications #college #collegestudent #quinnipiac #givingback #kindness #charity #toydrive #goodmorningamerica #mammamia #abba #trending #viral 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 115! 00:26 — About Emily Meyer01:08 — Discovering a Passion for Public Relations03:35 — Running a Toy Drive for Over 15 Years09:56 — Being Featured on Good Morning America16:22 — How the Toy Drive Shaped Her Professional Growth + Advice for Getting Started19:38 — PR & Communications Opportunities at Quinnipiac University29:31 — Advice for Aspiring PR Professionals31:42 — Get to Know You's43:05 — Outro & Closing Thoughts

    45 min
  5. Episode 114: Jack Gatta–Applying "Yes, And" To Every Walk Of Life

    APR 10

    Episode 114: Jack Gatta–Applying "Yes, And" To Every Walk Of Life

    On Episode 114, I’m joined by Communications Professional: Jack Gatta! We discuss how improv comedy acting builds skills for other paths of life, the challenges of managing real-world clients in a student-run agency, and the benefits of being well-rounded in the production industry. 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 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 #Improv #Comedy #sketchcomedy #collegecomedy #performingarts #comedylife #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #explorepage #viral #trending #podcastclip #podcastlife #careeradvice #quinnipiac #quotes 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 114!01:22 – About Jack02:25 – Discovering His Passion for Film & Media 04:28 – Getting Into Comedy & Performance15:32 – Working on Thesis Capstone Film "Out of Focus"21:13 – Working For The Agency at Quinnipiac28:31 – Get to Know You's46:14 – Outro & Closing Thoughts

    47 min
  6. Episode 113: Marie Hardin–Connecting With Others Through Leadership

    APR 3

    Episode 113: Marie Hardin–Connecting With Others Through Leadership

    On Episode 113, I’m joined by Quinnipiac University President: Marie Hardin! We discuss her journey to the presidency, the leadership lessons she’s learned along the way, and her advice for those looking to make an impact in their fields. Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan Ziaks Technical Directed by: Patrick Sorbero & Tyler Mignault The Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe Flynn The 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=c5f525d4c4324a9f Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thezicast?_t=8oqlOi6Xi0Y&_r=1 #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #HigherEducation #CareerGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #FutureLeaders #MakeAnImpact #CollegeLife #StudentSuccess #Inspiration #PodcastClip #PodcastLife #Storytelling #CareerAdvice #NextGenLeaders #Quinnipiac #quotes 00:00: Welcome To Episode 113! 00:33 – About Marie 01:07 – What Inspired Her to Pursue Higher Ed Leadership 04:30 – Pivotal People and Moments in Her Journey to Becoming President 06:26 – What Drew Marie to Quinnipiac 08:20 – Leadership Qualities She Wishes More People Knew About 09:35 – Advice for Students Wanting to Be Leaders in Their Fields 11:38 – How Communication Skills Have Helped Her Career 12:08 – What She Does Outside of Work to Maintain Balance 12:46 – Comparing Growing Up in Texas to Living in the Northeast 13:51 – Get to Know You's 18:16 – Outro & Closing Thoughts

    20 min

  7. MAR 27

    Episode 112: Reiven Douglas—Building Trust with Athletes & Handling Their Stories with Care

    On Episode 112, I'm joined by Sports Communications Professional: Reiven Douglas! We discuss how her background as a college athlete fuels the empathy needed to navigate sports media, focusing on her dedication to being a vessel for athletes' stories through deep, observant preparation.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 #journalist #journalism #reporter #sportsreporter #sidelinereporter #basketball #collegebasketball #hbcu #hbcufootball #collegefootball #collegestudent #football #broadcasting #broadcast #storytelling #stories #fyp #viral #shorts #trending #trendingshorts 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 112!00:29 — About Reiven01:45 — What Led Her Into Journalism06:13 — From College Athlete to Sports Media Professional10:52 — A Day in the Life of a Sports Reporter16:23 — Advice for Interviewing Athletes and Coaches24:27 — Her Game Day Preparation Process32:16 — Favorite Sports Story She’s Covered35:14 — Advice for Aspiring Sports Media Professionals37:46 — Getting to Know Reiven46:27 — Outro & Closing Thoughts

    48 min

  8. MAR 20

    Episode 111: Antonio Shippee Lopez—How Traveling Europe Changed His Perspective on Storytelling

    On Episode 111, I'm joined by Film Editor: Antonio Shippee Lopez! We discuss his experiences traveling across Europe and immersing himself in different cultures, comparing the atmosphere of soccer matches to Formula 1 events, offering advice for anyone looking to travel abroad, and more!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 #filmmaker #indie #filmmaking #europe #spain #ireland #madrid #realmadrid #soccer #football #formula1 #sports #culture #travel #traveladvice 00:16 — About Antonio00:39 — Passion for Filmmaking02:10 — Studying Abroad in Spain10:22 — Traveling Around Europe18:12 — Comparing Soccer and F1 Events33:12 — Advice for Visiting Europe40:12 — Directing His Capstone Thesis Film46:32 — Working in Quinnipiac University’s Marketing Department49:41 — Get to Know You57:40 — Outro and Closing Thoughts

    1 hr
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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
    122
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ryan Ziaks
  • Show Website
    The Zicast