The Zicast

Ryan Ziaks
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Comedy Interviews
  • Updated Weekly

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. 14h ago

    Episode 128: Kaitlin La Du—Why The Human Touch Still Outperforms The Algorithm

    On Episode 128, I'm joined by Social Media and Communications Professional: Kaitlin La Du! We discuss the evolving tension between AI and human craft in creative marketing, leading a team of 30+ students on an award-winning NFL advertising campaign, her journey pitching and launching the first TikTok account for Snowmass Village, how shadowing global photographer David Yarrow reshaped her perspective on the meticulous effort required to create standout content, and her personal advice on networking for recent graduates. 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#socialmediamarketing #contentcreation #storytelling #brandstrategy #aimarketing #ai #artificialintelligence #socialmediastrategy #socialmediamanager #digitalmarketing #marketingpodcast #nfl #football #advertising #digitaladvertising #tiktok #tiktokmarketing #mccann #marist #linkedin #linkedintips #networkingtips #careeradvice #postgraduates #agencylife #confidence #behindthescenes #creativedirection #impostersyndrome #communicationskills 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 128! 00:10 — About Kaitlin 03:38 — Pitching & Launching the Snowmass Village TikTok Account 06:51 — Behind the Scenes with David Yarrow & Interning at McCann NYC 12:32 — Finding a Niche at Marist & Taking Over University Socials 17:33 — Creating the Media Manager Role at Shakespeare on the Sound 22:33 — Getting People on Camera & The Art of Adapting on the Fly 25:28 — Leading 30+ Students in the NSAC Campaign for the NFL 29:42 — Stepping into Leadership & Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 40:22 — What People Misunderstand About Working in Social Media 42:19 — AI Slop vs. The Value of Human Craft50:26 — Strategic Trend-Hopping & Why Brands Must Understand Their "Lore" 55:26 — Get to Know You’s 1:09:22 — Outro & Closing Thoughts

  2. Aug 28

    Episode 127: Nick Lofgren—Embracing The Lifelong Cycle Of Animal Care

    On Episode 127, I'm joined by Veterinary Student: Nick Lofgren! We discuss his early hands-on clinical experience assisting with animal surgeries, the unique challenges involved in working with large equine patients, how he balances personal emotion and mental well-being in a demanding medical field, and his personal advice on believing in yourself through academic and professional obstacles.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#podcastepisode #newepisode #podcastinterview #podcasting #interviewseries #veterinarymedicine #vetmedlife #futurevet #vetstudent #prevet #vetschoollife #dvm #veterinarian #vetlife #animaldoctor #vetmedlife #veterinarystudent #vetschool #animalcare #pethealth #vetsurgery #equinevet #exoticpets #vetclinic #vettech #surgicalcare #vethospital #animallovers #quinnipiac #StGeorgesUniversity #bobcatnation #collegetocareer #gradschool #careerjourney #Inspiration 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 127!00:35 — About Nick01:29 — Discovering a Passion for Vet Med01:58 — Surgical Experience at Tower Hill Animal Hosptial 05:04 — Small Animals, Exotics, and Equine Care13:21 — Bonding with Different Animals15:05 — The Emotional Realities of Vet Care20:21 — Misconceptions About Veterinarians23:04 — Acceptance to St. George's Vet School25:59 — Advice for Aspiring Vet Students28:11 — Get to Know You's 40:14 — Outro & Final Thoughts

  3. Aug 21

    Episode 126: Lara Gedeon—Applying TV Producing Principles To Content Creation

    On Episode 126 I'm joined by Television Producer & Content Creator: Lara Gedeon! We discuss her career producing for major networks like CBS, NBCUniversal, FOX, and Amazon Live, her secrets to building trust with people during crucial moments in their lives, her transition from working behind the camera to creating her own online pickleball content, and her best advice for breaking into media and writing your own story. 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#tvproducer #televisionproduction #contentcreator #storytelling #mediaproduction #digitalmedia #behindthescenes #producerlife #cbs #nbcuniversal #fox #amazonlive #pickleball #podcastepisode #newepisode #podcastlife #mediacareers #careeradvice #broadcastmedia #contentcreation #unscriptedtv #digitalcontent #humanconnection #creativejourney #podcastcommunity 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 126! 00:26 — About Lara 01:15 — Getting a Foot in the Door of Television Production 04:30 — Impactful Career Moments at CBS, NBCUniversal, FOX & Amazon Live 09:12 — How to Build Trust & Connect with People on Camera 14:45 — What Working in Fast-Paced TV Teaches You About People 18:20 — Staying Calm Under Pressure & Early Career Lessons 22:10 — Transitioning Behind the Camera to Creating Pickleball Content 28:35 — Advice for Breaking Into TV, Digital Media & Content Creation 33:15 — Get to Know You's 41:10 — Outro & Closing Thoughts

  4. Aug 14

    Episode 125: Dylan Cohen—Why Creative People Shouldn’t Box Themselves Into One Lane

    On Episode 125, I'm joined by Screenwriter and Actor: Dylan Cohen! We discuss his journey writing on the Netflix series YOU, how he navigated the fear and anxiety of moving across the country to Los Angeles, crucial storytelling lessons regarding character intention and emotional arcs, stepping in front of the camera with his sketch comedy channel, finding a creative community in LA, and his personal advice for aspiring writers and performers.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#podcastinterview #podcastepisode #fullepisode #netflixyou #youseries #netflixseries #joegoldberg #writersroom #TVWriter #tvproduction #behindthescenes #screenwriting #screenwriter #storytelling #scriptwriting #characterarcs #screenwritingtips #writingcommunity #writerlifestyle #indiefilmmaker #filmmaking #sketchcomedy #comedian #actor #acting #comedyskits #contentcreator #creatoreconomy #creativeadvice #hollywoodjourney #entertainmentindustry #overcomingfear #impostersyndrome #creativecommunity #pursueyourpassion #careeradvice #quinnipiac 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 125! 00:10 — About Dylan05:05 — Moving from Connecticut to Los Angeles 08:40 — Working in the Writers' Room for Netflix's YOU 12:27 — How to Excel in a TV Writers' Room 16:44 — Key Storytelling Lessons from YOU23:01 — Stepping in Front of the Camera & Launching a Sketch Comedy Channel 28:03 — Finding a Comedic Voice & Writing Authentic, Relatable Content 33:05 — The Importance of Collaboration & Building Community in LA 37:00 — Advice for Breaking Into the Entertainment Industry 46:21 — Get to Know You's56:11 — Outro & Closing Thoughts

  5. Aug 7

    Episode 124: Amari Smith—Finding Your Voice Through Public Speaking

    On Episode 124, I’m joined by multimedia creator and aspiring journalist: Amari Smith! We discuss his experience organizing the first student-led TEDx event at Quinnipiac University, how saying “yes” to new opportunities transformed his college experience, the leadership lessons he learned from building a team around a shared vision, and how public speaking continues to shape his career in journalism. Amari also shares advice on embracing uncertainty, finding purpose through your passions, and why putting yourself out there can open doors you never expected. 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 #podcasting #podcastlife #interview #interviewpodcast #creator #contentcreator #journalism #broadcastjournalism #journalist #news #newsanchors #nbc #internship #publicspeaking #communication #communications #storytelling #leadership #studentleaders #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipskills #tedx #tedxquinnipiac #tedxtalk #publicspeaker #confidence #growthmindset #personaldevelopment #selfimprovement #motivation #inspiration #career #careeradvice #careerjourney #college #collegeadvice #collegeexperience #transferstudent #quinnipiac #quinnipiacuniversity #students #studentlife #networking #sayyestolife #opportunity #purpose #passion #purposedriven #mindset #goals #success #successmindset #professionaldevelopment #communicationskills #teamwork #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #community #mentor #mentorship #broadcasting #television #radio #acting #theater #performance #creativity #creativelife #lifelessons #motivational #motivationalspeaker #inspirational #dreambig #keepgoing #nevergiveup #personalgrowth #youngprofessionals #futureleaders #media #mediaindustry #broadcastmedia #creatorcommunity #voice #findingyourvoice #leadwithpurpose #leadershipjourney #studentcreator 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 116!00:26 — About Amari 01:14 — Transferring From Syracuse To Quinnipiac03:05 — Advice For Transfer Students & Putting Yourself Out There05:00 — Joining Campus Organizations & Saying "Yes" To New Opportunities07:34 — Creating A Poetry Radio Show & Finding His Creative Niche09:10 — Discovering Public Speaking & Finding His Voice11:24 — Organizing The First Student-Led TEDx Quinnipiac14:37 — Behind The Scenes Of Bringing TEDx To Life18:28 — Leadership Lessons From Building TEDx Quinnipiac22:11 — Advice For Leading Big Projects26:27 — Journalism, NBC Connecticut & Career Goals30:38 — Learning To Think On Your Feet In The Newsroom33:26 — Get To Know You's45:35 — Outro & Closing Thoughts

  6. Jun 12

    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

  7. 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

  8. 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

    Episode 121: Zuzanna Tarnacki—Embracing Spontaneity And Failure On The Path To Filmmaking
See All (132)

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
    132
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ryan Ziaks
  • Show Website
    The Zicast