The Creative Chicago Podcast

Jacob Badagliacco
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Visual Arts
  • Updated Weekly

On the Creative Chicago Podcast, filmmaker & photographer Jacob Badagliacco explores the creative process with both emerging and established artists, musicians, and makers of all kinds across Chicagoland. They dive into what inspires people to pursue their paths as artists, discuss what creativity means to them, and uncover meaningful takeaways from their experiences and journeys so far. Follow along for insights into the creative minds from the next generation of artists in Chicago and beyond.

Episodes

  1. Sep 2

    Giving Back Through Teaching ft. Chicago Photographer Colleen Murphy

    On our most recent episode, Jake is joined by Chicago Photographer Colleen Murphy, who runs a freelance business and teaches at Chicago Photography Classes (CPC). We dive into how she found her start as an educator, what takeaways she’s had since taking on photo students, and how she keeps photography fun and enjoyable alongside client work. Connect with Colleen: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/as.seen.by.colleen.photography/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenmurphy13/ Follow Chicago Photography Classes (CPC): Website: https://chicagophotoclasses.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagophotoclasses/ Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:40 Colleen’s Start in Photography 5:00 Joining Chicago Photography Classes (CPC) 6:10 Transitioning from Student to Teacher 10:10 New Perspectives from Teaching 12:00 Starting a Photography Business 14:00 Balancing Creativity with Business 19:40 Memorable Photoshoots 22:30 Final Message to Chicago Creatives 23:55 Outro Follow the Creative Chicago Podcast for more: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacobbadagliacco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobbadagliacco About the show: On the Creative Chicago Podcast, filmmaker & photographer Jacob Badagliacco explores the creative process with both emerging and established artists, musicians, and makers of all kinds across Chicagoland. They dive into what inspires people to pursue their paths as artists, discuss what creativity means to them, and uncover meaningful takeaways from their experiences and journeys so far. Follow along for insights into the creative minds from the next generation of artists in Chicago and beyond.

  2. Aug 17

    Insights From a Stand-Up Guy ft. Improv Comic Preston O’ffill

    On the latest episode of the Creative Chicago Podcast, host Jake Badagliacco is joined by Improv & Standup Comic Preston O’ffill, who shares his perspective on what goes into creating entertaining comedy sets. Follow Preston O’ffill: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prestonofficially Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoffill Website: https://www.prestonoffill.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:50 Preston’s Attitude in Comedy 6:05 Beginnings from the Theater World 11:00 Giving Back to the Comedy Community 12:50 How to Build Fun Improv Sets 14:15 Differences Between Standup & Improv 19:45 Patterns That Audiences Connect With 22:20 Memorable Moments from Preston’s Career 26:55 What’s Next for Preston in Comedy 28:40 Final Advice on Starting Your Thing 30:00 Outro Follow the Creative Chicago Podcast for more: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacobbadagliacco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobbadagliacco About the show: On the Creative Chicago Podcast, filmmaker & photographer Jacob Badagliacco explores the creative process with both emerging and established artists, musicians, and makers of all kinds across Chicagoland. They dive into what inspires people to pursue their paths as artists, discuss what creativity means to them, and uncover meaningful takeaways from their experiences and journeys so far. Follow along for insights into the creative minds from the next generation of artists in Chicago and beyond.

  3. Jul 31

    Enacting Creative Dreams ft. Singer-Songwriter Castle Greene

    In the latest episode of the Creative Chicago Podcast, Jake is joined by Singer-Songwriter Castle Greene, who discusses her career as a musical artist, why she decided to move from Nashville to Chicago, and how connecting with her original excitement for music keeps her inspired to make songs that people can resonate with. Follow Castle Greene: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castle_greene TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@castle_greene YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@castle_greene Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:15 Musical Beginnings 4:02 Start of ‘Castle Greene’ 5:08 Doing Music in Nashville 8:00 Recent Move to Chicago 11:30 The Songwriting Process 14:08 Connecting with Childhood Dreams & Whimsy 19:11 Taking a Chance on Yourself 20:05 Final Advice on Finding Your Voice 23:30 Outro Follow the Creative Chicago Podcast for more: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacobbadagliacco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobbadagliacco About the show: On the Creative Chicago Podcast, filmmaker & photographer Jacob Badagliacco explores the creative process with both emerging and established artists, musicians, and makers of all kinds across Chicagoland. They dive into what inspires people to pursue their paths as artists, discuss what creativity means to them, and uncover meaningful takeaways from their experiences and journeys so far. Follow along for insights into the creative minds from the next generation of artists in Chicago and beyond.

  4. Jul 21

    Going All-In With Yourself ft. Chicago Filmmaker Matt Ronzani

    In our latest episode, host Jacob Badagliacco sits down with Chicago Filmmaker & Composer Matt Ronzani, who shares how a "now-or-never" moment led to the production of his first feature film - and how this experience has stayed with him going into his current projects. About Matt: Matt is the writer, director, cinematographer, editor, and composer of the feature film "The Last American Possession" which premiered to a sold out crowd at Chicago's historic Music Box Theatre in July of 2024. He performed the same roles (except cinematographer) for his follow up horror/drama short "Corner of My Eye," which won Best Director at Milwaukee Horror Con, Best Short Film at The Jersey Devil Festival, and was nominated for Best Male Performance at Blood Bash 2026. Connect with Matt: Website: https://www.mattronzani.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattstrattonronzani/ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3936635/ Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:10 Appeal of the Horror Genre in Filmmaking 4:55 Mindset and Process Behind his First Feature Film 10:50 Seeing this Project as a “Film School” to Build From 13:40 Using Prior Projects to Help with Networking 15:16 Learnings Brought into his Recent Short 17:40 Creating Original Music for Both Projects 19:02 Distribution Strategies for Features vs Shorts 24:24 What’s Next for Matt’s Career 26:16 Matt’s Final Advice to Chicago Creatives Follow the Creative Chicago Podcast for more: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacobbadagliacco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobbadagliacco About the show: On the Creative Chicago Podcast, filmmaker & photographer Jacob Badagliacco explores the creative process with both emerging and established artists, musicians, and makers of all kinds across Chicagoland. They dive into what inspires people to pursue their paths as artists, discuss what creativity means to them, and uncover meaningful takeaways from their experiences and journeys so far. Follow along for insights into the creative minds from the next generation of artists in Chicago and beyond.

  5. Jul 15

    Developing Authentic Worlds and Characters ft. Theater Artist Erin Bonham

    On the latest episode of the Creative Chicago Podcast, host Jacob Badagliacco is joined by Theater Artist and Actress Erin Bonham, who shares her experiences on finding her way as an artist, what it means to develop authentic characters that audiences can relate to, and how she began using her acting knowledge to run professional Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. About Erin: Erin Bonham is a vibrant, multi-hyphenate theatre artist and strategic storyteller whose work lives at the intersection of creativity and community. A co-founder of the Cincinnati Changelings, she is a director, actor, educator, and advocate for innovative, accessible theatre. With dual degrees in Theatre Performance and Public Relations from Xavier University, Erin seamlessly merges artistic vision with strategic communication. Erin is driven by a commitment to fostering empathy, wonder, and connection through every curtain call. Connect with Erin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin_bonham._/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-bonham-5324b1344/ Backstage: https://www.backstage.com/tal/erin-bonham/ Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 2:30 Finding Your Path as an Artist 5:10 Acting and Theater as Erin’s Vocation 7:55 Distinguishing Theater and Acting 12:20 Erin’s Calling Moment as an Actor 15:55 Dungeons & Dragons and World-Building 20:50 D&D and Connecting to the Real World 22:33 Corporatization of D&D and Playing Professionally 29:40 Creating Original Worlds for Your Campaign 32:38 What’s Next for Erin’s Career 34:50 Erin’s Final Advice to Chicago Creatives Follow the Creative Chicago Podcast for more: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacobbadagliacco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobbadagliacco About the show: On the Creative Chicago Podcast, filmmaker & photographer Jacob Badagliacco explores the creative process with both emerging and established artists, musicians, and makers of all kinds across Chicagoland. They dive into what inspires people to pursue their paths as artists, discuss what creativity means to them, and uncover meaningful takeaways from their experiences and journeys so far. Follow along for insights into the creative minds from the next generation of artists in Chicago and beyond.

  6. Jul 3

    Starting Your Creative Business ft. Chicago Videographer Max Williams

    In the second episode of the Creative Chicago Podcast, host Jacob Badagliacco is joined by Chicago Videographer Max Williams, who shares his experience with starting his video production business nearly 15 years ago. About Max: Max Williams is a Videographer of 14+ years based out of Chicago, IL who films promotional content such Live Music, Corporate Events, Studio Promo Videos, Music Videos, Tiktok/Reels content, Podcasts, Weddings, and more. He has previously collaborated with Simone Biles, Jack Antonoff, Allen Robinson, Aly Sorto, Roger Steele, Andre Iquodala, Boots Riley, Chance the Rapper, Ben Rector, Beach Bunny, Hershey’s, Coca Cola, Capture One, LinkedIn, Sofar Sounds, and more. He graduated from Colombia College Chicago in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Television. Connect with Max:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/willmax95  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxwilliamsvideo  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-williams-5232b111b/  Website: https://maxwilliamsvideo.com/ Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:05 Max’s Early Career in Video 3:33 Identifying a Niche Early vs Broad Experience 6:10 Importance of Clear Branding 7:35 Early Career Learnings 10:05 How Max Got Started in Video 12:30 Consistent Improvement 14:00 How Max’s Process Changed Over Time 15:40 Importance of Marketing Yourself 16:20 Being Aware of How You Show Up 18:08 What Goes Further Than Follower Count 19:35 Building Community (in real life, not online) 22:35 Managing Future Expectations with Career 26:55 Max’s Final Advice to Chicago Creatives 29:43 Outro Follow the Creative Chicago Podcast for more: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacobbadagliacco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobbadagliacco About the show: On the Creative Chicago Podcast, filmmaker & photographer Jacob Badagliacco explores the creative process with both emerging and established artists, musicians, and makers of all kinds across Chicagoland. They dive into what inspires people to pursue their paths as artists, discuss what creativity means to them, and uncover meaningful takeaways from their experiences and journeys so far. Follow along for insights into the creative minds from the next generation of artists in Chicago and beyond.

  7. Jun 24

    Accepting Yourself as a Creative ft. Game Developer Adam Badagliacco

    In this "pilot episode" of the Creative Chicago Podcast, host Jacob Badagliacco is joined by his brother Adam Badagliacco to explore what creativity means to them through their experiences in filmmaking and game development. About Adam: Adam Badagliacco is a versatile software and game developer with five years of experience writing code for industry leaders such as JPMorgan Chase and Comcast. He is currently earning a master’s degree from DePaul University in software engineering and bringing his creative visions to life through an original indie game title: "A Creature’s Journey." Connect with Adam on LinkedIn and subscribe to A Creature's Journey on YouTube. You can also check out the ACJ Documentary and wish list the game on Steam. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:45 ACJ Documentary 02:36 Adam's Career Background 03:30 Motivation to Give Back as an Educator 05:40 Updates on "A Creature's Journey" 08:50 Why People Connect with Human Stories over AI-Generated Content 11:58 Using AI as a Tool to Help Learning 13:36 Adam's Relationship with his Creative Endeavors 16:47 The Mindset Needed for Change 17:50 Identifying Your Motivations 21:50 How Different Creative Activities Support Each Other 23:45 Is Burnout Inevitable when Monetizing your Craft? 26:46 Outro Follow the Creative Chicago Podcast for more: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacobbadagliacco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobbadagliacco About the show: On the Creative Chicago Podcast, filmmaker & photographer Jacob Badagliacco explores the creative process with both emerging and established artists, musicians, and makers of all kinds across Chicagoland. They dive into what inspires people to pursue their paths as artists, discuss what creativity means to them, and uncover meaningful takeaways from their experiences and journeys so far. Follow along for insights into the creative minds from the next generation of artists in Chicago and beyond.

  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

On the Creative Chicago Podcast, filmmaker & photographer Jacob Badagliacco explores the creative process with both emerging and established artists, musicians, and makers of all kinds across Chicagoland. They dive into what inspires people to pursue their paths as artists, discuss what creativity means to them, and uncover meaningful takeaways from their experiences and journeys so far. Follow along for insights into the creative minds from the next generation of artists in Chicago and beyond.

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