The D'Ascenzo Zone

Mike D'Ascenzo
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

What does it take to leave your comfort zone behind and become great? Welcome to The D'Ascenzo Zone. I explore creativity, the path to mastery and building a better life. I speak to creatives like actors, writers, directors, even a hypnotist about their craft and journey. I also sit down with entrepreneurs, doctors and other experts who express creativity in their own way. At its core, this show reverse-engineers greatness, so YOU can build it. Subscribe, and let's get into The Zone.

  1. Aug 20

    CA Skip navigation Search Create Avatar image This Showrunner Wrote For Inspector Gadget, Magic School Bus, Cat in the Hat & More...

    Evan Thaler Hickey has a masters in psychiatric neuroscience, and also happens to be an award-winning writer and producer who's written well over 100 episodes of television for shows like, Magic School Bus Rides Again, Insepctor Gadget, Cat In the Hat, and his own original series, Goldie's Oldies. In this episode, we talk about: • His path and journey in the TV industry• The art of showrunning• The business of rebooting existing intellectual property• and much more.If you're enjoying the podcast, consider supporting:• https://buymeacoffee.com/tdzpodcast • Buy My Children's Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Tiffy-Spiffy-Mr... ________________________________________________________________I'll put a link to Evan's Novel when it's out here: ________________________________________________________________The D'Ascenzo Zone: ◼︎Subscribe:    / @thedascenzozone  ◼︎ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7FMIr4z...◼︎Mike's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikedascenz...◼︎TDZ Instagram:   / thedascenzozone  ◼︎Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@thedascenzozone◼︎For Business Inquiries: dascenzozone@gmail.com________________________________________________________________TDZ Episode 35 - Evan Thaler Hickey00:00#podcast #tdz

  2. Jul 22

    Ikigai: The Secret To Living Past 100

    Christal Burnette has dedicated herself to researching and uncovering the secrets of living a long, healthy life. She's spent the last 11 years in Blue Zone, Okinawa Japan, where an astonishing number of people live past the age of 100. Under the tutelage of renowned longevity researcher, Dr. Makoto Suzuki, now in his mid-nineties and still conducting research, they've spent years uncovering what might be the single biggest predictor of a long life -- and it's not diet or exercise...If you're enjoying the podcast, consider supporting:• https://buymeacoffee.com/tdzpodcast• Buy My Children's Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Tiffy-Spiffy-Mr-Michael-DAscenzo/dp/B0CKGVFP72 ___________________________________________________________________Follow Christal: Website: www.trueikigai.com________________________________________________________________The D'Ascenzo Zone: ◼︎Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCphk_rom3ggaW9qhFlIDrag?sub_confirmation=1◼︎ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7FMIr4zzMZMgQhd3SBUYqz?si=vg_AaJS5QdO6cCQffTIFYw◼︎Mike's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikedascenz/?hl=en◼︎TDZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedascenzozone/◼︎Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@thedascenzozone◼︎For Business Inquiries: dascenzozone@gmail.com_____________________________________________________________TDZ Episode 034 - Christal Burnette00:00#podcast #tdz

  3. Jul 8

    How a Degrassi Superfan Turned Their Obsession into a Full Time Career

    Jocelyn Claybourne, better known online as Degrassi Kid, turned their lifelong passion for the iconic Canadian series Degrassi into a full-time career as a content creator. What began as being one of the show's biggest superfans evolved into becoming a recognized voice in the Degrassi community and eventually a professional connection with the franchise itself.Jocelyn hosts The Degrassi Kid Podcast, where they interview cast members, creators, and crew, host nostalgic watch parties, and dive into the behind-the-scenes stories and cultural impact of the series. Their passion and expertise have led to opportunities working with the Degrassi team, including contributing to official Degrassi projects, while building a dedicated online community celebrating the show's legacy. Through their podcast and social channels, Jocelyn continues to keep the Degrassi fandom alive for longtime fans while introducing the series to a new generation.In this episode, we talk about: • Jocelyn's path from Degrassi superfan to full time content creator• Challenges, wins and advice around content creation as a careerand much more.If you're enjoying the podcast, consider supporting:• https://buymeacoffee.com/tdzpodcast• Buy My Children's Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Tiffy-Spiffy-Mr... ___________________________________________________________________Follow Jocelyn ClaybourneIG: @DegrassikidYT:    / @degrassi_kid  Patreon:   / degrassikid  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/degrassikid?utm_sou...________________________________________________________________The D'Ascenzo Zone: ◼︎Subscribe:    / @thedascenzozone  ◼︎ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7FMIr4z...◼︎Mike's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikedascenz...◼︎TDZ Instagram:   / thedascenzozone  ◼︎Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@thedascenzozone◼︎For Business Inquiries: dascenzozone@gmail.com_____________________________________________________________TDZ Episode 033 - Jocelyn Claybourne

  4. Jun 24

    There's No Direct Path to Creating a TV Show (And That’s the Opportunity!)

    Dan Williams is a prolific TV writer & producer, most known for co-creating The Guava Juice Show for YouTube and Wishfart for Cartoon Network, but also working on shows like George of the Jungle, Franklin, Ollie's Pack and many more. In this episode, we talk about: • His journey to becoming a writer/producer. • ideas around creativity, writing and collaboration • Some behind the scenes stories • The impact of ai, and much more.If you're enjoying the podcast, consider supporting: • https://buymeacoffee.com/tdzpodcast • Buy My Children's Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Tiffy-Spiffy-Mr-Michael-DAscenzo/dp/B0CKGVFP72 _____________________________________________________________ Watch Wishfart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocdcyGnkQTk&list=PLXztoS-cy0Abxf7NmpuzB9jxHYAx5w7eY Watch The Guava Juice Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJn1BbM7a5o&list=PLg8oaaTdoHzNU80UXeG35VFhSJNegoGMV The D'Ascenzo Zone: ◼︎Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCphk_rom3ggaW9qhFlIDrag?sub_confirmation=1 ◼︎ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7FMIr4zzMZMgQhd3SBUYqz?si=vg_AaJS5QdO6cCQffTIFYw ◼︎Mike's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikedascenz/?hl=en ◼︎TDZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedascenzozone/ ◼︎Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@thedascenzozone ◼︎For Business Inquiries: dascenzozone@gmail.com

  5. Jun 10

    Mysticons Creator: What 30 Years in TV Writing Taught Me

    In this TDZ Podcast, Mike speaks with veteran screenwriter Sean Jara about his journey through television writing, animation, and building original worlds for screen. Sean shares how he got his first break writing for Gene Roddenberry’s Earth: Final Conflict, and later wrote for shows like Degrassi: The Next Generation. He also dives into his experience creating Mysticons for Nickelodeon, a series inspired by his childhood Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. With a career that includes a Daytime Emmy nomination for The Great Polar Bear Adventure and awards from both the Canadian Screen Awards and the Writers Guild of Canada, Sean breaks down what it takes to build stories that last.We also talk about his creative process, gaming influences, and how he balances writing with gardening, Fortnite, and running his own D&D campaigns. If you’re interested in screenwriting, animation, TV writing careers, or storytelling in general, this episode goes deep into the real path behind the credits. _____________________________________________________________ If you're enjoying the podcast, please subscribe and consider supporting:• https://buymeacoffee.com/tdzpodcast• Buy My Children's Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Tiffy-Spiffy-Mr-Michael-DAscenzo/dp/B0CKGVFP72 _____________________________________________________________ The D'Ascenzo Zone: ◼︎Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCphk_rom3ggaW9qhFlIDrag?sub_confirmation=1 ◼︎ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7FMIr4zzMZMgQhd3SBUYqz?si=vg_AaJS5QdO6cCQffTIFYw ◼︎Mike's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikedascenz/?hl=en ◼︎TDZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedascenzozone/◼︎Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@thedascenzozone ◼︎For Business Inquiries: dascenzozone@gmail.com _____________________________________________________________TDZ Episode 31 - Sean Jara00:00#podcast #tdz

  6. May 27

    The Shocking Reason She Left Degrassi (And What She Did Next)

    In this TDZ Podcast, I speak with Katie Lai -- an actor and former Degrassi star Kendra Mason, about growing up as child actors, the hidden realities of working in television at a young age, and the shocking reason she ultimately walked away from Degrassi.Katie opens up about starting her career at just 3 years old after performing in Miss Saigon, landing roles on shows like Super Rupert and Degrassi: The Next Generation, and navigating auditions, rejection, bullying, and the pressures of growing up in the entertainment industry. We reflect on our shared experiences as young performers, the importance of parents advocating for child actors on set, and the emotional impact fame and exclusion can have at a young age.The conversation also explores Katie’s surprising career pivot away from acting: traveling the world, earning an MBA in the UK, and building a successful consulting career across industries before eventually finding her way back to performance. Topics include:• Why Katie quit Degrassi• The reality of being a child actor• Bullying and exclusion in entertainment• Audition culture and rejection• Child safety on film sets• Balancing acting and school• Transitioning from acting into consulting• Returning to acting • “Say yes now, figure it out later” philosophy If you're enjoying the podcast, consider supporting:• https://buymeacoffee.com/tdzpodcast • Buy My Children's Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Tiffy-Spiffy-Mr-Michael-DAscenzo/dp/B0CKGVFP72 Follow Katie Lai IG: @whatisthestars The D'Ascenzo Zone: ◼︎Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCphk_rom3ggaW9qhFlIDrag?sub_confirmation=1 ◼︎ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7FMIr4zzMZMgQhd3SBUYqz?si=vg_AaJS5QdO6cCQffTIFYw ◼︎Mike's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikedascenz/?hl=en ◼︎TDZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedascenzozone/ ◼︎Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@thedascenzozone ◼︎For Business Inquiries: dascenzozone@gmail.com

  7. May 13

    Inside Directing: Lessons From 50+ Years Behind the Camera | Craft, Stories & Famous Actors

    Steve Scaini is an Emmy Award winning director who has directed hundreds of hours of television, including The Beachcombers, Anne of Green Gables, Degrassi, Super Rupert, Odd Squad, and many more. He has worked with notable talent such as Jennifer Lopez, Drake, Ryan Reynolds, and Ryan Gosling, to name a few. He also worked with me on Super Rupert and Naturally Sadie. With over 50 years in the industry, Steve is a master of visual storytelling and one of Canada’s most respected creative voices. He is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in filmmaking and I was thrilled to catch up with him. In this episode, we talk about: • His journey, the craft of directing & advice to young filmmakers• The future of filmmaking & ai• Working with famous actors and much more..If you're enjoying the podcast, consider supporting:• https://buymeacoffee.com/tdzpodcast• Buy My Children's Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Tiffy-Spiffy-Mr-Michael-DAscenzo/dp/B0CKGVFP72 _____________________________________________________________ Steve's IMBD: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0768737/_____________________________________________________________The D'Ascenzo Zone: ◼︎Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCphk_rom3ggaW9qhFlIDrag?sub_confirmation=1◼︎ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7FMIr4zzMZMgQhd3SBUYqz?si=vg_AaJS5QdO6cCQffTIFYw◼︎Mike's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikedascenz/?hl=en◼︎TDZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedascenzozone/◼︎Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@thedascenzozone◼︎For Business Inquiries: dascenzozone@gmail.com____________________________________________________________TDZ Episode 029 - Steve Scaini#podcast #tdz #directing #degrassi #tv #film #director

  8. Apr 29

    You’ve Been Using Stoicism Wrong

    Stoicism. It’s not about being emotionless, detached, or suppressing how you feel. That version, sometimes called, “Broicism”, is everywhere online, but real Stoicism is about understanding your emotions, not letting them overtake you, and focusing on what you can control. In this episode, I break down:• The Stoic dichotomy of control (what you can vs can’t control)• Why your thoughts—not events—create most of your stress• How Stoicism connects to modern psychology (CBT, locus of control, reframing)• Powerful ideas from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus• Practical Stoic habits you can use dailyIf you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, overthinking, anger, comparison, or regret, this is could help. Stoicism won’t fix everything. But used correctly, it can offer useful perspective. _____________________________________________________________If you're enjoying the podcast, consider supporting:• https://buymeacoffee.com/tdzpodcast• Buy My Children's Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Tiffy-Spiffy-Mr... __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The D'Ascenzo Zone: ◼︎Subscribe:    / @thedascenzozone  ◼︎ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7FMIr4z...◼︎Mike's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikedascenz...◼︎TDZ Instagram:   / thedascenzozone  ◼︎Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@thedascenzozone◼︎For Business Inquiries: dascenzozone@gmail.com_____________________________________________________________ TDZ Episode 028 - Stoicism [Solocast]00:00#podcast #tdz

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About

What does it take to leave your comfort zone behind and become great? Welcome to The D'Ascenzo Zone. I explore creativity, the path to mastery and building a better life. I speak to creatives like actors, writers, directors, even a hypnotist about their craft and journey. I also sit down with entrepreneurs, doctors and other experts who express creativity in their own way. At its core, this show reverse-engineers greatness, so YOU can build it. Subscribe, and let's get into The Zone.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike D'Ascenzo
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Mike D'Ascenzo
  • Show Website
    The D'Ascenzo Zone