Advertise on podcast: Catalyst: A Creative Industries Podcast

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 16 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. We dive into the episode this week with a look at the exciting world of fashion, music, art, film and youth culture when Will McGlothlin speaks with Flora Medina, an associate editor on the social team at i-D, the British semiannual magazine. McGlothlin learns about Medina's career journey to i-D including her lost 1st year of college due to the global pandemic, the gap year that followed, right into a styling internship in Brooklyn, and then to a transfer to the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she ran the student fashion magazine as editor in chief. Medina then regals McGlothlin with the tale of how a single conversation with i-D's global editorial director during a campus visit turned into a job, and she moved to New York a week after graduating. Medina then walks through what a social editor actually does day to day, including the magazine's ability to shape and influence through a visual codex. They discuss the honest cost of a job that doesn't have 9 to 5 hours, since fashion shows run through weekends and social media never really closes. And finally land on advice for anyone trying to get into the industry. The final segment this week allows us to step outside for a moment and enjoy the view when Noah Rubin interviews the president of Hiram Ceja Landscaping, located in Northern California.  Jonathan, who works with his Father the founder of the terrain design company, traces how a lawn care operation became a full service company offering masonry, hardscaping, irrigation, lighting, and foundation work. The pair discuss the distinction of landscape design in relation to gardening, and how creativity, research and the science of soil all contribute to a thriving garden regardless of whether it is a Mediterranean oasis or an English tea garden or modern take on draught resistance. Jonathan explains how he and his father still draw every design by hand before a client signs off, and how their plans can completely change how people feel about their own land. They conclude the conversation by touching on how outdoor spaces can be a true emotional respite, reminiscing on how important gardens and outdoor spaces were for the human psyche during the pandemic. They close with Jonathan's hopes for the future of the company, and some of his own inspirations.

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 16 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. Carmen Lloyd kicks off our episode this week with her interview highlighting the intriguing world of film sound engineering. Carmen sits down to speak with Chloe Lim who is now working as a Sound Engineer. Chloe traces for the audience her path through film school and into sound engineering, and talks about moving to the United States from another country and the pressure that came with being here on her own. She gets into the learning curve of the job, the high-stakes assignments that land on her desk, and the tight deadlines that shape how she works. Collaboration runs through all of it, and Chloe explains how working alongside other people changes the finished product and how she keeps everything in balance when the clock is against her. To conclude this week, our second interview features Ally Schulz and Sativa Pate who get into the nitty gritty of what it is like as a celebrity stylist. Ally starts off by broaching the subject of how Sativa came to take on the position of a celebrity stylist. They candidly discuss the cost of taking on such a demanding position. The conversation turns to styling as storytelling, with Sativa breaking down how the looks on a press tour have to match the story a film is telling, drawing on current work for the Devil Wears Prada press tour. They conclude the interview with some sage advice from Sativa for those that are soon to graduate.

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 16 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. With our first interview this week we get to learn about the fascinating Shoshi Watanabe, a ceramicist, art Lecturer at USC Roski School of Art and Design, and co-creator of Zakka Bakka, an experimental retail store that operates as a gallery, workshop, and stage in Los Angeles. Watanabe is interviewed by Amanda Stein-Sigal. The pair discuss how Zakka Bakka got started, how the pandemic reshaped the way they run it, and what each creator and co-owner brings to the space and the community around it. The conversation turns to Watanabe's own ceramic practice and the overlap between science and art, including the struggle of process versus product when making something. They conclude by breaking down how connection and curiosity were really the things that built the community at Zakka Bakka, and what that means going forward. In this week's second interview Danna Rapoport sits down with Creative and Cultural Industries Faculty member, Rachel Du Mont-Greenlee, to talk about the connection between memory, identity, and the places around us. Du Mont-Greenlee explains how a background in city planning and anthropology led her to study cultural memory, and why cities, buildings, and ordinary everyday spaces end up holding so much meaning. The two discuss why certain places stay with us for life, how communities preserve their stories through physical space, and how changes like gentrification can reshape a neighborhood's identity and history. Rachel also traces her own academic path and what drew her to a field that lets her combine so many different interests in such a unique way.

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 16 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. For the first interview of this episode, Haylee Kawai sits down with Chelsie Omo, a small business owner turning lei-inspired designs into wearable art. Haylee gets Chelsie to open up about how she strives to balance a daytime job, family life, and a growing brand, and about the early spark that turned a simple idea into a business. Chelsie walks us through her creative process from first concept to finished design and explains the intention behind each piece. Chelsie discusses how her work draws on her upbringing and her love for the lāhui, explaining how identity is stitched into the brand itself rather than added on top of it. Chelsie closes the interview with advice for other creatives thinking about starting something of their own, with plenty to say about originality and growth. The final segment this week features an interview conducted by Carmen Hoang who speaks with Alex Lai, rhythm guitarist for the rock band The Cue. The pair discuss Alex's journey back to music after rooming with a childhood friend and Alex then traces the path that he took from garage jam sessions to local venues, and creatively moving from covers to original songs. They touch on navigating the rock scene as an Asian American artist, and what it took to slowly win his parents' support for a career in music. They conclude this week's episode with a look at the concepts of identity, resilience, in your work, and reclaiming something he had set down years earlier.

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 16 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. To start off our episode this week Marisa Fujimoto, speaks with Brandon Dinh about his post-graduation work as a production assistant at Create Advertising Group. In addition, Brandon and Marisa discuss how he also serves as the main editor for Ashley and Amber Alexander's YouTube channel and their podcast, Extra Dynamic with Ur Mom Ashley. They talk candidly about Brandon's post-grad confusion and what it feels like to start over after college. They also touch on how his time at Chapman shaped the career he is building now. The interview wraps as the pair talk over what drives Brandon creatively, and he dispenses some sage advice on the importance of taking care of yourself so as not to let a job or career become all consuming. Next Harindee Perera talks with Jessica Van Oyen, a creative director working in Southern California with nearly a decade in the industry and past work for companies including Disney and OCTA. Jessica traces her path into creative work and the unexpected opportunities that shaped it, making a strong case for curiosity as a career strategy. She offers practical guidance for students and emerging professionals, especially around building an intentional portfolio that shows both technical skill and a specific personal style rather than a little bit of everything. She also discusses what inspires her process, drawing on projects with cities and businesses across the region. Honest about how competitive the field is, Jessica still lands on encouragement, with advice about staying adaptable and finding your own voice while you build a career.

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 16 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. Back with a new and exciting look at working within the creative sector, Catalyst starts our season with two exciting interviews. First up is Kaitlyn Lee who sat down to interview Dany Gaitan a PR Manager for Disney Consumer Products. Dany started working with the company in 2009 at Disneyland, then moved through special events and public affairs before landing in consumer products. He talks about his pivot from pre-law to public relations while at Chapman, walks through what a typical workday looks like, and explains how Walt Disney Studios and Disney Experiences differ as places to work. Dany also gets into a few of his favorite PR campaigns, including April Pools Day, the annual Deadpool celebration and a Fantastic Four product launch in New York that put him up overnight at the TWA Hotel. The interview closes with Gaitan discussing what it takes to last in PR, emphasizing communication with your superiors and the value of building a real network. Closing our first episode of the season is an interview with Robbie Brenner, President of Mattel Studios and Chief Content Officer, who spoke with Senior Izze Sanor about career growth, creativity, and the power of storytelling.  The pair discuss how Robbie studied drama at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts before realizing she would rather shape stories from behind the scenes than perform them, and she reflects on the early jobs and unexpected breaks that turned her into a producer. Much of their conversation centers on Barbie and the challenge of turning one of the most recognizable brands in the world into a film with real meaning and cultural weight. Robbie explains how she balances brand expectations against creative freedom and why she believes a story needs urgency and purpose to work. They wrap their conversation with Brenner sharing how her definition of success has shifted over time, from Oscar nominations to something closer to legacy.

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 15 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. To begin the last episode of the season Mariana Fernandez leads us through a fun and informative conversation with published writer and editor, and English Instructor at Irvine Valley College, Lisa Alvarez. The pair discuss Lisa's newly published short story collection Some Final Beauty and Other Stories, and she opens up about what first drew her to advocacy work. They also dig into the short stories themselves, exploring how each one builds toward characters Lisa had always wanted to see represented in print. They close the conversation by reflecting on the current wave of ethnic-centric literature being published today and what she believes makes her own collection distinct within that landscape. And as a season finale, we have an interview with Mike Gravagno the Senior Content Marketing Specialist at Workiva. Mike talks to Sydney Snider about his life and career trajectory. They discuss his roles as a content marketing manager, podcast host, and editor and explore how he first found his way into the world of podcasting. Mike reflects on the early days of the medium, when podcasting was still a niche pursuit, and walks through how dramatically the industry has shifted since then in terms of production standards, audience expectations, and the growing number of creators entering the space. The conversation expands into the creative process behind editing, the skills required to do it well, and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into shaping a compelling show. They close out the episode with the podcasts Mike loves listening to and the advice he would give anyone looking to start a show or find their footing in an industry that keeps evolving.

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 15 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. We begin this week with Margarette Quiambao sits down with Bekah Phillips, Director of Social Media and Graphic Design at the Frida Cinema in Santa Ana. Together they trace Bekah's path from a senior-year internship at the theater to how she grew into a leadership role. They walk through what her position entails from day-to-day content decisions to the larger creative vision behind the Frida's social presence. Bekah offers an inside look at what it takes to build and maintain a brand that reflects a genuinely independent, community-rooted institution. Listen along as Bekah opens up about how now her aesthetic sensibilities inform the visual identity of Orange County's only arthouse cinema. Equal parts practical and personal, this conversation is a compelling portrait of what creative leadership looks like at the intersection of film culture and digital communication. We wrap the episode this week focusing on Sean Cleary, Chief Operating Officer of Phillips Auction, who sat down for an interview with Kiera Freeman to talk about what it is like to work at one of the world's leading auction houses. Their fascinating conversation covers prehistoric dinosaur bones; Picasso canvases; and duct-taped bananas. Sean pulls back the curtain on how an auction actually works, from sourcing and valuing artwork to choreographing a live sale, and offers a frank look at the operational complexity most people never see. Their conversation highlights the logistical precision required to move multimillion-dollar pieces across the globe, how technology is reshaping the auction world, and what it means to work at the intersection of commerce, culture, and creativity. For anyone who has ever wondered what happens before the gavel falls, this episode has the answer.

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 15 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. For our first interview this week we are joined by Erik Lund who hosts a fascinating interview with Anton Poriazov, a Bulgarian actor and bodybuilder whose credits span both Bulgarian and international feature films. Anton joins fresh from The Running Man gala in London and with upcoming projects including Nightingale and the TV series Torque on the horizon, making for a conversation that arrives at exactly the right moment in his career. The pair dig into what it actually looks like to balance so many creative industries at once, exploring how each one feeds and shapes the others in a cycle that seems to have no off switch. Anton's profile as a well-known public figure in Bulgaria also opens up a fascinating thread about celebrity in smaller national markets, and how that context breeds a humility and gratitude that stands out in any room. Concluding the episode this week Tatum Behrens interviews Hannah Pierce, an Executive Assistant at Hybe America, the diversified entertainment and media company at the intersection of music, film, television, technology, and culture. They discuss Hannah's career prior to landing the position at Hybe, and get into some candid talk about the unglamorous realities behind the spotlight. Hannah challenges the glossy narratives that define Hollywood's public image and makes a compelling case that the most essential work in entertainment is the work no one ever sees.

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 15 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. Lizbeth Alvarez, Corporate Communications Manager at Warner Music Group, starts us off today when she sits down to speak with Madeline White. Lizbeth traces her career path from broadcast journalism student to PR professional, crediting a pivotal narrative writing class with sparking her love of storytelling and brand communication, and reflecting on the mentors who shaped her along the way. Lizbeth opens up about the fast-paced, ever-changing environment of working in entertainment and one of her proudest professional moments: helping emerging country music songwriters gain the recognition they deserve. Looking ahead, she predicts that nostalgia, authenticity, and technology will drive the next wave of audience engagement, and she closes with advice for aspiring PR professionals that says it all: market yourself the same way you have practiced marketing others. Mia Reyes helps to conclude our episode via her conversation with Sophie Roth. Sophie, who is an Assistant to the Chairman and CEO at a major global sports, music, and entertainment marketing and talent agency shares the projects that have excited her most. She and Mia discuss the skills that define success in the role, and Sophie also speaks directly to students who feel lost in their post-grad search, reminding them that everyone's timeline looks different and that her own path involved a healthy dose of luck.

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 15 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. Today's episode begins with a fascinating conversation between Angela Jara and her guest Dorothy Lucey. Lucey is a veteran television broadcaster and Chapman University lecturer whose career spans decades in the Los Angeles market. The pair discuss Dorothy's journey from a small station in Scranton, Pennsylvania to working in the second-largest television market in the country. She reflects on the excitement of entertainment reporting, the realities of breaking into a fiercely competitive industry, and what she has taken away from the many memorable moments her career has brought her. Drawing on her experience both on-air and in the classroom, Dorothy offers a candid perspective on navigating different markets, seizing opportunities, and the role that hard work (and a little luck) play in a long broadcasting career. Rounding out our episode today Michaela Golik has the pleasure of speaking with Vivienne Ayres. Ayres works as a Social Media Assistant for Reese's Book Club at Hello Sunshine, a Los Angeles-based media company founded by Reese Witherspoon & Seth Rodsky in 2016. Vivienne reflects on her transition from college to a professional environment, explaining how Chapman's hands-on curriculum and internship experiences prepared her for the demands of a high-profile creative company. She offers a glimpse into a typical day at Hello Sunshine, and walks through how Reese's Book Club uses social media to spotlight up-and-coming female authors and build an engaged reading community. Beyond her current role, Vivienne speaks to her continued passion for documentary filmmaking, how she balances personal projects with professional life, and where she hopes her career will take her, closing with honest advice: network genuinely, and trust the process.

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 15 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. Our season starts off with a real kick when Jayne Towers sits down with Cal Hunter, a Digital Media professional with the NFL, to explore what happens when creativity, culture, and communication converge on one of the world's most recognizable stages. Cal shares how an unconventional background in media and culture shaped his path to the league, offering an honest look at what it actually takes to build a career at the intersection of storytelling and strategy. Jayne and Cal also examine the cultural forces that quietly shape the league's creative direction and keep its digital team moving. Their conversation digs into how fan engagement is built not through highlights alone, but through the kind of authentic storytelling that turns casual viewers into loyal communities. Cal closes with grounded, practical advice for students eyeing careers in media, marketing, and entertainment. Concluding our first episode of the season, Producer and Social Media Manager for Will & Rusty's Playdate Podcast at Almost Friday Media, Andrew Nelson, speaks with Tessa Weir about Nelson's unique career trajectory. They discuss the path that led Andrew from college graduation to running a show almost entirely on his own. Andrew reflects candidly on the stops that shaped him: cutting his teeth under David Dobrik's company, transitioning to the Los Angeles Chargers, grinding through a freelance stretch as a photographer and editor, and ultimately landing at the tight-knit startup. The pair dig into the unglamorous realities behind the mic and what it actually means to shepherd two two-hour episodes from record to release every single week. For students hungry to break into content creation and social media Andrew offers advice that lands with the credibility of someone who hasn't been out of their shoes all that long—and hasn't forgotten what it felt like to be in them.

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 14 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. Our season finale starts with Taylor Green who speaks with Olivia Halton co-founder of 760skin, a clean, vegan skincare brand. The pair explore how creativity shapes both of their lives and how persistence and innovation guided Olivia through moments of uncertainty. They discuss how Olivia turned a personal passion into a thriving company, and her decision to pursue entrepreneurship over a traditional 9-to-5 path and revealing the inspiration behind the name 760skin. She opens up about the challenges and triumphs of building a business from the ground up, offering valuable insights into creativity, branding, and resilience. Wrapping up our episode, and our season, Kaylee Chapman brings us an interview with San Francisco tattoo artist Lo Gwyn. Chapman and Gwyn take an in-depth look at the artistry, emotion, and individuality that define the tattoo industry. Lo shares how she forged her path through a nontraditional route, emphasizing the role of networking, self-motivation, and creative risk-taking in shaping her career. She offers candid advice for aspiring artists about finding sustainability and success outside conventional apprenticeships, while staying true to their vision. Lo reveals her creative process, the emotions that drive her work, and how she navigates growing trends in the industry. She also addresses misconceptions about tattooing and the lack of recognition it often receives as fine art—responding with thoughtful, passionate insight.

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 14 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. On today's episode we begin with Daylen Motamed who sits down with Amalia Serrano to discuss the world of graphic design. Amalia starts the interview with her lifelong love of creating art, and how she chose graphic design as her career path.  Their conversation touches on topics that are relevant to creatives working in CCI such as how to handle rejection, navigating creative freedom, strategies for dealing with art fatigue and something that is particularly relevant in today's world, conquering AI fear. This candid and inspiring conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own relationship with creativity and change. The episode concludes with Vendela Smedeby and her interview with photographer Jena Hess. To begin Jena shares how her passion began at a young age, growing up surrounded by cameras and fascinated by capturing the world around her. They discuss how A spontaneous opportunity to work alongside professional photographers inspired her to turn photography into a career, and how she now runs a thriving personal business that allows her to offer clients the same meaningful, personal experience she once had. The pair also cover how Jena's creative style has evolved, leaning toward authenticity and cinematic storytelling. She and Vendela discuss the pressures of sustaining creativity, the reality of burnout, and the ongoing process of growth that all artists experience.

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 14 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. Anna DiPasquale begins the podcast this week with her interview of Colleen Piechota, the Director of Human Resources at VEA Newport Beach, a stunning Marriott International resort and spa located right on the coast. Colleen shares her remarkable journey into the hospitality industry, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how she worked her way up to a leadership role in HR. Together, they discuss what a day in the life of an HR Director looks like—from shaping workplace culture and overseeing employee relations to handling training, hiring, and compliance in an ever-evolving industry. Colleen reflects on the skills and mindset needed to build strong, supportive teams and shares thoughtful insights on how the role of HR continues to evolve in today's business landscape. They conclude the episode with Colleen's take on the most underrated skills in HR and what truly defines great leadership. In the second segment Lily Bradbury sits down with John Bradbury, Managing Director of Global Issues and Crisis Management at Ketchum Inc. in New York City, a PR & Marketing Communications Consulting firm. Together, they dive into John's extensive experience in strategic communications and public relations, exploring how he helps corporate clients protect and enhance their reputations in high-pressure situations. John discusses the analytical and creative sides of crisis management, emphasizing how tailored communication strategies can engage diverse audiences while maintaining trust and transparency. John also reflects on his academic journey, beginning with his political science background, which gave him a strong foundation in stakeholder engagement and professional dialogue. He explains the differences between working with corporations versus individuals, highlighting his preference for the objectivity and collaboration found in corporate partnerships. Throughout the conversation, John offers valuable advice for students interested in communications and PR—stressing the importance of networking, internships, and the human connections that lie at the heart of the industry.