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On this episode of the Social Studies Show, we have Omari McNeil — Associate Director of Content Partnerships at Canvas Worldwide for Genesis Motors America. Omari works at the intersection of luxury, culture, and multi-platform storytelling — helping shape how Genesis shows up across television, digital, social, and experiential spaces. Working inside luxury advertising, Omari takes us through the ins and outs of that industry and what comes with that responsibility. Summary The video is an episode of the Social Studies Show featuring Omari McNeil, the associate director of content partnerships at Canvas Worldwide for Genesis Motors America. The main topics of the discussion include: Modern Luxury The conversation begins by discussing how modern luxury is defined not just by price or heritage, but by who defines taste and cultural relevance. Omari McNeil shares that modern luxury is less rigid and structured, encompassing more experience, and requires an understanding of intersectional experiences and diversity. He also notes that people are now defining luxury for themselves, leading to more expressions of luxury. Omari McNeil's Career Path McNeil, who is from Chicago, has lived in Seattle and Los Angeles (LA), and worked for various brands. His background includes interests in fashion, entertainment, and pop culture. His career journey involved working in PR, television production, and then digital marketing within the fashion industry. He worked for a company that made custom suits for RuPaul, an experience he described as "awesome" and "full custom". He was laid off during the pandemic but later found his current role in branded and content partnerships, which he sees as an intersection of his previous career paths, utilizing his experience with production and fashion. Partnerships and Collaborations Vogue World London and Winnie Harlow: McNeil discussed working with Vogue World London for Genesis, which involved fashion, art, music, culture, and dance, and highlighted London's artistic history. They chose model Winnie Harlow to globally represent the brand because she is noteworthy, compelling, and pioneering, embodying kindness and empathy. The partnership was seen as a merger indicative of Genesis's pioneering spirit. Sterling Shepard and Julianne Hough: McNeil highlighted the fun of showing different expressions of peace, joy, luxury, and excitement through collaborations. He worked with Sterling Shepard to show his life as a "super dad" who finds time for hobbies like golf. He also worked with Julianne Hough to translate her joyful and effervescent personality into showcasing her as an adventure seeker who enjoys simple moments like dancing in the car. Creative Collaborators: He mentioned working with visual artists Pax and Q, who create visual worlds using motion and FX graphics to make the vehicle appear to be flying. He also mentioned working with illustrator Monica Aanu. Professional Philosophy McNeil emphasizes the importance of keeping the creative process fun, collaborating, and being guided by data and research. He believes in being confident and presenting himself well in professional settings, and attributes his self-confidence to being instilled with it early on. Career Advice McNeil advises younger creatives to "trust the journey" and remain open to possibility. He also suggests trusting one's gut and understanding of self, while knowing that every move is made with thought. Collaboration Preferences McNeil seeks to collaborate with people who are energetic, positive, and team-oriented. He enjoys hearing people's passionate ideas and different points of view. Lessons from Influencers He has taken inspiration from the professional approaches of various celebrities he's worked with, including: Zendaya: Her ability to "turn that energy on" for long days and obligations. RuPaul: RuPaul's clarity of power and purposeful movements, which taught McNeil to operate with clarified statements. H.E.R.: Her kind, approachable, and human energy, even in high-stakes situations.

"Today on The Social Studies Show, we're digging into how culture, creativity, and commerce intersect inside experiential marketing, gaming, music, and action sports. Our guest, Bryan Reid, has spent 15+ years shaping global brand moments for names like Call of Duty, adidas, Burton, Xbox, Pretty Lights, Tony Hawk Pro Skater, and more. From DE&I work inside Activision to launching community-driven programs like Burton Culture Shifters, Bryan's career is rooted in building experiences that move culture forward.

Today on The Social Studies Show, we're exploring how culture, creativity, and commerce intersect to shape opportunity in music, sports, and advertising. Our guest, Olukoya Davis, has spent over 20 years building bridges between culture and commerce — helping artists, athletes, and brands tell stories that move people and markets. Currently, he is Senior Director of  West Coast Sales at Vevo, where he drives revenue and partnerships across CTV and digital platforms. Before that, he served as Vice President of Brand Partnerships at the NBPA, and held leadership roles at Roc Nation, Complex, NBC Sports, Disney, and Warner Bros. Beyond the boardroom, Olukoya helped grow Misha's Foods from a farmers market brand into major retail stores, and founded The Entersection Group — a strategy firm focused on authentic partnerships across culture, content, and community. He's also the Board President of 100 Black Men of Los Angeles, an MBA grad from Hampton University, and a proud dad — using mentorship and access to empower the next generation of creatives and leaders.

The Social Studies Show: Breaking Into Entertainment Photography In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of entertainment photography — not just the hype, but the how. I've been to the panels, scrolled through the think pieces, and watched the rise of online photo coaches. But what's often missing is a real-world breakdown of what entertainment photography actually takes — the different lanes (gallery, key art, press, behind-the-scenes), how to break in, how to stay in, and how to shoot work that ends up on billboards, posters, and national campaigns. To help us unpack it all, I've brought in three heavy-hitting guests who operate at the top of their game — and they're not speaking in theory. They've lived it. 🔹 Anissa Koh — Executive Director of Entertainment Photography at NBCUniversal - Overseeing campaigns for NBC, Bravo, Telemundo, and Peacock, Anissa is a gatekeeper to some of the industry's biggest IP. She shares exactly what she looks for in a photographer, how to get noticed, and how to navigate the world of network entertainment. 🔹 Art Streiber — Renowned Entertainment and Celebrity Photographer - With decades of experience and work featured in Vanity Fair, Esquire, and Entertainment Weekly, Art talks about the power of trust, adapting under pressure, and how to build a consistent creative voice that stands the test of time. 🔹 Peter Stark — Head of Print at AV Squad - As the creative lead behind campaigns for House of the Dragon, Jurassic World: Rebirth, and more, Peter offers an inside look at how photographers are selected for key art, what creative directors really want, and how to rise above the noise. Whether you're a working photographer trying to break into Hollywood, or just curious about how those massive visuals get made — this episode is your roadmap. 📌 Real insights. No fluff. Just the truth about what it takes to shoot for entertainment at the highest level. Subscribe now, hit the bell, and tune in.    #EntertainmentPhotography #StanEvans #SocialStudiesShow #ArtStreiber #AnissaKoh #PeterStark #PhotographyPodcast #BehindTheScenes #KeyArt #BillboardPhotography #CreativeCareers #AVSquad #NBCUniversal #HollywoodInsider #PhotographerTips #stanevansphoto

Germany Lancaster is an Art Director, creative strategist, and all-around idea machine. She's worked with some of the biggest brands—Toyota, Lululemon, Microsoft—bringing bold visuals and culture-forward storytelling to life. From ad campaigns to passion projects like Black Girl Beach Day, Germany's all about making creative work that actually means something. She's also big on mentorship, helping the next wave of creatives break into the industry without losing themselves in the process. Expect real talk, a little sass, and a whole lot of insight.

Welcome to The Social Studies Show, where we dive deep into the intersection of advertising, culture, and creative careers. Today's guest is Jason Brown—a visionary marketing executive, cultural curator, and champion for the next generation. With over two decades of experience at the crossroads of sports, media, entertainment, and technology, Jason has become an expert of innovation and cultural relevance. From leading marketing for iconic brands like Foot Locker, PepsiCo, and NTWRK, to guiding creators and legacy companies through his consultancy, JBRC Strategic, Jason's influence is undeniable. Recognized as a Visionary Marketer that Matters by The Wall Street Journal and named to the Forbes Entrepreneurial CMO list, he's a true trailblazer, community advocate, and driving force for progress. Join us as we explore Jason's remarkable journey and uncover his insights on how advertising shapes culture and inspires the future.

On this episode of the Social Studies Show! Today, we're thrilled to introduce David Mesfin - a visionary Creative Director at Innocean, specializing in automotive campaigns for Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia.  With over 15 years of expertise, he has orchestrated award-winning campaigns for major events like the Super Bowl, FIFA, and the NFL, launched global brands, and directed the acclaimed documentary Wade in the Water, a powerful exploration of Black surf culture that has earned worldwide recognition and distribution deals with Amazon, PBS and Comcast generating 163 million media impressions. From leading dynamic teams to collaborating with C-suite executives, David's career exemplifies innovation across digital, social, and experiential platforms."

This episode of the Social Studies Show offers a behind-the-scenes look with Photographer / Director - Stan Evans stanevansphoto.com and the real-world challenges of executing high-stakes billboard campaigns and video productions. In a field crowded with photo coaching programs and online resources, the show stands out by focusing on practical lessons and personal stories relatable to creative professionals. The episode covers key aspects like pre-production, where careful preparation and balancing brand guidelines with creativity are essential. It explores the sacrifices often required to meet tight deadlines, along with the importance of time management to efficiently collaborate with clients and bring their vision—and products—to life. Viewers also gain insights into building a capable crew, a crucial element in executing complex shoots, and learn about the post-production process that adds the final polish to the campaign. Ideal for both aspiring and established creatives. Keeping it real and relatable, the show provides valuable lessons on producing impactful visuals while navigating the challenges of a fast-paced and competitive industry.

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Social Studies show! Today, we are thrilled to introduce our special guest, Fred Sands IV, an exceptionally talented Art Director and Graphic Designer hailing from the vibrant city of New York. Fred Sands, IV has an impressive background, having served as the Design & Production Coordinator at PAPER Magazine, where he honed his creative skills to perfection. But Fred's creative journey doesn't stop there. His personal work is deeply rooted in nostalgia and culture, and his primary objective is to craft designs that seamlessly blend innovation with a sense of familiarity. With a remarkable decade of experience in the fields of freelance artistry and graphic design within the production and media industry, Fred boasts an impressive clientele that includes big names like Netflix, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Allyson Felix, MTV, Issa Rae Productions, SKYY® Vodka, and many more. His work isn't just about aesthetics; it's about pushing boundaries, revolutionizing digital storytelling, and forging partnerships with brands that aim to establish a groundbreaking voice through design. Fred Sands, IV's creative prowess has not gone unnoticed. He's a recipient of the Muse Creative Awards in 2021, winning the prestigious Best Magazine Cover Series in Advertising for his outstanding work. Additionally, he clinched the Platinum Winner title for his exceptional art direction and design in PAPER's Black History Month Covers, featuring prominent figures like Lena Waithe and the casts of Boomerang and Twenties on BET. So, get ready to dive deep into the world of art, design, and creativity as we explore the innovative and inspiring journey of Fred Sands, IV, on today's episode of the Social Studies show. WWW.SOCIALSTUDIESSHOW.COM SEE FRED'S WORK AT - http://ivourth.com/home

In this episode, we're thrilled to introduce you to Reggie Casagrande, an integrated marketing powerhouse whose expertise in brand development, strategy, and digital communications is nothing short of awe-inspiring. With over a decade of experience under her belt, Reggie has carved a unique path in the industry, leaving an indelible mark on culture, entertainment, and sports marketing. What sets Reggie apart is her incredible ability to breathe life into brands, effortlessly connecting them to the very essence of society. Her journey was sparked by a peripatetic childhood, growing up as a third culture kid in different corners of the world. This upbringing ignited her passion for cultural marketing, and she's been on a relentless mission ever since. Step into the early 2000s streets of NYC, where Reggie's professional odyssey began as a streetwear photographer and art director. Her lens captured the pulse of youth culture, and her collaborations with athletes and hip-hop artists laid the foundation for her exceptional journey. This pivotal experience nurtured her affinity for blending the dynamic worlds of youth culture, sports, and street style, creating a harmonious symphony that resonates with millions. But that's not all – Reggie's trailblazing efforts extend beyond the realm of imagination. She's been the driving force behind groundbreaking marketing programs, activating athletes and perfecting the digital activation model. Her portfolio boasts an impressive roster of industry giants, including Oakley, Nike, Adidas, Converse, Pepsi, McDonald's, Reebok, Blue Bottle, Electronic Arts, and Maserati. Prepare to be inspired as Reggie Casagrande takes us on a journey through her exceptional career, unveiling the secrets behind her unparalleled success in bridging brands and culture. From her roots as a streetwear maven to her current role as a cultural marketing luminary, Reggie's story is one of relentless determination, innovation, and a deep-rooted connection to the heartbeat of society. Stay tuned for an episode filled with insights, anecdotes, and a masterclass in integrated marketing wizardry. Join us on The Social Studies Show as we celebrate Reggie Casagrande's extraordinary contributions and delve into the dynamic world of cult ure, strategy, and brand brilliance.   Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to catch all the latest episodes of The Social Studies Show!

The second part of Amy V. Cooper's Social Studies Show dives into the details of the  photography business. She gives a window to the perspective of creatives looking to get their work out to brands as well as working through the ethics of finding the right clients and partners. Amy brings over 25 years of experience in the photography industry to the show. She presents compelling insights in an effort to share her knowledge as well as invigorate thought on how the creative industry can improve.   She has worked as a photographer agent, advertising agency art buyer, and entertainment & magazine photo editor. Amy has hired photographers to shoot campaigns for companies like UPS, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola. She's represented and created winning bids for artists with brands like Mary Kay, Netflix and Disney. She specializes in supporting artists to develop portfolios, branding, client lists, marketing and mindset strategies that honor their authentic creative journeys. In addition she is a contributor to the A Photo Editor blog and Ask Stern Rep.

On this episode of the Social Studies Show we have AMY V. Cooper. Amy is a photography consultant, creative business mentor, marketing strategist, thought partner, and mindset coach with over 25 years of experience in the photography industry. She has worked as a photographer agent, advertising agency art buyer, and entertainment & magazine photo editor. Amy has hired photographers to shoot campaigns for companies like UPS, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola. She's represented and created winning bids for artists with brands like Mary Kay, Netflix and Disney. She specializes in supporting artists to develop portfolios, branding, client lists, marketing and mindset strategies that honor their authentic creative journey. Amy is also certified in hypnosis and EFT tapping. She is a top rated teacher on Udemy and the InsightTimer app, and a contributor to the A Photo Editor blog and Ask Stern Rep.

On this episode of the Social Studies Show we have Samira Jackson - Account Executive at Art Machine in Hollywood, - Samira has made her way through the ranks working on award winning campaigns Like BlackKKKLansman with Gravillis and taking insights from Spike Lee.  On her rise in the entertainment industry she navigated the career path at Leroy and Rose, Cold Open and Ignition. Positivity and culture are prominent themes of her personality whether she is traveling abroad or mentoring the next generation.  Samira's episode is a deep dive of her navigation of the entertainment industry as a successful Black woman.  She moves with intent to create dynamic work, fostering meaningful relationships while constantly examining her non linear path to career growth in hopes of making the journey easier for those who follow in her footsteps.

On this episode of the Social Studies Show we have Toby Kaufmann - The Creative Director of the Facebook App. She is also the Creative Director of Pur·suit, a digital archive and deck of playing cards re-imagining Catherine Opie's seminal work from the 90's, in collaboration with artist Naima Green. In 2020, she curated a show of Naima's work at Fotografiska in NYC. Before she moved west for Facebook, Toby was the Executive Director of Photography for Refinery29 where she led the brand's photographic vision and expanded video storytelling. She also served as Vice President of The Society of Publication Designers, and co-chaired SPD Gala 53. She consults for Parsons The New School for Design and her work has been recognized by The Webby Awards, American Photography, Photo District News, American Society of Magazine Editors, and SPD. Toby has a BFA in Photography from Parsons.   http://www.tobykaufmann.com/

Keith Hodges' journey to fitness was an unusual one . He got his start by experimenting on himself and transitioned to working with weight loss clients. In this episode of the Social Studies Show he talks about the effects of advertising health within diverse communities and bringing that process to action through procedure in unique training methods. A graduate of Indiana University's School of Kinesiology. Specializing in Functional Strength and Conditioning, Loaded Movement Training, Hypertrophy, Nutrition, Corrective Exercise and Pre/Postnatal Fitness. As his love for fitness increased he began studying human movement which created an avenue for him to work with athletes as well. By combining those aspects, he not only helps individuals achieve their weight loss goals but helps them move better as well. He has worked with athletes on all levels including numerous NBA, NFL, MMA, and Pro Boxing athletes. Hodges has also worked with the Special Olympics, training athletes in advance of their respective competitions. As an advocate of healthy living, Hodges believes in creating healthier habits to achieve long-term health and wellness. He services individuals through education along with utilizing multiple aspects of fitness in order to reach the desired goal. This varied approach shocks the body, creating muscle confusion. He believes it's what helps keep his workouts both fun and challenging. https://www.mindinmusclecoaching.com