Advertise on podcast: Weighing in on the Way In with Maureen Aladin

Today we're Weighing In on Erica A. Hart's Way In w/ Maureen Aladin. Casting directors decide who gets in the room. Erica A. Hart has spent her career being that person.Erica is an Artios Award-winning casting director with credits on Black Mirror and A Black Lady Sketch Show. She started at NYU and built her way into one of the most quietly powerful jobs in the industry - the one that shapes who you actually see on screen.In this episode, we explore:• Getting Noticed: How to truly get on a top casting director’s radar (hint: it’s not what you think).• The Casting Room: What happens behind closed doors and how Erica helps actors feel comfortable enough to do their best work.• Industry Evolution: How technology and self-tapes have changed the game, and why "inclusion is a choice."• Career Resilience: Erica’s journey through development deals, winning awards, and the importance of "harmony" over balance.Whether you're an actor looking for your big break or a creator interested in the chemistry of casting - this episode is for you!

She moved to LA with no car, no job, and a couch to sleep on. Ten years an assistant later, Erin Smithey became a Vice President of Television under an overall deal at 20th Television/Disney.Nobody hands you a map to a career in television. Erin built hers the hard way, and in this episode she pulls back the curtain on how the business actually works from the inside.In this episode, Erin breaks down:• What a career in TV development actually looks like day to day• How shows really get pitched and sold to studios and networks• Why the climb from PA to executive is almost never a straight line• The salary ranges nobody talks about, and the spreadsheet that changed what she asked for• How to negotiate like you mean it, and why women can't take pennies for their worth• The imposter syndrome that followed her all the way to VP• The offhand line from a coworker that finally made her make the jumpIf you want to understand the real way in, not the highlight reel, this one is for you.You've told yourself "one day" about something. What's the one you keep putting off? Tell me in the comments.Subscribe so you don't miss the next episode.

In this episode we're weighing in on Sandra Lena's way in! Sandra Lena has worked on some of the most talked-about shows in television, including The White Lotus, Daisy Jones & The Six, and Dopesick. But her journey didn’t start in Hollywood—it began in Spain, where she first fell in love with storytelling through editing.In this episode of Weighing In on the Way In, Sandra opens up about:*Moving across countries to pursue a career in entertainment*Breaking into the post-production world and working on high-profile projects*Balancing a fast-paced career with motherhood*How staying curious and saying “yes” to opportunities shaped her pathSandra’s story is proof that passion, resilience, and adaptability can take you far.

In this episode we're weighing in on Yazmin Ramos' way in! Being bold and brave has taken Yazmin Ramos to places she never imagined. From working with BET, The Wendy Williams Show, and Essence Communications to producing iconic cultural events like AfroPunk and The Essence Festival, she has built an inspiring career in media and production. Yazmin shares how she carved her own path, why networking is key, and the lessons she learned as a producer. Whether you're an aspiring creative, producer, or entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with gems.

In this episode we're weighing in on Toni P.'s way in! We're diving deep with powerhouse Post Production Story/Archival Producer Toni P, founder of Queens of Production. From her early days as an executive assistant at Pilgrim Studios to producing standout content for MAX, BET, and Macro/Roku, Toni shares the raw truths behind navigating Hollywood, finding her lane in post, and creating a production hub for women and creatives of color. If you've ever wondered how to carve your space in this ever-evolving industry, this one’s for you.

In this episode we're weighing in on Chazeen Pemberton's way in! CHAZEEN is a New York-based creative best known for her contributions to broadcast television and digital media. Collaborating with Music Choice, Complex, BET, and Samsung as a producer, speaker and host has positioned her to work on projects featuring the likes of Cardi B., DJ Khaled, Selena Gomez, Lecrae, Carrie Underwood, J Balvin and much more. Often known in social circles for her rich resourcefulness and easygoing insights, Chazeen recently developed CHAZ CHATS - a quarterly event series where she and guest panelists discuss fun facts on professionalism, fitness and faith from the POV of a Millennial mindset.

In this episode we're weighing in on Brittany Ortiz's way in! From starting out as Angie Martinez's personal assistant to rising up as her producer on one of the hottest podcasts - In Real Life, Brittany Oritz is stepping into herself as a powerhouse producer and it's glaringly apparent that she is on her way to claiming the same title as a Director in the very near future.

On this episode of the podcast, we're weighing in on Diamonde Williamson's way in. Diamonde Williamson is Founder and CEO of third and wonder production house, the go-to media and production company for black women and black culture – specializing in branded, documentary, and unscripted formats. She's created hundreds of videos for notable clientele like: The Oprah Winfrey Network, Google, Warner Bros., Essence, and more. The multi-hyphenate thrives in her ability to tell authentic, innovative, and quality visual stories. Diamonde’s mastery and passion is evident through her diverse professional experiences and the content she creates, like Webby Honoree competition series, Biz Bestie Showdown, original documentary, Best Friends Not Forever, and the highly praised podcast Creative Women Wanted. Her continued goal is to build community and produce entertaining, empowering and relatable art for Black women. Listen to this podcast here or anywhere you stream audio. Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Amazon Music If you enjoyed this episode, throw some love our way – hit that like button, subscribe, drop a comment, and share the goodness. Yeah, it's a bunch of clicks, but trust me, it's the secret to helping me cook this sauce. Thank you! Find me and Diamonde on the gram by following: https://www.instagram.com/twelve18media https://www.instagram.com/therealdiamonde

On this episode of the podcast, we're weighing in on Kanyessa McMahon's way in. Kanyessa McMahon is a powerhouse! Armed with a BA from Pratt Institute and dual graduate degrees from New School in Media Studies and Media Management, she's a triple threat in the ever-changing world of mass media. With 12+ years of experience, she's left an indelible mark working globally with top athletes and entertainers. Kanyessa has shaped the voices of leading brands creating authentic content and uber successful marketing campaigns for the likes of Nike (one of her first clients with her production company "Suddenly There"), Adidas, (Red), NFL, MTV & more. She's produced and directed 450 digital films and collaborated with giants like i am OTHER, Estee Lauder, Spotify, Ford, and Disney. The spotlight found her early on – in her 20s, when she and her production company took center stage on the cover of Black Enterprise, an iconic moment in her remarkable journey. Listen to this podcast here or anywhere you stream audio. Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Amazon Music If you enjoyed this episode, throw some love our way – hit that like button, subscribe, drop a comment, and share the goodness. Yeah, it's a bunch of clicks, but trust me, it's the secret to helping me cook this sauce. Thank you!

Today we're weighing in on Fab Roc's way in. Fab Roc is a creative powerhouse with a diverse skill set. As a seasoned creative director, writer/producer, DJ and Reiki, Fab Roc brings over 5 years of expertise in directing marketing and ad campaigns, developing compelling video content, and crafting promotional campaigns, movie, and television trailers.Her passion lies in storytelling through a unique, authentic, and eye-catching lens. Fab Roc's portfolio boasts notable projects, including contributions to BETs Twenties, Travel & Noire's Bougie & Abroad, 21ninety's Looking for a Sign & Asking for a Friend, Netflix's Strong Black Lead, The Block is Hot with Hashtag Booked, and Blavity's A week in My Wash & Go. If you're enjoying this episode, please hit that like button, subscribe, comment and share. I know... it's a lot but it really helps - so THANK YOU! Listen to this podcast here and everywhere you stream audio. Apple Spotify Watch on youtube.com/twelve18media Show some love on the gram by following: https://www.instagram.com/twelve18media https://www.instagram.com/fab_roc_

DeMira Pierre is an accomplished producer and executive who has worked with a variety of media outlets such as BET Networks, Buzzfeed, iheartMedia and at YouTube as the Creative Executive of Racial Justice & Impact. In this first episode of Season 2 of Weighing In On the Way In w/ Maureen Aladin, DeMira Pierre discusses being a pioneer in the world of podcasting, using Twitter to reach out to movers and shakers in the industry, applying to jobs she did not "qualify for on paper," getting past Google bots and landing her first 6 figure job (with all the perks) at YouTube. She also delves into how her faith plays an important role in trusting the path she knows is destined for greatness. Subscribe, Like, Comment, Share and Thank You for supporting the pod! Listen to this podcast here and everywhere you stream audio. Apple Spotify Want to put a name to the faces, watch this podcast on YouTube at youtube.com/twelve18media Show some love on the gram by following: https://www.instagram.com/twelve18media https://www.instagram.com/itsme_ddp/

2a thoughts in this new year. Change, Distractions and finding that quiet space.

Stacey Carr currently serves as the Senior Director of Unscripted Development at Nickelodeon.  Alongside her team, she develops and oversees a variety of development projects, including specials and series like Top Elf.  Prior to Nickelodeon, Ms. Carr served as Director of Original Unscripted Development at Endemol Shine North America, developing various projects for broadcast, streamers, and syndication.  Ms. Carr also spent 4 years working in Programming and Development for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.  She played an integral role in the development of several original series including Ready to Love, Mind Your Business with Mahisha, Released, and OWN Tonight! In her early career, Ms. Carr also worked for the prolific production company, A. Smith & Company, as well as in the Alternative department at Cartoon Network. In addition to her work in the industry, Ms. Carr is a board member for HollywoodWEST, a networking group that supports rising women executives, and Black & Unscripted, a group for Black professionals working in various roles within the Unscripted genre. The path is never straight and the pursuit is sometimes rocky, but the passion is always powerfully present. #weighinginonthewayin

Tina Shakiyah Powell is a director, producer, songwriter, and screenwriter. She is known as a compelling storyteller, who is passionate about stories that are relatable, truthful, and fearless.  At the age of 10 years old, she started writing her first book which turned into a monologue of her very first play at BRAVA THEATER FOR WOMEN in San Francisco, CA. Tina decided to pursue her passions with acting and attended Clark Atlanta University. She self-studied and self-taught herself filmmaking techniques where she had the opportunity to win multiple film festival awards on campus. By her senior year in 2013, Tina and Donte Rose (her best friend) started a #1 TV show in Atlanta called “College Boyfriends.” From 2013-2015, the series had about 2 Million viewers and 15k followers. Her company Writestyle Production is creating “ It’s Something About Life,” which is a feature from the series College Boyfriends. The path is never straight and the pursuit is sometimes rocky, but the passion is powerfully present. #weighinginonthewayin

Selena Hill is an award-winning writer, on-air personality, public speaker,  event host, and content creator with a passion for empowering  marginalized communities. She currently works as the Digital Editor for  Black Enterprise, where she covers entrepreneurship, race, culture, and  politics. She also conducts on-camera interviews with the likes of Wendy  Williams, Spike Lee, and Stacey Abrams.  Selena received The New York Association of Black Journalists Award for Best Blog Commentary in 2016 and 2017.  She is the creator and host of "Be Heard Talk” and won a New York Press Club Award in 2016. Selena is also the host of Angela Simmons’ “Pressure Makes Diamonds” live event  series, which empowers disenfranchised young women. Read the articles mentioned in this podcast here: Nicki Minaj’s Anaconda Failure & Influencers Help Change the World's View of Haiti The path is never straight and the pursuit is sometimes rocky, but the passion is powerfully present. #weighinginonthewayin