The Zicast

On Episode 135, I'm joined by Former Neuroscientist & Science Communicator: Jacinda Taggett! We discuss her decision to step away from a traditional PhD program to pursue science communication full-time, the personal family inspiration behind her memory research, how diet and exercise combat cognitive decline, the science of dopamine and the "inverted U" curve of focus, why memory functions like a...

On Episode 134, I'm joined by Freelance Content Producer & ESPN Production Assistant: Rain Hayles! We discuss how he founded Splash Productions at 17 to cover basketball across New England, shaping the visual branding and digital content for Yale Football as creative director during an Ivy League championship season, the high-pressure reality of cutting nightly highlights for SportsCenter on tight...

On Episode 133, I'm joined by the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Special Olympics Connecticut: Debbie Horne! We discuss her 20-year journey with the organization, transitioning from development to empowering over 60 athlete leaders as community ambassadors, the lifelong impact of Unified Sports and the Healthy Athletes initiative, what her early service work at Make-A-Wish Conn...

On Episode 132, I'm joined by PR Professional: Ava Graff! We discuss her experience landing a dream internship with WWE running digital content and sourcing influencers, what it was like working on the floor at Madison Square Garden for a live event, her journey pivoting away from a pre-law track to study public relations, how earning her real estate license at 18 shaped her client communication s...

On Episode 131, I'm joined by Sports Media Creative and Coach: Carlos Calo Rodríguez! We discuss his journey from growing up in Puerto Rico to working with their professional basketball league, his diverse background spanning sports writing, photography, and content creation, the unfiltered reality behind building a career in sports media, and his personal advice for young creators trying to f...

On Episode 130, I'm joined by Tech & AI Builder: Sam Bloch! We discuss his journey from starting out in desktop IT support to overseeing YouTube Trust & Safety operations across 800+ global moderators, how adopting a "heads-up" mindset and "getting on the balcony" unlocks career mobility, the realities of building AI tools to combat illicit content online, his experience founding Quinnipiac Univer...

On Episode 129, I'm joined by sports photographer: Sydney Bezelik! We discuss her journey from training as an elite gymnast to photographing courtside at NBA and WNBA games, the intricate technical work behind arena strobes and remote camera rigging, her time working inside the photo archives at NBA headquarters, and her advice for young creatives on building authentic industry relationships....

On Episode 128, I'm joined by Social Media and Communications Professional: Kaitlin La Du! We discuss the evolving tension between AI and human craft in creative marketing, leading a team of 30+ students on an award-winning NFL advertising campaign, her journey pitching and launching the first TikTok account for Snowmass Village, how shadowing global photographer David Yarrow reshaped her perspect...

On Episode 127, I'm joined by Veterinary Student: Nick Lofgren! We discuss his early hands-on clinical experience assisting with animal surgeries, the unique challenges involved in working with large equine patients, how he balances personal emotion and mental well-being in a demanding medical field, and his personal advice on believing in yourself through academic and professional obstacles....

On Episode 126 I'm joined by Television Producer & Content Creator: Lara Gedeon! We discuss her career producing for major networks like CBS, NBCUniversal, FOX, and Amazon Live, her secrets to building trust with people during crucial moments in their lives, her transition from working behind the camera to creating her own online pickleball content, and her best advice for breaking into me...

On Episode 125, I'm joined by Screenwriter and Actor: Dylan Cohen! We discuss his journey writing on the Netflix series YOU, how he navigated the fear and anxiety of moving across the country to Los Angeles, crucial storytelling lessons regarding character intention and emotional arcs, stepping in front of the camera with his sketch comedy channel, finding a creative community in LA, and his p...

On Episode 124, I’m joined by multimedia creator and aspiring journalist: Amari Smith! We discuss his experience organizing the first student-led TEDx event at Quinnipiac University, how saying “yes” to new opportunities transformed his college experience, the leadership lessons he learned from building a team around a shared vision, and how public speaking continues to shape his career in journal...

On Episode 123, I'm joined by Neuroscience Researcher: Tressa Pantalena! We discuss her journey from studying psychology to pursuing a neuroscience PhD, how modeling psychiatric disorders in the lab can help break mental health stigmas, her practical advice on rewiring the brain to overcome daily motivation hurdles, and the true realities of building a career in scientific research. Hope you enjoy...

On Episode 122, I’m joined by Costume Designer: Daniel Orlandi! We discuss his philosophy on how clothing helps actors truly inhabit a role, sharing incredible stories of how he matched Robert De Niro's intense attention to detail from the socks up and the exact moment a first fitting with Sandra Bullock completely reshaped a character. Daniel also opens up about what it takes to build trust w...

On Episode 121, I’m joined by Visual Artist: Zuzanna Tarnacki! We discuss her transition from a ten-year career as a child model to finding her true purpose behind the camera, the creative insights she gained from editing the short film Out of Focus, how interning at the Cannes Film Festival and traveling across Europe broadened her perspective, and her personal advice on pushing through mental bl...

On Episode 120, I’m joined by Grip & Electric Technician: Nick Gregg! We discuss his academic transition from the pre-med track to film production, the underrated technical importance of capturing high-quality sound and Foley on set , the hierarchy of communication within the Grip and Electric departments, and the incredible story of receiving life-changing advice from Steven Spielberg in an L...

On Episode 119, I’m joined by Aspiring Music Supervisor: Hallie Nissenbaum! We discuss how she found her rhythm in the film industry through music supervision, the logistical and budgetary side of licensing music for movies, the technical differences between narrative and documentary filmmaking, and more! Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksTechnical Directed by: Presley Schmitt The Zicast Logo D...

On Episode 118, I’m joined by filmmaker: Vladimir Maruska! We discuss his transition from musical theater to the technical world of filmmaking, founding Third Drawer Down Studios, the nostalgic process of choreographing Star Wars fan films using the Jedi Code , and the psychological buildup required to direct an effective horror film. We also dive into how his English background influences his scr...

On Episode 117, I’m joined by Journalist: Gabriella Vilas Boas! We discuss how different forms of journalism require unique styles of storytelling, the technical shift from print to the high-pressure broadcast newsroom at NBC Connecticut, the importance of maintaining accuracy over speed in the age of social media, and what it’s really like to coordinate breaking news from an assignment desk. Hope...

On Episode 115, I'm joined by Aspiring Cinematographer: Presley Schmitt! We discuss his unconventional path through the arts and the lessons learned during a pivotal move early in his academic career, the logistical challenges of directing photography for his senior capstone film, his experience working with real-world clients through student-run marketing and PR agencies, and his passionate p...

On Episode 115, I'm joined by PR Specialist: Emily Meyer! We discuss her journey from founding a childhood toy drive to appearing on Good Morning America, her leadership roles within student-run PR agencies at Quinnipiac University, how international travel has shaped her perspective on communication, and her personal advice on finding balance between professional ambition and personal well-be...

On Episode 114, I’m joined by Communications Professional: Jack Gatta! We discuss how improv comedy acting builds skills for other paths of life, the challenges of managing real-world clients in a student-run agency, and the benefits of being well-rounded in the production industry. Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksTechnical Directed by: Presley Schmitt The Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnTh...

On Episode 113, I’m joined by Quinnipiac University President: Marie Hardin! We discuss her journey to the presidency, the leadership lessons she’s learned along the way, and her advice for those looking to make an impact in their fields. Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan Ziaks Technical Directed by: Patrick Sorbero & Tyler Mignault The Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe Flynn The Zicast Intro Designe...

On Episode 112, I'm joined by Sports Communications Professional: Reiven Douglas! We discuss how her background as a college athlete fuels the empathy needed to navigate sports media, focusing on her dedication to being a vessel for athletes' stories through deep, observant preparation. Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by:...

On Episode 111, I'm joined by Film Editor: Antonio Shippee Lopez! We discuss his experiences traveling across Europe and immersing himself in different cultures, comparing the atmosphere of soccer matches to Formula 1 events, offering advice for anyone looking to travel abroad, and more! Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jo...