The Zicast

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...

On Episode 110, I'm joined by Sports Reporter: Grace Hand! We discuss her journey covering sports from the college level to professional leagues across the country, navigating sideline reporting, sports photography, and broadcasting while focusing on telling the story of the game through thoughtful sports journalism. Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnTh...

On Episode 109, I'm joined by Medical Researcher: Kayleigh Meehan! We discuss what genomic research is and how it can save lives, how studying abroad in Ireland transformed her studies, her advice for anyone ready to step outside their comfort zone, and more! Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Compo...

On Episode 108, I'm joined by Filmmaker: Aidan Oberman! We discuss his formative experience living in Japan and growing up in a military family, the ups and downs of being a film student and navigating post-grad life, why the horror genre resonates with so many people, and more! Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksTechnical Directed by: Aidan Oberman The Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe...

On Episode 107, I'm joined by Videographer: Will Mella! We discuss the documentary he created covering the season of the prep school football team his father coaches, highlighting its impact, and working as a videographer for various sports. Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksTechnical Directed by: Aidan Oberman The Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The...

On Episode 106, I'm joined by Political Science Student: Sophia Wotman! We discuss her internship with a US senator in Congress, editing and shaping stories for Brown’s student newspaper, and how being in Brown’s jazz band influenced her growth and creativity. Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Comp...

On Episode 105, I'm joined by Therapist & Realtor: Rylee Massoni! We discuss We discuss how both of her roles shape the way she works with people, her advice for homebuyers, what she’s learned through therapy, and more! Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast on: Inst...

On Episode 104, I'm joined by Film Producer: Charlie Norton! We discuss navigating the independent and commercial film worlds, balancing art and business, collaborating with notable filmmakers at marquee festivals, and more! Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast...

On Episode 103, I'm joined by Marketer: Prenny Yaghobi! We discuss her work in nonprofits to support filmmakers, what interests her about the business side of entertainment, her experience growing up in Los Angeles, and more! Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast on...

On Episode 102, I'm joined by Journalist: Lily Cook! We discuss how building genuine connections leads to stronger journalism, Lily’s time doing press work at the Sundance Film Festival, her experience growing up in California while attending college in Utah, and more! Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksAudio Technician: Sean Valutkevich The Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro...

On Episode 101, I'm joined by Content Creator: Zara Kiiwii! We discuss what led her to becoming a content creator, how she’s adapted across different niches, the best ways to reach and build an audience, advice for creators, and more! Hope you enjoy! Audio Technician: Sean Valutkevich The Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe Flynn The Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango Thumbnail Designed by: Patri...

On Episode 100, Anthony Aicardi & Liam Chen step-in to interview our usual host: Ryan Ziaks! We discuss why he started The Zicast, his journey in film and podcasting that led him to working in Los Angeles, and how he uses his platform to spread positivity. Hope you enjoy! Technical Directed by: Liam Chen The Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe Flynn The Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango Thumbnai...

On Episode 99, I'm joined by Film Professors: Ashley Brandon & Dennis Höhne! We discuss advice to future filmmakers, what it takes to be successful in the current media landscape, industry tips and tricks, and more! Hope you enjoy! Technical Directed by: Liam Chen The Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zic...