The Zicast

00:38:28

Episode 132: Ava Graff—How Interning At WWE Sparked...

The Zicast ·

2026/10/02

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 skills, and her personal advice for overcoming imposter syndrome and building meaningful connections

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00:33:50

Episode 131: Carlos Calo Rodríguez—Balancing Content...

The Zicast ·

2026/09/25

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 find their footing in the industry.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe

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00:59:05

Episode 130: Sam Bloch—Scaling Big Tech Safety...

The Zicast ·

2026/09/18

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 University's "Level Up" program at Google Los Angeles, and his actionable framework for leveraging LinkedIn

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00:47:29

Episode 129: Sydney Bezelik—Translating an Athlete’s...

The Zicast ·

2026/09/11

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. Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by:

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01:09:42

Episode 128: Kaitlin La Du—Why The Human Touch Still...

The Zicast ·

2026/09/04

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 perspective on the meticulous effort required to create standout content, and her personal advice on networking

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00:41:07

Episode 127: Nick Lofgren—Embracing The Lifelong...

The Zicast ·

2026/08/28

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.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by:

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00:41:54

Episode 126: Lara Gedeon—Applying TV Producing...

The Zicast ·

2026/08/21

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 media and writing your own story. Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe

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00:57:16

Episode 125: Dylan Cohen—Why Creative People...

The Zicast ·

2026/08/14

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 personal advice for aspiring writers and performers.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo

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00:45:42

Episode 124: Amari Smith—Finding Your Voice Through...

The Zicast ·

2026/08/07

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 journalism. Amari also shares advice on embracing uncertainty, finding purpose through your passions, and why

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00:44:25

Episode 123: Tressa Pantalena—Breaking Mental Health...

The Zicast ·

2026/06/12

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!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango

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00:33:49

Episode 122: Daniel Orlandi—Collaborating With...

The Zicast ·

2026/06/05

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 with legendary directors like Ron Howard, James Mangold, and Joel Schumacher, while reflecting on how he

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00:45:01

Episode 121: Zuzanna Tarnacki—Embracing Spontaneity...

The Zicast ·

2026/05/29

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 blocks and welcoming failure as a stepping stone to success.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksTechnical

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00:46:37

Episode 120: Nick Gregg—Understanding Why Sound Is...

The Zicast ·

2026/05/22

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 LA parking garage.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksTechnical Directed by: Presley Schmitt, Jack Gatta,

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00:30:43

Episode 119: Hallie Nissenbaum—Finding Her Rhythm In...

The Zicast ·

2026/05/15

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 Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean

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00:54:35

Episode 118: Vladimir Maruska—Building a Creative...

The Zicast ·

2026/05/08

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 screenwriting and his core mission to use film as a tool for empathy and community growth.Hope you

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00:33:31

Episode 117: Gabriella Vilas Boas—Adapting Stories To...

The Zicast ·

2026/05/01

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 you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksTechnical Directed by: Presley Schmitt The Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe

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00:54:39

Episode 115: Presley Schmitt—Controlling The Chaos Of...

The Zicast ·

2026/04/24

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 perspective on the importance of physical media and visual clarity in modern storytelling.Hope you

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00:44:51

Episode 115: Emily Meyer—How Running A Childhood Toy...

The Zicast ·

2026/04/17

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-being.Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed

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00:46:49

Episode 114: Jack Gatta–Applying "Yes, And" To Every...

The Zicast ·

2026/04/10

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 FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail

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00:19:31

Episode 113: Marie Hardin–Connecting With Others...

The Zicast ·

2026/04/03

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 ZiaksTechnical Directed by: Patrick Sorbero & Tyler MignaultThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add

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