Season 6, Emerson College

Season 6 Episodes

Thumbnail of Evy Chen for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Evy Chen ‘10 on Making it as an Entrepreneur

May 16, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Evy entered Emerson as a marketing student and left an entrepreneur - for life! She and Georgette discuss the cultural inspiration behind Evy Tea, and get candid about navigating the entrepreneurial reigns as a woman of color, the challenges she faced raising capital, and one thing she wouldn't compromise on. Recorded on April 23, 2023.

Thumbnail of Jasmine Solano for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Jasmine Solano ‘06 on Making it as a DJ, Digital Host, and Cultural Organizer

May 23, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Jasmine is a multidisciplinary artist in all the ways. She's a DJ, an on camera and radio host, a cultural organizer, just to name a few. Georgette and Jasmine both have deep WERS roots, fun fact: Jasmine created The Secret Spot, and they wax poetic on her journey building a career around music and activism, her new work-life balance, and advice she'd give her younger Emerson self. Recorded on March 29, 2023.

Thumbnail of Madeline Kay Sneed for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Madeline Kay Sneed MFA ‘20 on Making it as a Fiction Writer

May 30, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Madeline was on her way to becoming a published author before she completed her MFA. She shares how writing her debut novel, The Golden Season, became a form of liberation for her navigating the intersection of queerness and faith, and how her forthcoming novel, Today, Tonight, Forever, showed the lessons she learned on becoming traditionally published, how she freed herself through writing, and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community personally and artistically. Recorded on March 22, 2023.

Thumbnail of Ballard C. Boyd for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Ballard C. Boyd ‘04 on Making it as a Director

June 6, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Ballard C. Boyd is a segment director and producer and segment producer at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert but before he made it to late night television or won any Emmys, he was making ice cream in his hometown after graduating from Emerson. The path to what we want is rarely linear and he shares his journey with Georgette while giving us a glimpse into how he eventually made it in New York and what kept him going even during the so-called tough times. Recorded on April 4, 2023.

Thumbnail of Winnie Carrillo for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Winnie Carrillo ‘14 on Making it in Film Development

June 13, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Growing up in Guatemala, Winnie never imagined that she’d find herself as a film executive at a top Hollywood Studio. Winnie shares with Georgette how she remained steadfast in wanting to assist international students like herself and was very honest about how she learned some things the hard way during her time in school. On this journey, we're often reminded to stay flexible and Winnie did just that. Recorded on April 13, 2023.

Thumbnail of Chrystee Pharris for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Chrystee Pharris on Making it as an Actress

June 20, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Chrystee knew at a very young age, she was meant to perform and has done just that with roles on Scrubs, Passions, and most recently, Monogamy. She gets real with Georgette about her time at Emerson, how she's easing her way back into acting after a brief hiatus, and how keeping up with the current trends in her industry has kept her gainfully employed. Recorded on April 19, 2023.

Thumbnail of Georgette Pierre and new host, Hunter Reis for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Georgette Pierre MA ‘09 on Making it as a Creative Producer

August 15, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Georgette passes the mic to our new host, Hunter Reis ‘17! Hunter explores the trial and error process of creating content for brand-new social media platforms and how the pandemic reset his relationship to work. He then turns the tables on Georgette, and they reflect on the highlights of her time as host and what project she’s diving into next. Recorded on July 14, 2023.

Thumbnail for Seth Adam's Making It Big Podcast

Seth Adam ‘08 on Making it as a Diplomat

October 24, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Seth Adam is no stranger to career moves. After getting his degree in Theatre Studies, he spent time working at GLAAD before becoming a US Foreign Service Officer. He talks to Hunter about lessons he’s learned along the way including finding work you love, learning from your mistakes, and using your voice for good. Recorded on September 2, 2023.

Thumbnail of Jamie Loftus for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Jamie Loftus ‘14 on Making it as a Comedic Writer

October 31, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

After her time at Emerson, Jamie Loftus started out as a comedian, but certainly didn’t stop there. Between starting a podcast (before they were cool) and writing a New York Times Best Seller about the history of hot dogs (yes, hot dogs), her creative endeavors have taken her to a lot of places, most recently even out to LA. Jamie shares with Hunter how taking risks and keeping things fresh have led to her success. Recorded on August 30, 2023.

Thumbnail of Jessica Joseph for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Jessica Joseph ‘13 on Making it as a Marketing Strategist

November 7, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Jessica Joseph, Director of Commercial Strategy for the New York Time’s WireCutter, joins Hunter to talk all things green: from advice for young professionals on money management to connecting to her family roots while gardening during the pandemic. She reflects on her time in advertising, the joys of teaching, and the lasting impact the Emerson community has on her personal and professional relationships. Recorded August 25, 2023.

Thumbnail of Sarah Spiers for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Sarah Spiers ‘17 as Making it as a Video Game Producer

November 14, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Sarah Spiers, like so many Emersonians, had a life changing trip to the Castle. It was there that a conversation with a friend inspired her to pursue her love of video games. A few years later, that passion landed her on Forbes 30 Under 30 in the games category! Sarah discusses being your own biggest cheerleader and how her unconventional path prepared her for her current role at Electronic Arts. Recorded on September 8, 2023.

Thumbnail of Nyla Wissa for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Nyla Wissa ‘15 on Making it as Brand Narrative Manager

November 21, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Nyla Wissa has been making an impact through storytelling since her Emerson days. As one of the founding members of Flawless Brown, Nyla created a space where marginalized stories could be shared, and has continued to do that work at major companies like Buzzfeed, Shondaland, and most recently as a Brand Manager at Nike. She gives Hunter all the details about the origin of her business “Juice Bitch”, and how she leads a fulfilling life. Recorded on September 13, 2023.

Thumbnail of Kevin McKeon for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Kevin McKeon ‘07 on Making it as a Film Producer

November 28, 2023, 12:00 a.m. EDT

As VP of Production for Mattel Films, Kevin McKeon had quite the summer with the smash hit, Barbie, taking the world by storm. But he didn’t land on the pink carpet overnight. He shares his journey from PA to studio exec with Hunter and how Emerson shaped every step along the way. Kevin also talks about the changes he has seen on the Emerson campus, reminisces about his time as a student and offers advice to current students about keeping an open mind and knowing their worth in the industry. Recorded on September 14, 2023.

Thumbnail of Jay Bernhardt for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Jay Bernhardt on Making It as Emerson College’s President

December 18, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Dr. Jay Bernhardt was named Emerson College’s 13th president in January 2023. Hunter sat down with President Bernhardt for a live interview and taping of Making It Big as part of his tour across the country to meet with Emersonians. President Bernhardt shares what stands out to him about Emerson, his own career path that led him to the college presidency, and most importantly, his desire to connect, listen, and collect feedback from the Emerson Alumni community. Recorded on November 16, 2023.