This week, we chat with JP Lambiase, an engineer who started fiddling with a camera, learning about lighting and production, and posting videos on YouTube. Today, his channel has over 2.2 million subscribers. We chat about dreams, using YouTube to brand yourself, and how to be successful as a creative entrepreneur. Show notes at creativebreakthroughpodcast.com.

This week, we chat with Jason Gregory, an advertising executive who decided to pursue his childhood dreams at the age of 40 by getting his MFA in Film and subsequently becoming a Screenwriting Professor at the University of Central Florida. We chat about dreams, an MFA, and what makes a winning film in this episode. Show notes at creativebreakthroughpodcast.com.

This week, we chat with Jason Gregory, the writer and producer of Waking Up White. He is also a key member of 13 Brains, a reality TV think tank and a scriptwriting lecturer at the University of Central Florida. In his mid-30’s, Jason decided to go back to school full-time and pursue his MFA. We discuss following your dreams at any age, pursuing an MFA, and the importance of taking risks and failing. This is part one of a two-part episode.

Apple synopsis: Host, Shereen Kassam, shares the ups and downs in her 2019 creative journey and lessons learned. She also shares how she is going to make 2020 her year. Show notes can be found at www.creativebreakthroughpodcast.com. Join our Facebook page at www.funnybrowngirl.com/facebook

“Art leads you back to the person you were after the world took you away from yourself.” This week, host Shereen Kassam shares a personal story about her assault and how stand-up comedy helped her re-discover her voice and find her confidence to stand up to her assaulter and the people who protected him. Show notes available at www.creativebreakthroughpodcast.com Follow Shereen on IG @funnybrowngirl. Join a community of creatives at www.funnybrowngirl.com/facebook

This week, we chat with Ahmed Ali Akbar, the writer and host of the See Something Say Something podcast and video series, about career switching, pitching, and podcasting. Ahmed has been a Staff Writer for BuzzFeed, acted as a correspondent to Netflix’s ”Follow This”, started the viral Rad Brown Dads tumblr, and contributed to the "Salaam, Love" essay anthology. This is part two of a two-part episode.

This week, we chat with Ahmed Ali Akbar, the writer and host of the See Something Say Something podcast and video series, about career switching, pitching, and podcasting. Ahmed has been a Staff Writer for BuzzFeed, acted as a correspondent to Netflix’s ”Follow This”, started the viral Rad Brown Dads tumblr, and contributed to the "Salaam, Love" essay anthology. This is part one of a two-part episode. Shownotes available at creativebreakthroughpodcast.com

Curious about Improv and how it can help you in your creative or professional career? We are joined by Darryl Hinds, an alum of the Second City Toronto Main Stage and regular on CBS’s Little Mosque on the Prairie. This episode discusses how Improv helps creatives and non-creatives alike, how to have a stronger audition, and how to pivot creatively. Show notes available at www.creativebreakthroughpodcast.com

YouTube star Shereen Ladha shares how she balances her full-time corporate job with her professional dance business.  Shereen is the director of the popular YouTube channel 'dancewithSL'.  She's been named Top 100 Canadian women with cool jobs and one of Canada's Stars on the rise by Google Canada.  Shereen talks to us about balancing your two careers, bringing your true self to work, and finding your unique proposition to the world.  Show notes and more: www.creativebreakthroughpodcast.com 

Brooklyn-born, Long Island-bred, Stefon Bristol is writing his own success story as a fresh face with a creative voice in the indie film world. Stefon is an award-winning filmmaker. His first feature film, See You Yesterday, was released on Netflix in May 2019. Hear Stefon’s journey, how he developed and nurtured a mentoring relationship with Spike Lee, and much more! Show notes at www.creativebreakthroughpodcast.com. Subscribe to email newsletter for creative grants, opportunities, and...

Welcome back to season 2 of Creative Breakthrough! After a three-month hiatus I have a lot to share! At the end of Season 1, I was stressed out, semi-depressed, and definitely not feeling creative. Tune in to hear about the changes I made (and my good news!) and how I’ve been able to align myself with the universe to begin accepting blessings (again!)! If you are a creative entrepreneur or creative hustler, and are feeling uncreative or not yourself and need inspiration, this is the...

It's the season 1 finale - see you in September! Thank you all for tuning in! Today’s guest brings together all the themes we’ve discussed in Season 1. Tissa Hami, a Muslim Iranian female, shares her journey from Wall Street to stand-up comedian. We discuss how she discovered her passion, how she accelerated her career, the pros/cons of being a full-time creative, and why decided to stop performing. An entire creative journey weaved in to one episode! More information at:...

Felicia Pride, a writer on Ava DuVernay’s Queen Sugar, opens up about her creative journey, why she took a break from writing, and her creative writing comeback. We also talk age and that you're never too old! Felicia’s story is inspirational in her search for truth and fulfillment as a woman of color in the industry. We discuss the importance of a support system, self-care, and networking. Felicia also provides useful advice for screenwriters looking to apply to NBC’s on the Verge...

I’m back from Africa, where I had the opportunity to speak about creativity and my podcast, facilitate improv workshops, and perform comedy. In this week’s episode, I talk about my experience, how I landed this once in a lifetime opportunity, lessons learned, and advice for creatives looking to share their creative content with a global audience! And of course, a big thank you to the organizers of the Ismaili Economic Forum for inviting me and giving me this awesome opportunity!

James Lopez, the Head of Motion Pictures at Will Packer Production, opens up about his journey from call center representative to Producer of Girls Trip and Little. He opens about his time in the music industry working at Atlantic Records and his transition in to the film industry. James also shares how he re-branded himself from a marketer to a producer. In this interview, James shares his strategies to be successful and his advice to others looking to excel in their creative journey.

There is a stigma around quitting. We are scared people will judge us or that we are not worthy of the opportunity. But guess what? Winners quit all the time. Being flexible is a key trait of a winner, and sometimes that includes quitting. Today, I open up for the first time why I left the radio and the lessons learned. If you feel stuck or unhappy in your creative pursuit, you don’t want to miss this episode.

Aliya was on track to be a successful banker on Wall Street when she decided to leave her coveted job and trained at the International Culinary Center. She now calls herself a Chef, Cookbook Author, Television Personality, Mother and (now!) App Developer. Aliya has worked at a number of restaurants around NYC including Junoon (which won a Michelin Star!) before writing her first cookbook. Aliya shares advice on creating a niche for yourself and jumping head first in to your passion project!

Do you struggle getting to work?  Are you afraid to show your work to others? Do you believe your work is not good enough?  This is creative anxiety. Also known as self-doubt.  Or your inner critic.  Today, I want to walk through some steps to help you quiet your inner critic so you can continue flexing your creative muscle in peace.  I am also going to introduce you to CBD, a supplement I take to calm my anxiety and available at www.mypaincenter.com

Abi Varghese recently launched his third TV comedy series - Metro Park. You may also know him as the writer and director of the popular Netflix series Brown Nation. Abi talks with us about writing a TV script, pitching to Netflix, and the process of writing, selling, and producing a TV show! He also shares with us his journey from Corporate America to Creative Entrepreneur!

No matter how long you've been pursuing your creative passion, it is important to promote yourself. In this episode, Shereen shares how she promotes herself to maximize her exposure which in turn leads to more opportunities. If you need advice on how to promote your creativity and talent, this episode will break down the tactics Shereen utilizes to promote herself and what she’s learned throughout her journey.

Chaunte Wayans is a comedian, writer and actress who proudly represents the new generation of Wayans’ legacy making its mark in Hollywood. In this episode of CREATIVE BREAKTHROUGH, Chaunte opens up about her ordeal with alcohol, as well as other trials and tribulations she has faced in life. Chaunte also shares advice on the importance of knowing yourself, especially during the creative journey, finding your voice, and overcoming pain through humor.

Over the past week, two pop culture stories have taken over the airwaves – the story of Jussie Smollett and the story of Jordyn Woods and the Kardashians.  Both these stories highlight the importance of giving thanks for your opportunities.  This week, Shereen discusses the importance of being grateful and not allowing anger and jealousy to take you down.  We all have so much to be grateful for so let’s count our blessings and practice gratitude. 

JG Ayodele transitioned from Corporate America to Creative Entrepreneur, more specifically from banking to fashion. Jibolu “J.G.” Ayodele is the co-founder of Thando’s, a Lagos and NY based fashion company that provides a platform for African artists to design for a global audience. Join us, as we discuss the Wakanda effect, working with your spouse, and starting a new creative endeavor!

Anyone can pursue a passion or a hobby, but how do you soar? On this week’s episode I discuss how to take your passion project to the next level! We talk dealing with critics, asking for help, managing anxiety, and more! If you are serious about your passion project then this episode is for you!

Sarah Thawer is a self-taught drummer based in Toronto, Canada. Sarah has shared the stage and played with many popular artists including AR Rahman, George Watsky, Robert Sput Searight, Jane Bunnett, Charlotte Day Wilson, Tyler Shaw, Ruth B, Osman Mir, and Shweta Subram to name a few. According to Billboard Magazine, Sarah is part of a growing class of musicians with big online followings who are helping instrument companies reach new customers. Hear how Sarah became a social influencer!