Passion to Power

Triple Threat DIVA, that's what she is and much more...

From Hyperion, the publishing arm of Walt Disney, to Hachette, to launching her own IMPRINT, REGALO PRESS.

GRETCHEN YOUNG says "how can I prove to everyone else and to myself that these stories are worthy?" Now that she's working for her own shingle. She has nurtured, coached, mentoried and launched 65 authors. "I've never seen the kind of marketing of an author...the guerrilla marketing, the HUSTLE."

She is releasing a couple new TITLES this month including "Little Red Flags," fiction. She says this author is so hilarious and clever in the way she is getting...

KERRI ZANE

SummaryIn this engaging interview, Kerri Zane shares her extensive experience in reality TV, her innovative ventures into AI in media, and invaluable advice for aspiring producers and storytellers. Discover how she navigates the evolving landscape of entertainment, the role of AI, and tips for success in the industry.

Sound Bites

Chapters

Carin Greenberg’s journey in creating "Weather Hunters" encapsulates the spirit of resilience and creativity in children’s programming. Her experiences remind us that perseverance, collaboration, and a passion for storytelling are crucial in bringing educational content to life.

As we celebrate this new series, it stands as a testament to the importance of engaging young minds with knowledge about the world around them.

Carin is a multi-award winner for her TV work as writer and producer. She tells us about her Emmys, Annies and Writers Guild recognitions and is also generous in sharing credit with...

Creative Rabbi

Both Michelle and Rabbi Yitzi discuss how their passions have empowered them in their careers, with a focus on teaching, uplifting others, and creative expression.

Balancing ValuesRabbi Yitzi talks about the Jewish tradition of asking questions and balancing competing values, drawing parallels to the story of "Fiddler on the Roof."

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Michelle Zeitlin interviews Yitzi Wiener, a rabbi and media entrepreneur, exploring his journey from aspiring architect to rabbi, and now to a media figure. They discuss the importance of teaching, storytelling...

Keywords

Live EVENT at THE ASTER 11/13/2025

Host; TONI MENDOZA-GRATITUDE!

Takeaways

Welcome to the Creative Club

 Pia Mailhot Leichter

Sound Bites

Summary

Follow Your Yellow Brick Road to Success….
Desmond Richardson: (Ballet) Pointe of View 

What is your INTENTION?

WHY ARE YOU DOING WHAT YOU DO?

He says to his dancers be “Inside of the Moment.”

Keywords

dance, ballet, artistry, mentorship, performance, intention, Complexions, dance education, global dance, cultural impact

Summary

In this...

Summary of this Episode:

Takeaways

* Resilience and Reinvention

Wendy Miller has had a very CREATIVE career:

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Wendy Miller shares her journey from a successful executive in television to an entrepreneur and social media influencer. She discusses her experiences at CatCon, her career highlights, and the evolution of her personal brand on LinkedIn. Wendy also delves into her entrepreneurial ventures, including her tarot card line and upcoming projects, while offering insights into relationships and sexology, emphasizing simplicity in understanding men's needs. In this engaging conversation, Wendy Miller shares her...

Passion to Power Presents:

Coach Carole: NO Bullshit 4 Writers & Creatives

CaroleKirschner.com
Keywords: career coaching, diversity in entertainment, writing advice, pitching, underrepresented voices, entertainment industry, creative careers, mentorship, storytelling

Michelle Zeitlin interviews Carole Kirschner

Highlights of their discussion:

The POWER (and PASSION) of VOICE

In this engaging conversation, Michelle Zeitlin interviews Denise Woods, a renowned voice coach, about the intricate relationship between identity, culture, and voice in performance. They explore how cultural assumptions and linguistic patterns affect communication, the importance of confidence in voice development, and the impact of technology on the voice acting industry. Denise shares valuable insights for aspiring artists and those pivoting in their careers, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and effective communication.

Takeaways

Live in the And

“I WAS A BUILDER. I WAS A CREATOR”

In this conversation, Dr. Jennifer Turner discusses her journey of empowerment through health and wellness, integrating her experiences in media and education. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, authenticity, and the power of storytelling in driving social change. Dr. Turner shares her insights on teaching leadership skills, navigating career paths in entertainment, and the significance of staying true to one's values amidst chaos.

 Kamala Avila-Salmon

Founder of KAS KAS Productions

“Black is Not a Genre”

Our first meeting on Zoom took place the day the fires broke in PP; in fact, I received an alert on my phone about the Pacific Palisades Fire and asked Kamala, who was on the Westside, if she heard anything, smelled anything …and as I wrapped our first conversation, the fire had spread and the winds in my neighborhood were increasing. 

I remember recording an Instagram about how elated I was about this talk, and noticing the crazy winds off my d...

YELLOW BRICK ROAD TO SUCCESS

Passion to Power

 Jason Jordan 

Navigating the Competitive Music Landscape

Data analytics play a significant role in artist development.

Sound Bites

Takeaways

Liza Wyles

"LIZA with a Z" interviewed by Michelle Zeitlin

RICHARD CURTIS has had half a century in the world of Literary Representation and digital Publishing. Listen to this self described “old timer” share his journey and how he worked with authors of all genres, with special success in science fiction. “A million dollar company,” his agency, in NYC, was recently sold. 

 “I was a literary guy” and “not a tech guy” but he was pivotal in the beginning of the e-book industry. Richard shares the many skills and required communication styles that he has employed to work with authors and manage long careers. Authors love writing so much “they woul...

Danielle is all about inclusivity in casting. She has worked on projects big and small- most of them focusing recently on stories that cast people with physical challenges, disabilities and encompass open thought. She will go "out on a limb" to get the best actors for the jobs- defending her ideas for talent and putting herself on the line when it matters. https://www.dpdcasting.com/

🇮🇱 You may not agree with everything that Eitan Chitayat says- but you have to respect him for speaking out against anti-semitism worldwide, and speaking out against all kinds of hate. He has done campaigns to support women, LGBTQ issues and you may know him for his recent advocacy work and the hashtag, I'm that Jew. He speaks his truth through his art, his creative work as a brander, and as a writer. This is his link tree so you can dive into his work, his words: https://linktr.ee/eitanchitayat Natie, his Tel-Aviv based creative agency, has been remote even before...

"Simplify and amplify" "Entertainment- Not as Propaganda"- so many good quotes in this interview with marketing expert, creative, brander. Mike Tankel talks about his work in the MENA region and China. He talks math and entertainment. And somehow he makes it all equal out. Robust, firm and sometimes jovial, Mike offers creatives kernels of gold. Listen and learn. Maybe laugh a little. Mike is an experienced entertainment marketing executive known for strategies and campaigns across everything from major studio franchises to independents to Chinese film. Through his company, To Be Continued, LLC, he is focused on helping content creators...

Talent Manager, "jack of all trades", and a Triple Threat - Anthony checks many boxes. 📦 As a talent manager myself- It had not occurred to me until recently - to invite another talent manager on the show. But YES this was such a good idea. Anthony is a warm, exuberant and kind "human" who looks to find like-minded creatives who enjoy long, loyal relationships where truth and honesty and critical development are key. 🔑 His clients are made up of stage and screen actors and writers and producers who want feedback and job leads that lead to a career. Anthony has really...

JOHAN VAKIDIS has worked with computers since his teens and took his skills in programming and early software and web development into the worlds of advertising and experiential event entertainment. Johan's work as a digital creative has allowed him to create projects all over the globe- from Montreal to Shanghai. His work in China and Korea and Singapore taught him the specific ways and protocols of working in East Asia. The "rituals" that are a part of business in these markets formed his "cultural fluency." Johan shared that "being able to trust the people you work with-- in China there...

Chief Ideation Officer- is her preferred title! PASSION TO POWER New Episode dropping Monday October 9, 2023

Very Jerry Mitchell...

Jerry Mitchell and Michelle Zeitlin shared their memories of working with the legendary Michael Bennett and Bob Avian, on SCANDAL, a Broadway workshop with an outstanding group of stars and triple threats. Jerry was assisting the show creator, Michael Bennett at the original auditions, where Michelle was amongst over two thousand dancer-singers auditioning for a few coveted ensemble roles for this ground-breaking musical, at 890 Studios.

Jerry was an assistant and skeleton crew dancer on that production, which led to so many other amazing productions including FOLLIES and CHESS. He also worked with...

Tara Nicole Hughes has worked for 26 years with "Uber brilliant" director/choreographer, Rob Marshall on some of the biggest contemporary movie musicals including, Mary Poppins Returns, Chicago, Nine, and for two years she was a part of the entire pre-production, production and post-production process of Disney's live action, The Little Mermaid. With long sinewy legs and pure line, Tara was always a standout both on Broadway stages and film/TV sound stages. She has a reputation for a strong work ethic and elegance as a performer. The day of this interview, the movie, The Little Mermaid, based on the animated...

SVP, Director of Creative Development, HarperCollins Publishers HarperCollins.com A guru of nonfiction book publishing, Lisa Sharkey, who agrees that she is indeed "a shark," has worked for over sixteen years at one of the largest publishing houses in North America, chasing stories that have to be told. In her earlier life she was a talented and successful producer of TV news shows with a journalist's veracity. Since taking the plunge into book publishing-- she considers herself a hybrid editor/publisher-- she has helped to create multiple best selling books, and many have also received critical acclaim. Her list...

John Frank Levey -casting director of iconic TV shows - especially ensemble shows- shares his ideas 💡 on the casting process. He talks about his book 📕- which you can purchase now- and why he wrote it. RIGHT FOR THE ROLE; John loves actors - he respects them and their process. He says "we want you to succeed" and we are not "obstacles" we are opening doors. "Finding the community..." is essential to "doing your job with the fullness of yourself." He says he found the ROLE for himself/ being a collaborator in the process of developing good programming. For more on Joh...

Programming for kid & family- keep it light even when it's important; but don't be self important. Enjoy your journey- it's yours alone. Every little thing you do can fold into another useful skill. Stay open - you never know which meeting will turn into a job. Temporary work can end up being full time even when you don't expect it! Kristofer Updike ⬆️ shares his optimism and enthusiasm and offers advise for those aspiring for creative careers who may not know what they want to be when they grow up. Originals, co- productions and licensed projects and properties - New York to L...

Jocelyn Hamilton was about to receive a Crystal Award from the Women in Film & Television, Toronto, Canada. As the President of eOne Canada, she oversees a 'dream team' that develops, produces and distributes original content around the globe. She worked her way up over the years- with early interest in journalism and debate. A trajectory that has moved through several spheres of the entertainment industry landscape, she has treated others with kindness and respect. This is a value that she imparts and maintains - with offices in Canada, the US and the UK. A word that comes up a lot...

He loves to draw. He likes collaborating. He likes to share stories that have meaning and a take away message along with good entertainment value.  Phillip Stamp, Executive Creative Director of IOM: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.  Phillip shares his experience working on all sides of the creative table, management of crews, and how to keep innovating when the industry keeps changing. The world will also enjoy their new Peacock series, L'il Stompers - adorable animated dinosaurs that Phillip created along with his partners.  "Know the TOOLS you're using." What's the BOX? Paradigm/Metaphor/Analogy Just a Box. That's the main tak...

❤️❤️❤️ Just in time -Valentine's Day is 2 days before PROUD will be released and available on the Amazon Prime platform in the US. Celebrate with some chocolate, roses, and scripted and unscripted LGBTQ content. https://www.outtv.com/ Brad Danks is honest, direct, reflective. With a good dose of laughter, Brad and host, Michelle Zeitlin talk about the network, distribution, original content and his experiences running a gay network.  says:  "I come from a legal background where I practiced as an entertainment lawyer for more than 10 years. For a number of years after practicing law I consulted for a number of entertainment...

Christmas Day :What does a Choreographer do? Why isn’t there a union to protect (them) us? How does a choreographer work with a director ? Actors? Icons? From MJ to Madonna Vincent Paterson has experienced a myriad of emotions on set - taking care of delicate egos. He has set iconic movement on dancers and singers and celebrities. He has won accolades and toured the globe. But for me, it was the meeting of the minds of artists and their “process” that struck a chord. #work #Passiontopower #podcast #dance #camera #film #television #choreography #moveit #star Vince’s journey and how his real...

“Be the guy who people want to work with!” Says Chris Campbell, Director🍿 He is tatted, edgy, a little cynical and a pragmatist. He is also passionate about making quality work and being the guy people like on the set. Chris has been immersed in the YA space, namely directing young influencers for content that appeals to the tween and teen girl set. His commercial reel is impressive and he was awarded a student Emmy out the gate from film school that he thought would launch his career in commercials. “But no one cared.. the phone didn’t ring..” and that proverbi...

From child actor to reality TV star as "the youngest agent" to top theatrical agent in Los Angeles - Nick Roses has had an interesting trajectory.  Nick Roses is currently a partner at Pantheon, representing actors in scripted TV, feature films, in unscripted programming and redefining their agency opportunities and platform. Nick Roses over came scathing Hollywood press and a dented professional reputation in the industry in his early years in Los Angeles - where he says he had to do "a lot of self reflection" and rebuild. He did just that, and now at age thirty three he has e...

Ali Afshar is the founder of ESX Entertainment.  He races hot rods, he has been an actor, and he has built a sound stage in a barn in his home town, Petaluma, near Napa Valley where his company shot "California Christmas," in production during the Covid quarantines. Ali has built a company with a select and close group of friends who have all become busy producers, composers, directors and DPs. He has cast friends too- one woman he met as a waitress and now she stars in their newest Netflix romantic comedy. Many of his crew and team have met t...

“Hire me to direct!” Maria Capp knows that to get what you want you have to ask. She’s been doing the big “asks” for years/ whether to pitch a project to Tubi, Hallmark, or Netflix, or to raise funds for original movies she is producing and writing, or to ask for the best cast members to lead one of her movies for TV. With a family-centric and female-centric approach to movie making, Maria Capp has always made it her business to be inclusive and to employ people of all colors, ages, and represent people of different ethnicities, being cognizant...

Michelle Zeitlin is the host of Passion to Power and considered a Hollywood Insider, so it's a perfect match to have Jenn Boyce, who is the founder of THE HOLLYWOOD PREP as her guest on this episode. 

Valarie Pettiford is a "well rounded performer," who has longevity in the entertainment and performing arts.   She has worked in show business for 45 years- which is impossible to believe when you see her on her three (!!) current roles on three different television shows (BLACKLIST, FAMILY BUSINESS, TRUTH BE TOLD) as she is flawless- long limbs, blonde stylish hair cut and posture like the dancer extraordinaire that she is!  She's worked with Bob Fosse and many others show creators on stage and screen and she underscores that she is a "dancer through and through," and that DANCE came first in her tra...

This episode marks 50 produced episodes of Passion to Power! We are so excited- Michelle Zeitlin, Host/Producer.  Herizon Music Foundation, founded by Thea Wood in 2019, aims to level the playing field for women in music- on the mic, in the studio, on the mixing board, in publishing, and in every pursuit of the wide open music industry - creators, producers, engineers, distributors, the whole gamut. This is quite a lofty goal, and Thea is committed, motivated, ready and passionate!  From participating in TEDx in Texas (say that three times fast!) to running music events in Detroit, Thea Wood has played ma...