The Power of Positivity: Michael Tanzer on Autism, Advocacy, and Gaming Dreams
In this bonus, mini episode of The Media Machine, host Johanna Salazar sits down with Michael Tanzer, an author, speaker, and advocate, to discuss his personal journey with autism and his work in shifting the narrative around neurodiversity. Michael talks about the importance of inclusive education, his memoir Michaelism: My POV on Life with Autism,' and his aspirations to work in media and video game production. Through honesty and hope, Michael encourages action, empathy, and inclusiveness. This episode is sponsored by Food Stream Network, a platform aimed at eradicating food insecurity and providing food education to neurodiverse schools. SHOW NOTES 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 00:40 Meet Michael Tanzer: Advocate and Author 01:59 Michael's Journey and Achievements 03:12 Challenges and Misunderstandings of Autism 03:41 Michael's Memoir and Creative Pursuits 05:01 Advocacy and Inclusivity in the Workplace 10:07 Michael's Future Aspirations 11:55 Closing Remarks and Call to Action 13:54 Podcast Outro and Credits CREDITS The Media Machine is hosted by Johanna Salazar. Our producers are Johanna Salazar and Mia Vinciguerra. This episode was edited by Andrés Cote. Our show art was designed by Gabriel Pareja. This episode features music, graphics and visuals from Envato Elements. WEBSITE LINK mediamachinepodcast.com SOCIALS LINKS Instagram: @themediamachinepodcast TikTok: @themediamachinepodcast Facebook: @themediamachinepodcast X/Twitter: @themediamachinepod PODCAST LINKS Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Youtube @TheMediaMachinePod ABOUT THE PODCAST This is The Media Machine - where media, business and innovation intersect. Host Johanna Salazar will explore the future of content, technology, and entertainment through the lens of four key pillars - process, profits, people and planet. Through insightful conversations with visionaries, disruptors, and pioneers, The Media Machine unpacks the challenges and opportunities shaping the next era of media. HASHTAGS #MediaMachine #TheMediaMachinePodcast #MediaMachinePodcast #JohannaSalazar #MichaelTanzer #AutismAwareness #Foodstream #AIIntelligence #FutureOfMedia #InnovationInMedia #MediaBusiness #ContentCreation #TechAndMedia #MediaDisruptors #BusinessOfEntertainment #MediaStrategy #EntertainmentBusiness #MediaPioneers #MediaIndustryInsights #MediaAndTech #TechInEntertainment #MediaRevolution #CreatorsAndInnovators #NextGenMedia #MediaTrends #SustainableEntertainment #MediaConversations #Mediapodcasts #MediaBusinessPodcast
--------
14:29
Revolutionizing Classrooms: XR and AI with Alex Grady
In this episode, Alex Grady, prior Senior Product Manager at Unity, discusses the pivotal role of Unity in creating immersive real-time 2D and 3D content for gaming, education and beyond. Unity powers over 70% of AR and VR experiences and originated as a game development tool. Grady, a former classroom educator, explains the concept of spatial computing and Unity's collaboration with Apple on polyspatial technologies, which enable multiple AR and VR experiences to coexist in the same space. We delve into the effective integration of XR in educational environments, emphasizing the need for context-specific applications and training, personalized learning and the evolving role of educators. We also cover Unity's partnership with Meta, which provided VR headsets and training to under-resourced schools, and Unity's broader social impact initiatives aimed at promoting equitable access to technology. Grady also discusses the transformative potential of these technologies for future job markets and the importance of industry collaboration in providing affordable and accessible educational opportunities. This episode was recorded in 2023. SHOW NOTES 00:00 The Exciting Future of Education 01:12 Introduction to Our Guest: Alex Grady 02:06 Unity's Role in AR and VR 03:11 Embracing Emerging Technologies in Education 05:16 Understanding Spatial Computing 08:35 XR in the Classroom: Effective Uses and Challenges 13:28 The Impact of XR and AI on Education 18:34 Unity's Partnership with Meta and EdTech Initiatives 20:33 The Importance of Big Tech in EdTech 22:22 Optimism and Challenges in XR and AI 32:40 Future Job Markets and Workforce Training 39:26 Conclusion, Final Thoughts and Credits CREDITS The Media Machine is hosted by Johanna Salazar. Our producers are Johanna Salazar, Mia Vinciguerra and Anthony Martinez. This episode was edited by Andrés Cote. Our show art is designed by Gabriel Pareja. This episode features music, graphics and visuals from Envato Elements. WEBSITE LINK mediamachinepodcast.com SOCIALS LINKS Instagram: @themediamachinepodcast TikTok: @themediamachinepodcast Facebook: @themediamachinepodcast X/Twitter: @themediamachinepod PODCAST LINKS Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YOUTUBE @TheMediaMachinePod Watch this Episode Here ABOUT THE PODCAST This is The Media Machine - where media, business and innovation intersect. Host Johanna Salazar will explore the future of content, technology, and entertainment through the lens of four key pillars - process, profits, people and planet. Through insightful conversations with visionaries, disruptors, and pioneers, The Media Machine unpacks the challenges and opportunities shaping the next era of media. HASHTAGS #MediaMachine #TheMediaMachinePodcast #MediaMachinePodcast #JohannaSalazar #AlexGrady #Unity #AIIntelligence #FutureOfMedia #InnovationInMedia #MediaBusiness #ContentCreation #TechAndMedia #MediaDisruptors #BusinessOfEntertainment #MediaStrategy #EntertainmentBusiness #MediaPioneers #MediaIndustryInsights #MediaAndTech #TechInEntertainment #MediaRevolution #CreatorsAndInnovators #NextGenMedia #MediaTrends #SustainableEntertainment #MediaConversations #Mediapodcasts #MediaBusinessPodcast
--------
40:39
Evan Shapiro: The Rebel Cartographer Challenging Media Giants
In this episode of the Media Machine Podcast, Johanna Salazar hosts Evan Shapiro, the unofficial cartographer of the media universe. They discuss the end of the streaming wars, Netflix's transformation and current streaming challenges, and the rise of big tech in dominating the media landscape. Shapiro shares his personal journey from being a TV executive to becoming an independent media analyst, consultant and creator, discussing the challenges and successes he faced along the way. They delve into the importance of radical collaboration in traditional media, the role of data, the live sports bubble and the surprising resilience of companies like Spotify and The New York Times. Shapiro also touches on the evolving consumption patterns and the impact of YouTube as a major competitor in the media space. Shapiro's personal battle with cancer and how it shaped his professional resilience is also touched upon, offering an inspiring perspective on facing challenges. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the past, present, and future of media. SHOW NOTES 00:00 The End of the Streaming Wars 01:08 Introducing Evan Shapiro: The Media Cartographer 01:50 Evan’s Personal Journey - Career Realization After Being Fired at 50 07:42 Navigating Career Pivots 10:31 Teaching College Students and Staying Relevant 12:10 Mapping the Media Universe 16:09 Spotify's Surprising Profitability 18:05 Challenges and Criticisms in Media 21:21 Radical Collaboration in Media 22:52 The Power of Data in Advertising 24:50 Challenges in Traditional Media 27:17 The Great Media War 32:10 The Sports Gold Rush 35:04 YouTube: The Ultimate Competitor/Partner 37:46 Personal Reflections on Cancer Diagnosis and Authenticity 41:29 Conclusion, Socials Plugs and Credits CREDITS The Media Machine is hosted by Johanna Salazar. Our producers are Johanna Salazar and Mia Vinciguerra. This episode was edited by Andrés Cote. Our show art is designed by Gabriel Pareja. This episode features music, graphics and visuals from Envato Elements. WEBSITE LINK mediamachinepodcast.com SOCIALS LINKS Instagram: @themediamachinepodcast TikTok: @themediamachinepodcast Facebook: @themediamachinepodcast X/Twitter: @themediamachinepod PODCAST LINKS Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Youtube @TheMediaMachinePod ABOUT THE PODCAST This is The Media Machine - where media, business and innovation intersect. Host Johanna Salazar will explore the future of content, technology, and entertainment through the lens of four key pillars - process, profits, people and planet. Through insightful conversations with visionaries, disruptors, and pioneers, The Media Machine unpacks the challenges and opportunities shaping the next era of media. HASHTAGS #MediaMachine #TheMediaMachinePodcast #MediaMachinePodcast #JohannaSalazar #EvanShapiro #MediaCartographer #StreamingWars #MediaUniverse #AIIntelligence #FutureOfMedia #InnovationInMedia #MediaBusiness #ContentCreation #TechAndMedia #MediaDisruptors #BusinessOfEntertainment #MediaStrategy #EntertainmentBusiness #MediaPioneers #MediaIndustryInsights #MediaAndTech #TechInEntertainment #MediaRevolution #CreatorsAndInnovators #NextGenMedia #MediaTrends #SustainableEntertainment #MediaConversations #Mediapodcasts #MediaBusinessPodcast
--------
42:21
From BET to Amazon: Ken Gibbs Jr. on Winning the Digital Media Game
In this episode, host Johanna Salazar interviews Digital Strategy Consultant and former executive from Ebony Media, BET, MTV, Amazon, Spotify, Essence Magazine, and AOL Time Warner - Ken Gibbs Jr. With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing and content strategy, Ken shares his thoughts on the evolution of digital content, the impact of mobile devices and short-form content, and the future of content consumption in a post-pandemic world. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the ever-changing digital landscape, emphasizing the need for brands to follow user engagement across decentralized platforms while maintaining data privacy and ethical practices. Ken also talks about the rise of generative AI and augmented reality and the importance of diversity in tech and media. Our conversation ends with a surprising revelation that many of the interview questions were generated using ChatGPT, demonstrating the advancements in AI technology. This episode was recorded in 2023. SHOW NOTES 00:00 Introduction to Generative AI and Media Disruption 00:30 Welcome to The Media Machine 01:10 Guest Introduction: Ken Gibbs, Jr. 01:41 Early Predictions and Current Reflections 03:13 The Evolution of Digital Marketing 04:50 Impact of MTV on Culture 05:42 Strategies for Staying Ahead 07:46 Global Perspective on Black Culture 08:36 Pandemic's Impact on Digital Content 10:47 Challenges in Content Consumption 11:33 Mobile and Short-Form Content Trends 12:50 Leveraging Data for Content Creation 14:50 Balancing Ethics and Personalization 16:12 Future of Content Consumption 23:50 AI and Content Recommendations 35:16 Diversity in Tech and Startups 38:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts CREDITS The Media Machine is hosted by Johanna Salazar. Our producers are Johanna Salazar, Mia Vinciguerra and Anthony Martinez. This episode was edited by Gabriel Pareja. Our show art is edited by Gabriel Pareja. This episode features music, graphics and visuals from Envato Elements. WEBSITE LINK https://mediamachinepodcast.com SOCIALS LINKS Instagram: @themediamachinepodcast TikTok: @themediamachinepodcast Facebook: @themediamachinepodcast X/Twitter: @themediamachinepod PODCAST LINKS Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Youtube @TheMediaMachinePod ABOUT THE PODCAST This is The Media Machine - where media, business and innovation intersect. Host Johanna Salazar will explore the future of content, technology, and entertainment through the lens of four key pillars - process, profits, people and planet. Through insightful conversations with visionaries, disruptors, and pioneers, The Media Machine unpacks the challenges and opportunities shaping the next era of media. HASHTAGS #MediaMachine #TheMediaMachinePodcast #MediaMachinePodcast #JohannaSalazar #KenGibbs #KenGibbsJr #AIIntelligence #FutureOfMedia #InnovationInMedia #MediaBusiness #ContentCreation #TechAndMedia #MediaDisruptors #BusinessOfEntertainment #MediaStrategy #EntertainmentBusiness #MediaPioneers #MediaIndustryInsights #MediaAndTech #TechInEntertainment #MediaRevolution #CreatorsAndInnovators #NextGenMedia #MediaTrends #SustainableEntertainment #MediaConversations #Mediapodcasts #MediaBusinessPodcast
--------
39:25
He Brought You South Park and Jon Stewart. You're Welcome.
In this episode of The Media Machine, Johanna Salazar interviews media legend and former President of Comedy Central and Viacom, Doug Herzog. We begin with Herzog’s early days of college radio, his media influences and his early career trajectory at MTV News. Doug delves into his upward mobility with Viacom - producing groundbreaking shows at Comedy Central like The Daily Show and South Park. Doug offers his insights into the future of cable television - is there an end approaching? We hear more about his evolving leadership roles, focusing on executive coaching with a purpose-driven approach to guide leaders through the changing media landscape. SHOW NOTES 00:00 The Comedy Central Gamble 00:25 Welcome to the Media Machine 00:53 Introduction to Doug Herzog 01:39 Doug's College Radio Days 04:04 From Radio to Cable TV 05:16 MTV's Evolution 07:50 The Birth of The Daily Show 15:19 South Park's Rise 17:08 The Future of Media 21:43 Generative AI in Content Creation 23:39 The Future of Traditional Cable Television 26:06 Niche Content and Its Opportunities 31:24 The Rise and Fall of Blockbuster 34:34 Embracing Change in the Media Landscape 37:34 Conclusion and Farewell CREDITS The Media Machine is hosted by Johanna Salazar. Our producers are Johanna Salazar, Mia Vinciguerra and Anthony Martinez.This episode was edited by Adriana Saravia and Camilo Garzón. Our show art was designed by Gabriel Pareja. This episode features music, graphics and visuals from Envato Elements. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music WATCH THE PODCAST Youtube OUR WEBSITE mediamachinepodcast.com OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @themediamachinepodcast TikTok: @themediamachinepodcast Facebook: @themediamachinepodcast X/Twitter: @themediamachinepod ABOUT THE PODCAST This is The Media Machine - where media, business and innovation intersect. Host Johanna Salazar will explore the future of content, technology, and entertainment through the lens of four key pillars - process, profits, people and planet. Through insightful conversations with visionaries, disruptors, and pioneers, The Media Machine unpacks the challenges and opportunities shaping the next era of media. #MediaMachine #TheMediaMachinePodcast #MediaMachinePodcast #JohannaSalazar #DougHerzog #MTV #MTVNews #ComedyCentral #DailyShow #TheDailyShow #SouthPark #FutureOfMedia #InnovationInMedia #MediaBusiness #ContentCreation #TechAndMedia #MediaDisruptors #BusinessOfEntertainment #MediaStrategy #EntertainmentBusiness #MediaPioneers #MediaIndustryInsights #MediaAndTech #TechInEntertainment #MediaRevolution #CreatorsAndInnovators #NextGenMedia #MediaTrends #SustainableEntertainment #DigitalContent #MediaConversations #Mediapodcasts #MediaBusinessPodcast
The Media Machine is where media, business, and innovation intersect. Hosted by industry veteran Johanna Salazar, the podcast explores the future of content, technology, and entertainment through the lens of four key pillars:
Process – The strategies, tools, and systems shaping media production and distribution.
Profits – The business models, investments, and revenue streams driving the industry.
People – The creators, executives, and changemakers redefining the landscape.
Planet – The impact of media on culture, society, and sustainability.
Through insightful conversations with visionaries, disruptors, and pioneers, The Media Machine unpacks the challenges and opportunities shaping the next era of media. Whether you’re an industry insider or an innovator looking to break in, this podcast is your playbook for navigating the media machine.