From Verizon and 23andMe to LinkedIn: Kevin Flores on Designing Stories That Shape How We Live and Work
EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode of The Media Machine, host Johanna Salazar sits down with Kevin Flores, a seasoned design leader, strategist, and co-author of The Design Career Handbook. With over 25 years of experience, Kevin shares insights from working at major tech companies like LinkedIn, 23andMe, and Verizon, focusing on user-centered design and mentorship. He discusses the importance of storytelling and presentation skills in design, the iterative process of design development, and the need for continuous reinvention in one's career. Kevin also talks about the genesis of his book, co-written with his wife Janine, aimed at mentoring and guiding designers through their careers. The conversation touches on his work at 23andMe, the impact of design sense versus taste, and the value of mentorship programs like those at First Round Capital. This episode is packed with valuable advice for designers and anyone looking to excel in their careers. SHOW NOTES 00:00 Introduction to Kevin Flores and The Podcast 02:25 Kevin Flores' Journey at 23andMe 06:56 Designing for LinkedIn 11:34 The Design Career Handbook 15:10 The Importance of Storytelling in Design 20:14 Iteration Failure: Learning Through Process 21:50 Defining “Design Sense” 24:21 “Spelunking” at New Jobs 27:34 The Litterati Project 30:15 Mentorship and Coaching 34:07 Career Pivots and Future Plans 38:44 Conclusion, Social 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 was designed by Gabriel Pareja. This episode features music, graphics and visuals from Envato Elements. WEBSITE LINK https://www.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. #MediaMachine #TheMediaMachinePodcast #MediaMachinePodcast #JohannaSalazar #KevinFlores #LinkedIn #23andMe #Verizon #Litterati #FirstRoundCapital #TedTalks #DesignCareerHandbook #AIIntelligence #FutureOfMedia #InnovationInMedia #MediaBusiness #ContentCreation #TechAndMedia #MediaDisruptors #BusinessOfEntertainment #MediaStrategy #EntertainmentBusiness #MediaPioneers #MediaIndustryInsights #MediaAndTech #TechInEntertainment #MediaRevolution #CreatorsAndInnovators #NextGenMedia #MediaTrends #SustainableEntertainment #MediaConversations #Mediapodcasts #MediaBusinessPodcast
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Building a Music Empire: Leslie Arredondo on TikTok Strategy, Sync Deals, and Latin Music’s Rise
In this episode of The Media Machine, host Johanna Salazar interviews Leslie Arredondo, founder of LAC Music. Leslie discusses her journey starting in corporate roles at TikTok, Paramount, and Viacom to launching her own sync licensing agency specializing in the Spanish-language independent music sector. Leslie explains the challenges of transitioning from a corporate role to entrepreneurship, the intricacies of music synchronization, and valuable advice for emerging creatives. Tune in to learn how Leslie’s passion for music and innovation continues to drive her success in the ever-evolving media landscape. SHOW NOTES 00:00 The Journey Begins: From Passion to Profession 01:16 Introducing Leslie Arredondo: A Music Industry Maverick 02:39 Early Career: From College Radio to J Records 04:17 Diving into Sync Licensing at Sony and MTV 07:44 The Entrepreneurial Spirit: From Side Hustles to Full-Time 10:44 Navigating the Pandemic and Embracing Change 12:15 The TikTok Experience: Music Business Development 17:16 Launching LAC Music: Building a Business from Scratch 27:22 Managing Music Files and Artwork 28:35 Transitioning from Corporate to Founder 31:48 The Importance of Music Strategy 33:42 Challenges in Music Licensing 36:05 Understanding Copyright in Music 40:52 Advice for Aspiring Creatives 42:35 The Power of TikTok for Brands 47:03 The Rise of Creators as New Studios 51:03 Conclusion, Social 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 was designed by Gabriel Pareja. This episode features music, graphics and visuals from Envato Elements. WEBSITE LINK https://www.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. #MediaMachine #TheMediaMachinePodcast #MediaMachinePodcast #JohannaSalazar #LeslieArredondo #LACMusic #TikTok #Viacom #Paramount #MTV #Sony #JayRecords #GoDaddy #LegalZoom #DISCO #AIIntelligence #FutureOfMedia #InnovationInMedia #MediaBusiness #ContentCreation #TechAndMedia #MediaDisruptors #BusinessOfEntertainment #MediaStrategy #EntertainmentBusiness #MediaPioneers #MediaIndustryInsights #MediaAndTech #TechInEntertainment #MediaRevolution #CreatorsAndInnovators #NextGenMedia #MediaTrends #SustainableEntertainment #MediaConversations #Mediapodcasts #MediaBusinessPodcast
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52:39
From MTV to Media CEO: Julie Kellman Reading on Reinvention, Commerce and Creative Freedom
In this episode of The Media Machine Podcast, host Johanna Salazar interviews Julie Kelman Reading, an executive producer and founder of Love + Daydreams. They discuss Julie's unique journey from traditional media production at MTV and Disney to starting her own media and lifestyle company. Julie shares her experience adapting to industry changes, learning digital tools like Canva and CapCut, and the challenges and opportunities of creating and marketing her own content. She elaborates on the greenlighting process in media production, the evolving challenges of the industry, and the importance of embracing new technologies like AI. Julie also offers advice to aspiring creators, emphasizing the potential of digital platforms for building a business and maintaining creativity. SHOW NOTES 00:00 The Unexpected Journey Begins 01:06 Introducing Julie Kellman Reading 02:24 Julie's Early Career and MTV Experience 03:33 The Greenlight Process Explained 05:02 Significant Projects and Disney Fa Jam 07:36 Challenges in the Evolving Media Industry 10:30 Pivoting to Digital Content Creation 12:11 Building Love + Daydreams 17:49 Tools and Tips for Content Creation 23:37 The Role of AI in Content Creation 28:15 Opportunities in a Changing Industry 32:45 Final Thoughts, Social Plugs & 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. #MediaMachine #TheMediaMachinePodcast #MediaMachinePodcast #JohannaSalazar #JulieKellmanReading #LoveandDaydreams #Love+DayDreams #Shopify #Canva #Disney #Viacom #MTV #Nickelodeon #LiquidTheory #Peacock #CapCut #Printify #Etsy #Instagram #TikTok #ChatGPT #AIIntelligence #FutureOfMedia #InnovationInMedia #MediaBusiness #ContentCreation #TechAndMedia #MediaDisruptors #BusinessOfEntertainment #MediaStrategy #EntertainmentBusiness #MediaPioneers #MediaIndustryInsights #MediaAndTech #TechInEntertainment #MediaRevolution #CreatorsAndInnovators #NextGenMedia #MediaTrends #SustainableEntertainment #MediaConversations #Mediapodcasts #MediaBusinessPodcast
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Scaling the Creator Empire: Sean Atkins on the Future of Digital Media
In this episode of The Media Machine, host Johanna Salazar sits down with Sean Atkins, CEO of Dhar Mann Studios, one of the fastest-growing digital media companies with over 136 million followers and a billion monthly views. Sean, a seasoned media and tech veteran, discusses his inspiring journey through major brands like MTV, Discovery, HBO, and Jellysmack, where he led significant innovations. Johanna delves into Sean's strategies for digitizing media libraries, reviving MTV, and scaling digital content creation. Sean shares his insights on the evolving creator economy, the growing influence of AI in media production, and the challenges and opportunities for content creators and media companies. Highlighting his role in Dhar Mann Studios, Sean discusses the company's impressive reach and its innovative approach to scripted digital content. He also introduces the Fifth Quarter Agency, which helps creators maximize revenue through their content libraries. The discussion touches on the future trends in audience engagement, data management complexities, and the impact of vertical integration on creative industries. SHOW NOTES 00:00 Introduction to Dhar Mann Studios 00:57 Introduction to The Media Machine Podcast 01:56 Sean Atkins' Journey in Digital Media 04:18 Reviving MTV: Strategies and Challenges 09:38 The Evolution of Digital Content Creation 13:04 Scaling Content Creation with Technology 17:02 Fifth Quarter Agency: Helping Creators Thrive 20:23 Scaling Success with Jellysmack 22:40 The Power of Data in Content Creation 23:22 Understanding Trends and Data Measurement 24:24 Brand Partners and Data Sharing Issues 27:14 Emerging Tools and AI in Workflows 30:13 Investor Perspectives on the Creator Economy 32:28 Scaling and Letting Go for Creators 35:32 Future of the Media Industry 41:22 Conclusion, Social 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 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 LINK @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 #SeanAtkins #DharMannStudios #Jellysmack #MTV #5thQuarterAgency #AIIntelligence #FutureOfMedia #InnovationInMedia #MediaBusiness #ContentCreation #TechAndMedia #MediaDisruptors #BusinessOfEntertainment #MediaStrategy #EntertainmentBusiness #MediaPioneers #MediaIndustryInsights #MediaAndTech #TechInEntertainment #MediaRevolution #CreatorsAndInnovators #NextGenMedia #MediaTrends #SustainableEntertainment #MediaConversations #Mediapodcasts #MediaBusinessPodcast
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Cathy Hackl on the Future of Media: AI, Intimacy, and the Rise of Immersive Worlds
In this episode of The Media Machine, host Johanna Salazar interviews futurist and innovation expert Cathy Hackl. They discuss the future convergence of AI, immersive tech, and media, emphasizing the importance of human-created content alongside AI-generated work. Cathy outlines the evolving landscape of spatial computing, AI applications in hardware, and the emergence of a 'protopian' future where technology benefits society. They also explore the balance between innovation and ethical scaling, the future of dating apps, and the significance of building and maintaining trust within communities. Cathy shares insights into her personal mission to inspire other BIPOC creators and advice for media executives to remain adaptable and curious in a rapidly changing industry. SHOW NOTES 00:00 The Future of Content Creation 01:16 Introduction to the Media Machine 01:34 Introducing Cathy Hackl 02:16 Blueprint for Media Companies 04:27 Understanding Spatial Computing 06:29 The Evolution of Content Formats 09:22 The Augmented Workforce 12:17 Empowering BIPOC Creators 14:52 Protopian: A Balanced Future 18:00 Preparing for the New Frontier 19:50 Navigating the Creative Job Market 20:31 Embracing New Technologies 21:36 Introduction to Lovable 23:34 Future Trends and Innovations 24:50 Quantum Computing and Space Commerce 25:59 Tech Intimacy and Relationships 27:02 AI Matchmaking Experiment at TEDx 30:30 Balancing Innovation and Inclusion 33:10 Future of Dating Apps 34:42 Conclusion, Social 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 Adriana Saravia. 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 LINK @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 #CathyHackl #FutureDynamics #AIIntelligence #FutureOfMedia #InnovationInMedia #MediaBusiness #ContentCreation #TechAndMedia #MediaDisruptors #BusinessOfEntertainment #MediaStrategy #EntertainmentBusiness #MediaPioneers #MediaIndustryInsights #MediaAndTech #TechInEntertainment #MediaRevolution #CreatorsAndInnovators #NextGenMedia #MediaTrends #SustainableEntertainment #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.
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