All tagged Talent

Episode 7 | Cassie Dickson

Cassie Dickson is the HR Director/Project Manager for Audiotree Music which includes Lincoln Hall, Schubas, and Tied House. She also is heavily involved in the Chicago music scene through her involvement with the Chicago Independent Venue League. As a huge proponent of community, she added an additional role in 2025, as she was named Secretary for the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce. Tom and Cassie will discuss her route into the music industry, the success of Audiotree Music, and they will put a focus on why strength in numbers matters for independent music in Chicago.  

Episode 6 | Samantha Hunter

Samantha Hunter is a 2017 graduate from Columbia College Chicago, where she majored in Music Business Management. Since 2018, she has been employed with Sweetwater where she is Director of Campus Productions and Artist Relations. Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the facility is like no other. The 44-acre complex not only features not only the largest on-site inventory of any music store, but it also welcomes musicians and touring artists to their recording studio, and live performance stage with weekly free performances. Tom and Samantha will discuss her rise in the industry and how her current position gives her the opportunity to utilize many of the skills she learned at Columbia.  

Episode 5 | Case Lowe

Case Lowe is the Executive Producer of the Q101 Morning crew, which is heard Monday-Friday from 6 am to 10 am on Q101.1 FM in Chicago, as well as streaming worldwide on QIOI.com. As a 2021 Comedy Writing & Performance graduate from Columbia College Chicago, Case found an outlet for his love of audio production, podcasting, and comedy by hosting and producing a weekly program on Columbia’s WCRXFM. During his time at Columbia, Case had internships with Cumulus Media, as well as a brokered program heard on the legendary WVON in Chicago. Additionally, he was a freelance podcast producer. Tom speaks with Case about his love for audio content, as well as some of the many areas that he excels in at QIOI. Additionally, he will preview some upcoming summer events that you do not want to miss.

Episode 4 | Stacy Burse Jr.

Stacy Burse, Jr., is the Founder and CEO of S.N.B.JR. Records. Based in Illinois, Stacy’s label focuses on artist management, branding, and music releases. Before launching his own company, he gained valuable experience interning at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, as well as Lyrical Lemonade. Stacy and Tom dive into Stacy’s unwavering drive to elevate his company, his process for scouting and signing talent, and we’ll wrap up with an exclusive just for listeners of “The Undaunted Creative”

Episode 3 | Ryan McKiddy

Ryan McKiddy is the Assistant Program Director, Music Director, and On-Air Talent at iHeart Media’s The Big 98 in Nashville, TN. Before arriving in Nashville, he honed his skill set as Music Director/Afternoon Host at 100.3 KCYY-FM in San Antonio, Texas, and just before that, he hosted weekends on US99 in Chicago. Throughout his journey, he has been recognized for his talents including most recently a 2024 CRS/Country Aircheck Award in the Assistant Program Director/Music Director category. Tom and Ryan will discuss his early success in radio, leaving Chicago for the first time, making the leap to Nashville, and dive into why radio is as essential as it ever has been. 

Episode 2 | Nina Kolb

Nina Kolb is Senior Manager of Talent for Dick Clark Productions in California. Throughout her career in the entertainment industry, she has worn many hats including: Talent Booker & Project Manager, Social Media, VIP & Talent Relations, Publicity Director, work in the music business arena, as well as gaining experience working in promotions and producing while at CBS Radio in Chicago. Tom and Nina have a wide-ranging conversation about Nina’s rise in the industry, the circuitous route to her current position, and detail some of her everyday duties working for Dick Clark Productions.