WCRX is the student-run radio station of Columbia College Chicago. The station is dedicated to embodying professional, ethical, and legal standards while promoting a learning and leadership experience for students. WCRX provides broadcasting services to the Columbia College campus and surrounding communities in Cook County.
Ray Flores is one of the preeminent ring announcers and play-by-play commentators in the world of boxing and mixed martial arts. Every week he can be heard and seen plying his craft at any number of television networks and arenas worldwide. Host Tom Joyce has a ringside seat as he talks to Ray about his creative output, what fuels his passions, overcoming adversity, staying motivated, and his love for Chicago sports.
Niko Gerentes is a podcast producer and casting director based in California. This Columbia College Chicago graduate has used his passion for all things audio and voiceover to craft a career in the arts doing what he loves. Host Tom Joyce has a birds-eye-view as Niko talks about making the move from the Midwest to the West Coast, creating a successful award-winning audio drama, and giving excellent tips for those seeking to enter these industries.
Jaymie Bowles is a successful entrepreneur who, after starting out in radio at a young age, decided to create not only her own radio station, WJMS Radio, but also her own media company, WJMS Media. Based in Savannah, Georgia, Jayme’s career has been built on helping others through her companies. She sits down with host Tom Joyce to expound upon her career, the importance of empathy, and being faced with an unexpected medical diagnosis that made her resolve for success even stronger.
Singer/songwriter, music educator, and podcast host Derek Fawcett has had the opportunity to work with a who’s who of talented musicians over the years including work with Chicago’s own, Chance the Rapper, Ben Folds, Blues Traveler, as well as songs written for the television show, ‘Empire.” In addition to hosting his own music education-based podcast, he is a renowned instructor at both Columbia College Chicago and Berklee College of Music. Host Tom Joyce has a stage side seat to hear Derek’s amazing journey.
Radio professional Kevin Kellam has combined his love for being a creative by becoming a successful on-air radio host as well as branching out to include success as a podcaster, content creator, writer, and stand-up comedian. He details all of the highs and lows he has experienced over his standout career, while through it all, being a positive light for others in the numerous industries he represents. Host Tom Joyce has a front row ticket for this conversation with a true creative.
Chicago-based visual artist Micaela Petkus discusses her burgeoning career as an artist whose work emphasizes human emotion and personal perspective, as well as artistic creation through her experiences. With an emphasis on fine art and illustration, her work showcases her passions, while also having the ability to tap into the art of focusing on raw human emotions. In this conversation we will dive into the aspect of creating meaningful artistic pieces, overcoming significant hurdles, mental health awareness, and finding professional mentors.
As a program director at some of the most successful Chicago radio stations in the 1960’s and 1970’s, Burt Burdeen helped to open doors for musical artists and on-air talent, including a monumental moment in Chicago radio history, by overseeing an all-female on-air staff called, “The Den Pals.” In this episode, host Tom Joyce takes a stroll down memory lane with Burt as they discuss music, culture, and social changes from the past 60 years.
CaSera “DJ Ca$h Era” Heining has become a household name nationwide as she has graced the stages at festivals such as Lollapalooza and Pitchfork, while simultaneously juggling a career in media as a radio producer. Columbia College Chicago Internship and Career Advisor, Tom Joyce, sits down for a frank discussion on diversity, finding success in multiple fields, and details how and why change is needed in the music industry.
Music industry professional Matt Rusinek has found success in the music world at an early age due to perseverance, honing his skills, and learning new ways to make himself indispensable. Columbia College Chicago Internship and Career Advisor, Tom Joyce, discusses with Matt touring with a major label artist, bringing value to every position he has had, and assisting with being a major component behind the scenes at Lollapalooza.
Radio personality Abe Kanan discusses an unlikely source of inspiration for his creativity, finding his voice in radio, and his relationship with the “King of All Media,” Howard Stern. In this installment, Columbia College Chicago Internship and Career Advisor, Tom Joyce, sits down to hear how Abe navigates his uniquely successful path, while also helping others find their way within the industry.
Visual artist, curator, and educator Rebecca Baruc breaks down how a mentor early in life helped to begin her creative journey of utilizing skill sets in different areas to succeed, and details the process of creating her widely acclaimed exhibit, “The Color of Normal.” In this episode, Columbia College Chicago Internship and Career Advisor, Tom Joyce, is front and center for a conversation with this amazing creative.
Musician and media producer Adam Miller talks about combining dual passions in a career, leaving the cold winters of the Midwest behind and moving to Los Angeles to pursue a music career, and having music produced by one of indie rock’s most in-demand producers, Jonathan Rado of Foxygen. In this conversation, Columbia College Chicago Internship and Career Advisor, Tom Joyce, sits down to listen to Adam’s non-traditional route to success.
Producer, journalist, and podcast host Louise McLoughlin has embraced change by crafting a successful career of traveling around the globe to cover and produce stories. In this inaugural episode, Columbia College Chicago Internship and Career Advisor, Tom Joyce, discusses with Louise her rise in the industry, producing award-winning content, and hosting and producing an acclaimed podcast, “You Look Like Me.”
“The Undaunted Creative” takes an in-depth look into the successful paths of creatives from all walks of life. How do you know which artistic path is right for you? Where can you find the strength to pursue your passions as a full time career? What fears do you encounter when leaving your life behind in one city, for a fresh start in another? Get your answers each episode as host Tom Joyce joins guests to unlock the creative psyche.
