As we wrap up Season 10 of Formative, we hang out with Grizel Del Valle: a singer, actress, and all-around powerhouse with a knack for bold moves. Middle schoolers Shania and Dayvion jump into a heartfelt chat about spotting the perfect moments to take a leap and finding the guts to go for it. They also learn about the ways social media can open doors, what it’s really like being an independent artist, and the story behind being called La Chachi.

Kat Yeh has reinvented herself from sports marketer to beloved children’s author and poet, creating stories that inspire and delight. In this episode, middle schooler Briana talks with Kat about chasing sparks of inspiration, how she learned to overcome her own doubts, and which of her book characters she wishes she could be. Tune in for an introspective conversation about doubt, courage and chasing curiosities.

John Loeffler has spent nearly fifty years making music that moves the world, from crafting the unforgettable Pokémon sound to working with iconic bands like Cheap Trick and Earth, Wind & Fire. In this episode, Jacob chats with John about how a few chance encounters in New York set him on a unique path, the many surprising directions a career in music can take, and why following your passion means living beyond the ordinary. Join us for a story about creativity, persistence, and making your own kind of noise.

Marc Rosen, Senior Director of Corporate Sales & Concierge Services at FreshDirect, joins middle schooler Nya for a lively chat about what it takes to thrive in sales. Marc opens up about the skills that have shaped his career, what keeps his ambition burning, and the one thing he wishes he could do over. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about growth, goals, and getting better every day.

Dr. Laurence Aronstein, a lifelong educator and leadership coach, joins middle schooler Semaji to reflect on nearly five decades in public education. From his start as a teacher to his role as a superintendent and now a coach for school leaders, Dr. Aronstein shares what keeps him inspired to serve. They talk about the hardest moments in his career, what brought him out of retirement, and why the work of education is never really finished.

In this episode of Formative, Bruce Mosler of Cushman & Wakefield and Wendy Mosler of Global Holdings Management Group sit down with middle schooler Zariyah for a candid conversation about careers in real estate. They share the moments that shaped their paths, the hard choices that built their confidence, and what keeps them motivated every day. This episode is about how every choice, big or small, can move you closer to the career (and life) you want.

Victoria Jenn Rodriguez, mindset coach, business consultant, and host of the Banking on Cultura podcast, joins middle schooler Shania for a conversation about blazing your own trail. Victoria shares what it was like to be the first in her family to graduate college, the challenges of starting her own business, and how her identity has shaped her journey. This episode is all about bold beginnings, self-belief, and creating your own path forward.

Jo Ann Secor, Director of Interpretive Services at Skolnick Architecture, joins middle schooler Dezyer for a conversation about crafting powerful museum experiences, and how her own career has been anything but linear. Jo Ann opens up about the challenges, mistakes, and surprises that shaped her journey, and how sometimes the most fulfilling careers are the ones you never saw coming.