What does it take to turn a lifelong passion for art into a career in visual effects?

On this episode of I’ll Get The Tip, Peter Friedman sits down with Natalie A. Palumbo, a motion graphics designer and visual effects compositor whose creative journey began at just 11 years old. What started as a way to connect and communicate with her older brother through drawing ultimately led Natalie into the worlds of film, animation, visual effects, photography, and beyond.

Natalie shares her journey from studying motion design and visual effects at Ringling College of Art and Design to interning with Marvel Entertainment and building a career working with filmmakers, studios, and major media companies. She also dives into her experience with sound-to-color synesthesia and how it has shaped the way she approaches art, music, and motion design.

Plus, Natalie takes us behind the scenes of one of her most meaningful projects: creating visuals for an interview with Sir Paul McCartney. The finished project went on to receive a pretty incredible honor when McCartney’s team requested a copy for the Paul McCartney archives.

The conversation also explores the future of AI in creative industries, handling criticism as a working artist, breaking into visual effects, and why young creatives should study not only the artists who inspire them, but the artists who inspired those artists.

From visual effects and The Beatles to creativity, technology, and the experiences that shape an artist, Natalie’s story is a fascinating look at what happens when talent meets curiosity and persistence.

Enjoy bold conversations and real stories?

Check out Peter Friedman’s book, I’ll Get The Tip — the inspiration behind this podcast:

👉 https://a.co/d/ec969cc

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Is AI coming for our jobs, or could it actually make us better at them?

Derek Krager, author of Human First AI and founder and CEO of Practical AI and Pocket Mentor, joins I’ll Get The Tip to challenge the fear surrounding artificial intelligence.

Derek shares his “Human First AI” philosophy, where AI thinks with humans, not for humans. He breaks down how businesses can use AI to amplify their workforce, preserve decades of valuable knowledge, improve employee training, and give people more time to focus on creativity and decision-making.

From his experience building Amazon’s highest-rated employee training program to developing Pocket Mentor, Derek explains why the future of AI doesn’t have to be humans vs. machines.

Can AI save jobs instead of eliminating them? Are companies moving too quickly to replace people? And what happens to decades of knowledge when experienced workers retire?

Derek makes the case for a future where technology empowers the people behind the work.

Watch the full conversation and decide for yourself: Is AI something we should fear, or something we need to learn how to use?

We'd love to see your comments on the topic below!!!

Enjoy bold conversations and real stories?

Check out Peter Friedman’s book, I’ll Get The Tip — the inspiration behind this podcast:

👉 https://a.co/d/ec969cc

👍 Like this video,

🔔 Subscribe to I’ll Get The Tip,

📩 and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

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In Part 2 of our conversation with Mel Gee Henderson, we go beyond the destinations and explore the people, experiences, and purpose that have shaped her extraordinary life.

After traveling to 134 countries and building a career as a journalist, filmmaker, host, and executive producer of ESCAPESEEKER , Mel has collected more than incredible travel stories. She has built friendships around the world, raised six children, watched her family grow to include 15 grandchildren, and dedicated much of her life to giving back.

Mel opens up about the role her family and faith have played throughout her journey, including why raising her six children remains the accomplishment she is most proud of. She shares the lessons passed down from her parents, the importance of kindness, and why experiencing different cultures and beliefs has only strengthened her appreciation for the many ways people live around the world.

Then, we dive into some incredible stories from Mel’s humanitarian work.

Mel takes us behind the scenes of her work with the Hospitality Committee for United Nations Delegations and the United Nations Ambassadors Ball, where she helped bring together diplomats, humanitarians, entertainers, and global leaders in support of programs serving UN delegate families.

One of those stories involves Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler.

Mel shares how she advocated for Steven to be recognized for his humanitarian work through Janie’s Fund, why she flew to Mexico to meet him before introducing him, and how what was supposed to be a short meeting turned into the beginning of a lasting friendship. She also takes us inside the unforgettable night Steven Tyler was honored at the United Nations Ambassadors Ball, including the carefully orchestrated entrance, an unexpected performance, and a room filled with diplomats coming together through music.

But Mel’s commitment to bringing people together extends far beyond one event.

She talks about helping establish the first Bhutan Film Institute and the Kingdom of Bhutan International Film Festival, calling on relationships she had built throughout her career to help bring international attention to Bhutan’s growing film community.

We also hear stories from Tanzania, where Mel climbed Mount Kilimanjaro while serving as an expedition writer, and Guatemala, where she witnessed how a small microloan could help a woman begin building a business and creating new opportunities for herself and her family.

Through every story, one message continues to surface: people matter.

Whether she’s sitting with world leaders, working alongside a film crew, meeting families halfway around the world, or spending time with her own children and grandchildren, Mel believes our greatest impact comes from how we treat one another.

Her career may have taken her around the world, but the friendships, lessons, and human connections she found along the way are what continue to mean the most.

Watch Part 2 of our conversation with Mel Gee Henderson on I’ll Get the Tip Podcast!

Enjoy bold conversations and real stories?

Check out Peter Friedman’s book, I’ll Get The Tip — the inspiration behind this podcast:

👉 https://a.co/d/ec969cc

👍 Like this video,

🔔 Subscribe to I’ll Get The Tip,

📩 and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

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