As a writer myself, I'm always happy to meet other emerging storytellers. This new addition to the UPcoming guest list is a screenwriter, filmmaker, and production assistant from the east coast: Anthony Haera! The man has worked with the Austin Film and the freaking NBA, learning how tedious, fast-paced, and demanding entertainment can be. All the same, he continues following his passion of becoming an established screenwriter, working to get his crafts onto the big screen. I look forward to seeing him win his first Oscar.

Be sure to follow the UPcoming wherever you get your podcasts, and check us out on Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and X.

Hey everyone!!

This is just a part of the interview I had with Trey Petgrave that I wanted to share with you. He gives some really fantastic points here. Of course, he does that in all of Episode 67, but this is special. If you haven't already, check out that episode and hear from a phenomenal visual artist.

DISCLAIMER: The opinions of my guest are solely his own and do not reflect the Institute of Internal Auditors, whom he works for. Now, that that's out the way.

WE'RE BACK EVERYONE!! After so mind-shatteringly long, we are back, and what better way to get back in the swing of things than with the newest guest, Vedant Akhauri. He's a multi-hyphenate artist, specializing in video editing, podcasting, writing, and radio. He has two books on Booksie that you need to check out: Miami: The City of Second Chances, and Mrs. Kill (The titles alone are why you should read them). Vedant is also a podcaster himself and hosts "Let's Talk Media with Vedant Akhauri." Ever since he was a child, he's always had a burning passion for storytelling, and now he's doing that in so many angles. Today on the UPcoming, we're transporting to the fun, creative, and wonderfully unpredictable world of Vedant Akhauri.

This week, I sat with the great Trey Petgrave - a filmmaker, visual storyteller, and fellow Purchase alum. His credits are as high as getting his senior thesis project on Revolt TV and directing a music video with BET. He doesn't just come with his own experience in directing, but also his thoughts on the film industry, why quality over quantity matters, and how the streaming wars undermined cinema. I am so glad I got to talk with him, and I am nothing but excited to introduce him to you.

The UPcoming is back and better! Than! Ever! After months of hiatus, the UPcoming has returned!

New rules: time length is now around 30 minutes, and I'm talking to professionals in the creative fields (directors, actors, writers, etc.).

That said, I'm thrilled to announce my latest guest, all the way from Bulgaria. Vladislav Teo "Vlad" Chepilov. Starting out as a TV writer in his home country, he's now in Los Angeles, and looking to reinvent himself as an actor and standup comedian. Sitting down with him, I dig into how he became a writer, what it was like adjusting to California, and essentially starting a new career in a whole new world. This episode really drives home the importance of courage and creativity.

Follow Vlad's IG: Vladislav_Teo_Chepilov

New episode and a whole new exceptional guest! He's a freshman at the University of Florida, and even before he touched down, he, alongside his brother, co-founded Eco Brothers Inc., dedicated to increasing literacy amongst students. He's heavily involved in youth empowerment, education, and equality. A man who's gonna take on the world, Chase Hartman. Today, our topics include his founding of Eco Brothers, his take on banned books, and what he's learned from other student leaders and achievers. Always an honor to have someone like Chase on the UPcoming.

It's been a long time but the UPcoming is back with the first episode of 2025. Joining me for the long-awaited episode 64 is Samantha Sanhaus from Philadelphia. Only a freshman in Lehigh University, and her achievements are already astounding. She's the founder of Feeding Philly, a non-profit dedicated to combating youth malnutrition, inspired by her own experience with an eating disorder. Her leadership extends beyond this, as she's proudly served PA Youth Vote and the Philadelphia Youth Network.

Today she talks about her success, difficulties, goals, and how she gradually became the inspirational person she is.

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Daryn Rockett, a remarkable individual hailing from Long Beach, California. Daryn is a graduate of Stanford University, where she was honored with the prestigious Hoefer Prize for Excellence in Writing and the Harold K. Boyd Undergraduate Scholar Award. Currently, she is pursuing her J.D. and master's in social work at Washington University in St. Louis.

Daryn's journey is a testament to her ambition, hard work, and dedication. Throughout our conversation, she shares her experiences at Stanford, the little habits that build to her success, and just how she views society can change for the better. Essentially, you'll see how everything in her life has shaped her academic and professional pursuits.

As Daryn prepares for a career as an attorney, she discusses her motivations for entering the legal field and her commitment to making a positive impact through social work. Her dual focus on law and social work highlights her holistic approach to advocacy and justice.

Daryn is one of the many guests who more than deserves a spot on the UPcoming, and I'm honored to have had the chance to talk with her.