SOI TALK - PODCAST
SOI Talk: The Official Podcast of
Spirit of Innovation: Arts Across America
Go beyond the broadcast with conversations, ideas, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from the creators, artists, innovators, and students shaping the future of the arts.
As a companion to Spirit of Innovation: Arts Across America, SOI Talk brings the voices behind the show directly to audiences in a more personal, conversational format. Produced and hosted by Scott Strand, Lead Instructor of the JDS Creative Academy training program, alongside participants from the program, the podcast explores the stories, interests, creative passions, and emerging ideas that inspire the next generation of artists and innovators.
Each episode offers an authentic look at the people behind the projects—what they are excited about, what they are learning, and how creativity continues to shape their lives and communities.
The SOI Talk Podcast explores possibilities and highlights abilities over disabilities. Host Scott Strand, along with rotating co-hosts from JDS Creative Academy’s job-training program, chat with special guests about breaking down barriers to career satisfaction and self-enrichment.
SOI Talk #27
Episode Title: Future Careers w/ Thomas Carmen-Stuart| Ep. 27
Co-Host: Thomas Carmen-Stuart
Subject: Scott Strand sits down with program participant, Thomas Carmen-Stuart for an engaging conversation about the evolution of his passions, career, and creative ambitions. Together, they explore where he once envisioned himself, where he is today, and his unique path from animation into the world of editing.
SOI Talk #26
Episode Title: Independent Living w/ Brian Woang | Ep. 26
Co-Host: Bian Woang
Subject: Scott Strand sits down with program participant Brian Woang for an insightful conversation about living freely and independently as a neurodivergent individual, the challenges and successes that come with it.
SOI Talk #25
Episode Title: Real Talk w/ Chase Binford | Ep. 25
Co-Host: Chase Binford
Subject: In this episode, Scott Strand sits down with Chase Binford to explore how JDS Creative Academy is changing lives. Chase shares his personal journey as a participant, opening up about the challenges he’s faced and the confidence he’s gained along the way. It’s a powerful conversation about inclusion, empowerment, and the life-changing impact of creative expression.
SOI Talk #24
Episode Title: What Does the Fox say? | Ep. 24
Co-Host: Jordan Wood
Subject: In this episode, Scott Strand sits down with Jordan Wood to talk about his experience working in the Paid Internship Program at JDS Creative Academy. Jordan shares insights from the program, discusses projects he has worked on, and reflects on how these opportunities have helped shape his creative journey.
SOI Talk #23
Episode Title: From Backstage to Spotlight w/ Matt Seelbinder | Ep. 23
Co-Host: Matt Seelbinder
Subject: In this episode, Scott Strand chats with Matt Seelbinder about life behind the scenes and his personal musical theater journey!
SOI Talk #22
Episode Title: Phobias w/ Stephany Garcia | Ep. 22
Co-Host: Stephany Garcia
Subject: In this episode, Scott sits down with JDS Creative Academy's, Stephany Garcia, to talk about Phobias and what she's been up to in the program!
SOI Talk #19
Episode Title: Scott Strand & Jacob Waller | Ep. 19
Co-Host: Jacob Waller
Subject: Scott Strand sits down with JDS Creative Academy’s program Participant, Jacob Waller to discuss his passions for Legos, Cars, and media Production.
SOI Talk #18
Episode Title: The History of Cosplay | Ep. 18
Co-Host: Aryn Porras
Subject: In this episode, Scott Strand sits down with Aryn Porras to talk about their Cosplay and voice-acting journey!
SOI Talk #17
Episode Title: Podcast, Kpop, and Boy Groups– Oh My! | Ep. 17
Co-Host: Andrea Burnett
Subject: SOI Talk is back and with a new spin! Scott Stand, Co-founder and Director of Education at JDS Creative Academy sits down with Andrea Burnett to talk about how you can start your own podcast.
SOI Talk #16
Episode Title: Opportunities in Makeup Artistry for Film & Television | Ep. 16
Guest: Rosalie Ortiz
Subject: Rosalie Ortiz discusses how she got involved with doing makeup for film and television and the opportunities makeup offers for careers and hobbies.
SOI Talk #15
Episode Title: Opportunities in Cinematography & Movie Making | Ep. 15
Guest: Mario Ortiz
Subject: Director of Photography Mario Ortiz talks about how he got into the movie industry, the challenges he faced, and how he found success.
SOI Talk #14
Episode Title: Opportunities in the Animal Rescue World | Ep. 14
Co-Host: Bella Journey
Guest: Pattie Roberts
Subject: Scott and Bella chat with the owner of the nonprofit STAT Horse Sanctuary, Pattie Roberts, about what it takes to work with animals.
SOI Talk #13
Episode Title: Opportunities in Professional Wrestling
Co-Host: Blaize Gottman
Guest: Nicole Albrecht
Subject: Retired professional MMA fighter Nicole Albrecht talks about how she got into MMA, and the different job opportunities in the MMA industry.
SOI Talk #12
Episode Title: Opportunities in the Music Industry
Co-Host: Casey “Zee” O’Dell
Guest: Robert Rankin Walker
Subject: Scott and Casey “Zee” chat with musician and owner of HeyDey Records and Events, Robert Rankin Walker.
SOI Talk #11
Episode Title: Opportunities for Those Who Are Bilingual
Co-Host: Stefano Olaya
Guest: Diana Serrano
Subject: Scott and Stefano chat with Diana Serrano, who is bilingual and works for the Department of Social Services as an employment counselor.
SOI Talk #10
Episode Title: Opportunities in the Fashion Industry
Co-Host: Annette Lozano
Guest: Cathy Stevenson
Subject: Scott and Annette chat with Cathy Stevenson, who has worked in various roles in the fashion industry.
SOI Talk #9
Episode Title: Opportunities and Personal Enrichment in Cosplay
Co-Host: Aryn Porras
Guest: Kastiel Danh
Subject: Scott and Aryn chat with professional cosplayer Kastiel Danh to learn how cosplay can be enjoyed as a vocation and/or avocation.
SOI Talk #8
Episode Title: Inspiration and Opportunities in the Restaurant/Catering Industry
Co-Host: Sergio Moscoso
Guest: Robin McCoy, Director of Culinary Programs and Executive Pastry Chef at Oak Grove Culinary Creations
Subject: Sergio talks about his interest in cooking and restaurants. Guest Robin McCoy talks about how she became a chef, the work she does now with foster/ at-risk youth, and the possibilities for those with developmental disabilities to work in the restaurant/catering industry.
SOI Talk #7
Episode Title: Enjoyment and Opportunities Found Through Writing Fiction
Co-Host: Draven Sanchez
Guest: Matt Coyle, Author of Fiction Books
Subject: Draven talks about his interest in writing stories. Guest Matt Coyle is an author and talks about how he got started with writing, his inspiration for his ideas, and gives advice to those who want to write their own fiction stories.
SOI Talk #6
Episode Title: Benefits and Opportunities Found Through Building Computers
Co-Host: Peter Lucier
Guest: Alex Suarez, IT Consultant
Subject: Peter talks about his interest in computer building. Guest Alex Suarez talks about how he got into this side job and gives suggestions on how people can save (and make) money doing these projects
SOI Talk #5
Episode Title: How to Start a Career in Informational/Marketing/General Interest Writing
Co-Host: Corina Corona
Guest: Johanna Lack, Head Writer at JDS Creative Academy
Subject: Corina talks about her interest in writing. Guest Johanna Lack discusses how she got into writing work and gives tips on how new writers can get started
SOI Talk #4
Episode Title: Benefits and Opportunities Found Through Martial Arts
Co-Host: Thomas Cameron-Stuart
Guest: James Walters, Martial Arts Coach
Subject: Thomas talks about his interest in martial arts and how it has benefited him. Guest James Walters discusses how he got involved with martial arts, how it benefits those with special needs, and the career opportunities found through martial arts.
SOI Talk #3
Episode Title: Careers in Theatre Production
Co-Host: Matt Seelbinder
Guest: Bea Barnett, Community Services Superintendent at the City of Temecula
Subject: Matt talks about his interest in theatre and working behind the scenes. Interview with Bea Barnett about how she got started and the types of opportunities in the theater industry.
SOI Talk #2
Episode Title: Autism Awareness: Living and Working with Autism
Co-Host: Garrett Brown
Guest: Diane Strand, Founder of JDS Creative Academy,
Subject: Garrett discusses what having autism feels like to him, how it affected him as a child and as an adult, and how it hindered him in finding a career. Guest Diane Strand, Executive Board Member of Workforce Development talks about the benefits of hiring those with autism and how businesses can make accommodations to hire people like Garrett.
SOI Talk #1
Episode Title: Work Opportunities in Radio
Co-Host: Tyler Perone
Guest: “Mama Mia” Mia Digenan, Local radio DJ and personality
Subject: Tyler Perone talks about his interest in voice work on the radio. Guest Mia Digenan discusses her experience breaking into radio and gives advice to those who want to get jobs on-air in radio.
