You Got Moxie!

We’re back with You Got Moxie for a special episode with Al Madrigal. In this funny, candid, and deeply timely conversation, Al reflects on the wake-up calls that pushed him to take ownership of his path and build a career on his own terms. From stand-up and The Daily Show to producing, writing, and creating work for himself, he talks about what it means to stop waiting, trust your instincts, and keep making even when the road ahead feels uncertain. Julie Ann and Al get into entrepreneurship, creativity, mental wellness, community, and the discipline of staying in motion. Together, they explore how comedy can hold truth, how momentum shapes a life, and why this moment asks all of us to lean into the work that is ours to do.

Live from the 2025 Georgia State of the Industry at Trilith Studios, Frank Patterson reflects on why this moment of disruption in entertainment is also a moment of possibility. He shares why creators need to stay action-biased, how community remains central to storytelling, and why Trilith Studios is betting on both world-class productions and the next generation of independent makers shaping the future of the industry

Live from the 2025 Georgia State of the Industry at Trilith Studios, Christina Lee Storm shares how emerging technologies like virtual production and generative AI are reshaping the future of storytelling. From building ethical AI standards at the Television Academy to advising creators to own their IP and stay curious, Christina breaks down why the next era of entertainment belongs to creators who embrace new tools, community, and world-building across platforms.Read Christina's Substack: https://creativetechorbit.substack.com/

Live from the 2025 Georgia State of the Industry at Trilith Studios, John Gibson, VP of Public Affairs and Industry Relations at the Motion Picture Association, unpacks what it takes to build a film and TV workforce that matches the audiences powering the industry. Hear why Georgia is a smart bet for the future, why showing up still matters, and how creators can stay ahead by pairing community with emerging tools.

Live from the 2025 Georgia State of the Industry at Trilith Studios, Jodine Dorcé breaks down why live events are becoming a global engine for the entertainment industry. Hear how the VP of Live Events at WaitWhat thinks about hospitality as strategy, community as infrastructure, and why the future belongs to creators who can bring audiences together to co-create in real time.

Live from the 2025 Georgia State of the Industry at Trilith Studios, Lauren Schnipper explains why the creator economy is no longer a niche segment but the very foundation of the modern entertainment industry. Discover why Lauren chose to relocate her career to Georgia and how the "cable-ization" of YouTube is fundamentally changing how we define "TV."About the GuestLauren Schnipper is a veteran digital media executive, producer, and M&A advisor who has shaped the creator economy through leadership roles at Facebook and Instagram. A pioneer in the space, she has spent over two decades helping top-tier digital talent transition into traditional media while building sustainable business infrastructures.Key TakeawaysThe "Cable-ization" of YouTube: With Connected TV as its fastest-growing surface, YouTube is effectively becoming the new cable, shifting digital content back into the living room with a premium, Netflix-like experience.The Georgia Advantage: Creators are increasingly looking to hubs like Atlanta to build physical infrastructure and production teams, trading the cost-prohibitive nature of Los Angeles for a higher quality of life.Bridging the IP Gap: While traditional media excels at building long-term Intellectual Property (IP), creators excel at building two-way communities; the next era of media belongs to those who can successfully merge the two.Eliminating Barriers to Entry: In 2025, distribution is democratized, and tools are in everyone's pocket—the only true barrier is the persistence to "make things" until you find an organic connection with the zeitgeist.

Live from the 2024 Georgia State of the Industry Summit, Julie Ann sits down with filmmaker Adanne Ebo, co-creator of Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. Adanne shares lessons from navigating the ups and downs of Hollywood, the importance of “just keep making,” and why Georgia feels like both nostalgia and futurism rolled into one. The conversation dives into creativity as a muscle, the need for writers’ rooms in Georgia, and why building community is key to the future of filmmaking.

Live from the 2024 Georgia State of the Industry Summit, Julie Ann sits down with Fernando Garibay, Grammy-winning producer, educator, and founder of the Garibay Institute. Fernando shares how music became his first language, what he learned collaborating with global icons like Lady Gaga, and how those lessons now inform his work in diplomacy, AI, and storytelling. The conversation explores the human spirit at the center of creativity, the risks and opportunities of emerging technology, and why Georgia has become a critical hub for shaping the future of culture and change.Want to attend this year’s State of the Industry? Visit: bit.ly/GASOI2025

Live from the 2024 Georgia State of the Industry Summit, Julie Ann sits down with Chris Escobar, Executive Director of the Atlanta Film Society and the Atlanta Film Festival. Chris reflects on the festival’s evolution into one of the world’s most competitive, his belief in the enduring power of people gathering to watch stories, and the role of film societies as incubators for collaboration. The conversation dives into Atlanta’s unique film community, the long game of cultural investment, and the creative collisions that spark lasting change.

Live from the 2024 Georgia State of the Industry Summit, Julie Ann sits down with Christina Wren, acclaimed actor, writer, producer, and star of the hit series Will Trent. Christina shares how growing up in a nonprofit family shaped her commitment to community, how her creative choices center cultural authenticity, and why Georgia’s energy makes it a unique home for storytellers. The conversation explores collaboration, innovation, and the small daily practices that add up to lasting change.

Live from the 2024 Georgia State of the Industry Summit, Julie Ann sits down with Chiquita Banks, an attorney, educator, entrepreneur, and tax incentive expert. Chiquita shares her path from major studio boardrooms to running her own company, her mission to equip independent filmmakers with the tools to succeed, and why Georgia is primed to lead in global storytelling. The conversation explores community, collaboration, and the work required to build an ecosystem that drives lasting impact.

In the thrilling season one finale, visionary founder, investor, and cultural architect Bing Chen joins us to share his journey from growing up as a third-culture kid to leading a movement of impact. As the Executive Chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Gold House—the foremost collective that unites, invests in, and champions Asia Pacific creators to shape a more inclusive future—Bing reflects on resilience, the necessity for systemic change, and the transformative power of community. He also reveals the timeless advice from his mother that fuels his drive and shares the story behind coining the term “creator economy.” Join us in celebrating the incomparable Bing Chen.

Kamala Avila-Salmon, Founder & CEO at Kas Kas Productions and former Head of Inclusive Content at Lionsgate, shares her journey as a disruptor in the film industry. She reflects on her early experiences, including running for senior class president, and how they influenced her approach to making an impact. Kamala discusses the challenges of introducing inclusive content and the significance of defining what inclusivity truly means. She also introduces StorySpark, a tool she developed to spark creativity and conversations about inclusion in storytelling.

Danielle Feinberg, Director of Photography for Lighting at Pixar Animation Studios, shares her inspiring journey through the intersection of art and technology. As one of the few women in computer science and engineering during her college years, she overcame challenges that propelled her to work with organizations like Girls Who Code. Danielle talks about her passion for promoting diversity in STEM fields, the importance of embracing opportunities, and how she finds ways to stay motivated through creativity and collaboration.

Franklin Leonard, the creator of The Black List, delves into the power of storytelling and the need to democratize access to the entertainment industry. He discusses breaking down barriers so that talent from diverse backgrounds can have equal opportunities. Franklin encourages solving small, manageable problems, building community, and embracing disagreement to drive better outcomes. He envisions a future where technology plays a crucial role in fostering a more equitable and inclusive industry.

Filmmaker and producer Carlos Lopez Estrada invites us into his world of storytelling, where the intersection of music and film sparked his passion for challenging narratives and amplifying diverse perspectives. He reflects on the key moments that shaped his journey, and how asking the right questions led him down alternative paths. Carlos offers thoughtful insights on creating impactful stories that push boundaries, while sharing how he recharges and stays inspired in the face of constant innovation.

Katherine Peiper, Program Director at the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, and Stacy Smith, Founder of the Initiative, explore the evolving landscape of representation in media. They dive into topics ranging from gender and race to LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion, sharing key moments that fueled their passion for change. Their conversation highlights the challenges and small steps needed to transform the industry while offering insights on how curiosity, resilience, and fresh perspectives can drive lasting impact.

Jeanell English joins host Julie Ann Crommett to talk about her journey in change-making and her approach to recharging amidst the challenges. Jeanell shares her personal story, highlighting moments that led to her work in systemic change, including her efforts to implement diversity standards for the Oscars. She discusses how curiosity and questioning the status quo are key drivers for progress while also focusing on the importance of self-care and finding joy in the process.

Leader, author, and workforce expert Daisy Auger-Dominguez shares her inspiring journey from the US to the Dominican Republic and back. She explores how this shaped her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and discusses her efforts to overcome systemic exclusion in the workplace. Daisy offers valuable lessons on setting boundaries, fostering joy, and sustaining leadership through self-awareness, all while creating long-lasting DEI strategies that drive real change.

In this episode of You Got Moxie, Vanessa Roanhorse, founder of Roanhorse Consulting, shares how she centers Indigenous worldview knowledge in her work to transform the financial system. Vanessa opens up about her personal journey through financial trauma and the pivotal moments that shaped her mission. She emphasizes the importance of starting with what’s in front of you, setting boundaries, and building meaningful relationships. Tune in to hear her insights on scaling with purpose and embracing change as a continuous process.

In this episode of You Got Moxie, host Julie Ann Crommett sits down with Baratunde Thurston, award-winning host, producer, and writer, to discuss the pivotal moments that sparked his shift towards more creative and impactful pursuits. Baratunde shares insights on the power of starting small, the importance of collaboration, and the role of community in driving change. He reminds us that change is constant and that our actions, however small, contribute to a larger collective progress.

Welcome to You Got Moxie!, where host Julie Ann Crommett explores the “how” of change-making. With her background in media, entertainment, and inclusion, Julie Ann brings you inspiring conversations with changemakers and innovators who are making a real impact. Each episode dives into the challenges, steps, and persistence required to drive meaningful change across various industries. If you’re seeking actionable insights and real stories beyond the headlines, this podcast is for you. Tune in, get inspired, and remember—you got this, and you got moxie. Visit collectivemoxie.com to learn more, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!