Media Industry Guru

What happens when music, cultural identity, and industry recognition collide? On this episode of Media Industry Guru, we sit down with Miist, the first native Chinese artist to reach Billboard’s Pop/Adult Contemporary Top 25, to discuss her groundbreaking journey and the future of global music. Miist shares her perspective on the Recording Academy’s controversial Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, her Billboard op-ed, and her involvement in the Academy’s new Team Global workgroup. We explore how the GRAMMYs can recognize Asian-language music without creating new boundaries for artists and how Miist believes the category could evolve. She also discusses reimagining her Billboard-charting song “It’s Too Late to Love You” as a Chinese-English duet with three-time GRAMMY winner Narada Michael Walden. From multilingual songwriting to music’s power to connect people across cultures, this conversation examines what it means to build a truly global music industry.

On this episode, we sit down with Rick Morse to explore the rapidly growing world of music catalogs and wealth management. As artists navigate record deals, royalty streams, and major liquidity events, the financial decisions they make can shape their futures for decades. Rick shares insights on protecting windfalls, building long-term wealth, and avoiding the common pitfalls that follow success. Tune in to learn how smart financial strategy can turn success today into security tomorrow.

Here we are with Stephan Dweck and David Millstone. Two bold voices. Two fearless paths. On the premiere episode of Every Day Courage, we sit down with actor and producer David Millstone and humorist, attorney, and media force Stephan Dweck. David shares his journey from regional theater to the big screen, reflecting on the roles that challenged him and the courage it takes to embrace uncertainty in the arts. Stephan opens up about his path from the Frederick Douglass Houses to Dartmouth, from co-authoring iconic books like Snaps to representing artists like Ashanti in the world of entertainment law. Both bring honesty, humor, and hard-won insight to the mic.This conversation is about more than résumés—it’s about resilience. From navigating typecasting and creative blocks to fighting for artists' rights and staying true to your voice, David and Stephan explore what it really means to show up with purpose in a world that doesn’t always make space for you. Whether you're a storyteller, a dreamer, or just someone trying to take the next brave step, this episode is for you. Here we will learn about their advice and the launch of their newest podcast which launches Tuesday, July 1st.

Reemo Meerak has created unfiltered energy in media—a bold voice shaped by the hustle and heartbeat of New York City. As an actor, blogger, content creator, and correspondent, he’s interviewing artists, dropping hot takes on culture, or lighting up your screen on Amazon Prime, MTV, or The Drew Barrymore Show. Reemo brings the same sharp wit and unapologetic presence that’s built him a loyal digital following of over 23,000 across platforms.But Reemo’s not just about spotlight moments—he’s a storyteller grounded in community. As a contributing writer for Digiwaxx, he dives deep into entertainment, lifestyle, and music with a lens that’s raw, honest, and rooted in the culture he lives and breathes. From YouTube interviews to editorial insights, Reemo Meerak is a force redefining what it means to be a cultural correspondent in the digital age. We will dive into his tips and tricks and his professional career advice for those that aspire to be a media correspondent.

We are with Nicole Rocha, a rising senior at USC double-majoring in Music Industry and Cinematic Arts, and the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Linda Komorsky AIMP Scholarship. Balancing two part-time jobs while interning at NAMM, BeachLife Festival, Incite Management, and more, Nicole is no stranger to the hustle it takes to break into the industry. Her dedication, resilience, and deep passion for music publishing set her apart as one of the most promising voices of the next generation.With dreams of launching her own streaming platform and music festival, she’s not just studying the business — she’s actively imagining its future. Nicole is passionate about empowering independent creators, shaping equitable rights systems, and staying ahead of the curve in tech and live events. In our latest episode, she will share her journey, lessons from the AIMP community, and advice for students looking to carve out a space on the business side of music.