Eliot Salome Diaz, graffiti and mural artist, joins middle schooler Dayvion to talk about life as a creative. Eliot shares how he navigates his interests in both art and business, what his work teaches about creating from the heart and with passion, and his love of hip hop. Dayvion learns from Eliot how making art from a generous, expansive place can open unexpected doors of opportunity.

Linda Anstendig, former English professor at Pace University, joins middle schooler Torlisa to talk about the joys of learning and teaching. Torlisa comes into the conversation admitting that English has always been her least favorite subject, but Linda shows her how reaching out to a teacher for guidance can really change the way you learn. Linda also shares why pursuing an English major is a worthy choice, how she learned to become more assertive, and she tells the story of a powerful student experience that stuck with her.

Robert Barletta, Executive Vice President at Marino Public Relations, joins middle schooler Dayvion to share what it’s like to work as a publicist. He tells stories from his early days in government and politics, explains how he helps clients handle emergency situations, and shows why entrepreneurs need a publicist to be the voice of their brand. Dayvion learns from Robert why even after years in the business, staying excited and passionate about your work can make all the difference.

Ellen Kackmann, Senior Vice President of Affordable Housing at the Albanese Organization, sits down with middle schooler Aiden for a thoughtful conversation about what it means to build a career with purpose. Ellen talks about what inspires her to help create affordable housing, and why this work means so much to her.

She also shares how creative writing became one of her go-to outlets, and tells the story of how she finally stopped being scared of math by tackling it head-on. This episode is all about trying new things, facing fears, and finding the work that lights you up.

Award-winning journalist and author, Clara Bingham, joins us to kick off the season with a powerful conversation about truth-telling. Clara shares with us what first pulled her toward journalism, why the work can be both demanding and deeply rewarding, and how her focus on social justice and women’s issues has shaped her career. She also reflects on the difference between seeking fame and seeking purpose, and why she believes doing meaningful work matters most.

As we wrap up Season 10 of Formative, we hang out with Grizel Del Valle: a singer, actress, and all-around powerhouse with a knack for bold moves. Middle schoolers Shania and Dayvion jump into a heartfelt chat about spotting the perfect moments to take a leap and finding the guts to go for it. They also learn about the ways social media can open doors, what it’s really like being an independent artist, and the story behind being called La Chachi.

Kat Yeh has reinvented herself from sports marketer to beloved children’s author and poet, creating stories that inspire and delight. In this episode, middle schooler Briana talks with Kat about chasing sparks of inspiration, how she learned to overcome her own doubts, and which of her book characters she wishes she could be. Tune in for an introspective conversation about doubt, courage and chasing curiosities.

John Loeffler has spent nearly fifty years making music that moves the world, from crafting the unforgettable Pokémon sound to working with iconic bands like Cheap Trick and Earth, Wind & Fire. In this episode, Jacob chats with John about how a few chance encounters in New York set him on a unique path, the many surprising directions a career in music can take, and why following your passion means living beyond the ordinary. Join us for a story about creativity, persistence, and making your own kind of noise.