Cultural Catalysts with Alison McNeil
Welcome to Cultural Catalysts with Alison McNeil—the podcast that celebrates the creative visionaries working behind the scenes in arts and entertainment. This podcast uplifts the voices of producers, publicists, directors, and other behind-the-scenes creatives who shape culture but don’t always get the spotlight. From the challenges of building sustainable careers to the triumphs of crafting unforgettable artistic moments, Cultural Catalysts dives deep into the inspiring lives of those who make the magic happen. If you’re curious about the people driving creativity and innovation in the arts, this podcast is for you. 📢A Call to Action: I want to take a moment to acknowledge the shifts in our arts and cultural landscape since these conversations were first recorded. We’ve seen challenges to institutions—including the arts—but we’ve also seen the resilience of creatives and cultural organizations. If you believe in the power of the arts, now is the time to take action. Support the artists and arts organizations that inspire you—donate, amplify their work, and stay engaged. Visit Americans for the Arts to stay updated on advocacy efforts happening on Capitol Hill and across the country. Americans for the Arts provides resources and opportunities to get involved at the local, state, and national levels. We’ll link their website in the show notes and continue sharing updates on our MCE Instagram. As the legendary Carrie Mae Weems reminds us, “Art is the one place we all turn to for solace, and we need that now more than ever.” Let’s show up for the arts, for our communities, and for each other. 🌐 MCE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcearts The resource link can be found in our bio. 🌐 Americans for the Arts website: https://www.americansforthearts.org/
Episodes
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil sits down with Lila Mayes, Program Administrator for the Directors Guild of America - Producer Training Program. With a vibrant career spanning artist relations for the Grammys and mentoring aspiring filmmakers, Lila shares her journey of finding purpose and paving the way for inclusivity in the film and TV industry.
Discover how Lila empowers young creatives, champions diversity...
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil interviews Aja Burrell Wood, the Managing Director of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. An ethnomusicologist, curator, and educator, Aja has dedicated her career to exploring the intersections of race, gender, and performance. She shares her journey from Detroit, Michigan, to Berklee Institute for Jazz and Gender Justice, highlighting how her passion for music and...
On this episode of Cultural Catalyst, Alison McNeil sits down with Mazi Mutafa, Founder and Executive Director of Words Beats & Life, shares his journey of using hip-hop to empower historically-excluded voices and create opportunities for young artists. From pioneering community-focused arts education to blending hip-hop with cultural diplomacy and wellness, Mazi unpacks the transformative power of hip-hop culture beyond music. Lis...
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil speaks with Marjuan Canady, a Tony-nominated Broadway producer, award-winning Caribbean-American artist, and cultural entrepreneur. From creating her one-woman show, Girls! Girls? Girls. to founding the Callaloo brand of children’s books, puppetry, and theater, Marjuan shares her journey of centering Black and Caribbean stories in her work.
Listen as she discusses her path from a...
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil interviews Mitra Arthur, a dynamic storyteller with a background spanning the performing and cinematic arts. Mitra shares her journey from live arts and arts administration to producing, directing, and editing impactful films and media. Now a video producer at NPR Music, Mitra discusses the importance of honoring Black women’s stories, fostering curiosity, and creating spaces whe...
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil welcomes Jennifer Bowman, Houston Grand Opera's Director of Community and Learning. Together, they explore Jennifer’s journey as a trailblazer in arts leadership, her dedication to making opera accessible, and the powerful ways she fosters community connections through creativity and collaboration.
Discover the magic that happens when passion meets purpose in the arts and entert...
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil interviews C. Brian Williams, founder and executive producer of Step Afrika!, the first professional dance company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. From its origins at Howard University to becoming an internationally celebrated cultural ambassador, Step Afrika! has revolutionized the art of stepping.
Brian shares how the company honors the roots of stepping while evolving ...
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil speaks with Nyle Washington, Senior Award Series Publicity and Talent Relations Manager at Netflix. With over 20 years of experience in PR and media strategy, Nyle shares her journey from internships at The Oprah Winfrey Show to leading award-winning campaigns for hit Netflix series like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Squid Game. Nyle discusses the evolving media landscape, the ...
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil interviews Sharon Ingram, Executive Director of the DC Chapter of the Recording Academy. Sharon shares her fascinating journey from performing artist to becoming a champion of music professionals. With over 20 years in entertainment, Sharon has worked with Hidden Beach Recordings and the Clio Awards, honing her passion for building community and creating resources for creatives.
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On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil speaks with Pamela Green, founder of PMG Arts Management and a trailblazer in arts administration. With over 30 years of experience, Pamela has worked with renowned artists like Ronald K. Brown, Camille A. Brown, and Nnenna Freelon, shaping multidisciplinary projects that have left a lasting impact on the performing arts world.
Pamela shares her journey from curious arts enthusia...
🎙️ Alison McNeil, CEO and Founder of McNeil Creative Enterprises, welcomes you to Cultural Catalysts—a podcast dedicated to celebrating the creative visionaries working behind the scenes in the arts and entertainment industry.
🌟 What to Expect:
- Inspiring stories from producers, publicists, directors, and other industry insiders.
- A focus on equity, innovation, and the impact of behind-the-scenes creatives.
- Insights into the chall...
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