Publications & Media

Making It Big in 30 Minutes

A podcast for, by, and about the Emerson community and the many ways its alumni are making the world a little better, every day.

What does it mean to make it big? Having money, fame, world wide acclaim, climbing the corporate ladder or crushing it in your business. One thing’s for sure, there isn’t just one way to do it.

In each episode, you will meet an Emersonian who’s Making It. Making a living, making a difference and sometimes, making it up as they go along. As far as we’re concerned, if you’re making something, you’ve made it … big time.

Season 7

Thumbnail for Seth Adam's Making It Big Podcast

Seth Adam ‘08 on Making it as a Diplomat

October 24, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Seth Adam is no stranger to career moves. After getting his degree in Theatre Studies, he spent time working at GLAAD before becoming a US Foreign Service Officer. He talks to Hunter about lessons he’s learned along the way including finding work you love, learning from your mistakes, and using your voice for good. Recorded on September 2, 2023.

Thumbnail of Jamie Loftus for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Jamie Loftus ‘14 on Making it as a Comedic Writer

October 31, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

After her time at Emerson, Jamie Loftus started out as a comedian, but certainly didn’t stop there. Between starting a podcast (before they were cool) and writing a New York Times Best Seller about the history of hot dogs (yes, hot dogs), her creative endeavors have taken her to a lot of places, most recently even out to LA. Jamie shares with Hunter how taking risks and keeping things fresh have led to her success. Recorded on August 30, 2023.

Thumbnail of Jessica Joseph for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Jessica Joseph ‘13 on Making it as a Marketing Strategist

November 7, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Jessica Joseph, Director of Commercial Strategy for the New York Time’s WireCutter, joins Hunter to talk all things green: from advice for young professionals on money management to connecting to her family roots while gardening during the pandemic. She reflects on her time in advertising, the joys of teaching, and the lasting impact the Emerson community has on her personal and professional relationships. Recorded August 25, 2023.

Thumbnail of Sarah Spiers for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Sarah Spiers ‘17 as Making it as a Video Game Producer

November 14, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Sarah Spiers, like so many Emersonians, had a life changing trip to the Castle. It was there that a conversation with a friend inspired her to pursue her love of video games. A few years later, that passion landed her on Forbes 30 Under 30 in the games category!  Sarah discusses being your own biggest cheerleader and how her unconventional path prepared her for her current role at Electronic Arts. Recorded on September 8, 2023.

Thumbnail of Nyla Wissa for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Nyla Wissa ‘15 on Making it as Brand Narrative Manager

November 21, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Nyla Wissa has been making an impact through storytelling since her Emerson days. As one of the founding members of Flawless Brown, Nyla created a space where marginalized stories could be shared, and has continued to do that work at major companies like Buzzfeed, Shondaland, and most recently as a Brand Manager at Nike. She gives Hunter all the details about the origin of her business “Juice Bitch”, and how she leads a fulfilling life. Recorded on September 13, 2023.

Thumbnail of Kevin McKeon for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Kevin McKeon ‘07 on Making it as a Film Producer

November 28, 2023, 12:00 a.m. EDT

As VP of Production for Mattel Films, Kevin McKeon had quite the summer with the smash hit, Barbie, taking the world by storm. But he didn’t land on the pink carpet overnight. He shares his journey from PA to studio exec with Hunter and how Emerson shaped every step along the way. Kevin also talks about the changes he has seen on the Emerson campus, reminisces about his time as a student and offers advice to current students about keeping an open mind and knowing their worth in the industry. Recorded on September 14, 2023.

Thumbnail of Jay Bernhardt for the Making it Big in 30 Minutes Podcast

Jay Bernhardt on Making It as Emerson College’s President

December 18, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Dr. Jay Bernhardt was named Emerson College’s 13th president in January 2023. Hunter sat down with President Bernhardt for a live interview and taping of Making It Big as part of his tour across the country to meet with Emersonians. President Bernhardt shares what stands out to him about Emerson, his own career path that led him to the college presidency, and most importantly, his desire to connect, listen, and collect feedback from the Emerson Alumni community. Recorded on November 16, 2023.

Season 7 Credits

Executive Producer: Rebecca Glucklich, Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Producer: Lilly Meehan-Egan '23, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

Host: Hunter Reis '17

Editors: Trinity Hodges and Lilly Meehan-Egan '23, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

Created by Terri Trespicio, MFA '02 & Rebecca Glucklich, Associate Director of Alumni Relations