Excuse My Reach: Recent Episodes
Emma Izek
Welcome to Excuse My Reach Podcast! I'm your host, Emma Izek. Join me in having candid conversations with professionals from all different backgrounds and businesses. Together, we're going to discover what inspires these individuals, unlock their career paths, and conduct the ultimate informational interview. Tune in to get an in-depth understanding of multiple industries and hopefully find out how to get a little closer to where you want to be. Excuse my reach as I unlock the gatekept secrets of the professional world.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Aarya Kumar. Aarya has always had a love for travel, exploring styles online, and swimwear. Now she’s turned that passion into a purpose. Aarya is a brand builder, creative strategist, and founder of Bungalow Swim — a newly launched premium swimwear label created to transform the luxury swimwear market in India. In our conversation, Aarya shares her past experiences in performance marketing, her founder story, and the core mission behind the brand. We talk through everything from manufacturing to photoshoots to knowing when and what to outsource. Excuse my reach as I hear her realistic take on starting a company, her vision for the future, and how she’s making waves in this industry.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Raji Chadha. She’s always had a natural knack for creativity — from dance, to marketing, and now modeling. In our conversation, Raji shares her journey through career pivots, what it was like to start pursuing a dream after a milestone birthday, and her experience balancing the corporate world with the fashion community. She also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at walking in Chicago’s first-ever Fashion Week, modeling on WGN, and the differences between runway and on-screen. Excuse my reach as I hear how she’s carved her own path at each stage of life while living by the belief that it’s never too late to start.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Emily Warburton. Emily has always had a knack for being creative in ways big and small. While she started her career in the music industry, she pivoted to follow her passion — building her path in Interior Design. In our conversation, Emily shares how her journey began, what led her to switch directions, and the steps she took to get to where she is today. She speaks to the highs and lows of acting on her decision to change course and goes into the nitty-gritty of this industry. Excuse my reach as I hear about her past experiences, present work, and future goals — and how she continues to shape her professional life based on her own blueprint.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Amanda Layne Miller. Ever since she can remember, Amanda has been a fangirl. Now, she’s turned that passion into a career as a writer, filmmaker, comedian, and co-founder of Fangirl Central - a Black, queer, zillennial media company creating films, events, and content, and helping companies activate audiences and build fandoms. Fangirl Central has been featured in Vulture, Polyester Zine, Deadline, and the Paramount+ original documentary Larger Than Life: Reign of the Boybands. In our conversation, Amanda shares her vast industry experience - she’s developed an original sci-fi comedy feature with Netflix Animation, and has worked in writers’ rooms in both Los Angeles and Beijing, including The Morning Show (Apple TV+) and Woke (Hulu). She also talks about the ins and outs of working with her sister - notably their collaboration on the short film The Day I Didn’t Meet One Direction (2022), where it all began. Excuse my reach as I learn more about the mission behind her drive - and how you’re never too old, too young, or anything in between to be a fangirl.
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Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Isabel Sousa. Throughout her career, she has worked as a Business Analyst in both the healthcare and industrial sectors, and as a Product Owner of the Mosaico project—a common model for designing and developing digital public services focused on citizens and companies. She is now a Project Manager, furthering her work in digital transformation for the Portuguese government. While Isabel is an engineer with a master’s in Industrial Engineering and Management, she is also a cook with a deep passion for gastronomy that extends far beyond her home kitchen. She has sought out opportunities to nurture her curiosity for the craft. She even worked at her favorite restaurant on weekends—just for fun—and eventually developed and planned private events with chefs at the same establishment. Excuse my reach as I hear about Isabel’s work ethic and how she has balanced both her career and her passion for cuisine—folding them into her life with just a pinch of her unique flavor.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Alexis MacAdam. For the past 10 years, she has worked at Disneyland Resort - delighting 100+ guests per day through individual meet and greets, tailoring unique experiences, and using her communication and improv skills to provide seamless and memorable moments. Alexis graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in Theatre and a minor in Entertainment Industry and is now pursuing her MBA from Purdue University. In our conversation, Alexis shares where her love of performing began, tips on auditioning and adapting to the situation in front of her, and how she uses her degree in her role at Disney and beyond. Excuse my reach as I dive into the lessons she took from 'The Happiest Place on Earth' and how she used them to pivot her path - all while continuing to keep the magic alive.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Edon Molla. Whether in sports, business, or music, Edon has had an internal competitive mindset and a clear drive to continue to excel. He is an accomplished musician - having released both an album and multiple singles, and has had the opportunity to collaborate alongside well-renowned artists. While pursuing his music career, Edon has been working in digital media marketing and is getting his MBA at Columbia School of Business. In our conversation, Edon shares where his love of music began, his tips on growing in the industry, his dedication to his 9-5 profession and school, and how he’s managed it all. Through every career step taken or success point reached, he continues to strive for more - while still prioritizing the journey over the outcome. Excuse my reach as I hear how he has pivoted his passions and continued to reach new heights harmoniously.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Kaitlin DiSalvo. Since graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in Business Administration and Management, Kaitlin has steadily advanced her career at Coach. In our conversation, she shares her journey through the company, starting as an assistant in Global Merchandising for Men’s Bags, Retail, and Runway to her current role as a Manager of Global Merchandising for Women’s Outlet Bags. Kaitlin gives us insight into her day-to-day, the cross-collaboration workflow, and the skills needed to excel in this profession. She has increased her industry knowledge, fostered meaningful working relationships, and taken on new, impactful responsibilities - all while remaining ever-grateful to have her dream job. Excuse my reach as I learn more about how she rose through the ranks and carved out her space in the fashion industry.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Brittany Ogletree. From the age of three years old, Brittany has had a natural love for beauty, makeup products, and creating. Since then, she has worked as a content creator, author, and entrepreneur - building her brand, Bri Beauty. In our conversation, Brittany explains the intricacies of the content creator space, from how to grow a following to insider tips on receiving consistent gifting. Brittany also gives us a deep dive into her brand - the mission, her goals for the company, and what she’s learned in the pre-launch phase. Excuse my reach as I hear how she turned her childhood passion into her full-time profession - all with beauty and grace.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Natalie Faber. She grew up loving all things Broadcast News, received her degree in Communication Studies and Mass Media and worked vigorously to make her dreams a reality. At the time of this interview, Natalie worked as a Broadcast Associate at CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell. Now, she is back where she wants to be - working local news at WCCO in her home state of Minnesota. In today's conversation, Natalie gives us a very realistic look into the world of working in broadcast - how she landed her role, the ins and outs of the job, the hard truths, and the most rewarding parts of this industry. Excuse my reach as I learn how she is shaping her career - her way, day by day.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Arlena Jackson, Founder and CEO of Elevation Ally, a career consulting agency for college women. Before founding her company, Arlena worked as a global communications executive for nearly 20 years - elevating well-renowned brands such as IBM, NASA, Emerson, and Salesforce. Now, she is a career coach, keynote speaker, advocate, and ally for job seekers, propelling more than 1,000 college women forward with actionable, time-proven coaching systems - and her work is ever-growing. Excuse my reach as I hear how her career has evolved and learn more about the concrete moves she has taken to pay it forward.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Melody Mohammadi, Associate Attorney at Buchalter, a full-service business law firm. Melody is an alumnus of the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business, where she studied Business Administration with a minor in Cinematic Arts. She then went on to pursue a job in consulting before ultimately deciding to attend Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. As a practicing attorney in commercial finance law, Melody is a creative problem solver who uses her expertise to communicate and connect with clients effectively and professionally. Excuse my reach as I learn how each distinct decision she made has led her to exactly where she is supposed to be.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Isaac Deol, Director of Digital Marketing and Creative Content & Artist Manager at Active Management, a full-service artist management firm, record label, and creative studio. Isaac has six years of experience managing artist-facing marketing projects in a content-driven landscape. He led digital marketing strategy and execution for Killer Mike's solo album “MICHAEL”, resulting in a category sweep at the 2024 Grammy Awards. Isaac is creative, analytical, and strategic in his work - and there is still so much more to come. Excuse my reach as I learn how he managed to turn his natural-born skill of facilitating creativity into a career in the music industry - all to the beat of his own.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Edina Hiser, a professional costume and production designer based in Los Angeles. She has a BFA in Theatre Design from the University of Southern California and has worked in the entertainment industry for over six years, with experience in theatre, opera, live performance, television, film, commercials, photoshoots, and more. Edina has also acted as a production designer, art director, and artisan for numerous short films and television projects, approaching each new opportunity with passion, talent, and kindness. Excuse my reach as I learn how she went from a natural-born storyteller to crafting her career path - just as she designed it.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Elisabetta Gioffrè, UN Fellow with UNAIDS in Guatemala City. Eli is a trilingual, enthusiastic, and proactive analyst and researcher who has conducted research in cross-sectoral public policies spanning public health and development cooperation, focusing on access to vaccines, violence against women, poverty, inequalities, and innovation for development cooperation. She has contributed to the work of the OECD, Gavi, UN Women, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative. Eli’s hard work and determination to combine her passions with her skills have led her to the success she’s had in her career thus far. Excuse my reach as I learn how she's moved through this industry and gained a unique perspective - all while keeping gratitude at the forefront.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Taylor Gorski, Co-Founder of Rad Habits, a California-made brand that provides high-quality, elevated clothing to live an adventurous, healthy, and fun lifestyle. Taylor has extensive experience in social media management, content editing, and providing creative solutions. She and her co-founder/cousin/best friend have created a company with sustainability and inclusivity as priorities, designing each collection to have an oversized, relaxed fit. Their goal is to help consumers embrace the things they love full-speed ahead. Excuse my reach as I learn how this family-run business went from a childhood dream to a present-day reality - building Rad Habits every step of the way.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Adam Elghor, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer at Sidework, a company focused on universal beverage dispensers that help venues craft and serve drinks - better. At Sidework, Adam and his team have created a product that can craft cocktails, coffee, kombucha, sodas, tea, fresh juice, and more. In every venue (cafés, bars, stadiums, hotels, theaters) - their technology aims to lower costs and maximize revenue. From friends to founders to entrepreneurs excelling in the hospitality industry, Adam and his counterparts have stuck with the vision of creating “One machine, one million ways to fill the glass” - and this is just the beginning. Excuse my reach as I hear how it started, where they are now, and how they’re changing the industry - one machine at a time.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Lauren Casson, a Company Manager at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, a Chicago-based international performing arts institution committed to ensemble collaboration and artistic risk through its work with its permanent ensemble, guest artists, partner institutions, and the community. In addition to her work at the Steppenwolf, Lauren is an artist focused on photography, illustration, and photo editing. Her career path has been a series of saying yes to each opportunity - embracing the present rather than fearing the future. Excuse my reach as I learn about each act in her story on the world’s stage.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Kate Nelson, an Alaska Native Tlingit tribal member, Award-Winning Journalist, and Editor-In-Chief of Artful Living, a top independent boutique lifestyle magazine based in Minneapolis. Kate focuses on amplifying Native American change makers and issues by covering Indigenous topics for top publications, including ELLE, Esquire, the BBC, The Guardian, The Daily Beast, Teen Vogue, W Magazine, and more. She has interviewed influential individuals such as Martha Stewart, Padma Lakshmi, Andrew Zimmern, Sean Sherman, Sterlin Harjo, and Mo Brings Plenty - to name a few. Excuse my reach as I learn more about the true impact that she’s having within her industry, her community, and beyond - all through her words.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Meghna Chakraborty, a performer and producer who recently released her documentary ASCENDING, which captures a historic moment in global music at Coachella 2023, where six South Asian artists redefine the festival experience and global music landscape. Meghna recently completed her MFA at USC Peter Stark Producing Program for Film, Television, and New Media while growing an incredible social media following showcasing her talent, pride in her culture, and, ultimately, her passions. Excuse my reach as I discover how she’s combined two worlds into one and advanced toward her dreams every step of the way.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is James Ford, Creative Director and Founder of Rowena Social Club, a Trans-owned brand offering LGBTQ custom suits, apparel, accessories, and styling services. James was a contestant on Netflix’s Next in Fashion Season 2, where he showcased his incredible talent, winning personality, and designs that make you stand out in the best way. His one-of-a-kind pieces will keep you giggling and ultimately allow you to have a great time no matter what you’re dressing for. Excuse my reach as I learn more about how he went from student to designer to being on a hit TV show, all while staying 100% true to himself.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Deanie Chen, a New York City-based photographer excelling in music photography. From touring with artists such as MAX, Holly Humberstone, and Lawrence, photographing well-renowned festivals, to shooting and producing editorial photography, Deanie continues to make a name for herself with her unique style of motion, movement, and energy, all captured through images. Past this full-time gig, Deanie graduated from NYU School of Law, recently passed the BAR, and is a Law Associate. Excuse my reach as I discover how she pursued both her dream and her career goals, all through her lens.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Cameron Motameni, Senior Design Quality Engineer at Illumina, a Biotechnology Research company that aims to apply innovative technologies and revolutionary assays to the analysis of genetic variation and function. Cameron is a skilled Biomedical Engineer with vast experience in research and development, previously working at the University of Minnesota, Boston Scientific, and Abbott. He has had impressive progression in his profession while balancing the pursuit of his passion for App Design. Excuse my reach as I learn how he has navigated through both spaces and found his niche, all by design.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Melinda McLauren, Programmatic Sales Manager at Wunderkind, a performance marketing engine that delivers tailored experiences at scale. Melinda has navigated her way through the advertising world, strategically combining her skills in campaign management, revenue growth, and cultivating client partnerships. I had the pleasure to work alongside Melinda, witnessing her incredible work ethic and impressive ability to foster connections. Excuse my reach as I learn how she has led with kindness and gained the confidence to bet on herself every single time.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Melanie Romero, Editor at Lil’ Libros, a bilingual children's book publisher and Author of both Amor de Colores and J is for Janucá. Melanie is a trilingual writer who continues to rise in the publishing world while striving to attend law school and work on impactful narrative newsletter creation. Through her words, editing, and clear want to make a tangible difference, Melanie has crafted a career so impressive it should be written in a book or, at the very least, heard on a podcast. Excuse my reach as uncover her story through each life chapter.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Clarissa Karunaratne, a Holistic Health/Nutrition Coach and a Nike Trainer based in Los Angeles. Through her experience of stepping outside of the 9-5 world and practicing her passions, Clarissa has formulated a career and a lifestyle that go hand in hand. From creating wellness content to providing expert exercise tips, she has carved her niche in this space and is influencing by doing. Excuse my reach as I discover how each intentional step has led her down the road that is far more than movement.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guests are Natalie Pashaie and Chloe Farhadi, co-founders of MEY, a gallery in Los Angeles focused on presenting work by a diverse group of rising contemporary artists. In this episode, Natalie and Chloe discuss what led them to the art world, their original inspirations, and their want for alterations within the scene. Through their mission of breaking the stereotype of the sterile white-walled-box gallery, they have aimed to create a space full of joy, community, and beautiful pieces. Excuse my reach as I learn their story within this aesthetic space and discover how they are shaping the art of tomorrow.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Dr. Sarah Elghor, DDS, Cosmetic Dentist and owner of Elghor Dental Studio, which strives to provide the highest quality dental care and features cutting-edge technology. In this episode, Dr. Elghor takes us through her journey to becoming a dentist, explaining her initial childhood interest, applying to dental school, and carving out her niche within the field. Excuse my reach as I uncover how she swam through uncharted territory and excelled in both dentistry and entrepreneurship, all with a smile on her face.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Our guest today is Kaitlin Trefethen, a Speech-Language Pathologist at Therapy OPS. In this episode, Kaitlin shares the path to securing her ideal occupation, mixing her passion for helping others and providing meaningful solutions. She takes us through what stood out to her from childhood, the decision to pursue a dual college degree, the process of applying to graduate school, and ultimately becoming a licensed professional in her field. Excuse my reach as I discover her secret to becoming clear and confident in a career trajectory.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Our guests today are Fionn McCarthy and Jack Norman, co-founders of Zirkulu, a company with a mission to build technical outdoor gear based on the principles of the circular economy and chart new territory in outdoor apparel. In this episode, Fionn and Jack share their adventure of starting a sustainable brand from the ground up. These two childhood friends are true entrepreneurs that, like their business, have a deep desire to make things better. Excuse my reach as I uncover how each step of the process aligns with their lived-by phrase, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Our guest today is Raveena Patel, a Construction Project Coordinator and Owner/Education Consultant at Tutor Doctor, an in-home or online learning experience tailored for all types of learners with all types of goals. In this episode, Raveena shares her experience of becoming a business owner, working a full-time day job, and managing an array of different responsibilities, all at the same time. Excuse my reach as I discover how to mold the ideal path and balance it all.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today’s guest is Danielle Kunzman, a Senior Analyst at a global management consulting firm, McKinsey & Company. In this episode, Danielle explains how she navigated her way in the world of consulting, shares the pros and cons of the industry, and talks through her experience of starting out small and ending up big. Excuse my reach as I unlock answers to overlooked questions and gain a better understanding of this lucrative career path.
Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Our guest today is Tanner Luke, a Software Engineer and Co-Founder/Chief Technology Officer of the Conquer App, a platform that serves as a sports marketplace allowing users to create and join pick-up games and competitions at any time. In this episode, Tanner takes us through how he transformed his path from pre-med student to self-taught coder and, ultimately, to creator of an app. Excuse my reach as I uncover how each step led him to exactly where he wants to be.
Welcome to Episode 1 of Excuse My Reach! Our first guest is Daniel Carr-Crawford, a Programmatic Specialist at Google. In this episode, Daniel discusses his vast experience in the advertising/media industry and shares his knowledge of how he progressed in his career, maintained connections, and ultimately, got a job at Google. Excuse my reach as I figure out how we can take a page from his book and cultivate the path we each desire.
Welcome to Excuse My Reach! I’m your host, Emma Izek. Join me in having candid conversations with professionals from all different backgrounds and businesses. Together, we’re going to discover what inspires these individuals, delve into their career paths, and conduct the ultimate informational interview. Tune in to get an in-depth understanding of multiple industries and hopefully find out how to get a little closer to where you want to be. Excuse my reach as I unlock the gatekept secrets of the professional world.