Uncreative Radio

For more original series and inspiring videos, check out our Youtube Channel. Here, you can stay up to date on the latest happenings inside the studio and check out art you won't find anyplace else.

Melanie Tillbrook is an accomplished Phillipino model, business owner, and fitness competitor. She modeled in our Next Door promotion during our initial rebranding and has put us in touch with some incredible models, like Metisha, who starred in one of our recent model profiles. She’s crazy talented and possesses adept business acumen, which she used to propel her business, Posh Production and Events.

There is a certain phrase that we’ve been hearing a lot amongst colleagues and it pretty much summarizes business at the turn of the decade (especially for those of us in the entertainment industry, with the exception on Netflix):

March was like getting kicked in the stomach after a massive bowl of fettucini alfredo (sorry, Italy). Business was a-boomin’. We were on track for record numbers. Our list of client work was out of the door. We had original productions in the pipeline. And then it all vanished. Our clients had to close their doors and consequentially our workload dried up like an orange left to rot on the side of the road in the summer heat. It’s been brutal. We’re not the only ones dealing with the coronavirus blowback (obviously) but we are one of the few who are talking about it.

Melanie is no soothsayer (otherwise her business would have been impervious to the coronavirus blowback), but she is predicting an end to the mayhem. It may be sooner than you ever thought… Well, not if you’re a Trump 2020 supporter. Those people still think this whole thing is a hoax.

Elisabetta Fantone is a singer, songwriter, painter, and actress. No joke. She does it all. We’ve worked with Elisabetta Fantone on some of our most cherished projects, so this is a really special episode for us. Elisabetta starred in two of our original short films, The River Cabin and Christmas Eve (available on Amazon).

Elisabetta has spent her entire career in the entertainment industry. She got her start working on odd jobs, like random club tours and reality shows, which opened up doors for her to pursue her truest passion: acting. Her journey to the screen showed her that nearly everyone has an opinion on how you live your life. Even if they don’t know you, people will often hold you to the expectations that they live by. If you violate their belief structures then they hold you in contempt. That is the world we live in, and it is especially harsh to artists or anyone else in the public spotlight.

This is actually an age-old practice. Keeping your name is the spotlight that is. If people are talking about you it means you’re relevant. Even if their feedback is negative (or just completely outrageous) it gives your voice more gumption. Elisabetta knows this and she’s not afraid to be outspoken. She lives her life to her own tune and doesn’t apologize to anyone who’s “insulted” by her lifestyle.

In this episode of Uncreative Radio with Elisabetta Fantone, Elisabetta is sharing a few ways that she deals with public criticism so you, too, can express who you are without fear of invalid repercussions. You have to have thick skin, yes. But you also need to trust in your own lifestyle. The world will try to make you doubt yourself, but you don’t need to. Elisabetta will show you how to embrace your opinions and ward off the negativity that can make you doubt yourself.

Ptah Quammie has made a big name for himself among photographers, fashionistas, models, and star-studded personalities. His unique style of photography is a transformative experience that melds beauty with science fiction and fantasy, making his work absolutely one-of-a-kind. From fashion photography, he moved into nude photography, which is his true bread and butter. Unlike most, he uses nude photography as a gateway to metamorphosis. If you need help wrapping your head around it, check out his Instagram @artcrazyphotog.

In this episode of Uncreative Radio with Ptah Quammie, a.k.a. “Art Crazy,” we’re taking a trip inside coronavirus happenings to share some unique insights on how you can generate a dollar during these uncertain times.

It goes without saying, but pretty much everyone in the world is in a similar predicament. We’re unemployed. We’re isolated. And we’re bored. Well, not all of us are bored. Not exactly.

Despite our professions, we’re all being forced to think outside of the box to keep our businesses afloat. This holds especially true to those of us in the creative industry. We’re having to be more resourceful during this economic lull, offering services and tapping into overlooked avenues we would not normally pursue. In a way, this is a silver lining. Innovation is a healthy practice in business management and development… Just so long as you know how and when to pivot.

In this episode of Uncreative Radio, Ptah Quammie is sharing the unique ways he’s navigating the coronavirus crisis, as well as ways in which you can turn a dollar in the absence of your usual workload.

Aniela McGuinness started her career in show business at C&I Studios. Before moving in front of the camera she was a guru behind the scenes. In fact, after many successful years in Hollywood, her career has come full circle. She is currently behind the scenes on Broadway, taking her hard-earned skills to all new heights. You can keep up with Aniela and learn more about her exciting career by following @anielamcg on Instagram.

Both Josh and Aniela share a passion for film. But not the same passion that you or I would share. Theirs is grounded in many tireless nights, constant travel, annoyances, difficult people, and… a thought-provoking final product. Whereas, ours is likely grounded on the couch in front of an HBO originals series.

There is this notion that “life imitates arts” — that an event in the real world is an expression of creative work. Perhaps the phrase is referring to every other type of art except for American media, because in the American film industry most every story has a happy ending, but in real life that is most certainly not the case.

We are not bound to the happy ending syndrome. We like telling real stories about real people. Take our most recent short film, for instance. Christmas Eve has a rich ending but it is most certainly not a happy ending. It’s real, it’s truthful, and it’s the right ending for the story we were telling.

Aniela McGuinness is also skeptical of happy endings. What are they leaving out? We suppose, that if you took someone’s entire life and removed all of the hardships, shameful moments, anxieties and so one, you may have a beautiful story with a happy ending. But that’s just a snapshot of an entire life. It’s a fallacy. Is it even worth telling a story the omits the true human condition?

Perhaps this is why Aniela McGuinness left film behind for Broadway… In this episode of Uncreative Radio, we’re digging deep into storytelling and the people who create the fables of our time. Why do the people who write a lot about happy endings rarely experience them for themselves? Why do we cling to happiness when the reality of it rarely exists? And why, oh why do people think acting is a glamourous profession?

This begs the question of activism… how can it produce the opposite results; how can it give the bigots a taller platform to shout from. We’re talking about Trayvon Martin and the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Did it flush out the bigots? Were they pulling a war carriage carrying an orange-faced mongrel in the wake of their stupidity?

If you have questions, we have answers. If you want to know what the heck is going on, then tune in on Thursday, February 13th for Uncreative Radio with Tiffany Lanier.

We’re backtracking a decade to where her activism began to pinpoint the wrong turns we have made as a society and to measure up Facebook’s role in the age of disinformation.

Charlie Villanueva is a longtime friend of the studio. We’ve worked with him on a number of projects in the past, and most recently on our History Matters series where he shares the life and legacy of Michael Jordan.

In this episode of Uncreative Radio, Charlie V joined us in the studio to discuss his life’s passion, the culture of the sport and the players who made the greatest impact on his game.

But that’s not all… we’re also discussing life after basketball and the change in responsibilities that come with retirement.

And he’s correct. But many people who see early success don’t realize this simple fact until it’s too late. Charlie V did. He knew that basketball would not last forever and so he set himself up for success and prosperity when the time would come to hang his jersey. He had a plan and he put it in motion. Athletes or young stars who fail to see the inevitable put themselves at a disadvantage later in life. Charlie V shares many valuable lessons with us, so be sure to tune in on February 6th at 6 PM ET.

Abebe Lewis is certainly qualified to discuss music and the artists carving out a piece for themselves. So, on this episode of Uncreative Radio, we’re being treated to an unscripted, insider’s look into the contemporary hip hop scene. The world is on the verge of a musical revolution and its origins very well may be Miami.

Our guests are some of the brightest minds in their industry. Most are self-starters and artists doing everything they can to establish their name among the best of the best. If you have great ambitions in life, then this is your source for art, entertainment, and inspiration.

Joseph Miller is the General Manager at C&I Studios and an avid gamer. He is starring in an upcoming lifestyle sketch docuseries, titled Heart Piece Plus, as his alter ego, Master Joe. Heart Piece Plus creates a dialogue around social responsibility, using video games as the framework for a grand, interconnected (and shared) coming of age story. You can learn more about his upcoming series on our portfolio.

Joseph Miller handles all of the hiring (and firing) here at the studio. He is the first line of defense for the 30 sum applications we receive daily and the last line of offense (if you know what we mean). So, who better than to swap horror stories of life at the studio? Tune in to minute 11:00 for the workhouse gossip and to hear about that one  guy who quit because “all of the cocaine gave him the jitters.”

From there, we get into what makes people succeed in the workplace. Is it a defining character trait — something you can pinpoint? Or is it passion, pure and simple? Find out at minute 20:00! If you have dreams of working with our crew, then this is the segment for you.

If you’re in need of a happy dose of brotherly love, keep watching! Joshua and Joseph are going down memory lane to discover how they ended up here in the first place. Catharsis? You’ll have to decide that for yourself.

Alberto Padron has a rich educational background and continues to work with college campuses across the U.S., so we invited him to our studio to educate us on America’s emerging generation of young professionals. As a military man and college graduate, Alberto has a deep appreciation for education and its many forms. His lifetime of schooling and his success in the advertising and marketing sector solidified one truth: that one’s education shapes their ambition.

Alberto explains that education does not only apply to highschool and college graduates. He says that all schooling begins on the homefront and escalates from there. And he is correct. It leads young people to pursue certain passions and avoid others. In the end, he says, all people must take their schooling into their own hands. Expanding one’s mindset and skillset eventually becomes a private affair. We either seek to learn more and broaden our understanding of things, or we remain content and naive. Ultimately, this is what separates the successes of some people from the failures of others.

Given his educational background, his current position as CEO of Stinghouse, and his status as a leader, we asked him to elaborate on this thought and to shed light on a few curiosities…

1. How do college life and higher education impact young professionals?
2. Is there a clear market reward for those who can balance soft skills, hard skills, and interpersonal skills?
3. As an employer, what are a few characteristics you look at when hiring a new employee?
4. How can young people standout as worth candidates for hire?

Alberto’s insights answer a fifth question: Who is America?

Our country has endured curious ebbs and flows as of late, and the strangeness is not yet over. Since Alberto is regularly engaged with the upcoming league of young professionals, activist leaders, and (doomed-to-be) slackers we knew he would be able to give us a proper answer on what is to come and what type of person is to lead.

If you’re curious about how you can land a good job, Alberto Padron is sharing great advice. If you’re questioning your schooling, Alberto will explain the importance of staying engaged. And if you’re curious about whether you should vote for Kanye West in 2024, Alberto will tell you why that is a catastrophic idea!

Our guests are some of the brightest minds in their industry. Most are self-starters and artists doing everything they can to establish their name among the best of the best. If you have great ambitions in life, then this is your source for art, entertainment, and inspiration.

Check out the other episodes when you get a sec!

Check out the other episodes when you get a sec!

Stichiz (@stichiz) is a popular radio personality on Miami’s 103.5 The Beat. She has been described as “a trilingual, tongue-twisting, international award-winning Entertainer and artist on the rise by publications across the globe.” She is a woman of God, a community champion, and a musical artist… so far. Her music is described as a schizophrenic experience, dubbed as such because of the various genres and languages she mixes in each track. She just released a few new songs on Spotify. Check them out and let her know what you think.

One thing we learned about Stichiz on this episode of Uncreative Radio is that she possesses this uncanny ability to change personalities on a whim. It’s impossible to say how many rival voices are competing for air time in her head, but what we can say without a doubt is that Stichiz Knows Best. Regardless of the topic being discussed (and in this episode there are many), she has a personality that knows the facts and is prepared to share their interpretations.

As a woman of God, she injects her outlook with positivity, channeling good energy in everything she says. Even still, Joshua Miller attempts to stir the pot, so stick around…

Our guests are some of the brightest minds in their industry. Most are self-starters and artists doing everything they can to establish their name among the best of the best. If you have great ambitions in life, then this is your source for art, entertainment, and inspiration.

Check out the other episodes when you get a sec!

Subscribe To Our Youtube Channel

Mario Ramil is a stand-up comedian and social media influencer. He is a Miami native and a visionary with a potty mouth. After quitting his nine-to-five to pursue stand up comedy fulltime, Mario inadvertently started a second job… As if stand up comedy wasn’t a hard enough industry to break into, he decided to create a hub called XQUME Miami, where creatives and artists come together as a community and collectively create original content to potentially monetize and expose their art from Miami to the world.

XQUME Miami has set the stage for performers and creatives in our community to show the world their art. And that is something we really dig. We’ve been on a similar mission for some time, using our platform #Uncreative as a soapbox from which local artists can share their talents, connect with their peers and build towards their goals.

We invited Mario Ramil to be our guest on episode 124 of Uncreative Radio to discuss his craft, his notoriety as one of Miami’s most recognized comedians, and his attitude towards cancel culture. In typical fashion, however, Mario inadvertently instigated a second conversation… one of close proximity masturbation, family values, and Bill Cosby’s new stand up show which was filmed from his prison cell.

Before getting off track, Mario Ramil and Joshua Miller talk about family responsibility, deep-seeded ambitions, and how the two can either conflict or inspire the courage needed to act without any more hesitation. If you are an aspiring artist — or even a semi-established artist — then this is a conversation you’ll want to listen to. And if you’re stuck in a frequency of depression or doubt then their insights may be what’s needed to jog your mind, reignite your drive, and inspire the confidence that first got you started.

Oh, and on the topic of Bill Cosby’s new stand up show, which was filmed from his prison cell, know that

1. Bill Cosby was one of Josh’s former idols (keyword: former)
2. Josh respected Bill Cosby’s career so much that he recited his history on our History Matters series (Yes, it’s since been taken down and deleted. And, yes, you can watch other great episodes by clicking the #HistoryMatters hashtag on our blog)
3. This is just a joke

Our guests are some of the brightest minds in their industry. Most are self-starters and artists doing everything they can to establish their name among the best of the best. If you have great ambitions in life, then this is your source for art, entertainment, and inspiration.

Check out the other episodes when you get a sec!

Todd Steinberg is one of the founders and owners of Komuso Design. He started the business with his wife Vanessa to bring positive change to the world. They are one of our favorite clients to work with. Their vision and brand are incredibly inspiring. You can check out some of the work we’ve done for Komuso on our website. If you like what you see, you can join their growing community by following them on Instagram.

Anyway, Todd was not always in the business of helping others. Not exactly. His first career was in vacation planning and management. He would plan extravagant spring break trips for college kids, sending them to Mexico and other paradises to get drunk and party. He wasn’t exactly fulfilled by this work. So, he did what a lot of people are too afraid (or too passive) to do: he pursued a dream he shared with this wife. This lifestyle change and the anxieties created by his former career were the impetus for Komuso Design.

The moral of the story is that Todd took action to make his dreams a reality. He did not talk about his ambitions then casually let them slip away. No, he (and his wife, Vanessa) worked really hard to create a life of purpose. To achieve such a thing requires sacrifices. But that did not deter them and it should not deter anyone of us from working to make positive changes in the world.

It may sound daunting, like some crusade you must dedicate your life to. But it isn’t. As an American, you have more power to make change in this world than most. It’s called voting… So, are you ready to stop talking about your values and actually show up to defend them?

Check out the other episodes when you get a sec!

Hana Ostapchuk is a television personality in the sports broadcast arena. She has worked with nationally recognized channels, such as FOX Sports Florida and CBS Sports. During her time with CBS Sports, before moving to NYC, Hana hosted and contributed to all CBS Sports digital content including CBS News, Reiter’s Block, NFL & NBA Live Draft Specials, 247Sports, SportsLine, Fantasy Football Today, CBS Sports podcasts and daily coverage of the entire national sports landscape.

This week’s episode of Uncreative Radio with Hana Ostapchuk ventures behind the scenes for cringeworthy sins and extremely uncomfortable situations — often the price of show biz. Hana’s journey through the sports broadcasting arena provided her unique insights into the culture behind the camera. If you have ever been curious about the language that you don’t hear outside the control room (we’ll call it locker room talk), then you’ll want to hear what Hana has to say. You may be surprised to hear what is shared when the mics are switched off. We’ll give you a hint… it’s the cause of Hana’s biggest fear when hosting a live show.

Any talk of behind the scenes debauchery wouldn’t be complete without venturing further down the rabbit hole to where the real sickos play. Matt Lauer, Kevin Spacey, Bill Cosby, R. Kelly, and Michael Jackson are all up for debate. But that’s not all. We’re also asking the hardest question of all: who is truly at fault? Is it the knowing victim, the predatory boss, the male-dominated professional landscape, or, worse yet, the parents?

#UNCREATIVERadio airs every Thursday at 6 PM. Our guests are some of the brightest minds in their industry. Most are self-starters and artists doing everything they can to establish their name among the best of the best. If you have great ambitions in life, then this is your source for art, entertainment, and inspiration.

Check out the other episodes when you get a sec!

Rob Villanueva is a creative consultant based in New York City. He is an expert at building brands for professional athletes and businesses that produce far-reaching financial benefits.

Rob Villanueva started out in I.T. in the world of PC. By the time he was 14, he was being paid for his I.T. work. From there, he got into network engineering, which started him on a 15-year career that led to Silicon Valley. Technology was his life right up until his brother, Charlie Villanueva, was drafted to the NBA. He quit his job. And started a new career which eventually brought him to the world of creative brand consulting.

On this episode of Uncreative Radio with Rob Villanueva, Rob shares his experience living alongside professional athletes in the NBA and how early decision making decides one’s financial future forever.

It’s all fun and games when a relative, a close friend, or even you get drafted to live out lifelong dreams of playing in the big league of sports. But at what point should that excitement be channeled into planning for one’s future? When Rob Villanueva’s brother was drafted to play for the Toronto Raptors, he followed him to the NBA. He enjoyed the excitement and partying. Who wouldn’t? Looking back, however, he realizes how many obvious money-making opportunities he failed to capitalize on. Or, in his words, “We should all be millionaires right now.”

Rob did not take advantage of those early years. A lot of the athletes in his company didn’t. Seeing their pitfalls, and learning from his own mistakes, led Rob Villanueva into the world of creative brand consulting where he recognizes and optimizes every financial opportunity for his client’s. Rob shares a ton of valuable insights on how to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves and how planning for the future means the difference between a lifetime of luxury or financial woe.

Willie Morris is a successful, self-made NYC entrepreneur and public speaker. He is also a longtime friend of the guys at the studio. We’ve worked with Willie on several video production projects around the world. We created video content for his first business, Faithbox, which is now called Fan Box. And he joined our team in Honduras and Guatemala to help create free media for small nonprofits doing incredible work in their communities with our nonprofit program, C&I Reach.

You can learn more about Willie Morris on his Youtube Channel and Instagram.

On this week’s episode of Uncreative Radio with Willie Morris, Josh and Willie cover crucial topics, the US Presidency (or, rather, the many problems currently associated with the seat of power), the power of the imagination, and “that one time…”

Willie Morris stays well-informed on US politics. As a business owner, you have to. Out of all the democratic candidates fighting for the party nomination, Willie Morris considers Pete Buttigieg to be a frontrunner. Funny enough, C&I Studios filmed Pete Buttigieg’s campaign ad for the Indiana State Treasury.

Willie appreciates Pete Buttigieg’s composure on the debate stage most of all. When asked, Pete Buttigieg discusses the issues without redirecting to Trump’s lack of qualifications. His presence proves he has the mindset to guide our country in a better direction. If you don’t know about Pete Buttigieg’s stance and vision, you should check out his campaign website. Otherwise, Willie’s next top pick would be Michelle Obama, which, we’re sure, we can all get on board with.

As with any conversation regarding US politics, the issue of gun control is often presented. Comment on Youtube with your position. We’d love to hear what our community thinks of their 2nd amendment rights. Are you a hunting man? Willie Morris is. Are you willing to give up your guns for the safety of the general public? Willie Morris is. Watch the episode [minute 7:15] to hear what he has to say.

Sam Stan is a longtime friend of C&I Studios. We have worked with him on a number of creative projects from music videos, artist profiles, and recently on the debut episode of our Freestyle Friday series. We invited Sam Stan to the studio to talk music culture and the grind required to make it in the music business as an underground musician going against the grain.

Sam Stan isn’t new to the rap game. Though, he goes about it completely differently. He’s more focused on building a following and creating valuable poetry than he is on signing a record deal. That’s been his guiding philosophy and it’s working. Sam has been making moves, climbing his way up and establishing his name among some of our favorite artists. His style is reminiscent of Chance the Rapper but his lyrics are completely unique to his narrative. He’s blowing up on Spotify, exceeding 2 million hits on his single “Vroom Vroom.” And just released the EP Happy Camper. You can check it out here.

On this episode, Sam Stan shares insights on his creative process, how his music is being received by other artists, and the value of storytelling in rap.

Be sure to follow Sam Stan on Instagram to track his rising career.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy… unless he finds a healthy work-life balance. On this episode of Uncreative Radio, Josh and Joey share valuable lessons on budgeting time. In today’s technological landscape, we are always plugged in. We carry our lives in our pockets; our work, our friends, our families, our passions… So, how do we disconnect; can we disconnect? Is it possible to salvage our sanity when we are constantly engaged? What happens when our work life becomes the only life we know? Most of us grew up hearing that we have to fully immerse ourselves in our work to be successful. But that was before technology. Now work goes around-the-clock 24/7.

Most of us have learned this lesson the hard way. If you’ve ever snapped and totally flipped out on a good friend or suddenly quit your job then you know what we are talking about. Our generation faces challenges that have never been addressed until now: unplugging when we are constantly plugged-in. Fortunately, you have Uncreative Radio to learn a thing or two…

Joey Wright solved his work-life balance by establishing a social life outside his craft. He has friends who are professional photographers and friends in other careers. This has helped safeguard his passion for photography. Rather than his craft becoming a chore or the only thing he knows/does, it has remained one of the greatest joys in his life. And that has translated positively into both his private life and career.

C&I has a great relationship with Alexandra Grief. We’ve worked with her many times since the founding of Montce Swim. And saw her brand grow from a small Fort Lauderdale fashion swim shop to a global, name brand design entity. We filmed media for Montce Swim for years, traveling from Puerto Rico and Los Angeles to covering Swim Week at W Fort Lauderdale. You can check out all of the videos we created for Montce Swim on our portfolio.

On Episode 112, Josh and Alexandra share in the struggles they face as business owners, as well as, opposing viewpoints on the necessity of social media.

What sacrifices must business owners make to stay creative and operational in fast-paced markets? Alexandra Grief shares insights into her most recent sources of inspiration. And how it all comes together in 5 minutes. She also explains how she balances managing a private business while operating as Lead Designer on all major swim lines… something Joshua Miller is familiar with, working as CEO and Director of our Video Production department.

Is the power of the influencer good or bad for small businesses? Though it depends on industry, social media influencers can be both a necessary evil and a gift from the brand gods. But how much attention should business owners dedicate to influencers? And how many products should they be entitled to? Alexandra Grief and Montce Swim thrive in an environment of social media influencers… but does that prove their importance?

Joshua Miller connects with Anthony Morey, the Executive Director at A+D Museum in Los Angeles, on this episode of Uncreative Radio.

This week, Josh and Anthony discuss navigating the professional arena as young professionals hellbent on establishing a meaningful career in the arts. They pose the question, what characteristics are integral to success? Perhaps it is passion and determination that are the primary ingredients; perhaps it is who you know; or could it be age, discipline and the landscape where we plant our lives… No. It is staying engaged with thresholds of learning, constantly striving to expand our perspectives… So, then, does it all comes down to listening? If so, why is every single person shouting at the top of their lungs, screaming to be heard — dying to be seen? And why, oh why!  don’t more people put down their phones and head to a local museum for a proper dose of culture?

Joshua Miller connects with Arlon, a self-made R&B Artist, on this latest edition of Uncreative Radio.

This week, we’re breaking down the creative process. Every artist — regardless of their craft or discipline — works differently. Arlon starts with raw, unedited sounds of his own devices. From there, he brings structure to the scattered pieces of his creative lens to create beautiful music. Perhaps his insights will help you hone your creativity.

From discussions on art and music, surfaces the true controversy: the school board’s objection to the appreciation of music, culture, and art in our kids’ curriculums. What aren’t they teaching our youth and why?

Joshua Miller connects with Pavllo Zengo, the brand storyteller at Foreo, on this latest edition of Uncreative Radio.

When it comes to diversity in modeling and beauty the professional scale is tipped in favor of women (no surprise there). But how exactly do gender and sex impact narratives? Is there an underlying message subliminally attached to the male and female figure that cannot be severed? Why does the same word; the same phrase; the same connotation differ so greatly when applied to different body types? Though women lead the world of modeling and beauty is it all a byproduct of the male gaze?