Episodios

  • SOLA with Monty Marsh
    Aug 18 2025

    Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am.


    Learn more about FYI:

    https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement


    This week, we are joined by Monty Marsh, a dynamic filmmaker and creative innovator with a rich background in both the entertainment and nonprofit sectors. In a captivating conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, Monty shares his inspiring journey from modeling and film finance to directing and producing, all while emphasizing the importance of community engagement and empowerment.


    Monty recounts his early days in North Carolina, his decision to pursue modeling, and how a chance opportunity led him to the world of film finance, where he played a crucial role in projects like the acclaimed film "Frida." He discusses the evolution of the film industry, drawing parallels between the current state of Hollywood and the music industry's transformation during the Napster era. Monty highlights the democratization of storytelling, where independent creators now have unprecedented access to tools and resources to bring their visions to life.


    As the conversation unfolds, Monty delves into his work with Sola, a pioneering organization that combines for-profit housing development with nonprofit initiatives aimed at uplifting underserved communities in South Central Los Angeles. He discusses the innovative programs at The Beehive, a cultural hub that fosters creativity and provides training in various fields, from filmmaking to tech. Monty's passion for mentorship and community building shines through as he details the exciting projects and opportunities available for aspiring artists and filmmakers.


    Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Monty:

    https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs83


    Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session.

    https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs


    This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder Will I Am,, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilot, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken.


    Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

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    35 m
  • Advocacy with Rachel Stilwell
    Aug 11 2025

    Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am.

    Learn more about FYI:

    https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement


    This week, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of our guest Rachel Stillwell, a dedicated advocate for artists and their rights in the music industry. Transitioning from a successful career as a record executive to becoming a passionate lawyer, Rachel shares her unique perspective on the importance of advocacy in an ever-evolving landscape of the music business.


    Rachel recounts how her passion for representation began in high school, inspired by legendary artists like Frank Zappa and Dee Snider, who fought against censorship in music. As she navigated the tumultuous changes in the music industry, including the rise of digital platforms, Rachel made the bold decision to pursue law school, ultimately finding her niche in entertainment and intellectual property law.


    In conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, Rachel discusses her pivotal role with the Recording Academy, emphasizing the significance of grassroots advocacy and the power of community engagement. She highlights programs like Grammy Camp and Grammy U, which empower young musicians and industry hopefuls to get involved and make their voices heard. Rachel’s enthusiasm for fostering connections and driving change is infectious, reminding us all that every voice matters in shaping our future.


    Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Rachel:

    https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs87


    Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session.

    https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs


    This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder Will I Am,, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilot, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken.


    Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

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    39 m
  • Health & Hip Hop with Jason Berry
    Aug 4 2025

    Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am.

    Learn more about FYI:

    https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement

    This week’s guest is Jason Berry, a New York hip-hop legend turned health advocate. Once known as "Big J," Jason shares his incredible transformation after battling kidney failure and undergoing a life-saving transplant.


    In this engaging conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilot, Jason recounts his experiences in the music industry, including working with iconic figures and navigating the challenges of a high-pressure lifestyle that contributed to his health struggles. Jason reflects on the pivotal moments that led him to prioritize his health, the mental and emotional hurdles he faced, and how he turned his personal battle into a mission to raise awareness about kidney health in the hip-hop community. He discusses the importance of community support, the impact of lifestyle changes, and his vision for the upcoming Health and Hip Hop Festival in Spring 2026, aimed at educating and empowering others.


    This conversation is not just about health; it's a call to action for listeners to be intentional about their well-being. Jason emphasizes the need for awareness and proactive measures within the community to combat prevalent health issues. Whether you're in the music industry or simply navigating life's challenges, his story is a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of taking care of oneself.


    Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Jason:

    https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs81


    Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session.

    https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs


    This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Giuliana Rodriguez, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Lilly Kam, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken.


    Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

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    43 m
  • Multi Media Journalism with Taylor Torregano
    Jul 28 2025

    Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am.


    Learn more about FYI:

    https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement


    This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Taylor Torregano, a dynamic multimedia journalist currently making waves at Spectrum News in Los Angeles. In this engaging conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, Taylor shares her remarkable journey from her early days studying broadcast journalism at San Jose State to her current role at Spectrum. With a unique blend of storytelling and technical prowess, she discusses the importance of local news and the challenges of covering impactful stories in an era of rapid change.


    As Taylor reflects on her experiences in various newsrooms, she opens up about the demanding nature of her job, including the pressures of fact-checking and the emotional toll of reporting on sensitive topics. She emphasizes the significance of community connection and the role of trusted journalism in a world rife with misinformation. Whether you’re an aspiring journalist or simply curious about the media landscape, this episode offers valuable takeaways on the art of storytelling and the responsibility that comes with it.


    Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Taylor:

    https://fyi.me/p/hxdnIh0I06fc2lUFbWmPImkhSqQQ0YslmIuTR-dEvUE=


    Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session.

    https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs


    This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Giuliana Rodriguez, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Lilly Kam, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken.


    Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

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    32 m
  • No IS the Answer with Patty Rodriguez
    Jul 21 2025

    Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am.


    Learn more about FYI:

    https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement


    This week, our guest is radio personality and best-selling author, Patty Rodriguez, CEO and founder of Lil' Libros, a groundbreaking children's book publishing company dedicated to celebrating the American Latino experience.


    Patty's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From her early days in radio, where she learned the power of storytelling and human connection, to her courageous leap into entrepreneurship after facing personal challenges, her story is a testament to resilience and passion. In this conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, Patty shares her transformative experience of losing her home to a fire, which reignited her determination to create a space where children can see themselves represented in literature.


    Join us as Patty discusses her philosophy of "no is the answer," flipping the narrative of rejection into motivation. She reflects on the importance of community and the impact of her bilingual books, which aim to instill pride in cultural identity among young readers. Discover how Patty turned her dreams into reality, building a brand that not only fills a void in the market but also empowers her community.


    Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Patty :

    https://fyi.me/p/Txn2Hv1Endg02oG2U4Y4WGDN-WG29jxRNS18Q3g7Skg=


    Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session.

    https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs


    This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Giuliana Rodriguez, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Lilly Kam, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, Taylor Weng, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken.


    Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

    Más Menos
    48 m
  • Spring Equinox with Gahl Sasson
    Jul 7 2025

    Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am.

    Learn more about FYI:

    https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement

    This week, our guest is Gahl Sasson, a multi-talented creative force. Gahl works as a performer, musician, and composer. Gahl's journey has been nothing short of fascinating, from his early days discussing Kabbalah to his current focus on the transformative energies of 2025.

    In this conversation, with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, Gahl sets the tone for the spring equinox, sharing his thoughts on the significance of this time and how it aligns with the themes of shedding and renewal. He discusses the symbolism of the snake, the numerological implications of the year, and the powerful transformations that lie ahead as Pluto settles into Aquarius.

    Listen in as Gahl explores the cyclical nature of astrology, encouraging us to reflect on our past while embracing the present. He offers grounding techniques for navigating the chaos of our times, emphasizing the importance of looking within to find clarity and direction. With a focus on community and connection, Gahl reminds us that we are all part of a larger tapestry, and our experiences are deeply intertwined.

    Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Ghal:

    https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs73

    Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session.

    https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs

    This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Giuliana Rodriguez, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Lilly Kam, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, Taylor Weng, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken.


    Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

    Más Menos
    51 m
  • Street Smart with Dina LaPolt
    Jun 30 2025

    Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am.

    Learn more about FYI:

    https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement


    Our guest this week is someone whose journey reads like a Hollywood screenplay itself – from the protest lines of 1970s Upstate New York to the boardrooms of major record labels, through courthouse hallways to historic album releases that changed hip-hop forever.


    Dina LaPolt is an entertainment attorney and music industry powerhouse. As a young girl whose activist mother took her to Black Panther protests, Dina was instilled with a lifelong commitment to justice and advocacy that would later define her approach to entertainment law. She notably was the entertainment attorney for the Tupac Shakur estate – and one of her earliest clients was Tupac’s mother, activist Afeni Shakur.


    Today, she's fighting for creator empowerment in an era of endless streaming platforms, championing the "No Fakes Act" to protect artists' likenesses, and sharing her hard-won wisdom through her forthcoming book "Street Smart,” which will be published in October – a raw, honest look at her journey through the music industry's highest highs and most challenging moments.


    Whether you're an aspiring artist, a music industry professional, or someone who simply loves the stories behind the music, this conversation is going to give you an insider's perspective on how the entertainment business really works – and how one woman's commitment to justice continues to shape it for the better.


    Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Dina:

    https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs76


    Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session.

    https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs


    This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Giuliana Rodriguez, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Lilly Kam, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, Taylor Weng, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken.


    Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

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    43 m
  • Raising Money To Do Good with Karl Jacob
    Jun 23 2025

    Welcome to the Culture FYI’RS Podcast. Culture FYI’RS is a creative collaboration meetup held weekly at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles. Each week, we feature a fireside chat with a guest, showcase projects being worked on by members of the FYI community, and share product updates for FYI.AI, the creative collaboration app co-founded by will.i.am.

    Learn more about FYI:

    https://fyi.me/p/jointhemovement

    Our guest today is Karl Jacob - entrepreneur, former Facebook advisor, and current CEO and founder of LoanSnap. Karl's journey reads like a tech industry roadmap: from computer engineer at Apple, to the early chaotic days of Facebook working directly with Mark Zuckerberg, to building his own ventures at the intersection of finance and technology. He’s also the Strategic Advisor for USC’s Information Sciences Institute, where he is helping to explore the exciting world of quantum technology.


    In this conversation with FYI Chief Growth Officer Julie Pilat, Karl opens up about the moment he hit a career ceiling at Apple and made the terrifying leap into startup uncertainty. He shares what it was really like in Facebook's early days - far from the Hollywood portrayal in the film "The Social Network" - including the sacrifices, failures, and moral tensions that came with explosive growth.


    So whether you're building your first startup, navigating the venture capital world, or simply curious about the human stories behind the tech headlines, this conversation offers rare insights from someone who's been in the room where it happens.


    Check out the project link to this Culture FYI’RS event with Karl :

    https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs67


    Want to attend a Culture FYI’RS event in person at the FYI Campus in Los Angeles? Hit the link below to see a schedule of who’s speaking at a future event and to RSVP to join the next session.

    https://fyi.me/p/culturefyirs


    This episode’s Culture FYI’RS event was produced by FYI co-founder will.i.am, Aminah Muhammad, Emily Choi, Frankie Sandoval, Giuliana Rodriguez, Jafet Chavez, Julie Pilat, Lilly Kam, Markus Nielsen-Kolding, Roneal Madlani, Sean Kantrowitz, Shania Jafari, Taylor Weng, the FYI Product Team, and of course, the FYI Community. The podcast is edited by Rob Van Vranken.


    Download FYI.AI for free in the App Store and Google Play

    Más Menos
    35 m