The Zicast

A podcast hosted by Ryan Ziaks and joined by friends. Get to know me while you get to know others. "Everyone has a story."

The Zicast is a comedy podcast hosted by Ryan Ziaks, with 129 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Ryan Ziaks hosts The Zicast, a comedy show with 129 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #25

  Episode 125: Dylan Cohen—Why Creative People Shouldn’t Box Themselves Into One Lane

  Aug 14, 202657 minS3

  On Episode 125, I'm joined by Screenwriter and Actor: Dylan Cohen! We discuss his journey writing on the Netflix series YOU, how he navigated the fear and anxiety of moving across the country to Los Angeles, crucial storytelling lessons regarding character intention and emotional arcs, stepping in front of the camera with his sketch comedy channel, finding a creative community in LA, and his personal advice for aspiring writers and performers.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezicast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQj8MsxHQlcwjno1SEDRZ?si=c5f525d4c4324a9fTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thezicast?_t=8oqlOi6Xi0Y&_r=1#podcastinterview #podcastepisode #fullepisode #netflixyou #youseries #netflixseries #joegoldberg #writersroom #TVWriter #tvproduction #behindthescenes #screenwriting #screenwriter #storytelling #scriptwriting #characterarcs #screenwritingtips #writingcommunity #writerlifestyle #indiefilmmaker #filmmaking #sketchcomedy #comedian #actor #acting #comedyskits #contentcreator #creatoreconomy #creativeadvice #hollywoodjourney #entertainmentindustry #overcomingfear #impostersyndrome #creativecommunity #pursueyourpassion #careeradvice #quinnipiac 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 125! 00:10 — About Dylan05:05 — Moving from Connecticut to Los Angeles 08:40 — Working in the Writers' Room for Netflix's YOU 12:27 — How to Excel in a TV Writers' Room 16:44 — Key Storytelling Lessons from YOU23:01 — Stepping in Front of the Camera & Launching a Sketch Comedy Channel 28:03 — Finding a Comedic Voice & Writing Authentic, Relatable Content 33:05 — The Importance of Collaboration & Building Community in LA 37:00 — Advice for Breaking Into the Entertainment Industry 46:21 — Get to Know You's56:11 — Outro & Closing Thoughts

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #24

  Episode 124: Amari Smith—Finding Your Voice Through Public Speaking

  Aug 7, 202646 minS3

  On Episode 124, I’m joined by multimedia creator and aspiring journalist: Amari Smith! We discuss his experience organizing the first student-led TEDx event at Quinnipiac University, how saying “yes” to new opportunities transformed his college experience, the leadership lessons he learned from building a team around a shared vision, and how public speaking continues to shape his career in journalism. Amari also shares advice on embracing uncertainty, finding purpose through your passions, and why putting yourself out there can open doors you never expected. Hope you enjoy! Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezicast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQj8MsxHQlcwjno1SEDRZ?si=c5f525d4c4324a9fTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thezicast?_t=8oqlOi6Xi0Y&_r=1#podcast #podcasting #podcastlife #interview #interviewpodcast #creator #contentcreator #journalism #broadcastjournalism #journalist #news #newsanchors #nbc #internship #publicspeaking #communication #communications #storytelling #leadership #studentleaders #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipskills #tedx #tedxquinnipiac #tedxtalk #publicspeaker #confidence #growthmindset #personaldevelopment #selfimprovement #motivation #inspiration #career #careeradvice #careerjourney #college #collegeadvice #collegeexperience #transferstudent #quinnipiac #quinnipiacuniversity #students #studentlife #networking #sayyestolife #opportunity #purpose #passion #purposedriven #mindset #goals #success #successmindset #professionaldevelopment #communicationskills #teamwork #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #community #mentor #mentorship #broadcasting #television #radio #acting #theater #performance #creativity #creativelife #lifelessons #motivational #motivationalspeaker #inspirational #dreambig #keepgoing #nevergiveup #personalgrowth #youngprofessionals #futureleaders #media #mediaindustry #broadcastmedia #creatorcommunity #voice #findingyourvoice #leadwithpurpose #leadershipjourney #studentcreator 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 116!00:26 — About Amari 01:14 — Transferring From Syracuse To Quinnipiac03:05 — Advice For Transfer Students & Putting Yourself Out There05:00 — Joining Campus Organizations & Saying "Yes" To New Opportunities07:34 — Creating A Poetry Radio Show & Finding His Creative Niche09:10 — Discovering Public Speaking & Finding His Voice11:24 — Organizing The First Student-Led TEDx Quinnipiac14:37 — Behind The Scenes Of Bringing TEDx To Life18:28 — Leadership Lessons From Building TEDx Quinnipiac22:11 — Advice For Leading Big Projects26:27 — Journalism, NBC Connecticut & Career Goals30:38 — Learning To Think On Your Feet In The Newsroom33:26 — Get To Know You's45:35 — Outro & Closing Thoughts

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #22

  Episode 123: Tressa Pantalena—Breaking Mental Health Stigmas Through Neuroscience

  Jun 12, 202644 minS3

  On Episode 123, I'm joined by Neuroscience Researcher: Tressa Pantalena! We discuss her journey from studying psychology to pursuing a neuroscience PhD, how modeling psychiatric disorders in the lab can help break mental health stigmas, her practical advice on rewiring the brain to overcome daily motivation hurdles, and the true realities of building a career in scientific research. Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezicast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQj8MsxHQlcwjno1SEDRZ?si=c5f525d4c4324a9fTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thezicast?_t=8oqlOi6Xi0Y&_r=1#neuroscience #neuroscienceresearch #behavioralscience #motivation #humanbehavior #mentalhealth #breakthestigma #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #endthestigma #gradschoollife #graduateschool #lablife #stem #womeninstem #sciencecommunication #selfhelp 00:00 – Welcome To Episode 123!00:44 – About Tressa & Her PhD Journey01:21 – What Inspired Her to Pursue Neuroscience02:42 – Day-to-Day Life in a Research Lab04:54 – The Most Challenging Part of Scientific Research07:35 – How Studying Behavior Changes Self-Understanding09:09 – Actionable Tips for Rewiring Your Brain14:16 – Debunking Common Brain Myths & Misinformation21:22 – Do High-Pressure Lab Environments Create Deeper Friendships?23:10 – Lessons Learned From a Career in Academia30:51 – Get to Know Tressa37:20 – Why She Loves Horror Movies and How They Resonate44:06 – Outro & Closing Thoughts

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #22

  Episode 122: Daniel Orlandi—Collaborating With Hollywood Icons Through Costume Design

  Jun 5, 202634 minS3

  On Episode 122, I’m joined by Costume Designer: Daniel Orlandi! We discuss his philosophy on how clothing helps actors truly inhabit a role, sharing incredible stories of how he matched Robert De Niro's intense attention to detail from the socks up and the exact moment a first fitting with Sandra Bullock completely reshaped a character. Daniel also opens up about what it takes to build trust with legendary directors like Ron Howard, James Mangold, and Joel Schumacher, while reflecting on how he integrated a childhood love of theater into his cinematic career and his essential advice for anyone looking to break into filmmaking.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezicast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQj8MsxHQlcwjno1SEDRZ?si=c5f525d4c4324a9fTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thezicast?_t=8oqlOi6Xi0Y&_r=1Learn More About Daniel's Work Here:https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0649937/ #costumedesigner #costumedesign #behindthescenes #filmpodcast #moviepodcast #cinemapodcast #robertdeniro #sandrabullock #ronhoward #jamesmangold #joelschumacher #DeNiro #Bullock #hollywoodlegends #wardrobedesign #fashioninfilm #characterdesign #visualstorytelling #moviemagic #filmindustry #filmmakersofinstagram #indiefilmmaking #filmproduction #characterdevelopment #creativeprocess #behindthelens #podcastrecommendations #moviebuff #cinephile #filmcommunity #storytelling #mustlisten #podcastcommunity 00:00 – Welcome To Episode 122! 00:23 – About Daniel 01:11 – Discovering A Passion For Costume Design 03:14 – Transitioning From Theater School To Film 04:05 – Breaking Into The Industry & Early Art Department Gigs 05:53 – The Fine Art Of Collaborating With Actors To Find Character 06:24 – Lessons In Attention To Detail From Robert De Niro 07:38 – How Joel Schumacher Built His Confidence On "Flawless" 08:19 – Stripping Away Color With Sandra Bullock For "The Blind Side" 10:03 – Bonding With James Mangold Over Robert Mitchum For "Logan" 11:32 – Navigating Different Directorial Styles From Ron Howard To Jay Roach 16:05 – Designing Costumes For Historical Figures vs. Source Material 20:10 – Key Career Lessons & The Value Of Practical Experience 21:12 – The Best Advice He Ever Received 24:02 – Why The Best Costumes Are Sometimes Perfectly Unnoticed 26:57 – Get To Know You's 32:05 – Outro & Closing Thoughts

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #20

  Episode 121: Zuzanna Tarnacki—Embracing Spontaneity And Failure On The Path To Filmmaking

  May 29, 202645 minS3

  On Episode 121, I’m joined by Visual Artist: Zuzanna Tarnacki! We discuss her transition from a ten-year career as a child model to finding her true purpose behind the camera, the creative insights she gained from editing the short film Out of Focus, how interning at the Cannes Film Festival and traveling across Europe broadened her perspective, and her personal advice on pushing through mental blocks and welcoming failure as a stepping stone to success.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksTechnical Directed by: Presley Schmitt, Jack Gatta, & Nick GreggThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero #filmmaking #filmstudents #womeninfilm #independentfilm #productiondesigner #setdesign #propmaking #filmproduction #filmeditor #postproduction #indiefilm #setlife #visualartist #childmodels #modelingindustry #abercrombieandfitch #cannesfilmfestival #festivaldecannes #internationalcinema #foreignfilms #bungeejumping #southafricatravel #krakowpoland #travelstories #leapoffaith #interstellar #alfredhitchcock #letterboxd #filmbuff 00:00 – Welcome To Episode 121! 00:25 – Meet Z!00:42 – Navigating The 3+1 Program At Quinnipiac University 01:06 – Discovering Film Through A High School Hitchcock Class 03:21 – Growing Up As A Child Model In New York 10:14 – Editing The Short Film "Out Of Focus" 21:18 – Interning At The Cannes Film Festival 27:34 – What A Road Trip Misadventure In Poland Taught Her About Life 32:36 – Get To Know You’s33:10 – Conquering One Of The Tallest Bungee Jumps In South Africa 32:36 – Get To Know You’s43:48 – Outro & Closing Thoughts

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on The Zicast. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.