Welcome to Cultural Catalysts with Alison McNeil—the podcast that celebrates the creative visionaries working behind the scenes in arts and entertainment. This podcast uplifts the voices of producers, publicists, directors, and other behind-the-scenes creatives who shape culture but don’t always get the spotlight.
From the challenges of building sustainable careers to the triumphs of crafting unforgettable artistic moments, Cultural Catalysts dives deep into the inspiring lives of those who make the magic happen. If you’re curious about the people driving creativity and innovation in the arts, this podcast is for you.
📢A Call to Action:
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the shifts in our arts and cultural landscape since these conversations were first recorded. We’ve seen challenges to institutions—including the arts—but we’ve also seen the resilience of creatives and cultural organizations.
If you believe in the power of the arts, now is the time to take action. Support the artists and arts organizations that inspire you—donate, amplify their work, and stay engaged. Visit Americans for the Arts to stay updated on advocacy efforts happening on Capitol Hill and across the country. Americans for the Arts provides resources and opportunities to get involved at the local, state, and national levels. We’ll link their website in the show notes and continue sharing updates on our MCE Instagram.
As the legendary Carrie Mae Weems reminds us, “Art is the one place we all turn to for solace, and we need that now more than ever.” Let’s show up for the arts, for our communities, and for each other.
🌐 MCE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcearts
The resource link can be found in our bio.
🌐 Americans for the Arts website: https://www.americansforthearts.org/
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Welcome to Cultural Catalysts with Alison McNeil—the podcast that celebrates the creative visionaries working behind the scenes in arts and entertainment. This podcast uplifts the voices of producers, publicists, directors, and other behind-the-scenes creatives who shape culture but don’t always get the spotlight.
From the challenges of building sustainable careers to the triumphs of crafting unforgettable artistic moments, Cultural Catalysts dives deep into the inspiring lives of those who make the magic happen. If you’re curious about the people driving creativity and innovation in the arts, this podcast is for you.
📢A Call to Action:
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the shifts in our arts and cultural landscape since these conversations were first recorded. We’ve seen challenges to institutions—including the arts—but we’ve also seen the resilience of creatives and cultural organizations.
If you believe in the power of the arts, now is the time to take action. Support the artists and arts organizations that inspire you—donate, amplify their work, and stay engaged. Visit Americans for the Arts to stay updated on advocacy efforts happening on Capitol Hill and across the country. Americans for the Arts provides resources and opportunities to get involved at the local, state, and national levels. We’ll link their website in the show notes and continue sharing updates on our MCE Instagram.
As the legendary Carrie Mae Weems reminds us, “Art is the one place we all turn to for solace, and we need that now more than ever.” Let’s show up for the arts, for our communities, and for each other.
🌐 MCE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcearts
The resource link can be found in our bio.
🌐 Americans for the Arts website: https://www.americansforthearts.org/
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, host Alison McNeil sits down with PennyMaria Jackson, Director of Marketing & Communications at Chicago’s iconic Steppenwolf Theatre Company. With nearly 20 years in arts management, PennyMaria has shaped campaigns for institutions like the Apollo Theater, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and the Tony Awards. From launching Pulitzer Prize–winning plays to creating community access programs, she shares how thoughtful marketing transforms audiences into movements. Listen as we explore the art, science, and heart behind cultural storytelling.
Kimberly Douglas, Managing Director of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, joins Cultural Catalysts to talk about building, leading, and sustaining community-centered theater in Washington, DC. Kimberly shares her journey from her foundational years at Roots Activity Learning Center and Duke Ellington School of the Arts to her transformative leadership at The ARC Theater and now Woolly Mammoth. She explores why access to the arts is essential infrastructure, not a luxury, and how every role—from production manager to managing director—has fueled her mission to make space, nurture local talent, and ensure stories on stage help communities grow and heal.
Visionary arts leader Arvind Manocha, President & CEO of the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts—home to Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts—joins Alison to explore what it really takes to run one of America’s most beloved venues. Arvind traces a winding path from McKinsey & Company to the LA Philharmonic (including the Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Concert Hall), and digs into metrics that honor both the ephemeral magic of a single performance and the perpetuity of long-term capital projects. We get real about philanthropy’s role, artist hospitality (why backstage matters), and why programming a national park must reflect the nation. Also in the mix: mentorship, wellness, and building a career in the arts without losing your joy. Plus shout-outs to colleagues at ASU Gammage and beyond.
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil sits down with Amina Cooper, the first-ever Director of Arts and Culture at Atlanta Beltline Art, one of the nation’s largest temporary public art exhibitions. An Atlanta native, Amina has more than a decade of experience leading multimillion-dollar public art projects and is nationally recognized for her leadership in equitable public art policy.
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil sits down with Lila Mayes, Program Administrator for the Directors Guild - Producer Training Program. With a vibrant career spanning artist relations for the Grammys and mentoring aspiring filmmakers, Lila shares her journey of finding purpose and paving the way for inclusivity in the film and TV industry. Discover how Lila empowers young creatives, champions diversity, and transforms non-linear career paths into success stories. From set visits to mentorship masterclasses, Lila unveils the magic behind the scenes in entertainment.
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil interviews Aja Burrell Wood, the Managing Director of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. An ethnomusicologist, curator, and educator, Aja has dedicated her career to exploring the intersections of race, gender, and performance. She shares her journey from Detroit, Michigan, to Berklee Institute for Jazz and Gender Justice, highlighting how her passion for music and cultural advocacy led her to amplify underrepresented voices in jazz. Tune in to hear Aja discuss her work, her love for ethnomusicology, and the ways she’s building a more inclusive future for the arts.
On this episode of Cultural Catalyst, Alison McNeil sits down with Mazi Mutafa, Founder and Executive Director of Words Beats & Life, shares his journey of using hip-hop to empower historically-excluded voices and create opportunities for young artists. From pioneering community-focused arts education to blending hip-hop with cultural diplomacy and wellness, Mazi unpacks the transformative power of hip-hop culture beyond music. Listen to how Words, Beats, and Life is breaking barriers and shaping the future of creative arts.
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil speaks with Marjuan Canady, a Tony-nominated Broadway producer, award-winning Caribbean-American artist, and cultural entrepreneur. From creating her one-woman show, Girls! Girls? Girls. to founding the Callaloo brand of children’s books, puppetry, and theater, Marjuan shares her journey of centering Black and Caribbean stories in her work. Listen as she discusses her path from acting to producing, her experiences balancing the creative and business sides of her career, and the importance of cultural identity in storytelling. Discover how Marjuan is creating opportunities for artists and inspiring the next generation of creatives.
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil interviews Mitra Arthur, a dynamic storyteller with a background spanning the performing and cinematic arts. Mitra shares her journey from live arts and arts administration to producing, directing, and editing impactful films and media. Now a video producer at NPR Music, Mitra discusses the importance of honoring Black women’s stories, fostering curiosity, and creating spaces where art fosters connection and community. Discover how Mitra’s journey reflects McNeil Creative Enterprises’ mission to amplify creatives’ voices and cultivate transformative arts experiences.
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil welcomes Jennifer Bowman, Houston Grand Opera's Director of Community and Learning. Together, they explore Jennifer’s journey as a trailblazer in arts leadership, her dedication to making opera accessible, and the powerful ways she fosters community connections through creativity and collaboration.
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil interviews C. Brian Williams, founder and executive producer of Step Afrika!, the first professional dance company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. From its origins at Howard University to becoming an internationally celebrated cultural ambassador, Step Afrika! has revolutionized the art of stepping.
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil speaks with Nyle Washington, Senior Award Series Publicity and Talent Relations Manager at Netflix. With over 20 years of experience in PR and media strategy, Nyle shares her journey from internships at The Oprah Winfrey Show to leading award-winning campaigns for hit Netflix series like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Squid Game. She discusses the evolving media landscape, the art of building lasting relationships, and the strategies behind crafting impactful publicity campaigns.
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil interviews Sharon Ingram, Executive Director of the DC Chapter of the Recording Academy. Sharon shares her fascinating journey from performing artist to becoming a champion of music professionals. With over 20 years in entertainment, Sharon has worked with Hidden Beach Recordings and the Clio Awards, honing her passion for building community and creating resources for creatives.
On this episode of Cultural Catalysts, Alison McNeil speaks with Pamela Green, founder of PMG Arts Management and a trailblazer in arts administration. With over 30 years of experience, Pamela has worked with renowned artists like Ronald K. Brown, Camille A. Brown, and Nnenna Freelon, shaping multidisciplinary projects that have left a lasting impact on the performing arts world.
Alison McNeil, CEO and Founder of McNeil Creative Enterprises, welcomes you to Cultural Catalysts—a podcast dedicated to celebrating the creative visionaries working behind the scenes in the arts and entertainment industry. Subscribe now to join us in celebrating the voices that make the arts thrive. This is Cultural Catalysts—where the creatives behind the curtain take center stage.
Welcome to Cultural Catalysts with Alison McNeil—the podcast that celebrates the creative visionaries working behind the scenes in arts and entertainment. This podcast uplifts the voices of producers, publicists, directors, and other behind-the-scenes creatives who shape culture but don’t always get the spotlight.
From the challenges of building sustainable careers to the triumphs of crafting unforgettable artistic moments, Cultural Catalysts dives deep into the inspiring lives of those who make the magic happen. If you’re curious about the people driving creativity and innovation in the arts, this podcast is for you.
📢A Call to Action:
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the shifts in our arts and cultural landscape since these conversations were first recorded. We’ve seen challenges to institutions—including the arts—but we’ve also seen the resilience of creatives and cultural organizations.
If you believe in the power of the arts, now is the time to take action. Support the artists and arts organizations that inspire you—donate, amplify their work, and stay engaged. Visit Americans for the Arts to stay updated on advocacy efforts happening on Capitol Hill and across the country. Americans for the Arts provides resources and opportunities to get involved at the local, state, and national levels. We’ll link their website in the show notes and continue sharing updates on our MCE Instagram.
As the legendary Carrie Mae Weems reminds us, “Art is the one place we all turn to for solace, and we need that now more than ever.” Let’s show up for the arts, for our communities, and for each other.
🌐 MCE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcearts
The resource link can be found in our bio.
🌐 Americans for the Arts website: https://www.americansforthearts.org/
