Alumni Live: The Podcast

Host Randy Strobl (2012) talks with visual artists K. Lynn Smith (2008) and Dan Hogan (2005) about their journeys from GVSU to becoming visual artists. They discuss their work, how they developed their styles, and built careers through comics, art festivals, and animation.

LINKS:

DANIEL HOGAN LINKS

• https://danieljhogan.com/
• http://danieljhogan.com/, http://twitch.tv/danieljhogan, http://youtube.com/@danieljhogan,
• https://www.instagram.com/danieljhoganart/,
• https://www.facebook.com/danieljhogancartoonist/,
• https://www.tiktok.com/@danieljhogan

K. LYNN SMITH LINKS

• https://www.klynnsmith.net/
• https://www.instagram.com/handmadecrown
• https://www.facebook.com/plumecomic/
• The House of Lowtherwebtoons.com

To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students:
https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To follow the FVP Alumni Network

• GVSU Film & Video Alumni Network on LinkedIn
• GVSU F/V Alumni Facebook
• GVFVAlum Instagram

Host Randy Strobl (2012) talks with Location Manager Ashley Bunge (2008) about her career as a location manager and how she went from GVSU to working on big-budget films. She talks about what goes into scouting and managing film locations and how she got her start in the industry after moving to New Orleans.

• To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

• Follow us on:
• GVSU Film & Video/Media Arts on LinkedIn
• GVSU F/V Alumni Facebook

Alums Caitlyn Shaw (2025), Callie Wynne (2026), and Bill Cuppy (1995) discuss the benefits of study abroad for film and video majors and the skills and stories they gained during their travels. Bill also talks about the scholarship he helped establish to encourage film and video students to study abroad, the Morse-Cuppy Film, Video, Animation Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship.

• For more information about study abroad: Film and Video Abroad
• To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

• Follow us on:
• GVSU Film & Video/Media Arts on LinkedIn
• GVSU F/V Alumni Facebook

Alumni and editor/producer Elena Chiu (2025) andKyle Flannery (2018), a picture finishing producer at Harbor Picture Company, discuss the team involved in post-production and Kyle’s journey moving from West Michigan into the New York production industry.

LINKS:
Harbor Picture Company

To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

• https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/

Current student Ashlyn Mendelsohn talks with alum Jeff Donehoo (2001) about his career working in sports media and his current role as a Senior Motion Graphic Designer and Programmer with Rocket Surgery which is part of Ross Video Creative Services.

LINKS:
Rocket Surgery YouTube Channel

To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

• https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/

Alums Jordan Skutar (Assistant Camera) and Jessica Tolliver(Director of Photography) talk about working in the camera department and the industry. Both work in Chicago.

Links:
Keslow Camera
The Camera Assistant's Manualby David E. Elkins SOC

To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

• https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/

Retired GVSU Professor and Audio Engineer Joe McCargar talks with alum Dennis Dembeck (2013) about his career as a Sound Editor and Re-Recording Mixer working in NYC and LA.

Links:
To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

• https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/

Join host Mary Graff Ashleyas she talks with GVSU alumni Michael Piotrowski about his experience mixing and recording sound across different locations, budgets, and directors.

Links:
To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

•

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/

Host Samantha Drougel talks with alum Justin Woychowski, Chief Creative Officer of United eSports, about media creation in the rapidly growing eSports industry.

Links:
To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

• https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/

Storytelling is at the heart of both filmmaking and creating graphic novels. Join alums Griffin Sheridan, Rory Webb, and Amanda Webb as they discuss their journey as storytellers using the medium of comics.

Links:

• Griffin Sheridan

• Image Comics - Griffin Sheridan
• Instagram - GRIF

• Rory and Amanda Webb

• Legends of Aukera

Links:
To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

•

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/

Host Randy Strobl talks with three generations of GVTV faculty advisors, Kim Roberts, Len O’Kelly, and James Ford about their mentoring students as they develop leadership, teamwork, and media skills.

To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

• https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/

Host, and former GVTV member, Randy Strobl talks with current students Izaak Che Rosales and Joshua Wylie about their GVTV experiences. As they rebuild the community after the pandemic, students are still benefitting from the collaboration, learning, creativity, and fun of GVTV.

To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

• https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/

Hear how GVTV members from 2016 - 2021 transformed the studio into a home that inspired students to learn, build relationships, and explore new methods of sharing their creations. Host Kyle Macciomei talks with Gillian Noonan, Harley Collar, Mary Genson, Noah Genson, Savannah Wright, and Noah Houchlei about their time at GVTV including how the pandemic changed the trajectory of the club.

To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

• https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Tyler Wiewiora (1993- 2024). Beloved GVTV member and “everyone’s boom person”. You are missed.

The third generation of GVTV forges new territory with live broadcasts, a 24-hour telethon, and a post graduate marriage officiated by their faculty advisor. Host Randy Strobl talks with former GVTV members Christina Choriatis, Bobby Nielsen, Jamie Bartkowicz, McKenzie Brefka, and Erin Brefka.

To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

• https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/

Join second generation GVTV members Randy Strobl, Adam Burl, Jonathan Sessions, Steven Bellettini, and Former President John Tremblay as they reconnect and discuss how they helped shape GVTV and how GVTV helped them build careers and life long relationships.

Links:

• GVTV
• Randy Strobl Former GVTV VP Special Events
• John Tremblay Former GVTV President
• Adam Burl Former GVTV Financial Officer and voice actor on Randomish
• Jonathan Sessions Former GVTV Producer and Tech Director and Equipment Room
• Steven Belletini Former GVTV Producer and Animator

To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

• https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/

Host Randy Strobl talks with GVTV founder and first President, Jillian Austin, about how she grew “Happy Birthday Anthony!” into a student run television station that fosters creativity and long lasting relationships. This is the first of a multipart series about the impact of Grand Valley Television (GVTV).

Links:

• Jillian Austin - Experience and Brand Growth Strategist / Immersive Storyteller
• Randy Strobl Television Production Specialist / Documentary Filmmaker

To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

• https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/

Join current students Caitlyn Shaw, CK Hamilton, and Cam Layson as they share tips for ‘pitching’ projects for script and fiction classes.

To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

• https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/

Join current student Liliana Bartels, Breana Malloy (2021) and Gillian Noonan (2021), as they dive into the world of film producing— from indie films to corporate commercials. They’ll share career insights, break down the producer’s role, and discuss the challenges of balancing creativity, logistics, and funding.

To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

• https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/

Current students Caroline Hamilton, Caitlyn Shaw and alum Kyle Macciomei talk about how to get the most benefit from the college experience. From clubs to independent student film groups, as well as on campus employment opportunities, they share stories and break down ways to make the most of your time at GVSU.

Links:

• Women in Cinema Instagram: gvwomenincinema
• GVTV Youtube
• Laker Link
• Registered Student Organizations Website
• SNECC Studios Vimeo
• Student Employment
• The Bridge
• Production Support Resources
• WGVU TV
• Promotions Office

West Michigan Companies mentioned in the show:

• Taproot
• Ingalls
• Salt
• Gorilla
• Drop Drop
• Voyage
• Lowing
• Visionaery
• Motivity
• Braincell Camera

To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

• https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/

Join us for a conversation about community media as host Randy Strobl from Detroit Public Television talks with Kerri VandeHoff, the Executive Director of the Coalition for Community Development, Joe Zook, the Production Manager of GRTV which is part of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center, and Jazmyne Fuentes, Success Coach at GRMiFi the Grand Rapids Media & Film Incubator.

Community Media Makers use their skills to serve and amplify the many voices of a community. This is complex work that requires an interest in learning about people and using a creation process that authentically presents a variety of perspectives.

LINKS

• GRCMC https://grcmc.org/
• WKTV https://www.wktv.org/
• GRMIFI https://grmifi.org/
• Kerri VanderHoff

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrivanderhoff/
• https://www.mhccd.org/projects-2
• https://mediajustice.org/
• "Unmediated & Reframed" more info can be found here https://www.mhccd.org/projects-2 and here https://www.mhccd.org/rome-julissa

• Jazmyne Fuentes https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazmyne-fuentes/
• Joe Zook https://www.linkedin.com/in/josefzook/
• Randy Strobl https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-strobl-40223895/

To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:

• https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-now-film-and-video-1162.htm

To join the LinkedIn group:

• https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8258882/