On The Subject

Join host Michael Vilardo as he welcomes the multifaceted actress Kristy Dawn Dinsmore, best known for her roles in Vikings, Loudermilk, and Half Sisters. In this heartfelt and humorous conversation, Kristy shares her journey from small-town Canada to Hollywood, her passion for acting and spirituality, and the life lessons she's gained along the way. From Burning Man adventures to overcoming childhood bullying, this episode dives deep into the power of manifestation, finding your community, and the importance of embracing your creative voice. Don’t miss this inspiring look at life through Kristy’s lens—one of courage, curiosity, and relentless self-discovery.

In this episode of On The Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down for the first time in person with Steven Galanis—co-founder and CEO of Cameo, an entrepreneur extraordinaire. Steven shares the incredible origin story of Cameo, sparked at his grandmother’s funeral, and how the company redefined the autograph for the digital age. From monetizing fame to building networks through college, hockey, and Uber, this episode offers insights on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and finding opportunity in unexpected places. Steven also discusses the Midwest's talent pipeline, why he aims to be Hollywood's most connected person, and his dreams of bridging fame and fortune. Tune in for candid stories, including how LinkedIn reshaped his relationships and why grinding in the trenches builds lasting camaraderie.

In this episode of On The Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down with Chandler Malone, co-founder and CEO of YourPath AI. From starting businesses at a young age to diving into venture capital, Chandler shares his insights on raising capital, building impactful companies, and the challenges and rewards of moving across the U.S. to grow his career. Tune in as they explore the pressures of choosing career paths, the lessons Chandler learned from sports, and how he’s using AI to empower others in their academic and professional journeys. Don't miss Chandler's advice for young entrepreneurs and high schoolers on pursuing multiple ambitions and always putting in the work to succeed.

In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo welcomes Sandra LaPlante, the CEO and founder of Papaya Tutor, to discuss her inspiring journey from Peru to Silicon Valley, her vision to democratize access to education, and the powerful impact of one-on-one tutoring. Sandra shares how her immigrant experience and entrepreneurial spirit led her to create a platform that offers students worldwide the opportunity to thrive, no matter their background. Tune in to hear Sandra’s story of breaking barriers, raising venture capital, and building a global team committed to transforming education.

In this episode of "On The Subject," host Michael Vilardo interviews tech titan Jared Grusd, whose impressive career includes roles as Chief Strategy Officer at Snapchat, CEO of Huffington Post, and General Counsel at Spotify. Now co-founder of the edtech company Ethiqly, Grusd shares his remarkable journey from South African immigrant to Ivy League graduate. He discusses how his educational experiences shaped his career at the intersection of technology and law, offering valuable insights on the power of curiosity, the rapidly evolving landscape of education, and sage advice for high school students charting their academic paths in today's digital world.

In this episode of "On The Subject," host Michael Vilardo sits down with Ana Romero, Subject's Chief of Staff, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about education, career paths, and personal growth. This episode dives deep into hot-button issues like teacher pay, work-life balance, and the true value of different educational paths. From debating the merits of high school curricula to sharing insider perspectives on college choices, Michael and Ana offer fresh takes on how to navigate the modern educational landscape. Whether you're a student, educator, or lifelong learner, you'll find valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions on how to make the most of your educational journey and prepare for a successful future. Tune in for an unfiltered look at the intersection of education, technology, and personal development from two passionate voices in the field.

In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo reunites with old friend Jordan Schmaltz, aka "Swish", after 13 years. They dive into Jordan's journey from a first-round NHL draft pick to his current roles as a comedian, podcast host, and cultural influencer, including his position as host of the hilarious Hockey Night in Scottsdale. The conversation covers Jordan's experiences in youth hockey, his decision to demand a trade in juniors, playing with his brother Nick, and his transition from professional hockey to media. Jordan shares valuable insights on authenticity, personal growth, and the importance of bringing bigger personalities to hockey. The episode offers a unique blend of sports history, career advice, and entertaining anecdotes, making it a must-listen for hockey fans and aspiring athletes alike.

In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down with Brandon Copeland, a former NFL player, Ivy League graduate, and the driving force behind Athlete.org. Brandon shares his remarkable journey from being the Ivy League Player of the Year at Penn to playing 10 years in the NFL, and how he’s now using his platform to revolutionize financial literacy and education for young athletes. Tune in to hear how Brandon’s grandfather’s advice shaped his career, the lessons he learned from coaching legends like Bill Belichick, and how he’s empowering the next generation to prioritize education over athletics. Whether you’re a sports fan or passionate about education reform, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo interviews Sophie Szew, a student at Stanford University who shares her transformative journey from a private Jewish school in Los Angeles to public school, and eventually to Stanford. Sophie discusses the challenges she faced, including her struggle with an eating disorder that led to her temporary withdrawal from school, and how these experiences shaped her advocacy work for mental health and institutional reform. She reflects on the importance of education in her life, her experiences with alternative learning platforms like Apex, and how these shaped her independent and interdisciplinary approach to her studies at Stanford. Sophie also shares insights on the importance of agency in education, the value of gap years, and the significance of finding and embracing one’s passions.

In this episode of "On The Subject," host Michael Vilardo reunites with his college roommate Joey Vecchione, founder and CEO of Gold Level Talent. They dive deep into their shared experiences as college athletes, discussing the challenges of balancing academics with Division I sports, the impact of influential coaches, and their eventual transition from athletic aspirations to successful entrepreneurship. Joey and Michael offer valuable insights on the importance of variable compensation in the workplace, the benefits of living in major cities like Los Angeles for personal and professional growth, and the lasting influence of educators and coaches on one's life journey.