The Commtastic Podcast

Hosted by Vanguard University - MediaHub

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Nov 2025

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About the show

Welcome to the Commtastic Podcast hosted by student and communication major, Audrey Norton, at Vanguard University. This show is geared towards interviewing professionals in the communication field and current communication majors to help prospective students and their families learn about the value of pursuing a communication degree and the myriad of career opportunities available.

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32 recent

November 4, 2025Episode 3234 min

Episode 32: VU Professor Andrew Matusik on Photography, Purpose and the Power of Mentorship

Student host Raegan Moore chats with Andrew Matuisk, Professional in Residence at Vanguard University, internationally published photographer, and creative director at his own company. From assisting world-renowned fashion photographers in New York to building production companies and studios in LA, Andrew shares how he turned his God-given passion for art into a thriving global career without compromising purpose or values.Andrew walks us through how he broke into fashion and celebrity photography, what it takes to build a sustainable creative business, and how faith, discipline, and relentless vision shaped every step. He also shares powerful insights on the value of mentorship, why finding your creative voice matters, and what students today need to know to succeed in content creation, media production, and visual storytelling.Whether you're dreaming of a career behind the camera or building a life that blends creativity and calling, Andrew’s story is packed with wisdom, grit, and hard-earned insight you won’t want to miss.

October 28, 2025Episode 3127 min

Episode 31: Breaking into Sports Media - VU Alumna Annabelle Reyes' ('24) Journey from Vanguard to the Rose Bowl

Student host Raegan Moore sits down with Vanguard University alumna Annabelle Reyes ('24), Marketing Assistant at the Rose Bowl Stadium. Annabelle shares her inspiring journey from being a student-athlete hopeful during COVID to discovering her passion for storytelling and digital marketing in the world of sports.She talks about the lessons she learned from a variety of communication classes she took, what it’s like managing marketing for one of the most iconic stadiums in the country, and how faith, hard work, and community shaped her path. From creating real-time content for major events to balancing a full-time job, graduate school, and freelance photography, Annabelle offers honest insight into what it takes to thrive in a fast-paced, competitive industry.Whether you’re a student dreaming of a career in sports, media, or marketing, or someone navigating post-grad transitions, this episode will leave you inspired to chase your calling with courage and creativity.

October 21, 2025Episode 3021 min

Episode 30: Finding Focus with VU Alumna McKenzie Thompson ('24) on Photography, Creativity & Calling

In this episode, student host Reagan Moore sits down with Vanguard University alumna McKenzie Thompson (‘24), a creative entrepreneur, social media manager and photographer behind Kenzie Co.McKenzie shares how her passion for photography grew out of her love for digital media, how Vanguard’s hands-on classes and community shaped her creative voice, and what post-grad life looks like when you're navigating freelance work, barista life, and big dreams. From interning at Saddleback Church to photographing live events across Orange County, she opens up about the lessons she’s learned in building a brand, managing imposter syndrome, and keeping faith at the center of her work.Whether you're a Comm major exploring your creative path or someone dreaming of starting your own side hustle, this conversation is full of real talk, encouragement, and insight.

October 7, 2025Episode 2918 min

Episode 29: Crisis, Community & Communication Inside Law Enforcement PR with Roxi Fyad

Student host Raegan Moore interviews Roxi Fyad, Public Affairs Manager at the Costa Mesa Police Department and recipient of the 2023 Woman Making a Difference Award for Public Information. Roxi shares how her journey from Ecuador to ESL classrooms to a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Chapman shaped her passion for clear, purposeful communication, especially in high-stakes environments.Roxi walks us through her early days at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, her unexpected pivot away from law school, and what it’s like to be the public voice behind a police department in moments of crisis. With humor, wisdom and heart, she opens up about what makes public affairs distinct, why social media matters in law enforcement and how students can find purpose in the pressure.

September 30, 2025Episode 2824 min

Episode 28: Beyond the Degree: Alumna Kaylee Fritchman (’24) on Purposeful Communication

Student host Raegan Moore sits down with Vanguard University alumna Kaylee Frenchman (née Moses, '24) shares how her communication degree, and love for ministry, led her to her current role as Communications Manager at Vineyard Church in Los Angeles. From leading worship to running social media for her parents’ music school, Kaylee reflects on how VU's community and hands-on opportunities helped shape her calling and skill set. She also gets real about post-grad transitions, sharing honest insights about job hunting and finding purpose beyond the campus bubble. Her biggest advice? Keep creating, pursue internships that grow you, and don’t be afraid to start before you feel ready.

September 9, 2025Episode 2736 min

Episode 27: Science, Storytelling & the Search for Truth - Communication Lessons from former FBI Agent and now VU Professor, Thomas Ropel

Student host Raegan Moore interviews Dr. Thomas Ropel, a former FBI Special Agent and now the lead assistant professor for Vanguard University’s new Criminal Justice program. With over two decades of service in the FBI, including global assignments in counterterrorism, behavioral analysis and high-stakes interrogations, Dr. Ropel shares how communication shaped every part of his work, from recruiting informants to interrogating international terrorists. He also opens up about the power of science-based interviewing, the critical role of cultural awareness in fieldwork and how his early communication degree laid the foundation for a career built on listening, adaptation and leadership.Dr. Ropel also offers a candid look at his academic journey, including a vulnerable moment of academic failure and redemption, and how a public speaking professor helped ignite his path back to purpose. Moving from the Marine Corps boot camp to Quantico to the classroom, Dr. Ropel brings real-world stories, faith-filled encouragement and practical wisdom for students considering a career in law enforcement, national security or communication. Whether you're hooked on Criminal Minds or just curious how communication can save lives, this episode will leave you both inspired and informed.

September 2, 2025Episode 2630 min

Episode 26: Student to CEO: How VU Alumna ('23) Taylor Caruso Launched Her Agency

Student host Reagan Moore hears how Vanguard University alumna ('23) Taylor Caruso turned her communication degree with an emphasis on tech and emerging media into a launchpad, pivoting from broadcast dreams to founding Caruso & Co Marketing. Taylor shares what it takes to build a modern digital marketing agency across social, content, photography, and wedding-day creation. She also shares how she wins and keeps clients and explains why authenticity (and micro-influencers) beat high-gloss polish. You’ll also hear her trend-spotting tip (watch the new music drops), lessons from North Carolina vs. California markets, how faith shapes her leadership, and straight-talk advice for aspiring creators and agency owners. Basically: start, iterate and ride the waves.

August 19, 2025Episode 2533 min

Episode 25: Dean of Teaching & Learning, Dr. Bonni Stachowiak, on Teaching That Connects

Student host Raegan Moore joins Dr. Bonni Stachowiak, Vanguard University’s Dean of Teaching and Learning and Professor of Business & Management for an inspiring conversation on why great teaching is rooted in communication. Drawing from her leadership experience and classroom expertise, Bonni unpacks how connection and curiosity shape transformational learning environments.In this episode, Bonni reflects on her own teaching journey, shares insights on building trust with students, and highlights the communication strategies that help faculty foster deeper engagement. Whether you're a student, educator, or aspiring professor, this episode is a masterclass in the power of teaching that truly connects.

July 22, 2025Episode 2422 min

Episode 24: Jacob Duarte on PR, McDonald’s and Making the Most of Your Network

Student host Raegan Moore connects with Vanguard University alumnus Jacob Duarte ('15), former culture and brand strategist for McDonald’s and Taco Bell, for a candid conversation on breaking into the world of public relations and brand storytelling. In this episode, Jacob reflects on his journey from VU to crafting campaigns for two of the biggest brands in the world. He shares how he got his start in PR, why networking still matters more than ever and what today’s students can do to stand out in the communication industry. Whether you're a student looking for your first internship or a future PR strategist dreaming big, this episode is packed with real talk, creative wisdom and alumni insight you won’t want to miss.

July 8, 2025Episode 2323 min

Episode 23: Leaning into Jackie Gutierrez, Founder of Women Kick Balls, on Sports, Media & Making Her Mark

Student host Raegan Moore chats with Vanguard University Alumna Jackie Gutierrez ('20), founder of Women Kick Balls—an independent soccer media and coffee brand dedicated to elevating how the women’s game is covered. With nearly a decade of experience covering the NWSL and USWNT, Jackie shares how she turned a passion for soccer into a purpose-driven platform offering accessible journalism, creative content and bold storytelling.With a master's in journalism, Jackie now blends media, marketing and the community in innovative ways, including launching Women Kick Balls Coffee Co. to bring soccer and storytelling to youth games and local fans. Tune in as she talks about building a brand from scratch, working in sports media as a woman of color and why communication remains her most powerful tool.