A look back at Season 1 of my podcast
🎙️ 🎙️ As we start this new year, I'm reflecting on what was my favorite project of 2024 -- a true labor of love -- the first season of my podcast, On Topic, Off Script.
For more than a decade reporting for outlets like CBS News, The Atlantic, The New York Times For Kids, Healthline, Barron's, and Engadget, among others, I've had the privilege of sitting across from a wide range of fascinating people and hearing what inspires them.
Through On Topic, Off Script, I've been so happy to let you listen in on this series of intimate conversations with newsmakers, creatives, advocates -- people making their mark on our world today.
If you're looking for an early 2025 listen, check out my full first season on Apple, Spotify, and everywhere you get your podcasts. Stay tuned in the coming months for news on Season 2. I can't wait to keep the conversation going as we stay on topic, but...go a little off script. - B
A look back at a year of conversations:
— 'Scandal' and 'The Other Black Girl' star Bellamy Young opened up about her father's personal story and what she wants you to know about cirrhosis. (https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/brianmastroianni/episodes/Bellamy-Young--former-Scandal-star--on-her-dads-story-and-what-she-wants-you-to-know-about-cirrhosis-e2ii1d2 )
-- Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Gloria Reuben talked hot flashes, 'ER's' 30th (!) anniversary, singing with Tina Turner, and embracing change. (https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/brianmastroianni/episodes/Gloria-Reuben-talks-hot-flashes--ER-at-30--Tina-Turner--and-embracing-change-e2irk93 )
-- Peloton fav Matty Maggiacomo shared workout tips, his TV news memories, and what you should know about making fresh starts.
(https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/brianmastroianni/episodes/Pelotons-Matty-Maggiacomo-shares-spring-workout-tips--TV-news-memories--and-advice-on-making-fresh-starts-e2j58gf_ )
-- Olympic medalist Nikita Ducarroz discussed Paris 2024 and managing anxiety. (https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/brianmastroianni/episodes/Olympic-medalist-Freestyle-BMX-Rider-Nikita-Ducarroz-on-Paris-2024-and-managing-anxiety-e2jeju0)
-- Mental health activist and influencer Joseph Arujo shed light on his TikTok journey, Born This Way Foundation, and said why it’s important we are open about our mental health. (https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/brianmastroianni/episodes/Joseph-Arujo--Gen-Z-mental-health-activist--on-Lady-Gagas-Born-This-Way-Foundation--TikTok--and-talking-about-mental-health-e2jnibt)
-- Armenian tech leader and women's rights advocate Amalya Yeghoyan touched on the need to close tech's gender gap and what it was like to speak at the United Nations. (https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/brianmastroianni/episodes/Armenian-tech-leader-and-womens-rights-advocate-Amalya-Yeghoyan-on-closing-the-tech-sectors-gender-gap-and-speaking-at-the-UN-e2k0nnm)
-- Dr. Jack Turban discussed his book 'Free to Be' and how we can better support trans and gender diverse kids.
(https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/brianmastroianni/episodes/Jack-Turban--MD--on-new-book-Free-to-Be-and-how-we-can-better-support-trans-and-gender-diverse-kids-e2k9fkr)
-- Sir Paul Smith shared his plans for opening Pitti Uomo SS25, opened up about the cycling accident that changed his life, and advice for how we can all find inspiration in..everything! (https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/brianmastroianni/episodes/Sir-Paul-Smith-talks-opening-Pitti-Uomo-SS25--the-cycling-accident-that-changed-his-life--and-advice-on-finding-inspiration-in-everything-e2ki571)
-- 'Scandal' and 'Inventing Anna' star Katie Lowes opened up about her psoriasis journey and what's next for her acting career.
(https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/brianmastroianni/episodes/Scandal-and-Inventing-Anna-star-Katie-Lowes-opens-up-about-living-with-psoriasis--whats-next-for-her-career-e2kr254)
-- Matriark Founder Patricia Assui Reed discussed supporting women and LGBTQ+-led businesses and her thoughts on retail's future.
(https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/brianmastroianni/episodes/Matriark-founder-Patricia-Assui-Reed-discusses-supporting-women-and-LGBTQ-owned-brands--the-future-of-retail-e2l3e8l)
-- Emmy nominee Nina Parker touched on using her platform to shed light on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
(https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/brianmastroianni/episodes/Emmy-nominee-Nina-Parker-uses-her-platform-to-shed-light-on-triple--negative-breast-cancer-e2r4dn3)
