Digital marketing that commands an audience

How do you invite younger audiences into the symphony in a way that feels fresh, joyful, and unforgettable? Macy Schmidt has been asking that question with every project she takes on. As the founder of The Sinfonietta and CEO of Overture Global Entertainment, she’s not just producing concerts—she’s designing live experiences that feel transformative for new audiences.

In this episode, Macy reflects on the early influences that shaped her approach to orchestration, the audience-first philosophy that guides her work, and how she’s scaling women-led orchestras around the world. She also shares how one bold pitch to Mattel grew into Barbie The Movie in Concert, and reveals the creative decisions that made the project a global phenomenon.

For arts and culture leaders, Macy’s insights show what’s possible when you shift from guarding traditions to designing moments that stay with people long after the final note.

Few leaders expect their first months on the job to coincide with a fight for the future of the arts in America. For Erin Harkey, that became the reality when she stepped in as CEO of Americans for the Arts earlier this year—just as the federal government proposed eliminating national arts funding.

In this episode, Erin reflects on her career journey, from shaping cultural policy in Chicago to stepping into one of the most prominent arts leadership roles in the country. She shares why public funding is uniquely powerful, how communities can mobilize in times of uncertainty, and why joy itself can be a form of resistance. Along the way, she offers practical advice for arts administrators, artists, and advocates alike: from making your voice heard with elected officials to finding ways to sustain yourself in the work.

What turns a live event into a cultural moment people never forget? David Jammy has some answers. As Executive Producer at Done+Dusted, he’s helped shape global broadcasts from the Emmys and Kennedy Center Honors to the Global Citizen Festival and the Mark Twain Prize.

In this conversation, David traces his path from student activist in apartheid-era South Africa to producing events that capture history as it happens. He shares his storytelling philosophy, the challenge of turning fleeting moments into lasting television, and the behind-the-scenes story of the 2025 Mark Twain Prize honoring Conan O’Brien—a night that doubled as both a tribute and an act of resistance.

It’s a reminder that live events aren’t just entertainment. They can be culture’s way of recording history in real time.

AI is changing how we work. What does that mean for arts and culture? Jen Taylor, Capacity Interactive’s Director of AI Strategy and Integration, shares what her research with over 100 arts leaders and administrators reveals about where the field really stands with AI: a mix of curiosity, caution, and untapped opportunity.

In this episode, Jen and Monica unpack how AI can save time for under-resourced teams, how organizations can build policies that align with their missions, and why the technology should amplify—not replace—human creativity. This episode is your guide to embracing AI without losing sight of what makes the arts human.

What happens when a cultural district leads a city’s revival? As President and CEO of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Kendra Whitlock Ingram is leading the cultural district through a new era of civic transformation—building public spaces, breaking down barriers to access, and reimagining what a cultural district can be.

In this episode, Kendra and Monica Holt explore what it takes to lead complex institutions, foster inclusive programming, and make the arts central to a city’s future—not just its history.

Can legacy arts institutions innovate like start-ups? Clive Chang thinks so. As President and CEO of YoungArts, he’s reimagining how a 40-year-old organization can support today’s multi-disciplinary artists—by questioning everything, embracing experimentation, and making space for creative risk.
In this conversation, Clive and host Monica Holt unpack how to disrupt old habits, build a culture of curiosity, and keep tradition from becoming inertia.