The Commtastic Podcast

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 [https://www.vanguard.edu/academics/academic-programs/undergrad/communication], 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.

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 [https://www.vanguard.edu/academics/academic-programs/undergrad/communication] alumna Annabelle Reyes ('24), Marketing Assistant at the Rose Bowl Stadium [https://www.rosebowlstadium.com/]. 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.

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.

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 [https://www.costamesaca.gov/government/departments-and-divisions/police] 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 [https://orangecountyda.org/], 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.

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

Student host Raegan Moore sits down with Vanguard University [https://www.vanguard.edu/academics/academic-programs/undergrad/communication] 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.