I Discovered My Passion for Film at FDU - Here's How!

I Discovered My Passion for Film at FDU - Here's How!

I Discovered My Passion for Film at FDU - Here's How! I discovered my passion for film at FDU, and it completely shaped my career. In this episode of the Coming Home Podcast, Michael Cannetti and Mike Ramos sit down with FDU alumnus Dan Quiyu — cinematographer, video producer, and founder of RJD Creative Lab. Dan shares his journey from studying film at Fairleigh Dickinson University to building a career in cinematography, documentary storytelling, and commercial video production. We discuss filmmaking, networking, adapting to new technology, AI in media, and what it really takes to succeed in today’s creative industry. Whether you’re a film student, aspiring creator, or working professional, this conversation offers real insight into turning creativity into a career. Don't forget to like and subscribe! Topics include: 🎬 Documentary filmmaking 🎥 Cinematography & video production 🎓 The FDU film experience 🤖 AI and the future of filmmaking 📈 Networking & career growth 🎞 Building a production company 💡 Storytelling in modern media No matter where life takes you… you can always come home again. Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction and Disclaimer 00:00:30 - Introduction of Guest - Dan Quiyu 00:01:43 - Dan's Journey to FDU 00:03:13 - Dan's Career after FDU 00:07:53 - Dan's Filmmaking Style 00:11:35 - Dan's Experience at FDU 00:13:46 - Dan's Work on 'Inspired' 00:16:10 - Dan's Advice for Film Students 00:17:01 - Dan's Perspective on Filmmaking Opportunities 00:20:27 - Dan's Experience with Flexibility in Filmmaking 00:25:06 - Dan's Collaboration with FDU Students 00:27:06 - Dan's Vision for the Future 00:29:24 - Dan's Awards and Achievements 00:31:51 - Dan's Upcoming Projects 00:32:35 - Dan's Views on Education in Filmmaking 00:34:25 - Dan's Experience at Princeton University 00:36:16 - Dan's Preference for Freelancing 00:36:53 - Dan's Love for Documentary Style Storytelling 00:37:38 - Dan's Final Advice for Film Students 00:38:53 - Conclusion https://www.rjdcreativelab.com #FilmMaking #Cinematography #DocumentaryFilm #FilmSchool #FDU #VideoProduction #ContentCreation #Storytelling #Filmmaker #Podcast #AIinFilm #CreativeCareer #ComingHomePodcast #FilmIndustry #BehindTheCamera RSS Feed:  https://feeds.transistor.fm/coming-home-podcast Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@FDUComingHome Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coming-home-podcast/id1841922196 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/5lgIo5VyxoF0sgSC5y3K2s Amazon Music:  https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b7bb9234-52bd-408b-8912-2376ffb78758/coming-home-podcast Deezer:  https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1002232011 Listen Notes:  https://lnns.co/a8rYNqJ60Vy https://cominghomepodcast.com/ [https://cominghomepodcast.com/]

From Dorm Cooking to TV Star 🍝 Dina Deleasa-Gonsar’s Story

FDU alumna Dina Deleasa-Gonsar shares how a passion for cooking that began in her college dorm turned into a career in television, social media, and entrepreneurship. From Married to Jonas to Guy’s Grocery Games and beyond, Dina breaks down her journey from student to media personality and brand builder. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:31 - Guest Introduction and Initial Conversation 00:02:16 - Dina's Early Life and How She Found FDU 00:04:26 - Dina's Major and Career Shift 00:06:06 - Transitioning to Becoming a Chef 00:10:11 - Impact of Education on Dina's Career 00:11:37 - Mentors and Supporters at FDU 00:13:55 - Role of FDU in Dina's Career 00:16:10 - Dina's First On-Camera Cooking Experience 00:16:16 - Overcoming Nerves and Preparing for On-Camera Cooking 00:18:12 - Public Speaking Experience and Missed Opportunities 00:19:53 - Career Progression and Television Appearances 00:21:31 - Experience on Guys' Grocery Games 00:22:54 - Publishing a Cookbook 00:27:20 - Starting a Podcast 00:27:25 - Balancing Work and Personal Life 00:30:11 - Seeking Business Advice and Learning from Mistakes 00:31:48 - Understanding the Value of Work and Time 00:33:51 - The Reality of Being an Influencer 00:36:31 - The Role of Education and AI in Influencing 00:40:42 - The Importance of Authenticity Online 00:41:31 - Experiences in Television Cooking Shows 00:43:34 - Dina's Favorite Foods and Go-to Meals 00:45:12 - Promoting Dina's Work and Final Thoughts www.dishitgirl.com @DishItGirlDina on Instagram Book:  At The Kitchen Sink:  https://www.amazon.com/At-Kitchen-Sink-Recipes-Cookbook/dp/0593728939/ref=sr_1_3?crid=25CLU8OU4VINQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.peoPJZejXMy1nRUJebavCF_UmfKke770YkPHPFQ2jw_sKoej4QN2Oe9Ed3s04mNM3rLGrowXjrFCTerMoZ9R_IIG6JbYNgBxccR1MbD3SdvmndTBeG2yw68vC_un5WHRiNTGsqb5tOOfhae1zGPmuZJthshRWuqxCcqPRNR5puN5JV2M65eo1bv8X7g7PUWaLYu7Fo78Ht1ZguKocqsLoE6gDpMgykSIrHRaX2YZ7Ig.fm6I2H38r0v6sQlpBSElpchHO7Q3fZBc9fzVUjyBWxg&dib_tag=se&keywords=at+the+kitchen+sink&qid=1777264230&sprefix=at+the+kitchen+sink%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-3 [https://www.amazon.com/At-Kitchen-Sink-Recipes-Cookbook/dp/0593728939/ref=sr_1_3?crid=25CLU8OU4VINQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.peoPJZejXMy1nRUJebavCF_UmfKke770YkPHPFQ2jw_sKoej4QN2Oe9Ed3s04mNM3rLGrowXjrFCTerMoZ9R_IIG6JbYNgBxccR1MbD3SdvmndTBeG2yw68vC_un5WHRiNTGsqb5tOOfhae1zGPmuZJthshRWuqxCcqPRNR5puN5JV2M65eo1bv8X7g7PUWaLYu7Fo78Ht1ZguKocqsLoE6gDpMgykSIrHRaX2YZ7Ig.fm6I2H38r0v6sQlpBSElpchHO7Q3fZBc9fzVUjyBWxg&dib_tag=se&keywords=at+the+kitchen+sink&qid=1777264230&sprefix=at+the+kitchen+sink%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-3] @FDUComingHome  [https://www.cominghomepodcast.com/] RSS Feed:  https://feeds.transistor.fm/coming-home-podcast [https://www.cominghomepodcast.com/] Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@FDUComingHome [https://www.cominghomepodcast.com/] Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coming-home-podcast/id1841922196 [https://www.cominghomepodcast.com/] Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/5lgIo5VyxoF0sgSC5y3K2s [https://www.cominghomepodcast.com/] Amazon Music:  https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b7bb9234-52bd-408b-8912-2376ffb78758/coming-home-podcast [https://www.cominghomepodcast.com/] Deezer:  https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1002232011 [https://www.cominghomepodcast.com/] Listen Notes:  https://lnns.co/a8rYNqJ60Vy [https://www.cominghomepodcast.com/] https://cominghomepodcast.com/ [https://www.cominghomepodcast.com/]

She Said “Yes”… And It Changed Everything | From FDU to Hospitality Leader

In this episode of Coming Home, we sit down with FDU alum Agnes Zaranski, a leader in the hospitality industry whose journey is rooted in mentorship, community, and saying yes to opportunity. Agnes reflects on her time at Fairleigh Dickinson University, the relationships that shaped her career, and how she continues to give back through alumni engagement, fundraising, and leadership. We explore the importance of education, work ethic, and balancing career growth with family life—along with valuable advice for the next generation entering the hospitality field. 00:00 Introduction  00:33 Guest Introduction  01:29 Getting to Know Agnes  01:48 Agnes’ Journey at FDU  02:48 Post-Graduation Careers  05:20 Mentors and Influences  08:18 Choosing FDU  11:22 Giving Back and Mentoring  15:28 Hospitality Department Alumni Network  15:57 Professional Development Series and Gala  16:26 Transition to Reception Style Fundraiser  16:39 Joining the Alumni Chapter  17:15 Fundraising and Scholarships  18:48 Hospitality Industry Culture and Work Ethic  19:31 Servant Leadership in Hospitality  20:31 Teaching as an Adjunct Professor  22:33 Campus Events and Fundraising  25:53 Cross Training in Hospitality  27:29 Importance of Education  29:54 Balancing Work and Family  30:43 Balancing Work, Travel, and Family  31:45 The Power of Saying Yes  36:07 The Importance of Gratitude and Privacy  36:37 Advice for Young Women Entering the Industry  39:07 Reflections on Fairleigh Dickinson University  41:03 Getting Involved in the Hospitality Tourism Alumni Chapter  #FDU #FDUAlumni #ComingHomePodcast  #HospitalityIndustry #HospitalityCareers  #CareerAdvice #MentorshipMatters  #WomenInHospitality #Leadership  #CollegeToCareer #AlumniSuccess  #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth  #StudentSuccess #HigherEducation  RSS Feed:  https://feeds.transistor.fm/coming-home-podcast [https://feeds.transistor.fm/coming-home-podcast] Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@FDUComingHome [https://www.youtube.com/@FDUComingHome] Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coming-home-podcast/id1841922196 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coming-home-podcast/id1841922196] Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/5lgIo5VyxoF0sgSC5y3K2s [https://open.spotify.com/show/5lgIo5VyxoF0sgSC5y3K2s] Amazon Music:  https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b7bb9234-52bd-408b-8912-2376ffb78758/coming-home-podcast [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b7bb9234-52bd-408b-8912-2376ffb78758/coming-home-podcast] Deezer:  https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1002232011 [https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1002232011] Listen Notes:  https://lnns.co/a8rYNqJ60Vy [https://lnns.co/a8rYNqJ60Vy]

This FDU Grad Went From Magic Tricks to Hollywood Horror

Anthony Masi’s journey is anything but traditional. A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University with a background in creative writing, Anthony began his career as a professional magician before finding his way into the world of horror filmmaking. In this episode of FDU Coming Home, Anthony reflects on the people and experiences that shaped his path — including the influence of Harvey Flaxman, his close friendship with Mark Sapara, and the creative foundation he built at FDU. Now a film producer, Anthony has worked on projects such as Halloween: 25 Years of Terror and the 2025 reboot of Silent Night, Deadly Night, bringing iconic horror stories to new audiences.  This conversation explores: * Reinventing yourself creatively * Turning passion into profession * Building a career in film production * The role of mentorship and collaboration * Why your path doesn’t have to be linear to be successful Whether you’re a student, creative, or professional looking for your next move, Anthony’s story is a reminder that the unconventional path can lead exactly where you’re meant to go. ⏱️Chapters⏱️ 00:00 Intro 00:45 Welcome Anthony Masi 02:10 IMDB Credits 03:15 Name on the Big Screen 04:15 Going to be a Magician 05:45 Doing it because you want to do it 07:30 The move to Los Angeles 09:00 Getting over insecurity 11:44 Movies that inspired 14:00 The effort of making a movie 16:00 Make what you can on a budget 19:00 First Horror Documentary 22:00 The Impact of Harvey Flaxman 27:00 The Motivation for a Change 28:45 The Impact of Halloween 35:00 Film Editing today 39:00 The Magic Castle LA 42:00 Friday the 13th Documentary 45:30 The Found Footage Horror Movement 47:30 The Shift in Hollywood Filmmaking 51:00 How do you get your foot in the door? 53:45 Horror Games? 55:00 Board Games Movement 58:00 Love what you do. 1:00:00 Experience on set - Networking 1:02:00 Film Festivals 1:05:00 Wrap Up 1:06:00 Final thoughts for Creators 1:07:00 Farewell @FDU_Arts on Instagram

How Tragedy and 9/11 Shaped a National Security Career | Todd Rosenthal

Todd Rosenthal never planned on attending Fairleigh Dickinson University — until a chance visit to the Florham campus changed everything. In this episode of FDU Coming Home, Todd shares the unexpected journey that led him to FDU and the defining moments that shaped both his education and his career. During his freshman year, a tragedy on campus claimed the life of a close friend — a moment that deeply affected Todd and ultimately led him to be called to active duty and reconsider the direction of his life. That experience, combined with the national impact of September 11 attacks, helped shape Todd’s commitment to security, preparedness, and public service. He later returned to FDU to earn his master’s degree, further strengthening the foundation for a career dedicated to protecting others. Today, Todd serves as the Security Awareness Training and Education Program Lead for Science Applications International Corporation, where he develops training programs focused on critical incident response, cybersecurity awareness, social engineering, and protecting digital footprints. Over the course of his career, he has worked with federal agencies, the intelligence community, all branches of the U.S. military, and some of the nation’s largest government contractors. Todd began his security career with the United States Secret Service and has become a nationally recognized trainer and speaker on topics including active violence response, insider threats, and security awareness. His contributions to industrial security were recognized in 2020 when his program received the prestigious James S. Cogswell Award from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. In this conversation, Todd reflects on the moments that shape our lives, the people who influence our paths, and how education and experience can lead to a career dedicated to service and security.