On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger sit down with Kristina Lao and Raquelle Roodenberg, the co-founders and co-hosts of the Bombshell Brunches podcast. They discuss how their project evolved from a small monthly brunch meetup into a multi-season show with over 150 interviews, and discuss the challenges they faced along the way, from tech fears and perfectionism to balancing multiple commitments. They also share practical advice on building community, collaborating effectively, creating sustainable workflows, and how your podcast can open doors by attracting new clients, collaborators, and opportunities.

Timestamps

(01:16) Why a podcast can become your “living portfolio”

(02:04) Meet the creators behind Bombshell Brunches

(03:30) How a simple brunch meetup turned into a podcast community

(05:53) The biggest learning curves when starting a podcast

(08:39) Why finding the right podcast partner matters

(09:55) How do you commit to a podcast long-term?

(13:23) The batching strategy that makes podcasting sustainable

(14:45) How podcasters actually make their shows financially sustainable

(18:33) Podcast gear & tools creators swear by

(21:17) What skills do you actually gain from podcasting?

(23:08) How podcasting builds real community and networks

(25:00) Can a podcast lead to clients, collaborations, and opportunities?

(28:12) What’s the real point of starting a podcast today?

On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger explore the art and impact of mentorship with Mariah Braun, the CEO and founder of M3M Marketing, and one of her former mentees; Darryl Haugen, an emerging filmmaker based in Morinville, Alberta. Together they discuss the differences between formal and informal mentorship, how to approach potential mentors, and strategies for giving and receiving constructive feedback. You’ll also get insights on building lasting creative relationships, knowing which advice to follow, and how mentorship can accelerate growth and opportunity. Whether you’re looking for guidance or hoping to guide others, this episode offers practical, real-world advice every creator can use.

Timestamps:

(01:11) What mentorship really looks like (and why it’s not one-size-fits-all)

(02:45) What mentorship means — from both sides

(05:00) How to find a mentor (and why cold outreach works)

(07:36) How to know if a mentor is the right fit

(10:00) Common mentorship pitfalls and how to avoid them

(12:55) When mentor advice doesn’t feel right

(14:24) One Minute Mentor: best career advice

(15:58) Formal vs informal mentorship explained

(17:26) How mentors benefit from the relationship too

(20:00) Trust, honesty, and giving constructive feedback

(21:50) What makes a great mentor (real example)

(24:17) Do you really need a mentor?

(25:08) Resources for finding mentors and community

On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger tackle a topic that’s often overlooked by new and not-so-new creators alike: how to build a true “safety first” culture. They’re joined by Doryan Mash, Regional Safety Advisor at ActSafe Safety Association, who brings real-world experience from both emergency response and the arts sector to break down what safety really means in 2026. Together, they explore the common risk factors creators face, where corners are usually cut and why safety planning doesn’t have to be expensive or intimidating. You’ll also hear practical tips on emergency response planning, working alone, building a creator safety kit, and how a proactive mindset can actually save time, money, and stress.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Why safety matters for content creators

(4:40) Top injury risks creators face

(5:45) Working at heights: biggest danger on set

(7:09) When creative decisions become unsafe

(8:30) Common safety mistakes new creators make

(9:40) Free safety support creators don’t know about

(10:55) When safety planning should start

(15:00) Emergency response planning essentials

(18:30) Legal responsibility if something goes wrong

(20:00) Safety tips for solo creators

(24:52) One small change that improves safety

On this season 2 premiere of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger sit down with Catherine Warren, the President of FanTrust Entertainment Strategies, to talk about the benefits and the risks of incorporating AI into your creative process. She begins by laying out her ‘five Cs’ of AI use: clarity, consent, credit, compensation, and cultural integrity, and discusses why creators need to take them into account every step of the way. She also explains why you shouldn’t shy away from AI entirely, and shares her thoughts on the expression “you may not lose your job to AI, but you might lose your job to someone who uses AI.”

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Is AI killing creativity?

(01:26) — How AI is changing content creation

(05:00) — The 5 rules creators must follow when using AI

(08:10) — Who owns content made with AI?

(11:04) — Can AI actually replace creators?

(15:56) — How to spot fake AI videos online

(17:10) — How creators can stand out in an AI world

(22:33) — Will AI take creative jobs?

In this special retrospective, hosts Cameron Zinger and Jennifer Park look back on the most important themes and takeaways, as well as their favourite memories and moments, from the first 12 episodes of the podcast. You’ll get plenty of valuable advice and resources from familiar faces and STORYHIVE alumni, as well as some new insights from Cam and Jenn as they reflect on their own creative journeys. Stick around until the very end and you’ll also learn about some of the behind-the-scenes challenges they faced along the way to becoming bonafide podcast hosts. 

On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger are joined by Lindsay Killam, Clinical Director of Counselling Services at TELUS Health MyCare, and Tazeen Ahmed, Operations Manager at the Documentary Organization of Canada, for a frank and open conversation about the unique pressures content creators face. From public scrutiny and pressure to stay relevant, to poor work-life balance caused by the grind of churning out new content, there are many risk factors to contend with… and even today, there can still be a stigma attached to mental health issues in some circles. Thankfully, our guests also have plenty of coping mechanisms, self-care strategies, and resources to share that can benefit both content creators and anyone else who may be struggling with things like anxiety, stress, imposter syndrome, depression, or burnout.

On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger chat with Jacob Weldon and Raquel Lin, the co-directors & co-producers of Reboot Rewind, a documentary series about the groundbreaking computer-animated TV show that ran on YTV from 1994 to 2001. Their conversation covers a lot of ground; from how they first discovered their shared love of Reboot and decided to make a documentary as a love letter to fans, to more tangible tactics that other creators can use to engage with their own communities. They also discuss the importance of soliciting feedback and managing expectations early and often, as well as why sticking to a regular release cadence or content calendar is a great way to keep your community informed and excited about your project’s progress. 

On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger are joined by two champions of diverse, inclusive storytelling; Joy Loewen, the Vice President of Growth & Inclusion at the Canada Media Fund; and Winnie Luk, the Executive Director of the Disability Screen Office. Their no-holds-barred conversation shines a sometimes uncomfortable spotlight on the state of representation in the Canadian media landscape, and the barriers that still exist to persons of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities, both in front of and behind the scenes. They also explain why it’s important to see or hear oneself represented in media, and take part in a brand new segment called “Nailed It or Failed It”, in which they share the best (or worst) example of representation they’ve ever seen on-screen.

On this episode of First Frame, hosts Cameron Zinger and Jennifer Park sit down with two Canadian creators and influencers who have a total of more than 1.5 million followers between them; actor, producer, model, and TV Host Zara Durrani; and actor and content creator Mae Belen. Together, they explore time-tested strategies for getting as many eyes and ears on your work as possible, and flag some common mistakes that emerging creators often run into when trying to market their projects. They also discuss the difference between an engaged audience and a passive one, and share tactics for managing the grind that can come with self-promotion and audience growth.

For this conversation, hosts Cameron Zinger and Jennifer Park are joined by two experts on the intersection of content creation and the traditional broadcast business; Scott Benzie, the Executive Director of Digital First Canada, and Corrado Coia, YouTube Consultant and co-founder of Buffer Festival. Together, they help digital creators answer questions like whether or not traditional TV would be a good fit, how a broadcast deal could affect who owns their content, and which platforms are best for discovery versus distribution. They also discuss the potential loss of control that can come with a TV deal, and the importance of owning your audience, regardless of where your content lives.

On this episode of First Frame, hosts Cameron Zinger and Jennifer Park sit down with two creators who have plenty of experience with budgets big and small: producer and filmmaker Nicolas Ayerbe Barona, who is also Senior Program Manager, TELUS STORYHIVE On Location, Livestreaming and Editions; and Maddy Chang, a producer and Senior Production Coordinator at the National Film Board of Canada. Together, they explore how creators can maximize their budgets without compromising on quality, and break down the line items that are more expendable, as well as the ones to guard with your life. They also explore how connecting with your creative community is a great way to share resources and reduce costs, regardless of the size and scope of your project.

On this episode of First Frame, hosts Cameron Zinger and Jennifer Park sit down with Janine Steele, Director of Interactive Digital Media at the Canada Media Fund, to continue their two-part deep dive into the array of funding options that’s available to Canadian creators. Together, they explore how to find the right grant for your project and navigate the application process with confidence. Janine also shares a wide variety of resources creators can rely on for guidance, some common mistakes to avoid when applying for funding, and the importance of seeking out the collaborators and communities that are best-suited to helping you bring your creative vision to life. 

In this episode of First Frame, hosts Cameron Zinger and Jennifer Park chat with STORYHIVE’s own award-winning documentary filmmaker Kent Donguines. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Kent walks us through the Canadian funding landscape – sharing personal stories, tips on where to look, and what to do (and not to) when applying for support. It turns out, a little persistence can go a long way! Tune in to hear how finding the right funding can turn a creative itch into a full-blown production.

Hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger are joined by two industry veterans who’ve been a part of countless pitch meetings over the course of their careers; Michelle van Beusekom, President & CEO of British Columbia’s Knowledge Network, and Ken Tsui, a Production Executive at Telus originals. Together, they explore the ingredients that come together to create the perfect pitch. You’ll learn the dos and don’ts of the process, how to incorporate budgetary constraints, and the importance of authenticity in winning over decision-makers. There’s even a pinch of cringe and humour sprinkled into this episode, when Michelle and Ken each share (without naming names) the worst pitches they’ve ever received.

On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger sit down with two successful Canadian creators who have grappled with that scenario first-hand; Vancouver-based filmmaker Ilhan Abdullahi, and Calgary-based videographer Kien To. Together, they explore the cultural and generational differences that can sometimes present a significant stumbling block for new and established creators alike. You’ll hear how they managed their families’ feelings about their creative aspirations, some tips and tactics you can use to get your own relatives on-board, and how to build connections within the creative community as a potential stand-in for family support. Ilhan and Kien also share the best pieces of advice they’ve ever received as part of a special segment called ‘One Minute Mentor’. 

On this episode of First Frame, hosts Cameron Zinger and Jennifer Park sit down with STORYHIVE alumnus Jacqueline Clements, co-founder of TCF4 Productions, to explore what it takes to take your idea from concept to creation. Together, they discuss how to stay focused, build momentum, and why it's okay to ask for help along the way. From producing a travel show in Bolivia to launching a cooking series she never thought would get the greenlight, Jacqueline shares how she's navigated the ups and downs of the creative process. Her journey from STORYHIVE-supported creator to established producer showcases the program's commitment to helping emerging talent access and succeed in the broadcasting industry. Plus, she offers a little reminder that it's never too late (or too early!) to start something new. Listen in for a fresh dose of inspiration and practical advice from a seasoned Canadian creator who embodies the transformative power of community support in building a thriving television career.

In this exciting kickoff panel, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger are joined by an all-star line-up of STORYHIVE alumni who have successfully turned their passion into action; documentary filmmaker Kat Jayme, podcaster Kels Delamarter, and actor/producer Griffin Cork. From their own origin stories and inspiration, to the biggest challenges they’ve faced on the road to success, the trio shares invaluable advice and experience for new and veteran content creators alike. You’ll also learn about their favourite tools of the trade, and hear some tips and tactics that our guests wish had been shared with them before they started their own content creation journeys.