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.

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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

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https://cominghomepodcast.com/

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

@FDUComingHome

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FDUComingHome

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Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/a8rYNqJ60Vy

https://cominghomepodcast.com/

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

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