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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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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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

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

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coming-home-podcast/id1841922196

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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

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.

Eli Amdur’s connection to Fairleigh Dickinson University spans decades — from his time as a student in the 1960s to his ongoing work as a career coach and adjunct professor.

Eli Amdur’s connection to Fairleigh Dickinson University spans decades — from his time as a student in the 1960s to his ongoing work as a career coach and adjunct professor.

In this episode of FDU Coming Home, Eli reflects on the mentors and moments that shaped his journey and explains how those experiences fueled his lifelong commitment to motivating and guiding others. His story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact educators and institutions can have across generations.

This conversation explores mentorship, purpose, career development, and the deep sense of community that continues to define Eli’s relationship with FDU.

⏱️Chapters⏱️
00:00 Introduction
00:30 Eli’s FDU Origin Story
01:09 When Eli started at FDU
01:45 The Mentors that Mattered
03:30 How I ended up at FDU
05:00 Knowing Peter Sammartino
09:00 Total Growth and Stimulation from Professor John Dollar
11:00 Ho I began teaching at FDU
13:00 Service to the College
17:00 Exploring Culture and Art with Students
21:00 Giving every student the time and respect they deserve
22:50 Being Undecided and landing on Psychology
25:22 Being a school teacher in the Bronx
28:19 Following the Grateful Dead
29:30 Albert Einstein
32:04 Peter Sammartino's dreams and the dream of FDU.
37:00 Educating students in three key ways.
38:30 The most impactful class of his life.
39:30 How Peter Sammartino really saw you not just a student.
40:50 Being a better writer than researcher.
43:30 The impact FDU faculty had on Eli.
45:30 Business and Entrepreneur Advice
47:00 Wrap and Conclusion

The views statements and opinions expressed on the Coming Home Podcast do not represent Fairleigh Dickinson University, its views or affiliates, the content of these episodes are solely focused on the stories, memories, and journeys of FDU Alumni.

#FDUComingHome #FairleighDickinson #FDUAlumni #CareerCoaching #mentorshipmatters #HigherEducation #CollegeSuccess #CareerDevelopment #AdjunctProfessor #AlumniStories #Motivation #ProfessionalGrowth #UniversityLife #FDU

@FDUComingHome

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In this episode of FDU Coming Home, we welcome Fairleigh Dickinson University alumnus Frank Manzo, a psychology major, Wroxton College alumnus, former professional DJ, and school counselor serving students on Staten Island.

Frank shares his journey from Staten Island to FDU, how studying psychology shaped his professional path, and the transformative impact of his experience at Wroxton College. He also discusses his unexpected transition from working as a professional DJ to supporting students as a school counselor, and how mentorship and education influenced his career direction.

This conversation highlights career development, personal growth, and the lasting value of the FDU experience.

The views statements and opinions expressed on the Coming Home Podcast do not represent Fairleigh Dickinson University, its views or affiliates, the content of these episodes are solely focused on the stories, memories, and journeys of FDU Alumni.

@FDUComingHome

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Coming Home to FDU: Stephen Bozer’s Journey from Forklift to Pinnacle Award

Stephen Bozer shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Buffalo, NY and working blue-collar jobs to earning his Master’s degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University and winning the Pinnacle Award, FDU’s highest student honor. A powerful conversation about mentorship, resilience, and the people who shape our paths.

In this episode of Coming Home, we sit down with Stephen Bozer, an FDU alumnus whose story proves that success is rarely linear and that mentorship can change everything.

Born in Buffalo, New York, Stephen grew up in a struggling family and faced academic challenges throughout high school. He went on to attend SUNY Binghamton, studying biology under the assumption that medical school was the next step or, as his friends joked, becoming a zookeeper. But Stephen knew neither path felt right.

After his family relocated to New Jersey, Stephen found himself overwhelmed by the scale and pace of the NY/NJ region compared to Buffalo. He entered the workforce, driving a forklift before working as an analytical chemist in Paterson, NJ. It was there — inspired by working alongside first-generation Americans that Stephen realized an advanced degree was necessary to grow his career and build a future he hadn’t yet imagined.

A friend recommended Fairleigh Dickinson University, a school Stephen had never even heard of at the time. What he discovered there changed his life.

Stephen was blown away by the industry professionals teaching his graduate courses, the scholars he was exposed to, and the history and mission of the university itself. Most importantly, a mentor at FDU fundamentally altered the trajectory of his life — reinforcing for Stephen just how critical mentorship is to student success and personal growth.

Stephen went on to earn his Master’s degree at FDU, receive the Pinnacle Award the highest honor awarded to an FDU student — and now proudly serves on the FDU Board of Governors as an alumnus.

In this episode, Stephen reflects on:

• Struggling academically and finding purpose later in life
• The power of mentors and industry-driven education
• Why representation and community matter in higher education
• How FDU became more than a university it became home

This conversation is a testament to perseverance, gratitude, and the people who help us see what’s possible.

The views statements and opinions expressed on the Coming Home Podcast do not represent Fairleigh Dickinson University, its views or affiliates, the content of these episodes are solely focused on the stories, memories, and journeys of FDU Alumni.

#ComingHomePodcast #FDU #FairleighDickinsonUniversity
#FDUAlumni #PinnacleAward #HigherEducation
#GraduateSchool #AdultLearners #CareerJourney
#FirstGenInspiration #EducationMatters

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

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coming-home-podcast/id1841922196

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