• Margaret Cho on Fear, Comedy, and the Endurance It Takes to Build a Creative Life
    Jan 23 2026
    In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Margaret Cho — comedian, actor, author, and cultural trailblazer — for an intimate and deeply reflective conversation about creativity, resilience, and what it truly takes to sustain a life in the arts. Margaret opens up about starting stand-up comedy at just 14 years old, the fear she felt stepping on stage at such a young age, and why she believes comedy — and success in any creative field — is less about raw talent and more about endurance, discipline, and showing up when it’s hard. She shares how humor became a coping mechanism, how failure is a constant part of the process, and why fear is often a signal that something meaningful is at stake. We also talk about the realities of building a long-term career in entertainment, navigating self-doubt, learning from mentors, and staying committed to your craft through exhaustion, uncertainty, and change. Throughout the conversation, Margaret reflects on legacy, inspiration, and what it means to create work that allows others to see what’s possible for themselves. This episode is a powerful reminder that creative success isn’t instant — it’s built over time through persistence, courage, and a willingness to keep going. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, you'll learn: What starting stand-up comedy at 14 taught Margaret about fear and confidence Why comedy — and creativity — is about endurance, not just being “good” How fear can be a sign you’re moving in the right direction Why failure is an unavoidable (and necessary) part of the creative process The importance of dedication, discipline, and showing up consistently How mentorship shaped Margaret’s early career and long-term growth What legacy means after decades of creative work Why inspiring others to pursue their own paths matters more than accolades Episode Resources: https://www.margaretcho.com https://www.instagram.com/margaret_cho https://www.tiktok.com/@themargaretcho https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding https://x.com/fvtcpodcast Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality. This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 mins
  • Dr. Lucky Sekhon on IVF Truths, Egg Freezing, and Closing the Fertility Knowledge Gap
    Jan 15 2026
    In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Dr. Lucky Sekhon — double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, fertility expert, and author of The Lucky Egg — for an honest, science-based conversation about fertility in the modern world and the massive misinformation gap that leaves so many people anxious, confused, and feeling alone. Dr. Sekhon shares her personal journey from growing up in Toronto in a hardworking family to becoming a leading voice in reproductive medicine — and why her early experiences, including her younger brother being born extremely preterm, shaped her passion for women’s health and safer pregnancies. We also talk about what it’s been like to practice in a field that was once considered experimental, and how advancements in IVF, embryo freezing, and embryo testing have transformed outcomes and reduced risks like twin pregnancies. One of the most powerful parts of this conversation: Dr. Sekhon opens up about going through IVF herself and how becoming a patient changed the way she supports others — especially around the mental health toll of fertility journeys. She explains why The Lucky Egg was written as “Health Class 2.0,” designed to give people foundational knowledge, calm, and control — so they can make informed decisions long before they’re in crisis. If you’re trying to conceive, considering egg or embryo freezing, navigating IVF, supporting someone through infertility, or simply want to understand fertility with clarity and compassion — this episode is for you. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, you’ll learn: Why Dr. Sekhon calls fertility “Health Class 2.0” — and what most people were never taught How IVF evolved from experimental treatment to widely accessible medical care The real reason twins were once more common in fertility treatment — and what’s changed How embryo freezing and testing improved success rates and reduced pregnancy risks What “attrition” means in IVF — and how to think about timelines and expectations The power and limitations of egg freezing (and why it’s not an “insurance policy”) The most common fertility myths Dr. Sekhon debunks — including male fertility misconceptions How lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, and metabolic health can impact fertility The overlooked challenges LGBTQ+ individuals and couples face in family building How Dr. Sekhon’s own IVF experience reshaped her approach to mental health support What she hopes readers feel after finishing The Lucky Egg — calm, informed, and in control The message she wants anyone struggling with fertility to hear: your worth isn’t tied to fertility Episode Resources: ⁠https://theluckyegg.com⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon ⁠https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation⁠ ⁠https://x.com/fvtcpodcast⁠ https://resolve.org/ Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality. This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at⁠ www.properplacement.com⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • Agatha Relota Luczo on Going From Chanel Model at 15 to Building Fortuna Skin
    Dec 25 2025
    In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Agatha Relota Luczo — founder of Fortuna Skin and former high-fashion model who was scouted at just 15 years old and quickly became the face of Chanel after walking Paris couture. Agatha shares the incredible origin story behind Fortuna Skin — from sitting in the makeup chairs of legendary artists and falling in love with skincare, to building a mission-driven brand rooted in a certified-organic, regenerative farm in Sicily. Alongside her husband, Agatha helped transform a small piece of ancestral land into an 800-acre farm powered by natural spring water, rich volcanic soil, and over 80 medicinal plants — with a guiding philosophy: leave the world better than you found it. We dive into the science and sourcing behind Fortuna Skin, including their sound bath extraction method designed to preserve plant potency, the skincare benefits of extra virgin olive oil and olive leaf water, and why “single estate” sourcing matters — both for what you eat and what you put on your skin. Agatha also opens up about balancing motherhood with building a global brand, staying grounded in tradition and integrity, and why she believes your team can become your greatest asset. If you’re interested in beauty entrepreneurship, clean skincare, regenerative farming, longevity, ingredient transparency, or building a brand with real values behind it — this is an episode you’ll love. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, you’ll learn:How Agatha was scouted at 15 and became the face of ChanelWhat she learned from the world’s top makeup artists — and how it shaped her love of skincareHow an 800-acre certified-organic farm in Sicily became the foundation of Fortuna SkinWhat “sound bath extraction” is — and why it matters for ingredient potencyWhy extra virgin olive oil may be one of the most powerful longevity ingredients (inside and out)How to shop for higher-quality olive oil (what to look for on the label)Why over-washing your face can work against your skinThe “non-oily oil” approach behind Fortuna Skin’s bi-phase oilHow Agatha balances raising four children while running a global brandWhat she believes the beauty industry is getting right — and where it’s headed next. Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/furtunaskin https://www.instagram.com/agatharelotaluczo https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation https://x.com/fvtcpodcast Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality. This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • Tomás Mier on Interviewing Lady Gaga, Rolling Stone Cover Stories, & the Art of Asking Better Questions
    Dec 18 2025
    In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Tomás Mier — Rolling Stone writer, music journalist, and Grammy Museum moderator, shaping the conversation around pop and Latin music today. From front-page stories at the Los Angeles Times to covering major cultural moments at People and now Rolling Stone, Tomás has built an impressive career at a remarkably young age. He has interviewed artists like Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Benson Boone, Julia Michaels, Megan Moroney, Chappell Roan, and many more — earning a reputation for thoughtful, disarming interviews that feel human, honest, and deeply researched. In this conversation, Tomás opens up about his journey into journalism — from being a curious kid who cold-called a radio station at 13 to becoming Editor-in-Chief of his college paper and landing competitive internships that launched his career. He shares how starting a Fifth Harmony fan account unexpectedly led him toward music journalism, why preparation and empathy matter more than “gotcha” questions, and how he balances speed, accuracy, and heart in a fast-paced news environment. We also dive into what it’s really like interviewing icons like Lady Gaga, how live interviews differ from print, what makes certain artists instantly magnetic, and why authenticity — both from the interviewer and the artist — is the secret ingredient to great storytelling. Tomás also reflects on interviews that changed him personally, the rise of Latin and Mexican music, and what aspiring journalists need to know about building a voice, platform, and career in today’s media landscape. If you’re interested in journalism, music, pop culture, interviewing, storytelling, Latin music, or building a creative career, this is a must-watch conversation. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, you’ll learn: How Tomás went from a teenage radio caller to writing for Rolling Stone What really goes into preparing for a great interview How to disarm guests and create conversations that feel real What it’s like interviewing Lady Gaga — and why that moment mattered so much The difference between live, on-stage interviews and long-form print profiles How journalists decide which pitches deserve deeper coverage Why authenticity and empathy outperform “gotcha” journalism The rise of Latin and Mexican music — and why language barriers matter less than ever Advice for aspiring journalists on finding their voice, building a platform, and standing out What Tomás hopes to create next — including books, hosting, and leading coverage Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/tomas_mier/ https://www.tiktok.com/@tomasmier https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation https://x.com/fvtcpodcast https://www.rollingstone.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality. This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • Dr. Mindy Pelz on Fasting, Menopause & Why Your Body Is Not Broken
    Dec 11 2025
    In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Dr. Mindy Pelz — New York Times bestselling author, women’s health and fasting expert, and one of the most influential voices reshaping how women understand hormones, menopause, and aging. For more than two decades, Dr. Mindy has helped millions of women around the world learn how to work with their biology instead of against it — through her viral YouTube channel, top-ranked Resetter Podcast, and books Fast Like a Girl, Eat Like a Girl, and her newest release, Age Like a Girl: How Menopause Rewires Your Brain for Mental Clarity, Increased Confidence, and Renewed Energy. In this conversation, Dr. Mindy opens up about the health crisis that changed the entire trajectory of her life — being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome at 19, being told she might never return to school, and then completely reversing her symptoms through food and lifestyle. That experience ignited her mission: to empower people to understand that the body is not broken, it’s brilliant — and that lifestyle is the first medicine. From there, we dive deep into women’s health, fasting, and the neuroscience of menopause. Dr. Mindy explains why women’s bodies are more like violins than kazoos, why survival and reproduction shape the female brain, and how menopause actually rewires women for clarity, courage, and leadership — not decline. She also talks candidly about nervous system dysregulation, stress, perfectionism, and why so many women hit an emotional breaking point in midlife. We also zoom out into the cultural and practical: food as mood, the delayed impact of what we eat, why metabolic flexibility matters more than calorie counting, the biggest myths about intermittent fasting, what still needs to change in women’s health, and how men can better support the women in their lives. And in the final part of the conversation, Dr. Mindy breaks down the real path to writing and publishing a successful book — from building an email list and platform to finding an agent and landing a deal. If you’re interested in women’s health, fasting, hormones, brain chemistry, relationships, creativity, storytelling, or simply becoming more authentically yourself with age, this is a must-watch conversation — for both women and men. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, you’ll learn: How a devastating diagnosis of chronic fatigue at 19 led Dr. Mindy to discover the healing power of food and lifestyle Why she chose chiropractic and holistic health over a conventional medical path What most people get wrong about chiropractors — and how they can address physical, chemical, and emotional “interference” in the body Why “your body is not broken, it’s brilliant” is more than a quote — it’s a new operating system for health How food impacts mood, brain fog, anxiety, and energy — often days after you eat it Why fasting is not just calorie restriction, and how using both “sugar burner” and “fat burner” systems creates true metabolic flexibility The most common myths about intermittent fasting (including coffee, creamers, and what actually breaks a fast) How women’s bodies differ from men’s in hormones, brain wiring, and stress responses — and why that matters for health, performance, and self-compassion Episode Resources: https://www.drmindypelz.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dr.mindypelz https://www.drmindypelz.com/books https://www.youtube.com/drmindypelz https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality. This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, Shopify builds, PR, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Dr. Gabriel Chiu Reveals the Secrets of Beauty, Purpose, & Transformation
    Dec 3 2025
    In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Dr. Gabriel Chiu — Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, master of aesthetic artistry, and one of the most trusted names in cosmetic medicine, known worldwide for his precision, integrity, and deeply human approach to beauty. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Chiu has built a reputation not only for surgical excellence but also for redefining plastic surgery as a blend of art, psychology, and purpose. From his starring role on Netflix’s Bling Empire to his patient-centric practice in Beverly Hills, he has become a global advocate for transparency, education, and compassion in a field often misunderstood. In this conversation, Dr. Chiu opens up about the truth behind aesthetic surgery, the psychology of beauty, the evolution of his craft, and why he believes genuine patient care will always matter more than business metrics. He also speaks candidly about building a practice with his wife Christine Chiu, navigating public life, supporting the AAPI community, and the deeply personal struggles behind their IVF journey. From taking his vacation time to chase a plastic-surgery fellowship, to overcoming doubt, pivoting careers, and finding meaning in service — this conversation goes far beyond cosmetics. It’s about resilience, identity, discipline, partnership, and the courage required to forge your own path in a high-stakes, highly scrutinized profession. If you’re fascinated by human behavior, ambition, beauty, psychology, relationships, or the pursuit of personal excellence, this is a must-watch interview. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, you’ll learn: Why Dr. Chiu changed career paths multiple times before discovering his calling in plastic surgery The artistic, surgical, and psychological “trifecta” behind great cosmetic results How beauty standards differ across cultures — and why “normal” is never universal The biggest misconceptions about plastic surgery and cosmetic trends How to know whether someone is seeking surgery for the right reasons Why integrity and patient-centric care matter more than trends or profit The story behind the fellowship rotation he took on his own vacation time How Dr. Chiu built a private practice from the ground up with his wife, Christine The emotional complexity behind their IVF journey and why they chose to share it publicly What social media, selfies, and camera distortion have done to modern beauty standards His advice for young doctors, creators, and anyone redefining themselves. Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/drchiubhps https://www.instagram.com/christinechiu https://www.beverlyhillsplasticsurgeryinc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding https://www.tiktok.com/fromvisiontocreation Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality. This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, Shopify builds, PR, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 40 mins
  • Terri J. Vaughn on Creativity, Representation, and Her 20-Year Journey to Creating Miss Governor
    Nov 25 2025
    In this inspiring episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Terri J. Vaughn — award-winning actress, director, producer, and creator of the hit Netflix series Miss Governor. From her breakout roles in Friday and Don’t Be a Menace, to becoming the unforgettable Lovita Jenkins on The Steve Harvey Show, to winning three consecutive NAACP Image Awards, Terri has built a career defined by talent, consistency, and purpose. But beyond the screen, Terri is a force for representation and creative empowerment. Through decades of navigating rejection, breaking stereotypes, and challenging Hollywood’s limited narratives about Black women, she has emerged as a storyteller determined to create space for voices too often overlooked. Her 20-year journey to launching Miss Governor — and the incredible story behind how it finally got made — is a testament to persistence, faith, and vision. In this conversation, Terri opens up about her childhood in San Francisco, the unexpected path that led her into acting, the emotional toll of constant rejection, the responsibility of representation, the importance of community, and why laughter is one of the greatest healing tools we have. She also shares how she co-created Miss Governor, how London Breed’s story inspired the show, and how Tyler Perry helped bring her dream to life. If you’re passionate about creativity, storytelling, representation, or the real behind-the-scenes journey of building a career in Hollywood, this is a must-watch episode with one of the most resilient and purpose-driven voices in entertainment. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, you’ll learn: How Terri went from a pageant monologue to touring nationally as a stage actress The moment she realized acting was more than a dream — it was her purpose Why rejection is unavoidable in Hollywood, and how she learned to rise above it How The Steve Harvey Show changed her life (and how it changed audiences' lives) The deeper calling behind representation and why she protects her characters The real story of how she transitioned into directing and producing Why she co-founded Nina Holiday Entertainment and later launched TJV Enterprises The 20-year journey to creating Miss Governor and why it almost didn’t happen How London Breed inspired the series Why laughter is healing — and why Terri is committed to bringing joy into the world Her advice to young creators and the one thing she’d tell her younger self In this interview, we discuss: 2:54 Early Life and Influences 6:06 The Defining Moment: From College to Acting 11:55 Breaking Into Hollywood: Early Roles and Challenges 34:36 The Power of Positive Energy 35:38 Lovita's Impact and Representation 42:19 From Acting to Producing 48:21 Founding TJV Enterprises and Creating Miss Governor 1:10:02 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/terrijvaughn https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding https://www.tiktok.com/fromvisiontocreation Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality. This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, PR, email marketing, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol on Neurosurgery, Human Resilience, Innovation, and the Art Behind Saving Lives
    Nov 18 2025
    In this powerful episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol — one of the world’s leading neurosurgeons, pioneer of 30+ minimally invasive brain procedures, founder of the globally renowned Neurosurgical Atlas, and recipient of the Wilhelm Magnus Medal (the highest honor in neurosurgery). With over 7,500 complex brain surgeries performed and more than 100,000 patients impacted by his work, Dr. Cohen-Gadol opens up about the deep humanity, discipline, and spiritual grounding required to operate on the organ that defines who we are. From escaping Iran at 17 as a Persian Jew, to reshaping modern neurosurgical techniques, to launching Atlas AI — an unprecedented medical AI tool built on peer-reviewed science — this conversation goes far beyond medicine. It’s about resilience, purpose, excellence, and the emotional weight of life-and-death responsibility. If you’re fascinated by human potential, innovation, spirituality, or the psychology of high performance, this is a must-watch conversation with one of the most extraordinary minds in modern medicine. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, you’ll learn: The unbelievable story of how Dr. Cohen escaped Iran at 17 to build a new life in America Why he believes resilience is the true foundation for greatness How neurosurgery became his life’s calling — and why he sees it as art, not work The emotional and spiritual toll of giving (and taking away) hope How minimally invasive brain surgery is revolutionizing patient outcomes The origin of the Neurosurgical Atlas — now the “Bible of Neurosurgery” worldwide How Atlas AI is transforming medical decision-making with peer-reviewed precision The balance between ambition, faith, family, and legacy His advice to young doctors, creators, and anyone chasing personal excellence In this interview, we discuss: 2:28 Journey From Tehran to the United States 3:54 The Importance of Resilience 8:18 Balancing Tradition and Innovation 14:55 The Emotional Toll of Neurosurgery 28:47 Technological Advances in Neurosurgery 32:12 Minimally Invasive Techniques 33:28 The Neurosurgical Atlas: A Global Resource 35:58 Atlas AI: Revolutionizing Medical Knowledge 38:46 Common Reasons for Brain Surgery & Symptoms to Watch For 40:43 Awake Brain Surgery: Benefits and Challenges 41:45 The Resilience of the Brain 43:15 Advice for Aspiring Brain Surgeons and Final Thoughts Episode Resources: Neurosurgical Atlas: https://www.neurosurgicalatlas.com Atlas AI: https://www.atlasmeditech.com/ https://www.instagram.com/aaroncohengadol https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality. This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, PR, email marketing, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 mins