Formative

Latest Episodes:

Aisha and Jaylynn: Finding Your Light On and Off Stage Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Season 10 kicks off with Aisha Jackson, a Broadway actress who’s lit up the stage in shows like Waitress and Frozen, joining middle schooler Jaylynn for a conversation about life in the spotlight. Aisha shares what it really takes to be a theater performer, beyond just singing and acting, and reflects on the importance of representation on Broadway. She also lets us in on the best career advice she’s ever received. This is a conversation about talent, perseverance, and using your voice.

Keenan and Zayra: Hart in the Hustle May 27, 2025

Show notes

In this season finale, we’ve got Keenan Hart with us! Keenan is the co-founder of Fransis, a company focused on integrating artificial intelligence technology within the healthcare sector. He’s joined by Zayra to talk about why AI should not scare us, the importance of owning our mistakes and why it’s the most fun being in business with family!

Stephen and Tabitha: Building Our Reinvention Toolkit May 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Tabitha gets a crash course on what it looks like to successfully reinvent yourself! Stephen Fascianella went from being an accountant to fostering community and engagement as the New York site engagement lead at Pfizer. Tabitha and Stephen also talk about what we get when we give and why it’s important to remain open to change.

Mikki and Emma: We’re More Than Enough May 13, 2025

Show notes

On the show with us today is Mikki Hernandez. Mikki is an actress, voiceover artist and author of the book, Cake Mix: Learning to Love All Your Ingredients. Emma, middle schooler and co-host, joins Mikki to have a conversation about why you should pursue the career that you most feel called to and how to cultivate an abundance mindset in a creative field. Oh, and why hiphop dancing rules!

Lee and Olivia: We’re Still Teachable May 06, 2025

Show notes

Lee Skolnick visits us today on Formative. Lee is an architect who’s worked on remarkable buildings across the world, including our very own New York Edge Headquarters! Middle schooler, Olivia, joins him to ask questions about the challenges that come with being the boss, why it’s important to remain teachable and what life would look like if we’d chosen a different path.

Carl and Sage: We’re Lucky and Prepared Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Today, we’re joined by Carl Nassib. Carl is a former NFL player and currently the founder and CEO of Rayze, a social media app that connects nonprofits with donors and volunteers. With his career transition, Carl has learned a thing or two about reinvention and the imposter syndrome that comes with it. He talks to middle schooler, Sage, about that, plus the misconceptions of being a professional athlete and why it’s never just luck that gets you far in your life and career.

Roger and Jacob: Rocking Relationships and Owning Your Skills Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Formative, Roger Arrieux, New York Managing Partner at Deloitte, joins Jacob to talk about the power of building strong relationships in work and life. Roger shares how imposter syndrome fades when you find confidence in your skills and why success isn’t just about what you do—it’s about the people you meet along the way!

Deborah and Dezyer: We’re Receiving Help Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Deborah Heiser, developmental psychologist and founder of The Mentor Project, joins middle schooler Dezyer to talk about the power of mentorship. Dr. Heiser opens up about her most challenging moments as a CEO, how her mentors helped her along the way, and why it's crucial to have different mentors for different chapters of your life. Whether you’re the one giving advice or receiving it, this episode is about how we all need a little help to grow!

Monique and Mia: We’re Always Learning Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Monique Chism, the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Education, joins middle schooler Mia for a conversation about the power of learning. Dr. Chism reflects on the teachers who had a lasting impact on her, her love for dance and performance, and why she values being in rooms full of people who know more than she does. They also discuss how making tough decisions is a part of life and growth.

Marc and Kianni: Showing Up and Stepping Up Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Marc Thompson Jr., the proud owner-operator of a Chick-fil-A in Queens, joins us on this episode of Formative! Marc and middle schooler co-host Kianni dive into why giving your best at work matters, even if you’re just starting out. They chat about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, how to handle tough customers, and why learning how to learn is one of the best skills you can have.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Formative

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6