Halfway with Jeremy Roden: Stories of Impact, Leadership & Legacy

About Halfway with Jeremy Roden: Stories of Impact, Leadership & Legacy

Halfway with Jeremy Roden explores honest conversations about leadership, impact, and legacy. Born from a guest speaker series Jeremy hosted at LSU, the show features leaders, creatives, and everyday people who’ve faced challenges and shaped meaningful lives in the messy middle of their journeys. With over 20 years across education, business, art, design, and media production, Jeremy brings a unique perspective to every conversation. Halfway with Jeremy Roden offers a grounded perspective on growth through the stories of others — reminding us to embrace the pivot points along the way to grow.

Publisher

Jeremy Roden

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 Jun 2025

Latest episode

6 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Apr 2026

   Ep. 08 - Navigating the Future of AI in Business and Education with LSU's Dr. Andrew Schwarz

   Discover how AI is transforming industries, education, and leadership through insights from Dr. Andrew Schwarz, a seasoned professor with nearly 30 years of AI expertise. This episode explores the opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations of integrating AI into everyday life and business.In this episode: The rapid rise of AI and the pivotal role of university research in commercialization How organizations can start small with AI projects for quick ROI The evolving landscape of AI literacy and education strategies for companies and families The shift from exploration to integration: AI’s transition into organizational operations Dealing with fears around job displacement and ethical dilemmas in AI adoption The importance of human-AI collaboration and the concept of multi-agent AI Challenges of AI guardrails, hallucinations, and AI hallucination mitigation strategies The impact of AI on competitive strategy, including reverse engineering and personalized marketing The nuanced approach to AI ethics, regulation, and intellectual property The influence of AI on the future of healthcare, space exploration, and other critical industries Preparing for a systemic AI-driven shift and fostering an innovative, educated mindset Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and background of Dr. Schwarz’s AI expertise 02:10 - When AI started gaining university leadership attention 03:27 - The growth of AI post-ChatGPT and initial uncertainty 04:46 - How companies and universities are experimenting with AI 05:40 - AI’s influence on competition and innovation in sports and business 07:05 - Practical examples of AI ROI, including predictive maintenance 08:25 - Addressing fears of AI, job displacement, and ethics 09:57 - The importance of AI literacy and responsible experimentation 11:09 - Ethical considerations: using AI appropriately vs. neglecting opportunities 12:20 - The evolving role of human-AI collaboration and strategy planning 13:49 - Tools and platforms transforming AI deployment at the organizational level 14:56 - Challenges and limitations of public-facing language models and corporate data 15:47 - The shift from large to small, specialized language models 17:45 - Managing AI bias, hallucinations, and ensuring contextualization 19:48 - Practical ways employees and leaders can experiment and influence AI use 21:17 - Innovation stories from industries like forestry and athletics 22:48 - The accelerating pace of competition with AI reverse engineering 26:00 - AI-powered competition strategies and industry disruption 28:48 - The transformative impact of AI on productivity and leadership 30:02 - Governance, regulation, and ethical boundaries of AI deployment 31:16 - Deepfake technology: risks, misinformation, and societal impact 33:50 - AI’s influence on education, privacy, and family life 36:46 - Ensuring equitable access and AI literacy for all socioeconomic levels 39:36 - The potential for AI in revolutionizing healthcare and space exploration 43:23 - Legal and legislative challenges regarding intellectual property and AI-generated content 44:43 - Practical steps for families and organizations to prepare and adapt 48:24 - The importance of mindful AI use and human connection over automation 50:35 - The systemic nature of AI transformation and leadership responsibility 64:17 - Final advice: embracing the AI shift with education and strategic influence #AIinBusiness #FutureOfAI #AIInnovation #EdTech #AIRevolution #TechInEducation #AIInsights #BusinessTransformation #AILeadership #DigitalTransformation

2. 

   12 Mar 2026

   Ep. 07 – Terry Loftis: From a Dallas Music Hall Dream to Leading the New Jersey Symphony

   Episode 08 – Terry Loftis: From a Dallas Music Hall Dream to Leading the New Jersey Symphony Discover how a young boy inspired by music in a Dallas concert hall grew into the President & CEO of the New Jersey Symphony. In this episode, Terry Loftis shares the journey that took him from early musical inspiration in Dallas to leading one of the nation’s major orchestras—while navigating innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of classical music in the digital age. Jeremy and Terry explore how tradition and innovation intersect in the arts, how orchestras are adapting to new audiences, and how storytelling and digital media can help classical music remain vibrant and relevant. Early musical influences and childhood experiences in Dallas Transitioning from arts education to executive leadership in orchestras Innovation and the role of social media in modern classical music outreach Balancing artistic integrity with business and nonprofit leadership How arts organizations adapted during COVID-19 The importance of diversity and inclusivity in orchestral leadership Overcoming adversity and building community through music Programming evolution: classics, contemporary works, and multimedia collaborations Strategies for attracting younger and more diverse audiences The power of storytelling and digital content in keeping classical music relevant Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Dallas Symphony Orchestra – https://www.dallassymphony.org (https://www.dallassymphony.org) New Jersey Symphony – https://www.njsymphony.org (https://www.njsymphony.org) Henry Lewis – pioneering African-American conductor Marilyn Horne TACA – https://taca-arts.org (https://taca-arts.org) Dallas Museum of Art – https://dma.org (https://dma.org) Hertz – https://www.hertz.com (https://www.hertz.com) Vivian Beaumont Theater – https://www.lct.org (https://www.lct.org) 00:00 – Introduction to Terry Loftis and his background in arts and media 02:15 – Early exposure to music in Dallas and childhood inspiration 04:00 – From jazz and classical performance to arts education and leadership 06:34 – Comparing artistic planning in Dallas and New Jersey orchestras 09:11 – Selecting performances and commissioning new works 11:56 – Expanding audiences and engaging younger listeners 14:26 – Terry’s first instrument and overcoming childhood challenges 16:40 – The role of family, community, and arts magnet programs 19:00 – Serving on nonprofit boards and building philanthropic networks 21:11 – COVID-19 and innovation in arts funding and programming 24:14 – Moving from advertising to the arts world 27:45 – An unexpected path into Broadway producing 33:50 – Risks and rewards of Broadway collaborations 38:10 – Creative fundraising and artist support during COVID 44:22 – Film, multimedia, and engaging modern audiences 50:22 – Social media and digital storytelling for orchestras 54:35 – Communicating classical music to new generations 58:10 – Music education and building future audiences 62:24 – Youth orchestras and community development 65:01 – Memorable youth orchestra collaborations 66:23 – Personal challenges and resilience through music 70:33 – Adaptability and redefining success 74:17 – Terry’s breakthrough into Broadway production 77:20 – Producing large-scale theater and musical productions 82:07 – Reimagining classic music through new mediums 88:29 – History and leadership of the New Jersey Symphony 92:52 – Failure, perseverance, and authentic relationships 98:43 – Mentorship, family, and community influence 103:36 – Final reflections on career diversity and giving back LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com (https://www.linkedin.com) Halfway with Jeremy Roden explores the stories behind pivotal "The Messy Middle" moments in people’s lives—the choices, challenges, and experiences that shape who we become.

3. 

   6 Mar 2026

   Ep. 06 - Behind the Frames: An Interview with Paul Claerhout - Animator, Artist, and Creator

   Halfway with Jeremy Roden – Episode 6 | Paul Claerhout What do Bob’s Burgers, Jimmy Neutron, Planet Sheen, Barnyard, The Ant Bully, and concert footage of Led Zeppelin, Rush, Queen, and Cheap Trick all have in common? Paul Claerhout. In this episode, Jeremy Roden sits down with veteran animator, storyboard artist, character designer, and comic artist Paul Claerhout, whose career spans more than 30 years in television and feature film animation. Paul shares stories from his early days experimenting with stop motion as a kid to becoming the first employee at DNA Productions, contributing to the Academy Award nominated film Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and later spending 14 years working on the Emmy Award winning series Bob’s Burgers. Along the way, Paul reflects on the evolution of animation technology from traditional hand drawn techniques to modern digital tools like Toon Boom Storyboard Pro and Cintiq tablets, the realities of freelancing in the animation industry, and how storytelling continues to evolve in a world shaped by streaming and AI. One of the most fascinating parts of Paul’s story goes far beyond animation. In the 1970s, he filmed concerts on a Super 8 camera, capturing performances from legendary bands like Led Zeppelin, Rush, Queen, and Cheap Trick. Those rare recordings now live on through his DFW Rock Show YouTube channel, preserving pieces of music history long before smartphones made concert videos common. We also discuss Paul’s other creative projects including his graphic novel series Dragon Skull and his YouTube channels DFW Cartoon Show, DFW Rock Show, and DFW Home Movie Matinee, where he continues sharing animation history, vintage footage, and creative storytelling. This conversation explores creativity, resilience, technology, and the passion that drives artists to keep creating across decades of change. ⸻ Key Topics • Early inspirations including Ray Harryhausen, King Kong (1933), and childhood stop motion experiments • The transition from traditional animation to CGI and modern digital tools • Behind the scenes stories from Jimmy Neutron, Bob’s Burgers, and other productions • Filming legendary rock bands on a Super 8 camera in the 1970s • The evolution of the animation industry and the impact of AI and digital media • Freelancing, industry shifts, and adapting to changing technology • Preserving history and storytelling through film, animation, and personal archives Resources & Links: DFW Cartoon Show (https://youtube.com/c/DFWCartoonShow) DFW Rock Show (https://www.youtube.com/@doctorc90) DFW Home Movie Matinee (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCblUj-iwYxbeMFjODGLTFrg/videos) Paul Claerhout’s Website (https://www.paulclaerhout.com/pb/wp_2e2dc5fb/wp_2e2dc5fb.html) Timestamps 00:00 Introduction – From childhood animation to professional career 02:20 Ray Harryhausen and early stop motion influences 03:41 Transition from stop motion to CGI animation 05:03 King Kong as a defining inspiration 07:36 Old school animation vs modern digital tools 11:02 Working on Bob’s Burgers 21:11 The story behind Jimmy Neutron 29:40 DNA Productions culture and creativity 44:37 Industry shifts, outsourcing, and AI 49:29 Career highlights and milestones 70:36 Preserving family stories through media 75:35 Vintage concert footage and guitars 83:50 Advice for aspiring creators 88:18 Final thoughts and staying creative

4. 

   29 Oct 2025

   Ep. 05 - Creativity, Collaboration and AI: Insights from composer Mark Menza

   In this episode of Halfway, host Jer interviews composer and sound designer Mark Menza. They discuss Mark's journey from his early education in music to his current work in film and TV scoring. Mark shares insights into his creative process, the importance of collaboration, and the evolving role of AI in the arts. They also touch on Mark's involvement in various projects, including an art installation at the University of Texas at Dallas and his experiences working on independent films and TV shows. #MarkMenza, #MusicComposition, #SoundDesign,#FilmScoring, #CreativeCollaboration, #AIinArts, #IndependentFilms, #TVShows, #CreativeProcess

5. 

   4 Sept 2025

   Ep. 04 - From 90s Grunge to Giggles: Jon the Dad talks music, parenting and finding purpose

   In this engaging conversation, Jeremy Roden interviews Jon the Dad, a creative content creator known for his relatable parenting parodies and music. They explore Jon's journey from a shy theater kid to a confident musician and content creator, discussing the influences of music, the challenges of navigating the creative industry, and the impact of social media on artistic expression. Jon shares his experiences in advertising, the transition to influencer marketing, and the birth of his comedic persona, emphasizing the importance of overcoming fear and embracing creativity in the messy middle of life. Jon Armstead shares his journey of self-discovery, creativity, and the pivotal moments that shaped his life. He discusses the importance of pursuing one's passions, the impact of humor in connecting with others, and the challenges of navigating parenthood. Jon reflects on the influence of nostalgia in his content creation and the significance of community in fostering connections. He emphasizes the need to overcome fear and embrace authenticity in order to pursue dreams with purpose.Takeaways: Jon's journey began in childhood with theater and music. He faced shyness but found confidence through performance. Music from the 90s heavily influenced his creative style. Transitioning to serious music was a pivotal moment for him. He learned to appreciate various musical styles in college. Navigating the music scene in Dallas presented challenges. His advertising career shaped his understanding of creativity. The pandemic sparked his desire to create content. Social media has transformed how creators share their work. Overcoming fear is essential for pursuing creative passions. The superpower is when I care about something. Life's pivotal moments often come from loss and reflection. Breaking free from societal expectations leads to authenticity. Pursuing passion projects can ignite a creative fire. Going viral on social media can change your trajectory. Humor is a powerful tool for connection and relatability. Parenthood is a chaotic yet joyful journey. Finding your voice in content creation is essential. Nostalgia can be a rich source of inspiration. Taking the leap into full-time creativity requires courage. #JontheDad #parenting #parentlife #parenthood #dadlife #dadmoves #dadjokes #dadsofinstagram #momlife #momsofinstagram #familylife #grunge #90s #90sGrunge #music #Parodies #Halfway #MessyMiddle #JeremyRoden #HalfwaywithJeremyRoden #findingpurpose #pivot #comedy

6. 

   9 Aug 2025

   Bailey Roden on Empowering the Next Generation in Agriculture

   In this episode, Jeremy Roden interviews his cousin Bailey Roden, a passionate advocate for agriculture and education. Bailey shares her journey from growing up in a family involved in agriculture to becoming a teacher and leader in the field. She discusses the importance of agricultural education, the role of women in the industry, and the challenges faced by farmers and ranchers today. The conversation emphasizes the need for agricultural literacy among consumers and the impact of mentorship and advocacy in shaping the future of agriculture.

7. 

   15 Jul 2025

   Halfway with Jeremy Roden: Episode 02 - Behind the Scenes with Keith Alcorn

   Summary In this episode, Jeremy Roden interviews Keith Alcorn, aprominent figure in animation known for his work on "Jimmy Neutron." They discuss Keith's early influences, the formation of animation clubs, the importance of kindness in the industry, and the journey of starting DNA Productions. Keith shares insights on collaboration, the challenges faced inthe animation industry, and the excitement of receiving an Academy Award nomination. The conversation also touches on Keith's current projects, including faith-based animation and the success of "The Chosen".Takeaways The importance of collaborationand learning from peers in the animation industry. Kindness and respect in theworkplace can lead to better teamwork and success. Starting a business in animationrequires persistence and creativity. The journey to creating 'JimmyNeutron' was filled with challenges and learning experiences. Receiving an Academy Awardnomination was a pivotal moment in Keith's career. Building trust within a team isessential for a successful production environment. Working with talented individualsin the industry can be inspiring and humbling. Current projects focus onmeaningful storytelling and faith-based themes. The animation industry hasevolved, but the core values of creativity and collaboration remain vital. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Keith Alcorn 00:36 Early Influences and Beginnings in Animation 02:31 The Formation of DNA Productions 06:30 Lessons Learned in Leadership and Team Dynamics 07:44 Navigating Challenges and Building a Business 15:47 Fostering a Positive Work Environment 18:02 The Growth and Success of DNA Productions 20:08 The Importance of Teamwork and Asking for Help 21:30 The Journey of Johnny Quasar and Early Success 25:21 Building Relationships in the Industry 30:12 Navigating the Nickelodeon Pitch Process 34:53 Collaboration and Respect in Creative Work 39:18 Finding Meaning in Creative Projects 43:02 Faith-Based Animation and New Ventures 47:07 The Chosen Adventures Release 48:03 Nostalgia in Animation: Old Projects Resurfacing 48:52 The Multifaceted Roles in Animation Production 50:21 Memorable Commercials and Their Impact 51:58 The Legacy of Animation and Storytelling 52:06 Behind the Scenes of Jimmy Neutron 55:03 The Academy Award Nomination Experience 01:01:06 Creating a Positive Work Environment in Animation 01:03:24 Introduction to The Chosen Adventures 01:04:44 Personal Reflections and Gratitude

8. 

   29 Jun 2025

   Halfway with Jeremy Roden: Episode 01 - Fursey Gotuaco

   Host Jeremy Roden interviews Fursey Gotuaco, an award-winning speech coach and educator, about the lasting impact of creativity, storytelling, and mentorship, revealing insights into inspiring leadership.

9. 

   29 Jun 2025

   Halfway with Jeremy Roden Podcast Debut Teaser

   Jeremy Roden introduces his podcast, which shares stories of impact and leadership from business professionals, educators, and community leaders, encouraging listeners to reflect and move forward with purpose.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

2,302

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 46 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

53

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

32

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.