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Bucket List Studios, 7302 Piccadilly, St. Louis, MO (2026)

05/26/2026

From aerospace engineering to entrepreneurship, this is what it looks like to follow an idea all the way through 🚀🌱

This week on Gateway to Growth, Jamal Cornelious sits down with Kay Wells, founder of Posie Pots, for a powerful conversation about innovation, career pivots, and building a product that came from a real-life moment of frustration and turned into a nationally recognized business.

We talk about:
• Kay’s journey from mechanical engineering at Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Amazon to founding a startup
• The “mosquito moment” that sparked the idea for Posie Pots
• How a self-watering planter turned into a patented product and growing company
• What it takes to go from prototype to Walmart shelves and national attention
• The role of St. Louis in supporting early-stage startups and innovation
• Building through uncertainty, burnout, and breakthrough moments
• Why storytelling, branding, and persistence matter just as much as engineering
• Advice for anyone navigating a career pivot or building something from scratch
• Faith, purpose, and finding freedom in doing meaningful work

This is a conversation about trusting your instincts, building through uncertainty, and turning lived experience into innovation that impacts everyday life.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

05/22/2026

Music as curiosity. Music as exploration. Music as possibility. 🎹✨

On this episode of Meet Me in Music, Neil Salsich sits down with St. Louis pianist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Thomas Paden for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, inspiration, and building a musical path that reaches beyond city limits.

From growing up in a deeply musical family rooted in church to composing for film and traveling the country through music, Thomas reflects on the experiences that continue shaping his creative journey — including artist endorsements, NAMM, and scoring Meet Cute in Manhattan on Amazon Prime.

They talk about:
• growing up surrounded by music and church influences
• jazz, film scores, Broadway, and creative inspiration
• learning through curiosity and self-exploration
• artist wellness and caring for the creative mind and body
• building community and supporting the St. Louis creative scene
• and staying inspired while creating your own path
This episode is reflective, inspiring, and full of insight for anyone building a creative life.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, + YouTube

05/12/2026

Build with purpose, lead with people, and let community shape the path forward 🏙️

This week on Gateway to Growth, Jamal Cornelious sits down with Matt Menietti of TechArtista Foundation for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, culture, and what it really means to build meaningful work in today’s world.

We talk about:
• How Matt’s journey from Iowa to St. Louis shaped his approach to community and leadership
• The role of AmeriCorps and nonprofit work in building purpose-driven careers
• Why workplace culture matters just as much as the work itself
• How entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives are more connected than we think
• The importance of mentorship, networking, and informational interviews
• What it takes to build a career that aligns with your values—not just your paycheck
• Why St. Louis continues to be a hub for innovation, creativity, and opportunity

It’s a conversation about finding your path, building strong relationships, and creating work that actually feels meaningful.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube

05/08/2026

Music as healing. Music as purpose. Music as service. 🎶

On this episode of Meet Me in Music, Neil Salsich sits down with St. Louis vocalist Anita Jackson for a powerful conversation about faith, artistry, perseverance, and what it truly means to dedicate your life to music.

From singing gospel harmonies in church to moving to New York with only $100, Anita reflects on the experiences that shaped her voice and career — including performing with Cissy Houston and navigating the realities of the music industry across generations.

They talk about: • discovering harmony and gospel music at a young age • the difference between lead vocals and supporting the song • the pressure of “making it” in music • social media and today’s changing industry • using music as therapy, healing, and connection • and returning to St. Louis with a new perspective on purpose and success

This episode is honest, soulful, reflective, and full of wisdom for anyone chasing a creative path.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, + YouTube

04/28/2026

Lead with purpose, build community, and trust the journey 🎨

This week on Gateway to Growth, Jamal Cornelious sits down with Vanessa Cooksey, President & CEO of the Regional Arts Commission, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, creativity, and making a lasting impact.

We talk about:  • Navigating a non-linear career across corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors  • What it really means to lead with integrity and inclusivity  • The power of relationships and community in career growth  • How arts and culture create access, belonging, and opportunity  • Lessons from stepping into the CEO seat—and the realities that come with it  • Practical advice for succeeding in new roles and understanding workplace culture

It’s a conversation about purpose, resilience, and using your work to create meaningful change.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube

04/24/2026

Meet Me in Music is tapping into the soul of St. Louis 🎶

On this episode, Neil Salsich sits down with Mattie Schell for a real and reflective conversation about what it actually looks like to build a life in music today.
From small-town roots and family jam sessions to performing alongside legendary musicians, Mattie shares the journey behind finding her voice—and learning to trust it.

They get into:
• what a day in the life of a working musician really looks like
• letting go of productivity guilt and constant comparison
• how confidence is built on stage over time
• the reality of streaming, touring, and trying to “make it”
• the story behind her song “No Stone”
• and how St. Louis continues to shape her sound

This isn’t just a conversation about music — it’s about growth, identity, and redefining success on your own terms.

If you’re chasing something creative (or just trying to stay grounded while you do it)… this one hits.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, + YouTube

04/14/2026

Pivot, persist, and trust the process 🔥

This week on Gateway to Growth, Jamal Cornelious sits down with Mikala McGhee Bass for an honest conversation about career pivots, personal branding, and building a path you didn’t always see coming—but chose to create anyway.

We talk about:
• Transitioning from student-athlete to media, pageantry, and corporate communications
• What it really looks like to start over and figure it out in real time
• The power of service jobs, setbacks, and “wrong turns” in shaping your future
• Building a personal brand that evolves with every chapter
• Why storytelling and communication are your most powerful career tools
• How to stay adaptable in a world that never stops changing

It’s a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and learning to trust the winding road of growth.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube

04/10/2026

Meet Me in Music is tapping into the soul of St. Louis 🎶

On the very first episode, Neil Salsich sits down with Brian Owens — one of the city’s most respected voices — for a conversation that goes way deeper than music.

From stage nerves to spiritual connection, from playing the crowd to playing with the crowd… this episode is all about what it really means to create something real.

They get into:
    •    why great performances aren’t about perfection — they’re about connection
    •    how preparation kills nerves (and what happens when it doesn’t)
    •    the art of being present on stage
    •    the legacy and hidden influence of St. Louis musicians
    •    and why the “St. Louis sound” might just be the secret ingredient in everything

This isn’t just a conversation about music — it’s about purpose, community, and becoming a bridge for what comes next.

If you care about music, creativity, or the city of St. Louis… this one hits.

🎤 Plus — stay tuned to the end for a special live performance from Brian Owens you don’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, + YouTube

03/31/2026

Stay curious. Stay authentic. Keep your fire 🔥

This week on Gateway to Growth, Jamal Cornelious sits down with Dr. Darryl Diggs to talk about leadership, education, and what it really means to create impact through relationships.

We talk about: • What DEI actually means and why it is often misunderstood • How curiosity and asking better questions can change everything • Navigating large organizations while staying true to your values • The importance of relationships in building a meaningful career • Why you have to protect your “fire” and purpose
It is a conversation about growth, leadership, and showing up for others.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube

11/17/2025

NEW PODCAST // with Tayler Onion

🎙️ Recorded and produced at by

Hangtime is a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to amplifying the stories of women in sports. Hosted by Tayler Onion, each episode dives into the journeys, challenges, and game-changing moments of athletes, coaches, leaders, and innovators who are shaping the future of sports.

From inspiring personal stories to conversations that spotlight equity, leadership, and visibility in women’s athletics, Hangtime keeps you informed, inspired, and connected to the women pushing the game forward. Whether you’re a lifelong sports fan or new to the world of women’s sports, this podcast brings you closer to the voices that deserve to be heard.

Stay tuned for powerful conversations and new episodes dropping soon. ‼️

For more information on hosting a podcast, visit the link in our bio. 🔗

Bucket List Studios

05/26/2026

05/22/2026

05/12/2026

05/08/2026

04/28/2026

04/24/2026

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04/10/2026

03/31/2026

11/17/2025

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