Student Pages Podcast

Scoring Nostalgia: Zachary Horner on Recreating Littlefoot

Jayden interviews American composer Zachary Horner about his musical upbringing, creative process, and work on the Littlefoot short remake.

They discuss recreating the original orchestration, remote collaboration with animators and directors, career highlights including working with a real orchestra, and advice for students starting in film music.

Double Oscar Dreams: Nicole Elise Nelson & Jonah Lees Share Their Journey

Host Izzy sits down with Oscar-nominated actors Nicole Alyse Nelson and Jonah Lees to discuss their nominated projects—Nicole's inventive Jane Austen–inspired period satire and Jonah's Blue Moon. They talk casting stories, character preparation, on-set moments, and Jonah's live piano performance in the film.

The interview also covers their training, career advice for aspiring actors, the role of social media, hopes for the industry, and how they support each other as a couple during awards season.

 

Nicole Alyse Nelson stars in a supporting role in the 2026 Academy Award nominated live action short Jane Austen’s Period Drama, a sharp 1813 set satire that upends the traditional period romance. In the film, she plays Vagianna Talbot in a bold story that uses humor to challenge long standing taboos.

Nelson first rose to prominence as a series regular on I Am Frankie, anchoring 42 episodes. She later shared the screen with Peter Stormare in Swedish Dicks and portrayed Charlotte in Netflix’s GLOW, in an episode Rolling Stone named one of the Top 5 TV Episodes of the Year. Additional credits include Deadly Daughter Switch, Mr. Student Body President, and What the Elf?!

Jonah Lees stars as Morty “Knuckles” Rifkin in Blue Moon, which is nominated for two 2026 Academy Awards. His performance in the critically acclaimed film marks a major milestone in his career and places him firmly in this year’s awards-season conversation. He also joined the DC Universe as Dean Farr in Superman, working under the direction of James Gunn and expanding his reach into one of cinema’s most iconic global franchises.

His other credits include portraying Jimmy Swaggart in CMT’s Sun Records, earning international recognition as Jussipo in Netflix’s The Letter for the King, and stepping into the role of John Lennon in Midas Man. He stars in Matteo Garrone’s Tale of Tales, which premiered in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival, where he appeared alongside Salma Hayek and Vincent Cassel and also starred opposite Mark Rylance and Sally Hawkins in Phantom of the Open, further showcasing his range across prestige film and television.

 

Birdie Borria on Stranger Things, working with Spielberg & The Breadwinner

Jayden interviews Birdie Borria about landing the role of Rebecca in Stranger Things Season 5, her similarities to the character, and the camaraderie on set with fellow young cast members.

They discuss audition tips, working with directors like Steven Spielberg, balancing school and acting, social media boundaries, and her upcoming film The Breadwinner — plus a playful theory about Eleven’s fate.

The Man of Many Voices: Jeff Bergman on Bugs, Daffy & Mr. Potato Head

Host Jayden sits down with legendary veteran voice actor Jeff Bergman about his remarkable career bringing iconic characters to life—from Looney Tunes favorites to Mr. Potato Head in the upcoming Toy Story 5.

Jeff recounts meeting Mel Blanc, shares audition stories, industry changes, and practical advice for students and aspiring voice actors.

Other roles include The Joker in Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders and Batman vs. Two-Face, Yogi Bear, Droopy from Tom & Jerry and Zap from Skylanders.

Meet Littlefoot: Summer-Joules on The Land Before Time Legacy, and Rising Stardom

Host Izzy sits down with young actor Summer-Joules to talk about her role as Littlefoot in the new short film, her acting background, and how she landed a lead in the upcoming feature Boo. Summer-Joules reflects on connecting with the character, her training, and the pride of being chosen for such a beloved legacy.

She also shares practical advice for aspiring actors, how she handles nerves, influences like Zendaya, and teases other projects while respecting NDAs.

STRANGER THINGS S5 ACTRESS EDEN STEPHENS ON PLAYING DEBBIE MILLER

Continuing our Stranger Things Special Spotlight, host @izzyjeevesmedia chats with the phenomenally talented young actress Eden Stephens about playing Debbie on the global hit series @strangerthingstv [season 5], becoming a fan of the show, and her experience working with the cast.

Eden reflects on her earlier roles in theatre, how she overcomes nerves and shares advice for those looking to follow their dreams. She also talks about what motivates her as she continues to build her career.

Award-winning writer-director Kira Powell on her short film Best Eyes

For our latest spotlight series episode, we sat down with Kira Powell, an award-winning writer-director whose ground breaking work explores themes like identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience. Her short film BEST EYES has just been nominated for Outstanding Short Form (Live Action) at the NAACP Image Awards, a recognition that highlights the film’s impact and resonance. You can watch the incredible film here.

 

BEST EYES premiered at the Academy Award®–qualifying Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) and has screened at Urbanworld, Micheaux, and festivals worldwide. The film won the 2024 DGA Student Jury Award and earned 1st place in the Afro-Latino Short Film Competition presented by the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) and the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA). Kira is currently developing a feature-length version of BEST EYES.

 

A Los Angeles–based graduate of the American Film Institute Conservatory with an MFA in Directing, Kira brings over a decade of professional on-set experience to her filmmaking. She has a deep sensitivity to character, informed by her work as an actor, and her

additional shorts have, screened at Screamfest, Tallgrass, and Black Harvest. Beyond film, she created the award-winning solo show Caught in the Mix, exploring Black-Latinx identity to sold-out audiences in Los Angeles.

 

Afterdrive Unveils 'Fashion' and Their First EP Plans

In this episode Student Pages sits down with Afterdrive frontman Ben Watts and bassist Ed Ruff to discuss their new single "Fashion", upcoming UK and EU tours, and the inspirations behind their evolving sound.

They talk about supporting big acts, balancing work and music, handling social media and hate, and the creative process as they prepare to release their first five-track EP.

Listeners get advice for aspiring musicians, a look at the band’s influences, and a preview of what fans can expect on the road and in future releases.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: US Actress Regina Bryant on her lead role in "Pushed Off A Plane and Survived"

For our latest spotlight episode, Jayden sits down with Regina Bryant. An Atlanta and Los Angeles based actress starring in the upcoming Lifetime feature film “Pushed Off A Plane and Survived,” premiering Saturday, February 28th at 8pm EST / 7pm CST, with streaming available the following day. Regina discusses her involvement in the project, time on set, and her training background.

Other credits include ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Wonder Years”, Showtime’s “Shameless,” Marvel’s “Hawkeye,” Lifetime original movie “Single Black Female 3: The Final Chapter,” and CW’s “All American: Homecoming.”

Following her lead performance in the short film “Project Blackbird,” Regina was invited as a panelist for the Mental Health in Film Panel at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, and her performance earned her the Best Actress Award at the 2022 London Independent Film Festival.

Rising Star: Gianlucca Gazzo on Joining Stranger Things Season 5

Jayden interviews young actor Gianlucca Gazzo about landing the role of Glenn in Stranger Things Season 5, his early start in acting, and what drew him to the part. He shares memorable on-set moments, working with fellow co-stars Jake Connelly and Joe Keery, and how his passion developed from childhood.

Gianlucca discusses the sacrifices of acting, his love for intense and mysterious roles, and his desire to one day create and direct his own projects — possibly an animated series. He also offers advice for aspiring actors: take classes, get an agent, and go for opportunities without hesitation.