Explore every episode of the podcast Ultimate Sync Sessions
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep 04: How Music Supervisors Build Trusted Networks — And Cut Through the Noise | 19 août 2026 | 00:13:51 | |
When a sync team is already managing briefs, budgets, rights holders, filmmakers and deadlines, more music is not automatically more useful. Mike Turner and Jonathan Lane explain why trusted networks remain so important in music supervision, how different agencies and catalogues serve different needs and why relationships still influence which emails and pitches actually cut through. They also discuss accessibility and gatekeeping in sync—and why a short, relevant conversation can sometimes be more valuable than another catalogue arriving in an overloaded inbox. For music supervisors, labels, publishers, libraries and agencies, the key question is: How do you build stronger professional relationships without creating even more noise? Building Clearly: The Power of Partnership Ultimate Sync Sessions Hosted by Amelia McCloskey Powered by Ultimate Sync Access For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 03: Inside a Netflix Romcom With 50 Needle Drops | 19 août 2026 | 00:15:51 | |
What happens when a film is extremely music-forward? Mike Turner and Jonathan Lane take us inside the music supervision process on a Netflix Christmas romcom carrying an unusually high number of needle drops in the working cut. The conversation covers creative and clearance workload, division of responsibilities, maintaining a clear point of contact, production timelines and the wider pressures affecting film and television. It is a practical look at what happens behind the scenes when music volume, creative ambition and production logistics all increase at once. Building Clearly: The Power of Partnership Ultimate Sync Sessions Hosted by Amelia McCloskey Powered by Ultimate Sync Access For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 02: Don’t Pitch What You Can’t Clear — Managing Budgets, Rights & Client Expectations | 19 août 2026 | 00:22:38 | |
A brilliant creative idea becomes a problem very quickly if the production cannot afford it—or the track cannot actually clear. Mike Turner and Jonathan Lane unpack one of the most important working principles in music supervision: Don’t pitch what you can’t clear. They discuss clearance, incomplete briefs, early-stage budgeting, expensive song requests, alternative options and productions that want substantial music input before a project is even greenlit. For overstretched sync teams, the real lesson is operational: How do you reduce unnecessary back-and-forth while still protecting the creative? Building Clearly: The Power of Partnership Ultimate Sync Sessions Hosted by Amelia McCloskey Powered by Ultimate Sync Access For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 01: How Music Supervision Careers & Teams Get Built | 19 août 2026 | 00:17:49 | |
Music supervision careers rarely follow a straight line. Mike Turner and Jonathan Lane of Clearly Music share how performing, publishing, pitching, trailer work and client relationships eventually led them into music supervision—and how their business has evolved as the workload has grown. They also get into the less glamorous reality of building a sustainable operation: diversification, security, business development, partnership and making sure increasing opportunity does not become unmanageable workload. For sync professionals, this is a conversation about building a career—and the infrastructure around it. Building Clearly: The Power of Partnership Ultimate Sync Sessions Hosted by Amelia McCloskey Powered by Ultimate Sync Access For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 05: Leadership, Motherhood and the Reality of Holding It All Together | 10 juin 2026 | 00:23:11 | |
In the final episode, Heather discusses the less visible side of music supervision, including workload pressures, managing creative expectations, budget realities and the evolving value of the profession. She also reflects on industry growth, career sustainability and the future of music supervision in a rapidly changing production landscape. For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 04: Why Most Pitches Die Before the Music Is Heard | 10 juin 2026 | 00:24:19 | |
Heather shares practical advice for artists and rights holders seeking sync opportunities. She discusses evaluating new music, assessing licensing risks, working with independent artists, common pitching mistakes and the importance of building genuine professional relationships within the industry. For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 03: What Canada Gets Right About Sync | 10 juin 2026 | 00:15:53 | |
Heather explores what makes Canada's music and screen industries unique. She discusses government support, artist development programmes, international co-productions, the strength of the Canadian sync community and the growing global demand for Canadian content and creative talent. For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 02: Why Timing Can Make or Break a Sync | 10 juin 2026 | 00:17:09 | |
Heather takes listeners behind the scenes of Netflix's BET, explaining how music supervisors help shape a show's identity. She discusses sourcing music, managing clearances, balancing budgets, discovering emerging artists and creating a soundtrack that blends major artists with exciting new talent from around the world. For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 01: Why Trust Still Wins in Sync | 10 juin 2026 | 00:19:46 | |
Heather reflects on her early years as a pianist, her studies in music and media, and the moment she discovered music supervision. She discusses the importance of education, internships, practical experience and perseverance, while sharing how an internship at Vapor Music became the foundation of a long and successful career in sync. For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Trailer | More Than Music Supervision | 10 juin 2026 | 00:00:49 | |
In this insightful season 14 of the Ultimate Sync Sessions Podcast, Heather Gardner shares her journey from classically trained pianist to award-winning music supervisor and industry leader. The conversation explores the realities of music supervision beyond song placements, covering career development, relationship building, creative collaboration, sync strategy, artist discovery, the Canadian music ecosystem, composer relationships, industry challenges, and the future of sync. Heather offers practical advice for artists, composers and aspiring music supervisors while revealing the often unseen work that powers successful film, television and advertising productions. For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 5: The Future of Sports Sync | 01 avr. 2026 | 00:22:00 | |
Joshua Sutherland shares the realities behind high-pressure music supervision, from clearing a DJ Snake track with 18 rights holders to managing fast-moving NFL deadlines. He opens up about self-doubt, staying grounded, maintaining relationships, and what it takes to build a long-term career in sync. Joshua also discusses his future goals, the growth of music supervision in sports, and the legacy he hopes to leave through his work, relationships, and taste in music. For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: | |||
| Ep 4: Inside NFL Music Supervision | 01 avr. 2026 | 00:18:36 | |
Joshua Sutherland breaks down how music gets licensed for the NFL — from promo campaigns and Sunday Spotlight placements to fast-turnaround clearances and cultural moments. He shares what makes a song stand out, why stems matter, and how themes like energy, family, and championship moments shape music selection. Joshua also shares the story behind landing a Linkin Park placement and the biggest lesson he's learned working at one of the fastest-paced music environments in the industry: great music happens through great teams. For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: | |||
| Ep 3: Euphoria to the NFL | 01 avr. 2026 | 00:17:23 | |
Joshua Sutherland shares what he learned working across The Idol, Rap Sh!t, and Winning Time, and how those experiences prepared him for the fast-paced world of the NFL. From deep-diving into regional artists to learning from top music supervisors, Joshua breaks down the strategy, research, and relationships that shaped his career. He also explains how working in sports differs from television, why speed matters in NFL licensing, and how strong industry relationships help get music cleared under tight deadlines. For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: | |||
| Ep 2: How Joshua Sutherland Landed Euphoria | 01 avr. 2026 | 00:16:52 | |
Joshua Sutherland shares how cold outreach, persistence, and a clear long-term vision led him from UnitedMasters to HBO. From moving to Los Angeles in just weeks to working on Euphoria Season 2, he breaks down what it felt like stepping into one of the most music-driven shows on television — and the lessons that shaped his career. For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 1: From Church Piano to the NFL with Joshua Sutherland | 01 avr. 2026 | 00:14:38 | |
Joshua Sutherland shares how he went from playing piano in church to supervising music at the NFL, after stops at UnitedMasters and HBO working on Euphoria, Rap Sh!t, Winning Time, and The Idol. This episode is packed with insight on breaking into sync, building real industry relationships, and learning how to move fast without losing your ear. For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 05: Lava Hong Beyond the Studio | 19 mars 2026 | 00:11:56 | |
In the final episode, Lava Hong reflects on her personality, passions and creative motivations beyond music supervision. She shares her love for journalling, meaningful relationships and artistic expression, while discussing upcoming projects and future ambitions. The conversation highlights her commitment to continuous growth, creativity and deeper industry collaboration. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 04: The Sacrifices Behind the Career | 18 mars 2026 | 00:13:48 | |
Lava Hong opens up about the personal sacrifices behind building a career in the entertainment industry, from relocating across the world to managing intense workloads. She discusses work-life balance, long-term planning, and the importance of representation and mentorship. The episode also explores how supporting the next generation of creatives helps strengthen the industry. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 03: What Makes a Great Trailer? | 18 mars 2026 | 00:09:23 | |
In this episode, Lava Hong breaks down the elements that make a powerful trailer. She explains why music, sound design and editing are critical to shaping emotion and storytelling in film marketing. Lava also shares her thoughts on memorable trailers, the structure of successful promos, and how audio can transform the audience experience. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 02: Inside the World of Trailer Music | 18 mars 2026 | 00:10:28 | |
Lava Hong takes listeners behind the scenes of working on major trailer campaigns at Trailer Park Group. She discusses the creative process behind trailer music, including the art of “trailerising” songs for cinematic impact. Lava also reflects on balancing her role as a music supervisor with her identity as a musician, and shares insights from working on high-profile campaigns such as Stranger Things. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 01: From Shenzhen to Hollywood Sync | 18 mars 2026 | 00:10:45 | |
Lava Hong shares her journey from growing up in Shenzhen, China, to building a career in Hollywood’s trailer industry. She reflects on her musical upbringing, studying in the United States, and how mentorship, networking and persistence helped her land her first role in music supervision. This episode explores the early steps required to break into the sync industry and the importance of developing relationships and industry knowledge. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 04: Score vs Songs: The Choices Behind EA’s Soundtracks | 22 janv. 2026 | 00:26:35 | |
This final episode explores how EA curates memorable and immersive soundtracks, from deciding when to licence commercial music versus hiring composers, to navigating complex clearances such as university-owned fight songs and global releases — all while keeping gameplay at the heart of every decision. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 03: How Songs Get Chosen for EA Games | 22 janv. 2026 | 00:12:44 | |
In this conversation, Lori breaks down how creative vision leads every music decision at EA Games. She explains why there are no quotas for major or independent artists, how sound shapes player experience, and what supervisors really listen for when choosing music for games and marketing. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 02: How EA Clears Music for Global Games | 22 janv. 2026 | 00:19:14 | |
This episode pulls back the curtain on the music clearance process, as Lori explains how songs are researched, negotiated, and approved for EA’s games. The discussion highlights common misconceptions about sync, the importance of organisation and metadata, and why preparation can make or break a licensing opportunity. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 01: Who Licences the Sound of EA Games? | 22 janv. 2026 | 00:16:38 | |
In this episode, Amelia McCloskey sits down with Lori Cromwell-Charron, Head of Music Licensing at EA Games, to explore her career journey, her role within EA, and what it really takes to manage music for global franchises such as Madden, UFC, and Need for Speed. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Trailer | Inside EA Games: Music Licensing | 22 janv. 2026 | 00:00:48 | |
This is Season 11 of the Ultimate Sync Sessions, hosted by Ultimate Sync Access CEO, Amelia McCloskey. In this season, Amelia is joined by Lori Cromwell-Charron, Head of Music Licensing at EA Games (guest details based on the provided scripts) for a deep dive into how music is licensed, curated, and deployed across some of the world’s most iconic video game titles. Across four episodes, the season explores the realities of music licensing at scale, from clearing hundreds of tracks per game, navigating complex global rights, and working with both major labels and independent artists, to crafting high-impact trailer campaigns and soundtracks that shape player experience and culture. Season 11 offers essential insight for artists, labels, publishers, composers, and sync professionals looking to understand how the gaming industry approaches music, creatively, legally, and strategically. EA is a leading game publisher behind franchises like FIFA, Madden NFL, UFC, and Need for Speed, with Lori leading music licensing and trailer music across EA titles, drawing on experience from Ubisoft and VP Records. | |||
| Ep 05: Building a Lasting Music Career | 26 déc. 2025 | 00:15:51 | |
The final episode centres on longevity. From managing production music labels and workflows to partnering with others and focusing on individual strengths, Beda and Martin share lessons on building careers that are sustainable, flexible, and creatively fulfilling. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 04: Why Asking for Permission Doesn’t Work | 26 déc. 2025 | 00:16:23 | |
Addressing common struggles composers face, this episode explores why chasing credits or copying others rarely leads to breakthroughs. The guests emphasise introspection, experimentation, collaboration, and developing a sound that naturally attracts attention. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 03: Why Signature Sounds Matter | 26 déc. 2025 | 00:15:01 | |
Beda and Martin discuss industry challenges including COVID, shrinking budgets, delayed income in production music, and the rise of AI. Rather than speculation, they focus on practical realities, adaptability, and why originality and human perspective remain essential. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 02: Production Music as a Career Path | 26 déc. 2025 | 00:12:45 | |
This episode focuses on production music and career positioning. The guests discuss why competition has always existed, how identifying natural strengths matters more than chasing trends, and how unmet needs in TV and documentary scoring can become meaningful niches. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 01: Where a Music Career Really Starts | 26 déc. 2025 | 00:14:39 | |
Beda Senn and Martin Haene reflect on their early relationships with music, from collecting records and playing in bands to self-teaching, experimentation, and discovering professional pathways. The episode explores how curiosity and listening deeply laid the foundation for their later work in TV and production music. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Trailer | TV Composer’s Playbook: Success Mastery | 26 déc. 2025 | 00:00:49 | |
In TV Composer’s Playbook: Success Mastery, host Amelia McCloskey, CEO of Ultimate Sync Access, is joined by Beda Senn, music consultant at Swiss Television and production music creator, and Martin Haene, composer and founder of Golden Rule Music. Across the season, they explore real-world pathways for building a career in TV, documentary, and production music, from finding a personal musical signature and identifying niches, to working with libraries, navigating industry disruption, and thinking long-term about sustainability. Grounded in decades of hands-on experience, this season offers practical insight for composers navigating an evolving sync landscape. About Beda Senn: - Music consultant at Swiss Television (2006–2025), involved in 600+ documentary projects - Since 2018, develops library/production music at Tonangeber GmbH - Expert in implementing new sounds for modern urban environments, sustainability, organic food, regional/world sounds, new alpine sounds About Martin Haene: - Publisher and founder of Golden Rule Music - Worked 10+ years as a composer for major and independent production music companies - Credits: "Fack ju Göhte 2", "Melrose Place", "Bring it on" (Universal), various Lion's Gate Films (Warrior, Frankenhood), Commercials and TV Series (ABC, NBC, CW TV etc) 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 05: Storytelling Across Borders | 09 déc. 2025 | 00:13:07 | |
This episode highlights one of Enzo’s most meaningful long-form projects: composing and directing music for a children’s series about endangered animals. Each track reflects the folk traditions of the animal’s home region, teaching young audiences about culture, rhythm and conservation. Enzo also reflects on staying humble in the industry, building global networks and creating educational programmes to strengthen the sync world. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 04: AI, Ethics & the Future of Sync | 09 déc. 2025 | 00:17:03 | |
In this instalment, the focus turns to AI and its growing place in advertising. Enzo discusses the legal risks brands overlook, why human creativity remains essential, and how the supervisor’s role is shifting in a rapidly evolving landscape. He also reflects on industry controversies, the responsibility creatives hold, and what authentic storytelling must continue to stand for. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 03: The Psychology of Music Supervision | 09 déc. 2025 | 00:13:25 | |
This conversation focuses on the art of translating vague briefs into precise musical direction. Enzo shares how he reads body language, extracts meaning from scattered references and turns emotion into BPM, genre and structure. The episode also revisits his powerful anti-cyberbullying project, an emotionally demanding piece of work that resulted in a song which helped drive real legislative change. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 02: Why Covers Rule in Advertising | 09 déc. 2025 | 00:13:32 | |
Enzo breaks down the realities of supervising music for advertising across Latin America, why big commercial tracks are always in demand, how budgets shape creative decisions, and why covers and custom pieces often become the practical choice. He also unpacks the challenges around buyouts, publishing, and guiding non-musical clients through the true cost of music. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 01: The Unplanned Path to Sync | 09 déc. 2025 | 00:14:38 | |
This episode traces Enzo’s early beginnings, growing up with treasured cassettes, studying sound engineering, performing with bands and eventually discovering, almost by accident, that he’d been supervising long before he knew the term existed. A look at how a lifetime of music naturally evolved into a full-scale career in sync. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Trailer | Ad Sync: Money, Buyouts & AI: The Harsh Reality | 09 déc. 2025 | 00:00:40 | |
In Season 9 of The Ultimate Sync Session, host Amelia sits down with Chilean music supervisor and creator Enzo Massardo for the most revealing series yet. They explore his 20-year journey through the Latin American advertising and TV industries, the emotional and ethical challenges behind major campaigns, the rise of AI, and the unforgettable story of a song rebuilt from fragments that helped influence national legislation. This season uncovers the craft, the culture and the unseen pressures behind modern music supervision. Enzo is a prominent music supervisor and synchronisation agent, recognised for his strong track record in the music industry. Member of the ASM(Asociación de Supervisión Musical de habla hispana) board of directors. His expertise extends to roles as a music producer, sound engineer specialising in mixing and recording, as well as a singer, composer, arranger for Chile's leading post-production houses, working closely with major companies such as ONErpm Publishing and 411 Music Group. With over 20 years of experience in the audiovisual industry, television, advertising, and artistic development, Enzo has played a crucial role in the distribution and supervision of music catalogues in Chile. His work at Atómica Music has been essential in providing high-quality services for a wide range of projects, from films and branded content to television programs, such as "Perla," "Dash y Cangri," and "Teletrece." 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 05: Uncharted: Syncing Alicia Keys' New Doc | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:11:18 | |
Jenn shares the intricate journey behind music supervising Uncharted, the Alicia Keys-backed documentary. From managing real-time songwriting camps and using artist-created music as score, to negotiating rights with major labels, this episode is a deep dive into storytelling, activism, and collaboration at its most intense. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 04: Toxic Sets & Speaking Up: Music Supervisors Get Real | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:17:42 | |
A raw and reflective discussion on navigating your first big film gig, overcoming self-doubt, and confronting toxicity on set. Leyla and Jenn open up about feeling like imposters, working in male-heavy teams, and the importance of standing your ground and leaning on your community.
👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 03: Splice Dilemmas: What You Can (and Can’t) Use | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:17:35 | |
This episode dives into the muddy waters of music licensing around loops, samples, and Splice packs. Amelia, Jenn and Leyla unpack common misconceptions, explore the art of negotiation for tight budgets, and share practical wisdom onsecuring high-quality tracks without compromising relationships or rights. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 02: Music Supervisors vs. Chaos: A Behind-the-Scenes Look | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:15:33 | |
This episode tackles the high-stakes world of sync for live shows and fast-turnaround productions. Jenn and Leyla share wild stories, from last-minute clearances and artist mishaps to educating filmmakers about music licensing. It's an honest, sometimes hilarious look at the chaos and complexity behind the scenes of sync. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 01: Leyla & Jenn: Crafting Soundtracks Across Borders | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:16:37 | |
In this dynamic premiere, Amelia McCloskey dives into the origin stories of powerhouse music supervisors Jenn Smith and Leyla Flores. From Craigslist gigs and American Idol to music-filled childhoods and launching companies from scratch, the episode explores how passion and persistence shaped their journeys in the sync industry. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Trailer | Women In Sync: Power, Pressure & Passion in Music Supervision | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:00:47 | |
This is Season 8 of Ultimate Sync Sessions. Host Amelia McCloskey sits down with two powerhouse music supervisors, Leyla Flores (Loud Music Brokers, Mexico) and Jenn Smith (Rat Dance Party, USA), for a deep dive into the realities of sync licensing and creative supervision across film, TV, and live shows. From Jenn’s journey from theatre to American Idol, to Leyla’s rise from graphic design into the Latin sync market, the conversation touches on personal pivots, licensing nightmares, imposter syndrome, and navigating male-dominated rooms. Packed with real stories, laughs, lessons, and bold truths, this episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to break into the world of sync — or survive it. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 5: Lessons from a Billboard Power Player | 11 oct. 2025 | 00:11:04 | |
In a reflective finale, Mike shares career-defining lessons and timeless advice for aspiring supervisors. He discusses integrity in creative choices, lifelong learning, and why passion and good taste will always outlast trends. His mantra: “Forget the title, focus on the work.” 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 4: Music Pitching Secrets from Droga5 | 11 oct. 2025 | 00:14:36 | |
Mike offers invaluable advice to artists, labels, and publishers on pitching music for advertising. From perfect metadata to personalised outreach and well-curated playlists, he reveals what grabs a supervisor’s attention and what guarantees a delete. Practical, honest, and full of insider wisdom. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 3: The Sound of Hennessy - Crafting an Original Score | 11 oct. 2025 | 00:14:12 | |
Diving deep into his portfolio, Mike discusses the creative and technical process behind iconic campaigns like Hennessy’s “Maurice Ashley”. He breaks down how originality, collaboration, and relentless experimentation shape award-winning work and why the best advertising music never sounds like an ad at all. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 2: Workaholic or Music Addict? | 11 oct. 2025 | 00:13:35 | |
Mike opens up about the realities behind success, late nights, relentless work, and the blurred lines between passion and burnout. He reflects on how his drive shaped his career and relationships, what fuels his motivation, and how true creatives never stop chasing the thrill of a perfect song–to–picture moment. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Ep 1: Starting a Music Department from Scratch | 11 oct. 2025 | 00:14:54 | |
Mike recounts his unconventional path into music supervision, from dreaming of being a rock star to discovering a career that merges creativity, sound, and strategy. He reveals how his deep musical knowledge and love for discovery led him to establish Droga5’s music department, transforming how the agency approaches sound in storytelling. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||
| Trailer | Behind the Ads: Mike Ladman on Music, Brands & Creative | 11 oct. 2025 | 00:00:44 | |
In this season 7 of Ultimate Sync Sessions, Amelia McCloskey sits down with Mike Ladman, Music Supervisor at Droga5, to explore his creative journey from record store clerk and DJ (“Puppy Hiccups”) to leading one of advertising’s most acclaimed music teams. Mike shares insights into building a music department from scratch, curating award-winning campaigns for brands like Under Armour, Google, Meta, and Hennessy, and balancing creativity with the demands of brand storytelling. He opens up about the challenges of supervision, the art of collaboration, what makes a perfect sync moment, and the value of intuition, persistence, and passion in the fast-evolving world of music and advertising. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess Follow our podcast and turn on notifications so you don’t miss a new episode. | |||
| Ep 05: How to Pitch Music that Gets Heard | 26 sept. 2025 | 00:13:42 | |
Ultimate Sync Access | Sync Stories with Jenn and Kyla Episode 05: How to Pitch Music that Gets Heard Practical guidance for creators: both Jennifer Noya and Kyla O’Donovan explain what makes a pitch stand out, concise emails, accurate metadata, downloadable WAV/MP3s, and knowing the brief/budget. They share dos and don’ts on follow-ups, how to build trust with supervisors, and why patience and organisation pay off in the long run. 👉 For exclusive insights, resources, and sync opportunities, visit: www.ultimatesyncaccess.com Connect with us on social media: @ultimatesyncaccess | |||