Our Team

Derrick James

Founder

Derrick Robinson is a  communications expert,  entrepreneur, and the founder of PAX Podcast Studios, . With over 15 years of experience in public relations, digital marketing, and storytelling, Derrick has built a career amplifying the voices of political figures, advocacy organizations, and businesses.
PAX Podcast Studios was born out of Derrick’s passion for empowering creators and businesses to tell compelling stories through podcasts, videos, and social media content. Under his leadership, the studio has become a trusted space for creators to bring their ideas to life, offering cutting-edge technology, expert guidance, and a "white glove" customer service experience.
Derrick’s vision for PAX Podcast Studios combines his extensive background in media relations and strategic communication with his deep commitment to fostering creativity and innovation. He is dedicated to helping clients maximize their impact, whether they’re seasoned podcasters or entrepreneurs just starting their journey.
A preacher, father, and community advocate, Derrick brings a unique blend of authenticity, professionalism, and creativity to everything he does. At PAX Podcast Studios, his goal is to provide clients with the tools and support they need to succeed while creating a lasting legacy of stories that inspire and inform.
Derrick is a proud alumnus of Hampton University. When he’s not in the studio, Derrick is a husband and a dad who loves spending time with his family and navigating the joys and chaos of parenting.

Matt Burke

Head Producer

Matt Burke is a video producer, podcaster, and the creative manager at PAX Podcast Studios. At PAX, Matt leads business development, manages the team, and oversees all aspects of creative production, ensuring clients receive a seamless and high-quality experience from start to finish.

Matt hosts his own podcast, Aim With Purpose, where he shares insights and inspiration, blending his passion for storytelling with his love of meaningful conversations. His journey into video production and podcasting began with a spark of creativity that quickly turned into a deep love for editing and production—a passion he continues to bring to every project.

Faith is at the center of Matt’s life, and he strives to keep his relationship with God as his guiding priority. Outside of the studio, you’ll often find him working out, spending time with friends and family, or working his day job at Amazon Web Services, where he humorously claims to be “keeping the internet alive.”

Since joining PAX Podcast Studios in July 2024, Matt has become an integral part of the team, helping shape the brand and process with his dedication and creativity. With his leadership, PAX is committed to delivering exceptional production experiences that bring your vision to life.

Robin Farrell

Editor/Writer

Robin C. Farrell is an editor, podcaster, videographer, author, and all-around nerd. She has earned awards in editing and writing from the Tellys, TIVA-DC Peer Awards, and several film festivals. She is the producer and co-host of the Coffee & Contemplation Podcast, writes for Film Festival Today, and self-published the novel, Resistance Rising. As a core member of Star Wipe Films, she annually participates in film race competitions. When she’s not working, you can find Robin playing Dungeons & Dragons, exploring coffee shops, or dreaming up new projects.

Robin Farrell

Editor/Writer

Leela Tesfaye is an accomplished podcast producer with a talent for developing transformative media strategies that amplify the digital presence and impact of non-profit organizations.

Leela honed her craft at Montgomery College in Maryland, earning a certificate in audio production with a focus on podcast creation. Her career began with freelancing, where she quickly gained recognition for her expertise in crafting compelling audio content. As a former podcast content lead for a youth-led, nonpartisan organization, she has firsthand experience in producing engaging content that connects with audiences and drives meaningful change. Today, Leela advises organizations on creating podcast strategies that align with their missions and captivate their listeners.

Outside of her professional work, Leela channels her curiosity and creativity into learning new languages and solving challenging Sudoku puzzles, always eager to expand her skills and perspectives.

estefania Luna Hernandez

Co-Founder/Creative Lead

Estefania Luna Hernandez is the co-founder of PAX Podcast Studios, where she brings her passion for storytelling and creativity to help creators and businesses share their voices with the world. When she’s not in the studio, Estefania works as a social worker, dedicating herself to supporting unaccompanied minors and making a difference in their lives.
A proud mom and avid runner, Estefania knows how to balance the hustle of entrepreneurship, the heart of her social work, and the joys of family life. Her dedication to building meaningful connections and empowering others shines through in everything she does—whether she’s working with clients at PAX Podcast Studios or advocating for young people in need.

Hunter Lafroth

Video Editor

Hunter LaFroth brings his passion for storytelling and a keen eye for visual artistry to PAX Podcast Studios. Born and raised in the Washington D.C. area, Hunter developed his love for creative expression early, inspired by a rich exposure to classic and modern films.

At PAX, Hunter focuses on editing and directing, using his expertise to craft compelling visual and audio projects for clients. His creative approach is influenced by filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa and Sam Raimi, whose work inspires his dedication to dynamic storytelling and innovative cinematography.

When he’s not in the studio, Hunter explores various creative outlets, including music, painting, and short films, continuously pushing himself to grow as an artist and storyteller.

JOHN BUDAY

Video Editor

John Buday is an experienced video editor and writer who considers himself a storyteller first. His specialty is weaving together audiovisual elements – background music, sound effects, motion graphics and B-roll – into persuasive content promoting the client’s expertise, story, or value offering.
He has crafted short promotional videos, videos and podcasts featuring respected entrepreneurs and thought leaders, an electronic dance music video, and news and feature articles for multiple publications. 
His accomplishments include winning a Schulze Publication Award from an academic journal (Entrepreneur & Innovation Exchange) for his video editing work on an article that garnered over 415,000 views, and being a Dean’s List Honoree for most of his semesters at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.