Award-winning producer and director Victor Migalchan and his longtime collaborator Edward Cologna are gearing up to bring back not one, but two powerful educational reality shows: Life Academy and On Air. With production for Season 2 of Life Academy set to begin soon, followed closely by On Air, the dynamic duo continues their mission to elevate entertainment through education and real-world empowerment.
Both shows, created with the vision of bridging knowledge gaps and preparing future leaders, are uniquely designed to mentor and challenge participants in ways traditional media rarely dares. Each format not only entertains, but also equips its participants with essential tools for life and business success.
Life Academy has carved a niche for itself as a transformative educational reality series that brings complex, real-life subjects into a digestible, engaging, and action-oriented format. It’s a show where entertainment meets tangible knowledge, and where viewers—whether on set or watching at home—come away with practical skills.
The show’s format revolves around a well-rounded curriculum that spans key areas such as business, finance, accounting, marketing, tax, legal matters, health, and even self-defense and martial arts. It’s an eclectic blend designed not just for aspiring entrepreneurs, but for anyone looking to gain life literacy.
“Education should not end in the classroom,” says Victor Migalchan. “We created Life Academy to offer knowledge that matters—skills and insights that you use every single day but often don’t learn in school.”
Participants on the show are guided by top-tier professionals from each field, including seasoned business owners, legal experts, financial advisors, and martial arts instructors. The show balances theoretical learning with hands-on experience—whether it’s preparing a basic business budget, learning self-defense moves, or understanding the difference between gross and net income.
“Season 2 will raise the bar even further,” shares Edward Cologna. “We’re enhancing the structure, bringing in new guest mentors, and tailoring more scenarios based on real-world challenges. Our goal is to keep it as authentic and applicable as possible.”
Following the production of Life Academy, the team will immediately begin filming Season 2 of On Air, a show that redefines the concept of a talent competition by integrating entrepreneurship into every phase of the challenge.
Unlike typical talent shows, On Air doesn’t stop at discovering skills. Instead, it builds a bridge between artistic or creative talent and entrepreneurial execution. Each participant or team is tasked with developing a product or service based on their unique abilities—be it music, design, food, performance, or digital content—and then turning that concept into a viable business.
“Talent alone is not enough,” explains Migalchan. “You have to know how to present it, how to sell it, and how to scale it. That’s what we teach on On Air.”
Throughout the competition, students or competitors are mentored in branding, marketing, sales strategy, distribution, and pitching to investors. The journey is designed to mirror the life cycle of a real business—from ideation and development to launch and monetization. The end goal? Real-world outcomes such as actual sales, potential investor interest, and even career-launching opportunities.
For Edward Cologna, this hybrid format is exactly what the industry—and the next generation—needs. “There are so many incredible talents out there who simply don’t know what to do next. On Air shows them how to take that next step with confidence and strategy.”
The partnership between Migalchan and Cologna dates back years and is rooted in a shared passion for mentorship and storytelling. While their backgrounds are distinct—Victor with his global producing experience and martial arts discipline, and Edward with his deep roots in East Coast media and production—their synergy is unmistakable.
Both understand the importance of not only inspiring audiences but also arming them with tools that create real change. In their view, content must go beyond entertainment; it must empower.
“The greatest return on any show we make,” says Cologna, “is when a viewer tells us that they started a business, made a smart financial move, or simply felt more prepared to face life after watching. That’s the impact.”
Production for Life Academy Season 2 is set to begin in the coming weeks, with filming locations carefully selected to enhance both the narrative and practical elements of the show. As soon as the season wraps, the team will shift into On Air, with auditions and casting already underway.
This back-to-back filming schedule reflects the growing demand for shows that offer more than passive viewing. Migalchan and Cologna are not just creating series; they’re building platforms for growth, opportunity, and long-term success.
Both shows are also being adapted for digital streaming, with plans to make episodes available internationally. Additional partnerships with educational institutions and youth organizations are also in development, a move that would extend the reach of their lessons beyond the screen.
“We want to be in schools, libraries, community centers,” says Migalchan. “If there’s an audience willing to learn, we want to meet them there.”
In a media landscape oversaturated with spectacle and superficiality, Life Academy and On Air stand out as two of the most purpose-driven series to date. Their return signals a shift towards meaningful programming—content that doesn’t just entertain but equips and uplifts.
As the cameras prepare to roll again, Victor Migalchan and Edward Cologna are doubling down on their belief that knowledge is power, and media is one of the most powerful ways to share it.
“Season 2 is not just a continuation,” says Cologna. “It’s a statement. A reminder that with the right guidance, creativity, and hustle, anyone can build the life they dream of.”
With the return of Life Academy and On Air, that dream just became a little more possible for the next generation of thinkers, doers, and creators.
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