Today we're talking all about cool art media and skateboard parks in North Houston with Sally Bradford, Executive Director for the North Houston Development Corporation. Art pieces are found all around the city of Houston, and Rockstar Energy Bike Park is no exception! Sally is a continuing force behind the scenes, choosing most of the art for chil…

Traveling up to Nashville today to chat with consummate guitarist and songwriter Bill Lloyd of the 80's country rock duo Foster and Lloyd. Still enjoying the songwriting/session work in Music City, Bill discusses his early start into the music business with MTM (yup, the late Mary Tyler Moore's music company); meeting up with Texan Radney Foster to…

In Portland today talking up voiceovers, the business and more with voiceover legend Dan Nachtrab. Dan talks all about how he started in the biz (in radio) to his first commercials (car dealerships) to eventually scoring gigs with Nat Geo, Discovery Channel and more! He also discusses how you can start your own voiceover business, including what yo…

Fresh from his tour of VO Atlanta this month, ACM Talent Manager Jeff Umberger is in the studio to talk about his story behind the voiceover business. From his beginnings as an actor, to setting up his own talent group 'The Umberger Agency' to becoming a talent manager at ACM Talent in New York, Jeff discusses how he puts together what he calls "a …

In the Houston studio today to chat with former KILT news and traffic reporter T.j. Callahan, talking about how radio life introduced her to a new side hustle as a film critic - and what a gig! T.j. explains how she scores those meetups with famous celebs on the red carpet like Oprah and Claire Foy (The Queen) from 'The Crown'; her work with the Cr…

Love these visits to Canada to interview the marketing genius - guru - wizard of all things podcasting: Matt Cundill, host of the 'Sound Off Podcast' - the Podcast about Broadcast. We cover the whole story about podcasting, from marketing cycles, finding your audience, discoverability (my takeaway from this episode!) and why producing, hosting and …

We are talkin' radio today with the entertaining radio personality Jo Maeder, also known to fans everywhere as 'The Rock and Roll Madame' (as in 'Up and at 'em with the Madame'). We start with the story behind her gigs at South Florida radio stations like Y100/Miami' (the 'Y-onic Woman'); and as the Madame at I-95/WINZ; plus working in New York at …

In Dallas today talking with the effervescent author Bev Cuevas about her book 'Behind Her Smile: The Adventures of a Tall Girl from WVA and Her Life as a Stewardess'. It's funny and entertaining; with over 35 years in the aviation industry, she gives a real look at what life was like during the glam days of the airline business - along with a spec…

Oh Canada! Today it's Calgary time baby, as I sit in the studio with voiceover pro Paul Boucher where we discuss his storied voice career, along with a few great tips for veteran and newbie voice talent. This bilingual voice talent (French, English) has built his reputation from the early days of the internet industry (starting in 1997!) with a big…

It's Houston today baby, visiting with veteran radio personality Chris Alan (CBS Radio, KILE, KLOL, 97 Rock, and now on Houston Radio Platinum) as we talk about almost every crazy radio story we can fit into an interview, including that well known studio skill known as 'back timing into network programming' (it's an art, trust us!); why out of so m…

Visiting North Carolina today with Steve Eisenstadt, bass player for the legendary (soon to be anyway!) 'Johnny Folsom 4', a tribute band to Johnny Cash. Fresh from their recent gig at Daryl's House, Steve talks about life on the road, the loyal fans, plus the backstory about his band mates and and their individual career path to playing in this sp…

In the Carolinas today talking with author David Menconi, enjoying the entire backstory about writing his new book 'Oh Didn't They Ramble, Rounder Records and the Transformation of American Roots Music.' The UT grad and former writer for Rolling Stone and Spin (and music critic for the Raleigh News and Observer), talks about the iconic record label…

In Houston today with actress-screenwriter-director and acting coach Sara Gaston, talking not only about what it takes to be a successful working actor, but also about the true 'invisible work' of marketing, auditioning, and ultimately taking that work where you can get it! She also discusses her new comedy screenplay "Sanchos and Ponchos" which wi…

Visiting North Carolina today with singer-songwriter Michael Daughtry, who has carved one hit making trail of music from the Carolinas to Boston to all over the globe! The Berklee College of Music magna cum laude grad (who just so happened to graduate with another singer, songwriter and guitarist - John Mayer!) has worked with musicians Edwin McCai…

In Cleveland today with WMMS The Buzzard radio legend Jeff Kinzbach and his wife Patti, as they talk about their new adventure of livin' life on the road! After 50 years on the air as a morning show host, Jeff agreed with Patti it was time for a change, so they decided to sell their house, buy an RV and live their dream of life on the road while lo…

Toronto is the place this week as I sit in with Josie Dye, morning DJ at Indie88 and talk about all things radio! From show content to concert festivals, Josie talks about the hustle and grit it takes to not only get into the radio business but staying in the business as well. This natural storyteller is honest and forthright about everything from …

Visiting Houston with voiceover legend Dave Crockett, talking about his radio days in Houston, Chicago and Atlanta; the start of his production company WeHo Studios, and all about the voiceover biz! Serious with a mix of humor, Dave shares a great discussion for aspiring (and veteran) voice pros about what it really takes to make it in the voiceove…

Visiting Boston today to chat in the studio with pro voice talent Jeff Berlin, starting with those oh so crazy radio stories that led to his remarkable voiceover career. Starting his broadcasting career with WAAF, WZBC to WCOZ (both on the air and behind the scenes in the production department) to creating commercials and promos with a definite 'wo…

It's Hollywood in Houston baby as I talk with Texas actor and director Joe Grisaffi, discussing all of his very popular films (Laughing Boy, Conjoined and Lars the Emo Kid) along with his recent work on the Netflix series 'Stranger Things' (a gig he scored during Covid no less!). Joe talks about why he loves movies and acting, how flaws can really …

Audiobook narrator Mike Lenz knows a thing or two about audio - and with over 200 audiobooks to his credit, I'd call him a true word master! Besides his narration chops, Mike is also a Voice Arts Award nominated podcast producer and host, with an equally storied career as a Pharmacist and Mayor of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York! I mean, can y…

Today I'm in the studio with Anne Beall, author of the book 'Cinderella Didn't Live Happily Ever After: The Hidden Messages in Fairytales' and she definitely has a story to tell! Mixing both her storytelling and marketing research expertise, Anne discusses the hidden messages in fairy tales about marriage, power, good versus evil and so much more. …

In sunny California today with real estate agent and new author Monika Strand as she shares the backstory of her book 'Welcome Home!'. Illustrated by Janette Hill, the book is about a young boy moving to a new home, helping to make the transition of moving from one home to the next so much easier and less scary for himself and his family. In additi…

Traveling to North Carolina today to visit with voice talent and coach Dan Friedman, who also happens to be the author of one very popular voiceover book called "Sound Advice" (written 10 years ago and still going strong!) Dan describes his early audio days behind the scenes in promotions and engineering at several radio stations including 96 Rock …

Visiting Los Angeles with the guy who knows audio technology inside and out - Don Baarns, a leading expert in voice recording and studio production. Owner of the renowned voiceover courses at VOJumpStart (where both veteran and newbie voiceover talent can learn valuable skills about recording), Don shares what you really need to know about your hom…

Dwight Douglas has worked in radio, consulted radio, brought software to radio (Selector anyone?) and now he's written a book about the radio business with 'True Radio Confessions - Sex, Drugs & Rock'n Roll' (available now on Amazon). It's the possibly true (but all names have been changed) fictional story of DJ Sonny Joe McPherson, who takes on a …

In the studio with author Bob Mann, a professor who holds the esteemed Manship Chair in Journalism at the Manship School of Mass Communication at Louisiana State University (LSU), talking about his new book 'Backrooms And Bayous: My Life in Louisiana Politics' - a memoir about his long career in Louisiana politics and everything he learned along th…

Singer-songwriter Parthenon Huxley is in the studio talking about music, songwriting, journalism and more, including his early work with North Carolina music legends Mitch Easter, Jamie Hoover and Don Dixon; working with 'The Blazers' and his own 'Ridiculous Band'; to leaving the Chapel Hill area to make the move to New York and LA, eventually sign…

In Hollywood today with Troy Carlton, who talks about his new film 'Birdies The Movie', shot entirely in North Carolina (and now available on Amazon Prime). The Raleigh native sits down in the studio and talks of how his independent movie about "a washed up golf phenom who gets hired as the pro at a decaying country club where catching a buzz is pa…

In the studio with award winning Alysson Bourque, author of the Alycat Series of children's books. The series has gained loyal followers both in the United States (where her books were included in the Swag Bags at the Oscars AND the Grammy's!) and an equally strong following in the United Kingdom, with the support of Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of …

Offering sage advice with real life stories on transitioning, former MIX 101.5 FM (Raleigh, North Carolina) morning guy (now author) Bill Jordan discusses his book "Embrace the Boom" which in his words '"empowers, encourages and inspires my fellow members of the Baby Boomer generation"' (and read the special introduction from Duke Men's Basketball …

It's no easy feat becoming a bestselling author, but in today's episode, Elizabeth Spann Craig proves that with determination anything is possible. We discuss her new book - "A Notion to Murder", part of her Southern Quilting Mystery series (available now on Amazon) along with other novels including "A Dash of Murder" (from the Myrtle Clover Myster…

For many in the voiceover world, Bob Souer is known as 'The Second Nicest Guy in Voiceover", and after spending time at his studio in Pittsburgh, I finally found the true story of how he got that brand started (with a shout out to fellow voice pro and marketing guru Doug Turkel) Listen in on how Bob's start in radio, combined with a childhood love …

Amanda Lamb, veteran reporter for award winning NBC television station WRAL in Raleigh, NC stops by the studio to talk about her new book "No Wake Zone", one of many books (in different genres) she's written while covering hard news for the station. Here's an interview that gives an honest look at journalism, including the business of writing books…

My guest today is audiobook narrator Todd Waites, who explains what really happens in the studio when recording an audiobook. And he's here to say - it's not that easy! Sure, it seems like so at first, but Todd takes us on a step by step audiobook process - from the first audition to final chapter recording - where you finally understand the time a…

In Texas today along with all its history, as told by the master Texas history storyteller, writer, stand-up comic, screenwriter, radio guy and author Mike Vance. His new book 'Getting Away with Bloody Murder:J.B. Brockman, the best Criminal Lawyer in Texas' (available now on Amazon) describes the life and times of Brockman, who rose from 'shady ch…

In the studio with Houston's man behind the camera - Al Torres of Al Torres Photography. As a sought after photographer for newsmakers around Houston, Al talks about how he captures those famous photos of television and media personalities through his unique camera lens. The photographer for Media Alliance of Houston and the Star Awards Gala (April…

In Dallas today with radio personality Ted McKay, known as 'The Rock Professor' at Dallas rock radio station Lone Star 92.5. Now retired from a successful career in radio (including gigs at WRDU and WZZU in Raleigh, NC), The Professor discusses rock music and audiences; traditional radio and internet radio; life after radio and believe it or not cl…

Settling into the studio today with Houston radio and marketing guru Joe Pogge, creator of Strike Marketing. Joe talks about the 80's morning radio days in Houston (one of his first radio gigs was Marketing Director at The infamous Q Morning Zoo); audiences and great morning radio show formulas; promotion backstories (like that early viral marketin…

On today's episode, it's all about Vegas baby! I'm in the studio with the ‘Spotlight Conversations podcast theme song creator' (yup, I just added a new title to his list of achievements), the veteran musician Mark Sparrow. From gigs in Las Vegas to touring with rockers The Romantics, Molly Hatchet and Rick Derringer; then off to create signature mu…

A slight twist on the podcast today as I combine media and technology and chat with tech savvy Michael Farnum, Chief Techology Officer at Set Solutions, and the Founder/President of HOU.SEC.CON, the Houston area information security conference. This IT pro talks Network Security (staying safe on line); what you can do about spam calls and emails; t…

Radio personality and community advocate Irish Dave (Dave O'Connor) is in the studio this week, bringing along his lighthearted humor to stories about growing up and starting his broadcasting career in Dublin, Ireland to making the brave move to radio in the United States (South Bend Indiana no less, home of the Fighting Irish - true story!). The a…

A holiday visit to North Carolina this week as I visit with Founder and Executive Director of Theatre In The Park Ira David Wood III. The beloved character actor, who for 48 years has played the part of 'Scrooge' for the theatre's musical production of 'A Christmas Carol' in Raleigh, talks about how his East Carolina roots combined with his love of…

It's happening in Nashville this week as I interview musician Webb Wilder, the inspiration for the private eye character in the book 'Webb Wilder - Last Of The Full Grown Men" a book series with two stories in the series: "The Doll" and "Mole Men". We talk about the writers of the book, Steve Boyle and Shane Caldwell; Wilder's love of country and r…

In the studio is journalist David Menconi, former music critic for the Raleigh News & Observer and the 2019 North Carolina Piedmont Laureate. The Texas born writer who's written features and profiles for the New York Times, Salon and SXSW World, discusses his new book "Step It Up and G0: The Story of North Carolina Popular Music, from Blind Boy Ful…

He's back! My official booth announcer, voice talent Joe Szymanski is in the studio today to talk about the business of voiceovers, his family, fishing and carburetors (although not necessarily in that order - and yes, he is that versatile!) The veteran voiceover artist known as Joe The Voice Guy, discusses the changing world of voiceover, marketin…

Houston radio legend and entrepreneur Dayna Steele has done it all: written books, organized The Space Store for NASA, and rocked the airwaves of KLOL Rock 101 in Houston; she’s now taking on roles as Broadway producer, actor and more with her play "The Woman in the Mirror" (based on her book) which will premiere in Houston the first two weeks in N…

Bringing the studio to Oregon with the infamous 100.7 WMMS morning show host Jeff Kinzbach, who has taken his show on the road with wife Patti and trust me, they are loving every minute! The legendary broadcaster, who hosted the morning show with Ed 'Flash' Ferenc at The Buzzard for 20 years, resigned from radio, put a few things in storage, sold t…

Texas Radio Hall of Famer and SiriusXM radio personality Ron Parker is in the studio with me today, talking about radio up and down the dial - and every city in between! Ron discusses 60's and 70's music, those 80’s radio promotions with MTV, his stint at ABC Radio Networks in Dallas; programming KKBQ and KLDE in Houston; along with gigs at KFRC in…

So when you're a screenwriter with over 15 million views on YouTube, you gotta have a lot of good advice about writing, and my guest today does just that! Meet Marc Isaacs, writer for the very successful comedy short film 'First Timers', who talks about the incredible success of the sex comedy plus working with fellow Houston native and film direct…

Audiobooks. Just about everyone is recording one. But have you thought about what it takes in producing and narrating an audiobook? My guest Curtis Michael, a successful audiobook narrator for Romance and Young Adult fiction, talks about what it's like behind the scenes (yes, we said that!) in this week's podcast. Currently teaching students drama …