Best Michael Amidei & Cliff Brooks Podcasts (2024)

1
The Song Catchers Guide To Finding Your Audience (Interview with Rising Appalachia) 46:34

2y ago46:34

46:34

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei interview Leah Song and Chole Smith of Rising Appalachia. Rising Appalachia (www.RisingAppalachia.com) Founded by sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith, Rising Appalachia has established an international fan base due to relentless touring, tireless activism, and no small degree of stubborn independence. …

1
Funk, Creativity & Playing The Long Game (Interview with Adam Deitch) 32:21

2y ago32:21

32:21

In this episode, Michael & Clifford are joined by Andy Whitehorne (Music Editor for The Blue Mountain Review) as they interview Grammy-nominated producer and drummer Adam Deitch Adam Deitch (www.DeitchBeatsDontQuit.com) While other kids were more interested in "Being Like Mike," Adam Deitch was more interested in "Being Like Quincy." Adam began com…

1
Creation, Relationships & Chaos (Interview w/ Guitarist Adam "Shmeeans" Smirnoff) 51:57

2+ y ago51:57

51:57

In this episode, Michael Amidei and Clifford Brooks are joined by Andy Whitehorne (Music Editor for the Blue Mountain Review) in interviewing guitarist Adam "Shmeeans" Smirnoff. Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff (www.LettuceFunk.com) is the guitarist/co-founder of the Grammy-nominated funk powerhouse called Lettuce, which began in 1992 when all of its membe…

1
Selling Stories, Self Belief, & Optioning Your Book To Netflix (Interview w/ Louis Bayard) 37:20

2+ y ago37:20

37:20

In this episode, Michael Amidei and Clifford Brooks interview author Louis Bayard. Louis Bayard (www.LouisBayard.com) In the words of the New York Times, Louis Bayard “reinvigorates historical fiction,” rendering the past “as if he’d witnessed it firsthand.” His acclaimed novels include The Pale Blue Eye, soon to be a Netflix motion picture starrin…

1
Freeing Yourself & Discovering The Authentic Poetry In You (Interview with Todd Boss) 38:26

2+ y ago38:26

38:26

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview Todd Boss. Todd Boss (www.ToddBossOriginals.com) is an award-winning American producer, writer, and innovator whose vision is to make the world more poetic. Todd has four poetry collections, all published by W. W. Norton & Co. He has an MFA in Poetry from the University of Alaska-Anchora…

1
Poetry As An Act Of Service (Interview with Nicole Tallman) 43:05

2+ y ago43:05

43:05

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview poet Nicole Tallman. Nicole Tallman (www.NicoleTallman.com) is a professional writer and poet. Born and raised in Michigan, she lives in Miami, serves as the Poetry Ambassador for Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, an Associate Editor for South Florida Poetry Journal, and Inte…

1
Using Passion To Overcome Huge Obstacles (Interview with Hans Rueffert) 37:48

2+ y ago37:48

37:48

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview Hans Rueffert. Chef, author, speaker, advocate and survivor, Hans Rueffert is known by many titles, but his favorite title is perhaps “teacher.” A natural-born communicator, Hans has a rare ability to inspire others to push themselves to be their very best. Diagnosed with Gastric Cancer …

1
Facing Your Fear Through Art (Interview with poet Skye Jackson) 36:22

2+ y ago36:22

36:22

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview poet Skye Jackson. Skye Jackson (www.SkyeJackson.com) was born and raised in New Orleans. She holds an English degree from LSU and a degree in law from Mississippi College School of Law. She is currently an MFA candidate in poetry at the University of New Orleans Creative Writing Worksho…

1
The Lives & Voices of Stuart Dischell 43:26

2+ y ago43:26

43:26

In this episode, Cliff Brooks & Michael Amidei interview poet Stuart Dischell. Stuart Dischell (http://www.stuartdischellpoetry.com/) was born in Atlantic City, NJ. He is the author of Good Hope Road, a National Poetry Series Selection, Evenings & Avenues, Dig Safe, Backwards Days and the forthcoming Children With Enemies and the pamphlets Animate …

1
The Road To Finding Your Voice (Interview with Victoria Chang) 34:24

2+ y ago34:24

34:24

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview poet and professor Victoria Chang. Victoria Chang (www.VictoriaChangPoet.com) is an American poet and children's writer. Her fifth book of poems, OBIT, was published by Copper Canyon Press in 2020. It won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the PEN Voelcker Award, and the Anisfield-Wolf Bo…

1
Crafting the "I, Vampire" Series (Interview with author Michael Romkey) 51:48

2+ y ago51:48

51:48

In this episode, Clifford Brooks interviews author Michael Romkey. Bram Stoker Award-nominated author Michael Romkey writes smart, character-driven horror. His first and much-imitated vampire-themed novel, "I, Vampire," is a cult classic. His series continued with “The Vampire Papers”, “The Vampire Princess”, “The Vampire Virus”, “Vampire Hunter”, …

1
A Grammy Winning Producer/Engineer Speaks (Interview with Clark Hagan) 33:17

3y ago33:17

33:17

In this episode, Michael Amidei and Clifford Brooks interview Clark Hagan. Clark Hagan (www.clarkhaganproductions.com) is a Grammy award-winning Producer/Engineer with a world-class resume and a legendary mastery of the recording arts. After graduating from the University of Colorado at Denver, Clark began to master his craft as a recording enginee…

1
Your Voice Needs To Be Heard (Interview with Alabama Poet Laureate Ashley M. Jones) 45:48

3y ago45:48

45:48

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview poet Ashley M. Jones. Ashley M. Jones (https://ashleymjonespoetry.com/) is Poet Laureate of the state of Alabama (2022-2026). She received an MFA in Poetry from Florida International University (FIU), where she was a John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Fellow. She served as Official P…

1
Discovering A Higher Purpose (Interview with Vincent Zangaro) 39:21

3y ago39:21

39:21

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview musician & founder of Alzheimer's Music Fest Vincent Zangaro. Vincent Zangaro (https://alzheimersmusicfest.org) Vincent's Alzheimer’s journey began over a decade ago at the age of 29 after his father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. At 68 years old, the elder Zangaro’s health rapidly declined, l…

1
How Music Leaves The Body (Interview with Lee Herrick) 47:42

3y ago47:42

47:42

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview poet and professor Lee Herrick. Lee Herrick (https://www.leeherrick.com) is the author of three books of poems, Scar and Flower, Gardening Secrets of the Dead, and This Many Miles from Desire. He is co-editor, with Leah Silvieus, of The World I Leave You: Asian American Poets on Faith an…

1
Do The Work To Find Your Community (Interview with Gary Chapman) 51:31

3y ago51:31

51:31

In this episode, Michael Amidei and Clifford Brooks interview Gary Chapman. Gary Chapman (www.GaryChapmanArt.com) is Professor of Painting and Drawing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He holds an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art, as well as a BA and BS from Berea College. Chapman has had over 70 solo exhibitions with institutions such a…

1
The Art Of Growing Memoir (Interview with Megan Baxter) 45:25

3y ago45:25

45:25

In this episode, Michael Amidei and Clifford Brooks interview Megan Baxter. Megan Baxter (www.MeganBaxterWriting.com) holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Vermont College of the Fine Arts and a BFA in Poetry from Goddard College. In 2004, when she graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy as a Creative Writing Major, Megan was honored as a Presid…

1
What It Takes To Be In The Music Industry (Interview with Maal The Pimp) 44:36

3y ago44:36

44:36

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview Maal The Pimp. Maal The Pimp (www.maalthepimp.com) released his first solo album Business As Usual in the Spring of 2003, after appearing on numerous independent projects since 1998. In 2004, Maal graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Recording Industry: Music…

1
10,000 Hours (Interview with Jimmy James) 40:24

3y ago40:24

40:24

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview guitarist Jimmy James. Jimmy James (https://linktr.ee/jimmyscratchjames) a man of another era- an old soul w/ an encyclopedic knowledge of 60’s soul music & the creative drive to evolve that sound into the future. His guitar phrasing, tone, and temperament are something truly creative an…

1
Every Day Is Your Shot (Interview with Dave Brandwein from Turkuaz) 44:36

3y ago44:36

44:36

In this episode, Michael and Clifford interview Dave Brandwein. Dave Brandwein is the frontman, guitarist, and one of the creative forces behind the phenomenal band Turkuaz. www.Turkuazband.com Balancing male-female harmonies, strutting guitars, wild horn arrangements, and interminable grooves, a spirit takes shape on stage nightly for Turkuaz via …

1
The Aesthetics Of Gratitude (Interview with Neal Francis) 49:05

3+ y ago49:05

49:05

In this episode, Michael Amidei and Clifford Brooks interview the phenomenal musician, Neal Francis. Neal Francis (www.NealFrancis.com) “I just wanted to be honest about everything, from my musical influences to my story,” muses Neal Francis. After years of dishonest living—consumed by drugs, alcohol, and addiction—such sincerity is jarring from th…

1
The Audience Creates The Performer (Interview with Mario "The Maker Magician") 36:12

3+ y ago36:12

36:12

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei interview Mario "The Make Magician"... Mario "the maker magician" Marchese (https://www.mariothemagician.com/) is a NY-based (normally touring) performer with an all-ages theater show full of homespun magic, diy robotics, and punk rock slapstick. it's magic through the lens of the maker movement! for…

1
The Choice To Live As A Poet (Interview with Faylita Hicks) 53:57

3+ y ago53:57

53:57

In this episode, Cliff Brooks interviews Faylita Hicks. Faylita Hicks (www.FaylitaHicks.com @FaylitaHicks) is a queer Afro-Latinx activist, writer, and interdisciplinary artist born in Gardena, CA, but raised in Central Texas. They are the former Editor-in-Chief of Borderlands: Texas Poetry Review and the author of HoodWitch (Acre Books, 2019), whi…

1
A Musical Legend Speaks (Interview with Alain Johannes) 52:15

3+ y ago52:15

52:15

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei interview musical legend Alain Johannes. Alain Johannes (http://www.alainjohannes.com) a musician, vocalist, and producer. He is a founding member of several bands, including the alternative rock group Eleven, and has been involved with acts such as hard rock band Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooke…

1
Finding Poetry In The Mists Of Experience (Interview with Angela Dribben) 39:56

3+ y ago39:56

39:56

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei interview poet Angela Dribben. Angela Dribben After 22 years as a massage therapist, Angela Dribben’s scoliotic spine gave her reason to retire and turn to writing. She found herself at Bread Loaf a few months later. Then onto Randolph College’s MFA program. From there her work made its way into jour…

1
Awakening Of The Shovel Guitar (Interview with Justin Johnson) 41:21

3+ y ago41:21

41:21

In this interview, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview guitar phenom Justin Johnson. Justin Johnson (www.justinjohnsonlive.com) has been hailed by Guitar World as a "must-see act", dubbed "The Wizard" for his mastery of stringed instruments, and recognized as Slidestock International Slide Guitar Champion. In 2014, Justin Johnson recorded …

1
How A Powerhouse Finds The Time (and Energy) To Create (Interview with Rebecca Evans) 32:34

4y ago32:34

32:34

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview poet, memoirist, podcast host, and veteran Rebecca Evans. Links "Writer To Writer" Podcast Inner Element

1
Never Turn Back (Interview with Christopher Swann) 49:27

4y ago49:27

49:27

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei interview author Christopher Swann. Christopher Swann (https://christopherswann.com) is a novelist and high school English teacher in Atlanta, Georgia. A graduate of Woodberry Forest School in Virginia, he earned his Ph.D. in creative writing from Georgia State University. In 2018, Chris was a Townse…

1
The Pursuit Of Craft (Interview with Angel Snow) 41:13

4y ago41:13

41:13

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview musician and songwriter Angel Snow. Angel Snow (www.angelsnow.net) is a talented and inspiring musician and songwriter living in Nashville, TN. Her albums include "Magnetic", "Arrows" and "Stripped".

1
Songs Of Creative Dedication & How Fires End (Interview with Marco Rafalà) 51:23

4y ago51:23

51:23

In this episode, Michael Amidei and Clifford Brooks interview author Marco Rafalà. Marco Rafalà (https://www.marcorafala.com/) is a first-generation Sicilian American novelist, musician, and writer for award-winning tabletop role-playing games. He earned his MFA in Fiction from The New School and is a co-curator of the Guerrilla Lit Reading Series …

1
The Passion & Wit Of R.J. Jeffreys 39:05

4y ago39:05

39:05

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview R.J. Jeffreys. R.J. Jeffreys is a poet, writer, novelist, writing coach and mentor, celebrity ghostwriter, playwright, Executive Producer Digital Media for VIDA Voices & Views, and contributing editor and Senior Producer Radio Interviews Media for Tiferet Journal. He is the host of The W…

1
Surrender Your Gift (Interview with Casanova Green Pt. 2) 52:44

4y ago52:44

52:44

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei interview pastor, professor, musician, and poet Casanova Green. Casanova Green (https://www.cgcreate.online/) is a writer, singer/songwriter, educator, and pastor. He is a 2010 graduate of Ohio Northern University with a BA in Language Arts Education with a minor in voice and received an MFA in Creat…

1
Exploring Of The Creative Feminine 37:20

4y ago37:20

37:20

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei interview author, artist, podcaster, and poet Eurydice Eve. Eurydice (https://eurydice.net/) has been a sex writer & archivist, a multi-modal scholar & sexual freedom activist for 25 years. Eurydice’s work is steeped in philosophy & history & dedicated to the generations of silenced women for whom sh…

1
The New Psalmist (Interview with Clay Matthews) 37:53

4y ago37:53

37:53

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei interview poet Clay Matthews. Clay Matthews (@ClayBMatthews on Twitter) has published poetry in journals such as the Southern Review, diode, Kenyon Review, Gulf Coast, and elsewhere. His most recent book, Shore, was published by Cooper Dillon Books. His other books are Superfecta, and Pretty, Rooster…

1
Trauma Forged Into Art (Interview with Tianna G. Hansen) 53:12

4y ago53:12

53:12

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei interview publisher and writer Tianna G. Hansen. Tianna G. Hansen has been writing her whole life, with her first love as poetry. She has studied fiction and dabbles in creative nonfiction. Tianna founded Rhythm & Bones Press (rhythmnbone.com) where she works as the editor-in-chief turning trauma int…

1
The Embrace Of Despair (Interview with Dr. Samantha Rose Hill) 49:26

4+ y ago49:26

49:26

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei interview Dr. Samantha Rose Hill. Dr. Hill (https://www.samantharosehill.com/) received her doctorate in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2014. From 2013-2015, she conducted post-doctoral research at Heidelberg Universität and the Institut für Philosophie at the Goet…

1
Rhythm Hymns (Interview with Tyree Daye) 42:36

4+ y ago42:36

42:36

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview poet Tyree Daye. Tyree Daye (http://www.tyree.work/) a poet from Youngsville, North Carolina, and a Teaching Assistant Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill. He is the author of two poetry collections River Hymns 2017 APR/Honickman First Book Prize winner and Cardinal forthcoming from Copper Cany…

1
The Tender Words Of Zoe Fishman 48:29

4+ y ago48:29

48:29

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview author Zoe Fishman. Zoe Fishman (https://www.zoefishman.net/) the critically acclaimed author of Invisible As Air (Morrow, September '19), the bestselling Inheriting Edith, (Morrow, October ’16), Driving Lessons (Morrow, April ’14), Saving Ruth (Morrow, May ’12) and Balancing Acts (Harpe…

1
Bone Chalk & Prison (Interview with Jim Reese) 52:47

4+ y ago52:47

52:47

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei interview Jim Reese. Jim Reese ( www.jimreese.org ) Jim Reese is Associate Professor of English and Director of the Great Plains Writers’ Tour at Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota. Reese’s poetry and prose have been widely published, and he has performed readings at venues throughout the c…

1
New Year, Who Dis? 1:03:31

4+ y ago1:03:31

1:03:31

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei discuss how they plan for each new year.

1
The Poetry Of Accelerated Particles... (Interview with Jeffery Skinner) 57:24

4+ y ago57:24

57:24

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei interview Jeffery Skinner. http://jeffreyskinner.net/ Poet, playwright, and essayist Jeffrey Skinner was awarded a 2014 Guggenheim Fellowship in Poetry. Skinner’s Guggenheim project involves a conflation of contemporary physics, poetry, and theology. He served as the June, 2015 Artist in Residence at…

1
Get It On The Page! (A Louisiana Poet Laureate Speaks) 55:28

4+ y ago55:28

55:28

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei interview poet Jack Bedell. Jack B. Bedell (http://www.jackbbedell.com/) is Professor of English and Coordinator of Creative Writing at Southeastern Louisiana University where he also edits Louisiana Literature and directs the Louisiana Literature Press. His latest collections are Elliptic (Yellow …

1
A New York Literary Agent Speaks... 1:01:16

4+ y ago1:01:16

1:01:16

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview literary agent and editor, Alicia Brooks. Alicia Brooks ( http://www.jvnla.com/) began her career over twenty years ago in book publishing as an editorial assistant at Penguin USA. She worked her way up to an assistant editor position at Nan A. Talese/Doubleday where she worked with note…

1
The Dance Of Poetry (Interview with Melissa Studdard) 1:05:22

4+ y ago1:05:22

1:05:22

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview poet and author Melissa Studdard. https://melissastuddard.com/ Melissa Studdard is the author of four books, including the poetry collection I Ate the Cosmos for Breakfast and the young adult novel Six Weeks to Yehidah. Her short writings have appeared in a wide variety of journals, maga…

1
Wealth Building As Creatives (Interview w/ Chris Lazarus) 51:04

5y ago51:04

51:04

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei interview podcaster and real estate guru Chris Lazarus. Chris Lazarus's portfolio includes small-scale boutique property management, property listing, and advertising services, buyer assistance, personal coaching and consulting. In my spare time, I host the re:Think Real Estate Podcast about the real…

1
How To Gain Power & Resilience From Childhood Trauma (Interview with Robert Gwaltney) 51:44

5y ago51:44

51:44

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei interview author Robert Gwaltney. Robert Gwaltney, a graduate of Florida State University, resides in Atlanta Georgia where he is active in the local literary community and an associate member of the Southern Collective Experience. His short story, “The Deep Down”, was recently published in The Signa…

1
West Coast Country (Interview with Debbie Hennessey) 1:15:52

5y ago1:15:52

1:15:52

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview musician Debbie Hennessey. Debbie Hennessey was named AC40 Female Artist of the Year by New Music Weekly as well as charting a Top 20 Hit on NMW’s AC40 Charts. Her songs and music videos have aired on USA and UHD Networks, and TV shows Extra, The Next GAC Star, and The Moment. She has be…

1
The Keepers Of Calliope (Interview with Shawn Crawford) 53:13

5y ago53:13

53:13

In this episode, Cliff Brooks and Michael Amidei interview Shawn Crawford, the force behind the publishing company "The Calliope Group" and "Calliope Crashes". Shawn Crawford lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, surrounded by the Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan archives, the Cain’s Ballroom, and the spirit of Leon Russell. He left academics to make some real coin…

1
The Rough Magic Of Cornelius Eady 1:06:16

5y ago1:06:16

1:06:16

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview poet, playwright, musician, and professor Cornelius Eady. Music featured in this episode: "The Pickle King" by The Cornelius Eady Trio "Bree" by The Cornelius Eady Trio Cornelius Eady is the author of several books of poetry, including the critically acclaimed Hardheaded Weather, which w…

1
Autism Speaks (Interview w/ Kimberly Dick) 49:27

5y ago49:27

49:27

In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview Executive Director of Autism Speaks Georgia and Tennessee, Kimberly Dick. Kimberly Dick, Executive Director of Autism Speaks Georgia and Tennessee has been involved with the organization for over 10 years. Kimberly became involved shortly after her son, Caleb’s diagnosis as a walk volunt…

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