The Kaya Black interview

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 partnership of careers". We also chat about the differences between commercial work and audiobooks; making the move from theatre, television and radio performance to voiceover success; what it takes to guide talent to their next achievement; safeguards for AI and your voiceover past; plus an honest vision of what the year 2044 might look like for voiceover performers! Bring along your love of all things audio and join us.

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios

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 Critics Choice Association, Houston Film Critics Society, The Alliance of Women Film Journalists and more. This busy Texas Radio Hall of Famer also discusses her Academy Award picks for Best Film, Best Actor and Best Actress; the new fascination with foreign films; her love of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the lowdown on those infamous deep fried foods - some you may be hearing about for the first time! 

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios

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 marketing your podcast needs to be a top priority  to succeed. This one time radio program director who now heads up his company the 'Sound Off Media Company' discusses radio and AI, why the riches are in 'niches' and as always - finding the right audience. And as if he's not busy enough helping future podcasters become great podcasters, he's also putting together two new podcasts you gotta hear - 'Podcast Super Friends' and 'You May Also Like', which celebrates curiosity and inquisition. Oh, have I got questions for our next podcast episode. Join us!

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios

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 K-ROCK/WXRK with Howard Stern and Z100/WHTZ.  Never one to stay idle while busy in the broadcasting booth, Jo describes it all - from the real reason why she got her MBA at Columbia to essay writing for the New York Times; all while writing several books. Hustle baby! Her novel 'The Naked DJ', is a fictional (well, kinda!) story of her days in the crazy radio biz. Later hear Jo discuss her enjoyable side hustle as an Auctioneer - perfect gig she says, for broadcasters. Bring your love of all things audio and listen in.

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios

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 special story about moments with Elvis. Grab a glass and join us!

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios

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 list of clients in both languages and in long form narration.  With nods to some of his favorite voice teachers: Maurice Tobias, Anne Ganguzza, The VO Roadshow and Scott Parkin, listen in as Paul describes his unique studio journey; how collaborating with others behind the mic can benefit everyone; what you can do about that oncoming train known as AI; blogging and website building; and how understanding the business of your chosen field is one of the most important keys to voiceover success.  Besides studio stories, we also talk about his love of cycling, photography and more. Join us!

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios

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 many radio formats he's worked in, the Adult Contemporary arena is where he loves to work; his brand new website where you can find some of your fave radio T-shirt's from back in the day at 'Favorite Radio Shirts' plus all about his cool restaurants around town called 'Christian's Tailgate Bar and Grill' where Monday Night Football - and Houston's best burger title - reigns supreme. We also talk about some legendary Texas radio legends like Mike Cannon, Sam Malone, Dayna Steele, Bob Ford and more. Bring along your love of all things radio and join us!

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios

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 special tribute band. From newspaper reporter to public relations expert to now life on the road with 'Johnny Folsom 4', Steve discusses the current tribute band phenomenon, and how this group keeps the authentic spirit and legend of Johnny Cash alive on every tour stop. Join us!

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios

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 Rounder Records, how the forward from Robert Plant from Led Zep came together, those interviews with Allison Krauss, Bela Fleck and Patterson Hood; how radio joined in with the evolution of Americana music, the true story behind the book title "Oh Didn't They Ramble...' , plus a special shout out to Texas Music Hall of Fame singer Monte Warden and the Wagoneers. Join us!

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios

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 will be appearing at the Austin Under The Stars Film Festival in October. The busy actress gets real about her love of working with actors who have successfully gone on to big time acting gigs with Spy Kids, Stranger Things, and The Chosen, along with coaching students who have been accepted into the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts - to name a few! Bring along your love of the dramatic arts and join us.

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios