Spotlight Conversations

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 Fuller and Doc Watson to Nina Simone and Superchunk" (winner of the 2021 North Caroliniana Society Book Award); his impressive CD collection (over 6,000) and vinyl collection (3,000); plus the backstory about writing with Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel) called "Comin' Right at Ya: How a Jewish Yankee Hippie Went Country, or, the Often Outrageous History of Asleep at the Wheel".  (With his penchant for long book titles, I did ask David if he ever worked as a headline editor somewhere during his journalism career!) We also talk about his popular blog post "Secret to a long life is knowing when it's time to go"; why he's still a fan of college radio, stories of Americana music, and plans for his next book. Bring along your love of music 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

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, marketing your voice brand, auditions, voice style and more. He also talks about the importance of coaching (including his work with voice coach Elaine Craig), studio performance, audio demos, adapting to technology plus Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the future of voiceovers. Bring along those headphones and join 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

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 November.  Dayna's "dark uplifting comedy about surviving Alzheimer's with Friends, Facebook and a Really Big Glass of Wine" candidly tells about her mother's journey with Alzheimer's; how the writing of the play started, why she's stays organized, and names the directors, actors and writers she's brought in throughout the entire production. Could there also be a Tony in her future? Find out on my podcast!

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

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 the house, and instead of buying a ticket to the west coast (um, cue Billy Joel song) decided to buy a motorhome and tour the country. But before we discuss road trips, we get in a little backstory about radio stories with infamous rock stars, how WMMS and the community of Cleveland built the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, how Cleveland came to be known as 'The Rock and Roll Capitol' and more. He also talks about how his daughter (who works for SpaceX in Los Angeles) was the inspiration for this new life on the road; why Patti is the navigator on their tour 'rockinNwheelin'; and no matter where he travels, why he will always be true to his Midwestern roots. Hop on the tour bus 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

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 San Francisco, WLS Chicago and WCBS FM in New York. We also talk about the radio DJ's who inspired us as kids: he with New York radio legend Cousin Brucie (Bruce Morrow) and mine - Boom Boom Brannigan of WPTR in upstate New York. So with all these stories, is a book about the radio biz in the works for Ron? He definitely has a title for it! Tune in and find out from this award winning radio personality and program director.

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

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 director Gilbert Sosa. Marc also discusses working with Houston television station KHOU and receiving the very first Lone Star Emmy nomination for producing  the children's program Houston Zooperstars Challenge; his first job as a weather forecaster (sans meteorology degree - yup, he's that versatile); how baseball, soccer and growing up in upstate New York inspired his creative career; giving and getting direction as an actor and voice talent; and the new screenplay he's working on. Join us - and be sure to take notes!

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

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 and theatre at an international school in Hong Kong, the Canadian born voice actor talks about what to do before recording, including tips on reading (tiny spoiler alert: 'preparation'), finding your literary niche and why narrating audiobooks differs from all other forms of voiceover. 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 Hollywood today talking with American voiceover actor Beau Weaver, talking about how he made the challenging transition from a career in radio personality (KILT and KULF/Houston; KFRC/San Francisco; KHJ/Los Angeles) to voice actor; becoming one of the pioneers of satellite broadcasting as an original member of the air staff for 'Transtar Radio Network'; the backstory of his first promo voice company called "Three Fine Pipes" and how taking classes with legendary voiceover actress Joan Gerber helped launch him into a successful voiceover career with clients such as Animal Planet, National Geographic and Entertainment Tonight, to providing the voice of Superman/Clark Kent in the Ruby-Spears produced animated series 'Superman' and later as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic in Marvel's 'Fantastic Four'. The candid and always original Beau also explains how to balance working hard and setting goals together with being inspired and being present (a harder lesson to learn as he describes in the podcast); plus two things he does every day that bring him joy. Sit back, tune in and learn from this master storyteller! 

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

Studio session is all about the biography 'Have A Little Faith: The John Hiatt Story', and author Michael Elliott talks about researching and writing about the singer-songwriter's success and substance abuse; along with Hiatt's resilience and eventual recovery. Michael discusses his early days in radio; how working around music eventually brought him success in writing for online music magazines such as No Depression, Pop Matters and Albumism; and what it was like researching for his book with legendary Nashville artists Bill Lloyd and The Long Players. He also tells the true story of how he asked for - and received - a forward for his book from Elvis Costello; being a part of a writing panel at AmericanaFest with fellow music writers Holly George Warren and Marshall Chapman; plus how a book he read by The Who guitarist Pete Townshend inspired Michael to write his first book. Pull up a chair and join us in the studio for this special interview!

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

Versatile singer songwriter Kaya Black is in the studio today and we talk about the reggae music scene, recording music in Nashville and Jamaica, his family, his new single "Missing You" and more! Named after a Bob Marley album (and song), and musically inspired by both his mother and his father, entertainment photographer Johnny Black (who's photo credits include Bob Marley and Black Uhuru plus album covers for Ziggy Marley), Kaya also discusses what it was like to be one of the youngest concert goers at Reggae Sunsplash and how an Instagram post gave him an opportunity to work in the studio with Grammy award winning engineer Errol Brown, country music producer Tyler Cain and Kyle Cook, guitarist from Matchbox 20. 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

Today's show is about media, but also has a spiritual spin to it, as veteran radio broadcaster Stefan Rybak and I talk about his personal memoir "The Shadow On My Heart - Faith. Family. Forgiveness.",  a Top Ten Best Seller on Amazon. Stefan discusses his 40 years of success in radio, starting from his early days working at his hometown station in Waterbury, Connecticut  (where he was an intern for local radio personality Tom Collins, later known to millions in the entertainment industry as voiceover professional Joe Cipriano); his work ethic that stretched from On-Air Talent to Program Director to General Manager, as well as several years of nonstop partying which led to a serious health scare. Stefan also tells the story of his parents (his mom, captured by the Nazi's in Poland and forced to work as a slave laborer, and his dad, a POW in Germany during WWII); how prayer was the key to their survival and later for himself as he faced surgery to correct a previously undiagnosed congenital heart defect. Listen as he talks about literary agents, working hard for what you want, his take on "processing problems through spiritual perspective" and the three important goals he had for writing his current book. 

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 Raleigh, NC today with 94.7 QDR Country morning guy Mike Wheless - and yes, he has a lot of country music radio stories! Heading up the two time Country Music Association (CMA) and one time Academy of Country Music (ACM) awarded station (plus mixing in his 30 years in the broadcast biz) is no easy feat, but this radio personality makes it all so easy. The veteran broadcaster talks about the early days of his career (and how he was encouraged to pursue his radio dream from his dad); those memorable on-air moments at QDR with singers Luke Bryan and Ronnie Milsap; and equally memorable events like guitar playing with Keith Urban, stage performances with Toby Keith and more. We also discuss the traveling antics of his cat 'Shady Grady', the reason he's the husband who likes being the cook in the family and why some radio talent are really homebodies at heart. Kick back and tune in to hear the backstory from a legendary radio talent.

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 all about the world of voiceovers with voice actress Liz Fodor! The New York based performer, currently nominated for this year's One Voice Awards UK and the One Voice Awards USA, discusses everything from her background as a busy producer at Nickelodeon; dubbing her voice for character Poison Ivy in Harley Quinn: Blazing Shadows, to writing for Hobby Kids TV and more. She also talks about her love of painting, music (she trained as a violinist) and where she started her career as a voiceover actor. We also talk dialects and accents (she's got the British and Australian accent DOWN mate!) and gives some honest advice for anyone thinking about getting into today's ever growing voiceover business. Bring along your headphones and get into creative mode with the inside story from this versatile performer!

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

One of my fave places for original rock music is in North Carolina, and today I'm in the studio  with Jamie Hoover of The Spongetones! Jamie talks about the band's musical start in Charlotte (complete with the jangle pop riffs and their Beatlesque vocal style); to his current work in Nashville with Bill Lloyd (of Foster and Lloyd) and the rest of The Long Players. We also discuss nearly every reason why he loves the band XTC; The Spongetones getting that initial press from Rolling Stone magazine for albums Beat Music and Torn Apart; those days of touring with The Kinks and later with The Smithereens and Hootie & the Blowfish; and who really named his studio 'Hooverama'. It's a rock and roll cover story you don't want to miss!

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

Spending studio time in Houston today with media blogger Mike McGuff. His knowledge of just about everybody in media, keeps everyone 'in the know' about their fave Texas media celeb! Mike shares how and why he got started covering the Houston and Texas media scene, beginning with his first days as a reporter and producer at media outlets KIAH 39, KTRK and KXXV; covering Hurricane Harvey for British news outlet ITV; the changing rules of media and technology; to his work as producer of the Rock 101 KLOL documentary. He also speaks candidly about his mom, who had been diagnosed  with Alzheimer's and how he continues to dedicate his time to the Alzheimer's Association to find a cure.

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

Swingin' up to Dallas/Fort Worth for studio time with Mark 'Hawkeye' Lewis, morning show host at New Country 96.3 KSCS! With over 30 years of morning radio experience (all at New Country 96.3 no less!) this guy knows audiences, marketing, branding and what it takes to make a successful career in radio. We talk about radio consultants (Mark is probably the only person who has worked with three legendary morning show coaches: Steve Reynolds, Randy Lane and Tracy Johnson); what it was like to be inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame this year; his travel podcast 'Travel With Hawkeye' and his new YouTube video "5 ways To Promote Your Morning Show That Cost You Nothing". He's also written a few books including "The Travis Club" and "The San Antonio Guidebook". I know, does he like, ever, ever sleep?! We also discuss his community work with the upcoming BMW Dallas Marathon Festival; his dog sledding experiences; and why he really loves making weedkillers and occasionally fixing vacuum cleaners. (It will all make sense after you hear the podcast!) Bring along your Texas swagger 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

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with radio station 100.7 WMMS: The Buzzard (regarded as one of the most influential rock radio stations in the country) has made Cleveland a rock music destination for fans and artists alike. I'm in Cleveland today with the original WMMS Buzzard Morning Zoo host and self-proclaimed radio junkie Ed 'Flash' Ferenc to find out more about the station and the early days of progressive rock radio! From growing up making his own wireless transmitter, to later creating morning show hi jinx (as 'Jeff & Flash') with co-host Jeff Kinzbach; later working with legendary radio personalities Charlie Kendall and Kid Leo; to the backstories you may not have heard behind the creation of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and how the infamous Buzzard got his start as the mascot for WMMS. Now working as host of 'America's Workforce',  Ed discusses his current passion: finding a cure for his twin daughters (both diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis) with the help of a charity he has founded called 'Motivate My Sister'. 

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

Remember record stores? Finding that special piece of vinyl; maybe hearing your fave band in the store on a Saturday afternoon? The podcast today is all about those things and more as I talk with Carrie Colliton, co-founder of Record Store Day. Along with Michael Kurtz, Carrie has worked with independent record stores worldwide since 2008, helping to bring new business ideas to store owners in nearly every city. We talk about marketing, record players, in-store gigs, organizing the first Record Store Day at School Kids Records in North Carolina, how she and Michael started Record Store Day - and continue to keep the momentum going! Move those record racks aside and join us in the studio for this very special podcast!

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

Celebrating the milestone - a one year podcast anniversary! -  with my very first guest, fellow podcaster Adam Boardman, known also around the radio dial as Adam 12. Since leaving radio he's become a runner and started his podcast 'Pushing 50' - where 'Hedonism Meets Healthy Aging'. Adam joins me in the studio to talk about everything from his unique podcast to serving beers to trail running; and mixes in his ideas on inspiration, mental gymnastics and psychology. It's about perspective baby! Then the conversation turns to where Adam starts asking me questions and well, he gets some interesting answers! Bring along your running shoes and a tall cool one and join 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

Love a good mystery novel? Ever wondered where crime writers get ideas for their stories? Listen in on my  conversation with WRAL TV 5 television reporter Amanda Lamb as she talks about her successful 'true crime' writing career. In addition to over 30 years of television news experience, this hard working, detail oriented reporter has authored 10 books; four memoirs, three true crime books and two children's books! Amanda discusses how her work covering crime stories in television news helped influence her first novel (a psychological thriller) and follow up murder mystery book "Lies That Bind" (available now on Amazon); her upcoming true crime podcasts for Capital Broadcasting, and the reality of social media and news today.  

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