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In the studio with award winning Alysson Bourque, author of the Alycat Series of children's books. This busy mom - who was inspired by her children to write - describes her very special writing journey in today's podcast. From elementary school teacher to law school grad, to her work as Assistant Attorney General for the state of Louisiana, her story combines hard work and a true passion for writing. Her current book 'Alycat And The CattyWampus Wednesday" (available now on Amazon) is the next in the series which delights young audiences with the story of a cat named AlyCat who solves problems '"with a big heart and a creative imagination"'.  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 York, who chose Alysson's book series to be a part of the Duchess's 'Storytime with Fergie and Friends" on YouTube. We also discuss the story behind Alysson's book marketing company 'Forward Publicity'. It's a writing journey you don't want to miss. Join us!Check out the AlyCat Series website for more about how you can help literacy in your community!

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 coach Mike Krzyzewski). We then talk about everything from radio (40 years as a morning show host) to his current voiceover career; the art of social media (and how it relates to radio); aging gracefully; living on less; minimalism, and his work with the Children's Miracle Network. Tune in to this veteran radio broadcaster who serves up an entertaining episode of just how to embrace where you are and own it. 

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 Mystery series) and "Frictional Characters" from the Village Library series. A lifelong fan of mystery books (yup, think Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys!) this South Carolina native has read just about every mystery novel she could get her hands on from a very early age, and soon realized becoming a writer was the career for her. Over 40 books later, the Penguin-Random House and Midnight Ink author (who has also published many of her books independently) discusses the truth about marketing a book, new writer challenges, dealing with rejection and learning how to 'stick with it' in a highly competitive industry. Bring along a cuppa and join us! 

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 of books and performance, has paved the way to a very successful business, beginning with his first audiobook project: narrating the Bible for Thomas Nelson, a. world leading publisher and provider of Christian content.  With an honest approach to the business of voiceovers and audiobook narration, Bob gives advice on everything from building relationships within the voice industry, why working alongside directors and editors on audiobooks is so important, to ways to keep your business growing and more. The Audie Award and Earphones Award winning performer also talks about his special upcoming project - narrating a new translation of the Bible (published by The Bible Hub). It's a full circle story from a seasoned voice pro you don't want to miss!

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 and writing blogs (and her contribution to WRAL's parenting blog "Go Ask Mom". ) Her reputation as a go-to reporter (including regular appearances on crime shows on CNN, truTV, Biography and the Oxygen network) plus a solid work ethic carries over to her fiction writing as well, with eight books written so far and counting! Listen is as she describes her journey of self publishing, traditional publishing, her take on the future of audiobooks and more. Join us!

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 and energy it takes to make a successful audiobook. This busy Texas narrator whose credits include After the Apocalypse  (a zombie apocalypse thriller) by Warren Hately and Prison Days (a true crime biography) by Simon King, explains all the important details in producing audiobooks (many which happen before stepping into the studio); understanding the differences between reading a book versus reading a commercial, and how to be your own engineer and producer (in addition to being talent!). He also covers topics such as character voice development, point of view, auditions, and the importance of training (before recording that very first audiobook). Bring along your love of storytelling and prepare to learn what it takes to be a successful audiobook narrator!

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 character to preeminent defense attorney in Houston' (visualize a turn of the century 'Perry Mason). Mike talks about his journey as a student who loved history class (excellent teachers) and supportive parents (who encouraged him to read); his love of words and historical research; working in radio (including 97 Talk in Houston); screenwriting for the BBC and American television (including his contribution for PBS on the 'Birth of Texas' series); and what the future holds for the historical Brenham Heritage Museum and Night Heron Media, where he is Creative Director. Bring your love of the Lone Star State to the studio and listen in!

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 14, 2022 at the Post Oak Hotel) discusses everything from taking photos of news personalities in both their working news room environment to capturing the true personality outside of the newsroom; creative advertising campaigns he's worked on; what he knows about the psychology of photography plus what inspires him (and his subjects). From album cover art  to his iconic photo of President George Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush at the Palms Restaurant in Houston to his current project: cover art photographer for local television personality Dominique Sachse's new book "Life Makeover: Embrace the Bold, Beautiful, and Blessed You", this photographer knows everything it takes to capture the best image for his clients. Join us!

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 class reunions, all told in his own down to earth style.  He also talks about his volunteer work with animal rescue group Paws In The City in Dallas and his podcast 'Hanging out with Ted McKay'.  Bring along your love of stories and join us for this fun and entertaining episode.

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 marketing campaign of 1986 involving The Houston Rockets/The LA Lakers game (#sunglasses #JackNicholson). We also discuss the rise of internet radio stations (like Houston Radio Platinum, one of our shared radio station hangouts); his podcast Smokin' Joe's Driving Range;  current charity work with Rebuilding Houston and more.  If you love to hear media stories from a promotional expert, tune in! 

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 music for slot machines (in Vegas and worldwide) Mark has done it all. This versatile musician, producer and engineer talks about breaking into the music scene; what it means to be a versatile sight reading musical artist; starting up a one man band plus all about his new country rock band "Steam Town Road". If you really love the stories behind the music, join us!

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; the ongoing relationship between media and technology; patching, multi-factor authenication, vulnerabilities and open source; plus the future of AI and voiceovers (this podcaster learned plenty in the interview - whew!) And for you media buffs, Michael dishes out which television dramas are tech accurate ('Mr. Robot' ) and which are sheer Hollywood; the double meaning of hackers; how he founded HOUSECCON, and why solving puzzles and picking locks may make you the next IT pro. So whether you're someone who knows all about tech, or if you're just learning about the computer scene, stay ahead of the game and  join us!

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 afternoon show host at WAOR talks about his American broadcasting career, from how writing a poem introduced him to legendary radio personality Paul 'Cubby' Bryant on WKTU in New York; and the backstory of Dave's second gig as a radio host for the Irish Music Show on WROL in Boston and the close community of listeners who join him each week. He then talks about his true passion: supporting non profit agencies around Indiana and children's charities, including Ryan's Place, Bashor Children's Home and his work with CASA as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Funny and candid, it's an interview you don't want to miss. Join us!

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 reading Shakespeare and Dickens started his stage career. The actor and playwright who created his own unique musical/comedy production of a holiday classic, discusses the importance of honesty in acting, building audience trust and the fun of character development. He also talks about two of his children who followed him in their own careers: Emmy nominated actress Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld) and son Ira (Artistic Director for Theatre in the Park) and how they still reach out to dad for his creative advice. Bring along your love of the stage (and a mug of wassail!) and join us.

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 rock music (including his first band "The Drapes") and his film work ('The Thing Called Love' and 'Webb Wilder Private Eye') which aired on USA Network's Night Flight. The self proclaimed 'part Marlowe, part Gonzo' detective character in the book also discusses working as one of the first satellite DJ's in the US plus all about his new album Night Without Love (with cover art by legendary album artist Flournoy Holmes (Eat A Peach, The Allman Brothers Band). Drop in and tune in to this versatile performer talk about his storied music career!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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 Branigan 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.