Miss America Betty Maxwell

Listen to "Betty Maxwell Miss America Releases Miss Unlikely" on Spreaker. Betty Maxwell grew up in a double-wide trailer on a modest farm in rural Georgia where she always dreamed of becoming an actress and a vocal performer. After high school, Betty accepted a college scholarship to study theatre and music. Despite her initial hesitation, she pursued the world of pageantry once she realized it was an opportunity to showcase her vocal talents and earn additional scholarships. She never expected her pursuits would lead her to be crowned Miss America 2016. In her memoir, Miss Unlikely: From Farm Girl to Miss America (BroadStreet Publishing), Betty shares poignant moments from her childhood, her pageant journey, her year as Miss America, her fairytale wedding, and more with added insight on school, family, self-esteem, dreams, dating, and loss. During her time as Miss America, Betty traveled the world as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and gave motivational and keynote speeches to organizations and students. She also performed on USO tours and sang for the military and their families. "We all come from so many different walks of life. We all have struggles and challenges. And we all have dreams," says Betty. "If a girl as unlikely as me can turn my dreams into a reality, you can too. You just need the right tools, people who love and support you, and a whole lot of faith." Betty candidly shares her life experiences and writes her honest perspective on the recent controversies of the Miss America Organization (removing the swimsuit competition, newly appointed leadership and relinquishing control of personal social media accounts to the organization). Miss Unlikely encourages readers to remain positive in the face of life's uncertainties and find confidence in the knowledge that God has a unique plan for their life. Her official web site is: www.bettymaxwell.net

Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold

Listen to "Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold Hosts Of The 2019 Soul Train Awards On BET" on Spreaker. Actor, singer and writer Tisha Campbell will once again join actor, singer, and writer Tichina Arnold as host and co-producers of this year’s awards. The iconic best friend duo, both on the 90’s hit show Martin and in real-life, will return to the Soul Train Awards stage for the second time, bringing their dynamic comedy and infectious personalities to this year’s ceremony. Tisha Campbell is best known for her role opposite Damon Wayans on the ABC hit series My Wife and Kids and as Gina on the iconic show Martin – roles that earned her a NAACP Image Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series and the BET Comedy Award. Campbell is a recurring guest host on the FOX hit talk show The Real, and on Last Man Standing, with Tim Allen and co-stars on the upcoming Fox sitcom, Outmatched with Jason Biggs and Maggie Laws

Sean Morrow

Listen to "Sean Morrow From The Podcast Who Is" on Spreaker. PODCAST DESCRIPTION "Who Is?," an original podcast by NowThis, explores the back stories of well-known powerful people in the U.S. Over the course of sixteen 30-45 minute episodes, the podcast will look at top leaders in Washington, Trump's inner circle, the field of presidential hopefuls and major political donors. The podcast is hosted by NowThis correspondent Sean Morrow. Sean Morrow is a Senior Producer and correspondent at NowThis where he has covered everything from politics - following the trail of the 2016 election and getting in deep with politicians and voters at events like CPAC and the party conventions - to the end of the world, creating and writing the Webby-nominated show Apocalypse NowThis! which examined different ways humanity could come to an end. From Libertarians to aliens (yes, Sean has been to both UFO conventions and the Libertarian National Convention), Sean has dived deep into everything, and he's bringing that to Who Is, where he'll investigate the most powerful people in the world, how they got there, and how they're affecting your life. Also, he ran a salsa company for three years. He did not do a good job.

Faith The Lioness

Listen to "Faith The Lioness From Women Of Wrestling WOW" on Spreaker. Faith grew up in southern California blazing a trail of glory in the worlds of music and martial arts - two very unlikely hobbies for a California blonde bombshell. The Lioness never strives for anything less than greatness in her life, whether it's earning her black belt in Tae Kwon Do, going on a music tour or stepping into the ring to become the newest WOW Superhero.

Joe Elliott

Listen to "Joe Elliott's Passion For Music" on Spreaker. Joe Elliott's passion for music and it's history are a true connection as to why his creative spirit continues to grow as a member of Def Leppard and Down n Outz. 2019 was a mind blowing adventure in the way that one of biggest bands in the Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame maintained a hardcore tour schedule while Joe prepared a new album with Down n Outz. Joe talks about the bands inception and perception of where their music is rising and how its impact is pulled from decades of music inspiration. Is there a musical difference between the Def Leppard Elliott and the singer songwriter of the side band? Adding a piano to the orchestration has proved to be a key feature. The sound of Joe Elliott moves forward fed by his passion for music's historic presence.

Ana Gasteyer

Listen to "Ana Gasteyer Celebrating With Sugar And Booze" on Spreaker. Recorded in New York's iconic Bunker Studios in Brooklyn, NY, Sugar & Booze features a rollicking percussive band, a blazing horn section and is an intoxicating, merry blend of jazz, pop, soul, funk, blues and comedy that will send Holiday spirits soaring.  Brimming with creative arrangements on standards such as "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and a retro Mambo "Sleigh Ride," Gasteyer's soulful, clear vocals breathe a fresh new, and often bemused take on these beloved classics and evokes Holiday nostalgia on its original songs, such as "Nothing Rhymes with Christmas" and "Blue Black Friday." "We set out to make a new Holiday album with a throwback feel," says Gasteyer. "This album is a nod to the swing sound of the 50's and 60's but with a modern twist. It is festive, with a full-bodied sound, that I hope makes people feel joyful, jolly and gay." Gasteyer continues, "I love records from the late 50's and early 60's that never scrimped on sound. That's hard to do in this day and age, but we sought arrangements that utilized a proper band, including horn and percussion and created as full and lush a sound. The holidays are also the one time of year we can let it rip, so we wanted to make a record that was festive, fun and celebratory. A holiday record should land on a turntable and create a warm, uplifting ambiance, leaving you free to tend bar, wrap presents and live in the magical moment."

Reely Good Movies With Gabe

Listen to "Gabe Reely Good Movies Star Wars, Little Women, Bombshell And More" on Spreaker. Hollywood has delivered a long list of Christmas presents this season. Just like every year not everything is going to be a keeper. Gabe leaps all over Cats in a dog way. There's a whole lot of something totally missing from something that should've been an earth mover. We both agree the music Taylor Swift brings is the highlight of the film. Rebel Wilson and James Corden are a waste of space. Then we go all out Little Women. Yes it's been made into a movie 7 billion times. But not like this one. Florence Pugh continues to show this new age of movie making that she's going to be a major hit today and long long into the years that follow. Then we went head to head with Bombshell. Yes it's being compared to an HBO series. Yes it covers an area that we think we know but we're letting writers and directors try to tell their own version of something they didn't see face to face. Some very uncomfortable moments in the movie that will keep walking with you many days after watching it. Spies in Disguise moves into theaters on Christmas day. A brilliant display of James Bond action with a very interesting twist with pigeons. Everyone in the family will find this one to be a big wintertime hit. But what about Star Wars The Rise Of Skywalker? There's always going to be several different sides. Hardcore Star wars fans versing those that just wanted to see a movie. Everybody's got an opinion and its ok to use it. Just don't let it divide your household like politics.

Pod-Crashing Episode 37 Imaging

Listen to "Pod-Crashing Episode 37 Imaging" on Spreaker. Pod-Crashing Episode 37 Imaging Not to step on any toes but a lot of non-radio people have probably never heard of imaging. They just know they want something kind of fancy to electrify the podcast. You can hear it when you jump into an episode. Woot there it is! A huge 30 to 60 second show open with sweepers layered within the presentation. Imaging can be a great tool or a reason to drop you like a fool. It’s branding for a listeners ears. It’s speaks out in ways that keeps the talent in the host chair. Terrestrial Radio loves using it because the days of using a jingle package pulled too many dollars from their pockets. Imaging a radio station actually began in the mid-80s when huge voices like Mark Driscoll and Bryan James invested a ton of money into building home studios. They made a lot of money for barking out call letters with attitude. Why? Because everybody in radio and television wants to look and sound cool. You can physically see the importance of it while watching pro football. FOX cannot be compared to CBS. It’s an automatic to think fancy sound effects and filtered voices lure the listener and viewers to your stage. I’m not sure that’s true. For every second you keep people away from why they tuned in is every reason why they’re taking off. Old School Radio utilizes the strength of imaging to beef up the stations showmanship. I can see why podcasters would want to do it. One problem. Sometimes all you truly need to be is impressed listeners showed up without having to be wined and dined with too much glitz and glamour. Don’t push them away with a bunch of loud noises in a world created to be a one on one relationship. Podcasting is about content. If the description of the episode says you’re talking to Paul McCartney or you’re reviewing movies and books. Hit the stage running. Marc Maron uses a little bit of imaging. No big voices or crazy listeners shouting out his name. It almost sounds like he’s recorded a few guitar riffs that simply state yeah this is me get over it. Howard Stern who isn’t a podcaster has the world’s longest show open. No large voice just Rob Zombie at the same time every day. Over and over. Not a bash. It’s imaging. You hear that song and you know Stern’s show is just getting started. Look at Rush Limbaugh with the Pretenders song intro! But wait. I’m talking about incredible talent brought up through the veins of terrestrial radio. Does podcasting in 2020 need imaging? It does in your social media! Spend time perking up the attention of a potential listener. Once they land on the episode they are yours to lose. When I first got into podcasting in 2012 I was all over imaging the episodes. I wanted to be The King Biscuit Flower Hour. Lots of wow! No conversation or interview was posted unless it was thoroughly over produced. Zip bam pow up front and music always under the talk. Then Jesse Venture’s son wrote me a note, "My dad was talking about a lot of great things. You destroyed his impact by using music in the background. Thanks a lot.” Dropping the hardcore showmanship approached changed my life and my analytic numbers. The moment I stopped trying to wow listeners the episodes gained in strength. Also gone were the brief bios about those I was talking with. I did it in the early days because I wanted my image to be that of someone that knew something about the subject. Get to the hook of the song! Again, listeners came to your episode because of the headline or the description. Many times in the past we’ve talked about how we live in a world where listeners endlessly hit the Next button. Guess what else they know? Fast forward! That’s their way of giving you a second and third chance. I love me some Joe Rogan but man I don’t like the 18 billion commercials at the start. Dax Shepard and Conan O’Brien salt and peppers them through the episode. I feel like I’m cheating on Rogan when I hit fast forward. His advertisers need to be heard! His image is being that MMA calm compassionate talker but man as a listener I’m ready to take him on during those endorsement commercials. I’m not saying don’t image your episodes. By way of face planting in a pile of digital numbers I’ve noticed how much change I’ve gone through by not making a lot of noise. Mike the terrestrial radio program direction told me in 1994, “The ears on the other side of your speaker aren’t interested in anything but what benefits them.” I totally got what he was saying. The average podcast isn’t blaring out of the speaker. It’s coming to a listener usually at a cool volume. Their imaginations are locked onto the moment you’ve designed and then Dax Shepard stops the interview and uses a fake radio disc jockey voice to remind his listeners that he’ll be right back. It might be me but that’s a trigger. I can hear my shouting, “Hey go see what Chelsea Handler’s doing on her podcast!” I imaged terrestrial radio across the country between 1991 to 2005. It’s was brilliant fun because as the producer I was designing stages. It was more than being Johnny and Jack in the morning. They also played 50 minute Rock Blocks for your workday. Giving away $10,000 a day. You get the picture. Now see if it truly fits your image. There are a lot of production houses and voice over people that would love to help you put an imaging package together. It comes with a price tag. That’s when many podcasters do the imaging themselves or get a student fresh out of broadcasting school. They might be good but they probably aren’t great. Ask yourself if you really need it. I sat down for thirty minutes today to talked with Rock n Roll Hall of Famer Joe Elliott from Def Leppard. Dancing up the front of the conversation with a montage would’ve killed the moment. iPod listening was more than slam dunking a billion tunes into a tiny box. It was a continuation of sound with no interruption. There weren’t any sweepers, promos or top of the hour ID’s. Nope… Just the music. Treat your podcast the same way. Imaging can come across as an attack. This is who I am. I am because I can. This is my podcast. Today we’re talking with Mary Wilson of The Supremes! Then when the conversation starts Mary’s incredibly soft voice whispers out a gentle, “Hello.” All of that imaging power for Mary to be a buzz kill. One of the biggest reasons why imaging shouldn’t be used is based solely on copyright laws. Those zips, pows and swooshes are protected just like music beds. The bigger your podcast gets puts you on a different level of visibility. Using a production library without a license will earn you a letter. Why bury yourself in a puddle of stress? So what’s the moral of the story? Whip out the paint brushes and put something on that blizzard white canvas. What are you listeners doing before they check into your episodes? What do you see them doing? Who are they? How old are they? What’s their name? Where do you think they work? Do they tune into your podcast to escape or to get information? Picture who you are breaking bread with. When you imagination taps into that portrait hang it on the wall. Talk with that person. Build a relationship in the way you think they want to listen. Be aware of who they are by researching what you think is their lifestyle. When I produced commercials for iHeart I always asked questions about the client. What color of car do they drive? Are they openly fun and free spirited? Do they tap their pen on the desk when you meet? As a producer I wanted to know who I was producing for then I’d start researching who we were reaching out to. Get your transmission out of bang it out mode and put some love for your listeners into the fuel tank. Know what image you’re trying to shove out there or share. To image or not to image! It’s always your choice. Take it for a test drive and keep your decision on the road.

Mannheim Steamroller

Listen to "Chip Davis From Mannheim Steamroller Celebrating The Holiday" on Spreaker. Chip Davis, founder and creator of Mannheim Steamroller, will celebrate the 35th Anniversary of his annual Christmas concert tour, making it the longest running consecutive concert tour in the entertainment industry! The hallmark tour began on November 11th, 2019 and will run through December 29th, 2019 Two traveling ensembles will hold performances in cities across the country. "I remember when I came out with my first Christmas album in 1984 followed by our first tour. Back then, many in the music industry said focusing on Christmas just wouldn't work," said Davis. "Now, 35 years later, we are still going strong. I want to thank our fans for making us part of their holiday tradition. Today we often see multi-generational families join us during the holidays each year." Davis founded his own record label, American Gramaphone, which went on to become one of the industry's largest independent record labels. A Grammy Award winner, Mannheim Steamroller has sold more than 40 million albums, 30 million in the Christmas genre, more in that category than Mariah Carey or Elvis. Their holiday CD's have become synonymous with Christmas and occupy top positions on Billboard's Seasonal Chart every year. This year's show will feature the original classic Christmas hits from the first Mannheim Steamroller Christmas along with multimedia effects in an intimate setting. Davis will direct and co-produce Tour performances with MagicSpace Entertainment. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis is co-produced by MagicSpace Entertainment. The company is headed by Lee D. Marshall, Joe Marsh, John Ballard, and Steve Boulay and has been producing and presenting national tours, Broadway shows, concerts and museum exhibits worldwide for over 35 years. They have an office in Park City, UT. www.magicspace.net

Shelia Weller

Listen to "Sheila Weller Writes Carrie Fisher A Life On The Edge" on Spreaker. In her 2008 bestseller, Girls Like Us, Sheila Weller―with heart and a profound feeling for the times―gave us a surprisingly intimate portrait of three icons: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon. Now she turns her focus to one of the most loved, brilliant, and iconoclastic women of our time: the actress, writer, daughter, and mother Carrie Fisher. Weller traces Fisher's life from her Hollywood royalty roots to her untimely and shattering death after Christmas 2016. Her mother was the spunky and adorable Debbie Reynolds; her father, the heartthrob crooner Eddie Fisher. When Eddie ran off with Elizabeth Taylor, the scandal thrust little Carrie Frances into a bizarre spotlight, gifting her with an irony and an aplomb that would resonate throughout her life. We follow Fisher's acting career, from her debut in Shampoo, the hit movie that defined mid-1970s Hollywood, to her seizing of the plum female role in Star Wars, which catapulted her to instant fame. We explore her long, complex relationship with Paul Simon and her relatively peaceful years with the talent agent Bryan Lourd. We witness her startling leap―on the heels of a near-fatal overdose―from actress to highly praised, bestselling author, the Dorothy Parker of her place and time. Weller sympathetically reveals the conditions that Fisher lived with: serious bipolar disorder and an inherited drug addiction. Still, despite crises and overdoses, her life's work―as an actor, a novelist and memoirist, a script doctor, a hostess, and a friend―was prodigious and unique. As one of her best friends said, "I almost wish the expression 'one of a kind' didn't exist, because it applies to Carrie in a deeper way than it applies to others." Sourced by friends, colleagues, and witnesses to all stages of Fisher's life, Carrie Fisher: A Life on the Edge is an empathic and even-handed portrayal of a woman who―as Princess Leia, but mostly as herself―was a feminist heroine, one who died at a time when we need her blazing, healing honesty more than ever.

Gary Hoey

Listen to "Gary Hoey Ho Ho Hoey's Rockin Holiday Time" on Spreaker. It's always a good time when you sit down and talk with Guitar God Gary Hoey. He's always brings his best instrument and that's where the fun and laughter begins. Gary has so many on the road stories as well as talking about what it's like to record and tour with his son.

Nilsa And Codi Floribama Shore

Listen to "Nilsa Prowant and Codi Butts Season 3 Of Floribama Shore" on Spreaker. Following a dramatic wrap-up in Panama City Beach last season, “MTV Floribama Shore” heads south to take over a new city and welcomes new cast member Mattie Lynn Breaux from CMT’s “Party Down South.” As the roommates come together for their third summer, relationships come to a crossroads and even the most solid friendships are put to the test. Gus is off the market, but his past with Nilsa threatens his resolve to stay faithful to his new girlfriend. Candace faces her feelings about Codi, and Aimee and Kortni have to navigate long-distance relationships. But the rockiest relationship this season is a busted bromance and the repercussions shake the entire house. In addition to newcomer Mattie Lynn Breaux, the show features original castmates Jeremiah Buoni, Codi Butts, Kortni Gilson, Aimee Hall, Kirk Medas, Nilsa Prowant, Candace Rice and Gus Smyrnios.

Jake Hoot Wins

Listen to "Jake Hoot The Winner Of NBC's The Voice" on Spreaker.Listen to "Jake Hoot The Winner Of NBC's The Voice" on Spreaker. The Voice Crowns Jake Hoot Season 17 Champion, Giving Coach Kelly Clarkson Her Third Victory! The star-studded finale featured performances by Jennifer Hudson, the Black Eyed Peas, Luke Combs, Lady Antebellum and Dua Lipa Congratulations Jake Hoot! The 31-year-old Cookeville, Tennessee, resident - who has become known for his country sound - was crowned the winner of season 17 of The Voice on Tuesday night. The win came as a complete shock to Hoot, who didn't see it coming. "It means the world," he said of his victory. "I think I went out of breath. I lost all my breath when they announced my name." "Having Kelly believe in me from the get-go and being here tonight is just an incredible thing," he added. Hoot told reporters backstage that he "didn't think it was real" as he continued to return to the show week after week. "From the get-go, for a little bit, I didn't think it was real. Every step of the way, I'm like, 'Alright honey, I'll be home next week' or 'I'll be home after battles' or 'I'll be home after knockouts.' I continued to doubt myself and Kelly continued to encourage me," Hoot said. "If I can say anything, it's stop doubting yourself. Get out of your comfort zone. Get out there and take a chance and there's no telling what you can do." Hoot's win marks the third victory for coach Kelly Clarkson, who first won season 14 with contestant Brynn Cartelli and then went on to win season 15 with contestant Chevel Shepherd. "I just sat there and encouraged him. I'm a pretty good cheerleader because I love humans. I literally am a glorified cheerleader y'all, I did nothing. He did everything," Clarkson told reporters of Hoot. Hoot beat out team Gwen Stefani's Rose Short, team John Legend's Katie Kadan and team Blake Shelton's Ricky Duran. As for how Hoot is ringing in his victory, he explained "I'm going to be celebrating with my girls." "This has been an incredible experience and I will say the hardest part is just being gone from them. So any time I get to spend with them tonight, I'm looking forward to. Snuggles all the time," Hoot said.

Jessie James Decker

Listen to "Jesse James Decker Number One Album, New Book And A Million Bucks" on Spreaker. First teased during last year's New Year's Eve telecast, the First POWERBALL Millionaire of the Year promotion officially kicked off this past spring with the rollout continuing through summer. As part of the national POWERBALL game, players who purchase tickets from 25 participating jurisdictions can enter their POWERBALL tickets into the First POWERBALL Millionaire of the Year second-chance drawings. More than three hundred winners from those jurisdictions will head to New York City, and one lucky VIP trip winner will be randomly drawn to win $1 million. All second-chance prize winners will enjoy the excitement of New York City, including a theater performance and a holiday cruise on the Hudson River with dinner and entertainment. The experience also includes roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations, and an exclusive New Year's Eve gala at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, featuring live entertainment, including a performance from Jessie James Decker and, of course, prime viewing of the Times Square ball drop. Jessie James Decker is a country music singer/songwriter, style entrepreneur, television personality and New York Times Bestselling author. Her most recent album, Southern Girl City Lights, debuted at number one on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart following the success of her gold certified single "Wanted." A star of the hit reality show Eric and Jessie, she is the creator and designer of Kittenish, a playful fashion line inspired by her personal style with a brick-and-mortar store in Nashville. Decker's first book, the New York Times Bestseller Just Jessie, is her guide to love, life, family and food, and was released in October 2018 from Harper Collins Publishers. Jessie is currently on a 2019 concert tour performing all of her hits, plus new music including her latest single Roots & Wings. For more information on the First POWERBALL Millionaire of the Year promotion, please visit www.powerballrockineve.com

Janice Morgan

Listen to "Janice Morgan Releases The Book Suspended Sentence" on Spreaker. This “frank, earnest” (KIRKUS REVIEWS) true story outlines Morgan’s son’s arrest for possession of drugs and a stolen firearm– and the ensuing recovery for both of them in the aftermath. Morgan later realizes that her son’s acting out and self-medicating were attempts at coping with an unaddressed mood disorder (bipolar), a realization that has since lead her to educate herself and other parents on how to support a child like hers.

Bree Condon

Listen to "Bree Condon From The Movie Bombshell" on Spreaker. Dynamic actress Bree Condon is positioned to be a breakout star in the entertainment industry, appearing in one of this year's top awards-season contenders. Condon can next be seen in Lionsgate's highly anticipated drama feature "Bombshell" opposite Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, and Charlize Theron. Directed by Jay Roach, the ripped-from-headlines drama follows the women who rose up against the late Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes, for sexual misconduct. Condon shines in an uncanny portrayal of news personality and former co-host of FNC's "The Five," Kimberly Guilfoyle, who left the network with reports alleging that she was pushed amid accusations of sexual misconduct. "Bombshell" will release nationwide on December 20, 2019. Additional credits for Condon include appearing in Warner Brothers history-drama "Ironclad" opposite Brian Cox, Paul Giamatti, Derek Jacobi, and Kate Mara, and starring on season five of Tyler Perry's hit drama series "The Haves and Have Nots." Other TV credits for Condon include ABC's "American Housewife," "The Real O'Neals," The CW's "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," and FOX's "Lucifer," to name a few. She also appeared in the 2015 Lifetime biopic "Whitney," based on the life of Whitney Houston. Born and raised in Newport Beach, about 45 miles south of Los Angeles, Condon had a deep-rooted passion for entertainment from a very young age. As one of thirteen siblings (she is 1 out of 10 who are adopted), Condon would perform non-stop with her brothers and sisters, and her parents decided to enroll her in a theatre camp to nurture her love for bringing characters to life. Condon went on to study at the prestigious Lost Studio by Cinda Jackson for nearly a decade and was a member of their theatre company. While working in film and television was her end goal, Condon got her start in the industry as a model, becoming the face of GUESS Jeans before landing some of her first on-screen roles. When she isn't on set, Condon enjoys staying active by swimming and playing tennis. On the charity front, she is passionate about supporting organizations that focus on providing resources for youth in the foster care system. She currently resides in the Los Angeles area.

Chris Janson

Listen to "Chris Janson Releases The Album Real Friends" on Spreaker. Nothing brings us together quite like music. Whether it be an acoustic guitar at a campfire, subwoofers in a truck outside of a football game, or a sold-out show at your favorite summer shed, songs invite camaraderie, fortify bonds, and soundtrack lasting memories. The only thing as good as sharing a tune with a friend might be creating one. So, to craft his third full-length album, Real Friends [Warner Music Nashville], Chris Janson did just that. Rather than sequester himself in a studio, he wrote and recorded the entire album in his downstairs living room-turning a mancave into a creative haven for a rotating cast of collaborators that comprised old friends and new acquaintances, who quickly became close confidants. With Janson at the helm, his combustible authenticity as an artist now combined with this team of extraordinarily creative talents, little doubt exists that the multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist has found a creative formula that works. "I was able to create an atmosphere by working out of my house that helped me to push myself creatively," says Janson. "I was comfortable, and I was able to make everybody else who rolled through feel comfortable - a bunch of friends, some I've known forever and some I was meeting for the first time. And regardless, I learned something from everyone. It was inspiring to be exposed to so many different perspectives and I think it helped the music to be more authentic." Since his emergence in 2009, Janson has trafficked in a lane of his own badass rock 'n' roll country. In the spotlight and behind-the-scenes as a writer, he landed one hit after another, including two number one singles. In addition to three CMA nominations, he's scored a double-platinum smash with "Buy Me A Boat," which the iHeartRadio Music Awards decreed "Country Song of the Year" and NSAI cited among "Ten Songs I Wish I'd Written." In 2018, the gold-selling "Drunk Girl" garnered "Video of the Year" at the ACM Awards and "Song of the Year" at the MusicRow Awards. Along the way, he's become one the industry's best live performers and has sold out venues far and wide. Beyond critical acclaim, Keith Urban invited him to join the Grand Ole Opry. Not to mention his influence in other studios - he has lendt his pen to cuts such as Tim McGraw's "Truck Yeah" and "How I'll Always Be," LOCASH's "I Love This Life," and Hank Williams Jr.'s "God Fearin' Man" and "Those Days Are Gone." A spirit of collaboration drove what would become Real Friends as Janson got to work, by his own account, "accidentally" in his basement alongside first-time co-producer Tommy Cecil. "It's really simple, it just happened," he adds. "Tommy came over, and we made this music in my basement. It was great to be the guy to give him his first shot as a producer. I'm grateful, I'm humble, and I'm thankful for what I've got, so I want to share that with others." Janson introduced Real Friends with the opener and first single "Good Vibes." An infectious guitar lick twists and turns into a lyrical solo as he declares, "I'm feeling those good vibes," before a plainspoken, straight-from-the-heart bridge directed at his wife. "It was good vibes only," he smiles. "That's the real truth. I don't write things I don't know about, so if I didn't live it, I don't write it. More than ever, I appreciate where I'm at. My kids are healthy. My wife and I are in love. Even on days when we think it's not going our way, it really is." Elsewhere, "Done" delivers a testament to his family over sunny acoustic guitars. The accompanying black-and-white co-stars his wife, as the couple enjoy a beachside rendezvous and put their love on display. "When I saw my wife for the first time, I said, 'Done'," he recalls. "That's it. I never want to screw this up. We always see eye-to-eye, rarely do we disagree and that's what the song is about." Meanwhile, "Say About Me" crashes from a distorted groove into scorching and sizzling bars: "See I grew up in a single wide with a poster of Kid Rock. When you start out from the bottom, son, you scream when you're on top." "For as much as I don't care what people think, I actually do care what people think," he goes on. "I think personalities like mine need approval on certain things. But, if I get pushed into a corner, I'll just be like, 'I don't care what you think.' I want to be a great dad, a great husband and other than that, when I get on stage, I don't care what you say about me, your ass is mine." On the other end of the spectrum, the standout ballad "Hawaii On Me" pairs delicately plucked acoustic guitar and sparse piano with vocals from Janson's children and a heartfelt "I love you, Dad" at the end. "It's somber, but it's also a celebration of life," he explains. "It's about a father who knew he was dying and told his family to go to Hawaii and do it up big. When the kids came down and I put their vocals on the song, it happened organically, so we left it." All roads lead to the bold conclusion "Country USA." A celebration of the small town spirit ignited by wild guitar solos and a declarative chorus, "We know we've got it made, smack dab in the middle of small town Country USA," the closer serves up a definitive statement. "It's what redneck kids like us do in the summertime," he states. "Ending with 'Country USA' encapsulates the record. It sounds like the outro. This album is just normal people stuff. It feels right." Given the album's cohesive vision, immediate magnetism, and unbridled spirit, these songs have all the makings of future live staples and worthy additions to his already storied sets. Touted at CMA Fest 2019 for emanating "more energy than the combined festival Headliners" by Billboard and "the energy of a closer" by Rolling Stone, he'll roll out these tunes on tour throughout 2019 and beyond. He intended on readying these songs for the stage from the very first note. "I wrote this music for a live audience, as I always do," he affirms. "In terms of live performance, my connection is the most important part. If the crowd can give me 110 percent; I'll give them 210 percent. That's what keeps us going." In the end, Real Friends wields the power to bring audiences closer to Chris and maybe mint a few more friendships.

Tracy And Holly From The Stuff U Missed In History Class

Listen to "Podcasters Tracy and Holly From The Stuff You Missed In History Class" on Spreaker. Stuff You Missed in History Class is a twice-a-week history podcast with new episodes every Monday and Wednesday, plus a bonus classic from the archive every Saturday. The show is hosted by Holy Frey and Tracy V. Wilson, two ladies who learned to love history as they realized just how much the modern world was shaped by lesser-known people and events in the past. The podcast digs into topics that haven't gotten enough attention in the world of history - whether they're weird, wonderful, scary or sad. Favorite episodes include everything from the decades-long dispute between butter and margarine, to a pair of lions that terrorized a railroad crew in Kenya, to the only successful coup d'état in American history. Stuff You Missed in History ClassM is on the iHeartRadio app, on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Patricia Richardson

Listen to "Patricia Richardson From The Movie Cubby" on Spreaker. Patricia Richardson is best known for her portrayal of Jill Taylor on the long running series "Home Improvement," in which she co-starred with Tim Allen. For her work on the series, she received nominations for four Emmys® and two Golden Globes® as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. While performing in "Home Improvement," she also co-hosted the Emmy® Awards with Ellen DeGeneres. In 2009, the members of the cast of "Home Improvement" received a Fan Favorite Award from the TV Land Awards. She has also received a Vision Award and a Women In Film Award in Texas. Richardson starred as Dr. Andy Campbell in Lifetime Television's "Strong Medicine" for three seasons and received two Commendations from the Prism Awards for her work in the show. In "The West Wing," she had a recurring role for two years as Sheila Brooks, Alan Alda's Chief of Staff. For her first leading role in a film, "Ulee's Gold," directed by Victor Nunez and co-starring Peter Fonda, she was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. Previously, Richardson garnered rave reviews for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe's mother in the CBS miniseries "Blonde." She was also seen playing twins in the Franchise Pictures production "Viva Las Nowhere," co-starring Danny Stern and James Caan, which was released on video under the title "Dead Simple" and won a Seattle Film Festival Award. She received more great reviews for Lifetime's "Sophie and the Moonhanger," co-starring Lynn Whitfield and Jason Bernard, which garnered Cable Ace Nominations, and "Undue Influence" with Brian Dennehy. Other films include "Lost Angels," "In Country," and "Beautiful Wave." She was brought out to Los Angeles from New York after several years of doing theatre by first Norman Lear and then Alan Burns to do three different series prior to "Home Improvement:" "Double Trouble" for Norman Lear and then "Eisenhower and Lutz" and "FM" for Alan Burns. Richardson took some time off from her career to get her kids through school and returned to work a few years ago when the youngest went off to college. Patricia has happily returned east to do theatre. She did "The Graduate" first for the Cape Theatre, then the World Premiere of Alfred Uhry's "Apples and Oranges," directed by Lynne Meadow for MTC and the Alliance Theatre last fall and will go back to Off-Broadway to star in "I Forgive You Ronald Reagan" at the Samuel Beckett Theatre. She has starred in three Hallmark Channel Original Movies in the last year, including "Smart Cookies." Richardson was born in Bethesda, Maryland and was one of the four daughters of a Naval aviator, who became an aeronautical engineer and corporate executive. They moved frequently around the country while she was growing up. She went to college at Southern Methodist University where she received a BFA in Acting and met several people she ended up working with later in New York, such as the playwrights Jack Hefner ("Vanities") and Beth Henley ("Crimes of the Heart"). Richardson originated parts in New York in Henley's "The Wake of Jamie Foster" and "The Miss Firecracker Contest," as well as "Loose Ends" by Michael Weller, "Fables For Friends" by Mark O'Donnell, and "Cruise Control" by Kevin Wade. She received her Equity card from Arthur Laurents when she first arrived in New York and auditioned for "Gypsy" with Angela Lansbury. Richardson understudied "Gypsy" for a year, but never got to go on for the part. Richardson is the proud mother of three now grown people: Henry, Joe, and Roxie Baker. Joe is in his final year in the Gallatin Program at NYU, while his twin sister Roxie will be finishing up at Boston University in the next year as well. Henry is a graduate of the University of Texas and is currently a producer of "Trending Now" at Yahoo. Patricia Richardson is the National Spokesperson for CUREPSP and serves on their Board of Directors. PSP is the rare brain disease that killed her father and she has been working to raise money and awareness for all brain disease, particularly the "tau" related ones such as PSP, Alzheimer's, and TBI.

The Lyrics From Billy's Forest Chapter 182

Listen to "The Lyrics From Billys Forest Chapter 182" on Spreaker. If team leaders spent more time crafting the skills of the individual we'd have amazingly stronger forces on the workplace front. But it doesn't work that way. The goal is to empower the team with playful atmospheres without studying the source of how an individual's playing field processes birth and rebirth. Isn't that what creativity is? One project leading to the next, two never being the same? I love walking into a Walmart that isn't labeled a super store! My natural need to search is going to be fed. The little guy Walmarts aren't laid out the same. I read about a grocery store's sliver of success was based on how every location in every town had to be 100% spot on identical because their clients know what they want and where it should be found. For two weeks I walked into as many of these grocery stores as I could and watched people. I wanted to see who walked in, got what they wanted then hit the checkout counter. Didn't see it. Crafting the skills of the individual requires opposites attracting. Friction and conflict are part of the glory story. If everybody on the team is drinking the same Jesus juice where's the authentic growth? I love sitting down with individuals struggling with how nobody wants to hear their ideas, respects what they bring to the business and how difficult it can be to push their limitations toward hourly goal changes. They only thing keeping humans from being a computer is team leaders usually forgive the digital device when it crashes. Opposites attract. Compassion, a willingness to listen, forgive and build with should be the daily diet. Look at the group Chicago. Not just one of the biggest most successful bands of all time but member wise they have a lot of individuals in that band and on that team. Creative people that bring their individual ideas and energy. They work so well together that they travel with a mobile recording studio. Not only are they doing live performances but they're endlessly pumping out the jams. Recognizing their individuality as a team put them in a place on the charts most never see. Their new album of original music debuted at number one. Crafting the skills of the individual starts with leaders that must know every shape and shade of art and live it as an individual before hitting a team building meeting. Bring yourself first. Be the individual that helped others design mind blowing success.

Zoe Upkins

Listen to "Zoe Upkins Sings On NBC's The Voice" on Spreaker. Zoe has always been surrounded by music and was encouraged to start singing at 3 years old by her gospel-singing godmother, Sarah Gaines. In elementary school, Zoe joined the Bravo Theater Company and fell in love with musical theater. She is still very involved in theater and sings in her school a cappella group, Encore. Last year, Zoe sang the national anthem at a Nashville Predators hockey playoff game in front of 20,000 people and realized she wanted to continue to sing on the big stage. Zoe is currently enjoying life as a spirited 16-year-old who balances school, sports and music.

Lizzy And Elsie From Castle Rock

Listen to "Lizzy Caplan and Elsie Fisher From Castle Rock On HULU" on Spreaker. A psychological-horror series set in the Stephen King multiverse, Castle Rock combines the mythological scale and intimate character storytelling of King’s best-loved works, weaving an epic saga of darkness and light, played out on a few square miles of Maine woodland. The fictional Maine town of Castle Rock has figured prominently in King’s literary career: Cujo, The Dark Half, IT and Needful Things, as well as novella The Body and numerous short stories (Rita Hayworthand The Shawshank Redemption) are set in Castle Rock. Castle Rock is an original suspense/thriller — a first-of-its-kind reimagining that explores the themes and worlds uniting the entire King canon, and that brings some of his most iconic and beloved characters together in the heart of the King universe. Season 2 of Castle Rock plays as a modern-day prequel to King’s iconic film Misery. A feud between warring clans comes to a boil when budding psychopath Annie Wilkes, Stephen King's nurse from hell, gets waylaid in Castle Rock. This season is executive-produced by J.J. Abrams, and Stephen King, among others. Lizzy Caplan stars as 'Annie Wilkes', a nurse and superfan battling to overcome mental health issues. Elsie Fisher is Joy, Annie’s home-schooled teenage daughter. Joy is starting to have questions about her mother's sanity. Lizzy Caplan garnered an Emmy nomination for her role as ‘Virgina Johnson' in Masters of Sex. She is also known for her roles in Freaks and Geeks, Cloverfield and the film Mean Girls. She has also starred on the TV shows Related, The Class, and Party Down. Her movies include Hot Tub Time Machine, 127 Hours, Save the Date, The Interview and Extinction. Caplan will next be seen in the limited series Das Boot, a sequel to Wolfgang Petersen’s 1981 WWII German U-boat drama classic of the same name. She recently wrapped production on the Apple series Are You Sleeping? with Octavia Spencer.

Alicia Dennis From People Magazine Investigates

Listen to "Alicia Dennis From People Magazine Investigates The Springfield Three" on Spreaker. Investigation Discovery’s popular series People Magazine Investigates is back with a new season that delves into extraordinary tales of ordinary people thrust into the national spotlight following notorious crimes. Through the lens of PEOPLE’s trusted journalists, each hour-long episode takes viewers to the heart of the crime, revealing shocking twists and surprising facts through exclusive interviews, archival footage and emotional first-hand accounts by those closest to the case. Senior Editor Alicia Dennis has worked throughout People’s sections for more than 15 years, earning multiple editorial awards for reporting and breaking news coverage. As People’s senior editor of crime, Dennis oversees a team of investigative reporters who investigate crime stories around the country, bringing millions of readers (in addition to viewers on ID’s People Magazine Investigates) compelling accounts of mystery. Intrigue, and insight from victims and their families. Alicia can discuss some of the most captivating stories coming up on People Magazine Prevents including the mysterious story of the Springfield Three. On June 6, 1992, graduation day for Springfield, MO’s Kickapoo High School, new graduates Suzie Street and Stacy McCall celebrate at a series of graduation parties. After the festivities, the girls head home to spend the night at Suzie's. The next morning, the two teens, along with Suzie's mother, Sherill Levitt, are gone without a trace. The ensuing investigation leads police through countless twists and turns as authorities work tirelessly to solve the mystery of the Springfield Three.

James Pankow From Chicago

Listen to "James Pankow From The Group Chicago" on Spreaker. CHICAGO CHRISTMAS debuted at #1 on the Seasonal Charts when it was released in October and is available now on CD, LP and digital and streaming services. In addition to the album, Chicago will return to the road in 2020, including a U.S. amphitheater tour with Rick Springfield that begins on June 12. Tickets are on sale Friday, December 6 via LiveNation.com and are available for pre-sale now. A list of tour dates can be found by going here. This month, the band also added to its impressive list of major accomplishments when Billboard named Chicago the top American band on the magazine’s list of “Top 125 Artists of All Time.” Announced to celebrate Billboard’s 125th anniversary, the list ranks the top performers in the history of the Hot 100 songs chart and the Billboard 200 albums chart. Chicago’s lifetime achievements include being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, two Grammy Awards®, and two American Music Awards. They are Founding Artists of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Chicago's debut album, Chicago Transit Authority was inducted into the Grammy® Hall of Fame, and Robert Lamm and James Pankow are inductees of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Record sales top the 100,000,000 mark, and include 21 Top 10 singles, five consecutive Number One albums, 11 Number One singles and five Gold singles. An incredible 25 of their 37 albums have been certified platinum, and the band has a total of 47 gold and platinum awards. Chicago features Robert Lamm (keyboards, vocals), Lee Loughnane (trumpet, flugelhorn), James Pankow (trombone), Keith Howland (guitar, vocals), Lou Pardini (keyboards, vocals), Walfredo Reyes Jr. (drums), Ray Herrmann (saxophones, flute), Neil Donell (vocals, acoustic guitar), Brett Simons (bass, vocals), and Ramon Yslas (percussion).

Faithful vs Faith Filled

Listen to "Faithful vs Faith Filled" on Spreaker. I'm not a wordsmith nor do I play one on the radio. I do though love playing with words. I have a dictionary with me at all times. While writing, words will hit me in ways that invite me to study their truer definition while opening the heart to the origin of their purpose and play. On this podcast I sort of get in an argument with my multiple layers of thought based on there being a huge difference between faithful and faith filled. One can easily introduce us to being faithless while the other opens the door to staying focused on all things we grow with. It becomes the power of choice. If a little short of faith the heart is aware of how it can maintain its reach toward changing it. Whereas faithful can be so many things including an excuse as to why your personal studies have slowed or disappeared. Questions are in your everyday and for most of us the one word so many try to bring answers to is faithful. If you aren't feeling it. Oh well maybe another day. I compare the two words with our present place with Hollywood's way of sharing the stories of Freddie Mercury, Elton John, Judy Garland and even Richard Jewell. The Bio Pic's aren't the real story! They are based on. Think about your own journey. Are you living a life of what really took place or is your Bio Pic being rewritten. Being faithful vs faith filled. Knowing the steps and how being filled keeps your focus on the vine baring fruit vs just another day of questions. Word play. When your mind doesn't want to listen to how we use words. So it crafts a different definition in hopes of being stronger in choice.

Scott Bartlett From Saving Abel

Listen to "Scott Bartlett From Saving Abel" on Spreaker. Lead singer Jared Weeks and lead guitarist Jason Null began forming Saving Abel in the small town of Corinth, Mississippi in 2004. Weeks was learning to play the guitar at his best friend’s house and Null, who was in a competing rock band in the same town, walked in to rehearse. Null and Weeks hit it off, and a couple of days later the two were writing songs together. Early in 2005, their songs caught the ear of noted producer Skidd Mills (12 Stones, ZZ Top, Saliva, and Robert Cray), who brought the two into his 747 Studio in Memphis, Tennessee to record some of the songs. Saving Abel gradually came together with the addition of rhythm guitarist Scott Bartlett, bassist Daniel Dwight, and drummer Blake Dixon. Weeks would throw Saving Abel demo CD's onto the stages of bigger bands that toured through Corinth. Weeks recalled of the time: "I used to work at a hospital. I’d have to be there at 4:30 in the morning drawing blood. I’d wake people up and stick a needle in their arm. I’d be walking around the hospital, singing ‘Addicted’ in my head, writing down the lyrics on patients’ clipboards and doctor script pads." After shopping the album around for almost a year, and a member change as original bassist Daniel Dwight left the group for Memphis pop/rock band Ingram Hill, they picked up Bassist and long time friend Eric Taylor. With the change of bassist and band members set, the band's hard work and determination led to a copy of the song "Addicted" being heard by former Virgin A&R consultant Rick Smith. He e-mailed the song to the CEO of Virgin Music Company, Jason Flom. Mr. Flom immediately liked what he heard and sent A&R vet Kim Stephens (Collective Soul, Matchbox 20, Edwin McCain) to watch the band perform in Jackson, Tennessee. "Addicted" was released in March 2008 as a single.

Sarah Jones And Jodi Balfour

Listen to "Sarah Jones and Jodi Balfour For All Mankind On Apple TV +" on Spreaker. NASA’s first all female spacewalk just went off without a hitch. In a well timed debut, Jodi Balfour (The Crown) and Sarah Jones (Sons of Anarchy) portray astronauts in the alternate reality space drama For All Mankind. Debuting exclusively on Apple TV+, Apple’s new video subscription service, the series explores what would have happened if the global space race never ended. Created by Golden Globe nominee and Emmy Award winner Ronald D. Moore (Outlander, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica) For All Mankind presents an aspirational world where NASA astronauts, engineers and their families find themselves in the center of extraordinary events seen through the prism of an alternate history timeline — a world in which the USSR beats the US to the moon. The highly anticipated series stars Joel Kinnaman, Michael Dorman, Shantel VanSanten, and Wrenn Schmidt, along with Sarah Jones and Jodi Balfour. Sarah Jones played Det. Rebecca Madsen in the FOX series Alcatraz, Alison in the Hulu series The Path, Amelia Davenport in USA Network’s Damnation, and Polly Zobelle, the scheming daughter and accomplice of Ethan Zobelle, in Sons of Anarchy. She portrays Tracy Stevens in For All Mankind; Tracy is struggling with her role as an astronaut’s wife and the sacrifices required. Underneath her demure exterior lies an ambition and toughness that will her to peruse her own path. South African native Jodi Balfour portrays Ellen Waverly - who pursues her love of flying and adventure instead of a “dignified” profession worthy of her social status, much to her parents’ chagrin. She is gifted as a pilot, but her true talent is reading the people around her and getting the best out of them. Jodi most recently appeared in HBO’s 2019’s True Detective and portrayed Jackie Kennedy in The Crown.

Kat Hammock

Listen to "Kat Hammock Makes It To NBC's The Voice" on Spreaker. Kat began singing in her church choir in the fourth grade and devoted herself to learning piano shortly after. Thanks to her parents, Kat grew up on ’60s and ’70s music that fostered her love of singing. In middle school, she was invited to New York to sing at Carnegie Hall, which opened the opportunity to sing solo at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts several times. Singing on these world-renowned stages helped Kat realize she could pursue it as a career. Kat is a recent high school graduate and currently a part-time music teacher for kids.

Michael Stevens

Listen to "Michael Stevens From Mind Field On YouTube Red" on Spreaker. Is it heights, needles, sharks, or something else entirely? What elicits fear and panic in everyone, regardless of age, gender or background? What is the scariest thing? In a very special in-depth episode of YouTube’s Mind Field from Vsauce, Michael Stevens asks where fear comes from and uncovers why fear is such a fundamental and important part of being human. He also asks why … do we sometimes even enjoy it? By talking with experts in the field, analyzing horror film tropes, and conducting scientific demonstrations on how fears can be created, Michael will take viewers on a rollercoaster of terror to understand a core psychological principle that all humans share. Michael is one of the most popular YouTubers in the world and brings mainstream appeal to science communication. He is the founder of educational media company Vsauce, whose videos and products reach more than a million people every day. He is the creator and presenter of the successful YouTube Premium series Mind Field and under his guidance, Vsauce's suite of educational networks has reached more than 24 million subscribers. He is an honorary member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, and his videos have led him to present several TED talks and collaborations with David Attenborough, Adam Savage, and other big names in the scientific world.

Ryan Jay Reviews

Listen to "Ryan Jay Reviews Jumanji Next Level And Richard Jewell" on Spreaker. Two completely different movies make their way into theaters this weekend. The best part? Neither of them will also be seen on Netflix at the same time. Jumanji returns with even a bigger cast. But according to Ryan Jay what's up with Dwayne Johnson? Great film filled with action and adventure but someone doesn't into this puzzle. Then we get extremely real with Richard Jewell. Yes the film is getting a lot of negative headlines. Not because it's a bad movie. It's based more on what might have been bad decisions. Bio-Pic movies haven't been playing by the real story and fans of the big screen have been ok. Not so much this time.

No Connection While Shooting Fior Perfection

Listen to "No Connection While Shooting For Perfection" on Spreaker. This one's gonna be way out there. Most of them are. I'm ok with that. Daily writing. It's got a story all its own. What keeps it alive and moving in forward motion is how so much of what's put down on paper has a constant connection to continuation. How far did that one fly over your heart? On this podcast I read from October of 2016. Today's physical date is December 13, 2019. Inside the paragraphs the writer in 2016 speaks of how he knows that one day he'll read from the writing but the day hasn't been nor will it be handed to him. I'd love to go back to that guy in 2016 and congratulate him on trusting the source of the path. Sorry it took over three years to make it possible. What he wrote about in 2016 was based on events brought forward through the writing of 2015. See what I mean. The continuation. The focus being put on speaking to a future self. How you act and react today will always have an impact or infection on an unannounced day in the future. When you get there you might say, "Oh crap. What can I learn from this experience moving forward through continuation?" We are a series of events usually covered by an addiction to always wanting to belong to something new and improved. This is why I try so hard to invite you to write down your thoughts. Not on social media. Not in a phone conversation. Your future self is waiting to hear from you. When you arrive don't rely on a memory that you're heart has spent the last three years rewriting. You aren't making connections while shooting for perfection.

Pod-Crashing Episode 36 Facing Podcast Burnout

Listen to "Pod-Crashing Episode 36 Facing Podcast Burnout" on Spreaker. Pod-Crashing Episode 36 Facing Podcast Burnout How much work is actually required to create a somewhat successful podcast? Just being honest. The work isn’t the biggest challenge. Showing up is. If I can get you to faithfully be on that microphone committed to making great content...the workload doesn’t sting quite as much. Podcast burnout flairs up when you pull off the performance then set it aside to edit another day. After it’s completed you push it away again. You’re too tired to post it on social media. Right away you’ve turned this one episode into a three day project. No wonder I keep hearing about the rising number of performers and guests that have chosen to not start a podcast or have walked away. The more new listeners discover how cool listening to a podcast is the more they expect binge listening quality entertainment. In the beginning banging out your performance might have been the initial ear collector but just like Netflix and Hulu if you’re episodes aren’t bringing the goods, you’ve made it extremely easy to hit Next. The man that got me onto the digital platform relentlessly kept pushing me beyond the podcast burnout. He was fighting the same low depressing times caused by walls that weren’t blazingly fun or entertaining to the creative genius inside your head and heart. He always complained about the team of three never showing up on time. So those involved waited around hoping they stayed in the mood. Then when they finally did the episode it was his job to do post production. They were there for the nifty cool show’s performance but left him to wash the dishes. Over and over again. He eventually walked away. I was recently with the brilliantly funny Will Vought. An out of control expression artist and comedian with mind blowing characters that cause an overdose of laughs. He does it all. Television, live stages, he writes for late night hosts and more. But he doesn’t host a podcast. Because he knows what the beast expects to stay alive. He was more than happy to make sure I knew how much fun he has being a guest on a podcast. Jessica Kirson is another extremely busy funny person camper. She uses podcasting as a way to blow off steam. All those people constantly saying do this and do that. Once she’s on that podcast microphone oh baby she hits that dance floor knowing there are no rules only a damn good episode. I keep the day fresh by staying away from doing the same thing. My guests aren’t always Rock Stars or Movie makers and actors. National Geo Wild’s got two new shows headed our way that deal with two different types of veterinarians. Book authors of every type. Political news men and women wanting to always planning the next episode. Another podcast I do deals with creativity being an addiction. I honestly thought oh maybe ten shows and I’ll drop it. I just did my 330th episode! You've gotta quit treating your podcasts like two old people no longer having sex. Ever been to a modern day assisted living? Wow! There’s a lot of love going on! So back to the original question. How much work is actually required to create a somewhat successful podcast? Not to throw gas on a fire. Before you put focus on the work. Ask yourself if podcasting is really what you want to do and why? Who is your dream audience? Where would you like to take them? How often would you like to record an episode? There are no rules. Just know that in order to build a strong following requires a relationship. By showing up occasionally are you ghosting your listeners? Those in the entertainment business not podcasting know of the command and demand and are honest enough with themselves to find better ways to participate with the growth of podcasting,be the forever guest. But what happens if you don’t do interviews? What if you’re doing a sports show? Politics or something completely off the wall like sew clothing for dolls and other toys. The physical burnout may not be in the performance of the episode followed by post production and posting. It might actually be a lack of interest in the subject. Coming from terrestrial radio we were bombarded by program directors to never do a break on the air unless there was a benefit for the listener. So many times podcasters know what they’re talking about but the listener isn’t anywhere close. Break up your shows! Make it one subject at a time. Keep it around 7 to 10 minutes in length. Information overload is like kicking a listener out of your private club. While you’re keeping the subject fresh and moving forward your followers are saying, “Don’t stop I want more!” I go through the same challenges as a daily writer. I’ve been doing it for twenty five years. Not one day of burnout. If I feel something strange I revert to a page where I penned out subjects I might be interested in. Taking the time to make a list for future use serves as a net. Go ahead and fall into it knowing the importance of keeping your communication skills wide open. So what’s the moral of the story? Burnout is completely natural. It’s not always easy to keep it under control and it’s always got the ability to bring your podcast fortress to the ground. Awareness is key. If you feel the pains moving in then call it what it is. I keep a daily de-frag journal where I am truthful to mind body and soul of podcasting. If I wasn’t feeling it or went numb on one particular episode. I make it clear to the creative process that maybe I need to change the time I’m recording or change up the way I show prep. Nobody’s asking you to be Happy Jimmy every time you pop that mic open. But you should have total control over what’s stealing your energy supply. I’ll never tell you to step away from your podcast. It’s too easy to never come back. Try something new with your episodes or better yet create a second or third podcast. You can’t turn off creativity. You can only injure it by saying no.

Shane Q

Listen to "Shane Q Makes It To NBC's The Voice" on Spreaker. Shane gets his musical talents from his dad, who gigs with Shane’s uncle and tunes pianos for a living. Shane was painfully shy growing up, but music eventually helped him come out of his shell. He was involved in the school choir, but only as the saxophone and drums player. He didn’t start singing until his teacher caught him singing along one day and urged him to join the choir. He began to feel more confident and started gigging and posting videos online. Shane is currently a minivan driver for United Cerebral Palsy and gigs on the weekends.

Alan Ritchson

Listen to "Alan Ritchson From The Movie Turkey Bowl" on Spreaker. Patrick Hodges (Ryan Hansen), a former small-town high school quarterback—now a high-powered Chicago businessman engaged to a politician’s daughter—hasn’t returned to his tiny Midwestern town in years. But his old friends have lured him back for Thanksgiving to force him to finish the legendary Turkey Bowl—a football game that was snowed out 15 years ago. Patrick must risk his future to lead his ragtag team against their bitter crosstown rivals lead by Ronnie Best (Ritchson), ultimately realizing how much he misses the simpler life and the girl that got away. An accomplished actor, Alan Ritchson stars opposite Megan Fox and Jim Gaffigan in the upcoming Shadow Girl. He recently starred in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesreboot, its sequel, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. In the television space, Ritchson stars opposite Minka Kelly in the upcoming live-action series Titans. He has become known for his portrayals of the superhero Aquaman on The CW’s Smallville and “Thad Castle” on Spike TV’s Blue Mountain State.

Dylan Howard

Listen to "Dylan Howard Releases The Book Aaron Hernandez's Killing Fields" on Spreaker. From teenage gang member to $40 million star of the New England Patriots, from All-American college player to drug addict, murderer, dead by suicide in his jail cell at age twenty-seven . . . you think you know the Aaron Hernandez story? You don't. For the first time, Aaron Hernandez's Killing Fields will reveal the real, hitherto unknown motive for the killing of Odin Lloyd-the only crime for which Hernandez was ever convicted and a revelation so shocking it will shake the foundations of the NFL itself. It will also unpick a pattern of violence and brutality stretching back to his time as a teenager at the University of Florida, revealing further shooting victims, evidence of his involvement in the double murder of Daniel Abreu and Safiro Furtado in 2012, and, in a world exclusive, a compelling case for a fourth murder victim, shot just eleven days before the slaying of Odin Lloyd. Featuring new interviews with serving police investigators, prosecutors, psychologists, attorneys-as well as key witnesses including Hernandez's drug dealer, a male stripper he hired days before the killing of Lloyd-plus extensive testimony from relatives of Hernandez's victims, Killing Fields is the exhaustive, definitive account of the rise and fall of a man undone by his own appetite for violence, gangsterism, power, drugs, and self-destruction. This is the real Aaron Hernandez story-and perhaps just the beginning of a whole new murder investigation.

Jungle Grrl From Women Of Wrestling

Listen to "WOW's Jungle Grrrl Women Of Wrestling" on Spreaker. As a child, Jungle Grrrl and her parents moved around the world. They settled for a time in Colombia, on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest. Being surrounded by the Amazon’s vibrant yet cruel ecosystem taught the young girl the law of the Jungle: “Kill or be killed.” As an adult, Jungle Grrrl took the lessons she learned in the Amazon and translated them into the ring. Jungle Grrl won the World Championship in 2013 in Las Vegas. Outside the ring, she became a wife, a mother, and a businesswoman.

Te Lyrics From Billy's Forest Chapter 181

Listen to "The Lyrics From Billys Forest Chapter 181" on Spreaker. Why does it feel like time flies too quickly and yet the seasons are always on time? No day passes that each of us don't endure our own personal seasons. We just like to cover them up, run and hide and or just ignore. Then one day it all catches up. Unexpected lows, a disconnection from work, friends and family. A Debbie Downer outlook on the layout of the future. During a conversation with a nationally known veterinarian I brought up something that's caught my attention, "Why is it that I'm seeing more pictures of how dogs and cats are being destructive then cute little fuzzy moments of love?" The doctor laughed and replied, "Yes. There are a lot of people, more than normal going through this stage in their life and I don't see it changing." On this podcast we talk about our personal seasons and how each one brings down the leaves or flat out doesn't provide the fruit on your vine of life. Within it's exposure I bring up the very subject of separation anxiety and how in reality it might be more than just another bill to pay but rather a lesson on how you're being treated and through the animal's bad behavior you can learn to love again. I've not kept my journey with Jazzie a quiet subject. Mainly because too many dogs and cats are being returned to shelters that said they won't put any down. But do you know the real story? You took them back. Out of sight out of mind. A lesson was waiting to be learned. Don't return. Find the truer calling. What stings now will grow into a very peaceful tomorrow.

Commodores

Listen to "William King From The Legendary Commodores" on Spreaker. For three decades, the Commodores have remained a force in the music industry. "The Legends of Motown", "Hit, After Hit, After Hit", "Grammy Award Winners", "All The Emotion, All the Excitement", "If You Haven't Seen Them Live, You Haven't Heard The Commodores". The Commodores aren't just any group. They have staying power. Just like their hit song "Brick House," the Commodores have created a foundation that just won't budge. After churning out hit after hit in the Motown days, the Commodores still hadn't achieved Grammy recognition. This wasn't to be until 1986, without Lionel Richie, when the Commodores released "Night Shift". In 1968 the group was formed while all the members were in college at Tuskeegee Institute. After being discovered by Berry Gordy, the Commodores went on to sell over 60 million records for Motown. With hits like "Machine Gun" and "Sail On", the Commodores became proven artists. They proved it then. They proved it in 1986 with "Night Shift", and now they are ready to prove it again. Unlike many other groups, the Commodores haven't rested on their early hits. Quite the contrary, the Commodores have continued to put out quality work. With the creation of their new label, the Commodores released Commodores Hits Vol. I, Commodores Hits Vol. II, Commodores Christmas, and Commodores XX-No Tricks. The newest CD "Commodores Live" was recorded during the groups 1997 U.S. tour and released in December 1998 along with the TV special of the same name. The Commodores believe in their work, but they are not the only ones: "Seventies phenoms return with a self produced album filled with some great music. The Commodores look set for a fantastic return." ...BRE Music Report "Venerable pop/R&B band issues its first single in five years engaging vocals woo with warmth and restraint." ...Billboard The successful Commodores of the present have not only produced six new albums, and embarked upon a world-wide tour, but have created their own record label, Commodores Records and Entertainment. Today the Commodores stand not only as talented and successful musicians, but as artists determined to continue their success into the future. The Commodores want you to know that their friend and comrade, Lionel Richie, left the band nineteen years ago in 1983. They want you to know that the Commodores, despite a string of monster hits and massive tours in the late '70s and early 80's, won their first Grammy Award for the multi-platinum smash single and LP "Night Shift" in 1986. Most of all, they want you to know that the Commodores are alive and well in the new millennium, with their own label, and six new albums in stores. From the beginning at Tuskegee Institute in 1968, the Commodores were known as 'smart guys'. But they were funky, too. Smart and funky enough to open for the Jackson 5, to be discovered by Berry Gordy in the process, and to sell more than 60 million records for Motown. They were its largest selling act for two decades, the 70's and 80's. The Commodores racked up a string of hits including "Machine Gun", "Brick House", "Easy", "Three Times A Lady", "Sail On", "Oh No", "Slippery When Wet", "To Hot Ta Trot", and many others that literally moved an entire generation. Success, however, was not enough to save them from the changes in the music scene, or most especially, the music business. The departure in 1983 of Lionel Richie, co-lead vocalist along with Walter "Clyde" Orange, might have sunk a lesser group. The Commodores continued onward, and entered the studio to begin recording "Commodores 13". In 1984, before recording "Night Shift", the Commodores decided to re-establish the co-lead vocal formula that had catapulted them to the top of the R&B and Pop Charts in the past. After interviewing over fifty candidates, the Commodores chose J.D. Nicholas. J.D. was a vocalist for the British band Heat Wave, the Commodores opening act on their previous European tour. The match was perfect. The success of "Night Shift" proved it. Rounded out by the world renown rhythm section the "Mean Machine", the Commodores hit the road in support of their new record. The tour had sold out shows with both new and old fans on their feet, singing and dancing to new Commodores songs and classic hits. The Commodores had silenced the critics and climbed to the top of the pop charts once again. After the release of "Night Shift", the term of the Commodores recording agreement with Motown came to an end and the band entertained offers from every major record label in the business. The best offer came from Polydor, which was in the process of forming it's own Black Music department. After 2 fruitless LPs in the late '80s, and a growing confusion and lack of direction at the label, the Commodores asked for and received a release from their obligations to Polydor. The old saying, "Things happen for a reason", was especially true for the Commodores during the period that followed the departure from Polydor. Their change in status to an 'unsigned' group focused their attention and talents. Together with their manager David Fish, the Commodores set about taking control of their career in an unprecedented fashion. The first step was to regain control of their material. Motown's refusal to grant master use licenses to the Commodores for their planed greatest hits records turned out to be a blessing in disguise. In late 1991, the Commodores, Walter "Clyde" Orange, William "Wak" King, and James Dean "J.D." Nicholas, began the mammoth undertaking of creating all new digital recordings of the Commodores classic hits. Using the best digital recording technology available, the first step in assuming total control of their future was accomplished. Recording sessions from late '91 through '92 produced enough material for four new albums. The first is a two disc, separate volume set entitled "Commodores Hits Vol. I" and "Commodores Hits Vol. II". This will be the first truly comprehensive hits package available on the Commodores in that it will include all the band's highest charting singles in chronological order from their early days through "Night Shift" and the Polydor period. The new digital recordings of such classics as "Three Times A Lady", "Still", "Lady (You Bring Me Up)", and many others sound impressively like the original cuts with J.D. and Clyde alternating on vocals. An LP's worth of Christmas material entitled "Commodores Christmas", filled with covers of traditional Yuletide songs and soon-to-be-classic original songs for the season, was also completed during the extensive recording sessions. But perhaps most importantly, the sessions resulted in an album of all-new material entitled "Commodores XX - No Tricks", which is the bands twentieth studio album. It includes a new musical and vocal arrangement of the smash hit "Brick House" entitled "Brick House '93". With four records 'in the can', there was only one thing missing - a label. Rather than relinquish control of their careers to the 'one hit wonder' major label and distribution system of today where priorities change hourly, and perhaps suffer the same fate that befell the band at Polydor, the Commodores decided to form their own record company. Announced in August of 1992, Commodores Records and Entertainment came into being. It was the final step in maintaining full and total control over their music and career that the band had desired for some time. Signing a series of domestic and international publishing, licensing, and distribution agreements through the new Company, the Commodores released "Commodores Hits Vol. I", "Commodores Hits Vol. II", "Commodores Christmas", and "Commodores XX - No Tricks". The group recorded and filmed during their 1997 U.S. tour. The resulting efforts have produced "Commodores Live" CD and TV special which was released in December of 1998 in CD, VHS & DVD formats. Also in December of '98 the Commodores released their first ever CD single "Brickhouse Cuts", featuring the live version, a hip-hop flavored dance track and the radio version of the classic hit twenty years after it first charted. The Commodores are currently working on new material for their next studio CD. With the new discs, new tour, and a new label, the Commodores have maintained their place among the most successful entertainers in the world. Their new careers as entrepreneurs, as well as performers bring the boys from Tuskegee full circle. Bringing the talent and experience of three decades of writing, producing, and performing hit music to a whole new generation of fans, the Commodores are proving once again that their future is as bright as their past.