Play It Forward Episode 73

Listen to "Play It Forward Episode 73 Megan Danielle, Farewell To Kings And Ed Begley Jr" on Spreaker. Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward. Episode 73: Megan Danielle has had a fair share of practice when it comes to keeping your creative energy focused on the future. Growing up in a household with one parent wasn’t an easy task. That’s why she located peace in music. The very peace required during these Covid-19 days of silent concert stages. Not all musicians, actors and other creative spirits are onboard with this way Covid-19 has tied our nation up. Francesco Dicosmo from Farewell To Kings doesn’t hold back on how he sees things being played out. But it starts with rediscovering music. Actor Ed Begley Jr has been known for decades as being totally connected to all things. As we continue to digest this moment in history he’s come up with ways that will keep young kids actively involved with how we’re growing. That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.

Tamar Braxton

Listen to "Tamar Braxton From To Catch A Beautician On VH1" on Spreaker. In the twenty-episode series, Tamar Braxton -- along with Johnny Wright, celebrity hair stylist to Michelle Obama, Reese Witherspoon and others -- come to the rescue of clients whose hair has been botched by a beautician from their past. In a strategic sting operation, Braxton and Wright will help disgruntled customers confront the stylists who damaged their tresses. Wright will then put the beautician through a rigorous hair boot camp. Armed with new skills and techniques, the beauticians will now have a chance to redeem themselves by redoing their client’s hair. Singer-songwriter Tamar Braxton began her professional singing career at age 11 with “The Braxtons” featuring her older sisters Toni, Traci, Trina, and Towanda when the group was signed to Arista Records. Braxton later embarked on her solo career and released the hit single “If You Don’t Want To Love Me” in 2000. In 2012, Braxton released her No. 1 album Love and War (Epic) featuring the No. 1 single of the same name and chart-topping singles “All The Way Home” and “Hot Sugar.” The critically-acclaimed album earned three Grammy® nominations, two Soul Train awards, and a BET Award.

Becky Baines

Listen to "Becky Baines Releases The Book The 2021 Natl Geographic Almanac" on Spreaker. Did you know that a dog can make about 100 different facial expressions or that astronauts can grow two inches taller while in space? The 2021 edition of the New York Times bestselling National Geographic Kids Almanac 2021, U.S. Edition features all-new animal tales, explorer profiles, awesome inventions and fresh challenges for curious kids who want to learn all about the world and everything in it! It is packed with stunning photographs and interesting info designed especially for children ages 8 to 12 years. Kids will enjoy keeping up with our rapidly changing planet with this entertaining and informative assortment of games, activities and features on science, technology, conservation, history and more. The colorful compilation also includes an Almanac Challenge 2021 — which inspires kids to reduce their plastic waste and encourage others to do the same — and also highlights the winner of the 2020 Almanac Challenge!

Loyal Order

Listen to "Loyal Order With Jeff Buehner Release The Song Ready For Dead" on Spreaker. The Loyal Order first hatched as a studio project several years ago in Portland, when Jeff Buehner was approached to write a theme song for a regional outdoor hunting reality show. He reached out to guitarist Brandon Cook for a heavy riff, and the result was a song called Off the Grid (Superhuman). It aired regionally in the Pacific NW for two seasons. A bassist by trade, singing is a new beginning for Jeff. The songs were originally crafted with a different vocalist in mind, but after laying scratch tracks for the first few songs, the producer convinced him to lay the final tracks himself. From this songwriting partnership between Buehner and Cook, the songs began to flow. They soon approached Producer Rob Daiker at The Commune in Portland, Oregon, who has crafted major label releases with Slowrush, The Dan Reed Network, and Royal Bliss. Ready For Dead was originally released independently in 2019 as a single and music video (Bühner Media/Von Artists/The Orchard) and rang up 50,000 Facebook views in it’s first six weeks and now sits with over 200,000 views. With the expertise of Thom Hazaert (EMP Label Group), the band is now positioned to hit the airwaves and tour nationally, re-releasing the single to radio. The Loyal Order’s debut show was with Puddle of Mudd to a sellout crowd at Portland's Bossa Nova Ballroom. Buehner and Cook have been featured in magazines such as Sleazerock, The Decibel Report, Metal Talk, KNAC, The Hard Heavy and Hair Show, Bionic Buzz and others.

The Lyrics From Billy's Forest Chapter 207

Listen to "The Lyrics From Billys Forest Chapter 207" on Spreaker. June 30 2020 Although I’ve always had a tight relationship with my forest in South Charlotte, North Carolina, it hasn’t always been giving peace and love a chance. I was horribly lost during those early years from 1992 to 97. Nature was struggling with the opportunity to catch up. Acid rain and other atmospheric materials were weakening the limbs and roots. A once vibrant collection of trees was thinning too quickly. That caused erosion. The soil wasn’t protected by the tall stick figures. I would sit for hours in this forest daily writing. Literally listening for the wind share something in the way of protecting its tree history. Like most, I did the Lowes and Home Depot thing of trying to replenish the missing trees with what I call candy coated magazine soil fixtures. They weren’t surviving. November 1997. Seventeen hundred naturally grown North Carolina tree seedlings began a journey that has invited peace and love back into the poetry. Learning to love all living things. During those bleak moments of possibly facing cleared land, I was able to take incredible notes of how everything was reacting. From the tall grasses to the tiny creek to the turtles, snakes and other living things. I wrote about everything. I studied how the land was reaching outward and it was my goal and mission to read every book that would help me save this little piece of daily sharing. Learning to love all living things taught me to include even the tiniest pebbles used to slow erosion. To hold water for the base of the trees to giving a lizard a place of warmth on a sunny day. Learning to love all living things. While writing in the forest on June 13, 2020 I was given a different thought. All of these beautiful animals have come to this one place to help complete the circle. The seasons so incredibly peace filled. But something was still missing. The message that’s been growing for years. Replenishing a forest doesn’t happen overnight. It involves a lot of communication. The one thing missing from this forest? People. Learning to love all living things. In a day and age of life’s everyday forest constantly getting hit by the atmosphere and all it brings. People are no different than a tree. It’s time to study the soil. It’s time to get to know the flow of energy. It’s time to take notes about preserving what we already have by introducing peace and love through communication. Learning to love all living things. Not just what you like. All living things. Knowing about your community not just driving through it. Planting new ideas that are natural and not from a candy coated magazine page. Equally loving creates peace.

Ply It Forward Episode 72

Listen to "Play It Forward Episode 72 With Travel Expert Joe Yogerst" on Spreaker. Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward. Episode 72: Getting Back Your Love For The Road The Corona Virus pandemic has turned everybody’s vacation travel plans upside down. It’s been canceled due to the concern over health risks associated with air, rail and cruise travel. So where are people locating peace of mind? According to a new survey, nearly 1 in 3 Americans are planning to take a road trip this summer and that number could rise as the season kicks in. Veteran travel writer and photographer Joe Yogerst knows where to go and what to do after months of quarantine. That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.

Pod-Crashing Episode 62

Listen to "Pod Crashing Episode 62 My Conversation With Casper Ter Kuile" on Spreaker. Pod-Crashing Episode 62 Every day new podcasters leap onto the platform seeking out better ways to share their journeys. Being educational to just having fun, you don’t need a concrete building with a huge tower behind it to be heard. When we first started out with Pod-Crashing the goal was to help open imaginations by way of showcasing tips of the trade. Rather than assuming that you could hold you head above water, it was my goal to help bring people into the open sea with a vision of always reaching for quality over just banging it out. Part of that process is introducing you to other Podcasters. Unlike radio and television the people doing this vocal thing are the most down to earth creative minds you’ll meet. Learning new tricks and talking about it with you is just part of what we do. It makes our community that much stronger. Casper Ter Kuile carries a lot of creative tools with him every place he travels. He’s a researcher at Harvard Divinity School and the co-founder of Sacred Design Lab. Plus he’s one half of the team that created the extremely popular podcast “Harry Potter and the Sacred Text” You’ve gotta love their motto: Reading fiction doesn’t help us escape the world, it helps us live in it.

David A Harris

Listen to "David Harris Releases The Book A City Divided" on Spreaker. Professor of Law David A. Harris has been writing, teaching and conducting research about the law and police at the intersection of race and criminal justice for thirty years. He holds the Sally Ann Semenko Chair at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and conducts seminars and training for lawyers, judges, police officers and community activists across the U.S. He works frequently with the national media as a legal analyst on criminal justice and police issues, and hosts the Criminal Injustice podcast. A City Divided is his fourth book about criminal justice and police. Harris has authored: Failed Evidence: Why Law Enforcement Resists Science (2012), Good Cops: The Case for Preventive Policing (2005), and Profiles in Injustice: Why Racial Profiling Cannot Work (2002). The tragic death of a young black man, Ahmaud Arbery, out for a run at the hands of two white men (one a former police officer) in Georgia, with no arrests for two months. The two white men see a black man running, and assume he must be a criminal, per the research discussed in the book. No arrests for two months, until a viral video and outside media begin to expose this? Only race explains this. The state's Stand Your Ground and "citizen's arrest" laws make for greater violence, not less, and allow privileged people to put themselves in positions where law will support their use of deadly force. The law, and the culture of law enforcement, of Glynn County, GA, are emblematic of U.S. law enforcement's "protect each other at all costs" culture. https://www.nytimes.com/article/ahmaud-arbery-shooting-georgia.html OTHER TOPICS TO DISCUSS: **With social distancing rules in effect, and many areas still under heavy restrictions, racially disparate enforcement of social distancing guidelines, in NYC and across the country. Crowds of African Americans warrant summonses and even arrests; crowds of whites do not get this response from the police. A strong reflection of what we saw before the pandemic: for example, under stop and frisk in NY and elsewhere, we saw a police focus on black and brown people, even when whites behaved the same way at the same rates or even at higher rates. Even as black and brown people are more heavily policed, white people (in small numbers, but in deliberate and illegal fashion) appear in public places like state capitols, violating social distancing rules, heavily armed, screaming in police officers' faces, calling public health officials and governors Nazis. No real enforcement actions follow.

Coach Demir DJ Boldin

Listen to "Demir DJ Boldin From 4th And Forever Muck City On Curiosity Stream" on Spreaker. Tucked between Lake Okeechobee and Florida’s vast Everglades, the towns of Pahokee and Belle Glade are known as “Muck City” because of the dark soil that fuels one of the largest sugarcane crops on the planet. Muck City is home to one of the greatest rivalries in football – between Pahokee and Glades Central High Schools. These two powerhouses produce more professional football players per capita than anywhere else, including NFL stars Anquan Boldin, Santonio Holmes, Andre Waters, Rickey Jackson, Fred Taylor, Jimmy Spencer and Jessie Hester. Filmed at both schools in 2019, CuriosityStream’s first original docu-series 4th and Forever: Muck City documents the emotional roller coaster behind this ongoing rivalry – from the hopeful days of training camp to the high stakes of the annual “Muck Bowl,” one of the most intense match-ups in high school sports. The eight-part series takes viewers beyond the gridiron, presenting an inspiring portrait of an American community united in its goal to help their youth succeed despite daunting challenges. Inspired by faith, family and football, DJ Boldin, a Pahokee alumnus and brother of NFL star Anquan Boldin, uses his life experiences and personal beliefs to coach his beloved Blue Devils of Pahokee. Before returning to Pahokee, Boldin was an Offensive Assistant in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers and played for the Detroit Lions and in the Canadian Football League. Coach Boldin can discuss the new series, why this region has become famous for creating NFL stars, and his community’s commitment to help young people achieve a better life.

Rebalancing Your Focus

Listen to "Re-balancing The Focus" on Spreaker. June 29, 2020 Rebalancing the focus. A crazy discipline never experienced until Covid-19 elected to make itself present every day. The buildings that have being used as churches have become the new empty warehouse. That has played hard on a lot of people’s focus. We drive by these beautiful places of peace and there are no banners to warmly welcome. There are no police officers guiding cars in. The windows are dark in the way of resembling a giant silent cloud hanging over what used to be energetic. God going digital isn’t new to me. I actually started that journey in 2015 because I needed a better way to grow as a sharper student. I learned very quickly how important pause and rewind are. If I’m questioning or tuning out its one simple reach to play it back. But digital God wasn’t an easy pair of shoes to grow into. Taking in that Sunday morning service at home meant I couldn’t let simple objects guide my attention away from what we had become used to sitting in that building. It was extremely difficult to watch the message via YouTube while the forest outside my window was playfully dancing in the breeze. Sitting on the sofa with food nearby was another game changer. My dog barking at something outside the door. Getting God at home was proving to be more of a challenge then a gift. I had to rebalance my focus. Which I’m sure millions of people are still trying to do since the introduction of social distancing. If I can get the message from the digital platform at any time then why am I not sleeping in on Sunday mornings? Why aren’t we hitting Lowes or Home Depot before the huge crowds get there? My wife and I have actually restructured our time by getting up on Sundays at 6am so that we can be on a nature trail by 6:30. Taking in the artwork provided by the maker of the message. See how all things living around us have not stopped, they aren’t complaining, don’t seem worried and have a way of getting along. Spring happened so fast and many of us missed it. Our focus was on something we thought we needed. News and social media. Rebalancing our focus during this mental crisis has required a shift in our discipline. The daily goal is to put ourselves in positions of discovery not recovery. Digital God has made it possible because the word is heard each time we hit play. Whereas before so many many many people put the Great Creator in play only on Sunday. I’ve talked with many people struggling with the digital process and growth of how the word is presently arriving. Preachers are speaking in huge rooms with barely a soul inside. Rather than talking to a thunderous collection of supporters. They hear their voices bouncing off every wall. What I’ve noticed and man I’m loving it. While watching and taking big time notes. Those bringing the word are looking into the camera. Before Covid-19 I felt like an intruder overtaken by guilt because on the digital platform more attention was being shared with those present in the building then those leaving a seat open for someone new to join in. Rebalancing your focus, Allow time to be your guide. It’s a journey to get used to Digital God. When everything opens again the question will be, how we gonna get people back in the seats? I got Digital God right here with me!

Play It Forward Episode 71

Listen to "Play It Forward Episode 71 With Covid Scientist Debora MacKenzie" on Spreaker. Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward. Episode 71: COVID-19: The Pandemic that Never Should Have Happened Over the past 30 years of epidemics and pandemics, we’ve learned nearly every lesson needed to stop this coronavirus outbreak. We heeded almost none of them. The result is a pandemic on a scale never before seen in our lifetimes. In COVID-19: The Pandemic that Never Should Have Happened and How to Stop the Next One, science journalist Debora MacKenzie lays out the captivating, authoritative, and eye-opening full story of how and why it happened: the previous viruses that should have prepared us, the shocking public health failures that led to this disaster, and the failure to contain the outbreak. With the accumulated knowledge of our failings and a wealth of expert opinions, she charts a forward path for protecting humanity from even worse threats to come. That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.

Cooper Lawrence

Listen to "Cooper Lawrence Releases The Book Celebritocracy" on Spreaker. CELEBRITOCRACY: The Misguided Agenda of Celebrity Politics in a Postmodern Democracy (Posthill Press) is the most eye opening indictment of celebrity involvement in causes, politics and self-serving activism. Cooper Lawrence PhD, uses her expertise in research psychology to cull together renown stories of celebrity advocacy gone horribly wrong. Stories that were both grossly underreported, and even buried. Stories like: ● Do you remember Bob Geldof’s 1985 multivenue, worldwide concert “Live Aid”? Did you think the $127 million raised went to famine for Ethiopia? It didn’t. Ethiopian dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam turned the check over to the Russians in exchange for sophisticated weaponry with which he used to murder thousands of his own people. ● The Dodd-Frank legislation contained pork in the form of something called “Section 1502” that, thanks to actress Robin Wright and her cohorts, resulted in the death and unabashed poverty of millions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. ● CELEBRITOCRACY also uncovers: ○ How Brad Pitt’s (now dismantled) charity, the Make It Right Foundation, did more harm than good in the Lower Ninth Ward after Hurricane Katrina. ○ Why when Liberals get involved in politics they often fumble, while Republicans (ex: Ronald Regan) are wildly successful ○ How Kim Kardashian might be the greatest celebrity hypocrite in modern times when it comes to political advocacy

Madison Prewett

Listen to "Madison Prewett The Experience Of Faith Social" on Spreaker. FAITHSOCIAL BRINGS TOGETHER THE WORLDWIDE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY WITH CREATION OF AN ONLINE SOCIAL MEDIA DIGITAL PLATFORM Multi-faceted free social media platform embraces technology, enabling Christians across the world to communicate, connect, socialize, and enjoy entertainment ORLANDO - June 17, 2020 - Today, FaithSocial is announcing the launch of its robust social media platform that features multimedia content to connect the world's Christian community. Christians across the world can come together digitally to share their faith, hope and messages of encouragement. With the uncertainty of traditional places of worship, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, FaithSocial provides an online social community that welcomes world's nearly 2.5 billion Christians. "I am excited to be part of this online movement, said Madison Prewitt, reality star and devout Christian. "There is no better time than now for Christians to come together and lean on one another for faith, hope, love, connectedness, activism and inspiration. FaithSocial is providing a welcoming home for all Christians to find each other across the globe, especially at a time when social distancing has kept everyone apart." FaithSocial features a dynamic Christian atmosphere that doesn't require uniformity - all denominations and diverse beliefs within the community are welcome. Non-Christians are also invited if they choose to share, explore and experience. Among its many features, FaithSocial features spiritual content from some of today's most influential Influencers, pastors and churches, including Pastor Matthew Watley, Kingdom Fellowship AME church. FaithSocial is poised to be the world's leading online Christian social platform, as it offers a vast range of functions to its followers. With access to digital church services and today's inspiring Christian leaders, FaithSocial's large array of offerings include introducing new sermons and uplifting messages each week as well as video messages from inspirational Christians, including Lauren Scruggs Kennedy, Founder of The LSK Foundation, bringing hope and faith to girls and women requiring prosthetics. "FaithSocial was born out of a desire to connect the world's Christian community in an engaging and entertaining online platform which speaks to love, acceptance and tolerance," said Mark NeJame, Founder and CEO, FaithSocial. "With five years of development and three years of buildout, we have created and are providing a safe, uplifting, positive, and loving forum for Christians across the world to come together to share, engage, teach, learn and connect". Stay tuned for more news from FaithSocial and join the conversation @faithsocial and www.faithsocial.com.

Ryan Jay Reviews

Listen to "Just Another Day With Ryan Jay Reviews Episode 062620" on Spreaker. The digital platform continues to be the safe zone for fans of movies. Every week new features are making their way into our living rooms. This week Ryan Jay reviews Eurovision staring Will Ferrel and Rachel McAdams. A total gut buster with fun music and adventure. My Spy is also on demand starring pro wrestler Bartista. Ryan got into this film because its got an incredible amount of action, drama and a fun relationship with all the characters. It's truly becoming a clearer picture as to how this pro wrestler is going to grow inside Hollywood. John Stewart's next creation is now out. Irresistible with its all star cast is a great way to invest some money this weekend. Your next mayors race will have a new image about it. Do you remember Love Simon from a couple of years ago? Love Victor on Hulu is the continuation and has been getting major applause from fans and reviewers. If you're looking for a new binge watch this one could be it.

He's OK

Listen to "He's OK" on Spreaker. June 26 2020 “There are no meds available to heal from a virus more invisible than you our Lord.” A thought from my morning prayer. I could post it but the majority of those on the internet would and have verbally beaten me up for bringing such subjects up. I’m not saying God is invisible, Covid-19 is invisible. It’s not picky with its friendships and relationships. 37,000 new cases reported in the U.S. yesterday. 37,000! God’s not invisible because I really enjoyed the light fog that rose from the ground while the sun was reaching upward to brighten our day. The owls were very vocal and the cool summer breeze was quite the experience. I will admit that in my heart I know the creator of all things is also the energy behind Coronavirus. What I don’t know is why we’re being tested so harshly. I’d ask the preachers and scholars but they’re just as human as I am and we’ve all had too much of other people’s opinions. 37,000 new cases in one day. And I’m blasted for a post based on putting the mask on. I had a conversation yesterday with Casper Ter Kule who openly admitted that the new church is how we gather on the internet to exercise as one and or share stories and books. The physical act of gathering on the internet is the new church. The numbers of non-believers in the big ole book has been rising and God is OK. The Dude is perfectly fine with whatever way you’re choosing to lead your life. That open space came from him. That reason to not believe is called exploration of one’s self. A brilliant gift. He digs that you’re activating it. God’s cool with how so many have challenged his word. Totally fine with the idea of being prepared not for a debate but for how you still use the energy gifted by him to bring it up in conversation. Loves it. The jolly happy spiritual figure isn’t invisible. But Coronavirus is. “There are no meds available to heal from a virus more invisible than you our Lord.” Maybe the medicine required is realizing if we are equal with love. There will be peace. Equal? Unless you live it. It’s invisible. Like a virus.

Play It Forward Episode 70

Listen to "Play It Forward Episode 70 With YouTubes Katy Kurtz" on Spreaker. Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward. Episode 70: Virtual Summer Camp Kids love adventure, sports, the arts and STEM. Sadly many of the summer camps that allow them to explore for new things has been challenged by the continuation of social distancing. YouTube’s Katie Kurtz has helped design the totally fun summer camp at home! Camp YouTube! Jump on and go to Learn@Home. More than 1,200 videos. Best summer camp ever Mom! That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.

Brandon Reid Allen Boxcar Junkies

Listen to "Brandon Reid Allen Boxcar Junkies Releases New Music Hey Mama" on Spreaker. We often define life by the things we have. Boxcar Junkies lead vocalist and principle songwriter Brandon Reid Allen defines his by the things he’s survived. He was born in Indiana but his nomadic ways often led him astray. With extreme hearing loss as a child and subject to a tougher start than most, Allen wasn’t exactly someone you’d expect to catapult to a career as a singer-songwriter. But one thing his parents gave him before leaving this world was his first start in music through their family band. Allen started playing drums and bass until receiving his first acoustic guitar at age 12. That’s when the writing started. That’s when he first found his voice. Allen launched a successful career as a singer-songwriter. He won Best Rock Vocalist at the Los Angeles Music Awards as well as Songwriter of the Year. Not long after, he added Breakout Artist of the Year at the American Christian Music Awards, as well as Song of the Year at the Paramount Music Awards. He signed a label deal with distribution and publishing through EMI, creating quite a buzz as an independent musician. Allen soon would catch the ear of famed rock drummer Troy Luccketta of the multi-platinum selling band Tesla. “Troy has been instrumental in my career. He opened a lot of doors. He believed in me and gave me opportunities recording great music and sharing the stage with legends. The Eagles, Alice Cooper, Aaron Lewis. The list goes on.” Things looked promising on multiple fronts, but personal tragedy would come calling. “I made some stupid choices that led to my exodus. Drifting from town to town. Living on the streets, in the mountains, even the desert. Lost myself for sure. It wasn’t the first time. Hell, I ran away with the carnival when I was just a kid. I’ve surely lived a hundred lifetimes.” He’d lose a lot of things along the way before truly finding himself. One thing after another unraveled until he found himself living on the streets. “It’s not that I got addicted to drugs and booze and then lost everything. It was actually the exact opposite. I’m no stranger to life and its struggles, but the harder I would fight off the attack, the stronger it became. It was too much this time. I had lost. I finally said ‘I’m dead already, just waiting for my body to catch up.’” He scraped by busking and sleeping on rooftops in cities like Vegas, Phoenix, and San Diego. Eventually he found himself. Cleaned up and clawed out. Dedicating his life and his art to being someone who tells the stories of the forgotten people he’d met along the way. He traveled, playing gigs and being free. New York to Florida to Texas (where he cut the EP for his new Americana/Alt-Country project Boxcar Junkies), and finally back to Nashville. Drawing from influences like Mellencamp, Springsteen, Tom Petty, Rob Thomas, and Wilco, Allen’s Boxcar Junkies put their own spin on a style of music deeply embedded in the American experience. A punchy rhythm section forms the backdrop for deep textured guitars, rootsy Hammond organ, all set against organic overlays of steel guitar and harmonica. The record was produced and performed on by producer Derek Hames and engineer John Shelton of Houston’s Edgewater Music Group. Isaias Gil (Black Flag, Macy Gray, David Lee Roth, Jaci Velasquez) played drums alongside bassist Mark Riddell (Mike Stinson, Charlie and The Regrets, Leon III, Grand Old Grizzly). International guitar legend Gary Hoey guested on the record, while Texas steel extraordinaire Will Van Horn (Lyle Lovett, Robert Ellis) and Houston harmonica great Sonny Boy Terry added their unique flavors as well. Hames provided Hammond, mandolin, guitars, percussion, and background vocals while Shelton played most of the leads. Sony Music Entertainment’s group – The Orchard has picked up the band for distribution of the EP, titled “EST. 1973.” Ultimately, though, the record is focused in on the incisive, plaintive songwriting and smoky baritone vocals Allen himself provides the project. The tapestries of the backing tracks are pleasing, but the music itself is what drives the ship. “I’m trying to make right with my past and help some people along the way that have been pinned down by their circumstances. My hope is that I become invisible and that people focus on the message.” Shining a light into dark places. Music is the medium. Hope is the message.

Senator Martha McSally

Listen to "Senator Martha McSally Releases The Book Dare To Fly" on Spreaker. Martha McSally is a fighter, a survivor, a leader, and a champion of never giving up. In DARE TO FLY, McSally shares inspiring life stories and timeless principles on how to overcome obstacles and adversity. She believes that none of us is born either courageous or afraid, but rather we all possess the ability to see opportunity in obstacles, cultivate inner resilience, and to succeed when others expect us to fail. At age twelve, McSally was devastated by the sudden death of her father. His dying words, "make me proud,"became her motto, and she turned to them to inspire her to break barriers and overcome fear. She went on to excel at the Air Force Academy, and, despite initially being rejected for pilot training because she was too short, McSally become America's first female fighter pilot to fly a jet in combat and the first woman to command a combat fighter squadron. She flew 325 combat hours and rose to the rank of Colonel. And she did it while having to face friendly fire: sexism, harassment, and worse by her peers and even her commanders. She fought for others too, in and out of the cockpit. As a young officer, McSally sued the Pentagon-and won-to free American servicewomen stationed in Saudi Arabia from archaic restrictions requiring them to travel fully veiled in traditional, black Muslim abayas, ride in the backseats of cars, and be treated more like property than valued service members. Determined to serve her country and to defy her detractors, McSally excelled in the Air Force andwas deployed six times to the to combat zones, earning the Bronze Star and six Air Medals. After her retirement from active duty, McSally has continued to serve America, first in the House of Representatives, and now as a U.S. Senator from Arizona. In DARE TO FLY, McSally shares deeply personal stories and gems of advice, such as: 'Do Things Afraid,' in which she recalls a white-knuckle, manual combat run in an Afghanistan canyon to rescue American troops unde fire after her plane's entire electronic targeting system failed. In 'Don't Hesitate to Call a Knock It Off,' she discusses mental health, suicide, and the devastating losses of friends and colleagues. In 'Thrive Through the Darkness' McSally shares deeply personal episodes of grief, abuse and assault, and how she found her own way through the darkness. In 'Thanksgiving in Botswana,' she shares uplifting stories of other pioneers and boundary-breakers. Throughout the book she delves into the importance of faith, family, perseverance, learning how to get yourself to the first water station, and more. DARE TO FLY takes you into the cockpit and across the world with Martha McSally as your guide to discover your personal courage. Filled with candor and insight, readers will be inspired to break barriers, endure turbulence, thrive through darkness, and soar. "Like the A-10 aircraft she flew in combat, retired colonel and fighter pilot Martha McSally is a gritty individual who loves our Air Force and personified its core values of excellence, integrity, and service before self,while standing up to make it a better institution for everyone who serves. How to be resolute, do the right thing, persevere, find gratitude, and learn compassion are just some of the lessons in her inspirational life story." -Ron FOGLEMAN, General (ret.), U.S. Air Force; former Air Force Chief of Staff "I was honored to be in the very first group of US women military pilots as a World War II WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots). I have known Martha McSally for decades, and am proud of how she has preserved and carried on our legacy. She is a fighter and leader who still serves our country. A woman who is as good as her word and gets things done. Congratulations Martha on your book and your life." -Nell Bright, WWII veteran, U.S. Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) "Martha McSally paved the way for others, endured hardship, and exuded courage. The lessons she learned and the stories she shares are inspiring for anyone - in and out of the cockpit."-Heather Wilson, Captain (ret) U.S. Air Force, former U.S. Secretary of the Air Force

Peter Medak

Listen to "Peter Medak Director Of The Ghost Of Peter Sellers" on Spreaker. A young, award winning director desperately trying to complete a movie on the open sea, whilst battling a comedy genius who is trying to sabotage his own film. SYNOPSIS In September 1973 Peter Sellers embarked on the production of a 17th Century pirate comedy in Cyprus for Columbia Pictures (Ghost in the Noonday Sun). Sellers lost confidence with the film as soon as it began and desperately tried to sabotage it, firing the producers in the first week and then setting his sights on his friend the director, Peter Medak. At its core lies the story of an unraveling production but also the tale of a young director firmly on a path to greatness. Medak had made 3 back-to-back successes; most notably 'The Ruling Class' in 1972 with Peter O'Toole (nominated for the Palm D'Or). This film changed his career forever. After 43 years the wounds have barely healed for Medak and this is his opportunity to tell the story and finally release the weight associated with its failure. The Ghost of Peter Sellers is a comic-tragic feature doc about what it takes to be a film director and survive your biggest disaster. Here's the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvmX_lThtxc

No GPS

Listen to "No GPS" on Spreaker. June 25, 2020 Open mouth. Put foot in. Not just me! I’m falling witness to a lot of free form talkers putting things out there that are sharply judged. Hip Hop artist Lil Twist told me the other day that he’s working extremely hard on making sure everything he says is clearly thought out. On this podcast episode we jump into the subject of why we think have to always say something. Even while daily writing I’ll throw sentences into the paragraphs that make no sense. It’s as if I didn’t want to be left out of the conversation. One of my crutches is writing “And so…” Which means what? In all honesty it’s no different than someone saying, “Ummm.” What are we actually trying to bring to the moment? In many cases it’s nothing more than a bunch of weight caused by anger, depression, guilt and sickness. Each are on a huge increase in America. Few people want to talk about that. It seems so simple to pick up the big book and start sharing spiritual versus. Problem is someone’s gonna find that offensive and begin making a lot of noise. We honestly don’t have a GPS system. Not today, not yesterday or any other time in history. We loaded up the wagon and somehow made our way to the West coast. In doing so history was written. No GPS. Today though is a different story. We need direction. We need leadership. We need to know what we can say without feeling like we took a left turn at the railroad tracks when it should’ve been a right and now there are people hating you for it. How did we get to this point? Actually I’m a little afraid to want to know the answer. Ripping out history has become the new norm. Which reminds me so much of my first wife. She lived her life with one rule, “If it’s not happening right now. Then it never happened.” Another flashback. The story of Jesus walking up to the gathered crowd throwing stones at the woman who had sinned. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. History is no different. If we’re going to rip it away. It starts with self.

Dr Ish

Listen to "Play It Forward Episode 69 Marriage Bootcamp 101 With Dr Ish" on Spreaker. Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward. Episode 69: Marriage Bootcamp 101 Since March, many relationships have been tested. For many couples, locked up in quarantine due to Covid-19 has brought up simmering issues. Dr. Ish Major offers tips to strengthen a relationship and also talks about how he’s helping a whole new batch of Hip Hop couples in the upcoming season of Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Edition. That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.

Ralph Nader

Listen to "Ralph Nader Releases The Ralph Nader Family Cookbook" on Spreaker. Ralph Nader is best-known for his social critiques and his efforts to increase government and corporate accountability, but what some might not know about him is his lifelong commitment to healthy eating. Born in Connecticut to Lebanese parents, Nader's appreciation of food began at an early age, when his parents, Rose and Nathra, owned an eatery, bakery, and delicatessen called the Highland Arms Restaurant. The family eschewed processed foods and ate only a moderate amount of lean red meat. Nowadays, the Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest on the planet, but in the 1930s and '40s of Nader's youth it was considered by many Americans as simply strange. Luckily for Nader and his siblings, this didn't prevent their mother, Rose, from serving the family homemade, healthy meals-dishes from her homeland of Lebanon. Rose didn't simply encourage her children to eat well, she took time to discuss and explain her approach to food; she used the family meals to connect all of her children to the traditions of their ancestors. The Ralph Nader and Family Cookbook shares the cuisine of Nader's upbringing, presenting Lebanese dishes inspired by Rose's recipes that will be both known to many, including hummus and baba ghanoush, as well as others that may be lesser known, such as kibbe, the extremely versatile national dish of Lebanon, and sheikh al-mahshi-"the 'king' of stuffed foods." The cookbook includes an introduction by Nader and anecdotes throughout. The Ralph Nader and Family Cookbook will entice one's taste buds, while sharing a side of Ralph Nader that may not be commonly known, though will not surprise anyone familiar with his decades of activism and involvement in consumer protection advocacy.

Jill Sheree Murray

Listen to "Jill Sheree Murray Releases The Book Big Wild Love" on Spreaker. Jill Sherer Murray, award-winning journalist, founder of Let Go For It®, and TEDx speaker with over 2 million views, has written an honest, heartfelt guide to finding the way back to the self you've lost. In Big Wild Love (May 12, She Writes Press), Jill describes her experience of staying in a dead-end relationship into her forties before she let it go. She was like millions of women who stay in toxic relationships. Big Wild Love will put you on a path to teach you that, wherever you are, it's never to late to start anew and find the love you deserve “Big Wild Love comes out at the perfect time: when women are rising up and realizing their own worth. Jill’s book is a how to of self-reflection and self-love and lessons in how to move to a point of freedom, action, and empowerment. Anyone who has been in a bad relationship or trying to figure out if theirs is fixable should read this book.” ―Anita Busch, journalist and victim’s rights advocate

Dan Burke

Listen to "Dan Burke From NBC's Songland" on Spreaker. Dan Burke Currently lives in Los Angeles, California. He is the frontman of the band Twenty Love. He has a very unique style and tone to his voice. His song “Numb” is a wake-up call. He scrolls on social media and watches the news and sees terrible things that are going on but he really doesn’t do anything about it. Dan thinks the song really fits Julia’s way of portraying a story. Julia thinks the song is very personal to Dan so she has to find a way to make it personal to her. The producers feel like they can cut back on some of the guitar in the song. Ryan Tedder called the song “different and weird.” He will be moving on to work with Ester.

No More What If And What If

Listen to "No More What If And When" on Spreaker. June 24 2020 Do you physically know anyone that hasn’t being wondering, “What if and when if?” How much will we change when it does? I can stop asking. A Covid-19 case has made an appearance in places we had hoped it wouldn’t. Hearing the news about someone we love brought on the natural reactions. Not shock! But personal worry and a heaping heart full of compassion. You play games in your head based on where was I? Did I get too close? Was I anywhere near? Which is kind of funny because this past Friday I posted about how proud I was of how our community is truly sticking to the rules of social distancing. There’s absolutely no reason for rage. Only love and support. Love thy neighbor as they self. We aren’t newcomers to this. We know the signs. Now we must be even more aware. What else can a Daily Writer put on paper except that it’s here so let there be more affirmations of inspiration and motivation? To be present with the mind body and soul. I’m no professional with any of this. The only experience most of us have is through the way we share. We can’t turn this into a moment of guilt tripping people to wear their mask or to stay away from large groups of people. We know the rules. Being held accountable for not agreeing with what’s been everything but a mandate. Their issues and not mine. Yet that could all change in North Carolina in the next couple of days. Will it really matter? Who gets the job of telling people they can’t come in? So much productive time being something you’re not. Such as the lone person at grocery stores spending an entire shift spraying down the carts. It reminds me of the people that hold the stop and slow signs at a road construction site. That’s the only thing you have to do today? It killed me to play 16 to 20 songs an hour on the radio but I could only talk over three song intros. The rest of the time was spent watching the computer mix the music. While preparing this morning story today I stopped for a moment to take a sneak peek at Facebook. I need to change the opening sentence. Do you physically know anyone that hasn’t been wondering? Yeah that one. The news just picked up has to ask an even tougher question. How many of us can count on two hands the number of people we know who has had someone close to them taken away because of Covid-19? I can stop asking…

Play It Forward Episode 68

Listen to "Play It Forward Episode 68 What Went Wrong America With James Steele" on Spreaker. Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward. Episode 68: America What Went Wrong? The Crisis Deepens… Long before COVID-19 ravaged the economy, millions of middle-class Americans were struggling with a series of different situations — stagnant earnings, unaffordable health care and the prospect of an impoverished retirement. This is no accident: In this updated and expanded edition of their New York Times No. 1 bestseller -America: What Went Wrong? The Crisis Deepens Pulitzer-Prize winning reporters Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele explain with human stories and authoritative statistical findings how specific actions by Washington and Wall Street are systematically dismantling the middle class. Where we presently stand today with the pandemic, the protests and a recession sets up the nation for a total change. That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.

Dieter Miesner

Listen to "Dieter Wiesner Releases The Book Michael Jackson The Real Story" on Spreaker. Few would know the business and human side of the "King of Pop" Michael Jackson better than his confidant, friend, and former manager Dieter Wiesner. His new book "Michael Jackson: The Real Story" dives deep into Michael's visionary business plans and offers an intimate look at MJ's personal life. "You were with him for a long time. You need to tell the story! You need to tell the real story about my son!" Inspired by these words from Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, former manager, confidant, and personal friend Dieter Wiesner's newly released book, "Michael Jackson: The Real Story," has taken up this brave challenge and does just that. Influenced by a sense of obligation, Mr. Wiesner shares intimate information about Michael Jackson - the man he knew as a visionary business genius and loving father who cared about family and friends. A man who has been portrayed in ways to make headlines that are far removed from the real Michael - a man who inspired millions. "Michael and I were very close. Information about Michael's visionary business genius has to be shared from someone who was there," commented Wiesner. "His memory, his legacy, and his dear family all deserve to know the truth from someone who was a trusted member of his inner circle." The book's author, Dieter Wiesner was inseparable from Michael during the 80-concert, five continent HIStory world tour. When they drove to concerts, Dieter was in Michael's car. When they were at concerts, Dieter was backstage. After the show, Dieter was in the hotel room. While crisscrossing the world together, the two became very close, discussing everything from business to life and Wiesner was able to see what a special human being Michael was. After the tour, Dieter lived with Michael and his children for several years at the legendary Neverland Ranch. What sets this publication apart from the large amount of other Michael Jackson narratives available, in both its content and delivery, are the primary source documents which include over fifteen voicemail messages, that at the click of a button, the enhanced ePub will allow readers to listen to Michael Jackson's voice as he leaves detailed messages about a variety of topics, including his top-secret plans and vision for the second phase of his life. In one message Michael can be heard saying, "This is Michael Jackson calling. When you get this message call me immediately. What I want to talk to you about is very top-top secret! I need a German or a Swiss bank, I want to raise a billion dollars with a Swiss or German bank, but you got to keep this completely confidential! It's an incredible acquisition I want to make." Michael Jackson's desired business acquisitions and partnerships included Marvel Comics, Disney and Apple. Had Michael been able to execute his plan he would have been one of the wealthiest people in the world, certain to have an even bigger impact on popular culture and the world than he did. In another voicemail message, Michael shares more details about his plans, "If I can promise them that Stan Lee will join us.He agreed that if we do this, he will come back again and create new characters. It would be Michael Jackson, Spiderman, and Stan Lee. We'll all stand there and announce the new Marvel 2000.We want to do the most cutting edge films, the most cutting edge visual effects, and just do amazing things." The potential of a MJ/Marvel partnership would have been jaw-dropping. In addition to insight into Mr. Jackson's business vision, Mr. Wiesner provides examples of Michael's longing to be a regular person. In one story about Michael and Dieter sneaking out of Neverland Ranch Wiesner writes, "Our excursion brought him such delight, for once to be free from his isolation, escape from his cage of fame and glory.Michael was able to buy almost anything he desired but showed on that day how he could be satisfied by something so small - being able to sit for two hours in a quiet parking lot and eat a couple of dollars' worth of pizza and wings and drink a few cups of soda - far removed from time and space and detached from the creation he otherwise had become." Readers of "Michael Jackson: The Real Story" will get to know Michael Jackson in a much deeper way - the Michael that few got to know and appreciate. "Michael Jackson: The Real Story" is currently available for on Apple Books for $29.95. To order a copy on Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/michael-jackson-the-real-story/id1478133448?ls=1

Bernice Lerner

Listen to "Bernice Lerner Releases The Book All The Horrors Of War" on Spreaker. In All the Horrors of War (published by Johns Hopkins University Press), Bernice Lerner follows the remarkable lives of Rachel Genuth, a 15-year-old Jewish teenager from the Hungarian provinces, and Brigadier Hugh Llewelyn Glyn Hughes, a high-ranking military doctor in the British Second Army. The two stories finally converge in Bergen-Belsen, where the girl fights for her life and the doctor struggles to save thousands on the brink of death. The book begins at the end: with Hughes's searing testimony at the September 1945 trial of Josef Kramer, commandant of Bergen-Belsen, along with forty-four SS (Schutzstaffel) members and guards. "I have been a doctor for thirty years and seen all the horrors of war," Hughes said, "but I have never seen anything to touch it." The narrative then jumps back to the spring of 1944, following both Hughes and Rachel as they navigate their respective forms of wartime hell until confronting the worst: Christianstadt's prisoners, including Rachel, are deposited in Bergen-Belsen, and the British Second Army, having finally breached the fortress of Germany, assumes control of the ghastly camp after a negotiated surrender. Though they never met, it was Hughes's commitment to helping as many prisoners as possible that saved Rachel's life.

David Thewlis

Listen to "David Thewlis From National Geographic's Barkskin" on Spreaker. David Thewlis stars in National Geographic’s upcoming limited series BARKSKINS, based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Annie Proulx. BARKSKINS, premiering this Memorial Day on National Geographic, examines the mysterious massacre of settlers in the vast and unforgiving wilds of 1690s New France that threatens to throw the region into all-out war. The series tells a thrilling story of exploration, adventure and ambition among dreamers and fighters — some with a utopian vision of the world, others crass and conniving, but all navigating the perils of a treacherous new frontier. As tensions escalate, unlikely alliances are forged, old antagonisms deepen and new families are formed against the seemingly endless natural riches and hidden dangers of the new American continent. BARKSKINS’ depiction of the collision between civilization and commerce is timeless, as is its spirit of adventure, natural wonder and survival of the fittest. Thewlis portrays Claude Trepagny — a wealthy landowner with grand visions for New France. His romantic challenges and controversial religious beliefs will complicate his life over the course of the season. With a career spanning over 30 years, veteran actor David Thewlis has worked with some of the world's leading writers and directors. Movie fans will recognize David as the enchanting Remus Lupin in the Harry Potter franchise. He also starred as the villainous Ares the God of War in Wonder Woman opposite Gal Gadot. Additional film credits include the acclaimed cult hit The Big Lebowski, Steven Spielberg’s War Horse, the Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory of Everything, and the gangster thriller Legend with Tom Hardy, to name just a few. David will soon be seen in the second instalment in the Avatar franchise from James Cameron.

The Lyrics From Billy's Forest Chapter 206

Listen to "The Lyrics From Billys Forest Chapter 206" on Spreaker. June 23, 2020 I love studying the habits of nature. From the long limbs of a Carolina Pine to the tall grasses snuggling up to a stream pushing energy to a nearby lake. There’s something in nature that speaks to their human neighbors but few are choosing to listen. To fall witness to. To grow with and from. My walk at five this morning was a total image of nature having a presence. The sweet scent of Magnolia’s the morning after a hard rain. The sky was lit up by stars no longer hidden by so much pollution. And the rabbits. Oh the rabbits. Just like the deer, the rabbits aren’t as fearful as they used to be. The moment they see Jazzie and I coming into their picture those little bunnies run to greet us like a scene from Bambi. What I want to know is how nature can feature so many incredibly different things and yet we never see the Elm attack the Queens Lace. How can the squirrels of plenty keep at peace with the bright red Cardinals and both get equally the same amount of required food from my feeder? While the sun rises to bring light to a new day it’s quite entertaining to watch shadows dancing on the forest floor. I don’t see the wild grape vines fighting with the tiny white roses that grew without human help. There are lessons to be learned in a forest. There’s something here that speaks out but in what language? Is the Oak tree the top of the company ladder? The huge snapping turtle we saw walking by on Sunday does he feel like he’s been wronged by the way the human parks his or her car? I’ve never received a complaint. All that seems to be wrong in the human world and nature doesn’t seem to be skipping a beat. Yes there is a difference with all things that make up a place of peace. How is it that the plants, trees and other living things have never put in those two two extra letters? In-difference. In-justice. All things in a forest equally love. Therefore peace is allowed to be present. Sure the umbrella of trees do race to see who’s going to touch the first cloud of the day. Sure the Black Snake loves to keep the Copperhead from poisoning things. Yes the spiders love mosquitoes and grasshoppers. And with all of those bunnies we see each morning at five I’m sure there’s a pretty fat owl loving his lay of the land. There is to be a difference. It’s what makes harmony work. Equally loving creates peace. It’s time to activate what the forest practices every day. Equal love creates peace.

Play It Forward Episode 67

Listen to "Play It Forward Episode 67 Kimberla, Josh And Sig And Aeri Moon" on Spreaker. Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward. Episode 67: Author Kimberla Lawson Roby is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 28 books. This go around she made the decision to forego the major publishing houses to self-publish. The book's title is: THE WOMAN GOD CREATED YOU TO BE: This book is her journey from what appeared to be happiness--with all of her success--to what IS happiness: a strong faith, and trust in God. Women will see themselves in the stories Kim shares about her life. Doing it all on your own in the center of a global pandemic. Josh Harris and Sig Hanson star on The Deadliest Catch. Although the last season poured a lot of attention on the extreme competitiveness between Russia and the United States… From this moment forward all things have changed due to the Coronavirus Covid 19. Arei Moon recently spent the months of Spring showcasing her art on the 18th season of NBC’s The Voice. These were the episodes that featured the artists from home. It meant that for the first time the performers didn’t get face time when collaborating. That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.

Pod Crashing Episode 61

Listen to "Pod Crashing Episode 61 My Conversation With Pete Kaliner" on Spreaker. Pod-Crashing Episode 61: Keeping It Local With Pete Kaliner Podcasts are no different than snowflakes. There are no two the same. They may resemble each other. The same intensions at hand. Probably the same listening audience. It’s still impossible to call them the same. Making each podcast unique are the captains running the ship. Their visions. Ambitions. Connections and reactions. All four play a huge role in shaping the final stages of how you want your podcast to grow. I prefer to stay completely away from local issues and sales probably because when I first leaped into this circle of podcast love, the pioneers leading the way in 2012 were hooked on how far we could reach without putting focus the local street. I was told to stop acting like a radio station. I still pick up on that vibe with the enormous amount of Podcast promoters doing all they can to score your business. Every letter and conversation clearly states how important it is to reach. They promise more new listeners, more sharing and longer term impact. Then I bump into fans and followers of Matt Burton from Lincolnton, NC and Pete Kaliner from Asheville. Both are super serving local. Matt with Hometown Radio and Pete with statewide politics. Which he believes is extremely important during these days of the massive numbers of those reaching. Both Matt and Pete capitalize on being local by giving their advertisers an opportunity to move product. Whereas my advertisers rely on promo codes and other methods of attracting listeners several hundred miles from the storefront.

Bruce Franks Jr

Listen to "Bruce Franks Jr From MTV's St Louis Superman" on Spreaker. St. Louis native Bruce Franks Jr., is a battle rapper (known as Ooop’s) who became a community activist after the 2014 events of Ferguson, Mo., and was later elected to the Republican Missouri House of Representatives. The Oscar-nominated documentary St. Louis Superman (airing May 18 on MTV, VH1 and MTV2) tells his story as he must overcome unresolved childhood trauma -- including witnessing his nine-year-old brother's shooting death -- and face political obstacles to pass a bill critical for his community in his fight to keep guns off the street. Following the community unrest in Ferguson, Bruce began mentoring youth and lending guidance to those in need. He was later appointed as Police Community Liaison for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, where he was instrumental with fostering the Minority Recruitment Class program. Franks’ work helped usher thirty-seven people of color into the police academy in 2015-2016. One year later, Bruce ran for and won the election to be the State Representative in the 78th District, where he tirelessly pushed his priorities of fighting crime, getting guns off the streets, and encouraging minorities to become police officers.

For There To Be Peace

Listen to "For There To Be Peace" on Spreaker. June 22, 2020 From early on I took note of the energy behind the nib of a writing instrument. While writing, your entire body becomes part of the flow. You lean in to a thought, move to the right or left when challenged with an idea or dream, push harder into the paper while trying to express and lightly rub the page with your opposite hand when trying to further the mental location. Handing writing not typing moves the mind, body and soul in the way of fueling the process of memory. It lasts much longer than a spur of the moment unspoken verbal crossing. Twenty one years after starting a daily writing journey I elected to make prayer not just available to my inner self but to all things living after. Meaning, instead of prayer like so many, the moment and or message would be written out. To reflect upon. To study. To document what moves through you while receiving. Yesterday was one of those writing moments where something latched onto my heart and clearly said, “Make the path possible.” The exact words were, “For there to be peace, we must equally be loved. And in this moment of now there can be a new level of togetherness but it’s going to require the existence of all that is now and not a heart locked-in on history.” Too many of our decisions and reasons behind creating a reaction are based on and fed by the roots of something already lived. What if we begin living forward? Your parents had parents who had parents who had parents. One of those parents is probably the real reason why you do as you do. But none of those parents have a voice in the say. You are because someone was. That being said. Someone will and can be… Because you chose today to break the vine and live in forward walks and ways. “For there to be peace, we must equally be loved. And in this moment of now there can be a new level of togetherness but it’s going to require the existence of all that is now and not a heart locked-in on history.” So what does any of this have to do with the opening thoughts about prayer? I don’t have the true numbers but something tells me a lot of prayer has been shared over the past four months of a pandemic, injustice, a rising recession, political news and this huge dust storm that will be entering the southern part of the country this week from another area of the world. A lot of prayer! You see the headlines and hear the talk. “For there to be peace, we must equally be loved. And in this moment of now there can be a new level of togetherness but it’s going to require the existence of all that is now and not a heart locked-in on history.” Too many of our decisions and reasons behind creating a reaction are based on and fed by the roots of something already lived. Break the vine and live in forward walks and ways. Someone will and can be…

Playing It Forward Episode 66 For The Hungry

Listen to "Play It Forward Episode 66 For The Hungry With Jesse Colin Young" on Spreaker. This is the YouTube line for Get Together with the proceeds going to Songaid to help those who are hungry during the Coronavirus pandemic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUWPcI3t4Jk&list=RDwUWPcI3t4Jk&start_radio=1 Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward. Episode 66: For The Hungry Legendary singer-songwriter Jesse Colin Young has teamed up with SongAid and WhyHunger to release an updated version of The Youngbloods’ 1969 hit song, “Get Together.” Featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Steve Miller on electric guitar and background vocals, all proceeds from the song will help fight the global hunger crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Get Together” is available on all digital music and streaming services. Each time a fan listens to a SongAid song, the streaming proceeds will go to WhyHunger’s Rapid Response Fund. Fans listening on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Apple Music and sharing on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok can help make this movement work. That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.

Michael Jr

Listen to "Michael Jr From The On Demand Movie Selfie Dad" on Spreaker. Some films have an inspiring faith-based message and others are fall-out-of-your-chair entertaining, but has there ever been a film that was both? Selfie Dad. Meet Ben Marcus, a husband and father who finds himself caught in the throes of a mid-life crisis. Ben has a lot to be thankful for, but despite everything he has achieved, he simply isn't happy. He decides that the best way to fill the hole in his life is to fulfill his long set aside dream of becoming a comedian. And what better way to jump start his comedic career than with a YouTube channel? Much to his surprise (and his daughter's embarrassment), a video of Ben goes viral! Just like that, his new career as "Selfie Dad" takes off, and before Ben knows it, he's a social media phenomenon! So why is he still unhappy? Meet Mickey, a brash IT guy who's studying to be a pastor. He knows exactly what's really missing from Ben's life. At its heart, the Selfie Dad movie is an inspiring story about the power of the Bible told through humor and compassion. Traditionally, faith based films with a strong message are dramas; however, Selfie Dad' aims to bring healing and understanding through laughter. After all, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, right? The Selfie Dad movie employs the comedic powers of seven world-class professionals to deliver intelligent humor from the opening shot until the credits roll!

Walter Thompson Hernandez

Listen to "Walter Thompson Hernandez Releases The Book Cowboys In Compton" on Spreaker. Home for the Cowboys is a ranch in the middle of one of the few remaining agricultural enclaves in greater Los Angeles, known as Richland Farms. Once a predominantly white area, it attracted black residents who moved to California from the rural South during the great African-American migrations of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and more recently many Latinos. In 1988, Mayisha Akbar—a successful real estate agent in Los Angeles—started an organization called the Compton Junior Posse at Richland Farms to give young black people not only a respite from the horrendous warfare between the Crips and the Bloods on the streets, but an alternative set of experiences and values. Three decades later, Mayisha was getting ready to retire and turn the reigns of running the ranch over to a group of young men and one woman, mostly alumni of the Compton Junior Posse, who had reconstituted themselves in 2016 as the Compton Cowboys. Their leader was one of her nephews, Randy Hook, and the challenges he and the others faced were daunting. It cost $25,000 a month just to keep the ranch running, and most of the previous funding had been provided by wealthy white donors, who were now leaving with Mayisha or dying off. In order to save the last standing cowboy ranch in the city, the Cowboys had to find new funding, fend off the threat of rising land prices and gentrification, and show a new generation of young Compton residents that cowboys were still cool. Thompson-Hernández spent a year with the Compton Cowboys in order to tell that compelling and multifaceted story through the stories of the group’s individual members. As he vividly details, the ranch is far more than a place to teach young people how to ride and care for horses. Most importantly, it’s a place where people can be themselves and feel they truly belong. For each of the Cowboys, it functions as a renewable source of life, where their friendships are preserved and where the violent trauma that all of them—including the author—have experienced can be healed. They have all lost relatives and close friends to gun violence; many come from fractured families; some have been involved in gangs; some have done time in prison; some have struggled with substance addiction; most are economically insecure. In addition to other traumatic events, the Cowboys have even lost horses to street accidents or gun violence. These incidents are devastating in a very particular way, since the Cowboys form intimate bonds with animals that often have a history of neglect and abuse, and that like themselves have been relegated to the margins. In many ways, Thompson-Hernández notes, the Cowboys sustain the spirit of the entire Compton community. In addition to their everyday physical presence in the streets, they are often invited to perform in parades throughout Los Angeles, and increasingly appear in social media, advertisements, and films. Despite extremely limited resources, some members of the group compete professionally and successfully in jumping and various rodeo events, bringing much-needed positive attention to their community. For the Compton Cowboys, the ranch is also a memory center of their culture, where they can learn about the legacy of black cowboys, which stretches back into the nineteenth century. As children, they never saw black cowboys on their television screens or read about the proud history of black cowboys in the founding of the American West. They were never taught about the ingenuity of cowboys like Nat Love, who was born a slave in Tennessee in 1854, freed at the conclusion of the Civil War, and gained prominence throughout the Southwest as a trusted guide and showman. Or Bill Pickett, one of the West’s most famous rodeo champions and actors, who would later be inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Grvmnt

Listen to "Grvmnt's Michael And Emily From NBC's World Of Dance" on Spreaker. Canadian hip-hop crew GRVMENT came to the “World of Dance” Qualifiers with plenty of heart, but also a lot to live up to. This Junior Division troupe is hoping to follow in the footsteps of season two winners The Lab. But first they had to perform for Jennifer Lopez, Ne-Yo and Derek Hough when they thought they were just supposed to be meeting producers for their final audition.

Peace Is Too Loose

Listen to "Peace Is Too Loose" on Spreaker. June 19, 2020 Because I’m a daily writer. I believe that while writing we physically activate the entire body. To make words work, we must write and leave the speaking for after we have written. This is why I write out my morning prayers. So often we get lost in thought or words being spoken that we forget why we’re really there. Because I am writing the prayer, the focus is on the present. Therefore the message is. This morning I wrote: Let us unite in peace. To make it a new habit while teaching those who see peace as being too loose and not tight enough on what needs to be accomplished. That thought affected me. There it was in front of me. Both sides of the fence. Peace is an offer. To tighten up what needs to be accomplished is a message of the job not being done. I’m guilty of putting peace first. Then wonder why it isn’t working. Because the expectations haven’t been met. We’re surrounded by a lot of loose strings. With peace we’ve kept walking. Believing we’re united. Yet if you pull the camera back and look at the entire picture. What came to me in prayer is extremely visible. Peace is too loose and not tight enough on what needs to be accomplished. Are those on the frontline in peace? Are the men and women who show up nightly protesting injustice are they at peace? The stones being thrown and the fires may look like there is peace but what needs to be accomplished hasn’t been reached. Now add in the growing concern of a huge financial crisis in America. Are you at peace? Then it’s time to tighten what needs to be accomplished. God bless the pockets of Outreach groups that endlessly put themselves on the corners of walk and don’t walk. But pockets aren’t going to change the empowerment required to tighten what needs to be accomplished. What cannot be deactivated is why any of this is happening. We need to put our big boy boots on. Make them stretch all the way of your leg. There are a lot of snakes in the grass. The very moment we tell ourselves that things have returned to peace is the very second your heart should shout, “Do not turn and walk away! What needs to be accomplished has been ignored too long. Peace can no longer blind us from truth.” This doesn't mean we can't be peace filled or have peaceful intentions. It means that it's time to know what peace is and how it's not the end of what time can't change. Only people can. Be with peace while tightening what needs to be accomplished.

Play It Forward Episode 65

Listen to "Play It Forward Episode 65 The Return Of Jenney Wilder From Alll Kinds Of Therepy" on Spreaker. Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward. Episode 65: Jenney Wilder’s Return We first met up with Jenney on the front side of May. Two months into a pandemic what in God’s name was it doing mentally to our children? Jenney is the creator of All Kinds Of Therapy dot com. During these tougher times in global history the one thing people aren’t bringing up in conversations is mental health. As she clearly states if someone is sick with the flu or cancer family and friends bring over food and deserts. With mental health issues, the very subject is its own pandemic. Within 30 days look at how life has changed. Covid-19 is still hangin with us. Now we’ve got racial tension, the nation is in a recession and as huge as the Supreme Court’s ruling was for LGBTQ that doesn’t make the world instantly ok. All Kinds Of Therapy dot com. We are Unplugged and Totally Uncut with Jenney Wilder That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.

Psyco Village

Listen to "Psycho Village's Dani Wagner Talks About The New Album Unstoppable" on Spreaker. Three-piece Austrian rock band Psycho Village returns with its latest album, entitled Unstoppable, which is now available via Pavement Entertainment. Unstoppable is the follow-up to Psycho Village's debut EP, Self-Made Fairytale – Part 1, released in 2014 in Europe and in 2017 internationally. Unstoppable is about gaining strength from any source of negativity, pushing through, and never giving up. The album was mixed and mastered by Gwenael Damman. Lead vocalist and guitarist Daniel Kremsner says, "The album, as well as the title song 'Unstoppable,' are very special to all of us, because they represent all the issues we've had to overcome in the past few years." Psycho Village has had its share of trials and tribulations, from being robbed to surviving a car accident in Hamburg, Germany. Kremsner adds, "We've never let ourselves be intimidated by these negative experiences. On an emotional basis, these experiences have brought us together as a band more than we could have ever imagined" Psycho Village recently premiered its music video for the title track "Unstoppable." The band gives a dynamic performance with a catchy and inspirational chorus that is sure to pump up audiences worldwide. Kremsner says,"We want to share our message and our process with as many people as possible and show them that nothing should be strong enough to get you down." Founded in 2009, Psycho Village consists of Daniel Kremsner (vocals and guitar), Mazz (bass and backing vocals), and Johannes Sterk (drums). The band's 2013 single, "It's Okay," charted at number 32 on Austria's Top 40 Singles chart. Psycho Village has played over 150 shows across Europe and the UK with bands such as Nothing More, Puddle of Mudd, and Saving Abel.