In the studio this week with Bruce Blackman, lead singer from the iconic 70's band 'Starbuck' - talking about his music then and now - including his new single 'Jones About You'. Once you start listening to Bruce's story, you get the feeling this guy isn't slowing down for anything! We talk about how he met his college sweetheart (and the inspiration for the hit single 'Moonlight Feels Right') to his continued success on the Yacht Rock charts, the backstory on the members of his band and more. We also discuss songwriting, music charting and knowing why it's important for all talent to understand the music business as well. From his early days touring with the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), KC and The Sunshine Band and Boston; to a discussion about his memoir; the southern rock and disco music era, and his thoughts on music streaming, Bruce gives an entertaining interview about why his unique music journey feels right. Bring along your love of 70's tunes and join us. Special thanks to our booth announcer Joe Szymanski for this interview!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

In the studio today with children's book author Frank Payne, who has written a true adventure story about his beloved adopted pup named Webster in 'Webster the Beagle' (winner of the 'Mom's Choice Award and 'Readers' Favorite' Book Review Award). Initially adopted as a hunting dog, Payne eventually discovers Webster's true calling is really the life of a therapy dog! Frank talks about this special beagle who inspired him to write a series of books, plus the joy Webster brought to charity work in Virginia with The Children's Hospital of Richmond and the Richmond County Little League. Bring along your love of pets and join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

In Chicago today with children's book author Lisa Maggiore, who has paved a whole new world for herself in the world of publishing - and she's sharing her story today on the podcast! This social worker turned published author of 'Ava The Monster Slayer - Sleepover SuperHeroes', is a story for anyone who wants to overcome their fear of literally anything. Her telling of how Ava and her friends challenge their fears has grown into a series of beloved books for both children and parents alike. In the podcast she discusses new roads to publishing - understanding keywords, knowing where to 'place' your book and those oh so important algorithms - while staying true to the story you believe needs to be told. An author who understands the importance of luck, timing and perseverance also talks about her Live Lit scenes (it's definitely an art form!) and why she believes "scary stories matter."About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

Meeting up in the studio with Marty Scott, guitar player with world famous Beatles tribute band 'Liverpool Legends'. With support for the band from Sir Paul McCartney and one special gig which led to Marty being hand-picked for the band by Louise Harrison (sister of the late George Harrison), let's just say great talent, luck and timing is all part of this fascinating Beatles tribute band! Marty discusses the beginnings of Liverpool Legends stellar success, including a moment that almost wasn't (the story is in the podcast!), when the band recorded and produced all The Beatles songs for a unique album called "Fab Fan Memories" - which eventually led to a Grammy Award nomination! Along with their performances at Carnegie Hall in New York, The Cavern Club in Liverpool and the famed Abbey Road Studios in London, Marty talks about those oh so special gigs with Denny Laine (WIngs, Moody Blues), Joey Molland (Badfinger), Pete Best and more. Bring your love of the 60's with you and join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

In the studio with writer Scott Sollers, who has written several children's books including his newest release 'A Tall Tale: How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs'. We discuss his process of writing a book - starting from idea to outline to actually writing the story, then deciding on an illustrator - to eventually finding a publisher - and as Scott says, it's one of the hardest projects to undertake as a writer! An investment banker by profession and also an avid golfer, Scott talks about his not-for-profit organization in California which helps disadvantaged children discover those important core values through the game of golf. Plus we find out exactly how his youngest daughter inspired him to write. Bring along your love of books and join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

In North Carolina with the talented photographer Bill Reaves, who is in the studio to talk about working with local Raleigh musicians Mitch Easter, Dave Adams, Don Dixon, The Woods, Terry Anderson and new artist Anya Hinkle; to photographing  music legends Tom Petty, Howie Epstein and Mike Cambell (The Heartbreakers); plus Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Dale Watson, Brad Paisley and NRBQ to name a few! We also talk about his commercial photo work for Lone Star Beer, along with his published work with Guitar World magazine. Bill also discusses his upcoming book collaboration with music critic and author David Menconi about musicians in North Carolina who've made a difference. Bring your love of photography - and music - and join us! About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

In Hollywood today with the legendary George Schlatter, creator of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, an American sketch comedy television show inspired by the hippie counterculture, which aired on NBC from 1968-1973. The always vibrant (and perceptive!) 94 year old tells all about show biz - from getting the networks to pick up his shows 'Laugh-In', 'Turn On' and 'Real People', to working in Las Vegas with the greats like Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra and Milton Berle; all the while keeping true to his core belief of how uncertainty  - and yes, even at times failure - generate more creativity than anything else. We also discuss his book 'Still Laughing' about the never before heard stories about this iconic producer and his groundbreaking television programming (with a documentary on his career soon to follow); his YouTube channel 'Clown Jewels' and the backstory about The National Comedy Center in Jamestown NY! Find out why George gives a whole new meaning on what it takes to make it in show business. Join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

In the podcast studio today with Houston's pet advocate and community leader Gloria Zenteno, who along with her many volunteers work tirelessly for Barrio Dogs - an organization she started which helps Houston create a better future for animals. Gloria talks about her journey from leaving the corporate world of nearly 30 years to finding her true calling as an animal advocate; working alongside local civic leaders on Barrio Dog's programs like Pedal for Paws and the Fix-It Program; in addition to local businesses such as Camp Bow Wow and Kroger; to how a grass root effort turned into a strong community outreach program for animal advocacy. She also discusses her family's band 'Zenteno Spirit', with a special mention of her late sister-in-law Norma, who was one of the founding members of not only Zenteno Spirit, but Barrio Dogs as well. Join us!Volunteer opportunities available. Reach out at info@barriodogs.orgAbout the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

Covering sports today with NBC reporter and producer Mark Barger about The Olympic Games in Paris, along with his personal stories from Olympic days gone by. The 30 year broadcast veteran discusses the games in Torino, Sydney, Tokyo and Beijing as well as Paris; what his day to day job is like this summer - and adds a bit of broadcasting advice on what it takes to be successful in television. Join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

In Hollywood with the talented journalist and movie critic Grae Drake who tells all about starting a career in show biz where EVERYBODY is starting a career in show biz! Listen in as we talk about her interviews with Channing Tatum (yes, there's a lap dance story and it's legit); Ryan Gosling and duck towels (you have to hear it to believe it!) plus one of the most talked about quirky television interviews with actor Paul Rudd. The original Miss Moviefone also discusses her love of ComicCon, social media managers, and how to work hard while staying true to yourself - no matter what creative gig you have. Join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

Visiting New York today to chat with author Holly George-Warren, to talk about her latest book 'Dolly Parton Behind the Seams - My Life in Rhinestones', the backstory about Parton's iconic wardrobe. The two time Grammy nominated writer and former book editor for Rolling Stone Magazine, has written other biographies including "Janis: Her Life and Music' (2019); 'A Man Called Destruction: The Life and Music of Alex Chilton, from Box Tops to Big Star to Backdoor Man' (2014), describes her recent journey of writing and working alongside Dolly, focusing on the iconic country singer's humble beginnings in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where her early fashion sense and unique wardrobe style began. We also catch up on two books she's working on - one about writer Jack Kerouac and the other about country singer Jerry Jeff Walker.  This self proclaimed "research nerd" with a true love of  music, also describes her special college reunion in Chapel Hill, NC over the summer, at a place she appropriately calls "The Hippie House". Bring your love of books and music and join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

Staying awhile in Hollywood to talk with legendary game show announcer - and author - Randy West ('The Price Is Right', 'Supermarket Sweep') talks about leaving New York to start both a radio and television career to working with game show greats like Dick Clark, Bob Barker, Bob Eubanks and the amazing Johnny Olsen, and all the success stories in between, it's an entertaining interview from beginning to end! Randy also discusses making the transition from working behind the radio mic to television mic (no easy feat, and he explains why), to how his longtime mentor, Johnny Olsen inspired both Randy's broadcast career and his writing career, including Randy's book 'Johnny Olson: A Voice in Time' and his recent book 'TV INSIDE-OUT: Flukes, Flakes, Feuds and Felonies'! This long time booth announcer digs deep into the highs and lows of working over 35 years in show business, those huge differences between voicing a show on the air and working a game show to showmanship in the voiceover booth and more. And catch his update on the National Archives of Game Show History, too! If you love anything to do with game shows - this podcast is for you. Join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

Today I'm combining North Dakota, North Carolina and California in one special podcast with actor Steve Gelder, who's recently wrapped up a cool gig as 'Dr. Bob' in "Bill W. and Dr. Bob" (Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith) a theatre production about the founders of 'Alcoholics Anonymous'. The production recently wrapped up in Chicago (catch the great review in the Chicago Tribune). In addition to Steve's acting and directing credits - Cabbie (2007), 1000 Ways to Die (2008), Painter (2020), and his own independent film "Arc" (2004) -  the North Dakota native worked 12 years as a stand-up comedian, headlining a number of comedy clubs across America, worked as a radio personality (WRDU 106 in Raleigh, NC), and was a writer for the syndicated newspaper column "Free Association". The versatile actor (who yes, actually bungee-jumped with CarrotTop!) talks about what it takes to get started in the entertainment business, the crazy world of auditions, and why getting the gig as Klingon #3 in the Star Trek franchise is at the top of his wish list. Join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

In New York today with talent manager Hoss of Hoss Management, a legendary organization which has seen a lotta premier radio and voice talent come through their doors! Starting his agency career right out of college by working with Howard Stern's agent Don Buchwald, eventually setting up shop at Atlas Talent and CESD Talent before starting his own company, Hoss explains the ups and downs of the entertainment business. Forthright and candid, Hoss discusses what it takes to be great (it's not just talent!), his take on the future of AI, radio and voiceover careers, and why his motto '"Do the work - let go of the results'" works in a highly competitive voiceover business. We also talk about personal struggles, including his own courageous turnaround from drug addiction and alcoholism, and how it changed the way he looked at his own business model and the world of entertainment. There's also fun banter about England, cricket, football and wouldn't you know it - vinyl records! Whether you're in voiceovers or radio, here's an episode you don't want to miss.About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

Today we're talking all about cool art media and skateboard parks in North Houston with Sally Bradford,  Executive Director for the North Houston Development Corporation. Art pieces are found all around the city of Houston, and Rockstar Energy Bike Park is no exception! Sally is a continuing force behind the scenes, choosing most of the art for children's parts and skateparks - 23 public art pieces in total -  including works at Dylan Park for kids, all three airports in Htown: Hobby Airport, Ellington Field and Houston Intercontinental and more. We also discuss the USA Olympic Skateboard Team, who've recently practiced in Houston as they prepare for the Summer Olympics in Paris this summer; hosting the 2028 UCI BMX Racing World Championships and the 2024 USA BMX Lone Star Nationals April 19-20 at Rockstar Energy Park in Houston. Join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

Traveling up to Nashville today to chat with consummate guitarist and songwriter Bill Lloyd of the 80's country rock duo Foster and Lloyd. Still enjoying the songwriting/session work in Music City, Bill discusses his early start into the music business with MTM (yup, the late Mary Tyler Moore's music company); meeting up with Texan Radney Foster to form Foster and Lloyd, songwriting credits with Beth Nielsen Chapman, session work with The Kinks, Carl Perkins, Ringo Starr and Cheap Trick, to his current work with legendary band The Long Players. He also talks about his new CD 'Look Into It', along with a nod to Nashville's video genius Steve Boyle (of Skid Media and 'Return to Comboland' fame) for his cool 'film noir' contribution for the CD; plus Bill's past work as curator for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and all about that special 20th Anniversary gig with the oh so popular group The Long Players. Join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

In Portland today talking up voiceovers, the business and more with voiceover legend Dan Nachtrab. Dan talks all about how he started in the biz (in radio) to his first commercials (car dealerships) to eventually scoring gigs with Nat Geo, Discovery Channel and more! He also discusses how you can start your own voiceover business, including what you need to set up your studio, where to find training, making money and most importantly, understanding the craft and artistry of being a great voiceover talent. Plus you'll understand exactly what Dan means by bringing your own personal style and life experiences to the mic and why you create the best voiceover performance. Find out more about his voiceover coaching at his website, too. Grab your headphones now and tune in!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

Fresh from his tour of VO Atlanta this month, ACM Talent Manager Jeff Umberger is in the studio to talk about his story behind the voiceover business. From his beginnings as an actor, to setting up his own talent group 'The Umberger Agency' to becoming a talent manager at ACM Talent in New York, Jeff discusses how he puts together what he calls "a partnership of careers". We also chat about the differences between commercial work and audiobooks; making the move from theatre, television and radio performance to voiceover success; what it takes to guide talent to their next achievement; safeguards for AI and your voiceover past; plus an honest vision of what the year 2044 might look like for voiceover performers! Bring along your love of all things audio and join us.About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

In the Houston studio today to chat with former KILT news and traffic reporter T.j. Callahan, talking about how radio life introduced her to a new side hustle as a film critic - and what a gig! T.j. explains how she scores those meetups with famous celebs on the red carpet like Oprah and Claire Foy (The Queen) from 'The Crown'; her work with the Critics Choice Association, Houston Film Critics Society, The Alliance of Women Film Journalists and more. This busy Texas Radio Hall of Famer also discusses her Academy Award picks for Best Film, Best Actor and Best Actress; the new fascination with foreign films; her love of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the lowdown on those infamous deep fried foods - some you may be hearing about for the first time! About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum

Love these visits to Canada to interview the marketing genius - guru - wizard of all things podcasting:  Matt Cundill, host of the 'Sound Off Podcast' - the Podcast about Broadcast. We cover the whole story about podcasting, from marketing cycles, finding your audience, discoverability (my takeaway from this episode!) and why producing, hosting and marketing your podcast needs to be a top priority  to succeed. This one time radio program director who now heads up his company the 'Sound Off Media Company' discusses radio and AI, why the riches are in 'niches' and as always - finding the right audience. And as if he's not busy enough helping future podcasters become great podcasters, he's also putting together two new podcasts you gotta hear - 'Podcast Super Friends' and 'You May Also Like', which celebrates curiosity and inquisition. Oh, have I got questions for our next podcast episode. Join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereA very special thank you to friends who helped bring my Spotlight Conversations podcast together and especially for their continued support:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosRadio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum