Spotlight Conversations
Radio personality and voiceover pro Donna Reed interviews friends in the entertainment biz inside her cozy linoleum free recording studio. Unscripted and always entertaining, listen in and find out why music + media are the conversation starters. Theme song: Mark Sparrow, Song Bird Studios | Booth announcer: Joe Szymanski
Episodes
127 episodes
Author Gary Dean Petersen talks about his new book 'The Self-Education Manual', and how learning anything new can really be oh so easy
Find learning new things difficult? Can't seem to "grasp the material" when it comes to understanding that new way of doing your old job? Relax already! Author, teacher and inventor Gary Dean Petersen st...
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13:37
Author Tripp Whetsell talks about television legend Norman Lear, show business stories and teaching at Emerson College
In Boston today with entertainment journalist Tripp Whetsell, author of the new book 'Norman Lear: His Life & Times'. A passionate fan of every show Lear created and produced, Whetsell takes us behin...
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Episode 127
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22:29
UK band 'The 286' talks about their orchestral rock music style, history of their band's name and why side hustles matter
Visiting London In the studio today with 'The 286', a visionary band mixing rock and roll guitar riffs along with cellos and violins! Sounds different - and it works! This unique sound e...
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Episode 126
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19:15
Bruce Blackman, lead singer for 70's band 'Starbuck' talks songwriting, Yacht Rock and the inspiration for his song 'Moonlight Feels Right'
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 ...
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Episode 125
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20:42
Author Frank Payne talks about his new children's book 'Webster The Beagle' and how this one special dog built a legacy of caring
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 '
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Episode 124
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15:28
Children's book author Lisa Maggiore talks about her new book, the new rules on publishing and why scary stories matter
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 tu...
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Episode 123
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20:10
Marty Scott of 'Liverpool Legends' (a tribute band to the Beatles) talks about touring, a little luck and the late George Harrison's sister, Louise
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 ...
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Episode 122
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25:43
Author Scott Sollers talks about writing children's books, why golf matters and who inspires him
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 ...
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16:57
North Carolina photographer Bill Reaves talks concerts, rock stars and what it takes to get the perfect photo shoot
In North Carolina with the talented photographer Bill Reaves, who is in the studio to talk about working with local Raleigh musicians...
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Episode 120
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16:39
George Schlatter, creator of 60's TV show 'Laugh-In', talks Hollywood, laughter and his take on creativity today
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 percepti...
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Episode 119
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22:01
Houston community leader Gloria Zenteno talks about her organization Barrio Dogs and family traditions with a band called 'Zenteno Spirit'
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 Hous...
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Episode 118
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22:17
Veteran NBC producer/reporter Mark Barger talks about the Olympic Games in Paris and behind the scenes in sports broadcasting
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...
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Episode 117
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19:42
KCAL TV film critic Grae Drake talks Hollywood, Ms. Moviefone and that interview with actor Paul Rudd
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 in...
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Episode 116
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32:37
Author Holly George-Warren, Grammy nom and writer of 'Dolly Parton Behind the Seams' talks music, biographies and a college reunion at the "hippie house"
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 wardro...
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Episode 115
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25:02
Television game show announcer Randy West talks about the art of voiceover, green room stories and how Johnny Olsen inspired it all
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 ...
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Episode 114
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32:54
Actor Steve Gelder talks theatre success, Hollywood life, radio days, and why his dream acting gig is playing the part of Klingon #3
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 ...
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Episode 113
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28:34
Talent Manager 'Hoss' of Hoss Management talks radio, voiceover careers, and why doing the work is better than getting results
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 ...
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Episode 112
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25:17
The backstory of BMX Champions, skate parks and rockin' art work with City of Houston executive Sally Bradford
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 ...
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Episode 111
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22:00
Grammy nominated songwriter Bill Lloyd of 80's country rock duo Foster and Lloyd talks songwriting, Nashville, and gigs with Ray Davies and Carl Perkins
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, ...
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Episode 110
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33:44
Voiceover pro Dan Nachtrab talks about his career, what it takes to be a pro, and opens up about his new gig as a voice coach
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...
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Episode 108
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39:20
ACM Talent Manager Jeff Umberger talks voiceover careers, managing talent, and how his own acting career started it all
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 setti...
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Episode 107
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26:31
Film Critic and Texas radio personality T.j. Callahan talks Academy Awards, red carpet moments, and that deep fried butter recipe at Rodeo Houston
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 - an...
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Episode 106
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26:26
Matt Cundill, host of the 'Sound Off Podcast' talks audiences, priorities, radio, AI and why 'riches are in the niches'
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 t...
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Episode 105
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39:52
Legendary radio personality Jo Maeder 'The Rock and Roll Madame', talks radio, writing books and why auctioneering should be your next side hustle
We are talkin' radio today with the entertaining radio personality Jo Maeder, also known to fans everywhere as 'The Rock and Roll Madame' (as in 'Up and at 'em with the Madame'). We start with the story behin...
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Episode 104
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35:36
Author Bev Cuevas talks about life as a Swinging Sixties stewardess in 'Behind Her Smile'; inflight stories, plus that kiss with Elvis
In Dallas today talking with the effervescent author Bev Cuevas about her book 'Behind Her Smile: The Adventures of a Tall Girl from WVA and Her Life as a Stewardess'. It's funny and entertaining; with over 35 years in the aviation industry, sh...
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Episode 103
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28:48