It's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll, and in New York, it's gonna be the place for doing just that with a special birthday bash. The celebration? Honoring what would have been Bon Scott's 79th birthday: ' The Second Annual Official Bon Scott Birthday Bash ', taking place July 9 at the Bowery Electric - and John Jackson, who works with the Bon Scott Estate (an A&R exec who holds the first-ever B.A. in Rock and Roll History, in addition to being a member of The Jayhawks ) dr...
Jul 09, 2025•9 min•Ep. 138
So nice to get away to New York and catch up with voiceover talent manager Jeffrey Umberger , who works as a talent manager for ACM Talent in the city. Sitting down with Jeffrey gives you a whole new perspective inside the world of entertainment - including the voiceover business! And with the changing nature of the biz, combined with the speed in which AI is joining the ranks, this studio session proves to be an interesting convo! Jeffrey and I discuss the current voiceover business - including...
Jul 08, 2025•30 min•Ep. 137
Wrapping up a short series about tech + media with THE voiceover tech recording wiz George Whittam, also known as 'George The Tech' and okay, as a voiceover pro for a while, dang...I learned a lot from this interview with George! We start at the beginning of his career, working at WYSP in Philadelphia (The Howard Stern Show, Opie and Anthony): joining the NFL Eagles Radio Network as a booth engineer and onto embracing his entrepreneurial spirit and heading off to Los Angeles, building sound stud...
Jun 10, 2025•42 min•Ep. 136
Today in Houston for the first of my short mini-series on tech + media! This month's special episode starts with The High Tech Texan, known around town as Michael Garfield - and oh does he understand technology! But more than tech, he's also hip to lifestyle, too - so there's plenty to talk about in the studio from this television personality and radio host! (hear more on Michael's 'High Tech Texan Program' from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekends on KPRC AM 950). Get ready - today's episode is not only ...
May 15, 2025•25 min•Ep. 135
In the studio up near Dallas today talking with one of the most versatile guitar players in rock music - Andy Timmons . From his rock roots to his trademark melodic playing on songs from his new CD 'Recovery'; to touring with his 80's glam metal band 'Danger Danger' (and opening for Kiss and Alice Cooper!) Andy gives a glimpse into the world of rock and roll and what it's like working with Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Steve Morse to 60's singing stars like The Beach Boys and Lesley Gore. Bring along...
Apr 22, 2025•12 min•Ep. 134
In the studio with blues rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, talking about his new music with blues legend Bobby Rush called 'Old Fashioned Ways', where the music not only spans generations, it brings two legends together in the studio that is special in every blues rock way possible. We also talk about his tour with Bobby; the early days of teaching himself how to play the guitar, plus how his cool DJ dad from Shreveport LA have him a first look into the world of rock and roll! Bring along tho...
Apr 01, 2025•9 min•Ep. 133
In Los Angeles to today, chatting with Jamie Jamitkowski, Senior Marketing Manager at Propstore, one of the world's leading film and television memorabilia auction houses . Their first major live auction of 2025 is happening March 26 - March 28 (for guests both in LA and online), so if you are a film fanatic, you gotta be there! From the incredible sets of Ghostbusters to Top Gun, Star Wars to X-Men, Harry Potter and Batman, Jamie talks about those special costumes, extraordinary film-used props...
Mar 26, 2025•9 min•Ep. 132
Studio ready in Los Angeles today with Emmy Award winning producer and writer Rick Mitchell ( The Ellen DeGeneres Show/TMZ ) to talk about his new book 'How To Write A Funny Speech...for a Wedding, Bar Mitzvah, Graduation & Every Other Event You Didn't Want To Go to in the First Place' - yes, he does cover all those nerve wracking/speech making events! Co-written with Emmy and Golden Globe winner Carol Leifer ( Hacks ) - with a forward by the legendary Carol Burnett! - the book brings togeth...
Mar 10, 2025•17 min•Ep. 131
Martin Fry, lead singer of ABC , the English pop band from the '80s who mixed a bit 'o disco funk, rhythm and blues along with their cool post-punk sound - 'Poison Arrow', 'The Look Of Love', 'When Smokey SIngs' - stops by the studio to talk about music and his upcoming tour with Howard Jones! He also gives us the details about his new autobiography (available now - check his website) 'A Lexicon of Life' - about growing up in Manchester; lovin' music, starting his band in Sheffield, and eventual...
Feb 19, 2025•8 min•Ep. 130
In San Francisco this week with noted author and journalist Maria Castellucci Moore, as we talk about her new children's book 'Sophia In Rome'. This second book in her traveling mindfulness series shows how the world around us can inspire curiosity, wonder and surprise whether traveling abroad or right in our own back yard! We also discuss what inspires her as a writer, her love of Italy, plus other books coming in this delightful series for all ages. Enjoy! About the Spotlight Conversations pod...
Jan 07, 2025•15 min•Ep. 129
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 stops by the studio to talk about how to answer those questions and more. His award winning book 'The Self-education Manual' presents a logical learning system of proven study methods which you can really master. With dozens of learning scenarios along with colorful graphics and illustrations, Gary...
Dec 04, 2024•14 min•Ep. 128
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 behind the scenes of American retro television and Lear's inspiration for his legendary comedy series All In The Family , Maude , Sanford and Son , The Jeffersons , Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and Good Times to producing films Come Blow Your Horn with Frank Sinatra and Divorce American Style with Dick ...
Nov 05, 2024•22 min•Ep. 127
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 experience is lead by guitarist Spencer Hannabuss, who discusses everything from how this special band got started, how they built their incredible fan base across the United Kingdom plus how they found the perfect mix of musicians to bring the rock and roll riffs AND the violins and cellos together. Bring alon...
Oct 29, 2024•19 min•Ep. 126
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. W...
Oct 01, 2024•21 min•Ep. 125
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 wo...
Sep 19, 2024•15 min•Ep. 124
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 ...
Sep 05, 2024•20 min•Ep. 123
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...
Aug 30, 2024•26 min•Ep. 122
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...
Aug 29, 2024•17 min
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 w...
Aug 27, 2024•17 min•Ep. 120
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...
Aug 14, 2024•22 min•Ep. 119
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 t...
Aug 06, 2024•22 min•Ep. 118
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 ...
Jul 31, 2024•20 min•Ep. 117
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, soc...
Jul 16, 2024•33 min•Ep. 116
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 j...
Jun 19, 2024•25 min•Ep. 115
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 televisi...
May 29, 2024•33 min•Ep. 114
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 hi...
May 24, 2024•29 min•Ep. 113
In New York today with talent manager Hoss of Hoss Managemen t, 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 jus...
Apr 23, 2024•25 min•Ep. 112
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, Ell...
Apr 13, 2024•22 min•Ep. 111
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...
Apr 09, 2024•34 min•Ep. 110
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 voiceo...
Mar 26, 2024•39 min•Ep. 108
