Talking 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 Bejing 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 here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A 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 Studios
Radio Free Raleigh
Houston 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 here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A 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 Studios
Radio Free Raleigh
Houston 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 here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A 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 Studios
Radio Free Raleigh
Houston 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 here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A 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 Studios
Radio Free Raleigh
Houston 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 here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A 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 Studios
Radio Free Raleigh
Houston 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 here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A 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 Studios
Radio Free Raleigh
Houston 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 here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A 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 Studios
Radio Free Raleigh
Houston 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 here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A 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 Studios
Radio Free Raleigh
Houston Radio Platinum