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Spotlight Conversations

Donna Reed

143 episodes

2 weeks ago

In North Carolina today to talk with indie pop rock band 'Secret Monkey Weekend' and yes, if you are taken in by the name, wait till you hear their story - it's even better! Jeff Hart (formerly of Jeff Hart and The Ruins) has now teamed up with his step-daughters Ella Hart and Lila Brown Hart, put together some new music, and came up with a new album 'Lemon Drop Hammer'. As they bring in new fans while wrapping up their summer tour on the east coast, they've also brought in fans in the music ...

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Performing Arts

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In North Carolina today to talk with indie pop rock band 'Secret Monkey Weekend' and yes, if you are taken in by the name, wait till you hear their story - it's even better! Jeff Hart (formerly of Jeff Hart and The Ruins) has now teamed up with his step-daughters Ella Hart and Lila Brown Hart, put together some new music, and came up with a new album 'Lemon Drop Hammer'. As they bring in new fans while wrapping up their summer tour on the east coast, they've also brought in fans in the music ...

Show more...

Performing Arts

Episodes (20/143)

Spotlight Conversations

Indie band Secret Monkey Weekend talks about their new CD 'Lemon Drop Hammer' and why Chris Frantz (Talking Heads; Tom Tom Club) is listening

In North Carolina today to talk with indie pop rock band 'Secret Monkey Weekend' and yes, if you are taken in by the name, wait till you hear their story - it's even better! Jeff Hart (formerly of Jeff Hart and The Ruins) has now teamed up with his step-daughters Ella Hart and Lila Brown Hart, put together some new music, and came up with a new album 'Lemon Drop Hammer'. As they bring in new fans while wrapping up their summer tour on the east coast, they've also brought in fans in the music ...

2 weeks ago

20 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

Houston's tech house band darkEntity talks music, club DJ's and their new single 'Rewind'

Back in Houston today to talk with Michael Casiano and Andrew Rubio, who make up the dance music band of darkEntity. Their story - college students' planning to compose music and maybe do some music scoring - turned out to change a little - ok A LOT - to being club DJ's and going the EDM (Electronic Dance Music) route! Listen in as we talk about their music, how they started, how being a DJ in a club is not anything like being a DJ at a radio station (right?!) plus hear about their new single...

3 weeks ago

14 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

Musician Chris Church with Big Stir Records talks about his North Carolina roots, new albums, and songwriting inspiration

Just outside Lenoir, North Carolina today to chat with singer/songwriter Chris Church, who's been a part of the global pop indie rock music scene for over 30 years. Inspired by Carolina bands The dB's and Let's Active from Winston-Salem, Chris's diverse path to the songwriting studio comes together in his new CD 'Obsolete Path', which we talk about inside the interview. We also discuss his earliest musical influence: his grandfather playing with bluegrass legend Doc Watson (what a introductio...

1 month ago

11 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

Christopher 'Play' Martin of hip-hop duo 'Kid 'n Play' talks music, Hall of Fame inductions and the bonds of friendship

In Queens today, talking with Christopher Martin, also known as 'Play' from the successful hip-hop group 'Kid 'n Play'! Christopher shares the stories about their contributions to a vibrant musical genre of hip-hop, which brought not only great music from the duo - 'Fun House', 'Rolllin' with Kid 'n Play' and 'Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody' - but who could forget those cool movies like 'House Party' and of course 'Class Act'. We talk about music and the early days, too, including his childhood meet...

1 month ago

10 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

Songwriter Martin Page talks melodies, lyrics, spirituality and his new CD 'First And Last Freedom'

Martin Page, the acclaimed songwriter behind hits like "We Built This City" and "These Dreams," is back with a new CD "First And Last Freedom" (available now on Bandcamp) which showcases not only his gift for songwriting, but offers a familiar sound from his first hit ‘In The House of Stone and Light’. We talk about everything from his early days in the Los Angeles music scene, working with fellow acclaimed songwriter Bernie Taupin, writing songs for Heart, Jefferson Starship, Kim Carnes, Rob...

1 month ago

30 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

Legendary improv artist Colin Mochrie talks about wit, timing and his new film Magnetosphere

In Toronto today to talk with Canadian actor and improv genius Colin Mochrie - yes, you know him from the TV phenomenon Whose Line Is It Anyway? - but after hearing this podcast episode, you'll find there's a whole lot more behind the Man of Improv! We not only talk about his new film Magnetosphere and Asking For Trouble (who, along with fellow Whose Line star Brad Sherwood, are celebrating 25 years of sold-out performances) but we also go behind the scenes with his new Off-Broadway run...

2 months ago

21 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

John Jackson of the Bon Scott (AC/DC) Estate talks tribute concerts, rock and roll and the enduring legacy of rock's all-time great frontman

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...

2 months ago

9 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

Talent Manager Jeffrey Umberger of ACM Talent talks about why your unique voice style, acting and improv skills matter in your voiceover career

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 - includi...

2 months ago

29 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

George The Tech talks voiceover skills, studio savvy - and why you need to embrace your entrepreneur self for voiceover success

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 s...

3 months ago

41 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

Michael Garfield, The High Tech Texan talks studios, voiceover technology and what you should know about AI

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 on...

4 months ago

25 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

Session guitarist Andy Timmons (Danger Danger) talks rock music, 60s influences and his new CD 'Recovery'

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 alo...

5 months ago

11 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

Guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd talks guitars, blues legend Bobby Rush and a fresh spin on his album 'Young Fashioned Ways'

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! ...

6 months ago

9 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

Jamie Jamitkowski, marketing guru at Propstore, talks costumes and movie memorabilia from Star Wars to Top Gun

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 pro...

6 months ago

9 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

Emmy-winning writer/producer Rick Mitchell takes on the creative/funny side of speech making with his new book

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 togethe...

6 months ago

17 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

Charismatic frontman Martin Fry of '80s pop group ABC talks touring with Howard Jones, songwriting and a new autobiography 'A Lexicon of Life'

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 e...

7 months ago

8 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

Author Maria Castellucci Moore talks travel, curiosity and wonder in her new children's book 'Sofia In Rome'

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...

8 months ago

14 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

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 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, G...

10 months ago

13 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

Author Tripp Whetsell talks about television legend Norman Lear, show business stories and teaching gig 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 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 V...

11 months ago

22 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

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 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...

11 months ago

19 minutes

Spotlight Conversations

Bruce Blackman, lead singer for 70's band 'Starbuck' talks about 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 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...

1 year ago

20 minutes