The Dream Room with Amytra

In this episode

Larry delves into his journey in the music industry, offering insights from his book The Art & Business of Songwriting.

He analyzes Prince's "When Doves Cry" and my song, "Writ of Love" to uncover the elements of a hit song.

Tune in for invaluable advice on songwriting and navigating the music business.

About Larry

Larry D. Batiste is a songwriter, producer, arranger, vocalist, educator, and music director who has written songs for and recorded with Santana, Al Jarreau, Patti Austin, Whitney Houston, Michael Bolton, Bill Summers & Summers H...

Abandoned, hungry, and bullied as a child, Ezekiel Baskar found himself sleeping on the streets—until an intimate encounter with God changed everything. Now, at just 26, he’s the founder of the Love & Compassion Movement in India, bringing light to those in darkness. Join The Dream Room with Amytra as we explore his incredible journey from struggle to spiritual awakening.

In this episode of The Dream Room with Amytra, we dive into a heartfelt conversation with author Yang Huang about her powerful novel, My Good Son. Yang shares the inspiration behind her story, which explores the complex dynamics of parental sacrifice, love, and the high expectations placed on children within Chinese families. We discuss the emotional depth of the characters, the cultural nuances, and the universal themes of family, identity, and personal growth. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how My Good Son bridges generational gaps and brings to light the struggles of balancing tradition and modernity.

Jesse delves into the timeless nature of music and shares poignant stories from his journey. From his unforgettable interactions with icons like Prince to the heartfelt inspiration behind his song "Merciful," written during the challenging early years with his premature daughter, Jesse's experiences paint a vivid picture of his musical landscape.

He takes us through his formative years, enriched by his parents' eclectic music collection in a town devoid of music records, and his evolution from a lawn-mowing teenager learning guitar to performing at the White House with B.B. King. Jesse also reflects...

Amytra, sits down with the extraordinarily talented Trey Jackson. From his early days as a dancer in the group Capital Tax to becoming a major force behind the scenes in the entertainment industry, Trey has an eye for emerging talent and the determination to bring it to the forefront. As a former talent scout for BET's Comic View, and with extensive experience in music and comedy, Trey shares his journey, challenges, and insights into the evolving landscape of entertainment. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of his career and gain valuable advice for budding artists. Get...

In this episode of the Dream Room, guest Lori Hartman shares her incredible story—from selling her first car to fund her modeling trip to Greece, to navigating the complexities of different cultures and starting over after personal tragedies. We'll hear about her adventures in various countries, her insights on Greek culture, and valuable tips on staying positive and making lasting friendships. Whether you're a dreamer yourself or someone looking for a spark of inspiration, Lori’s story will definitely resonate with you.

In this episode, we'll explore how communication can either build trust and appreciation or introduce uncertainty and disconnection. John Gray shares his wisdom on how men can thoughtfully engage to make others feel accepted and valued, while women can foster positive experiences rather than critique. We'll dive into the fascinating world of hormonal influences, how they shape attraction, and the unconscious dynamics that govern falling in love.

Drawing from his extensive counseling experience and personal insights, John Gray offers practical advice on effective communication techniques, the importance of authenticity, and the biological nuances that...

In today's episode, host Amytra and guest Khaliq Glover take you on an extraordinary journey through the magical world of music. Khaliq, a veteran with over 30 years in the industry, shares intimate anecdotes from his remarkable career, including unforgettable encounters with legends like Prince and Michael Jackson at iconic places like Paisley Park Studios.

You'll hear Khaliq's reflections on breaking the tension with Prince, the pressures of working with iconic artists, and his unexpected transition from guitarist to engineer at Lionshare Studios. He passionately discusses the importance of pursuing a career out of genuine love for music...

In this episode of the Dream Room, we have the privilege of hearing from registered nurse Teressa Johnson. With a career that spans from trauma and ER care to psychiatric nursing and now as an infectious disease specialist, Teressa's experiences offer a unique insight into the world of nursing. Join us as Teressa shares her path to nursing, her motivations for working in challenging environments, poignant patient encounters, coping with emotional tolls, advocating for patients, and finding balance in the demanding field of nursing. Get ready to be inspired by Teressa's dedication and resilience as she reflects on her...

We dive into the vibrant world of music with "Lighting Up the Soul," a dynamic band hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area. They join us to share their experiences. From the evolution of their group's name to their creative processes, and the impacts of external challenges like COVID-19, we will explore the harmony, challenges, and teamwork that define their musical journey. Expect stories of inspiration, the mechanics of band dynamics, and a live performance that embodies their signature sound. Tune in to experience the rhythm and soul of "Lighting Up the Soul" and discover what makes their music...

Today we're unlocking the transformative power of art with Myeshia P Haywood. Myeshia is an entrepreneur, a criminal justice case manager, a program coordinator, and now the driven founder and executive director of Young Artist Adventures, a burgeoning nonprofit igniting change in the San Francisco Bay Area. In today's show, Myeshia opens up about turning personal tragedy into communal triumph and fostering a space where art creates new possibilities for youth. She reveals the challenges in running a nonprofit, shares heartening success stories, and highlights the importance of embracing the art of change. Join us as we explore how...

In this episode of the Dream Room, Amytra sits down with the inspiring Shandrika Powell, a former firefighter turned licensed realtor and interior design expert. Shandrika shares her journey from firefighting to interior design and real estate, shedding light on the challenges of her previous career, her pivot to a new profession, and the pivotal moments that shaped her approach to helping clients achieve their dreams

In this episode of the Dream Room with Amytra, Officer Yolanda Everett shares her inspiring journey from single mom to police officer in a challenging city. She discusses her motivation to join law enforcement, the impact of her decision on her son and family, the challenges she faced, and how she manages stress. Officer Everett also delves into her efforts to build trust and positive relationships in the community she serves, her experiences during patrol, and her aspirations for the future in her career. Join us as we explore her dedication, compassion, and selflessness, and discover how she overcame...

in this episode The Dream Room with Amytra as she delves into the life and creative journey of award-winning writer and drama teacher, Angela M Herrick. With two published novels under her belt and a third on the way, Angela shares her experiences of balancing a thriving writing career with the responsibilities of being a wife, mother, and educator. From her early memories of finding solace in books to her transition into theater and ultimately becoming a successful author, Angela's story is one of perseverance, inspiration, and creativity. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of this...