Spotlight Conversations

In Houston today with the always entertaining rock radio legend Dayna Steele - as she heads on over to Scotland to bring her play 'The Woman in the Mirror' to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Her award winning play tells of her experiences caring for her mother, Fran, through Alzheimer's disease. The 70 minute, one woman/two-actor performance blends poignant storytelling, humor and compassion - much like the playwright herself! The play, based on her best-selling book, Surviving Alzheimer's with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine is part of the convo, along with cool chats about her radio...

Today I'm in the studio with Chicago native Marty Scott, who plays George Harrison in Liverpool Legends, a world-renowned Beatles tribute band. The group, hand-picked by Louise Harrison, the sister of George, is the Grammy nominated band - famous for its note-for-note musical accuracy for literally every Beatles tune from the Magical Mystery Tour! (Get concert info at Liverpool Legends). Marty fills us in on everything you ever wanted to know about this amazing tribute band, from its history to their Grammy award nomination for 'Fab Fan Memories - The Beatles Bond'. And will there be a book about...

In the big state of Texas today with local Houston-based historian and storyteller Mike Vance. A leading voice in Lone Star State history, Mike comes from 16 year media career in stand-up comedy and broadcasting and always manages to seamlessly mix in his comedy and deep historical research with his writing - with entertaining reselts! His recent books (a diverse catalog of 13!) cover true crime, regional Texas history, sports history and humor. Bring your love of Texas to the podcast studio and join us!

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I...

In Los Angeles today with acclaimed author, journalist and screenwriter Amy Ephron (A Cup of Tea: A Novel of 1917 and One Sunday Morning) talking about her tenth novel Unseasonably Cold - which chronicles the mysterious disappearance of a popular socialite who vanishes without a trace - set against the backdrop of 1939 New York. Join us as Amy discusses everything from her unique writing style, creating characters, to growing up in one of America's most celebrated, close-knit literary and filmmaking families.  

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my...

In the Houston studio today local entrepreneur Pete Owens, talking about his new concert venue Coffee House Houston. Not just any venue however; this place is happening and Pete is here to tell you why! The volunteer-run nonprofit organization has brought a whole new vibe to the community - by bringing in live music and arts to the heart of Houston. Along with info about upcoming singer-songwriter acts such as Marshall Crenshaw and Joe Ely, Pete explains how his new and intimate live music setting in the Bayou City translates to a cool listening experience for everyone in the...

Visiting with journalist Annie Zeleski (Lady Gaga: Appplause; Pink: Raise Your Glass) about her new book 'I Got You Babe: A Celebration of Cher'. Featuring a  forward by Cyndi Lauper, Annie writes in depth about the fearless, down-to-earth "Goddess of Pop": how Cher started in the entertainment business, key moments in her life and career; her 50-year friendship with fellow diva Tina Turner, the Bob Mackie "revenge dress"for the 1998 Oscars; and let's not forget the video the U.S.Navy will never forget for her performance of 'Turn Back Time'! Join us as we talk music and pop c...

In the studio today with rock journalist Alan Light, who drops by to talk about his new book 'Don't Stop - Why We (Still) Love Fleetwood Mac's Rumours' (available now wherever books are sold) and I gotta say, prior to this interview, I had my studio turntable rockin' with every Fleetwood Mac/Buckingham Nicks song ever made! The former senior writer at Rolling Stone and author of The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen; Let's Go Crazy: Prince and the Making of Purple Rain and more, talks about the enduring legacy of Rumours, the classic rock album that not...

It's the start of baseball season and what better way to bring in this American rite of passage than to invite a writer to the podcast to talk about - you guessed it - baseball! Writer Mike Vance's new book 'Comedians Talking Baseball' features 40 professional stand-up comedians (including Robert Wuhl and comedy celebs from Seinfeld, Saturday Night Live, and The Tonight Show) sharing poignant stories about comedy and baseball. Mike writes about personal memories, jokes, and true baseball history as seen through the eyes of veteran performers from the 1980s and '90s comedy boom. Bring along your weathered...

Revving up the 'way back machine' today with one of my fave 60s rock groups Strawberry Alarm Clock (Incense and Peppermints; Rainey Day Mushroom Pillow) with bass player for the band, George Bunnell! We start off talking about their new album 'Monsters' (and catch their follow up tune 'Blow Your Mind', also available at their website). Listen in as we talk about the early days of their music (where did the band's name come from you ask?), working with the late Ed King (who went on to work with Lynyrd Skynyrd), creating the ultimate E Major 7th chord (who...

In the Big Apple today to chat with the smart and savvy talent agent Albert Bramante of Bramante Artists - and he covers it all when it comes to the present AND future state of the voiceover industry! Not only is he a hypnotherapist, he also holds a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology (his dissertation - "Correlation between Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy, Personality, Fear of Success, and Self-Defeating Behaviors of Performing Artists" from Walden University), so with all that understanding of how a performer's brain works - along with years of agency experience - Bramante shares with us the concept of...

Starting the New Year with more than a few laughs with two talented entertainers, who've written a new children's book 'The Magic Maze Trilogy': actor Phil Proctor (founding member of the Grammy nominated Firesign Theatre; Window of Opportunity, God Help Us - AND he's also the voice of 'Howard' on the animated series Rugrats!) along with writer Samuel Warren Joseph (Off Your Rocker, Campaign, Window of Opportunity, Duck Tales, Dennis the Menace). Join us as we discuss their new book, how they met up to write the book and all the rollicking stories in between  - including a funny s...

Historian and biographer Ted Widmer is the editor of Paul McCartney's new book  "Wings: The Story Of A Band On the Run' - is not only a vivid account of Paul's music after the Beatles broke up, but it's also about his second act of life on the road - and in the studio - with his new band Wings. As a respected historian and writer, Widmer shapes McCartney's story into an engaging narrative (I couldn't stop reading it!) with personal stories of the beginnings of Wings to the cultural and societal changes happening in music from the late 1960s...

Nick Heyward, frontman of Haircut 100, is currently touring the US alongside Howard Jones as part of Jone's 2025 'Dream Into Action" anniversary tour, and Nick stops by the studio to talk 80's music, tourning with Howard and more! Nick discusses all the excitement at the start of the tour, held at the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, along with talk about the classic Haircut energy style of music he and his bandmates are famous for! Listen in as we discuss the band's early hits from the album Pelican West (MTV mainstays 'Favorite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl) 'Love Plus One' and...

In the studio with Kody Frederick, Director and Head of Marketing at Julien's Auctions, and we are talking about a special 'Played, Worn & Torn' auction featuring the personal collections of Adam Clayton, Kirk Hammett and Tommy Lee (just imagine if U2, Metallica and Motley Crew all in one concert!! Whew!) The auction takes place November 20 and 21 ONLY (limited time) with not only memorabilia from the above mentioned rockstars, but the auction also features over 800 pieces of music and stage memorabilia from rock and roll's most celebrated legends ever like Elvis, Keith Richards, the Beatles and more. And what's even...

Welcome back subscribers! We are flight deck ready in the studio today for my interview with Michelle 'Mace' Curran, the second woman in history to serve as lead solo pilot for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds! Courage and strength is the focus of our interview today - and with 2,000 hours of F-16 flying time, Michelle  knows what really leads up to that character trait of 'being brave' in her new book 'The Flipside'. We discuss how her book shows you how to convert fear into big time courage - even if you aren't a fighter pilot! We also t...

Hanging out in Florida today with the always entertaining comedienne, television personality and actress Rhonda Shear! It's a few days before that last night in October, and let me tell ya - the holiday just got a whole lot more thrilling when Rhonda starts talking about the all-new revival of 'Up All Night'. Join me when I sit down with Rhonda - aka THE Scream Queen - as she talks about her 'reVAMPed' Halloween edition of her iconic ’90s aforementioned TV hit, now streaming exclusively on KingsOfHorror.com. Fans can expect the same outrageous, campy comedy th...

In Los Angeles today with Rex Broome and Christina Bulbenko of Big Stir Records, who have created the ultimate Halloween mix 'o music! Listen in as we talk about their full on, freaky music double LP "Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Haunted Harmonies"! This ultimate Halloween soundtrack, with loads of spine chilling audio, blends into spooky vibes with irresistible rock 'n' roll charm that you'll want to hear again and again. Featuring tracks from Librarians With Hickeys, The Spongetones, Strawberry Alarm Clock, and sparkle*jets u.k., the special bright eerie green color double album delivers catchy tunes from these...

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 biz along the way...

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 'Rewind' (showcasing the...

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 introduction to music!) plus new ways for fans to hear music today, including Neighborhood Weekly Radio and Bandcamp. Join us!

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 up with Christopher 'Kid' Reid in New York; their induction into The National Hip-Hop museum...

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, Robbie Williams, Earth, Wind & Fire, Robbie Robertson and others. We also discuss his new music on the CD a...

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 of Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis, a groundbreaking fusion of comedy and hypnosis - a...

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) drops by the studio to tell...

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 differences between voice artists and actors (improv anyone?), why you and your...

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 studios and adding music to film (production mixing). We then move to his current...

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 about tech but we talk sports and cars as well...

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 your love of music and listen in to...

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 those Stratocasters and your love of blues rock and jo...

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 and cool collectibles that make up your fave flick or television show. Bring along your love of all things...

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 together two funny and insightful comedy writers who show you how to speak...

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 eventually, rocking his mega-stardom status with ABC. Bring your love o...

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 podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my...

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 describes all the ways that you can "take charge and teach yourself!" when it comes to learning new stuff...