Spotlight Conversations
Spotlight Conversations
Donna Reed
Radio personality and voiceover pro Donna Reed interviews friends in the entertainment biz inside her cozy linoleum free recording studio. Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, tune in to the place where drinks are always on ice; careers, music + media are the conversation starters. Theme song: Mark Sparrow, Song Bird Studios | Booth announcer: Joe Szymanski | Photo: Al Torres Photography
WMMS The Buzzard Morning Zoo radio legend Jeff Kinzbach and wife Patti talk life after radio, highway stories and why they said yes to 'Rocking the RV Life'
In Cleveland today with WMMS The Buzzard radio legend Jeff Kinzbach and his wife Patti, as they talk about their new venture - livin' life on the road! After 50 years on the air, this adventurous couple decided to sell their house, buy an RV and live their dream! He and Patti have seen a lot in the last few years on the road, and they love every minute of it. With his new podcast 'Rocking the RV Life' and touring in their 54 foot long motor home (Right? It's compact baby!) find out how this dynamic couple make it all work with amazing stories to tell! Listen in as they discuss the trials and tribulations of their traveling gig, embracing minimalism, bringing their very special stage production of life on wheels to  'The Music Box Supper Club' in Cleveland, plus writing about their travel adventures for local online newspaper 'Cleveland Plain Dealer'. Join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Join me as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk all about media. Could be radio, television, audiobooks, music, film, voiceovers - if they've worked in media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in the studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Thanks so much for listening! - Donna Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereBehind the scenes:A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosPhoto: Al Torres PhotographyAirwaves Publicity: Radio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum
Jun 28, 2023
35 min
Morning Radio Host Josie Dye of Indie88 in Toronto talks radio, cool moms, content and her love of music festivals
Toronto is the place this week as I sit in with Josie Dye, morning DJ at Indie88 and talk about all things radio! From show content to concert festivals, Josie talks about the hustle and grit it takes to not only get into the radio business but staying in the business as well. This natural storyteller is honest and forthright about everything from career train wrecks to broadcast success stories (with a special nod to one of our fave radio consultant Steve Reynolds of Reynolds Group Radio); how content and the business of impact and storytelling matter in radio; and all about her brand new podcast 'Cynthia and Josie's Unmentionables' - so good! We also talk about her television work with Oh So Cosmo and CMT Canada; her genuine love of all music festivals (and that would also include water sports - listen in and find out!); those very early beginnings in Canadian radio; juggling motherhood and work, plus her involvement with a very special charity Socks 4 the Streets, which helps the homeless in Canada.  Bring along your love of radio and join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Join me as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk all about media. Could be radio, television, audiobooks, music, film, voiceovers - if they've worked in media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in the studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Thanks so much for listening! - Donna Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereBehind the scenes:A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosPhoto: Al Torres PhotographyAirwaves Publicity: Radio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum
May 30, 2023
32 min
Voiceover talent Dave Crockett talks radio, studio setups and the true story behind his character Nigel Woodcock
Visiting Houston with voiceover legend Dave Crockett, talking about his radio days in Houston, Chicago and Atlanta; the start of his production company WeHo Studios, and all about the voiceover biz! Serious with a mix of humor, Dave shares a great discussion for aspiring (and veteran) voice pros about what it really  takes to make it in the voiceover business, how to find your own voice, those questions about unions and agents; how to hustle in a booming voiceover market and why focus and hard work bring true success to any voiceover story! Then we go into all the hilarious details about how he created his (faux) leopard-jacket-wearing character, Nigel Woodcock (watch the video at his studio website!) Bring your studio savvy self to the studio and join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Join me as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk all about media. Could be radio, television, audiobooks, music, film, voiceovers - if they've worked in media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in the studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Thanks so much for listening! - Donna Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereBehind the scenes:A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosPhoto: Al Torres PhotographyAirwaves Publicity: Radio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum
May 16, 2023
36 min
Voiceover pro Jeff Berlin talks radio days, his stellar voice career, and how the phrase 'Sound Syrup' started it all
Visiting Boston today to chat in the studio with pro voice talent Jeff Berlin, starting with those oh so crazy radio stories that led to his remarkable voiceover career. Starting his broadcasting career with WAAF, WZBC to WCOZ (both on the air and behind the scenes in the production department) to creating commercials and promos with a definite 'wow' factor, Jeff describes how his true love of music led to all things audio. From his voiceover work with 'The Wahlbergs', 'Grand Theft Auto' and 'Jimmy Kimmel', to why he loves every step of the creative process in audio, his approach to the audition process, plus the changing climate of both the broadcasting and voiceover business, you get the feeling this guy loves what he does. We also talk about a few of his unique sounding company names including 'Ear Stimulator', 'Verb Crunch' and oh yes, the ever famous 'Sound Syrup'. Get into your audio vibe, don the headphones and join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Join me as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk all about media. Could be radio, television, audiobooks, music, film, voiceovers - if they've worked in media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in the studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Thanks so much for listening! - Donna Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereBehind the scenes:A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosPhoto: Al Torres PhotographyAirwaves Publicity: Radio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum
May 2, 2023
38 min
Actor and Director Joe Grisaffi talks about his movies 'Laughing Boy' and 'Conjoined' plus his cool gig in 'Stranger Things'.
It's Hollywood in Houston baby as I talk with Texas actor and director Joe Grisaffi, discussing all of his very popular films (Laughing Boy, Conjoined and Lars the Emo Kid) along with his recent work on the Netflix series 'Stranger Things' (a gig he scored during Covid no less!). Joe talks about why he loves movies and acting, how flaws can really make a film (so don't panic filmmakers on making it perfect!); plus a special nod to his beloved dog in a soon to be released film called  'Zoe's Story'. Join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Join me as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk all about media. Could be radio, television, audiobooks, music, film, voiceovers - if they've worked in media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in the studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Thanks so much for listening! - Donna Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereBehind the scenes:A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosPhoto: Al Torres PhotographyAirwaves Publicity: Radio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum
Apr 4, 2023
36 min
Audiobook Narrator Mike Lenz talks voiceover, podcasts, political careers and the art of breadmaking.
Audiobook narrator Mike Lenz knows a thing or two about audio - and with over 200 audiobooks to his credit, I'd call him a true word master! Besides his narration chops, Mike is also a Voice Arts Award nominated podcast producer and host, with an equally storied career as a Pharmacist and Mayor of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York! I mean, can you say multifaceted??? Sharing stories from his coaches Sean Pratt, Jeffrey Kafer and actor P.J. Ochlan, Mike explains the intricate details of the voice business, helpful tips for both first time and veteran narrators, how his hobby - side hustle - part time gig led to a successful audiobook career, and oh that story about bread making. Bring along your ear buds and listen in!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Join me as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk all about media. Could be radio, television, audiobooks, music, film, voiceovers - if they've worked in media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in the studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Thanks so much for listening! - Donna Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereBehind the scenes:A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosPhoto: Al Torres PhotographyAirwaves Publicity: Radio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum
Mar 14, 2023
48 min
Author Anne Beall, CEO and founder of Beall Research talks marketing, women-empowered stories and the hidden messages in fairy tales.
Today I'm in the studio with Anne Beall, author of the book 'Cinderella Didn't Live Happily Ever After: The Hidden Messages in Fairytales' and she definitely has a story to tell! Mixing both her storytelling and marketing research expertise, Anne discusses the hidden messages in fairy tales about marriage, power, good versus evil and so much more. As a leader in the marketing research field and CEO of her own consultancy firm 'Beall Research' Anne offers a new and entertaining look at those beloved fairy tales we all read as children. Join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Join me as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk all about media. Could be radio, television, audiobooks, music, film, voiceovers - if they've worked in media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in the studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Thanks so much for listening! - Donna Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereBehind the scenes:A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosPhoto: Al Torres PhotographyAirwaves Publicity: Radio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum
Jan 11, 2023
17 min
Realtor, author and entrepreneur Monika Strand helps children make the move to a new home with her book 'Welcome Home!'"
In sunny California today with real estate agent and new author Monika Strand as she shares the backstory of her book 'Welcome Home!'. Illustrated by Janette Hill, the book is about a young boy moving to a new home, helping to make the transition of moving from one home to the next so much easier and less scary for himself and his family. In addition to running her busy real estate office, plus a booming new publishing career (she wrote her current book in one day!) Monika offers tips on how she stays creative by working with positivity and motivation, how she helps clients and her fellow realtors and so much more. Join us!SPECIAL NOTE FOR THIS EPISODE ONLY:Order Monika Strand's book from her website and get a 20% discount when you mention 'Spotcomm20' when ordering her book 'Welcome Home!'.Offer ends MARCH 31 2023About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Join me as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk all about media. Could be radio, television, audiobooks, music, film, voiceovers - if they've worked in media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in the studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Thanks so much for listening! - Donna Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereBehind the scenes:A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosPhoto: Al Torres PhotographyAirwaves Publicity: Radio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum
Dec 21, 2022
27 min
Voice talent and coach Dan Friedman gets real about audio, radio and 80's rock guitar icons.
Traveling to North Carolina today to visit with voice talent and coach Dan Friedman, who also happens to be the author of one very popular voiceover book called "Sound Advice" (written 10 years ago and still going strong!) Dan describes his early audio days behind the scenes in promotions and engineering at several radio stations including 96 Rock in Atlanta; spending time with legendary vocal coach Paul Armbruster; being a pro in the recording booth; the ever changing world of audiobooks and voiceover gigs; plus why Eddie Van Halen continues to inspire Dan's new music career and all things creative. Join us! About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Join me as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk all about media. Could be radio, television, audiobooks, music, film, voiceovers - if they've worked in media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in the studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Thanks so much for listening! - Donna Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereBehind the scenes:A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosPhoto: Al Torres PhotographyAirwaves Publicity: Radio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum
Aug 17, 2022
34 min
Audio engineering pro and voice coach Don Baarns talks tech, audiobooks and why Punch and Roll recording skills are true timesavers.
Visiting Los Angeles with the guy who knows audio technology inside and out - Don Baarns, a leading expert in voice recording and studio production. Owner of the renowned voiceover courses at VOJumpStart (where both veteran and newbie voiceover talent can learn valuable skills about recording), Don shares what you really need to know about your home studio - before recording!  We talk about Punch and Roll (and how mastering this skill makes editing fast and easy); life before Punch and Roll (wait, there was a time??!); his voice recording and production courses (available at Red Baarns Audio); a backstory about 'The Umm Syndrome' (it's a thing - tune in); body language in front of the mic; the growing demand for 'proofers'; how to sound like you're NOT recording a book and more. The big takeaway is how to get more audio recordings done in less time - and of course we all could use a lesson in that! Bring in your love of audio and listen in.About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Join me as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk all about media. Could be radio, television, audiobooks, music, film, voiceovers - if they've worked in media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in the studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday. Thanks so much for listening! - Donna Social media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe to my podcast hereBehind the scenes:A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird StudiosPhoto: Al Torres PhotographyAirwaves Publicity: Radio Free RaleighHouston Radio Platinum
Jul 20, 2022
41 min
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