1000 w/ Ron Placone

James Fauntleroy, also known as Jay Befaunt, is a show host and member of the YouTube Network and activist org, Revolutionary Blackout Network. I’ve collaborated with Jay many times in the past, both on his show, my show and different panels. I never knew much about him. Who was the man beyond the online presence? All I can say is buckle in, he has a heck of a story. Please welcome to the show, Jay Befaunt.

Kaytlin Bailey is a comedian, performer, former sex worker, and she is the executive director and founder of the Non-Profit, Old Pros Online, an organization dedicated to the decriminalization of sex work. We've both incorporated policy passions into our creative endeavors, her with sex work and me with Digital Rights. Those two issues cross pollinate a good bit. I’ve known her since we were both starting out in comedy, and have been following her new chapter for awhile now.

Zeynab Day is a campaigner, activist and journalist. She’s also a mom and an entrepreneur. She’s lived many lives and overcome many obstacles. We’ve crossed paths in similar circles and seen experiments succeed and fail. We reflect on that and more. Also, given some circumstances in my personal life, there’s a beautiful coincidence to the timing of this episode. 

Josh Spector is a marketing expert who helps businesses get more clients from their content. He runs the For the Interested newsletter and he has a podcast called I Want To Know. Josh’s blogs and advice changed my life. It's hard to imagine where I would be if it weren't for Josh's blogs and advice. I explain how.

Sabrina Salvati, aka Sabby Sabs, is a YouTube commentator, journalist and activist. She is part of the indie media space that I used to be heavily involved in, but now keep at arm’s length. Though my overall take on the scene is not a positive one, I still think there are diamonds in the rough. We talk about all of that and more.

Joy Damiani is a musician, veteran, and anti-war activist. She has had quite a life. To escape a religious cult, she joined the military and got sent off to Iraq. Upon seeing the true nature of US foreign policy, when she returned she became involved in anti-war protests and actions, and she’s written some amazing songs, too. Buckle in, this story is quite the ride.

Darrin Bradbury is a singer/songwriter turned activist turned singer/songwriter/activist. He’s based in East Nashville. I first saw him when I was still living in Nashville and I became an instant fan. 

Darrin’s star was starting to rise, and then one day, he walked away from all of it. He quit music. He left the industry and eventually found his way into mutual aid work which led to the creation of the Beat, TN, which provides, among other things, homeless outreach. This is his story. We find out why he ended a chapter and started a new one. As someone who also closed a chapter and started a new one, I could relate to a ton of what he had to say.

Italophiles Rejoice! Valentina Martelli is an Italian journalist, entrepreneur and innovator. And that’s barely scratching the surface of everything she does. She’s a brilliant mind, has a work ethic second to none and on top of that she’s a genuine and kind person. I met her through a mutual acquaintance via my neighborhood of San Pedro. I’m honored to call her a colleague and a friend, and for the first time, I learn her story.

Michael Blaha is an Entertainment Attorney, Performer and Fringe Producer. I met him because of that last thing. Michael loves Fringe Festivals and has made it a large focus in his life. He’s a nomad. He’s an example of living a creative life on your own terms, which I’m always a fan of.

Andrew Frank is a comedian and performer based in Seattle, WA. They’re Queer, Pansexual and use They/Them pronouns. They grew up in a fundamentalist Christian household. Their dad was a fundamentalist Minister. We talk about the journey, the joy of Fringe Festivals and Andrew’s newest show, where they satirize an Evangelical Minister.