Before the Lights

Send us Fan Mail

She Specializes in fashion publicity and small fashion business consulting, she is a marketing guru, social media management, and creative director. Entrepreneur owner of AMPR Showroom, AMPR Creatives, & Free as a Tee. A fashion expert that is highly intelligent. A small-town girl with a big city attitude. 

Ashley opens up about her personal struggles, dependence and recovery from Adderall. She starts back in her youth as being alienated from those her age and the reasons behind it. The first days of noticing that she had a problem focusing at school. 

We talk about her two businesses under one umbrella- AMPR Creatives & AMPR Showroom which simplifying business and life. (See links)

When and how Ashley was reintroduced to Adderall that began a 5-year addiction and how this had progressed into a toxic cycle of Xanax and alcohol. This leads to her realizing that this addiction was bigger than her. 

Her brand-new creative business called- Free As a Tee! How this idea came about, what is means to Ashley and why this is about wearing a shirt that has meaning to you! We talk about the mission of the company and each purchase supports a cause. 

Hear Ashley discuss what Serotonin Syndrome is and her decision to end her addiction which has landed her freedom in recovery. Inspiring each person to represent a milestone in your life and wearing a shirt proudly for yourself. 

Ashley Michaelsen Links:

Free As a Tee: https://freeasatee.com/

Follow Free As a Tee on IG: https://www.instagram.com/freeasatee/

AMPR Creatives: https://amprcreatives.com/

AMPR Showroom: https://amprshowroom.com/

Hear Ashley on BTL in 2020: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/ashley-michaelson

Before the Lights Links:

Hire Tommy to Speak: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/public-speaking

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

Please rate, review, and follow the show!

Support the show

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beforethelightspodcast?lang=en

Follow Tommy on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/tcanale3

Rate & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-lights/id1501245041
Email the host: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Complied is a series of 9 former guests clips from the show. Hear from:

Shawn Levy-Author of Rat Pack Confidential, Ralph Deligatti-Former Dunes Employee, Peter Bronson-Author of Forbidden Fruit, Lou Valoze-ATF Special Agent, Frank Calabrese Jr.-Chicago Outfit, Steve Murphy/Javier Pena- Narcos on Pablo Escobar, Robert Mazur-The Infiltrator, Jay Dobyns-ATF Expert, & Steve Cook- Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Expert. 

Full Show of guests:

Shawn Levy: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/c20yh3haz5h1nxca3v9thmm4ijqy1w

Ralph Deligatti: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/r77m1zhvwdye4vr0u6kj8plz812rd5

Peter Bronson: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/peter-bronson

Lou Valoze: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/mbgb95xg190farigora8zpji1p98b6

Frank Calabrese Jr.: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/jrv0d3fpoi2g65ofletk7az5qyq0mk

Steve Murphy & Javier Pena (Narcos): https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/dymv1glth0ujf65z0trqocx9acplf8

Robert Mazur: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/z4cluktoctjlg1hael1kh38jjd122f

Jay Dobyns: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/dkqbkqt0ih2rc3j8dwwnfmsg3yzucx

Steve Cook: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/brkirfvd0ya84kob16nu13mcmn381y

Before the Lights Links:

Hire Tommy to Speak: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/public-speaking

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

Get Your Bundles: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/shop

Support the show

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beforethelightspodcast?lang=en

Follow Tommy on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/tcanale3

Rate & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-lights/id1501245041
Email the host: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Appeared as an invited guest panelist on several forums, bestselling author, a professor of criminal justice at The Citadel. Former Philadelphia police officer, consultant for Black Brothers Inc. episode on series of American Gangster. His writings include police legitimacy, securities fraud, professional sports gambling, organized crime, and more!

Sean explains what molded him to what he is today that includes his background in law enforcement and how he became a professor and writer. 

What were the alliances & conspiracies of his 2003 book- “Philadelphia’s Black Mafia, “ the backstory of how this book came to fruition & Sam Christian the founder of the Black Mafia who was the most feared man in Philadelphia. 

The short version of the 1973 mass massacre in Washington D.C.

2011- “Gaming the Game”-The story behind the NBA Betting Scandal and the gambler who made it happen. How the NBA referee, Tim Donaghy got reconnected to his high school friends that were gamblers? 

Who the FBI target was, the reasoning behind Donaghy staying under the radar, along with Sean’s opinion on if anything is being done to prevent this from happening again. 

Sean talks about his many summers in the Netherlands researching international trade of women and vice laws and how America tries to apply the lessons from the Dutch. 

Sean Patrick Griffin Links:

Official Website: https://seanpatrickgriffin.net/

Buy “Philadelphia’s Black Mafia: https://seanpatrickgriffin.net/philadelphias-black-mafia-a-social-and-political-history/

Buy “Black Brothers Inc.”: https://seanpatrickgriffin.net/black-brothers-inc/

Buy “Gaming the Game”: https://seanpatrickgriffin.net/gaming-the-game-the-story-behind-the-nba-betting-scandal-and-the-gambler-who-made-it-happen/

Follow Sean on Twitter: https://twitter.com/spgauthor?lang=en  

Before the Lights Links:

Hire Tommy to Speak: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/public-speaking

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/ 

Support the show

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beforethelightspodcast?lang=en

Follow Tommy on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/tcanale3

Rate & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-lights/id1501245041
Email the host: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Rated one of the top latte artists all over the world by Sprudge. Coffee roaster, organic syrup maker, recipe specialist, professional barista, etching latte foam art expert & artist. His art includes traditional to colorful paintings to 3D. Known as barista maniac, resides in Illinois and one of the coolest baristas and latte artists to follow on social media.  

Who he was before coffee was his life, his first coffee tasting, and the moment he decided to submerse himself into this field. 

Who is the Barista Maniac, the amount of practice he does, and some insight into his artwork.

How he got started into the world of latte art from a character in Never Ending Story, we talk Star Wars- The Last Jedi, and Get On Up that includes stories on each one. 

Fall & Halloween latte art

Coffee 101: Brewing flavors from specialty roasts, light or dark roast, seasonal beans, drinking too much coffee, rate the coffee industry is growing, and cold brews.

Tips to get gourmet results at home and mistakes that are commonly made. 

Advice if looking to pursue a coffee career and Cortney gives his opinion on where the best coffee comes from. 

Cortney Kern Links:

Barista Maniac: https://www.baristamaniac.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barista_maniac/

Contact Cortney: [email protected]

Before the Lights Podcast Links:

Hire Tommy to Speak: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/public-speaking

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

Listen to Docuseries: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/docuseries

Support the show

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beforethelightspodcast?lang=en

Follow Tommy on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/tcanale3

Rate & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-lights/id1501245041
Email the host: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Former running back who played at UNLV and for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1988-1991. A series of injuries shortened his career. A Fresno, CA native born Elbert Woods. He set numerous rookie franchise records. He is most remembered for the end zone dance called- Ickey Shuffle! 

How he received his nickname of Ickey, his high school days and when his recruitment started. 

Story of his recruiting visit to Las Vegas & UNLV. His playing as a Runnin’ Rebel and what changed between his junior & senior that led him to lead the country in rushing. How he spent his time off the field and on the strip!

His thoughts of going to Cincinnati after being drafted in the second round in 1988. 

The NFL attempted to ban the Ickey Shuffle that leads to a good story of GM Paul Brown coming into the locker room about his dance. Using it as motivation to score. 

The city of Cincinnati when they went to the Super Bowl, SI Super Bowl Cover, and what he remembers about the Super Bowl away from the game in the city of Miami. 

Injuries, providing for his family and our of football by the age of 26, being part of a full contact women’s team and what is like coaching females. 

His huge “B”, Geico commercial and how he improvised the line- “Gonna Get me some cold cuts.”

The Javonte Woods Foundation: Who Javonte was as a person, explaining the 3-fold mission of the foundation, & the celebrity cruise in 2023. Asthma is the #1 chronic condition in children & takes 11 lives every day. 

Links:

Javonte Woods Foundation:  https://www.jovantewoodsfoundation.org/

Cruise for a Cure: https://www.jovantewoodsfoundation.org/events

Ickey’s Geico Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5U85N-xVvA

Ickey Shuffle End Zone Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih-TYjxG0Ug

Ickey & the BIG B: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18wwd62-8ZWrhR5edzCzJ4agPw54EVPKK/view?usp=sharing\

Before the Lights Links:

Hire Tommy to Speak: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/public-speaking

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

Contact Amy Canale: https://amycanale.com/

Support the show

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beforethelightspodcast?lang=en

Follow Tommy on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/tcanale3

Rate & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-lights/id1501245041
Email the host: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Guest Clips include:
Eric Nelsen
Darcy Donavan
Chef Josie Clemens
Lee Cockerell
Don Yeager
Frank Calabrese Jr. 
Joe Pennington
Tommy Townsend
Kimberly Corban
Brad Leland
Burt Ward
Ickey Woods

Support the show: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Support the show

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beforethelightspodcast?lang=en

Follow Tommy on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/tcanale3

Rate & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-lights/id1501245041
Email the host: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Former film critic, bestselling author, community volunteer, podcaster, & blogger. His biographies include Paul Newman, Robert DeNiro and many others. A former Sr. Editor of the American Film & former associate editor of Box Office. His work has been featured in NY Times, LA Times, SF Chronicle, Hollywood Reporter and many more. 

This episode is chalked full of:

Where his love of writing came from, stories from a New York place called The Comic Strip that featured young comedians such as Eddie Murphy and how he went from Pennsylvania to California for his master’s degree. 

Becoming a film critic, his first review, favorite movie, and learning about the oldest bookstore in Portland, OR-Cameron’s Books & Magazines. 

He tells us how he chose his first subject when decided to write biographies which leads us into hearing about some of his books. 

1996: King of Comedy-The Life & Art of Jerry Lewis

1998-Rat Pack Confidential: Frank, Dean, Sammy, Peter, Joey, & the Last Great Showbiz Party

2016- Dolce Vita Confidential: Fellini, Pucci, Paparazzi, & the Swinging High Life of 1950’s Rome

2021-A Year in the Life of Death: Poems Inspired by the Obituary Pages of the NY Times

2022- In on the Joke: The Original Queens of Stand-Up Comedy

We close the show talking about Ronald Reagan who was a FBI informant!            

Shawn Levy Links:

Official Website: https://shawnlevy.com/

Buy Shawn’s Books HERE: https://shawnlevy.com/books/

Before the Lights Podcast:

Hire Tommy to Speak: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/public-speaking

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

Support the show

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beforethelightspodcast?lang=en

Follow Tommy on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/tcanale3

Rate & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-lights/id1501245041
Email the host: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Consultant, bestselling author, public speaker, that led a team of over 40,000 cast members. He was responsible for operations of 20 resort hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, shopping & entertainment village along with ESPN Sports, A retired executive VP of the Walt Disney World Resort. He spent 8 years with Hilton Hotels and 17 years with Marriott International. He teaches leadership, management, customer service from his life at Disney. Served as chairman of the board of Heart of Florida United Way and Board of Trustees Culinary Institute of America. 

What a small-town boy from Oklahoma had as his career path with no college degree which leads to a story on dropping out of speech class only to learn years later that he needed that experience. 

He explained what Bill Marriott has meant to his career, going from sharing hamburgers with his wife to becoming VP of food & beverage for all Marriott Hotels & Resort. Challenges of opening Disneyland Paris in 1990, leaving a job only for the money, and paying attention to pictures, magazines, and more to make a difference. 

RAVE acronym, Take 5, being open to change, Creating Disney Leader Strategies, and the word, Magic!

Lee’s Books- “Creating Magic”, Customer Rules, Career Magic, & Time Management Magic. (See Links)

Learn about the Cockerell Academy, his podcast- Creating Disney, and the Main Street Leader. 

How far ahead in time was Walt Disney? Being Grandfather of the Year and is he more busy since retirement?

Lee Cockerell Links:

Official Website: https://www.leecockerell.com/

Buy Lee’s books here: https://www.leecockerell.com/books/

Cockerell Academy: https://www.cockerellacademy.com/

Creating Disney Podcast: https://www.leecockerell.com/podcast/

Before the Lights Podcast

Get Extra 5 Bundles: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/shop

Hire Tommy to Speak: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/public-speaking

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

Amy Canale: https://amycanale.com

Support the show

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beforethelightspodcast?lang=en

Follow Tommy on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/tcanale3

Rate & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-lights/id1501245041
Email the host: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

First vegan chef to compete in Hell’s Kitchen, author, culinary visionary, has worked in kitchens of Hollywood Icons and International Vegan restaurants. She is globally recognized Vegan Chef, A Macomb, MI native & is leading an All-Star panel of judges on upcoming world’s first vegan culinary competition show- Peeled!

What is her first memory of cooking, the attraction to it and what impact the Montessori school had on her. 

The ripple effect she went thru at age 19 when decided to go vegan, managing a vegan food truck, and why she quit Tesla! Did she have nerves when she moved to Phoenix without ever been there to start a company. 

An in-depth conversation ensues between Josie & Tommy about how foods can assist with ailments to the point that Josie interviews Tommy about his change in lifestyle due to cancer and then there is mushrooms!

Her challenges of being a vegan chef on season 20 of Hell’s Kitchen and if she was supported by the cast and producers.

Peeled! The first vegan culinary competition show. Learn about the concept, the competition, Vkind studios, Josie leading the all-star judging panel, and how you can become part of the Red-Carpet Premiere on Sept. 24th.  

A discussion takes place about the demand for plant-based cooking shows, how to get more people to try to change their unhealthy lifestyles and what the environment would be like if 50% were plant-based.

Gut health is the key to mental clarity, if there are still misconceptions of veganism. 

Links:

Follow Chef Josie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganchefjosie/?hl=en

Peeled!: https://www.peeledshow.com

Vkind App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1515006098

Vkind App Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vkind.vkind

Before the Lights Links:

Hire Tommy to Speak: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/public-speaking

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

Support the show: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support-1

Amy Canale Realtor: https://amycanale.com/

Support the show

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beforethelightspodcast?lang=en

Follow Tommy on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/tcanale3

Rate & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-lights/id1501245041
Email the host: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

A 27-year career with 17 of them in the private sector as an expert witness. He is one of the world’s leading authorities on money laundering techniques. The author & executive producer of- “The Infiltrator” which covered his 2-year undercover infiltration of the Medellin Cartel and the Bank of Credit & Commerce International. In addition, he wrote “The Betrayal” on his 2.5-year undercover work of the Cali Cartel & underworld figures in Panama. A US Special Agent that retired in 1998 and whose work led to the biggest prosecution of bankers & money launderers there has ever been. 

He tells about his childhood job and how that has a connection to his Lucky Luciano out fit that his grandfather and great-grandfather were part of. 

How he got into law enforcement, undercover work, and an explanation of what money laundering is. 

Supply, demand, a college professor, training, handling high pressure stress, and remaining calm.

What attracted Robert during his undercover operative and how he worked directly for Pablo Escobar. 

The story behind him finding out the Bank of Credit & Commerce International was laundering money. 

The help he received to keep him alive, being betrayed by a former colleague that compromised his identity. Is the illegal drug industry out of control in today’s world?

Links:

Official Website: https://www.robertmazur.com/

Video of Bryan Cranston’s Testimony of “The Infiltrator”: https://vimeo.com/channels/1021727

2-minute video of “The Betrayal”  https://vimeo.com/channels/1021727/671672537

Get books here: https://www.robertmazur.com/book-film/

Before the Lights Links:

Hire Tommy to Speak: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/public-speaking

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

Listen to Docuseries here: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/docuseries

Amy Canale: https://amycanale.com/

Support the show

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beforethelightspodcast?lang=en

Follow Tommy on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/tcanale3

Rate & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-lights/id1501245041
Email the host: [email protected]