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Donna is the first cousin to Elvis Presley was kind enough to join my show and talk Graceland, Elvis, and her life growing up.

What was it like Donna growing up at Graceland? Her one-word answer sums it up. The funny story of when she realized how big of a star Elvis was. Donna recalls the time Elvis proposed that she live with them at Graceland and what her mother, Nash said. Stores about opening fan mail when she worked for her Uncle Vernon. 

Was Graceland just home or did she realize how special a place it was? The advice Elvis gave to Donna on a rare occasion when they had a one-on-one conversation which leads to Elvis meeting her fiancé and how that ended up. More Elvis stories about how he loved to have fun which takes fireworks to a whole new level!

What was Vernon and Gladys Presley like, Elvis singing at home, the jungle room, and what she misses most about living on Graceland.  What was her relationship with Priscilia that has a funny story with it. The reason behind why she decided to start telling stories about Graceland & Elvis. 

Donna tells the details of when Elvis passed. Elvis was a sick man with many health issues but always looked out for others ahead of himself and the irony that every member of the Presley family has died from the same cause. She tells her thoughts on the new movie- Elvis; what was accurate and what was not. 

She has books! Get them below. Donna is performing and traveling the globe, help get her to Vegas and your area. Being on the board of the charity, Choosing to Live-Suicide Prevention. 

Donna Presley Links:

Website: https://www.thedonnapresleycollection.com/

Self-Published Elvis As I Remember Him, One Flower While I Live: https://www.thedonnapresleycollection.com/collection/p/style-02-e3z27

Purchase Donna’s Other Books: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=donna+presley&crid=115XIFC4TZXVP&sprefix=donna+presley%2Caps%2C138&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

Choosing To Live Suicide Prevention: https://neversuicide.org/

Donna on Face book: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaPresleyOfficial

Before the Lights Links:

THE LIGHT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_cBUd3MLwoejlVpn5Vt9JA

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

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

Get Tommy a Glass of Vino: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beforethelights

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Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
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Ron Read is the author of the book: "Starting the US Open". He tells stories  from his book and as a rules official for the USGA. He spent over 35 years with the USGA and was the starter from 1986-2010.

This is a show that was originally recorded on "The Golf Zone" Podcast with my then co-host Eric Dutt who is the GM at Reflection Bay.  These are classic funny stores from the prestigious United States Golf Open!

Ron Read Links:
Official Website: https://www.ronread.com/
Purchase "Starting the US Open":  https://www.ronread.com/product-page

Before the Lights Links:

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

THE LIGHT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_cBUd3MLwoejlVpn5Vt9JA

Buy Tommy a glass of vino here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beforethelights

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

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Lila tells the story of how her mother at age 14 ran away and walked barefoot after they married her. Her remembrance of when she first started singing and the three different identities she experienced as a child.  Tapping into Mexican traditional & popular music when land and music wasn’t accepted. How using Indigenous languages to add an extra element to her performances. 

How she lost her roots and the path back to finding them. We discussed the way we can teach and educate people on her culture and beautiful heritage. 

We get into her music and learn about her breakthrough LP “La Sandunga” in 1999, “Border” and what it represents from 2001, “One Blood” that speaks about migration & discrimination. Then the fun song “La Cumbia del Mole”!

How she decided to become the flamboyant, diverse performer that she is, singing for President Obama at The White House and the background into recording 21 songs for her LP “La Sanchez”.  After 25 years as an artist does she look forward or reflect? 

Lila defines who she is, her passion, and activism efforts. We end smiling with the story of her single “Son Del Chile Frito.!”

Lila Downs Links:

Website:  https://www.liladowns.com/language/en/

Lila’s Music: https://www.allmusic.com/artist/lila-downs-mn0000280993/discography

Single: Son Del Chile Frito: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U1ZuI5rw3U

Oaxaca Festival 2023: https://traveltooaxaca.com/best-festivals-in-oaxaca-mexico/#:~:text=The%20Guelaguetza%20(pronounced%20geh%2Dla,vary%20from%20year%20to%20year.

BTL Links:

A Heartbeat & A Guitar: Johnny Cash & the Making of Bitter Tear Docuseries: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/docuseries/bitter-tears

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 Tommy a Glass of Vino: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beforethelights

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Guest clips from:
Jeff Barnes
Arthur Nascarella
Marni Spencer Devlin
Kortney Olson
Lila Downs
Andrew Freeman
Patrick Gallo
Mark Lyman
Dee Dee Sorvino
Dick Peterson

Support the show

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
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A prolific celebrity photographer that has shot the likes of Paul McCartney, Studio 54, and the disco era joins the show!

Bill starts the show by explaining where his love of photography came from, the darkroom days, along with those that influenced him besides his father. How his career began in the 70’s at Village Voice, his first assignment that is an eye-opening moment, and the research he does prior to shooting anyone. 

Studio 54: Was it really like everyone said it was and did you look forward to going there each time to get more pictures? 2001 Odyssey where the iconic Saturday Night Fever dance floor was. Bill tells what the clientele was there in addition to talking about the fascination of the disco era and if he enjoys that genre of music. 

How did he become Paul McCartney’s personal photographer for 15 years, what it was like working with him in which he was given all-access to Paul everywhere! The secret to making A list celebrities look unguarded in his work and having the opportunity to speak in 2017 at the Library of Congress. 

Bill has many books (see show notes) as we speak about Disco & The Last Dance. The difficulty of choosing which photographs to use and a story behind one of his portraits of three guys and one girl on a couch in Studio 54. Bill tells about his exhibits, his idea which is excellent for a possible future project. Keep your eyes open for this one! 

We close with the bass thumping disco club-Paradise Garage!

Bill Bernstein Links:

Bill Bernstein Website: https://www.billbernstein.com/

Bill Bernstein Fine Art: https://www.billbernsteinfineart.com/

Buy the book- The Last Dance: https://www.billbernsteinfineart.com/warehouse-new-york-city-printers/standard_products/last-dance-photographs-by-bill-bernstein?product_gallery=131361&product_id=4177423

Seven Minerals: https://www.sevenminerals.com/

Before the Lights:

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 Tommy a Glass of Vino: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beforethelights

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The man who has over 80 tv and film credits to his name. Films such as Cop Land, The Cooler, & Summer of Sam. His tv career consists of Billions & The Sopranos. 

We begin this fun filled podcast that is full of wonderful stories of Arthur growing up in East Harlem, his days working undercover for the NYPD. This leads to him telling his personal stories looking for the Son of Sam (David Berkowitz), which is fascinating. 

Being in the movie, The Cooler that was filmed in Reno, NV and being on set with Alec Baldwin and how wonderful Maria Bello is as an actress. How he plays organized crime roles so role and being casted for….THE SOPRANOS!

Working with James Gandolfini, his generosity, what he did for Arthur and his salary. Filming the last episode of The Sopranos and the story of the cast watching it in a theater in Florida. He tells about being part of Godfather of Harlem with Forrest Whittaker. 

This great show ends with Arthur telling a very good story that will make you laugh about being an extra for the movie: Bronx Tale! 

Arthur Nascarella Links:

IMDB Page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0621597/

The Cooler: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0318374/

The Sopranos: https://www.hbo.com/the-sopranos

Seven Minerals: https://www.sevenminerals.com/

Before the Lights:

A Heartbeat & A Guitar: Johnny Cash & the Making of Bitter Tear Docuseries: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/docuseries/bitter-tears

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 Tommy a Glass of Vino: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beforethelights

Support the show

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/beforethelightspodcast/
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Rate & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-lights/id1501245041
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The show begins with Tom telling why growing up in poverty was the greatest thing that happened to him. How he decided to pursue of being an entertainer which includes the background from being a drug education presenter to teaming up with Tim Reid to become the first biracial standup comedy team. They even wrote a book! (See show notes).

Going from Illinois to LA, sleeping in an abandon car and getting his start with The Comedy Store and going back to Harvey, IL to record his LP: That White Boy’s Crazy in front of an all-black audience.
The story behind how he met Mickey Rudin the lawyer for Frank Sinatra which led to 14 years of opening for him. Tom tells us a few stories about singing in a car with Frank, Harry Carey and Frank drinking, and a night when he forgot his lyrics on stage.

Tom tells us two EXCELLENT life lessons he learned from Sinatra.
His work with different charities and his new endeavor The Illinois Fatherhood Initiative.
His book: Still Standing- My Journey from Streets & Saloons to the Stage & Sinatra. Which has over 400 five stars on Amazon. His one-man show called- The Man Who Made Sinatra Laugh.

Tom Dreesen Links:
Website: https://tomdreesen.com/
Book Still Standing: https://www.amazon.com/Still-Standing-Journey-Streets-Saloons/dp/1642933600
Book Tim and Tom in Comedy: https://www.amazon.com/Still-Standing-Journey-Streets-Saloons/dp/1642933600
Video of Tom Dreesen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEcyJOExzOE
Illinois Fatherhood Initiative:  https://www.4dads.org/

Before the Lights Podcast Links:
Purchase the EXTRA 5 Bundles: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/shop
Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support
THE LIGHT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_cBUd3MLwoejlVpn5Vt9JA
Hire Tommy to Speak: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/public-speakingje
Buy Tommy a glass of vino here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beforethelights

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Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
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A storyteller, editor, actor that has starred in The Irishmen & series; The Offer as Mario Puzo.

The moment he knew he wanted to be an actor, the attraction to comedy that leads to a story about filming a scene in “The Duece.” 

How he was casted to play “Tony Jack” Giacalone for the movie, The Irishmen. He tells what it was like acting with Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro and directed by Martin Scorsese.

Playing Mario Puzo in The Offer, picking the iconic glasses, how he related to Mario, and the gangsters from his own life that Puzo wasn’t a fan of. 

Amounts of pasta he consumed on set, connecting with Dan Fogler who played Francis Ford Coppola, and story being on set filming the Marlon Brando scene that was the best day for Patrick on set. Did he learn anything about The Godfather from filming the series? 

Going from acting next to Al Pacino to being in a series with an actor portraying him. His life as an editor in Ghost Adventures, his short film Roscoe, which is a true story, and being a storyteller. Follow his Instagram that includes remake 80’s music videos. 

Patrick Gallo Links:

Official Website:  https://chubstock.wixsite.com/patrickgalloactor

Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/chubomatic/?hl=en

Watch The Offer on Paramount +: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/the-offer/

Before the Lights Links:

A Heartbeat & A Guitar: Johnny Cash & the Making of Bitter Tear Docuseries: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/docuseries/bitter-tears

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 Tommy a Glass of Vino: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beforethelights

Seven Minerals: https:https://www.sevenminerals.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
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The owner of Get Noticed Advertising and founder of Heat Junkie Foods meets with me at beautiful Reflection Bay at Lake Las Vegas. We discuss:

Steven being from Rhode Island, his passion for cooking along with when he became a fan of hot and spicy foods. Introducing- The 6 Chili Blend Spice Rub!

How he started making hot sauce, what the first one was and the story of Heat Junkie Foods transforming into a hot sauce company. The two lines of his hot sauces and the flavors for each. Steven gives a few recipes to use his products with. The feedback he receives and REPEAT customers! We talk about the packages you can purchase. (See Show Notes)

If you are a resident or visiting Las Vegas, we will give you where you can find it as well as in Boulder City, NV. What are some of his upcoming products and those he tried but did not like. Steven gives you how to make celery flakes! How his advertising and marketing business works, Italy, and what Steven wants you to know about Heat Junkie Foods. 

Steven Torti Links:

Heat Junkie Foods Website: https://heatjunkiefoods.com/

Follow Heat Junkie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatjunkiefoods/

Get Noticed Advertising: https://getnoticedadv.com/

Bella Vita Restaurant: https://bellavitalasvegas.com/

 Seven Minerals:  https://www.sevenminerals.com/

Before the Lights Links:

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

THE LIGHT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_cBUd3MLwoejlVpn5Vt9JA

Buy Tommy a glass of vino here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beforethelights

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

Support the show

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/beforethelightspodcast/
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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]