"It's a dream. I'd always dreamed of being a singer and dreamed of going on tour and making music that mattered."

Welcome Timothy Wayne:

We’re joined on the Starline by the nephew of 90’s country music royalty. The LSU Tiger went from singing on the farm or at the frat house to going on tour while working on his history degree. His single “Good Ole Boys Girl” is out. We welcome Timothy Wayne.

AG Timothy, let’s go Beyond the Mic. It’s your senior year and you’re balancing LSU football games, concerts and trying to go out and sing as much as you can. Plus friends, family, relationships…what makes your Hannah Montana double life you lead so worth it for you?

Why does music touch your soul?

How has music changed you from when you started to now?

Who helped you open up more?

The Rockin' 8:

Timothy Wayne’s single “Good Ole Boys Girl” is out and it’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct.

1. Best trait of your mom?

2. When was the last year you found the baby in the King Cake?

3. Favorite club to play at?

4. Who gave you your first guitar and do you still have it?

INSTANT FOLLOWUP: What is it?

5. Which guitar string do you break the most?

6. One city you want to visit that you haven’t yet?

7. If you could tour around opening for one artist, not family, who is it?

8. What cut of steak do you like and how do you want it cooked?

The Back Half:

We’re joined by a future country music superstar Timothy Wayne Beyond the Mic for the Back Half. Timothy, which teacher has given you the most hell for not being at class?

How has your imposter syndrome been overcome?

Who has better hair you or your uncle?

When you are out on the road, what’s the one thing you have to bring?

The Impossible Question:

You could guarantee winning 1 LSU football game by 50 points every year for the rest of your life but you couldn’t sing anymore, who would LSU beat?

Who is the “Good Ole Boys Girl” to you?

How has playing music changed the way you see the world?

As you bring the joy of music to the world, what does it mean when people are smiling and singing along with you especially when they are singing your songs?

Your family on your mom’s side are all from Louisiana. What makes Louisiana and LSU so special for you?

Best things Aunt Shelly and your mom cooks for you?

What was your favorite song to sing? 

Best country music artist that isn’t Jerry Reed and isn’t related to you?

One Big Question:

What does a family oriented, humble, grounded woman mean to you?

The Wrap:

He would love LSU beating Alabama by 50 every year forever and breaks his g string the most. Listen to his single “Good Ole Boys Girl” Timothy Wayne, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

"If you've got dreams, wherever they are, no, they don't always come easy. But if you believe, do the hard work and keep coming back, you'll be amazed at what can happen."

Welcome Holly Gleason:

We’re joined on the Starline by a music critic, dreamer, an award winning writer, teacher, songwriter and publicist. She’s written for Rolling Stone, The LA & NY Times, Playboy, and many more. Her latest project is co-author of Kenny Chesney’s book “Heart Life Music”. We welcome Holly Gleason

AG, Holly, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Why was this the perfect opportunity for this book?

“And if you've got dreams, whatever they are, know they don't always come easy. But if you believe, do the hard work, and keep coming back, you'd be amazed at what can happen.” How was the one story that you witnessed that showed the never quit in Kenny Chesney?

The Impossible Question:

What would your life had been had Kenny Chesney was never in it?

The Rockin' 8:

Co-author of Kenny Chesney’s book “Heart Life Music” Holly Gleason join us for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure.

1. Favorite flower?

2. Last book you read that wasn’t one you wrote?

3. Country star that didn’t get the recognition they deserved?

4. Secret place where you get most of your writing done?

5. Favorite Taylor Swift song?

6. Best memory of Mr. Corliss?

7. Favorite Kenny Chesney song?

8. Last time you saw a shooting star was where?

One Big Question:

You once wrote on forgiveness: "People are flawed, broken, damaged, pity them and move on. Let it go. Bless them and send them on their way. Feel lighter." How has writing given you the opportunity to forgive others?

Where can people find the book?

3 words to describe your love of music?

The Wrap:

She loves Stargazer lilies, writing in Holly’s Diner and wants you to read the book she co-wrote with Kenny Chesney “Heart Life Music”. Holly Gleason thanks for taking the time to talk with us today and rabbit, rabbit to you.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

"The qualities and characteristics that are making you isolated and bullied and hurt right now in life is what's going to make you successful later on."

Welcome Leland Vittert:

We’re joined on the Starline by a man who didn’t speak for years when he was young. He transformed from “weird”, bullied boy to one of the respected, fair and fearless journalists today. His miraculous life story is “BORN LUCKY: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism.” We welcome NewsNation’s Leland Vittert.

Leland, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Your book has sold out twice even before the first release. Your dad said “I went from zero to loving you in two seconds”. How did the story of his relentless push through 106 failed sales call, before finding success, inspire you discovering your own success?

Why did the lessons he taught you social cues etc, help you become a better journalist?

The Rockin' 8:

Leland Vittert’s book is “BORN LUCKY: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism.” Leland, it’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Favorite flavor of Dots candy?

2. Best thing about your wife Rachel?

3. Best cigar you’ve ever had was a…

4. Last thing you cooked in you green egg?

5. Best place for a vacation is…

6. On a plane: aisle, window or middle seat?

7. Best movie ever is …

8. When was the last time you went rowing?

Sneaking in a One More:

How did writing this book change the way you see yourself?

The Impossible Question:

“You don’t have to be defined by a diagnosis”. What are you defined by?

One Big Question:

“It’s not fun to go to therapy on national TV, but I’m doing it because I think it can really help folks.” What’s your message to the misunderstood amazing kids out?

The Wrap:

He last grilled a beef tenderloin, loves his wife’s emotional eq and wants you to read his book “BORN LUCKY: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism.”

Leland Vittert, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

"I think the past informs the present and the present will take care of itself."

Welcome Bernie Leadon

We’re joined on the Starline by a country rock pioneer. You’ve heard his work in Hearts & Flowers, Dillard & Clark and the Flying Burrito Brothers. A founding member of the Eagles’. His newest solo album is “Too Late to Be Cool”. We welcome Bernie Leadon.

Bernie, let’s go Beyond the Mic. What was the feeling creating “Too Late to Be Cool”?

How does recording analog vs digitally change the way you record and hear an album?

Why did recording this album this way give it a throwback to some of the greatest albums of all time that only used to have 16 tracks?

Bernie, you have led an incredible life, do you truly believe it’s too late to be cool?

You said “Some stories take decades to finish. Why I left. Why I’m back.” How has music touched your soul and who inspired you to return? 

The Rockin' 8:

Bernie Leadon newest solo album is “Too Late to Be Cool” and it’s time for the Rockin’ 8. 8 random questions, Bernie just trust your first instinct.

1. What was the last thing you harvested from your farm?

2. What’s your go-to way to unwind that isn’t music based?

3. Who is the top 3 guitar players of all time?

4. What do your grandkids call you?

5. First banjo you ever owned was what and do you still have it?

INSTANT FOLLOWUP: Which string do you break the most? 

6. Bernie, who is the one artist, living or gone, that you would love to jam with for one song, and what would you play?

7. Favorite place in the world to just think other than your front porch?

8. Who do you admire the most in music right now?

The Back Half:

We’re talking with Bernie Leadon Beyond the Mic with the Back Half. What do you want people to feel when they hear “Too Late to Be Cool”?

How has reflecting on the past help you plan for the future?

Bernie, what’s the most challenging song for you on this album?

Looking back at your life, what is the feeling in your heart when you hear fans applaud?

Why is playing music special to you?

How did working with Glyn Johns help you put a better product out?

Bernie. how has the way you write evolved and improved since starting?

Influences:

We’re talking with Bernie Leadon Beyond the Mic. Who influenced your decision focusing on authenticity rather than commercial success and would you change your mind today?

You have always believed in a music-first philosophy. Has the music industry changed to the fans detriment?

How do you view the current state of Americana and country-rock music today?

Why has your family’s love sustained you and what does one hug from them mean today?

Best memory of your brother growing up?

You play electric & acoustic guitar, banjo, Dobro, mandolin and pedal steel. What’s the instrument you wished you learned?

You’ve played with and for some incredible artists in your life. What’s the one story from the road that still makes you chuckle today?

What’s the quality of a good Mexican restaurant?

The Impossible Question:

What’s the one thing you wish you did sooner and the one thing you wish you never did?

One Big Question:

Bernie, in your life well lived, what do you want people to remember you by?

The Wrap:

He wanted a Vega Banjo growing up, loved singing harmony with Linda Ronstadt. He wants you to hear “Too Late to Be Cool”. Bernie Leadon thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

"By looking at cults, you can start to notice those patterns in a more extreme way and hopefully spot them in your own life as well."

Welcome The Turning - River Road:

We’re joined on the Starline by an award winning podcast producer & host with a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her tag team partner is a producer, former radio personality, and editor who led the first major podcast workshop in Armenia. Their project is co-hosting “The Turning: River Road”. We welcome Elin Lantz Lesser and Erika Lantz.

Friends, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Why was it necessary to shine a light on insular communities?

With the levels of devotion and passion that some communities have, how difficult is it for you to see the victims of “The Turning” various stories?

What’s the one thing about Lindsay Tornambe story that sticks with you today?

The Rockin' 8:

Elin Lantz Lesser and Erika Lantz from “The Turning: River Road” join us Beyond the Mic. It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure. Since we have two guests we’ll alternate questions.

1. Elin, what’s the one thing you miss from Copenhagen?

2. Erika, favorite teacher at Yale?

3. Elin, who is your hero in the realm of psychology?

4. Erika, ballet taught you discipline and attention to detail. How hard was it to let go?

5. Elin, favorite book to read growing up?

6. Erika, the best Joni Mitchell album is obviously?

7. Elin, have you stopped over klunkify ing things?

8. Erika, what is the power of public media today?

Sneaking in A Couple More:

What’s justice mean to you with these communities?

Who’s the better sister?

Who’s the better sister?

One Big Question:

How has telling these stories changed you?

The Wrap:

Elin over collects things, Erika loves Joni Mitchell’s “Blue”. They want you to hear “The Turning: River Road”. Elin Lantz Lesser and Erika Lantz thanks for taking the time to talk with us.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

"We make sure that our guests are ready to speak about their stories, and it's all about healing and laughter."

Welcome Shari Diaz and Kate Robards:

We’re joined on the Starline by a pair of funny ladies. One a Bronx comedian, writer, podcaster and actress who’s “Everyone’s Homegirl”. The other is her Orange Texas BFF who is an actress, writer, comedian and podcaster. They’ve come together for the absurd and crazy antics of cheaters with their podcast “Cheaters and Backstabbers”. Let’s welcome the funny Shari Diaz and Kate Robards.

Friends, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Where did “Cheaters and Backstabbers” originate from?

Who has the worst luck in relationships between the two of you?

Which episode did you relate with the most?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure. Since we have two guests, we’ll alternate questions.

1. Kate: Best thing about Shari?

2. Shari: Best thing about Kate?

3. Kate: You said last year “You can tell how bad your childhood trauma is by how bad the people you’re attracted to are.” Were you ever attracted to a serial killer?

4. Shari: One thing you loved the most from your trip to Guatemala?

5. Kate: What was the best episode on your weekly TV show on Lamar University TV?

6. Shari: Do you remember the name of the comedian that made you laugh the most for Oak City Comedy Festival?

7. Kate: Do you ever want to call the persons who placed 1st and 2nd in the After Dinner Speaking competition and say “Look at what third place got me”?

8. Shari: “One thing about me – imma always be laughin’”. Who makes you laugh?

The Impossible Question:

Kate since you couldn’t get J Balvin and Bad Bunny to meet Shari, you helped raise money to help her fight cancer. Why was that important for you and Shari, what does Kate’s friendship mean to you?

My wife has PCOS and Hashimoto’s so I understand…

Sneaking in One More:

Which episode should be the best one for people to start off with?

The Wrap:

Kate was never attracted to a serial killer, Shari loves the food from Guatemala and they want you to listen to “Cheaters and Backstabbers”. Shari Diaz and Kate Robards thanks for taking the time to talk with us today!

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

"One of the things that I love is when fans will write in and talk about how the show got them back into anime or got them interested in anime to start."

Welcome Nicholas Friedman

National Anime Day happens every April 15th and we’re joined on the Starline by one of the Signal award winning co-hosts of “Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect” podcast. He’s a girl dad, cat lover and Fall Out Boy fan. We welcome Nicolas Friedman.

Nicholas, let’s go Beyond the Mic. The goal of “The Anime Effect” is to spotlight the best in anime showing its impact on pop culture. How has the last full year of the podcast changed you?

How has anime changed your life?

What was your favorite show from the last year?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1.  Last manga you’ve read lately?

2.  Which was harder, writing for the Denton Record-Chronicle or figuring out weekly tasks for the award-winning Crunchyroll news organization?

3. What was the favorite project you’ve worked on at Crunchyroll that wasn’t “The Anime Effect”?

4. What’s your guilty pleasure?

5. Sunrise or sunset?

6. If you could teach a class, what would be the subject?

7. Where is the best place in the Crunchyroll office to think?

8. Which upcoming episode is the one you are most excited for?

Sneaking in Couple More:

My daughter is a huge fan of Crunchyroll and she wants to know “How has working at Crunchyroll changed your life?”

What was your 1st Anime growing up?

How has being a girl dad changed you?

Why should people listen to “The Anime Effect”?

Favorite Pokemon?

Best thing about your co-hosts?

What is one thing that people need to know about anime? Why?

One Big Question:

What is the hardest thing about your job?

The Wrap:

He likes the 4th Fallout Boy studio album and wants you to hear “Crunchyroll Presents: The The Anime Effect” wherever you find podcasts. Nicholas Friedman, so much for taking the time to talk with us today and Happy Anime Day!

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

"To really have taken that leap of faith with us... if they think their stories have been fairly and well told, then my job is done there."

Welcome Ceri Isfryn:

We’re joined on the Starline by an award-winning director who has produced and directed incredible documentaries like “The House of Maxwell” & “The Fake Sheikh”. Her latest series on National Geographic, Disney+ and Hulu is “Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day In America”. We welcome series director Ceri Isfryn.

Ceri, let’s go Beyond the Mic. 30 years ago on April 19th 1995 the deadliest act of domestic terrorism took place in Oklahoma City, why was it important telling this story?

When you work on a project for sometimes more than a year, how does seeing the final result change the way you see it?

Why was it important not only showing the pursuit of justice but the heartbreaks, courage and the mourning of a nation?

The Rockin' 8:

"Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day In America” director Ceri Isfryn joins us for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Which interview gave you chills?

2. How many times have you visit Oklahoma City? 

3. Which project of yours is the one you wished more people saw?

4. Who is the woman director who influenced you growing up?

5. Favorite TV show to watch now?

6. Last Wales Rugby match you attended was when?

7. Do you scrapbook?

8. Person who encourages you the most?

Sneaking in A Couple More:

You are always looking for a story. Sometimes a story of controversy, other times a story of justice. What motivates your story telling?

Ceri, do you feel that something like Oklahoma City could happen again?

Two Big Question:

What was the hardest video for you to watch in researching “Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America” and how did this project change you?

You’re not an American, why was it important for you to do this project as a Welsh woman?

The Wrap:

She loves journaling and watching The Traitors. “Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America” Director Ceri Isfryn thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

"If you could own a major league franchise, which manager, dead or alive, would you want? Bobby Cox."

Welcome Dan Schlossberg:

We’re joined on the Starline by an award winning writer, editor, graphic designer, sportswriter and travel journalist. You’ve seen his work in USA Today, the AP, Forbes among other places. His latest of the 40+ books he’s authored is the updated “The New Baseball Bible”. We welcome Dan Schlossberg.

Dan, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Baseball has had some incredible stories, from a midget taking 4 balls to a game being postponed due to fog and a homicide. What story interests you the most from this book?

Do you believe banning the shift and the pitch clock has helped or hurt baseball?

Which team publicist was your favorite?

How has baseball made you happy?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Best game you ever saw live?

2. Which player, not in Cooperstown, deserves to be in?

3. If you could change one rule to make the game better what is it?

4. 10 words or less on the Savannah Bananas?

5. Best place to travel on vacation?

6. Best memory at Syracuse?

7. ____will win the World Series this year? (Episode was taped earlier this year)

8. If you could own a major league franchise, which manager, dead or alive would you want?

The Back Half:

Give me the best player for each position you ever saw live?

Why do you fall in love with baseball?

Do you still have the same passion for the game today?

Would you rather baseball move back to 154 games?

What is your favorite story from the book?

For his contributions to baseball, should Pete Rose be in the hall of fame?

For his contributions to baseball, should Shoeless Joe in the hall of fame?

One Big Question:

Favorite baseball moment?

The Wrap:

Dan Shlossberg loves the Savannah Bananas, wants Steve Garvey in the Baseball Hall of Fame and wants you to read “The New Baseball Bible”. Dan, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Shortcut.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

"Wildlife conservation and ecosystem conservation is, I mean it's life or death at this point."

Welcome Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:

We’re joined on the Starline by the current co-hosts of the legendary wildlife show. One is a wildlife ecologist, TV host, author and speaker. The other is a wildlife expert, conservationist and TV host. We welcome the co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild” Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant.

Friends, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Wild Kingdom is back with a whole new season. Peter, when you look back at the original Wild Kingdom, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve brought to “Protecting the Wild” today?

Dr. Rae, you said “I hope viewers will be transported to exciting places far and near that are rich with stories of conservation hope”. How important is conservation today?

I had a recent conversation with biologist Doug Smith on returning wolves to Yellowstone and the impact it made on the ecosystem there. What species do you think best represents the urgency of protecting habitats right now?

The Rockin' 8:

The co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild” Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant join us Beyond the Mic and it’s time for the Rockin’ 8. All this is 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure. Since we have two guests, we’ll alternate questions.

1. Yes, No or Maybe : Rae, it was easier to prepare for a Wild Kingdom episode than getting interviewed by John Legend?

2. Yes, No or Maybe : Peter, one of your first episodes from Wild Kingdom was diving with great white sharks. Your son said “you’re bait”. Have you tried to convince the producers to put Rae in a shark cage yet? 

3. Dr. Rae: favorite animal?

4. Peter: most underappreciated animal? 

5. Dr. Rae: last time you took your kids to the beach was when and did you teach them a lesson?

6. Peter: best memory from rural Hudson Valley, New York?

7. Dr. Rae: One place that opened your eyes to a totally new level?

8. Peter: sunrises or sunsets?

The Back Half:

The co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild” Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant join us Beyond the Mic for the Back Half. Dr. Rae, as you work with Peter you bridge a powerful show to a new generation. How has his passion and experience helped you?

Peter, how does Dr. Rae’s energy influence Wild Kingdom for the future?

Dr. Rae you said “There are no rules to this thing called life- and especially non-traditional careers”. How has this opportunity changed you?

Peter you said “But the show made us all very aware that our planet had problems and we needed to preserve the natural world for both animals and our own quality of life. What kind of a world would it be if we didn’t have wildlife and wildlands?” What improvements have you seen since you started in 1985?

Dr. Rae, why large carnivores and how does that passion connect with Wild Kingdom?

Peter, how do you balanced the emotions of conservation, the wins and some losses, when sharing stories with viewers?

Sneaking In a Couple More:

The co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant join us Beyond the Mic for the Back Half. Dr. Rae, if you could spotlight one issue in the future, what would it be?

Peter, was there ever a behind-the-scenes moment that never made it to air and what happened?

As scientists, how do you make subjects relatable to kids who might just be tuning in for the cute animals?

Two Big Questions:

The co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild” Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant join us for Two Big Questions. Rae, looking at your journey, from field scientist to co-host of Wild Kingdom, how do you hope your story inspires others?

Peter, after decades of bringing the wild into people’s homes. What do you hope your legacy and Wild Kingdom’s legacy will mean to the next generation?

The Wrap:

Peter likes opening his back door into the woods, Dr. Rae is just a nine minute walk to beach. They want you to watch Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild” on NBC Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant thank you for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp