"I couldn’t not tell this story and be part of it because it seemed like it was that kind of Shawshank redemption story."

Welcome Dax Devlon-Ross:

We’re joined on the Starline by a friend we’ve had Beyond the Mic before for his project “The Burden”. He’s a storyteller, strategist, speaker, social entrepreneur and most important, husband and dad. His latest project is the podcast “Crying Wolf”. We welcome back Dax Devlon-Ross.

Dax, let’s return Beyond the Mic. What made Lee Harris’ story so powerful?

Was Robert’s effort to free his friend, helpful for him?

What’s the one fact from this case that haunts you?

The Rockin' 8:

Dax Devlon-Ross host of “Crying Wolf” joins us for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure.

1. Best tequila is what kind?

2. What’s the one thing your kids try and convince you to do but fail?

3. Which of your kids stays up the longest now?

4. In ten words or less, what was the power of the first men’s retreat you led?

5. Which course at GW Law School was the one you struggled with the most?

6. Who is the person that makes you be a better man every day?

7. Strawberry or grape jelly?

8. Musician or singer that touches your heart and soul?

Sneaking in A One More:

As you look at all these cases of miscarriages of justice. How does that wear on you?

Two Impossible Questions:

Can the alleged deep-seated corruption that plagues Chicago ever be cleaned?

Dax, what would consider justice for Richard Zuley’s actions?

The Wrap:

He thinks grape jelly tastes fake now, has trouble getting his energetic six year old to sleep and wants you to hear “Crying Wolf”. Dax Devlon-Ross my friend, 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 reasons that this is so fascinating and was so fascinating to me is because it starts out as one thing and sort of ends up as something else in a way."

Welcome Janet McTeer:

We’re joined on the Starline by a Tony, Golden Globe and Drama Desk Award winner. You’ve seen her in Mobland, Ozark and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Now starring in “The Artist” on The Network. We welcome Janet McTeer.

Good Morning Janet, let’s go Beyond the Mic. “This is not a tale of murder. This is a story of rebirth.” “The Artist” has a cast of stars. Mandy Patinkin, Ever Anderson, Hank Azaria, Katherine McPhee, Patti LuPone, Clark Gregg among others. How was portraying a character in this scorched earth Gilded Age murder mystery interesting for you?

Streaming networks have taking the lead on stories that normal networks have ignored. Why is stories like this fascinating to tell?

The Rockin' 8:

Janet McTeer from “The Artist” joins us Beyond the Mic for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure.

1. Life would be sad if you couldn’t see plays. Which Broadway play is your favorite now?

2. Do you know where in your house your Tony Award is right now?

3. Favorite theater to perform a play of all time?

4. Best place to see the leaves in Maine?

5. Which character you have portrayed is your favorite?

6. Who would you have loved to share the screen or stage for one scene but haven’t yet?

7. YES, NO or Maybe: Are you any good at playing pool?

8. Favorite thing to grow in your garden?

Sneaking in One More:

You cherish your life, work and privacy. Why was this work important to promote?

One Big Question:

You have portrayed such powerful characters like Kat McAllister, Marian Henry, Nora Helmer and soon Minerva McGonagall. How do these characters fuel you?

The Wrap:

She loves growing Cosmos, her Tony is in the top shelf of her kitchen and she wants you to watch “The Artist” on The Network Janet McTeer, 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

"They cracked the code. They know how it works and in terms of writing songs, they have a formula ...and all of their records and great music just lasts. And you know, those records are timeless. They live forever and people love them. So, you know, they cross generations and not going anywhere anytime soon."

Welcome Michael John Wagner:

We’re joined on the Starline by a singer-songwriter and actor. You’ve heard his work on “America’s Next Top Model” , “Friends with Benefits” and seen in “The Fourth Alice” He went from his extensive European and Summer tour to now touring with the number one ABBA tribute show “Mania: The ABBA Tribute” as Bjorn. We welcome Michael Wagner.

Michael, let’s go Beyond the Mic. In “Mania” you speak with a Swedish accent. How long did it take you to perfect that?

You’ve sang your own Alternative and R&B music, but now you’re back to the 70’s. Why is Abba music still loved so much even today?

“Mania” is full production with all the bells, whistles, costumes, lighting etc from one of ABBA’s biggest concerts. Which is your favorite song from the show?

How has this tour change the way you see ABBA?

The Rockin' 8:

Michael Wagner from “Mania: The ABBA Tribute” joins us Beyond the Mic for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure.

1. Yes, No or Maybe: Have you ever counted how many sequins are in your outfit? Have you ever thought about it?

2. Best class at the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School?

3. Go to order when you visit Primanti Bros at home?

4. Favorite theater you’ve visited so far on the road?

5. What’s your must have roadside truck stop snack?

6. First guitar you ever owned was what and do you still have it?

7. Biggest fish you ever caught was what and where?

8. Last Steelers game you went to see live was where and against who?

The Impossible Question:

What was the one piece of advice your late Pap John gave you when you started your musical journey?

The Back Half:

Best thing about your friend and “Mania” cohort Melissa Harding?

You’ve been on the road with your own tour. How is touring with “Mania” different?

What’s your routine from getting from one stage to the next?

Best Playstation game? Assassin Creed’s games

How has this tour changed the way you love music?

What’s the funniest story from the “Mania” tour so far?

Who inspires you on your musical path?

How has your parents and friends support your path?

What do you want people to take away from “Mania”?

One Big Question:

You’ve experienced wildfires, quakes and the joys and heartaches of music. What makes the joy of a fan connecting with you as you perform changed you?

You’ve seen him in a Cinemark movie preshow, now you can enjoy him in “Mania”!

The Wrap:

He was a ball boy for the Steelers, had a manager sell his 1st guitar and wants you to see “Mania: The ABBA Tribute”. Michael John Wagner, 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

"I ​felt ​I ​wanted ​to, ​​​to ​pay ​homage ​to ​those ​guys. ​I ​mean, ​I ​have ​one ​friend ​who's ​battling ​cancer ​now, ​ ​from ​Agent ​Orange so ​I ​felt, ​you ​know, ​these ​guys ​didn't ​have ​a ​voice ​when ​they ​came ​back...so ​I, ​I ​really ​wanted ​to ​pay ​tribute ​to, ​to ​the ​Vietnam ​events."

Welcome Vondie Curtis Hall:

We’re joined on the Starline by an actor and director. You’ve seen him in “Chicago Hope”, “Daredevil” and my personal favorite “The Recruit”. His latest movie is “Sheepdog”. We welcome Vondie Curtis Hall.

Vondie, let’s go Beyond the Mic. You’ve performed on Broadway, acted in soaps and directed TV and movies. Why was this role so interesting for you?

“My pain is relative, son. Sometimes we got to fall apart to find ourselves all over again” How did you relate to Whitney St. Germain?

Vondie, what do you want people to take away from this powerful movie?

The Rockin' 8:

Vondie Curtis Hall from “Sheepdog” joins us Beyond the Mic for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure.

1. Most underappreciated role you’ve ever done?

2. The actress that impresses you today?

3. First name of the student who last impressed you at the Tisch School of the Arts?

4. Last Broadway show you saw life was what?

5. When you first started acting, what did you mom and dad want you to do as a fallback career?

6. Favorite class at Juilliard?

7. One chore your wife depends on you to do around the house?

8. What was your favorite meal by your mom growing up?

Sneaking in A Couple More:

“There’s always light at the end of the tunnel if you push to make it through”. What are your wishes for veterans who struggle every day?

What was it like working with this amazing cast?

One Big Question:

Vondie Curtis Hall from “Sheepdog” joins us for One Big Question. How has sharing your talents with the world given you happiness?

The Wrap:

He’s in charge of the garbage, was almost a construction worker and wants you to watch the powerful movie “Sheepdog”. Vondie Curtis Hall, 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

"The power of acting and storytelling can help people see truths about the world and about themselves."

Welcome Connor Sullivan:

We’re joined on the Starline by an actor, singer and creative. He’s currently touring as August in the first national tour of Water for Elephants. We welcome Connor Sullivan.

Connor, let’s go Beyond the Mic. You’ve played Flynn Rider in “Tangled: The Musical” and Billy Flynn in “Chicago”. What made August such a challenging role for you?

What makes the complexity so difficult to display?

If someone hasn’t seen Water for Elephants, or read the book, what can you tell us about the show?

Connor, you’ve done Film, TV, Regional Theater as well as work on the Disney Cruise Line. How does this tour make you feel especially being such a new show?

The Rockin' 8:

Connor Sullivan from Water for Elephants joins us for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure.

1. Favorite song from your acapella group Tonal?

2. Best part of being 6’6” and playing Ultimate Frisbee?

3. Favorite Disney movie?

4. Typical workout on the road?

Instant Followup: How much can you bench?

5. Sunrises or sunsets?

6. YES/NO/Maybe: Do you think the Loch Ness Monster is real?

7. Growing up what was the subject you disliked while you were homeschooled?

8. Which musical that you haven’t performed in is your favorite?

The Impossible Question:

If you could fix one thing in the world, but you’d lose your voice forever, what would you fix?

The Back Half:

Best article you wrote for the Viterbo Lumen?

Which is harder, modeling or Broadway?

What is your typical vocal warmup?

Tell me about routine on the road from leaving the stage to the next stage.

How many journals do you have?

Who is the person that you depend on from the cast when you are away from friends and family?

How does the downtimes between shows change you?

What are your hobbies you have?

Favorite thing to bake?

Who inspires you on Broadway now?

Go Deeper with Connor Sullivan Beyond the Mic:

What’s your Broadway dream role?

What was the first Broadway show you saw live and how did it change your life?

What lit that fire, what motivated you?

You talk about inspiration, why is important to inspire the future?

Connor, who is your hero in the business and who pushes you today?

One tip your professor Karla Hughes gave you that helps you today?

On the Road:

When you get to a new town, what’s the one thing you have to find?

When you get to a town you’ve been before do you go to the same spots or do you explore?

Best memory from the road from “Chicago” to “Water for Elephants”?

Connor, how has the tour changed you?

Since you’re going to be on this tour for a long time, how do you feather the gas?

What do you see in your future?

Two Big Questions:

What’s the power of acting and storytelling for you and how do you want people viewing your work on stage?

The Wrap:

Geometry turned him to the arts, loves Aladdin and wants you to see Water for Elephants National Tour Now. Connor Sullivan, 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

"I wish I'd have been younger when I had my hits, because I'm a lot clever and wittier and much cuter than Blake Shelton."

Welcome Neal McCoy:

We’re joined on the Starline by singer, songwriter, a two-time Entertainer of the Year, multi-gold and platinum selling country music star. We welcome the pride of Jacksonville Texas, Neal McCoy.

Neal, let’s go Beyond the Mic. On January 7th you’ll have said the Pledge of Allegiance every day for ten years on social media. Why did this start?

How does it feel saying it?

You’ve partnered with Allied Flags for the Neal McCoy limited edition flag. How did this idea come together?

You’ve been on many USO tours around the world. Why is entertaining our troops so important for you?

And you’d go again in a heartbreak?

The Rockin' 8:

Neal McCoy joins us Beyond the Mic and it’s time for the Rockin’ 8. 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure.

1. For 45 years your wife Melinda has been the light of your life. When did you know she was the one?

2. Once you’ve reached a goal, what’s the first thing you do: celebrate or set a new goal?

3. You’ve toured all around the world, where is the most underappreciated place to play?

4. YES, NO or MAYBE: You’re happy with the current state of country music?

5. Favorite thing about rain?

6. Best place in Longview to get a bite to eat?

7. What was your first guitar growing up and do you still have it?

8. How has the East Texas Angel Network changed your life?

The Impossible Question:

You could make one change to the world, but would lose your voice forever, what change would you make?

Sneaking in a Couple:

You’re being honored with the Spirit of Texas award during the 2026 Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction ceremony this year. What does this honor mean to you?

Patriotism rose after 9/11 after it had been fading. Why is it important for people to be, in the words of fellow artist Lee Greenwood, proud to be an American today?

Is there something from home when you were touring that you had to have on the road?

Which country music personality doesn’t get the respect you thought they deserved?

How do you see country music right now and who gives you hope for the future of the genre?

One Big Question:

What is your best memory from your time with Charley Pride?

The Wrap:

He loves Papacitas in Longview, hates playing the guitar and wants you to get the Neal McCoy American Flag. Where can people find it?

Neal 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

"Vulnerable conversations reveal who we are. They’re human."

Welcome Jonathan Goldstein:

We’re joined on the Starline by an author, humorist, radio producer and podcaster. You’ve heard his work on “Road Dot Trip”, “This American Life” and the #1 podcast “Heavyweight”. We welcome Jonathan Goldstein.

Jonathan, let’s go Beyond the Mic. What makes road trips, reunions and difficult conversations so perfect for “Heavyweight”?

How has the rebirth of “Heavyweight” changed the way you appreciate your listeners, producers and podcasting as a whole?

You once said "My feeling is that this business of offering a glimpse behind the curtain can be used to create a more personal and intimate radio. Or not." Why is vulnerable conversations important?

The Rockin' 8:

Jonathan Goldstein from the “Heavyweight” podcast joins 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.

1. Favorite album of all time?

2. If you hadn’t been able to get Heavyweight back up and running again, would you have fallen back to telemarketing?

3. What’s the one question you wished you could have asked Lenny Bruce?

4. Which character in Casablanca do you relate to the most?

5. Best memory at Concordia?

6. Nearsighted or farsighted?

7. The name of the story that melted your heart forever?

8. What was your worst haircut or style?

The Back Half:

Who helps guide making Heavyweight so special?

What do you want people taking away from each episode?

Which struggle is the one you are the one you face?

The Impossible Question:

If you could tell the story of one person, and everyone in the world would listen it who’s the story of?

Who would star in the movie of your life?

The Wrap:

Loves sitting in the book stacks at Concordia, thinks Paul Giamatti would play him in the movie of his life and wants you to listen to the powerful podcast “Heavyweight” Jonathan Goldstein, 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

"This is one example of a dream that I've had and wanting to establish this idea."

Welcome Victoria Monét

We’re joined on the Starline by a trailblazing singer, songwriter, producer and now children’s book author. She’s a Grammy-award winner including 2024 Best New Artist, Best R&B Album. Her book is “Everywhere You Are”. We welcome Victoria Monét.

Victoria, let’s go Beyond the Mic. The goal of this book is combating separation anxiety in children and parental guilt. How did your own fight balancing time as a mom and your daughter Hazel influence the book?

What was Hazel’s reaction when you read her the book first?

“I promise to protect you, whether I’m near or far”. Did writing this book allow you to cement the love you have with your daughter forever?

How has writing this book changed you?

The Rockin' 8:

Grammy-award winner Victoria Monét joins 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.

1. Best beach you’ve ever visited?

2. One thing you want Hazel to take away from your life?

3. Favorite place to visit in Sacramento?

4. Do you remember your 1st headlining show in LA and what was the 1st song you sang at the El Rey?

5. Best memory of your choreographer friend Wendy Lee?

6. If you could be any animal other than a jaguar, what would it be?

7. Most weight you have ever lifted?

8. If you could sing a song with anyone who is no longer alive, who would have been your dream duet?

Sneaking in A Couple More:

Could we be seeing new music soon?

Who influences you in the music scene today?

One Big Question:

How has music changed the way the way you see yourself from being a Sheldon Huskie to today?

Will there be a follow up book?

What’s the power of your daughter?

The Wrap:

She hip thrusted 435 pounds, loves visiting mom whenever she can and wants you to read her new children’s book “Everywhere You Are”. Victoria Monét thanks for taking the time to talk with us.

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

"It takes a real authentic person to let themselves be vulnerable on screen in front of millions of people."

Welcome Bailey Chase:

We’re joined on the Starline by an actor, producer and most importantly husband and dad. You’ve seen him in “Longmire”, “Saving Grace” as a member of the Duke Football team and now in the drama thriller “Homestead”. We welcome Bailey Chase.

Bailey, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Your career has been filled with complex, rugged characters. What makes playing Jeff Eriksson different?

Jeff is protecting his family. What would you do to protect yours?

We don’t call this Beyond the Mic for nothing brother. The world is a different place today. Angrier, and divisive. Why was it important to take this role and humanize a character who faces severe moral challenges?

How has your onscreen family benefited from the love you have from your own family?

Neal McDonough, Dawn Olivieri, Jesse Hutch. Plenty of heavy hitters. Which member of the cast that I didn’t mention has a special place in your heart?

The Rockin' 8:

Bailey Chase from “Homestead” joins us Beyond the Mic. It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure.

1. Best thing about being a dad?

Instant Follow Up: Who plays good cop bad cop between you and your wife

2. What is the worst club in your golf bag?

3. As a former linebacker, what’s your thoughts on Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez and the Heisman Trophy?

4. Best type of tacos have what in them?

5. Favorite Christmas tradition?

6. What is the one quirk about you that people notice?

7. One chore your wife Amy depends on YOU to tackle?

8. If you were a flavor, what flavor would you be?

The Impossible Question:

What one tip would you give yourself 30 years ago before you did your first roles in “Hot Line” and “Baywatch”?

The Back Half:

“Homestead” is about surviving an apocalyptic event. How prepared are you for one today?

What’s the thing you learned from the experience shooting “Homestead”?

How has fighting to the top made it worth it for you as a mentor?

What’s the one behind the scenes experience from “Homestead” that looking back you appreciate more?

What’s the one thing about Neal McDonough that you have noticed that made you a better actor?

Deeper Beyond the Mic with Bailey Chase:

You push through everything through your faith. How has having discussions on homesteading changed the way you see community?

You’ve been hustling for 20 years in L.A. What made it worth it? What made it not worth it?

You’ve had incredible highs, and lows in your life. Successes in acting while recovering from that hurricane in North Carolina. How has the adversity you’ve faced made you stronger for the challenges and the joys you have today?

Why has the strength of your family growing up helped you be a better man today?

How has your industry changed for the better and worse today?

What were your workouts like getting prepared for this role? You can’t fake being a Green Beret.

Who is the one person you depend on the most, not family, that you could call on right now if you had a moral crisis?

You’ve had cowboy roles from “Far Haven” to “Longmire” now with “Homestead” you’re not wearing the cowboy hat. Do you miss it?

Favorite Clint Eastwood movie?

Do you still have a hat from either “Far Haven” or “Longmire”

Motivations:

What one thing, that isn’t family, motivates you now?

What do your fans mean to you?

If you could have Jeff experience something in “Homestead”, what would you want him to experience?

If you could find out one thing from ten years in the future today, what would you want to know? Why?

Would you be happy if “Homestead” is still on the air in 10 years?

One Big Question:

Everyone has dreams, how has yours evolved and what’s yours now?

Do you believe your best acting is still yet to come? How does that mak

The Wrap:

His worst club in his golf bag is a 4 iron, still has his hat from Longmire and wants you to see “Homestead” on Angel. Bailey Chase, 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

"For the first time in history, we're actually allowing our audience to have direct feedback in the types of projects we are bringing to market."

Welcome Chris Woolsey:

We’re joined on the Starline by a man who has worked for Crackle, Redbox, Vizio and is the King of Streaming. His latest project is consumer evangelist for Angel Studios let’s go Binge Watching with our friend Chris Woolsey welcome back!

You are so kind, Chris, let’s go Binge Watching Beyond the Mic. Angel Studios has been stirring things up since the pandemic. How has the pay it forward model help allow better products to get to consumers?

Resiliency has been the cornerstone of Angel. How do you see the future of entertainment with studios like Angel leading the way?

How hard or easy it for filmmakers getting projects funded?

You’ve been everywhere in Hollywood, why is filmmaking so difficult to day?

Angel has had incredible successes and some failures…

Fast Four

Chris Woolsey returns for binge watching but first it’s time for the Fast 4, 4 choices you have to make, just trust your first instinct Chris, there is no Pressure.

1. Ham or Turkey?

2. Sourdough Rolls or Croissants?

3. Pumpkin or pecan pie?

4. Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes?

The Back Half:

As you are the King of Streaming let’s start binge watching with “Homestead: The Series”. Tell us about it and why you love it so much?

“Dry Bar Comedy” has allowed clean comedy sets to be performed by newer comedians. How does that make you feel where you don’t have to be dirty to be funny?

Would you ever dust off your comedic stool, if “Dry Bar Comedy” would have you?

What else are you excited about this month?

Who are the names of stars of the future from Angel?

You have movies coming out, how can people find Angel Studios?

How has Angel changed the way you see the streaming world?

Have your new bosses figured out what you do yet?

The Impossible Question:

You’re at a holiday table with three other people, one fictional, one historical and one current. They can’t be related to you. Who are you having dinner with?

The Wrap:

His ideal holiday meal is ham with sourdough rolls, and a pumpkin pie with pecan streusel, would invite Ben Franklin. He wants you to binge watch shows with Angel Studios.

And that my friends is Binge Watching 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