Chasing the Extraordinary with Alexia Melocchi

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What does it mean to be a true Rockstar?

It might be different than you think. It’s not about being able to perform like Christina Aguilera or Michael Jackson, but rather it’s about your presence, confidence, and personal branding. Essentially, it’s a mix of supreme confidence in who you are in totality and knowing what your brand is all about. 

In this episode, I talk with Jonathan George, also known as The Human Hitmaker. As the CEO of JG Entertainment, he has spent the past 20 years developing, branding, and launching Rockstar personal brands for celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers. He is an exceptional individual who shows up powerfully and authentically as himself.

Throughout our conversation, Jonathan shares his journey thus far: from performing in church to getting his first recording contract, and what happened when he was “outed” as gay twenty years ago. He shares the story behind the evolution of his mindset and his strategies for becoming a true star. 

Tune in to hear more about Jonathan’s career and how embracing yourself leads to true, lasting confidence. 

Some Questions I Ask: 

• Tell me about your life and how you evolved from singing to creating an impact. (3:59)
• When you take on a new client, how do you zone in on what they need to become rock stars in their own lives? (10:01)
• Did you ever feel like everything was lost? (27:03)
• What new ventures are you embarking on? (34:45)

In This Episode, You Will Learn: 

• How being gay affected Jonathan’s early career as a singer. (5:31)
• Why getting clear on what you want and your values are key to achieving success. (10:29)
• How Jonathan helps his clients conquer impostor syndrome. (16:57)
• How embracing your authenticity leads to confidence. (24:17)
• How Jonathan broke through his fear of judgment and stepped into his power. (27:46)

Connect with Jonathan George: 

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Linkedin

YouTube

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What did you dream about doing with your life as a child? 

For Pitof Comar, his dream was to tell a story and provide an immersive experience for others. He started his career as a photographer, assistant director, and editor for films back in 1976, before branching out into musical scoring and graphic design for TV, music videos, and commercials. Then, in 2003, Pitof made his studio movie debut: Catwoman, a Warner Bros film starring Halle Berry and Sharon Stone. Now, he’s pivoted his idea of what “immersive storytelling” really looks like: multi-media virtual reality content. 

Throughout our conversation, Pitof shares with me the rollercoaster ride of directing his studio movie, what challenges he overcame, and how the story of that film developed over time. He also shares insights into how the filmmaking business has changed over time as audiences change their viewing habits, and why virtual reality is the future of storytelling. 

Tune in to hear more about Pitof’s journey and how the film industry has changed over time. 

Some Questions I Ask: 

• What was it like to get the call to direct Catwoman? (4:12)
• What challenges does working on a studio movie present versus an independent film? (12:14)
• Tell me about your pivot to virtual reality. (24:11)
• What advice would you give to an aspiring film director? (40:41)

In This Episode, You Will Learn: 

• How Pitof used martial arts to depict a feline in a human body when working on Catwoman. (4:32)
• How Halle Berry was cast in Catwoman. (10:48)
• How the story behind Catwoman evolved over time. (12:28)
• How the nature of film entertainment has changed. (24:56)
• How virtual reality affects the brain’s perceptions. (38:04)

Connect with Pitof: 

Facebook

Instagram

Let’s Connect!

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow us on X, Instagram and Facebook and on the podcast's official site www.theheartofshowbusiness.com

Send us Fan Mail

When was the last time you called home? 

No, I don’t mean calling your parents’ house or checking in with loved ones. When was the last time you give yourself space to check in with yourself? 

For Grammy voter Athena Andreadis, checking in with herself is an essential daily practice. Athena, born in London to Greek parents, is a rare diamond with a blessed voice and songs filled with emotion, stories, and heart. Personally, I think she could very well be the next Janis Joplin with a country and faith vibe. 

Throughout my conversation with Athena, she shares her story to becoming a songwriter and what is the theme behind her new just released album, OUTSIDE OF TIME, how she made it onto the radio, and what meditation practices she uses to express herself in her writing. She also tells the story of how she received her calling to move to Los Angeles, how she builds her confidence, and why she strives to experience true authenticity in her work. 

Tune in to hear more about Athena’s path to success within the music industry!

Some Questions I Ask: 

• How did you get inspired to become an artist? (4:07)
• What was your journey to getting signed to a record label like? (5:29)
• How have your lyrics changed through your life changes? (14:23)
• What’s the meaning behind the lyrics of the song “I Am Waiting?” (18:45)
• What keeps you grounded and motivated? (22:04)

In This Episode, You Will Learn: 

• How Athena’s first demo got noticed. (5:53)
• How Athena uses her spiritual practices to build her confidence and skills. (12:50)
• How Athena’s songwriting process has transformed over time. (15:20)
• What pushed Athena to move across the world to LA. (17:04)
• How Athena uses mindfulness meditation to get to know herself. (22:19)

Resources: 

Website

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Spotify

iTunes

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow us on X, Instagram and Facebook and on the podcast's official site www.theheartofshowbusiness.com

Send us Fan Mail

Are you hungry for some quality content? 

The entertainment world is full of content that provides space for consumers to zone out and forget about their own world as they dive into their television. But these times are changing, and more and more people are seeking out content that will educate and inspire them to make the world a better place. 

On this episode, I talk with Jay Hix Jones, an accomplished producer and writer of unscripted television who has experience working on shows such as Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Hoarders, just to name a couple. Now, he’s preparing to embark on the journey of moving from behind the camera to center stage. 

Throughout our conversation, Jay vulnerably shares his experiences working on shows that are simultaneously heart-wrenching and heart-warming, and how his relationship with Christ has inspired him to keep pursuing this meaningful work. He also shares his experience of helping his daughter through cancer treatments, how that has affected his work, and what the future holds for him. 

Tune in to hear more about Jay’s incredible journey and how his spiritual journey has supported his life and career thus far. 

Some Questions I Ask: 

• How did your dream to work in Hollywood begin? (3:25)
• How did you hold yourself together while your daughter was going through cancer treatments? (11:55)
• What does Hungry Fish stand for? (16:56)
• How do you use the power of prayer to influence your mindset? (18:20)
• What’s next for you as a content creator? (20:36)

In This Episode, You Will Learn: 

• What the story producer role for reality TV shows looks like. (5:57)
• How Jay connected so deeply with those featured on his TV shows. (12:53)
• Why Jay is so passionate about creating good content to inspire the world. (17:07)
• Why Jay’s daily prayer practice is so important to him. (18:38)
• How Jay is connected to the pirate Jean Lafitte. (23:10)

Connect with Jay: 

Hungry Fish Media

Facebook

Twitter

Let’s Connect!

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow us on X, Instagram and Facebook and on the podcast's official site www.theheartofshowbusiness.com

Send us Fan Mail

Happy days are here again! 

Yes, we’re still largely in lockdown worldwide to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, but happier days are waiting ahead of us as the Country slowly opens back up.

On this episode, I talk with Don Most: an actor, director, performer, musician, and singer. Don’s charisma and natural comedic timing made him a beloved comedian that warmed the hearts of America – starting with the role of Ralph Malph from the television series Happy Days. Since then, he’s continued working toward perfecting his craft with directing, creating music, and finding new creative outlets in quarantine. 

In this conversation, Don talks about his journey to Happy Days and how truly different he is personally from the character he played. He also shares about how broke casting stereotypes, his decades long friendships with his Happy Days cast mates like Ron Howard, how he fell in love with music, and what it was like for him to transition from acting to directing. 

Tune in to hear more about Don’s journey and how to stay creative in these times. 

Some Questions I Ask: 

• What was it like to be on Happy Days? (3:50)
• What was it like to transition from acting to directing? (9:29)
• How do you stay creative during the COVID-19 pandemic? (17:32)
• What advice do you have for those aspiring to work in Hollywood? (20:51)

In This Episode, You Will Learn: 

• How Don was able to break free from playing a specific type of character. (7:00)
• Why actors make great directors. (9:57)
• Why music will always be Don’s first love. (13:29)
• What Don is working on amidst COVID-19. (17:54)

Resources: 

Viral Vignettes

Connect with Don Most: 

Website 

Facebook Page: Musician

Facebook Page: Public Figure

Twitter

Instagram

Let’s Connect!

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow us on X, Instagram and Facebook and on the podcast's official site www.theheartofshowbusiness.com

Send us Fan Mail

How did you know you were destined for show business? 

For Jay Russell, it was his fascination for horror movies – but that’s not what he’s known for today. Jay Russell is an American film director, writer, and producer, known for his family films such as My Dog Skip and The Water Horse. He’s also directed dramatic, critically acclaimed films like Ladder 49. 

In this episode, Jay shares his journey to becoming a phenomenal storyteller, touching the hearts and minds of all that view his work. Jay covers everything from making home movies on his Super 8mm film to filming digitally for the big screen, and how aspiring content creators can follow their dreams. He also shares some of the best advice he’s ever been given as a filmmaker: take it all one shot at a time. 

Tune in to hear more about Jay’s life, career, and some of his most memorable moments on set, including working with the Oscar winner actor Joaquim Phoenix. 

Roll sound, and…ACTION!

Some Questions I Ask: 

• What made you want to become a director? (6:52)
• What was your experience like directing your first few major films? (9:50)
• What was it like to transition from creating family friendly films to dramatic and emotionally powerful films like Ladder 49? (13:25)
• What’s next for you? (22:46)
• How can listeners connect with you? (28:03)

In this Episode, You Will Learn: 

• Why Jay now prefers to shoot on digital over film. (3:20)
• What spurred Jay’s passion for film. (7:03)
• Similarities between directing people and animals. (10:18)
• Jay’s most memorable moments as a director . (17:29)
• Jay’s advice to aspiring content creators. (26:45)

Connect with Jay Russell:

Instagram

Twitter

Let’s Connect!

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow us on X, Instagram and Facebook and on the podcast's official site www.theheartofshowbusiness.com

Send us Fan Mail

Dreaming of packing everything up and moving to Hollywood? 

That’s exactly what Fernando Allende did. Born and raised in Mexico, he had a dream of becoming an actor. He was one of the first global teen idols, starring in Spanish language soap operas in the ‘70s, as well as hit Mexican feature films. But in the ‘80s, he took out all of his savings, uprooted his life, and headed straight for Hollywood. 

In this episode, Fernando shares his story: what it was like to move from Mexico to Hollywood before “inclusivity” was normalized, how he learned to adapt and prepare for his big break, and the spiritual guidance he follows every day. 

Tune in to learn more about Fernando’s inspiring story; you’ll walk away feeling hopeful and ready to take on the world. 

Roll sound, and…ACTION!

Some Questions I Ask: 

• When you moved to Hollywood, did you have any doubts about succeeding in the industry? (3:40)
• What is your favorite moment from your TV and film career? (6:41)
• How has the music business changed since you started? (12:39)
• How has Mexican Dynasties affected your life? (17:30)

In This Episode, You Will Learn: 

• How Fernando leveled up his acting skills to prepare for his big Hollywood break. (3:56)
• How Fernando navigates his life and career: through the guidance of supreme energy. (10:42)
• Why Mexican Dynasties is such a groundbreaking show. (17:55)
• Fernando’s advice for staying hopeful and positive during these times. (24:06)

Connect with Fernando Allende:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Let’s Connect!

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow us on X, Instagram and Facebook and on the podcast's official site www.theheartofshowbusiness.com

Send us Fan Mail

Remember that feeling when you walked into your first audition? 

Your heart beating loudly in your chest, the jitters ramping up your energy for your performance, and the casting director watching your every move and mannerism? Your energy in this space is what will propel your career, and nobody knows that better than the one and only Maeve Quinlan. 

Maeve is an Irish American actress, starring in over 40 feature films, television series, and movies of the week. She’s earned critical acclaims for her depth, range, and versatility in front of the camera. Today, she joins me for a conversation that dives deep into her early experiences as an actress, what mindset shift can help you stand out amongst other actors, and how her age has affected her career so far. 

Tune in to learn more about Maeve’s stunning story, strategies, and how the industry works. 

Roll sound…ACTION!

Some Questions I Ask: 

• How did you go from pursuing athletics to acting, as a career? (5:18)
• How did it feel to walk into your auditions early on in your acting career? (10:11)
• What is it like to be a more mature actress and producer in Hollywood? (23:56)
• What shows are you binging while staying home in quarantine? (29:06)

In This Episode, You Will Learn: 

• What the audition process looks and feels like. (10:23)
• Tips for giving yourself an edge in the audition room. (14:47)
• Debunking the myth of the casting couch. (19:52)
• How ageism affected Maeve’s career in Hollywood after she turned 40. (24:06)
• Beauty tips to get you through the quarantine. (31:04)

Connect with Maeve: 

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Let’s Connect!

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow us on X, Instagram and Facebook and on the podcast's official site www.theheartofshowbusiness.com