Chris Collins Show

JUST TALKING

Throw those V’s up in the air for the Vision Twins!  Kalvin and Angelo the twin life coaches join JUST TALKING to discuss all things health and fitness. Bring your protein shakes to the party—don’t wait to lose weight! The mission and vision are one goal. The Vision Twins explain the healthy balance between work, exercise and play time. With 3 MILLION followers on TikTok, being a social media fitness influencer is a fulltime job—BUT what stress relief advice do the Vision Twins offer to combat overload fatigue? Having a vision for yourself is a priority and we hit the gym hard to reach that goal. We all start the new year with grandiose visions of paparazzi taking photos of us posing that will be posted on social media. While secretly hoping our frenemies eat humble pie, jealous of glamorous physiques with envy. That’s a dream many of us will never see! So, let’s get back to reality. You don’t need to be a “gym freak” to improve your fitness. The Vision Twins have some easy workout routines to motivate you into the fast lane to reach your goals. What advice do the Vision Twins offer millennials in this medicinal cannabis laced world? Life changes are always hard. The Vision Twins have a positive simple message for millennials—DON’T WAIT to lose weight! They practice what they preach. Follow at https://visiontwins.com.

Strike a Chord

THE ADLIBS TikTok sensation Justin Bernardez returns to STRIKE A CHORD to catch up on recent events and his new upcoming project. Justin released an EP in 2021 musically themed around mental health—an open invitation on his social media accounts. Mental Health is a heavy topic and takes a huge toll. So how does an influencer with 2 MILLION subscribers deal with the overload? New videos daily, content hourly and responses in real time. The burnout is real! However, there’s a pay day! The social media investment does pay off. Fans have been asking for that new track, that new album and Bernardez delivers! Trends in music are always changing. There's a big push in the music industry to use artificial intelligence software to write lyrics and produce albums. Can AI really create music humans want to dance to? Are song writers a thing of the past?  Justin asks the question “AI can write a song for you—BUT can AI perform a song?” Music comes from the soul. If AI is artificial, it has no soul—OR does an artificial soul count? Obviously, there’s NO AI replacing Justin Bernardez any time soon! Justin admits to being a smiler and the CCS family salutes back. Smile, subscribe and love at https://www.justinbernardez.com/

Let’s get IT! CCS Season 14 has begun!  Writer/Actor Sean Crampton joins JUST TALKING to discuss his new action thriller, The Stalking Fields. A film about a group of civilians who find themselves trapped in a PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) training program. What starts off as a reasonable therapeutic exercise turns into a dark government experiment gone out of control. A mix of screaming pauses throughout this film openly question your morality — when is it right? What is wrong? “Everyone carries PTSD in certain ways.” Crampton’s father was a decorated Navy Seal for 27 years — you couldn’t throw a rock and not hit a military family! A picturesque example of the modern nuclear family prompted Crampton to take a deeper look into the American Dream. But it was Hollywood’s hyper-glamorized portrayal of combat that really fueled this film in a different direction to provide answers. HOW do we adequately address the reality of coming back home? Crampton’s father, Cramton Sr. served 13 deployments for his country. According to the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans are at 57% higher risk of suicide than those who haven't served. What about retirement? How do we treat our Veterans during the transition? Can new technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) provide beneficial therapy? In the writer’s room Sean Crampton and Jordan Wiseley both grew up in military families and director Ric Maddox, an army veteran, teamed up to make this thriller film. All three drew on their personal experiences to make this film as visceral as possible. The audience is definitely going to face a decision on which side they are willing to stalk for. Support and watch The Stalking Fields on all major streaming services: https://www.amazon.com/Stalking-Fields-Sean-Crampton/dp/B0B8PGGGDH

Is Gothic Rock or simply GOTH back? Texas red jacket rocker Demi the Daredevil joins STRIKE A CHORD to discuss his latest EP My Purgatorium. A lot of bands have been dropping tracks about mental health issues—BUT what about the existential crisis of being? Demi the Daredevil has a solution! “Create a safe creepy place, talk about your weird life and not have any judgement.” Touring is the bread and butter of any band. Demi the Daredevil was on tour with Tiktok’s TX2 blasting through Texas—BUT how did this handsome devil end up in a Van Full Of Nuns traveling together? We all have a wild side that’s best suppressed under heavy medication OR can a daredevil come out on stage? “The Martyrs Crown” is a rock banger with a deep question. What is God and the purpose of religion? Is life your own purgatory? “We start in purgatory and we have to fight our way out. How do we do that? What are these laws of life we need to follow?”  There’s been an ongoing debate about releasing singles or a full album — and just like that we’re back in music purgatory! Daredevil shines some heavenly wisdom on the subject. We all have a lot of questions about life that may never get answered. “Withering Heights,” My Purgatorium has the answer we need. Follow, listen and love: https://www.demithedaredevil.com/

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Veteran Music Industry Executive and D.VERSE Media CEO, Benny Pough joins JUST TALKING to share his story about ON IMPACT: Life, Leadership, and Betting on Yourself. “GRINDING, GRINDING, GRINDING!” Benny’s been in the game for over 30 years—what’s changed? The title of his book ON IMPACT has a double meaning. It took a near death experience — you’ve got to hear this story. While recovering Benny developed the acronym IMPACT (Intuition, Mastery, Pivot, Authenticity, Connection and Teamwork), a journey from an 11 year old paperboy to current day CEO. We all start somewhere. Looking for an opportunity. Benny found his moment as a young standup comedian—BUT what’s more interesting is how not telling jokes catapulted his career. Benny has worked at Motown Records, Perspective Records (Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis), Arista Records, MCA Records and Def Jam Records — are there any record companies left? Love or hate it, it’s that time of the year. Christmas is around the corner and thanks to Benny one artist dropped a Christmas song that will be played to the end of time. Time to Pivot! Benny shares his experience leaving Def Jam to become the president at Roc Nation—" it was a natural fit, it was great, had some really big success—it was time to take a chance.” ON IMPACT is about Betting on Yourself.  Radio’s not dead. It still has value. BUT how do today’s upcoming artists survive the streaming wars and social media demand? Keep in mind Taylor Swift sold millions of vinyl records—BUT who has a record player anymore?! “You’re not going to be IT today but definitely going to be IT tomorrow.” Young artists look for the opportunity to sell your artistry — it’s all part of the GRIND! Love, share and follow: https://www.bennypough.com

Strike A Chord

London Rock guitarist Niro Knox joins STRIKE A CHORD to discuss his upcoming album release. Niro’s been playing in rock bands since Slash has been shredding Guns N’ Roses; King Lizard, KilliT and Holloway Hell. Niro is now stepping front and center with his own LP. Spilling tea, sipping tea and just plain old tea time, Niro originally from Israel moved to London 19 years ago and found his guitar pick in the local rock scene. Inspired by rock legends of the time, it was natural to resonate with being a kick ass guitarist. Later Niro found a disconnect between music and songs—what does that mean? Niro worked with Rasmus Bon Andersen (Diamond Head) to prepare as lead singer on this new album—BUT how did a cheeky t-shirt link up the two artists? Record label or self-publish? Niro made a conscious decision to produce this album on his own—BUT why not join a record label for the extra support? What does it really cost to produce a track at a studio like Abbey Road or Fiction? Niro started a Kickstarter campaign to help fund this album. Listen to the demos. It’s time to have a cuppa and ROCK! Support this kick ass artist: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/niroknox/debut-album-21

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Director/Writer/Cape Crusader Tarun Verma and Actress Simren Lalani join JUST TALKING to discuss their film CONCEPTION. The film hits on a number of sensitive issues when it comes to starting a family. According to experts the fertility rate is declining worldwide for a number of reasons directly affecting Millennials. “Making babies is the fun part, until you realize you just can’t have any. How far will you go to have a baby?” Tarun’s personal life as a fertility pharmacist inspired him to write this drama. BUT what motivated a comedy writer to produce such an emotional story? When getting pregnant doesn’t happen naturally or by accident, what’s the alternative? Infertility is a dirty secret no one wants to talk about. The cost of IV (In Vitro Fertilization) can hit six figures, plus the physical procedures and emotional strain on the couple. When it happens, it’s an absolute blessing but who delivers the bad news? Is there anything wrong with a 2-person millennial family? Actress Simren Lalani opens up about her family choice. What if you want to live the Bill Maher life, bachelor till you’re 50? Millennials, we need to talk about having children! Watch and support: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13680670

Strike A Chord

Connecticut's Rock Band American Thrills joins STRIKE A CHORD and it’s like a Bald Eagle knocking back a 30 rack of Budweiser sitting on a throne of glorious red, white and blue! It’s a patriotic band name or is it? Every band needs a hook, something to grab the audience's attention and separate them from the herd. American Thrills went with “New Country”—BUT what does that even mean? Is this like Jonathan Davis or Chad Grey from Mudvayne? New Country and Rock genres are you saying Hank The Third? We’re all inspired by something. “This was kinda our upbringing. Limp Biscuit and Deftones. It was MTV and that was a very influential time for us as young musicians.” Is Punk Rock even Punk Rock anymore? 20 years ago you'd think of the Descendents. Parted Ways is American Thrills debut LP. How was this release different from the EP “Old Things?” Bassist, Jamie Otfinoski breaks down their production process. “Misfires” is classic upbeat rock anthem, heavy guitars, loud drums and shouting lyrics, combine them all and you got a kick ass track. How are small bands competing with rising gas prices, dynamic venue ticket pricing and streaming services? “Old Things” is another track you easily fall in love with. It’s about getting older, enjoying old friends and the nostalgia of past years. American Thrills is releasing a limited edition vinyl record and a music video to celebrate Parted Ways and we can’t wait to enjoy it! Watch, Listen and Follow: https://www.americanthrills.com

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CCS Video Game Contributor, HenricK The WrecK joins JUST TALKING rockin’ new stylish glasses to keep Metaverse in focus. For all you video game fans let’s start off with a video game quiz. Who is Mario’s cousin from deep south state Tennessee? As 2022 retires the blinking red light on your xbox it’s time for the Video Game Awards Game of the Year 2022. Heavyweight competitors Elden Ring and God Of War Ragnarok go toe to toe while lightweight kitty simulator Stray knocks your controller off the table. Adapting video games into movies has always been a thing since Angelina Jolie motorboated her rack into Tomb Raider. GOTY 2022 now has the Best Adaption category—BUT which nominee will take it—Arcane: League of Legends, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, The Cuphead Show, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 or Uncharted? WAIT WHAT? There’s no Best Horror game category? Clearly the GOTY committee has dropped their controllers on this one. Video Game competition is the Meta Olympics? Zuckerberg has been heavily criticized for an uninspired Metaverse experience but who’s stepping up to challenge him? Enjoy past episodes of HenricK The WrecK: https://www.chriscollinsshow.com/henrick-the-wreck

Strike A Chord

AUSTIN based Bedroom POP duo Solo Solo joins STRIKE A CHORD to discuss their sibling album Pure Graffiti. Greg and John get the show running on the quantum universe road that connects galaxy to galaxy, so what’s the deal with the band’s name Solo Solo? Maybe Hans Solo had some kids we didn’t hear about? Sibling bands are either a hit or a miss. Bands like Oasis, ACDC, Kings of Leon or Radio Head all include kindred band members and family drama, so how does Solo Solo struggle to keep it together? Ticketmaster recently apologized for its ticket debacle with Taylor Swift but responds by saying “it’s in the artists best interest.” So if fans can’t get tickets how does that affect up-and-coming bands like Solo Solo? It takes just one friend to make a solo audience? Who are your idols? Inspired by Nick Drake, known for his one to two minute tracks, we did a song a week for like 20 weeks. The band’s “No Sleep”—“is sort of a short song you want to listen to again.” “At the end of the day the only thing that matters is what comes out of the speakers.” The brothers needed a little help settling on the EP’s name. Chris and Marissa immediately were on board to help.  We came up with its Solo by Solo Solo. We’ll find out what the EP’s official title is later. Listen and Support these Bros: https://www.solosoloband.com/

OFF THE FRET, MORE MUSIC, MORE MUSIC TALK! If you’re like ME – MUSIC is everything! Since day one it’s been a passion of mine to create an opportunity to showcase amazing up-and-coming artists. The CHRIS COLLINS SHOW has interviewed some of the most incredible international and national bands out there—from Finland, the Philippines, India and UK—to NY, LA, Texas and Nashville—you name it. We are so fortunate to have this outlet to show you guys some of the most talented musicians out there today! There’s no other medium that brings people together like LIVE MUSIC. Join me and listen to OFF THE FRET podcast. More Music. More Music Talk!—with POE THE PASSENGER!

“Good morning my Loves!”—to quote Ms. Lacey. Zach Koepp joins JUST TALKING to discuss his swiping social media thriller The Willowbrook. Once again the internet is pushing false hopes and pretenses after a renowned wellness influencer invites one of her recently overdosed followers to seek recovery at her small-town manor. The follower quickly realizes at The Willowbrook you LOG IN but you never really LOG OUT—until you're dead! Social media can be an addictive drug: “if we get sucked into that social media world—it’s like the elixir for giving up your individual power.” Writing this film as a thriller is “millennial.” Halloween Ends … horribly we might add. It feels like all of our greatest villains in the last 30 years of cinema have been put out to pasture one by one and now we have our new digital nightmare…social media cult followings. Mental health issues are a hot topic issue for millennials, but you’ll be surprised to find out what inspired Director Zach Koepp to make this film. From becoming online followers to staying at The Willowbrook the film takes time to explore each character’s final destination. Producer Jeffery Reddick (Final Destination franchise) came on board to remind us — you can’t cheat death. BUT how did Koepp’s prank on his younger brother turn into a win years later? This is our brave new world. You have to embrace it — or stay a luddite! Everyone eventually gives into the click and downloads. Remember kids, following influencers on social media will boost their egos. Following Lacey to The Willowbrook will get you killed!

What’s GOOD listeners! Host Chris Collins and co-host Marissa Pitts discuss the upcoming 2022 Midterm Elections… And NO, we’re NOT talking about your midterm exams! Will Millennials and the Gen Z come out to vote? Should the U.S. government spend less time scrutinizing Elon Musk acquiring Twitter and focus on banning TikTok? Has America outgrown Affirmative Action and have we been lied to about the Green Revolution? AND—what is the number one social issue our generation is focusing on today?

VARIETY names TOP 10 BRITS bands to watch—AND we got one! Scottish Rock Band, Dancing On Tables joins STRIKE A CHORD to celebrate their debut album Colour In The Grey. Lead Vocals and Keyboard Robbie McSkimming tells how this album was a wizard Harry Potter years in the making. Whit's fur ye'll no go past ye (whatever is meant to happen to you, will happen to you). From the band's humble school band beginnings, working with Nashville producers and getting the call of a lifetime from Green Day’s former manager Pat Magnarella—WHAT could be better? Beyonce said: “if you like it you should put a ring on it”—WHAT did Robbie do? It’s not the first time a band on STRIKE A CHORD has claimed writing songs during the pandemic—BUT OVER 100!? The band’s single “So What” almost didn’t make the cut! Robbie explains. “There’s always an EX or new beau to sing about.” Sometimes you need to break the middle and dedicate a song to your ocean-less true love and your forever future romance. After hearing this album it is easy to fall in love with this band. Listen and Support at https://www.dancingontables.co.uk/