If you’re looking for something, somewhere, or somehow to film in Connecticut, Valerie knows how to find it. This multi-faceted creative has taken an incredible journey to arrive at her position as the Chair of the New Milford Film Commission, from personal loss and health challenges to fascinating career moves and artistic pursuits.

Join me for a riveting interview with a woman who refused to give up and continues to inspire other creatives around her. Oh, and some funny stuff about cows and haute cuisine (unrelated, I promise).

(00:54) – Part 1 – Where in Connecticut and Why in Connecticut?

(16:42) – Part 2 – Who are you and What are you working on now?

(28:06) – Part 3 – Full of Surprises (fun facts about our guest)

Guess the DAILY CONSTITUTIONAL TRIVIA QUESTION (it’s in the episode!) and get a shout-out on one of our future episodes: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/p/valerie-lorimer/comments

Connect with Valerie Lorimer:

New Milford Film Commission Website: https://www.filmnewmilfordct.org/

NMFC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FilmNewMilfordCT/posts/we-are-pleased-to-announce-that-our-interview-show-spotlight-series-at-the-silo-/1118861546941930/

NMFC Instagram: https://instagram.com/filmnewmilfordct

The New Milford Mayor’s Office: https://www.newmilford.org/content/3086/3110/default.aspx

“Georgia in Connecticut” is on these podcast platforms:

Substack: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/id1896845286

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033ponH9xWQqEDIqjOuG1J?si=7be49eb6862f4aa2

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Georjiffy/podcasts

Pocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/f816a160-3de8-013f-8300-0231fad2d2b9

Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1896845286/georgia-in-connecticut

Interested in becoming a Sponsor? Let’s talk: https://georgiareed.com/contact/

More About Georgia Reed: https://georgiareed.com/

Also, please join me on my Substack page: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com

How do you work 44 hours a week at a bakery AND make your own horror movie? Tony Massaro is here to tell you, and he’s brought his leading actress Kathleen O’Connor, who likes to say she didn’t start acting until her “midlife”. Tony and Kathleen are two inspiring examples of Connecticut creatives who ignored all the “should’s” and decided to make their dreams a reality with a bunny mask, some bloody make up, and a loyal online following.

If you’re someone who works a day job but dreams of a creative endeavor, this episode will inspire you to take the next step towards embracing your inner artist – because, as Kathleen’s family keeps telling her: “YOLO”!

(00:53) – Part 1 – Where in Connecticut and Why in Connecticut?

(11:12) – Part 2 – Who are you and What are you working on now?

(22:08) – Part 3 – Full of Surprises (fun facts about our guest)

Guess the DAILY CONSTITUTIONAL TRIVIA QUESTION (it’s in the episode!) and get a shout-out on one of our future episodes: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/p/tony-massaro-and-kathleen-oconnor/comments

Connect with Tony Massaro:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@legendofbunny39?si=cKfoZ123FZyt3Udi

TikTok: tiktok.com/@legendofbunny1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diehardhorrortony/

Crowdfundr: https://thebunnyfilm.com

Connect with Kathleen O’Connor:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathleen.farrelloconnor/directory_work

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathy.oconnor1210/

“Georgia in Connecticut” is on these podcast platforms:

Substack: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/id1896845286

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033ponH9xWQqEDIqjOuG1J?si=7be49eb6862f4aa2

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Georjiffy/podcasts

Pocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/f816a160-3de8-013f-8300-0231fad2d2b9

Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1896845286/georgia-in-connecticut

Interested in becoming a Sponsor? Let’s talk: https://georgiareed.com/contact/

More About Georgia Reed: https://georgiareed.com/

Also, please join me on my Substack page: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com

Actor, director, writer and producer Steve Emirzian is all about collaboration, giving as much (if not more) than you get, and giving 110% to your passion. Join me in today’s episode as we discuss Steve’s 25+ years in the film and television industry, the pilot he created based on his life working in local news, and his upcoming documentary “Hollywood to Hartford: Connecticut’s Film Locations” premiering this summer.

With a can-do attitude, a commitment to his craft, and a desire to grow production in Connecticut, Steve continues to create new opportunities for artists in the Nutmeg State; because, as Steve says himself, “relationships are everything.”

(1:38) – Part 1 – Where in Connecticut and Why in Connecticut?

(10:33) – Part 2 – Who are you and What are you working on now?

(32:25) – Part 3 – Full of Surprises (fun facts about our guest)

Guess the DAILY CONSTITUTIONAL TRIVIA QUESTION and get a shout-out on one of our future episodes: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/p/steve-emirzian-in-connecticut-jack/comments

Connect with Steve:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1348111190718997

Email – [email protected]

Phone – (860) 559-1337

“Georgia in Connecticut” is on these podcast platforms:

Substack: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/id1896845286

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033ponH9xWQqEDIqjOuG1J?si=7be49eb6862f4aa2

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Georjiffy/podcasts

Pocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/f816a160-3de8-013f-8300-0231fad2d2b9

Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1896845286/georgia-in-connecticut

Interested in becoming a Sponsor? Let’s talk: https://georgiareed.com/contact/

More About Georgia Reed: https://georgiareed.com/

Also, please join me here on my Substack page: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com

Tired of that “9 to 5” job? Trying to break into more creative pursuits like acting, modeling, and writing? Look no further than this episode’s guest for inspiration.

Tabz Palmer talks about his first steps into becoming an actor, a brand ambassador, and someone who takes chances to go the distance with their dreams in spite of any obstacles – and for Tabz, he believes the only real obstacle is yourself.

From starting out as a “Haunt Actor” to now working on multiple projects across film, print, television, and theatre, Tabz is not afraid to discuss his perspective as a trans black man living and working in Connecticut, where, overall, he feels very supported by his community.

Whether you’re seventeen or seventy, this is a can’t-miss episode for anyone in search of new creative beginnings.

(0:53) – Part 1 – Where in Connecticut and Why in Connecticut?

(6:51) – Part 2 – Who are you and What are you working on now?

(26:01) – Part 3 – Full of Surprises (fun facts about our guest)

Guess the DAILY CONSTITUTIONAL TRIVIA QUESTION and get a shout-out on one of our future episodes: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/p/tabz-palmer-in-connecticut-actor/comments

Connect with Tabz:

Instagram (modeling/acting): https://www.instagram.com/tabzpalmer.elite/?hl=enInstagram (brand ambassador/personal): https://www.instagram.com/tabz.twisted/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TabzPalmerEliteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TabzPalmer/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@tabz.twisted?xmt=AQG0Epi6s-ZUqD-7ZibFSnx8J6-LZngkbFZgH0TbKA7n5JM

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm18297427/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_7_in_0_q_Tabz%20

10% off Stepping Down audio book:https://zv2.122.myftpupload.com/product/stepping-down-audiobook/

10% off Vivaci Clothing: https://shopvivaci.com/?bg_ref=52l9CA9Zvt

“Georgia in Connecticut” is on these podcast platforms:

Substack:

Apple Podcasts:

Spotify:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Georjiffy/podcasts

Pocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/f816a160-3de8-013f-8300-0231fad2d2b9

Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1896845286/georgia-in-connecticut

Interested in becoming a Sponsor? Let’s talk: https://georgiareed.com/contact/

More About Georgia Reed: https://georgiareed.com/

Also, please join me on my Substack page:

How do you juggle graphic design with songwriting? Jodylynn Talevi knows how, and in this episode, she is sharing her journey to create a career that combines both passions, using her connections right here in Connecticut.

From magazine and album covers to film and television soundtracks, Jodylynn has a talent for bringing together a lot of moving parts and then sculpting these pieces into a cohesive whole; and while “less is more”, I think you’ll find that there is indeed so much more to learn about this unique Connecticut creative’s perspective, as we talk about her graphic design, listen to some of her music, and laugh about the challenges artists still face today as they pursue their craft.

(1:05) – Part 1 – Where in Connecticut and Why in Connecticut?

(6:39) – Part 2 – Who are you and What are you working on now?

(27:51) – Part 3 – Full of Surprises (fun facts about our guest)

Songs featured in this episode, written by Jodylynn:

1.     Devil Ain’t My Friend – sung by Christine Ohlman

2.     Dreaming of you – sung by Amanda Forker

3.     Am I The Damage – sung by Brian Bolen

Guess the DAILY CONSTITUTIONAL TRIVIA QUESTION and get a shout-out on one of our future episodes: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/p/jodylynn-talevi-in-connecticut-graphic/comments

Connect with Jody:

Facebook – facebook.com/jodylynn.talevi

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jodylynntalevi/

Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodylynntalevi/

JT Design - https://jodylynntalevi.wixsite.com/jtdesign

Music Samples - https://stolen-innocence-music.disco.ac/playlist-new/8287577?date=20211206&user_id=542700&signature=VWlhd9SzAfTRqWg9wSXzP_HSVQI%3A9XLUZvWW

“Georgia in Connecticut” is on these podcast platforms:

Substack: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/id1896845286

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033ponH9xWQqEDIqjOuG1J?si=7be49eb6862f4aa2

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Georjiffy/podcasts

Pocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/f816a160-3de8-013f-8300-0231fad2d2b9

Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1896845286/georgia-in-connecticut

Interested in becoming a Sponsor? Let’s talk: https://georgiareed.com/contact/

More About Georgia Reed: https://georgiareed.com/

Also, please join me on my Substack page: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com

While racism is still alive and well, even in the Nutmeg state, award-winning filmmaker Jon Cruz refuses to back down from his mission to educate and inspire through the art of storytelling.

In this episode, we talk about Jon’s lived experience as creator of color in Connecticut, why he transitioned from acting to directing, and how he came up with the idea for his latest film “Midnight”, a psychological horror film about performance, inheritance, and the quiet violence of assimilation. With this story, he’s asking each and every one of us: what parts of ourselves were we taught to shrink? Who built the stage? And what does it cost to step away? 

(1:22) – Part 1 – Where in Connecticut and Why in Connecticut?

(15:44) – Part 2 – Who are you and What are you working on now?

(26:20) – Part 3 – Full of Surprises (fun facts about our guest) 

Guess the DAILY CONSTITUTIONAL TRIVIA QUESTION and get a shout-out on one of our future episodes: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/p/jon-cruz-in-connecticut-filmmaker/comments

Connect with Jon Cruz:

MIDNIGHT the Film - https://bio.site/Midnight_film

Midnight Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/midnight_short.film

Jon Cruz’s YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@J27Studios

“Georgia in Connecticut” is on these podcast platforms:

Substack: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/id1896845286

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033ponH9xWQqEDIqjOuG1J?si=7be49eb6862f4aa2

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Georjiffy/podcasts

Pocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/f816a160-3de8-013f-8300-0231fad2d2b9

Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1896845286/georgia-in-connecticut

Interested in becoming a Sponsor? Let’s talk: https://georgiareed.com/contact/

More About Georgia Reed: https://georgiareed.com/

Also, please join me on my Substack page: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com

From stop-motion toy dinosaur re-enactments to sweeping helicopter action sequences, award-winning filmmaker Alec Asten is here to talk about how he ended up (back) in Connecticut, how he once made a black-and-white prison break film with no less than 17 live rats, and why he thinks AI can be a tool to help creators without access to big budgets. We’ll see if he can convince us!

Alec’s production company is Firesite Films, where he has been creating award winning videos for over thirty years. He’s also the Vice President of the Connecticut Film & Television Alliance.   

(00:48) – Part 1 – Where in Connecticut and Why in Connecticut?

(25:00) – Part 2 – Who are you and What are you working on now?

(51:28) – Part 3 – Full of Surprises (fun facts about our guest)

Guess the DAILY CONSTITUTIONAL TRIVIA QUESTION (it’s in the episode!) and get a shout-out on one of our future episodes: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/p/alec-asten-filmmaker-vp-of-ct-film/comments

Connect with Alec Asten:

http://www.firesitefilms.com/

“Georgia in Connecticut” is on these podcast platforms:

Substack: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/id1896845286

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033ponH9xWQqEDIqjOuG1J?si=7be49eb6862f4aa2

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Georjiffy/podcasts

Pocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/f816a160-3de8-013f-8300-0231fad2d2b9

Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1896845286/georgia-in-connecticut

Interested in becoming a Sponsor? Let’s talk: https://georgiareed.com/contact/

More About Georgia Reed: https://georgiareed.com/

Also, please join me on my Substack page: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com

As the host of “Georgia in Connecticut”, what better way to get to know me, a fellow Connecticut Creative, than to put me directly in the hot seat, answering the very questions I’ll be asking future guests?

In this episode, my Partner in Crime (and co-producer) Tom Sorensen talks with me about why we decided to move from Los Angeles, California all the way to Middletown, Connecticut, what inspired me to start this podcast series, and how I keep myself motivated as a multi-hyphenate creator to keep going in the face of (perceived) defeat.

From film and television to the stage and the page, I’m looking forward to highlighting Connecticut’s rich variety of talent. Because, We’re Here, Dammit!

(00:48) – Part 1 – Where in Connecticut and Why in Connecticut?

(10:05) – Part 2 – Who are you and What are you working on now?

(17:40) – Part 3 – Full of Surprises (fun facts about our guest)

Guess the DAILY CONSTITUTIONAL TRIVIA QUESTION and get a shout-out on one of our future episodes: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/p/georgia-reed-in-connecticut-actor/comments

“Georgia in Connecticut” is on these podcast platforms:

Substack: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/id1896845286

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033ponH9xWQqEDIqjOuG1J?si=7be49eb6862f4aa2

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Georjiffy/podcasts

Pocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/f816a160-3de8-013f-8300-0231fad2d2b9

Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1896845286/georgia-in-connecticut

Interested in becoming a Sponsor? Let’s talk: https://georgiareed.com/contact/

More About Georgia Reed: https://georgiareed.com/

Also, please join me on my Substack page: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com

Welcome to my new podcast “Georgia in Connecticut” launching in early June 2026!

This show is all about Creatives in Connecticut: where they are, what they’re doing, and why they’re doing it in the Great Nutmeg State.

I’ve been in showbusiness most of my life, from my early days as a professional ballet dancer, to acting in film, television, and theatre, doing voiceover, singing, stand-up comedy, writing, directing, producing, and content creation for social media. 

This show is for anyone interested in:

-       Film, tv, theatre, music, dance, art, graphic design, stunts, writing, directing, producing, & more

-       What it takes to be a creative – tips, tricks, guidance, & inspiration

-       Discovering more talent in Connecticut, from new to seasoned, famous to infamous ;)

-       Behind-the-scenes stories from creatives in the trenches

-       Connecting with fellow artists and getting your questions answered

-       Becoming a creative yourself.

Be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for the launch – because We’re Here, Dammit!