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Can you imagine the creative process that goes into dressing over 450 zombies for a TV show? Or the skills needed to bring a character to life through their attire? Brace yourself for a thrilling journey into the world of costume design with our guests Eulen Hufkie, the extraordinary designer from South Africa who transitioned from crafting glamorous commercials to Hallmark movies to turning some of TV’s most beloved characters into brain-eating undead.
Eulyn gives us a blow-by-blow account of the challenges and joys of dressing characters on the hit show The Walking Dead, creating unique styles for each character and collaborating with actors and the prop department. Additionally, we delve into the horror genre as this designer from The Collection discusses her love for Halloween, the tradition of creating group costumes with her colleagues, and the challenges of staying creative within the film industry's boundaries.
Finally, we switch gears and look at the world of costume design from the perspective of a successful actress. We discuss her journey, the importance of diversity and representation in the entertainment industry, and the message she wants to send to young girls who may feel like they don't fit in. Stay hooked with us till the end as we wrap up with a heartfelt acceptance speech for a Lifetime Achievement Award, where she thanks those who have hurt her and encourages others never to give up on their dreams. It's time to immerse yourself in this enthralling voyage that takes you behind the scenes of the intriguing world of costume design.
In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including:
• The specific skills required to be a costume designer (it’s WAY more than just shopping and sewing!)
• The importance of reading the script, researching, and communicating with the director and actors
• Innovative ideas for creating Zombie clothing, and the challenges of dressing 500+ Zombies
• Creative names for bodily fluids paint colors
• The camaraderie between cast and crew on The Walking Dead
• How the actors’ real-world personalities can influence costume choices
• The secrecy around the final episode of Season 6 and who Negan killed, and so much more!
BIO
Eulyn Hufkie is a Hollywood costume designer who's worked on more than 3 dozen films and TV series. With a penchant for horror and the macabre, her credits include The Collection, There's Something Wrong with the Children, The Passenger, If You Were the Last, The Purge (TV series), Mayans M.C., 24:Legacy, Black Box, The Joneses, and The Secret Life of Bees. A former model from Cape Town, South Africa, Eulyn made her way to the States after college and worked on commercials for Nescafé and M&M's. Eulyn has worked on AMC's hit zombie show The Walking Dead – the most popular TV show in cable television history – since 2011.
Prepare to be inspired. This week, we're privileged to host Alex Boyé, a prodigious talent in the music world with an awe-inspiring journey and over a billion views on Youtube! From dancing in a boy band to gracing the stage as a soloist with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and his transformative stint on America's Got Talent, Boyé's story is one of grit, resilience, and an unyielding belief in his own potential. We delve deeper into his captivating journey, the art of his craft, and the calculated strategies he employs to stay relevant in the fiercely competitive music industry.
Boyé's genius extends beyond his ability to produce stellar music; his acumen to monetize his passion via his YouTube channel is equally fascinating. With a pinpoint precision strategy, he gives an intriguing glimpse into his unique approach of interpreting and creating versions of Billboard Top 10 songs. The trick, as he reveals, lies in playing with algorithms, search engines, and a knack for identifying yet-to-be-charted songs.
In a world where negativity often reigns supreme, Boyer stands as a beacon of positivity and support. His philosophy of fostering a positive attitude online is a refreshing take on how we can use digital platforms to uplift each other. Whether you're a music enthusiast, an aspiring artist, or simply someone in search of inspiration, this conversation with Alex Boyé is a gold mine. It's not just about the music; it's about the power of passion, resilience, and the courage to dream. Join us for this enlightening conversation and experience the world of music through the eyes of a true industry trailblazer.
In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including:
Have you ever wished you could create something that captured the entire world's attention? Today’s guest has certainly done that…and then some! Martin Molin is a Grammis (Swedish Grammy)-nominated composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, inventor and engineer. He is a founding member of the Swedish band Wintergatan, and the inventor/creator of the Wintergatan Marble Machine.
Molin, who has transformed from a humble garage band rocker to a jazz wizard, unveils his fascinating musical journey, discussing everything from the Swedish system of free music lessons to the modification of his instruments for portability. Listen in as he shares about his famous Marble Machine invention that has taken YouTube by storm with nearly 300 million views to date.
In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including:
It's not every day that you get to sit down with a #1 New York Times bestselling author. Talking to Carol Klein — co-author of a half dozen Chicken Soup for the Soul books — was like stepping into a masterclass on writing, storytelling, creativity, and life. From her childhood days, where books were her refuge, to becoming a successful entrepreneur and self-help author, she takes us through her remarkable journey. Her insights on the transformational power of reading and storytelling, and the way movies enable us to experience different perspectives, are truly thought-provoking.
Carol owns the art of turning complex concepts into simple and elegant understandings. They are not just accessible but also deeply engaging. She shares her recipe to write captivating stories, the importance of finding your unique voice, and how practice and learning from others can elevate your writing style. Her experience with Chicken Soup stories, which made her realize her innate talent for the craft, is an inspiring tale of self-discovery.
We also dive into the topic of mental health, as Carol introduces us to EHT, a natural supplement for cognitive health. The conversation takes a poignant turn as she emphasizes the power of self-kindness and shares her definition of success. Technology, she believes, can be a strong ally in the creative process, as she talks about the use of dual screens. Be prepared to be enlightened, entertained, and inspired as we explore the world of one of the most prolific authors of our time!
In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including:
BIO
Carol Kline has been an author, editor, and ghostwriter for more than 20 years. During that time, she’s co-authored a dozen books with some of the world’s top transformational leaders — including Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen of Chicken Soup for the
Inspired by her experience writing Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul in 1997, Carol became deeply involved in animal rescue work and helped run and build an animal shelter called Noah's Ark Animal Foundation in Fairfield, IA.
David "Z" Rivkin is a Grammy-winning record producer, engineer, mixer, and writer who has an ability and knack for finding and developing independent, cutting-edge artists into hugely impactful stars. He’s had his hands on some of the most iconic songs from the 80's – probably best-known for his long-standing collaborations with Prince, including hits like Purple Rain and Kiss – but he's also contributed to award-winning albums by Etta James, Billy Idol, and Bo Deans, to name a few.
He produced the #1 single She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals; and he was also a member of Lipps, Inc, with whom he had a #1 hit with Funkytown. David is widely regarded of one of the original innovators of the signature “Minneapolis sound” that artists like Prince mastered, and just about everyone else tried to copy.
In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including:
But beyond his musical achievements, David Z is also deeply committed to using his platform for noble causes. He candidly discusses how drug addiction has touched his family, and shares his dedication towards supporting diabetes and drug addiction services. So, join us for an inspiring journey through David's impressive discography, his personal challenges, and the impact he's made off-stage. Join us, and let's celebrate the enduring legacy of David Z, a true titan of the music industry!
Unleash your inner child as we journey through the world of puppetry and children’s television with Emmy-winning director and producer, Steve Feldman. Whether you recognize his work from iconic children's shows like Sesame Street and Barney and Friends, or the politically charged, Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, Feldman’s insights into the industry will leave you captivated.
From the magic of Sesame Street's Christmas parties to the creative genius of world-class puppeteers, Feldman paints a vivid picture of the enchantment that goes into creating some of the best-loved children's shows. Behind every character is the critical process of casting, and Feldman pulls back the curtain on his experiences casting for Barney, and the intense debates that ensue. He underlines the importance of being open to an actor's interpretation, creating a nuanced perspective on how characters come to life. The conversation extends into a deep dive into the roles of directors, showrunners, executive producers, and producers, charting how these roles have morphed over the years. So, if you've ever wondered about the hierarchy of the film and television world, Steve's got the answers.
Gear up for some real talk as we tackle the challenges of working on hit TV shows and creating documentaries for networks like MSNBC. Steve shares invaluable advice for aspiring writers and actors, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and finding a process that works for you. Moreover, he imparts a crucial lesson about the importance of honesty in the entertainment industry through a personal anecdote. So, buckle up for an episode packed full of industry insights, a dash of humor, and a few puppeteer secrets along the way!
BIO: Steve Feldman is an Emmy Award-winning director who has worked with talent as varied as Bill Nye "the Science Guy," Linda Ellerbe, Bill Maher, and Elmo for PBS, CBS, Disney, Nickelodeon, The Cartoon Network, Comedy Central, MSNBC and Discovery.
His work on Sesame Street earned him an Emmy award, while his work with Barney and Friends, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, The Nick News, and The Christopher Lowell Show contributed to nine other Emmy Awards and nominations. Steve’s other credits include Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, Lazy Town, and the debut musical theater production for Walden Media, Rock Odyssey.
In addition Steve has produced and directed documentaries on prison life for MSNBC, and is currently developing a documentary feature examining the life of David Berkowitz, the “Son of Sam.” He is the Executive Producer of The Breakdown on Dance Network TV.
Get ready for a whirlwind of laughter as we sit down with the incredibly talented comedian, Alonzo Bodden. From his early days as an airplane mechanic to gracing the stage of Just for Laughs, Bodden takes us through his uniquely humorous voyage into the world of comedy. He recounts his time on the Last Comic Standing, discusses his comedic influences, including Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock, and shares his thoughts on joke-stealing and the role of fame in comedy.
Alonzo peels back the curtain on his process of creating jokes, influenced by the news cycle and inspired by different comedians. We also delve into the realities of the entertainment industry, with Alonzo candidly sharing his experiences, from playing security guard to Leslie Nielsen and Steve Martin, to the knack required to navigate show business. We discuss the intricacies of preparing for a Comedy Central roast and the arduous task of creating an hour-long show.
As we wrap up, Alonzo offers invaluable advice to budding comics and shares the formula which has bolstered his career; a blend of luck, talent, and timing. We discuss how to stay creative amidst a political climate that can often seem overwhelming for a comedian. So, buckle up and join us for this insightful, laughter-filled conversation with the one and only Alonzo Bodden. It's more than just comedy; it's a journey of perseverance, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of laughter.
BIO: Alonzo Bodden is a comedian and actor, and the winner of Season 3 of Last Comic Standing. He is a regular on NPR’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me and Comedy Congress, as well as being a panelist on the Game Show Network’s Mind of a Man. In 2011, he starred in the comedy special Who’s Paying Attention on Showtime, released a DVD, and hosts a podcast of the same name. That same year, he was a panelist on the syndicated show Inside the Vault, and voiced the character of Thunderon in the Power Rangers movie. Bodden has also hosted Speed Channel’s 101 Cars You Must Drive, and America’s Worst Driver on the Travel Channel.
Alonzo has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, and The Keenen Ivory Wayans show, Comedy Central Presents, and It's Showtime at the Apollo. His film credits include Scary Movie 4, The Girl Next Door, and Bringing Down the House starring Steve Martin and Queen Latifah.
Alonzo has traveled around the world entertaining USO troops from Iraq to Greenland.
BIO: Reyn Guyer is a serial entrepreneur in a variety of creative fields including toys, games, music publishing, education, and art. He is a member of the Hasbro Toy and Game Inventors Hall of Fame, and is perhaps best known as the inventor of Nerf and Twister. Guyer also founded music publishing company Wrensong Music, which has had many number one singles and won a Grammy and two CMA Song Of The Year awards. He is the creator of Winsor Learning, an educational program for remediating those with dyslexia; and he is also the author of the book Right Brain Red: 7 Ideas for Creative Success.
In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including:
Sketching techniques and doing graphic design before computers
How the Nerf ball “accidentally” got invented, and the origins of its name
How an appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Eva Gabor helped launch Twister after near-failure
The challenges of starting a Toy & Game company, and what makes a good creative team
Learning to not talk yourself out of creative ideas
How rule-breaking is a key component of the invention process
Aand SO much more!
But the episode goes beyond just toys and games. Geyer talks about what it truly means to be creative, the importance of teamwork, and the power of taking on new challenges. His words of wisdom will inspire budding inventors, while his other ventures, such as his music publishing company and the Windsor Learning Program, paint a picture of a man who is not afraid to explore new passions. Ending on a profound note, Geyer shares his thoughts on colonizing a new planet and the significance of gratitude. So buckle up for an inspiring journey into the world of creativity, innovation, and the sheer joy of play.
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