Lost in the Groove

In this electric avenue of Lost in the Groove we took it highya. A sit down with DJ, professor, author, and music historian Amani Roberts. For a deep dive into the soul of R&B, its roots, its rise, and its revolution.

Amani breaks down the legacy of R&B groups from the 1950s to the 2000s as explored in his new book The Quiet Storm. From The Temptations and Kool & The Gang to TLC, Destiny’s Child. Even the rise of independent music in the streaming era. We examine the evolution of sound, business, and cultural impact.

We talk about music ownership, sampling ethics, touring realities, and the dark side of the industry. The shady contracts, creative control, and how the digital shift reshaped everything. Amani also explains how legacy artists. Like Prince and modern names like Sia and Billie Eilish rewrote the rules. Seeing why resilience is the ultimate trait for success.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of old-school n' soul or trying to make it as an indie artist today. This episode offers powerful insight into the business, and spirit behind the music.

Where to Find the Guest?

🌐 Website: https://www.amaniexperience.com/

🎧 Work: Grab Amani’s book The Quiet Storm, USA Today best seller.

https://thequietstormbook.com/

📲 Social: Follow Amani @amaniexperience

And of course, you can find all the links for L.I.T.G, and where to listen at:

👉 www.linktr.ee/lostinthegroove

In this deep reflective and wild as hell episode. I sat down with author, photographer, and podcast host James Walters. For a conversation that flows from the power of perspective. To the absurd brilliance of The Big Lebowski, and what is to be the dude man.

James shares how he built a career telling other people’s stories through his photography. Until life handed him a hard reset and forced him to ask What now? That question sparked a decade-long transformation. Leading to his podcast A Joyful Rebellion, and his storytelling-driven book Meditations of the Mundane. Let's not forget his renewed commitment to writing his own life’s script.

We dived into how "boring" things. Like bike tracks in dried mud or sandstone retaining walls. Which when look at it from a different lens can hold surprising meaning. We talked about creative burnout, artistic reinvention. Looking at how comedy, photography, film, and subversive design. all intersect in the weirdest, most brilliant ways.

If you love rabbit holes, cult classic cinema, philosophy with bite. Brutally honest conversations about making art in a chaotic world, this one’s for you.

Where to Find the Guest?

🌐 Website: https://jameswalters.com/

🎧 Work: James Pod A Joyful Rebellion is you go to for the real talk.

https://ajoyfulrebellion.com/

📲 Social: Follow James @a.joyful.rebellion

And of course, you can find all the links for L.I.T.G, and where to listen at:

👉 www.linktr.ee/lostinthegroove

Story of My Pet Podcast, Julie opens up about her deep love for animals. Her journey into podcasting, and why storytelling isn’t just a creative outlet. it’s a vital tool for healing, advocacy, and community.

We get into it all, from wild stories of raising bottle-fed kittens and housing a rescued possum (yes, really). To why breed stereotypes hurt more than help. Seeing how Julie using her platform to shift the conversation. Around rescue, adoption, and ethical animal care. You’ll also hear candid takes on flat-faced dogs, calico cat chaos. Why some pets just aren’t a good fit, and how her own furry companions have shaped her life.

Whether you’re a fellow podcaster, animal lover, or just here for the stories. This episode is a celebration of connection, to our fur babies, and to each other. Most important is the stories we tell that tie it all together.

Where to Find the Guest?

🌐 Website: https://www.juliemartypearson.com/

🎧 Work: Julies Pod, The Story of My Pet is available everywhere you listen to podcasts. https://www.thestoryofmypetpodcast.com/

📲 Social: Follow Julie @thestoryofmypetpodcast

And of course, you can find all the links for L.I.T.G, and where to listen at:

👉 www.linktr.ee/lostinthegroove

I sat down with the extraordinary Joanna Blair. An internationally exhibited mixed media artist whose figurative paintings celebrate inner strength. Transformation, and the beauty of life's unknowns in between.

Joanna shares her deeply personal journey. From painting traditional oil portraits to discovering her true voice. Through mixed media, symbolism, and hidden treasures. Facing breast cancer during the pandemic profoundly shaped her art. Pushing her to create collections like Boldness of Resilience, and When One Door Closes, Another One Opens. All centered on hope, courage, and self-discovery.

We dive into how storytelling, technology (yes, even QR codes hidden in her paintings!). And a connection to nature have fueled her creative evolution. Joanna opens up about breaking free from societal expectations. Navigating international art shows without gallery representation. Why embracing "happy accidents" is crucial to authentic expression.

This conversation is a powerful reminder: Transformation is not something to fear. It's something to run toward, with your whole heart.

Check out Joanna newsletter and website at:

👉 joannablairartist.com

Follow her journey on Instagram:

📸 @joannablairartist

And of course, you can find all the links for L.I.T.G, and where to listen at:

👉 www.linktr.ee/lostinthegroove

I sat down with M.T. Bass, a prolific author. Who's written twelve novels, two novellas, and a book of songs. With no signs of slowing down. M.T. brings a lifetime of experiences into his writing.

From flying planes and working in the aerospace industry. To crafting mysteries, techno-thrillers, and satirical stories rooted in real emotion, and depth. We dove into the fascinating ways his aviation background, and love of storytelling shape his books. plus how walking, and unplugging from the noise helps fuel his creativity.

We also talk about the realness behind his sci-fi series Murder by Munchausen. The challenges of writing from different perspectives, and directions. Seeing why staying true to your passions matters more than chasing trends. If you want to explore more of M.T. Bass’s work, and the other series he's worked on, check out his website:

👉 www.mtbass.net

And of course, you can find all the links for L.I.T.G, and where to listen at:

👉 www.linktr.ee/lostinthegroove

On this episode I'm talking to Bob LeMent. Co-host of Static Radio, one of the longest-running unscripted podcasts online. Bob has been recording weekly with his co-host Miles Tidal since 1999. Just to give you guys a quick perspective check, I was born in 1999. Been bringing listeners hilarious, off-the-cuff takes on pop culture, and current events. Even high strangeness, and life in flyover country.

Known for showing up to video interviews as a blue cartoon cat (yes, really). Bob brings the same playful, irreverent spirit to our conversation. People like bob paved the way for podcaster's like me, and that alone is amazing to in itself.

We dived into everything from classic movies, and conspiracy theories. To the weirdness of modern life and the revelation of aliens among us. all with his signature comedic edge.

You can check out Static Radio at:

• https://www.staticradio.com/

We have a magical link below with all our socials and handle so you can find us on your favorite pod spot 🤟.

• https://linktr.ee/lostinthegroove

I had the chance to sit down with Annie Korzen storyteller, humorist, and TikTok sensation. Of course most famous for her roles as Doris Klompus from Seinfeld. Annie joined me to promote her book, The Book of Annie: Humor, Heart, and Chutzpah from an Accidental Influencer. Sharing personal stories, reflections on comedy, and what it means to be unapologetically yourself. Even when it doesn’t always sit well with everyone.

I’ll be honest: this episode was a bit challenging. It began rocky, and while it didn’t go exactly how I imagined, it turned into something real and worth hearing. Annie spoke openly about her late-in-life rise on TikTok. The unexpected audience that found her, and how decades of “being too much” finally became her biggest strength. Whether you agree with her or not, you can’t deny her authenticity, and I respect that.

For Annie's book use the link below:

https://www.amazon.com/Book-Annie-Chutzpah-Accidental-Influencer/dp/B0C4JPK3Q2

Annie's website for press, publications, coaching, and of course live appearances:

http://www.anniekorzen.com/

Lastly, Her youtube channel, be sure to subscribe:

https://www.youtube.com/@AnnieKorzenVideos

We have a magical link below with all our socials and handle so you can find us on your favorite pod spot 🤟.

• https://linktr.ee/lostinthegroove

In this episode, I sat down with award-winning filmmaker Summer Shelton. to talk about the heart and grit behind independent filmmaking. From growing up on a rural sheep farm in North Carolina and experioening the outdoors. Eventually leading to producing films screened at Cannes and Sundance.

Summer shared her incredible journey on how she took a leap during the pandemic. Debuting her film "You & I" a groundbreaking film. Where she handled the writing, editing, directing and producing. The film made on a micro-budget with a 10-person crew, tells a raw, intimate love story. About two people in middle age rediscovering each other over one weekend. It’s a film about timing, vulnerability, and the spaces we carry within.

We also got into the shifting landscape of film and television. How miniseries blur the lines between movies and TV. In away there the unsung heroes behind the scenes. From production designers to casting directors and the actors hired. Summer spoke candidly about the grind of indie filmmaking. The creative trade-offs, and the resilience required to keep creating. If you're curious about how art, intention, and tight budgets collide to create movie magic, this one’s for you.

Be sure to check more of Summer's films and projects with website and her socials provided below:

https://www.summershelton.com/

@s_d_s

We have a magical link below with all our socials and handle so you can find us on your favorite pod spot 🤟.

https://linktr.ee/lostinthegroove

I sat down with voice-over actor Grant Johnson. To explore our shared love for storytelling, video games, and practical effects in film. Grant opened up about how his early influences. Like Mrs. Doubtfire, Fraggle Rock, and classic 90s cinema. Shaped his creative spirit and led him into the world of voiceover and sound design. We dive into the magic of old-school effects, the charm of indie film. Why authenticity matters more than ever in a world driven by algorithms.

From game dev dreams to collaborating on game jams and indie productions. Grant shares a grounded perspective on what it takes to make your own path. When your dealing with working in the entertainment industry. You can find more of Grant’s work, demos, and contact info at:

https://grantjohnsonvo.com/

follow him on social media:

@grantjohnsonvo

We have a magical link below with all our socials and handle so you can find us on your favorite pod spot 🤟.

• https://linktr.ee/lostinthegroove

I sat down with Cassian Bellino, the voice behind Biblically Speaking podcast. And the founder of the Biblically Heard community. Cassian shared her personal story of wrestling with the Bible for over two decades. Feeling disconnected, and frustrated by the lack of context in Scripture. That journey led her to create a platform where faith and scholarship meet. Helping others find meaning, and clarity in the Bible just like she did.

We talked about how easily Scripture can be misunderstood. Without the right cultural, and historical context. How surface-level readings often leave us spiritually hungry. Finding the power of asking honest questions from a genuine place. Cassian brought thoughtful insight into what it means to build a deeper connection. More personal relationship with faith.

On your own terms, with curiosity leading the way. Only an open heart being your guide.

Be sure to Check cassian's podcast and social's via the links provided below:

https://www.bibspeak.com/

@thisisbiblicallyspeaking

We have a magical link below with all our socials and handle so you can find us on your favorite pod spot 🤟.

• https://linktr.ee/lostinthegroove