Neil Pond is an award-winning entertainment journalist, film critic, and the managing editor of Parade magazine. He previously served as editor in chief of American Profile magazine and as editorial director of the nation’s two leading country music publications, Country Weekly and Country Music. Neil has been an on-air commentator for CNN, the BBC, VH-1 and CMT, and is a recipient of the Media Honors Award, the highest journalistic decoration bestowed by the Country Music Association. Neil is voting member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, and his weekly movie reviews appear in national newspaper syndication, on  and on his website .  When he's not wearing his magazine or movie hats, he plays drums in the 80s cover band Max Headroom. In this episode, we cover a ton of ground including:   • Interviewing Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn as his first professional assignment • Why there was pushback about doing music videos for some Country music artists • The Oak Ridge Boys’ unique choices in swimming attire on the French Riviera • How journalism has changed over the years, and the rise of Entertainment Journalism • Visiting with Hank Williams Jr. in Montana • The types of questions that are important to flesh out in an interview • Garth Brooks instructing on the proper way to tuck in a shirt • Being offered your very first joint from Willie Nelson, having Tammy Wynette make biscuits for you, and unusual sightings of Chuck Norris in Randy Travis’ driveway • And SO much more!

#009 Neil Pond: Award Winning Journalist, Managing Editor of Parade Magazine

An exploration, deconstruction and celebration of the creative process by industry leaders, pioneers and innovators in the arts &amp; entertainment. Some of the most creative minds on the planet discuss the creative process and what inspires, motivates and drives them to excellence. Hear the firsthand stories behind some of the most iconic artistry in our culture, find out what lessons they've learned along the way, what advice they have to share with others looking to follow in their footsteps, and discover the daily habits of those who've taken their creative passions to a professional level.

Arts

Literature

Performing Arts

Design

Food

Fashion & Beauty

Visual Arts

Step into the vibrant world of fashion as we sit down with Manny Cuevas, the formidable designer who's stitched his legacy into the very fabric of the industry. Growing up amidst the swirl of his father Manuel's tailor shop, Manny's tale is woven with the golden threads of heritage and innovation. From the eclectic celebrity clientele of his youth to the birth of his own label, Wear It Out by Manny, we explore the symphony of style and music that's danced through his career, especially the beat of change that came with his move to the heart of Nashville.
We trace the footsteps of his journey as he crafts limited edition lines, fusing the exclusivity of couture with the reach of ready-to-wear. But it's not just about the glitz of the garments; Manny gets real about the hustle it takes to raise $8.9 million, storm New York Fashion Week, and the rush of seeing his designs sell like hotcakes in the aftermath. His story isn't just a lesson in style‚ it's a masterclass in turning dreams into tangible triumphs.
As we wrap up, Manny's passion for design unfurls like the finest silk, revealing a philosophy that's as personal as it is professional. He imparts wisdom to budding designers, reflecting on moments that marked his career‚ like Bob Dylan's Vatican performance and the shine of a lifetime achievement award. But it's the intimate memories, the blend of art and celebrity from his father's shop, and the solid foundation of support that truly dress the soul of this episode. Join us, and let Manny Cuevas tailor an experience that will leave you inspired, informed, and immeasurably enriched by the threads that connect us all.
We cover a ton of cool topics in this extended episode including: 

 Getting started in his dad's shop at the age of 6 by digging leather scraps out of the trash and sewing them together
 Working with Country Music elite like Johhny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Little Jimmy Dickens, Marty Robbins, and Porter Wagoner  
  Being bounced on the knees of Salvador Dali as a child
  When major designer labels knock off your designs 
  Being mentored by Alan Tucker, co-creator of Calvin Klein 
  How taking big, unheard-of risks paid off in big ways headlining fashion weeks in New York and Mexico City
  Working in the shadow of his father, legendary fashion icon Manuel, and the challenge of making a name for himself 
  Designing Bob Dylan's stage outfit for his concert in front of the Pope at the Vatican 
  A run-in with Sylvester Stallone as a kid 
  Learning lessons about how a man should talk to a woman by watching Ronald speak to Nancy Reagan...and SO much more!

BIO
Manny Cuevas was born into fashion design royalty. He began working with his father – the world-renown designer Manuel – at the age of 6, designing for and dressing everyone from American Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and both George Bushes – to music royalty such as Liberace, Johnny Cash, The Rat Pack Elite, John Lennon, Dolly Parton, Roy Rogers, The Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, The Jackson Five, David Lee Roth, Kid Rock, Jack White, and Kenny Chesney – to Hollywood icons like Marlon Brando, John Wayne, Jack Nicholson, John Travolta, and Sylvester Stallone, to name a few. 
After being approached in 2006 by Alan Tucker (who helped Calvin Klein create and launch the Calvin Klein brand) about creating a ready-to-wear line, Manny has developed into a global fashion force of his own. He's headlined fashioned weeks in New York and Mexico City, and his signature clothing line, Wear it Out by Manny, can be found in stores and boutiques around the globe. And Manny himself designed the suit that Johnny Cash was laid to rest in. 

Manny Cuevas: Fashion Designer to the Stars

Every so often, life hands us a roadmap to transformation, etched with signs we can't ignore. For Laura Duksta, a near-death experience and the ethereal guidance of a departed friend became the catalysts for a metamorphosis from the electric pulse of South Beach nightlife to a beacon of love and inspiration. In our latest episode, we're honored to have Laura share not only the origins of her bestselling book I Love You More, but also the heartfelt prayer for her nephew that grew into a worldwide embrace of affection. Through anecdotes brimming with divine sparks and life-altering awakenings, she lays bare her journey of self-discovery and the insights on connecting with universal truths that resonate with every soul.
Imagine finding the courage to strip away a facade and stand in your truth—Laura Duksta did just that, and in doing so, she freed herself from the constraints of wigs and societal expectations. In a candid conversation, she recounts the life-defining moments that shaped her path, including her survival of a car crash that served as a wake-up call to pursue a deeper purpose. Her experiences, including a poignant nightclub revelation years later, have been poured into her writing, inspiring others to “Keep Shining” and acknowledge the support of unseen guides. Laura's evolution translates into stories for children and adults alike, bridging generational divides with the universal language of love, as seen in her cherished collaborations with illustrator Karen Keesler.
Penning children's books offers a unique tapestry of creativity and spontaneous inspiration—a balance Laura has mastered, allowing her to craft stories like I'll Hug You More with heartfelt whimsy. She takes us behind the scenes of her creative process, revealing the unexpected joys and challenges of bringing imaginative stories to life without the confines of a rigid writing routine. As we wrap up the episode, Laura imparts wisdom on navigating the publishing landscape, the significance of staying true to one's vision in the face of critique, and the fortifying power of a supportive team. Her encounter with Warren Buffett, a testament to authentic communication and shared values, leaves us contemplating the impact one can make through the written word, and the fulfillment of childhood dreams when you dare to spread love unreservedly.
We cover a lot of beautiful topics in this episode including: 

 Traveling the world spreading the message of love 
 The great messages for adults hidden in children’s books 
  Hiding her Alopecia for years, and then embracing it 
  The personal origins of I love You More
  Writing, rewriting, rewriting again, and still more rewrites! 
  The challenges and rewards of self-publishing 
  Avoiding “set formulas” for writing and finding what works for you...and SO much more! 

BIO
Laura Duksta is a New York Times bestselling author who believes that through the power of love, and with an attitude of gratitude, anything is possible. 
Laura knew from a young age that she was meant to travel the world, meet her brothers and sisters, and spread the message of love. She is now fulfilling this mission through her books, school programs, music and inspirational talks. Her first book, I Love You More, originally self-published, has now sold over 800,000 copies and is available in six languages. Her second book, You Are a Gift to the World, flips over to The World is a Gift to You, and encourages us to love and care for ourselves, one another, and the world we call home. She released her third book, I’ll Hug You More, in 2017.
Laura has been featured in USA Today, as one of "10 Individuals Making a Difference in South Florida" in Boca Magazine, in several creative anthologies, as well as on and in dozens of TV, radio shows, blogs and articles. 

Laura Duksta: NY Times Bestselling Children's Author

Imagine the walls around you not just as barriers defining space, but as canvases brimming with potential artistry. That's the reality Bernie Mitchell, the Bob Ross of Drywall, has been sculpting for nearly forty years as an artist who's ingeniously redefined the realm of art and building materials. With his tools of choice—a drywall knife and kitchen spoons—he crafts landscapes and wildlife with such finesse that they breathe a new life into the walls they inhabit. His technique, honed over nearly four decades, challenges the preconceived notions of art, proving that the ordinary can indeed become extraordinary.
Listen in as Bernie reveals the intricacies of his craft, from the perfect consistency of joint compound to the impact of lighting on his sculptures. His anecdotes of hitchhiking to Alberta, carving out a niche in southern Ontario's cottage country, and finding inspiration in nature to fuel his art are as inspiring as they are fascinating. As we explore the balance between passion and livelihood, Bernie's stories of sharing his knowledge and becoming a minor celebrity in the art world offer an authentic look at the intersection of artistry and business. Whether you're an aspiring artist or simply appreciate the joy of creation, this episode is a testament to the power of following one's passion and the beauty that can be found in unexpected places.
We cover a lot in this episode including: 

 Sculpting with nothing more than common kitchen utensils
 How lighting is way more important than sculpting
for this type of art, and how light moving throughout the day changes the look and feel of a sculpture
  Finding creative inspiration in nature, and the joys and freedom of being outdoors
  The importance of money versus creativity 
  The surprise factor of being an overnight, viral sensation 
  The challenges involved with human portraits
  Why this is such an easy and cheap artistic medium for people to get started in and experiment with
  The challenge of managing a business with all your thoughts and efforts on concentrated on the artistic endeavor

BIO
Bernie Mitchell has been dubbed "The Bob Ross of Drywall" and "The Mud Michelangelo," and is a man with an incredibly unique skill set: he sculpts elaborate and detailed landscapes in bas relief in drywall (using nothing more than kitchen utensils!), redefining the boundaries of interior design and home decor. As a drywall contractor, he puts his creativity to work designing, constructing, sculpting and finishing specialty features in shoreline homes and cottages. 
He prefers to use birds as his main subjects – blue heron, osprey and loons – but he also enjoys sculpting horses, wolves and dogs. In addition to the high-end homes and business he decorates,
Bernie has toured both the US and Canada doing demonstrations, teaching workshops and putting his incredibly unique talents on display. 
Bernie lived in Alberta for 23 years, and spent lots of quality time traveling with his family throughout British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Alaska. These beautiful surroundings are evident in all of the scenes and subjects he’s chosen for his sculptures. Bernie and his family live on Pigeon Lake, in Ontario, Canada. He takes his family on canoe trips every summer, and his pride and joy is a cedar strip canoe he built himself. 

Bernie Mitchell: "The Bob Ross of Drywall"

Discover the beat behind the legendary Oak Ridge Boys as Fred
Satterfield, the Grammy-winning drummer and masterful graphic illustrator, takes us on a rhythmic odyssey through his remarkable career. Listen in and learn how Fred's early love for pounding out beats on coffee cans evolved into mesmerizing performances for U.S. Presidents and appearances on The Tonight Show. His heartfelt narratives will transport you from his church-playing roots to the pinnacle of country music success, with a few laugh-out-loud encounters along the way.
Fred's chronicles extend beyond the stage into Nashville's recording studios, where creativity meets precision. As a seasoned session drummer, he unveils the intricacies of recording everything from demos to Olympic anthems, emphasizing the subtle art of capturing the perfect tempo. Musicians and music aficionados alike will gain a fresh perspective on the collaborative magic that happens behind the scenes, as well as the disciplined approach it takes to maintain a steadfast groove, both in music and in life.
But Fred's talents don't stop at the drum kit. As we segue into the
harmonious relationship between his rhythmic prowess and his illustrative genius, Fred illustrates how passion fuels his dual crafts. Whether discussing the joy of creating children's books or the journey of bringing a paramilitary thriller to life in graphic novel form, Fred embodies the essence of creativity. His story is an eclectic composition, a symphony of beats and brush strokes, inspiring you to chase your dreams with the same fervor that he brings to drumming and drawing. Join us and feel the rhythm of inspiration with Fred Satterfield, an artist who truly lives to create.
We cover a ton of fascinating topics
in this episode including: 

 Starting as a professional touring drummer at the age of 15 
 Causing a Secret Service incident at the White House while testing out a bass drum
 Entertaining Ringo Starr on The Tonight Show
 Having Jay Leno open for the Oak Ridge Boys while he was an up-and-coming comic 


  How the Oak Ridge Boys helped pioneer HBO's concert series
  Getting sponsored by Pearl Drums after having his own drums stolen
  Playing jingles in New York City for a series of commercials with Larry Bird
  Recording the theme songs for the '84 Olympics
  The mechanics, logistics, and creative requirements of
playing on a studio recording sessions 
  The pros and cons of using click tracks in the studio
  How being in the right place at the right time led to a
career transition as an illustrator 
  Breaking into the graphic design business by designing
Jimmy Buffett's first tour t-shirt
  Learning the proper mindset to be a successful creative
professional by studying Kenpo Karate with Elvis Presley's head of security...and so much more!

BIO
Fred Satterfield is a Grammy & Dove Award-winning drummer, and graphic Illustrator. Fred was the Oak Ridge Boys' drummer for 20 years, winning 2 Grammy's, 2 Music City News Awards for Band of the Year, 1 CMA Award (along with 7 other nominations), and contributing to 35 Top 40 Hits including 25 #1's. He's made 4 appearances at the White House for 3 sitting presidents, and 25 appearances on The Tonight Show. 
In additional to his musical acumen, Fred is also an accomplished illustrator, having produced more than 4 dozen coloring books for Dalmation Press, and numerous album covers for Benson Publishing. He is currently illustrating the graphic novel versions of C.G. Cooper's popular Corps Justice Series. 

Fred Satterfield: Grammy-Winning Drummer (The Oak Ridge Boys) & Graphic Novel Illustrator

Get ready for an episode that's as enlightening as it is entertaining! Join us as we catch up with world champion pool player and trick shot artist, Andy "The Magic Man" Segal. Listen as Andy divulges the secrets of his success, from his thrilling win at the US Open championship to the role his supportive wife plays in his journey. He candidly discusses the trials and triumphs of juggling a demanding career while maintaining razor-sharp pool skills, and even delves into the impact of aging within the sport.
But Andy's accomplishments and experiences don't stop at the pool table. He's also graced the glitz and glamour of Hollywood sets and he's here to share those stories too! From hilarious encounters with stars like Jake Gyllenhaal, to insightful comparisons between billiards and golf, martial arts, and even mathematics. Be prepared to question all you know about pool as we debunk the myth that this sport is solely about geometry –
there's a lot more instinct involved here than you may realize! 
In the latter part of our episode, we explore the art and joy of teaching. Andy divulges how his passion for sharing knowledge stems from his family values, and shares his exciting decision to become a math teacher. As we wrap up, we discuss the intricate world of trick shots, the rigorous journey to maintain a professional ranking, and even the business aspects of professional pool playing.  This episode is a must-listen for all pool enthusiasts and fans of compelling life stories.
In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including: 

 The importance of a supportive family when quitting a
Wall Street career to pursue a passion 
 Performing, Showmanship and his background in magic 
  How trick shots help in standard pool competition 
  Parlaying billiard success into Hollywood success 
  What makes a great trick shot, and how Andy comes up with new ideas 
  Using trick shot pool for corporate conventions and sales
  Using billiards as a fun way to teach math     
  The ethics of hustling other players 
  The evolution of trick shots over the years, and where it’s headed, and SO much more!

 
BIO
Andy "The Magic Man" Segal is 4-time Artistic Pool World Champion, a 7-time ESPN Trick Shot Magic Champion, a 6-time Masters Champion, and a 2-time US Open Champion. He began playing professional nine-ball in the 1990’s, and was a regular on the Camel Pro Billiard Tour before switching over to trick-shot competitions in 2002. He became a full-time pro competitor in 2007 and hold 4 world records in artistic billiards. He's also a member of the Screen Actors Guild, appearing in films such as Spider Man 2 and The Dictator, and TV shows such as Person of Interest and Boardwalk Empire.

#009 Neil Pond: Award Winning Journalist, Managing Editor of Parade Magazine

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