Spotlight Conversations

In Los Angeles today with children's book author Evelina Ruimy, best known for writing 'Hop's tales: The Kind Bunny' - available now wherever you get your books - and it's the best kind of story for parents and teachers - as well as for kids! Evelina's book, complete with perfect rhyming and engaging illustrations, focuses on instilling those all important qualities for both children and adults: empathy, confidence, resilience and social-emotional learning. Bring along your love of books and join us!

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests are in the media spotlight, we're talking! Refreshingly unscripted and always entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. So settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! 

New episodes drop every other Tuesday. 

Listen to Donna every night as she shares her fave Classic Hits from the 60s, 70s & 80s starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum (get the app for the station in your App Store!) Then hang out for her evening seqment on the show called 'Late Night Spotlight'- intimate, unscripted interviews with guests from the entertainment industry, airing Monday through Friday at 10PM CT/11:00 ET 

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe here

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymans...

In the studio today with Linda Kaplan Thaler, creative genius behind the Aflac Duck, Toys "R" Us Kid, Clairol's "Yes! Yes! Yes! advertising campaigns and more, in her new book 'My Life in 30 Seconds" (available September 8) - a memoir like no other. Funny, heartfelt and inspiring, her memoir lets you know that hey, life-changing moments don't take years, sometimes they happen in just 30 seconds! We discuss not only creativity, but also how to be fearless, how to inspire and mostly, how to "be here now". Bring your savvy Madison Avenue selves and join us!

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests are in the media spotlight, we're talking! Refreshingly unscripted and always entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. So settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! 

New episodes drop every other Tuesday. 

Listen to Donna every night as she shares her fave Classic Hits from the 60s, 70s & 80s starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum (get the app for the station in your App Store!) Then hang out for her evening seqment on the show called 'Late Night Spotlight'- intimate, unscripted interviews with guests from the entertainment industry, airing Monday through Friday at 10PM CT/11:00 ET 

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe here

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymans...

In Houston today with the always entertaining rock radio legend Dayna Steele - as she heads on over to Scotland to bring her play 'The Woman in the Mirror' to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Her award winning play tells of her experiences caring for her mother, Fran, through Alzheimer's disease. The 70 minute, one woman/two-actor performance blends poignant storytelling, humor and compassion - much like the playwright herself! The play, based on her best-selling book, Surviving Alzheimer's with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine is part of the convo, along with cool chats about her radio career at rocker KLOL in Houston, her devoted fan base of 'Steeleworkers' and so much more. Join us!

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests are in the media spotlight, we're talking! Refreshingly unscripted and always entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. So settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! 

New episodes drop every other Tuesday. 

Listen to Donna every night as she shares her fave Classic Hits from the 60s, 70s & 80s starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum (get the app for the station in your App Store!) Then hang out for her evening seqment on the show called 'Late Night Spotlight'- intimate, unscripted interviews with guests from the entertainment industry, airing Monday through Friday at 10PM CT/11:00 ET 

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe here

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymans...

Today I'm in the studio with Chicago native Marty Scott, who plays George Harrison in Liverpool Legends, a world-renowned Beatles tribute band. The group, hand-picked by Louise Harrison, the sister of George, is the Grammy nominated band - famous for its note-for-note musical accuracy for literally every Beatles tune from the Magical Mystery Tour! (Get concert info at Liverpool Legends). Marty fills us in on everything you ever wanted to know about this amazing tribute band, from its history to their Grammy award nomination for 'Fab Fan Memories - The Beatles Bond'. And will there be a book about Louise Harrison and her bond with the band? Marty fills us in - so bring your love of Beatles music and join us!

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests are in the media spotlight, we're talking! Refreshingly unscripted and always entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. So settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! 

New episodes drop every other Tuesday. 

Listen to Donna every night as she shares her fave Classic Hits from the 60s, 70s & 80s starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum (get the app for the station in your App Store!) Then hang out for her evening seqment on the show called 'Late Night Spotlight'- intimate, unscripted interviews with guests from the entertainment industry, airing Monday through Friday at 10PM CT/11:00 ET 

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe here

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymans...

In the big state of Texas today with local Houston-based historian and storyteller Mike Vance. A leading voice in Lone Star State history, Mike comes from 16 year media career in stand-up comedy and broadcasting and always manages to seamlessly mix in his comedy and deep historical research with his writing - with entertaining reselts! His recent books (a diverse catalog of 13!) cover true crime, regional Texas history, sports history and humor. Bring your love of Texas to the podcast studio and join us!

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests are in the media spotlight, we're talking! Refreshingly unscripted and always entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. So settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! 

New episodes drop every other Tuesday. 

Listen to Donna every night as she shares her fave Classic Hits from the 60s, 70s & 80s starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum (get the app for the station in your App Store!) Then hang out for her evening seqment on the show called 'Late Night Spotlight'- intimate, unscripted interviews with guests from the entertainment industry, airing Monday through Friday at 10PM CT/11:00 ET 

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe here

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymans...

In Los Angeles today with acclaimed author, journalist and screenwriter Amy Ephron (A Cup of Tea: A Novel of 1917 and One Sunday Morning) talking about her tenth novel Unseasonably Cold - which chronicles the mysterious disappearance of a popular socialite who vanishes without a trace - set against the backdrop of 1939 New York. Join us as Amy discusses everything from her unique writing style, creating characters, to growing up in one of America's most celebrated, close-knit literary and filmmaking families.  

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests are in the media spotlight, we're talking! Refreshingly unscripted and always entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. So settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! 

New episodes drop every other Tuesday. 

Listen to Donna every night as she shares her fave Classic Hits from the 60s, 70s & 80s starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum (get the app for the station in your App Store!) Then hang out for her evening seqment on the show called 'Late Night Spotlight'- intimate, unscripted interviews with guests from the entertainment industry, airing Monday through Friday at 10PM CT/11:00 ET 

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe here

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymans...

In the Houston studio today local entrepreneur Pete Owens, talking about his new concert venue Coffee House Houston. Not just any venue however; this place is happening and Pete is here to tell you why! The volunteer-run nonprofit organization has brought a whole new vibe to the community - by bringing in live music and arts to the heart of Houston. Along with info about upcoming singer-songwriter acts such as Marshall Crenshaw and Joe Ely, Pete explains how his new and intimate live music setting in the Bayou City translates to a cool listening experience for everyone in the community. Bring along your love of music and join us!

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests are in the media spotlight, we're talking! Refreshingly unscripted and always entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. So settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! 

New episodes drop every other Tuesday. 

Listen to Donna every night as she shares her fave Classic Hits from the 60s, 70s & 80s starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum (get the app for the station in your App Store!) Then hang out for her evening seqment on the show called 'Late Night Spotlight'- intimate, unscripted interviews with guests from the entertainment industry, airing Monday through Friday at 10PM CT/11:00 ET 

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe here

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymans...

Visiting with journalist Annie Zeleski (Lady Gaga: Appplause; Pink: Raise Your Glass) about her new book 'I Got You Babe: A Celebration of Cher'. Featuring a  forward by Cyndi Lauper, Annie writes in depth about the fearless, down-to-earth "Goddess of Pop": how Cher started in the entertainment business, key moments in her life and career; her 50-year friendship with fellow diva Tina Turner, the Bob Mackie "revenge dress"for the 1998 Oscars; and let's not forget the video the U.S.Navy will never forget for her performance of 'Turn Back Time'! Join us as we talk music and pop culture in this week's episode!

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests are in the media spotlight, we're talking! Refreshingly unscripted and always entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. So settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! 

New episodes drop every other Tuesday. 

Listen to Donna every night as she shares her fave Classic Hits from the 60s, 70s & 80s starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum (get the app for the station in your App Store!) Then hang out for her evening seqment on the show called 'Late Night Spotlight'- intimate, unscripted interviews with guests from the entertainment industry, airing Monday through Friday at 10PM CT/11:00 ET 

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe here

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymans...

In the studio today with rock journalist Alan Light, who drops by to talk about his new book 'Don't Stop - Why We (Still) Love Fleetwood Mac's Rumours' (available now wherever books are sold) and I gotta say, prior to this interview, I had my studio turntable rockin' with every Fleetwood Mac/Buckingham Nicks song ever made! The former senior writer at Rolling Stone and author of The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen; Let's Go Crazy: Prince and the Making of Purple Rain and more, talks about the enduring legacy of Rumours, the classic rock album that not only sold over 40 million copies but as of 2023, was Spotify's most-streamed album from the 20th century! Alan's book discovers why Rumours continues to be popular with generations of music lovers, what made the album's transformation go from pop success to cultural touchstone, and more importantly, how the music stays relevant in today's changing music scene.

Join us!

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests are in the media spotlight, we're talking! Refreshingly unscripted and always entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. So settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! 

New episodes drop every other Tuesday. 

Listen to Donna every night as she shares her fave Classic Hits from the 60s, 70s & 80s starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum (get the app for the station in your App Store!) Then hang out for her evening seqment on the show called 'Late Night Spotlight'- intimate, unscripted interviews with guests from the entertainment industry, airing Monday through Friday at 10PM CT/11:00 ET 

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe here

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymans...

It's the start of baseball season and what better way to bring in this American rite of passage than to invite a writer to the podcast to talk about - you guessed it - baseball! Writer Mike Vance's new book 'Comedians Talking Baseball' features 40 professional stand-up comedians (including Robert Wuhl and comedy celebs from Seinfeld, Saturday Night Live, and The Tonight Show) sharing poignant stories about comedy and baseball. Mike writes about personal memories, jokes, and true baseball history as seen through the eyes of veteran performers from the 1980s and '90s comedy boom. Bring along your weathered glove and fave team jacket and join us!

About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests are in the media spotlight, we're talking! Refreshingly unscripted and always entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. So settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! 

New episodes drop every other Tuesday. 

Listen to Donna every night as she shares her fave Classic Hits from the 60s, 70s & 80s starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum (get the app for the station in your App Store!) Then hang out for her evening seqment on the show called 'Late Night Spotlight'- intimate, unscripted interviews with guests from the entertainment industry, airing Monday through Friday at 10PM CT/11:00 ET 

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe here

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymans...