Today I'm combining North Dakota, North Carolina and California in one special podcast with actor Steve Gelder, who's recently wrapped up a cool gig as 'Dr. Bob' in "Bill W. and Dr. Bob" (Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith) a theatre production about the founders of 'Alcoholics Anonymous'. The production recently wrapped up in Chicago (catch the great review in the Chicago Tribune). In addition to Steve's acting and directing credits - Cabbie (2007), 1000 Ways to Die (2008), Painter (2020), and his own independent film "Arc" (2004) -  the North Dakota native worked 12 years as a stand-up comedian, headlining a number of comedy clubs across America, worked as a radio personality (WRDU 106 in Raleigh, NC), and was a writer for the syndicated newspaper column "Free Association". The versatile actor (who yes, actually bungee-jumped with CarrotTop!) talks about what it takes to get started in the entertainment business, the crazy world of auditions, and why getting the gig as Klingon #3 in the Star Trek franchise is at the top of his wish list. 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 the delightful Martha Davis, lead singer of The Motels and she is as fun a guest as she is on stage! Martha steps in to talk about a tour that's sure to be a highlight for early concert season, as The Motels, Wang Chung, Naked Eyes, Animotion and Men Without Hats take on the 'Abducted By The 80s - Out Of This World 80s Icon Tour' starting in Kyle, Texas on May 17, wrapping up in Ft. Lauderdale Florida on June 23. Step back in time with Martha and she talks about everything from what to expect from this iconic concert (and who really came up with the tour name) to her beloved ranch (with many pets!) in Portland, Oregon. Bring along your love of the 80s 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 know media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

Social media links, website and more here
Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios

In New York today with talent manager Hoss of Hoss Management, a legendary organization which has seen a lotta premier radio and voice talent come through their doors! Starting his agency career right out of college by working with Howard Stern's agent Don Buchwald, eventually setting up shop at Atlas Talent and CESD Talent before starting his own company, Hoss explains the ups and downs of the entertainment business. Forthright and candid, Hoss discusses what it takes to be great (it's not just talent!), his take on the future of AI, radio and voiceover careers, and why his motto '"Do the work - let go of the results'" works in a highly competitive voiceover business. We also talk about personal struggles, including his own courageous turnaround from drug addiction and alcoholism, and how it changed the way he looked at his own business model and the world of entertainment. There's also fun banter about England, cricket, football and wouldn't you know it - vinyl records! Whether you're in voiceovers or radio, here's an episode you don't want to miss.

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 we're talking all about cool art media and skateboard parks in North Houston with Sally Bradford,  Executive Director for the North Houston Development Corporation. Art pieces are found all around the city of Houston, and Rockstar Energy Bike Park is no exception! Sally is a continuing force behind the scenes, choosing most of the art for children's parts and skateparks - 23 public art pieces in total -  including works at Dylan Park for kids, all three airports in Htown: Hobby Airport, Ellington Field and Houston Intercontinental and more. We also discuss the USA Olympic Skateboard Team, who've recently practiced in Houston as they prepare for the Summer Olympics in Paris this summer; hosting the 2028 UCI BMX Racing World Championships and the 2024 USA BMX Lone Star Nationals April 19-20 at Rockstar Energy Park in Houston. 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...

Traveling up to Nashville today to chat with consummate guitarist and songwriter Bill Lloyd of the 80's country rock duo Foster and Lloyd. Still enjoying the songwriting/session work in Music City, Bill discusses his early start into the music business with MTM (yup, the late Mary Tyler Moore's music company); meeting up with Texan Radney Foster to form Foster and Lloyd, songwriting credits with Beth Nielsen Chapman, session work with The Kinks, Carl Perkins, Ringo Starr and Cheap Trick, to his current work with legendary band The Long Players. He also talks about his new CD 'Look Into It', along with a nod to Nashville's video genius Steve Boyle (of Skid Media and 'Return to Comboland' fame) for his cool 'film noir' contribution for the CD; plus Bill's past work as curator for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and all about that special 20th Anniversary gig with the oh so popular group The Long Players. 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 Portland today talking up voiceovers, the business and more with voiceover legend Dan Nachtrab. Dan talks all about how he started in the biz (in radio) to his first commercials (car dealerships) to eventually scoring gigs with Nat Geo, Discovery Channel and more! He also discusses how you can start your own voiceover business, including what you need to set up your studio, where to find training, making money and most importantly, understanding the craft and artistry of being a great voiceover talent. Plus you'll understand exactly what Dan means by bringing your own personal style and life experiences to the mic and why you create the best voiceover performance. Find out more about his voiceover coaching at his website, too. Grab your headphones now and tune in!

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...

Fresh from his tour of VO Atlanta this month, ACM Talent Manager Jeff Umberger is in the studio to talk about his story behind the voiceover business. From his beginnings as an actor, to setting up his own talent group 'The Umberger Agency' to becoming a talent manager at ACM Talent in New York, Jeff discusses how he puts together what he calls "a partnership of careers". We also chat about the differences between commercial work and audiobooks; making the move from theatre, television and radio performance to voiceover success; what it takes to guide talent to their next achievement; safeguards for AI and your voiceover past; plus an honest vision of what the year 2044 might look like for voiceover performers! Bring along your love of all things audio 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 Houston studio today to chat with former KILT news and traffic reporter T.j. Callahan, talking about how radio life introduced her to a new side hustle as a film critic - and what a gig! T.j. explains how she scores those meetups with famous celebs on the red carpet like Oprah and Claire Foy (The Queen) from 'The Crown'; her work with the Critics Choice Association, Houston Film Critics Society, The Alliance of Women Film Journalists and more. This busy Texas Radio Hall of Famer also discusses her Academy Award picks for Best Film, Best Actor and Best Actress; the new fascination with foreign films; her love of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the lowdown on those infamous deep fried foods - some you may be hearing about for the first time! 

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...

Love these visits to Canada to interview the marketing genius - guru - wizard of all things podcasting:  Matt Cundill, host of the 'Sound Off Podcast' - the Podcast about Broadcast. We cover the whole story about podcasting, from marketing cycles, finding your audience, discoverability (my takeaway from this episode!) and why producing, hosting and marketing your podcast needs to be a top priority  to succeed. This one time radio program director who now heads up his company the 'Sound Off Media Company' discusses radio and AI, why the riches are in 'niches' and as always - finding the right audience. And as if he's not busy enough helping future podcasters become great podcasters, he's also putting together two new podcasts you gotta hear - 'Podcast Super Friends' and 'You May Also Like', which celebrates curiosity and inquisition. Oh, have I got questions for our next podcast episode. 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...

We are talkin' radio today with the entertaining radio personality Jo Maeder, also known to fans everywhere as 'The Rock and Roll Madame' (as in 'Up and at 'em with the Madame'). We start with the story behind her gigs at South Florida radio stations like Y100/Miami' (the 'Y-onic Woman'); and as the Madame at I-95/WINZ; plus working in New York at K-ROCK/WXRK with Howard Stern and Z100/WHTZ.  Never one to stay idle while busy in the broadcasting booth, Jo describes it all - from the real reason why she got her MBA at Columbia to essay writing for the New York Times; all while writing several books. Hustle baby! Her novel 'The Naked DJ', is a fictional (well, kinda!) story of her days in the crazy radio biz. Later hear Jo discuss her enjoyable side hustle as an Auctioneer - perfect gig she says, for broadcasters. Bring your love of all things audio and listen in.

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...