In sunny California today with real estate agent and new author Monika Strand as she shares the backstory of her book 'Welcome Home!'. Illustrated by Janette Hill, the book is about a young boy moving to a new home, helping to make the transition of moving from one home to the next so much easier and less scary for himself and his family. In addition to running her busy real estate office, plus a booming new publishing career (she wrote her current book in one day!) Monika offers tips on how she stays creative by working with positivity and motivation, how she helps clients and her fellow realtors and so much more. Join us!

SPECIAL NOTE FOR THIS EPISODE ONLY:

Order Monika Strand's book from her website and get a 20% discount when you mention 'Spotcomm20' when ordering her book 'Welcome Home!'.

Offer ends MARCH 31 2023

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 spotlight, we're talkin'!  Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. 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! 

Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Spotlight'.

New episodes drop every Tuesday. For more on what I'm doing when I'm not podcasting head on over to my Linktree account

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

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Them...

Traveling to North Carolina today to visit with voice talent and coach Dan Friedman, who also happens to be the author of one very popular voiceover book called "Sound Advice" (written 10 years ago and still going strong!) Dan describes his early audio days behind the scenes in promotions and engineering at several radio stations including 96 Rock in Atlanta; spending time with legendary vocal coach Paul Armbruster; being a pro in the recording booth; the ever changing world of audiobooks and voiceover gigs; plus why Eddie Van Halen continues to inspire Dan's new music career and all things creative. 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 spotlight, we're talkin'!  Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. 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! 

Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Spotlight'.

New episodes drop every Tuesday. For more on what I'm doing when I'm not podcasting head on over to my Linktree account

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

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Them...

Visiting Los Angeles with the guy who knows audio technology inside and out - Don Baarns, a leading expert in voice recording and studio production. Owner of the renowned voiceover courses at VOJumpStart (where both veteran and newbie voiceover talent can learn valuable skills about recording), Don shares what you really need to know about your home studio - before recording!  We talk about Punch and Roll (and how mastering this skill makes editing fast and easy); life before Punch and Roll (wait, there was a time??!); his voice recording and production courses (available at Red Baarns Audio); a backstory about 'The Umm Syndrome' (it's a thing - tune in); body language in front of the mic; the growing demand for 'proofers'; how to sound like you're NOT recording a book and more. The big takeaway is how to get more audio recordings done in less time - and of course we all could use a lesson in that! Bring in your love of 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 spotlight, we're talkin'!  Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. 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! 

Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Spotlight'.

New episodes drop every Tuesday. For more on what I'm doing when I'm not podcasting head on over to my Linktree account

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

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Them...

Dwight Douglas has worked in radio, consulted radio, brought software to radio (Selector anyone?) and now he's written a book about the radio business with 'True Radio Confessions - Sex, Drugs & Rock'n Roll' (available now on Amazon). It's the possibly true (but all names have been changed) fictional story of DJ Sonny Joe McPherson, who takes on a fifty year broadcasting journey filled with - you guessed it - sex, drugs and rock and roll. Dwight talks about his new novel (which by the way has a glossary of terms to help out the non-radio people understand what drives the radio industry), but also discusses his long standing gig with media executive Lee Abrams; a (true) story involving ironing and rocker Bob Seger; why characters like Forrest Gump matter, plus Dwight's take on lessons learned from the deregulation of radio. Whether you're a radio pro or interested in the backstory of radio, join us in the studio!

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 spotlight, we're talkin'!  Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. 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! 

Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Spotlight'.

New episodes drop every Tuesday. For more on what I'm doing when I'm not podcasting head on over to my Linktree account

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

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Them...

In the studio with author Bob Mann, a professor who holds the esteemed Manship Chair in Journalism at the Manship School of Mass Communication at Louisiana State University (LSU), talking about his new book 'Backrooms And Bayous: My Life in Louisiana Politics' - a memoir about his long career in Louisiana politics and everything he learned along the way. Candid and introspective, Bob discusses both journalism, history and politics, including his work on Capitol Hill for Senators Russell B. Long and John Breaux; the changing political landscape; his look at Louisiana history (and the future for The Bayou State); plus the reason why he still enjoys putting in hours of archival research for each of his books - and there are many! Check out his new autobiography at Backrooms And Bayous 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 spotlight, we're talkin'!  Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. 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! 

Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Spotlight'.

New episodes drop every Tuesday. For more on what I'm doing when I'm not podcasting head on over to my Linktree account

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

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Them...

Singer-songwriter Parthenon Huxley is in the studio talking about music, songwriting, journalism and more, including his early work with North Carolina music legends Mitch Easter, Jamie Hoover and Don Dixon; working with 'The Blazers' and his own 'Ridiculous Band'; to leaving the Chapel Hill area to make the move to New York and LA, eventually signing with MCA and Columbia Records (plus gigs with Mick Jones of Foreigner and Robert Lamm of Chicago). Currently working on his memoir with a very catchy title (listen to the podcast!) we also  talk about teaming up and touring along with a cool symphonic rock band called 'The Orchestra starring ELO Former Members' with Electric Light Orchestra musicians Bev Bevan, Kelly Groucutt, Mik Kaminski and Lou Clark (as well as Eric Troyer). 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 spotlight, we're talkin'!  Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. 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! 

Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Spotlight'.

New episodes drop every Tuesday. For more on what I'm doing when I'm not podcasting head on over to my Linktree account

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

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Them...

In Hollywood today with Troy Carlton, who talks about his new film 'Birdies The Movie', shot entirely in North Carolina (and now available on Amazon Prime). The Raleigh native sits down in the studio and talks of how his independent movie about "a washed up golf phenom who gets hired as the pro at a decaying country club where catching a buzz is par for the course" really began with his YouTube channel 'Golf Jokes from Tight Lies';  working with comedian Ryan O'Flanagan and actor Nate Panning; his company Crane House Film and more. We also discuss a special screening in June for his movie at the famous Rialto Theatre in Raleigh! So bring along your popcorn, your cleated golf shoes - okay, maybe leave those at home - and listen to a unique back story from one talented director who made a movie destined to be a golf movie classic! 

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 spotlight, we're talkin'!  Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. 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! 

Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Spotlight'.

New episodes drop every Tuesday. For more on what I'm doing when I'm not podcasting head on over to my Linktree account

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

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Them...

In the studio with award winning Alysson Bourque, author of the Alycat Series of children's books. The series has gained loyal followers both in the United States (where her books were included in the Swag Bags at the Oscars AND the Grammy's!) and an equally strong following in the United Kingdom, with the support of Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, who chose Alysson's book series to be a part of the Duchess's 'Storytime with Fergie and Friends' on YouTube. This busy mom (inspired by her children to write) describes a writing journey from elementary school teacher to law school grad, to her work as Assistant Attorney General for the state of Louisiana, combined with hours of hard work and a true passion for writing. Her current book 'Alycat And The CattyWampus Wednesday" (available now on Amazon) delights young audiences with the story of a cat named AlyCat who solves problems '"with a big heart and a creative imagination"'.  We also discuss the story behind Alysson's book marketing company 'Forward Publicity'. It's a writing journey you don't want to miss. Join us!

Check out the AlyCat Series website for more about how you can help literacy in your community!

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 spotlight, we're talkin'!  Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. 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! 

Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Spotlight'.

New episodes drop every Tuesday. For more on what I'm doing when I'm not podcasting head on over to my Linktree account

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

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Them...

Offering sage advice with real life stories on transitioning, former MIX 101.5 FM (Raleigh, North Carolina) morning guy (now author) Bill Jordan discusses his book "Embrace the Boom" which in his words '"empowers, encourages and inspires my fellow members of the Baby Boomer generation"' (and read the special introduction from Duke Men's Basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski). We then talk about everything from radio (40 years as a morning show host) to his current voiceover career; the art of social media (and how it relates to radio); aging gracefully; living on less; minimalism, and his work with the Children's Miracle Network. Tune in to this veteran radio broadcaster who serves up an entertaining episode of just how to embrace where you are and own it. 

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 spotlight, we're talkin'!  Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. 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! 

Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Spotlight'.

New episodes drop every Tuesday. For more on what I'm doing when I'm not podcasting head on over to my Linktree account

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

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Them...

It's no easy feat becoming a bestselling author, but in today's episode, Elizabeth Spann Craig proves that with determination anything is possible. We discuss her new book - "A Notion to Murder", part of her Southern Quilting Mystery series (available now on Amazon) along with  other novels including "A Dash of Murder" (from the Myrtle Clover Mystery series) and "Frictional Characters" from the Village Library series. A lifelong fan of mystery books (yup, think Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys!) this South Carolina native has read just about every mystery novel she could get her hands on from a very early age, and soon realized becoming a writer was the career for her. Over 40 books later, the Penguin-Random House and Midnight Ink author (who has also published many of her books independently) discusses the truth about marketing a book, new writer challenges, dealing with rejection and learning how to 'stick with it' in a highly competitive industry. Bring along a cuppa 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 spotlight, we're talkin'!  Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. 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! 

Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Spotlight'.

New episodes drop every Tuesday. For more on what I'm doing when I'm not podcasting head on over to my Linktree account

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

Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
Them...