The Doneson Podcast

Today on episode nine of the Doneson podcast, we explore the world of film director Frances Ford Coppola. The creator of one of the most famous films of all time, The Godfather. Despite being the winner of five Academy Awards for directing by the age of thirty-six, Coppola's directing methods were not always appreciated by the studios. So much so that he was nearly fired from The Godfather on multiple occasions. The studios wanted a more typical gangster movie and Coppola's style was taking it down a darker road. Despite the tension and unorthodox methods that he used -such as a real horse's head; his work finally prevailed and brought everyone involved, much success. On a personal level though his open critiques for the Marvel series and other comic books adaptations, often puts a damper on his image. Is it his way or the highway? Or is there something to be learned from him?

Join us for episode eight of the Doneson podcast! Today we will be diving headfirst into everything there is to know about Hollywood heavyweight Mr. George Lucas. When it comes to directors, the Lucas name has a reputation. From American Graffiti to Star Wars, Lucas Films are known for producing quality productions. Despite a few small exceptions like Howard the Duck, most of Lucas' films grossed enough to be box office hits. A noted philanthropist, George Lucas is intent on giving away half his fortune during his lifetime. Investing a lot of it in the education of future generations. Despite all this and the incredible creation of Pixar, one of the most controversial things about Lucas was how he himself became a hypocrite after altering his own movies from their original format. He insisted in his Congressional speech that this was the destruction and defamation of art but then proceeded to do the same thing that he advocated against. Where does this leave his integrity?

Jump in to episode seven of the Doneson podcast and be absorbed in the world of the highest grossing worldwide film director, Mr. Steven Spielberg! Spielberg is a giant in the industry with such successes as E.T, Jaws and Indiana Jones under his belt. However, his road to success was not at all paved with roses. Rejected from college initially only to dropout once finally admitted years later, Spielberg made his own way to Hollywood. Throughout his path, he made some positive changes like advocating for the PG13 rating. But he also made mistakes, such as filming over schedule by more than a hundred days, thus costing the studio way more money than expected. His results though, often speak for themselves. The road to success is most often not a straight line, but is it a line you'd be willing to follow?

Welcome to episode six of the Doneson podcast! Today's show includes special guest, filmmaker and producer Rod Putnam! Known for such films as War Brides, Intentional Healing and With Purpose-a 2020 TIGFF selection, Mr. Putnam's expertise provides our show with invaluable insight! Learn more about Rod Putnam's work here  www.rodputnam.com

Hence why today, we move forward into examining various leaders within the film industry. Starting with one of the most iconic African-American film directors-Mr. Spike Lee. Spike Lee has been a controversial character since he appeared on the scene with his very first movie. His preference for taboo topics that push the envelope of what society is comfortable with, has always been his trademark. Although a self-made success story, his methods and opinionated comments about others in the community have not always been appreciated. So much so, that often as a film director, he commands more respect than as an individual. This has both empowered and hindered his growth. How does this dichotomy affect him as a leader? Join us and find out!

Welcome to episode five of the Doneson podcast! Taking it back to one of the original classics, today we're exploring the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A child prodigy pianist who was composing at the age of five and had written over fifteen pieces of music by the time he was a teenager, Mozart was a musical genius. His complex understanding of music exceeded the skills of many adults and accomplished composers of the day and in years since. From concertos to operas, Mozart left a legacy of music to the world, that is still revered to this day. However, his personal life was the complete opposite of his successful career. He suffered from borderline personality disorder that left him prone to fits of anger and uncontrolled behavior. With a drinking problem and the tendency to overspend, he had to lean on extended family for financial support. Mozart was often consumed with feelings of emptiness and sorrow despite his musical accomplishments. What kind of leader does this make him? Listen to the full episode to find out!

Today on episode four of the Doneson podcast! The iconic Muddy Waters. An original from Mississippi, Waters took the delta blues and added the sounds of the electric guitar thus putting his own unique spin on the music of the time. Credited with influencing some of the classics in rock, such as the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and The Beatles- his style and sound was unlike any other. Muddy Waters was also the one who helped Chuck Berry get his first contract and who put the Chicago music scene on the map. However, with music lyrics that were considered risqué for the times and his fondness for underage girls, he may not have been the leader we first thought him to be. Although he did change music and leave an artistic legacy that inspired others, he never enjoyed top commercial success. Could this have been different for him? Find out more inside the full episode!

Check out episode three of the Doneson podcast! On this episode we're diving into the world of Quincy Jones! As the producer of the second biggest selling album of all time -Michael Jackson's Thriller; Quincy's name made a lasting impression on the music scene. He also composed many TV theme songs and even discovered Oprah Winfrey. However, he was a man who spoke his mind and had many strong opinions on the likes of musicians such as The Beatles and Elvis. His workaholic personality and drug use did eventually wreak havoc on his health and force him to slow down. Could he have accomplished more if he hadn't run himself into the ground? Join us to find out all the details!

Today on episode two of the Doneson podcast! We discuss the contributions of Duke Ellington to African-American musical culture. Ellington is known in most circles as the greatest jazz composer of all time. It's because of him that jazz rose to fame and is highlighted as an American original art form. With 14 Grammy awards to his name and the Harlem Renaissance to his credit, Duke Ellington contributed to the cultural pride and new beginnings for African-Americans. However, his womanizing ways and poor health habits were only some of his drawbacks. The biggest and perhaps most controversial of them all, was his lack of respect when it came to crediting his team of writers, composers and band members. Many who worked with him, felt their contributions were swept up and claimed as Ellington's own. Does this counteract his leadership

Welcome to season two, episode one of the Doneson podcast! We're starting season two off with a bang, as we discuss one of the greatest musical influencers of our time-Berry Gordy. As the founder and director of Motown, Gordy was the reason that musicians such as The Temptations, Smoky Robinson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gay and the Jackson 5, were able to rise to fame and fortune. As the first record label to be owned by African-Americans, Gordy opened the door for many artists and broke through the previously existing glass ceilings. But it wasn't all roses. Gordy was sued by his production team for failing to pay them royalties and his reputation for shady deals and scamming his musicians and writers, was common knowledge. The reality was, that although he launched the careers of many, his methods were often not on the up and up. So, the question is, do his accomplishments outweigh his shady methods?

Welcome to Season 2 of the Doneson Podcast! Our focus is to help you with the MOL (Management of Leagues) all while having fun and hanging out with some of the coolest hosts around. We've got everything from relationship advice and gaming tips to some crucial history on some of the most successful leaders around. Listening to this podcast can not only transcend your gaming league on Doneson but who knows? Maybe even in life too!

Join Oliver, our built-in "Intelligent Assistant" along with my co-hosts: • Council James- the anywhere and everywhere mobile psychiatrist • Our own Relationship Expert -Shanna Montana. You're going to love her unbiased opinions! • Uncle Rico -You already know he's everybody's favorite Uncle- it's just politics... • …and me, your favorite instigator -Rod.

We will be bringing you 30 episodes filled to the brim with the ins and outs from some of the best leaders, direct from the entertainment industry. Coming to you on March 23rd, your gaming league will soar to new heights with insider details from music moguls to movie producers and fashion designers. Season 2 will be a season to remember! Incredible guest interviews and so much more! We've got everyone from Quincy Jones to George Lucas, Louis Vuitton to Vera Wang and even a few classics like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, just to name a few.

Doneson is the place to be and this podcast is going to blow up your MOL, so make sure you don't miss an episode! Season 2 is going to rock your League!