Today, I’m joined by singer, guitarist, and cello player Bonnie Whitmore. 

Bonnie has been playing music since she was just 8 years old and her life revolves around performing. 

She talks to me about how the lockdown has affected her life, and the ways she’s moved her performances online. 

The conversation moves to our personal lives and the self-care techniques Bonnie uses to help with her depression. 

She’s also passionate about sending a positive message through her music and we discuss the toxic masculinity that is all too present in today’s society…

“You’ve got to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comforted and that’s my job.” – Woody Guthrie  

In this episode I’m joined by local Texan and the main star of Paranormal Activity, Katie Featherston. 

When Paranormal Activity came out back in 2007 Katie had no idea it would become as globally successful as it did. With just a $15,000 budget, Paranormal Activity ended up grossing almost $2,000,000.

She talks about what it was like to suddenly become so well-known and how using her real name in the film had some unplanned consequences. 

She explains to me how they filmed the movie, how much of it was improvised and how much was scripted. 

It’s incredible to hear the creative process of a film that ended up inspiring so many other films like it… 

“One of the cool things about being in horror films is meeting the fans because they are just so passionate.” – Katie Featherston  

American guitarist, singer and songwriter Bill Kirchen has been making music for over 50 years, and has travelled all over the United States performing. 

He recently had to come home because of the pandemic and I was fortunate enough to get an interview with him during this time. 

He told me all about his life touring the country, and gives some advice to any aspiring musicians out there.

The talk moved to how the pandemic has affected different areas of life, and what the future is looking like for us all…

“Go find out who you love to hear, and go get that guitar. But let me tell you something, you’re not going to sound like that right away, so don’t be disappointed, don’t give up.” – Bill Kirchen

In this episode I’m joined by writer and director Erin C. Buckley. 

Erin’s short-form digital series ‘Platonic’ launches on YouTube on August 12th. Having been fortunate enough to get an early viewing, I can tell you it’s a good one!

‘Platonic’ follows Olive (a gay Brooklynite) and Billy (her straight best friend) as they look for love and document their search via voicemail messages to each other. The show looks at relationships, both romantic and platonic, casting each in a unique light. 

We talk about the show, where her inspiration for the theme came from, and how she collaborated with other creatives. It really is a thought-provoking piece of media that everyone can learn something from, and is made extra special by the freedom that Erin gave to the actors involved with the project. 

We also chat about her short film ‘CC Dances The Go-Go’ which premiered in June and plays at aGLIFF in August.

“Platonic is based on my relationship with my best friend, and looking for love in all the wrong places.” – Erin C. Buckley

Today I’m joined by old school country legend Zane Williams and we talk about everything country. 

From where in the world the best country music comes from to why country music tends to be conservative we cover it all.  

Zane talks to me about how the music industry has changed over the years accelerated by the rise of technology and social media. 

Next we talk about Zane’s new album that he’s released with no manager, music label, or what sounds like any assistance at all. 

Zane’s managed to create a distributed patron model that allows him to record music directly for the fans that care about him most. I’ve never heard of a musician doing this kind of thing before, but I love it. 

Finally we talk about how COVID-19 has affected the music industry and what the future of live events looks like…

“The 90s were the heyday of selling physical records at Walmart and Best Buy. But the industry went into a tailspin in 1999 and for a while it looked like the music industry might not survive.” – Zane Williams  

Today I met with Kinky Friedman, American singer, songwriter, humorist, and politician. 

We talk about his relationship with Bob Dylan, meeting Glen Campbell, working with Willie Nelson, and what it’s like living in the world of country music.

Next we discuss his involvement with children camps, and the different activities they offer at the Echo Hill Ranch for disadvantaged youth. 

The talk moves to Kinky’s favourite type of tequila and then he gives us a surprise performance of his newest song ‘Buddy You’re Living My Dream’…

“Wash your hands and say your prayers because germs and Jesus are everywhere.” – Kinky Friedman  

Today, I’m joined by American country musician, singer and songwriter, Aaron Watson. 

Aaron calls me straight from his tour bus, back on the road after having to cancel countless gigs due to COVID-19. 

We talk about what urged him to get back to touring, and the backlash he’s received for putting on events again. 

Aaron is a talented man and he goes on to explain all the different ways he’s been making an income since the lockdowns hit. 

With him having three children, not only is he stuck at home but they’re stuck there with him. He tells me what it’s been like to homeschool his kids, and how viable that is for the future. 

A real American, Aaron is about as patriotic as it gets, and it’s great to talk to someone who’s so proud of being from this amazing country…

“Be invested in things you can be a part of and change, like your neighbourhood and your house. If we can all do that, that’s how we change the world.” – Aaron Watson  

Today I’m joined by Melissa Archer, who is best known for her role as Natalie Buchanan on the hit show One Life to Live. She is also a writer and producer, and describes herself as a computer nerd. 

Born in Dallas, Texas, she tells me what it was like moving to L.A. at a young age and how her career got started from there. 

Melissa shares with us what her life was like before she got the role on One Life to Live, and how that role shaped her life going on. 

We talk about what it’s like on set, how the job fully encompasses your life, and the way the internet has shaped the industry. 

A down to earth, honest, and open lady, Melissa is a wonderful guest and reveals what it’s really like to be a soap opera star…

“People were concerned. You know you’re a little fish in a huge ocean, and they were worried I’d get eaten up or that I was being a little too dreamy.” – Melissa Archer  

Adaire Byerly was a highly successful model but left it all behind to follow her passion in behavioural science. 

From appearing in Vogue to spending hours every day studying at home, she spent years learning about why we act the way we do before starting her company Entertainment Mindframe. 

Now she works helping those in the industry deal with the mental difficulties that often come along with working in these types of environments. 

People are becoming more and more aware of the prevalence of mental health problems in our society, and Adaire is doing great work to help those that are struggling.

She tells me all about her journey across two very different careers, and what both have been like for her… 

“You can become addicted to chasing your success and you believe that while you’re doing that you’re successful, when in reality you’re not. ” – Adaire Byerly  

Today, I’m talking with Texan actress Kelly Jenrette. 

Staring in the ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘Grandfathered’, she’s been in multiple hit shows and was nominated for an Emmy for her role in the ‘Handmaid’s Tale.’ 

Kelly tells me all about her career as an actress, how she got into performing, and what she does to prepare for each role.  We talk acting, cooking, and how the virus has affected both our lives.

The virus has been tough for everyone but even in these times Kelly gets me giggling and we have a good laugh on the way…

“Just KISS it. Keep it simple stupid. ” – Kelly Jenrette