The Spotlight

Welcome to National Podcast Post Month! All month long starting November 1st until November 30th (and maybe a few bonus episodes in December), I will be posting “Spotlight Rewind” episodes going back and revisiting some of my favorite conversations from the first 5 seasons of the program!

This episodes we go all the way back to the beginning… our first ever conversation and it was with American Idol Season 8 winner, musician Kris Allen. This one was done with my former host Adam and we honestly couldn’t have asked for a better first guest! Enjoy!

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One of my all time favorite guests and all time favorite people, Dana DeLorenzo (Friendsgiving, Ash vs Evil Dead, Perpetual Grace LTD) returns once again to The Spotlight for another fun and fast paced conversation. This time around, listen and try to follow along as Ben and Dana catch up, talk about Dana’s new project “Friendsgiving” (Coming to VOD October 23rd!), share food stories, reminisce about the Jersey Shore and share the story of the first time they met in person. Be sure to follow Dana on social media and check her out as well on Cameo and RealTalkLive!

CHECK OUT VIDEO OF THIS CONVERSATION:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/kTTVUUo5A-o

FOLLOW DANA DELORENZO ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Instagram: @ImDanaDeLorenzo

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Actor Kevin Bigley makes his triumphant return to The Spotlight podcast for the 3RD TIME! This time around Kevin virtually joins the program to talk about what’s been happening since his last visit back in season 2 as well as being a part of the brand new Amazon original show Upload which has already been picked up for a season 2. Kevin is always a blast to talk to making this a not to miss episode and I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a 4 time guest!

CHECK OUT VIDEO OF THIS CONVERSATION:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/X8Sv3mhwPzM

FOLLOW KEVIN BIGLEY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Instagram: @kevinwbigley

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Making his return to The Spotlight for the 3rd time is my friend, musician Pete Mitchell. Together, Pete and I talk about his brand new album “In Measured Hundredweight” and the inspiration behind it. We also dive into what it’s like being an introvert during the time of a pandemic, how creativity survives and thrives during these times and our processes when it comes to working on new creative endeavors. All that, plus we of course geek out on pop culture as usual. Give this one a listen, follow Pete’s projects at www.daspetey.com and of course make sure you check out Pete’s new solo album!

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Podcast

My guests this episode of the show are Jennifer M. Kay and Aimee Theresa, the stars, writers, directors and producers of the new Amazon Prime short-form series CERTIFIABLE. Jennifer and Aimee join me in The Spotlight this episode as we talk about making the series, the process of getting it added to the Amazon Prime library, and the challenge of wearing many hats and taking on multiple responsibilities when producing a series. This is a fun conversation not to be missed!

Be sure to check out CERTIFIABLE on Amazon Prime and follow the series on Social Media. All information can be found at CertifiableSeries.com

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While actor M.C. Gainey joined me on The Spotlight last week to talk many elements of his storied career, he was even more generous with his time in joining me on my LOST podcast, WE HAVE TO GO BACK: LOST REVISITED to talk exclusively about his time on the show and what it meant to him. I share that conversation with you, my Spotlight listeners, now. Please enjoy!

We take a break from our official episode breakdowns this week to bring you this special edition episode. This week, Ben and Kristin are super excited to welcome our awesome guest, the one and only M.C. Gainey aka Tom Friendly. M.C. was so much fun to talk to, he gave us some great inside information as to what it was like working on the set of LOST, working with the cast and crew, and how much the love for the show has changed his life. We thank M.C. greatly for being so generous with his time and we sincerely hope you not only enjoy this conversation, but let us know your thoughts afterwards. Please enjoy!

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My guest on this episode of The Spotlight is character actor M.C. Gainey. This is seriously one of the most fun conversations I have yet to have on this program! You would know M.C. from shows like LOST and Justified or movies like ConAir and Wild Hogs. Together we talk about being a Vegan in California, getting started in acting and Hollywood, some of his favorite moments on set, and some of his favorite projects. And trust me, we barely scratched the surface to his career. Make sure you check out We Have to Go Back: LOST Revisited podcast for more conversation as we talk again, this time purely about his time on the hit television show LOST.

*Apologies for any time the conversation cuts out due to weak cell phone signal*

FOR PART TWO, CHECK OUT WE HAVE TO GO BACK: LOST REVISITED

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lostrevisited

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My guest on this episode of The Spotlight is my friend, talented artist Brian C. Roll of Odyssey Art. Together Brian and I talk about how he got his start in the art world, working with celebrities and making the transition to full time artist. We also discuss working the convention circuit, similar con experiences and how this pandemic has effected artists like himself. Finally, we talk all about where you can find all of his pieces and how you can get your hands on them! Check out Odyssey Art at OdysseyArt.net for all of Brian’s fantastic work!

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My new season continues, this time welcoming my guest actor D.B. Sweeney! You might know D.B. from shows like Two and a Half Men, Harsh Realms and Jericho and films like The Cutting Edge, Fire in the Sky and Two Tickets to Paradise. Besides talking about the past projects he’s worked on, D.B. and I talk bro out about hockey, discuss how the entertainment industry may change post COVID-19 and of course talk in detail about his new project “Two Dum Micks”. This was an awesome conversation you should make sure you listen to and be sure to check out Two Dum Micks at www.twodummicks.com or www.facebook.com/twodummicks

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In this episode of the season I welcome actor, author and former boxer Jack O’Halloran. Most notibly known as the character Non from the Superman film (Superman, Superman II), Emil Muzz (Dragnet) and Moose Malloy (Farewell, My Lovely), together we talk about Jack’s upbringing in Philadelphia, getting started and his career in boxing, making the transition to acting, projects he’s worked on, his novel Family Legacy and so much more! Jack was incredibly generous with his time and I was totally engaged by his stories that this is one conversation not to be missed. I look forward to having Jack return to The Spotlight sometime in the near future. Be sure to check out Jack’s novel by visiting www.familylegacythenovel.com and be sure to check back to the site soon for updates on future installments of his story!

FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

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http://www.thenextlevelnetwork.com