Seriously folks. Sometimes I can't believe I know the amazing people I know. I pinch myself a lot, especially when featuring them on my podcast. It's always a "really???" kind of moment for me. Laurie Frey brings one of those moments for me. A Producer and manager in the entertainment industry, pretty much could run the country and have some free time left on her hands. She is a rock star in more ways than I can count. Without even knowing the depths of her story, her persona screams UNBEATABLE. She is one of the most capable people I have ever met. One of the most even -keeled people I have ever known. And then. And then. And then, and then, and then, and then. There is so much to her. I have known Laurie for approximately twenty years, and since our meeting our relationship has evolved and covered some pretty amazing ground. And still, today, while visiting with her on this episode, I learn more and more. 

Listen in on the details of really fascinating career, her artist husband and amazing son, and the interruption to a quite perfect life with a life threatening, life altering cancer diagnosis. What an inspiration she is to all of us who at one time or the other face situations that threaten to beat us. Hear her encouraging words that challenge us too hold on and press on, with an UNBEATABLE spirit.

Write this name down. If you haven't heard of her yet, it won't be long. This fresh new powerhouse artist, just released her new single, "Time Machine", and it will be no time before we all have her on our playlists and clamoring for more. Ava Terry has SOME KINDA VOICE, let me tell ya! She is a natural, and she is full of big, big, talent. Ava can belt with the likes of Carrie Underwood (just go check out her rendition of the national anthem at the Phoenix Suns game on her youtube channel, Ava Terry)... and she travels in a Singer/Songwriter lane of Sara Bareilles. Her sweet demeanor, and lighthearted spirit will take her though every door her delicious voice opens.

Whether its now, or after you listen in on our conversation, make sure you head straight to her music, found on Spotify or AvaTerryMusic.com...

We all will say, "I knew her when..."

Think your opportunity has passed you by? You missed your chance? Too old try something new? Ken Schilling doesn't think so.

So who is Kenneth Schilling? What does he know? Arizona Artist and once Sonoma County, California Vintner, Ken Schilling is a man of serious passions, with a unique and varied background. He defines himself as an incurable entrepreneur/visionary and his works speak to all of us who thought it might be too late to take a chance to do what we love. He first picked up a paintbrush in 2002 at the age of 50 in effort to relieve stress and hasn’t put it down since. In addition to being a celebrated and prolific artist with an engaging style, he also has considerable business acumen.

His prior life as a high tech CEO took him to more than 50 countries; he now draws upon those travels and memories to create his inspired, colorful paintings to share with us. His exceptional attention to light and detail draw the viewer deep into the experience of the painting as they appear multi dimensional. Ken has brought his exceptional talents as an artist into the art of winemaking, creating original art for the labels of his wines. And thus, the marriage of Wine and Art was consummated. His stated philosophy is, “As an Artist I use a palette of colors to create my paintings and as a Vintner I use a palette of flavors to create a beautiful wine.” Together they become, “Drinkable Art ®.” Ken found he was passionate about providing fine art and fine wine to everyone bringing beauty and joy into our daily living experience through his work as an Artist and for a season in his life, a Vintner.

As chapters open and close, as they do and will, this relentless entrepreneur has yet to stop dreaming, and bringing the those dreams to fruition. Jump in on his never ending story with me, and see where this unstoppable creative force is up to now! There's nothing quite as inspiring as this doer!

Monica is passionately in love with stories–the stories that connect us across culture, race, and age.  She believes that the right story, at the right time, can change a child’s life. Monica is most interested in bringing forward stories that are being forgotten or misremembered.  She writes picture books, contemporary middle grade fiction, and YA fiction. Her debut picture book, LET THE CHILDREN MARCH, was published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in January 2018. Her next book, STANDING ON HER SHOULDERS, was released from Orchard Press (Scholastic) in February 2021, with the amazing Laura Freeman illustrating. Monica is also a professional actor, and this is how she and I met. She was my understudy in Les Mis while doing the production in Arkansas. She is also a former children’s librarian, and voice-over artist, and lives in the coolest dwelling ever...a yurt in the country with one husband, too many cats, and just the right amount of daughters.  

I love Monica. I am so proud to call her friend. Enjoy! This will be a treat, and then some.

Find out more about Monica on her website. 

Monica Clark - Robinson.com

Not only was this interview with my creative partner Brian Cole my first full number episode (if you are counting) but it is also in the top three most popular. It is actually Episode #1. He's actually my very first guest. So again, sentimental me loves when things link up and synch up well, so it is fitting that we are as of this episode, clicking over to a brand new set of 52 episodes. This is Ep53, and counting.

This isn't the only reason I am running this episode again. This episode is inspiring. This episode delves into the creative. I need that breath of fresh air. So I suppose my reasons are somewhat selfish. The focus on creativity is just the perfect shot in the arm, as I take stock of what I have done this past year to unleash my creative energies, and in that assessment, take a deep breath in as I leap forward into more more more... creativity. Won't you join me?

Brian is one of the most creative people I know, and I am so thrilled to be partnered with him in our official house of creativity 21layers.com

I think it was a gut stroke of brilliance when I decided to provide myself more of what I love by inviting you to be my podcast guest. You responded. Specifically the you I am referring to today, is my podcast listener Tina Kambarian. We launched into our episode with no agenda other than to visit and to let Tina Share a little of her story. And she did. Beautifully.  

There a little twist to the story, but you will need to listen to find that out.

We really are all so very interesting in our personally uniqueness. I hope Tina knows and feels that. For one who claimed she felt she had little of interest to offer a podcast listening audience, her light shines through the airwaves. You'll see.

What's new in season two? Listen in on my idea that has everything to do with YOU.

AHHHHHHHH! It's been one year ago this very day that you and I started our podcast life together.  I am so grateful. I have learned so much! Mostly about myself, send to my guests. What a great great gift it has been. I love it, and you.

He had me at funny. I love funny. He hit my funny bone and I let out my "someone hit my funny bone" guffaw. That was the beginning and the end of the story. Bob Hupp and I met when I auditioned for him for the role Madame Thenardier of the musical Les Miserables. He is one fine director, one fine specimen of person, and every bit as fine a friend. Oh and of course, I must mention he comes with a great sense of most things. His quick and dry, slightly self deprecating sense of humor is the best medicine for any scenario, and he knows how to administer the perfect dose.

I have but one bucket list, dying wish, oh-don't-make-me-beg check of the box before I check outta here, and that is to work with him again. There's my dramatic and very truthful declaration for the day.

Bob Hupp you rock. Here ya go folks.

I wasn't sure what I was seeing when I first saw her. I knew of her, and I knew of her story. But the pictures and her online presence didn't even give a nod to any of it. Not a hint. Rather, I saw an athlete. I saw a beauty. I saw strength and tenderness. I saw a lovely badass on a bike. Muscles and moxey. I wondered how in the heck she does it. Mountain biking was the front, but I wondered more about her spirit beneath. I know I sound like I'm speaking in code. I'm not. I am leaving a lot out because I can't share it all like she can. Do not miss this episode. This link will make sense soon. esprovisions.com