Trigger, editor and creator of SavingCountryMusic.com, shares how his website grew from a grassroots effort to champion independent country music artists into an influential platform that has helped launch careers and change the industry.

• Started SavingCountryMusic.com in 2008 out of frustration with mainstream country music
• Built his reputation by being the first to discover artists like Sturgill Simpson and Zach Bryan
• Takes pride in helping artists reach a level where they no longer need his platform
• Successfully advocated for the Grammy Awards to add a Best Traditional Country Album category
• Has built a passionate grassroots fan community similar to the Grateful Dead model
• Deliberately chose to remain a stepping stone for artists rather than expanding into other business areas
• Launching "The Hook" - a new songwriter showcase featuring both established and undiscovered talent
• The Hook will provide professional video content, industry connections, and honest feedback to participants
• First official taping will be September 29th at Eastside Bowl in Nashville

Barry Mazor unveils the untold story behind his comprehensive biography "Blood Harmony: The Everly Brothers Story," offering unprecedented insights into the lives and legacy of rock and roll pioneers Don and Phil Everly. This meticulously researched 400-page book represents the first serious, depth-sourced biography of the iconic duo whose harmonies and groundbreaking fusion of country and rock shaped generations of music.

• Writing process took three and a half years of deep research and document analysis
• Many key figures from the Everlys' early career have passed away, requiring extensive archival research
• International fan club provided rare newspaper clippings and materials from around the world
• Interviewed previously unheard voices including producers, road managers, wives and girlfriends
• Explores the complex relationship between two brothers "practically stapled together for 60 years"
• Reveals personal struggles including Don Everly's two suicide attempts
• Examines their musical innovation combining sweet country harmonies with R&B rhythms
• Highlights their massive influence on The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Beach Boys and countless others
• First sentence of book: "The difference between the famed and the rest of us is that so many people think they know them"

Blood Harmony: The Everly Brothers Story is available now wherever books are sold.

Jeffrey Sitkov and Justine Yildiz share the powerful story of Doors of Change, a nonprofit that has helped over 2,900 homeless youth find housing and essential services since 2001. 

Through their innovative Homeless Youth Advocacy Program, they're transforming lives by building trust with vulnerable young people and connecting them with the resources needed to leave street life behind.

• Approximately 4.2 million youth between 17-24 are homeless in America today
• 40% of homeless youth are LGBTQ+ individuals typically kicked out after coming out to their families
• 60% come from severely dysfunctional families with parents suffering from mental illness or substance abuse
• Justine ran away at 12 and spent years on the streets before finding help through Doors of Change
• Building trust is crucial—the organization provides 24/7 support and meets youth exactly where they are
• Their music and art program helped Justine develop jewelry-making skills that supported her through school
• Justine's journey from suicide watch to law school graduate demonstrates the power of consistent support
• The organization has helped 966 youth find housing in just the last four years
• Music industry support from artists like Elton John, Billy Joel, and Willie Nelson has helped raise nearly $900,000
• Even small donations of $18/month can make a profound difference in a young person's life

Visit doorsofchange.org to learn more about their work and how you can help transform the lives of homeless youth through your support.

Multi-award winning filmmaker Susie Singer-Carter shares her journey from entertainment industry professional to healthcare advocate after her mother's battle with Alzheimer's and experience with nursing home neglect.

• Born and raised in Los Angeles to parents in the music industry, storytelling was always part of her DNA
• Started in journalism at UCLA before transitioning to radio, acting, and forming a music group with Chuck Lorre
• Moved into children's programming and film, working on Saturday morning CBS shows and co-writing movies like "Bratz" and "Soul Surfer"
• Created the Oscar-qualified short film "My Mom and the Girl," starring Valerie Harper, based on her mother's Alzheimer's journey
• Her documentary "No Country for Old People" exposes systemic nursing home neglect after witnessing her mother's mistreatment
• Worked with former federal prosecutor Rick Montcastle to create a comprehensive look at long-term care failures
• Launched the ROAR movement (Respect, Outreach, Advocacy, Reform) to mobilize families for long-term care reform
• Uses her platform to destigmatize Alzheimer's and advocate for better care for vulnerable populations

For more information or to join the movement, visit nocountryforoldpeople.com and learn how to be part of creating change in our long-term care system.

Steve Cohen, Emmy award-winning producer and Billy Joel's longtime creative director, guides us through the creation of HBO's powerful new documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," premiering July 18th and 25th as a landmark two-part film exploring the Piano Man's extraordinary life and music.

• Billy Joel initially resisted documentary proposals for years, believing "his life is in his music" until recently deciding the time was right
• The project came together when filmmaker Susan Lacey (creator of PBS's American Masters series) connected with Cohen through a series of fortunate coincidences
• Cohen served as executive producer while ensuring Billy maintained no editorial control to preserve the film's authenticity
• Susan Lacey and co-director Jessica Levin created an unexpected connection with Billy through their shared classical music backgrounds and Holocaust survivor family histories
• The documentary features 120 Billy Joel songs and reveals the personal stories and motivations behind his writing that he rarely discussed publicly
• Steve Cohen is transitioning from his 50-year rock and roll touring career to focus on film and television production as his "second act"

Watch "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" premiering on HBO July 18th (Part One) and July 25th (Part Two).

Eric Dahl, host of the nationally syndicated Rock and Review with Eric Dahl TV show, shares his fascinating journey from accidentally purchasing BB King's stolen guitar to becoming a respected music interviewer reaching millions of viewers nationwide.

• Started in television at age 19 in the mid-80s
• Accidentally bought BB King's stolen Lucille guitar in Las Vegas and returned it to him
• Transitioned from Vegas to Nashville in 2011 to better raise his daughter
• Has expanded his show from reaching 800,000 viewers to 17 million viewers nationally
• Prepares extensively for interviews without scripted questions to keep conversations authentic
• Interviewed over 1,080 artists across 13 years of his television show
• Approaches interviews from a musician's perspective, discussing technical aspects other interviewers might miss
• Recently launched a Spotify playlist featuring music from artists who appear on his show
• Dreams of interviewing Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top and Lady Gaga

Grammy-nominated jazz pianist, R&B singer, and record producer Patrice Rushen shares her journey through the entertainment industry. 

She offers wisdom about musical versatility, artistic growth, and prioritizing musical excellence over fame-seeking.

• Currently working on an orchestral commission for Juilliard Prep School and Interlochen while balancing performing and teaching
• Grew up in Los Angeles with diverse musical influences including jazz, Latin, gospel, and reggae
• Earth, Wind & Fire played at her high school prom just before they became famous
• Received formative advice from Quincy Jones: "If you want to be a composer, you're going to have to be really, really, really good"
• Seamlessly transitioned between roles as composer, performer, producer, and educator throughout career
• Her hit "Forget Me Nots" gained new audiences when sampled in "Men in Black" and George Michael's "Fast Love"
• Emphasizes the importance of apprenticeship and putting yourself in situations "where you're not the best one in the room"
• Believes technology should enhance music without sacrificing the human element or emotional connection
• Enjoys strong fanbase in the UK and Europe despite touring challenges in today's industry

Mike Batt shares his fascinating journey from writing Wombles hits to collaborating with Justin Haywood of the Moody Blues on their new orchestral cover of "Like in a Northern Town." 

His career spans decades of evolution as a songwriter, producer, composer, and arranger working with everyone from Art Garfunkel to the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

• Collaborated with Justin Haywood on a new recording using the London Philharmonic Orchestra
• First gained fame writing songs for The Wombles television show after negotiating for character rights instead of a one-time payment
• Wrote Art Garfunkel's hit "Bright Eyes" and has worked with numerous other artists
• Balances classical orchestral influences with contemporary music in his compositions
• Currently working on a symphonic project he calls "Symphony No. 9"
• Released his memoir titled "The Closest Thing to Crazy" about his music career and adventures

Visit mikebatt.com for more information about Mike's projects and to purchase signed copies of his memoir.

Rufus Wainwright, acclaimed by The New York Times for his genuine originality, shares updates on his diverse musical projects and reflects on his artistic journey spanning pop, classical, and collaborative work.

• Currently promoting "Dream Requiem" featuring narrators including Meryl Streep and Jane Fonda
• Preparing his second opera "Hadrian" for Italy's Spoleto Festival in June
• Scheduled to perform for King Charles of England
• Working on his 11th studio album, planning to begin recording this fall
• Reflects on how studio recording has evolved from lavish early days at DreamWorks to today's more focused approach
• Credits his mother Kate McGarrigle as "the greatest musician I ever met" and major influence
• Discusses his Carnegie Hall performances, including shows with David Bowie and Philip Glass
• Notes his audience appreciates his technical vocal abilities and dedication to performance craft
• Shares bucket list items including a French-language album and more musical theater work
• Recently renewed his passion for visual art, with drawings exhibited at the Royal Drawing Academy
• Emphasizes the importance of balancing touring with family life and being present as a father

Peter Samuelson shares how his transition from successful film producer to nonprofit founder has led to his greatest happiness and inspired his new book "Finding Happy."

• Produced iconic films like "Revenge of the Nerds" and "Wild"
• Co-founded Starlight with Steven Spielberg to help seriously ill children
• Created First Star to propel foster youth to college success
• Started EDAR (Everyone Deserves A Roof) providing mobile shelters for homeless individuals
• New book "Finding Happy" combines life lessons with film industry anecdotes
• Identifies three levels of happiness: short-term (immediate pleasure), medium-term (security), and long-term (helping others)
• Believes creating "ripples on the pond" by helping others leads to lasting fulfillment
• Teaches Random Acts of Kindness classes where foster youth get to donate money to causes they care about
• Emphasizes the importance of empathy in healing societal divides
• Advocates for embracing failure as a necessary part of success
• Notes the powerful connection between foster youth and music due to its portability

"Finding Happy" releases June 10th through Simon & Schuster and will be available in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and e-book formats.