Troubled Artists

Welcome to the 22nd episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing author and musician, Ray Hartjen.

In a professional career that has spanned parts of five decades, Ray has pivoted on many occasions, from investment banking to pharmaceuticals, from consumer electronics to SaaS software. One constant throughout his career path, however, has been storytelling.

In the past, Ray has been a frequent source for quotes from the national media on both the consumer electronics and retail industries. Additionally, as a contributor to a number of online outlets and platforms, including his rayhartjen.com site, he has spun his fair share of yarn on topics as far ranging as sports — primarily football, hockey and auto racing — and business, particularly revenue team functions like sales and marketing. 

Ray is the author of five published books, Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh; Me, Myself & My Multiple Myeloma; The Indy 500: A Year-Long Quest to Win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing; Revenue Orchestration & Today’s New Era of B2B Sales and Marketing, and Outflanked, an espionage thriller.

Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in March of 2019, Ray is a cancer fighter every day of the week that ends in a ‘y.’ And, with the soundtrack of life playing continuously in his head, Ray also performs and records with his two-piece acoustic band, the Chronic Padres. 

A native of Texas, Ray holds an undergraduate degree from Eastern Kentucky University and an MBA from the University of Washington.

We’ll be discussing his upbringings as an artist and share advice for future artists around the world.

Ray Hartjen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayhartjen?igsh=OWhoNzdscW4xZ2Jn

Ray Hartjen’s YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@rayhartjen?si=QzJWqQgUgIBPkAkL

“Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh”: https://a.co/d/2efKkvU

“Me, Myself, & My Multiple Myeloma”: https://a.co/d/b1pUBZ9

The Indy 500: A Year-Long Quest to Win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing: https://a.co/d/8JjrkSw

Welcome to the 21st episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing author, Natasha Tynes.

Natasha Tynes is a Jordanian-American author and communications professional based in Washington, DC. She runs her own digital media agency, Suburban Media Group, where she advises clients on best practices in digital media branding. She has over twenty years of experience working as a journalist, writer, and social media manager.

She is a regular contributor to numerous publications inside and outside the United States. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Nature, Elle, The Post, Esquire, Al Jazeera, among others.

Natasha Tynes has appeared on several television programs, including Larry King Live, PBS’s Foreign Exchange, The Paula Zahn Show, CBS’s Morning Show, Scarborough Country, and the BBC’s Up All Night, among others.

She hosts the podcast Read and Write with Natasha, where she chats with authors, publishers, and book marketers from around the world.

She is the author of the speculative literary novel They Called Me Wyatt. Her short stories have appeared in Geometry, The Timberline Review, The Markez Review, and Fjords.

Natasha Tyne’s Website: https://www.natashatynes.com

Natasha Tyne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.tynes?igsh=MTJqcnNibngzb3Fvbw==

Natasha Tyne’s “Read and Write” Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nZHcCyvDsiBtaVgEHhhpp?si=ddhkz_fGR5uJGjfIHeM1VQ

“They Called Me Wyatt” Novel: https://a.co/d/fzd3KQ8

“Karma Unleashed: Tales of Karma” Novel: https://a.co/d/7zMIahi

Natasha Tyne’s YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@natashatynes?si=yeuEhbY8BLQVzB5L

Welcome to the 20th episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing author and Hollywood storyteller, Kay A. Oliver

Kay A. Oliver is an award-winning author, celebrated storyteller, and respected figure in both literature and entertainment. Known for her page-turning novels filled with unexpected twists, Kay captivates readers with her signature easy-to-read style that blends suspense, heart, and inspiration. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to craft captivating stories that spark joy, ignite imagination, and keep readers spellbound.

Recognized internationally for her literary achievements, Kay was named Fiction Author of the Year 2025 by the International Association of Top Professionals. Her work and accomplishments have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Vogue Magazine, AP News Wire, and Orange County News. She is also honored in Who’s Who in America, and has received accolades such as “Woman of the Year Circle” from the National Association of Professional Women, “Who’s Who Women of Influence 2024”, and “Distinguished Woman of the Year 2023” by the City of Stanton. With over 20 literary awards, Kay has secured her reputation as one of today’s most prolific storytellers.

With over three decades in Hollywood, Kay has worked on Emmy and Oscar-winning productions, infusing her novels with cinematic depth, sharp dialogue, and unforgettable characters. She is currently adapting her acclaimed novel Road to Elysium into a streaming film project, further bridging the worlds of publishing and screen entertainment.

Kay’s portfolio spans ten bestselling novels, including women’s fiction, cozy mysteries, and inspirational stories of resilience, all of which resonate deeply with readers worldwide. Beyond her books, Kay has appeared as a guest on over 25 podcasts, where she shares her passion for storytelling, creative writing tips, and advice for aspiring authors. Her insights inspire both new and seasoned writers, reflecting her lifelong commitment to nurturing talent.

Holding degrees in Radio/TV/Film and an MBA in Business, Kay brings together creativity and strategy, making her a visionary in both writing and entertainment. Through her official website, she offers free writing tips, author resources, and insights into her novels, continuing her mission to inspire, teach, and entertain.

Kay A. Oliver’s award-winning books and inspiring journey solidify her place as a true literary leader and Hollywood storyteller, whose stories will continue to resonate for generations.

We’ll be discussing her upbringings as an artist, as well as share advice for up and coming artists.

Kay A. Oliver’s Website: https://kayaoliver.com/

Kay A. Oliver’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hollywood_gal?igsh=MWIxb2RsM3AwMHdvaQ==

Welcome to the 19th episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today's episode, I'm interviewing author Bria Rose.

Bria Rose is an indie author with a passion for writing dark romance fairytale retellings. Disney has been a part of her life since she was young, and she even had the opportunity to work at Disneyland for several years.

When the COVID pandemic brought her Disney journey to an end, she discovered a new passion—writing. Inspiration struck when she imagined a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Two years later, she published Her Dark Promise on Halloween of 2024.

We'll be discussing her upbringings as an author, as well as share advice for up and coming artists.

Bria Rose's Website: https://authorbriarose.com/

Bria Rose's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbriarose?igsh=djk0YmtyNmF1OW9l

Bria Rose’s Latest Book “Her Dark Promise”: https://a.co/d/dof3jBp

Welcome to the 18th episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing author Shanti Hershenson.

Shanti Hershenson’s first two novellas were published when she was in the sixth grade, although her writing journey started long before then. Ever since she could hold a pencil, marker, or crayon, she was creating stories. They started from pictures, mere scribbles, and eventually, turned into captivating tales.

She lives in California with her parents, sister, and furry friends. Besides writing, she enjoys skateboarding, Beyblading, free-running, falconry, and of course, reading. She writes in a variety of genres, including Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Historical Fiction, although she mostly sticks to Sci-Fi.

She advocates for anti-bullying, and you may find her at open mic-nights, performing her spoken word poem Needles & Thorns, which is about the struggle of bullying in middle schools.

We’ll be discussing her upbringings as an author, balancing work and social life, and share advice for up and coming authors.

Shanti Hershenson’s Website: https://www.shantihershenson.com/

Shanti Hershenson’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shantiwhowrites

Shanti Hershenson’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shantihershenson?igsh=MWZ1aDdmNXBiMG05cQ==

Shanti Hershension’s Amazon Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shanti-Hershenson/author/B08QRF5LP4?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1645593351&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Welcome to the 17th episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing cinematographer and writer, Tara Sanders Brooks.

She is a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, where she earned her MFA in Film Production. Her work on the documentary “Spokespeople” won the 2021 First Look Award at USC for Outstanding Cinematography, as well as Best Short Doc at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. Other film honors include being named a 2023 and 2025 Women in Media Altitude Awards Semi-Finalist and lensing the short Gays' Straight Makeover, which premiered at the American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

Tara spent four years as a writer and content creator for American Cinematographer magazine, where she has published over fifty articles. She is also a FAA certified drone pilot, member of ICFC, and proud IASTE Local 600 AC. If she isn't writing about or creating films, she is taking photos of her cats with her Leica or writing novels.

Her debut book, It Will Last Longer, is out now.

Tara Sanders Brooks Website: https://tarasandersbrooks.com

Tara Sanders Brooks Cinematography Reel: https://vimeo.com/1048031612

Tara Sanders Brooks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarasandersbrooks?igsh=MTB5Ynd0Zmw2dG43NQ==

Tara Sanders Brooks Substack: https://substack.com/@tarasandersbrooks?r=6ql0gw&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile

“It Will Last Longer” Novel: https://a.co/d/i4RK13v

Welcome to the 16th episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today's episode, I'm interviewing author and grief counselor Sheila K. Collins.

As an award-winning author and grief advocate, Sheila K. Collins discovered the transformative power of art in healing after enduring the loss of two adult children. On tour for Warrior Mother: Fierce Love, Unbearable Loss and the Rituals that Heal, she realized how deeply our Western culture struggles with grief—fearing it and not knowing how to respond to others’ loss.

This inspired her groundbreaking work in The Art of Grieving: How Art and Art Making Help Us Grieve and Live Our Best Lives, where she asks, “What if grieving were a skill we could practice and master, like an art form?” Sheila reveals how the arts—dance, music, storytelling, and more—are natural medicines that can help us metabolize loss and live fully, offering a fresh, hopeful perspective on grief.

We'll be discussing the power of grief to use as artists, and overcoming tragedy to better ourselves as human beings.

Sheila K Collins's Website: https://sheilakcollins.com/

Sheila K Collins's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheilakcollins?igsh=eG9peWRiZXZpeGli

Welcome to the 15th episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing director, show-runner, producer, and documentarian, Neil Laird.

Neil Laird is an LGBTQIA+, multiple Emmy-nominated director of historical films for Discovery, BBC, PBS, History Channel, National Geographic, and many other networks. He has produced over 100 programs around the globe that feature crumbling Egyptian tombs, lost Mayan cities, and mysterious shipwrecks at the bottom of the sea. But to his continued disappointment, he has yet to stumble upon a time machine to see these places when they were shiny and new. Prime Time Travelers, the first in a series of novels based on his years making antiquity TV, aims to remedy that grave injustice.

We’ll be discussing his upbringings as an artist, his inspiration behind documentary filmmaking, and share advice for up and coming artists.

Neil Laird’s Website: https://www.neillaird.com

Neil Laird’s IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0481987/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Prime Time Traveler’s Book: https://a.co/d/57bHWZD

Welcome to the 14th episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today’s episode I’m interviewing dancer, choreographer, and educator, Alexandra Beller.

Alexandra Beller is a celebrated choreographer, director, and educator with over 25 years of experience in dance, theatre, and the creative process. A former member of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and director of Alexandra Beller/Dances, she is a sought-after mentor and award-winning choreographer whose work bridges embodiment and artistry. Her latest book, The Anatomy of Art, offers a field guide for artists, blending poetic insight and practical tools to inspire brave and authentic creative practice.

Alexandra Beller’s Website: https://alexandrabellerdances.org/

Alexandra Beller’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrabellerdances?igsh=dmVkbG5wN2xmand5

Alexandra Beller’s YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@alexandrabeller9868?si=6AcXelWP7NOISSiP

We’ll be discussing finding the beauty and creativity within ourselves, trusting our creative instincts, and other artistic outlets to explore as a rising artist.

Welcome to the 13th episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing singer/songwriter, musician, and former classmate, Samuel Contreras AKA FusionWolf.

Samuel is a local musician from the Chicagoland area. His latest album “Limbo” is currently out on all music streaming platforms.

We’ll be discussing Samuel’s upbringings as a musician, balancing art with life, and share advice for artists everywhere.

FusionWolf’s Spotify Page: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Mkpst9Waz4dYZ3SHBW850?si=t1TmfRSZRXygeZzRB-OdqQ

FusionWolf’s Apple Music Page: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/fusionwolf/1490652692

FusionWolf’s YouTube Page: https://youtube.com/@fusionwolfvevo?si=55-I5CeWxUQM93nV

FusionWolf’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fusionwolfvevo?igsh=czc4bXYwYWVlMWJi