Were You Still Talking?

Episode 38

On recent podcasts I have talked to a woman on the spectrum who is open and willing to talk about autism and help others learn about it, a therapist that works with veterans to help them with PTSD, a guy who bicycled across the US twice, a coach who has traveled all fifty states and more than 50 counties, and more all booked through this guy! Andrew Allemann is a podcasting expert and founder of Podcastguests.com. We talk about starting the service to book guests on a podcast, what inspired him, how to be a good guest on a podcast, a free guide to help you as a podcast guest, or anytime you want to present well on a video/conference call and much more.

The service is used by over 20,000 people to both find guests for podcasts and for experts to get booked on podcasts.

Contact Andrew: podcastguests.com

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley and @slideswithjohn

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Twitter: @JoelAAlbrecht

For this episode I am using a Shure SM7b: https://amzn.to/2DiFWXf

On this week's episode I have April Yanko on the Zoom talking acting, writing and staying out of the sun even while living in LA. We talk about Pittsburgh, self-promotion for actors, why somebody would move to Los Angeles, training, a little about "Method" and what famous people are from Pittsburgh like Michael Keaton, Quinton Tarantino, Gene Kelly and Christina Aguilera.

From her website Aprilyanko.com:

Actor | Writer | Overall Weirdo

I am an actor and writer living in Los Angeles. I moved here recently from Pittsburgh, where the bulk of my experience has taken place, so I have many stories on what indie film production is like (both from an actor's pov and from that of a producer, writer, and director).

I made my TV debut on the Reelz Channel playing serial killer Karla Homolka, where I was flown to Dallas to shoot for four days.

I've been a brand ambassador for different companies in Pittsburgh and LA, working many live events. Also, a birthday party princess, working mostly as Rapunzel and Anna. Commercial shoots, model shoots, voice over gigs, I've done a LOT of different jobs within the facet of acting. And, of course, I've gathered many stories along the way.

I am a lover of cats and eater of pasta. I share internet things by the name Post March. "Post" means after, so my name is "after March," which should answer the question, "Is this a Post Malone reference?" (rather than focus on my videos, I want viewers to think about, understand, and then appreciate my riddle username).

Here are some super fun facts about me, the one with the face:

- I went to the National Theater Institute at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center where I learned how to create in all aspects of theater AND how to do it while concussed.

- My first guest star was on a show called, "Murder Made Me Famous," where I played serial killer and evil Canadian Karla Homolka, part of the Ken and Barbie Killers. I got this role through self-pitching and relationship-nurturing. Because I'm a bad ass. It's also one of the best filming experiences I've ever had.

​

- If you know Pennsylvania, I am from Johnstown, land of floods. If you don't, I am from Pittsburgh, land of potholes.

- Since graduating Point Park, I've been in over 70 student films and over 30 other projects (I want to say the opposite of student film is "adult films" but that doesn't seem right in this context).

- I narrate tutorials for VEXcode Robotics so maybe I've explained to your kid how to update the firmware of their V5 Brain.

- My first self-written/directed/produced short film, "this is a garden," is currently on the festival circuit and recently won "Best Cast" at the Alternative Film Fest in Vancouver (and I'm one of two actors in it so that's pretty good).

- My second short film, "Butt Stuff," is currently in post. It's about a sentient sex butt that is jealous of its owner's relationship with another human.

- I make random goofy videos that I share online under various forms of "Post March," which you can find by following my social links in my header.

- My first feature with a starring role, "Force to Fear," forced me to learn a lot of fight choreography and how to properly condition my hair after the 80s style tried to fry it off of my head.

- I just finished a pitching TV course where I learned how to better share my awesome adult cartoon, "Craig and Sophie."

- During college I created a Feminist Collective, served two years in Residence Life, and worked at the library as a professional shusher.

- Sure I have a BA in Acting; but more importantly, I have one in PR and Advertising. Just marvel at this website my degree taught me how to make.

- My favorite voice actor is Jodi Benson and I think if I met her I would accidentally pee myself (much like her most famous character, Ariel, did when she turned into a human).

Some other random tidbits:

- I love all pastas equally.

- I have a black cat named Artie who is my son.

- I am incredibly fond of Futurama and the Powerpuff Girls.

- All of my Neopets are alive and well.

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley and @slideswithjohn

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Twitter: @JoelAAlbrecht

What an inspiring and educational journey with Becca Lory Hector. We talk about being on the spectrum, how many animals she has, education, growing up in the 80's, and a little Elon Musk.

Becca was diagnosed on the autism spectrum as an adult and has since become a dynamic autism advocate, consultant, speaker, and author. With a focus on living an active, positive life, her work includes autism & neurodiversity consulting; public speaking engagements; a monthly newsletter, "Monthly Musings"; a weekly YouTube news show, "Neurodiversity Newsstand,"; and being an Assistant Editor/Feature Writer for Spectrum Women Magazine. Becca has published multiple articles and books about life on the autism spectrum with the goal of spreading acceptance, building understanding, and encouraging self-advocacy. She spent four years supporting the autism community in the non-profit sector in her work for grass-roots organizations that provide resources and services directly to individuals on the autism spectrum. Becca left non-profit to pursue dual certifications as a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) and Cognitive Specialist (BCCS), and to open her autism and neurodiversity consulting business. An animal lover with a special affinity for cats, Becca spends most of her free time with her many animals, her husband Antonio Hector, and their Emotional Support Animal (ESA), Sir Walter Underfoot. Sir Walter Underfoot travels, does woofing engagements, and has his very own Instagram to help share with the world his life as an ESA to an autistic adult.

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley and @slideswithjohn

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Twitter: @JoelAAlbrecht

More links for Becca:

Social Media:

Website: http://beccalory.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeccaLoryCAS/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccalorycas/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beccalorycas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccaloryhector/

Sir Walter Underfoot's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirwalterunderfoot/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BeccaLoryHector

Neurodiversity Newsstand Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/groups/890889377743690/

Neurodiversity Newsstand LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12203400/

Neurodiversity Newsstand YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npfFq5jB4bQ&list=PLcSuBw2O5_iKhpE-tGTJuqHDMSU8uXpW4

Living Positively Autistic Blog: https://geekclubbooks.com/category/penfriend/positively-autistic/

Published Writing Samples:

Success: Creating a Life You Don't Need a Vacation From

https://www.aane.org/success-creating-a-life-you-dont-need-a-vacation-from/

Autism Saved My Life

https://www.spectrumwomen.com/my-life/autism-saved-my-life-by-becca-lory-cas-bccs/

Happy Spectrumversary

https://geekclubbooks.com/2017/06/happy-spectrumversary/

The Big Sigh

https://www.spectrumwomen.com/wellbeing/the-big-sigh-by-becca-lory-cas-bccs/

On the Zoom today is Andrew Monroe. We talk about his first book, living in Amarillo Texas, motivation, traveling the USA, and I ask him what a WISP is.

Andrew is an Indie writer with a semi successful book, A Leaf and Pebble. His book hasn't topped the charts yet, but it was only published at the very end of 2019. He gained expert experience in the startup world, having helped run an internet service provider in the WISP industry and then cashed out after growing it to $4 million/year in revenue. Apart from writing the next book, Andrew spends a fair amount of time as a marketing expert for his own company, Axe & Bow.

As an adventure and fitness enthusiast, he has spent time free climbing dozens of buildings, peaks, and everything in between, earning multiple Spartan Race Trifectas, and placing in the top 20 at a Spartan Sprint in Dallas. He's even experimented a little with biohacking.

Andrew has a background education in Global Affairs with a minor in Japanese and admittedly spends too much time playing tennis. He was raised in the U.S. in the Texas Panhandle and has visited dozens of other countries.

http://www.andrewamonroe.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-a-monroe/

https://www.facebook.com/AndrewMonroeBooks

Recorded live in "The Studio".

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley and @slideswithjohn

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

On the Zoom today is Eric Slivoskey. We talk about sports, podcasting, starting a podcast, dogs, travel, personal development coaching and covering more than 1.2 million steps in a $25 dollar pair of shoes.

Eric is a small-town North Dakota writer, personal development coach, stand-up comic, and educator who loves serving others, casting vision, and taking action. He is slightly obsessed with contact sports, world travel, avocados, big dogs, and coffee. A few interesting facts about Eric: - Traveled to all 50 U.S. states and more than 50 countries, and bumped into a lot of things along the way. - Once walked the Camino trail, across a slice of France and most of Spain…all Forrest Gump like and did the 800+ km pilgrimage in 27 days covering more than 1.2 million steps in a $25 dollar pair of shoes. - Has probably had more dirty jobs than Mike Rowe including work as a driller, farm hand, milkman, dishwasher, housekeeper, carpet layer, and census taker.

Website: https://ericslivoskey.com/

Twitter: @ericslivoskey

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley and @slideswithjohn

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Twitter: @JoelAAlbrecht

What an inspiring and joyful conversation with Shawn! We talk about riding cross country on a bicycle, walking across 7 countries with a backpack and a good pair of shoes, how to be energized to start your day and so much more that I ran out of time before getting to #Extramileday.

From his website:

Shawn Anderson is a #1 ranked "Motivation" and "Self-help" author, international keynote speaker, and a results-producing people builder. His "go the extra mile" philosophy and ability to produce winning results have been praised by political leaders, Olympic Gold Medal and world record holders, and media outlets around the world. An entrepreneur since the age of 10 when he started a business selling worms to fishermen, Shawn has continued by building businesses and organizing events that make a difference in how people think. N

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Shawn is the Founder of Extra Mile America and the creator of "Extra Mile Day" in the United States......a day recognizing the capacity we each have to create positive change in our families, our organizations, our communities and ourselves when we "go the extra mile." On November 1, 2019, 533 cities made the unique declaration and recognized the superstar volunteer heroes in their communities.t

When it comes to living the life he loves, this 7-time author walks the talk. He has built a multi-million dollar company, pedaled a bike 4,000 miles across the U.S. (twice), run a 100-mile race, and created adventures in close to 50 countries including having walked across seven countries - Spain, Portugal, England, Ireland, Italy, France and Japan (750 miles). Shawn has inspired and empowered tens of thousands of people around the world through his speaking and writing...including a speaking tour in the Philippines attended by over 10,000 people.

Most of all, however, Shawn is passionate about sharing a simple message with others:

"If you want to truly create a life that you love...never stop believing in your dreams and never stop going the extra mile."

comedienne/actor and screenwriter that grew

Website: https://shawnanderson.com/

Twitter: @ToShawnAnderson

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley and @slideswithjohn

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Twitter: @JoelAAlbrecht

What a fun conversation with Jon Schwabish. We talk data (numbers not Star Trek) and I ask him if you can use data to show anything, responsibly using data and not making COVID-related visualizations that are hard to read.

Jon is an economist at the Urban Institute in Washington, DC. In addition to his research on programs that support low-income communities, he is a writer, teacher, and creator of policy-relevant data visualizations and is considered a leading voice for clarity and accessibility in how researchers communicate their analyses. He helps nonprofits, research institutions, and governments at all levels improve how they communicate their work and findings to their partners, constituents, and citizens.

His website PolicyViz: https://policyviz.com/ features his blog, podcast and upcoming book as well as a host of other information.

Jon spent the previous 9 years at the Congressional Budget Office conducting research in such areas as earnings and income inequality, immigration, disability insurance, retirement security, data measurement, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and other aspects of public policy.

We ran out of time before I could ask about his forthcoming book on data visualization: Better Data Visualizations and his new data visualization catalogue. is

an author, comedienne/actor and screenwriter that grew

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley and @slideswithjohn

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Twitter: @JoelAAlbrecht

Fun Zoom chat with Amy Lyle! What you are hearing is the second podcast with Amy after a minor snafu on the first go around. We talked about writing and humor and dogs and a bunch of other stuff. Amy is a creative: author of two number one bestselling Humor Essay books (she competes with Tina Fey, Trevor Noah, Jim Gaffigan, and David Sedaris in that category.) She is a tv personality that is on a top tier Atlanta show, Atlanta and Company and writes and co-host my own show for the UI Media Network called In The Burbs: https://www.amylyle.me/intheburbs She writes for a magazine called My Forsyth and does a lot of public speaking about the power of humor. She's a regular at the Basement Theatre doing stand-up comedy.

"I love to talk about how crazy it is trying to make it as a creative, lessons learned and how I failed my way into a career that I love."

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley and @slideswithjohn

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Twitter: @JoelAAlbrecht

So honored to have Kevin on Zoom for this episode. We talk about Kevin's unique approach to relieving stress and how he works with lions and tigers and bears to help combat veterans with PTSD.

Kevin has worked as a manual therapist for over 25 years and created a technique to relieve stress in a matter of minutes. His program The CATAlyst was designed to help combat veterans reintegrate back home and he offers it free to them.

"The CATalyst is a human-animal interaction that helps people recognize and counterbalance stress in seconds. The kicker, the people learn to calm themselves while face to face with tigers (through fences, of course). The program works in conjunction with a private animal rescue sanctuary and is free to combat veterans."

He also has written a book about it and offers a free pdf on a simple stress relieve technique on his website: http://catalystrefuge.com/

His book is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1733970606/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_awdo_VAY2Cb459N487

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley and @slideswithjohn

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Twitter: @JoelAAlbrecht

So exited to have Sudi Karatas on the show and to be back after a brief hiatus. Sudi has written over a dozen screenplays and wrote a book called Rainbow Relatives (Real World Stories and Advice On How To Talk To Kids About LGBTQ+ Families and Friends) released on May 8th 2018. Available from his website and Amazon.

He also writes songs. He likes writing anything except checks. Info on his projects and songs are on the site. Those looking to invest in film projects can contact Rick (Sudi) for more info: sudirick.com

His film "Walk A Mile In My Pradas", stars: Tom Arnold, Nathanial Marston, Dee Wallace, Mike Starr and Bruce Vilanch, was released in 2011 and sold to Germany, Australia, France and the UK. It was broadcast on OUT T.V. in Canada, and was on Netflix streaming for two years. It is now on Amazon Prime Free for members.

https://www.facebook.com/rick.karatas

https://twitter.com/sudirick

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley and @slideswithjohn

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Twitter: @JoelAAlbrecht