Were You Still Talking?

Episode #98 – Mike Schwab: Lights, Laughs & Local Skies

This week I sit down with Mike Schwab — a writer, actor, comedian, and short film creator who also happens to spend part of his days observing the weather at the local airport. (Yes, that's a real job, and yes, it's exactly as cool as it sounds.)

We talk about the creative grind: from the challenges of writing and producing short films to the rush of comedy and the craft of acting. Mike shares stories from the stage, the page, and behind the camera, giving us a glimpse into the unpredictable life of a storyteller.

And because no conversation is complete without a plot twist, we dive into what it's like to track weather conditions for aviation safety. Spoiler: it involves more than just looking out the window and guessing if it'll rain.

In this episode we cover:

· The joys and chaos of writing and performing comedy

· How short films test every ounce of creativity

· What actors bring to the table beyond the script

· Life lessons from balancing art and a "day job" at the airport

· Observing the weather and chasing tornados

Connect with Mike Schwab:Mike Schwab on LinkedIn

🎧 Were You Still Talking? is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you like to listen. Subscribe, share and leave a review.

Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d

🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

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

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

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

Episode #97 – Alan Lazaros Had an amazing conversation with Alan Lazaros, co-founder and co-host of Next Level University. We dove deep into the art (and science) of personal development, turning big dreams into actionable goals, and why self-improvement is a lifelong game worth playing. Alan shared how he overcame a near-death car accident to completely reinvent his life, build a thriving business, and help thousands of people design theirs.

We talked about the power of consistency, why your environment matters more than you think, how to spot the "hidden ceilings" holding you back, and the little habits that separate talkers from doers. There's also some great behind-the-scenes insight into how Next Level University runs 7 episodes a week without losing steam—or sanity.

Whether you're chasing a personal goal, building a business, or just trying to become a better version of yourself, this one's packed with motivation you can actually use.

🎙 About Alan Lazaros Alan Lazaros is the co-host of Next Level University, a global top-100 self-improvement podcast with over 1,500 episodes. His work focuses on holistic self-improvement - helping people master their health, wealth, and love while staying true to their own values and mission.

📌 Links & Resources

· Next Level University Podcast: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanlazaros88

🎧 Were You Still Talking? is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you like to listen. Subscribe, share and leave a review.

Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d

🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

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

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

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

Episode #96 – Chuck McGee III: Breathing Through the Ice and Everything Else This one's a deep breath in and a blast of cold air out.

Chuck McGee III—aka @icedvikingbreathworks—joins me for a wild and wide-ranging conversation about breathwork, recovery, resilience, and the power of the cold. Chuck is a certified Wim Hof Method instructor who has helped thousands reconnect to their breath, their bodies, and their purpose—sometimes through submerging themselves in icy water.

But Chuck's journey isn't all frozen rivers and calm breathing. We talk about his early life fighting in bars, how he dealt with over 20 brain injuries, and how those experiences ultimately led him to explore the transformative power of breath. From suicidal ideation to leading breath workshops around the world, Chuck's story is raw, real, and full of unexpected turns.

We dig into:

· How breathwork can shift your nervous system in seconds

· Why he voluntarily gets into freezing cold water on purpose

· The difference between stress and trauma—and how to work with both

· Rebuilding a life after repeated head trauma

· Finding peace after chaos

This is more than a conversation - it's a breath of fresh (and freezing) air.

Follow Chuck: Instagram – @icedvikingbreathworks Website – icedvikingbreathworks.com

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🎧 Were You Still Talking? is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you like to listen. Subscribe, share, and if you're breathing, leave a review.

🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

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

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

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

🎧 Were You Still Talking? – Episode 95: Brad Elder – Thrillers, Texas & Starting Over

In this episode, we cover everything from his law firm to writing his first novel to quitting smoking—and yes, even the passing of Ozzie Osbourne.

Author Brad Elder joins me to talk about his debut legal thriller Recoil of Justice, and how he went from Texas businessman (who never rode a horse) to published novelist. We get into the realities of self-publishing, the surprising highs of giving up nicotine, and what it's like to start a whole new creative chapter later in life.

This one's funny, thoughtful, and full of great insights - especially if you've ever thought about writing a book yourself.

🎙 Topics include:

· Why Brad started writing in the first place

· The process (and pitfalls) of self-publishing

· Growing up Texan (minus the cowboy boots)

· Kicking smoking to the curb

· Remembering Ozzie Osbourne

· And, of course, his new novel Recoil of Justice

📚 Learn more at bradeldernovels.com

Subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends—especially the ones who keep saying, "One day I'll write a book…"

Were You Still Talking? is the podcast where the conversation goes deep, sometimes sideways, and always brings it back to what makes us human. Thanks for listening!

🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.

Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

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

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

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

#Podcast #BradElder #writing #firstnovel #RecoilofJustice #WereYouStillTalking

Were You Still Talking? – Episode 94: Tim Thomas – Breath, Sharks, and Peaceful Sleep

In Episode 94, I sit down with the deeply insightful and endlessly interesting Tim Thomas—a man who's swum with sharks, brewed coffee for fellow soldiers in Afghanistan, and now teaches people how to breathe their way to better lives (and better sleep).

This conversation flows from adrenaline rush to stillness. We talk about adventure and presence, the healing power of nature, what it means to let go, and how something as simple as breathing can reset your nervous system and your life. Tim shares stories from the battlefield to the backcountry, and how he's now channeling those experiences into a mission to help others find calm in the chaos.

We also touch on:

· The science (and art) of breathwork

· Using stillness as strength

· Practical tips for sleep and relaxation

· What it really means to show up for your mates

🎁 Tim wants to gift YOU 28 days of great sleep Sound good? Check out his Breathwork in Bed app — a powerful, easy-to-use tool for winding down at night and waking up with purpose. It's free to try and full of natural sleep support.

Download the Breathwork in Bed App:

· 📱 Apple/iPhone: Get it on the App Store

· 🤖 Android/Google: Get it on Google Play

More from Tim Thomas & Breathwork in Bed: 🌐 Website 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 🎵 TikTok 🔗 LinkedIn

🎧 Free for the first 20 clicks! 📕 Listen to the Breathwork in Bed audiobook, narrated by me:Download Audiobook 📖 Prefer to read? Here's the PDF version:Download PDF Book

🧘‍♂️ Try the 'Breath of Peace and Possibility' tutorial:A 3-breath practice that changes everything

Were You Still Talking? is the podcast where the conversation goes deep, sometimes sideways, and always brings it back to what makes us human. Thanks for listening!

— 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

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

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

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

#Podcast #TimThomas #Selfimprovement #BreathworkinBed #Motivation #WereYouStillTalking

Episode 93 – Kevin Palmieri | Leveling Up, Staying Consistent, and Getting (a Little) Off Topic

In this episode of Were You Still Talking?, I chat with Kevin Palmieri—CFO, co-host, and co-creator of Next Level University—about his journey from hitting rock bottom to building a globally-ranked podcast and coaching brand focused on self-improvement and consistency.

We talk about what it really takes to grow, the power of habits, and how showing up every day (even when it's hard) creates real results. Of course, in true WYST fashion, we take a few detours—expect off-topic laughs, podcasting insights, and a few surprises.

If you're into personal development, podcasting, or just enjoy a good, honest conversation, this one's for you.

🎧 Guest: Kevin Palmieri 🔗 Website: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com 📱 Instagram: @neverquitkid

— 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

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

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

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

#Podcast #KevinPalmieri #Selfimprovement #NextLevelUniversity #Motivation #WereYouStillTalking

Episode #92 Robert J. Wolf

🎙️ Episode 92 – Dr. Robert J. Wolf: Survival, Family, and the Fight for Freedom

In this powerful conversation, I talk with Dr. Robert J. Wolf—neuroradiologist, speaker, and author of Not a Real Enemy: The True Story of a Hungarian Jewish Man's Fight for Freedom. We explore the astonishing true story of his father, Ervin Wolf, who escaped both Nazi terror and Communist persecution in a series of harrowing, near-miraculous events.

Robert shares how he turned his family's history into a gripping narrative, the challenges of writing deeply personal nonfiction, and why stories like these are essential in today's world. We also talk about Holocaust education, generational trauma, and the universal fight for dignity and freedom.

📚 Buy the Book: Not a Real Enemy: The True Story of a Hungarian Jewish Man's Fight for Freedom▶️ Available on Amazon

🌐 Guest Website:🔗 https://robertjwolfmd.com

📖 More About the Guest: Dr. Robert J. Wolf is a neuroradiologist with over 30 years in medicine, and the son of Holocaust and Cold War survivors. His award-winning debut book preserves his family's extraordinary story of survival, resistance, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. A passionate speaker and advocate, he now uses storytelling to educate future generations and combat hate.

💬 Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

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

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

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

#Podcasting

#author

#NotARealEnemy

# Holocaust

Episode #91 Alan Katz

Well that was a blast. Had a great conversation with AL Katz about his journey through Hollywood and beyond. We got into his time writing for iconic shows like Tales from the Crypt, working with legends like Robert Zemeckis and Walter Hill, navigating the wild world of TV and film production, and why he walked away from it all.

We also dove into The Donor: A Modern Horror Story, his deeply personal and harrowing true story that blends medical mystery with psychological thriller—an incredible example of real life being stranger (and scarier) than fiction. AL opened up about how the experience changed him and how he turned it into a powerful narrative.

Oh, and the Hollywood stories—buckle up. AL shared some truly bizarre, hilarious, and borderline unbelievable encounters with a certain A-list celebrity whose behavior might just redefine "diva." From strange requests to even stranger habits, you'll have to hear it to believe it.

We also talked about "The How NOT To Make A Movie Podcast" which Entertainment Weekly called the first season of the "Best Film Podcast of 2022".. A funny, honest, intense, and eye-opening chat with someone who's lived through the highs, lows, and total WTF moments of the industry. Don't miss this one.

More here: https://thedonorpodcast.com/

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

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

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

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

#sylvesterstallone

#wellbeing

#movies

#TV

#talesfromthecrypt

Episode #90 With Peter Moore

Ok, that was fun. Talked to Peter Moore about a few of the things he's been up to over his career. We talked about working as a columnist/cartoonist, writing for major magazines like Backpacker and, Men's Health, flying on a private jet with Matt Damon, meeting with Barack Obama, going on the Today Show, his favorite two spots in the world and so much more.

Best place to follow Peter: https://petermoore.substack.com/

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

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

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

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

#Podcasting

#author

#MattDamon

#health

#wellbeing

#cartoonist

Episode #88 With David Amerland

This one was a lot of fun. We had a great conversation even before the podcast started. (some of it included on YouTube). We talked about human behavior, his new book "Built to Last", understanding why we do the things we do and much more.

David Amerland is a writer focused on how human behavior is shaped by modern forces, especially technology, and how that shift impacts our health, culture, and stories. After building a career in marketing and publishing several successful business books, David Amerland expanded into the wellness space with Built to Last, a practical guide to health, longevity, and intentional living.

Now also writing fiction, David Amerland explores the emotional and psychological impact of modern life through storytelling. Across all genres, his work investigates how we adapt, and sometimes resist, to change in a fast-moving world and what that does to our sense of values, the moral code we create for ourselves and the societies we build, as a result.

David Amerland's work has been featured in Inc. and Forbes, interviewed on Scott Monty's Timeless & Timely, and speaks on topics ranging from digital culture to long-term wellbeing.

Latest Book: https://www.amazon.com/Built-Last-Stronger-Healthier-Happier/dp/1844811832

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

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

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

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

#Podcasting

#author

#humanbehaviour

#health

#wellbeing

#fitness