Lois Lowry – Part 2

In part 2 of my RSC with Lois Lowry, we delve into the inklings of her most famous novel, “The Giver”, talk about how she developed the story, the production of the acclaimed movie, “The Giver”, how she receives emails daily from people all over the world telling her how the novel has impacted them. And, we talk about what’s on her plate as she continues her voluminous writing career at 87.

Lois’ website is:  http://loislowry.com

Lois Lowry – Part 1

Lois Lowry is the internationally-acclaimed author of many young adult novels. In part 1 of our RSC, Lois and I talk about how she began writing and how it led to her writing her most famous novel, “The Giver”.

Here is Lois’ website:  http://loislowry.com

Lucie Frost

Lucie Frost is a retired employment lawyer, now writer, living in south-central Texas. She is the author of How the Hell Did I Not Know That?, coming April 2025 from Trinity University Press, and is currently working on a comedic, midlife coming-of-age novel.

You can find her on Instagram , Threads, Facebook, and TikTok @lucieHfrost.

Sign up for her weekly reel roundup at her website: www.luciefrost.com   

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

Andy Huggins

Andy Huggins has a stand-up for over forty years. He has opened for acts ranging from Ray Charles to Jeff Foxworthy and had a successful appearance on America’s Got Talent in 2018. His very first special (It’s about damn time!), “Early Bird Special” was released in October of 2023. He’s 74 years old and still getting after it!

Andy’s comedy show, “Early Bird Special” is here: https://tinyurl.com/f73zt5t5

Michael Graziano

Michael Steven Anthony Graziano is an American scientist and novelist who is currently a professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Princeton University. His scientific research focuses on the brain basis of awareness. He has proposed the “attention schema” theory, an explanation of how, and for what adaptive advantage, brains attribute the property of awareness to themselves.

Michael’s website: https://grazianolab.princeton.edu

His previous work focused on how the cerebral cortex monitors the space around the body and controls movement within that space. Notably he has suggested that the classical map of the body in motor cortex, the homunculus, is not correct and is better described as a map of complex actions that make up the behavioral repertoire. Michael’s publications on this topic have had a widespread impact among neuroscientists but have also generated controversy. His novels rely partly on his background in psychology and are known for surrealism or magic realism. Graziano also composes music including symphonies and string quartets.

Dee Wallace

Internationally known as an Emmy nominated actress with five series, and over 250 films/TV movie credits, Dee is also a best-selling author and a multi-nationally respected authority on the art of self-creation for over 30 year, having authored five books on the subject of self-creation: Conscious Creation, The Big E!, Bright Light, Getting Stuff and Wake Up Now! BORN and BuppaLaPaloo (children’s book) are her sixth and seventh offerings. All of which are subjects she is available to discuss.

Here is Dee’s website: https://iamdeewallace.com

As a much sought-after speaker, Dee has spoken at numerous national and international venues and outlets including TED Talks, the Love and Harmony Forum in Japan, The Dillon Lecture Series, Unity Temple, The Kansas Film Commission, and asked to speak in China, New Zealand, Amsterdam, Australia, England and all across the United States and Canada. Dee has appeared on every major news and talk show and has been featured on E! True Hollywood Stories, and Oprah. Dee continues to conduct her weekly call-in radio show with over 500 episodes, monthly webinars and private sessions worldwide. Like the title character in the #1 all time hit film that she stars in, she teaches us how to truly “get back home.”

Michael Learned

Michael Learned is an American actress, best known for her role as Olivia Walton in the CBS drama series “The Waltons”.

Michael spent the first ten years of her life on a farm with her five sisters. She went on to study acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, and began her career on stage before transitioning to television and film.  

Michael has won four Emmy Awards for her work on “The Waltons”, and has appeared in numerous other television series and movies throughout her career.

In addition to her acting career, Learned has been an activist for women’s rights and social justice issues. Today, Michael continues to act and remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Her legacy as a talented actress and committed activist serves as an inspiration to many.

Sharon Gillenwater

Sharon Gillenwater is a SaaS start-up adviser, Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, speaker and author. She is the co-founder of, respectively, Fidget.com and Boardroom Insiders—where she served as CEO. In 2022, Boardroom Insiders was acquired by Euromoney LLC, leading her to a $25M exit. Sharon lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Sharon’s first book, “Scaling with Soul: How I Built and Sold a $25 Million Startup Without Being an A**hole” will be available in May 2024.

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sharonkgillenwater

Sharon’s website: www.sharonkgillenwater.com

Tiye Chambers

Tiye Chambers is a boundary strategist, educator, and advocate who specializes in emotional intelligence education. With a BA in Speech Communication and Theater Arts, Tiye possesses a poised delivery that captivates audiences as she shares her messages.

Learn more about Tiye here: https://www.boundaryup.com/

and on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tiyechambers

Drawing from personal experience overcoming toxic trauma, Tiye uniquely blends compassion, practical high-impact boundary expertise, and a soulful relatability. Her passion lies in empowering others to “Boundary Up,” a concept aimed at nurturing a stronger sense of self-worth and love. Tiye’s commitment to fostering emotional intelligence and boundary-setting skills deeply resonates with individuals on a journey of personal growth and transformation.

Lina Lyte Plioplyte

Lina Lyte Plioplyte’s passion for moving images started while studying journalism in Lithuania and later at the University of Colorado Boulder. The best film school has been New York city, where Lina established herself in 2008 making films for NYLON magazine and fashion brands.

For the past 10 years, Lina has been working as a freelance director & cinematographer, making numerous documentaries, commercials, travel content and short films that have been shown on MTV, PBS, Venice Biennale, and various film festivals, including SxSW and IDFA. Lina’s feature-length directorial debut was ADVANCED STYLE, currently streaming on Amazon, after a successful run on Netflix. PERIODICAL, her next feature documentary about menstrual cycle, aired on MSNBC and Peacock.

Lina is in development for her third feature. Lina’s cinematography, acknowledged with an Emmy, champions the natural light and intimacy with those she films. Her goal as a storyteller is to bring more balance into the world and to remember the mystery and awe. Understanding both camera and the story makes Lina a skillful collaborator in crafting documentaries. She believes in integral filmmaking, by hiring women and minorities, mentoring young filmmakers, and making her film sets plastic-free.

Connect with Lina here: http://lytefilms.com

Here is her boot camp for filmmakers: http://www.lytefilms.com/Accelerator

And, learn more about Lina here: https://linaplioplyte.com

Lauren Howard

Lauren “L2” Howard, President and CEO of ElleTwo and VirtuELLE Health, specializes in clinical operations, healthcare technology, and helping women redefine professionalism.

www.elletwo.com

At VirtuELLE Health, L2 marries her experiences to provide infrastructure design, market fit insights, implementation strategies, growth models and more to healthcare and allied healthcare companies. She works with groups around the globe to help direct strategy and advise on growing digital health technologies and programs in a post-pandemic world. Through the re-launched ElleTwo, L2 will lift up the voices of women, provide resources for growth, and community for support to anyone looking to redefine professionalism for themselves”

Jonathan Shroyer

Jonathan Shroyer: Chief CX Officer, Visionary Entrepreneur, & Trailblazer. As a 2x founder in Gaming, AI & EComm, Jonathan is driven by bold innovation and a “win or learn” ethos. Recognized globally, accolades include the UK Parliament’s Mahatma Gandhi Medal of Honour, Wall Street Journal’s Lifetime Achievement, and Forbes & Fortune USA’s Top CX Professionals of 2022. Awarded for exceptional CX strategies, he’s celebrated for his transformative impact on businesses, pushing the limits of what’s possible. Jonathan’s mission is shaping the future by transcending boundaries.

Learn more about Jonathan here:  https://chiefcxofficer.com

Paul Guyot

Paul Guyot’s new book, KILL THE DOG, does what no other screenwriting book has ever done – it tells the truth. Not only does it expose the lies of all the previous books, but it reveals the truths of the working professional screenwriter’s life, and what it takes to have that life. Part instruction, part Hollywood memoir, part life lessons, and all authentic, KILL THE DOG is written with a raw honesty unlike any book on screenwriting you’ve ever read. Get KILL THE DOG here: https://tinyurl.com/2rvkfh6n

Paul Guyot has been a WGA screenwriter for more than 20 years. He has written and produced over 200 hours of television, and written feature films that have grossed half a billion dollars. He has been a showrunner, and won the EIC Prism Award, People’s Choice Award and others for his writing. Most importantly, he is currently an in demand working professional screenwriter.

Sue Gordon – RSC Part 2

Sue was the fifth Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) from August 2017 to August 2019. As PDDNI, Sue was a key advisor to the President and National Security Council and led the 17-member Intelligence Community.

With more than three decades of experience in the IC, Sue has served in a variety of leadership roles spanning numerous intelligence organizations and disciplines. Prior to the DNI, Sue served as the Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency from 2015 to 2017, helping the director lead the agency and manage the National System of Geospatial Intelligence.

Before joining the NGA, she served for 27 years at the Central Intelligence Agency, rising to senior executive positions in each of the Agency’s four directorates: operations, analysis, science and technology, and support. In 1998, she designed and drove the formation of In-Q-Tel, a private, non-profit company whose primary purpose is to deliver innovative technology solutions for the agency and the IC.

Sue is the recipient of numerous government and industry awards, including the Distinguished Intelligence Medal and the Distinguished Presidential Rank Award. Sue earned a Bachelor of Science from Duke University. A trusted authority on strategy, innovation and leadership, Sue is currently a consultant on global risk, technology, cyber and space issues and a member of the Board at Pallas Advisors, a Washington D.C.-based consultancy

Sue Gordon – RSC Part 1

Sue was the fifth Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) from August 2017 to August 2019. As PDDNI, Sue was a key advisor to the President and National Security Council and led the 17-member Intelligence Community.

With more than three decades of experience in the IC, Sue has served in a variety of leadership roles spanning numerous intelligence organizations and disciplines. Prior to the DNI, Sue served as the Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency from 2015 to 2017, helping the director lead the agency and manage the National System of Geospatial Intelligence.

Before joining the NGA, she served for 27 years at the Central Intelligence Agency, rising to senior executive positions in each of the Agency’s four directorates: operations, analysis, science and technology, and support. In 1998, she designed and drove the formation of In-Q-Tel, a private, non-profit company whose primary purpose is to deliver innovative technology solutions for the agency and the IC.

Sue is the recipient of numerous government and industry awards, including the Distinguished Intelligence Medal and the Distinguished Presidential Rank Award. Sue earned a Bachelor of Science from Duke University. A trusted authority on strategy, innovation and leadership, Sue is currently a consultant on global risk, technology, cyber and space issues and a member of the Board at Pallas Advisors, a Washington D.C.-based consultancy

Annetta Marion – A 2nd RSC

Annetta Marion’s star is rising so fast. The documentary she produced, “Still, A Michael J. Fox Movie”, has been nominated for 7 Emmy Awards, the most of any documentary of 2023.

In this edition of RSC, Annetta and I talk about life in reverse order – Part 1 – the Emmys and the on-going WGA/SAG-AFTRA strike and her involvement. In Part 2, we discuss her experience this spring with “Still” at Sundance and in Boston. And, in Part 3, we learn about Annetta’s origin story from high school and college, her work as a computer engineer and then her participation and advocacy in the abortion rights movement and how it led her into filmmaking. Enjoy!!!

Niki Madjlessi-Jouffroy

It was a pleasure to speak with Niki Madjlessi-Jouffroy on Reasonably Spontaneous Conversations, Linked In edition in May 2023.

We chatted about the astonishingly fast-moving world of AI and how her work at Microsoft is supporting businesses around the globe. Niki’s mission is to help C-level customers define their digital transformation roadmap (three horizon roadmap) levering the power of AI/generative AI and Cloud.

Niki helps her customers take the insights coming from data & AI and technology, to their operations and to the real world, thus seeking direct impact on their revenues and costs, looking at products, people and processes.

Contact Niki on Linked In if you are interested to learn more about Microsoft latest technologies or digital strategy.

Cedric Dunham

I had the pleasure of having an RSC with Cedric Dunham in early June 2023.

Cedric Dunham is hard of hearing, himself, and is a teacher of American Sign Language and an advocate for the hearing impaired community and its allies. In addition to his teaching and advocacy,

Cedric is a Martial artist, hip-hop dance teacher and TikTok social influencer. Connect with Cedric on TikTok thru his account: Thatboy.ced

Enjoy!

Erika Barker

Erika Barker and I had this RSC in March of 2023.  

Erika, a passionate explorer of the electronic world, began her journey into circuitry as a teenager and delved into programming before graduating high school in the late 90s. Her innate technical proficiency and creative vision were further polished during her service as a Combat Journalist in the U.S. Navy, producing multimedia projects for global distribution while capturing the pulse of the world’s events.

Afterward, Erika earned a master’s degree and taught the next generation of multimedia journalists at Full Sail University. Erika then made her way to New York, where she skillfully mastered the art of fashion photography and became a content creator for Fortune 500 brands. Now, Erika embarks on a new quest, working on a documentary series to reveal the mysteries of electricity and its role in our everyday electronics, hoping to inspire a new generation of innovators to tackle humanity’s most significant challenges.

Follow Erika on:

Instagram:  erikabarker  TikTok:  erikabarkernyc

Erika’s art, science and career:  erikabarker.com

Adam Frank

Adam Frank and I had this first RSC in April 2020.   The conversation was one of the most delightful RSCs I’ve ever had.  We discussed science, spirtituality, humanity, learnings, life, death and more.  Enjoy!

Astrophysicist Adam Frank is a leading expert on the final stages of evolution for stars like the sun, and his computational research group at the University of Rochester has developed advanced supercomputer tools for studying how stars form and how they die. A self-described “evangelist of science,” he is also committed to showing others the beauty and power of science, and exploring the proper context of science in culture.

Learn more about Adam here:  https://www.adamfrankscience.com/about

Doug Fearn

In this 2nd Reasonably Spontaneous Conversation I had with Doug Fearn, we continue our journey into his career an iconic recording engineer, inventor and producer of high-end audio production equipment used in the finest recording studios all over the world.

Doug also produces and hosts a fantastic and wonderfully entertaining podcast “My Take on Music Recording” which can be heard here. www.dougfearn.com Enjoy!

Annetta Marion

ANNETTA MARION is a Primetime Emmy-nominated director and showrunner known for her work on Oprah’s Master Class Series and NBC’s Making It with Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. She has worked on major shows for Netflix, ESPN, OWN, MTV, VH1, Apple+, and Investigation Discovery.

Annetta’s work has won multiple awards, including NAACP Image Awards, Gracie Awards, and NAMIC Vision Awards. She currently serves on the DGA’s National Board as an Alternate, the Eastern Directors Council, and is a co-chair of the Focus on Women Committee. Annetta is originally from North Huntingdon township in western Pennsylvania and has credits on over 80 hours of television.

Her latest film, which she produced is STILL: A MICHAEL J. FOX movie that had it’s world premiere at Sundance on January 20, 2023. Learn more about Annetta here: http://www.annettamarion.com

Doug Fearn – RSC #1

On this first edition of a series of RSCs with Doug Fearn and Dennis, we discuss how we met as raving fans of Corrie Lynn Green. Doug is her producer and I am one of the media folk who are honored to feature her. Corrie Lynn Green website

Here is where you can watch and listen to  “Arrangement” 

Doug Fearn has made his living from professional audio since 1966. His first exposure to professional recording equipment was at his high school FM station, where he recorded school events and his friends’ bands. He was a recording studio owner in the Philadelphia area for many years before starting the current pro audio equipment manufacturing company, D.W. Fearn, in 1993. He has designed all the products, including microphone preamplifiers, equalizers, and compressors. D.W. Fearn products are used in recording studios around the world. He still does several recording sessions a month, either at his studio or at other studios. Here is Doug’s website for his products, podcast and contact information: www.dwfearn.com

Julie Cavaliere

Julie is an award-winning writer, director, producer, and actor based in New York. She began her career working for the legendary Scott Rudin and quickly accelerated her experience in the industry as a producer. She worked with top executive producer Morris S. Levy’s M.E.G.A. Films on such hits as Influenza with Nicola Peltz, Grant Gustin, Gregg Sulkin, and the award-winning Cop Show starring Colin Quinn. 

She recently launched her production banner – Very Cavaliere Productions, which strives to tell stories centered around the human experience from unique, often overlooked points of view.

Julie has been featured in Inc. Magazine – ‘3 Tips for How to Be Your Own Best Boss.’ In partnership with Meta Quest, Julie has co-created an anthology series titled Reimagined In VR, which premiered at the prestigious Venice Film Festival in 2022. [Read Guardian Article]. She is the writer and director of the premiere Volume Nyssa, set to be released on Meta in early 2023.

As a filmmaker, she wrote, produced, and starred in the short film Puppet Me. Austin Film Festival named Julie as one of their Screenwriters to Watch in 2022 and nominated for Best Short at several festivals. Her acting credits include Person of Interest with Taraji P. Henson, Blindspot starring Jaimie Alexander, Lost Girls: Angie’s Story directed by Julia Verdin, and FBI: Most Wanted series on CBS. She recently wrote and performed a sketch featured on Elizabeth Banks’ WhoHaha’s, hitting over 55,000 views on YouTube!

Website: www.juliecavaliere.com

IG: @VeryCavaliere

IG: @JulieBCavaliere

Benj Edwards -Part 1 — 12-12-22

Here is part 1 of my RSC with writer, tech historian and futurist Benj Edwards from his home in North Carolina, USA Benj’s interests in science and the arts inspire his written works on the past, present, and future of technology.

As a collector and student of vintage computers and video games for over 25 years, he brings a deep sense of tech history to publications such as The Atlantic, Fast Company, PCWorld, Macworld, Edge, and PCMag.

During his time as a journalist, Benj has broken stories about the importance of software preservation, early video game history, the first computer art, minority and female tech pioneers, and online service archeology.

His deep interviews and features have introduced tech icons like Jerry Lawson, Carol Shaw, Ralph Baer, and Ed Smith to a new generation of readers on the web and have been cited in numerous books and referenced in museums worldwide.

Learn more about Benj at benjedwards.com

Benj Edwards -Part 2 — 12-12-22

Here is part 2 of my RSC with writer, tech historian and futurist Benj Edwards from his home in North Carolina, USA Benj’s interests in science and the arts inspire his written works on the past, present, and future of technology.

As a collector and student of vintage computers and video games for over 25 years, he brings a deep sense of tech history to publications such as The Atlantic, Fast Company, PCWorld, Macworld, Edge, and PCMag.

During his time as a journalist, Benj has broken stories about the importance of software preservation, early video game history, the first computer art, minority and female tech pioneers, and online service archeology.

His deep interviews and features have introduced tech icons like Jerry Lawson, Carol Shaw, Ralph Baer, and Ed Smith to a new generation of readers on the web and have been cited in numerous books and referenced in museums worldwide.

Learn more about Benj at benjedwards.com

Jennifer Arthurton

Jennifer  is the creator, and founder of Old Chicks Know Sh*t, a community and podcast (of the same name) designed to inspire and support midlife women in chasing their dreams and creating their kick-ass next chapter.

In addition, Jennifer is an empowerment coach, podcast host, writer, and speaker. Having made her midlife course corrections, she is a passionate advocate of the inherent power and knowledge that women possess at a time when they often feel overlooked and doubt themselves most.

To connect with Jennifer:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldchicksknowshit/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1927174787572948/ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/oldchicksknowshit

Website: https://www.oldchicksknowshit.com/

Jennifer’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/old-chicks-know-sh-t-podcast/id1461186926

Corrie Lynn Green – “Arrangement”

It was my pleasure to speak with the brilliant Corrie Lynn Green when she debuted her new song, “The Arrangement”. Here is a link to the song and PLEASE watch it all the way through and listen on headphones: Click here for the
“Arrangement” video

Here is a short film on the recording of “Arrangement” ‘ Corrie Lynn Green, writer, performer; Producer: D.W. Fearn: Cellist: Peter Oswald: Drummer: John O’Reilly Jr.: Violinist: Michael Strasburg

Click here for “The Making of Arrangement”

Go here for everything Corrie Lynn Green: https://corrielynngreenmusic.com/home

Dan Hogan

My dear, longtime friend, Dan Hogan, and I sat down for an RSC in late November 2022.

Do No Harm. Work as One. This is the Right-Minded Teamwork philosophy. It was co-created by Dan Hogan, Certified Master Facilitator. During Dan’s forty-year career, he successfully applied the Right-Minded Teamwork philosophy and work processes in more than 500 teams in the United States and seven other countries. He worked with many of those teams for several years. He said, “This teamwork process works – I promise.”

Dan has written eight teamwork books. One ebook, Reason, Ego & the Right-Minded Teamwork Myth, is FREE. It will introduce you to the entire philosophy and “Do No Harm – Work as One” teamwork process.

For his books and many free useful teamwork reusable resources, go to https://RightMindedTeamwork.com/

Noémi Beres

Noémi Beres is the Co-Owner of the Podcast Connections podcast booking agency. She helps entrepreneurs and business owners share their knowledge and connect them to quality podcast shows.

In addition, Noemi is dedicated to helping experts grow their businesses with interviews. Noémi started to work in the online marketing field back in 2007. She has a Master’s Degree in Danish Literature and Language; she is a linguist, content creator, and “master organizer.”

Website: https://www.podcastconnections.co/

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

Clay Boykin

In October of 2022, Clay Boykin went to Turkey to explore antiquities and connect with himself and the people, the culture and the archeologists who are unearthing remnants of our human history as part of his soul journey. He shares his learnings and growings on this RSC.

Clay is the author of the book, Circles of Men: A Counter-Intuitive Approach to Creating Men’s Groups. He is a former Marine Corps officer. He is a special advisor in business, trusted personal coach, and is the founder and host of the podcast, In Search of the New Compassionate Male. In his work,

Clay’s unique approach is creative and counterintuitive which helps his clients direct their focus in areas like creating strategies, problem solving, developing servant leaders, personal growth, employee growth, focusing teams, or just plain getting unstuck. https://clayboykin.com

Kim Curtis

Money makes the world go around and also can make us crazy. Kim Curtis help me to get some sanity around this important issue. We had this RSC in late October of 2022

Here is Kim’s website: www.wealthlegacyinstitute.com

Kim is a nationally recognized wealth management advisor and speaker. As President and CEO of Wealth Legacy Institute, her groundbreaking work in developing a highly personal client-centric planning model was recognized in the Journal of Practical Estate Planning, winning the Editor’s Choice award. This model is the cornerstone of her firm’s holistic and highly successful approach to integrated wealth management, The Planning for LIFE Experience™.

Kim has attained numerous professional designations and has been recognized by the financial planning industry as having achieved the highest level of competence and expertise. Kim is a bestselling author of Money Secrets: Keys to Smart Investing and Retirement Secrets, published by Financial Literacy Press. Kim has spoken on leadership, negotiations, and finance to organizations such as West Point, Oracle, EPA, University of Colorado Hospital, Comcast, Level 3, Century Link, OtterBox, Johnson & Johnson, and AAUW, amongst others. She has been profiled on NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, CW, and the Wall Street Journal.

During her free time, you can find her sailing, skiing, or golfing in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, or her favorite guilty pleasure, reading People Magazine.

Maylen Calienes

Maylen Calienes, is an award winning writer, director, actor & producer of “The Three Bilinguals” which she wrote and directed is streaming at www.queeyetv.com

Maylen is the founder of the Latino Filmmakers Network which made its debut at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. She also formed MayCal Productions which was established in 2005. Maylen has been a big advocate of diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry for many years and a voice for the Latinx community.

She produces the New Normal Reading Series in Hollywood & Atlanta which is an evening of live music, standup comedy and stage readings by emerging artists of color.

Maylen was born in Cuba and raised in Miami, FL where her career began in writing, directing and acting for theatre. She later moved to Los Angeles, CA where she started filmmaking. She has written, directed and produced several films which have played in some of the top film festivals. A movie she executive produced, “Esta Es Tu Cuba,” is the winner of a Student Academy Award, Directors Guild Award, Emmy Award and it is currently streaming on HBO. Two of her short films “Esta Es Tu Cuba” & “And The Brave Shall Rise” have been Oscar contenders. She shadowed on the Freeform TV series “Siren” which films at the Vancouver Studios in Canada. Additionally, she has two shows “Bro’s” & “May & Mar” which she directed and will be streaming soon online.

Trent Allen Rickman

Please be advised: This vidcast has mature language.

Have you seen or heard of the incredible advances in AI and Art?  Check out this episode of RSC because it will blow your mind.

I have been an admirer of Trent Allen Rickman for so long and this was my chance to talk to him about his art and his collaboration with AI to use the new media to create a new art form.

Trent was born in Cuero, TX on July 13, 1979. In 2005, he began his life path as an artist. Trent is a self taught multi media canvas painter & he utilizes his love of art to show observers uplifting and soulful projections. Trent I can be contacted via Facebook or on Instagram – Sol_Gyptian

Ed Hooks (Part 1)

This is the first of a 2-part conversation with renown actor-teacher-author Ed Hooks. Ed was trained in New York and had a full-time 30-year career as a character actor and acting teacher. In 1996, he began teaching acting theory to animators. His book, “Acting for Animators”, is soon to be published in a revised 5th edition. Ed and his wife, Cally, reside today in Lisbon Portugal, which is where he was for this chat with Dennis. Ed’s wonderful website is: www.edhooks.com Ed’s email, to contact him, is EdHooks@EdHooks.com.this episode of RSC, my guest, Rick Pagano, and I converse about his latest feature film that he wrote and directed, “Ten Tricks”, and which has been getting critical acclaim all over the world. Ten Tricks will be available to stream on all digital platforms and streaming exclusively on Fandor on September 27, 2022. 

TEN TRICKS follows a glamorous madam, Grace (Lea Thompson), who has spent years being surrounded by men. When she decides she wants to start a family, she realizes the list of potential prospects is shockingly thin. Thankfully, a chance encounter with a neighbor proves there might just be magic in the air.

The film was directed by Emmy Nominee Richard Pagano and also stars Raymond Cruz (Breaking Bad), Sam Hennings (The Aviator), and Damien Leake (Apocalypse Now).  Rick Pagano is one of Hollywood’s top casting directors for his work on major projects such as Hotel Rwanda, X-Men, and the series 24.

Also written and produced by Pagano, additional producers include Robert Jay Litz, and Randall Miller, with Ryan Bury, James Andrew Felts, and Stephen Silverman serving as executive producers. Lensed by John Bailey A.C.E., known for his 50-year-plus career in motion pictures, includes his cinematography of mainstream Hollywood films like ORDINARY PEOPLE, THE BIG CHILL, and SILVERADO, to name a few.

Ed Hooks (Part 2)

This is the second of a 2-part conversation with renown actor-teacher-author Ed Hooks. Ed was trained in New York and had a full-time 30-year career as a character actor and acting teacher. In 1996, he began teaching acting theory to animators. His book, “Acting for Animators”, is soon to be published in a revised 5th edition. Ed and his wife, Cally, reside today in Lisbon Portugal, which is where he was for this chat with Dennis. Ed’s wonderful website is: www.edhooks.com Ed’s email, to contact him, is EdHooks@EdHooks.com.this episode of RSC, my guest, Rick Pagano, and I converse about his latest feature film that he wrote and directed, “Ten Tricks”, and which has been getting critical acclaim all over the world. Ten Tricks will be available to stream on all digital platforms and streaming exclusively on Fandor on September 27, 2022. 

TEN TRICKS follows a glamorous madam, Grace (Lea Thompson), who has spent years being surrounded by men. When she decides she wants to start a family, she realizes the list of potential prospects is shockingly thin. Thankfully, a chance encounter with a neighbor proves there might just be magic in the air.

The film was directed by Emmy Nominee Richard Pagano and also stars Raymond Cruz (Breaking Bad), Sam Hennings (The Aviator), and Damien Leake (Apocalypse Now).  Rick Pagano is one of Hollywood’s top casting directors for his work on major projects such as Hotel Rwanda, X-Men, and the series 24.

Also written and produced by Pagano, additional producers include Robert Jay Litz, and Randall Miller, with Ryan Bury, James Andrew Felts, and Stephen Silverman serving as executive producers. Lensed by John Bailey A.C.E., known for his 50-year-plus career in motion pictures, includes his cinematography of mainstream Hollywood films like ORDINARY PEOPLE, THE BIG CHILL, and SILVERADO, to name a few.

Lillie Mae and Linda Rose

Orchid Times Season 1 recap!  It was my honor to have a Reasonably Spontaneous Conversation with these two young women of consequence — Lilly Mae and Linda Rose. They host Orchid Times on on YouTube.com/tardanmedia as well as a show on the Tardan Media Network.

On RSC we discuss their initial season of Orchid Times, what they learned and what they learned about themselves as they continue their trajectory of emerging media artists in the 21st century, paving the way for the artist in us all. I am deeply proud to know them

Rick Pagano

On this episode of RSC, my guest, Rick Pagano, and I converse about his latest feature film that he wrote and directed, “Ten Tricks”, and which has been getting critical acclaim all over the world. Ten Tricks will be available to stream on all digital platforms and streaming exclusively on Fandor on September 27, 2022. 

TEN TRICKS follows a glamorous madam, Grace (Lea Thompson), who has spent years being surrounded by men. When she decides she wants to start a family, she realizes the list of potential prospects is shockingly thin. Thankfully, a chance encounter with a neighbor proves there might just be magic in the air.

The film was directed by Emmy Nominee Richard Pagano and also stars Raymond Cruz (Breaking Bad), Sam Hennings (The Aviator), and Damien Leake (Apocalypse Now).  Rick Pagano is one of Hollywood’s top casting directors for his work on major projects such as Hotel Rwanda, X-Men, and the series 24.

Also written and produced by Pagano, additional producers include Robert Jay Litz, and Randall Miller, with Ryan Bury, James Andrew Felts, and Stephen Silverman serving as executive producers. Lensed by John Bailey A.C.E., known for his 50-year-plus career in motion pictures, includes his cinematography of mainstream Hollywood films like ORDINARY PEOPLE, THE BIG CHILL, and SILVERADO, to name a few.

Ron Dillard, Jr.  (Part 1)

Rod Dillard, Jr. is a director, producer, writer and actor. In 2008, he founded Ronald Dillard Jr Entertainment, LLC, with the vision to create thought provoking entertainment by writing, producing, directing, and co-starring in the first theatrical production, I Deserve Better, followed by A Player’s Last Play. In 2013, he released his first feature film, A New Mentality then wrote and produced three more award-winning festival films along with Shirod Greene; Unbrotherly Love, The Color In Your Eyes, and A Monster. Impacted by the brutal killings of Black men in America, in 2020 Ron responded by writing, co-directing, producing, and starring in the multiple award-winning film feature that depicts a police interrogation that unexpectedly slips the boot on the other foot. When We Prey On Them has been selected in over 70 festivals and has won 13 awards including- Best Short Film, Critics Choice Award, and Best Actor. His next adventure is expanding into the series landscape as a showrunner, creating three television shows—two one-hour dramas Serial, Money, Power and Respect, and one half-hour dramedy- Marc Blue. Currently under his RDJ Entertainment banner is: He has Co-produced Shirod Greene’s upcoming film For Colored’s Only; the feature film Unbrotherly Love is slated for release 2022; a supernatural thriller, AFAR will be directed and starring Ronald in the fall of 2023; in development are feature films, Decisions, and MFK. Additionally, Ronald gives back to his community by mentoring up-and-coming filmmakers in a variety of different aspects of filmmaking.

Ron Dillard, Jr. (Part 2)

Here is part 2 of my RSC with Ron Dillard as we continue to learn about one another and our art.

About Ron: Rod Dillard, Jr. is a director, producer, writer and actor. In 2008, he founded Ronald Dillard Jr Entertainment, LLC, with the vision to create thought provoking entertainment by writing, producing, directing, and co-starring in the first theatrical production, I Deserve Better, followed by A Player’s Last Play.

In 2013, he released his first feature film, A New Mentality then wrote and produced three more award-winning festival films along with Shirod Greene; Unbrotherly Love, The Color In Your Eyes, and A Monster. Impacted by the brutal killings of Black men in America.

In 2020, Ron responded by writing, co-directing, producing, and starring in the multiple award-winning film feature that depicts a police interrogation that unexpectedly slips the boot on the other foot. When We Prey On Them has been selected in over 70 festivals and has won 13 awards including- Best Short Film, Critics Choice Award, and Best Actor.

His next adventure is expanding into the series landscape as a showrunner, creating three television shows—two one-hour dramas Serial, Money, Power and Respect, and one half-hour dramedy- Marc Blue. Currently under his RDJ Entertainment banner is: He has Co-produced Shirod Greene’s upcoming film For Colored’s Only; the feature film Unbrotherly Love is slated for release 2022; a supernatural thriller, AFAR will be directed and starring Ronald in the fall of 2023; in development are feature films, Decisions, and MFK. Additionally, Ronald gives back to his community by mentoring up-and-coming filmmakers in a variety of different aspects of filmmaking.

Aprill Brandon

Aprill Brandon is a freelance writer and feral mother living in Boston with her brood of redheads and very patient husband. She has two drawers in her fridge devoted to cheese and is now grown up enough to like fancy beer. Stay tuned as Aprill is ascending!!!

Aprillbrandon.com

Sande Hart

Sande Hart is an award-winning leader in the fields of women’s empowerment and interfaith community building and I am deeply proud to have an RSC with her.

Website: www.liminalodyssey.com

She is the President of the Women’s Interfaith global organization S.A.R.A.H., (The Spiritual And Religious Alliance for Hope) now in its 19th year. Sande served in leadership as Chair for the North American region of the United Religions Initiative, currently serves on the Women’s Task Force for The Parliament of World’s Religions, Founder of Compassionate California, and developed and served as Director for the Women and Girls sector for the Charter for Compassion.

She recently released her book, The Liminal Odyssey, Alchemical Power of the Spaces In-Between. Sande is currently being inducted into the Women’s Oral History Archives of Claremont Colleges. Above all, Sande is a mother, grandmother, wife, aunt, and sister from Southern California.

Lorenzo DeStefano

Born in Honolulu, Hawai’i, Lorenzo DeStefano is a playwright, screenwriter, producer, director, and photographer. Lorenzo wrote, produced and directed the short film, “Stairway to the Stars”. Synopsis: One hot, smoggy afternoon, Lavergne (SEAN YOUNG), an aging White actress on the verge of physical and mental collapse, attempts to climb an absurdly steep flight of stairs in the Hollywood Hills, goaded on by Tony (QUINTON AARON), a young Black man of blind ambition & ample proportions, who has vowed to save her life. In June, Lorenzo published a novel, “House Boy”. an urban thriller with socio-political and racial overtones, “HOUSE BOY” is a fact-based tale that inhabits a shadowland where ancient traditions take root and prosper in our so-called modern world. In the polite suburb of Hendon, North London, in an undistinguished house at 321 Finchley Lane, the lives of a young man and an older woman intersect as if decreed by history. https://www.houseboynovel.com Lorenzo is a member of the Directors Guild of America, he has produced and directed network series, documentaries, and narrative films, worked in U.S. and U.K. Theater, and written fiction, non-fiction, original screenplays, and adaptations. Learn more about Lorenzo and his vast career at: www.lorenzodestefano.com

Frank W. Butterfield

On May 18, 2022, my friend Frank Butterfield and I had another in our series of RSCs

Connect with Frank:  www.frankwbutterfield.com

About: Frank W. Butterfield is the Amazon best-selling author of 90 (and counting) self-published novels, novellas, and short stories. Born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, he has traveled all over the US and Canada and now makes his home in Daytona Beach, Florida. His first attempt at writing at the age of nine with a ball-point pen and a notepad was a failure. Forty years later, he tried again and hasn’t stopped since.

Bob Woodman

Bob Woodman’s career in radio spanned the time of such change in the United States and the world. After a stint in the U.S. Navy as a public relations officer for the Blue Angels, Bob returned to radio in Texas in Austin, Texas, as Austin was beginning to fly its Weird flag.

He moved to Victoria, Texas and was general manager of KVIC, an AM radio station that grew into a media group where his empowering management style nurtured creative spirits on the air and profitability off the air.

Bob has returned home to Tuscaloosa, Alabama where he works with NPR-affiliated Alabama Public Radio, a statewide pubic radio network headquartered at the University of Alabama and mentors the next generation of aspiring media professionals

Get in touch with Bob: bwoodman@att.net or on FB.

Sergio Farias

Sergio Farias, a Brazilian an entertainment writer and biographer, has just published an English language version of “Love is Understanding: The Life and Times of Peter Tork and The Monkees. We discuss the impact on the culture in Brazil and on the world that this group, in general, and Peter’s contributions, specifically. Here is a link to purchase the book on Amazon. https://tinyurl.com/52mfhan9

If you’d like to see my RSC with Peter from 1979 that we referenced, it is here on the RSC LA page.

Sassy Mohen

SASSY MOHEN DIRECTOR/WRITER/PRODUCER – Sas•sy /ˈsasē/ adjective: lively, bold, full of spirit; a little bit cheeky.

Sassy Mohen’s innovative and bold, confident style has emerged as a pioneer in the genre of female-driven comedy. She has written, directed, produced, and edited multiple award-winning films, TV Pilots, Music Videos, Commercials, Specs, and Web series.

Her latest comedy satire on real-world events, FEAR ACTUALLY was released to rave reviews and won three BEST FEMALE DIRECTOR AWARDS. She is completing post-production on her newest lively and a little bit cheeky venture, the digital series- HOW TO HACK BIRTH CONTROL, shining a light on how to navigate and take charge in today’s contraception universe, due to be released this fall 2021. And so much more.

To learn about what Sassy is doing now: https://www.sassymohen.com https://youtube.com/user/SassyMohen

Greg Verret

For a access to Greg’s online art and to commission, here is the link: gregverretart.com

From Greg: I was born and raised in Victoria, Tx. Graduated from Victoria HS in 1982. GO STINGAREES! I married my High School sweetheart Miss Sandi Martinez and together we raised three great children, Parker, Austin and Malory. I had a scholarship to study art after High School, but my personal goal was to be a U.S. Marine instead so I set aside my pencils to focus on serving our country. Retiring after nearly 30 years of military life, Sandi literally told me to go and get my art degree so I turned my attention towards college and received a BS in Animation Technology. After a 30 year art layoff, college reenergized my passion to create fine art instead of animation. Although pen & ink is preferred, graphite, charcoal, watercolor, pastels and oils are equally rewarding. My current indulgence has been to master oil and wax based colored pencils. Digital graphic art is also an avenue I’ve learned to master and I use it in the creation of company logos, t-shirt designs, graphics etc. My goal is to continue to focus on more wildlife, militaria, patriotic and portrait pieces, but I remain available for commission work.

Marianna Treviño Wright

(Note: This episode of RSC contains adult language.)

Tardan Media Network presents a Reasonably Spontaneous Conversation between Dennis Tardan and Marianna Treviño Wright, executive director of the National Butterfly Center on Feb. 7, 2022.  The episode discusses 

Host: Dennis Tardan      Director: Renée Yaworsky

For more information on the National Butterfly Center, please visit: https://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/join-national-butterfly-center/become-a-member https://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/support-nbc/donate-now/form/7:national-butterfly-center-donations

Jay Lynk

Patron and Art Angel Jay Lynk and Dennis have an RSC on December 9, 2021

Directed by Renée Yaworsky

Billy Vera

In early December 2021, Dennis had an RSC with iconic Hollywood singer/songwriter/actor/music historian Billy Vera.

Billy has been a singer and songwriter since the 1960s, his most successful record being “At This Moment”, a US # 1 hit in 1987. He continues to perform with his group Billy Vera & The Beaters, and won a Grammy Award in 2013.

Here is Billy’s website: www.billyvera.com

Jay Thompson

Guitar player and song writer dedicated to making music for people going through a rough time. Also dedicated to showing off NE Ohio in all its natural beauty. If you’ve got some wine? All the better! See more of Jay on his YouTube Channel here: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCDeNgQJaD1gT9MQOap7cv9Q

Serena Hendrix

Serena Hendrix stars in Adam’s Package, a romantic comedy/thriller directed by Andrew Chiaramonte and written by Emmett Alston and Andrew Chiaramonte. Here is a link to the trailer for the movie: https://youtu.be/Kw_T7VynxrY

Here is a link to the website: www.adamspackage.com

Serena Hendrix’s modeling career quickly took off in New York City working for brands including Lanvin, Marc Jacobs, Nina Ricci, Chloe, Rebecca Minkoff, Target, and national television commercials for clients including Apple, Samsung, Miller Lite, Dell, Michelob Ultra & Zillow among others. Being on set sparked her interest in acting and she booked a small role on a popular HBO series, featured in an award-winning festival film, seen in the critically acclaimed Mank, and landed the lead role in award-winning new comedy hit- Adam’s Package.

Serena is consistently working on her craft at The Clyde Bernardy Acting Studio. In her free time she volunteers as a foster with local dog rescue organizations & is advanced in mat & reformer pilates. She is also an advanced level cook and recently earned her M1 motorcycle license. Most recently she gave birth to her first child and is writing her first film which she intends on making her directorial debut.

Hal Linden

Hal Linden starred in and as Barney Miller on ABC from 1975-1981. Hal and Dennis talk about Hal’s experience over the course of the 170 episodes from initial casting by creator, writer and show runner Danny Arnold and why Barney Miller remains so relevant today.

Constantine Nasr

Constantine Nasr and I had a conversation in late Dec 2020 upon the release the 80th Anniversary of Bugs Bunny in a Limited Edition Boxed Set of 60 re-mastered shorts starring Bugs. Constantine wrote and produced a documentary that is included in Boxed Set with interviews with many of the animation masters who worked in the Warner Brothers Loony Tunes studio, including Mel Blanc, the voice of Bugs Bunny. A clip from an interview I did with Mel in 1979 is included in Constantine’s documentary! To find the Limited Edition Blu-Ray Box Set from Amazon, copy and paste this URL: http://tinyurl.com/3zno8vhd

Or just search on Amazon for: Bugs Bunny 80th Anniversary Collection (BD) [Blu-ray]

Corrie Lynn Green

I had a wonderful RSC with Corrie Lynn Green on May 20, 2021. What a delightful, joyful session with a rising star and influencer in the music industry! Plus, she is a delightful, insightful, and gracious human being.

Corrie Lynn brings her own unique brand of story telling to long forgotten Appalachian Mountain Music. With her original lyrics and and twist on banjo playing style, Corrie digs deep and brings something new to something old. See about Corrie Lynn here! https://linktr.ee/CorrieLynnGreen