• Episode 279: Tamron Hall
    Feb 19 2024

    My guest today is TV host and author, Tamron Hall. Tamron is the Emmy Award-winning television host and executive producer of syndicated talk show Tamron Hall. We talk about her new book “Watch Where They Hide”, her interview style, and more during this episode.

    The 5 questions I ask in this episode:

    1. What inspired you to pursue a career in media, and how did you navigate your journey to becoming a prominent television host?
    2. Your interviewing style is often praised for its authenticity. How do you prepare for interviews, and how do you establish a connection with your guests?
    3. How did you come up with the idea for your crime fiction series and what do you think will appeal most with Watch Where They Hide?
    4. What is the main message you’re trying to convey about our criminal justice system through all forms of media?
    5. What’s your best piece of career advice?

    Video interview:

    Follow Tamron’s journey:

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    • YouTube
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    10 mins
  • Episode 278: Joy-Ann Reid
    Feb 11 2024

    My guest today is MSNBC host, Joy-Ann Reid. Joy is the host of MSNBC’s The ReidOut and author of the new book “Medgar and Myrlie”. We talk about the book, and her career, during this episode.

    The 5 questions I ask in this episode:

    1. What were some key moments and experiences that have shaped your career in journalism and broadcasting?
    2. What role do you believe journalism plays in advancing conversations around social justice, and how can media contribute to positive change?
    3. What inspired you to write a book about Medgar and Myrlie Evers and why did you decide to publish it in an election year?
    4. What did you learn about the civil rights movement from your interviews with Myrlie and her family that surprised you or furthered your understanding of that time period?
    5. What’s your best piece of career advice?

    Video interview:

    Follow Joy’s journey:

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    10 mins
  • Episode 277: Dan Henderson
    Feb 5 2024
    My guest today is former UFC champion and Olympic wrestler, Dan Henderson. Dan was a two-time American Olympian in Greco-Roman wrestling who went on to become one of the fiercest knockout artists in mixed martial arts history. We talk about his new memoir “Hendo: The American Athlete” during this episode. The 5 questions I ask […]
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    4 mins
  • Episode 276: Kate DiCamillo
    Jan 28 2024

    My guest today is bestselling children’s fiction author, Kate DiCamillo. Kate is a former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and a two-time Newbery Medalist. We talk about her literary career, and new book “The Puppets of Spelhorst” during this episode.

    The 5 questions I ask in this episode:

    1. Why did growing up with chronic pneumonia draw you to read books?
    2. How did receiving 473 rejection letters motivate you?
    3. How have you been able to observe the world through the eyes of children as an adult?
    4. What can children take away from reading your new book “The Puppets of Spelhorst”?
    5. What’s your best piece of career advice?

    Video interview:

    Follow Kate’s journey:

    • Book
    • Website
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    8 mins
  • Episode 275: Keith Chapman
    Jan 21 2024

    My guest today is PAW Patrol and Bob the Builder mastermind, Keith Chapman. Keith just celebrated the 10th anniversary of Paw Patrol with a second feature film called “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” which was produced by Spin Master Entertainment. We talk about his early career with the Jim Henson company, the business of intellectual property, and more during this episode.

    The 5 questions I ask in this episode:

    1. 1. How did your experience designing characters at Jim Henson and working at an ad agency form the foundation for your career?
    2. What did you learn about the business of intellectual property during your time working on the Bob the Builder property?
    3. What do you think has led to PAW Patrol becoming a billion-dollar empire with shows, movies, toys, and books?
    4. Why was the merchandizing of PAW Patrol a higher priority over the content and how is that different than when you worked at Henson?
    5. What’s your best piece of career advice?

    Video interview:

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    10 mins
  • Episode 274: David and Jerry Zucker
    Jan 15 2024
    My guests today are film directors, producers and screenwriters David and Jerry Zucker. David and Jerry have collaborating on several movies, including The Naked Gun and Airplane! We talk about their careers, and new book “Surely You Can’t Be Serious” during this episode. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: How were you both […]
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    9 mins
  • Episode 273: David Mamet
    Jan 7 2024
    My guest today is playwright and filmmaker, David Mamet. David won a Pulitzer Prize and received Tony nominations for his plays Glengarry Glen Ross and Speed-the-Plow. He wrote the screenplays for such films as The Verdict, The Untouchables, Ronin, and Wag the Dog. We talk about his early influences, and career challenges, during this episode. […]
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    9 mins
  • Episode 272: Melanie Lundquist
    Jan 1 2024
    My guest today is philanthropist, Melanie Lundquist. Melanie is one of California’s most significant philanthropists and is a Giving Pledge signatory. Melanie and her husband Richard have pledged more than $400 million over the last decade to support various causes. We talk about how she became a philanthropist and more during this episode. The 5 […]
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    9 mins