"Elphaba becomes more and more relevant sadly, as the decades have gone on."

We’re joined on the Starline by author and dad. You’ve read “Wicked”, “Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister” among many other books. His latest is “Elphie”. We welcome Gregory Maguire.

Gregory, let’s go Beyond the Mic. What made you go back to the world of Oz for this prequel to Wicked?

What do you want readers to take away from this book?

“She makes wishes on falling stars still. She trusts the world that much.” How does Elphaba’s life feel so relevant in the world today?

How has the success of “Wicked” changed the way you see something you wrote 30 years later?

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. If you could celebrate the New Year, anywhere in the world, where would you go?

2. Best place you enjoy vacation?

3. Which of your short stories didn’t get the love you thought it should have?

4. Are you scared of the dark?

5. What word do you love hearing?

6. Least favorite subject in school?

7. Favorite Broadway show that you didn’t have a hand in?

8. Best gift you kids gave you?

How has writing changed you and the way you see the world?

Who inspired you to start writing and who inspires you today?

If you could whisper one thing to Elphaba that might change her forever, what would it be?

He had to take Chemistry twice, loves the word welcome and wants you to read the book “Elphie”. Gregory Maguire thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

"I think we're missing some stories and story songs... we didn't have to sing about relationships all the time."

We’re joined on the Starline by asinger songwriter and tequila guy who has evolved from his Miami Oklahoma roots and out touring keeping it country. His latest single, which he joined forces with Randy Rogers is “Tequila Cowboys”. We welcome Jon Wolfe.

Jon, let’s go Beyond the Mic. From your song “Tequila Cowboys” “We’re bankers and lawyers in fine tailored suits. We’re bikers and truckers in old leather boots”. Why has country music changed for the better and worse?

Why are you trying to bring country music back kicking and screaming where it needs to be in your mind?

You helped raise $115, 000 for Texas flood relief at Gruene Hall. My wife’s from Fredericksburg so I know why it’s important. But why was it important for you?

The Lone Wolf himself, Jon Wolfe is out on the road and singing “Tequila Cowboys” and Jon, it’s time for the Rockin’ 8. 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Best thing about your wife Amber?

2. One thing you wished you learned before you started Juan Lobo Tequila

INSTANT FOLLOWUP which is your favorite of all your products??

3. Favorite cigar you’ve ever smoked?

4. Who caught the biggest fish, you or your wife?

5. I’ve relaxed on both Grand and Fort Cobb Lake in Oklahoma. Would you rather be relaxing on the lake or on the ski slopes?

6. You’ve played at Austin City Limits, Gruene, Luckenbach and the Grand Ole Opry. Where is your dream place to play?

7. Who bought you your first cowboy hat and do you still have it?

8. Who in country music now motivates you today?

You’ve teamed up with Randy Rogers and did a little Truth or Tequila with him. How many takes didn’t make the final video cut?

Your life transformed from trading oil with British Petroleum to music after an Alabama concert. How has your music evolved from “Almost Gone” to today?

How did the pandemic change the way you treasure music and your career?

Why is your wolf pack, your fans, more important than almost anything in your life?

When people come and see you play, what do you want them to take away from your music?

When out on the road touring, what’s the one comfort item from home that you have to have with you?

A question I asked musicians, and it is an unfair one I warn you, if you were to lose your voice forever, what would you do with the rest of your life and what would you want your final words people to hear?

And your final words?

You’ll play anywhere anyone wants to pay you and almost anywhere anytime. How has music changed you forever?

If you had to get rid of one thing: Your wife, country music or drinking liquor forever, which gets the heave ho?

If you could bottle it up, what makes a great country song?

Who is the one person that is your dream to sing for, to or with?

What has been your darkest day in country music so far and what has been the brightest?

How does family make it better?

He once caught a 275 pound marlin, making music is now fun again and he wants you to hear “Tequila Cowboys”.

Jon Wolfe, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.