Were You Still Talking?

Joel Albrecht

It's about people, places, arts, food, culture, putting positive energy in the world, how all of us have something to say or maybe we don't, drugs, exercise (or exorcise, if you spell it wrong!), laziness, motivation, breathing! The connection we all share on the planet and quite possibly getting away from the pedestrian level of consciousness. Music by Jon Griffin.

  1. DEC 19

    #109 with Amy Lenius

    Episode #108 – Amy Lenius: Empowerment, Awareness & Next Level Living In this episode, I'm joined by Amy Lenius of Next Level University — a coach and mentor dedicated to helping people step into greater confidence, clarity, and purpose. We dive into what empowerment really looks like, why self-awareness is foundational to growth, and how working with the right partners can accelerate transformation. Amy shares insights from her work guiding clients through group coaching, the mindset shifts that open up real possibility, and the leadership practices that help people live—and lead—at their very best. In this episode we discuss: ·         Empowering others: what it truly means to support growth, not just motivate ·         Working with partners & teams: the value of collaboration, shared vision, and accountability ·         Importance of self-awareness: how understanding yourself creates freedom and choice ·         Holistic healing: what it is and why it matters ·         Mindset shifts that matter: habits, beliefs, and practices that support sustainable personal and professional change ·         Balancing ambition with authenticity: why growth and groundedness go hand in hand About Amy & Next Level University Amy Lenius is a coach, facilitator, and partner at Next Level University, where she helps individuals and groups connect to their purpose, build clarity around goals, and break through internal barriers holding them back. Her approach blends practical strategy with emotional intelligence and accountability. Learn more about her group coaching and programs here: 👉 https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/group-coaching/ Why you'll want to listen This episode is a great listen for anyone who wants to better understand themselves, build stronger relationships, and step into leadership—whether in business, life, or community. Amy brings heart, clarity, and tools you can start using now. 🎙️ 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/

    1 hr
  2. DEC 14

    #108 With Matt Savino: Roads, Borders & Stories That Almost Didn't Make It Home

    Episode #108 – Matt Savino: Roads, Borders & Stories That Almost Didn't Make It Home In this episode, I sit down with Matt Savino — writer, traveler, and storyteller with a passport full of stamps and a knack for finding himself in situations that make great stories later. We talk about travel as a teacher, writing as documentation, and what happens when plans fall apart far from home. Matt shares the story of almost getting stranded in Nicaragua, what that moment revealed about risk, trust, and international realities, and how travel forces you to confront both politics and yourself. From border crossings to back roads, we also dive into the legendary Pan-American Highway and what it represents beyond just miles on a map. In this episode we cover: ·         Travel as a catalyst for writing and personal perspective ·         Almost getting stranded in Nicaragua — what went wrong and what was learned ·         Navigating foreign systems and the realities of international politics on the ground ·         The Pan-American Highway — myth, history, and what it means to actually travel it ·         Why travel stories aren't just about destinations, but also decisions ·         Turning real-world chaos into compelling narrative Why you'll want to listen If you love travel stories that go beyond Instagram, writing rooted in lived experience, or conversations that blend geography, politics, and personal growth, this episode delivers. It's equal parts adventure tale and reflective conversation. 🎙️ 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/

    1h 21m
  3. DEC 7

    #107 with Chip Jacobs: Writing, Pasadena's Past & The Edges of Life

    Episode #107 – Chip Jacobs: Writing, Pasadena's Past & The Edges of Life In this episode, I'm joined by Chip Jacobs — award-winning author, journalist, and storyteller with a deep love for California history and an eye for the unusual. We dive into the craft of writing and editing, the fascinating (and sometimes bizarre) history of Pasadena, and even wander into the territory of near-death experiences and what they reveal about being alive. This conversation ranges from the practical to the mysterious — from how to shape a story on the page to the moments that shape a life In this episode we talk about: ·         Chip's writing process — how journalism influenced his narrative style ·         The importance of editing — why revision is where the truth of a story comes out ·         Pasadena history — strange characters, environmental battles, scandals, and the overlooked corners of California's past ·         Near-death experiences — why they fascinate us, and how they connect to meaning, memory, and storytelling ·         Balancing fact and narrative — how Chip blends research, personality, and voice in his nonfiction and fiction ·         Why history still matters — especially when it's weird, messy, or uncomfortable About Chip Jacobs Chip is known for both nonfiction and fiction, including historical works, environmental reporting, and character-driven stories rooted in the identity of Southern California. He brings humor, sharp research, and a storyteller's rhythm to everything he writes. https://chipjacobs.com/ Why you'll want to listen If you're a writer, history lover, California native, or simply someone interested in how personal experiences shape creative work, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and unexpected turns — just like Chip's books. 🎙️ 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/

    1h 31m
  4. NOV 15

    #106 with Shanti Hershenson - Writing and publishing books as a teen author.

    Episode #106 – Shanti Hershenson  We talked about building a TikTok (now with over 70k followers), her amazing focus and discipline, writing every day and some of the other things she does with her time, like falconry! Since the age of twelve, Shanti has actively been writing and publishing books. She has written 37 books in varying genres, including You Won't Know Her Name, a novel-told-in-poetry about bullying in middle school. Biome Lock, the first in an alien invasion series, is published with the others on the way.  Also in publication is a three-book series called The Chronicles of Ziel DeLaine.  The Accidental Insurgent is a dystopian standalone.    https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shanti-Hershenson/author/B08QRF5LP4?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1645593351&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true @shantiwhowrites 🎙️ 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/

    44 min
  5. OCT 22

    #104 with Michael Wendroff - Killing it! The thriller writer's journey

    Episode #104 – Michael Wendroff: Marketing Mastermind Turned Thriller Author In this week's episode, I sit down with Michael Wendroff — a global marketing consultant with an MBA from New York University (and an induction into their Hall of Fame) who pivoted into writing to publish his debut thriller. We talk about what it takes to go from business-strategy to bestselling pages, the craft of storytelling, and the unexpected crossover between marketing and fiction. What we dive into ·         Michael's background in marketing and how his business acumen shaped his approach to writing and publishing. ·         The journey of writing his debut novel, What Goes Around, including the role his parents played and how early exposure to publishers influenced him. ·         Key lessons in thriller writing: plotting with precision, building tension, and structuring a story that keeps readers turning pages. ·         The importance of feedback, editing, and revision. ·         The big role of self-marketing as an author today — how storytelling isn't just what you write but how you bring it to the world. ·         Advice for anyone considering a creative pivot or literary debut: that the skills you already have might just be your springboard. Why this episode matters If you're a writer (or aspiring one), a creative shifting from one career to another, or someone curious how business skills translate into art — you'll find plenty here. Michael shows that storytelling isn't just for authors: it's for anyone with something to say, and that craft + strategy can move mountains. Connect with Michael Wendroff https://michaelwendroff.com/ 🎙️ 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/

    1 hr
  6. OCT 3

    #102 – Ken Cox: Punchlines, Punching Bags & A.I.

    Episode #102 – Ken Cox: Punchlines, Punching Bags & A.I. In this episode, I sit down with Ken Cox — a stand-up comedian, boxer, gym owner, and storyteller who bridges worlds we don't always see together. We talk about the connections between comedy and combat, why he chose to buy the gym where he trained, the past and present of editing, and what AI might mean for creators. What We Dive Into: ·         Comedy + Boxing: How the stage and the ring both test confidence, timing, resilience, and presence ·         Buying the Gym: The story behind why Ken took ownership of his training space and what that's taught him about investment, community, and stake ·         Old-School Editing: Stories from the analog era — cutting tape, manual splicing — and how those practices shape modern craft ·         A.I. & Creativity: Ken's take on where A.I. fits (or doesn't) with comedy, storytelling, and artistic risk ·         Discipline & Duality: Balancing physical training, stand-up work, emotional vulnerability, and staying sharp in multiple arenas About Ken Cox ·         Comedy & performance background (stand-up, writing) ·         Competitive boxing experience ·         Gym owner — running the space where he both trained and now leads ·         Explorer of creative craft, tech, and storytelling dynamics Connect with Ken Cox https://inlink.com/ 🎙️ 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/

    1h 37m
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

It's about people, places, arts, food, culture, putting positive energy in the world, how all of us have something to say or maybe we don't, drugs, exercise (or exorcise, if you spell it wrong!), laziness, motivation, breathing! The connection we all share on the planet and quite possibly getting away from the pedestrian level of consciousness. Music by Jon Griffin.