In this special simulcast of The Neil Haley Show and The Storehouse Media Group Podcast, Neil “The Media Giant” Haley and Sherrie Price Clark welcome Tommy Ross, an award-winning executive producer, entrepreneur, author, and experienced professional in corporate leadership, politics, strategic communications, and filmmaking. Tommy discusses his book Sactown Chronicles, his transition from politics and corporate leadership into entertainment, and why he uses stories and films to encourage people to think for themselves. Tommy explains how his background in corporate leadership, politics, lobbying, and legislative work led him to filmmaking. Recognizing similarities between politics and the entertainment industry, he used his organizational skills and interest in film to begin producing movies. Tommy explains how Sactown Chronicles evolved from a screenplay into a fictional story inspired by parts of his life. Through the main character’s journey from a challenging childhood to military service, cybersecurity, and politics, he highlights family values, personal responsibility, and the importance of overcoming difficult circumstances. He also discusses how a line from A Soldier’s Story influenced his filmmaking and inspired the short film Authentic Real Talk at the Barbershop during the COVID-era presidential election. The film explores identity, authenticity, and the importance of considering different perspectives rather than allowing others to define who you should be. Tommy discusses Real Talk About the Cave, a project inspired by Plato’s allegory of the cave that explores how media, politicians, and social platforms can influence people’s beliefs. He encourages viewers to question information, conduct their own research, and think critically rather than follow someone else’s agenda. Tommy explains how social media and nonstop news can increase political division. He encourages people to connect with neighbors, build friendships across political differences, and focus on shared goals like safe communities and good schools. Drawing from his work with Republicans and Democrats, Tommy discusses how money, power, and competing interests affect politics. He encourages people to consider different viewpoints, question their assumptions, and make their own informed decisions. Now in his 70s, Tommy continues pursuing creative projects while staying active through hot yoga, cycling, and exercise. He emphasizes caring for the body, mind, and spirit and encourages people to keep exploring their interests and pursuing their dreams, even later in life. Tommy shares how settling his father’s estate helped reconnect his family, leading to an annual post-Thanksgiving breakfast. He also honors his mother’s practical wisdom, calling her a “PhD in common sense” despite her limited formal education. Toward the end of the conversation, Tommy introduces his shorter works, Beyond Juneteenth and Beyond 3 Fifths. He explains that these publications offer different perspectives on American history, including Juneteenth, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. He encourages readers to examine historical events and their meaning beyond familiar narratives. Throughout this interview, Tommy Ross shares lessons from a lifetime of professional reinvention, creative work, political experience, and family connection. His central message is to think independently, remain intellectually curious, avoid being defined by your circumstances, and remember that it is never too late to pursue a new goal. 🧷To Learn More: 📍To learn more about Tommy Ross, his films, and his projects, visit his website at pinnaclestrategy.net 📍His publication Beyond Juneteenth is also available on Amazon 📍For more information about media, podcasting, publishing, and other services, visit storehousemediagroup.com
