102 episodes

Radio personality and voiceover pro Donna Reed interviews friends in the entertainment biz inside her cozy linoleum free recording studio. Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, listen in and find out why music + media are the conversation starters. Theme song: Mark Sparrow, Song Bird Studios | Booth announcer: Joe Szymanski 

Spotlight Conversations Donna Reed

    • Arts
    • 5.0 • 8 Ratings

Radio personality and voiceover pro Donna Reed interviews friends in the entertainment biz inside her cozy linoleum free recording studio. Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, listen in and find out why music + media are the conversation starters. Theme song: Mark Sparrow, Song Bird Studios | Booth announcer: Joe Szymanski 

    Canadian voice talent Paul Boucher talks about how business savvy, understanding technology and training matters in your voiceover career

    Canadian voice talent Paul Boucher talks about how business savvy, understanding technology and training matters in your voiceover career

    Oh Canada! Today it's Calgary time baby, as I sit in the studio with voiceover pro Paul Boucher where we discuss his storied voice career, along with a few great tips for veteran and newbie voice talent. This bilingual voice talent (French, English) has built his reputation from the early days of the internet industry (starting in 1997!) with a big list of clients in both languages and in long form narration.  With nods to some of his favorite voice teachers: Maurice Tobias, Anne Ganguzza, The VO Roadshow and Scott Parkin, listen in as Paul describes his unique studio journey; how collaborating with others behind the mic can benefit everyone; what you can do about that oncoming train known as AI; blogging and website building; and how understanding the business of your chosen field is one of the most important keys to voiceover success.  Besides studio stories, we  lso talk about his love of cycling, photography and more. Join us!

    About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

    Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, authors - if they've worked in media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

    Social media links, website and more here
    Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

    A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
    Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
    Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios

    • 41 min
    Houston radio DJ Chris Alan talks broadcasting stories, his infamous restaurants in HTown and the story behind FavoriteRadioShirts.com

    Houston radio DJ Chris Alan talks broadcasting stories, his infamous restaurants in HTown and the story behind FavoriteRadioShirts.com

    It's Houston today baby, visiting with veteran radio personality Chris Alan (CBS Radio, KILE, KLOL, 97 Rock, and now on Houston Radio Platinum) as we talk about almost every crazy radio story we can fit into an interview, including that well known studio skill known as 'back timing into network programming' (it's an art, trust us!); why out of so many radio formats he's worked in, the Adult Contemporary arena is where he loves to work; his brand new website where you can find some of your fave radio T-shirt's from back in the day at 'Favorite Radio Shirts' plus all about his cool restaurants around town called 'Christian's Tailgate Bar and Grill' where Monday Night Football - and Houston's best burger title - reigns supreme. We also talk about some legendary Texas radio legends like Mike Cannon, Sam Malone, Dayna Steele, Bob Ford and more. Bring along your love of all things radio and join us!

    About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

    Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, authors - if they've worked in media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

    Social media links, website and more here
    Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

    A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
    Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
    Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios

    • 20 min
    'Johnny Folsom 4' Bass Player Steve Eisenstadt talks music night at Daryl's House, cover bands, and keeping the spirit of Johnny Cash alive on tour

    'Johnny Folsom 4' Bass Player Steve Eisenstadt talks music night at Daryl's House, cover bands, and keeping the spirit of Johnny Cash alive on tour

    Visiting North Carolina today with Steve Eisenstadt, bass player for the legendary (soon to be anyway!) 'Johnny Folsom 4', a tribute band to Johnny Cash. Fresh from their recent gig at Daryl's House, Steve talks about life on the road, the loyal fans, plus the backstory about his band mates and and their individual career path to playing in this special tribute band. From newspaper reporter to public relations expert to now life on the road with 'Johnny Folsom 4', Steve discusses the current tribute band phenomenon, and how this group keeps the authentic spirit and legend of Johnny Cash alive on every tour stop. Join us!

    About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

    Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, authors - if they've worked in media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

    Social media links, website and more here
    Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

    A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
    Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
    Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios

    • 24 min
    Author David Menconi talks about Americana music, playlists, and writing his new book, 'Oh, Didn't They Ramble-Rounder Records and the Transformation of American Roots Music'

    Author David Menconi talks about Americana music, playlists, and writing his new book, 'Oh, Didn't They Ramble-Rounder Records and the Transformation of American Roots Music'

    In the Carolinas today talking with author David Menconi, enjoying the entire backstory about writing his new book 'Oh Didn't They Ramble, Rounder Records and the Transformation of American Roots Music.' The UT grad and former writer for Rolling Stone and Spin (and music critic for the Raleigh News and Observer), talks about the iconic record label Rounder Records, how the forward from Robert Plant from Led Zep came together, those interviews with Allison Krauss, Bela Fleck and Patterson Hood; how radio joined in with the evolution of Americana music, the true story behind the book title "Oh Didn't They Ramble...' , plus a special shout out to Texas Music Hall of Fame singer Monte Warden and the Wagoneers. Join us!

    About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

    Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, authors - if they've worked in media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

    Social media links, website and more here
    Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

    A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
    Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
    Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios

    • 26 min
    Actor-Director Sara Gaston talks showbiz, indie films, The Groundlings and her new screenplay "Sanchos and Ponchos"

    Actor-Director Sara Gaston talks showbiz, indie films, The Groundlings and her new screenplay "Sanchos and Ponchos"

    In Houston today with actress-screenwriter-director and acting coach Sara Gaston, talking not only about what it takes to be a successful working actor, but also about the true 'invisible work' of marketing, auditioning, and ultimately taking that work where you can get it! She also discusses her new comedy screenplay "Sanchos and Ponchos" which will be appearing at the Austin Under The Stars Film Festival in October. The busy actress gets real about her love of working with actors who have successfully gone on to big time acting gigs with Spy Kids, Stranger Things, and The Chosen, along with coaching students who have been accepted into the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts - to name a few! Bring along your love of the dramatic arts and join us.

    About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

    Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, authors - if they've worked in media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

    Social media links, website and more here
    Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

    A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
    Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
    Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios

    • 29 min
    Singer/songwriter Michael Daughtry talks about his Billboard charting hit "Nothing Special", fellow Berklee College of Music classmate John Mayer and what it takes to write a hit song

    Singer/songwriter Michael Daughtry talks about his Billboard charting hit "Nothing Special", fellow Berklee College of Music classmate John Mayer and what it takes to write a hit song

    Visiting North Carolina today with singer-songwriter Michael Daughtry, who has carved one hit making trail of music from the Carolinas to Boston to all over the globe! The Berklee College of Music magna cum laude grad (who just so happened to graduate with another singer, songwriter and guitarist -  John Mayer!) has worked with musicians Edwin McCain, Mark Davis of Hootie and the Blowfish, Sponge and John Ford Coley, in addition to making his own career path in the music business. Michael explains how his unique brand of songwriting helped him write the current hit "Nothing Special" from his new CD 'Other Side' - which as of August 2023 - was the #1 Independent Adult Contemporary song on radio! He also talks about his work with the Child Advocacy Center of Fayetteville, NC and Raleigh's Rock 'n' Roll Running Series; his many musical influences, a supportive musical extended family and what really inspires him to write a hit song. Bring along your love of music and songwriting and join us!

    About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:

    Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, authors - if they've worked in media, we're talkin'! Unscripted and nearly always entertaining, each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz; from where they started to how it's going. Join us in my swanky studio where drinks are always on ice; music + media are the conversation starters. New episodes every other Tuesday.

    Social media links, website and more here
    Follow and subscribe to my podcast here

    A very special thank you to friends who helped bring the Spotlight Conversations podcast together:
    Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')
    Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios

    • 34 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
8 Ratings

8 Ratings

BillJordanVO ,

Donna’s a natural…..

I was honored to be invited to join Donna on “Spotlight Conversations”.
I never had the sense that I was being “interviewed”, rather we just had a conversation.
Donna truly “listens” and asks stellar followups to move things along.
Our 30 minutes flew by, but with a lot packed into them.
I had a blast.
Thanks, Donna!

Jeff Kinzbach ,

You'll Love Donna's Podcasts!

Donna is awesome. We could have talked to her all day. She's done some great interviews and I highly recommend you check them out. You're going to love them.

MikeJElliott ,

Michael Elliott

Donna is such a natural conversationalist. She is truly engaged with her subjects, making them feel completely at ease throughout the interview. I was already a fan of the podcast and was honored to be a guest. Looking forward to the next one!

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