Spotlight Conversations

Donna Reed

Radio personality and voiceover pro Donna Reed interviews friends in the entertainment biz inside her cozy linoleum free recording studio. Unscripted and 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 

  1. 12/16/2025

    Talking with Ted Widmer, editor for Paul McCartney's new book 'Wings: The Story Of A Band On The Run'

    Historian and biographer Ted Widmer is the editor of Paul McCartney's new book  "Wings: The Story Of A Band On the Run' - is not only a vivid account of Paul's music after the Beatles broke up, but it's also about his second act of life on the road - and in the studio - with his new band Wings. As a respected historian and writer, Widmer shapes McCartney's story into an engaging narrative (I couldn't stop reading it!) with personal stories of the beginnings of Wings to the cultural and societal changes happening in music from the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. A flashback conversation you won't soon forget - still, get the book and read all the details of this second chapter of Paul's music. 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, publishing - if guests are in the spotlight, we're talkin'! Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. Settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Music Stories'. Love the conversations? Follow @donnareedvo @spotlightconversations @rockandrollhomemaker New episodes drop every Tuesday. Social media links, website and more here Follow and subscribe to my podcast here Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy') Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios ...

    10 min
  2. 12/09/2025

    Vocalist Nick Heyward of British pop band Haircut 100 talks music, the 80s and touring with Howard Jones

    Nick Heyward, frontman of Haircut 100, is currently touring the US alongside Howard Jones as part of Jone's 2025 'Dream Into Action" anniversary tour, and Nick stops by the studio to talk 80's music, tourning with Howard and more! Nick discusses all the excitement at the start of the tour, held at the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, along with talk about the classic Haircut energy style of music he and his bandmates are famous for! Listen in as we discuss the band's early hits from the album Pelican West (MTV mainstays 'Favorite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl) 'Love Plus One' and 'Fantastic Day' were always a fave), the excitement of touring again with the band, and - before he wraps up our interview - he will share the latest on their new album coming up in 2026.  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, publishing - if guests are in the spotlight, we're talkin'! Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. Settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Music Stories'. Love the conversations? Follow @donnareedvo @spotlightconversations @rockandrollhomemaker New episodes drop every Tuesday. Social media links, website and more here Follow and subscribe to my podcast here Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy') Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios ...

    9 min
  3. 11/20/2025

    Kody Frederick from Julien's Auctions discusses the 'Played, Worn & Torn' auction featuring cool collections of legendary rock stars

    In the studio with Kody Frederick, Director and Head of Marketing at Julien's Auctions, and we are talking about a special 'Played, Worn & Torn' auction featuring the personal collections of Adam Clayton, Kirk Hammett and Tommy Lee (just imagine if U2, Metallica and Motley Crew all in one concert!! Whew!) The auction takes place November 20 and 21 ONLY (limited time) with not only memorabilia from the above mentioned rockstars, but the auction also features over 800 pieces of music and stage memorabilia from rock and roll's most celebrated legends ever like Elvis, Keith Richards, the Beatles and more. And what's even cooler? A portion of the proceeds go to nonprofits like MusiCares. 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, publishing - if guests are in the spotlight, we're talkin'! Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. Settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Music Stories'. Love the conversations? Follow @donnareedvo @spotlightconversations @rockandrollhomemaker New episodes drop every Tuesday. Social media links, website and more here Follow and subscribe to my podcast here Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy') Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios ...

    10 min
  4. 11/20/2025

    USAF fighter pilot Michelle 'Mace' Curran talks Thunderbirds, courage, and her new book 'The Flipside'

    Welcome back subscribers! We are flight deck ready in the studio today for my interview with Michelle 'Mace' Curran, the second woman in history to serve as lead solo pilot for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds! Courage and strength is the focus of our interview today - and with 2,000 hours of F-16 flying time, Michelle  knows what really leads up to that character trait of 'being brave' in her new book 'The Flipside'. We discuss how her book shows you how to convert fear into big time courage - even if you aren't a fighter pilot! We also talk about her biggest fears, how she got the call sign 'Mace' and much 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, publishing - if guests are in the spotlight, we're talkin'! Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. Settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Music Stories'. Love the conversations? Follow @donnareedvo @spotlightconversations @rockandrollhomemaker New episodes drop every Tuesday. Social media links, website and more here Follow and subscribe to my podcast here Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy') Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios ...

    11 min
  5. 10/30/2025

    Television personality Rhonda Shear revives her late-night cult classic 'Up All Night' and tells why glam and camp make life oh so better

    Hanging out in Florida today with the always entertaining comedienne, television personality and actress Rhonda Shear! It's a few days before that last night in October, and let me tell ya - the holiday just got a whole lot more thrilling when Rhonda starts talking about the all-new revival of 'Up All Night'. Join me when I sit down with Rhonda - aka THE Scream Queen - as she talks about her 'reVAMPed' Halloween edition of her iconic ’90s aforementioned TV hit, now streaming exclusively on KingsOfHorror.com. Fans can expect the same outrageous, campy comedy that made her a cult favorite, along with spooky new characters, hilarious sketches, and that signature Rhonda charm. It’s frightful fun, fabulous flair, and nostalgic chaos — just in time for Halloween. Grab your costume 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, publishing - if guests are in the spotlight, we're talkin'! Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. Settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Music Stories'. Love the conversations? Follow @donnareedvo @spotlightconversations @rockandrollhomemaker New episodes drop every Tuesday. Social media links, website and more here Follow and subscribe to my podcast here Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy') Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios ...

    11 min
  6. 10/14/2025

    Big Stir Records dish ghoulish freaky music fun with their new double LP 'Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Haunted Harmonies"

    In Los Angeles today with Rex Broome and Christina Bulbenko of Big Stir Records, who have created the ultimate Halloween mix 'o music! Listen in as we talk about their full on, freaky music double LP "Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Haunted Harmonies"! This ultimate Halloween soundtrack, with loads of spine chilling audio, blends into spooky vibes with irresistible rock 'n' roll charm that you'll want to hear again and again. Featuring tracks from Librarians With Hickeys, The Spongetones, Strawberry Alarm Clock, and sparkle*jets u.k., the special bright eerie green color double album delivers catchy tunes from these artists and more, alongside some truly bone chilling transitions that keep the thrills alive on Halloween! The Pepper Ghost Players, aka your ghostly hosts (Rex and Christina) guide you through a haunted musical journey sure to delight every music fan who loves indie rock, pop rock and everything in between. With a mix of fun, fear, and timeless melodies, it’s a celebration of Halloween like never before—perfect for vinyl, CD, or streaming. Get ready to dance with the spirits in your fave Halloween costume 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, publishing - if guests are in the spotlight, we're talkin'! Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. Settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Music Stories'. Love the conversations? Follow @donnareedvo @spotlightconversations @rockandrollhomemaker New episodes drop every Tuesday. Social media links, website and more here Follow and subscribe to my podcast here Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy') Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios ...

    18 min
  7. 09/16/2025

    Secret Monkey Weekend in the studio with their new CD 'Lemon Drop Hammer' and why Chris Frantz (Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club) is listening

    In North Carolina today to talk with indie pop rock band 'Secret Monkey Weekend' and yes, if you are taken in by the name, wait till you hear their story - it's even better! Jeff Hart (formerly of Jeff Hart and The Ruins) has now teamed up with his step-daughters Ella Hart and Lila Brown Hart, put together some new music, and came up with a new album 'Lemon Drop Hammer'. As they bring in new fans while wrapping up their summer tour on the east coast, they've also brought in fans in the music biz along the way as well - like Chris Frantz of Talking Heads and punk rock band Husker Dü. Jeff, who I interviewed way back in the day on a local new music show called Future Classics on Classic Rock station WRDU 106 in Raleigh-Durham, continues his studio recordings with North Carolina music legend and producer Don Dixon (REM, The Smithereens) who is firmly at the helm of this new album. Love indie music? Then c'mon 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, publishing - if guests are in the spotlight, we're talkin'! Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. Settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Music Stories'. Love the conversations? Follow @donnareedvo @spotlightconversations @rockandrollhomemaker New episodes drop every Tuesday. Social media links, website and more here Follow and subscribe to my podcast here Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy') Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios ...

    20 min
  8. 09/09/2025

    Houston's tech house band darkEntity talks music, club DJ's and their new single 'Rewind'

    Back in Houston today to talk with Michael Casiano and Andrew Rubio, who make up the dance music band of darkEntity. Their story - college students' planning to compose music and maybe do some music scoring - turned out to change a little - ok A LOT - to being club DJ's and going the EDM (Electronic Dance Music) route! Listen in as we talk about their music, how they started, how being a DJ in a club is not anything like being a DJ at a radio station (right?!) plus hear about their new single 'Rewind' (showcasing the vocals of Camille Layne) and more. It's cinematic baby! Come 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, publishing - if guests are in the spotlight, we're talkin'! Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. Settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Music Stories'. Love the conversations? Follow @donnareedvo @spotlightconversations @rockandrollhomemaker New episodes drop every Tuesday. Social media links, website and more here Follow and subscribe to my podcast here Booth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy') Theme Song Composer: Mark Sparrow, SongBird Studios ...

    15 min
5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Radio personality and voiceover pro Donna Reed interviews friends in the entertainment biz inside her cozy linoleum free recording studio. Unscripted and 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