The Jay Franze Show: Your backstage pass to the entertainment industry Jay Franze

In this extraordinary episode of The Jay Franze Show, the tables are turned as the illustrious host, Jay Franze, enters the spotlight as the guest. Renowned industry expert guest host Reena Friedman Watts takes the reins, uncovering the captivating journey and invaluable insights of the multifaceted Jay Franze.

Jay, known for his illustrious career as a Producer/Engineer and a beacon in personal branding and artist development strategies, is recognized for his unparalleled contributions to the entertainment industry. With a career that spans legendary collaborations and groundbreaking projects, Jay shares riveting tales, exclusive stories, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes that promise to captivate and inspire.

From engineering projects for icons like Jerry Lee Lewis, Hank Williams Jr., and Dolly Parton to nurturing indie talents such as Matty McRee, Tristin Burke, and Allison Piccioni, Jay's portfolio is a testament to his diverse expertise and unwavering passion for music.

Renowned studios like The Tracking Room, Oceanway, and Masterfonics have witnessed Jay's mastery. At the same time, his collaborations with top-tier producers like Bob Bullock, Matt McClure, and Chas Sandford have left an indelible mark on the industry. His involvement with esteemed production companies and publishing giants further underscores his impact and influence within the music realm.

But Jay Franze's accomplishments extend beyond the studio. His dedication to education, from teaching at prestigious audio schools globally to delivering guest lectures at renowned institutions, showcases his commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.

A distinguished member of esteemed industry organizations such as The Recording Academy – Producers and Engineers Wing and the Audio Engineering Society, Jay's involvement and contributions have been integral to shaping the landscape of professional audio recording.

Adding authorship to his repertoire, Jay's literary contributions have earned acclaim within the audio engineering community, with books like "Pro Tools A…Z," "Mixing A…Z," and his latest masterpiece, "The IDEAS of Leadership."

Beyond his musical endeavors, Jay's expertise extends to the transportation and security industry, where his leadership prowess shines, handling high-profile clientele and spearheading intricate projects.

But amidst his remarkable professional journey, Jay's heart remains close to his family, residing near Cincinnati with his wife Jennifer, their three beautiful daughters, and their cherished pets.

Join Reena Friedman Watts as she delves into the life, career, and multifaceted achievements of Jay Franze, unveiling a narrative that transcends the ordinary and exemplifies the true essence of an industry luminary.

Get ready for an engaging, enlightening, and inspiring conversation that peels back the layers of one of the entertainment industry's most dynamic figures—only on this special episode of The Jay Franze Show.


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Host: Reena Friedman WattsGuest: Jay FranzeRecorded: November 27, 2023Links


Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.comBetter Call Daddy: https://bettercalldaddy.com Support the show

Join Jay Franze on this electrifying episode of The Jay Franze Show, where he dives into live sound engineering with an industry titan: Joe Keiser. Based in the heart of Nashville, Joe brings decades of experience, stories, and invaluable insights.

Joe Keiser, currently Nickelback's Front-of-House (FOH) engineer, boasts an illustrious career spanning over 26 years in both studio/broadcast and live sound. Having rubbed shoulders with ZZ Top, Keith Urban, and Sheryl Crow, Joe's experiences on the road and in the studio offer a rare glimpse into the intricacies of crafting top-tier sound experiences.

Joining Joe is his long time mentor, Tony Cottrill, a multifaceted talent in live and studio  engineering, Tony brings a wealth of knowledge from his rich background as a musician, tour manager, and educator. With a teaching portfolio that includes prestigious institutions like Belmont University and The Blackbird Academy, Tony has honed the skills of aspiring audio engineers while simultaneously touring with a constellation of music legends.

In this episode, listeners will explore:

• Behind-the-scenes tales from the road with music icons and industry legends.
• The evolving landscape of live sound engineering and its intersection with technology.
• The art of balancing technical prowess with creative instincts in shaping unforgettable sonic experiences.

Tune in as Jay Franze delves deep into the art and science of sound engineering, unpacking the secrets and stories that have shaped the careers of these two remarkable guests. Whether you're an audio enthusiast, an aspiring engineer, or simply curious about the magic behind exceptional sound, this episode is a must-listen!

So, don't miss out! Join us for an exhilarating conversation that goes beyond the soundboard and into the pulse of the music industry.

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Host: Jay FranzeGuest: Joe Keiser and Tony CottrillRecorded: November 20, 2023Links


Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.comTony Cottrill: http://thetonycottrill.com/thetonycottrill.comThe Dawg Houze: http://www.thedawghouze.com/ Support the show

In this episode of The Jay Franze Show, we are joined by a true Renaissance man, Tom Locke, an author, music historian, and business maven with a career that spans the realms of mathematics, film, entertainment, and coaching. Born and raised in Toronto, Tom's journey is as diverse as it is fascinating.

From his early days in the film industry in Vancouver to co-founding Rainmaker Digital Pictures Corporation and contributing to the success of T.V. classics like 21 Jump Street, The X-Files, and Millennium, Tom has played a pivotal role in shaping the entertainment landscape. His experiences working on feature films such as Legends Of The Fall, which earned an Academy Award for best cinematography, provide a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of Hollywood.

But Tom's story doesn't stop there. In 1996, he embarked on a new chapter, launching a career and business coaching practice focused on human capital development and strategic planning. His passion for education led him to create and instruct a course on "Creating Your Competitive Edge" at the University of British Columbia.

Tom's commitment to community investment and philanthropy is evident in his extensive involvement in various boards and charitable endeavors. His twenty years on the board of the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame & Museum and his production of a fundraising print for the 1994 Commonwealth Games showcase his dedication to honoring the past and inspiring the future.

As a lifelong sports enthusiast, Tom emphasizes the crucial role of sports in developing values and leadership. His energy and larger-than-life stories have made him a sought-after guest for podcasters, reporters, and T.V./radio hosts.

In the latter part of his career, Tom delved into the impact of digital technology on business, introducing the online world to his creation, "Moments In Time." This curated journey through the music of the '50s, '60s, and '70s has captivated audiences, earning Tom's book, "Moments In Time: Stories About Artists And Songs," five prestigious awards. The book's unique interactive format, combining the "old" with the "new," reflects Tom's ability to bridge generations seamlessly.

Join Jay Franze as he sits down with Tom Locke to explore the diverse chapters of his life, the magic behind "Moments In Time," and the invaluable lessons learned from a career that transcends industries.


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Host: Jay FranzeGuest: Tom LockeRecorded: November 13, 2023Links


Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.comTom Locke: https://www.mitstories.com/Moments In Time: https://www.amazon.com/Moments-Time-Stories-About-Artists/dp/1777827302 Support the show

In this special episode of The Jay Franze Show, we're thrilled to welcome a multi-talented artist, T.W. Hale, to the studio. Hailing from the Lone Star State and now calling Nashville home, T.W. has an impressive songwriter, producer, and performer resume. He's made significant contributions to the country music scene, having penned songs for legends such as Reba McEntire, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Joe Diffie.

Join us as we delve into T.W.'s musical journey, exploring his roots in Texas, his transition to the heart of country music in Nashville, and the incredible stories behind the songs that have touched the hearts of countless fans. T.W.'s unique perspective and creative process offer a fascinating look at the songwriting and production aspects of the music industry, and his experiences in the world of live performance add an extra layer of depth to his story.

Tune in to gain insights into the art of songwriting, the collaboration with country music icons, and the experiences that have shaped T.W. Hale's career. Whether you're a dedicated fan of country music or simply curious about the industry's inner workings, this episode will surely be a captivating and informative experience.


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Host: Jay FranzeGuest: T.W. HaleRecorded: November 6, 2023Links


Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com Support the show

In this episode of The Jay Franze Show, we're sitting with the incredible recording artist Cody Howell. Hailing from the heartland with a dash of Nashville spirit, Cody's music blends western sound and a midwestern heart. Inspired by the likes of Randy Rogers, Dierks Bentley, and Zane Williams, his songs genuinely reflect his country lifestyle.

But there's more to Cody than just his music. Before making it in the music scene, this Kansas native served our country in the United States Navy for seven years. Now, he's settled in Nashville, attending Belmont University, and giving back through organizations like Project K-9 Hero, supporting veterans and their families.

Cody's journey in Music City took an exciting turn when he crossed paths with renowned musician and producer Kent Wells. He's not only a rising star in his own right but also made a mark as a background vocalist on Dolly Parton's highly-anticipated Rock Album, Rockstar.

Join us as we chat with Cody about his experiences, his new solo project, "Any Way You Go," and what's in store for his upcoming full album. This episode is a deep dive into the world of an artist making waves in the country music scene. You won't want to miss it!


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Host: Jay FranzeGuest: Cody HowellRecorded: October 23, 2023Links
Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.comCody Howell: https://www.codyhowellcountry.com/ Support the show

On this episode of The Jay Franze Show, we're thrilled to have the captivating Reena Friedman Watts, a seasoned on-air personality, TV producer, and the mastermind behind "Better Call Daddy." Reena's journey from the Jerry Springer Show to Court TV is nothing short of extraordinary, and she's all about bringing stories to life.

Join us as Reena shares her passion for storytelling and dives into the unique family dynamic that drives her podcast. In "Better Call Daddy," Reena teams up with her Dad for insightful, uncensored conversations with a wide range of guests, from influential business leaders to phone sex workers. There are no boundaries here!

Discover the power of authentic relationships, teamwork, and the wisdom that her father imparts in every episode. Reena's blend of humor and candid discussions will keep you engaged until the end.


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Host: Jay FranzeGuest: Reena Friedman WattsRecorded: October 16, 2023Links
Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.comBetter Call Daddy: https://bettercalldaddy.com/ Support the show