November 18th 2024, I was joined by John Goodwin, President of Galaxy Press and host of the Writers & Illustrators of the Future Podcast. With decades of experience in the publishing industry since 1986, John has played a pivotal role in nurturing creative talent and has also been deeply involved in the Hollywood community. He’s served as a Board Member for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Hollywood Central Park (a visionary project to build a 38-acre park over the Hollywood Freeway), and as President of the legendary Hollywood Christmas Parade. As the driving force behind Galaxy Press, John oversees the publication of fiction works by the late L. Ron Hubbard, as well as the celebrated Writers & Illustrators of the Future Anthology. The Writers & Illustrators of the Future Contest has become a global platform for aspiring writers and illustrators, helping countless creative individuals launch their careers in science fiction and fantasy. With quarterly contests, extensive workshops, and prizes for writers and illustrators, this initiative has created a thriving community of emerging talent. Winners are invited to attend an immersive week-long workshop in Hollywood and their work is also published in the annual Writers & Illustrators of the Future Anthology. In this conversation, we dive into John’s incredible career, the evolution of Writers & Illustrators of the Future, and how the contest continues to empower creative individuals worldwide. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, illustrator, or just a fan of sci-fi and fantasy, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. To enter the Writers of the Future Contest (free), visit https://writersofthefuture.com. The contest is open year-round, with quarterly submission periods as follows: 1st Quarter: October 1 – December 31 2nd Quarter: January 1 – March 31 3rd Quarter: April 1 – June 30 4th Quarter: July 1 – September 30 Don't miss your chance to showcase your talent and be part of this prestigious platform for aspiring writers and illustrators! Learn more about Galaxy Press and the Writers & Illustrators of the Future Contest at https://galaxypress.com/

November 11th 2024, I welcome the inspirational Dr. Roger Leslie, a scholar in success and education with an impressive career as an award-winning author, speaker, and coach. Dr. Leslie has published books across multiple genres, including historical fiction, self-help, spirituality, and education, through major literary houses, independent presses, and his own publishing company. His work has earned him national recognition, including prestigious awards like the ForeWord Book of the Year, The Ben Franklin Award, and the #1 Inspirational Book of the Year from Writer’s Digest. No Stranger Christmas: Latest Release A fight against gay discrimination and a story of love and insight in this new novel by critically acclaimed and Award-Winning Author, Dr. Roger Leslie "While trying to save Christmas for his financially struggling family, 14-year-old Frankie Lincoln finds the courage to explore his artistry, stand up to gay discrimination, and pursue first love." Known for his dynamic and engaging presentations, Dr. Leslie leads FLY (First Last Year) courses inspired by his acclaimed memoir, My First Last Year, empowering people to pursue their dreams and redefine success on their own terms. As a keynote speaker, he brings a unique twist by connecting award-winning movies to meaningful life lessons, captivating audiences with humor and insight. Tune in as Dr. Leslie shares his journey, his wisdom on writing and publishing, and his insights on living an inspired life. This episode is packed with motivation, knowledge, and tools to help you reach your fullest potential.

November, 6th, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Don Sawyer, a seasoned educator, writer, and world traveler with a lifetime of unique experiences to share. Don grew up in Michigan and made his way to Canada in the 1960s, where he embarked on a journey that would take him from small communities in Newfoundland to West Africa, a First Nations reserve in British Columbia, and even Jamaica. Along the way, he’s taught high school students, trained community development workers, and created programs to inspire youth to tackle climate change. With over 12 published books to his name, including two Canadian bestsellers, Don's writing is infused with the richness of his experiences across diverse cultures and environments. His acclaimed works include the YA novel Where the Rivers Meet and the compelling non-fiction book Tomorrow Is School and I Am Sick to the Heart Thinking about It. His children's book series, beginning with The Meanest Teacher in the World, even caught international attention, being translated into German. The Burning Gem: Latest Release Dive into a world of hidden realms, dark secrets, and ancient sorcery in The Burning Gem: A Soul Catcher Novel by acclaimed author Don Sawyer. Imagine John Wick with a mystical twist—this gripping story follows Barbara, a woman who discovers her true empathic powers after part of her soul is crystallized into a fiery red gem. Drawn to a secret world beneath the city, she crosses paths with Zoltan, a bitter soul-catcher bound by a dark contract. Together, they unravel sinister truths in an adventure that spans forgotten subway tunnels and the shadowy streets of Budapest. Available worldwide in print and digital from Castle Bridge Media Don’s life is a testament to the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing new cultures. Despite “almost flunking out” of a PhD program in Modern Chinese History, this pivot opened doors to a world of education, adventure, and, ultimately, storytelling. In this episode, we dive into Don's experiences working with youth and adults around the world, the impact these experiences have had on his writing, and his insights on education, cultural exchange, and the stories that connect us all. Now based in St. Catharines, Ontario, Don lives with his wife, Jan Henig Sawyer, who has been by his side for 54 years.

Sunday, October 6th, we had an inspiring and dynamic conversation with Angela van Breemen, a passionate businesswoman turned indie author and musician. After owning several successful businesses, Angela and her husband, Peter Thomas Pontsa, decided to embark on a new journey by establishing Iconic Scribes Press Inc., a publishing company for their indie books. Over the last decade, Angela has come full circle, returning to her artistic roots with a focus on writing, music, and volunteering. One of her greatest passions is wildlife rehabilitation. Since 2016, she has been involved with Procyon Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, and in 2021, she became a director, dedicating her time to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife. In this episode, Angela talks about her many creative ventures, including her debut crime thriller novel, Past Life’s Revenge, and her newly released Celtic-inspired album, In The Breeze, which features original music based on her poetry. Angela also shares her love for giving back to the community through music and charitable efforts, including her role as the Website Administrator and IT Coordinator for Procyon Wildlife. Tune in as Angela shares her journey from business to creativity, her deep passion for wildlife rehabilitation, and how she balances writing, music, and making a difference in the world around her.

On Wednesday, the 25th, I welcomed twin sisters, Corinna and Isabelle, from OUR TRUTH. Originally from a small town near Frankfurt, Germany, and now based in Los Angeles, the twins are passionately spreading a message of universal love and truth. Having started performing at the age of eight, singing at local events, Corinna and Isabelle have always been creative souls. They have been observers of life and deep thinkers, expressing their insights through art, poetry, and music since their teenage years. Over the years, their journey has evolved into something far deeper—rooted in consciousness and the understanding of quantum mechanics, they have embraced organic healing methods to transform both themselves and others. Although separated for a decade when Corinna moved to the United States, their reunion proved to be powerful. Together, they helped one another break free from negative behavioural patterns and societal programming, serving as constant reminders to embrace positivity, love, and authenticity. OUR TRUTH represents the twins' profound understanding of the universe, which they channel through empowering lyrics and music that flows naturally from their inner knowing. Their album Wondrous Life is not just a collection of songs but part of a larger musical they have written, embodying their journey and mission. Corinna and Isabelle are here on a sacred mission—to be messengers of love, spreading enlightenment through their music, teachings, and energy. Their work resonates deeply with those who seek higher understanding and connection, offering a unique blend of philosophy, organic healing, and musical expression.

This week, I had the honor of sitting down with the amazing Glenda Benevides—award-winning musician, vocalist, author, and all-around badass goddess. Glenda has been considered for the GRAMMYs®, and she’s also a voting member of the Recording Academy. Known for her raw and powerful voice that blends the soul of Heart, Janis Joplin, and Bessie Smith, Glenda’s music and message is special. Her voice isn’t just something you hear—it’s something you feel. Every note resonates with blues and soul, and her lyrics dig deep, pushing you to think, act, and love more fiercely. Like a force of nature, Glenda’s performances are packed with empowerment and enlightenment. Her message? That we can all find unity and strength through self-expression. But this conversation wasn’t just about music. We explored the themes in Glenda’s life and work, especially her book, “Courage,” and I called “The 5 C’s”—Clarity, Courage, Confidence, Commitment, and Community. Glenda shared how each of these qualities builds on the other to create a fulfilling life, drawn from her own personal experiences. She broke down the path from having clarity in your life, finding the courage to pursue it, and how courage leads to confidence. From there, it’s all about commitment and surrounding yourself with the right community to achieve success. If you’re an independent artist who’s still on the journey of self-discovery—whether it’s figuring out who you are or what your purpose is—this fun, organic, and insightful conversation with Glenda Benevides is exactly what you need to hear. Tune in for a real, raw, and inspiring talk about music, life, and finding your voice in a world full of noise.

Music Business Worldwide -

WEB3 MUSIC STREAMING PLATFORM TUNE.FM RAISES $50M IN FUNDING

On Friday, September 6th, 2024, I had the pleasure of hosting a thought-provoking conversation with England-based musician, artist, author, and free speech advocate, Sean Bw Parker. Sean and I took a completely different journey—away from music itself and into the broader global political landscape. What made this episode truly unique was how we explored the role of art—whether it's music, painting, literature, or film—as a powerful tool for influencing societal change. We dived into how creativity can shape policies, challenge the status quo, and even sway elections. Like it or not, politics impacts us all. But as independent artists, do we fully understand the power we hold to influence minds and shift perspectives? Through our lyrics, our visuals, and our words, we can encourage people to exercise their rights to free speech, to fight for justice, and to question those in power. The big question is: how do you, as an artist, use that power? Do you take the quick, easy path that may seem lucrative at first, or the longer, more meaningful route? As Sean wisely pointed out, "Once you’ve got something through the short path, you’ve got something to lose." This conversation offers valuable insight for artists on recognizing and wielding their influence responsibly. As I said during the show, "We often look at the macro, hoping to change the world as artists, but if you can impact even 100 lives in your community, that alone is a huge victory”. Join us for this deep dive into the intersection of art and global politics. Let's explore how artists can inspire real change!