https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-hollywood-beat--4727971enPerforming ArtsCopyright Tandy Culpepperhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0f5f2bc1542acfcd4a21e8b3efe51ee9.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-hollywood-beat--4727971Sat, 20 Apr 2024 22:20:52 +0000Tandy CulpepperTandy Culpepperfeeds@spreaker.comyesserialhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/reba-merrill-talks-with-tandy-culpepper-about-her-stellar-career-as-a-journalist-in-hollywood--56056615Tandy Culpepper talks with author, lecturer, and broadcast journalist Reba Merrill. This is a woman one Hollywood wag dubbed "The Queen of the Hollywood Press Junket." Merrill came to Los Angeles and sought to build a brand in entertainment journalism at the unheard of age of 47 -- unheard of because, for a woan at that time, 47 was over the hill. So after assorted trials and tribulations, she beat the odds and overcame both misogyny and ageism. Now, her lengthy career has been capped off with a major honor: the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences nominated Merrill for inclusion in a vault created with funding provided by Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. The vault, housed at the University of Southern California, contains items chronicling the history of Hollywood. Merrill's digitized interviews -- perhaps 1500 or so -- will be known as the reba Merrill Collection.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56056615Tue, 11 Jul 2023 01:10:57 +0000Tandy CulpepperTandy Culpepper talks with author, lecturer, and broadcast journalist Reba Merrill. This is a woman one Hollywood wag dubbed "The Queen of the Hollywood Press Junket." Merrill came to Los Angeles and sought to build a brand in entertainment journalism...Tandy Culpepper talks with author, lecturer, and broadcast journalist Reba Merrill. This is a woman one Hollywood wag dubbed "The Queen of the Hollywood Press Junket." Merrill came to Los Angeles and sought to build a brand in entertainment journalism at the unheard of age of 47 -- unheard of because, for a woan at that time, 47 was over the hill. So after assorted trials and tribulations, she beat the odds and overcame both misogyny and ageism. Now, her lengthy career has been capped off with a major honor: the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences nominated Merrill for inclusion in a vault created with funding provided by Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. The vault, housed at the University of Southern California, contains items chronicling the history of Hollywood. Merrill's digitized interviews -- perhaps 1500 or so -- will be known as the reba Merrill Collection.]]>2245academyofmotionpicturesartdand,entertainment,georgelucas,hollywood,journalism,oscars.,rebamerrill,stevenspielberg,tandyculpepper,universityofsoutherncaliforniaclean13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-with-new-grammy-member-dr-james-michael-stevens--56186499Dr. James Michael Stevens is a professor of music and chair of the music department at Welch College in Gallatin, Tennessee. Stevens is also a composer and a prolific one at that. By his estimation, he has some 8,000 compositions to his credit, mainly for piano but also for organ and choral groups. The chorale composition Without Love We Have Nothing– written with Joseph M. Martin – has been performed and recorded all over the world, particularly in South Korea. Last month, Dr. Stevens was invited to join the Recording Academy as a voting member of the Grammy Awards. In this episode of The Hollywood Beat, Dr. Stevens talks with Tandy Culpepper about his career and this latest achievement with the Grammy Folks.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56186499Sat, 22 Jul 2023 21:02:10 +0000Tandy CulpepperDr. James Michael Stevens is a professor of music and chair of the music department at Welch College in Gallatin, Tennessee. Stevens is also a composer and a prolific one at that. By his estimation, he has some 8,000 compositions to his credit, mainly...Dr. James Michael Stevens is a professor of music and chair of the music department at Welch College in Gallatin, Tennessee. Stevens is also a composer and a prolific one at that. By his estimation, he has some 8,000 compositions to his credit, mainly for piano but also for organ and choral groups. The chorale composition Without Love We Have Nothing– written with Joseph M. Martin – has been performed and recorded all over the world, particularly in South Korea. Last month, Dr. Stevens was invited to join the Recording Academy as a voting member of the Grammy Awards. In this episode of The Hollywood Beat, Dr. Stevens talks with Tandy Culpepper about his career and this latest achievement with the Grammy Folks.]]>2596dr.jamesmichaelstevens,grammys,musicclean14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-painting-and-poetry-with-chris-arvidson-author-of-the-house-inside-my-head--56193845I caught up recently with a woman who, like me, graduated from Goucher College's MFA program in Creative Nonfiction. She and I have been Facebook friends, but we spoke by phone for the first time only in the last month. I came across one of her posts in which she shared that she had just come out with a poetry collection titled The House Inside My Head. In this episode of THB, she tells us about her new book, about how she became a poet, why she took up painting, and workshops she conducts in something called ekphrastic writing, i.e. writing about works of art and the like. John Keats's Ode on a Grecian Urn is an example. Chris is also an ardent baseball fan and has edited books on the subject. We hear her read two of her poems as well as a section of the preface from one of the baseball books.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56193845Mon, 24 Jul 2023 21:57:03 +0000Tandy CulpepperI caught up recently with a woman who, like me, graduated from Goucher College's MFA program in Creative Nonfiction. She and I have been Facebook friends, but we spoke by phone for the first time only in the last month. I came across one of her posts...I caught up recently with a woman who, like me, graduated from Goucher College's MFA program in Creative Nonfiction. She and I have been Facebook friends, but we spoke by phone for the first time only in the last month. I came across one of her posts in which she shared that she had just come out with a poetry collection titled The House Inside My Head. In this episode of THB, she tells us about her new book, about how she became a poet, why she took up painting, and workshops she conducts in something called ekphrastic writing, i.e. writing about works of art and the like. John Keats's Ode on a Grecian Urn is an example. Chris is also an ardent baseball fan and has edited books on the subject. We hear her read two of her poems as well as a section of the preface from one of the baseball books.]]>3304clean15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-menopause-and-vampires-with-pamela-skjsvik-author-of-forever-51--56408269Pamela Skjolsvik and I met in 2008 at Goucher College where we both were enrolled in the Creative Nonfiction MFA program. We’ve kept in touch over the years. When Pamela decided to try her hand at fiction, she settled on a topic guaranteed to raise eyebrows. The novel is Forever 51, a dark comedy about a menopausal vampire named Veronica. Pamela’s protagonist is forever condemned to a life of irritability and hot flashes. The idea for the high-concept tale came to Pamela as the result of a question posed by her young son. Hear the question in this interview. Pamela reads from Forever 51 as well as from her first book, a reported memoir titled Death Becomes Us. By the way, Pamela plans a trilogy, and the second in the series will be called Wasted on the Young. Forever 51 is available on Amazon.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56408269Tue, 08 Aug 2023 23:46:31 +0000Tandy CulpepperPamela Skjolsvik and I met in 2008 at Goucher College where we both were enrolled in the Creative Nonfiction MFA program. We’ve kept in touch over the years. When Pamela decided to try her hand at fiction, she settled on a topic guaranteed to raise...Pamela Skjolsvik and I met in 2008 at Goucher College where we both were enrolled in the Creative Nonfiction MFA program. We’ve kept in touch over the years. When Pamela decided to try her hand at fiction, she settled on a topic guaranteed to raise eyebrows. The novel is Forever 51, a dark comedy about a menopausal vampire named Veronica. Pamela’s protagonist is forever condemned to a life of irritability and hot flashes. The idea for the high-concept tale came to Pamela as the result of a question posed by her young son. Hear the question in this interview. Pamela reads from Forever 51 as well as from her first book, a reported memoir titled Death Becomes Us. By the way, Pamela plans a trilogy, and the second in the series will be called Wasted on the Young. Forever 51 is available on Amazon.]]>1739clean15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-psychoanalysis-with-psychologist-and-hypnotherapist-dr-nancy-irwin--56452129Dr. Nancy Irwin is a Los Angeles-based clinical psychologist and hypnotherapist. A longtime mutual friend thought I’d enjoy interviewing Dr. Irwin, and our friend was right. She came to this profession by way of an interesting journey . Can you imagine a stand up comic who morphs into a shrink? Well, Dr, Irwin traveled that road. I talk to Dr. Irwin about why people — including Hollywood celebrities — seek her services.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56452129Sun, 13 Aug 2023 00:41:21 +0000Tandy CulpepperDr. Nancy Irwin is a Los Angeles-based clinical psychologist and hypnotherapist. A longtime mutual friend thought I’d enjoy interviewing Dr. Irwin, and our friend was right. She came to this profession by way of an interesting journey . Can you...Dr. Nancy Irwin is a Los Angeles-based clinical psychologist and hypnotherapist. A longtime mutual friend thought I’d enjoy interviewing Dr. Irwin, and our friend was right. She came to this profession by way of an interesting journey . Can you imagine a stand up comic who morphs into a shrink? Well, Dr, Irwin traveled that road. I talk to Dr. Irwin about why people — including Hollywood celebrities — seek her services.]]>1918hypnotherapy,nancyirwin,psychologist,psychotherapy,tandyculpepperclean15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-with-judy-lev-about-her-groundbreaking-new-memoir-our-names-do-not-appear--56517383Judy Lev (the pen name for Judy Labensohn) is an American-Israeli writer whose new memoir -- Our Names Do Not Appear -- breaks new ground for the genre. One book critic referred to it as a "hybrid memoir." After reading it, I must opine that hybrid is an accurate description for the book. Judy mixes creative nonfiction with elements of fiction, and she does so with a deft hand. The story mines memories from a traumatic childhood event that the author carries with her for many years until she faces the same sort of dilemma after becoming a young adult starting her own family. Lev/Lebensohn grew up in Shaker Heights, a small municipality just outside of Cleveland, Ohio. When she was 21 -- in 1967 -- she moved to Israel for what she thought would be a year. All these years later, she's still there. Judy and I talk about the childhood that prompted her to write this book, as well as how she chose to structure her memoir which breaks conventions to craft something heretofore little seen in the genre. We also discuss the current turbulent political climate and how it mirrors what is transpiring in the United States and certain other nations around the globe.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56517383Fri, 18 Aug 2023 23:24:52 +0000Tandy CulpepperJudy Lev (the pen name for Judy Labensohn) is an American-Israeli writer whose new memoir -- Our Names Do Not Appear -- breaks new ground for the genre. One book critic referred to it as a "hybrid memoir." After reading it, I must opine that hybrid is...Judy Lev (the pen name for Judy Labensohn) is an American-Israeli writer whose new memoir -- Our Names Do Not Appear -- breaks new ground for the genre. One book critic referred to it as a "hybrid memoir." After reading it, I must opine that hybrid is an accurate description for the book. Judy mixes creative nonfiction with elements of fiction, and she does so with a deft hand. The story mines memories from a traumatic childhood event that the author carries with her for many years until she faces the same sort of dilemma after becoming a young adult starting her own family. Lev/Lebensohn grew up in Shaker Heights, a small municipality just outside of Cleveland, Ohio. When she was 21 -- in 1967 -- she moved to Israel for what she thought would be a year. All these years later, she's still there. Judy and I talk about the childhood that prompted her to write this book, as well as how she chose to structure her memoir which breaks conventions to craft something heretofore little seen in the genre. We also discuss the current turbulent political climate and how it mirrors what is transpiring in the United States and certain other nations around the globe.]]>1597hybridmemoir,israel,jerusalem,judylev,memoir,motherdaughter,ournamesdonotappear,tandyculpepperclean16fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-with-singer-songwriter-lauren-calve-about-her-debut-long-form-album-shift--56876970 Recently I had the opportunity to interview the D.C. based singer-songwriter Lauren Calve. By her own wry admission, she’s something of a late bloomer. In fact, one of the tracks on her debut long-form album, Shift, bears that very title. The ten track collection was released the first week of September. Calve recorded the LP in Nashville – and, boy, howdy, did she have heavyweight musicians in the studio with her. From her website LaurenCalve.com:(Shift) was recorded in Nashville at 3Sirens Music Group with producer, engineer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Dex Green (Margo Price, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Allison Russell). “He took songs that had never been road tested, songs that went directly from my living room to the studio, and effortlessly brought them to life,” says Calve. He also brought heavy hitters into the studio: Fred Eltringham on drums (ACM Drummer of the Year, Drumeo Country Drummer of the Year, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson), Audley Freed on guitar (Sheryl Crow, The Black Crowes), Robert Kearns on bass (Sheryl Crow, Lynyrd Skynyrd), Marlon Patton on drums (Larkin Poe, Lera Lynn), Jared Reynolds on bass (Ben Folds) and Joe Costa on the board (Ben Folds). And from American Songwriter comes this praise:As the disc’s title and opening track imply, the songs are tied loosely together by Calve’s ability to understand and adapt to the various shifts—age, economic, romantic—that occur in her, and everyone else’s lives. Will it take me or break me under its weight? Or will I take it and break away? she sings as a slowly pumping drum thumps behind her like a heartbeat and guitars soar, then dive, with the dramatic yet earthy sweep of the best Tom Petty material… Calve’s striking songs emerge out of the speakers full and alive, making this one of the most notable debut recordings this year and worthy of the advanced acclaim from her peers.








]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56876970Thu, 21 Sep 2023 03:50:28 +0000Tandy CulpepperRecently I had the opportunity to interview the D.C. based singer-songwriter Lauren Calve. By her own wry admission, she’s something of a late bloomer. In fact, one of the tracks on her debut long-form album, Shift, bears that very title. The ten... Recently I had the opportunity to interview the D.C. based singer-songwriter Lauren Calve. By her own wry admission, she’s something of a late bloomer. In fact, one of the tracks on her debut long-form album, Shift, bears that very title. The ten track collection was released the first week of September. Calve recorded the LP in Nashville – and, boy, howdy, did she have heavyweight musicians in the studio with her. From her website LaurenCalve.com:(Shift) was recorded in Nashville at 3Sirens Music Group with producer, engineer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Dex Green (Margo Price, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Allison Russell). “He took songs that had never been road tested, songs that went directly from my living room to the studio, and effortlessly brought them to life,” says Calve. He also brought heavy hitters into the studio: Fred Eltringham on drums (ACM Drummer of the Year, Drumeo Country Drummer of the Year, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson), Audley Freed on guitar (Sheryl Crow, The Black Crowes), Robert Kearns on bass (Sheryl Crow, Lynyrd Skynyrd), Marlon Patton on drums (Larkin Poe, Lera Lynn), Jared Reynolds on bass (Ben Folds) and Joe Costa on the board (Ben Folds). And from American Songwriter comes this praise:As the disc’s title and opening track imply, the songs are tied loosely together by Calve’s ability to understand and adapt to the various shifts—age, economic, romantic—that occur in her, and everyone else’s lives. Will it take me or break me under its weight? Or will I take it and break away? she sings as a slowly pumping drum thumps behind her like a heartbeat and guitars soar, then dive, with the dramatic yet earthy sweep of the best Tom Petty material… Calve’s striking songs emerge out of the speakers full and alive, making this one of the most notable debut recordings this year and worthy of the advanced acclaim from her peers.








]]>1791clean18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-with-the-christian-science-monitor-s-francine-kiefer--57312172For several months, I had been trying to pin down journalist Francine Kiefer for an interview regarding her award-winning work as West Coast bureau chief for The Christian Science Monitor. My efforts were complicated by unforeseen circumstances not of our making. Kiefer had been asked to assume the role of interim national news editor pending results of a search to fill the position long term. I caught up with Francine the second week of October, a time in which news from overseas was dominated by events taking place in Israel and the Gaza Strip. On the home front the top news story was the ongoing search for a new speaker of the House. Prior to heading to the West Coast, Kiefer served as congressional correspondent for the Monitor. In our interview Kiefer and I discuss the situation in the Middle East, the search for a new House speaker, as well as the race to fill the Senate seat held most recently by the late Dianne Feinstein.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57312172Fri, 20 Oct 2023 01:04:21 +0000Tandy CulpepperFor several months, I had been trying to pin down journalist Francine Kiefer for an interview regarding her award-winning work as West Coast bureau chief for The Christian Science Monitor. My efforts were complicated by unforeseen circumstances not of...For several months, I had been trying to pin down journalist Francine Kiefer for an interview regarding her award-winning work as West Coast bureau chief for The Christian Science Monitor. My efforts were complicated by unforeseen circumstances not of our making. Kiefer had been asked to assume the role of interim national news editor pending results of a search to fill the position long term. I caught up with Francine the second week of October, a time in which news from overseas was dominated by events taking place in Israel and the Gaza Strip. On the home front the top news story was the ongoing search for a new speaker of the House. Prior to heading to the West Coast, Kiefer served as congressional correspondent for the Monitor. In our interview Kiefer and I discuss the situation in the Middle East, the search for a new House speaker, as well as the race to fill the Senate seat held most recently by the late Dianne Feinstein.]]>2285congress,francine,hamas,house,israel,jordan,laphonza,mccarthy,senate,speaker,tandyclean18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-israel-hamas-war-with-veteran-journalist-and-author-don-dahler--57526373I’d been trying to schedule an interview with veteran broadcast journalist Don Dahler (most recently of CBS News) for weeks. We finally found a good date in October, and looking back, I realize had we conducted the interview in September, I would have missed out on his valuable observations regarding the Israel-Hamas war.

Earlier in his career — as a war correspondent with ABC News — Dahler was embedded with American forces during the second Gulf War. That experience informs much of this episode as he provides insights into the major players in the current armed conflict.

Though Don is a top-notch journalist, he has lent his talents to another form of storytelling. He’s the author of three novels: A Tight Lie, Water Hazard, and Do A Little Wrong. He has also penned a biography of the first woman to pilot a plane across the English Channel. Fearless: Harriett Quimby A Life without Limits.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57526373Mon, 06 Nov 2023 01:33:47 +0000Tandy CulpepperI’d been trying to schedule an interview with veteran broadcast journalist Don Dahler (most recently of CBS News) for weeks. We finally found a good date in October, and looking back, I realize had we conducted the interview in September, I would have...I’d been trying to schedule an interview with veteran broadcast journalist Don Dahler (most recently of CBS News) for weeks. We finally found a good date in October, and looking back, I realize had we conducted the interview in September, I would have missed out on his valuable observations regarding the Israel-Hamas war.

Earlier in his career — as a war correspondent with ABC News — Dahler was embedded with American forces during the second Gulf War. That experience informs much of this episode as he provides insights into the major players in the current armed conflict.

Though Don is a top-notch journalist, he has lent his talents to another form of storytelling. He’s the author of three novels: A Tight Lie, Water Hazard, and Do A Little Wrong. He has also penned a biography of the first woman to pilot a plane across the English Channel. Fearless: Harriett Quimby A Life without Limits.
]]>2634clean19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-with-singer-songwriter-john-ondrasik-aka-five-for-fighting-ukraine-afghanistan-more--57564997You may know him as John Ondrasik. You may know him by his stage name Five for Fighting. No matter. By any name, this acclaimed singer- songwriter is recognized throughout the music industry as one of America’s greatest balladeers. Think Superman and 100 Years.

Last year, Ondrasik set out on an arduous and perilous journey. After Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, John sat down at his piano and composed Can One Man Save the World. It’s a paean to Ukraine and a soaring anthem that begged for an orchestral accompaniment.

Rather than perform the composition at home in Los Angeles, John secured approval from the Ukrainian government to come to Kyiv. There he produced a music video with the Ukrainian Orchestra.

On October 15th, only last month, the Ukrainian rock band Antytila performed in Los Angeles as part of their North American tour. In a surprise turn, John joined them to sing Can One Man Save the World in a duet with frontman Taras Topolia.

John devotes much of his off-stage energy in philanthropic work. Find out more on this website: WhatKindof WorldDoWeWant.com.

Follow his touring, news and general info at FiveForFighting.com.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57564997Wed, 08 Nov 2023 22:22:14 +0000Tandy CulpepperYou may know him as John Ondrasik. You may know him by his stage name Five for Fighting. No matter. By any name, this acclaimed singer- songwriter is recognized throughout the music industry as one of America’s greatest balladeers. Think Superman and...You may know him as John Ondrasik. You may know him by his stage name Five for Fighting. No matter. By any name, this acclaimed singer- songwriter is recognized throughout the music industry as one of America’s greatest balladeers. Think Superman and 100 Years.

Last year, Ondrasik set out on an arduous and perilous journey. After Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, John sat down at his piano and composed Can One Man Save the World. It’s a paean to Ukraine and a soaring anthem that begged for an orchestral accompaniment.

Rather than perform the composition at home in Los Angeles, John secured approval from the Ukrainian government to come to Kyiv. There he produced a music video with the Ukrainian Orchestra.

On October 15th, only last month, the Ukrainian rock band Antytila performed in Los Angeles as part of their North American tour. In a surprise turn, John joined them to sing Can One Man Save the World in a duet with frontman Taras Topolia.

John devotes much of his off-stage energy in philanthropic work. Find out more on this website: WhatKindof WorldDoWeWant.com.

Follow his touring, news and general info at FiveForFighting.com.

]]>2772100years,afganistan,afghanistanwithdrawal,atytila,bloodonmyhands,canonemansavetheworld,fiveforfighting,johnondrasik,ondrasik,superman,tandyculpepper,ukraine,ukrainianorchestraclean19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-to-filmmaker-neer-shelter-about-short-film-perspectives--57990734Tandy Culpepper talks with Australian filmmaker Keer Shelter, the man behind the live action short film, Perspectives. The film has qualified for consideration by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — the folks that bring you the Oscars every year.

Perspectives' storyline involves a female Israeli soldier who finds herself on a bus with a Palestinian man she suspects may be a suicide bomber. The film is semi-autobiographical for Shelter.: in addition to holding Australian citizenship. Shelter holds Israeli citizenship. Like the protagonist in the film, Shelter served in the Israeli military.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57990734Wed, 13 Dec 2023 01:45:03 +0000Tandy CulpepperTandy Culpepper talks with Australian filmmaker Keer Shelter, the man behind the live action short film, Perspectives. The film has qualified for consideration by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — the folks that bring you the Oscars...Tandy Culpepper talks with Australian filmmaker Keer Shelter, the man behind the live action short film, Perspectives. The film has qualified for consideration by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — the folks that bring you the Oscars every year.

Perspectives' storyline involves a female Israeli soldier who finds herself on a bus with a Palestinian man she suspects may be a suicide bomber. The film is semi-autobiographical for Shelter.: in addition to holding Australian citizenship. Shelter holds Israeli citizenship. Like the protagonist in the film, Shelter served in the Israeli military.]]>2180bomber,israel,neer,oscars,perspctives,shelter,suicide,tandyyes110fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-with-actress-filmmaker-playwright-aba-arthur-about-the-color-purple-musical-film-more--58079739Aba Arthur is an actor, playwright, filmmaker, and author. This multi-hyphenate woman knew what she wanted her future to look like from day one.

A cast member of Wakanda Forever, the sequel to Black Panther, she now can be seen in the new musical motion picture, The Color Purple, a revisiting of the 1985 film adapted from Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by the same name.

There's more on the near horizon: In the Spring of 2024, Arthur joins Vince Vaughn in the new crime drama series, Bad Monkey.

Aba is also the author of a self-help book, The 21 Day Boyfriend Cleanse... Because Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.

Aba is a graduate of the University of Colorado-Boulder with a BFA in Performing Arts and a BA in Political Science.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58079739Thu, 21 Dec 2023 03:38:09 +0000Tandy CulpepperAba Arthur is an actor, playwright, filmmaker, and author. This multi-hyphenate woman knew what she wanted her future to look like from day one. A cast member of Wakanda Forever, the sequel to Black Panther, she now can be seen in the new musical...Aba Arthur is an actor, playwright, filmmaker, and author. This multi-hyphenate woman knew what she wanted her future to look like from day one.

A cast member of Wakanda Forever, the sequel to Black Panther, she now can be seen in the new musical motion picture, The Color Purple, a revisiting of the 1985 film adapted from Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by the same name.

There's more on the near horizon: In the Spring of 2024, Arthur joins Vince Vaughn in the new crime drama series, Bad Monkey.

Aba is also the author of a self-help book, The 21 Day Boyfriend Cleanse... Because Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.

Aba is a graduate of the University of Colorado-Boulder with a BFA in Performing Arts and a BA in Political Science.]]>2553abaarthur,alicewalker,badmonkey,colorado,musical,oprahwinfrey,tandyculpepper,thecolorpurple,vincevaughn,wakandaforeverclean112fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-to-filmmaker-vishavjit-singh-about-his-animated-short-film-american-sikh--58107683In the Republic, the philosopher Plato notably penned that “Our need will be the real creator.” A rephrasing of those words survives to this day: Necessity is the mother of invention. And so it is. Just ask filmmaker Vishavjit Singh, a cartoonist, performance artist, and public speaker.

Singh is a member of the religious sect Sikhism, a worldwide spiritual movement that has its roots in India. Singh was born in Washington, DC, where one of his parents was a member of the delegation at the Indian embassy. In his teens, his family moved back to India where Singh completed his secondary education. Following graduation Singh returned to the United States – just in time for the tragic events of 9/11.

Sikh males can be recognized by their long beards and turban hair coverings. Unfortunately, terrorist Osama bin Laden, though a Muslim, was also known for his beard and head-covered turban. Sikhs became the object of suspicion, harassment – even violence.

Tired of being stared at, Singh ditched his turban, cut his hair, and shaved his beard. But after a while, he felt a spiritual void. So he grew his beard and donned his turban again. And then he hit upon an idea. Singh bought a Captain America costume and began walking the streets of New York dressed in the garb of a superhero.

Now, Singh has become very much in demand as a public speaker. He’s launched a company – Sikhtoons.com – and he’s chronicled his story in an award-winning animated short film, American Sikh. Tandy Culpepper talks to Singh about the entrepreneur’s transformation from zero to hero.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58107683Sun, 24 Dec 2023 03:18:13 +0000Tandy CulpepperIn the Republic, the philosopher Plato notably penned that “Our need will be the real creator.” A rephrasing of those words survives to this day: Necessity is the mother of invention. And so it is. Just ask filmmaker Vishavjit Singh, a cartoonist,...In the Republic, the philosopher Plato notably penned that “Our need will be the real creator.” A rephrasing of those words survives to this day: Necessity is the mother of invention. And so it is. Just ask filmmaker Vishavjit Singh, a cartoonist, performance artist, and public speaker.

Singh is a member of the religious sect Sikhism, a worldwide spiritual movement that has its roots in India. Singh was born in Washington, DC, where one of his parents was a member of the delegation at the Indian embassy. In his teens, his family moved back to India where Singh completed his secondary education. Following graduation Singh returned to the United States – just in time for the tragic events of 9/11.

Sikh males can be recognized by their long beards and turban hair coverings. Unfortunately, terrorist Osama bin Laden, though a Muslim, was also known for his beard and head-covered turban. Sikhs became the object of suspicion, harassment – even violence.

Tired of being stared at, Singh ditched his turban, cut his hair, and shaved his beard. But after a while, he felt a spiritual void. So he grew his beard and donned his turban again. And then he hit upon an idea. Singh bought a Captain America costume and began walking the streets of New York dressed in the garb of a superhero.

Now, Singh has become very much in demand as a public speaker. He’s launched a company – Sikhtoons.com – and he’s chronicled his story in an award-winning animated short film, American Sikh. Tandy Culpepper talks to Singh about the entrepreneur’s transformation from zero to hero.

]]>2471americansikh,animatedshort,india,tandyculpepper,vishavjitsinghclean113fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-earthquakes-volcanoes-with-volcanologist-geologist-jess-phoenix--58235443Jess Phoenix wears many hats. The history undergrad major took a geology class on a lark and found herself instantly hooked. Soon enough, she earned a master’s degree in geology at California State University, Los Angeles. Her thesis is a mouthful: Lava Flow Morphologies and Structural Features Along the Axis of the South Rift Zone of Loihi Seamount, Hawaii.

Jess’s expertise in volcanology and seismology has made her a darling of media outlets — especially in recent weeks as volcanoes in both Iceland and Hawaii have exhibited increased activity and threatened public safety.

Tandy Culpepper talks with Jess about the volcanoes in Iceland and Hawaii as well as the devastating earthquake in Japan on New Year’s Day. They also discuss Jess’s memoir, Ms. Adventure: My Wild Explorations in Science, Lava, and Life.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58235443Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:02:22 +0000Tandy CulpepperJess Phoenix wears many hats. The history undergrad major took a geology class on a lark and found herself instantly hooked. Soon enough, she earned a master’s degree in geology at California State University, Los Angeles. Her thesis is a mouthful:...Jess Phoenix wears many hats. The history undergrad major took a geology class on a lark and found herself instantly hooked. Soon enough, she earned a master’s degree in geology at California State University, Los Angeles. Her thesis is a mouthful: Lava Flow Morphologies and Structural Features Along the Axis of the South Rift Zone of Loihi Seamount, Hawaii.

Jess’s expertise in volcanology and seismology has made her a darling of media outlets — especially in recent weeks as volcanoes in both Iceland and Hawaii have exhibited increased activity and threatened public safety.

Tandy Culpepper talks with Jess about the volcanoes in Iceland and Hawaii as well as the devastating earthquake in Japan on New Year’s Day. They also discuss Jess’s memoir, Ms. Adventure: My Wild Explorations in Science, Lava, and Life.]]>2804earthquake,hawaii,iceland,jessphoenix,tandyculpepper,volcanoclean114fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-talks-to-dana-richie-francesco-lucarelli-about-post-pandemic-documentary-unlocked--58642877Covid-19 infections exploded across the globe in 2020. By the end of the year, statistics were staggering. In the United States alone, estimates put the number of infections at 20 million. Of those, some 340 thousand people died. Worldwide, nearly 84 million people had been infected resulting in more than 1.8 million fatalities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) designated the virus a pandemic on March 11. Two days later, President Trump declared a national state of emergency. On March 19, California became the first state to issue stay-at-home orders.

In the earliest days of the pandemic, confusion reigned. The government seemed woefully unprepared and information released to the public often was more than not confusing. Don’t buy masks; leave them available for healthcare workers. Then, in a complete reversal, the public was urged to wear masks and stand six feet apart.

Children couldn’t go to school. Schools and universities conducted classes online. Restaurant workers were laid off. Those lucky to have jobs worked from home. And healthcare providers were overwhelmed. The list goes on and on.

Now, two documentary filmmakers have joined forces to examine the emotional and physical fallout from this devastating pandemic. Now that the worst is behind us are we recovering from this life-altering turn of events that affected people the world over?
Tandy Culpepper talks with Dana Richie of Backlot Productions and Francesco Lucarelli of Boundless Life about their documentary Unlocked.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58642877Sat, 10 Feb 2024 23:44:55 +0000Tandy CulpepperCovid-19 infections exploded across the globe in 2020. By the end of the year, statistics were staggering. In the United States alone, estimates put the number of infections at 20 million. Of those, some 340 thousand people died. Worldwide, nearly 84...Covid-19 infections exploded across the globe in 2020. By the end of the year, statistics were staggering. In the United States alone, estimates put the number of infections at 20 million. Of those, some 340 thousand people died. Worldwide, nearly 84 million people had been infected resulting in more than 1.8 million fatalities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) designated the virus a pandemic on March 11. Two days later, President Trump declared a national state of emergency. On March 19, California became the first state to issue stay-at-home orders.

In the earliest days of the pandemic, confusion reigned. The government seemed woefully unprepared and information released to the public often was more than not confusing. Don’t buy masks; leave them available for healthcare workers. Then, in a complete reversal, the public was urged to wear masks and stand six feet apart.

Children couldn’t go to school. Schools and universities conducted classes online. Restaurant workers were laid off. Those lucky to have jobs worked from home. And healthcare providers were overwhelmed. The list goes on and on.

Now, two documentary filmmakers have joined forces to examine the emotional and physical fallout from this devastating pandemic. Now that the worst is behind us are we recovering from this life-altering turn of events that affected people the world over?
Tandy Culpepper talks with Dana Richie of Backlot Productions and Francesco Lucarelli of Boundless Life about their documentary Unlocked.]]>2301documentary,tandyculpepper,unlockedclean115fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-interviews-singer-songwriter-john-ondrasik-about-antisemetism-his-searing-new-anthem-ok--59116219John Ondrasik, known by his stage name Five for Fighting, rose to fame with the 2002 Grammy-nominated single Superman (It’s Not Easy). The song charted at number 14 on the Hot 100 and reached number 1 on Billboard’s Adult Top 40. Music aficionados considered it an anthem following the attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11.  
On his third album, The Battle for Everything, the single 100 Years rose to the number 1 spot on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart. It remained there for 12 non-consecutive weeks.

 Partnering with Broadway composer Steven Schwartz, John, along with Steven, Steven developed a TV show called Harmony. Subsequently, John placed a considerable number of songs on TV shows and films.

AllMusic has referred to Ondrasik as “one of contemporary pop music’s enduring balladeers.” But John Ondrasik is much more than that. He is also an activist and philanthropist and has raised money for several causes. 

In the last couple of years, John has turned to writing anthems which express his perspective on geopolitical and domestic events. Can One Man Save The World is a paean to Ukraine and President Zelensky. He followed that with Blood On My Hands referencing The United State’s controversial evacuation of American service personnel from Afghanistan. In recent weeks, John released a music video addressing anti-semitism and the ongoing situation in Gaza. 

Tandy Culpepper spoke with John about this latest video and song as well as his reasons for producing it.  
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59116219Wed, 20 Mar 2024 18:47:59 +0000Tandy CulpepperJohn Ondrasik, known by his stage name Five for Fighting, rose to fame with the 2002 Grammy-nominated single Superman (It’s Not Easy). The song charted at number 14 on the Hot 100 and reached number 1 on Billboard’s Adult Top 40. Music aficionados...John Ondrasik, known by his stage name Five for Fighting, rose to fame with the 2002 Grammy-nominated single Superman (It’s Not Easy). The song charted at number 14 on the Hot 100 and reached number 1 on Billboard’s Adult Top 40. Music aficionados considered it an anthem following the attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11.  
On his third album, The Battle for Everything, the single 100 Years rose to the number 1 spot on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart. It remained there for 12 non-consecutive weeks.

 Partnering with Broadway composer Steven Schwartz, John, along with Steven, Steven developed a TV show called Harmony. Subsequently, John placed a considerable number of songs on TV shows and films.

AllMusic has referred to Ondrasik as “one of contemporary pop music’s enduring balladeers.” But John Ondrasik is much more than that. He is also an activist and philanthropist and has raised money for several causes. 

In the last couple of years, John has turned to writing anthems which express his perspective on geopolitical and domestic events. Can One Man Save The World is a paean to Ukraine and President Zelensky. He followed that with Blood On My Hands referencing The United State’s controversial evacuation of American service personnel from Afghanistan. In recent weeks, John released a music video addressing anti-semitism and the ongoing situation in Gaza. 

Tandy Culpepper spoke with John about this latest video and song as well as his reasons for producing it.  
]]>1847clean117fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-to-brian-k-pagels-of-duo-brian-k-the-parkway-about-debut-album-killing-the-bear--59214462Brian K. Pagels is one half (along with partner Stephen Russ) of the musical duo, Brian K. & The Parkway. He and Russ formed the band in 2021. Pagels describes the duo’s music as “coastal heartland rock.”

Their first album, Killing the Bear,” was preceded by two singles — Wind the Clock and Straight Through. On the latter, Pagels is joined by singer-songwriter Cat Popper, known for – among other things — her group Puss N Boots with Norah Jones. 

How did Pagels get an established performer such as Popper perform with him on his debut outing? Pagels tells us in his interview with Tandy Culpepper.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59214462Fri, 29 Mar 2024 01:23:29 +0000Tandy CulpepperBrian K. Pagels is one half (along with partner Stephen Russ) of the musical duo, Brian K. & The Parkway. He and Russ formed the band in 2021. Pagels describes the duo’s music as “coastal heartland rock.” Their first album, Killing the Bear,” was...Brian K. Pagels is one half (along with partner Stephen Russ) of the musical duo, Brian K. & The Parkway. He and Russ formed the band in 2021. Pagels describes the duo’s music as “coastal heartland rock.”

Their first album, Killing the Bear,” was preceded by two singles — Wind the Clock and Straight Through. On the latter, Pagels is joined by singer-songwriter Cat Popper, known for – among other things — her group Puss N Boots with Norah Jones. 

How did Pagels get an established performer such as Popper perform with him on his debut outing? Pagels tells us in his interview with Tandy Culpepper.]]>2296clean117fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-to-susan-bartz-herrick-about-her-gripping-mother-son-memoir-slow-dancing-with-the-devil--59241403In 2021 alone, more than 60 thousand of the 80 thousand overdose deaths in the United States were due to opiods. One of those who died was 30-year-old  Robert “Luke” Paschal, whose mother, Susan Bartz Herrick, has penned the mother-son memoir, Slow Dancing with the Devil: A Son’s Substance Use Disorder, A Mother’s Anguish.

In it, Herrick chronicles a catastrophic car crash that very nearly killed her son, Luke, who was airlifted to a hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to repair both his crushed chest and broken back. Numerous internal organs were also damaged.

Following his release from the hospital, Luke was prescribed oxycontin for pain management, and therein began Luke’s growing dependence on the drug, despite the fact that the drug’s manufacturer, Purdue Pharma, claimed that the drug had an extraordinarily low risk for addiction.

Herrick’s book is exhaustively researched. In fact, it reads like a primer for people living with substance use disorder and for their families and caretakers.

Tandy Culpepper talks with Susan about Luke and about her efforts to educate herself about the devil called substance use disorder. 
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59241403Sun, 31 Mar 2024 21:49:45 +0000Tandy CulpepperIn 2021 alone, more than 60 thousand of the 80 thousand overdose deaths in the United States were due to opiods. One of those who died was 30-year-old  Robert “Luke” Paschal, whose mother, Susan Bartz Herrick, has penned the mother-son memoir, Slow...In 2021 alone, more than 60 thousand of the 80 thousand overdose deaths in the United States were due to opiods. One of those who died was 30-year-old  Robert “Luke” Paschal, whose mother, Susan Bartz Herrick, has penned the mother-son memoir, Slow Dancing with the Devil: A Son’s Substance Use Disorder, A Mother’s Anguish.

In it, Herrick chronicles a catastrophic car crash that very nearly killed her son, Luke, who was airlifted to a hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to repair both his crushed chest and broken back. Numerous internal organs were also damaged.

Following his release from the hospital, Luke was prescribed oxycontin for pain management, and therein began Luke’s growing dependence on the drug, despite the fact that the drug’s manufacturer, Purdue Pharma, claimed that the drug had an extraordinarily low risk for addiction.

Herrick’s book is exhaustively researched. In fact, it reads like a primer for people living with substance use disorder and for their families and caretakers.

Tandy Culpepper talks with Susan about Luke and about her efforts to educate herself about the devil called substance use disorder. 
]]>3315clean119fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-with-singer-songwriter-leo-sawikin-about-his-upcoming-album-tour--59568501Singer-songwriter Leo Sawikin, like many other emerging recording artists, is busy making up for lost time. He wrote the material for his first album, Row Me Away, in 2019. The album was released two years later in 2021 — one year into the covid pandemic. Promoting that album in front of a live audience wasn’t possible.

But that was then. 

Sawakin has been back in the studio recording tracks for a follow-up album to be released in the fall. Seven new singles are already out. Leo is gearing up for numerous tour dates that will take him from coast to coast in support of musician Jon McLaughlin.

Tandy Culpepper and Leo talk about writing, singing, and touring in this episode of The Hollywood Beat.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59568501Sat, 20 Apr 2024 20:32:47 +0000Tandy CulpepperSinger-songwriter Leo Sawikin, like many other emerging recording artists, is busy making up for lost time. He wrote the material for his first album, Row Me Away, in 2019. The album was released two years later in 2021 — one year into the covid...Singer-songwriter Leo Sawikin, like many other emerging recording artists, is busy making up for lost time. He wrote the material for his first album, Row Me Away, in 2019. The album was released two years later in 2021 — one year into the covid pandemic. Promoting that album in front of a live audience wasn’t possible.

But that was then. 

Sawakin has been back in the studio recording tracks for a follow-up album to be released in the fall. Seven new singles are already out. Leo is gearing up for numerous tour dates that will take him from coast to coast in support of musician Jon McLaughlin.

Tandy Culpepper and Leo talk about writing, singing, and touring in this episode of The Hollywood Beat.

]]>3090clean120fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tandy-culpepper-talks-with-griefcat-s-louisa-hall-annie-nardolilli-about-their-new-album-upcoming-tour--59568992In 2019, that halcyon year before we found ourselves seeking shelter from the storm known as covid, musicians of every stripe were putting the finishing touches on albums and looking forward to hitting the road to promote them. 

Such was the case for a female singer-songwriting duo that met at a music festival and found that they shared a similar quirky outlook when it comes to songwriting.

Louisa Hall and Annie Nardolilli joined forces and a zany pairing was born. One indicator of their somewhat skewed outlook on life is the name they gave themselves: Griefcat.

Their songs will make you giggle and think (imagine that). The music spans several genres from punk to country. You may find yourself singing along and dancing before you know it.

Their post-pandemic album is out now. Late Stage Capitalism examines – tongue firmly in cheek – some of the often off-kilter ways capitalism affects our lives. What it delivers: catchy melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and tight harmonies.

Tandy Culpepper talks to Louisa and Annie about their album and about their plans to tour. Bonus: you can hear several of their singles interspersed in the interview.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59568992Sat, 20 Apr 2024 22:20:33 +0000Tandy CulpepperIn 2019, that halcyon year before we found ourselves seeking shelter from the storm known as covid, musicians of every stripe were putting the finishing touches on albums and looking forward to hitting the road to promote them.  Such was the case for...In 2019, that halcyon year before we found ourselves seeking shelter from the storm known as covid, musicians of every stripe were putting the finishing touches on albums and looking forward to hitting the road to promote them. 

Such was the case for a female singer-songwriting duo that met at a music festival and found that they shared a similar quirky outlook when it comes to songwriting.

Louisa Hall and Annie Nardolilli joined forces and a zany pairing was born. One indicator of their somewhat skewed outlook on life is the name they gave themselves: Griefcat.

Their songs will make you giggle and think (imagine that). The music spans several genres from punk to country. You may find yourself singing along and dancing before you know it.

Their post-pandemic album is out now. Late Stage Capitalism examines – tongue firmly in cheek – some of the often off-kilter ways capitalism affects our lives. What it delivers: catchy melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and tight harmonies.

Tandy Culpepper talks to Louisa and Annie about their album and about their plans to tour. Bonus: you can hear several of their singles interspersed in the interview.
]]>2574clean120full