Literary Listens

Actors 2020 Podcast with Johnny Keatth

Interview by Johnny Keathh

(1)How did you get started podcasting? I started podcasting because I have a small business and I wanted to share how to run a small business with others. I have a unique way that they don’t teach in college that saves time and money. But it turns out no one wants to actually work anymore. So I changed the format. I have “how to start a small biz” on a platform called Udemy and soon I will release “How to run a small business”. I have 1100 students in over 90 countries. (2) Why did you start your show? Since I was all set up for podcasting, I decided to do a continuation on my old radio show which was called “Actors Radio”. I did a live show every Sunday night in Hollywood 20 years ago with two co-host, Princess Denise and Big Time Phil. We did 100 shows in two years. 1999-2000. (3) Why is your podcast/show unique? My Podcast is unique because I actually research my guest and I have a conversation instead of a cookie cutter interview. I love giving unknowns their 15 mins of fame as well as summing up someone’s career in 15 mins like when I interviewed Julie Roberts brother the infamous Eric Roberts. Everyone should check out that interview https://bit.ly/EricRobertsPodcast (4) What is involved in making one show?

I do things a little different on my set up and the way I record and edit. I just do what works for me, not what the industry standard dictates. But to answer you question, research, research, research. I buy and sell raw land inside my Roth IRA and Health Saving Account and I have to do extensive research before I bid on a property. I use that same discipline when interviewing my guests. I want to surprise them and get them into a conversation instead of pitching themselves. After the show it has to be edited which is a tedious task.

I edit some shows myself and I have editors that will edit for an IMDB credit. I still clean it up to my standard before release. Then I make the artwork.

Once the artist approves the artwork and podcast edit. I upload to the format I use called Podomatic. It is not an easy task, but it is rewarding when the guests are so excited.

Actors Podcast with Johnny Keatth (cont.) For the 1st two years I never advertised on the podcast. But I am a Real Estate Broker and now pitch my free Real Estate Agent referral service, where I find anyone in the United States a fantastic Real Estate Agent. When escrow closes I get 25% of their commision. So when I get a referral from the show and the deal goes through. I donate 10% to the Actors Fund and 10% to people who foster animals as they are giving animals a place to live until they find a home instead of the gas chamber. So that money goes to food, toys, collars, pee pads etc. It should not cost the foster money as they are already giving from the heart. http://www.TriStateRealtyLosAngeles.com if you would like more information. (5) Which aspect of the show is the most fun for you? The letters from parents after I interview their children. For some reason I know how to talk to children. They call me the “Kid Whisperer”. They open up to me as I make them feel comfortable as they are super nervous. So I take more time at the beginning of the interview that I just cut out. Once they let down their guard we get into a great conversation and I can’t shut them up. Most interviewers don’t take that time that the child needs to get a good result that other children can relate too.

Those letters are so personal and appreciative and touches my heart. That is one of the reasons I keep doing the show. I was going to stop at episode 100. Sam Pio which is a great example of what I am talking about https:// bit.ly/SamPioPodcast (6) What can a viewer expect when they tune into your show? They can live vicariously and see themselves in the future on being an artist. My guest shares what worked for them with tips and tricks that most everyone can use to further their own career.

It’s fun, informative, entertaining all at the same time and only lasts 15 minutes. Listen while you’re driving, going to bed or waking up. Put it on your ipod and listen while you workout. Motivate yourself to move forward. (7) Where and when can people listen to the show? Everywhere like Itunes, Apple, Spotify, Caston, iHeart Radio. Just google Actors 2020 Podcast. You can also just go to http://www. Actors2020podcast.com and listen right on the page. Create an account there so you can like and comment there.

But wherever you listen, be sure to bookmark, like, share, download, leave a rating and or review. I try to release one podcast a week. But I am a working actor and sometimes skip a week or two due to being on the set. I live 7 blocks from the ocean in Santa Monica and am living my Dream. My goal is to get you there too. “What is your Dream”? Dreams come true if you have one. So get one!

Charlotte Readers Podcast

Interview by Wilnona Marie

1)How did you get started podcasting?

After 35 years as a trial lawyer, I needed to clear my head of rules of procedure and rules of evidence and make room for more creative adventures in my 60s. Did you hear the one about the lawyer who walked into a podcast studio? True, it sounds like a bad dad joke, but I wasn’t kidding when I told my law partners I was doing just that in the fall of 2018 when I retired from the practice of law and started podcasting, something I knew absolutely nothing about. The day after I retired, I hit the ground running, and while I don’t call podcasting “work,” the schedule I keep is every bit as demanding as my law practice. It’s just a lot more fun. My dad asked, “how do you make money at that?” I said “I don’t, Dad. It’s just something I want to do to be creative in my Act 3.” He was mystified. (2) Why did you start your show? The short answer is that I wanted to learn more about writing and I wanted to help other author’s tell their stories.

While still practicing law, I wrote three books–The Christmas Courtroom Trilogy–a humorous collection of stories about what happens when lawyers have to defend clients who think they work for Santa Claus. Dipping my toe into the writing world and into the writing community was enjoyable. I liked hanging out with other writers and talking about books. It gave me an idea. I realized that one of the best ways to learn about writing other than reading books and doing actual writing was talking to other authors about their books and their writing practices. That led to the creation of Charlotte Readers Podcast: Where Authors Give Voice to Their Written Words.

It was a win-win. I could learn more, build friends and connections in the writing community, and help other authors promote their books in a world where traditional media is spending less and less time covering books. Charlotte appears in the show’s name because I live in Charlotte, North Carolina. I originally thought I’d have my hands full interviewing only Charlotte area authors. But as the podcast has grown, the guest list broadened. October 5, 2021 marks our 250th episode in three full years of podcasting. During that time, we have featured 127 Charlotte area authors, 72 authors from other areas of North Carolina, and 70 authors from 24 other states and 3 other countries.

Charlotte Reads Podcast (Cont.)

(3) Why is your podcast/show unique? Unlike many author interview shows, Charlotte Readers Podcast has authors read for two to three minutes from their books in the middle of the show. It’s another way authors give voice to their written words and it provides listeners with a direct taste of what the book is about.

I also put a lot of effort into each show, which means I come prepared for each interview. It’s the curse of being a former trial lawyer, but authors and listeners tend to appreciate that I’ve read the author’s book and studied the author’s background before the interview and that I ask interesting questions about the author’s book and their writing life. I also have a laid back style. This is not ivory tower stuff. We’re less about credentials and more about good storytelling. Plus, the interview is conversational. It’s not a robotic set of questions and answers. And we enjoy laughing too. The show has developed into a 30 to 40 minute podcast where local, regional, national and international authors give voice to their written words. Most episodes are accompanied by a listener supported Patreon interview with a deeper dive into the craft or business of writing. (4) What is involved in making one show?

The first step is inviting the guest or responding to the guest’s website submission to be on the show. This involves collecting the physical copy of the book, along with author bio, information about the book, and the electronic book cover and author photo for the show notes. I then read the book. Before the interview, I prepare show notes, graphics for the website and social media, and create a short outline of topics I’d like to cover, because I like the interview to cover a variety of interesting information in a short period of time. This is part of my research for the interview. I then provide the author with technical information related to the remote recording and confirm the interview date and time.

Next is the fun part, the actual interview. Following the interview, I edit the audio and upload it for a scheduled release date. I also prepare an audiogram clip from the interview for social media and I prepare and schedule social media posts. I then email the author with the release date and helpful information as to how they can promote the episode. (5) Which aspect of the show is the most fun for you? The most enjoyable part of the show is doing the interview with the guest author. By that time, the pre-interview work is complete and it’s just me talking with the author about their book and writing. Although I know subconsciously that many people will be listening, it feels more like two authors having a private conversation about a topic they both love. (6) What can a viewer expect when they tune into your show? The show starts with a brief introduction about the guest’s book that usually includes a teaser about the storyline and a snippet from another reviewer. Next is information about how to access

the show notes and other information pertinent to the show, followed by a thirty to

Charlotte Reads podcast (Cont.)

forty minute interview with the author. The middle of the show, at around the 15 minute mark, is when the author reads an interesting section from the book. The reading my illustrate the setting, a particular character, or an exciting or humorous part of the story. We wrap up with some questions about writing and invite listeners to join us on our Patreon supported page where we have over one hundred exclusive interviews on all aspects of writing craft and the business of writing. (7) Where and when can people listen to the show? Audio episodes release on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6:30 am. Beginning in 2022, episodes will release only on Tuesdays, because I need time to be able to promote my next novel, Deadly Declarations, a mystery set in Charlotte that releases in spring, 2022. The show is available on all major podcast apps including Apple podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and more.

Listeners also can access every audio episode at the Charlotte Readers Podcast website (www.charlottereaderspodcast.com) and at the Authors on the Air Global Radio podcast. Landis Wade is a recovering trial lawyer, host of Charlotte Readers Podcast (where he has conducted more than 300 author interviews), and author of books and stories whose third book—The Christmas Redemption—won the Holiday category of the Twelfth Annual National Indie Excellence Awards, and was the 2018 Holiday category Honorable Mention in the Tenth Annual Readers’ Favorite Awards.

He won the 2016 North Carolina State Bar short story contest for The Deliberation and received awards for his nonfiction pieces, The Cape Fear Debacle and First Dance. His short work has appeared in Writersdigest.com, The Charlotte Observer, Flying South, Fiction on the Web, and in more than six anthologies, including by Daniel Boone Footsteps.

Connect with Landis Online:

Author website: www.landiswade.com Podcast website: www.charlottereaderspodcast.com Contact: landis@charlottereaderspodcast.com Contact: landiswrites@gmail.com

Excerpt from The Managers Podcast

RONALD

We could save time. YASMINE If we showered together. Tempting, but I’ll pass. GRACE

We don’t have time for your antics, seven-minute showers from here on out.

Kelly snickers KELLY That’s seven times the amount he needs.

JENNY Kelly, behave. Kelly swallows her mini vodka KELLY I’m behaving. Although I could mis behave for a minute or two. Can you do two? JENNY Kelly, just drink your vodka Ronald retreats into the bathroom. A knock at the door startles everyone. A member of the sound crew answers it. CONCIERGE I have a delivery for you. Olivia, Daphne, and Felix run into the room JENNY Shoot.

Concierge places two outfit bags on the conference table. She picks up the tags CONCIERGE

It’s for Angel, Grace, Kelly & Jenny. Your dresses are here. From Swa

Kelly & Jenny sprint to the bags. SEAN

Jenny, my face! I look like a one-sided clown. (beat) Did anyone tip the concierge? Angel hands the concierge a tip. Mumbling into the phone ANGEL (quietly) No the cream suit, it’ll match me. You look scrumptious. RONALD I’m Out.

GRACE Kelly you have next Kids enter the room screaming.

The Managers (Cont.)

OLIVIA Daddy, you look like you drowned. RONALD Grace, You done ironining my suit shirt? Got to take the kids to the pool. Concierge tosses an overnight bag into the room. Angel picks it up ANGEL

What’s this? CONCIERGE Kid’s clothes is what the bag says. You know... this makes an interesting story. Kids being dropped off. No Swa, to be seen. Greta, I do hope you find my other tip soon. Anna gestures to pull in on the shot. Angel practically hisses at the concierge’s back as she leaves. ANGEL Ungrateful (beat) turd. ANNA

What money? Are you being extorted? ANGEL Yes, for a bigger tip. Ronald picks up the bag. RONALD (whispers) Trouble in paradise? ANGEL Nope, just waiting on a pay out Angel’s phone chimes with a text. It reads good scoop sold three pics here’s your portion. Angel transfers the money to the concierge. ANGEL

We’re all good . Now, get those little hellians out of here.

JENNY Next, face. GRACE Kelly, make up, Henry shower, Yasmine confessional.

ANGEL Grace Iron my dress next. I need some time, Chocolate hotness is sending a car. Anna, he has no problem with being on camera, so come with me. I need time to clear my head. Too much going on. Can I trust you and Sean to handle this mess?

GRACE You got it. I’m the road manager. This is what I do.

Grace pauses ironing, Pulls money out of her purse behind her. GRACE Grab the kids ice cream or candy. Have Them back within the hour to get them dressed. Ronald rolls his eyes, while zippering his pants. He picks up the shoes grace is holding in her hands.

RONALD (exasperated) All they need is more sugar (beat)

The Managers (Cont.)

Olivia, Felix, and Daphne come on we’re going to the pool!