Author: Billy Dees

Actor and Author – Adrian Griffin “The Ward”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast
“THE WARD”

Our guest on this episode is Adrian Griffin. He has been a working actor in Toronto for over 30 years in Theatre, Film and Television.

Theatre credits include seasons at both the Shaw and Stratford festivals. Also working at/with Neptune, Sudbury, Port Dover, Magnus, The Grand, Shakespeare in the Rough, and Mump and Smoot. As well, creating two theatre companies On A Wing and A Prayer and THE CO. producing and acting in six plays.

Other highlights include two seasons on BBC America’s COPPER as well as recurring roles on REIGN and CONDOR, and over Fifty film and television credits to his name.

Also, he is an accomplished Meisner Technique teacher with ongoing classes in the city.

Mr. Griffin has just published his debut novel THE WARD. He is here to talk about his book along with acting and writing.

“In the mid-summer of the first year of the 20th century, a killer heatwave grips the city of Toronto. And it’s not the only killer out there.

A very public suicide and a gruesome murder trigger fear and panic that, after an 11-year hiatus, England’s notorious ‘Jack the Ripper’ has not only resurfaced but is now stalking Toronto’s melting-pot slum, St. John’s Ward, simply known as ‘The Ward’.”

Adrian Griffin

We talk about the challenges and opportunities of being an actor, the importance of the creative process, and the evolution of detective stories in literature. Our conversation also touches on topics such as improvisation in acting, the construction of compelling stories, and the complexity of portraying different characters.

Adrian Griffin shares insights into his own experiences in theater and acting, highlighting the need for openness and adaptability in creative endeavors.

The discussion also delves into the historical context of detective fiction and the impact of media sensationalism on storytelling.

You can find Adrian Griffin on IMDb.

Lori Spencer – Broadcast Veteran Talks About the Election of 2024 and RFKjr

by Billy Dees, posted in Media, Podcast, Social Media

Our guest on this episode is radio personality and journalist, Lori Spencer who is the American correspondent for Maverick News and co-host of the Strange Bedfellows podcast.

Lori Spencer

Lori is a veteran reporter and anchor with more than 35 years of experience in print and broadcast newsrooms. Her work has appeared in numerous daily and weekly newspapers, magazines, and online news portals, including Yahoo News, Counterpunch, TruthOut, This Can’t Be Happening, and OpEdNews.

Lori is also a JFK historian who has devoted decades to the study of John F. Kennedy’s presidency, and is currently a volunteer on the 2024 presidential campaign of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Lori Spencer and I discuss the importance of truth in politics, particularly in the context of Robert Kennedy’s campaign and his commitment to a new style of politics. We highlight the challenge of being honest in a political environment that often caters to sensationalism.

We touch on Kennedy’s use of new media to reach younger voters and his stance on vaccine safety. We also criticize the lack of Secret Service protection for Kennedy despite RFKjr receiving many threats. Lori explains the need for nuanced understanding and the support Kennedy has within his own family. Hopefully, our conversation sheds some light on the complexities of modern politics and the importance of truth-telling in a polarized media landscape.

You can find Lori Spencer on X (Twitter) @RealLoriSpencer and her website and blog here.

You can find the Billy Dees Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. For your convenience a Spotify player is below. We also have a video version of the interview embedded in this post below from YouTube. Recently, we have just started a Rumble channel for the podcast. You can find the Billy Dees Podcast on Rumble here.

Also, our live streams and podcast postings have been thriving on X. You can find Billy Dees on X (Twitter) here @BillyDees.

Billy Dees

Jerry Zezima Humor Writer – The Good Humor Man…

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

On this episode, we are talking to humor writer, Jerry Zezima. We discuss Jerry’s latest book, ” The Good Humor Man: Tales of Life, Laughter and, for Dessert, Ice Cream,” which is a collection of humorous stories about family and everyday life. The interview emphasizes the importance of laughter and positivity, especially in the current divisive and difficult environment. Jerry believes that humor can provide perspective and help people cope with difficult situations.

Jerry’s writing style focuses on good-natured, self-deprecating humor, and he avoids writing about politics or world affairs. Instead, he writes about everyday life experiences that everyone can relate to. His family is a source of inspiration for his writing, and he often writes about them with warmth and love.

Jerry Zezima

Jerry’s book is a welcome respite from the negativity and bad news that is prevalent today. It is a convenient read for busy schedules, as readers can pick it up and read a few columns at a time. Jerry hopes that readers will find laughter and smiles in his book, providing a positive and harmless escape from the challenges of everyday life.

The podcast can be found on your favorite podcasting platform and below in the Spotify player. We also have the webcam version below on YouTube. You can find Jerry’s blog here.

Author and Actress Karen Lorre Talks RFKjr and Election 2024

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast, Social Media
Karen Lorre

On this episode, Karen Lorre and I discuss various topics. We touch on Karen’s background as a coach and her work in helping people align their minds and bodies with their goals. We also discuss Karen’s career as an actress, and the changes in social media, particularly Twitter (X), and the issue of censorship. Our focus, however, is shedding light on RFK’s campaign, the minimal mainstream media coverage, and RFK’s lack of Secret Service protection during his presidential campaign.

Karen Lorre discusses her acquaintance with RFK for the past 33 years, highlighting his integrity, dedication to fighting for people’s rights, and his support for the Constitution and Bill of Rights. She criticizes both Trump and Biden for violating the Bill of Rights during the lockdown and emphasizes the importance of individual rights and freedom of information. I agree with Lorre’s assessment of RFKjr and I express my excitement about RFK’s rising popularity in the polls.

You can find the podcast on your favorite podcasting platform. For your convenience a Spotify player is below along with a YouTube link. You can follow Karen Lorre on Twitter X @KarenLorre and her books are here ChronicPleasureBook.com

Spaces Host Holden Culotta – Talking Twitter X, Election 2024, and RFKjr!

by Billy Dees, posted in Media, Podcast, Social Media

On this episode, Holden Culotta and I engage in a conversation about the impact of social media on politics, the corruption in the political system, and the shift towards celebrity culture in politics. They also discuss the role of media in shaping public opinion and the rise of podcasting as a platform for open and honest conversations.

Holden Culotta on X @Holden_Culotta

This discussion is important as it highlights the changing dynamics of media and politics, the influence of social media on elections, and the need for transparency and accountability in the political system. It also emphasizes the importance of independent media and free speech in fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.

We also touch on the changes in social media platforms, particularly X (Twitter), and the importance of having a different model that allows users to have more control and visibility. They also discuss the impact of social media censorship and the need for a free speech platform. Holden Culotta shares his experience hosting spaces on X (Twitter) and the importance of respectful conversations and bringing together different political groups.

The conversation also touches on the political landscape, including the potential for RFK Jr. to run for president and the need for new faces in politics. It reflects the desire for authenticity and a return to a sense of pride in the country among younger generations.

Overall, this podcast sheds light on the changing dynamics of social media platforms, the need for alternative models that prioritize user control and free speech, and the potential for new political figures to bring about positive change. It also highlights the growing dissatisfaction with traditional political options and the desire for fresh perspectives and authenticity in politics.

You can find Holden Culotta on X @Holden_Culotta and Billy Dees @BillyDees.

This is a clip from the inteview.

HumorOutcasts – January Ornellas – “My Above Average Colon”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

On this episode we are talking with January G. Ornellas, author of, “My Above Average Colon.”

January Ornellas shares her unique brand of humor in this debut collection of short stories. Ornellas’ sharp wit and raw vulnerability will have you laughing out loud as she takes you on a hilarious and relatable ride through her midlife adventures.

January Ornellas

“If 50 is the new 30, then why does January Ornellas need duct tape for a DIY neck lift? Why is she being mistaken for a volunteer at her first triathlon? And why is the gym sending her hate mail?”

During this interview January shares some of her writing techniques and talks about why the Erma Bombeck style of writing has so many fans. We also cover some ground about what getting older really means to some people and why it is so important to embrace humor and a positive attitude into our daily routine.

This interview and book promotion comes to you from HumorOutcasts.com.

Preview:

Full Audio Podcast

Full Webcam Version

Hollywood, Writing, and Spirituality with Marsha Scarbrough

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

Our guest on this episode is Marsha Scarbrough, an American journalist and former assistant director in Hollywood.

The interview was digitally conducted from Spain, where Marsha currently resides. Marsha shares her experiences working in the film industry, including her interactions with notable actors such as Dolly Parton, Mary Tyler Moore, Clint Eastwood, Pierce Brosnan, and John Travolta.

Marsha also delves into her interest in shamanism and healing, which began during a challenging period in her life at the age of 40. She recounts a transformative healing session with a Native American medicine man. Marsha highlights the interconnectedness of storytelling, the arts, and psychology, emphasizing the therapeutic nature of theater and the importance of self-reflection for actors.

She has written a book about her Hollywood experiences and is currently seeking a publisher. This interview provides insights into the film industry and the personal journey of a former assistant director. It also sheds light on the transformative power of healing and the connection between storytelling and psychological well-being.

Marsha Scarbrough

Marsha also discusses her experiences with shamanic healing and her books, “Medicine Dance” and “Honey in the River.” She explains how indigenous people view human existence as vibrations and how shamanic healing uses drumming, dancing, and chanting to realign these vibrations and bring harmony into our lives.

Marsha also mentions her work with Gabrielle Roth and ecstatic dance, which she believes contributes to joy and overall well-being.

The conversation concludes with a discussion of Marsha’s social media presence and where she can be found online. Here is her website MarshaScarbrough.com.

You can find the complete interview on your favorite podcasting platform and at the bottom of this post on Spotify.

Here is a sample: