A Busy Week for the Podcast Studio

We have had a busy week.

We had two studio prerecorded interviews and one live episode.

Sweet Inspiration – A True Story of Finding Your Voice

First up was Kristy Mickelsen. Kristy is the author of A Short Read Memoir – “Sweet Inspiration”

Kristy Mickelsen

This is from her book description:

“But later, when my high from the dope I had snorted early that morning wore off, I cried again for most of the night but not out of anger. This time it was out of fear. Fear of what was happening to me. Fear of what I had become. Fear of what was going to happen to my marriage, and the fear of losing my family – all to my addiction of the street drug, crystal meth.”

In this episode, Kristy Mickelsen shares the inspiration behind her memoir and the personal journey that shaped her path as an advocate, author, and podcast host. From overcoming challenges to finding her voice, Kristy offers a powerful and uplifting story that’s sure to resonate with listeners.

You can find Kristy on X @KristyBooks and more Kristy Mickelsen links are Here

Bill Thompson – Bridging Classic Radio and Modern Tech

Then we had radio veteran and TikTok influencer Bill Thompson on the program to talk about his new venture creating content for people over the age of 40 about how to use AI.

Bill Thompson

If you’re a fan of old-school radio, you’ll find Bill Thompson’s story especially compelling. A true veteran of the airwaves, Bill spent over 30 years behind the mic, interviewing some of the most fascinating figures of our time—leaders, inventors, entertainers, athletes, astronauts, and more. By the time he retired from radio in 2018, he’d recorded an astonishing archive of over 10,000 interviews.

Today, Bill brings those unforgettable moments back to life through his podcast, Now I’ve Heard Everything—a treasure trove of wit, wisdom, humor, and history.

But that’s not all.

Bill is also embracing the future by diving into the world of artificial intelligence. Through a new YouTube series, he’s helping adults over 40—especially those less tech-savvy—learn how to use AI in everyday, practical ways. He’s gathering real stories and questions from his audience to guide the series: What have you tried? What confused you? What do you want to learn?

Whether you’re reminiscing about radio’s golden era or curious about AI’s modern magic, Bill Thompson is here to share, teach, and inspire.

You can find Bill Thompson Here

On TikTok @heardeverything

Trump, Epstein, Colbert, and NPR – Commentary with Billy Dees LIVE!

Billy Dees

We finished out the week on Friday night with political and news commentary. Our previous live last week had a technical issue. The podcast itself was fine and was posted like always but this week we had no issues. The live-stream did well on X.

Hot Takes and Heated Topics!

In this lively episode, we dive into some of the most buzz-worthy stories in the media world. First up: a mysterious birthday letter allegedly from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein resurfaces—just in time to stir up controversy. Is it coincidence, or calculated distraction?

Next, we react to the surprise cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. What happened to the golden age of late-night laughs? We explore how these shows have shifted from light-hearted comedy to full-on political theater.

And finally, we take a hard look at NPR—once a trusted voice for public service journalism, now seen by many as another outlet for partisan commentary. What changed?

Don’t miss this fast-paced episode packed with insight, humor, and sharp commentary.

Note:

Thank you for listening. All these episodes are available on your favorite podcasting platform. For your convenience, they are listed below.

Tune in for a Thought-Provoking Episode on Autism Awareness

We’re excited to invite you to a compelling episode of the Billy Dees Podcast, titled, “A Discussion About Autism in the Wake of RFKjr’s Press Conference.”

Join host Billy Dees, along with our insightful guest co-host Chris Weekly, an advocate for autism awareness, as we dive deep into the recent comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on autism—comments that have ignited a great deal of conversation across various platforms.

Chris shares personal experiences with autism and sheds light on the genetic aspects of the condition. If you’ve ever wondered about the different facets of autism—from the barely noticeable to more pronounced challenges—this episode unpacks it all in a thoughtful manner.

 We believe that many brilliant minds in underrepresented communities might be going unnoticed due to misdiagnosis. We’ll discuss how better understanding can unlock potential and innovation.

Learn how the language surrounding autism impacts public perception, and why it’s essential for society to develop a deeper understanding—not just of autism, but of individuals who live with it.

This episode also tackles the misconceptions around terms like “epidemic,” and what that means for those affected by autism and their families. We explore why people fear certain terminology, and how we can foster a more supportive environment for everyone.

If you are as passionate about making a difference in understanding autism or simply curious about the complexities of neurodevelopmental conditions, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Tune in to hear all this and more, as we offer a sane discussion exploring both sides of RFKjr’s remarks —because that’s what good dialogue is all about!

Join us as we work together to cultivate understanding, empathy, and awareness. Your listenership is more than numbers; it’s about creating a community that thrives on knowledge and kindness.

Thank you, and we can’t wait for you to join us in this important conversation!

Billy Dees Podcast & Social Media Links

You can find Chris Weakly on X (Twitter) @kryptoglyfics

Discover Why Now is the Best Time of Your Life! 🎙️

Have you ever found yourself trapped in nostalgia, reminiscing about the “good old days?” Billy Dees dives deep into this sentiment in this episode “The Best Time of Your Life is Right Now!”

In this thought-provoking episode, Billy explores a powerful truth: our past may seem inviting, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the opportunities we have today. Life is fleeting, and the only guarantee we have is this very moment. Imagine making the most of your time, creating incredible memories right now!

Here’s what you’ll discover:

The Dangers of Nostalgia:

Why longing for past moments can actually hinder your present happiness.

The Reality of Time:

Understand just how quickly time passes and learn to appreciate every second.

Creating Value in the Now:

Billy shares insights on how helping others can enrich your own life experience.

Real Talk on Mortality:

Embrace your awareness of life’s brevity as a tool for better living today.

You’re invited to challenge the way you think about your memories and learn to savor the here and now. Whether you’re feeling stuck in past regrets or worried about the future, this episode offers practical advice on how to reclaim your life in the present!

So, what’s in it for you? By tuning in, you’ll equip yourself with a fresh perspective. Plus, you’ll hear Billy’s take on pop culture and social media influencers, providing a modern spin on age-old wisdom!

Ready to turn your “what ifs” into “what’s next”? Join us for this empowering episode, and let’s make your current moments extraordinary!

Catch the full conversation now on the Billy Dees Podcast on your favorite platform or below:

Dive Into the Latest Episode: “Speech! Speech! Reaction Trump and More Topics Around Media” 🎙️

Curious about the dynamics of political speeches and media reactions? On this episode we’re unpacking the nuances of Trump’s latest speech, diving into the reactions it elicited, and exploring broader themes around free speech and media response.

What to expect in this episode:

A 360-Degree View:

Billy takes you through the key points of Trump’s speech—while it wasn’t technically a State of the Union, its implications reach far beyond mere campaign rhetoric. What does it mean for the economy with tariffs on the table? Get ready for insightful analysis that goes beyond partisan lines.

Social Media Reactions:

Let’s discuss how figures like Stephen A. Smith and Rachel Maddow are shaping the narrative around these speeches. Billy reflects on the importance of supporting reality in a landscape where every perspective has validity. What happens when the lines between support and criticism blur?

The Role of Free Speech:

Are we losing sight of the true essence of free speech? Billy argues it’s not just about the right to speak—it’s about the freedom to listen. What does it mean for you as an audience member when those rights are challenged?

Casey Anthony and the Cancellation Culture:

As the infamous Casey Anthony reemerges, Billy shares his thoughts on the societal reactions and the implications of “cancellation.” Is there a future for public figures after controversy? Explore the fascinating dynamics of public opinion and media reactions.

Why should you tune in?

This episode not only explores pressing social topics but also encourages you to think critically about the information surrounding us. If you want to navigate media narratives with a sharp perspective and engage in the evolving conversation around free speech, this is the podcast for you.

Cheers to understanding the world better together,

The Billy Dees Podcast Team

The Evolution of Social Media and Our Focus Moving Forward

Our relationship with social media has continually evolved. Over the past year, two significant shifts have reshaped the landscape.

First, feeds are no longer primarily driven by user follows. Instead, algorithms now prioritize “for you” content based on user behavior. As a result, many of your followers may not see your posts, depending on the platform.

Second, social media business models have diversified. Subscription-based services and political influences have altered user bases across platforms. Where most users once engaged with two or three major platforms, new apps emerge constantly, demanding attention.

For The Billy Dees Podcast, podcast listens have increased across platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, and Goodpods. We attribute this to digital media consumers actively searching for content on dedicated podcast platforms. With a well-established 10-year presence, we benefit from this shift, driven by the decline of legacy media, particularly cable news.

Our priority remains creating high-quality content for our loyal listeners rather than chasing social media followers. The connection between social media engagement and podcast listens is not as strong as it once was.

That said, we still value a social media presence but are refining our approach. Moving forward, we will focus on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Facebook allows for more detailed discussions, while X keeps us engaged with real-time trends—this combination feels right for 2025.

Meanwhile, platforms like TikTok, Bluesky, and Clapper will take a backseat. Managing multiple platforms demands significant resources, and our audience shouldn’t have to monitor too many.

If you’d like to follow us on social media, Facebook and X @BillyDees are the best places. More importantly, we encourage you to subscribe to The Billy Dees Podcast on your favorite podcast platform—it’s free, and you won’t miss an episode.

Thank you for listening!

Billy Dees

More Links

Anna Matson Talks Politics as it is During 2024

Subject: Get the Inside Scoop on Politics in 2024 with Anna Matson!

Are you curious about the current political landscape in 2024? Want to dive deep into the world of local politics and uncover the insights of a true political analyst? Well, we have an interesting episode on tap!

Anna Matson

In this episode of the “Billy Dees Podcast,” our special guest, Anna Matson, shares her experiences running as a candidate for village president and delves into the issues and potential of her town. From high taxes to community involvement, Anna brings a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing local government.

Discover how Anna’s background in business and accounting is shaping her campaign and why she believes voters need to focus on what truly matters when selecting their representatives. With engaging commentary and thought-provoking insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in politics and community leadership.

Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation with Anna Matson. Tune in to the “Billy Dees Podcast” now and gain a deeper understanding of the political landscape in 2024. Get ready to be informed, inspired, and empowered to make a difference in your own community!

Listen to the episode “Anna Matson Talks Politics as it is During 2024” on your favorite podcast platform.

Here is a sample:

You can find Anna on X Twitter @AnnaRMatson

The videocast version of this podcast is on Rumble.

The Billy Dees Podcast is available on all the major podcasting platform including Spotify.

Live with Rachel Thompson, Author, Survivor, & Biz Owner

Do you ever wonder what resilience, advocacy, and entrepreneurship look like in the face of adversity?

Rachel Thompson – Bad Red Head Media

In this episode, we had the incredible Rachel Thompson, author, survivor, and business owner, sharing her inspiring journey of overcoming childhood sexual abuse and trauma. Rachel’s story is not only powerful but also a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

One of the key takeaways from the episode was how Rachel highlighted the importance of finding coping mechanisms and healing strategies for survivors of trauma. Through her advocacy work, she sheds light on the realities and challenges faced by survivors and offers a message of hope and support to those in need.

Plus, Rachel dives into the role of writing as a form of therapy and self-expression, discussing how sharing her story has been a cathartic experience for her. Her insights into the power of storytelling and advocacy are truly inspiring!

Whether you’re a survivor, an advocate, or simply looking for some motivation and empowerment in your life, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we dive deep into Rachel’s story and uncover the strength and resilience that lies within us all.

Follow @BillyDees on X to keep up on the exciting guests and thought-provoking conversations on the Billy Dees Podcast.

You can follow Rachel Thompson on X @RachelintheOC

The podcast as featured on Spotify and Rumble are below.