Perfect Media Productions, LLC is a media production and digital marketing service. We produce audio for radio, podcasts, and voice-overs. We also record and/or edit video for websites and social media.
This is the production home of the Billy Dees Podcast and other great podcasts.
Our blog section features a variety of topics including media, business, and pop culture.
In this episode of The Billy D’s Podcast, Billy speaks with Wendy B. Correa — a former radio DJ, author, and survivor who has turned her life experiences into a mission for healing and awareness. Her book, My Pretty Baby: Seeking Truth and Finding Healing, explores her journey through childhood trauma, addiction, and recovery.
Wendy and Billy discuss Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how unresolved trauma can shape mental health, addiction, and behavior later in life. Wendy shares her goal of destigmatizing conversations around trauma and emphasizes that understanding how it rewires the brain and body can lead to compassion and collective healing. Together, they talk about how societal stigma still prevents many from seeking help and how awareness can drive better public health decisions and stronger communities.
The conversation also delves into Wendy’s personal path — from growing up in Illinois and finding solace in music to her encounters with artists like Joni Mitchell, Ringo Starr, and Hunter S. Thompson. Each connection, she explains, helped restore her sense of self-worth and belonging.
Wendy recounts her battle with addiction, her eventual recovery through AA and spiritual practice, and her embrace of Buddhist and Native American traditions to stay grounded and sober. She stresses the importance of community, self-love, and mindfulness as lifelong tools for healing.
The episode closes with a discussion of her audiobook and her hope that My Pretty Baby will serve as a guidebook for others to face trauma without shame and to find truth, connection, and peace.
Our guest on this episode is Terry Whalin—a true insider in the publishing world who knows both sides of the editorial desk. As an editor and writer, Terry has worn many hats, shaping stories and guiding authors to success. His work has appeared in more than 50 publications, and he’s penned over 60 books spanning everything from children’s titles to biographies and collaborations.
Terry’s career includes time as a magazine editor, a book acquisitions editor for multiple publishers, and even a stint as a literary agent. Today, he serves as an acquisitions editor with Morgan James Publishing, continuing to champion great ideas and authors.
Over 20 years ago, Terry made headlines when he wrote a diet book, First Place by Carole Lewis, in just eleven days—selling more than 100,000 copies. His latest release, 10 Publishing Myths: Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed (Morgan James Publishing), offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the realities of the publishing world.
A sought-after speaker and teacher at writers’ conferences across the country, Terry is also an active member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. He and his wife, Christine, make their home in Southern California.
You can find out more about Terry on his Blog and follow him on X @terrywhalin
For your convenience the interview is below and you and also find it on your favorite platform under the Billy Dees Podcast.
Our guest this episode is Kay A. Oliver — a dynamic storyteller with decades of experience in Hollywood as a producer, writer, and director. With degrees in Radio/TV/Film and an MBA in Business, Kay built a successful career in entertainment before taking the leap into writing novels.
She’s known for creating strong, imperfect, and relatable women — often professionals like archaeologists and anthropologists — who face life’s challenges with humor and resilience. Her debut novel Disturbed Tombs kicked off the Dr. Kaili Worthy series, followed by Grave Disturbances and the upcoming Disturbing Remains. She’s also the author of Road to Elysium and the heartfelt Ice Cream Moments, which explores family dynamics in a deeply human way.
Recognized in Marquis’ Who’s Who in America 2024, Kay is passionate about telling stories that matter — stories that entertain, inspire, and highlight women’s voices in ways Hollywood too often overlooks.
You can find the Billy Dees Podcast on your favorite platform.
When reality wasn’t enough, J.F. Monroe built her own universe. In her Legacy of the Four trilogy, ancient powers walk among us, destinies shift, and courage rewrites fate.
Drawing inspiration from The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and even Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending plots, Monroe blends epic adventure with deeply personal journeys.
At the core of her stories is one truth: the greatest magic comes from human connection.
Zafra Lerman has spent her life proving that science—infused with compassion and creativity—can bridge even the deepest divides. From her childhood in Israel to advising U.S. leaders at the White House, and from classrooms to conflict zones, she has brought together scientists from opposing nations, pioneered teaching chemistry through the arts, and championed science education as a basic human right.
In her memoir, Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey, she shares the setbacks, triumphs, and inspiring moments that shaped her belief in science as a tool for peacebuilding—and offers lessons in courage, hope, and collaboration that the world urgently needs.
Zafra M. Lerman, Ph.D., FRSC
President, Malta Conferences Foundation
Distinguished Professor of Science and Public Policy (Emerita)
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.
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.
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.
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