Rev Al Sharpton

 <a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41346306" data-resource="episode_id=41346306" data-width="100%" data-height="200px" data-theme="light" data-playlist="false" data-playlist-continuous="false" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="false" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="true">Listen to "Rev Al Sharpton Releases The Book Rise Up" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>

No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, the coming 2020 Presidential Election stands to be one of the most consequential in our nation's history. With the leading political parties diametrically opposed on the path forward and seemingly unwilling to compromise, November is a clear critical juncture for the future of America. IN what will be his seminal call to action, RISE UP: Confronting a Country at the Crossroads (Hanover Square Press; 9/29/20), the Reverend Al Sharpton draws on his decades of unique experience as a civil rights leader, a politician, and a television and radio host to encourage voters to stand up for what they believe and enact change in their country.

Our nation today stands at a crossroads, a historical turning point that both tests our moral character and endangers all that we have fought to gain. If we are to preserve our sense of morality and build a clear and just path forward, we must not only take a hard look at our collective failures and shortcomings but also reclaim our core values. In RISE UP, Rev. Sharpton revisits the highlights of the Obama administration, the 2016 election, Trump's subsequent hold on the GOP and his interactions and relationships with other key players in politics and activism. He also amplifies the new voices and movements that have emerged in response to the Trump presidency, closing with an epilogue of the eulogy he delivered at Georgy Floyd's funeral.

Chuck Liddell

 <a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41345333" data-resource="episode_id=41345333" data-width="100%" data-height="200px" data-theme="light" data-playlist="false" data-playlist-continuous="false" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="false" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="true">Listen to "Chuck Liddell From The Movie Cagefighter" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>

Charles David "Chuck" Liddell (born December 17, 1969) is a retired American mixed martial artist and former Ultimate Fighting Championship Light Heavyweight Champion. Liddell has an extensive striking background in Kempo, Koei-Kan karate and kickboxing, as well as a grappling background in collegiate wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. During his prime, Liddell was known for his knockout power, iron chin, excellent counter striking and for his sprawl-and-brawl technique, which made him one of the most difficult fighters to takedown. He is one of the most dominant champions that ever competed in the UFC. He has the second most knockouts in UFC history, only behind Anderson Silva. Liddell had 23 fights in the UFC, and along with Randy Couture, is widely credited for bringing mixed martial arts into the mainstream of American sports and entertainment. On July 10, 2009, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Since his retirement in late 2010, Liddell has also made several film and television appearances, including a number of appearances before he retired. He appeared as himself in the movie Bachelor Party Vegas, He appeared as "Graft" in the pilot episode of the TV series Blade: The Series and had a guest cameo in the first season of Inked on A&E. He was featured in the film Kick-Ass 2 and also appeared in the TV shows Entourage, Hawaii-Five-O, Criminal Minds, Blue Mountain State, Bones and Celebrity Big Brother, among others.

Losing Eddie Van Halen

<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41343560" data-resource="episode_id=41343560" data-width="100%" data-height="200px" data-theme="light" data-playlist="false" data-playlist-continuous="false" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="false" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="true">Listen to "Losing Eddie Van Halen" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script> 

October 7, 2020

I’m not sure that this is just a guy thing.  Although Rock and Classic Rock are usually associated with men 25 to 64, losing Eddie Van Halen includes everybody.  Musically… Eddie showcased incredible once in a lifetime skills while maintaining the image of what a Rock Star should look and act like. Most guys wanted that incredible head of hair and always on fire smile and the girls wanted Eddie. We all knew he had cancer.  We chose not to believe it.  Like the moment we first heard his music.  We couldn’t believe what he was pumping out.  I was too late for Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page.  In the 70’s it was all about looking forward not looking back.  When Eddie Van Halen first burst onto the scene it was at the tail end of Disco and during the opening moments of Punk.  Eddie introduced a sound that would reach into the soul of music and invite others to participate.  In the chapters ahead we got to know Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen of Def Leppard, Joe Satriani and Steve Via.  Suddenly the front man or woman wasn’t the only superstar in the lineup.  Look at the impact of Stevie Ray Vaughn and Carlos Santana.  Each had a way of elevating the performance by allowing other members to be in their own zone without stealing from them.  Neal Schon of Journey.  Tom Sholz of Boston and even Ace Frehley from KISS.  Not one generation but multiple have been and will be inspired and influenced by every one of these talents and I’ll write about each as time begins to take away the members of our memory makers.  We’ve lost a master.  Not just of music but thought.  In all things that became part of Eddie’s signature it all started with a thought.  A moment that he invested in then brought it forward.  I can’t count how many times my thoughts are set aside or long forgotten before I locate a sheet of paper to write it down.  During these days of Covid shutdowns, what if the lesson learned here is to put your thoughts in a place where they can be used as a future tool.  To collaborate with other thoughts.  To be turned into a physical presence in a world needing impact makers and not old habit products.  Thoughts.  Something so simple turned Eddie Van Halen into a moment that won’t be tossed into a box and forgotten.  His thoughts are forever a part of your tool kit.  It’s time to start listening to your thoughts.    

Talking Eddie Van Halen

 <a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41342518" data-resource="episode_id=41342518" data-width="100%" data-height="200px" data-theme="light" data-playlist="false" data-playlist-continuous="false" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="false" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="true">Listen to "Talking about Eddie Van Halen With Bo Thompson On News Talk WBT" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>

Spoil alert.  Sammy Hagar talking about his friendship with Eddie Van Halen appears at the end of this incredible conversation with Bo Thompson on News Talk WBT. In this moment of Now fans of music stand united in memory of one of Rock's greatest creators and leaders.  A true master at taking a thought and moving it forward.  

The Lyrics From Billy's Forest Episode 221

 

<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41323221" data-resource="episode_id=41323221" data-width="100%" data-height="200px" data-theme="light" data-playlist="false" data-playlist-continuous="false" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="false" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="true">Listen to "The Lyrics From Billys Forest Chapter 221" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>

October 6, 2020

It’s funny how life constantly evolves without physically identifying its chosen path or journey.  I bring this up because as a child you’d never catch me outside during a strong passing storm.  I’ve always believed I got into radio because of John Denver.  A huge creepy burst of sky energy moving across the plains of Montana toward Billings and I’d rush to my room to put the earphones on.  There was John Denver singing about his Poems Prayers and Promises. Hated thunder and lightning.  Yet as an adult I study its place and unpredictable pace with my forest.  On this podcast episode I use an experience with the remnants of Hurricane Laura to help lift us from so much excess baggage.  The strong winds and pouring rain immediately filled the stream leading toward the awaiting lake.  The trees were bending with the wind as if to creating a dance.  I wanted to feel the moment with my own senses.  Once in the forest I felt the presence of a distant ocean with huge out of control waves.  I stood watching.  The limbs and leaves accepting the smooth moves caused by the tropical storm winds.  It was a dance.  I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to share incredible conversations with those who bring such poetic movements to the stage.  We always talk about the story.  Dancing isn’t just a series of moves but rather an expression based on storytelling.  The forest was no different.  The twist in the wind, the dip in the existence of trust and the rebirth of light on the opposite side.  Accepting the reality of knowing that we have no control.  So many this late in the season of 2020 are beginning to experience what’s no longer easily pushed away.  The dance has changed.  Just like the movements on stage and in the forest, there’s a story.  Because of the ongoing social distancing at work and at home aloneness continues to creep into the picture.  The imposter can no longer hide the emotion.  And in that moment the dance becomes seen. Usually in your mirror first.  Then within the actions and reactions displayed on Zoom and or a carefully planned out lunch with a friend just needing to see someone eye to eye.  The dance.  The story.  How we are moving today compared to March, April and May.  Hardly if anybody wants to admit they see several layers of shading.  In some places it’s darker than others.  But like the passing tropical storm there’s still that twist in the wind, a dip in the existence of trust and the rebirth of light seems to always appear on the opposite side.  We’ve all read the same books of motivation.  Incredible amounts of fuel, inspiration and influence are brought to life by the storms in our head and heart.  Some of the most beautiful songs came from horrid moments and decisions.  Books have been written because the experience before the pages left the creative mind unheard and untouched.  The dance.  Turning darkness into light.  Comedians and actors speak of the release all the time.  But what if we started with light?  What if we remained strong with being aware of the darkness?  Were we physically designed as humans to stand in a constant downpour?  Turn on the light before the storm.  Know what’s creating the gusty winds and sharp jagged edges of lightning.  Turn on the lights.  Don’t wait for the mess to be created.  Gain control and access to your place in the Now by being mindful of the storms arrival.  Turn on the light.  Be present and not hidden within the pictures painted by really good earbuds connected to songs that need better memories than holding onto unpredictable storms.  Turn on the light.

Play It Forward Episode 128 With Tomos Roberts

 <a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41261248" data-resource="episode_id=41261248" data-width="100%" data-height="200px" data-theme="light" data-playlist="false" data-playlist-continuous="false" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="false" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="true">Listen to "Play It Forward Episode 128 Tomos Roberts The Great Revelation" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>

Hey it’s Arroe.  This is Play It Forward.  A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus. 

Real people.  Real stories.  The struggle to Play It Forward.  

Episode 128 with Tomos Roberts

We all need hope. Humans have an extraordinary capacity to battle through adversity, but only if they have something to cling onto: a belief or hope that, one day, things will be better. This is the notion behind The Great Realization, a heartfelt poem that Tomos wrote for his younger brother and sister in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Just a few weeks after launching a YouTube channel, Tomos posted a video of his poem, which quickly became an online sensation, receiving nearly 7 million views on YouTube. 

Now, The Great Realization is a beautifully illustrated children’s book reminding young readers that a better tomorrow lies ahead. As children head back to an uncertain school year this fall, 

That’s Play It Forward.  You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.

Brian Billick

 <a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41259398" data-resource="episode_id=41259398" data-width="100%" data-height="200px" data-theme="light" data-playlist="false" data-playlist-continuous="false" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="false" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="true">Listen to "Brian Billick Releases The Book The Q Factor" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>

There are elite athletes in every sport -- people who possess tangible and intangible qualities that allow them to overcome daunting odds, spot opportunity in the midst of adversity, and turn defeat into victory. No position embodies this dynamic more than football quarterbacks, and nothing is a greater test of performance than the NFL.

The tangibles -- metrics, stats, ratings, bowl games, championships -- are critical to evaluation. But they're not enough. Every year, highly rated college quarterbacks are analyzed, critiqued, hyped up and/or doubted, and those who manage to survive the scrutiny are drafted early. Some of those early picks make it to the top, some end up journeymen, and some just wash out. Why? What separates the elites from the pack?

In THE Q FACTOR, former NFL coach Brian Billick takes the highly promising 2018 NFL quarterback Draft class -- the most touted class since 2004 (Manning, Roethlisberger, Rivers) and 1983 (Elway, Kelly, Marino) -- and measures the top five quarterback picks to gauge how, why, and if they succeed. They are all first rounders, all with sterling college credentials, all talented athletes, all taken by teams betting their futures. One or maybe two could go on to greatness. But which ones, and why? Could the prediction process be better? Are the "experts" looking at the wrong factors? How do we find the best of the best?

That's what THE Q FACTOR explores...and finally explains.