In a heartfelt and candid conversation, singer-songwriter Jill Sobule reflects on the intersection of music and politics, her unique songwriting process, and the evolving challenges artists face in the music industry. Sharing candid stories from her remarkable career—including the groundbreaking ’90s hits “I Kissed a Girl” and “Supermodel,” her collaborations with legends like Neil Young and Cyndi Lauper, and her theatrical work, Jill offers rare insight into the life of a fiercely independent artist and storyteller. She also shares her thoughts on her iconic protest anthem “We Want Our America Back” and its enduring relevance today.

Born in Denver, Colorado, Jill’s three-decade career spans a dozen albums tackling topics from LGBTQ rights and mental health to social justice, all delivered with wit, intelligence, and emotional depth. Known for blending humor with pathos, Jill’s songs invite listeners to engage with complex issues through vivid portraits of human experience.

This interview was recorded shortly before Jill’s passing, making it one of her final interviews. We celebrate her enduring legacy and the powerful voice she leaves behind. Her music will continue to give us the courage needed to speak truth to power and to live authentically. Guest Links:

• Jill Sobule's Website
• The Jill Fund
• Jill's YouTube Channel

Every iconic TV moment owes something to the editor’s eye — the pacing of a breath, the cutaway that lands just right, the silence that says everything. Editors Timothy A. Good, ACE, and Emily Mendez know this better than most.

Tim and Emily open up about the choices and challenges behind some of television’s most talked-about episodes, unpacking everything from emotional restraint to the delicate choreography of cutting between performances. Whether they’re building battle scenes or slow-burning love stories, they approach every frame with intention, care, and trust in their collaborators. They also reflect on the pressure of fan expectations, their approach to character-driven editing, and the lessons they've learned through mentorship — both giving and receiving. It’s a rare peek into the edit bay for series like The Last of Us, where they worked together to shape episodes including the widely praised, Emmy-winning “Long, Long Time,” which received the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Picture Editing for a Drama Series.

This is also a tale of creative partnership, blending Tim’s experience with Emily’s distinctive voice to shape powerful storytelling in the editing room. Timothy A. Good, ACE, is a veteran editor with over 25 years of experience shaping hit series like Fringe, The Umbrella Academy, The Resident, and The Last of Us. Known for his collaborative style and editorial intuition, he’s also an educator at UCLA and a dedicated mentor whose guidance has helped launch the careers of many editors — including Emily Mendez. Tim’s accolades include a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Picture Editing for a Drama Series, the American Cinema Editors’ Best Edited Drama Series award, and nominations from the Hollywood Professional Association and the BFE Cut Above Awards for his work on The Last of Us. IMDB Instagram Emily Mendez is an accomplished, dynamic editor recognized for her ability to shape emotional, resonant scenes. After earning her MFA from the American Film Institute, she worked on Rosewood, Light as a Feather, and The Umbrella Academy. On The Last of Us, she rose from assistant editor to co-editor alongside Tim and now edits episodes independently, bringing her voice to some of the show’s most powerful and memorable moments. Emily has been awarded a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Picture Editing for a Drama Series, a BFE Above the Cut Award, and received a nomination from the Hollywood Professional Association for her work on The Last of Us. IMDB Instagram

What happens when music becomes more than just melody and lyrics? For Italian pop/folk singer-songwriter Erene Mastrangeli, it’s a force for healing, activism, and connection. Erene shares her journey from growing up in a musically rich Italian home to becoming a voice for change in the U.S. music scene. She opens up about the personal and social themes that drive her songwriting.

A key theme in her work is the fusion of personal and social issues, particularly in her latest album Love, Shine. Erene discusses the inspiration behind the album, especially the title track, which was written in response to the 2016 Pulse nightclub mass shooting. As an LGBTQ+ artist, the tragedy left an indelible mark on her, and Love Shine has since become a powerful statement against hate and inequality.

From collaborating with Brad Roberts of Crash Test Dummies to helping singers heal their voices naturally, learn how music can be both deeply personal and a powerful tool for change.

Blending influences like Carole King and Joni Mitchell, Erene crafts songs that address equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and healing. From performing at NYC’s Rockwood Music Hall to sharing the stage with the Italian Prime Minister, Erene uses music to connect, uplift, and inspire.

Guest Links:

• Erene Music
• Vocal Serenity
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkTree

Clocking out for the last time isn’t the end of the story—it’s just the start of a new chapter. Meet A. Benae Colbért, a woman who has built a career (and a life) on passion, persistence, and just a little bit of Texas grit. In this episode, Benae takes us on a journey from her days in marketing and officiating weddings to the brand-new world of retirement, where the only meetings she takes are around a fire pit.

As Benae steps into retirement, she reflects on the growing concerns surrounding Social Security and Medicare, questioning what the future holds for retirees in an era of economic and political uncertainty. With shifting policies and rising costs, she discusses how these changes could impact not just her own plans, but an entire generation of Americans looking to retire with security and dignity. She also shares her thoughts on what it truly means to be a Texan, the memories of Ann Richards that still inspire her, and why she’s starting the Fyre Wimmen podcast to bring bold, unfiltered conversations to the world.

Benae’s journey has been anything but ordinary. With a career spanning marketing, merchandising, project management, and writing, she has navigated industries with a sharp strategic mind and a deep understanding of human behavior. As an ordained wedding officiant for over 20 years, she has guided countless couples through one of the most important moments of their lives. Now, as she embarks on retirement, Benae is embracing new passions—from hosting candid conversations on her podcast to tackling hands-on projects that fuel her adventurous spirit. Whether leading a team, officiating a wedding, or wielding a chainsaw, Benae has always found a way to leave her mark.

Guest Links:

• Ceremonies for Life
• Fyre Wimmen Podcast
• Benae Colbert LinkedIn
• Benae Colbert Instagram
• Benae Colbert Facebook

What happens when life hands you more than just lemons? You find purpose through adversity.

We’re joined by the inspiring Siobhan Mondesire, an award-winning marketing leader, podcast host, and cancer survivor. Siobhan shares her incredible journey from growing up as a first-generation Canadian to becoming a marketing force who has spent over a decade shaping both B2B and B2C landscapes. She opens up about her emotional experience of being misdiagnosed with stage four follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2023, undergoing chemotherapy, and managing the delicate balance between her career and family while battling a chronic invisible illness.

Siobhan’s resilience, humor, and steadfast determination to live life to the fullest, despite her diagnosis, highlight her incredible strength. She reveals how her diagnosis ignited a deep desire to create Give Me Lemons, a podcast designed to support and inspire others dealing with life’s toughest challenges. Siobhan encourages her podcast followers to find strength not in silver linings, but in the determination to persevere through hardship and live with purpose.

Known for her innovative strategies and passion for inclusivity, she’s empowered businesses to grow while fostering environments where creativity and collaboration thrive. Siobhan’s leadership is grounded in her commitment to uplifting others, from her mentorship of women+ entering tech to her involvement in community initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

When she’s not transforming businesses or inspiring others through her podcast, Siobhan dedicates time to pro-bono marketing consulting for small businesses and supporting youth through her work with BlackMINT.

Guest Links:

• Instagram: @chevstarrr @givemelemonspodcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanmondesire/

Fred Thomas Jr., actor, director, and producer skyrocketed to fame as one of the original stars of Budweiser’s legendary and iconic "Whassup?!" commercial campaign. With the 25th anniversary of the viral ad fast approaching, Fred shares captivating stories from his career, reflecting on his iconic role in pop culture and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From his time as an Army Reserve combat medic to navigating the evolving entertainment industry in the era of AI and streaming, Fred offers a unique perspective on fame, fatherhood, and the future of Hollywood.

Fred is a three-time NAACP Theatre Award winner for his play 12’ X 9’, he is an alumnus of Lincoln University and Temple University’s Masters in Film and Media Arts program. He founded Temple University’s Black Media Collective and received accolades as a Film Independent Screenwriting Fellow and a Writer’s Guild of America Veterans Writer Program Recipient.

Fred directed the award-winning short film 22 Years, which screened at 76 film festivals and garnered numerous accolades. His film credits include 24 Hour Love and Ladies Book Club, available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. Additionally, he has worked as a production coordinator for E! Entertainment’s red carpet events and has spent 15 seasons as a robotic camera operator for CBS’s Big Brother. Currently, he plays Detective Caine on the ALLBLACK Network's Kold x Windy and continues to pursue innovative projects that challenge and inspire creativity. Guest Links:

• https://www.fredthomasjr215.com/
• https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0858839/
• https://www.instagram.com/iamfredthomasjr/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-thomas-jr-2921a27/
• https://vimeo.com/fredthomasjr
• https://www.facebook.com/fred.thomasjr.1
• https://twitter.com/derfsamoht

Self-love involves the courageous act of embracing every part of yourself, flaws and all, and recognizing your inherent worth despite imperfections. Navigating this journey can be challenging, a truth that Alethea Crimmins knows all too well. Alethea shares her journey from being an underdog to becoming a global motivational speaker, educator, and positivity advocate. Growing up with a speech impediment, Alethea transformed what many saw as a weakness into a strength, inspiring her to launch the "Pimpin' Positivity" movement. Known as the "positivity queen," she spreads daily messages like "Be Great In Their Face" and "Have A Good Day On Purpose," empowering millions online worldwide. Alethea also shares how she uses her platform to uplift others and the significance of having a positive mindset. Beyond her online influence, Alethea is a full-time educator at St. Martinville EHSA and a music enthusiast who performs in a reggae band. She emphasizes the value of creating your own family and embracing the qualities that others might dismiss, turning pain into purpose. Her platform has earned recognition from figures like Madonna, Viola Davis, and Rihanna, and she made her TV debut on The Jennifer Hudson Show, where she encouraged and motivated the audience. Alethea’s goal is to continue expanding her reach as an international motivational speaker, spreading her message of positivity, self-love, and empowerment. Hear her powerful story and learn how she inspires people to live authentically and confidently in this joyous episode of Podcetera. Guest Links:

• https://pimpinpositivity.net/
• https://iamalethea.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/InLoveWithAGirl/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrupdSwrCEUVfJrXT5uDXfQ
• https://www.tiktok.com/@ms_hdic
• https://www.instagram.com/aletheacrimmins
• https://linktr.ee/ms_hdic

Poetry has long been a powerful medium for capturing human experience, and in this episode of Podcetera, we explore its timeless art with James Morehead, former Poet Laureate of Dublin, California. James illuminates the evolution of poetry from its ancient roots to modern expressions, sharing his insights into this rich tradition. He reads several of his evocative poems, including one inspired by San Francisco, and delves into his unique creative process. Discover his journey to becoming a published poet, the sources of his inspiration, and the profound depth of his craft. James also examines the therapeutic power of poetry and reveals an intriguing parallel between his work life and his artistic passion. As the host of the Viewless Wings Poetry Podcast, James has published acclaimed collections such as "canvas," "portraits of red and gray," and "The Plague Doctor." His poem "tethered" was adapted into an award-winning hand-drawn animated short film, and "gallery" was set to music for baritone and piano. His work has been featured in numerous literary magazines and earned accolades, including 2nd Place in the Oprelle Oxbow Poetry Contest 2022. James has also performed at prestigious events including the Patagonia Poet Laureate Celebration, the SF Chronicle's Total SF podcast, NPR's Poetically Yours, and the 20th Annual Haiku Festival in Chicago. Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation of both the craft of poetry and the poets who bring it to life. Guest Links:

• Viewless Wings: https://viewlesswings.com/james-morehead/
• Viewless Wings Poetry Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viewlesswings
• Former Poet Laureate of Dublin, California: https://dublin.ca.gov/268/Dublin-Poet-Laureate