What does it take to become the trusted advisor to some of music's biggest legends? Entertainment attorney John Mason pulls back the curtain on his remarkable career in this captivating conversation about his new memoir "Crazy Lucky."

Mason reveals his counterintuitive approach to success: making himself hard to find. "If nobody could find me, I would become the guy they wanted to find," he explains, describing how he maintained an unlisted number and low profile long before the era of lawyer advertising. This strategy allowed him to cultivate deep relationships with a select group of iconic clients including Olivia Newton-John, the Beach Boys, Michael Jackson, Kenny Rogers, and Shakira.

The most touching moments come when Mason speaks of his decades-long friendship with Olivia Newton-John. His voice softens as he recalls finding a thank-you note she'd written years ago, and shares a poignant story about visiting her just months before her passing. Despite needing a walker and IV drip, she greeted them in her garden with characteristic warmth and humor—embodying the grace she maintained throughout her battle with cancer.

Mason offers fascinating glimpses into music history, from attending Beach Boys business meetings amid the fallout of their father selling their catalog, to navigating the complex dynamics of the entire Jackson family. His unique perspective combines insider knowledge with genuine affection for the artists he represented, creating stories that humanize these larger-than-life figures.

Before his legal career, Mason himself was a musician whose band performed with the Beach Boys, giving him firsthand experience of the joy music brings. This background informed his approach as "the conciliary" for his clients—coordinating all business matters while focusing exclusively on contract negotiations in film, television, and music.

Ready for more stories from the entertainment world's inner circle? Mason's book "Crazy Lucky" delivers countless memorable moments from his front-row seat to music history. The upcoming audiobook will feature Priscilla Presley reading the foreword she wrote for the book.

Have you ever wondered what it's like behind the scenes with your favorite music icons? Share your thoughts and follow Chris Keaton on social media for more fascinating conversations with entertainment insiders.

What happens when five life-changing albums lead to a conversation with a man who helped create the soundtrack of rock history? Grammy-nominated recording engineer Jay Messina joins host Chris Keaton for a fascinating journey through music, connection, and the power of living in the present moment.

The episode begins with Chris reflecting on records that shaped his musical journey - from witnessing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan to how Rod Stewart inspired him to form a new band at 69. This perfectly sets the stage for Messina, whose engineering wizardry crafted the sound of Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, John Lennon, and even jazz legend Miles Davis.

Messina's remarkable career began with a friend's simple offer: quit his electronics job to become a studio engineer for just $25 a week. That leap of faith placed him behind one of only five 8-track recording machines in existence in 1965, launching a storied career spanning rock, jazz, and beyond. His hilarious account of winning over the notoriously difficult Miles Davis with a pair of Japanese sneakers reveals how authentic connections transcend music industry hierarchies.

The conversation takes a profound turn when Messina shares his philosophy on success: while many engineers complained about jingle work while dreaming of album projects, Messina fully embraced each moment, perfecting skills that would later make him invaluable to producers like Jack Douglas (who had once been his assistant). "If you're not present, you're going to miss it," he explains, a mantra that guided his work from Tokyo to New York throughout decades of innovation.

For aspiring music professionals, Messina offers wisdom that extends beyond the studio: forget distant goals and focus instead on what you want to be doing today. His current projects, including work with Zebra and Cheap Trick's Robin Zander, prove his philosophy continues to generate extraordinary work across musical boundaries.

Whether you're passionate about classic rock, fascinated by recording technology, or simply searching for inspiration to live more fully in each moment, this conversation bridges the gap between technical mastery and timeless human connection. Subscribe now and tell your friends about Random Acts with Chris Keaton!

What does it take to see the future of digital marketing before anyone else? In this fascinating conversation, Chris Keaton reconnects with his longtime friend James Lucente, who pioneered social media marketing strategies when most people still viewed platforms like YouTube and MySpace as mere distractions.

James shares his remarkable journey from Connecticut recording studio owner working with legends like Nile Rodgers to becoming a digital marketing innovator who saw monetization opportunities that traditional music executives completely missed. Through colorful anecdotes about pitching viral YouTube stars to confused record labels and turning his infant son into a brand partnership magnet, James reveals the core principles that have guided his success: finding authentic voices, connecting them with receptive audiences, and creating content that resonates.

The conversation takes listeners through the early days of social media when James and Chris collaborated on artist development projects, including Preston Leatherman, whose Christmas dance video generated millions of views before TikTok existed. Their shared history provides a fascinating glimpse into how drastically the digital landscape has transformed while illuminating principles that remain relevant today.

Perhaps most valuable is James's insight into building sustainable business models in the digital age. His advice to artists—"For every dollar you spend on development, you should have $2 for marketing"—challenges creators to think strategically about resource allocation. As James explains, the modern brand landscape demands personality and authenticity, regardless of industry.

Whether you're a content creator, artist, entrepreneur, or marketer, this episode offers both historical perspective and practical wisdom from someone who saw the digital revolution coming before most people understood what hit them. Visit LucenteSocialMedia.com to learn how James continues to help brands find their voices in an increasingly crowded digital world.

What gives your creativity purpose? In this deeply personal conversation, host Chris Keaton welcomes acclaimed Nashville hit songwriter Tommy Lee James to share wisdom from his decades-long career crafting songs for major artists.

The two forge an immediate connection over their shared Roanoke Valley roots before diving into Tommy's fascinating journey from middle school songwriter to Nashville success story. With refreshing candor, Tommy reveals how four years playing piano bars in DC taught him the bones of songwriting, mastering hundreds of songs before making the leap to Music City with dreams of becoming a professional songwriter.

Tommy doesn't sugarcoat the Nashville experience, describing his humbling first years where, despite thinking he was "good enough," he quickly realized how much he had to learn. His persistence eventually paid off with a publishing deal at Reba McEntire's company, though at just $75 weekly, it was passion rather than paycheck driving him forward.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Tommy illuminates the dramatic evolution of the songwriting industry. From the days when writers could comfortably make a living crafting album cuts to today's streaming-dominated landscape where "pure songwriters are a dying breed," his perspective offers rare insight into how dramatically the business has transformed.

Most poignantly, Tommy shares about his recent foray into releasing solo music for the first time, inspired by his wife's encouragement during a challenging personal period. Rather than following Nashville formulas, these songs represent his true musical influences and allow him to explore more personal themes.

The most powerful moment comes when Tommy recounts his elderly father's aircraft building hobby, continuing to put "one rivet in a wing every day" despite declining health, because without this purpose, "why would I want to get up?" It's a philosophy that's shaped Tommy's approach to creativity and serves as inspiration for anyone pursuing their passion at any age.

What small, daily creative action keeps your purpose alive? Listen now and discover why Tommy believes he's a better songwriter today than ever before.

Community-building through content creation takes center stage as three Roanoke locals share the fascinating origin story behind their popular Instagram series. Elliot Broyles, John Park (aka Hungry Asian), and Zach Jackson have captured the attention of food and drink enthusiasts with their authentic approach to showcasing local establishments through "Hey Bartender, Whatcha Drinking?" and "What Can I Get for $10?"

Unlike typical influencers, these creators reveal their refreshingly honest methodology—they pay full price for everything they consume, demand no special treatment, and focus on genuine connections with the businesses they feature. Their philosophy is simple yet powerful: highlight small businesses that often lack social media presence while creating entertaining content that benefits the entire community.

The conversation dives into memorable moments where they've faced initial resistance—walking into establishments with camera equipment only to be met with suspicion or outright hostility. Rather than leveraging entitlement, they order drinks, engage in conversation, and allow relationships to develop organically. These moments of transformation, where skepticism turns to friendship, create some of their most compelling content.

Beyond the entertainment value, their work serves a deeper purpose. Many small restaurants and bars in Roanoke lack resources for professional photography or social media management. By creating high-quality content featuring these establishments, they're providing a valuable service while expecting nothing in return except the experience itself. It's content creation with a conscience—using their platform to elevate others rather than simply promoting themselves.

Whether you're a content creator seeking a more meaningful approach to your work, a small business owner looking for authentic marketing strategies, or simply someone who appreciates genuine community support, this episode offers valuable insights into how social media can be leveraged for collective benefit. Subscribe to learn more about creating content that matters and discover how these three friends are changing Roanoke's food and beverage scene one post at a time.

Join us for an engaging exploration of storytelling through the eyes of creative professionals! From unexpected beginnings to the challenges in the evolving media landscape, our host Chris Keaton connects personal anecdotes with valuable lessons from the creative journey. Here, you'll find humor and insight as Chris shares how simple decisions can lead to profound changes, like transitioning from aspiring musician to storyteller through a saxophone.

Meet our guest, Sam Dean—an accomplished filmmaker who started as a newspaper photographer. Sam brings a wealth of experience to our discussion about adapting to industry changes and the importance of storytelling in today's fast-paced digital age. The balance between confidence and humility features prominently in our dialogue, reminding listeners of the importance of continual learning and resilience in their creative endeavors.

Throughout the episode, we encourage you to reflect on your own unique path, whether you're in the arts or simply navigating your daily life. Prepare to be motivated, amused, and inspired to notice the stories around you, as well as within. Ready to delve into the tales of creative lives? Tune in now and let the conversation begin! Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to stay connected!

Ever had your phone calls ignored by a contractor? I sure have, and it drove me nuts until I met Danny from Danny's Handyman Service. In this episode, I share how this unexpected encounter not only restored my faith in reliable service but also led me to an unforgettable conversation with Daniel Torres. Daniel isn't your typical handyman. He took his modest service and transformed it into the successful Torres Brothers Construction, all while maintaining a commitment to honesty and reliability that is hard to find in the industry. My admiration for Danny set the stage for an engaging discussion about life, dreams, and the chaos of day-to-day chatter that we all deal with.

Join me, Chris Keaton, as I chat with the inspiring Daniel Torres, who shares his mission to uplift underprivileged kids by teaching them valuable trades and life skills. From his own childhood story of survival to building a thriving business, Daniel's journey is a testament to resilience and ambition. He talks candidly about the importance of giving back to the community and the legacy he wishes to leave for his children. This episode is packed with humor, personal insights, and a shared passion for making a difference in the world. Whether you're seeking inspiration or just a good laugh, you won't want to miss this conversation.

Ever had a love affair with canned beets or found humor in your own hair evolution? Join me, Chris Keaton, as I share some of my quirkiest stories and amusing encounters, including an unforgettable compliment from a stranger in Nashville. I'm thrilled to have my buddy Wes Mayers, a fellow car enthusiast and rock star manager, on the show. We stroll down memory lane, revisiting our first meeting at the RCA building and diving into Wes's musical journey, which began with his family and early band days. This episode promises a delightful mix of personal quirks and industry tales that will keep you entertained and intrigued.

From my academic days at Ole Miss and Belmont to the bustling music scenes of Nashville and Los Angeles, I recount my adventures in managing artists like Rodney Atkins and Craig Morgan. Discover how a serendipitous Instagram connection introduced me to Knox, a powerhouse talent whose journey has been nothing short of explosive. Wes and I chat about Knox's whirlwind rise, including signing with Atlantic Records and rocking stages like Lollapalooza. We also tease an exciting new venture, "The Song Inside You," designed to reignite the dreams of aspiring songwriters and artists. Tune in for an episode packed with laughter, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at the music industry.