Let's Talk Media with Vedant Akhauri

How do you rebuild your entire sense of self when the structures you grew up with completely fall away? As a creative, how do you stop white-knuckling your way through life to meet other people’s expectations, and instead learn to construct your identity from the inside out?In this episode of Let’s Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with Christian Hurst, the Executive Creative Director at AARP, brand strategist behind major initiatives for companies like Marriott International, and the author of the acclaimed young adult space opera saga, the Lily Starling series.In a deeply moving and vulnerable conversation, Christian shares his personal journey of leaving the Latter-Day Saints church (Disclaimer: To find his own identity rather than due to the religion itself), navigating the volatile millennial jungle gym design career during the 2008 financial crisis, and finding his true artistic voice.In this episode, we discuss:The Harrisburg Web Design Summer Internship: Christian reflects on growing up poor in Harrisburg, PA, and credits his parents - his creative educator mother and writer/journalist father - for actively supporting his early artistic curiosities. He shares how they secured drawing lessons for him and set up a life-changing summer internship with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, giving him his first hands-on experience with professional design software.The Gift of the Outsider Mindset: Christian shares how growing up as the "weird kid" and feeling like an outsider trained him to observe human behavior from the outside looking in, a perspective he considers an invaluable gift for any storyteller or artist.Constructing Identity: Inside-Out vs. Outside-In: A brilliant breakdown of how people build their self-worth on external structures and societal expectations with those who actively build their sense of self from the inside out.The Millennial "Jungle Gym" Career & The 2008 Recession: Why the linear "career ladder" is a thing of the past for modern creatives. Christian recounts entering the workforce during the 2008 financial crash.Conquering Imposter Syndrome in an Uber: Christian describes the moment he realized he was finally "legit" and stopped worrying about where his next creative idea would come from.The 10-Second Art Teacher Lesson:  Christian shares a game-changing lesson from an old art teacher who had students draw 10-second gestural drawings. He explains why over-erasing and redrawing ultimately warps the entire perspective of a piece, and why creators must learn to get the idea on the page, trust their instincts, and move on.The Science Fiction of Lily Starling: The origin of Christian’s YA space opera series.Reconciling the Mask & Releasing Bitter Resentment: Christian's powerful reflections on "masking" to please others, the healing power of letting go of past resentment, and why you should only compare your current self to who you were last year.You can find Christian's book series at lilystarlingbook.com and connect with him on Instagram @seahurstpublishing.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes! You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the podcast on Instagram ⁠@letstalkmediava.

What happens when you fuse the heavy, riff-forward power of ’70s classic rock with the raw, aggressive urgency of ’90s alt-metal and grunge? And how does an independent band manage to write, record, and regional-tour while balancing full-time lives without burning out?In this episode of Let’s Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with Paul Van Valkenburgh, the lead vocalist of the hard rock powerhouse TubeFreeks. They dive deep into the band's unique genre-bending chemistry, their creative philosophies, and the reality of the independent music grind.In this episode, we discuss:The Family Blueprint: Why sheer musical talent is only half the battle, and the #1 foundation a band needs to survive years of writing and touring together.Unlocking Live Stage Presence: The clever, strategic lineup shift that transformed Paul from a tethered performer into a dynamic frontman, completely revitalizing their live show.The Clint Lowery Masterclass: A look inside their year-and-a-half-long collaboration with the Sevendust legend, and the three specific songwriting upgrades he introduced to elevate their new music from good to great.Who Does Your Song Belong To?: Paul's fascinating philosophy on abstract lyrics, and the wild, Rambo-style animated inspiration behind their fan-favorite "Dirty Rabbit" music video.The Weekend Warrior Grind: How the band manages to practice three nights a week and coordinate regional tours while balancing marriages, kids, and day jobs - and the key to doing it all without losing their minds.When searching for their music, make sure to look up TubeFreaks as one word, spelled with two E's (F-R-E-E-K-S), or the algorithms won't find them!You can stream their music on Spotify, Apple Music, or head over to their YouTube channel to watch their music videos. If you like this episode, please subscribe and rate the show. Follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava to stay updated on all future episodes!

How does an artist transition from the aggressive, distorted walls of underground heavy metal to the quiet, fragile vulnerability of a single acoustic guitar? And when you decide to handle every single step of your music’s creation yourself, how do you conquer self-doubt and find the discipline to actually finish what you start?In this episode of Let’s Talk Media, the podcast exploring the craft, careers, and chaos of the creative world, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with singer-songwriter Rich Clark, performing under the evocative moniker Wayward Sparrow.Rich discusses the release of his debut album, Devil by My Side, a beautifully self-constrained work rooted in Americana and bluegrass storytelling. He lifts the lid on his fascinating transition from fronting a heavy metal band to embracing a deliberately sparse acoustic atmosphere, shares his hard-learned business advice for DIY artists, and explains why true creative success lies in rigorous self-discipline rather than chasing overnight stardom.In this episode, we discuss:The Metal to Americana Pivot: Rich breaks down his unique musical trajectory, from playing fast-tempo underground heavy metal with his band Among These Ashes and southern rock with Clark Country Drifter, to discovering a deep appreciation for the narrative-driven, poetic songwriting of folk and bluegrass as he matured.The Power of Silence and Bleak Space: Why Rich deliberately crafts an atmosphere of minimal instrumentation: focusing purely on the intimate, highly vulnerable pairing of a single voice and an acoustic guitar to let the raw songwriting and lyrical storytelling truly breathe.Inside the Devil by My Side Album & An Exclusive Scoop: Rich shares the core themes of self-struggle, personal demons, and finding hope in hopeless situations that tie his eight-track album together.Writing Like a College Paper: Unpacking Rich's highly structured creative process, where he refuses to touch a microphone until he has a complete album's worth of songs written. He explains why he outlines his tracks just like an academic essay to maintain focus and dodge the trap of endless editing.The 100% DIY Business Blueprint: A candid discussion on the realities of self-recording, self-producing, and self-funding an album. Rich explains why independent creators must treat their art like a business.The Gritty Truth of Promotion and PR: Why completing the record is only half the battle. Rich warns that marketing is a grueling full-time job and shares his #1 piece of advice for indie artists trying to stick out in a massive daily sea of new musicDiscipline Over Stardom & The Songwriting Battle: Why the ultimate creative victory is simply having the personal bandwidth and self-discipline to finish what you start.You can stream Wayward Sparrow's music and grab merchandise on Bandcamp, watch his latest video releases on YouTube, and find his debut album on all major streaming platforms.You can follow the podcast on Instagram @letstalkmediava. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes! You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

How do you keep your creative fire burning when balancing a day job, a family, and your own artistic ambitions? Is specialization really the only path to success in Hollywood, or is the modern multi-hyphenate actually holding the master key to creative freedom?In this episode of Let’s Talk Media, the podcast exploring the craft, careers, and chaos of the creative world, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with actor, director, writer, podcaster, and ultimate multi-hyphenate, Paul Carganilla.With a career that spans 15 years as a professional live performer at Disneyland Resort to writing, directing, editing, and starring in his own crowdfunded feature films and hosting five distinct podcasts, Paul is the living embodiment of the adaptable modern artist. He shares his fascinating journey through the entertainment industry, his heart's fire creative philosophy, and the incredible joy of watching his children build their own Hollywood careers alongside legends like Susan Sarandon, Matthew McConaughey, and Robert Rodriguez.In this episode, we cover:The Disney Breakroom Incubator: Paul shares memories from his 15 years performing at Disneyland - from playing the Genie in Aladdin and the Sheriff of Frontierland, to doing atmospheric improv as a pirate tied to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.110 Pages in 6 Days: How Paul transitioned from theater school to the screen, teaching himself to write, edit, and direct through sheer hands-on experience. He breaks down the chaotic, high-intensity shoot of his independent feature film The Haunted Man, which involved filming nearly 94 pages of a 110-page script in a single hotel location across just six days with two camera crews running simultaneously.Somewhere a Second Time & Fan Fiction: The origin of his romantic sci-fi mystery screenplay that gives Hollywood icon Natalie Wood a magical second chance after her tragic 1981 disappearance. Paul explains why he wrote this 102-page script purely for the joy of creation, knowing he would never make a dime off of it, and why he chose to release it as a free download.Juggling the Multi-Podcast Plate: How Paul manages to host five incredibly diverse podcasts, including Titanic Legacy, Cove Pod, and an upcoming scene-by-scene breakdown of The Adjustment Bureau, by setting his own schedule, prioritizing time management, and treating creative work as his personal equivalent to "Netflix binging."The "Heart's Fire" Philosophy vs. Burnout: Paul breaks down why you must protect your creative energy, avoid the trap of constant hustle, and let your internal passion guide you through the industry's inevitable dark period.Raising the Next Generation of Hollywood: What it's like living in a household with two generations of performers, including his wife (who toured as young Cosette in Les Misérables) and his children, Everly and his son, who are already starring in major projects alongside Susan Sarandon, Aubrey Plaza, Matthew McConaughey, and Woody Harrelson.You can check out Paul's feature film The Haunted Man and his web series Winners on YouTube. Download his screenplay Somewhere a Second Time for free at somewherestory.com.Keep up with Paul's latest updates and podcasts on Instagram @paulcarganilla.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes! You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava

What happens when our deepest psychological craving for human connection is outsourced to a highly advanced, beautifully deceptive piece of coding? Why does the timeless story of a monster turning on its creator feel so much more terrifying when the monster looks exactly like us - and is designed to love us?In this episode of Let’s Talk Media, the podcast exploring the craft, careers, and chaos of the creative world, host Vedant Akhauri delivers a raw, unfiltered, solo review of SOULM8TE, the highly anticipated sci-fi thriller spin-off to M3GAN and M3GAN 2.0 Recorded immediately after the film's midnight drop on Amazon Prime Video, Vedant breaks down why this fantasy satire serves as a chilling, Black Mirror-esque mirror to our growing AI-companion landscape (MILD SPOILERS!).In this episode, we discuss:The Schrödinger’s Cat of Modern Tech: How the film's premise of AI companions and parasocial relationships acts as a highly topical, near-future warning about the deep psychological dangers of seeking emotional, financial, or mental health support from early-stage chatbots.Debunking the "Clone" Controversy: Vedant does the industry math to explain why Soulm8te isn't a copy of the film,Obsession. He compares the robot with feelings trope back to the 2010 South Indian blockbuster Enthiran (Robot) and connects the movie's central horror directly to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.Claustrophobic Visual Grammar & Color Theory: A close look at the film's stunning cinematography and lighting.That, and more!You can keep up with all show updates on Instagram @letstalkmediava. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes! You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Why do so many incredibly talented independent artists fail to build sustainable careers? How does the modern digital landscape quietly turn passionate writers, musicians, and filmmakers into full-time project managers and part-time accountants?In this episode of Let’s Talk Media, the podcast exploring the craft, careers, and chaos of the creative world, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with writer, coder, entrepreneur, and StarScript co-founder, Zack James.Zack co-founded StarScript with his brother after hitting his own creative roadblocks while writing the sprawling fantasy-sci-fi novel Arclight Destiny. He shares how StarScript is consolidating fragmented creative tools - including publishing, community, streaming players, and a native job board - into a single sovereign ecosystem.In this episode, we discuss:Dismantling the Algorithmic Jail: Why modern social networks actively "punish" creators who don't post on a grueling, frequent schedule, and how an algorithm-free feed allows artists to retain 100% ownership of their audience lists.The Three-Layer IP Franchise Architecture: A deep dive into StarScript's database hierarchy - Productions, Media, and Assets - and how it forces independent artists to transition from a single-upload mindset to thinking like the CEO of an expandable intellectual property universe.The Stardust Coin Micro-Monetization Play: How credit card networks levy predatory 30-cent flat transaction fees (as of 2026) that make $1.00 patronage tiers mathematically unviable, and how Zack's bulk pre-purchase token system elegantly bypasses banking friction.Automated Revenue Splits and Built-In Hiring: How StarScript's integrated job board allows creators to hire editors, cover designers, and audiobook narrators natively, with smart contracts executing perpetual, automatic royalty splits at the moment of sale.Decentralized Intellectual Property & The Sovereignty Paradox: A fascinating look into their Phase V roadmap, exploring whether giving fans voting power over a franchise's story direction is true creative liberation or merely a chaotic new form of decentralized middle management.You can find more information about the platform's multi-media self-publishing tools and sign up to publish your own work at starscript.com.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes! You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava

Why does a character we absolutely love to hate on screen bring us so much collective joy? How does an actor step into the shoes of a detestable historical antagonist to make a story of good versus evil truly land?In this episode of Let’s Talk Media, the podcast exploring the craft, careers, and chaos of the creative world, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with 15-year industry veteran, dedicated character actor, and SAG Award-winning ensemble member Dave Maldonado.Dave's extensive television and film credits include Deepwater Horizon, The Tomorrow War, The Devil All the Time, Greyhound, Free State of Jones, The 5th Wave, Trumbo with Bryan Cranston, Caddo Lake,The Burial, True Detective, Treme, NCIS: New Orleans, Dynasty, Homeland, From Dusk Till Dawn, Queen Sugar, Queen of the South, American Crime, Sleepy Hollow, Revolution, Your Honor, Tulsa King, Reservation Dogs, Will Trent, Love & Death, and Netflix's His & Hers. His recent experience also includes Hogwood, the local K*K leader and Bert's uncle, in Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan's cultural and box-office juggernaut, the movie Sinners.In this episode, we discuss:Auditioning Blind & The Vampire Twist: How Dave read for casting director Megan Lewis without knowing the plot, director, or stars, only to find out three-quarters of the way through the table read that he was starring in a 1930s Southern vampire movie.The Unplanned Musical Audition: Dave's nerve-wracking experience of having to awkwardly sing Irish-folk vampire melodies directly to co-star Hailee Steinfeld at the table read to fill in for absent cast members.The Duality of the Antagonist: How Dave approached playing the folksy yet deeply detestable K*K-affiliated character Hogwood, and why he believes character actors must step up to play evil so that good can triumph on screen.Riddled with Bullet Squibs on Day One: The intense adrenaline of filming his character's violent sawmill shootout on his very first day on set, taking a personal-record number of explosive squibs, and how Michael B. Jordan broke character between takes to help lower his anxiety.The Anatomy of an Unscripted Spit: How Dave pitched a viral, unscripted floor-spit to Ryan Coogler, and why he had to swap the crew's burning beef jerky substitute for a real can of Skull tobacco to make it look authentic.The Red Carpet Red Tape: The hilarious mishap at the New York premiere where red carpet security refused to let Dave in, forcing him to pull up his own IMDb page on his phone to prove he was in the movie.You can check out Dave's custom black-and-white Sinners fan art on his Instagram @dave.maldonado. You can find all of Dave's credits on his IMDb.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes! You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava.

What happens when life forces you to slow down? How do you translate the physical confinement of a severe, bedbound chronic illness into a universal work of art that heals both the creator and the reader?In this episode of Let’s Talk Media, the podcast exploring the craft, careers, and chaos of the creative world, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with Kirkus-praised, #1 Best-selling poet and author, Autumn Williams.Autumn shares her deeply moving journey of turning her struggle with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) into her chart-topping poetry collection, Clouds on the Ground. She opens up about the therapeutic power of "painting with words", the strange ways time bends when you are physically still, and her brilliant self-publishing blueprint—including the $1.00 launch strategy that propelled her to the top of Amazon's bestseller lists.In this episode, we discuss:Painting with Words: How Autumn turned to poetry during her first year of being bedbound, finding healing, escape, and a renewed sense of purpose through free verse.The Origin of "Clouds on the Ground": The beautiful night-time visualization that began as a sleep aid and evolved into a powerful metaphor for pulling heaven's peace and earth's simple joys closer.The $1.00 Bestseller Playbook: Autumn's self-publishing and marketing secrets, including how she leveraged print-on-demand and a tactical $1 eBook release to hit #1 across multiple Amazon poetry categories.Assembling the Creative Dream Team: How Autumn collaborated with top-tier talent, including celebrated poet-editor Shelby Leigh and illustrator Drew Clark, to bring her visual book to life.The "Anti-Hustle" Flow: Why Autumn rejects modern hyper-productive hustle culture, choosing instead to write only when her body and energy allow.Waves of Healing: A sneak peek into her free promotional chapbook, Waves, and how she uses the metaphor of the ocean to process loss and hold on to hope.Live Reading: Autumn reads a short, evocative untitled poem from page 150 of Clouds on the Ground. Grab a free copy of Autumn’s promotional, ocean-themed chapbook, Waves, at freechapbook.com.You can find all of Autumn’s books, newsletter updates, and social links at her website, autumnwilliams.com, as well as on Instagram @autumnwilliamspoetry.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes! You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava

Why does a certain song make us feel happy, excited, or deeply melancholic? How does the human brain instantly translate physical sound waves into raw emotional narratives?In this episode of Let’s Talk Media, the podcast exploring the craft, careers, and chaos of the creative world, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with retired music professor, professional pianist, composer, and Fulbright scholar Kurt Ellenberger. Kurt, who is also a contributing editor at All About Jazz and has written for NPR and the Huffington Post, shares his fascinating insights into how our brains mathematically predict melodies, why minor chords act as "acoustic interlopers" to induce sadness, and why evolutionary science has hit a complete dead end trying to explain why humans love music in the first place.In this episode, we discuss:Math Before Meaning: How our brains instantly translate analog sound waves into electronic signals, using predictive processing to mathematically calculate where a melody will go next.The Power of the Binary Series: A deep dive into the perfect binary progression (1, 2, 4, 8, 16...) that dictates octaves.The "Sonic Doppelganger" and the Physics of Melancholy: Kurt breaks down the physics behind his theory of why minor keys make us feel sad.Tempo and Physiological Mimicry: Why humans behave in a highly mimetic way to musical tempos, matching our nervous systems and heart rates to the beat.Hearing the "Ghosts in the Ether": How modern technology allows us to electronically strip away the fundamental notes of a performance so that we can physically hear the hidden, quiet harmonic partials vibrating in the room.The Evolutionary "Dead End": Why Charles Darwin and modern science cannot convincingly explain the survival advantage of a genetic mutation that allows humans to calculate octave symmetry and predict pitches.Follow Along: Kurt's mentioned examples can be found here.You can find all of Kurt’s music, articles, and book links at his personal website, kurtellenberger.com, as well as on allaboutjazz.com.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes! You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava

In this episode of Let's Talk Media, the media analysis podcast, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with David Fenton, the legendary public relations pioneer who has been named one of the 100 most influential people in PR and dubbed the "Robin Hood of PR" by the National Journal. Fenton has spent over fifty years driving communications campaigns for progressive social causes. The conversation spans his early days as a high school dropout and activist to his modern reflections on digital-age communication:Early Activism and Abbie Hoffman: Fenton dropped out of high school to join the Liberation News Service to capture alternative photography of the Vietnam War protests and counter misleading mainstream media narratives. During this era, he was mentored by activist Abbie Hoffman. The Power of Music in Advocacy: Fenton highlights how music and celebrity can shift the culture. In 1971, he co-produced a benefit concert featuring John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Stevie Wonder to free political prisoner John Sinclair. He later co-produced the iconic 1979 "No Nukes" concerts at Madison Square Garden and partnered with Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon in 2012 to successfully ban fracking in New York.The "Enlightenment Fallacy" and Framing: Fenton argues that progressives frequently lose messaging battles because they fall into the "enlightenment fallacy" - the mistaken belief that a policy or scientific fact is so intrinsically brilliant that it will magically sell itself. Instead, he advocates for framing to activate existing neural pathways, such as using the phrase "blanket of pollution" rather than abstract terms like "carbon" or "net zero" that the public cannot easily visualize.The Discipline of Repetition: Fenton stresses that public opinion only changes through the continuous repetition of simple, truthful messages.PR in the Digital Age: Fenton contrasts the early days of PR, which relied heavily on relationships with three major television networks, with today's landscape.Excessive Identity Politics vs. Unity: Fenton cautions that "excessive" identity politics and polarizing slogans can act as PR failures that alienate the broader public and hand rhetorical weapons to political opponents, even though everyone deserves the right to be seen and respected for themselves. He explains how to unify disparate groups to build the political majorities needed to win real power.David's website is ⁠https://davidfentonactivist.com/. His podcast is called The Fenton Forecast and is available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Amazon Music, etc. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava. New episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

How does a teenager manage to publish dozens of books before even graduating high school? In this episode of Let's Talk Media, the podcast exploring the craft, careers, and chaos of the creative world, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with 18-year-old powerhouse author Shanti Hershenson. Having published her first two novellas in the sixth grade, Shanti has since written an astonishing 38 books across science fiction, dystopia, poetry, and contemporary drama (with more on the way!). Shanti pulls back the curtain on her relentless creative process, how she built a massive social media following to bypass traditional gatekeepers, and why she’s dedicated her platform to advocating against modern bullying.In this episode, we discuss:The "Accidental" Sixth-Grade Novelist: How a desire to print a physical copy of a fun, chaotic school project led an 11-year-old Shanti to discover Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing, laying the foundation for her serious writing career.The 1,000-Word Daily Discipline: Shanti breaks down the daily writing routine she has strictly maintained since the seventh grade.Bypassing the Gatekeepers via BookTok: How Shanti leveraged the TikTok community to build an audience of over 50,000 followers. She discusses the massive undertaking of operating as a "one-woman show" from managing email newsletters and website design to sourcing cover artists and reinvesting 100% of her royalties back into marketing.Battling Ageism and Trolls: The frustration of having her accomplishments belittled as "cute", and dealing with online accusations that she uses AI or that her parents write her books.The YA Dystopian Cycle: Vedant shares his "old school" high school memories of the 2010s YA dystopian craze (The Hunger Games, Divergent), and they discuss why stories about taking down oppressive systems continuously cycle back to help teens process their own rebellion against the world.You can purchase Shanti’s extensive catalog online and at select bookstores. Her books we cover:The Never Dying series: Explores a future where a genetic mutation allows random individuals to be born with immortality. Fearing overpopulation, a ruthless regime led by President Wilde publicly preaches equality while systematically executing these "Immortals." The Biome Lock Saga: A young-adult science fiction trilogy. The story is set thirty years after a brutal alien invasion, leaving the surviving remnants of humanity trapped inside isolated, heavily guarded biological habitats ruled by a ruthless alien regime known as the Zorb.The Aris Andraase Duology: The story takes place in a United States ravaged by a second civil war. It follows 19-year-old Eris Andraste, who survives an alleyway shooting by miraculously catching the bullet in the palm of her hand. This event thrusts her into the center of the conflict as she flees to find answers about her true existence.The Chronicles of Zeal Delane: The plot centers around Aaron Hearth and Ziel DeLaine as they attempt to survive and escape a forbidden, hauntingly magical dream world known as "Dreamland". They are relentlessly hunted and tormented by an eccentric and insane conjurer named Silly Kingston, who forces them into increasingly dangerous psychological challenges and horrorsThe Bane of Angelfall Academy: A genre-bending book where science fiction borders fantasy, set in a magical school.Little Green Man: A fun sci-fi novel centering on Birdie, a 17-year-old alien enthusiast and town outcast in Colorado who stumbles upon a real alien plotConnect with her on TikTok (@shantiwhowrites), Instagram (@shantihershenson), or visit her website at shantihershenson.com.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava. New episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

How do you take on the monumental task of recreating the sacred music of Led Zeppelin? In this episode of Let's Talk Media, the podcast about the careers and chaos in media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with Clementine Moss, the founder and drummer of the legendary all-female Led Zeppelin tribute band, Zepparella. With millions of YouTube views, including 25 million on their cover of "When the Levee Breaks", and over 20 years of touring, Clementine takes us behind the scenes of what it takes to keep the spirit of 70s experimental rock alive. We explore the band's origins, their unique cross-city logistics, and how they navigating the hard rock scene.In this episode, we discuss:The Origins of Zepparella: Clementine shares how she and guitarist Gretchen Menn met while playing in an AC/DC cover band (AC/DShe), eventually forming Zepparella so they could emulate their musical idols, John Bonham and Jimmy Page.Meet the Band: Get to know the powerhouse lineup behind the music: Clementine Moss (Drummer interpreting the role of John Bonham), Gretchen Menn (Lead Guitarist interpreting Jimmy Page), Anna Kristina (Lead Vocalist interpreting Robert Plant, also contributing harmonica), and Holly West (Bassist, interpreting John Paul Jones).The Logistics of a 20-Year Tour: How does a band split between San Francisco and Los Angeles stay so tight? Honoring "Sacred" Music: The immense pressure of interpreting Led Zeppelin's legendary tracks.Curating the Perfect Setlist: Discover how the band crafts their epic two-hour shows.Overcoming the "Novelty" Label: What it was like forming an all-female hard rock band in 2005?The Spirituality of the Drum Kit: How the still, silent place Clementine searches for on her meditation mat is the exact same mental space she needs behind the drums to enter a flow state and become a pure channel for the music.The Humble Realities of Touring: The extreme contrasts of a 30-year gigging career, from the intense stress of performing on Late Night with Seth Meyers to the humbling reality of getting dressed in a mop closet or playing to just ten people.From Bonham to Buddha and Back: The Slow Enlightenment of the Hard Rock Drummer -> We explore this 2023 book written by Clementine. She explains how her creative life moves fluidly between the electrifying chaos of touring and the stillness of spiritual inquiry.Refusing to Chase Trends: Clementine’s creative philosophy, her jazz-infused vinyl album Clem & Clarite, and why focusing on modern music trends will inevitably stifle your creativity.You can find all of Clementine's work, including her book, her blog (Bliss and Drumming), and her original music at clemthegrate.com.Follow her and the band online:@ClementineMossMusic on Facebook and @clementinemoss on Instagram.@Zepparella on Facebook, @zepparellaofficial on Instagram, and @Zepparella on YouTube.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava

What is the reality of being a military spouse when the polished brochure fades away? In this sister episode to our interview with veteran Annie Emprima, we explore the flip side of the military lifestyle. Host Vedant Akhauri sits down with Allison Burton - a military spouse of nearly 20 years, a speaker, and a self-described "professional truth teller". Allison exposes the hidden mental load, emotional labor, and systemic failures that military families navigate behind the scenes. Ahead of the release of her upcoming book, Silent Ranks, Loud Burdens, Allison explains why she is finally breaking the conditioned silence to hold the system accountable.In this episode, we discuss:Breaking the Conditioned Silence: Allison discusses the historical expectation for spouses to act as quiet, compliant "Stepford wives". She explains how speaking out about hardships was previously discouraged because a "loud" or difficult spouse could negatively impact the service member's promotion.The Weaponization of "Resiliency": Why military spouses despise the word "resiliency". Allison explains how the military uses the term as an excuse to avoid fixing systemic issues, forcing spouses to quietly endure a 24% unemployment rate, terrible childcare, and bottom-of-the-barrel healthcare.The Reality of Identity Erosion: The crushing toll of constantly packing up and moving every 11 months to four years. How the lifestyle strips away your individuality until you feel like a "shell of yourself" known only as someone's wife or mother.Navigating Hidden Resentment: Allison shares a deeply vulnerable story about harboring intense resentment toward her husband while stationed in Germany during the 2020 pandemic. She shares the vital lesson she learned through therapy: It is completely normal to hate the military lifestyle and your spouse's job while still loving your partner unconditionally.Calling Out "Mean Girl" Culture: Exposing the toxic, rank-based bullying within the spouse community. Changing the Narrative: While the book is written to validate struggling spouses, Allison reveals her ultimate goal: handing Silent Ranks, Loud Burdens directly to military leadership in Washington, D.C., to force a top-down change in how families are treated.You can sign up for updates on Allison's upcoming book, Silent Ranks, Loud Burdens, and access her vetted list of resources for military families at allisonson.co. Allison on Facebook: Allison Burton I Author, Speaker, AdvocateYou can follow the book's campaign here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/allisonburton/silent-ranks-loud-burdensallisonburton_author_speakerIf you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava

What happens when the battlefield follows you home, and the injuries aren't just physical? In this episode of Let's Talk Media, the podcast about the careers and chaos in media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with US Army National Guard veteran and trauma educator, Annie Emprima. Following a deployment to the Middle East, Annie returned home with what she describes as intense "whiplash"—a jarring transition from a high-tempo military environment to a civilian life with no safety net. Ahead of the August 12th release of her book, Trauma Whispers Before It Roars, Annie shares her deeply personal journey of surviving unseen trauma and explains her unique, holistic approach to coaching.NOTE: This released alongside the other episode, Silent Ranks, Loud Burdens: Book on The Realities and Identity Erosion of a Military Spouse. It features an interview with upcoming author, Alison Burton, about being a military spouse. Both are being released as sister episodes to show both sides of military households. If you like Annie's interview, be sure to check out both episodes.In Annie's episode, we discuss:The "Whiplash" of Returning Home: Annie discusses the disorienting transition from a high-adrenaline deployment to civilian life. She explains why returning to a chaotic or dysfunctional household prevents a veteran's highly-alert nervous system from ever truly exhaling and standing down.Redefining the Battlefield: While Annie experienced literal combat, including taking fire on a C-130 cargo plane in the Middle East, she explains why her most overwhelming stressors actually stemmed from internal leadership issues, unit drama, and feelings of extreme helplessness.When the Body Roars: How trauma physically manifests in the body. It's often the body's way of screaming when the subtle emotional whispers of trauma go ignored.A "Holodeck" Approach to Healing: Discover Annie’s fascinating alternative coaching methods. Because many veterans resist traditional hypnosis due to deep-seated control issues, she uses a mental "elevator system" to guide clients into a "black room", similar to a Star Trek holodeck. Here, they can safely communicate with their superconscious to process buried trauma without ever losing control.The Mind, Body, and Soul Connection: Why treating just the mental or physical symptoms of PTSD isn't always enough.You can find Annie's book, Trauma Whispers Before It Roars, on Amazon and in select stores starting August 12th. To learn more about her coaching services, simply search for "Annie Emprima" online.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediavaDisclaimer: This episode contains mature and sensitive discussions about trauma. The long gaps and struggle to find words have been intentionally kept to preserve the heaviness of the subject matter. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

In this episode of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Ammar Farooki to explore the gritty, unpolished realities of the indie music hustle.Leaving behind a secure, decade-long career in corporate banking and marketing in Pakistan, Ammar took a massive leap of faith and moved to New York City in 2019 to immerse himself in its vibrant, multi-venue indie culture. From working as a barista and a guitar store clerk to fund his home studio, to navigating the expensive reality of being an independent artist, Ammar shares exactly what it takes to self-fund, self-produce, and release his brand-new, 12-track debut album, Twelve.In this episode, we explore:Two Different Musical Worlds: Ammar discusses the stark contrast between Pakistan's music scene, which he notes is heavily driven by big corporate brands and platforms like Coke Studio, and the intimate, live-performance indie scene he was desperately searching for in New York.Sufi Philosophy and Universal Connection: Discover the profound Sufi inspirations behind his album, 12. Ammar shares why he actively asks listeners to leave their national and cultural identities at the door to fully connect with the universal messages in his music, which includes a beautiful translation of 17th-century poetry from Baba Bulleh Shah.The Architecture of Songwriting: Ammar offers a brilliant metaphor for his creative process, comparing his songwriting to an architect building a "gray structure". He explains how he intentionally leaves enough open space within his music so the listener can act as a tenant, decorating the song with their own personal emotions and memories.The "Rick Rubin" Approach to Self-Producing: For fellow indie musicians and music lovers, Ammar breaks down his evolution from his earlier EP (which earned co-signs from Rolling Stone and Forbes) to his new full-length album. Learn how he intentionally avoided stacking endless instruments, instead treating each song as its own universe and adopting the "Rick Rubin approach" of actively removing layers to reveal a track's true essence.If you are interested in the realities of independent art, deep storytelling, and finding human connection through music, be sure to check out the full episode!If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava

Have you noticed those dramatic, minute-long shows flooding your social media feeds? They aren't just a niche internet trend - they are the foundation of a massive new "parallel economy" in Hollywood.In this episode of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with actress, director, and producer Delaney Hathaway to unpack absolutely everything you need to know about vertical dramas (also known as micro-dramas). Having starred in projects across major vertical platforms like RealShort, Salty TV, and GoodShort, Delaney provides a firsthand look at the wild, fast-paced world of this rapidly booming industry.In this comprehensive breakdown, we cover:What They Are & The $9B Boom: Discover how these minute-long series, which typically run 60 to 100 episode, are engineered to maximize retention. We also break down how this format has become a $9B global market, outpacing the biggest companies in the streaming era. Who is Watching & Where: While they are marketed on TikTok, full series live behind paywalls on dedicated apps like Real Short, Good Short, Vigloo, and Gamma Time. Delaney explains how they skew towards Millennials and older generations, and how the format is expanding beyond steamy romances into true crime and thrillers.Welcome to "Vertical Landia": A look inside the grueling, marathon-like production schedules where actors shoot 12 to 20 pages of script in a single 12-hour day, completing an entire series in just 7 to 11 days. Delaney shares her best advice for memorizing lines and why it's a highly profitable business for actors.The Dark Side of AI & Contracts: With AI-generated vertical content jumping from 7% to nearly 40% of the market, Delaney warns about the gray areas of non-union contracts, including "in perpetuity" clauses that allow companies to use their "digital replicas."Set Safety & The SAG-AFTRA Shift: Because many of these romance-heavy shows operate without union protections, there is a concerning lack of intimacy coordinators on set. However, we explore the hope on the horizon: SAG-AFTRA's new October 2025 vertical agreement.Whether you are an actor looking to break into the industry or just a curious viewer wondering why you can't stop watching these bite-sized soap operas, this episode is your ultimate guide!If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava. New episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Welcome back to Let's Talk Media! In this episode of the media deep-dive podcast, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with Bobbo Byrnes, an award-winning Americana singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and author based in Southern California. Known as a true "road warrior," Bobbo has spent over two decades in the music industry, releasing more than 20 albums and playing up to 150 shows a year across the globe. From his rootsy acoustic storytelling to his unexpected comedy writing, Bobbo shares the gritty realities of the indie touring circuit and his multi-hyphenated career.In this episode, we discuss:The Firefly Connection: Bobbo shares how he and his wife Tracy formed the band The Fallen Stars and ended up writing an entire concept album based on every episode of the sci-fi TV show Firefly. This unexpected sci-fi pivot led them to perform at massive conventions like Comic-Con, WonderCon, and other fan events.The "Goodwill Ambassador": We unpack the subtitle of Bobbo's book, Too Many Miles. Bobbo explains how his 2016 European tours turned him into an unofficial "Goodwill Ambassador" trying to spread positivity and combat the "ugly American" stereotype.European Audiences vs. US Sports Bars: Bobbo contrasts how Europeans and Americans treat performances differently.The Two-Day October Album: The incredible story of Bobbo recording his solo October album in just two days while out on tour. He split the recording between the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin (where David Bowie recorded) and Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, carrying the entire unbacked-up album home on a single thumb drive.Catching Lucinda Williams: Bobbo shares the funny encounter of physically catching rock legend Lucinda Williams when she lost her footing at an LA bar. This encounter inspired his song "Queen of the Party," and the accompanying music video features 17 different female musicians from his network.Writing for Funny or Die: In a fun pivot into comedy, Bobbo reveals how he wrote a script that was produced by Funny or Die, albeit changed.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava.You can find Bobbo's music, including his ambient Music for Train Stations albums, and his book Too Many Miles on Amazon, Bandcamp, Spotify, or his website. Thank you for listening!

Welcome back to Let's Talk Media! In this episode of the media analysis podcast, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with Sarah Grave.Sarah is a theatre artist and ADHD Coach, passionate about helping fellow creatives (especially women, queer, and neurodivergent artists) clarify their goals, release shame and perfectionism, and build support systems that help them take action with more joy and ease. Her training includes courses with ADD Coach Academy, MentorCoach, Academy for Coaching Excellence, and more.In this episode, we discuss:The Perfectionism Trap: We break down how perfectionism secretly stifles creativity in ADHD artists, stemming from rejection sensitivity and hyper-fixation on flaws.The Candle Wick of Burnout: What does ADHD burnout actually look like? Sarah uses a brilliant "candle wick" analogy to explain how ADHD brains start with a shorter capacity that gets burned down rapidly.Building Support Systems & Body Doubling: We discuss why flexible blocks of time are essential. Sarah also introduces "body doubling" - a virtual or in-person co-working strategy that provides gentle accountability.AI Tools for Executive Function: A look at how AI can reduce the friction of planning.Listeners can find her at sarahdegravecoaching.com or on Instagram @sarahdegravecoaching. Her CTA link will take you to her free Build an ADHD-Friendly Creative Practice Workbook download. This PDF guides you through assessing the who, what, where, when, why, and how of your artistic work so that you can start building a creative practice that works best for you.If you enjoyed this episode, you can support the show by leaving a comment or a rating. You can subscribe wherever you're listening so you don't miss future episodes, and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava for updates and behind-the-scenes moments. Thank you for listening!

Imagine being the voice of a massive 1978 hit song and getting no credit... until fans asked the label put your name on the record. In this episode of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with music industry veteran Denise Marsa. Over a 50-year career, she has gone from performing in the gritty 1970s New York rock scene to currently charting multiple dance hits in the UK. If you want a masterclass in longevity, reclaiming your voice, and true artistic independence, you will not want to miss her story.In this episode, we discuss:The Original "Mystery Lady": The story behind her initially uncredited vocals on Dean Friedman's 1978 hit Lucky Stars and how fan letters compelled the label to properly feature her name on the vinyl. Plus, she sets the record straight on providing the lead vocals for The Flirts' track Helpless (You Took My Love).Surviving the '70s Rock Scene: Navigating the 1970s New York music scene as a fish out of water, avoiding the heavy drug culture, and playing theatrical rock on the same bills as Blondie and the Ramones. She also shares a memorable encounter with Elton John in London.Complete Creative Control: Why she launched her own independent label, Key Media Group, in the late 90s. Denise explains why the greatest freedom as an artist is not needing anyone's permission to release music or to direct and edit her own music videos.The Pass: Breaking down her one-woman show in London, The Pass, and keeping it honest with audiences about why she isn't a household name - proving that success is a mix of timing, luck, and personal choices.A Modern Resurgence: How she is currently racking up eight Top 10 hits on the UK Music Week dance charts with ethereal remixes of Kiss Me in the Rain, Company of Women, and Hole from her recent albums Pivotal and Risk and Heal.You can stream Denise's music everywhere and find her online at denisemarsamusic.com, on Instagram @denisemarsa, or on YouTube at @denisemarsamusic.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava. New episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Are the giant monster worms in Tremors actually realistic? 🪱🎬Welcome back to the media analysis show, Let's Talk Media! This week, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with Sam Baker, CEO of Wrigglebrew, a worm fertilizer company based in Lake Mary, Florida. They deconstruct the campy 1990 cult classic Tremors starring Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, and Finn Carter, through the lens of actual worm science.In this episode, we’re spilling the tea on:Hollywood vs. Reality: Why the 20-foot Graboids in Tremors taking down cars and eating pipe bombs make literally zero sense IRL. Plus, why real earthworms are squishy vegetarians that absolutely hate piña coladas (aka pineapples). The Ultimate Ick: Meet the "Bobbit Worm" - the terrifying real-life ocean ambush predator that pulls fish underground and literally has to be unalived with fire.Worm Castings = The Savior of Ecosystems: How Sam's company, Wrigglebrew, is using tens of thousands of earthworms to produce organic fertilizer, stop the toxic synthetic runoff that's killing off aquatic life, and heal the Earth's topsoil.Eating Microplastics: We discuss the insane National Science Foundation research into selectively breeding worms to literally digest and destroy the microplastics hanging out in our soil.The Final Verdict: Sam rates the scientific accuracy of Tremors out of 10.If you're trying to grow sustainable and eco-friendly plants, grab some worm fertilizer at wrigglebrew.com.Make sure to follow us on Instagram @letstalkmediava for all the BTS moments, and hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode.New episodes on Tuesdays and Thursday!Fair Warning: We discuss the science of worms' ingestion, digestion, and castings in detail for educational purposes.

Has the fantasy genre become too tame? In this episode of the media interview series, Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with medically retired 82nd Airborne Division veteran and author Richard Spegal. Richard discusses his mission to rescue the fantasy genre from the shadow of young adult tropes and return it to its dark, honest, and brutal roots. He breaks down how he uses his military background to inject genuine realism, complex infrastructure, and psychological suffering back into adult fiction.In this episode, we discuss:Life After Twilight: As much as we love Twilight, its massive success changed the publishing industry's target audience to children and young adults, leaving older audiences behind in a sea of repetitive tropes and predictable love triangles.Redefining "Adult" Fantasy: Why "adult-oriented" doesn't just mean adding sex or romance, but rather exploring the deeply psychological arenas where characters endure brutal stress, trauma, and psychotic breaks.The Science of Vampires: How Richard applies strict scientific logistics - like circulatory systems and oxygen requirements - to ground the immortal characters of his Eternal Knights series in reality.Creating Original Lore: Why Richard refuses to rely on overused fantasy tropes like elves and dwarves, opting instead to create completely original races that must uncover the dark truths of their own world.You can find Richard Spiegel's books, including the Eternal Knights series (Redemption and Origins) and the Wolves and Ravens trilogy (The First Law, Choice, and Broken Angel) on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or by visiting his website at richardspegal.com. You can also follow his brand on Instagram at @richardspegelbooks.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava.New episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Are students losing their ability to think critically in the age of Generative AI tools like ChatGPT? In this episode of the media interview series, Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri dives into one of the most hotly debated topics in academia today: The intersection of generative AI and education.Joining the show is Dr. Megan Waldron, an educator with a background in English and journalism, and the founder of Smart Solutions Tutoring. With 20 years of experience teaching writing to everyone from third-graders to university pre-med students, Dr. Waldron breaks down the good, the bad, and the ugly of AI in the classroom. She explores how outsourcing the writing process to AI can cause "muscle atrophy" in critical thinking, while also acknowledging how the technology can be used as a legitimate organizational tool.In this episode, we discuss:The Learning Space & Muscle Atrophy: Dr. Waldron references a Duke professor's concept of the "learning space" - the necessary valley of struggle where real learning happens - and explains how skipping the tedious drafting process robs students of vital cognitive development.The Revealing MIT Study: A breakdown of a fascinating MIT study showing that students who used ChatGPT to complete writing prompts couldn't remember what they had written because they bypassed the physical act of learning.How to Spot AI-Generated Writing: Dr. Waldron reveals her top three telltale signs of AI use in student essays.Echo Chambers and Hallucinations: Why younger K-12 students lack the healthy skepticism needed to catch AI's false information (hallucinations), and how AI platforms can trap students in a feedback loop that prevents true improvement.K-12 vs. Higher Education Policies: The stark contrast between high schools reverting to pen-and-paper assignments to prevent cheating, and universities adopting progressive syllabus clauses that ask students to transparently cite their AI use.When a Tool Becomes a Crutch: How AI can be brilliant for helping students who struggle with executive functioning organize their thoughts, but crosses into a crutch when it takes over the actual creation of the text.Ultimately, Dr. Waldron reminds us that writing is critical thinking on paper and an essential human outlet for processing stress and anxiety.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava. New episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Ever wonder what it actually takes to get into a Saturday Night Live dress rehearsal? In this episode of the media interview series, Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri reunites with returning guest Clayton "Clay" Davis for a massive deep dive into 50 years of SNL history!They explore the magic, mechanics, and staying power of America's most iconic sketch comedy show. Drawing on his recent experiences taking improv classes, Clay breaks down the intense pressure of live television and the deep trust required between scene partners. He also shares his firsthand account of attending the November 2025 SNL dress rehearsal hosted by Glen Powell (with musical guest Olivia Dean), revealing surprising behind-the-scenes secrets about the production.In this episode, we discuss:Discovering SNL & 50 Years of Eras: Clay shares how he first fell in love with the show during the Bill Hader era, kicking off a chronological breakdown of the show's evolution - starting from the gritty 1970s and the pop-culture-heavy 1990s, to the 2000s powerhouse era led by Tina Fey.Remembering Chris Farley & Comedy Legends: A heartfelt tribute to the larger-than-life physical comedy of John Belushi and Chris Farley. They discuss Farley's legendary characters, his tragic passing, and Adam Sandler's emotional tribute to him at the SNL 50 celebration.Improv Insights & The Mechanics of Live TV: Drawing on his recent improv classes, Clay explains why live sketch comedy is like group therapy with laughter. He breaks down the immense pressure of live performances, the absolute necessity of being quick on your feet, and the deep trust required between scene partners.The 30 Rock Standby Experience: Clay shares his firsthand account of attending the November SNL dress rehearsal hosted by Glen Powell (with musical guest Olivia Dean). He explains what it's really like to wait 6 hours in a folding chair outside 30 Rock, and his biggest surprise about Studio 8H.Favorite Skits, Hosts, and The "Straight Man": An appreciation for the underrated "straight men" of SNL who hold scenes together (like Phil Hartman and Mikey Day) and our favorite hosts.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava. New episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays!You can also check out our January 2021 episode about Lost Media from Season 2.

CONTENT WARNING for discussions of toxic relationships and abuse. Listener discretion is advised.Why are we so captivated by toxic relationships on reality dating shows? In this episode of the media analysis podcast, Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with licensed therapist, trauma-informed coach, and best-selling author Kate Mageau. After leaving a toxic marriage herself, Kate turned her personal story and clinical expertise into a mission to help people spot red flags, break harmful patterns, and build safe relationships.Kate breaks down how she uses pop culture - specifically hit shows like The Bachelor, Love Island, and Love is Blind - to help viewers identify emotional abuse and toxic dynamics in real time. Host Vedant Akhauri also shares his own behind-the-scenes perspective from his time working on TLC shows like 90 Day Fiance and Match Me Abroad.In this episode, we discuss:The Power and Control Wheel: How Kate uses this common domestic violence framework to accurately identify and label toxic behaviors as they happen on screen.Spotting "Love Bombing": Why fast-moving reality TV relationships often disguise manipulative behaviors, such as making grandiose promises on day two or monopolizing a partner's time.Escaping the "Shame Spiral": Actionable advice for survivors of toxic relationships to avoid blaming themselves, emphasizing why abuse is never the victim's fault.Behind the Scenes at TLC: Vedant's firsthand experience working near the nucleus of dating drama on reality shows.You can find Kate's real-time reality TV breakdowns on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, at @kate.therapist.author. You can also find about her best-selling book Rose Colored Glasses on Amazon as well as The Toxic Relationships Workbook and her online courses at katemageau.com.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava. New episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Are your WIPs (works in progress) stuck in the drafts forever? In this podcast about the careers and chaos in media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with book coach Elyse Seal to unpack exactly why your novel is stalling and how to finally cross the finish line. Her insights are actionable to other fields as well, like screenwriting. If you're a writer trapped in the "messy middle" or stressing over story structure, this episode is your ultimate guide.This episode explores:Who is Elyse Seal?: Elise spills on her background, going from Christian radio and copy editing to becoming a certified book coach trained by Author Accelerator. She realized writers needed way more help with deep-level story problems than just basic grammar checks.NPC Characters in God-Tier Worlds: Elise calls out sci-fi and fantasy writers for doing the absolute most on world-building but leaving their characters completely flat.Fixing the "Sagging Middle": If your plot is dragging, your protagonist is probably acting way too passive.The "Procrastraining" Epidemic: Elise drops the term "procrastraining" - when you refuse to start writing until you know literally everything about your world, characters, and the publishing industry.The Story Clarity Hack: Still stuck? Elise’s biggest life hack is boiling your entire story down to a single "story clarity" page to easily expose the plot holes you're missing.A friendly reminder that your first draft is literally supposed to be "an absolute piece of trash," so stop stressing and just get it on paper. Contact Elyse on Instagram (@elyse.j.seal) to grab her one-page template.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava

In this episode of Let's Talk Media, the creator-focused interview podcast, host Vedant Akhauri welcomes back engineer, entrepreneur, and author Bob Labbe for a definitive update of his groundbreaking book, Putting by the Numbers. For decades, golfers have relied on intuition for lag putting. Bob shares how his 50-year engineering background and Edward Stimson's historic 1935 Stimpmeter inspired a highly reproducible, quantitative alternative. By calculating your Individual Power Factor (IPF) and measuring friction, Bob explains how simple arithmetic can reliably shave 4 to 5 strokes off your round. But Bob hasn't just been revolutionizing the green. He’s been busy engineering household solutions too. Following a recent four-network television tour in Las Vegas, Bob shares the relatable origin story of his newest invention: The Ultimate Coaster, which captures and contains condensation using micro-capillaries. We discuss the surprising business synergy between his two ventures, and why golf pro shops are now stocking his putting book alongside his customizable coasters for club tournaments.In this episode, we discuss:The Quantitative Putt: How to replace "touch and feel" with a concrete plan using force and friction.Finding Your IPF: Why practicing just 30 minutes a day, three days a week can transform your game in six weeks.The Las Vegas Tour: Bob's recent media appearances on ABC, CBS, NBC, and CWTV.The Ultimate Coaster: How a ruined silk tie led to the invention of his coasters that stop condensation in its tracks.To learn more about Bob’s putting methodology, watch his free training videos, or buy the book, visit boblabbe.com or puttingbythenumbers.com. To check out his new invention, visit ultimatecoasterco.comIf you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava

How do you transition from a 20-year career as a practicing pathologist to writing medical thrillers? In this episode of Let's Talk Media, the podcast about the careers and chaos in media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with author Devan Greene. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of hands-on medical experience, Devan writes gripping thrillers that combine real-world science with high-stakes crime (WARNING: The plots are NOT gory, but contain inherently dark and heavy subject matter).In this episode, we discuss her following books:Unnatural: The first book in the Erica Rosen MD trilogy. The plot focuses on human embryonic genetic engineering, specifically following a Chinese program attempting to mutate a specific gene to create super-athletes.Unwitting: The second book in the Erica Rosen MD trilogy. It explores the topic of autism, featuring a severely autistic character (based on Greene's own son) who struggles with communication but holds crucial information about s*icide b*mbers extorting money.Unforeseen: The third and final book in the Erica Rosen MD trilogy. This thriller tackles the dark side of the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on a corrupt company that cuts dangerous corners.Ties That Kill: This novel centers on DNA fingerprinting and features a chemistry professor as an amateur sleuth. The story follows an adopted man who uses a genealogy website to find his half-siblings, only to discover someone is murdering them.The Organ Broker: This novel explores a dark concept regarding organ donation, specifically investigating what might happen if the organs of executed inmates on death row were made available for harvesting.Happy Sun Farm: Behind the Facade: This novel deals with bioterrorism, agricultural genetic modification, and a secret, foreign-owned bio-lab in California housing genetically engineered rats and dangerous viruses.Rhino Horn Underground (Releases August 25, 2026): The story follows a female protagonist and hinges on a unique, science-based idea for how to actually save rhinos from being wiped out. Devan is also currently looking for a female audiobook narrator with a wide vocal range for her upcoming August release—contact her through her website if you have the experience and equipment!We also discuss the following:The 5-Year Pivot: How Devan mapped out a five-year plan to retire from her demanding medical career and transition into a full-time author, adhering to a strict, disciplined routine of writing 1,100 words a day.Predicting the Headlines: The eerie prescience of writing heavily researched medical thrillers. Devan discusses writing about a secret foreign-owned bio-lab in California just before a real one was discovered, and exploring human embryonic gene editing shortly before it made real-world international news.Personal Vulnerability in Thrillers: How Devan translated deeply personal experiences into her novel Unwitting, basing the main character on her own severely autistic son to explore how individuals with intense communication barriers could be exploited by bad actors.The Amateur Sleuth Genre: Why Devan grounds her books in realism by using pediatricians, chemistry professors, and farmers as her protagonists, rather than relying on standard police procedurals.You can learn more about Devan's work and sign up for her newsletter at devengreene.com (remember the 'e' at the end of Greene!). All her books are available wherever you buy books, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava. New episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Are your dreams ever past their expiration date? For Dublin-based singer-songwriter Garrett Anthony Rice, the answer is a resounding no. In this episode of the creator-focused podcast, Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with Rice to uncover one of the most unbelievable underdog stories in the modern music industry.After putting his artistic dreams on hold in the mid-1990s to pay his mortgage and raise a family, Rice spent 30 years away from music. Following a post-COVID life reassessment, he finally decided to record the songs he had been quietly holding onto.Releasing his debut album, titled Reflections Part Two, The Very Best Of, under the alias "i Consult," Rice independently racked up 150,000 streams across 93 countries despite not even having an Instagram account to promote it.Just two months later, his music caught the ear of legendary producer Chris Potter - who has worked with icons like The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and The Verve. Potter immediately cleared his schedule to work with Rice. The result? Equinox - an ambitious 18-track project that makes Rice the first solo artist in musical history to release a double album for their second record.In this episode, we discuss:The 30-Year Hiatus & DIY Success: How Rice completely bypassed traditional industry gatekeepers to launch a global music career later in life.A Historic Collaboration: What it's like going from complete obscurity to recording in the home studio of one of the world's greatest producers in just four months.Unconventional Songwriting: Rice’s highly unique approach to crafting songs, from building his own guitar chords from scratch, to structuring an anti-war anthem like James Joyce's famously complex stream-of-consciousness novel, Ulysses."My Sons" & Classic Rock Legends: The story behind the song he wrote for Peggy Gallagher pleading for her sons (Liam and Noel Gallagher of Oasis) to reconcile, plus an incredible one-take studio moment paying tribute to his idol, Jimi Hendrix.The "Dumbed Down" State of Modern Pop: Rice’s fierce, unfiltered critique of modern acoustic music, and why he believes the industry has replaced the otherworldly magic of artists like David Bowie and John Lennon with a boring, algorithmic formula purely designed to generate streams.Recorded in October 2025: Garrett has since released more music worth checking out.Stream his new singles from Equinox on Spotify under Garrett Anthony Rice. Stream his debut album Reflections Part Two, The Very Best Of on Spotify under his alias I Consult.Follow him on Instagram & TikTok: @Garrett AnthonyRice and on Facebook: Garett Anthony Rice.If you like this podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava.New episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Welcome to Let's Talk Media, the podcast series with conversations from the media and entertainment industry! Today, host Vedant Akhauri interviews crisis PR veteran turned debut author, John David, about his brand-new investigative thriller, The Bystander. If you're obsessed with true crime vibes, media manipulation, and high-stakes conspiracies, this book needs to be on your reading list immediately.What is The Bystander About? Our main character is Pete Lamaster, a TV reporter who is just trying to cover a pre-game party for the Florida-Georgia football game when an active shooter situation suddenly goes down. Pete catches the whole thing on camera—including the exact moment an armed civilian takes out the shooter. The footage goes viral, but Pete quickly realizes that the narrative is totally skewed, dragging him into a dark, twisty conspiracy where nothing is what it seemsRipped from the Headlines: The inciting incident is heavily inspired by the tragic 2022 Indiana mall shooting, where a young armed bystander named Elisjsha Dicken stopped an attacker. While the opening mirrors reality, John promises the rest of the book's conspiracy is fiction.No Politics: The book touches on polarizing, heavy topics like the Second Amendment, gun rights, and veteran suicide. But don't stress. It's not an ideological tale. It’s designed to be a fast-paced, page-turning piece of entertainment that doesn't push any directional agenda.The Romance Arc: To balance the heavy suspense, there’s a romance subplot with Police Lieutenant Rebecca. She also acts as the ultimate plug for explaining police procedures so the story stays super realistic.Awards Season: This debut is already crushing it, winning the 25 Page Turner Award for mystery and landing as a finalist for the Story Trade Book Award.You can support local indie bookstores by buying The Bystander on Bookshop.org, or grab it from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.The Lemaster Files series is officially a trilogy. Book two, ⁠The Pawn⁠, is available now and takes Pete all the way to Singapore after his college buddy "Uncle Scotty" is framed and arrested for drugs.You can find John on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook @byjohndavid. Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content on IG at @letstalkmediava.

Did teenagers in the 1970s really not have supervision? What darker secrets were hiding behind the nostalgic peace, love, and unsupervised drive-in keg parties?In this episode of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with best-selling novelist Laura Van Wormer. She's best known as the author of the Alexandra Chronicles, which follows the lives of media industry professionals, and the Sally Harringon mystery series, which features a broadcast journalist (both universes are connected!).We explore her scripted podcast dramedy, The Class of '74. Set in a fictional Connecticut suburb in 1971, this narrative soap opera follows 15-year-old Cynthia Skyler as she navigates a wild, unregulated era completely without cell phones or the internet. It was a time when parents had no idea where their kids were, and teenagers routinely drank and drove long before the days of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. But beneath the fun, period-piece nostalgia lies a gritty exploration of a society in massive transition. Laura reveals exactly how she weaves explosive true history and raw teenage rebellion into this addictive audio drama! In this episode about The Class of '74, we discuss:The Dark Realities Swept Under the Rug: Discover why Laura intentionally explores the hidden traumas of the 70s. In a time when eating disorders, severe depression, and child abuse "didn't exist," teenage girls were left to starve themselves and suffer in absolute silence.Unchecked Bullies & High School Dangers: Hear how the podcast tackles the extreme homophobia and unchecked high school bullies who literally locked kids in locker rooms for torture. But, rest assured, Laura promises the show delivers them ultimate karma, and the bullies get exactly what's coming to them!Living Through Explosive History: Learn how the characters' fictional lives collide with massive real-world events from the time period, from the terrifying media blackout during the Attica prison rebellion and the anxiety of the Vietnam War draft lotteries, to 16-year-old Chrissie Evert revolutionizing women's tennis.The Liberation Generation: Why the Class of '74 was so unique. They were the very first generation of young women explicitly told they could grow up to be whatever they wanted.Interactive True Crimes (The Detention Club): Find out how Laura actively uses her Patreon community, "The Detention Club," to let listeners shape the story. You can listen to the first season of The Class of '74 and join "The Detention Club" Patreon at www.classof74podcast.com. You can also request Laura to join the private Facebook group to share your own untold high school stories.Whether you lived through the 1970s or just love nostalgic period dramas, this episode is your ultimate time machine!

Are record deals a gamble? How do you survive the realities of the music industry without losing your soul?In this episode of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with Emmy-winning musician, songwriter, and SAG actor Scot "Little Bihlman" to expose the gritty, unpolished realities of the entertainment business. From playing alongside music legends like Jelly Roll, John Fogerty, and B.B. King, to navigating the empty promises of Nashville record labels, Scott holds absolutely nothing back.Scot breaks down his unique genre of "motorcycle poetry for truth seekers" and reveals the harsh survival tactics every creative needs to hear.In this episode, we discuss:The 90% Rule of Fake Record Deals: Why almost no label actually delivers what they promise on paper, and the untold secret to actually making money in music.The Sync Licensing Goldmine: Stop sitting in your room hoping to get discovered! Learn why you need to put 50% of your energy into publishing, and how Scott hustled to get his catalog featured on over 30 hit TV shows like Sons of Anarchy, Burn Notice, and All My Children.The Shocking Secret of "Motorcycle Zen": Learn how riding a Harley at top speeds forces a meditative presence that shuts down the brain. Scott reveals how this extreme focus generates 90% of his lyrics and riffs, and acts as his ultimate shield against an industry plagued by massive egos and heavy drug use.Why Perfection is a Lie (Embracing the "Road Rash"): Scott refuses to wipe the dust, sweat, and fingerprints off his guitars. Discover how true art must always reflect the scars of the human condition.How to Survive The Industry: The brutally honest truth about why you can never be a one-trick pony, why you must always be a songwriter, and the daily choice to actively live in joy so the business doesn't beat you down.You can stream Scot's solo, Heavy Head, on Spotify. Catch Scott acting and roughing up Nicolas Cage in the upcoming Spider-Man Noir series! Learn more about his hard rock blues trio, Grinder BluesIf you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava.New episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

In this episode of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with award-winning author Teri M. Brown to discuss her upcoming midlife fiction novel, Peg Unhinged, releasing on April 21st.Teri shares her deeply inspiring personal journey of reinvention (TRIGGER WARNING). After leaving a 14-year emotionally abusive marriage in her mid-50s, she felt broken and assumed she was destined to just sit in a rocking chair and wait to be a grandmother. Instead, she and her new husband embarked on a 3,102-mile tandem bicycle journey across the United States. This epic trek made her realize she could do anything she put her mind to, propelling her to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming an author.In this episode, we discuss:A Second Coming of Age: How Peg Unhinged explores the metamorphosis of midlife, encouraging women whose kids have left the nest to stop worrying about fitting in, start making waves, and figure out what they truly want.Tackling Menopause with Humor: Why Teri uses comedy to take the teeth and fear out of aging, including brain fog, hot flashes, and the awkward, messy realities of online dating in your 50s.Challenging Ageist Stereotypes: Deconstructing the societal double standards where men are allowed to gray and gain a pot belly, while women are relentlessly pressured to remain flawless and youthful.A Prolific Writing Career: Teri's diverse writings, ranging from her WWII historical fiction An Enemy Like Me to her children's book, Little Lola and Her Big Dream.Whether you are navigating midlife yourself or are simply looking to expand your reading list with rare, fully-fleshed-out narratives about older women, this episode is an uplifting and hilarious listen.To learn more about Teri's work, buy her books, or check out her podcast Online for Authors, visit her website at terimbrown.comIf you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava.New episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

In this episode of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with engineer and author Bob Labbe to discuss his book, Putting by the Numbers. For decades, golf has relied on the traditional "touch and feel" method for putting, a skill often dominated by touring pros. But what if lowering your score comes down to simple math and physics? Bob shares how he used his 50-year engineering background to develop a quantitative, highly reproducible method for lag putting that can shave 4 to 5 strokes off your game, regardless of your skill level.In this episode, we discuss:The Engineer's Approach: How to replace intuition with a concrete plan using force, friction, and kinetic energy.Individual Power Factor (IPF): How to calculate the exact distance a ball will travel based on every inch you retract your putter.The 1935 Stimpmeter: How Edward Stimson's historic invention to measure green speeds at the Oakmont US Open inspired Bob's quantitative method.Cracking the Code: Debunking commentator Johnny Miller's claim that a 93-foot putt can't be taught, and why putting actually accounts for up to 50% of a standard 72-stroke game.Whether you are a recreational golfer, amateur, or a professional, this episode will give you a new plan of attack for the green. To learn more about Bob's methodology, watch his free training videos, or buy the book, visit boblabbe.com or puttingbythenumbers.com.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram @letstalkmediava.

In this special episode of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with a true cultural architect: Stan Lai . Dubbed by BBC as the “the best Chinese language playwright and director in the world," Lai has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of modern Chinese-language performance. In this episode, Lai breaks down his four-decade-long career bridging the Eastern and Western theatrical worlds. We dive deep into:The Dual Lens: How growing up bicultural in America and Taiwan created an "identity crisis" that ultimately became his greatest creative superpower.Building an Industry: What it was like trying to spark a contemporary art scene in 1980s Taiwan under martial law, and how his 1985 debut, That Evening, We Performed Cross Talk (那一夜，我们说相声), revived a dying comedic art form and sold on over two million cassette tapes.Masterpieces of the Stage: The craft behind his most iconic works, including blending extreme tragedy and farce in the 40-year global phenomenon Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land (暗戀桃花源), and staging karma and memory in his massive eight-hour epic, A Dream Like a Dream (如夢之夢).The CreativitRy: Lai's holistic philosophy on why true art requires learning both the "method" and the "wisdom" of a craft , and his number one piece of advice for creators: never write what you think the audience wants to see .Whether you are a theater fanatic, a filmmaker, or simply an artist looking to unleash your own creative power, this episode is filled with profound wisdom.Follow the show on Instagram at @letstalkmediava for behind-the-scenes moments and updates.New episodes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Host and former theater kid Vedant Akhauri sits down with actor and writer Sean Gordon to dive into the beautiful, chaotic world of independent theater. Sean is the brains and performer behind Walter Schlinger's Romeo and Juliet. He also played Aaron in the YouTube web-series, Why Try, written and created by Aidan Kushner - who I interviewed in a previous episode.The play's online synopsis: "In this meta-theatrical solo performance, Walter reckons with the role our mentors play in our development and attempts to provide insight into the world's most famous love story. While desperately trying to share his work with anyone who will listen, he grapples with the notions of youth, tragedy, and validation."This play premieres at the 2026 New York City Fringe Festival (with an encore run already booked at the Tank Theater!).In this episode, we explore how Sean and director Dixie O'Connell deconstructed the world's most famous love story, transforming it into a real-time, one-hour dissertation that spirals out of control in-story. Sean unpacks how the play mirrors the universal "crucible" of your 20s, dealing with unmet expectations, the role of mentors, and the romanticized doom of the struggling artist" narrative. We also discuss Two-Way Glass Productions' mission to completely shatter the fourth wall and make the audience an active participant in the room.But this isn't just an interview about a play - it's a 360-degree evergreen conversation on surviving Fringe theater. Sean reveals the grueling logistics of independent art: from the democratic lottery-submission process that removes industry gatekeepers, to the intense pressure of 15-minute load-ins and three-hour tech rehearsals. Credits for Walter Schlinger's Romeo and Juliet (as of April 2026):Lainey Helmers (Producer)Sadie Kalinowska-Werter (Stage Manager)Reed Gordon (Set and Projection Design)Ali Caruso (Costumer Design) Sean Gordon (Writer/Performer) Dixie O'Connell (Director)Listeners in April 2026 can check out more about the play at FRIGID New York here and at The Tank here.Follow @letstalkmediava on Instagram. Subscribe to get notified of the latest episodes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.Thank you for turning in as we cross 150 episodes!

What if dyslexia isn't a neurological deficit, but a visionary superpower? In this episode of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with Hillary Summerbell, CEO of the literary technology company Summerbell, to discuss a groundbreaking innovation in media accessibility.After struggling with severe visual dyslexia and made to feel stupid in a traditional education system, Hillary spent 20 years as a successful interior designer. Her life changed five years ago when she accidentally discovered she could read fluidly - and comprehend deeply - when text was presented in a soft curve rather than a straight line. This profound realization led to the creation of a software featuring the patented "positional reading arc," which mirrors the natural movement of the human eye to instantly calm visual processing.Backed by a Johns Hopkins University study showing a significant 9% improvement in reading comprehension, Summerbell is redefining how neurodivergent individuals engage with digital text.In this episode, we deep-dive into:Reframing Dyslexia: Why society needs to stop treating learning differences as a deficit that needs remediation, and start recognizing the spatial and visionary capabilities of the dyslexic brain.Ditching the "Audio Crutch": How modern accessibility trends (like audiobooks and text-to-voice) often prevent dyslexic individuals from developing fundamental reading skills, and why Summerbell intentionally removes audio features to force visual engagement.Systemic Failures & Accessibility Laws: The glaring disparities in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regarding accommodations for physical disabilities versus learning differences, and Hillary's fight to make reading a fundamental right rather than a privilege gatekept by private tutors.Transforming EdTech: How Summerbell functions as a web browser and Chrome extension, allowing users to curve any text on the worldwide internet, complete with AI-integration for guided reading sessions.The Power of Global Media: How Vedant's own 20-year passion for understanding learning disabilities was originally sparked by a 2007 Bollywood film, Taare Zameen Par, bringing this episode's topic full circle for him.To learn more about the positional reading arc or to download the tool, visit www.summerbell.com.Follow @letstalkmediava on Instagram. Subscribe to get notified of the latest episodes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Join returning guest Tess Cheng and I as we review the 2025 satirical black comedy film, The Roses. Directed by Jay Roach and written by Tony McNamara, the film is a modern reimagining of the 1981 novel The War of the Roses and its 1989 film adaptation. The story follows Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo Rose (Benedict Cumberbatch), a seemingly perfect couple whose lives unravel when Theo’s career declines just as Ivy’s culinary ambitions take off. Their professional shift triggers a domestic cold war filled with fierce competition and resentment. We discuss spoilers!The film also features Andy Samberg, Allison Janney, Kate McKinnon, Ncuti Gatwa, Allison Janney, and Zoë Chao.You can currently stream The Roses on Hulu or the Hulu on Disney+ bundle.Feel free to hear our previous conversation about the film, Friendship, starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram @letstalkmediava.

In this episode of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with Israeli-born, New York-based artist Mifarma to discuss her evolution from a singer of romantic Hebrew ballads to a creator of dark and gothic English anthems. We explore the origins of her moniker - a play on the Hebrew word for monster - and how her alter ego serves as an avatar for the contradictions of the human experience, feeling "from everywhere and nowhere".Content Warning: This episode contains candid discussions of sexual trauma and violence. Mifarma opens up about the traumatic event that shifted her artistic perspective, leading her to write blunt lyrics. She explains why her latest release is an anti-catharsis record, rejecting linear narratives of healing in favor of acknowledging that recovery is volatile and unpredictable. We also discuss specific tracks, including Somnambulist, which explores dissociation, and I Left The Room Without My Hair, which Mifarma describes as a hymn for women and a straightforward discussion of sexual violence. Beyond the lyrics, we examine Mifarma’s unique role as a curator who creates an amalgamation of different artists by collaborating with composers to blend genres from Mozart to rap. Join us for a raw and deeply personal conversation about finding your freedom language, grieving the self, and the power of owning rejection.

Episode #146: In this episode of Let’s Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with Aidan Kushner, the creator of the new YouTube web series, Why Try. This comedy celebrates the God-given right to be miserable in a modern world that constantly tries to force a negative into a positive.Aidan discusses his background in stand-up and sketch comedy (including his time at Second City) and how he transitioned into narrative filmmaking. Premise: Two cynical 20-somethings who meet at an emotional support group and bond over their mutual hatred of everyone else there.This episode covers: The Anti-Sitcom: Aidan discusses his influences, ranging from the neurotic Jewish humor of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld to dark British wit, and how he writes characters who never learn their lesson.The "Blacklist": A deep dive into the show’s absurd plotlines, specifically the sex blacklist - a registry for people who are bad at sex, and the main character’s placement on it due to a belt incident.Toxic Negativity vs. Toxic Positivity: Aidan explains the real-life inspiration behind the show’s opening scene at a support group, satirizing the echo chamber of toxic positivity to cure depression.How to write Cringe Comedy: How Aidan translates real-life awkwardness into script, ensuring that while the characters may be mean, their actions stem from relatable social gray areas rather than malice.Micro-Episodic Storytelling: A look at the production format of releasing 3-to-5-minute chunks that coalesce into a full sitcom narrative, Season 2: A tease for Season 2 releasing on February 12, 2026.Cast/Crew credited on iMDB are:Dixie O' Connell as Daisy⁠Sydney Nocerino as Melanie⁠Sean Gordon - credited under Sean S Gordon on iMDB - as AaronDorothea Miller as RachelChristian Clements as GregoryJack Alano as ArchieIvan Richter as BillyAidan Kushner as Creator/Executive Producer/Director/Editor/Party Guy/Man on the Phone/WaiterTate M. Coan as VickyClaire Kane as Annoying SpeakerHaylin Davis as AmyMark Gacki as Poker JoeMichael Newman as BarryHayden Keegan as WaiterSophia Astor as Boom OperatorReed Gordon as Script Supervisor.You can watch the series on YouTube under Aidan Kushner or follow the show on Instagram @whytry_webseries. You can also follow Aidan @aidan_kushner.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram @letstalkmediava.

Before The Sopranos or The Wire, there was Tales from The Crypt. In this episode of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri hears untold stories with Alan Katz (frequently credited as A L Katz), the writer, producer, and legendary "Keeper of the Franchise" for HBO’s Tales from the Crypt.Alan takes us on a wild ride through what he calls the Hollywood excess-era of the 1990s, revealing how a show with no bible became a cultural phenomenon that pioneered prestige TV. Alan shares the untold war stories that could only happen in the golden age of television creative freedom.In this episode, we discuss:Inventing an Icon: How Alan created the Crypt Keeper’s little Groucho Marx personality and backstory because the producers had a puppet but no planHollywood Chaos: The Meatloaf Incident, convincing Tim Curry to skip Mardi Gras and play three roles in an episode, the cancellation of their movie (Dead Easy) and the production of the movie, Bordello of BloodCONTENT WARNING: We delve into mental health and childhood trauma. Listener discretion is advised.Whether you are a horror fanatic or a creator trying to find your own voice, this is an insightful listen.Alan's podcast is called The How NOT To Make a Movie Podcast and is available on all major platforms.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Instagram @letstalkmedia.

If you’ve ever tried to quit smoking or quit vaping and realized willpower alone is not enough, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Jessi Hartnett, a former smoker, author of Honor Your Heart and creator of the You Can Quit Smoking podcast, to break down a more sustainable way to overcome nicotine addiction - without spiraling into shame. In this conversation, we unpack the difference between the willpower route (White-knuckling cravings) and the mindset route (Changing the beliefs and needs that keep pulling you back). In this episode, we discuss:Why smoking/vaping is often a psychological dependency, not just a physical habit How media and marketing shape cravings and identity (from classic TV culture to social media)The hidden needs smoking can be meeting (stress relief, control, belonging) - and healthier replacements How perfectionism and hustle culture can turn quitting into a self-bullying loop A healthier way to handle relapse (as data and practice, not seeing it as failure)The identity shift phase: That weird liminal in-between when trying to quit and how to move through itTools and resources Jessi shares for cravings (including breathing and grounding practices)Whether you’re trying to quit cigarettes, quit e-cigs, or support someone you love, this is a real-world, compassionate roadmap.Note: This episode is educational and not medical advice.You can find Honor Your Heart on their website (honoryourheart.net) and on social media (@_honoryourheart on Instagram, @JessiHartnett on YouTube, and @honoryourheart on TikTok). Jessi's podcast is called You Can Quit Smoking and is available on all major platforms.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram @⁠letstalkmediava.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri interviews Geraldine Carriere - an Indigenous serial entrepreneur, author, and recording artist.Coming from a small, isolated northern community, Geraldine shares her mission to help women and Indigenous youth find their authentic selves. Geraldine argues that entrepreneurship is women into their DNA. Key themes explored in this episode include:The Serviceberry Philosophy: Drawing from the book The Serviceberry, Geraldine contrasts the capitalist tendency to hoard resources with the Indigenous concept of reciprocity. She shares the parable of a hunter to explain that “true success is seeing it in the belly of your neighbor."The Seventh Generation Prophecy: She discusses the historical trauma where it was illegal to be Indigenous and how she views herself as part of the prophesied Seventh Generation - those destined to step forward, do the hard work of restoration, and heal their communities.Oral Tradition as Strategy: Geraldine explains that as an oral traditional people, storytelling is the most effective way to cut through the noise and reach the heart of the matter, a skill she utilizes in her music and writingPride, Presence, and Productivity: A look at her transformational coaching program and book, which helps people hold a mirror to themselves and have the crucial conversations necessary for self-mastery.Listeners can check out her book Wild Woman: Master the Art of Pride, Presence, & Productivity on Kindle and her music released under Ger Carriere. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram @⁠letstalkmediava.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with the legendary Deborah Lindquist, a visionary designer and pioneer known as the “Green Queen” of the fashion world. With a career spanning over four decades, Deborah has redefined sustainable luxury through her unique process of upcycling, transforming recycled and organic materials into one-of-a-kind couture.Deborah shares the fascinating stories behind her high-profile collaborations with some of the biggest names in media and entertainment. We dive into her work with trailblazers such as Rihanna for her song "Unfaithful", Gwen Stefani, Beyoncé, Emma Watson, Alison Brie, Paris Hilton, Paula Abdul, P!nk, Lea Thompson, Michelle Williams, Christina Aguilera, and many others. She recounts the iconic moment she met Sharon Stone during a photo shoot and ended up giving the actress literally a shirt off her back - a skull sweater that became an overnight media sensation. We also explore her time as the wardrobe stylist for the Pussycat Dolls during their early burlesque days at the Roxy, and her studio's work with other mega-stars like PinkBeyond the glitz of the red carpet, Deborah provides a hard-hitting critique of fast fashion, labeling it a race to the bottom that harms both natural resources and human labor. Drawing on her childhood roots on a farm, she explains her core philosophy that everything matters - from the soil and water to the integrity of the creative process.Key highlights from our conversation include:The 1000-Pound Pivot: How Deborah survived being labeled a non-essential worker during COVID-19 by committing to 1000 pounds of denim to manufacture masks.Media Archaeology: The science behind her sonic fabric, an experimental material made from recycled audio cassette tapes that actually retains sound.Innovative Materials: Her use of military parachutes, vintage kimonos, and saris to create sustainable high fashion.The Green Quen Mission: Insights into her vegan fashion line and her educational series, "Creating Eco-Conscious Fashion," which helps the next generation of creators turn non-tangible ideas into physical art.Whether you are interested in celebrity lore or the ethics of the global garment industry, this episode is an insightful deep-dive into entrepreneurial resilience and creative transformation.Visit deborahlindquist.com to find her fashion line, educational courses, and her latest writing.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram @⁠letstalkmediava⁠

In this episode, host Vedant Akhauri breaks down Primate, the new creature feature from director Johannes Roberts (47 Meters Down, The Strangers: Prey at Night). He saw this film during a blind screening where the audience didn't know the movie's title or details beforehand, other than being a horror film.It stars Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Troy Kotsur, Victoria Wyant as Kate, Gia Hunter as Erin, Benjamin Cheng as Nick, Charlie Mann as Drew, Tienne Simon as Phil, Miguel Torres Umba as Ben (practical stunts), Kae Alexander as Yoko, Amina Adbi as the 911 dispatcher, and Albert Magashi as Matt.Note: This is labelled as a Let's Talk Horror episode, which is my horror mini-series under the Let's Talk Media main podcast. However, I forgot to edit and narrate it as such. It slipped through my mind in the rush of a blind movie review. So, this is the 13th part in spirit.

In the Season 7 premiere of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri interviews Jordan Holman - known artistically as Kentucky - about his major career pivot from the lead guitarist of heavy rock bands to a solo indie folk artist. They discuss the literal meaning behind his album Second Chance Music, the liberating but lonely process of building a song entirely alone, and his profound philosophical take on why musicians must serve as oracles in the age of Generative AI.Kentucky records from his home studio, The Kentucky Bend, located in Almonte, Ontario. The studio was built under the guidance of the designer for the famous Canadian band The Tragically Hip.You can find his work by searching "I Am Kentucky" on social platforms.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram @letstalkmediava.

Content Warning: This episode discusses mature subject matter, specifically physical violence, physical threats, and narcissistic personality disorder. Listener discretion is advised.In this episode of Let’s Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with C.F. Micky, the author of the memoir Cultivating Freedom: Finding My Way from Fear to Freedom. C.F. Micky is a pseudonym used to give the author the autonomy to tell her story authentically while protecting her family.We discuss her harrowing journey through and escape from a 33-year marriage marked by narcissistic abuse and coercive control on a Canadian farm. Micky opens up about the subtle red flags she missed, the eventual escalation to physical threats, and the six-year legal battle required to start reclaiming her life.Key topics in this conversation include:The Illusion of Linearity: Micky explains "Cognitive Entrapment," where abusers keep a victim's head spinning to mask the reality of the situation. She shares visceral examples of control, from being forced to load groceries in the rain to being micromanaged on how she parked a water truck.Psychological Tools for Survival: Learn about "Gray Rocking" (becoming unresponsive to cut off a narcissist's "supply") and the mental technique of shelving trauma to function through legal proceedings.The Legal Reality: Micky details the economic and practical challenges of divorcing while entangled in a family farm business.A Guide to Leaving: Beyond her story, Micky discusses the practical resources in her book, including freedom checklists, questions for hiring lawyers, and other red flags, designed to help others identify if they are in a toxic relationship.Cultivating Freedom is available now on Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats.Website: cultivatingfreedom.caBook: Cultivating Freedom: Finding My Way from Fear to Freedom (Foreword by Stephanie Ann). Available on Amazon and Kindle.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram @letstalkmediava.

Host Vedant Akhauri welcomes author Lindsey Goldstein to discuss her debut novel, Gap Year (releasing February 3, 2026).This novel explored the journey of Jane, a 46-year-old CPA who faces the perfect storm when her husband leaves, her daughter goes abroad for a gap year, and she is offered a promotion she doesn't want. Instead of leaning in, Jane quits her job to climb the Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador - an adult gap year to reclaim the adventurous spirit she put on pause decades ago.We discuss: The Pivot from Non-Fiction: Lindsey discusses transitioning from writing personal essays for The New York Times Modern Love column to constructing a 320-page novel, and what she learned about the craft along the way.Indie vs. Big Five: An honest look at the realities of publishing. Lindsey shares why she chose the independent route with Egret Lake Books after navigating the agent query trenches, highlighting the creative control she retained over her title and cover. Second Chapters: The reality of figuring out what to do with your time and exploring forgotten parts of yourself as an empty nester.Career Burnout: Vedant doesn't claim to represent accounting or adjacent fields, but felt connected to the story after the surprise reveal that Jane's a CPA. Him and Lindsey dive into how the burnout common among CPAs compelled Jane's decision to take a gap year.Finding Levity in Loss: How to balance the heavy themes of divorce and empty nesting with humor. Lindsey and Vedant discuss the heartfelt comedy of a Gen X woman navigating hostel life with travelers twenty years her junior.Ultimately, it's a story about the psychology of second chapters and why Jane’s story is about self-discovery rather than just romance, despite the presence of a charming tour guide named Mark.Lindsey also teases her next project, described as Sliding Doors meets Stranger Than Fiction.Gap Year is available for presale now and releases officially on February 3, 2026.Pre-order the Paperback from Egret Lake BooksPre-order the Ebook on AmazonWebsite: lindseygoldsteinauthor.comSocials: Instagram @goldsteinlindsey TikTok @lindseygoldsteinauthor Substack: lindseygoldstein.substack.comIf you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram @letstalkmediava.

In this episode of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri is joined by author, poet, and "Neurodiverse Language Wizard," William May. Together, they deconstruct the craft of writing through the lens of May’s new chapbook, Blaze Without Burning.May details the collection's unique twinning structure, where the poems in the second half of the book mirror the first half in reverse order - a concept he compares to the duality found in William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and of Experience. The conversation expands into a fascinating discussion on literary theory, where May argues that linearity is an illusion for the writer. He explains that while readers experience a book line-by-line, a writer must create it all at once, much like an architect designing a building rather than simply walking from room to room.Beyond structure, the interview explores the intersection of neurodiversity and creativity. May shares his personal history of being diagnosed with severe dyslexia in the mid-80s and the emotional impact of a Reading is Fundamental commercial that made him feel he was going no place. He reveals how receiving help turned reading into a life-long gift and how his "outsider position" now influences his work.Plus, learn about May’s own show, Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing, which helps writers navigate industry truths. This episode concludes with a live reading of the poem "I Knew It Was Not You".If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram @letstalkmediava.

In this episode, host and award-winning podcaster, Vedant Akhauri speaks with author and screenwriter, Leslie Anne Lee. We cover how one can turn their passion for writing into a viable, profitable career.Discover Leslie’s proven strategies for defining her authorship as a business, demanding professionalism and investment, having learned that skimping on professionalism costs more in the long run. Learn how she uses social media for branding, adapting her approach from simple word-of-mouth in the early days to researching SEO and hashtags. She reveals her powerful technique for handling setbacks, viewing every no from a publisher or film festival as data for refinement, emphasizing that persistence is the essential ingredient for success.We explore Leslie’s diverse works, from her early Historical Fiction pieces, including The Rock and the Wind, to her success in the Romantic Fantasy and Sci-fi genres. She recently pivoted as a screenwriter, adapting her novel Child of Dawn into an award-winning screenplay. She details the challenges of adapting a descriptive novel into the concise, visual screenplay format, mastering the brutal need to cut her 200-page first draft.Leslie’s journey provides essential advice on adaptability and the necessity of courage in the creative field. She stresses the importance of partnerships and aligning yourself with people who will take your hand and help you out. Tune in to understand why, for Leslie Anne Lee, you must simply just do it if you have a vision, and how to make your writing skills a sustainable career.Leslie can be found on her website (https://www.leslieannelee.com/) and Instagram (@lepie21). Her published works can be found on Amazon. Her podcast, The Written World Podcast, is available on YouTube.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram @letstalkmediava.

Join host and award-winning podcaster, Vedant Akhauri as he interviews Sam Mitchell, the Executive Director of Autism Rocks and Rolls (ARAR). Sam, a podcaster, international speaker, and TEDx speaker, shares his journey of starting this 501c3 nonprofit corporation after falling in love with his high school media club. This essential episode dives into how ARAR uses media - including its own podcast and educational modules - to shift the conversation to inclusion for people on the autism spectrum and remove the stigma. Sam details his personal mission to prove that people on the spectrum do not need to be fixed. The conversation explores major misconceptions, like the myth that those on the spectrum do not like to socialize. Sam offers advice for navigating the workplace, addressing the challenge of 85% unemployment among those on the spectrum, and emphasizing the necessity of creating your own job if need be.Plus, hear about ARAR's annual gala and other events held in Bloomington, Indiana. Sam and his mother, Michelle Mitchell (a twenty-year educator), also discuss their forthcoming children's book, Journee, which is a nature-themed story about a young girl finding acceptance and showcasing the positive sides of autism.ARAR can be followed on their website (https://autismrocksandrolls.com/) and their podcast (Autism Rocks and Rolls) is available on all major streaming platforms.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram @letstalkmediava.