SWFL Fresh Press with Eric Raddatz
by Eric Raddatz
Eric Raddatz is one of the most renowned faces in the Southwest Florida arts and news community and has been for many years. With a history of being a regular contributor at NBC and iHeart radio in SWFL, he is the host of the indie film live theater series T.G.I.M. He is the founder of the Fort Myers and Naples International Film Festivals, currently serving as the executive director of the former. Eric Raddatz is an accomplished American journalist, filmmaker, and media personality known for his notable contributions in the fields of journalism and entertainment.
Episodes
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S5 EP4: Emma Watson & Eric Koenig – A Reason to Believe
Eric Raddatz sits down with filmmakers Emma Watson and Eric Koenig to discuss their powerful new short film A Reason. With backgrounds spanning screenwriting, production, and collaborations with major studios like Netflix and Disney, this creative duo opens up about their shared vision, the art…
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S5 EP3: Debra Markowitz – Indie Film Queen of Long Island
Eric Raddatz sits down with Debra Markowitz—filmmaker, director, and founder of the Long Island International Film Expo—for an inspiring conversation about grassroots filmmaking and building a creative community from the ground up. Debra shares her unique journey from serving as a government film...
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S5 EP2: Felicia Greenfield – Friends Not Food & Acting with Impact
Eric Raddatz sits down with Felicia Greenfield—actress, producer, and self-described “actorvist”—for a powerful conversation about purpose-driven storytelling and using art as a force for change. Felicia shares her unconventional journey from working with MLB and the NHL to impactful roles in...
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S4 EP12: Kristin Weardon – Passion, Personal Growth & Empowering Success
Eric Raddatz sits down with Kristin Weardon, personal development coach and podcast host, for an inspiring conversation about purpose, growth, and stepping into your full potential. Kristin shares her journey from being the face of SU Cosmetics to coaching individuals and entrepreneurs to achieve...
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S4 EP11: Dustin Ward – Cinematography, Visual Storytelling & Creative Vision
Eric Raddatz sits down with Dustin Ward, an award-winning cinematographer whose impressive body of work includes Brownsville Bred and Princess Cut. In this episode, Dustin breaks down his creative approach to cinematography, the art of visual storytelling, and how he uses powerful imagery to…
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S4 EP10: Alyx Ruibal – Acting, TikTok Virality & Autism Representation
Join Eric Raddatz for an inspiring and insightful conversation with Alyx Ruibal, an American actress and social media personality known for her engaging TikTok content and her role in the 2024 film Hellbent on Boogie. Alyx opens up about her journey to viral success on TikTok, using her platform…
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S4 EP9: Stephanie Ruiz — Crafting Stories, Culture & Cinematic Impact
Season 4, Episode 9 – Stephanie Ruiz: Crafting Stories, Culture & Cinematic Impact From a first-generation Latin American actress to an award-winning filmmaker, Stephanie Ruiz sits down with Eric Raddatz to share her remarkable rise through the world of film production. In this episode, Stephanie...
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S5 EP1: Jonah Bowen – Comedy, Puppets & the Muppet Mentality
Kick off Season 5 with a funny, heartfelt deep-dive into the creative world of Jonah Bowen—comedian, writer, theater lover, and recent Emerson College graduate who’s already managing Stand Up NY in the heart of Times Square. In this episode, Jonah shares how Jim Henson’s legacy and a lifelong…
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S4 EP8: Writing, Identity & Experimentation — The Filmmaking Journey of Charlie Gillette
📺 ON THIS EPISODE of The Eric Raddatz Show... 🌟 Meet Charlie Gillette — award-winning filmmaker, writer, and creative force behind projects that push boundaries and amplify unheard voices. 🗣️ Join host Eric Raddatz and Charlie Gillette for a deeply engaging conversation about her evolution in...
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S4 EP7: Directing Culture —Ramon Pesante’s Emmy-Nominated Path in Film & Branded Storytelling
Meet Ramon Pesante — Emmy-nominated director, Telly Award-winning filmmaker, and creative visionary. Join Eric Raddatz and Ramon Pesante for a deep, energizing conversation about storytelling, identity, and innovation in the world of film and branded content. From his powerful short film Playing...
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S4 EP6: Stories That Matter — Behind the Camera with Victoria DeMartin
This week, Eric Raddatz sits down with acclaimed writer and director Victoria DeMartin for an insightful conversation about her path through the film industry and her commitment to storytelling that resonates. From her breakout project The Audition to her work on The Spy and The Red Sea Diving...
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S4 EP5: Kayley Bishop: Faith, Fame & Finding Your Voice
In this heartfelt episode, Nashville singer-songwriter Kayley Bishop joins Eric Raddatz for an intimate conversation on music, meaning, and making it in the industry. Known for her soulful blend of rock, country, and storytelling, Kayley shares her journey from the national spotlight on The Voice...
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S4 EP4: A Life for the Planet: Dr. William F. Hammond on 68 Years of Environmental Impact
In this powerful episode, Dr. William F. Hammond, a pioneer in environmental and marine sciences, joins Eric Raddatz to reflect on nearly seven decades of groundbreaking work in ecological policy, education, and sustainability. From shaping environmental frameworks to inspiring new generations of...
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S4 EP3: From Lost Cos to Leading Voices: Evgeniya Radilova’s Creative Revolution
Actress, producer, and director Evgeniya Radilova sits down with Eric Raddatz to share her inspiring path from Law & Order to becoming a powerhouse in independent filmmaking. Known for her award-winning work with iDare Productions and the underground cult hit Lost Cos, Evgeniya opens up about...
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S4 EP2: Music, Memory & Meaning with Michael Rossato-Bennett
Michael Rossato-Bennett, director of the award-winning documentary Alive Inside, joins Eric Raddatz for a powerful conversation on the transformative impact of music and film. In this episode, we explore how music can awaken memory, heal emotional trauma, and reconnect us to what makes us human....
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S4 EP1: Empowerment on Air: Muszette's Musical Journey in Pop Culture & Film
Melanie Taylor, known as Muszette, blends electronic pop, rock, and soulful vocals. Featured in Queer Eye, Love Island, and Too Hot to Handle, her empowering anthems resonate with global audiences. We discuss her evolution, new EP Rare Form, and her rise in the music industry. It’s time for film...
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S3 EP9: The American Constitution Tourcast with David Garrigus
David Garrigus, award-winning filmmaker behind the PBS critically-acclaimed "Kitty Hawk: The Wright Brothers’ Journey of Invention," is taking his new feature film, The American Constitution, on a city-to-city roadshow tour for the next 20 months before its broadcast release on PBS stations....
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S3 EP8: Sailing Through the Cosmos: Heather Preston’s Astronomical Adventures
Heather Preston is a professional astronomer who has lived in Fort Myers since 2012. She has been Planetarium Director of the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers since September, 2014. She graduated from MIT with a Bachelor’s in Physics, from the University of Washington with a...
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S3 EP7: Behind the Curtain: Jason Parrish's Journey at Florida Rep
Jason Parrish is the Associate Artistic Director and an Ensemble Artist at Florida Repertory Theatre. Now in his 20th season with the company, Jason has acted in over 30 productions with Florida Rep and recently directed some of the company’s big musical productions like Hank Williams Lost…
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S3 EP6: Meet Elizabeth Etnoyer – the heart behind SWFL Produce!
SWFL Produce is a co–op that works closely with different farms, which means variety for our members. Owner Elizabeth is always looking for different, and unique produce to keep this program exciting. THEY PROVIDE pickup locations and home delivery. . Located in Punta Gorda, Swfl Produce is a…
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S3 EP5: From Avengers to Meet & Greets: Keith Wallace Takes Fort Myers by Storm
Keith Wallace is a versatile actor, model, and CEO of Wallace Entertainment with over 20 years in the industry. He's starred in indie films like "One Evening" and "Mondays Suck," and gained fame with roles in "Avengers Endgame" and Disney+'s "Loki." Keith also excels in national commercials for...
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S3 EP4: Understanding Behavioral Health: Stacey Cook Talks Challenges and Solutions at SWFL's SalusCare
Stacey Cook is the CEO of SalusCare, the largest behavioral health organization in Southwest Florida. Serving 16,000 children and adults annually, she is a dedicated leader in the field. Stacey is a licensed clinical social worker and the author of the book Beyond Words. www.saluscareflorida.org...
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S3 EP3: Caryn Clark takes the mic—get ready for the voiceover vibes you’ve been waiting for
Caryn Clark has been a voiceover talent for nearly 20 years, focusing on commercial work, with clients like iHeart Radio, Toto Washlet bidet, Trojan Condoms, Disney/American Red Cross, and Laura Mercier. Before this, she was a writer and marketing consultant in the financial industry, with her...
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S3 EP2: SWFL's legendary Dr. William F. Hammond, Ph.D. on environmental consulting, sustainablity and the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Dr. William F. Hammond, Ph.D., has distinguished himself over a storied career spanning 68 years as an educator, with significant contributions in both academia and environmental consulting. As the Founder and President of Natural Context Consultants and a retired Professor Emeritus from Florida...
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S3 EP1: Nya Chambless, a rising star who discusses her latest SWFL FILM, is about to enter high school this year!
Nya Chambless, a native of Sarasota, Florida, discovered her passion for acting at age 2 after seeing "Annie" on stage. Her theatrical debut came in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" at Player's Theatre. Since then, Nya has built an impressive portfolio spanning indie films, commercials, and stage...
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S2 EP22: Seven filmmakers of the 2024 FMFF to be held May 22-26, 2024 weigh in on the importance of short films and independent movie making
Filmmakers Mike Messier, Leslie Ann Coles, LeeAnn Hutchinson, Sarah Young, Janelle Tedesco, TL Westgate and Logan Graham join Eric Raddatz on SWFL Fresh Press for a look at each of their short films playing in the Fort Myers Film Festival’s 14 annual event. The Fort Myers Film Festival’s 14th...
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S2 EP21: From Hollywood royalty, K.C. Schulberg thrives in the indie film world with his latest "Hellbent on Boogie" opening FMFF May 22
KC Schulberg is a prominent figure in the realm of film and television, inheriting a deep-seated passion for storytelling and filmmaking from his illustrious family legacy. As the nephew of the legendary Hollywood producer, Budd Schulberg, and the grandson of B.P. Schulberg, the pioneering…
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S2 EP20: The brilliant Stephen Wallis on his latest film "The Martini Shot" starring Matthew Modine and John Cleese
Stephen Wallis has rapidly become one of Canada's most respected screenwriters. A multi-time award winning director and writer, he's becoming one of the country's most sought after artists. From his modest Canadian upbringing he's been able to work as both director and as a writer on most of his...
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S2 EP19: Actress, dancer and social media figure Alyx Ruibal talks about her role in “Hellbent on Boogie” opening FMFF next month
Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 22-26, 2024. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call…
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S2 EP18: Dr. Dawn Belamarich leads SWFL Collaboratory, and takes a few minutes to talk with us
Dr. Dawn Belamarich is president and CEO of Collaboratory and leads a passionate and diverse team of possibility makers committed to coordinating the solving of all the social problems in Southwest Florida on a daring eighteen-year deadline. Originally from New Jersey, Belamarich is now a…
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"The Lost Film of Nuremberg" Q&A w Eric Raddatz, Jean-Christophe Klotz, KC and Sandra Schulberg
"The Lost Film of Nuremberg" world premiere at the Fort Myers Film Festival; Q&A w Eric Raddatz, Jean-Christophe Klotz, KC Shulberg and Sandra Schulberg
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With Doug Molloy discussing the 2023 Oscars
Eric Raddatz sits down with Doug Molloy to discuss the upcoming 2023 Oscar movies in contention.
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FMFF 2021 film “Pooling to Paradise” Q&A w Eric Raddatz, Caytha Jentis, Mark del Negro
FMFF 2021 film “Pooling to Paradise” Q&A w Eric Raddatz, Caytha Jentis, Mark del Negro
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Florida folks discuss the Oscars at a cosplay competition with Eric Raddatz
Florida folks discuss the Oscars at a cosplay competition with Eric Raddatz
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Eric Raddatz interviews Lester Holt
An interview with Lester Holt on Fort Myers Beach nearly eight months after Hurricane Ian rolled through.
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S2 EP17: Director/filmmaker Vito Trupiano on making of FMFF's opening night film "Hellbent on Boogie"
The Fort Myers Film Festival’s 14th annual soiree is set to take place from May 22-26, 2024, in and around SWFL at venues including the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, IMAG, Alliance for the Arts, BIG ARTS, Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, Luminary Hotel, Banyan Hotel and more. “Hellbent on Boogie”...
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S2 EP16: J. Bert Davis and Karen Whitaker on twisted indie film tales
J. Bert Davis, former plastic surgeon turned filmmaker, teams up with Karen Whitaker, former ballerina turned filmmaker/singer songwriter, to work their way through the seven deadly sins with their anthology of twisted tales that show the repercussions for bad behavior this Monday April 15 at...
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S2 EP15: Steven E Martin is more than just a badass attorney ... he's into film too
Steven E. Martin is a co-founder of the Martin Law Firm, alongside his wife, Eviana J. Martin. With their dedicated team of attorneys and staff, they have represented thousands of individuals across various legal matters. Steven specializes in plaintiff’s personal injury, family law, and estate...
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S2 EP14: Influencer Cat Flo is dedicated to promotion and philanthropy
Cat Flo is a content creator and SWFL influencer deeply committed to philanthropy, with a specific focus on empowering individuals within the art, music, and film communities, including RLEIF THROUGH ART. With a fervent dedication to inclusivity, Cat Flo champions transformative initiatives,...
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S2 EP13: World-renowned pianist Andy Armstrong on Boston, Fort Myers and SBDAC American Virtuosi Concert
Praised by critics for his passionate expression and dazzling technique, pianist Andy Armstrong has delighted audiences across the world. Join us this Thursday, February 29th be mesmerized by world-renowned artists who have captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. Our Chamber Music...
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S2 EP12: Superstar Priscila Buiar spills the tea on her rise to the top
Priscila Buiar, aged 32, hails from Maringá, a small city in Paraná, Brazil. At the tender age of 9, she participated in a talent search organized by a modeling agency, inspired by her mother's unfulfilled dream of becoming a journalist and experiencing diverse cultures. Despite facing obstacles…
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S2 EP11: Margriete de Schutter on Olympic Short Track Speed Skating, FIlm and 'Going Deep for Vancouver"
Margriet de Schutter is a Dutch media personality and a retired short track speed skater. She travels the world as a (TV) presenter, interviewer, international speaker, author, emcee, and sports journalist.She was a member of the Dutch National Team until February 2010. After she ended her career...
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S2 EP10: With filmmaker Leslie Coles
Leslie Coles is an award-winning director and screenwriter. She works in scripted and unscripted. Coles recently completed production on “The Curtain,” which she wrote, produced, and directed. “The Curtain” was funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Ontario Arts Council with support...
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S2 EP9: Everything you wanted to know about Uncommon~Lee event supporting #KindLee & Uncommon Friends with guest Marc Collins
February 13, 2024, 5:30-8 p.m. Uncommon~Lee Kind Hearts Event: A Night of Love, Scholarships, and Community Impact Fort Myers, FL – “Uncommon~Lee Kind Hearts,” a heartwarming event, invites you to join the celebration at the beautiful Burroughs Home and Gardens in Fort Myers. This event…
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S2 EP8: At Barbara B. Mann for Hadesdown reviews and intellectual conversation
Brilliantly Produced 'Hadestown' Delivers a Haunting and Enchanting Theatrical Experience About Love By Eric Raddatz [email protected] The brilliantly produced Tony Award-winning musical "Hadestown" is a love story for the ages and set squarely in hell. Dominating the 2018-19 Broadway…
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S2 EP7: Steven Cerrache on SWFL arts, Florida agriculture and sure we talk some politics, don’t judge us
Steven Ceracche born and raised in Ithaca New York. 8 years ago Steven moved to Southwest Florida to pursue his life long dream of running a farm and distributing fresh fruits and vegetables to local family’s from local farms. He recently took on a new role as Food Safety Manager for Green Life...
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S2 EP6: Filmmaker John Biffar—the king of film in SWFL on the magic of making movies in SWFL
Emmy Award-winner John Biffar is the president of Dreamtime Entertainment, Inc. and founder of PeaceVIsion. He began his career in film making at the University of South Florida. In the early 1980's, John produced unique television programming and features for cable and broadcast. His unique…
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S2 EP5: Jason Teeters on Elon Musk, wellbeing in the work environment and learning from fuckups!
Jason Teeters is an Industrial Organizational Psychologist, speaker, and emergent strategist who brings people together to reimagine a future of possibilities. He is the founder of JetSetState, a boutique consulting firm that helps organizations improve the performance and well-being of teams...
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S2 EP4: Academy Award-winning director Louie Psihoyos on his latest Netflix hit "You Are What You Eat"
Award-winning photographer and Academy Award-winning director Louie Psihoyos released his first documentary film, "The Cove," in 2009. After screening at the Naples International Film Festival, "The Cove" not only won the Academy Award but also earned over 100 other film and environmental awards...
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S2 EP3: Singer Kayley Bishop on coming to SWFL Jan. 12-13 and her performance on The Voice on NBC
Kayley Bishop, a Fort Myers-born singer-songwriter now based in Nashville, emerged as a finalist on "The Voice" in 2018. With a genre-defying musical style blending bluegrass, country, soul, and rock, Kayley is a dynamic force. Her prolific songwriting, totaling hundreds of compositions over the...
About this show
Eric Raddatz is one of the most renowned faces in the Southwest Florida arts and news community and has been for many years. With a history of being a regular contributor at NBC and iHeart radio in SWFL, he is the host of the indie film live theater series T.G.I.M. He is the founder of the Fort Myers and Naples International Film Festivals, currently serving as the executive director of the former. Eric Raddatz is an accomplished American journalist, filmmaker, and media personality known for his notable contributions in the fields of journalism and entertainment.
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Eric Raddatz
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