Get to the Roots Extras

Listen as I interview Gary and Linda Horrell of Now and Then on Radio St Pete (Thursdays at 4PM). They share fun stories, mention different local artists, explain their show and how they got their start in radio, and Linda speaks on her work with SAGES.    Check out their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/folk.lure.9 

This full uncut episode features Mike from Mighty Mike Video Games St Pete located at 5980 66th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL. They are open 11-7 Sundays, Tuesday-Thursday, and 10-8PM on Fridays and Saturdays. They are closed on Mondays. (I even left in the part I said I would cut out!)    Mike shares interesting stories about traveling the country in search of video games, visiting ALL the video game stores, going to conventions, traveling to Japan(!), visiting up to 20 pawnshops a day, and building a business from a small apartment shop to a full 1200 square foot gamers paradise.    Not only does he have rare collectables on display, any visitors to the shop can play freely the games in store at their many console setups.    They are holding an event on May 9th and 10th with Ryan Drummond, original voice of Sonic the Hedgehog. This will feature a meet and greet, a Q&A, and will have special Sonic the Hedgehog merch available.    Find them online: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MightyMikeVideoGames On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mightymikevideogames/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091877363220

Host Stef is 'kidnapped' during an April Fools episode, and guest host Long Paws Pompadour commandeers Get to the Roots Extras with quirky humor, philosophical asides, and a love of train songs. Pompadour dispenses oddball but earnest advice—on public speaking, hygiene, taxes, and enjoying life—while celebrating local culture and Florida’s charms.

What up home skillets? I stopped letting AI write these descriptions, though professional... they don't accurately represent the energy of these episodes. Within this one, I pontificate on the idea Stephen Pressfield has in "The War of Art" and where I still find myself finding resistance cropping up all these years after reading Pressfield's book(s) for the first time(s).    Although I can't be too specific about the ideas in the book, I rather share with you what stayed resonate with me in day to day life. Also listen for some jokes and inspo for repping your artsy frens.    Have the best day and thanks for listening

I talk about my show I did in remembrance of Roy Book Binder, the show the Florida Folk Show did in tribute to Roy Book Binder, struggles as a creator that many of us face, and a tangent about opossums     

Recapping the 2/18 Get to the Roots show on RSP in which I feature both Linda Horrell of Now and Then on RSP and Fiona Frensche of Women of Song on RSP. Both are DJs second and singer-songwriters / musicians first!    Two amazing women here in Tampa Bay each with a wide range of songs, some even folk enough for Get to the Roots!

Get to the Roots Stef celebrates finishing a 49-minute Radio St. Pete slideshow and reflects on overcoming lifelong procrastination and self-sabotage. This episode is a personal look at the relief of completing work, the joy of sharing creative projects, and the motivation to keep creating. She talks about the fear related to procrastination.  Although there is an updated version, the original text was Stef's inspiration: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1141601.Procrastination 

Reviewing my 2/11 radio show Get to the Roots, something we do every week on the Extras podcast channel. We like to get some extra words in about how much I love these different musicians. Big hearts and shout outs to June Bunch and her music. 

Make sure you practice even when creating feels slow. It's hard to give an audience anything with the over abundance of content available out there in the world. It's good to get to deliberate practice -- aka practicing the hard things -- in order to level up your skills. Back when I was very passionate about becoming a full time writer, I practiced my craft extensively. Now that I'm past that, it's still something I look back on and hope that practice will bring my art to the next level. You can practice and get better at any art you are passionate about and I encourage you to do your best and keep trying -- even if you feel like you're not getting anywhere. 

Is AI music real music? No. AI is a tool that musicians or other artists can use to improve their art or publications, but it should not be the final product

Get to the Roots Stef explains why she joined the American Federation of Musicians, what protections and community it offers, and how it supports working musicians. She also discusses union flaws—favoritism, corruption, and challenges for women—shares personal anecdotes, and encourages finding community and small practical steps that help creatives succeed.    Are you musically inclined? Join our union: https://www.afm.org/    THIS PODCAST DOES NOT REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE AFM * * This is personal opinion and experiences only. The anecdotes I share are from being in a different union. 

A Huge THANK YOUUUU to Lisa Leitl for speaking so candidly with me about her release SNOWFALL and her journey from performing covers, becoming an independent artist, and her deep emotional connection to singing and songwriting. I’m so excited to share her interview with you all so you too can benefit from her experience and her positive energy!   Listen to “SNOWFALL” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6UW0K3VCrmC4kRSpBS7eoU?si=2m6ZwB2_Rp6WMEUFWz_rJQ Visit Lisa Leitl Online: https://lisaleitl.com/ Check out Lisa Leitl’s Songwriting Chronicles on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LisaLeitl Music, Release, Distribution, Oh My! On Lisa’s YouTube: https://youtu.be/j4Kjz1ZUQc4?si=GCsymYI5S8bvHVoA Lisa Leitl’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/lisaleitlsongwriter

Get to the Roots Stef responds to negative comments and 'Negative Nancys,' reflects on years of making content since 2008, and urges creators to keep putting work out there instead of quitting or arguing in the comments. The episode also features music highlights from local acts (Sunset Bridge Band, Urban Gypsies of Florida, Ronny Elliott), talk about GarageBand and copyright issues, and teases an upcoming interview with Lisa Leitl.

Explore the Five Whys technique; 5 Whys technique was created by Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries. Dig into root causes of problems, using personal examples and relating this to the prevalence of singer-songwriters asking "Why" in their songs. Didn't even dig much into the music, as so many songs start with the word "why." This short episode mixes practical self-inquiry with musical mentions, invites listeners to ask their own whys, and ties the method back to creativity, confidence, and community.

Get to the Roots Stef reflects on the overwhelming surge of daily uploads and how hard it is for musicians and creators to be noticed. She recounts this week’s Radio St. Pete playlist—featuring Mama Gina, Laura Lanero, the Anderson Brothers—and a theme of female angst balanced with happier tracks. Stef shares candid thoughts on engaging listeners both in person and online, the struggle of creative work, and teases upcoming interviews and music-release advice.

Stef dives into authenticity, creator anxiety, and the struggle to promote past work, sharing candid stories from her radio show and podcast. She spotlights local musicians like Cassie Jean and the Fireflies, Sarah Mae Gunn, highlights TikTok artists who create multiple videos to promote the same work, and urges creators to fight both front‑end and back‑end resistance. Short, funny, and encouraging, this episode is a call to make imperfect work and keep sharing it -- much to the dismay of naysayers. 

Get to the Roots Extras host Stef shares the alarming 2025 Pinellas County traffic numbers—13,135 total crashes, dozens of fatalities, and thousands injured—while sharing personal near-miss stories and observations about red-light running, hit-and-runs, street racing, and e-bike risks in St. Pete. She spotlights IONTB as a timely local source, considers root causes of reckless driving, and urges community attention to road safety. The episode closes with a teaser for an upcoming interview with an up and coming singer-songwriter, as well as more local stories and viral moments.

Wondering if you should move to St. Petersburg, Florida for a music project? It depends. The city offers abundant live venues, strong busking and festival opportunities, and a good scene for Trop Rock and live performers, with many available collaborators. Downsides include higher-than-average rent and housing costs, hot and humid summers, local competition and artistic gatekeeping, political and cultural diversity that can cause friction, and some safety and firearm considerations. Finding the right creative community can take time. If your project relies on live performance and local gigs, St. Pete can be a great fit. If you need low living costs or an easy path to industry signings, weigh the economics and social scene carefully before moving.

Host Stef walks through the St. Petersburg Beacon’s Year in Review, mixing local headlines — from restored bait shops and new clubs to stadium work and community events — with a personal, funny anecdote about an awkward Q&A at a speaker event that highlights gentrification and local eccentricities. The episode captures the city’s changing character, memorable local stories, and small-town moments (including horoscopes and shuffleboard), offering a light, candid snapshot of life in St. Pete.

Get to the Roots Extras host Stef reacts to and summarizes the week’s top TikTok — an unsettling AI video about an orange cat, a donkey and an alpaca — and shares updates from the local music scene. Stef announces a new music video she edited for Fiona Frensche and her love of Frensche's release: Sylvie. She speaks on promoting friends’ music, and reflects on how hard it is for local artists to break through. She previews her Get to the Roots New Year’s Eve special with songs by Geri X, Cassie Jean & the Fireflies, Marty Fouts, Valerie Wisecracker and more, and encourages listeners to support local musicians.   Watch the new Harley Davidson music video here: https://youtu.be/SYepYNBbdOI 

On Get to the Roots Extras, host Stef checks out the History Facts Article showing an example of a mid to late 1800's school test  — answering old-school geography, math, language, history and science questions while reacting with humor and curiosity. Along the way she reflects on how education and accepted knowledge have changed, shares historical facts from the quiz, and invites listeners to join her radio show and social channels for more conversation. (Wow, AI wrote that, pretty accurate, right?)   Check out the original article here: https://historyfacts.com/us-history/article/could-you-pass-a-school-exam-from-the-1800s/?lctg=e49e153b-028b-463a-8790-029e8a5364cc

In this episode of Get to the Roots Extras, Stef speaks with her cowriter Crazy Grandpa about their first release: "We Didn't Start the Fire 2," a sequel / cover of Billy Joel's 1980's hit.    Covering this song has been a dream of Crazy Grandpa's and we made it a reality. He performs a few verses of the song off the cuff and we ask listeners to check out the finished version, as well as share the newly released song with their friends, family, and enemies. We're not picky. We love this song and we know you will too.    Thank you for listening to us speak about creating and making magic happen together. We live in different countries, but meet every week on ZOOM.    Listen on YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/q1XeJHKjzSk?si=Ul95clzrzBbw1SZ7

Stef walks listeners through her annual Christmas radio show on Radio St. Pete, highlighting local holiday tracks, humorous songs, and personal memories that shape her approach to the season. The episode features mentions of local artists, special drops, a call for jokes, and teases the radio debut of a collaborative song with Jérôme Savoie aka Crazy Grandpa.   The song about a Martian and Gorilla found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXwnp3Aka9s 

Get to the Roots Stef dives into the surprising history of "Jingle Bells," revealing its origins as a 19th-century drinking song, forgotten verses, and odd lyrics like "bells on bobtail." She shares fun anecdotes, playground parodies like "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells," and her disdain for Christmas.  Tune in for a witty, irreverent deep-dive with laughs, historical facts, and a radio show update from St. Pete, FL. 

This episode features an interview with musical artist A B3ing, exploring the meaning behind her name and her genre-fluid approach to songwriting, with audio clips from tracks like "Between the Here and Now" and "Dream Serum." A B3ing shares philosophical intent, the challenges of marketing music across styles, her experience in music creation, and the themes of presence and becoming that shape her work. Find her online: https://ab3ing.com/linktree/ 

In this illuminating episode of Get to the Roots Extras, join our host as they welcome the exceptionally talented Jérôme Savoie, a multi-instrumentalist and professional vocalist from Quebec, Canada. Jérôme shares his journey in the music world, his passion for songwriting, and the challenges he faced releasing music over the years. Experience the unique sound of his long-anticipated release, 'Encore Seul,' and discover what makes Jérôme's compositions so special. Delve into the heart of a song that's both similar to a rock opera and pop masterpiece. Hear a personal journey, where Jérôme introduces listeners to the intricate details and emotions behind his music. From explaining the lyrical depth and musical arrangement to sharing advice for aspiring musicians, this episode offers an engaging and comprehensive look into the life of an artist committed to his craft. Don't miss the chance to hear exclusive clips from 'Encore Seul' and gain insights into the creative process behind a musical masterpiece. *** Omg! Check out his work please: "Encore Seul" YouTube: https://youtu.be/BrHl7DcVE90?si=F3EehFu9xqUDN35W    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063646113660 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savoiejerome/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jeromesavoiemusic   "Encore Seul" Release link: https://too.fm/a2xowr1  

Listen to info about Honey Bee's latest release "Mermaid Fishing," an uplifting Trop Rock anthem co-written by Roger Bartlett. This episode takes visit to the Trop Rock music scene of Tampa Bay and introduces Honey Bee's newest single "Mermaid Fishing." Additionally, explore the fascinating realm of Florida's native flora with Darla's "Wild Wednesdays," where she shares her extensive botanical knowledge through engaging video shorts. From iconic plants to gardening insights, discover the lush beauty of Florida's landscape. Wildly Inspired Landscape and Design, aka Darla Ostenson's landscaping and media business informs as well as entertains the specific flora of the Tampa Bay Area Tune in to celebrate the creativity flourishing in the Sunshine State, and get inspired to connect with nature and music.   Facebook Links: Honey Bee Muzik: https://www.facebook.com/share/1bDjJFBG83/?mibextid=wwXIfr    Wildly Inspired Landscape & Design: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GAzqUv8Uk/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

In this special episode of "Get to the Roots Extras," we delve into the captivating world of Fiona Frensche, a talented musician known for her eclectic style and inspiring collaborations. We explore her latest releases, "Sylvie" and "Bend Your Mind," unveiling the stories and creative processes behind these tracks. Join us as we discuss the music video production, the creation of song, women of song, and the fascinating individuals who contributed to these projects. From mysterious muses to all-encompassing artistic endeavors, this episode highlights the diverse and dynamic nature of Fiona's work. Discover the magic of collaboration and the thrill of artistic expression as Fiona shares her journey, offering insights into her creative process and celebrating the imperfect beauty of genuine music. Whether you are a music enthusiast or simply curious about the arts, this episode offers an intimate glimpse into the world of a remarkable artist.   Watch the Bend Your Mind Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViPYoMaQE10    

In this special episode of Get to the Roots Extra, join us as we dive into the vibrant music scene of St. Petersburg, Florida. With no guest speakers, our host takes us on a journey through the local sounds that are transforming Florida's music landscape. Discover the evocative new track "Morrison" by June Bunch, a unique blend of folk and synth that captures the essence of the desert landscape. Explore the emotional depth of Wicked Muse's releases, including "Unknown" and "Helene," with themes of resilience and community strength. Hear about the accomplishments of Alexis Baum of AB Sees You and celebrate her community contributions (and musical gifts).  Finally, delve into the futuristic soundscapes of artist A B3ing, with their innovative track "Between the Here and Now." This episode offers a heartfelt tribute to the independent artists making waves in and beyond St. Petersburg.   Helpful Links:  A B3ing's Between The Here & Now: https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/1VXacld2LqEaakvWrcVU09?utm_source=oembed Find June Bunch on Instagram, Morrison Release Post: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLayDYtMf-V/  Listen on Apple Music to Wicked Muse's Helene: https://music.apple.com/us/song/helene/1790595160 Visit A B Sees You on the Tampa Bay Podcast Archive: https://linktr.ee/abseesyou

Thank you to Domasha Beavers, Chantal Butler, & Willow Hughes for speaking with me about their upcoming event, "Healing Waves," a community south bath and healing event!   A transformative experience at "Healing Waves," a community sound bath and healing event happening on Saturday, March 29th, from 11AM to 4PM at Rowlett Park Shelter in Tampa, Florida located at 2401 East Yukon Street.    This unique event, organized by Enlightened Florida, (https://enlightenedfl.com/, https://www.instagram.com/enlightened.fl/) Zip Mouth Motivation LLC (https://www.facebook.com/Zipmouthmotivationllc/), and Holistic Hippie Vibes (https://holistichippievibes.com/), offers an opportunity for the community to come together and experience the power of sound healing, holistic and health vendors, and community support. There is something for all ages, allowing everyone to lay down a blanket, relax, and enjoy the sound bath. There is also a community swap area for clothing or household / pet related items.   "Healing Waves" aims to uplift spirits, alleviate stress, and foster a sense of togetherness. The event will feature a range of activities including health screenings, holistic providers, amazing food, a clothing drive, gun safety education, and much more. Bring your family, some water, and an open mind to embrace this immersive healing experience.   This inclusive event is designed to leave participants feeling refreshed, balanced, and empowered. Don't miss this opportunity to network, bond with the community, and enjoy a day full of positive vibes and healing.

Join Stef from Get to the Roots Extras as she hosts an enlightening conversation with Alexis Baum, the creator of the spontaneous podcast, AB Sees You. Discover how Alexis dives into the world of unscripted and serendipitous interviews, capturing authentic stories from individuals without warning or preparation. In this episode, Alexis shares her journey of starting AB Sees You, a platform celebrating the beauty of impromptu dialogues, and reflects on her philosophy of embracing presence and rawness in storytelling. Dive deep into the charm of street interviews, lunchtime conversations, and the spontaneity that brings out the most genuine passions in people. Explore Alexis's thoughts on the importance of silliness and escaping the topical heaviness that often fills our auditory space. Get inspired by her unique approach to podcasting and how it intertwines with her career, life philosophy, and future aspirations, offering a fresh perspective on how stories unfold naturally in everyday interactions.   AB Sees You on PodBean AB Sees You

Those Lovebirds speak on what it's like living and playing music in St. Pete FL, who influenced their musical styles, their involvement in many different bands, and their relationship with RadioStPete.com and the Florida Folk Show! Funny stories about performing and neat connections in the music world make this conversation fun and accessible!

A followup interview with Sara Syms, singer-songwriter, and Willow Hughes, sound healer, both of Holistic Hippie Vibes LLC. We speak on many subjects related to health and energy.

At time of recording: Willow Hughes and Sara Syms will be at the Night Vibes Market in Riverview, at Chill Caw Fee, on Saturday 10/12, from 6-9:33PM. Sara Syms will play a folk set, and both will offer different healing / spiritual coaching services, including sound work with singing bowls and tuning fork. On Sunday, October 13th, from 12-4PM, Sara Syms and Willow Hughes also will be at the Tampa Local Market at Florida Avenue Brewing, located at: 2029 Arrow Grass Drive in Wesley Chapel Florida.

Charlie Pace is a singer-songwriter from Everglades City, FL. She appeared on the Florida Folk Show and RadioStPete.com in 2023 and has performed in the Everglades City Music Festival for five years and counting! She will be performing at this year's festival on November 2, 2024 at the Historic Rod and Gun Club in Everglades City, FL.  Charlie Pace is studying to be a sound engineer and has a new album to be released in 2025.

An introduction to Get to the Roots Extras! This podcast archives the interviews performed for my radio show, Get to the Roots on RadioStPete.com and Sunshine 96.7FM. I wanted a place to store and archive all the fun conversations with the amazing guests who have been able to come onto Get to the Roots, without the music used in the official broadcasts. This has been approved by the Station Manager and Owner of RadioStPete.com.