My special guest on the podcast this month is LJ Shepherd, author of the stunning debut novel The Trials of Lila Dalton. We discuss first lines and opening pages, the benefits of attending festivals, the book that inspired her to choose her agent, and we get sneak peek into the notebook where she first jotted down her ideas for the novel that would…

Welcome to the first episode of Creative Differences with my special guest SC Gowland. We discuss curating the short story anthology The Law of Consequences, how to write a short story, and Steve reveals the little things that have made a big difference to his writing career. I also launch the GREEN ROOM: twice-monthly live Zoom sessions with me, e…

In this episode, I chat with burlesque performer Somerset O'Neil. We talk about what burlesque is (and isn't), how audiences should react, and about the changes in the Memphis scene. We discuss how she prepares for a performance and how complicated the costuming process can be. She also shares some entertaining stories about when things go wrong on…

In this episode, I talk to actress Charisse Norment. We discuss the plays, shorts, and films she has been in. She dishes on the trials of making independent movies, and shares her joy of performing Shakespeare with school children. She also talks about how she prepares for a role, and what can happen when she gets too far into it. For more informat…

In this episode, I sit down with Adam Guerrero at the Cooper Young Farmer's Market. We discuss Adam's efforts to transform vacant lots in North Memphis into urban farms. His ultimate goal is provide much needed nutrient rich foods to an area that has very few options. The gardens are also a way to empower the community and stop outsider gentrificat…

In this episode, I talk to photographer John Upton about his upcoming show, Walter Waters: The Un-Legacy of a film failure. The exhibit is about a fictional director who goes made and destroys the prints of his 3 films. The photos are the only remaining stills from those movies. We also discuss current events, small towns, and personal biases. John…

Season Two starts off with filmmaker Rachel Taylor. We chat about her short Avarice, fantasy films, and our goals as writer/directors. For more information about Rachel: http://www.pianomanpictures.com/avarice.html https://twitter.com/rachelmtaylor12 For more about Richard: http://www.richardalester.com…

For this episode, I decided to do a little something different. Instead of sitting down with an artist in the usual sense, I spoke with animal lover Beth Spencer about her pet rescue work. We also talk about the ongoing problems with the MAS, and discuss ways that you can help dogs and cats find a permanent home. For more about Beth: memphispetsali…

In this episode I sit down with writer Danian Jerry. We discuss his novel in progress, his upcoming graphic novel, and the merits of Stephen King. Danian takes us through his love of music and how he has brought that into his passion for writing. For more information about Danian Jerry: https://www.facebook.com/danian.jerry For more information abo…

In this episode, I sit down with the members of post punk band, The Family Ghost. We discuss their new album, No Dreams, heartache, sadness, and sampling! These guys are really funny, and we laughed a lot during this. For more on The Family Ghost: Bandcamp: http://thefamilyghost.bandcamp.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Family-Ghost/…

For this episode, I talked with Josh Shipp, Jason Pulley, and James Hoffman about their reunion show. The guys have spent the past decade or so recording/playing under the names Mrs. Fletcher, The Adversary, and To Serve Man.

In this episode, I sit down with hip hop artist Marco Pave'. We discuss his meteoric rise, his upcoming trip to L.A., and the struggles Memphis faces as a city. He shows that he is just as concerned about helping the community as he is with his own success. For more on Marco: http://www.facebook.com/IAMKINGPAVE/ For more on Richard: http://www.rich…

In this episode, I talk to Jack about his new band, The Pneumatic Girls, and their new album, Imperial Lanes. We also discuss the state of the music industry, physical media vs digital, and his influences. If you haven't heard this record, make sure you grab one ASAP! For more on Jack: https://www.facebook.com/ThePneumaticGirls For more on Richard …