The journey from passionate film enthusiast to director isn't always a straight path. For Jonathan L. Bowen, that journey involved writing 600 movie reviews as a teenager, studying philosophy in college, and experiencing a decade-long gap between his first and second feature films.

Throughout our conversation, Bowen offers fascinating insights into the changing landscape of independent film. He discusses how streaming services have evolved from neutral platforms showcasing diverse content to studios prioritizing their own productions, making it increasingly difficult for true indies to find audiences. Similarly, he notes how major film festivals now favor projects with celebrity involvement over genuinely independent works.

Despite these challenges, Bowen remains optimistic about filmmaking's power to connect with audiences through authentic storytelling. Whether examining the small store versus big store dynamic in the comic book world or exploring how relationships can pull us out of creative ruts, "The Comic Shop" demonstrates that it's never too late to rediscover your passion.

Check out "The Comic Shop" on digital platforms and follow Jonathan Bowen to see what creative projects he tackles next – hopefully in less than another decade!

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Andy James takes us on a captivating journey from Melbourne to Madrid and beyond in this illuminating conversation about fusion, culture, and artistic evolution. A world-acclaimed flamenco dancer who pivoted to jazz artistry, James embodies the beautiful intersection of seemingly disparate musical traditions.

James explains how her latest album "Happy People" — recorded across five countries including Spain, Italy and the United States — represents years of creative development and features fourteen original compositions that showcase this unique fusion.

James offers fascinating insights into flamenco's varied reception worldwide, noting its stronger following in European countries while remaining somewhat on the cultural fringe in America. She sees the United States as an "untapped market" ripe for flamenco's rhythmic complexity and emotional depth, especially when presented through her accessible jazz-fusion approach.

Discover this fascinating musical intersection through Andy James' "Happy People," available now on all streaming platforms, and follow her upcoming tour through Italy as she continues to spread happiness through her innovative approach to cross-cultural musical expression.

Check out Happy People Here

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David Sancious doesn't just play music – he transforms it. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and original E Street Band member sits down for a revealing conversation that spans his remarkable journey from childhood piano lessons to collaborations with the biggest names in music history.

From the moment Sancious describes his musical upbringing – classical piano from his mother, jazz from his father, and everything from Eastern music to avant-garde jazz from his brothers – you understand why he's become the secret ingredient in countless legendary recordings. His versatility isn't just technical; it stems from a profound, lifelong love affair with music itself.

What makes this conversation special is Sancious' rare combination of musical genius and genuine humility. He discusses working with Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, Sting, Eric Clapton, and Santana not as career achievements to boast about, but as opportunities to serve each artist's unique vision. His collaborative philosophy – giving each songwriter the freedom to hear their music exactly as they envision it while contributing his own spontaneity – explains why he's been music's most sought-after collaborator for decades.

The conversation turns to Sancious' current projects, including his upcoming album "The Ghost of Jim Crow" and his composition duo with Living Color's Will Calhoun.

Listen now to discover the wisdom of a musical master.

All David’s albums are available for purchase exclusively at http://therealdavidsancious.com

"Eyes Wide Open" is available for purchase on CD, vinyl & download (MP3) at www.therealdavidsancious.com

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Although we’ve only met once and spoken a handful of times, I consider actor Falk Hentschel Henlee and his wife, Kim, friends. We first connected at a comic con in Minnesota, where Falk was meeting fans and promoting his role as Hawkman on the CW shows. What began as a brief interview request turned into an entire afternoon spent with Falk and Kim. They are truly some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, and I’ll jump at any opportunity to reconnect with them or highlight their amazing work.

One of the main reasons I started my podcast was to have authentic conversations with fascinating people. This episode might not be breaking news, but I’m thrilled to chat with Falk about his exciting new project, *The Zen Cowboy Experience*, and his latest film, *Recollection*, which is making waves on the festival circuit. On top of that, we discuss an exciting chapter in their lives—the arrival of their second child. I love these laid-back, genuine conversations and hope to have Kim on the show in the near future as well.

Side note correction. I was mistaken, It was Black Atom not the Flash that had the Hawkman character.

I also will confess I was coming down with a cold and stuffed up and because of that my audio settings were slightly off.

For more on Recollection click here

For more on The Zen Cowboy Experience click here

Check out his new podcast click here

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What does authentic musicianship look like in today's digital world? Mark DiPietro answers this question through five decades of dedication to his craft, sharing his remarkable journey from pretending a tennis racket was his guitar at age five to releasing two albums filled with real instruments and genuine expression.

His debut album "DiPietro Leaving a Mark" and sophomore release "The 13th Wave" showcase his talent, featuring real string sections, layered vocals, and guitar work that speaks rather than simply impresses.

Intentionally avoiding being pigeonholed, his music spans different genres and emotions, creating albums that offer diverse listening experiences rather than variations on a single sound.

For more on Marks music click here.

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Prepare yourself for an energetic journey with the one and only Lorraine Lewis, a trailblazer in the rock music scene since the 80s.

Lorraine opens up about her dream to follow in the footsteps of her idol, David Lee Roth. Despite facing the intense challenges of a male-dominated industry, Lorraine’s story is one of resilience and integrity as she carved out a successful path without losing sight of her values.

From signing a record deal to producing unforgettable music videos, Lorraine candidly shares the reality behind the rock and roll lifestyle, emphasizing the essential role of self-care on tour.

Follow her on Instagram here. https://www.instagram.com/lorrainelewisrocks/

Sign up for her only fans page here. www.OnlyFans.com/LorraineLewisRocks

What happens when you choose passion over a traditional career path? Amielynn Abellera, our guest, shares her remarkable journey from Stockton, California, all the way to the heart of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. As a Filipino-American stage, screen, and voice actress, Amielynn’s story is one of self-discovery and embracing cultural heritage.

From her early days on the sets of shows like NCIS to her transition from theater to television, Amielynn opens up about her internal battle between a promising path in medicine and her undeniable love for the arts.

As she gears up for her role in "The Pitt" as a compassionate Filipino-American nurse, Amielynn reflects on the growing representation of Filipinos in media today.

Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of acting and cultural identity with Amielynn Abellera, a testament to the power of resilience and embracing one's heritage.

Renowned actress and singer Rebecca Holden takes us on a nostalgic journey through her vibrant career, sharing stories from her time on the iconic show Knight Rider.

Her insights into the creative process, script adaptations, and the technical intricacies of working with the legendary Kit car offer a captivating glimpse into the world of 80s television. Rebecca’s reflections highlight the enduring appeal of Knight Rider, with its heartfelt storytelling and moral triumphs, underscoring the series' lasting impact on viewers and its empowering message of good overcoming evil.

Rebecca also opens up about her current philanthropic and creative pursuits. As the holidays approach, Rebecca shares her joy for music and the importance of community, leaving us inspired by her journey and eager to support her ongoing projects.

***Each guest that comes on The Staffa Corner Podcast is taking time out of their busy schedule. Sometimes that means they aren’t in the best environment and a lot of background noise is picked up. Sometimes these things can’t be avoided and I did my best to clear up the audio and remove the background noise. ***

For more on the Get Together Foundation https://gettogetherfoundation.org/

For more on the Rebecca Holden visit her page https://www.rebeccaholden.com/