Excelsior Journeys with George Sirois

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with Mr. Michael Dennis. For years, Michael has served his community in Texas as a local pastor, but in addition to that, he has recently checked the box of a big item on his bucket list by trying out stand-up comedy. He has since not only found his voice on the small stage, but he has also connected with other comics, emceed charity events, and even went on the road to different comedy clubs in Texas. Find out more about Michael's journey in stand-up by going HERE.Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with DE Walsh, a prolific poet who has his archive of more than five thousand works available on Amazon, and also has an extensive amount of experience - both personal and professional - with mental health counseling. He talks in his memoir about the psychotic break he suffered while in Dartmouth College in 1975 among many other subjects in this very lively conversation.Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with Douglas Fifer, a decades-long member of the Alaskan Police Department who oversaw the development of so many depraved and explicit crimes that he knew would have an audience of true crime fans. So he took a collection of his experiences and turned them into an anthology called 50 Shades of True Crime, some of the most sexually deviant crimes he ever experienced. While he has naturally found a fanbase of true crime lovers, Doug has also gained attention from aspiring authors who look at creating their own anthology as a great way to introduce yourself to readers everywhere. Get your copy of Doug's book by clicking HERE.And check out Doug's website as well by clicking HERE.Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with Zack Zeller, a marketing mastermind who has gained the trust of several different 7-8 figure authors. For nearly ten years, he has pushed forward his strategy of making your publicity materials just as creative as the work you're promoting, and he is on a mission to reach as many different authors, filmmakers, speakers, etc. as possible.Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois is proud to sit down and have a chat with a man who was a crucial element added to the entertainment industry. In the late 1980s, Art Bell took a chance on an idea: to create a channel based purely on comedy. That idea became a reality for him when he founded The Comedy Channel, which would eventually be renamed Comedy Central. And once this cable channel started producing hits like South Park, Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, The Daily Show, and more, Art moved on to Court TV to serve as its President, and then moved on to writing his own memoir about running Comedy Central, and NOW is an author of modern-day noir thrillers such as "What She's Hiding." To find out more about "What She's Hiding" and other works - past, present, and future - please click HERE.Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois welcomes back to the show filmmaker Michael Charron. As one of the writer/directors who sat in with George on a live recording at the Austin Revolution Film Festival last February, Michael got to share a little bit about his short film that was being screened there: The Time Capsule. Now, with a completed screenplay for a new short film - as well as a proof of concept - called It's Not Hard to Be Romantic About Time Travel, Michael is back on to not only share more details about this sci-fi comedy, but also to go further into his own background in filmmaking ever since childhood. You can contribute to the creation of It's Not Hard to be Romantic About Time Travel by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with fellow author Andrew Serra. While the two share a passion for storytelling, Andrew's journey to get into writing is a far different, much more eventful path. Andrew has been a lover of storytelling for most of his life, but he has also lived most of that life in one of the greatest collection of heroes in this country: the New York Fire Department. After being on the NYFD for over twenty-five years, eventually retiring as the Captain of Ladder 20 in SoHo, Andrew fed his love of writing in the Historical Fiction genre and also wrote the 9/11 memoir Finding John. To find out more about Andrew, including his historical fiction debut "Hell's Hundred Acres," click HERE.Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author & interior designer Amy Barrickman. Ever since she started her design business in 2010, Amy has been working nonstop with her clients and with her social media channel where she shares different designing tips on a regular basis. It didn't take long for these videos to go viral, and they caught the attention of QVC, who invited Amy to appear as an on-camera design expert. This year, Amy took the next step in sharing her design experience with her own book, The Living Room Design Formula: Style Your Home Like a Pro, One Room at a Time, which is now available from booksellers everywhere. Get your copy HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host and producer George Sirois sits down for a very open and deep conversation with filmmaker, publisher, and professor Autumn Karen. Having dedicated so much of her life to storytelling, Autumn has opened the doors to both authors and potential filmmakers with both Woven Lines Publishing and Medusa's Gaze Films. And Autumn has chosen an extremely personal story to tell for the first film presented by Medusa's Gaze: Infinity Care.Learn more about Autumn and her many ventures by clicking HERE.And make sure you donate to Infinity Care's Seed & Spark campaign by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

PRODUCER'S NOTE: APOLOGIES FOR THE AUDIO GLITCHES YOU'LL BE HEARING IN THIS EPISODE, MOSTLY WHENEVER YOU HEAR ME TALKING FOR LONGER STRETCHES. THANKFULLY, ANNIE'S RECORDING SOUNDS GREAT. ENJOY!This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author, speaker, film & television actress, and social media personality Annie Korzen! Starting her career as an actress / writer for Off-Broadway Theatre, she has appeared in various television shows and films, including four memorable appearances on Seinfeld. And after years as a successful author / performer / public speaker, Annie's popularity really took off unexpectedly when she went viral on TikTok, becoming a social media influencer. This led to her releasing her latest book "The Book of Annie: Humor, Heart, and Chutzpa from an Accidental Influencer." Find out more about Annie by clicking HERE.Make sure you follow Annie on TikTok HERE.And while you're at it, get Annie's books by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

NOTE: THE CONVERSATIONS IN THIS EPISODE ARE OF AN EXPLICIT NATURE. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM PLAYING THIS EPISODE AROUND ANYONE 17 YEARS OF AGE OR YOUNGER. THANK YOU.On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with director Vic Lagina. After answering an ad to take part in the production of an adult scene, Vic quickly became a strong asset in the triple-x industry. But while his work got him out of debt and into a much more lavish lifestyle, he was witness to so much more of the darker side than he could have imagined. When he decided to walk away from that world, he used his two decades of experience as the basis of his novel "Filthy: The Rise and (Pending) Death of Vic Lagina," which is available on his own website as well as online booksellers. Check out Vic's website - and see the trailer for "Filthy" - by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author Steph Katzovi. While in the third grade, Steph declared in an essay that when she grew up, she would become a writer. That drive to write for a living never fully went away, even when she went through law school and worked as a strategic communications consultant for Deloitte. Two decades after writing that essay, Steph wrote Hurricamp, the first in the young adult Camp Hillside series, and she made the decision to switch to writing full-time. To this day, Steph is still writing full-time and she is thrilled to announce the latest Camp Hillside book, Miscommunicamp, while working on the third and final book of this trilogy.Learn more about Steph by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

On this very special episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sets up a live conversation at the 2025 Austin Revolution Film Festival. On the night of the awards gala where George's "Minus One Plus" was nominated for Best US Short Script - SciFi, George opened the floor to any filmmakers who wanted to share their experiences when it came to putting their films together and enjoying the festival itself. The attending filmmakers (and the films they represented) are as follows:Michael Charron, "The Time Capsule"Darwin Reina, Katie Reyes, and Scott Simpson, "A Hell of a Trip to Delicias"Jay Strong, "Smoke and Mirrors"Anjelica Hymel, "Twice as Shy"For more information about the Austin Revolution Film Festival, please click HERE.PLEASE NOTE: I only had one microphone so I set it up in the middle of the table in the break room at the festival, so please forgive the audio quality of this one. AUTHOR'S NOTE: The night that this episode was filmed, George's screenplay "Minus One Plus" won the award for Best US Short Script - SciFi. The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with Katie Hallahan, a writer & marketer who has spent years in the publishing industry in many different roles before becoming the COO of Phoenix Online Studios, an independent video game production company. Katie & George discuss how Katie's love of storytelling pushed her in various directions before bringing it to Phoenix Online, where she has become the co-designer for games such as The Silver Lining and Cognition. Learn more about Phoenix Online Studios by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with writer / producer / director / film consultant Summer Shelton. A true asset to the independent film community, Summer has been involved in cinema for decades. She is well experienced in lecturing about beginning, intermediate, and advanced level filmmaking as well as production scheduling, project budgeting, and much more. She has worked her way through all levels of filmmaking and has recently accomplished the ascension to directing her own feature with the film "You and I," which can be seen HERE.Find out more about Summer and Story Farm by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with actor, writer, and stand-up comic Anand Mahalingam. A college dropout who spent his first years in Los Angeles sleeping on friends' couches, Anand pushed himself to get on the stand-up comic stage and not only made a name for himself on the comedy circuit, but also as an actor who can be seen on For All Mankind and How I Met Your Father. He can also be seen as the lead actor in the short film Ronnie California: The King of Artesia. In addition to sharing his story about his various creative outlets, Anand & George also discuss the impact made by the fires in California, their thoughts on stand-up comedy, and much more. Find out more about Anand by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

Thank you for your patience last week while some technical issues were taken care of. I expect all future episodes to be released each Tuesday. It is also with sadness that I must announce the closing of the Once Upon a Podcast Network. It was a really fun run, but there is currently no momentum to carry the network as a whole properly into 2025, so the other two founders and I decided it was best that we - for now - shelve the network and release all shows back to their creators. For those who made a point to follow the various shows we had available, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts and we want to reassure you that Excelsior Journeys, Mimesis, and Unpaused Life will be continuing on as solo podcasts. Whether any of them find a connection with another network, that's entirely the decision of the hosts & producers. On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down once again with fellow author and friend Joe Chianakis. While Joe shared his hit books Secrets & Singlets and Price & Persistence last time, this time he is ready to share his new horror novel Darkness Calls. The two use this time to not only speak at length about Joe's new books, but also to catch up and share some insight of when it comes to grieving the loss of family members and how our creativity can help us get through those difficult times. Find out more about Joe's work by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, producer & host George Sirois sits down with Daisy Eagan, the host of the hit podcast Strange and Unexplained and the youngest female to win a Tony Award. The two discuss Daisy's journey in creativity from performing to writing to getting behind the microphone, and both get to share their own insight on constantly moving forward with ADHD, self-doubt, and other ailments doing their part to impede in their progress. And Daisy shares some information on her latest venture, a podcast network called Grab Bag Collab. For more information on Grab Bag Collab, please click HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with a fellow podcast host, Janet McMordie. After spending years in sports medicine, Janet decided to pursue her passion, acting, and has kept herself busy in film & television, on the stage honing her craft in improvisation, and even as a stunt performer. The two have a wonderful conversation as Janet shares her history through her podcast "Second Act Actors" and reminds us there's never a wrong time to pivot and go after your dreams. Find out more about Janet by clicking HERE.Listen to Janet's show "Second Act Actors" by clicking HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with his friend, fellow author / speaker / writing coach Cherie Postill. As a constant presence with the St. Louis Writers Guild, Cherie has worked with young authors, with experienced authors, with aspiring authors, so many different people who have a story to tell but are unsure how to tell it. For more about Cherie and her work, please click HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

Welcome to Season 10 of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity. It's a new year and a new release day for new episodes, so please note they will now be uploaded every Wednesday instead of Tuesday.This week, host & producer George Sirois sits down with Deborah Heiser, PhD. As the founder & CEO of The Mentor Project, she and her team have helped so many people connect with mentors in their chosen field over the past several years. The mentors they have on hand are experts in science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics, business, and law, and they work with you on various platforms, whether in classrooms, virtually, on podcasts, on television, one-on-one, however you are able. You can find out more about what the project offers, and get a copy of Deborah's book "The Mentorship Edge" by clicking HERE.And you can see Deborah on the TEDx stage by clicking HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

Happy New Year and welcome to the Season 09 Finale of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity. For this brief episode, host & producer George Sirois looks back with fondness on several creative breakthroughs in 2024 that inspired his resolution in 2025: to stop getting in his own way and to remember what it feels like when he does that. For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

Merry Christmas! This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois welcomes fellow podcaster Dan Delgado (host of The Jockey Club Podcast) to celebrate 35 years of the 1989 Richard Dreyfuss / Teri Garr comedy Let It Ride. To listen to more of Dan's podcasts, click HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois welcomes John David Graham, the Executive Director of Good Samaritan Home, a housing & mentoring program for men and women returning to everyday life after time in prison. John has been involved in this organization since he founded it in 2001, and at the age of 75, he added published author to his already impressive resume. His debut novel "Running as Fast as I Can" is currently available on all formats and has been called by Kirkus Reviews an "often profound historical novel."For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

As the holiday season begins, it's very common for people to start feeling down, depressed, or worse. Excelsior Journeys host & producer George Sirois is very familiar with all of this, and so he felt this was the ideal time to have fellow author and fellow podcaster Thomas Brown as his guest. Thomas has two different mental health-based podcasts available - Inner Monologue and Stages - and the two of them discuss Thomas's foundation R.I.S.E. Phoenix and his book 2012: A Bicycle Odyssey. For more information about Thomas and his foundation, please click HERE. And for those in need of help, please call or text 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois celebrates 300 episodes of this podcast by presenting the complete 2-hour production of "Excelsior: The Audio Journey." Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to listen to at least one episode of this show over the previous six years.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author & editor Lindsay Flanagan. The two discuss Lindsay's history in writing, leading to her not only releasing her latest novel Little Red Wraith, but also joining the staff of Roan & Weatherford Publishing Associates, just as George did earlier this year. For more about Lindsay and her works, click HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with actor & voice artist Chris Dattoli. Experienced in commercials, elearning videos, video games, radio spots, and more, Chris has built an incredibly impressive portfolio over the years and an even more impressive list of happy clients, including Microsoft, Lowe's, Samsung, Red Robin, and the NFL. Here, Chris shares his evolution into a full-time voice actor and provides some very valuable tips to get started in this business. For more information about Chris, please click HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with acclaimed book coach and novelist Josee Smith. For years, Josee had been considering the possibilities of what could happen if she decided to pursue her passion of writing and creating characters that represented her and her loved ones. And then, in 2021, she started her journey as an author, and has introduced herself as a book coach as well. She helps black and brown working moms gain confidence as writers and achieve their childhood dreams as well!For more information about Josee, please click HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with physician & researcher Dr. Laura Gabayan. While breaking down the elements that make up Common Wisdom, as described in Dr. Gabayan's book, the two have a fascinating discussion about how this project came to be, the different people who were tracked down to participate in the research and interviews, the various perspectives that come to light from talking with the subjects, and so much more. To learn more about Dr. Gabayan and her book Common Wisdom, click HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois leaves the confines of the home recording studio and meets with children's book author & poet TM Pedroley. Inspired by a particular student in TM's classroom during her teacher days, she has literally jumped into the world of children's books with her book "Jack Jumps to the Zoo." Since its release, she has gone on to write three more books in "The Adventures of Jumping Jack," including its latest entry, "Jack Jumps to the Farm." And her works have gone beyond the children's book genre, since she has also recently released her collection of poetry and short stories. For more about TM Pedroley and her works, please click HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with a woman of many talents: entrepreneur, actress, musician, television show host Keldamuzik. For several years now, Kelda has been working hard not only getting her persona out there - especially on the west coast - but also putting the spotlight on up-and-coming artists. All the work she has put in is paying off, with her show Diva Talk Tonight making its way to Amazon Prime Video and Tubi, and this has led her to become a figure of inspiration for those who want to get themselves in front of the camera but aren't sure where to start. For more about Keldamuzik, click HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author & publicist Laura Stegman. As the mind behind the acclaimed "Summer of L.U.C.K." trilogy for young readers, Laura has dedicated years of her life to get these books out into the world, and has also provided tools and knowledge for other up-and-coming authors with her PR Tips for Authors workshop, a step-by-step guide to building a digital author media kit. In addition to this, she owns Laura Segal Stegman Public Relations LLC, and her non-fiction work has been featured in books, magazine, and newspapers along both coasts.For more about Laura and her work, click HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with writer Michael Charles Hill, and the two of them look back at his time as a writer/producer with Sunbow Productions. While there, Michael was responsible for some of the most memorable episodes of 1980s animation. Michael gave us the unforgettable riff of "Cold Slither" on G.I.Joe, the origin story of the Combaticons on TransFormers, Part 2 of the Season 3 episode "The Return of Optimus Prime," and so much more. For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with Jamey Stegmaier, co-founder of the St. Louis-based tabletop game publisher Stonemaier Games. For over a decade, Jamey and his team have released games such as Expeditions, Scythe, Rolling Realms, and more, while pushing the possibilities of design & execution beyond the typical roll-and-play dynamics we have known for decades. But instead of keeping their winning formula to themselves, Jamey has consistently shared his wisdom on YouTube so others can be inspired to get into game design and avoid the pitfalls discussed in his videos. To learn more about Stonemaier Games, click HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with award-winning author & instructor Nina Schuyler. After presenting various books that focus on many different genres, Nina decided to take a collection of her own short stories and combine them into one large anthology, "In This Ravishing World," which has been released through Regal House Publishing. Nina not only joins us to talk about her history as an author, but also how she's been able to pave the road to personal success behind her so others could follow on a much easier path. To get your copy of "In This Ravishing World," click HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with Pooneh Sadeghi, author of the recently released global thriller Rumi and the Retribution. The two discuss the age-old phrase "write what you know" and how Pooneh wove years of research and knowledge of Persian culture into a story rather than just write a non-fiction book. She dedicated years of writing and rewriting until her labor of love found a home with Roan & Weatherford Publishing Associates, and she wants to make sure that you don't give up on your own passion projects so you can hopefully reach the same success she has with hers.Get your copy of Rumi and the Retribution by clicking HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

THIS EPISODE OF EXCELSIOR JOURNEYS FEATURES LANGUAGE OF A MORE FRANK & EXPLICIT NATURE. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with Kerrie Legend, an author, a designer, an expert at navigating various social media platforms to an author's benefit. She has a lot to share when it comes to helping authors with developing and harnessing those skills, and more often than not, it's those kinds of skills that authors and other creatives tend to lack. With the release of her latest book "What is This Fuckery?" Kerrie not only shares the skills she has built over the past several years, but does so in a way that's refreshingly candid and exactly what creatives everywhere want to hear and NEED to hear!Find out more about Kerrie by clicking HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

Nearly 40 years ago, host & producer George Sirois was introduced to this week's guest when he stumbled upon a movie on HBO called "Summer Camp Nightmare." It featured a brief appearance by actor & author David Hern, and this was not only the starting point to this week's conversation, but it was also the start of David's time in Hollywood. Since then, he appeared in various roles on films & television programs, and he took the time to document his time in Hollywood with his memoir, "How Not to Make it in Hollywood," which is available on Amazon HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

For more than forty years, composer Misha Segal has been consistently working on all kinds of films and television projects, from Ninja III: The Domination to The Facts of Life Goes to Paris to Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon to 1989's Phantom of the Opera with Robert Englund. To this day, Misha not only continues to inspire as he had throughout the 1980s, but he also makes a point to check out other musicians on TikTok and duet with other musicians on the app. To see for yourself how active Misha continues to be, cilck HERE!For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with accomplished jazz musician, instructor, and podcaster Miguel Landestoy. For nearly twenty years, Miguel has taken his love of music and turned it into a livelihood, and also turned his love of pop culture into the PlayBlack Podcast. Learn more about Miguel by clicking HERE and subscribe to his podcast HERE. For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author, college professor, and LGBTQ advocate Joe Chianakas. After reaching bestselling status with the Rabbit in Red trilogy, Joe would go on to create a new LGBTQ-focused YA series starting with Singlets & Secrets, inspired by The Karate Kid and its sequel series Cobra Kai. Learn more about Joe Chianakas by clicking HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author / publisher Jendia Gammon. A Nebula Award finalist, Jendia has had a love and passion for writing since childhood, and that has led to various published works released through different presses around the country. And now, with the development of an anthology filled with works by celebrated authors around the world, Jendia and her husband have taken the next step in their author journeys by opening up their own publishing house, creating new opportunities for those looking to get their stories into the hands of potential readers. Learn more about Jendia Gammon by clicking HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

It's the Season 9 Premiere of the Excelsior Journeys podcast, and host/producer George Sirois is starting this season with multi-game designer Lucas Zellers. In addition to sharing his journey into the world of games, Lucas goes into great detail about the development of his enormously successful crowdfunding campaign for his game "Book of Extinction," and so much more!For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

We've reached the end of Season 8 of Excelsior Journeys, and so this conversation with digital strategist Ann Koppuzha is picking up where last week left off. Last week, we learned about how Ann has been working for years with podcasters, authors, and other content creators developing strategies for them to get their work in front of as many eyes as possible. For this episode, Ann & I go into the L word, Legal, and discuss the promising language and the red flags that can go into both agency contracts and publishing contracts, and more. For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

We're reaching the end of Season 8 of Excelsior Journeys, and so this conversation with digital strategist Ann Koppuzha will be a two-parter. Ann has been working for years with podcasters, authors, and other content creators developing strategies for them to get their work in front of as many eyes as possible. For this episode, Ann & I go into her history of how she got into being a strategist, her first successes, what she has learned along the way, and what she continues to learn to this day. For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with FMO Media's VP of Operations, Rebecca Vickers. As a marketer, a performer, and now as the head of her own publishing company, Rebecca's primary thrust that she brings to all of her ventures is storytelling. And the lesson she learned during her journey is that fellow creatives don't have to be afraid of marketing, they just have to look at it in the way they already look at the rest of the world. For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author Mic Lowther, who harnessed his decades-long dream of writing into seeking out experiences that can become the basis for later stories. The first major experience came in 1973 when he, his wife, and their 10-year-old child walked the Appalachian Trail, a 200+ day-long adventure that was documented in his book "Walking North." Since completing that journey, Mic has gone on to write a follow-up non-fiction book, as well as several children's books and his fiction trilogy that started with the novel "Seventeen Parcels" and continues with "The Unlikely Redemption of the Thief Sydney Bridgewater" (Part 3 is currently in development). Learn more about Michaell by following the different links on his website HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with multimedia artist & author Michaell Magrutsche. This became a truly fascinating conversation that focused on the one thing that all creatives take for granted: finding out where the ideas came from that sparked the artistic journey we're all on. Learn more about Michaell by following the different links on his website HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys, host & producer George Sirois sits down with ceramic artist & author Morgan McCarver. From overcoming scoliosis spinal fusion surgery to working with all kinds of clay to start up her business that now resides in Asheville, NC, Morgan never lost sight of her faith, which guides her to the next milestones in her life, which includes when she became an author of the book "God The Artist." Learn more about Morgan by clicking HERE.For those who would like to get involved with the Once Upon a Podcast Network, please message onceuponapodcastnetwork@gmail.com with your contact information and the name & description of your show. And if you have an idea for any of the concepts listed below, definitely let us know! We'd like to add shows that focus on the following:Indie Comics / Cosplaying / Book Club (roundtable show with indie books & authors) / Indie Films / Conventions / Fan Fiction / Self-Help (a creative host focusing on ailments all creatives deal with such as anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, etc)Subscribe to all shows in the Once Upon a Podcast Network by clicking HERE.The Excelsior Journeys podcast exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.