Podcasts about earth life

#realconversations #actor #stage #stoicism #millennail#Oregon #film CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THESPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet QUINN VASBINDER. “I'm a big fan of the universe and its powers of connection, which meansI was thrilled to have met Quinn. A Zoom chat and commonalities anddiscoveries. Basketball. Acting. Courage. Auditions. Risk-taking. Rejection.Kindness. And a half-century age disparity. I never felt it. Actually, in twoZooms, I mentioned to Quinn that I thought he was fifty (not twenty-something).A huge compliment, I carefully explained. How worldly, grounded, disciplined.Hugely anticipated interview. To the legions of Gen Z, millennials, and beyond,an amazing spokesperson. You all know I often say the movie Casablanca changedmy life, so Quinn's acting journey intrigues and bonds. He is entertaining,ebullient, genuine, caring, and brilliant. I love his thought, “courage overcomfort.” His journey now is taking him from the stage to film and TV. And whenI asked his favorite film. “Jurassic Park.” Can you imagine his reaction when Imentioned going on a fossil dig next week with a dinosaur DNA researcher?  Watch the interview. In the meantime, hereare some words and thoughts. Going on stage for the first time was terrifying.Being in sales helps with rejection. Stoicism. It's wisdom from a hundred yearsago. Not much is in our control. Do you think courage is something you are bornwith or build? “Build it!” Everybody is worth listening to. A favorite word,hope. Afraid to take that leap. Just do it. I get these spiritual visions.Quinn is accepting a Best Acting Award in Los Angeles. I knew him when. A greatinterview.”  Calvin

#realconversations #actor #screenwriter #director#GoldenGirls CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet Jacqueline (Jackie) Letkowski: Actually, Jackie and Iliterally met walking into the Garden State Film Festival last year as herfilm, ‘Cecelia's Ship' was screening. I interviewed her a few days before. Whatwas observed last year still resonates and then some. Jackie is talented,enigmatic, energetic, brilliant, and passionate about film. If you fall underthe film umbrella in any capacity, then this is a special interview. Jackiedoes it all. A middle-aged woman (we talk about the age thing. Remember GoldenGirls?), a mother, screenwriter, director, actress, businesswoman, founder ofFilm Nerd Pictures. As customary in my brief introductory words, here are theessences of Jackie's thoughts and notions. “I'd rather have someone hate mywork rather than be indifferent”. Often, she said these words. Resilience, thestory, and funding. Powerful words. Love is the most important currency.Contests? Depending on who is judging. Took an acting class to improve herdialogue. Her best work is under pressure. Dark comedy. She laughed when almostassaulted while walking the streets of NYC. Hard stop. I could go on and onhere. Best to watch Jackie's interview. An old Reader's Digest ongoing articleseries. “The Most Unforgettable Character I've Ever Met.” Jackie Letkowski is.Calvin

#realconversations #music #medieval #farming #author#trombone #Scotland CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THESPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet LAURA VOSIKA; “Just a few weeks ago, I was a gueston Laura's enduring podcast, Books and Brews, so we swapped. Laura's journey isiconic. Perhaps even the right stuff they make movies about. Growing up in themilitary, visiting castles in England, sites, and happenings in Germany.Raising a large family. A freelance musician. Trombone. I never met a tromboneplayer before. “Trombone players have a certain personality.” Life inMinnesota. Bachelor's degree. Master's degree in education. Teaching. Band direction.Author of Blue Bells Chronicles. A lot of books were sold. And today ourinterview was conducted on her working farm in Tennessee. Mountains and sheepjust out her window. She's wondrously delightful, insightful, charming,eloquent, and brilliant. Love talking about her connections to Scotland. One ofmy favorite mood songs is Loch Lomond. She writes about time travel andmedieval Scotland. As I do in these capsules, I like to deposit words andideas.  She wrote a poem at 8 years oldand a novel at 10. She writes about redemption. And Robert the Bruce and histwo-headed axe. The fifties were a safe time. I mentioned how I look like Dr.Brown from Back to the Future. Talked about being an author. Need thick skin.“Love that book so I married the author.” She was born with a midlife crisis.Now you can grasp why I thought there's a movie here. Enough said.” Calvin

#realconversation #actor#AcademyAward #Broadway #Buddhism#teaching #PaulNewman #SallyField CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet LINDSAY CROUSE: “Often I talk about the universe,antennas reaching out, a word, something, things inexplicable and beyond. Myjourney to meeting Lindsay Crouse fits. Now, one of my most endearing andpoignant afternoons. How does this happen? I watch ‘All the President's Men' asa journalist every eight weeks. A bit OCD. Two weeks ago, I wondered who playedKay Eddy at the Washington Post. Lindsay Crouse. A bright light bulb. ‘SlapShot' with Paul Newman. All her roles are complicated women.  Energized, I reached out, something I've never done. Here weare. I love it when my cerebral process is swirling with input. Lindsay isbrilliant, accomplished, gracious, passionate, and consummate. Beneath thecamera on Zoom, I ceremoniously pinch myself. There is so much to thisinterview with Lindsay. You all need to watch. Replete with synchronicity andspirituality.Her father, Russel Crouse, was an accomplished playwrightwith Howard Lindsay. (A Tony Award for the book, ‘Sound of Music.') Her mother,Anna, was an actress and activist. She learned it's a privilege to be an actor.Her father asked whether she wanted to act. He said, “It's a dirty business.”  I'm frozen, absorbingher words. She studied with Uta Hagen, Sandy Meisner (both legends), andElizabeth Dickson (who taught Katherine Hepburn). All that instructional energywent into Lindsay's performance in ‘The Verdict.' I watched the movie onSunday. Lindsay is amazingly riveting. Then her Academy Award-nominatedperformance in ‘Places in the Heart.' Her director, Robert Benton, from Texas,was brilliant. The movie's ending is brilliant. Someone said, after beingnominated for the Academy Award, “It will be tough for you now.” Working with her then-husband David Mamet in ‘House ofGames'. A minimalist director. “We trusted each other.”  I asked another question. Lindsay answered,“Abraham Lincoln.” Enough said for now. A sumptuous, magical interview. Lindsayis perfectly gracious.” Calvin

#realconversations #professionalgambler #LasVegas #Hollywood#Author #actor #BlackJack #Chicago**CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet RICHARD MUNCHKIN; “I'm invoking the universe andgratitude on orchestrations for meeting Richard Munchkin. He's a plethora ofenergy. Began his life in Chicago studying theater and also fell in love withgambling. Went to LA, did film and acting. But there was gambling and LasVegas. Richard is engrossing, brilliant, honest, charming, and successful. Yes,he wins. I never win. He disagreed with my self-description. So, I told himabout my Rutgers football trip to Pittsburgh. Maybe I convinced him. Manyquestions to ask a gambler. Is professional gambling more about math orpsychology? Can every casino game be beaten? Profession versus hobby? He is anauthor too. “Gambling Wizards” is a conversation with the world's greatestgamblers. Indeed, for me, this was a dreamy interview. Fascinating on manylevels. Counting cards. Mysterious. Vegas way back. What was it like? Commontraits of great gamblers. He likes the movie, ‘Harold and Maude.' Richard hasworked as a writer, producer, actor, and director. And he's a currentpodcaster, ‘Life is a Gamble.' Richard has learned so much about human nature.We explore that as well in our time together. Then, towards the end of ourinterview, I had an epiphany. I love epiphanies. Richard's life story is amovie to be made. Enough said.” Calvin

#realconversations #AI #mystic #technologist #football#RutgersNewark #consciousness #parasympathetic #author CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet PETE SACCO…. “I've seen a lot, met endless purveyors,descriptors, classics, and originals. Now Pete Sacco. He's all four and beyond.Our wrists are adorned with bracelets of significance. We attendedRutgers-Newark. He was football, and I was basketball. He is a CEO,entrepreneur, technologist, and mystic. He coached football. A family man.Founded several successful tech ventures. We Zoomed the day before to getacquainted. Powerful stuff. Impacted my sleep. I was resonating. Thinking abouthis eloquence, consciousness, brilliance, and balanced mind, body, and spirit.I'm going to throw around some words and ideas. Bio-electric field of cells.Not quite discovered yet. Cancer? Pete is AI in many ways. So, my resonating?  After two days of Pete. AI. Consciousness.Sympathetic. Parasympathetic. We, the species, are getting closer to seeing themind of. We are given this ability to learn and brought closer to understandingfrom the beginning. How consciousness and AI impact humanity. AI is forcing usto evolve. I told Pete that I am a more productive, happier person with AIhelping me, not fearing it.  Pete got hisdegree in electrical engineering and helped develop a power supply for defensesystems. How AI is becoming more sentient. The night before, I read Pete'slatest book (and took notes), “The Bridge.' Essential fast provocative reading.‘How Building AI Infrastructure Taught Me That Human Consciousness Is the RealTechnology.' Pete Sacco is a gift. And I could go on and on. One more thought.My two days with Pete made me think of the great 1956 sci-fi film ‘ForbiddenPlanet' and the Krell, a highly advanced race. Enough said. Just a final thanksto Influencer Press', Laurens Tijssen, Maria Zsal, and Rachelle Anne for theintro to Pete Sacco. Calvin

#realconversations #poverty #finance #banking #Africa#Chicago #ThurgoodMarshall #TheShawshankRedemption #author**CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet JUSTIN MAHWIKIZI: “When we connected a few weeks ago, Iprocessed Justin's vast financial background and accomplishments. His book,‘The Manufacturing of Poverty,' resonated hugely. Endless questions to ask himin an interview. Bouncing around my sensibilities is how to keep this interviewless than 100 questions. Justin is eloquent, caring, genuine, and brilliant. Heinspired many off-topic questions. Future thinks. This interview is essential.I think it's expedient to insert some ideas, words, concepts, and images intothis intro. Purpose. To induce viewing. You can look in someone's eye and seepoverty. Poverty is something manufactured rather than accidental. It's likeplaying basketball on a soccer field. (powerful imagery). He interviewed tens ofthousands of people. Main takeaway. How similar people are. Several times, heanswered, “Find Trust.”  Reduce costs.Buy together. (for small businesses). Be gatherers, not hunters. Allow yourselfto fail. I heard the same thing last week in another interview. Modern financeis 75% psychology and 25% math. He'd like to spend a day with ThurgoodMarshall. So would I! Marshall's father took him to court when he was a kid toobserve the court. Amazing parenting. The Shawshank Redemption. (an answer to aquestion) Dignity in escaping poverty. Love yourself first. Justin attendedValley Forge Military Academy. Then Temple. We talked about John Chaney,basketball coach. Enough said to grasp the depth, diversity, and necessity ofthis interview.” Calvin

#realconversations #Rutgers #FinalFour #basketball #author#WallStreet #baseball **CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIES

#realconversations #failforward #realestate #success #author#Texas #Iowa **CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet JIM MAZZIOTTI; Once again, I invoke elements of thevast universe for connectivity. I met Jim Mazziotti a month ago. A blink of aneye, and I was a guest on his podcast, ‘Senior to Seniors,' obviously focusingon seniors. Gosh, I'm an octogenarian. A perfect interview. Check it out. Now Iget a chance to host Jim, a fascinating, hugely accomplished top real estateand property specialist. He is eloquent, successful, giving, sensitive, andcaring. A visionary, family man, and author. Now watch this. Today's interviewdeals with ‘How to Fail Forward.' The most important skill in business and lifeis not the ability to succeed. It's the ability to fail forward. This isbrilliant thinking. Comes from John C. Maxwell's landmark work. Achievingsuccess through failure. You all really should watch this interview. In themeantime, some ideas and words to energize. Often, Jim talks about reducingfear. Allow failure. Take action. Failing backward is waving a white flag.Failing forward is accepting everything. He originally studied music. Wouldlove to meet Paul McCartney. They filmed Field of Dreams a mile from his housein Iowa. He left Iowa bravely and went to Oregon, and now is in Texas. He is insales. I was in eyewear sales for 25 years. We relate well to each other. Weall face failure. You are not your failure. Recognize and move forward. Failureis a price we pay to achieve success. Simply brilliant. Real. Necessary. AIcan't help you as Jim can. I told him this. I took two pages of notes duringthe interview. And he's coming back. He made my day.” Calvin

#realconversations #College #Rutgers #supplychain #marketing#mentoring CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet ADITI SANDHIR. “This is magically one of my mostspecial and precious interviews. Last September, I was assigned to mentor Aditias part of the 4WARD Mentoring program at Rutgers University. She is asophomore studying Supply Chain and Marketing at Rutgers Business School. Afterour first Zoom session, instant chemistry. I marveled at her depth, brilliance,versatility, and eloquence. I joked that I felt like I was talking to aforty-year-old, not a sophomore. A huge compliment, I explained. The programrequired one mentoring session a month. We decided on one Zoom session a week.That's chemistry. And testament to Aditi, we bridged and leveled our sixty-yearage difference that first hour. We met in person when Aditi chaired a Diningwith the Distinguished event with the Future Business Leaders of America. Thisyear flew by. Aditi amazed. A most perfect mentoring experience. And thisinterview today was our last official communication. Hugely sentimental. Andthis interview is like the last 800 global interviews and videos I've done onConversations with Calvin. Best to watch and absorb. In the meantime. Some ofAditi's thoughts. Set boundaries. The importance of networking. Consistency inhabits. Sleep. Eat. Stay in the present (like the power of Now). Wanting tospend the day with Kalpana Chawla (the first woman of Indian origin in space).To give back. I didn't want this interview to end. I continue to marvel atAditi. But it's Saturday. A few weeks to finals.” Calvin

Some of the 635,000 impact craters found on Mars are the result of such violent impacts that pieces of Mars are ejected, travel around the solar system, and a few become one of the several hundred Martian meteorites which have been discovered here on Earth. An experiment is described which does not prove we are descendants of martian bacteria however it does improve our ability to protect our planet and understand where life may be possible elsewhere in the universe.

#realconversations #Hollywood #microdrama CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin Schwartz Meet NICOLE MATTOX and SETH EDEEN, starring in The Hitwoman.“It is a brave new world. Of young actors and actresses. Film. Writing.Content. Microdrama storytelling. Thanks to LaQuita Washington at QEY CreativeStudios for implementing this interview. Great chemistry with Nicole and Seth.Responsive, animated, dedicated, and ebullient. I rarely use ebullient. Puristfun. Texas and Wyoming are chatting with me. Of course, I related how Texas gotme married. And I was in a movie with Meryl Streep. And now to Nicole and Seth.The Hitwoman is about Madeline Archer, an assassin who doesn't want bloodshed.And Hayden Clark, contracted and Maddie's first love. Great storyline. Nicoletalked about dealing with moral conflict. Delightful. And Seth has to portray amix of love, confusion, and suspicion. Romance and danger. And preparing forthis demanding role. They love this new world of microdramas. And I forgot.They loved ‘Casablanca.' I'm a happy interviewer. And yes, these two letterscame up. AI. How they handled it. Nicole stressed being yourself. Seth would'veliked to spend a day with Phillip Seymour Hoffman. A perfect flowing Zoom withwondrous, energetic, passionate actors. Made my day.”  Calvin

#realconversations #entrepreneur #relationships#spirituality #marketing #lifecoaching CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THESPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet GAL EZRA “When we touched base a few months ago,and he told me about his mission to create 10,000 ethical millionaires, I wasinculcated with a journalistic curiosity. A need to interview him.Notwithstanding his fascinating journey from South Africa to America and backto South Africa. Stuff they make movies about. His journey of learning with hisfather. Spirituality. Building a music and events festival business. Propertyinvesting. Coaching. Resilience. Our Zoom. He's young, dynamic, caring, and passionate.A twinge of accent. Charming and so real. You must know how to know. I wastaking notes while listening. You don't have to be right. Knowledge equalscreation. Spend less than you make (I really needed to hear this). 8 parts.Yourself. Family. Groups. Physical World. Life forms. Supreme Being. Gal wouldlike to spend a day with Michael Jackson. Guaranteed Prosperity. I get theirnewsletter now. What a perfect interview. Listening to Gal. Like a goodtinnitus in my ear. His words resonated. Enough said. Listen up.” Calvin

#realconversations #environment #climatedivide #adaptation#authorCONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet ROBERT (BOB) COLLIN; “I've been roaming around theenvironment and climate change since I attended the first Earth Day on April22, 1970. That changed the course of my life. Six months ago, I met Bob. It wasthe universe. Here are the precious words I wrote after our first interview.They still resonate. Connectivity. Commonality. Purpose. Journey. Resilience.Even basketball. Many key elements exist. Climate. Environment. Adaptation.Flourishing. Yes, basketball too. Bob has several degrees. BS, Law, Master's.He teaches, has been appointed to advisory commissions, and has publishedencyclopedias and law reviews. Endless accomplishments via dedication. Thematrix of our interview with Robert, author of ‘The Climate AdaptationGeneration, A Blueprint for the Future', was awarded the best climate changebook in the US for 2025. The essence of that interview. Bob illuminates andinspires. NOW Bob just releasedhis new book, ‘Who Gets to Adapt? Environmental Elites, Blue CollarCommunities, and the Growing Climate Divide.” It's on my Kindle and reading it.It's hard for me to be brief. Bob's book is wondrously brilliant and sonecessary in our world today. I called his book ‘biblical,' A bible ofadaptation. I'll repeat myself. Hugely necessary. I know a little bit aboutadaptation and climate divide. It's funny how we quietly drifted from keepingEarth's temperature rising by more than 1.8 degrees to sustainability andadaptation. I marvel at Bob's book. How thorough and complete. He's a delightto listen to. His energy, caring, and passion is effusive. He's a gift. I usethat term sparingly.” Calvin

#realconversations #streaming #ABA #basketball #NBA #ESPN#EmmyAward #IndianaUniversity CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet MICHAEL HUSAIN: “A year ago, we met for a Zoominterview (like this interview) as Michael's riveting documentary, ‘The WaitingGame' was screening at the Garden State Film Festival. Instant chemistry. ‘TheWaiting Game' is a powerful documentary that explores how the ABA (AmericanBasketball Association) profoundly shaped professional basketball we knowtoday. At 6'5”, I love basketball. Michael is a director, producer, writer, andnarrator. The founder of Good Vibes Media and the winner of many NationalSports Emmy Awards. ESPN is in his resume as well. Michael has now created theReelist Indie Film Club. Revolutionary. Necessary. Brave. He graduated fromIndiana University. We're fellow Big Ten guys. He's happy beyond as IU won theNational Championship (football). The purpose of this intro is to induceviewing/signing up. Here are particles of energy. Documentary streaming.Reelist pays filmmakers right up front, so they have funds to continue. Thereare Q&A periods to ask questions. Major streamers don't do this. Hugelyreasonable to sign up. First 2 months free. Michael is brilliant, eloquent,passionate, and imaginative. He's building a community. Promotes good stories.Helping filmmakers. I love documentaries. I love his journey. And it's so easyto feel his passion. Bottom line. Documentaries are life, learning, andlessons. Time well spent. Transforms my life,” Calvin

@gsff #realconversations #actor #director #NewJersey CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMEET LAUREN WOHLMACHER (Writer/lead actor) & MATHILDESUISSA (Director). “We Zoom gathered together as a follow-up to the GardenState Film Festival in March. They screened their short film, GoldenAfternoon.' Many know me. I love films. It changed the flow of my life. And Icall it as I see it. What a wondrous film. Provocative. I was hooked on Janie's eyes of discovery and revelation ata ceremony celebrating a life past. Grief all around. This is acting and filmmaking.Detailed. Poignant. Beautiful. Now to our interview. Lauren is the writer andlead actor.  What she did with her eyestransfixed me. I know why now it was a story that had to be told. Mathilde, thedirector, is precise, gifted, and well beyond her years. Love emerging talent.The film's subject is grief. A unique perspective. Both Lauren and Mathilderadiate passion. Some thoughts from the interview.  Life fueled this project. If you don't laugh,you cry. And they explained the logistics of this film. Wow! The child actorsin the film. Impressive. Spielberg was mentioned. The emotional hook. Not togive away the ending. And a powerful original song. Enough said (Gandolfini'slast movie) A VERY special interview.” Calvin

#realconversations #childrensauthor #cardiaccare #nurse  CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet NATALIE HORSEMAN; “For me, such a special interviewwith Natalie, whom I've seen basically twice a week for the last 13 months. OnZoom. Part of our membership in Kae Wagner's Bold Author Network. Kae has beenworking with self-published authors weekly, transforming, teaching, elevating,and inspiring. I was inspired by Natalie as well. Her authorship of achildren's book that I read to my grandchildren at Halloween. ‘The BumpyPumpkin.' First time ever, “Grandpa, read it again.” Two weeks ago, we chattedon Zoom. Her depth, brilliance, and day job, versatility, and best-selling,award-winning children's book author. And I didn't expect it; Natalie has 20years of experience in health care. I love cardiologists. Keeps me ticking.She's an exec at a prominent cardiac center. Works to broadly improve cardiaccare. She ran the operating room, too. And she created a character inspired byher real-life farm companion, 'Goat on the Go' Series. Natalie is aboutfriendship, resilience, and emotional growth in children. It's in her words andspirit. Her father encouraged her to become a nurse. Her mother is a nurse. Andwith that energy, she became. But she always wanted to write a children's book.She exudes that caring. As I wound down, I asked her who she'd like to spend aday with. “Meryl Streep” I told her I did that already and was in a movie withMeryl. Our bonds sealed. To be continued.” Calvi

#realconversations #corporateburnout #Oprah#mergersandacquisitions CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet SARAH JANZEN; first off, special thanks to LaurensTijssen & Maria Zsal from Influencer Press for the intro to Sarah Janzen.They did ‘good'. One of those meant-to-be events. Sarah and I chatted for anhour before the On Air light went incandescent. Great chemistry, commonality. Iserved on the Advisory Committee of the Women's Health Institute at Rutgers RWJMedical School, and Sarah is the founder of ‘Her Big Leap' as a coach helpingexecutive women transition from corporate careers into entrepreneurship. Andthis podcast has featured women who have done exactly that. It has resonatedwith me for a long time. Words from our Zoom. I took notes while Sarah talked.Owning your value. Money mindset. Clarity. Abundance thinking. Freedom. Mergersand Acquisitions (made me think of the movie, ‘Working Girl.') The analogy of arocket lifting off those first five feet from the pad. Pillars. Leaving acorporate career when she was 35. It wasn't easy. Oprah & spending a daywith her. Fulfillment of a dream. Seeing perfection. I guess you have to tunein to string these words together. There was a need on both sides now (JudyCollins) for our conversation to continue. So much more to uncover. Sarah is aseloquent, passionate, learned, dedicated, and real as I've met here. And I'mspeaking from 790 interviews and videos. That counts. Last thing on my mind, Isaid to Sarah. “My time with you has been sumptuous.”  Calvin

#realconversations #goldenyears #mindfulness #nutrition#sleep #livingwell  CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet JACK F. WILSON: I actually thought about writing thisparagraph while driving on the Belt Parkway last night at 1 AM. I met Jack ayear ago at Kae Wagner's Bold Author's Network. For three months, we sat in ourZoom boxes at Bold Author's meetings. His name was resonating, but I couldn'tplace it. Then a light bulb incandescent. My favorite western movie is Shane.Gunfight scene at the very end. The gunfighter played by Jack Palance is JackWilson. That sealed our friendship. And as I learned about Jack's recentjourney and mission to educate, motivate, and guide senior citizens with hisLiving Well Series. I was down for this interview. I read ‘Empower Your GoldenYears.' Took notes. Magnetism for me is living some of Jack's chapters. But heputs it all together. I told my son, a recent 40-year-old, to read Jack's book.Never too early or too late. Some quick notes. Jack built candle factories. Anarchitect. Volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. He writes about purpose andmindfulness, taking deep breaths. He played hockey.  If you think you can or can't, you're right.Great stuff. Jack is brilliant, caring, mindful, and fun. Laughs at my jokes.Our friendship going forward; A problem. Jack wakes up at 4 AM every day. I goto sleep at 3 AM.”  Calvin

#realconversations #filmmaker #writer #AsburyPark#FatherlessDaughterSyndrome CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THESPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet BRIANNA JANOCZKIN; Great anticipation for thisinterview. A young filmmaker's first production. A lifetime devoted to hercraft and journey. My due diligence as a journalist is preparation. Asbury Parkconnection. 111 connections, which is beyond. Her film, Father's Day.' Mytakeaway after several hours of Zoom chatting. Brianna is sensitive,introspective, brilliant, determined, and visionary. Several times, Icomplimented her. It felt like I was talking to a 50-year-old inculcated withendless experience. Not decades younger. She smiled and thanked me. She studiedin Bulgaria, lived in Amish Country, and in Brooklyn. Referring to her ruraldays, she quoted, “Bring a tractor to school.” Then she discussed FatherlessDaughter Syndrome. Part of the energy for ‘Father's Day.' This is deep,introspective, fascinating stuff. Each girl in the movie symbolizes an elementof Father's Day. I throw these words out to encourage you to listen to thisimportant interview. Brianna talked about locations and the difficulty. She ishugely inspired by Kate Winslet. Realism. To teach families. Writing. Pushingthe envelope. Pressure to mind tone. Invest in community. Mind your mouth.Enough said. Go watch.”   Calvin

#realconversations #countrymusic #Nashville #musician#singersongwriter CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THESPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet JENNIFER ALVARADO:  Jennifer is a special country artist. We've been planning our interviewfor months. Not me. Jennifer is on the road performing 200 shows a year. I'velistened to her music, a unique, heartfelt sound, words, melodious, warm voicethat grips you. I listened, letting myself drift into a mood that would help mebe a better interviewer. She is a gift. I love that her grandfather put aguitar in her hands when she was four. She led worship, which gives her aspecial courage. It comes out in her songs and writing. Go to Jennifer'swebsite and listen to ‘I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)'. You'll grasp Jennifer'sspecial voice. As we're talking during the interview, I'm absorbing her passionfor country music and her sound. It's her unique blend. Her unique personality.Her determination and dedication. So, I'm now a fan. And grateful for this timewith her. I hear another country singer in the distance, back on the roadagain.  As Jennifer is.” Calvin

#realconversations #dentalhealth #holistichealth#oralhygeine #emotions #author**CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin Schwartz  Meet OXANA ALI; “Remindful of an old TV commercial, maybeseventies, with a famous singer, and anticipation. Indeed, I'd beenanticipating this interview with Oxana for weeks. Why, you ask? Because of therelevance of Oxana's work and expertise. Without being too dramatic. Her workand expertise are in life and health, and in the connection betweenneuroscience, dental health, and holistic health. She is eloquent, passionate,caring, and brilliant. Her accents remind me about the movie "Casablanca.” Yes, reducing her work simplistically,oral care is now strongly linked to cardiac and mental health. Powerful stuffhere. And Oxana is writing a book for parents. She works mostly with kids. Sheexplains how the mouth is related to emotions, breathing, and systemic health.Good habits begin in childhood. She talks mind, body, and soul. Pay attentionto yourself. It affects kids. Teach kids how to brush and remove ‘bad stuff'from their heads. Daily practices to manage emotional baggage or chronicstress. She has the power to transform lives. The brilliance of her wordsdrifted me to my grandchildren. I could not “not” focus on the children. Ourgift. Then I realized Oxana is a gift. A perfect interview.” Calvin   

#shortfiction #literaryfiction #Canada CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet LISA FOLEY  “It'sabout time we sat and Zoom chatted. For nearly a year, we've been members ofKae Wagner's Bold Authors Network. Our faces in boxes on a Zoom screen. Lisastood out. Insightful, learned, introspective, and a quintessential short storywriter. I know novelists and nonfiction. Never a short story writer. Now I'mreading her From Behind the Fourth Wall, “The Shedding”. Gripping, powerful. AsLisa is. She's been writing since her teens. Short stories for 30 years.  She's so good at the power of voice and afirst-person narrative. And she's been published in literary journals. Wetalked about the power of short stories and all the movies made. Funny, sheconfessed not doing a lot of these interviews. Lisa is such a natural with apowerful voice and an aura of brilliance and experience. We shared somepowerful thoughts on us being authors. New perspectives on how we are seen inthe world. And how little understanding. Going forward, I have a partner inexpression. A shared journey. A literary comrade. It was snowing outside Lisa'swindow. The way she described it. A perfect short story description. Thisinterview perfect.' Calvin

#realconversations #childhoodabuse #Texas#ChildProtectiveServices #mentalhealth #resilience #MarilynMonroeCONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THESPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet ADRIENE CALDWELL: “We've been Zooming for a few weeks.Getting acquainted. I've been around as an octogenarian. Heard a lot ofstories. On a lot of things. Then Adriene. Her journey to today. I mentionedseveral times. Her life is a future movie. Resilience. Unspeakable abuse.Determination. Survival. Brilliance. Born into a military family. A mother withschizophrenia. Horrors of an abusive foster mother. Sadism. Books and learning.Honors student. Child Protective Services. Adriene is charming, passionate,eloquent, and honest beyond. She recently wrote ‘Unbroken: Life Outside theLines.' It's a must-read to learn, experience, grasp, and emote. This is a mustinterview. As I like doing, here are some brief words and thoughts. Myinterview notes. A powerful disbelief family discovery. Hope. Surviving tothriving. Radical honesty. Breaking the silence by writing a book. But I wascruel to my mom. Duke University. Studied in Germany. What a family is supposedto be. Positive.  Fav movies. GirlInterrupted. Pulp Fiction. And of course, we discovered some synchronicity.Marilyn (Monroe). Enough said.”  Calvin

#realconversations #direector #actor #writer #NewOrleans#Cuba #heist #reconciliation CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet WENDELL LAURENT “For me, the Hollywood film romantic,getting to interview a first-time director and an award-winning actor, is thebest of times. And it was. And I was so intrigued by Wendell's quintessentialbackground that I wanted introspection, heaviness, depth, and insight intofilmmaking and directing. With Wendell's youth in New Orleans (a great place tobe from). I knew a special energy existed. Accommodation.  Everything I delved into, Wendell illuminated.Hugely fascinating, articulate, pensive, and devoted to his craft. Hiscreation, The Dumbletons. A blending of a heist comedy with family drama. Ilove the premise. And we need to laugh these days. Embedded is the wordreconciliation. Then, Wendell talked about the scoring by Vin Scialla. Things Inever think about. And his collaboration is what makes a creative partnershiplast. I kept apologizing for being heavy. He responded once with ‘Taxi Driver.'And mentioned the great singer, Richard Carpenter. There is much more here. Iwas about to bring up his feature film ‘Havana Coyotes.' An abrupt stop. Whichmeans Wendell is coming back here to talk about his Cuban adventure.” Calvin

#realconversations #nutrition #exercise #NaturopathicPractitioner#WholisticHealthCoach #author #entrepreneur #NY CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet VICTOR DEJAJ  “An old commercial, song from years ago. Anticipation. I was so there waitingfor this interview with Victor Dejaj. Why, you ask? Victor is a CertifiedNaturopathic Practitioner, A Certified Wholistic Health Coach, and a HealthWellness and Nutrition Expert. And a Certified Trainer in Success Principles(Jack Canfield) The dream team of interviews. I love health pursuits.Especially these last few decades. Victor is brilliant, soft-spoken, caringbeyond, and genuine.  I used to be a pharmacistin an earlier life, so I know some stuff. Victor knows it all. I didn't knowwhat to ask first. I didn't know this: The brain loves cholesterol. Takeresponsibility for your life. The more people you help succeed, the moresuccessful you become. Back to diet, nutrition, vitamins, spirituality. For me(and for you all too), Victor is encyclopedic. And he wrote a book, How to BeHappy, Healthy, and Whole. And as I learned, you need things repeated ten timesfor it to stick. Best start by letting Victor get things to stick. It is life.”Calvin

#realconversations #director #Indie #actor #producer#AsburyPark #microbudget CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet ALEX ALESSI; “This was one of those' best of allworlds' interviews for me. Alex is a writer, producer, director, and actor. Anda Jersey guy. A consummate man of film. It's been his life for the past twodecades. There's radiation emanating from him. Film. Indie. Casting. Production team. Microbudget. Homebody. (the nameof his new film) As he eloquently said, “It was time to take a chance onmyself.” I wrote that down while we were on camera. Profound as Alex is. Awayfrom the camera, he's a drummer and feels the flow. I asked him if thistranslates to his work. Of course it does. I loved hearing about the mechanicsand eventualities of bringing acclaimed actor Richard Kind into the cast of‘Homebody.' Alex is a matrix of energy, mechanics, and passion for film. Apurist giving back to the next generation. He'd like to spend a day with StevenSpielberg. Resounding reasons. And he had to film in Asbury Park. Pure Jersey.Pure love of the business. And he's screening ‘Homebody,” of course, at the GardenState Film Festival in March.  GSFF.org“Calvin 

#realconversations #actor #producer #GSFF #ModernFamily#LosAngeles #HollywoodCONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet NOLAN GOULD; I've been around the journalism block.With gentle wings, I gravitate to the world of film. It changed my lifewondrously. A few blinks of a Zoom eye, and there is Nolan Gould sitting nextto me (on Zoom screen) for an interview. All to myself with his amazingaccomplishments. I loved it when Nolan said he spent 22 years in the business.I was counting on my fingers. But he didn't even look like he hit the thirddecade. And he hasn't. He started acting at five. He's 27. I blurted, “I'm overa half-century older than you.” It made no difference. Cruising along. Nolanwas Luke on Modern Family. His life is this business. The focus of ourinterview is “The Liars of Black Mountain Road,” which is screening at theupcoming Garden State Film Festival. Nolan is the actor, co-writer, andproducer. It is such a brave new world. Nolan is brilliant, incisive, eloquent,and passionate. He can't be 27. He speaks like a Hollywood fifty-year veteran.I asked tough questions. Thoughts. Emotionally suffocating. Intentional. Who issomeone truly? Collaborating with the director, Parker Croft. Restrainedperformances. Then he said,” Don't show people what you can't do.” Then we wentto “Hell,” a stop motion animation. Also screening at Garden State.  Heavy stuff. Balancing symbolism withemotional clarity. We could've gone on for hours. To wrap, I asked my favoriteintrospective question. Nolan answered, “Stanley Kubrick.” Me too, I said.”  Calvin

#realconversations #director #scifi #GSFF #Rutgers #futuristic#Kubrick #Gandi #indiefilmCONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet MATT CRICK “A circle has no end. My interview today wasthis wondrous circle. Circuitous around. And around. Einstein. Time. A FerrisWheel. Relativity. Relatability. Matt is a fascinating guest. A                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 PhD from Rutgers(Media Studies) MFA also. His career spans network TV (20/20), documentaries,non-fiction production, and now narrative sci-fi filmmaking. And a long-timeprofessor at William Patterson. And a born Hoosier. His short film, ‘The LastMusician.' Did I ever love the premise. It's not singing in the rain. It'simaginative, futuristic, necessary, a bit scary, and, above all, timely(hugely). Matt's films make you “think, feel, do.” He's brilliant, eloquent,consummate, humorous, and passionate. A never-ending conversationalist.Here's my journalistic departure from standard reporting.There's so much I gleaned and absorbed from Matt. Best to insert words andideas from my 210 inspired minutes with Matt Crick. Why? To encourage aviewing. You'll know what to do with your thumbs up. Algorithms will love you. What makes a good film? Script. Actors.  Direction. Positive camaraderie. AD.Production design. Be open. Follow passion. Know Yourself. Communicate Vision.Preparation. He'd like to spend a day with Gandhi. Matt talked aboutKubrick Calm.  Yes, Stanley Kubrick. Apeaceful long shot. Made me think (He did throughout this interview) of‘Strangelove.'  Ample AI discussion. Backto his short film. I'm jumping around. Massive cerebral input does this to me.Future. Family. Society. No emotion. Constant surveillance. Surveillance.  What a word. I feel like the wicked witchnow, melting. Indie filmmaking. Garden State Film Festival. The Creature fromthe Black Lagoon(1950's) scared me plenty. NJ filmmaking. Enough said. Listenin. For sure, it'll make your day. Made mine.” Calvin

#realconversations #director #ItalianAmerican #Cannes#familytension #cheese #CourtTV  CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet STEFANO DA FRE. “I've been doing this interview giglong enough; logged 730+ interviews/videos over the last few years. Thenthere's Stefano Da Fre today. The first question HE asked me to kick thingsoff. Do you like opera? I do. Of course, Nessun Dorma and Libiamo lately. Wewere off to see the wizard. Appropriately, Stefano is a wizard. I wasenthralled. I took notes. Stefano's background. AFI Award-winning filmdirector. His work premiered worldwide, including at Cannes. Filmmaking grants.Recurring guest on Court TV and on and on. His film, ‘A Slice of the FamilyBusiness' as a TV pilot, is incisive. Necessary in a changing world. Morethoughts. Cultural process of being Italian American. Shooting on location inHurleyville. The drive up. The diner. Financing the project. Not easy in thisIndie world. Anna and Anthony are such compelling characters. Suddenly, Stefanois speaking French. ‘Breathless' director Jean-Luc Godard comes up. Then Isaid, Stanley Kubrick. We oscillated off topic. Indeed, I was talking with abrilliant, passionate wizard. We could've gone on for hours. He is in thisbrave new world of film. I had to bring up his picture with Meryl Streep. Astory behind it. My story about talking to Meryl Streep in 1997. And in theblink of an eye, I'm in her movie. We laughed at the synchronicity. Stefanoagreed to come back” Calvin

#realconversations #comedy #producer #Canada #grief#motherdaughterrelationships **CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet WENDY LITNER (Creator, Writer) and LAUREN CORBER(Executive Producer) My Dead Mom.'  “Hugeanticipation for this interview. Personal stuff for me. My mother came out ofan old picture behind my computer a few years ago and typed ‘Mom' on anoutgoing message on my cell phone. I got a haircut the next day. For real.Wendy and Lauren use their character, Emmy, to explore her struggle to makepeace with her dead mother, who keeps hanging around. Hugely funny premise.This is the second collaboration with Wendy and Lauren. Their first, How to Buya Baby.' I relate to that too. Exceptional bonding with my guests. They arepure energy, comedic brilliance, honest, and poised. Beyond the comedy, heavyelements here. They stressed that relationships don't end. Loved theirmentioning Erma Bombeck's quote about wishing she had let the kids sit on thegood couch. Absurdity is funny. I agree. I watched the trailer twice.  Preciously funny as Wendy and Lauren are. Andserious too. And brave. Dealing with confronting grief right on. MadelynAlbright came up in the chat. More bravery on their part. They bring on deathdirectly. Our culture avoids it. I know. What a special interview. Hours later, there is still tinnitus in myears, thinking about Wendy and Lauren.” Calvin

#realconversations #Reiki #Spiritual #soulrealignment #NDE#meditation #Galacticconnection #Ohio #GeorgiaCONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN WE THE SPECIES hosted by CalvinSchwartzMeet EDEN KOZ (again); Our second interview. A few newcomments to add. This second interview is very necessary. Eden is hugelyspecial. Replete with spirit, caring, passion, humanity, and journey. There ismuch to Eden. I'm grateful to the good old universe for the connection. Itmeans something profound. And in this interview, Eden's conversation on hernear-death experience was riveting. Enough said for now. “ Calvin“I've been podcasting for over five years and have beentrained well to prepare. Actually, part of that training came from theBillionaire whom I worked for. And wrote a book about. Where am I going now? Soprepared was I. Eden Koz is wondrously fascinating, passionate, spiritual, andreplete with life experiences, teaching, healing, and empathy, and we have justbegun to touch the surface. We drifted seamlessly off topic into her specialworld of caring, healing, and humanity. Her background in Atlanta advertisingand her role as a Creative Director/VP are part of what gives her a sense ofaccomplishment. But she had this calling. Now, among other things, she is aSoul Realignment Specialist. Soon, she'll head to Europe to learn about energyfrom breathing. AND we ran out of time. Even twelve more hours wouldn't get usto that finish line. But Eden is coming back. Coming attractions. Near-DeathExperience.” Calvinhttps://www.youtube.com/c/ConversationswithCalvinWetheSpecIEs720 Interviews/Videos  9300 SUBSCRIBERSGLOBAL Reach. Earth Life. Amazing People.  PLEASE SUBSCRIBE **EDEN KOZ; ‘Just Be Spiritual Boom,' Podcast; Near DeathExperience; Soul Realignment Specialist; Reiki; LIVE from OhioYouTube: Links: LINKS: Website: https://edenjustbe.com(remote or face-to-face sessions)Podcast: Just Be ~ Spiritual BOOM -https://edenjustbe.com/podcastMerch: https://edenjustbe.com/merchFacebook Professional: Eden Koz Just Be -https://www.facebook.com/edenkozjustbeFacebook Business: Eden Just Be -https://www.facebook.com/edenjustbeInstagram: Eden Koz Just Be - https://www.instagram.com/edenkozjustbeTikTok: Eden Koz Just Be - http://tiktok.com/@edenkoz_justbeLinkedIn: Eden Koz -https://www.linkedin.com/in/eden-koz-1323a52YouTube: Just Be LLC - https://www.youtube.com/c/JustBeLLCBitChute: Eden Koz -https://www.bitchute.com/channel/r9BrfW9zFPzyRumble: Eden Koz - https://rumble.com/user/EdenKoz &Grassroots Warrior Network:https://rumble.com/search/all?q=grassroots%20warrior%20networkBIO: Going on 25 years, Eden Koz is a soul realignmentspecialist as well as a New Earth pontificator. Utilizing energy and psychicpsychology, meditation, Reiki mastery, consciousness/mindset counseling,God/source, light language, dimensional energy healing, galactic connection andother modalities, her methods create unparalleled shifts for her clientsthrough her company, Just Be®, LLC, where she conducts sessions both remotelyand in-person. In addition, she has hosted her weekly podcast since Jan 2022:Just Be ~ Spiritual BOOM and is certified in performing COVID vaccine spiritualhealings. In 2016 she incurred a Stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis that brought anear-death experience and two years of major recovery and expansion. Finally,growing up in the deep south of Georgia, she currently lives in Ohio and hastwo daughters in their early 20s, one with special needs. **WE ARE ALSO ON AUDIOAUDIO “Conversations with Calvin; WE the SpecIEs”ANCHOR https://lnkd.in/g4jcUPqSPOTIFY https://lnkd.in/ghuMFeCAPPLE PODCASTSBREAKER https://lnkd.in/g62StzJPOCKET CASTS https://pca.st/bmjmzaitRADIO PUBLIC https://lnkd.in/gxueFZw

#realconversations #romancewriter #editor #humor #blogger#NewMexico #journalist #lyricist CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THESPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeetSharon Kayne; “Illumination. Magic Carpet. Romance writing. Historical.Heroines. Theatre. Just a few words. And then my interview with Sharon Kayne.My longest interview in five years. We've been part of Kae Wagner's BoldAuthors Network since its inception in January 2025. But Sharon was just afigure on the Zoom screen. Then we Zoomed into her world of romance writing.And we couldn't stop talking. I never knew how important it is to touch awoman's face as an endearment. Just a small element from this veryentertaining, learning, imaginative, and necessary world. Sharon is a gift ofpassion and dedication, wondrously knowledgeable and perfectly expressive, asher books are. Historical fiction is no easy journey. Sharon takes us on thisjourney. She defines romantasy. Energy abounds. And I just ordered ‘Variationson a Romance' from Amazon. My first romance novel. To seal our bond, Sharon wasborn in Phoenix. I'm a twelve-timer down there in Arizona. More magic as Sharonis.”  CalvinTHISINTERVIEW IS PART ONE. NEXT MONTH PART TWO!

#realconversations #childabuse #mentalhealth #trauma#childprotection  CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESMeet ERAN ZIMRIN; “What resonated with me these past fewweeks, preparing for my interview with Eran, doing my due journalisticdiligence, is the overwhelming care, concern, devotion, advocacy, prevention,passion for dealing and healing, treating and being responsible for children,victims of trauma, abuse, emotional scars. This was a long run-on sentence. Sobe it. Eran exemplifies everything humanistic and idealistic by following hismother's example forty years ago, continuing ELI's work in caring for thesespecial children. He is eloquent, genuine, and his humanity radiates. I learnedso much. Yes, we hear and read about child abuse. But I had no idea of thedepths and the effects this would have on a human life going forward. I wasabsolutely mesmerized. This is the world's problem. That makes us all citizensof the world. I'm especially sensitive to bringing up a child. I marvel everyday at the miracle of grandchildren. The love that goes into them comes out.And when that is damaged and hurt. A precious life is impacted. Eran works toheal, intervene, prevent, nurture, and treat. We all need to learn more. Forall the children. Heavy stuff. I've been illuminated by Eran. I'd like tobecome a bright light bulb thanks to Eran. Try this on. “This isn't just aboutprotecting children from harm-it's about protecting the possibility of who theymight become.”” CalvinHosted by Calvin Schwartz

#realconversations #musician #composer #Filmmaker #GSFF  CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESMeet: STEVE PECKMAN; Hosted by Calvin Schwartz

#realconversations #filmmaker #Spielberg #Scorcese#humanexperience #GenZ #GardenStateFilm Festival #GSFFCONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet JR STOKES   “Into our interview for the Garden State Film Festival, I called out to JR, “Ijust realized I'm over a half-century older than you!” Testament to the depth,poise, passion, experience, and grasp of JR, a filmmaker and storyteller from ayoung age. At times, I was reminded of Steven Spielberg or Martin Scorsese. JRis introspective, brilliant, and dedicated to his art. Filmmaking. We had agreat time talking about film and, most importantly, his latest film,“Beautiful Pam.” I watched the trailer several times in a row. Absorbing andemoting. Many questions. Boundaries. Instinct. Human experience. Enough said.”Calvin 700+ Interviews &Videos

#realconversations #cinematographer #director #actor #comedy#cult CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THESPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet PETER PAVLAKIS: “The universe made it difficult to pulloff this interview. Crazy power failures and things lost in space. But it wasworth the wait. Peter is endearing, introspective, dedicated, illuminating, andbrilliant. Reminded me of Jimmy Stewart. He's an award-winning Brooklyn-basedfreelance cinematographer. Of course, I brought up the cinematography from Dr.Zhivago and how it magically transported me over time. He is the quintessenceof moving images, helping us see the world. He emanates devotion to craft andart. His film, ‘ApostasyBlues' is a feature comedy drama. He is the writer, director, not thecinematographer. The premise is unique. A cult-leader raptures with donationmoney and then a manhunt. Comedy. Drama. I asked him, as a cinematographer, if he sees himself as a technician ora philosopher with a camera. Emphatically, he said more cinematic. I sensedthat. Balance life for what you believe in. Cinema can unite a divided culture.Part of his living comes from making commercials. Microbudget. I mentioned how that word has come up invirtually every interview so far. My fantasy. Hitting Powerball and fixingthat. In the future, he'd like to make provocative films like this. He's theessence of deep thought. The power stayed on. Until we finished.” Calvin

#realconversations #MarilynMonroe #director #composer#timetravel #BacktotheFuture #piano #TheGodfather #GSFF  CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet REMI GANGAROSSA and JASON PELSEY; “A few weeks beforethis interview, energies out of the universe communicated how this was going tobe extraordinary. Notwithstanding their film, “Marilyn's Dark Paradise.' Yes,Marilyn Monroe. Written and directed by Remi. Jason was honored with the BestComposition for Short Film award by the Garden State Film Festival. Yes, I justwatched the film. Overwhelmed with its artistry and reverence, and Marilyn. If I wrote a traditional piece here. Several pages ofpraise. Better to share words and ideas. A motivation for readers. I am a movieperson. Part of my life. This film is so beyond mind, thought, and artistry.Ten years for them to do this.  Suchdetail. Precision. Years to get the pill bottles just right. Remi loves ‘Backto the Future.” He was wearing a hat from the movie. Particulates of that loveare evident. When Jason is composing, sitting at the piano, he hearsdifferent instruments on the piano. He wakes up from a dream, and there's themusic. It took months on a two-second shot. Refuse to get details wrong. Adecade project infused with love and Marilyn. Silent film. Items in the filmthat Marilyn actually owned. Beyond. Sure, we talked about the Godfather, theart of composing, spirituality, Marilyn, the deep, complex, haunting woman. Waybeyond an actress. And on and on. This was such a precious time with Remi andJason, brilliant, sensitive, funny, serious, and wondrously dedicated to theirart. I've known them all along.” Calvin  760+ Interviews &Videos

#realconversations #documentary #filmmaker #GSFF#girlsflagfootball #LongIsland CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet ERIC FELLER. “Getting a chance to interview Eric Fellerfor the Garden State Film Festival was the best of all worlds for me. Lovefilms, love documentaries, and love sports. Here's Eric. Intensely involved. Hegot his MFA with distinction in Documentary Studies and Production. Sports. Heimmediately noticed my Rutgers hat and a picture on the side of the NY Yankeescelebrating a 2009 playoff win. Sharp, incisive, and all-knowing sports-wise.And his film ‘Blazing a Trail' is impressive in telling the story of the firstgirls' high school flag football team on Long Island. His intensity carriesover into his vision for a documentary film. He filmed this as essentially aone-person crew. Purist intensity. But he was quick to tell me, it's the peoplewho make the film. I like that he said, documentaries are the ultimate realityshow. Especially sports. Eric's youthful exuberance is refreshing. His futureis as illuminating as Blazing a Trail. A very special interview. Great forstudents of film.” Calvin

#realconversations #Rocky #screenplay #martialarts #GSFF CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet MARK BUERCK; I set my interview with Mark assuming he'sbeen doing this screenwriting stuff for a few decades, after all, he won BestShort Screenplay at the Garden State Film Festival. I love it when I dial wrongnumbers. The look on my face as comprehension slowly began crystallizing.Numerically, I'm basically six decades older than Mark. Yet he still seemed tohave two decades of experience. Yet there was that youthful exuberance wrappedaround a sensitive screenwriter with a mastery of dialogue. His screenplay,‘One Last Time', is inspired by shows and movies he grew up watching, such asRocky, The Avengers, etc. He's into martial arts as well. And finishing upScreenwriting at Brookdale-Rutgers. I asked about martial arts and his writing.A strong influence. We bonded more when I told Mark about Chuck Wepner, a boxerfrom Bayonne who fought Muhammad Ali. An inspiration for Stallone. I absorbedhis words and enthusiasm. He's a young guy but has been on this writing journeya long time. He's great fun. Endless enthusiasm. Back to ‘One Last Time.' It'spowerful stuff coming from Gen Z. Passion. Sacrifice. Emotionally Intense. Iforgot to ask this rising star how he feels about writing comedy. Next time.”Calvin

#realconversations #director #artivist #Documentary #Brazil#NorthAfrica #MiddleEastCONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet DUDA PENTEADO; “Life is wondrous synchronicity. Lastweek, I received an email from Duda Penteado about interviewing him (hisdocumentary film ‘All People Free') for the upcoming Garden State FilmFestival. I remembered him immediately from our meeting at Nuyorican Poets Cafein NYC. I was there that night as part of my work with Neo Latino Artists. NowDuda, an acclaimed artivist and filmmaker, has a powerful, necessary shortdocumentary that exposes the tragic reality of modern-day slavery in brick kilnfactories in North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Then and now, Duda is brilliant, eloquent, passionate,humanistic, caring, and sensitive. I've given a brief synopsis of Duda'snecessary and monumental work of filming the horror of 20 million enslavedpeople (many children). Here are some words and thoughts from my note-taking.Yes, I took notes while interviewing. Art is a way to express ideas. Why art? So, we can exist.Twenty million people make bricks. (By the way, Duda travelled to these placesof slavery to create this documentary.) People buy/consume without questioning.Duda's from Brazil. His father was a professor of economics, and his mother wasan educator. These 20 million slaves have no documentation, so they don'texist. He met a blind girl who was a slave. He asked why she was doing this. “Iwant to help my sisters.” Documentaries are so important. I asked what he'dlike people to feel after seeing his film. “Pain and educated.”  Enough said. We need to see this film.”Calvin 700+ Interviews &Videos

#realconversations #musician #jerseyshore #animator#illustrator #GSFF #synchronicity CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet VINCENT CORONA-EVANS “Every blue moon over the Jersey shore Atlantic, something powerfullysynchronistic arrives. That would be Vincent (Vinnie). From the moment hecontacted me for an interview about his entry into the Garden State FilmFestival for his animated ‘The River Song,' I knew meant to be. Vinnie and Iexplored that theme. Why? His song is a glimpse of when his family moved to theTides Motel along the riverfront of Shark River Hills. A long time ago. Also, along time ago, I spent childhood summers sitting on the jetty at Shark River. Aselfie I took of my adult foot on the jetty is the cover of my novel, There's aTortoise in My Hair. Enough said. Vinnie is wondrously amazing, poignant,talented, brilliant, and effervescent. The cover of his song is priceless. I kept staring like I was in atrance. He wrote the song, played the instruments, recorded, mixed, andmastered it. He told me it was a year to do. At this point in my writing, Ilike to throw in words, concepts, and thoughts. Vinnie filled up pages. Yes,watch the interview. He grew up poor, living in winter and summer rentals. Heloves rainy days. (a song?) His bike was stolen. He was gifted a guitar. Heteaches music these days. He drew pictures all the time. It's funny, Diane Raver's(founder of GSFF) father owned The Tides for a while. Wild stuff. He has dreamsof being attacked by a bear. Heavy stuff. We talked about human antennas.Spirituality. Yes, the Jersey shore. Vinnie is the Jersey Shore. Lovesynchronicity.”  Calvin

#realconversations #actor #writer #GSFF #Northwestern#DavidBowie #filmmaker #TheEqualizer CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet BLAKE MERRIMAN: “I marvel at the journey. Blake'screative journey was inspired by Northwestern, the School at Steppenwolf, andthe Maggie Flanagan studio. He's poised, spirited, eloquent, and brilliant,sitting across the Zoom divide with me. Thinking I'm a lucky guy to be exposedto this passionate insight. His first short film, ‘The Escort,' (screening atthe Garden State Film Festival) is hugely provocative to me. The film is abouttwo people trying to connect through incompatibility. I heard him say, “Let goof what you want and do what you need.” Powerful stuff. He'd like to spend aday with David Bowie. I love this segment, Blake mentioned Al Pacino in‘Serpico' and asked if I knew what Save The Cat was. Not. He explained (withhis great depth into the film business), “The core concept is that a heroshould do something likable early on (the "save the cat" moment) tomake the audience root for them.” It became part of a screenwriting course andbook. I was taking notes. Blake laughed when I told him, “Two pages already.”“Words of advice”, I asked. “Show up early, know lines, be flexible, and bekind.” Final analysis. A hugely fun interview.” Calvin

#realconversations #horror #thriller #comedy #trauma#TheShining #Kubrick #NYUTisch #Oregon #comicbooksCONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeetVINCENT MORANO (Writer, director, producer), ADAM GREENE (Co-writer) ‘Night isfor Screaming “. I keep repeating to myself how much I love the Garden StateFilm Festival. It offers wondrous opportunities to get to know and interviewforces of creativity, imagination, and excellence in filmmaking. Welcome,Vincent and Adam. Theirfilm blends horror, comedy (yes), and thriller. I've been around the block. Thefilm's hook is so unique. They are unique. Lifetime journey. Their passionexudes. I like Vincent's childhood. He prayed for rainy days so he could go tothe movie theater. They make movies about his life journey. Adamrevealed his backdrop. Keys to unlimited imagination. Comic books. Eisner's.Vincent, a Jersey guy, summered in Ocean City, where he saw ET, The Natural.Adam, an Ohio State Buckeye fan. Yes, I was at home and comfortable. Now Iswitch to words and thoughts. To induce. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.Anthony Burgess, who wrote A Clockwork Orange. Tonal influences. The Shining.Kubrick. 2001. Vincent watches films with his 14-year-old daughter. Sophie'sChoice. Yes, human horror. Cult psychology. Trauma. Challenges bringing ‘Nightis For Screaming' to Life. Money. We're all indies. I marvel at Vincent, Adam.Their passion, brilliance, grasp, devotion to craft, and their humor. Iscreamed inwardly. Please come back,” Calvin

#realconversations #SylvesterStallone #acting #directing#cryptoheist #UnitedNations #multilingual #voiceover #producer #Standoff CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet AL and MARLYN BANDIERO: “Thirty minutes before ourinterview, I was panicking (attack). Where do I begin? This amazing couple iscollaborating, producing, writing, acting, and directing. Al was the ringannouncer in Rocky IV, hand-picked by Sylvester Stallone. Marlyn,multi-lingual, with a degree in International Affairs, worked at the UN. Thecreation of ‘Because I Can Productions.' This ‘stuff' is swirling (an importantword) in my consciousness. Even more swirling. Al is also a voice-over actor.He has done countless voice-overs for commercials, narrations, and animations.Marlyn rewrites other scripts for people who need their scripts punched up.This interview is about their film, Standoff.' I just saw the trailer.Riveting. Real. Certainly, an unconventional crypto-heist film directed by awoman, Marlyn. Not the usual genre. Al and Marlyn are not the usual. Abrilliant, accomplished, animated, introspective, delightful, consummate filmindustry couple. I was swirling throughout. So much to learn, talk. Here are afew words and thoughts. Just easier. Children's book author. A handicapped dogon the cover. Learning from the best of the best (Stallone). Most importantly,have some vision and tell good stories. ‘Standoff' is our baby. Don't ask,don't get. Getting people to invest in films. Being an actor and producer. TheFox series, ‘Desire.' Getting actors to work together again means chemistry.The rollercoaster is indie films. A bright future here in Jersey. I'm stillswirling while writing this. How gracious and genuine, Al and Marlyn. Now myswirling into the late night.” Calvin

#realconversations #monmouthcountyclerk #Emmywinner#AmericanRevolution #documentary #filmmaker #battleofmonmouth #cinemnatographer#editor #videojournalism #GSFFCONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet CHRISTINE HANLON (Monmouth County Clerk) and ADAM WORTH(5-time Emmy Award-winning director, cinematographer, and editor). ‘As thisspecial interview was coming together, the grasp of the relativity (withrespect to Einstein) of the depth, importance, relevance, and the uniqueness ofthe guests was like a rolling stone. Many reasons for unbridled excitement. Christine has been the MonmouthCounty Clerk since 2015. I live here. Adam Worth, with all those Emmys andnominations. Their third collaboration. ‘Monmouth County at War; Rebels,Raiders, and Revolution'. America's 250th. Monmouth County was acenter of the American Revolution. When I watched Ken Burns' documentary just amonth ago, a bright light bulb went on, a similar realization. Monmouth was anepicenter. Funny thing, Adam's crew and Ken Burns' crew were together filmingat Monmouth Battlefield State Park. Christine and Adam are effervescent,ebullient, brilliant, and quintessential Monmouth and Jersey. I could'velistened for hours. A few notions. Neighbors fought neighbors. A deep conflict.Many didn't think we could win, so they sided with the British. The filmhighlights African American, Native-American and loyalist perspectives. Enoughsaid (the last James Gandolfini movie). So much to glean from this interview. Ifeel like I'm on the cloud. I am.” Calvin

#realconversations #grifting #Ohio #ballet #director#Footloose **CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet BRYANT CARROLL; “I mentioned to the actor, producer,and now director, Bryant Carroll, as we were well into our interview, that Iwas thinking of Forest Gump's mother saying, 'Life is like a box of chocolates,you never know what you're going to get.” All in reference to my thought that Ihad no clear expectations for this interview emanating from Euclid, Ohio. WhatI discovered almost immediately was Bryant's depth, experience, dedication,vision, and movie persona. A quintessential film personality wrapped up inchildhood dreams and directions. From a young age in Ohio, he studied balletand eventually studied acting in NYC. An original cast member of Footloose onBroadway and in a 2001 revival of Hair. To me, his journey is classic. Thestuff they make movies about. There are elements of special depth and humanityto his journey. He's exploring the human experience of an aging woman who hasbeen grifting in his first direction. Heavy stuff. ‘Nowhere Good' is riveting,with wondrous acting. Yes, Bryant's direction is brilliant. I saw the film. Allof a sudden, we're talking about Steve Buscemi, Harrison Ford, and Paul Newman.We both love ‘The Sting.'  And Bryantplayed McMurphy in an Ohio production of ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.'Versatile Beyond. I didn't want the interview to end. Great conversation. Iremembered Sally Field is one of Bryant's favorite actresses. I reminded him,she said, of the box of chocolates in Forest Gump. To be continued.” Calvin

@gsff   #realconversations#director #filmmaker #GSFF #StephenKing #BruceSpringsteen #Kubrick #2001 #ItalyCONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet LUCA CASERTA; (LIVE from Verona, Italy) This briefintro to one of the most fascinating interviews I've done these 14 yearscontains mostly thoughts and words. A reason. To promote curiosity for you allto watch. Luca is a gift for filmmaking. A lifelong journey since he first sawStanley Kubrick's 2001. I saw 2001 back in the late 1960's. And I talk about italmost every day. Listen up. Right from our beginning chat, Luca exudesbrilliance, perfection, vision, grasp, resilience, and devotion. Of course, Ilove his accent. His film is anofficial adaptation of Stephen King's short story ‘The Reach.' King wrote himthat it's “a lovely piece of work.” The “R” word got him to feature BruceSpringsteen's ‘Moonlight Motel” at the end of ‘The Reach.' Not easy feats. Words and thoughts. The film deals with the veil betweenlife and death. Do we know what love really is? "Thanks to Sony Music and Bruce Springsteen. Both Bruceand Stephen have been inspirations in my life." Jana Balkan's (leadactress) visions are not spooky. Luca has a master's degree in PrehistoricArchaeology from the University of Verona. Working on the next film,"Mariska".Key thoughts. As an indie filmmaker. To express my ownvoice.  To inspire people.  Make people think and talk. To spend a daywith Stephen King, Bruce Springsteen or Stanley Kubrick. A dream for me. Actually, this was also a dream interview for me.”  Calvin** 700+ Interviews &Videos

#realconversations #soundeditor #USCFilmSchool #horror #GSFF#Emmy #LowVision #director CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN — WE THE SPECIESHosted by Calvin SchwartzMeet PATRICK HOGAN. “Since I've been interviewing for the Garden State Film Festival, Ifigured using a film motif for my comments. My interview with Patrick Hogan is‘Back to School.' The time with Patrick was a special learning experience. Hisfilm, ‘Blindsided,' is horror, sensory storytelling, fear, empathy, and craftat the highest level. Patrick is quintessential Hollywood. Brilliant, eloquent,dedicated, and magical. An MFA from USC film school. When not making films, hewas nominated ten times for an Emmy as a sound editor. He made a funny commentabout the ten times nominated. And he's worked on iconic shows like ‘Six FeetUnder' and ‘Cobra Kai.'  More schoolingfor me. Blindsided. A blind schoolteacher struggles through a nightmarish nightwhen an alien spaceship crashes. The production features a low-vision cast. Aspecial camera that the blind protagonist wears. Then ‘Lord of the Rings' wasmore schooling. More sound bites. I mentioned ‘From Here to Eternity.' Thesound of a screen door closing, an echo in an empty rec-room in 1941 PearlHarbor, still resonates with me. And I had Patrick, a ‘teacher', to expressthis too.  I've been waiting five decadesto sound off. And AI came up. As did the 1956 film ‘Forbidden Planet.' Wecould've gone on for a few more hours. But the school bell rang.”  Calvin

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