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Rhonda Parker Taylor, a distinguished author, joins us to discuss her debut novel, "Crossroads," a suspenseful narrative released in February 2023. The book, which has garnered endorsements from notable figures such as bestselling author J.J. Herbert and Golden Globe-nominated actress Muriel Hemingway, intricately weaves a tale set in Indianapolis during the 2000s. Throughout our conversation, we delve into the profound themes explored within the narrative, including the complexities of personal identity and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Taylor articulates the significance of mentorship in her journey as a writer and reflects upon the life lessons that influenced her storytelling. Through this episode, we illuminate the emotional landscapes that underpin "Crossroads," inviting listeners to contemplate the intricate balance of life and the human experience.The dialogue features an insightful discussion with Rhonda Parker Taylor, an accomplished author whose recent work, 'Crossroads', has garnered notable attention. Rhonda's journey began with a fashion merchandising program, which ultimately led her back to her roots in Indiana, where she discovered her passion for writing. Her debut novel, released in February 2023, is characterized as a suspenseful masterpiece, receiving endorsements from acclaimed personalities such as bestselling author JJ Herbert and Golden Globe-nominated actress Muriel Hemingway. The podcast delves into Rhonda's writing process, the thematic elements of her novel, and the personal experiences that shaped her storytelling. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the intricate balance of emotions portrayed in 'Crossroads', particularly how the characters navigate through personal and societal challenges. Rhonda articulates the profound impact of mentorship throughout her life, emphasizing the importance of supportive figures who have guided her along her creative path. This episode serves as a compelling exploration of artistic inspiration and the transformative power of literature.Takeaways: Rhonda Parker Taylor's debut novel, Crossroads, released in February 2023, explores complex themes of crime and personal struggle. The endorsement of her novel by notable figures such as JJ Herbert and Muriel Hemingway enhances its credibility and appeal. Throughout the episode, Rhonda emphasizes the significance of mentorship in personal and professional development. The discussion highlights the protagonist Paris Pennington's struggles with work-life balance, reflecting broader societal challenges. Rhonda articulates the notion that personal experiences shape one's perspective on justice, as illustrated by her own life events. The conversation underscores the importance of resilience and self-acceptance in navigating life's adversities and emotional turmoil. Links referenced in this episode:rhondaparkertaylor.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Barter College JJ Herbert Muriel Hemingway
It's the fifth edition of FOURBRUARY, and the last gasp of Cannon-uary! We watched Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, and it was...not good. Why are there SO MANY unconnected scenes? What's with Gene Hackman doing the voice of Nuclear Man? Why is Muriel Hemingway wearing David Byrne's suit? How did anyone get suckered into making this?! Why are the effects so cheap? All this and more - plus a big Patreon announcement! Support us on Patreon! “NewsSting, Ouroboros, Wish Background, Jingle Bells Calm” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Keywords: Cannon Films, Cannonuary, Superman IV, Superman 4, Superman, Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, 80s, Movie, Retro, 80s, Podcast, Eighties
It's Katy's birthday and she's celebrating by telling tales of guardian angels from the television show Celebrity Ghost Stories featuring Muriel Hemingway and 30 Rock's Kevin Brown.
It's Katy's birthday and she's celebrating by telling tales of guardian angels from the television show Celebrity Ghost Stories featuring Muriel Hemingway and 30 Rock's Kevin Brown.
On today's show: Film director Sean Baker and film critic Piers Marchant. First, a very recent conversation I had with filmmaker Sean Baker. I was so taken with Sean Baker's 2015 film TANGERINE, famously and beautifully shot from an Apple iPhone, that I started tracking down his earlier work, four fascinating films, including two brilliantly-executed micro-budget indies, 2004's TAKE OUT set in the world of NYC Chinese food delivery, and 2008's PRINCE OF BROADWAY, about an African immigrant selling knock-off designer bags who is unexpectedly left alone with a baby that might be his son. Baker's 2012 film STARLET centered around a friendship between an elderly widow and a sweet up-and-coming adult film star, played by Muriel Hemingway's daughter, Dree. But it was the 2015 film TANGERINE that was Baker's breakthrough, hitting the zeitgeist right as transgender issues were making big news and following two streetwalkers on a wild and unapologetic 24-hour tour through the Hollywood strip, and featuring incredible performances from first-time actresses Mya Taylor and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez. The pair were later part of the first Academy Award campaigns for openly transgender actresses. Now Baker follows-up TANGERINE with THE FLORIDA PROJECT, a fascinating ramble around the world of budget motels in Kissimmee, Florida. The film is mostly seen from the perspective of six year old Moonee, played by newcomer Brooklyn Prince and through her eyes, the rundown, kitschy motels and gaudy tourist traps seem just as enchanted as Disney's Magic Kingdom one town over. Her mother is played by Bria Vinaite who gives a downright feral performance as Moonee's loving but distracted mom and Willem Defoe exercises his compassionate side as the diplomatic motel manager Bobby. It's a film that vibrates with real life and its episodic quality allows the tightening dynamics of the plot to escape notice until its emotionally-tumultuous finale. It's also a film that captures childhood more vividly than any film in recent history as well as further exploring the themes of work, morality and people on society's fringes that is the hallmark of Baker's ever-more impressive filmography. I was given a chance to talk to Baker just before THE FLORIDA PROJECT screened at the Philadelphia Film Festival and when I saw the schedule I realized I was given 20 minutes just before Baker was due to walk on the festival's red carpet for a Saturday evening featured screening. I found Baker to be completely direct and unpretentious and would have loved to have him on for a more leisurely interview but as it was I was able to squeeze a few more minutes out of him for a half-hour of conversation. We talk about Baker's New Jersey roots, discovering Cassavetes, Ken Loach and the Dardenne Brothers, working with first-time actors, 70s Hollywood film, The Our Gang series, shooting on video and film and knowing how the movie is going to end. After the interview we'll go to an even more recent discussion with film critic Piers Marchant from PHILADELPHIA MAGAZINE and The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Piers and I get into a much more leisurely conversation, discussing Baker and THE FLORIDA PROJECT but also, BLADE RUNNER 2049, The Coen Brothers, George Lucas, the state of modern Hollywood and some of our favorite films of the 2017.