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Episode 138 with Rand Timmerman Was an honor to talk to Rand. We talked about growing up poor, alcoholism, hiking the Appalachian Trail with his brother at 72 and his book "A Spiritual Passage" describing the difficulties and problems they encountered doing such an arduous hike while dealing with issues of grief, overcoming addiction and inspiring, spiritual growth even as we get older. https://www.randtimmerman.com/a-spiritual-passage 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Introducing Vinh Giang: How to Communicate So People Actually Listen to You from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Communication expert Vinh Giang joins Jay to share practical tools from his first book, Before We Forget How to Connect, to help you become a more confident communicator and build deeper, more meaningful connections. Vinh explains how to become a better listener, avoid common communication mistakes, and speak so people actually pay attention. From sounding confident when you're nervous to speaking up in meetings, navigating difficult conversations, and making a great first impression, Vinh shares simple techniques to help you communicate more effectively and connect with people in every area of your life. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Instagram Teen Accounts: Built-in protections for teens. JAY'S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Before We Forget How To Connect 01:52 The High-Low Buffalo Icebreaker 02:45 Sharing Personal Highs 05:15 Sharing Personal Lows 11:40 Sharing Personal Buffalos 13:40 Escaping Small Talk 16:10 Overcoming Self-Judgment 17:58 Sharing Wins Without Sounding Arrogant 19:50 Communication Beyond The Script 20:40 Gen Z's Communication Struggles 23:20 Last Word, Last Letter Game 27:20 The Four Modalities Of Listening 29:50 The Three Follow-Up Questions Rule 35:50 How Do You Make A Great First Impression? 40:10 Reading the Room, Not Formulas 44:10 Finding Your Unique Voice 49:00 Life As A Book: New Chapters 50:40 Building Executive Presence 53:20 Fix Your Resting Blank Face 58:30 Filming Yourself For Self-Awareness 01:02:20 When Your Mind Goes Blank 01:06:10 The Power Of The Pause 01:09:30 How Can You Sound Confident When You’re Nervous? 01:14:40 From Texting Chemistry to Real-Life Connection 01:18:40 How to Communicate Better During Arguments 01:20:20 Learning to Speak Up In Meetings 01:25:45 How to Join a Conversation Without Feeling Awkward 01:28:20 Leaving A Conversation Gracefully 01:31:4 Embracing Vulnerability Episode Resources: Book | https://vinhgiang.com/before-we-forget-how-to-connect Website | https://vinhgiang.com/ YouTube | https://youtube.com/@askvinh Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/share/1CCPX1ChrP/?mibextid=wwXIfr LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinhgiang Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Episode 137 with Gary Goldstein, where we talk about Gary's career as a screenwriter, author, and journalist. Gary shared his journey from working as a movie publicist at Universal Studios to becoming a successful writer of TV films, screenplays, and novels, including his most recent book the dogs-and-divorce comedy "Canine Custody" which was published in September. We discussed his writing process, which varies between detailed outlining for screenplays and more improvisational approaches for books. Gary's advice for aspiring writers is to be prepared, take courses, and have realistic expectations about the business. The conversation also covered Gary's experiences working with celebrities during press tours, his current work as a freelance entertainment writer for the LA Times, and the challenges of the current screenwriting market compared to when he started. Learn more about Gary: https://www.garygoldsteinla.com/ 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

On today's episode I have Seth Panitch, an award-winning actor, playwright, screenwriter, and filmmaker who recently published his first novel "Antique." Seth shared his career journey from writing Jaws 2 in third grade to becoming a theater professor at the University of Alabama, where he heads the MFA acting program. He discussed how the idea for "Antique" came from watching Antiques Roadshow and seeing how appraisers help people discover the value of family heirlooms, which led him to write a novel about identity and finding worth in both objects and people. Seth explained his writing process, which involved extensive research and multiple drafts over a year and a half, ultimately selling the book to Grand Central Publishing. He described his current book tour across 27 cities and shared that approximately 2,800 copies have been sold in the first five months, emphasizing that his main goal is to continue writing rather than seeking fame or bestseller status. Get all the info here: https://sethpanitch.com/ 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Episode134 What Does Wealth Mean to You with David Gottfried Had an amazing time talking to David Gottfried, the founder of the U.S. Green Building Council and the World Green Building Council. We started with the meaning of wealth then we talked about his new book, Regen360, which presents an operating system for a regenerative Earth, emphasizing the need to shift from a focus on financial wealth to valuing life and life-sustaining systems. He explained the concept of green building, detailing its environmental and economic benefits, and shared his personal journey from real estate development to becoming a leader in the green building movement. The discussion also touched on the challenges of climate change, the limitations of current sustainability efforts, and the potential role of AI in helping humanity evolve and address environmental issues. David concluded with a hopeful outlook, encouraging personal reflection and action to align with a more sustainable and truthful way of living. Learn more and get the book: https://regen360.net/ 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

In this episode, I sit down withAustin Galante— an independent filmmaker, actor, musician, and podcast host — to talk about the realities of making art outside the traditional studio system. Austin shares insight into his recent and upcoming film work, including "Sanguine Teeth on a Driftless Road," now available on Tubi, while reflecting on the challenges of low-budget filmmaking, tight production schedules, casting, lighting, and building a creative life between Hollywood and the Midwest. Our conversation also explores the changing landscape of film and music, including the rise ofAIand its complicated impact on creative industries. We compare film communities in Los Angeles, Portland, and the Midwest, discuss self-taped auditions versus in-person auditions, and reflect on what it takes to keep creating in independent space. https://tubitv.com/movies/100060857/sanguine-teeth-on-a-driftless-road 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

#133 – "You're Going to Die, But Not Me." With Liz Scott This time I spoke with Liz Scott, a psychologist and author, about her latest book "You're Going to Die, But Not Me." We discussed how her personal experiences with death - including her husband's death in 1999, her mother's death in 2004, and her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2014 - inspired her three-year research journey into understanding mortality. We talked about near-death experiences, different theories about consciousness and the afterlife, burial and cremation practices, and cultural attitudes toward death across different religions and philosophies. Liz shared how her research reduced her fear of dying by about 10-15% and we discussed her writing process which takes about two and a half years per book. She prefers coffee shops with background noise instead of a quiet writing space at home. The conversation also touched on Liz's previous memoir "This Never Happened" and her challenges with book promotion, concluding with information about where listeners could connect with her through her website and Substack. More here: https://www.lizscottwriter.com/ https://lizscottwriter.substack.com/   🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Had a great conversation with author Dick Wybrow. We discussed his writing career, background in radio and television production, and his move to New Zealand. Wybrow shared insights into his writing process, the challenges and rewards of independent publishing, and his latest book, "The Facilite Con." He explained his approach to editing, working with beta readers, and the importance of writing what he enjoys rather than chasing market trends. We also talked about the evolution of media, the technical aspects of podcasting and broadcasting, and the balance between polished production and embracing chaos in live settings. Wybrow reflected on his experiences in the industry, the potential for his books to be adapted for screen, and the value of connecting with readers. We also covered a range of topics, from personal anecdotes to broader discussions on creativity, storytelling, and the changing landscape of media and publishing. Here is where to find out more and get the books! https://www.dickwybrow.com/ 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Rob Brownstein is a working actor with a long resume that includes movies such as Michael and The Last Appeal and numerous television appearances including Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Shrink Next Door, Young Sheldon, Star Trek: Discovery and many more. Rob shared his journey into acting, starting with poetry readings in Ethiopia and eventually switching from music to drama after his jazz major was cut. He discussed his career, balancing acting with teaching at his studio, An Actor Space, since 2011. Rob spoke about the business side of acting, the importance of agents, and the need to treat one's career as a long-term endeavor. He gave insights into auditioning and preparing for roles, emphasizing the importance of reacting in the moment rather than rote memorization. Rob also reflected on the competitive nature of the industry and the joy of working with talented directors and actors. He mentioned upcoming projects, including a film called "The Rooster Prince," and his commercial workshop for actors aged 50 and over. The conversation touched on the therapeutic aspects of acting and the pressures of the profession. https://www.anactorsspace.com https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0115282/?ref_=fn_t_1

EP 130 with Dave Mowry, on a journey of living with severe mental illness and how he found healing and purpose through stand-up comedy. Dave discussed his background as a successful businessman, his psychotic break, and the 14 years he spent struggling with deep depression and anxiety. He explained how taking a stand-up comedy class for people with mental illness transformed his life, leading him to teach and perform comedy focused on mental health. Dave described the impact of his work, including teaching at the Oregon State Hospital and helping others reframe their experiences through humor. He also talked about his books, "OMG, That's Me" and "Healing with Humor," and the positive reception they've received. The conversation covered the challenges and rewards of comedy, the importance of listening, and the power of humor in breaking stigma around mental illness. Dave shared personal stories, including his approach to coping with mental health challenges and his thoughts on suicide, emphasizing the value of connection and not feeling alone. The discussion also touched on social media, the comedy scene, and the role of creativity in recovery. https://davemowry.wpcomstaging.com/ 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

#129 This was a great conversation with Liam Begley, author of the sci-fi novel "Broken Interstellar: A Union Worker Space Opera." We discussed his writing process, which took about a decade to complete, and his decision to self-publish after being unable to secure an agent. The conversation covered Liam's background in the film industry and how his experiences there influenced his approach to writing about union workers and logistics in space. They explored themes of power, authority, and organizational structures in both science fiction and real-world contexts, including discussions about anarchism, labor relations, and the challenges of maintaining personal agency within larger systems. The interview also touched on topics like AI development, the evolution of communication technologies, and various science fiction concepts including Star Trek's different series and their approaches to storytelling. https://www.liambegley.ca/ 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

#128 Teaching Uncomfortable History with Dr. Ettie Zilber. We talked about her career in international education and her work documenting and sharing her family's Holocaust experiences. Ettie discussed her extensive background working in international schools across six countries and her research on third culture kids. She explained how her family's history as Holocaust survivors led her to write a book based on her mother's testimony and her own journey retracing her mother's wartime experiences. The conversation covered the importance of teaching and learning about the Holocaust, the challenges of misinformation, and the value of personal stories in education. Ettie shared insights from her speaking engagements worldwide, highlighting the impact of Germany's mandatory Holocaust education. We also discussed the broader importance of understanding and confronting uncomfortable histories to prevent future atrocities. The dialogue emphasized the significance of recording family stories and the intergenerational transmission of trauma. Learn more and get the book: A HOLOCAUST MEMOIR OF LOVE AND RESILIENCE: MAMA'S SURVIVAL FROM LITHUANIA TO AMERICA https://tinyurl.com/56ujwk35  THIRD CULTURE KIDS: Children of Educators in International Schools  https://tinyurl.com/4udrzz55 This book is out of print, however, if this subject is of interest to you contact me through  my website https://www.ettiezilber.com/ 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

#127 with Multi-talented Rosie Tran! On this episode I talk to comedian Rosie Tran, we talk about Rosie's 24-year career in comedy, her creation of the "Rosie Tran Presents" comedy showcase series streaming on Amazon, and her approach to building a platform for underrepresented voices in entertainment. Rosie shared her journey from being discouraged by a misogynistic rejection letter for a female comedy tour to developing her own successful showcase series. We also discussed the challenges of touring, the importance of context in comedy, and the evolution of comedy genres beyond just "funny or not funny." We explored topics including the impact of social media on comedy, the craft of stand-up comedy and how, even experienced comedians must practice new material in front of audiences to determine what works, and the pressures entertainers face to constantly perform and maintain visibility in the industry. Get all the info: https://www.rosietran.com/ 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

#126 with Writer/Director Taylor Morden on Directing a movie a year, Getting Lost Doc, his latest movie Eat Your Heart Out, things I didn't know about and so much more. We talked for what seemed like 10 minutes, but it was maybe a little longer. First time I've done a podcast in person in a while and I learned a lot. #gettinglostdoc #thelastblockbuster #eatyourheartout 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

What an amazing conversation with Dailyn Matthews, we discussed Dailyn's diverse background and experiences. Dailyn shared details about her recent rowing experience in an eight-man boat, her adventures observing the Kilauea volcano eruption on the Big Island of Hawaii, and her travels across the United States and to seven continents.  Then we got into Dailyn's 26-year career as a stunt performer and actress in Hollywood. Dailyn explained how she got into stunt work after escaping an abusive marriage and her dual role as both an actor and stunt performer. The conversation covered Dailyn's athletic background in skiing and her current mountaineering training, as well as her experiences working in the film industry and the risks involved in stunt performance, including a recent broken bone. https://dailynmatthews.com/about/ 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/