Advertise on podcast: Nick Egan Times

On this episode we have an incredibly distinguished guest! We have the legendary Oscar nominated screenwriter: Billy Ray! Billy is the mastermind behind Captain Phillips, The Hunger Games and the iconic Nicole Kidman AMC commercial! Billy’s latest incredible new project, “BURN THE WATER”, marks his debut novel! Written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, it’s a bold, emotionally charged reimagining of Romeo and Juliet set in a drowned, climate-ravaged London. It’s part epic love story, part warning and entirely human! For decades Billy has built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected storytellers, crafting unforgettable films filled with tension, heart and huge cultural impact. Now, for the very first time, he’s stepping away from adapting stories for the screen and creating an entirely original world of his own! In this interview Billy opens up about the transition from screenwriting to novel writing, what inspired him to tell this story, why Burn the Water felt so important to write, and how the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike gave him the opportunity to explore a completely different creative path!

On this episode we have a remarkable guest! We have the incredible singer, songwriter and pianist: Alexa Ray Joel! Alexa’s music blends soulful storytelling, retro influences and contemporary pop sensibilities!  Alexa’s amazing new single: “Heavy Eyes”, pays homage to her favorite ‘60s female singers, from Irma Thomas to Dionne Warwick, blending torch song romance with a playful, flirtatious energy! It’s the latest release from her upcoming EP “Tales From A Winding Tower”, following the hard hitting single: “Riverside Way”.  The daughter of iconic musician Billy Joel and supermodel Christie Brinkley, Alexa has crafted her own unique voice in music, honoring classic influences while telling deeply personal stories!  Heavy Eyes can be heard on this direct YouTube link below:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9GNIr-Sp2g

On this episode we have got a powerhouse guest! We have the incredible Grammy Award winning, multi-platinum producer Doc Ish! Doc Ish has helped shape modern hip hop and is best known for Eminem’s global hit: “We Made You,” which cracked the Billboard Hot 100 - Top 10 and charted worldwide! With over a two decade amazing career, he’s worked with legends like Wu-Tang Clan, Joe Budden, KRS-One and many more! Beyond music, Doc Ish is the founder of the amazing InYaHead Academy, using music therapy and digital media to empower at risk youth! Doc is also co-host of the Doc n Danze Show with Billy Danze and was inducted into the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History in 2023! 

On this episode we have a sensational guest! We have the powerhouse: Annetta Powell! Annetta, is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, award winning digital product expert and the powerhouse behind over $7 million in online revenue! Annetta is a three-time ClickFunnels 2 Comma Club Award winner, the founder of the Digital Product Creators Community and a savvy real estate investor with more than 30 rental properties owned free and clear! Annetta, is known for empowering entrepreneurs to turn ideas into income and build true financial freedom through smart strategy, mindset and execution! 

On this episode, we have a truly sensational guest! The incredibly creative and visionary Stacey Reiss!  Stacey is an Emmy® Award – Winning filmmaker whose work is shaping culture and redefining how stories are told! Stacey is the Head of Film at Wavelength, where she oversees both scripted and unscripted projects across the global entertainment industry at a pivotal moment for film and television! Stacey has produced documentary features, narrative films and series for platforms including Netflix, HBO, Sony Pictures Classics, and Sundance. Her work challenges power, reframes history, and elevates voices too often left out of the conversation!

On this episode we have an amazing guest! We have the multi-talented singer and songwriter Maisy Kay! Originally from the English countryside, Maisy moved to Los Angeles nearly a decade ago to pursue her music career! A incredible journey that’s now seen her grow into a truly global artist! Maisy has previously reached #1 on the YouTube Pop Charts and has collaborated with industry legends including: Timbaland, Tiësto and Darkchild! Maisy's breakout collaboration with TheFatRat: “The Storm,” has amassed over 30 million streams worldwide! We talk about her journey, creative process and the realities of building a career as an international artist, as well as her upcoming US & Canada tour in February and March! Maisy’s phenomenal new single: “Vantablack,” is out now and listen here: https://open.spotify.com/track/6QT8QItj34UnuSw3fzZ4KZ

On this episode, we have a highly influential guest! We have the highly impactful and incredible Annie Shapiro, Director of Talent Booking at the powerhouse Vevo - The world’s leading music video network! Vevo sits at the centre of modern music discovery, shaping where culture and the industry are headed through original content, live sessions, and global initiatives like DSCVR - Artists to Watch and their annual End of Year charts, spotlighting the artists, songs, and cultural moments defining what comes next! Annie’s position at Vevo entails close collaboration with artists and teams across every stage of their careers, partnering with major record labels including Island Records, Republic Records, RCA Records, Epic Records. Annie has led talent booking for some of the biggest names in music, including The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Future, Miley Cyrus, H.E.R., Demi Lovato, plus many more! Annie is especially passionate about championing emerging artists through Vevo’s incredible DSCVR Program, which has become one of the most influential tastemaker platforms in music! The amazing annual Artists to Watch list is now in its twelfth year and has previously highlighted artists like Sam Smith, Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi, Raye, Ice Spice, Chappell Roan, plus many others!

On this episode we have an accomplished and inspiring guest! We have the incredible athlete: Stephen Tulloch! Stephen, is a former NFL linebacker, NFL team captain, entrepreneur, philanthropist, community leader and founder of the mission driven brand: “Circle House Coffee”! Stephen, played in the NFL for 11 seasons as a standout linebacker for the Tennessee Titans, Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles! Stephen is channelling that same passion and discipline into the world of business and community impact through - Circle House Coffee!  For for our listeners, you can directly experience that mission for yourself! Every listener can directly use this specific code that has been created just for you to use: NICK10 at: circlehousecoffeeonline.com/discount/NICK10 for 10% off your entire order 

On this episode of we have two world class composers and producers! We have the multi talented: Mark Batson and Chris Hanebutt - The duo behind the incredible HBO’s Critics Choice Award winning documentary: “The Alabama Solution”, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and is now streaming on HBO Max! Mark, is a six-time Grammy® award winning, classically trained pianist with more than 132 million albums sold, having worked with icons like: Eminem, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Nas, Alicia Keys, Yo-Yo Ma and the Dave Matthews Band, along with film and television credits including American Hustle, I, Tonya, Spider Man 2, Empire and Godfather of Harlem! Chris, is a composer, producer and mixer with major credits including Wu-Tang: An American Saga, The Equalizer 2, Shots Fired, David Makes Man, Infinite and the biopic Rob Peace, as well as work with Mary J. Blige, Nipsey Hussle, Wiz Khalifa and BJ The Chicago Kid. Chris’s song “On the Come Up” opens every series in the Power universe! Together, Mark and Chris have also scored the final season of STARZ’s Power Book IV: Force, the L.A. Law reboot pilot, and the political documentary One Person, One Vote?  

On this episode we have a tremendous guest! We have one of the most respected professionals in the elite security industry! We have Debo, founder of DeBo Secured LLC! Operating across the U.S. and internationally, Debo and his team provide world-class executive protection, secure transportation, surveillance and high-profile event security for celebrities, public figures, and elite clientele! Trusted by major names across entertainment, music, government, sports, and global events, DeBo Secured has built a reputation for delivering top-tier protection with unmatched professionalism, precision, and discretion. This high-impact interview takes you inside the world of elite security and the mindset behind protecting the world’s most high-profile individuals with amazing insights!

On this episode we have a marvelous guest! We have the multi-talented Hollywood actor, producer and former boxer: Aleks Paunovic! Aleks, is well known for his roles in:  - Marvel’s Hawkeye  - Kindergarten Cop 2  - Snowpiercer  - The Olympians  - Reacher  - Percy Jackson and Suits: LA and many more!  Aleks’ journey, from the boxing ring to Hollywood is nothing short of inspiring! Aleks, is returning to his boxing roots in the upcoming incredible Amazon and Michael B. Jordan Muhammad Ali series: “The Greatest”, which is scheduled to be released in 2026! Aleks has co-founded: LEGEND Water, a brand pushing wellness and mental-health advocacy forward into the future! 

On this episode we have a distinguished guest! We have the nationally recognised: Jeff Wennigner! Jeff, is a retired LAPD Lieutenant with 33 years of service, and the Founder and CEO of “Law Enforcement Consultants, LLC!” Jeff is nationally recognized as an expert, in law enforcement, the use of force and someone who has coordinated dignitary protection details for: U.S. PresidentsVice PresidentsFirst LadiesVisiting Heads of StatesJeff has later expanded that expertise, to overseeing security for prominent entertainers and managing venue security for a Major League Baseball team. From protecting dignitaries to guiding police reform today!

This is a special tribute re-release of Episode 98 of the Nick Egan Times Podcast - an in-depth interview with the legendary late Pepe Willie, a foundational figure in the Minneapolis music scene and an early mentor, producer and cousin-in-law to Prince. Originally published on February 25, 2023, this interview captures Pepe’s passion, stories and the brilliant musical mind that helped influence an entire musical movement. Pepe was a genius and Godfather of the Minneapolis Sound. In this episode, we talk about: His early life and musical journeyWorking with 94 East and developing young talentHis amazing relationship with a young Prince, how he helped shaped his career and unbelievable insights into a young Prince and the early Minneapolis soundHis thoughts on creativity, legacy and the future of musicIconic stories from behind the scenesThis interview is being re-released in Pepe’s honor as we reflect on his extraordinary contributions to music. His influence continues to live on through the artists he inspired and the history he helped create. Thank you for listening and for helping celebrate the legacy of Pepe Willie. From the streets of Bed-Stuy to the studios of Minneapolis, Pepé was a multi-talented powerhouse: producer, songwriter, musician, mentor, and consultant. Widely known as the Godfather of the Minneapolis Sound, he played a pivotal role in shaping the early artistic identity of one of music’s greatest icons. He not only produced Prince’s earliest sessions with 94 East, but personally guided the young prodigy—opening doors, sharpening his studio instincts, and teaching him the business side of music. In this interview, Pepé shares: What it was like discovering Prince as a teen and instantly recognizing a once-in-a-generation talentBehind-the-scenes stories from the early Minneapolis scene, the rehearsal rooms, and those legendary demo sessionsRare insights into Prince’s work ethic, creative evolution, and the moments that foreshadowed his superstardomPowerful personal stories from Pepé’s own journey—from Brooklyn’s music culture to becoming a foundational figure in Prince’s artistic developmentIf you’re fascinated by music history, creative genius, or the origins of an icon, this interview is unmissable. Get ready for deep insights, untold stories, and an up-close look at a true pioneer who helped shape modern music.

On this episode we have two incredible filmmakers behind the upcoming amazing dark comedy short film: “Girl Dinner” - We have the incredibly gifted: Anika Hussen and Nia Raasikh!  Anika, is a New York born storyteller with roots at Marvel, Hulu and Dolby, Anika brings a sharp, imaginative eye to immersive filmmaking!  Nia, is a California native with a background in entertainment marketing for studios like Warner Bros. and Amazon MGM, infuses her work with raw, character-driven emotion! Together, they have both co-written and co-directed: Girl Dinner - A bold, chaotic and deeply honest look at the complexities of girls relationships!

On this episode we have an amazing guest! We have the incredible: “Marc Friedant!” Marc, is the dynamic CEO of the iconic: “Robbins Brothers” Fine Jewelers! Marc’s journey from the world of finance, to leading one of America’s most iconic Jewelry brands is nothing short of truly inspiring! Marc, has helped guide “Robbins Brothers”, through transformation and triumph - From steering the company during the pandemic, to leading an employee-led buyout, that has redefined its culture, direction and future!