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In this conversation, we explore Tony Grey's diverse musical journey, including his teaching experiences, album releases, and collaborations with renowned artists like Bob James and Rishab Sharma. It highlights his approach to music creation, the themes of his albums, and his commitment to mental health advocacy through music. We also delve into the creative process behind the creation of the scores for Tethered's immersive experiences -- emphasizing the importance of perseverance, trust, and adaptability in artistic endeavors. Takeaways Collaborations with renowned artistsPerseverance transforms ideasTrust enhances collaboration Chapters Teaching Across GenerationsThe Journey of Album CreationCollaborating with LegendsThe Bob James ConnectionExploring New Musical HorizonsAdvocating Mental Health Through MusicThe Power of PerseveranceCollaboration and Trust in CreativityChallenges in Music CompositionExperiencing Music in PerformanceEvolving Themes in Collaborative ProjectsThe Journey of Creating the Score for TetheredCrafting Music for Emotional ImpactThe Element of Surprise in Music Published on October 22, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

In Part One, musician Tony Grey shares his journey from a strict piano upbringing to becoming a successful bassist and educator. The discussion covers Tony's early experiences with music, his struggles with identity, and his eventual rise in the music industry, including boy band Bliss and his collaboration with renowned pianist Hiromi. The conversation delves into Tony Grey's extensive career as a musician, focusing on his experiences touring with Hiromi and his journey towards establishing his own music school. It highlights the challenges and rewards of a musician's lifestyle, the importance of self-identity as a composer, and the evolution of his teaching philosophy. Takeaways Musical journey shaped by experiencesImportance of mentorship in music Musician lifestyle can be challengingImportance of nurturing in teaching Diverse teaching experiences Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background03:04 Early Musical Influences05:59 Transition to Bass and Recovery12:06 Journey to Berklee and Early Challenges17:58 The Boy Band Experience23:57 Collaboration with Hiromi25:04 Journey with Hiromi: Touring Life27:58 Embracing Composition: Finding My Voice33:57 Transitioning to Teaching: Building a School40:54 Philosophy of Music Education: Nurturing Talent Published on October 15, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

In this episode, John interviews Benjamin S. Sheeler about his journey in the arts, particularly focusing on his experiences in acting, music, and the immersive theater process. They discuss Sheeler's background, his transition from sports to the arts, and his recent role in Tethered's immersive theater production, "The Lever". Takeaways Journey from sports to artsInsights on immersive theater Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background10:01 The Transition to Acting12:57 Immersive Theater Experience19:24 Opening Weekend Reflections Published on October 8, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

In this episode I talk to sisters, Tanya and Natasha Bravo, from Juggerknot Theatre Company in Miami, Florida -- two of the minds behind the Miami Immersive Intensive -- which I attended this summer. We discuss their artistic journeys, the origins of Juggerknot, and their immersive theater work, particularly the Miami Motel Stories and Miami Bus Stop Stories. We also get into the impact of immersive theater on community engagement and education and the importance of training and collaboration in the immersive arts. Takeaways Immersive theater fosters community engagementArtistic journeys shape creative expression Immersive theater enhances educationCommunity engagement fosters civic pride Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Juggerknot Theatre Company02:57 Artistic Journeys and Early Influences05:53 The Birth of Miami Motel Stories11:56 Community Engagement Through Immersive Theater18:00 Navigating Challenges and Opportunities24:06 Reflections and Future Directions27:13 The Power of Immersive Storytelling28:10 Innovative Educational Programs30:29 Connecting History and Community32:45 Building Infrastructure for the Arts34:57 Training the Next Generation of Artists39:08 Defining Immersive Experiences41:39 Creating a Hub for Immersive Arts45:29 Expanding the Reach of Immersive Training50:33 Looking Ahead: Future InitiativesPublished on October 1, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

In this episode, my guest is dancer, actor, bartender, entrepreneur -- Taylor Lorraine. We talk about Taylor's journey from early involvement in the arts to her current engagement with Seiche Dance Collective and Tethered. We also delve into her experience with color guard, the launch of her bartending business, Taylor & Tonic, and her passion for ballet. As a performer in all 3 flagship Tethered productions, Taylor breaks down the challenges faced during rehearsals and performances, the evolution of Tethered shows, and the impact of the new show's storyline and character development. Takeaways Early involvement in the arts shapes long-term passion.Balancing multiple priorities requires strategic scheduling and organization. Evolution of Tethered shows over the yearsChallenges and impact of immersive storytellingChapters 00:00 Introductions and Early Connections01:22 Early Involvement in the Arts03:06 Transition to Adult Dance and Acting Experience05:09 Balancing Priorities and Scheduling07:06 Organizing Priorities and Interests09:08 Involvement in Color Guard and Bartending Business16:20 Passion for Ballet and Seiche Dance Collective19:08 Narrative Ballet and Outreach Plans20:59 Transition to Tethered21:03 The Beginning of Tethered22:23 Rehearsal and Performance Challenges23:06 Year One of Tethered24:20 Exhausting Performances25:42 Involvement in Seiche and Tethered Collaboration26:18 Preparation for Tethered and Brain Performance27:29 Tethered 2025 and Memory Theme28:49 Acting and Workshop-Style Auditions30:45 Evolution of Tethered Shows31:16 New Approach to Immersive Storytelling32:25 Character Development and Performance Impact36:14 Diversity and Inclusivity in the Cast38:05 Character Taylor and the Storyline42:43 Upcoming Projects and EventsPublished on September 24, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

The Lever, our new immersive theater show, has been officially announced its fantastic cast. The show features branched endings, open auditions, and a diverse cast. Rehearsals, logistics, and audience feedback have been crucial in the preparation for the show. Chapters 00:00 Announcement of The Lever03:20 Cast Announcements and Rehearsals10:11 Logistics and Audience Feedback14:03 Promotion and Merchandise Published on September 17, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

John Lyons provides a quick news update for the month of September, including the announcement of ticket sales for The Lever immersive theater experience and weekly film screenings at the 10|20 Collective. Takeaways Immersive theater experience 'The Lever' tickets are on saleEncouragement for filmmakers to participate in the open screen happy hour event on September 9th. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Immersive Theater Experience Announcement02:37 Film Screenings and Events03:02 Open Screen Happy Hour Event for Filmmakers Published on September 3, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside Support us by becoming a patron at Patreon

In this episode, we delve into Danielle Kaiser's lifelong passion for dance, the formation of Seiche Dance Collective, and the importance of creating a space for adult dancers to continue their dance journey. We collaborated with Seiche on a short dance film, WAR, which will celebrate its festival debut this September in Beverly Hills at the Lady Filmmakers Festival. With WAR we dive into choreographing for water and adaptability, the filmmaking process. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Dance01:36 Early Dance Experience03:02 Professional Dance Career04:12 Life on a Cruise Ship14:06 Injury and Recovery16:44 Formation of Seiche Dance Collective22:46 Adult Dance and Community26:05 Dance Class Offerings and Rehearsals28:18 The Origin of the Name Seiche29:46 Upcoming Season and Fundraising Events32:27 Creating a Short Film: 'Funeral'35:32 Choreographing for Water and Adaptability38:06 Filming 'War' and the Filmmaking Process46:26 Collaboration and Future Projects Published on August 27, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside Support us by becoming a patron at Patreon

In this episode, two members from the cast of Tethered's new immersive experience, The Lever, join us: Dr. Paul Lukach and Frederick Williams. They share their their backgrounds in acting and their audition experiences, character insights, and the dynamics of the cast in our upcoming production. Takeaways Immersive theater challenges actors in new and exciting waysAuditioning for immersive theater involves unique and extensive processes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Rehearsals01:27 Background in Acting and Theater03:23 Character Insights and Audition Experiences13:17 The Dynamics of the Cast and Rehearsal Process Published on August 20, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside Support us by becoming a patron at Patreon

The conversation covers the inspiration and creation process of horror film, Photo Negative, with writer/director Jacob Perrett and stars Karlee Mayfield and Taylor Rhoades. It also delves into the challenges of small film production and the vulnerability of actors in intimate settings. The conversation delves into the actor's portrayal of a character, the challenges faced during filming, and the process of location scouting and selection. It provides insights into the actor's approach to portraying a complex character, the technical challenges encountered during filming, and the importance of finding suitable locations for the film. Takeaways Horror genre inspirationTransition from music to filmSmall film production challenges Character portrayalChallenges of filmingLocation scouting Chapters 00:00 Inspiration and Creation03:35 Transition to Film06:08 Acting and Artistic Journey13:27 Horror Genre and Film Collective18:54 Film Plot and Characters21:16 Character Portrayal and Performance22:49 Filming Challenges and Solutions32:00 Location Scouting and Selection Published on August 13, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside Support us by becoming a patron at Patreon

The episode provides updates on Tethered's new immersive experience, 'The Lever,' casting and rehearsals, the introduction of new co-directors, collaboration with other theater groups, and the progress of rehearsals and production. Takeaways Tethered's new immersive experience, 'The Lever,' is a significant development for the theater company.The addition of new co-directors and collaborations with other theater groups indicate growth and expansion for Tethered. Chapters 00:00 Tethered's New Experience: The Lever03:04 Casting and Rehearsals07:01 New Co-Directors and Collaborations10:01 Introduction of Brooke Echnat11:55 Rehearsals and Production Progress Published on August 6, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside Support us by becoming a patron at Patreon

Jacob Perrett discusses his early creative influences and beginnings, his transition to filmmaking, the development of his YouTube channel and content creation, and his college experience and pursuit of journalism. The conversation also covers the challenges of character-centric horror. Takeaways Early creative influences shaped Jacob's passion for storytelling and filmmaking.Jacob's journey from content creation on YouTube to pursuing journalism highlights his diverse creative pursuits. Influences and experiences shape creative pathsCrowdfunding and self-funding are viable options for indie filmmakers Chapters 00:00 Early Influences and Creative Beginnings02:17 Transition to Filmmaking05:39 YouTube Channel and Content Creation16:08 College and Journalism23:53 Early Influences and Auditions26:41 Transition to Filmmaking27:32 Weird Fiction and Spine Chiller32:24 Creature in the Dark and Proposal37:03 Challenges of Character-Centric Horror Published on July 30, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside Support us by becoming a patron at Patreon

The conversation delves into the financial realities of independent filmmaking and explores the challenges and rewards of independent film production. We also cover the need for fair compensation and transparency in deals and unconventional approaches to filmmaking, highlighting the pursuit of success, creative problem-solving, and the diverse forms of creativity in the industry. It's the state of indie film in 2026, as Jill Killington and I see it. Chapters 00:00 Defining Independent Film11:00 The Business of Filmmaking24:17 The Impact of Film Production on the Industry34:52 Passion for Storytelling and Filmmaking40:12 Choosing the Filmmaking Path46:18 The Pursuit of Success in Filmmaking53:33 Adapting to Change and Exploring Creativity59:29 Inviting Filmmaking Community Engagement Published on July 23, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside Support us by becoming a patron at Patreon

Tethered is excited to announce open auditions for 12 paid roles in our new narrative-based immersive theatrical production, The Lever.  Auditioners must be 18 years of age or older and bring a 1-2 minute contemporary dramatic monologue of their choice to perform. All ethnicities, races, and cultural experiences are encouraged to attend.  Due to the nature of the show, which will require performers to be versatile and able to improvise, the format of these auditions will be workshop style. Our creative team will be looking for performers to show they can be generous, collaborative with their peers, and think on their feet.  For more information go to http://tetheredimmersive.com Published on July 16, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside Support us by becoming a patron at Patreon

Filmmaker Jill Killington discusses the inspiration behind her movie 'Mr + Mrs Death' and the process of writing, casting, and shooting the film. She emphasizes the importance of budget-conscious writing and her experience of shooting trailers and posters for the movie as part of the marketing strategy. Jill also discusses the production and post-production process on the project. Join us for a deep dive full of insights into the indie filmmaking experience and the importance of creative freedom. Takeaways Budget-conscious writingUse of note cards for structuringShooting trailers and posters for marketing Indie filmmaking involves navigating challenges in production, editing, and music selection.Creative freedom and authenticity are essential in the indie filmmaking process. Chapters 00:00 Inspiration and Writing Process13:01 Casting and Shooting Trailers27:05 Marketing Strategy33:06 The Production Process59:51 Music Selection and Creative Freedom Published on July 9, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside Support us by becoming a patron at Patreon