Best Mike Lenz Podcasts (2025)

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150 - Sanya Simmons Interview - From Classical Flutist to SAG-AFTRA Audiobook Narrator 1:09:12

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7d ago1:09:12

1:09:12

IIn this episode, Mike sits down with audiobook narrator and author Sanya Simmons to talk about her path from classical musician to becoming a voice actor and audiobook narrator. What We Cover: Building an Audiobook Career: Moving from ACX royalty-share projects to working directly with publishers The real time investment: why 5-10 hours of finishe…

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The Runarounds: Wilmington’s new TV show from the creators of “Outer Banks” 25:07

26d ago25:07

25:07

The Runarounds is Wilmington’s new television series from the creators of the hit show Outer Banks. It follows a group of high school grads who form a garage band and chase their dreams of being rock stars. Original music, teenage romance, and the quest for fame are the backdrop for this high-energy story featuring real-life rockers William Lipton,…

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Kyle Mills: An old character becomes new again in "Fade In" 32:38

18d ago32:38

32:38

New York Times bestselling author Kyle Mills published his first book featuring former Navy SEAL Salam al-Fayed, called Fade, in 2005. After writing three books in Robert Ludlum’s universe and nine featuring Vince Flynn’s beloved character Mitch Rapp, Mills decided to bring Fade back from the dead. Fade In is Mills’s 24th thriller, a pulse-pounding…

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149 - Melissa Mirren Interview 52:18

1M ago52:18

52:18

In this episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I sit down with the incredibly versatile Melissa Mirren, a professional voice actor with over eight years of experience spanning commercials, corporate narration, e-learning, animation, and video games. Melissa shares her path from childhood performances and college theater to a multifaceted voiceover ca…

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Edwin McCain: A new album and new tour, decades after “I’ll Be” saved his career 32:11

2M ago32:11

32:11

Edwin McCain says his breakthrough 1998 hit I’ll Be saved his recording career. A year later, he hit the Top-10 again with I Could Not Ask For More. Now, 30 years after the release of his first album on a major record label, McCain has released his 11th record, Lucky, the first collection of all-new songs from the South Carolina native in 15 years.…

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Crimes of the Cape Fear: Digging Deeper into Five Unsolved Murders 24:28

3M ago24:28

24:28

The families of five murder victims have waited years, even decades, for justice. They lost mothers, fathers, sons and daughters to violent crimes in the Wilmington area, and the killers have never paid the price. In this special podcast episode, you’ll hear detectives talk about the investigations into these unsolved murders, while loved ones shar…

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148 - Rom-Coms, Witty Banter, and Beach Towns – Inside Grace Worthington’s Sweet Romance World 42:17

3M ago42:17

42:17

On this episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I chat with bestselling author Grace Worthington, whose sweet romance novels are as heartwarming as they are hilarious. I had the pleasure of co-narrating a 4 book Renovation Romance series for Grace and we had so much fun talking about that process! We explore her creative journey from the musical theat…

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147 - Milestones, Mentors & Gratitude – Mike Lenz's Career Update 24:33

4M ago24:33

24:33

On this special solo episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, Mike takes a moment to reflect on some incredible milestones in his voiceover journey — including narrating over 300 audiobooks and surpassing 200,000 podcast downloads. He shares insights on the vital role that networking, conferences, and coaching have played in his growth, and why staying…

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Larry the Cable Guy: Ready to Git-R-Done in Wilmington 38:35

5M ago38:35

38:35

Larry the Cable Guy grew out of Dan Whitney's stand-up comedy routines. The character known for his Southern drawl and rapid-fire one-liners has become an American success story, selling millions of tickets, CDs and DVDs, winning several awards, and starring in the Blue Collar Comedy Tour shows. But the native of Nebraska says his biggest break cam…

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Bethany Joy Lenz: One Tree Hill alum and bestselling author becomes a Queen 43:15

6M ago43:15

43:15

Bethany Joy Lenz’s acting career took off in 2003, when she got the role of Haley James Scott on the hit show One Tree Hill. Fans of the Wilmington-based show didn’t know that while Lenz enjoyed success on-screen, her personal life was being manipulated by leaders of a religious cult. Lenz’s bestselling 2024 memoir, Dinner for Vampires, details how…

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146 - Finding Your Voice: Carmen Seantel’s Journey into Audiobook Narration 58:07

6M ago58:07

58:07

On this episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I’m joined by Carmen Seantel, an emerging audiobook narrator whose warm, soothing, and expressive voice is already making an impact in the industry. Carmen is passionate about bringing stories to life and believes in the power of audiobooks to create a safe and accessible space for all readers. We’ll div…

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Mike Krzyzewski: The Discoveries He’s Made in Retirement 19:53

6M ago19:53

19:53

Mike Krzyzewski would be at or near the top of any short list ranking history’s best college basketball coaches. He won more games than any other coach in his 46-year career, leading Duke University to five men’s national championships. He also won Olympic Gold Medals coaching Team USA, and prepared countless young men for their post-college career…

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The Righteous Brothers: Keeping the Hit Songs Alive in ‘25 40:18

7M ago40:18

40:18

Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield formed the Righteous Brothers in 1962, after leaving the singing group they were in called The Paramours. The soulful duo topped the music charts with You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin' and (You’re My) Soul and Inspiration, and hit the top-ten with others including Unchained Melody and Rock and Roll Heaven. After Hatfiel…

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145 - Donovan Corneetz: Voice of The Today Show & Promo Pro 1:02:35

7M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

In this episode of the Mike Lenz VO Podcast, we sit down with Donovan Corneetz, the talented voice behind The Today Show, as well as a leading force in promo work and radio imaging. With years of experience, Donovan has become a go-to voice for high-profile commercial, promo, and television projects, showcasing his unmatched versatility. Whether he…

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Ashley Bissette Sumerel: Talking TV with Wilmington’s Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic 40:23

7M ago40:23

40:23

As Editor-in-Chief of her Tell-Tale TV website, Ashley Bissette Sumerel has reviewed some of the top shows on television and interviewed some of its’ biggest stars. Sumerel is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic and a member of the Critics Choice Association, where her vote counts in deciding the year’s best performances. Her “Talking TV” career all …

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144 - From Struggles to Strength: Izzy Tugman on Voiceover, Faith, and Wellness 53:07

8M ago53:07

53:07

On this episode, I have an amazing conversation with Izzy Tugman, a dynamic voice actor celebrated for her impressive versatility across audiobooks, animation, video games, commercial, and corporate narration. Beyond her professional achievements, Izzy opens up about some of the personal struggles she’s faced along her journey and how they’ve shape…

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Kathleen Baker: The Battles She Faced Before and After Winning Olympic Gold 48:02

9M ago48:02

48:02

Kathleen Baker overcame being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease to become one of the best swimmers in the world, winning gold and silver medals in Rio de Janeiro with the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team. Baker set her sights on returning to the games in 2020, but she never got that second chance at Olympic gold. Now the North Carolina native is supporting a pr…

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143 - Samantha Boyer Interview 40:20

10M ago40:20

40:20

Welcome back to the Mike Lenz VO Podcast! Today, we’re thrilled to have Samantha Boyer with us, an inspiring artist and content creator who brings a touch of storytelling magic and nostalgia to her work. Samantha’s journey began with childhood influences like Mr. Rogers and Bob Ross, sparking her passion for creating inviting, imaginative worlds. O…

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Ben Folds: Acclaimed singer/songwriter helps Western NC Hurricane relief 29:55

11M ago29:55

29:55

Ben Folds, the acclaimed singer/songwriter and founder of the 90’s indie rock band Ben Folds Five, is returning to his home state of North Carolina to headline From Wilmington With Love, a benefit concert supporting Hurricane Helene relief. But there’s more on the platinum-record selling performer’s plate. Folds is preparing to record a live perfor…

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Mike Oblinger: UNCW’s Athletic Director and the Future of the Front Porch 40:49

12M ago40:49

40:49

Mike Oblinger took over as Athletic Director at UNCW in April of 2023, coming to Wilmington from the University of Connecticut where he worked alongside coaches and administrators who won several national championships. Oblinger brings years of experience in fundraising and administration, looking to take Seahawk athletics to the next level, while …

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Major Frank Zastoupil: Once a Blue Angel, always a Blue Angel 40:52

1y ago40:52

40:52

They fly at 400 miles per hour in fighter jets that are inches apart. The Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron has entertained crowds for decades with precision mid-air maneuvers, and U.S. Marine Corps pilot Major Frank Zastoupil had one of the best seats in the house. Major Zastoupil, who is now stationed in North Carolina, is featured in new…

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142 - Marisa Blake Interview 59:35

1+ y ago59:35

59:35

Marisa Blake is a Latina Actor, Voiceover Artist and Musician. You can find her on screen in Netflix’s Florida Man, DC’s Swamp Thing and Spectrums Original Long Slow Exhale. She haswon multiple awards for her audiobook narrations, including a 2023 Audible’s Best of for Dykesto Watch out For, featuring Jane Lynch ,Carrie Brownstein, and Roberta Coli…

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Erika Arlee & Kristi Ray: Award-winning filmmakers who put females out front 59:20

1+ y ago59:20

59:20

Erika Arlee and Kristi Ray are kindred spirits. A casting call on Craigslist brought them together a decade ago, sparking a friendship that helped launch their production company, Honey Head Films. Their mission is to tell strong stories from the often-overlooked female perspective. The duo’s debut feature film, the multi award-winning A Song for I…

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Jessica Holmes: NC’s State Auditor has gone from Pender County to public service 52:01

1+ y ago52:01

52:01

When Jessica Holmes took the oath of office to become North Carolina’s State Auditor in December 2023, she added another “first” to her growing list of accomplishments. It’s even more impressive when you learn Jessica Holmes experienced homelessness as a child while growing up in Pender County. But thanks to adults who took the time to care, severa…

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Kayla Thompson: Grinding to take her golf game to the LPGA Tour 48:15

1+ y ago48:15

48:15

Kayla Thompson had success as a member of the West Bladen High School and UNCW women’s golf teams. Since turning professional in 2019, Kayla has chased the dream of earning her card and playing on the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour. After several years of ups and downs, Kayla has now earned the chance to take her game to the next level, …

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Kody Kinsley: From NC to DC and back, just in time for Covid and Medicaid expansion 45:34

1+ y ago45:34

45:34

Kody Kinsley’s life came full circle in 2023. The man who grew up in Wilmington without health insurance helped roll out a program that will provide coverage for 600,000 North Carolinians. That’s the latest accomplishment for the state’s Health and Human Services Secretary, whose career of firsts has combined his two passions, health care and publi…

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Terry Hayes: Back at his storytelling best with "The Year of the Locust" 1:12:30

1+ y ago1:12:30

1:12:30

Terry Hayes found international success when his 2014 debut novel I am Pilgrim became a critically-acclaimed best seller. But in achieving his lifelong ambition, the former journalist and Hollywood screenwriter suddenly found himself in an abyss, searching for the emotional drive to take readers on another page-turning thriller ride. Now, with The …

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141 - Cris Dukehart Interview 1:09:19

1+ y ago1:09:19

1:09:19

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Cris Dukehart is an Audie Nominee and Earphones Award Winner, and has recorded over 300 audiobooks across multiple genres. On this episode we talk about Cris's journey into the VO and audiobook world, and her amazing journey from a little cottage in Pennsylvania to her mountaintop house in the Caribbean. http…

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140 - Jamie Muffett Interview 54:15

2y ago54:15

54:15

Jamie Muffett is a voice actor, podcast producer, audio engineer and educator who divides his time between New York City and Philadelphia, PA. He's worked with some of the worlds biggest companies, production studios, and games developers. He work primarily from his own studio in Bucks County, PA, and studios in NYC and Philly. Past and current cli…

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Jim Shockey: Worldwide adventurer adds ‘thriller writer’ to his long list of accomplishments 52:53

2y ago52:53

52:53

Jim Shockey is considered one of the world’s best outdoor sportsmen. He’s taken audiences along on wildlife adventure television shows, and led hunting expeditions and conservation efforts into some of the most remote locations on earth. Shockey’s passion for folk and tribal art can be seen in the Hand of Man Museum in his native Canada. Shockey ha…

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Don Bentley: Bestselling author closes a chapter with "Tom Clancy: Weapons Grade" 53:03

2y ago53:03

53:03

In the decade since the death of New York Times bestselling author Tom Clancy, Don Bentley is one of the novelists that have continued to bring life to Clancy’s characters. Tom Clancy: Weapons Grade, Bentley’s newly-released fourth thriller featuring Jack Ryan, Jr., ends one chapter in the former Army Apache helicopter pilot’s writing career, while…

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Takayo Siddle & Nicole Woods: The State of Seahawk Hoops 36:12

2y ago36:12

36:12

Takayo Siddle and Nicole Woods have a lot more in common than being head basketball coaches at UNC Wilmington. They both grew up in North Carolina, played high school and college basketball in the state, and worked as assistant coaches at in-state universities before landing their first head coaching jobs in Wilmington. Woods hopes to add another s…

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139 - Chris Johnson Interview 45:57

2y ago45:57

45:57

Chris Johnson is a professional Voice Actor, based in Los Angeles. He has voiced a wide range of projects over the years including commercials, corporate videos, eLearning modules, video games, audiobooks, narration and many more. Chris has also been the lead singer and songwriter for many projects including the band Starch Monkey, Between the Sun …

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Walker Jenkins: The talented teenager who is determined to be baseball’s best 40:44

2y ago40:44

40:44

While most little league baseball players dream about making the major leagues, that’s never been enough for Walker Jenkins. Setbacks like not making the all-star team as a six-year-old have fueled his competitive fire to work harder and be better than everyone who has played the game. It made him a top draft pick of the Minnesota Twins, and earned…

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Williston’s Legacy Graduation: Righting a wrong from 1968 24:44

2+ y ago24:44

24:44

At the height of America’s civil rights movement, a school board vote closed the only all-Black high school in Wilmington, North Carolina. Generations of families had graduated from Williston Senior High School since its’ inception in 1866. But, in June 1968, facing the possibility of losing federal funding over the school system’s delayed desegreg…

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138 - Tom Dheere Interview 56:01

2+ y ago56:01

56:01

On this episode I take a deep dive into the voiceover industry and the impact artificial intelligence (AI) is having on our industry, with VO veteran Tom Dheere. As a New York-based voice actor with over 20 years of experience, Tom Dheere has narrated thousands of projects for hundreds of clients in over a dozen countries. Tom's experience as a cor…

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Erik Estrada: Former CHiPs star is now busy making Divine Renovations 29:57

2+ y ago29:57

29:57

With the uniform, badge, helmet, motorcycle and million-dollar smile, Erik Estrada rocketed to television stardom as Officer Frank Poncherello on CHiPs, one of NBC’s most successful shows of the 70s and 80s. More than 40 years and dozens of roles later, Estrada’s on-screen career brought him to Wilmington for Divine Renovation. It's a home remodeli…

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137 - Paige Reisenfeld Interview 39:40

2+ y ago39:40

39:40

Based in Richmond, Virginia, Paige Reisenfeld is a classically trained soprano and stage actor turned SAG-AFTRA audiobook narrator. Perhaps she should have paid attention to the signs, as she was voted “Best Reader” in kindergarten, a clear portent of things to come. Her voice has been described as deep, full, melodic, and sensual. She has been com…

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Elle Graham: Teen actress celebrating new movie and hit TV series 21:10

2+ y ago21:10

21:10

Elle Graham already has an impressive acting resume, with appearances on high-profile projects like Stranger Things and The Walking Dead. The 13-year-old from Hampstead is riding a wave of popularity right now, thanks in part to starring in the hit Disney television show The Secrets of Sulphur Springs, which is in its third season. Elle also has a …

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Carli Batson: Former Miss North Carolina to soon wear the crown as Queen Azalea 31:57

2+ y ago31:57

31:57

Carli Batson did not enter her first pageant until her teenage years, a decision made after her father lost his job. Once Batson started, though, she found success, winning several titles and enough scholarship money to avoid the burden of college tuition debt. Now the former Miss Wilmington and Miss North Carolina is preparing to wear a new crown,…

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Jonas Pate: Riding the wave of excitement for Outer Banks: Season 3 24:42

2+ y ago24:42

24:42

Fans can’t wait to see what Jonas Pate and the other co-creators of the smash hit television series Outer Banks have planned for the show’s third season, which starts streaming February 23 on Netflix. The writer/director/producer has taken the Pogues on whirlwind adventures and audiences have loved it, sending OBX2 all the way to #1. The North Caro…

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136 - Landon Beach Interview 49:01

2+ y ago49:01

49:01

On this episode, I talk with award-winning author Landon Beach about his career, and about his recent book Narrator, which is narrated by the amazing Scott Brick. Landon was born and raised in Michigan but now lives in the Sunshine State with his wife, two children, and their golden retriever. He previously served as a Naval Officer and was an educ…

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Dane Barnes: The co-founders of the Shibumi Shade are a wind-driven success story 32:05

2+ y ago32:05

32:05

Their recognizable blue and teal canopies wave on nearly every beach in the United States. Dane Barnes, his brother Scott and best friend Alex Slater invented the Shibumi Shade after years of lugging their family’s heavy umbrellas on beach vacations. As the wind-driven sunshade gained in popularity, the three UNC grads learned that launching their …

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135 - Mike Cooper Interview 43:20

2+ y ago43:20

43:20

Mike Cooper is a British voice talent who swapped big city life in London for log cabin life in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Mike is recognisable from his many years on air with the BBC World Service, and as the narrator of countless television documentaries and a growing library of audiobooks. A disruptive influence in school, Mike'…

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Bevin Prince: Determined to show up, with strength, in her new role 54:21

3y ago54:21

54:21

Bevin Prince has had many roles in her life. The best-known may be playing Bevin Mirskey on the still-popular TV show One Tree Hill. As an entrepreneur, she launched Recess by Bevin Prince, a high-intensity cycling center in Wilmington. Bevin is now cast in a role she never wanted, as a widow. On this episode of the 1on1 with Jon Evans podcast, Bev…

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Mark Robinson: He stood up and spoke his mind, and he says others should, too 31:15

3y ago31:15

31:15

Mark Robinson pulls no punches when it comes to his beliefs and principles. Robinson’s direct, some would even say fiery, approach to sharing his opinions is one reason for his rapid ascension into political relevance and history in North Carolina. The outspoken lieutenant governor has written a memoir, We Are The Majority, that recalls how his lif…

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Morgan Myles: A finalist on “The Voice” after years as a touring musician 31:27

3y ago31:27

31:27

When Morgan Myles started singing Hallelujah in her blind audition on The Voice, she got a four-chair turn from the celebrity judges within 40 seconds. The response and high praise Myles received from Camila Cabello, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and John Legend did more than raise her profile on the national stage. It reaffirmed Myles’s faith in her…

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134 - Danielle Harris Interview 46:47

3y ago46:47

46:47

Danielle Harris is a voice actor from Atlanta, Ga. Originally born and raised in Indiana, she has had an interest and intrigue with voiceover since her early teenage years. It wasn't until she was in her early twenties that she sought out to attempt to get voice acting training around 2012, then again in 2018, both times unfortunately being sidetra…

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Martin Jarmond: A career of firsts, launched by a life-changing phone call 33:27

3y ago33:27

33:27

Martin Jarmond knows about success. The UNCW alum has done the hard work it takes to succeed on both personal and professional levels. But had it not been for a single phone call, made at one of Jarmond’s lowest moments when self-doubt threatened to become an obstacle, his achievements may have never happened. Ground may have remained unbroken. Rac…

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Carson Kressley: Original ‘Fab Five’ fashion savant set to emcee Wilmington charity event 21:23

3y ago21:23

21:23

Carson Kressley had started a career in fashion when a friend urged him to audition for a reality show. That opportunity turned into his breakthrough role as fashion savant for Bravo TV’s original Queer Eye for the Straight Guy series, which won an Emmy and changed the trajectory of Kressley’s life. The television personality, best-selling author a…