Best Paul Fleck Podcasts (2025)

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Paul Hanson - World’s Best Jazz Bassoonist! Performed With Béla Fleck, Billy Cobham, Jon Batiste, Wayne Shorter, Jonas Hellborg, Jeff Coffin, Cirque du Soleil And Raze The Maze! 39:37

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1d ago39:37

39:37

Paul Hanson is considered the World’s Best Jazz Bassoonist. He’s played with a Who’s Who including Bela Fleck, Jon Batiste, Wayne Shorter and a number of stars who have been guests on this podcast: Billy Cobham, Peter Erskine, Randy Brecker and Jeff Coffin. He also plays with Raze The Maze, a progressive rock duo, and he plays sax too. My featured …

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Encore Presentation: Livingston Taylor - Renowned Singer/Songwriter For 50+ Years. Brother Of James and Kate Taylor. Talks About His Family, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, Jethro Tull And More! 43:39

2h ago43:39

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This is an Encore Presentation of my July 2024 interview with Livingston Taylor, renowned singer/songwriter for over 50 years and the brother of James and Kate Taylor. In this interview Liv discusses his family, opening for Joni Mitchell and Jethro Tull, collaborating with Carly Simon and much more. My featured song is “New York City Groove” from t…

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Encore Presentation: Kate Taylor - Female Star Of The Taylor Family (With Brothers James And Livingston). Albums Include "Sister Kate" And "Why Wait" Produced By Peter Asher! 40:17

17h ago40:17

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This is an Encore Presentation of my January 2023 interview with Kate Taylor, the female star of the Taylor family which includes her brothers James and Livingston. Kate became a star with her 1971 debut album “Sister Kate” produced by Peter Asher. She took time off to raise her two daughters. Her most recent album is called “Why Wait” again produc…

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Top Down Perspective 02/07/25 56:22

1d ago56:22

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We got together a day early this week to discuss the breaking news of Microsoft laying off a full town's population worth of employees in multiple studios and positions. On the back of last week discussing layoffs coming, it was a shock how many there actually were. In other bad news, Canada will soon have to pay more for... a Switch 1? Amongst oth…

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Terry Gibbs - Legendary Jazz Vibraphonist. 100 Years Young! Played With Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Charlie “Bird” Parker, Dizzy Gillespie. 65 Albums. Won 3 Major Jazz Polls! 40:26

3d ago40:26

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Terry Gibbs is a legendary jazz vibraphonist. He’s 100 years young. He played with most of the greats in jazz music beginning in the Bebop era of the 1940s, including Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Charlie “Bird” Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. He’s won 3 major jazz polls, and he’s recorded 65 albums, his last when he was 94. My featured song…

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Bruce Hanifan - King Of Reality TV Show Music: Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers, Swamp People, Pawn Stars. Started As Piano Tuner To Stars: Streisand, Dylan, Steely Dan! 32:33

4d ago32:33

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Bruce Hanifan is the King of Reality TV Show music! His music has shaped some of reality TVs biggest hit shows including Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers, Swamp People and Pawn Stars. He’s written music for films too. And he started out as a piano tuner and technician to stars like Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand and Steely Dan. My featured song is “…

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Helen McCookerybook - '70s UK Punk Rock Star With The Chefs And Helen And The Horns. Turned Author: “The Lost Women Of Rock Music” And "She's At The Controls". Now Solo Artist! 34:34

5d ago34:34

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Helen McCookerybook is a ‘70s UK Punk Rock Star with The Chefs and Helen and the Horns. She became an author of two music-themed books: “The Lost Women Of Rock Music”, about female punk musicians, and “She’s At The Controls”, about women producers and sound engineers. And she’s now a touring solo artist. My featured song is “I Just Want To Love You…

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Robert Pinsky - Rock Star Poet! 3x United States Poet Laureate! Created "Favorite Poem Project". Performed With Bruce Springsteen. Featured On "The Simpsons"! 38:01

6d ago38:01

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Robert Pinsky is a Rock Star Poet! He’s the 3x United States Poet Laureate. He’s won many awards and was a Pulitzer Prize finalist. As Poet Laureate he created the “Favorite Poem Project” where everyday Americans would select and read poems they admired by the greats including Emily Dickinson and Langston Hughes. He’s performed with Bruce Springste…

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Encore Presentation: "Cousin Brucie" Morrow - MY FIRST GUEST. America's Greatest Air Personality Of The Rock Era From The '60s To Now. He Introduced The Beatles At Shea Stadium! 42:34

7d ago42:34

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This is an Encore Presentation of my March 2021 interview with MY FIRST GUEST, “Cousin Brucie” Morrow, the greatest radio personality of the Rock Era. He has remained on the air steadily from the ‘60s when he was the lead disc jockey on WABC-AM in New York City. He went on to work at WCBS-FM, Sirius/XM and now back to WABC-AM. He introduced The Bea…

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Whither America? July 4th with Dr. Robert P. Jones 43:43

7d ago43:43

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What does falling off a bike have to do with the state of our nation? Is America going through an identity crisis - just like a seventeen-year-old? This week on The State of Belief, these parallels are part of the conversation with host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush and Dr. Robert P. Jones on America's first 249 years, and what's to come as the co…

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Isabella Giannino returns to La Storia Podcast to share her journey as a graduate of Merrimack College 34:00

7d ago34:00

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My daughter Isabella Giannino returns to La Storia Podcast to share her journey as a graduate of Merrimack College. She was my first guest in 2021 where she shared her journey being a High School Senior during Covid.By Santina Giannino

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ENCORE TRIBUTE PRESENTATION: Lou Christie - '60s Star: "Lightning Strikes", "The Gypsy Cried", "Two Faces Have I", "Rhapsody In The Rain" And More! 46:18

8d ago46:18

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This is an ENCORE TRIBUTE PRESENTATION of my February 2024 interview with the great Lou Christie, who passed away last week at 82. Lou was a Hit Machine in the 1960s with his distinctive falsetto voice and songs like “Lightnin’ Strikes” (a #1 smash), “The Gypsy Cried”, “Two Faces Have I”, “Rhapsody In The Rain”, and More. He was featured in Dick Cl…

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Top Down Perspective 26/06/25 1:21:56

8d ago1:21:56

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This week we're talking about our feelings around FBC Firebreak. Sean has also played through Death Stranding 2 and tries out Mindseye. Paul finishes Clair Obscure, Doom The Dark Ages, and Final Fantasy XVI. As for news, Xbox is about to have major layoffs, some Sega sales numbers get leaked, and Marathon was delayed. TDP is listener funded. Like w…

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Eric Silberger - Virtuoso Violinist. Winner Of Tchaikovsky Competition. Soloist, Recitalist And Chamber Musician. Has Performed All Over The World Including With Itzhak Perlman. Co-founder of Hawaii Intl ... 34:45

9d ago34:45

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Eric Silberger is a virtuoso violinist. He’s a winner of the Tchaikovsky Competition. He’s a soloist, recitalist and chamber musician. He’s performed all over the world at the most prestigious venues and festivals, including the London, Mariinsky, San Francisco and St. Petersburg orchestras and with Itzhak Perlman. He’s the co-founder of the Hawaii…

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Paul Strickland - Professional Storyteller And Theatre Artist. Reupholstered Folk Tales, Fairytales For Adults And Future Adults, Tall-Tales And Historical Stories That Never Happened! 27:25

10d ago27:25

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Paul Strickland is a Professional Storyteller and theater artist. His repertoire consists of over seven hours of stories including reupholstered folk tales, fairy tales for adults and future adults, tall tales and historical stories that never happened. He was featured at the 2023 National Storytelling Festival. He made his Off Broadway debut in “1…

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Sara Gazarek - 2x Grammy Winning Jazz Vocalist. Kurt Elling, Fred Hersch, Larry Goldings, Billy Childs. Founder of Saje, All-Female Vocal Group. Jazz Voice Professor At The Eastman School! 31:03

11d ago31:03

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Sara Gazarek is a 2x Grammy Winning Jazz Vocalist. She has recorded five albums and done world tours. She has collaborated with luminaries like Kurt Elling, Fred Hersch, Larry Goldings and Billy Childs. She is a founder of Saje, the all-female vocal group. And she is the Jazz Voice Professor at the Eastman School of the University of Rochester. My …

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Lisa Axios, Founder & CEO of Lipstick & Pushups Inc., Keynote Speaker, Realtor, Coach, Leadership & Mindset Trainor 36:55

11d ago36:55

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Lisa Axios, Founder & CEO of Lipstick & Pushups Inc., Keynote Speaker, Realtor, Coach, Leadership & Mindset Trainor.By Santina Giannino

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Mohamed Bouabdallah - Cultural Counselor Of France In The United States And Director of Villa Albertine. Recommendations For The "Arts And Lettres" Award Nominations! 26:15

12d ago26:15

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As Monty Python used to say: “And now for something completely different.” Mohamed Bouabdallah is a French Diplomat. He is the Cultural Counselor of France in the United States. His job is to promote the arts and education between France and the U.S. And he also is responsible for recommending recipients of the prestigious “Arts and Lettres” awards…

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SPECIAL EPISODE - Turning The Tables: Robert Is Interviewed By Ivor Davis. Renowned Journalist, Investigative Reporter And Author! 32:00

13d ago32:00

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This is a SPECIAL EPISODE. After 500+ interviews over 4+ years it’s now Robert’s turn to be interviewed. And by none other than Ivor Davis, the renowned Journalist, Investigative Reporter and Author. Over a 60 year career Ivor has covered stories involving music, murder, politics and Hollywood. He traveled with The Beatles on their 1964 American to…

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Encore Presentation: Sharon Isbin - World’s Premier Classical Guitarist. Multiple Grammys. Juilliard And Aspen Music School Guitar Dept. Soloist With Over 200 Orchestras. Collaborations Include Josh Groban ... 44:03

14d ago44:03

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This is an Encore Presentation of my March 2025 interview with Sharon Isbin, one of the world’s premier classical guitarists and a multiple Grammy winner. She heads the guitar departments at Juilliard and the Aspen Music School. She’s won a boatload of awards and competitions. She studied with Andres Segovia. She’s performed with over 200 orchestra…

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On Diversity and Democracy With Wajahat Ali 1:01:22

14d ago1:01:22

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This week on The State of Belief, popular writer and commentator Wajahat Ali joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush for a thought-provoking exploration of patriotism, diversity, and democracy in today’s politically charged climate. Waj shares his unique perspective on the responsibilities that immigrants and citizens face amid the continuing soc…

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Encore Presentation: JoAnn Falletta - Classical Music Superstar! Music Director Of The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. 1st Female Conductor Of A Major American Orchestra. Released 120+ Albums! 35:23

15d ago35:23

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This is an Encore Presentation of Robert’s January 2025 interview with Classical Music Superstar JoAnn Falletta. For 25 years JoAnn has been the Music Director and Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. She was the first female conductor in the United States of a major symphony orchestra. She’s a Juilliard graduate. She studied with Leona…

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Gilad Cohen - Acclaimed Composer, Performer And Theorist In Concert Music, Rock And Theater. His Music Was Performed In Over 40 Concerts Around The World. Pink Floyd SuperFan! 33:54

16d ago33:54

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Gilad Cohen is an acclaimed composer, performer and theorist in concert music, rock and theater. He plays piano, bass guitar and guitar. In the last year alone his music has been performed in over 40 concerts around the world including in France, Spain, Austria, Lithuania, Canada, Japan and the U.S. He’s won multiple competitions. And he’s a Pink F…

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Ksenija Komljenović - Celebrated Serbian Percussionist And Professor. International Percussion Competition Winner. Performances In Europe, Asia, U.S. Co-Founder Of Vesna Duo! 36:45

17d ago36:45

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Ksenija Komljenović is a celebrated Serbian percussionist and professor. She was the first woman in Serbia to earn a doctorate in percussion, and she currently is the percussion department chair at the University of North Carolina. She won the International Percussion Competition in Luxembourg and she has performed across Europe, Asia and the U.S. …

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Woody Platt - Grammy Winning Guitarist And Vocalist With The Steep Canyon Rangers, The Celebrated Contemporary Bluegrass Band. Collaborator With Steve Martin. Solo Artist: "Beautiful War"! 30:54

18d ago30:54

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Woody Platt is a Grammy Winning guitarist and singer and a founding member of the Steep Canyon Rangers, the celebrated contemporary bluegrass band. They have collaborated with comedian and banjo player Steve Martin. Now a solo performer, Woody’s song, “One Last Goodbye”, co-written with Barry Bales, was the most played bluegrass song in 2022. His n…

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Allison Bumsted - Teen Magazine Queen And Beatles SuperFan! Author Of "TeenSet, Teen Fan Magazines, and Rock Journalism: Don't Let the Name Fool You". Masters Degree In The Beatles. Professor! 30:39

19d ago30:39

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Allison Bumsted is a Teen Magazine Queen and a Beatles SuperFan! On the teen magazine side she’s the author of the book “TeenSet, Teen Fan Magazines, and Rock Journalism: Don’t Let The Name Fool You”. And on the Beatles side she’s written about fandom and the Beatles. She has a Masters Degree in the Beatles. And she even went to live in Liverpool, …

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ROBERT'S NEW SINGLE - "THE CUT OF THE KNIFE". Homage To The Dave Brubeck Quartet And Their Hit "Take Five". Ft. Kerry Marx Of The Grand Ole Opry Band On Solo Guitar. Called "Elegant", "Beautiful" And ... 8:48

20d ago8:48

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This SPECIAL EPISODE introduces my new single “THE CUT OF THE KNIFE”. It’s the last of the four new singles that I’ve released monthly beginning in March. The first was “Rough Rider”, the second was “Moon Shot”, and the third was “Day At The Races”. I wrote “The Cut Of The Knife as a kind of homage to Dave Brubeck, the revered American jazz pianist…

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Encore Presentation: Bonnie McKee - Pop Star! Singer, Songwriter And Performer. 10 #1 Singles including #1 Hits For Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Cher, Christina Aguilera And Kelly Clarkson 36:13

21d ago36:13

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This is an Encore Presentation of my January 2025 interview with Pop Star Bonnie McKee! She’s a Singer, Songwriter and Performer. She’s written 10 #1 Singles in the US or the UK which have sold over 30 million copies. She and Katy Perry have written mega-hits together including “California Gurls”, “Teenage Dream” and “Roar”. The latter was nominate…

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A Pastor Reports from the Frontlines In Los Angeles: Faith and Immigration 1:09:28

21d ago1:09:28

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This week on The State of Belief, an inspiring conversation with Rev. Noel Andersen, the National Field Director for Church World Service and a dedicated advocate for immigrant rights. In this episode, he joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to delve into the pressing issues surrounding immigration enforcement, the role of faith communities, a…

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Encore Presentation: Amanda Warner aka MNDR - Grammy Winning Electro-Pop Artist, Songwriter, Producer. Featured On Mark Ronson's Hit "Bang Bang Bang". Credits Include Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora And Carly ... 33:07

22d ago33:07

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This is an Encore Presentation of my October 2024 interview with Amanda Warner a/k/a MNDR, who is a Grammy Award winning Electro-Pop artist, songwriter and producer. She’s featured on Mark Ronson’s hit “Bang Bang Bang”. Her debut album Feed Me Diamonds was named a Top 10 pop album by Spin Magazine. Her credits include Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora and Ca…

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Top Down Perspective 12/06/25 1:23:48

23d ago1:23:48

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Paul now has his own Switch 2 so he shares his thoughts on that as well as Welcome Tour and Mario Kart World. We run through all the major news from Summer Game Fest including what Sean was able to get his hands on while down in LA. TDP is listener funded. Like what you hear? Want to support the show and get ad-free episodes? Head over to https://w…

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Jason Vieaux - Grammy Winning Classical Guitar Superstar! Called "Elite". Has Performed As A Soloist With 100+ Orchestras. Plays With Escher String Quartet. Cleveland Institute Of Music Guitar Head! 37:36

23d ago37:36

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Jason Vieaux is a Grammy Winning Classical Guitar Superstar. He’s been called “Elite”. He’s performed as a soloist with over 100 orchestras and he plays with the Escher String Quartet. And he’s the head of the guitar department at the Cleveland Institute Of Music. On top of this he’s also a fan of Jazz Fusion, metal, rap and hip hop. My featured so…

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Buck Johnson - Singer, Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist. Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band, Aerosmith, The Joe Perry Project, The Hollywood Vampires! 32:13

24d ago32:13

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Buck Johnson is a Singer, Songwriter and Multi-Instrumentalist who tours with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band, Aerosmith, The Joe Perry Project and The Hollywood Vampires (Johnny Depp, Alice Cooper, Joe Perry). He’s also toured with the Doobie Brothers. As a songwriter he co-wrote Carlos Santana’s hit song “Just Feel Better” and he had a bunch of coun…

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Daniele Cordisco - Acclaimed Italian Jazz Guitarist And Composer. Recorded With Ron Carter And Others. Performed At Festivals And Clubs In U.S., Japan, Europe! 34:38

25d ago34:38

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Daniele Cordisco is an acclaimed Italian Jazz Guitarist and Composer. He has recorded with many artists including The Maestro, Ron Carter. He’s performed at festivals and clubs in the United States, Japan and Europe. He’s also a guitar instructor and teaches at the renowned Master Programs at Siena Jazz. My featured song is my cover of Miles Davis’…

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Encore Presentation: Jeff "Skunk" Baxter - Legendary Guitarist With Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, Elton, Ringo, Clapton, Streisand. Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame. Second Career - Expert In Counterterrorism ... 43:42

26d ago43:42

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This is an Encore Presentation of my February 2025 interview with Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, who is remarkably accomplished in two different careers. In the first he’s a legendary World Class guitarist who’s known for his work with Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers and many others. In the second he’s a world renowned expert in Counterterrorism and Missile …

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Heidi Thoe shares the wonderful story of her 8 month old son Ian receiving a split liver transplant. 27:48

26d ago27:48

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Heidi Thoe shares the wonderful story of her 8 month old son Ian receiving a split liver transplant after recently celebrating his 13th liversary!By Santina Giannino

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Vivi Vassileva - Musical Dynamo And Virtuoso German Percussionist. Uses Classical Instruments Plus Utensils And Even Recycled Garbage. Also Marimba And Steel Drums! 36:56

27d ago36:56

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Vivi Vassileva is a Musical Dynamo! She’s a virtuoso German percussionist. She’s played as a soloist in chamber ensembles and with various orchestras. She uses classical instruments and also instruments from Africa, South America and Asia, and even things like utensils and recycled garbage! She has been celebrated for her technical perfection and h…

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Encore Presentation: Cory Wong - Extraordinary Guitarist And Funk Master With Vulfpeck, The Fearless Flyers And His Cory Wong Band! 36:28

28d ago36:28

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This is an Encore Presentation of my October 2024 interview with Cory Wong, an extraordinary guitarist and performer. He plays jazz, rock and funk. He plays with Vulfpeck, the incredible funk band. He’s played with The Fearless Flyers. And he also packs concert venues and festivals with his Cory Wong band. He commands the stage, jumping, strutting …

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Leah Greenberg, Indivisible, and No Kings: "You do not need permission to get started" 54:22

29d ago54:22

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This week on The State of Belief – getting ready for No Kings Day on June 14th, an initiative of the national grassroots organization Indivisible. Co-founder Leah Greenberg explains that No Kings Day is a forceful nationwide response to the royal pretensions on display in Donald Trump's demand for a multi-million dollar military parade on his 79th …

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Encore Presentation: Mark Lettieri - 5x Grammy Winning Guitarist, Composer, Producer. Master Of Instrumental Music. Member Of Snarky Puppy And The Fearless Flyers. Erykah Badu, David Crosby, The Jacksons ... 32:48

29d ago32:48

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This is an Encore Presentation of my January 2025 interview with Mark Lettieri, a 5x Grammy winning guitarist, composer and producer. He is a Master of instrumental music. He’s a member of Snarky Puppy and The Fearless Flyers, a Vulfpeck adjacent band, along with Cory Wong. He’s recorded with Eryka Badu, David Crosby, The Jacksons, 50 Cent and many…

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Amit Peled - Renowned Israeli-American Cellist And Conductor. From Kibbutz To Superstar Cellist To Johns Hopkins Professor. Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center! 39:48

30d ago39:48

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Amit Peled is a renowned Israeli-American cellist and conductor who has made a remarkable transition from growing up on a Kibbutz in Israel to becoming a Superstar Cellist and a Professor of Music at Johns Hopkins University. He’s performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Wigmore Hall and the Seoul Arts Center among many other…

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Top Down Perspective 04/06/25 40:47

1M ago40:47

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Just before the Summer Game Fest weekend, we got together to talk about what we expect and hope to see at the event. Sean also just got his Switch 2 and has been testing that our and playing around with Mario Kart World. TDP is listener funded. Like what you hear? Want to support the show and get ad-free episodes? Head over to https://www.patreon.c…

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Scott Williamson - Acclaimed Nashville-Based Session Drummer, Producer, Mixer. Performed With Blake Shelton, Alice Cooper, Reba McIntyre, Bob James! 32:40

1M ago32:40

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Scott Williamson is an acclaimed and in-demand Nashville based drummer, producer and mixer. He’s been in Nashville nearly 36 years. He’s worked with just about everyone including Blake Shelton, Alice Cooper, Reba McIntyre, Bob James and many others. My featured song is “Annie And Leni” from the album Bobby M and the Paisley Parade. Spotify link. --…

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Matt And Kari Landry - Husband & Wife Saxophonist And Clarinetist. Founders Of Akropolis Reed Quintet, Grammy Winning Chamber Ensemble! 33:48

1M ago33:48

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Matt and Kari Landry are the husband and wife duo who play saxophone and clarinet and who are the founders of the Akropolis Reed Quintet, the Grammy winning chamber ensemble. The Akropolis is a nonprofit venture run by Kari and for which Matt is the artistic director. The group has been together for 16 years and has premiered and commissioned over …

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Robin Samora, Marketing & PR Consultant, Author, Speaker, Small Business Grants Expert & Awarded Marketing Blogger. 33:27

1M ago33:27

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Robin Samora, Marketing & PR Consultant, Author, Speaker, Small Business Grants Expert & Awarded Marketing Blogger.By Santina Giannino

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Melissa Manchester - Musical Superstar And Grammy Winning Singer, Songwriter, Actress. 50+ Year Career. Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, Kenny Loggins, Dolly Parton, Carole Bayer Sager! 41:38

1M ago41:38

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Melissa Manchester is a Musical Superstar and Grammy winning singer, songwriter and actress. Her career has spanned over 50 years. She’s written and recorded a number of hit records starting with “Midnight Blue” (1973) which she wrote with Carole Bayer Sager. In 1980 she was the first artist in the history of the Academy Awards to have, and to perf…