Best Steve Cuden Podcasts (2025)

1
Kit Karson, Novelist-Episode #366 55:04

Play Pause

6d ago55:04

55:04

My guest today, Kit Karson, is the author a series of books, The Anderson Chronicles: A Sheriff Elliott Mystery, which currently comprises five novels, including: Land Grab, Innocence Slain, Justice Rendered, Nefarious Intent, and Savage Malice. All five take place in a small Montana town. Interestingly, as prolific as Kit is as an author, writing …

1
Alexandra Hainsworth, Pop Artist-Novelist-Advocate-Episode #365 45:50

13d ago45:50

45:50

Alexandra Hainsworth is a British Australian pop artist distributing directly with The Orchard, which is a subsidiary of Sony Music. Her last single, 'Fighter', hit 1.46 million Spotify streams. Collectively, Alexandra has over 330,000 social media followers. Alexandra is an animal advocate for Four Paws Australia. And she has postgraduate qualific…

1
Alretha Thomas, Novelist-Playwright-Actress-Episode #364 58:31

20d ago58:31

58:31

Alretha Thomas has found career success in the second half of her life as an award-winning novelist, playwright, and actress. A resilient survivor of childhood trauma, Alretha is a former model who, as an actress, has appeared in numerous films, TV series, and commercials. She also appeared on two iconic soap operas, Days of Our Lives and General H…

1
Doug Besterman, Orchestrator-Arranger-Composer-Episode #363 1:06:28

27d ago1:06:28

1:06:28

Doug Besterman is a much in-demand orchestrator, arranger, and composer whose works span Broadway, film, television, and concert stages. Doug’s been nominated for the Tony Award six times, winning for The Producers, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Fosse. With a career that includes numerous other iconic productions such as Young Frankenstein, Sister …

1
Tim Quinn, Author-Editor-Manager-Session-2-Episode #362 1:06:29

1M ago1:06:29

1:06:29

This is Tim Quinn’s second time on StoryBeat. An author, editor, and manager, Tim was born and raised in Liverpool, England, the home of The Beatles. He began his show business journey as a clown at Blackpool Tower Circus followed by working as a scriptwriter for various comedians of the period. Comic books came next as Tim worked as a writer and e…

1
Teddie Dahlin, Author-Publisher-Episode #361 55:54

1M ago55:54

55:54

Teddie Dahlin was born in Norway and graduated from Business School in Gothenburg, Sweden with a degree in International Marketing and Economics. She has worked as a freelance music journalist for several magazines in the UK, most notably Vive le Rock, and she’s written 5 published books. In 2012, after a bad experience with a UK publisher, Teddie …

1
Wanda E. Brunstetter, Author and Martha Bolton, Author-Playwright-TV Writer-Episode #360 58:59

2M ago58:59

58:59

New York Times bestselling and multi-award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter, is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. Wanda’s written more than 100 books, with over 12 million copies sold, and her work has been translated into 4 languages. Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nation’s most prestigious bestseller l…

1
Qin Sun Stubis, Columnist-Poet-Author-Episode #359 1:01:25

2M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Qin Sun Stubis is a newspaper columnist, poet, and author of the award-winning historical saga, Once Our Lives, the remarkable true story of four generations of Chinese women who struggled to survive war, revolution, and the eerie power of an ancient superstition that seemed to change their lives for nearly 100 years. Born in the squalor of a Shang…

1
Bill Kroyer, Animation-Director-Episode #358 1:08:26

2M ago1:08:26

1:08:26

Animation Director Bill Kroyer was nominated for an Academy Award for his short film Technological Threat, the first film to combine 2D and CG animated characters. He’s perhaps best known for directing the popular animated film, Ferngully, The Last Rainforest, as well as working on dozens of commercials and animated feature film credit sequences. H…

1
Rick Sebak, Documentary-Filmmaker-Episode #357 1:05:07

2M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

The highly popular documentary filmmaker, Rick Sebak, is a native Pittsburgher, who’s worked at Pittsburgh’s PBS station WQED since 1987. Rick’s created dozens of local TV documentaries known collectively as The Pittsburgh History Series, including: “Kennywood Memories,” “What Makes Pittsburgh Pittsburgh?” and “Right Beside The River” as well as ma…

1
David Arnoff, Photographer-Episode #356 40:45

3M ago40:45

40:45

David Arnoff’s career kicked off with the photos for the Cramps’ Songs the Lord Taught Us album. Since then, he has contributed to dozens of releases by artists including the Dream Syndicate, X, Ramones and the Gun Club. A collection of his work, Shot in the Dark, has been published in the U.S., U.K. and Spain. He has had solo exhibits in Berlin, L…

1
Ed Driscoll, Comedian-Writer-Producer-Session-2-Episode #355 1:02:40

3M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

Ed Driscoll is joining me for the second time on StoryBeat. Ed’s an Emmy Award-winning comedian, writer and producer who’s worked with some of the biggest stars in the entertainment industry including: Billy Crystal, Joan Rivers, Michael Bublé, and Dennis Miller to name just a few! Ed’s produced material for variety shows, sitcoms, movies, and live…

1
Lady Dhyana Ziegler, Author-Professor-Songwriter-Episode #354 56:51

3M ago56:51

56:51

Lady Dhyana Ziegler is currently President and CEO of Z/Creators, LLC and Professor Emerita of Florida A&M University. She’s worked in the field of higher education and technology for more than 35 years as a professor and administrator. Dr. Ziegler is the author of four books, more than 60 scholarly publications - including book chapters - and has …

1
Samuel A. Simon, Playwright-Actor-Advocate-Episode #353 59:46

3M ago59:46

59:46

Samuel A. Simon started his career in Washington, DC as a lawyer for Ralph Nader’s first advocacy group, becoming part of the infamous Nader’s Raiders. He then spent 25 years as the head of a public affairs firm. In that work, he was often in the news, appearing on Face The Nation, The Phil Donahue Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America…

1
Marcia Peck, Writer-Musician-Episode #352 54:20

3M ago54:20

54:20

Marcia Peck is an award-winning writer and accomplished musician, celebrating over 50 years as a cellist with the Minnesota Orchestra. Inspired by the rhythms and sounds of music echoed in language, her debut novel, Water Music: A Cape Cod Story, combines all her passions – music, writing, and Cape Cod. The book has received critical acclaim and nu…

1
Steven L. Sears, Screewriter-Producer-Author-Episode #351 1:07:31

4M ago1:07:31

1:07:31

Steven L. Sears began his career as an actor. He moved on to become a writer, story editor, producer and creator in TV, film, digital media, and animation. He’s worked on such TV series as: Riptide, Hardcastle & McCormick, The A-Team, Stingray, Walker-Texas Ranger, The Highwayman, Hollywood Detective, Grand Slam, Jesse Hawkes, Superboy, S.H.E. Spie…

1
Suzi Quatro, Rock n' Roll Superstar-Session 2-Episode #350 55:05

4M ago55:05

55:05

For our 350th episode, we present to you the fantastic, world-renowned Rock ‘n Roll singer-songwriter-musician-poet and author, Suzi Quatro, who happens to be making her second appearance on StoryBeat. Suzi’s been writing and performing music since she was in her teens and is widely considered to be one of the most influential rock bassists and sin…

1
Jonathan Bowen, Writer-Director-Episode #349 1:14:50

4M ago1:14:50

1:14:50

Writer-director Jonathan L. Bowen started a film review site in high school, which he continued into college, ultimately posting more than 600 movie reviews. After moving to L.A. to pursue a film career, he started making independent music videos, then established a production company, JLB Media Productions, that specializes in business-to-business…

1
Christian Schu, Filmmaker-Episode #348 1:03:12

4M ago1:03:12

1:03:12

Christian Schu is a dedicated filmmaker who sees filmmaking and advertising as storytelling arts. Since becoming a commercial filmmaker in 2015, he’s focused on creating narratives that deeply engage viewers through emotion. Christian’s career includes working in virtual studios, sporting events, and collaborations with popular German business spea…

1
Kiesha Lalama, Dancer-Choreographer-Teacher-Episode #347 1:05:38

5M ago1:05:38

1:05:38

Kiesha Lalama is an internationally recognized dancer, choreographer, and teacher who has created works for stage, film and TV. She is currently Point Park University’s interim Dean of Theatre, Film and Animation, and the Executive Producer of the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Kiesha co-founded and has choreographed 15 years of Broadway’s the Jimmy Awards,…

1
Sharon Virts, Author-Artist-Entrepreneur-Episode #346 1:07:56

5M ago1:07:56

1:07:56

Bestselling historical fiction author Sharon Virts is a successful entrepreneur and visionary who, after more than twenty-five years in business, followed her passion for storytelling. She’s received numerous accolades for her commitment to historic preservation, earning national recognition for both her business achievements and philanthropic ende…

1
Drew Brody, Writer-Producer-Episode #345 1:09:58

5M ago1:09:58

1:09:58

Drew Brody is an award-winning writer and producer whose films, web series, stage plays, and other live events in Los Angeles and New York have featured Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, Jenny O’Hara, Bill Pullman, Sara Rue, Martin Sheen, James Gammon, and French Stewart, among many others. Drew has produced dozens of world premieres for the stage including …

1
Richie McGinniss, Journalist-Episode #344 1:04:02

5M ago1:04:02

1:04:02

The journalist Richie McGinniss has always craved action. As a reporter he’s found it – and a lot more – in the chaos of the streets, embedding himself with protestors to cover the most divisive and violent demonstrations in American history. Richie may be a media professional of the new era, posting his intense, on-the-ground videos on social medi…

1
Cleo Childs, Poet-Author-Episode #343 1:03:16

6M ago1:03:16

1:03:16

Cleo Childs released her spoken word poetry album, “Moving With” in May 2024. And her book, also called “Moving With,” is soon to be released. Both projects are the culmination of years of writing about the journey of grief Cleo experienced after losing her mother to Alzheimer’s when she was 28 years old. Cleo’s mom was an English major in college …

1
Gabby Gruen, Writer-Producer-Episode #342 47:59

6M ago47:59

47:59

Gabby Gruen spent most of his professional life as a writer-producer inside the country’s most prominent ad agencies. After twenty years of elevating the brands of some of our most prestigious advertisers, and with the help of a Screenwriting MFA from UCLA, Gabby started writing screenplays. His original scripts found homes inside a major motion pi…

1
Laila Robins, Actress-Episode #341 1:01:23

6M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

The very busy actress, Laila Robins, was recently seen in Ryan Murphy’s anthology series, American Horror Stories. She also has a recurring role as Colonel Grace Mallory on the hugely popular Amazon series, The Boys. Laila starred opposite Amanda Seyfried in the Apple+ limited series, The Crowded Room and opposite Joshua Jackson and Alec Baldwin in…

1
Michael Mason, Musician-Episode #340 55:24

6M ago55:24

55:24

Making a return for his third appearance on StoryBeat is the great jazz and world flutist, Michael Mason. Michael’s been a professional musician and composer for forty years, while simultaneously working in the fire service of the Downers Grove, Illinois Fire Department, recently retiring at the rank of Lieutenant. Michael is one of the first respo…

1
Tom Stein, Author-Episode #339 56:41

7M ago56:41

56:41

Doctor Tom Stein recently published his first book, Gratitude Is Not Enough, The True Story of a Belgian Family Forever Changed by a Band of American WWII Soldiers. The book focuses on the Remember Museum ‘39-‘45 in Clermont, Belgium that was opened by Marcel and Mathilde Schmetz, better known as the M&Ms by soldiers in a U.S. Army Company of the F…

1
Robert Monroe, Author-Photographer-Episode #338 54:47

7M ago54:47

54:47

Robert Monroe worked for more than a decade as a New York casting director and talent executive. His credits include projects with the Walt Disney Company, the John Houseman Theater, the Annual MDA Telethon, and the United Paramount Network. Robert won a Clio Award for casting the Best Performance for Children for a Dole Pre-Cut Vegetables commerci…

1
Adam "Tex" Davis, Screenwriter-Producer-Podcaster-Episode #337 1:07:53

7M ago1:07:53

1:07:53

Screenwriter, producer, and podcaster Adam “Tex” Davis is best known for writing the screenplay of the cult rom-com classic Just Friends, which stars Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, and Anna Faris. He also wrote the screenplay for the drama Gardener of Eden, which stars Lukas Haas and was produced by Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way. A graduate of NYU’s Ti…

1
Adam Rosenbaum, Author-Episode #336 58:12

7M ago58:12

58:12

Adam Rosenbaum recently published his beautifully written book, The Ghost Rules. I’ve read The Ghost Rules and can tell you this is a thoroughly charming, fun and funny story about 12-year-old Elwood McGee, who never asked to have “ghost-sight,” but winds up seeing more than his share of drooling, mostly hilarious apparitions. Wonderful, lovable gh…

1
Laura Gabbert, Documentary Film Director-Episode #335 58:57

7M ago58:57

58:57

Documentary film director Laura Gabbert has made critically acclaimed films that deploy humor and emotion to tell penetrating, character-driven stories about American culture and society. Among her documentaries, Food and Country, premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and was released theatrically in October 2024. Laura’s film, Ottolenghi an…

1
L.A. Starks, Author-Episode #334 51:36

8M ago51:36

51:36

L. A. Starks is the author of the award-winning Lynn Dayton thriller series that includes: 13 Days: The Pythagoras Conspiracy, the multi-award-nominated Strike Price, The Second Law, and the recently released Winner’s Curse. I’ve read Winner’s Curse and can tell you it’s an exciting adventure into the high stakes world of the oil and gas industry, …

1
Hal Ackerman, Screenwriter-Novelist-UCLA Professor-Session 2-Episode #333 57:16

8M ago57:16

57:16

Hal Ackerman is making his second appearance on StoryBeat. Hal spent thirty years teaching screenwriting in UCLA’s legendary screenwriting program. Along with Richard Walter and Lew Hunter, Hal helped launch the careers of many dozens of writers whose work you’ve seen on screens large and small. Hal has sold film and television material to all the …

1
David Paul Kirkpatrick, Former President of Paramount Pictures-Episode #332 1:00:57

8M ago1:00:57

1:00:57

David Paul Kirkpatrick is the former Walt Disney Studios production chief and also the former president of Paramount Pictures. He’s worked on more than 200 motion pictures and their screenplays, including such global franchises as Indiana Jones and Star Trek. David has guided countless adaptations of books and plays to movies including Forrest Gump…

1
Theresa Griffin Kennedy, Writer-Episode #331 50:30

8M ago50:30

50:30

Theresa Griffin Kennedy is a longtime Portland, Oregon writer, author and occasional poet. She works as a proofreader, developmental editor and is chief editor of Oregon Greystone Press. Theresa writes both creative nonfiction, including crime profiles, as well as literary fiction, specifically in the genre of domestic noir. Theresa sometimes write…

1
Ana Benitez, Storyrocket.com Founder-Episode #330 59:47

9M ago59:47

59:47

Ana Benitez is one of the founders of Storyrocket.com, a leading internet site where thousands of writers from around the world showcase their works to producers and agents. Ana’s mission is to help educate writers on how to get their stories seen by producers and agents. As such, she’s an impassioned author’s advocate for the entertainment communi…

1
R.J. Stewart, Producer, Xena: Warrior Princess-Episode #329 1:01:30

9M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

R.J. Stewart spent more than 20 years as a writer and producer in Hollywood. He got his first break writing for the NBC romantic-detective drama, Remington Steele that starred Pierce Brosnan and Stephanie Zimbalist. He’s best known for developing, writing and producing Xena: Warrior Princess (starring Lucy Lawless), once the highest-rated televisio…

1
Rob Marshall, Director-Producer-Choreographer-Episode #299 Encore 59:57

9M ago59:57

59:57

This is an encore of our episode with the great director, Rob Marshall. He has made numerous films that have been honored with a total of 30 Academy Award nominations — winning 9 in all, including Best Picture for “Chicago,” which alone won a total of 6 of those Oscars. Also, for “Chicago,” Rob received the Directors Guild Award, and nominations fo…

1
Martin Dugard, Author-Episode #328 59:41

9M ago59:41

59:41

Martin Dugard is the New York Times bestselling author known for his nonfiction works and historical thrillers, among them Taking London, Taking Paris, Taking Berlin, the Killing series with Bill O’Reilly, Into Africa, and The Explorers. Recently, I read Martin’s excellent book, Taking London: Winston Churchill and the Fight to Save Civilization, a…

1
Mark Arnold, Comic Book and Pop Culture Historian-Episode #327 1:02:30

10M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

Mark Arnold is a comic book, animation and pop culture historian. He’s published 10 books and numerous articles in various publications. His books include: "The Harveyville Fun Times!", "If You're Cracked, You're Happy: The Story of Cracked Magazine, Book 1 and Book 2", "Mark Arnold Picks on The Beatles", "Frozen in Ice: The Story of Walt Disney Pr…

1
Michael Buzzelli, Writer and Comedian-Episode #326 1:10:23

10M ago1:10:23

1:10:23

Michael Buzzelli calls himself a stand-up comedian and sit-down author. Michael’s performed comedy nationwide, most notably at three legendary clubs, the Ice House, the Comedy Store, and the Improv in Los Angeles. As a writer, Michael has been published in various websites, magazines, and newspapers. He’s the theater & arts critic for ‘Burgh Vivant…

1
Jeff Leisawitz, Musician-Producer-Writer-Teacher-Session 2-Episode #325 59:12

10M ago59:12

59:12

Jeff Leisawitz burns with a mission— to inspire and teach Storytellers and Creatives of every flavor to open minds and connect hearts with their words and stories. Jeff is a Grand LIA, Cannes Lion Gold and Clio Gold award-winning Creative Consultant, critically acclaimed author, award winning music producer, internationally distributed screenwriter…

1
Mark J. Harris, Multi-Oscar-Winning Documentary Filmmaker-Episode #324 56:52

10M ago56:52

56:52

Mark Jonathan Harris is a three-time Oscar-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker, as well as an award-winning author of 10 books, a distinguished professor of film of four decades, and an acclaimed journalist. His newest book, Misfits, is a collection of wonderfully character-driven short stories. I’ve read Misfits and can tell you the book comprise…

1
Richard Walter, Author-Legendary Teacher-Session 2 1:08:26

10M ago1:08:26

1:08:26

Richard Walter is making his second appearance on StoryBeat. Richard is an author of best-selling fiction and nonfiction, a celebrated storytelling educator, screenwriter, script consultant, lecturer and retired professor who led the legendary screenwriting program in UCLA’s highly regarded film school for several decades. He’s written scripts for …

1
Carl Canedy, Rock Legend & Phillip "Doc" Harrington, Author-Episode #322 1:01:45

11M ago1:01:45

1:01:45

Heavy metal rock legend, Carl Canedy, and writer Phillip “Doc” Harrington, recently published Carl’s autobiography, Tales of a Wild Dog, Memoirs of a Rock Warrior. Since the age of 5, after observing a striking red drum set at a wedding reception, Carl was determined to play the drums. He received his first drum set in his early teens, immediately …

1
Christopher Akerlind, Lighting Designer-Episode #321 1:02:19

11M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Christopher Akerlind, has designed lighting, and occasionally scenery, for over 650 productions of theater, opera, and dance across the U.S. and around the world, including 24 shows on Broadway. Chris’s recent work includes Waiting for Godot at Theatre for a New Audience, Lynn Nottage’s play Clyde’s on Broadway and at the Mark Taper Forum, The Ligh…

1
Laura Pliskin, Art Department Coordinator-Episode #320 59:41

11M ago59:41

59:41

Laura Pliskin is a talented art department coordinator who has contributed to some of the most visually stunning sets in film and television history. Laura has worked on projects like "Twisters," "Drive-Away Dolls,", and "Out of the Furnace." She's also been part of blockbuster hits like "The Dark Knight Rises" and the critically acclaimed TV serie…

1
Jon Kremer, Writer-Episode #319 1:01:17

11M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

The writer, Jon Kremer, has lived in Bournemouth, a town on the south-coast of England, since he was a teenager, coinciding with the start of the 1960s. That famous decade of cultural change allowed him to experience many aspects of the UK music industry via both the ownership of his town’s original vintage vinyl shop, Bus Stop Records, which opene…

1
John Cerney, Muralist-Episode #318 59:46

12M ago59:46

59:46

My guest today, the noted muralist, John Cerney, is a Salinas, California native whose artwork can best be described as ‘giant cut-out plywood art’ that’s ordinarily viewed from the comfort of your car. There’s a sense of Norman Rockwell to his work, with a dash of Christo. After earning an art degree from Cal State Long Beach in 1984, John worked …