Your Life: The Mix Tape

GIL & AMBER from THE MIND BUZZ PODCAST • Your Life: The Mixtape - Episode 58

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 02:00:00 -0500

On episode 58, Greg is joined by entrepreneurs and hosts of The Mind Buzz GIL & AMBER!!!

The Mindbuzz is a pragmatic conversation that explores culture and society. An archive of interesting stories from today's creatives with a high range of commentary from artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, activists, podcasters, and people just like you! The podcast, hosted by Gil Anguiano and Amber Bobadilla.

CONNECT WITH GIL, AMBER, & THE MINDBUZZ PODCAST

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KATIE • Your Life: The Mixtape - RAGNAROK

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 02:00:00 -0500

KATIE returns to Your Life: The Mixtape but this time it's to face the judgement of you, the listeners, as this... Is... RAGNAROK!

You can catch Katie on Books & Bourbon (Wednesdays monthly) and on Twitter at @artnmusic4life, on Instagram at @beautybygrayart, and on TikTok at @ktblue84 !

ELLA VADAY • Your Life: The Mixtape - Episode 56

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 02:00:00 -0500

On episode 56, Greg is joined by actor, singer, and Drag Race UK Season 3 Star ELLA VADAY!!!

Ella Vaday aka Nick Collier, Is an English Drag Queen, film, TV and theatre actor. The self-proclaimed “drag beast from the East” made history on the TV global franchise becoming the only queen to win four challenges and never place in the bottom!

Ella Vaday has become renowned as a strong voice of expression for many young individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. Nick & Ella Vaday have become a strong advocate encouraging their followers to lead with their individuality.

Ella Vaday is well known in the press appearing in, The sun, Gay Times, The Mirror, The Daily Mail, Hello Magazine, Independent mag, Metro and much more.

CONNECT WITH ELLA VADAY

Website - Instagram - Twitter - Facebook

MICHAEL DES BARRES • Your Life: The Mixtape - Episode 55

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 02:00:00 -0500

On episode 55, Greg is joined by the iconic and amazingly talented multihyphenate MICHAEL DES BARRES!!!

Michael Des Barres’ arrival in the entertainment world came early – as a Marquis attending boarding school in England, he first started acting at age eight in commercials and school plays. He later moved on to Corona Theatre School in West London where he was cast in the 1967 classic film To Sir With Love, starring Sidney Poitier.

At nineteen, Michael played the androgynous rock star Rose in the nude musical The Dirtiest Show In Town, produced by Robert Stigwood, of Jesus Christ Superstar fame. Andrew Lloyd Webber saw Michael’s performance and went backstage to tell Michael that he should indeed form a real rock band. Michael quickly wrote his first song titled “Will You Finance My Rock and Roll Band” which he performed for Lloyd Webber, that song lead Michael to form Silverhead, his first band, a raucous glam rock experiment. They were immediately signed to Purple Records in 1972. In 1974 Michael married his girlfriend of seven years actress Wendy Hamilton (Professor Emeritus Wendy Wheeler, London Metropolitan University).

After two albums and two world tours Silverhead disbanded and Michael moved to Los Angeles broke and in love with Pamela Miller "Miss Pamela" of the GTO's, he arrived in L.A. with two hundred dollars and a hair dryer, ending his marriage to Wendy Hamilton. Michael married Pamela Des Barres, author of “I’m With The Band” in 1977. Michael and Pamela amicably divorced in 1991 and have one son, Nicholas Dean Des Barres.

In Los Angeles Michael formed the band Detective. Detective was signed to the famed Swan Song Records by Jimmy Page and recorded two albums. That era also saw Michael appear on U.S. television in the sitcom WKRP In Cincinnati with Detective playing the punk rock group Scum of the Earth. Michael’s character, Dog was featured throughout the episode and the band itself played at the end of the show. The members of Detective went their separate ways in 1979.

Throughout the years of Silverhead and Detective Michael had been struggling with drugs and alcohol and in 1981 he finally got sober and has remained so. "People didn't understand why I didn't drink or do drugs in the 80's, I was a pariah, but I understood that it was for kids. It was making me psychotic and it was destroying my natural energy. It made me listless and uncreative and I thought that was unacceptable. It was more important to be able to look into my son's eyes and be able to connect with him, than it was to look in the eyes of some lower companion with bad coke." As a result of his sobriety he co-founded R.A.D, Rock Against Drugs, a highly successful P.S.A. that helped enthuse the culture of MTV with an anti-drug status.

In 1982 Michael formed the band Chequered Past, featuring Steve Jones, Clem Burke, Nigel Harrison and Tony Sales. The band opened for Duran Duran in 1984, it was this association that led to Michael being chosen to replace Robert Palmer as lead singer of The Power Station when Robert Palmer withdrew. Michael performed with The Power Station in Philadelphia at Live Aid before two billion people after a ten day rehearsal. A highlight of the touring set was Michael’s song “Obsession, cowritten with Holly Knight in 1983. At the time, it had been released by the L.A. based New Wave group Animotion and was a number one hit in twenty-seven countries.

Michael's love of acting had never subsided and in 1985 he was cast in the role most familiar to his fans – that of “Murdoc” in the ABC hit series MacGyver. Playing a master assassin who seemingly could not be killed, Murdoc had always succeeded in taking out his targets until MacGyver. Murdoc appeared in nine episodes of MacGyver, starting in 1985 and throughout the series run and was widely considered to be MacGyver’s premier arch nemesis. As Michael's acting career in the U.S. was taking off, he was cast in many of the most popular shows of that era, including Melrose Place, Seinfeld, WKRP in Cinncinati, Miami Vice, Alf, Roseanne, The Rockford Files, Northern Exposure, as well as films such as Ghoulies, Nightflyers, Pink Cadillac, Diary of a Sex Addict and The Man from Elysian Fields. 2018 and 2019 saw Michael return to play another master assassin "Nicholas Hellman" on the new CBS reboot of MacGyver, In a nod to his iconic role he returns as the mentor of the new "Murdoc".

In 2014 Michael was asked by Steven Van Zandt to bring his encyclopedic knowledge of rock and soul music to Little Steven’s Underground Garage, SiriusXM, Channel 21 where he can be found DJing every weekday from 5am-8am P/T, and 9pm-12am P/T. Playing classic rock and soul music from The Rolling Stones to The Ramones and The Shangri La's to The Temptations. On Sirius XM Michael is heard by more than six million listeners a day, people are drawn to his show for the outstanding music, as well as Michael's positivity, humor and his inimitable rock and roll intellect and experience. First hand rock and roll history from someone who was there.

Michael is now signed to Steven Van Zandt’s label Wicked Cool Records. 2018 saw the release of two singles Living in the USA, which came in second in Little Steven’s Underground Garage Coolest Song In The World contest, as well as a cover of Bob Dylan’s Gotta Serve Somebody. Michael also formed a new band, Michael Des Barres and The Mistakes and released a double A side single on Wicked Cool Records in 2019, Crackle and Hiss, with B/W Stop! In The Name of Love. Michael continues to record on Wicked Cool Records and recently released a cover of The Sex Pistols “Anarchy In The UK”, produced and arranged by Steven Van Zandt.

On the winter solstice of 2018 Michael and his long term partner of twelve years Britta Hayertz-Des Barres were married in Los Angeles California.

Michael’s highly lauded documentary “Who Do You Want Me To Be?”, filmed in 2012, directed by Josh Elvis Weinstein, began streaming July 10th, 2020 on Amazon Prime and various other streaming platforms.

CONNECT WITH MICHAEL DES BARRES

Website - Facebook - Instagram - Twitter - YouTube - Add "Who Do You Want Me to Be" to Your Amazon Watchlist

ELIANN • Your Life: The Mixtape - RAGNAROK

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 02:00:00 -0500

ELIANN returns to Your Life: The Mixtape but this time it's to face the judgement of you, the listeners, as this... Is... RAGNAROK!

You can catch Eliann on the second seasons of Unapologetically She (Every Tuesday) and It's Like This: A Pop Culture Podcast (Every Thursday)!

You can find her on Twitter at @missangryflower

JAKE HUFFMAN • Your Life: The Mixtape - Episode 53

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 02:00:00 -0500

On episode 53, Greg is joined by the amazingly talented multihyphenate JAKE HUFFMAN!!!

Connecticut born and bred artist Jake Huffman creates a euphoric realm of indie pop rock, bringing his anthemic energy to a global audience. As lead vocalist and drummer, the multi-instrumentalist was previously known for his time in the viral alt rock band, McLovins. Having taken the time to rediscover who he is as a solo artist, Huffman returns with a complete arsenal of new music, all of which has been entirely written, performed and produced by Jake himself.

His latest single “Martyr” was written, recorded and produced at the world renowned PowerStation New England Studio and forms a cohesive ode to his upcoming EP. With compelling discourses, the track explores a commentary about dying on a hill, as he explains, “The lyrics aren’t about what I personally believe. Everywhere I look people are spouting their beliefs while contradicting themselves in the same breath. The world has become so polarizing and I wanted this song to encapsulate that energy.” With the perfect punch of redemption, his musicality comes to life. Huffman's anthemic vocal energy rises atop crashing choruses, soaring melodies and the alt-rock infused rhythms he's been known to possess. With broadening soundscapes and truly impeccable capability, it’s Huffman’s hope that listeners will take what they need from the song, as he explores a journey into creativity. Accompanied by a sound that pulls deep from his rock roots and reaches far into what can only be described as the sound of the 20’s, his latest single consolidates his status as an exceptional talent.

Huffman’s latest project is an amalgamation of his musical influences and vast heritage of experience. At the age of 14, Huffman and his band McLovins posted on YouTube a cover of Phish’s “You Enjoy Myself” from his parents basement in Connecticut. Overnight the video went viral and sparked a rabid following of fans around the world. Since then, he has shared the stage with Blink-182, Foster The People, BB King and The Flaming Lips.

Huffman has garnered humbling praise from the likes of the Rolling Stone, US Weekly, NPR and legendary XPN Radio Programming Director and DJ Bruce Warren, as well as also having caught the attention of Emmy, Grammy and Tony award-winning producer and composer Bill Sherman (Hamilton, In The Heights, Sesame Street) and Glee producer Michael Novick. Meanwhile on television, the musician has left an imprint as a composer and lyricist for Sesame Street, writing dozens of songs for artists like Ed Sheeran and Leon Bridges. With plenty more on the horizon, it looks like 2023 will be an explosive year for Jake Huffman.

CONNECT WITH JAKE HUFFMAN

Website - Instagram - YouTube

HUNTER O'DELL • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 52

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 02:00:00 -0500

In episode 52, Greg is joined by SLUM CITY front-man Hunter O'Dell!

CONNECT WITH SLUM CITY

Facebook - Instagram - Spotify - YouTube - Apple Music

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DR. ROWSER BY VISITING THIS LINK

ERIC ALPER • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 51

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0500

In episode 51, Greg is joined by the incomparable ERIC ALPER!

Eric Alper is a Canadian music correspondent, blogger, radio host and former director of media relations, at eOne Music Canada. His enthusiasm, encyclopedic knowledge of the past and present have made him the go-to for music in Canada. He is also host of one of the top-rated SiriusXM shows “ThatEricAlper”. With over one million followers, friends and connections across his social media platforms, it’s clear to understand why Eric Alper has been named a “must follow” by Billboard, Paste and National Post among others. Eric has been a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, and has worked 19 JUNO Award, 35 Canadian Folk Music Award, and 60 Maple Blues Award-winning albums, and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time including Ringo Starr, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Merle Haggard, John Prine, Ringo Starr, Slash, The Wiggles,, Steve Earle, Snoop Dogg, The Smashing Pumpkins, , Little Steven, Sinead O'Connor, Sesame Street among hundreds others.

Eric Alper on: Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - YouTube

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A Very Mixtape Holiday Special

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0500

On a very special episode of Your Life: The Mixtape, we're bringing it home for the holidays with some special guests and very special musical performances. So don your gay apparel and get ready for... A VERY MIXTAPE HOLIDAY SPECIAL!!!!

With Appearances By:

RHIAN!

ELIANN

SHANAYE

TAMIKA KATON-DONEGAL

MAGGIE CUBILLOS

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DR. CANDICE ROWSER • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 50

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0500

In episode 50 Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with author, educator, and podcaster DR. CANIDCE ROWSER!!!

Candice Rowser, D. A. began her career as an educator in late 2005 with the New York City Department of Education as a Substitute Teacher. She was a part-time faculty member of the City University of New York (CUNY) from 2008 until 2018, first as a Continuing Education Teacher at LaGuardia Community College and later an Adjunct Assistant Professor. From 2009 until 2010 Dr. Rowser taught at Westchester Community College, State University of New York (SUNY). From 2010 to 2018, she taught college level courses at three CUNY campuses including Kingsborough Community College, Hunter College, and Bronx Community College. Dr. Rowser taught briefly at her alma mater, St John’s University, following her graduation in 2010. She taught African-American history part-time at Fordham University for the 2018-2019 academic year. The courses she has taught include: World History, World Politics, African History, African-American History, European History, American Government, and Politics of Economics.

Dr. Rowser studied at St. John’s University completing the Doctor of Arts Modern World History program which provided her interdisciplinary training. She was exposed to anthropology, sociology, political science, economics, and religious studies and learned how these fields contribute to the knowledge and grasp of historical events. Her Master’s degree in Africana Studies from the University at Albany, SUNY has also allowed her to examine the experiences of Africa’s peoples, both on the continent and in the Diaspora, through various fields of study. Her research interests include global human rights, particularly the experiences of marginalized communities.

In early 2018 Dr. Rowser shifted her love for learning and teaching to another forum - the podcast. In the Facts Before Fiction Record she includes lectures from her courses also. With this podcast she can respond to the emerging gaps in learning and share with a wider audience. She provides her listeners with commentary on contemporary issues that they have found equally enlightening as the lectures. With this platform she has built on her interest in politics and women’s roles in the government with a focus on African-American women.

QONDI • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 49

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0500

In episode 49 Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with his sister in service and thirst QONDI!!!

Qondi is the founder of Thirst for Democracy, a multi-platform political project, which harnesses the power of the Thirst to encourage joyful civic engagement. Creator of the romcom Twitternovela “The Affair” starring Stick Qondi, Senator My Boo and the Brother Husbands.

Qondi on Twitter

Stick Qondi on Twitter

Stick Qondi on TikTok

YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE: YEAR ONE • B SIDES - HOSTED BY MICHAEL HAMM

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0500

In the final Year One special episode, Michael Hamm turns the tables on Greg Howard Jr to find out about his musical tastes!

Michael Hamm is a cosplayer, model, actor, influencer, and cat enthusiast. You can find Michael on Instagram here or here, on Twitter, or at his Patreon.

YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE • YEAR ONE: HALL OF FAME - SHANAYE

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0500

Join your host, Greg Howard Jr, as he finds out what the greatest music OF ALL TIME with his special guest, Shanaye!!!

You can follow Shanaye on any social media platform at @nayemonique

BRIAN FALDUTO • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 48

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0500

In episode 48 Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with actor, singer-songwriter, and certified life coach BRIAN FALDUTO!!!

Brian Falduto is a singer/songwriter, actor, and certified life coach. His recent singles, "Same Old Country Love Song" & Hottest Guy Here," take us back to the classic country sound of the 90s and early 2000s that you know and love, but this time, it’s unapologetically queer. Brian shot to fame as “Billy” in the cult classic movie School of Rock. Since then, he's reached millions with his inspiring life story, shining a light for those both within and outside of the LGBTQIA+ community and helping them live their most authentic lives. Brian is also the founder of "Brian's Big Gay Book Club."

YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE • YEAR ONE: HALL OF FAME - KATIE

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0500

You can catch Katie on Books & Bourbon (Wednesdays, Monthly) wherever you get your podcasts!

You can find Katie on Twitter at @artnmusic4life, on Instagram at @beautybygrayart, and on TikTok at @ktblue84

YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE • YEAR ONE: HALL OF FAME - JENNIFER B HARRIS

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0500

Jennifer B Harris is a freelance writer and editor. She loves words and their power. She is a visionary and practitioner of Black Girl Magic. She wrote RUBY.

You can find Jenn all over the multiverse, but start here.

YOURLIFE THE MIXTAPE • YEAR ONE: YEAR-END REVIEW

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0500

Kicking off our week-long celebration of the first anniversary of Your Life The Mixtape Greg is joined by Shanaye, Jennifer B. Harris, & Katie to breakdown the year that was 2022 in music!

You can follow Shanaye on any social media platform at @nayemonique.

Jennifer B Harris is a freelance writer and editor. She loves words and their power. She is a visionary and practitioner of Black Girl Magic. She wrote RUBY.

You can find Jenn all over the multiverse, but start here.

You can catch Katie on Books & Bourbon (Wednesdays, Monthly) wherever you get your podcasts!

You can find Katie on Twitter at @artnmusic4life, on Instagram at @beautybygrayart, and on TikTok at @ktblue84

Check out The Q on their website!

LEE PEART • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 47

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0500

In episode 47 Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with comedian, presenter, and podcaster LEE PEART!!!

Lee Peart is a comedian, presenter, broadcaster and actor. Lee gigs at all the major comedy clubs across the UK, and has previously supported Jason Manford on tour.

He is the resident warm-up artist for ITV's Loose Women, having worked there since 2017. He has also worked as warm-up for Strictly Come Dancing on BBC1, Netflix's Dance Monsters,Love Island: Aftersun on ITV2, Ruth & Eamonn's Do The Right Thing for Channel 5, and was the main stage warm-up for This Morning Live& Loose Women Late.

He has been a regular contributor on BBC Radio London, BBC Radio Manchester, Gaydio and talkRADIO, discussing the morning papers and providing insight and comedic commentary on the latest news.

He has his own podcast 'Let's Talk with Lee Peart' - on it he has interviewed the likes of Lorraine Kelly, Tom Allen, Nadia Sawalha, Gloria Hunniford OBE and more. He also has a weekly podcast called 'Fab Life with Lauren & Lee' which was featured in OK! Magazine and The Sunday Express as podcast pick of the week.

Corporately, he has worked as a presenter for companies such as Movember, Gillette, Google, Investec Bank, and has hosted Manchester Pride’s Big Weekend main stage for 5 years, introducing acts such as Sir Ian McKellan, Texas, The Sugababes and Alison Moyet. He has also hosted the Pride Parade, and was the host of Disneyland Paris Pride. In 2016, Lee played the part of Mark in the national tour of Three Days and Three Minutes with Larry, a new play written by Chris Mellor about the late, great Larry Grayson - one of his comedy heroes.

YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE PRESENTS • The Bodyguard - 30th Anniversary Special

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 02:00:00 -0500

On this very special episode, our special guests (Ryne, Tracey, Jenn, & Katie) sit down to talk about what The Bodyguard soundtrack means to them 30 years later.

The Bodyguard is a 1992 American romantic drama thriller film directed by Mick Jackson,written by Lawrence Kasdan, and starring Kevin Costner, Whitney Houston (in her acting debut), Gary Kemp, Bill Cobbs, and Ralph Waite. The film follows a former United States Secret Service agent turned bodyguard who is hired to protect a famous actress and singer from an unknown stalker.

The Bodyguard was theatrically released by Warner Bros. Pictures on November 25, 1992. The film grossed $411 million worldwide, becoming the second highest-grossing film of 1992 behind Aladdin and at the time of its release the tenth highest-grossing film of all time. The film's accompanying soundtrack by Houston became the best-selling soundtrack album of all-time, with sales of over 45 million copies worldwide, and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, while the singles "I Have Nothing" and "Run to You" received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

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KENNEY FITZPATRICK • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 46

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 02:00:00 -0500

In episode 46 Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with educator, advocate, and founder of The Q - LGBTQ Creative Network KENNEY FITZPATRICK!!!

Kerry Kathleen's WINE DOWN Playlist on Spotify

PRODUCT • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 45

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 02:00:00 -0500

In episode 45 Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with singer-songwriter-producer PRODUCT!!!

PRODUCT is an Australian musician, singer, songwriter and record producer.

Right off the bat his debut single “TIRED OF THE BOYS” was featured on Spotify’s “Taurus” playlist in June 2020 for Pride Month by resident Astrologer for Oprah Magazine, Chani Nicholas, and received praise worldwide as a result.

Multiple collaborations and remixes with other artists followed, with several of them gaining placements by Apple Music on their official Glitch playlist. Collaborative projects with Burlington's tip/toe (including those under their duo name, lovenotes) gained PRODUCT a nod from PAPER Magazine for his production work with tip/toe on her “IPSHST” album. PRODUCT's 2021 remix of KUČKA's “No Good For Me” claimed the Runner Up prize in KUČKA and Metapop's official Remix This competition - awarding him some $20,000 worth of Native Instruments production software to continue creating with.

In just 9 months PRODUCT managed to amass over 100,000 streams on Spotify alone, reaching over 50,000 listeners globally and gained a loyal following, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. PRODUCT is openly gay and continues to be an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

MIKE MANNING • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 44

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0500

In episode 44 Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with multi Emmy Award winning Actor & Producer MIKE MANNING!!!

As an Emmy-winning actor, writer and producer, Mike Manning has demonstrated a wide range of talents as he’s forged a career working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. On television, Manning is most known for his role in Disney’s popular snowboarding movie "Cloud 9," on MTV's "Teen Wolf," as ‘The Manny’ on NBC’s popular drama series “This Is Us,” and playing bad boy ‘Charlie Dale’ on NBC's "Days of Our Lives." Manning's other TV credits include "Hawaii Five-0" on CBS, "Major Crimes" on TNT, "Crash & Bernstein" on Disney XD, Tyler Perry's "The Haves and the Have Nots,” and a series regular role on the multiple Emmy-winning series "The Bay" on Amazon Prime and Peacock, for which Manning was also nominated for an Independent Series Award.

As for film, Manning has been recognized for his noteworthy performances in the civil rights feature "Son of the South" executive produced by Oscar-winner Spike Lee, and the third installment of the faith-based blockbuster "God's Not Dead." Other notable film credits include the WWII drama "D-Day: Battle of Omaha Beach," "The Call" featuring Lin Shaye and Tobin Bell, and “Slapface” which won the Cinequest Film Festival in 2021.

In addition, Mike is also a voiceover actor, working on shows like the Netflix worldwide hit "Money Heist," as the English voice of ‘Denver.’ Manning has voiced dozens of characters in other hugely-popular Netflix productions, like "Lupin, "Unstoppable," “Generation 56K” and "Spectros."

Growing up in Colorado, Manning showed an interest in stage acting at an early age, getting involved in high school productions such as "Oliver!" and "The Secret Garden." He has since performed at the Santa Monica Playhouse in productions like Lisa Visca's original "Climax" opposite Rae Dawn Chong, and later the lead role in "Raise Me Up.”

In 2014, Mike executive produced the Showtime documentary "Kidnapped for Christ" alongside Tom DeSanto from the “X-Men” and “Transformers” franchises. That year, the New York Post referred to Manning as a "young actor becoming an up-and-coming producer to remember," and after co-founding his production company Chhibber Mann Productions, he's been creating meaningful content on both sides of the camera ever since. In 2022, Manning launched Lucky Mann Productions, aiming at continuing his producing endeavors.

Mike executive produced the documentary "An Act of Love" with actress Pauley Perrette. He later produced "Lost in America," highlighting the stories of homeless youth around the country, featuring Halle Berry, Tiffany Haddish, Jewel and Rosario Dawson. Manning also helped produce "The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson," directed by Oscar-nominated David France, which was a Netflix Original after premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival. Other producing credits include: the SXSW thriller "M.F.A.," the Tribeca comedy "Folk Hero & Funny Guy" with Wyatt Russell and Melanie Lynskey, the SXSW award-winning drama "Jinn" (Filmmaker Magazine's "50 Most Anticipated Films of 2018”) and the Lionsgate family film “Powder Pup,” which Manning also co-wrote.

Mike has spent most of his lifetime working with non-profits that advocate for the poor, the environment, and equal rights. He is on the board of Boo2Bullying, Thirst Project, and has been an actor and mentor on behalf of the Young Storyteller's Foundation. Mike has received proclamations from the New York City Council for his cause-related leadership, and lobbied Congress on behalf of The Human Rights Campaign while he was a cast member on MTV's "The Real World" in Washington, DC in 2010.

JXCKSON • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 43

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In episode 43 Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with Alt Pop Superstar JXCKSON!!!

Austin-based artist Jxckson (he/him) delivers his best lines with a smirk. His alt-pop style builds on a foundation of pop music and pulls inspiration from elements from R&B, rock, and more, resulting in a fresh modern sound that still pays homage to the classic earworms of the past. Featured in outlets like PAPER and them. Magazine, Jxckson's music is a mainstay on many of the top worldwide indie music charts.

COMING SOON • YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE: YEAR ONE

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 17:33:19 -0500

A week long celebration of the first year of Your Life the Mixtape! Coming to your favorite podcast platforms December 2022.

KERRY KATHLEEN • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 42

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In episode 42 Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with alt pop artist and certified sommelier KERRY KATHLEEN!!!

"Music chose me. I didn’t have a choice in the matter. I knew from the age of two, that I wanted to sing. When I got older, I knew I was meant to make music, it was just so innate. I tried other paths, but when I did, music just pulled me back and made me happier than anything else in this world. It’s absolutely what I’m meant to do. Music can heal. I want to heal..”

As a child Kerry Kathleen would be told she “sang too much” even as her family grew up with a home full of instruments. As Kerry grew older and her talent stronger, she began to admire her father's love of music, even though she still couldn’t imagine being a full time artist.

As Kerry explored life, she began gigging in small clubs, which helped her explore sounds, styles of music and really kick started her writing of songs… Life’s natural pressure, its relationships, hurt, anguish and its joy all provided intimate unique experiences that Kerry would pour out when writing. As life beats us all up, then brings us back to the top of the mountains, Kerry felt she could reach out and provide the support of also having gone through so many situations.

So as Kerry healed, she wants to also provide the support to help others heal. In a big world full of turmoil, life can slow down with a song... and Kerry Kathleen writes those songs.

Kerry Kathleen's Website

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

RYAN CARNES • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 41

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In episode 41 Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with Actor, musician, writer, and producer, RYAN CARNES!!!

Actor, musician, writer, and producer, Ryan Carnes grew up on a farm outside a small rural town in Illinois. As an only child, he spent much of his time in nature, exploring the acres of woods that surrounded his family's property. Beyond that, he dedicated his formative years to academics, basketball, baseball, and drumming along to 90s rock and alternative in his parents' basement. In addition to film and television, Carnes has been diving into songwriting and music production and aims to release a full length record with music partner Vanessa Silberman in 2023.

Catch Ryan in Cupid for Christmas and Valentino, Puedes ser tu propio héroe o villano streaming now!

Ryan Carnes on Instagram and Twitter

MICHAEL J WILLETT • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 40

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In episode 40 Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with actor/musician MICHAEL J WILLETT!!!

Michael J Willett is an American actor and musician. Willett is known most for his roles as Lionel in United States of Tara, Tanner in G.B.F., Shane in Faking It, Cole in Dolly Parton's Heartstrings.

His album Pink Sunglasses is available wherever you stream music.

BEXX • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 39

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In the season premiere Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with the BI-con and alt pop princess BEXX!!!

bexx is a seriously exciting new talent in the UK pop scene. Her eclectic, euphoric alt-pop sound unabashedly draws from influences within 80’s synth-pop, pop-punk, classic rock, and current artists like Rina Sawayama and Lady Gaga.

Her latest single “Prettier” (out September 2) is a furious emotional gut punch, exploring self-hatred, body image, and objectification.

bexx says: “I wrote Prettier from a place of deep sadness and deep anger. It is my furious rebuttal to everyone who has made me feel less than because of the way I look - and writing it was deeply cathartic. I want Prettier to be an anthem for anyone who has had enough of feeling like they don’t measure up to society’s narrow standard of beauty.”

In a radical departure from previous releases, Prettier sees bexx explores elements of punk rock and hyperpop whilst still embracing her alt-pop sensibilites. With instrumentation that sounds just as furious as the lyrics, Prettier is inspired by classic bands like AC/DC and Motorhead as well as current heavy artists like Cassyette, Nova Twins and pop acts like Gaga and Rina Sawayama.

The release is accompanied by a remix (out Sep 14) from rising hyperpop artist and producer Tobre, who brings a fresh dose of unhinged ferocity to his take on Prettier. Tobre says: “Much of my production is inspired by the abrasive and energising sounds of melodic punk rock and metal, so I wanted to play with that to take the ferocity and chaos of Prettier to another level. The remix is a blend of my usual take on hyperpop production and sound design, mixed with distorted guitars and real drum samples.”

bexx will also host a launch party for Prettier at iconic London LGBTQ+ venue The Glory on September 1. This will see the premiere of the new track, plus support from exciting new queer artists. Genre-bending pop-rock artist FEAR OF MARKO and bubblegum pop atist Tobre, who has also remixed Prettier, will both perform on the night.

In 2022, bexx has headlined Nottinghamshire Pride and supported the likes of Fickle Friends and Deco on tour. With support from Wonderland, Earmilk, BBC Introducing and Rolling Stone, bexx is rapidly headed towards an exciting future, and it’s one you’ll want to be a part of.

ELLE MURASAKI • Your Life The Mix Tape - Episode 37

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In episode 37, Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with the queen of digital media, ELLE MURASAKI!!!!

You can also find Elle on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, The 3+1 Media Podcast, or on her official website.

SARA THE NY POLITICAL MOM • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 36

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In episode 36, Greg talks life, love, and all things music with fellow podcaster, SARA!!!!

You can find Unapologetically She (Every Tuesday) right here on THEE JOYFUL WARRIOR PODCAST NETWORK and wherever you get your podcasts!

You can find Sara on Twitter, TikTok, & Instagram at @nypoliticalmom

KISOS & CORY FROM THE QUEERANTINE TOUR • Your Life The Mix Tape: Bonus Tracks

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode (and special sneak preview of Volume IV) of Bonus Tracks Greg talks life, love, the universe and all things music with singer-songwriters KISOS & CORY STEWART!!!!!

ABOUT KISOS
Originally from the sleepy north Bay Area city of Fairfield, CA, Kisos said goodbye and good riddance to his tech startup job and moved to NYC to pursue music.
Baeble Music premiered his debut single, comparing him to Troye Sivan and Years & Years, which spurred him to invest even more into a dream that used to seem impossible.
Now his brand & music have been featured in Billboard multiple times, PAPER Magazine, The Advocate, Spotify editorial playlists, Genius’s The Cosign, and the It Gets Better Project.
He is a pioneer in the indie music community thanks to QUEERANTINE, a weekly LGBTQIA+ music video showcase on Twitch (twitch.tv/itskisos) which raised $12,000 for social justice causes since it’s inception.
You can find Kisos on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or on his official website

ABOUT CORY
Cory Stewart (AWAL/Kobalt) has been described as a synth-pop artist with “smooth voice” (Billboard, 2020) that creates “fearless, unapologetic and relentlessly catchy” music (Canadian Beats, 2018). Cory has been a supporting act for a number of legendary artists including Boy George and Crystal Waters. Stewart’s debut album ‘TOV’ was released in January 2021, hitting #9 on the iTunes Pop Charts and receiving overwhelming praise from critics.
A Royal Conservatory of Music vocal program graduate, Stewart has been a songwriter and student of music since the age of seven, receiving accolades from numerous music festivals across Canada. Cory has also toured and performed in several countries around the world including Canada, Germany, the Netherlands and Austria.
Cory is currently preparing for The QUEERANTINE North American tour. In 2020, Cory Stewart and Kisos founded QUEERANTINE: a unique, livestream music video showcase and community hub to uplift 2SLGBTQIA+ artists during the pandemic. This Fall, the two are converting the digital showcase into a multi-city series of in-person live shows.
You can find Cory on Twitter, Instagram, or on his official website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE QUEERANTINE TOUR OR TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISIT: https://queerantineshow.com/

SCOTT BERRY • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 35

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In episode 35, Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with singer-songwriter, SCOTT BERRY!!!!

Scott's album "Voices in My Head" is available right now wherever you stream music. You can also find Scott on Instagram at @scottberrymusic or @scott__berry

ALICE PISANO • Your Life The Mix Tape: Bonus Tracks

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Bonus Tracks, Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with singer-songwriter, ALICE PISANO!!!!

Italian born, London based, Alice Pisano had a bright entrance to the scene in 2019 with her heart-warming debut EP ‘Celebrate Life’. Released with no label or backing, ‘Celebrate Life EP’ picked up immediate editorial support on Spotify, critical acclaim from online tastemakers including Atwood Magazine and support from numerous national and online radios. The title track Celebrate Life has garnered over four million Spotify streams alone.

Following her successful debut, Alice had four singles enter the iTunes Pop charts, radio plays on stations including BBC Radio London, National Dutch Radio, Amazing Radio and over 3 million views on TikTok. Her single “Open Up” was the lead soundtrack to the summer trailer of British hit tv show Hollyoaks in 2021. Alice played at The Great Escape Festival 2022 and was one of the First Fifty artists to be announced. Accumulating numerous Spotify editorial support, including 14 New Music Fridays, as well as critical acclaim from Clash, Earmilk and Wonderland, Alice Pisano is proving to be a rising star in the contemporary pop scene.

Alice’s uniquely warm vocal and natural ability for writing emotive pop songs has led her to collaborating with Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Ian Barter (Dermott Kennedy, Izzy Bizu), John Foyle (Maisie Peters, Years & Years) and Troy Miller (Emeli Sandé, Jamie Cullum).

Alice’s brand new single ‘Boys Like You’ written with Jez Ashurst (Maisie Peters, Little Mix) is out RIGHT NOW.

You can find Alice on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok or by visiting her official website.

TAMIKA KATON-DONEGAL • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 34

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In episode 34, Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with actress and future EGOT, TAMIKA KATON-DONEGAL!!!!

You can catch Tamika as Mayor Gildersleeve on the Nickelodeon smash hit Side Hustle, you can also find her on Twitter & Instagram at @elite_qt, and on TikTok at @elite__qt

PURE XTC • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 33

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In episode 33, Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with singer-songwriter-producer, PURE XTC!!!!

pure xtc is Taylor Hughes, a queer multi instrumentalist, writing and recording music out of her home studio in Kansas City, MO. Inspiration for the project was sparked while Hughes was living in NYC in late 2020 beforehand. Shortly after, Hughes moved to Kansas City, MO where pure xtc quickly began turning heads with the release of her debut single Ghost in July 2021.

pure xtc’s brand of haunting electro-pop began circulating on radio stations across the US, Canada and beyond, including high praise from 90.3 The Bridge(NPR). Continuing to gain momentum, in August 2021 pure xtc performed for the first time at Kansas City’s Pride. pure xtc’s debut EP, Nobody’s Home was released in November 2021 and quickly amassed over 100k streams on Spotify.

You can listen to pure xtc's new single SHADOW where you stream music. Catch pure xtc across all social media platforms at @purextcmusic

ANDREW SMYTH • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 32

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In episode 32, Greg talks life, love, the universe, and all things music with the inventor of "bakineering", ANDREW SMYTH!!!!

Andrew is an aerospace engineer, baker, presenter and producer. He gained a nationwide following for his outrageously engineered creations when he reached the final of The Great British Bake Off in 2016. Since then, he's created the art of “bakineering”, toured live shows around the UK & Ireland and produced & starred in an original Netflix hit series, “Baking Impossible”, released in October 2021.

You can find Andrew on Twitter & Instagram at @cakesmyth

JONATHAN GORDON • Your Life The Mix Tape - Episode 31

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In episode 31, Greg talks life, love, and all things music with award winning actor-writer-director-producer, JONATHAN GORDON!!!!

Jonathan Gordon's Broadway credits include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Daniel Sullivan’s revival of Orphans. Off-Broadway he appeared in Arthur Miller's Incident at Vichy at the Signature Theater. Film and television work includes Blue Bloods, The Good Wife, God's Pocket, and the hit indie-romance, Those People.

You can find Jonathan on Instagram at @jawngordon

LOUIS • Your Life The Mix Tape - Episode 30

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 06:27:00 -0500

In episode 30, Greg talks life, love, and all things music with social media star and theme park enthusiast, LOUIS!!!!

You can find Louis on TikTok & Instagram at @coffeetalkwithloulou

MARYJO • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 29

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In episode 29, Greg talks life, love, and all things music with mother, musician, reader, TikTok-er, MARYJO!!!!

You can find MaryJo on TikTok at @maryjo.laupp or by visiting https://beacons.page/maryjolaupp

MADELINE CONSOER • Your Life The Mix Tape - Episode 28

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In episode 28, Greg talks life, love, and all things music with singer-songwriter MADELINE CONSOER!!!!

You can find Madeline on Twitter, Instagram, & TikTok at @thatmaddiec

Madeline's new single WISH IT AWAY is available RIGHT NOW wherever you stream music.

DEATHCRUISER • Your Life The Mixtape - Episode 27

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 06:30:00 -0500

In episode 27, Greg talks life, love, and all things music with singer-songwriter DEATHCRUISER!!!!

You can find Deathcruiser on Twitter & Instagram at @deathcruiser_

His new single UNDER YOUR SKIN is available RIGHT NOW wherever you stream music.

Come Get Your WriteLife (JBHarris Writing Services)

MICHAEL HAMM • Your Life The Mix Tape - Episode 26

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In episode 26, Greg talks life, love, and all things music with cosplayer, model, actor, influencer, cat enthusiast, MICHAEL HAMM!!!!

You can find Michael on Instagram at @hammy73 or @michael.hamm.cosplay

You can also visit Michael's Patreon at https://www.michaelhamm.ca/

JENNIFER B HARRIS • Your Life The Mix Tape - Episode 25

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In episode 25, Greg talks life, love, and all things music with the prolific writer, poet, Queen of the Multiverse, JENNIFER B HARRIS!!!!

Jenn's newest work is out TOMORROW!!

To learn more about Jenn and her writing, check out her blogs:

The Ideal Firestarter

I Breathe Fire

Stick around until the end of the episode to learn how you could get a chance to appear on a future episode!

ADAM WRIGHT • Your Life The Mix Tape - Episode 24

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In episode 24, Greg talks life, love, and all things music with singer, songwriter, TikTok-er, Master of the Mashup, ADAM WRIGHT!!!!

Adam's new single "Let's Run Away" is out RIGHT NOW!

You can find Adam on TikTok at @adamusic_ , on Instagram at @adamusic_, here on YouTube, or by visiting here.