Category Archives: Best of BTR

Meet BlogTalkRadio Host Nia, One Ambitious 9-Year Old

Nia Bakari, BlogTalkRadio host

At 9 years old, Nia Bakari is one of  the youngest hosts on BlogTalkRadio.  She is quite an inspiring young lady and is off to a running start with her show, which launched just this month. Nia was kind of enough to answer a few questions about her program and what’s up next for her. 

What’s your show all about?
My show is all about meeting interesting people and learning from them.

How did you decide to start your own show?
My mom and I planned last summer of 2012, but we did not get around doing it till early this year. I learned that you have to have a good idea to have a good show. I want people to know that kids see things differently from adults.

What’s your favorite part about hosting your own show on BlogTalkRadio?
My favorite part about hosting my own BlogTalkRadio show is being able to talk to my guests by just being online or on the phone.

Who have you interviewed so far?
I have interviewed Disney talent, Cameron Goodman, who was my improv mentor, Daniel Hooven, lead investigator of Bio’s Haunted Encounters and Hawaii’s ukulele wonder kid, Aidan James.

Who’s next?
Jeff Kinney, the author of the Diary of a Whimpy Kid, Michelle Borth of Hawaii Five-0 and Atlanta’s upcoming musical duo from All The Two of Us, Maggie Schneider and Riley Duggan.

We’re so excited to see Nia’s show grow.  Be sure to tune in to Nia and Friends.

Storytellers Presents Alt Rock Demigod Black Francis AKA Frank Black

Black Francis AKA Frank BlackThis week on Storytellers, we had the honor of interviewing Black Francis AKA Frank Black of the landmark group The Pixies. He opened up about his creative process, raising 5 kids, the old days with the Pixies, and a lot more!

Name someone who has had more influence over the flow of modern rock — where noise and rhythm meet mystery and beauty — over the last 25 years than Charles Thomson, aka Black Francis, aka Frank Black.

Black Francis is the stage name adopted by Thompson during his years of global domination with the Pixies, from the group’s ’86 formation in Boston until 1993 when the winds of change blew. (And oh, was there joy in Mudville when the Pixies reunited and toured anew beginning in 2004!)

Thompson’s next nom de rock was as Frank Black, often in the bandleading context of Frank Black and the Catholics. Thompson released many a wondrous album under his Frank Black moniker, demonstrating an ear for skewed but perfect rock songsmanship.

He returned to the Black Francis name for ’07′s rocking Bluefinger, a concept album about the life and death of Dutch painter/rocker Herman Brood.

Still working under as Black Francis, he released the sexually charged NonStopErotik in 2010. Abbabubba, a B-sides and demos collection, arrived in 2011, along with The Golem, Francis’ score for the 1920 silent film of the same name. Black Francis will now be hitting the road this very week with Reid Paley.

Join hosts Eric Olsen & me for a candid interview with Black Francis.

BlogTalkRadio Recent Show Highlights

Naomi WattsNaomi Watts (speaking at the 2013 Palm Springs International Film Festival) discusses The Impossible, a film about one family’s harrowing story from the 2004 tsunami in South East Asia.  Tune in here.

CommonThis week on the BIG show, host Tim Gordon continues his journey with Black Reel Awards nominees and welcomes Chi-town’s favorite son, actor/rapper, Common. He sits down to talk about his latest nominated film, LUV as part of the ‘Meet the Nominees’ segment. Tune in here.

Meagan GoodActress Meagan Good chats about her new role on NBC’s hot new drama series Deception. Tune in to find about the her role and about being a newlywed. Tune in here.

Paul GiamattiThe Movie Geeks speak with acclaimed actor Paul Giamatti (Sideways, Rock of Ages) and director Don Coscarelli (Phantasm) about their new film John Dies at the End. Tune in here.

Sam WitwerSFP-NOW welcomes actor Sam Witwer talking about his role in the hit SyFy series Being Human. Sam shares his connection to Star Wars and discusses his take on Darth Maul amongst many other things. Tune in here.

Lisa LoebMatty P’s Radio Happy Hour welcomes Lisa Loeb and Luke Perry for the show’s 3 year anniversary show.  Lisa became a musical force with her hit song “Stay” and has gone on to create 2 Gold records, an eyewear line and an award-winning children’s albums.  Perry is well known as Dylan Walsh of the hit show Beverly Hills 90210, and is now the star of  Hallmark Movie Channel’s Goodnight For Justice: Queen Of Hearts, which premieres January 26. Tune in here.

2 Cellos2 Cellos, Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, join host Robin Milling. The Croatian cellists made quite a viral sensation on YouTube with their dual cello interpretation of ‘Smooth Criminal’. Elton John took notice, taking them under his wing as their manager. Tune in here.

Andy MacdonaldAndy Macdonald was crowned as skateboarding’s World Champion eight years in a row in the World Cup Skateboard Series. He has competed in every X Games since its inception and has earned 22 medals, more than any other skater. Tune in here.

Parker KligermanSlicks and Sticks welcomes two of the drivers from Kyle Busch Motorsports: Joey Coulter in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Parker Kligerman in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Tune in here.

Kristen JohnsonKristen Johnson is best known for her portrayal of Sally Solomon in the hit television series, 3rd Rock From the Sun. She chats with Take 2 Radio about her stellar career and her first book, Guts. Tune in here.

Guy KawasakiWendy Duncan host of BookMark Radio Network welcomes well-known entrepreneur and author, Guy Kawasaki for a chat with host Shawn Welch. Guy discusses his newly published book, APE: Author, Publisher and Entrepreneur How to Publish a Book. Tune in here.

Alan ParsonsStorytellers presented by BlogTalkRadio welcomes fabled producer, engineer and musician Alan Parsons. Alan is an 11 time Grammy nominee, best known for engineering the epic Pink Floyd album Dark Side of the Moon and creating the multi-platinum rock group, The Alan Parsons Project.Tune in here.

Catch Actress Meagan Good on Film Festival Radio

This Friday at 7PM EST, Meagan Good stops by BlogTalkRadio to speak with Film Festival Radio.  Meagan stars in NBC’s midseason drama Deception as Joanna Padget Locasto, a San-Francisco narcotics detective with childhood ties to a notoriously secretive and powerful New York family, the Bowers. In addition, Megan is also establishing a name for herself as a successful executive producer of indie films. It’s a lot to chat about with Megan on this edition of Film Festival Radio.

Also don’t miss special guest Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, pediatrician and expert in the areas of childhood obesity. She is now a part of The Biggest Loser show’s team of experts who’s advising teens and kids on how to successfully overcome being overweight on season 14 of show.

Save the date and follow Film Festival Radio to get updates on this show.

BlogTalkRadio Recent Show Highlights

Fran DrescherEveryone knows this voice! From The Nanny to cancer survivor, Fran Drescher is a little ball of dynamite! She received two Emmy and two Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of the lovable ‘Miss Fine’ on the CBS hit series, The Nanny, a show she also created, and executive produced. Fran recently wrote her second New York Times best seller based on her cancer experience, Cancer Schmancer, for which she received the prestigious National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship Writer’s Award. Tune in here.

CE. Vincent Martinezhloé Taylor Brown talks to E. Vincent Martinez about his fast, fantastic and fabulous life and lifestyle as a “STYLE” Power Player, Philanthropist, and one of the world’s top celebrated Fashion and Lifestyle Bloggers. Tune in here.

Jane EspensonSci-fi television writer Jane Espenson (Once Upon a Time, Buffy, BSG, Torchwood) will join host Barbara Barnett to discuss the current Once Upon a Time season, including her latest episode, and her other projects, which include her hit web series Husbands. Tune in here.

Drew BledsoeThe HITS Radio Show welcomes in former NFL Quarterback and Super Bowl Champion Drew Bledsoe to talk about his 13 year NFL career, the upcoming Super Bowl XLVII and more. Tune in here.

 

Jesse EppsHear from Natonal Treasure, Jesse Epps, who was one of Dr. King’s best friends and closest confidants. Jesse was with Dr. King on the day Dr. King was assassinated. He believes his life was spared so he could further the mission of Dr. King. Tune in here.

Bill EwingFormer Vice-President of Columbia Pictures, Bill Ewing. During Bill’s 15 years at Columbia Pictures, he supervised production of 100+ feature films, including Awakenings, A League of Their Own, My Girl, Groundhog Day, Age of Innocence, The Patriot, and more. Tune in here.

Faith Renee EvansMulti-platinum Grammy Award winning recording artist. New York Times best-selling author. Wife. Mother. Entrepreneur. With so many hats to be worn, it is undeniable that Faith Renée Evans has a little something for everyone. Tune in here.

W. Kamau BellThe host of Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell, which airs on FX will be covering the festivities at this year’s American Indian Society’s 2013 Inaugural Ball. On this episode, W. Kamau Bell talks about his career, his new show, and why he wants to hang out with American Indians. Tune in here.

Joshua AdamsCompared to the vocal styling of great modern rock singers Chris Cornell and Myles Kennedy, Joshua Adams’ ability as a rock vocalist is at a level rarely achieved within the genre. On-Air with Douglas chats with Joshua about his music and career. Tune in here.

Diamond Dallas PageDiamond Dallas Page has gone from being a notorious professional wrestler, to inspirational and motivational Yoga Master! DDP stops by to talk about his phenomenal career, his inspiration and what got him where he is today. Tune in here.

Melissa Joan HartMGN Radio welcomes the talented actress and television director Melissa Joan Hart to discuss family and television. She’s best known for her title roles in the television series Sabrina, the Teenage Witch and Melissa and Joey. Tune in here.

Kevin MazurRenowned Rock and Roll photographer Kevin Mazur tells the story of the paparazzi and the point of view of the celebrities they hound in the documentary film, $ellebrity. Kevin joins host Robin Milling to discuss controversial issues which include ‘are celebrities’ children fair game?’ Tune in here.

Alan & Friends Year-End Show Celebration with BlogTalkRadio Staff & Hosts

Alan Levy, CEO of BlogTalkRadio

BlogTalkRadio CEO Alan Levy

We’re hosting a year-end show celebration, and you’re invited! Our Host No. 1 and CEO Alan Levy is throwing a year-end extravaganza with a few friends from the network.

He’ll be co-hosting the show with BlogTalkRadio’s own Amy Domestico, Customer Service & Co-Host of BlogTalkRadio University and Chitra Agrawal, Director of Marketing & Co-Host of BlogTalkRadio University and Storytellers.

Comedian Rodney Perry

Comedian Rodney Perry

Joining Alan, will be some of our most-loved hosts including Rodney Perry, Lara Galloway, Sree Sreenivasan, Eric Olsen, Gael Sylvia, Anthony Donahue and Halli Casser-Jayne. They’ll be gathering together on December 20 for the Alan & Friends’ Year-End Celebration.

Lara Galloway

Mom Biz Coach Lara Galloway

The fun begins Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. ET (save the date by joining our Facebook event), as BlogTalkRadio Co-Founder and CEO Alan Levy celebrates 2012 by welcoming an all-star lineup to chat about their shows, what’s next in 2013 and take live callers.

ASK AWAY: Got a question you’ve always wanted to ask our CEO or one of our featured hosts on the show? Join our Facebook event to save the date and tune in online or by dialing (866) 691-7714. Don’t miss it!

Our New Storytellers Series Debuts with Tony Bennett Oct. 24

Tony Bennett in The Zen of Bennett

BIG NEWS. Or, as we like to call him, Mr. Tony Bennett. The legendary crooner kicks off our new Storytellers series, featuring the most talented people on the planet.

Storytellers on BlogTalkRadio

Our new series will feature the greatest storytellers of our time, from radio, film, literature and music, talking with hosts Eric Olsen (@amhaunted) of America’s Most Haunted and The Morton Report and BlogTalkRadio‘s own Director of Marketing, Chitra Agrawal.

Eric Olsen, BlogTalkRadio Host

Eric Olsen

Chitra Agrawal, Marketing Director at BlogTalkRadio

Chitra Agrawal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are few greater storytellers than Tony Bennett, who’s spent 60 years interpreting the lyrics of the American Songbook with his inimitable voice. Tony will premiere our new Storytellers series on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 3PM EST and talk about an upcoming documentary about his life, The Zen of Bennett and his newest album, Viva Duets.

The Zen of Bennett premiered to strong critical and audience reactions at the Tribeca Film Festival in April. In the film, on the eve of his 85th birthday, Tony reflects back over his 60 year career and discusses his philosophies of life, lessons learned, and his passion for art and music.  The documentary features many touching moments including Tony in the studio singing duets with the likes of Natalie Cole, John Mayer, the late Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga.

Watch the trailer:

The Zen of Bennett will debut in theaters in New York on Wednesday, October 24th, followed by openings in select cities throughout November and December.  The film will also be available on Netflix streaming after November 12th.

Viva Duets, is Tony’s third duets-themed project, following the platinum selling and critically praised Duets and Duets II albums. Viva Duets features Tony singing his greatest hits with a celebrated roster of Latin artists including Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Miguel Bose and Maria Gadu.

Marc Anthony & Tony Bennett

He remains the Columbia recording artist with the greatest longevity at the label and his Duets II CD, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Album charts making him the oldest artist to achieve the top spot at the age of 85. Viva Duets is set to release on October 23rd.

We’re collecting questions for Tony on our Facebook event page. Join to ask your questions and save the date for the show on Wednesday, October 24th @ 3PM EST.  You can tune in to the live show here or by phone at (646) 716-5155.

How to Land Great Guests According to Host Paul Lawrence Vann

Paul Lawrence Vann, Host of The Wealthy Speaker Show on BlogTalkRadioWe were happy to welcome BlogTalkRadio veteran host, Paul Lawrence Vann to BlogTalkRadio University recently. During his 5 years on the network, he has hosted over 400 episodes of The Wealthy Speaker Show, interviewing bestselling authors, social media experts, actors, relationship gurus, creative thought leaders, and more.

On the show with us, he shared his wisdom for landing great guests & more valuable hosting tips.  Tune in here.