Gen - ED

Dawna Lee Heising has acted in over 220 feature films and has won awards in over 570 films as an actor/producer/publicity director. She is the VP of Aki Aleong's Mustard Seed Media Group and has a B.S. Degree in Business Management and MBA from Pepperdine University. Her uncle is legendary DP Tak Fujimoto (“Silence of the Lambs,” “Sixth Sense”), and her cousins David Wong and George Daugherty received a Primetime Emmy Award for their televised Broadway production of "Peter and the Wolf on Broadway". Dawna has won over 170 Best Actress awards for feature films and television. She received the Elite Martial Arts Spirit Award at the 2023 Golden Gate Hall of Honors Martial Arts Awards and was named “Actress & Action Star of the Year" at the 2021 USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame Awards. She is honored and excited to be inducted into the WorldFilmGeek.com Hall of Fame for 2023, alongside Diane Franklin and Mark Patton. Dawna was honored to work with the great Eddie Griffin in Param Gill's "Bad President", which premiered at the 2020 Cannes Film Festival, and with legendary star Tom Arnold in Adam Werth's "Alien Storm" from Mahal Empire Productions. She plays Lisa in "PTSD: A Soldier's Revenge," which stars Daniel Baldwin, Tom Sizemore, and Robert LaSardo, and Ms. Fairchild in Diana Carter's "Recipes for Love", starring Daniel Baldwin and Nicholas Turturro. Dawna played the lead role of Nikki Carter in Walter Hochbrueckner's "The Paradise Motel," with Mel Novak, and will be reprising her role in the sequel "Next Stop: Hell's End" with Yan Birch.  Dawna is trained in Tang Soo Do martial arts and pole dancing. She is a former Miss Los Angeles Chinatown, Ms. US World, Ms. World, Ms. Universe, Miss San Francisco Universe, Miss Orange County Universe, Miss Orange County America, Miss California Hemisphere and Mrs. California United States, among many other titles. She was honored to be the Queen of the 2019 Hollywood Silver Screen Film Festival, the 2018 WIND International Film Festival Queen and the 2021 Kaiju International Film Festival Queen. Dawna studies acting with Matthew Arkin and Karole Foreman, and her martial arts KwanJangNim is Grand Master Rick St. Clair. She is a long-time member of SAG-AFTRA. Dawna’s Links Instagram Facebook Website TikTok YouTube X Pinterest 

Jennifer Prettyman is a truly talented “jane” of all trades! She produces, acts, directs, writes – and has done everything else under the sun from location scouting to set decoration to stunts and you name it. She left the glam of Los Angeles to make her own films in Minnesota and she’s been very successful. From “Filter” and “Turning Tables” to “Dolwa” and “My Little Sunflower,” she’s a force to be reckoned with and has portrayed all types of dramatic characters while showcasing her comedic talents, as well. Follow her! Jennifer’s Links Instagram Facebook YouTube 

Actress Robert Shafer | Gen-ED Podcast | Ep 14 (full episode) Actor Bob Vance, er I mean, Robert Shafer! I’m kidding but at the same time, you’ll be tempted to see him as Bob Vance first because he’s made a household name of himself portraying that character from “The Office.” Shafer was part of one of the most popular shows in U.S. television history, thanks to its boost streaming after being on the air. And spoiler coming … he makes a great cameo in episode one of “The Paper,” the new spinoff from “The Office” creator Greg Daniels. But Robert has had a broad career and was even married to actress Susan Dey! He’s had appearances on programs like “Criminal Minds,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Boston Legal,” and “The West Wing.” He wrote, produced and starred in “Dick Dickster” and is the cult-like lead character in “Psycho Cop” and the sequel, with a third maybe coming? Enjoy the interview, he’s great! Please subscribe, like and share! Applehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-ed/id1790726998 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3e8CJphLe6mDfUqqEO83fg?si=nqByO41kSLCiqSHmrpqrHQ BOB’S LINKS IMDBhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0769793/ Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/robertrayshafer/ Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/bobbyrayshafer YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/user/bobbyrayshafer  

Robert Smith has been working in entertainment since he was 40 and decided – this is everything to me! He’s talented, funny, hard-working, creative, and his newest film “SPREAD: Pigs to Slaughter” just was unveiled with his very first red-carpet premiere in North Hollywood Oct. 30th! He’s combing various backgrounds in art and music and using them in his films in innovative ways too. “Vengeance Turns” and “Vengeance Turns: Volume 2” brought out the western in him, but with intriguing storylines and some powerful female characters. While he’s acted in “Thor God of Thunder,” “Ringworms,” “Garden of Eden,” and more – he’s often recognized for his role as the stern boss in the cigarettes video for the late rapper Juice WRLD. Get to know him and watch his films!  Robert’s Links Instagram SPREAD Instagram Facebook SPREAD Facebook YouTube 

Valeria Sweet is a truly talented, modern-day Hollywood workaholic in the best sense! When she’s not writing she’s acting, when she’s not acting, she’s directing or producing. Most of the time, she’s doing several of those roles on every project. She’s not just working though, she’s stellar. In addition to her skills, she’s absolutely stunning in a way that has “leading lady” written all over her, you’ll see! She starred in the sci-fi short “Lend a FRND” that debuted in late June, one of her recent acting / writing / directing projects “Once in a Blue Moon” is in post-production and looks incredible, and she’s acted in several films recently from “Fifty1 fifty” to “Charge!” and was at the Cannes Film Festival promoting “The Remedy.” As if all that weren’t enough, she’s also a precision driver in movies like “The Accountant 2” and “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” Listen to learn more or watch the full interview on YouTube!  Valeria’s Links Instagram Facebook TikTok Website  

Diane was a babe in the ‘80s, literally! She was princess / babe in “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” but years before that she burst on the scene in some of the decade’s other most iconic films. She was breaking hearts in the hardest way in “The Last American Virgin” in 1982, a movie that taught most teen boys – life isn’t easy and neither is love! The same year she was in “Amityville II: The Possession” and in 1985 she portrayed likely her most memorable character, French foreign exchange student Monique opposite John Cusack’s character. It was a tremendous “feel-good movie” as she’ll discuss, and this year it turns 40!! We discuss all of her hits, everything she has in the hopper, and a lot more. Enjoy and make sure to buy her books on her website below, she’ll sign them for you!Be excellent to each other, and enjoy today's language lessons! Diane’s Links Instagram Facebook Website (for signed books and photos) Cameo Syd & Olivia’s Links (Diane’s daughter Olivia & Syd her comedy partner) Instagram TikTok Podcast (Spotify)Podcast (Apple) 

Ivan is a Swedish actor who’s been acting for 30 years since he graduated from the Stockholm University of the Arts. He writes, directs and acts, and if you know him odds are it’s from “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,” seasons three and four on Prime. He portrayed crime lord Levan Zubkov, doing several scenes with actors John Krasinski, Michael Kelly, and Michael Peña. The third season went so well he was brought back for season four! We have a great conversation about Swedish filmmaking and the country’s version of the Academy Awards, we chat about what role government plays in the arts there, and a lot more. He shares great insight on the auditioning process – for example: how he got “Jack Ryan” and why he didn’t get “The DaVinci Code.” Follow him on FB and his IG is coming! #ivanmathiaspetersson Ivan’s Links Facebook 

With Josh Fadem, his talent, range, humor, energy, process – everything about his career is top shelf. His memorable roles include working for the late David Lynch as the character Phil in “Twin Peaks,” doing voice-over on “American Dad!” and other animated programs, and perhaps the most memorable – 14 episodes of his Camera Guy character on “Better Call Saul.” His first lead role was shot last year and hopefully will be released in 2025, “Every Heavy Thing.” He also launched the “Here Come the Details” podcast and he’s doing “screen shows,” a term he coined for doing podcasts with a video component built-in as part of it. Bottom line – he’s awesome, his podcast is great, and he’s talented in everything! Josh’s Links Instagram YouTube - Josh YouTube – Podcast “Here Come the Details” Podcast on Spotify Podcast Website

In a world where YouTube is filled with top car crashes and black box recordings from airplane disasters, former Lieutenant Colonel and Retired Air Force Fighter Pilot Hoover is a breath of fresh air providing educated, researched recaps of aviation mishaps on his channel, Pilot Debrief. Going not by his name but instead by his call sign, Hoover started doing real estate videos a few years ago then focused on aviation because it’s his background and passion. The result: 770,000 followers on YouTube alone! He flew F-15E Strike Eagles as part of a North Carolina combat squadron and later F/A-18 Hornets for the Marine Corps in an exchange program. He is now a commercial pilot and a wonderful content creator … make sure to listen to his channel!PS Hoover, thanks for your service!  🇺🇸 Hoover’s Social Links WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookTikTok

Brande Roderick is not only tremendously successful, but she’s literally the definition of it. Every project she’s ever been involved with has achieved at the highest levels. From being a Playboy cover girl to Playmate of the Year (and dating Hugh Hefner) to having an outstanding acting career that includes “Baywatch,” “The Apprentice,” and dozens of film and television appearances. She’s also a producer, a writer, and now a director with her new film “Wineville,” which allowed her to showcase her love of horror. Go watch it, it’s streaming everywhere! Brande’s Links "Wineville" WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTube 

Gina’s the founding member and lead singer of Burning Red, the nation’s best Taylor Swift tribute band. She’s a legend in the Chicago music scene from early days in her band Rockit Girl to later joining Louise Post as a member of alt rock’s Veruca Salt! They both also joined a short-lived female supergroup called Bastard with Courtney Love then Gina found her sweet spot as a major Swiftie. The band’s social media is tremendous – currently Gina’s recording and posting one song per day (!!) from Taylor’s album: The Tortured Poets Department. Burning Red will be playing Indianapolis in early April 2025 with shows in Chicago and elsewhere throughout the year. Follow and like them – and definitely go see them!! (music “Down Bad” cover courtesy of Burning Red’s YouTube) Burning Red Social Links WebsiteYouTubeFacebookInstagram 

Stand-Up Comedian Willie Macc got his start on BET’s reality program “College Hill” and that created the path for a successful entertainment career. Willie has been in dozens of national TV commercials for everything from Hidden Valley Ranch to Verizon to McDonald’s and many more! In 2025 he’ll have his own Dry Bar special and he’s doing “America’s Got Talent” too. (episode recorded and produced by Jackson DeMask; edited by me!) Willie's LinksWebsiteYouTubeTikTokInstagram(Note: we recorded this in 2024 when shooting videos in a pub called ⁠Duke’s Northwoods⁠ in suburban Chicago co-owned by Jarrett Payton, son of Chicago Bears legend Walter Payton!)

Sportscaster Dick Stockton has been calling Super Bowls, NBA Finals, World Series, the Olympics and much more for the better part of the last 60 years – Legend! Dick broadcast seven Super Bowls over the years, and every single NBA Finals game of the 1980s! Magic – Bird – Kareem – Dr. J – Detroit’s “bad boys” and of course the newcomer who had to wait until 1991 for a championship appearance, Michael Jordan. He was on the 2nd team for Fox Sports when it acquired the NFL in the early ‘90s, second only to John Madden and Pat Summerall. His first World Series in 1975, he called Carlton Fisk’s home run at Fenway Park to tie the series at 3-3, the shot made legendary over time by an outfield camera that captured Fisk “pushing” the ball fair as he headed to first base. Dick has done everything, and it’s been a marvelous ride. Take the journey with us and relive some of the favorite moments of his career. To read Dick’s weekly column Stockton Says, here’s a link to his website: https://dstockton.com/stockton-says/

Great chat with Tami Erin, who is an actress, entrepreneur, and former model best known for her portrayal of Pippi Longstocking in the 1988 film, “The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking.” Discovered at Brookfield Zoo at age five and thrust into a modeling career, she later evolved into acting and business ownership. She also served as a United Nations Ambassador for UNICEF, traveling the globe on behalf of humanitarianism! In 2025 she’s part of the “I Am Pippi” documentary that has a tour along with it. Follow her on Instagram: @tamierinofficialpippi   You can find all information at her website, and her shop has great Pippi merch!   www.tamierin.com   www.shoppippi.com  

Elegant, talented, and sometimes – a Russian mobster! Andrea is truly wonderful person who is part actor – part psychotherapist – part adjunct professor (Fordham U.). She’s busy either helping people or entertaining them! Her roles as Riva in “Claws” and Margarethe Ziegler in “Better Call Saul” gained her a permanent, cult-like following! Her therapy practice is The Relationship Suite in New York. Get to know her today, you’ll love her! Follow her on Instagram @andreasooch   (photo courtesy of NYC Photographer Emily Farthing: Instagram @emilyfarthingart)   Book Links   Learned Hopefulness   The Positivity Effect   The Artist’s Way  

Andrea Thompson is not just a talented actress, wonderful mother and former journalist, she’s a friend. So, I’m extremely pleased to share her interview so you can get to know more about her career and her as a person. She’s done a little of everything on film and TV, from her film start in “Wall Street,” to becoming a series regular on “Falcon Crest,” “JAG,” “Babylon 5,” and of course “NYPD Blue.” Give it a listen, Andrea’s led a great life so far!

Meet the legendary man who was part of a group that brought Yoda and Jabba the Hutt to life onscreen!“Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope” changed movies and inspired a generation of people to consider sci-fi as a great new genre … second-generation puppeteer Dave Barclay included. He was working at a London toy store dreaming of a film career when in walks Mark Hamill, except Barclay was out at lunch and missed him! Little did he know only a few months later Hamill would be back, and would help Barclay get his first job in film – as Yoda’s puppeteer in “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.” Dave's autobiography “My Life With Animatronics. Movies, Puppets and Beyond” will be at Barnes & Noble in February and he's currently pre-selling signed copies that come with a photograph and "Mauldrix" film poster (both signed), certificate of authenticity and more. Visit this link to purchase: https://coolwatersprods.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9&products_id=2791