Positive Blatherings Podcast

Episode 109 was with Ryan Dacko and we discussed the wildly popular Jaws Obsession Podcast and his quest to write The Book of Quint. It has been written, it was self-published and then was picked up by a small but visionary publisher. He found an agent with his passion for this story and now the rest will soon be history. Ryan Dacko GETS SHIT DONE. Hang out with us for an update on The Book of Quint and all things JAWS!Subscribe to all things, listen and order here: https://linktr.ee/bookofquint

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Wilmot, a man with an incredible journey in both the film and sobriety communities. We shared our experiences in the film industry, our personal struggles, and the importance of gratitude in overcoming life's challenges. Chris, whose family has a rich history of political involvement and success, showed us how these experiences have shaped who he is today.During our conversation, Chris opened up about his 40-year journey to sobriety, which was supported by his family and the power of external support. We explored his career path, from working as an associate producer to acting in various film projects, and how his passion for film and politics intertwined. Chris's story is truly inspiring and offers hope to those facing their own sobriety challenges.We also delved into the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry, discussing the challenges of producing and marketing films in today's world of streaming platforms and cable TV. Our reflections on the industry, together with Chris's insights, made for a compelling conversation you won't want to miss. So, tune in and be inspired by Chris Wilmot's incredible story, his dedication to sobriety, and his passion for chasing dreams.

In this fascinating episode, we explore the unconventional journey of artist and photographer James Christopher Knight. From Rochester to Boston, Los Angeles, Paris, and back to Rochester, James shares his experiences in the arts, communications, filmmaking, and playing in rock bands in LA. We discuss the importance of following our passions, the evolution of music formats, the cathartic nature of writing, and the impact of AI technology on various industries. We also dive into the beauty of Rochester and James' exciting new project, "Paris Love Affair," which aims to help young people experience Paris and its rich culture. Join us as we discuss the ups and downs of pursuing a dream, acknowledging negativity to achieve positive outcomes, and the benefits of experiencing life consciously.Video: https://youtu.be/3_WvJstTXgE

In the film Jaws, Matt Hooper tells Mayor Larry Vaughn that sharks are a "Miracle of Evolution", in that all they do is swim, eat and make baby sharks. Today's Blathering guest is a miracle of evolution because Ryan Dacko has evolved over and over again. His latest evolution has given us The Jaws Obsession Podcast and The Book of Quint. The latter being a derivative work of Jaws as the backstory of Captain Quint. Ryan is the kind of guy who, when he decides he is going to do something, you can bet money he will do it. He decided he was going to make a 16mm film, so he went to NYC and bought a camera. He decided he wanted to gain the attention of a Hollywood Producer by running across the United States. Now, he wants to convince the world that Jaws is the greatest movie of all time. Some of us don't need much convincing. Ryan impressed the hell out of me when I heard the opening theme for episode one of the Jaws Obsession Podcast (jawsOB.com) and he continues to impress me. He is as down to earth as anyone can be and is as disciplined a man I have ever seen. This is one of my favorite episodes to date which is why it is twice the length of a typical Blathering. Listen to this, then listen to his podcast.The video version is here:

Anthony Caruso has an interesting story about life, recovery, art - and his perspective on joy is inspiring. Join us as we Blather about how Anthony found his way to a new life through art and recovery. You can find him on social media platforms and also www.artofrecovery.me

Jowita Bydlowska is no stranger to struggle. She has harnessed her struggles into her writing. In this Blathering, I have a candid conversation about her first book, Drunk Mom - her writing style, living as a single mom and author, plus why she believes her most recent book "Possessed" lives up to its name. I highly recommend her books = her writing style is honest, raw and addicting. You can find more about her at JowitaBydlowska.comThe video version is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ylUQzLTLY2E

David Stack is an introvert who turned his shyness into a popular YouTube Channel, Stack's Urban Harvest. Listen as Dave and Fitz talk about Regenerative Gardening, making something out of nothing and his dedication to helping others. I am grateful to have been close friends with David for 20 years! Find David here: https://www.youtube.com/c/StacksUrbanHarvest

David Ackroyd spent a career in the New York State Education system starting out as a teacher and retiring in administration. Dave looks back on a career full of joy and "warm and fuzzy" moments as an educator.

Bobby Newman is one example of how it is more than possible to turn a life around. Bobby discusses his life in and out of jail, in recovery and giving back to children. Find more about Bobby Newman at newmaninterventions.com

When I asked Lisa Nolan to describe herself in 3 words, she answered: Approachable, Engaging and Firm. Not only are these words spot-on, but after this conversation, I came to realize that these three words have important meanings when dealing with Domestic Violence (DV). As the Director of Prevention Education, Lisa is all about reaching people and giving them the knowledge to help themselves. As an empath, she wants to save everyone; as a realist, she knows that empowering them will be of greater benefit. You can find Lisa at WillowCenter.org

The first week of August is International Clown Week! (Aug 1-7) and i bring this to your attention not because I am a clown - it's because I know a great clown and she's my guest today!Lillian Knight Faison is a professional Nurse and knows a think or two about healing. She believes that laughter is one of the best ways to heal the human spirit and it was through clowning that she has found her joy. Certified by the fine folks at Grease Paint Alley (https://greasepaintalleyclowns.weebly.com/) Lillian has formed her own company and loves to bring laughter and happiness to the young, old and everyone she can. Join me in this Blathering with Lillian Knight Faison, aka "Sunny Hope", the proprietor and boss-clown at Sunny Hope Umbrella Agency! (https://sunnyhope.agency/)

Amanda Ashley has made a wonderful name for herself in the music community, here in Rochester and all over the country and even the world. From her work with kids and the LGBTQ+ community to her soulful music projects and her podcast, Amanda has worked hard at spreading joy and peace wherever she goes. Join us in a Blathering that will be music to your ears. Find her at www.amandaashleymusic.com

#100 - Luck brought me to this episode. KL Wells is the Founder and CEO of Voices In Courage, an organization devoted to supporting the families of people who suffer from addiction. Finding support and guidance for those who are helping to care for a loved one who are in the dark depths of addiction was next top impossible, which is why KL Wells started this organization. She saw a need because of her own personal experiences caring for her son. There are many nuggets of wisdom in this episode and I really enjoyed KL's energy and approach to live, business and being human. This is a Blathering to Remember.

Allison Roberts was my guest for episode 53 and we never got to talk about this amazing business she has helped create and build. Today, I Blather with the leadership of Impact Interactive, which is "A Theatre-based Approach to Professional Learning". They help businesses and organizations train their staff on many issues, including sexual harassment and racism. Join me with Allison, Jodie Beckwith and Jonathan Ntheketha as we discuss this vital and fun way of helping our world make the change we all want to see. Find them at impactinteractive.org

Becca Delaney Johnson is quiet, timid and shy. So, if you didn't just laugh outloud then you clearly don't know Becca! The CEO of The Cause Collaborative Cause Collab, Becca has helped to define something now known as Cause Marketing. Her business caters to Not-For-Profit organizations...but the business is very much for-profit! However, she has carved a thoughtful and successful niche in this space, helping organizations spend their marketing dollars effectively all while designing strategies and dreaming up ways to get their Cause out to the world. This Blathering went by so fast for me and I am sure you will have fun. Becca has gone from the Ground Up in most everything in life and is still striving to make a change and improve the world, while taking care of her family and putting smiles on people's faces. Blather with us!

Kelly and Larry are two of the smartest, nicest and most generous people I am honored to know and have been fortunate enough to work with. They have built a business and also helped to grow a vibrant arts community in Rochester, New York. This is a super fun Blathering where we learn how these two fabulous minds joined powers for doing good in the world

Kris Betts is a traveller. Coming to Rochester, NY by way of Austin, Kris dove into her job on 13 WHAM and endearing the community to her personality and professionalism. Now, she is moving on from broadcast news to rediscover her professional identity. In this episode, we have a fun and lively conversation about her life in front of the camera and where she goes from here. Join me and Blather with Emmy Award winner, Kris Betts.

What is the Golden Rule? She who has the gold makes the rules? I like to think the Golden Rule is kindness and thoughtfulness. Kellie Wright has built a business on the idea of kindness and giving. Blather with us and learn how she went from being disillusioned in Corporate America to helping corporations in America.

Mark Gruba is a respected face in the Rochester, NY community. He has been doing the morning show on WROC News 8 for many years. He started out in sports and never even considered the path that led him here. His a family man, trustworthy journalist and enjoys a good joke. I always enjoy speaking with Mark and this time he was my captive for 40 minutes. Come Blather with us.

Framing Your Happiness, with Allison Nichols - I had the pleasure of Blathering with a kindred spirit. Allison Nichols is the owner and resident artist at Creativ Framing & Design at the fabulous Made on State complex in the High Falls District of Rochester, NY. She has been able to Frame her own happiness by following her artistic soul into business for herself. This Blathering touches on many themes but the one that really touched me was accountability of self. She can be found at CreativFramingAndDesign.com and on social media Creativ Framing and Design