Meet James Sklar, Podcast Host

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, James Sklar attended Syracuse University, studying Russian, Finance, and Marketing. He has traveled extensively throughout Europe and was the very last individual to walk through Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, Germany. James has lived in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles, but he is now proud to call Western Massachusetts his home. He has always been a great lover of the spoken word medium. James is always listening and is grateful to have the opportunity to be heard.

The James Sklar Show is a podcast which covers a variety of topics, including life in the Berkshires, current events, food, and history. Check out a sample of his show by listening to his belated Father's Day podcast...

1. How did you first get interested in podcasting?

I started listening to podcasts a few years ago. My interest in spoken word begun with The Lost Lennon Tapes which aired in the 80s. The content was riveting. Ever since then, I've been hooked on the medium. Now with podcasts, the joy is listening when and where I want.

2. What are some of the topics you cover on The James Sklar Show, and how do you get your ideas for what to talk about?

My topics come from everyday life, an article, news, or whatever I feel like discussing. Generally, I bounce from one to the other.

3. What do you think that the element of audio adds to a reader/listener's experience, compared to just reading a blog post?

The audio creates an intimate relationship between speaker and listener. Reading a blog post is less engaging. I find that audio adds a sense element which personalizes content, which is key and what separates audio from other mediums.

4. As a listener, what do you personally admire in other podcasts, and what are some of your current favorites to listen to?

Passion and integrity. I listen to The Unexplained with Howard Hughes, since I love the subject matter and his delivery. I listen to Coast to Coast AM, due to the interesting variety of topics they explore. For laughs, I will listen to Doug Benson's Doug Loves Movies, because it's so silly and can be very funny.

5. For someone just getting started in blogging, podcasting, and other online media, what's your best advice?

Just start! It's so easy. My motto is don't talk about it, be about it!

Thanks, James!

Meet Dr. Diane A. Thompson, Medical Doctor and Radio Host

Dr. Diane A. Thompson is a physician, author, speaker, and radio host of the popular and syndicated Health Talk with Dr. Diane MD, which is aired on FMG Radio, Blog Talk Radio, and most recently on "Atlanta's Incredible Radio" 1570 AM WIGO. Her goal in having a radio show is to share inspirational health information that could change people's health and inspire them to live a successful life.

Learn more about Dr. Diane by visiting her website as well as her Facebook page.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?

As a child, I suffered from Asthma. An asthma attack can give the scary sensation of catching your last breath. During those moments, a visit to the emergency department or pediatrician's office always seemed to make things better. Those early experiences caused me to associate a doctor with making people's lives better, and that was exactly what I wanted to do with my life.

When I first arrived in this country from Jamaica, my mom and I experienced many challenges, including not having a home in which to live. This experience along with many other obstacles made it feel as though medicine was not feasible. I still loved the idea of being a part of a person's health and helping to improve their life, but I wanted to do it without the time and money it would cost to pursue medicine. I decided to become a nurse instead. Although nursing provided great experiences, I found myself still thinking about going on to pursue medicine. After many years as a nurse and accepting that life should not be lived with regrets, I returned to school and studied medicine.

2. Why do you choose to address more than just physical health?

Simply because human beings are complex and health is not simply about being physically healthy. I have often said if a person is physically healthy yet his or her relationships are in dis-array, he or she will be unhappy, stressed, and in my opinion, not truly healthy. When I look at the person in his or her healthiest state, I take a holistic view in order to see how everything impacts on his or her health.

3. How did you first get involved in hosting a radio show, and what do you most enjoy about doing your show?

I became aware that some of my patients who struggled with their health and wellness either didn't have adequate information, had information that was incorrect, or had the correct information but were not motivated to take action. I started a program of community health talks called "Health Talk with Dr. Diane MD," as a way of sharing information with people with the hope that I could help to prevent many of them from becoming patients. This allowed me go out to the communities and reach many more people all at once. Hosting a radio show simply provided another vehicle to share information to a larger audience with goal of improving health and changing lives. The radio show, Health Talk with Dr. Diane MD was born, and is now aired on FMG Radio Network, "Atlanta's Incredible Radio" 1570 AM WIGO, and Blog Talk Radio. The interviews are also available on iTunes and are uploaded to my YouTube channel, DrDianeMD, so people may listen at their leisure. We are also in the process of moving to other markets.

4. Would you give us some examples of things people can learn from listening to your show?

I think the great thing about the show is that it shares health information with an inspirational twist. It is not punitive, and it meets people wherever they are. As a health professional and radio host, I am able to have conversations with health experts and thought leaders in order to get the answers to questions most people want to know. I interview guests who are experts in their fields, and we cover information on many diseases, stress, diet and weight management, fitness, skincare, hair care, relationships, spirituality, money management, and purpose and passion. We also cover the latest health news and research findings that impact your health and life. After listening to the show, you will learn new health information and you will become inspired to take action and improve your life.

5. If you could give people just three pieces of advice to improve their health, what would you say?

First, I would say it starts with a decision. We know that we can preach health until we are blue in the face, but nothing will happen until the person decides. It is important that listeners understand that health is wealth, and making healthy changes is an important investment that is not always easy. I would also recommend for people to take small but consistent steps. If a person has never worked out, deciding to go to the gym every day for two hours daily is a big goal that he or she is unlikely to keep, and this may lead to frustration. When baby steps are taken with consistency, that person stands a better chance of succeeding. Finally, get an accountability partner. If you are not accustomed to eating healthily or exercising, it is easy to fall off the wagon and not get back on. Having an accountability partner provides someone who can help keep you honest and provide encouragement, which will increase you chance of succeeding.

Thanks, Dr. Diane!

Meet Arneva Mason, Chef and Guest on Root Cause Radio

Root Cause Radio is an online radio show that explains how to obtain the best health possible. The show is a success because of the featured guest, Dr. Maxwell Nartey. Dr. Nartey is a respected doctor, scientist, and author who has successfully treated a number of people around the world and now has brought his knowledge to the format of an engaging weekly radio show. Each week the 90 minute show tackles a specific ailment, and Dr. Nartey breaks down what has happened in the human body that has allowed the illness to occur. This show is never boring because at the end, the listeners are invited to play a trivia game and win prizes based on what they've learned. The show is live on Wednesday nights at www.rootcauseradio.com.

Arneva Mason is a professionally trained personal chef and wellness coach who emphasizes healthier eating in her cooking and wellness practice. Believing that good nutrition is the key ingredient to good health, Chef Arneva is one of the hosts for the healthy internet cooking show, Delicious Cooking. She supports and promotes taking control of one's own total wellness through diet and healthy living practices.

Below is a cooking video featuring Chef Arneva making a healthy Sweet Banana Parfait.

  

1. How did you first become interested in cooking?

Growing up a "latch-key kid" required that I knew how to cook at least enough to get by until my mother got home from work in the evenings. She started by teaching my sister and me how to boil eggs, fry deli meats for sandwiches, bake frozen pot pies (this was before we had a microwave), etc. The older I got, the more sophisticated my palate became, and my appetite for different cuisines developed. With that came the desire to know how to make these new foods. In 2006 I graduated from the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts program at the Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago. It was there, in nutrition class, that I developed an interest in how food affects the body. After that I completed the health coaching program from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and have been delving deeper into healthy cooking ever since.

2. What do you see as the relationship between food and health?

Good nutrition is key to good health! It's just that simple. I truly believe that if people were more conscious about what they put into their bodies, they'd be better able to take control of their own health, improving not just their physical well-being but also their mental, emotional, and financial health as well. It seems that sometimes just making changes to your diet can make such a big difference. Food is medicine, medicine is not food, and with the right foods, we can all achieve a lot more peace of mind. This is huge in achieving and maintaining optimal health.

3. Is it easy for home cooks to make healthy adjustments and substitutions in their recipes?

It really is easy. It's as easy as getting on the internet, doing a search for healthy eating, and finding a show like Delicious Cooking. We're offering a satisfying healthy alternative to foods you cannot eat, or have been advised to avoid. We take actual questions from our viewers and listeners of Root Cause Radio, and answer them with an easy, tasty recipe. It just takes a little effort, but hopefully you know that you're worth it!  For example, to feel more grounded I was advised to add certain root vegetables to my diet. After my research, I discovered a whole new world of foods I had never even heard of before. It takes a little effort, but hopefully you know that you're worth it.

4. Would you tell us a little bit about your collaboration with Root Cause Radio?

I was contacted by one of the producers of the show and learned that the goal of the show was to find a new way to help people help themselves. Because of my background in cooking and nutrition, and love of helping people, I was intrigued and excited to take on the project. I enjoy the recipes because with each one I learn how certain ailments are linked to certain foods. We take those lessons learned on Root Cause Radio and turn them into quick and easy dishes so that viewers can see how simple it is to take control of their own health, and learn something new in the process.

5. What is your best advice for people who want to start cooking--and eating!--healthier foods?

I think that many home cooks may be intimidated by trying to cook with foods and spices that they never have before, and I get that. But there is more than likely an online video to show you how to prepare just about anything you can think of. Reach out to us at Delicious Cooking; we'd love to show you how! Also, talk to the folks who work at your local health food store and ask lots of questions. That's what they're there for, and they love to talk about what they know. Experiment! That's what I say. Try new things. You will be surprised and delighted by what you discover.

Thanks, Arneva!

Meet Dino Red, Podcast Host, Writer, and Producer

Dino Red is the host, producer, and writer of The Shiznit!, a comedy podcast that has been called the "next Frosty, Heidi, and Frank."

Dino is also the founder and CEO of RedRock Podcast network, of which The Shiznit! is the flagship show.

Learn more about The Shiznit! on its Facebook page, and listen to episodes on iTunes or Stitcher radio on demand.

1. What made you decide to start a podcast network?

Well, like most everyone in Los Angeles, I had always been drawn to the entertainment industry in some form or another. My background is in TV/film production where I got my BA, and I wanted to be a director or writer. I even dabbled in acting in some local plays and what-not, and I loved all of it. After school I tried to find a job in the industry--I could not, and I was tired of being broke, so I just got a regular job and eventually started a family. Over the years, people would tell me things like "You have a great radio voice" or "You should have your own show--you are really funny." But this was before the days of the internet and YouTube, and you could not just go and do your own thing. Finally, the internet did come, and people were doing their own thing, and through a series of circumstances I became friends with Crysta Garner from The Frosty, Heidi, & Frank Show and later her own show. She recognized talent in me and encouraged me, so here I am.

2. How would you describe The Shiznit to listeners who have yet to hear it?

I would describe it as a more hip and urban FH&F with a little bit of Carolla and Stern thrown in for good measure. I am a huge podcast and talk radio fan, and we are influenced by all of those guys. But make no mistake, we have a voice that is all of our own---we are unique for sure.

3. What are the unique benefits--and challenges--of working in the podcast format?

Well, the benefits are that it is pretty much the Wild West right now so we have a lot of freedom. Hopefully it stays that way. And the startup is relatively inexpensive compared to starting your own radio station. Another plus is that it is like TiVo for radio in the sense that people can download it and listen at their leisure, than can pause, rewind, fast forward, or stop it all together and come back whenever it is convenient for them.

One of the biggest drawbacks is people want to be able to call into the show and talk about the topics with us, and that is not impossible, but it is very difficult and The Adam Carolla Show is the only one I know that does it. I am sure it is not cheap either. The other thing is that a lot of people are not familiar with the format and the technology, so there is a lot of having to teach people how to listen to a podcast.

4. How do you choose topics to cover on your show?

Through the week the crew members Amber Meshack (co-host,) Damon Standifer (co-host/writer), Unkle Powers (sound EFX/associate producer), and myself devour all types of media stories that we find interesting and that we believe our audience will like as well, and then we decide what we will cover in our pre-production meeting before we record the show.

5. Since we're just a couple months into 2014, what can we expect to see/hear from you in the year to come?

A LOT! We are currently seeking a field correspondent to add to the team to do man-on-the-street type of interviews. We have new games and bits that we are working on, and we are in talks with some pretty big names to be guests on the show. You can expect the production to improve and for each of us to improve as well as we hit our groove and really start to define our style and ourselves. In addition, we are working on a way to do remote interviews via Skype or some other technology.

Thanks, Dino!