Camera Ready & Abel

Career Transitions with Nick Duerden

One of the best parts of having a podcast is getting to talk to interesting people about topics I find interesting.

 

According to research, you and I will have up to seven careers in a lifetime with an average of 12 different jobs (I think I'm on career #5) so I was fascinated when I read an excerpt in The Guardian from my guest Nick Duerden’s new book, Exit Stage Left: The curious afterlife of pop stars because career transitions are tricky enough without public scrutiny...so where do you go once you’ve known pop stardom?

 

Think about this: When my dentist or accountant says they are closing up shop to do something different and pursue their bliss I may temporarily think damn! I've got to go find a new one but I never, ever think, it's so sad you failed as a dentist.

 

Yet, we judge performers, particularly pop stars, differently and often harshly.

 

Nick Duerden set out to answer the question where do you go once you've known pop stardom and came back deeply inspired and reeling in admiration because despite many stories of overcoming serious life challenges like divorce, bankruptcy and addiction every one of the 50 people Nick interviewed had an air of positivity he says we can all learn from.

 

My other big takeaway from our conversation:

 

Every single person Nick interviewed dared to dream big and had the courage to follow their dream.

 

Nick is a writer and journalist whose work has appeared on both sides of the Atlantic in publications like Billboard, Nylon, Blender and Spin. He has interviewed artists like Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, Beyoncé, Kanye West and Adele (and lots of less successful - but still terrific in their own right – pop stars); actors like Daniel Day Lewis, Daniel Radcliffe and Daniel Craig; and writers including Zadie Smith, Curtis Sittenfeld, Lee Child, Salman Rushdie and James Patterson. 

 

In addition to Exit State Left, Nick's books are:

Dishing the Dirt: The Hidden Lives of House Cleaners

The Smalling Things: On the enduring power of family

Get Well Soon: Adventures in Alternative Healthcare

A Life Less Lonely

 

Visit Nick's website

 

...and read Nick's Guardian article that inspired me to reach out for an interview.

The 3 Rs: Rugged, Resourceful & Resilient with Roni Selig and Marcie Mulé

Roni Selig and Marcie Mulé are legends in the unscripted television world and you'll understand why after listening to this episode presented by the 3 Rs to Building a Sustainable and Successful Career: Rugged, Resourceful, and Resilient.

Creatives that they are, they couldn't stop with the 3 R's and added these words to the conversation: Endurance, stamina, energy, discipline, impact, risk, trust and lucky...

...because Television Production is rugged terrain. Roni describes working 3 days/nights to produce a ground-breaking series with Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Marcie recalls scaling multiple mountains on location to get the perfect shot. 

And they do it all with heart, soul, passion, integrity - and humor.

Roni is a multi-Emmy-winning producer whose credits span from GMA to CNN most recently launched a new digital platform for The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and executive produced The Call to Unite, a 24-hour global livestream event, hosted by Tim Shriver in response to the COVID 19 pandemic.  

Marcie is a two-time Emmy-winning producer for the Bravo series Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List and the former co-founder of Picture This Television, a full -service production company that created programming for Bravo, Lifetime, TLC, Food Network, MTV and PBS.  

Now Roni and Marcie have joined forces to create RonMar Studios Inc, producing innovative unscripted content from long form documentaries and reality programs to digital fundraisers, live streams including and musical performances.

Learn more about RonMar Studios Inc. by visiting their website at www.ronmarstudios.com and check out their impressive body of work.

Owning It with Sean DeSimone

Owning it means taking responsibility for your thoughts and actions, and in the camera ready world owning it is essential to how you show up.

I'm thrilled my dear friend, casting director, coach, actor and documentary filmmaker, Sean De Simone, is here to go deep with stories of transformation and practical tips into...

Owning your:

Talent

skillset

ambition

uniqueness

superpowers

mistakes

...and owning the room vs taking over the room (and why that matters)

Sean is an expert in TV Host and Brand Spokesperson casting, having worked extensively with QVC and the Home Shopping Network as well as numerous beauty, fashion, home, cook, and fitness brands. After years of being behind the scenes, Sean has begun to study acting and has returned to his roots as a filmmaker.

Learn more about our one-of-a-kind workshop HOSTING FOR HOME SHOPPING & BRANDS and visit Sean’s website at seandesimonecasting.com and follow him on Instagram at @sean_desimone_casting.

Budget with Stacey Linderman

Budget maybe one of the, um, least sexy words in the Camera Ready & Abel lexicon but one of the most essential.

A key to success is treating your career like the business that it is and that requires a budget.

My guest for this episode, Stacey Linderman, founder and principal consultant at A6 Financial and Business Optimization says,"your budget is a road map to your destination.

If you're not typically a "numbers person," you're in luck because Stacey offers straightforward advice to make sure the career road map you are plotting actually gets you to where you want to go. After all, a budget is all about leveraging your resources. It’s about creating choice, not limiting it.

Do you wonder:

Am I charging the right price?

Am I worth that price point?

Do I have to outsource my finances?

...then give a listen and drop me a line to let me know what resonated with you or left you wanting to know more

To work with Stacey and get more of her insights visit www.a6finbiz.com.

Connection with Kamie Crawford

Connection is one of the essential C's to being camera ready - connection to the camera, to the content, to the audience and connection to yourself.

I first met my guest for this episode, Kamie Crawford, when she was a 19 year-old college student, working model and recent Miss Teen USA with big dreams of being a television host. The minute she walked into my office I knew she was someone special. Spoiler alert: Kamie turned her dreams into goals and is now a hugely successful content creator, model, activist, mentor, entrepreneur, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Rookie of the Year and host of Catfish on MTV plus her podcast Relationsh*t. 

But it didn't happen overnight. It took ten years of hard work and soul searching. 

With enormous candor and vulnerability, Kamie explains how she struggled to learn how to connect to herself in order to connect to the camera, the content and the audience to build her career. 

Key takeaways:

• It's okay to say I'm not ready 
• Learn the difference between caution and fear
• Focus on doing the work of developing your craft - and stick with it
• Build connections and find people who can help you
• When you are ready mentally, emotionally and physically the dots will connect and opportunities will come to you

Have fun and keep up with Kamie at www.kamiecrawford.com, on Instagram, in Sports Illustrated and her Relationsh*t podcast.

It’s All About Storytelling with Bill Brand

My guest for this episode, Bill Brand, is a storyteller par excellence. He began his far-ranging career in local news with stops along with way at VH1, Lifetime, HSN and Carnival Cruise Lines before becoming CEO of fashion retailer Rue 21 with 700 stores in 45 states, a robust ecommerce business and millions of social followers. When I asked Bill to be on the podcast, I wanted him to talk about leadership because he's seriously the best boss ever, but he insisted the it's really, simply, all about storytelling: Engaging and respecting your audience whether that's a news story, lifestyle program or retail experience.

Bill delivers a tour de force masterclass: 

• The audience is always the hero of the story. Brands run into trouble when they lose sight of this.
• Content + Community = Commerce
• Living aligned with your values creates stories worth telling
• When you feel you can make an impact somewhere you know you are doing something right
• There’s a formula to storytelling that makes it a skillset accessible to all

Keep up with Bill Brand on Linkedin at www.linkedin.com/in/bill-brand.

Making Change with Cindy Gallop

Making change means taking creative action to solve a social problem and my guest for this episode of Camera Ready & Abel, Cindy Gallop, Founder & CEO of MakeLoveNotPorn, is making change to how we think about sexual values and behaviors in her necessary and trailblazing platform.

The tagline reads: Pro-sex. Pro-porn. Pro-knowing the difference and Cindy goes deep pointing out we are raised by our parents to behave well with good manners, a work ethic, sense of responsibility and accountability but we are rarely taught to  behave well in bed with values like empathy, sensitivity, generosity, kindness, honesty and respect.

Key takeaways:

• Everything starts with living your values
• Realize what matters
• shared values plus shared action equals shared profit, both financial and social.

Cindy, like so many of my guests, is an accidental entrepreneur - and thriving.

Cindy Gallop is a graduate of Somerville College, Oxford, whose background is 35 years in brand-building, marketing and advertising - she started up the US office of ad agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty in New York in 1998 and in 2003 was named Advertising Woman of the Year.  She is the founder and CEO of IfWeRanTheWorld, co-action software  launched in beta at TED 2010  and subsequently written up and taught as a Harvard Business School case study, which enables brands to implement the business model of the future – Shared Values + Shared Action = Shared Profit (financial and social).

She acts as board advisor to a number of tech ventures and works as a personal brand/life/executive coach and a consultant on brand and business innovation for companies around the world. BusinessInsider named her one of 15 Most Important Marketing Strategy Thinkers Today, alongside Malcolm Gladwell and Seth Godin, and cited her as number 33 on their list of 100 Most Influential Tech Women On Twitter, and number one on their list of Top 30 People In Advertising To Follow On Twitter- which you can do at @cindygallop. 

Cindy has published ‘Make Love Not Porn: Technology’s Hardcore Impact on Human Behavior’ as one of TED’s line of TEDBooks. Visit makelovenotporn.tv and see what ‘the social sex revolution’ is all about!

Create Your Yes with Angela Marie Hutchinson

From birth it's estimated we hear the word no 400x per day. It's amazing we try anything new because that's a lot of negative and limiting conditioning. In this episode, the dynamic polymath, Angela Marie Hutchinson, explains the life skill I wish I'd learned a lot sooner: How to redirect your no's to Create Your Yes. 

Angela, who is a showrunner, screenwriter, producer, television host, working mom and former talent agent, created this actionable 12-step strategy for success based on her TEDx talk Create Your Own Yes, When You Keep Hearing No.

Her advice is both inspiring and practical. My key takeaways are:

• Progress is success
• Track your success and look for patterns so you can replicate what works for you
• Measure your inchstones instead of the milestones
• Get unstuck by showing up and being generous
• Don't just look ahead - use your peripheral vision too

For nearly a decade, Angela has produced a diverse portfolio with her media company, BiH Entertainment. She also works as a career coach, public speaker and business consultant. Angela’s clients call her The Dream Builder. In 2005, Angela founded BReaKiNG iNTo HoLLyWooD, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps entertainment professionals pursue their careers. Repped at The Gersh Agency, Angela is actively developing and producing numerous projects with active development deals at a top production company. Angela is also the creator and executive producer of the 2021 Facebook Watch series, “Asking for a Friend,” hosted by Vanessa Simmons. As a filmmaker, Angela wrote, produced and cast the feature film, “Hollywood Chaos,” also starring Vanessa Simmons. Angela has been recognized as a media and arts trailblazer by the U.S. Congress, Los Angeles mayor and Los Angeles city council.

Follow Angela on Instagram and Twitter at @livewithangela and check out her work at www.createyouryes.com.

For more insights on how to work through no's listen to producer Dave Noll's epsiode on positivity. In Dave's experience, it takes 29 no's to get to your yes. 

 https://www.abelintermedia.com/podcasts/positivity-dave-noll/

Emotional Intelligence with Alex Yaroslavsky

Alex Yaro, mediator, executive coach, conflict resolution expert and my guest for this episode, boldly asks on the home page of his website, ConflictYes.com: How much energy do you waste avoiding conflict? 

If you've never stopped to think about this - and how it impacts your life - you're not alone. If you're a recovering pleaser, like me, your answer might be a somewhat sheepish a lot…

Alex was born in Ukraine when it was part of the Soviet Union and has lived in Asia, Europe and North America which gives him a global perspective and special appreciation of cross-cultural communication. Re-thinking how you approach conflict - a natural part of daily life - transforms how you communicate and therefore how you live and show up in the world. Per Alex, the key to making our challenging conversations productive is Emotional Intelligence - an essential leadership skill that we can all develop.

Emotional Intelligence, also known as EQ, is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others and overcome challenges and diffuse conflict. According to Daniel Goldman, who wrote the book on it, the five characteristics of emotional intelligence are self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills - all hugely important in the world of media and camera readiness.

A key takeaway this episode is the power of asking clarifying questions: What, when, where, who, how...but reframe WHY??? into a less-charged walk me through or help me understand your thinking...

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• EQ by Daniel Goleman
• The Atlas of Emotion by Paul Ekman
• Drive by Dan Pink
• Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg

Having lived in Asia and Europe, Alex has a global perspective and special appreciation of cross-cultural communication. He created several courses on managing challenging  conversations. His coaching style blends support with risk taking. He encourages clients to experiment with new perspectives, welcome feedback, speak directly, diplomatically, and effectively. 

Learn more about Alex at www.conflictyes.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Form Follows Feeling with Suchi Reddy

Suchi Reddy is a poet of space. Long before I met Suchi, I fell in love with her work when I experienced the Connective Project in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, an installation of 7,000 glorious, yellow, flower-like pinwheels that filled me with happy.

Years later when I met Suchi through our mutual friend, Stacy Fass, Suchi dropped the phrase form follows feeling into the conversation and right then and there I asked Suchi to be on the podcast. I needed to explore this idea and share it with you.

Form follows feeling - a design ethos informed by neuroaesthetics (the study of how the brain responds to the design of our surroundings) - is the guiding design principle for Suchi and her firm, Reddymade Architecture and Design.

This strong belief that good design, calibrated carefully to the human, positively influences wellbeing, creativity, and productivity informs all of Suchi's projects from conception to details. She believes in the power of joy and whimsy and making the invisible, visible.

Suchi really made me think about my home space and my work space, and how important it is to ask myself how I want to feel in those places; that they are living and breathing, in order to support me every day.

Suchi's curiosity and sense of possibility are inspiring as is her diverse range of work from the aforementioned Connective Project to Me + You, Suchi's interactive installation blending emotional AI, sculpture, physics, neuroscience and data technology at the Smithsonian, to the Google store in Manhattan to beautiful, serene residential spaces which I love to follow on her instagram.

Suchi was appointed the Plym Distinguished Professor at the University of Illinois School of Architecture, Champaign–Urbana for the Fall 2019 semester, where her work focused on contemporary architectural experience through the lens of neuroaesthetics, neurophenomenology, and sensory design. She sits on the board of the Design Trust for Public Space, Storefront for Art and Architecture, and Madame Architect; and she is a member of the Dean’s Board of Advisors at Detroit Mercy School of Architecture.  

Learn more about Reddymade Architecture and Design at www.rmdny.com and follow on instagram at @reddymadedesign.

Future Proof Your Career with Evan Shapiro

Evan Shapiro is the Unofficial Official Cartographer of the Media Universe and I am a happy subscriber to his must read newsletter Media War & Peace so I immediately stopped what I was doing when an edition landed in my inbox with the subtitle: Future-proof your career.

I want to future-proof my career, don't you??

Evan completely delivered on his promise, as he always does, and I used the Camera Ready & Abel podcast as the perfect excuse to reach out and ask, can we talk about this?

Key takeaways:

• You are the CEO of the business of you. Think like a CEO.
• Treat your talents as superpowers
• Preparing to pivot means preparing to do it before you need to
• Wake up stupid every day. Read, be curious and attack each day as an opportunity to improve your place in the marketplace,
• Web 3 is coming so plan accordingly

If you are working in media or aspire to work in media you need to be following Evan and reading Media War & Peace. Evan's diverse career began as a stable boy in high school shoveling horse manure - you know this training has come in handy! - through working as head of marketing at The Public Theatre to being President of IFC and Sundance channels for several years before early adopting into digital and launching several networks. Portlandia fans, you have Evan to thank. 

Follow Evan on LinkedIn

Subscribe to his Media War & Peace newsletter at https://eshap.substack.com.

Could it be Possible with Dan Austin

Audrey Hepburn reminded us to look at impossible in a new way: Im Possible. Dan Austin, founder of the 88bikes Foundation asks every day: could it be possible?

Spoiler alert: The answer is an enthusiastic YES! as Dan joins me on this optimistic episode of Camera Ready & Abel to discuss how a simple idea blooms into impactful execution and joy-based philanthropy.

The 88bikes Foundation was born in 2007, when Dan was on a cycling holiday in Cambodia with his brother, and they looked to donate their bicycles to a local orphanage at the end of their trip. They quickly realized there would be 2 happy kids and 86 not so happy kids so Dan and his brother launched a fundraiser - could it be possible? - and within a few weeks were able to donate 88 bikes to the orphanage. It was a moment of such unbridled joy they knew they had to do it again.

15 years later, 88bikes endows bicycles in 20 countries, providing a simple and direct way to make a difference for a heroic girl, especially the survivors of human trafficking. Because, buy a girl a bike and she can go anywhere!

Learn how you can buy a bike and change a life for $88 + learn more about how Dan turned his passion for pedaling into his life's work www.88bikes.org, www.TrueFans.com and @88bikes.

Audacity with Zahra Rasool

If you are a regular listener of Camera Ready & Abel - and I hope you are! - you know that getting unstuck and stepping out of the messy middle are recurring themes. This often requires audacity, the willingness to take bold risks.

My guest for this episode, Zahra Rasool, is a two-time Emmy nominated director, writer, producer and media entrepreneur working at the intersection of storytelling and innovation. Zahra bravely and boldly move from Mumbai to the United States at the age of 19 - where she had no family and knew no one - to pursue her dreams. Her natural curiosity and strong sense of self have guided her ever since.

In May 2017, Zahra created and launched a media innovation and storytelling studio, AJ Contrast, part of Al Jazeera Media Network. Still Here, her documentary about incarceration and gentrification in Harlem premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. 

Zahra was awarded a Gracie for Best National Online Producer by the Alliance of Women in Media Foundation (2021) and her films have been screened at over 40 international film festivals including at Sundance, Sheffield DocFest and Berlinale.

Follow Zarha on instagram at @xaara @ajcontrast and on twitter @RXahra @ajcontrast

Nice or Necessary with Mary Lengle

On this episode of Camera Ready & Abel, my dear friend, producer, content strategist and co-founder of Cogorno Golf, Mary Lengle poses a question that has been a game changer for me in how I approach my business and life: IS IT NICE or IS IT NECESSARY?

Marinate on this for a moment. At any stage of your business, and certainly in the beginning, it is easy to get distracted and stuck in the Shoulds spending a lot of resources on things that are nice but really not necessary.

This is a simple question with high impact that you want to get in the habit of asking yourself to save you money and time - and keep you in the long game.

Key takeaways in addition to asking is it nice or is it necessary:

• Be consistent - and let that commitment to consistency keep you going through the hard parts
• Learn to detach from what you create so you can listen to your audience
• Don't be afraid to change strategy

In 2016, Mary combined her expertise in media and brand building with her passion for golf to work side-by-side with golf pro, Eric Cogorno, and one NECESSARY decision after another they slowly built the biggest and best online golf instruction community in the world: Cogorno Golf!

Mary Lengle is an accomplished producer and communications strategist with 25+ years of experience conceiving, developing, and launching large-scale promotional initiatives to raise brand awareness, increase recognition, and drive profitability for a variety of clients.

She’s coordinated and managed publicity programs for 100+ book titles and high-profile clients including numerous New York Times Bestselling titles. Throughout her career she’s represented major clients such as Denise Austin, Gary Player, LL Cool J, Morgan Freeman, and renowned chef, Jacques Pepin. Mary co-produced and developed stories in collaboration with various high-profile media entities such as USA Today, The New York Times, Parade, NBC’s Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Early Show, CNN, FOX, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, The Montel Williams Show, Martha, and The Discovery Channel.

Visit Cogorno Golf + follow Mary on IG at @marylengle and Eric Cogorno Golf on YouTube.

Creativity with Maria Brito

Fact: Everyone can be creative. And yet...somewhere along the line many of us buy into the idea that we are not creative. This episode of Camera Ready & Abel is dedicated to debunking that myth and our guide to reclaiming our creativity is Maria Brito, an award-winning New York City-based contemporary art advisor, author, host, creator, recovering corporate attorney and force of nature.

Maria's latest book, “How Creativity Rules The World: The art and business of turning your ideas into gold is released March 15th everywhere books are sold.

Maria shares why creativity is language that applies to everyone, in all walks of life, because after all, creativity is born of ideas and we all have ideas. Key takeaways from our conversation include:

• Create more than you consume.
• Embrace failure and release control.
• The fast way to be uncreative is to only listen to one voice.

In addition to being selected by Complex Magazine as one of the 20 Power Players in the Art World, Maria was named by ARTNEWS as one of the visionaries who gets to shape the art world. Her clients include Oscar-winning actors, hip-hop moguls, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, Broadway producers and many more.

For several years, Maria has taught her creativity course in companies and, in 2019, she launched “Jumpstart”, an online program on creativity for entrepreneurs based on years of research and observation in both the areas of business and art.

In 2019 she created and hosted "The "C" Files with Maria Brito", a TV and streaming series for PBS's new station "ALL ARTS."

Maria’s Instagram @mariabrito_ny is a MUST FOLLOW!

Pre-order “How Creativity Rules The World,” and gain free access to Maria's creativity online course plus bonuses at www.mariabrito.com/book.

Directing Talent with Michael A. Simon

One of the best parts of having my podcast is reconnecting with people I haven't spoken to in too long and on this episode of Camera Ready & Abel I enjoy a long overdue chat about directing talent, building trust, leadership, communication, imposter syndrome and the unique thrill of directing live television with one of my favorite former colleagues from my VH1 days, Michael A. Simon.

Throughout his 25-year career, Michael has directed some of the most iconic moments in television. His shows have attracted over a 1.5 Billion views in combined audiences across all broadcast, cable and streaming platforms.

Michael's VH1 credits include directing VH1 Divas, creating, producing and directing Storytellers, working with a staggering list of music legends including Miles Davis, Prince, David Bowie, REM, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston...and producing and directing New Visions where over 300 artists across multiple genres were shot in performance.

After leaving MTV Networks Michael went on to direct numerous series and specials including 25 live Survivor finales, 22 years of the Emmy-winning A Home For The Holidays and the memorable Priceline.com commercial series, featuring William Shatner along with 26 seasons of the worldwide sensation Ridiculousness.

Michael is currently in pre-production on his first feature film “Prisoners of Time”, based on the documentary “Town Bloody Hall, which weaves a story about a Father and his daughter,  Norman Mailer, Marilyn Monroe and the #MeTooMovement. He is also developing several scripted TV series and podcasts, all of which you can learn more at www.michaelasimon.com.

Grit with Babette Perry

The ability to persevere has come up in most of the conversations I’ve had on Camera Ready & Abel. Things take time and few things go as planned.  Life takes GRIT and my good friend Babette Perry joins me to dig deeper into the world of resilience and long term goals.

In this episode we look at faith’s relationship to grit, believing in success when others don’t see it, and the importance of down right hard work.  

Babette Perry is a partner at Innovative Artists Talent & Literary Agency where she runs the Broadcast/Hosting division. She was the head of Broadcasting at ICM for many years before leaving to run the west coast Broadcasting division at IMG. She specializes in representing entertainment hosts, news and sports personalities, social media talent, and alternative producers. 

Babette represents Phil Keoghan (The Amazing Race and Tough as Nails), Rachel Smith (Entertainment Tonight), Lauren Lake (Paternity Court), Ollie Pettigrew and Charity Bailey (Right This Minute), Michaela Pereira (Good Day LA), Garcelle Beauvais (The Real and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), Jon Fortt (CNBC), Maureen McCormick (Frozen in Time), along with other celebrities such as David Alan Grier, Scott Wolf, and Bill Bellamy.

Keep up with Babette on IG at @babettelperry.

Loving your Anxiety with Heather Hans

I used to think anxiety was people hyperventilating into paper bags in the movies. Now I realize healthy anxiety keeps me from getting hit by cars when I cross the street and unhealthy anxiety keeps me from trying things that help me grow as a person and develop in my career.

 

My guest on this episode of Camera Ready & Abel is Heather Hans who has taught me so much about managing anxiety in contemporary life and she gives several, actionable tips for how you can too.

 

One of the biggest things I learned from Heather is that anxiety is our body’s way of talking to us and that we need to listen! It's often pointing us to a needed change.

 

Heather is a licensed clinical social worker & psychotherapist, Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional, Certified Intuitive Coach & Holistic Healer, and recovering CPA. She empowers individuals and organizations to perform at their highest  potential.

 

A trusted thought leader in the self-empowerment space, Heather is a regular television guest on 9News Denver, Fox5 New York, Channel 2 News Denver, Denver7 News, and iHeart Radio. An Amazon International #1 Bestselling Author, she is currently working on her doctorate in Ethical & Creative Leadership to help people of all backgrounds & cultures make their dreams come true. 

 

Learn more about overcoming anxiety naturally in Heather's online course, Create Profitable Relationships by Mastering Anxiety and other great resources via her website www.heatherhans.com and instagram.

Visual Style with Alison Bruhn and Delia Folk

Looking and feeling your best are core principles of being camera-ready and on this episode, I get schooled in the psychology of getting dressed, enclosed cognition and how it can make or break your audition, job interview or first date with mother-daughter duo Alison Bruhn and Delia Folk, co-founders of The Style That Binds Us.

 

Delia and Alison have built a global lifestyle brand and community for women who want to live a stylish and fearless life.

 

Delia Folk is a former Barneys New York buyer and a national wardrobe consultant. She is enthralled with the history of fashion and how the past affects the present. Having kick-started her career at world- renowned fashion institutions, Delia is committed to sharing the knowledge she’s learned with others.

 

Alison is a national style and image consultant with clients across the country. The purpose of her work is to empower women through creating a visual brand and transforming their style to ignite a new path of confidence and independence.

 

Together we share the belief that it is never one size fits all.

 

Here are the emerging brands Delia and Alison are loving right now:

Mestiza: Use code THESTYLE15 for 15% off on their website

ALIVIA: Use code TSTBU10 for 10% off on the Alivia site

Marie Laffont: Use code THESTYLE10 for 10% off on her website

LOVA: Use code THESTYLE15 for 15% off on LOVA's website

Li Organics: Use code TSTBU20 for 20% off on her website

Sarah Flint: Use code ALISON50 for $50 off your first pair on her website

Michelle Waugh: Use code thestyle for 15% off on her website

The Laundress: Use code STYLE for 25% off on their website

Mon Coeur

Schutz

Dose & Co.

Esker Beauty

Laiik: Use code TSTBU15 for 15% off on their website

ClassicSix: Use code THESTYLEXCLASSICSIX10 for 10% off on their website

SUPEREGG: Use code THESTYLE for 15% off on their website

OJOOK: *Use code: THESTYLE for a free toothbrush with your purchase on their website

Asutra

Short & Suite: *Use code THESTYLE for 15% off on their website

Dirty Labs

Learn more at www.thestylethatbindsus.com. You can also find them on YouTube as well as on their The Style That Binds Us podcast.

Owning Your Glow with Sir John Barnett

Beauty is an inside job, not something you put on.

 

Sir John shares so many stop-what-you're-doing-and-listen insights in this episode including:

 

Love your body from the inside out.

Look at aging as Glowing Up

Beauty is an action

Beauty is finding and sharing your voice

Beauty is being an accomplice, not only an ally

 

Sir John is a dynamic force in the beauty and fashion industry, creating iconic looks with his signature use of color, luminance, and inclusive style. His magnetic presence and unique creative approach have allowed him to work with some of the world’s most iconic women, including Beyoncé, Serena Williams, Mary J. Blige and Celine Dion to name but a few.

 

He is a social activist and Global Artist for L'Oréal Paris who began his career working with industry giants Pat McGrath and Charlotte Tilbury being the best assistant on the planet (something Elizabeth Wagmeister also noted as a key to success in our episode on being resilient). Now, over two decades into his career, Sir John’s visionary leadership is expanding beyond the beauty space to encompass total wellness.

 

Sir John lives his core value that beauty is an inside job. You can get your daily fix of Sir John on instagram @sirjohn and learn more about the L'Oréal Paris initiatives he highlighted in this episode by checking out Women of Worth and L'Oréal Paris Stands Up Against Street Harassment.

PR for Anyone with Christina Daves

No media contacts? No problem. Christina Daves has got you!

Christina Daves, PR Strategist, is the best-selling author of, PR for Anyone™ - 100+ Affordable Ways to Easily Create Buzz for Your Business, and the #1 best-selling book, The DIY Guide to FREE Publicity that shares her journey of landing exposure for a product she invented, medical boot fashions.

Having no resources for advertising or hiring a PR firm, Christina taught herself everything she could about generating her own publicity. She has appeared in over 1,000 local and national media outlets and is a regular contributor on Good Morning Washington. 

In this episode learn about Christina’s three part system for gaining publicity, including: 

• be newsworthy

• have a great hook

• find the right journalist

Follow Christina on LinkedIn where she shares incredible PR daily nuggets and to get more head on over to  christinadaves.com.

Decide with Beth Lapides

Things take a long time to begin is but one of the brilliant takeaways from this episode of Camera Ready & Abel with Beth Lapides exploring everything that goes into making a decision (even when we think we're avoiding them) from her new audio book, So You Need to Decide…a series of intimate conversations with a diverse group of comedians, writers, and cultural icons revolving around five universal experiences: family, work, love, moving, and spirituality. 

Featuring original interviews with Margaret Cho, Isaac Mizrahi, Bob Odenkirk, Phoebe Bridgers, Baron Vaughn, Aparna Nancherla, Merrill Markoe, and Josh Gondelman, and with research assistance by Mathew Klickstein, So You Need to Decide ultimately challenges the listener to choose how they want to live - bigger or smaller, with artifice or authenticity.  

Beth is the godmother of alternative comedy and the creator, host and producer of LA's Uncabaret - the first alternative comedy show (ever!) - which Beth launched nearly 30 years ago to provide a space that was unhomophobic, unxenophobic, unmisogynistic...UNCABARET. The list of comedians Beth has worked with and supported is staggering. You can learn everything and more at Uncabaret.com.

Beth is also a writer whose work has appeared in Time, the Los Angeles Times, Premiere, O-The Oprah Winfrey Magazine, Elle Decor and All Things Considered on NPR and a teacher. 

Learn more about Beth at bethlapides.com and check out her Winter Workshop offerings at https://bethlapidesworkshopwinter2022.eventbrite.com.

And get So You Need to Decide today!

 

The Best of Rob Shuter

Including only one Rob Shuter quote in the 2021 Best of episode did not do him justice for all the real talk and advice he imparted on the Camera Ready & Abel audience while a guest on episode 11, TRANSFORMATION with Rob Shuter. That is why I decided to compile a medley of  Rob Shuter-isms in this special episode. To listen to Rob's full episode please go to the podcast page on my website abelintermediate.com.

Rob Shuter is the host of the Naughty But Nice podcast and the author of  The 4 Word Answer: Who Are You In 4 Words, which is now one of my favorite go-to resources for mindset reframe. Called “America’s Number ONE Gossip Columnist” by The National Enquirer. Rob ‘Naughty But Nice’ Shuter breaks celebrity news every day on his website NaughtyGossip.com where he delivers all the dish about the stars we love in his naughty but nice signature style. 

Before Rob was one of the world’s most successful entertainment reporters, he was a publicist working for Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, P. Diddy, Jessica Simpson and Jon Bon Jovi. Now he is bringing all this experience to his new show on I HEART MEDIA in his unique cheeky way.

Come stand in the rain with Rob Shuter as he pours down on us lessons learned from a life well lived with curiosity, passion, and commitment. If you’re looking for support and accountability on how to play the long game, know when you're ready to win, or how to own your priorities, please shoot me a note via my website.

Best of 2021: Insights & Highlights

It’s not uncommon for me to be stopped in my tracks by the brilliance spoken by the generous guests that have joined the Camera Ready and Abel podcast this past year. 

Of the wise words shared, certain consistent themes have emerged. In this episode I highlight two of them:

1. No very often leads to a big YES.
2. Everything takes a lot longer than you think it will.

Gain insight from America’s #1 gossip columnist, Rob Shuter, who shares what being fired has given him. Filmmaker, Sean Pierre Regis, flips the script when he ignites a movement that was born out of personal hardship when his mother Rebecca was faced with the reality of age-ism and financial insecurity among the elderly. Television producer Dave Noll, and filmmaker and musician, Matt Wells, respect the NO’s they have received and believe they are just as important as the YES’. 

The thought leaders and industry pioneers I have gotten to interview may be reaping the rewards of their persistent effort today but have not forgotten how long it has taken them to get there. On-air host and author, Nancy Redd, speaks to the importance of having “emotional runway” to simultaneously let go of what no longer serves you while holding onto the projects that your heart and soul truly believe in. TV and radio host, Bevy Smith, lives by her mantra, “it gets greater later,” and later does not scare her because she knows with time comes great payout. 

I hope you enjoy the nuggets of wisdom that have been repacked for your listening pleasure. And as always, thank you for tuning in!

Entertaining with Sean De Simone

Imagine, if instead of striving to be perfect, you strived to be entertaining? My pal Sean De Simone returns to Camera Ready and Abel to tell us why perfect is boring and how ENTERTAINING will get you noticed!

Sean is an expert in TV Host and Brand Spokesperson casting, having worked extensively with QVC and the Home Shopping Network as well as numerous beauty, fashion, home, cook, and fitness brands. He first joined the Camera Ready & Abel community as a guest on the April 2020 episode, “Authenticity is a process not Just a buzzword.”

In today’s episode Sean addresses the underlying  fear that often accompanies the request to be entertaining and the art of grabbing someone’s attention and keeping it. With a keen eye for what pops, Sean translates what he has learned from thousands of hours of being in the audition room as a casting director to what you need to know to stand out.

Get more Sean De Simone and me in our online class, HOSTING FOR HOME SHOPPING & BRANDS! In this 2-session class we teach you how to really succeed in this competitive space and how to prepare for the real-life audition process – casting submission, self-tape and Skype audition – by doing it and receiving real-time feedback. Keep an eye out for our 2022 class offerings.

Augmented Reality with Rakia Reynolds

When I sat down to speak with Rakia Reynolds - thought leader, tastemaker and gamechanger - about AUGMENTED REALITY for this episode, I had no idea how many ways I'd been using AR for years plus its infinite potential to enhance my business. I'm still processing all the ways Rakia opened my eyes and blew my mind during our conversation.

If you've ever used a filter on social media or zoom to change your appearance, viewed real estate virtually using a 360° tool, or uploaded an image of yourself to an eyeglass company’s website to see what shape frames work best on your face, you've been using AR too.

Rakia has the extraordinary gift of simplifying, demystifying, defining value and meeting the listener where they are.

It's no surprise that as the Founder, Executive Officer and Strategist par excellence of Skai Blue Media, the multimedia communications agency she founded 15 years ago, she has been ahead of trends, building impactful brands for creative businesses and individuals including Airbnb, Comcast, Dell, Serena Williams, Morgan Stanley, Jill Scott, and more.

Rakia’s portfolio includes #FanofYourBrand(tactical business tools), clothing brand EVRYDAY Jane, and an ethical intelligence platform set to launch in 2021. She has been named by Inc. Magazine as one of the 27 Business Leaders Aiming to Change the World, was listed as one of the 25 Most Socially Influential Tastemakers on Dell’s “Inspire 100” list, and recently was also profiled by Forbes on their “Next 1000” list. 

Follow Rakia on IG at @rakiyareynolds and learn more about her company at www.skaibluemedia.com.

Find Your Difference with Austin McGhie

Why fit in when you can stand out?! is one of my mantras so I was over the moon when Alan Ibbotson (episode 6 "Resilience) introduced me to my guest for this episode, Austin McGhie, the visionary author of "Find Your Difference: Challenging Conformity in Business and in Life.”

Just like we value IQ (intelligence quotient) and EQ (emotional intelligence) we should value our DQ (difference quotient) because embracing difference over status quo leads to growth, innovation and making the world a better place.

Austin is the co-founder (with Alpa Pandya) of Find Difference, a marketing strategy consultancy specializing in positioning. He's a self-described "over marketer" with a staggering list of credits including telling a nascent MSNBC to seize the opportunity and be the liberal news network (which they built one anchor at a time) and changed the culture by encouraging Dove to celebrate real women with what become the iconic Dove Real Beauty campaign.

Trust him when he says niche is not a four letter word, that better is not different and that focus narrow, catch wide is the winning strategy.

Vive la différence!

Breaking Barriers with Erin Ashley Simon

A barrier is an obstacle that prevents movement or access and we all encounter them from time to time on our career paths. My guest for this episode, Erin Ashley Simon, is a true trailblazer who has been making a significant impact in e-sports and media for years with a singular, hopeful vision. She joins me on this episode of Camera Ready & Abel to generously discuss BREAKING BARRIERS.

Erin Ashley Simon is a multi-media personality, host, producer, and consultant within esports, gaming and entertainment. Her love and passion for these areas has helped to shape who she is today, pushing the culture forward, breaking barriers as a female in the industry. In doing so, Erin was the first individual female public figure to be the face of PUMA’s new esports line. Her generosity, tenacity, and confidence can move mountains!

Erin has worked tirelessly behind the scenes in the industry to provide more opportunities for those in underserved, underrepresented and marginalized communities, working with companies like Evil Geniuses, XSET and one of the largest video game publishers, Riot Games. Erin is also co-owner of one of the fastest growing esports organizations XSET. Within her role at the organization, Erin is helping to shape the culture of the organization to ensure the org has content and deep-rooted connections in music, entertainment and the gaming industry. 

Erin is building an empire and as her career moves forward, she looks to continue to grow the intersection between gaming and culture, paving a path forward for future generations. Read up on Erin in this recent article and Keep up with Erin at www.erinasimon.com.

Bevelations with Bevy Smith

“Do The Work, Identify Your Intentions, Know Your Worth, Don’t Be Tempted By Shiny & know that things are subject to change so REMAIN OPEN” – Bevy Smith

What do you get when you mix essential words of wisdom with unapologetic boldness and heart? You get a BEVELATION! Joining me on this episode of Camera Ready & Abel is the divine Bevy Smith. Quintessential Harlem girl, Gracie Award winner, and life-long New Yorker, Bevy is the host of Sirius XM’s “Bevelations” on Radio Andy and the author of “Bevelations: Lessons from a Mutha, Auntie, Bestie,” where she generously lays out, step-by-step, how she successfully transitioned from a highly lucrative career as a fashion advertising executive to on-camera personality and media mogul, proving you can manifest your most bodacious dreams.

Bevy is also a beloved motivational speaker, brand ambassador, businesswoman and generous mentor.

I was plenty blessed to work with Bevy on the nationally syndicated show, "Page Six TV" where I enjoyed the privilege of experiencing daily Bevelations, and one late autuman day we sat down for a tête-a-tête over coffee at the Royalton in New York City which I captured in a blog post: Seven Bevelations That Will Change Your Life.

I keep this signature Bevy quote above my desk: “It gets greater later!”

Get more Bevy at www.bevysmith.com.

Calmfidence® with Patricia Stark

Confidence is the fuel that drives us toward our ambitions, and calm eases the way. And when the two states combine, they form a magical and powerful combination. It is also nearly universal that everyone - even the most seasoned speakers - at some point feels pangs of anxiety before presenting. That is why I am over the moon to have Patricia Stark joining me on this episode of Camera Ready & Abel to discuss Calmfidence® - the extraordinary and effective elixir of calm and confidence she created.

Patricia Stark works on both sides of the camera & stage as a Media Trainer, Public Speaking Trainer, Certified Body Language Specialist and Calmfidence® Coach. She appears regularly as a Guest TV Communication Expert & Lifestyle Expert and sought after keynote speaker.

After helping thousands of students and clients find their own voices and abilities, she made her methods available in CALMFIDENCE: How to Trust Yourself, Tame Your Inner Critic, and Shine in Any Spotlight—a comprehensive guide to improving self-talk and outward communication skills in any social interaction with calm and confidence. Her book is a must read!

In this episode you will collect tips, tools, and natural remedies to combat your inner critic and find ease and guidance from your inner coach. For more about Patricia hop on over to PatriciaStark.com.

Change with Matt Wells

As Heraclitus said 2500 years ago: The only constant is change. Duly noted, but...humans are creatures of habit and change is often scary. Fear and uncertainty go hand in hand.

Joining me to discuss the importance and impact of CHANGE is actor, writer and musician, Matt Wells. In our conversation we discuss identity, the disappointment of missed opportunities, fighting the depression that often accompanies the disappointment and keeping a positive mental attitude to stay open to the opportunities coming to you.

Matt is best known for his work in the award winning and critically acclaimed independent film "Crown and Anchor" which he created, produced and Co-starred. Like most people, what he is best known for today is not where he started his career. His path began writing songs and fronting the notorious Newfoundland punk/hardcore band Bucket Truck while sharing stages with Slayer, Damage Plan, Fishbone, and Lagwagon. This journey directly led to him embarking on a career as an acclaimed music/film journalist for Much Music, The New Music, Bravo and MTV where he interviewed everyone from The Police, Quentin Tarantino, Lee Daniels, and John Lydon to Lou Reed, Mariah Carey, Ben Kingsley, Zack Snyder and Lady Gaga.

Since shifting his focus to acting and filmmaking Matt has appeared in the Emmy Award winning Schitt's Creek, Designated Survivor, Murdoch Mysteries, and the multiple award winning short film "Poison in the Water," which he co-wrote with his then 6-year old daughter.

Watch "Poison in the Water" at  https://youtu.be/-U5k-EIPPJY and tune in to this episode of Camera Ready & Abel for a conversation full of heart and soul!

The Power of Ritual with Carlos Greer

I am a big believer in daily rituals. I don't have the same work schedule every day so I find simple, thoughtful daily disciplines enormously impactful in helping me focus, manage stress, gain clarity and perspective, creative breakthroughs and approach each day with enthusiasm.

Here to discuss the POWER OF RITUAL on this episode of Camera Ready & Abel is my friend Carlos Greer whose daily ritual includes prayer, running and walks around New York City.

Carlos Greer is a senior reporter for Page Six at the New York Post and host of "New York Post Reports: Off the Record" on Investigation Discovery. He also contributes to "Extra" as a special correspondent and he previously co-hosted the nationally syndicated entertainment newsmagazine show, "Page Six TV." 

Prior to joining the New York Post, Greer covered music, pop culture, crime and human interest stories as a writer for People magazine. He was one of the first reporters to interview Taylor Swift backstage when Kanye West hijacked her award at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, a story he revisits during our conversation. 

Greer has been on the ground reporting on the biggest pop culture stories over the past decade. In addition to breaking celebrity news, Greer has interviewed A-listers such as Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Justin Bieber, Oprah Winfrey, Jay-Z, Madonna, Kim Kardashian and many more. 

Follow Carlos at @carlosgreer and visit his work on Page Six.

I would love to hear what your daily rituals are and how they work for you? So please shoot me a note at abelintermedia.com/contact!

Representation with Nancy Redd

It's a core human desire to be seen and I am thrilled to be joined by author, on-air host and truth-teller Nancy Redd to discuss the importance of REPRESENTATION.

Nancy has been slaying taboos and normalizing stories that traditionally exist in the margins for as long as I have known her from her first book, BODY DRAMA, giving real answers about real bodies to real girls (and her follow up, DIET DRAMA), to her highly highly-acclaimed picture book BEDTIME BONNET to her newest picture book, The Real Santa, released in October and currently available everywhere. 

The Real Santa is a joyous tale celebrating identity, family and holiday cheer about a Black family's journey to discover what the real Santa looks like.

Called "the perfect combination of style and substance" by Essence magazine, Nancy, a former Miss Virginia, holds an honors degree in women's studies from Harvard University. This dynamic woman offers incredible insight into her creative process and the importance of representation in imagery, stories, and media to humanize our vast experiences.

You can find more about Nancy at www.nancyredd.com.

Headshots with Nick Coleman

Being camera ready for photographs is as important as being camera ready for video, and yet, how much thought did you put into preparing for the photo(s) you use in your LinkedIn profile, on your website and the social media content in between?

I had a recent photoshoot with my go-to photographer, Nick Coleman, and it was a brilliant lesson in self-compassion, preparedness, and endurance. Nick's ability to see me and help me be seen was a true gift that I do not take for granted which is why I insisted he share his wisdom on Camera Ready & Abel.

Nick is an award winning photographer, filmmaker, actor, and screenwriter. Recognized by Backstage magazine for his actor headshots, Nick has also photographed US Presidents and heads of state, and his regular clients include top law firms and financial institutions in New York City. His photo work has appeared in The New York Times, The Economist, The New Yorker, and other publications. 

In this episode of Camera Ready & Abel Nick discusses the why and how of preparing for a photoshoot, the crucial difference between a portrait and a headshot, and how looking great in a picture is a lot about caring who is on the other side of the lens (the photographer and the viewer) as in show up with purpose and make an emotional connection.

Bonus: Learn about micro expressions and what THIS assessment taught Nick.

One of the most universally flattering camera angles is to be slightly turned away from and leaning towards the camera. Nick explains that this is the case because the photographed person appears interested in the person on the other side of the photograph. His words of wisdom have me understanding the art of photography in a whole new light. I hope the same is true for you!

Follow Nick on social media platforms at @NickJoeColeman and check out his website at www.ColemanPhotoGraphix.com.

Holistic with Hilary Russo

Are you on the fast track to burn out? In a culture of DO, DO, DO the reminder to also BE is critical to your wellness and overall success. Combat fatigue, limiting beliefs, and emotional blocks with a HOLISTIC approach. 

So where do you start? Right here! Joining me on this episode of Camera Ready & Abel is award-winning holistic coach and TV journalist Hilary Russo. 

Hilary Russo is The HIListically Speaking® Health Coach. She is also a Certified Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach and Certified Havening Techniques Practitioner. In private practice, she supports and empowers purpose-driven professionals to change the stories they are telling themselves by using Havening, a neuroscience based, psycho-sensory approach that changes the landscape of the brain.

Her devotion to holistic living keeps her connected to life on-camera. She continues to make regular TV appearances as a health/wellness expert on affiliates nationwide and has been part of the QVC on-air guest family since 2012. Hilary is also one of the original cast members and can still be seen on the online fitness show, Daily Burn 365. She also hosts a monthly program for CVSHealth/Aetna called “Healthy Communities News”. 

Her hosting doesn’t stop there, Hilary is also host/creator of the weekly podcast “HIListically Speaking”: conversations with guests in varied expertises who have turned  their traumas into triumphs through health, healing and humor. She's also a college professor at St John's University and teaches on-camera presentation and journalism. 

To learn more about Havening Techniques and how you can work with Hilary, she’s offering Camera Ready & Abel listeners a complimentary guided video using this self-soothing approach: https://hilaryrusso.com/resiliency

Love to get social? Connect with Hilary via Instagram @hilaryrusso

Positivity with Dave Noll

Grab a wheelbarrow because you're going to need one to carry all the gems that my guest, Dave Noll, drops in this episode of Camera Ready & Abel.

It will only take you a few seconds to feel this week's theme - POSITIVITY - in Dave's energy as he generously walks through the mindset, technique and practice that has made him a two-time Emmy award winning producer and show formats mastermind with over 60 TV shows (3300 episodes and counting) under his belt that have generated over $500 million in sales.

Listening to how Dave brainstormed the concept for his mega hit show, Chopped, and how he positioned its value to the Food Network will blow your mind and inspire you.

In an episode packed with gems, I leave you with this quoteable moment:

“You can accomplish almost nothing worthwhile and amazing and impressive in a year, but there's almost nothing that you can't accomplish that is amazing or worthwhile in 10 years. So if you're focusing on the next 10 years and not what's happening tomorrow, or the rejection you got today, it's so much more valuable.” -Dave Noll

Connect and follow Dave at www.linkedin.com/davenolltv

Confidence with Delina Medhin

Confidence is an inside job and believing in your enoughness is a forever journey but there are easy, actionable steps you can take every day in your confidence building.

 

Joining me on this episode of Camera Ready & Abel is makeup artist, content creator and beautypreneur Delina Medhin, who shares how important confidence was when she made the huge career pivot from corporate America to launching a beauty business with big impact. 

 

Delina is an expert in all areas of makeup - including lighting - but her empathy and emotional intelligence may be her biggest assets. You've seen her work in print, film and television. I think her greatest gifts are her skills as a teacher and communicator and she brings that plus her generous spirit to her segments on the Today Show and The Wendy Williams Show.

 

Join her beautiful IG community at www.instagram.com/delinamedhin, learn from her teachings on Youtube at www.youtube.com/Delinamedhin, and tune in to her recently released podcast It Takes a Village (I'll be her guest November 30th).

Relatable with Rachel DeAlto

The good people at Merriam-Webster define RELATABLE as possible to understand, like, or have sympathy for because of similarities to oneself or one's own experiences. Being relatable is a critical, contemporary skill because if I can see myself in some aspect of you, your values or your situation, I am much more likely to pay attention to you and what you are saying.

Joining me on this episode of Camera Ready & Abel is Rachel DeAlto who quite literally wrote the book on being relatable. 

Rachel is a relationship expert (you know her from Lifetime’s Married at First Sight and TLC’s Kate+Date), coach, media personality, speaker, and now the author of “Relatable: How to Connect with Anyone Anywhere (Even if It Scares You).” 

Rachel generously shares deep insights on the power of our words, how to work through social anxiety and the effectiveness of communicating with ESP: Empathetic, Straight Forward, and Positive.

Rachel's impressive background includes a law degree, a Master’s in psychology, and an influential social media presence. Rachel is a frequent guest on television including The TODAY Show, Access Hollywood Live, and Fox News and has given three TEDx talks including Being Authentic in a Filtered World which is featured on TED.com. Learn more at www.racheldealto.com.

Adaptable with DeDe Brown

You've likely seen this quote attributed to Charles Darwin:

It is not the strongest of the species that survives nor the most intelligent. It is the one most adaptable to change.

My guest for this episode of Camera, Ready & Abel, DeDe Brown, Senior Vice President of Multicultural Marketing and Publicity at Paramount Pictures, is both strong and highly intelligent but you want to settle in and listen to her deep and vulnerable insights about how being ADAPTABLE and nurturing that mindset has led her to career opportunities, personal growth and a richer life.

DeDe does not say it's easy, but it's well worth the effort, because life has no blueprint and learning to dance in the moment makes for a far more enjoyable experience.

DeDe is also the co-host of BLK ON THE SCENE, a podcast which celebrates Black people and content in the entertainment industry that help drive change and authentic representation. Follow DeDe on instagram at @d2bnyc.

As Greek philosopher Hercalitus said, the only constant in life is change. Adaptability is an essential life skill.

Community with Shay Holland

COMMUNITY is a feeling of fellowship with others whether virtual or in real life. It feels good to be in community. This is especially true for creatives who often work alone in highly competitive fields.

My guest for this episode of Camera Ready & Abel, TV host, actress and entrepreneur Shay Holland, talks to me about how she built one of my favorites Facebook communities, Hosts in LA, from 50 members to an inclusive global group of 4000, because she knew she could create more opportunity and support together than alone. That includes fighting for equal pay, systemic racism in casting and welcoming diverse voices in the group.

The biggest takeaway? Community is a two-way street. You've got to show up with a generous spirit and participate.

A self-described recovering TV newscaster, Shay is the Co-Host/Interior Designer on a new HGTV show debuting October 23rd —a job she credits to her father’s insistence that she learn her way around power tools from the time she was a little girl. With a never-ending curiosity about the world, Shay is a consummate storyteller who views her new show as an extension of that passion—telling stories through the language of design. As an anchor and investigative reporter, she's covered breaking news stories that have aired on NBC affiliates, CNN and the “Today” show.

If you are an on-camera personality looking for ways to grow your opportunities and connections among colleagues in the entertainment industry, check out the Hosts in LA Facebook group. 

You can follow Shay Holland on instagram at @shayhollandofficial and be sure to check out her new show on HGTV, premiering on October 23rd.

Hope with Danielle Gelfand

HOPE is both a verb and a noun and I learned so much talking about hope with multi-platform storyteller and executive producer Danielle Gelfand on this episode of Camera Ready & Abel:

• Hope and resilience go hand in hand
• Some chance of a positive outcome is better than no chance, and worth holding on to
• It turns out the story we've been telling ourselves is often wrong
• The key is showing up

She knows from painful experience what it takes to persevere and hold on to HOPE even when the odds are stacked against her. Danielle is deep, insightful, vulnerable and very funny. 

She opens up about keeping big secrets, dating, freezing her eggs and releasing the weight of shame and grief when she published her first essay in the New York Times, Years of Atonement, about her father's suicide. 

Through the power of story, Daniells shares how she transformed her personal life after years of giving tirelessly to her career, one hopeful step after another. 

As a veteran VH1 executive producer, Danielle developed and oversaw such hit television series as the Love & Hip Hop franchise and I Want to Work for Diddy. Danielle has directed A-list celebrities and talent, including Mariah Carey, Madonna, and Diddy. Her credits include hundreds of hours of docu-soap, reality, and relationship shows. 

Danielle is currently writing a memoir about overcoming her traumatic past to find late-blooming love and family. Follow her on instagram at @daniellemgelfand and stop by her website daniellegelfand.com to read her most recent New York Times essay, The Wedding I Thought Would Never Happen.

Voice with Maria Pendolino

Your voice is one of your greatest assets and instrumental to your success. And, in case you haven't noticed, “we are living in a voice-first world,”  per my guest for this episode of Camera, Ready & Abel, award-winning voice actor and voiceover artist, Maria Pendolino, (who is also the voice of my audio book, How to Get Your Foot in the Door: Television Hosting & Presenting.)

Whether you are a media professional who records audio or video content or have been thrust on-camera via the zoom room, Maria shares tips and insights on how to use your voice most effectively, from warming-up and warming-down your voice, to sounding conversational, to using your voice to negotiate a contract that values your time and worth.

Maria has been acting since she was 11 years old and has been a professional working actor for more than 15 years. Trained in musical theatre, Maria now lends her voice to commercials, animation, video games, corporate & explainer videos, e-learning courses, audio books, telephone systems and more. 

You can see more about Maria on her website voicebymaria.com or follow her on IG/Twitter/Tiktok @mariapendo. 

This episode is a mini masterclass with the wildly talented Maria Pendolino, so tune in!

Healing with Seth Eliot Santoro

“To heal is to touch with love that which we previously touched with fear.” -Stephen Levine

The news cycle has been especially difficult lately. I know I've been struggling, feeling a lot of sorrow and helplessness, which is why it's timely that my guest for this episode is of Camera Ready & Abel is Intuitive Coach and Spiritual Consultant, Seth Eliot Santoro -  and his spiritual guides. Seth is on a mission to inspire everyone on the planet to HEAL, reclaim their happiness, and to live a more enthusiastic, energetic, and purposeful lifestyle and generously shares tools with me that you can use today.

Seth Eliot Santoro, CEC is a Spiritual Consultant, Reframer, Intuitive Advisor, Intuitive Business Coach, Bestselling Author, Psychic Medium, Animal Communicator, HR Advisor, Keynote Speaker, Bereavement Facilitator, Husband, Friend, and Death Expert. Combining his passion for Corporate America, his training as a coach, and his metaphysical gifts of intuition and mediumship, Seth partners with clients to reframe their minds, re-engage in their present, find happiness again, AND create a better legacy, future, and fulfilling life for themselves and everyone around them.

Seth is the 2-time #1 international best-selling author of “Smile From The Inside” and “Finn & The Ferocious Flu!”

To learn more about Seth, or for free resources and support, visit SethSantoro.com.

Care with Sian-Pierre Regis

The CARE you demonstrate in your day-to-day life can have an enormous impact on those around you. It sends a message of value, worth, and appreciation for someone or something- and the world can use as much of those good vibes as possible! My guest for this episode is Director and activist, Sian-Pierre Regis, who brought the things he cares deeply for to life in his debut feature documentary, Duty Free.

Duty Free examines ageism, the care crisis, and economic insecurity in America. After his mother, a 75 year old immigrant, is abruptly fired from her job as a hotel housekeeper, Sian-Pierre takes her on a bucket list adventure to help her reclaim her life. He documents a journey that uncovers the betrayals plaguing her past and the economic insecurity shaping not only her future, but that of an entire generation.

Sian-Pierre Regis is a storyteller with entrepreneurial guts. He is an award-winning journalist, on-camera personality, and cultural critic with an undying love for both pop-culture and social responsibility. He has been a contributor for CNN, HLN, MTV and CBS, covering stories of youth political activism and pop-culture. 

Zip on over to dutyfreefilm.com to watch this heartfelt film in the comfort of your own home and while you are waiting for the popcorn to pop follow @sianpierre and his mother, Rebecca on Instagram at @rebrexit.

Resilient with Elizabeth Wagmeister

RESILIENT is a mindset - and a choice. It means to be able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions. If you are reading this, you are resilient. You came face to face with a global pandemic that required you to adapt to an extremely difficult situation.

A core principle to being a RESILIENT person is leaning into your emotional intelligence and cultivating a belief in your ability to cope which is why I was excited to speak with award-winning multimedia entertainment journalist Elizabeth Wagmeister. She's taught me a thing or many about being resilient and shares in this episode how she lives it every day and how it's helped her flourish in her career.

Elizabeth is the senior correspondent at Variety and host of The Take - Variety's weekly video roundup of the top entertainment stories of the week. She's also a former co-host of the nationally-syndicated newsmagazine "Page Six TV" which I had the pleasure of casting. Fun fact: It was Elizabeth's first audition and she didn't have an agent.

Elizabeth was named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2019. She established herself as a leading voice in entertainment news by breaking highly influential stories, including the bombshell Matt Lauer investigation, and continues with her on-going coverage of Harvey Weinstein and Brittney Spears.

Every successful career has its pile-up of disappointments, challenges and dead-ends. So how did Elizabeth remain RESILIENT to rise up the ranks in a competitive career field at such a young age? It started by knowing she wasn’t going to take someone else’s NO and make it the final answer. 

Tune in to learn more and follow Elizabeth at @ewagmeister and check out her work at variety.com.

Toxic Positivity with Dr. Darcy Sterling

I am naturally optimistic. In fact, my ability to see opportunity and look at the bright side of things is a super power that has served me well in a lot of ways. But...there's a shadow side to being overly positive. Honestly, it's one more example of The Shoulds and you've likely experienced this if you’ve ever had your feelings discounted and dismissed by someone else's need to put a positive spin on things. Expressing only positive emotions can take a toll, especially during times of real crisis, creating anxiety and other health issues.

When I read Dr. Darcy Sterling’s blogpost, The Dark Side to Looking at the Bright Side, I saw myself in her words and needed to amplify this message, and am thrilled Dr. Darcy joins me on this episode of Camera Ready & Abel to discuss TOXIC POSITIVITY. Get ready - she lays it all on the line.

Therapist and Relationship Expert, Dr. Darcy Sterling is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the host of E! Network’s Famously Single. She’s the former Global Ambassador of Tinder, and her private practice, Alternatives Counseling in New York City, specializes in helping people thrive in their relationships. 

In addition to providing counseling services, Dr. Darcy teaches online courses on the psychology and science of Love and Relationships: Her newest course tackles one of the biggest relationship challenges - JEALOUSY.

Follow Dr. Darcy on instagram at @drdarcysterling and visit her website askdrdarcy.com.

Color with Jill Kirsh

I love COLOR. It is a powerful communication tool. Color is an exterior representation that evokes emotion, conveys a message, and affects your mood. It can also help you stand out OR it can wash you out, which is why I invited Hollywood’s Guru of Hue, Jill Kirsh, to provide color coaching so you can clarify your message in style.

Color Expert, Jill Kirsh, has created the ultimate fashion hack with her wallet size customized swatch books filled with pieces of fabric that she’s curated of all your best shades of every color, based entirely on your present hair color. Her unique color system for fashion & beauty has been the talk of the fashion world for the past fifteen years. Jill was named Best Color Consultant in the Best of LA issue of Los Angeles magazine and is frequently called upon by Red Carpet celebs, Grammy winning musicians and titans of business for her virtual & in person color coaching. 

Jill is featured as the Color Expert in the award winning documentary Gray Is the New Blonde and has just written her first ebook, The Color Question: Are You Wearing the Perfect Shades…For Somebody Else?, which is available for free on her website jillkirshcolor.com.

Tune in for some color coaching and shine a little brighter in your day-to-day!

Adversity with Dr. Gregg Steinberg

ADVERSITY is part of the human experience and learning to cope with it has shaped my life and been a great teacher of resilience. I am where I am because of experiencing loss, heartbreak and perceived failures like getting fired (more than once!).

 

My guest for this episode, Performance Psychologist and Purpose-Driven Speaker, Dr. Gregg Steinberg, has taught me a ton about emotional toughness and turning adversity into strength. Here he teaches the what and the how of embracing adversity to live a fulfilled and meaningful life or what Gregg calls FALLING UP.

 

Prepare to take notes because Gregg gets into the nitty gritty and by the end you will have what you need to raise your game under pressure, perform in the storm and set you on the path of transcendence.

Tune in and check out Dr. Gregg’s TED talk, How to Fall Up and visit his website for information on courses and resources.

Mentor with Aliza Licht

If you're a creative, solopreneur or dreamer of big dreams it's not uncommon to feel lost in the forest from time to time as you forge your path. Sometimes you don't know where to begin or what the next best steps are, regardless if you are beginning your career, changing careers or happily growing in your current career. That's why everyone needs a MENTOR - whether virtual or in real life - and my guest for this episode of Camera Ready & Abel literally wrote the book on mentoring, Leave Your Mark.

 

ALIZA LICHT is a legendary fashion executive and the Founder & President of LEAVE YOUR MARK LLC; a multi-media brand focused on career development and personal branding. LEAVE YOUR MARK currently includes a best-selling book, podcast, community, and live mentorship events. Drawing invaluable lessons from her experience as a top fashion publicist, Aliza shares advice, inspiration, and a healthy dose of real talk in LEAVE YOUR MARK.

Immediate takeaway from this episode: Aliza advises you to approach a potential mentor with not just your ‘asks’ but your ‘gives.’ What do you have to offer to the relationship? Here’s the thing- you have A LOT to offer, so identify something you can provide in exchange for some for this person's time.

Check out the LEAVE YOUR MARK podcast for more of Aliza’s wisdom and join her newsletter...I did!

If you have been enjoying the Camera Ready & Abel podcast please help us leave our mark and write us a review.

Focus with Rob Barnett

Say it with me, calendars are sexy! This essential tool is built right into your phone - and is a useful catalyst for FOCUS. With everything that is competing for your energy and attention it's easy to lose focus - the subject of this episode of Camera Ready & Abel with Rob Barnett, the author of Next Job, Best Job. Rob explains how FOCUS is vital to all job seekers, how NOT to work with a**holes (amen), and other strategies to land the job you want.

Rob Barnett is a headhunter, management executive, author, podcaster, and entrepreneur. As founder of Rob Barnett Media, he has discovered, hired, and led hundreds of talented creators and executives in senior management roles at MTV, VH1, and Audible/Amazon. He was President of Programming at CBS Radio. Today, as an advisor to thousands of job seekers and company leaders, he offers expert guidance as headhunter with a unique ability to speed up every search.

Rob’s new book, NEXT JOB, BEST JOB: A Headhunter's 11 Strategies to Get Hired Now (Citadel, June 29, 2021), reinvents the career search with a proven process to land the right job fast. If you have been fired or furloughed, the initial shock can easily turn into fear. Rob shows you that with the right mindset and approach, you can win the career you want and deserve – without delay! 

A digital pioneer, Rob founded My Damn Channel, one of the first original online studios and networks. Representing diverse careers, companies, and opportunities. His multi-platform content and no-nonsense approach inspires people to define and sell their best professional brand. Visit RobBarnettMedia.com to learn more about his work. 

Stop Shoulding Yourself with Vivian Manning-Schaffel

I get stuck in The Shoulds all the time – should be thinner, richer, more successful, blah, blah, blah – and write about it from time to time in my newsletter, blog and Facebook  community…so that’s what this episode is all about.

Because Shoulding Yourself is universal.

My dear pal, Vivian Manning-Schaffel, has taken this universal feeling to a whole new level with a brilliant piece she wrote for Shondaland, How to Stop 'Shoulding' Yourself. Vivian explores the neuroscience of what this obligatory self-talk does to your psyche and gives pointers from experts on how to cultivate more grace and self-compassion so you can truly thrive in life.

Vivian Manning-Schaffel is a seasoned storyteller who conjures compelling narratives about people, places, and things with a focus on the intersection of pop culture and human behavior. She is a regular contributor to Shondaland.com and has written for the TODAY Show website, NBC News BETTER, The Cut, the New York Daily News, The Week, Medium, DAME, Prevention, The New York Times, Time Out New York, The New York Post, CBS Watch!, Jezebel, Gothamist, and a host of other publications. She's also been a contributing writer/editor at NBC News, Working Mother magazine, and Time Out New York Kids. So yeah, it was quite flattering when she asked to interview me for her recent piece!

Learn more about Vivan’s work at vivianmanningschaffel.com. You can follow her on twitter @soapboxdirty and instagram @veemanning.

Listen in and add onto our conversation by connecting with me at bba@abelintermedia.com. I’d love to hear from you! Do it because you WANT to, not because you SHOULD ;)

Defining Success with Kerry Muzzey

Big leaps, small steps, and navigating the messy middle are all part of the process when it comes to any life transition. How do you know when you are succeeding at what you set out to do, especially when it takes a heck of a long time to get there? On this episode of Camera Ready & Abel, modern classical and film composer, Kerry Muzzey - who has one of the most inspiring career pivot stories ever - helps me look at the measuring stick that is DEFINING SUCCESS.

Kerry’s recent works include the original orchestral score for the ballet "Casanova" by Kenneth Tindall and Northern Ballet; the score for the documentary film "Look & See: A Portrait of Wendell Berry" by director Laura Dunn and executive producers Robert Redford and Terrence Malick, and whose piece "Looking Back" was used as a recurring love theme on the TV show "GLEE." 

Kerry Muzzey and I met at VH1 back in the glory days of the 1990s. I was running the Talent Development Department and Kerry worked in Rights & Clearances, so that VH1 could legally obtain the rights to the content -- music, video footage, and celebrity images - that graced our screens. In his mid-thirties Kerry was met with the growing awareness that he was putting off what he had really wanted to do: Compose music full-time. The silent handcuffs of career promotions and the ticking time clock of aging, pushed Kerry to finally ask, if not today, when? And so the journey to becoming a full-time professional composer began, but not without a few bumps and bruises along the way!

Visit kerrymuzzey.com to learn more about Kerry’s work.

Your Body Language Speaks Volumes with Blanca Cobb

But what do I do with my hands? maybe the question I get asked most when media training clients. What you're really asking is what do I do with my body? Your non-verbual cues account for more than 50% of how someone perceives what you are trying to communicate to them. It’s what isn’t said but seen that’s most impactful. Which is why I invited internationally recognized body language expert and TV personality, Blanca Cobb, to go deep on this essential element of Camera Readiness. She busts some common misconceptions and offers ways to connect with others through body language that is sure to get you results.

Blanca speaks to various audiences on reading body language, detecting deception, building rapport and trust, negotiating, being influential, resolving interpersonal conflict, and much more. She focuses on personal and professional relationship dynamics. Blanca also helps business professionals who want media exposure, whether on TV or video, and are afraid to be seen and turns them into media rock stars. She teaches them to be calm, confident, and charismatic on camera to expand their brand, book more clients and make more money. 

Fun fact- Blanca founded a national holiday, National Body Language Day, that is celebrated the first Friday of every October. 

Check out Blanca’s How Not To Suck on Video to learn the top 5 mistakes to avoid in front of a camera.

Transformation with Rob Shuter

If you're looking for celebrity dish from America's #1 Gossip Columnist, Rob Shuter in this episode of Camera Ready & Abel, move along. But if you're looking for deep, actionable insights on how to transform your life/career and succeed in the media landscape, you've come to the right place. 

Rob shares one generous Shuter-ism after another from Don’t take a risk unless you are ready to win to always, ALWAYS be kind.

So what is Rob’s key to success? He overcame personal challenges, tapped into his super powers (curiosity + a sense of humor), got clear on his goals and comfortable with rejection (after experiencing a lot), and is willing to stand in the rain longer than anyone else (a life lesson he learned from Joan Rivers.)

Having worked intimately with celebrities and some of the most successful people in the world, it became clear to Rob that those who were successful had one thing in common, and it wasn’t talent. It was that they tried! And not just once, but over and over again. While Rob doesn’t advise us to water a dead plant, he shares how we can encourage new growth by being nimble, kind, and opportunistic.

Rob does not lose sight that in all of the exterior transformations that he has undergone who he is at his core has not changed. He is kind, funny, naughty, and nice. Knowing who you are is critical to success and this insight led to Rob’s debut self-help book, The 4 Word Answer: Who Are You In 4 Words, available now for pre-order on Amazon.

Called “America’s Number ONE Gossip Columnist” by The National Enquirer. Rob ‘Naughty But Nice’ Shuter breaks celebrity news every day on his website NaughtyGossip.com where he delivers all the dish about the stars we love in his naughty but nice signature style. Before Rob was one of the world’s most successful entertainment reporters, he was a publicist working for Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, P. Diddy, Jessica Simpson and Jon Bon Jovi. Now he is bringing all this experience to his new show on I HEART MEDIA in his unique cheeky way, that is always a pinch and never a punch!

And in the spirit of good gossip, leave Camera Ready & Abel a review and let us know what you thought of the episode.

Make Security a Certainty with Michael Skiba

Appearing on-camera is vulnerable. So is living in the digital age if you've got an email address, website and social presence. I turned to Dr. J Michael Skiba – host of Dr. Fraud TV and one of the world’s leading experts in International Financial Crime and Cyber Security – to understand the practical, tactical and emotional components of security in the media space.

I tell students and clients all the time: be mindful of what’s in the background of your shot. Michael taught me it’s not only aesthetic, it’s also a safety precaution. What scammers can learn about you from your video background is alarming.

You’ve dodged an imposter scam or two, whether you knew it had a name or not. If you are a solopreneur, an individual content creator, or someone working in the gig economy, consider yourself a small business – and know that small businesses are highly vulnerable to a variety of scams. Doing so is both a mindset and a practical consideration that will keep you on your toes as you keep your identity, workspace, and finances secure.

You can also explore history's most notorious scams with Michael on Dr. Fraud TV and check out his safety courses at DrFraud.org.

So...tidy up your background of personal information and scoot over to Abel Intermedia to download your free copy of 12 Tips for Success on Camera to get you communicating with confidence, impact, and charisma on-camera.

The Power of Mercury with Leslie McGuirk

Mercury is the planet of communication - and completely misunderstood! Unlocking the power of Mercury and mastering your communication style could be the keys to your success.

Chances are you are well aware of Mercury Retrograde - when the planet appears to orbit backwards and all sorts of miscommunication and tech chaos looms (honestly, sometimes I feel like I live in my own private Mercury Retrograde) but my guest Leslie McGuirk is here to clear the air and provide a more complete and compassionate depiction of Mercury’s powerful and positive role in your daily life. 

Perfect is so not interesting and Mercury - the planet of communication - is widely misunderstood! These are just two of the takeaways from this episode of Camera Ready & Abel.

Leslie McGuirk is an internationally acclaimed astrologer, writer and creativity expert. She has studied the system of astrological imprinting for almost 40 years. In her book, The Power of Mercury, she explains how humans have an owner’s manual or pattern, and how we are like everything else in nature, whether a tree trunk or a snowflake – we have a design that can be seen. With this knowledge comes great power. Leslie is breaking new ground in the world of mental health as she collaborates with western-trained doctors to put forth a new vision for holistic healing.

It’s time to get curious about your birth chart! Want to know more? Follow Leslie and her liquid trouble ways at @lesliemcguirk and visit abelintermedia.com/podcast for show resources.

Focus on MASTERY with Phil Pallen

Talent might get you in the door but it’s MASTERY that will keep you in the game - and this takes discipline and dedication. Command authority in your field and step into your zone of genius with Brand Strategist, Phil Pallen. 

Phil joins me, Barbara Barna Abel, on this episode of Camera Ready & Abel to discuss the secret sauce to success, MASTERY. Mastery is about focused work and commitment to strengthening your skillset, so you can move away from being a generalist (stuck in the messy middle) and own that you are the expert in the room and make an impact.

Phil is a motivational burst of energy who deconstructs digital marketing and social media to empower leaders, corporations, employees, and entrepreneurs. He's also a popular keynote speaker who challenges his audiences to be better than ever before. Phil’s insights have been featured in media outlets around the world, including CNN, Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, and The Daily Mail, to name a few. Phil has worked with hundreds of brands across all industries, including a Shark on Shark Tank, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, politicians, and some of the most important names in entertainment. 

Phil shares his expertise in a lineup of courses that will help you master email, instagram, or content.  Check out Phil’s courses at philpallen.co/email-mastery-course and use promo code BBA50 to get 50% off the regular price. 

Thank you Phil for this audience exclusive deal and thank you listeners for tuning in to another episode of Camera Ready & Abel.

Access is Power with Nora Ali

Access to ideas and information is one of the core reasons I launched Camera Ready & Abel and why I was incredibly excited to jump into the topic of Access with Nora Ali - CEO and Co-Founder of a new media venture that is driven in part by the mission to provide access to spaces, people and information to help break barriers to personal and professional opportunities.

Nora is a gifted violinist and most recently covered the latest innovations and technologies across entertainment and business as a news anchor on Cheddar, where she was the daily co-host of "Between Bells" and "Closing Bell." She previously led teams of engineers and designers as a Product Manager at Jet.com, which she joined prior to launch, and she started her career advising institutional investors as an Asian Equities Analyst at Goldman Sachs. 

Nora opens up about the critical role access has played in her life, sharing some aspects she has taken control of, such as access to information, and some barriers she has had to navigate, such as social access barriers faced as a Bangledshi woman in the U.S. Warm and whip smart, Nora loves a little friendly competition and is committed to her growth and that of those around her, leveraging her own expertise, network and platform to support women and people of color in the media space and extend access to those without traditional means.

Can’t get enough of Nora Ali? Check out here mini concerts and so much more on Instagram @noraali or visit her website at noraali.com.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Camera Ready & Abel on your favorite podcast platforms so you always know when new episodes become available.

Resilience with Alan Ibbotson

“No one ever failed in Hollywood, they just quit too soon.” -Anonymous

Strengthen your RESILIENCE muscle, with Changeologist & Executive Coach, Alan Ibbotson, on this episode of Camera Ready and Abel. Alan is the Founder of The Trampoline Group, and the host of the Wisdom You Didn't Ask For series. Aside from 80’s Brit pop, his passion has always been the development of people and the ignition of vibrant, engaged work cultures.

Alan is a popular keynote speaker on change leadership, emotional intelligence, and yes, resilience! Alan knows first hand what it takes to bounce back from difficult life events. He brings his warmth and wit to this conversation with Barbara Barna Abel exploring the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of resilience. They discuss emotional intelligence, empathy, compassion, and of course, Brené Brown. 

To learn more about Alan visit The Trampoline Group, and be sure to check out Wisdom You Didn’t Ask For #WYDAF. And scoot over to abelintermedia.com for resources from the podcast.

Authenticity is a Process, Not Just a Buzzword with Sean De Simone

In the world of buzz words, AUTHENTICITY reigns supreme. Like most things in life, showing up authentically is about the journey and not a destination you arrive at overnight. The world of acting can be a great teacher of what it takes to be emotionally honest and true to yourself.

On this episode of Camera, Ready & Abel, Barbara is joined by long time friend and colleague Sean De Simone, founder of Sean De Simone Casting and together they deconstruct the pursuit of authenticity. 

Sean is an expert in TV Host and Brand Spokesperson casting, having worked extensively with QVC and the Home Shopping Network as well as numerous beauty, fashion, home, cook, and fitness brands. After years of being behind the scenes, Sean has begun to study acting and step into a part of the entertainment business that has always fascinated him. What he has found in his studies is that acting has enhanced all aspects of his life as it has strengthened his ability to listen, create, and live in the moment.

Sean shares how he has applied everything that he learns in his acting class to what he does as a casting director, specifically when he coaches TV hosts. He is often telling his clients that TV hosting is not about hosting. It requires a delicate mix of 70% YOU and 30% delivering lines and hitting marks. The ability to bring YOU is critical in a TV host's success, so let's talk more about how to get there!

Step into character with Sean and learn more about his work at @Sean_Desimone_Casting.

Looking for more tips on and off camera? Download Barbara’s, 12 TIPS FOR SUCCESS ON-CAMERA (AND OFF). In this fabulous, free ebook you’ll learn 12 actionable strategies to make you more confident, charismatic and impactful communicating on-camera. Winning the lottery is a long shot. Your success on camera is not.

Boundaries with Terri Cole

Are you a boundary master or a boundary disaster?

Negotiate for your needs by learning the language of boundaries with Terri Cole, licensed psychotherapist and relationship expert. Terri inspires over 250,000 people weekly through her blog, social media platform, signature courses, and her popular podcast, The Terri Cole Show. 

Prior to her current incarnation as a love and boundaries expert, Terri was a talent agent negotiating endorsement contracts for supermodels and celebrities.  Her professional and life experience has uniquely positioned her as a psychotherapist who intimately understands the complex system that is the entertainment industry. 

Terri has a superpower for making complex psychological concepts accessible and actionable so that clients and students achieve sustainable change. Find out for yourself by downloading the Do Less & Simplify with Boundaries free gift, generously crafted by Terri Cole for the Camera, Ready & Abel audience. That’s you! The Simplify & Do Less With Boundaries guide will help you identify where in your life you are expending additional time and energy doing for others and give you tips, scripts, and strategies to bring more balance into your life and relationships.

Bust some myths and get the scoop on Terri’s newly released book, Boundary Boss, on this week’s episode of Camera, Ready & Abel. Learn more about Terri at terricole.com.

To Become Known You Must First Become Known to Yourself with Candis Hickman

Becoming known is not just about being visible in the public eye, it’s also about enhancing your quantity and quality of giving.  Can you imagine your reach if you stood - deeply rooted, connected, and unapologetically - putting yourself out there with an unwavering belief that your audience is craving more of what you have to offer? Candis Hickman can! She believes you are someone worth knowing. 

Candis Hickman is a Personal Branding Coach and host of The Becoming Know Podcast.  She helps spirit-led entrepreneur’s brand themselves so they can stop hiding, start shining and finally become known! 

Candis joins Barbara Barna Abel in a heart centered conversation about the importance of getting to know oneself on the journey to becoming known. She shares her experience in her own identity development, speaking publicly about her biracial identity, and exciting new projects that are on the horizon.

Learn more about Candis at https://www.candishickman.com/.

Empowerment with Dr. Dave Montgomery

What do Star Wars’ Obi Wan Kenobi, Matrix’s Neo, and The Good Doctor Dave Montgomery have in common? They believe in the force that is already within themselves, and each of us. Empowerment is the seed from which this beautiful conversation between Barbara Barna Abel and Dr. Dave Montgomery sprouted. Listen in as they discuss the physics of empowerment, uncovering the power within, and Dr. Dave’s journey to becoming a cardiologist and on-screen presence. 

Dr. Dave, as he is known in the media space, is a board-certified cardiologist, and has been featured in numerous print and broadcast media outlets. He is the host of the web series, The Good Doctor TV, and of the podcast, The Health Mastery Café with Dr. Dave. 

Dr. Dave reminds us that you, as you are today, are enough and letting yourself come through in your fullest expression is the greatest gift you can give, it’s there that lies your purpose. 

Follow the brilliant Dr. Dave on instagram @thegooddrdave.

Growth with Vinnie Potestivo

Cyclical in nature, personal growth has a direct impact on professional growth and visa versa. Seeds are planted, growth blossoms, and new life breeds new possibilities. Vinnie Potestivo, Multimedia Advisor, Celebrity Brand Executive, and the founder of Vinnie Potestivo Entertainment, inc. has a growth-oriented mindset that is sure to impress, inspire, and impact. 

Talent has pivoted as technology has emerged, giving us more platforms for more voices and Vinnie has managed to stay two steps ahead helping others to create impact-driven content and media strategy. 

With over 20+ years experience launching personal celebrity brands and creating ground-breaking, award-winning, format-busting original content that has had a permanent impact in pop culture and television history, Vinnie now helps entrepreneur-led businesses create, invent or reinvent their personal and business brands with carefully crafted brand strategies. 

A long time friend and colleague of Barbara’s, Vinnie’s ability to see new possibilities sparked the creation of the Camera Ready & Abel podcast. Join them in this inaugural episode, as they dive into the importance of the stories we tell ourselves, embracing change, and how to grow a great idea. 

Hop on over to LinkedIn and follow #LinkedVin where Vinnie shares resources, tips, and leads.

Show us some love and help us grow in our efforts by leaving us a review.

Camera Ready & Abel Trailer

Hi, I’m Barbara Barna Abel. Welcome to "Camera Ready & Abel" the podcast that explores the intersection of Media and Personal Growth. Join me weekly for the media insights and stay for the transformation. 

 

Whether you’re looking to build more credibility, gain more career traction, or just want to be more comfortable on camera - this is the podcast for you! Because let’s face it, everyone needs to be camera ready these days. 

 

I have curated each episode with love, focusing on insights & strategies from real professionals with real stories to help you tap into your superpowers, find your voice, clarify your message, and make an impact on the world.