Exploring The Iconic Sounds of Maria Callas & Billie Holiday: Talent, Training & Storytelling | Electric Secrets
Electric Secrets: A Variety Podcast
Release Date: 01/29/2025
Electric Secrets: A Variety Podcast
Discover the inspiring legacy of a 65+ year mission transforming lives through meaningful employment In this eye-opening episode of BizVox on the Electric Secrets Variety Podcast, host Scott Leon Smith sits down with Angela Calzone, President and CEO of Inroads to Opportunities. Since 1959, this remarkable nonprofit in Union County, New Jersey, has been breaking barriers and creating pathways to meaningful, sustainable work for nearly 500 individuals with disabilities across central and northern New Jersey. Angela, a serial entrepreneur turned passionate nonprofit leader, shares her...
info_outlineElectric Secrets: A Variety Podcast
Dive into this electrifying episode of The Unforgettable Voice from the Electric Secrets Variety Podcast by MonsterVox Productions! Host Scott Leon Smith sits down with powerhouse singer-songwriter Glenda Benevides as she breathes fresh, feminine fire into the legendary gospel warning track “God's Gonna Cut You Down” the classic made iconic by Johnny Cash and covered by everyone from Marilyn Manson to Odetta. Here are just a few soul-stirring highlights: A bold interpretation on the timeless cautionary tale, Glenda brings her authentic, powerful voice to deliver a poignant message...
info_outlineElectric Secrets: A Variety Podcast
Unlock the Secrets of Living Your Role Stop “acting” cold, tired, heartbroken, or furious. Start feeling it so deeply the audience forgets they’re watching a play. In this insightful new episode of Dedicated to the Craft, host Scott Leon Smith pulls back the curtain on two powerhouse tools every actor needs : Sense Memory** and Emotion Memory. No stuffy theory... just practical techniques you can use in your very next rehearsal or audition. Here’s what you’ll walk away with: The enlightening Steppenwolf/Of Mice and Men story that proves sense memory can make a tiny black-box...
info_outlineElectric Secrets: A Variety Podcast
The Persistent Entrepreneur: Kelvin Abrams Shares Hard-Earned Wisdom on BizVox Get ready for an insightful episode of BizVox, a dynamic segment of the Electric Secrets variety podcast by MonsterVox Productions! In "The Entrepreneur's Playbook," self-described 'serial entrepreneur' Kelvin Abrams pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to succeed in the wild world of business ownership. With 17 years of experience, a powerful book titled Get Uncomfortable or Change Course, and a no-nonsense approach, Kelvin delivers raw, relatable insights that will inspire and challenge aspiring...
info_outlineElectric Secrets: A Variety Podcast
Dive into Shakespeare's Enchanted Playground: Directing A Midsummer Night's Dream Unlocking the Magic of Modern Shakespeare Join host Scott Leon Smith on Rustic Shakespeare, the Bard-loving segment of the Electric Secrets variety podcast, as he spills the beans on directing a fresh, inclusive take on A Midsummer Night's Dream. Forget dusty old interpretations. Scott turns the spotlight on empowering women in the play, flipping sexism on its head with clever, hilarious tweaks that make the comedy sparkle for today's audiences. From Warrior Queens to Wedding Woes: Bold Choices and Bardic...
info_outlineElectric Secrets: A Variety Podcast
Swing for the Fences with The Albatross Cafe: Where Winners, Wonders, and Weird Rules Collide! Dive into the chaotic charm of The Albatross Cafe, the heart-pounding segment of the Electric Secrets variety podcast that's equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and downright bizarre. Hosted by the irrepressible Marty Merman (still kicking despite those shingles!), this episode packs a punch with tales of triumph, toe-tapping tunes, and baseball brain-teasers that will have you laughing out loud and hitting that subscribe button faster than a home run. Marty's Muse Takes the Reins: From Racetrack...
info_outlineElectric Secrets: A Variety Podcast
Unfiltered Artistic Inspiration at Bucyrus Tap House Join host Scott Leon Smith and marketing guru Abbey Kanellakis in this lively episode of Struck to the Soul, a segment of the Electric Secrets Variety Podcast, recorded live at the Bucyrus Tap House in Bucyrus, Ohio. This episode dives into the fleeting, powerful moments in film that ignite creativity and linger in the soul, shaping artists and their craft. From iconic snarls to subtle glances, Scott and Abbey unpack the cinematic sparks that drive emotional and artistic impact, sharing personal anecdotes and insights from their own creative...
info_outlineElectric Secrets: A Variety Podcast
Get ready to crank up the volume and feel the soul-shaking, microphone-melting energy of two legendary vocalists in the latest episode of The Unforgettable Voice, a segment of the Electric Secrets variety podcast! Hosted by the ever-charismatic Scott Leon Smith and featuring vocal expert Lori Turner, this episode dives headfirst into the raw, unfiltered power of Janis Joplin and Tina Turner. Recorded live at the vibrant Richland Academy of the Arts in Mansfield, Ohio—where young performers are crafting their own vocal magic, this episode is a high-octane tribute to two women who broke every...
info_outlineElectric Secrets: A Variety Podcast
In this episode of Dedicated to the Craft, a segment of the Electric Secrets variety podcast by MonsterVox Productions, host Scott Leon Smith dives deeper into the art of scene work. This episode builds on previous discussions by introducing the concept of working within given circumstances, using a scene called The Waiting Room to illustrate how actors can apply tactics and objectives to bring a script to life. Key Themes and Concepts Scott emphasizes the importance of tactics and objectives in acting, focusing on how they create dynamic, believable performances. This episode introduces...
info_outlineElectric Secrets: A Variety Podcast
Empowering Communities With United Way of North Central Ohio Join host Scott Leon Smith on , part of the , as he dives into the world of philanthropy with Amber Wertman, CEO of the United Way of North Central Ohio. In this engaging episode, Scott and Amber discuss the United Way’s 2024-25 annual campaign, which successfully raised $1.2 million to fund over 60 programs across Crawford, Marion, Morrow, Seneca, and Wyandot counties. Amber shares insights into their focus areas: successful children, healthy families, self-sufficient residents, and the new addition of strong communities, while...
info_outlineThe Art Of Vocal Storytelling
Welcome to The Unforgettable Voice, a segment of the Electric Secrets variety podcast. On this segment, we will be diving in and discussing iconic vocal performers and what about their voices and delivery makes them unforgettable. You'll also hear from professionals about the various aspects of singing, voice acting, and the personalities behind the many unforgettable voices we continue to enjoy today.
On this episode, Host Scott Leon Smith welcomes guest Lori Turner, a classically trained Opera singer and performer. The duo discusses the intricacies of opera voice training and the unique qualities of famous singers like Maria Callas and Billie Holiday. They delve into the technical aspects of singing, the importance of storytelling in music, and the personal lives of these iconic artists. The episode aims to inspire listeners to explore and appreciate the artistry and dedication involved in vocal performance.
Listeners of The Unforgettable Voice will learn more about:
- The Unique Qualities of Maria Callas's Voice: Lori and Scott discuss how Maria Callas's voice, despite its technical flaws, had an "X factor" that made it unforgettable. They emphasize that it was not just the beauty of the sound but the storytelling aspect that made her voice memorable.
- The Importance of Storytelling in Vocal Performance: The conversation delves into how storytelling is a crucial element in vocal performance. Whether it's opera or other genres, the ability to convey a story through singing is what makes a voice truly captivating.
- The Rigorous Training of Opera Singers: Lori Turner explains the rigorous training that opera singers undergo to sing over an 80-piece orchestra without amplification. This training involves not only the vocal technique but also the physical conditioning of the body to support the voice.
Listen to episode one of The Unfortettable Voice on the Electric Secrets variety podcast today!
About Scott
Scott Leon Smith has worked as a professional actor and director for nearly 25 years in a variety of genres. He earned his Master of Fine Arts in Acting at West Virginia University, where he studied under alumni of the prestigious American Conservatory in San Francisco. He honed his craft in Chicago as part of A Crew of Patches, a traveling theatre company that performed Shakespeare for students. Scott is CEO of Monstervox Productions, where he helps clients by providing specialized voice-over work for advertising, audiobooks, eLearning, & instructional videos.
The Legal Stuff
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or endorsement of its participants, nor of any companies or persons discussed therein. MonsterVox Productions is not responsible for any losses, damage or liabilities that may arise from the use of information contained in this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast are those of its participants and may not be those of any podcasting platform or hosting service utilized in its distribution.
MonsterVox Productions, LLC.