Were You Still Talking?

It’s about people, places, arts, food, culture, putting positive energy in the world, how all of us have something to say or maybe we don’t, drugs, exercise (or exorcise, if you spell it wrong!), laziness, motivation, breathing! The connection we all share on the planet and quite possibly getting away from the pedestrian level of consciousness. Music by Jon Griffin.

#106 with Shanti Hershenson - Writing and publishing books as a teen author. 11/15/2025

#105 With Amy Dickens 11/08/2025

Michael Wendroff - Killing it! The thriller writer's journey 10/22/2025

Michael Wendroff - Killing it! The thriller writer's journey Episode #104 – Michael Wendroff: Marketing Mastermind Turned Thriller Author In this week’s episode, I sit down with Michael Wendroff — a global marketing consultant with an MBA from New York University (and an induction into their Hall of Fame) who pivoted into writing to publish his debut thriller. We talk about what it takes to go from business-strategy to bestselling pages, the craft of storytelling, and the unexpected crossover between marketing and fiction. What we dive into · Michael’s background in marketing and how his business acumen shaped his approach to writing and publishing. · The journey of writing his debut novel, What Goes Around, including the role his parents played and how early exposure to publishers influenced him. · Key lessons in thriller writing: plotting with precision, building tension, and structuring a story that keeps readers turning pages. · The importance of feedback, editing, and revision. · The big role of self-marketing as an author today — how storytelling isn’t just what you write but how you bring it to the world. · Advice for anyone considering a creative pivot or literary debut: that the skills you already have might just be your springboard. Why this episode matters If you’re a writer (or aspiring one), a creative shifting from one career to another, or someone curious how business skills translate into art — you’ll find plenty here. Michael shows that storytelling isn’t just for authors: it’s for anyone with something to say, and that craft + strategy can move mountains. Connect with Michael Wendroff 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: /episode/index/show/wereyoustilltalking/id/38750270

#103 – Melinda Lee, From Hugs to Healing: Melinda's Story 10/16/2025

#102 – Ken Cox: Punchlines, Punching Bags & A.I. 10/03/2025

Episode 101 - With Me, Joel Albrecht 10/02/2025

Episode #100 – Albert Bramante: Hypnosis, Agents & Managing Self-Doubt 09/16/2025

Episode #100 – Albert Bramante: Hypnosis, Agents & Managing Self-Doubt Episode #100 – Albert Bramante: Hypnosis, Agents & Managing Self-Doubt In this special centennial episode, I’m joined by Albert Bramante, Ph.D. — talent agent, hypnosis & NLP practitioner, psychology expert, working with actors and creatives to push past mental barriers. We went deep: acting, agents, hypnosis, and even near-death experiences (NDEs). Here’s what we unpacked. What We Talk About · Who is Albert Bramante: his background as a psychology Ph.D, his work as a talent agent and coach for actors and creatives. · Hypnosis & NLP tools: how they work, what they’re good for, and how Albert uses them to help performers manage self-doubt, mental blocks, and performance anxiety. · Acting & the agent relationship: what agents do for actors, how to work with them, what they expect, and what actors should look for in an agent. · Mind & mental performance: mindset, resilience, mental preparation for creative work, overcoming fear of rejection, vulnerability. · Near-Death Experiences (NDEs)? Listen to the end for a little on that subject. Why You’ll Want to Tune In · If you’re an actor or creative struggling with performance anxiety, fear, or mental blocks, you’ll gain concrete tools and perspectives. · For people curious about hypnosis or NLP: useful models and practices, not just theory. · Insights into the behind-the-scenes of representation: what agents do, what to expect, and how working with one can change your career. · A more human view of artistry & mental health: how NDEs and deep life experiences shape creative identity and purpose. Connect with Albert Bramante · LinkedIn: Albert Bramante, Ph.D. () · Website with hypnosis audios & resources: albertbramante.com () · Instagram / social: @dralbramante for mindset / hypnosis / acting tips () 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: /episode/index/show/wereyoustilltalking/id/38233340

#99 John DeDakis: From White House Press Room to Novels & Edits 09/12/2025

#99 John DeDakis: From White House Press Room to Novels & Edits Episode #99 – John DeDakis: From White House Press Room to Novels & Edits In this episode, I talk with John DeDakis — former White House correspondent, longtime journalist, editor at CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, now novelist, writing coach, and editor. We unpack what it means to tell stories in news versus fiction, the hard lessons behind writing & rewriting, and how editing makes (or breaks) everything. We cover: · What it was like being a White House correspondent (including covering presidents, handling fast-breaking political stories) · Working in newsrooms, particularly editing for CNN’s The Situation Room and what senior copy editing taught him about clarity, deadlines, and truth in storytelling · How John made the jump from journalism to fiction: his first novel, the process, revisions, the rejections, and ultimately getting published · The importance of editing: in journalism, in novels, in shaping story structure, voice, pacing — how a good editor or self-editing can elevate a work significantly About John DeDakis · Former White House correspondent (during Reagan administration) · Senior Copy Editor on CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer · Author of six mystery/suspense/thriller novels in the Lark Chadwick series, including Fast Track, Bluff, Troubled Water, Bullet in the Chamber, Fake, Enemies Domestic. · Writing coach and manuscript editor; leads workshops; teaches novel writing at literary centers/conferences. What you’ll get out of this episode · Insights into how journalism and fiction intersect — what lessons from news help with writing novels · Real talk about rejection, rewriting, and patience in creative work · A picture of how editing isn’t just polishing, but deeply structural: voice, pace, truth, character, etc. · Inspiration if you're a writer in transition, or thinking about how to build authenticity and ethical foundations into your work The podcast I am trying to remember the name of is Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: /episode/index/show/wereyoustilltalking/id/38203965

#98 – Mike Schwab: Lights, Laughs & Local Skies 09/05/2025

#97 With Alan Lazaros 08/13/2025

#97 With Alan Lazaros Episode #97 – Alan Lazaros Had an amazing conversation with Alan Lazaros, co-founder and co-host of Next Level University. We dove deep into the art (and science) of personal development, turning big dreams into actionable goals, and why self-improvement is a lifelong game worth playing. Alan shared how he overcame a near-death car accident to completely reinvent his life, build a thriving business, and help thousands of people design theirs. We talked about the power of consistency, why your environment matters more than you think, how to spot the “hidden ceilings” holding you back, and the little habits that separate talkers from doers. There’s also some great behind-the-scenes insight into how Next Level University runs 7 episodes a week without losing steam—or sanity. Whether you’re chasing a personal goal, building a business, or just trying to become a better version of yourself, this one’s packed with motivation you can actually use. 🎙 About Alan Lazaros Alan Lazaros is the co-host of Next Level University, a global top-100 self-improvement podcast with over 1,500 episodes. His work focuses on holistic self-improvement - helping people master their health, wealth, and love while staying true to their own values and mission. 📌 Links & Resources · Next Level University Podcast: · Instagram: 🎧 Were You Still Talking? is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you like to listen. Subscribe, share and leave a review. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: /episode/index/show/wereyoustilltalking/id/37809465

#96 With Chuck McGee III Icevikingbreathworks 08/07/2025

#95 With Author Brad Elder 07/29/2025

#95 With Author Brad Elder 🎧 Were You Still Talking? – Episode 95: Brad Elder – Thrillers, Texas & Starting Over In this episode, we cover everything from his law firm to writing his first novel to quitting smoking—and yes, even the passing of Ozzie Osbourne. Author Brad Elder joins me to talk about his debut legal thriller Recoil of Justice, and how he went from Texas businessman (who never rode a horse) to published novelist. We get into the realities of self-publishing, the surprising highs of giving up nicotine, and what it’s like to start a whole new creative chapter later in life. This one’s funny, thoughtful, and full of great insights - especially if you’ve ever thought about writing a book yourself. 🎙 Topics include: · Why Brad started writing in the first place · The process (and pitfalls) of self-publishing · Growing up Texan (minus the cowboy boots) · Kicking smoking to the curb · Remembering Ozzie Osbourne · And, of course, his new novel Recoil of Justice 📚 Learn more at Subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends—especially the ones who keep saying, “One day I’ll write a book…” Were You Still Talking? is the podcast where the conversation goes deep, sometimes sideways, and always brings it back to what makes us human. Thanks for listening! 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: #Podcast #BradElder #writing #firstnovel #RecoilofJustice #WereYouStillTalking /episode/index/show/wereyoustilltalking/id/37588445

#94 With Tim Thomas, Breath Work In Bed 07/10/2025

#94 With Tim Thomas, Breath Work In Bed Were You Still Talking? – Episode 94: Tim Thomas – Breath, Sharks, and Peaceful Sleep In Episode 94, I sit down with the deeply insightful and endlessly interesting Tim Thomas—a man who’s swum with sharks, brewed coffee for fellow soldiers in Afghanistan, and now teaches people how to breathe their way to better lives (and better sleep). This conversation flows from adrenaline rush to stillness. We talk about adventure and presence, the healing power of nature, what it means to let go, and how something as simple as breathing can reset your nervous system and your life. Tim shares stories from the battlefield to the backcountry, and how he’s now channeling those experiences into a mission to help others find calm in the chaos. We also touch on: · The science (and art) of breathwork · Using stillness as strength · Practical tips for sleep and relaxation · What it really means to show up for your mates 🎁 Tim wants to gift YOU 28 days of great sleep Sound good? Check out his Breathwork in Bed app — a powerful, easy-to-use tool for winding down at night and waking up with purpose. It’s free to try and full of natural sleep support. Download the Breathwork in Bed App: · 📱 Apple/iPhone: · 🤖 Android/Google: More from Tim Thomas & Breathwork in Bed: 🌐 📸 📘 🎵 🔗 🎧 Free for the first 20 clicks! 📕 Listen to the Breathwork in Bed audiobook, narrated by me: 📖 Prefer to read? Here’s the PDF version: 🧘‍♂️ Try the ‘Breath of Peace and Possibility’ tutorial: Were You Still Talking? is the podcast where the conversation goes deep, sometimes sideways, and always brings it back to what makes us human. Thanks for listening! — 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: #Podcast #TimThomas #Selfimprovement #BreathworkinBed #Motivation #WereYouStillTalking /episode/index/show/wereyoustilltalking/id/37355305

#93 With Kevin Polmieri 07/03/2025

#92 With Dr. Rober J. Wolf 06/26/2025

#91 With Alan Katz! 06/03/2025

#90 With Peter Moore 04/13/2025

#89 With David Amerland 03/30/2025

#88 With Jaime Schwarz 03/23/2025

#87 With Miles Spencer 01/13/2025

#86 With James Blame Duhaime 10/23/2024

#85 With Bob Coppes on NDE's 05/13/2024

Were You Still Talking? #84 With John Pabon 02/04/2024

Were You Still Talking? #84 With John Pabon Episode #84 John Pabon Great and inspiring conversation with John. We talked about saving the Earth! OK, let’s face it, it’s not the earth that really needs saving, it’s all the things that live on Earth. Anyway, he has a much more positive view on the subject than I do, and it was a very refreshing conversation. There was also a bit of controversy, Ooooooh, everyone loves controversy! In his own words: I’ve spent two decades in the business of saving our Earth. After leaving my role at the United Nations, I traveled the world studying the impacts of sustainability first-hand in factories, on fields, and at Fortune 500s. That’s given me a very unique perspective on what it takes to make a positive impact. I’m a globally recognized expert in sustainability with a mission to move from theory to practical strategies that help people and businesses confidentially make real impact. To get there, I share my message through books, consulting to businesses, and keynote speaking to audiences around the world. My global career has taken me from Los Angeles to New York, Shanghai to Seoul to Melbourne. I’ve had the privilege of working with the United Nations, McKinsey, A.C. Nielsen, and as a consultant with BSR, the world’s largest sustainability-focused business network. A decade of experience living and working in Asia inspired me to found strategic communications firm Fulcrum Strategic Advisors with a mission to help companies, governments, and individuals capitalize on the benefits sustainability offers. I’m also a regular contributor to major publications such as CNN, EuroNews, and the ABC. I speak to an array of global audiences on issues of sustainability, geopolitics, communications, and societal change. I am the Program Director for The Conference Board’s Asia Sustainability Leaders Council, a member of the United Nations Association of Australia, and serve on the board of advisors to the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce. I am the author of “Sustainability for the Rest of Us: Your No-Bullshit, Five-Point Plan for Saving the Planet.” The book has been described as “…a foundational read for practical sustainability in the 21st century” and “…one of the best sustainability resources available to date.” I’m also excited to be helping consumers make smarter decisions through my second book, “The Great Greenwashing: How Brands, Governments, and Influencers are Lying to You,” out now. https://www.instagram.com/johnapabon/ https://www.instagram.com/@johnapabon Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: #Podcasting #sustainability #earth #longtalks #greenwashing /episode/index/show/wereyoustilltalking/id/29791178

#83 With Chris White 01/29/2024

#82 With Taylor Morden 11/02/2023

#81 With Ricardo Martinez 07/28/2023

#80 With Dr. Carolle 05/30/2023

#79 With Liz Entin 05/17/2023

Episode #78 With Rob Gutro 05/02/2023

#77 With Blake Gauthier 04/12/2023

Were You Still Talking?

TOPICS