Behind The Camera Podcast

Joining me today is writer, podcaster, and comedian Courtney Kocak. We dive into Courtney’s long‑standing career as a multi‑platform writer and performer, from crafting stories for podcasts and TV to building her voice across comedy and memoir. Courtney shares how years of writing, creating, and putting her life into her work ultimately led her to her debut memoir, Girl Gone Wild , and the persona...

Joining me today is author and publisher, Terry Whalin. Terry Whalin is an editor and author of more than 60 books and has written for more than 50 magazines. Several of Terry’s books have sold over 100,000 copies. We sit down to talk Terry's latest work, 10 Publishing Myths , which talks the expectations many writers carry when they step into the craft of writing. Talking this, traditional pu...

In this episode, Irish musician and content creator Twoshoes joins me for a conversation about healing, reinvention, and what it really takes to rebuild your creative identity. We dive into his journey as both a streamer and a musician, how stepping back helped him step forward, how his content evolved, and how he found a new sense of purpose in the process. From rediscovering his voice to reshapi...

Today, I’m joined by author and podcaster Valerie Flynn. After a long career in her family‑run media and production company, Valerie shifted her focus toward writing. A natural community‑builder, she soon found herself in a Discord server full of likeminded creatives - the space that eventually became Writers of Meaning. Valerie is a co‑author of Writers of Meaning, a collaborative anthology featu...

Today’s conversation dives into the extraordinary story behind A Spiritual Passage . At 72, after overcoming alcoholism and carrying decades of trauma from the Vietnam War, he set out to hike the Appalachian Trail with his brother. What followed was a journey filled with hardship, loss, and unexpected moments of spiritual clarity. His book captures it all - 500 photos documenting not just the trai...

Recently retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), after 24 years as a special agent, Eric Robinson worked a range of crimes including white collar, counterterrorism, crimes against children, gangs, drugs, and public corruption. He served as a SWAT operator, a firearms instructor, and a tactics instructor. Eric will soon release his first book, a collection of the humorous, surprisin...

Paul Pape is a two-time TEDx speaker and the strategist creative entrepreneurs call when standard business advice has stopped working. After twenty years designing for Disney, Universal, Nickelodeon, Nintendo, and Broadway — earning him the nickname Santa for Nerds — he founded Gamify Business to help talented creatives, neurodivergent founders, and burned-out solopreneurs finally answer the quest...

Kris Keppeler is a narrator, actor, voice actor, and writer. After discovering her singing voice in Jr. High Choir, she’s never quit using her voice to amuse and instigate. She’s impersonated a cat, a prince, a princess, a witch, a dragon, and a president with her voice and narrated/produced over 50 audiobooks. She narrates and produces an award winning weekly storytelling podcast about life and b...

Today, we welcome award-winning talk show host, podcast producer, and the creative engine behind Make Your Day Richer LLC, Richard Wilmore. He’s spent years mastering the art of the interview, bringing infectious energy, community focus, and a classic daytime-talk vibe to modern digital media. Whether he’s behind the scenes editing top-tier content or in front of the camera pushing the boundaries...

Award-winning bestselling author, speaker and voice actor Aaron Ryan lives in Washington with his wife and two sons, along with Macy the dog and Winston the cat. He is the prolific author of 50+ books, including the bestselling Dissonance 6-book alien invasion saga, the Christian dystopian fiction trilogy The End, the Talisman trilogy, the sci-fi thrillers Forecast, The Slide, Blood Echoes and The...

Today, I am joined by TikTok streamer and food reviewer, MoneyMan. After amassing over 70,000 followers, we discuss Money's journey from day one, what it takes to get to this level, maintain, and grow - And ultimately, how authenticity is the key to success in the world of content. We also discuss Money's latest venture in MoneyEats, where Money travels the USA, trying the best foods each...

Today's guest is online reseller and author, Kira Hartley Klinger. Starting from the ground up in the early 2000s, Kira discovered the unique following of vintage fabric and textiles. Opening up an Etsy store as a result, things just grew from there. Two Fabric Wars books later, about the fabrics Kira has collected, Kira found herself in the position of a hybrid author, sharing stories from he...

This episode explores the fast‑growing world of e‑commerce, creator‑led commerce, and TikTok Shop. I’m joined by Jordan West, founder of the Social Commerce Club - one of the only Platinum‑Rated TikTok Shop agencies in North America. We discuss how brands can build creator ecosystems, the strategies behind successful TikTok Shop growth, and why social commerce is becoming one of the most powerful...

Today, my guest is independent filmmaker, Joseph Mbah. With over 15 years in the industry and a wealth of projects under his belt, Joseph is a highly-skilled producer, writer and director with an impressive portfolio. Showcasing movies & TV series spanning multiple genres across platforms like Netflix & Amazon Prime - not to mention Walmart stores! Joseph's latest release, Whispers Bin...

In today's episode, the theme of which was decided by you, the audience, I break down what it takes to turn an idea into a reality. I talk my process in how I make my podcast what it is on a twice-weekly basis, and also the journey in terms of writing my first book, Behind the Camera - The Journey So Far. I talk initial ideas, planning, production, post, and release, pulling back the curtain o...

Our guest is Richard Sparks, an English-born writer now based in Los Angeles and the author of the New Rock fantasy series, including his latest release New Rock New Rules. The series draws inspiration from gaming culture — a world Richard discovered later in life — and explores themes of strategy, challenge, and community that reshaped his creativity. Earlier in his career, Richard was a comedy w...

In July 2023, I made the decision to start live streaming on Twitch. Fast forward to July 2025, and streaming was in the rear view mirror as I decided to pursue podcasting as my full-time online venture. I am so incredibly grateful for my time as a streamer, but it for sure came with some incredibly hard truths and lessons 🎧 Listen to Behind the Camera Podcast: ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/5e...

Russell Van Brocklen is a New York State Senate-funded dyslexia researcher and founder of DyslexiaClasses.com. Severely dyslexic himself, Russell was told he would never read at grade level. He now reads and writes at the graduate level and has built a method that helps families do the same for their children. His parent course is live on Skool, taught by certified teacher Angela Wetuski.⬇️Check o...

For the first time in over a year, we welcome back a live-streamer to the world of Behind the Camera! Today's guest is George DiPietro, streaming under SoberPsycho. We discuss George's streaming journey, with all its twists and turns, take a deep dive into the world of collecting, and understanding value, and George's passion for music Check out SoberPsycho below! ➡️https://www.tiktok....

In this episode of Behind the Camera, I sit down with former White House and National Geographic events photographer Scott Proposki. We explore Scott’s journey through the world of high‑profile photography, what it was really like working behind the scenes at major events, and how the COVID shutdown brought his thriving business to a sudden halt. Scott shares how he rebuilt from the ground up, tur...

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 runs from 11th - 17th May, and this year’s theme is all about Taking Action . In this episode, I talk openly about what taking action has looked like in my own life, the small steps that helped me, and why this week continues to matter. If you’re navigating your own journey, I hope this conversation offers something grounding and real. 🎧 Listen to Behind the Came...

Laura Van Wormer is the creative force behind "The Class of ’74," a serialized fictional podcast that blends nostalgia, drama, and meticulous historical detail. Set in 1971–1974 in a well-heeled Connecticut suburb of New York City, the show has been praised for its authenticity and period-accurate setting, detail and events, and draws on Laura’s decades of experience as a novelist, edito...

Want to start your own podcast, but don't know where to begin? We've all been there! In truth, it takes doing to really learn what it is you're doing. Of course, it helps having some direction, and knowing what it is you want to say - Which is why today I bring to you the things I wish I knew before starting a podcast! 🎧 Listen to Behind the Camera Podcast: ➡️ https://open.spotify.com...

Amy Lenius is the Director of Group Coaching at Next Level University, Professional Speaker, and Next Level Certified Personal Development & Success Coach. Today, we take a deep dive into the links between personal development and success - Mindfulness and self-awareness, and how she applies her philosophies into Next Level University Check out Next Level University here! ➡️https://www.nextlev...

Today I’m joined by Alan Lazaros, Founder and CEO of Next Level University. In this episode, we dive into success philosophies, personal growth, and what it truly means to live a fulfilling life. Alan shares his journey, the principles behind NLU, and the mindset shifts that can help anyone level up in their own path. A powerful conversation for anyone looking to redefine success on their own term...