Random Acts

“Spotify doesn’t pay” is a familiar complaint, but the uncomfortable question is this: were most artists ever getting paid the way fans imagine? We open season two with a candid talk about how the music business really works, then we zoom out to what matters more than the platform: the ability to adapt, keep creating, and stay visible without losing your soul. I’m joined by Frankie Muriel, a lifel...

What happens when your last name literally predicts your career? For John Murrell, the answer was written on the wall—quite literally. In this captivating conversation, muralist John Murrell shares his remarkable journey from creating tiny, hyper-realistic charcoal drawings shipped in boxes across the country to painting massive 300-foot murals that transform communities throughout southwestern Vi...

Eddie Perez from The Mavericks joins Chris Keaton for a captivating conversation that feels less like an interview and more like eavesdropping on two friends catching up. Their natural rapport, established through annual Grammy event encounters, creates an intimate atmosphere where Eddie reveals the soul behind his distinctive guitar style. Growing up in a musical Mexican-American household in Sou...

Some people carry stardust wherever they go, and entertainment legend T-Fox sprinkles it generously throughout this captivating conversation with host Chris Keaton. From his childhood surrounded by Motown royalty to Vegas stardom and now his revolutionary impact on Roanoke's entertainment scene, T-Fox's journey exemplifies what happens when extraordinary talent meets unwavering persisten...

What does it take to become the trusted advisor to some of music's biggest legends? Entertainment attorney John Mason pulls back the curtain on his remarkable career in this captivating conversation about his new memoir "Crazy Lucky." Mason reveals his counterintuitive approach to success: making himself hard to find. "If nobody could find me, I would become the guy they wanted...

What happens when five life-changing albums lead to a conversation with a man who helped create the soundtrack of rock history? Grammy-nominated recording engineer Jay Messina joins host Chris Keaton for a fascinating journey through music, connection, and the power of living in the present moment. The episode begins with Chris reflecting on records that shaped his musical journey - from witnessin...

What does it take to see the future of digital marketing before anyone else? In this fascinating conversation, Chris Keaton reconnects with his longtime friend James Lucente, who pioneered social media marketing strategies when most people still viewed platforms like YouTube and MySpace as mere distractions. James shares his remarkable journey from Connecticut recording studio owner working with l...

What gives your creativity purpose? In this deeply personal conversation, host Chris Keaton welcomes acclaimed Nashville hit songwriter Tommy Lee James to share wisdom from his decades-long career crafting songs for major artists. The two forge an immediate connection over their shared Roanoke Valley roots before diving into Tommy's fascinating journey from middle school songwriter to Nashvil...

Community-building through content creation takes center stage as three Roanoke locals share the fascinating origin story behind their popular Instagram series. Elliot Broyles, John Park (aka Hungry Asian), and Zach Jackson have captured the attention of food and drink enthusiasts with their authentic approach to showcasing local establishments through "Hey Bartender, Whatcha Drinking?"...

Join us for an engaging exploration of storytelling through the eyes of creative professionals! From unexpected beginnings to the challenges in the evolving media landscape, our host Chris Keaton connects personal anecdotes with valuable lessons from the creative journey. Here, you'll find humor and insight as Chris shares how simple decisions can lead to profound changes, like transitioning...

Ever had your phone calls ignored by a contractor? I sure have, and it drove me nuts until I met Danny from Danny's Handyman Service. In this episode, I share how this unexpected encounter not only restored my faith in reliable service but also led me to an unforgettable conversation with Daniel Torres. Daniel isn't your typical handyman. He took his modest service and transformed it int...

Ever had a love affair with canned beets or found humor in your own hair evolution? Join me, Chris Keaton, as I share some of my quirkiest stories and amusing encounters, including an unforgettable compliment from a stranger in Nashville. I'm thrilled to have my buddy Wes Mayers, a fellow car enthusiast and rock star manager, on the show. We stroll down memory lane, revisiting our first meeti...

Join me, Chris Keaton, as I take you on a whimsical journey through the glitz and glam of the Grammy Awards with a special guest, the incredibly talented producer, remixer, and DJ, Dave Audet. Ever wondered what happens when Ricky Skaggs dons an iconic red suit at the Grammys? Well, you’re in for a treat with that unforgettable story. Our conversation is filled with laughter and camaraderie as we...

Ever borrowed a car for an impromptu night adventure across the Canadian border, fueled by neck bones and drinks? Well, I have! Join me, Chris Keaton, on the Random Acts podcast for a rollicking episode filled with tales from my youth, quirky facts about myself (like my unusual fear of flying monkeys), and a spotlight on my special guest, Edgell Groves Jr. With Southern charm and a keen business s...

Imagine a simple typo on 10,000 CDs turning your name into a legendary inside joke! That's exactly what happened to me, Chris Keaton—or should I say "Chis Keaton"—and it gave birth to the #ImWithChiss t-shirts that are now a hit. Join me on this episode of Random Acts as I chat with my talented buddy, Cale Dodds, about all the quirky twists and turns in our creative journeys. Cale o...