SWFL Fresh Press with Eric Raddatz

Eric Raddatz sits down with filmmakers Emma Watson and Eric Koenig to discuss their powerful new short film A Reason. With backgrounds spanning screenwriting, production, and collaborations with major studios like Netflix and Disney, this creative duo opens up about their shared vision, the art of co-directing, and bringing deeply personal truths to the screen. In this episode, Emma, Eric, and Eri...

Eric Raddatz sits down with Debra Markowitz—filmmaker, director, and founder of the Long Island International Film Expo—for an inspiring conversation about grassroots filmmaking and building a creative community from the ground up. Debra shares her unique journey from serving as a government film commissioner to becoming a prolific indie filmmaker with award-winning shorts. In this episode, Debra...

Eric Raddatz sits down with Felicia Greenfield—actress, producer, and self-described “actorvist”—for a powerful conversation about purpose-driven storytelling and using art as a force for change. Felicia shares her unconventional journey from working with MLB and the NHL to impactful roles in Homeland and House of Cards, and her latest film festival success, Friends Not Food. In this episode, Feli...

Eric Raddatz sits down with Kristin Weardon, personal development coach and podcast host, for an inspiring conversation about purpose, growth, and stepping into your full potential. Kristin shares her journey from being the face of SU Cosmetics to coaching individuals and entrepreneurs to achieve success in both business and life. In this episode, Kristin and Eric dive into how passion fuels perso...

Eric Raddatz sits down with Dustin Ward , an award-winning cinematographer whose impressive body of work includes Brownsville Bred and Princess Cut . In this episode, Dustin breaks down his creative approach to cinematography, the art of visual storytelling, and how he uses powerful imagery to bring stories to life on screen. A must-watch conversation for filmmakers, creatives, and film lovers ali...

Join Eric Raddatz for an inspiring and insightful conversation with Alyx Ruibal, an American actress and social media personality known for her engaging TikTok content and her role in the 2024 film Hellbent on Boogie. Alyx opens up about her journey to viral success on TikTok, using her platform to raise autism awareness, and portraying Quinn, a dancer with autism, in a powerful and meaningful fil...

Season 4, Episode 9 – Stephanie Ruiz: Crafting Stories, Culture & Cinematic Impact From a first-generation Latin American actress to an award-winning filmmaker, Stephanie Ruiz sits down with Eric Raddatz to share her remarkable rise through the world of film production. In this episode, Stephanie opens up about the path from working behind the scenes to creating powerful, culturally resonant n...

Kick off Season 5 with a funny, heartfelt deep-dive into the creative world of Jonah Bowen—comedian, writer, theater lover, and recent Emerson College graduate who’s already managing Stand Up NY in the heart of Times Square. In this episode, Jonah shares how Jim Henson’s legacy and a lifelong love of puppetry shaped his journey into live entertainment. From comedy stages to felt and foam inspirati...

📺 ON THIS EPISODE of The Eric Raddatz Show...
 🌟 Meet Charlie Gillette — award-winning filmmaker, writer, and creative force behind projects that push boundaries and amplify unheard voices. 🗣️ Join host Eric Raddatz and Charlie Gillette for a deeply engaging conversation about her evolution in the industry: from writing for MTV Skins to directing bold, experimental films exploring identity, cult...

Meet Ramon Pesante — Emmy-nominated director, Telly Award-winning filmmaker, and creative visionary. Join Eric Raddatz and Ramon Pesante for a deep, energizing conversation about storytelling, identity, and innovation in the world of film and branded content. From his powerful short film Playing Sam to shaping bold narratives for major brands, Ramon reveals how culture and creativity fuel his jour...

This week, Eric Raddatz sits down with acclaimed writer and director Victoria DeMartin for an insightful conversation about her path through the film industry and her commitment to storytelling that resonates. From her breakout project The Audition to her work on The Spy and The Red Sea Diving Resort, Victoria opens up about the challenges and triumphs of working behind the camera. Together, they...

In this heartfelt episode, Nashville singer-songwriter Kayley Bishop joins Eric Raddatz for an intimate conversation on music, meaning, and making it in the industry. Known for her soulful blend of rock, country, and storytelling, Kayley shares her journey from the national spotlight on The Voice to the deeply personal process behind her latest album, "Little Dove." Together with co-host...

In this powerful episode, Dr. William F. Hammond , a pioneer in environmental and marine sciences, joins Eric Raddatz to reflect on nearly seven decades of groundbreaking work in ecological policy, education, and sustainability. From shaping environmental frameworks to inspiring new generations of scientists, Dr. Hammond’s legacy is one of global impact and unwavering dedication to protecting our...

Actress, producer, and director Evgeniya Radilova sits down with Eric Raddatz to share her inspiring path from Law & Order to becoming a powerhouse in independent filmmaking. Known for her award-winning work with iDare Productions and the underground cult hit Lost Cos, Evgeniya opens up about building Evgeniya Entertainment, mentoring rising creatives, and using film as a vehicle for transform...

Michael Rossato-Bennett, director of the award-winning documentary Alive Inside , joins Eric Raddatz for a powerful conversation on the transformative impact of music and film. In this episode, we explore how music can awaken memory, heal emotional trauma, and reconnect us to what makes us human. Michael shares insights into his creative process and his mission to inspire change by spotlighting th...

Melanie Taylor, known as Muszette, blends electronic pop, rock, and soulful vocals. Featured in Queer Eye, Love Island, and Too Hot to Handle, her empowering anthems resonate with global audiences. We discuss her evolution, new EP Rare Form, and her rise in the music industry. It’s time for film talk with a twist! The Eric Raddatz Show brings you exclusive access to indie cinema’s best, featuring...

David Garrigus, award-winning filmmaker behind the PBS critically-acclaimed "Kitty Hawk: The Wright Brothers’ Journey of Invention," is taking his new feature film, The American Constitution, on a city-to-city roadshow tour for the next 20 months before its broadcast release on PBS stations. Because of his unusually long commitment to grassroots community exhibitions of his film and his advocacy f...

Heather Preston is a professional astronomer who has lived in Fort Myers since 2012. She has been Planetarium Director of the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers since September, 2014. She graduated from MIT with a Bachelor’s in Physics, from the University of Washington with a Master’s in Astronomy, and was hired out of her PhD program to become an Operations Astronomer for the H...

Jason Parrish is the Associate Artistic Director and an Ensemble Artist at Florida Repertory Theatre. Now in his 20th season with the company, Jason has acted in over 30 productions with Florida Rep and recently directed some of the company’s big musical productions like Hank Williams Lost Highway, Ring of Fire, the Buddy Holly Story, Million Dollar Quartet, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murde...

SWFL Produce is  a co–op that works closely with different farms, which means variety for our members. Owner Elizabeth is always looking for different, and unique produce to keep this program exciting. THEY PROVIDE  pickup locations and home delivery. . Located in Punta Gorda, Swfl Produce is a Local family- women operated Farm and Co Op. Owner Elizabeth  believes in a culture that is committed to...

Keith Wallace is a versatile actor, model, and CEO of Wallace Entertainment with over 20 years in the industry. He's starred in indie films like "One Evening" and "Mondays Suck," and gained fame with roles in "Avengers Endgame" and Disney+'s "Loki." Keith also excels in national commercials for brands like Walmart and Dunkin Donuts and has worked wit...

Stacey Cook is the CEO of SalusCare, the largest behavioral health organization in Southwest Florida. Serving 16,000 children and adults annually, she is a dedicated leader in the field. Stacey is a licensed clinical social worker and the author of the book Beyond Words. www.saluscareflorida.org Call 239-275-3222 for help or 911 with an emergency! Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festiv...

Caryn Clark has been a voiceover talent for nearly 20 years, focusing on commercial work, with clients like iHeart Radio, Toto Washlet bidet, Trojan Condoms, Disney/American Red Cross, and Laura Mercier. Before this, she was a writer and marketing consultant in the financial industry, with her first notable voiceover work for Hannah Montana products. Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Fes...

Dr. William F. Hammond, Ph. D., has distinguished himself over a storied career spanning 68 years as an educator, with significant contributions in both academia and environmental consulting. As the Founder and President of Natural Context Consultants and a retired Professor Emeritus from Florida Gulf Coast University, where he served for 26 years, Dr. Hammond's impact on ecological and marine...

Nya Chambless, a native of Sarasota, Florida, discovered her passion for acting at age 2 after seeing "Annie" on stage. Her theatrical debut came in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" at Player's Theatre. Since then, Nya has built an impressive portfolio spanning indie films, commercials, and stage productions. Notable performances include Penelope in “Ruby” at WBTT, Ivonka in &quot...