The Sonny Melendrez Show

Some musicians play music… and some musicians create a sound. Augie Meyers did both. And if you've ever heard that unmistakable Vox organ, you know exactly what I mean. Every now and then, Texas gives the world a musician whose sound becomes part of our musical DNA. Augie Meyers was one of those rare artists. From San Antonio to stages around the world, his music helped define the sound of Texas r...

On the afternoon of July 31, 1978, members of one of the finest improv groups of all time—Andy Goldberg, Wendy Cutler, Wayne Powers, Paul Wilson, Susan Elliott, Tony Delia, and director Dee Marcus—walked into the KMPC Radio studios at 5858 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood to record bits for The Sonny Melendrez Show. That session captured lightning in a bottle.  This episode features rare recordings o...

Scott Carley is a transformative force in leadership, known as The Change Energizer for a reason—he empowers success-driven leaders to become Consecutive Champions, pushing their biggest goals across the finish line again and again. He is the author of Can I Trust You? In this episode: Sonny traces Scott's journey and the turning point that led him to become a highly sought after speaker. Scott an...

Robin Frederick is  a celebrated songwriter, author and children's television contributor. She is a former director of A&R and production for  Rhino Records and Executive Producer of over 60 albums. She has written and produced more than 500 songs for television, records, theater and more. Our connection goes back to the early days of the Disney Channel when I hosted Disney's premiere children's s...

Want to know the secret to lasting and fulfilling happiness? You've come to the right place! Sonny visits with Stan Peake,  executive coach, business consultant, speaker and author of 5 books, including "Lasting Happiness is an Inside Job," the title of his popular TEDx talk. In this episode, Stan shares: How to go from a traditional job to a life of entrepreneurship The big question people asked...

JD Gershbein is an expert on all things LinkedIn. His company, Owlish Communications provides LinkedIn branding and advisory services to executives, leaders and entrepreneurs around the world. Listen, as Sonny poses the most asked questions by LinkedIn users. In this episode, you'll learn: -The biggest mistake people make on LinkedIn How to navigate LinkedIn to your benefit Do you really need to u...

Listen as Sonny reaches into his radio archives to share one of his most treasured interviews with an American music icon: Bobby Vee. Their visit took place on Sonny's show at KMPC Radio in Los Angeles in 1974. Bobby shares his journey of being catapulted into the world of popular music and then looking back, a decade later, as he set out to reinvent himself. He was born Robert Velline in Fargo, N...

In the early 1980's my radio home was KMPC Radio in Los Angeles and it was my honor to lend my talents to the efforts of the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services. It was at one of the annual Christmas parties for foster children that I had the pleasure of interviewing some of the stars who had come out for the event. In this episode, you'll hear my conversation with these very sp...

For 18 Thanksgiving seasons, it has been my honor to serve as an MC for a compassionate and joyful event, sponsored by the generosity Lana Duke and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in San Antonio. Each year, up to 100 children from the Roy Maas Youth Alternatives, a facility that provides comprehensive residential care and counseling services for children who have suffered from physical or emotional trauma...

Daniel Gomez is an award-winning motivational keynote speaker, business coach, corporate trainer, and executive coach. He has over 20 years of experience in leadership development. He speaks at events around the world.  Gomez is also the author of the international best-selling book You Were Born to Fly. The book is designed to inspire people to be the leaders of their own destiny.  Gomez is a Joh...

To say that Stephanie and Susannah Scheller are extrodinary entrepreneurs is an understatement! Stephanie is CEO and founder of Grow Disrupt, a company that produces next-level personal growth events that support small business growth.  One of those events is the annual Grow Retreat, featuring world-class presenters. Susannah is the technology director on the team working closely with Stephanie to...

  Filmmaker - director, Andrew Gonzales shares his inspiring story with Sonny, telling what it took to become an award-winning filmmaking professional. Andrew also talks about his exciting new project, "American Sons," slated to air on PBS in 2024. About Producer / Director – Andrew Gonzales Andrew Gonzales is a documentary filmmaker, director and commercial cinematographer. Andrew's lens is usual...

'S not every day that you get to dig deep into a little or never talked about subject: boogers. Children's author, Paula Schechter , has come up with a fun way to teach your little ones good nose manners by creating The Snot Monster! Don't be surprised, if after listening to this episode, you might discover your own Snot Monster.  And, in case you don't know how to make a tissue dance, ask your 5-...

Mateo Lopez began his professional career at age 4, earning him a designation in the Guinness Book of World Records as the World's Youngest Mariachi. After a chance meeting in San Antonio, Sonny was so inspired by his talent and story that he invited him to be a special guest and tell his story on the show. At age 8, Mateo has a clear vision of his entertainment roadmap, using his gift to lift spi...

When multi-talented CJ Emmons left Houston for the West Coast to follow his dream at age 18, he had no idea of the adventure that awaited him. CJ shares his amazing journey with Sonny, filled with serendipitous opportunities, including landing a dream job as a Principle Singer on ABC TV's "Dancing with the Stars." You'll learn why CJ has been turned down by America's Got Talent, American Idol and...

Grow Disrupt is the brainchild of super-entrepreneur, Stephanie Scheller . Stephanie helps businesses approach business differently (from mindset to implementation) in order to not just survive, but also thrive, working with businesses around the globe to help them flourish. One of the ways Grow Disrupt keeps members focused on what is important is to organize major mental breaks from their busine...

Izabela Lundberg has a rare combination of experience, education, and talent. Her energy, passion and engaging storytelling ability is nothing short of transformative. In this fascinating episode, Izabela walks us through a childhood filled with curiosity and a gift given by her grandmother that has led to a life of philanthropy and leadership. If you've needed a nudge to finding and delivering yo...

In this episode, Sonny reconnects with Pat Vegas, who, along with his brother Lolly began a musical journey that took them around the globe as the internationally acclaimed band, Redbone. Pat describes the night the band was discovered while playing at Gazzarri's on the Sunset Strip. You'll hear how a Pat and Sonny met, as a result of a unique national radio contest that centered around Redbone's...

Steve O'brien is a professional voiceover artist, whose work has been heard on countless national commercials, narrations, audio books, station imaging, and more. He is the host of the Voice Over Hustle Podcast and his introduction to working behind a microphone came from many years spent in radio.  During that time, he began doing freelance voice work. Over time, Steve's voice over business grew...

Lou Diamond is an energetic, humorous and inspirational speaker, business development strategist and performance mentor. For over 25 years he has delivered winning tactics that have increased results of leading performers from companies all over the world.  He is the CEO of THRIVE, a company focused on helping brands become even more amazing through the power of connecting.  Connect with Lou at Th...

Dion Flynn is a writer, speaker, improvisor, comedian, actor, and army veteran. You may have seen one of his over 100 appearances on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon."  Listen as Dion and Sonny talk improv, comedy, voice artistry and how to apply "The Improvisor's Mindset" to your daily life. Dion also reveals how he developed his most famous character impression of Obama for The Tonight Sh...

Katie Chonacas is a globally outstanding Greek-American actress with over two decades of experience in the Hollywood entertainment industry. She began her career as a classically trained actor, model, poet, producer, painter, and philanthropist at an early age. After dominating in modeling, appearing on television, and working with famous stars in cinema. Katie opted to pursue her love of music an...

Laura Wellington shares her life changing experiences and how she weathered the most difficult time of her life. Laura's joy comes shining through and I know you will be inspired by her strength, determination and love of life! Laura is a TEDx speaker, a successful media and technology entrepreneur, award-winning television creator, best-selling author of "Be Careful What You Wish For," a major me...

In her second appearance on the show, Stephanie Scheller shares her 5 year adventure, from leaving a high-paying job to growing one of the most successful small business retreat in the country. Not matter the size of your dream, Stephanie's courageous story is bound to inspire you to visualize, grow and disrupt! Stephanie also delivers a powerful business connection she learned from her violin.

I am beyond excited to have Joe Serio as my first guest of Season 3! Joe is a most entertaining motivational leadership conference speaker. We met at a National Speakers Association event in Austin and the more I learned about his impressive background, more intrigued I became. I invite you to eavesdrop on a conversation between two relentless optimists.  As a child, Joe felt like nothing he dream...