Mon, Apr 5, 2021
Cyclical in nature, personal growth has a direct impact on professional growth and visa versa. Seeds are planted, growth blossoms, and new life breeds new possibilities. Vinnie Potestivo, Multimedia Advisor, Celebrity Brand Executive, and the founder of Vinnie Potestivo Entertainment, inc. has a growth-oriented mindset that is sure to impress, inspire, and impact.
Mon, Apr 5, 2021
What do Star Wars' Obi Wan Kenobi, Matrix's Neo, and The Good Doctor Dave Montgomery have in common? They believe in the force that is already within themselves, and each of us. Empowerment is the seed from which this beautiful conversation between Barbara Barna Abel and Dr. Dave Montgomery sprouted. Listen in as they discuss the physics of empowerment, uncovering the power within, and Dr. Dave's journey to becoming a cardiologist and on-screen presence.
Mon, Apr 12, 2021
Becoming known is not just about being visible in the public eye, it's also about enhancing your quantity and quality of giving. Can you imagine your reach if you stood - deeply rooted, connected, and unapologetically - putting yourself out there with an unwavering belief that your audience is craving more of what you have to offer? Candis Hickman can. She believes you are someone worth knowing.
Mon, May 3, 2021
"No one ever failed in Hollywood, they just quit too soon." -Anonymous Strengthen your RESILIENCE muscle, with Changeologist and Executive Coach, Alan Ibbotson, here in Camera Ready and Abel. Alan is the Founder of The Trampoline Group, and the host of the Wisdom You Didn't Ask For series. Aside from 80's Brit pop, his passion has always been the development of people and the ignition of vibrant, engaged work cultures.
Mon, May 10, 2021
Access to ideas and information is one of the core reasons I launched Camera Ready and Abel and why I was incredibly excited to jump into the topic of Access with Nora Ali - CEO and Co-Founder of a new media venture that is driven in part by the mission to provide access to spaces, people and information to help break barriers to personal and professional opportunities.
Mon, May 17, 2021
Talent might get you in the door but it's MASTERY that will keep you in the game - and this takes discipline and dedication. Command authority in your field and step into your zone of genius with Brand Strategist, Phil Pallen. Phil joins me, Barbara Barna Abel, we will discuss the secret sauce to success, MASTERY. Mastery is about focused work and commitment to strengthening your skillset, so you can move away from being a generalist (stuck in the messy middle) and own that you are the expert in the room and make an impact.
Mon, May 24, 2021
Mercury is the planet of communication - and completely misunderstood. Unlocking the power of Mercury and mastering your communication style could be the keys to your success. Chances are you are well aware of Mercury Retrograde - when the planet appears to orbit backwards and all sorts of miscommunication and tech chaos looms (honestly, sometimes I feel like I live in my own private Mercury Retrograde) but my guest Leslie McGuirk is here to clear the air and provide a more complete and compassionate depiction of Mercury's powerful and positive role in your daily life.
Mon, May 31, 2021
Appearing on-camera is vulnerable. So is living in the digital age if you've got an email address, website and social presence. I turned to Dr. J Michael Skiba - host of Dr. Fraud TV and one of the world's leading experts in International Financial Crime and Cyber Security - to understand the practical, tactical and emotional components of security in the media space.
Mon, Jun 14, 2021
But what do I do with my hands? maybe the question I get asked most when media training clients. What you're really asking is what do I do with my body? Your non-verbual cues account for more than 50% of how someone perceives what you are trying to communicate to them. It's what isn't said but seen that's most impactful. Which is why I invited internationally recognized body language expert and TV personality, Blanca Cobb, to go deep on this essential element of Camera Readiness. She busts some common misconceptions and offers ways to connect with others through body language that is sure to get you results.
Mon, Jun 21, 2021
Big leaps, small steps, and navigating the messy middle are all part of the process when it comes to any life transition. How do you know when you are succeeding at what you set out to do, especially when it takes a heck of a long time to get there? Modern classical and film composer, Kerry Muzzey - who has one of the most inspiring career pivot stories ever - helps me look at the measuring stick that is DEFINING SUCCESS.
Mon, Jul 5, 2021
Say it with me, calendars are sexy. This essential tool is built right into your phone - and is a useful catalyst for FOCUS. With everything that is competing for your energy and attention it's easy to lose focus - the subject of Camera Ready and Abel with Rob Barnett, the author of Next Job, Best Job. Rob explains how FOCUS is vital to all job seekers, how NOT to work with a**holes (amen), and other strategies to land the job you want.
Mon, Jul 12, 2021
If you're a creative, solopreneur or dreamer of big dreams it's not uncommon to feel lost in the forest from time to time as you forge your path. Sometimes you don't know where to begin or what the next best steps are, regardless if you are beginning your career, changing careers or happily growing in your current career. That's why everyone needs a MENTOR - whether virtual or in real life - and my guest literally wrote the book on mentoring, Leave Your Mark.
Mon, Jul 26, 2021
I love COLOR. It is a powerful communication tool. Color is an exterior representation that evokes emotion, conveys a message, and affects your mood. It can also help you stand out OR it can wash you out, which is why I invited Hollywood's Guru of Hue, Jill Kirsh, to provide color coaching so you can clarify your message in style.
Mon, Aug 2, 2021
I am naturally optimistic. In fact, my ability to see opportunity and look at the bright side of things is a super power that has served me well in a lot of ways. But...there's a shadow side to being overly positive. Honestly, it's one more example of The Shoulds and you've likely experienced this if you've ever had your feelings discounted and dismissed by someone else's need to put a positive spin on things. Expressing only positive emotions can take a toll, especially during times of real crisis, creating anxiety and other health issues.
Mon, Aug 16, 2021
The CARE you demonstrate in your day-to-day life can have an enormous impact on those around you. It sends a message of value, worth, and appreciation for someone or something- and the world can use as much of those good vibes as possible. My guest is Director and activist, Sian-Pierre Regis, who brought the things he cares deeply for to life in his debut feature documentary, Duty Free.
Sat, Jan 23, 2021
"To heal is to touch with love that which we previously touched with fear." -Stephen Levine. The news cycle has been especially difficult lately. I know I've been struggling, feeling a lot of sorrow and helplessness, which is why it's timely that my guest is of Camera Ready and Abel is Intuitive Coach and Spiritual Consultant, Seth Eliot Santoro - and his spiritual guides. Seth is on a mission to inspire everyone on the planet to HEAL, reclaim their happiness, and to live a more enthusiastic, energetic, and purposeful lifestyle and generously shares tools with me that you can use today.
Mon, Aug 30, 2021
Your voice is one of your greatest assets and instrumental to your success. And, in case you haven't noticed, "we are living in a voice-first world", award-winning voice actor and voiceover artist, Maria Pendolino, (who is also the voice of my audio book, How to Get Your Foot in the Door: Television Hosting and Presenting.)
Mon, Sep 6, 2021
HOPE is both a verb and a noun and I learned so much talking about hope with multi-platform storyteller and executive producer Danielle Gelfand. She knows from painful experience what it takes to persevere and hold on to HOPE even when the odds are stacked against her. Danielle is deep, insightful, vulnerable and very funny.
Mon, Sep 13, 2021
COMMUNITY is a feeling of fellowship with others whether virtual or in real life. It feels good to be in community. This is especially true for creatives who often work alone in highly competitive fields. My guest is a TV host, actress and entrepreneur Shay Holland, talks to me about how she built one of my favorites Facebook communities, Hosts in LA, from 50 members to an inclusive global group of 4000, because she knew she could create more opportunity and support together than alone. That includes fighting for equal pay, systemic racism in casting and welcoming diverse voices in the group.
Mon, Sep 20, 2021
You've likely seen this quote attributed to Charles Darwin: It is not the strongest of the species that survives nor the most intelligent. It is the one most adaptable to change. My guest, DeDe Brown, Senior Vice President of Multicultural Marketing and Publicity at Paramount Pictures, is both strong and highly intelligent but you want to settle in and listen to her deep and vulnerable insights about how being ADAPTABLE and nurturing that mindset has led her to career opportunities, personal growth and a richer life.
Mon, Sep 27, 2021
The good people at Merriam-Webster define RELATABLE as possible to understand, like, or have sympathy for because of similarities to oneself or one's own experiences. Being relatable is a critical, contemporary skill because if I can see myself in some aspect of you, your values or your situation, I am much more likely to pay attention to you and what you are saying.
Mon, Oct 4, 2021
Confidence is an inside job and believing in your enoughness is a forever journey but there are easy, actionable steps you can take every day in your confidence building. Joining me is makeup artist, content creator and beautypreneur Delina Medhin, who shares how important confidence was when she made the huge career pivot from corporate America to launching a beauty business with big impact.
Sat, Sep 11, 2021
Grab a wheelbarrow because you're going to need one to carry all the gems that my guest, Dave Noll. It will only take you a few seconds to feel this week's theme - POSITIVITY - in Dave's energy as he generously walks through the mindset, technique and practice that has made him a two-time Emmy award winning producer and show formats mastermind with over 60 TV shows (3300 episodes and counting) under his belt that have generated over $500 million in sales.
Mon, Oct 18, 2021
Are you on the fast track to burn out? In a culture of DO, DO, DO the reminder to also BE is critical to your wellness and overall success. Combat fatigue, limiting beliefs, and emotional blocks with a HOLISTIC approach. So where do you start? Right here. Joining me is award-winning holistic coach and TV journalist Hilary Russo.
Mon, Nov 1, 2021
It's a core human desire to be seen and I am thrilled to be joined by author, on-air host and truth-teller Nancy Redd to discuss the importance of REPRESENTATION. Nancy has been slaying taboos and normalizing stories that traditionally exist in the margins for as long as I have known her from her first book, BODY DRAMA, giving real answers about real bodies to real girls (and her follow up, DIET DRAMA), to her highly highly-acclaimed picture book BEDTIME BONNET to her newest picture book, The Real Santa, released in October and currently available everywhere.
Mon, Nov 15, 2021
As Heraclitus said 2500 years ago: The only constant is change. Duly noted, but...humans are creatures of habit and change is often scary. Fear and uncertainty go hand in hand. Joining me to discuss the importance and impact of CHANGE is actor, writer and musician, Matt Wells. In our conversation we discuss identity, the disappointment of missed opportunities, fighting the depression that often accompanies the disappointment and keeping a positive mental attitude to stay open to the opportunities coming to you.
Mon, Nov 22, 2021
Confidence is the fuel that drives us toward our ambitions, and calm eases the way. And when the two states combine, they form a magical and powerful combination. It is also nearly universal that everyone - even the most seasoned speakers - at some point feels pangs of anxiety before presenting. That is why I am over the moon to have Patricia Stark joining me to discuss Calmfidence® - the extraordinary and effective elixir of calm and confidence she created.
Mon, Nov 29, 2021
"Do The Work, Identify Your Intentions, Know Your Worth, Don't Be Tempted By Shiny and know that things are subject to change so REMAIN OPEN" - Bevy Smith. What do you get when you mix essential words of wisdom with unapologetic boldness and heart? You get a BEVELATION. Joining me is the divine Bevy Smith. Quintessential Harlem girl, Gracie Award winner, and life-long New Yorker, Bevy is the host of Sirius XM's "Bevelations" on Radio Andy and the author of "Bevelations: Lessons from a Mutha, Auntie, Bestie," where she generously lays out, step-by-step, how she successfully transitioned from a highly lucrative career as a fashion advertising executive to on-camera personality and media mogul, proving you can manifest your most bodacious dreams.
Mon, Dec 6, 2021
A barrier is an obstacle that prevents movement or access and we all encounter them from time to time on our career paths. My guest, Erin Ashley Simon, is a true trailblazer who has been making a significant impact in e-sports and media for years with a singular, hopeful vision. She joins me to generously discuss BREAKING BARRIERS.
Mon, Dec 20, 2021
When I sat down to speak with Rakia Reynolds - thought leader, tastemaker and gamechanger - about AUGMENTED REALITY, I had no idea how many ways I'd been using AR for years plus its infinite potential to enhance my business. I'm still processing all the ways Rakia opened my eyes and blew my mind during our conversation.
Mon, Dec 27, 2021
Imagine, if instead of striving to be perfect, you strived to be entertaining? My pal Sean De Simone returns to Camera Ready and Abel to tell us why perfect is boring and how ENTERTAINING will get you noticed. Sean is an expert in TV Host and Brand Spokesperson casting, having worked extensively with QVC and the Home Shopping Network as well as numerous beauty, fashion, home, cook, and fitness brands. He first joined the Camera Ready and Abel community as a guest on the April 2020 episode, "Authenticity is a process not Just a buzzword."
Mon, Jan 3, 2022
Gain insight from America's #1 gossip columnist, Rob Shuter, who shares what being fired has given him. Filmmaker, Sean Pierre Regis, flips the script when he ignites a movement that was born out of personal hardship when his mother Rebecca was faced with the reality of age-ism and financial insecurity among the elderly. Television producer Dave Noll, and filmmaker and musician, Matt Wells, respect the NO's they have received and believe they are just as important as the YES'.
Mon, Jan 17, 2022
Things take a long time to begin is but one of the brilliant takeaways with Beth Lapides exploring everything that goes into making a decision (even when we think we're avoiding them) from her new audio book, So You Need to Decide...a series of intimate conversations with a diverse group of comedians, writers, and cultural icons revolving around five universal experiences: family, work, love, moving, and spirituality.
Mon, Jan 24, 2022
Christina Daves, PR Strategist, is the best-selling author of, PR for Anyone(TM) - 100+ Affordable Ways to Easily Create Buzz for Your Business, and the #1 best-selling book, The DIY Guide to FREE Publicity that shares her journey of landing exposure for a product she invented, medical boot fashions.
Mon, Jan 31, 2022
Sir John is a dynamic force in the beauty and fashion industry, creating iconic looks with his signature use of color, luminance, and inclusive style. His magnetic presence and unique creative approach have allowed him to work with some of the world's most iconic women, including Beyoncé, Serena Williams, Mary J. Blige and Celine Dion to name but a few.
Mon, Feb 7, 2022
Looking and feeling your best are core principles of being camera-ready, I get schooled in the psychology of getting dressed, enclosed cognition and how it can make or break your audition, job interview or first date with mother-daughter duo Alison Bruhn and Delia Folk, co-founders of The Style That Binds Us.
Mon, Feb 28, 2022
One of the best parts of having my podcast is reconnecting with people I haven't spoken to in too long and I enjoy a long overdue chat about directing talent, building trust, leadership, communication, imposter syndrome and the unique thrill of directing live television with one of my favorite former colleagues from my VH1 days, Michael A. Simon.
Mon, Mar 7, 2022
Fact: Everyone can be creative. And yet...somewhere along the line many of us buy into the idea that we are not creative. This is dedicated to debunking that myth and our guide to reclaiming our creativity is Maria Brito, an award-winning New York City-based contemporary art advisor, author, host, creator, recovering corporate attorney and force of nature.