EXCLUSIVE: Model Edouard Lake discusses his journey on #ConversationsLIVE

Conversations LIVE host Cyrus Webb welcomes model Edouard Lake in his first-ever radio interview to discuss his journey in the industry what inspires him and what he looks forward to accomplishing.

Stay connected with Edouard on Instagram on http://www.instagram.com/alphamodel_bratt and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lil3azi3. 

Truth Be Told, Super Producer Will Packer Is A Force to Be Reckoned With

by Cyrus Webb

Will Packer has worked with some of the brightest stars in Hollywood, and in the process has made a name for himself as one of the "go-to" guys for quality projects that break stereotypes and records. With a string of  #1 movies and now a highly anticipated television show on NBC called TRUTH BE TOLD, he continues to show why he is one of the best in the business. "This is a challenging industry," he told me during our interview for Conversations this year. "It's tough to get into, and tough to maintain a level of success once you are in. It's a lot of hard work."

The hard work has been paying off big for Packer so that critics and movie goers alike have responded favorably to his work on the screen. He says the response is a "true validation" for his dedication to the craft. "That's the kind of validation you hope for when you are working those long hours. You hope for that kind of validation, so it feels good when you get it."

When discussing how he has been able to make his mark in Hollywood but not been changed by the industry Packer says the key is that he makes time to "get out of the Hollywood bubble" and visit his home in Atlanta. By doing this he is also showing that you can work in Hollywood and not have to become 'Hollywood' in order to "make it."

Packer also makes the time to give back as much as possible, paying it forward for the next generation. "I take the opportunity to try to work with others who have shown that they have what it takes," he says. "You can't help everybody, but you can lead by example. I try to set an example of what it takes to be successful in this industry." For him the ingredients include "hard work, having good people around you and having a lot of faith."

His advice for anyone who wants to be successful in whatever they are doing? "You never know where you are going to end up. Whatever you are doing give it 110%. You can't just decide one day to start being great. You have to give 110% everyday, even if it's a job that you don't particularly love. When the opportunity arises you got to be ready for it. You have to be used to always working hard."

Watch the new show TRUTH BE TOLD (starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Mitch and Tone Bell as Russell) Friday nights on NBC @ 8:30p.m. et/7:30p.m. ct, and tweet using the hashtag #TruthBeTold and the twitter handle @NBCTruthBeTold.

Stay connected with Will on Twitter at www.twitter.com/willpowerpacker, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Will-Packer/174101652749851 and through his website at www.willpackerprods.com.

International Bestselling Author David Baldacci talks w/ Cyrus Webb

After being a fan of his for over a decade, Conversations LIVE radio show host Cyrus Webb got a chance on Tues. September 8, 2015 to interview international bestselling author David Baldacci!

The two discuss not just his literary journey but the great lessons in his new book THE KEEPER, Baldacci's commitment to literacy and how his series for younger readers has great messages for us all.

Listen to the conversation here: http://www.spreaker.com/user/cyruswebbpresents/bestselling-author-david-baldacci-on-con 

(Sat. Aug. 22) Cyrus Webb hosts showing of new program Cyrus Webb Presents in Pearl, MS

Media Personality and author Cyrus Webb hosts a sneak preview of his new show Cyrus Webb Presents on Saturday, August 22, 2015 @ 1p.m. at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) in the large meeting room.

"It's been great traveling across the country this year taping interviews with individuals who are great examples of not just identifying their gifts but sharing them with the world," says Webb, 40. A native of Brandon, Mississippi he began taping of Cyrus Webb Presents in Rankin County but traveled to New Orleans, New York and Georgia to sit down with movers and shakers who were living their dreams.

During the sneak peak those in attendance will see the first 2 episodes of Cyrus Webb Presents which features Mississippi's own Glenda L. Hunter, Stephanie Mitchell, Hollywood Luck and Jennifer Waggoner as well as interviews with international stars Jackie Collins and Michael Buble (taped in New York) and singer/actress Chandra Currelley (Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family/ Diary of a Mad Black Woman/For Better Or Worse) who was taped in Atlanta. Beginning Sun. Aug. 30th Cyrus Webb Presents will be airing weekly online at www.cyruswebbpresentstv.com on Youtube. 

Admission is free and refreshments will be served courtesy of Appetizers Restaurant and Shadow Play Entertainment.

For more information contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or call 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.cyruswebbpresents.com. 

Interviews with the cast of BLACK COFFEE

Media personality Cyrus Webb's interviews with cast members Darrin Dewitt Henson, Erica Hubbard and Gabrielle Dennis.

In BLACK COFFEE Henson plays Robert, a man who picked the wrong time to meet his soul mate! After being fired from his own father’s company, he feels like his luck has run out – until Morgan (played Dennis) enters into his life. Just as things start to heat up between them, trouble brews as Morgan’s ex-husband played by Lamman Rucker) vows to get her back and Robert’s gold-digging ex-girlfriend (played by Hubbard) returns with an agenda of her own.

Links to interviews are below:

1 on 1 with actress Gabrielle Dennis: http://www.examiner.com/article/cyrus-webb-presents-1-on-1-with-actress-gabrielle-dennis

1 on 1 with actor Darrin Dewitt Henson: http://www.examiner.com/article/black-coffee-star-darrin-dewitt-henson-shares-what-keeps-him-motivated-life

1 on 1 with actress Erica Hubbard: http://www.examiner.com/article/actress-erica-hubbard-bringing-flavor-to-hollywood-with-every-role

Media Personality From Rankin County, Mississippi Heads to New York For Special Events

After hosting the popular radio show Conversations LIVE for over a decade, host and Rankin County, Mississippi native Cyrus Webb is enjoying not just amazing success with the program but incredible opportunities.

As he is gearing up for the release of his web-series Cyrus Webb Presents in August, the 39 year old is about to embark on a game-changing visit to New York June 14-18, culminating with lunch and an exclusive one-on-one interview with New York Times Bestselling author Jackie Collins and dinner with musical legend Dionne Warwick the same day.

“This is going to be a great opportunity to meet face-to-face some of the guests I have gotten to know simply over the radio waves and telephone,” says Webb. He will meet with both Collins and Warwick on Wed. June 17th during separate events.

What is Cyrus Webb Presents? Webb explains this way: “I see the program as the next step in sharing the work I am doing with the world.” Currently the radio show has over 1 million listeners online and is back on the radio dial in MS on WYAD 94.1 FM weeknights. Webb is also the Editor-In-Chief of Conversations Magazine which has thousands of readers online.

Cyrus Webb Presents will take the conversations Webb has been able to bring to the radio waves and feature in the pages of the magazine to a larger audience through Youtube. “It’s going to be great to meet some of the individuals I have been able to interview over the years,” says Webb.

Outside of the interviews with Ms. Collins and Mr. Warwick, Webb will be interviewing Mississippi’s own authors Stephanie Mitchell and Glenda L. Hunter, columnist Jennifer Waggoner and recording artist Hollywood Luck for the web-series.

To find out more about Cyrus Webb Presents visit www.cyruswebbpresents.com. You can also contact Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

(Sat. May 30, 3015) Art, Books & Beats @ the Pearl Public Library (Pearl, MS)

Join artist/author Cyrus Webb, authors Stephanie Mitchell & Glenda L. Hunter and author/recording artist Darlene Collier (aka Lady Black) for ART, BOOKS & BEATS.

This will take place on Sat. May 30th from 1-3p.m. at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS). Webb will have artwork available from his ALL THINGS NEW collection as well as his books WORDS I CHOOSE TO LIVE BY, A.J. AND THE TALENT SHOW, AUBREY'S WORLD and others. Author Stephanie Mitchell will be signing her book BELLA'S DANCING LESSON,author Glenda L. Hunter will be signing her books including AN UNSPEAKABLE SECRET, OUT OF THE DEPTHS & IT FINALLY HAPPENED and Darlene Collier will be performing selections from her debut album MY MISSISSIPPI MEMORIES.

Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served. For every $10 purchase attendees will get a FREE GIFT while they last.

For more information contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or at 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.cyruswebbpresents.com.

Cyrus Webb Presents... "Branden Nicholson's '31 Days of Inspiration'"

Conversations Media Group President Cyrus Webb is excited to share daily words of encouragement from celebrity model/fitness trainer Branden Nicholson of B. Nick Fitness in California. The purpose? To encourage the reader to be the best of themselves each and every day.

"We have enough negativity in the world," says Webb. "I'm glad to share Branden's motivating quotes to help spread some positivity."

Take out time to visit our website each day to find a daily dose of motivation and visit Branden online at www.facebook.com/b.nickfit

Day One:  New day, new attitude...Take control, stay positive and be great!
Day Two:   The reason why people give up so fast is because they tend to look at how far they still have to go, instead of how far they have come.
Day Three:  If you're not growing, then you're not living. You should never be the same person two days in a row. Make it your goal to get better!
Day Four: When you are going through something hard and wonder where GOD is, remember that the teacher is always quiet during the test.
Day Five: Don't give up on what God has called you to do. The end result is worth the pain. Keep the faith.
Day Six: Today is all about choices. Choose to count your blessings rather than your problems!
Day Seven: You may be the only one that can see your vision, but if you can see it that's all that matters.
Day Eight: Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
Day Nine: The same people that are hoping you fail will be the same ones that will have to watch you succeed. Never stop. Always keep going!
Day Ten: The WRONG people in your life will keep the RIGHT people out. You've only got a few spaces so choose well!
Day Eleven: You are where God wants you to be at this very moment. Every experience is part of His divine plan.‪
Day Twelve: All liabilities must be let go! If they aren't building you up then they're tearing you down.
Day Thirteen: An original is always worth more than a copy. Be original!
Day Fourteen: When you focus on problems, you'll have more problems. When you focus on possibilities, you'll have more opportunities.
Day Fifteen: People who judge you by your past don't belong in your present.‪
Day Sixteen: Look around...Is this where you wanna be? If not, now is the time to decide to change it! The power lies in you.
Day Seventeen: Don't let your thoughts talk you out of the changes you want for yourself. Your body can do anything. It’s just your brain you have to convince! ‪
Day Eighteen: Get up & Go forward! Let go of the past so you'll have a free hand to open the door to your future!
Day Nineteen: They can copy you but they can't be you. Just keep being a better you and get a kick out of them trying to keep up.
Day Twenty: There are quick fixes for everything in life, but greatness is not achieved in one day. It is a process that each of us must experience.
Day Twenty-One: Don't let a bad day make you feel like you have a bad life.
Day Twenty-Two: You can't expect to live a positive life around negative people.
Day Twenty-Three: I Will NEVER lower MY standards, to RAISE someone else's!
Day Twenty-Four: Direct your thoughts today because your thoughts will direct your day.
Day Twenty-Five: ‪Temptation doesn't surrender. You have to come ready to fight everyday!
Day Twenty-Six: If you don't invest in yourself then your dreams will go bankrupt.
Day Twenty-Seven: Not everyone's opinion should be relevant in your life. Stop making irrelevant people relevant.
Day Twenty-Eight: Never let your,"mind"bully your body!
Day Twenty-Ninth: One day, you'll be just a memory for some people. Do your best to be a good one.
Day Thirty: Want to see your biggest opponent? Look in the mirror.
Day Thirty-One: Don't stress. Do your best. Forget the rest

Leeza Gibbons: Changing the World by Embracing the Power of Now

by Cyrus Webb

Over the years one of the greatest blessings I have received in my life is receiving the gift of today. It allows me to remember that although yesterday wasn't perfect my life is not over as long as I have breath in my body. Though it poses a great opportunity, what a waste it would be to use it repeating the mistakes and choices that we have already made.

One of the books that I read last year that really brought this point home was TAKE 2 by pop-culture icon Leeza Gibbons. Known for her contagious optimism and skills as a media personality, the book takes you into the makings of the woman she is today and allows the reader to see how where they are right now doesn't have to determine where they go.

It was my pleasure to have a conversation with her not just about the book but her own lessons learned along her incredible journey.

What has been the secret to her success? "I think in life we get exactly what we are willing to put up with," she told me. "If you don't respect yourself, then you can't expect anyone else to honor who you want to be in the world. We teach people how to treat us. You have to value who you are."

To this point she says in Take 2, "Surviving and even thriving through change depends on your ability to search out the good and work with what you have. How well you do that depends on how you view shifts in your life. (p.23)"

This reminds us that anything worth having is going to require some work on our part. "Whether you are trying to recreate your life or invent a new product you have to drop the dread and you have to banish the blame," says Leeza. In the book she refers to it as a form of rebooting. "That's the biggest option we have," she told me. "It comes down to thinking." She gave examples of individuals who were all great at their professions. "The one thing they all have in common is they know how to think. When you change the way you think everything else in your life will adapt."

What Leeza shared reminded me of what she wrote in Take 2 in the chapter Ask Yourself: Are You Worth It? The section was called "Who Do You Think You Are?, and she began it with this profound statement: "How we see ourselves is exactly who we'll become." This has a great deal to do with the story we tell ourselves about ourselves.

"You do have to have a real sense of who you are and a real foundation," Leeza said to me. "You have to run your own race and don't worry about what others are doing." She then shared something that I hadn't thought about before, having a mission statement for your life. "Take some time to really write down what you want and who you are," she urged. "We do it in business, and we should do the same for ourselves." Our mission statement should include how you interact with the world and how you want the world to see you. By doing this Leeza says we will then know who you are and where your lines in the sand are."

It's obvious that someone like Leeza is setting an example for men and women alike when it comes to the course she is on. I asked her what it was like to know that she was an inspiration to others. "I think that when we are of service then we really do feel productive and proud," she answered. It was then that she shared that she went back and forth about writing Take 2 and if she really had something to say that others would be able to glean from. "I finally got to the place where I said how I am received is not my work. My work is to embrace it and put it out there." It is that realization that has not just made the book a reality but put its message out in the world for others to take in.

Writing Take 2 wasn't about saying everything for her was perfect. It was more about showing a path and focusing on a way to a better way of looking at life. "Where we put our intention and attention is where things go," Leeza says. "Where focus goes energy flows." This is important to keep in mind even when we make mistakes. "If you never fail then you're not taking enough risks in your life. All successes are built on failures." Leeza says we cheat ourselves by not starting anything simply because of the fear of failure. For her it is better to try and fail and then build on that failure moving forward.

A great deal of what has helped Leeza in moving forward is the realization that she is not the source of all the answers. In the chapter Let Your Spirit Soar she discusses prayer and it's role in her life. "Anytime I need to feel connection and to recognize that there a greater power at play in my life, I pray. Often I ask for strength and wisdom and to have an open mind to recognize God's messages to me. I think so often we pray for something, but we don't like the response, so we deny it. I pray that I will accept the reply and recognize that no is an answer, too. (p.174)"

"Perspective is a beautiful thing," Leeza said as we wrapped up our time together. "It's about learning to be in gracious acceptance. Real strength comes from knowing your limits.  Be quiet and allow answers to come in." This definitely requires a bit of faith on our part. "We can only know so much," she says. "People who are happy don't see the top of the staircase, but they keep climbing anyway."

As Leeza relays in the book "This is your moment... Don't wait for some far-off time when the alarm will ring and you'll suddenly know to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight." All of us can begin walking towards that spotlight right now. It all begins with the choice to do so.

TAKE 2 is available right now in print,electronic form and as a audiobook on Amazon. Make sure to look for Leeza on the new season of Celebrity Apprentice that will premiere on Sunday, Jan. 4 from 9-11p.m. ET/PT before settling in its regular time slot, Monday at 8-10 p.m.et.

You can stay in touch with Leeza at her website www.leezagibbons.com and through social media at www.facebook.com/officialleezagibbons and www.twitter.com/leezagibbons.

Veteran Actor William Shockley: Finding Success By Following His Passion

by Cyrus Webb

He's a man that for over twenty years has made his mark on the entertainment industry as an actor, writer and producer. William Shockley has allowed his passion for the craft to guide him, and the result has been not just personal satisfaction but a worldwide following of his work

Many got to know him through a variety of roles including the hit show DR. QUINN: Medicine Woman, but it's obvious that he is so much more than just a one-note. As he has shown in 2014 alone he is able to slip into the skin of a variety of characters on television and in movies---and loving every moment of it.

"It's a blessing," he told me during our recent conversation about his career and the year that has been 2014. "It's really great to be able to do what you love and make a couple of dollars along the way. You put your nose to the grindstone, work real hard and sometimes you get lucky."

It's obvious that what he has achieved is about more than just luck, and he admits as much when he adds: "A lot of hard work goes into being an independent producer of films. There's a little bit of glory and a lot of hard work. We've had a great run, and the run is going into 2015. I have a lot to be thankful for."

This year has seen William not just filming movies but being a part of an episode of the successful television show NCIS. No matter whether you go back to his appearances in RoboCop, Good & Evil or his Dr. Quinn days, he definitely has not been type-casted. "I don't think it hurts anybody that's an actor to be willing to 'act'," he told me. "I love character acting. I love assuming different identities, different people, different walks of life. That's part of the thrill for me. I equate it to going undercover. Perhaps that's part of the thing that keep myself interested and the people who are nice enough to watch the tv shows and the movies."

William told me that the courage to go after his dreams is something that has been with him since he can remember. "I grew up with the belief system that if you work real hard and stay dedicated and keep focused you have a shot at being successful," he says. "Nothing's easy or for free. You have to pick something and never waver."

The next project he is looking forward to releasing is the the movie BORN WILD, which is set to be released in mid. December. Part of the way he and others associated with the product have been promoting the film is through social media.

Asking him about the way that the power of social media has grown I wondered what it's been like to have that tool at his disposal. "Social media is here," he told me. "This is the world we live in. I think it's remarkable what social media provides and the people you can touch. It's something else to have people who care about you and what you do. I like to interact and appreciate it."

Talking about BORN WILD, William says "it's so near and dear to my heart." Why? "It's a story I've been wanting to tell for a long time. It's about family, lost love, lost time, heartache and then mending the wrongs that were done. It's a very heartfelt movie."

For those who pre-order an autographed copy of the BORN WILD DVD at www.bornwildmovie.com they are entered into a sweepstakes with a chance to win some amazing prizes. The deadline to enter the contest is Mon. December 8th. The film will be released on DVD and VOD (Video on Demand) Tues. December 16th.

What advice does William share for those looking to break into acting or some other profession? "Have your dream and never lose your focus and your laser vision," he says. "Don't let anyone talk you out of your dream. It's not a part-time gig. It's a full-time pursuit."

Stay connected with William through his website at www.williamshockley.com and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/willshockley.

*Photo credit: Tiiu Loigu

REVIEW: Jerry Lee Lewis: His Own Story by Rick Bragg

by Cyrus Webb

When you reach a certain comfort level with someone you are willing to tell them things you wouldn't share with just anyone. That's because you wouldn't let your guard down to someone you weren't sure had your best interest at heart.

In JERRY LEE LEWIS: His Own Story Pulitzer Prize winning author Rick Bragg definitely had the trust of Mr. Lewis because he allowed him to see and the very essence of who he is not just as an entertainer but a man---and we as readers are all better off because of it.

Lewis once told Bragg that he "had been lucky at everything, except life", but I think once you begin this book you will see that blessed more aptly describes the live that Lewis has lived, and it began at an early on. You see, Lewis knew that he had been given something special when it came to music. In the book we learn that while the world was experiencing war, Lewis realized that "his own world was just too small". He had to make a move, and by 1943 music was really his everything.

He started to actually visual success, though he didn't call it that or even know it to be that, and he shared those thoughts with one of the women that would later become his girl. There was so much I learned about Lewis in this book that I had never known. I never knew how his beginnings impacted the man he would grow to be. I never thought about the responsibility of being called the King by Elvis himself, and then living up to that. And then there was his private life that would become public, long before the 24-hour news cycle and the internet---and how he railed against it. Bragg writes this: "He really believed there were things in life that were the world's business and things that were his business, like the things that happened between a man and his wife. He believed it."

Experiences would teach him, however, that that was not the case. That no matter how much he achieved there would always be things that would create barriers that he would have to overcome---and he did overcome them, becoming wise and more seasoned along the way.

A true testament to what is possible captured by a writer that knows the possibilities of the human spirit, this book is sure to inspire you to keep on keeping on as long as you can.

JERRY LEE LEWIS: His Own Story is available now on Amazon. Get it for yourself here.

Check Out Entertainment Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Cyrus Webb Presents on BlogTalkRadio

Actress Nikki Soohoo puts a new face on the issue of immigration in ANNIE UNDOCUMENTED

by Cyrus Webb

"I love attacking my fears. It empowers you. It's your own mind that is keeping you from accomplishing something. Once you actually accomplish it you feel like you can take over the world." ~ actress Nikki Soohoo 

Neale Donald Walsch said that "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone," and for actress Nikki Soohoo this has proved true again and again in her career.

Many got to know the talented creative from the movies THE LOVELY BONES and BRING IT ON: Fight to the Finish.  No matter where you have seen her, however, her personality always seems to come through both in front of and outside of the camera.

In her newest project ANNIE UNDOCUMENTED that premiered online October 22nd we see Nikki pushing herself once more. It's a web series where she plays Annie, a teenager who discovers she’s not a legal American citizen. While so much has been said about the issue of immigration, Annie's character puts a face to the discussion, making the issue more real for all of us. (The series also stars Connor Well, Brianna Hildebrand, Bridger Zadina and Devyn Smith.)

It is roles like this that Nikki loves. She told me recently that this is one of the things she loves the most about being an actress. "You have a huge audience that is able to see you and get to know you and be a part of your life," she says. "I love being able to talk to my fans, connect with them and help them reach their full potential."

Before acting Nikki was a student of dance. It was in high school that she started acting and saw it as "another avenue of expression."

ANNIE UNDOCUMENTED draws you in from the very beginning, using technology to connect the character Annie with her friends and life, The series' first two episodes also chronicles how difficult it can be for those who live in fear of their secret coming out---and what those who love them are willing to do in order to help.

Once again this goes right in line with what Nikki told me she hopes she's able to do for her fans. "I love being able to inspire people to do something in their lives," she says. "I think anyone can do anything if they put their mind to it, work hard and believe in themselves."

Though she can't personally relate to the situation her character Annie finds herself in, Nikki brings the best of herself to the role, making you feel as though Annie's challenges are your own. Nikki says she gets that drive to do her best from her parents. "They told me growing up it doesn't matter what you do, just do it well. If you love it and put your heart into it you'll never fail."

Created by Daniel Hsia and Elaine Low, ANNIE UNDOCUMENTED is sure to become a conversation piece for individuals of all ages, especially young people who are seeing the debate over immigration play out in front of them--maybe even with someone that they know. (Watch the part one of the series below)



Stay connected with Nikki at www.nikkisoohoo.com, on Twitter at @NikkiSoohoo and on Facebook and Instagram under her name.

Soul Train Award Nominee Sebastian Mikael: Living the Dream, Enjoying the Moment

by Cyrus Webb

Whether we realize it or now we all have been given amazing gifts. The challenge for us is to do what it takes to see those gifts nurtured. For recording artist and musician Sebastian Mikael it's not so much about recognizing the gifts he's been given. He is using them to their full potential everyday and the world is responding to his talent in a big way.

Originally from Sweden, Sebastian made the decision that if he was going to be able to take his gift all the way he had to make a change. That change led him to America in 2008 and just 3 years later he released his first mixtape called J'Adore.

With his video single "Beautiful Life", which debuted in September 2011, Sebastian was able to showcase his lyrical ability and the ability to bring people in through words. At the time we were going to press that video had over 150k views on Youtube alone. "My lyrical content is not always about love, but what we go through and feel in life,” he says. “I like to put hope in my music. Stuff that makes you feel good musically and lyrically.”

Fast forward two more years and his single "Last Night" featuring Wale has become one of the biggest singles of 2013, with the Youtube video grabbing over 530k in its first 3 months. (Just this month it was announced that the single was nominated for Soul Train Music Award Best Independent R&B/Soul Performance . While he is enjoying it's success, Sebastian is not taking it for granted. "It's incredible to see how people are embracing the single. People are looking for something that's real, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share that with them. I've always been creative (painting,etc), but I think that doing music has always been a passion and something I enjoyed doing."

Now with the support of his label Slip-N-Slide he has taken to the road, sharing not just the music but the message that is his life: Nothing is impossible. "Whatever your passion is you have to do what it takes to pursue it," Sebastian told me. "It's definitely a blessing to be able to do this. All of the ups and downs that come in the industry...this is one of the amazing things about it. There's not a lot of people from Sweden coming here and doing what I'm able to do. Everything is possible. Nothing is impossible."

He's been spotted on BET, MTV, VH1 and Centric as well as visiting radio stations while he is on the road. This, coupled with the tour stops, has allowed individuals around the world to not just see his talent but to get a first-hand look at what it means to appreciate the gift.

Sebastian's message to his fans? "Thank you for the support. This couldn't be possible without you. I also want to tell you that when it comes to your own dreams it's a lot of hard work, and you have to really put in more than what's required. It's going to be worth it in the end. You just have to have faith and put in as much work as you can."

Listen to Sebastian's interview with Conversations LIVE at www.tinyurl.com/sebastianmikaelinterview. To stay abreast of all of Sebastian's upcoming projects visit his website www.sebastianmikael.com. You can also follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sebastianmikael.

(Photo Credit: Faye Nightingale Photography)

Cyrus Webb Presents... A Conversation with Actor Michael Rooker

by Cyrus Webb

Sometimes things just come together in such a way that you know it was just meant to be. For some it seems to be an accident or luck, but you know different. You know that where you have come from has led to this moment and that adds to the gratitude. I think this is the perfect description of the man that is Michael Rooker.

I had seen him in several movies over the years including Mississippi Burning, Replicant and one of my favorites Jumper. But it would be his role as Merle Dixon on the hit AMC show The Walking Dead that would introduce him to the world and a legion of loyal admirers.

How did this happen you might ask? The answer is simple. For almost 30 years Rooker has been tilling the ground, getting himself ready for that moment when he could show the world who he was and what he could do. That moment seems to have come.

In this frank conversation we touch on topics that not only give a glimpse of the world that Michael Rooker built but what we can do to make every moment count.

MICHAEL ROOKER ON THE WALKING DEAD:
"I am and have always been a fan of the show. I was there very early in the beginning of Season 1. I got into the show sort of a la carte, thinking I would do one or two episodes perhaps and then move on. I ended up doing a lot more. The rest is history. The whole journey is one I am very fortunate and blessed to have had because look at what's happened because of it."

MICHAEL ROOKER ON ACTING:
"I didn't know acting was going to be my thing, but I was always critical early on about what commercials I liked. I've been that guy that could pick out the phony situation. This sort of eventually through me into acting. I didn't get involved until junior college. I said to myself I know I'm good at acting. I began wondering if I could actually do what they do. I took a few classes and really enjoyed myself. 'Til this day I don't know if I was that great in the beginning, but i dug it. I honed my craft and got out and started working."

MICHAEL ROOKER ON BRINGING THE PASSION:
"This is what I do: I bring passion to roles. The authenticity I feel is picked up on by the people. "The authenticity and the passion are what I pride myself on. I try to find the truth and make it as real as possible for myself. If it feels real to me then my audience will believe it."

(NOTE: When talking about passion Michael brings up the talented cast that worked with him on The Walking Dead. "It's those sorts of experiences with other actors that make it all worth it," he says. "When I work with actors that stimulate, challenge and move your performance forward it's almost magical. I still call it our show. The actors bring it every time.")

MICHAEL ROOKER ON THE FANS:
"I'm amazed and appreciative for the fans. The love I've been showered with is phenomenal. There's not a lot I can say about that. Every time I think about it I saw 'Wow!' I've been in the business since 1982, and I have never experienced anything like this. It's really wild. I'm definitely amazed at it. Not completely used to it yet, but I don't know how you can get completely ever get used to it."

MICHAEL ROOKER ON PUSHING FORWARD:
"You can't give it up. You can always find a job to make money. The key is to be stubborn. I've always been stubborn, and it has paid off in aces. If this is really what you find joy in it's worth giving up a lot of other things for it. I work my butt off. You've just got to. My lines I know them backwards and forward. I don't try to memorize the lines. I'm concerned about what's underneath them and between them. Find what you love and just stick to it."

MICHAEL ROOKER ON THE MOMENT:
"I landed so many gigs from my first movie. What stood out was a 90 second scene, and that 90 seconds has gotten me at least a half dozen film projects. It got me started, almost like prime real estate. The lesson there is this: No matter what time you have make it count."

What a great piece of advice for all of us. No matter what the profession or how some might view the outcome, it's up to us to bring it each and every time.

Michael is still on the road, meeting fans and working on new projects. You can visit him online at www.michaelrookeronline.com. You can also stay in touch with him online through Twitter at www.twitter.com/michael_rooker.

Cyrus Webb Presents... A Conversation with Actor/Author IronE Singleton

by Cyrus Webb

Regardless of the challenge that we face or the difficulty before us we all have the opportunity to do something great with our lives. A great example of this comes from IronE Singleton. I haven't been able to stop talking about him and his book BLINDSIDED BY THE WALKING DEAD since I discovered it. After reading this conversation you'll see why.

For many who know the journey of IronE Singleton growing up you might have believed that nothing good could ever come his way. If you had bet against him, however, you would have lost big time. Today the Atlanta native has achieved his dream of being not just a working actor but one that has starred in some of the biggest television shows and movies of the past three years. Most notably he was the thug Alton alongside Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side and then in 2011 he brought to life the character T-Dog in the hit AMC show The Walking Dead. Both experiences shaped him in ways you wouldn't imagine, and he has chronicled his experiences in his memoir BLINDSIDED BY THE WALKING DEAD. It's a book that I was so impressed with that I made it one of my Top 50 Non-Fiction reads of 2013.

In the book we read that IronE knew he wanted to head to Hollywood and be known, but he could have never imagined the journey over the past few years. "I  didn't know when it was going to happen," he told me during our interview. "I just knew it was going to happen. Now that I'm living it, it's a little surreal."

Ironically, though we look at the character T-Dog as a zombie fighting machine in The Walking Dead, IronE says that he learned quite a bit about himself from the character. "The fact that T-Dog came together with so many different people to help one another, to survive....that is ultimately what it's like on this earth," he explained. "We're supposed to be looking out for each other. We can't just make it alone. We are all one. We come from the same source. That is what I realized when I was playing the character.  It's a lot bigger than the walking dead. It's more than just a tv show. It's an extreme form of reality, but it is something that people could really relate to and take their minds off of their real life situations and enjoy."

Along with his own journey IronE's book takes us into the underbelly of his community, a world that would eventually claim many of his friends and even his own mother. I asked if it was difficult to share so much of his truth that way with the world. "It wasn't difficult to share at all," he told me. "I think I needed to share it all in order to cleanse myself in order for my rebirth to take place. I had skeletons that I was dealing with. In order for me to become the person I am today I had to share with the rest of humanity." Instead of regret, IronE experienced a release. "When I did let it out things seem to flow more easily in the universe.

"My mother was a crack addict and alcoholic and died from HIV complications. Just seeing what that life (doing drugs) could do to a person told me that I didn't want to go down that road." He became strengthened in his resolve to change things around. "I was determined to never do drugs and once I had a family I talked with them about the dangers of that life. It's a hard thing to make a change," he told me. "It's a lot easier to just say you will never go down that path. It's a road of nightmares, one that's very difficult to come back from."

Ironically it was acting that also caused IronE to examine the way he was treating himself and women as well. While filming a project called Secrets which dealt with a character that was HIV positive, he says he began to do a self-evaluation. "It took me back to growing up in the inner city," he explained. "My big fear was thinking of all the women I had slept with, some of them unprotected. I started to reflect on all that I had done in my life. During the filming of the movie he was tested for HIV. When it came back negative he saw it as a message from God. "My purpose hadn't been fulfilled yet," he told me. He began setting out looking for ways to fulfill that very purpose. In 2009 that opportunity presented itself in a big way.

That year IronE Singleton began working on the movie The Blindside, and his character would become part of some of the most memorable scenes of the Academy-nominated film. After the taping he was approached by the show's star Sandra Bullock, chronicling it in his book:

"She threw her arms around me and gave me a big hug, commending me for my performance, saying I had genuinely wowed her and creeped her out at the same time. Sandy told me she panicked a little when she saw what I was putting out there, wondering how she'd be able to respond in kind. She looked forward to seeing me in Hollywood and hoped we would have the chance to work together again in the future."

When I asked him how that encounter made him feel, IronE says it was "affirmation that everything happens for a reason. This was my time. Everything I had gone through in my life had come full circle."

The same can be said about the show The Walking Dead. "My hope is that everybody uses their experiences in life to realize that there is always a better day as long as we continue to work hard and never give up. Always have truth and love in your heart, and you'll be alright."

When it comes to the message he wants his fans to take away from his career it is this: "Your purpose is to help others search for theirs and on that journey you will find yours. The only thing I have to do on this planet is to love. Do everything to where God would appreciate it. No matter what you are going through stay optimistic. Use the negative as fuel for the positive. Let it inspire you."

To stay abreast of all the new projects and appearance for IronE, visit www.ironesingleton.com and make sure to follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ironesingleton.

Interviews with #TheWalkingDead's Michael Rooker, IronE Singleton & Vincent M. Ward

As the world gears up for the start of The Walking Dead's 5th season Conversations LIVE's host Cyrus Webb is taking you back to some of the show's most talked-about characters and actors.

Here you can listen to interviews with actors Michael Rooker, IronE Singleton and Vincent M. Ward.

Enjoy!


Actor Michael Rooker

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Actor IronE Singleton

Check Out Entertainment Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Cyrus Webb Presents on BlogTalkRadio

Actor Vincent M. Ward

Check Out Current Events Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Conversation Pieces on BlogTalkRadio

Cyrus Webb Presents ~ 10 Cookbooks You Should Own this Fall

by Cyrus Webb

For me the kitchen is the way I typically express not just my love for family and friends but of delicious meals as well. Since I come from a family with some health concerns I try to mix things up enough that you can have not just variety and flavor but food that is not going to do more harm than good.

As the host of Conversations LIVE, Editor of Conversations Magazine and President of Conversations Book Club I am literally discovering dozens of books each month that give you not just great recipe ideas but healthy options that I found to be hits with my guests and myself.

Going into a new season I wanted to share with you... "10 Cookbooks You Should Own this Fall". Hope you find something that will not just be appealing to you but a favorite as well.
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"10 Cookbooks You Should Own this Fall" (Listed in no particular order)

1. "The Budget-Friendly Fresh & Local Diabetes Cookbook" by Charles Mattock, "The Poor Chef" (American Diabetes Assoc.)
2. "The Lazy Gourmet" by Robin Donovan & Juliana Gallin (Viva Editions)
3. "Part-Time Paleo" by Leanne Ely (Plume)
4. "The Healthy Home Cookbook" by Barbara Seelig-Brown (American Diabetes Assoc.)
5. "The Good. The Bad. The Cookbook" by Mario J. Porreca and Kirk Kolich (Langdon Street Press)
6. "Kichenability 101" by Nisa Burns (Kitchenability Press)
7. "One Bowl" by Stephanie Bostic (CreateSpace)
8. "A Reader's Cookbook" by Judith Choate (Red Rock Press)
9. "The Neelys' Celebration Cookbook" by Pat and Gina Neely (Knopf)
10. "Hello Taste, Goodbye Guilt!" by Mr. Food Kitchen (American Diabetes Assoc.)

Mississippi's own C. A. Webb hosts ALL THINGS NEW art show ~ Sat. Oct. 4th

After a decade of hosting art shows and poetry readings throughout the South, Mississippi's own C. A. Webb (Cyrus Webb) is excited to announce that his newest exhibition ALL THINGS NEW will be shown at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) Sat. October 4th from 1-3p.m.

"This one has a special place in my heart because it is all about creating something from nothing," says Webb, 39. "I broke a glass pane one day and though I was frustrated I looked at the pieces and realized that I could create something new from them. It wasn't the end. It was a new beginning."

Over 20 pieces in the exhibit started off as one thing and has been transformed into something better, a great metaphor for what can happen in our own lives.

Admission to the show is free, however pieces will be available for purchasing. Refreshment will be served. For more information contact Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.cyruswebbpresents.com.

Tony Award winning artist Hinton Battle stops by Conversations LIVE on DC Now Radio

Tony award-winning recording artist/actor Hinton Battle stops by Conversations LIVE to talk with host Cyrus Webb about his career and new album.

Listen to the conversation here:

Going FULL CIRCLE with New York Times Bestselling author JL King

by Cyrus Webb

Many people got to know New York Times bestselling author J. L. King from his appearances on the Oprah Winfrey show discussing his book ON THE DOWN LOW, but nearly a decade later we discover that what we learned from him was only part of the story.

On Monday, September 8, 2014 I had a chance to welcome King back to the radio show Conversations LIVE to discuss his new book FULL CIRCLE (published by Brown Girls Publishing). This was his first interview as he prepared for the official launch of the book.

King told me that he had been posting on Facebook and Twitter that the process of releasing FULL CIRCLE was like "giving birth" to his new baby, what he called "the final chapter of my life."

Discussing the sensation that ON THE DOWN LOW became and the process that it took for the book to even see the light of day, King discussed where he was at that point in his life. "I was still a naive individual," he says, referring to the sudden fame that engulfed him. "I didn't really know what was going on in my life... I wasn't prepared for that." He then added: "I would probably change 95% of what I did in those first two years."

That led him to where he is today with FULL CIRCLE. He began to "reflect on all the things I did not say, all the things I didn't tell Oprah."

Being thrust into the public spotlight the way he was, King says that to others he took on a larger-than-life persona. "I wanted people to understand that I am far from perfect," he told me. "I wanted them to know that even when you are an instant celebrity that you still have the same ole crap. All that glitters is not gold." He says that he gave up his life. "When you tell the world your secrets, you belong to the world."

The man that became known to the world as J. L. King had to also deal with the comments being made about him in the public and online, something that began to take its toll on him. Telling me that he was really "getting beat up" by some, he called Oprah for advice. "Do not google yourself," she told him. "Do not pay attention to anything  people say about you. Do not respond. Let them say what they want." That advice helped King moving forward. He told me when someone in his circle would want to share something that was being said he would stop them, saying "You know me. You know the truth."

That truth as contained in FULL CIRCLE is about the evolution of the man and a realization of who he truly is. "I gave so much of myself away," King says. That was probably one of my biggest mistakes."

The process led him in many ways to become someone he didn't recognize. "I didn't even like myself," he told me "I hated myself." There were times he even contemplated suicide.

Today he is a different person. In the book he says this: "I am truly focusing on what I've told others, having faith over fear. My faith is movement." That means that he chooses to live for the day, not in the past. "Life is short, and then you die. Every day you need to live your life in the now. I want people to realize that I live my life in the present. All I have is right now."

FULL CIRCLE is available through the publisher's website at www.browngirlspublishing.com and at Amazon here. Beginning on Wed. September 10th autographed copies will be available from the author at www.authorjlking.com. You can stay connected with King on Twitter at @authorjlking.

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