Story Time

Everyone has  story. What''s yours?

As we gear up for another season of compelling conversations, The Amy Beth Arkawy Show continues to grow.

Our little under-the radar-over the radio-rainbow experiment has emerged as a popular and critically acclaimed podcast. We are so honored to be named one of the "Best Professional Podcasts" by Media Bytes. "Helmed by a savvy and warmly amusing radio vet and author with some sort of advanced degree in psychology or counseling, the show is an empowering, entertaining tour de force." Wow! We'll never take such praise  for granted. We will continue to offer our best on every show, with every guest.

And the show will continue to weave together a  mosaic of notable and emerging voices in the arts, pop culture, personal growth and justice,. The focus is storytelling, and the inspiration and influences that fuel a creative life. And, since our Coffee Klatches featuring a blend of thoughtfully irreverent takes on pop culture are among the most popular, they'll be liberally sprinkled in the mix along with our music specials.

Our Inspiration to Action Challenge has garnered more listener participation than I could have ever imagined. And the success stories keep pouring in. So we will continue to showcase that feature, as well as others that propel positive life changes and help facilitate creativity.

Is everyone phone phobic these days? Or is actually talking into the tin can with the string so last century? While our audience continues to grow many more listen to the podcast than the live show. Hey, whatever works for you, and that's the beauty of on-demand listening,. I get it. But my old school radio style still yearns for those crazy listener calls. There has been a spike of  "live" listeners, and many do engage in interaction... via social media. Mostly on Twitter. That's fine.Reading tweets is cool, but nothing beats the callers. So if you get a chance to listen  live Tuesdays and Fridays at 12 PM (ET) give us a call. Oh, and don't forget to switch the device from text to talk and we'e good to go.

I always ask for listener input: so if you have a compelling story to tell, feel free to query us. The easiest way is through my website . We're always looking for authors, filmmakers, theater folks, musicians, social commentators, etc. And if you're a loquacious free thinker who likes to dish TV, movies, hot topics in the news you might be a good fit for an upcoming Coffee Klatch. Be in touch and we'll talk.

It's been great to re-connect with so many 'old' fans and forge partnerships with so many new voices. Your kind words of encouragement. mean so much.

Drive safe. Play nice. Dream big.

Happy New Year!

aba

Very Merry

As we wrap up our first full season of The Amy Beth Arkawy Show, I want to send gratitude and glad tidings to our fabulous roster of guests and our amazing and growing audience of literate and engaged thinkers.

What started as an under-the radar- over the radio rainbow- experiment in February 2013 has evolved into a successful Internet radio show and podcast. We have been honored to receive awards from Media Bytes, which, in designating the show as a "Top Professional Podcast," calls it " an empowering and entertaining tour de force." What a thrill and honor. And that award has garnered the show attention and helped it stand out in a crowded universe of podcasts.

We have been equally honored to have several shows named Top Picks by the critically acclaimed Arts Wire site. Among those praised shows:  our conversations with philanthropist and cabaret star Tony Cointreau, bestselling author Jack Englehard, former DJ turned author Jo Maeder, and a special show featuring a tribute to songwriter Gerry Goffin and an interview with fellow mystery author Steve Schrott.

And we went viral as our show featuring convicted felon turned self-proclaimed prison coach Wendy Feldman and her disparaging comments on Reality TV convicts Teresa and Joe Guidice before she took the controversial couple on as clients spurred national attention by a wide range of top gossip sites including TMZ zand Radar Online. Later, when Feldman publicly dumped them and disparaged them again, the show drew another round of viral traction. All proof that you can never under-estimate the power of the mighty little podcast.

My favorite shows are those that feature guests who are dedicated to their creative work and can offer insights into the process as well as highs and lows of their journeys. And it continues to thrill me when I hear from listeners whose own endeavors are enhanced by our shows.

Personal connection is key. And social media allows us to start and continue conversations in meaningful ways.

We look forward to weaving another rich mosaic of voices from the arts, pop culture, personal growth and justice in 2015. If you have a a story to share, please reach out.

On behalf of myself and the hearty TCS crew, here's to a Happy, Healthy Holiday season and Most Merry New Year!

Drive safe. Play nice. Dream big.

aba