Episode 009 — Acres of Diamonds with Greg Reid

Episode 009 — Acres of Diamonds with Greg Reid

A conversation with Greg Reid — author of 157 books, dyslexic, 38 years sober, rejected by 268 publishers before his first book — on sitting on your fortune without knowing it, what Steve Wozniak said about one microchip, and why a dream written down with a date becomes a goal. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Greg Reid can't spell, can't read in the traditional sense, and was rejected 268 times before a publisher said yes. He has since written 157 books, produced a Netflix film called Wish Man, and built Secret Knock — the most exclusive event you cannot find without an invitation. In this conversation with Skip Martin, Greg shares the parable of Acres of Diamonds, what Steve Wozniak said about one microchip, and how the founder of Make-A-Wish signed over his life rights on a single condition. Skip meets him story for story — his audiographic memory, his mother's 24-hour clock, and the reason he has never held a secular job in his life. Main Topics: The parable of Acres of Diamonds — most people are sitting on their fortune right now Greg's dyslexia, 268 rejections, and the book that produced a quote shared 37 million times Steve Wozniak on embracing what you don't have — how one microchip changed personal computing Secret Knock — 20 years of sold-out events, zero advertising, guests including Edward Snowden and a NASA astronaut whose wife discovered signs of life on Mars Frank Shankwitz, founder of Make-A-Wish, and the Netflix film Wish Man Skip's audiographic memory and the movie he's developing called A Boy Named Skip Skip's mother's 24-hour clock — the tool that reveals your true passion Greg's 38 years of sobriety and what the S in Greg S. Reid stands for Intriguing Quotes: "A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken into steps becomes a plan. And a plan backed by action makes your dreams come true." "We weren't trying to be cool or innovative. We could only afford one chip." — Steve Wozniak via Greg Reid "Stop looking at something as your greatest challenge. It could be your greatest blessing in disguise." "Everyone can be a hero. You do not need to be a celebrity." "First there's a dream. Then there's a challenge. Then comes victory. Unfortunately most people quit in the challenging times." "The measure of an educated man is the places he's been." — Skip Martin's mother Key Moments: [02:00] Greg tells the Acres of Diamonds parable — the man who sold his farm for pennies, went looking for fortune, and never knew he was sitting on diamonds the whole time. [05:00] Greg pulls out his rejection letters. All 268 of them. He kept every one. The first book that made it became The Millionaire Mentor — and one quote from it was shared 37 million times last year. [07:00] Steve Wozniak explains Apple's origin — they could only afford one chip. By embracing that constraint they found the shortest, cleanest path. And changed the world. [15:00] Greg reveals Secret Knock — no ads, no speaker list, no location until the last moment. Their next guest is a NASA astronaut whose wife just discovered the building blocks of life on Mars. [21:00] Frank Shankwitz signs over his life rights. His only wish — that his grandkids know he did something. Six years later, Wish Man lands on Netflix. [29:30] Skip's mother gives him a 24-hour clock. Write down everything you did in the last 24 hours. Whatever you spent the most time on is your passion. Go do that. Notable Resources: Wish Man — available on Netflix Secret Knock — secretknock.co The Millionaire Mentor — Greg Reid, available on Amazon and major retailers Greg Reid on Instagram: @GregSReid Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 008 — Still Taking Breath Away with Terri Nunn of Berlin

A backstage moment with Terri Nunn — iconic lead vocalist of Berlin, the voice behind Take My Breath Away — on new music, a new album, a new tour, and why she and Berlin are better than ever. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Terri Nunn has one of the most recognisable voices in music history. Take My Breath Away became a global phenomenon and it still stops a room decades later — as Skip Martin found out when they sang it together backstage. In this clip, Terri shares the news that Berlin is back with a brand new album called Transcendence, a fresh record deal, and a US headline tour running from August 2nd through September 24th alongside OMD and the B-52s. She and Skip have been performing together for years, and the chemistry between them is exactly what it sounds like — two people who love music and love each other's company. Main Topics: Berlin's new album Transcendence and how it came together over two years of writing The new record deal — and what it means to be back in the studio and on the road The US headline tour from August 2nd to September 24th with OMD and the B-52s Skip and Terri performing Take My Breath Away live backstage — together, unscripted What it feels like to still be doing it at this level and loving every minute Intriguing Quotes: "We ain't done yet. We're still doing everything." "You're better than ever." "If you want to get laid, buy this album." — Terri Nunn on Skip's music Key Moments: [00:18] Skip and Terri launch straight into Take My Breath Away — live, unannounced, just the two of them. No setup. No backing track mentioned. Just the song. [04:45] Terri reveals Berlin has been writing together for two years, landed a new record deal, and the album Transcendence is dropping August 2nd. [05:15] The full tour lineup lands — Berlin headlining across the US with OMD and the B-52s from August through late September. Two legends on one bill. Notable Resources: Berlin — album: Transcendence, available on streaming platforms Tour: Berlin headlining with OMD and the B-52s, August 2 — September 24 Connect with Terri Nunn and Berlin: Search Berlin Band and Terri Nunn on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 007 — Music Saved My Life with Arturo Sandoval

A conversation with Arturo Sandoval — Cuban-born trumpet legend, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Kennedy Center honoree — on Dizzy Gillespie changing everything, what it means to teach with love, and why music is the only language the whole world speaks. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Arturo Sandoval was born in a small village in Cuba in 1949. He heard a Charlie Parker recording as a young man and his life was never the same. Dizzy Gillespie became his mentor and the man who walked with him to the American embassy to secure political asylum. He has since collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Alicia Keys, and countless others, taught at Florida International University for 20 years, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and is preparing for a Kennedy Center Honor. In this phone conversation with his friend Skip Martin, Arturo talks about what music means, why he teaches, and what he owes to the art that saved his life. Main Topics: Growing up in Cuba and hearing Charlie Parker for the first time — the moment that changed everything Dizzy Gillespie as mentor, champion, and the man who helped Arturo get political asylum in the United States His definition of music — the only truly international language Twenty years teaching at Florida International University — and why he still gives private lessons at home The pedal tones session with Skip and the jam in Perth, Australia — two moments that made Skip cry in public Collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Alicia Keys, and playing on Skip's Just Believe in Love The Presidential Medal of Freedom and the upcoming Kennedy Center Honor — alongside Bonnie Raitt, the Grateful Dead, Francis Ford Coppola, and the Apollo Theater Skip's origin story — seven years old, Nat King Cole on the radio, and the promise he made to his grandmother Why Arturo says music saved his life Intriguing Quotes: "Music is probably the only international language that everybody can understand. Everywhere in the world." "When I see the student that really got a passion and love for music, I really try my best to help." "It's a blessing from God. I'm so grateful because I got those opportunities." "Music saved my life. I owe everything to the music." "I'm going to play music so that when I die, people will feel like I'm still in the car with them." — Skip Martin "My definition of music is the sound of a soul singing." — Skip Martin Key Moments: [02:00] A teacher plays Arturo a compilation of Charlie Parker recordings from the 1940s. He cannot believe what he is hearing. That moment has never left him. [03:00] Dizzy Gillespie becomes Arturo's mentor — and when the time comes to seek political asylum in the United States, Dizzy is the one standing beside him at the American embassy. [05:30] Skip tells Arturo about the two times he made him cry in public — the pedal tones lesson that changed how Skip plays trumpet, and the night in Perth, Australia when Arturo handed him a custom practice tool and said, this is for you. [08:30] Arturo shares the news — a Kennedy Center Honor is coming. He will be honoured alongside Bonnie Raitt, the Grateful Dead, Francis Ford Coppola, and the Apollo Theater. [15:00] Skip tells Arturo why he plays music. Seven years old. His grandparents' car. Nat King Cole on the radio after he had just passed. The promise he made to his grandmother in that moment. Notable Resources: Just Believe in Love — Skip Martin featuring Arturo Sandoval on trumpet Connect with Arturo Sandoval: Website: arturosandoval.com Search Arturo Sandoval on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 006 — Carry On with John Elefante of Kansas

A conversation with John Elefante — former lead vocalist of Kansas, Long Island kid raised on everything from Led Zeppelin to Earth Wind and Fire — on owning your music, freeing yourself from record labels, and what happens when your fans become your record company. Host: Skip Martin Summary: John Elefante sang Carry On Wayward Son. He fronted one of the most iconic rock bands in history. And when it came time to make his new album, he didn't call a label. He called his fans. In this backstage conversation with Skip Martin at Sea Island, Georgia, John talks about growing up on Long Island surrounded by every genre imaginable, what it really means to be independent as an artist, and how crowdfunding through Kickstarter raised close to $70,000 and gave him something he had never had before — he owns the record. Main Topics: Growing up on Long Island with records playing around the clock — Led Zeppelin, Earth Wind and Fire, the Jacksons, everything in between His new album On My Way to the Sun and how it came to be Why he didn't want to do crowdfunding at first — and what changed his mind How Kickstarter works for an artist at his level — autographed CDs, memorabilia, gold records for major donors Raising close to $70,000 from fans who felt like they were part of making the record What it means to own your music after decades of getting 25 cents an album on an $18 record The Greatest Hits Live show — John performing Kansas material on the road Intriguing Quotes: "For the first time in my life I'm not a slave to a record company." "It was made by my fans fanning it." "Back in the day we used to have to be a slave to Polygram, Warner Brothers, Sony, Motown, whoever it is, for a pittance of a dollar. We were selling albums for $18 and getting 25 cents an album." "Everybody feels like they're part of the making of the record." Key Moments: [03:30] John explains how crowdfunding through Kickstarter worked for On My Way to the Sun — the rewards tiers, the community buy-in, and why he almost didn't do it at all. [04:45] He breaks down the old label math. Eighteen dollar albums. Twenty-five cents per record to the artist. The industry that built careers on those terms is the same one he just walked away from. [05:00] The moment that defines it all — John says for the first time in his life he owns his record. He doesn't owe it to anyone. It belongs to him and the fans who made it happen. Notable Resources: Album: On My Way to the Sun — available on streaming platforms Kickstarter — kickstarter.com for artists looking to fund independently Connect with John Elefante: Search John Elefante on social platforms and streaming services Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 005 — Who You Gonna Call? The Ray Parker Jr. Story

A conversation with Ray Parker Jr. — from a six-year-old marching into the principal's office to avoid gym class, to touring with the Spinners at 13, to hanging up on Stevie Wonder three times, to writing the most recognisable theme song on the planet. And the secret? Never say the word. Host: Skip Martin Summary: Ray Parker Jr. has seven consecutive gold and platinum albums, a number one in 18 countries, and one of the most played songs in recorded history. In this conversation with his friend Skip Martin, Ray traces it all the way back to a Detroit classroom, a $40 acoustic guitar, and a broken leg that gave him nothing to do but practice. He talks about the Spinners at 13, Stevie Wonder at 17, Clive Davis over lunch, and the phone call from Columbia Pictures that turned into Ghostbusters. A conversation about simplicity, instinct, and why the man next door should always be able to sing along. Main Topics: How a six-year-old's visit to the principal's office started everything — and the teacher who changed Ray's life Trading an $850 saxophone for a $40 guitar — and why the guitar was the one Touring with the Spinners at 13, playing the 20 Grand in Detroit at 14, and joining Stevie Wonder's band at 17 Hanging up on Stevie Wonder three times — and what made Ray finally believe it was really him The conversation with his father before dropping out of college — and how Ray handled it Writing You Got the Love for Chaka Khan at 19 and hitting number one at 20 Lunch with Clive Davis, the Jack and Jill story, and the pact that built Radio A black poster on Sunset Boulevard, a phone call from Columbia Pictures, and a year's worth of rejected songs Why Ray never says the word Ghostbusters in the song — and why that's the whole secret Less is more — what Kool and the Gang taught Ray, and what Ray and Skip share about it Intriguing Quotes: "The guitar was just my natural instrument. Like a message from up above saying, this is what you're supposed to do." "I repeated everything back to him that he told me. And I said, great. I don't wanna do that." "I never say the words Ghostbusters. I just say, who you gonna call? And then the answer to that is Ghostbusters. That's what made the whole thing work." "I don't believe in solos. If you can't hum the solo, I don't want it in my song." "Music is what makes people happy and what makes them smile." "My happy place is creating it. And I can see that about you too." Key Moments: [01:00] Ray is six years old. He walks into the principal's office and tells her he doesn't want to do gym class anymore. She takes his hand, walks him down the hall, and opens a door that never closes. [04:30] Ray trades an $850 saxophone for his brother's $40 guitar. His parents think he's lost his mind. He hasn't. The guitar speaks to him in a way nothing else has. [08:30] Stevie Wonder calls. Ray hangs up. Stevie calls back. Ray hangs up again. By the third time, Stevie plays him the raw rhythm track for Superstition. Ray stops hanging up. [10:30] Ray sits across from his father and repeats back everything he said — the pension, the Ford job, the security — word for word. Then tells him he doesn't want any of it. [19:45] A black poster goes up on Sunset Boulevard. A red circle, no words. Ray's phone rings. Columbia Pictures. They've been trying to find a Ghostbusters theme for a year. He's their last call. [21:45] Ray realises he can never say the word Ghostbusters in the song. The moment he figures out how to get around that is the moment the whole thing works. Notable Resources: Ray Parker Jr. on Facebook and Instagram — search Ray Parker Jr. Connect with Skip Martin: Website: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/skipmartinmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipmartinmusic/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/skipmartinmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skipmartinmusic Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.