Episode 33: Behind the Lens of Horror Royalty - Subspecies, Texas Chainsaw, and Surviving Roar with Ted Nicolaou

Episode 33: Behind the Lens of Horror Royalty - Subspecies, Texas Chainsaw, and Surviving Roar with Ted Nicolaou

"When you're making a movie, the high is just indescribable—the kind of camaraderie that you form with people... I wanted to make movies because I loved the process so much." - Ted Nicolaou What does it take to forge a multi-decade career in the trenches of independent cinema? In this episode of The LilyList Podcast, host Curt Meinhold sits down with legendary cult filmmaker, writer, and editor Ted Nicolaou. From his early days at the hippie mecca of UT Austin alongside legendary cinematographer Daniel Pearl , to working as the sound man on the original The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Ted’s journey through Hollywood is nothing short of cinematic lore. Ted pulls back the curtain on some of the wildest sets in film history. Hear the jaw-dropping story of his time editing and recording sound on Roar - frequently cited as one of the most dangerous movies ever made - where he had to navigate a set with 100 untrained lions armed with nothing but a walking cane. We also dive deep into his long-standing collaboration with B-movie impresario Charles Band , the creation of the vibrant 1980s sci-fi comedy Terrorvision , and the secrets behind the remarkable aesthetic consistency of the iconic, sprawling Subspecies vampire franchise. Whether you are a die-hard horror fanatic, an aspiring indie filmmaker, or a lover of pure, human-driven storytelling, this masterclass in creative resilience is an episode you cannot afford to miss. For more details on Ted's journey, check out his Substack. He releases new stories regularly, has amazing experiences to share, and is a great writer as well: https://tednicolaou.substack.com/p/adventures-in-low-budget-filmmaking [https://tednicolaou.substack.com/p/adventures-in-low-budget-filmmaking] Highlights: * The Austin Film Explosion: How a pivot away from psychiatry led Ted to UT Austin's film department, where he and classmate Daniel Pearl instantly bonded over their shared "tribe" aesthetic and jumped straight into The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. * Surviving the Set of Roar: A terrifying and hilarious look inside the Soledad Canyon compound, where untrained apex predators ran amok on the crew side of the fence. * The Magic of Subspecies: The logistical triumphs of filming a low-budget gothic masterpiece in a grim, post-Ceaușescu Romania, and how a dedicated cast and crew kept the franchise stunningly consistent across multiple decades. * The Disney & Salvador Dalí Connection: Ted discusses his 20-year chapter directing documentaries for Disney and the incredible honor of curating a massive exhibition detailing the real-life friendship between Walt Disney and surrealist master Salvador Dalí. * A Genetic Thread of Creativity: A look at how the creative impulse weaves through the Nicolaou family tree, spanning from his grandfather's mythological screenplays to his son's success in the globally touring band, Drab Majesty. As always, visit lilylist.com [https://lilylist.com] for more information on the podcast and platform. You can also contact us from the website, if you have questions or ideas for people or topics you’d like to see us cover in the future. If you’d like to support the work of LilyList, you can donate using the links in the description and if you find these conversations meaningful, we thank you for liking, following, sharing, or subscribing wherever you listen. If you would like to support LilyList: Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/lilylist [https://ko-fi.com/lilylist] Buy Lily a coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz [https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz] PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ]

Episode 32: Nancy Hoffman - adaptability, advocacy, governance

Join this episode of the LilyList podcast for a compelling conversation with Nancy Hoffmann, a former Greensboro City Councilwoman and seasoned professional with a career spanning multiple industries. Nancy shares the powerful influences of her childhood in Rock Hill, South Carolina, from her father's political activism as a union organizer, to the impactful introduction to great art and music by her third-grade teacher. Nancy's career journey is a masterclass in adaptability, moving from teaching English and history in Beaufort, South Carolina - where she befriended author Pat Conroy - to pioneering roles in human resources and marketing in the textile industry, then to Wall Street financial services, and moving again to the home furnishings and furniture business. She explains her career philosophy isn't a ladder, but a "jungle gym", driven by a constant desire to learn new things and embrace the next opportunity. Learn how her transition from the corporate world to local politics in Greensboro was fueled by a desire to challenge a conservative council, and how her political strategy, including relentless canvassing and a "lucky billboard", led to an enduring elected career. Nancy reflects on the complexities of city governance and the satisfaction of making long-term, ethical decisions for her community, even in the face of political risk. Here are some highlights from the episode: * Political Roots & Activism: Discover how Nancy's father, a supermarket manager, inspired her respect for political involvement after losing his job for organizing retail workers for the AFL-CIO. * The "Jungle Gym" Career: Nancy details her philosophy of a career path that involves lateral steps and learning, moving fluidly from teaching to textiles, finance, and furniture. * Friendship with a Literary Giant: The story of teaching alongside and receiving mentorship from acclaimed Southern author Pat Conroy at Beaufort High School. * A Risky Political Stand: Her decision to stick with a controversial rezoning vote for the good of Greensboro, despite warnings that it could cost her reelection, an election she ultimately ran unopposed in. * Championing Arts & Culture: Nancy discusses her work in creating Creative Greensboro, the Department of Arts and Culture, and advocating for major investments in the Cultural Arts Center, which she views as equally vital as the Science Center. As always, visit lilylist.com [https://lilylist.com] for more information on the podcast and platform. You can also contact us from the website, if you have questions or ideas for people or topics you’d like to see us cover in the future. If you’d like to support the work of LilyList, you can donate using the links in the description and if you find these conversations meaningful, we thank you for liking, following, sharing, or subscribing wherever you listen. If you would like to support LilyList: Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/lilylist [https://ko-fi.com/lilylist] Buy Lily a coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz [https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz] PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ] Outro music: Denouement by Sift - https://siftmusic.com [https://siftmusic.com/]

Episode 31: Joseph Schott - Resilience, Legacy, Creativity

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the LilyList podcast, we are honored to welcome Joseph Schott, a man who has witnessed over a century of change, challenge, and triumph. Born in 1922, Joe shares an extraordinary life story that spans from the hardships of the Great Depression to his vital work as a Navy radio technician in WWII, a distinguished career at Bell Labs, and a vibrant second act as a celebrated artist. Joe’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, love, and the enduring power of a creative spirit. Prepare to be moved and inspired by a perspective forged over 100 years of a life lived to the fullest. To learn more about Joe and his work: Joe describes his Navy deployment crossing the North Atlantic to Scotland including Christmas Day 1942, similar, except for battle, to Tom Hank's recent movie Greyhound: https://youtube.com/video/epjPGxtzgvc [https://youtube.com/video/epjPGxtzgvc] WABC Radio Sunday night with Joe Piscopo marveling at Joe’s story about Frank Sinatra at his High School Prom: https://youtube.com/video/L2HXBwIx4cw [https://youtube.com/video/L2HXBwIx4cw] Joe Schott, 96, visits his Fall 1942 Boot Camp at Great Lakes Naval Base in 2018: https://youtube.com/video/dC58bzwqEiU [https://youtube.com/video/dC58bzwqEiU] Joe Schott, 97, tubing on Lake George, NY July 2019, with Joel Wright: https://youtube.com/video/XY6tINLwjgs [https://youtube.com/video/XY6tINLwjgs] Boy Scouts Silver Beaver Award 2-25-19: https://youtube.com/video/ZClX8_PDUR8 [https://youtube.com/video/ZClX8_PDUR8]   Here are some highlights from the episode: * Surviving the Great Depression after losing his father at age eight, and the ingenious ways his incredibly strong mother kept her five children together against all odds. * His vivid memories of serving in the Navy during WWII, from a snowy troopship crossing the Atlantic while hearing Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," to working as a radio technician in Northern Ireland. * The pivotal and often surprising moments in his education, including an elementary school teacher's hurtful "beautiful but dumb" comment and a high school teacher's incredible foresight about the future of electronics. * A love story for the ages: how he spotted his wife, Nancy, across a dance floor and knew instantly they were meant to be, leading to a lifetime of partnership and five children. * How he rediscovered his passion for painting later in life, developing a unique style that finds beauty and humor in everyday objects and continues to bring him joy and connection today. As always, visit lilylist.com [https://lilylist.com] for more information on the podcast and platform. You can also contact us from the website, if you have questions or ideas for people or topics you’d like to see us cover in the future. If you’d like to support the work of LilyList, you can donate using the links in the description and if you find these conversations meaningful, we thank you for liking, following, sharing, or subscribing wherever you listen. If you would like to support LilyList: Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/lilylist [https://ko-fi.com/lilylist] Buy Lily a coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz [https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz] PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ] Outro music: Denouement by Sift - https://siftmusic.com [https://siftmusic.com/]

Episode 30: Sara Ecklein - legacy, intentionality, preparation

Welcome to Episode 30 of The Lilly List Podcast! We're honored to feature Sara Ecklein, a professional fiduciary, entrepreneur, and host of the Legacy of Love podcast. Sara joins us for a deeply personal conversation, sharing how her childhood experiences shaped her path to helping others navigate the complexities of life and death planning. From growing up on a half-acre "cow town" in Marin County to facing significant family and financial challenges, Sara's journey is a testament to intentionality and the power of proactive planning. Join us as she discusses the crucial importance of having difficult conversations, the hidden blessings of acknowledging mortality, and why true peace comes from preparing for the unexpected. To learn more about Sara and her work: Website: trustandhonor.co [http://trustandhonor.co/] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ecklein [http://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ecklein] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067625615341 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067625615341] Instagram: @themindfulfiduciary The Legacy of Love Podcast: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2378190.rss [https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2378190.rss] Free Workbook: trustandhonor.co/workbook [http://trustandhonor.co/workbook]   Here are some highlights from the episode: * The Power of Childhood Trauma and Resilience: Sara openly discusses the profound impact of her family's financial losses and her father's addiction, highlighting how these experiences instilled in her a unique blend of creativity, caution, and a deep understanding of financial trauma. * A Calling in End-of-Life Care: Discover how a transformative experience witnessing a loved one's final days led Sara to pivot from a culinary career to pursuing hospice nursing, eventually finding her true calling as a professional fiduciary. * Entrepreneurial Spirit and Overcoming Inherited Patterns: Sara shares her journey of embracing entrepreneurship, acknowledging how her father's "feast and famine" business experiences initially made her resistant to building her own practice until she addressed her own money-related trauma. * The Essence of Fiduciary Work Beyond Numbers: Learn about the multifaceted role of a professional fiduciary, with Sara emphasizing that the "hard work" lies in managing complex family relationships and navigating difficult conversations, not just finances and paperwork. * Proactive Planning as an Act of Love: Sara passionately advocates for comprehensive estate planning, not as a burdensome task, but as a profound act of love and intentionality that eases the burden on loved ones and creates a lasting legacy. As always, visit lilylist.com [https://lilylist.com] for more information on the podcast and platform. You can also contact us from the website, if you have questions or ideas for people or topics you’d like to see us cover in the future. If you’d like to support the work of LilyList, you can donate using the links in the description and if you find these conversations meaningful, we thank you for liking, following, sharing, or subscribing wherever you listen. If you would like to support LilyList: Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/lilylist [https://ko-fi.com/lilylist] Buy Lily a coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz [https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz] PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ] Outro music: Denouement by Sift - https://siftmusic.com [https://siftmusic.com/]

Episode 29: Mary Coyne Wessling - outspoken, empathy, advocacy

Welcome to episode 29 of the lilylist podcast! Today, we're joined by the insightful and dynamic Mary Wessling. In this engaging conversation, Mary takes us on a journey through her life, from her upbringing in a large Irish Catholic family in Cleveland to her impactful work in journalism and social advocacy. Get ready to hear about her early experiences shaping her empathetic and outspoken nature, the pivotal moments that defined her career and personal life, and her ongoing passion for connecting with people and making a difference. Here are some highlights from this episode: * Early Life and Family Dynamics: Mary discusses being the fifth of six children and how that influenced her, leading to a sense of independence and a tendency to challenge norms, even when it caused friction with her mother. She also shares the profound impact of her Irish Catholic grandmother. * Discovering Her Voice and Path to Journalism: A key realization during her first week at Marquette University was the freedom to express her opinions without negative repercussions, a stark contrast to her earlier schooling. This, along with early encouragement from her father for her writing, guided her towards a career in journalism. * Career Beginnings and a Notable Scoop: Mary recounts her early journalism career, including a memorable moment while working for the Catholic News Service where she broke the story of John Wayne's deathbed conversion to Catholicism, beating national news services. * Balancing Work, Family, and Evolving Faith: Mary shares her experiences as a working mother, including bringing her son to work at the Catholic newspaper, and how she managed a freelance writing career while raising her children. She also candidly discusses her evolving relationship with the Catholic Church, culminating in her decision to leave due to the handling of the priest scandal. * Lifelong Commitment to Social Impact and Human Connection: The episode highlights Mary's continuous involvement in social causes, from helping resettle Afghan refugees to visiting detained immigrants. She emphasizes the importance of meeting and understanding people from all walks of life and her belief in the power of kindness and patience. As always, visit lilylist.com [https://lilylist.com] for more information on the podcast and platform. You can also contact us from the website, if you have questions or ideas for people or topics you’d like to see us cover in the future. If you’d like to support the work of LilyList, you can donate using the links in the description and if you find these conversations meaningful, we thank you for liking, following, sharing, or subscribing wherever you listen. If you would like to support LilyList: Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/lilylist [https://ko-fi.com/lilylist] Buy Lily a coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz [https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz] PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ] Outro music: Denouement by Sift - https://siftmusic.com [https://siftmusic.com/]