Follow Your Dream - Music And Much More!
Robert Miller hosts the award-winning Follow Your Dream Podcast, ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts with listeners in 200 countries. Each episode is like a world tour, featuring solo shows and interviews with famous musicians, actors, authors, and other dreamers. Robert is a professional musician who followed his music dream later in life, becoming a rock star after turning 60, releasing 13 albums including a Billboard #1, and writing an Amazon #1 best-selling book. The podcast aims to inspire and motivate listeners to pursue their own dreams, regardless of age.
Episodes
LEGENDS: Chas Chandler, The Bassist For The Animals, Who Turned Jimmy James Into Jimi Hendrix!
This Legends episode spotlights Chas Chandler. He’s the guy who turned Jimmy James into Jimi Hendrix. Here’s the story.
Chas Chandler was the bass player for the Animals, the ‘60s British Invasion band fronted by Eric Burdon, which had a string of hits in that era including “The House Of The Rising Sun”, “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”, “I’m Crying” and many others. They had a rougher, earthier so
Danny Lux - Emmy Nominated Television And Film Composer. Credits Include Grey's Anatomy, Rockford Files, And Ally McBeal!
Danny Lux is a multiple Emmy nominated television and film composer. His TV series' credits include the theme music for Sliders, Million Dollar Mysteries, Crisis Center, Profiler and Boston Legal. He’s contributed music to Grey’s Anatomy, Hacks, Ally McBeal, NYPD Blue, The Good Wife and others. His movie credits include Halloween: Resurrection and Stolen Summer. In total he’s scored over 2,300 epi
Benjamin Kruithof - Multiple Prize Winning Luxembourg Born Cellist. Young Artist Of The Year Award. Performed All Over Europe!
Benjamin Kruithof is a multiple prize winning Luxembourg-born cellist. In 2025 he won the Young Artist of the Year award. He’s given recitals all over Europe including Cologne, Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, London and Baden-Baden. As a soloist, recent highlights include performances with the Luxembourg Philharmonic, Liechtenstein Symphony and the East-West Chamber Orchestra. In recital, he has perf
Tess Remy-Schumacher: Grammy® Nominated Cellist, Producer And Educator. Multiple Award Winner. Has Performed All Over The World. Professor At U. Of Central Oklahoma!
Tess Remy-Schumacher is is a Grammy® nominated cellist and producer. She’s won a whole bunch of awards including the World Entertainment Award for “Best Classical Album”, first Prize at the International Carlo-Zecchi Competition in Rome, and multiple medals at the Global Music Awards. As a concert soloist, she has recorded at Abbey Road Studios as part of the Six String Symphony with the London Sy
Pille-Rite Rei - Estonian Singer, Multi-Instrumentalist, Songwriter. Plays Brazilian Music. Performed With Roberto Menescal!
Pille-Rite Rei is an Estonian jazz musician, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter known for her deep connection to Brazilian and Latin-infused jazz. She plays Estonian bossa nova! Her work spans multiple albums and singles, blending Nordic jazz melodies with acoustic and bossa nova rhythms. She honed her vocal skills in Sweden and later won a musical award in Denmark. She then went to Brazi
SPECIAL EPISODE: Introducing Robert's “Ma Petite Fleur String Quartet". New Re-Mixed, Re-Mastered Version In Dolby Atmos. Released On St7dio - Classical!
This episode announces the release of the new re-mixed and re-mastered “Ma Petite Fleur String Quartet”.
The new recording has been released on St7dio - Classical, the boutique classical label owned by multiple Grammy® winner Kitt Wakeley and which is run by Allison Charney. Allison is a Grammy® nominated opera singer in her own right, and a recent guest on the podcast.
Here’s the back story.
In 2
ESSAY: Fading Stars
I believe that creativity has no expiration date. But there is another side to the story. Sometimes we watch an artist who we have loved for decades slowly fade before our eyes.
Recently I saw a ‘60s era superstar in concert. He will remain nameless for these purposes.
In my opinion, he was one of the greatest artists of the rock era. His songwriting, his guitar playing, his singing - all masterfu
Adrian Galante - Perth, Australia Born Jazz Clarinetist And Pianist, Arranger, Composer. Debut Album Features Tamir Handelman And Joe LaBarbera!
Adrian Galante is an Australian-born jazz multi-instrumentalist, arranger and composer who plays the piano and the clarinet. His debut album, “Introducing Adrian Galante”, was released last year and features pianist Tamir Hendelman and drummer Joe LaBarbera, both of whom have been guests on this podcast.
My featured song is “Mi Cachimber”, one of my recent singles. Spotify link.
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Mitch Marcus - Independent Director And Screenwriter In Movies And TV. Worked On "Field Of Dreams" And "Stand By Me". "A Boy Called Hate". New Movie: "I Don't Love You Anymore"!
Mitch Marcus is a director and screenwriter for movies and television. He started out working on film crews on movies like 'Stand By Me" and "Field of Dreams". In 1995, his film “A Boy Called Hate", about the youth culture of guns, received a prize at the Berlin International Film Festival. He’s worked as a director for hire on several feature length movies. He’s filmed two feature length docum
Jhoely Garay - Mexican Born Jazz Guitarist, Composer, Arranger. Her Music Combines Jazz And Latin With Environmental Concerns. Leads Jhoely Garay Jazz Orchestra!
Jhoely Garay is a Mexican-born jazz guitarist, composer, and arranger and the leader of the Jhoely Garay Jazz Orchestra. She combines classic and contemporary jazz with Latin rhythms. And like me, she likes to write message songs about subjects like the climate, and also about untold or hidden histories left out of official narratives. She’s become an important part of the jazz scene in New York a
Jason SweetTooth Williams: Multi-Talented Singer And Actor. Cabaret, Broadway, TV, Films. Original Member Of Iconis And Friends!
Jason SweetTooth Williams is a singer, an actor and a writer. He’s performed in cabaret, on TV, in films and on Broadway. He was in the Broadway musical “Be More Chill”, and regionally and Off Broadway in “Freaky Friday”, “Benny and Joon”, “Bloodsong of Love”, “The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S Thompson Musical” and “Once Upon a Mattress”. And he’s an original member of Joe Iconis and Family. On
Ana Petrova - Kazakhstan Born Jazz Organist And Pianist. Performed At Dizzy's, The Bitter End, And The Umbria, Panama And Monterey Jazz Festivals!
Ana Petrova is a jazz pianist and organist from Kazakhstan. Her playing is a combination of improvisation, groove, and jazz traditions. She studied at Berklee with Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, and Joe Lovano. She’s shared the stage with Dave Liebman, Catherine Russell, and Terri Lyne Carrington, among others. She’s performed at clubs like Dizzy’s and The Bitter End, and at festivals like the Umbr
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS: Poetry In Motion
After more than 800 episodes, I’ve observed that many of my remarkable guests are connected by one or more common threads.
Each episode of Special Collections focuses on a particular thread that ties together some of my guests.
In this episode, that common thread is poetry.
This episode features five remarkable, world-class poets who have expanded the range of artistic expression featured on this
Ed Hinman - Author Of "The Barbarian In You". Graduate Of US Naval Academy. Former Marine. Deployed To Afghanistan And Other Middle East Countries. Former Bodyguard!
Ed Hinman is an author who says that he likes to explore open fields where violent things happened a thousand years ago. He’s a graduate of the US Naval Academy, and he served eight years in the Marine Corps including a deployment in Afghanistan. He earned a master’s degree in history, and he’s spent his post-military career as a bodyguard at a security firm. He’s now about to publish his first bo
Eric Oberstein - Cuban-American 2x Grammy® And 2x Latin Grammy® Winning Producer, Curator, Artist Manager, Arts Administrator, And Educator. Also Plays Saxophone And Drums!
Eric Oberstein is a Cuban-American 2x Grammy® and 2x Latin Grammy® -winning producer, curator, artist manager, arts administrator, and educator. He runs an artist management and producing company, and an arts management consultancy that produces programming and advises cultural organizations on strategy. Two of his clients are Claudia Acuna and Kali Rodriguez-Pena, both of whom have been guests o
Allison Philips - Brooklyn Based Trumpeter, Composer, Educator. She's Led Duos, Trios, Quartets. Plays With Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra!
Allison Philips is a Brooklyn-based trumpet player, composer, and educator. She’s led a trio and a quartet, and she’s co-led the DeiCont | Philips Collective. She’s toured throughout the U.S., Europe and Canada. She is a member of the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra which has performed with The Jonas Brothers and Yo La Tengo among others. She’s appeared at Carnegie Hall, Birdland, and The North Sea Jazz
Steven Pressfield - Bestselling Author Of Over 20 Fiction And Nonfiction Books Including "The Legend Of Bagger Vance", "Gates Of Fire", And "The War Of Art". Newest: "The Arcadian"!
Steven Pressfield is the author of over twenty books of fiction and nonfiction. Two themes emerge from his writings: self-help and creativity, and historical fiction and war. He wrote “The Legend of Bagger Vance”, which in 2000 was made into a major motion picture directed by Robert Redford and starring Will Smith, Matt Damon and Charlize Theron. He also wrote “Gates of Fire”, and “The Virtues of
REFLECTIONS: Podcast Interviews As Jazz Improvisations
Hi everybody. Robert Miller here with another Follow Your Dream Reflection — observations drawn from my many conversations with remarkable creative artists.
One of the hallmarks of my podcast interviews is that they are completely free-form. While I study each guest, read their bio, and do my due diligence on their art, I don’t script the interview. I don’t write down questions in advance. At most
Allison Charney - Acclaimed Grammy® Nominated Soprano Opera Singer. Madam Butterfly, Tosca, La Boheme, Figaro!
Allison Charney is a Grammy® nominated soprano opera singer. She has performed dozens of leading roles with opera companies across the United States. she’s been a soloist with major orchestras, and she has recorded worldwide. She made her debut at the New York City Opera in La Bohème. She also sung Puccini’s Madam Butterfly and Tosca. She has sung Mozart’s Figaro and Don Giovanni. Other performanc
Jeremy Ledbetter - JUNO Award Winning Canadian Pianist. Plays A Fusion Of Jazz And World Music With His Trio And With CaneFire!
Jeremy Ledbetter is a JUNO Award-winning Canadian pianist, composer, and producer known for his fusion of jazz and world music. He was trained as a classical pianist, but he switched to jazz and spent over a decade travelling to Trinidad, Cuba, Brazil, and Venezuela to study local musical cultures. He’s released two albums with his trio. He’s also the leader and composer for the Caribbean Jazz ens
Ludovica Burtone - Italian Born Violinist And Composer. Plays An Eclectic Mix Of Jazz, Classical, Brazilian And Contemporary. New Album Explores Stories Of Immigrant Women!
Ludovica Burtone is a violinist and composer. Her music spans an eclectic range of styles and genres including classical, jazz, Brazilian, and contemporary. She has performed worldwide as a soloist, chamber musician, and collaborator in numerous ensembles. And at venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Radio City, Boston Symphony Hall, and Boston Opera House among others. Her latest projec
Ricky Riccardi - Celebrating Louis Armstrong With The Director Of Research Collections For The Louis Armstrong House Museum And Armstrong Expert!
Today is a very special day on the podcast. It’s Satchmo day! Or as you may know him - Louis Armstrong day! For anyone who doesn’t know him, Louis Armstrong was simply one of the greatest American artists ever. And my guest to celebrate this occasion is Ricky Riccardi. He is the Director of Research Collections for the Louis Armstrong House Museum. Ricky has written three critically-acclaimed biog
ESSAY: The Road Not Taken
In Robert Frost’s famous poem, called “The Road Not Taken”, a traveler comes to a fork in the road and must choose between two paths.
The poem is really about life’s crossroads—those moments when we must choose between the expected path and one that is uncertain, unconventional, and uniquely our own.
My life has been about pursuing that second path.
Like most people, I spent much of my adult life
Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Theater Historian, Author, Producer And Creative And Programming Director At 54 Below, The Iconic NYC Club!
Jennifer Ashley Tepper is a theater historian, author and producer. She conceived of The Jonathan Larson Project. He’s the guy who wrote Rent. She’s been the longtime Creative and Programming Director at 54 Below, the iconic New York City cabaret club. She’s curated or produced over 8,000 shows. As an author her latest book is “Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy that the History Books Left Out”, a
Gentiane MG - Montreal-Based Jazz Pianist And Composer Combining Jazz And Classical. Has Toured Throughout Canada And Europe. OPUS Awards And Juno Nominations!
Gentiane MG is a fabulous Montreal-based pianist and composer who combines jazz and classical. Her music explores human connection, emotional depth, and the quiet relationship between inner life and the natural world. She’s toured with her trio extensively across Canada and Europe and she’s earned major honours including OPUS Awards, Radio Canada recognition, and JUNO nominations. Her latest album
Kevin Kiner - Celebrated Multi-Award Winning Movie and TV Composer. Star Wars, CSI: Miami, Narcos, Walker Texas Ranger!
Kevin Kiner is an Annie Award and BMI award winning, and Emmy nominated, TV and film composer. He’s one of the entertainment industry's most versatile and in-demand composers. He scored several Star Wars movies. He’s work on shows like CSI: Miami, Narcos and Walker, Texas Ranger. He’s recognized for his ability to craft intimate, soulful guitar melodies as well as epic and grand orchestral composi
David Maraniss - Pulitzer Prize Winning Author Of Books On Vince Lombardi, Jim Thorpe, Roberto Clemente, Vietnam, Clinton, Obama. Former Associate Editor Of The Washington Post!
David Maraniss is a Pulitzer Prize winner and a 3x Pulitzer Prize finalist. He’s also the former associate editor for the Washington Post. And he is the author of numerous books, ranging from politics to sports, including head coach Vince Lombardi of the Green Bay Packers, American hero Jim Thorpe, Baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, the 1960 Rome Summer Olympics, the Vietnam War, and U.S. Pr
Rochelle Rice - Singer And Composer Blending Jazz, Soul, Pop. Former Disney Performer. Member Of Sweet Honey In The Rock Ensemble!
Rochelle Rice is a singer and composer who blends jazz, soul, and pop. Take it from me - her singing is simply sublime. Since 2016 she’s been a member of Sweet Honey in the Rock. They are a 3x Grammy nominated, all female, African American a cappella ensemble. She’s performed at The Kennedy Center and Blues Alley among many other venues. She’s an advocate for social justice. Her latest project, “T
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS: Young Stars / Old Souls. Featuring Benny Benack III, Bria Skonberg, Christian Wiggs, Danny Jonokuchi!
After 800 episodes, I’ve observed that many of my remarkable guests are connected by one or more common threads. Each episode of Special Collections focuses on a particular thread that ties together some of my guests.
In this episode, the common thread is a group of young artists who are dedicated to keeping alive and vibrant the music of the Great American Songbook and the big band era and carry
Scott Hosfield And Maria Newman - Married Couple And Musical Collaborators. Both Play Violin and Viola. Maria Also Is A Composer And Pianist. Much Work In Film And TV Including "Anamaniacs"!
Scott Hosfield and Maria Newman have been married for 25 years and they collaborate together musically. They have spent much of their professional lives as studio musicians and artists working in film and TV, including on the “Anamaniacs” series and other Hollywood based projects. Scott plays the violin and viola. Maria is a composer and also plays violin and viola, plus she’s a Pianist and Conduc
Josh Smith - Dynamic Blues Guitarist. Ranked In The Top 20 Best Blues Guitarists By Guitar World. Producer For Joe Bonamassa, Marc Broussard, Andy Timmons!
Josh Smith is a dynamic, young blues guitarist. And he’s special. He’s the real deal. He was ranked as one of the Top 20 best blues guitarists in the world by Guitar World Magazine. He’s also a producer for musicians like Marc Broussard and Andy Timmons - both of whom have been guests on this podcast - and also for the great Joe Bonamassa.
My featured song is “Annie and Leni”, from the album Bobby
Celebrating Our 800th Episode!
I’ve got some big news - Follow your dream has just released its 800th episode! That’s right, 800 episodes in just under 5 1/2 years. And on top of that, we’re about to hit 5 million total downloads. How about that!
What started out as a pandemic-era podcast with no audience and no guests has now morphed into a global arts platform featuring guests from over 40 countries and including musicians, a
Tasha Warren And Dave Eggar - 2x Grammy Nominated Clarinetist, With 7x Grammy Nominated Cellist. Their 1st Album Was Grammy Nominated. Their New One Is "Motherload"!
My guests today are Tasha Warren and Dave Eggar. Tasha is a 2x Grammy nominated clarinetist and bass clarinetist, and an international performer who has premiered over 100 works worldwide. She’s a member of the American Modern Ensemble, Lansing Symphony and Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Dave Eggar is an amazing cellist who is making his third appearance on this podcast, putting him at the top of my
N'Kenge - Spectacular Crossover Singer In Pop, Opera, Jazz. Tony, Emmy, Grammy Nominated. Broadway Star In "Sondheim On Sondheim", "Motown: The Musical", And "Caroline, Or Change". New Dorothy Dandridge Musical!
N’Kenge is a spectacular powerhouse crossover singer in pop, opera and jazz. Just Wait till you hear what this lady has accomplished. She is a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy nominated performer with a 5 octave vocal range. She’s headlined with major orchestras including the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Houston, Edmonton, and Jacksonville Symphonies, and she’s performed at major venues including Carnegie
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Today’s a pretty special day for me. It’s my 75th birthday.
Yes you heard me correctly.
It feels like just the other day I was watching The Beatles on Ed Sullivan. And then I ran out afterwards and taught myself guitar and bass.
Then it feels like it was only a few days ago that I was playing jazz fusion in Boston.
And then recording my first album when I was in my 40s but still
LEGENDS: IRVING BERLIN - America's Greatest Songwriter. "God Bless America", "White Christmas", "Easter Parade", "There's No Business Like Show Business" And Many More!
Welcome to another Legends episode of Follow Your Dream, the award winning podcast and global arts platform.
Legends features profiles of iconic artists and influential figures who helped shape our culture.
This Legends episode spotlights Irving Berlin who was - simply put - one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
Irving Berlin was born in Russia with the name Israel Beilin. He moved to Amer
David Rivard - Renowned Poet. 7 Poetry Books Including "Some Of You Will Know", "Sugartown" And "Torque". Guggenheim Fellowship, PEN/New England Poetry Prize. National Endowment For The Arts!
David Rivard is a renowned poet with seven books of poetry to his credit. His newest is called “Some of You Will Know”. His other books incude “Standoff”, “Otherwise Elsewhere”, “Sugartown”, “Bewitched Playground”, “Wise Poison”, and “Torque”. His work has won the PEN/New England Prize in poetry, the James Laughlin Prize from the Academy of American Poets, and he has been a finalist for the Los An
Chloe Dufresne - Newly Appointed Conductor And Music Director of Colorado Springs Philharmonic. Associate Artist of Two Other Orchestras. Operas Include Carmen And Don Giovanni!
Chloe Dufresne is the newly appointed conductor and Musical Director of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. She also serves as Associate Artist of two other orchestras. She has conducted operas including Carmen and Don Giovanni, for Opéra Rouen, Opéra de Toulon, Opéra de Nice and Opéra National de Lorraine, as well as a production of Wagner’s The Ring for children at the Helsinki Festival.
My fea
Mark Hammond - Drummer And Programmer. Creates Music For Disney. Recorded With Amy Grant, Whitney Houston, James Ingram, Michael Bolton And More!
Mark Hammond is a drummer and a programmer who made his mark in Nashville recording artists like Amy Grant, Whitney Houston, James Ingram, Michael Bolton, Peabo Bryson, Vanessa Williams, Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd, Martina McBride and Quincy Jones. He also produced many top Christian artists, and he then began creating and producing music for Disney while also producing artists such
Hilary Gardner - Wonderful Alaska-Raised Jazz Singer. 5x Downbeat Rising Star. Member Of Duchess Vocal Trio. Appeared On Broadway In "Come Fly Away"!
Hilary Gardner is a wonderful jazz singer raised in Wasilla, Alaska, but she’s says she’s a New Yorker at heart. She’s a 5x Downbeat Magazine Rising Star Female Vocalist. And she’s released four recordings as a leader, one of which, On The Trail, captures the “singing cowboy” era of the 1930s-40s. The album was named Western Album of the Year by the International Western Music Association. She is
REFLECTIONS: The Artist As Explorer
This is another Follow Your Dream Reflection — observations drawn from my many conversations with remarkable creative artists.
After speaking with hundreds of artists from around the world, one idea keeps coming back to me: the best artists are adventurous. They’re explorers.
They are always searching for something new.
Sometimes it’s a new sound. Sometimes it’s a new technique. Sometimes it’s sim
Jen Ash - Lebanese-French Pop Star. Afro-Fusion Music Mixing R&B, French Caribbean, Afro Rhythms And Her Lebanese Roots. Former Pro Basketball Player For 14 Years!
Jen Ash is a Lebanese-French pop star. With a really interesting back story. She was born in Lebanon and raised in France. And listen to this - She was a professional basketball player for 14 years, and then she ditched that career for a career in music. She calls her music Afro fusion, mixing R&B, French Caribbean and Afro rhythms, together with her Lebanese roots. And she says she wants to be pa
Charu Suri - Grammy Nominated Indian Pianist And Composer. Combines Ragas And Jazz. Her Albums Are #1 In India. John Patitucci, Steve Gadd, Jim Kimo West, Berta Moreno!
Charu Suri is a Grammy nominated pianist and composer. She fuses Indian ragas with traditional jazz. Her latest album, Shayan, blends evening ragas with classical and jazz, encouraging people to sleep better and healthier. She had a sold-out premiere for this release at Carnegie Hall last year. Her prior album featured John Patitucci and Steve Gadd. Her albums have reached #1 in India and #2 in Ke
Philippe Quint - Multiple Grammy Nominated, USSR-Born, Classical Violinist. Worked With Andrew Litton, JoAnn Falletta, London And Los Angeles Philharmonics, Chicago Symphony!
Philippe Quint is a multiple Grammy nominated violinist. He’s an advocate for contemporary music. Conductors he’s worked with include Andrew Litton and JoAnn Falletta, both of whom have been guests on this podcast. His programs include an Homage to Bach, Charlie Chaplin’s Smile, and The Legend of Astor Piazzolla. He’s performed with the London Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony, the Los Angeles Ph
Jim Kimo West - Renowned Hawaiian "Slack Key" Guitarist. Has Played With "Weird Al" Yankovic For Over 30 Years!
Jim Kimo West is a multiple Grammy winning Hawaiian “slack key” guitarist, producer and composer with kind of a New Age bent. He went to Hawaii in 1985 and basically never left. Except to go on tour with Weird Al Yankovic, with whom he’s played for over 30 years and earned 5 Grammys and a Billboard #1 album. He’s also composed music for TV and films.
My featured song is “The Pardners”, from the al
INTRODUCING ESSAYS: The Fifth Pillar Of Follow Your Dream. First Two: "What 750 Creative Artists Have Taught Me About Success"; And "Pursuing Creativity Later In Life"!
This episode introduces a new addition to the Follow Your Dream platform. It’s called Essays.
Over the years, I’ve had more than 750 in-depth conversations with creative artists from around the world. Those conversations have taught me a great deal about creativity, success, curiosity, purpose, and the creative journey.
To explore some of those ideas more deeply, I’ve launched Essays. It’s Follow
Lola Kristine - Alt Singer-Songwriter. Known As “The Little Girl With The Big Voice". Jam Band, Blues And Gospel. Video Featured On Iran TV!
Lola Kristine is a terrific singer and songwriter. She’s known as “the little girl with the big voice” and boy is that true, as you will hear. She combines jazz, blues and gospel. Her latest album is called “Chapters”. Her recording of 'We Are One' was featured on lran TV Network as part of the Woman Life Freedom movement. And she’s given me a couple of new songs for the Songfest portion.
My featu
Alessio Bax - Italian-Born Virtuoso Classical Pianist. Recitalist, Chamber Musician, Soloist. Appearances With 200 Orchestras Worldwide!
Alessio Bax is a remarkable Italian born classical pianist - a recitalist, a chamber musician, and a soloist. He’s appeared with nearly 200 orchestras, including the New York, London, Royal, and St. Petersburg Philharmonics. He has collaborated with Joshua Bell and his wife, Lucille Chung, another world-class concert pianist, among many others. He’s the founding Artistic Director of the London Fes
Christina Courtin - Renaissance Musician: Violinist, Vocalist, Composer. Founding Member Of The Knights. Played With Ed Sheeran, Sara Bareilles. Singer with Yo-Yo Ma, Dawn Upshaw, Laurie Anderson, Bela Fleck, Orlando Philharmonic!
Christina Courtin is an outstanding Violinist, vocalist, and composer and a founding member of The Knights, the classical orchestra founded by Eric Jacobsen and his brother. She has collaborated with Ed Sheeran, Le Ann Womack, and Sara Bareilles, among many others. She has toured all over the world, and continues to have a thriving solo career. She has sung with artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Dawn Up
Carly Paoli - Spectacular British Soprano Singer. Classical, Contemporary, Operetta And Popular. Performed For The Pope And The King!
Carly Paoli is a spectacular British classically trained soprano singer and a Classical Brit nominee. She’s known for her romantic, lyric driven performances across various musical genres including classical, contemporary, operetta and popular songs. She’s headlined at Carnegie Hall, St Peter’s Basilica, Windsor Castle, St James’ Palace and the London Palladium among many others. She's performed w
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS: THE BRITISH INVASION
After more than 750 episodes, I’ve observed that many of my remarkable guests are connected by one or more common threads.
Each episode of Special Collections focuses on a particular thread that ties together some of my guests.
In this episode, that common thread is the British Invasion era of the 1960s.
The era began, in essence, with the appearance of The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show on Febru
Keita Ogawa - 3x Grammy Winning And 5x Grammy Nominated Percussionist And Drummer. Member Of Snarky Puppy. Performed With Yo-Yo Ma, Betty Buckley, Sabeth Perez, Boston Symphony Orchestra!
Keita Ogawa is a 5x Grammy nominee and 3x Grammy winning percussionist and drummer. He’s performed with Yo-Yo Ma, Maria Schneider, Betty Buckley, Sabeth Perez and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. And he’s a member of Snarky Puppy. He’s got a passion for crossing musical borders and uniting differences in cultures.
My featured song is “Moon Shot”, my recent single. Spotify link.
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Nathan Schram - 2x Grammy Award Winning Composer And Violist With The Attacca Quartet. Sting, Björk, Billie Eilish And Finneas, David Crosby!
Nathan Schram is a 2x Grammy winning composer and the violist of the Attacca Quartet. He has collaborated with Sting, Björk, Billie Eilish, David Crosby, and Becca Stevens, among others. He is an Honorary Ambassador to the city of Chuncheon, South Korea. He’s released three solo records and several with Attacca, two of which won Grammys for Best Chamber Music Performance. His arrangement of a Radi
John "JR" Robinson - Grammy Winning Legendary Drummer. Michael Jackson's "Rock With You", Steve Winwood's "Higher Love". 10,000 Recording Sessions, 500 Movie And TV Soundtracks, 30 No. 1 hit records, 50 Grammy Winners!
John “JR” Robinson is one of the best and maybe the most recorded drummer of the modern era. His Bio is out of this world. You definitely know his playing, because he’s played on just about every song ever recorded. Here’s just a couple. He’s the guy who played that legendary drum fill in Michael Jackson's "Rock With You" from “Off The Wall”, the spectacular intro to Steve Winwood's No. 1 hit, "Hi
Jen Shyu - Groundbreaking Multilingual Vocalist, Composer, Producer, Multi-Instrumentalist, And Dancer. Speaks 11 Languages. Guggenheim Prize. Rome Prize, U.S. Artists Fellow!
Jen Shyu is a groundbreaking multilingual vocalist, composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and dancer. And if that wasn’t enough she is also a Rome Prize Winner, a Guggenheim Fellow, a United States Artists Fellow, a Doris Duke Artist, and she was voted a Downbeat Critics Poll Rising Star Female Vocalist. Her background is Taiwanese and East Timorese, and she speaks 11 languages. She’s perform
FOLLOW YOUR DREAM - A Global Arts Platform
After five years and more than 750 episodes, I had a revelation that Follow Your Dream had become much more than just a podcast - it is a global arts platform.
It's founded upon 5 pillars of content: Conversations with more than 750 guests; Special Collections, where I curate episodes around common themes and ideas; Reflections, where I share my own observations and thoughts inspired by hundreds o
John Riesen - Award Winning Star Tenor. Opera, Musical Theater, Oratorio, Records And Concerts. Performed on America's Got Talent, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center. Gilbert & Sullivan!
John Riesen is an award winning tenor singer. His genres include opera, musical theatre, oratorio, studio recording, and concerts. He’s released 2 albums and over 130 commercial recordings. He is also an associate producer on the Grammy nominated project The Impossible Dream. He was on America's Got Talent as part of the group Metaphysic. He’s performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln C
Ted Rosenthal - Grammy Nominated Jazz Pianist And Composer. 19 CDs As Leader. Played With Gerry Mulligan, Wynton Marsalis, Jon Faddis, Boston Pops, Detroit Symphony. Wrote "Dear Erich" Jazz Opera!
Ted Rosenthal is the real deal. He’s a Grammy nominated jazz pianist and composer and one of the leading lights in this genre. He has performed worldwide as a soloist, with his trio, and with many jazz greats including Gerry Mulligan, Wynton Marsalis, Jon Faddis, Art Farmer, Phil Woods, and James Moody. All are jazz icons. He’s a Winner of the Thelonious Monk International Competition. He’s relea
Jennifer Barnhart - Puppeteer, Actor, Singer, Voiceover Artist. Original Cast Member Of Tony Award Winning Musical "Avenue Q”. "Sesame Street". "Between The Lions"!
Jennifer Barnhart is an actor, singer, voiceover artist - and a puppeteer! Her career is filled with her extraordinary work on children’s programming. She was an original cast member of the Tony Award-winning musical, "Avenue Q.” She is also an Emmy-nominated performer for her work on "Sesame Street," where she plays Zoe and Granny Bird, among others. She was Cleo on the PBS show, “Between the L
Nino Surguladze - Acclaimed Georgian Operatic Mezzo-Soprano. Debut At La Scala. Performed At Many Prestigious Opera Houses In U.S., Europe, New Zealand And Asia!
Nino Surguladze is an acclaimed operatic mezzo-soprano. She is from Tbilisi, Georgia. She made her debut at age 23 at La Scala and has performed at many of the world’s most prestigious opera houses including Teatro di San Carlo; Teatro Real Madrid; Metropolitan Opera in New York; and the Mariinsky Theatre, San Diego Opera, New Zealand Opera and across Italy where she starred in Carmen. Her career
Alex Frank - Bassist And Musical Director For Jeff Goldblum's Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. Worked With Cynthia Erivo, Michael Buble, Tamir Hendelman, Tierney Sutton, Christian Wiggs, Benny Benack III!
Alex Frank is the Musical Director and bassist for actor and musician Jeff Goldblum’s jazz group, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. He co-produced the group’s latest album, which includes Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Scarlett Johansson. He’s also worked on previous albums with Kelly Clarkson, Fiona Apple and Miley Cyrus. He played the bass in the film Jersey Boys, directed by Clint Eastwood, and
Andrew Litton - New York City Ballet Music Director. Former Conductor Of Bournemouth Symphony. Jazz Musician Too. Grammy Nomination For Sweeney Todd!
Andrew Litton is the Music Director of the New York City Ballet and the Conductor Laureate of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. He was previously Music Director of Norway’s Bergen Philharmonic. He has led opera performances at the Metropolitan Opera and the Royal Opera House Covent Garden among many other venues. And he’s also an accomplished pianist, and he plays jazz too. He recorded a solo al
Liz Callaway - Remarkable Actress, Singer, Recording Artist. Tony And Grammy Winner. "Baby", "Evita", "Miss Saigon", "Cats". 9 Albums!
Liz Callaway is a force of nature. Just listen to her accomplishments. She’s a Tony and Grammy nominee and an Emmy award winning actress, singer and recording artist. She made her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along”. She went on to star in “Baby” for which she earned a Tony nomination, “The Three Musketeers”, “Sunday In The Park With George”, “Evita”, “Miss Saigon” and “Ca
INTRODUCING: ""THE BUZZ" - Robert's New Single. Ft. Darius de Haas (Vocals) And Dave Eggar (Cello). Short, Sweet and Totally Different!
This Episode introduces “THE BUZZ”, my new single.
I think you know by now that I pride myself on the variety of my music. I cross a lot of genres. But this one maybe takes the cake. I like to describe “The Buzz” as short, sweet and totally different.
With me today are the two extraordinary musicians who are featured on the track - Darius de Haas and Dave Eggar.
Darius is the vocalist. He is a B
John Murillo - Acclaimed Poet. "Up Jump The Boogie", "Kontemporary Amerikan Poetry", "Variation On A Theme By Gil Scott-Heron". Numerous Honors!
John Murillo is an acclaimed poet. He is the author of the collections “Up Jump the Boogie”, his debut work, “Kontemporary Amerikan Poetry”, a meditation on racism and institutional violence in America, and “Variation On A Theme By Gil Scott-Heron”. His honors include the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, the North American Book Award, and the Four Quartets Prize. His poetry has appeared in Prairie Sch
Elsa Nilsson - Fantastic Swedish Flutist, Composer And Bandleader. Winner Of The National Flute Association’s Jazz Flute Competition. New Album: "Liminal"!
Elsa Nilsson is a fantastic flutist, composer, and bandleader. She’s originally from Gothenburg, Sweden, but now lives in Brooklyn, NY - where all the hipsters live. Her music is inspired by human connection to locations of the natural world. She’s a winner of the National Flute Association’s Jazz Flute Competition, and the recipient of multiple Chamber Music America grants. She has performed at S
Max Tan - Taiwanese/American Virtuoso Violinist. Concertmaster Of Opera Philadelphia. Interim Concertmaster Of The Auckland Philharmonia. Advocate For Contemporary Music!
Max Tan is a Taiwanese/American virtuoso violinist. Max Tan aka Dr. Max is a performer, educator, curator, and writer. He is the founder and artistic director of Soundbox Ventures, a fellowship program. He is also concertmaster of Opera Philadelphia. And Beginning this June he will be the interim concertmaster of the Auckland Philharmonia in New Zealand. His playing has been praised as “eloquent”
Oliver Poole - British Virtuoso Concert Pianist And Composer. Called "Oliver le Magnifique". Performances With Czech National Symphony, Georgian Philharmonic, Britain's Royal Family!
Oliver Poole is a British virtuoso concert pianist and composer committed to using music for positive impact. He’s got it all - phenomenal artistry, electrifying drive and sensational interactive improvisations. He’s been called “Oliver le magnifique”. He debuted as a soloist with the British National Youth Orchestra at age eight, and he’s performed with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Czech Nat
REFLECTIONS: The Power Of Guest Testimonials
I’m always thinking about ways to make the podcast more interesting and engaging. So about a year ago, in May 2025, I came up with the idea of creating a guest testimonial page on the podcast website — a place where guests could share a few thoughts about their experience on the show.
From the very beginning of the podcast, guests have been extraordinarily kind and complimentary about their interv
Jamie McLean - Guitarist And Bandleader. Blends New Orleans Soul, Americana Roots, Delta Blues And NYC Swagger. Derek Trucks, Gregg Allman, Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Trombone Shorty, Blues Traveler!
Jamie McLean is a guitarist and bandleader. He blends New Orleans soul, Americana roots, Delta blues and New York City swagger into his music. He’s played alongside Derek Trucks, Gregg Allman, Aaron Neville and Dr. John at major venues like Madison Square Garden and Japan’s Fuji Rock. His Jamie McLean Band has shared the stage with the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Trombone Shorty, Los Lobos, Blues Travel
Anthony J. Resta - Canadian Musician And Producer. Worked With Duran Duran, Blondie, Elton John, Collective Soul. Films Include Scream 2 And 3!
Anthony J. Resta is a Canadian composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. He’s worked on the film soundtracks for Twilight, Scream 2 and 3, and Varsity Blues. And he’s worked with artists like Duran Duran, Blondie, Elton John and Collective Soul. Now he’s going out front as a solo performer with his version of Bread’s classic, “The Guitar Man”.
My featured song is my reimagined version of “The
Cristobal MarYan - Mexican Composer Of Eclectic Variety Of Music From Contemporary Classical To Film, TV, And Theatre!
Cristobal MarYan is a Mexican composer of an eclectic variety of music. From contemporary classical to music for film, TV, and theatre. He has been composer-in-residence for the Orchestra of the Americas. His works have been performed in New York, Moscow, Finland, Canada, Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka, and Panama. His music has been played by Yo-Yo Ma and by the Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra, among ot
Simon Phillips - Legendary Drummer With Toto (22 Years), Jeff Beck, Jack Bruce, Pete Townshend, The Who. New Album: Protocol 6!
Simon Phillips is a Grammy award nominated drummer, producer and songwriter He is one of the most acclaimed drummers of the modern era. He’s a rock and fusion guy who has performed with a Who’s Who in music including Toto for 22 years, Jeff Beck, Jack Bruce, Peter Gabriel, Gary Moore, Judas Priest, Pete Townshend and The Who. His new album is called Protocol 6.
My featured song is the live versio
Bob Malone - Singer, Songwriter, Pianist. Played With John Fogerty (Creedence), Ringo, Mindi Abair!
Bob Malone is a singer, songwriter, pianist. He played keyboards with John Fogerty, the genius behind Creedence Clearwater Revival, for 13 years. He’s also done sessions and tour dates with Ringo Starr, Avril Lavigne, Rickie Lee Jones and Mindi Abair. His songs and piano playing have been heard on shows like NCIS New Orleans, Entertainment Tonight, Lucifer, and The Hallmark Channel. And he perform
Blues Saraceno - Rock Guitarist, Composer, Producer. Played With Jack Bruce And Ginger Baker, Poison. Many TV And Film Placements!
Blues Saraceno is a rock guitarist, composer, and producer. At 17 he played in a band with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, formerly of Cream. And later on he played with the band Poison. He’s also performed with Ziggy Marley and Melissa Ethridge. He’s one of the “go-to” guys for many of LA's top record producers and engineers. He’s also produced artists like Lindsay Price who was in the hit NBC seri
Declan Ryan - Irish Poet Now Based In London. His First Collection Is Called "Crisis Actor". Published In The New Yorker, Paris Review, Guardian, Observer And Irish Times!
Declan Ryan is an Irish poet based in London. His first poetry collection, published in 2023, is called “Crisis Actor”. One reviewer said that the poems are preoccupied with, and driven by, the weight and difficulty of expectation — of ourselves and of others. His poems, reviews and essays have appeared in numerous journals including the New York Review of Books, The New Yorker, The Paris Review,
Levi Taylor - Kennedy Center Artist And Emmy Nominated Composer. Opera, Symphonies, Film, TV. Sphinx Virtuosi, "Sewer Divers", "Three Black Men"!
Levi Taylor is a Kennedy Center Artist and an Emmy-nominated composer. He’s a graduate of Interlochen. He’s composed for opera, symphonies, film and TV. Recent highlights include an operetta, a fellowship at a Castle in Italy, commissions from the Sphinx Virtuosi and Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, music for “Shark Week”, Peacock’s “Vampire Academy,” the Discovery Channel’s “Sewer Divers”, and the docu
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS: Broadway - The Performers. Featuring: Shoshana Bean, Melissa Errico, Sam Harris, Ann Hampton Callaway, Darius de Haas, Lucie Arnaz!
This Special Collections episode is called Broadway - The Performers.
Each episode of Special Collections focuses on a particular common thread that ties together some of my guests.
In this episode, that common thread is Broadway. Each of the guests featured here is an accomplished and acclaimed performer in one or more Broadway productions.
Broadway is one of the great storytelling traditions in
Peter Kramer - German Born Film Scholar. Stanley Kubrick ("Dr. Strangelove", "2001: A Space Odyssey"). George Lucas ("American Graffiti")!
Peter Kramer is a German born, retired university professor who taught in England, in the area of film studies. His work includes a focus on Stanley Kubrick and also Hollywood’s biggest box office hits. His books include three volumes in the BFI Film Classics series on “Dr. Strangelove”, “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “The General”. His most recent book is “American Graffiti: George Lucas, the New Ho
Shane Alexander - Indie Folk And Acoustic Rock Solo Artist. Opened for Seal, Jewel, Suzanne Vega, Others. His Music In TV shows, Ads, Films!
Shane Alexander is a Los Angeles based indie folk and acoustic rock solo artist. He’s toured the U.S., Europe and Canada. He’s opened for artists like Seal, Jewel, Suzanne Vega and others. He’s performed at venues like Red Rocks, The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and The Greek Theatre in LA. His music has appeared in dozens of television shows, commercials and films. And he’s also a producer for
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