Neil Pond is an award-winning entertainment journalist, film critic, and the managing editor of Parade magazine. He previously served as editor in chief of American Profile magazine and as editorial director of the nation’s two leading country music publications: Country Weekly and Country Music.
Neil has been an on-air commentator for CNN, the BBC, VH-1 and CMT, and is a recipient of the Media Honors Award, the highest journalistic decoration bestowed by the Country Music Association. Neil is a voting member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, and his weekly movie reviews appear in national newspaper syndication, on Rotten Tomatoes and on his website NeilsEntertainmentPicks.com.
When he's not wearing his magazine or movie hats, he plays drums in the Blondie tribute band Blonde Me.
Episode Highlights
Ever wondered what it's like to capture the evolution of music and film through the lens of a seasoned journalist? Neil Pond, the managing editor of Parade Magazine, joins us to share his storied career in entertainment journalism, from a memorable first assignment with country legends Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn to candid interviews with icons like Garth Brooks. We delve into the art of storytelling and Neil's humorous anecdotes, offering a rare glimpse into the rich tapestry of entertainment history that has unfolded over the decades.
Our conversation transitions from Neil’s early misadventures to the complexities of writing with authenticity, where the personal meets the professional. Neil and I discuss the intricacies of interviewing, the humbling nature of country music's biggest stars, and how dabbling in drumming complements his writing life. The harmonious balance Neil has struck between his creative passions and a fulfilling career in journalism is not just inspiring but also laden with practical wisdom for those yearning to follow their own dreams without compromising their nature.
Rounding off this captivating episode, Neil imparts sage advice to aspiring writers and reflects on the profound influence of literature on his craft. We also explore the myth of following your passion to success and the importance of empathy in professional pursuits. With Neil's reflections on receiving top accolades and his musings on life, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the heartbeat of entertainment journalism or looking for that spark to ignite their own creative journey.
We cover a lot of fascinating topics in this episode including:
The differences between closeup magic, stage magic, and tv magic
The many different ways to go about creating the same illusion
The many skills and components beyond sleight of hand that go into crafting an effective illusion, including choreography, music, lighting, script writing, joke writing, and interpersonal interaction
When magicians play pranks on each other
Karl's ideas about Penn & Teller's Fool Us
Performing on The Pete Holmes Show
The problem with revealing the secrets behind how tricks are done
The differences between just performing magic and actually creating it
On being torn between the desire to understand how everyone's tricks work and retaining the awe and wonder of a viewer
The secrets and essentials for being a successful creative professional, and so much more!
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