Our two new books...  STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd

Watch the video version of this podcast here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuwLVimYIyk

0:00 - You Can Turn Your Life Around
13:56 - Artists Who Are 50 And Older... Make It Happen Now
25:13 - Why I Don't Put Expectations On My Film Career
43:15 - This Advice From David Lynch Helped Me Write My First Screenplay

Christopher Matthew Spencer is a dynamic filmmaker with a diverse background, bringing a wealth of experience to the world of cinema. A U.S. Navy veteran and accomplished businessman, Spencer turned his focus to the entertainment industry, quickly making a mark as an actor, writer, and director. Trained at the prestigious Brian Cutler Actors Studio, he has secured roles in notable television series and commercials, while also contributing to voiceover and industrial projects.

His film directorial debut, "The Red Market", showcases his ability to weave compelling narratives, further establishing his place in the industry. Spencer's work in the horror genre, particularly his role in Anthony DiBlasi's "Malum", has been recognized by The New York Times, highlighting his versatility and dedication to his craft.

CONNECT WITH CHRISTOPHER MATTHEW SPENCER
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Rode VideoMic Pro  - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio.  It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG

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This Advice Helped Me Write My First Screenplay - Christopher Matthew Spencer

A quiet folk story about the monsters we grow up believing in… and the ones we learn to recognize later. “Real Monsters” follows a lifetime of advice from a father who knows that danger doesn’t hide under beds — it shakes your hand, clocks in at work, and sometimes smiles a little too wide.

Acoustic, warm, and a little bittersweet, this one leans into that front-porch wisdom we all heard growing up. No villains named, no sides taken — just a reminder to trust the good folks, keep your circle close, and not fall for anybody selling fear.

LYRICS
(C)2025 Ggreg Snyder

[Verse 1]
When I was just a barefoot kid,
I asked my dad, “Are monsters real?”
He said, “Son, they ain’t hidin’ under beds,
they walk on two good heels.
Don’t trust a smile that comes too quick,
and don’t believe every friendly face.
Some folks’ll pat your back real nice
while they’re movin’ you outta place.”

[Chorus]
Real monsters ain’t in the closet,
ain’t curlin’ up out in the dark.
They’re drivin’ to work like you do,
buyin’ groceries, parking their cars.
And you can’t hear ’em growl or howl,
no warning bark or spark —
The real monsters walk among us,
in the daylight, son, not in the dark.

[Verse 2]
Years later when I got a job,
Dad said, “Now here comes the fun —
Some folks’ll trip you on the staircase
just to claim they climbed to number one.
They’ll dress up ambition like kindness,
they’ll swear they’re only tryin’ to help.
Don’t let ’em carve you up, my boy,
just to puff up their own self.”

[Chorus]
real monsters ain’t in the closet,
ain’t curlin’ up out in the dark.
They’re clockin’ in, shakin’ hands,
smilin’ wide in the company yard.
they won’t leave tracks or shadows,
they blend right in with the larks —
The real monsters walk among us,
in the daylight, son, not in the dark.

[Bridge]
But you learn to spot ’em by heartbeat,
by how your stomach knots or calms.
Trust the ones who stay beside you
when everything else goes wrong.
The good ones don’t shine like diamonds —
they’re quiet, steady, true.
Takes half a life to realize
who’s who around you.

[Verse 3]
Now Dad’s old bones are brittle,
but his voice is steady still.
Says, “Watch the suits and papers, son —
the ones who bill you just to bill.
Doctors, lawyers, numbers men,
not all, but some will take you far from home.
Keep your circle small and honest, boy,
you’ll need ’em when you’re grown.”

[Chorus]
real monsters ain’t in the closet,
or swimming with the sharks.
They’re shakin’ hands, makin’ plans,
smilin’ like neighbors in the park.
But love’s the best flashlight we got,
cuts clean through the stark.
The real monsters walk among us —
so keep good people close when things get dark.

[Outro]
And Dad said, “One more thing, my boy —
beware the folks who swear they see
a monster hidin’ everywhere,
and tell you that’s your enemy.
Fear’s a cheap and easy seller,
don’t buy it just ’cause it’s loud.
Keep your heart lined up with kindness,
you’ll stand taller than the crowd.”

Real Monsters

She came back home to her mother’s door,
wet shoes dragging on the kitchen floor.
She said, “It’s fading… we’re coming undone.”
Her mother breathed softly, “No, child… you’re still one.”**

’Cause love don’t die, it just shifts its weight,
moves from spark to something that stays.
It grows quiet; it grows strong,
and people think the silence means it’s gone.

The years moved on like a steady tide,
she learned to walk with the quiet beside.
She found that love can ache yet stand,
growing deeper in ways she hadn’t planned.

One evening she came with a quieter tone,
no tears this time, just tired to the bone.
She said, “The days feel heavy, the spark feels done.”
Her mother replied, “Child… that’s where love becomes strong.”

Cause love don’t die, it just shifts its weight,
moves from spark to something that stays.
It grows quiet; it grows strong,
and people think the silence means it’s gone.

Her mother’s hands grew slow one day,
the winter wind took her voice away.
The walls held echoes soft and low,
the kind you feel more than you know.

Years later, her daughter came undone,
same tired voice, same trembling tongue.
She took her hand, said, “Look, my love—don’t run.
It ain’t over. You two are still one.”

’Cause love don’t die, it just shifts its weight,
moves from spark to something that stays.
It grows quiet; it grows strong,
and people think the silence means it’s gone.
But it ain’t over—no, this is the norm.
They’re the life keepers, keeping love warm.

Just regular people worn down by days,
holding their place in the simplest ways.
No fireworks left, no grand design,
just preserving life, one day at a time.

The Keepers

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of The Mindset Advantage with Jeffrey Wendel, Jeffrey explores the idea that life itself is a scholarship — a journey of learning, growth, and service shaped through adversity.

Drawing on his experience as a coach, mentor, and founder of the Jeffrey Wendel Scholarship, Jeffrey reveals why the greatest lessons come not from success, but from the challenges we overcome. He outlines his Three Stages of the Scholarship of Life — Experience and Survive, Reflect and Learn, Share and Serve — showing how every setback holds the potential to become a source of wisdom and contribution.

You’ll also be guided through an interactive Adversity Inventory, helping you reflect on your own challenges, the lessons they’ve taught you, and how you can use that wisdom to make a difference.

🎯 Key insights:
 1️⃣ Adversity doesn’t disqualify you — it qualifies you.
 2️⃣ Reflection transforms pain into purpose.
 3️⃣ Giving back completes the circle of growth and healing.
Learn more about Jeffrey’s scholarship program and how to apply:
 👉 jeffreywendelscholarship.com
 And discover more insights at:
 jeffreywendel.com | jeffreywendel.net | jeffreywendel.org

The Scholarship of Life: Overcoming Adversity and Giving Back

Hard Roads & Heartlines is a warm, heartfelt collection of songs about strength, heartbreak, and the quiet moments in between.
Blending pop rock, soft rock, singer-songwriter storytelling, and a gentle touch of country, the EP follows the ups and downs of love and the lessons learned along the way.

From resilience and charm to reflection and acceptance, each track reveals a different side of the journey — the miles we walk, the truths we face, and the memories we carry home.
Emotional yet easy-going, this EP captures the feeling of moving forward with a steady heart.

Lyrics:

Life ain’t fair, I learned it young
Cold days bite and the nights hit strong
But I don’t fold when the world goes wrong
I keep steady, keep movin’ on

Yeah, I’ve been bruised, but I stay proud
Stand my ground when the storms get loud

Life ain’t fair, but I rise anyway
No backseat livin’, I lead my own way
Life hits hard, but I don’t break
I keep on pushin’, ’cause that’s what I’m made of

Seen days colder than I can tell
Worked my way through a quiet hell
Every hit just rings the bell
I stand tall — I know myself

Yeah, I bend hard, but I don’t snap
Strength don’t come from an easy path

Life ain’t fair, but I rise anyway
No backseat livin’, I lead my own way
Life hits hard, but I don’t break
I keep on pushin’, ’cause that’s what I’m made of

Life ain’t fair, but I rise anyway
Dust on my boots, but I’m here to stay
Life hits hard, but I don’t break
I keep on pushin’, ’cause that’s what I’m made of

Support

Life Ain't Fair

Hard Roads & Heartlines is a warm, heartfelt collection of songs about strength, heartbreak, and the quiet moments in between.
Blending pop rock, soft rock, singer-songwriter storytelling, and a gentle touch of country, the EP follows the ups and downs of love and the lessons learned along the way.

From resilience and charm to reflection and acceptance, each track reveals a different side of the journey — the miles we walk, the truths we face, and the memories we carry home.
Emotional yet easy-going, this EP captures the feeling of moving forward with a steady heart.

Lyrics: 

We had our time, we had our pace
You left your smile in every place
But seasons change, we drift sometimes
Not every love stays in its prime

And I won’t pretend I didn’t cry
But the world keeps turnin’, so do I

Yeah, it hurts, but I’ll be fine
Life moves on down the line
Some things fade, some things stay
And maybe that’s just how it’s made
You were a chapter, not goodbye
There’s always more than meets the eye

I take long walks to clear my mind
Funny how peace shows up in time
The little things we used to share
Still come around, but I’m aware

Some roads close and others rise
We find new ways to feel alive

Yeah, it hurts, but I’ll be fine
Life moves on down the line
Some things fade, some things stay
And maybe that’s just how it’s made
You were a chapter, not goodbye
There’s always more than meets the eye

Yeah, it hurts, but I’ll be fine
Time will heal what’s left behind
Some things fade, some things stay
And maybe that’s just how it’s made
You were a chapter, not goodbye
There’s always more than meets the eye

More Than Meets the Eye

Hard Roads & Heartlines is a warm, heartfelt collection of songs about strength, heartbreak, and the quiet moments in between.
Blending pop rock, soft rock, singer-songwriter storytelling, and a gentle touch of country, the EP follows the ups and downs of love and the lessons learned along the way.

From resilience and charm to reflection and acceptance, each track reveals a different side of the journey — the miles we walk, the truths we face, and the memories we carry home.
Emotional yet easy-going, this EP captures the feeling of moving forward with a steady heart.

Lyrics:

I’ve walked some roads I won’t repeat
Left heavier prints on lighter feet
Some memories fade, some still remain
A quiet ache, a little rain

Every mile left its mark on me
But I’ve learned what I’m meant to be

These scars, these miles, these roads I’ve known
They’re what I carry home
The hurt, the hope, the seeds I’ve sown
They’re what I carry home
Not every truth is carved in stone
But what I keep is what I’ve grown
Yeah, all I’ve lost and all I’ve known
That’s what I carry home

There were nights I doubted where to steer
And days I wished I wasn’t here
But somehow light still breaks the dark
And gives an old heart one more spark

I’m not the same as I was then
But I’m proud of who I’ve been

These scars, these miles, these roads I’ve known
They’re what I carry home
The hurt, the hope, the seeds I’ve sown
They’re what I carry home
Not every truth is carved in stone
But what I keep is what I’ve grown
Yeah, all I’ve lost and all I’ve known
That’s what I carry home

These scars, these miles, these roads I’ve known
They’re what I carry home
The hurt, the hope, the seeds I’ve sown
They’re what I carry home
I’m moving on, but not alone
With everything that’s made me grown
Yeah, every mile carved in my bones
That’s what I carry home

What I Carry Home

Hard Roads & Heartlines is a warm, heartfelt collection of songs about strength, heartbreak, and the quiet moments in between.
Blending pop rock, soft rock, singer-songwriter storytelling, and a gentle touch of country, the EP follows the ups and downs of love and the lessons learned along the way.

From resilience and charm to reflection and acceptance, each track reveals a different side of the journey — the miles we walk, the truths we face, and the memories we carry home.
Emotional yet easy-going, this EP captures the feeling of moving forward with a steady heart.

Lyrics:

You caught my eye from across the room
Soft little smile like you knew what to do
You ain’t subtle, girl, I see your cue
And yeah, I’m lookin’ right back at you

I ain’t the kind to rush in blind
But you’re drawin’ me in with every line

Girl, I know that smile ain’t just friendly
You look at me like you already meant me
I ain’t the type that treats hearts careless
I’ll steal your breath, but I’ll handle you fearless
You want a man who can take his time
Lucky for you — that’s exactly my kind

You walk my way like you’re sure I’ll stay
And hell, you’re right — I ain’t lookin’ away
Your eyes say “come on,” your steps say “try”
You’re trouble wrapped in a sweet goodbye

I don’t brag much, don’t talk too loud
But I know my way around a heart that’s proud

Girl, I know that smile ain’t just friendly
You look at me like you already meant me
I ain’t the type that treats hearts careless
I’ll steal your breath, but I’ll handle you fearless
You want a man who can take his time
Lucky for you — that’s exactly my kind

Girl, I know that smile ain’t just friendly
You pull me in like you’re tryin’ to tempt me
I ain’t the type that treats hearts careless
I’ll earn your trust, and I’ll handle you fearless
You want a man who can read the signs
Lucky for you — you just found mine

Handle You Fearless

Welcome to CALL IT GREEN, the podcast for anyone thinking about moving to LA for music, hustling in the creative scene, or trying to understand what it actually feels like to start “green” in a city full of seasoned artists.
In Episode 1, Victoria & TK share the REAL journey behind the LA dream. No glamorizing, no sugar-coating. Just the lessons, the mistakes, and the wild moments that shaped our journey.
We talk about:
🌴 Meeting an artist we admired… and getting ignored
💸 A vocal coach trying to scam $800 upfront
😵‍💫 The harsh reality of “living in LA = crushing it or getting crushed”
🎤 Why talent gets you in the room, but character keeps you there
🤫 The unspoken LA rule: people working with big names don’t brag
👥 Building real relationships vs. being used
💚 How we met online, trusted each other, and made LA look GOOD
🌆 The hardest part of starting over — finding your people
🔥 And whether you actually need to live in LA to succeed in music
This episode is honest, messy, inspiring, and painfully relatable for anyone chasing a dream in a big city. Whether you're already in LA or thinking about taking the leap - this one's for you.

EP1 Moving to LA for Music? Listen to this First

Feel It to Heal It (2025 Demo)

Est. in 2009 - YouTube channel on writing/film/acting

Check out our 2 new books! STORY QUESTIONS and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character
https://payhip.com/StoryQuestions

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🖤 Wild.Era is a genre-bending project that explores the beauty of darkness through sound (AI-assisted). Blending gothic folk, dark blues, alternative rock, and cinematic undertones, the music creates immersive worlds where shadow and light coexist. At the heart of Wild.Era lies an emotional hybrid: sadness that feels like a gentle hand on the shoulder, darkness warmed by a small ember, and loneliness that quietly whispers “I’ve been there too.” It isn’t depressing. It isn’t dramatic. It’s human.

Guided by raw emotion and shaped through experimentation, each song becomes a poetic journey. The lyrics echo the spirit of decadent and symbolist voices such as Baudelaire, Verlaine, Rimbaud, Wilde, D’Annunzio, legends who transformed shadow into illumination. Wild.Era carries that same torch: melancholy turned into meaning, tiredness turned into truth, and struggle turned into something beautifully alive.

If you’re drawn to haunting melodies, intimate lyricism, and music that lives between light and ruin, step deeper into the Wild.Era.

I’m John AI Smith — producer, songwriter, and sonic architect. My music explores what it means to feel in a digital age, where every track is a meeting point between intuition and algorithm.

🎧 The Algorithm of Emotion — that’s my compass, and the heart of everything I make.

This page is my playground — where ideas are born, where tracks evolve, and where I can share music with you first. Thanks for listening, commenting, and being part of this journey.

Join the journey — stream, collect, and support my music on Bandcamp ☕

Jeffrey L. Wendel, CEO of Wendel Retirement Planning and author of Grand Slam Retirement: A Winning Strategy for a Winning Lifestyle.

NEW MUSIC FOR A NEW EARTH
Cossfade songs are unlike anything else out there. Captivating melodies accompanied by meaningful lyrics that appeal to music enthusiasts of all ages and tastes. Listen once, and become a fan forever. 
Crossfade is a unique expression of rock roots and blues fusion wrapped in engaging modern arrangements. Forging a new genre of spiritually-infused music -- nontraditional, soulfully inspired, but definitely not new age or religious. 
The music of Crossfade will tickle your spirit and transport you to other realms. You must experience it to truly understand! 
rob@bostonrobrecords.com

Songwriter blurring the lines between country, pop, folk, and whatever else feels honest. Silicon Valley roots, zero Nashville clichés. Think tech-metaphor heartbreak, cowpunk energy, and the sweetness of two good people parting ways. Call it alt.country if you need a label.

New tracks tagged #life lessons