Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, producer and host George Sirois sits down with writer Matt Witten. After poetry gave him his first creative outlet, he was encouraged in high school to write his first play. That led to several other plays, which then led to Matt making the move to writing thriller novels and spending the next twenty years writing for television shows such as Law & Order, House, Pretty Little Liars, and more! After writing teleplays, books, plays, and even movies, Matt has now released his dystopian thriller titled 51%, which is out TODAY, April 28! You can learn more about it and get your copy by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with documentary filmmaker Sara Alessandrini. She has spent several years producing her feature-length documentary - which then became a miniseries - about the fall of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, after various allegations forced his resignation and eventual decline from the political stage. You can find out more about this documentary series by clicking HERE. ll kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with visual effects producer Taylor Rockwell. A lover of the performing arts since childhood, Taylor spent years behind the scenes as a stage manager for multiple theatrical productions, and eventually took the opportunity to transition from theatre to film. Her first film was Evan Almighty, and she would go on to work on such blockbustes as The Fate of the Furious, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, The Cabin in the Woods, The Avengers, and more. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author Cheryl Pena. Ever since the age of three, Cheryl has wanted to write and pursue as many different creative endeavors as possible. While others took center stage for various times, writing always stayed back, ready for its time. And now, with various novellas published followed by the first two parts of a trilogy of novels, Cheryl is at the cusp of truly breaking out as an author to follow. This is reflected by her recent five-book deal that she signed with Cloaked Press. Find out more about Cheryl and her new publisher by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with Michael Wendroff, author of the critically acclaimed thriller novel "What Goes Around." This was a particularly enlightening conversation since a lot of the focus was on how Michael set himself up in New York City as soon as he arrived there for college. It's a truly inspiring story that is a true representation of the phrase "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere." Check out more of Michael's story and get your copy of "What Goes Around" by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with children's book author Maryanne Wood. Having started her journey as an author as recently as 2025, Maryanne knew right away that it wasn't enough to bring her books to schools. She had to bring an experience with her, and that has been accomplished through the various supplemental materials on her website. The two discuss Maryanne's history as a storyteller, bringing her books to students, creating characters that will outlive their original inspirations, and more! Maryanne's website is currently under construction, but you can keep an eye on it by clicking HERE, Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with Kyle Merrick, a well versed creative strategist who is presenting his program called "Anarchy for a Day." This program allows you to take a look at life, see what works, and give it a tweak to see what works best for you. Find out more about Kyle's program, and schedule your free consultation by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with prolific author and musician Ryan McGinnis. Growing up on frequent visits to the library and feeding his mind with a steady diet of thrillers, science-fiction, and horror, Ryan's creativity flourished and manifested itself in a series of thriller short stories, musical performances, and his first sci-fi novel Terrestrial. Follow Ryan's creative journey by going to his website HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with an old friend from the days of writing together on 411Mania.com: author / critic / film analyst Bryan Kristopowitz. A member of the deep roster of prolific writers on 411Mania since 2005, Bryan immediately set himself up as a champion for the ultimate cinematic underdogs: the B-movies. Those wonderful oddities that lined video store shelves since the 1980s. And most recently, Bryan has gravitated toward low budget direct-to-video action flicks, which are still being filmed and released to retail stores to this very day. This year, Bryan took the ultimate plunge into the direct-to-video world by compiling his list of action movies he recommends to fellow cinephiles into his very own book: Not Coming to a Theater Near You: 50 Great Direct-to-Video Action Flicks of the Early 2000s. Make sure you get your copy by clicking HERE. And definitely check out 411Mania - one of the premiere indie pop culture websites out there - by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author & musician Christopher Kaufman. With a lifelong love of music and the fantasy genre, Christopher has combined his many talents into a fully immersive original story called Tales of The Ocean City, complete with a symphonic score that captures the listener's imagination and carries them through a multi-part epic filled with magical creatures, heroes, sorcerers, enemies from a distant past, and much more. Get to know more about Christopher through his podcast The Phantastic Worlds of Christopher Kaufman HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

PRODUCER'S NOTE: Thank you for your patience while the show took a week off to clear up some technical difficulties. The computer is running much better now and I look forward to getting caught up with presenting some great conversations. On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author Lanie Mores. In addition to writing her award-winning Father of Contention series, Lanie has found a strong community of book-lovers on social media platforms, specifically Instagram, and is consistently making sure they are aware of her work that's already out and are happily awaiting the releases to come. Her social media presence has led her to collaborate with other authors and take part in anthologies that broaden her audience even further. Get to know Lanie's work by clicking HERE. And follow Lanie on Instagram by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author Lindsey Goldstein. After going from veterinary medicine to working in the film industry, Lindsey pivoted toward writing and got hers out into the world in the form of essays, articles, and short stories published by the New York Times, Princeton Alumni Weekly, The Chicago Story Press, and more. Most recently, Lindsey took a chance and reinvented herself as a novelist, and her debut "Gap Year" is now available for purchase. Get your copy of "Gap Year" by clicking HERE. Keep up with Lindsey by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author Julie Rowe. After accepting a dare to get her work out into the world, Julie went on to follow her published prose with her own writing workshops and her own hand-crafted swag items. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

Proud Member of the Podmatch Podcast Network This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author & marketing specialist Adele Royce. From working in various adveritising and public relations companies to owning her own marketing consultant firm, Adele is not only an ideal guest due to her journey to help others to get to where she is; she is also an accomplished author with her books "Camera Ready," "Princess Smile," and "For Position Only," among others. Find out more about Adele by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

This podcast is a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network. This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with business owner & business manager Ramae Allen. With years of experience as a business owner and manager of other people's businesses, she has seen too many people lean on their New Year's Resolutions and talk about how they're going to make this happen or that happen, when they should instead be putting together their plans for how to turn those resolutions into reality. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

This podcast is a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network. Welcome to Season 12 of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity. This week, host & producer George Sirois sits down Mark Firehammer, a musician, an author, a co-founder of the MyFeelness Program, and the founder & acting director of the Creative Humanity Alliance. A living breathing hub of inspiration, Mark has proven himself to not only be consistently creative in many different outlets, but also a champion for others who want to get their stories out there into the world. After years of traveling on the road as a musician, Mark published his debut novel "The Echo and the Voice" under the name J.W. Kindbloom, which includes a companion soundtrack album filled with Mark's music. Read more about Mark by clicking HERE. Find out more about the MyFeelness program by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois wraps up Season 11 with author Buddy Howard. After years of working in investment banking, Buddy - who believes that everyone has a story to tell, whether it's their own or one waiting to be written - decided to invest in himself as a storyteller by writing a novel. His debut legal thriller "The Burden of Evidence" is now available on all formats, including audio. Learn more about Buddy by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with fellow audiobook narrator Eric Priessman. Eric has built an impressive library of nearly 60 titles from all different genres, and he has most recently been given a very cool opportunity: entering the world of movie tie-in novelizations with the prequel to the 1980's cult classic film Fright Night. Learn more about Eric and his journey by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author, memoirist, speaker, and coach Wendy Dale. Ever since she wrote and released "Avoiding Prison & Other Noble Vacation Goals," Wendy has been a strong advocate for memoirs and she has committed herself to making sure those who get into this genre of writing are giving their very best. Learn more about Wendy and her book "The Memoir Engineering System" by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with fellow author Jim Paulk. A graduate from the Naval Academy in the 1950s, Jim would go on to live an extraordinary life filled with adventure, anecdotes, tales, even near-legends, and after being told more than once that he should write a book, Jim took the plunge and liked it so much, he took two more plunges. His third memoir is being prepared for launch. Find out more about Jim by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists. If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.