Episode #111 – Gil Gillenwater: Hope, Borders & Helping Without Handouts

In this episode, I sit down with Gil Gillenwater — author, traveler, and humanitarian — to talk about his book Hope On The Border and the life experiences that led him to write it. Gil has spent years working in Mexico and along the U.S.–Mexico border, where he's seen firsthand what meaningful help actually looks like.

We talk about service that empowers instead of enables, the realities of cross-border work, and the personal cost of choosing to show up in difficult places. Gil also shares stories of intense and sometimes scary travel encounters that shaped his worldview and reinforced why hope isn't passive — it's practiced.

In this episode, we talk about:

· What inspired Hope On The Border and the stories behind it

· Working in Mexico and navigating cultural, emotional, and logistical challenges

· Helping people without taking away their dignity or self-reliance

· Scary and unpredictable moments while traveling — and what they taught him

· Why real hope shows up through presence, not handouts

About Gil Gillenwater

Gil works with communities in Mexico through Rancho Feliz, focusing on connection, empowerment, and long-term impact rather than quick fixes. His approach centers on listening first and serving in ways that respect people's humanity.

Learn more about Gil and his work here:
👉 https://ranchofeliz.com/team/gil-gillenwater/

🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.

Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Episode #110 – Danny Johnson: Clean Comedy, Big Faces & Long Roads

In this episode, I sit down with Danny Johnson, a stand-up comic who's been making people laugh for over 15 years without having to get dirty to do it. Danny's style is clean, relatable, and packed with those now-famous facial expressions that somehow say more than the punchlines.

We talk about life on the road, how his comedy has evolved, and what it's like building a career that works just as well in comedy clubs as it does at corporate events and churches. Danny shares stories from performing alongside some absolute legends, filming comedy specials, and what it takes to stay funny while staying yourself.

We also touch on:

· Writing comedy that stays fresh (and clean)

· Performing everywhere from cruise ships to packed theaters

· His wildly popular Dry Bar Comedy special and newer releases

· Life as a local comedy fixture in North Florida

· Story about a celebrity doing a very nice thing

Danny's easygoing, quick-witted, and genuinely funny — this episode feels more like hanging out than an interview.

https://youtu.be/3aZgNtk66Q8?si=CE-sBhQrFAtAl21P

🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.

Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Episode #108 – Amy Lenius: Empowerment, Awareness & Next Level Living

In this episode, I'm joined by Amy Lenius of Next Level University — a coach and mentor dedicated to helping people step into greater confidence, clarity, and purpose. We dive into what empowerment really looks like, why self-awareness is foundational to growth, and how working with the right partners can accelerate transformation.

Amy shares insights from her work guiding clients through group coaching, the mindset shifts that open up real possibility, and the leadership practices that help people live—and lead—at their very best.

In this episode we discuss:

· Empowering others: what it truly means to support growth, not just motivate

· Working with partners & teams: the value of collaboration, shared vision, and accountability

· Importance of self-awareness: how understanding yourself creates freedom and choice

· Holistic healing: what it is and why it matters

· Mindset shifts that matter: habits, beliefs, and practices that support sustainable personal and professional change

· Balancing ambition with authenticity: why growth and groundedness go hand in hand

About Amy & Next Level University

Amy Lenius is a coach, facilitator, and partner at Next Level University, where she helps individuals and groups connect to their purpose, build clarity around goals, and break through internal barriers holding them back. Her approach blends practical strategy with emotional intelligence and accountability.

Learn more about her group coaching and programs here:
👉 https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/group-coaching/

Why you'll want to listen

This episode is a great listen for anyone who wants to better understand themselves, build stronger relationships, and step into leadership—whether in business, life, or community. Amy brings heart, clarity, and tools you can start using now.

🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.

Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Episode #108 – Matt Savino: Roads, Borders & Stories That Almost Didn't Make It Home

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Savino — writer, traveler, and storyteller with a passport full of stamps and a knack for finding himself in situations that make great stories later. We talk about travel as a teacher, writing as documentation, and what happens when plans fall apart far from home.

Matt shares the story of almost getting stranded in Nicaragua, what that moment revealed about risk, trust, and international realities, and how travel forces you to confront both politics and yourself. From border crossings to back roads, we also dive into the legendary Pan-American Highway and what it represents beyond just miles on a map.

In this episode we cover:

· Travel as a catalyst for writing and personal perspective

· Almost getting stranded in Nicaragua — what went wrong and what was learned

· Navigating foreign systems and the realities of international politics on the ground

· The Pan-American Highway — myth, history, and what it means to actually travel it

· Why travel stories aren't just about destinations, but also decisions

· Turning real-world chaos into compelling narrative

Why you'll want to listen

If you love travel stories that go beyond Instagram, writing rooted in lived experience, or conversations that blend geography, politics, and personal growth, this episode delivers. It's equal parts adventure tale and reflective conversation.

🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.

Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Episode #107 – Chip Jacobs: Writing, Pasadena's Past & The Edges of Life

In this episode, I'm joined by Chip Jacobs — award-winning author, journalist, and storyteller with a deep love for California history and an eye for the unusual. We dive into the craft of writing and editing, the fascinating (and sometimes bizarre) history of Pasadena, and even wander into the territory of near-death experiences and what they reveal about being alive.

This conversation ranges from the practical to the mysterious — from how to shape a story on the page to the moments that shape a life

In this episode we talk about:

· Chip's writing process — how journalism influenced his narrative style

· The importance of editing — why revision is where the truth of a story comes out

· Pasadena history — strange characters, environmental battles, scandals, and the overlooked corners of California's past

· Near-death experiences — why they fascinate us, and how they connect to meaning, memory, and storytelling

· Balancing fact and narrative — how Chip blends research, personality, and voice in his nonfiction and fiction

· Why history still matters — especially when it's weird, messy, or uncomfortable

About Chip Jacobs

Chip is known for both nonfiction and fiction, including historical works, environmental reporting, and character-driven stories rooted in the identity of Southern California. He brings humor, sharp research, and a storyteller's rhythm to everything he writes.

https://chipjacobs.com/

Why you'll want to listen

If you're a writer, history lover, California native, or simply someone interested in how personal experiences shape creative work, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and unexpected turns — just like Chip's books.

🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.

Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Episode #106 – Shanti Hershenson

We talked about building a TikTok (now with over 70k followers), her amazing focus and discipline, writing every day and some of the other things she does with her time, like falconry!

Since the age of twelve, Shanti has actively been writing and publishing books. She has written 37 books in varying genres, including You Won't Know Her Name, a novel-told-in-poetry about bullying in middle school. Biome Lock, the first in an alien invasion series, is published with the others on the way. Also in publication is a three-book series called The Chronicles of Ziel DeLaine. The Accidental Insurgent is a dystopian standalone.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shanti-Hershenson/author/B08QRF5LP4?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1645593351&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

@shantiwhowrites

🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.

Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Episode #105 – Amy Dickens on joy, play and reconnecting with the parts of ourselves that make us feel most alive.

We may have talked about joy, creativity and connecting with your child self, I'm not sure. It seems like we just talked for an hour and a half and laughed and created a lot of silliness. All I know is the time went very fast and this is a great podcast to listen to if you need a little uplift.

Check out Amy's book "101 Ways to Spread Joy" or check out @theamydickens on all the socials.

🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.

Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/

Episode #104 – Michael Wendroff: Marketing Mastermind Turned Thriller Author
In this week's episode, I sit down with Michael Wendroff — a global marketing consultant with an MBA from New York University (and an induction into their Hall of Fame) who pivoted into writing to publish his debut thriller. We talk about what it takes to go from business-strategy to bestselling pages, the craft of storytelling, and the unexpected crossover between marketing and fiction.

What we dive into

· Michael's background in marketing and how his business acumen shaped his approach to writing and publishing.

· The journey of writing his debut novel, What Goes Around, including the role his parents played and how early exposure to publishers influenced him.

· Key lessons in thriller writing: plotting with precision, building tension, and structuring a story that keeps readers turning pages.

· The importance of feedback, editing, and revision.

· The big role of self-marketing as an author today — how storytelling isn't just what you write but how you bring it to the world.

· Advice for anyone considering a creative pivot or literary debut: that the skills you already have might just be your springboard.

Why this episode matters
If you're a writer (or aspiring one), a creative shifting from one career to another, or someone curious how business skills translate into art — you'll find plenty here. Michael shows that storytelling isn't just for authors: it's for anyone with something to say, and that craft + strategy can move mountains.

Connect with Michael Wendroff
https://michaelwendroff.com/

🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.

Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17479536339826768613f136d

Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber

My Instagram: @joelyshmoley

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/