S2-E236 Iyla Vaughn

Mike and cohosts, actress Violet Tinnirello and bassist Leland Sklar welcomed singer songwriter and author Iyla Vaughn to ConversationsRadio​ Ep.236! Iyla Vaughn is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter whose sound moves between bubble-grunge and cinematic pop. At 14, she released her debut single ‘I Wasn’t Creeping’ which marks the beginning of a body of work she's been working on over the past year. Iyla has gone on to release 3 more singles, described as music that feels personal without being small, and polished without losing its edges. More singles are on the way. Never creeping. Independent artist. Just getting started.  Iyla has also authored a book series under the name of Vaughn Thompson with her father, Ty titled Daniel the Different.  An avid reader, she loves writing and dreaming up the characters within Everworld, and had even more fun writing Book 2. Book 3 is in the works! ​Whether it’s writing a book or a song, Iyla loves to create and draws inspiration from life and people. Her music journey has just begun and we are looking forward to having Iyla on ConversationsRadio. More is on the way. Look for Iyla's music on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. Check out IylaVaughn.com for links to her original music and upcoming events. ​Follow Iyla on Instagram @IylaVaughn​official Enjoy the Podcast!  

(10-28-26) Mike and cohost, actress Violet Tinnirello welcomed singer songwriter and actress Tori Gideon to ConversationsRadio​. From Atlanta, Georgia,12 years old Tori Gideon is a singer-songwriter and recording artist with a love for music that started almost as soon as she could talk. She began singing at the age of two, and some of her earliest songwriting attempts included a song about her curly hair and another about snow for her little sister. What started as childhood creativity has grown into a genuine passion for writing songs, performing, and connecting with people through music. Tori's musical influences are as colorful as her personality. From Bon Jovi and Led Zeppelin to Janis Joplin, Pink, Avril Lavigne, and Christina Aguilera, she loves artists who bring powerful vocals, big personalities, and real emotion to their music. Her own songs reflect that mix of classic rock energy, pop melodies, and meaningful storytelling. She's currently developing her music under the guidance of Mama Jan Smith, the renowned vocal producer and artist developer who has worked with some of the biggest names in music, alongside producer and mentor Jesse Owen Astin. She has also studied voice for years with Debbie Walker and is expanding her musicianship by learning guitar, ukulele, and piano. Her debut single, Glitter Punk 1985, is a fun, 80s-inspired pop-rock song encouraging her generation to put down their screens and experience life beyond technology. Her second release, Jericho's Wall, explores faith, courage, and finding strength when facing life's challenges. One of the things closest to Tori's heart is using music to help others. Inspired by the loss of a friend to childhood cancer, she helped create Glitter Star Fest, a music and arts event benefiting the American Cancer Society's fight against pediatric cancer. The event brings kids together to use their creativity to make a difference, something Tori believes young people are never too young to do. The American Cancer Society has teamed up with 12-year-old rock star Tori Gideon to headline GLITTER STAR FEST, a family-friendly community event sponsored by the American Cancer Society designed to shine a light on Pediatric Cancer through music, art, creativity, family activities and service. The heart of the event is kids helping kids. Every dollar raised throughout the evening will benefit the fight against Pediatric Cancer. LEARN MORE She wants her songs to spread light, joy, peace, and love, and to put smiles on people's faces. For Tori, music isn't just about being heard. It's about making people feel something, bringing them together, and hopefully making their day a little brighter.  Check out Tori's homepage  ToriGideon.com for links to her amazing music and events Follow Tori on Instagram @torigideonofficial! Enjoy the Podcast!  

(10-14-26) Americana singer songwriter and muti-Instrumentalist Luke Curran, Based in Boston, has embraced the Americana folk roots music genre and draws inspiration from his upbringing in Northern Michigan and Florida. Luke joined Mike and cohost, Nashville singer-songwriter Chloe Penny to chat about his music and experience on NBC's The Voice season 30. In the blind audiiton round, he performed  Jim Croce's 1972 hit 'Operator (That's Not the Way it Feels).' Adam Levine and Riley Green turned chairs with Luke choosing coach Adam. Despite being eliminated in the battle round, he enjoyed his time on The Voice and is grateful for the opportunity. Luke's music journey began at 5 years old. By his teen years, he was writing original music and fronting a number of rock bands. Curran stepped away from his music ambitions and pursued software development opportunities. But, Luke, never lost his love for creating music and performing live. He began performing at open mics and various gigs. He continued to write new original music and released his debut EP ‘Hymms’ in 2005. You can find links to his music at LukeCurranMusic.com Follow Luke Curran on Instagram @lukecurranmusic Enjoy the Podcast!

(10-9-26) Mike and cohost, bassist Leland Sklar welcomed Burleigh Drummond, drummer and founding member of Ambrosia! Born in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Burleigh is a self-proclaimed army brat. Both of his parents were in the U.S. Army and relocated often. Eventually, stationed in Turkey, he became interested in the percussion arts and by 5th grade, began drum lessons. He was influenced by watching Turkish artisans hammering and bending large copper plates. This is where his love for the drums began. For more than 50 years, Ambrosia is going strong with a huge international following of Prog Rock and Yacht Rock fans. As a founding member of the band, Burleigh has been nominated for 5 Grammy awards, had 5 charted top 10 singles and has contributed and performed on 300+ recordings. As well, he has written over 100 songs and has engineered and produced numerous projects. He has had the opportunity to share stages with Frank Zappa, Michael McDonald, Alan Parsons, Kenny Loggins and a number of outstanding bands and musicians. In addition to his drumming gig with Ambrosia, Burleigh is also the founder of ‘Tin Drum Family Band’ and is still touring and recording with both bands. Burleigh stays busy! Between Ambrosia and Tin Drum, he is playing shows everywhere! Follow Burleigh Drummond on Instagram @burleighdrummondofficial You can follow Ambrosia as well @ambrosiatheband For updates and show dates, check out AmbrosiaLive.net & TinDrumMusic.com Enjoy the Podcast!  

(10/1/26) Mike and cohost, Nashville country music artist Chloe Penny featured Texas Country Blues Singer-Songwriter Allie Rae on ConversationsRadio! Allie calls Santa Fe, Texas her home and has been performingllie Rae has new music! 'Two Step' was Mike and cohost, Chloe Penny bring you award winning Country Singer Songwriter Allie Rae! Allie Rae can be seen on Season 30 of ' The Voice' on NBC! Ever since Allie Rae was 7 years old, and she stepped onto the stage for the first time at a school talent show, she knew music was more than something she loved. Fast forward to rising artist Allie Rae from Santa Fe is already making her mark on the Texas country and blues scene. Blending the soulful grit of blues with the heartfelt storytelling of country, she delivers a sound far beyond her years. Allie Rae's new adventure, 'The Voice' on NBC. She is on Team Riley Green and gave an outstanding performance on the blind auditions singing Allanah Miles’ 'Black Velvet' and she made it her own. The judges love her but Riley Green has her on his team. We look forward to following Allie Rae's journey. Everyone's excited to see what she will do next. Be sure and watch The Voice on NBC and support! Allie Rae has new music! 'Two Step' was just released and she can't wait to share it with everyone. Check out Allie Rae on the web for official merch, music and updates at www.allierae.com Follow Allie on Instagram @arofficalmusic Enjoy the Podcast!   just released and she can't wait to share it with everyone. Allie Rae has new music! 'Two Step' was just released and she can't wait to share it with everyone.

(9/25/26) Mike and cohost, Callie Walker welcomed Chicago authors Vaughn Thompson and Ty Thompson - dad and daughter writers of The Unfinished Prophecy and The Lost Prophecy - Books one and two  the Everworld book series,  'Daniel the Different' It all began when Vaughn said, “Dad, I have a great idea for book” So, over one cold Chicago Thanksgiving break, when the family had played all the games and crafted all of the crafts, Ty said, “Hey, what if we write that book of yours?” Thus, the beginning of Book one - 'Daniel the Different' The 'Unfinished Prophecy.' Book two, The Lost Prophecy soon followed. Vaughn has always been an avid reader and loves writing, so it was only natural that when on Thanksgiving break in 5th grade, she would start writing a novel with her dad inspired by a dream world that she has imagined. She loved writing characters and dreaming up the characters within Everworld, and had even more fun writing Book 2! Ty grew up loving to create and write— often writing essays or blogs for competitions, his own entertainment or for friends and family. When Vaughn said she wanted to write a book, he saw this as the perfect opportunity to share something he loves to do with someone he loves— and Daniel the Different was born. In addition to Vaughn's creative writing skills, Chicago-based Iyla Vaughn is a singer-songwriter whose sound moves between bubble-grunge and cinematic pop. Her debut single 'I Wasn't Creeping' - is available now on Spotify, Amazon and Apple! Check out her homepage:  https://iylavaughn.com The Everworld book series, 'The Unfinished Prophecy' and 'The Lost Prophecy' are available on Amazon and their website. Visit them at DanieltheDifferent.com Follow on Instagram @danielthedifferent Enjoy the Podcast!

(9-17-2026) Mike and cohost, singer-songwriter Chloe Penny welcomed Gene Loveland to ConversationsRadio Ep.230. Gene is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter whose songs live at the intersection of grit, grace, redemption, and real life. Drawing from a lifetime of experiences both on and off the stage, Gene writes songs that blend honest storytelling with emotional depth. Whether he's telling the story of a husband facing a life-changing medical diagnosis, reflecting on the roads that led him away from home, or finding hope in life's messiest chapters, his goal is simple: write songs that make people feel seen. In recent years, Gene's songwriting has gained growing recognition. His song "Grace in the Mess" was named a Semi-Finalist in the International Songwriting Competition and earned an Honorable Mention in American Songwriter's Lyric Contest. His song "No More One Days" was selected as a finalist in a Nashville Songwriters Association International chapter competition. As both a solo acoustic performer and active collaborator, Gene continues to split his time between Los Angeles and Nashville, building relationships within the songwriting community and expanding his catalog through co-writing and recording. His music reflects a belief that even in life's hardest seasons, there is always a story worth telling and a reason to keep moving forward. Whether performing in a writer’s round, sharing a stripped-down acoustic song, or crafting a lyric in the early morning hours before work, Gene writes with the same purpose: to create honest songs about real people, real struggles, and the hope that carries us through them. Check out GeneLoveland.com for links to his music and upcoming shows! Follow Gene on Instagram @geneloveland Enjoy the Podcast!  

(9/3/26) Mike and returing cohost, Australian acton Joey Vieira welcomed actor Patrick Britton to ConversationsRadio. Patrick was born and raised in Texas. He is a Theatre Arts BA graduate, an accomplished film and stage actor, known for his role as Lucas in the Sci-Fi feature ‘Matter of Time’ directed by Jeremy Snead. He is also known for his role as Steward – the record store clerk in Blake Calhoun’s ‘Casey Makes a Mixtape.’ His early work as Peter in ‘One Tough Cookie’ and numerous short films including ‘Blindsided’ ‘Stairway’ ‘Prank’ and most recently ‘Feed.’ With a variety of training in film and stage acting, theatrical movement, stage combat, and even clowning, Patrick is a physically versatile performer with many skills to bring to the table. He has also worked in Denver traveling with Jurassic World the Exhibition as a performer and team lead, as well as directing an original play titled “The Goose: A Play Most Fowl”.” Other skills of his include multiple dialects, musical theater baritone vocals, and being a trained fencer. Patrick is constantly honing his craft and enjoys every moment of it. You can follow Patrick on Instagram @patrick_britton42 Enjoy the Podcast!

(8/27/26) Mike and cohost - actress Olive O'Connell along with Chloe Penny welcome back Louisiana based actress Presley Richardson to ConversationsRadio! Most known for her role as Christine on Disney’s Pretty Freekin Scary where her humor and charm quickly made her a fan favorite. Presley has honed her acting craft and her hard work and her commitment is reflected in numerous projects including her starring role as ‘Olvia’ in Madison Wolfe’s short film 'Acorn, Iowa.' Equally impressive is Presley’s role as ‘Bennett’ - fighting with rival children to take control of an abandoned theme park after a virus kills all of earths adults in ‘The Park’ – written and directed by Shal Ngo. Presley can be seen in 'Reasonable Doubt' episode S3-E3 (Run This Town.} With a natural ability to bring authenticity and emotional depth her performances, Presley delivers command performances in heartfelt, character-driven stories. In ‘Casey Makes a Mixtape' Presley plays the lead character ‘Casey’ in this nostalgic coming-of-age feature set in 1980s Texas, before MP3s when cassette tapes were the norm and you had to record your own mix of your favorite music. Written and directed by Blake Calhoun and filmed entirely in Texas, it’s described as a love letter to small-town summers, mixtapes, and messy growing pains. Great to have Presley Richardson back on the podcast. Beyond acting, Presley is passionate about music and storytelling, influences that guide her creative journey as her career continues to grow. She is one to keep on your radar.​ You can follow Presley on Instagram @presley_richardson Enjoy the Podcast!      

(8/19/26) Mike and cohost Chloe Penny had a wonderful chat with award-winning singer, songwriter and entertainer Kristyn Harris on ConversationsRadio. Kristyn is known for her western swing spin on original and classic songs of the western and rural lifestyle. Kristyn has been named International Western Music Association Entertainer of the Year 6 times, and is still the youngest person to have received this recognition. She is also the 7-time IWMA Female Performer of the Year, and her album, “A Place to Land”, was awarded “Outstanding Western Album” by the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. Kristyn Harris calls Burleson, Texas home. She performs at cowboy gatherings everywhere and tours across the U.S. and internationally! Kristyn’s latest project is ‘Under the Western Skies’ starring Kristyn Harris and directed by Natalie Aramendia. Check out www.underthewesternskies.com for updates and future screening events near you. For upcoming show dates as well as Kristin’s music and merchandise, check out www.kristynharris.com Follow Kristyn Harris on Instagram @kristyn_harris Enjoy the Podcast!