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New episodes available every Wednesday at 10am CT
The Vodcast
Want to know how to get a celebrity to represent your brand but don’t know where to start? How about securing an author, athlete or speaker for a keynote address? We’ve been connecting famous people with famous brands for more than 35 years, and now it’s time to share our expertise with you! Introducing Celebrity Focus Insiders, a one-on-one interview vodcast and podcast, featuring conversations with people from all sides of celebrity business. Hosted by Ric Bachrach, CEO of Celebrity Focus, Celebrity Focus Insiders will feature a “who’s who” of advertising and PR executives, agency leaders, talent and speaker agents and managers, authors, writers, directors, and many others. This is your chance to get a behind the scenes look at how connections are made from the people who know the industry best.
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Podcast versions are uploaded every Thursday at 10am CT
Available Episodes
Celebrity Focus Insiders, Episode 1
3/1/2023
Connecting with Jim Palmer
3X Cy Young Award winner Jim Palmer is equally accomplished as a broadcaster and corporate spokesperson. His relationship with the Baltimore Orioles spans six decades. In this episode of CF Insiders, Jim shares his most instructive baseball experiences and what it was like being the face of Jockey (19 years), The Money Store (12 years), and Nutramax Labs (16 years). He shares his secrets of how to treat people, consistently deliver beyond expectations and build customer loyalty while excelling as a brand ambassador.
Celebrity Focus Insiders, Episode 2
3/8/2023
Connecting with Russ Spielman
Russ Spielman is the founder of GSE Worldwide. Russ works in the corporate marketing division working on behalf of numerous Fortune 500 companies to leverage the power of sports. Russ works with elite personalities including Bo Jackson, Steve Young, Jaylen Waddle, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner & Nick Mangold. In this episode of CF Insiders, Russ will cover authenticity, blanket statements, marketing, being special, and nicknames.
Celebrity Focus Insiders, Episode 3
3/15/2023
Connecting with Amanda Samaan
From Pre-med to PR, Founder & CEO Amanda Samaan launched Revolver PR to offer sports and entertainment personalities a distinctively authentic PR experience grounded in relationships, creativity, and unshakeable values. Setting aside plans to pursue a career in medicine, she jumped head-first into the world of promotions, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle marketing. In this episode of CF Insiders, Amanda shares her thoughts about working with baseball super-agent Scott Boras and his foundation on the development of the Boras Baseball Classic. She also provides insights from her work for celebrities, entertainers, and brands, including her Clio Award-winning campaign with Carrie Underwood for American Airlines and Mastercard and her positioning of thought leader Freddie Georges.
Celebrity Focus Insiders, Episode 4
3/29/2023
Connecting with Babette Perry
Babette Perry, considered an elite agent in the world of non-scripted television, is the Head of Alternative TV and Broadcasting at Innovative Artists Agency. Babette was recognized as Broadcast and Cable’s Women in the Game in 2013. Babette’s clients include Phil Keoghan, host of The Amazing Race and Tough As Nails, Judge Greg Mathis from Judge Mathis’ and Court Night Live, and Alyssa Farah from ABC’s The View. In this episode of CF Insiders, Babette dives into the subjects of authenticity, inspiration, truth, branding, and playing the role.
Celebrity Focus Insiders, Episode 5
4/5/2023
Connecting with Yvonne Goforth-Hanak
Yvonne Goforth-Hanak is the COO of KEF Media in Georgia. Yvonne is an expert at client messaging across broadcast media. Having previously worked for WDEF, the CBS station in Chattanooga, and Universal Studios Orlando, Yvonne has been a cornerstone of KEF Media’s growth and success. In this episode of CF Insiders, Yvonne discusses authenticity, a common theme heard during these vodcasts, booking media, and spokespersons. She also defines what a celebrity is.
Celebrity Focus Insiders, Episode 6
4/12/2023
Connecting with Lonny Sweet
Lonny Sweet is the President and CEO of the Sweet Management Group. He represents top chefs and culinary personalities, including Marc Forgione, Tiffany Faison, Michelle Bernstein, Ludo Lefebvre, and Rodney Scott. He’s also worked with brands like Shell, Citi, Mexico Tourism, and King’s Hawaiian. In this episode of CF Insiders, Lonny talks about the world of food and the intersection of the culinary arts and corporate/brand marketing.
Celebrity Focus Insiders, Episode 7
4/19/2023
Connecting with Della Burns
Della Burns from Chicago is seasoned communication and marketing professional with expertise in the healthcare, consumer products, education, and nonprofit sectors. Her clients have included Eli Lilly and Company, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Abbvie, Baxter, BlueCross/BlueShield, Johnson & Johnson, the Kraft Heinz Company, Brown-Forman, and Beam Suntory. Della proudly serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation in South Dakota. In this episode of CF Insiders, Della discusses common sense subjects such as what is relatable, positivity, agencies, and targets. Find out what the “ask” is.
Celebrity Focus Insiders, Episode 8
4/26/2023
Connecting with Chris Malone
Chris Malone, Chairman, and Founder of Fidelum Partners and Fidelum Health, co-authored the book ‘The Human Brand.’ As a former CMO and marketing leader with brands including The Goddard Schools, Aramark, Choice Hotels, Coca-Cola, and the NBA, Chris has gained and now shares valuable insights and distinctions that set the strongest customer/brand relationships apart. In this episode of CF Insiders, Chris talks about the concept of “warmth & competence,” how that relates to both brands and celebrities, and the principle of “worthy intentions.”
Celebrity Focus Insiders, Episode 9
5/3/2023
Connecting with George Drucker
Credited as being the creator of “experiential marketing” by developing cross-promotional partnerships, George Drucker is a partner at Crenshaw Communications. George has created and implemented consumer, sports, and healthcare marketing campaigns while being honored by PR Week as one of the “100 Most Influential” PR Executives in America. George’s clients have included American Greetings, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Southern Comfort. In this episode of CF Insiders, George talks about shooters and legends. And what does he mean when he says, “Rome is burning?”
Celebrity Focus Insiders, Episode 10
5/10/2023
Connecting with Steve Rosner
Among the country’s most successful sports marketing and endorsement executives, Steve Rosner co-founded 16W Marketing in October 2000, and he directs the agency’s talent division. He previously co-founded (1993) Integrated Sports International (ISI), which was acquired in 1999 by SFX Sports. He represents broadcasters and athletes, including Phil Simms, Boomer Esiason, Howie Long, Cris Collinsworth, Chris Simms, Jac Collinsworth, Ron Darling, Thom Brennaman, Brian Griese, Bob Papa, and Cal Ripken, Jr. In this episode of CF Insiders, Steve talks about the importance of delivering to a brand's “wants and needs,” why talent's greatest asset is their authenticity, and how finding new deals comes down to being proactive. Steve defines the attributes of a “good deal” - as one with a winning formula for both sides.
Celebrity Focus Insiders, Episode 11
5/17/2023
Connecting with Jonny Zeller
Jonny Zeller has directed large-scale projects for clients as diverse as Toyota, Microsoft, BMW, Mastercard, Google, Anheuser Busch, and Paris Hilton Fragrances. His work goes beyond the confines of one specific genre. His specialty is cinematic transmedia/multiplatform storytelling. Working worldwide, he’s produced Clio, American Advertising, Webby, Telly, and Hermes Award honors. He’s worked with celebrities ranging from Paris Hilton and Mandy Moore to Carrie Underwood. As a feature filmmaker, he was the 2nd Unit Director on Netflix’s global #1 ranked film DEADLY ILLUSIONS, starring Kristin Davis, Dermot Mulroney, and Shanola Hampton. In this episode of CF Insider, Jonny shares his insights on subtlety, special personal moments, and what it is like to shut down the Las Vegas strip.
Celebrity Focus Insiders, Episode 12
5/24/2023
Connecting with Patrick Gallagher
Patrick Gallagher is the President and CEO of Grand Craft Boats, builders of American-made handcrafted artisan mahogany runabouts. In this episode of CF Insiders, Patrick shares the history of Grand Craft and why the brand has attracted celebrity owners like Robert Redford, Tim Allen, Kid Rock, and Ben Affleck, as well as CEOs and other business titans.
Celebrity Focus Insiders, Episode 13
5/31/2023
Connecting with Lori Sale
​Lori Sale is a co-founder of the commercial agency Artist and Brand Management. Her history as an entertainment professional and agent at Miramax Films, The Weinstein Company, ICM, Paradigm, and Loews Hotels, reflects her ability to build a deep talent roster of some of Hollywood’s most recognizable personalities and form powerful brand and talent alliances. She’s worked with Beyoncé, Smokey Robinson, Milo Ventimiglia, Iris Apfel, Angelica Huston, Christina Ricci, Adrian Grenier, Andre Brougher, Melissa Rauch, Brooklyn Decker, and more. Her collaborations include great successes with BMW, H&M, Warby Parker, Booking.com, Coach, and hundreds of other national brands. In this episode of CF Insiders, Lori talks about the work of specialized agencies, the importance of authenticity, social media, and the need to stay ahead of trends.
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