Reasonably Spontaneous Conversation

This is Part 1 of my Reasonably Spontaneous Conversation with Sue Gordon. Sue was the fifth Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) from August 2017 to August 2019. As PDDNI, Sue was a key advisor to the President and National Security Council and led the 17-member Intelligence Community. With more than three decades of experience in the IC, Sue has served in a variety of leadership roles spanning numerous intelligence organizations and disciplines. Prior to the DNI, Sue served as the Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency from 2015 to 2017, helping the director lead the agency and manage the National System of Geospatial Intelligence. Before joining the NGA, she served for 27 years at the Central Intelligence Agency, rising to senior executive positions in each of the Agency’s four directorates: operations, analysis, science and technology, and support. In 1998, she designed and drove the formation of In-Q-Tel, a private, non-profit company whose primary purpose is to deliver innovative technology solutions for the agency and the IC. She is the recipient of numerous government and industry awards, including the Distinguished Intelligence Medal and the Distinguished Presidential Rank Award. Sue earned a Bachelor of Science from Duke University. A trusted authority on strategy, innovation and leadership, Sue is currently a consultant on global risk, technology, cyber and space issues and a member of the Board at Pallas Advisors, a Washington D.C.-based consultancy

Here is my 2nd conversation with Pi, the AI Chatbot on our friendship and interspecies communications

On the first season conclusion of The Six Box, Simone and Dennis discuss the gender spectrum and explore why it is such a challenge for many people to accept. On The Six Box, Simone Deloach and Dennis Tardan have deeply needed conversations about cultural issues in the United States today from the perspectives of their six boxes they tick: She: Young, Black, Woman. He: Old, White, Man. This is the episode 6 of the series Simone Deloach is a marriage and family therapist. She led Indiana University’s Division 1 Women's basketball for four years and went on to play professionally in Germany When she returned to the States, worked her way through school earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies and then her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She produces and hosts “Postgame with Simone” on the Tardan Media Network. Dennis Tardan is an interviewer and media coach. Dennis created his signature talk show in 1979 – Reasonably Spontaneous Conversation. He has written, produced and directed numerous television projects over his career and many can be found on the Tardan Media Network. Dennis works with a number of senior and mid-level executives at corporations around the world to enhance their media and presentation presence.

Due to technical difficulties, this episode is audio only. The Six Box - Simone Deloach and Dennis Tardan have deeply needed conversations about cultural issues in the United States today from the perspectives of their six boxes they tick: She: Young, Black, Woman. He: Old, White, Man. This is the episode 5 of the weekly series, published each Thursday. Simone Deloach is a marriage and family therapist. She led Indiana University’s Division 1 Women's basketball for four years and went on to play professionally in Germany When she returned to the States, worked her way through school earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies and then her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She produces and hosts “Postgame with Simone” on the Tardan Media Network. Dennis Tardan is an interviewer and media coach. Dennis created his signature talk show in 1979 – Reasonably Spontaneous Conversation. He has written, produced and directed numerous television projects over his career and many can be found on the Tardan Media Network. Dennis works with a number of senior and mid-level executives at corporations around the world to enhance their media and presentation presence.

The Six Box - Simone Deloach and Dennis Tardan have deeply needed conversations about cultural issues in the United States today from the perspectives of their six boxes they tick: She: Young, Black, Woman. He: Old, White, Man. This is the episode 4 of the weekly series, published each Thursday. Simone Deloach is a marriage and family therapist. She led Indiana University’s Division 1 Women's basketball for four years and went on to play professionally in Germany When she returned to the States, worked her way through school earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies and then her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She produces and hosts “Postgame with Simone” on the Tardan Media Network. Dennis Tardan is an interviewer and media coach. Dennis created his signature talk show in 1979 – Reasonably Spontaneous Conversation. He has written, produced and directed numerous television projects over his career and many can be found on the Tardan Media Network. Dennis works with a number of senior and mid-level executives at corporations around the world to enhance their media and presentation presence.

The Six Box is where Simone Deloach and Dennis Tardan have deeply needed conversations about cultural issues in the United States today from the perspectives of their six boxes they tick: She: Young, Black, Woman. He: Old, White, Man. This is the episode 3 of the weekly series, published each Thursday. Simone Deloach is a marriage and family therapist. She led Indiana University’s Division 1 Women's basketball for four years and went on to play professionally in Germany When she returned to the States, worked her way through school earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies and then her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She produces and hosts “Postgame with Simone” on the Tardan Media Network. Dennis Tardan is an interviewer and media coach. Dennis created his signature talk show in 1979 – Reasonably Spontaneous Conversation. He has written, produced and directed numerous television projects over his career and many can be found on the Tardan Media Network. Dennis works with a number of senior and mid-level executives at corporations around the world to enhance their media and presentation presence.

The Six Box -  Simone Deloach and Dennis Tardan have deeply needed conversations about cultural issues in the United States today from the perspectives of their six boxes they tick:  She:  Young, Black, Woman.  He:  Old, White, Man.     

This is the episode 2 of the weekly series, published each Thursday.  

Simone Deloach is a marriage and family therapist.  She led Indiana University’s Division 1 Women's basketball for four years and went on to play professionally in Germany  When she returned to the States, worked her way through school earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies and then her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.   She produces and hosts “Postgame with Simone” on the Tardan Media Network.  

Dennis Tardan is an interviewer and media coach.  Dennis created his signature talk show in 1979 – Reasonably Spontaneous Conversation.  He has written, produced and directed numerous television projects over his career and many can be found on the Tardan Media Network.  Dennis works with a number of senior and mid-level executives at corporations around the world to enhance their media and presentation presence.

The Six Box -  Simone Deloach and Dennis Tardan have deeply needed conversations about cultural issues in the United States today from the perspectives of their six boxes they tick:  She:  Young, Black, Woman.  He:  Old, White, Man.     This is the premiere of the weekly series, published each Thursday.  

Simone Deloach is a marriage and family therapist.  She led Indiana University’s Division 1 Women's basketball for four years and went on to play professionally in Germany  When she returned to the States, worked her way through school earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies and then her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.   She produces and hosts “Postgame with Simone” on the Tardan Media Network.  Dennis Tardan is an interviewer and media coach.  

Dennis created his signature talk show in 1979 – Reasonably Spontaneous Conversation.  He has written, produced and directed numerous television projects over his career and many can be found on the Tardan Media Network.  Dennis works with a number of senior and mid-level executives at corporations around the world to enhance their media and presentation presence.

On this episode of RSC, my guest, Rick Pagano, and I converse about his latest feature film that he wrote and directed, "Ten Tricks", and which has been getting critical acclaim all over the world.  Ten Tricks will be available to stream on all digital platforms and streaming exclusively on Fandor on September 27, 2022.    

TEN TRICKS follows a glamorous madam, Grace (Lea Thompson), who has spent years being surrounded by men. When she decides she wants to start a family, she realizes the list of potential prospects is shockingly thin. Thankfully, a chance encounter with a neighbor proves there might just be magic in the air.  The film was directed by Emmy Nominee Richard Pagano and also stars Raymond Cruz (Breaking Bad), Sam Hennings (The Aviator), and Damien Leake (Apocalypse Now).

Here is part 2 of my RSC with Ron Dillard as we continue to learn about one another and our art.  

About Ron:  Rod Dillard, Jr. is a director, producer, writer and actor. In 2008, he founded Ronald Dillard Jr Entertainment, LLC, with the vision to create thought provoking entertainment by writing, producing, directing, and co-starring in the first theatrical production, I Deserve Better, followed by A Player’s Last Play. 

In 2013, he released his first feature film, A New Mentality then wrote and produced three more award-winning festival films along with Shirod Greene; Unbrotherly Love, The Color In Your Eyes, and A Monster. Impacted by the brutal killings of Black men in America.  In 2020, Ron responded by writing, co-directing, producing, and starring in the multiple award-winning film feature that depicts a police interrogation that unexpectedly slips the boot on the other foot. When We Prey On Them has been selected in over 70 festivals and has won 13 awards including- Best Short Film, Critics Choice Award, and Best Actor.   

His next adventure is expanding into the series landscape as a showrunner, creating three television shows—two one-hour dramas Serial, Money, Power and Respect, and one half-hour dramedy- Marc Blue. Currently under his RDJ Entertainment banner is: He has Co-produced Shirod Greene’s upcoming film For Colored’s Only; the feature film Unbrotherly Love is slated for release 2022; a supernatural thriller, AFAR will be directed and starring Ronald in the fall of 2023; in development are feature films, Decisions, and MFK. Additionally, Ronald gives back to his community by mentoring up-and-coming filmmakers in a variety of different aspects of filmmaking.

Rod Dillard, Jr. is a director, producer, writer and actor.  In 2008, he founded Ronald Dillard Jr Entertainment, LLC, with the vision to create thought provoking entertainment by writing, producing, directing, and co-starring in the first theatrical production, I Deserve Better, followed by A Player’s Last Play. 

In 2013, he released his first feature film, A New Mentality then wrote and produced three more award-winning festival films along with Shirod Greene; Unbrotherly Love, The Color In Your Eyes, and A Monster. Impacted by the brutal killings of Black men in America, in 2020 Ron responded by writing, co-directing, producing, and starring in the multiple award-winning film feature that depicts a police interrogation that unexpectedly slips the boot on the other foot. When We Prey On Them has been selected in over 70 festivals and has won 13 awards including- Best Short Film, Critics Choice Award, and Best Actor. 

His next adventure is expanding into the series landscape as a showrunner, creating three television shows—two one-hour dramas Serial, Money, Power and Respect, and one half-hour dramedy- Marc Blue. Currently under his RDJ Entertainment banner is: He has Co-produced Shirod Greene’s upcoming film For Colored’s Only; the feature film Unbrotherly Love is slated for release 2022; a supernatural thriller, AFAR will be directed and starring Ronald in the fall of 2023; in development are feature films, Decisions, and MFK. Additionally, Ronald gives back to his community by mentoring up-and-coming filmmakers in a variety of different aspects of filmmaking.

Bob Woodman's career in radio spanned the time of such change in the United States and the world.  After a stint in the U.S. Navy as a public relations officer for the Blue Angels, Bob returned to radio in Texas in Austin, Texas, as Austin was beginning to fly its Weird flag.  He moved to Victoria, Texas and was general manager of KVIC, an AM radio station that grew into a media group where his empowering management style nurtured creative spirits on the air and profitability off the air.  Bob has returned home to Tuscaloosa, Alabama where he works with NPR-affiliated Alabama Public Radio, a statewide pubic radio network headquartered  at the University of Alabama and mentors the next generation of aspiring media professionals.

Hal Linden starred in and as Barney Miller on ABC from 1975-1981.  Hal and Dennis Tardan talk about Hal's experience over the course of the 170 episodes from initial casting by creator, writer and show runner Danny Arnold and why Barney Miller remains so relevant today.

The brilliant and deeeelightful Bonnie Neel and I have another RSC talking about the booming housing market in 2021, mortgages, credit scores, we show one of her delightful and educating YouTube videos and her new podcast, Drinking with My Ex, which is soon to be released.  What a joy!

Coming out of Covid in May of 2021, the housing market in Austin (and in the US) is booming.  What do we do?  What should we not do?  What are the pitfalls and the opportunities.  Well, the brilliant Bonnie Neel is my go-to resource.  Enjoy!

Contact Bonnie:  Bonnie.Neel@StraightTalkMortgage.com

Bonnie Neel has worked in industries ranging from international oil and gas, supermarkets, publishing, finance, charitable giving and private global intelligence before becoming a mortgage loan officer dedicated to helping first time homebuyers understand the mortgage process without ruining their lives.

With a degree in international politics, minor in economics from New York University and a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Queens University, she worked as an assistant editor for financial titles in NYC when the towers fell, as a proprietary equities trader during the 2008-2009 financial crisis and an intelligence briefer during the Arab Spring and Fukushima (and a hack by Anonymous). When not helping buyers navigate modern lending practices, she writes fantasy novels, collaborates with installation artists, and records short videos designed to educate and entertain people about how banks and money work.

On Saturday, January 23, 2021, protests broke out all over Russia in response to the arrest of dissident Aleksei Navalny upon his return to his home country to continue his resistance to the regime of Vladimir Putin. A self-described “average Russian citizen” decided to attend the protest and was plucked out of a peaceful crowd and arrested. This, in his own words, is his story on that day. Translation courtesy of  Rachel Campbell.  Edited by Clay Boykin.