Actress/Producer Luciana Faulhaber: Telling Stories on Her Own Terms

by Cyrus Webb

As I have been traveling the country this year one of the greatest experiences has been meeting individuals who are not just passionate about what they do but are examples for us all as to what is possible. A clear example of that is Luciana Faulhaber.  She’s not just a talented actress and producer. She also is someone who loves to create and inspire as well. This year she is celebrated the release of her film DON’T LOOK.

During our conversation we will covered not just the new film but also what it has been like for her to share this story with the world and to see the way people are responding to it.

First of all, Luciana, congratulations to the team and you on DON’T LOOK. How does it feel now for the world to be able to enjoy the film?

I think it's the best part of this process. It's so nice to be able to have it out in the world and finally everybody can see what we have been working on for all of these years. As I mentioned before we have over 500 Kickstarter donors that helped us make this dream come true. And it's nice that they can finally see what we have been up to all of these years.

You are right, and I think that's the cool thing and it's such a great story we are going to talk more about that. I want to talk about this journey for you, Luciana.  Not only were you committed to the story but to know that other people were so committed. Was that one of the things that really kept you motivated along the way?

100%! Making something so hard, especially when you are doing it with no budget. A lot of the times we joked around saying that we were making this film with our rent money, because it really felt like that at the end of the month. Post production is by far one of the most expensive parts of this process, and we really had to put in all of the resources that we could pull together, so yes, it was really great to see it happen. As a team we just had to stay together through the process and see it through.

Let's go back for those who are just now discovering your journey, Luciana. When did you first realize that storytelling through film was something that you wanted to do?

I wanted to be a storyteller as a child, and I think a lot of children are keen to tell stories and play pretend. That was what I grew up with. I didn't have much to play with, so I would live in my imagination, and I would create with the things that I had around me.

When I started as an actress I met my partner in acting school. This was before we became producers, writers and creators. We kept encountering the same issues. We would go out to audition, and we would get the same parts over and over again—as well as parts that we really felt were outdated. So we made a commitment to create work to showcase and reflect what we believe, and put Latin people and other people of different diverse backgrounds in a more accurate light, so that's how we started creating.

Not only are you able to do something you enjoy, but how does it feel to know that people can now come up to you and thank you for being an example yourself as to what other people can do when it comes to pursuing their own goals and dreams?

It's a part of what we set out to do. We wanted to be an example and also be a resource. I always tell people if you have questions, if there is anything I can help you with let me know. That’s why I do interviews like this. If there is anything that I can say that will motivate another person to follow their dreams, then it's been worth my time. 

For those who are just now hearing about DON’T LOOK take us into it a bit.
DON’T LOOK is an homage to the 80s horror. My producing partner and I grew up with 80s horror movies, and we loved it. It was always a fun, exciting time of being a little scared but not too much. You know there is an absurdity part of it that's a bit satirical and the splashing of that slasher blood everywhere so it was an escape growing up.

So when we set up to do a horror we kind of wanted to honor that genre and show our love for it, but at the same time we wanted to reflect a little bit of what we believe. So in this film you'll get all of the benchmark of the horror genre, so for those of you who love the slasher film that's for you At the same time we try to make it a little bit different, so we put the female relationships at the center of the film. The friendship between the two female leads really carry the film throughout. 

We try to give every character a lot of depth and a lot of excitement. We also try to make sure that both the diverse cast and as well as the Caucasian roles were well-represented and as important in the picture. As creators we try to make sure that even though it is an homage film and we love the genre that we put our own point of view in there. 

You talked about challenges that content creators have to deal with. What do you think kept you from giving up and moving forward?

That's a really good question, and I don't think I can pinpoint one exact thing that has kept me going. I mean, I think it takes a village. When people say that I think that's so true. A part of it is the need to do it. I come from a very traditional Latin family and the arts was something that was viewed as it's for the rich.

I grew up with that mindset, and at the same time my mother was always saying ‘If you want to go to acting school I will find a way to pay for it…If you want to do ballet I will find a way to pay for it’… But it was always viewed as a hobby. It was viewed as something that you would do as a reward for all of the hard work that you have had. And it's partially true. I see now as an adult that for you to do the art it's very difficult. At the end of the day when you love something and it's a part of who you are there is just no way that you are not going to pursue it.

Another thing that kept me going is definitely my community. My writing partner is an amazing support. We have been working together for the last 10 years. There are a lot of other people that have helped me out throughout the road. And it goes from trying to help me get a job that will help me pay for my rent, to giving me a phone call when I don't book a part to tell me it’s going to be fine.

I think the people around me have shown support in so many different ways, and that's what's important. Now if you are someone who says you want to do something but you are not really taking action towards whatever your dream is, then you should re-evaluate that. I am a big believer of if you want to do something you should at least try to find a way and at least give it your best shot.

Thank you so much, Luciana, and congrats again on DON’T LOOK. Any last advice for our audience of dreamers?

You have to really be honest with yourself. I think artists are better at that than most people. You have to take a hard look at yourself and your life and say am I willing to work three jobs and then work nights, writing and directing and putting my rent money into this film to see this through? It comes down to action, and I am a big action person.

Get DON’T LOOK on Amazon or your favorite streaming service. Stay connected with Luciana on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lucianafaulhaberofficial.  

Backstreet Boys Sign New Deal with RCA Records, Release New Music

by Cyrus Webb

As someone who has been a fan of the Backstreet Boys for over 20 years, I was excited to hear that 2018 was going to be an amazing year for the group and their fans.

First they sign a new record deal with RCA Records and then came the biggie: word of a new single AND video. "Don't Go Breaking My HEart" is out now on Amazon.com and the other online retailers, and already it is climbing the charts.


“The minute we heard this song we knew it was special,” says Kevin Richardson of the group. “I geeked out over the piano and synths. When that groove drops on the second verse, COME ON. Great verse, hook and melodies. Just makes you wanna listen over and over again.”

In support of the new single, the Backstreet Boys will be making the rounds of the new outlets including returning to the Good Morning America Summer Concert Series in New York’s Central Park on July 13th. The group will also perform at a series of summer radio shows like this year’s KIIS FM Wango Tango before returning to their record-breaking “Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life” Las Vegas Residency.

I told my friends that the new music takes you back to when you first became fans of the group in the very beginning. It’s hard not to think the group's latest activities didn’t shape this track. Whether it's the creative relationship with Florida Georgia Line that earned the guys their first #1 Country radio single; working with a variety of new and young producers; there’s an undeniable energy and creativity surrounding the Backstreet Boys and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” is an extraordinary new track from a group who continues to impress 25 years into their storied career.

“We’ve been working our (expletive) off for 25 years,” says AJ McLean, “and with the support of RCA and our contemporaries, we know we’ll be performing for fans, both old and new, for a really long time. It feels like we’re just getting started.”


For more information on Backstreet Boys please visit:

www.backstreetboys.com
www.facebook.com/backstreetboys
www.twitter.com/backstreetboys
www.instagram.com/backstreetboys

Cyrus Webb Presents...10 Books to Read In 2017

by Cyrus Webb

I love to read, and thankfully in my profession I am able to read each and every day--as well as be introduced to new books and authors that I get to pass on to my audience through the radio show, web-series, book club and social media. As the year is coming to a close I wanted to share with you 10 books that I have had the privilege of reading that you might want to add to your reading list.

These books either were released after I compiled Conversations' Top Books of 2016 or will be new releases for 2017. Either way they are definitely worth your consideration.

Happy reading!

Cyrus Webb Presents... 10 Books to Read In 2017 (listed in no particular order)

1. "Sisters One, Two Three" by Nancy Star (Lake Union Publishing)
2. "I Liked My Life" by Abby Fabiaschi (St. Martin's Press)
3. "Ashes" by Steven Manchester (The Story Plant)
4. "Copycat" by Kimberla Lawson Roby (Grand Central Publishing)
5. "Say Goodbye For Now" by Catherine Ryan Hyde (Lake Union Publishing)
6. "Live, Love, Explore" by Leon Logothetis (Reader's Digest)
7. "No Arms to Hold Me" by Zach Tate and Elissa Gabrielle (The Imprint Mass Media)
8. "Her Every Fear" by Peter Swanson (William Morrow)
9. "A Fatal Twist" by Tracy Weber (Midnight Ink Books)
10. "Forever Is the Worst Long Time" by Camille Pagan (Lake Union Publishing)

Recording Artist Jason Little: Doing His Part to Keep Soul In R&B Music

by Cyrus Webb

Many got to know recording artist Jason Little from Keith Sweat's R&B group Ol' Skool, but over the past few years he has been able to make his presence known as a solo artist able to do music that he believes in.

I've had the opportunity to converse with him on Conversations LIVE the radio show and in 2015 we sat down to tape an episode of Cyrus Webb Presents the web-series while I was in Atlanta. At the time he has just released his single LET ME KNOW.

Fast forward almost a year later and Jason has released his single called HEARTBREAK. For those who have heard the song it is definitely a departure from his usual music. "It was my writing partner Teah Harper's concept," he told me during a recent conversation. "By her knowing me over the years and knowing situations I've been through she had a lot of ideas for it."

If you heard LET ME KNOW where the song is wondering whether their significant other is cheating, then HEARTBREAK might be seen as the response to that. "I've been in that situation," Jason says. "I've been that guy where the female didn't return the love that I gave her. The song basically says the way you're doing me I hope someone does you the same way."



Influenced by artists like Charlie Wilson, Tyrese, Tank and Jagged Edge, Jason says their examples help him to be brave enough to be himself as an artist and not care what people think. "We live in an age where it seems unacceptable to be soulful," he told me. "I'm trying to do my part to preserve the soul of R&B."

The risks he seem to be taking in his career, though not easy, seem to be paying off. "It's very rewarding to be able to sing and touch people and to bring the realness to R&B music," Jason said to me in our interview. "Everything about music I love." That love definitely comes through, and that is why is fans continue to support him. Though he says its a challenge sometimes as an independent artist to break through, Jason is committed to staying true to the craft and himself as he gives all that he has to the fans through songs.


Get HEARTBREAK on Amazon here.

Stay connected with Jason on Twitter at www.twitter.com/iamjasonlittle and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheRealJasonLittle. Catch up with other music by Jason on Souncloud at www.soundcloud.com/littlejsings.

*     Photos courtesy of Dream Photography/ConnectingYouto PR

Jared Cohn: Wishing (and Acting) On a Dream

by Cyrus Webb

There are few people I have been introduced to that are as passionate about creating as Jared Cohn. He is a Writer, Producer, Director and Actor that is making a name for himself and doing the work (and telling the stories) that he is passionate about.

One of my favorite projects that he wrote, produced and starred in is called Wishing For A Dream. It tells the story that so many creative individuals can relate to: having a dream and what it takes to see that dream realized, both the good and the bad.

While I was in Los Angeles this year I had a chance to sit down with Jared to discuss his career and the film. Like our radio interview before it, our chat was inspiring and shows why he is a rising star in the industry.

JARED ON WISHING FOR A DREAM:
"It's still like an ongoing struggle.  I'm still in character. It's very real... Making the film was kind of like a documentary---but not a documentary. When I write a script I try to invoke something that makes the viewer think. I wanted to make something personal, hopefully that would resonate with some people."

JARED ON THE BUSINESS:
"If you go on the internet and you're looking for feedback, you have to have thick skin. I'm so grateful that there are people who are supportive. It's a tough business. It helps to know some of your work is received well."

"It's like a roller coaster: Some days you feel unstoppable, and other times you're like why am I doing this? It comes in moments. It's a crazy town...it's a crazy industry, but I can't do anything else. I selected this path, because I am a fan of entertainment. That's what I wanted to make my life about."

JARED ON WHAT KEEPS HIM GOING:
"You have to have that sense of this is possible and believe in that. If you don't believe in yourself no one else is going to believe in you. You have to keep going."

"It's always about the next thing. If you're just focusing on what you're doing right now when it's done you're going to be idle. I like to have multiple things going on. I'm constantly writing, looking at other projects. I'm a creator. It's all about content. At the end of the day that's all that matters."

Stay connected with Jared and Trap Light Media on Twitter at www.twitter.com/traplightmedia as well as the film Wishing For A Dream on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wishingforadream . The film can be rented or purchased on Amazon.com.

Conversations' Honoree Omegia Keeys: Following the Lead of Her Gifts

by Cyrus Webb

I've gotten to know bestselling author/writer/actor/producer (and one of Conversations' 25 Women Changing the World in 2016) Omegia Keeys over the past 5 years, and one thing is for certain: she is someone who plays by her own rules.

Before 2015 it had been 4 years since the two of us had seen each other in person, but while I was in Atlanta filming episodes for my web-series Cyrus Webb Presents we had a chance to talk about the amazing journey she has been on since the last time we met. That includes everything from acting in television shows and movies to producing her own web-series called DONORS.

The first question that came to mind when we began the conversation this year was about where the courage comes from to do all that she does. "From my mom and my Great Auntie," she answered quickly. They taught her to "do it, because they couldn't. They instilled in me to don't let anyone tell me no." Omegia then adds "I've been that way ever since I was young."

For her company AboutFace Media one of the highlights this year has been the web-series DONORS, something that Omegia says was not planned. "The web-series was never supposed to be," she told me. "I was going to jump straight up into the feature." Having her credentials as a filmmaker questions, however, led her to take out her frustration in words. "I wrote the first episode overnight because someone ticked me off," she explained. "My writing ability when I'm mad or upset comes out so crystal clear. I got to do this wonderful backstory" that serve as preparation for the feature.

No matter whether she is writing a novel or a screenplay, Omegia Keeys says that the written word is her "gift." "And who am I not to follow this gift," she asks.

Omegia is currently filming her first feature film called Domestic Seduction. Stay connected with all things dealing with AboutFace Media at www.aboutfacemediaafm.com.

*     Top photo courtesy of Shadow Play Entertainment. Second photo courtesy of Dream Photography

Conversations' 25 Women Changing the World, 2015

Conversations Media Group is pleased to announce this year's "25 Women Changing the World".

"This is one of the best lists that Conversations compiles each year," says Cyrus Webb, President of Conversations Media Group and Editor-In-Chief of Conversations Magazine. "Everyday there are women who are taking the lead around the world, showcasing what it takes to be successful and to make a difference. It is our honor to salute these remarkable individuals that are doing amazing things."

As is the custom with Conversations Magazine, you will find women from all walks of life who are involved in various forms of the arts and entertainment world, business and just using their lives as an example for others through their dedication to excellence. 

Here are this year's honorees (in no particular order):

1. Leeza Gibbons (2nd year honoree)
2. Katrina vanden Heuvel
3. Marissa Monteilh
4. Julie Geller
5. Viola Davis
6. Tiffany L. Warren
7. Dr. Renee Sunday
8. Talamieka Brice
9. Andromeda Turre
10. Frances Calhoun
11. BJ Gallagher
12. Helene Weinberger
13. Bridgette "Bri" Cooper
14. Katandra Jackson Nunnally
15. Chelsea Crites
16. Gina Prince-Bythewood
17. Renee Lawless
18. Donna Goldstein
19. Andie Mitchell
20. Amanda Ruller
21. Mary Ellen Ciganovich
22. DJ Lake Gang
23. Shonda Rhimes (2nd year honoree)
24. Ava DuVernay
25. Donna D'Errico

The March/April 2015 issue of Conversations Magazine (which releases online March 15th) will include interviews and features with the honorees.

Cyrus Webb Presents... "25 Books Every Man Should Read"

Conversations Book Club is excited to announce its first-ever reading list designed specifically for men.

When book club founder Cyrus Webb began the reading group in November 2006 it was out of necessity. "There weren't any reading groups that were around that had men attend meetings on a regular basis," he says. "I knew from my own personal experience that men read. There just had to be platforms available that welcomed them."

Since then the co-ed reading group Conversations Book Club has hosted events where men and women can come together to read, discuss and enjoy books. With so many problems facing the world, however, Webb decided it was time to do something just for the guys: compiling a list of non-fiction titles that he had read and learned from, knowing that others could as well.

"It is my hope that men and even the women in their lives can read these books and allow the messages to help them as they are going through their own challenges," explains Webb.

Here is Cyrus Webb's 25 Books Every Man Should Read list for 2013:

1. "The Available Parent" by Dr. John Duffy (Viva Editions)
2. "This Is How" by Augusten Burroughs (St. Martins Press)
3. "A Dark Journey to a  Light Future" by Tommie Mabry (West Bow Press)
4. "DOC" by Dwight Gooden (Amazon Publishing)
5. "Rocky Spirit" by Felice Cantatore (iUniverse)
6. "Everyday Meditation" by Tobin Blake (New World Library)
7. "24/6" by Matthew Sleeth, MD (Tyndale)
8. "Break Your Addiction to Conflict" by Nathan J. Snow (Snowday Press)
9. "Get Your Shift Together" by Steve Rizzo (McGraw Hill)
10. "Letters to Ethan" by Tom McQueen (Seraphina Press)
11. "Find the Upside of the Down Times" by Dr. Rob Pennington (Resource International)
12. "Letters to My Unborn Children" by Shawn T. Collins (Quill House Press)
13. "The Dad Connection" by Scott Hanley (publisher unknown)
14. "Identity" by Stedman Graham (FT Press)
15. "Know Yourself, Forget Yourself" by Marc Lesser (New World Library)
16. "Side-Yard Superhero" by Rick D. Niece (Five Star Publications)
17. "Get Off Your Attitude" by Ryan C. Lowe (Sound Wisdom)
18. "Live to Give" by Austin Gutwein (Thomas Nelson)
19. "Hillbilly Heart" by Billy Ray Cyrus (Amazon Publishing)
20. "Things My Daughters Need to Know" by Rodney L. Demery (Rootsky Books)
21. "7 Secrets of a Phenomenal L.I.F.E." by Howard Partridge (Sound Wisdom)
22. "G-Man: The Education of a Criminal" by Gregory Marshall (Marshall Publishing Group)
23. "By Faith, Not By Sight" by Scott MacIntyre (Thomas Nelson)
24. "Game Plan" by Alan P. Lyme, David J. Powell and Stephen R. Andrew (Central Recovery Press)
25. "It's Your Life: Live Big" by Josh Hinds (Sound Wisdom)

For more information on books suggested by Conversations Book Club visit www.conversationsbookclub.com. 

The Write Stuff: Author Katandra Shanel Jackson

Conversations Media Group President Cyrus Webb got a chance to talk with author Katandra Shanel Jackson during her visit to Mississippi this year about not just what led her to writing but her publishing company FreedomInk as well.

Asked if she has gotten used to the idea of being a published author, Jackson told Webb "That part has not sunk in yet. It's still surreal right now."

Webb first interviewed Jackson on Conversations LIVE when she released her book DIARY OF A BRIDGE TO BE. The 'Diary' series is a personal look not just at Jackson's preparation for marriage but the ups and downs that come in relationships. When asked about why she decided to share such a personal look into her life Jackson said "I knew there was a market and an audience for it (the books)." Referencing reality shows about the topic she added: "No two stories are alike. It's real."

Another topic that Jackson has addressed in her books is the issue of sexual abuse. In the book ANGEL EYES she and other survivors share their personal journey from victim to victor. "Sometimes you need to reveal in order to protect," she told Webb during their conversation when he asked about her decision to share not just with the world but first with her own family, namely her children. "Why allow them to learn about it later when it can be something that affects them in their childhood." She then shared this analogy that describes the decision perfectly: "You tell a child not to touch the oven before they touch it." She says that it was a healing process for herself and the ladies who came forward with their stories.

Speaking of that trust, Webb inquired what it was like to have others entrust their truth to her. "People don't want to reveal what hurts them. It's better to reveal those hurts than to keep them if it's going to save someone else."

For writers she offers this advice: "When it comes to publishing just keep writing. never give up. There is a reader for every single book. It could be a book in somebody else just waiting to be written."

Find out more about Katandra Shanel Jackson and FreedomInk at www.freedomink365.com. You can also follow FreedomInk on Twitter at www.twitter.com/freedomink365.

"APPRECIATING THE MOMENT: The LaShunda Lewis Jones Story"

by Cyrus Webb

All of us want to feel as though we are living for something, that the time we have on this earth mattered and means something. For some this means finding somone who completes us and adds fulfillment to our lives like nothing else. Such is the case with LaShunda Lewis Jones.

At the young age of thirty-five the Mississippi native has experienced some of the highest of highs and life's lowest of lows. In 2004 she met the man she believed she would spend the rest of her life with. In December 2010 she found herself having to say goodbye after losing him to cancer. It is the life they lived in between those two dates that showcase what it means to make the most of each day and how to deal with events that threaten to destroy you.

"I met my husband (Tommy Jones) in September 2004," LaShunda told me. "He was a family-oriented person. Very quiet, not outgoing at all. We both had children, and we were both interested in making each other happy."

The two moved in with each other in September 2005, and for LaShunda it seemed as though everything was headed in the right direction. It was two years later, though, that the couple experienced what was to be a first in a series of setbacks.

"Tommy had been having a lot of stomach pain," LaShunda says. "It had been going on for over a year. In July 2007 he was admitted into the hospital and after a colonastomy it was revealed that he had stage four cancer." She was to learn later that at least four people in his family had passed due to cancer. One was even colon cancer.

The diagnosis had an immediate effect. "Tommy became really depressed after that," LaShunda told me. "From that time until he passed he was always having ups and down, good days and bad days. This is what people don't seem to understand. With cancer one day you are laughing and talking and having a blast, and the next day you are feeling so bad you can't get out of bed."

In spite of the cancer diagnosis and the realization of what the outcome might be, the two became engaged in July 2009. They had found something that they wanted to live for: each other. What did LaShunda think about when he proposed? "There was never a time when I thought I couldn't marry him," she says. "He would want to talk of what I would do if he didn't make it, but I tried to keep him positive. I was the support. 'Let's speak positive words,' I would say to him. 'We are going to get through this.' One day we were sitting down talking and he told me that this was a lot of emotional stress. 'The only thing I need for you to do is be there,' he said to me."

At this time even though LaShunda and Tommy had been told that he had stage four cancer, she still was holding out hope for the best. "It never dawned on me that stage four was the last stage of cancer," she said to me. "I really thought we had some hope until the very end."

Sadly, Tommy Jones lost his battle with cancer on December 27, 2010. Today LaShunda is still dealing with the loss of her husband and making sense of her life and how to move forward. "When a person you love has cancer the whole family has cancer," she told me. "When he was happy, I was happy. When he was sad, I was sad. I went with the flow. I don't think people understood what I was going through or what I am going through now."

As a person who has always seen herself as a believer, how has her faith held up during this process? "I feel like my faith was tested in many ways," she says. "The only thing I relied on was God and scriptures. I thought God would answer my prayers. As time went on I couldn't understand why Tommy wasn't getting better. I was praying 'Please, Lord, let him make it.' When he didn't I have to admit that I started to have some doubt about Him. I then began asking 'Are you up there? Are you hearing me?'"

"It's a lot of stress dealing with someone that ill, not knowing if they are going to get better or not. I would say whatever they want, do it. You never know if that is going to be the last moment or the last day. Don't take any moment for granted."

When asked was there ever a time when she thought about giving up, LaShunda's answer was quick and truthful. "Yes. Without a doubt. I went through the stage of I couldn't do it any more. It was all too much. I felt alone. It was like I was dealing with this by myself. What I wanted is for someone to relieve some of the stress from me. I wanted someone to understand what I was going through."

I think we can all understand the feelings behind LaShunda Lewis Jones' story. Learning to love yourself can be hard enough. Loving someone else can be almost impossible. As in LaShunda's case, however, the reward can be more than worth the risk, and what comes out of it might be a larger lesson and appreciation that we couldn't have even expected.

May we make it our goal to not only take that risk but be there for those who might be in need of that extra encouragement. That way we can make sure that no one feels as though they have to go through the dark days alone.