Episodes

  • The Cathy Durant Show — Doris M. Ellis | Going Out a Champion | Encore Show

    The Cathy Durant Show — Doris M. Ellis | Going Out a Champion | Encore Show
    Oct 14 2026
    [from December 16, 2023]

    Join host Cathy Durant for a special encore conversation with Doris M. Ellis, Executive Producer and author of Going Out a Champion: The Coach Joe Ellis Story.Doris shares the inspiration behind writing the moving story of her late husband, Coach Joe Ellis, and reflects on his life, legacy, and the championship journey that inspired her book.Originally broadcast during Season One of The Cathy Durant Show on BBS Radio TV on the iHeart Network, this interview celebrates a remarkable coach and the lasting impact of his story.

    CathyDurantShow.com
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    1 hr
  • Robert Brazile (from July 2025)

    Robert Brazile (from July 2025)
    Oct 7 2026
    Pro Football Hall of Famer Robert “Dr. Doom” Brazile, formerly of the Houston Oilers.

    from: July 8, 2025

    Robert “Dr. Doom” Brazile is a Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker and one of the most celebrated players in Houston Oilers history. A first-round draft pick out of Jackson State University, Brazile spent his entire 10-year NFL career (1975–1984) with the Houston Oilers, starting all 147 regular-season games. Known for helping revolutionize the outside linebacker position, he was named the 1975 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, selected to seven consecutive Pro Bowls, earned five consecutive First-Team All-Pro selections and was named to the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. On The Cathy Durant Show, Brazile reflected on what it meant to reach football’s highest honor and be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He also discussed another deeply personal hometown honor: his inclusion in Mobile, Alabama’s Hall of Fame Walk. Brazile is immortalized with a nine-foot bronze statue alongside five fellow Mobile sports legends—Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, Billy Williams, Ozzie Smith and Willie McCovey. Brazile attended the June 2025 unveiling of the permanent waterfront installation, bringing his remarkable journey from Mobile to the NFL and ultimately back home full circle.

    CathyDurantShow.com
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    58 mins
  • Glen McCoy

    Glen McCoy
    Sep 30 2026
    Glen McCoy is a screenwriter who has written for well know television shows in the UK, been commissioned to write screenplays for features by production houses, has written hundreds of corporate scripts for some of the world’s largest brands and has had his most recent screenplay optioned with pre-production starting in 2027 with well known 'A Listers' as cast. He was on the orginal writing team for long running drama series EASTENDERS as well as two other similar shows and has even written for DOCTOR WHO. His corporate commissions have come from Innocent Drinks, Johnson & Johnson, the UK Home Office, Samsung and Land Rover. He also created and wrote an internal ‘soap’ series for training purposes within Vodafone UK and recently was commissioned by International coaching providers in the UK, OTD for a micro drama series. Glen is also an author with 16 books in print including a Doctor Who novel and business titles like Guerrilla Coaching, Extraordinary Customer Care, Power Presenter and his latest business title BUSINESS SCREENWRITING being published by am American Publisher affiliated to Harvard Publishing.
    Glen has just launched a brand new YouTube channel: Maverick Script Code with a complete system for screenwriters of any level of experience that’s based on what he’s learned over the past 3 decades - and is completely free for subscribers.

    CathyDurantShow.com
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    1 hr
  • Chris Grosso and Preston Fassel, creators of the chilling horror novel Necessary Death

    Chris Grosso and Preston Fassel, creators of the chilling horror novel Necessary Death
    Sep 23 2026
    (encore from 09/22/2025)

    Join Cathy Durant as she sits down with authors Chris Grosso and Preston Forssell to explore their groundbreaking book, Necessary Death, which masterfully intertwines horror movies with themes of mental health, spirituality, and personal wellbeing. Discover why humanity is irresistibly drawn to horror—from the adrenaline rush and narrative freedom offered by the genre to its cathartic powers that aid healing from addiction, depression, and PTSD. Dive into iconic horror tropes like the “final girl,” the misunderstood monsters, and the evolving social commentary within films from classics like The Exorcist and Night of the Living Dead to modern elevated horror from A24 and Jordan Peele. Learn how horror serves as a safe space to confront fears, loneliness, and trauma, while offering practical coping skills for emotional resilience. The hosts discuss horror’s cultural ties to Halloween, the impact of Michael Jackson’s Thriller on pop culture, and the delicate balance of horror’s effect on children. Whether you’re a devoted horror fan or new to the genre, this episode offers an insightful and heartfelt look at how horror films contribute to healing and personal transformation. Tune in for expert insights, personal stories, and a special invitation to the virtual launch party on October 31st, 2023!

    https://theindiespiritualist.com/

    CathyDurantShow.com
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    1 hr
  • John Hadity, EVP of Incentive Operations and oversees the film financing subsidiary of Entertainment Partners

    John Hadity, EVP of Incentive Operations and oversees the film financing subsidiary of Entertainment Partners
    Sep 15 2026
    [Encore Show]Financing the Screen: Tax Incentives, Completion Bonds and the Road Back to ProductionTurning Production Incentives Into Film FinancingCathy Durant speaks with Entertainment Partners guest John Hadity about the role production incentives play in financing film and television projects. Hadity describes moving from studio work and independent producing into tax-credit financing after noticing that state incentive programs remained active during an economic downturn. He explains that incentives may include refundable or transferable tax credits, rebates, and grants, and that productions can compare jurisdictions based on eligible labor and non-labor spending. He also describes Entertainment Partners as providing support in areas such as production planning, budgeting, scheduling, accounting, and incentive administration. The conversation emphasizes that the location of a production can materially affect its financing plan. Hadity points to projects filmed outside the locations depicted on screen as examples of how incentives and other financial considerations can shape production decisions.How Tax-Credit Loans and Completion Bonds WorkA substantial portion of the discussion focuses on borrowing against anticipated production incentives. Hadity explains that the speed of repayment can vary significantly by jurisdiction and that Entertainment Partners maps expected timelines for producers and borrowers. He describes why a completion bond may be required when a lender advances money against a credit that depends on the project actually being finished. The bond company, he says, needs access to the full production budget before issuing its guarantee. Durant shares an experience in which foreign investors would not place their funds into a U.S. escrow account, which prevented the financing structure from satisfying the bond company. The exchange highlights the relationship among equity, incentive-backed loans, escrow requirements, and completion guarantees.Administration, Accounting and the Production EntityHadity explains that production-incentive administration begins with the initial application and continues through expense tracking, accounting coordination, audit preparation, final submission, and responses to state questions. He says the production entity itself must pay qualified expenses and maintain records such as a check register, general ledger, and trial balance. Depending on the incentive, that entity may be an LLC or a C-corporation. He also explains that a filmmaker can retain underlying ownership while granting a one-picture license to the production entity so it can make and deliver the project. The discussion presents production structure as both a financing and compliance issue. Durant and Hadity repeatedly stress the importance of getting those structural details in place before production begins.Distribution, Sales Estimates and Streaming DealsThe conversation then moves to distribution, including North American rights, international sales agents, foreign-sales estimates, and the role of recognizable talent in creating bankable pre-sales. Hadity explains that a sales agent may estimate a project’s value in different territories based on buyer demand and the creative package, and that lenders may sometimes finance against credible estimates. He cautions independent producers about streaming-platform acquisitions, particularly offers for worldwide rights in perpetuity that may be lower than the project’s production cost. In that situation, he says, producers need legal counsel that understands the financing plan and repayment obligations to investors. The speakers also discuss the continuing role of studios in acquisitions and festivals. Hadity’s central warning is that broad distribution exposure does not automatically mean a producer or investor will recover the project’s full cost.Strikes, Recovery and Preparing for ProductionDurant and Hadity discuss the effects of the writers’ and actors’ strikes following the disruption of the pandemic. Hadity says television was particularly affected by the writers’ strike and that the actors’ strike brought production to a much broader halt. Despite the slowdown, he expresses confidence that the industry will recover and says companies were preparing for a major surge in production once labor issues were resolved. His repeated advice to producers is to prepare: break down scripts, build schedules and budgets, choose jurisdictions, obtain incentive-loan quotes, raise the remaining financing, line up payroll, open accounts, discuss insurance, and begin conversations with bond companies. The discussion also covers AFM and the value of film markets for producers, financiers, distributors, buyers, and sellers. Hadity says he evaluates festival attendance based on whether the expected return justifies the cost.The Future of Film, Television and New FilmmakersIn the closing portion, the speakers discuss streaming, theatrical ...
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    1 hr
  • Marcus Head on Documentaries, Legendary Comedians & the Art of Filmmaking

    Marcus Head on Documentaries, Legendary Comedians & the Art of Filmmaking
    Sep 9 2026
    Dive deep into the fascinating world of comedy and filmmaking with Marcus Head on the Cathy Durant Show, broadcasting on BBS Radio TV and the iHeart Network. In this episode, filmmaker and former stand-up comedian Marcus Head shares his inspirational journey from comedy stages across Atlanta to directing award-winning documentaries. Discover the untold story behind his latest film, the Ronaldo Ray documentary—highlighting the legendary comedian’s influence on the industry and his mentorship to icons like Kat Williams, Sinbad, and more. Marcus recounts how he rallied support from comedy legends and discusses the evolving landscape of comedy entertainment, including the rise of digital platforms such as YouTube and Tubi. He offers invaluable advice to aspiring comedians, actors, and filmmakers about leveraging modern technology, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in a competitive entertainment industry. Marcus also elaborates on his passion for storytelling, highlighting upcoming projects focused on the pioneering contributions of trailblazers in Black firefighting history and more. This enriching conversation blends insightful anecdotes, historical perspectives, and practical guidance, making it a must-listen for anyone fascinated by comedy, film directing, documentary production, and entertainment career paths.

    CathyDurantShow.com
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    59 mins
  • Dean Phillippi’s Journey from Navy Football to Faith-Based and Mainstream Acting

    Dean Phillippi’s Journey from Navy Football to Faith-Based and Mainstream Acting
    Sep 2 2026
    [from July 29, 2026]
    Welcome to The Cathy Durant Show featuring the inspiring story of Dean Phillippi, a former professional football player with the Washington Generals turned accomplished actor. Broadcasted on PBS Radio TV and the iHeart Network, this episode dives deep into Dean’s extraordinary transition from the Navy and the rigors of professional football, including playing defensive back for over a decade, to thriving in the competitive entertainment industry. Dean shares insights on his disciplined approach shaped by sports and military service, how acting classes at Tandem Studios jumpstarted his career, and his passion for faith-based films like Losing Faith and Success Camp. Tune in for exclusive stories about working alongside Dean Cain (“Superman”), playing iconic roles such as Abraham Lincoln’s detective Alan Pinkerton in Grand Illusion, multiple portrayals of presidents, including a short film about a president facing nuclear crisis, and embodying spiritual characters like God. This episode also explores Dean’s heartwarming experience as a bodyguard at the 2005 Super Bowl, meeting celebrities including Paul McCartney and Alicia Keys, and reflects on the power of faith, discipline, and perseverance. Whether you’re interested in careers in acting, sports, or faith-based film production, Dean’s motivational advice on training, networking, and marketing yourself will guide aspiring talents toward success. Discover how Navy training blended with football taught Dean invaluable lessons that fuel his ongoing thriving career in independent and mainstream films across Florida and Georgia. Don’t miss hearing about upcoming projects, including Crossroads and Blind Drive Ahead, both featuring football themes and faith elements.
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    Dean Phillippe, professional football player, Washington Generals, Navy football, faith-based films, acting career, Tandem Studios acting classes, Grand Illusion film, Abraham Lincoln detective role, Dean Cain Superman, Jacksonville Florida film industry, Super Bowl 2005 bodyguard, Paul McCartney concert, inspirational acting stories, faith in acting, discipline from sports, acting advice, celebrity encounters, independent films, football to acting transition, Christian films, acting workshops, actor networking, Crossroads TV series, Blind Drive Ahead film, sports and acting, motivational actor story, actor resume tips, secular and faith films, scene preparation, film production Georgia and Florida.

    CathyDurantShow.com
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    59 mins
  • Celebrity artist Clarence “Pencilman” Pointer

    Celebrity artist Clarence “Pencilman” Pointer
    Aug 26 2026
    Join Cathy Durant on the Cathy Durant Show, airing on BBS Radio TV and the iHeart Network, as she sits down with Clarence Pencilman Pointer, a celebrated celebrity artist known for his iconic portraits of historic figures such as Rosa Parks, President Obama, the Tuskegee Airmen, Smokey Robinson, and many more. Discover Clarence’s inspiring journey from an Alabama childhood with humble pencil sketches to becoming a recognized artist whose work is displayed in museums and owned by famous personalities like Jay Leno. Hear exclusive stories about his military service rekindling his passion for art, his unique artistic process, and how divine inspiration played a role in his career success. Learn about his dedication to honoring legends through detailed, award-winning drawings and how perseverance, faith, and strategic networking opened doors to collaborations with Hollywood, Motown, and the YAHAS comedy museum in Las Vegas. Perfect for art lovers, aspiring artists, celebrity culture enthusiasts, and followers of African American heritage, this episode is an enriching blend of artistry, history, and motivation. Tune in to explore Clarence Pointer’s creative world, his tips for upcoming artists, and how art intersects with history and culture.

    CathyDurantShow.com
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    1 hr