ObscureGenius.com

Blake Thompson

As the Producer of “The Dave Ramsey Show,” Blake is in charge of everything that goes on in the studio and everything that goes out over the air. He also tells Dave what to do! Blake has produced the show over 11 years.

GOMERTOPIA

EVENT: Corrine aka Mama Gomer - Live Interactive Interview
DATE & TIME: Thursday, May 14th at 9:30pm Eastern
FORMAT: Simulcast! (Attend via Phone or Webcast — it’s your choice)
TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT, SIGN UP ON THE MAILING LIST

Kendall Payne

EVENT: Kendall Payne - Live Interactive Interview
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, May 12th at 9:30pm Eastern
FORMAT: Simulcast! (Attend via Phone or Webcast — it’s your choice)
TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT, SIGN UP ON THE MAILING LIST 

Jim Houser

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Jim Houser is back for a special live Listener Questions Only event.

Jason Gray

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While the veteran indie-artist’s first three organic, folk-laced projects garnered gushing critical accolades and landed him an opening slot on Sara Groves’ 2002 tour and stage time with Barlowgirl, Shaun Groves and other notables, it wasn’t primarily the literate craftsmanship of his songs that drew the immediate respect of his peers and a solid fanbase to him. It was, rather, Jason’s candor, his transparency, his willingness to expose his own weaknesses night after night that created an inexplicable bond with audiences and prompted Centricity Records to sign him in 2006. When a guy who grew up as a chronic stutterer in an abusive home takes the mic and obviously cares more about loving you than about what you think of him, you know something’s up.

Make plans for this special PhonoWebCast with Ted Knapp. Listen and ask questions live on the phone or online.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE.

Rock's Run

Coach Ted “Rock” Knapp - head coach of Sherwood Christian Academy in Albany, Ga., and winner of nine state football championships - has a new opponent to defeat - childhood cancer.

Although Coach Rock was himself diagosed with two types of terminal cancer in the spring of 2008, he has turned his attention to helping children with cancer. His mission - to raise as much money as possible for cutting edge pediatric cancer research in partnership with Coaches Curing Kids’ Cancer.

Join Coach Rock for a 1.5 mile fun run and walk at Sherwood Christian Academy on April 25 to help raise money for pediatric cancer research.

“I want to raise an IMPOSSIBLE amount of money for childhood cancer research,” said Rock. “I am begging you on behalf of every little boy and girl in Georgia to join me and my new team - Curing Kid’s Cancer in doing the impossible.”

“Coach Rock’s mission to fight childhood cancer is selfless and inspirational,” said Grainne Owen, founder of Curing Kids’ Cancer. “Join our team that is dedicated to finding cutting edge cures for pediatric cancer research.”

Money raised from the event will be donated to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Service at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, which treats 95 percent of Georgia’s childhood cancer patients.

Rock’s Run

Coach’s Coffee

Peter Bocchino

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Peter Bocchino is the President of Legacy of Truth Ministries, located in Atlanta Georgia. Legacy of Truth is a ministry dedicated to equipping Christian professionals and students to understand, effectively defend, and communicate basic Christian principles in a secular environment. The overall purpose of this training is to prepare them to serve as effective mentors for young adults so that they will be able to defend their faith and convictions in the post-modern and post-Christian arena of higher education.

Education

Peter graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Professional Background

He worked for 10 years in the power generation industry with both Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation and Jersey Central Power & Light Company, specializing in thermodynamics.

Ministry Background

Peter served as the Director of Leadership Training for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries for nine years. He was responsible for writing and teaching a multi-cultural curriculum on Christian apologetics in Europe, the Middle and Far East, Africa, as well as the Americas. Peter has held open forums and training sessions on many campuses around the world including: Madras, India; Kings College, London; University of Krakow, Poland; Harvard, Princeton and Emory Universities; University of Southern California, Fullerton; Georgia Tech and Dartmouth College.

Peter has co-authored a book with Dr. Norman Geisler titled Unshakable Foundations: Contemporary Answers To Crucial Questions About The Christian Faith. He is also involved in public education and has served on the curriculum committee for the State of Georgia, who had the responsibility for raising the academic standards under the direction of the State Superintendent. He was appointed to serve on this committee comprised of 125 of the top educators in the State of Georgia. Peter was assigned to social studies with particular responsibilities in the areas of US Government, Law, Ethics and character training. He is currently helping the State integrate critical thinking skills into a controversial issues and a forensic science course at the county level.

LIVE ALBUM RELEASE INTERACTIVE INTERVIEW

VOTA

EVENT: VOTA - Live Interactive Interview & Album Release Party
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, February 10th at 7:00pm Eastern
FORMAT: Simulcast! (Attend via Phone or Webcast — it’s your choice)
TO ATTEND THIS EVENT, REGISTER ON THE MAILING LIST >>>>

Caleb Morgan

Caleb Morgan shares his life story in his book, I Killed Myself. Follow Caleb through the struggles and trials that he has been through during his life. At the age of 7 Caleb was raped, by a trusted friend of the family. As you read you see he has many fond memories as a child however that rape has always been a gray cloud that has hung over him. Walk through the valley with Caleb as he battles drug addiction and depression. Pick up the gun with him and place it in your mouth. Then declare victory with him and walk out of that valley and up the mountain. Hear Caleb share about God’s love, grace, and mercy for and on him. Caleb wants you to know that God has all of these things for you; with God absolutely anything is possible.

Biography:

In high school Caleb began his career in the music industry as a promoter for Christian shows. While he was promoting he was offered a job with Arista/Timebomb Records starting in Street Team Marketing then landing an A&R position. He has been managing artists for the past 7 years. He currently lives in Powder Springs, Georgia where he runs an Artist Management Company: NewLine Management, and represents a variety of musical artists. This is his first book. Caleb decided to write this book, because he wanted to let people know that no matter how dark the place or how deep the hole that there is always light to be given and always a path to get out.

Jim Houser is scheduled for a Live Interactive Interview on January 29, 2009 at 9pm Eastern.  Jim is a Partner at Creative Trust Entertainment and Literary Management.  He is also responsible for the day to day management of Steven Curtis Chapman.

“Part of a team of people, I’m Jim Houser, responsible for day to day management of Steven. I’d roughly define that as serving Steven, where he was 20 minutes ago to anywhere he will be in the next 2 to 5 years. I like it best when I accomplish this unseen.”

POSTPONED.  WATCH FOR RESCHEDULE DATE SOON.  SIGN UP ON MAILING LIST TO BE NOTIFIED.

BarlowGirl

Jeremie Kubicek

Live Interactive Interview

Jeremie Kubicek, President and CEO of Giant Impact and Co-Founder of Giant Worldwide, has been growing and leading companies for the past 15 years, both domestically and internationally.

He has experienced growth in a number of ventures including:

Launching Global Options in Moscow, Russia - an outsourced consulting and training firm that served multi-national Fortune 500 firms.

Creating an Economics school in Moscow, Russia that continues to help Russian students understand global economics with an emphasis on character development.

Leading all marketing initiatives for a half-billion dollar merchandising and distribution firm in Los Angeles, California.

Participating in more than 10 acquisitions over a 3-year period in the general merchandise distribution market.

Starting two Internet firms focused on niche specialties in the education and beauty supply industries, respectively.

Through each endeavor, Kubicek learned key principles including the value of people over tactics, integrity above all else, relationships before opportunity and many others.

All of these experiences, combined with a growing sense of business values, led Kubicek and his founding partner, Matthew Myers, to start GiANT Partners, a growth firm helping companies and leaders think strategically while developing their people to become strong leaders and growing their organizations.

“I have always believed that the most important role of a leader in business is to liberate their employees and those they reach to become the best they can be. This normally happens in the heart, not just the mind,” says Kubicek. “When you help people grow in their business it is amazing what their organization can do.”

In 2007, GiANT Impact was created after the acquisition of John Maxwell’s brands - Maximum Impact and INJOY. Kubicek became CEO in the same month. Today he leads the leadership event and training company to help resource leaders in several markets through the brands of Maximum Impact, INJOY and Catalyst.

The GiANT companies are built on relationships. It starts with great partnerships with partners and employees. “We cannot give what we don’t first possess,” says Kubicek. “Our mission is to awaken leaders by resourcing them.”

Follow these instructions to be entered in the iPod Nano drawing to take place on January 10th, 2008.  

Grand Prize:  iPod Nano

Second Prize [5 of these to be drawn]:  MP3 download of any of our previous calls

• Watch the 2 videos below
• Compose an email to vote for your favorite one
• Put billy@wesleysleepprogram.com in the To line
• Put info@obscuregenius.com in the CC line
• Put either “Wesley Sleep Commercial 108 A” or “Wesley Sleep Commercial 108 B” in the Subject line
• Send the email to be automatically entered in the drawing

Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 9pm eastern

Signup on the mailing list for access information.

Sammy Ward is from North Georgia. He began writing songs while in college in Atlanta. He moved to Nashville after signing his first record deal with a division of EMI Music Group.

Ward’s hit single “It’s for You” from his album My Passion was climbing the Christian music charts shortly before the record label came to a surprising halt. God took what could have closed down a career in music and used it to not only draw Ward closer to Him but also propel Ward forward to where he now is generating serious interest in the mainstream market. Throughout all of the ups and downs Ward’s life has remained in God’s hands.

Sammy Ward has been honored to share the stage with artists and ministries such as DC Talk, Rebecca St. James, Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith, and many more. He has also had the privilege to perform and minister at Louis Palau Festivals to audiences in the tens of thousands.

Ward’s musical influences are as broad as can be. His own style has been compared to modern day artists such as Jon Mayer and David Gray. Once you have met Sammy Ward you know that his passion is to help people discover who they can be in Christ.

Michael Puryear signed Ward with Universal Christian Music Publishing Group in 2005.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 9pm eastern

Signup on email list for access information.

Caleb Morgan shares his life story in his book, I Killed Myself. Follow Caleb through the struggles and trials that he has been through during his life. At the age of 7 Caleb was raped, by a trusted friend of the family. As you read you see he has many fond memories as a child however that rape has always been a gray cloud that has hung over him. Walk through the valley with Caleb as he battles drug addiction and depression. Pick up the gun with him and place it in your mouth. Then declare victory with him and walk out of that valley and up the mountain. Hear Caleb share about God’s love, grace, and mercy for and on him. Caleb wants you to know that God has all of these things for you; with God absolutely anything is possible.

Biography:

In high school Caleb began his career in the music industry as a promoter for Christian shows. While he was promoting he was offered a job with Arista/Timebomb Records starting in Street Team Marketing then landing an A&R position. He has been managing artists for the past 7 years. He currently lives in Powder Springs, Georgia where he runs an Artist Management Company: NewLine Management, and represents a variety of musical artists. This is his first book. Caleb decided to write this book, because he wanted to let people know that no matter how dark the place or how deep the hole that there is always light to be given and always a path to get out.

Billy Wilkins has announced that he will give away a $1000 prize for the winning video that promotes The Wesley Sleep Program. You may upload your video NO SOONER than Monday, December 15, 2008. The contest will run from Monday, December 15, 2008 until Thursday, January 8, 2009. The winner will be announced on Saturday, January 10, 2009.

Wesley Sleep Program
Contest Rules

Festival Directors Chuck Tilley & Bob Thompson

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 9pm eastern

Live Interactive Conference Call with Chuck Tilley, the event’s founder and co-director of the festival, and his partner, Bob Thompson, co-director.

Atlanta Fest Presented by Chick-fil-A, the South’s premier Christian music festival, will be held June 17-20, 2009 at Stone Mountain Park just east of Atlanta, Georgia. 2009 performing artists include: Casting Crowns, Skillet, Kutless, Family Force 5, Disciple, Leeland, Brandon Heath, Stellar Kart, Natalie Grant, Remedy Drive, downhere, Abandon, Fee, Kristian Stanfill, Echoing Angels, After Edmund, Esterlyn and more. All told, there will be over 40 more artists and speakers.

Atlanta Fest strives to create an environment in which students and families can deepen, or even discover their faith through contemporary Christian music and relevant Bible teaching. The music is supplemented by praise and worship times and talks by some of the nation’s leading Christian speakers, as well a daily Bible studies, seminars on Christian living, skateboard exhibitions and hard Christian rock music and FREE camping. Back for its eighth year, the Atlanta Fest “Prayer Path,” which gives participants an opportunity to encounter God on a personal level, will be offered free on an advance-reservation basis. Each Atlanta Fest ticket also includes a Stone Mountain Park “All Attractions Pass.” Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most visited attraction, drawing nearly 4 million guests each year.

New this year (and included in the price of an “ALL EVENT” ticket) is a special Wednesday night concert by Building 429, followed by the Stone Mountain Park Laser Light Spectacular.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 1-800-965-9324 or online at www.atlantafest.com. ALL EVENT tickets are ONLY $50 through December 31.

Atlanta Fest 2009 is the 23rd consecutive edition of the festival, which began at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1987. Participating on the call will be Chuck Tilley, the event’s founder and co-director of the festival, and his partner, Bob Thompson, co-director.

Third Day 1992: Tai Anderson, David Carr, Mark Lee, Mac Powell, Billy Wilkins

Monday, November 24, 2008 at 9pm eastern

Billy Wilkins lives in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia and has had a diverse background in both music and education since childhood. He is a professional musician and economics educator with one degree in business administration and one in secondary business education. He spent over a year researching the Biblical principles and music therapy techniques that have formed the Wesley Sleep Program. His hope is that his experiences, research, and talent have led him to create a program that will help many people to access a deep peace and rest that he has found through God.

Billy was one of the three original members of the internationally-acclaimed Christian band Third Day, writing and touring with the band during its formation and early years. He can be seen in two of the band’

s 2007 DVD releases, Chronology I and Chronology II. When remaining with the band became more of a career decision than a side ministry, he left to pursue education and the other paths he felt God had prepared for him.

He remains a professional songwriter, studio musician, and performer, working with Third Day and other talented musicians since his departure from the band. It is his natural gift of music, along with his desire to research and teach in an educational environment, that has contributed to the unique concept of the Wesley Sleep Program.

Phil Joel

Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 800pm eastern

A native of Auckland, New Zealand, Phil Joel moved to the United States in 1994, when he joined the band Newsboys. To date, he’s released five solo projects. He met Heather at a radio station in her native Kansas when he’d only been in the country six weeks. The two were married in 1996, have 2 children, Phynley and Eden, and live in Tennessee.

After Phil Joelʼs second solo record, Bring It On, he made the decision to put his own music aside for a time to concentrate on deepening his relationship with God. “It was four years ago that I felt the Lord was telling me to take some time away from the stage to get better equipped for ministry. God really forced Heather and I to take an honest look at what our relationship with Him truly looked like,” says Phil. “We knew we had a passion for the Lord, but we also knew that our pursuit of God was sporadic and hap-hazard at best. We didnʼt have a daily and deliberate plan to pursue Him and deepen our relationships with Him. We were desperate for more.”

It was at this point that Phil and Heather were introduced to a one-year Bible reading plan by their pastor. He challenged their entire church body to commit to waking up early each morning to spend time with the Lord reading His Word, in prayer and worship, cultivating a lifestyle of daily devotion. They took the challenge.

Bob Smiley, Comedian

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 9pm eastern

What About Bob?:

“Well….I’ve been doing standup for more than 10 years all over the United States, Canada, England, Wales and even East Kentucky! I’

ve done a show for 8 people and a show for 60,000 people. Stop for a minute and think what 60,000 people laughing would sound like. Man, I wish I knew. Its probably really cool. Anyway, I’ve opened for such groups as Newsboys, Mercy Me, Third Day, Switch Foot, Toby Mac and Audio Adrenaline even though my best friends Peter Furler, lead singer of the Newsboys, and Toby Mac will both tell you that I don’t like to name drop. Its just not a classy thing to do.”

Kevin Max

Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 9pm eastern

Kevin, born Kevin Max Smith (he later dropped Smith) in 1967 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, started singing when he was young. The adopted son of Max and Elaine Smith, he grew up on a farm where he rode horses and motorcycles and often sang for his familys church. It was in high school, where he sang in theatrical productions, that he began to develop his dream of singing professionally. Kevin began writing music and poetry of his own, and his passion for the art was solidified.

While attending Liberty University (from where he was eventually kicked out), Kevin met Toby McKeehan and Michael Tait, and they began performing music together. In 1987, they formed the Christian rap/hip-hop group DC Talk, which eventually made a deal with Forefront Records. By the time of the groups break-up in 2001, they had become a Contemporary Christian music sensation with three platinum records and four Grammys. Their 1995 album Jesus Freak is still considered one of the most groundbreaking Christian rock albums of all time.

Ginny Owens

Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 9pm eastern

Ginny’s story is decidedly as inspirational and hopeful as her music. Born Virginia Leigh Owens in Jackson, Miss., Ginny began singing almost as soon as she began to talk. Around the age of two she discovered the piano and the joy of harmonizing her voice to the instrument as she plunked out nursery rhymes and Sunday school songs.

At about the same time, Ginny became totally blind. Born with poor eyesight, doctors attempted to save her vision, but were unsuccessful. Still, Ginny affirms God has used this circumstance in her life for good.

“God’s faithfulness in times of trial has been the theme of my life, as well as the theme of my music.”
She led an otherwise typical childhood, from being an ambitious adventurer–climbing tall trees, riding bikes and playing in her family’s backyard–to being a varsity cheerleader, class Valedictorian, and ultimately attending Nashville’s Belmont University on a full scholarship. Upon completion of a degree in Music Education, Owens felt prepared to become the world’

s best high school music teacher. Unfortunately, school administrators were not so easily convinced that hiring a blind teacher would be a good idea.

In an unusual turn of events, Ginny landed a publishing deal with BMG Music before she could find a teaching job. Soon afterward, music mogul Michael W. Smith’

s Nashville-based boutique label Rocketown Records added Owens to its roster of incredibly talented singer-songwriters, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Dan Miller - Author, Career Coach, 48days.com

Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 9pm eastern

Question:
What’s the difference between a drummer and a pepperoni pizza?
Answer:
A pepperoni pizza can feed a family of four.

Question:
How do you get a musician’s attention?
Answer:
“Excuse me, Waiter!”

Are these jokes so funny because they’re true? Is this the best that aspiring artists can hope for while they’re waiting for the big record deal? What about all the other career opportunities in the music industry?

Career Coach & Author Dan Miller lives in the Music Capitol. And he is ready to talk about “Careers in the Music Business“.

Dan is the author of the widely acclaimed 48 Days to the Work You Love and No More Mondays. He writes regularly for many popular magazines and web portals, including CBN.com, Crosswalk.com, New Man, AARP and Success magazines.

He has been a guest on:
-CBS’s “The Early Show,”
-MSNBC’s “Hardball with Chris Matthews”
-700 Club’s “Living the Life”
-”Dave Ramsey Show”

Dan is also a frequent speaker and guest on popular radio programs like Moody Broadcasting, Crown Financial, Janet Parshall’s America, American Family Radio, and Prime Time Chicago.

Mark Stuart & Will McGinniss

Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 9pm eastern

Here are some highlights:

• Mark Stuart worked at the Cracker Barrel
• Will McGinniss worked as an appraiser’s assistant
• Bob Herdman was an Army Ranger, then worked at Steak ‘n Shake
• The story behind the song “Chevette”

AA Talks
After two Grammys, multiple Dove Awards, and 18 number one singles, Mark Stuart and Will McGinniss of Audio Adrenaline begin again, ignited with a passion to tell their story.

At first glance, their career sounds story-book. But in reality it was full of as many hardships as successes. And they want to share their experiences with audiences who need to be challenged, encouraged, and motivated to live the life that God has in store for them.

The guys now turn their attention away from the rock show and focus on sharing their passion for Christ as speakers.

Audio Adrenaline has always been synonymous with excitement, passion, and faith. From albums to videos, from rock shows to mission trips, these guys have forged a path of purpose and conviction. Now as speakers, Stuart and McGinniss set out to inspire the next generation of “normals” to let go of their fear and grab hold of their destiny.

This is in response to Mark Lee’s request for Third Day blog posts:

When will Third Day join us on ObscureGenius.com for a live interactive interview?

It really is a pretty cool concept.  All you have to do is call in to the hotline.  

People can listen live on the phone.  The call audio also streams live online.  People can ask questions live via a web form.

I’m sure we would have a lot of fun.  Mark?… I’ve got a spot open for any night you are available.  Come on!  It will be like a debate, except it will be fun and I won’t ask you about your plan to fix the economy.