Stuff To Do, Esther's Excursions, Practical Yoga, & The Cruelest Cookie

Get ready for a wild ride at the Albatros Cafe, part of the Electric Secrets variety podcast!

This episode, hosted by the ever-humorous Marty Merman at the Albatross Cafe, delivers a mix of cringe-worthy tasks, local adventures, and quirky wellness routines.

In Marty’s segment, “Stuff To Do,” he tackles a long-overdue doctor’s order with a “Colo Bowl” kit, leading to hilariously awkward moments as he navigates the instructions with zero chill. Meanwhile, Marty’s mom, Esther, hits the streets of Schleboygan, New Jersey, for “Esther’s Excursions,” where she critiques a new historical mural with savage wit, questioning everything from wheat fields to a suspiciously placed “sex worker” figure. Rounding it out, Agnes brings the chaos with her “Practical Yoga Routine,” turning a beginner’s lesson into a sweaty, sassy spectacle involving cat-cow meows and a tree pose takedown. Plus, a bizarre ad from Marty’s German cousin Helmut plugs his documentary, The Cruelest Cookie, exposing the dark underbelly of Girl Scout cookie sales. Expect laughs, absurdity, and a touch of Schleboygan charm in this unmissable episode!

This episode is presented by MonsterVox Productions. All persons in this podcast are fictional, and resemblance to any person living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the creator.

About Scott

Scott Leon Smith has worked as a professional actor and director for nearly 25 years in a variety of genres. He earned his Master of Fine Arts in Acting at West Virginia University, where he studied under alumni of the prestigious American Conservatory in San Francisco. He honed his craft in Chicago as part of A Crew of Patches, a traveling theatre company that performed Shakespeare for students. Scott is CEO of Monstervox Productions, where he helps clients by providing specialized voice-over work for advertising, audiobooks, eLearning, & instructional videos.

Monster Vox Productions LLC.

Tactics & Objectives In Action

On this episode of Dedicated to the Craft, part of the Electric Secrets variety podcast, hosted by Scott Leon Smith, we dive deeper into the creative process. Building on the previous episode’s focus on using the "imagined energy of tactics" with specific action verbs (like "proclaim" or "comfort") to uncover character insights during rehearsal, this installment shifts to the concept of objectives.

Scott reads the scene in a monotone to avoid preconceived interpretations, then assigns each character a single tactic to "ride like a wave" through the scene: Red’s tactic is "hassle," and Blue’s is "deny." He re-reads the scene, adding a phone filter to Blue’s lines for clarity, demonstrating how vocal energy can reflect these tactics. Next, he introduces objectives using a "so that" phrase: Red’s objective becomes "hassle so that Blue apologizes," and Blue’s is "deny so that Red drops the subject." Another reading follows, showing how these objectives shape the interaction, even without specific context.

To explore tactical flexibility, Scott changes Red’s tactic mid-scene from "hassle" to "entice," keeping the objective intact, and notes how this shift might surprise Blue and reveal new character dynamics. He stresses that rehearsal is about experimentation—collaborating with scene partners and directors to discover what works—rather than performing for an audience.

Finally, Scott simulates active listening by playing pre-recorded lines for Red and responding as Blue, highlighting how real-time reactions drive realism and immersion. He encourages actors to try these exercises with open scenes and peers, promising deeper scene work in the next episode.

If you liked this episode of Dedicated to the Craft, there is so much more to unbox from the Electric Secrets variety podcast series. Subscribe today.

Who Is Scott?

Scott Leon Smith has worked as a professional actor and director for nearly 25 years in a variety of genres. He earned his Master of Fine Arts in Acting at West Virginia University, where he studied under alumni of the prestigious American Conservatory in San Francisco. He honed his craft in Chicago as part of A Crew of Patches, a traveling theatre company that performed Shakespeare for students. Scott is CEO of Monstervox Productions, where he helps clients by providing specialized voice-over work for advertising, audiobooks, eLearning, & instructional videos.

The Legal Stuff

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or endorsement of its participants, nor of any companies or persons discussed therein. MonsterVox Productions is not responsible for any losses, damage or liabilities that may arise from the use of information contained in this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast are those of its participants and may not be those of any podcasting platform or hosting service utilized in its distribution.

MonsterVox Productions, LLC.

[Bizvox #8]

Listening Deeper To The Stylings Of Johnny Cash

In this episode of The Unforgettable Voice, part of the Electric Secrets podcast, host Scott Leon Smith explores Johnny Cash’s iconic baritone, blending personal reflection with analysis. Listeners will discover what makes Cash’s voice unforgettable, both culturally and as a storytelling tool.

Smith highlights Cash’s universal appeal, likening his voice to a familial figure, evoking strong male relatives. The episode examines how Cash’s music, rooted in country, transcends stereotypes, giving voice to the marginalized and forgotten, using his platform as a form of protest in the 1960s and 70s. Listeners will learn how Cash’s rhythmic, train-like style in songs like “Rock Island Line” and “A Boy Named Sue” immerses audiences in vivid narratives, with his “speak-singing” blending tradition and rebellion.

Smith portrays Cash as “The Man in Black,” a symbol of compassion, voicing grief and regret, fostering deep audience connections through humor and irony. A personal story about Smith’s father finding solace in Cash’s *American Recordings* during cancer underscores the voice’s therapeutic power. The episode concludes with Cash’s dynamic with June Carter in “Jackson,” showcasing their honest chemistry.

Listeners will gain appreciation for Cash’s legacy, inspiring them to explore his timeless human sound.

Become A Fan

Follow us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe for bonus content and exclusives.

The Legal Stuff

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or endorsement of its participants, nor of any companies or persons discussed therein. MonsterVox Productions is not responsible for any losses, damage or liabilities that may arise from the use of information contained in this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast are those of its participants and may not be those of any podcasting platform or hosting service utilized in its distribution.

MonsterVox Productions, LLC.

It's A Flip-Flop Fiasco!

Welcome to the chaotic carnival of Rustic Shakespeare on the Electric Secrets variety podcast, where host Scott Leon Smith — your bardic ringmaster — dives headfirst into the sweaty exhaustion of playing Lord Capulet in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

From Act 1’s awkward marriage negotiations (where Capulet flip-flops faster than a politician on a hot mic) to the party scene’s drunken buzz (without the slurring, thank you very much), Scott unpacks the rehearsal room drama.

Expect juicy insights, like the Prince’s sneaky political nudge to let Paris woo Juliet, and Capulet’s attempt to dance away Tybalt’s murder vibes. It’s all high stakes, higher pressure, and a masterclass in making 400-year-old patriarchy palatable for modern audiences.

Subscribe for more Shakespearean shenanigans, and maybe drop an email if you’ve got a hot topic for Scott to tackle. Hey nonny, indeed!

What You'll Hear In This Episode:

• Capulet’s Flip-Flop Fiasco: Watch him go from 'My daughter’s too young!' to 'Eh, woo her anyway!' faster than you can say 'Elizabethan patriarchy.'
• Prince’s Power Play: A sneaky glance from the Prince might just be the political puppetry pushing Capulet to play nice with Paris.
• Drunk but Not Sloppy: Scott channels Capulet’s party buzz with Stanislavski flair—think tipsy vibes, not faceplants."

Don't forget to like this episode, share with your friends, and subscribe to never miss an episode!

______

About Scott

Scott Leon Smith has worked as a professional actor and director for nearly 25 years in a variety of genres. He earned his Master of Fine Arts in Acting at West Virginia University, where he studied under alumni of the prestigious American Conservatory in San Francisco. He honed his craft in Chicago as part of A Crew of Patches, a traveling theatre company that performed Shakespeare for students. Scott is CEO of Monstervox Productions, where he helps clients by providing specialized voice-over work for advertising, audiobooks, eLearning, & instructional videos.

The Legal Stuff

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or endorsement of its participants, nor of any companies or persons discussed therein. MonsterVox Productions is not responsible for any losses, damage or liabilities that may arise from the use of information contained in this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast are those of its participants and may not be those of any podcasting platform or hosting service utilized in its distribution.

MonsterVox Productions, LLC.

On this episode of The Albatross Cafe, featuring Marty Merman, we learn a little more about what Marty likes to do on his phone in his free time, including attempting to save the "King" in a popular online game and getting to know the secret behind artificial intelligence.

Beyond his humorous and somewhat chaotic conversation with an AI chatbot, listeners will hear from Esther Merman in her new segment "Ask Esther Anything," and a riveting review of Megadeth's debut album, "Killing Is My Business, And Business Is Good" from Agnes's Jungian lens. Listeners will also hear mini-segments and promos for the spin-off "Lifestock of Yellowstone," and Jeffrey Flamdrammer's podcast," Best Practices for Customer Reviews."

What can we say, it's the gift that keeps on giving ... Shaka, la, la, la.

If you liked The Albatross Cafe, don't forget to listen, share, and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, and other great streaming services. Also, don't forget to check out other great episodes and segments from the Electric Secrets variety podcast by MonsterVox Productions.

The Legal Stuff

This has been a presentation of MonsterVox Productions. All persons in this podcast are fictional, and resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental and not intended by the creator.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or endorsement of its participants, nor of any companies or persons discussed therein. MonsterVox Productions is not responsible for any losses, damage or liabilities that may arise from the use of information contained in this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast are those of its participants and may not be those of any podcasting platform or hosting service utilized in its distribution.

MonsterVox Productions, LLC.

Crawford County Art Center Improves Visibility Of The Local Art Community

On this episode of the BizVox podcast, part of the Electric Secrets variety podcast our host Scott Leon Smith is speaking with Kaylee Powers, executive director of the Crawford County Art Center (CCAC) to learn more about the organization's recent move, some of its upcoming initiatives, and how she and her team are working to help facilitate creativity and relationships throughout the entire Crawford County community. Specifically, Kaylee explained that the nonprofit's new initiative, Art2You, particularly features many great benefits, including:

1. Accessibility to Art: The initiative brings art to where people are in their day-to-day lives, such as doctor's offices, banks, and grocery stores. This makes it easier for people to experience local art without having to visit a dedicated gallery.
2. Support for Local Artists: By featuring local artists' work in various community locations and offering high-quality prints for purchase, the initiative supports local artists and helps them reach a wider audience.
3. Community Engagement: The program encourages community members to engage with local art and artists, fostering a sense of community and cultural appreciation.
4. Economic Benefits: The initiative is funded by grants from the Ohio Arts Council and the Community Foundation for Crawford County, which helps stimulate the local economy and supports community projects.
5. Convenience: The portable gallery allows the initiative to be present at various community events, making it convenient for people to view and purchase art.

If you're interested in learning more about the CCAC, or its new program, Art2You, visit https://crawfordcountyartcenter.com.

Learn More & Listen

BizVox is your go-to podcast for business inspiration. Follow us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen to podcasts. Need some help with your business's podcast? Check out MonsterVoxProductions.com for professional and affordable podcasting packages with free consultation. Small business, big voice. This is BizVox.

The Legal Stuff

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or endorsement of its participants, nor of any companies or persons discussed therein. MonsterVox Productions is not responsible for any losses, damage, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the information contained in this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast are those of its participants and may not be those of any podcasting platform or hosting service utilized in its distribution.

MonsterVox Productions, LLC.

Casie Grau Introduces the Crawford County Chamber of Commerce

On this episode of BizVox, part of the Electric Secrets variety podcast, Scott is talking to Casie Grau, MBA, executive director of the newly merged Crawford County Chamber of Commerce. The organization is the culmination of the Crestline, Galion, and Bucyrus Chambers of Commerce, plus Crawford County Tourism.

Casie explains the reasons behind the merger, the challenges faced during the transition and the wide variety of benefits now available to Crawford County businesses as a result of this merger, including:

1. Discounts: Chamber members can get discounts on health insurance for their staff, workers' compensation through Sedgwick, and energy benefits on electricity and gas.
2. Promotion: The Chamber promotes its members through newsletters, social media, and spotlights in emails, reaching a large audience of about 2,500 subscribers.
3. Networking: The Chamber organizes events that provide opportunities for businesses to network and meet other members of the community.
4. Social Responsibility: The Chamber helps businesses meet the expectations of the younger generation by engaging in the community and demonstrating social responsibility.
5. Broader Exposure: Businesses can participate in events across different towns, gaining broader exposure and reaching a wider audience.
6. Return on Investment: The discounts and promotional opportunities provided by the Chamber can help businesses get a better return on their membership dues.

Be sure to listen to this episode now to learn more about the new Crawford County Chamber and how your business can benefit, how to get more involved, and how to take advantage of everything Crawford County has to offer.

BizVox is your go to podcast for business inspiration. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe for fun bonus content and exclusives. Need some help with your business's podcast? Check out MonsterVox Productions.com for professional and affordable podcasting packages with free consultation. Small business, big voice. This is BizVox.

Learn more at www.monstervoxproductions.com.

----------

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or endorsement of its participants, nor of any companies or persons discussed therein. MonsterVox Productions is not responsible for any losses, damage or liabilities that may arise from the use of information contained in this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast are those of its participants and may not be those of any podcasting platform or hosting service utilized in its distribution.

MonsterVox Productions, LLC.