Life Changes Show, December 7, 2015
Life Changes Show with Filippo Voltaggio and cohost Mark Laisure
Loving The Wild Life with Guest, Host of the Emmy Nominated ABC Weekend Animal Series, “The Wildlife Docs,” and Former Host of the Number One Design Show on HGTV, “Designed To Sell,” Rachel Reenstra, and Musical Guest a Solo Artist in His Own Right, and Lionel Richie’s Guitarist, Ben Mauro on The LIFE CHANGES Show
Guest, Ben Mauro
BEN MAURO
On November 3rd, 2015 singer, guitarist and songwriter Ben Mauro released his debut EP as a solo artist entitled “To L.A.” He also just finished a European tour with pop/funk icon Lionel Richie that included Europe’s biggest summer festivals. Ben’s extraordinary musical skills and dynamic stage presence has been the reason that he has remained a core member of Lionel Richie’s band for over fifteen years. Ben has also worked with many other artists including Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears, Don Felder from the Eagles, John Fogerty, Christina Aquilera, Toni Braxton and also worked on projects produced by Peter Frampton and Prince.
Ben’s first single was released to rave reviews. Daniel Spears, Vice President of Industry Relations at BMI said:
‘Love this song… It’s got a great vibe to it with a lot of diversity…poppy, bluesy and country…Solid songwriting and some pretty nifty guitar work too!
I really like “Take Your Time.” It’s a very catchy tune that I know will be in my head when I wake up tomorrow morning.’
Ben’s second single “This Crazy Love” was released on July 14th, 2015. This is a catchy New Orleans style song that Ben also shot a music video for. The music video depicts the story of a girl trying to find love on the West Coast.
Ben’s EP was recorded with an all star cast of musicians including Oscar Seaton from Lionel Richie/George Benson on drums, Monet Owens from Boz Scaggs/Lenny Kravitz on Background Vocals, Ramon Yslas on Percussion from Stevie Nicks/Carlos Santana and Grammy award winner producer/mixer Ted Greenberg. Ben is already getting a reputation as an exciting solo performer. His single has an upbeat California vibe and you can hear influences from Jack Johnson, Van Morrison and Bruce Springsteen throughout this up and coming artist’s music.
Ben is endorsed by: Gibson Guitars, Taylor Guitars, Mesa Boogie Amps, D’addario Guitar Strings, Hercules Guitar Stands and Dunlop Guitar Picks.
But with Ben it’s not just about the music, it’s also about giving back. On every trip to Syracuse he goes to his old high school (West Genesee HS) and college (Onondaga Community College where he studied classical guitar) to talk with students. Ben gives them advice on how to have longevity in the music business and gives clinics to teach them the basics of music theory. In 2014 he started the Ben Mauro Endowment for Music Education at West Genesee; over the next four years he will make a donation to the school’s music department. He wants every kid to have every advantage to be able to play if that is their passion. Ben grew up playing the clubs of Syracuse then eventually moved to NYC where he landed the gig with Lionel Richie. Ben now lives in Los Angeles, California.
And if all that isn’t enough to keep him busy, Ben is also the host of his own travel music show called “Let’s Go! with Ben Mauro.” During his downtime on tour, Ben explores the cities he’s in and takes the viewer behind-the-scenes of the touring musician’s life.
Guest, Rachel Reenstra
RACHEL REENSTRA
Rachel Reenstra is the host of the fun, EMMY NOMINATED ABC weekend animal series “The Wildlife Docs”. Because of her skill at entertaining, and passion for animals and adventure, she previously starred in her own series on Animal Planet in a show called “Ms. Adventure” where she traveled the world comparing animal and human behavior.
Although finding animals to be the smarter of the species, she also has extensive experience with humans. She has a masters in Psychology, she hosted the number one design show on HGTV “Designed to Sell”, and in her extensive career she continues to appear in sitcoms, films, national commercials, and many, many voice-overs.
If there remains any time left over, you will find her performing stand-up comedy, inspiring audiences and emceeing large events all over the country.
Growing up in Michigan, Rachel Reenstra had no idea what to do with her life other than make people laugh and make life an adventure. After 10 years of plugging away at acting in Los Angeles, she landed her own series on Animal Planet called Ms. Adventure, where she traveled the world comparing animal and human behavior. Reenstra has been active in almost every kind of acting, including starring in dozens of sitcoms, commercials, voice-overs, hosting shows and performing stand-up comedy. When she wasn’t busy acting or traveling the world, she went back to school and earned a master’s degree in spiritual psychology. In addition, she spent her spare time as a life coach and relationship consultant. She plays guitar, banjo and counts among her special skills her ability to laugh at anything, especially herself.
Follow Her at: https://twitter.com/Rachelreenstra
Life Changes Show
Come and join the conversation about what's going on and what we can do together about it, with it, and for it. We have the choice, we have the power. We can do magic if we just believe!
A show about the changes going on in us, to us, around us, and because of us. Therefore, it's technically a show about "Everything," only with a how to make it better, see it better, be better.
In the show, there is talk about, and with, people who have either been through major changes, are helping others with major changes, or people who are changing the world for the better in a major way.
The show is a one-hour talk show format with a monologue by the host, a 30 minute interview with a guest of note, capped by a "Producer's Wrap" segment, in which Filippo and Co-Host Mark Laisure, and sometimes surprise guests, bring it all home for the listeners in a sometimes humorous and sometimes touching, but always entertaining conversation.
