Reality Check With Craig Price

Ralph Peterson (@SpeakerRalphP on twitter) joins host Craig Price to discuss dieting.  Dieting is no fun regardless of how much you weigh or have to lose. It can be a nightmare of shame and feelings of failure, especially when you have to lose triple digits just to begin to be healthy. It can be tough dropping old habits and dealing with people who use food as encouragement or a coping mechanism.  Ralph talks with Craig about how he lost over 150 pounds, dealing with awkward compliments, the inner monologue and more.  He also talks about how he started running to lose weight and now is a frequent marathoner, the mental obstacles he faced and how he took control of his life and health back.  You can see his series of videos about losing weight on YouTube on RalphPetersonTV. Learn more about Ralph at http://RalphPeterson.com

Jen Rulon (@CoachJenRulon on twitter) discussing preparing and running triathlons with host Craig Price. Knowing Craig and the height of his exercise regime is struggling to scoop hard ice cream out of the gallon container, it would seem unlikely that a true athlete would be on the podcast. But there is a huge difference between doing a triathlon and talking about one, so Craig immediately got comfy in his chair to talk with Coach Jen.  Jen has run over 10 Ironman triathlons and coached over 20 athletes for the ironman. Despite the seemingly opposite approaches to fitness Craig and Jen have a lively discussion about how to train for a triathlon, is being "too busy" really an excuse, how pee can slow down the competition and why she loves doing events like these. They also discuss ways her training can be applied to business and to non-athletes as well as talking about her 12 years training orcas at Sea World! You can learn more about Jen at http://JenRulon.com 

Carolyn Strauss (@CarolynStrauss on twitter) joins host Craig Price to discuss her experiences and what she learned partnering with the Home Shopping Network. While Craig has known Carolyn for a few years, he never asked her on because she was a bit too well known. Why would she come on his little old podcast?  When she offered to come on, Craig leapt at the chance. It wasn't just because she is a world class designer and businesswoman with vast experience running a multimillion dollar apparel company. There was also the bonus of getting some serious street cred with the women in his life. Particularly his wife and both mother and mother-in-law! The two chat about a wide variety of things including how she transitioned from model to designer, pitching products to HSN, dealing with live caller interactions, why value-per-minute is just as important in non-sales positions and a bunch more. A fun interview that peeks behind the scenes at the goings-ons of a shopping channel and how stunned Craig is by the power

Dr. Lindsey Matheson (@art4apes on twitter) joins host Craig Price to discuss the Endangered: Art for Apes art contest. For the past two years, Craig has been involved with the Endangered: Art for Apes contest, entering and exhibiting his photos each year. This year, while he's still on the hunt for the elusive photo to submit, he asked founder and curator of the Art for Apes contest on to discuss how the contest works and what the money supports. The two talk about what the Center for Great Apes (which gets every penny of the entry fees) does for these endangered animals,  if Craig's orangutan picture is too goofy to submit and what types of artwork they look for to exhibit. This year the exhibition of winners is not only in Miami Florida, as it is every year, but will have an exhibition in England. You can learn more about the Endangered: Art for Apes contest at http://art4apes.com. There you will see examples of current and past submissions as well as the contest rules for 2016. Be sure to like their face

Mary Kelly, Jason Kotecki, Jessica Pettitt and Thom Singer (@marykellyspeaks, @escapeadulthood, @jesspettitt and @thomsinger on Twitter) join host Craig Price for his 2016 Speakers Roundtable. Each year, Craig gathers the best minds in the speaking industry to sit down during the National Speakers Association's annual convention (this year in hell...I mean Phoenix.) to discuss the state of the industry, what new things are happening, what issues are affecting the speaker population and whatever else may pop up. This year, Craig sat 4 talented past guests to discuss marketing and the resulting conversation covered so much more. They discussed capitalism, charity, tapping into your talents, differentiating yourself, referring other speakers and the hottest of topics...when during the podcast would Jessica swear. These panels are always the most requested episodes of Reality Check and this year is no exception.  Celebrate Craig's birthday by enjoying a gift he gives to himself and to you...his annual speakers ro

AJ Coots (@AJCPhotography on twitter) joins host Craig Price to discuss storytelling headshots. Be it for your LinkedIn profile, your business cards, website or promotional material, if you are in business, at some point you will need professional headshots. What will your headshot say about you? Many people don't even think about that before the get their pictures taken. They assume the photographer will snap a shot and they'll be on their way. AJ Coots specializes in storytelling headshots. Pictures that show people who you are immediately and what you are all about. Since many times our headshot is the first time someone looks at us, people make snap judgments on what they see. AJ and Craig discuss how to pick a photographer, what the difference is between typical headshot photography and editorial photography. They also discuss finding the "hero shot" and techniques to make you less self-conscious when getting your photo taken. Somehow Craig's deflated bum is discussed and much more. AJ Coots can be fou

Anastasia Turchetta (@AnastasiaRDH on twitter) return with host Craig Price for her Dental Health Check-Up for 2016. If it is time for the National Speakers Association's annual convention than it must be time for Craig and Anastasia to discuss the latest in dental doings. The two recorded a facebook live video while recording the podcast and covered a slew of topics. They discuss Anastasia's latest venture Coffee Chat's where she interviews leaders in dentistry on stage for meetings and events.  They also discuss an antimicrobial liquid called silver diamine fluoride that can be brushed on cavities to stop tooth decay — painlessly! Though there is side effects, like black gums. How attractive. Craig  also discovers how much he is grossed out by the term e-juice. The stuff you put into e-cigs. That's right. E-juice. That in more to get your smile up to snuff! Anastasia can be found at http://www.anastasiaturchetta.com/ and her weekly YouTube video Humpday Happenings can be found at http://youtube.com/Anastas

Michael Domitrz (@DateSafeProject on twitter) returns for more awkward conversation with host Craig Price about his new book "Can I Kiss You?" Ask anyone, even Craig himself, and they will say Craig isn't the smoothest talker in the world. When you add sex into the conversation, Craig can get even more flustered. All the professional speaker gloss and polish falls away and never has is awkwardness been more on display than this episode. Thankfully, Mike Domitrz is a friend as well as an expert on consensual sex. He deftly helps Craig navigate through the conversation that touches upon (with permission of course) consensual sex among married partners, archaic social rules that no longer apply yet still are, how parents can educate their kids and so much more that it makes Craig almost break out in hives. It is an important conversation that everyone needs to have which is why Craig is proud to be able to sit with Michael once again and discuss the topics that are often not talked about but should. You can get

Steven Iwersen and Pilar Ortiz of this year's Voices of Experience podcast take the reigns and interview Craig Price on the Secrets of Podcasting. While Craig is away at this year's Influence conference in Phoenix, he offers up an interview he did for the National Speakers Association's Speaker Magazine's Voices of Experience. With the permission of the NSA, you can hear Steve and Pilar interview Craig on a wide variety of ways podcasting can help speakers.  There's no mystery to podcasting. Today, it's easier and cheaper to do than it was five or ten years ago. In fact, all you really need is a smartphone with a good mic and a pair of ear buds! Craig explains what he does and how to make it easier for you to start podcasting today. The 2015-2016 Voices of Experience was hosted by Steven Iwersen and Pilar Ortiz (@StevenI and @HabloEspanol on twitter).  You can learn more about them at steveniwersen.com and pilarortiz.com.  You can hear the VOE monthly podcast at http://mynsavoe.libsyn.com/ and you can join t

Justin Corbett and George Tripsas of Gray Bear Comics (@GrayBearComics on twitter) join host Craig Price to discuss creating comic books. Fellow podcasters of the Comicpalooza Podcasting Partnership Program (that's a lot of "p" words!) Justin and George have joined forces to create the new comic book "Speak No Evil" due out in September. The two talk with Craig about how they came up with the story, how they gathered their international team of collaborators and what it took to get their kickstarter funded. The 3 cover lots of ground and Craig even gets a super secret preview of what their next graphic novel might be. "Speak No Evil" is available now for pre-order both in physical and digital formats. The book launches in September and you can learn more at http://graybearcomics.com  Justin co-hosts the ComicAL podcast and George can be hear on the Metal Geeks Podcast!

Janice Levenhagen-Seeley (@ChickTechOrg on twitter) joins host Craig Price to discuss her non-profit ChickTech.  What is ChickTech? It is a nonprofit dedicated to retaining women in the technology workforce and increasing the number of women and girls pursuing technology-based careers. Craig and Janice discuss how their programs not only develop the skills women need in tech but also a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. They also discuss the realities of the "Good Ol' Boys" network, unconscious bias in the workplace and how you can find a local chapter or create one of your own. They also talk about using culture training and assessments to identify issues many organization may not even realize exist. For more information on how you can participate or donate, go to http://chicktech.org 

Alan Cerny (@NordlingCS on twitter) returns with host Craig Price for part 2 of their preview of the 2016 Summer Movies for July and August.  It's been a busy summer so far for movies. Craig and Alan discuss a full slate of movies coming out as well as talk about why Ghostbusters is a reboot instead of a sequel. They also discuss if Suicide Squad will be more fun than Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice and their love of Spielberg and John Williams. Movies in this episode include (with scheduled release dates): July 1: The BFG July 1: The Legend of Tarzan July 8: The Secret Lives of Pets July 15: Ghostbusters July 22: Star Trek Beyond July 22: Ice Age 5 July 29: Jason Bourne August 5: Suicide Squad August 12: Sausage Fest August 12: Pete's Dragon We’ll be sure to add Alan’s reviews from ComingSoon.net as he writes them.

James Morrison with the FBI Houston Division joins host Craig Price to discuss cyber crime. As a computer scientist, James has had to deal with many complex problems and solve many issues but nothing as mind boggling as Comicpalooza and Craig.  The two bravely sit down in the Houston heat and humidity to discuss ransomware, the importance of backing files up, why criminals are more interested in your medical records than files on your hard drive and what you can do to prevent problems in the future. It is all part of Comicpalooza's Science-Fiction/Science-Faction educational track which happened in Houston June 17th through June 19th.  It was an amazing event and Craig even gives a quick rundown of the weekend where he had a surprise hosting assignment with actress Tara Reid! It's a great way to celebrate 200 episodes. Reality Check was a proud member of the 2016 Comicpalooza Podcast Partnership Program which arranged this interview and a few more to come.

Phil Gerbyshak (@PhilGerb on twitter) returns to discuss website effectiveness with host Craig Price. We all have websites. Some spend thousands of dollars to have the latest and greatest sites with all the bells and whistles. And yet, they wonder why no one picks up the phone or emails them to make a sale. It might be because, while your site may look amazing, it doesn't really say anything or show off your talents, programs or expertise. Phil has teamed up with past guest Eliz Greene to create a training program called  Lookers2Bookers.com which helps businesses assess and develop better websites that close business and generates sales. Phil and Craig talk simple mistakes most websites make (contact info anyone??), the differences between lead pages and home pages, why keywords are important to the reader and how to generate traffic to the beautiful temple you have created online. You can find more about their program at Lookers2Bookers.com and look4book (see what I did there?) later this month. APP BONUS

Jess Todtfeld (@MediaJess on twitter) joins host Craig Price to discuss media training. Getting on TV can be quite the mystery. Thankfully, Craig has Jess Todtfeld of Success in Media, Inc.  walk him through contacting media outlets, how to pitch producers and even how to behave once you are on. Yes, Marco Rubio is mentioned. Jess also talks about the importance of converting interviews so they are not just snapshots of publicity but revenue funnels that can help your business. You can learn more about Jess at http://jesstodtfeld.com and http://successinmedia.com Reality Check with Craig Price has been nominated for Best Business Podcast! Starting May 29th, please go to PodcastAwards.com and vote for Reality Check with Craig Price everyday until June 12th. There is some tough competition in this category and every vote is needed! Thanks to all the listeners who nominated the podcast, without you, the listeners, this would just be me talking to strangers for no reason!

Cary Gordon (@comicpalooza on twitter) joins host Craig Price to discuss social media marketing for Comicpalooza.  As part of the Comicpalooza Podcast Partnership Program, Craig invited Cary, comic con's Social Media Coordinator, to sit down and talk how he and his team work their social media magic for Texas’ largest pop culture event.  The two discuss how far in advance the planning begins (hint: the day after the last one!) which platforms work best for interacting with attendees, how they prep announcements of big guests and more. You can also listen to Cary's 2 podcasts: Metal Geeks and MSRcast. Both can be found at http://metalgeeks.net

Alan Cerny (@NordlingCS on twitter) returns with host Craig Price to preview the 2016 Summer Movies for May and June.  If it's may it must be a movie preview podcast! Craig and Alan discuss a full slate of movies coming out as well as talk about Craig's arbitrary movie ratings that range from Must See in Theater to Wait for it on HBO. They also talk about Captain America: Civil War while trying not to turn the discussion into an anti-Batman v. Superman rant as well as Alan's set visit to Independence Day 2: Resurgence. Movies in this episode include (with scheduled release dates): Out now: Captain America: Civil War May 20: Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising May 20: Angry Birds May 20: The Nice Guys May 27: Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass May 27: X-Men:Apocalypse June 3: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 June 3: Pop Star: Never Stop Never Stopping June 10: Warcraft June 10: The Conjuring 2: The Enfield Project June 10: Now You See Me: The Second Act June 17: Finding Dory June 24: Independe

Jennifer Husband and Leyel Hudson of Blue Sun Interpreting (@comicconterp on twitter) sit with host Craig Price to discuss sign language interpreting.  Kicking off the 2016 Comic-Con season in Texas, Craig brings the first of his Comicpalooza Podcast Partnership Program episodes with some great "co-workers".  Craig first met Jennifer and Leyel during his panel with actor David Anders and was so impressed that he also made sure to call them out in his Ming Chen panel that fall at FanFair. The three talk about dealing with celebrities that ramble (Bill Shatner), celebrities that are super cool and interactive (John Barrowman) and how to deal with nerd words that don't exist in the "real" world. They also discuss their own mini-convention Deaf Con that will be happening May 7th!  But mostly they geek out over upcoming cons and celebrities. They also discuss their latest venture Blue Sun Interpreting.  Blue Sun Interpreting is dedicated to providing qualified, certified, knowledgeable, professional American Sign

This week, host Craig Price offers up a bonus episode spotlighting Cigar PEG Radio.  What is Cigar PEG Radio? It's a weekly podcast Craig has been producing and hosting for the past few years for the charity Cigar PEG. The podcast is a way for people to get excited and learn more about the Cigar PEG charity auction, which this year will be July 24th in Phoenix, where they will auction of celebrities to raise money for charities like the NSA Foundation and Laura's Hope. What is Cigar PEG? It's a 501(c)3 charity founded by Ed Rigsbee dedicated to making a difference by employing "Philanthropy through Fun." Cigar PEG Radio is the podcasting project where each week Ed assigns Craig a mission. Maybe it's to introduce listeners to some of the Cigar PEG staff or to some of their High Roller contributors. Maybe it's one of their many donors who support them year after year; maybe it's just for fun! But just like Cigar PEG itself, they hope you have fun and learn something new. This year's theme is "community" and

Karin Hurt and David Dye (@letsgrowleaders and @daviddye on twitter) join host Craig Price to discuss their management book Winning Well.  Being a manager is tough enough but inevitably something will come up that will try and beat you down on the job. Be it disloyal employees, bosses with no ability to self-assess themselves or just folks who can't give or take feedback well, something is always around the corner. With their new book Winning Well: A Manager's Guide to Getting Results---Without Losing Your Soul Karin and David have your back. This well written book details how to deal with issues with actual action plans not just fluffy best case scenarios. Craig, David and Karin talk about trust, respect and how to treat people so they remain productive. Craig brings up Charlie Sheen, bad bosses and how to overcome a breach in trust from upper management so it doesn't cause problems on the front line. You can find Winning Well: A Manager's Guide to Getting Results---Without Losing Your Soul at all your majo