Eric Interviews...

...Sam Beman

2012-01-15T18:04:00.000-08:00

I've been doing Christian comedy for over 3 years, now. I've had the pleasure of connecting & networking with all kinds of Christian comics, entertainers, ministers, and just some really cool people.

One of the people that I've been very blessed getting to know these past few months is a man who's greatly loved & respected in the Christian stand-up comedy community. His name is Sam Beman.

Sam is the host of Light Talk, a Christian talk show that features a varity of Christian entertainers from all across the country. He's also a performer. A comedian, singer/songwriter, actor - same does it all!

But the other thing about Sam is that Sam is an incredible man of God.

I wanted to do an interview with Sam because I strongly believe in what he's doing, not only for Christian comedy, but Christian entertainment as a whole through Light Talk. He's provided not just an outlet for his creative talents, but an outlet for others, as well, and it's all because he wants to showcase what others can do.

But enough of me talking about Sam. Let's let Sam talk about Sam & Light Talk!

Comedian Eric Johnson: For all the single ladies out there: Who is Sam Beman?

Sam Beman: He is a single bachelor with a passion for the Lord, family, friends and the arts. And he occassionally refers to himself in third person.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Now, you're known as the host of Light Talk, which we'll talk about more here in a moment. But you also dabble in some other things. You're an actor. You're also a singer. Are there any other talents that we need to know about?

Sam Beman: Aside from the ones you’ve mentioned I also deejay, dance, write songs/comedy, emcee, promote events, edit video, design graphics, and in the words of Ms Doubtfire “I, do, voices”.

Comedian Eric Johnson: You do voices & I hear voices. What a pair, uh?

How many different people/characters can you impersonate?

Sam Beman: At one time I made up a list of voices which came to over seventy.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Wow! Over 70 impressions?!?! That's pretty impressive! (No pun intended!)

Out of all those impressions, which impression is your favorite to do & why?

Sam Beman: That’s tough because they’re all fun to do! Mickey Mouse is always a fun one to do because most people don’t expect that voice to come out of me.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Alright. Tell us a little bit about Light Talk. How long has Light Talk been on the air, & how did it get started?

Sam Beman: Light Talk was on the air back in 2008 for six months then I was told to “take a break”. This was at a time when we really started building momentum and booking numerous guests outside of my community. I tried to contact the studio numerous times for over a year with no luck. My hopes were dashed and the dream seemed to be lost. Another studio offered to produce the show but couldn’t find sponsorship money. So I began questioning the vision God laid on my heart way back in 2002. To make a long story short, the Lord began opening doors of new opportunity as he made it clear that I was to produce the show all on my own. Which is what I still do until he sees fit to open another door.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Where do you see Light Talk going in the next 3 years?

Sam Beman: My plans and God’s are two different things. I would love to see it get picked up by a major network and be a national late night talk show.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Outside of our faith in Jesus Christ, we both have one thing in common: We're both Alanta Braves fans. What role does your faith play in your comedy?

Sam Beman: Comedy is a great way to share your faith with people. Comedian Nazareth describes it as something good that helps the medicine go down easy. What’s in your heart, will come out on stage, whether through prewritten material or off the cuff. I try to look for ways to point back to Christ. Even through some of my parody songs (which usually are parodies of Christian songs). I can sing a song about lice at a non-christian event and people ask me what the original song is. So I tell them “Give me your eyes” by Brandon Heath. Awesome song about seeing people with the eyes of Christ!

Comedian Eric Johnson: If you could have a side kick/band leader for Light Talk, who would it be?

Sam Beman: You wouldn’t know this guy right off. But I tell him every time at church that should he ever quit leading worship, I want him on Light Talk! His name is Justin Belew and he was a guest featured on one of my previous episode. He’s extremely musically talented, very personable and has a great sense of humor with quick wit. That’s the kind of guy I want on my show!

Comedian Eric Johnson: You do so many different things, Sam. Where does all the influence come from to do these things?

Sam Beman: My dad did voices, mom modeled and did commercials, various family members encouraged me to dance and sing at their homes (or in public), one of my uncles made mix tapes. During my teenage years dad use to make me do my impressions all the time for total strangers at the Waffle House.

Comedian Eric Johnson: With Light Talk you're on a platform in which you can no doubt influence a lot of people. What kind of influence do you hope to have on the viewers of Light Talk? What is it that you hope they walk away with?

Sam Beman: My hope is that people would be encouraged and uplifted by the humor, skits, testimonies and talent, featured on the show. Whether viewers have a relationship with Christ or not. At least they have an opportunity to see into the hearts of those who do love the Lord, and are seeking to bless him with their platforms.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Do you have a motto for life? If so, what is it?

Sam Beman: Don’t stop pursuing the call God has put on your life.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Is there anything that you'd like to plug?

Sam Beman: You can visit Light Talk’s website, Youtube channel, Facebook and Twitter! Also, we’d love to hear from you by fan mail or if you’d like to make a donation to the show:

Sam Beman
P.O. Box 909
Phenix City, AL 36868

...Christopher Shawn Shaw

2012-01-07T18:24:00.000-08:00

Here lately I find myself spending more time on Twitter than I do Facebook. To me it's more fun trying to be funny there because you have to fit whatever it is that you want to say into 140 characters. (Like you care.)

But the other reason I'm drawn to Twitter is because I find that the people who "hang out" there seem to be more serious on a more professionaler type level.

One of the people that I've met there who's one of the more serious professionaler types, and who has become one of my best Twitter friends is a man named Christopher Shawn Shaw.

Christopher Shawn Shaw is a Christian filmmaker who has worked with the likes of Thor Ramsey, Michael Jr., & Robert G. Lee - to name a few.

But I'm not going to tell you who Christopher Shawn Shaw is. I'm going to ask Christopher Shawn Shaw to tell you who Christopher Shawn Shaw is.

Comedian Eric Johnson: So, Christopher Shawn Shaw, who is "Christopher Shawn Shaw?"

Christopher Shawn Shaw: There have been times that Christopher Shawn Shaw hasn't even known who Christopher Shawn Shaw is. Just ask him. Oh, wait.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Which term describes you best: Christian Filmaker? or Filmaker who is a Christian?

Christopher Shawn Shaw: Neither. You spelled "Filmmaker" wrong.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Ok, my dependency on autocorrect has been exposed. I apologize for the lack of professionalism & intelect.

With that being said, I now know how to spell "filmmaker." So which one are you? Are you a Christian Filmmaker? Or are you just a Christian who makes films?

Christopher Shawn Shaw: Yes.

Comedian Eric Johnson: I agree!!

You recently spent some time in Hawaii at the same time President Obama did. Is there a connection?

Christopher Shawn Shaw: Secret Service, the CIA, the FBI, CTU Los Angeles, and PETA would not want me to tell you.

Comedian Eric Johnson: If you could spend 30 minutes with President Obama what would you want to discuss with him?

Christopher Shawn Shaw: If he enjoyed hanging with me in Kauai. Oops.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Don't worry. I will edit that part out. (Fingers crossed!)

Humor plays such a huge part in many of your film projects. What inspires you to be funny?

Christopher Shawn Shaw: Laughter.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Stand-up Comedy & Comedy film making are both similar in the fact that we're both being funny on purpose. Would you say that your funny on purpose for a purpose? If so, what is the purpose of you being funny on purpose?

Christopher Shawn Shaw: Laughter.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Of course generating laughter is the purpose behind the purpose of being funny on purpose. But when it comes to your films is there a greater purpose? If so, what is that greater purpose?

Christopher Shawn Shaw: I really desire to do uplifting, meaningful, inspirational projects (shorts & features), both clearly Christian and not-so-blatant, however inspirational nonetheless.

One example is SKIP LISTENING:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Yykxqz46rY&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Another example is one I didn't do, but is one of my favorite short films, soon to be a major motion picture, THE BUTTERFLY CIRCUS: http://vimeo.com/m/17150524

Comedian Eric Johnson: I know you've worked with Thor Ramsey, Michael Jr., and a few other semi-Christian-household names. Of all the the semi-Christian-Household names that you've worked with, who has been the most enjoyable to work with?

Christopher Shawn Shaw: Thor Jr.

Comedian Eric Johnson: Oh wow! Didn't realize Thor had a daughter!

There's a lot of talent out there. Who would you like to work with in the future besides me?

Christopher Shawn Shaw: Hmmmm.

Comedian Eric Johnson: I know I have a list of people, both professional & unprofessional, who strongly influence me, my art, & my ministry. Who are some of your influences & why?

Christopher Shawn Shaw: Van Gogh. Isn't it obvious?

Comedian Eric Johnson: You got both of your ears, and you're not drunk (I assume.). Obviously it's not obvious. Why Van Gogh?

Christopher Shawn Shaw: I was joking, Mr. Comedian.

Comedian Eric Johnson: My last name is "Johnson" & my first name is "Comedian." Please make a note of that.

Anyways, your love for the Lord is very obvious. If there's one thing that people can take away from your projects concerning Christ Jesus, what would that be?

Christopher Shawn Shaw: That He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, as well as the Healer of your deepest hurts. He also created laughter.

Comedian Eric Johnson: I like asking this question: What's your favorite Bible verse & why?

Christopher Shawn Shaw: I don't have one favorite, but some of my faves are the ones proclaiming Christ's love and compassion for us, such as John 3:16-17 & Matthew 11:28. (Look them up; I'm typing this on me phone, eh.)

Comedian Eric Johnson: I know that you have a ton of projects that you're working on. Is there anything that you'd like to plug?

Christopher Shawn Shaw: Like into a socket??

Oh, oh, different plug...Sure.

Romantic Comedy/Satire feature film YOUTH GROUP. Watch & share the trailer for potential backers at http://www.thorramsey.com/ & ask about the Finder's Fee for introducing us to key backers!

ONE NIGHTSTAND (title might change) dramedy ministry short film with Thor Ramsey, should be available on DVD within a few months. We were significantly under-budget, though, and multiple people didn't get paid. Please feel free to share this plea from Writer/Producer Gary Emrick:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AWqpe-QoXc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

D.O.T.Y. (Days Of The Year) web series, from Producer Mike Capozzi.

http://www.mikecapozzi.com/

And please feel free to subscribe to and share my YouTube Channel:

http://www.YouTube.com/CSS301

Thank you, and God bless you!

Comedian Eric Johnson: Thank you, Christopher Shawn Shaw, & God bless you!

If you would know more about Christopher Shawn Shaw
here's where you can find him online:
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/@DirectorCSS
Facebook: http://Facebook.com/youarecaredfor
IMDB: http://imdb.me/ChristopherShawnShaw

...Heather Summers!

2011-07-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you guys for taking the time to check out my very first edition of "Eric Interviews..."

For my very first interview I wanted to pick out one of the most interesting people that I follow on Twitter. After a long afternoon of playing "Rock, Paper, Sciccors" in the mirror, it was plain to see that Heather Summers was the logical choice for my first interview.

She has her own blog simply titled "Heather Summers." I found out that she picked that name out after spending an evening playing "Rock, Paper, Sciccors" in the mirror, as well. Can you say "cut from the same cloth?"

Anyways, without any further delays, let's get into our very first interview!!

Comedian Eric Johnson:

Please, Heather, tell us a little about yourself. Who are you? Who is this "Heather Summers?"

Heather Summers:

Hi, I'm Heather. I'm 5'4'', blonde hair, blue eyes, athletic, I like long walks on the beach. Oh wait, this isn't the interview for a dating site. Forget everything I just said, except my name.

Let's start over and get things rolling. I grew up on the beaches of Florida. I never go to the beach, I like Chick-fil-A, working-out, and making people laugh. Some how this sounded like a dating site interview any way. Oh and I'm almost positive I am a mammal.

Comedian Eric Johnson:

How did you get into blogging?

Heather Summers:

I was sitting in the drive-thru of Taco Bell one night when I thought to myself, I'm kind of funny and I hate writing. I should write a blog. I'm not even trying to be funny here. It's the truth and my first blog post.

Comedian Eric Johnson:

Now, I notice that on your blog you make a lot of list. Can you list the reasons why making list is appealing to you? You can list the reasons for your listing in any order...

Heather Summers:
1. Paragraphs are too much work.
2. I tend to write fragments if I don't make lists.
3. I will keep blabbing on until I've over-exceeded 1,000 words if I write paragraphs.
4. Santa Claus told me to.

Comedian Eric Johnson:

Humor plays a big part in your writing. Do you find it easier to write funny? or to write serious?

Heather Summers:

Cracking jokes comes natural for me, but for some reason writing serious stuff it is much easier. That is mainly why I do not write serious posts that often. I like to be challenged a bit.

Comedian Eric Johnson:

Western church culture obvious serves as a target for your sense of humor. Do you find it to be an easy target?

Heather Summers:

I feel like the western church culture is an easier target to crack jokes at than Donald Trump's hair. I guess it's so easy for me writing about western church culture because I am submerged in it everyday. I grew up in the Bible Belt.

Comedian Eric Johnson:

There's a long list of influences that influence me as a comedian. Likewise, as a songwriter I have a long list of singers & songwriters who influence me. Who influences you? What is it about them that you find inspiring?

Heather Summers:

A pastor at my church, Wayne Asprodites, is hilarious, but has the purest heart. I strive for that mix of funny and purity of heart that he has.

Comedian Eric Johnson:

One thing that thrills me when I look at your blog page is that you're very open about the relationship that you have with Jesus Christ. Putting aside the humor, the list, etc., what's the one thing that you want people to take away from your blog concerning Jesus?

Heather Summers:
I want people to realize that being a Christian doesn't lead to a boring life filled with rules. If it was I would be the worst Christian the world has ever seen. I want people to see Jesus for who He is. He's not a dictator filled with hate, but He is the Lord who is filled with a love that is indescribable. And I assume He is hilarious, but that's just my assumption.

Comedian Eric Johnson:

What's your favorite Bible verse & why? What does it speak to you?

Heather Summers:
Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His plan." It is awesome to know that I am apart of something so big as God's plan. I want to do everything I can to fulfill what His will is for me. This verse gives me the encouragement to know that I will succeed in whatever I attempt because I am in love with Him and want to honor what His will is for me.

Comedian Eric Johnson:

I know that you're apart of a non-profit organization called Living Closer. Tell us a little about Living Closer & how you got involved.

Heather Summers:
A few months ago of my friends and myself were thinking of ways we could help third world countries. We knew there was something that we could do. This is when one of my friends mentioned building water-wells. We got to work right away at trying to figure out how we could get involved. This is when we formed Living Closer. We haven't build any wells yet, but I know God has it in the plan very soon.

Comedian Eric Johnson:

I know you have an upcoming mission trip planned for Africa. Could you tell us a little bit about that? When you going? How long you're going for? How can people get involved sending you?

Heather Summers:
I will be going to Kenya in November of this year for a week with two friends. It is the first steps for Living Closer. We will be talking with leaders of villages while we are there and finding out exactly what their needs are as a community. We want to spend time with the men, women, and children of these villages. We don't just want to give them water, we want to give them a relationship with us and Jesus. (I don't have a paypal setup yet. I am still working on that. So, as of now the only way people can send support would be to my address. Hopefully I will have a paypal and a website set up in a few weeks.)

Comedian Eric Johnson:

Thank you, Heather, for taking the time to do this. It's been really educational.

If you guys would like to know more about Heather, here's where you can find her:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/HSS88

Facebook: Heather Summers Facebook Fan Page

Her Blog: http://hssummers.blogspot.com/