Episodes

  • Craftsmanship and Community with a Purpose
    Feb 21 2025

    Ever had your phone calls ignored by a contractor? I sure have, and it drove me nuts until I met Danny from Danny's Handyman Service. In this episode, I share how this unexpected encounter not only restored my faith in reliable service but also led me to an unforgettable conversation with Daniel Torres. Daniel isn't your typical handyman. He took his modest service and transformed it into the successful Torres Brothers Construction, all while maintaining a commitment to honesty and reliability that is hard to find in the industry. My admiration for Danny set the stage for an engaging discussion about life, dreams, and the chaos of day-to-day chatter that we all deal with.

    Join me, Chris Keaton, as I chat with the inspiring Daniel Torres, who shares his mission to uplift underprivileged kids by teaching them valuable trades and life skills. From his own childhood story of survival to building a thriving business, Daniel's journey is a testament to resilience and ambition. He talks candidly about the importance of giving back to the community and the legacy he wishes to leave for his children. This episode is packed with humor, personal insights, and a shared passion for making a difference in the world. Whether you're seeking inspiration or just a good laugh, you won't want to miss this conversation.

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    21 mins
  • Wes Mayers and the Road to Rock Stardom
    Feb 7 2025

    Ever had a love affair with canned beets or found humor in your own hair evolution? Join me, Chris Keaton, as I share some of my quirkiest stories and amusing encounters, including an unforgettable compliment from a stranger in Nashville. I'm thrilled to have my buddy Wes Mayers, a fellow car enthusiast and rock star manager, on the show. We stroll down memory lane, revisiting our first meeting at the RCA building and diving into Wes's musical journey, which began with his family and early band days. This episode promises a delightful mix of personal quirks and industry tales that will keep you entertained and intrigued.

    From my academic days at Ole Miss and Belmont to the bustling music scenes of Nashville and Los Angeles, I recount my adventures in managing artists like Rodney Atkins and Craig Morgan. Discover how a serendipitous Instagram connection introduced me to Knox, a powerhouse talent whose journey has been nothing short of explosive. Wes and I chat about Knox's whirlwind rise, including signing with Atlantic Records and rocking stages like Lollapalooza. We also tease an exciting new venture, "The Song Inside You," designed to reignite the dreams of aspiring songwriters and artists. Tune in for an episode packed with laughter, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at the music industry.

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    27 mins
  • Tales of Tenacity and Tunes with Dave Aude
    Jan 24 2025

    Join me, Chris Keaton, as I take you on a whimsical journey through the glitz and glam of the Grammy Awards with a special guest, the incredibly talented producer, remixer, and DJ, Dave Audet. Ever wondered what happens when Ricky Skaggs dons an iconic red suit at the Grammys? Well, you’re in for a treat with that unforgettable story. Our conversation is filled with laughter and camaraderie as we reminisce about a Grammy nominee party and share a delightful anecdote about Dave’s wife, Gretchen, who might just have been an ex-Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. Together, we dive into Dave’s nearly 30-year career in the music industry, revealing the passion and tenacity that have driven his success.

    Discover the magic of music technology evolution through Dave’s narrative, from his teenage admiration for Erasure's Andy Bell to teaching at the LA Recording School while juggling day jobs. This episode isn't just about the past; it's about rekindling your musical passion with "The Song Inside You" program, designed to help you reconnect with songwriting. Whether you're looking for inspiration or a heartfelt laugh, this episode of Random Acts promises it all and more, leaving you with a sense of camaraderie and a renewed love for music.

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    19 mins
  • Building Confidence and Breaking Barriers in the Music World
    Jan 10 2025

    Ever borrowed a car for an impromptu night adventure across the Canadian border, fueled by neck bones and drinks? Well, I have! Join me, Chris Keaton, on the Random Acts podcast for a rollicking episode filled with tales from my youth, quirky facts about myself (like my unusual fear of flying monkeys), and a spotlight on my special guest, Edgell Groves Jr. With Southern charm and a keen business sense, Edgell shares his journey from forming bands in college to making waves in the music industry. Together, we explore the winding paths that led us to our current ventures, offering a blend of humor and insight into our musical escapades.

    Shifting gears, I recount my transformation from life as a touring musician with San Domingo to founding a record label and booking agency, all with the goal of uplifting fellow artists. You'll hear about my pivotal role in developing SoundCloud for Artists after Repost Network's acquisition and how these experiences inspired the creation of PassPass, a digital discount app with a unique twist. Wrapping up the episode, I unveil my second book, "Confidence on the Fly", aiming to help you build and sustain confidence with simple yet powerful strategies. Don't miss the chance to snag a holiday bundle featuring my latest work, my first book "Dapper", and an exclusive t-shirt. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a fantastic exploration of music and entrepreneurship.

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    20 mins
  • Laughter and Music from Typos to Tunes
    Jan 10 2025

    Imagine a simple typo on 10,000 CDs turning your name into a legendary inside joke! That's exactly what happened to me, Chris Keaton—or should I say "Chis Keaton"—and it gave birth to the #ImWithChiss t-shirts that are now a hit. Join me on this episode of Random Acts as I chat with my talented buddy, Cale Dodds, about all the quirky twists and turns in our creative journeys. Cale opens up about his shift to songwriting during the pandemic, sharing hilarious stories and insights on how his Georgian roots have sparked his musical evolution.

    We also dive into some exciting new projects as Kale talks about First Time Thieves and the thrill of experimenting outside the usual country music boundaries. And let's not forget the laughter-filled tales—from galaxies named after Cale to my recent Chicago escapade that ended with six stitches and some unexpected help from a duo named Jesus and Angel. It's a rollercoaster of music, mishaps, and memorable moments you won't want to miss! Tune in for a blend of humor and heart as we navigate life’s unpredictable adventures with a smile.

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    18 mins