Better Call Daddy

Actor, teacher, and dad Rob Brownstein joins host Reena Friedman Watts. You may recognize him as the pain doctor in the Michael Jackson documentary. He’s a working actor, and he talks about what that really looks like: the freelance hustle, the rejection, and the persistence it takes to keep going.

Rob traces his path from budding musician to working actor, and what he learned along the way. He also talks about raising two daughters who are chasing their own dreams, and how being a parent has changed the way he thinks about life, art, and his own career.

If you love the arts, or you’re trying to figure out how to support the people you love while building a life you care about, this one’s for you.

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🔥 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

What life as a working actor looks like, ups and downs included

How parenting shapes your personal and professional growth

Why passion and authenticity matter in any career

A look behind the scenes of film and television

How to build confidence and push through self-doubt

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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Meet Rob Brownstein: working actor, teacher, and dad

05:15 – From musician to actor

15:30 – Supporting your kids’ dreams

25:00 – The reality of working in entertainment

35:45 – Building confidence and overcoming self-doubt

45:00 – Family, passion, and what matters most

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💬 QUOTABLE MOMENTS
“You might as well find a job you love, because no matter what you do, it’s going to be freelance, and it’s going to be difficult.”

“Confidence comes from having the proof that you can do something.”
— Rob Brownstein

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👤 ABOUT ROB BROWNSTEIN

Rob Brownstein is a longtime working actor, teacher, and coach based in Los Angeles. His credits span film, television, theater, commercials, and voiceover, including Argo, Mad Men, The Office, Gilmore Girls, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Breaking Bad, Modern Family, Grey’s Anatomy, Young Sheldon, Straight Outta Compton, Blonde, and Velvet Buzzsaw, among many others. He also appears in Michael, the recent and very popular Michael Jackson biopic, where he plays the burn doctor.

In addition to acting, Rob runs An Actor’s Space in LA and has been teaching and coaching actors all over the world. He loves talking about the craft of acting, auditions, self-tapes, confidence, career longevity, and why acting classes can be valuable for actors and non-actors alike.

Quick Links:
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0115282/
An Actor’s Space: https://www.anactorsspace.com/about

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🎙️ ABOUT BETTER CALL DADDY
Hosted by Reena Friedman Watts alongside her dad, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman, Better Call Daddy features stories of inspiration, resilience, and the wisdom that comes from experience.
bettercalldaddy.com | Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts

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Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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KEYWORDS: Rob Brownstein, working actor, Michael Jackson documentary, acting, parenting, family, confidence, creative process, Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman

What makes someone fall for extremist ideas, and what makes them finally stop believing? In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with TM Garret Schmid, a former KKK and neo-Nazi member who broke free of hate and converted to Judaism.

TM shares the loneliness, trauma, and need for belonging that pulled him into extremism, the tragedy of his then-wife's kidnapping, and the years of therapy and self-reflection that helped him confront his past. Together, Reena and TM explore forgiveness, why people are drawn to hate groups, and why compassion and real human connection are the most powerful tools against hate.

If you've ever wondered how someone leaves a hate movement, or whether anyone can truly change, this conversation is for you.

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🔥 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

- How a former KKK and neo-Nazi member came to embrace Judaism
- The vulnerabilities and unmet needs that push people toward extremism
- How trauma shapes relationships, and what healing looks like
- Why compassion and community are essential to combating hate
- How self-worth and self-reflection make lasting change possible

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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Meet TM Garret Schmid: former extremist turned advocate
05:15 – The journey to Judaism
15:30 – Confronting trauma and the kidnapping
25:00 – Why people join hate groups
35:45 – How community helps us heal
45:00 – Love, self-worth, and human connection

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💬 QUOTABLE MOMENTS

"If I can change one person's life with what I'm doing, then I have succeeded." – TM Garret Schmid

"You need to listen to the people around you; it might change your perspective." – TM Garret Schmid

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👤 ABOUT TM GARRET SCHMID

TM Garret Schmid is a former white supremacist who left extremism, converted to Judaism, and now speaks about understanding, compassion, and the humanity in everyone. He works with people struggling with identity and the search for acceptance.

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🎙️ ABOUT BETTER CALL DADDY

Hosted by Reena Friedman Watts with her dad, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman, Better Call Daddy features stories of inspiration, resilience, and hard-earned wisdom.

🔗 bettercalldaddy.com
🔗 LinkedIn | Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts

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👉 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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KEYWORDS: former KKK member, leaving the KKK, KKK to Judaism, former white supremacist, neo-Nazi to Jewish, how to leave a hate group, how people get radicalized, why people join hate groups, breaking free from extremism, overcoming extremism, deradicalization, reversing hate, TM Garret Schmid, TM Garret, trauma and healing, forgiveness, Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman

How does an independent podcaster get on the radar of Forbes? In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Frank Racioppi, Forbes contributing writer and founder of Earworthy, to pull back the curtain on podcast press, podcast reviews, and what editors actually want to see.

Frank takes us from his childhood in New Jersey to becoming one of the most passionate champions of the independent podcast community.

He explains why he left corporate podcast coverage behind to spotlight indie creators, and why a genuine, human interview beats a polished but empty one every time.

Reena and Frank also get into the cutthroat side of traditional media versus the collaborative spirit of the podcasting community, and why collaboration beats competition for anyone trying to grow a show.

Whether you're launching your first podcast or you're a seasoned host hunting for media exposure, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to stand out in a crowded market.

🔥 What You'll Learn

Why authenticity is the most powerful growth tool in podcasting

How Frank went from writing about corporate podcasts to championing independent creators

What makes a podcast worthy of coverage in Forbes and other major publications

How to conduct interviews that create real connection with your guests and audience

Why community and collaboration matter more than competition

Lessons from Frank's career as a writer and podcast reviewer

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Meet Frank Racioppi

05:15 – From New Jersey to Forbes contributor

15:30 – Why authenticity wins in podcasting

25:00 – How independent podcasters can stand out

35:45 – Community over competition

45:00 – Frank's biggest lessons from the podcast industry

💬 Quotable Moments

"Independent podcasters have a unique voice that deserves to be heard." – Frank Racioppi

"The best interviews are the ones where you create a genuine connection with your guest." – Frank Racioppi

 

👤 About Frank Racioppi
Frank Racioppi is the owner and manager of Earworthy, a podcast review publication, and a contributing writer for Forbes. He is dedicated to promoting independent podcasters and sharing their stories with the world.

Frank Racioppi is a South Jersey-based author who works as a podcast journalist, and is the author of the following books: "Stop For My School Bus...Or Else" "Away from Home" "Hit Pause For Life" "A Suburban Prison" "Ear Worthy" "The COVID Hotel" "For The Love Of Books" You can find my books on Amazon.

🔗 Connect with Frank: LinkedIn | https://podalization.substack.com/

Frank Racioppi will be speaking at Illuminate tomorrow with Freddy Cruz. If you’re an independent podcaster, this is a great opportunity to hear more from Frank and connect with other people in the podcasting community.

About Better Call Daddy
Better Call Daddy is hosted by Reena Friedman Watts alongside her dad, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman. Join them for stories of inspiration, resilience, and the wisdom that comes from experience.

🔗 bettercalldaddy.com | LinkedIn | Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts

👉 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a podcaster who needs to hear it.

SEO keywords: Frank Racioppi, Earworthy, how to get featured in Forbes, independent podcasting, podcast press, podcast reviews, podcast growth tips, how to get podcast publicity, Forbes contributor, podcast interview tips, podcast community, Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman

Happy International Podcast Day! To celebrate, Reena Friedman Watts sits down with a fellow podcaster and gifted storyteller.

Jim Littlefield Dalmares is a storyteller, podcaster, and author (Seeing Ability) who turns his experiences as a father into stories that help other parents feel less alone. On Better Call Daddy, he shares the story behind "A Breath for Sophia" and his journey raising a child with disabilities.

Jim talks about the emotional rollercoaster of his daughter's premature birth and what it taught him about acceptance, love, and community. He explains why parents do better when they stop trying to "fix" their child and start supporting their unique path. He also covers sibling dynamics, navigating the medical system, and finding your tribe.

Whether you're a new parent facing the unexpected, a caregiver, an advocate, or a podcast fan who loves a great story, this episode offers practical, heartfelt guidance.

What You'll Learn

Why acceptance matters when raising a child with disabilities

The story behind "A Breath for Sophia"

How storytelling, writing, and podcasting can build community and change lives

How to navigate the medical system and advocate for your child

How siblings shape family dynamics

How to find community support and "your tribe"

How to build resilience and adaptability in your child

Timestamps

00:00: Meet Jim Littlefield Dalmares, dad, storyteller, podcaster, and author

05:15: The emotional impact of a premature birth

15:30: Shifting from "fixing" to accepting your child

25:00: Navigating the medical system as a parent

35:45: The role of siblings in the family

45:00: Building a supportive community and finding your voice

Memorable Quotes

"Your life will change when you stop trying to fix your child and start accepting them for who they are."

"There are communities out there to support you, and you're not alone in this journey."

About Jim Littlefield Dalmares
Jim is a storyteller, podcaster, and author. He hosts the Seeing Ability podcast, where he shares stories and insights from parents and professionals in the disability community, and he wrote the book Seeing Ability.
Connect with Jim: seeingability.com 

https://a.co/d/0iHc0x4T

About Better Call Daddy
Better Call Daddy is hosted by Reena Friedman Watts with Big Daddy Wayne Friedman.
Connect: bettercalldaddy.com | LinkedIn | Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts

@bettercalldaddypodcast

Related Episodes

David Hirsch Special Fathers Network

https://bettercalldaddy.podbean.com/e/pedaling-through-parenthood-special-fathers-network-david-hirsch/

Florence Ann Romano

https://www.podparadise.com/episodes/16095321/

Keywords: International Podcast Day, A Breath for Sophia, Seeing Ability book, Jim Littlefield Dalmares, storyteller, podcaster, author, fatherhood, parenting a child with disabilities, special needs, premature birth, disability advocacy, acceptance, sibling relationships, navigating the medical system, disability community, Seeing Ability podcast, Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts

Former FBI intelligence analyst John Petrozzelli, host of the Done With Dating podcast, shares advice on dating after divorce, co-parenting, and what the Boston Marathon bombing investigation taught him about people.

Reena Friedman Watts and Big Daddy Wayne Friedman sit down with John to talk about life after the Bureau, fatherhood, and dating as a divorced parent. John worked on high-profile cases, including the Boston Marathon bombing investigation, and explains how that work shaped the way he reads people and relationships.

He also talks about raising kids while working in law enforcement, why honesty guided his parenting, and why co-parenting after divorce has to put the kids first. Then the conversation turns to dating today, especially for single parents.

John explains how he uses his investigative skills to match people on Done With Dating and why he tells listeners to do the inner work before looking for a partner.

Listen if you're dating after divorce, curious about a career in law enforcement, or looking for honest perspective on parenting and relationships.

What You'll Learn

How John went from FBI intelligence analyst to matchmaker

What the Boston Marathon bombing investigation taught him about human behavior

How to balance a demanding career with being a dad

Why co-parenting works best when the kids come first

How to approach dating after divorce

Why self-reflection has to come before finding a partner

How to build trust and rapport in a new relationship

Timestamps

00:00 – Meet John Petrozzelli, former FBI intelligence analyst

05:15 – Balancing an FBI career with fatherhood

15:30 – Lessons from the Boston Marathon bombing case

25:00 – Why dating as a parent is different

35:45 – Using investigative skills in matchmaking

45:00 – Why self-reflection comes before love

Quotes from John

"Truth and honesty are the cornerstones of everything I do, both in my career and as a father."

"I believe in love, and I want others to have hope that their person is out there waiting for them."

About John Petrozzelli
John Petrozzelli is a former FBI intelligence analyst and the host of the Done With Dating podcast. He combines his investigative background with his understanding of human behavior to help people find lasting relationships.

Connect with John: donewithdating.co 

About Better Call Daddy
Better Call Daddy is hosted by Reena Friedman Watts, with Big Daddy Wayne Friedman

Connect with Reena: bettercalldaddy.com | LinkedIn | Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts

Keywords: ex-FBI analyst, dating after divorce, dating as a single parent, co-parenting advice, John Petrozzelli, Boston Marathon bombing investigation, matchmaking podcast, Done With Dating, Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman