This week we explore the journey of Rob Zabrecky. From indie music and the 90's LA scene to magic to his unique performance style. Mike and Rob discuss his latest project, the Zabrecky Hour, and the thought and creativity that went into it.

Check out his special, The Zabrecky Hour, on Amazon.

On this episode of The Stereo Image, Sarah Lowe - performer and resident director with Spiegel World - shares her journey from Mamma Mia and Jersey Boys to starring in Absinthe and directing The Party. She talks about choreographing Showgirls, co-creating the Apple Sisters, and life on the Las Vegas Strip.

Sarah also reflects on her Hollywood lineage as Ruby Keeler's granddaughter, balancing a busy performing career with family life, and the creative projects she’s developing now.

This episode of The Stereo Image features world-renowned pianist Olga Kern discussing her musical upbringing, life on tour, and teaching at the Manhattan School of Music.

Olga shares stories about winning major competitions, her family’s musical lineage, a vivid dream of Rachmaninoff, and why studying a composer’s life matters. She also talks about the power of live performance and her upcoming concert schedule.

Host Mike talks with composer Jeff Beal about his wide-ranging career — from jazz trumpet and early breakthrough with Pollock to TV and film work like House of Cards and Monk. They discuss Beal’s current projects, including his piano etudes, a new choral work premiered by the LA Master Chorale, a Rod Serling documentary score, and his upcoming world premiere of a new score for Fritz Lang’s Metropolis.

The conversation also explores Beal’s creative process, the influence of jazz, his move back to New York, how the pandemic reshaped his priorities, and his experience living with multiple sclerosis — with music playing a central role in both his artistry and wellness.

Learn more about Jeff:

Jeff Beal.com

Jeff on YouTube

This week we are so excited to have the phenomenal conductor, Leonard Slatkin! Leonard is an icon of the classical music world but he grew up surrounded by jazz giants and Hollywood legends. Not many people can say that Frank Sinatra tucked him in as a child!

This episode marks 1 year of The Stereo Image! To celebrate, we recorded this in person at Mike's Las Vegas home.

Learn more about Leonard:

Leonard Slatkin.com

Las Vegas Philharmonic

Nashville Symphony

Leonard Slatkin on YouTube

Glenn Alai joins the Stereo Image to trace his lifelong love of variety entertainment — from growing up on TV specials and Atlantic City shows to studying casino entertainment at UNLV and building the Penn & Teller organization into a Las Vegas mainstay.

He shares backstage stories, career-defining moments, and how he helped bring vintage performers and modern magicians like Piff into the mainstream, reflecting on decades of change in show business and the resilience of live performance.

“They didn’t let anyone sit in at Bradley’s unless you were Bill Evans!”

This week we continue our conversation with Judy Carmichael as she recalls leaving Disneyland, moving to New York, and breaking into the jazz world. She shares encounters with legends like Roy Eldridge and Tommy Flanagan, the pivotal "Handful of Keys" moment, and how determination and talent won her respect.

Judy also reflects on career choices—staying true to jazz instead of commercial work—her friendships and supporters, and how a New York Times feature helped launch her wider recognition.

More info on Judy:

Judy Carmichael's Jazz Inspired

Judy on YouTube

"There is a time when you just have to say 'LAYOUT'!"

This week on The Stereo Image, Judy Carmichael, celebrated stride pianist, joins Mike to discuss her musical journey—from discovering vintage player pianos and Count Basie recordings to early gigs, mentors like Dave McKenna, and studying the greats by ear rather than transcription.

They explore performing solo, accompanying herself, the importance of listening and mentorship, experiences playing with top jazz musicians, and how live performance shaped her distinctive style.

More info:

Judy Carmichael's Jazz Inspired

Judy on YouTube