Cinemactivist

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Cinemactivist Filmmaking at the intersection of art and activism. This is the official podcast of Lyons Den Productions.

Storytellers who harness the creative power of film & move us emotionally to inspire political or social change and introduce issues to the masses.

16/10/2026

In this clip, Tony Grey explains his nurturing approach to teaching music: helping students overcome anxiety and self-doubt by making music feel approachable rather than intimidating.

Watch the full conversation on the Cinemactivist YouTube channel, or listen wherever you podcast.

In Part One, musician Tony Grey shares his journey from a strict piano upbringing to becoming a successful bassist and e...
15/10/2026

In Part One, musician Tony Grey shares his journey from a strict piano upbringing to becoming a successful bassist and educator at Tony Grey Bass Academy. Watch the full conversation on the Cinemactivist YouTube channel, or listen wherever you podcast.

The discussion covers Tony's early experiences with music, his struggles with identity, and his eventual rise in the music industry, including boy band Bliss and his collaboration with renowned pianist Hiromi. We delve into Tony's extensive career as a musician, focusing on his experiences touring with Hiromi, his journey towards establishing his own music school, and highlight the challenges and rewards of a musician's lifestyle, the importance of self-identity as a composer, and the evolution of his teaching philosophy.

Takeaways
* Musical journey shaped by experiences
* Importance of mentorship in music Musician lifestyle can be challenging
* Importance of nurturing in teaching Diverse teaching experiences

Chapters
* 00:00 Introduction and Background
* 03:04 Early Musical Influences
* 05:59 Transition to Bass and Recovery
* 12:06 Journey to Berklee and Early Challenges
* 17:58 The Boy Band Experience
* 23:57 Collaboration with Hiromi
* 25:04 Journey with Hiromi: Touring Life
* 27:58 Embracing Composition: Finding My Voice
* 33:57 Transitioning to Teaching: Building a School
* 40:54 Philosophy of Music Education: Nurturing Talent

Published on October 15, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

13/10/2026

Benjamin S. Sheeler shares his fondness for Tethered’s immersive workshop style auditions, and the benefits of self-taping for Film & Tv auditions.

Watch the full conversation on the Cinemactivist YouTube channel, or listen wherever you podcast.

12/10/2026

What is THE LEVER?
John C. Lyons and Lizdel Collado-Monahan were guests on TalkErie to break it all down.

TICKETS & INFO:
tickets -dot- eriereader -dot- com
Tickets will also be available at the Door

5 PERFORMANCES:
October 10, 16, 17, 23, 24

LOCATION:
Davenport-Galbraith Mansion, 259 W Sixth St, Erie, Pennsylvania 16507

12/10/2026

Tanya and Natasha Bravo on how COVID forced a pause on Miami Motel Stories and lead to a re-evaluation and vision for bringing the immersive theater community together for the Miami Immersive Intensive.

Watch the full conversation on the Cinemactivist YouTube channel, or listen wherever you podcast.

09/10/2026

Benjamin S. Sheeler shares the unexpected moment on the set of Promised Land that helped him earn his SAG card: while working as a background actor, he handed Matt Damon a towel, and Matt Damon gave him more than a tip. A small on-set interaction became a career milestone—and a memorable reminder of how surprising a path into the actors’ union can be.

Watch the full conversation on the Cinemactivist YouTube channel, or listen wherever you podcast.

09/10/2026

Traci and Belle from Erie News Now's new show "Hello Erie" were members of a recent mock audience for THE LEVER and they had a blast. Check out their experience!

And see THE LEVER for yourself this month!

TICKETS & INFO:
tickets -dot- eriereader -dot- com
Tickets will also be available at the Door

6 PERFORMANCE DATES:
October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24

LOCATION:
Davenport-Galbraith Mansion, 259 W Sixth St, Erie, Pennsylvania 16507

OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS:
�The Lever: A Tethered Production received support from an ECGRA - Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority Special Projects grant. Thank you to our incredible sponsors Kate & Co., Lavery Brewing Company, Michael D. Keim, AWM - RBC Wealth Management, VNET Fiber. Our partners are Erie's Black Wall Street, Woman's Club of Erie, Gannon University's Schuster Theatre, Erie Center for Arts & Technology. Our fiscal sponsor is Film Erie

08/10/2026

Natasha Bravo of Juggerknot Theatre Company on Miami Motel Stories and how the show uncovered and breathed life into Miami’s hidden history.

Watch the full conversation on the Cinemactivist YouTube channel, or listen wherever you podcast.

In this episode, John interviews Benjamin S. Sheeler about his journey in the arts, particularly focusing on his experie...
08/10/2026

In this episode, John interviews Benjamin S. Sheeler about his journey in the arts, particularly focusing on his experiences in acting, music, and the immersive theater process. They discuss Sheeler's background, his transition from sports to the arts, and his recent role in Tethered's immersive theater production, "The Lever".

Watch the full conversation on the Cinemactivist YouTube channel, or listen wherever you podcast.

Takeaways
* Journey from sports to arts
* Insights on immersive theater

Chapters
* 00:00 Introduction and Background
* 10:01 The Transition to Acting
* 12:57 Immersive Theater Experience
* 19:24 Opening Weekend Reflections

Published on October 8, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

07/10/2026

Check out some performance footage from THE LEVER as we head into our 2nd weekend!

TICKETS & INFO:
tickets -dot- eriereader -dot- com
Tickets will also be available at the Door

6 PERFORMANCE DATES REMAIN:
October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24

LOCATION:
Davenport-Galbraith Mansion, 259 W Sixth St, Erie, Pennsylvania 16507

Music by Tony Grey
Videography by John C. Lyons

OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS:
The Lever: A Tethered Production received support from an ECGRA - Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority Special Projects grant. Thank you to our incredible sponsors Kate & Co. Lavery Brewing Company, Michael Keim, AWM - RBC Wealth Management, VNET Fiber. Our partners are Erie's Black Wall Street, Woman's Club of Erie, Gannon University's Schuster Theatre, Erie Center for Arts & Technology. Our fiscal sponsor is Film Erie.

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