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In the high-stakes theater of professional boxing, the team outside the ring is often just as vital as the fighter standing under the bright lights. On November 20, 2025, a partnership emerged that feels less like a standard corporate merger and more like the plot of an inspirational film. It blends the glitz of Hollywood celebrity, the calculated risk of Silicon Valley venture capital, and the gritty resilience of the East Coast boxing circuit. Metta World Peace, the NBA champion and mental health advocate, has officially joined forces with Paul Guarino, the founder of PG Sports, to co-manage super welterweight contender Chordale "The Gift" Booker. This collaboration is not merely a transaction; it is a convergence of three distinct life stories that are all defined by the same theme of redemption. At the center of this alliance sits Chordale Booker, a 34-year-old southpaw from Stamford, Connecticut, whose career has been a rollercoaster of brilliant highs and agonizing lows. Booker is a former elite amateur and Olympic Trials participant who has spent years chasing professional glory. His journey hit a devastating roadblock in March 2025 when he fought for the WBC and WBO world titles against the towering Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas. That night ended in a fourth-round stoppage, a defeat that could have easily signaled the end for a lesser athlete. Yet Booker returned to the ring just months later in August, delivering a definitive knockout victory over veteran Patrick Allotey at the Royale Nightclub in Boston to prove he was far from finished. To guide Booker back to a world title shot in 2026, he needed a management team that understood resilience intimately. Enter Paul Guarino. The founder of PG Sports is a unique figure in the landscape of sports management. Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and using a wheelchair since his youth, Guarino built his agency from a college dorm room with nothing but determination and a laptop. His philosophy is encapsulated in his slogan, "My Life is My Card," and his track record speaks for itself. Guarino specializes in what the industry calls "distressed assets," or fighters who have been overlooked or written off by the major power brokers. He previously took middleweight Ian Green from a place of suicidal depression and career obscurity to a top-3 world ranking, proving he possesses the tactical brilliance to navigate the shark-infested waters of boxing politics. Adding the rocket fuel to Guarino’s operational ground game is Metta World Peace. The former NBA defensive icon has transitioned seamlessly into the world of high finance and mental health advocacy. Through his firm, Artest Management Group, he has moved beyond simple athlete representation to become a player in the venture capital space. His recent launch of Tru Skye Ventures, a fund targeting $100 million to back early-stage startups in wellness and tech, brings a level of financial sophistication rarely seen in boxing. World Peace views Booker not just as a boxer, but as a brand capable of transcending the sport. The strategy for this new triumvirate is to move Booker back into contention while simultaneously building his future outside the ring. They are discarding the predatory promoter-first model in favor of a holistic approach where the athlete is treated as a venture capital asset to be developed and protected. This means leveraging Metta World Peace’s corporate network to secure sponsorships in the health and wellness sectors that traditional boxing managers simply cannot access. It also means utilizing his "Artest University" platform to position Booker as an ambassador for mental resilience, allowing him to share his powerful story of overcoming legal troubles and career defeats with a global audience. For the boxing industry, this deal signals a fascinating shift. It combines Guarino’s ability to strategically maneuver fighters through the rankings with World Peace’s global influence and advocacy work. As Booker prepares for a massive campaign in 2026, he does so with a record of approximately 24 wins and 2 losses, but more importantly, he fights with a team that views his personal story of perseverance as his greatest asset. The unlikely friendship between a basketball legend, a wheelchair-bound visionary, and a redeemed fighter has evolved into a formidable enterprise, and the entire sports world will be watching to see if "The Gift" can finally be unwrapped on the world stage.

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures. © 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. From dominating the streaming charts to captivating on the silver screen, Ariana Grande proves she is a generational talent. Wicked: For Good is a magnificent film anchored by strong performances from its entire ensemble, yet it is Grande who truly shines. Having witnessed her evolution into a larger-than-life artist with seemingly limitless capabilities, her portrayal of Glinda marks a monumental career peak. Ariana Grande manages to seamlessly evoke both laughter and tears—the twin hallmarks of genuine cinematic power. She expertly controls the film's emotional currents: the laughter is hers, and the tears are hers. Glinda is arguably the film's most powerful character, and Grande's presence is commensurate with her character's magnitude. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures. © 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Even in moments of silence, her radiant charisma illuminates the screen, speaking volumes without a single word. Crucially, the organic chemistry she shares with her co-stars elevates every interaction and scene, enriching the ensemble's overall performance. This is not just successful casting; it’s a transformative, career-defining event that deserves every accolade. Grande has made Glinda her own. Her performance is so perfect, it joins the ranks of those rare, indelible roles where casting anyone else becomes unthinkable. While she was excellent in the first part, the sequel truly offered Grande the opportunity to display her full range and versatility. Given the chance to flex her talent completely, she delivered a performance that was nothing short of brilliant. The artistry displayed here puts the Grammy Award winner on a direct trajectory toward an Academy Award.

Photography: Emilio Madrid Emmy and Grammy-nominated actor and singer Cheyenne Jackson chatted about his latest endeavors, which include “Oh, Mary!” on Broadway. His run has just been extended through January 4th, 2026. The play was written by Tony winner Cole Escola and directed by Tony winner Sam Pinkleton. It is being performed at the Lyceum Theatre in New York City. Jackson spoke with this journalist on the red carpet of the GLAAD 40th anniversary GALA, which was held at Cipriani 25 Broadway in Manhattan. American author, speaker, and leader John C. Maxwell once said: “Dreams don’t work unless you do.” This quote applies to Cheyenne Jackson. Jackson is known for his stage and screen work in such diverse acting projects as the Broadway musicals “Xanadu” and “Into the Woods,” as well as the hit TV shows “American Horror Story,” and “30 Rock.” Jane Krakowski and Cheyenne Jackson in 'Oh, Mary!' on Broadway | Photography: Emilio Madrid On being a part of the 40th anniversary of GLAAD, Jackson remarked, “It feels good to be here! I just got into town… I usually can’t make GLAAD events on the East Coast.” Regarding the importance of GLAAD, Jackson said, “Where do we begin? We need GLAAD more than ever now. I am here to support my friend, Jessica Vosk, who is singing tonight, and I am excited. “GLAAD has been doing the important work for 40 years, and thank God for that,” he expressed. GLAAD is a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change. GLAAD works to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation and creates national and local programs that advance LGBTQ acceptance. Serving as a storyteller, media force, resource, and advocate, GLAAD tackles tough issues and provokes dialogue so that authentic LGBTQ stories are seen, heard, and actualized. GLAAD strives to protect all that has been accomplished, and helps create a world where everyone can live the life they love. Jackson just returned to Broadway on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in the two-time Tony Award-winning show “Oh, Mary!” where he stars as “Mary’s Teacher” opposite Jane Krakowski, his “30 Rock” co-star, who is playing the lead role of Mary Todd Lincoln. Jackson revealed that he is looking forward to starring in “Oh, Mary!” “I am very excited,” he exclaimed. “We just did our final dress rehearsal today, and I think we are ready! Now, we just need an audience.” “I am having the time of my life bringing this character to life alongside the majestic John-Andrew Morrison and my longtime, brilliant collaborator and friend Jane Krakowski,” Jackson acknowledged. “To be a part of a piece this joyful, this funny, this irreverent, with such an incredible crew and company, at this moment in my life, and at this exact moment in time given the state of the world…is a gift beyond measure,” he explained. A native of Spokane, Washington, Jackson enjoyed being a part of the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms,” which earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Daytime Fiction Program.” “I loved that show; I wish we got another season of it,” he admitted. “That was so much fun!” “Getting the Emmy nomination for that was great! It was very cool,” he added. On December 8th, Jackson will be headlining a solo show at New York City’s historic Carnegie Hall , where he will be joined by Jessica Vosk and Jane Krakowski as his special musical guests. That show is directed by Warren Carlyle , and Jackson will be performing in other venues throughout the country in such places as San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. “I am very excited to bring this new evening of music to Carnegie Hall and to some of my favorite cities around the country,” Jackson said. “It has been incredibly fun to put together this eclectic mix of songs from so many different genres that all mean so much to me, and I cannot wait to show everyone what Warren and I have been up to,” Jackson elaborated. To learn more about these forthcoming solo Cheyenne Jackson shows, click here . Each holiday season, music listeners and fans can always depend on Jackson and the late Leslie Jordan to put them in the festive spirit with their soaring rendition of “Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth,” where they do the late original artists Bing Crosby and David Bowie justice. Jackson also recalled headlining his shows at the iconic 54 Below in Manhattan. “The 54 Below shows were great, and so much fun,” he exclaimed. For Jackson, he equates the word success with “peace” of mind. For fans and supporters, he remarked about GLAAD, “Be true, be free, be love, and give money.” American track and field legend Steve Prefontaine once said: “To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.” An individual who embodies this quotation is Cheyenne Jackson. To learn more about multi-hyphenate artist Cheyenne Jackson, follow him on Instagram and TikTok , IMDb .

Clayton Maxwell has been Interviewed by #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about the upcoming “Man of the Year” competition in Bali. The late U.S. Army general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell once said: “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” Clayton Maxwell epitomizes this wise quotation. Repping the state of Indiana, Clayton was the 3rd runner-up in the 2025 Mr. America Global competition, which was held in Washington D.C. this past August. The Mr. America Global competition is more than just a showcase of style and presence—it is a transformative experience designed to empower participants with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to excel both personally and professionally. Clayton will represent the United States at this year’s “Man of the Year” competition, which will take place from November 14th to 24th in Bali-Lombok, Indonesia. On his Mr. America Global experience, he shared, “It was great! I am still trying to wrap my head around that whole experience. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and now I am excited for the next pageant ‘Man of the Year’ 2025.” Photography: Reza Venegas “Honestly, I really like the ‘Man of the Year’ title that Mr. America Global honored me with,” he admitted. “It’s a really nice title, and I can’t wait to go there and speak from the heart.” On the Mr. America Global brotherhood, he said, “It was instant, and it was like a spark where everybody got along so well. I didn’t expect to form those genuine, deep relationships at all or that quickly. I loved every one of the guys. I am still close with the guys, and we are in group messages, and we are all supportive of each other.” Clayton shared that the stance that the 2025 “Man of the Year” pageant has is on “wildlife preservation.” “That is what the whole pageant is for, and I actually connect with it because of global warming and the misinformation surrounding it,” he said. “If we don’t have our wildlife, we don’t have the Earth that we have,” he acknowledged. “So, I am really excited to express that stance as well.” “Also, if we can use tech to help our environment, then the world would be a better place. More people should be onboard with it, and it all comes down to raising awareness. I am really intrigued by regenerative agriculture,” he added. On his daily motivations, he remarked, “Honestly, to be my best self and present my best self. I am not perfect by any means, but I like to strive for perfection. When I look my best or when I do my best, I feel my best. That feeling is what motivates me the most.” “It taught me that everything that I’ve worked for and everything that I put energy into was all worth it. That pageant was a presentation of myself, my journey and everything I do stand for.” “It was a surreal validation that every hard day and challenge that I’ve ever faced or overcome was all worth it and it was written the way it was supposed to happen,” he added. On the title of the current chapter of his life, he revealed, “Personal Growth and shedding skin of things that no longer serve me.” “I am doing a lot of internal assessment of my mindset, and reassessing where I want to be in 10 years,” he explained. If he were to have any superpower, it would be “Empathy.” “When I talk to people, I like to really listen to them, I hear what they are saying, and I make them feel heard,” he said. On being a metabolism coach, Clayton remarked, “It’s so fulfilling. I had my own transformation, and I love being able to give back to people and show them the way, and being the leader, and leading people. I know that I am a leader at heart, and I am a Leo as well. It’s very fulfilling to see somebody have a positive change because of me.” “Even if you doubt the outcome, if you believe in yourself, you can achieve great things for yourself,” he added. On his definition of the word success, he revealed, “Fulfillment from doing my best.” “Also, knowing that even if I failed, I tried, and that’s a win,” he explained. Clayton remarked, “I never thought that I would be doing this! As long as you are open to doors opening for yourself, walk right through them even if you doubt yourself.” “It’s probably going to lead to a positive experience or something that can change your life. Do it scared, afraid, nervous, and do it anyway,” he concluded. To learn more about Clayton Maxwell, follow him on Instagram .

Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures and Skydance Markos Papadatos interviewed the actor Esai Morales about starring in “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” where he plays Gabriel, Tom Cruise’s character’s arch-nemesis. “The important thing in life is not victory but combat; it is not to have vanquished but to have fought well,” said Pierre de Coubertin, French Educator who was primarily responsible for the revival of the Olympic Games in 1894. Esai Morales is such an individual. Oscar winner Christopher McQuarrie directed the new Paramount Pictures action movie from a script that he co-wrote with Erik Jendresen. The synopsis is: Our lives are the sum of our choices. Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt in “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ On being a part of “The Final Reckoning,” Morales remarked, “It was an amazing joyride challenge, just like ‘Dead Reckoning.’ We did an aerial sequence that is described as ‘one for the ages,’ so you will see it, even though I can’t give away too much.” “It was incredibly thrilling to be a part of it and even watching something that was shot! Tom Cruise does some death-defying stunts,” Morales noted. Playing Gabriel Morales plays Gabriel, the deadly adversary facing Ethan Hunt in the explosive final chapter of the “Mission Impossible” series. On portraying the nefarious Gabriel, he said, “Gabriel is sophisticated, and we don’t know too much about him, but we know he is driven by something profound… something that concerns Ethan deeply.” “Those people that know you the longest know you the best; they know your weaknesses and what can get under your skin. I love being the person that could unravel Ethan, and that is quite an honor because in this movie we go back and revisit the whole franchise,” he explained. “What worries me today is how this industry is going to survive because so many kids these days look at their phones,” he said. “They don’t always have time to sit down and watch a movie or a show.” “When you are watching something at home, at a movie theater or at an IMAX, you are sharing an experience, and that is something that you cannot get on a small screen,” he elaborated. “There are nuances and there is so much work that goes into making every detail perfect, and you lose that on a tiny screen,” he added. ‘La Bamba’ Morales opened up about his time doing “La Bamba,” where he played Roberto “Bob” Morales, Ritchie Valens’ half-brother. “It was one of my favorites. It was an incredible character,” he said. “It literally had my name on it. Bob Morales; I’m a Morales. I never see a lot of great roles for anybody named Morales.” “Bob was the heavy of the movie but he wasn't’ a bad guy; he was a tortured soul like most of us we have our issues. He just dealt with his issues differently,” he noted. “For me, to be in a role that had my name on it in a production that is so beautifully made from the director (Luis Valdez) to the producer (Taylor Hackford) to the cast that included Lou Diamond Phillips, who was amazing as Ritchie Valens, Rosanna DeSoto, Danielle von Zerneck, and Joe Pantoliano,” he elaborated. “Everybody in that movie played their parts so wonderfully and so effortlessly. I hear they are going to try to make it again, and I wish them luck because that’s a tough one to eclipse because the original film is so well-loved and the chemistry was so beautiful. ‘La Bamba’ was a once-in-a-lifetime picture,” he added. ‘Cottonmouth’ Morales spoke about his upcoming film “Cottonmouth,” where he will be starring opposite Emmy winner Eric Nelsen and Ron Perlman. “The whole ‘Cottonmouth’ cast was great,” he exclaimed. “It was a very lovely experience with a young filmmaker Brock Harris,” Morales said. “There is something about westerns and going back in time that is just so much fun. The actors were all amazing in it. I haven’t seen it yet so I can’t speak more about it per se. I can’t wait to see the finished product.” “While I didn’t know many actors, I looked them up and realized that we have some serious talent on ‘Cottonmouth.’ Ron Perlman is quite a heavyweight in this movie. Let’s see how that one comes out,” he added. ‘NYPD Blue‘ Morales recalled his time doing the hit procedural drama series “NYPD Blue,” where he worked alongside Kim Delaney and Sharon Lawrence. “That was a great show. I miss that show. It was one of the best,” he admitted. “Kim Delaney and Sharon Lawrence are amazing. The whole cast and crew were great. I miss the creator, Steven Bochco, who passed, but he ran a very well-oiled machine up until that point, and it was one of the best gigs of my career,” he elaborated. Morales on Michael Jai White and Gillian White Morales had great words about acting couple Michael Jai White and Gillian White . “Michael Jai White is one of the kindest and most powerful actors I know. Gillian is so great,” he exclaimed. “I get the chance to work with some special people,” he admitted. “The Whites are an amazing couple, and they are good people. I am very grateful when I get to work with good human beings such as the Whites.” Morales reveals career-defining moments On his career-defining moments, he reflected, “For my very first movie, I walked out of the audition for ‘Bad Boys.’ This was for the Sean Penn film back in 1983. He is an amazing actor, and it was an amazing cast. There had to be about a dozen badasses there, where each of them could have probably done the part better than me.” Morales continued, “I literally had to talk myself to get back in there and not be a punk. I went back in there with such an attitude, ferocity and intention. I became the panther and cobra that they described the character as, and I left, and I didn’t hear anything back until three weeks later when I was told that I was in first position for the part, and that to me, was a defining moment.” “This moment taught me that your passion has to be infectious; if I want something bad enough, I am going to find a way to get it or I will die trying,” he said. Advice for young and emerging actors For young and aspiring actors, Morales said, “Life is your laboratory; observe, relate and find out the frequency. Realize why you want to be an actor and make sure that it’s more than superficial reasons.” “It involves a lot of sacrifice and a lot of difficulties,” he underscored. “If your love for it can’t sustain you, then have a good day job. It’s not just a hobby and you have to refine the gift you have been given. If you don’t have that gift, you have to find if you are capable of finding it.” “There has to be something deep inside of you that is so connected to the human condition that you can’t help but to try to reflect it in your roles,” he noted. “There has to be something that is more than superficial that will sustain you during the bad times, and it will keep you happy,” he added. The digital age On being a part of the digital age, he responded, “I don’t know. I am so busy trying to stay off my computer. I’m addicted to scrolling and learning and it’s not to entertain myself but it’s to learn.” “There is so much knowledge and information, and if the algorithms get that, they know what you like, and they will give you more and more. I have to filter that, so I’ll go out and go play tennis for hours,” he acknowledged. “I am trying to figure out how I can grow my mind, and how I can find peace. I want to do it all, but unfortunately, we can’t do it all, especially in this life. So, enjoy life and make it worthwhile,” he added. Stage of his life On the title of the current chapter of his life, Morales said, “Breathe.” “I think we get so busy sometimes that we forget to breathe,” he admitted. “So, breathe and enjoy! Breath is the beginning of life; it’s the first thing you do when you are born; you have to.” Superpower of choice Morales’ superpower of choice is “compassion and communication.” “I love to convey ideas, receive, connect, and communicate,” he said. “I identify with so many to the point where it’s almost a problem. I connect with so many different types of people, and I guess that’s why I’m an actor because I can lend myself to that.” “Also, I love to love whether it’s loving activities or people. I just have so much passion and love,” he underscored. “Most things that I’ve done in my life weren’t planned meticulously.” Morales defines success Regarding his definition of the word success, Morales shared, “Finding fulfillment, feeling like you are in your groove whether you make a lot eternally or not isn’t success.” “I know a lot of people with a lot of things and a lot of problems that go along with them. Then, I know other folks that don’t have as much but they have contentment, happiness, and peace. So, why would I want a lot, if I could be happy with less?” he elaborated. “To me, success is finding that happy balance and knowing that you lived a life that created memories and joy in others. Nobody remembers what you say but they remember how you made them feel,” he added. Closing thoughts on ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ For fans and viewers, he stated about the new “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” movie, “We have to understand that AI like fire can be used to burn, or it can be used to warm.” “What are we attaching artificial intelligence to? I want artificial intelligence to serve authentic intelligence and to keep sacred that human connection, which no machine can replicate,” he explained. “Also, I want viewers to have a good time while watching it, and I hope it makes them think. Honestly, it is feel-good escapism,” he admitted. Morales went on to share the following insightful quote: “The high mission of any art is by its illusions to foreshadow a higher universe reality to crystallize the emotions of time into the thought of eternity.” “Chew on that one for a while,” he concluded. American track and field running icon Steve Prefontaine once said: “To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.” Esai Morales embodies this wise quote by the long-distance running legend. To learn more about veteran actor Esai Morales, follow him on Instagram and check out his IMDb page .

Photo Credit: Wes and Alex Photography #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos interviewed Former NFL punter Jake Schum about being a part of “Finding Mr. Christmas” Season 2 on Hallmark. John C. Maxwell once said, “Dreams don’t work unless you do.” This quote applies to Jake Schum, 36, who was a contestant on the second season of “Finding Mr. Christmas,” which is hosted by Jonathan Bennett . While he was eliminated first, unfortunately, Schum was still able to touch countless people on an emotional and inspirational level. Schum hails from Lake View, New York, and he is presently a fitness professional and personal trainer. While he doesn’t have any acting experience per se, he is used to performing in front of large crowds due to his background as a professional football player. “So, I did a thing… Get ready for some fun,” he exclaimed. “Man, it was hard to keep this a secret! Here we go,” Schum told his fans and followers on social media. Schum joked that he temporarily “traded the gym for a merry competition.” On his experience, Schum remarked, “It was awesome. Everything was great from every person I met. Jonathan, Melissa and all of the guys were amazing. I bonded with the guys so quickly.” “Also, everyone behind the scenes in Hallmark was incredible. They are such great people. What made it special was building those connections. I have nothing but love for all of them,” he said. “The whole experience was really fun,” he reiterated. Photo Courtesy of Hallmark Media “This was something very new for me, and I didn’t know what to expect coming in,” he noted. “Growing up, all I’ve known, basically, is sports, especially football and family life.” “It hits very different taking that family life now into something like this, especially being a father,” he attested. “Going into this new thing and not knowing what to expect felt like an adrenaline rush of excitement, especially in regard of what is going to come from this, and what is going to happen,” he elaborated. “It was just a really fun experience, and just the chaos of not knowing what to expect from it,” Schum added. Regarding his favorite part of the “Finding Mr. Christmas” experience, he said, “Hanging out with the guys. It was a fun time, and we still have group chats and text messages going on, which is cool. We all support one another.” “Everyone deserves to be in the show. Everyone deserves to be in a movie. They are all a great bunch of people,” he noted. “Obviously, I wish I could have went further into it and done all the fun challenges, but it is what it is. I'm just appreciative of the time that I did have,” he acknowledged. “I want viewers to see that behind all the festive moments is a deeper message about growth, connection, and saying yes to opportunities — even the ones that scare you — because those are the ones that can truly change your life,” he elaborated. “I think they’ll see how amazing each individual is, they will love their stories, and they will certainly be entertained with a roller-coaster ride of emotions,” he acknowledged. Schum managed to impress his fellow contestants and audiences at home dressing up as “Buff, Tough Santa” in the first challenge. “I had to make some type of impact,” he said with a sweet laugh. “They didn't show all the times burning my fingers when I was using the hot glue guns while there was a time limit.” “I mean, I was sweating. I was in two layers of clothing, trying to work fast, and just the adrenaline and everything,” he said. “I'm glad that I did really well with that, and that first ‘audition,’ as I call it,” he added. “I'm glad I could just go out there and try. I mean, that's all I can really do.” On the lessons learned from this reality show, Schum reflected, “For me, being able to take a chance on something like that as nerve-wrecking as it can be, and not having that experience, it just shows that you need to go with it.” “For me, having my daughter, even though she is 17 months old, I am showing her that you can do anything as long as you try and put yourself out there,” he acknowledged. “For me, it is testing myself again and again, and I am always looking for those new things,” he noted. “Going out with a full heart is the biggest thing because you give it your all. I felt that going into it. Immediately, it was so heartwarming to meet all the guys and everybody, and we really bonded. It was just such an awesome experience,” he explained. Photo Courtesy of Hallmark Media In a post on social media, “Finding Mr. Christmas” host Jonathan Benentt remarked about Jake Schum, “You are the best, and you are so loved by everyone. I know we are gonna see your face on TV again very soon. Congrats on an amazing episode.” “What a legend. He came and did something he’s never done before on national TV and took a risk. I hope he inspires other people to do the same,” Bennett exclaimed about Schum. On his favorite mottos to live by, Schum said, “I don't like living in a ‘what if’ type of scenario. I didn't want the show to come out and be like, ‘what if I just did it?’ So that was always my mentality, even with football.” “I never wanted to wonder what if I worked harder or what if I tried harder? I want to leave it all out there where I never would have to wonder, so I just gave it my all,” he said. “Other than that, it is just going after those opportunities because you don't know who you're going to meet, or who you're going to bump into,” he said. “I've met some amazing people. So, while I didn't come out on top with this, I formed new friendships, made new connections and met some great people,” he acknowledged. “You never know where that's going to lead to down the road, and that’s it. At the end of the day, it’s just having those new relationships and getting out of your comfort zone,” he said. “It was uncomfortable for me to do this, but I'm not one to really settle. It's easy to be comfortable, but I don't like to stay comfortable. That’s how you grow… you need to find that comfort and discomfort,” he explained. On the title of the current chapter of his life, he said with a sweet laugh, “Elite Dad Mode.” “I love my personal training, and I love helping people. This has obviously opened up some new doors, new feelings, new drives. So, I am definitely going to try to keep this going and I will see what can come from it,” he said. “I'm in the ‘dad’ chapter of life, and I'm still growing. That doesn't mean I have to put everything else to the side. I want to continue to improve because I want to show my family what I'm made of and continue to impress them,” he elaborated. “I want to constantly just keep grow. So, that’s why I’m calling it ‘Elite Dad Mode’ because I’m in the dad chapter,” he added. Schum gives us a glimpse into his mentality and philosophy of life. For Schum, everyday life is a “grind.” It is all about staying consistent and showing up every day, even though it might be hard. “It’s even harder to look in the mirror knowing you didn’t,” he observed. “Keep pushing forward, stick with it, and trust the process.” His superpower of choice would be “teleportation.” “I would love to teleport; that would be awesome,” he admitted. “It would allow me to go across the world really quickly.” On his definition of the word success, he said, “Success, for me, is going through failure to try something. I think that’s exactly what my story has been with everything. If I didn’t try it at all that would be a true failure because I would constantly have those ‘what-ifs” but just going it, that was a success for me.” “Success is not so much failure, but success means that you’re learning,” he added. For his Hallmark fans and followers, he said, “Thank you for being so welcoming and so supportive of a new ‘aspiring actor.’ The fans of Hallmark have been so supportive and have said great things.” “I hope my story inspires other people to go after their passions and dreams, no matter what it is. I hope this inspires other people to get out of their comfort zone,” he concluded. American track and field icon Steve Prefontaine once said: “To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.” Jake Schum embodies this wise quote by the running legend. His life story is an inspiration to us all. To learn more about Jake Schum, follow him on   Instagram .

Photography: Kevin Le Studio Social influencer, fitness professional, and model Hayden Greene has a major reason to be proud. He was named "Mister Earth USA" at the 2025 Mister USA competition. Greene chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about his latest recognition. Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This quote applies to Hayden Greene, who represented the state of Ohio at this year's pageant. 2025 Mister USA experience Mister USA is an American beauty pageant, which is held annually, and the winner goes on to represent the United States in the Mister Universe competition. It is a celebration of culture, diversity, beauty, intelligence and empowerment. Mister USA believes in the power of young leaders to make a difference in the world. It is not solely about outer beauty; it recognizes the inner beauty and intelligence of their contestants. “Honestly, it feels like it hasn’t even hit me yet," Greene said about the experience. "I haven’t really had a chance to sit down and think about it yet. I am honestly in shock still. I am just so happy with how the week turned out.” “Going into it, I knew I was going to have some friends, but I did not expect all of us to be that close. Our incredible host, Daryn Alexander , told us that last year when he competed his group was tight, but indicated that our level of closeness was on a whole new level.” Photography: Kevin Le Studio “We are constantly talking, and these guys are stuck with me for life now,” he said with a sweet laugh. “I didn’t even have a best friend. Usually in a situation like this, there is one person that you hang out with all the time, but I hung out with everybody equally.” “I can really take a road trip with any of those guys,” Greene added. The finals were held on Saturday, August 30th at  The Montalban Theater in Hollywood, and   Loews Hollywood Hotel served as an excellent host hotel; both venues made the experience memorable for all. “Staying at the Loews Hotel was so nice, and everything was right there in Hollywood. The guys and I were walking around all the time. It was so cool," he exclaimed. “The Montalban Theater has been around since 1927, and just being there, you can feel its rich history,” he noted. “To think about everything that has ever happened in that building is really cool!” Greatest lesson that the pageantry world has taught him On the greatest lesson that the pageantry world has taught him, he remarked, “Just being out of my comfort zone. As an introvert, a lot of the things we did this week initially scared me, but after I completed them, I felt so good. Having all the guys there cheering me on was such a cool experience.” “All eight judges were great, and they all made us feel so comfortable in the interviews. We were all so nervous going into the closed-door interviews, but they made us feel at home as we were answering their questions,” he acknowledged. “Out of the 30 guys that competed, I truly think that anybody could have won the ‘Mister USA’ title. This was such an amazing group of guys… anybody could take that title home and represent the USA really well,” he added. ‘Mister Earth’ recognition Being named as the 3rd runner-up enables him to compete at the forthcoming Mister Earth competition. “Going into Mister Earth, my mission will still be to raise awareness on men’s mental health,” he said. “I want to inspire the world to talk about their mental health, and reassure them that it’s okay to not be okay all the time. Also, I want them to know that it’s a strength when they speak up about it,” he elaborated. Greene reflects on his Mister USA Talent show performance Greene reflected on his Mister USA Talent show performance, which took place at The Kookaburra Lounge in Hollywood. "At this year’s talent show, I played the guitar and I sang… that was my first time singing in front of anybody," Greene said. "That was so much fun; I just started singing two or three months ago so that was the buildup for me… that’s what I was most terrified of doing: being on stage like that. Once I got that part done, my confidence got a little bit bigger each day.” Message for his loyal fans and followers For his dedicated fans, supporters, and followers, Hayden expressed, “I would like to thank the fans from the bottom of my heart. I don’t think I would have had the confidence to even put myself out there on the Mister USA stage if it weren’t for the fans. Thanks for everyone who supported with the fan votes and was in my DMs constantly, I just can’t thank you guys enough.” "Moving forward, I want to gain more experience! That’s the biggest thing I can take away from it. I am so thankful to be the USA rep at 'Mister Earth' this year, and I am looking forward to that experience,” he noted. “Also, I am very thankful for the brotherhood too. Most importantly, I am thankful for being able to get out of my comfort zone each day,” he concluded. American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: "Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not." Hayden Greene embodies this wise quote. Hopefully, the sky's the limit in the future for this social media star. To learn more about social influencer and Mister Earth USA Hayden Greene, follow him on Instagram and TikTok .

Photography by: Luana Seu #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos interviewed Edward Bayer about being an actor, model and content creator in the digital age. Byron Pulsifer once said: “Imagine, dream, and believe in yourself. With determination and belief, you will be surprised at what you accomplish.” This quote applies to Edward Bayer . Daily motivations as an actor and model On his daily motivations as an actor and model, Bayer said, “I believe in myself, so that’s a huge motivational factor because I just feel that everything will fall in its place like it should. As long as I continue on the path that I feel is right for me, that’s the motivation.” The digital age On being an actor and model in the digital age, Bayer said, “It’s exciting. Everything is at your fingertips and everything is accessible. Obviously, there are blessings and curses with that. We like being able to do these things but we are still humans, and it’s important to balance that and take time away from social media as well.” “Sometimes, you need to get out in nature and leave your phone inside, so it’s great,” he added. Photography by: Luana Seu Future plans On his future plans, he shared, “The next projects, whatever those are. Working on something new and exciting… something that I believe in. Also, working with people that are really cool.” “I am looking forward to the next audition for whatever movie or TV show is coming up. In September, I will be filming at TV show, which I am really excited about. It’s going to be very exciting because it’s the next step in my journey,” he elaborated. Career-defining moments On his career-defining moments, he remarked, “The reason I wanted to get into acting was because I actually wanted to join the Navy. I took the Officer’s Exam — and I aced all the practice tests — but I ended up bombing the test.” “So, I left and I called up Kyle Fabel and he let me sign up for his acting class, and that’s how I got into acting,” Bayer noted. “That was certainly a defining moment because that was when I decided to embark on the acting path and chase that dream from that moment forward,” he added. Photography by: Luana Seu Stage of his life On the title of the current chapter of his life, Bayer said with a sweet laugh, “To Be Determined…” “We will see where this chapter goes,” he admitted. “It’s all about the journey.” Bayer on Ezra Moreland A native of Virginia, Bayer had great words about Hallmark actor, model and 2024 “Finding Mr. Christmas” winner Ezra Moreland . “Ezra is such a motivational person,” Bayer said. “I’ve never met anyone who can lift you up that quickly as well as keep you inspired and on your toes.” “Ezra keeps you believing in yourself, and that’s very important. It has been an absolute blessing knowing Ezra. Being in each other’s corners is a huge blessing for all of us. I am really happy that I get to work with him and hang out with him,” Bayer elaborated. Superpower of choice His superpower of choice would be “teleportation or telekinesis.” “I always thought that teleportation would be cool so that I can instantly get anywhere at any time,” he said. “I think those would be really nice.” “Also, I feel that being healthy and fit is a superpower in its own right too, so it’s all about perspective,” he added. Photography by: Luana Seu Success Regarding his definition of the word success, Bayer stated, “I think my definition of success has changed over the years but ultimately, I will feel successful when I am on my deathbed, and I will look back and see that I’ve followed the path that I was supposed to take… and that I didn’t stray too far off course.” Message for his fans and supporters For his fans and supporters, Bayer expressed, “Thank you! The fans really do play a big part in this journey.” “It’s being able to reach people and have people invested and believing in you. It’s magical and really nice. I wish I could thank everyone individually; it is very special,” he concluded. To learn more about Edward Bayer, check out his IMDb page , and follow him on Instagram .

Photography: Andrew Eccles #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos interviewed Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Colin Blunstone of The Zombies about their new documentary “Hung Up on a Dream” and their upcoming “Odessey and Oracle (Mono Remastered)” collection. Colin Powell once said: “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” This quote applies to yet another Colin… Colin Blunstone, the lead vocalist of The Zombies. Background on The Zombies The Zombies were core to the British Invasion of the 1960s, with songs like “She’s Not There,”  “Tell Her No,” and “Time of the Season.” In 2019, Blunstone was inducted into the coveted Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Zombies. They have been praised for their “adventurous lyrics, infectious arrangements and their lush melodies” and for making “one of rock’s most exquisite albums.” Rolling Stone  ranked their “Odessey and Oracle”  album as one of the “Greatest Albums of all time.” Mr. Blunstone sat down and chatted with this journalist at Burgerology Midtown over lunch in New York City. “What a lovely place,”  he admitted. “It’s very relaxing, very beautiful, and I am looking forward to some wonderful food.” Blunstone on his love for New York Blunstone shared that he has a love and affinity for the “Big Apple.” “I do love New York. I first came here in 1964, and it was so exciting,” he exclaimed. “All British musicians want to play in America  because it’s the home of jazz, the home of the blues, it’s the home of the rhythm and blues, and it’s the home of rock and roll, so we all want to come to America,” he said. New documentary ‘Hung Up on a Dream’ Blunstone spoke about the new documentary “ Hung Up on a Dream ,” which was directed and produced by Robert Schwartzman. “I think it’s really good, and I think Robert did a wonderful job because a lot of it is about the band in the 60s.” “We knew there was not much film to use from the ’60s, but he found pieces of film that I didn’t even know existed,” Blunstone acknowledged. “As a result, the documentary works, and it is really good,” he added. Gramercy Theatre show Most recently, Blunstone was a part of a screening of the documentary film at New York’s Gramercy Theatre, which was followed by a Q & A session, and an unplugged performance with Blunstone and Schwartzman’s band, Rooney. “That is always great fun,” he admitted. “For the most part, Robert spoke about the documentary and people asked him questions about it, and I spoke about The Zombies, and it went really, really well,” Blunstone added. New album ‘Odessey and Oracle’ re-release this September On September 26th, The Zombies will be reissuing their seminal 1968 album, “Odessey and Oracle”  with a newly remastered mono mix. This is the first time the original mono mix, remastered from studio tapes, has been available on LP since the initial British release back in 1968. “So, this is how the album was supposed to have been heard,” he explained. “CBS put on pressure to make it into a stereo album because it was coming at a time when stereo was just becoming coming in, so in effect, it was a simulated stereo album, which wasn’t how it was anticipated to be heard in the first place.” “This is the first time that people will hear the album as we hoped the sound would be heard,”  he added. Key to longevity in the music business Regarding the key to longevity in the music business all of these decades, Blunstone said, “It’s an interesting thought. I think you need a degree of talent, a degree of luck, as well as tenacity and stamina.” “Also, you need to be a little bit eccentric or a little bit crazy; that helps because the rest of it is a mystery. It’s a tough business, especially to maintain a career for 60 years, so I do think you need some luck,” he elaborated. Favorite song of The Zombies to perform live Blunstone listed “She’s Not There”  as his favorite Zombies song to perform live. “While there are many, ‘She’s Not There’ will always have a special place in my heart.” “That was the first song we ever recorded and it changed our lives forever,” he said. “Also, ‘Time of the Season’ is great and I love the Alan Parsons song ‘Old and Wise’  that I sang for him, which is such a beautiful song written by Eric Woolfson,” he added. Music and songwriting inspirations The Zombies have managed to fuse jazz and classical piano with psychedelic elements, which resulted in many popular and catchy tunes. On his music and songwriting inspirations, he shared, “It’s just something that I love to do. I love to write songs and I am so fascinated in the original spark of a song: where does it come from?  Then, you watch it develop with a band of musicians until you take it in the studio, and then it takes on a new life.” “If you are really lucky, then you get to play that song to an appreciative audience. It is such a wonderful journey to see a song develop until it is played to an audience,” he added. Photography: Andrew Eccles Biggest musical influences Regarding his greatest musical influences, Blunstone said, “Originally, it was the greats of rock and roll: Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Buddy Holly, and then, The Beatles, and everything changed.  The Beatles opened the door to the world, especially for British musicians.” “Before The Beatles, there wasn’t much interest in British bands,” he observed. “After The Beatles, of course, British bands were welcome anywhere in the world, especially in America.” A Zombies concert — A multi-generational fan experience At a typical Zombies concert, it is a multi-generational fan experience. “You have teenagers at our shows, as well as people who have followed us from the ’60s,” he acknowledged. “It is fascinating to see the cross section of ages at a Zombies concert,” he noted. ‘One Year And More: Live from Union Chapel’ Blunstone just released “One Year And More: Live from Union Chapel.” Regarding this new release, Colin, remarked, “On the 25th of November 2024, I performed my first solo album 'One Year'  live in its entirety for the first time at London’s Union Chapel. Looking back this was not an undertaking to be taken on lightly knowing that 'One Year'  encompasses so many different genres of music. With very little rehearsal time my solo band (Dave Bainbridge, Søren Koch, Chas Cronk and Steve Rodford) and the incredible Q Strings took on the challenge without a moment’s hesitation.” The new boxset is available by clicking here . The digital age On being an artist in the digital age, Blunstone remarked, “It’s very interesting but I can’t claim to understand it. It’s interesting to see how the business is changing. I try to keep up in the best way that I can.” “Always remember that this can be a lifetime’s career. It doesn’t have to be a two or three year career where you crash and burn. If you take it seriously, and think of it as a lifetime’s career, it can be a wonderfully rewarding journey.” Stage of his life On the title of the current chapter of his life, Blunstone revealed, “It’s the autumn of my career.” “I feel that we as a group (The Zombies) are just coming into our prime now, and we can enjoy it in a relaxed way because the pressure is off,” he explained. “We love writing and performing music, and we can just enjoy it,” he added. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction In 2019, The Zombies finally got their due, and they were inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles. “First of all, the evening was incredibly exciting,”  he admitted. “It was one of the highlights of my professional career, especially to be playing a concert with Stevie Nicks, Radiohead, The Cure, Def Leppard, Janet Jackson and Roxy Music. What a show that was!” Rock Hall Barclays Center performance in Brooklyn “We played in front of 17,000 people that night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and that was a magical evening,” he recalled. “In a general sense, it’s a validation of your career, especially since the fans voted for us (we got over 330,000 votes), and on top of that, our peer group voted for us. All the members of the Rock Hall vote for the new inductees. So, it really does feel like your work is being noticed and appreciated,” he elaborated. “It is a validation of your lifetime’s work.  All in all, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction was the highlight of my professional career,” he added. Superpower of choice If he were to have any superpower, it would be to “foresee the future”  and then he would “become a betting man.” “That would be the end of my music career; I would be betting on horses,” he said with a sweet laugh. Message for his dedicated fans For his dedicated fans and supporters, Blunstone said, “Thank you for being with me on this journey. It is never taken for granted and it is really appreciated.” Success On his definition of the word success, Blunstone concluded, “If the songs and music that I’ve written and recorded put appreciation on people’s faces, then’s that success and fulfillment for me. That’s all and everything I need.” “Odessey and Oracle (Mono Remastered)” is available by  clicking here . To learn more about the iconic rock group The Zombies, check out their official website ,  Instagram , and their  Facebook page .

Photo Courtesy of Great American Family Canadian actress Cindy Busby talks about her latest Great American Family series “When Hope Calls” and her forthcoming holiday film “There’s No Place Like Christmas,” which comes out on November 30th. ‘When Hope Calls’ “When Hope Calls” Season 2 stars Cindy Busby as Nora, Christopher Russell as Constable, Mountie Michael, Nick Bateman as Wyatt, and Wendy Crewson as Tess Stewart, among others. “When Hope Calls” is a spinoff of Oke’s legendary book series, “When Calls the Heart” and followed a pair of sisters, Lillian Walsh (Kohan) and Grace Bennett (Jocelyn Hudon) to the town of Brookfield, circa 1916. “When Hope Calls” is a family-drama centered on the town’s orphanage and its residents who meet tremendous challenges while creating a hopeful, faith-filled community on the cusp of change in the frontier town while nurturing the children in their care. Busby revealed that she is nearly the completing of filming Season 3 of “When Hope Calls.” Photo Courtesy of Great American Family On starring in the hit series “When Hope Calls,” Busby said, “It is going amazing! We are still filming. It is going so well. We are starting our last block today. We are having the best time, and I don’t want it to end.” Working with Nick Bateman and Christopher Russell On working with Nick Bateman  and  Christopher Russell , Busby exclaimed, “Nick and Christopher are both so great! What more can I ask for? It is so awesome to work with dream co-stars on a dream show. That’s what makes it a 10 out of 10.” Stage of her life On the title of the current chapter of her life, Busby revealed, “Surrender.” Photo Courtesy of Great American Family Busby of being a part of the 2024 Christmas Con in New Jersey On being a part of last year’s Christmas Con , she remarked, “It is the best! It is the most intense weekend but in the best way possible. It is so filled with love; it’s a love fest all around. It is so nice to see everybody there.” “I genuinely became friends with some of the people there. I am pretty sad that I won’t be there next month but hopefully, I will come again in the near future,” she added. Success On her definition of the word success, Busby stated, “Success is when you are truly at peace with yourself and can find joy in the little things in life, and not the accomplishments. In the meantime, I am just going to live my life because it’s so short.” Photo Courtesy of Great American Family Upcoming holiday film for Great American Family Her new holiday film for Great American Family will premiere on Sunday, November 30th and it is titled “There’s No Place Like Christmas.” She stars opposite Sam Page. In this new rom-com, big city realtor, Grace Sawyer (Cindy Busby) returns to her hometown of Evergreen Falls to lead the local realty office, just as the team nears an annual sales goal that would win them a dream vacation. On Grace’s first day, she accidentally ruins a once-in-a-year sunset photo for local photographer Luke Davies (Sam Page), who also shoots listings for the agency. Will a chance at owning her dream home and snagging a permanent role managing the firm in her small town lead Grace to love and a future she never expected. “This upcoming movie is so good,” she said. “It comes out at the end of November. It was nice to reconnect with Sam Page; he is the ideal co-star similar to Christopher Russell.” Photo Courtesy of Great American Family Busby on playing a real estate agent On playing a real estate agent, she said, “For me, it was really cool to get to play a real estate agent because I had just moved into a new house last year, so I felt I went through everything my character went through.” Working with Sam Page “Sam is a really great human, a really great actor and he is super professional and fun. It was great to rekindle with him. We had so much making this movie,” she acknowledged. “I had real-life experiences, which was really fun. We got to shoot in Buffalo, New York, which surprisingly, is such a beautiful city with so much history to it,” she noted. “I had a wonderful time with Sam,” she exclaimed. “We got to visit Niagara Falls on our downtime, which was a great deal of fun. It was really impressive, and I felt quite emotional going down the ‘Maid of the Mist,’ because it is such a powerful force.” Photo Courtesy of Great American Family “Sam and I had a really great time. It was a really fun time about finding your perfect home and how every moment in your life brings different wants and needs. My character ultimately helps people find their perfect home during Christmas, which is actually the hardest time to sell houses, so that was a fun ride.” “There is a really nice focus in the movie on charity and giving back,” she concluded. To learn more about Cindy Busby, follow her on Instagram , IMDb .

Photography: Jen Rosenstein Markos Papadatos interviewed David Hernandez about his new movie “Glamping” and his new music. How was “Glamping” for you? Honestly, "Glamping" was the reminder I didn’t know I needed… that I belong on set. I’ve been performing for years, touring, recording, doing the hustle, but being in that world again, acting with intention, felt like coming home to a part of myself I kind of left waiting in the lobby. Also… we were literally in the woods. No fancy trailer, just real life and a whole lot of bug spray. And I loved that. It forced me to be present and trust the work. All of my filming days were overnight shoots from 5 PM to 5 AM. So that was quite an adjustment for me. But – it felt like a turning point – like, “Oh yeah… I’m supposed to be doing this thing.” Photography: Jen Rosenstein What did you like most about your character? Cyrus is complicated and it was important for me not to judge my character. He’s not just a “killer”. He’s carrying a whole mess of hurt, abandonment, insecurity, and that warped need for love that makes people dangerous. I didn’t want to play him as a villain; I wanted to play him as someone who was never given the tools to handle his own pain. So what I liked most? He’s human. Messy, flawed, and aching for connection. I understood that. I think a lot of us do. Most of us are just not serial killers. LOL. Can you tell us about your new music? For sure! “feel it all” is the most honest I’ve ever been. It’s not polished in the sense of pretending everything is perfect. It’s vulnerable. It’s about heartbreak, sobriety, growth, identity, loss – all the things I used to try to sing around. It feels like pages from a journal I used to hide but I’m not hiding anymore. The music video involves so many people from all different walks of life who have survived various traumas. I thought it was important to show that and show how people can overcome their trials and tribulations, and come out even stronger. The music video has already racked up close to 200,000 views, and I couldn’t be more grateful. As an independent artist who is entirely self financed, it means the world. I just hope the music, lyrics and visuals can touch at least one person and make a positive change. Photography: Jen Rosenstein What inspires your music and songwriting? Life. Real-ass life. The kind that doesn’t look cute on Instagram. I write from places I’m afraid to admit out loud — the moments where I feel like I’ve got it all figured out and the moments where I feel like I’m being held together by prayer and caffeine. Recovery has also changed everything. I’m clearer. I feel things more honestly now which is both beautiful and annoying, depending on the day. Lol. But I wake up and turn my will over to a power greater than me and say “take the f****** wheel!” What do your plans for the future include? More films. More music. More live shows. And more presence. Not just doing things to be busy, but doing things because they mean something to me. I spent years trying to chase the moment. I’m done chasing. Now I’m building. Photography: Jen Rosenstein How does it feel to be a part of the digital age? It’s wild. Like, one minute you’re posting a song lyric, the next minute someone across the world knows your entire childhood trauma and zodiac sign. But honestly, I love the accessibility. I love being able to connect without gatekeepers. The downside is everyone is comparing themselves to everyone else 24/7. I have to remind myself to step outside and touch some grass. Literally. What is your advice for young and emerging artists? Stop trying to be perfect. No one relates to perfect. Be real, be consistent, and surround yourself with people who tell you the truth, not just what sounds flattering. And be MESSY with your art. Stop overthinking it and put it out here. There will be PLENTY of time to perfect it later. Just make it exist first. And most importantly – don’t give up right before things get good. So many people quit one inch before the breakthrough. Lastly, there is no timeline for your success or dreams to be realized. Just start now. Photography: Jen Rosenstein What would you like to say to your fans? Thank you. Truly. Thank you for sticking with me through every chapter — the wins, the losses, the evolution, the mess, the rebirth. Your support isn’t just “support.” It’s the reason I get to keep doing this. I hope you feel seen in the work I create — because you’ve seen me through so much of mine. We’re growing together. I love you for that. “feel it all” is available on Apple Music by  clicking here . The new feature film “Glamping” is available to stream on Tubi . To learn more about David Hernandez, follow him on Instagram , IMDb .

Photo Courtesy of Drake Kuyper Markos Papadatos interviewed Drake Kuyper about being a contestant on Season 2 of "Finding Mr. Christmas" on Hallmark. “It was amazing. I mean, it was so much better than I could have ever expected. I met great people, and I had a fun time doing scenes. It was such a good time!” Photo Courtesy of Hallmark Media Working with Jonathan Bennett and Melissa Peterman On working with Jonathan Bennett and Melissa Peterman, he said, “Jonathan and Melissa are awesome! They are hilarious together, and the way they can bounce off each other is great.” “They are just so such high-energy, and so much fun,” he admitted. “It was really awesome to do that with them. They gave me such good feedback on the show that I’m going to be taking with me throughout my whole acting process.” ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’ brotherhood On the brotherhood he formed with the guys, he said, “It was really good! We spent so much time together, and we all created this unbreakable bond, which was awesome!” Lessons learned from this show On the lessons learned from doing this show, Drake reflected, “I would say the biggest thing that the show taught me was that I am capable of doing this, and that this is something that I really can do.” “Initially, I felt I was a little nervous about it because I had never really done a speaking scene before,” he admitted. “So, getting that first scene in, and the way I was able to recover after the skis made me feel like this is something I can really do.” Unfortunately, Drake was the second contestant eliminated from this Hallmark reality competition after former professional football star Jake Schum. “Jake was awesome,” he exclaimed. “He is a really good dude. We still text to this day, and he is an incredible guy. I am excited to see what Jake is going to do in the future.” Photo Courtesy of Hallmark Media Daily motivations Drake noted that his faith is his biggest motivator in life. “I would say the thing that motivates me the most is my faith,” he said. “I love Jesus with all my heart. I feel like every single day, that’s what keeps me going. That’s what keeps me humble and honest! That is also what keeps me working hard,” he explained. Future plans On his future plans, he shared, “I’ve decided that I’m fully going to be pursuing acting. It’s just something that’s been weighing on my heart that I need to try to give this a go.” “I need to do this, and I’m going to try and really give this a shot. I will move out to Los Angeles next year,” he revealed. Photo Courtesy of Drake Kuyper The digital age On being a part of the digital age, he said, “It’s interesting. I feel like the new age is definitely kind of and you have to be posting on social media constantly.” “You have to be connected on the Internet, social media, and all that good stuff. It’s certainly something a little different, but I’ve been able to adapt to it because I’ve already had a social media presence, so I’m hoping that I can keep using that to my advantage going forward in acting,” he elaborated. Stage of his life On the title of the current chapter of his life, he revealed, “New Beginnings.” “I feel like is the new beginning of my acting journey, and I’m really excited to take a step into it,” he said. Superpower of choice His superpower of choice would be “teleportation.” “It would be really cool to teleport,” he said. “That would be awesome. I would just think of a place and be able to go visit it just because I love traveling!” “Traveling is a big part of who I am,” he said. “I would love to see new places and things. So, I feel like that would be really cool to just be able to go anywhere I want to without having to take a 24-hour flight.” Photo Courtesy of Hallmark Media Success On his definition of the word success, he said, “Success means being content with what you have. I feel it’s important to look around and smell the roses and be grateful with what you have, but still always be pushing for more, and always give gratitude back. I think that’s really important to me.” Message for his Hallmark fans For his Hallmark fans and supporters, he said, “I want to thank them so much. I want to say that their support means everything to me. Seeing all their positive DMS and comments just really makes me feel like they’re appreciated in the show.” “That is very reassuring and it encourages me to do this even more. It is great to know that there are people with me on this journey, and that I’m not alone in it,” Kuyper expressed. To learn more about Drake Kuyper, follow him on   Instagram .