Share

WV Uncommonplace Presents: The Collection
John Callas
John Callas is a veteran writer/director/producer in the entertainment business. His experience ranges from the worldwide release of feature films to numerous motion picture trailers, national and international commercials, live action title sequences, a documentary shot on location in Russia, as well as having been the Worldwide VP for The Walt Disney Company while working at a large post production facility. John’s prowess can be seen on live action teasers for Ransom, Dennis The Menace, Body Of Evidence, The Golden Child, Spaceballs, The Glass Menagerie, Cocoon II, Poltergeist III, Betrayed, My Girl, Glenngarry Glenn Ross, As Well As Title Sequences For The Two Jakes and A Few Good Men and a promotional film for an amusement ride from Showscan. John also directed an award-winning short film The White Gorilla. While creating live action teasers for feature films, John had the opportunity to work with notable actors including Mel Gibson, Walter Matthau, Jack Nicholson, Madonna, Eddie Murphy and Mel Brooks. In addition to working on feature film teasers, his work can be seen in projects for HBO, The Disney Channel, Show Time, the Broadway Play Phantom Of The Opera and the 1993 redesigned TriStar Logo. John’s extensive background also includes over 200 commercials for such clients as Kellogg’s, Dodge, Sunkist, Sprite, Toyota, Fuji, Volkswagen, Honda, McDonalds, Mazda, Minolta, Jedi Merchandising, Kraft, Jordache, Sea World, Givenchy and Sonassage with celebrity George Burns and industrial projects for Corporations including Vidal Sassoon, Salomon North America, Nissan and The Kao Corporation Of Japan. John’s television experience includes directing a 14-week series entitled Potentials, with guests Buckminster Fuller, Norman Cousins, Ray Bradbury, Gene Roddenberry, Timothy Leary and others. He also directed 80 segments for Bobby’s World, which has been rated the #1 show on Fox 11 Television in its time slot; garnering John an Emmy nomination. A multi-faceted filmmaker, John’s work can be seen in music videos for Glenn Frey Of The Eagles, Bill Wyman Of The Rolling Stones, Jefferson Starship, Sammy Hagar, Rick Springfield, Doobie Brothers, Styx and more. Some awards John has received include The New York Critics Choice Award for Lone Wolf, The Clio and Belding for his work on the Sunkist campaign, the prestigious Best of the West for his directorial work on a one-woman show, and an MTV award for best concept for Glen Frey’s Smuggler’s Blues. John’s directorial sensitivity, creativity and humor combined with his thoroughness and ability to bring a project in on time and budget makes him a unique and valuable talent. John holds a Master Degree from Occidental College, and is a member of The Directors Guild Of America.
More episodes
View all episodes

a new begininng
01:16|
Dr. David Chotka
35:04|In this episode of the WV Uncommon Place podcast, JR Sparrow welcomes Dr. David Chotka, Founder and Director of Spirit-Equip Ministries, and Chair of the Alliance Pray! Team (APT). Dr. Chotka brings a wealth of experience in spiritual equipping and prayer ministry, with a trans-denominational approach that spans various Christian traditions.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Chotka shares insights from his extensive background in theology and spirituality, having earned four degrees including three in Theology/Spirituality from institutions like Regent College and Gordon Conwell. He discusses his passion for fostering spiritual growth through the development of spiritual disciplines, emphasizing the importance of prayer in deepening one's relationship with God.As the Chair of APT, Dr. Chotka discusses his role in mobilizing prayer initiatives within the C&MA Canada movement and beyond, highlighting the significance of prayer equipping resources in empowering believers. He also reflects on his experiences leading prayer and deeper life events across diverse religious contexts, emphasizing the universal nature of spiritual renewal and unity within the global Christian community.Additionally, Dr. Chotka shares insights from his mentorship under esteemed figures such as Dr. Gordon Fee and Dr. Maxie Dunnam, which have shaped his approach to ministry and spiritual formation. As an adjunct instructor in the Pathways School for Ministry, he discusses his commitment to equipping future generations of Christian leaders for effective service in the Kingdom of God.Listeners of the WV Uncommon Place podcast will find inspiration and practical wisdom from Dr. David Chotka's insights into spiritual equipping, prayer ministry, and theological education.
Afffilate Marketing
08:05|Affilate marketing is a step I talk about to help podcaster know if they should monetize their show



Coffee with Kendra
34:27|Coffee with kendra the now defunct podcast was an interesting shoehosted by Kendra and we discuss the show .

Us Against THem
19:24|J.R. Sparrow returns to West Virginia and Common Place, sharing their experience in podcasting since 2017.Explains the journey with various podcasting platforms, particularly highlighting encounters with Anchor (now owned by Spotify) and Spotify itself.Journey with Anchor and Spotify:Details initial involvement with Anchor as a preferred platform for podcasting.Describes the frustration with discrepancies in payments and analytics, feeling mistreated by Spotify's handling of payments.Reflects on the evolution of their podcast from a hobby to a potential business and the challenges faced with platforms prioritizing larger podcasts.Encounter with Apple Podcasts:Discusses issues faced with Apple Podcasts, including discrepancies in analytics and the inconvenience of their subscription service for podcasters.Learning from Mistakes:Acknowledges personal mistakes, such as initially not investing in podcasting tools and services.Emphasizes the importance of investing in oneself and the podcast once it gains traction.Conclusion:Expresses frustration with major podcasting platforms favoring bigger names and companies over independent podcasters.Provides insights for aspiring podcasters, advising a balance between utilizing free services initially and investing in oneself as the podcast grows.Final Sign-Off:Invites listeners to explore their various podcasting shows available on different platforms.