In this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome acclaimed photographer, author, artist, and actress Mary Ann Halpin for a heartfelt and often hilarious chat. From her beginnings in Chicago to her transformative work behind the camera in Los Angeles, Mary Ann shares how life’s twists—like infertility—led to her groundbreaking photo books, including Pregnant Goddesshood and the Fearless Women series. The trio dives into her viral Super Bowl commercial appearance, her improv roots, and her marriage to piano man Joe Croyle. Along the way, Mary Ann opens up about personal reinvention, creative burnout, and the healing power of joy and photography. With vivid stories about Joni Mitchell and Erin Brockovich, and reflections on aging, identity, and art, this episode is an inspiring testament to fearless living—messy moments and all.

Takeaways:

• Mary Ann Halpin’s Super Bowl commercial role was a full-circle moment from her early acting days.
• Her photo book Pregnant Goddesshood was born from her personal experience with infertility.
• She has photographed and befriended legends like Joni Mitchell and Erin Brockovich.
• Mary Ann emphasizes the importance of embracing failure as part of creativity.
• She uses her background in acting to draw authenticity from her photography subjects.
• Her Fearless Women books became the basis of a nonprofit and national tour.
• Halpin candidly discusses anxiety, burnout, and the path to mental well-being.
• Humor, self-care, and artistic expression fuel her resilience and ongoing projects.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #SkipPaige #CoachellaValley #McCallumTheatre #DesertPodcast #FamousInterviewGuests #InterviewPodcast #MutualBroadcastingSystem #MaryAnnHalpin #FearlessWomen #PhotographyLife #ActressTurnedPhotographer #SuperBowlCommercialStar #CreativeReinvention #EmpoweredAging #PalmDesertArts #ImprovCommunity

In this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome Tom Kirk, the Executive Director of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG). They dive into the pivotal role of CVAG in regional planning, focusing on transportation developments like CV Link and traffic signal synchronization initiatives. Tom shares insights on the challenges faced when aligning multiple cities and stakeholders, as well as the importance of addressing air quality issues in the desert. With a mix of humor and candid discussion, they explore how community collaboration is shaping the future of the Coachella Valley, while also shedding light on energy initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing local infrastructure.

Takeaways:

• CVAG plays a crucial role in regional governance and development.

• CV Link is a significant project aimed at improving bike and pedestrian access across the valley.

• Traffic signal synchronization is being implemented to enhance flow and reduce congestion.

• Addressing air quality issues is a current challenge for the Coachella Valley.

• Local collaboration among cities and stakeholders is essential for successful initiatives.

• CVAG is working on energy initiatives to promote carbon-free electricity.

• Community engagement has improved public awareness of health and environmental impacts.

• Tom Kirk shares personal insights into his career journey and motivations.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #McCallumTheatre #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValleyResidents #SkipPaige #TomKirk #CVAG #TransportationInitiatives #EnergyEfficiency #AirQuality #CommunityCollaboration #SustainableDevelopment #CoachellaValley #PublicPolicy #BikePaths #TrafficManagement #EnvironmentalIssues

In this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome Andrea Carter, a Coachella Valley marketing and PR powerhouse with a fascinating life story. Andrea shares insider tales from coordinating A-list celebrities at the Palm Springs International Film Festival to co-founding the record-breaking Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament for St. Jude. She reflects on her small-town Minnesota roots, her unexpected reunion with her biological family, and her journey in local philanthropy. From singing with Patrick Evans to managing Joan Rivers and Mariah Carey’s memorable appearances, Andrea offers a heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply human look at a life well-lived behind the spotlight. Don't miss this candid conversation at the corner booth of Skip Paige's Little Bar. Presented by the McCallum Theatre.

Listen or View this episode now from BigConversationsLittleBar.com or subscribe for free and download from any of our podcast portal partners.

Takeaways:

• Andrea helped grow the Warburton into St. Jude’s top U.S. fundraiser, raising $35+ million.
• The event’s formula: big-name celebrities, unique music shows, and community passion.
• Not all celebrity guests go smoothly—Cheech & Chong’s appearance was infamously “crude.”
• Her PR career included handling Joan Rivers, Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, and more.
• Grew up in a town of 500 in Minnesota with only 26 kids in her graduating class.
• Was adopted, later reunited with birth parents and found three full-blood brothers.
• Her music passion never left—she recently won "Singing with the Desert Stars."
• Believes deeply in giving back to the community, especially through nonprofit work.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #McCallumTheatre #AndreaCarter #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValley #PalmSpringsFilmFestival #WarburtonGolfTournament #StJude #Philanthropy #CelebrityStories #DesertCharities #PodcastGuest #BehindTheScenes #AdoptionStory #MinnesotaRoots #DesertStars #SingingCompetition