Paul Farberman: The Man Behind the Deals That Shaped Music and Film

What do Celine Dion, "Titanic," and a Spielberg film have in common? Paul Farberman.

Paul Farberman’s career spans continents, formats, and cultural icons. From representing artists at Sony Music Canada to working alongside legends like Sting and Celine Dion, Paul became one of the most trusted voices behind the scenes in both the music and film industries. He helped guide the launch of one of the most iconic songs of all time, navigated billion-dollar franchises, and now brings his experience to Broadway and beyond.

In this intimate episode, Paul opens up about the real business of entertainment. He shares what it takes to earn an artist’s trust, how major moments often come down to quiet decisions, and why staying relevant means putting people before platforms. His journey moves through record labels, studio lots, and global stages with a steady focus on integrity, timing, and service.

Don’t miss this exclusive conversation with an industry insider whose career helped shape modern music and film. Tune in to hear Paul’s reflections on creativity, connection, and what still inspires him to keep going.

Kwame Patterson (“The Wire”) on Acting, Purpose & Breaking Barriers

From street corners to soundstages, Kwame Patterson’s journey is a masterclass in grit, determination, and the power of purpose.

Known to fans as Monk from HBO’s groundbreaking series "The Wire," Kwame Patterson’s story is built on raw determination, hustle, and unshakable faith. Born in Atlanta and raised in the unforgiving streets of New Jersey and Baltimore, he defied staggering odds, earning his GED through Job Corps and serving in the U.S. Army as he carved out a better future.

Landing a role on "The Wire" wasn’t just luck; it was a turning point that ignited Kwame’s acting career and reshaped his life. Over two decades later, he’s still breaking barriers with bold, dynamic roles while using his journey to motivate and empower others.

When he’s not lighting up the screen, Kwame is all about family and fighting for change. He dedicates his time to guiding young actors and pulling at-risk youth away from the grips of the juvenile justice system.

This episode also features Shelton Benjamin, AEW's “Standard of Excellence” superstar, who joins the conversation to share how he’s giving back to his community and living by his own code.

Join us as Kwame takes us through his rise from the streets to the screen, sharing raw stories of resilience and his impact off-camera. This is a journey you won’t want to miss!

AEW’s Standard of Excellence: Shelton Benjamin’s Journey Beyond the Ring

You know the wrestler.
Meet the man rewriting his story—on his own terms.

Shelton Benjamin has dominated the wrestling world, leaving an indelible mark in WWE, NJPW, ROH, and now AEW as a member of “The Hurt Syndicate.” Known for his electrifying athleticism and record-breaking title reigns, Shelton’s journey spans decades of grit, glory, and reinvention. But now, he’s setting his sights on a new arena.

We sit down with Shelton to unpack his storied career—from growing up in Orangeburg, South Carolina and excelling in multiple sports, to winning collegiate championships. He shares candid insights about his transition to AEW and his ambitions beyond wrestling, including acting and voice-over work. Fans are in for a treat as Shelton reveals a side of himself rarely seen—his passion for storytelling and performance outside the ring.

Don’t miss this exclusive conversation with a legend exploring uncharted territory. Tune in to hear Shelton’s thoughts on his next chapter, his creative ambitions, and what’s driving him to redefine his legacy.

Dropout to Dealmaker: Ricky Blair’s $30M Journey

What if the kid who dropped out of school at 16 came back to sell his company for $30 million?

Ricky Blair didn’t follow the traditional path—but he forged one hell of a journey. This is the story of how mentorship, grit, and bold vision turned a teenage outsider into a game-changing entrepreneur.

At just 16, Ricky Blair left school feeling like the odds were stacked against him. A year later, a mentor unlocked his potential and set him on a path to defy expectations. Fueled by grit and unrelenting drive, Ricky entered London’s cutthroat real estate market, ready to prove everyone wrong.

By 24, he launched Hatton Real Estate, transforming the industry with bold ideas. Six years later, he sold it for $30 million. Now in Los Angeles, Ricky channels his success into Platform Seven, a mentoring platform reshaping how future leaders are made.

During this conversation, Ricky shares lessons from his rise, the power of mentorship, and his mission to inspire others to chase audacious goals. His story proves that with determination and vision, anyone can write their narrative.

Don’t miss this journey of resilience and reinvention. Tune in to discover how Ricky challenges the status quo and empowers others to own their success.

Pablo Hidalgo (Lucasfilm) – Part 2

If you thought Part 1 was epic—strap in. In the second half of our conversation with Pablo Hidalgo, Director of Franchise and Story at Lucasfilm, we go beyond “Star Wars” lore and into the heart of what makes a lifelong creative tick.

Pablo is one of the key architects behind the modern “Star Wars” galaxy. From vetting books, comics, and scripts to preserving continuity across decades of storytelling, his role keeps the galaxy far, far away on course.

In Part 2, Pablo opens up about his time embedded on the set of “Revenge of the Sith”, including how he landed a cameo in the opera scene (green robe and all). He also shares what it means to be a “story steward,” how trust was earned behind the scenes, and why passion—not planning—was the secret to his success.

Whether you're a fan of behind-the-scenes magic, filmmaking wisdom, or creative careers that don’t follow a straight line, this episode delivers.

And if you missed Part 1… trust us, you’ll want to go back.

Hit play and let’s make the jump to hyperspace—because the Force is strong with this one.

Pablo Hidalgo (Lucasfilm) – Part 1

Happy “Star Wars” Day! To celebrate May the 4th, we’re kicking off the Energis Podcast with a very special guest—Pablo Hidalgo, loremaster of a galaxy far, far away.

As the Director of Franchise and Story at Lucasfilm, Pablo has spent over two decades shaping and preserving the “Star Wars” galaxy. From advising top filmmakers on story accuracy to co-authoring essential “Star Wars” books, his fingerprints are on nearly every corner of the franchise.

In Part 1 of this exclusive two-part episode, Pablo shares how he went from passionate fan in Winnipeg to walking the halls of Skywalker Ranch. We dive into his early days, the wild story of his Lucasfilm job interview, and what it really means to be the “canon keeper” for one of the most beloved stories of all time.

So whether you're a lifelong fan or just love hearing how people turn passion into purpose—this one’s for you.

Hit play, and May the Force Be With You.

Energis Podcast Introduction

Forget the highlight reels. Welcome to the Energis Podcast—where the real stories live.

Hosted by Norma, an award-winning entertainment powerhouse, and Rich, a tech innovator with a knack for turning chaos into creativity, the Energis Podcast is about the grit behind the glory.

We’re having raw conversations with athletes, founders, artists, spiritual teachers, scientists—you name it. The ones who dared, fell flat, got back up, and built something bigger than themselves.

No fake motivation. No sugarcoated success stories. Just real, unfiltered journeys that light a fire under you.

If you’re ready to ditch the excuses, tap into your potential, and hear how the best actually get it done—you’re in the right place.

Energis Podcast isn’t here to just inspire you. We’re here to ignite you.