Hot Seat: Media Monday Author/Artist/Outdoorsman Mark Usyk, Writer/Blogger Jess Santacroce & Newport Short Films Showcase 5-26-25
This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday, I have a conversation with two creative powerhouses: artist, author, and outdoorsman Mark Usyk, and writer, blogger, and teacher Jess Santacroce.
Mark brings a fascinating mix of experience and creativity to the table. From hot rod fabricator and blacksmith to wood-burning artist and passionate fly fisherman, his journey is anything but ordinary. He shares how the natural world—especially his favorite stretch of water, the Oriskany Creek (or “Crick,” If you ask me)—shapes his artistic vision and fuels his imagination. His approach to art is deeply connected to the materials he uses, giving each piece a unique character and story.
Jess offers a thoughtful look into the writing process, reflecting on how prayer and purpose guide her work. She opens up about the challenges of writer’s block and staying connected to her audience in an ever-changing digital world. Together, she and Mark explore the ups and downs of creative life—and how they keep showing up with heart and purpose.
Also featured in this episode: a video report from the Newport Short Film Showcase, packed with fresh voices and innovative storytelling.
Mark Usyk is online at Facebook and Instagram. Read his blog at https://www.jprossflyrods.com/blogs/streamer-junkie and buy his books on Amazon. Jess Santacroce’s blog is online at https://www.955theheat.com/the-heat-beat-read-about-the-music-of-phoenix-radio-and-beyond. Buy her books on Amazon.
Jonathan Brooks/ DJ J-Easy is the sound engineer. He is online at Facebook.com/easyatm315, Instagram.com/j_easy315/, and https://on.soundcloud.com/XGKd3e4AZeNtrD2X9
Jim Hale is the photographer and records the show for video and podcast streaming. He is online at Jim Hale (@instanteon) • Instagram photos and videos
Nabil Khan is the entertainment correspondent for Hot Seat: Media Monday. Nabil is online at Letterboxd.com/1andonlynabk/and Instagram.com/instanab.k/.
Brian Lazore and Lazore Photography are online at lazorephotography.smugmug.com, Facebook.com/LazorePhotography, https://www.threads.net/@lazorephotography and YouTube.com/@LazorePhotography. The Off The Record with Lazore Photography podcast is online at Spotify and Amazon Music
Ron Klopfanstein is an award-winning multimedia investigative journalist, news and producer for 95.5 FM “The Heat” broadcast and streaming. He hosts Hot Seat: Media Monday every Monday at 5 pm, broadcast on 95.5 FM and streaming at 955TheHeat.com. Podcasts at: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nbrIF49K56OxbPljuw1Lv?si=7e000e7279f54c2a Like him at Facebook.com/ReadRonKlopfanstein, Follow him at Bsky.app/profile/ronklopfanstein.bsky.social, Threads.net/@RonKlopfanstein, Instagram.com/RonKlopfanstein, Tiktok.com/@ronklopfanstein, and subscribe to his channel at YouTube.com/@RonKlopfanstein. Read all his work at Muckrack.com/ron-klopfanstein.
