New Rock New Realm - Richard Sparks
01/31/25 • 64 min
This Week on the Podcast Richards Sparks stops by to discuss his new book New Rules New Realm. In this clip, he talks about the writing not being right for one story but might belong to another story.
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Richard Sparks was born in England, and a graduate of Oxford University (Exeter College, where, like both JRR Tolkien and Philip Pullman before him, he studied English Language and Literature), Richard started out as a writer of stage plays, comedy revues and TV, for such shows as Not the Nine O’clock News. Rowan Atkinson performed his Schoolmaster sketch in John Cleese’s The Secret Policeman’s Ball. UK TV credits include The Famous Five, The Flying Kiwi, The Optimist, The Worst of Hollywood, and a lot of script editing. On being hired by Columbia Pictures TV, Richard moved with his family to Los Angeles. His lyrics have been recorded by talents as diverse as Dom de Luise, Eric Idle, Vanessa Williams, and Plácido Domingo. He has written libretti for several new operas composed by Lee Holdridge (TV’s Beauty and the Beast, et al.), produced by the LA Opera, as well as writing new English versions of German and Italian classics. His non-fiction books, Diary of a Mad Poker Player, and its sequel, Getting Lucky, chronicle his adventures in the poker boom of the 2000s. Along the Cherry Lane is his biography of the music producer, Milt Okun.
“High Adventure Spiced with Low Comedy,” inspired by his love of online role-playing games, New Rock New Role is the first of four volumes Richard has written so far in the New Rock fantasy series and is his fiction debut. The Next book in the series is New Rock New Realm.
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Have a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: [email protected]
Audio production by Rich Zei of Third Ear Audio
Intro and Outro music compliments of Fast Suzi
Upcoming guests: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast
©2025 Better To...Podcast with D. M.Needom
This Week on the Podcast Richards Sparks stops by to discuss his new book New Rules New Realm. In this clip, he talks about the writing not being right for one story but might belong to another story.
****
Richard Sparks was born in England, and a graduate of Oxford University (Exeter College, where, like both JRR Tolkien and Philip Pullman before him, he studied English Language and Literature), Richard started out as a writer of stage plays, comedy revues and TV, for such shows as Not the Nine O’clock News. Rowan Atkinson performed his Schoolmaster sketch in John Cleese’s The Secret Policeman’s Ball. UK TV credits include The Famous Five, The Flying Kiwi, The Optimist, The Worst of Hollywood, and a lot of script editing. On being hired by Columbia Pictures TV, Richard moved with his family to Los Angeles. His lyrics have been recorded by talents as diverse as Dom de Luise, Eric Idle, Vanessa Williams, and Plácido Domingo. He has written libretti for several new operas composed by Lee Holdridge (TV’s Beauty and the Beast, et al.), produced by the LA Opera, as well as writing new English versions of German and Italian classics. His non-fiction books, Diary of a Mad Poker Player, and its sequel, Getting Lucky, chronicle his adventures in the poker boom of the 2000s. Along the Cherry Lane is his biography of the music producer, Milt Okun.
“High Adventure Spiced with Low Comedy,” inspired by his love of online role-playing games, New Rock New Role is the first of four volumes Richard has written so far in the New Rock fantasy series and is his fiction debut. The Next book in the series is New Rock New Realm.
******
If you would like to contact the show about being a guest please email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_d.m.needom/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettertopodcastwithdmneedom
Have a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: [email protected]
Audio production by Rich Zei of Third Ear Audio
Intro and Outro music compliments of Fast Suzi
Upcoming guests: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast
©2025 Better To...Podcast with D. M.Needom
Previous Episode
You're A Star - The Hat Ladies
This week I sit down with Lisa and Joanie from The Hat Ladies. We discuss their musical journey and so much more.
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The Hat Ladies consists of Lisa Pimentel and Joanie Pimentel, sisters, and veteran music teachers who also write songs and produce music.
The Hat Ladies has released a children's music album titled, "You're a Star" and it is available on all streaming platforms. The children's music album features songs about going to school, going to bed, missing loved ones when they're away, and other topics inspired by their extensive experience working with children in the classroom. This music was written and meant for people of all ages.
The children's music album "You're a Star" by The Hat Ladies is available on all streaming platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, etc.
For more information on The Hat Ladies, visit: https://thehatladiesmusic.com
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If you would like to contact the show about being a guest please email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_d.m.needom/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettertopodcastwithdmneedom
Have a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: [email protected]
Audio production by Rich Zei of Third Ear Audio
Intro and Outro music compliments of Fast Suzi
Upcoming guests: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast
©2025 Better To...Podcast with D. M.Needom
Next Episode
He/Hymn - Lenny Zenith
Lenny Zenith is more than an artist—he’s a trailblazer in the transgender community, whose life and music have broken boundaries and shattered stereotypes. His career, spanning decades, includes leading iconic bands like Jenifer Convertible, Tenterhooks, Minor Planets, Pop Comb, and RZA as well as his collaborations with industry legends like James Murphy and Wharton Tiers. Lenny’s genre-bending sound draws from his Cuban heritage, merging rock with jazz, electronica, and orchestral ballads, resulting in a body of work that’s as diverse as it is powerful.
Lenny’s journey as a transgender man began in his youth in New Orleans, where he struggled to find acceptance while facing the challenges of adolescence. As a young transgender person, he found sanctuary at NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts) and life-saving support from two compassionate doctors at Tulane Medical Center, who guided him through a difficult time.
Yet, even with this support, Lenny’s path was filled with hurdles. Outed in high school by a classmate, Lenny was forced to leave McMain Magnet School (New Orleans), completing his education in isolation. Despite these challenges, his strength and determination led him to continue his musical career, though his transgender identity remained hidden from the public eye for many years. Fear for his safety kept him silent, but Lenny’s artistic expression always reflected his inner truth.
Now, Lenny is no longer silent. In 2018, he fully embraced his identity with the release of What If The Sun, followed by the 2022 trans anthem “Where Is Safe,” a powerful response to the growing threats against transgender people, particularly youth, in the United States. With He/Hymn, Lenny steps forward once again—boldly sharing his story through music that speaks to the universal need for acceptance, love, and healing.
With He/Hymn, Lenny Zenith’s artistic vision reaches new heights, showcasing both his growth as an artist and the assured power of his voice. It is a remarkable testament to his journey and his extraordinary talent.
His music doesn’t just resonate with the transgender community—it speaks to anyone who has ever felt different, isolated, or in search of their true self. He/Hymn is a testament to his strength as both an artist and a transgender advocate, offering hope and a reminder that music, like identity, is a force of transformation and empowerment
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If you would like to contact the show about being a guest please email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_d.m.needom/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettertopodcastwithdmneedom
Audio production by Rich Zei of Third Ear Audio
Intro and Outro music compliments of Fast Suzi
©2025 Better To...Podcast with D. M.Needom
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