Past Forward Now

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Past Forward Now

Past Forward Now is a podcast celebrating music, film, and culture through the real people behind them. Each episode features a candid, long-form conversation with authors, musicians, actors, doctors, and everyday voices sharing stories of struggle, growth, and perseverance. From breakthroughs and setbacks to reinvention and redemption, the show explores resilience and what it takes to move through the past, live fully in the present, and face life with courage and hope.

Past Forward Now

Past Forward Now is a podcast celebrating music, film, and culture through the real people behind them. Each episode features a candid, long-form conversation with authors, musicians, actors, doctors, and everyday voices sharing stories of struggle, growth, and perseverance. From breakthroughs and setbacks to reinvention and redemption, the show explores resilience and what it takes to move through the past, live fully in the present, and face life with courage and hope.

OUR SPECIAL GUESTS

On Ep 02: A Moment with Billy West, we sat down with legendary voice actor Billy West for an honest and inspiring conversation about perseverance, identity, and creative purpose. Long before becoming the voice behind some of the most beloved animated characters in history, Billy faced significant challenges growing up — navigating ADHD, autism, and a difficult childhood filled with obstacles that could have easily defined his future. Instead, those early struggles became the foundation for his empathy, depth, and extraordinary versatility as a performer. Billy opens up about the speed bumps in his career, the moments of doubt, and the resilience it took to keep moving forward. He reflects on how embracing who he truly is — rather than masking it — became his greatest strength. His upcoming book, Voice-A-Versa (available July 14th), dives even deeper into the journey behind the voices, the battles behind the scenes, and the lessons learned along the way.

On Ep 04: A Moment with Suki Lopez, we sat down with the incredibly talented Suki Lopez for an open and fun conversation about her journey in entertainment and life beyond the stage.

Reflecting on her 10 years on Sesame Street, Suki shares what the experience has meant to her both professionally and personally. She opens up about family, navigating life and creativity with ADHD, and what really happens behind the scenes of the Disney Cruise Line.

From her time performing in West Side Story to running her own dance studio, Suki discusses the passion that drives her work and the discipline it takes to build a lasting creative career. She also speaks candidly about balancing a demanding schedule with family life—offering insight into the perseverance, authenticity, and heart that fuel everything she does.

On Episode 06 of Past Forward Now, we sat down with legendary voice actor James Arnold Taylor for an honest and inspiring conversation that goes far beyond the microphone.

Best known for bringing beloved characters to life across animation and video games—including Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Ratchet in Ratchet & Clank, and Leonardo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—James has built a remarkable career in voice acting. But in this conversation, the focus is on the journey behind the success.

James shares the story of his origin in voice acting, the early influences that shaped his path, and the persistence it took to break into the industry. He also reflects on the deeply personal side of his life—how he met his wife and the life they’ve built together, including the beautiful and life-changing gift of adoption.

Throughout the conversation, James speaks openly about the role faith has played in his life, especially during some of the most difficult seasons he and his family have faced. His perspective on perseverance, gratitude, and purpose is both moving and encouraging.

We also talk about several of his current projects, including his new film Hidden Blessings, his inspirational book JAT 365: 365 Daily Inspirations for the Pursuit of Your Dreams, and his personal podcast Talking to Myself with James Arnold Taylor, where he shares reflections, encouragement, and wisdom drawn from his own experiences.

This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every great career is a human story—one shaped by faith, family, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward even through the hardest times.

COMING APRIL 15TH, 2026

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