“Everything Was Fine And Then It Wasn’t”
How It All Began
When the System Failed, They Began To Fight Back—With Awareness, Art, Advocacy, and Relentless Hope.In One Moment They Stood Still With A Deadly Diagnosis and Found the Quiet Strength of Two Hearts.Rewriting the Rules: Inside One Couple’s Mission to Break the Silence Around Men’s Health.
No Plan B: Jefferey and Lisa’s Story of Resilience, Reinvention, and Reckoning
The lights glowed softly over the bar at Princeton’s legendary Yankee Doodle Tap Room, casting a golden hue over the polished wood and the murmured conversations of alumni arriving early for the weekend’s festivities. Lisa and Jefferey sat side by side, toasting quietly to something deeper than nostalgia—survival.
They had come a day ahead of Lisa’s 40th reunion, not for the parties or the photo ops, but for a moment of stillness. A pause. After more than two years of relentless medical, emotional, and professional storms, they craved something simple and human: a good meal, a warm smile, and the luxury of exhaling.
The unraveling had begun in late 2022. A major, nasty legal battle with Lisa’s family. A promising venture that once held their future in its hands collapsed with little warning killing green lit delivery and revenue. The loss was both professional and personal—forcing Jefferey, once a celebrated entrepreneurial CMO/CCO in men’s health innovation, to begin again at the start of 2023. But even that reset would pale in comparison to what followed.
Just before New Year’s Eve, an unassuming message from a Chicago hospital delivered a blow no one saw coming: a 95% chance of prostate cancer.
Time warped. Appointments blurred. Fatigue—once a symptom of stress—grew into something darker, heavier. They sought second opinions, first from local doctors, then from the Mayo Clinic, spurred by Jefferey’s near-fainting episodes and increasing distrust in the care he was receiving. The diagnosis came quickly: aggressive prostate cancer. Treatment was urgent.
But then, the plan shifted again.
A prior procedure had left Jefferey ineligible for surgery. The call from Mayo changed everything. There would be no “clean removal.” Instead, Jefferey was prescribed a grueling new path: six to seven weeks of daily radiation, hormone-suppressing injections twice a year, and oral chemotherapy every day for two years. The idea of a quick fix was gone. What lay ahead was a battle of attrition.
But here’s where the story bends—where despair meets purpose.
Jefferey wasn’t new to this world. Years earlier, he had led the charge at a revolutionary men’s health clinic, breaking the silence around subjects men rarely dared to speak about: prostate health, erectile dysfunction, vulnerability. He had crafted campaigns that shook up the medical industry and rewrote the narrative around masculinity and care.
Now, the spotlight turned inward. The patient became the messenger.
He adopted a mantra: FC—Because There Is No Plan B. It wasn’t just a slogan. It was a lifeline. A battle cry for the men who delay, deny, and deflect until it’s too late. For the partners and families caught in the quiet wreckage of silence. For the caregivers, like Lisa, who hold the weight of two hearts at once.
As they sat that night in Princeton, Lisa and Jefferey weren’t just recovering. They were recommitting—to each other, to the mission, and to the idea that sharing their story might help another couple arrive at an earlier diagnosis, a better outcome, or the strength to face the unthinkable.
The reunion weekend was about more than college memories it became an incredible, loving support experience from so many of our friends.
The Expressing myself started with one t-shirt became a catalyst for the book
So,What Does “FC” Really Stand For Anyway?
Certainly it means find cancer or fix cancer or fight cancer and of course … When I first had the vision during radiation treatment it gave me an opening to create a bold, branded look that immediately sparks recognition and invites personal interpretation. It’s not just a design—it’s a statement, a catalyst for conversation, and a way for individuals to express their own connection to its meaning.
For some, FC represents Focus & Commitment—the unwavering drive to push forward with no Plan B.
For others, it stands for Fearless Confidence—a reminder that boldness, resilience, and self-belief shape their path.
To a fighter, it’s Fight & Conquer—overcoming obstacles with unshakable determination.
To a dreamer, it means Forge & Create—turning vision into reality, knowing success comes from dedication.
For families and friends, it’s a shared mantra: Faith & Connection—a bond that strengthens with every challenge.
However you see it, FC is a movement. A mindset. A way of showing the world that you don’t back down, because there is no Plan B.
Think about what FC could mean to you.
Expressing myself started with one t-shirt nos that has become a catalyst
Now Is The Time To Start New, Real Conversations and Save Lives
During The Early To Mid 1990’s A Young, Creative and Before It Was The Way Of Building A Small, Start-Up Men’s Medical Practice Being Disruptive and Everywhere Possible To Build It Into A Nationally Recognized Brand That Helped Tell The Story That Helped Hundreds Of Thousands Of Men and There Partners Find a Diagnosis and Treatment. Our approach created conversations. Those Conversations Turned Into Action To Be Seen By A Medical Professional That Often Times Recognized An Underlying Condition, Including Previously Unrecognized or Undiagnosed Prostate Cancer Who Without Being Screened Might Have Had To Suffer Needlessly And Unsuccessfully With Prostate Cancer.
That Disrupter Was Me. And Now I Am Not Just Disrupting. Now, I Am A Part Of The Conversation As A Stage IV Cancer Patient.
Prostate cancer is a silent threat—one that thrives on lack of conversation, fear, and misinformation too many men avoid discussing their health leading to late diagnosisand unnecessary loss of life. Because There Is No Plan B™ exists tochange that reality breaking the silence and fostering meaningful, life-saving conversations about prostate cancer where men live, work, and play.
Seriously. What Are We Pretending Not To Know?
“Tell Them and They Hear, Show Them and They See, Involve Them And They Understand”
- Get men talking—with their wives, families, friends, colleagues, and care providers from writing, art, conversations to speaking,
- Create a recognizable, engaging look and attitude brand that gets the attention of a variety of people who have their individual idea of what FC means to them and the essence of what Because There’s No Plan B™ is and could be for them, someone they know, their family, wife, friends or who just might want a conversation about the brand.
- This brand, or conversation gets life from using things like the FC Branded Water Bottle as Radiation Patients know how important that water is to their treatment. Wearables such as hats and T-shirts also bring life to this project.
- Create opportunities for these conversations in everyday life, so they happen naturally—before it’s too late for myself and many, many others.
- Encourage early detection, informed decisions, and better health outcomes.
- Create Awareness and urgency, thru media, online, with organizations such as Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, the American Cancer Society, The Call of The Soul Foundation and many others.
- Do It Now because for me every moment of every day matters and we just don’t know what that looks like, so why take the chance not to be able to create a meaningful way, use my experience and knowledge instead of not doing so
Here’s How Together We’re Going To Make This Happen
- Pre-release special pricing to those that order the book in advance, as well as revenue from the soon to be available podcast and any speaking appearances.
- Finish The Book & Audio Book for release by summer.
- Create, Produce and Distribute The Podcast beginning this spring.
- Create Awareness For The Brand , Encourage early detection and urgency thru bloggers, influencers, other podcasts, with organizations such as Mayo Clinic and main stream media based on years of working with PR and Creative Clients by creating awareness, social media and continuing to consume and become attached to relevant news and events related to prostate cancer.
- Continue To Grow Relationships With The Team At Mayo Continuing to gain insight, information and collaboration with my palliative care team, researchers and fellow cancer patients.
- Work and Live Each Day as it is a gift that needs to be appreciated with kindness, learning, love and as if it were the last.
- I/we need your help to make this happen thru donation, grants, book and merchandise sales and/or appearance fees.
- More than anything I’ve done in the past number of years, I want this book to be a catalyst that can make a difference for so many men and their families because prostate cancer is a silent threat—one that thrives on lack of conversation, fear, and misinformation which more than not leads to too many men avoid discussing their health, leading to late diagnoses and unnecessary loss of life.
- Because There Is No Plan B™ exists to change that reality by breaking the silence and fostering meaningful, life-saving conversations about prostate cancer where men live, work, and play. I know because now I am one of them.
which in turn has become more fuel beginning a focus on writing and speaking
The Book |FC:Because There Is No Plan B
COMING THIS SUMMER
FC: Because There Is No Plan B is a raw, honest memoir by Jefferey Cornett—a former senior communications executive, entrepreneur, children’s television host, musician, and author—that chronicles his personal battle with advanced prostate cancer. Available in both book and audiobook formats, this narrative offers an unfiltered look at a multifaceted career and a shocking, life-altering diagnosis.
In the mid-1990s, Jefferey Cornett helped revolutionize men’s health as the CMO/CCO for a start up to IPO national men’s specialty practice for men—a pioneering initiative that broke the silence on topics like mens’s sexual health, prostate cancer and paved the way for innovations such as Viagra. Despite his influential role in advancing men’s health, he once believed he knew what to look for and was invincible until aggressive prostate cancer hit him unexpectedly, accidentally shattering that illusion and everything around he and his spouse.
This story not only exposes the dangerous myths surrounding prostate cancer—such as the beliefs that it only affects older men or that one need not be screened if they feel fine—but also highlights how these misconceptions contribute to delayed diagnoses and rising death rates. With over 35,000 prostate cancer deaths expected in the U.S. this year alone and global cases projected to nearly double by 2040, his memoir is a call to action for greater awareness, early detection, and expanded access to diagnostic tools.
More than just his own story, FC: Because There Is No Plan B weaves in the experiences of thousands of patients, families, and caregivers. It is a testament to resilience and healing, enriched with reflections on how creativity, art, and musichave played a vital role in balancing life’s challenges. Through his candid journey, he works to inspires not only his wife, Lisa, and their family, but othersfacing health battles, urging everyone to fight for change and never settle for a Plan B.
Part One: Reality, What A Concept Facing the Diagnosis, the Damage, and the Myths
Chapter 1: Princeton : The Last Dance or The First Step The moment of diagnosis and the impact of a botched HOLEP procedure to the last dance at Princeton Reunions. What the Class of ’84 Reunions revealed about life, mortality, and love
Chapter 2: This Wasn’t Supposed to Happen
Navigating disbelief, systemic failure, and trying to get answers
Chapter 3: Experiencing and Connecting
What the Class of ’84 Reunions revealed about life, mortality, and love
Chapter 4: Lisa’s Side of the Story The voice of a caregiver, journalist, wife—raw, real, and resolute
Chapter 5: A History of Men’s Silence Cultural silence around men’s health, father-son dynamics, and the deadly delay
Part Two: What We’ve Learned (The Hard Way) Navigating a Broken System—and Building Something Stronger
Chapter 6: The Myths of Prostate CancerWhat the data actually says
Chapter 7: Doctors Aren’t Gods: Advocacy is Survival How second opinions, research, and family saved our lives
Chapter 8: Side Effects No One Talks About Incontinence, ED, fatigue, fear, grief, and what “survival” really looks like
Chapter 9: The Spouse Is the First Responder The emotional, financial, and physical toll on caregivers—and how to cope
Chapter 10: Men, This Is Your Wake-Up Call PSA tests, lifestyle changes, mental health, and showing up for yourself
Chapter 11: Your Voice Can Save Lives From silence to activism—starting conversations that shift outcomes
Part Three: Legacy in Motion Creating FC: Because There Is No Plan B and The T-Shirt That Started It All
Chapter 12: Art, Music, and Advocacy: The FC Platform is Born How creativity became the engine of survival
Chapter 13: No Plan B: The Campaign, the Community, the Conversations
Launching the movement
Chapter 14: Stories That Must Be Told Other men and families we’ve met along the way—grit, grace, and truth
Chapter 15: The Role of Women: From Caregiver to Catalyst Featuring the voices of wives, daughters, doctors, and partners
Chapter 16: Our Vision for What Comes Next Where we go from here—events, education, legacy planning, funding the fight
Part Four: In Spite of Everything Finding Joy, Purpose, and Peace
Chapter 17: Waking Up With Purpose Living each day with intention
Chapter 18: We’re Not Waiting to Die—We’re Learning to Live Humor, ritual, music, and making space for joy
Chapter 19: What If This Is the Gift? The strange clarity that comes when nothing is guaranteed and meaning is revealed
Chapter 20: Letters I Have Written to Lisa, Daughters, God Child, Family, Friends and the Next Man Who Will Hear the Words “You Have Cancer”
For those who read life like art—and live it like truth.
creating another conversation option this summer with our
Subscription Based News Letter
FC | Because There Is No Plan B Newsletter is a weekly dispatch and creative signal flare from the edge of what’s real—where illness, art, advocacy, and survival intersect. Beginning in September 2025.
Created by Stage IV Cancer Patient, artist and storyteller Jefferey Cornett, along with his wife, Lisa Barron, this newsletter shares personal essays, original artwork, interviews, and tools for those navigating life without a script. Some days, you’ll receive a quick insight—a quote, a prompt, a moment of clarity—to remind you that you’re not alone in the unknown.
Each week, you’ll get:
- A powerful story or reflection
- A featured piece of art and its backstory
- A conversation with someone reshaping what strength looks like
- Select daily drops: one-liners, hard truths, and moments of pause
This is for people who want to live deliberately—who see the invisible ink between events, and know healing is an act of creation.
Created by artist and storyteller Jefferey Cornett, this newsletter shares personal essays, original artwork, interviews, and tools for those navigating life without a script. Some days, you’ll receive a quick insight—a quote, a prompt, a moment of clarity—to remind you that you’re not alone in the unknown.
This isn’t just a newsletter—it’s a witness to what happens when life demands everything, and you choose to answer with art, advocacy, and truth.
Each weekly edition delivers a curated blend of:
- From The Heart: Notes and Shares
- Stories from Jefferey’s ongoing journey with stage IV cancer—written with unflinching honesty, humor, and depth.
- Whether it’s recounting a day at the Mayo Clinic, reflecting on a decades-long music career, or navigating the emotional terrain of caregiving, each dispatch brings readers into the raw center of what it means to keep going.
- Sample title: “The Art of Showing Up: What My Sketchbook Taught Me About Radiation Recovery”
Voices That Matter
Conversations with other survivors, caregivers, doctors, artists, and thinkers who are living between the lines—those reshaping what strength, recovery, purpose, or masculinity looks like today.
Sample guest:
- A palliative care nurse who moonlights as a poet.
- A distillery owner whose mother’s diagnosis led to a whiskey brand that donates to cancer research.
- Jefferey’s wife, Lisa Barron—an award-winning journalist and producer—on caregiving, partnership, and what it means to keep loving through it all.
The Creative Survival Kit
A rotating section featuring tools, prompts, books, and creative practices that have helped Jefferey and others stay grounded in their purpose.
Daily Insights (2–3x per week)
Short emails—quick to read, impossible to ignore. They’re the pauses between the full pages. A breath. A truth. A quote. A flash of clarity.
A rotating section featuring tools, prompts, books, and creative practices that have helped Jefferey and others stay grounded in their purpose.
Examples:
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“You are not here to explain your pain to anyone who cannot sit still.”
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“Some days, surviving is the art.”
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“Legacy begins when silence ends.”
These aren’t motivational posters. They’re creative signals for real life.
Who It’s For
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People navigating illness, grief, or caregiving
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Artists and writers or wanna be artists and writers craving deeper purpose
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Advocates and change-makers who believe art has power
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Anyone who’s ever thought, “There has to be more to this.”
then it becomes motivation more conversation and motivation thru listening
The Because There Is No Plan B Podcast
In a world where silence can be deadly, FC: Because There Is No Plan B is a bold new podcast that confronts one of the biggest barriers to men’s health—talking about it. Hosted by Jefferey Cornett, this series dives deep into the unspoken struggles men face when it comes to cancer, particularly prostate cancer, and how their reluctance to discuss it with friends, family, colleagues, and even their own spouses often leads to late diagnoses and lost chances at life-saving treatment.
Many men discover they have cancer by accident—during a routine physical or while seeking care for an unrelated issue. Others don’t talk about it until it’s too late. Why? Because the stigma, myths, and fears surrounding men’s health keep them in the dark. This podcast aims to change that.
Through candid conversations with survivors, medical experts, spouses, and advocates, we explore the real-life impact of this disease and break down the barriers that keep men from getting the care they need. We challenge the culture of silence, giving men and their loved ones the tools and encouragement to start these life-saving conversations—because ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away.
Our mission? To make these discussions happen—to help men and their spouses ask the right questions, seek the right information, and take control of their health before it’s too late. Because every day is a gift—and knowing the truth can mean the difference between living fully or not living at all.
Podcast Interview
Ray founded The Call Of The Soul with the dream of helping the planet by working with the key areas of business, education, and families.After finishing his doctorate in psychology, Ray worked in various treatment modalities that included hospitals, residential treatment, drug and alcohol, rape crises, and suicide prevention.
A three-sport athlete in high school, Ray also found a home in martial arts. He opened his first school in the mid-1980s and achieved the rank of 8th Degree black belt in both Taekwondo and Kenpo. He also achieved a 1st-degree black belt in Kobudo (Traditional Ancient Weapons). While not formally teaching martial arts anymore, he shares his passion for the arts with his church in small groups and is a self-proclaimed ‘gym rat.’
In 2003, Ray went back to school and completed seminary, and was ordained in 2005 as an Interfaith Minister. He continues to live a faith-based life but is passionate about honoring everyone’s choice in how they view the Divine.Currently, he is teaching at various colleges in the Bay Area in the area of psychology while serving on the college’s Executive Board for the district.
Ray has written over a dozen books and courses, many of which can be found on the site, with several still waiting to be published. The books and courses are varied and cover a wide range of topics that include business, family dynamics, transformation, and education.He is a gifted speaker, coach, consultant, and trainer.
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ray has two adult children and continues to live there with his wife, Linda, and their house full of pets.
While he is accomplished, what he is most excited about is the mission to elevate the planet by serving, and connecting with amazing people in as many ways as possible and having a fun and exciting time while doing it.
Like you, I was born with parents and grandparents. They have been gone for years but there isn’t ONE day that I don’t think about them. You see, my parents worked very hard but didn’t really take care of themselves very well.
Retirement health is KEY.
I wish they had taken better care of themselves as I miss them terribly and I would have loved to have them see my kids grow up.
Learn more about this book and many others by Ray
There’s A Lot Of Myths About This
Myths and Misunderstandings About Prostate Cancer And A Big Why More Often Than Not Keeping Men from Early Detection
Prostate cancer doesn’t begin in silence but too often, it ends there.
From barbershops to boardrooms, locker rooms to living rooms, there’s no shortage of opinions but far too little truth. The conversation around prostate cancer is filled with outdated beliefs, fear-based avoidance, and generational silence. And it’s costing men their lives.
Some say it’s an “old man’s disease.” Others believe it’s slow-moving and harmless. Many assume they’ll know when something is wrong.
But here’s the truth:
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You can be young.
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You can feel fine.
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You can have no symptoms at all.
Prostate cancer especially aggressive and metastatic types doesn’t wait for you to get ready. It doesn’t care about myths. It moves. Quietly. Fast.
And the communities most at risk Black men, men with family history, veterans, and underserved populations are often the least informed, least screened, and least supported.
Here’s A Big WHY More Often Than Not Keeps Men from Early Detection
- Because we’re taught that strength means silence.
- That pain should be swallowed.
- That “real men” don’t ask for help.
But strength isn’t silence.
It’s showing up. Speaking up. Checking in.
- The truth is, early detection saves lives.
- The myth is, you’ll look weak for asking.
- And that myth has killed far too many men.
This is why FC exists.
- To break the silence.
- To confront the myths.
- To make sure men and the people who love them, don’t find out too late.
Because there is no Plan B™.
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Why This Matters And A Call To Action
- Men’s reluctance to talk about prostate cancer proactively is literally killing them. By bringing conversations into workplaces, homes, social spaces, digital platforms, and support networks, we can normalize discussions, encourage screenings, and ultimately save lives.
- The hope and goal of creating this book is to encourage you to help start the conversation beginning with you while encouraging others to be screened and become a part of this vision.
- The choice isn’t between talking or not talking it’s between life or loss.
- Read the book or listen to it.
- Let’s make these conversations happen enrich, help those with the disease live fuller, healthier lives and create awareness and urgency to make preventative understanding and actions a part of every man’s must do now checklist.
INTRODUCING
FC | Because There Is No Plan B™ Merchandise
The shirt that started it all. FC: Because There Is No Plan B™ isn’t just a shirt, it’s a statement of relentless determination. Designed for those who refuse to quit, this bold and minimalist design embodies a mindset of perseverance, grit, and unwavering commitment.Branded FC / Because There Is No Plan B™ merchandise plays a vital role in expanding the project’s reach, strengthening emotional resonance, and creating both symbolic and tangible value. Here’s a breakdown of its importance across four core areas:
Building the Brand
Branded merchandise transforms our message into a wearable, visible identity. Every t-shirt, hoodie, mug, or tote becomes a mobile billboard, reinforcing the core themes of resilience, truth-telling, and purpose. It gives our supporters a way to wear the mission, making them living extensions of the FC brand. When well-designed, merchandise also solidifies aesthetic cohesion and helps establish a recognizable visual language across platforms.
Creating Awareness
Merchandise serves as a conversation starter. Whether seen on the street, at events, or on social media, each item sparks curiosity and questions: What is “No Plan B”? Who’s behind this? Where can I learn more? When supporters wear or share these pieces, they organically extend the campaign’s visibility far beyond our immediate network. Strategic use of limited editions, collaborations, or cause-based drops can further amplify reach and engagement.
Driving Revenue
Branded merchandise provides a sustainable revenue stream that supports the broader FC ecosystem funding content, events, advocacy, and storytelling efforts. Unlike donations or sponsorships, merchandise offers a value exchange that benefits both sides: supporters gain something meaningful and stylish, and the project receives essential funding. Bundles with books, art prints, or podcast episodes can increase average order value and deepen the relationship.
Fostering a Sense of Team and Community
Wearing or owning branded merchandise becomes a badge of belonging. It cultivates a shared identity among supporters, caregivers, creatives, survivors, and advocates. For collaborators, it’s also a unifying thread that reinforces commitment to the mission. Whether it’s staff wearing it during interviews or fans posting selfies in FC gear, this shared symbolism builds camaraderie and collective pride in the movement’s message: there is no plan B only forward.
FC Because There Is No Plan B Book
FC: Because There Is No Plan B is a bold, personal, and unfiltered look at what it means to live—and fight—with Stage IV metastatic prostate cancer.
Told through essays, artwork, journal entries, and creative reflections, this powerful book chronicles the journey of Jefferey Cornett: artist, songwriter, advocate, and founder of the FC Platform. It’s a story of grit, grace, and refusing to go quietly.
This is not your typical cancer story. It’s about breaking silence, challenging medical myths, exposing gendered gaps in advocacy, and showing how creativity can be a lifeline. Whether you’re a patient, partner, loved one, caregiver, or ally—this book will stir your heart, sharpen your voice, and remind you why truth matters.
If you’ve ever asked, “What now?”—this book is your answer.
Because when there’s no Plan B, you make Plan A count.
FC Stainless Steel Water Bottle – “Find. Fight. Fix. Forward.” Edition
Stay hydrated. Stay bold.
This matte black stainless steel water bottle features the striking FC logo—Because There Is No Plan B—prominently framed across the front. Below, in crisp minimalist typography, the FC ethos is printed in red and white:
FIND. FIGHT. FIX. FORWARD.
With a metal lid, flip straw, and durable double-wall insulation, it’s built for movement—just like the mission. Whether you’re heading to treatment, the studio, or the frontlines of advocacy, this bottle goes with you.
Details:
- 32 oz. double-wall insulated stainless steel
- Matte black finish with brushed silver accents
- Leak-resistant lid with flip-up straw and carry loop
- Keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours
- Hand wash recommended
This isn’t just a water bottle. It’s a call to action.
FC Blue Blanket – “Wrap the Truth” Edition
Soft enough for comfort. Strong enough for the cause.
The FC Blue Blanket is more than warmth—it’s witness. Crafted in rich navy fleece and embroidered with the bold white FC insignia, this blanket is made for hospital rooms, healing spaces, gallery benches, or nights when the weight of the story needs a place to land.
Whether you drape it over your shoulders, lay it across a chair, or pass it to someone in the fight, it says what words sometimes can’t:
You’re not alone. You matter. Your story counts.
Details:
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Plush navy blue fleece
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50″ x 60″ size
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Embroidered FC lightning mark and “No Plan B” slogan
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Machine washable
Wrap yourself in something real. Because comfort isn’t weakness—it’s part of the fight.
FC Lunch Bag – “Fuel the Fight” Edition
Not just for sandwiches. This bag carries strength.
The FC Lunch Bag is a bold, insulated carrier designed for those on the move—from infusion days and long commutes to quiet studio sessions and recovery breaks. Black with the unmistakable FC logo—“Because There Is No Plan B”—it reminds you that nourishment is fuel for the fight.
Whether you’re packing meals, meds, or moments of peace, this lunch bag stands for more than convenience. It’s a symbol of preparation, survival, and purpose.
Details:
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Durable insulated material
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Easy-carry handle
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Zippered closure
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FC logo front and center
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Wipe-clean interior
Eat. Heal. Speak. Repeat.
Because even in the smallest routines, the mission continues
FC Because There Is No Plan B Audio
Audiobook Edition – Read by the Author
Some stories are meant to be heard. This one demands it.
In the audiobook edition of FC: Because There Is No Plan B, Jefferey Cornett doesn’t just tell his story—he voices it. With raw clarity, poetic grit, and unwavering resolve, he invites listeners into the heart of a Stage IV prostate cancer diagnosis—and the art, advocacy, and fight that followed.
Told in his own words and voice, this immersive audio journey blends memoir, spoken word, original reflections, and behind-the-scenes commentary. You’ll hear the silence that nearly broke him, the words that pulled him through, and the mission that wouldn’t let him go.
Whether you’re driving, walking, healing, or searching for meaning, this audiobook gives you more than a story—it gives you purpose, power, and proof that even in the face of death, your voice still matters.
Includes exclusive audio-only content:
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Studio-recorded narration by Jefferey Cornett
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Original music interludes
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Bonus reflections not available in the print edition
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A closing message for those still in the fight
Because there is no Plan B. There’s only now.
The FC Bracelet
Show them. Tell them. Involve them.
This isn’t just a bracelet—it’s a call to witness, to act, and to support the fight.
Packaged in a bold keepsake box featuring the founder’s own words and image, the FC Original Bracelet is a minimalist black silicone band stamped in stark white with the message:“BECAUSE THERE IS NO PLAN B.”
Wear it to honor the journey, raise awareness, and help others see the urgency of the mission. Every purchase supports advocacy, art, and direct storytelling in the battle against metastatic prostate cancer.
Details:
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Durable, flexible black silicone
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Debossed and ink-filled FC message
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Ships in a custom collector’s box
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Quote inside: “Show them and they see; tell them and they hear; involve them and they understand.” – Confucius
Wear your support. Help me help others.
THE FC MERCHANDISE CATALOG
THE FC MEDIUM SIZE TOTE
Art. Advocacy. Urgency. In your hands.
This heavyweight FC Tote Bag carries more than just your essentials—it carries the mission. Crafted in natural canvas with bold black handles and the unmistakable “Because There Is No Plan B” message front and center, this tote is made for those who live with intention.
From chemo days to gallery nights, grocery runs to grassroots marches—this bag goes where you do, reminding everyone that awareness is action.
Details:
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Sturdy natural cotton canvas
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Reinforced black handles for shoulder carry
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Large open interior for daily use
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Bold FC logo printed on front
Carry your courage. Share your story.
Because there’s still work to do.
The Original FC Classic T-Shirt
- The tee that started it all. FC: Because There Is No Plan B™ isn’t just a shirt—it’s a statement of relentless determination. Designed for those who refuse to quit, this bold and minimalist design embodies a mindset of perseverance, grit, and unwavering commitment.
The FC Black Baseball Hat
Stand for something—before you’re forced to kneel.This black cotton cap features the bold FC logo patch on the front:“BECAUSE THERE IS NO PLAN B.”It’s clean, direct, and impossible to ignore—just like the mission behind it.
Perfect for everyday wear, survivor strength, or a subtle nod to those still fighting.Because advocacy doesn’t have to shout—it just has to show up.
Details:
- Black 100% cotton, unstructured dad cap fit
- Adjustable strap back with metal clasp
- Embroidered FC logo patch
- One size fits most
Put it on. Pass it forward.
FC Blue Bandana – “Mark the Movement” Edition
Symbol. Statement. Shield.
The FC Blue Bandana is more than a bold accessory—it’s a visible sign of purpose. Designed in deep indigo with a subtle tone-on-tone FC lightning mark and the words “Because There Is No Plan B” along the edge, this piece can be worn, carried, displayed, or passed on.
Whether it’s tied to your wrist, around your neck, in your bag, or on your rearview mirror, it’s a reminder that silence is not survival—and presence is power.
Details:
- 100% soft cotton
- 22″ x 22″ square
- FC insignia pattern with printed mission text
- Washable, wearable, and built for everyday use
- Use it how you need it: headwrap, keepsake, altar cloth, rally flag, or reminder.
Because even a square of fabric can say everything.
FC Black T-Shirt – “Live Loud. Speak True.” Edition
Clean. Commanding. Unapologetic.
This premium black FC T-shirt doesn’t whisper—it declares. Featuring the sharp white FC lightning insignia over the heart and “Because There Is No Plan B” boldly across the back, it’s made for those who choose courage over comfort and presence over silence.
It’s more than a shirt. It’s armor.
It’s message. It’s momentum.
Wear it to treatment. To the march. To the mic.
Because every time you wear it, someone reads it—and someone remembers they’re not alone.
Details:
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Soft, breathable 100% cotton
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Unisex modern cut
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FC insignia front / Full mission slogan back
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Tagless comfort print
This isn’t merch. It’s a mission you wear.
Because there is no Plan B.
Art | Music | Creativity | Are My Medicine, Always Have Been and Always Will Be
Legacy &The Healing Power Of Creativity
As a Stage IV cancer patient who has lived a life steeped in music, art, and communications, my creativity is not just powerful, it’s transcendent. It becomes both compass and vessel: a way to process the unspeakable, connect to others, and leave behind a legacy that isn’t defined by diagnosis, but by depth.
Creativity during this experience isn’t about distraction—it’s about distillation. I take everything: the fear, the courage, the losses, the small joys, the absurdity of hospital rooms, the weight of mortality—and you transform it into something that resonates. Art gives voice to what the body endures. Music lets my spirit rise when the weight is heavy. Communication helps shape my story into something that others can carry, learn from, and even be changed by.
In this space, legacy isn’t a distant future concept—it’s built in real time. Every piece I make, every lyric i write, every story i share becomes part of a living archive. And for the heart, mind, and soul creativity is healing in its purest form. It gives purpose where pain tries to plant doubt. It restores dignity where illness tries to take control. It reminds mr, and everyone around me, that I are still the author of the story.
My art is not just about what I’ve done—it’s about who I am. And through it, I don’t just endure. One echoes.
That’s My Little Secret.
And that’s why, once the diagnosis was confirmed, the path forward revealed itself with undeniable clarity. We didn’t force it—we simply listened to what life, and the heart, were trying to say. It began with a deep assessment of what truly mattered… and then we gave ourselves permission to create.
To heal. To build something lasting.
That’s how the art gallery project was born not as a business, but as a calling, a part of my legacy planning and goal. A place where vision, vulnerability, and decades of experience in music, design, communication, and storytelling could merge into something tangible, beautiful, and alive.
Even more The Distelheim Gallery™ is a true mash up of more than just my legacy, but based on other related legacies as well.
Art has always been more than a medium for us, it’s a mirror, a release, a roadmap. It became the key to how I define my legacy. So we committed to it fully. Creating every day. Curating with intention. And always being available to help others reconnect with their own creative core, especially those who, like us, are walking through fire and still reaching for light.
We didn’t just build a gallery we built a sanctuary for resilience, passion, and purpose. One brushstroke, one story, one soul at a time.
A Little About Our Gallery
The Distelheim Galley™ is reimagined and managed by the daughter of the original gallery owner and her partner, Jefferey Cornett with the hope is that this online experience captures the by gone essence where In the early 1960’s, a young and successful Chicago dermatologist named Irving Distelheim MD, tired of playing golf on his day off, instead began visitng various art galleries on and around the city’s famed Oak Street. Bringing the Chicago Oak Street Luxury Shopping Experience to one of the most varied and unique art collections and experiences online and in limited live exhibition. It allows for our passion and vision with art and healing to exist and grow.
Lisa Barron, an award winning journalist, writer, producer and Jefferey Cornett, a long time marketing and creative professional are a remarkable couple whose lives intertwine art, resilience, and love. As dedicated professionals in the art world, they have cultivated a shared vision that celebrates creativity and expression. Their journey took a profound turn when faced with the challenges of cancer, a battle that tested their strength and unity. Through this adversity, Lisa and Jefferey found solace and healing in their artistic endeavors, transforming their personal struggle into a source of inspiration for others. Their commitment to art as both a business and a therapeutic outlet underscores their belief in its power to heal and connect. Together, they continue to navigate the complexities of life and illness, using their experiences to enrich their work and to offer hope and encouragement to those facing similar trials.
How We're Continuing Tradition
From the mid-20th century onward, Chicago’s abstract identity has been defined by a few signature traits: bold, saturated color and daring textures; a dynamic interplay of organic curves and architectural geometry; and themes rooted in both the personal and political. There’s an unmistakable urban materiality to much of this work, echoing the steel, smoke, and rhythm of the city itself. Abstract art in Chicago is rarely sterile or aloof—it’s alive, layered, and often carries the emotional and visual weight of the streets it was born the art created continues the vision…
Each piece of art is not merely an object of aestheticadmiration but a profound journey into the mind of its creator and the cultures that shape its essence. Our proprietary collections are not just curated but created with the gallery brand in mind under the guiding principle that “Each Work Is A Journey,”inviting our patrons to embark on an exploratory path that traverses historical epochs, dances across the contours of diverse geographies, and delves into the myriad human emotions captured by our art.
Title: “In the Silence, Strength”
Digital Mixed Media | Jefferey Cornett | 2025
From The American Spirit Collection
This work reflects Cornett’s exploration of American identity through the lens of resilience and respect. Here, a stoic Indigenous figure is captured in intimate detail, their expression holding space for a deeper national reckoning. The layering of texture, monochromatic emotion, and bold use of blue evoke both mourning and majesty—a tribute to spirit, lineage, and silent power.
Description:
Dear Uncle Albert is a visceral, layered tribute—part homage, part interrogation—by Jefferey Cornett, whose signature blend of abstraction, pop elements, and emotional intensity shines through. At the center, a bold field of red dots evokes the pixelated remnants of memory, laid over what appears to be a ghostly, time-worn visage. The purple strokes, free and kinetic, dance across the canvas like thoughts mid-flight—at once tender and chaotic—framing a face that flickers between presence and absence.The background texture, scraped and weathered, suggests both age and endurance, while vertical trails of crimson and gold hint at legacy, bloodlines, and perhaps even unresolved truths. Cornett’s palette—gritty blacks, bleeding reds, and defiant violets—carries the weight of nostalgia and confrontation.
Whether Uncle Albert is a literal relative or a metaphor for generations past, the work pulses with questions: What do we inherit? What do we reject? What do we carry forward when there’s no plan B? This piece stands as both a personal reckoning and a universal meditation on memory, family, and the imprint of those who came before us.
Title: Dear Uncle Albert
Artist: Jefferey Cornett
Collection: American Spirit Series
Vision (Eyes in Blue)
Exclusive to The Distelheim Gallery | The Blue Room Collection
(See below) haunting, intimate close-up by Jefferey Cornett centers the human gaze—unflinching, electric, and awash in the emotional resonance of blue. Created exclusively for The Distelheim Gallery, the piece immerses viewers in a world where color becomes language, and where blue speaks volumes From inky indigos to icy whites, Cornett layers pigment like memory: fragile, fractured, and alive. The eyes, rendered in luminous shades of blue, are not merely seen—they see. They reach through the surface with mythic clarity, holding sorrow, memory, and an almost supernatural awareness.Here, blue is not background—it is truth. It is cold introspection and psychological terrain. It distorts like static, glows like revelation, and reverberates with themes of mourning, distance, and quiet resilience. The texture suggests layers of digital erosion or fading memory, making the piece feel as though it’s both dissolving and eternal.This work is more than observation—it is confrontation. In keeping with The Distelheim Gallery’s dedication to emotionally intelligent and socially potent work, Cornett’s piece invites viewers not just to look, but to feel. To sit with the burn of blue. To meet a gaze that does not let go.
A Little Bit About Lisa Distelheim Barron
Carol Burnett with Lisa Barron
Carol Creighton Burnett is an award-winning American actress, comedian, singer, writer, and best-selling author. She’s known for her dramatic and comedic roles on stage and screen. Burnett has won seven Golden Globe Awards, a Grammy, seven Primetime Emmys, two Peabody Awards, and a Tony Award.
Bill Kurtis With LIsa Barron
Bill Kurtis is a retired American television journalist, television producer, narrator, and news anchor. Kurtis was studying to become a lawyer in the 1960s, when he was asked to fill in on a temporary news assignment at WIBW-TV in Topeka, Kansas and the rest is history.
Lisa Barron is an award-winning journalist, seasoned producer, and passionate storyteller whose career spans decades of impactful reporting across the globe. Known for her sharp investigative instincts and deep commitment to truth-telling, Lisa has reported from war zones, economic summits, political battlegrounds, and cultural frontlines—always with clarity, compassion, and courage.
Her work has appeared on some of the world’s most respected news platforms, including CBS, CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg, and Reuters. Whether covering the fall of the Berlin Wall, the rise of global markets, or the hidden costs of war and inequality, Lisa brings a rare ability to translate complex events into powerful, human-centered stories.
Beyond journalism, Lisa is a creative producer and fierce advocate for healthcare equity, cancer awareness, and the stories that often go unheard. Her most personal work emerges from her role as a life partner and caregiver, amplifying the voice of her husband, artist and activist Jefferey Cornett, in his battle with Stage IV metastatic prostate cancer.
The Edward R. Murrow Award
The Murrow Awards recognize local and national news stories that uphold the RTDNA Code of Ethics, demonstrate technical expertise and exemplify the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community..
The Gracie Award
The Gracie Awards recognize exemplary programming created by women, for women and about women in all facets of media and entertainment
Lisa Whelchel and Lisa Barron
Jefferey, Lisa and Jeff Daniels
Jeffrey Warren Daniels is an American actor, musician, and playwright who has worked in film, television, and theater. He’s known for his versatility, switching between comedy and drama. Daniels made his film debut in Ragtime (1981) and has appeared in many movies, including Terms of Endearment (1983), Speed (1994), and The Martian (2015).
Marcia Clark with Lisa Baroon
Marcia Rachel Clark is an American author, television correspondent and former prosecutor. She became nationally known in 1995 as the lead prosecutor in the televised O.J. Simpson murder trial. The New Yorker called her “the most famous prosecutor in American history”. Clark has also written a bestselling nonfiction book about the trial, Without a Doubt, and is a frequent legal commentator and columnist in the media
Diana Nyad and Lisa Barron
Diana Nyad is an American author, journalist, motivational speaker, and long-distance swimmer. Nyad gained national attention in 1975 when she swam around Manhattan in record time
A Little Bit About Us
In The Chicago Studio Office
Jefferey Cornett in his Chicago studio office—a creative sanctuary lined with instruments, framed memories, and a deep sense of artistic legacy. With a contemplative expression and a backdrop that reflects a life immersed in music, media, and visual storytelling, the image captures the quiet resilience of an artist and strategist still hard at work. Every object in the frame tells a part of his journey, from mandolins and Cubs caps to artwork and accolades—each symbolizing a chapter of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
Us With Our Senior Rescue Pug Child "Bogart"
A very cherished moment with Lisa, Jefferey, and their beloved rescue pug, Bogart—an 18-year-old soul who brought boundless love, laughter, and loyalty into their lives. Rescued from Newark, Bogart wasn’t just a pet; he was family, their “pug child,” and a comforting constant through countless chapters. Even in his later years, his expressive eyes and unshakable spirit lit up their home. They lost him in December 2023, but his presence remains deeply woven into their hearts and memories, a testament to the power of unconditional love and second chances.
Ringing The Bell After Six Weeks of Radiation
Here we are at Mayo proudly around a man ringing the bell—an honored tradition symbolizing the end of a grueling treatment journey. The plaque above the bell reads “The Sound of Hope,” marking a milestone after six weeks of radiation. Surrounded by supportive medical staff and loved ones, the moment captures both relief and resilience. The smiles, body language, and the ceremonial act itself speak to the strength it takes to endure cancer treatment—and the deep gratitude for those who help carry the burden along the way.
Lisa Winning A Significant Award For Stories About Saddam
Here’s award-winning journalist Lisa Barron takes the stage to accept the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award, honoring her exceptional reporting from Iraq during the capture of Saddam Hussein. With poise and professionalism, Lisa stands beneath the spotlight as her image is projected across the auditorium—symbolizing not only personal achievement but also the power of fearless journalism in moments of global consequence. Her courageous work brought clarity and insight during a time of chaos, earning her a place among the most respected voices in international reporting.
ACS Award for Being A Volunteer of The Year
Here’s a blast from the past meaningful recognition from the American Cancer Society, awarded to Jeff Cornett as the 1987–88 New Volunteer of the Year. Jeff earned this honor for producing a bold and imaginative pro-wrestling fundraising event in Kansas City titled Fight For Life. The event brought together the worlds of sports entertainment and philanthropy, raising crucial funds and awareness for cancer control. Decades before his own diagnosis, Jeff’s commitment to the cause reflected both his creative spirit and deep compassion—qualities that continue to define his journey today.
Lisa With Our New Little Rescue Guy, Collin
Here’s Lisa beaming in Milwaukee alongside their newest family member—Colin, a spirited little pug rescued from Korea. Bundled up in his red coat, Colin stands proudly in front of a glowing LOVE sculpture, a perfect backdrop for the joy and new beginnings he’s brought into their lives. After the heartbreaking loss of Bogart, Colin arrived as a bright light—offering comfort, companionship, and a reminder that love always finds its way back.
Yes I Now Have Scrubs of My Own
Here’s a moment of resilience and humor as Jeff sports his very own set of Mayo Clinic scrubs—an unintended but now all-too-familiar wardrobe staple. Despite the seriousness of ongoing treatments and countless appointments, he manages to bring a sense of calm and lightness to the journey. With his signature round glasses and quiet strength, Jeff faces each day with determination, courage, and a touch of wit, proving that even in the most clinical of settings, personality and spirit still shine through.
SAY CHEESE WITH THE BOGART FILES
Meet Bogart—the floppy-eared, cheese-obsessed detective at the heart of The Bogart Files. Inspired by his real-life namesake, this animated hound is part basset, part bloodhound, and 100% devoted to sniffing out crime (and cheddar). With his signature droopy gaze and a nose that never lies, Bogart helps his partners Jeff and Justin unravel the most bizarre mysteries in Chicago—often involving missing diamonds, mobsters, and, of course, mysterious cheese balls. Whether it’s a case to crack or a snack to steal, Bogart proves that every great detective needs a sharp wit… and a sharp cheddar.
Lisa Loves The Ducks At The Peabody In Memphis
This charming photo captures Lisa in one of her happiest places—the grand lobby of The Peabody Hotel in Memphis, eagerly awaiting the world-famous duck parade. Surrounded by the elegant Southern charm of the historic hotel, Lisa beams with quiet joy as the Duckmaster prepares to lead the beloved Peabody Ducks on their daily red carpet march. It’s a whimsical tradition she absolutely adores, and every visit fills her with delight, reminding her that sometimes it’s the simple, quirky rituals—like ducks marching through a hotel—that bring the biggest smiles.
Dad Dancing With The Bride At Her Wedding
This tender moment captures Jeff dancing with his oldest daughter on her wedding day—a quiet, emotional pause in the middle of a joyous celebration. As father and daughter hold each other close, years of memories seem to swirl in that embrace: bedtime stories, scraped knees, first days of school, and now, this milestone of love and new beginnings. For Jeff, the dance wasn’t just tradition—it was a symbol of pride, gratitude, and the unbreakable bond between a dad and his little girl, now all grown up.
Here’s a young Jefferey sitting barefoot on the front porch of the pink house on Marc Street in Salina, Kansas, around 1962. Clad in his pajamas and full of quiet wonder, he gazes out into the world with the early stirrings of a creative spirit already taking root.
Salina in 1962 was a near-perfect place to be a kid. It offered the kind of wholesome, wide-open childhood that now feels almost mythical. The town was small enough to feel safe, but big enough to spark imagination—with local diners, friendly neighbors, and the hum of community events. Kids rode bikes until dusk, built forts in backyards, and caught fireflies in mason jars. There was room to dream, to explore, and to grow without the noise of today’s digital world. Saturday mornings meant cartoons, followed by afternoons of barefoot adventure. In Salina, the sky seemed bigger, the summers longer, and the possibilities endless—especially for a kid like Jefferey, already full of ideas and creativity, soaking up the space and stillness that would one day feed a lifetime of artistic and imaginative work. Even then, Jefferey was a dreamer—conjuring up stories, sketching out ideas in his mind, and imagining a future where art, music, and big ideas would shape his life. That porch became his launchpad, a small step into a lifetime of making things that matter.
Yes, I Was A Clown On TV
The juxtaposition of two creative lives—Jefferey Cornett as Zap, the beloved clown and host of a family-friendly game show on KMBC-TV 9, and Jefferey today, as a seasoned artist. For three unforgettable years, he brought joy, laughter, and curiosity into Kansas City living rooms through Hearst Argyle’s local programming. As Zap, he connected with kids and families alike, blending humor with heart. Now, with paintbrush in hand instead of a mic, Jefferey continues to tell stories—this time through canvas, color, and memory. Yes, I Used to Be a Clown on TV… Now I Make Art is more than a title—it’s a full-circle journey.
The Adventure With Rhino Tech
How about working with entrepreneur extraordinaire Gerald “Jerry” Chamales is an American entrepreneur, film producer and philanthropist and was the founder of Rhinotek when we flew in our friend here, Kusamo, from New Wales South Australia to Fossil Rim Texas to his new home where we spent two weeks working on filming and even had two young prairie dogs named after us. Chamales has since forged a successful career in the film industry as a producer of The Irishman, which went on to garner 10 nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards. He also produced the acclaimed animated short If Anything Happens I Love You, which was named Best Animated Short Film at the 93rd Academy Awards.
The Kids In Burbank At AGT Audition
Just before the world hit pause with the onset of COVID, The Kids touched down in Burbank, buzzing with excitement for their big shot at the America’s Got Talent auditions. With the Hollywood sign gleaming behind them and a Southwest plane still fresh from landing, their arrival was nothing short of cinematic. This quirky cast of characters—a soulful hound, a sharp-tongued granny, a wide-eyed dreamer, and a fuzzy blue misfit—were ready to light up the stage with their charm, wit, and unexpected talent.
It was a moment filled with anticipation, laughter, and just a touch of chaos—the calm before a global storm. Little did they know that their audition would be one of the last live bursts of joy before the world shut its doors and turned to screens for connection.
Nashville, RCA and Eddie Arnold
In this photo, Jeff stands in front of the legendary RCA Studio B in Nashville—a sacred space in country music history. It was here, after being discovered by country icon Eddie Arnold and renowned manager Gerry Purcell, that Jeff began his journey into professional songwriting. Surrounded by the echoes of Elvis, Chet Atkins, and Dolly Parton, he soaked in the spirit of the studio, channeling its legacy into his own creative voice. For Jeff, this wasn’t just a photo op—it was a full-circle moment in the place where his musical dreams first took flight.
Justin, Me and Bogart At The Opera
Dressed to the nines and ready for a night of high notes and hijinks, Justin, Jeff, and Bogart piled into the back of a car on their way to the opera. Justin, ever the eager ventriloquist’s sidekick, looked sharp in his red sweater, while Bogart the Basset Hound brought his signature soulful gaze and love of fine cheese to the occasion. Jeff, in a classic tux and bowtie, was the glue holding this quirky trio together—equal parts showman, storyteller, and chauffeur. It wasn’t your typical opera night, but with this crew, it was bound to be unforgettable.
LA For Fortune Battle of The Bands
Under the hot lights of L.A.’s iconic El Rey Theatre, Jefferey Cornett slid behind his Yamaha keyboard, wearing dark shades, a vintage pink shirt, and a look that said, let’s make some noise. It was the Fortune Magazine Battle of the Bands—a high-energy faceoff between corporate rockstars and industry rebels, where boardroom suits traded spreadsheets for Stratocasters. Jeff, representing both creativity and hustle, had the crowd grooving from the first chord.
For one electric night, the lines between commerce and creativity blurred. As he belted harmonies and laid down smooth synths, Jeff reminded the crowd that true talent knows no cubicle, and no stage is too big when you play with heart. It wasn’t just about winning the battle—it was about proving that the music always finds its way through.
FC | Because There Is No Plan B™
2410 West Erie Chicago, IL 60654