Media Path Podcast

Our Media Path takes us to the influential and iconic 70s when Paul McCartney & Wings flew over Europe, The UK, and The World, lifted by the guitar mastery of Laurence Juber and when studio pages roamed the NBC hallways, collecting memorable celebrity encounters and handing gift cards to Johnny Carson.

Former page, Shelley Herman is an Emmy-Nominated TV writer who has penned a delicious tell-all about her page years called, My Peacock Tale: Secrets of An NBC Page. It’s stuffed with dishy stories about Robin Williams, Andy Kaufman, Ringo Starr, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Stewart, Harry Chapin, and Lucille Ball. As a page, Shelley pulled from her arsenal of wit, charm, courage and grit to navigate moody celebs, exacting execs and the occasional #MeToo, brutish assault. All in a polyester skirt and close toed shoes. Her book will enrich, amuse and inspire you!

Then Laurence and Hope Juber fill our studio with their love for each other and for their talented daughters, Ilsey and Nico Juber. Their “How We Met” story is a bright light of fate, destiny, spiritual intervention and Beatles! Your jaw will plummet. Stretch first. The Jubers are a show biz dynasty. Hope’s dad, Sherwood Schwartz is the celebrated mind behind Gilligan’s Island and The Brady Bunch. She played Greg Brady’s girlfriend, she heads up a band called The Nasty Housewives, and she produced Laurence’s latest album, recorded at Abbey Road Studios, A Day In My Life.

Laurence is a Grammy winning guitarist, recording artist, composer and arranger. AND, he was Fritz’s bandleader on his late night comedy show, It’s Fritz. So, these two are diving into some catching up.  And then, Laurence serenades us with a little Blackbird.

Also, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Frontline’s The Harvest: Integrating Mississippi’s Schools on PBS and Feud: Capote VS. The Swans, available on several platforms, including Hulu, and YouTube.

Path Points of Interest:

Laurence Juber 

Laurence Juber on Spotify

A Day in My Life  (Recorded at Abbey Road)

A Day In My Life Vinyl

The Evolution of Fingerstyle Guitar by Laurence Juber

Guitar With Wings by Laurence Juber

Laurence Juber on Facebook

Laurence Juber on Instagram

Hope Juber

Ilsey Juber

Nico Juber

Shelley Herman

My Peacock Tale by Shelley Herman

Shelley Herman on Facebook

Shelley Herman on Instagram

American Experience - The Harvest: Integrating Mississippi's Schools

Feud: Capote VS. The Swans

Raized Wrong is two young brothers, Landon and Lyric Goldberg, and their father Donny. They are a newly minted but third generation family band. Donny, along with his dad and brother head up a Beach Boys tribute band called Surf’s Up. Having learned his trade well from his dad, Donny is passing it on to his sons, ages 12 and 13. Their tight vocal harmonies on classic hits have shot their TikTok following climbing quickly towards a million and Lyric and Landon are on a fast track to teen idol heights so we hooked them up with a man who’s been there, Bob Cowsill of The Cowsills.

Bob understands pop melodies and intricate harmonies and he is duly impressed with the tight sounds of this accomplished and talented family band. Together, they are talking about musical roots and inspirations, sibling harmonies, parents in the band, rehearsal and performance experiences and balancing childhood with show business. Plus, Lyric and Landon go to Teen Mag Nosy Question school with Bob who has answered his share of them.

You will remember when you first knew that Raized Wrong is on its way to musical history.

Path Points of Interest:

Raized Wrong

Raized Wrong on Tiktok

Raized Wrong on Youtube

Raized Wrong on Facebook

Raized Wrong Mama Facebook Group

Raized Wrong on Instagram

Raized Wrong Merch

Raized Wrong on Patreon

Raized Wrong on The Cowsills Podcast

The Beach Boys - "Feel Flows" The Sunflower & Surfs Up Sessions 1969-1971

The Cowsills

The Cowsills on Facebook

The Cowsills Podcast

Family Band: The Cowsills Story

Family Band: Trailer

Dan Partland has amassed an impressive body of documentary film work including, American High, Intervention, American Style, American Race and Apple’s top selling doc of all time, #Unfit, which studies the dangerous psychology of Donald Trump. Along with Rob Reiner, Dan is now bringing us God + Country, opening in theaters this Friday. Dan joins us to talk about the film which chronicles the current wave of American right wing extremism that is jeopardizing our nation’s governing principles, our humanistic ideals and the Christian faith itself.

God + Country visits the pews and pulpits of our nation’s mega-churches from where we learn that right wing Christian extremists believe that America is fulfilling a Messianic prophecy and their God given mission is to see it through, by any means necessary. Dan tells us that this current wave of Christian extremism is rooted in racism and is determined to enshrine white Christians at the top of a cultural caste system.

Christian nationalism is the belief that America should be a government mandated Christian nation. GOD & COUNTRY explores how a base of Christians has radically stoked a movement which is erasing the line between Church and State. Dan shares that there are almost 200,000,000 Americans who identify as Christians and many of them now fear that their faith is being hijacked by an extreme right wing political movement.

Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Genius: MLK/X on Nat Geo/Hulu/Disney + and Expats on Prime.

Path Points of Interest:

Dan Partland on IMDB

Doc Shop Productions

Dan Partland on Twitter/X

#Unfit

God and Country

God and Country Trailer

God and Country on Facebook

God and Country on Twitter/X

God and Country on Instagram

Hollywood Reporter Article on God and Country

Expats on Prime

Genius: MLK/X - Nat Geo/Hulu/Disney

If you’ve ever wondered how Beaver’s pal Gilbert turned out, he’s doing real neat. Stephen Talbot moved on from Mayfield to become a broadcast journalist for PBS, making investigative, news-making documentary films for Frontline, Bill Moyers and American Experience. Steve joins us to discuss his boomer journey from the streets of mythical 50s suburbia to counter-culture activism, to groundbreaking documentary journalism.

First, Jeffrey Sitcov heads a foundation called Doors of Change. They are positively impacting the lives of homeless kids who find themselves on the streets due to abusive home lives and/or coming out to their families as LGBTQ. Early intervention leads to inspirational success stories for these kids. The organization’s annual Concert of Hope is coming to San Diego in July with headliners, KC and The Sunshine Band. 100% of the proceeds benefit the kids!

Next, Stephen Talbot tells us about his lates project, The Movement and The Madman which chronicles the significant impact of the anti-war movement on Nixon and Kissinger’s dangerous escalation towards increased aggression and even possibly nuclear engagement in Viet Nam. If you were protesting the war, you saved lives.

Stephen was very eager to enter the family business as a kid. His parents were entertainers. His Dad, Lyle Talbot was a film and TV actor who appeared as Ozzie Nelson’s bud, Joe Randolph as Steve was portraying The Beaver’s bestie, Gilbert Bates. But, as Steve went on to college and became increasingly interested in politics and campus activism, Beaver went into reruns and it wasn’t long before Steve’s rally speeches were interrupted by signs that read, “Gee, Beav. I don’t know.” 

The blown cover did not deter Steve. He went to work as a reporter at San Francisco’s KQED and then traveled the globe, writing, producing and directing over 40 illuminating documentaries, including: Justice For Sale, The Long March of Newt Gingrich, 1968: The Year that Shaped a Generation, and Soundtracks: Music Without Borders. His next film will tell the story of Clifton Cafeteria’s run-in with true crime and gangsters in the 1930s.

We cap it off with a round of Leave It To Beaver Trivia.

Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Masters of the Air on Apple + and the We Are The World Doc, The Greatest Night In Pop, on Netflix!

Path Points of Interest:

Stephen Talbot

The Movement and The Madman

Stephen Talbot on Wikipedia

Stephen Talbot on IMDB

Sound Tracks: Music Without Borders (2010 and 2012)

Justice for Sale (1999)

The Long March of Newt Gingrich 

1968: The Year that Shaped a Generation 

Leave it to Beaver on IMDB

Leave It To Beaver on Prime

Article About Steve on Best Classic Bands

Jeffrey Sitcov

Doors of Change

Concert of Hope

Masters of the Air on Apple +

The Greatest Night in Pop on Netflix

We’re going deep with Democratic candidates on the primary ballot for Congress and for the California State Assembly. Gil Cisneros is running to replace a retiring Grace Napolitano for CA 31 in the San Gabriel Valley. And local businessman and Swing Left organizer Steve Pierson is running for the 44th Assembly district in California.

Gil is a former Naval Officer who served previously in California’s 39th district and as Under Secretary of Defense in the Biden Administration. Gil and his wife won $266 million dollars in California’s Mega Millions Lottery. They have put the windfall to wonderful use, setting up scholarship funds across the San Gabriel Valley. 

 We talk to Gil about the great hypothetical question, “What would I do if I won the lottery?” And his ability to stay that course once dream became reality. We ask him why he left the Republican Party in 2008, we discuss the issues that concern his district like immigration, homelessness, transportation, and the environment. Gil is eager to get to work advocating for veterans, gun safety reform, economic opportunity for working families, climate action, defending women’s rights and furthering the diversity programs he credits with his own pathway to success.

Steve Pierson came to politics very naturally. His father worked on The Great Society in the LBJ administration. Steve took a detour into the entertainment industry, but after the election of Trump he spearheaded Swing Left, a grassroots organizational effort to flip purple districts blue.

Steve’s assembly district will cover much of the East San Fernando Valley and he has already travelled to Sacramento to meet with members, build relationships and discuss future legislation that could best serve his district. Steve tells us that California’s state house super majority allows them to make groundbreaking laws that serve as models for the country in clean energy, transportation, gun safety and health care.  Steve looks forward to using his skills as an organizer and his background in entertainment to build strong teams and work towards passing CalCare – California’s Medicare for All Plan — taking climate action, addressing our homeless crisis and ensuring that those seeking treatment get the support they need.

Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Archie on Brit Box and Still on Apple +.

Californians! Your primary ballot is on its way. The top two vote-getters for Senate, Congress and Assembly will move on to the general election. Get your ballot in the mail by March 5th!

Path Points of Interest:

Gil Cisneros

Gil on Facebook

Gil on X/Twitter

Gil on Instagram

Steve Pierson

Steve on Facebook

Steve on Twitter/X

Steve on Instagram

Archie on Britbox

Still - Apple TV

When Fritz and Weezy were developing a Comedy Central pilot with Henry Winkler called, The Couch, their bright, ambitious intern was an up and coming young comic named Eric Schwartz who dutifully made coffee, sandwich and cue card runs. Today, Eric’s comedy special. Delivery, is all the rage on Youtube, and Fritz brought him a sandwich.

Eric joins us to discuss his unique blending of his talent palette which includes: comedy, parody, music, dance, impressions and multi-media wizardry. His inspirations include Weird Al Yankovic and his marketing instincts had him trending early on MySpace. In addition to his talent cocktail, Eric’s family background features a mix of influences. He calls himself “a quarter-step-Mexican and infuses his act with a rich celebration of cultura!

Weezy comes to this episode armed with photos of Eric before he embraced his hair’s great escape and faced the age-old bald guy dilemma: “drugs, rugs or plugs.” Eric went with smooth and has not looked back.

Eric fondly recalls his early work with Weezy at Premiere Radio, where they helped supply morning shows with comedy bits. He points to both Fritz and Weezy as mentors and shares how he has poured his entire heart and soul into this Youtube special.

He takes us backstage, talking cameras, equipment and lighting and reveals his inner-crowd-work battle when the chairs started breaking!

Having just opened for Jo Koy on his Just Kidding Tour, Eric has some thoughts on Jo’s controversial hosting of The Golden Globes.

Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending A Good Person on Prime & MGM+, and Slow Horses on Apple TV+, and Eric has an old school media suggestion of his own!

Path Points of Interest:

Eric Schwartz

Eric Schwartz Comedy Special - Delivery 

Eric Schwartz on Wikipedia

Eric Schwartz Tour Dates

Eric Schwartz on Facebook

Eric Schwartz on Instagram

Eric Schwartz on X/Twitter

Eric Schwartz on TikTok

The Couch

A Good Person

Slow Horses - Apple+

Beverly Hills Cop

Best-selling author Chris Whipple’s newest book is The Fight Of His Life and it chronicles the first two years of the Biden administration. Chris’s extraordinary access to White House insiders provided him with an exclusive look into the workings, challenges and accomplishments of Team Biden.

Chris’s earlier works include The Gatekeepers and The Spymasters and he is a frequent contributor to The Washington Post, Vanity Fair, and Politico. He’s also a filmmaker who has produced documentaries for Discovery and Showtime.

The Fight Of His Life opens on the fraught transition during which Trump would not concede, nor allow for a peaceful passing of critical information to the new administration. However, Chris spoke with a heroic Trump insider who quietly and boldly provided the incumbent administration with the tools they would need to safely lead our country.

Chris calls his book, "a political thriller in three acts" and it quickly moves into detailing the challenges immediately faced by Biden: A deadly pandemic, a plummeting economy, an unresolved 20-year war, and the aftermath of an attack on the Capitol that polarized the country. The crises continued in waves… The fallout from the Dobbs decision, raging inflation, and Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Remarkable access to White House insiders including Chief of Staff Ron Klain, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and CIA Director William Burns allowed Chris to learn and explore internal power struggles and back-room compromises.

Chris reflects with us on Biden's accomplishments, from Covid relief to rescuing the economy, to an infrastructure bill, to the Inflation Reduction Act, and preparing NATO for the invasion of Ukraine. 

He also speaks frankly about the troubled withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and he offers his views on what Biden should do next and which achievements he should proudly proclaim from the campaign trail. We talk about the mysterious pull of Trump, the future of the Republican Party and the mixed reviews on Kamala Harris, whom Biden has called “A work in progress.” 

Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Once Upon a Time Time In Northern Ireland on PBS and Prime and The Last Movie Stars on Max and Prime.

Path Points of Interest

Chris Whipple

The Fight of His Life by Chris Whipple (paperback)

Simon & Schuster Author Page

Chris Whipple on X/Twitter

Chris Whipple on Facebook

Once Upon A Time In Northern Ireland

Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe

The Last Movie Stars - Streaming

85-year-old Annie Korzen is a TikTok starlet! She’s an actor/storyteller/writer/author and you may recognize her from Seinfeld where she played Doris Klompus but now, she calls herself “an accidental influencer.” Her TikTok channel has over half a million followers and her viral fan base is in their teens and twenties. Our 16-year-old intern, Garrett nearly lost his footing when he walked in and saw her.

Annie says that all of what society questioned about her… too ethnic. Too opinionated. Too loud. Too unconventional… are the exact qualities that resonate with followers.

Annie joins us in the studio where we get to experience her charm, authenticity and strength of spirit firsthand as she talks about her new book, The Book of Annie: Humor, Heart and Chutzpah From an Accidental Influencer, and her incredible life and career trajectory. 

Hoping to post some video clips online, Annie’s young friend Mackenzie Morrison suggested TikTok and got her started. It turns out that in a world of carefully curated online images, Annie’s frank, honest, hilarious voice is a welcome hit with the kids! 

She talks about her most popular videos, her thoughts on connecting with young people and how her opinions of Gen Z/Alpha have positively shifted. Young people yearn for warmth, authenticity and acceptance. Annie also shares some Seinfeld insights, her disastrous appearance on Oprah, some strong opinions on life, society and happiness and how nine years of persistence and practice finally earned her a spot on The Moth Storytelling Hour and Tour.

Plus Fritz and Weezy are recommending the Smartness podcast and HBO MAX’s Smartness on the Road and Science Fair the movie and the series on Hulu, Disney + and National Geographic.

Path Points of Interest:

Annie Korzen

Annie Korzen on Tiktok

Annie Korzen on IMDB

Annie Korzen on Wikipedia

Annie Korzen on YouTube

The Book of Annie: Humor, Heart and Chutzpah From an Accidental Influencer

The Book of Annie on Amazon

LA Times Calendar Section Article on Annie

Annie Korzen on Cameo

Science Fair Series

Science Fair Movie

Smartless Podcast

Smartless on the Road

Comedy and Democracy are on the bill. We are welcoming Congressional Candidate Dave Min from Orange County, CA and comedian Taylor Williamson.

State Senator Dave Min is running to fill Katie Porter’s seat in Congress. He has her endorsement and he is entirely determined to keep CA 47 Blue and bring his passion for gun violence prevention, climate action, small business advocacy, and reproductive rights legislation to Congress. Plus, Weezy’s nephew, Jake Palanker is in studio to press Senator Min on his water protection policy ideas.

Then Taylor Williamson joins us to talk about his new Youtube special, Live At The Comedy Store. Taylor came in second on America’s Got Talent which was a huge wave to ride and successfully showcase his unique humor brand. Now, he’s crafted his own 36 minute special of perfectly curated hilarity. It’s drawing rave reviews and opening doors to podcasts even more powerful than ours, (for example, WTF with Marc Maron) if you can believe such a thing exists.

Taylor shares how social media has changed the standup game, some inside skinny on his crazy AGT ride, Comedy Store love/hate stories (Fritz and Weezy come equipped with their own) and how he’s now opening for Marc Maron!

Plus, Weezy is eager to talk about Henry Winkler’s new memoir, Being Henry: The Fonz and Beyond and Fritz is recommending May/December on Netflix.

Path Points of Interest:

Dave Min

Dave Min on Wikipedia

Dave Min on Facebook

Dave Min on X

Taylor Williamson

Taylor Williamson Tour Dates

Taylor Williamson Comedy Store Special

Taylor Williamson on Instagram

Taylor Williamson on  Twitter

Taylor Williamson on  Facebook

Taylor Williamson on Youtube

Being Henry: The Fonz and Beyond by Henry Winkler

May/December - Netflix

Prepare to be inspired: we're chatting with bold women who are dynamically improving our world for us and for future generations. Dr. Roxy Manning and Sarah Peyton have co-written The Anti-Racist Heart: A Self-Compassion and Activism Handbook. It’s a hands-on approach to teaching anti-racist action, combining neuroscience and mindfulness with social justice. Plus, Assembly Member Laura Friedman is running for California’s 30th Congressional seat and she shares her vision for meeting the needs of constituents.

Dr. Roxy and Sarah talk about the neuroscience which undergirds their workbook and how self-compassion is fundamental in working towards a deeper  understanding of race and its effect on our lived experiences. Removing shame allows us to align our anger with the love at its core. What matters most to us and why are we fighting to protect it? Understanding the root of our values will help us create a more equitable world.

Then, Assembly Member Laura Friedman has vital March ballot info for California voters. The top two contenders from our March Primary will make their way  onto the November ballot where they will vie for Adam Schiff’s seat. He is currently running to become our next Senator. Laura tells us about her background, her impressive progressive record and how she plans to take her skill set into Congress where she will actively work towards addressing our homeless issue, environmental justice, health care for all, bringing down the cost of housing and removing dark money from elections.

Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending The Prize: An Epic Quest For Oil And Money on Prime and Great Photo, Lovely Life on HBO Max.

Path Points of Interest:

Laura Friedman For Congress

Laura Friedman Official Assembly Member Website

Laura Friedman on Facebook

Laura Friedman on Twitter

The Anti-Racist Heart: A Self-Compassion And Activism Handbook by Dr. Roxy Manning & Sarah Peyton

How to Have Antiracist Conversations  

Fierce Compassion Podcast

Dr. Roxy Manning

Dr. Roxy Manning on LinkedIn 

Dr. Roxy Manning on Instagram 

Dr. Roxy Manning on Facebook

Sarah Peyton

Sarah Peyton on LinkedIn

Sarah Peyton on Instagram

Sarah Peyton on Facebook

Sarah Peyton on Twitter

Sarah Peyton on Youtube

Great Photo, Lovely Life - HBO Max

The Prize: An Epic Quest For Oil, Money and Power by Daniel Yergin

The Prize: An Epic Quest For Oil, Money and Power Documentary Series - Amazon Prime

L.A. Votes

L.A. County Voting

We are celebrating the most important gifts of any season: love, companionship and connection. Our guests are author Pilley Bianchi whose book, For The Love off Dog celebrates our rich canine bestie history and invites you to teach your any-age dog some new tricks. And TJ Lubinsky joins us to discuss his newest My Music Presents/PBS Special, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme: Memories of My Mom And Dad.

Inspired by the work of her father John W. Pilley, the psychologist whose Border collie, Chaser, charmed the nation with his impressive understanding of language, Pilley hopes to share with you what she learned from her Dad and Chaser and inspire you to to better engage with your dog. She’s written the ultimate handbook designed to teach you how to teach your dog.

TJ Lubinsky is eager to tell us about his 20 year journey towards finally making the Steve and Eydie special of his dreams. Teen heartbreak led TJ to sooth his soul with the sound of Steve Lawrence and now TJ has teamed with Carol Burnett, Michael Feinstein and Steve and Eydie’s son, David Lawrence, to bring you a PBS special rich with remarkable musical TV moments featuring his parents singing, I’m Into Something Big, Sunrise Sunset, Blame It On The Bossa Nova, Portrait Of My Love, More, and more! 

We learn from TJ that management obstruction led to the long delay. We hear about the surprising source of the pristine footage he was able to find deep in a vault and we come to understand the role David's recollections played in the making of this visual celebration of the greatest singing spouse act in American music history. 

All that, plus TJ shares how his attention to detail pays off in the live shows he produces featuring legacy acts, why he always begins every project with the right intentions and the seemingly serendipitous ways in which he helps artists receive their well earned moments of recognition and appreciation!

And Fritz is recommending Napoleon in theaters and streaming, and Weezy was moved by the Charles Blow documentary South to Black Power on Max.

Path Points of Interest:

TJ Lubinsky on Wikipedia

TJ Lubinsky on Facebook

TJ Lubinsky on Instagram

Current.org article

Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme: Memories Of My Mom And Dad

Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme: Memories Of My Mom And Dad Trailer

PBS Passport

Treasury Collection

Pilley Bianchi

For The Love of Dog: The Ultimate Relationship Guide by Pilley Bianchi and Calum Heath

Pilley on Instagram

Pilley on YouTube

Chaser and John

Chaser on Wikipedia

Chaser and John on Youtube

Chaser and John on Sixty Minutes

Chaser and John on Nova

Napoleon - Theaters/HBO Max/Prime

South To Black Power on Max

It’s a not entirely merry episode of Media Path with some hard but cautionary truths about guardianships AND, a new Christmas musical that celebrates our festive diversity.

Greg Thirloway and Maurice Godin are launching a new musical called Oy To The World, that celebrates the Jewish composers who brought us so many carol classics like Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Oh, Holy Night and I’ll Be Home For Christmas. Then, we're speaking with investigative journalist, Diane Dimond whose new book about the dangers of guardianship is required reading in a Post-#FreeBritney world.

Oy To The World: Christmas With A Twist will premiere, December 14-23, at North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre:  Greg and Maurice give us a sneak peak into their new show which takes place at a Catskills lodge where the new owner decides to put on a Christmas show. In so doing, Christmas carol backstories emerge. Did you know, for example that Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer is inspired by writer Bob May being teased as a child about his “Jewish” nose? So, yes, not just Jesus, but also Rudolph was Jewish!

Diane joins us to discuss her new book, We’re Here To Help: When Guardianship Goes Wrong. She shares her extensive research into the dangerously secretive and insular “legal” practices which lead to citizens losing control of their finances and their freedom. The guardianship or conservatorship systems in the U.S. are state-run,

largely unregulated and increasingly populated by financially motivated predators.

As we’ve learned from Britney, anyone who has saved some money or who is earning money is at risk. Diane offers shocking examples of the system’s dysfunction and the victims and devastated family members left in its destructive wake. Diane also offers solutions and tips for keeping yourself and your family members safe. As a generation of Boomers continues aging, it is vitally important that we address, amend and federalize guardianship law.

Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending the new Joan Baez documentary on Prime and Apple TV, I Am Noise and a new crazy cult doc mini-series on Max, Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God.

Path Points of Interest:

Diane Dimond

We're Here to Help: When Guardianship Goes Wrong by Diane Dimond

Guardianship Central Resources

Diane Dimond on Facebook

Diane Dimond on Twitter

Oy! to the World: Christmas With A Twist

Use Code: FRITZ for $5 discount on any performance!

El Portal on Facebook

El Portal on Instagram

Maurice Godin on IMDB

Greg Thirloway on IMDB

Joan Baez - I Am Noise

Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God

Many young people raised within the restrictive discipline of a strict, Christian evangelical childhood are pulling away from that narrow and dogmatic framework as adults and finding comfort and guidance in a podcasting community of fellow travelers who are walking a similar path.  

Among these bold podcasters are two former church leaders who are now critical voices in a campaign against Christian Nationalism and for a free and fair pluralistic democracy.

Scholar, author, coach and co-host of Straight White American Jesus, Brad Onishi joins us along with musician, author and host of Chapel Probation, Scott Okamoto.

In Brad’s new book, Preparing for War, he offers brilliant insights into our history and legacy of colonialism, racism and white supremacy and how our untreated wounds continue to fester and infect our political landscape. Bigotry and prejudice are even more insidiously dangerous when they come holding a cross, wrapped in a flag.

Brad’s podcast with Dan Miller is Straight White American Jesus in which the two university professors examine and discuss the intersection of the religious right  and politics in America.

Scott’s focus is on Evangelical colleges. He taught for 16 years at Azusa Pacific University and become increasingly disillusioned by the subpar academic standards in support of white supremacy. His book, Asian American Apostate recounts his struggle to break free of a value system that encourages White Christian cultural power and to, instead, embrace his own Japanese heritage.

Scott’s podcast, Chapel Probation features conversations with fellow evangelical college graduates with horrifying stories to share about life on the inside and their escapes from racist, sexist and unforgiving indoctrination.

We talk in-depth about the problematic curricula at Fundamentalist Christian colleges, homeschooling and private religious education. We explore the meaning of  deconstruction and decolonization as the terms apply to those departing from Christian backgrounds, the Seven Mountains mandate, the new Apostolic Reformation, the ascension of Mike Johnson, purity culture, why the right loves Trump and Putin & much more.

Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending The Holdovers and Rustin.

Path Points of Interest:

Brad Onishi

Straight White American Jesus

Straight White American Jesus on Facebook

Straight White American Jesus on Twitter

Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism - And What Comes Next by Brad Onishi

Scott Okamoto

Asian American Apostate by Scott Okamoto

Chapel Probation Podcast

Scott Okamoto on Instagram

Scott Okamoto on Twitter/X

The Holdovers

Rustin - Netflix

Mama's Boy - Dustin Lance Black Documentary

Every boomer was gutted and then rocked by the tragedy of JFK’s assassination followed by the joy of The Beatles’ arrival at the airport named in his honor. Both topics continue to resonate. Today on the show, broadcasting pioneer and JFK assassination historian John Barbour joins us to discuss his latest film, John Barbour & William Shakespeare’s Last Word On The Murder of JFK. And Breakfast With The Beatles Host Chris Carter is with us to talk about his live appearances and The Beatles’ return to the charts!

Emmy Winning writer/host/comedian/director John Barbour has been studying JFK’s assassination since he first picked up Mark Lane’s book, Rush To Judgement. John has extensively interviewed New Orleans D.A. Jim Garrison, who prosecuted alleged conspirator Clay Shaw and inspired Oliver Stone’s groundbreaking film JFK. John’s richly researched assassination documentaries soon followed. His third will be screened on November 22nd, the 60th anniversary of the assassination, at the Laemmle Encino Town Center.

Breakfast With The Beatles host Chris Carter is a founding member of the 80s alternative band Dramarama, known for the iconic 1986 single, Anything, Anything (I’ll Give You). He joins us to talk Beatles. With our attention now so diversified there will never be another band as popular, inspiring and influential. Chris is celebrating 40 years of broadcasting BWTB (now available five days a week on Sirius XM and Sundays on KLOS) with live broadcast events around Los Angeles. 

Chris shares his playlist programming process and discusses the challenges of doing justice to the most well known foursome in the world and their devoted fans. You can test your own Beatles knowledge as Chris reveals fascinating facts plus his insights into the relationships between the bandmates, his thoughts on what it was like to become world famous while still so young, and why the Beatles have fans of every age from every generation. And Chris shares intriguing background on the creation of the new hit song, Now and Then. We also take a tangential trip into music docs (including Chris's Rodney Bingenheimer film, Mayor of the Sunset Strip).

In recommendations, Fritz is offering Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Mathew Desmond and Weezy is watching (after having read!) Lessons in Chemistry on Apple TV+.

Path Points of Interest:

John Barbour

John Barbour on Wikipedia

John Barbour’s & William Shakespeare’s Last Word on The Murder of JFK at The Laemmle Town Center 5 in Encino

Breakfast with the Beatles

Chris Carter on Wikipedia

Breakfast with The Beatles on Facebook

Breakfast with The Beatles on Instagram

Mayor of the Sunset Strip

Dramarama on It's Fritz

Lessons in Chemistry on Apple TV

Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Mathew Desmond

Filmmakers possess the unique ability to immerse us in the lived experiences of others and in so doing, promote kindness, compassion and empathy.  

Directors Tracy Droz Tragos and Charles Mudede join us to share their newest projects. Tracy’s film is called Plan C and it follows a network of courageous women who are working to ensure access to pregnancy terminating medications. Charles directed Thin Skin, a powerful and funny look into the life of musician/comedian Ahamefule Oluo who has never met but lives in the shadow of his Nigerian father.

Charles Mudede is a writer, cultural critic and filmmaker whose film is inspired by Oluo’s stage play which began as a segment on This American Life. It’s the story of a young, bi-racial man in search of himself while grappling with divorce, children, identity, purpose and the heartbreak of displeasing an absent father.

Tracy Droz Tragos is an accomplished and award winning documentarian whose film, Plan C documents the heroic work of the women who comprise a grassroots effort to safeguard access to the two-drug treatment known as a medial abortion. The drugs are prescribed legally through telemedicine visits, however access to information about their availability is muzzled. Tracy’s hope is that her film will raise awareness. 

We also discuss the doctors on the frontline, the supportive husbands, the social media shutdowns and messaging workarounds:… a mobile billboard, subway ads and QR code stickers in college restrooms. We then get into legal intrigues like individual state policies, Shield Laws and the Supreme Court’s squeeze between two masters… the religious right and big pharma.

Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Alexandra Pelosi’s The Insurrectionist Next Door on Max and Stephen Spielberg’s Life on Our Planet on Netflix.

Path Points of Interest

Tracy Droz Tragos

Plan C 

Plan C Trailer

Plan C on Facebook

Plan C on Instagram

Plan C on Twitter

The Turnaway Study

Thin Skin 

Thin Skin Screening Information

Think Skin Trailer

Thin Skin on Facebook

Charles Mudede on Wikipedia

The Wedding Crasher - This American Life

The Insurrectionist Next Door

Pelosi in The House

Life on Our Planet - Netflix 

Bruce Belland’s new book is called Icons, Idols and Idiots of Hollywood: My Adventures in America’s First Boy Band and boy, did he have adventures! Bruce founded The Four Preps while still in Hollywood High School. They became Ricky Nelson’s backup band, co-starred in Gidget and The Adventures of Ozzy & Harriet and went on to score massive hits with 26 Miles Across The Sea, Big Man, and Down By The Station. 

In his book and on this episode, Bruce’s storytelling is engaging and enlightening. He shares teen idol road stories, his Disneyland dream date with Annette Funicello (that devolved into a nauseous nightmare) his day on the set of a TV special with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney and Louis Armstrong, exactly why a wholesome boy singer would include in his book a chapter titled, One Dead Junkie and a Masturbating Monkey, how the love and wisdom of his minister father and sharp witted mother fortified his remarkable journey, and the powerfully poignant night of President Kennedy’s assassination when The Preps gave voice to heartbreak at Ohio State University. 

Through it all, Bruce remains a student. He confides what he learned from Gene Kelly, Ozzy Nelson and George Burns and just how he embraces the blessing of encountering someone who knows more than you and opening yourself up to new lessons.

Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Killers of the Flower Moon, in theaters and Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe, a doc series on Prime.

Path Points of Interest:

Bruce Belland

Icons, Idols, and Idiots of Hollywood: My Adventures in America's First Boy Band by Bruce Belland

The Edsel Show

The Four Preps on Wikipedia

Killers of the Flower Moon - In Theaters

Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe

In the pop culture pantheon there are those few and proud performers who have indelibly imprinted the landscape to the point where our digital age invites new fans to discover and embrace their iconic work. Among these are Dinah Manoff and JoBeth Williams.

Dinah breathed delightful life into Pink Lady Marty Maraschino in Grease. She has starred in Soap, Empty Nest and Neil Simon’s You Oughta Be In Pictures. JoBeth’s portrayal of Diane Freeling in Poltergeist is on repeat every Halloween and her turn in the generation-defining drama, The Big Chill is a boomer must. These two ground-breaking creators have much to share with us, including their exciting new projects.

Dinah’s brilliantly hilarious work of fiction is called The Real True Hollywood Story of Jackie Gold. We recommend you listen to the audio version, performed by a cast of gifted actors. Dinah wrote what she knows but not exactly. Jackie is a world famous, tabloid darling narrating her story from deep within a coma induced by an ill-fated, paparazzi dodging balcony leap. Dinah was simply raised by show-biz parents Lee Grant and Arnold Manoff in the star-sprinkled Malibu Colony.

Dinah shares her mom’s journey from being Dinah’s harshest critic to her biggest fan girl, and the harrowing story of her dad’s McCarthy-era blacklisting. We also learn how Dinah’s parenting of her own kids has taken a very different path.

JoBeth is currently starring, with Peter Strauss in the stage play, Love Among The Ruins. It is running through November 5th at North Hollywood’s El Portal Theatre. JoBeth and Peter are taking on roles portrayed by Katharine Hepburn and Sir Laurence Olivier and rising beautifully to that challenge!

She comes to us with spooky, inside-Poltergeist secrets, corset-wearing horror stories from Wyatt Earp, and tips on how to handle a nude scene with a five-year-old co-star from Kramer vs. Kramer. And, as President emeritus, JoBeth shares how we can all lend assistance to struggling actors through the SAG-AFTRA Foundation.

Plus, Weezy is strongly recommending Timothy Egan’s disturbing examination of the KKK in the 1920s, A Fever In The Heartland. And Fritz is very keen on Ken Burns' American Buffalo on PBS and Amazon Prime. All that plus an inspiring clip from Illinois Governor J.B. Prtizker's moving Northwestern commencement speech.

Path Points of Interest:

Dinah Manoff

The Real True Hollywood Story of Jackie Gold by Dinah Manoff on Amazon

The Real True Hollywood Story of Jackie Gold paperback book buy link

Dinah Manoff on Wikipedia

Dinah Manoff on IMDB

JoBeth Williams

Love Among The Ruins

See Love Among the Ruins at The El Portal

JoBeth Williams on Wikipedia

JoBeth Williams on IMDB

SAG-AFTRA Foundation

A Fever In The Heartland by Timothy Egan

American Buffalo - PBS/Prime

Governor Prtizker's Northwestern commencement speech

Singer-songwriter Gilbert O'Sullivan continues to grace audiences around the globe with his wit, warmth, whimsy and musical genius as he has been doing since 1970 when he stirred UK audiences with Nothing Rhymed and then captured and broke hearts around the world with Alone Again, (Naturally.) The song has been covered over 75 times, including by Nina Simone, Neil Diamond, The Pet Shop Boys and Elton John, Michael Buble and Diana Krall (A duet about being alone? OK.)

Gilbert stood out not only for his inventively catchy and wrenching songs but also for his carefully crafted personal style. Initially inspired by silent film stars and later by college lads. He would emboss outfits with a large letter G. (Gilbert U. Fine school.)

And still today, Gilbert continues to set a distinctive path with new music, duets with today’s stars and world tours. He’ll be hitting the west coast in November with exclusive dates, including L.A.’s Troubadour.

Gilbert talks with us about his influences, his musical style and philosophy, and his deep and abiding appreciation for fans who have so embraced his songs. We also get into his ground-breaking court cases which won him back his catalogue of songs from manager, Gordon Mills and took on the new world of sampling when Biz Markie “borrowed”  Alone Again (Naturally). Gilbert had said no because he does not want that song to be used comedically.

Oh, and what’s Clair doing now? Well, she is no longer in need of a babysitter and we have an update!

In recommendations, Fritz saw The Burial (2023) in theaters. Weezy has been listening to two podcasts: Grapevine and We Don't Talk About Leonard and Gilbert does not own a cell phone but thanks to his daughter’s tech support, he is enjoying the podcast, McCartney: A Life In Lyrics.

Path Points of Interest:

Gilbert O'Sullivan

Gilbert O'Sullivan: Live in the USA Sizzle Reel

Gilbert O'Sullivan Documentary

Gilbert O'Sullivan on Wikipedia

Gilbert O'Sullivan on Twitter

Gilbert O'Sullivan on Facebook

Gilbert O'Sullivan Upcoming Tour Dates

Gilbert's New Album, Driven

The Burial

Grapevine 

We Don't Talk About Leonard

McCartney: A Life in Lyrics

Concetta Tomei's richly recognizable presence has warmed screens for 40 years. Her Italian roots, the American dreams of her parents and grandparents and her midwestern upbringing, plus four years as a seventh and eighth grade teacher prepared and sustained her as she faced show biz rigors and rejections. 

Her acting chops were masterfully honed on the New York stage where she performed off-Broadway and on, in the New York Shakespeare Festival, in Cyrano with Kevin Kline and in The Elephant Man with David Bowie.

Concetta shares her fierce heart and dynamic spirit as she regales us with story after story of her uniquely thrilling life as a character actor. She talks about her love for her co-stars: David Bowie’s kindness and intensity, Brian Dennehy’s thoughtful mentorship, Dick Van Dyke’s fun and curiosity, and Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau’s propensity to crack each other up on the set of Out To Sea while Concetta got to dance with Donald O’Connor!

Concetta goes into tender detail about her wonderful, supportive parents, who immigrated to Kenosha from Italy and who she credits with much of her success. She also pays grateful homage to her education, studying drama at what became DePaul University, and the deep lessons provided by the works of Shakespeare and her treasured opportunities to perform key roles.

Her paths of learning, and preparing led her to starring roles in China Beach and Providence and opened the gates of Star Trek fandom with an appearance as Minister Odala on Star Trek: Voyager.

We play a few rounds of IMDB Roulette with a spicy story from the set of Dynasty. (Lesson Learned: Do not incur the wrath of Joan Collins). 

Concetta is also an animal rights activist and she would love for you to look into the work of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

In recommendations, Fritz got into the Netflix docu-series Beckham, and Weezy is living for ABC's The Golden Bachelor.

Path Points of Interest:

Concetta Tomei on Wikipedia

Concetta Tomei on IMDB

Concetta Tomei on TCM

Best Friends Animal Society

Concetta Tomei on Facebook

The Golden Bachelor

Beckham - Netflix

Craig Kilborn has indelibly and stylishly stamped his unique, hosty  brand across the worlds of Sports and Late Night Comedy.

Mixing a patrician personality, with a razor sharp wit and folding in a pinch of irreverent snark, Lord Kilby has now taken up residency at manner houses in the lands of Instagram and podcasting. 

A star high school athlete, Craig excelled at basketball, knowing that his future lay in comedy. He blended his strengths as a smart aleck  sportscaster in Monterey, California where he acquired his taste for the fancy which he now celebrates on Instagram and on his podcast, The Life Gorgeous.

Craig joins us with action items for those who aspire to live their lives more gorgeously. (You may need a boat.) And despite the adversity of no adversity, he tells us how a tall, handsome, high school jock was able to acquire so sharp a wit. His SportsCenter stint forever changed the tone of sportscasting and, on a personal note, led to a surprise phone call from new fan, Bill Murray!

We discuss Craig’s background as The Daily Show's inaugural host, taking over for Tom Snyder on The Late, Late Show, and why he eventually lost his passion for the politics of it all and stepped away. 

Plus, Weezy shares highlights from the performance of Unforgettable Sunrise, a symphony written by non-verbal autistic teen, Jacob Rock.

Fritz is recommending A Haunting in Venice, now in theaters and Weezy strongly advises you to watch the documentary, Torn on Hulu.

Path Points of Interest:

The Craig Kilborn Podcast: The Life Gorgeous

Craig Kilborn on Instagram

Craig Kilborn on Facebook

Craig Kilborn on Wikipedia

Unforgettable Sunrise Highlights

A Haunting in Venice - In Theaters 

Torn on Hulu