Media Path Podcast

Media Path

Have you ever become obsessed with a topic and taken a deep dive into consuming all you could uncover about it?

Media Path podcast is here to indulge your obsessions. hosted by Fritz Coleman and Louise Palanker, the show takes you along on a scenic tour through books, movies, TV, podcasts and music related to a given topic of captivation. We are exploring entertainment, politics, history, true crime, world events and all of their intriguing intersections.

Fritz Coleman is a legendary Los Angeles weatherman/humorist. Louise Palanker is a filmmaker/columnist and co-founder of Premiere Radio.
Hop aboard. Discover more layers, intrigue and substance. Go beyond binging with Media Path.

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271 episodes
Updated July 23

Episodes271

Newest first

Sep 28, 2023 · 1 hr 21 min
The Healing Power of Humor & Laughing Towards Enlightenment
Craig Shoemaker believes in the power of laughter and he's experienced its transformational force firsthand. The showbiz vet with decades of experience in writing, producing, acting and stand up comedy is fully invested in helping others, through humor with his organization, Laughter Heals. To this end, he speaks frankly, lives courageously and is persistently seeking the higher self that will ensure a reach towards his potential. Craig speaks with raw courage about his painful past, the obstacles he has faced and conquered and those that are currently vexing and challenging him. Undaunted, he understands that laughter is a force more powerful than anger and that positive energy creates a pathway towards healing the wounds of trauma, neglect and abuse. Craig joins us to share his unique and effective blend of levity and love and how his coaching program, Winning With Humor is helping folks from all of life’s walks achieve goals and more fully align with their true selves. We get Craig’s unfiltered take on parenting, marriage, divorce, dating and his unconventional childhood with a “fun mom” and an absent dad. An industrious young Craig found himself looking for dads in all the wrong places, writing earnest “Please Marry My Mom” sales pitches to Paul Lynne and Tim McCarver. It was a hard pass from both. Craig shares how his comedy has saved lives and how his patented “love master” techniques have created them. We learn how cults, coincidences and the call and response of the universe have followed him throughout his life. Laughter being the enduring soundtrack. Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Never Let Him Go on Hulu, The Morning Show on Apple TV+ and John Mills with Orchids in Zoom, live at The Write-Off Room in Studio City on October 9th! Path Points of Interest: Craig Shoemaker Craig Shoemaker on Wikipedia Craig Shoemaker on Instagram Craig Shoemaker on Facebook Craig Shoemaker on Twitter Craig Shoemaker on Youtube Winning With Humor Laughter Heals The Morning Show - Apple TV Never Let Him Go on Hulu John Mills at The Write-Off Room The Mills Brothers' American Express Ad
Sep 21, 2023 · 59 min
The Seminal Sit-Com Neighbor & NBC TV's Golden Age
In the late 1980's and early '90s, the TV sitcom landscape was dominated by an unstoppable force known as Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions. It’s the creative juggernaut that brought us Soap and Benson in the late 70s, evolving into the force field behind The Golden Girls. A series so iconic, it launched the spin-offs, Nurses, The Golden Palace and Empty Nest, co-starring our guest, David Leisure. This Saturday night lineup featured casts of characters who occupied the same imagined universe and often popped into each other’s shows. David was Empty Nest’s wacky neighbor and he also appeared as Charley Dietz on The Golden Girls, Nurses and another Witt/Thomas/Harris creation, Blossom. Empty Nest, starred Richard Mulligan as Dr. Harry Weston, a widowed pediatrician, much sought after by all the Miami single ladies while riding the emotional waves of his grownup daughters who have refilled his Empty Nest. David gives us an exclusive peek behind the scenes of this memorable time in broadcast television history. Was Bea Arthur really the only Earth human who hated Betty White? What did Bea Arthur hate even more than Betty White? How did David’s show attempt to fill the space left behind in their nest by Kristy McNichol? How did the cast and crew react to her emotional return? David shares his origin story and how he landed two key roles. 1) “First Krishna” in Airplane. (He was willing to shave his head.) And 2) The Joe Isuzu commercials. (He’s an obsequious liar.) We also learn why St. Jude’s hospital is so important to David, how he overcame childhood obesity and the truth about his secret, backstage divorce group therapy sessions with Loni Anderson and Richard Mulligan. All that plus IMDB Roulette and Empty Nest Trivia! And Fritz shares his own personal run-in with Golden Girls Producer Susan Harris. (She’s probably still pissed.) Plus, in recommendations, we’ve got two great books: Blowback - A Warning To Save Democracy From The Next Trump by Miles Taylor and Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Path Points of Interest: David Leisure on Wikipedia David Leisure on IMDB Joe Isuzu Commercials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJMq_7alQpU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_1ASmweXYs David Leisure on Facebook Empty Nest on IMDB St. Jude's Hospital Blowback - A Warning To Save Democracy From The Next Trump by Miles Taylor Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Sep 14, 2023 · 1 hr
The Making of a Super Group & The Music Scene of the 60s and 70s
Listening to Radio Luxembourg on his family's transistor as a teen in the British countryside, Simon Kirke heard the siren song of The Beatles and was instantly hooked. Determined to make music his career, he spent two years in London before a fateful meeting with guitarist Paul Kossoff put him on a course to make his rock 'n' roll fantasy a reality. Along with Andy Fraser and Paul Rodgers, they formed the band Free which led to the mega hit/classic song All Right Now and Free becoming one of England's hottest bands. Then, in 1973, Simon, along with Free-mate Paul Rodgers, co-founded legendary hard rock supergroup Bad Company, a monster band that sold out record bins and stadiums worldwide. Their anthemic hits, Shooting Star, Feel Like Making Love, Can’t Get Enough and Rock and Roll Fantasy remain among the most played songs in radio history. Simon joins us to share (mostly PG!) rock n’ roll stories featuring his iconic bandmates and management and the music venues, record companies and recording studios where so much of his classic rock history played out. Simon tells us the story of Free and how All Right Now was written in desperation, to get the crowd dancing. Simon also details their legendary performance at the Isle of Wight Festival, and how Free stood up to the label that wanted to rebrand them the Heavy Metal Kids. He shares the backstage/pre-show moment when Bad Company's manager gifted them with platinum albums and we discuss the personality types drawn to each instrument. And, a quarter century sober, Simon considers whether productivity and creation may be the greatest high off all. Simon has written a possibly too spicy memoir. He is now scoring films and his pathway to sobriety has inspired an upcoming musical called Rock Bottom. Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending the Max doc series, Smartless: On The Road and The Untold Story of the Investigation Into January 6th by Denver Riggleman and Hunter Walker. Path Points of Interest: Simon Kirke Simon Kirke on Wikipedia Bad Company on Wikipedia Simon Kirke Facebook Bad Company Instagram Road Recovery The Breach - The Untold Story of the Investigation Into January 6th by Denver Riggleman and Hunter Walker Smartless On The Road Smartless Podcast
Sep 7, 2023 · 1 hr 15 min
The Rules of Showrunning & an Insider's Guide To How TV Is Made
eff Melvoin has written an inspiring and comprehensive guide to the art & science of what may be the most momentous, yet mysterious title in Hollywood: Showrunner. At its core, the job is described as a writer/producer hybrid. But it encompasses so much more than just that. Jeff joins us to talk about Running The Show: Television From the Inside, and he shares his unique perspective on what it takes to make it in the TV industry (spoiler: talent will take you only so far!) Coming to his author role with decades of television experience from broadcast to basic cable to the realm of Bezos (whom he refers to as “the Stalin of Streaming”), Jeff’s enthusiasm for mentoring and educating compliment his acumen as an accomplished show runner on Killing Eve, Army Wives, Designated Survivor, Picket Fences, and Northern Exposure. They also serve him well as the writer of a wise, funny, instructive and inside view of his field of expertise. Jeff brings us incredible insight and wisdom on the specific set of skills and personality traits required to succeed at showrunning and leadership in general. We hear his Six Rules, The Twelve P's, His One career-making line (which he wrote for an episode of Remington Steele) and much more. Plus, he’s got stories from the many shows he's worked on, including Remington Steele, NYPD Blue and Alias and he’s bringing the intel on the differences between American and British Productions as learned via Killing Eve. He’s also sharing his views on streaming’s landscape overhaul, the existential nature of the current writers' strike and the need-to-know phrase for responding to a studio exec's notes. Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending The Beanie Bubble on Apple TV+ and San Francisco Sounds: A Place In Time. Path Points of Interest: Running the Show Jeff Melvoin on Instagram Jeff Melvoin on Wikipedia Jeff Melvoin on imdb The Beanie Bubble You're Wrong About... with Sarah Marshall and Jamie Loftus Beanie Babies Episode San Francisco Sounds: A Place In Time
Aug 31, 2023 · 51 min
The Gift of Self Expression & Parenting A Non-Verbal Human
On the Autism Spectrum, there are some people who are never able to speak more than a few words. The inability to verbally communicate indicates no lack of intelligence and it can be incredibly frustrating for those who have much to offer but whose thoughts and ideas are locked inside their own minds. Among these shrouded geniuses is 19-year-old Jacob Rock, son of Wild Honey Foundation Founder and Director, Paul Rock. Jacob’s two lone spoken words are “yes,” and “eat,” but during the pandemic he was able to focus on his one finger iPad typing and his inner dialogue began to blossom into multi-syllable, complex thoughts, views and poetry. Jacob also typed that he was composing a symphony. To manifest this vision, Paul solicited the help of Wild Honey Musical Director Rob Laufer. Rob and Jacob began collaborating, composing and mind-melding and the result is a 71 minute symphonic piece called Unforgettable Sunrise which will be performed on September 30th, 2023 with a full orchestra from the USC Thornton School of Music at The Alex Theater in Los Angeles. Jacob’s piece is autobiographical and it chronicles his struggles with distress, discomfort, stomach pain, self harm, frustration and ultimately, peace, finding his voice and the joy of creation. Paul and Rob join us to share their process in facilitating Jacob’s self-expression. Paul brings his fullest heart to a reading of Jacob’s poetry and together, our guests illuminate how we may all be able to learn the most from those who say the least. Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Golda (2023), in theaters and Silo on Apple TV+. And Weezy recaps the Adam Schiff fundraiser she hosted mid hurriquake! Path Points of Interest: Wild Honey Foundation on Facebook Unforgettable Sunrise at the Alex Theater Unforgettable Sunrise on Soundcloud Music Connection Article L.A. Beat Article Paul Rock on Youtube Paul Rock on Instagram Rob Laufer Rob Laufer on Instagram Adam Schiff Event Photos Adam Schiff's Conversation with Holocaust Survivors Silo - Apple TV Golda - In Theaters The Sunshine Boy/A Mother's Courage Documentary
Aug 17, 2023 · 1 hr 10 min
Courage, Compassion, Kindness & The Many Talents of Your Teen Crush featuring Robby Benson
Robby Benson is living proof that character is destiny, guided by his values, integrity, talent and curiosity, Robby has overcome much to achieve more. He is an actor, writer, producer, director, author, musician, photographer, professor, songwriter, novelist, activist and former teen idol! Robby’s early screen stardom was just scratching his creative surface and Robby’s immense devotion to his wife and family only deepen his appreciation of life and its gifts. Robby joins us to talk about his strong family bonds, his collaborations with his fiercely talented wife Karla DeVito, his extraordinary parents, including his Mom who is Fritz’s upstairs neighbor. We eagerly await that sit-com. For hardcore Robby Benson heartthrob film fans, we do get into Ode to Billy Joe, Ice Castles, Lucky Lady and One on One. Robby also offers a master class in heart health care, sharing his personal journey through four open heart surgeries to correct a congenital defect. In true Robby fashion, he carved his struggle into art, writing the book, “I’m Not Dead…Yet,” which he then adapted into the musical Open Heart. Robby has directed over 100 episodes of network sitcoms and his first novel, “Who Stole the Funny,” is a fictionalized account of one disturbingly harrowing week he spent on the set of a “make-believe” show. Robby also joins us for a spirited round of Media Path's favorite pretend game show, “IMDB Roulette” Robby is currently working on paying tribute to his late father and co-writer, Jerry Segal with a play which will feature their music. Additionally, it’s still top secret but Robby is starring in the second season of Sevarance. Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending The Hollies: Look Through Any Window on FreeVee, Painkiller on Netflix and the Barbie movie. Path Points of Interest: Robby Benson Robby Benson in Wikipedia Robby Benson on IMDB Modern Love (1990) Robby Benson on YouTube The More I Think About It All BROKEN by Robby Benson with Karla DeVito Books by Robby Benson I'm Not Dead...Yet! Who Stole The Funny The Hollies: Look Through Any Window Painkiller - Netflix The Barbie Movie
Aug 3, 2023 · 1 hr 7 min
Half a Century on the TV Set & Multi-Cultural Arts for L.A.’s Youth featuring Vernée Watson
A new documentary about actress Vernée Watson is very aptly titled: You Look Familiar, and she does. But only to anyone who’s watched TV in the past five decades! Vernée has been in so many important and iconic series over the years that a journey through her IMDB page requires a packed lunch. And remember to hydrate. Vernee’s resume includes the boomer classics, Welcome Back Kotter, The Jeffersons and Good Times. In the 90’s she earned millennial cred in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (She played Will's mom) and Sister, Sister. Vernée joins us with showbiz stories that star Will Smith, John Travolta, Denzel Washington and beyond! Her Harlem childhood trained her to be prepared and professional and to do the work! Plus, Vernée stood her ground way pre-#MeToo and she has advice for women in any industry. Check out Vernée’s non-profit, Heartfelt Education through the Arts, where she and co-founder Eartha Robinson nurture young talent in a multicultural space. That talent includes Vernée’s son, Josh Johnson who became an Alvin Ailey dancer at the age of 15! Plus, we play IMDB Roulette to hear tasty morsels of showbiz magic from behind the scenes of shows like The West Wing, Big Bang Theory, and The Jeffersons! Also, Weezy is recommending the book, Solito by Javier Zamora and her new reality TV passion, Claim to Fame while Fritz is obsessed with Oppenheimer. Path Points of Interest: You Look Familiar Documentary about Vernée Watson Heartfelt Education through the Arts The H.E.Art on Facebook The H.E.Art on Instagram Vernée Watson on IMDB Vernée Watson on Instagram Solito by Javier Zamora Claim to Fame on Hulu Claim to Fame on ABC Oppenheimer - In Theaters
Jul 13, 2023 · 1 hr 2 min
The Beaver & His Fabulous Real-Life Mom
Jerry Mathers may be the most iconic performer in TV child-star history, shouldering the title role in Leave it to Beaver for six groundbreaking seasons. Jerry brought so much heart and relatable innocence to his performance that he has well earned his place in our hearts and in television history. You can partially credit Ward and June for raising such a fine boy but his real-life Mom, Marilyn gets most of the credit and she joins us with Jerry to share the memories of how they managed to blend Jerry’s remarkable show-biz life with his close and grounded family of seven at home. Together, we get into Leave it to Beaver Trivia, a Beaver vocabulary pop quiz, closing credit true facts, backstage secrets and favorite episodes. Also, what color were Beaver’s hat, June’s dresses and Walley’s letter sweater? We have answers! Jerry also tells you how to become a proud owner of your own Beaver hats with his authentic embroidered signature, personalized autographed photos, baseballs, tee shirts and the new Beaver for President hats which will be available soon! Plus, Fritz is recommending Only in Theaters about the Laemmle Theater family. And Weezy found path parallels about the pressures of high performing young people in The Break Point tennis series and Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now, both on Netflix. Path Points of Interest: Beaver Merch Website Jerry Mathers Jerry Mathers on Youtube Jerry Mathers on Facebook Jerry Mathers on Twitter Jerry Mathers on Instagram Jerry Mathers on IMDB Leave it to Beaver on IMDB Where to Watch Leave it to Beaver Roku Peacock MeTV Amazon Rose Hills Industrial Film with Hugh Beaumont and Jerry Mathers Leave it To Beaver Group on Facebook Only In Theatres Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now Break Point
Jun 29, 2023 · 1 hr 12 min
How Chicago Blues Legends Influenced the Next Generation
The nightclub scene was magical in Chicago’s South and West sides in the late 1950s and during that time, white kids from the suburbs were finding The Blues at the end of their radio dials, buying the records, studying the music and traveling down to the clubs to meet and play with their idols! That story is told in the new Bob Sarles film, Born in Chicago. We are joined by musician/bandleader Jimmy Vivino and Blues legend Barry Goldberg who, along with Mike Bloomfield and Paul Butterfield, learned his craft at the feet of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King and Buddy Guy. Barry and Jimmy created the film’s soundtrack and they are steeped in the history of Chicago Blues and loaded with stories and wisdom about class, race, inter-generational guidance and the joy of sharing and celebrating an art form that contains the power to transform us for the better. Barry and Jimmy give us a full account of the evolution of blues and blues rock from the '50s through today. Barry tells us about sitting in with Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf as a teenager and his frenemy relationship with the British invasion acts like The Stones and Eric Clapton who also idolized the Blues greats. He talks about playing in one of our nation’s first racially integrated bands, Electric Flag and his experience on stage with Dylan when he “went electric” at the Newport Folk Festival. Jimmy and Barry describe composing the documentary's soundtrack & more and the blues standards that informed their musical choices. Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Shiny Happy People: Dugger Family Secrets on Prime and Fair Play on Hulu and Prime. Path Points of Interest: Born in Chicago Born in Chicago - IMDB Q&A with Directors in Chicago Reader Born in Chicago on Facebook Jimmy Vivino Jimmy Vivino on Wikipedia Jimmy Vivino on Instagram Jimmy Vivino on Facebook Barry Goldberg Barry Goldberg on Wikipedia Barry Goldberg on imdb Shiny Happy People: Dugger Family Secrets Fair Play - Prime/Hulu
Jun 22, 2023 · 1 hr 15 min
Writing TV Classics, MLB Play by Play & Growing Up in the 60s
Ken Levine’s captivating career is a buffet of boyhood wish fulfillment. Ken became a disc jockey, a sitcom writer, a Major League Baseball announcer, a cartoonist, an author and a playwright. He’s not done. New adventures include podcasting and standup comedy. Ken’s book, The Me Generation by Me: Growing Up in the Sixties chronicles his journey through a Southern California childhood with adventures that include friendships with child stars, radio nerd penpals, appearances on The Dating Game, and a crush on Laura Petrie that inspired him to believe that comedy writing was the route to landing a hot wife. (Mission accomplished.) By age 19, Ken was a UCLA sophomore, interning at KMPC when Gary Owens sent his writing samples to George Schlatter who offered him a job on Laugh In! But Ken had to turn it down. Leaving college would have invited an immediate draft notice. Ultimately, ROTC and the National Guard prepared Ken and his partner David Isaacs to write a MASH spec script which led to jobs at The Jeffersons, The Tony Randall Show, MASH, Cheers, Frasier, The Simpsons and beyond. Ken shares with us his stories about all of these legendary shows, plus his foray into the world of MLB announcing, his cartooning, and his current podcast, Hollywood and Levine. And Ken comes to us straight from the WGA picket line so he is here to explain the standoff and help us all stand up for writers’ rights and the future of writing. And Fritz and Weezy are recommending the filmReality, about Reality Winner on HBO Max and Jury Duty on Freevee. Path Points of Interest: The Me Generation by Me: Growing Up in the 60s Ken Levine Hollywood and Levine Podcast Ken Levine Blog Ken Levin Author Page on Amazon Ken Levine on Facebook Ken Levine on Instagram Reality on Max Jury Duty on Freevee
Jun 15, 2023 · 1 hr 16 min
Iconoclastic Comedy & The Epic Story of the First American Road Trip
We are witnessing exponentially rapid changes in technological advancement which recall the dawn of the industrial age when newly harnessed electricity first lit up our houses and the assembly line sent Model Ts motoring down your street and out into the countryside to points heretofore unseen. During this period, the two men most responsible for these wonders drove off together with our nation’s foremost naturalist to seek adventure and wrestle with the practical and theoretical challenges faced when agrarian societies broke way to usher in the marvels of innovation. The road trips were winding and intricate and they wove through New York State, New England, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee and points beyond. And when Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and John Burroughs rolled into your town in 1918 it must have felt like you were suddenly in the presence of The Beatles and Thor God of Thunder. These extensive camping treks were among the first American road trips, during a time when diners, motels and roadside assistance were not yet in existance. Good thing Tom and Henry were so handy with a wrench and a cylinder head. These epic trips are chronicled in Wes Davis’s new book, American Journey: On The Road With Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and John Burroughs. Wes tells us how Ford began his career working for Edison’s company, why Ford sent John Burroughs a free car and how the threesome first decided to take their conversations on the road. He also describes how their travel, conversations and friendship informed and influenced each of their world views and trajectories. We talk about their obsession with studying plant life, appreciating the power of moving water and stopping at abandoned mills to better understand how to find the tools and ingredients of invention within our natural world. We also address the gordian knot of Ford’s altruism and antisemitism. Did his hateful published words encourage the fascism which led to the Holocaust? Wes says that the dark side of Ford’s personality almost pulled him away from the project but that he approached the problem from Burroughs’ point of view which was to push back and study the complexities of human nature. Plus, comedian Dylan Brody joins us to talk about his unique brand of smart, delibertate comedy, how story-telling can lead to social change and his new solo show opening at The Hollywood Improv Lab, 'Thinking Allowed', over a decade in the making. Path Points of Interest: Wes Davis American Journey: On The Road With Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and John Burroughs by Wes Davis Wes Davis on Amazon Dylan Brody Thinking Allowed at The Lab on 6/20 Dylan Brody on IMDB Dylan Brody on YouTube Dylan Brody on Twitter Dylan Brody Linktree
Jun 8, 2023 · 1 hr 6 min
Little House Confessions & Turning Adversity Into Advocacy
An iconic TV character is immortal. That truth has become increasingly official in today’s digital age where every episode is but a click away. And as Alison Arngrim has well learned, if you played the villain, folks are still pissed. Alison’s portrayal of frontier hellion Nellie Oleson struck such a resonate chord with fans that Alison has learned to embrace the Nellie energy and use it for good. Her book is called, Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated. Raised in a bohemian show-biz family, Alison has been acting since early childhood. Her role as Nellie allowed her to vent the anger she carried due to suffering repeated sexual abuse at the hands of her brother. The power of Nellie gave her a voice to testify before the California State Senate and help create new law that criminalizes incest. Nellie also provided Alison with a platform to advocate for AIDS research, education and outreach when her TV husband and beloved friend Steve Tracy died of the disease. Her traumatic childhood caught up with her after the wonderful distraction of Little House was over and with a compass that points to “Happy,” she walked into a therapist’s office at the age of 21 and said, “Here’s what happened to me. Let’s get to work.” Alison shares loads of backstage Little House stories and talks about her relationships, then and now, with her cast mates and she is definitely up for a round of LHOP Trivia! Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending the Barack Obama series, Working: What We Do All Day, on Netflix and Shrinking on Apple +, and we shout out the new album on Band Camp from Media Path friend, Melanie, The Magic Bus. Path Points of Interest: Alison Arngrim Confessions of a Prairie Bitch by Alison Arngrim Alison Arngrim on Wikipedia Alison Arngrim on Twitter Alison Arngrim on Instagram Alison Arngrim on Facebook Livin' on a Prairie Shrinking - Apple + Working: What We Do All Day on Netflix The Magic Bus by Melanie
Jun 1, 2023 · 1 hr 1 min
Music That Transcends Time & The Legacy of Connie Converse
In the 1950's, an extraordinary young woman lived, worked and performed her original music in New York City. Frustrated by a lack of commercial success, she left Manhattan and in 1974, disappeared entirely, never to be heard from again. In the 2000's, her astounding music was re-discovered and her legacy re-written. The story of Elizabeth Eaton Converse, known professionally as Connie Converse, is so bewitchingly intriguing that musician and writer Howard Fishman devoted 13 years of his life researching and chronicling it. The product of this nearly decade-and-a-half labor of love is his new book: To Anyone Who Ever Asks: The Life, Music, and Mystery of Connie Converse. Howard joins us to highlight the deep genius of Connie Converse… possibly our first recorded singer/songwriter and additionally, an artist, poet, writer, classical composer, scholar and activist. What were the factors that inspired her brilliance and muffled her notoriety within her own time? Howard poured through Connie’s creations, files, journals, and letters. He spoke to those who knew her best and he carefully studied, analyzed and theorized about Connie’s work, her vision and her trajectory. Upon first hearing Connie’s voice, Howard found her to be both unique and familiar. He needed to learn more. Howard’s research brought him to small New England towns, suburban Michigan, Greenwich Village, Prague and beyond to better understand Connie’s path and to piece together the enigmatic life and ultimate mysterious fate of a woman who was so far ahead of her time, we are only now coming to hear and understand her. Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Air on Prime and Comedy Central’s Drunk History on Hulu, Prime and many streaming platforms. Path Points of Interest: To Anyone Who Ever Asks by Howard Fishman Howard Fishman Howard Fishman on Facebook Howard Fishman on Twitter Connie Converse on Wikipedia Connie Converse Spotify Playlist Connie Converse Article in Rolling Stone by Howard Fishman Connie Converse article in New York Times by Howard Fishman Drunk History Air - Prime
May 18, 2023 · 57 min
Lasting Legacy TV & Tips for an Authentic, Creative Life
Daphne Maxwell Reid is a trailblazing pioneer with many media firsts to her credit. She was the first black woman on the cover of Glamor Magazine. She and her husband Tim Reid owned the first full service movie studio in Virginia and she is probably best known for her role as Aunt Viv 2.0, alongside Will Smith, the first hip hop artist to star in a sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Ms. Maxwell Reid joins us to talk about her magical childhood in New York City, her full page photo modeling debut in Seventeen Magazine that landed her a Ford modeling contract and her move to Hollywood where Robert Conrad cast her in The Duke and A Man Called Sloan. She turned down the role of Aunt Viv when it was first offered to her and finally took it three years later when the part was being recast. Daphne Maxwell Reid is a photographer, a fashion designer, an HBCU education advocate and she has recently appeared in Harriet, A Jazzman’s Blues and the modern, dramedy reboot of The Fresh Prince on Peacock called Bel Air. We’ve also got The Fresh Prince of Bel Air Trivia and priceless life advice about the importance of finding your tribe and being ready when opportunity shines. Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending The Diplomat on Netflix, Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed on Peacock and Menudo: Forever Young on HBO. Path Points of Interest: Daphne Maxwell Reid Daphne Maxwell Reid on Wikipedia Daphne Maxwell Reid on Instagram Daphne Maxwell Reid in Soul Vision Harriet A Jazzman's Blues Bel Air The Diplomat on Netflix Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed on Peacock Menudo: Forever Young on HBO
May 11, 2023 · 1 hr 16 min
How TV Shapes Culture & Why We Needed The Waltons
We are exploring the infinite feedback loop between television and society with pop culture historian/author Herbie J Pilato and Eric Scott, who played Ben on The Waltons. Herbie’s newest book is called Retro Active Television: An In-Depth Perspective on Classic TV’s Social Circuitry which includes a forward written by Eric! We hear about Eric's childhood adventures with his fellow Walton kids on the studio lot, how his relationship with his own parents ensured that his experience as a child actor was a positive one and why our social atmosphere in the 70s was open to positively receiving a warm and cozy show about a family weathering the Great Depression of 1930s. Herbie then gives us his extensively researched and passion-fueled perspective on the life-affirming TV shows of the past as he encourages us to avoid today’s darker content while embracing and revisitng the charm and magic of Golden Era TV which is so readily available to us now, across many platforms. We talk about Kung Fu, TV Westerns, sit-coms then and now, the dawn of the miniseries event, After School Specials (some of which featured Eric!) and TV as an educational and inspiring resource. We address the urban/rural divide, the changing late night landscape, and Eric takes on a round of Waltons trivia! Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Little Richard: I am Everything on Apple and Amazon Prime and Judy Blume’s Are You There, God? It's Me Margaret, now in theaters. Path Points of Interest: Herbie J Pilato Retro Active Television Herbie's Amazon Author Page Eric Scott on IMDB Eric Scott on Wikipedia Eric Scott on Facebook Herbie + Eric Book Signings At Barnes & Noble in Burbank on May 11: And Book Soup in Los Angeles on June 12: Little Richard: I am Everything on Apple and Amazon Prime Are You There, God? It's Me Margaret - Film Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret - Book by Judy Blume Judy Blume Forever Documentary on Prime
May 4, 2023 · 1 hr 3 min
Roy Rogers & Dale Evans: A Granddaughter's Love
They were the King and Queen of TV westerns but this week’s guest called them, Grandma and Grandpa. Julie Rogers Pomilia’s father Tom was Dale Evans’ son. Roy and Dale were warm and attentive grandparents and Julie had the run of the Double R Bar Ranch as her backyard. In her book, Your Heroes, My Grandparents: A Granddaughter's Love, Julie details cherished memories spent with Roy, Dale, a gaggle of sisters and cousins and Trigger. Her idilic, special scrapbook moments are filled with birthdays, Christmases and recitals and they are seasoned with Hollywood events, backstage explorations, movie sets and TV appearances. Then there’s the time her second grade teacher asked her if she could identify the cowboy on the cover of her Weekly Reader. Julie said, “That’s my grandpa,” and went home to ask her mom why Grandpa is famous. Julie grew up singing with her sisters and parents, sometimes backing up her grandparents at shows, parades and rodeos. Iconic show biz figures were in and out of the ranch but mostly, Grandpa hung with Clark Gable because they shared hobbies and Nudie Cohn because he designed Grandma and Grandpa’s cosutmes. Julie shares her most precious memories of riding on the back of Grandpa’s motorcycle and gunning it back and forth across an empty air strip, pheasant hunting… not because she likes it but because she loved making memories with Grandpa, traveling to Scotland with Grandma who made every adventure an event and the true story of Dale Evans’ heartbreaking journey towards stardom which required her to keep her son Tom a secret. Also, whatever did happen to Trigger? Is he stuffed or mounted and/or living forever in our hearts? How did Roy and Dale jump start the merchandising industry? And so much more. Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Under the Banner of Heaven on Hulu and Great Expectations… pick an adaptation and read the Dickens classic. And, Fritz’s newest special, Unassisted Living is streaming now on Tubi! Path Points of Interest: Your Heroes, My Grandparents: A Granddaughter's Love The Roy Rogers Show on Tubi Unassisted Living Starring Fritz Coleman Under The Banner of Heaven Great Expectations - 2023 Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (It's Free!)
Apr 27, 2023 · 1 hr 8 min
Documentary Film & Personal Storytelling
We are serving up a film fan's dream discussion, as we plunge deep into the techniques, processes, challenges and craft of documentary filmmaking with two talented creators, Brandon Ogborn and Reed Harkness. Both are captivating storytellers whose productions are based on personal experiences and relationships, exploring the themes of family, community, ethics and society’s expectations. Brandon's film, 'Damn, Dana' is a character study as well as a snapshot of an unprecedented time in our recent past, focusing on restaurateur Dana Tanner, whose refusal to close the doors of her Long Beach eatery during COVID-19 lockdowns sparked national interest and turned her into the poster child for one the pandemic's most controversial issues, the effect of government mandates on the service industry. Reed's feature 'Sam Now' is an examination of how individual family members processed the disappearance of his step-mother. Reed facilitated and filmed his brother Sam’s journey to find his mom which led to Sam ultimately finding himself. 25 years in the making, Reed’s brother bonding project inspired his entire family to better understand their own emotions and unique connections. Brandon and Reed discuss the catalysts for each of their documentaries, the roles played by family and friends, their storytelling approaches and directing styles, their subjects’ receptions of their films and what they learned from their respective themes… boys and men grappling with difficult emotions and how we all responded to the frightening early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Waco: The Aftermath on Showtime, the podcast series, Long Shadow and American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing on Netflix. Path Points of Interest: Sam Now Sam Now On Instagram Sam Now on Twitter Sam Now on Facebook Sam Now on PBS Damn, Dana on Youtube Damn, Dana on Film Freeway Brandon Ogborn on Instagram Waco: The Aftermath on Showtime The Long Shadow Podcast American Manhunt - The Boston Marathon Bombing - Netflix Telephone Stories: The Trials of Michael Jackson
Apr 20, 2023 · 1 hr 19 min
Stand-Up Comedy Lore & The Golden Age of Entertainment
Strap in for the show biz chat sesh of a lifetime: Legendary comedian Tom Dreesen and 80s TV icon Larry Manetti join us for story after story about Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. Smokey Robinson, Tom Selleck, Robert Wagner, Mike Connors, Robert Conrad, David Letterman, Johnny Carson and more! As epic as the stories are the story-tellers. Tom Dreesen’s mind-blowing C.V. traces his career path from shoe shine boy in Harvey, Illinois to sharing a jet and a stage with Frank Sinatra. Along the way he pioneered the first integrated comedy team, Tim and Tom with Tim Reid, graced the tonight show stage 60 times, frequently guested and guest hosted for and with David Letterman and toured with Smokey Robinson and Sammy Davis Jr. Tom spent 15 years on the road with Sinatra, forming a friendship that informed and nourished both of them. Tom offers insights into forging a career in comedy, he shares revelations about his Chicago childhood and Tom and Fritz swap Tonight show baptismal stories. Larry Manetti tells us that he was discoverd in the Universal commissary and cast soon thereafter in Baa Baa Black Sheep thanks to the fervent support of Robert Conrad. Larry fills us in on his What’s Cooking With Larry Manetti pilot which featured the handsomest guest cast in cooking show history: Tom Selleck, Robert Wagner and Mike Connors! And Larry ’s lifelong friendship with Tom Selleck welcomes a new chapter this week as they star together in an upcoming episode of Blue Bloods. Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Any Given Tuesday by Lis Smith and The Pale Blue Eye novel by Louis Bayard which has become a Netflix film starring Christian Bale and Harry Melling. Path Points of Interest: Tom Dreesen Still Standing by Tom Dreesen Tom Dreesen on Wikipedia Tom Dreesen on Twitter Tom Dreesen on Instagram Larry Minetti on IMDB Larry Minetti on Wikipedia Article about Larry's upcoming Blue Bloods episode/Magnum reunion What's Cookin' With Larry Manetti & Tom Selleck Aloha Magnum by Larry Manetti Any Given Tuesday by Lis Smith The Pale Blue Eye by Louis Bayard Article on The Pale Blue Eye on Tudum The Pale Blue Eye on Netflix
Apr 13, 2023 · 1 hr 23 min
Jazz Rock Fusion & The American Band That Toured The Soviet Bloc
Jazz/Rock Fusion greats Blood, Sweat & Tears were on top of their game in 1970, winning grammies, headlining Woodstock and racking up hit after hit with Spinning Wheel, And When I Die, and You’ve Made Me So Very Happy. And then they ventured behind the Iron Curtain. It was not their idea. Nixon was President. The Viet Nam War raged on and BS & T were blackmailed into acting as emissaries on behalf of the U.S. State Department, touring the Soviet Bloc countries of Yugoslavia, Romania and Poland. This precarious adventure and the ensuing stateside fallout are chronicled in the new doc, What The Hell Happened To Blood, Sweat and Tears? Director John Scheinfeld and BS&T Drummer Bobby Colomby join us to discuss this remarkable film, the newly unearthed tour footage, The State Departments’ and the Soviet Bloc countries’ respective agendas, and how America’s response in 1970 reflects a nation as fractured and polarized as the one we see today. Plus, we learn about the jazz and soul origins of BS&T, Bobby’s foggy Woodstock memories, John’s story-telling principles and how the making of this documentary allowed Bobby, at long last, to recognize his own skill as a drummer! All that and Fritz and Weezy are recommending Sin Eater: The Crimes of Anthony Pellicano on Hulu & HBO’s doc series, The Anarchists. Path Points of Interest: What The Hell Happened To Blood Sweat and Tears Director John Scheinfeld John Scheinfeld on Instagram Bobby Colomby Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon L.A. Times Article on the Film Rolling Stone Article on the Film New York Times Article on the Film Sin Eater: The Crimes of Anthony Pellicano The Anarchists
Mar 30, 2023 · 1 hr 16 min
Woodstock Memories & Iconic Songwriting featuring Melanie Safka
At the dawn of the singer/songwriter era, there was a time when the genre was dominated by men. Then, along came Melanie. With but one minor hit charting at one radio station, she took the stage at Woodstock. Just Melanie. Her guitar and 500,000 peace loving new friends, holding candles in the rain. The experience inspired Melanie’s anthem, Lay Down, landing her new album in the collection of every aspiring hippy girl the world over. The hits kept coming. Ruby Tuesday, What Have They Done To My Song, Ma? And Brand New Key. Melanie was everywhere. Writing, touring and creating a soundtrack that inspired young girls to grow into women who went after their dreams. Melanie Safka has raised a family but she’s never stopped making music. Her story-telling is as epic as her songs. She shares how she defied her parents’ debutant dreams for her and followed her passions, how she quite accidentally met her producer/manager/husband, Peter Schekeryk, her out of body Woodstock experience, featuring a pot of tea sent over by Joan Baez, her spiritual collaboration with The Edwin Hawkins Singers, how fasting, hallucinating and McDonald’s inspired the roller skate song, Brand New Key and her recent backyard duet with super fan, Miley Cyrus. Plus Fritz and Weezy recommend I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy and A Spy Among Friends. Path Points of Interest: A Spy Among Friends - Amazon I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy iCarly on Netflix iCarly on Nickelodeon Melanie Safka Melanie on Youtube Melanie on Wikipedia Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) with the Edwin Hawkins singers Melanie on Patreon Melanie on Facebook Melanie on Twitter Melanie with Miley Cyrus Surprise Duet with Todd Rundgren at Darryl's House Melanie's son Beau Jarred Schekeryk Melanie's daughter Leilah Hayman Melanie's daughter Jeordie Schekeryk Upcoming Signing at Chiller Theatre in Parsippany, NJ