"Love's A Secret Weapon" Podcast

Welcome to Season 5 and a new chapter of Donna’s memoir!  In this episode: Moving to the tropics requires a new wardrobe, and when Donna meets some silk painters, she is inspired to start designing dresses for the first time since her ‘60s career – this time, Hawaiian style!  Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their first guest for the new season: photographer David Crotty! David, who has p...

In this 60th episode of the podcast and the fourth season finale, Donna and Dr Adam reminisce about their recent travels, Dr Adam shares some personal news, and the duo give their thanks to you, the listeners, and guests who joined Donna and Dr Adam during the year.  And in her holiday message to listeners, Donna draws inspiration from Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, to share...

In this episode, as Donna continues reading her memoir…  Donna and her friend Vicki’s decision to read Shakespeare’s King Lear provides Donna with insight into her own relationships. And when it comes time for the North Kohala Library to move to a modern new building, an old Hawaiian tradition is used.  Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next fan guest, music critic and journalist Mar...

In this episode…  As this chapter of Donna's memoir concludes, Donna decides to write her mother a letter telling her that she finally knows the truth about her Dad. In a far-ranging conversation, Donna and Dr Adam discuss truth and the complexity of family dynamics, as well as how one can emerge from difficult experiences with greater clarity and self-awareness.  Plus, Donna and Dr Adam...

In this episode...  As Donna continues to read from her memoir, the healing energy of Hawaii proves to be the perfect place to process the truth about her Dad.  Plus, you’re invited to Lunch with Lizabeth…and Todd! Donna and Dr Adam welcome back Todd Hughes and his partner P. David Ebersole to talk about Todd’s new book, Lunch with Lizabet h – a memoir of Todd’s two decade friendship wit...

In this special episode, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by Donna’s friend, Janis Weitz. Donna and Janis reminisce about their lifelong friendship, from meeting in elementary school to being on the sets of Shindig! and The Dating Game , celebrating milestone birthdays, and more. Revisit some of the stories Donna’s shared on the podcast with someone who was there! Plus, Janis talks with Donna and Dr A...

In this episode...  After Donna returns to Hawaii, she begins to process the revelation that Morey is not her father. Donna and Dr Adam delve into meditation, mindfulness, and the power of 'stillness' when processing life experiences.   Plus, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by fan guest and pop culture enthusiast Robert Baum. Donna, Dr Adam, and Robert delve into their favorite James B...

Donna continues reading her memoir: When Donna returns to L.A. with Jered for a friend’s wedding, the truth is revealed: Morey is not Donna’s father. This revelation spirals Donna into illness.  Plus, we have a special treat: Jered Cargman, Donna’s husband, joins Donna and Dr Adam on the podcast! Donna and Jered share memories of their first meeting in 1965 for Donna’s high school Prom, as we...

It’s Episode 50…and a new chapter!  Seeking to take some positive action, Donna begins working with a professional to help uncover how her early experiences with her parents and career shaped her development. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by their next fan guest, Stephen White. Stephen lives in Melbourne, Australia and he switched careers mid-life to become an educator.  In both Don...

As Donna’s time in Sedona ends, she returns to L.A. and rents the former home of a Hollywood fashion icon. Settling back into life in L.A., Donna throws herself into a school musical project with her youngest daughter. Finding her feet after her divorce, Donna meets a producer wanting to bring the life of this former Shindig Girl to the small screen. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by their nex...

In a tribute to rock ‘n’ roll legend Bobby Rydell, we replay our episode from 2021 where Donna was joined by Bobby to reminisce about their co-starring roles on 1966’s The Milton Berle Show .

Echoing an earlier emergency procedure she had at 19, Donna requires immediate surgery. Donna and Dr Adam discuss how family dynamics and life experiences affect our psychological and physical well being.  Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next guest to the show – Bill Alexander. Donna has previously appeared on Bill’s The Bill Alexander Show and, this time, Donna and Dr Adam turn the tab...

It’s the Call of the Canyon! Donna contemplates a big move to the Red Rocks of Sedona. All the while, she navigates the complexity of divorce. Donna, with the assistance of Dr Adam, explores how we are shaped by our early experiences; and how, with awareness, we can begin to break old patterns. Plus, we continue to invite fans to be on our podcast as part of Season 3’s focus on the fans. Please we...

As Donna prepares for a big transition in her life, she returns to the recording studio for the first time in over a decade. Looking to promote her music and pondering a potential new direction to her career, she visits her former agent Norman Brokaw. Donna also decides to address an issue that has bothered her since she was a teenager. And the Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona begin to call her. Donna...

As we start a new year of the podcast, Donna continues telling her story post her ‘60s career. In this episode, Donna turns to her piano and music to express her emotions, frustrations, and the unknowns in her life during the turbulent 1970s.  And it’s the Beach Party reunion you’ve been waiting for! Bobbie Shaw Chance, legendary acting coach, and Donna’s co-star, joins Donna and Adam on the sand...

The holidays are here! And, Donna and Dr Adam have your holiday treat. Over the next few episodes, John Hartmann, Donna’s agent from her time on Shindig, will join her and Dr Adam to reminisce about his legendary career as an agent, manager, promoter, and record executive. John has worked with Sonny and Cher, Joni Mitchell, Peter, Paul and Mary, The Eagles, Buffalo Springfield, Canned Heat, Americ...

Going from the pressure cooker environment of her parents’ house to a new life takes some adjustment. Donna tries to make sense of it all at the dawn of a new decade. There's even a New Year’s Party where Ry Cooder’s musical vibrations literally smash the heirloom glassware!  Donna and Adam break it down, reflecting on dealing with difficult emotions, the importance of perspective, and the gift of...

A death, a new life, and a change in direction. Donna rushes home from a Dr Pepper event after getting word that a family member is gravely ill. Continuing to feel pulled between her new life with husband Lenny and her parent's close control of her career, Donna calls the CEO of Dr Pepper and makes a liberating decision. As one chapter in her life closes, she welcomes her first son, Joey.

Donna is joined by Bobby Rydell ("Wild One," "Volare," and Bye Bye Birdie) to reminisce about their co-starring roles on 1966's The Milton Berle Show.

Donna's moving out of home and into the arms of a new beau. But her bliss is short lived when she must undergo emergency surgery.  There's little time to recuperate as Donna begins work on The Milton Berle Show and then lands a prime gig and trip to Washington, D. C. to perform in the Blue Room at the historic Shoreham Hotel.

Donna continues to build her acting resume when she is cast as Princess Colette, Davy Jones' love interest on The Monkees . And then, "G-o-l-l-y!", Donna snags a role on Gomer Pyle . Plus, Donna and Adam answer listener questions!

"Good gravy!" After taping on location in Hawaii, Donna exits Shindig. But The Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder come to the rescue when she wins the part of Susie the Cheerleader, as the sidekick of The Joker (Cesar Romero) on TV's Batman starring Adam West and Burt Ward.

Donna wins a plum seven-part guest role on hit show Dr. Kildare starring Richard Chamberlain. But her first dramatic TV turn is overshadowed by a real life-or-death medical emergency on set, and tension hit boiling point in Southern L.A. leading to the Watts Riots.

Unchaperoned at the Oscars, Grammys, and Deb Star Ball? Where's Donna's father now? And Bingo! Donna appearance in Beach Blanket Bingo gives her a signature song, "It Only Hurts When I Cry", and she is chosen to record the one-and-only soundtrack for the film - her '60s vinyl LP collectable classic, Beach Blanket Bingo . Recorded at Capitol Records...in 14 hours!

Donna travels coast to coast getting a bird's-eye view of America, while she causes sales to rise for Dr Pepper. Poverty in the Deep South to rural Native American land, this young teenager's personal appearances in all parts of the country give her an education in empathy and connection. Even if a well-known celebrity shows little empathy for the Dr Pepper Girl.