Classic Conversations: Pop culture Interviews with Jeff Dwoskin

Isiah Whitlock Jr. shares the origin of his famous catchphrase Sheeeeeeeee-it! (it's not originally from The Wire). Isiah talks about how a script reading with Martin Scorsese at Paul Newman's house led to a role in Goodfellas. After Goodfellas Isiah landed the coveted role of Clay Davis on the greatest TV show of all time, The Wire. Isiah also discusses his amazing relationship with Spike Lee and...

Fred Grandy takes us on his journey from Gopher on The Love Boat to the US House of Representatives to his starring role as Harry Truman in the one-man stage show Give 'Em Hell, Harry ! Fred Grandy shares his journey with us from being part of a famous improv group at Harvard (The Proposition) to landing one of his first roles as Adrienne Barbeau's boyfriend on the TV series Maude . Fred talks abo...

Mike Reiss, of The Simpsons, shares the inspiration as a child that served as the first step in a journey to become one of the most successful TV comedy writers of all time. Mike Reiss and Al Jean (ep 55) together were two of the first writers hired for The Simpsons . Mike Reiss was showrunner w/Al Jean before leaving to create The Critic . Mike discusses his time at Harvard as part of the Harvard...

Actor Rebecca Metz discusses her slow and steady build in Hollywood from guest parts to starring in her own series. It's an amazing story that perseverance pays off when you're focused on your dream. Rebecca Metz is unavoidable on your TV screen. Rebecca has guested on Weeds, Maron, This is Us, Grey's Anatomy, Bones, The Mentalist, Boston Legal, Californication, The Mindy Project, Lopez, ER, Scrub...

Comedian Paul Provenza shares what drives his creative storytelling that we've all enjoyed for decades. Paul Provenza has created some of the most amazing comedic masterpieces of our time. Paul co-created the documentary The Aristocrats which is an exploration of one joke told by generations of comedians. Paul's interview with George Carlin provides the backbone and analysis explored in this amazi...

The Winner of Last Comic Standing, John Heffron, joins me to talk about the road to comedy success. Before winning Last Comic Standing John used to go to the Main Street Comedy Showcase in Ann Arbor Michigan where a waitress named Lucy Liu (yes, that Lucy Liu) encouraged John to sign up for a comedy open-mic night. John signed up and the rest is history. John and I discuss the early years of his c...

Canadian comedy legend, Ron James, joins me to discuss how he charted his own path to success. Not every journey to fame is the same! Ron is one of Canada's biggest comedy acts Ron has been selling out shows in Canada for more than 20 years. Recently Ron added author to his long list of achievements. Ron's book All Over The Map: Rambles and Ruminations from the Canadian Road is a funny memoir full...

For my 75th episode, I am joined by comedian, podcaster, and author Christine Blackburn. Ever wonder what happens when someone dies on a plane? Wonder no more, we discuss it in detail. That and more with Christine who is the host of the Story Worthy podcast, now in its 11th year. Christine is also the host of Story Smash: The Storytelling Game Show. Christine and I have an amazing conversation and...

How does one go from Broadway star to TV sitcom star? I am joined by the star of the stage and screen, Eric Petersen. Eric is currently starring as Kevin in Kevin Can F*** Himself on AMC with Annie Murphy. We discuss the show in-depth including his approach to nailing a perfect Boston accent. We also dig into Eric's career which started on Broadway. On Broadway, he starred as Dewey in School of Ro...

What is it like dying in the jaws of a great white shark? I am joined by actor and author and JAWS 2 historian Billy Van Zandt. Billy himself didn't know if he lived or died until seeing the biggest sequel of all time in the theaters himself. Billy Van Zandt was one of the stars of JAWS 2. We spend our time together discussing what it was like to be a part of the biggest sequel of all time. Billy...

Considered one of the greatest comedic minds of our time Rick Overton performed hours of improv with Robin Williams. Rick has been entertaining us for decades. Rick currently is showing off his Improv mastery in his Set List comedy special. An hour of improvised comedy that will amaze you and keep you rolling with laughter. Rick and I talk about Jonathan Winters and Rick's decades-long friendship...

Dedee Pfeiffer shares her amazing journey with us to sobriety. Dedee took 10 years off from acting to earn a social worker's degree and more importantly address her alcoholism and get sober. You'll love hearing Dedee's story. After an amazing career that involved staring in Cybil and For Your Love , Dedee took 10 years off from acting to earn a social worker's degree and more importantly address h...

Ritch Shydner is one of the most well-respected funny people in the world. Ritch is not only a hilarious stand-up comic but a comedian historian as well. Get ready to hear some amazing stories about your favorite comedians. Ritch's book Kicking Through the Ashes: My Life As A Stand-Up In the 1980s Comedy Boom is considered a classic alongside I Killed which chronicles true stories from America's t...

Comedian and Clubhouse icon, Leah Lamarr shares her journey from actress to comedic superstar. Leah proves when you work hard and are focused great things will happen. As a Clubhouse stand-out Leah has been featured in articles in Rolling Stone and Forbes and The Verge about bringing comedy to Clubhouse and helping Clubhouse become the success it has had over the past year. (After our interview Cl...

Jon Glaser, from Parks and Recreation, talks about how when one door closes another opens. After not being selected for SNL Robert Smigel remember the audition and Jon landed his first major writing gig with Dana Carvey. That led to Conan O'Brien and so much more. Sit back and enjoy while I talk with actor, writer, improviser, and producer Jon Glaser. Jon and I discussed crossing paths at summer c...

Scott Valentine literally came back from the dead before landing the iconic role of Nick on Family Ties. His story of never giving up will inspire you. Scott Valentine became a sensation as Nick, Mallory's boyfriend, on 4 seasons of Family Ties . Before landing the role of Nick Scott had graduated and was working at The Actor's Studio. On the way to talk to his agent to discuss roles, he landed on...

Keith Famie is more than a celebrity chef and star of Survivor season 2. Keith is a powerful documentary filmmaker capturing the realities of dying, the holocaust, cancer and so much more. Keith's discovery of the path he needed to take to be fulfilled will inspire you. Survivor Season 2 contestant, celebrity chef, author, and documentary maker Keith Famie shares some amazing stories of his time o...

Looking for inspiration on helping make the Earth a better place? Ed Begley Jr. has committed his life to going green and shares simple tips on how you can start on your path to a green life today. I am joined by actor and environmental activist, Ed Begley Jr. Ed is a Golden Globe and seven-time Emmy nominated actor who for decades, has been a champion and educator for causes dedicated to protecti...

Ignore all the faux hype from Tiger King and Tiger King 2. Carole Baskin is an amazing person dedicated to saving big cats. Listen to this episode and you'll walk away understanding how awesome Carole Baskin is. Carole was featured in Netflix's Tiger King and Dancing with the Stars. Carole is an American big-cat rights activist and CEO of Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit animal sanctuary based near Ta...

From children's theater to starring in one of the biggest shows on Netflix ever (Fuller House) Michael Campion's story is one for anyone that dreamed young and charted their path to success! I am joined by actor Michael Campion. Michael recently starred as Jackson Fuller for five seasons on the hit Netflix series, Fuller House. We dove into Michaels's early love of theater which included appearanc...

Catherine Mary Stewart ruled the 80's. Whether it be side by side with The Last Starfighter, spending a Weekend at Bernie's, or battling zombies in Night of the Comet. Catherine Mary Stewart's path from dancer to movie superstar is out of this world. Catherine Mary Stewart starred in The Last Starfighter, Night of the Comet, and Weekend at Bernie's. We discussed what led Catherine to act. We chatt...

Steve Bluestein converted his childhood pain into a hugely successful comedy career. Steve has been making people laugh for decades. Steve shares insight into his life that set him on his purpose: to make the world laugh. Steve and I discuss his books, comedy, his career, and life in general. We start with a deep dive into the Brady Bunch Variety Hour and the reason there was a 'fake Jan'. We also...

Mark Farner was an original member of Grand Funk Railroad. The band rose to one of the largest in the world only to realize their manager completely screwed them. Grand Funk rebuilt and eventually Mark's bandmates used deceptive practices as greed crept in to remove him from the band. Mark shares that story and rebuilding as a solo artist. Mark Farner is the legendary all-American frontman and gui...

If you love JAWS and Close Encounters of the Third Kind then you love Joe Alves. Joe design the shark and all the visuals we think of when reflecting on those iconic movies. Joe shares an oral history of both movies that will leave you breathless. We're celebrating the 46th anniversary of JAWS with Production Designer/Art Director/Director Joe Alves. Joe joins me for a mind-blowing deep dive into...

Judy Carter is a comedian that dedicated herself to helping others find the funny in them. Do you want to learn to make people laugh? Let Judy be your guide! Judy Carter is an author, comedian, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur. Judy started comedy as a magician in the 1980s and has authored numerous books such as 'The Comedy Bible', 'The New Comedy Bible,' and 'The Message of You.' Judy has been...