Entertaining Insights with Dr. Nancy Berk

Discovery Channel Gold Rush stars Todd Hoffman and Hunter Hoffman join Nancy to talk about their new show Hoffman Family Gold , the family mission that drove their journey, Jack Hoffman, legacies and family friction, the Alaska fox, determination, and making dreams come true. Plus, Todd and Hunter share some of their projects beyond gold mining including music and fashion (1:26). In the second seg...

Tom Papa joins Nancy to talk about his creative process, stand-up life, and writing and creating your own material and opportunities. Plus, Tom discusses comedy today, the power of practice, working on his next Netflix special, headlining Wynn Las Vegas , the grounding effects of writing, and his next book (:57). So—do you have a kitchen junk drawer? In the second segment, Nancy shares her latest...

Kent LaVoie , best known as singer/songwriter Lobo , joins Nancy to talk about his music career, writing love songs, his hit songs including "Me and You and a Dog Named Boo," and the importance of believability in songs. Plus, Kent discusses finding love, his love of privacy, new albums , and the real story behind that dog named Boo (1:07). In the second segment, Nancy discusses writing, deadlines...

Golden Globe winner and four-time Oscar nominee Marsha Mason (The Goodbye Girl, Chapter Two, Only When I Laugh) joins Nancy to talk about her acting and directing career, moving between theater , film, and television, and living a creative life. Plus, Marsha discusses mentoring, her work on the scripted audio drama podcast Around The Sun, and the story behind her love of racing (1:07). In the seco...

Singer, songwriter, philanthropist, and journalist Alya Michelson joins Nancy to talk about her music , career journey, immigration from Russia, and creating positive change in the world. Plus Alya discusses the inspiration behind her new single "Pleasure is Mine" (1:10). In the second segment, Nancy discusses the Netflix series Emily in Paris and the challenges of building a business in a new cou...

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Byrd joins Nancy to discuss music and creativity during the pandemic, accepting and adapting to a new normal, his current songwriting process, and his family's new addition. Plus Ricky talks about his recovery and music groups, album Sobering Times , and music video I Come Back Stronger . Bonus: Ricky gives Nancy a songwriting lesson (1:09). In the second segment,...

Note: Interviews were recorded in the fall of 2021. Please check venues and protocols for updates. Rick Gray, General Manager of Entertainment Operations at Wynn Las Vegas joins Nancy to talk about the Vegas entertainment scene, life after the initial shut-downs of the pandemic, entertainment at Wynn Las Vegas and the Encore Theater , and how comedy and music residencies are bringing the best to V...

Singer and songwriter Olivia Rox joins Nancy to talk about her holiday hit " It's Christmastime ," homeschooling experiences and growing up on the road with musician parents, her multidimensional creative process, using songwriting as a journal, and her latest single " Princess ." Plus Olivia discusses her professional journey and projects from American Idol to her upcoming novel and collaborating...

Singer, television personality, and entrepreneur Carnie Wilson joins Nancy to talk about her life in music, Wilson Phillips, The Beach Boys, and family and parenting. Plus, Carnie shares the scoop on her baking business Love Bites and discusses behind-the-scenes observations of a high profile career (1:08). In the second segment, Nancy discusses family and sibling dynamics and the new book Sisters...

Fifth Dimension legend Florence LaRue joins Nancy to talk about her career journey with the Grammy Award-winning group, hits like "Up Up and Away", "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In," and "Wedding Bell Blues," and her continued role as lead singer and only original member touring with The Fifth Dimension. Plus, Florence discusses the inspiration behind her new book Grace in Your Second Act: A Guide to...

Elvira Mistress of The Dark creator and actress Cassandra Peterson joins Nancy to talk about The Queen of Halloween, her new memoir " Yours Cruelly, Elvira ," tell-all moments, and writing inspiration and motivation. Plus Cassandra shares her Elvis experience, show business advice, and why she finally chose to reveal her private personal stories (1:08). Do you have a memoir in you? In the second s...

Chi-Lites legend Marshall Thompson joins Nancy to talk about his music journey from playing with Gladys Knight, booking early club talent shows with upcoming artists Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5, to Jackie Wilson's endorsement, and Chi-Lites hit music including "Have You Seen Her" and "Oh Girl." Plus, Marshall talks about creative drive and motivation, the Chi-Lites new star on the Hollywood...

Former child actors Bill Mumy and Angela Cartwright join Nancy to talk about their new pictorial memoir Lost (And Found) In Space 2 , behind-the-scenes stories of Lost in Space , their longstanding friendship, and life beyond the beloved sixties series and the Jupiter 2. (1:11). In the second segment, Nancy shares some friends and family comedy and baby boomer challenges from her latest magazine h...

Stand-up favorite Dan Naturman joins Nancy to talk about his creative journey, stand-up comedy experiences during law school, New York's Comedy Cellar, the HBO series Crashing , and the story behind his comedy-inspired debut novel Ira Spiro: Before Covid . Plus, Dan and Nancy discuss writing shifts, creative and career risk-taking, and finding stand-up success (1:08). In the second segment, Nancy...

Singer and songwriter P.J. Pacifico joins Nancy to talk about his music journey, writing music for television, performing, and returning to his solo roots with the single " Every Little Heartbreak " (1:01). P.J. and Nancy also discuss the process of writing for others and its positive impact on developing skillsets and writing solo projects. In the second segment, producer/director Chris Hudson di...

Jeff Sherman joins Nancy to discuss growing up surrounded by the legendary music of his father and uncle, The Sherman Brothers , and the world of Disney movies and music. Plus, Jeff shares his thoughts on the impact of early music exposure on creativity and his multidimensional career as a producer, writer, director, and composer (1:18). In the second segment, Disney fan and Disney World frequent...

Country music duo Hannah and Lauren Hobbs, The Hobbs Sisters , join Nancy to discuss their music journey, negotiating and navigating a career as a duo and with a twin, and their debut album 'Turn It Up.' Plus, the duo discuss their Pittsburgh roots and Steeler enthusiasm, and embracing their new Tennessee Titans-based town (:58). In the second segment, Nancy reviews her recent visit to the Country...

Television and film writer Samantha Strauss joins Nancy to discuss her writing career, the backstory and inspiration behind the new Showtime series The End , a series she created and wrote, and what audiences can expect from the cross-generational dark comedy series. Plus, Samantha and Nancy review the power of television in creating important conversations and Samantha shares her tips for writers...

Singer, songwriter, and professor Livingston Taylor joins Nancy to discuss creativity, performance, stepping back into tour mode, and the power of live interactions. Plus, Livingston shares his thoughts on teaching, the spectrum and side effects of fame, and why he performs (1:05). In the second segment, New York Times bestselling author, actress, and marketing expert Mary Lou Quinlan and Nancy re...

Actress, producer, and creator Kathy Kinney joins Nancy to discuss creative projects and life lessons during the pandemic, choosing to live a creative life, finding confidence, portraying Mimi on The Drew Carey Show , going for makeovers with Tammy Faye Bakker, and her Mrs. P and Queen of Your Own Life projects (1:09). In the second segment, author, marketing executive, and book publishing veteran...

Singer, songwriter, producer and actress Stella Parton joins Nancy to discuss her journey in the music business and beyond, her 40th album Survivor , and the importance of determination and strength in making creative dreams happen (1:12). Plus, Stella shares her love of cooking and cookbook writing, and offers travel suggestions for those ready to explore Tennessee (43:08). Like and follow Entert...

Rising country music artist Timmy Brown joins Nancy to discuss his grandmother and the family inspiration behind his song "If You Were Here," his career, new album , songwriting process, and decision to move to Nashville (1:10). Plus, Nancy shares her latest magazine humor column and the home technology challenges fueled by gift giving (30:09). Like and follow Entertaining Insights Facebook Page ....

Peter, Paul and Mary's Noel Paul Stookey joins Nancy to discuss the inspiration behind his new album Just Causes , a curated compilation of songs written throughout his career, the social concern and charities related to each track, and the power of folk music to create positive change (1:26). Plus, Hall of Fame podcaster, author , and School of Podcasting founder Dave Jackson discusses podcast po...

Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Jonas Myrin joins Nancy to discuss the process and inspiration behind the music and music video for his single " For The Ones We Love ," motivation in music, and finding collaborative opportunities and perspectives that build meaningful music (1:22). Plus, the story behind Atlas House, the recording and creative environment developed by Myrin to foster multidimensi...

Peter Mehlman joins Nancy to discuss his career from journalist to longtime writer and producer of Seinfeld , the unique writing experience, the story behind George's double-dipping episode, and the popularity of "Yada Yada Yada." Plus, Peter talks about writing beyond Seinfeld , the inspiration behind his latest novel #MeAsWell , comedy and creativity, his recent op-ed piece for the LA Times , an...