Entertaining Insights with Dr. Nancy Berk

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Oates joins Nancy to discuss his musical journey from Hall & Oates to his latest solo project with the Good Road Band Live in Nashville , inspired by his early musical influences. Plus, John shares his creative projects and process during the pandemic and how Nashville, his life beyond music, including his love of history, have helped shape his work. (1:34) And in...

Grammy Award-winning songwriter and singer Jonas Myrin joins Nancy to discuss the inspiration behind his new Capital CMG Records debut single "Not Alone" (1:28), the importance of introspection and positivity in his work and collaborations, writing with icons, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Plus, Nancy talks about identifying opportunities and exploring and opening new doors virtually incl...

"Bad to the Bone" veteran blues/rocker George Thorogood joins Nancy to discuss the Marla Thorogood Memorial Fund for Ovarian Cancer Research, founded to honor his wife   Marla who died of ovarian cancer in 2019 (1:25), how fans can support this important initiative during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and why taking charge of your health and reminding family and friends to do the same is so impo...

Kirsten Scott and Matthew Scott join Nancy to discuss their acting and singing careers, their musical theater-driven journey and work with shows from Jersey Boys to Rock of Ages , their new routines, and thoughts on Broadway's safe comeback. Plus, the actors share their suggestions for children and young adults (and their parents) interested in the performing arts, and Matthew reviews his work wit...

Actor/songwriter Barry Anderson and actor/choreographer Rusty Mowery join Nancy to discuss their Broadway-driven careers and work with Jersey Boys , Kinky Boots , and Pretty Woman , where they were when Broadway and London's West End closed due to the pandemic, and their experiences working and staying connected in the business during these isolating times. Plus, a glimpse into Barry's new music a...

Micky Dolenz joins Nancy to discuss his musical and acting journey from Circus Boy to The Monkees and beyond, the Laurel Canyon music days, and his latest adventures and projects including 'The Monkees Live - The Mike & Micky Show,' his new album with Michael Nesmith (1:24). Plus, Nancy reviews the benefits of adding simple routines to your daily life (28:30). Like and follow Entertaining Insights...

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Lodge joins Nancy to discuss his new family-driven single " In These Crazy Times (Isolation Mix)," getting up to speed on GarageBand to record during a pandemic, finding the positive in negative times, and his Moody Blues' studio experience during 'Days of Future Passed'(1:33). Plus, in our Entertaining Ideas segment, Nancy shares some alternative drive-in experien...

Actor David Hoffman joins Nancy to discuss his creative career, his role as Doug in the popular Liberty Mutual ad campaign LiMu Emu and Doug , and his new web series George Washington is Here to Help (1:32). Plus, Nancy shares her magazine humor column highlighting the time she dragged her husband to a taping of Let's Make a Deal . (41:12). Like and follow Entertaining Insights Facebook Page . Wat...

Platinum-selling recording artist Jamie O'Neal joins Nancy to discuss her country music journey, songwriting process, and mega-hits including "There Is No Arizona" and "Somebody's Hero", her upcoming album and powerful new single "Wreck Me" (1:18). And in our Entertaining Ideas segment, Nancy fills you in on where to get your virtual summer country concert via the Grand Ole Opry's Saturday Night O...

Guitarist and Savoy Brown founder Kim Simmonds joins Nancy to discuss his career journey and decades of self-discovery in the music business, his blues roots, and new album Ain't Done Yet (1:28). And in our Entertaining Ideas segment, Nancy is joined by Chris Vance, CEO and founder of the piano instruction software and online service Playground Sessions . Find out how this online option, co-create...

Rock legend Justin Hayward joins Nancy to discuss his musical journey, the Moody Blues ' and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame experience, his songwriting process, and creative challenges during stressful times. Plus, the story behind his new EP and songs "My Juliette" and "One Summer Day" (1:21). Also in this episode, Nancy talks about using books to jump-start, develop, and strengthen our projects...

Comedian Jesus Trejo joins Nancy to discuss the family-driven inspiration behind his stand-up and new Showtime special Stay At Home Son , the similarities of parenting parents and kids, helping others age gracefully, and comedy learning opportunities during the pandemic (1:20). Also in this episode, Nancy talks about the YouTube channel Our Family Plays Games and how Starla, Miklos, and Grant Fitc...

Country music artist Danny Griego joins Nancy to discuss his latest single, "Inevitable," his upcoming release "At The Crossroads," a duet with his music idol the late Waylon Jennings, and why staying in your lane isn't always the best creative decision. Plus, Danny talks about his work supporting military veterans (1:44), and his NHRA pro-stock motorcycle racing team. Also in this episode, Nancy...

Author and broadcaster Lian Dolan joins Nancy to discuss her latest novel The Sweeney Sisters , the story behind the intriguing Connecticut-based characters, people's fascination with sisters, the complicated and humorous sides of sibling relationships, and her writing process (1:30). Plus, Nancy talks with writer and editor Marcia Stewart about Nickie's Prize for Humor Writing —a new humor writin...

Frank Musker joins Nancy to discuss his journey from early boy band days to international hitmaker as a musician, composer and lyricist, and World Goes Round's recently discovered music recorded decades ago including lead single "Big House" (1:26) and its environmental and societal relevance today. Watch the music video for "Big House". Plus, Nancy offers up a suggestion for generating a little la...

Tommy James joins Nancy to discuss his journey with Tommy James and The Shondells and beyond including early Pittsburgh success with "Hanky Panky," gold singles and platinum albums, hits like "Crystal Blue Persuasion", "Crimson & Clover," "Mony Mony," and "Sweet Cherry Wine," his autobiography Me, The Mob, and The Music and an upcoming biopic of the same name that chronicles his extraordinary stor...

Comedian Julia Scotti joins Nancy to discuss age and gender in the comedy world, her Showtime special More Funny Women of a Certain Age, and her career journey—including the experience of becoming a quarter finalist and fan favorite on Season 11 of America's Got Talent and the impact of revealing her personal story of becoming a woman of transgendered experience via the primetime stage (1:20). Plu...

Veteran entertainer Tony Orlando joins Nancy to discuss his non-stop music career from hit records like "Tie A Yellow Ribbon", "Candida" , and "Knock Three Times" to his seventies television variety show 'Tony Orlando and Dawn' , life on the road and a future Broadway musical (1:37). Plus, more on Tony's volunteer work with military veterans and his love for the fans. Is it time for you to create...

NASA astronaut Col. Nick Hague joins Nancy to discuss life lessons from his career journey , his time on the International Space Station, and the powerful support networks that contribute to success and the human exploration of space (1:21). Plus, Nick's wife Col. Catie Hague joins the conversation to talk about dual career relationships, co-parenting, and sheltering in place with an astronaut (27...

Emmy Award winner Alan Zweibel joins Nancy to discuss his incredible comedy journey from teenage joke writer to legendary television comedy writer ( Saturday Night Live , It's Garry Shandling's Show , Curb Your Enthusiasm ), screenwriter, and best-selling author, his new memoir Laugh Lines , and life lessons from decades of comedy collaboration (1:37-42:18). Plus, Nancy shares her magazine humor c...

Actor and child advocate Paul Petersen joins Nancy to discuss Hollywood, his childhood role on the iconic sitcom The Donna Reed Show , his latest book celebrating the television show's 60th anniversary, The Donna Reed Show: A Pictorial Memoir , and his work to protect children in the arts (1:30). Plus, Nancy talks about using retro television shows and great memories to generate a little positive...

Comedy veteran Tammy Pescatelli joins Nancy to discuss her career journey, new solo special Tammy Pescatelli's Way After School Special , Showtime's More Funny Women of a Certain Age , the changing face of comedy and the importance of giving back to your community (2:09). Plus Nancy talks with jazz pianist and entertainment lawyer David Gurwin about the implications of social distancing and mandat...

Comedian Nicky Paris joins Nancy to discuss his comedy strategy and multifaceted career from stand-up stage and television to podcast personality and co-host on Daddy Issues with Dean McDermott and Adam Hunter (2:06). Find out more about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast (1:42, 33:31). Plus Nancy reviews the pressures of beginning projects during difficult times and suggestions for startin...

Nancy remembers country music icon Kenny Rogers (August 21, 1938 - March 20, 2020) and shares her 2015 conversation with the legend when he joined her on the podcast to discuss his farewell tour, new album, Grammy Award-winning career, collaborations, and happiness. When it comes to music, Rogers told Nancy, "You need to touch as many people as possible." And his music did just that. Celebrate the...

Comedian and producer Carole Montgomery joins Nancy to discuss her new Showtime special More Funny Women of a Certain Age , the power and support of women in comedy, confronting ageism in entertainment, and highlighting the talent of others (1:44). Watch the trailer: More Funny Women of a Certain Age . Find out more about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast (1:20, 32:47). Plus Nancy talks wi...