Not So Famous in NJ - Coffee Talk and Candid Conversations With Lucille

He may be a comedian and own his own comedy club (the Stress Factory), but that doesn't mean I can't ask him how often he bombs or can he seriously consider himself eye candy. He does a good job at handling hecklers, but let's see if he can handle me.

When I remember my college days, it’s with a fog of late nights and parties and dancing… And classes, of course. The college students I interviewed from the Livingston theater Company production staff apparently had a different experience, because they’re incredibly articulate and able to answer my interview questions about the company’s  performance of beauty and the beast and their backstage rol...

I lost my mother about two years ago and think about her every day. Even though she was approaching 101 when she passed away, it was still too early. Luckily, I had interviewed her when I was doing an earlier podcast (Hazlet Coffee Talk), to ask her about what it was like moving to a farm community from Jersey City. I'm posting this on Mother's Day in her honor. And because those who loved her - b...

How difficult is it to have a successful career in the arts when your big brother Steven Van Zandt is a rock and roll icon and a TV star to boot? As a long time friend, I hit Billy Van Zandt with this question- and other embarrassing ones - before we talk about what it takes to get a TV writing gig, his decades working with his long-time writing partner, Jane Milmore,  a zany almost-meeting with L...

Royce Meier found his place in the arts not in his native NYC roots, but in Asbury Park at the Showroom. Royce and I  discuss how LGBTQ characters - so accepted in the 20s and 30s - end up being victims or villains in later films, why you’ll never see “I Shot Andy Warhol” at the Showroom and who we like better: Tonya Harding or Nancy Kerrigan. 

Is Layonne Holmes a diva? She certainly has the chops. But she doesn't have the attitude. Layonne is one of the most talented yet humble singers I know. But, boy, can she sing! This interview took place at the height of Covid - on my deck - so please excuse the less-than-perfect sound quality. But yes. . . she does sing with me!

Who doesn't love a good true crime story? This week I interview a long time friend whose entire adult life has revolved around true crime dramas. Andrea Lyon, Rutgers alumna and former Deputy Public Defender in Chicago, talks to me about defending guilty people, proving the innocence of death row inmates and helping convince former Illinois Gov. Ryan to abolish the death penalty while exonerating...

Anyone who has ever seen or heard Jose Loo perform knows what an immense talent he is. Since his stroke in June 2023, he hasn't been able to perform, though he is still the same charismatic, good humored man you can hear in this rebroadcast episode, that features a taste of his outsized talent.

If you haven't heard - or heard of - Layonne Holmes, I pity you. She is not just an incredible performer, she's also the definition of a diva, without the attitude. Oh, and we do a duet in this first episode of my "Best of Series," recorded outside during the height of Covid. Yes. I made sacrifices! Click below to listen.

I invited comedian Jess Alaimo to talk about - duh - comedy, but we strayed  off track, discussing her stint as a political activist, life in Asbury Park and how to get away with murder. It's easier than you think.

In this first episode since I decided to run for office, I talk to jazz guitarist Jim Josselyn about how songwriters get screwed, some artists use social issues as marketing opportunities and whether or not those who "make it" really are the cream.

Does a DJ do more than just play one song after another? What do they really hate? What can you do if you really, really don't want certain songs played? Tony Paccione - AKA DJ Tony Vito - tells all. Of course, we go off course, into dance, the Tina Turner doll, technology and, yes, race.

She's shared the stage with the Beach Boys, the Temptations, even Chuck Berry. She's been on the Broadway stage and done Frank Sinatra tributes. Deb Lyons' career as a singer, actor and singing coach has kept her running. But you may be surprised to learn that for years she was the new Mama Cass. Yeah. THAT Mama Cass.

Deseree Spinks is anything but intimidating. . . until she sings. So, in addition to talking about her singing, songwriting and multiple other talents,  in this conversation we delve into everything from Lindsey Graham's take on gay marriage to her growing up with a feeling of "otherness." And, of course, helping me further my own musical career by singing a duet.

Doug Bollinger may be an educator, but scaring people is a bigger part of his life. A filmmaker, actor, director and writer, Doug has terrified millions with his horror films, The Samaritans, Rock Paper Scissors and The Evangelist. In this conversation, he talks about deciding if you want to be a full time actor or combine it with another job, and how artists can have control over their careers -...

Early in life, Gian Carlo Durland played Arnold Beckoff, the homosexual drag queen that Torch Song Trilogy focuses on. What followed - including a nervous breakdown and a shocking realization - was a turning point in his life. Rather than breaking him, his struggles became a catalyst for his multi-faceted successful career as a writer, actor, producer and director. See Carlo's full list of credits...

Why do kids love fart sounds? No matter why, Scott Lewis aka Mr Scott the Music Man has figured out that this sound should be in virtually all of his songs. No, he's not weird. He's just a popular performer in the early childhood music and movement field. And after 22 years of making kids dance, sing and laugh until they can't breathe, he knows what he's doing.

Accomplished poet Alise Versella and I talk about her four published books, her goal of toppling the patriarchy and how Ryan Gosling and the Disney Channel introduced her to poetry. We take side trips into fear, homophobia and even Spanish Fly, and she reveals  why she really doesn't want to be too happy.

Vinnie Brand and I continue our conversation with no holds barred. We talk about how comedy can be like baseball, chess and, yes, even sex. We veer into cancel culture, whether or not rape can be funny and the Louis CK controversy. Hold onto your hats! WARNING: You'll hear profanity, adult themes and the word "sex."

What is it about comedians we love? Vinnie Brand, who helps me figure this out, is the most improbable eye candy you'll ever meet, and we have a rip roaring time talking about our buddy Barry Jay,  bombing on stage and some of the great comedians he's worked with. . . even women! He's not afraid of handling hecklers, but let's see if he can handle me.

Rosemary Conte has a reputation - one that any jazz musician would envy. Mention her name in musical circles, and you'll realize that her instrument - her voice - has made a significant mark on the jazz world. This INTERMEZZO features three cuts from her album, "But Beautiful," recorded in 1987.

From Aretha to Chicago to the Rolling Stones, NJ trumpet player Steve Jankowski has played with the best of them. But what he has to say about making it in the music industry - as well as his take on Joe Pesci's singing - will make you love this extremely talented musician and music producer.

She may no longer be performing (unfortunately), but what better reason to expose you to the sweet sounds of jazz singer Jeanie Bryson - so we can all commiserate over what we're missing. In this Intermezzo I've featured three original compositions by Jeanie's late mother, Connie Bryson: Simple Song, Tonight I Need You So and Skydive. She is accompanied by an array of some the most gifted musician...

This interview is one of a kind - just like my guest, Joe Malone, also known as The Joje. There’s almost nothing sacred in my free-wheeling, trash talking conversation with this actor turned DIY filmmaker turned rocker as I “out" Joe - as well as myself - with a long-kept, embarrassing secret we share. Visit his YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/user/thejojemalone

One of my most-listened to podcasts was my interview with actor Michael Kroll. During a previous Christmas season, Michael performed, as he has many times in the past, his one man show, "Scrooge." This is Michael's own interpretation of that classic story.