United States of Dramerica

We talk to David Mackay, the Chief Pilot for Virgin Galactic. He tells us his journey from a young boy in northern Scotland watching the moon landing on television to his own flight into space. David, who has more than 15k flying hours, talks about testing aircraft for the British Royal Air Force, his transition to commercial airliners for Virgin Atlantic and then his move to flying spacecraft for...

We talk to James Keston, owner of Orange County Soccer Club. He explains why he bought a USL team, what he is hoping to achieve on and off the field and how hard the pandemic has hit live sport. James talks about the unique partnership with Glasgow Rangers, the CBS documentary about their deal and why all the Scottish players needed subtitles. He tells us that he doesn’t think a promotion and rele...

We speak to immigration lawyer Lorraine D'Alessio, founder of the D'Alession Law Group. She talks about the 'hardest year' for her and her clients, battling the combination of the complex and ever-changing world of the Trump administration's immigration policy combined with the challenges of Coronavirus. She tells of the heartbreak of stranded families, jobs lost and her e...

We talk to whisky entrepreneur Steve Lipp, the man behind everything from Alexander Murray, to Costco's Kirkland whisky and also banana-flavor bourbon sensation Howler Head. He tells us about how near-death experiences took him from the oil business to the whisky trade, why he named his brand after his great uncle and how a drowning fisherman helped Lagavulin 16 become his favorite whisky. He...

For our 50th episode of the podcast, we have ex-CIA operative John Sipher. In a powerful and damning interview he talks about the damage being done to the Intelligence Community by the current administration, the risks to America from a delayed transition and his anger at the current relationship with Russia. He talks about how the pandemic will change intelligence gathering, the complications tho...

We talk to documentary filmmaker Tom Stubberfield, founder of Bullitt Films.  He talks about his projects with the Chilean mine rescue, the Thai cave rescue as well as Hurricane Katrina and the Kilauea eruption in Hawaii.  Tom talks about why documentaries are enjoying a golden age, the emotion of filming rescues and dropping dynamite out of a helicopter.  He tells about his travels around America...

We talk to former British Deputy Ambassador in Washington Patrick Davies. He talks about Biden's historic victory, the chaos of working with the Trump administration and what next for America. Having met President elect Biden many times, he talks about what sort of man he is, his relationship with Britain and his reputation for reaching out across the political divide. The author of a new boo...

We talk to the multi-talented David Kwong about puzzling during lockdown, missing live audiences and his love of bringing magic to the big and small screens. David has leaned into the virtual world, hosting instagram live puzzles and now has a full set in his basement for the sold out 'Inside the Box' show. He tells us about compiling puzzles for the New York Times, his favorite magic hi...

We talk to the Sage of Saratoga, leading horse handicapper Andy Serling. He tells us how horse racing has grown during the pandemic, what makes the sport so special and how legal sports betting is inevitable in America. The New York Racing Association handicapper talks about falling in love with his home track of Saratoga, how race tracks without crowds are "sad" and how a horse's n...

We talk to former Glasgow Warrior and Scotland rugby player Ruaridh Jackson. We talk about retiring early due to Covid and transitioning to a career in whisky and gin. He tells us about the re-launch of Glenturret, Scotland's oldest working distillery, describes his frustration at the recent closures of the Scottish hospitality industry and the importance of alcohol for a winter in Scotland....

We talk to Jael Ballard, director of corporate partnerships at LAFC. She tells us how much she misses live sport, how MLS has seized the moment with social activism and how the world has changed for women in sport. We talk about the principles behind the new Los Angeles MLS club, the passion of the fans and how there is enough room in Los Angeles for all the sports teams. She also talks about eque...

We talk to British diplomat Richard Hyde, Her Majesty's representative to Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. He talks about diplomacy in the age of covid, diversity in Texas and in the British foreign service and his love for rodeo, bbq and breakfast tacos. We also cover the importance of teaching Americans to drink scotch while sharing Aberlour and Jura. He tells us about t...

We talk to David Laird, newly appointed Luxury Portfolio Specialist for William Grant. He explains why people spend thousands on good whisky, why sales are up so much during the pandemic and why even the most expensive whisky is made to be drunk. Over Balvenie and Glenfiddich 21 we discuss high-end whisky packaging, a $1k cocktail and the importance of drinking the best whiskys sitting down and wi...

We talk to a Californian brewery owner about how pizza saved his business, running a bar during Covid and why a Scottish landscaper started selling English-style beer in Los Angeles. He tells us about how he protects his customers, why he doesn’t worry about their health and keeping inebriated people socially distanced. And how he wishes he could sell whisky alongside beer. He also tells us why he...

We talk to actor Brad Beyer who pays tribute to his 42 co-star Chadwick Boseman. He talks about working with the Black Panther actor and his portrayal of Jackie Robinson, how the film handled race and his sadness at the loss of such an acting talent. Brad tells of getting an appreciation for whisky from his acting teacher, mentor and friend the legendary Wynn Handman, who sadly succumbed to Covid...

We talk to Marc Benardout, British producer and director turned DUI campaigner following the death of his son. We talk about the social complications of drinking and driving, how DUIs are up dramatically during Covid and he tells the heartbreaking story of the untimely death of his son Noah. We use handheld breathalyzers to show what a whisky can do to you, talk about the  legislative flaws around...

We talk to news and sports broadcaster Gavin Ramjaun. He tells us about reporting on sport during a pandemic, the importance of mental health for middle-aged men and buying the Saudi Arabian oil minister a Macallan. We also talk about race discrimination in broadcasting, why sports commentators need to get back to venues and why he set up a men's lifestyle channel. And why he wants to have a...

We have a very funny and very honest conversation with actor, writer and director Natalie Morales. She talks about her love for the entertainment industry, coping with her shows always being cancelled and how smashing her face into a balcony almost derailed her career. Also her love for Buston Keaton, her dislike of President Trump’s voice and why Parks and Recreation was such a good show. We also...

We speak to professional traveler Matt Long. He talks about the joys of visiting Disney World even in a pandemic, how his career was launched by a Jeopardy cruise and the moral complication of encouraging travel during Covid. He tells us why he loves travel, why he misses it and how you have to be brave (or at least ready) to jump on a plane. We also cover the future of the cruise industry, the ne...

We talk to Matthew Wiseman, CEO of BAFTA Los Angeles. He talks about the struggles of his members in a world without tv and film production, moving BAFTA’s education programs online and the future of cinema. He also talks about his organization’s approach to diversity, the resurgence of drive-in movies and refusing to take celebrity selfies - unless he meets a Ghostbuster. And talking tea with Elt...

We talk to Tom about whisky and gin  diplomacy, the work of diplomats in a post-covid world with no glitzy receptions and his love for Ghana. We also cover how Black Lives Matter is being handled in Ghana, the wonders of street food and the importance for a British diplomat of living above a whisky store in Lebanon. And why he would have liked to share a Glenfiddich with Winston Churchill.

We talk to Fifth Dan Black Belt and owner of Cutting Edge Karate, Master Brandon Kemmer. He tells us about the importance of martial arts in a well rounded education, teaching karate over Zoom and meeting Chuck Norris. He also talks about learning Krav Maga, how you're never too old to start karate and his brief child acting career - including being given a dirty magazine by Ross in Friends!...

We talk to Mark Smith - better known as Rhino from the Gladiators. He tells us his journey from food stamps to Hollywood and from body building to Batman. How he got his break on one of the most popular UK television shows of the 90s and how he took that fame and ended up doing voices for Disney - playing a Rhino in Zootopia. We also cover working with Idris Elba and Liam Neeson and exec producing...

We talk to veteran actor and musician Steve Valentine about his time in Hollywood and his global travels. He tells us about fighting Hulk Hogan, performing magic for Michael Jackson and even dealing cards at something resembling Molly's Game. He also tells us about performing at the Magic Castle, running a Yugoslavian nightclub as a teenager and his appearance in Spider-Man 3. And why he want...

We talk to Aston Martin’s President for the Americas Laura Schwab. She tells us about her love for the iconic British brand, the power of James Bond and growing up in Kentucky. Laura has also worked for Jaguar Land Rover so tells us about why she loves working for British car companies, how Covid will impact driving and the power of their brand not just for owners but for everyone. She tells us ab...