Able Cafe The Podcast

On this episode, Michael and Cookie celebrate the holidays and talk about childhood memories of Christmas, favorite Christmas songs, and Christmas movies. They are joined by a cavalcade of friends and loved ones. Michael and Cookie consult a rabbi and an official member of the Catholic church about the meaning of Christmas and Chanukah. Poet, Vince Caruso, remembers when he was homeless, and talks about redemption, the power of prayer and forgiveness. Along with the podcast, Michael and Cookie share their favorite holiday tunes on the Able Cafe Youtube Channel.  For the episode, Cookie shares two beautifully brilliant Christmas songs, “LA Christmas” (with Andrew & Polly) and “A Beautiful Shoulder.”

The guest for this episode is actor, director, teacher, David Zimmerman — creator of the forthcoming film, “My Next Breath,” and the “Meet the Biz” workshops. Michael discusses his years working in Hollywood with David and filmmaker, Joey Travolta. Michael and David talk about the meaning love, coping with the pandemic, and how David has become “the Soup Jew.”  Michael and Cookie talk about recovering from the Thanksgiving holiday and their “Happiness Playlist” as featured on the ACPC Youtube Channel. Michael and Cookie also discuss the anniversary of the No Doubt album, “Tragic Kingdom,” and the time Michael forgot his name when he met Gwen. This episode also includes another epic, happy jam from Mista Cookie Jar, this time featuring Father Goose from NYC/Jamaica.

Michael, Cookie, and Martin celebrate Thanksgiving. They talk about their favorite Thanksgiving memories & food, and pay tribute to the men who raised them — fathers, father figures and even Mr. Rogers. They also talk about baseball and the time that Michael got thrown out of Plymouth Plantation when he was a kid. Also, writer, Cole Laddusaw, joins us to read more from his book, "Villain," available on Amazon. Cookie offers up two heartfelt family songs for the holiday season — "Gratitude" and "Prairie Boy." Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a special treat!

We are celebrating Veterans Day. Our guest for this episode is United States active-duty military member, Neena C. Michael and Neena chat about the meaning of music and life in the military, along with the importance of dogs and coping with chronic pain. Michael, Cookie, and Martin celebrate 11-11 talking about the meaning of our military. And we also discuss the Beatles’ “Abbey Road” and how it blew our minds. 

Our guest for this episode is musician and videographer, Brett Hammon. After surviving nearly being murdered, Brett found himself accused of attempting to kill his girlfriend. Michael, Cookie, & Brett discuss recovery, forgiveness, and learning to love yourself in the midst of tragedy and horror. Michael and Brett talk about the night that Michael almost committed suicide. 

As part of our ongoing writer in residence series, our guest is writer, poet, filmmaker, Vincent Caruso. Vince, Michael, and Cookie, cover a wide range of topics including punk, parties, drugs, and Vince’s life long struggle with mental illness. 

Our guest for this episode is artist and photographer, Jennifer Georgieff. Michael and Cookie throw a surprise Halloween Party in the middle of the pandemic. Along with Jennifer and Martin Corbett, we discuss all things Halloween, from costumes and candy to Harry Potter and Krispy Kreme. Spooky fun was had by all. Mista Cookie Jar rummages around his attic to find a gem out of the Cookie Jar, “Only in Your Head.” This one even features Missis Cookie Jar!

On this Halloween inspired episode, our guest is filmmaker, writer, poet, Vincent Caruso. Vince is the latest in our Able Cafe the Podcast Writer in Residence Series. Michael, Cookie, and Vince delve into childhood Halloween memories, favorite candy, scary movies, Glen Danzig, Stanley Kubrick, and that time Cookie dressed up as a nun. 

Michael and Cookie talk about personal empowerment and the power of employment in the pandemic. Our guest for this episode is IMHP (Institute for Maximum Human Potential) chairman of the board, Marcelo Di Mauro. Michael and Martin Corbett reminisce about Martin’s job as a debt collector on crutches and Michael remembers when Eddie Van Halen almost killed him and then saved his life. Also, Michael visits the Able Cafe the Podcast Reading Room talking to Jimi Hendrix and God about rock ‘n’ roll.

Cookie, Michael, and Martin discuss happiness in the midst of the pandemic. Cookie and Michael delve into everything John Hughes and more. The guest for this episode is Burbank, CA mayor, Sharon Springer. Michael & the mayor discuss unity, community, and Rocky Balboa.