Baring It All with Call Me Adam

After a season spent speaking with some of My Entertainment Idols, I can't think of a more meaningful way to end Season 5 than by celebrating & honoring My All-Time Favorite Entertainment Idol, the legendary & illustrious Dolly Parton.

Following Dolly’s passing on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, I reflect on the grief of losing someone who felt like immediate family, the dream interview that will never happen, and the choice to focus on what Dolly gave me: joy, courage, music, memories, and a lifelong blueprint for leading with my heart.

In this solo episode, I share:

• Why losing Dolly Parton hurts so much
• Meeting Dolly in July 2002 at Virgin Megastore in New York City during her Halos & Horns album signing
• How Dolly's film Straight Talk inspired my entertainment career & turned me from a casual Dolly fan into a super fan
• Favorite scenes from Straight Talk that parlayed into real life moments
• The stories behind the Dolly Parton songs that created the soundtrack of my life
• My favorite parts of Dolly's recording career
• Memories of seeing Dolly Parton in concert
• A special Dolly inspired Season 6 announcement

Sign up for the Call Me Adam Digest to be the FIRST TO KNOW when Season 6 premieres!

Dolly Parton grew up in a large, close-knit family in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, where music, faith, and storytelling shaped her from childhood. She began writing songs early, moved to Nashville the day after graduating high school, and soon married Carl Dean, her lifelong partner.

Her national breakthrough came alongside Porter Wagoner, before she stepped fully into solo stardom with timeless songs including “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5.”

Across more than six decades, Parton became one of the most beloved and successful entertainers in the world, with over 100 million records sold, acclaimed film and television work, and a business legacy that includes Dollywood.

Her philanthropy, especially Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, has put millions of books into the hands of children.

Honored by the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and countless other institutions, she continued expanding her creative reach.

Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of extraordinary talent, generosity, resilience, and a rare ability to make people feel seen, uplifted, and at home.

Mentioned in this episode:

Book Promo

Do you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown?

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.

Today, I am chatting with Country Music Superstar Jo Dee Messina who is celebrated for her 30-year career in music, 2 Grammy Nominations & numerous awards & nominations from the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, American Music Awards & Billboard Music Awards!

Jo Dee's hit songs include "Heads Carolina, Tails California", "Stand Beside Me", "That's the Way", "Burn" & so many more!

Jo Dee just dropped, Bridges, her newest studio album in over a decade!

In this NEW interview, Jo Dee is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:

• The moments she’s felt invisible & unseen
• Why it took over a decade to make her new album Bridges
• The story behind the album's title and some of her new songs
• How she’s adapted to massive changes in the music business
• The role faith plays in her life
• Dreams she’s still wants to achieve
• Her favorite part of the songwriting process
• So much more

Click Here to watch this interview in video format!

• Emily Ginsberg, Big Hassle Media
• Theme Song by Bobby Cronin
• Podcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell
• Edited by Adam Rothenberg

Website: www.callmeadam.com

Facebook: @CallMeAdamNYC

Instagram: @CallMeAdamNYC

Jo Dee Messina is a country music powerhouse who has carved her own path and helped clear the way for the artists coming up behind her.

You can hear her influence everywhere, from Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson to Cole Swindell, whose hit “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” nods to her classic “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” and artists like Sierra Ferrell and Nikki Lane, who recently put their own spin on “Lesson in Leavin’.”

Jo Dee is far more than a country star; her impact reaches across generations, genres, and eras.

Mentioned in this episode:

Book Promo

Do you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown?

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.

Today, I am chatting with Actress & Author Kathy Garver who is celebrated for playing the role of Cissy on the classic 1960s TV show Family Affair, and as the voice of Firestar on the 1980s cartoon, Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends.

Recently nominated for a 2026 GRAMMY for her narration of Elvis, Rocky and Me: The Carol Connors Story, Kathy recently published her latest book, Romancing With The Stars, which takes readers inside real Hollywood love stories, revealing the vulnerability and humanity beneath the glamour.

In this interview, Kathy is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:

• Why she became an author in addition to her acting career
• What she learned about her own love story while writing her newest book, Romancing with the Stars
• How couples can ignite or keep their love spark going
• How she got started in voice-over work
• The story behind landing Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends
• What she connected to most about the role of Firestar
• Which superpower she’d choose today
• So much more

Click Here to watch this live interview in video format!

• Shaili Priya, Allen Media Strategies
• Theme Song by Bobby Cronin
• Podcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell
• Edited by Adam Rothenberg

Website: www.callmeadam.com

Facebook: @CallMeAdamNYC

Instagram: @CallMeAdamNYC

Kathy Garver is best known as “Cissy” on the classic CBS series Family Affair, but her career spans film, stage, radio, voiceover, and audiobook narration. A veteran performer since childhood, she’s voiced iconic roles like Firestar in Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, recorded over 80 award‑winning audiobooks, and continues to work as an in‑demand actor, teacher, host, and motivational speaker.

Mentioned in this episode:

Book Promo

Do you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown?

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.

Today, I am catching up with one of My Entertainment Pen Pals, Jodi Benson who is known for voicing Ariel in Disney's Oscar winning feature film, The Little Mermaid.

Jodi is getting to ready to return to the New York stage, in her Off Broadway debut, to star in & close out one of my favorite plays, Michael Griffo's Pen Pals.

In this interview, Jodi is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:

1. How she landed Pen Pals
2. What the show says about friendship
3. Why Bernie is the perfect character
4. Her real-life bond with co-star Marcia Mitzman Gaven
5. The legacy, and lasting impact, of The Little Mermaid
6. And so much more

Jodi Benson & her long time friend, Marcia Mitzman Gaven will be starring in & closing out Michael Griffo's Pen Pals from March 4-15, 2026 at the Daryl Roth DR Theatre in NYC. Click Here for tickets!

Click Here to watch this live interview in video format!

1. Joe Trentacosta, JT Public Relations
2. Theme Song by Bobby Cronin
3. Podcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell
4. Edited by Adam Rothenberg

Website: www.callmeadam.com

Facebook: @CallMeAdamNYC

Instagram: @CallMeAdamNYC

Jodi Benson is a Disney Legend Award recipient and has proudly served The Walt Disney Company for over 38 years. She is beloved worldwide as the singing and speaking voice of Ariel in the Academy Award®–winning The Little Mermaid, as well as the voice of Barbie in Toy Story 2 and the Oscar®-winning Toy Story 3. Her film work also includes Flubber, Enchanted, Wreck-It Ralph 2, and multiple Disney animated classics.

On Broadway, Jodi earned Tony and Helen Hayes nominations for originating Polly Baker in Crazy for You, with additional credits including Smile, Welcome to the Club, and Marilyn: An American Fable. She recently appeared on Sweet Magnolias and continues to star as Ariel in Disney’s LEGO Princess films for Disney+.

A celebrated concert artist, Jodi has performed at the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, and with symphonies worldwide. She is a longtime Disney Cruise Line guest soloist, Candlelight Processional narrator, and currently serves as a D23 Fan Ambassador. Her memoir, Part of My World, shares behind-the-scenes stories from her remarkable journey.

Mentioned in this episode:

Book Promo

Do you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown?

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.

Today, I am catching up with My Entertainment Idol, Adam Jacobs (yep, Broadway's original Aladdin), who is getting to ready to return to the New York stage to star in Monte Cristo at the York Theatre in NYC

In this NEW interview, Adam is once again Baring It All with Call Me Adam, but this time around, he talks about:

1. How Monte Cristo landed on his radar
2. What it’s really like playing the darker side of Edmond Dantès
3. A powerful life lesson that’s shaped his perspective
4. The traits he carried over from Aladdin
5. Plus so much more

Adam Jacobs will be starring in Monte Cristo from March 12-April 5, 2026 at NYC's York Theatre. Click Here for tickets!

Click Here to watch this live interview in video format!

1. Katie Rosin, Kampfire Films PR
2. Theme Song by Bobby Cronin
3. Podcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell
4. Edited by Adam Rothenberg

Website: www.callmeadam.com

Facebook: @CallMeAdamNYC

Instagram: @CallMeAdamNYC

Adam Jacob’s made is Broadway debut as “Marius” in the revival of Les Miserables at the Broadhurst Theater alongside such Broadway luminaries as Lea Salonga, Judy Kuhn, Gary Beach, Daphne-Rubin Vega, Norm Lewis, Ann Harada, Aaron Lazar & many others.

Since Les Mis, Adam has starred in such hit shows as Mamma Mia!,The Lion King, Once On This Island & of course, as the original Aladdin on Broadway.

Mentioned in this episode:

Book Promo

Do you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown?

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.

Today, I am catching up with My Entertainment Idol, 3 Time Emmy Award Winning Actress Cady McClain who is getting to ready to return to the New York stage to star in Roman Freud's Off Broadway play, Beneath the Ice of the Vistula.

In this NEW interview, Cady is once again Baring It All with Call Me Adam, but this time around, she talks about:

1. How Beneath the Ice of the Vistula landed in her hands
2. Why this story couldn't be more timely
3. How this role challenges & expands her creative range as an actress
4. Linking Beyond the Gates and Beneath the Ice of the Vistula
5. Plus so much more

Cady McClain will be starring in Beneath the Ice of the Vistula from February 12-28, 2026 at NYC's West End Theatre at St. Paul & St. Andrew UMC. Click Here for tickets!

Click Here to watch this live interview in video format!

1. Ron Lasko, Spin Cycle NYC
2. Theme Song by Bobby Cronin
3. Podcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell
4. Edited by Adam Rothenberg

Website: www.callmeadam.com

Facebook: @CallMeAdamNYC

Instagram: @CallMeAdamNYC

Cady McClain is the first woman to win a Daytime Emmy© for playing three different characters, on three different shows, on three different networks. Cady made Emmy history by taking home the gold for her roles on All My Children (Best Juvenile, 1990), As the World Turns (Best Supporting Actress, 2004), and Days of Our Lives (Best Guest Performer, 2021).

Cady is currently playing the recurring role of “Pamela Curtis” on CBS' Beyond the Gates, which Entertainment Weekly recently named one of the best TV shows of 2025.

In 2024, Cady starred as “Joan Plowright” in Austin Pendleton's Off Broadway play, Orson’s Shadow, followed by What Happened Was at The Chain Theatre's 2025 Summer One Act Festival in NYC. Cady has also been seen on the theatrical stage in Shirley Valentine at Cape May Stage, The Red Address at Second Stage Theater, Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at Lincoln Center Theater, A Comedy of Errors at the Hudson Guild Theater & Barefoot in the Park at the Westbury and Valley Forge Music Fair theaters. Cady also performed in two one-woman shows: Mona7 and Inventions of Farewell (HERE Theatre).

In addition to the above Soap Operas, Cady has also been seen on multiple episodes of Law & Order SVU (opposite Amanda Seyfried, Mariska Hargitay, Michael O’Keefe, Ice T & Kevin Kane).

Mentioned in this episode:

Book Promo

Do you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown?

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.

Today, I am catching up with My Entertainment Idol Actress, Author & 5-Time Golden Globe Nominee Marilu Henner who is getting to ready to return to the New York stage to star in Michael Griffo's smash hit Off Broadway play, Pen Pals, alongside her lifelong friend, Actress Brooke Adams.

In this NEW interview, Marilu is once again Baring It All with Call Me Adam, but this time around, she talks about:

1. How Pen Pals came into her life
2. The moments that shaped her view of Bernie
3. A Pen Pals date challenge that put her superhero memory to the test
4. And so much more you won’t want to miss

Marilu (and Brooke) will be in Pen Pals, for 2 WEEKS ONLY, from February 4-15, 2026 at the Daryl Roth DR2 Theatre in NYC. Click Here for tickets!

Click Here to watch this live interview in video format!

1. Joe Trentacosta, JT Public Relations
2. Theme Song by Bobby Cronin
3. Podcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell
4. Edited by Adam Rothenberg

Website: www.callmeadam.com

Facebook: @CallMeAdamNYC

Instagram: @CallMeAdamNYC

Marilu Henner is a 5 time Golden Globe nominee whose career spans Broadway, Film & Television. Some of her Broadway credits include Chicago, Grease & The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife.

On screen, Marilu has appeared in such films as L.A. Story & Noises Off.

She is well known to television audiences for her role on the Emmy winning series Taxi, with additional appearances on Grey’s Anatomy & Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

A New York Times bestselling author, Marilu is also widely recognized for her work in memory & health. She tours the nation with her one woman show, Memory Girl!

Mentioned in this episode:

Book Promo

Do you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown?

In this special BONUS episode of my podcast, I am sharing my recent LIVE interview with Rachel Potter (Broadway Actress, Recording Artist, Producer & X-Factor Season 3 Top 12 Finalist) about her upcoming concert, An Evening of Magic, in Nashville, TN.

If you didn't get to watch my LIVE interview, listen to the replay below here!

Wait until you hear Rachel's jaw-dropping story about her audition for the Ricky Martin/Michael Cerveris led Broadway revival of Evita!

An Evening of Magic will feature Rachel & her talented friends singing music from Broadway & Disney Movies.

Scheduled to perform: Susan Egan (Broadway's original Belle in Beauty & The Beast), Morgxn (Singer/Songwriter), Caroline Bowman (Originated the role of Elsa in the National Tour of Frozen) & many more!

An Evening of Magic will take place at the Analog at Hutton Hotel in Nashville, TN this Friday, January 23, 2026 at 8pm CST. Click Here for tickets!

Rachel Potter is an acclaimed Broadway Actress & accomplished Nashville Recording artist who was the “pop-u-lar” Glinda u/s on the National Tour of Wicked. She made her Broadway debut as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family & went on to originate the role of The Mistress in the Ricky Martin/Michael Cerveris led Broadway revival of Evita. Her standout performance of singing "Another Suitcase in Another Hall," further solidified her place in the Broadway community.

Transitioning from Broadway to Nashville, Rachel achieved success as a Top 12 finalist on season 3 of FOX's The X Factor. She auditioned by singing Queen's "Somebody to Love" which earned international praise & continues to amass millions of views since the season aired in 2013. Rachel's version of "Somebody to Love" is featured on her solo album, Not So Black and White.

Rachel's journey in entertainment began at Walt Disney World, where she portrayed iconic characters such as Ariel, Belle, and Nemo. Most recently, Rachel was the featured soloist on Journey to Fantasy Springs, the theme song for Tokyo Disney Sea's new land Fantasy Springs, further expanding her global reach.

Rachel has been featured as a guest soloist with many symphony orchestras all over the world, including the Dallas Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Utah Symphony & many others. Rachel & fellow country artist, Patrick Thomas, celebrate past icons of country music in their Pops symphony show, Country Legends.

Residing in Nashville, TN, Rachel remains focused on recording and writing music, as well as enjoying a successful career in real estate.

Mentioned in this episode:

Book Promo

Do you remember watching your favorite celebrity being interviewed, but you could tell there was more to that interview than what was being shown?

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.

Today, in this LIVE Interview Replay, I am catching up with My Entertainment Idol Alt Pop Singer Songwriter Rachael Sage who is getting to ready to drop her latest album, Canopy!

In this NEW interview, Rachael is once again Baring It All with Call Me Adam, but this time around, she talks about:

• The making of her new album, Canopy
• How she would describe her latest record to audiences
• Why you should come see her live in concert
• Overcoming adversity
• Her personal side inspired by the track listing of her latest album, Canopy.
• So much more 

Rachael Sage's new record, Canopy, drops on Friday, October 24, 2025. Rachael will be celebrating the release of Canopy with a concert at The Cutting Room in NYC on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Click here to watch this live interview in video format!

• Jill Richmond Johnson, MPress Records PR
• Theme Song by Bobby Cronin
• Podcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell
• Edited by Adam Rothenberg
• Underscore Music by Cutique

Website: www.callmeadam.com

Facebook: @CallMeAdamNYC

Instagram: @CallMeAdamNYC

Rachael Sage is a 6x Independent Music Award Winner & John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize recipient. She has released over 20 albums and EPs since bursting onto the music scene via Lilith Fair.

Rachael is an outspoken activist on LGBTQ+ rights, anti-gun violence & women’s health issues. Rachael is a cancer thriver with multiple top-charting singles & hopeful anthems including "Blue Sky Days," "Bravery On Fire" and her feminist anthem “Sistersong.”

Rachael has shared the concert stage such musical luminaries as Ani DiFranco, Rufus Wainwright, A Great Big World, Beth Hart and Howard Jones.

This season on my podcast, Baring It All with Call Me Adam, I am spotlighting My Entertainment Idols.

Today I am catching up with Actress Jennifer Bassey, who you know for her over 30-year run as man-hungry nymphomaniac Marian Colby on ABC's hit soap opera, All My Children.

In 2017, Jennifer & I did an interview together where she briefly spoke about putting together a cabaret show. Now, 8 years later, that cabaret show is coming to life at 54 Below!

In this interview, Jennifer is Baring It All with Call Me Adam about:

• Why she wanted to create a cabaret show
• What will amaze fans about her upcoming cabaret show
• How Bobby Short changed the trajectory of her career
• Some OMG moments from her time on All My Children
• Walking through fear
• So much more 

Jennifer Bassey's cabaret show, From Sexy Soaps to Classy Cabaret will be at 54 Below for TWO NIGHTS ONLY, Tuesday, October 14, 2025 & Wednesday, October 15, 2025 both shows are at 7pm EST. There is a livestream option on Wednesday, October 15.

In From Sexy Soaps to Classy Cabaret, Jennifer shares memories of her humble beginnings as a singing Playboy Bunny, to starring on Broadway, Off-Broadway & her on and off-screen exploits as TV’s first nymphomanic-cougar daytime diva, in this autobiographical romp featuring songs from Broadway & The Great American Songbook.

Click here to watch this interview in video format!

• Candi Adams & Adelina Correa - 54 Below PR
• Theme Song by Bobby Cronin
• Podcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell
• Edited by Adam Rothenberg
• Underscore Music by Cutique

Website: www.callmeadam.com

Facebook: @CallMeAdamNYC

Instagram: @CallMeAdamNYC

Jennifer Bassey is a two-time Emmy nominated actress whose first job in entertainment was as a singing Playboy bunny. After a chance encounter, Jennifer left her bunny ears behind & auditioned for a spot in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. 

Jennifer got accepted while earning the lowest entrance marks in the history of the academy. She graduated from the RADA with honors, finishing just below classmate and future Academy Award winner, Sir Anthony Hopkins.

Upon moving to New York City, Jennifer appeared in several Broadway and Off Broadway productions including Neil Simon's California Suite, Not Now Darling directed by George Abbott, In Praise of Love with Rex Harrison and The Homecoming (The Original Royal Shakespeare Production), Moliere's Tartuffe, Wendy Wasserstein's Isn't It Romantic &The Taming of the Shrew at the Roundabout Theatre. 

In 1983, Jennifer won the role of Marian Colby on ABC's Daytime Soap Opera All My Children, playing the borderline nymphomaniac for over 30 years.

Jennifer has been seen in such feature films as Waxwork, Twogether & Dunston Checks In, where in a scene-stealing, skin revealing moment, she received an orgasmic massage from an orangutan!

Jennifer's prime-time work has included guest roles on Law & Order, Body of Proof & Grey's Anatomy. She has also been seen on LA Law, Falcon Crest, Murphy Brown, Silk Stalkings, Matlock & Coach. Most recently Jennifer was a guest star on ABC's General Hospital.

In addition to her Daytime Emmy nominations, Jennifer has also received two Soap Opera Digest Awards, the second of which was shared with her All My Children costar David Canary for Favorite Couple.