Celebrity Interviews

MSNBC's Ari Melber joins Neil Haley to celebrate the one-year anniversary of "The Beat," reflecting on a tumultuous news year covering the Trump administration and discussing how his show has grown to attract 1.3 million nightly viewers—more than any show in the history of its timeslot and surpassing CNN's programming at 6 p.m. and later. Melber explains his unique approach to news programming, which combines breaking news coverage with deeper investigative reports and cultural segments, including recent interviews with both Jay Goldberg (Trump's former lawyer before Michael Cohen) and critics of the president, as well as Broadway star Daveed Diggs from Hamilton. He emphasizes his commitment to providing fair, objective, and thoughtful coverage regardless of viewers' political perspectives.

The conversation takes a deep dive into education policy as Melber discusses his critical examination of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and her approach to running the Department of Education. Drawing on his own experience attending a magnet public school in Seattle that had both National Merit scholars and dealt with an on-campus shooting, Melber shares his nuanced understanding of how complex education issues are and why testing alone provides only a narrow slice of what's happening in schools. He and Neil debate the challenges of school choice, charter schools, and voucher programs, with Melber questioning DeVos's admission that she hasn't figured out how to visit and improve lower-performing schools, arguing that as Secretary of Education for America, she needs to be concerned about all schools, not just some of them.

In this important episode of the Total Celebrity Show on the Total Education Network, host Neil Haley sits down with NFL Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders and neurological expert Dr. Greg O'Shanick to discuss their advocacy campaign Tackle PBA, which aims to raise awareness about pseudobulbar affect (PBA)—a little-known neurological condition affecting approximately 2 million Americans, including many former football players. Dr. O'Shanick explains that PBA causes uncontrollable and unpredictable episodes of laughing and crying that are completely out of context with what the person is actually feeling or experiencing. Someone with PBA might laugh uncontrollably during a solemn church service or begin crying during a routine parent-teacher conference, leading to embarrassment, social isolation, and damaged relationships in both personal and professional settings. The condition occurs in individuals who have other chronic neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, concussions, strokes, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease, or Alzheimer's disease. Crucially, Dr. O'Shanick emphasizes that PBA is treatable and that people don't need to suffer in silence or feel stigmatized by their symptoms.

Barry Sanders shares his personal connection to the cause through his work with the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, which conducted a survey revealing that one-third of former NFL players exhibit PBA-like symptoms. These findings deeply resonated with Sanders, as many of these players are men he competed with and against throughout his legendary career—athletes who gave everything to the game and deserve access to proper diagnosis and treatment. Dr. O'Shanick notes that family members are often the first to recognize PBA symptoms, as affected individuals may not fully grasp what's happening to them or may attribute their emotional outbursts to grief or sadness related to their primary condition. The Tackle PBA campaign encourages anyone experiencing these symptoms or concerned about a loved one to visit tacklepba.org, where they can take a self-assessment test and find resources for discussing the condition with their physician. Both Sanders and Dr. O'Shanick stress that awareness and education are critical first steps, as PBA has been understood medically for over 100 years but often goes undiagnosed simply because patients and healthcare providers aren't familiar with it. Sanders also reflects on his life after his remarkable football career, discussing how his platform has allowed him to engage in meaningful charity work and advocacy efforts like Tackle PBA while remaining a passionate fan of the game that gave him so many opportunities.

In this fascinating episode of Authors Corner on the Total Education Network, host Neil Haley welcomes cycling legend Greg LeMond and co-author Dr. Mark Hom to discuss their groundbreaking book "The Science of Fitness: Power, Performance and Endurance." Greg LeMond, the three-time Tour de France champion, teams up with Dr. Hom to explore the science behind athletic performance, recovery, and the crucial role of mitochondria in human energy production. Their collaboration brings together LeMond's decades of elite athletic experience with Dr. Hom's medical expertise to create a comprehensive guide that challenges conventional training wisdom.

Dr. Mark Hom explains how his personal quest to understand exercise physiology at age fifty led him to focus on mitochondria—the cellular powerhouses that convert food and body fat into energy for muscles, heart, and brain. He reached out to Greg LeMond because the cycling champion's career uniquely encompassed both peak mitochondrial performance and the devastating effects of mitochondrial myopathy that forced his early retirement. LeMond's experience with lead poisoning and its impact on his mitochondria provides invaluable insights into the delicate balance required for optimal athletic performance and the dangers of overtraining.

In this heartfelt episode of The Neil Haley Show, host Neil Haley sits down with legendary actor Robert Wagner to discuss his latest book, "I Loved Her in the Movies: Memories of Hollywood's Legendary Actresses." Robert Wagner, best known for his long-running television series Hart to Hart alongside Stephanie Powers, reflects on his remarkable career spanning decades and the extraordinary women who shaped his journey in Hollywood. Wagner shares intimate insights into what made these leading ladies so special and why he felt compelled to honor their contributions to cinema and his life.

Robert Wagner opens up about the collaborative process behind his book, working closely with co-author Scott Eyman to capture the essence of Hollywood's most iconic actresses. He discusses the incredible range of talent he worked with throughout his career, from Audrey Hepburn and Bette Davis to Faye Dunaway, Ethan Hawke, and Lena Olin. Wagner emphasizes that these women weren't just talented performers—they were consummate professionals who brought unparalleled energy and dedication to every set. He candidly acknowledges the unique challenges actresses faced, balancing the demands of their craft with personal lives, relationships, and families, often sacrificing more than their male counterparts to achieve excellence in their profession.

Throughout the conversation, Robert Wagner reveals his approach to acting and working with leading ladies: remaining completely open, listening intently, and staying present in the moment rather than arriving with preconceived notions. He describes how these actresses became invaluable collaborators who supported him through long shooting days and multiple takes, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and artistic excellence. Wagner's philosophy of being vulnerable and empathetic with his co-stars allowed him to build genuine connections that translated into compelling on-screen chemistry and performances that have stood the test of time.

In this engaging episode of Living a Legacy, host Eric sits down with acclaimed actor Kevin Weisman, best known for his iconic role as Marshall Flinkman on the hit series Alias. Kevin shares his journey through television, from his early days working with J.J. Abrams on Felicity to becoming one of the five core cast members who appeared in all five seasons of Alias alongside Jennifer Garner, Victor Garber, Ron Rifkin, and Carl Lumbly. The conversation reveals Kevin's deep appreciation for the craft and the legendary talents he's worked with throughout his career.

Kevin Weisman opens up about the secret to his success in Hollywood: authenticity and commitment. Drawing from his theater training at Circle in the Square in New York, Kevin explains how he approaches every role with honesty rather than relying on tricks or gimmicks. He shares memorable experiences working with industry giants like Billy Bob Thornton on Goliath, Quentin Tarantino, Faye Dunaway, and Ethan Hawke on Alias, and discusses his unique approach to improvisation within scripted dialogue. Kevin's philosophy of "just committing" to choices, even when they might be mistakes, has led to some of his most memorable on-screen moments.

The discussion delves into Kevin's extensive television career beyond Alias, including his work on Scorpion alongside Elias Koteas, The Blacklist, and his collaboration with comedy legends like Stephen Merchant on Hello Ladies. Kevin reflects on his friendship with Jack Black from their UCLA theater school days and his musical endeavors with Kyle Gass of Tenacious D in their band Trainwreck. These connections highlight the collaborative nature of Kevin's career and his commitment to building genuine relationships in the industry.

Throughout the conversation, Kevin emphasizes the importance of being a good listener and staying present in the moment, skills that serve him not only as an actor but also in his personal life and relationships with his children. He discusses the evolution of television production, comparing the cinematic quality of Alias shot on 35mm film to today's HD productions, and shares insights into the fast-paced nature of television work where actors must shoot eight pages of dialogue per day and be ready to commit fully to their performances.

The episode concludes with Kevin Weisman sharing his legacy vision: to be remembered as someone authentic who made people laugh and truly listened to others. He encourages listeners to support Save the Children and No Kid Hungry, organizations working to ensure children have access to meals, especially those who rely on school lunch programs. Kevin's passion for giving back through charity work, combined with his dedication to authentic storytelling, creates a powerful message about living a legacy of impact both on and off screen.

Join us for an engaging conversation with acclaimed actor Harold Perrineau, best known for his unforgettable role as Link in The Matrix trilogy. Harold takes us behind the scenes of his surreal experience on the set of The Nebuchadnezzar, sharing how he became the biggest Matrix nerd while filming the iconic sci-fi franchise that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. From comic con appearances to the enduring legacy of a trilogy that changed cinema forever, Harold reflects on how The Matrix remains a cultural touchstone that fans want to revisit again and again, just as he did with his oldest daughter.

Beyond The Matrix, Harold opens up about his powerful and challenging role as an autistic adult on TNT's Claws, a character that has become one of his most meaningful performances. He discusses the extensive research he conducted to authentically portray someone whose brain is simply wired differently, his commitment to avoiding stereotypes or mockery, and how his own family experiences with autism informed his approach. Harold explains how his character's loving relationship with his sister, played by Niecy Nash, provides the emotional grounding that balances the show's wild, money-laundering nail salon antics. This conversation showcases an actor who takes representation seriously and uses his platform to bring depth, humanity, and respect to every role he inhabits.

In a special September 11th episode commemorating the bicentennial of America's national anthem, The Neil Haley Show brings together author Peter Alderman and multi-platinum country music star Jo Dee Messina for their only joint interview. Alderman discusses his coffee table book "The Rockets Red Glare," which tells the story of Francis Scott Key witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry and writing the poem that would become the Star-Spangled Banner, later set to a British pub song melody. Messina, who grew up as Alderman's neighbor in Hollis, Massachusetts, explains her deep connection to the project, having performed the national anthem numerous times and sharing Alderman's love for American history and patriotism.

Messina reveals that she not only sings the national anthem and her tribute song "Heaven Was Needing a Hero" on the accompanying CD but also narrates the entire audiobook, making this her first experience reading a complete book for audio. The pair discuss how the book is written to be accessible for children while providing adults with deeper historical context about the blood, sweat, and tears behind the anthem. With Scholastic and Barnes & Noble picking up the book, and local school systems expressing interest, Alderman and Messina hope to reintroduce Americans to their country's heritage and help people understand that the national anthem represents more than just the start of sporting events—it's a symbol of sacrifice that honors armed forces members, first responders, and all those who protect the freedoms Americans enjoy today.

Richard Rawlings, celebrity car enthusiast and star of Discovery Channel's "Fast and Loud," joins The Neil Haley Show to discuss his newest venture, "Garage Rehab." Rawlings opens up about his 16-year journey building Gas Monkey Garage, sharing the humbling moments when he had to borrow money from his wife just to make rent. He explains how these struggles inspired him to help other garage owners who are facing the same challenges he once overcame, emphasizing that he's looking for dedication to both business and family in the shop owners he chooses to mentor.

Unlike typical reality rehab shows filled with drama and confrontation, Rawlings describes "Garage Rehab" as a genuine investment in people and their businesses, featuring less drama but plenty of eye candy with shops, cars, and motorcycles. He discusses what makes a great garage, stressing that it's not about square footage but about the passion and love people have for their craft. Rawlings expresses concern about losing manual labor skills as young people focus more on computers, emphasizing that skilled trades can provide excellent livings and put kids through college. The episode concludes with Rawlings teasing upcoming shows, including one focused on teaching young people in shop classes to keep the automotive passion alive.

Singer Wanz shares his extraordinary journey from near-retirement to international fame on The Neil Haley Show, recounting how one June evening phone call in 2012 changed his life forever. After decades of grinding in Seattle's music scene alongside friends who became members of Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam, Wanz had resigned himself to life as a software test engineer, believing there was no such thing as an old pop star. When he met Ben Haggerty (Macklemore) and Ryan Lewis for the first time, they were looking for a singer who sounded like the legendary West Coast hook singer Nate Dogg, and within 45 minutes, Wanz recorded what would become one of the most recognizable hooks in modern music. By August 29, 2012, when the "Thrift Shop" video dropped, Wanz watched in amazement as the numbers skyrocketed, leading him to quit his secure job with no savings or safety net after a sold-out show at San Francisco's Fillmore brought him to tears.

At 53 years old, Wanz experienced the fulfillment of every dream he'd ever had as "Thrift Shop" topped charts worldwide and earned him two Grammy awards. He describes the electric moment of walking on stage as the crowd elevated to another level when he began singing, with thousands of voices joining his. After the "Thrift Shop" phenomenon peaked and touring with Macklemore ended, Wanz returned to his passion for creating original music, releasing a five-song EP called "Wander" about his journey through depression and back to hope. His tribute song "To Nate Dogg," featuring Warren G and earning the blessing of Nate Dogg's son, represents both homage to his inspiration and the beginning of his post-"Thrift Shop" career. Wanz's message to aspiring artists reflects his own improbable success story: never stop doing what makes you and others happy, because at any age and any moment, you never know where your passion might take you.

Actress and producer Vivica A. Fox joins The Neil Haley Show to share the joy of the holiday season and discuss her latest Christmas film, "A Christmas Cruise," airing on the ION network. Fox reveals her cherished Christmas Day traditions, which include breakfast with her godson's family complete with mimosas, a relaxing spa visit, lunch with business partners while watching basketball games, and ending the evening with a fish fry and Uno games at her best friend's house. Beyond celebrating the holidays, she embraces her role as a "Christmas cheer angel" in Los Angeles, providing packages to families in need, emphasizing the importance of giving back during this special time of year.

In "A Christmas Cruise," Fox plays Pamela Stevenson, a workaholic writer whose best friend convinces her to take a holiday cruise where she unexpectedly finds love on the high seas. The film, featuring an impressive cast including Kristoff St. John from The Young and the Restless and Nick Viall from Bachelor in Paradise, delivers a powerful message about work-life balance that resonates with Fox personally. She reflects on her illustrious career, from starring in Independence Day with Will Smith nearly 20 years ago to her current role on Empire with Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard, and her work in Set It Off with Morris Chestnut and Gabrielle Union. Fox attributes her longevity to versatility, advising young actors to become triple threats who can sing, act, and dance. As a co-producer through her company Foxy Brown Productions, she takes pride in delivering quality content to audiences, reminding viewers that success comes from doing what makes you happy and spreading love rather than chasing accolades and promotions without pause.