Celebrity Interviews

Jon Taffer, star of Spike TV's top-rated series Bar Rescue, recounts his improbable journey from college bartender studying political science in Denver to becoming one of television's most recognizable hospitality experts. Despite being told by a Paramount Television executive that he would "never be on television" and didn't have the right profile, Jon took it as a personal challenge. He invested his own money to shoot a three-minute sizzle reel of himself "screaming and yelling at people pretty much," brought it to five production companies, received four offers, and had Spike TV pick up the series just four days later—all within a year of that initial rejection.

As Bar Rescue celebrates its 100th episode with a special dual-bar rescue featuring two completely different businesses operating in the same location, Jon reflects on the profound education he's received about business failure throughout the series. Having worked with over 100 struggling bars, he's gained insights into failure that few successful business people ever see, as these failing owners couldn't afford to hire him in normal circumstances. Jon explains the show's success stems from two key elements: the universal relatability of bars (nearly everyone has considered owning one at some point) and the deeply human drama of watching people resist change, fight back, and ultimately transform and redeem themselves. He maintains close relationships with about half the bar owners he's rescued, staying connected with those who want his continued guidance while making himself available to all of them.

Paige Davis, the beloved host of Trading Spaces and Emmy-nominated star of OWN's Homemade Simple, opens up about her multifaceted entertainment career and upcoming role in the world premiere play "Dancing Lessons" at Barrington Stage. Paige traces her journey from studying dance at a performing arts high school in Louisville and Southern Methodist University through summer stock and regional theater to landing on Broadway in Chicago—a role she's returned to multiple times over a decade, each time discovering new depths in the character. She candidly discusses how Trading Spaces, her first major television work in her 30s, opened doors she never imagined and continues to give her advantages years later, ensuring her calls are always taken and she gets meetings even as her "fame skillet has cooled."

Currently channeling her creative energy into her blog "Positively Paige" at PaigeDavis.com, Paige writes honestly about everything from her husband and what it's like to be an aging dancer to Monica Lewinsky's Vanity Fair article and the jealousy she feels toward the 20-year-old across the hall. She's thrilled about originating a role for the first time in "Dancing Lessons," a two-hander play with Tony-nominated actor John Cariani about an autistic man and an injured Broadway dancer who help each other grow. Drawing on her personal experience with a niece who has Asperger's and her own current disc injury requiring physical therapy, Paige brings authentic understanding to this touching story that explores how differently-abled individuals navigate relationships while celebrating the autism community's perspective on love and connection.

Larry Thomas, forever immortalized as the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld's iconic episode, shares the remarkable story of how one guest appearance 21 years ago transformed into a thriving brand partnership with The Original SoupMan company. Larry explains how he reconnected with Al Yeganeh, the real soup man who inspired his character, after years of being recognized everywhere he went. The partnership became natural when innovative Tetra Carton technology allowed Al to mass-produce his exceptional soups while maintaining the fresh taste and quality ingredients he was known for, creating a perfect opportunity for Larry to become the brand's official spokesman.

Larry dispels the myth of being typecast, proudly pointing to his diverse IMDB credits including recent Lifetime movies where he plays everyday American characters far removed from his Seinfeld persona. He describes his nationwide promotional tours across supermarket chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and Wegmans, where he autographs soup cartons, takes photos with fans, and yes, randomly yells "No soup for you!" at delighted customers. From his appearances at the original soup stand at 55th and 8th Avenue in New York to stores throughout Michigan, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and beyond, Larry's enthusiasm for the product is genuine—he truly believes it's the best soup in any supermarket and loves sharing it with fans who remember his unforgettable Seinfeld moment.

WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin sits down with fellow talk show host and former professional wrestler Neil Haley to discuss his remarkable transition from the squared circle to the entertainment world with his USA Network show "Straight Up Steve Austin." The Texas Rattlesnake opens up about the surprising connections between the two hosts—from wrestling together in Omaha, Nebraska with the Nation of Domination to their mutual friend Duke "The Dumpster" Droese, and now both hosting successful talk shows. Stone Cold delivers a masterclass on audience connection, explaining that being inside a 20x20 ring teaches you one invaluable skill: reading and responding to crowds, listening to their reactions, and proceeding accordingly. He candidly admits that his years in wrestling created a perception that he was "always pissed off, mad or drunk every day," but through podcasting and his new show, he's been able to break down those doors and reveal his love of laughter, communication, and discovering what makes people tick.

Austin discusses his six-year podcasting journey and how taking a break helped him realize he needed to listen even more than he already was, leading to some of his favorite recent conversations with legends like Hulk Hogan and Mark Henry. He emphasizes that while the podcast is "very minute in comparison with the WWE Universe," it allows him to maintain crucial communication with the fan base he built over decades, something that gets lost when wrestlers leave WWE's global platform. His new USA Network show takes a unique approach—rather than traditional sit-down interviews, Stone Cold and his guests bond over outdoor activities and cooking while having authentic back-and-forth conversations. He stresses that he's not trying to put himself over or solve the world's problems; he's simply an entertainer who succeeds if he can make someone laugh or forget their troubles for thirty minutes. The episode perfectly captures Austin's philosophy of continuous growth, genuine connection, and his enthusiasm for being handed back the WWE audience he loves while simultaneously building something new.

In this entertaining segment of The Neil Haley Show, comedy legend and television host Howie Mandel joins Neil to discuss the exciting return of Deal or No Deal 2.0 on CNBC, airing Wednesday nights at 9 PM. Howie shares fascinating behind-the-scenes insights about what makes this revival even better than the original, including the addition of a female banker, new negotiation opportunities for contestants, and how social media now allows him to express all the thoughts he couldn't say on air during filming. He reflects on the unique nature of the show—unlike other game shows, there's no skill involved, no trivia, nothing physical—it's purely about people and their life-changing decisions. Howie explains how he's captivated watching contestants make choices that could lead to a down payment on a house, wiping out debt, or putting children through school, though as host he remains risk-averse and often amazed at how far people will push their luck when given the chance of a lifetime.

The conversation reveals Howie's impressive work ethic and evolution as an entertainer, as he discusses performing 200 live comedy dates annually while simultaneously working on America's Got Talent, AGT Champions, and his role as executive producer of Deal or No Deal (humorously claiming he's "in charge of craft service"). Neil, a former teacher who created a classroom version called "Math or No Math" a decade ago, connects with Howie about the show's universal appeal across all ages and how the production quality and storytelling have improved significantly, with more focus on contestants' personal narratives. Howie emphasizes the importance of never stopping your craft and continuous improvement, joking that Neil should have scheduled the interview for tomorrow because he'll be even better then, perfectly capturing his philosophy of constant growth and his genuine passion for witnessing people's lives being enriched right before his eyes.

Hollywood icon Robert Wagner discusses his heartfelt tribute book "I Loved Her in the Movies: Memories of Hollywood's Legendary Actresses," honoring the remarkable women who shaped his six-decade career. Wagner reflects on working with legends like Audrey Hepburn and Bette Davis, emphasizing the tremendous challenges women faced in the industry—balancing demanding schedules with hair, makeup, and wardrobe requirements while maintaining the energy, vivacity, and care expected of them both on set and in their personal lives. He argues that actresses gave up far more than their male counterparts to pursue their craft, juggling careers with marriages, families, and the constant pressure to be perfect, making their accomplishments all the more impressive and worthy of celebration.

Wagner shares his philosophy of approaching each co-star with complete openness rather than preconceived notions, simply listening, watching, and staying present in the moment to build authentic on-screen chemistry. He discusses his successful run on "Heart to Heart" with Stefanie Powers and explains how leading ladies throughout his career watched out for him during the vulnerable exposure of acting, creating supportive environments where both performers could do their best work. Written with co-author Scott Eiman, the book serves as both a personal memoir and a tribute to the individuality, dedication, and tremendous influence these women had on cinema and culture. Wagner offers advice to young actors about remaining honest and open to naturally move scenes forward, while reflecting on how impossible it is to choose a favorite leading lady—each brought something unique and irreplaceable to his life and career.

Action legend Dolph Lundgren shares the remarkable story of how a Swedish chemical engineering student and European karate champion became one of cinema's most iconic villains. Lundgren reveals how working security at a Grace Jones concert in Australia led to an unexpected relationship with the flamboyant singer, which transported him into Andy Warhol's New York scene where he met Michael Jackson, David Bowie, and other luminaries. He describes the surreal experience of being asked "what are you famous for?" by a white-haired stranger who turned out to be Warhol himself, and how this whirlwind introduction to entertainment ultimately led him away from academia and toward Hollywood.

Lundgren details the intense audition process for Rocky IV, including being initially rejected as "too tall" before his acting coach helped get photos to Sylvester Stallone's team. He explains his strategic decision to play Ivan Drago as stoic and internal rather than loud and aggressive, studying Soviet military cadets' proud posture with chins held high to create the character's intimidating presence. Looking ahead, Lundgren discusses returning as an older Drago in Creed 2 alongside Michael B. Jordan and his on-screen son, a six-foot-four Romanian boxer. He also shares fitness wisdom from his book "Train Like an Action Hero: Be Fit Forever," explaining his sustainable approach of strict dieting six days a week with weekend cheat meals, the importance of well-rounded training including cardio and flexibility work, and how he's maintained peak condition through an astounding 70-film career spanning four decades.

SNL veteran Vanessa Bayer takes listeners behind the curtain of Saturday Night Live, revealing her impressive near-record of making it through six full seasons without breaking character on camera. Bayer shares the story of how Fred Armisen finally broke her streak during his hosting appearance at the end of her sixth season, and discusses memorable sketches including the divorce lawyers dance scene with Paul Rudd that became an instant classic, the Santa Baby video with Ryan Gosling, and falling out of a plane with Amy Schumer. She reveals how her iconic "best friend" Weekend Update characters with Armisen originated from off-camera improvisation during rehearsal days, demonstrating the organic creative process that produces SNL's most beloved recurring bits.

Beyond SNL nostalgia, Bayer discusses her meaningful partnership with M&M's for Red Nose Day, describing the transformative experience of coaching Chicago teenagers in comedy at Second City—the same legendary venue where she got her start. She shares the powerful moment of watching these young performers walk off stage on a natural high after telling their stories and getting laughs, using comedy as an outlet to support children in poverty through the Red Nose Day initiative. Bayer also previews her Netflix movie "Ibiza" about three women on a European adventure, reflects on finally getting sleep after leaving SNL's grueling schedule, and discusses navigating the next chapter of her career while doing college tours and exploring new television opportunities.

Comedian and actor Patton Oswalt joins the Neil Haley Show to discuss his role as the hapless principal in NBC's AP Bio, a character he describes as "an authority figure with zero authority." Drawing inspiration from Tim Meadows' masterful portrayal of the principal in Mean Girls, Oswalt explores the unique challenges of playing administrators who struggle to maintain control while genuinely caring about creating great learning environments for their students. He shares fond memories of an unconventional shop teacher from his Virginia high school who mixed engine repair lessons with profound life philosophy, and discusses how AP Bio writer Mike O'Brien brings his Toledo upbringing and SNL weirdness to this fresh take on the school sitcom format.

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Oswalt discusses his late wife Michelle McNamara's groundbreaking true crime book "I'll Be Gone in the Dark," which investigated California's most notorious uncaught serial killer and helped reopen the cold case with the FBI. Oswalt reflects on the power of teaching as a profession, challenging the dismissive phrase "those who can't, teach" by explaining how many educators are deeply obsessed with their subjects and gain fresh insights by introducing material to younger minds. He shares his philosophy that great literature professors teaching James Joyce aren't just passing down knowledge—they're constantly downloading new perspectives from students, making teaching an endlessly fascinating exploration rather than repetitive drudgery.

Actress Natasha Perez shares the intensive preparation behind her portrayal of Yolanda Saldivar in Netflix's "Selena: The Series," the controversial figure who served as Selena's fan club president, personal assistant, and business manager before becoming responsible for the beloved Tejano singer's tragic death. Perez, a former radio host for Y107 in Los Angeles and correspondent for Sony Entertainment Television in Latin America (where she interviewed celebrities including Pavarotti before his death), brought a unique methodical approach to the role despite not being deeply familiar with Selena's music growing up in Venezuela. Rather than watching previous portrayals of Saldivar, including the 1997 film, Perez deliberately chose to "paint with my own colors," wanting to create an interpretation based on studying the actual woman seen in news footage rather than being influenced by others' artistic choices. Her goal was to help tell Selena's story faithfully while embodying Saldivar as authentically as possible, studying her voice, mannerisms, and physicality to bring the character to life.

The pandemic lockdown unexpectedly became a gift for Perez's preparation, providing months to deepen her character work beyond television's typically rushed production schedule. She employed both Strasberg's method acting approach (inside-out character development through biography, history, and psychology) and the British comedy approach (outside-in physicality), working with her clowning teacher—a former Cirque du Soleil casting director who had time available due to Cirque's pandemic closure—to meticulously analyze Saldivar's movements and physical presence. She trained with a former Supreme and Marvelettes singer to learn how to lower her vocal register and maintain it for eight months without damaging her voice, gaining weight for the role and later losing 34 pounds after filming wrapped. Perez even prepared the character with a Southern accent reflecting Saldivar's Corpus Christi origins—struggling particularly with phrases like "y'all" combined with Hispanic inflections—though producers ultimately chose a more neutral accent to homogenize the cast. Her dedicated, transformative performance demonstrates the craft required to portray one of music history's most tragic and complex figures, balancing the responsibility of depicting a real person while serving the larger story of celebrating Selena's artistic legacy and impact on Latin music and culture.