Celebrity Interviews

Tisha Campbell-Martin reflects on her remarkable four-decade career in entertainment, from her early days as a child actor through iconic roles in House Party, the Martin show, My Wife and Kids, and currently ABC's Dr. Ken. Campbell-Martin expresses genuine gratitude and humility about her longevity in an industry where the average acting career lasts only five years, crediting her success to a collaborative spirit and team-first mentality. She praises Ken Jeong's leadership on Dr. Ken, noting how his background as a real doctor influences his caring approach to cast and crew, and reveals that an upcoming episode will showcase her original passion—singing—as she performs with C+C Music Factory, bringing her career full circle to her roots as a singer before she became an actress.

The conversation explores Campbell-Martin's philosophy about the entertainment industry and why she considers herself a "comedic actress" rather than a comedian, explaining that she respects stand-up comedy too much to claim that title without earning it. She emphasizes the importance of making fellow performers shine rather than seeking individual glory, a lesson learned from her theater background where entire communities work together to create successful productions. Campbell-Martin discusses the enduring value of family sitcoms that allow audiences to forget their problems while still feeling good afterward, contrasting them with some reality shows that can leave viewers feeling worse. Her insights reveal a generous, team-oriented performer who understands that sustained success comes from lifting others up, making this a masterclass in professionalism, longevity, and the collaborative nature of great television comedy.

Legendary comedian and filmmaker Mel Brooks joins the show to discuss his son Nicholas Brooks's new film "Sam," but the conversation quickly becomes a masterclass in comedy history and social commentary. Brooks shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from his iconic career, revealing that Warner Brothers executives initially considered "Blazing Saddles" too controversial to release, with one executive claiming it would "soil the name of Warner Brothers." The film opened in just three theaters in February but became such a phenomenon that by the July 4th weekend, it was playing in 850 theaters and became a "riotous hit." Brooks explains his creative process of parodying genres he loves, from Westerns to science fiction, and shares a delightful story about sending the "Spaceballs" script to George Lucas, who laughed so hard he spit coffee all over it but requested only one prohibition: no action figures be sold.

Beyond the entertaining anecdotes, Brooks delivers a powerful message about comedy's role in social change. He identifies "Blazing Saddles" as his greatest accomplishment because it broke down racial barriers and challenged audiences to confront uncomfortable truths. His philosophy is simple but profound: "If you can make them laugh, you can make them think." Brooks argues that comedy succeeds where serious preaching fails because laughter opens minds and hearts in ways that soapbox ranting cannot. He also discusses his talented children, including son Max Brooks who wrote "World War Z" and "The Zombie Survival Guide," and announces his upcoming musical adaptation of "Young Frankenstein" set to open in London. This conversation captures the wisdom, humor, and social consciousness of one of entertainment's most influential voices, demonstrating why Brooks's work remains relevant decades after its creation.

Catherine Curtin, known for her powerful performances in Orange is the New Black and Stranger Things, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about her psychological thriller "Camera Obscura" and the essential role of art in society. Curtin passionately argues that theater represents the highest form of artistic expression and celebrates how platforms like Netflix are democratizing storytelling, allowing diverse voices and challenging ideas to reach audiences worldwide. She emphasizes that art is not a luxury but a necessity—food for the soul that nourishes people with ideas, emotions, empathy, and meaning. The conversation explores how horror and thriller genres create "experiential" rather than passive viewing, forcing audiences to athletically engage with difficult subjects in ways that raise empathy and understanding.

The heart of the discussion focuses on PTSD and how "Camera Obscura" tackles this often-misunderstood condition through the lens of a war photographer whose trauma manifests through his camera. Curtin makes the crucial point that PTSD isn't limited to combat veterans—it can affect a teenager being cyberbullied, a survivor of abuse, or anyone who witnesses tragedy, such as someone involved in a fatal car accident caused by mechanical failure. She praises the film for exploring the moral ambiguity faced by whistleblowers who must decide whether to expose wrongdoing despite the personal consequences. Drawing parallels to contemporary figures like James Comey and Edward Snowden, Curtin argues that society is navigating new moral dilemmas about transparency, accountability, and the courage required to speak truth to power. This compelling conversation demonstrates how genre filmmaking can illuminate important social issues while entertaining audiences.

Actor and author Stephen Tobolowsky, beloved for his roles in Groundhog Day, The Goldbergs, and Silicon Valley, delivers a profound and surprisingly spiritual conversation about his new book "My Adventures with God." Tobolowsky shares the harrowing story of breaking his neck while horseback riding on an active volcano in Iceland in 2008, an accident his doctor called "fatal" while speaking to his living patient. During his months-long recovery in a hard brace, Tobolowsky contemplated what he would want his two sons to know if he had actually died on that mountain, leading him to write true stories from his life. What emerged was not just a memoir, but a spiritual journey structured around the five books of the Old Testament, tracing how one's relationship with God evolves through different life stages.

Throughout the interview, Tobolowsky offers remarkable insights drawn from biblical stories and personal experience, including his philosophy that "everything is a doorway and everything is a prison"—a concept he derives from the Book of Exodus. He discusses experiencing what he genuinely believes was a miracle during his recovery, something that defied scientific explanation and fundamentally changed his worldview. Tobolowsky also reflects on the difference between theater and film as "holy places," shares stories from working on current projects including One Day at a Time and Silicon Valley, and reveals how his wife has saved his life three times, including during his broken neck and open heart surgery. The conversation balances profound spiritual reflection with humor and humility, as Tobolowsky acknowledges the many "amazing mistakes" he's made while also celebrating the good choices that have sustained his decades-long career.

Cody Walker, brother of the late Fast and Furious star Paul Walker, shares an intimate and emotional conversation about growing up in a family of actors, his own career as a paramedic, and the devastating moment he learned of his brother's tragic death. In this heartfelt interview, Cody reveals he had spoken with Paul for two hours just before the fatal accident, making the loss even more unbearable. Despite working as a paramedic and being trained to handle emergencies, nothing could have prepared him for that phone call. He opens up about the unique challenge of being so far from home when tragedy struck and the long journey of grief that followed.

Rather than letting grief consume him, Cody found purpose in continuing his brother's humanitarian work through Reach Out Worldwide, the disaster relief organization Paul founded to respond to natural disasters globally. Drawing on his experience as a paramedic, Cody explains how he felt compelled to honor his brother's vision by bringing his medical skills to communities devastated by catastrophe. He discusses the global scope of their mission and why disaster relief requires a worldwide perspective, as emergencies can strike anywhere without warning. This inspiring conversation showcases how tragedy can be transformed into meaningful action and how one person's legacy can continue to make a difference around the world.

Actor Sam Jones joins The Neil Haley Show to celebrate the 43-year legacy of Flash Gordon and announce his exciting new graphic novel "Sam J. Jones Saves the Galaxy," currently launching on IndieGoGo. Jones reveals why his portrayal of Flash Gordon continues to resonate with audiences across generations—because Flash is simply "just a guy" without superpowers who faces adversity with nothing but wit, athleticism, and determination. This relatability makes viewers believe they too can overcome their own challenges. He shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the 1980 film, including the intense battle disc scene with Timothy Dalton that was filmed 25 feet in the air with real rotating platforms and retractable spikes, and the harrowing tree trunk scene where he genuinely didn't know if something dangerous might be lurking inside.

Jones discusses his remarkable similarities to the Flash Gordon character, from his Marine Corps background and football experience to his Southern upbringing and values of respect and service. He explains his collaboration with artists Rob and Joe Archie on the graphic novel, which maintains the family-friendly action-adventure spirit while giving the character a more serious edge. The project launched on IndieGoGo with overwhelming fan support, offering five tiers of participation including a unique "Commander" package featuring a private meal with Jones himself. He also reflects on his friendship with Stan Lee and their good-natured debate about whether someone can be a superhero without superpowers, noting that both Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon predated Marvel's superpowered heroes as the original templates for heroism. Jones shares his philosophy on life learned through his career and 31-year marriage: be an excellent listener, don't be easily offended, and always make others smile.

Dance Moms star Abby Lee Miller delivers shocking exclusive news about a brand-new injury that even her spine surgeon Dr. Hooman Melamed learns about for the first time during this live broadcast. Just days after successfully flying alone and walking down an airplane aisle sideways for the first time since her paralysis—a tremendous milestone in her recovery—Abby broke both her tibia and fibula in a freak pool accident while doing aquatic therapy at a hotel. The injury occurred when her leg twisted underneath her on the fourth step without even falling, requiring emergency surgery at Tampa General Hospital's level one trauma center. Dr. Melamed expresses complete shock at not being informed, explaining the unique challenges of operating on Abby's bones, which have become porous and brittle from chemotherapy damage, previously requiring cement reinforcement and large pelvic screws that are still causing her significant pain six months later.

The conversation reveals the harrowing 2018 medical crisis that left Abby paralyzed from the neck down within 24 hours, requiring Dr. Melamed to perform emergency surgery at 11 PM that lasted until 5 AM. After being released from prison and visiting seven different doctors over seven consecutive days—all of whom dismissed her symptoms—Abby's condition deteriorated so rapidly that her blood pressure plummeted to near-fatal levels. Unable to lie flat for an MRI due to excruciating pain, doctors performed an emergency CT myelogram while she sat in an awkward position, screaming, which revealed her entire spinal canal was completely blocked across 12 segments by what everyone initially thought was an infection. Upon opening her spine, Dr. Melamed discovered Burkitt lymphoma—an extremely rare and aggressive cancer typically found only in young African boys, usually fatal within eight weeks, and so unusual in Abby's case that it warranted publication as a medical case report. The cancer had wrapped around her spinal cord like a chokehold, and Abby believes it was triggered when a prison doctor abruptly took her off all diabetes and thyroid medications cold turkey two months before her collapse.

Deana Martin shares the deeply emotional experience of being named a "Trobairitz"—the female troubadour—at the legendary Friars Club in New York City, where her father Dean Martin was honored as "Man of the Hour" in 1951. Wearing the heavy gold medallion engraved to her father from that historic evening, Deana joins an elite group of only five women to receive this rare title, alongside Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Dionne Warwick, and Kristin Chenoweth. She reflects on her fondest New York memories, including family dinners at Patsy's Restaurant on 57th Street with "Uncle Frank" Sinatra, and reveals that Sal Scognamillo from Patsy's is catering her special evening. The celebration features performances and roasts from Joe Piscopo, Joe Mantegna, Tony Lo Bianco, and video tributes from friends like Tony Orlando, Tony Danza, and Bob Newhart who couldn't attend in person.

Deana discusses learning the art of entertainment by watching her father perform at the Sands Hotel's Copa Room, remembering the announcer's iconic introduction: "Ladies and gentlemen, the star of our show, direct from the bar, Dean Martin." She describes how Dean looked effortlessly cool in his tuxedo with red pocket square and bow tie, making the entire audience feel like they were in his living room through his personal, honest, and funny approach. His advice to her was simple but profound: always know your lyrics, stand on your mark, always be early, and sing from your heart. Closing her Friars Club honor, Deana will perform "That's Amore," "That's Life," "Bellissima," and "Everybody Loves Somebody," with the entire evening being filmed by Creative Chaos production company for inclusion in the upcoming Dean Martin documentary that should be released later this year.

Clint Black, country music legend, opens up about his remarkable debut album that achieved something unprecedented in music history—five consecutive number-one hits across any genre. The Houston native spent a decade "eking out a living" performing in bars around Houston, Tomball, Clear Lake, Surfside, Galveston, and Spring before his overnight success, including one surreal night performing for an audience of just one—a heavily intoxicated woman who told him he "kicked her in the gut" before rummaging through her purse for what he feared might be a gun. Black shares the origin story of his hit "Killing Time," born from a conversation with songwriting partner Hayden Nicholas about how slowly the music industry wheels were turning during a drive to yet another $50 gig. He reveals that while he believed in his songs and knew he was with a strong record company (RCA), he didn't truly understand how unlikely his success was until articles explained that having the year's number one and two singles hadn't happened for a solo artist since Hank Williams 35 years prior, and five consecutive number-ones had never happened in any music genre in history.

The artist reflects on his adventurous Houston childhood, including dangerous bayou expeditions where he nearly drowned being trapped underwater by a fallen tree with a poisonous water moccasin in his face, requiring three attempts to surface before his friend Mark Hogue grabbed the snake by the tail and flung it away. Black offers profound wisdom from his 29-year marriage to actress Lisa Hartman Black, sharing Roy Rogers' advice to "never go to bed angry" and his own communication philosophy learned from studying psychology—never tell someone what their intent was, only how they made you feel, allowing them to correct misunderstandings while assuming the best of their intentions. He promotes his new album "Out of Sane" releasing June 19th with all original songs except a reinvented cover of Harry Nilsson's "Everybody's Talking," and discusses his work honoring fallen Navy SEAL Kyle Milliken through his music video "America's Still in Love with You" and efforts to drive support to the Kyle Milliken Foundation, which assists Gold Star Families and struggling military community members. Black emphasizes the privilege of meeting great Americans who sacrifice so much, encouraging fans to contribute to the foundation because "nickels and dimes add up to millions of dollars and they will change lives."

Brad Sherwood, beloved performer from "Whose Line Is It Anyway?", reveals his journey from performing six to seven free improv shows weekly across Los Angeles in three different groups to landing his career-defining television role. Working his way up through Second City's touring company as Ryan Stiles' understudy, Sherwood recounts the brutal five-hour audition with 50 other Los Angeles improvisers—all of whom he knew personally—that would change his life forever. He credits Stiles, who was in the main Second City company, for alerting him that "Whose Line" producers were coming to town and encouraging him to audition. Sherwood explains how the show transformed improv from what's been called "the jazz of comedy"—a basement club art form known only to cool college kids—into mainstream awareness, now taught as curriculum in high schools and elementary drama clubs nationwide. He discusses the challenge improv faced where one bad first experience could turn someone off forever, unlike standup comedy where audiences blame the individual performer rather than the entire art form.

The versatile entertainer discusses his 17-year touring partnership with Colin Mochrie, describing their dynamic as "an improv Penn and Teller," and shares his philosophy that every aspect of life is essentially improvised—from conversations that ebb and flow naturally to driving where you know your destination but must adapt moment-by-moment to avoid trucks, rabbits, and other obstacles. Sherwood reveals his approach to character creation, preferring to go with whatever the scene demands rather than relying on pre-planned "angry guy" personas, though he'll occasionally throw on a dialect (which he admits doing "very poorly") to give himself a different perspective. He demonstrates his quick-thinking abilities by engaging in an impromptu wrestling promo, channeling Chris Jericho's mic skills while promoting his "Scared Scriptless" tour (not "Sacred Scriptless" as one might mishear). Beyond improv, Sherwood describes himself as a "Renaissance guy" pursuing music composition, painting, and literary projects while seeking hosting opportunities that showcase his skillset better than playing a fireman on "Chicago Fire," with upcoming tour dates spanning the Midwest, New England, and Eastern seaboard including his May 17th show at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg, Kentucky.