Celebrity Interviews

Phil Cunningham, founder of Sunrise Animation Studios and director of the animated musical film "David," shares how a vision 37 years ago while canoeing down Africa's Zambezi River inspired an epic retelling of the biblical hero's story. Surrounded by thunderstorms, elephants, buffalo, and charging lions while reading David's story, Cunningham was struck by God's declaration that David was "a man after my own heart" and realized that telling David's story could give audiences a glimpse of God's expansive, adventurous heart. He explains why David resonates so deeply with audiences—because he's flawed like all of us, yet lives wholeheartedly and fearlessly, expressing his fears, questions, and joys openly. Rather than just retelling the familiar David and Goliath story, the film spans from young shepherd David through his battle with Goliath to his coronation as king of Judah, revealing the rich material that exists beyond the giant-slaying moment most people remember.

Cunningham describes the monumental challenge of creating what he calls an "Arc de Triomphe" of animated films—something genuinely competing with Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks rather than just another TV movie shot for cinema. The 10-year production involved 400-500 people working across 32 countries, including veterans with 20 years at Pixar and DreamWorks. He discusses the importance of authenticity, conducting four research trips to Israel to stay true to the source material, and using music as a crucial element since David authentically wrote half the Psalms as a musician and songwriter. Cunningham reveals the casting process that led to Phil Wickham voicing adult David—finding someone who was not only a great singer but also brought genuine acting energy and embodied David's adventurous character—alongside Lauren Daigle in a supporting role. The director emphasizes his hope that the film does more than entertain, inspiring audiences to take on the giants in their own lives while championing mothers, drawing on his own mother's influence who challenged him at 14 to have adventures like the biblical heroes.

Joan Van Ark takes listeners behind the scenes of her iconic 14-year run on "Knots Landing" and the serendipitous path that led her there. The accomplished actress reveals how teenage heartbreak—when high school quarterback Russell James asked another girl to prom instead of her—sparked her acting career at age 14 with a single audition line: "Violet, sir?" This rejection led to a scholarship at Yale Drama School, making her only the second actress after Julie Harris to receive this honor straight out of high school. In a full-circle moment, Julie Harris was later cast as her mother on Knots Landing, with Van Ark screaming in excitement when she learned the news. She shares the story of her proudest work—the iconic five-minute uninterrupted "face washing scene" where her character Valene literally and symbolically washed away the glitz to return to her authentic self, requiring precise timing since reapplying the makeup would take two hours.

Van Ark discusses the origins of both "Dallas" and "Knots Landing," revealing that creator David Jacobs actually wrote Knots Landing first, but CBS wanted something more glamorous for the pre-1980s era, leading to Dallas being produced first. She opens up about the challenges of adapting to post-COVID entertainment industry changes, her discomfort with the shift from glamorous 1980s aesthetics to today's natural, minimal-makeup approach, and her dreams of creating new projects with co-stars Michelle Lee and Donna Mills—possibly titled "We're Not KNOT Done Yet." Van Ark shares her compassion for former co-star Alec Baldwin during his current legal troubles, recalling how she immediately recognized his talent during his first scene. She also discusses her brief marriage to three different husbands within the Dallas/Knots Landing universe, her love of the Boston Marathon (running a 3:20 qualifying time), and her upcoming June appearances including a Dallas reunion in Palm Springs and the Hollywood Autograph Show in Burbank.

Jim Cummings, the legendary voice actor behind Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and countless beloved Disney characters, shares his remarkable journey from classroom troublemaker to animation icon. Starting his professional career in 1984 at age 30 after years as a drummer and singer in bands, Cummings reveals the emotional moment when original Tigger voice Paul Winchell told him "take care of my little buddy for me, kid" before passing away. He explains his unique character creation process, combining imperfect impressions—his Star Wars character Hondo Ohnaka came from mixing "bad Yul Brynner and bad Charles Bronson." From voicing the California Raisins to appearing throughout Disney theme parks worldwide in attractions like the Millennium Falcon ride at Galaxy's Edge, Cummings reflects on the profound impact of being told by fans "you raised me, you're the voice of my childhood."

The versatile performer discusses the consistency required to maintain iconic characters, the importance of honoring predecessors like Sterling Holloway's original Pooh, and his work with legendary songwriters the Sherman Brothers. Cummings shares behind-the-scenes stories of recording Tasmanian Devil, being in "every show on the Disney afternoon" block, and his pride in tucking the world into bed every night since 1999 as the voice of Epcot's Illuminations show. He hints at future projects he can't discuss and promotes the upcoming Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures series. With his daughters writing about what it's like having a famous dad and his presence across Disney parks from Paris to Tokyo, Cummings embodies gratitude for a career that transformed childhood impressions into a legacy spanning generations.

Former NFL safety Glover Quin joins Neil Haley to share his incredible journey from basketball player to 10-year NFL veteran who intercepted some of the game's greatest quarterbacks. Glover reveals he actually quit football after eighth grade to focus on varsity basketball as a freshman, but walked into the gym on the first day of school, saw it was empty while his friends were at football practice, and made a spontaneous decision that changed his life. He discusses what it means to be "that guy" since third grade, explaining that reaching the highest levels requires both talent and work ethic - you can't teach a 4.2 forty-yard dash speed, but you can perfect skills through relentless preparation. Glover emphasizes that NFL players don't retire because of Sundays - they retire because of the grueling Monday through Saturday preparation, training, and film study.

Glover shares memorable moments from his career, including interceptions against Drew Brees (twice), Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Philip Rivers, and Matt Ryan, explaining how the game situation made each pick meaningful beyond just the quarterback's name. He reveals his intentional approach to retirement - he only wanted to play exactly 10 years and walked off the field after a 31-0 win against Green Bay in 2018, having started 148 consecutive games over nine and a half seasons. Now focused on being a dedicated father to three athletic sons and running his custom framing business, Glover also co-hosts the "Believe in Lions" podcast with Jack Cavanaugh. He breaks down the Detroit Lions' playoff chances, analyzes the NFC North competition, and explains why he believes Detroit has the talent, coaching, and defense to finally win their division if the offensive line stays healthy.

Television icon Marion Ross, forever remembered as Mrs. C from Happy Days, joins Neil Haley to discuss her remarkable career and new memoir "My Days: Happy and Otherwise." Marion reveals surprising behind-the-scenes tension from Happy Days, explaining that Tom Bosley initially didn't want her as his TV wife because he came from Broadway (having won a Tony for "Fiorello") and wanted someone "more important." She candidly shares how it took a long time for them to develop a genuine friendship, though Tom was ultimately "a really nice man, a very good man." Marion explains the memoir's title reflects both her happy television success and the difficult "otherwise" period between ages 40-50 when she went through a challenging divorce.

Marion discusses how her son, actor Jim Meskimen (known for the Geico George Washington commercial), literally had to convince her to write the book by bringing writer David Laurel to her house. She describes her preferred method of storytelling - being recorded in conversation rather than typing - and how the collaborative process made the memoir possible. Marion shares incredible stories from her diverse career, including performing Noel Coward's "Blithe Spirit" live on CBS with Claudette Colbert, Lauren Bacall, and Coward himself, working with Cary Grant, playing a Jewish Polish grandmother on "Brooklyn Bridge," voicing characters on SpongeBob SquarePants, and appearing as Drew Carey's mother. Now retired and living at "Happy Days Farm," Marion continues connecting with fans through book signings across the country, from San Francisco to Missouri to New York, where hundreds of devoted fans line up to meet the woman who made Mrs. C a household name.

Professional wrestler Cash Flo joins Neil Haley and Greg Hanna to discuss his breakout role in Netflix's hit documentary series "Wrestlers," which follows Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). Cash opens up about his initial hesitation to participate in the documentary, revealing that he and his family were "apprehensive" about exposing their lives on camera. He credits the BBC Studios crew and Emmy award-winning director Greg Whiteley (Last Chance U) for making the process comfortable and telling the story with positivity rather than focusing on wrestling's negative stereotypes. Since the show's release, Cash's life has transformed completely - he can't walk his dog or go grocery shopping without being recognized and asked for selfies and autographs.

Cash shares his 20-plus year journey in professional wrestling, starting at IWA Mid-South under Ian Rotten's training alongside legends like Bull Pain, Tracy Smothers, and Doug Gilbert. He discusses the evolution from hardcore wrestling to storytelling, explaining why OVW's focus on old-school narratives has led to eight consecutive sold-out shows. Cash reveals memorable matches against Al Snow, Jerry "The King" Lawler, Bill Dundee, and Jeff Jarrett, and shares the emotional significance of working with Tracy Smothers shortly before his passing. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system, discusses the mental aspects that separate college and professional wrestling, and expresses hope that Netflix will continue the Wrestlers story rather than moving to a different organization like they did with Last Chance U.

Join Neil Haley for an entertaining conversation with actress Kate Flannery, beloved for her role as Meredith Palmer on The Office. Kate reveals the truth behind some of Meredith's most outrageous moments, including whether she really licked hand sanitizer (spoiler: it was doctored with gelatin and club soda!). She shares her vision of where Meredith would be today - four and a half years sober with a PhD, but still drinking and partying. Kate also addresses fan questions collected from Office fan groups, providing hilarious insights into her character's journey and the show's memorable finale moments.

Kate discusses her new Hulu comedy series "All Night," where she plays Principal Saperstein, the "human buzzkill" trying to control hormonal teenagers locked in their high school on grad night without phones. She explains the unique challenge of filming an entire season that takes place in one night, requiring the cast to maintain the same appearance throughout production. Kate also announces her upcoming Christmas tour with Jane Lynch, promoting their album "A Swinging Little Christmas," and shares stories from her other roles including the hilarious crossing guard Sandy on American Housewife and her character on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Fans can catch her on the animated series "OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes" where she voices Carol/Chaos Bombs.

Today Show weatherman and acclaimed author Al Roker discusses his compelling book Ruthless Tide, which chronicles the 1889 Johnstown Flood that killed over 2,200 people and remains America's deadliest flooding disaster 139 years later. Roker explains how the tragedy resulted from the hubris of the era's wealthiest industrialists—oil, steel, and railroad magnates who created an exclusive club with a recreational lake maintained by a faulty dam. Through meticulous research that reads like a blockbuster movie, Roker reveals how 20 million tons of water released within 30 minutes traveled up to 60 miles per hour, devastating everything in its path.

The book explores how this catastrophe transformed American society, changing liability laws, environmental regulations, and business responsibility standards while putting the Red Cross on the map as the nation's premier disaster relief organization. Roker draws urgent parallels to today's challenges, warning that rolling back environmental protections and zoning regulations at the exact time climate change is intensifying storms and flooding represents dangerous timing. He also shares a delightful Sesame Street memory about his daughter's reaction to seeing Big Bird being operated, promoting his new Sirius XM show "Afterrails" with colleagues Janelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer on the Today Show channel.

Comedian and actor Marlon Wayans reflects on his incredible comedy education at In Living Color, where he learned from legends like Tommy Davidson, Jim Carrey, Damon Wayans, and Keenan Ivory Wayans. Wayans credits Tommy Davidson with teaching him that there are no small parts, only small actors, emphasizing Davidson's commitment to physicality and energy in every scene. He describes the experience as "comedy college" where watching these performers in their prime shaped him into the comedian he is today, leading to his belief that consistent hard work on the road performing stand-up is essential for longevity in the industry.

The conversation explores Wayans' transition to screenwriting, beginning with his childhood inspiration from reading his brother Keenan's script for I'm Gonna Get You Sucka at age nine. He discusses co-creating comedy hits like Scary Movie, White Chicks, and Little Man before launching his semi-autobiographical NBC sitcom Marlon. Drawing from his real-life co-parenting experience, the show depicts a divorced couple who remain friends, vacation together, and prioritize their children's wellbeing—demonstrating that broken hearts and egos don't have to mean broken families. Wayans proudly announces that season two is even funnier than the first, attributing the success to working with a cast of longtime friends who keep each other laughing.

Television legend Demond Wilson takes listeners on an unforgettable journey through his iconic role as Lamont Sanford opposite Red Foxx in the groundbreaking sitcom Sanford and Son. The Broadway-trained actor reveals how he initially rejected the opportunity to do television, finding the premise "despicable" until producers convinced him to play burglars with Clevon Little on All in the Family. Wilson shares fascinating details about his relationship with Red Foxx, explaining how their instant chemistry from their first 2 AM meeting in Foxx's Vegas garage created television magic that couldn't be acted.

Wilson discusses the craft of being television's ultimate straight man, revealing that Red Foxx struggled to memorize lines and had to write them on props throughout the set, while Wilson's photographic memory allowed him to master scripts in a single read. The decorated Vietnam veteran opens up about his military service, the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life, and his eventual departure from Hollywood and organized religion. Now 73 and working on a new miniseries project, Wilson reflects on his journey from theater to becoming one of television's most beloved characters while maintaining residuals that continue to support him decades later.