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.

Jay Underwood's career encompasses some of the most beloved films of the 1980s, from his breakout role as the non-speaking autistic title character in "The Boy Who Could Fly" to his memorable turn as the despised boyfriend Bud opposite John Candy in John Hughes' "Uncle Buck." Working with Hughes taught Jay the value of improvisation and creative freedom, as the legendary filmmaker would shoot the script first, then keep cameras rolling to let actors experiment and try different approaches. Those formative experiences working with comedy greats and visionary directors provided invaluable lessons about character development, storytelling, and connecting with audiences. Yet perhaps the most fascinating chapter of Jay's Hollywood story remained untold for 25 years: the mystery of Roger Corman's "The Fantastic Four," a completed film that never saw theatrical release despite generating buzz, magazine covers, and a scheduled premiere at the Mall of America.

The new documentary "Doom: The Untold Story of Roger Corman's The Fantastic Four" finally reveals the elaborate rights scheme that doomed the production. A German producer needed to maintain Fantastic Four rights before they expired on December 31, 1993, so he funded Corman's million-dollar version simply to keep the rights and sell them to 20th Century Fox for substantial profit. The actors, believing they were creating their breakthrough opportunity, stayed faithful to the comic book characters only to have the film pulled weeks before premiere. Now serving as a full-time pastor in Northern California's mountains, Jay has discovered how his acting skills translate beautifully to ministry—his storytelling ability, understanding of human nature, and animated preaching style all stem from years studying characters and connecting with audiences. His journey from Hollywood to the pulpit reflects a man who followed his evolving faith, declined scripts that conflicted with his values, and found that God had been preparing him for ministry all along, weaving together past and present in unexpected and meaningful ways.

After 13 years of dedicated work and self-funding, Shelley Morrison (beloved for her role as Rosario on Will and Grace) and her husband Walter Dominguez are finally premiering their documentary "Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery" at Pasadena's Laemmle Playhouse Seven Theaters. The film chronicles Walter's personal quest to uncover his grandfather's involvement in the Mexican Revolution and find family members lost for nearly a century. What began as a family history project evolved into a powerful educational tool that examines one of history's most violent revolutions, where one in five Mexicans died between 1910 and 1920. The documentary explores how this conflict drove waves of refugees northward, fundamentally shaping the cultural landscape of the American Southwest and creating immigration patterns that continue to influence policy debates today.

The couple's 41-year marriage has been strengthened through this collaborative journey, with Shelley serving as executive producer and learning technical skills while in her late seventies. Early screenings have generated remarkable responses, with young people expressing newfound desire to interview their elders and history teachers incorporating the film into curricula. Shelley's activism extends beyond the documentary, having successfully campaigned to save a historic church in downtown Los Angeles that Walter's grandfather helped establish in 1911. Their grassroots approach prioritizes making the film accessible to educators and community groups, believing that connecting personal family histories with broader historical contexts makes learning compelling and relevant. The documentary proves that understanding our shared past provides wisdom for navigating present challenges, from immigration crises to questions of cultural identity and preservation.

In this heartfelt conversation, actor and comedian Ken Jeong joins The Neil Haley Show to discuss the final season of his ABC sitcom "Dr. Ken," calling it "the greatest year of my career." Jeong opens up about the bittersweet experience of taping the show's final episode and shares insights into his favorite episode of the season, where his character Ken takes his TV daughter Molly and her friends to an M-3 concert in an attempt to reconnect as she pulls away during her teenage years. The episode resonates deeply with Jeong, who has twin daughters of his own approaching similar ages, and he describes feeling genuine emotional pain during scenes where his TV daughter, brilliantly played by Krista Marie Yu, wants him to go away. Jeong also discusses the joy of bringing friends from his previous series Community onto Dr. Ken, as well as working with comedy heroes like Jeffrey Ross, creating a true family atmosphere on set that exemplifies what family comedy is all about.

The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as Jeong and host Neil Haley explore the universal challenges fathers face when connecting with their daughters, particularly during the tumultuous teenage years. Jeong reflects on how fathers instinctively treat daughters differently than sons, often overcompensating or becoming control freaks in ways that create more problems than solutions. He draws a crucial distinction between his real-life personality and his TV character Ken Park, noting that while he has self-awareness that allows him to check his controlling tendencies, his character lacks any self-awareness whatsoever, leading to comedic but relatable family conflicts. The discussion touches on the show's authentic portrayal of father-daughter relationships and how men often struggle with the need to "fix" problems rather than simply being present for the emotional journey, offering both laughs and genuine wisdom for parents navigating these challenging but precious years.