Celebrity Interviews

In this entertaining episode of The Neil Haley Show and Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto, Neil Haley sits down with musician, actor, writer, and filmmaker Hobart to discuss his upcoming comedy feature film I Am Ryan. The conversation explores Hobart’s fascinating journey through the entertainment industry, from performing in bands and touring internationally to acting in national commercials and eventually creating his own feature film inspired by years of being compared to Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds.

Growing up in central Illinois surrounded by farmland and small-town life, Hobart always dreamed of building a career in music. In 2012, he made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles and pursue those ambitions full-time. Like many artists who relocate to Hollywood, he quickly discovered that success often requires adaptability, persistence, and a willingness to explore opportunities beyond the original plan.

While music remained his primary focus, Hobart soon found himself auditioning for commercials during downtime between musical projects. What started as an experiment quickly became a successful second career. Over the years, he landed campaigns with major brands including Walmart, Microsoft, ZipRecruiter, and numerous others. These experiences helped him become comfortable in front of the camera while providing valuable insight into the entertainment industry.

Throughout the interview, Hobart reflects on his extensive music career. He shares stories about performing on the iconic Vans Warped Tour, touring across the United States and internationally, and playing more than a thousand live performances throughout his career. His music has also been featured in major media projects including Deadpool: The Video Game, Rock Band, MTV productions, ESPN broadcasts, and additional television and gaming properties. These accomplishments established Hobart as a versatile creative talent long before he stepped into filmmaking.

The centerpiece of the discussion is Hobart’s new comedy feature, I Am Ryan. The film is inspired by a unique reality that Hobart has experienced for years: people constantly telling him that he looks like Ryan Reynolds. Friends, strangers, casting directors, and entertainment professionals have repeatedly pointed out the resemblance. Instead of ignoring the comparisons, Hobart decided to turn them into a comedic concept.

The story follows Brian Reynolds, an ordinary man who happens to look remarkably similar to Ryan Reynolds. After being discovered by a questionable manager looking to capitalize on the resemblance, Brian suddenly finds himself navigating bizarre situations, questionable promotional appearances, and opportunities that blur the line between reality and mistaken identity. The result is a comedy that combines satire, celebrity culture, and absurd humor while exploring the unexpected consequences of looking like one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Hobart explains that the original idea for I Am Ryan first came to him in 2017. Although he loved the concept immediately, bringing it to life required years of planning, development, networking, and persistence. Eventually, he connected with producer Carl Jackson, who immediately recognized the potential of the project. Together they assembled the team necessary to move the film into production, ultimately filming the movie in 2025.

Neil and Hobart spend considerable time discussing the realities of independent filmmaking. Unlike major studio productions with massive budgets and resources, independent films require creators to wear multiple hats. Hobart not only stars in the film but also wrote, produced, and helped oversee many aspects of the project. He shares how challenging—but rewarding—it was to transform a simple idea into a completed feature film.

In this heartwarming episode of The Neil Haley Show and Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto, Neil Haley welcomed entrepreneur, animal advocate, and television personality Ron King, better known today as “The Donkey King.” What began as a conversation about a unique television series quickly became an inspiring story about reinvention, purpose, compassion, and discovering what truly brings joy in life.

Ron King’s life today looks nothing like the life he once lived. Before becoming one of the nation’s most recognized donkey rescuers, Ron was a highly successful publishing executive who served as the publisher of InStyle magazine. His career placed him at the center of the fashion industry, attending exclusive events, sitting front row at major fashion shows, and working alongside some of the biggest names in media and entertainment. It was a world of glamour, luxury, and prestige that many people dream about. Yet despite his professional accomplishments, life would eventually lead him in an entirely unexpected direction.

As Ron explained during the interview, everything changed during a difficult period in his life. After leaving Time Inc., he expected his experience and accomplishments would naturally open doors to another executive position. Instead, he discovered firsthand the challenges that many professionals face later in their careers. At fifty years old, he found that opportunities were no longer appearing as easily as they once had. Combined with the uncertainty and isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ron found himself struggling emotionally and searching for a new sense of purpose.

That purpose arrived in the most unlikely way possible—a TikTok video.

While scrolling online, Ron stumbled across a video showing donkeys being sold through livestock auctions and ultimately sent to slaughter. The discovery shocked him. He had never considered the plight of donkeys before and began researching the issue. What he learned changed his life forever. Rather than simply feeling sympathy, he decided to take action. Despite having absolutely no background in animal rescue, farming, veterinary care, or donkey ownership, he committed himself to creating a sanctuary dedicated to saving these animals.

Looking back, Ron laughs at the fact that he launched a rescue operation before he had ever even met a donkey. After creating a business plan, securing funding, and establishing the foundation for the organization, he suddenly realized he should probably spend some time around the animals he intended to save. His first three rescued donkeys—Goose, Pickles, and Shadow—arrived in December 2020. Those three animals remain part of the sanctuary today and helped ignite a passion that continues to drive Ron’s mission.

What followed was one of the most dramatic personal transformations imaginable.

Over the past five years, Ron has rescued approximately 450 donkeys, creating a thriving nonprofit organization known as Oscar’s Place. What began as a personal mission evolved into a nationally recognized sanctuary dedicated to providing care, rehabilitation, and adoption opportunities for donkeys rescued from neglect, abandonment, and slaughter pipelines. Today, the sanctuary is home to approximately 220 donkeys spread across two separate properties, each receiving individualized care and attention.

The success of Oscar’s Place eventually attracted media attention. A feature segment on CBS introduced Ron’s story to a wider audience and generated an astonishing response. During the brief television appearance, the sanctuary received approximately $200,000 in donations. The experience opened Ron’s eyes to the power of storytelling and television as tools for raising awareness and support for animal rescue efforts.

That exposure planted the seed for what would eventually become The Donkey King television series.

In this special simulcast episode of The Neil Haley Show and Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto, Neil Haley welcomed acclaimed actor, choreographer, director, and Broadway veteran Christopher Windom for an in-depth conversation about his extraordinary career in theater, dance, film, and education. From performing on Broadway to choreographing major productions and feature films, Windom shared the journey that transformed a young boy with endless energy into one of the most respected creative professionals in the performing arts industry today.

Christopher explained that his artistic journey began in St. Louis, Missouri, where his parents encouraged him to channel his energy into productive activities. Dance ultimately became the outlet that captured his imagination and provided him with focus, discipline, and purpose. At a time when male dancers often faced stereotypes and criticism, Windom pushed through the challenges because he recognized the value that dance brought to his life. Beyond movement itself, dance taught him responsibility, confidence, and perseverance while providing a sense of belonging that would remain with him throughout his career.

After years of training and studying musical theater in college, Windom made the leap to New York City. Like many aspiring performers, he arrived with dreams of making it on Broadway. Unlike many, however, success came surprisingly quickly. Within weeks of arriving in New York, auditions began turning into callbacks and callbacks became professional opportunities. Windom credits much of that success to maintaining structure and discipline in his life. Rather than waiting for opportunities to appear, he created his own daily curriculum of dance classes, acting lessons, and voice training, ensuring he was always prepared when opportunities arrived.

One of his earliest major professional accomplishments came with the national tour of Damn Yankees. The experience held special significance because he had seen the production as a student and boldly declared that he would someday perform in it. That dream became reality when he earned a place in the touring company. The opportunity validated years of hard work and reinforced the importance of persistence, preparation, and believing in one's goals even before they seem achievable.

Windom's Broadway career continued to grow through productions such as Fosse, where he worked alongside legendary theater figures including Ann Reinking, Chita Rivera, Gwen Verdon, and Bebe Neuwirth. Sharing the stage and rehearsal room with such iconic performers provided invaluable mentorship and insight. The experience taught him not only about performance excellence but also about professionalism, storytelling, and the collaborative nature of theater. Working with artists of that caliber helped shape his understanding of what it means to create meaningful work that resonates with audiences.

As his career evolved, Windom found himself increasingly drawn toward choreography. While many performers focus exclusively on their own role, he discovered a passion for shaping entire productions through movement and storytelling. Rather than viewing choreography as a position of authority, he viewed it as a responsibility to support other artists and help tell a larger story. His ability to communicate, collaborate, and inspire performers naturally led him into leadership roles within productions. Over time, choreography became as important to his identity as performing itself.

In this powerful episode of Million Dollar Minutes and The Neil Haley Show, hosts Neil Haley and Ryan August welcomed former BYU Hall of Fame linebacker, exercise physiologist, and brain health researcher Dr. Larry Carr for an eye-opening discussion about football, brain injuries, CTE, mental health, and revolutionary research that may change the future of neurological recovery.

Dr. Carr's journey began on the football field. Starting at just 10 years old, he played football throughout his childhood, high school, college, and eventually professionally in Canada. While many athletes relied on physical gifts, Dr. Carr credits much of his success to preparation and intelligence. As he explained during the interview, he spent countless hours studying film and learning opponents' tendencies because he knew he couldn't rely solely on athletic ability.

Despite his success, years of repetitive head impacts would eventually take a toll.

As he entered his 50s and approached age 60, Dr. Carr began noticing significant cognitive and emotional changes. He described a gradual decline that affected nearly every aspect of his life. Depression, anxiety, memory issues, emotional instability, and cognitive struggles became increasingly difficult to manage. At the time, public awareness surrounding CTE and football-related brain injuries was still limited compared to today.

Seeking answers, he visited neurologists who ultimately informed him that he showed signs of significant brain damage related to years of football participation. The diagnosis was devastating.

Dr. Carr explained that this period represented one of the darkest chapters of his life. His relationships suffered, his marriage was strained, and he struggled to understand why he was changing so dramatically. Determined to find answers, he began researching brain injuries extensively and eventually connected with renowned CTE researcher Dr. Ann McKee in Boston.

When Dr. Carr met with Dr. McKee, he hoped she might have a solution. Instead, she delivered difficult news. At the time, there were no proven treatments for CTE. Medications could potentially manage symptoms, but no therapies existed that could address the underlying neurological damage.

However, Dr. McKee pointed him toward a research study being conducted through the Department of Veterans Affairs involving photobiomodulation therapy, a form of light therapy being used to help veterans suffering from brain injuries.

That recommendation changed everything.

Dr. Carr became the first former football player enrolled in the study. Researchers evaluated him through multiple treatment phases, including sessions using specialized light therapy devices designed to stimulate brain function and neurological repair.

The results were remarkable.

According to Dr. Carr, improvements appeared in nearly every category researchers measured. Depression decreased. Anxiety improved. PTSD symptoms lessened. Cognitive performance improved. Emotional stability returned. Most importantly, he regained quality of life and began feeling like himself again.

He credits the treatment with saving both his marriage and his future.

Inspired by these outcomes, Dr. Carr dedicated himself to studying how this technology could help others. His research eventually expanded into athletics, where he began examining the effects of repetitive head impacts on football players.

One of the most important points discussed during the interview was Dr. Carr's belief that concussions alone are not the primary issue.

Instead, he explained that repetitive acceleration and deceleration forces may be equally damaging. Every tackle, collision, or sudden stop causes the brain to move inside the skull. Even without a diagnosed concussion, these repetitive forces may create inflammation and neurological stress over time.

In this fascinating episode of The Neil Haley Show and Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto, host Neil Haley and co-host Greg Hanna sat down with author and former covert operative Robert “Tosh” Plumlee to discuss his book Deep Cover: Shallow Graves and the extraordinary experiences that shaped his life. The conversation explored intelligence operations, Cold War history, psychological warfare, government secrecy, and Plumlee’s perspective on some of the most controversial events in modern American history.

Plumlee began by sharing how his journey started at an incredibly young age. After running away from home and joining the Texas National Guard as a teenager, he learned military skills that eventually led him into special operations and intelligence-related work. He explained how he became involved with aviation training and later flew missions connected to Cuba during the late 1950s. According to Plumlee, these operations involved transporting weapons and supplies during the Cuban Revolution, placing him in situations where different geopolitical interests often collided.

Throughout the discussion, Plumlee emphasized that many covert operations are far more complex than the public realizes. He described an environment where intelligence agencies, military interests, political agendas, and international conflicts frequently overlapped. He argued that history often reveals layers of activity that remain hidden for years or even decades.

One of the most intriguing portions of the interview focused on psychological warfare programs and intelligence training during the Cold War era. Plumlee described specialized training exercises designed to explore human behavior, influence, perception, and persuasion. He recounted experiences involving what participants believed were demonstrations of mental influence and psychological conditioning. These exercises, he explained, were part of larger efforts to understand how communication, propaganda, and psychological operations could affect human decision-making.

The conversation then shifted to the role of media and communication in modern society. Plumlee discussed the importance intelligence organizations historically placed on controlling information and communication channels during times of conflict. He argued that whoever controls information often has significant influence over public perception and behavior. According to Plumlee, psychological warfare remains relevant today, although the methods have evolved alongside technology and digital media.

Greg Hanna asked Plumlee why he ultimately decided to share his story publicly after decades of silence. Plumlee responded that transparency can be a powerful form of protection. He compared hidden truths to wounds that only heal when exposed to sunlight. Over the years, he testified before government investigations and committees, believing that some aspects of history deserved public examination rather than remaining permanently hidden.

The discussion also touched on historical controversies, including allegations surrounding intelligence operations, political influence, organized crime connections, and government secrecy. Plumlee expressed concerns about classified records that remain unavailable to the public and questioned why certain historical documents continue to be withheld many years after the events occurred.

As the conversation continued, Plumlee reflected on broader societal issues. He spoke about the consequences of political division, hostile rhetoric, and the impact of fear-based messaging. In his view, societies that constantly promote anger and hostility risk creating environments where violence and extremism can flourish. He warned that the words leaders use can have lasting effects on individuals and communities.

When asked if he feared retaliation for speaking openly about controversial subjects,

On this episode of Celebrity Interviews Live from The Grotto, host Neil Haley interviews Jennifer Jones, an author, activist, and performer who made history as the first African American Rockette.Jennifer shares her remarkable journey from a young dancer inspired by Broadway to breaking one of the most significant barriers in American dance history. She discusses her years performing with the legendary Rockettes, her transition to Broadway, and her mission today to inspire young people through storytelling, speaking, and children's books.💃 The Dream Begins with DanceJennifer’s journey started with a childhood love of performing. Growing up, she dreamed of walking out of a backstage door and onto a stage, inspired by Broadway productions such as The Wiz, starring Stephanie Mills and Mabel King.After moving to New York City and learning the ins and outs of the performing arts industry, Jennifer began auditioning for dance opportunities in hopes of landing a role on Broadway.Her path unexpectedly changed when a friend encouraged her to audition for the Radio City Rockettes.At the time, she knew very little about the famous dance troupe but decided to audition simply to gain more experience.⭐ Making History as the First African American RocketteJennifer auditioned for the Rockettes in 1987, the same year she was cast in the troupe.The Rockettes, founded in 1925 by Russell Markert, had long been known for their precision dance routines and iconic performances at Radio City Music Hall.However, for more than six decades, the line remained entirely white.Jennifer’s casting marked a historic moment, breaking a longstanding barrier in one of the most recognizable dance companies in the world.Civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, had pushed for diversity for years, and media outlets had repeatedly highlighted the lack of representation.Jennifer’s role helped open the door for future dancers of color.🎭 A 15-Year Career on the Rockettes LineJennifer went on to perform as a Rockette for 15 years, becoming part of a sisterhood of dancers who often performed together for decades.As a young dancer in her early twenties, she initially focused on simply doing her job and learning the demanding choreography.Over time, she came to understand the historical significance of her position and the impact her presence had on representation in the performing arts.Her career included high-profile performances, including appearances such as the Super Bowl halftime show.🎬 From Radio City to BroadwayAfter leaving the Rockettes in 2002, Jennifer continued performing.She joined the Broadway revival of 42nd Street, which went on to win the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.In a memorable full-circle moment, Jennifer performed during the Tony Awards ceremony at Radio City Music Hall, returning to the same stage where she had spent 15 years as a Rockette.🎬 Looking AheadJennifer’s future goals include writing a middle-grade novel to inspire young readers to pursue their dreams despite life’s challenges.She also hopes to see Becoming Spectacular adapted for film, bringing her powerful story of resilience and trailblazing achievement to the big screen.🔗 Learn MoreTo learn more about Jennifer Jones, visit:🌐 RocketteJen.comFollow Jennifer on Instagram:📱 @TheOfficialJenniferJonesHer books are available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and major booksellers.

Actress, boxer, and four-time World Games gold medalist Jenae Noonan has spent a lifetime defying expectations — from knocking out a model in 36 seconds at her first boxing match to becoming one of the world's most decorated Pancration athletes. In this candid conversation with host Neil Haley, Noonan traces her unlikely journey from MySpace-era social media promoter to semi-pro soccer player to combat sports champion, sharing what it felt like to compete in a world that wasn't yet ready to put women on the main card — and how she kept fighting anyway. She also opens up about her decision to retire at the end of 2024, driven not by defeat but by love — for her adopted special needs son and for the life she still wants to live.

But her biggest fight was waiting just around the corner. Within weeks of hanging up her gloves, Noonan received two separate cancer diagnoses — skin cancer and breast cancer — delivered over the phone without warning and without answers, sending her into two weeks of funeral planning and quiet devastation. On February 12th of this year, she rang the bell: no sign of disease. Rather than return to competition, Noonan is channeling that experience into Rise, a rebranded coffee community designed to help cancer patients raise funds and find support through a simple, powerful model. Her message is clear — the toughest opponent she ever faced wasn't in the ring, and winning this one has given her a platform worth far more than another gold medal.

On this powerful episode of Celebrity Interviews Live at The Grotto, Neil Haley welcomes author Keith Zlomsowitch, whose life became intertwined with one of the most infamous criminal cases in American history — the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.Keith shares his firsthand account of dating Nicole during her separation from O. J. Simpson, the escalating harassment and stalking that followed, and the long-lasting emotional impact that shaped his life.His book, Stalked: It Could Have Been Me, offers a deeply personal look at love, danger, fear, and survival.❄️ How It Began — Aspen, 1992Keith recounts meeting Nicole in Aspen, Colorado while he owned multiple Mezzaluna restaurants.What started as a spontaneous introduction on a ski deck turned into an immediate connection. Nicole revealed she had separated from her abusive husband but did not initially disclose his identity.Their relationship progressed quickly — until O.J. Simpson confronted Keith at his Beverly Hills restaurant, making his presence and hostility unmistakably clear.🚨 Escalation & StalkingKeith describes chilling incidents that followed:Repeated harassment and intimidationO.J. appearing unexpectedly at restaurantsA violent confrontation at Nicole’s homeA 911 call in which Keith’s name was heard during a domestic violence episodeThe fear became real. The danger was no longer abstract.Keith openly admits that, looking back, most reasonable people would have walked away. He chose to stay — believing he could protect her.⚖️ The Trial & Public ExposureAfter Nicole and Ron were murdered in 1994, Keith’s life changed overnight.He served as a pallbearer at Nicole’s funeral.He stood next to O.J. Simpson before Simpson’s arrest.He testified before a grand jury.His testimony was ultimately not used at trial.Despite being subpoenaed by both prosecution and defense, Keith never testified in open court. He refused multimillion-dollar media offers to protect the integrity of the case.He lived for decades with the belief that speaking publicly could endanger him — until Simpson’s passing.📘 Why He Wrote the BookKeith explains that Stalked: It Could Have Been Me was written not for revenge — but awareness.He hopes the book will:Help individuals recognize signs of abusive relationshipsEncourage victims to seek helpHonor Nicole’s memoryAcknowledge Ron Goldman’s braveryHe also candidly shares how the trauma impacted his ability to form long-term relationships, admitting that fear and emotional scars shaped much of his adult life.🧠 Themes Explored in the EpisodeThe psychology of domestic violenceThe emotional toll of stalkingSurvivor’s guiltMedia pressure and public scrutinyLiving decades under perceived threatLoyalty, love, and truthKeith leaves listeners with a reflection on the most important lesson he’s learned:Loyalty, honesty, truth, and love matter — even when life turns tragic.🌐 Where to Learn MoreBook available on Amazon:Stalked: It Could Have Been Me

Veteran character actor Jasper Cole joined Neil to talk about his latest film Final Recovery, a project 15 years in the making and his first-ever lead role in nearly four decades of acting.After building a respected career as a supporting actor in projects like Get Out, Jasper stepped into the spotlight as the lead in this emotional thriller, calling it his “baby.” The film is currently available on Amazon and Tubi.Final Recovery blends thriller and horror elements while remaining deeply character-driven. Originally written as a straight drama by Jerry Lee Davis, the script evolved when director Harley Wallen came aboard and introduced darker tones.The film stars:Charlene TiltonCherish LeeJasper Cole in his first lead roleJasper praised Charlene Tilton’s performance, noting audiences will see her in an entirely new light compared to her earlier television fame.🎬 The 15-Year Journey to ProductionThe script was written specifically for Jasper over 15 years ago.Financing repeatedly fell through over the years.Everything finally aligned after Jasper connected with director Harley Wallen.Production moved to Michigan to reduce costs.The film secured distribution through Buffalo 8.Jasper described the experience as rewarding but exhausting, admitting he isn’t sure he wants to carry the full weight of a lead role again anytime soon.🎥 The State of Independent FilmJasper offered honest insight into the current film industry landscape:Independent films now operate on extremely tight budgets ($500K–$1M range).Mid-tier film financing has largely disappeared.Streaming giants dominate series production with budgets in the $70M+ range.Smaller productions require creative financing and ownership participation to succeed.He contrasted his indie experience with working on Season 2 of Fallout, where budgets reportedly exceed $17M per episode.🎬 What’s Next?Jasper is already in pre-production on two additional projects with Buffalo 8, including:A new thriller starring Jasper alongside Jennifer Elise Cox.A directorial debut from cinematographer Nolan Elias.Plans to shoot in Los Angeles to help support the struggling local film community.He emphasized the importance of working with younger filmmakers who bring fresh optimism and energy to the industry.🎯 Key Themes from the ConversationTiming is everything in Hollywood.Passion projects often take years to come to life.Independent filmmaking is evolving—but not disappearing.Ownership matters more than ever in today’s entertainment landscape.Creativity thrives when experienced professionals collaborate with emerging talent.📺 Where to WatchFinal Recovery is currently streaming on:Tubi (free with ads)Amazon🌐 Connect with Jasper ColeOfficial website: jaspercole.com

In this festive Christmas in July edition, Greg Hanna welcomes Hallmark favorite Andrew Walker to discuss the heartwarming new series Christmas at Sea airing on the Hallmark Channel.Andrew joins the show while actively filming a Christmas movie — in the middle of summer heat — proving that for Hallmark stars, it truly is Christmas all year long.🎬 What Is Christmas at Sea?Christmas at Sea captures the magic of Hallmark’s passionate fan base aboard a themed cruise filled with:Hallmark starsSuper fansReal-life love storiesSurprise engagementsUnscripted emotional momentsAndrew describes it as one of the most well-produced projects Hallmark has ever done — not because of the actors, but because of the fans and their authentic stories.He even jokes that you’ll never see an “NCIS cruise” or “CSI cruise” — but Hallmark fans? They show up in full force.💍 A Standout MomentAndrew shares a powerful moment from the cruise involving a couple, Rob and Donna:Together for over a decadeWedding plans delayed by the pandemicDonna battling a rare brain diseaseA beachside proposal in The BahamasIn true Hallmark fashion, fellow actor Paul Campbell officiated the wedding, Andrew stepped in as best man, and half the cruise ship gathered to celebrate.The moment was unscripted. Emotional. And unforgettable.🎥 Beyond Christmas MoviesWhile Andrew is widely known for holiday films, he continues to expand his work:Mystery series including Curious CatererNon-holiday Hallmark filmsNew storytelling genresHe emphasizes how grateful he is to remain part of the Hallmark family and continually evolve as an actor.💡 Andrew Walker’s Life LessonWhen asked the final signature question — “What is the most important thing in life you’ve learned?” — Andrew’s answer was simple:Daily gratitude.He shares how:Life is fleetingEvery person mattersA simple “hello” goes a long wayStaying grounded keeps everything in perspectiveA powerful message delivered with humility.📺 Where to Watch🎄 Christmas at Sea airs Monday nights on the Hallmark Channel.🎙 Final ThoughtsAndrew Walker reminds us why Hallmark has such a devoted following — it’s about heart, connection, and gratitude.And apparently… Christmas never really ends.