Peter Funt, son of Candid Camera creator Allen Funt and longtime host of the iconic series, joins the show to discuss the remarkable 75-year history of television's original hidden camera program and his new book "Self Amused: A Tell Some Memoir." What began as a radio show called Candid Microphone in 1947 has evolved into a television institution that holds the record as the only entertainment program to produce new episodes across eight different decades—a distinction shared only with NBC's Meet the Press in the news category.

The origins of Candid Camera trace back to a serendipitous discovery during World War II when Allen Funt was stationed at an army base in Oklahoma. His job involved recording messages from soldiers to send home to their families on expensive acetate discs. After noticing that soldiers performed better during rehearsals than when the recording light was on, he secretly disconnected the red light and captured their authentic, unrehearsed moments. This realization about the power of hidden audio led to Candid Microphone on ABC Radio in 1947, and just one year later became the very first program ever televised on what would become the ABC television network. The show retained the name Candid Microphone even on television until moving to NBC in late 1949, when it was renamed Candid Camera—a term that proved far more memorable and alliterative.

Former NFL player and sports analyst Mike Golic joins diabetes education specialist Hope Warshaw to share his personal journey with type 2 diabetes and why he's passionate about the TalkingTypeU campaign. Diagnosed approximately 10 years after retiring from professional football, Golic had to completely reimagine his relationship with food and fitness. After years of eating whatever he wanted as an athlete and knowing he could work it off, retirement brought a stark reality check—especially with a family history of diabetes through his father. Rather than viewing his diagnosis as a setback, Golic approached it the way he approached sports: by building a team. He enlisted his doctor as his coach, his wife as his teammate, and leveraged modern technology including OneTouch glucose meters integrated with programs like Fitbit, Noom, WellDoc, and Cecilia Health to track his progress and receive personalized guidance.

The conversation illuminates a crucial fact many people don't know: type 2 diabetes often presents without the warning signs associated with type 1, making regular health screenings essential for early detection. Warshaw emphasizes that with 34 million Americans living with type 2 diabetes—enough to fill 485 football stadiums—everyone's journey is different, requiring personalized action plans that evolve over time. Golic lives by an 85-15 rule, maintaining healthy habits 85% of the time while allowing himself occasional indulgences, then using his technology platforms to understand how to get back on track. Both guests stress that the key to success isn't willpower alone but rather assembling a support system of family, friends, healthcare professionals, and the right tools. For former athletes facing weight gain and health challenges after retirement, and for anyone navigating a diabetes diagnosis, the message is clear: you don't have to do this alone, and with the right team around you, diabetes is a manageable condition rather than a life sentence.

Undisputed boxing champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields joins host Neil Haley to discuss her thrilling appearance on NBC's "The Titan Games" hosted by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Shields, who was named one of Sports Illustrated's 50 fittest athletes in 2020, explains her remarkable boxing credentials: three-division world champion, undisputed nine-time world champion, all within just ten fights, plus two Olympic gold medals earned since age 17. She emphasizes that while she's been dominant in boxing since her teenage years, stepping onto "The Titan Games" obstacle course pushed her completely outside her comfort zone and tested her in ways that punching and defense never have.

Shields reveals the fascinating dynamic of the show, where professional athletes like herself competed against highly accomplished everyday people—doctors who work out intensely, nurses who are also former Olympians, and other exceptional individuals who may not be household names but possess incredible athletic abilities. She shares humorous behind-the-scenes stories about the professional athletes banding together as a team, creating makeshift training equipment out of wood and water bottles to practice their form before competing. Shields also opens up about her training philosophy, surprising many by revealing she doesn't lift heavy weights and instead focuses on cardio, running six to eight miles regularly, and maintaining balance and hand speed for boxing. She discusses the emotional experience of being challenged by obstacles rather than opponents, and emphasizes one cardinal rule: you don't say no to The Rock. Shields encourages fans to follow her journey on social media at @claressashields and tune in to see how she and fellow professional athletes like Victor Cruz, Tyron Woodley, Joe Thomas, Hannah Teter, and Jesse Graff handle the intense Titan challenges when the show airs May 25th on NBC.

In this inspiring episode co-hosted by Neil Haley and Dr. Christopher Hall, Heisman Trophy winner and former NBA player Charlie Ward shares his extraordinary journey as the only athlete ever to win college football's most prestigious award and go on to play professional basketball. Ward reflects on his upbringing in the small town of Thomasville, Georgia, where he learned essential values of integrity, accountability, teamwork, and commitment from his parents, coaches, and close-knit community. He describes the unique experience of competing hard against friends who attended rival schools, then remaining close off the field, and credits these early experiences with shaping his character and competitive spirit.

Ward reveals the surprising origin of his dual-sport career at Florida State University, explaining that he was recruited solely for football but asked Coach Bobby Bowden if he could also play basketball. After proving himself in intramural games and summer leagues, teammates advocated for him to join the basketball team, and Coach Bowden made the unprecedented decision to allow Ward to practice with the basketball team full-time starting in October of his sophomore year. Ward discusses his decade-long NBA career with coaches like Pat Riley, Jeff Van Gundy, and Greg Popovich, and how a knee injury ended his playing days but opened doors to coaching through relationships he'd built by being a good teammate. Now coaching high school basketball in Tallahassee, hosting an ACC sports podcast, and actively involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Ward shares wisdom about handling adversity, maintaining faith as a foundation, and preparing yourself so that when opportunities arise, you're ready to walk through the door. He encourages listeners to check out his autobiography "The Athlete" for the complete story of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs beyond the accolades.

Actor Atticus Shaffer joins host Neil Haley to celebrate the eighth season premiere of ABC's beloved sitcom "The Middle," where he plays the uniquely endearing character Brick Heck. Shaffer reveals the remarkable journey of growing up on television, having been part of the show since age 8 when the original pilot was filmed, and now at 18 years old, he's experiencing his character's transition into high school. He discusses how the writers have crafted compelling linear storylines that span multiple episodes this season, allowing Brick to mature and face new challenges as he tries to reinvent himself and fit in with a "clean slate" approach to high school life.

Shaffer expresses deep gratitude for being on a show that promotes positive values and provides genuine role models for young viewers. He shares heartwarming stories about fans—both kids and adults—who tell him they look up to Brick because of his uniqueness and the way he handles situations by marching to the beat of his own drummer. The young actor also recounts the exciting experience of filming promotional spots with "The Goldbergs" cast, praising their kindness and down-to-earth nature in an industry where egos can often take over. Shaffer celebrates the show's move to Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern, explaining that ABC and Warner Brothers trust "The Middle" enough to anchor an entire new comedy block, helping newer shows succeed while honoring the veteran series that has become a fixture in American homes for nearly eight years.

Host Neil Haley welcomes celebrity comedian and actor Bill Bellamy to discuss his role in the romantic comedy "The Bounce Back" and reflect on his incredible journey from MTV VJ to Hollywood star. Bellamy credits MTV as the launching pad for his career, placing him at the center of pop culture during its explosive era when he interviewed music legends like Madonna, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Boyz II Men. He explains how that exposure and the connections he made during those formative years helped propel his acting career, with audiences already loving him from his VJ work and making the transition to movies seamless.

In "The Bounce Back," Bellamy plays Terry Jackson, the manager and agent to a relationship guru (played by Shemar Moore) who ironically has no relationship of his own. Bellamy promises audiences "18 laughs per second" when he's on screen and describes the film as perfect holiday entertainment that explores themes of love, relationships, and finding genuine connection when you least expect it. He emphasizes the importance of being the comedic relief in films while maintaining strong values and positive role models, expressing gratitude for being able to make people laugh during the holidays. Bellamy also reveals that one of the show's creators, Eileen Heisler, personally pitched and wrote the clever promotional spots featuring crossovers with other ABC shows.

Join host Neil Haley for an emotional and inspiring conversation with comedian Jo Koy as he celebrates the release of his first Netflix special, "Live from Seattle." Koy opens up about the deeply personal journey that led to this career-defining moment, including the tearful phone call he received the day before Thanksgiving confirming Netflix had given him the green light. He describes staying awake until 1:01 a.m. on release night to watch his special premiere, marking the first time he's watched one of his own performances because of all the "blood, sweat, and tears" he poured into the project.

Koy discusses why Netflix represents such a game-changing platform compared to his previous two specials on other networks, emphasizing how the content lives forever on Netflix's library shelf rather than being a one-night-only event. He reflects on his roots in Tacoma, Washington, where he fell in love with stand-up comedy watching legends like Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, and Bill Cosby. Koy explains his natural gravitation toward family-style comedy, sharing stories about his mother, his son, and his own childhood experiences. He also addresses the evolving entertainment landscape, noting how comedians no longer need to wait for network deals but can produce their own content and bring it to platforms like Netflix for support and massive exposure.

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.