From the golden age of sitcoms to the family-favorite films that defined childhoods, Brian Levant has done it all.   In this in-depth conversation, he reflects on his decades-long career across television and movies—sharing heartfelt memories from Happy Days, wild behind-the-scenes stories from Beethoven and Jingle All the Way, and the extraordinary journey of bringing The Flintstones to life. With passion, humor, and a touch of sentimentality, Brian reminds us why the classics never fade.

Episode Highlights:

• A nostalgic journey through Brian Levant’s Hollywood legacy from live-action Bedrock to rebooting Beaver.
• Directed the most successful show in Disney Channel’s early history: The New Leave It to Beaver
• Reveals the real reason he took over directing Beethoven and the shocking backstory of the original director
• Shares the ambitious production secrets behind The Flintstones live-action film, including building Bedrock from scratch
• Reminisces about working with legends like Elizabeth Taylor, Phil Hartman, and Arnold Schwarzenegger
• Talks about overlooked projects, lost opportunities, and his mission to preserve his creative legacy

 

You're going to love my conversation with Brian Levant

• 50 Years of Happy Days: A Visual History of an American Television Classic
• Brian Levant IMDB
• Brian's Instagram

More Happy Days? 

• Anson Williams (Potsie) - Episode 110
• Marion Ross (Mrs. C) - Episode 114
• Don Most (Ralph Malph) - Episode 116
• Linda Purl - Episode 343
• Jim Meskimen - Episode 145

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

• Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
• The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
• Podcast website
• Podcast on Instagram
• Join my mailing list
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel
• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

• Buy me a coffee (support the show)
• Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
• Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.

 

Before Bob Illes was writing for The Carol Burnett Show, Smothers Brothers, and Silver Spoons, he was just a kid trying to climb inside his black-and-white TV.   In this wildly funny and revealing conversation, Bob shares the misadventures, backstage feuds, celebrity run-ins (hello, Groucho Marx and Peter Sellers), and ridiculous showbiz politics that shaped his decades-long career in TV comedy. From bombing in front of Joey Bishop to being snubbed by Steve Martin (but in a friendly way), it’s a behind-the-scenes rollercoaster full of laughs and jaw-dropping moments.

Episode Highlights:

• What it’s like to write comedy for Cosby, Carol Burnett, and Fred Willard
• Bob's college radio show that accidentally became a star-studded madhouse
• The truth behind Jason Bateman getting booted from Silver Spoons
• Why Groucho Marx had to keep his cigar wrapped in plastic
• Pitching a gay bar storyline to Sanford & Son… in 1973

 

You're going to love my conversation with Bob Illes

• • IMDB

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

• Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
• The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
• Podcast website
• Podcast on Instagram
• Join my mailing list
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel
• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

• Buy me a coffee (support the show)
• Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
• Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.

 

 

From his days hiding in the bushes at celebrity parties to orchestrating beloved TV cast reunions, William Keck has done it all.   In this discussion, the Emmy-nominated producer and tabloid veteran returns to share more behind-the-scenes stories from his wildly entertaining memoir "When You Step Upon a Star." Keck opens up about the emotional impact of his reunion specials, his time at the National Enquirer, and the magic (and mayhem) of bringing TV families back together decades later. Whether you loved Happy Days, The Love Boat, Gilligan’s Island, or The Waltons, this conversation is a nostalgic goldmine.

Episode Highlights:

• How reunions for shows like Happy Days and The Waltons came to life
• Behind-the-scenes secrets from Gilligan’s Island, Dynasty, and The Brady Bunch casts
• The emotional toll (and joy) of helping cast members reconnect for the final time
• Funny and touching moments from autograph encounters at fan conventions
• Reflections on aging TV legends and the sensitive side of bringing them back on screen

 

You're going to love my conversation with William Keck

• IMDB
• When You Step Upon A Star (William's Book)
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook

Even more William - check out this previous episode

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

• Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
• The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
• Podcast website
• Podcast on Instagram
• Join my mailing list
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel 
• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

• Buy me a coffee (support the show)
• Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
• Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.

 

William Sadler reflects on decades of unforgettable roles, from “Die Hard 2” to “The Shawshank Redemption” to his comedic turn as the Grim Reaper in “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey.”

In this intimate and revealing conversation, he opens up about his evolution as an actor, his love for the stage, and the meaningful moments that shaped his journey, from early theater days to iconic movie sets. Get ready for behind-the-scenes stories, unexpected vulnerability, and a heartfelt appreciation of the craft.

Episode Highlights:

• Tales from the early theater days and how they shaped his discipline and craft
• The real story behind Die Hard 2’s infamous nude scene—and how little time he had to pr
• Memories of filming Shawshank Redemption and working with Morgan Freeman
• Why Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey gave him a chance to finally be funny
• William's heartfelt music project “The Kitchen Tapes” which benefits St. Jude Children’s Hospital

 

You're going to love my conversation with William Sadler

• IMDB
• Buy The Kitchen Tapes
• Facebook
• YouTube

SPONSOR: STAMPEDE SOCIAL Drive engagement from your social channels and podcast with Stampede Social's Instagram and Facebook DM automation! Visit https://stampede.social Also check out: Why Instagram + Stampede Social Is the Growth Strategy Podcasters Need in 2025 (and Beyond) Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

• Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
• The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
• Podcast website
• Podcast on Instagram
• Join my mailing list
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!)
• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

• Buy me a coffee (support the show)
• Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
• Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.

 

Playwright, author, and creative force Billy Aronson dives deep into his journey, from conceiving the idea behind RENT to writing for iconic kids’ shows and opening up about personal struggles with depression.

This candid and humorous conversation explores the ups and downs of a life in the arts, his Emmy-winning work in children's television, and the powerful inspiration behind his new book Out of My Head. Billy shares what it really means to create, collaborate, and keep going, even when the applause isn't guaranteed.

Episode Highlights:

• The origin of RENT and his collaboration with Jonathan Larson
• What it’s like to watch your concept become a global phenomenon
• Why failure is more powerful than success — and what it teaches you
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Peg + Cat, Beavis & Butt-Head, and Short Attention Span Theater
• Honest talk about depression, resilience, and finding joy in creating

 

You're going to love my conversation with Billy Aronson

• Billy's book: Out Of My Head - Learning to Reach People Through the Arts

SPONSOR: STAMPEDE SOCIAL Drive engagement from your social channels and podcast with Stampede Social's Instagram and Facebook DM automation! Visit https://stampede.social Also check out: Why Instagram + Stampede Social Is the Growth Strategy Podcasters Need in 2025 (and Beyond)

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

• Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
• The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
• Podcast website
• Podcast on Instagram
• Join my mailing list
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!)
• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

• Buy me a coffee (support the show)
• Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
• Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Jaws, author and film historian Pat Jankiewicz dives deep into the legacy of the iconic 1975 film and its ripple effect on cinema, culture, and shark lore.

From behind-the-scenes stories and casting quirks to the fascinating inspirations behind the original novel, this episode is a rich tribute to one of the greatest American movies ever made. Pat brings his signature depth of knowledge and love for classic film to share stories that even die-hard fans might not know. Whether you're a lifelong Jaws fanatic or just rediscovering its magic, this episode is a nostalgic thrill ride into open waters.

Episode Highlights:

• Pat Jankiewicz breaks down how Jaws changed the face of filmmaking forever while honoring its legacy 50 years later.
• Why Jaws holds up despite being a product of the 1970s
• The real-life shark attacks that inspired Peter Benchley’s novel
• Casting chaos and the surprising path to Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss
• Behind-the-scenes drama and technical struggles during filming
• How Jaws defined the modern blockbuster and inspired Shark Week

More Pat? Check out episode 175, where we dive into The Incredible Hulk TV series.

You're going to love my conversation with Pat Jankiewicz

• Hulk Companion Book
• Buck Rogers Companion Book
• JAWS Companion Book
• IMDB

More Jaws?

• Jaws 2 deep dive with Billy Van Zandt
• Joe Alves - building the shark
• Carl Gottlieb interview

SPONSOR: STAMPEDE SOCIAL Drive engagement from your social channels and podcast with Stampede Social's Instagram and Facebook DM automation! Visit https://stampede.social Also check out: Why Instagram + Stampede Social Is the Growth Strategy Podcasters Need in 2025 (and Beyond)

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

• Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
• The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
• Podcast website
• Podcast on Instagram
• Join my mailing list
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!)
• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

• Buy me a coffee (support the show)
• Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
• Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.

Barry Pearl, forever known as Doody from Grease, shares an unforgettable journey through the legacy of the film, now nearing its 47th anniversary.

In this nostalgic conversation, Barry gives an intimate behind-the-scenes look at life on the Grease set, from bonding with castmates to the little improvised moments that made it to screen. He opens up about his early start in Broadway, his admiration for comedic legends like The Three Stooges, and his love for teaching the next generation through improv. Packed with Hollywood memories, vintage charm, and heartfelt reflections, this episode captures the true spirit behind a cinematic classic.

Episode Highlights:

• Barry’s role as the unofficial Grease “historian” and event wrangler
• Why the camaraderie of the cast is what made the movie timeless
• The origin of Doody’s squirt gun and the “pineapple” line
• Teaching improv and his passion for inclusive filmmaking
• Working with legends: Sid Caesar, Olivia Newton-John, and Don Rickles

Me on the VHS Club show talking GREASE 

You're going to love my conversation with Barry Pearl

• IMDB
• Instagram
• Cameo

SPONSOR: STAMPEDE SOCIAL Drive engagement from your social channels and podcast with Stampede Social's Instagram and Facebook DM automation! Visit https://stampede.social Also check out: Why Instagram + Stampede Social Is the Growth Strategy Podcasters Need in 2025 (and Beyond)

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

• Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
• The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
• Podcast website
• Podcast on Instagram
• Join my mailing list
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!)
• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

• Buy me a coffee (support the show)
• Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
• Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.

 

Marvel magic isn't just made by superheroes — it’s built by the incredible women behind the scenes.

Judy Stephens, longtime Marvel producer and co-author of Super Visible: The Story of the Women of Marvel, joins this episode for a joyful deep dive into the untold stories of Marvel’s female trailblazers. From cosplay beginnings to comic book breakthroughs, Judy brings the vibrant legacy of Marvel’s women to life, one character and creator at a time. Discover how Judy and her co-authors captured decades of stories, from behind-the-scenes legends to iconic creators who shaped the Marvel universe.

Episode Highlights:

• How Judy’s cosplay journey led to a 15-year career at Marvel
• The real story behind the Women of Marvel podcast and panel
• What it took to write Super Visible, including interviews with 120+ women
• Unforgettable stories from Marvel’s 60s, 70s, and 80s comic book scene
• Why representation — in the bullpen and in the comics — still matters today

📚 Super Visible hits shelves June 24 — be sure to check it out wherever you buy books.

You're going to love my conversation with Judy Stephens

• Preorder: Super Visible: The Story of the Women of Marvel

SPONSOR: STAMPEDE SOCIAL Drive engagement from your social channels and podcast with Stampede Social's Instagram and Facebook DM automation! Visit https://stampede.social Also check out: Why Instagram + Stampede Social Is the Growth Strategy Podcasters Need in 2025 (and Beyond)

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

• Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
• The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
• Podcast website
• Podcast on Instagram
• Join my mailing list
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!)
• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

• Buy me a coffee (support the show)
• Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
• Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.

 

Sara Tomko brings warmth, wit, and wisdom in this episode, where she talks about her journey as an actor, from early roles with mockbuster studios to her breakout on Resident Alien.

With stories about manifesting her dream career, finding family on set, and navigating the ups and downs of showbiz, Sara opens up in a way that’s both inspiring and laugh-out-loud funny. Whether discussing her early love for theater, her time in the trenches with indie productions, or her powerful connection to characters and castmates, Sara’s spirit shines.

Episode Highlights:

• Sara’s imaginative childhood and how pretending at baseball games foreshadowed her acting career
• Transitioning from indie films and $25-a-day gigs to a major role on Resident Alien
• How rejection, resilience, and resourcefulness fueled her long game in the industry
• Deep bonds with castmates, including best friend Meredith Garretson and Aunt Linda Hamilton
• The unexpected emotional depth of Resident Alien and how sci-fi delivers human stories

You're going to love my conversation with Sara Tomko

• IMDB
• Instagram
• Facebook
• In the Pocket Productions (IG)
• In the Pocket Productions (website)

SPONSOR: STAMPEDE SOCIAL Drive engagement from your social channels and podcast with Stampede Social's Instagram and Facebook DM automation! Visit https://stampede.social

Also check out: Why Instagram + Stampede Social Is the Growth Strategy Podcasters Need in 2025 (and Beyond)

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

• Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
• The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
• Podcast website
• Podcast on Instagram
• Join my mailing list
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!)
• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

• Buy me a coffee (support the show)
• Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
• Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.

 

Step into a dimension of nostalgia, television history, and personal storytelling with legendary writer and historian Marc Scott Zicree. Best known for The Twilight Zone Companion, Marc shares the origins of the book that shaped a genre and defined an era. From sneaking into Rod Serling’s archives to interviewing over 100 contributors to the iconic series, Marc gives listeners a rare behind-the-scenes tour of how one man’s obsession became a cultural cornerstone.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of The Twilight Zone or just discovering its influence, this conversation captures the magic, depth, and enduring relevance of one of TV’s most groundbreaking shows.

Episode Highlights:

• The childhood spark that lit Marc’s passion for The Twilight Zone
• Exclusive stories from Rod Serling’s private archive and home
• The fascinating truth about ghostwritten Twilight Zone episodes
• How the show influenced decades of television and film
• Why Rod Serling remains a pop culture icon and visionary

 

You're going to love my conversation with Marc Scott Zicree

• IMDB
• The Twilight Zone Companion (book)

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

• Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
• The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
• Podcast website
• Podcast on Instagram
• Join my mailing list
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!)
• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

• Buy me a coffee (support the show)
• TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
• Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.