Motown legend Mickey Stevenson and his wife, Michelle, share personal stories from their careers in music and their creative partnership. Mickey reflects on his groundbreaking work at Motown, including discovering Stevie Wonder and shaping Marvin Gaye’s career. Together, they offer a glimpse into their journey from collaboration to marriage and their current creative ventures.

Episode Highlights:

• Mickey Stevenson’s role in creating the Motown sound and assembling the Funk Brothers
• Discovering Stevie Wonder and helping Marvin Gaye embrace his soulful voice
• Michelle’s journey to singing professionally and their collaboration on "Put Kamala in the White House"
• How Motown music broke racial barriers and united people during the Civil Rights era
• Mickey and Michelle’s shared passion for music and spiritual connection in both life and work

You're going to love my conversation with Mickey and Michelle Stevenson

• Mickey's book: Motown's First A & R Man Presents The A & R Man
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Adrian Zmed takes a nostalgic journey through his career, sharing captivating stories from Grease 2, TJ Hooker, and Bachelor Party. He reveals what it was like to play Danny Zuko on Broadway and how Grease 2 became a cult favorite despite its early challenges. From his dynamic on-set chemistry with Tom Hanks in Bachelor Party to his close friendship with William Shatner on TJ Hooker, Adrian gives a heartfelt glimpse into the unique experiences that shaped his career. His deep love for theater shines through, along with his excitement about honoring Grease 2 director Patricia Birch in New York.

Episode Highlights:

• Adrian Zmed reflects on playing Danny Zuko and how Grease shaped his career both on Broadway and in Grease 2.
• A closer look at the famous Grease 2 opening scene and why it's one of the best openings in musical cinema history.
• His thoughts on working with Michelle Pfeiffer and how the Grease 2 cast bonded over the film’s eventual cult success.
• Fun behind-the-scenes stories from Bachelor Party, including hilarious moments with Tom Hanks and the improvisational style that made the film a fan favorite.
• The close friendship and mentorship he developed with William Shatner while filming TJ Hooker and what he learned from him on set.
• Insights into the theater world and Adrian's continued passion for performing on stage.
• Adrian's excitement about honoring director Patricia Birch for her lifetime achievements in theater and film.

Fans of musicals, 80s pop culture, and classic TV will appreciate the insights and fun anecdotes Adrian shares, making this a memorable conversation full of laughs and reflection.

You're going to love my conversation with Adrian Zmed

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Discover Jane Badler’s journey from pageantry to becoming one of television’s most iconic sci-fi villains. Known for her role as Diana on V, Jane shares the challenges of embodying such a memorable character and the impact that single role had on her career. Jane dives into her experiences on V, including the infamous scene where Diana consumes a guinea pig, which still resonates with fans decades later. From her start in the theater world to starring in the Mission Impossible reboot, this discussion covers Jane’s versatile and enduring career in entertainment.

• Sci-Fi Legacy: The significance of V’s deeper social themes, such as propaganda and control, and why the series still resonates today.
• Diana’s Iconic Scene: The groundbreaking moment when Diana devours a guinea pig, a scene that took three days to shoot and became one of the most iconic moments in sci-fi history.
• Working with Legends: Reflections on working with industry icons like Alec Baldwin and Robert Englund before they became household names.
• Pageant Roots: A look at Jane’s unexpected entry into pageantry and how becoming Miss New Hampshire led to her career in acting.
• Challenging Roles: From soap operas like One Life to Live to the cult classic Falcon Crest, Jane dives into the intensity of playing complex characters.
• Hollywood to Australia: Transitioning from the U.S. to Australia, Jane shares her experience working on the Mission Impossible reboot and the unique challenges of working in the Australian entertainment industry.
• V Reboot: What it was like to return to the V universe decades later and how her role as Diana evolved in the modern reboot.

You're going to love my conversation with Jane Badler

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Stanley Livingston, known to millions as Chip Douglas from My Three Sons, opens up about his fascinating journey through Hollywood. Livingston shares an insider's perspective on his career spanning over six decades, from growing up on set to working alongside legends like Fred MacMurray and Charles Bronson. This conversation is a nostalgic ride through classic television, Hollywood’s golden era, and the life of a child star who successfully navigated the highs and lows of the entertainment industry.

• Hollywood Beginnings: Stanley shares how he got his start in acting as a child, including early roles on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet and working with icons like Jackie Cooper.
• My Three Sons: Insights into the evolution of the show, behind-the-scenes moments, and the surprising fact that the show was almost called My Three Daughters.
• The Fred MacMurray Method: Learn about Fred MacMurray's unique filming schedule and how it influenced the way the series was shot.
• Typecasting Challenges: Stanley discusses the hurdles of being typecast after playing Chip for 12 seasons and how he transitioned to new opportunities.
• Hollywood Trivia: Fun facts, including how Stanley was offered the lead in Huckleberry Finn and the connections between My Three Sons and classic films like The Shaggy Dog.
• Career Longevity: Reflecting on a career that spans over 65 years, Stanley talks about his work as a director, producer, and his foray into new Hollywood projects.
• On Set Stories: Memorable moments from his time working with Hollywood greats like Charles Bronson and Doris Day.

You're going to love my conversation with Stanley Livingston

• Stanley's Fan Website
• The Actors Journey
• IMDB

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

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Richard Gurman, renowned TV producer and author of Married with Children vs. the World, shares the inside scoop on the hit sitcom that redefined TV comedy. Gurman recounts the behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs that made Married with Children a cultural game-changer, from casting battles with Fox executives to navigating controversy and censorship. He reflects on how the show’s offbeat humor and rebellious spirit captured a generation, ultimately reshaping how TV networks approached comedy.

As the showrunner, Gurman also reveals key stories about working with iconic actors like Ed O'Neill, Katey Sagal, and Christina Applegate, while delving into the show's broader cultural impact and legacy. With a career spanning legendary sitcoms like Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, and The Facts of Life, Gurman offers a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of network television.

• Casting drama: The battle to cast Ed O'Neill as Al Bundy and how network executives almost derailed the show's start.
• Creating edgy TV: How Married with Children was designed to break every TV sitcom rule, pushing boundaries with irreverent humor.
• Behind the scenes of controversial episodes: From killing Santa Claus to vibrator jokes, the show sparked protests that ultimately boosted its popularity.
• The Terry Rakolta incident: How a Michigan housewife’s outrage led to national attention, saving the show from cancellation.
• The show's cultural impact: How Married with Children became the blueprint for unconventional sitcoms and gave rise to more edgy, non-traditional family shows.
• Recasting the kids: The story behind Christina Applegate and David Faustino taking over the roles of Kelly and Bud after a rough pilot.
• Legacy of Ed O'Neill: How playing Al Bundy led O'Neill to decades of TV success, including Modern Family.

You're going to love my conversation with Richard Gurman

• IMDB
• Married with Children vs. the World

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

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Geri Jewell shares her trailblazing career as the first actress with cerebral palsy to break into mainstream television. From her early stand-up days at The Comedy Store to her iconic roles on The Facts of Life and HBO’s Deadwood, Geri reflects on the challenges and triumphs of her journey. She opens up about her influential friendship with Carol Burnett, the unforgettable moment she was cast by Norman Lear, and the humorous yet impactful experiences that shaped her career. Her stories offer a mix of inspiration, humor, and behind-the-scenes insights into breaking barriers in Hollywood.

Episode Highlights:

• Comedy Roots: Geri recounts her journey into stand-up comedy, starting at the famous Comedy Store in 1978. From her struggles with early performances to becoming the first comedian with cerebral palsy to appear on national television, Geri’s resilience shines through. Her candid reflection on bombing her second week at the Comedy Store—and what she learned from it—provides both humor and wisdom.
• Carol Burnett’s Influence: One of the highlights of Geri’s youth was becoming pen pals with her idol, Carol Burnett. Carol’s words of encouragement inspired Geri to pursue her dreams in show business, despite the societal expectations placed on her due to her disability. Geri shares heartwarming memories of Carol’s support and how it fueled her ambition.
• Meeting Norman Lear: A pivotal moment in Geri’s career came when Norman Lear spotted her performance and immediately cast her as Cousin Geri on The Facts of Life. Geri recounts the whirlwind experience of joining the cast, humanizing the snobby Blair Warner, and the impact of being one of the first actresses with a visible disability on a major TV show.
• Decapitating Big Bird: In one of the funniest moments of the episode, Geri shares a story about her guest appearance on Sesame Street, where an unexpected accident involving roller skates and Big Bird left children screaming! Geri’s retelling of how she managed to “decapitate” Big Bird during a live taping is guaranteed to leave you laughing.
• From Stand-Up to Deadwood: Geri takes us through her transition from sitcoms to the gritty world of HBO’s Deadwood. A chance encounter with David Milch in a pharmacy led to her role as Jewel, a character created specifically for her. Geri’s reflections on working with Ian McShane and the unique challenges of performing in such a raw, historical setting are captivating.
• New Book – Geri’s Gems and Jewels: Geri discusses the inspiration behind her new book, a collection of essays and stories drawn from her life and career. The book combines humor and poignant reflections, with a special foreword from her dear friend, Norman Lear.
•  

Filled with laugh-out-loud moments, touching memories, and incredible career insights, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, humor, and the power of breaking barriers.

You're going to love my conversation with Geri Jewell

• Geri's Website
• IMDB
• Get an autographed book

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

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Lynne Moody, a legendary actress known for her groundbreaking roles in television, shares her extraordinary journey through Hollywood. From her iconic performances in "Roots" and "Soap" to her time on "Knots Landing," Lynne reflects on the challenges and triumphs of her career. She opens up about the limited opportunities for African American actresses during her early years and the perseverance that drove her to succeed. Lynne’s story is one of resilience, grace, and an unwavering passion for her craft, offering a powerful and inspirational message.

Episode Highlights:

• Trailblazing Roles: Lynne Moody delves into her pioneering work in television, including her unforgettable roles in the groundbreaking mini-series "Roots," the sitcom "Soap," and the dramatic series "Knots Landing."
• Breaking Barriers: A candid discussion on the challenges Lynne faced as an African American actress in an industry that offered limited roles, and how she overcame these obstacles with determination and talent.
• Behind the Scenes: Stories from her early career, including her experiences working as a Playboy Bunny and how it shaped her path in Hollywood.
• Emotional Reunion: Lynne shares the deeply personal and heartwarming story of reuniting with her daughter after 50 years, a reunion made possible through DNA testing.
• Life in Hollywood: Anecdotes about working alongside stars like Richard Pryor, Ed Asner, and Ben Vereen, and her reflections on the ups and downs of life in the spotlight.
• Words of Wisdom: Lynne offers invaluable advice to aspiring actors, drawing from her own experiences in the entertainment industry.

You're going to love my conversation with Lynne Moody

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Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

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Ways to support the show:

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TV historian and author Joel Eisner delves into the fascinating world of the Batman '66 TV series, sharing untold stories and insider details from his definitive Official Batman Batbook. Discover how Eisner navigated the complexities of securing rights, his unique approach to documenting the show, and the exclusive insights he gathered from the cast and crew.

Episode Highlights:

• The Creation of the Batbook: Joel Eisner shares the inspiration behind the Official Batman Batbook, detailing how he set out to create a comprehensive guide that would stand the test of time. Learn about his dedication to capturing authentic voices from those who worked on the show, ensuring that every detail was accurate and engaging for fans.
• Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Eisner recounts intriguing and lesser-known anecdotes from the Batman '66 TV series, including the challenges of getting interviews with key cast members, the creative control battles with Adam West and Burt Ward, and the meticulous research that went into uncovering the show's history.
• Navigating Legal and Licensing Challenges: Discover the complex legal journey Eisner undertook to secure the rights to publish the Batbook. From dealing with network executives to overcoming unforeseen obstacles, Eisner’s persistence and passion for the project shine through.
• The Legacy of Batman '66: Eisner discusses the enduring appeal of the Batman '66 TV series and how it shaped the future of TV show guides. He also reflects on the influence of the show on popular culture and why it continues to resonate with audiences decades later.
• Personal Interactions with the Cast and Crew: Gain insights into Eisner’s personal experiences with the stars of Batman '66, including his meetings with Adam West and Burt Ward, and how these interactions influenced the final content of the Batbook. Eisner also shares stories of his ongoing friendships with other cast members and guest stars from the series.

You're going to love my conversation with Joel Eisner

• The Offical Batman Batbook: Reviesed Bat Edition

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

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Mike Sacks, a renowned humor writer and author, discusses his unconventional journey in the world of comedy writing. From contributing to Mad Magazine to self-publishing his unique and quirky works, Sacks opens up about the creative freedom and challenges he encountered along the way. He dives into the art of crafting novelizations for non-existent movies, a concept that has allowed him to explore satire in ways traditional formats don’t often permit. Sacks also shares the thrill of seeing his written work transformed into audio projects featuring top talent like Jon Hamm, Gillian Jacobs, and Bob Odenkirk.

Episode Highlights:

• Mike Sacks’ Creative Journey: Explore the unique path of humor writer and author Mike Sacks, from his early contributions to Mad Magazine to the freedom found in self-publishing his distinct brand of comedy.
• Crafting Novelizations of Non-Existent Movies: Mike shares his fascination with creating novelizations for fictional movies, revealing the process behind his book "Stinker Lets Loose!" and its transformation into an audio production featuring stars like Jon Hamm.
• The Evolution of Comedy Writing: A deep dive into how the comedy industry has shifted from traditional publishing to self-publishing, allowing writers like Mike to maintain creative control and explore new comedic avenues.
• Influence of Pop Culture and Satire: Learn how the cultural moments of the 1970s and 1980s have influenced Mike's satirical works and his approach to comedy writing.
• Advice for Aspiring Writers: Mike offers practical tips and advice for those looking to break into the industry, emphasizing the importance of persistence, adaptability, and staying true to one's comedic voice.

You're going to love my conversation with Mike Sacks

• Mike's Website
• Books by Mike
• Doin' It with Mike Sacks - the podcast

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

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Dean Butler, famously known as Almanzo Wilder from Little House on the Prairie, opens up about his new memoir, "Prairie Man: My Little House Life and Beyond." He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the iconic show, reflects on its lasting legacy, and discusses his experiences on other classic TV series like The Love Boat and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Hear about the 50th-anniversary celebration of Little House and Butler’s unique perspective on Hollywood, then and now.

Show Highlights:

• • • Reflecting on Little House on the Prairie: Dean shares stories from behind the scenes and how the show’s legacy continues to impact audiences decades later.
    • A Journey Through Hollywood: We explore Dean’s experiences on other classic TV shows like The Love Boat, The New Gidget, and his work on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
    • 50th Anniversary Celebration: Dean talks about organizing the massive 50th anniversary event for Little House on the Prairie, where thousands of fans gathered to celebrate the beloved series.
    • Memoir Insights: Hear why Dean chose to write "Prairie Man" and what he hopes readers will take away from his candid recollections.
    • Humorous Anecdotes: Don’t miss Dean’s funny stories, including his surprising experience with Michigan’s famous Frankenmuth fudge!

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dean Butler or just discovering his work, this episode is packed with nostalgia, humor, and inspiration.

You're going to love my conversation with Dean Butler

• Buy Dean's Book: Prairie Man
• IMDB
• Dean's website
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Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

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• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

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