Entertaining Insights with Dr. Nancy Berk

Tommy James joins Nancy to discuss his journey with Tommy James and The Shondells and beyond including early Pittsburgh success with "Hanky Panky," gold singles and platinum albums, hits like "Crystal Blue Persuasion", "Crimson & Clover," "Mony Mony," and "Sweet Cherry Wine," his autobiography Me, The Mob, and The Music and an upcoming biopic of the same name that chronicles his extraordinary story (1:30).

Plus, Nancy talks with Hollywood historian and author Laurie Jacobson about television memories, favorite programs and child stars from the 50s, 60s and 70s, and her new book TV Dinners: 40 Kid Stars Dish Up Favorite Recipes with a Side of Memories (32:00).

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Check out more Tommy James music including his latest album Alive.

See more books by Laurie Jacobson.

Find out more about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast (1:11, 31:46).

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Comedian Julia Scotti joins Nancy to discuss age and gender in the comedy world, her Showtime special More Funny Women of a Certain Age, and her career journey—including the experience of becoming a quarter finalist and fan favorite on Season 11 of America's Got Talent and the impact of revealing her personal story of becoming a woman of transgendered experience via the primetime stage (1:20).

Plus, Nancy talks with Arcade Comedy Theater manager and comedian Jason Clark about the common mistakes new comics make onstage and off (21:00) and why early branding strategy can be crucial to leaving the best footprint as you tiptoe into the business.

Watch the trailer: More Funny Women of a Certain Age.

Check out Julia Scotti's comedy album Hello Boys…I'm Back.

Find out more about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast (0:59, 20:48).

Visit Nancy's website.

Veteran entertainer Tony Orlando joins Nancy to discuss his non-stop music career from hit records like "Tie A Yellow Ribbon", "Candida", and "Knock Three Times" to his seventies television variety show 'Tony Orlando and Dawn', life on the road and a future Broadway musical (1:37). Plus, more on Tony's volunteer work with military veterans and his love for the fans.

Is it time for you to create some music playlists? Nancy talks about the power of music in setting the stages in our lives (34:27).

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Learn about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast (1:12, 34:12).

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NASA astronaut Col. Nick Hague joins Nancy to discuss life lessons from his career journey, his time on the International Space Station, and the powerful support networks that contribute to success and the human exploration of space (1:21).

Plus, Nick's wife Col. Catie Hague joins the conversation to talk about dual career relationships, co-parenting, and sheltering in place with an astronaut (27:58). And the Hagues share their simple strategies to keep family tension at bay during those stay-at-home family quarantine moments.

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Learn about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast (1:01,46:12).

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Emmy Award winner Alan Zweibel joins Nancy to discuss his incredible comedy journey from teenage joke writer to legendary television comedy writer (Saturday Night Live, It's Garry Shandling's Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm), screenwriter, and best-selling author, his new memoir Laugh Lines, and life lessons from decades of comedy collaboration (1:37-42:18).

Plus, Nancy shares her magazine humor column on RV travel which has her rethinking everything now that she's stuck in her house for a while (42:19).

Find out more about Alan's book Laugh Lines: My Life Helping Funny People Be Funnier.

More books by Alan Zweibel

Learn about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast (1:16, 42:07).

Visit Nancy's website.

Actor and child advocate Paul Petersen joins Nancy to discuss Hollywood, his childhood role on the iconic sitcom The Donna Reed Show, his latest book celebrating the television show's 60th anniversary, The Donna Reed Show: A Pictorial Memoir, and his work to protect children in the arts (1:30).

Plus, Nancy talks about using retro television shows and great memories to generate a little positive energy (29:47).

Get more information about Paul's book The Donna Reed Show: A Pictorial Memoir.

Find out more about A Minor Consideration, the non-profit founded by Paul Petersen to support young performers in the arts and help guide their families.

Watch The Donna Reed Show on Prime Video.

Visit Nancy's website.

Comedy veteran Tammy Pescatelli joins Nancy to discuss her career journey, new solo special Tammy Pescatelli's Way After School Special, Showtime's More Funny Women of a Certain Age, the changing face of comedy and the importance of giving back to your community (2:09).

Plus Nancy talks with jazz pianist and entertainment lawyer David Gurwin about the implications of social distancing and mandated closures on performers, venues, and contracts (31:25).

Find out more about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast (1:45, 31:13).

Tammy Pescatelli's Way After School Special album

Tammy Pescatelli's Way After School Special

Showtime's More Funny Women of a Certain Age

The David Gurwin Trio— Live in Concert

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CDC website for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Comedian Nicky Paris joins Nancy to discuss his comedy strategy and multifaceted career from stand-up stage and television to podcast personality and co-host on Daddy Issues with Dean McDermott and Adam Hunter (2:06).

Find out more about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast (1:42, 33:31).

Plus Nancy reviews the pressures of beginning projects during difficult times and suggestions for starting if the circumstances allow (33:47).

CDC website for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Listen to Daddy Issues with Nicky Paris, Dean McDermott and Adam Hunter.

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Nancy remembers country music icon Kenny Rogers (August 21, 1938 - March 20, 2020) and shares her 2015 conversation with the legend when he joined her on the podcast to discuss his farewell tour, new album, Grammy Award-winning career, collaborations, and happiness.

When it comes to music, Rogers told Nancy, "You need to touch as many people as possible." And his music did just that. Celebrate the legacy and life of Kenny Rogers by listening to his music.

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Comedian and producer Carole Montgomery joins Nancy to discuss her new Showtime special More Funny Women of a Certain Age, the power and support of women in comedy, confronting ageism in entertainment, and highlighting the talent of others (1:44).

Watch the trailer: More Funny Women of a Certain Age.

Find out more about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast (1:20, 32:47).

Plus Nancy talks with Patrick Hughes, CEO and President of the Fremont Street Experience, about the immersive entertainment experience that is lighting up downtown Las Vegas (32:58).

Catch a glimpse of the Fremont Street Experience.

Checkout the SlotZilla Zip Line.

Visit Nancy's website.