Entertaining Insights with Dr. Nancy Berk

Emmy Award-winning comedy writer Monica Piper joins Nancy to discuss her one-woman play Not That Jewish and her comedy journey from childhood influences to her career and work as an English teacher, stand-up comedian and sitcom writer for shows like Roseanne, and Mad About You. Plus, Monica shares some simple techniques to help foster creativity and make you "think funny" (1:32).

And in the second segment, visual artist Sarah West discusses her art advocacy work with children, families, and educators and offers at home tips for fostering art exploration (45:55).

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Watch Monica Piper on Chai Flicks.

Watch Monica Piper's keynote comedy at the 2018 Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop.

Find out more about the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art.

Learn more about The Art Box.

Visit Nancy's website.

Learn about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast with host Kathy Caprino (1:11, 45:45).

Find out more about Kathy Caprino's new book The Most Powerful You.

Cassandra Peterson joins Nancy to discuss her career as horror icon Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, latest projects including the music video 'Don't Cancel Halloween,' and life during the pandemic. Plus, Cassandra shares her theories on the longevity and scope of the pop culture icon and reveals her personal childhood experience of being bullied due to burn and skin grafting scars and how it has impacted her life (1:41).

And in the second segment, author and Hollywood historian Laurie Jacobson discusses celebrity ghost tales and her book Hollywood Haunted (29:12).

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Watch Elvira's Don't Cancel Halloween.

Elvira is everywhere from apparel to homewares—take a look.

Check out more books from Laurie Jacobson including TV Dinners.

Visit Nancy's website.

Learn about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast with host Kathy Caprino (1:21, 29:01).

Find out more about Kathy Caprino's book The Most Powerful You.

Actress and author Kathryn Leigh Scott joins Nancy to discuss her many roles within the cult classic television series Dark Shadows, her novels, including September Girl, and other new projects. Plus, Scott reveals what it was like kissing vampire Barnabas Collins and why House of Dark Shadows (1970) might be the perfect film to get you in the Halloween spirit (1:42).

And in our second segment, novelist, attorney and journalist/editor Patrick Oster discusses his fascinating and intensive writing journey and latest book The Obituary Writer (32:43).

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Check out more books from Kathryn Leigh Scott including Dark Shadows: Return to Collinwood.

Check out more books from Patrick Oster including The Commuter.

Visit Nancy's website.

Learn about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast with host Kathy Caprino (1:19, 32:31).

Find out more about Kathy Caprino's new book The Most Powerful You.

Acclaimed actors Caroline Aaron (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) and Dan Bucatinsky (Scandal) join Nancy to discuss the power and importance of women's stories, their one-woman film Call Waiting co-written by Bucatinsky (with Dori Fram) and starring Aaron, and the unique challenges in sharing the stories of characters Judy Baxter and Carol Lane (1:29). Plus, the actors discuss some behind-the-scenes' experiences from their hit television series and Aaron's role as Shirley Maisel (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), and Bucatinsky's James Novak (Scandal) (24:00).

And in our second segment, Nancy shares her latest humor column and a few isolation challenges (35:39).

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Find out more about Call Waiting, starring Caroline Aaron.

Watch the Call Waiting trailer.

Visit Nancy's website.

Learn about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast with host Kathy Caprino (1:08, 35:26).

Find out more about Kathy Caprino's new book The Most Powerful You.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Byrd (inducted with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts) joins Nancy to discuss his music, the inspiration and process behind his latest rock album Sobering Times, his role as a "Recovery Troubador," and why these songs and social support are especially important during stressful times. Plus, Ricky offers some advice for those hoping to achieve their creative dreams (1:29).

And in our second segment, rock and roll and show business author Mark Bego reviews his writing journey, celebrity biographies, and upcoming book with Freda Payne ("Band of Gold"). And Mark and Nancy review writing strategy and productivity tips (31:31).

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Get a glimpse of Ricky Byrd's album Clean Getaway via YouTube.

Check out more books from Mark Bego including Eat Like a Rock Star.

Visit Nancy's website.

Learn about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast with host Kathy Caprino (1:08, 31:16).

Find out more about Kathy Caprino's new book The Most Powerful You.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Oates joins Nancy to discuss his musical journey from Hall & Oates to his latest solo project with the Good Road Band Live in Nashville, inspired by his early musical influences. Plus, John shares his creative projects and process during the pandemic and how Nashville, his life beyond music, including his love of history, have helped shape his work. (1:34)

And in our second segment, songwriter, producer and songwriting professor Billy Seidman fills us in on his new book The Elements of Song Craft (25:07) and important factors in crafting your songs.

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Watch a clip from John Oates Live in Nashville.

Stay updated with Hall and Oates Tour Schedule.

Contact information for Billy Seidman.

Find out more about the Song Arts Academy.

Visit Nancy's website.

Learn about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast with host Kathy Caprino (1:11, 24:52).

Find out more about Kathy Caprino's new book The Most Powerful You.

Grammy Award-winning songwriter and singer Jonas Myrin joins Nancy to discuss the inspiration behind his new Capital CMG Records debut single "Not Alone" (1:28), the importance of introspection and positivity in his work and collaborations, writing with icons, and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Plus, Nancy talks about identifying opportunities and exploring and opening new doors virtually including those via workshops and conferences that once were only attainable by "in person" attendance. She also reviews an upcoming virtual writing opportunity in October— the Virtual Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop (39:40).

Watch the music video for Jonas Myrin's "Not Alone."

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Follow Jonas Myrin on Facebook.

Find out more about the Virtual Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop (October 29-31, 2020) including the Erma's Got Talent stand-up comedy auditions on October 14, 2020.

Visit Nancy's website.

Learn about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast with host Kathy Caprino (1:04, 39:25).

Find out more about Kathy Caprino's new book The Most Powerful You.

"Bad to the Bone" veteran blues/rocker George Thorogood joins Nancy to discuss the Marla Thorogood Memorial Fund for Ovarian Cancer Research, founded to honor his wife Marla who died of ovarian cancer in 2019 (1:25), how fans can support this important initiative during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and why taking charge of your health and reminding family and friends to do the same is so important. George also discusses the impact of media and music as we deal with medical challenges, and why he's more of a homebody than a "bad boy".

Plus, Nancy reviews an opportunity for screenwriters to submit their original content. The Disability List, an initiative created by The Black List in partnership with The Media Access Awards, Easterseals, and the Writers Guild of America Writers with Disabilities Committee seeks to highlight the very best unproduced scripts featuring at least one lead character with a disability. Last year's winning scripts increased awareness of many disabilities including cerebral palsy, deafness, and bipolar disorder (21:12). This year's deadline is September 18, 2020.

Learn more about ovarian cancer via National Cancer Institute.

Get the limited edition Destroyers t-shirt honoring and supporting Marla Thorogood Memorial Fund for Ovarian Cancer Research.

Learn more about the T.J. Martell Foundation and their work to support cancer research.

Find out how you can grab a chance of winning a private virtual visit with George Thorogood.

Get more information on the The 2020 Disability List.

Read Nancy's story about The Disability List via Forbes.com.

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Visit Nancy's website.

Learn about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast with host Kathy Caprino (1:03, 20:57). Find out more about Kathy Caprino's new book The Most Powerful You.

Kirsten Scott and Matthew Scott join Nancy to discuss their acting and singing careers, their musical theater-driven journey and work with shows from Jersey Boys to Rock of Ages, their new routines, and thoughts on Broadway's safe comeback. Plus, the actors share their suggestions for children and young adults (and their parents) interested in the performing arts, and Matthew reviews his work with Broadway Dreams, the not-for-profit performing arts organization dedicated to inspiring youth and young adult students from all socioeconomic backgrounds (1:35).

In the second segment, Nancy and writer/columnist Bonnie Jean Feldkamp (42:06) review the power of writing and how parents can encourage children to explore writing and make it a fun and helpful tool. Bonnie also discusses her family's gratitude journal experience and her upcoming publications.

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Learn more about Broadway Dreams.

Watch Kirsten perform her Broadway Bucket List and check out the Broadway First Dates video featuring Kirsten and Matthew Scott. For more information on voice lessons we mentioned in the podcast, message Kirsten Scott.

Don't miss our Broadway Episode 514 with Barry Anderson and Rusty Mowery.

Find out more about Fast Funny Women and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas is in the Air.

Visit Nancy's website.

Learn about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast with host Kathy Caprino (1:14, 41:50) and find out more about her latest book The Most Powerful You.

Actor/songwriter Barry Anderson and actor/choreographer Rusty Mowery join Nancy to discuss their Broadway-driven careers and work with Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots, and Pretty Woman, where they were when Broadway and London's West End closed due to the pandemic, and their experiences working and staying connected in the business during these isolating times. Plus, a glimpse into Barry's new music and suggestions on how we can support the arts and the people behind it (1:37).

In the second segment, Nancy is joined by former ad agency CEO, women's marketing expert, actress, and New York Times best-selling author Mary Lou Quinlan to discuss her decision to add ballroom dancing to her calendar and the positive effects from diving into that experience (35:35).

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Watch the music video of "Get Brave" written by Anderson & Petty featuring Alexa Green.

Learn more about the Actors Fund.

Find out more about DanceWithMeUSA.com.

Find out more about Mary Lou Quinlan's New York Times best-seller The God Box.

Visit Nancy's website.

Learn about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast with host Kathy Caprino (1:16, 35:18).

Find out more about Kathy Caprino's latest book The Most Powerful You.