Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

What a joyful day with my old friend James Lee Stanley! After celebrating last night’s election (we were both all in blue, without getting the memo), the hope, all the firsts, and the justice to be served, James sang Easy to See—the perfect soundtrack about a certain human, ending with “Enough is enough somebody’s rung the bell,” as if written today! The perfect victory anthem.

We caught up on James’remarkable recovery after a fall from his roof, his cancer surgery, the apple cider vinegar cure-all, then traveled through his long illustrious career packed with stories: opening a club as a teenager, and having to borrow tables and chairs to do so, meeting Peter Tork, the start of their collaboration and friendship that would last a lifetime. Likewise, Stephen Bishop… making music with them, and with Timothy Schmit of the Eagles and Robby Krieger and John Densmore of the Doors… his fantastic All Wood series and its origin, whilst releasing 37 albums of his own.

James treated us to Moonlight Drive from All Wood and Doors, upon request, his Plenty of Reason, America’s a Gun, and then tore down the interweb pod with Wake the Flock Up, which could not have been more apropos, and sounds on playback a lot like its intended double meaning. James closed with It’s a Shame, a new song written for his wife, Evaline.

James and I have shared many memories over the past decade and a half. It was an easy, fun, sweet, and joyful conversation—with a whole lot of right-on-the-money music. Absolutely perfect for the day after!

You can find all of James’s music at jamesleestanley.com Let your fingers run!

James Lee Stanley Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, November 4, 5 PM PT / 8 PM ET
Streamed LIVE on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

Donna Pescow of Saturday Night Fever & Angie — Still Stealing Hearts! Mine!

What joy! An hour and a half with our pal, Donna Pescow, and we could have gone all night! We laughed, reminisced, got personal, got political, and barely scratched the surface of her extraordinary career!

Donna shared a project she's been formulating for years, now written. A perfect vehicle for her, it’s getting terrific feedback. Donna’s looking for the right person to help bring it to life. I have no doubt it’ll happen.

We talked about the world we're living in, the importance of paying attention, doing our homework, being accountable, and showing up.

And then we went back. Way back. To the little Brooklyn girl and her beloved grandfather who helped light the spark: tap shoes, talent shows, a little rule-breaking, and a whole lot of moxie.

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, studying her craft, doing theatre, and then the movie that changed everything.

Saturday Night Fever!

The stories! John Travolta, the dancing, the music, the friendships, the challenges, the moments that made movie history, and the extraordinary kindness and care behind some of its most difficult scenes. Things I never knew that will so enrich my next viewing.

We talked about what it was like to suddenly become famous, and the whirlwind that followed. Lunch with Neil Simon and Herb Ross, the film offer, and the incomparable Garry Marshall, and the sitcom he pitched that had Donna say “No” to Neil Simon!

Angie!

Robert Hays and Doris Roberts, Debralee Scott… the challenge, the fun, the relationships that endured! So much more than what we saw on the screen. And that's where we stopped! At Angie! An hour and a half in, and we'd barely gotten started!

There's something so special about sitting down with someone you love, forgetting the clock, and just talking.

Donna Pescow is funny, thoughtful, passionate, talented, and downright delightful. How blessed that this fan has become a friend. I bet everyone who meets her feels that way.

Clearly, there's a Part Two in our future. And a girls’ lunch!

I adore this woman!

Donna Pescow LIVE on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, October 14th, 5 PM PT / 8 PM ET

Streamed LIVE on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

Adam Levine's Guitar Teacher Carlos Calvo

Loved every moment with my old friend, singer/songwriter/ guitarist/teacher Carlos Calvo. It had been far too long since we last chatted, pre-COVID. The world, art, and our lives have changed drastically since then. Carlos, with his wife and daughter, moved to Spain, for one. Most of his work and mine are now online. Gratefully, it felt like we were in the same room. Gotta love the Zoom.

We caught up with the Calvos’ relocation to a tiny hamlet in Galicia, the where, why, and when, and some family history plus a little geography to put things in perspective. We circled back to Carlos growing up in New Jersey, picking up a guitar at 3 1/2, his father’s guidance to study classical guitar at Carnegie Hall, coming out to LA to attend the Music School... his early gigs, including working at the original Guitar Center and a customer named Stevie Wonder, for one. Great story there. Club gigs, and Tommy Tedesco opening the door to session work, while beginning to teach: first Dionne Warwick’s son, a few other celebrity kids, and a few years in, 10-year-old Adam Levine, whom Carlos would school until Adam’s first record deal. There was also Adam’s neighbor, Jonah Hill, and his brother, Jordon Feldstein, who went on to become a prominent music manager (Maroon 5 from the band’s inception), Joe Perry’s son, two of Pamela Adlon’s daughters, and Neil Diamond’s son, which included sitting in on their family Thanksgiving dinner. Being called to teach guitar to actors who needed to play on film... like Californication, where he worked on set for years, first hired to teach Becca Moody, aka Madeleine Martin, then teaching a passionate David Duchovny how to play off camera and then working it into the show... his call with David today, now four albums of his own later. All the while doing his own singer/songwriter band thing. Throughout the pod, Carlos noodled a bit, including snippets of a couple of my impromptu requests, finally treating us to a taste of his guitar genius.

Carlos and I have history. He opened for Micky Dolenz with Rob Morrow at a Women Who Write event in my living room, the two then generously playing at my book signing at Book Soup, then again at another WWW in my living room, with an unscheduled Esai Morales jumping up to sing some Beatles tunes with Carlos at the end of his set. Carlos’ Hotel Cafe gig and his first appearance on Game Changers, at that time done face-to-face, also in my living room. Always warm, humble, enthusiastic, and fun, it felt like going home. I’ve missed my friend and had so much fun spending time, even if it was across the miles. I moved the show up two hours to accommodate the time difference, not realizing it’d be midnight for Carlos when we started. Not a peep of complaint, infact I was told he’d barely finished dinner. My gratitude abounds!

Carlos Calvo on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

***Wed, August 19th, SPECIAL TIME 3 pm PT, 6 pm ET***

Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

A rabid Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman fan since its first airing in 1976, never missing an episode in the days before VCRs, DVRs, and streaming, when it took effort and planning… getting to sit down with Greg Mullavey, Tom Hartman hisself, was surreal enough, almost instantly becoming friends via the interweb, and not long after seeing him onstage in The People vs Lenny Bruce, witnessing his gift and transferring said friendship to the reals was downright crazy. I’ve come to adore the human as much as the actor.

At this, our third sitdown, we faced some technical challenges at the top and the bottom (hello, unrelenting Mercury retrograde shadow), despite that, we dove straight into real talk… health challenges, family challenges, supplements, exercise, vax misinformation, political frustrations and legitimate fear, before getting to the passing of Louise Lasser, Greg’s co-star and very close friend for well over 50 years. He told us about their first meeting and their last; there are so many memories in between we’ll get to next time. We did get a great naked Jennifer Jones tale, much to the chagrin of his ex-wife Meredith McCrea… with whom Greg was learning the art of fair fighting, although not mastering it then, but finding peace with current wife, Adriana. Greg shared how they chose to marry after over 20 years together, and the whys behind it. Surprisingly, it’s made a big difference for him, in all good ways. Greg spoke of his father, a professional baseball player for the White Sox, the Red Sox, and ultimately, coaching the Dodgers, first in Brooklyn and then in Los Angeles, which is what got Greg here.


We spoke of Greg’s great love for the theatre, how he segued to TV, the research he did for film, and his current role as caretaker to his brother, his daughter, and a close friend. I trust Greg’s got more thespian days ahead in the future. For all our sakes, I sure hope so.

Here’s wishing Greg well with all on this plate, sent with love and gratitude for time well-spent in his thoughtful, generous, sweet company.

Greg Mullavey on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wed, August 5th, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

How is it possible that one human being can be a gifted artist, a world-class savvy collector, a stellar actor, skilled director, and a masterful storyteller, whilst being gracious, funny, self-possessed, and humble at the same time? If that’s not the work of the gods, what is?

The quality of Federico’s conversation defied Mercury Retrograde and the moon void. His screen may have been wonky for a few moments, but his glorious remembrances flowed on. From his earliest years in Napoli surrounded by his talented siblings, Federico knew at 3 what he wanted to do. And it wasn’t aspiring to be a key player on one of the greatest shows to ever hit television screens. That was an afterthought. A later manifestation. Earning a full scholarship and his BFA from the School of Visual Arts in NY, Federico never had a day job or a Plan B. He’s had more than a few Plan As - all successfully and respectfully executed.

We got a little show and tell with a great George Burns story, how he segued from commercial art to commercial film and television, auditioning for a role he’d never get that eventually led to the life-changer. We got the whole Sopranos audition story complete with a David Chase rarity, prior long-held James Gandolfini admiration, how he landed it, the classes and work in theatre that schooled him, all the while continuing with his art craft to mind-blowing proportions. More show and tell with his latest portrait, of frequent collaborator Chazz Palminteri, that I would’ve sworn was a photograph until it was almost pressed against Federico’s screen. The lips, the smile, the hair, the eyes, the ‘tude, captured as only a rarely gifted artist could.

We talked Federico’s multitude of upcoming films in various stages of production… Bad News on The Doorstep with the aforementioned Palminteri, which will be the first to drop, Into The Black with beloved Cathy Moriarity and Peter Green, Lupo, a true-crime story, and Three’s Company Too, where Federico is directing as well as starring. There’s a gallery show of his portraits in the works and Sopranos appearances, which you can keep up with on his IG.

If there’s anyone more entertaining than Adam Chester, please tell me so I can book them now! What a fabulous, fun, afternoon ride! Other than a tech glitch (lost internet for 5 min - which caused this to have a Part 1 and Part 2), this was as close to perfection as a sit-down could be.

We got current events; he’s on vocal rest due to a minor health issue, so Adam performed an instrumental with full virtuoso gusto and talked for a good hour and a quarter, also with total fervor. Shhh, don’t tell his ENT.

In Part 1, we got Adam’s backstory, which manifested into his life’s headlines. The author of S’Mother held up his mother (hysterical, dark sight gag), who started him on the keys at 3 and got him an upright at 5. Adam walked us into his son Truman’s room to share his first instrument, which he’s moved cross-country and from state to state. Nothing like a good show and tell.

We got delicious juicy bits about Adam’s year or so with Barry White, a decision Adam still questions, his piano teacher, Jeff, his manager, Paul, and his life-changing friend and mentor, Davey Johnstone, who opened the door to Sir Elton, a gig still in action, more than 20 years later, post Elton’s retirement, filled with pinch moments and living the dream realities. Adam’s stories about it all are precious, humble, moving, and hysterical.

We get the beginning of his Joni Mitchell connection in Part 1, picked up and furthered to greater heights in Part 2, along with a fabulous Miley Cyrus story, and my s’mother nag for Adam to start doing his thing at his regular Georgian Hotel gig in Santa Monica on Wednesdays, 6-9 pm, where historically he plays, sans vocals and his ridiculously entertaining banter. Vocal rest be damned! You can’t keep the unique genius that is Adam down. One shouldn’t!

I could not have had more fun, or loved this (both Parts) more!

How dare my internet go down before we were through! Sorry, Adam, sorry, ya’ll!

Adam Chester Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wed, July 8, 3 pm PT, 6 pm ET

Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

If there’s anyone more entertaining than Adam Chester, please tell me so I can book them now! What a fabulous, fun, afternoon ride! Other than a tech glitch (lost internet for 5 min - which caused this to have a Part 1 and Part 2), this was as close to perfection as a sit-down could be.

We got current events; he’s on vocal rest due to a minor health issue, so Adam performed an instrumental with full virtuoso gusto and talked for a good hour and a quarter, also with total fervor. Shhh, don’t tell his ENT.

In Part 1, we got Adam’s backstory, which manifested into his life’s headlines. The author of S’Mother held up his mother (hysterical, dark sight gag), who started him on the keys at 3 and got him an upright at 5. Adam walked us into his son Truman’s room to share his first instrument, which he’s moved cross-country and from state to state. Nothing like a good show and tell.

We got delicious juicy bits about Adam’s year or so with Barry White, a decision Adam still questions, his piano teacher, Jeff, his manager, Paul, and his life-changing friend and mentor, Davey Johnstone, who opened the door to Sir Elton, a gig still in action, more than 20 years later, post Elton’s retirement, filled with pinch moments and living the dream realities. Adam’s stories about it all are precious, humble, moving, and hysterical.

We get the beginning of his Joni Mitchell connection in Part 1, picked up and furthered to greater heights in Part 2, along with a fabulous Miley Cyrus story, and my s’mother nag for Adam to start doing his thing at his regular Georgian Hotel gig in Santa Monica on Wednesdays, 6-9 pm, where historically he plays, sans vocals and his ridiculously entertaining banter. Vocal rest be damned! You can’t keep the unique genius that is Adam down. One shouldn’t!

I could not have had more fun, or loved this (both Parts) more!

How dare my internet go down before we were through! Sorry, Adam, sorry, ya’ll!

Adam Chester Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wed, July 8, 3 pm PT, 6 pm ET

Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

I met comedian Wendy Liebman years ago, in the early days of comedy clubs. I’m a longtime huge fan of this hysterical girl who’s performed on Carson, Letterman, Leno, Fallon, and Kimmel. We talked about them all. What made each experience special and unique.

But first… we talked life. Real life. Minimizing, organizing, prioritizing, purging… with practical tips! How the years are changing us, our shopping styles, the craziest story about designer boots I’ve ever heard, health affecting lifelong habits… letting them fall away (with more than a couple of surprises here). We talked about ongoing struggles and how some of them are easier now. We talked about kids and dogs, and how our dogs are also our kids. We talked what we’re doing… caretaking, binging, and a lot less out in the world post-pandemic.

There wasn’t a lot of comedy business discussed other than the late-night appearances, but we did get Wendy’s favorite Hollywood story, and how she’s a part of mine (and Penni Barnetts’). A real game changer. And it was all FUNNY. What would you expect from the American Comedy Awards Best Female Comic, and Howard Stern’s wildcard pick, which took Wendy to America’s Got Talent finals?

Always crazy fun, Wendy’s happy, successful, blessed life has not been without its challenges. We got into a few, like her evacuation, gone to the dogs, literally.

I so appreciate straight talk, without filters, pretense, or agenda. This was a light, lively convo about some really deep stuff. LOVED it. Love Wendy.

Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wed, July 8, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

Today, LIVE, Thaao Penghlis, who at first meeting took my breath away. He continues to. Three Emmy-nominated for Days of Our Lives, I well remember him from my soap-addicted daze. I’ve been thrilled to discover that aside from being ridiculously easy on the eyes, with a velvet voice, and that sexy accent, he’s also deeply spiritual, widely wise, passionate, talented in so many ways, and fun! A delicious human.

Thaao's first cinematic starring role was in John Avildson’s Slow Dancing in the Big City, followed by Ken Russell's Altered States, with William Hurt, and as Dame Edna’s love interest in Les Patterson Saves the World. He also played the lead, Nicholas Black, in the television series Mission: Impossible, and starred in several mini-series, including Tribe, Memories of Midnight, and Under Siege.

Taking the part of Victor Cassadine in General Hospital, Thaao gathered such a strong following that ABC received thousands of letters asking that they bring him back after his storyline ended. Before ABC acted, NBC offered him the part of Count Anthony DiMera on Days of Our Lives, keeping him on the popularity charts for four decades and then some.

A master traveler, Thaao had his own podcast, The Lost Treasures, and has authored two books, Places: The Journey of My Days, My Lives, and Seducing Celebrities One Meal at a Time. And returns with his new podcast, The Great Escape.

Thaao is super smart, sexy fun. I always walk away enlightened, entertained, and warmed to my core. Can't wait to be reunited and get schooled once again.

Thaao Penghlis Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wed, June 24, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Streaming Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

Cindy Bullens Sang With Elton, But Cidny Bullens Got The Moves Like Jagger

There are more facets to Cidney Bullens than there are to the Hope Diamond… and they’re all fascinating! The two-time Grammy nominee, who sang with Elton John and Bob Dylan, tells how and why he chose to tour with Elton and pass on Dylan. What a choice for a young rocker from Massachusetts to have to make. How he met Sir Elton, and how a momentary encounter led to the gig and friendship of a lifetime, and how youth, and addiction cost him said gig two plus years later. The friendship has endured all these decades. Sobering up in his early 20s, having already had extraordinary success, and then singing with Rod Stewart, long-time pal, Bonnie Raitt, and Don Everly, to name but a few, singing lead on three songs on the 8x platinum-selling Grease soundtrack, earning his first Grammy nod, and his second for Survivor off his first solo album, Desire Wire. He left the biz for a decade to raise a family, then returned with more solo work and formed The Reugees with Wendy Waldman and Deborah Holland. Soon after, Cindy became Cidny. That’s a story… woven throughout his whole story.

Cid told the story in his one-man show, Somewhere Between: Not An Ordinary Life, and in his sensational memoir, Transelectric. Cid’s currently resurrecting Somewhere Between and will be touring with it, starting this summer. Has it ever been more relevant and important?

Cid told us of always feeling male and how that translated to being a sister, daughter, wife, mother, grandfather, and husband. This is not a simple story, and a far more complex life, made more so by parental tragedy. Cid did not always live with grace, but lessons were learned, and the man who sat before us is wiser, stronger, and… softer.

A friend for the last many years, I’ve had the good fortune to bear witness to Cid’s many talents, as an actor in the brilliant new musical, The Civility of Albert Cashier, where Cid portrayed a true-life character whose life in some ways mirrored his own, in concert with The Refugees, and I was honored to be asked to blurb his memoir, Transelectric. Cid is a treasured friend with a story that screams to be heard, especially today.

For all things Cid… his show dates, signed copies of his book, and all of his music, visit www.cidnybullens.com - what a life!

Cidny Bullens Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wed, June 10, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn