Hollywood and Horsepower Show with Mark Otto

Hollywood and Horsepower Show with Mark Otto

Guest, Matthew “Whiz“ Buckley

TOP GUN Graduate

NAVY FIGHTER PILOT

Founder of NO FALLEN HEROS

From Top Gun to Total Healing: The Matthew "Wiz" Buckley Story

From Afterburners to Breakthroughs

The Journey of Matthew "Whiz" Buckley: Navy Pilot, Trader, and Healer.

EDITORIAL SUMMARY

The Profile

Call Sign: "Whiz"

Background: Top Gun Graduate, F-18 Pilot

Foundations: Top Gun Options, No Fallen Heroes

Critical Metrics

44

Est. Veteran Suicides Per Day

16

Brothers Lost (Non-Combat)

$2.5M

Profitable Trades (COVID Crash)

#TopGun #PTSD #Ibogaine #SOT

The "SOT" Methodology

Buckley applies Navy combat training to finance and life through a three-tier framework:

Strategic: Global context (Israel, China, Russia).

Operational: National context (Fed, Interest Rates, DC).

Tactical: Specific execution (The Trade/Action).

Radical Healing: The Mexico Journey

"Radical trauma requires radical healing."

Buckley describes a life-changing "system reset" using Ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT alongside figures like Marcus Luttrell. He emphasizes that while the medicine is 5%, the 95% integration (journaling, exercise, coaching) is the true mission.

Key Perspectives

On Big Pharma: "There is no money in healing." Claims lobbyists block psychedelic progress to protect recurring revenue from antidepressants.

On National Security: Veteran suicide is a recruitment crisis; veterans are steering their children away from service due to poor reintegration support.

Source: Hollywood and Horsepower Podcast

Visit: nofallenheroes.com

This interview features Matthew "Wiz" Buckley, a former Navy fighter pilot and Top Gun graduate, discussing his transition from elite aviation to financial trading and his current mission to combat veteran suicide. Buckley shares his profound personal journey through trauma, addiction, and radical healing via psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Detailed Summary

The Path to the Cockpit

Matthew Buckley’s aspiration to fly was sparked in childhood by a neighbor who flew F-106s and once performed a low-altitude max-afterburner flyover at Buckley's school bus stop. This drive led him through Navy ROTC and flight school in Pensacola, where he finished at the top of his class to select F-18 Hornets. During his sea tours, he deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Kitty Hawk, flying no-fly zone missions over Iraq before serving as a Landing Signal Officer (LSO) at Miramar.

9/11 and the Transition to Finance

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Buckley was preparing for his first trip as an American Airlines pilot when the attacks occurred. He immediately raced to Naval Air Station Fort Worth, scrambling to defend the airspace in a "Lexington and Concord" moment with other part-time aviators. Following the post-9/11 airline industry collapse, he transitioned into finance, teaching himself to trade stocks and options by applying fighter pilot methodologies to the markets. He eventually moved to Chicago to help lead a multi-billion-dollar trading firm before founding his own company, Top Gun Options.

The "SOT" Trading Framework

Buckley applies military discipline to financial markets through a three-tiered approach:

Strategic: Global landscape analysis (Geopolitics, macro trends).

Operational: Domestic factors (The Fed, interest rates, earnings).

Tactical: The execution of specific trades.

"Trading is combat. You must brief the strategy before you act tactically."

Trauma, Loss, and the Breaking Point

Despite a successful career, Buckley carried immense "invisible" weight. He lost 16 squadron mates to accidents and three to suicide, alongside the childhood trauma of losing his sister to a drunk driver [184-192][215]. The disconnect of civilian life in Chicago led him into a spiral of alcohol and drug abuse to numb the pain [175]. He describes the military's failure to effectively reintegrate veterans, often leaving them with a "slap on the back" and a broken VA system after they have given their "pound of flesh".

Radical Healing and "No Fallen Heroes"

In 2020, after predicting the COVID market crash and generating significant profits, Buckley sought a way to address the veteran suicide epidemic. He traveled to Mexico to undergo psychedelic-assisted therapy using Ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT alongside Navy SEALs like Marcus Luttrell. He describes the experience as a "system reset" that instantly ended his alcoholism and allowed him to process decades of grief. This transformation led to the founding of the No Fallen Heroes Foundation, which provides healing grants to veterans, first responders, and their families.

The Crisis in Numbers

Buckley highlights the disparity between official government data and independent research regarding veteran welfare:

17-20Official VA Daily Suicides

44Actual Estimated Daily Suicides

Source: Alabama and Duke University research

Advocacy and the "We The People" Moment

Buckley is a vocal critic of the "military-industrial complex" and the pharmaceutical industry, arguing that there is "no money in healing" and that Big Pharma lobbies to keep effective treatments illegal. He notes that while there is growing bipartisan support for psychedelic therapy—citing figures like Dan Crenshaw and AOC—the real change must come from a grassroots "groundswell" rather than top-down government intervention.

Key Data

Veteran Suicide Rate: Research indicates the number is closer to 44 per day, nearly double the official VA figure of 17-20.

Personal Loss: Buckley lost 16 brothers in aviation accidents and 3 to suicide.

Financial Impact: During the 2020 COVID crash, Buckley's trading group executed $2.5 million in profitable trades over two and a half weeks.

Foundation Reach: No Fallen Heroes has provided grants to over 50 recipients with a 100% success rate in reported mental health improvement.

To-Do / Next Steps

Visit nofallenheroes.com to apply for a healing grant or donate to the cause.

Subscribe to the No Fallen Heroes YouTube channel to watch testimonials from veterans and first responders.

Follow @officialwhizbuckley on Instagram for updates on financial training and veteran advocacy.

Explore Top Gun Options for financial training based on naval aviation methodologies.

Conclusion

Matthew "Wiz" Buckley’s story is one of high-stakes transition—from the cockpit of an F-18 to the volatility of the trading floor, and finally to the front lines of a mental health revolution. He advocates for "radical healing" to match "radical trauma," emphasizing that the tools to save veteran lives already exist in nature and simply require the courage to bypass systemic obstacles.

Hollywood and Horsepower Show with Mark Otto

Guest, John Barbour of Talking Movies and John Barbour's World https://johnbarboursworld.com/

Hollywood Legend John Barbour: The Bumpy Road from Canadian Dropout to Reality TV Pioneer

John Barbour: Hollywood & Horsepower

The Bumpy Life of the "Father of Reality TV" & Sinatra’s Secret Writer

Editorial Abstract

Core Narrative

From a Salvation Army charity ward in Toronto to the heights of Hollywood, John Barbour’s career was built on "accidents" and raw wit. A high-school dropout and former Vegas gambler who became a 5-time Emmy winner.

"Television is the only industry in America where competition does not improve the product."

KEY MILESTONES

• Created Real People (1st Reality Show)

• 4.5 years as Sinatra’s private writer

• Directed definitive JFK documentaries

• Discovered/Mentored Pat Morita

LIFE PHILOSOPHY

• "Better to be liked than talented"

• Atheism at 12 (The "God's Will" debate)

• Success through accidental timing

The Inner Circle

FS

Frank Sinatra

"The Chairman" & Employer

JG

Jim Garrison

JFK Investigator & Mentor

RF

Redd Foxx

Lifelong Friend & Mentor

FEATURED WORK

"Your Mother's Not a Virgin"

The definitive autobiography of a Canadian dropout.

#RealityTV #JFKConspiracy #Sinatra

Interview Date: Feb 12, 2026 • 105 min read

This interview explores the extraordinary life of John Barbour, the "Father of Reality TV," tracing his journey from a dysfunctional childhood in Toronto to the heights of Hollywood success. Barbour shares candid anecdotes about his "accidental" career, his time as Frank Sinatra’s private writer, and his groundbreaking work on the first reality show, Real People. The conversation also delves into his deep involvement in investigating the JFK assassination alongside Jim Garrison.

Detailed Summary

1. Roots of Resilience: A Troubled Beginning

John Barbour’s life began in a Salvation Army charity ward in Toronto in 1933, born into a severely dysfunctional environment. His father left to fight in WWII when John was six and never returned, later surfacing as a successful advertising executive in Scotland. Raised by an alcoholic mother in an abusive household, Barbour found refuge in two places: the local hockey rink and the cinema, where he developed a lifelong love for storytelling and movies. His early life was marked by poverty and minor delinquency, including stints in jail, which he balanced by spending his free time in libraries.

2. The Accidental Path to Fame

Barbour attributes his greatest successes to "accidents." At 17, he became a professional gambler after memorizing books on dice and cards, eventually winning enough to buy a suit and a bus ticket to the United States. A train delay led him to Lake Tahoe, where he witnessed the arrival of Frank Sinatra and mobster Sam Giancana—a precursor to his future role as Sinatra’s private writer for four and a half years. After moving to Hollywood, he transitioned from gambling to comedy, inspired by the conversational wit of Jack Paar.

The "Accidental" Career Timeline

1933: Born in Toronto charity ward.

1950: Moves to US; witnesses Sinatra in Tahoe.

1960s: Mentors Pat Morita; breaks into stand-up comedy.

1979: Creates Real People, the first reality TV show.

Present: Investigative documentarian (JFK/Jim Garrison).

3. Mentorship and the Comedy Scene

Barbour played a pivotal role in the careers of other icons, most notably Pat Morita. He encouraged Morita to embrace his Japanese heritage in his act, providing the specific cultural jokes that helped Morita find his unique voice in comedy. Barbour also shares a deep, lifelong friendship with Redd Foxx, whom he describes as his mentor. Despite his success, Barbour remained a "controversial" figure in the industry, often clashing with network executives and fellow hosts like Johnny Carson over creative integrity and political outspokenness.

4. The JFK Investigation and Jim Garrison

A significant portion of Barbour's later career has been dedicated to the JFK assassination. After reading Jim Garrison’s Heritage of Stone, Barbour became a close associate of the New Orleans District Attorney. He produced definitive documentaries on the subject, arguing that Garrison had essentially solved the case in 1967. Barbour remains a vocal critic of the official Warren Commission narrative, a stance that he admits has occasionally made him persona non grata in mainstream Hollywood circles.

Key Industry Connections

John Barbour's influence spanned multiple generations of talent.

Frank Sinatra: Private writer for 4.5 years.

Pat Morita: Gave him his "Japanese comic" concept.

Redd Foxx: Lifelong friend and comedy mentor.

Jim Garrison: Partner in JFK investigative media.

Key Data

Birth Year: 1933.

Sinatra Collaboration: 4.5 years as a private writer.

Peak Earnings: $23,000 per week during the height of Real People.

JFK Special Date: November 22nd, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Pacific Time.

To-Do / Next Steps

Read John Barbour’s autobiography, Your Mother's Not a Virgin, available on Amazon.

Tune in to the live two-hour JFK special on November 22nd via BBS Radio/TV.

Visit John Barbour’s website to view archival interviews with Redd Foxx and Frank Zappa.

Research the "No Fallen Heroes" foundation to support veterans and first responders.

Conclusion

John Barbour’s story is a testament to the power of storytelling and the unpredictability of life. From a "Canadian dropout" to a television pioneer, his career has been defined by a refusal to compromise his wit or his search for the truth, whether in comedy or in the investigation of American history.

Hollywood And Horsepower Show with Mark Otto

Guest, Billy Koch

Grandson of Film Producer Howard Koch

Billy Koch is known for Jerry Maguire (1996), Little Nicky (2000) and Wayne's World (1992).

Son of Rita (Litter) and Hawk Koch. Father of Cooper Koch and Payton Koch.

Brother of Robby Koch and Emily Koch.

Brother-in-law of Annie Meyers-Shyer and Hallie Meyers-Shyer.

Grandson of Howard W. Koch.

He is of Russian Jewish and Polish Jewish descent.

Hollywood Legacy Meets the Sport of Kings: A Conversation with Billy Koch

Hollywood & Horsepower

The Story Behind the Story: A Conversation with Billy Koch

Interview Abstract

The Koch Family Dynasty

Howard W. Koch: Legendary producer (Airplane!, Ghost) and former Academy President. Known for bringing Hollywood stars to the "Director's Room" at Hollywood Park.

"My grandfather had a hat that said: 'I didn't write Casablanca' — to distinguish himself from the writer with the same name."

Key Discussion Points

✦The Intersection: The historical weave between Santa Anita, Del Mar, and Hollywood Park as playgrounds for industry executives.

✦Industry Evolution: Addressing the "contraction" of racing (loss of Hollywood Park, Golden Gate) and the need for positive messaging.

✦Animal Welfare: Billy's role as President of CARMA and the push for better aftercare and safety statistics.

Little Red Feather Racing

Founded by Billy Koch to democratize horse ownership through syndication.

500+

Active Partners

2004

Singletary BC Mile

The Next Generation

#CooperKoch (Monsters) #PeytonKoch (Editor) #TheOwnersBox #AftercareAdvocate

"If you do something that you love, it's not work. Surround yourself with people smarter than you."

Duration: ~57 mins • Host: Mark

© 2026 Hollywood and Horsepower

This episode of Hollywood and Horsepower features Billy Koch, the founder of Little Red Feather Racing, discussing the profound intersection between the film industry and thoroughbred racing. The conversation spans three generations of the Koch family, from legendary producer Howard W. Koch to a new generation of Hollywood stars, while exploring the challenges and thrills of modern horse ownership.

Detailed Key Points

The Koch Family’s Dual Heritage

The discussion highlights the legendary status of the Koch family in both Hollywood and horse racing. Billy’s grandfather, Howard W. Koch, was a prolific producer and director known for films like Airplane! and Ghost, as well as his long-standing service to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. A notable piece of family trivia involves the middle initial "W," which Howard used specifically to distinguish himself from the Howard Koch who wrote Casablanca. This legacy of storytelling and competition naturally transitioned into the racing world, where Howard served on the board of directors at Hollywood Park and introduced countless celebrities to the track.

🎬 The Howard W. Koch Legacy

A titan of the "Golden Era," Howard W. Koch's influence bridged the gap between the silver screen and the finish line.

Film HighlightsAirplane!, Ghost, The Odd Couple

Racing RolesHollywood Park Director, Owner of Telly's Pop

Memories of Hollywood Park and the "Golden Era"

Billy shares nostalgic anecdotes about growing up at Hollywood Park, which he describes as a "playground" for the industry. He recalls the vibrant atmosphere where stars like Bing Crosby, Walter Matthau, and Telly Savalas were regular fixtures. One particularly vivid memory involves Telly Savalas (famous for his role as Kojak) tasking a young Billy with handing out lollipops to girls at the track. The conversation also touches on the "infectious" nature of the sport, noting that the same competitive drive required to succeed in Hollywood often fuels the passion for horse racing.

The Evolution of Ownership: Little Red Feather Racing

Inspired by his grandfather's bedtime stories about a fictitious Indian chief, Billy founded Little Red Feather Racing to make horse ownership accessible through fractional syndicates. He emphasizes that while horse racing is often called the "Sport of Kings," modern partnerships allow fans to participate with disposable income rather than massive wealth. The syndicate’s breakthrough came with Singletary, who won the 2004 Breeders' Cup Mile, proving that small-scale investors could compete at the highest levels. Billy is candid about the risks, advising potential partners to view the experience as entertainment rather than a traditional ROI-driven investment.

🏇 Little Red Feather Racing

Founded: Inspired by Howard W. Koch's bedtime stories.

Mission: Lowering the barrier to entry for thoroughbred ownership.

Key Milestone: 2004 Breeders' Cup Mile Winner (Singletary).

Community: Over 500 active investors participating in fractional shares.

Addressing Industry Challenges and Equine Safety

A significant portion of the dialogue focuses on the current state of the industry, specifically animal welfare and the impact of negative media. Billy expresses frustration with "media terrorists" and emphasizes that horse racing is safer today than ever before, backed by data and statistics. He highlights the work of organizations like Light Up Racing and CARMA (California Retirement Management Account), where he serves as president, to ensure that retired athletes have a "second career" and are treated with the utmost care.

Key Data

500+: The number of active investors currently participating in Little Red Feather Racing partnerships.

2004: The year Singletary won the Breeders' Cup Mile, a defining moment for Little Red Feather.

70,000: Annual visitors to Old Friends farm, demonstrating the public's interest in retired racehorses.

To-Do / Next Steps

Listen to The Owner's Box podcast to hear more stories directly from horse owners.

Review the Light Up Racing rebuttal to recent negative press for a data-driven perspective on equine safety.

Support aftercare organizations like CARMA and Old Friends to help provide for retired thoroughbreds.

Watch Monsters on Netflix to see Cooper Koch’s performance as Erik Menendez.

Check out Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix, edited by Peyton Koch.

Conclusion

The episode serves as both a tribute to the storied past of California racing and a call to action for its future. By blending the glamour of Hollywood with the grit of the racetrack, Billy Koch illustrates that while the industry faces contraction and scrutiny, the core passion for the animal and the thrill of the competition remain as infectious as ever.

Hollywood and Horsepower Show with Mark Otto

Guest, Kerry Earnhardt ( Dale Earnhardt Sr. Son )

Interview Summary: Kerry Earnhardt on Legacy, Racing, and Life Beyond the Track

The Podcast Abstract • Hollywood & Horsepower

The Kerry Earnhardt Chronicle

Reconnecting with a legend, the reality of the "Intimidator," and building a life beyond the racetrack.

THE JOURNEY

The Reunion at Age 16

Adopted by stepdad Jack; didn't meet biological father Dale Earnhardt Sr. until obtaining a driver's license. The first meeting happened in the famous garage behind Martha Earnhardt's house.

The Junkyard Beginning

Kerry and Dale Jr. bought a Monte Carlo from a junkyard to build their first race car. Dale Sr. initially forbade it, then insisted on joining the build.

The Mentor's Method

Dale Sr. was a strict teacher. He once made Kerry sit out two races for choosing a date over wiping down the car. Taught driving by instinct: "Stop looking in the mirror."

Life After Racing

Retired to prioritize family stability. Now focuses on Earnhardt Outdoors and Schumacher Homes (custom timber frame designs).

PROFILE: DALE SR.

Business Acumen

First driver to license his own name/brand, creating the DEI empire before it was industry standard.

The Duality

The "Intimidator" on track vs. the farmer who loved bulldozing trees and family Christmases off track.

"He said, 'I know everything.' And he did. That man knew everything... He could tell I was looking in the mirror just by my lap times."— Kerry Earnhardt

Key Relationship

Jack (Stepdad) & Dale Sr. eventually bonded, watching Kerry race together from the Goodyear Tower at Daytona.

#NASCAR #EarnhardtLegacy #AdoptionStory #Business

Earnhardt OutdoorsRural HeartSchumacher Homes

Introduction

In this episode of Hollywood and Horsepower, the host interviews Kerry Earnhardt, the eldest son of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. The conversation explores Kerry’s unique upbringing as an adoptee who reconnected with his biological father later in life, his own journey through professional racing, and the enduring legacy of the Earnhardt family. They also discuss Kerry’s transition from the track to successful business ventures in home design and outdoor living.

Detailed Summary

Early Life and Reconnecting with the Earnhardts

Kerry shares his background as an adoptee, raised primarily by his stepfather, Jack, and mother, Latane. He did not have a relationship with Dale Earnhardt Sr. until he was 16 years old. His reentry into the Earnhardt family began when he met his grandmother, Martha, and cousins at his baseball games. This eventually led to a pivotal meeting with Dale Sr. in the famous garage behind Martha's house, where the tension broke immediately when Dale greeted him simply as "son." Despite the initial separation, Kerry emphasizes that he holds no resentment, viewing his upbringing with Jack as a blessing while cherishing the later relationship he built with Dale.

Racing Career and Dale Sr.’s Mentorship

Kerry’s racing career began humbly when he and his half-brother, Dale Jr., bought a junkyard Monte Carlo to build a street stock car. Although Dale Sr. initially scolded them, he eventually joined in to help build it. Kerry progressed from Street Stocks to the Goody’s Dash Series, ARCA, and the Busch Series. The interview highlights Dale Sr.’s unique, often "tough love" coaching style. Notable stories include Dale Sr. forcing Kerry to hold the throttle wide open at Daytona despite Kerry's fear, and scolding him mid-race at Pocono for looking in the rearview mirror too often—advice that helped Kerry win the race. Dale Sr. also instilled strict discipline; he once benched Kerry for two races because Kerry skipped a Friday night at the shop to go on a date.

🏁 Dale Sr.'s Coaching Philosophy

Daytona

Trust the Equipment

Instructed Kerry to hold the car "wide open" in corners during Goody's Dash, taking him from 17th to 2nd in practice.

Pocono

Focus Forward

Noticed Kerry checking his mirror too often while leading. Ordered him to stop looking back, securing the win against Ryan Newman.

The Shop

Work Ethic First

Benched Kerry for two races for choosing a date night over prepping the car, teaching him that dedication comes before driving.

Family Dynamics and The "Intimidator" Persona

The conversation dispels the myth of Dale Sr. being solely the "Intimidator," revealing a man who was deeply loyal, emotional, and family-oriented. A touching anecdote describes Dale Sr. inviting Kerry’s adoptive father, Jack, into the Goodyear tower at Daytona and introducing Kerry as "our son," which solidified a friendship between the two fathers. Kerry also touches on the current state of the family, noting he remains close with siblings Dale Jr. and Kelley, though he has drifted apart from his sister Taylor. He emphasizes that despite the celebrity status, the Earnhardts faced normal family struggles and tragedies just like anyone else.

Business Ventures and Life After Racing

After retiring from racing to prioritize being present for his children, Kerry transitioned into the business world. He worked at DEI (Dale Earnhardt Inc.) until it ceased racing operations. Currently, he focuses on the Earnhardt Collection, a partnership with Schumacher Homes designing outdoor-living style houses, which has been running for 11 years. Additionally, his wife Renee has launched Rural Heart, a clothing and lifestyle brand recently signed by Disney. They are also developing Earnhardt Outdoors into an experience-based guide and influencer platform to help families plan outdoor adventures like rafting and hunting.

🌲 Current Business Portfolio

Earnhardt Collection

Partnership with Schumacher Homes. Focuses on open-design, post-and-beam style homes.

Rural Heart

Renee Earnhardt's apparel brand. Features "countryside for women" designs; recently picked up by Disney.

Earnhardt Outdoors

New focus on experiential guidance. A website and platform reviewing outdoor trips, gear, and locations to help families plan adventures.

Key Data

Family: Kerry has been married to Renee for 25 years (since 1999); they have a combined family of 4 children and 5 grandchildren.

Business Longevity: The partnership with Schumacher Homes has lasted over 11 years.

Racing History: Kerry's first race car was a 1981 Monte Carlo; he raced car #3 in the Goody's Dash series.

To-Do / Next Steps

Listeners should check out the new Earnhardt Outdoors website for reviews on outdoor destinations and planning guides.

The audience is encouraged to follow Kerry ("Terry Earnhardt") and Renee Earnhardt on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with their latest projects.

Check out the Rural Heart apparel line, which is expanding its reach.

Conclusion

Kerry Earnhardt’s story is one of reconciliation and carving out a unique identity within a legendary family. While he successfully raced under the Earnhardt banner, his legacy is equally defined by his dedication to family life and his entrepreneurial spirit in the outdoor industry. The interview serves as a testament to the softer, more personal side of the Earnhardt family history.

Hollywood and Horsepower Show with Mark Otto

Guest, Anthony “ Big A “ Stabile

Anthony “the Big A” Stabile was born at the racetrack. His parents met at Aqueduct, he worked as a hotwalker, groom and jockey agent at the NYRA tracks throughout high school and college before becoming a writer and handicapper for the New York Post in May 1999. At the Post, Anthony handicapped six or seven tracks a day, covered both the Thoroughbred and harness scenes and shattered all public handicapping records by showing an $88 profit at the 1999 Saratoga meet, his first as a public handicapper. Anthony has contributed to both the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup editions of The Bloodhorse, was co-host of “Thoroughbred Central” for the New York City OTB Television Network, hosts seminars for some of racings’ biggest days throughout the New York City area and is the Virtual Race Track announcer at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. Anthony is best known for selecting the New York bred gelding Funny Cide to win the 2003 Kentucky Derby at 12-1. Anthony had “the gutsy gelding” at 150-1 in a Vegas future book as well as in all three Kentucky Derby Future Pools. Anthony was the ghost writer for Funny Cide in a series of columns that appeared in the Post and authored “Through the Binocs,” a daily recap of the day’s action at NYRA racetracks.

Hollywood and Horsepower: The Story Behind the Story with Anthony "Big A" Stabile

PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#HorseRacing #Broadcasting #Friendship

Hollywood & Horsepower: The Big A Story

A conversation with Anthony "Big A" Stabile on the art of the race call, iconic Italian dining, and the defining moments of a career.

The Origin Story

The "Chicken Parm" Incident

At Anthony's Runway 84, Mark swapped his massive chicken parm portion with Anthony's smaller one without hesitation. This "romantic gesture" cemented their friendship instantly.

Career Pivot Points

EARLYAspired to be a writer (NY Post) or announcer. Idolized Tom Durkin & Dave Johnson.

CRISISVocal Cord Collapse (2015): Almost quit the industry to become a realtor. Stayed after Tonalist won the Cigar Mile (a "sign").

NOWTrack Announcer at Finger Lakes; NYRA TV Personality. Mentored by Frank Mirahmadi.

Big A's Top 4 Tracks

1. Aqueduct ("The Big A")The Namesake / Home

2. SaratogaHistoric Magic

3. Finger LakesFirst Announcing Gig

4. Monmouth ParkChildhood Summers

The Racetrack Dining Guide

Anthony's Runway 84 (FL)

Plane fuselage decor • Meatballs & Chicken Parm

Don Peppe (Ozone Park)

Near Aqueduct • Baked Clams • No Menu

King Umberto's (Elmont)

Near Belmont • Fried Capellini (Must try)

"If you want to be successful at this, you have to be genuine. I call a race the same way I scream at my TV during a Mets game."

— Anthony Stabile on Broadcasting

Introduction

Host Mark welcomes his long-time friend and new regular contributor, Anthony "Big A" Stabile, to the show. The episode explores the deep bond between the two, forged over a shared passion for horse racing and Italian food, while detailing Big A's emotional journey from a racing fan to a professional track announcer.

Detailed Summary

The "Chicken Parm" Bond

The friendship between Mark and Anthony began long before they met in person, with Mark listening to Anthony's radio shows during long drives. However, their relationship was cemented during their first dinner at Anthony's Runway 84 in Fort Lauderdale. In a moment described as a "romantic gesture," Mark swapped his massive portion of chicken parmesan with Anthony's significantly smaller one, instantly establishing a brotherhood based on generosity and a shared love for food. The two discuss how authenticity is their shared trait—what you see on air is exactly who they are in person.

🍽️ The Racing & Dining Circuit

The hosts emphasized that horse racing culture is a triad of Racing, Restaurants, and Music. Here are their "Hall of Fame" spots mentioned:

Fort Lauderdale (FL): Anthony's Runway 84 – Famous for its airplane fuselage interior and meatballs.

Aqueduct (NY): Don Peppe's – A legendary cash-only spot near the stable gate with a "mafia culture" vibe.

Belmont (NY): King Umberto's – Big A's "home base" since 1976, famous for Fried Capellini.

Miami (FL): The Palm – Mark's regular spot.

The Culture of Tracks and Mentorship

Anthony reflects on his favorite racetracks, placing Aqueduct ("The Big A") at number one due to his deep personal history there—it is where his parents met and where he launched his career. He recounts his transition from a writer to a track announcer, crediting mentors like Frank Mirahmadi and John Imbriale. Mirahmadi, in particular, played a pivotal role, training Anthony in the announcer's booth before his radio shows and eventually pushing him to call his first live race.

The First Call and Career Milestones

Anthony vividly describes his first professional race call on December 13, 2018. Overcome with emotion, he stood alone in the booth realizing he was living his childhood dream. He successfully called the race, adding a signature flourish ("Ajnabeen is on the scene"), which earned him high praise from his mentor. Despite the success, veteran announcer John Imbriale reminded him that the pursuit of perfection is "never over," a sentiment that defines the industry's work ethic.

📅 Big A's Timeline of Destiny

Nov 28, 2015Stays in the industry after Tonalist wins the Cigar Mile.

Dec 13, 2018Calls his first professional race at Aqueduct.

Mar 9, 2019Meets his partner Nicole at Aqueduct.

Destiny and Tonalist

The conversation concludes with a powerful story about fate. In 2015, suffering from a collapsed vocal cord and financial struggles, Anthony almost left the industry to work in real estate. He decided to stay only after his favorite horse, Tonalist, won the Cigar Mile in a dramatic fashion. Years later, he realized that staying led him to meet his partner, Nicole, at Aqueduct—directly under a photo of Tonalist winning that specific race. This series of events reinforced his belief that everything happens for a reason.

Key Data

Anthony's Age: 47 years old.

First Race Call: December 13, 2018, Race 2 at Aqueduct (5-horse field).

Pivotal Date: March 9, 2019 (The day Anthony met Nicole).

To-Do / Next Steps

Mark plans to have Anthony Stabile return as a regular contributor to the show.

The show aims to interview Michael Blowen from Old Friends Farm in a future episode.

Mark and Anthony agreed to continue their conversation about personal stories in the next episode.

Conclusion

This episode highlights the deep emotional connection between racing professionals and the sport itself. Through stories of shared meals, mentorship, and serendipitous moments at the track, Mark and Big A illustrate that horse racing is not just a job, but a lifestyle woven together by community, history, and destiny.

Guest, Anthony 'Big A' Stabile

Hollywood And Horsepower Show with Mark Otto

Hollywood And Horsepower Show with Mark Otto

Guest, Billy Koch

Grandson of Film Producer Howard Koch

Billy Koch is known for Jerry Maguire (1996), Little Nicky (2000) and Wayne's World (1992).

Son of Rita (Litter) and Hawk Koch. Father of Cooper Koch and Payton Koch.

Brother of Robby Koch and Emily Koch.

Brother-in-law of Annie Meyers-Shyer and Hallie Meyers-Shyer.

Grandson of Howard W. Koch.

He is of Russian Jewish and Polish Jewish descent.

Guest, Harris Auerbach

Biography

https://www.auerbachracing.com/harris

Harris Auerbach is the Managing Partner of M.Auerbach, LLC. He is an owner/breeder

who manages the bloodstock, marketing, social media, historical data and farm coordination of approximately 50 horses in California and Kentucky. He himself is a Cal-bred born in 1969 in Van Nuys, CA and has been interested in thoroughbred racing since his childhood in the 1970s.

Harris was valedictorian of his High School graduating class at El Camino Real Senior HS in Woodland Hills, CA in 1987 and graduated with honors from the University of Arizona in 1991 with a business degree specializing in Marketing. Starting in 2004, after spending 13 years in the furniture industry, he took an active role in the Auerbach family breeding and racing operations.

He is also the former Vice Chairman of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Board of

Directors. Harris remains extremely active on the Southern California racing circuit, attends most national horse sales and is a frequent visitor to Thoroughbred farms in both in California and Kentucky.

Horses most associated with Harris include Unusual Heat, Add Heat, Lethal Heat, Golden Doc A, Bel Air Sizzle, Brushburn, Burns, Lakerville, Huntsville, Mega Heat, Starspangled Heat, Orbits World, America's Friend, Pretty Unusual, Jax El, Hot n’ Dusty, Magic School, Mensa Heat, Cardiac, Majestic Heat, How Unusual, Dr. Dorr, Prince Earl, Robinski, Knight Prospector, Johnny Mc, Shorten Sail, Party With Brando, Miraculously, Mon Petit, Central Heat, Our Silver Oak, The Hunted, America's Tale and Strike At Dawn.

Harris currently resides in Southern California with his family. In his spare time, he enjoys travel, sporting events, is a foodie and raising awareness for OTTBs.

Guest, Anthony "Big A" Stabile