Author, George Cukor’s People: Acting for a Master Director

This week, Ira spoke with Joseph McBride, author of George Cukor’s People: Acting for a Master Director. In this celluloid episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Joesph talks about what made Cukor unique; how he worked through his actors; how he used the camera eloquently; why Cukor believed in “fidelity to the text”; why he was elusive; living the double life; dealing with the boundaries of behavior; why the Hollywood production code was a spur to creativity; and why a great director handles every person differently.

Joseph McBride learned about film acting by playing a film critic for Orson Welles for more than five years, the entire length of shooting (1970-75) on Welles’s Hollywood satire “The Other Side of the Wind.” While working as a reporter and reviewer for Daily Variety in Hollywood in the 1970s (and later), Joseph visited many sets of films and watched directors in action. He also worked with a wide range of actors and directors as a film and TV writer in Hollywood for seven years (1977-84). He was primarily responsible for casting, working on scripts with, and rehearsing the cast members of the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award CBS-TV specials honoring James Stewart, Fred Astaire, Frank Capra, John Huston, and Lillian Gish. That rare experience enabled Joseph to work with many great stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood whom a youngish writer otherwise would not have worked with, as well as many contemporary stars. He also helped write feature films, including the cult classic punk rock musical “Rock ’n’ Roll High School,” and he has co-produced or appeared in numerous documentaries.

Author, Watergate’s Unexpected Hero: The Life of Peter W. Rodino, Jr.

This week, Ira spoke with Lawrence Spinelli, author of Watergate’s Unexpected Hero: The Life of Peter W. Rodino, Jr.. In this Nixonian episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Lawrence talks about his long relationship with Rodino; why Rodino did not want to profit from his historic role in the Nixon impeachment; why he promised Rodino he would write his biography; finding out surprising details about his early life; Rodino’s struggle to become a lawyer, coming from a rough neighborhood; why he became a national hero; the funny story about Nixon and Rodino after the president left office; how “politics found him”; and why he was very always underestimated. 

During a distinguished career that spanned more than four decades, Dr. Lawrence Spinelli held a variety of senior-level positions in the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. His first job on Capitol Hill was as press secretary to Peter W. Rodino Jr., and he spent five years as director of communications for then-Senator Joe Biden.

Lawrence’s longest tenure in government was at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, where he served as the Director of Outreach and Public Affairs. He retired in 2017. Lawrence is author of Dry Diplomacy: The United States, Great Britain, and Prohibition. The first study of the diplomatic impact of Prohibition, Dry Diplomacy was praised by the Journal of American History for being “engagingly written and comprehensively researched.”

Lawrence was an assistant professor of political science at Drew University and a professorial lecturer at American University. He received his undergraduate degree from Drew, a master’s degree in government from Georgetown University, and a master’s degree and doctorate degree in history from New York University.

Author, Old Films, Young Eyes: A Teenage Take On Hollywood’s Golden Age

This week, Ira spoke with Simone O. Elias, author of Old Films, Young Eyes: A Teenage Take On Hollywood’s Golden Age. In this episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Simone talks about how she got interested in classic films; why she discovered redeeming qualities about them; their modern relevance; themes that were consistent across all genres that reflected the times; films that made an impression on her; how she had a real life connection to these movies; TCM as the classic film community center; why the past is “incredibly important” to learn from; and how the teenage perspective is important.

Simone O. Elias started her career in podcasting: producing, and writing for “Teenage Golden Age,” a podcast about classic Hollywood from the teenage perspective. She focuses on classic films, screenwriting, and songwriting. Simone divides her time between Placerville and Berkeley, California.

Simone O. Elias   Website

Simone O. Elias   Instagram

Author, Aphrodisiac Adventures, Natural Stimulants & Aphrodisiacs for Better Health, Longevity & Pleasures

This week, Ira spoke with Lillian Zeltser, author of Aphrodisiac Adventures, Natural Stimulants & Aphrodisiacs for Better Health, Longevity & Pleasures. In this stimulating episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Lillian talks about why she became interested in aphrodisiacs; her first “recipe”; the medicinal qualities of herbs; how her husband developed the love potion; finding the herbs in their natural states; traveling to more than 160 countries; bringing herbs to Australia, where they live; looking at your spouse with different eyes; why the love potion is considered liqueur rather than a supplement (35% alcohol); how natural stimulants all around you; why natural stimulants are not limited to what you taste; and why it’s necessary to equalize the active ingredient.

In October 1986, Lillian accidentally stumbled on an old love potion recipe, which changed her life and sparked her interest in aphrodisiacs and natural stimulants.

Together with her husband, a medical doctor, she researched, experimented with, and hunted for them around the world for over 30 years.

In the process, Lillian personally experienced hundreds of effective time-tested legendary ethnobotanical stimulants, often called aphrodisiacs, which she shares with others. 

With help of her husband, Dr Zeltser, Lillian developed unique recipes for those who want to restore and maintain feelings of love, desire, and pleasure between partners.

Along with her team, Lillian runs Aphrodope company, which offers publications, training services, and public events, including ‘A Feast for Senses’ – an interactive aphrodisiac dinner experience, during which participants have a chance to experience things they never knew they were able to experience.

Lillian Zeltser    Website

Lillian Zeltser    Facebook

Lillian Zeltser    Instagram

Lillian Zeltser    LinkedIn

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Lillian Zeltser    YouTube

CEO, Koolboks

This week, Ira spoke with Ayoola Dominic, CEO of Koolboks, which provides sustainable, solar-powered cooling systems in underserved areas. In this cold episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ayoola talks about his background as a pharmacist and his parents, who are both medical doctors; why he’s passionate about the developing world; why refrigeration is important in these areas; the lack of refrigeration in Sub-Saharan Africa (compared to the West); how to make refrigeration affordable and accessible to everybody; utilizing the resources of water and the sun; what is the good of technology if you can’t afford it; the role of lithium batteries; how 90 percent of their customers are small businesses that are generating income; his recent appearance at the Clinton Global Initiative; why the need for data collection on usage; using data to connect customers with needing a middleman, such as a fish farmer and a frozen food seller; the pay-as-you go billing system; how third-party banking agencies facilitate the billing; and optimizing sales for all their customers.

Koolboks     Website

Koolboks     Instagram

Koolboks     Facebook

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Koolboks     YouTube

Author, Don’t Walk Away: A Care Partner’s Journey

This week, Ira spoke with Marilyn Raichle, author of Don’t Walk Away: A Care Partner’s Journey. In this caring episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Marilyn talks about how her mother, Jean, told her and her siblings that when she got Alzheimer’s, they should just “walk away”; why Marilyn didn’t walk away; how an art class showed her that her that Jean was “still there”; how she was still living with invention, wit and joy; Jean’s new “family”; the “enduring personhood” of people who live with dementia; why she wrote the book; sharing joy; the framework of loss: care partners; how she became the family caregiver; the “ladies of assisted living”; why “sometimes your brain just gets in the way”; letting go of the person who used to be; and learning to relate by slowing down.

Marilyn Reichle, author of Don’t Walk Away, grew up in the shadow of Alzheimer’s. Nearly everyone in her father’s family and many in her mother’s had developed the disease. But Raichle became transformed in her views towards those living with dementia, inspiring the launch of a book and several non-profits that helps — and celebrates — those living with the memory-robbing disease.

Marilyn began her career in the theatre, founding the Seattle International Children’s Festival. She served for 11 years at North America’s largest international festival for children, introducing children to world culture through the performing arts. 

She then became the founding executive director of American Voices for nine years, building an informed, engaged, and good-humored community.

In 2007, she received a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. She received her BA from the University of Washington.

Upon returning to Seattle, her career changed when she became the family caregiver for her parents, both of whom were developing dementia. In 2010, inspired by her mother’s newfound artistic ability, she founded The Art of Alzheimer’s, celebrating the creativity of those living with dementia and the power of the arts to enrich and empower their lives. 

In 2019 she became the Executive Director of Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer’s Care, celebrating and rewarding innovative programs and practices of care that are enhancing the lives of people living with dementia, and their care partners.

Her work with the Alzheimer’s community brought her news media attention, including interviews with KOMO-Radio inSeattle and KGNW-Radio in Seattle, and podcasts: Will Gather, The Art of Aging, and Autumn Is Here. Her mom was featured in her local paper, as well as the Alzheimer’s Reading Room and The New York Times Alzheimer’s Blog. 

Don’t Walk Away    Website

Marilyn Raichle        Facebook

Marilyn Raichle        LinkedIn

Actor who provides quality commentary and insight into movies, culture & the arts on X with his handle, @TheMonologist

This week, Ira spoke with actor Michael Warburton, who provides quality commentary and insight into movies, culture & the arts on X with his handle, @TheMonologist. In this curated episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Michael talks about his acting background, including the stage; why he decided to start this project (during COVID); how he started it as altruistic exercise and eventually asked people to contribute; authentically sharing with people what he likes; his process; why the appreciation of people is rewarding; the validation of his instincts; how he was amazed at the famous people from all walks of life who follow him; planning a podcast based on his postings in 2025; the importance of the legacy element and keeping these artists’ work alive; why more and more people are looking back for quality; and why he won’t pander to his followers.

Michael made his first professional appearance in “Oliver!” in the West End aged 11, followed by two years at the Royal National Theatre in London, eventually going on to train at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. He’s appeared numerous times in the West End – including Ivo van Hove’s Olivier Award winning world premiere of “All About Eve,” the multiple Olivier Award winning Musical on The Kinks – “Sunny Afternoon,” the Netflix movie “The Strays,” and multiple appearances on British TV including most recently “Coronation Street” and “Emmerdale” etc. He has an active Twitter/X feed on Movies, Culture & The Arts in general, has a Substack column on Movies & Actors, and is lining up a Podcast on Movies and Actors for 2025.

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Author, SHEMP!: The Biography of The Three Stooges’ Shemp Howard, The Face of Film Comedy

This week, Ira spoke with Burt Kearns, author of SHEMP!: The Biography of The Three Stooges’ Shemp Howard, The Face of Film Comedy. In this slapstick episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Burt talks about why Shemp was put in a very thankless role in The Three Stooges; why he decided to write the book on Shemp; why what most of what we know about The Three Stooges isn’t true; how Moe and Shemp started out as a vaudeville act; how it became violent comedy; why Shemp was the star of the show; why Moe disparaged Shemp; how kids watching TV in the 60’s never took to Shemp; Shemp as a versatile actor; why he feels that Moe was responsible for Curly’s death and Shemp’s death; and the most surprising thing he found about Shemp while doing research.

Burt Kearns is an author, journalist, and “show business and pop culture savant” (Vanity Fair). His books include Lawrence Tierney: Hollywood’s Real-Life Tough Guy,  The Show Won’t Go On and Marlon Brando: Hollywood Rebel. Burt has broken major stories as a television and print journalist. As an Emmy-winning television and motion picture producer, director, and writer, he’s written and produced dozens of nonfiction television series (“Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura” and “Kardashian: The Man Who Saved OJ Simpson”), documentaries (“Death of a Beatle” and “Bin Laden’s Escape”) and, with Academy Award winners Albert S. Ruddy and Gray Frederickson, the motion picture comedy, “Cloud 9,” starring Burt Reynolds. He lives in Pacific Palisades, California.

Burt Kearns          Website

ShempBook          Website

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ShempBook YouTube

Author, Be The Weight Behind The Spear

This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira Sternberg dives deep into a compelling conversation with Colonel Joshua M. McConkey, M.D., author of the acclaimed book, Be The Weight Behind The Spear.

The episode opens with Dr. McConkey explaining the inspiration behind his book’s title, Be The Weight Behind The Spear. He reveals how this concept serves as his personal leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of supporting those at the forefront. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. McConkey has extensively worked with military personnel who embody the “tip of the spear,” putting themselves in harm’s way to defend our nation. His book delves into the critical role played by the “weight behind the spear” – those who provide the essential support structure that empowers our frontline heroes to succeed.

Dr. McConkey expresses his concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the younger generation. He observes a decline in face-to-face communication skills and a sense of entitlement among some youth. He attributes this, in part, to a lack of strong leadership development during these formative years.

Dr. McConkey passionately advocates for fostering a more engaged citizenry. He emphasizes the importance of getting everyone involved in their communities, fostering a sense of shared purpose and responsibility.

The conversation sheds light on the concerning rise in mental health issues across the United States. Dr. McConkey, an ER doctor with over 20 years of experience, offers valuable insights into this critical public health challenge.

Dr. McConkey sheds light on his decision to restrict his children’s access to social media accounts. He expresses his concerns about the potential negative influences of social media on young minds, particularly when it comes to social interaction and mental well-being.

The podcast delves into Dr. McConkey’s fascinating life journey. He shares the story of how he “won the lottery” (referring to a fortunate turn of events) and how his experiences serving in Iraq profoundly impacted him as a person.

Dr. McConkey underscores the importance of holding children accountable for their actions. He emphasizes that this fosters responsibility, resilience, and essential life skills.

The episode highlights Dr. McConkey’s strong advocacy for empowering teachers. He recognizes the crucial role educators play in shaping young minds and believes they deserve greater support and resources.

Dr. McConkey proposes one-on-one mentorship as a powerful tool to bridge the gap and empower the “COVID generation” with the leadership skills they need to thrive. He emphasizes that mentorship can be fostered organically within communities and doesn’t require expensive programs.

Dr. McConkey delivers a powerful message: the core values of leadership, integrity, and accountability can be taught and instilled without a hefty price tag. He emphasizes the importance of leading by example and fostering a culture of responsibility within our communities.

The podcast concludes by highlighting Dr. McConkey’s impressive background. We learn about his extensive military service in the Air Force Reserve, his distinguished career as an emergency room physician, and his experience as a professor at Duke University. Dr. McConkey is a decorated veteran, a board-certified physician, and a passionate advocate for the next generation.

Be sure to visit Dr. McConkey’s website to learn more about his work and his book, Be The Weight Behind The Spear. You can also follow him on social media to stay updated on his upcoming events and initiatives.

We encourage you to share your thoughts on the episode and Dr. McConkey’s message. Have you faced challenges related to leadership or communication in today’s world? How can we work together to build a stronger, more engaged community? Leave a comment below and share

Author, Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan & Nixon

This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira Sternberg welcomes a true political insider, Ken Khachigian. Author of the captivating book, Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan & Nixon, Ken sheds light on history-shaping moments he witnessed firsthand as confidant, strategist, and speechwriter to Presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan.

Ken dives into the inspiration behind Behind Closed Doors. He reveals a treasure trove of information, unavailable elsewhere, gleaned from his meticulous record-keeping and diary entries. Listeners will be captivated by firsthand accounts of how Nixon and Reagan, despite their differences, collaborated to end the Cold War.

The episode delves into the demanding world of presidential speechwriting. Ken shares his discipline in meticulously documenting meetings with both presidents, even amidst a grueling schedule. He discusses gaining the trust of two such distinct personalities, Nixon and Reagan, and the qualities that made them feel comfortable confiding in him.

Ken offers candid insights into the complex world of presidential politics. He explores the concept of unwavering loyalty to the president, a defining characteristic of his service. The episode also touches on the potential pitfalls of power, prompting reflection on regrets and the lessons learned.

Ken recounts the thrill of uncovering a “very significant piece of information” hidden within the Reagan archives, a detail that had eluded others. He reveals strategies to avoid becoming jaded in such a high-pressure environment, offering valuable advice for those navigating the halls of power.

Behind Closed Doors serves as more than a memoir. Ken shares the “big historical takeaway” from his experiences, offering a unique perspective on the events that shaped the 20th century.

To learn more about Ken Khachigian and his insightful book, visit the Reagan and Nixon Website.

Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast with Ken Khachigian is a must-listen for anyone interested in American political history, presidential decision-making, and the complexities of loyalty and trust within the Oval Office. Ken’s firsthand accounts provide a captivating glimpse into history, offering a deeper understanding of the pivotal moments that shaped our world.

Reagan and Nixon Website

Ken Khachigian     Facebook

Ken Khachigian     Instagram

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Ira Sternberg: Welcome to Ira’s Everything Bagel, where I talk with intriguing people about everything—their passions, pursuits, and points of view. Two presidents who had a major impact on the 20th century both worked with the same trusted speechwriter, confidant, and strategist. Now, whether you liked these two presidents or not, whether you approved of their policies or not, they were both political legends and presidential giants. I’m talking about Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon, and my guest worked with both men for many years, either on the campaign or in the White House. Ken Khachigian is author of Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan and Nixon, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all the usual places. For everything about Ken and the book, go to reaganandnixon.com—that’s reaganandnixon.com. Ken, welcome to the show.

Ken Khachigian: Thank you, good to be here.

Ira Sternberg: Why did you decide to write the book? You had all these notes, an insider’s view, but why write the book instead of keeping it private?

Ken Khachigian: Because I had information no one else had, and it had to be told. I had amazing stories, anecdotes, and history that nobody else could share. There were moments with both presidents—Reagan and Nixon—when they shared their lives, their political past, their thoughts on policies, and their records with me. I kept meticulous records, diaries, and even recorded some thoughts during campaigns. For example, in the 1980 campaign, I kept an audio diary. So, with Reagan and Nixon, I was sitting with two of the giants of the last quarter of the 20th century, and I felt that if I didn’t tell these stories, no one would ever know about them. It was like unearthing gold from granite. I knew it was a story that needed to be preserved.

Ira Sternberg: It’s interesting. There were so many people in both of their orbits, but you’re one of the few who was in both—at different times, sometimes simultaneously. And you had the discipline to write up notes after these meetings, even during the craziness of a campaign. In reading the book, you describe these grueling schedules—writing speeches, adapting stump speeches, going from one city to another—and yet, you still took the time to document these experiences. How?

Ken Khachigian: I knew I was witnessing history. In the 1980 campaign, for example, there were times I’d be dictating into a tape recorder at 2:00 or 2:30 in the morning. Someday, when the archives at the Reagan Library release these tapes, people will hear my tired, hoarse voice, living on three or four hours of sleep. I wanted to capture these moments because I knew no one else was keeping this level of record. Sure, others like Len Nofziger, Mike Deaver, James Baker, and Larry Speakes wrote books, but most used ghostwriters. This book is all firsthand; I wrote every word. There’s no other firsthand report of the 1980 and 1984 campaigns, or of Nixon’s post-Watergate years, or his preparation for the David Frost interviews. If I didn’t write it, it would be lost.

Ira Sternberg: Both presidents had distinctive personalities, and yet you bonded with each in a unique way. Nixon had a reputation for being distant, while Reagan was more outwardly genial. How did you build trust with both of them?

Ken Khachigian: That’s a good question, Ira. People saw Reagan’s public persona—smiling, genial, telling jokes—and assumed he was easy to connect with. But he actually kept his distance, even from his staff. Besides Nancy, there were very few people in his inner circle. When Reagan was unsure of the people around him, he’d default to telling jokes. Nixon, on the other hand, had this reputation for being aloof, but he was more accessible than people thought. If you talked to him about history, politics, or sports, he’d open up immediately, sharing stories about Churchill, or meetings with Golda Meir, or his love of baseball. So they were very different personalities, but both allowed me into their inner circle.

Ira Sternberg: What do you think it was about your personality that allowed both of them to trust you?

Ken Khachigian: I think it was because I was in the trenches with them, especially with Nixon during the last days of Watergate and later during his memoirs and preparation for the Frost interviews. With Reagan, I traveled with him throughout the 1980 campaign, and he saw how the lines I wrote resonated with people and the media. We also shared some common ground—I grew up in a small town, and so did Reagan. We both came from modest backgrounds, and we shared a love for radio. I didn’t try to impose my views on him, which a lot of people did. I respected his choices and only intervened if something was way off track.

Ira Sternberg: Being at such a high level, in campaigns and the White House, did you get a sense you were part of history? And did you ever see things that went against your moral code but kept going anyway?

Ken Khachigian: Absolutely, I knew I was part of history, especially in the last days of Nixon’s administration. I was 29 and didn’t have the position to change much, but I knew the weight of the moment. Later, with Reagan, I felt part of something meaningful, helping to turn around the economy and restore respect for America. As for the moral code, especially during the Reagan years, yes, I saw things. Internally, in Reagan’s White House, there was a lot of disloyalty to his policies. People were steering him in directions he didn’t want to go, taking advantage of his non-confrontational nature. If I could go back, I would have been more vocal, especially regarding the 1982 tax increases, which Reagan later told me was one of his biggest regrets. His staff misled him about what he was getting from Congress.

Ira Sternberg: And it’s one thing if your cabinet or Congress misleads you, but it’s a different story when your own staff isn’t upfront with you.

Ken Khachigian: Exactly. They would justify it by saying they thought it was in his best interest or they thought it would serve his reputation better. But really, a lot of it was about looking good in the press or polishing their own image. That’s why I wrote this book honestly—to set the record straight.

Ira Sternberg: And you don’t hold back. You’re critical of people like James Baker, for example. It’s clear this book wasn’t written to make everyone look good.

Ken Khachigian: I didn’t set out to criticize colleagues. I liked most of them, but a couple, like Dick Darman, were difficult personalities. Darman was a bully. He came into the White House to accumulate power for its own sake, and he’d often try to undermine me, even publicly. As Marty Anderson once joked, people took an instant dislike to Darman because it saved time. But my goal wasn’t to throw punches. I just wanted to write an honest book, and I’m at a stage in my life where I’d rather document the truth than polish the past.

Ira Sternberg: Speaking of the campaign days, it’s fascinating to read how you were working with an IBM Selectric typewriter—no modern conveniences like we have today. Yet you were producing historic speeches and managing campaign material. It’s remarkable.

Ken Khachigian: We had no choice! At the time, the IBM Selectric felt like cutting-edge technology. I couldn’t even afford to buy one outright; I paid for it in installments. That machine is now on display at the Reagan Library. But that’s how we worked—we’d land in a city, rush to get approval for a speech, and just keep going. We didn’t know any other way.

Ira Sternberg: What’s the one thing you want readers to take away from the book? Is it about the presidents, history, or politics?

Ken Khachigian: I want readers to see the human side of both presidents. They were more than just public figures; they were complex, fascinating individuals. One historical takeaway that I think will surprise readers is how close Nixon and Reagan were. Nixon was a quiet advisor to Reagan throughout the 1980 and 1984 campaigns, as well as his presidency. I often acted as an intermediary between them, carrying Nixon’s memos and advice to Reagan. These conversations and memos are documented in the book and provide a unique insight into their relationship.

Ira Sternberg: Final question—how did you avoid becoming jaded after seeing the darker side of politics?

Ken Khachigian: I think it was because there were so many positive things we accomplished, and I worked with some incredible people. There were high points, like traveling on Air Force One, dining with the president, and experiencing history firsthand. But I also avoided becoming jaded by not being in Washington full-time. I chose to live in California, where I could have a real life outside the political power struggles. Many of my colleagues didn’t have that balance, and I think that’s what leads to burnout and cynicism.

Ira Sternberg: That’s a great way to leave it. My guest has been Ken Khachigian, author of Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan and Nixon, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all the usual places. For everything about Ken and the book, go to reaganandnixon.com. Ken, thanks for being on the show.

Ken Khachigian: Thanks, Ira, it’s been a lot of fun.

Ira Sternberg: And join us every Thursday for a new schmear on Ira’s Everything Bagel.