Ira's Everything Bagel

Noshing With Terry Chester Shulman – August 27, 2026

Author, Barrymore: The Spectacular, Tumultuous Life of America’s Prince of Players

The Barrymore name is synonymous with Hollywood royalty—but long before Drew Barrymore became a household name, there was John Barrymore, one of the most brilliant and complicated actors in American theater and film history. In this episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” I talk with Terry Chester Shulman, author of the acclaimed John Barrymore biography, Barrymore: The Spectacular, Tumultuous Life of America’s Prince of Players published by the University Press of Kentucky).

Terry Chester Shulman discusses his John Barrymore biography, Barrymore: The Spectacular, Tumultuous Life of America’s Prince of Players, on Ira’s Everything Bagel.

Terry spent six years researching and writing his biography, digging beyond the familiar stories of Barrymore’s fame, marriages, alcoholism and personal demons to reveal the remarkable artist underneath the notoriety. He even had the opportunity to interview Barrymore’s daughter, Dee Dee Barrymore.

We talk about Terry’s lifelong fascination with Barrymore, beginning with his childhood love of the 1920 film Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Barrymore’s legendary theatrical family—including siblings Lionel and Ethel—and his groundbreaking approach to acting.

Barrymore helped reintroduce Shakespeare to 20th-century audiences with his celebrated performance as Richard III, pioneered a deeply personal approach to acting, and successfully transitioned from Broadway to Hollywood. He made six films in 1932 alone, yet never regarded movies as more important than the stage when it came to his artistic legacy.

Terry also reveals the fascinating story behind Barrymore’s decision to enter motion pictures, the astonishing salaries he commanded, his rivalry with Lionel and Ethel, his relationship with Katharine Hepburn, and why Terry believes Barrymore was essentially destined to succeed in the sound era.

Most importantly, Terry explains the central purpose of his book: to bring John Barrymore out from behind the cloud of notoriety and allow audiences to see the extraordinary actor who was hidden beneath the legend.

It’s a fascinating conversation about John Barrymore, Hollywood history, Broadway, Shakespeare, acting, celebrity, family rivalry and the complicated price of fame.

ABOUT TERRY:

Terry Chester Shulman is an acclaimed film biographer and historical journalist whose work has been featured in a variety of national publications. He is the author of Film’s First Family: The Untold Story of the Costellos.

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Noshing With Nir Peled – August 20, 2026

Author, Beyond 100%: Rebuilding Life After It Breaks

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Nir Peled, author of Beyond 100%: Rebuilding Life After It Breaks, talks about an extraordinary journey that began with a moment that changed everything.

At 49, Nir was a successful Fortune 500 technology executive and former officer in an elite division of the IDF when he suddenly collapsed on the floor of his home office from a stroke. In an instant, he lost his speech, mobility and, in many ways, his sense of identity.

What followed was a grueling journey of rehabilitation—and ultimately, a profound process of rebuilding his body, mind, cognitive abilities and spirit.

Nir shares the seven rules for rehabilitation that helped guide his recovery, including one that might surprise you: humor. He explains the importance of his 1% rule, why recovery is a marathon rather than a sprint, and how that simple philosophy helped him through some of his darkest moments.

We also talk about why Nir dedicated Beyond 100% to his grandmother, whom he calls “the ultimate survivor,” and how a personal recovery journal eventually became a book after his speech therapist encouraged him to tell the story from the patient’s perspective.

Nir opens up about the caregiver journey, the reality of pain, his spiritual practices, the challenge of surrendering control, and what he calls one of the most important transformations in recovery: turning “Why me?” into “What now?”

It’s a deeply personal conversation about resilience, identity, recovery and discovering what is possible when life suddenly forces you to start over.

ABOUT NIR:

Nir Peled has survived seven catastrophic events: a bombing, anaphylaxis, a tsunami, a violent kidnapping and robbery in the Amazon, cancer, a motorcycle accident, and a stroke. Across those experiences, he developed Beyond 100%, a practitioner-built system designed not to restore what was lost, but to build something stronger in its place. Unable to speak or move after his stroke, his framework is used by individuals and organizations navigating disruption, crisis, and high-stakes change.

Nir Peled Website

Noshing With The Goddess of Slots (aka Lorraine Bencivengo-Ziff) – August 13, 2026

What happens when a viral casino jackpot becomes the foundation for an entirely new career?

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira welcomes Lorraine Bencivengo-Ziff, better known as The Goddess of Slots, as well as an actress, entrepreneur, influencer and one of the gaming industry’s most recognizable personalities.

Lorraine shares the story behind her viral jackpot win at the Hard Rock in Florida and how a friend helped her recognize an unexpected opportunity within the world of slot players. What began as a moment of luck soon evolved into a powerful personal brand, leading to casino appearances, meet-and-greets, slot machine launches, high-limit room events and even a Goddess of Slots cruise.

She discusses how her background as an actress helps her connect with people and improvise on the casino floor, how she maintains her seemingly endless energy, and why surrounding herself with smart business people has been an important part of her success. Lorraine also talks about expanding the Goddess of Slots brand, the business advice she received from Gene Simmons of KISS, and the confidence that helped her turn an idea into a thriving business and media career.

The conversation also explores Lorraine’s surprising journey from growing up in extreme poverty and developing what she calls a “survivor mode,” to attending law school, building her business instincts and training in martial arts for the past 26 years—all while proudly remaining, as she says, a “girlie girl.”

Plus, Lorraine talks about her acting career and her work on the second season of Unsuited, a funny television series.

It’s a fascinating conversation about luck, reinvention, confidence, entrepreneurship, entertainment and the ability to recognize opportunity when it appears.

Lorraine Bencivengo-Ziff didn’t just hit a jackpot—she turned one unforgettable moment into a brand, a business and a career.

ABOUT LORRAINE:

Actress, producer, and entrepreneur Lorraine Bencivengo-Ziff created the Goddess of Slots as a result of a jackpot win that went viral on social media. Now known by the moniker, she has become a formidable influencer in the casino and gaming industry. Her vibrant social media presence captivates her ever-increasing audience with a mix of engaging content, game tutorials, humor, fashion, and exciting promotional activities—all serving to drive widespread interest to the gaming world. In the film and TV industries, Lorraine is known for roles in such films as “Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn,” “Six Gun Savior,” “The Martial Arts Kid,” and “Swing State.” She has also appeared on Netflix’s “Real Rob” as well as a number of HBO television series.

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Noshing With Sharon Virts – August 6, 2026

Author, Bargains of Fate (part of The Fields of Honor series)

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira talks with Sharon Virts, author of Bargains of Fate, part of her acclaimed “Fields of Honor series.” Sharon shares her unexpected journey from entrepreneur to historical novelist, revealing how selling her business and moving into a historic, reportedly haunted home inspired her passion for writing.

She discusses the extensive research behind her novels, how she blends historical fact with compelling fiction, and why Bargains of Fate explores the lasting consequences of our choices. Sharon also offers a fascinating look at her unique writing process—from writing the final chapter first to creating richly developed, character-driven stories that bring America’s overlooked post-Founding era vividly to life.

Beyond the familiar stories of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, Sharon’s “Fields of Honor”series shines a light on the generations who inherited the enormous responsibility of shaping a young nation. Through richly layered historical fiction, immersive storytelling, and painstaking research, she brings this overlooked chapter of American history vividly to life.

ABOUT SHARON:

Sharon Virts is a bestselling author known for richly layered historical fiction that blends meticulous research with psychological suspense and immersive storytelling. A Virginia native, Sharon grew up captivated by tales of the past—stories of forgotten lives, buried truths, and long-hidden mysteries. That early fascination sparked a lifelong curiosity—about the people, events, and places history has overlooked—that now fuels her writing.  

Her bestselling novels Veil of Doubt, and The Grays of Truth—and the Field of Honor series featuring Masque of Honor and Bargains of Fate— weave historical accuracy with cinematic narrative and atmospheric tension, crafting stories that linger long after the final page. Veil of Doubt was named a finalist for Best Historical Fiction by both the American Book Fest’s 2024 Best Book Awards and the IAN Book of the Year Awards. The Grays of Truth won the 2025 International Book Award for Best Historical Fiction.   

Sharon’s contribution to the arts, preservation, and community service have earned her recognition as one of Washington Life Magazine’s Philanthropic 50 in 2020 and a 2024 Loudoun History Award honoree.  

Sharon lives with her husband, Scott Miller, at Selma Mansion in Virginia, a historic estate they rescued from demolition and lovingly restored. There, surrounded by stories of the past, she continues to write the ones still waiting to be told.

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Noshing With Debra Levine – July 30, 2026

Author, Jazzed, Jack Cole and Twentieth-Century American Dance

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” I sit down with dance critic and author Debra Levine to explore the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Jack Cole, the groundbreaking choreographer widely regarded as the father of theatrical jazz dance. Her acclaimed book, Jazzed: Jack Cole and Twentieth-Century American Dance, uncovers the fascinating story of the visionary whose influence transformed Broadway, Hollywood, and generations of performers.

Debra shares her own unexpected journey from modern dancer to business executive, and ultimately to becoming one of America’s leading dance writers. She reveals how filmmaker Kenneth Anger inspired her to tell Cole’s story, why “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” remains his masterpiece, and how Cole’s brilliance often went unrecognized despite shaping some of Hollywood’s most memorable dance sequences.

We also discuss Cole’s larger-than-life personality, his relationships with studio moguls and stars like Rita Hayworth, his surprising connections to organized crime, why choreographers rarely receive the recognition they deserve, and the unexpected place where Debra uncovered much of her research. It’s a captivating look at an artistic pioneer whose impact on American entertainment continues to resonate today.

ABOUT DEBRA:

Debra Levine is a Hollywood-fascinated dance critic whose discovery of Jack Cole turned her aesthetic world on its head. The Los Angeles-based writer is the author of dance criticism and feature writing published in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post, La Opinión, Long Beach Press Telegram, South China Morning Post and Dance Magazine.

In support of her writing, Debra has produced and hosted many talks, interviews, screening events in the realm of dance/film. Those events have taken place at The Museum of Modern Art in New York, and, in Los Angeles, Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, UCLA Film & Television Archive, Dance Camera West, American Cinematheque, The Soraya, and Hollywood Heritage. She is the founder of artsmeme, an arts blog.

Debra Levine     Website

Noshing With Anderson Boyd – July 23, 2026

Author, The Lease of Nature

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with award-winning writer, director, producer, and editor Anderson “Drew” Boyd, author of the riveting new techno-thriller The Lease of Nature.

What happens when one of medicine’s greatest breakthroughs becomes the world’s most dangerous commodity? Anderson’s gripping novel imagines a near future in which 3-D printed human hearts revolutionize transplant medicine—only to collide with the brutal realities of the international black-market organ trade. The result is a suspenseful story that feels less like science fiction and more like tomorrow’s headlines.

In this fascinating conversation, Anderson reveals why he chose the book’s memorable epitaph, the inspiration behind writing The Lease of Nature, and how his lifelong passion for storytelling led him into the creative arts. He discusses his early experiences in filmmaking, why he enjoys working in both fiction and nonfiction, and the unique satisfaction he finds in the editing process.

Anderson also shares how the story began as a screenplay before evolving into a richly layered novel, allowing him to expand the characters, world-building, and moral complexity. He explains the real-world research behind the “red market” for human organs, why advances in biotechnology make his story increasingly plausible, and how today’s medical innovations could shape tomorrow’s ethical dilemmas.

The conversation also explores his writing process—from outlining and drafting to the lessons he learned after prematurely sharing what he jokingly calls his “vomit draft.” Anderson explains why he often writes longhand as well as using a computer, how he developed the novel’s intriguing title, and why editing remains one of his favorite creative pursuits.

If you’re fascinated by medical innovation, ethical dilemmas, crime thrillers, filmmaking, or the creative process behind writing compelling fiction, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

ABOUT ANDERSON:

Anderson “Drew” Boyd is an award-winning writer, director, producer and editor. Over the past 20 years he’s earned credits on projects ranging from the Oscar-nominated Winter’s Bone theatrically released documentaries and everything in between.  His directorial debut, Well Wishes, exhibited on Netflix from 2016-2018. He has since produced and edited several feature films, shorts and spec pilots. His latest screenplay, the Western odyssey Mescalero, badged as the #1 Western on the Coverfly Red List and finished Top 50 in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences 2022 Nicholl Fellowship. Presently, he’s writing a high-concept farce, The Time Traveler’s Gala. 

Anderson is a member of the Producers Guild of America, an affiliate member of American Cinema Editors, a United Arts Council Grantee and 3x Stowe Story Lab alum.

The Lease of Nature Website

This week on “Ira's Everything Bagel,” Ira welcomes award-winning writer and social epidemiologist Dan Werb, author of "Our Wild Familiars: How Animals Are Adapting to Cities and Reshaping the Natural World" for a captivating conversation about the surprising ways wildlife has learned to thrive alongside us.

On this episode of “Ira's Everything Bagel,” I sit down with journalist, author, publisher, activist, and entrepreneur Fons Burger, author of "The Only Possible Solution: How to Shape the Future for Our Next Generations." Drawing on years of research and conversations with leading thinkers from around the world, Fons presents an ambitious—but surprisingly practical—vision for creating a more sustainable, equitable, and hopeful future.

Noshing With Dave Reminick – July 2, 2026

Creator, Fun Intended

What happens when an award-winning composer stops writing for adults and starts creating music for kids? According to Dave Reminick, the answer is freedom, imagination, and a whole lot of fun.

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with award-winning composer, educator, musician, and children’s recording artist Dave Reminick—better known by his playful alter ego, DadJoke—to discuss his delightfully unconventional debut family album, Fun Intended: Weird Music for Weird Kids.

Dave shares how the COVID pandemic unexpectedly led him into the world of children’s music, why writing for young audiences became more creatively fulfilling than composing for adults, and how embracing his own “inner weirdness” unlocked an entirely new artistic path.

The conversation explores the remarkable differences between the minds of children and adults, the lasting influence of Mr. Rogers, the origins of his band Paper Mice, and why humor—especially dad jokes—became such an important part of both his music and his identity.

Dave also offers thoughtful insights into one of today’s hottest topics: artificial intelligence and creativity. He explains why he believes art should always remain a deeply human conversation—one person connecting authentically with another.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, musician, or simply someone who believes creativity should never lose its sense of play, this entertaining and thought-provoking conversation reminds us that sometimes the best way to connect with the world is to embrace your wonderfully weird side.

If you’ve ever wondered what inspires truly original artists—or why embracing your inner child may be the secret to great creativity—you won’t want to miss this conversation.

ABOUT DAVE:

Dave Reminick, who lives with his family in Oak Park, Illinois, grew up in East Northport, Long Island. After high school, he attended Oberlin College and Conservatory, earning two degrees: a BA in Psychology and a BM in Saxophone Performance. Dave then earned two concurrent Masters degrees at the University of Michigan: an MA in Music Theory and an MM in Saxophone Performance. Finally, he pursued doctoral studies at Northwestern University, where he earned a DMA in Composition.

Dave spent nearly 20 years teaching university-level music theory, composition, and saxophone while also composing and performing professionally as a saxophonist. He has also spent nearly 20 years as singer/guitarist/co-songwriter for the Chicago post-punk band Paper Mice. New Music Box called his adult compositions “bracing, original, and often jaw-dropping.”

David Reminick          Website

Noshing With Dr. Peter Grinspoon 

Author, Aging Well with Cannabis: Feel Better, Sleep Better, and Live Better with Marijuana and CBD

Can cannabis help people age better? What are the real benefits—and the real risks? And why do so many misconceptions about marijuana still persist?

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Dr. Peter Grinspoon, physician, educator, and author of Aging Well with Cannabis: Feel Better, Sleep Better, and Live Better with Marijuana and CBD. As the son of legendary cannabis advocate Dr. Lester Grinspoon, Peter grew up with a unique perspective on one of the most controversial and misunderstood substances in modern medicine.

During this fascinating conversation, Dr. Grinspoon discusses his father’s influential role in the cannabis legalization movement, the myths and misinformation that continue to cloud public understanding, and why he believes education—not ideology—is the key to making informed decisions about cannabis use.

Peter explains why he rarely recommends smoking cannabis, favoring edibles and tinctures instead, and explores the often-blurred line between recreational and medical marijuana. He also discusses why many physicians still lack adequate training in medical cannabis, despite growing patient interest and expanding research.

The conversation delves into cannabis’s potential benefits for older adults, including pain management, improved sleep, reduced isolation, and enhanced quality of life. Peter addresses concerns about cognitive effects, addiction, and safety, offering a balanced, evidence-based perspective that neither exaggerates the benefits nor ignores the risks.

Ira and Peter also explore the history of cannabis prohibition, the role of addiction psychiatry, the growing body of neutral scientific research, and why many oncologists now support cannabis use as a complementary option for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Whether you’re curious about CBD, considering medical cannabis, caring for an aging loved one, or simply interested in the evolving science behind marijuana, this episode provides thoughtful insights from one of the field’s most respected voices.

ABOUT PETER GRINSPOON:

Peter Grinspoon, M.D., is a primary care physician and a board-certified addiction specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, as well as an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He has 25 years of experience specializing in addiction treatment and cannabis medicine. A popular speaker frequently featured in the national media, Dr. Grinspoon discusses topics such as cannabis, addiction, and physician health. His private practice provides comprehensive addiction and recovery coaching, cannabis education, and patient certification (available in MA only). As an addiction coach, he offers extensive support to individuals and families at all stages of addiction and recovery.

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