Let's Talk Ten

“Once upon a time, if you wanted to know if a movie was worth seeing, you didn’t check out Rotten Tomatoes or IMDB.  You asked whether Siskel & Ebert had given it Two Thumbs Up.”

MATT SINGER, the editor and critic at ScreenCrush and author of the bestselling “OPPOSABLE THUMBS: HOW SISKEL & EBERT CHANGED MOVIES FOREVER” joins Dan to discuss the lives of, arguably, the two most influential film critics of all time, as well as their on- and off-the-screen clashes and the influence they had on popular culture -- and on Matt and Dan personally.

 With amazing clips from their shows and from many behind-the-scenes moments, this episode is a cinematic listening experience that just might be worthy of two thumbs up. 

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Singer and songwriter KATHLEEN FISHER hangs out on her big brother’s show to talk about their all-time favorite VOCALISTS in popular music.

To add a twist to the discussion, Kathleen’s list will include only male singers, while Dan’s list will include only women.

Besides some surprising choices and a lot of great music, this episode is filled with lots of fun, laughter, and banter that only close siblings can have.  

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On the previous episode, Dan and his guest, film critic DANNY PEARY, had such a terrific time discussing favorite movies from their respective youths, that they managed to get through only half of their lists before their time ran out.

So -- they’re back for more!  Ten more classics films, from the 1940’s through the 1970’s, each holding special significance within its young viewer's little heart.  

 It is said that most sequels do not live up to the original.  Like Aliens or Godfather II, it could be argued that this episode is every bit as entertaining as the first.

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One of Dan’s all-time favorite film critics, DANNY PEARY (“Cult Movies”) joins him to talk about a subject dear to both of their hearts: the movies they first watched – and loved – while in their respective youths.

The conversation spans eras, nations, and genres – from classic westerns to goofball comedies -- with fond recollections of Saturday afternoons spent at the local movie houses and late Saturday nights struggling to stay awake for the creature double-feature on TV’s Chiller Theater.

Plentifully stocked with memorable music and amazing clips, this one is fun for  film fanatics of all ages.

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HO! HO! HO!

Pour yourself some eggnog, pull on your favorite ugly sweater – it’s the time of year for our SECOND ANNUAL HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR!

In the spirit of those classic old variety specials once hosted by Bing Crosby or Andy Williams, this episode offers something for everyone -- as Dan welcomes his special guests:

 * Actress HEATHER THOMAS drops by to talk about her favorite Christmas stuff – including the Very Special Christmas Episode of her classic television show, “The Fall Guy”.
* Rabbi DAVID KOMEROFSKY shares some moving thoughts -- and more than a few laughs -- regarding the “other” holiday of the season, Hannukah.
* HELENE, APRIL and PHOEBE FISHER join their beloved husband and father to talk about the Fisher family’s quirky annual traditions -- plus the holiday movies, music, and TV specials they love.
* “Hotter Than July” front man GERRY WILLIAMS closes out the show with a very special performance of one of Dan’s favorite Christmas songs.  Everybody say “Yeah!”

PLUS: a Santa's bag stuffed full of classic songs and clips.

This gift to you is non-returnable, but we have the feeling you’ll just love it.

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Norman Lear died just a year ago, at age 101, but his legacy of shows – All in the Family, Maude, Sanford and Son, Good Times, Mary Hartman Marty Hartman, One Day at a Time, The Jeffersons – will endure for as long as reruns exist, and viewers wish to laugh, while thinking at the same time.

 Entertainment journalist, adjunct professor of media studies, and bestselling author TRIPP WHETSELL visits the show to talk with Dan about his just-released “NORMAN LEAR: HIS LIFE AND TIMES”, as well as the unforgettable television that Lear co-created and produced.

 Lots and lots of behind-the-scenes stories, fond recollections of favorite scenes, and -- as always -- plenty of amazing clips.  In this episode, the good times just cannot be stifled.

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Thanksgiving is almost here -- which, for many, is an occasion to spend some quality time with family from all over: the feisty grandparents, the precocious kids, the weird cousins, the crazy uncle.

Dan and his guest, visual artist and podcaster (“Off the Easel”) CATHERINE MOORE, decided to spend some time with the Bluths, the Munsters, the Evanses, plus many more of their favorite TV FAMILIES.

You are most cordially invited to join them. No need to bring dessert or a bottle of wine.  By the end of the episode, you'll feel completely stuffed -- but in a good way.

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Property Master, film fanatic, and album collector KEVIN LADSON returns to the show -- hanging out with Dan to talk about their favorite SOUNDTRACKS.

From massive epics to indie gems...goofy comedies to international cinema... scored by symphony orchestras, synthesizers, electric guitars, and every sound in between -- these two friends look back on the stone-cold classics they've watched on the big screen and have listened to on their turntables and Spotify.  

There may be a few surprises, of course, plus lots of clips spotlighting legendary film music.   It’s a celebration of sound and vision -- kind of like watching a great movie with your eyes closed.  (Not recommended while driving.)

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For a special Halloween treat, llustrator/cartoonist ("The Batman Strikes", "Rex Morgan, M.D.") TERRY BEATTY returns for a super-sized episode -- talking  MONSTERS with Dan.

These two grown-up "monster kids" enthusiastically discuss the classic Universal creatures portrayed by Karloff, Lugosi, and Chaney Jr., the stop-motion wizardry of Ray Harryhausen, the vivid blood and frank sexuality of the Hammer horror flicks -- plus, some of their favorite contemporary creatures as well.

This episode is “Fun Sized” in the best way – it’s bigger and full of all the best stuff -- amazing trivia, childhood recollections, and oodles of shockingly entertaining clips.   Plus, as a bonus treat for your goodie bag: the return of Let’s Talk Ten’s SPOOKY THEME SONG!

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That WASN'T all, folks!

With too much fans and too many great stories to contain within a single episode, Dan and his guest BOB BERGEN are back to talk about who's left on their Top Ten lists of their all-time favorite VOICE ARTISTS.

Bob's not only been the vocal talent behind Tweety Bird and Porky Pig, he's been friends with many of the legends of the business.  Add to the conversation Dan's passion for the cartoons he used to watch as a little boy, plus a few bits of trivia up his own sleeve, and you won't want to stop this crazy thing.

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