Media Path Podcast

We welcome actress/singer Tina Cole for a candid and captivating conversation that traces a remarkable life in show business, filled with achievements, close calls, and shocking Hollywood stories.

Tina shares her deep entertainment roots that run through The King Family and Big Band history. Her mom is King Sister Yvonne and her dad is keyboard icon Buddy Cole. She and her cousins absorbed their craft playing under the piano as their parents rehearsed. She performed with The King Family on all of their TV shows and specials and she is one of the Four King Cousins. 

At just fourteen years old, Tina was asked to screen test opposite Gary Cooper. By age 19, she was co-starring in Hawaiian Eye with Troy Donahue and Robert Conrad!

Tina speaks frankly about the perils of navigating Hollywood as a young woman. She was hit on by studio heads, co-stars, The Beatles, Troy Donahue and her Bill Cosby near-miss is truly unsettling. Her safety secret? She doesn’t drink.  

Does the previous paragraph really mention The Beatles!? Yes, Tina was hand picked by them to attend an exclusive Bel-Air “party.” Population: Hundreds of pretty girls and The Beatles. Tina laughed off advances from John, Ringo and George as a security guard who knew her family stuck by her side. Parades of women went in and out of rooms, often emerging in tears when their encounter did not appear to be leading to love and marriage. Paul had eyes only for his one date. Perhaps it was Linda.

Did you know that Tina had previously guest starred on My Three Sons three times before landing the role of Katie Miller Douglas. The producers auditioned almost every young actress in Hollywood without finding that perfect girl. Desperate, they started looking through previous seasons, found Tina, called her in and as soon as Free MacMurray and his wife signed off on her, she had the role. 

And we learn that when it comes to winning the heart of Tina Cole, Don Grady has more game than The Beatles. Yes, Robbie and Katie were a real-life couple! Although, for various reasons, star-crossed, their forever together remains in their hearts.

Of course we bring you an IMDB Roulette that turns into a thrill ride through classic Hollywood, plus My Three Sons trivia, Tina's spooky ghost story from a house in Sherman Oaks, which has a warm ending, and, as a perfect full-circle moment, she closes by describing the distinct, individual personalities of the legendary King Sisters.

In current media --

Weezy: HBO series, Heated Rivalry

Fritz: Netflix documentary film, Cover-Up

Path Points of Interest:

My Three Lives by Tina Cole

Tina Cole on Wikipedia

Tina Cole on IMDB

Tina Cole on Facebook

Heated Rivalry

Cover-Up - Netflix

We’re joined by Stefanie Powers for a layered conversation that spans Hollywood’s golden-era traditions, cultural change, and a life shaped by both stardom and purpose.

For those in the Los Angeles area, Stefanie, with co-star Patrick Wayne, will be performing 'Love Letters' at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood as a benefit for the William Holden Wildlife Foundation on January 11, 2026!

Stefanie reflects on growing up alongside future screen legends at Hollywood High School, and how her lifelong love of animals began at home, thanks to a stepfather who raised thoroughbreds and kept exotic animals. 

Her first professional job came at age 15 when she was cast in the film West Side Story, where the young cast prepared by listening to recordings of real New York street kids to capture authentic rhythms and speech patterns. However, Stefanie’s tender age required too many work time restrictions as the production’s intensity ramped up and her part was re-cast. 

She describes old school studio system rigors, where actors “sold their lives” for a seven-year contract. Restrictive, yes, but also an entertainment education that taught singing, dancing, acting, and stage presence, alongside publicity essentials.

Still under contract with Columbia, she was loaned out to United Artists to make McLintock! and Stefanie shares memories of working with John, Michael and Patrick Wayne.

The legendary show biz tales are boundless. Did you know that Natalie Wood, Jill St. John and Stephanie were all in the same childhood dance class? All would, one way or another, be married to Robert Wagner. And, true story: During a painful divorce, Stefanie was offered solace at Roddy McDowell’s house by fellow travelers, Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner.

She also recounts the party at Dean Martin’s home where she danced the night away with Bobby Kennedy Sr. as he encouraged her to use her Spanish language skills to become more civically involved with Latino communities here at home.

She also speaks candidly about her complex romantic relationship with William Holden, whose influence on her life is ongoing. In his name, she has created The William Holden Wildlife Foundation in Kenya where local youth learn biodiversity, species conservation and alternatives to habitat destruction for humans and wildlife.

And of course, we talk Hart To Hart where Stefanie starred with Robert Wagner. She was actually on her way to Broadway when a newspaper strike halted her production of Cyrano, and freed her to take a pilot that would change her life!

In current media --

Fritz: (joined by his daughter Carly!) Nuremberg, in theaters and streaming

Weezy: The documentary Twas The Fight Before Christmas on Apple TV+ and Prime

Path Points of Interest:

Love Letters at the El Portal

William Holden Wildlife Foundation

Stefanie Powers

Stefanie Powers on Wikipedia

Stefanie Powers on IMDB

Stefanie Powers on Facebook

Stefanie Powers on Instagram

Nuremberg

Twas The Fight Before Christmas

We welcome Cam Clarke for a fascinating deep dive into one of the most successful musical dynasties in American entertainment: The King Family. Cam takes us behind the scenes with the legendary singing group, and then Cam, a talented voice actor goes is and out of famous roles as we 'interview' some of his most beloved V.O. characters!

Cam is the son of Alyce King, one of the original King Sisters, whose harmonies launched in the early 1930s and eventually grew into a multi-generational act that included children, grandchildren, cousins, and extended family, all uniting in song and populating iconic ABC series and specials throughout the 1960s. 

Cam walks us through the group’s vaudeville roots, and their early days singing on the radio, all beginning on a Christmas morning where Cam’s Mom, Aunts and Uncles each received a musical instrument and instructions from their music teacher Dad. His goal was to build a family band. He created a dynasty.

We explore how The King Family evolved and rebranded across decades: From a Big Band vocal group in the 40’s to jazz harmonies and the 50’s blonde Hollywood glam look, to the TV friendly family ensemble of the 60s and 70s.

Cam shares inside stories about how costumes were passed down from one child to the next and how King Sisters, King Kiddies, and King Cousins all fit into the ever-growing and evolving act.

We also discuss Now They’re All Here, Cam’s large and glorious coffee table book on the King Family, inspired by George Plimpton’s oral biography of Truman Capote, and written in the first person voices of King Family members over the past 100 years. 

And Cam speaks candidly about his own sexual orientation, sharing how he came out to his entire family at a typical family meal, as the conversation and the timing felt right. His truth was completely accepted.

Plus, Jamie Alcroft, who will hold a position of honor on the non profit One Legacy Tournament of Roses Parade float on New Year’s Day, joins us to talk about his important work with the LAFF4LIFE program and his experience as an organ transplant recipient!

In current media --

Weezy: Simon Cowell: The Next Act on Netflix

Fritz: The movie F1, streaming on Apple TV+

Path Points of Interest:

Cam Clarke

Now They're All Here: The King Family by Cam Clarke

Cam Clarke on Wikipedia

Cam Clarke on IMDB

Cam Clarke on Instagram

The King Family on Wikipedia

Donate Life

One Legacy

Simon Cowell: The Next Act

F1 on Apple TV 

We are honored to welcome Kevin Tighe, the actor who brought Roy DeSoto to life on the groundbreaking series Emergency! and whose career has spanned stage, screen, and service.

Kevin takes us back to his beginnings at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he first stepped into the world of acting at just 10 years old. From there, he trained with legendary teachers Stella Adler and Bobby Lewis, absorbing the craft that would later shape his most memorable roles.

He reflects on his early film work, including Yours, Mine and Ours, and shares a warm, behind-the-scenes moment with Lucille Ball. 

Kevin then recounts the unexpected and nerve-wracking audition process that led to Emergency! and how a chance encounter with actor David Janssen calmed his nerves and helped him nail the screen test that changed his life.

Kevin discusses the legacy of Emergency! notable for the realism brought by on-set medical advisors. The show inspired a surge of interest in first responder careers, and it raised awareness of lifesaving pre-hospitalization, EMS opportunities that inspired paramedic programs throughout the country.

Kevin talks candidly about the challenges he faced following Emergency!, including his struggle with fame and his move to Washington State. There, he dedicated himself to community work and played a key role in establishing Hospice of the Northwest.

After decades of appearances on big and small screens with memorable roles in Roadhouse, Newsies, Law And Order SUV, Freaks and Geeks, and the list goes on, you can now see Kevin in the new Paul Thomas Anderson movie, One Battle After Another, and he shares a touching moment between himself and P.T. Anderson which allowed Kevin to create a menacing screen moment that will live in infamy. 

Kevin also looks back on earning his master’s degree at USC and the students he taught who went on to thrive in their field. And IMDB Roulette this week is full of close calls, career achievements and reflections on the early promise of today's biggest stars. All that PLUS, Emergency! Guest Star Roulette!

Also, filmmaker Susie Singer Carter is with us to discuss her movie, No Country For Old People, streaming on Amazon Prime.

In current media-- 

Fritz: The book Injustice by Carol Leonnig and Aaron Davis

Weezy: The documentary Paul Anka: His Way on HBO Max

Path Points of Interest:

Kevin Tighe on Wikipedia

One Battle After Another

Kevin Tighe on IMDB

Hospice of the North West

No Country for Old People

Injustice  by Carol Leonnig and Aaron Davis

Paul Anka: His Way

We welcome actress Erin Murphy, who spent her first eight years of life charming TV watchers as young Tabitha Stephens on Bewitched. Erin takes us behind the scenes at one of television’s most beloved classics, sharing vivid memories from a childhood spent witnessing the creation of Hollywood magic.

Erin and her fraternal twin sister Diane were originally cast together to share the role of Tabitha, following child labor laws which severely limit the number of hours a toddler can spend working. But, as Erin reveals with a laugh, in the 1960s, rules were “suggestions.” Erin was the twin who took to the craft of acting and she was often brought right back to the set while producers pretended to swap her out. Soon, Erin became the show’s singular Tabitha.

Erin recalls the delight of working with fantastical props, whimsical effects, and a cast she adored. A natural performer, she memorized not only her own lines but everyone else’s, and she truly cherishes her time on the set. Erin and Diane were treated with kindness and respect and were even given Donna Reed’s former dressing room where the amenities of home gave them space for play and nap time. Erin’s success on Bewitched soon led to appearances on other iconic shows, including Lassie.

Erin is coming with “two Darrins” insights. She worked with Dick York and Dick Sargent for three years each and she  shares a touching story about reconnecting with the original Darrin, Dick York, years later through the Kevin and Bean morning radio show. She weighs in on whether Bewitched can be read as a metaphor for being different or even being closeted and she opines on why the show still resonates today as a fun, campy, nostalgic, yet surprisingly modern-feeling classic.

Erin also recalls the many rising stars who made early Bewitched appearances and she shares thoughts on why she never truly  connected with Paul Lynde. 

She reflects on a groundbreaking episode, written by high-school students, that confronted racism. The story involves Tabitha and her best friend Lisa who is black. When told by an adult that they  could never be sisters, Tabitha uses witchcraft to turn them both polka dotted. Erin identifies this as Elizabeth Montgomery’s favorite episode.

After her early TV career, Erin enjoyed a normal childhood in Orange County before returning to the entertainment world as a host and reality-show participant in projects like Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Wrestling and RuPaul’s Drag U. 

She went on to raise six children, including a son with autism, and has devoted herself to community service and volunteerism. Erin even launched her own alpaca farm, and turned it into a thriving business selling knit goods! This TV icon is as endearing as she is inspiring and Erin’s Hollywood and beyond journey is a testament to her grace, charm and character.

In current media --

Weezy: One Shot With Ed Sheeran on Netflix

Fritz: The American Revolution from Ken Burns

Path Points of Interest:

Erin Murphy on Facebook

Erin Murphy on Instagram

Erin Murphy on Wikipedia

Erin Murphy on IMDB

One Shot With Ed Sheeran on Netflix

The American Revolution - PBS

We are taking a heartwarming ride back to Walnut Grove with three beloved Little House On The Prairie cast members: Alison Arngrim, Dean Butler, and Karen Grassle, as they reunite to celebrate the show’s enduring magic and to preview a new documentary and a Simi Valley cast reunion event in December, 2025.

We explore why Little House continues to resonate across generations, drawing parallels to Star Trek and its devoted fan culture. Audiences still crave the sense of simplicity, community, and frontier resilience the series embodies.

Karen Grassle shares the story of landing her very first series regular role as Caroline Ingalls after eight lean years as a struggling New York actor. The cast reflects on the unexpected typecasting that followed their time on the prairie, and Alison recalls the heady moment when, at age 12, she recognized the deliciously devious nature of her role, Prairie Bitch, Nellie Oleson.

We delve into the legacy of Michael Landon, his uncanny eye for casting, his individualized directing style, and why guest stars adored working with him, while Karen offers a candid look at her complicated relationship with Michael  and the challenges she faced as a women on that set.

Alison and Dean walk us through the phenomenon of the Little House passport book, that allows Laura fans to mark every museum that celebrates the Ingalls family’s history in their town. And the cast previews what will make the Simi Valley reunion truly special for enthusiasts, including meet-and-greets, photo-ops, breakfast with the cast, a screening of the 'Little House Homecoming' documentary and a tote bag!

We also discuss the real, sometimes harsh conditions the actors faced on set, including rain, snow, fire and Victor French leaping into a freezing creek. And we get into the new Netflix limited series currently in production (though the original cast isn’t officially involved, they share their openness to making appearances). 

And of course we make time for game time. How well does the cast know what takes place in the Books vs. the Series? And we play the IMDB Roulette Sub-Genre,  Were You In it? This is a conversation that celebrates the past, embraces the future and shares the community of Little House.

In current media --

Fritz: The documentary Being Eddie on Netflix

Weezy: Netflix movie, Train Dreams

Path Points of Interest:

LHOP Holiday cast reunion Dec 12 - 14th, 2025

Little House Homecoming Documentary

Dean Butler

Dean Butler on Instagram

Dean Butler on Facebook

Alison Arngrim 

Alison Arngrim on Instagram

Alison Arngrim on Facebook

Karen Grassle

Karen Grassle on Instagram

Laura Ingalls Wilder Tour Passport

Confessions Of A Prairie Bitch by Alison Arngrim

Prairie Man by Dean Butler

Bright Lights, Prairie Dust by Karen Grassle

Being Eddie 

Train Dreams 

We welcome actor John Kapelos, whose unforgettable turns in The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles enshrine him as a John Hughes Universe fixture. From Second City to Shermer High, John weighs in on comedy, character & The Hughes legacy.

John takes us back to his youth in London, Ontario, Canada, and his first big leap into show business as a member of Second City Chicago, from where he toured for over three years and studied under the mentorship of John Candy: John Kapelos shares his thoughts on the recent Candy documentary and the warmth and sensitivity of the icon who showed him the way.

He shares the magic of an electric comedy scene which included Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Dave Thomas and Catherine O'Hara, and how the Chicago and Toronto improv cultures differed. We also get his perspective on the sexism which permeated the comedy scene.

We dive into John’s transition from stage to screen, his admiration for John Hughes’ ability to capture the voices of teenagers, and we get Breakfast Club behind-the-scenes intrigue. How did John manage to enrage Emilio Estevez? And how did he ultimately receive absolution from Martin Sheen on the set of The West Wing? It’s all here.

And in a thrilling round of IMDB Roulette, we learn why Desperate Housewives was a piece of (cup)cake and how John sustained an injury on the set of Seinfeld, attempting to not crack up at Kramer!

In current media--

Weezy: Netflix Limited Series,  Death By Lightning

Fritz: Netflix Movie, A House Of Dynamite

Path Points of Interest:

John Kapelos on Wikipedia

John Kapelos on IMDB

John Kapelos on Instagram

John Kapelos on Facebook

Too Hip for the Room

Death By Lightning

A House Of Dynamite

We’re joined by two authors whose stories illustrate courage, creativity, and the unpredictable tides of adversity and accomplishment, while also uniting us through humanity’s common threads.

Greg Cope White is the Marine whose true story inspired Boots on Netflix. His book is called The Pink Marine and Greg takes us behind the scenes on its screen adaptation with the cast going through actual bootcamp to emerge as actors who could realistically portray Marine recruits.

In serving as a writer and Executive Producer on the show, Greg had the opportunity to flesh out stories beyond those of himself and his best friend, Dale. Greg’s character is called Cam and he joins The Marines before “Don’t Ask. Don’t Tell,” when it was completely illegal to be gay in The Marine Corps. We quickly learn that every recruit is hiding or trying to prove something. Dale became Ray in the series and he is running from an abusive father, attempting to build pride in himself. 

We also meet characters who struggle with their weight or have had brushes with the law or have never fit in. Pressure makes diamonds and Marines. Bonds form and Greg reports that the actors in the show are as tight as any fighting unit.

Michael Gregg Michaud introduces us to Christopher Jones: Wild in the Streets, his new book chronicling the meteoric rise, and mysterious disappearance, of one of Hollywood’s most compelling shooting stars. From 1960s heartthrob to sudden recluse, Chris’s story is one of talent, turmoil, mental illness and cultural transformation.

We hear about Greg's solidarity buzzcut and we learn about the Christopher Jones - Sharon Tate connection, it's an episode brimming with mystery, tragedy and triumph!

And in current media-- 

Weezy: Season 3 of The Diplomat on Netflix 

Fritz: Mr. Scorcese - A documentary series on Apple TV+

Path Points of Interest:

Boots on Netflix

Greg Cope White

The Pink Marine by Greg Cope White on Amazon

The Pink Marine on TikTok

Greg Cope White on X

Greg Cope White on Instagram

Greg Cope White on Facebook

Christopher Jones: Wild in the Streets by Michael Gregg Michaud

Michael Gregg Michaud on Amazon

Christopher Jones on Wikipedia

Michael Gregg Michaud on Facebook

Michael Gregg Michaud on Instagram

The Diplomat on Netflix

Mr. Scorcese on Apple TV+

We’re pulling back The Tonight Show curtain, not only to reveal Johnny Carson, but to explore the lore and the legend that were Johnny’s Tonight Show reign.

Joining us are Love Johnny Carson author and The Carson Podcast host, Mark Malkoff, along with Carson Tonight Show guest and Leno Tonight Show writer, Jimmy Brogan.

Mark’s new Carson book offers a decade-by-decade deep look at the King of Late Night. Through his multitude of podcast interviews with Carson insiders, Mark peels away the stony myth to reveal that the real Johnny was more like the brilliantly charming, funny man you saw on TV and less like the icy, ramrod figure,  of legend, stealing himself from social intimacy. In actual fact, in order to get from points A to B, Johnny had to hold his gaze on the horizon and keep moving or he would attract a crowd. 

Mark and Jimmy share what made Johnny so important to them and to comedy itself. Jimmy recalls turning down his initial invitation to guest on the show because although his crowd work was extraordinary, you can’t do that with a studio audience and he knew he wasn’t ready.

Fritz, a standup comedian who became an NBC weatherman worked upstairs from The Tonight Show. He was groomed by talent coordinator Jim McCawley to appear on Carson and then easily fill in when a guest fell out.

Mark’s deep research reveals a Johnny few have seen: the private man behind the poise. We learn about his secret yearning to be a singer. (he took three weeks of lessons to duet with Julio Iglesias as Willie Nelson ), his need for strong boundaries with fans, and his quiet interest in humanism and social justice. 

Mark also debunks myths about famous feuds with Wayne Newton and Joan Rivers, while Jimmy shares his own Joan Rivers talk show audition story and memories of the bumpy Carson into Leno transition.

From Kermit the Frog guest-hosting The Tonight Show to Johnny’s competitive streak, sensitivity and complex charm, this episode dives into the brilliance, insecurity, and humanity of a television legend. 

Plus, Mark tells us about his own outrageous social experiments, including overcoming his fear of flying by living on an airplane for 30 days, visiting every Starbucks in Manhattan in one day and collecting keys to cities from Mayors across America!

In current media --

Weezy:  Netflix Documentary, The Perfect Neighbor

Fritz: Apple TV+ documentary, Stiller and Meara: Nothing Is Lost

Path Points of Interest

Love Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan's Journey To Find The Genius Behind The Legend by Mark Malkoff

Mark Malkoff

Mark Malkoff on Wikipedia

The Carson Podcast

Mark Malkoff on Instagram

Jimmy Brogan

Jimmy Brogan on Wikipedia

Jimmy Brogan on Instagram

Jimmy Brogan on Mark's Podcast

The Perfect Neighbor

Stiller and Meara: Nothing Is Lost

We welcome Rhonda Shear, an intrepid entrepreneurial trailblazing woman in the fields of comedy, 90s late night TV, and online intimate apparel sales.  Rhonda has so much to tell us!

Her iconic USA weekend movie show, Up All Night is coming to Youtube! Her cheeky, late-night, movie marathon antics pulled in big ad dollars and turned B-movies into must-see-TV. 

But, before finding her voice, Rhonda’s early days in Hollywood were fun but bumpy as she fought to prove that a gorgeous and sexy woman could also be smart and funny. Rhonda’s bold approach was to tear down doors, almost literally. She and her improv partner crashed soundstages to break into their act on the sets of Steve Allen, Merv Griffin and The Smothers Brothers!

Rhonda’s adventurous path ultimately brought her back to her junior high school sweetheart, Van Fagan who is now her husband and business partner. Together, they have forged an empire that includes lingerie, loungewear and the celebrated “Ahh Bra. “

And like any lingerie mogul who began her career in comedy, Rhonda is thrilled to be returning to her roots with an Up All Night reboot. It’s a collaboration with the Kings of Horror Youtube Channel, combining her production know-how and facilities with their massive 14,000-title B-movie library. The first installment drops on October 25th.

Rhonda reflects on a life lived boldly, the lessons she’s learned, and why she proudly calls herself an “accidental feminist.” 

Plus, IMDB Roulette takes us through Rhonda's bombshell guest spots and a we play a round of Do You Know More Than Google? People Also Ask What? About Rhonda Shear and does she have the answers?

In current media recommendations --

Weezy: The series Boots on Netflix, based on The Pink Marine by Greg Cope White

Fritz: The John Candy Documentary on Prime, I Like Me

Path Points of Interest:

Rhonda Shear

Rhonda Shear - Wikipedia

Rhonda Shear - Instagram

Rhonda Shear - Facebook

Rhonda Shear - Youtube

Kings of Horror - YouTube

Up All Night: From Hollywood Bombshell To Lingerie Mogul, Life Lessons From An Accidental Feminist by Rhonda Shear

John Candy: I Like Me - Documentary on Prime

Boots - Netflix

The Pink Marine by Greg Cope White