Media Path Podcast

Our guests exemplify the power of passion, mastery and skill blending in creating a lasting legacy. We begin with the co-authors of The Creative Leader: What Every Leader Should Know About The Art & Science of Creative Intelligence. Bob Boden and Dr. Robert Carpenter share how we can all better merge and apply our left and right brain thinking. We then welcome a 70s sensation who walks into the studio with the show-and-tell masterpiece that is his authentic Nudie Suit, Bo Donaldson! 

For their book, The Creative Leader, Bob Boden and Dr. Rob Carpenter interviewed top entertainment industry figures who impart critical insight on how to seamlessly and effectively combine imagination with management, while motivating a team to reach its fullest potential.

Bob and Dr. Rob share the wisdom of producers, Jonathan Murray, Stephanie Drachkovitch, Lloyd Schwartz and more, learning that whatever your field, curiosity, innovation, and optimism are keys to success.

Cincinnati’s own Bo Donaldson began his music career, mastering the trumpet in fourth grade. He formed The Heywoods at 14, and they were opening for The Rascals, Paul Revere & The Raiders and The Osmonds by the time he was in college.

Bo's career was managed by his business-savvy mom, who ran her own record label and was the driving force behind the band's biggest hit Billy-Don't Be a Hero. Bo tells us how that chart-topping single carved a path to stardom for his band and he shares his '70s teen idol memories, including lessons learned from Mark Lindsey, Donny Osmond and Dick Clark.

Brace yourself for shady music industry lore as Bo recalls how the VP of his record label threatened his Mom and him with a mob hit, inspiring Bo to heed the lyrics of his own song and keep his head low. 

Bo shares news about The Heywood’s latest recordings and explains how he shapes his band’s sound. We also learn how to set sea with The Heywoods and a boat full of your favorite artists on a 70s Rock and Romance Cruise! Plus, how well does Bo remember what he confessed to the Teen Magazines!? We play a round of Fan Mag Grab Bag!

In recommendations--

Fritz: Netflix Series, Department Q

Weezy, Apple TV+ Series, The Buccaneers

Path Points of Interest:

The Creative Leader by Bob Boden and Dr. Robert Carpenter

Bob Boden

Bob Boden on IG

Dr. Rob Carpenter Amazon Author Page

Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods

Bo Donaldson on Wikipedia

Bo Donaldson on Instagram

Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods Fan Site

Bo Donaldson on Facebook

Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods Facebook Group

Rock and Romance cruise 2026

Magic by Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods

Bubble Gum Mania at Riviera Theatre

Department Q on Netflix

The Buccaneers on Apple TV+

Can your keyboard produce enough hyphens to define Hal Sparks? He is a Comedian-Actor-Musician-Magician-Podcaster-Political Commentator-TV and Radio Personality-Host-Podcast Guest, and beyond. We are hoping his mother keeps a scrapbook.

Hal has brought us such memorable characters as “Zoltan” in Dude, Where’s My Car, “Elevator Passenger” in Spiderman 2, Michael in Queer as Folk and he proved too much of an improv master for Talk Soup to contain, which freed him up to host his own podcast empire, to tour with his band, Nerd Halen and with the Sexy Liberals Comedy Show and to guest with us on Media Path Podcast.

Hal began sharing his wickedly sharp political observations on video platforms during the  pandemic’s early days. He had just left China and lost dozens of friends to Covid. He fully understood the impending danger and devastation. So he hunkered and bunkered and began fact-checking Trump live on Youtube and Twitch. An outlet that released tension for himself and for his politically informed and engaged audience. He calls them “Sparklers!”

Hal’s show, Megaworldwide streams daily on his website infotainmentwars.com. Here, he reacts in real time to breaking news and the current political landscape. Hal's strong belief in the power of the electorate to enact real change inspires his work and he endeavors to be a part of the conversation shaping the narrative of the Democratic party.

We ask Hal to tackle today's top headlines, the targeted attacks on Iran's nuclear missile sites ordered by Trump and the schism it's causing within the MAGA movement, as exemplified by prominent figures who find themselves at odds on the issue, like Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson.

We also discuss how traumatic childhoods and a lack of empathy underpin the mindset of the current administration. We follow the money that funds right wing influencers. We explore Elon Musk's technocratic family legacy. And we are front and center for the latest from Hal’s comedy cover band, Nerd Halen. Then, we take a tour through Hal's scene-stealing film and TV moments with a round of IMDB Roulette which includes Chopper Chicks in Zombie Town, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and, of course, Dude, Where’s My Car!

In recommendations-- 

Fritz: History Channel series, Kevin Costner's The West

Weezy: HBO Max documentary, Surviving Ohio State

Path Points of Interest:

Hal Sparks

InfotainmentWars

Hal Sparks on Instagram

Hal Sparks on Facebook

Hal Sparks on Bluesky

Hal Sparks on Youtube

Hal Sparks on Wiki

Nerd Halen

The West - History Channel

Surviving Ohio State

You may know Kathy Garver from Family Affair but her career before and since “Cissy” is expansive! She is still extraordinarily prolific with a calendar full of film dates, audio book recordings, and event appearances!

Kathy began’ singing and dancing at age three and had already racked up 12 screen credits when she was cast as an extra in The Ten Commandments. From high atop his director crane, Cecile B. DeMille spotted her carrying a lamb and jumped down to write her a larger role as “Rachel the Slave Girl,” a part that brought her face to face with Charlton Heston as he parted The Red Sea!  

At age 20, she was whisked from her UCLA sorority house to a sitcom set when she landed the role of big-sister “Cissy Davis” in one of CBS’s first color shows, Family Affair!

Kathy tells us how her mother employed Streaks N' Tips to match her dark locks to those of her TV siblings. The resulting greenish hue did not detract Ed Hartmann  from casting the perfect sibling for Buffy and Jody.

Kathy shares her thoughts on why her younger co-stars struggled to adjust into their adult lives. She credits her smooth transition to her supportive family and spending her high school years in San Bernardino, away from the judgement of Hollywood.

In IMDB Roulette, Kathy talks about sharing credits with Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Kurt Russell, Chuck Connors, Patty Duke, Julie Andrews and Andy Griffith.

Kathy has amassed an impressive body of voice work, which includes playing Firestar in Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. She has also mastered the craft of audio-book narration with her most recent work being, Elvis, Rocky & Me: The Carol Connors Story, coming in July.

We hear about Kathy’s, many books, her slew of upcoming projects and appearances, her unrelenting optimism and her belief in the 'divine threads' of people and events which are creating the fabric of her life.

In recommendations--

Weezy: HBO Max Documentary, Pee Wee As Himself

Fritz:  Netflix Series, American Manhunt - Osama Bin Laden

Path Points of Interest:

Kathy Garver

Kathy Garver - Wiki

Kathy Garver - IMDB

Kathy Garver - Instagram

Kathy Garver on Facebook

Kathy Garver Facebook Fan Page

Kathy Garver's Photos and Books

Kathy's Jun/July 2025 Newsletter

Whittier Comic Con on June 22

Elvis, Rocky & Me: The Carol Connors Story Audiobook

Gus

Pee Wee As Himself

American Manhunt - Osama Bin Laden

You may know him best as the voice of Salem The Cat or Norbert from Sabrina The Teenage Witch and Angry Beavers but Nick Bakay is also the Writer/Producer who brought you Mom, King Of Queens, Paul Blart Mall Cop and Bookie.  What does it take to sustain a multi-decade entertainment industry career? Versatility. 

Nick takes us deep into Sabrina lore with tales of the old-school imagineering of Salem Saberhagen, brought to us via several cats, puppeteers, animatronics, trainers and cat treats. 

A Buffalo, NY native, Nick’s facility at performing, writing, and producing allowed him to create opportunities for himself that were both entertaining and rewarding. He’s heard from a generation of young women who felt empowered by Sabrina to take on adult life, even without the benefit of witchcraft. 

Along with his pal Keven James, Nick went from writing on King Of Queens to creating Paul Blart: Mall Cops One and Two, and Zookeeper. And it was his writing chops that forged a connection with Chuck Lorre, providing Nick with an opportunity to write for Two And A Half Men and go on to helm nine seasons of Mom, HBO’s Bookie and an upcoming Netflix sitcom, Leanne. 

Nick is also a household name to sports fan who see his work on ESPN. He was recently inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall Of Fame and, a Quick Buffalo Indulgence Warning: Nick and Weezy do get a little carried away waxing sentimental about their shared Buffalo roots. 

Fritz is using one of his sick days and his seat is kept warm by Weezy’s radio buddies, Tom Murphy and Scott Paton. (They did occupy separate chairs, but you get the idea.)

 In recommendations--

Weezy: Sirens on Netflix

Nick Bakay: Mr. Inbetween on FX and Hulu

Path Points of Interest:

Sirens

Mr. Inbetween

Nick Bakay - Wiki

Nick Bakay - IMDB

Sabrina The Teenage Witch

The Angry Beavers

Bookie

Mom

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 1

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2

Salem Saberhagen

World Famous Tom Murphy

He has entertained tens of millions of people over the course of four decades with iconic film and TV appearances, yet he remains humble and modest - He is Mystic Pizza, Falcon Crest and Perry Mason (to name a few!) actor, William R. Moses!

His Mom, Marian McCargo and big brothers, Rick and Harry Moses were in the business and, although his step-dad, Congressman, Alphonso E. Bell did not entirely approve, Billy, a high school and college athlete found himself pulled towards acting. A typical Take-Your-Kid-To-Work day found young Billy on the set with Leonard Nimoy, Fess Parker and John Wayne! Or on Capitol Hill with Ted Kennedy, Gerry Ford and Bob Dole. Ample inspiration to dream big! 

Billy’s resume includes the iconic prime time soaps Falcon Crest and Melrose Place, the role of Marc Christian, Rock Hudson's boyfriend, in a groundbreaking film about the legendary Hollywood and LGBTQ history figure, and he has the distinct honor of sharing his feature film debut, in the movie Choices, with fellow newby, Demi Moore!

As attorney and P.I. Ken Malansky in NBC's Perry Mason TV film series, Billy worked closely with Raymond Burr and, as it turns out, our own Fritz Coleman who guest starred on an episode entitled, The Case of the Telltale Talk Show Host.

From a Mystery Cruise Ship with the Olsen twins to Perry Mason’s Colorado courtroom, to the magical setting of Mystic, Connecticut, to his first Negroni on The Love Boat set with Eddie Albert to valiantly attempting to keep Viola Davis from Getting Away With Murder, Billy’s stories provide a front row seat to the show biz of the glorious final few decades of the 20th century and journeying on into the aughts and beyond.

In recommendations--

Weezy:  The Lost Passenger by Frances Quinn

Fritz: Mobland on Paramount+

Path Points of Interest:

William R. Moses on Wiki

William R. Moses on IMDB

Perry Mason TV Movies

Mystic Pizza

Mystic Pizza Restaurant

Mobland - Paramount+

The Lost Passenger by Frances Quinn

The Case of the Telltale Talkshow Host

Media Path Podcast

It's a return trip down the Media Path for Vicki and John and this time Bob is along for fun, games and Cowsill family lore! 

We welcome back Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill, who recently joined us to talk about their collaboration on a new album of songs written by John's late brothers, Billy and Barry Cowsill, 'Long After the Fire', plus fellow founding Cowsills member, Bob Cowsill joins the conversation.

We start at the dawn of Vicki’s Cowsills journey, as a fan who became a friend who became a spouse. A seven-year-old, Vicki’s big sister Debbi said, “You know, there’s a girl your age in this band.” Vicki was instantly sold and she spent her allowance savings on the We Can Fly album. 

In 1977, when Vicki learned that a friend of a friend knew Bob’s Cowsill, Vicki gave him a call to talk vocal harmonies. Vicki and Debbi were still bubbling under as The Bangs and they went to see The Cowsills perform at a local club. Just a few years later, Bob found himself invited to The Bangles Platinum party and John recounts his meet-cute with Vicki, right before his marriage to someone else!

We test the Cowsill/Peterson crew on self-knowledge with a game we like to call 'Are You Better Informed Than Google?', Vicki and John share what took them two married decades to work together and Bob gives his perspective on John and Vicki's new album of Billy and Barry Cowsill covers.

Bob and John share how their generational split affected their musical influences and experiences within the band and we hear about the earliest days of the Cowsills, their father Bud's early clash with brother Richard, performing at Brown frat parties as young kids and their first demo song recordings. And the games continue as everyone takes on some Cowsills Trivia Roulette from Becky Presley's 
 Cowsills site!

In recommendations--

Fritz: Book, Miss May Does Not Exist by Carrie Courogen

Weezy: Hulu Series, Devil in the Family

Path Points of Interest:

The Cowsills

Becky Presley’s Cowsills Page

Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill

Vicki and John on Instagram

Vicki and John on Facebook

John Cowsill

John Cowsill on Facebook

John Cowsill on Instagram

John Cowsill on Wiki

Vicki Peterson on Wiki

The Bangles

Vicki Peterson on Facebook

Becky Presley Trivia

Miss May Does Not Exist: The Live And Work Of Elaine May, Hollywood's Hidden Genius by Carrie Courogen

Devil in the Family

The whole world knows Rick Springfield, the performer, songwriter, idol, rock star, actor, hitmaker....but the real Rick is an introspective deep thinker who has overcome wrenching personal and professional obstacles while remaining true to his purpose and authentic self. Rick joins us this week to talk about a remarkable career trajectory, a new album, a coffee table book and an upcoming national tour!

Rick realized at an early age that he was destined to make art, setting off on a unique journey which began in the suburbs of Sydney, then took him to England during the early days of the legendary British rock scene, back to Australia where he launched his music career and then deep into Vietnam to perform for the troops during the height of the Southeast Asia conflict in the late '60s.

Rick shares astonishing recollections of playing live in an active war zone, ducking for cover in the middle of a set, flying in an Apache helicopter and his nearly fatal encounter with a grenade. 

Rick was able to secure a record deal that brought him to America, but while his first single, Speak To The Sky, landed with a flash, he quickly fell into a personal and career rut that lasted 8 years.  

Rick spent the disco era sticking true to his hook heavy power pop sound and eventually came up swinging with the instant classic Jessie’s Girl, followed by 16 more top forty hits! Simultaneously, Rick’s side hustle landed him on the soap that was addicting millions, General Hospital. Rick played Noah Drake who he describes as a better kisser than doctor.

Rick’s autobiography, Late, Late at Night is raw and honest about his struggles with bouts of deep depression. Therapy and medication have helped him and he’s gratified that sharing his truth has been a beacon to others but he feels that music is the greatest comfort. That and possibly rum (use responsibly) Rick and Sammy Hagar have launched the Beach Bar Rum company.

All of the above, plus a round of IMDB Roulette which takes Rick from Wonder Woman to Meryl Streep. (Often mistaken for the same person.)

In recommendations--

Weezy: The Four Seasons, Netflix Series

Fritz: Documentary, Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History

Path Points of Interest:

Rick Springfield

Rick Springfield on Wiki

Rick Springfield on IMDB

Rick Springfield on Apple Music

Rick Springfield on YouTube Music

Rick Springfield Shop

2025 Tour Dates

Rick Springfield on Instagram

Rick Springfield on Facebook

Rick Springfield on X

Rick Springfield on TikTok

Lose Myself Video

The Four Seasons on Netflix 

The Four Seasons film on Netflix

Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History 

Media Path Website

Author, performer, podcaster, interviewer and host Nelson Aspen has covered a lot of ground in his highly prolific career, but he continues to return to one spot in particular, figuratively speaking: 41°43'32" N, 49°56'49" W...better known as the location of the most well known and intensely chronicled sea-faring vessel in history: White Star Line's RMS Titanic.

For Nelson, his interest in the famed ship seems fated - He's felt a lifelong affinity with Titanic passenger, Milton Long! And Nelson shares Milton’s story in a new historical fantasy/semi-autobiographical/reincarnation novel, Kindred Spirits: A Titanic Tale. 

We know that Milton met fellow passenger, Jack Thayer aboard Titanic. They were together as the ship went down. One lived. One perished. Is it a gay Titanic love story? 

Historical records point to the reality that a budding affection between the two men was developing at sea. As the ship met her fate, only women and children were permitted in lifeboats which were being sent into the water half full. Their only hope was to jump. Jack launched himself into the water and balanced on an overturned collapsable lifeboat for hours before his rescue. Milton slid down the now nearly vertical banister and was sucked beneath the ship where he died.

Titanic and Milton remained with Jack for long after the tragic events of April 14, 1912. Nelson's book builds on a metaphysical premise that allows readers to examine a unique juxtaposition between the constraints of Edwardian morals and the life-affirming spirit of the contemporary LGBTQ community. 

We discuss the documentary 'Ship of Dreams: Titanic Movie Diaries' which Nelson worked on with Alexandra Boyd, his co-host on the Titanic Talk podcast, which captures the extent of the impact the 1997 movie made on all who were involved with the production.

Nelson shares his thoughts on why modern audiences continue to gravitate to the liner's ill-fated maiden voyage, his thoughts on collecting Titanic artifacts, why no single person or entity can shoulder the blame for the tragic event, plus where he's heading on his upcoming appearances and the latest installment in his semi-autobiographical series, Dancing Between The Raindrops!

In recommendations--

Fritz: Netflix Series, The Residence

Weezy: The Dark Money Game on HBO

Path Points of Interest:

Nelson Aspen

Kindred Spirits: A Titanic Tale

Nelson Aspen Amazon Page

Ship of Dreams

Titanic Talk Podcast

Nelson Aspen on YouTube

Nelson Aspen on Instagram

Nelson Aspen on X

Nelson Aspen on TikTok

The Residence-Netflix

The Dark Money Game

Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right by Jane Meyer

When family stories become show biz stories, the world listens. Fitting that very bill we’ve got actor Keith Coogan, the grandson of the original child star, Jackie Coogan, whose namesake law in the state of California, is the first to safeguard the rights of young performers in Hollywood. Keith talks about growing up with this legend plus his own iconic roles as a prolific film and TV child actor!

Keith's career proves that show business blood runs thick: He told his mother he wanted to act before he even knew of his family legacy. His great grandfather, Jack Coogan Sr. was a Vaudeville and silent film star. His grandfather, Jackie Coogan was known, in the 1920s as, “the most famous boy in the world!” Keith began booking roles by the age of eight and quickly became a go-to casting choice, for TV guest spots and commercials starring Henry Fonda and Robert Morse.

Keith’s show biz success made his grandfather proud but a little jealous and relieved when Keith developed into a working actor rather than America’s darling.

Keith tells us about the legendary events, which led to The Coogan Act - After Jackie’s father died in a car crash, the young superstar’s hard earned fortune was squandered by his stepfather.

Passed in 1939, The Coogan Law requires that a portion of a child's earnings be placed in a blocked trust account until the child turns 18.

Keith recalls with great fondness his experiences working with stellar casts and crews on the “Babysitter” cult greats, 'Adventures in Babysitting', and Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead. Plus Toy Soldiers, The Waltons and The Fox and The Hound.

We play IMDB Roulette and get into Laverne and Shirley, Mork and Mindy, and Little House!

In recommendations-- 

Weezy: Netflix series, North of North

Fritz: Book, How Democracies Die by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky

Path Points of Interest:

Keith Coogan 

Keith Coogan on Wikipedia

Keith Coogan on IMDB

Keith Coogan on Instagram

Keith Coogan on X

Keith Coogan on YouTube

Keith Coogan on Facebook

Keith Coogan Merch

North of North

How Democracies Die by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky

Media Path Podcast

We have entered an exciting new TV drama era in which creators are immersing viewers in the gritty, heart wrenching details of real life trauma. We are celebrating this provocative and inspiring new chapter by focusing on two of the most buzz-worthy shows in the stream-os-phere, The Pitt on Max and Adolescence on Netflix - Prepare for a fresh frame of reference on the emerging television landscape!

The Netflix show Adolescence is sparking tons of discussion, and we are entering   the dialogue via our producer Dina Friedman who watched the limited series with her 13-year-old son, Ryder. As a portrayal of a young man who's accused of murdering a classmate, presented without cuts, Adolescence is a bold, ambitious and unflinching production in both form and content.

As a serving middle-schooler, Ryder offers unique insights into social media, bullying and the relationships between middle schoolers, technology and their parents. Ryder shares his opinion on the online “’manosphere” and incel' culture which Adolescence explores and he talks about the forces currently shaping his peers' friendship and romantic interactions, while Dina provides the parental perspective.

Lesley Boone is also with us to discuss her role as night shift charge nurse Lena on the Max medical show beloved by audiences, critics and medical insiders, The Pitt. Another unique production, The Pitt, which has been lauded as perhaps the most realistic hospital drama to date, is shot in sequence, with star actors, serving as background extras when a scene requires that perspective shift.

Lesley shares behind-the-scenes insights and her views on what makes the show stand out within the medical procedural genre. She tells us how medical professionals and veterans work both on and offscreen, ensuring authenticity. For example: That nurse you see in the background operating a heart monitor or swapping out a fluid bag is an actual nurse!

Lesley talks about the impressive professionalism of Noah Wyle, the medical training received by the cast and she shares the trade secret that allowed an actor with a fork stuck up her prosthetic nose  break for lunch!

In recommendations --

Weezy:  Netflix documentary Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing

Fritz: The book FIGHT by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes

Path Points of Interest:

Lesley Boone on Wiki

Lesley Boone on IMDB

Lesley Boone on Instagram

The Pitt on Max

Adolescence on Netflix

FIGHT by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes

Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing