Reliving My Youth

I catch up with the multi-talented Jeff Russo, guitarist in Tonic, as well as an Emmy-winning television composer for Fargo. He has also composed for Legion, The Night Of and Star Trek: Discovery to name a few. We talk about the difficulties of balancing his time with the band and his TV work. Jeff tells me which Star Trek score is his favorite.

I catch up with actor/director Keith Gordon, who famously played Rodney Dangerfield's son, Jason, in Back to School. Keith tells me about working with Dangerfield. Keith had roles in Jaws 2, Christine and The Legend of Billie Jean. Keith has directed some of the biggest TV shows of the past few years (Dexter, Better Call Saul, Homeland). We discuss the differences between directing for motion pictures and television.

I catch up with Tony Lewis of The Outfield who recently released his solo album, “Out of the Darkness”. Tony talks about the process making the album and losing his longtime friend and bandmate John Spinks. We talk about The Outfield’s iconic song, “Your Love”, and its lasting appeal.

I catch up with singer/songwriter Joe “Bean” Esposito, who has had a very memorable career. He wrote Donna Summer’s “Bad Girls” and sang “Heaven Knows” with her as a member of the Brooklyn Dreams. Joe is best know for his cult hit “You’re the Best” from the Karate Kid. He also co-wrote “Hearts on Fire” from Rocky IV.

I catch up with Dave Bickler, former lead singer of Survivor, who just released his solo album, Darklight. Dave talks about putting the album together. Dave fronted Survivor for their biggest hit, “Eye of the Tiger”. He tells me how the song came about and how it catapulted the band into stardom. Dave was part of one of the biggest advertising campaigns in history, Budweiser’s “Real Men of Genius”.

I catch up with Daphne Maxwell Reid, who played Aunt Viv on the later seasons of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. She tells me why she originally turned down the chance to audition for the role. She talks about the time that Donald Trump guest starred. Daphne talks about her experience at Northwestern University and what she is up to now.

I catch up with Chris Duffy, the lead singer of Waterfront. The band had a big hit back in 1989 with “Cry”. Chris fills me in on what he’s been up to and why the band released just their debut album before breaking up. Waterfront reunited a few years ago and released “Ghosts of the Good”.

Jon Lamoreaux from The Hustle podcast joins me as we count down our top five covers of 80’s songs.

I catch up with Vince DiCola, who composed the music for both Rocky IV and Transformers: The Movie. Vince tells me how he landed both iconic movies. He collaborated with Frank Stallone on the Staying Alive soundtrack. Vince has a big show coming up on September 20th at the Whiskey a Go Go in Los Angeles.

I catch up with musician Andy Chase (Ivy), who fills me in on what he’s currently up to. Ivy formed in New York City back in the 90’s. They had their music featured in a lot of television shows, movies and commercials. Andy talks about how important the Farrelly brothers were to Ivy’s success.