The ALL NEW Big Wakeup Call with Ryan Gatenby

Send us Fan Mail

From October 16, 2020:  Action-packed and full of laughs, LIGHTS, CAMERA, DANGER! (ALIEN SUPERSTAR #2)  is the second book in the New York Times bestselling, highly illustrated middle grade series from beloved writing team Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver. After escaping his oppressive red dwarf planet and landing a role on a popular Hollywood sitcom, Buddy Burger seems destined for high-flying success. His legions of fans love his six eyes, his suction cup feet, and even his excessive need for avocados. It seems nothing can stop his rise to super-stardom-until the arrival of Citizen Cruel, a shape-shifting Squadron member sent from Buddy's home planet to bring him back by any means necessary. Will Buddy conquer this clever and unpredictable enemy? How long can he continue to keep his alien identity secret from his friends and fans? Is there enough guacamole on Earth to sustain him? And chips to go with it? 

ABOUT HENRY WINKLER
Henry Winkler is an Emmy Award-winning actor, writer, director, and producer who has created some of the most iconic TV roles, including Arthur "the Fonz" Fonzarelli on Happy Days and Gene Cousineau on Barry.

Send us Fan Mail

From February 18, 2020: Huey Lewis called in to discuss the latest album from Huey Lewis & The News, Weather.  Featuring the group's first new, original songs since 2001's Plan B LP - plus one cover of the classic Eugene Church soul burner "Pretty Girls Everywhere" - Weather was produced in-house by Huey and the guys, just like every record they've made since the early 1980s.

Send us Fan Mail

From July 20, 2020: Linda Hamilton of Terminator  fame called in to promote her new film, Easy Does It.

Send us Fan Mail

From August 15, 2017: Legendary actor Bruce Campbell dialed into the show to talk about his new film, Black Friday:  On Thanksgiving night, a group of disgruntled toy store employees begrudgingly arrive for work to open the store at midnight for the busiest shopping day of the year. Meanwhile, an alien parasite crashes to Earth in a meteor. This group of misfits led by store manager Jonathan (Bruce Campbell) and longtime employee Ken (Devon Sawa) soon find themselves battling against hordes of holiday shoppers who have been turned into monstrous creatures hellbent on a murderous rampage on Black Friday.

Send us Fan Mail

Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer John Desmore, legendary drummer for The Doors, joined me for a discussion about his book THE SEEKERS: Meetings With Remarkable Musicians (and Other Artists): 

John Densmore, drummer of The Doors and bestselling author, reveals his personal creative journey and spiritual path alongside some of the iconic people he has known.

Whether it's the curiosity that blossoms after we listen to our favorite band's newest record, or the sheer admiration we feel after watching a knockout performance or reading a masterpiece, many of us have experienced art so pure - so innovative - that we can't help but wonder afterwards: "How did they do that?" And yet, few of us are in a position to be able to ask those memorable legends where their inspiration comes from and how they translated it into something fresh and new. Fortunately, THE SEEKERS: Meetings With Remarkable Musicians (and Other Artists) is here to offer us a bridge.

John Densmore digs deep into his own process and draws upon his access to fellow artists, performers, and writers - including Patti Smith, Lou Reed, Bob Marley, and Robert Bly - in order to explore the origins of creativity itself. Inspired by the classic spiritual memoir, Meetings with Remarkable Men by G.I. Gurdjieff and weaving together anecdotes from the author's personal notebooks and experiences over the past 50 years - from the impact of his artistic mother, to his first impression of Jim Morrison, to meeting the Dalai Lama and Ram Dass - this book takes readers on a rich, thought-provoking, spiritual journey into the soul of the artist.

"On the back cover of my first book, Riders on the Storm, Oliver Stone called me a "survivor and a seeker." I am still on that road. In fact, we all are, whether it's a freeway or a dirt trail, our experience is the same; we have embarked on a journey of spirit in our human bodies as we proceed down our path on Planet Earth. And music is a candle, lighting the way along the road toward the art of living." -John Densmore

Ultimately, the result is not only a look into the hearts and minds of some of the most important artists and iconic people of the past century, but a way for readers to identify and ignite their own creative spark and light their own fire. By understanding creativity's roots, Densmoreultimately introduces us to the realm of everyday inspirations that imbue our lives with meaning.

THE SEEKERS is available in hardcover, e-book, and audio formats. The book's cover art is by famed artist Shepard Fairey. "All creative people have inspirations that become part of their DNA," says Fairey. "John Densmore not only acknowledges his inspirations, but beautifully, powerfully, and lovingly celebrates mentors, heroes, and peers who have impacted his life's journey and become part of his DNA. For the cover, I envisioned a tapestry with multiple epic figures whose threads are intertwined with John Densmore himself, the central beating heart and storyteller."

Send us Fan Mail

From March 29, 2017: Comedian and actor Robert Klein called in to discuss his 40-year career in comedy and a new documentary, Robert Klein Still Can't Stop His Leg:

ROBERT KLEIN STILL CAN'T STOP HIS LEG blends vérité and archival footage with fresh interviews to look at Robert Klein in the 21st century – still performing, still creating new material, now an icon but forever an influence on a generation of comedians that runs from Jay Leno to Jerry Seinfeld to Jon Stewart and beyond. The film offers an affectionate profile of a comedy giant, capturing the humanity that brought his humor to life and made his comedy a touchstone for a generation

ROBERT KLEIN BIO

For more than forty years, Robert Klein has entertained audiences, and he continues to have an acclaimed career in comedy, on Broadway, on television, and in film.

2014 and 2015 have been busy years for Klein. He's appeared on "Madame Secretary" starring Tea Leoni on CBS, "Sharknado 2: The Second One" and "Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!" starring Ian Ziering, on SyFy. Most recently, he guest stars as Laura Diamond's grouchy but loveable father, Leo, on NBC's "The Mysteries of Laura" starring Debra Messing. He is also the subject of a new documentary, "Robert Klein: Still Can't Stop His Leg," for the Weinstein Company, which is scheduled for late 2017.

Born in the Bronx, he was a member of the famed “Second City” theatrical troupe in Chicago.

He was nominated twice for Grammy Awards for “Best Comedy Album of the Year” for his albums “Child of the Fifties” and “Mind Over Matter.”

He received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor, and won a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for his performance in the hit Neil Simon musical, “They’re Playing Our Song.” In 1993, Klein won an Obie and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in Wendy Wasserstein’s, “The Sisters Rosensweig.”

In 1975, Klein was the first comedian to appear in a live concert on Home Box Office. He has gone on to do nine one-man shows for HBO and received his first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Music and Lyrics in 2001 for Robert Klein: “Child in His 50’s.” Klein released “RobertKlein: The HBO Specials 1975-2005,” a collector’s DVD box set to critical acclaim.

His most recent special for HBO, “Robert Klein: Unfair and Unbalanced” aired on June 12th, 2010 and is also available as a DVD. This special earned him a second Emmy nomination in 2011 for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.

Among dozens of starring and guest-starring roles on television, he co-starred in the hit NBC series, “Sisters,” has a recurring guest-starring role on “Law and Order” and has guest starred on “The Good Wife” and “Royal Pains.” He regularly appeared on talk shows, making more than 100 appearances on “The Tonight Show” and “Late Show with David Letterman.” Currently, he can be seen on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” where he is a show favorite.

Klein has also appeared in many notable films including, “Hooper,” “The Owl and the Pussycat,” “Primary Colors,” “People I Know,” “Two Weeks Notice,” and “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” and “The Back-Up Plan” with Jennifer Lopez.

“The Amorous Busboy of Decatur Avenue,” his first book for Simon & Schuster, is an affectionate coming-of-age memoir about growing up in the ‘50s and ‘60s before embarking on a show business career. In it he recounts his journey from an apartment in the Bronx, developing his talent in Chicago and the beginning of his show business stardom. The book is pure Robert Klein: witty, honest, self-questioning and always contagiously funny. Publishers Weekly wrote: "...he unfurls an array of captivating anecdotes, writing with wry wit and honesty."

Robert, a lifelong New Yorker, makes his home in Westchester and New York City.

Send us Fan Mail

From December 6, 2021: Multiple Emmy® and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Sharon Gless called in to promote her memoir, Apparently There Were Complaints. Spanning her childhood and five decades as an actress in Hollywood, from her work on "Cagney & Lacey," "Queer as Folk," "Burn Notice," and countless other shows, movies, and international stage productions, Gless holds nothing back in this deeply personal book that spills all in her laugh-out-loud, juicy and touching life story. 

"Apparently There Were Complaints" delves into Gless's remarkable career and explores her complicated family, struggles with alcoholism, and her fear of romantic commitment as well as her encounters with some of Hollywood's biggest names. Brutally honest and incredibly relatable, Gless puts it all out on the page in the same way she has lived-never with moderation. 

"I never intended to write a book, but on a sunny California afternoon after chatting with a CBS executive about some of my life stories, I walked out with a book deal," says Gless. "That's what happened. I went in for a TV show and came out having to write 320 pages of my own lines. I hope I don't regret this."

A fifth-generation Californian, Gless knew from a young age that she wanted to be an actress. After some rocky teenage years that included her parents' divorce and some minor (and not-so-minor) rebellion, Gless landed a coveted spot as an exclusive contract player for Universal Studios. In 1982, she stepped into the role of New York Police Detective Christine Cagney for the series "Cagney & Lacey," which reached an audience of 30 million weekly viewers and garnered Gless two Emmy Awards. The show made history as the first hour-long drama to feature two women in the leading roles.

Gless continued to make history long after "Cagney & Lacey" was over. In 2000, she took on the role of outrageous Debbie Novotny in "Queer as Folk." Her portrayal of a devoted mother to a gay son and confidant to his gay friends touched countless hearts and changed the definition of family for millions of viewers.

ABOUT SHARON GLESS

Sharon Gless was born into a prominent Hollywood family and always knew she wanted to be an actress. She was an exclusive contract player for Universal Studios from 1972 until 1982, when the studio ended all talent contracts. She was the last contract player in the history of Hollywood.

While at Universal, Gless appeared on series such as "The Rockford Files"; "Kojak," "The Bob Newhart Show"; and "Switch", among others. In 1982, she accepted the role of Cagney in "Cagney & Lacey," winning two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award for Best Leading Actress in a Drama Series, followed shortly by a Golden Globe win for her lead role in "The Trials of Rosie O'Neill." 

In 2000, Gless was cast as Debbie Novotny in "Queer as Folk," which ran for five seasons, after which she co-starred for seven seasons in her Emmy-nominated role on "Burn Notice." She has eleven Emmy and seven Golden Globe nominations.

Gless married Barney Rosenzweig, the executive producer of "Cagney & Lacey," in 1991 and they've been together for 30 years. She currently resides both in Los Angeles and on Fisher Island, off the coast of Miami, Florida.

Send us Fan Mail

From November 7, 2018: Bill Scheft,  long-time writer for David Letterman, called in to talk about a new book, The Last Days of Letterman: The Final Six Weeks. Bill wrote the forward for the book, and when I mentioned how unusual it was to have someone on who was not the author of the book but the author of the forward, I got one genuine, hearty laugh.  Making a legendary comedy writer laugh is another highlight of my career.

The Last Days of Letterman: The Final 6 Weeks by Scott Ryan, a meticulously researched account of the final weeks of David Letterman's reign as television's longest-running late night host, will be published by FMP on November 6, 2018. The first book to document the TV titan's historic denouement in such an in-depth fashion, The Last Days of Letterman will leave readers with a poignant, informative, and yes, humorous, look inside one of the most beloved talk shows of all time-and the singular comedic talent behind it.

Focused on the final 28 telecasts of the Late Show as a lens to Letterman's 33-year career as an icon of late night television, Ryan shares nearly two dozen on-the-record interviews with a veritable Who's Who of Letterman's Late Show writing, directing and producing staff. The book features a foreword by longtime Letterman monologue writer Bill Scheft.

"I was kind of shocked at how forthcoming the Late Show staff was with all the deeply personal stories and insights they shared," said author Scott Ryan. "This was their life, this was their family, so they cared a great deal about honoring the show's legacy."

Ryan's insider account takes readers through the halls of the famed Ed Sullivan Theater, from the fateful day Letterman called his inner circle into his dressing room and dropped the retirement bomb up to the emotional final show on May 20, 2015-and all of the star-studded hoopla in-between. From Oprah Winfrey to Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks to Bob Dylan, the book details in spectacular fashion the ultra A-list line of marquee names that traversed the CBS soundstage during those final weeks.

Peppered with carefully curated photographs, the narrative is chock-full of juicy tidbits: how "ultimate fan girl" Sarah Jessica Parker set the tone for what would be a six-week long farewell to Letterman; how Cher personally reached out to the show because she "wanted to do something" for Dave; how Michelle Obama was intent on creating a TV moment in her final Late Show appearance; and the special significance behind Foo Fighters' musical performance at the finale.

Ryan also details a barrage of behind-the-scenes facets of the Late Show's enduring mystique: Letterman's legendary rapport with other comedy giants (Don Rickles, Howard Stern, Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Martin, Tina Fey, Ray Romano, Martin Short, Amy Sedaris-as well as his forever-mentor, Johnny Carson); the exhilarating, maddening, ingenious process of developing the day's infamous "Top Ten" list; and the devilishly clever ways Late Show musical director Paul Shaffer came up with the musical pieces to accompany guests' entrances. There's even a surprise appearance by Rupert Jee, so memorably featured in the show's comedic cutaways to Hello Deli.

"This was one of the most important shows-and one of the greatest performers-in television history," said Ryan. "I wanted whatever story that ended up being told to be a fitting tribute, and to really do it justice."

Send us Fan Mail

From May 29, 2019: Chicago's Music legend Jim Peterik called in for a discussion about songwriting, producing, and his new album "Winds of Change," which features collaborations from Dennis DeYoung, Mike Reno, Kevin Cronin and more, and also featured a "lost track" with vocals by the late great Jimi Jamison.

Send us Fan Mail

From May 29, 2019: Steve Young, longtime comedy writer for David Letterman, visited the show to talk about a new documentary, Bathtubs Over Broadway:

In this award-winning, feel-good documentary, a comedy writer for David Letterman stumbles upon a secret musical world starring tractors and bathtubs and finds an unexpected connection to his fellow man. With David Letterman, Martin Short, Jello Biafra, Chita Rivera, Don Bolles, and more.

SYNOPSIS:

When he started as a comedy writer for the Late Show with David Letterman, Steve Young had few interests outside of his day job. But while gathering material for a segment on the show, Steve stumbled onto a cache of vintage record albums that would change his life forever. Bizarre cast recordings - marked "internal use only" - revealed full-throated Broadway-style musical shows about some of the most recognizable corporations in America: General Electric, McDonald's, Ford, DuPont, Xerox. They also featured writers and performers who would become legends, such as Chita Rivera, Kander & Ebb, Florence Henderson, and Bob Fosse. Steve didn't know much about musical theater, but these recordings delighted him in a way that nothing ever had. BATHTUBS OVER BROADWAY follows Steve Young on his quest to uncover all he can about this hidden world. While delving into treasure troves of forgotten archives, tracking down rare albums, unearthing unseen footage, and rediscovering composers and performers, Steve comes to form unlikely friendships and discovers how this discarded musical genre starring tractors and bathtubs was bigger than Broadway.

ABOUT STEVE YOUNG

Steve Young is a New York-based comedy writer, author, songwriter, and lecturer. His writing credits include Late Night and Late Show with David Letterman, The Simpsons, Maya & Marty, and the animated holiday special Olive the Other Reindeer, which also featured his song lyrics. He is the co- author of "Everything's Coming Up Profits: The Golden Age of Industrial Musicals." Young is also an instructor at New York University, teaching television history.