The Big Wakeup Call

Music legend Michael Bolton called in to talk about a special documentary film, Michael Bolton Presents American Dream: Detroit, which will be in theatres for one night only on Tuesday, May 15 from Fathom Events. We discussed his love of the Motown sound, why other great music coming from Detroit should not be overlooked, and the cultural importance of a city on the rebound.

Fitness legend and AARP Wellness Ambassador Denise Austin called in along with her daughter, fitness expert Katie Austin, to discuss the "Fit & Fun Health Challenge," the first annual walking challenge from AARP. I need Denise and Katie to call me every morning to get me pumped up. Their energy is contagious, even over the phone.

It was great to have the chance to catch up with the great Rita Coolidge as she called in to talk about her new solo album, "Safe In the Arms of Time," featuring her original tunes, collaborations with Keb' Mo', Stan Lynch and Chris Stapleton, and a special composition from Graham Nash.

Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan from Go Fug Yourself joined The Big Wakeup Call's 3 Timers Club when they called in to share their thoughts on the 2018 Met Gala. We debated the proper way to pronounce "Gala,"pronunciations, potential damnations to eternal hellfire, syllabic flow, and of course their most favorite and most fugly costumes.

New York Times bestselling author Neil Strauss joined the show to talk about the new paperback edition of "The Truth." After a brief yet scintillating discussion about book royalties, we chatted about relationship issues, common denominators in failed partnerships, how childhood observations stay with you forever, and why his next book might be a parenting guide.

overkillTed Bell called in to talk about his newest novel, the 10th in the Lord Alexander Hawke series, "Overkill." We discussed why it's been three years since "Patriot," how the film adaptation is progressing, how his books go over in Russia, and a potential Trump/Putin buddy comedy.

It's always great to chat with Barbecue Hall-of-Famer Steven Raichlen, who called in to talk about his new book and upcoming PBS series "Project Fire." Every time Steve calls in, I get excited about trying a new recipe or technique. Can't wait to give the Caveman Porterhouse a try!

Oscar and Tony Award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden called in to discuss her new memoir, "The Seasons of My Mother: A Memoir of Love, Family, and Flowers," which celebrates her mom, Beverly, who battles Alzheimer's Disease. We discussed her journey in writing the book, the relationship of Japanese flower arranging to her own story as well as her mother's, and the potentials and pitfalls of genetic testing for Alzheimer's.

Andrew Revkin, the Strategic Adviser for Environmental and Science Journalism for National Geographic Society, called into discuss his new book "Weather: An Illustrated History."

Comedy legend Mark McKinney made a triumphant return appearance to the show to talk about the season 3 finale of "Superstore." We discussed the development of his character "Glenn," including the nuances of the St. Louis accent and how it was based on my St. Louis-raised-wife's next-door neighbor. Mark and I also made plans to attend a White Sox game this summer and share some mac and cheese, ketchup, and tapeworm food.