The Hour GLASS Podcast

Anson Williams (Once known for his role as “Potsie” on “Happy Days,” and director of such blockbuster TV shows as “Sabrina: The Teenage Witch,” “Melrose Place,” “Beverly Hills 90210; “Xena: Warrior Princess” and many other hit films/shows), and his talented wife, Sharon Williams, talk about their passion project, “Crazy Mama,” a memoir of the same name penned by Sharon which the husband-and-wife team adapted into a stage play. Anson is laser focused on the importance of mental health in family relationships. As he opines on the subject, he insists that society needs to do much more about such issues.

Christopher Tellefsen, feature film editor for over 40-plus films, and who was nominated for an Oscar for “Moneyball,” and who also cut other major films, like last year’s Oscar-nominated “Nyad,” takes David behind the scenes, most literally, as he explains his method for choosing one take over another to sew a film together; one that matches the filmmaker’s vision. Tellefsen also explains to Host Glass how the editing process works from start to finish; what his editing process and schedule are like day-to-day and gives other interesting commentary on living out the filmmaker’s intent. He also reveals the most favorite scene he ever edited: a 90s classic comedy, “Flirting with Disaster.” Tellefsen also takes a moment to share a little bit about his new project, a musical, “Atlantis,” based on music genius, Pharell Williams.

Host David Glass talks to award-winning comedy writer, Andy Robin, about his writing of more than 30 “Seinfeld” episodes, his sketch writing job for Saturday Night Live, nominated for an Emmy for Netflix’s “Unfrosted, and his current comedy projects today. The most startling reveal from Robin is that while he was making his living as a comedy writer, he was also attending medical school! He tells Glass how he manages his ongoing comedy writing career, mostly with writing partner, Gregg Kavet, yet still handles his patient load as a practicing psychiatrist (mostly with U.S. Vets).

Drake Doremus, whose indie breakout film, “Like Crazy” starring Felicity Jones and the late Anton Yelchin, speaks candidly to Host David Glass about his love for indie films, his study of improv, which heavily influenced the making of that film and subsequent ones, and his overall philosophy about life and love. Doremus also discusses the different phases of his own life and his belief that people need to take risks as they move on after a breakup. Director/Writer Doremus says that his film, “Newness” which premiered at Sundance in 2017, starring Nicholas Hoult and Laia Costa, remains his favorite project to date.

Cindy Chupack, comedy writer, who has won two Golden Globes and the same amount of Emmy’s and who has written for such shows as “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Modern Family,” and Sex and the City,” tells Host Glass where and how she gets her inspiration for writing her material. The warm and witty Chupack, who has also written a film for Netflix, “Otherhood,” starring Angela Bassett, Patricia Arquette and Felicity Huffman, and The New York Times bestseller, “The Between Boyfriends Book,” talks openly about her two divorces, her daughter, who inspired Chupack’s book, “We Waited for You: Now We’re a Family,” and how she has managed to translate adversity into humor.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and who better knows that than Julio Macat, the cinematographer behind the camera of such record-breaking hits as “Home Alone,” “Wedding Crashers” “Pitch Perfect” and “Daddy’s Home,” among many others. Macat has an intimate conversation with Host Glass as he shares his views on the close family dynamic and the team spirit among cast and crew while shooting a feature film. Macat, who has shot more than 40 blockbuster feature films, shares with Glass his take on how to effectively communicate with a significant other; the important message behind “Home Alone;” how he thinks that message empowers children; and how important the home is to children overall. He also talks about his favorite films—those on which he served as Director of Photography.

Host Glass makes every moment of his interview count with comedy legends, Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams and David Zucker, the writers, directors, and producers of the comedy film classics “Airplane” and “Naked Gun,” among others. They talk backstory about the making of “Airplane” and their book on that exact subject, Surely, You Can’t Be Serious. They share how they recruited famous dramatic actors like Robert Stack, Peter Graves and Leslie Nielsen (and others) and talked them into doing the film (it’s all in the book). The comedic geniuses also talk about love and marriage. Jerry Zucker, tells David why he and his wife are still “happily” married after 37 years, while David Zucker and Jim Abrahams share how they are still friends with their exes.

Host David Glass has the rare opportunity to chat with indie Film Festival Director, Gregg Schwenk, about his prized Newport Beach Film Fest that takes in more than 4000 entries and chooses only 320 new films, documentaries and shorts. He goes on to talk about the festival’s 25- year celebration as he shares thoughts on why he chose his profession; what he most likes about it; the impact of films on those going through a breakup; and the many events, celebrities, and food tastings offered from Orange County’s finest restaurants. He also talks about the audiences who frequent the festival—one attended by close to 50,000 people each year He also offers an open invitation to all movie buffs who may want to attend the NBFF—southern California’s largest indie film festival to see some of the most innovative films made in recent months. Schwenk talk’s his favorite go-to movies for a lift, like, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” along with Host Glass who comments on a couple of his favorites, especially the films he grew up with and his father’s obsession with “The Godfather” franchise. Schwenk leaves the question open when it comes to his recommendations to “best choices” for getting through a breakup, but he does say he thinks cinema is cathartic when people need a break—whether it is comedy or drama.

He may be hard rock, but he has a soft heart. Legendary vocal solo artist and co-founder of the American Hard Rock band XYZ, Terry Ilous is part of the award-winning Grammy supergroup “Legends of Classic Rock,” and ex-lead singer of the iconic group, GREAT WHITE. He has shared the stage with such music luminaries as AC/DC, Guns n’ Roses, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Ozzy Osbourne, Foreigner, Soundgarden, Ted Nugent and Alice Cooper. He recently co-wrote four new singles for the film, “Rock Bottom,” starring Jake Bongiovi (Bon Jovi’s son). Terry Ilous takes Host Glass behind the harsh lights and loud guitars of sold-out concerts and into his most optimistic and poignant look at love.

This touching Episode offers an inside look at the wonderful relationship between actress Mindy Sterling (“Austin Powers” trilogy, “The Goldbergs,” “The Life of Kora,” and many other films and TV series) and her terrifically gifted, autistic son, Max, and how they manage their relationship and day-to day life together. They talked about the importance of their communication –open and frank–and how to keep peace with an ex. Sterling, throughout the interview generously provided sage advice to in answer to every question. David Glass listened intently as both mother and son shared their most personal feelings. This interview was one of Glass’s best and favorites too. We’re guessing it will be one of yours as well.