Jared Mancuso is a Buddy Holly Tribute Artist who is currently living in the middle of Arizona at what is maybe not the best time to be living in Arizona. He is also an accomplished musician, both solo and as a band member, playing several instruments, all of which he taught himself. He is ALSO an outspoken Progressive and Bernie Sanders supporter, who recently had a piece published for Medium on the topic of the 2020 election.

He is also the guy I used to stay up until 7am with, playing Halo until we killed every last alien. Please check out Jared's music!

Irene Radley  is a California-certified Massage Therapist, a Reiki Master, a Neurolinguistic Transformation Coach, a Qigong, Yoga, and Advanced Food Healing instructor. She explained what most of that means too!!'

Irene is a ray of light. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about every nook and cranny of the wellness industry, and also just laughing with my friend. 

Nick Montesano is so many things: a father, director, mentor, educator, husband, brother, institution of NJ Community Theater, and the list goes on. I first met Nick as a 16 year old who had just lost his mother, and he gave me the gift of casting me in the NJ premiere of "Tommy". Over the ensuing 25 years, I've gotten to know Nick as a warm, compassionate, thoughtful human being, whose contributions to the world of theater are immeasurable, and yet make up only a small part of what makes Nick Montesano so special. 

We talked about everything you could possibly imagine, and I loved every moment. 

Aria and Catherine of Nutley for Black Lives, are two of the youngest, and also the most impressive, guest I've had on the show to date. These two young women are motivated and focused on getting their message out, and I am proud to give them whatever platform I can.

Recently, they participated in a march in Nutley, NJ which drew headlines when a group of counter-protestors showed up to prevent the destruction of a statue of Columbus. The statue was never a part of anyone's plan, but that didn't stop them from shouting hate while Aria gave her speech. You can read about it, and even see video footage, here. 

Follow Nutley for Black Lives on Instagram and Facebook.

Jonesy is a comedian and actor who has been seen on shows such as The Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt and Gotham. He is also the host of the daily podcast, "Weird AF News"  in which he reports on crazy news stories from around the globe.  He was on tour in Japan when COVID hit, and his takes on the difference between the situations there and here are hilarious

He also told me an amazing Tina Fey story. Jonesy is awesome. Listen to his show. After this show .

This episode is sponsored by Swanson Health

Swanson Health carries over 20,000 wellness products at a great value—pick up all of your favorite health products, plus discover new ones for your wellness routine, all while leaving money in your pocket.

If you want to try any of Swanson Health’s great products for yourself, use code LIGHTER20 for 20% off on swanson.com.

Matt Schilke spent his quarantine with the Finnish Army. He has dual citizenship and decided that he would serve. Excellent timing on his part. This is really a fascinating story of how a country you probably don't know that much about handled the COVID outbreak, but also one of an intelligent young man who has a thirst for adventure. Loved every minute!

This episode is sponsored by Swanson Health

Swanson Health carries over 20,000 wellness products at a great value—pick up all of your favorite health products, plus discover new ones for your wellness routine, all while leaving money in your pocket.

If you want to try any of Swanson Health’s great products for yourself, use code LIGHTER20 for 20% off on swanson.com.

Frank Guastela is an award-winning music producer, sound engineer and videographer. His companies, ISH Productions & Creative World Media, have provided music and visuals for many artists such as CeeLo Green, Wu Tang Clan, Raekwon, Talib Kweli, Styles P, KRS-One, John Amos and many others. He also won an Emmy for his documentary I Can't...I Have Rehearsal

He is also a full-time, middle-school Biology Teacher in South Orange, NJ. Frank's insane work ethic has led him to two entire, successful careers, both of which is he is exceedingly passionate about. We talked about all of it. I loved every minute of picking my old pal's brain.

Music provided by Frank himself. Please check his work out here.


This episode is sponsored by Swanson Health

Swanson Health carries over 20,000 wellness products at a great value—pick up all of your favorite health products, plus discover new ones for your wellness routine, all while leaving money in your pocket.

If you want to try any of Swanson Health’s great products for yourself, use code LIGHTER20 for 20% off on swanson.com.

Samantha Fargione has done Anna and Elsa's hair and makeup. On Broadway. Did you think I meant the actual, fictional characters? Anyway, she has also worked as a Hair and Makeup Specialist on such shows as Phantom of the Opera, Finding Neverland, Kinky Boots, and The King and I. She did all this after going to Juilliard for Hair and Makeup, one of only two people accepted to the program. So she knows what she's doing is what I'm saying. 

I loved hearing all about her career, as well as what it was like when Frozen On Broadway shut down, and what the future of Broadway is looking like now. Samantha was a delight!

This is the 80th episode of The Essential Lighter Side in 80 Days!!

For a portion of my angsty teenage years, Mike O'Keefe was something of a celebrity. He was "Improv Guy", and he ran (and runs) Improv Jam, which me and all of my friends used to go see almost every weekend. It was one of the first, and definitely is one of the most enduring, improv groups in NJ. 

He has done nothing since.  Okay fine, he has spent his professional life as a teacher. He has given improv workshops for corporate events and educational organizations, all built upon the foundation of "Yes, and".  He also plays drums and manages to be a phenomenal father to his twins. I loved every minute of this talk. 

Sara and I went to high school together in a suburb of NYC called Manalapan. It was one of those seemingly perfect places, which now has a seemingly endless list of alumni who suffer with substance use disorder. Sara told me a story of a long road to recovery, one filled with setbacks and toxic relationships, but ultimately one of inspiration and hope. 

This is a raw conversation about drug use, so be ready for that. But also be ready for a woman who is full of guilt over her past, but who really emanates nothing but empathy and compassion for those around her. I am so happy for her and so glad she chose my podcast as one of the first times she has publicly spoken about her past, present, and future.