The Locher Room

In this episode of Conversations with Alan, I’m joined by Ely Winkler, Director of Advancement for Eshel, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about faith, identity, and belonging.

Ely shares his journey growing up Orthodox as the son of a rabbi, navigating the fear and uncertainty of coming out, and searching for a place where he could live authentically without abandoning his faith. He reflects on pivotal moments—from working behind the scenes on a groundbreaking panel at Yeshiva University to feeling disconnected from synagogue life, and ultimately finding his way back home.

We talk about the profound impact of discovering Eshel, what it meant for Ely personally, and how his work there now helps LGBTQ+ individuals, families, rabbis, and communities build more inclusive Orthodox spaces. Ely also speaks movingly about lessons learned from his rabbi father, the power of compassion, and how change often happens quietly—one conversation at a time.

This episode offers thoughtful insight, practical wisdom, and hope for anyone interested in questions of identity, tradition, and what it truly means to belong.

Caryn Richman joined me in The Locher Room for a heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation about a career that spans Broadway, daytime, primetime, film, and beyond.

Caryn shared her early dream of performing on Broadway and the audition that changed her life, landing her in the original run of Grease as Sandy. We talked about what those early years taught her about discipline, storytelling, and finding her voice as a performer.

Daytime fans will love hearing what her three-year run on NBC’s Texas meant to her, both professionally and personally, and what it was like stepping into the role of Lauren Fenmore on The Young and the Restless. Caryn also reflected on the fun of playing the iconic Gidget in The New Gidget, joining television history as part of the Brady family in A Very Brady Christmas and The Bradys, and the joy she found working on Hollywood Safari.

Along the way, Caryn opened up about nearly pursuing a career in psychiatric social work, the mentors who guided her, and how her love of animals shaped a lifelong dream of one day opening an animal shelter. She also talked about her more recent work in film and television, including The Potwins, and co-hosting the podcast Chatterbinge.

It was an honest, nostalgic, and inspiring conversation about following your instincts, embracing change, and staying connected to what matters most.

In this episode of The Locher Room, Alan welcomes dactor Lucas Adams, who recently stepped into the role of Noah Newman on The Young and the Restless. Lucas shares stories about growing up in Texas, the moment he discovered acting, and how his very first television role happened right on the Y&R set years before returning as a series regular.

He reflects on his seven years as Tripp Johnson on Days of Our Lives — a run that earned him two Daytime Emmy nominations — and talks about what it’s been like joining the Newman family in Genoa City. Lucas also opens up about the most exciting news of all: he and his wife are expecting their first child early next year.

A warm, fun, and heartfelt conversation you won’t want to miss.

Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans reunited in The Locher Room to celebrate 60 years of Days of Our Lives and the enduring legacy of Steve “Patch” Johnson and Dr. Kayla Brady.

They looked back on their earliest days in Salem, the twists and turns that shaped their iconic supercouple, and the emotional scenes that became fan favorites. They shared behind-the-scenes memories, reflected on their long-standing off-screen friendship, and talked about the fans who supported them through every chapter.

This episode offered a warm, nostalgic, and intimate celebration of Days, its history, and the magic of Steve & Kayla — a must-listen for longtime viewers and new fans alike.

#DAYS60 #DaysOfOurLives #MaryBethEvans #StephenNichols #SteveAndKayla #TheLocherRoom #SoapOperaLegends #podcastinterview #podcastseries #newpodcastalert

Join me for a fascinating conversation with Emmy-nominated costume designer Mandi Line, whose bold, creative vision has shaped some of television’s most stylish and unforgettable worlds. From her early days designing music videos and red-carpet looks to her breakout work on fan favorites like Shameless and Pretty Little Liars, Mandi has built a career defined by character, storytelling, and fearless design choices.

We talk about the mentors and internships that helped her find her footing, the moment she discovered her own signature style, and how she approaches building visual worlds that are raw, glamorous, or somewhere in between.

Mandi also shares what it’s been like bringing her talent to The Young and the Restless, where she’s spent the past year creating fresh looks for Genoa City — including crafting designs for new characters like Sienna (played by Tamara Braun) and teasing the recent wedding of Danny and Christine.

If you love costume design, character development, or just great behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is a must-listen.

Emmy-nominated actress, author, and advocate Victoria Rowell joins Alan for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation in The Locher Room.

Victoria opens up about her extraordinary path — from learning ballet on a Maine farm and dancing professionally with ABT II to landing her first daytime role as Nella Franklin on As the World Turns in a story that has to be heard to be believed. She reflects on her iconic years as Drucilla Winters in The Young and the Restless, her powerful connection with the late Kristoff St. John, and the passionate fan base that continues to celebrate her work decades later.

Victoria also shares deeply personal memories of her foster upbringing, how it shaped her resilience and advocacy, and what continues to drive her commitment to diversity, representation, and opportunity in the arts.

This is a must-listen conversation with one of television’s most inspiring and multi-talented voices — full of heart, honesty, and hard-won wisdom.

#TheLocherRoom #VictoriaRowell #YoungAndTheRestless #AsTheWorldTurns #DrucillaWinters #DaytimeTV #FosterCare #Representation #Ballet #Inspiration

For the first time together in The Locher Room, real-life husband and wife Kim Zimmer and A.C. Weary joined me for a warm, funny, and deeply personal conversation about love, family, and a lifetime in the spotlight.

They shared stories of meeting while performing summer stock in the early 1970s, their early days on One Life to Live, and how Kim was the one who proposed. The couple reflected on their favorite stage roles, raising three children—including actor Jake Weary—and life today with five grandchildren.

A.C. offered his perspective on Kim bringing the iconic Reva Shayne to life on Guiding Light, and Kim gave fans a heartfelt update on her health.

A joyful and intimate look back at two remarkable careers and one enduring partnership that continues to inspire.

#TheLocherRoom #KimZimmer #ACWeary #GuidingLight #RevaShayne #OneLifeToLive #SoapOpera #DaytimeTV #TVLegends #Podcast

In this special episode of The Locher Room, we looked back on the extraordinary life and career of Eileen Fulton, the woman who brought As the World Turns’ unforgettable Lisa Grimaldi to life for nearly 50 years.

Eileen was a true trailblazer — one of daytime television’s first complex, modern women. Her strength, wit, and glamour redefined what a soap heroine could be and made Lisa Grimaldi one of the most iconic characters in television history.

Five Oakdale favorites — Don Hastings, Ellen Dolan, Gregg Marx, Hillary B. Smith, and Colleen Zenk — came together to share memories, laughter, and heartfelt reflections on their beloved friend and co-star. Together, they celebrated Eileen’s humor, professionalism, and the lasting impact she made on her colleagues and fans alike.

A moving tribute to a daytime legend whose light continues to shine brightly in the world she helped create.

Actress Olivia d’Abo joined me in The Locher Room for a conversation filled with great stories from across her career. Olivia reflected on her early start in Conan the Destroyer, her breakout as Karen Arnold on The Wonder Years, and what that role has meant to her through the years.

She also shared the excitement of her first Daytime Emmy nomination for The Bay, talked about her love of playing Fifi Garrett, and discussed working with The Bay’s cast, including Tristan Rogers, Ilene Kristen, and Kym Whitley.

Listen to this thoughtful and entertaining episode — now available wherever you get your podcasts.

What’s in a name? For these families, everything! In this special episode of The Locher Room, fans share the heartfelt (and hilarious!) stories behind naming their children after beloved soap opera characters and stars.

You'll meet:
🍼 Reva, coincidentally shares her name with GL’s legendary Reva Shayne
🍼 Carly, whose dad kept the name’s GH origin a secret from his husband
🍼 Colby, Olivia, Margaret, Sydney—and the parents who passed on their passion for soaps

We’re joined by actor Crystal Hunt (named after Dynasty’s Krystle Carrington), a surprise message from GL legend Crystal Chappell (Olivia Spencer), and a very special appearance by As the World Turns icon Margaret Colin.

From Guiding Light and All My Children to General Hospital,

Days of our Lives, and ATWT, this is a nostalgic, emotional, and joy-filled episode you won’t want to miss!