The Locher Room

🎙️ Two-time Emmy winner Mike Manning stops by The Locher Room podcast to talk about his newest feature, Unexpected Treasures. From filming in the Mojave to updates on fan-favorite “Smitty” and Beyond the Gates, Mike shares behind-the-scenes stories, what drew him to this quirky role, and why this indie gem is the perfect feel-good “popcorn movie” for fall.

Unexpected Treasures is streaming on Amazon Prime & Apple TV+ and Beyond the Gates airs weekdays on CBS and Paramount+.

Finn Carter joins me for a conversation fans have been waiting for. Beloved as Sierra Esteban Montgomery on As the World Turns, Finn reflects on her Oakdale years alongside co-stars like Scott Bryce, Peter Boynton, and Elizabeth Hubbard.

She also takes us behind the scenes of the cult-classic film Tremors, shares stories from across her career in TV and film, and opens up with honesty about her personal journey and road to sobriety.

Funny, charming, and raw, Finn’s visit to The Locher Room is filled with memories, heart, and truth—making this one-on-one a must-listen.

In this episode of Conversations with Alan, I spoke with filmmakers Todd Morehead and Justin Kron about their powerful documentary, October 7: Bearing Witness to the Massacre.

The film examines the atrocities of October 7, 2023—the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust—through survivor stories, first responders, a former hostage, and chilling footage captured by the terrorists themselves. With insights from some of Israel’s most distinguished educators, the documentary provides crucial context on Gaza’s history, the rise of Hamas, and the ideology that fueled the attack.

Todd and Justin, who have each traveled to Israel more than thirty times, brought deep personal and spiritual insight to this conversation. As Christians, they are standing up for Jews and for Israel at a time when many are not, continuing their mission of fostering understanding between faith communities and combating disinformation.

October 7: Bearing Witness to the Massacre is available to stream worldwide, including on Amazon Prime Video.

✨ Listen to this important discussion about history, resilience, and the responsibility we all share to never forget.

The Texas cast reunion continued in The Locher Room! Tina Johnson (Lurlene Harper), Harley Jane Kozak (Brette Wheeler; also Annabelle on Guiding Light and Mary on Santa Barbara), Michael Woods (Mark Wheeler; also All My Children, Jim Reardon on Guiding Light, and Alec Wallace on As the World Turns), and Terri Garber (Allison Linden; also Iris Dumbrowski on As the World Turns and Leslie Carrington on Dynasty) reunited to reminisce about their early days on the NBC soap, the lessons they learned, and the experience of working with producer Gail Kobe and head writer Pam Long.

Author Tom Lisanti also returned to discuss his book Texas: An Oral History of Daytime TV’s Answer to Dallas, bringing added perspective and behind-the-scenes stories.

This lively reunion was filled with laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt memories—an unforgettable celebration of a soap that still means so much to its fans.

Susan Walters and Linden Ashby looked back on their NYC beginnings and meeting on ABC’s Loving (Lorna Forbes & Curtis Alden). We discussed Susan’s 2022 return as Diane Jenkins and Linden’s 2024 comeback as Cameron Kirsten on The Young and the Restless, their Daytime Emmy nominations, co-directing Lifetime films, favorite co-stars, welcoming their first grandchild, and Linden’s two-episode Guiding Light story. Warm, fun, and full of insider moments.

🎬 Exit Interviews is a bold new indie drama about love, loss, and the truths we discover when we look back. In this episode of The Locher Room, Tuc Watkins, Garrett Abdo, and surprise guest Adam Huss open up about the film’s raw, funny, and brutally honest story. Tuc reflects on lessons learned from Erika Slezak and working with OLTL alum Nathan Fillion, while Garrett shares how his start in comedy shaped his directorial debut. A conversation filled with laughter, insight, and heartfelt honesty — don’t miss it!

Actor Peter Porte joined me in The Locher Room for a candid and wide-ranging conversation you will not want to miss. We covered everything from his latest role as Deacon Granville in the audio drama Montecito to the importance of authentic representation on screen and in storytelling. Peter spoke openly about his own coming out journey, sharing how his personal experiences have shaped the roles he chooses and the stories he wants to tell.

We also explored his love of horror movies and the genre’s lasting appeal, as well as memorable chapters from his daytime career. Peter looked back on his time as Ricky Williams on The Young and the Restless, recalling what it was like to work with Michelle Stafford and Doug Davidson, and his run as Dimitri von Leuschner on Days of Our Lives, where he shared the screen with Greg Rikaart and Emily O’Brien—including his long-standing off-screen friendship with Greg.

It’s a fun, thoughtful, and personal conversation that offers fans a deeper look at Peter’s career, his passions, and the stories that matter most to him.

Don’t miss this powerful and extended conversation with As the World Turns alum Scott Bryce in The Locher Room.

Scott opens up about his recent battle with Stage 3 stomach and esophageal cancer, including two near-death experiences that changed his life forever. He shares why it’s so important to listen to your body and get to the doctor the minute something feels off—and how he's finding strength in recovery.

We also revisit his unforgettable years on As the World Turns, his memories of the great Eileen Fulton, and the love story that captivated fans—Craig and Sierra. And in a special surprise moment, Finn Carter drops by to join the conversation!

A moving, insightful, and heartfelt episode you won’t want to miss.

🎉 Days of Our Lives received 13 Daytime Emmy nominations — and we’re celebrating in The Locher Room with several of the nominated stars!

Joining me for this special Emmy-themed conversation:

🌟 Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
• Eric Martsolf as Brady Black
• Greg Rikaart as Leo Stark
• Paul Telfer as Xander Kiriakis

✨ Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
• Linsey Godfrey as Sarah Horton
• Emily O’Brien as Theresa Donovan

🚀 Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
• AnnaLynne McCord as Cat Greene
• Ashley Puzemis as Holly Jonas

🏆 And of course, Days of Our Lives is also nominated for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series!

This celebration is for the Days cast and fans who’ve kept Salem going strong. You don’t want to miss it!

Jake Weary is everywhere right now—and he stopped by The Locher Room for an in-depth conversation.

He’s heating things up on Netflix as Cane Buckley in The Waterfront, just came off the Tribeca premiere of his new film Westhampton, and still has fans hooked from The Walking Dead: Dead City. And yes, Animal Kingdom is blowing up all over again now that it’s streaming.

We covered it all—plus a trip back to Oakdale and As the World Turns, where daytime fans first fell for Jake as Luke Snyder.

Don’t miss this fun, wide-ranging chat with my friend Jake Weary.