A Mick A Mook and A Mic

In this engaging conversation, Artis Gilmore shares his experiences as a Hall of Fame basketball player and his recent golfing achievements. The discussion transitions from his golfing exploits, including a memorable hole in one, to reflections on the evolution of basketball, the physicality of the game, and the impact of his college team at Jacksonville University during the 1969-1970 season. Gilmore also shares anecdotes about playing against legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain, highlighting the camaraderie and challenges faced during his career. In this engaging conversation, basketball legends Artis Gilmore, Frank Pace, and Derrec Harris delve into the rich history of basketball, sharing personal anecdotes and insights about the evolution of the game. They discuss the impact of marketing on player recognition, the significance of documentaries like 'Jacksonville Who', and the challenges faced by players during the civil rights movement. The discussion also touches on the physical demands of the sport, the differences between the ABA and NBA, and the experiences of playing alongside icons like Michael Jordan.00:00 The Arrival of Artis Gilmore00:58 Artis Gilmore's Golfing Adventures02:00 Epic Matchups: Kareem and Moses33:34 The Miracle Year of Jacksonville University43:46 The Evolution of Endorsements in Basketball44:31 Honoring Legends: The Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor46:29 Playing with Greatness: Memories of Michael Jordan48:43 The Physical Toll of Aging in Sports50:21 Larry Bird: The Trash Talker51:53 Comparing Greatness: Bird vs. Jordan53:18 Contemplating a Political Future53:53 The Impact of the Three-Point Revolution55:51 The Dominance of the 1975 ABA Championship Team58:04 Era vs. Era: Comparing Generations of Players59:37 The Changing Nature of Fouls and Playoff Intensity01:00:08 Enjoying the Game: NBA vs. College Basketball01:01:20 Navigating Racial Tensions in Sports01:04:08 Personal Experiences with Racism01:10:23 The Physicality of Being a Tall Player01:13:33 The Evolution of Player Equipment and Care01:16:05 End Clip.mp4

John Filo's iconic picture of 14-year-old Mary Ann Vecchio screaming while kneeling over the dead body of 20-year-old Jeffrey Miller, one of the four victims of the Kent State shootings in 1970, won him the Pulitzer Prize in 1971.The shooting by members of the Ohio National Guard occurred at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio on May 4, 1970. The massacre, which resulted in the deaths of four students and wounding of nine others, changed John's life, and ours, forever.

MELISSA RAUCH: Star of TV's Night Court, Co-Star of The Big Bang Theory. 

SummaryThe conversation covers a range of topics including humorous anecdotes about toll booths, serious discussions on the stock market and Trump's economic strategies, psychological insights into Trump's behavior, the implications of tariffs, and the accountability of Congress regarding Social Security. The dialogue also touches on the intersection of politics and baseball, highlighting the need for accountability in both realms. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of baseball, focusing on player comparisons, umpiring challenges, and the impact of analytics on the game. They discuss the current state of the Dodgers, the influence of managers like Dave Roberts, and share personal anecdotes, including near-death experiences, that add a unique perspective to the discussion.TakeawaysBilly O shares a humorous story about a toll booth incident.The group discusses their concerns about the stock market and its fluctuations.Trump's economic strategies, particularly regarding tariffs, are critically analyzed.The psychological impact of Trump's upbringing is explored.The conversation shifts to the global economic restructuring and its implications.Social Security's financial stability is debated, emphasizing congressional accountability.The group reflects on the accountability of politicians and the public's perception of them.Baseball analogies are used to discuss political accountability and responsibility.The conversation highlights the intersection of sports and politics.The need for open dialogue in politics is emphasized.  Juan Soto's unique style raises questions about player behavior.Pitchers like Tom Seaver and Greg Maddox set high standards in baseball.Umpires find it easier to call fastballs than breaking balls.Young umpires often struggle with timing and positioning.The Dodgers' success hinges on their pitching depth and quality.Analytics play a significant role in modern baseball decisions.Dave Roberts' managerial style balances analytics with gut feelings.The unpredictability of baseball makes predictions challenging.Personal experiences can shape perspectives on life and death.Humor and storytelling are essential in sharing life lessons.

Currie Graham Actor 1923, NYPD Blue, Reacher, Murder in the First Degree, Law and Order 

Broadway Empresario, JOE CORCORAN, Producer of the TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING now entering it's 37th year in production world wide.

Adam Katz: Uber Baseball Agent – The Wasserman Group…Plus Umpire legend Joe West returns

Anthony Rich: Director, credits include: Big Bang Theory, Mom, Night Court

Bad Santa and Mrs. Claus show us what it's like to be married. Bad Santa get a little tipsy. 

Billy Van Zandt: EP credits include (Suddenly Susan, Wayans Brothers), Actor: Marvelous Mrs Maisel, Stevie Van Zandt-The Disciple, Author: Because It's Funny.

Former President, San Diego Padres.  McDonald's Board of Trustees 1983-97. Seen with the late Joan Kroc.

Wendie Malick: Award Winning Actress. Credits include; Shrinking, Night Court, Hot in Cleveland, Just Shoot Me & about every other show in the last 35 years

Matthew Laurance: Actor, credits include; Beverly Hills 90210 (Mel Silver), Eddie & The Cruisers (Sal Amato) and Saturday Night Live (Regular Cast Member).

Frazer Smith:  Legendary Disc Jockey/Host/Stand-up Comedian

Gary Anthony Williams: Actor;  Credits include: Night Court, Whose Line Is It Anyway, Uncle Ruckus and Boston Legal.

The Mick and The Mook Discuss the assassination attempt and the state of the union.

Rodney Cline Carew was born on a train in Gatun, Panama on October 1, 1945. He moved with his family to New York when he was fourteen years old, and signed with the Minnesota Twins on the day he graduated from high school.Rod Carew is one of the most talented players to ever don a major league uniform. During his illustrious nineteen-year career he was selected to eighteen All-Star teams. He is the all-time All-Star vote leader with thirty-three million votes – six million more than the runner-up. His career statistics explain why on January 8, 1991, he became only the 22nd player in history to be voted into Baseball's Hall of Fame on the first ballot.Rod had a lifetime batting average of .328 and averaged better than .300 for 15 consecutive seasons. He averaged .344 for the decade of the seventies.In his twelve seasons with the Minnesota Twins, and seven with the California Angels, Rod amassed 3,053 career hits, twelfth on the all-time list at the time of his retirement. He won seven batting titles, a figure surpassed only by Ty Cobb, Tony Gwynn and Honus Wagner.Rod and Willie Mays are the only players in baseball history to be Rookie of the Year (1967), Most Valuable Player (1977), have 3,000 hits and be voted into the Hall of Fame (1991).Rod was also named the Roberto Clemente Award winner (1977) by Major League Baseball as the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship and community involvement. He was only the third person to have his uniform (#29) retired by two teams.

David Fluhr:  Nine Time Emmy Award winning Sound Mixer.

R. Brandon Johnson: Actor/Host. Co-star of SHAKE IT UP, with Zendaya. Ubiquitous host of many shows, including TNT reality series 72 Hours.

Mykelti Williamson:  Actor/Director, has worked constantly over the course of his 40 year career. He is  best known for his roles in the films Forrest Gump (as Bubba), 12 Angry Men (1997), Con Air, and Ali, and the television shows Boomtown, 24, and Justified. In 2016, he portrayed Gabriel Maxson in Denzel Washington's acclaimed film adaptation of August Wilson's play Fences, reprising his role from the 2010 Broadway revival.  Mykelti has also directed numerous episodes of television including the Law & Order franchise.

World renown entrepreneur Art Levitt will be joining Frank and Billy on A Mick A Mook and A Mic podcast this summer.Levitt was the founding CEO of Fandango, Inc., the premier online movie ticketing and entertainment business. Art launched Fandango in July 2000, and led the company to growth and profitability, establishing the company as a nationally recognized brand known for its creativity, operational excellence, and premium service experience.From 1996 to 2000, Levitt also served as President of Disney Regional Entertainment, a division of The Walt Disney Company focused on launching Disney-branded entertainment concepts for expansion in markets throughout the U.S. Levitt was responsible for such businesses as the ESPNZone, a sports, dining, and entertainment complex, DisneyQuest, an indoor interactive theme park, and Club Disney an interactive children's play center.Art's current focus is working with environmental nonprofits, where he is able to leverage his executive experience and pursue his passion for making a difference in the health of the planet.  He serves on the boards of The Aquarium of the Pacific, Reef Check Foundation, and Channel Islands Restoration..Levitt has been involved in the Philanthropy and conservation world, serving as Chief of Staff of the Dalio Foundation, where his responsibilities included managing initiatives in Global Oceanographic work and Marine Conservation.Before Disney Regional Entertainment, Levitt served as President and CEO of Hard Rock Café, International from 1993 to 1996, where he managed the company's global business, including global expansion, repositioning the brand for worldwide growth, business extensions, and increased revenues and profitability.Preceding Hard Rock Café, Levitt was vice president of resorts and special projects for The Walt Disney Company, where he oversaw the operation of the Walt Disney World Resort's nightlife and entertainment complex, Pleasure Island, as well as The Disney Village Marketplace, and the resort hotels Disney Village Resort and Disney Vacation Club.Levitt completed the Program for Management Development (P.M.D.) at Harvard University and graduated from Southampton College with a B.A. in Biology with a focus on Marine Science.Be sure to join Billy and Frank for this fascinating interview with the iconic entrepreneur.

The Gents- Billy and Frank share wild stories about their past. 

TODD GRINNELL:  Actor, Credits include, Norman Lear's, ONE DAY AT A TIME (Janitor Dwayne Pat Schneider), FOUR KINGS, GRACE & FRANKIE, and WITH LOVE.Actor and Director Todd Grinnell, known for playing janitor Dwayne Patrick “Pat” Schneider in Norman Lear's 1970s sitcom, ONE DAY AT A TIME, joins Billy and Frankon the April 17th episode of A Mick A Mook and A Mic. Additional Grinnell credits include FOUR KINGS, GRACE & FRANKIE, and WITH LOVE.Born in Massachusetts, Grinnell landed his first professional gig at the age of 26, appearing in the film “Lost Soul” (2002). His television debut came in 2006 with a guest role on the short-lived sitcom “Love, Inc.”Todd married actress India de Beaufort in 2015, and they have one son.Be sure to join Billy, Frank, and Todd on 17 April for this fun episode.

Tom Arnold is both a funny and controversial individual. This is definitely an episode you won't want to miss, especially if you like show business stories.Arnold is best known for playing Arnie Thomas on Roseanne, which starred his ex-wife Roseanne Barr, and opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in True  Lies.Tom has appeared in many films, including True Lies, Nine Months, Big Bully, Carpool, McHale's Navy, Animal Factory , Cradle 2 the Grave, Mr. 3000, Happy Endings, Pride, The Great Buck Howard, and Madea's Witness ProtectionTom was also the host of The Best Damn Sports Show Period for four years, and appeared on Sons of Anarchy. In the early ‘80s, Arnold began his career as a prop-based comedian in a routine called Tom Arnold and the Goldfish Review. It was there he met a then unknown comic named Rosanne Barr. A year later he was brought in as a writer and eventually co-star for the television sitcom, Roseanne.Everything good and bad took off from there for Tom … from stardom, to addiction, to multiple divorces, to eventual sobriety.Be sure to lock-in March 20th on your calendar for what will surely be one of the more memorable episodes of A Mick A Mook and A Mic.###

Ren Bell, one of America's foremost  young TV Comedy Directors, will join Billy and Frank on the April 3rd episode of A Mick A Mook and A Mic.This young, South Carolina native is not only a Dick Van Dyke lookalike he is a throwback to the days Van Dyke, Carroll O'Connor, Andy Griffith, Candice Bergen, and Robin Williams plied their trade under the watchful eyes of  genius directors such as Howard Morris, Howard Storm, Joel Zwick, and Barnet Kellman.Ren knows where the jokes are, and he knows where to put the cameras. He has directed multiple episodes of NIGHT COURT and CALL ME KAT and is becoming a go-to guy for the casts, studios, and networks.Be sure to join Billy and Frank for this fun episode.

Umpiring legend, JOE WEST joins us again to share more of his humorous takes of the state of baseball and the world today... PLUS, our own BILLY O'CONNOR talks about his triumphant return to stand-up comedy with clips from his performance.

Nyambi, best know for his roles on Night Court, The Good Fight, and Mike & Molly, will be joining Billy and Frank on the February 21st episode of A Mick A Mook and A Mic.Born in Norman, Oklahoma, Nyambi went to Bucknell on a scholarship to play basketball. He also became interested in acting during his final year and decided to study for his Master of Fine Arts at New York University.After completing his graduate studies, Nyambi worked on the stage, but soon broke onto the screen with a small role on Law & Order, which was quickly followed by a large recurring role on the Melissa McCarthy starring series Mike & Molly (CBS, 2010-16). When that show ended, Nyambi segued into a recurring role in The Good Fight, the Christine Baranski-starring spin off of the hit show The Good Wife.Be sure to join Mick, Mook, and Nyambi on 21 February for this interesting and entertaining podcast.

MICHAEL LEMBECK - EMMY Award Winning Director (FRIENDS) and Actor (One Day At A Time)

Melissa Rauch burst into prominence in the role of  Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz (2009-2019) on the  massive CBS hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory,  Melissa was nominated for the ‘Critics' Choice Television Award' for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2013.  She then used her ‘Big Bang' experience to start her own production company, After January Productions, with her husband, Winston.After January Prods secured the rights to 80's hit ‘NIGHT COURT' in which they currently Executive Produce the revival with Warner Bros Discovery. Night Court premiered as the #1 hit comedy on NBC in 2023. In addition to her Executive Producer responsibilities,  Melissa  also plays the lead character, Judge Abby Stone, daughter of Judge Harry Stone. Harry Stone was played in the original series by the late Harry Anderson.Night Court will feature a Big Bang Theory reunion, of sorts, on an upcoming episode when Melissa  is reunited with BBT co-star Kunnar Nayyar.Be sure to join Billy and Frank for this interesting podcast with Melissa on the January 24th episode of A Mick A Mook and A Mic.

Molly Rogers is a costume designer and image consultant who styles fashion photo shoots, feature films, television, and commercials.Molly has worked in NYC since 1984 and began her illustrious career in costumes working with legendary costume designer Patricia Field on Michael Mann's TV series “CRIME STORY” on location in Las Vegas. Molly has accumulated an impressive list of iconic TV and film credits including the “SEX AND THE CITY” tv series and both movies, “UGLY BETTY,” “THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA,” “STAR,” “MURPHY BROWN” & “CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC” to name a few.Molly has been nominated 6 times for an EMMY, with one win for Season Three of “SEX AND THE CITY”. She is thrilled to be the Costume Designer, along with Co-Costume Designer Danny Santiago, of the reboot of “AND JUST LIKE THAT,” the sequel to “SEX AND THE CITY” which premiered on HBO MAX in December 2021 and returns for a second season in June 2023.Molly's work has been featured in global fashion publications and on-line media and she had a featured role in the HBO MAX “And Just Like That…the Documentary.” Molly has collaborated with many brands and organizations including Cadillac, SoHo House, SAKS, Streets Ahead, Thred Up and The Willie Garson Fund.Molly graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.When not on production, Molly resides in Miami Beach, Florida.Be sure to join Billy and Frank for this fun episode on January 10th.

Reformed NYC hoodlum who, after his jail stints, made millions as a legitimate businessman in the produce game. It was more then he ever made on the streets. Proving again that crime doesn't pay.

UMPIRE JOE WEST: On Dec 3 the baseball Hall of Fame announces their newest members. 6 days later Joe, who is on the ballot, will discuss the results with us in this exclusive podcast.

Multi award-winner Stan Zimmerman will be joining Billy and Frank on the November 29 episode of A Mick A Mook and A Mic.Stan is a writer, producer, creator, and director of television, theatre, and film. Alongside writing partner James Berg, he has written for many television series including The Golden Girls, Roseanne, and The Gilmore Girls, plus feature films such as The Brady Bunch Movie and A Very Brady Sequel.Zimmerman and Berg are currently the Creators and Executive Producers of the Lifetime Television sitcom, Rita Rocks, starring Nicole Sullivan and Tisha Campbell Martin. They have also recently written Lifetime's Ladies of the 80's: A Divas Christmas, which premiers December 2.In addition, watch for Stan's new book The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore, which will be released in February 2024.Be sure to join Mick and Mook on November 29 for this very entertaining podcast and meet this great writer, author, and director.

MATTHEW LAURENCE: Actor whose regular credit include, Beverly Hills 90210, Eddie & The Cruisers, and Saturday Night Live.

SCOTT HENRY & CATHERINE KAMEI; Co-founders of The Big Comedy Network, Exec.Producers of Amazon Prime's, ALL AMERCAN-SEX OFFENDERS

John Naber won 4 gold medals in the 76 Montreal Olympics and set six world records in his illustrious career.After his Olympic success, Naber went on to be a television announcer for over 30 different sports, a corporate speaker, and an author. He has volunteered his time to many charities and is currently a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.As a published author, Naber has written three Olympic related books: Awaken the Olympian Within: Stories from America's Greatest Olympic Motivators; Eureka!: How Innovation Changes the Olympic Games (and everything else), and Olympic Trivia Challenge: 100 Questions and the Remarkable Stories Behind ThemHe also contributed to two additional books: The Power of Character: Prominent Americans Talk About Life, Family, Work, Values and More and The Gold and the Glory: World-Class Athletes Share Their Inspiring Stories.As a broadcaster, John has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, ESPN, HBO, FOX Sports. He has done television and radio broadcasts for ten Olympics and Paralympic Games and has provided Play-by-play and expert analysis for over 30 different sports.Naber is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a BA in Psychology and has an Honorary Doctor of Law degree from Pepperdine University. Be sure to join Mick and Mook on 4 October for this much anticipated podcast with the highly intelligent and talented John Naber. 

STEVEN VALENTINE: Actor/Magician. Many credits include; House, Monk, Just Shoot Me, Will & Grace, Dharma & Greg, Psych, Charmed and Crossing Jordon.

JOE WEST: Set a MLB a record umpiring 43 seasons & 5,460 games.  Our 3rd anniversary show.

Armen Keteyian is an 11-time Emmy Award winner. He has a decorated print and broadcast career spanning over 40 years.Armen will be joining Billy and Frank on the August 23rd episode of A Mick A Mook and A Mic to discuss his new, explosive book, “GAMBLER: Secrets from a Life at Risk”, which he co-authored with Billy Walters.The book is the amazing story of Billy Walters who, per ESPN, “is the greatest and most controversial sports gambler (bookmaker) ever.”There are multiple intriguing stories in this book, including Walters claim that over the course of the years,, golfer Phil Mickelson bet more than $1 billion, losing more than $100 million dollars of that billion for his efforts. And, that doesn't include the $400,000 bet Walters refused to take from Phil when he wanted to bet on the US team which he was a member of. ” Are you crazy?” asked Walters. “Don't you remember what happened to Pete Rose.” The US lost that Ryder Cup.Keteyian's career began in print as an investigative reporter at the most prestigious sports magazine, Sports Illustrated. He later worked his way up through network news and cable television sports assignments at the highest levels, including CBS Sports' THE NFL TODAY and 60 MINUTES.Expanding beyond sports, Keteyian reached a new level in his career as Chief Investigative Reporter for the CBS EVENING NEWS, where he was nominated five times and won three Emmy Awards.Armen was an Executive Producer of the HBO documentary “Tiger” based on his #1 New York Times biography “Tiger Woods.”Keteyian was also Anchor and an Executive Producer at The Athletic, the digital sports media company, and a lead correspondent for 60 MINUTES SPORTS.A close friend of The Mook (Frank Pace), be sure to log in to this fascinating episode and meet this extraordinary media talent.###

Peter Onorati is an extremely talented performer whose 40-year acting career includes titles like: Goodfellas, This Is Us, Civil Wars, S.W.A.T., Big Bang Theory, and Cop Rock.Peter was born and raised in Boonton, New Jersey. He attended Lycoming College where he received his B.A. degree in Business Administration. He later received an MBA at Fairleigh Dickinson University.Peter was also an excellent athlete, who was recognized as an NCAA All-Conference football wide receiver. He's still a fitness buff, as he works out several hours a day.After a short business career, Peter went on to become one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood, as his lengthy career would attest.Peter is married to the very successful TV writer Jeanette Collins (Suddenly Susan / Will & Grace). They have three sons.Be sure to tune in to A Mick A Mook and A Mic on August 9 for this fun and informative podcast.###

Credits include: Friends, Frazier, The Upshaws. Now, Sr. Artistic Director-  Wash. DC's Ford's Theatre

Joey Banks, the son of the legendary Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame icon, Ernie Banks, will join Billy and Frank on the July 12th episode of A Mick A Mook and A Mic.On this fascinating episode, Joey talks about the pressures, benefits, and drawbacks of growing up in the spotlight of his iconic father  He speaks fondly of playing catch at Wrigley Field with Hall of Famers Billy Williams and Ron Santo.Joey also mentions who he thinks was to blame for the 1969 Cubs stunning loss of the pennant to the New York Mets.After his own minor league career, Joey has made a mark for himself in Hollywood as first an actor and now a stuntman. He had one especially noteworthy appearance in Naked Gun alongside our own legendary Umpire Cowboy Joe West, who also appears in this episode.You won't want to miss this nostalgic podcast when Joey Banks visits with A Mick A Mook & A Mic

Actor and singer, India de Beaufort, will be the guest of Frank and Billy on the June 28th podcast of A Mick A Mook and A Mic. India currently stars as assistant district attorney, Olivia Moore, in the NBC revived hit series, Night Court.  She  has acted in many films and television shows, including NCIS, Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, Veep, Modern Family  and One Day At A Time. In 2020, India released her single titled “Crack”. Born Southwest of London in Kingston upon Thames, she attended Esher College in Surrey, England.In 2015, India married actor Todd Grinnell, and in 2018 she gave birth to a son, Crosby James. Be sure to join Mick and Mook, plus the talented and delightful India on June 28th.

William R. (Billy) Moses: Actor, GENERAL HOSPITAL, PERRY MASON, HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER, FALCON CREST.William (Billy) Moses has delighted audiences since he broke into television on the TV series Falcon Crest, as a 21-year-old Cole Gioberti. Billy starred in Falcon Crest for six seasons.Moses then delighted audiences in Mystic Pizza (opposite Julia Roberts), Perry Mason, How to Get Away with Murder (opposite Viola Davis), and so many more, including a just recently completed turn on General Hospital.A terrific storyteller, Billy weaves tales about his 40 plus year career and those with which he has worked. You won't want to miss this podcast scheduled to air June 14th.

John Filo's iconic picture of 14-year-old Mary Ann Vecchio screaming while kneeling over the dead body of 20-year-old Jeffrey Miller, one of the four victims of the Kent State shootings in 1970, won him the Pulitzer Prize in 1971.The shooting by members of the Ohio National Guard occurred at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio on May 4, 1970. The massacre, which resulted in the deaths of four students and wounding of nine others, changed John's life, and ours, forever.At the time, Filo was both a photojournalism student at Kent State University, and staffer of the Valley Daily News, which became the Valley News Dispatch.Below is Filo's recollection of what happened:The bullets were supposed to be blanks. When I put the camera back to my eye, I noticed a particular guardsman pointing at me. I said, “I'll get a picture of this,” and his rifle went off. And almost simultaneously, as his rifle went off, a halo of dust came off a sculpture next to me, and the bullet lodged in a tree.I dropped my camera in the realization that it was live ammunition. I don't know what gave me the combination of innocence and stupidity … I started to flee–run down the hill and stopped myself. “Where are you going?” I said to myself, “This is why you are here!”And I started to take pictures again. … I knew I was running out of film. I could see the emotion welling up inside of her. She began to sob. And it culminated in her saying an exclamation. I can't remember what she said exactly … something like, “Oh, my God!”After winning the Pulitzer Prize, Filo continued his career in photojournalism finding work at the Associated Press, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and as a picture editor at the Baltimore Evening Sun. John eventually rose to a picture editing job at the weekly news magazine Newsweek, and later as head of photography for CBS.Be sure to join Mick and Mook on May 4th for an interesting and sad look back at this historic event.

Mick and Mook go out on a limb when they put together jovial MLB Umpiring Legend Joe West and his record setting 5,460 games over 43 seasons with LA's Sportswriter of the Year, and often acerbic and always controversial, T.J Simers.Will it be a combustible combination or will the two get along seamlessly like Bert and Ernie of Sesame Street fame?You won't want to miss this podcast folks. It airs on the May 17th episode of A Mic A Mook and A Mic.

Rider Strong, best known for starring as Shawn Hunter on the ABC sitcom Boy Meets World, which he reprised in its sequel series Girl Meets World, will be joining Billy and Frank on the May 3rd episode of A Mick A Mook and A Mic. In addition to his acting talents, Rider is also a producer, director, and screenwriter. He also hosts with his Boy Meets World co-stars, Will Friedle and Danille Fishel, on the popular podcast, Pod Meets World, which goes on a national tour this summer. Rider also headlined the horror movie Cabin Fever and co-wrote and directed the independent film Irish Twins with his brother, Shiloh. He provided the voices of Brick Flagg in Kim Possible and Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama, and Tom Lucitor in Star vs. the Forces of Evil.In 2015, Strong was honored with the Young Artist Former Child Star Lifetime Achievement Award.Born in San Francisco, Strong later graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University as an English major. He completed his Master of Fine Arts in fiction and literature at Bennington College.Strong married actress Alexandra Barreto after they met while filming the 2006 television series Pepper Dennis. They have one son, Indigo “Indy” Barreto Strong.Be sure to join Mick and Mook on May 3rd for this enlightening episode.

Jim Palmer, one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history, will be  joining Billy and Frank on the April 19thepisode of A Mick A Mook and A Mic.Palmer, the winningest MLB pitcher during the 1970s with 186 wins, has also won 3 Cy Young Awards as the best pitcher in MLB. He was also a 20-game winner in eight seasons and is the winningest pitcher in Baltimore Orioles history with 268 wins.Palmer was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990.Since his retirement as an active player, Palmer has worked as a color commentator on telecasts of MLB games for ABC and ESPN and for the Orioles on Home Team Sports (HTS), Comcast SportsNet (CSN) Mid-Atlantic and the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN).If you like baseball, or simply enjoy meeting iconic people, be sure to join Mick and Mook on April 19th for this very special episode with the legendary Jim Palmer.

David Vincent Williams is a country music singer-songwriter who has written over 550 songs. His songs have been recorded and released by major country recording artists, including: “I'm Movin‘ On” by Rascal Flatts, Ty Herndon's “Hands of a Working Man” and James Otto's “Just Got Started Lovin' You”.Williams will be joining Billy and Frank on the April 12th episode of A Mick A Mook and A Mic.Born in Houston, Texas, Williams spent his early years developing his craft in Texas, where he played in several bands, including Five's A Crowd.In 1995, fueled by his growing focus on music as a career and the break-up of Five's A Crowd, Williams decided to head to Nashville, where his career blossomed.In 2002, his song, “I'm Movin' On” won the Academy of Country Music Song of the Year Award and came in at #15 on the Billboard Year-End Hot Country Songs Chart. Williams also won the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) “Song I Wish I Would Have Written” Award.Be sure to join Mick and  Mook on April 12th to meet this incredibly talented, award-winning songwriter.

Julian Gant is a television and film actor who is widely recognized for his performance as Carter on the series Call Me Kat. He has also starred on Oddballs and the 2019 series Good Girls.Gant will be joining Billy and Frank on the April 5th episode of A Mick A Mook and A MicJulian, born in Detroit, made his professional acting debut on The Suite Life of Hudson & James in 2003. Recently, he guest-starred on a 2020 episode of Reno 911!  In 2022, he joined the cast of the film Shepherd. In addition, his voice is featured in the hit video game, Grand Theft Auto V.Be sure to join Mick and Mook for this fun episode on April 5th.

Artis Gilmore, one of the greatest centers in the history of professional basketball, will join Billy and Frank on the March 29th episode of A Mick A Mook and A Mic.Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011, Gilmore played for the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Boston Celtics in the NBA, and the Kentucky Colonels of the former ABA. Artis was, arguably, the greatest player in the history of the ABA.Standing 7‘2”, Gilmore is often called “The Gentle Giant,” due to being a soft-spoken gentleman. Other nicknames are: “The A-Train”, or simply “A”.Gilmore's college career started at Gardner-Webb Junior College in North Carolina. His junior and senior years he attended Jacksonville University in Florida, where he led the JU Dolphins to the NCAA Division I Championship game in his junior year. Gilmore's Dolphins lost to the Coach Wooden led UCLA Bruins.Artis was picked #1 in the 1971 ABA draft by the Kentucky Colonels. In his first year, he was named both Rookie of the Year and the league's Most Valuable Player. In 1975 he led the Colonels to the ABA Championship, where he was named the MVP.When the ABA disbanded after the 1976 season, Artis went into the special 1976 ABA dispersal draft, and was chosen first overall by the Chicago Bulls.Gilmore played 13 years in the NBA and was a 6x All-Star. He led the NBA in field goal percentage in four consecutive seasons, including a career-best 67% during the 1980–81 season — at the time, the third-highest percentage in NBA history. At the time of his retirement in 1989, Gilmore was the NBA's career leader in field goal percentage (minimum 2,000 shots made) with 59.9%.Here's a look at some of Gilmore's career achievements and awards:ABA champion (1975)ABA Playoffs Most Valuable Player (1975)ABA Most Valuable Player (1972)6× NBA All-Star (1978, 1979, 1981–1983, 1986)5× ABA All-Star (1972–1976)ABA All-Star Game MVP (1974)5× All-ABA First Team (1972–1976)4× ABA All-Defensive First Team (1973–1976)NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1978)ABA Rookie of the Year (1972)ABA All-Rookie First Team (1972)4× ABA rebounding champion (1972–1974, 1976)ABA All-Time TeamConsensus first-team All-American (1971)Second-team All-American – AP, NABC, UPI (1970)2× NCAA rebounding leader (1970, 1971)Third-team Parade All-American (1967)Artis married his college sweetheart, Enola Gay, and has five children.Since the Mook (Frank Pace) also attended Jacksonville University and is a fraternity brother of Artis, this episode on March 29th should be in-depth and fun.