Beyond The Fame with Jason Fraley

Jason Fraley interviews Nate Smith, the reigning Grammy champion of Best Alternative Jazz Album, who headlines the D.C. Jazz Festival (Sept. 2-6). They preview the event and reflect on his journey from Chesapeake, Virginia to worldwide music greatness. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews WWE Hall of Famer John “Bradshaw” Layfield who visits the Frederick Keys game today at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick, Maryland. Bradshaw also reflects on his career, famously joining Ron Simmons as the tag team The Acolytes, which evolved into the A-P-A, before reinventing himself as the heel JBL with memorable matches against Eddie Guerrero and John Cena. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates the 45th anniversary of the neo-noir classic “Body Heat" by flashing back to his convo with Kathleen Turner for the 2019 Arena Stage Gala in Washington D.C. Turner shares what it was like to work with director Lawrence Kasdan on “Body Heat,” John Huston on “Prizzi's Honor,” Francis Ford Coppola on “Peggy Sue Got Married,” and Robert Zemeckis on “Romancing the Stone” and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

20 years ago today, Disney Channel's original “High School Musical” won three Teen Choice Awards, including Best Comedy/Musical Show, so we're flashing back to the time Corbin Bleu stopped by to promote "Anything Goes" at Arena Stage with the high-energy Soara-Joye Ross in 2016. It might just be the most unhinged laugh fest of any interview on this podcast. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews R&B/soul icon Musiq Soulchild, who performs tonight at the historic Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. He called in to preview the show and reflect on his journey to land over a dozen Grammy nominations. Stay tuned until the end to hear all about his love of "Star Wars." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Grammy-winning R&B star Ledisi, who salutes blues legend Dinah Washington at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland this Friday and Saturday. She called in to preview the shows, discuss Dinah's legacy, and reflect on her own career hits like "Pieces of Me” and “Anything for You.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley chats with sports talk radio legend Andy Pollin, who left the D.C. airwaves this week after nearly 5 decades. Andy generously called in for THREE HOURS to reflect on his career, from pioneering the 24-7 sports talk radio format at WFAN in New York., to chronicling the Dan Snyder era on WTEM 570/980 in Washington D.C. Stick around until the end for rapid-fire quips on his beloved colleagues, from Tony Kornhesier to Steve Czaban.  (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews horror filmmaker Eli Roth, who delivers his newest scary movie “Ice Cream Man" in theaters nationwide today. He called in to preview the film, discuss some of his inspirations, and explain why it's even scarier now that he's become a father. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 30th anniveary of Lewis Black hosted his very first “Back in Black” segment on Comedy Central's “The Daily Show” on July 3, 1996. They spoke when Black brought his “Let Freedom Laugh” tour to Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. in 2015 on a triple bill with the legendary Dick Gregory and Tom Smothers of The Smothers Brothers. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 20th anniversary of Jeffrey Epstein's first mugshot by revisiting this chat with “X-Files” star Gillian Anderson about her sex-trafficking film “Sold” when it made its D.C. premiere at the Angelika Pop Up at Union Market in 2016. Stay tuned after the interview to hear a true-crime timeline of the Epstein scandal. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

The classic soul, funk and R&B group Rose Royce rocks Bethesda Theater in Bethesda, Maryland this Friday. Founding members Kenny Copeland & Michael Nash join Jason to break down their biggest hits, including “Car Wash,” ”I Wanna Get Next to You,” “I'm Going Down,” “Wishing on a Star” and “Love Don't Live Here Anymore.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Gretchen Mol stars in the new heartwarming indie "Horsegirls," which opens in movie theaters today. She called in to preview the film and reflect to her career, from movies like "Rounders" and "Manchester By the Sea" to TV hits like "Boardwalk Empire" and "Tulsa King." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of Netflix's “Making a Murderer” earning six Emmy nominations for chronicling the conviction of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey in the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach. Jason examined the docuseries with longtime Washington Post crime reporter Tom Jackman in 2016. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley chats with America's most-produced living playwright as tickets go on sale tonight for a free virtual masterclass with Lauren Gunderson. She has topped the list by American Theatre Magazine four times, including the most recent 2025-2026 season. We spoke when she brought her original play “The Revolutionists” to Baltimore's Everyman Theatre in 2018. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates today's release of Disney's live-action “Moana” by flashing back to his chat with the original voice of the animated "Moana." Auli'i Cravalho called in to promote the National Memorial Day Concert in 2017, sharing behind-the-scenes gold about songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda and co-star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of Alex Gibney's acclaimed documentary “Zero Days,” which remains just as timely today in chronicling America's development of the Stuxnet virus to secretly attack Iran's nuclear capabilities. Gibney called in to preview the 2016 AFI Docs Film Festival and reflect on his prolific career, from his Oscar nomination for “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” to his Oscar win for “Taxi to the Dark Side." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Lou Diamond Phillips, star of the new crime drama “Gangland,” which opens in movie theaters and streaming today. He called in to preview the film and reflect on his career, from his breakthrough role in the Ritchie Valens biopic “La Bamba” to his Golden Globe nomination for the urban high-school drama “Stand & Deliver.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States of America, which was founded on July 4, 1776 with a Declaration of Independence from the British crown. He spoke with author David O. Stewart in 2021 about his biography “George Washington: The Political Rise of America's Founding Father." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum by flashing back to his 2015 chat with astronaut Christopher Ferguson when the museum screened his 3D/IMAX film “Journey to Space," narrated by Patrick Stewart. Ferguson famously commanded the final mission of NASA's iconic Space Shuttle program in 2011 before this year's exciting Artemis II launch. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley chats with Robert "Kool" Bell as Kool & The Gang rocks “A Capitol Fourth” this Friday, July 3rd to celebrate America's 250th birthday. They break down the band's biggest hits, including “Jungle Boogie,” “Hollywood Swinging,” “Ladies Night,” “Celebration,” “Get Down On It,” “Fresh” and “Cherish.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of the musical “Bright Star” closing on Broadway in 2016. He sat down with acclaimed director Walter Bobbie and original actress Carmen Cusack backstage at the Kennedy Center when “Bright Star” made its pre-Broadway premiere in Washington D.C. in 2015. Bobbie also reflects on winning a Tony for directing the iconic revival of Bob Fosse's "Chicago." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Grammy and Oscar winner Melissa Etheridge, who rocks Wolf Trap tomorrow night, sharing a bill with Wynonna Judd & Maggie Rose. They spoke during her previous visit to Virginia when she played The Birchmere in Alexandria in 2018. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates Juneteeth by flashing back to his conversation with DeNeen Brown, narrator of Dawn Porter's powerful documentary “Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer,” which premiered on National Geographic in 2021 for the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion:)

Jason Fraley marks Flag Day by honoring a real American hero in NASA astronaut Eileen Collins, who made history as both the first woman to pilot a space shuttle and the first woman to command a space shuttle mission. They discuss her new documentary “Spacewoman,” now streaming on Apple, Amazon, YouTube, GooglePlay and Vimeo. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates the 10th anniversary of "Hamilton" sweeping the Tony Awards by flashing back to a trio of chats with Director Thomas Kail. First, you'll hear their 2016 phone interview about growing up in Alexandria, Virginia. You'll then hear them at the 2016 Records of Achievement Awards at the National Archives. Finally, you'll hear them at the 2018 Kennedy Center Honors where Kail was joined by "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, arranger Alex Lacamoire and choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley previews tonight's Tony Awards by chatting with Ken Davenport, one of the producers of Broadway's “Titanique,” which competes for the top prize of Best Musical. Ken knows a thing or two about the Tonys, having previously won for “Kinky Boots” and “Once On This Island.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of the Kennedy Center's Spring Gala tribute to Marvin Gaye. Jason spoke with several of the performers backstage before the show, including Valerie Simpson, Babybace, BJ The Chicago Kid, and Leslie Odom Jr. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews lead singer Mike Love as The Beach Boys play Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, followed by Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia on Sunday. They spoke when The Beach Boys played the "A Capitol Fourth" concert in 2018. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews country singer/songwriter Tenille Townes about her brand new album “The Acrobat." She also reflects on her career, from getting pulled up on stage as a kid by Shania Twain, to winning Female Artist of the Year five times in a row at the Canadian Country Music Association, while crossing over in Nashville with the hit song “Somebody's Daughter.”  (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 15th anniversary of Scotty McCreery winning Season 10 of  “American Idol,” sparking a career of country music hits like “Five More Minutes,” “This Is It” and “Damn Strait.” They spoke when Scotty performed at the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington D.C. in 2017, so it's only fitting to re-air it today for Memorial Day. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of Alisan Porter winning Season 10 of NBC's “The Voice,” becoming the first to win with a female coach in Christina Aguilera. They spoke when she performed the National Anthem at “A Capitol Fourth” in Washington D.C. on July 4, 2016. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Gary Sinise, who returns to co-host the National Memorial Day Concert with Joe Mantegna tomorrow on PBS. He called in the first time 10 years ago when he co-hosted the event in 2016, capping a busy weekend where his Lt. Dan Band rocked the G.I. Film Festival at Howard Theatre and performed for the wounded vets at Walter Reed. They also discuss the legacy of his Oscar-nominated role as Lt. Dan Taylor in “Forrest Gump,” which won six Oscars, including Best Picture. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews hip-hop legend Big Daddy Kane, who performs live with the Duke Ellington School Orchestra at the Bethesda Theater in Bethesda, Maryland this Friday. He also teases his upcoming final album “Curtain Call" and shares memories of how Biz Markie gifted him “Ain't No Half Steppin',” how he recorded “Very Special” with a very pregnant DJ Spinderella, and who he'd put on Rap's Mount Rushmore. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews singer/songwriter Rachel Platten, who headlines the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's AcceptAbility Gala in Washington D.C. tomorrow night. She previews the event and reflects on her career of inspirational tunes like “Fight Song” and “I'll Stand By You.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates the 50th anniversary of Henry Winkler competing for his first Primetime Emmy for his iconic role as The Fonz on the TV sitcom “Happy Days." They spoke in 2016 to promote his NBC reality show “Better Late Than Never,” traveling the globe with William Shatner, Jeff Dye, Terry Bradshaw, and the late George Foreman. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Darryl "DMC" McDaniels teams with Public Enemy alumni Brian Hardgroove and DJ Johnny Juice to form the new hip-hop supergroup FREEDOM, dropping their new single "I'm On Your Side" tomorrow. They also praise each other's greatest hits from Run-DMC's "It's Like That," "Rock Box," "King of Rock," "It's Tricky" and "Walk This Way" to Public Enemy's "Rebel Without a Pause," "Bring the Noise," "Don't Believe the Hype," "Fight the Power" and "Shut Em Down." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates “Top Gun” returning to movie theaters nationwide tomorrow for its 40th anniversary by flashing back to his interview with Berlin lead singer Terri Nunn, who sang the Oscar-winning hit “Take My Breath Away." They spoke when the band reunited for their 40th anniversary tour at The Anthem in Washington D.C. in 2019. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks tomorrow's 70th anniversary of Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray's “Pather Panchali” winning Best Human Document at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival, sparking a trio of landmark films known as “The Apu Trilogy." Jason spoke to Criterion Collection President Peter Becker and Criterion Technical Director Lee Kline about the trilogy's exciting 4K restoration in 2015. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Broadway star Shereen Pimentel, who played Maria in the 2020 Broadway revival of “West Side Story” and returns to the role TONIGHT, TONIGHT in a special new production by the Washington National Opera at The Lyric in Baltimore, Maryland on May 8-10, followed by the Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland on May 14-15. They discuss how the show's timeless themes of The Sharks vs. The Jets can heal our divisive political climate that caused the WNO to leave the Kennedy Center after 55 years. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates Tony nominations day with Kelsie Watts, the current star of Broadway's “Moulin Rouge: The Musical." This week also marks the 25th anniversary of Baz Luhrmann's “Moulin Rouge” making its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival with iconic performances by Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Acclaimed author Walter Mosley headlines the Frederick Speaker Series at the Weinberg Center in Frederick, Maryland this Thursday, April 30. They discuss his prolific literary career, including his 1990 detective novel “Devil in a Blue Dress,” which was memorably adapted into a 1995 film starring Denzel Washington. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Julie Pacino, daughter of Al Pacino, makes her feature-length directorial debut this week with the new horror flick “I Live Here Now," available on Video On Demand. She joined me to discuss the film's psychological allegory and her own evolution as a filmmaker, following in the footsteps of her legendary father, star of classics like “The Godfather,” “Dog Day Afternoon” and “Scarface.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of the indie film “Elvis & Nixon," chronicling the true story of the King of Rock & Roll meeting the President of the United States. Acclaimed director Liza Johnson called in to promote the film's release in 2016. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley wishes a happy 50th birthday to celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio, who competes tonight in the finale of the Food Network's "Tournament of Champions VII." They spoke when he competed on Bravo's "Top Chef: All-Stars L.A." in March 2020 right as the pandemic shook up the restaurant industry, including businesses in their shared hometown of Frederick, Maryland. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews comedian Paula Poundstone, who cracks up the Weinberg Center in Frederick, Maryland this Friday night. They spoke when she played The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia in November 2016, just days before the presidential election between Donald Trump & Hillary Clinton. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 165th anniversary of the Civil War by reviving his conversation with Rev. Gary Hall, former Dean of the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., from when he hosted a 2015 panel called “Civil War to Civil Rights: The Last Great Speeches of Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley salutes Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Byrd, former guitarist for Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, who headlines the annual Rock & Roll for Children benefit this Saturday in Potomac, Maryland to raise money for The Children's Inn at NIH. Here's a flashback to their convo when Byrd headlined the event back in 2016. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of Trent Harmon winning Season 15 of “American Idol," making him the last winner of the show's iconic 15-year run on Fox before being revived on ABC. They spoke in 2016 when he performed at the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington D.C. You'll also hear from former “Idol” judges Kara DioGuardi, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews country singer/songwriter Kylie Morgan, who performs live at the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia this Friday, April 3. She discusses her new album “The Healed Cowgirl," including the singles "Like My Own" and "Love and Country Music," as well as the biggest hits of her career from “Two Night Stands” to “If He Wanted to He Would,” which just went platinum. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Oscar-nominated producers Tim & Trevor White, who screen “Carolina Caroline” this Saturday at the Annapolis Film Festival (March 26-29). The brothers also reflect on their prolific producing career, including Rob Reiner's “LBJ,” Aubrey Plaza's “Ingrid Goes West,” Taylor Sheridan's “Wind River,” Steven Spielberg's “The Post,” Will Smith's “King Richard” and most recently “Eternity,” starring Miles Teller & Elizabeth Olsen. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Tony-nominated musical "Bright Star" premiering on Broadway on March 24, 2016. Jason spoke with co-creators Steve Martin and Edie Brickell when the show made its pre-Broadway premiere at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. in 2015. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clairon")