Downtown: The Podcast

Guests: Peter Ames Carlin, Marc Scott Zicree, Tripp Whetsell Peter Ames Carlin discusses his great new book on R.E.M., Marc Scott Zicree remembers Rod Serling, who was born one hundred years ago this Christmas Day, and Tripp Whetsell talks about his new book on television legend Norman Lear.                                            

Guests: Rosanne Cash, Stephen Tobolowsky Singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash returns to discuss TIME IS A MIRROR, the exhibit celebrating her work at the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the newly-remastered collection, THE ESSENTIAL ROSANNE CASH. Stephen Tobowlosky talks about his work on NOBODY WANTS THIS and THE MADNESS, as well as a film he shot recently with Corbin Bernsen.                                      

Guests: Elizabeth Strout, Mike Thomas Pulitzer Prize winner Elizabeth Strout talks with us about her latest novel, TELL ME EVERYTHING. Journalist Mike Thomas discusses CARSON THE MAGNIFICENT, the new book about Johnny Carson he collaborated on with the late Bill Zehme.                                      

John O'Hurley, Gary Hoey John O'Hurley returns to the podcast to preview this year's National Dog Show, presented by Purina, Thanksgiving Day on NBC. Guitarist Gary Hoey talks about his new holiday single, his Ho-Ho-Hoey Rockin' Holiday Tour, and his annual guitar giveaway.                                      

Elliot Mintz, Chris Smither Broadcaster  and public relations guru Elliot Mintz returns to discuss WE ALL SHINE ON: JOHN, YOKO, AND ME, his wonderful new book on his friendship with the Lennons. Singer-songwriter Chris Smither talks with us about his latest album, ALL ABOUT THE BONES.                                      

Guests: Ken Burns, Luke David Blumm Filmmaker Ken Burns discusses his latest documentary, Leonardo da Vinci, which comes to PBS on November 18.   Actor Luke David Blumm talks about his role as Donn Fendler in the new film, Lost On a Mountain in Maine.                                      

Guests: Joe Posnanski, Josh Karp Author Joe Posnanski returns to discuss his great new book, WHY WE LOVE FOOTBALL. Writer Josh Karp is back to discuss his oral history of THE BIG LEBOWSKI for Air Mail.                                      

Guests: Robert Hilburn, Howard Jones Music journalist and author Robert Hilburn discusses his new book on Randy Newman, A FEW WORDS IN DEFENSE OF OUR COUNTRY. Singer-songwriter-musician Howard Jones looks back on his career and talks about his upcoming tour with Daryl Hall.                              

Guests: Mindy Smith, Jake Shimabukuro Singer-songwriter Mindy Smith discusses her new album, QUIET TOWN and ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro talks about his collaboration with Mick Fleetwood on the album, BLUES EXPERIENCE.                                

Guests: Stephen Tobolowsky, Mike Royce Actor Stephen Tobolowsky talks about his work on Lopez v. Lopez, an upcoming film with Corbin Bernsen, and the One Day at a Time reunion. Emmy Award-winning screenwriter and producer Mike Royce discusses his work on Everybody Loves Raymond, Men of a Certain Age, and One Day at a Time.                              

Guests: Peri GIlpin, Roy Harrington Peri Gilpin returns to talk with us about her work on Sean 2 of the Frasier reboot on Paramount Plus. Comedian Ray Harrington discusses his career and his upcoming show at Bangor's Cross Insurance Center.                                

Guests: Michael Campion, Colin Woodard Actor and magician Michael Campion talks about his new show in Los Angeles, Michael Campion's Haunted Mystery Show of Magic, and performs a little "radio magic" for us. Journalist Colin Woodard discusses threats to both democracy and the environment, which he covered in his Libby Lecture in Natural Resource Policy at the University of Maine.                                      

Guests: Jason Marsden, Kay Hanley & Charlton Pettus Actor Jason Marsden talks about It's Just A Buncha Halloween, coming to Salem Massachusetts in mid-October. Kay Hanley of Letters to Cleo and Charlon Pettus from Tears for Fears discuss their collaboration on the new Disney series, KINDERGARTEN:  THE MUSICAL.                                      

Guests:  David Roth, Gary Tanguay David Roth of Defector and The Distraction Podcast and Gary Tanguay of WBZ in Boston help us celebrate the 13th anniversary of our radio show.                                      

Guests:  Arthur Meyer & Stephanie Drake, Ron Dante Arhtur Meyer & Stephanie Drake discuss their web series, ABC PARENTING. From the Downtown archives, our conversation with singer and producer Ron Dante.                                      

Guests:  Arwen Lewis & Bob Ryan Singer-songwriter Arwen Lewis discusses her new EP, UNDER THE STARS. The great sportswriter, Bob Ryan, covers a wide range of topics, as always.                            

Guests:  Ed Begley Jr & Chelsea Henderson Actor Ed Begley talks about a couple of upcoming projects and shares some stories from his memoir, TO THE TEMPLE OF TRANQUILITY...AND STEP ON IT! Author and Maine native Chelsea Henderson discusses her new book, GLACIAL: THE INSIDE STORY OF CLIMATE POLITICS.                  

Guests:  Julia Duffy & Steve Wiegand Julia Duffy joins us to share memories of her friend and mentor, Bob Newhart, and to discuss her work on PALM ROYALE. Author Steve Wiegand talks about his great new book, THE UNCOMMON LIFE OF DANNY O'CONNELL.                  

Guests:  Dwight Evans            

Guests:  Kathleen Turner, Michael Socolow Actress Kathleen Turner discusses her career and her work in the Ogunquit Playhouse production of A Little Night Music. Media historian Michael Socolow talks about coverage of the presidential race and the Olympics.                  

Guests:  Dr. Joanne Freeman and John McEuen Historian Dr. Joanne Freeman, author of THE FIELD OF BLOOD, discusses political violence in America, past and present. Musician John McEuen, a founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, talks about his new solo album, THE NEWSMAN.                          

Guests:  Terry McBride, Andrew Reynolds Terry McBride of McBride & The Ride talks about their career and their new live EP, scheduled for release this fall. Executive Producer Andrew Reynolds discusses the new ESPN 30-for-30 Podcast, SEARCHING FOR HOBEY BAKER.                    

Guests: Kevin McDonald, Gerry Beckley Kevin McDonald of Kids in the Hall talks about his career, the origins of KITH, and his City Winery Tour, which stops in Boston July 17 and New York on July 19.   Singer-Songwriter Gerry Beckley discusses his new solo album, GERRY BECKLEY, his friendship with the late Harry Nilsson, and more.                    

Guests: Paula Poundstone, Dean Butler              

Guests: Jessica Harper, Bea Franklin Actor, author, and singer-songwriter Jessica Harper talks about her work on films, including Suspiria, My Favorite Year, Pennies from Heaven, and Minority Report, television roles on It's Garry Shandling's Show and The Old Man, and creating books and music for children. The “Queen Bea”, Bea Franklin, returns to talk about her remarkable life and her upcoming 100th birthday.          

Guests:  Curtis Armstrong, John Davidson Actor Curtis Armstrong discusses the making of REVENGE OF THE NERDS, which opened forty years ago this summer, and we also chatted a bit about MOONLIGHTING and The Beatles. Entertainer John Davidson talks about the coming season of his performance venue CLUB SANDWICH in Sandwich, NH, which may (or may not) be the final season.                  

Guests: Kathleen Jayme & Asia Youngman, David Beck Filmmakers Kat Jayme & Asis Youngman discuss their new 30 for 30 documentary, I'M JUST HERE FOR THE RIOT, on the 2011 Stanley cup riots in Vancouver. Actor-Director David Beck talks about his new film, REGARDING US.                  

Guests: Ben Mankiewicz Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiwicz discusses the network's 30th anniversary, his family's remarkable history, and his work on The Plot Thickens and Talking Pictures podcasts.        

Guests: Stephen Tobolowsky Actor, author, and storyteller Stephen Tobolowsky talks about his work on a recent episode of HACKS, the film, POOLMAN, and an upcoming theater role.                

Guests: Philly Ocean, Billy Hanson Philly Ocean from Yachtley Crew joins us to discuss their national tour and new EP, SEAS THE DAY. Filmmaker Billy Hanson talks about the making of his latest, BONE COLD.                  

Guests: David Roth, Drew Moerlein David Roth of defector discusses the NBA playoffs, MLB injuries, the Trump trials, and more. Actor Drew Moerlein talks about his career, his new film BLOODLINE KILLER, and his work on the upcoming Marvel videogame 1943: RISE OF HYDRA.                  

Guests: Lisa Loeb, Susan Polis Schutz Singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb discusses her career, new music, and her upcoming shows with Lyle Lovett, including a stop at Johnson Hall in Gardner, Maine on May 8. Poet and filmmaker Susan Polis Schutz talks about her new documentary, BRIDGING DIVIDES: SHARING HEARTBEATS.                  

Guests: Ed Zwick, Annie Jacobsen Writer-Producer-Director Ed Zwick joined us to discuss his book, HITS, FLOPS, AND OTHER ILLUSIONS. Author Annie Jacobsen talks about her latest book, NUCLEAR WAR: A SCENARIO.                  

Guests: Lesley Visser, Jake Reiner Sportswriter and sportscaster Lesley Visser returns to discuss her work on the Boston Globe and the evolution of sports journalism. Actor Jake Reiner talks about his career and his new film , LOVE AND TAXE$.                                                      

Guest:Dr. Neal D. Barnard, Robert LaRoche   Dr. Neal Barnard fills us in on his new book, The Power Foods Diet. Singer-songwriter Robert LaRoche discuses his new album, FOREVERMORE.                                                    

Guest: David Yazbeck, Julia Duffy Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winning composer and writer David Yazbeck discusses his new project, a "play with music" for Audible, DEAD OUTLAW, based on Maine-born criminal and mummified side show attraction, Elmer McCurdy. Julia Duffy returns to the show to talk about her work on the Apple TV+ series PALM ROYALE, along with Allison Janney, Kristin Wiig, Laura Dern, and the legendary Carol Burnett.                                                      

Guest: Jeff Margolis Legendary producer-director Jeff Margolis shared stories from his memoir, WE'RE LIVE IN FIVE: MY EXTRAORDINARY LIFE IN TELEVISION.                                          

Guest:Mark Larson, Joel Selvin   Mark Larson talks with us about his new book, WORKING IN THE 21ST CENTURY.   Music journalist Joel Selvin discuss his book, DEUMS AND DEMONS: THE TRAGIC JOURNEY OF JIM GORDON.                                        

Guest: Lewis Black, Bob Ryan Comedian Lewis Black discusses his farewell tour, GOODBYE YELLER BRICK ROAD. Bob Ryan talks about his recent Boston Globe story on watching sporting events in all fifty states.                                                  

Guest: Kristen Lappas, Makenzie Phipps Filmmaker Kristen Lappas discusses her documentary, GIANNIS: THE MARVELOUS JOURNEY, about NBA superstar Giannis Antentetokounmpo. Singer-Songwriter Makenzie Phipps talks about her career and new single, EIGHTEEN WHEELS.                                                    

Guest: TG Sheppard, Peter Lewis Country music legend T.G. Sheppard discusses his career and his new duet with his wife, Kelly Lang, "You're Still The One." Peter Lewis looks back on his time with the band, Moby Grape, and talks about his new solo album, "Imagination".                                                    

Guest: Heather Cox Richardson Historian Heather Cox Richardson discusses her latest book, DEMOCRACY AWAKENING, and shares her thoughts on the state of the nation.                                          

Guest: Johnathon Schaech and Gianni Russo Actor Johnathon Schaech talks about his new series, BLUE RIDGE, his film, SUITABLE FLESH, and the end of the season for his Baltimore Ravens. Actor-singer--author and businessman Gianni Russo shares stories from the making of The Godfather and some of the other remarkable tales from his one man show, AN EVENING YOU CAN'T REFUSE.                                                          

Guest: Paul F Tompkins, Jennifer K Armstrong Actor, comedian, and writer Paul F. Tompkins talks with us about his career and his show, VARIETOPIA, which is coming to the Waldo Theatre in April. Author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong discusses her new book, SO FETCH: THE MAKING OF MEAN GIRLS (AND WHY WE'RE STILL SO OBSESSED WITH IT).                                                          

Guest: Peri Gilpin, David Roth Peri Gilpin talks about returning to the role of Roz Doyle in the Frasier reboot. David Roth of Defector weighs in on the NFL, Jim Harbaugh, and the Trump legal team.                                                    

Guest: Mike Farrell, Ford Reiche Actor Mike Farrell discusses the recent M*A*S*H reunion and the stakes in the upcoming election. Author Ford Reiche talks about his new book, A LONG, LONG TIME AGO, a history of Southern Maine rock concerts from 1955-1977.                                                            

Guest: Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Janet Robin Actor-Producer-Screenwriter Siobhan Fallon Hogan returns to talk about her new film, SHELTER IN SOLITUDE, which is streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple+. Janet Robin of The String Revolution discusses their career and Grammy-nominated version of Johnny Cash's FOLSOM PRISON BLUES.                                                              

Guest: Ernie DiGregorio, Doug & Emmy Jo Basketball legend Ernie DiGregorio discusses his memoir, STAR WITH A BROKEN HEART. We visit with Doug & Emmy Jo, hosts of the 1970s children's show, THE NEW ZOO REVUE.                                                        

Guest: Stephen Tobolowsky, Bill Mumy                                                        

Guest: Paul Cowsill, Erin Enderlin   Paul Cowsill of The Cowsills joined us to discuss the EP, A CHRISTMAS OFFERING FROM THE COWSILLS, and their touring plans for 2024. Singer-songwriter Erin Enderlin talks about her career and her latest album, BARROOM MIRRORS.                                                        

Guest: Kliph Nesteroff, Joanna Cassidy Author Kliph Nesteroff talks with us about his new book, OUTRAGEOUS:  A HISTORY OF SHOWBIZ AND THE CULTURE WARS. Actress Joanna Cassidy returns to discuss some recent projects and the importance of staying mentally young.