Love's A Secret Weapon Podcast

“For you are a magnet and I am steel.” Sound familiar? Those unforgettable lyrics come from the 1978 Billboard Top 10 hit “Magnet and Steel", written and performed by Walter Egan — and in this special episode, he joins Donna and Dr. Adam in conversation!Walter takes us on a journey starting in New York with his surf rock band The Malibooz, followed by five years with the Washington D.C.-based group Sageworth. After relocating to Los Angeles, he became a gigging musician, eventually crossing paths with Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. The Fleetwood Mac duo produced Walter's debut album , and then teamed up with him again for his second album, Not Shy – featuring the iconic “Magnet and Steel,” with Stevie on background vocals and Lindsey on guitar.Walter shares what it was like to collaborate with two rising legends of rock, how Stevie Nicks inspired his biggest hit, and what he's learned from over five decades of songwriting, performing, and creating.And as a special treat, don't miss the end of the episode – where Donna and Walter share their duet of “Magnet and Steel” just for you.

Come spend Valentine's Day with Donna and Dr Adam and special guest Domenic Priore! Domenic is a writer and expert in ‘60s popular music and youth culture. In this episode, the trio take a trip down the rabbit hole to 1960s Los Angeles through five of Domenic's books: Riot on Sunset Strip, a chronicle of the electrifying rise and fall of the Sunset Strip music scene; Pacific Ocean Park, a history of the famed Santa Monica mid-century amusement park; Smile: The Story of Brian Wilson's Lost Masterpiece, the story of perhaps the most famous unfinished album in the history of music; Pop Surf Culture, a history of surf and youth culture of the ‘50s and ‘60s including our favorite Beach Party movies; and Pop Sixties, Domenic's collaboration with Donna! If you're a mid-century aficionado with a modern twist, come spend some time with Love's A Secret Weapon Podcast, now in its 7th season!

We think it's almost Christmas time! In this holiday special and sixth season finale, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by Gaylord Fields! Gaylord is a longtime host on WFMU, a DJ, and writer whose eclectic interests in music span genres and generations. In conversation, Gaylord shares how music has been a throughline throughout his life and career, and the trio share some Christmas memories. Gaylord also spins Donna's holiday recordings, including her first single when she was nine years old and her most recent holiday classic!

It's time for the Girls! In this episode, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by DJ Glynis Ward, host of WFMU "Crayons to Perfume", a weekly radio show dedicated to girl groups and women artists from the '60s. In conversation, Glynis shares how she became a champion of the girl group sound, having started as a DJ and writer in Canada. Along the way, you'll be introduced to garage rock rarities like the all-female Daughters of Eve, and reacquainted with The Supremes. Plus the trio bridge the cultural divide, with Glynis spinning tales and tracks from the Canadian Michèle Richard, Little Pattie from Australia, and of course some Northern Soul classics from your host Donna. Music – and Girl Power – transcend all boundaries!

Are you a fan of classic film and television? Well, Donna and Dr Adam have you covered when they are joined by two very special guests: Scott Morrow and Shannon Allen! As a child actor during the Golden Age of Hollywood, Scott “Scotty” Morrow played Hope Lange's brother in the film “Peyton Place” and was seen in classic shows “The Donna Reed Show”, “Wagon Train”, “Lassie”, and “My Three Sons”. Shannon Allen is a podcaster and writer with her popular podcast “Vanguard of Hollywood”, where she gets up close and personal with the films and stars of the Golden Age. In conversation, Scott shares what it was like to share the screen and studio with legends Lana Turner, George Montgomery, Richard Chamberlain, Ethel Waters…and his friend Marilyn Monroe! While Shannon, as an expert on all things Hollywood, shares stories from that classic time. Plus, Scott lets us into his current career as a photographer and Shannon shares her secrets for cooking, Hollywood style. To learn more about Scott and Shannon, you can purchase the bestselling book “Made in Hollywood: The Scott Morrow Story” and visit Shannon's website VanguardofHollywood.com

Ep 83 Part 1 Come along with Donna and Dr Adam and experience the famous ancient village of Alberobello in Southern Italy with its well-preserved Trulli houses in this special video episode! From Donna: "In 1967, I found myself in a Warner Bros recording studio in Rome, Italy. I was asked to sing a theme to a movie called "Once Before I Die", starring Ursula Andress. To promote the song Warner Bros. sent me down the coast of the Adriatic to a tiny mountain town called Alberobello. This was an ancient village, well preserved with the unique Trulli style houses made of lime and slate. A video was made of me standing on old Roman ruins singing the song. My collaborator and producer, Dr. Adam Gerace, recently traveled to Italy and visited Alberobello which has given me an opportunity to share this very rare unreleased recording along with photos taken by my dad, Morey, during our 1960's stay. Never dreamed this would become a reality and I sincerely hope you enjoy it!" Note: Ep 83 Part 2 (Audio) - A Travel Diary from Alberobello to Milan This companion Audio Podcast is available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart or wherever you get your podcasts.

Ep 83 Part 2 Ciao, Love's A Secret Weapon community! Fancy a summer vacation in Italy? Back in June and July, Dr Adam was travelling around Europe – and Donna and Dr Adam thought you might like to come along! They caught up twice: once in Alberobello in Southern Italy, and this one in Milan before he headed home. In these two travel diaries, Adam shares his experiences in real-time of the iconic Alberobello, with its famous Trulli buildings, and then picturesque Milan, while Donna recalls her own visit to Alberobello in the ‘60s! “L'amore è un'arma segreta!” – in whatever language you say it, remember – Love's A Secret Weapon! Also Watch: Ep 83 Part 1 (Video) - A Visit to Alberobello with Donna and Dr Adam

In this episode, Donna and Dr Adam share what they've been up to over the past couple of months, including the arrival of new family members, being awed by the recent eclipse, and even encounters with scorpions! They also talk about watching the new series “Ripley”, and how its romantic setting of a 1960s Italy spoke to them about bigger issues of deception and the human condition. Let's talk it over!

In this episode, Donna and Dr Adam Gerace are joined by musician and author Jim Wilson to talk about his new book “Tuned In: Memoirs of a Piano Man”! Jim has had distinct, but complementary careers as both a musician and performer alongside his work as an expert piano tuner-technician to music royalty, including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Burt Bacharach, and Carole King. In conversation with Donna and Dr Adam, Jim shares his journey from being a young boy in Amarillo, Texas to his work in California as the go-to-person transforming the Steinways of legends with a revolutionary MIDI-adaptor for acoustic piano. Along the way, tragedy drove his desire to face his fears and follow his dreams of stepping into the limelight as an award-winning and charting musician with four recordings on the Billboard Top-20 and two PBS specials. Beyond his wonderful showbiz stories, including sharing one of his compositions with a Beatle, Jim's conversation with Donna and Dr Adam reflects the importance of listening to one's inner voice and how the power of one thought, one decision or gesture can forever change our lives and the lives of those around us.

In this episode, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by longtime radio DJ Leslie Stevens! Leslie has 45 years' experience as a DJ, including hosting his own long-running syndicated show “Route 66 Oldies Show”, which brings back the sounds and memories of the ‘50s and ‘60s. In their conversation, Leslie shares his journey from a small radio station in the LA mountains to hosting, producing, and reporting for radio and TV stations in California and Arizona. Remember KHJ Boss Radio in Los Angeles? Or perhaps you had your own favourite radio station in your city growing up. We'll revisit those memories and more in the latest episode of Love's A Secret Weapon Podcast!

In this special episode, Donna and Dr. Adam are joined by musician Maurice Gainen! Maurice, who is a woodwind musician, producer, composer, and engineer, first worked with Donna to rejuvenate her signature song “It Only Hurts When I Cry” in 2009. He then engineered Donna's first album in decades, “Love It Away” in 2010, and he provides the distinctive saxophone sounds on her modern holiday classic, “Merry Christmas Baby”! In conversation with Donna and Dr Adam, Maurice invites us into his Silverlake recording studio, and tells us about his long and diverse music career, which includes his own recordings, live performances, production work for major labels, and his mastering of 187 CDs for Starbucks. Maurice shares how he is committed to a global music movement and how he brings together collaborators from all over the world to create a unique global jazz sound. You'll also hear about how his career started on Bob Barker's “Truth or Consequences”, how by chance he ended up with his unique silver saxophone, and what Joni Mitchell said about his mastering of her recordings! Billboard Magazine said “Maurice is a man to hear”, and Donna and Dr Adam are delighted that you can hear him on Season Six of Love's A Secret Weapon Podcast. This conversation is available as an audio episode and will also be available as a video with Donna, Dr. Adam, and Maurice! Maurice's new album "Hope Thru Music" was released 2 April, 2024.

Welcome back to Season 6 of Love's a Season Weapon Podcast! In this episode, you're invited to a dinner party! Join Donna, Dr Adam, and special guests Sheryl Farber and Steven Stanley, who recorded this episode while Donna, Sheryl, and Steve were out to dinner in Topanga, CA. Sheryl Farber and Steve Stanley are music producers, musicians, archivists, and historians, who have produced and worked on hundreds of music compilations and re-releases that showcase or rediscover fabulous artists, sounds and productions. Sheryl is a Grammy-nominated producer for the compilations “Wild Tales of the Ramones” and “One Kiss Can Lead to Another: Girl Group Sounds Lost & Found” and Steve is the founder of Now Sounds Records & Radio, with over 50 releases focusing on the sounds of the ‘60s West Coast music scene including Donna's "These Are the Good Times: The Complete Capitol Recordings" (2014 Gold Bonus Disc Award Winner). In their conversation against the background of clinking glasses and happy diners, Sheryl and Steve take you behind the scenes of their work. They share how they produce music compilations and box sets that breathe new life into well-known songs, and shed light on forgotten, obscure, or never-heard-before music. So, join the dinner party! You'll feel like you're in the vault at Capitol!

“Truth is a mysterious entity. I love it and cherish it. Anytime I can speak the truth about my feelings, a little more of Me comes into focus. All the tears I've swallowed flow more freely now and I await the day that I can sing for you again”. In this final chapter of Donna's memoir… It's August 14, 2008, a pivotal day that led to Donna deciding to make music again. Donna takes us back to her decision to step out again, her recording of her album “Love It Away," and the decision after 15 years to leave Hawaii and return to Los Angeles. In reflecting on three years of this podcast, Donna and Dr Adam discuss the important work we all must do to integrate the different selves that make up all of us. While this is the final chapter of the original memoir, there are more stories to tell! And so, Donna and Dr Adam will be back in 2024 with more stories and fan guests. Love is Not a Part Time Job…so Let LOVE Be Your SECRET WEAPON!

In a special episode, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by author, journalist, and podcaster Natalie Zett! Natalie has written Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told, a work of historical fiction that draws on her own family's tragedy. At the center of the story is the death of Natalie's real-life great aunt, Martha Pfeiffer, who lost her life in 1915 on the SS Eastland ship disaster in Chicago. Natalie's historical backdrop allows her to tell a story of intergenerational trauma and the ties that bind us to our ancestors. Donna, Dr Adam, and Natalie chat about how Natalie unearthed her family's hidden story, the opportunity to give a voice to our ancestors, and how these stories from the past can inform us now to live more fully in the present. Plus, Natalie shares how Love's A Secret Weapon Podcast inspired Natalie's own podcast! You can find Natalie's website and podcast here: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/

In this special episode, Donna and Dr. Adam are joined by musician Willie Aron! Willie, who is a Grammy nominee, worked with Donna to bring to life her first concert in over 50 years at Tiki Oasis in 2016. Donna and Willie share memories of that event and, in conversation with Donna and Dr Adam, Willie discusses his wide-ranging and diverse career as a singer, songwriter, composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and educator. Willie's first band was 1980's cult lo-fi rock, garage quartet "The Balancing Act", whose album “Curtains” was produced by the legendary Andy Gill (“Gang of Four”). From there, he has worked constantly as a session musician, film and television composer, performer and producer, including working with Leonard Cohen, Tood Lawrence (known as Milo Binder), Anjani Thomas, and his collaborator, Marvin Etzioni, in the duo "Thee Holy Brothers", whose name was influenced by Willie's relationship with Leonard Cohen! Willie also shares his experiences of loss and the trio discuss the importance of self-compassion, balancing intellect and spirit, and the importance of the arts to all of us. Don't miss this insider's perspective into the sounds and people of the LA music scene! This conversation is available as an audio episode and will also be available as a video with Donna, Dr. Adam, and Willie!

In this new chapter… Donna reflects on the relationships she had with her adopted father and her mother at the height of her ‘60s career and in their later years. Then, Donna and Dr Adam speak about the importance of understanding the good and not so good of one's upbringing, so that we may move forward with compassion for ourselves and others. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by fan guest Kelly Munroe! Kelly shares her experiences of illness and resilience, and the trio discuss the importance of all of us contributing to the growth and healing of the Planet.

Welcome to a new chapter of Donna's memoir! In this episode…Donna takes you back to the early 2000s as her fashion business, ADASA Hawaii, entered a new phase with celebrity clientele and the hottest lines including Juicy Couture, Isabella Fiore, and Lacoste. At a time of personal change and professional success, Donna starts to wonder if her new voice is as a designer. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by fan guests Joe David and Marlow Harris! Both Joe and Marlow are Tiki culture and midcentury enthusiasts who take Donna, Dr Adam, and listeners into that world of music, culture, and design, as well as sharing their own art, radio, filmmaking, and magazine endeavours. Did you know there's an Official Bad Art Museum of Art in Seattle – or the OBAMA? You'll meet the curators behind it on this episode of Love's A Secret Weapon Podcast! And remember: If this podcast's message of love touches your heart, please like, subscribe, and review wherever you choose to listen.

In this special episode before Donna commences reading a new chapter from her memoir… Donna and Dr Adam are joined by very special fan guest, David Linck. David has had a decades-long career in the news and entertainment industry, including at the Los Angeles Times, Box Office Magazine, and CNN. For over 30 years, he was a unit publicist for the major film studios, working on 70+ feature films. In a far-ranging conversation discussing self-development, music, and the entertainment world, David shares with Donna and Dr Adam what it was like at a major newspaper in the pre-computer age, his work with Gloria Steinem, and the pace of breaking news at CNN. David also shares his insider's perspective on the stars and creatives behind classic films including “Steel Magnolias”, “Mississippi Burning”, “Ghosts of Mississippi”, and “Brokeback Mountain”.

As this chapter closes… In the shadow of 9/11, Donna is offered the opportunity to open a new boutique in the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next fan guest, Leticia Lopez! Leticia is a journalist, author, and historian who has previously interviewed Donna – and now the tables turn as Leticia tells Donna and Dr Adam about her work researching and writing about both ‘60s and modern mid-century inspired pop culture. Leticia introduces Donna and Dr Adam to some of the unique people she has written about, and Donna shares her perspective on why the message of the ‘60s is more important now than ever.

In this episode... After her stepdad's death, Donna asks her mother to join her in Hawaii. Checking into the Mauna Lani Hotel for one night, Donna's mother finally shares the truth about a trip she made to Boston when she was twenty years old, where she met the man who was Donna's biological father. In conversation, Donna and Dr Adam talk about recognizing the patterns in our relationships with others so that we can move forward.

As Donna continues reading from her memoir… An opportunity to do a fashion show in Florida leads Donna to create a full collection. But when it's rained away, a bigger opportunity awaits – a trip to Monte Carlo! Donna, Jered, and many trunks of handmade garments, custom shoes, jewelry, and hats make their way to a fashion show on the Mediterranean! When they return, Donna begins a new venture and it becomes a real family affair. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next fan guest, Sandy Netburn! Sandy is a multi-talented teenage musician, ventriloquist, and podcaster interested in all things ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. As Donna, Dr Adam and Sandy find, music, fashion, and vinyl cross all generations! Sandy's podcast is available here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPNPlPgN1Znx9udBUIGEpigrl52-mk2qm

It's Dr Adam's birthday, and what a gift he's been to our Love's A Secret Weapon Podcast! Turning 40 can be overwhelming, and so on his birthday, Dr Adam shares a reflection with you of how his values have evolved. Incredibly vulnerable and sensitive, here is our doctor of psychology reflecting on how imperfect life is! Donna and Dr Adam utilise his reflection to discuss the importance of living life in line with one's values, learning from experiences, self-kindness and self-compassion, and the power of empathy.

In this episode…Donna, Dr Adam, & Jered Cargman in conversation! In honor of Donna's husband's birthday, we are replaying our conversation from 2022 where Jered joined Donna and Dr Adam! Donna and Jered share memories of their first meeting in 1965 for Donna's high school Prom, as well as their reconnecting and courtship many years later. Jered also shares his memories of being in the band The Fantastic Baggys with lifelong friend and composer, P.F. Sloan ("Secret Agent Man").

In this episode as Donna continues reading from her Memoir… she begins to work with a team to bring her new clothing designs to life in Hawaii. Utilizing old-world techniques to paint and sew the garments proves cathartic for Donna and the women she works with in her new atelier in Waimea. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next fan guests: Jim and Susan Dixon! Jim and Susan share their courtship story and how they bonded through a shared passion for Beach Party movies and Hammer horror films, as well as Jim's career change to become a film critic. In a far-ranging conversation, Donna, Dr Adam, and the Dixons share their perspectives on new beginnings, setting fitness and lifestyle goals, and what makes a partnership work.

As Donna continues reading from her memoir… Donna's couture designs begin to attract attention on the Big Island of Hawaii culminating in a photo shoot in a volcano lava field! It's Paris in Paniolo Paradise! Plus, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by their next fan guest! Gary Wells is a writer and blogger devoted to mid-century culture, music, and films. Gary joins Donna and Dr Adam to talk mid-century records, cars, and The King of Rock 'n' Roll – Elvis. What's your favourite Elvis film – the trio discuss! Gary's blog is available at https://soulrideblog.com/

In this very special episode, Donna reunites with her longtime friend – actor, singer, and advocate Paul Petersen! Paul joins Donna and Dr Adam to reminisce about his role on The Donna Reed Show, talk with Donna about their decades-long friendship and to tell listeners about the important work of his organization, "A Minor Consideration", founded to protect the welfare of young performers. You will not want to miss this very special reunion! Paul Petersen was one of the biggest teen idols of the ‘50s and ‘60s. He started his career as a Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club and played alongside Sophia Loren and Cary Grant in the film "Houseboat", playing Cary Grant's son. From there, he took on his star-making role as Jeff Stone on The Donna Reed Show (1958-1966). Hit records “My Dad” and “She Can't Find Her Keys” followed, and he even wrote a series of spy-adventure novels! Paul was a good friend and confidant to Donna during her '60s career, escorting her to various events including the Deb Star Ball, and they supported each other through the turbulence that can come with having a teen career. It was Paul's empathy for the plight of child stars, having been one himself, that led to his founding "A Minor Consideration" in 1991, an organization that supports young performers and advocates for legislation to protect them while they work in the entertainment industry.

“We're linking together in the frequency of Love”. Happy Valentine's Day Love's A Secret Weapon Community! In this special episode, Donna and Dr Adam speak with Donna's longtime friend, Swedish actress and artist Margareta Sjödin. Margareta revisits her TV and film career, including her role as the ditsy blonde in the comedy series Partaj, which was based on the American series Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, and providing the voice of Duchess in the Swedish version of Disney's The Aristocats. Donna and Margareta reminisce about their friendship, which started in Malibu in the 1980s, and Margareta updates Donna and Dr Adam about her work today as an artist.

Welcome to Season 5 and a new chapter of Donna's memoir! In this episode: Moving to the tropics requires a new wardrobe, and when Donna meets some silk painters, she is inspired to start designing dresses for the first time since her ‘60s career – this time, Hawaiian style! Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their first guest for the new season: photographer David Crotty! David, who has photographed some of the biggest Hollywood stars, shares his story with Donna and Dr Adam, taking them and their listeners from New York to Maui, Los Angeles to Palm Springs…and even Egypt! You can view some of David's work at Patrick McMullan Company: https://www.patrickmcmullan.com/search/?q=David%20Crotty

In this 60th episode of the podcast and the fourth season finale, Donna and Dr Adam reminisce about their recent travels, Dr Adam shares some personal news, and the duo give their thanks to you, the listeners, and guests who joined Donna and Dr Adam during the year. And in her holiday message to listeners, Donna draws inspiration from Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, to share her hopes for 2023. Plus hear Donna's performances of three Christmas songs from her career: "Merry Christmas Baby" from Donna's 2010 EP, Donna Does Elvis in Hawaii; "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" from Shindig in 1964; and the final, "I Think It's Almost Christmas Time", which Donna recorded with Jesse Hodges on Fable when she was 9 years old!

In this episode, as Donna continues reading her memoir… Donna and her friend Vicki's decision to read Shakespeare's King Lear provides Donna with insight into her own relationships. And when it comes time for the North Kohala Library to move to a modern new building, an old Hawaiian tradition is used. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next fan guest, music critic and journalist Mark Deming! Mark tells the story of how his fumbling through asking Robert Altman a question at a university lecture led to Mark's debut acting role in Altman's A Wedding with Hollywood royalty including Carol Burnett, Mia Farrow, and Lillian Gish. In their chat, Donna, Dr Adam, and Mark discuss a range of music, and Mark provides an insight into his work as a music critic, including his review of one of Donna's albums!

In this next chapter of Donna's memoir… As Donna begins to form a new life and friendships on the Big Island of Hawaii, she is visited by someone from her past – her former father-in-law, Si. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next fan guest, Kyle Jasper! Kyle is an 18-year-old drummer who joins Donna and Dr Adam to talk about his love of mid-century music, fashion and his own musical influences as the trio delve into the groundbreaking rock opera episode of Shindig called “Shindig Place”.

In this episode… As this chapter of Donna's memoir concludes, Donna decides to write her mother a letter telling her that she finally knows the truth about her Dad. In a far-ranging conversation, Donna and Dr Adam discuss truth and the complexity of family dynamics, as well as how one can emerge from difficult experiences with greater clarity and self-awareness. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next fan guest, Margaret “Peggy” McDaniel to chat gardening, dressmaking, and what it was like for Donna to see herself on a billboard! And, Margaret and Donna share a love of fashion!

In this episode... As Donna continues to read from her memoir, the healing energy of Hawaii proves to be the perfect place to process the truth about her Dad. Plus, you're invited to Lunch with Lizabeth…and Todd! Donna and Dr Adam welcome back Todd Hughes and his partner P. David Ebersole to talk about Todd's new book, Lunch with Lizabeth – a memoir of Todd's two decade friendship with film noir legend Lizabeth Scott.

In this special episode, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by Donna's friend, Janis Weitz. Donna and Janis reminisce about their lifelong friendship, from meeting in elementary school to being on the sets of Shindig! and The Dating Game, celebrating milestone birthdays, and more. Revisit some of the stories Donna's shared on the podcast with someone who was there! Plus, Janis talks with Donna and Dr Adam about her passion as a special educator.

In this episode... After Donna returns to Hawaii, she begins to process the revelation that Morey is not her father. Donna and Dr Adam delve into meditation, mindfulness, and the power of 'stillness' when processing life experiences. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by fan guest and pop culture enthusiast Robert Baum. Donna, Dr Adam, and Robert delve into their favorite James Bond and Batman characters, and much much more, while also continuing the theme of the importance of understanding and using our past experiences for growth.

When Donna returns to L.A. with Jered for a friend's wedding, the truth is revealed: Morey is not Donna's father. This revelation spirals Donna into illness. Plus, we have a special treat: Jered Cargman, Donna's husband, joins Donna and Dr Adam on the podcast! Donna and Jered share memories of their first meeting in 1965 for Donna's high school Prom, as well as their reconnecting and courtship many years later. Jered also shares his memories of being in the band The Fantastic Baggys with lifelong friend, P.F. Sloan (“Eve of Destruction”).

Welcome to Season 4, and it's Donna – Hawaiian style! In this episode, Donna reacquaints with her high school prom date, Jered. Admitting their feelings for each other after so many years, Donna and Jered uproot and decide to make their new home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Living in a rural tropical area with the jungle and ocean all around takes adjustment and, as Donna settles in, she is unaware that a shocking surprise is just around the corner. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their first guest of the new season – Guy Gilchrist. A multitalented writer, artist, illustrator, author, songwriter, and performer, Guy was the writer and artist behind The Muppets newspaper comic strip, which ran in hundreds of newspapers around the world from 1981-1986, and he steered the classic Nancy comic strip for 22 years. Guy reveals to Donna and Dr Adam the early life changing advice he received from legendary cartoonist Walter Lantz (Woody Woodpecker), how his career big break came courtesy of another legend Mort Walker (Beetle Bailey), and what it was like working with Jim Henson, Michael Frith, and Frank Oz to put The Muppets on paper. These days Guy is in Nashville and is making music and art. You won't want to miss this first episode of the fourth season of Love's A Secret Weapon!

It's the finale of Season 3! In this episode, the earth moves! Following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake and the arrest of O. J. Simpson, the relationship between Donna and her parents begins to unravel. While she begins to learn more about her adopted dad, Morey, a dramatic incident occurs that leads Donna to reevaluate the relationships in her life. Taking a leap of faith, Donna calls her longtime friend, Jerry, in Sedona. And we have another Beach Party reunion! Salli Sachse, actress and artist, and one of the ‘Bookends' in American International Pictures' Beach Party film series hangs ten with Donna and Adam. Salli reminisces about how she was cast in the films, her on-set memories, appearances in other films including The Trip with Peter Fonda, and what lead to her joining Crosby, Stills & Nash on the road. Salli also shares memories of her late husband Peter, the musician who wrote a song for her, and how she began painting. You don't want to miss this Season Finale!

It's Episode 50…and a new chapter! Seeking to take some positive action, Donna begins working with a professional to help uncover how her early experiences with her parents and career shaped her development. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by their next fan guest, Stephen White. Stephen lives in Melbourne, Australia and he switched careers mid-life to become an educator. In both Donna's reading and in conversation with Stephen, Donna and Dr Adam explore the importance of understanding oneself and how it's never too late to make a change to live life in line with one's values.

In this special episode, Donna and Dr Adam speak with Donna's longtime friends, filmmakers P. David Ebersole and Todd Hughes. Todd and David are the documentary filmmakers behind works exploring the lives and careers of luminaries including Pierre Cardin, Trini Lopez, Patty Schemel, Cher and her mother Georgia Holt, and Jayne Mansfield. David and Todd join the podcast on the eve of the release of David's new novel, the noir thriller 99 Miles from L.A. Hear about their work and how Donna became involved as a musical guest in David and Todd's docu-drama, Mansfield 66/67.

As Donna's time in Sedona ends, she returns to L.A. and rents the former home of a Hollywood fashion icon. Settling back into life in L.A., Donna throws herself into a school musical project with her youngest daughter. Finding her feet after her divorce, Donna meets a producer wanting to bring the life of this former Shindig Girl to the small screen. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by their next fan guest, Steven O. Sellers. Steven has spent a lifetime on radio, and he provides an insider's perspective on 50 years of broadcasting having started in radio at the height of Donna's own career.

Moving to a new place is hard and, as a divorcee, Donna tries to settle into her new community. And what's that bright light in the sky…is it a UFO? Donna and Dr Adam discuss how Donna began to navigate the losses that come with divorce and the importance of self-forgiveness. Plus, it's time for music as Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next guest to the show – musician and multi-instrumentalist, Andy Nazzal. Andy takes Adam and Donna into the world of exotica and tiki culture and Donna reminisces about her own headlining of the Tiki Oasis festival.

In a tribute to rock ‘n' roll legend Bobby Rydell, we replay our episode from 2021 where Donna was joined by Bobby to reminisce about their co-starring roles on 1966's The Milton Berle Show.

Echoing an earlier emergency procedure she had at 19, Donna requires immediate surgery. Donna and Dr Adam discuss how family dynamics and life experiences affect our psychological and physical well being. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next guest to the show – Bill Alexander. Donna has previously appeared on Bill's The Bill Alexander Show and, this time, Donna and Dr Adam turn the tables to interview this longtime radio host and podcaster!

Music is Power! And Love's a Secret Weapon! In this special episode, Donna and Dr Adam speak with Brad Schreiber, author of Music is Power, a meticulously researched treatment of over 100 years of socially conscious music. Brad shares his thoughts on some of the most influential artists and music that intersected with Donna's ‘60s career, including The Who, The Beatles, P.F. Sloan, Leslie Gore, and Phil Ochs. Donna reflects on what made Shindig so important and which songs from her catalogue appeal to her the most today. And want to know Jimi Hendrix's connection to Batman? Join us as we head towards our 50th episode!

It's the Call of the Canyon! Donna contemplates a big move to the Red Rocks of Sedona. All the while, she navigates the complexity of divorce. Donna, with the assistance of Dr Adam, explores how we are shaped by our early experiences; and how, with awareness, we can begin to break old patterns. Plus, we continue to invite fans to be on our podcast as part of Season 3's focus on the fans. Please welcome or guest, Jeff Benson, who asks Donna his questions about Shindig and much more! And, as a special treat for our listeners, there's a preview of a never released collaboration between Donna and a music legend!

As Donna prepares for a big transition in her life, she returns to the recording studio for the first time in over a decade. Looking to promote her music and pondering a potential new direction to her career, she visits her former agent Norman Brokaw. Donna also decides to address an issue that has bothered her since she was a teenager. And the Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona begin to call her. Donna, with the assistance of Dr Adam, takes their listeners into her experiences after she retired from the public eye.

Donna visits Lake Tahoe and then begins a lofty home renovation project while pregnant with her third child, her daughter Katie. However, there are big changes in store for the Dr Pepper Girl as she enters the 1980s. Plus, please welcome our next guest as part of Season 3's focus on inviting fans to be our on podcast! Plastic EP, pop culture enthusiast and host of the internet series, Plastic EP TV, joins Donna and Dr Adam to discuss Donna's work on Shindig, The Monkees, and Batman, and all things mid-century music.

As we start a new year of the podcast, Donna continues telling her story post her ‘60s career. In this episode, Donna turns to her piano and music to express her emotions, frustrations, and the unknowns in her life during the turbulent 1970s.  And it's the Beach Party reunion you've been waiting for! Bobbie Shaw Chance, legendary acting coach, and Donna's co-star, joins Donna and Adam on the sand to reminisce about the classic American International Pictures' Beach Party film series. Bobbie tells all about working with comedy legend Buster Keaton, shares her experiences as a young woman in Hollywood during the ‘60s, and tells us how she went on to become an acting coach working with the likes of Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds, something she continues to this day along with her son, Richie Chance (www.richiechance.com). You won't want to miss Donna and Bobbie's reunion on the first episode for 2022 of Love's A Secret Weapon!

For the holiday season and end of 2021, Donna shares a special message. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam continue their chat with John Hartmann, Donna's agent from her time on Shindig. In his legendary career as an agent, manager, promoter, and record executive, John has worked with Sonny & Cher, Joni Mitchell, Peter, Paul and Mary, The Eagles, Buffalo Springfield, Canned Heat, America, Poco, Crosby, Stills & Nash and many, many others. In a continuation of their chat, John tells Donna and Adam about how a visit to San Francisco gave birth to his L.A. nightclub The Kaleidoscope. He then takes us behind the scenes of the music business and how he set out to broker some of the best deals for his artists, including Poco, America, and Crosby, Stills & Nash, as they set about making classic albums and the soundtracks to our lives.

Zonk! Donna continues exploring new healing modalities and faces old fears when she takes up swimming and ballet. And the holidays are here! And, Donna and Dr Adam have your holiday treat. Over the next few episodes, John Hartmann, Donna's agent from her time on Shindig, will join her and Dr Adam to reminisce about his legendary career as an agent, manager, promoter, and record executive. John has worked with Sonny & Cher, Joni Mitchell, Peter, Paul and Mary, The Eagles, Buffalo Springfield, Canned Heat, America, Poco, Crosby, Stills and Nash and many, many others. In a continuation of their chat, John takes Donna and Adam on to the set of Shindig with Little Richard and The Rolling Stones, backstage with Chad & Jeremy and Sonny & Cher, and tells of how he turned his attention to a new band named Buffalo Springfield.