Phil and Ted's Sexy Boomer Show

Phil and Ted take an AC/DC power trip with inventor and 20th-century futurist Nikola Tesla. The occasion honors the "Tesla- A Radio Play for the Stage" opening at Caltech's Art Stage in California. Writer Dan Duling and Director Michael Arabian share fascinating insights into the most enigmatic man of the 1900s.

Phil and Ted welcome actor, voice man and comedian Danny Mann. You've heard his voice characterizations in big screen favorites like “Up”, “Babe”, and “The Grinch” and countless TV series including “Curious George”, “The Avengers” and several hit video games like “Cars: Fast as Lightning”, “Lego City Undercover. ” Danny is beloved by his peers and always the funniest “Mann” in the room. And he's one of the two people in Hollywood that even Jerry Lewis liked (listen for story).

Phil and Ted welcome one of Hollywood's most prolific couples, screenwriter and showrunner Melissa Rosenberg and director Lev Spiro.  Melissa is the creator and showrunner of the Peabody award-winning TV series, “Marvel's Jessica Jones.” and all five screenplays for the vampire romance phenomenon, “The Twilight Saga.” Melissa won a Peabody as head writer and executive producer for four seasons of the Showtime original series, “Dexter.” Her husband Lev Sprio is a television and film director with countless credits including “The Waltons' Homecoming” for the CW, and Netflix's “Insatiable” and “Orange is the New Black.” But who does the dishes?

Besides being among the nicest people in show business, Marty Rifkin is a multi-instrumentalist session musician, producer, and pedal steel guitar virtuoso.   Marty has recorded with numerous artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Jewel, Glen Campbell, Elton John, Weird Al Yankovic, Hans Zimmer, Dwight Yoakam and many more. He's toured with Bruce Springsteen, Glen Campbell, Billy Bob Thornton, Rosie Flores, Chris Shiflett  (from Foo Fighters) and John C. Reilly. As the owner of Rifkin Productions in Santa Monica, CA, he has produced music for over 1500 songwriters & artists including Smokey Robinson, Hal David, Rita Coolidge, Creed Bratton.

GloZell Lynette Green, better known as GloZell, is a YouTube personality who established her channel in 2008 with video interviews, comedy about her life, and song parodies. With more than four million subscribers by 2015 and more than 700 million views, her most popular videos include her "Cinnamon Challenge" video and "My Push-up Bra will help me get my man" video. GloZell interviewed President Barack Obama at the White House and appeared as Little Debbie in "Ralph Breaks the Internet." Find out how YouTube is taking over television.

Adele Abrams started as the sole female DJ at Maryland's WHFS-FM, one of the country's founding progressive radio stations, and is featured (with Phil) in the recent documentary movie, Feast your Ears: The Story of WHFS.   Adele is now a leading employment safety attorney, advocate, author, and a member of multiple state bars and federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. Adele's many specialties include mine safety. She explains how your life at work could be affected by the outcome of this year's elections. 

Writer, Playwright, Actress and Radio Personality Sandra Tsing Loh is the author of many books on the trials and tribulations of womanhood, motherhood and being a madwoman in the modern world ("A Year in Van Nuys," "Mother on Fire," "Madwoman and the Roomba,"), she is celebrated for her one-woman shows and commentary "The Loh Down." Her latest play "Madwomen of the West," boasted an all-star cast, premiered to sterling reviews in LA, moving to Off-Broadway and London. In addition to being a goddess, Sandra is also an accomplished pianist. Get ready for a rapid-fire, mind-bendingly funny conversation with the fastest wit in the West! 

Phil and Ted welcome the multi-talented husband and wife team, Jamie Alcroft and Sarah Kawahara.  Sarah is a double Emmy Award-winning figure skater and choreographer, including winning for the 2002 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Salt Lake City. She is the choreographer for more than a dozen current ice skating shows on cruise ships worldwide. Jamie is a comedian, expert silversmith, and voice-over artist. He's also a double organ transplant survivor on a mission to save lives through his advocacy for organ donations.  One of their three talented children is Hayley Kiyoko a singer-songwriter, actress, and author.

Phil and Ted welcome radio and audio producer extraordinaire and colleague, Bill Kates for fun radio stories, ranging from Billy West to Howard Stern.

Phil and Ted continue their free-ranging conversation, this time about artificial intelligence, Apple's Vision Pro, and UFOs including little-known history about Utah's infamous "Skinwalker Ranch."  What could possibly go wrong?

Phil Proctor and Ted Bonnitt talk amongst themselves today. After three years of co-hosting the Sexy Boomer Show, they feel it's time to get to know each other. Talk about opening a can of worms! They share stories about chasing UFOs, surviving gangland shootings, making exploitation films, learning remote viewing and how they first met in a haze of smoke.

Actor Ed Begley Jr. is back for more with the Sexy Boomers!    Ed is truly one of a kind, a performer who is known equally for his prolific film and television career and his environmental activism.  He's been in hundreds of films, from “An Officer and a Gentlemen” to “This is Spinal Tap.” His TV work spans from “My Three Sons” to “Mary Hartman,” “St. Elsewhere” and “Better Call Saul.”  We had so much fun last time, that we're doing it again!

World-renowned film critic and historian Leonard Maltin, author of Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide returns to the Sexy Boomer Show, this time with his wonderful and hilarious wife, Alice. Meet a private side of Leonard and their nearly 50-year marriage that personifies the phrase, "Behind every great man there's a great woman." Join this fascinating and fun conversation about the latest and greatest movies and reel domestic bliss.

Actor, artist, and legendary radio and TV personality, Shadoe Stevens is an inductee of the Radio Hall of Fame. Shadoe was the brains behind the original KROQ, the cutting-edge progressive FM radio station in Los Angeles. In addition to a million other achievements, Shadoe is now behind the wild and innovative comedy of “Mental Radio.” 

Author Joey Green has written 60 books!  He was a writer for National Lampoon and top ad agencies. You've likely seen him on TV polishing furniture with Spam and moussing Conan O'Brien's hair with Jello. And now, Phil and Ted learn what to really do with Miracle Whip. And you'll hear why Senator Barry Goldwater came up with idea to shave on a camping trip..using peanut butter! Join their fun and funny conversation while learning some amazing tips on novel uses for common household products. All sales final!

Phil and Ted welcome Shelley Herman, author of her tell-all book, My Peacock Tale: Secrets Of An NBC Page. “I'm not ashamed of anything,” says Shelley, which is a good thing having come of age in the 1970s. Shelley talks about her experiences as a young 20-something working at NBC's Burbank TV studios in the heyday of network television, which included sex, drugs and rock'n'roll -and rubbing shoulders (plus a lot more) with show business royalty.

Phil and Ted are in New York to speak with Tulis McCall, a true, one-woman show, renowned monologist on her podcast “Monday Musings” and storyteller at a local NY cabaret. Tulis covers the NY stage on her website, thefrontrowcenter.com.

Phil and Ted welcome Radio legend, actor and comedian, Frazer Smith. "The Fraze" is a culture jammer who hosted manic shows on LA's biggest rock stations. Frazer co-hosted subversive, alternate audio commentary to television coverage of the Tournament of Roses Parade. His improv was also heard on KROQ-FM's Hollywood Nightshift, which featured Firesign Theatre's Phil Austin. As The Faze likes to say, "Too hip, gotta go!"

Beloved actor and environmental activist Ed Begley Jr. shares hilarious and poignant stories of his improbable life, focusing on his relationship with his legendary father, adventures with Hollywood icons, the origins of his environmental activism, addiction and recovery, and his lifelong search for wisdom and common ground.

More rain?! Phil and Ted welcome TV weatherman and stand-up comic, Fritz Coleman. Fritz was a fixture on Los Angeles' KNBC-TV for 39 years. Fritz co-hosts the MEDIA PATH PODCAST with Louise Palanker, which looks at media and culture for the past half-century. Phil, Ted and Fritz have a fun talk about the weather and climate change in Southern California, and take the temperature of today's rapidly evolving media scene in a crazy election year.

Greg Laemmle runs Los Angeles' cherished Laemmle Theaters. We discuss the present and future of movie theaters, and their dramatic struggles in the post-pandemic and video streaming age. Also, the remarkable Laemmle family legacy, including Greg's great-grand uncle, Carl Laemmle, founder of Universal Pictures and an originator of the motion picture business. Also joining us is Raphael Sbarge, director of the feature documentary, “Only In Theaters” which chronicles the Laemmle Theaters' fight for survival. Action!

Veteran film, TV and stage actress Phoebe Dorin played “The Wild Wild West” ingénue and bad girl, “Antoinette.” Despite nearly dying on set repeatedly, she never let Hollywood lick her (or at least Robert Conrad). Phoebe almost smothered in Adam Sandler's bare chest, while drowning in whipped cream. But she licked that moment!   What, and quit show business? Listen now to amazing stories shared by the wonderfully funny Hollywood and Broadway veteran actress, singer, and writer, Phoebe Dorin!

Ted and guest co-host, MC Gainey welcome actor, master storyteller, and funnyman, Troy Evans. Troy has appeared in countless movies and is perhaps best known for his television roles as Desk Clerk Frank Martin in “ER” and more recently as Detective Johnson (Barrel) in “Bosch.” Serving with the Army infantry in the jungles of Vietnam during the war left young Troy angry, and drunk, and later sentenced to 46 years in prison for assault. He turned his life around and worked his way to a successful career as a beloved actor. He also makes beautiful tipis. MC and Troy are long-time friends, and prepare yourself for some wild, Hollywood stories.

Summer is here and time to watch out for sharks at the beach!  Phil and Ted welcome Carl Gottlieb, screenwriter of "JAWS." Carl shares amazing inside stories about the making of the very first summer blockbuster movie that changed the movie business forever. Carl also co-wrote "The Jerk," and TV shows “The Smothers Brothers," "The Odd Couple,” “All in the Family,” “The Bob Newhart Show" and many others. Carl is an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, and author whose books include the bestseller Long Time Gone: The Autobiography of David Crosby (with David Crosby) and the acclaimed Jaws Log.  We'll also talk about the writers' strike, as Carl served as Vice-President of the Writers Guild of America West.

Phil and Ted welcome TV weatherman and stand-up comic, Fritz Coleman and veteran radio producer and documentarian Louise Palanker. Fritz was a fixture on Los Angeles' KNBC-TV for 39 years and Louise co-founded Premiere Radio Networks. Together, they host the MEDIA PATH PODCAST, a conversational show that looks at what has defined media and culture for the past half-century. Click now for a fun and wide-ranging conversation with four very curious people.

Phil and Ted welcome Noel Blanc, the son of Looney Tunes voice legend, Mel Blanc. Noel shares personal stories about his dad and his remarkable career, ranging from close friendships and personal encounters with Jack Benny, Roy Rogers and Elvis Presley. Noel also talks about his remarkable life and work, including his close friendships with Kirk Douglas, Hugh Hefner, and Michael Jackson. And how he seemed to find himself in the most amazing circumstances, like double-dating with OJ Simpson on his first two dates with Nicole Simpson. Enjoy an inside look at Hollywood that you've never heard before. 

Actor, writer and social activist, Ian Ruskin trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, and is a veteran of stage and screen. Performing his one man show for audiences around the world, Ian brings to life the stories of remarkable and often misunderstood, true-life heroes, including Nikola Tesla and Thomas Paine. Thomas Paine, considered the father of the American Revolution, was so despised that his ashes were placed in the heels of shoes worn by English nobility to be walked on.  Nikola Tesla charged the world with AC electric, never married and had a deep relationship with a female pigeon.  Just two mind-blowing tidbits we learn about these rule breakers and history makers.

Henry Jaglom trained with Lee Strasberg at The Actor's Studio in New York, where he acted, wrote, and directed plays.  And at age 21, he was best friends with an equally young Richard Pryor, as both struggled to break into stand-up comedy. Henry went to Hollywood to become famous. After appearing in TV series like, “The Flying Nun,” Henry wanted more and worked with Jack Nicholson to edit the movie, “Easy Rider.” Easy Rider's game-changing success launched Henry into a filmmaking career that continues today. He's written and directed 21 films, including “A Safe Place”, “Sitting Ducks”, “Tracks”, “Can She Bake a Cherry Pie,” and “Train to Zakopané.” He worked with Hollywood greats like Lee Grant, Maximillian Schell, Dennis Hopper, Roddy McDowell, Vanessa Redgrave, Faye Dunaway, David Duchovny. Henry made three movies with his best friend, Orson Welles. Their recorded, weekly lunches at Hollywood's “Ma Maison” resulted in Peter Baskind's revealing book,  “My Lunches with Orson.” Henry is as funny as he is brilliant.  Click now for a wild conversation!

Lawrence is a long-time Hollywood producer, agent, and actor. He produced and acted in films and television, including "Death Before Dishonor," "Merchants of War" and the TV series "Hunter."  From the early 1970s through the mid-1980s, Lawrence and his partner Craig T. Rumar, ran the successful Hollywood talent agency, Film Artists Management Enterprises (FAME).  They represented Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jon Voight, Peter Fonda, and dozens of other Hollywood stars. Click to play for some wild stories about Hollywood's last days of shooting from the hip.

As the voice of Bart Simpson, Nancy Cartwright is at the center of the cultural phenomenon, “The Simpsons.” America's longest-running television series has made America laugh for over 30 years. In this engaging and fun interview, Nancy offers a fascinating, inside look at how “The Simpsons” is made, how it navigates controversy, and remains a hit in a “woke” society.   Nancy shares a Cinderella story of how her career began in Ohio, thanks in large part to a record promoter and Yogi Bear.

Beloved actor Paul Dooley dressed up as a clown and juggled his way out of a hardscrabble rural West Virginia childhood and onto the Broadway stage opposite Walter Matthau, and later played “Wimpy” in Robert Altman's classic film, Popeye.  On the way, he performed comedy in New York's Greenwich Village Vanguard and watched Lenny Bruce get his start. He sat in on several Sid Caesar's Your Show of Shows and later filmed his own memorable comedy stunts on Candid Camera. Paul was an early member of The Second City group and worked with many legends from Buster Keaton to Art Carney. While known by millions as America's most lovable screen dad, Paul was having his own real dad issues from his own father to his kids.

Guests include Morgan Freeman, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Patrick Stewart, Christopher Walken and others, including Rocky Rococo… thanks to master impressionist, big screen actor, comedian, artist and renaissance man, Jim Meskimen. Jim shares fast and funny stories about his work, spanning from his amazing YouTube and TV performances to acting in “Apollo 13” and a soon to be released movie starring Sean Penn and Julia Roberts.   In brilliant form, Jim explains his creative process that anyone can apply and thrive with. 

It may be easier to list what Jamie Alcroft hasn't done, than to list all his many talents and accomplishments. He's a comedian who with his partner Mack Dryden hosted a hit TV show, “Comedy Break with Mack and Jamie” that helped launch the careers of Kevin Pollak, Ellen DeGeneres, Paul Reiser and others. He's a silversmith and dad to pop star, Hayley Kiyoko. Oh, yeah, and he's also the recipient of a heart AND liver transplant. Best of all, he's a terrifically funny storyteller with amazing tales to tell.  Your ears are in for a treat!

Is Jay Johnson doing Satan's bidding? Or does he just suffer from mental illness? Neither of course, but it's a good thing that Jay is working in the 21st Century where master ventriloquists win Tony Awards, unlike more superstitious times when the stagecraft of “throwing a voice” was associated with demonism, fraudsters and God forbid, sewage!   Jay became nationally known as the ventriloquist in the landmark TV comedy series, “Soap” and has since acted in many films and TV shows. He won a Tony Award for his hilarious one-man, hit Broadway show, “The Two and Only.” Jay explains the fascinating art of ventriloquism and how it has rattled and amazed audiences for centuries. Hit “play” now and hear amazing stories that you won't see coming…

As a long-time Hollywood producer, Steven Leiva has enjoyed a front seat in the film animation world, working with greats like Looney Tunes's Chuck Jones, Brad Bird, Yutaka Fujioka, Gary Kurtz and others. When animation was down and out in the late 1970's, Steven correctly predicted that animated films would become Hollywood blockbusters, but only if studios appealed to adult audiences and not just children. He was the animation producer for "Space Jam" with Michael Jordan. Steven shares inside stories about old Hollywood and the geniuses behind animation classics like Bugs Bunny, Iron Man, Japanese animation and the advent of computer generated imagery (CGI) mastered by studios like Pixar, makers of “Toy Story.” Steven is a prolific author, and shares a taste of his new comedy novel, Creature Feature, A Horrid Comedy.

Paul Magid is a master juggler, comedian, playwright and co-founder of the world-renowned Flying Karamazov Brothers. The Flying Karamazov Brothers, the world's most innovative juggling act, began as a couple of college students who just enjoyed the attention. Their fortune began unexpectedly one day when they took off their hats off as they street performed and to their surprise and delight, spectators threw money in them, which heralded the custom of throwing cash in the hats of street performers.  Paul and his pals never looked back and juggled their way across the world and appeared on major TV shows and motion pictures, and eventually becoming a smash Broadway hit.  Paul's tells the story of how they named themselves, The Flying Karamazov Brothers while hitchhiking to their first big gig and getting picked up by a couple of beautiful women, including Ed Sullivan's niece, who were driving west, looking for Coors Beer (when that was a thing).  Paul shares amazing stories about how juggling is accomplished more by music and hearing than sight, and that throwing sharp knives and sickles at your friends can really be a bloody mess of a job!

Actor, author and professor, Armin Shimerman, is best known as “Quark”, the first Ferengi alien character in the TV series Star Trek: the Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. You've also seen him on many TV shows including, “Buffy, the Vampire Slayer”, “Boston Legal” and, “Beauty and the Beast.”  Gamers know him from countless video games, including as “Dr. Nefarious” in “Ratchet and Clank”. Armin is an accomplished Shakespearean actor and professor of the life and works of Willam Shakespeare at USC. He brings Shakespeare to life in 16th Century, not-so “Merrie Olde England”, where the average life span was only 22 years and everything was dangerous. Armin tells stories that will fascinate bardology fans and the uninitiated. Sword fight, anyone? Press “to play or not to play” now for some laughs and mind-expanding conversation!

If you've enjoyed The Office Space, The Larry Sanders Show, Cheers and countless other TV shows and movies, Paul Willson has made you laugh…a lot. His on-screen characters are deadpan hilarious. Paul's fast-draw talent comes from groundbreaking work in political comedy improvisation groups in the wild days of 1960's San Francisco, where he grew up. It's also where Paul witnessed the birth of the counter-culture movement and became politically radicalized. Paul describes an amazing San Francisco that is unrecognizable today. He remains politically astute about today's societal discord and offers a no-holds-barred approach to address it.  Press “play” now for some laughs and ear-opening conversation!

As a 1960s Goldwater conservative, Roger was drafted into the military, shipped to Vietnam to work in psyops, dropped acid and talked his way into a free pass to travel anywhere in-country to help shaken residents and refugees. He was ordered to dump propaganda leaflets from low flying planes on panicked and illiterate villagers, while he distributed Firesign Theatre recordings to U.S. troops from the DMZ to the Mekong Delta, who were tuning in and turning on in the battlefield. Roger returned stateside a different man and spoke out about the war, while sharing his love for poetry and reggae music, eventually writing seven books on the subject.  Roger became friends with reggae great Bob Marley and went on to create the world's largest collection of Marley material. Roger takes us down a wild and trippy path through war-torn Vietnam and into the violent streets of 1970s Jamaica for an insider's look at how Reggae music was born in 1968 and quickly overtook the world. 

World renowned film critic and historian Leonard Maltin, author of Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide, joins Phil and Ted for a conversation all about movies.  Will movie theaters come back after COVID? Leonard talks about how COVID changed his viewing habits and what he’s watching now. His pet peeve these days is cancel culture and its threat to filmmaking’s 100 year historic record. Can being “woke” go too far? Leonard explains why 1970s films are so interesting, and how that period of film industry desperation opened the doors for breakthrough talent like Robert Altman, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Francis Coppola, Mike Nichols and other directors. Click here for Leonard’s “Maltin on Movies” Podcast.

Neal Israel is a producer, writer, director for over 20 feature films and co-creator of the hit movie series, THE POLICE ACADEMY. He co-wrote and directed BACHELOR PARTY starring Tom Hanks and was Executive Producer for the Oscar nominated FINDING NEVERLAND starring Johnny Depp. He wrote an original book musical for Ringo Starr on NBC, and produced and was head writer for several Steve Martin specials. Neal broke new ground in the 70’s with the comedy movies, Tunnelvision and Americathon, that was based on a stage show created by Phil Proctor and his comedy partner, Peter Bergman that remarkably foretold the future of television. Neal discusses how the 70’s defined boomer comedy, and how it changed the course of entertainment. He shares fascinating and hilarious Hollywood insider stories ranging from how he got a movie green-lit in the bed of a studio head, to playing Monopoly with Brad Pitt for a month inside a Scientology sauna, and all for the love of women. 

Laraine Newman, an original cast member of Saturday Night Live is sexy, funny and brutally honest about her remarkable life and career. Laraine shares some never before heard stories featured in her new memoir, May You Live in Interesting Times. She studied mime with Marcel Marceau in Paris and was a founding member of the LA comedy group, The Groundlings. Laraine was invited to help launch Saturday Night Live and changed TV forever. Laraine has had an equally adventurous personal life, from screaming at the Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl as a child, to hanging outside LA comedy clubs as a teenager to watch the stand up greats get their start. After SNL, Laraine struggled to keep momentum and won a battle to overcome drug addiction. She now enjoys a successful voice acting career for TV and movies and shares some amazing and hilarious stories.  This episode features a rare radio comedy skit starring Edie McClurg and Phil Proctor.

Actress, Comedian, Author, Survivor and Hero, Alison Arngrim has lived a remarkable life. Famous for her villainous role as “Nellie Oleson” in the hit TV series, ‘Little House on the Prairie’, Alison continues to make waves. Her memoir, “Confessions of A Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated” is a New York Times best seller.  Alison shares jaw-dropping stories about growing up as a Hollywood kid, beginning as a resident of Hollywood’s famed Chateau Marmont at the tender age of 4 and accidentally taking a massive hit of LSD at age 8. Later, her day job was TV’s first child villain on America’s most wholesome show, while spending her underage nights in LA punk rock clubs. And through it all, she kept a terrifying, childhood secret about being sexually molested for years. Since adulthood, she’s crusaded for AIDS victims and child rights, changing laws and saving lives. And she’s funny as hell!

Harold Bronson is as much of a rock ’n’ roll music fan as he is a music industry trailblazer. As a UCLA college music journalist, Harold flew to London to meet and interview his idols, and later wrote the book, "My British Invasion- The Inside Story on the Yardbirds, the Dave Clark Five, Manford Mann, Herman's Hermits, The Hollies, The Troggs, The Kinks, The Zombies, and More.” Harold shares little known, behind the scenes stories about his encounters with these music legends when they were still in their prime. He explains why he thinks the The Kinks stopped touring and why members of the Ramones didn’t speak to each other for years during their heyday. Harold co-founded Rhino Records with Richard Foos, which became the standard for novelty and reissue records and the first label to produce CD Box sets in America, beginning with Richie Valens. He signed The Knack and executive produced their ‘Zoom’ album. Rhino also produce several Firesign Theatre records. Harold grew up in Westchester, CA, (next to LAX airport) with some neighborhood kids who became the hit band, the Turtles. As film producer, Harold worked with Hunter Thompson to make “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”, starring Johnny Depp. And he’s got Hunter Thompson stories to prove it! Join Phil and Ted for fascinating, rock ’n' roll  stories from the 1960s and 70s.

Phil and Ted welcome improv legends, Larry Hankin and Paul Willson. Plus comedy from the Firesign Theatre. Paul and Larry talk about performing comedy in San Francisco in the 1960s, and how they witnessed and participated in the birth of the counter-culture movement. Paul is probably best known for his long run as a barfly on “Cheers” and has appeared in countless movies and TV shows including Larry’s crooked accountant in The Larry Sanders Show. Ted also has a special conversation with Hankin, who has had a long and exceptional career and tells hilarious and brutally honest, behind-the-scenes stories about his performance in “Escape from Alcatraz” with Clint Eastwood, and as “Mr. Heckles” on the sitcom, “Friends” and most recently as “Old Joe” on “Breaking Bad.” Click the “Subscribe” button below and never miss an episode- if you can!

Weird Al Yankovic has a huge and fanatical fan base for good reasons. He’s a five time Grammy winner and member of a rare group of musicians (U2, Michael Jackson, Madonna Kenny G,) with a top 40 hit for four decades running. Self-proclaimed “Weird Al obsessive” Lin Manuel Miranda credits Al as an inspiration for the hit musical “Hamilton.”   It began when a door to door accordion salesman called on Al at the tender age of six. Al was unaffectionately nicknamed “Weird” in school, yet he embraced his weirdness and earned millions of fans. And did Al’s mom really serve him a bowl of sauerkraut every morning and watch him on the school playground through a pair of binoculars? Discover a fascinating side of Weird Al in this fun episode. Al recently dropped his record label and is blazing into the unchartered mediascape. Find out what’s next from the brilliant and inimitable Weird Al!

Gerald Casale is the co-founder of the iconic rock band DEVO.  In Part 1, “Are we not men?”  Gerald tells how he was caught in the crossfire of the May 4 Massacre at Kent State University, a personally shattering event that gave birth to one of the most intense punk bands of the 1970s, DEVO. Gerald offers his take on current events and warns kids today that they’re threatened with the same shattering lesson he suffered in the Kent State shootings. He discusses the origins of DEVO as an art movement intended on making music video laser discs, not LP records and in the process pioneered the music video. DEVO’s unique sound was so new that they were widely criticized and even physically assaulted by NY punk bands for being “different.”

Phil and Ted continue their conversation with Gerald Casale the co-founder of DEVO. In Part 2, DEVO is discovered by David Bowie, launching them into a platinum record sensation that all came crashing down… or as Gerald calls it, DEVOlution. Gerald discusses collaborating with Brian Eno to produce their first album and how they were labeled as “difficult” in the studio. Their biggest hit, “Whip It” was written as a satire of American exceptionalism, but when radio stations misinterpreted it as an ode to a twisted sexual fantasy, DEVO played along and produced a hilarious send up music video that played for decades on MTV. Gerald offers a surprising reason for why DEVO eventually devolved as a band, and how the pandemic is taking a toll on himself and the band’s latest prospects for a reunion.

Thom Hartmann, #1 Progressive Talk Show host and New York Times best selling author, shares with Phil and Ted how conservatives took over talk radio and made a liberal like him so popular that he receives regular death threats. In this eye opening conversation, Thom explains his view of how the Reagan revolution will end with the Trump presidency, despite that many oligarchs and autocrats around the world are trying to reelect Trump. And find out who really killed JFK. Experimenting with LSD in the 1960s propelled Thom from his Goldwater republican upbringing to liberal activism. And hear the amazing story of his landmark research that redefined ADHD from a mental disorder to a forgotten and valuable trait that dates back to our hunter-gatherer days. Lean more about Thom at: thomhartmann.com.

Actress, author, comedian and RUGRATS voiceover star with our co-host Phil, Melanie Chartoff shares never before told stories including about acting on Broadway, where she and 30 fellow cast members had a near death experience on a collapsing stage, and when Melanie hit in Hollywood, how women of the night protected her from stalkers. Melanie discusses how she and her friends are coping with the COVID lockdown, her teaching charisma to silicon valley super geeks, and reveals that she was felt up by Henny Youngman. “Take his wife, please!” Melanie also reads her hilarious poem, “Is This Person Worth the Germs?” about the perils of shacking up during the pandemic. It’s part of her latest book, “Odd Woman Out.”

Part One with magician, TV star, self proclaimed carny trash and renaissance man Penn Jillette, the speaking half of Penn & Teller.  Penn offers an eye opening look at the world during COVID and how Las Vegas is “doing badly” with it. Penn discusses his family life while isolated together, and how society is being forever transformed by the pandemic. And how we’re consuming too much food and information during an “age of outrage.” Penn explains why he considers Donald Trump an “eyes-shut con” while sharing plenty of laughs in between.