Tony on the Mic

My guest today is Kenneth Watson. He is a military vet, an author, and recently a father, but still insists his primary identifying marker is as an alcoholic. He had his first drink at about 6 years old, and remembers the first time he was drunk,.Kenneth was only 12 years old.  Alcohol surrounded most of his life in high school, college and the military. While it would have been easy to become a statistic, he sobered up, wrote a book and is sharing his story with the world with the intention of letting people know there is hope and help. He recently had a son whom he shamelessly brags about – don't we all! It is a wonderful, touching, hopeful story of overcoming adversity and standing for something. 

Hey y'all – Today my guest is long-time friend and personal pilot – Marty Stanton. Marty's daughter graduated from some college in San Diego – I should know, it is in the show, so he flew out from South Carolina to be with her. And when I say flew out, it is not quite “I just flew in from South Carolina and boy are my arms tired,” but it is "he hopped in his 2 seated, took his wife hostage, and flew his tiny plane from coast to coast."  We discuss how he tried (and failed) to earn his father's respect by following in his footsteps and becoming a pilot. He shares a couple of absolutely terrifying stories of things that went wrong while in the air. And how he goaded me into taking a flight with him up the coast. Anyone who met me as an adult can't really bait me into doing things I don't want to do, but somehow, when people know you as a kid, the phrase “come on, chicken, I dare you” still has an undeniable pull. He tells of his 86-year-old dad still flying, but nobody was allowed to fly with him, how much it costs to own a plane, even if you never fly, and how he wooed his wife, or his dad did, sort of, early in the relationship. 

Happy New Year! Did you make any New Year's resolutions? Did you kiss a stranger at midnight? Our guest today had a dream to do just that this year – tune in to find out. Neither our guest Kelly, nor co-host Anna, who introduced her to the show, mentioned she was a widow, so much of my show prep went out the window. Still friends with your ex? Who ended the relationship? … Hear me insert and re-insert my foot into my mouth, as we hearabout getting back into the dating scene after 28 years – without the apps. Technical difficulties, a little microphone rust by yours truly, and lots of promised editing result in a fun jaunt through dive bars and grocery stores.  We also talk about clone dating. That's right, you can create a clone to go on dozens, or hundreds of virtual dates then get recommendations from an algorithm and evaluations of all your “dates.” You can go on virtual dates with other people's clones, or have your clones date other's clones or other people's clones! It is indeed a brave new world. We also talk about sending private pics, especially from men, and do you get more attention if you can do tricks… seriously. Also, today's tips – make an effort, especially on your first date. Dress up a little or at least change out of your work clothes, and don't get too drunk on your first date. 

Welcome to ADD – Adult Dating for Dummies we are back after a football season hiatus to discuss the adult dating scene. On this episode we discover there are several AI dating coaches – they review all of your date “chats” and tell you where you went right and where you went wrong and tries to up your game. We also talk about dating during the Holidays and its unique challenges. Today's guest, Maggie, is back on the market and looking since she broke up with her on-again off-again boyfriend of 9 years. This time, she insists they are never, ever, ever, getting back together. She is also moving this summer, so there is another interesting wrinkle. Turn on your favorite sappy movie, I suggest Titanic, turn down the sound and open a pack of double stuff Oreos and join Anna, Stephanie and I for the latest episode of Adult Dating for Dummies! 

Today my guest is a candidate for 79th district assembly. She was born and raised in San Diego. She is a proud SDSU alum where she got her Bachelor's degree AND and her Ed.d in Education leadership. She is Aztec through and through as her mom worked at the school while she was pregnant with LaShae! We talk about dirty politics and transparency and we (mostly me) joke about an attack ad aimed at her, that I found silly. She is all about community, give a few cool little quotes I found inspiring and will probably steal them as my own in the future. She was a great sport and played along. We find out about her dreams and aspirations and why she chose a super sappy movie in the electric chair question. 

Today my guest Genevieve Suzuki is running for La Mesa City Council. This is neither an endorsement nor a hit piece, just a chance to get to know her and what she stands for. She is a parent – we have not had a city council member with school-age children in a long, long time. She is an attorney and wants to foster community. A supporter of first responders and public servants (I hate the term public servant – it sounds like my local paramedic is delivering a pizza be my butler or something…) Anyway – she is for better funding as well as accountability and oversight. She has ambitious plans for a public square, streamlining the website and making information more easily available to the citizens, and transparency and oversight. 

Hey y'all Check it out – we have a male representing on ADD! A rare sighting, even though we have only done 4 or 5 episodes, it's time the men get a shot. We need more open and honest guys… like todays guest, David Walker – Three time Eisner award winner and 2023 inkpot winner and Long time family friend talks about dating while notable, if not famous. What he is looking for now that he is getting a little older – spoiler alert – not being afraid he will be stabbed in his sleep is high on the list. Also not being married, or living with your ex… stuff like that… He shares why did not hit on  Pam Greer, Alyssa Milano, or Rosario Dawson while spending time with them. We talk groupies, sycophants, the down side of having a notable internet presence and a few accolades.  So grab some dim sum and a comfy chair for this fully illustrated episode of ADD!

On this episode, I get to actually see what real life Tinder page looks like, and we discuss LIVE if Anna should swipe right, and why or why not. The ladies tell me some things that are “Vagina repellant” – a term I never knew and could have gone my whole life without hearing… We answer how many pet guinea pigs is too many, how often you should update your profile picture and information and what is your responsibility to somewhat resemble your current picture. How much revenge is too much? 

In this jam-packed episode of ADD – we wonder why the eggplant became the go-to suggestive emoji over the heavily favored banana, compare notes on how to spot an actual hooker, and how  the “ordering process” in a brothel look like. We talk about a few uncomfortable taboo fetishes that Anna has been offered to participate in. What are some deal breakers on you profile, and wonder if etiquette still matters in today's world of dating – do you dress up a little? Be on time? Open the door? Pick up the check… And why these two ladies do not care about your favorite sports team and probably don't want to camp in the wild… spoiled? They are also a little mean in my opinion to Bill and a couple other dates of Anna's...

On this week's installment of ADD – Adult Dating for Dummies, we meet Anna and scratch the surface of her recent dating history. We hear about “Special K” she only uses his first initial for some semi anonymity. We discuss door opening etiquette, good, safe places to meet on a first face to face or “IRL” that's what the kids call in real life, date. Spoiler alert, an under-construction house with covered windows and plastic tarps everywhere is not a good idea… but that does not stop Anna! I explain what a Masshole is and why it is not as bad as it sounds. We do a PG-13 introduction to “foot guy.” And basically talk about first dates and how much you should share before hand, expect during, and reveal after.  So grab a quart of Ben and Jerry's and a cozy blanket and give us a listen o this week's episode of ADD! 

Hey folks, for those expecting a scintillating interview episode, this is a brand new project, launched under the Tony on the Mic banner. ADD – Adult dating for Dummies. We talk about the new dating frontier – dating apps and how to meet someone in 2024. I am happily married and so naïve to what is out there, I mostly sit mouth wide open as I hear about the wild wild world on online dating, intimate pics, sliding into DMs, swiping, how to choose a profile pic and more. I also get a disturbing bit of info about the brazen-ness of today's on-line males and share a now infamous photo of a shirtless me with a cat in my lap, trying to look… sexy?  Please reach out to the show if you have any horror stories, funny stories, tips or tricks for navigating this crazy new marketplace. It will be an interactive show! In the meantime, tune in, like comment, share and tell your friends. Then get in on the fun! 

Today I am joined by San Diego Running legend Paul Greer. He has a new book out – Going the Distance – Strategies from the first stride to the finish line. It is one tip per page over 250 pages – that helps improve, starts, strides, shoes, breath and more! Whether you are just getting started or you're a seasoned runner, the man the Union Tribune called the Pied Piper of San Diego Running has lots of stuff to make you better! He has run with the Bulls 5 times, (Pamplona, not Chicago) climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro AND Mt Whitney 13 days apart, he is the President of San Diego Track and Field. He has a sub 4-minute mile and was an Olympic team finalist. His credentials are impeccable, and his adventures are amazing. I could list them all, but that is what Google is for! Or you could just listen! 

Today my guest is - when you think Bubbles, think Meadow Perry! One of the 124 most prominent bubbles magicians in the world according to OIBA! She was on the CW Masters of Illusion, did a week at the world famous Magic Castle in LA, and got a shout out from Penn Gillette of Penn and Teller! We talk about the genesis of bubble magic, how she got into bubble magic and push back against the notion that it isn't “real” magic – I mean really? Are there wizards somewhere doing “real” magic? We talk about her theater nerd days in high school, life on the road with kids, and how does her best to never be approached on the road. I remember how our first meeting was completely forgettable for her… I mean, she completely forgot who I was… Also her kid interrupts, so we take a break, we discuss the difference between men and women in the industry, and we talk last meal stuff.

Today my guest is author and inspirational speaker Jonas Royster. He overcame a troubled past, including a few incarcerations, gang banging and a severe alcohol addiction. He is releasing his second book, with 4 more in the pipeline. He is also doing motivational speaking, trying to use his story, struggles and success to point out a road map to what is possible for those in his similar situation. We talk sky-diving, bungee jumping, being a foodie and how to act – and not act when in prison. Check out his book on Amazon “Bangin' – the Making of a Y.G.” and his next offering “Quotes Off The Wall – 31 Days to Break Bad Thinking habits and Embrace positivity” out August 12th 

Today my guest is Lorraine Bardeen, VP and Chief Technology officer at Microsoft! We discuss her journey through life and Cornell (ever heard of it) that led her to Microsoft. We discuss her life through high school and college, and why there are many people in her rolodex she would call before Bill Gates if she needed a tire change. She defends Clippy, the original AI Microsoft assistant, ranks her sisters, and lists keys to success, hiring and what she looks for in a potential fast tracker. She validates my adherence to Atomic Habits. Check out her inspirational and informational blogs on linkedin!

Today my guest is Author Kitty Zeldis. Once an aspiring bun-head (ballet dancer,) she went from publishing almost 40 children themed books and short stories and her last novel, The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights was about a Jewish Prostitute in New Orleans… We cover her journey from one to the other, and lots of stuff in between. She talks about rejection letters, balancing editors and her own vision, and gives some great advice to aspiring writers. How writing novels damaged her reading them, she is often caught up evaluating and rationalizing things in the book that she is simply trying to read and enjoy. She has finally mastered emojis, but fears it may be passe and too late to be cool. 

BJ is Married! We sit down and catch up with everybody's favorite bachelor as he settles down with his long-time love Andrea. We talk about the planning, the execution and the whirlwind that is a wedding. We discuss his podcast revival, the intrusive nature of the internet and its listening – all the time. We set the over under WAY too low for the amount of times he would cry. Is syncronicitious a word? Spoiler alert – no. Is Sapiens a real book? Spoiler alert – yes. Chef Andrew and the group at the Make café and the good work they do. (check them out at www.SDmake.com ) It is a great time, as it always is when we sit down to talk. Listen is as we talk about Juliette Lewis's band, the simultaneous North Park music festival, Aunt Cindy and Aunt Anne's wedding, and more! www.alalnteconstructionremodel.com www.lifesabinge.com www.Tonyonthemic.com

Today my guest is a relaxed, recentered and rejuvenated Erica Benisch! She just got back from a week at the famous and exclusive Golden Door Spa in San Marcos – as recommended by Oprah! Door to door shuttle service, daily in-room massage and endless activities. But the most impactful part was getting in touch with herself and accessing years of pent-up baggage and trauma. With daily yoga, meditations and access to various therapy explorations she was able to recenter and continue her journey in life and motherhood. She also did archery, fencing, tap dancing and more! We talk about the process, shout out her kids and I learn to pronounce her last name – after 20 years or so! 

Today – My guest Jayden Lombardo just returned from completing the most famous, and some say most daunting marathon: the Boston Marathon, 26.2 grueling miles through the streets of Boston, culminating at Heartbreak Hill! He joined 30,000 other runners and finished just before the rain came down in buckets. I pity those who finished later. We learn why the Unicorn is the official symbol of the Boston Marathon, why I call him Quadzilla or the Quadfather, and how he managed to spend an entire week apart from his girlfriend Schmoopy. He enjoyed his first trip to Boston and saw the sites including learning about the Salem Which Trials, the kings church and fun facts about the Rhode Island state capital. We sample and rate another Whisky and I recall a good chunk of the famous poem “Paul Revere's Ride” from elementary school – not bad for an old man! 

My guest today turned down Oprah, the first time she called, but did Tony on the Mic on the first request! She is Pam Smith and she is fascinating. She had a genealogy friend and they were working together for a few years. They discovered one of her friend's people, owned – as in slavery – her people. How would your react? She tells us about the emotional whirlwind and how it all reconciled. Spoiler alert: after some tense moments they are still friends 30 years later.   She is a long time civil rights activist who has worked with Jesse Jackson, Barack Obama and met Stokely Carmichael by accident! She lived in Africa for a few years, and lived in a monastery (not quite like Sister Act or Sound of Music I found out.) She has lived in the DMV, Chicago, Portland Oregon, spreading seeds of hope and racial reconciliation at every stop. Way too many cool stories for one podcast so we will have her back! 

My guest is Author / teacher MacArthur Shaw! He has written and published his first book, Adventures in Subbing, the life and times of a classroom mercenary. It is loaded with tales from the various schools and classrooms. It is also loaded with adult language – he pulls no punches. We talk about the various times we have been punched in the mouth for being a smart ass in our lives, and agree, it needs to happen to more smartasses. We talk about Smashmouth – unrelated – and a tribute to Shock G from Digital Underground! He also talks about his days of fencing and bartending and doing stand up comedy. 

Today I have a return guest Lori Biesel of Starseed Galactic enterprises! We talk about the power of high vibrational frequency music, and how it can help is so many areas – youtube it! We talk about getting in touch with the Source, and achieving balance in your life, but mostly we discuss her first Ayahuasca trip! A three-day guided trip of meditation, yoga and hallucinogens, into the depths of her consciousness. The light, the visions, the freedom, the puking… If you have never tried this, I am not sure if this will make you more or less likely to consider it, but I think I might try it. We talk about doshas and dietas, and how the practice of Ayurveda can balance your diet and physical and spiritual sectors to make everything work in harmony.

Today we revisit a real-life transgender man, who is asexual, and a woman who is not interested in having sex. We learn about the trials and tribulations, challenges in school and at home with family. We talk about labels and the problem some people in society have accepting other's lifestyles, choices and identities. We learn all kinds of new words and definitions. We ranked best friends, laughed childishly at the planet Uranus for childish reasons. We touch on Drag Queens reading to kids and find out if Al Capone and the mafia owned and ran gay bars. My bug zapper goes on a massacre in the background, and Duke (my dog) takes over the episode.

So, I got a tattoo, my first tattoo. I decided to interview a well rated tattoo artist for the pod, and what better way than to do it while I am in the chair! I talk about how it hurts mostly, but I get to ask questions I have always wondered. Is there anything you won't tattoo? What is the longest continuous tattoo session? Should I use a pain killing gel, or is pain part of the process? Do you tattoo drunk people? Have you ever tried to talk someone out of a tattoo? We meet his business partner Soda Pop, I barely cry and am thrilled with the tat. See, I say tat now because I have a tat. Those of us who  know, know. It's a lifestyle. He also mocks me a bit for thinking I understand the lifestyle after one, fairly innocuous tattoo…  The sound is not as good as usual, as the phone picked up all the background noise. Maybe we can get Sky into the studio and really dig into this! Anyway, I get introduced to a great new band, that sounds like a great old band. The soundtrack to my tattoo is Durand Jones and the Indications – check them out. 

My day at Disneyland with Patrick Mahomes. Isabella got some discount (but still expensive) tickets to Disneyland a few months back through her work. We set the date, scheduled coverage for work and planned an awesome day! We had no idea that when Kansas City won the Super Bowl, and Patrick Mahomes exclaimed “I'm going to Disneyland!” that we would be there together and forever intertwined in history. Hear about our great day and our embellished account of the details. Tony on the Mic has a policy of honesty and transparency, so I came clean at the end about what was real and what was enhanced. Disneyland is awesome and my cousin Gary helps me revisit a great day at the happiest place on Earth. 

Today I am so excited to take another step in my life / spiritual journey. I sit with Three “Spirit Livers” (people who live in the spirit. *Trademark, Tony on the Mic.) We talk about getting in touch with our feelings and actual honest, inner desires. We talk meditation, positive outlook, manifesting and determining what we really want down deep, versus what we think we are supposed to want, and sometimes say we want. We lay some simple groundwork for you to start a journey and set the foundation for self-introspection. I try to overcome deflection, procrastination and excuse making. We touch on ayahuasca and “trips” (yeah, I am not there yet) and the need to challenge your own status quo and comfort zones – I am trying hard to do that. And it is NOT a midlife crisis, it is a step in the connective journey to a higher power! 

Today my guests are ultra Marathoners – Jayden Lombardo and Jake Ennis. They recently put a 50-mile race under their belt, and have qualified for the Boston Marathon in April. After that, they set their sites on an Iron Man triathlon and/or a 100 mile race. Hear about the training discipline, the diet, the ambitions, injuries, and insights they gain while doing this grueling activity. They get very personal… some might say TOO personal, in the details they share. Hear the horrors and hazards of running for 13 hours straight – for the “short” 50 mile races. What do they think about, why they don't listen to music while running, and learning to prevent chafing. We also talk about hate following the liver king, Jayden's pending proposal and Jake's single life (he is available!) 

In Part 2 of my cross generational, gender identity and sexuality discussion, we cover the Adams Apple – I learned more about it today - The difference in physical transformations m between male to female, female to male, the surgery, hormones etc. We talk about family's acceptance, or not. We talk about some more obscure labels, and ask are they necessary. They explain that sometimes trying on a label is like trying on a shirt, it might not fit, but it is good to know you tried it on, and that it did not fit.  and once and for all declare that all divorces ARE indeed the kids' fault. You may want to listen to part one first as we lay down a lot of foundation 

Today on Tony on the Mic, I sit down with the alphabet kids – that's what I'm calling them. I'm trying to make it a thing. No, Not ABCDEFG, but LGBTQIA+?. I sit with a trans-bisexual and an asexual/pansexual/demisexual. I try to understand, and they try to be patient with this boomer. We talk about labels, are there enough? Are there too many? We talk definitions. We talk about their journey. Also, the difference between sexuality and gender, Asexual versus Demisexual vs pansexual… It was a lot to digest in one sitting, I thank my guests for letting me ask anything and everything that was on my mind. I have a million more questions, so we will have to reschedule, but this was a great jumping off point for me into the new world of gender fluidity and sexuality. You don't have to accept the philosophy or condone or anything, but the underlying theme is just be cool and let people be people. More conversations will only lead to better understanding. So if you ever wondered what the heck people are talking about, but were afraid to ask and afraid of what might show up on your browser history..

Hey guys – as devoted fans and family and friends know, I have a cyst on my brain (Some of you are not surprised…) It was discovered during an unfortunate incident (accidental overdose on lean… listen for details.) Well a bout of headaches, dizziness and ringing ears has my doctor wanting to take another look. So in honor of having an MRI -  am dropping a re-issue of the episode of how and why it was discovered. Sounds like it should be serious… but I approach it with humor and confidence, some might say denial. 

Today on Tony on the mic, my guest is Narcippa Teague, author of “Daddy I'm Scared.” A children's book about how to confront the monsters and fear, in a flashback, super hero type tale. That is pretty complex for a kids' book, but I have read it and he pulls it off in an engaging tale. The book was just released this September. We talk about his inspiration for the book, and the process. We also talk about his second marriage, which was to his high school sweetheart whose heart he broke back in the day. They met shortly after his divorce and sparks ignited and romance was rekindled! We talk about a game-winning half-court shot he hit in fifth grade and still brags about it, and how his dad takes credit for drawing up the play.

Today my guest is Lori Biesel, an aestheologist (skin expert) energy healer, motivational speaker and founder of Starseed Galactic Enterprises. She has gone though a transformation and reset her life. A past life of mistakes and regrets was transformed into a deeper understanding of love, forgiveness, herself, the universe, the Creator, and power of vibrations and energy. She tells you how to start your day - and your new life. She is very forthcoming about her low points and life mistakes and how she used those experiences to stay focused. She sees interdimensional beings, can heal herself and show you how to heal yourself, and many, many more fascinating things. We sing a little Grease, she tells me I need to establish a facial care regimen, and we talk all things vibrational. 

Today I sit wth Alli Jo, of Alli Jo's Swim school, and more passionately, she founded and works with Project Connect (17:00.) They work with Monarch School, which is a school for homeless kids. They provide a Thanksgiving festival to provide a wonderful, normalized Thanksgiving dinner and events to a group that normally does not have what we take for granted. Great meal, then festival – dancing, carnival games, prizes, petting zoo and more. This event is 100% volunteer driven and everything is donated. One guy is organizing the cooking and delivery of 50 turkeys in a turkey caravan across the Coronado bridge! Honestly, if this episode and event does not touch and motivate you to try to be better every day – unsubscribe! (Just kidding, I am 100% bluffing – do not unsubscribe, just try to do better.) 

Today I sit down with Tony Orlando who is running for La Mesa city Council. We talk about the whys and the why nows, his ideas and platforms, and go into what I have called mailer-gate: a controversial mailer that went out and caused all kinds of commotion in the community. How he got a calling to the ministry at 14, how you people in La mesa can get potholes fixed quickly – without resorting to obscene graffiti. (That is a real inside La Mesa reference.) We play some Tony Orlando and Dawn in and out of breaks, and cut short his views on Church and State for another episode.

Hey hey y'all, I'm back from a short hiatus for episode 100!! 100 episodes in 100 weeks! Missed a couple weeks, doubled up on a few weeks and here we are! 100 in the bank, looking forward to the next 100! We took a trip to Chicago – caught a Cubs game, ate tons of deep dish pizza, caught the amazing Kayla Drescher at the really cool, speakeasy magic club The Magic Lounge! Paige Thompson was the headliner and it was a blast! Check out Kayla's Podcast Shezam! Hit her up on her website magicinheels.com and tell her to go on Tony on the Mic! Enough pandering… We also took a river cruise and acted like tourists at the Bean! We also took in Niagara Falls and thought we were in the famous Toronto space needle… spoiler alert, we weren't. 

Today my guest is Jennifer Coburn, author of We'll Always Have Paris, Reinventing Mona and a number of other entertaining, light-ish books. She learned about the Lebensborn Program and was compelled to learn more and share. This was a program created in 1935 to be the wellspring of future generations descended from those Nazi authorities deemed “racially valuable.” They bred kids with SS soldiers and women “volunteers.” They also stole babies from other countries that fit the mold. It is an appalling, true look into history from the perspective of three fictional women. It is kind of Handmaids Tale meets Swing Kids meets Sound of Music – without the music. Her dedication to detail is immersive and impressive. 

Spoiler Alert! I don't just spoil Cobra Kai by telling you what happened tell you what happened, but spoil it by telling you all the stupid stuff that's too dumb to enjoy. I watched season 1 with high expectations and anticipation and was only mildly disappointed. The 15 minutes they spent writing the screenplay was just not enough, but it was OK, my friends from the Karate Kid movies were back and I was here for it. the season 2 was just too stupid to finish. I know lots of people love the show, and I am glad when someone finds some content that entertains them, but, well, damn. My co-host Jim part of the 94% of rotten tomatoes voters that gave it a thumbs up. I am part of the 6% of the thumbs down. We talk about the original series, the value of nostalgia, Daniel and Johnny, Stingray and Hawk, Tory and Samantha, Robbie Keene, Miguel Diaz, Kenny Payne and how apparently anyone can become a world class karate master in just a few months. 

Today my guest is longtime San Diego Sports radio personality John “Coach” Kentera. We talk about his start, how he got the nickname the coach and his early coaching career. He tells us about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the biz, and some of his favorite interviews and memories. From Duke Snider to Tony Gwynn to Manny Machado, coach has studied the Padres in depth for a long time. He also talks about the early days with Hacksaw, Jim Rome and Ferrell on the bench.

Today we reminisce about our House of Blues gig. We played a party and it was amazing! BJ joins me and describes it like a “fever dream” – Yeah, we were playing our set at the house of blues, and it was interrupted by the original R2D2 and some legit storm troupers. Then as we were breaking down to move to the other room, William Hung and the “She Bang dancers” comes out to the stage. Then I pass Oscar from the office in the green room and Flava Flav wearing his clock taking some pictures with guests… it actually sounds like a fever dream. Anyway, throw in some Hollywood Zombies, the original DeLorean from back to the future and a $1,000 pinball contest – it was a great night. And – the cherry on top – we killed out 3 sets! 

This week I had a chance to check out the 2022 version of USD football, first at the preseason scrimmage, then at the first game. While at the scrimmage, I was able to get a few words from Coach Lindsey – and his wife Eva. I caught up with the athletic director, butchered his name, then had a nice chat. Then talked to a WR who had a TD in the scrimmage. All in all, it was a great day and the team looks ready to do battle for another Pioneer League crown. 

Hey everyone we have a special preview review episode! I am playing at the House of Blues Wednesday night with BJ and the Bizz and we talk about the event, the other guests, the past events, some girl's search for cocaine (spoiler alert, she did not find it with us… or at least me…) Bj joins me to talk about his music at the Zoo and Safari Park and we talk about being at an event with Flava Flav, Oscar Nunez (the office) and past special guests. Gary Busey was booked for this gig, but … he has another commitment. 

Today I spoke with CIF football crew chief Brian Mills. He has been refereeing for 21 years and has risen to the top of the San Diego County referee food chain. He talks about the declining relationship between coaches and officials, parents and officials and parents and coaches as the pressure mounts on kids playing sports. Parents today lose their mind, blaming officials, teammates, and coaches to avoid the scourge of being humiliated with a participation trophy and shattering the dreams of their kid playing professional sports. As fate would have it the day after we spoke, I went to a preseason scrimmage at USD, a place they often use as training for officials at the college level and ran into a few of his cohorts and prodded for dirt on Brian. The brotherhood is strong as they refused to contribute anything but a referendum on his bald head and praise for his cookies… 

Today, to get my guest, I had to pixelate his face, distort his voice and beep his name and still had to make him an offer he couldn't refuse. He had a fairly non-descript childhood, until his mom remarried – remarried to the mob! Hear how he was pampered and protected as a child and grew up under the watchful eye of members of “the club.” I learned a lot, and heard some juicy stuff I could not use. Part one is a fascinating look into the real, daily lives of this one particular “connected” family. Feuds, plots, incidents and accidents, and mostly his spoiled  childhood – my guest tells all, well most, well some good stuff. 

Today my guests are two local, up and coming musical artists! Both write and sing their own songs, and have music out there! Make sure you check them out. Carjanae and SuperduperPark join me in the studio to talk about music and how to reach audiences and expand your brand. How to connect with producers and editors and the pros and cons of distributing music today versus back in the day. I am reminded, more than once, how old I am, and how I am not the demographic for their music, AND how unsophisticated I am with today's social media… like I did not know… 

Today I have a follow up with 4 – count ‘em 4 – cancer survivors. They vary in age, gender, cancer diagnosis and treatment and how they are moving on! They have some words of advice: Get you mammograms, know your body, follow up with doctor if things are out of whack, and “feel it on the first” reminding you to do a self body screening the first of every month. We talk about how to a self check for women and men. I drop (repeatedly) about my band playing at the House of Blues … I just really like saying that… Details at Tonyonthemic.com and drop the first, very sloppy rendition of a Leadbelly / Ram Jam inspired song called “Mammogram” sung to the tune of Black Betty from the 70s, or 30s depending on which version you know. We do one vignette in studio, one via zoom, and one recorded on a phone as the equipment malfunctioned.

My guest today double Eisner award winner David F Walker. He received two of the prestigious awards at Comic Con the day after he joined me on the podcast. His list of credentials is way too long but Google this dude. He has worked for DC and Marvel and birthed a wholly original character from idea to a TV show – check out Naomi! He has projects in the pipeline and a long list of work and credits. David learns how much I disliked him back in the day and why, find out why we still hate the late John Morgan. David has a project, Bitter Root in the process, has won awards for his graphic novels depicting the life of Fredrick Douglass and the Black Panther Party - Obviously separate stories. 

Today my guest is NYT best selling author Jonathon Evison. His latest release, Small World, is a sweeping epic of the American experience. (Yes, have read it, and yes, it is really good. No, I didn't come up with the term “sweeping epic – that was someone much smarter than me.)  He also wrote the book “The Fundamentals of Caregiving” which became a movie currently available on Netflix. It is based on his time as a caregiver for a young man with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and stars Paul Rudd. It is funny, hopeful and honest. He also currently has the number 2 book on the banned book request list in “Lawn Boy.” This was his first work that I read and loved it. Let's see what we can do to move it to number one! The idea that we are still trying to ban books in 2022 makes me sad.  Folks, I want to apologize to you and Jonathon. People do so many of these press junkets and interviews, they have to get tired of doing these things. Here at Tony on the Mic, I want to tell the story, but more, just give people a chance to tell their story while being themselves. Talk about things they like and appreciate. This episode reminded me of that mission as we talked books, inspiration, process, etc for the first half, but he became energized towards the end when we started talking sports, music and kids! Lord knows I would rather talk kids and sports etc, so from now on there will be more of that! It also could have been partly to recording at 7:30 AM or some crazy early time. We make a future bet about how the Seattle Seahawks will do this year, I recorded it to have a record of it, if I lose, I have a feeling the evidence will be destroyed.

Today my guest is David Elizondo, cofounder of First Light Whiskey. It is a coffee infused whiskey. A local American Whiskey made with Organic Agave and Real coffee extract. I take my first on air shot, 2 actually, one of each flavor. I thought this was going to be a Bailey's-esque sweet, flavored drink, but it was a delicious coffee infused, smooth whiskey. I am not a big drinker and was thrilled at the smooth texture. We go through the ideation process that came out of a class project while David was a grad student at SDSU. Hand mixing thousands of gallons to find the right flavor profile. Then a release and distribution and marketing strategy. I am serious when I say he is invested in this and proud of his baby. Tune in to see if I can hold it together after 2 shots – which is an awful lot for me! Also, for a limited time, you can go to firstlightwhiskey.com and get 15% off and free shipping when you enter the promo code TonyontheMic – my first promo code! They say you always remember your first… promo code. 

Today on the podcast – Katy Perry! The Rock! Ryan Reynolds! Gal Gadot! John Mayer! Alyssa Milano! ... All had their caricature drawn by this guy… Caricature artist to the stars – Greg Dohlen. AKA – the King of Sting! That's a nickname he was given on the comedy central show Nathan For You. We talk about his humble beginnings, from drawing his crush in high school, to touring a children's hospital with Alyssa Milano drawing the kids to cheer them up and chatting about caricatures with John Mayer. He also did a deep dive into 3D drawing (which I cut most of it out – you're welcome) designed a float in this year's Rose Parade! He also pulled out all the stops to propose to his wife!

Today my guest is a former fighter pilot and Blue Angel, and also commercial pilot for Southwest Airlines. His biggest fear was not a Mach 1 barrel roll maneuver, but general seating on a southwest flight from LA to Vegas. He tells us how real Top Gun 1 and 2 are, he shares his flight name, spoiler alert, not near as cool as Maverick or Joker or Viper. He does a terrible Russian accent, describes a real life encounter with a MIG and how he proposed to his wife four days after their face to face meeting – they were pen pals for a long time. He also spent some time caddying on the pro golf tour and had an encounter with Arnold Palmer! I made up the Mach one barrel maneuver, but Jerry tells real stories with real terms in the pod! 

Today's guest is a return guest, Jerome Gross – fitness coach, yoga and spiritual guide and, wait for it, hypnotist. We talk more about the mind body connection and the importance of mental and spiritual health for how it affects us and our bodies. We talk about how it takes practice, commitment and most of all a willingness to be better. Most of us, me included are afraid to be better. It is a lot easier to poke fun at stuff that is faulty, than try to rise above it. We talk about past lives, death and the afterlife, and the effects of affirmations. We talk about savants (for lack of better word) There are lots of examples of people who have inherent skills and gifts – Beethoven, Einstein, Darwin, Mozart, Socrates, Isaac Newton – those are extreme examples, and semi easily defined. But it tells you what is possible, what is in us. We can do so much more than we do, the possibilities are infinite! So sit down, strap in, turn on and turn up this hypnotic episode of Tony on the Mic!  Before we start, you should check out Jerome's cites and classes mindbodyfitsd.com He has zoom classes and activities and in person group and individual training – physical and spiritual and mental. Tony DeBlois Learned to play piano at 2 years old. Plays 20 instruments and plays any type of music. Daniel Tammet can “see” numbers, recite pi from memory up to the 22,514 digits. He learned the Icelandic language in one week and made up a language. Stephen Wiltshire, an autistic mute, is an accomplished artist has the ability to draw from the finest details from memory. After Viewing Rome from a helicopter one time, he created a 15 foot mural in great detail.