Podcast appearances and mentions of Mary Bailey

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to discuss the Let's reflexive resistance to Trump's successes.

Neil Haley – The Neil Haley ShowGreg Hanna – Celebrity Interviews Live from The GrottoClare Carey – Actress (Coach, Jericho, NCIS, Point Pleasant, Home Alone 4), Writer, Director, and StorytellerIn this dynamic interview, actress Clare Carey joins Neil and Greg to reflect on her breakout role as Kelly Fox on the beloved sitcom Coach, her transition into dramatic roles, and her current work as a writer and content creator. From working alongside Craig T. Nelson to starring in cult-favorite series Jericho, Clare shares behind-the-scenes stories, hard-earned wisdom, and her passion for storytelling that inspires and educates.

If the Democrats really admire strong women, they should all be voting for Bondi. Chuck and Mary Bailey join Will to discuss yesterday's hearing, the latest from the Middle East, and how the Fair Tax might fare under Trump.

If George and Mary Bailey are annual guests at your home every winter, you already know that It's a Wonderful Life is more than just a holiday tradition--it's a powerful reminder that our lives can change everyone around us, for better or worse. But what can this Christmas classic teach us about our everyday lives? Bob Welch invites us to revisit the defining lessons in Frank Capra's 1946 classic and discover new dimensions of the film you've seen time and again.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special season wrap-up of the Finding Fearless podcast, host Madeline revisits the powerful conversations of the past year. She reflects on the theme of liberation in entrepreneurship, exploring how guests have turned their challenges into opportunities for personal and professional freedom. The episode highlights impactful discussions with inspiring figures like Podge Thomas, Lauren Burgess, Meredith Fennessy Witts, Brianna Franklin, and Mary Bailey, who share their unique journeys and insights on breaking free from traditional constraints. Madeline also introduces upcoming opportunities for listeners to engage with her work through the Figure 8 program and the Finding Fearless community. 01:31 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey01:54 The Origins of Finding Fearless05:14 Liberation Through Entrepreneurship08:03 Season Highlights and Key Conversations20:00 Community, Allyship, and Authenticity22:12 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Programs26:49 Conclusion and GratitudeFinding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition, releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST. If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless! Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at hello@fearlessfoundry.com if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry. Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry.

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to discuss tax priorities in Trump's 2nd term.

In this episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline interviews Mary Bailey, co-founder and managing director of the Last Prisoner Project (LPP). They discuss cannabis industry opportunities alongside the persisting issue of cannabis-related incarcerations. Mary shares her journey from event production in Hawaii to becoming an advocate for cannabis justice. The episode highlights LPP's work, aiming for the release of cannabis prisoners and promoting a socially conscious industry. Mary's story includes partnerships with artists like Damian Marley and Jim Belushi and emphasizes storytelling as a tool for change. 00:43 Guest Introduction: Mary Bailey of The Last Prisoner Project03:23 Mary Bailey's Background and Journey04:38 The Impact of Cannabis Criminalization07:55 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome11:10 Building the Last Prisoner Project13:43 The Story of Richard DeLisi22:48 The Ongoing Fight for Justice31:40 The Profit Motive Behind Legalization32:18 Balancing Advocacy and Privilege33:03 Survivor's Guilt and Personal Mission34:59 Building Community and Coalition36:12 Leveraging Celebrity Platforms37:45 Advocacy in Action: Lobbying and Vigils41:36 The Importance of Rescheduling44:32 Empowering Local Advocacy50:33 The Future of Cannabis Industry56:46 Calls to Action and Final ThoughtsConnect with Mary Bailey:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-bailey-0111a8146/https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition, releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST. If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless! Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at hello@fearlessfoundry.com if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry. Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry.

Chuck and Mary Bailey join Will to look at Trump's and Kamala's tax plans; J.D. Vance's debate triumph; and CNN's irrational exuberance.

Biden's gone; so what's next for the Dems? Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax fame join Will to discuss.

The Swamp gave us Joe; wokeism gave us Kamala. And now the nation's mess is the Democrat Party's nightmare. Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to discuss.

The debate appears to be on, and Trump is poised to present his record and vision for the future. Will Biden's plan to attack work? And will he be able to effectively use all of the information that Team Biden has been pumping in him like Adderall? Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will for the most comprehensive debate preview in Podcastville.

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to discuss the ridiculousness of the notion that Biden is viable.

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join the show to talk more about what ISN'T taxed under The Fair Tax. Also discussed: Hunter's troubles, Biden's bumblings, and the upcoming election.

The question is, will Biden be treated as fairly as Trump? Chuck and Mary Bailey join the show to discuss.

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax are back to discuss public sentiment in Georgia surrounding The Fair Tax; how a consumption tax versus an income tax would have helped us weather the 2008 financial crisis better; and what lies ahead in the Trump trial.

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join the show to talk about the lessons from Argentina's about face from socialism.

There are times when good politics and good policy intersect; we are in one of the times—and it's advantage Trump. Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join the show to discuss the politics of the moment, including: 1) Morning Joe's terrified diatribe against Trump this morning; 2) the new political alignment going on in the country right now; 3) the symbiotic relationship between The Fair Tax and term limits.

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to discuss Biden's well-controlled CNN interview with Erin Andrews, in which he boasts about the economy and threatens Israel. Also on the show: Why realtors and farmers love the Fair Tax better than the people who represent them.

Chuck and Mary Bailey are on the show to adumbrate the benefits of the Fair Tax.

Episode Notes Rob is joined today by a very special guest - Mary Owen, the daughter of Donna Reed as Mary (Bailey) drags George down the stairs for a surprise.

Will reads an insane piece from Slate about the courage of IRS whistleblowers who leak tax records—because billionaires are “harming” the rest of us. Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax weigh in.

Today on The Neil Haley Show, Neil "The Media Giant" Haley and Greg Hanna of Celebrity Interviews Live interview Clare Carey. Clare Carey is an American film and television actress best known for her roles as Kelly Fox in Coach and Mary Bailey in Jericho, and her film role in Savannah Sunrise.

With Toni en route to San Diego to be the show's West Coast Immigration Go To, Will is joined by Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax to talk about the news of the week, including Biden versus Trump in Texas; the Dems and due process; and election skullduggery in Nevada.

Having lost out in most traditional Democrat demographics, Biden's decided to bribe young people into voting for him. Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to discuss the problems with the plan on the economic and Constitutional fronts. Also discussed: Why The Fair Tax is the only way to ACTUALLY salvage Social Security.

The Special Counsel's report is forcing Biden's defenders to face a rather bleak reality: Either Biden is a vegetable, or he's worthy of removal. Also on the show: Is it time to relocate the UN? Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join the show to weigh in.

Biden's visit to East Palestine is too, late, too lame, and too laughable—i.e. he'll see ZERO political gain from the trip. Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to talk about it, and to react to the news that North Alabamians are eligible for free Internet from the federal government—a curious subsidy that might go away if there's a government shutdown.

Kamala Harris' recent appearance on the view provided a clarifying moment in terms of just how—and why—the Left's lies are as bold as they are ironic. Will and Chuck and Mary Bailey discuss the numerous ways in which opponents of conservatism/libertarianism have no real choice but to deny what is and what isn't.

Will it be Nancy Mace? Tim Scott? It probably WON'T be Chris Christie, of course. Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join will to discuss the possibilities. Also on the show: Will the Fair Tax make us MORE competitive globally?

If George and Mary Bailey are annual guests at your home every winter, you already know that It's a Wonderful Life is more than just a holiday tradition--it's a powerful reminder that our lives can change everyone around us, for better or worse. But what can this Christmas classic teach us about our everyday lives? Our guest invites us to revisit the defining lessons in Frank Capra's 1946 classic and discover new dimensions of the film you've seen time and again, including: · What can we all learn from Mary's quiet contentedness? · Can George's selflessness make you rethink your own priorities? · What impact do we have on the people around us? Discover why It's a Wonderful Life is more than just a holiday tradition--it's an inspiration for us to lead better lives, to become people of honor and integrity, and to recognize what really matters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We close out 2023 with a break from radio thrillers. Instead, it's our annual showcase of a classic Christmas film recreated for radio. This year, it's one of the best as James Stewart and Donna read recreate their roles as George and Mary Bailey in a Lux Radio Theatre recreation of It's a Wonderful Life (originally aired on CBS on March 10, 1947).

This episode debuted six years ago, and I could think of no better show to honor my all-time favorite movie, Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life (1947)  through the eyes of two women with close ties to its creation. If Mr. Capra didn't write it, why do I call it “Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life? It's because that's how the movie was marketed, which helps explain why the film got only a so-so reception when it was first released. Most of Mr. Capra's pre-World War II movies were so sweet-hearted that they later earned the moniker “Capracorn,” not meant as a compliment. It's a Wonderful Life is one of the most critically acclaimed films ever made. Nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture, recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made, and placed number 11 on its initial 1998 greatest movie list, it also ranked number one on its list of the most inspirational American films of all time. Think about that. In light of the fact that hundreds of thousands of movies have been made, this is a jaw-dropping achievement. By the end of the Second World War, though, the mood of the movie-going public had shifted, as I wrote about the making of the movie in National Review a few years ago HERE. The next day after it was published, an appreciative email from a woman named Mary Owen arrived in my inbox. Turns out, Mary is the daughter of actress Donna Reed, who played Mary Bailey, the wife of James Stewart's George Bailey. I thanked her for the lovely email and we had a few back-and-forths. After my podcast was up on two feet and spreading around the world (110 countries and counting), I thought it would be fun to have her on the show to talk about her mother's role in this now-international favorite Christmas movie and to learn some back story to her mother's career and her commitment to writing back to the G.I's who wrote to her from the trenches and the gun turrets of World War II. The interview segues nicely into the next one, a rich conversation with actress Karolyn Grimes who played Zuzu, one of the four Bailey kids. Remember Zuzu's petals? This was a real treat for me who loves the movie so well, and I know it will be for you as well.

It's Christmastime, so we're talking about the iconic, Donna Reed. She played Mary Bailey (the wife) in the timeless classic, "It's a Wonderful Life."  As a natural born beauty she was quickly identified by Hollywood producers and started appearing in films at just 20 years old. During World War II, she quickly became a leading lady in Hollywood. She was typecast into playing the "girl next door" and tried to break this image that was crafted for her by taking on a character who was a sex worker. Unfortunately, she didn't break free of her typecasting, but she did win an Academy Award.  She ultimately decided to play by her own rules and create her own sitcom called, "The Donna Reed Show." Her and her husband at the time produced it and she starred in it. It was a sleeper hit, but eventually was nominated and won awards.  Beyond the screen, Donna became a peace activist during the Vietnam War, co-chairing the anti-war group, Another Mother for Peace. Uncover the personal struggles she faced, including a divorce and her battle with pancreatic cancer, all while maintaining her grace and resilience. Get your Homance apparel: nicolebonneville.etsy.com Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: homancepodcast@gmail.com

Merry Christmas from the Speech Guys! Talk, think, and laugh about your favorite holiday fare... fruitcakes, George and Mary Bailey, and the real life Hallmark tradition that took place each season at Johnson's Market. Read the November 2019 article on Ross's family grocery business from the New York Times here: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/us/rural-farm-market.html Episode note: the nature of Santa Claus' existence is discussed.

Today Rachel is joined in a bonus episode with writer Gregg McBride and Mary Bailey to talk about their emotional new thriller for Lifetime Would You Kill for Me? The Mary Bailey Story (2023) Make sure to check out our sponsor for this episode of the podcast MEET ME AT CHRISTMAS by Jenny Hale https://amzn.to/3rQedGS (ad) Our Christmas podcasts are at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4f2KtBPzUE&list=PLXv4sBF3mPUDo41tHqhkjHCvedmZwLzHx Follow us on ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hallmarkies-podcast/id1296728288?mt=2 https://twitter.com/HallmarkiesPod on twitter @HallmarkiesPodcast on Instagram HallmarkiesPodcast.com Get some of our great podcast merch https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hallmarkies?ref_id=8581 Please support the podcast on patreon at https://www.patreon.com/hallmarkies Follow Rachel's blog at http://rachelsreviews.net Follow Rachel on twitter twitter.com/rachel_reviews Follow Rachel's Reviews on youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/rachelsreviews Follow Rachel on facebook www.facebook.com/smilingldsgirl

Hamas is Evil. Democrats are irresponsible spendthrifts. Team Biden is solely responsible for the border crisis. In order to defeat the bad guys at home and abroad, Republicans MUST control the political narrative from now until next November. Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join will to discuss the stakes, as well as how a Fair Tax would ensure that illegal aliens pay their “fair share.”

Masks are back—and so is the Left's casual indifference toward consistency. Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join the show to discuss the re-emergence of masks; will we all go along this time—especially when Biden himself is setting a bad example from the presidential podium?

From Dems in Congress acting as Biden's accomplices to the ongoing persecutions of Trump (and Tommy Tuberville), the same Left that once championed the 1st Amendment for giving us Larry Flynt is determined to shun free speech in order to insure four more years of Joe. Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to discuss.

Who is Dr. Gal Luft, and why is he on the run? Will discusses why a whistleblower with a distinguished career fears for his life. Later, Chuck and Mary Bailey join the show to talk about how the Fair Tax will help minimize Bidenesque corruption, and produce rapid economic growth.

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to take on an article in Forbes magazine that portrays the Fair Tax as far more complicated than it actually is; at the end of the day, under a Fair Tax, we'll all pay less. Will also touches on the Schiff censure.

Why is justice backwards? Chuck and Mary Bailey join Will to answer and explore that question in the context of politics, the law, and the tax code.

What's causing the wildfires in Canada—climate change, or climate change policies? Will masks help? Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to discuss the wildfires' causes, and why less government is always the answer.

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to discuss the reaction to Ron Desantis' botched presidential announcement, his curious position on abortion, the problem with a state tax on groceries, and Trump's false ad about the Fair Tax. Will Desantis take this opportunity to explain the Fair Tax?

Chuck and Mary Bailey of Alabama Fair Tax join Will to talk about: 1) a misleading Trump attack ad; 2) how “embedded” in our lives taxes are, and 3) how the Fair Tax eliminates those embedded taxes.

I'm going to call these thoughts: The Difference Between Making It and Making DoOne of my all-time favorite movies is It's a Wonderful Life. No surprise, it's one of the world's most beloved films and one of the American Film Institute's Top 100 Movies of All Time. It's hard to keep track of all the life lessons in It's a Wonderful Life but one of my favorite scenes is where George and his wife Mary—newly married—are supposed to be heading off for the honeymoon of a lifetime. This part of the film is set during the Great Depression and that afternoon there's a run on the bank, and George and Mary painfully decide to use their honeymoon savings to keep the Bailey Building and Loan solvent. They forfeit their dream to stay home and take care of other people. Why? Because sometimes life really sucks. When George is done with that awful day he finds that Mary has transformed a desperately run down abandoned house into a magical space for their wedding night. There are posters of far away lands in the windows, flowers, candles, music playing from a phonograph that is also turning a spit with two chickens roasting over the fire in the fireplace. Mary Bailey has faced a sad, difficult day and made do.I feel her. It feels like I've been making do my entire life. But instead of resenting it, I've come to the opinion that making do is just about the most important skill a person can master. I've also witnessed making do elevated to nothing less than an art form. Making do is making the best out of what you've got. It's about mixing limited resources into a recipe, the flavor of which becomes greater than the sum of its parts.In my opinion there are at least three reasons why mastering the art of making do is so important. First, we all want to be happy and fulfilled. Second, we all have limited resources. And third, life is beautiful but life is never perfect. Some part of life will always be painful, always be difficult, and always suck.Making do is about finding all the good and taking responsibility for the all bad. By the way, taking responsibility for everything that happens to you is not the same as taking the blame for it. All sorts of things happen to you that are not your fault. But if you're going to heal and thrive then everything has to be your responsibility. Making do is about not becoming entitled, not giving up, and embracing with gratitude what you have. Making do is not about surrendering your dreams. It's about recognizing that this current moment—not your dreams—is where all life is lived. And this moment will always be far more important than any dream could ever be.Tina and I started our life together in a very different financial place than we are now. We were never poor but we had more struggles than we would've preferred—often having to make decisions between keeping the telephone on or keeping the gas on. And that's ok, because I married a Mary Bailey. Wherever we've lived, be it ever so humble, our home has always been a special place because Tina and I make do. I can honestly tell you we've never had a conversation about what will life look like when we “make it.” "Making it” is a bit too slippery and elusive a concept for me. I don't know if I've already “made it” or if I'm ever going to "make it.” What I do know is how to make do. And I am confident of this one thing: for richer, or poor, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both will live, we will do our best to make do. So that every day is a day worth living, and every moment is a moment not wasted. And when it comes to not wasting moments I highly recommend mastering the humble, precious art of making do. Making do works in any and every context. It's not just about tough times. It's not just about turning lemons into lemonade. It's definitely not about settling or letting go of your dreams. It's about staying as much as possible in this present moment, which in the end is the only life any of us actually have.Making do is being grateful that you have this moment and making sure that this moment is the most it can be. In my book, the people who can make do are the people who have really “made it.” And the people who stand the best chance of building themselves a beautiful life.

We're off this week for vacation, so we're reposting one of our favorite episodes about one of our favorite movies. Happy holidays everyone! The essay by Clare Coffey about Mary Bailey that we mention can be found here. 

If George and Mary Bailey are annual guests at your home every winter, you already know that It's a Wonderful Life is more than just a holiday tradition--it's a powerful reminder that our lives can change everyone around us, for better or worse. But what can this Christmas classic teach us about our everyday lives? Our guest invites us to revisit the defining lessons in Frank Capra's 1946 classic and discover new dimensions of the film you've seen time and again, including: · What can we all learn from Mary's quiet contentedness? · Can George's selflessness make you rethink your own priorities? · What impact do we have on the people around us? Discover why It's a Wonderful Life is more than just a holiday tradition--it's an inspiration for us to lead better lives, to become people of honor and integrity, and to recognize what really matters.

The stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a special one in our house, as we make it a priority to slow things down and focus on time with our family. Aside from all the gifts to be bought, the stockings to be hung, and the lights to be wrestled with, we make it a point to sit and enjoy our favorite holiday films. This list has been truncated over the years as not everything made for the holidays requires a yearly re-visit (see the Hallmark Channel), but the ones that have stuck around deserve their place. Is our list for everyone? Probably not. Do we care? Definitely not. We just figured everyone else has words on the matter, so why not us? If it helps, we're consistently on the big man's nice list, so our choices are not to be taken lightly. Either way, time to light that fireplace, spike the eggnog, and embrace our own holiday classics. Shop Around the Corner (1940) RJ: Looking back, I cannot believe the amount of convincing my wife needed to do before I would watch this film. My hesitancy was based in the fact the film was in black and white, and also a romantic comedy. Thankfully, I found my spot on the couch and enjoyed the undeniable likeability of Jimmy Stewart, and his chemistry with co-star Margaret Sullivan. Even the story was deeper than two people looking for love, but rather a complex look at the interpersonal relationships of co-workers. This is a great film to watch with the fireplace on, a bottle of wine, and the person you love next to you. Ashley: I find something so comforting about Jimmy Stewart's voice, so it's no wonder this is the first of two Jimmy entries on this list. Listen in to find out why I think you'll love this one as much as I do. Arthur Christmas (2011) RJ: This film was a wonderful surprise, as the first time we watched it was simply because we had watched everything else in our holiday rotation. I was absolutely floored by the animation style and the stellar voice-cast. The story is absolutely charming as well, plenty to keep parents and children alike entertained. The ending alone is enough bring out the kid in all of us. Ashley: I love Arthur Christmas. From the voice cast to the heartwarming script, this holiday film about Santa's second son is a must-watch every Christmas. The Holiday (2006) RJ: My mother and I went to see this in late December 2006. I was home from college and she was my usual movie date as my dad typically picked films as the ideal place for a nap. Now, neither of us are fans of Cameron Diaz, nothing personal, perhaps it's genetic, but it didn't change are outlook on how much we enjoyed this film. Years later, and it's now one I can share with my wife. My love for it really lies with the pairing of Kate Winslet and Jack Black, but I think Jude Law does a promising job of balancing out my outlook on Diaz. Another one to sit down, laugh, and split a bottle a wine with the one you love. Ashley: This film was a grower for me. I don't remember loving it in 2006 or feeling compelled to watch it yearly in the early 2010's. Now, this film occupies a nostalgic piece of my heart. Either that, or I'm vicariously living through Cameron Diaz as she spends her winter holiday snowed in at a cozy English cottage. There's so much to love about this low-stakes Christmas romantic comedy, earning it a coveted spot on my yearly re-watch list. Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) RJ: There are so many reasons I love this film, and I will overlook the biggest one, as it was the one playing the same day our son was born, but let me give you the other two. First, Michael Caine is a phenomenal scrooge, who plays the whole thing as a serious actor, even when he's speaking to someone who can only say “Meep Meep Meep.” That is the true tale of talent. Secondly, Steve Whitmere is my Kermit and his role of Rizzo the rat is irreplaceable. I accept no substitute. This is the definitive version of The Christmas Carol. Ashley: I'll echo RJ's earlier statements; this is the best version of The Christmas Carol. From the music to the casting of Sir Michael Caine, everything about this movie makes it feel like Christmas to me. Also, this has one of the few cinematic outings of my favorite Muppet, Bean Bunny. It's A Wonderful Life (1946) RJ: Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. I am lucky to have a wife like Mary Bailey because everyone needs someone who is there to love and support you through everything life has to throw at you. George should have realized from the beginning, that the best thing to ever happen to him was finding her, but then that would be a much shorter film. Either way, this is the definitive film to watch to get into the holiday spirit.   Ashley: It's a Wonderful Life is not just my favorite Christmas movie, it's one of my favorite films ever made. I've watched this Frank Capra classic every year for as long as I can remember. It just feels entwined with the holidays for me and with the person I've become.

This episode debuted exactly five years ago, and I could think of no better show this year to honor my all-time favorite movie, Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life (1947)  through the eyes of two women with close ties to its creation. If Mr. Capra didn't write it, why do I call it “Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life? It's because that's how the movie was marketed, which helps explain why the film got only a so-so reception when it was first released. Most of Mr. Capra's pre-World War II movies were so sweet-hearted that they later earned the moniker “Capracorn,” not meant as a compliment. It's a Wonderful Life is one of the most critically acclaimed films ever made. Nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture, recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made, and placed number 11 on its initial 1998 greatest movie list, it also ranked number one on its list of the most inspirational American films of all time. Think about that. In light of the fact that hundreds of thousands of movies have been made, this is a jaw-dropping achievement. By the end of the Second World War, though, the mood of the movie-going public had shifted, as I wrote about the making of the movie in National Review a few years ago HERE. The next day after it was published, an appreciative email from a woman named Mary Owen arrived in my inbox. Turns out, Mary is the daughter of actress Donna Reed, who played Mary Bailey, the wife of James Stewart's George Bailey. I thanked her for the lovely email and we had a few back-and-forths. After my podcast was up on two feet and spreading around the world (110 countries and counting), I thought it would be fun to have her on the show to talk about her mother's role in this now-international favorite Christmas movie and to learn some back story to her mother's career and her commitment to writing back to the G.I's who wrote to her from the trenches and the gun turrets of World War II. The interview segues nicely into the next one, a rich conversation with actress Karolyn Grimes who played Zuzu, one of the four Bailey kids. Remember Zuzu's petals? This was a real treat for me who loves the movie so well, and I know it will be for you as well. I learned, among other things, how much Mrs. Grimes suffered as a teen when her mother died and then the next year her father was killed and she became a ward of the state—then “rescued” by an aunt and uncle in Missouri, which was an unhappy home situation. Karolyn also played Debbie, the daughter of David Niven and Loretta Young in another Christmas favorite, The Bishop's Wife. For those of us who can't gobble up enough trivia and true stories about It's a Wonderful Life, Mrs. Grimes is a treasure trove of first-hand memories and insights! Yes, I was star-struck, okay? Is that so wrong? Merry Christmas! If you would like to send us an of year donation please go to: paypal.me/patrickcoffin  

On this episode of Let's be Blunt, Montel speaks with Haley Elizabeth Anderson and Mary Bailey about the recently released documentary, The Sentence of Michael Thompson. As canna legalization continues across America, so do canna arrests and convictions. Michael Thompson was sentenced to 40-60 years in prison for selling 3lbs of canna, and served a total of 26 years before Governor Whitmer granted him clemency in 2021. An estimated 40,000 people are still incarcerated in the US for canna offenses while canna-business has grown into a billion-dollar US industry. Haley Elizabeth Anderson directed the film along with Kyle Thrash, and Mary Bailey is the Managing Director of The Last Prisoners Project.Watch The Sentence of Michael Thompson short documentary for free at https://www.docplus.com/thesentence/Asking for a FriendRemoving the stigma and taboo from what really matters to midlife womenListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFor More Let's be BLUNT with MontelInstagram https://www.instagram.com/letsbebluntmontel/orYouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMGyFAMo_k-0Q7Ui9DXCCmQ

Welcome to a very special live recording of Travels Through Time, made at the Chalke Valley History Festival. Under the sun of a midsummer day in southern England, Violet Moller sat down for a chat, and a song, with a fascinating young historian. Oskar Jensen took Violet back to the year 1815 and introduced her to several characters from his new book, Vagabonds: Life on the Streets of Nineteenth Century London. Oskar Jensen completed a doctorate at Christ Church, Oxford before being awarded a Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship. He is currently teaching at the University of East Anglia as a Senior Research Associate and is about to take up a NUAcT Fellowship at Newcastle University Jensen has appeared on BBC1's Who Do You Think You Are? and regularly contributes to Radio 3 and 4. He is also one of the BBC New Generation Thinkers 2022 and is a co-founder of the Romantic National Song Network. Vagabonds is his first popular history book. As ever, for more about this episode, head over to our website: www.tttpodcast.com Show notes Scene One: Kennington in South London, as 22-year-old servant Mary Bailey, who has just been fired, hears an execution ballad about Eliza Fenning. Scene Two: Torbay harbour, as a certain Corsican gentleman sets off total mania and hysteria in Britons across the land, inspiring a number of songs in the process. Scene Three: Tower Hill, as Joseph Johnson tries to come to terms with alienation, disappointment, and disability - partly through appropriating songs of both hope and protest. Memento: Napoleon's tricorn People/Social Presenter: Violet Moller Guest: Oskar Jensen Production: Maria Nolan Podcast partner: Ace Cultural Tours Follow us on Twitter: @tttpodcast_ Or on Facebook See where 1815 fits on our Timeline - With thanks to everyone at the wonderful Chalke Valley History Festival.