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Learning How to Find Joy with Former Music Exec Grace Harry

Learning How to Find Joy with Former Def Jam Music Exec
And Usher manager – Grace Harry

How happy are you? I mean, truly, can you say you have a joyful life? Or do you battle anxiety and depression, and wonder if your life has meaning … and why do you feel stuck? And Is this all there is, my friend?

Perhaps you need to bring some joy into your life. What if I told you there was a strategy that would help you bring joy into your life? An actual book that would help you get there, written by a Joy Strategist named Grace Harry.  And honey … she’s already been there and done that!

Not only has Grace been a successful entrepreneur in some very different types of businesses, but she’s heavily responsible for some of the music that you adore. She had an illustrious 30 year career as an exec at Def Jam and Jive Records.  She managed Usher. She’s worked with some of the top names in the music and entertainment industry. And now she’s turned her mind and heart towards helping people find joy.

In our conversation we’ll ask her what we can do to start the process, and how doing the thing that scares us the most might just be the thing to change our life.

Are you ready to find the path to inner change? To bring joy into your life? Then click below and listen to our chat!

Click on the player below to hear the chat with Pam and Grace

About Grace Harry

Grace Harry is an artist, entrepreneur, creative muse, pleasure instigator, and speaker. After an illustrious 30-year career in entertainment, Grace, “The Joy Strategist,” found her calling leading what she calls “the Revolution of JOY.” Through her popular playdate community “Play with Grace,” she helps everyday people welcome joy back into their lives. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, HelloGiggles, Vogue Online, The Times UK, The London Evening Standard, and many more.

For more about Grace: Click Here
For her book, The Joy Strategist: Click here
Follow her on Instagram at @GraceHarry

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From the Vault – Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson Turns 90!!
We Celebrate with this Interview from 1997

In 1997, Willie Nelson returned to Vancouver, Washington, to play at the Clark County Fair. Nelson had been a disc jockey at KVAN radio in the mid-fifties (where I was working in 1997), and it had been 40 years since he had been back.

We kept in close touch with his agent and manager to see if we could get an interview with Willie. Nobody could promise anything. So it was an utter and complete surprise one afternoon when the receptionist came to tell me that Willie Nelson was on hold, and he was calling in to do an interview! I had never threaded a reel-to-reel tape so fast!!

We chat about his time as a disc jockey (he clears up the story of his firing), why his music endures, and the challenges of fame coming when you are young, as had happened to Leann Rimes (she was only 14 and had just scored her first big hit at the time of the interview). Plus, we get a health warning about caffeine!

It is an interview that I cherish, for the warmth and connection I felt with Willie, and the laughs we had. I hope you’ll enjoy it, too.

Click on the player below to hear the chat with Willie and Pam

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A Masterclass on Success with Acting Coach Bernard Hiller

A Transformational Journey to Achieving Success with
Acting Coach Bernard Hiller
A Masterclass on how to be happy and unstoppable

Are you ready for a masterclass from the premier Hollywood acting and success trainer? Whether you’re a performer or not… we’ve got you covered!

Bernard Hiller shares insights from his latest book, The Revolutionary Guide to Acting: A Transformational Journey to Achieving Success in Show Business and Life. We learn how to become unstoppable, how to create “wow” in an interview or audition, and why Al Pacino has gone to an acting coach weekly for 35 years.

Plus, he shares the three stages of success, the secret of life, and tells us that we may be wearing the wrong coat!

Get a pen and paper because there is so many gems packed into this interview. AND he gives us homework!

Click on the player below to hear the chat with Pam and Bernard

About Bernard Hiller

Bernard Hiller is an author, actor, screenwriter, producer, director, interviewer, teacher and success trainer. He started as a performer in NYC and Europe, doing Broadway musicals. From his Los Angeles studio, Bernard has helped stars, performers and actors succeed to the highest level in the industry. His sought-out Masterclasses are taught in over 24 countries. Bernard lives in Beverly Hills, California.

For more about Bernard: Click Here
For his book, The Revolutionary Guide to Acting: Click here
Follow him on Instagram at @Bernard.Hiller
TikTok: BernardHiller

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Ghost Whisperer Creator John Gray on his Novel The Desecrated

Ghost Whisperer Creator John Gray on his novel The Desecrated

When my friend Richard suggested I read the book The Desecrated, I was a little hesitant because it had a supernatural bent and I’m a pure detective fan. But when he told me it was written by John Gray – I knew I had to open it up!  John Gray – the creator of the hit series The Ghost Whisperer. The director of Martin and Lewis with Sean Hayes and Jeremy Northam. The director of a ton of Grimm and Reckless episodes… Yeah, THAT John Gray.

And I’m glad I did! I raced through the book that was set in a morgue and got caught up in all the twists and turns and quirky characters. I recoiled at some of the descriptions and laughed at some of the situations. All in all – I got caught up in the book that made me start thinking “this sounds like a great movie!”

In our chat with John we find out why he delves into the supernatural, how he scared himself on a morgue set, and where he came up with some of his characters. Plus – we learn about the ghosts in his OWN home, how he turned the negative of the pandemic into a creative idea for a film, and what to expect from him next. Bonus pearl of wisdom – why it’s so important to ask yourself: “Am I leading my career, or is my career leading me?”

Click the player below to hear the chat with Pam and John

About John Gray
John Gray is an award-winning New York-based writer-director-producer. He created the long running hit CBS series, GHOST WHISPERER, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, as well as writing and directing many award-winning and critically acclaimed movies for television, such as MARTIN AND LEWIS, starring Sean Hayes and Jeremy Northam; the Emmy® nominated A PLACE FOR ANNIE with Sissy Spacek; the Emmy® nominated mini-series HAVEN with Natasha Richardson and Anne Bancroft; HELTER SKELTER with Clea DuVall and Bruno Kirby, and many others.

Gray has directed dozens of episodes of broadcast and cable series and was also the producing director of the CBS series, RECKLESS. He has written and directed several studio and independent feature films, including the award winning WHITE IRISH DRINKERS, starring Stephen Lang and Karen Allen, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.
Gray’s acclaimed short films have played and are currently in film festivals all over the world including FRENCH KISS, which has also notched 6.3 million views to date on YouTube. THE DESECRATED is his debut novel.

For his book, The Desecrated: Click here
Follow him on Twitter: @JThomasGray
And Instagram: @bayrdge

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Two Mikes and a Film Called Bound

BOUND – with Michael O’Neill and Mike Pniewski

When we heard that actors Mike Pniewski and Michael O’Neill were teaming up to film a 10-minute short written by Pniewski – we couldn’t wait to get in on the action! Wouldn’t it be cool to follow along in the process and see what it was like to create a film from start to finish?

Both Mikes were up for it! From getting to know their personal backstories, to fun Hollywood inside scoop, to how the actual filming went, we set up a series of interviews, with some of your questions included.

Now when the film BOUND comes out – you’ll feel like you were part of the crew all along!  Follow the series and become a film-making insider!

Interview Series

Michael O'NeillMichael O’Neill

Just SOME of the places you have seen him!
Council of Dads
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan
Dallas Buyer’s Club
Scandal
Grey’s Anatomy
West Wing
Rectify
Catch up on our past interviews with Michael O’Neill.

In this interview from 2013, Michael talks about the very unusual way he was “discovered,” what his two requirements were before he took on the part of the crazed gunman on Gray’s Anatomy, and how he still lives with the insecurity of the acting business. Plus… his sex scene in Rectify, and how he didn’t recognize Matthew McConaughey on the set of The Dallas Buyer’s Club movie.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN to the interview

In this interview from 2020, we chat about the award-winning film Clemency, how it personally affected him, and how wonderful Aldis Hodge was in it. And how that role on Grey’s Anatomy changed him personally.  Plus, how Michael felt about Sons of Anarchy and Sea Biscuit, and what he appreciated about Al Pacino.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN to the interview

NEW!! Interview with Michael O’Neil posted 8/4/22

In this very vulnerable interview, actor Michael O’Neill shares insight into his characters and how it can affect an actor’s mental health when a job is finished.

In this interview taped right before the filming of BOUND, we find out how he felt about Council of Dads getting cancelled, why he went into therapy after one of his roles, and what it’s like to work with Shonda Rhimes. Plus, why he liked the character of Butterfield on West Wing so much and how HE says I bring out the worst in him!

Click on the player below to hear the chat with Michael and Pam

Mike Pniewski

Just SOME of the places you have seen him:
Hightown
The Good Wife/Fight
Madam Secretary
Blue Bloods
Law and Order/Criminal Intent/SVU
Mean Girls 2
Remember the Titans

INTERVIEW ONE with MIKE PNIEWSKI

You’ve seen Mike Pniewski in everything from The Sopranos to The Good Wife/Fight, Law and Order (just about every incarnation!) and now Hightown on STARZ. He’s a face you don’t forget.

He’s also a writer and an author. And calls fellow actor Michael O’Neill one of his best friends.  So it was only natural that they would want to do a project together. When nothing right came along, they decided to create their own! Pniewski wrote the script for a 10-12 minute short film that featured just the two actors.

In our first interview with Pniewski, we found out how dissecting human cadavers changed his career trajectory, how he found out he got a part on The Sopranos, and how people sometimes respond to him in public!

Plus, insight into his character Ed on the show Highttown, a rapid-fire round of shows he’s been in, and a question from listener Rebecca Griffith. Oh – and what it’s like to act next to a Spit Bucket!

Click on the player below to hear the chat with Mike and Pam

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The magic behind character actor Michael O’Neill


The magic behind character actor Michael O’Neill

In this interview from 2013, we talk to Michael O’Neill … one of the most respected character actors in Hollywood… about taking a one-day stint on The West Wing and turning into a 6-season job. He is one of those actors you see on the TV or movie screen and say “Oh, THAT guy!”

We have a delightful chat talking about the very unusual way he was “discovered,” what his two requirements were before he took on the part of the crazed gunman on Gray’s Anatomy, and how he still lives with the insecurity of the acting business. Plus… his sex scene in Rectify, and how he didn’t recognize Matthew McConaughey on the set of The Dallas Buyer’s Club movie. You will LOVE this guy!

Click the player below to hear the chat with Pam and Michael O’Neill

About Michael:

You’ll remember actor Michael O’Neill  as “Larry Mills” in the critically-acclaimed drama series on NBC –  COUNCIL OF DADS.  Or perhaps as  “Chaplain Kendricks” in the critically acclaimed feature film, CLEMENCY, which won the Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize. He was also “Senator Mitchell Chapin” in Season 2 of TOM CLANCY’S JACK RYAN on Amazon. Other recent appearances for O’Neill include the series’ THE ROMANOFFS, THE RESIDENT, 11.22.63, SHOOTER, S.W.A.T. and a five episode arc in the final season of SCANDAL.

Previous television credits include his four season role on the award winning Sundance TV series, RECTIFY, the CBS series, EXTANT with Halle Berry and A&E’s BATES MOTEL. O’Neill’s memorable TV roles include GREY’S ANATOMY and fan favorite “Special Agent Ron Butterfield” on THE WEST WING, as well as NECESSARY ROUGHNESS, VEGAS, THE GRIM SLEEPER, NCIS, SONS OF ANARCHY and THE UNIT. In feature films, O’Neill played FDA Agent “Richard Barkley” in the award winning DALLAS BUYERS CLUB and his vast credits include J. EDGAR, GREEN ZONE, TRANSFORMERS, SECONDHAND LIONS, TRAFFIC, SEA OF LOVE and SEABISCUIT. O’Neill also recently completed two feature films, THE STAND AT PAXTON COUNTY and INDIVISIBLE.

A native of Alabama, O’Neill has a degree in Economics from Auburn University and will be the Winter 2019 Commencement Speaker.  He was also the 2018 commencement speaker at the University of Montevallo in Alabama. He began his acting career under the mentorship of Will Geer, and his daughter Ellen, at the Theatricum Botanicum in Los Angeles. He is married to Mary O’Keefe O’Neill and they have three wonderful daughters, Ella, Annie and Molly.  O’Neill has served on the Board of the Hollywood Branch of the Screen Actors Guild and has often participated in the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s BookPALS program, reading to elementary school children.   He has also been involved in Teach for America, Habitat for Humanity, and Focus on Recovery in Birmingham.

For Michael’s facebook page: Click Here
For Michael’s IMDB page: Click Here

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The Incomparable Carl Reiner – When I Got an Hour with the Master

Several years ago I had the most fortunate opportunity to interview the great Carl Reiner. He had just released his book “I Remember Me” and we had a lively chat about all the stories in it.

Normally when you score a big interview (it’s called a “get”), you are allowed between 10 and 20 minutes with the guest.  I was asked how long I wanted and I said “as long as I can get!” and I was offered an hour. AN HOUR!!

And when our hour was finished and the interview was over, Carl spent another half hour with me, discussing the latest book he was reading. I was in heaven.

The only thing that made me cherish my time with him even more was when he said “This is the best interview I’ve ever had. You are the best at what you do.” 

From Carl Reiner. THE Carl Reiner. My eyes may have leaked.

Carl Reiner – Part One

If you love Dick Van Dyke, you have Carl Reiner to thank. Carl created the show that starred Dick and is one of the most beloved sitcoms in entertainment history. On top of that, he was half of the comedy duo that brought us the 2000 Year Old Man, and he delighted audiences as Saul Bloom in the Oceans 11/12/13 movies. He received 12 Emmys and a Grammy, and he wrote several books, of which I Remember Me was one.

We’re delighted to bring you Part 1 of our conversation with Carl,  where he tells a touching story about Frank Sinatra, shares with us about his love for his wife and gives us some relationship advice, and answers questions that listeners asked.

Click on the player below to hear Part One of the chat with Carl and Pam

Carl Reiner – Part Two

In Part 2 we discuss physical comedy, the elegance of Steve Martin, and the genesis of the Dick Van Dyke Show. Oh… and we get some musical moments and a little double speak!

Click on the player below to hear Part Two of the chat with Carl and Pam

About Carl Reiner

Carl Reiner was an American actor, comedian, director, screenwriter, and publisher whose career spanned seven decades.

And a real mensch. Read a tribute to him from award-winning screenwriter/director/baseball announcer Ken Levine here.

Carl’s personal publishing company can be found here.

Check out his facebook page here.

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Actor Michael O’Neill on Council of Dads and Acting

Michael O’Neill is one of the most consistently GOOD actors you will see. His portrayal of Gary Clark in the season 6 finale of Grey’s Anatomy was a masterpiece. He became a show favorite in West Wing. He had an important part in Scandal’s final season. He plays gave a heartbreaking portrayal of a chaplain in the Sundance award-winning film Clemency. Now he is in what is predicted to be a major hit – Council of Dads.

We talk with Michael about the new show, where he plays AA sponsor Larry, and why he loves the part so much. We also chat about the award-winning film Clemency, how it personally affected him, and how wonderful Aldis Hodge was in it. And how that role on Grey’s Anatomy changed him personally

Plus, how Michael felt about Sons of Anarchy and Sea Biscuit, and what he appreciated about Al Pacino. You will love this guy… I promise!

Click on the player below to hear the chat with Michael and Pam

About Michael:

Renowned actor Michael O’Neill will soon be seen as “Larry Mills” in the highly anticipated new NBC drama series, COUNCIL OF DADS premiering March 24th. His current roles are as “Chaplain Kendricks” in the critically acclaimed feature film, CLEMENCY, which won the Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize and “Senator Mitchell Chapin” in Season 2 of TOM CLANCY’S JACK RYAN on Amazon. Other recent appearances for O’Neill include the series’ THE ROMANOFFS, THE RESIDENT, 11.22.63, SHOOTER, S.W.A.T. and a five episode arc in the final season of SCANDAL. Previous television credits include his four season role on the award winning Sundance TV series, RECTIFY, the CBS series, EXTANT with Halle Berry and A&E’s BATES MOTEL. O’Neill’s memorable TV roles include GREY’S ANATOMY and fan favorite “Special Agent Ron Butterfield” on THE WEST WING, as well as NECESSARY ROUGHNESS, VEGAS, THE GRIM SLEEPER, NCIS, SONS OF ANARCHY and THE UNIT. In feature films, O’Neill played FDA Agent “Richard Barkley” in the award winning DALLAS BUYERS CLUB and his vast credits include J. EDGAR, GREEN ZONE, TRANSFORMERS, SECONDHAND LIONS, TRAFFIC, SEA OF LOVE and SEABISCUIT. O’Neill also recently completed two feature films, THE STAND AT PAXTON COUNTY and INDIVISIBLE.

A native of Alabama, O’Neill has a degree in Economics from Auburn University and will be the Winter 2019 Commencement Speaker.  He was also the 2018 commencement speaker at the University of Montevallo in Alabama. He began his acting career under the mentorship of Will Geer, and his daughter Ellen, at the Theatricum Botanicum in Los Angeles. He is married to Mary O’Keefe O’Neill and they have three wonderful daughters, Ella, Annie and Molly.  O’Neill has served on the Board of the Hollywood Branch of the Screen Actors Guild and has often participated in the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s BookPALS program, reading to elementary school children.   He has also been involved in Teach for America, Habitat for Humanity, and Focus on Recovery in Birmingham.

For more on Council of Dads: Click Here
For Michael’s facebook page: Click Here
For Michael’s IMDB page: Click Here