WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin sits down with fellow talk show host and former professional wrestler Neil Haley to discuss his remarkable transition from the squared circle to the entertainment world with his USA Network show "Straight Up Steve Austin." The Texas Rattlesnake opens up about the surprising connections between the two hosts—from wrestling together in Omaha, Nebraska with the Nation of Domination to their mutual friend Duke "The Dumpster" Droese, and now both hosting successful talk shows. Stone Cold delivers a masterclass on audience connection, explaining that being inside a 20x20 ring teaches you one invaluable skill: reading and responding to crowds, listening to their reactions, and proceeding accordingly. He candidly admits that his years in wrestling created a perception that he was "always pissed off, mad or drunk every day," but through podcasting and his new show, he's been able to break down those doors and reveal his love of laughter, communication, and discovering what makes people tick.
Austin discusses his six-year podcasting journey and how taking a break helped him realize he needed to listen even more than he already was, leading to some of his favorite recent conversations with legends like Hulk Hogan and Mark Henry. He emphasizes that while the podcast is "very minute in comparison with the WWE Universe," it allows him to maintain crucial communication with the fan base he built over decades, something that gets lost when wrestlers leave WWE's global platform. His new USA Network show takes a unique approach—rather than traditional sit-down interviews, Stone Cold and his guests bond over outdoor activities and cooking while having authentic back-and-forth conversations. He stresses that he's not trying to put himself over or solve the world's problems; he's simply an entertainer who succeeds if he can make someone laugh or forget their troubles for thirty minutes. The episode perfectly captures Austin's philosophy of continuous growth, genuine connection, and his enthusiasm for being handed back the WWE audience he loves while simultaneously building something new.
In this entertaining segment of The Neil Haley Show, comedy legend and television host Howie Mandel joins Neil to discuss the exciting return of Deal or No Deal 2.0 on CNBC, airing Wednesday nights at 9 PM. Howie shares fascinating behind-the-scenes insights about what makes this revival even better than the original, including the addition of a female banker, new negotiation opportunities for contestants, and how social media now allows him to express all the thoughts he couldn't say on air during filming. He reflects on the unique nature of the show—unlike other game shows, there's no skill involved, no trivia, nothing physical—it's purely about people and their life-changing decisions. Howie explains how he's captivated watching contestants make choices that could lead to a down payment on a house, wiping out debt, or putting children through school, though as host he remains risk-averse and often amazed at how far people will push their luck when given the chance of a lifetime.
The conversation reveals Howie's impressive work ethic and evolution as an entertainer, as he discusses performing 200 live comedy dates annually while simultaneously working on America's Got Talent, AGT Champions, and his role as executive producer of Deal or No Deal (humorously claiming he's "in charge of craft service"). Neil, a former teacher who created a classroom version called "Math or No Math" a decade ago, connects with Howie about the show's universal appeal across all ages and how the production quality and storytelling have improved significantly, with more focus on contestants' personal narratives. Howie emphasizes the importance of never stopping your craft and continuous improvement, joking that Neil should have scheduled the interview for tomorrow because he'll be even better then, perfectly capturing his philosophy of constant growth and his genuine passion for witnessing people's lives being enriched right before his eyes.
Hollywood icon Robert Wagner discusses his heartfelt tribute book "I Loved Her in the Movies: Memories of Hollywood's Legendary Actresses," honoring the remarkable women who shaped his six-decade career. Wagner reflects on working with legends like Audrey Hepburn and Bette Davis, emphasizing the tremendous challenges women faced in the industry—balancing demanding schedules with hair, makeup, and wardrobe requirements while maintaining the energy, vivacity, and care expected of them both on set and in their personal lives. He argues that actresses gave up far more than their male counterparts to pursue their craft, juggling careers with marriages, families, and the constant pressure to be perfect, making their accomplishments all the more impressive and worthy of celebration.
Wagner shares his philosophy of approaching each co-star with complete openness rather than preconceived notions, simply listening, watching, and staying present in the moment to build authentic on-screen chemistry. He discusses his successful run on "Heart to Heart" with Stefanie Powers and explains how leading ladies throughout his career watched out for him during the vulnerable exposure of acting, creating supportive environments where both performers could do their best work. Written with co-author Scott Eiman, the book serves as both a personal memoir and a tribute to the individuality, dedication, and tremendous influence these women had on cinema and culture. Wagner offers advice to young actors about remaining honest and open to naturally move scenes forward, while reflecting on how impossible it is to choose a favorite leading lady—each brought something unique and irreplaceable to his life and career.
Action legend Dolph Lundgren shares the remarkable story of how a Swedish chemical engineering student and European karate champion became one of cinema's most iconic villains. Lundgren reveals how working security at a Grace Jones concert in Australia led to an unexpected relationship with the flamboyant singer, which transported him into Andy Warhol's New York scene where he met Michael Jackson, David Bowie, and other luminaries. He describes the surreal experience of being asked "what are you famous for?" by a white-haired stranger who turned out to be Warhol himself, and how this whirlwind introduction to entertainment ultimately led him away from academia and toward Hollywood.
Lundgren details the intense audition process for Rocky IV, including being initially rejected as "too tall" before his acting coach helped get photos to Sylvester Stallone's team. He explains his strategic decision to play Ivan Drago as stoic and internal rather than loud and aggressive, studying Soviet military cadets' proud posture with chins held high to create the character's intimidating presence. Looking ahead, Lundgren discusses returning as an older Drago in Creed 2 alongside Michael B. Jordan and his on-screen son, a six-foot-four Romanian boxer. He also shares fitness wisdom from his book "Train Like an Action Hero: Be Fit Forever," explaining his sustainable approach of strict dieting six days a week with weekend cheat meals, the importance of well-rounded training including cardio and flexibility work, and how he's maintained peak condition through an astounding 70-film career spanning four decades.
SNL veteran Vanessa Bayer takes listeners behind the curtain of Saturday Night Live, revealing her impressive near-record of making it through six full seasons without breaking character on camera. Bayer shares the story of how Fred Armisen finally broke her streak during his hosting appearance at the end of her sixth season, and discusses memorable sketches including the divorce lawyers dance scene with Paul Rudd that became an instant classic, the Santa Baby video with Ryan Gosling, and falling out of a plane with Amy Schumer. She reveals how her iconic "best friend" Weekend Update characters with Armisen originated from off-camera improvisation during rehearsal days, demonstrating the organic creative process that produces SNL's most beloved recurring bits.
Beyond SNL nostalgia, Bayer discusses her meaningful partnership with M&M's for Red Nose Day, describing the transformative experience of coaching Chicago teenagers in comedy at Second City—the same legendary venue where she got her start. She shares the powerful moment of watching these young performers walk off stage on a natural high after telling their stories and getting laughs, using comedy as an outlet to support children in poverty through the Red Nose Day initiative. Bayer also previews her Netflix movie "Ibiza" about three women on a European adventure, reflects on finally getting sleep after leaving SNL's grueling schedule, and discusses navigating the next chapter of her career while doing college tours and exploring new television opportunities.
Comedian and actor Patton Oswalt joins the Neil Haley Show to discuss his role as the hapless principal in NBC's AP Bio, a character he describes as "an authority figure with zero authority." Drawing inspiration from Tim Meadows' masterful portrayal of the principal in Mean Girls, Oswalt explores the unique challenges of playing administrators who struggle to maintain control while genuinely caring about creating great learning environments for their students. He shares fond memories of an unconventional shop teacher from his Virginia high school who mixed engine repair lessons with profound life philosophy, and discusses how AP Bio writer Mike O'Brien brings his Toledo upbringing and SNL weirdness to this fresh take on the school sitcom format.
The conversation takes a poignant turn as Oswalt discusses his late wife Michelle McNamara's groundbreaking true crime book "I'll Be Gone in the Dark," which investigated California's most notorious uncaught serial killer and helped reopen the cold case with the FBI. Oswalt reflects on the power of teaching as a profession, challenging the dismissive phrase "those who can't, teach" by explaining how many educators are deeply obsessed with their subjects and gain fresh insights by introducing material to younger minds. He shares his philosophy that great literature professors teaching James Joyce aren't just passing down knowledge—they're constantly downloading new perspectives from students, making teaching an endlessly fascinating exploration rather than repetitive drudgery.
Actress Natasha Perez shares the intensive preparation behind her portrayal of Yolanda Saldivar in Netflix's "Selena: The Series," the controversial figure who served as Selena's fan club president, personal assistant, and business manager before becoming responsible for the beloved Tejano singer's tragic death. Perez, a former radio host for Y107 in Los Angeles and correspondent for Sony Entertainment Television in Latin America (where she interviewed celebrities including Pavarotti before his death), brought a unique methodical approach to the role despite not being deeply familiar with Selena's music growing up in Venezuela. Rather than watching previous portrayals of Saldivar, including the 1997 film, Perez deliberately chose to "paint with my own colors," wanting to create an interpretation based on studying the actual woman seen in news footage rather than being influenced by others' artistic choices. Her goal was to help tell Selena's story faithfully while embodying Saldivar as authentically as possible, studying her voice, mannerisms, and physicality to bring the character to life.
The pandemic lockdown unexpectedly became a gift for Perez's preparation, providing months to deepen her character work beyond television's typically rushed production schedule. She employed both Strasberg's method acting approach (inside-out character development through biography, history, and psychology) and the British comedy approach (outside-in physicality), working with her clowning teacher—a former Cirque du Soleil casting director who had time available due to Cirque's pandemic closure—to meticulously analyze Saldivar's movements and physical presence. She trained with a former Supreme and Marvelettes singer to learn how to lower her vocal register and maintain it for eight months without damaging her voice, gaining weight for the role and later losing 34 pounds after filming wrapped. Perez even prepared the character with a Southern accent reflecting Saldivar's Corpus Christi origins—struggling particularly with phrases like "y'all" combined with Hispanic inflections—though producers ultimately chose a more neutral accent to homogenize the cast. Her dedicated, transformative performance demonstrates the craft required to portray one of music history's most tragic and complex figures, balancing the responsibility of depicting a real person while serving the larger story of celebrating Selena's artistic legacy and impact on Latin music and culture.
Director Matt Patterson discusses his psychological horror-thriller "Apartment 413" (available on Amazon Prime), a film that tackles masculinity, mental health, and the dangerous territory where reality becomes questionable. The story follows Marco, an unemployed man searching for work from home while his pregnant girlfriend Dana works as a teacher—a scenario that resonates even more powerfully in the COVID era of isolation and confinement. Strange occurrences begin plaguing Marco: invasive Post-it notes appear around the apartment with cruel messages, a burner phone rings with calls casting doubt on Dana's fidelity, and reality itself starts fracturing. Patterson, who studied theater directing at Pepperdine and film directing at LA Film School before working his way up from camera assistant on 35mm commercial shoots, explains his preference for "smart horror" that's cerebral rather than gore-focused, citing John Carpenter's "The Thing" as his favorite—"a psychological thriller pretending to be a horror movie that's actually an Agatha Christie mystery."
Patterson's approach to the film balances slow-burn character development with psychological tension, believing audiences need to invest in and care about characters before the horror truly takes hold—typically around the 17-20 minute mark when breaking from the first act into the second. The casting process revealed Hollywood's unpredictable nature: while his friend Brea Grant easily joined after validating the script, finding Nicholas Sainz to play Marco proved circuitous when Patterson discovered him independently on agency websites, only to learn casting directors had already rejected his audition from 700 submissions. The film premiered at Cinequest Film Festival before the pandemic, and audience feedback from that screening led Patterson to reshoot and add the opening scene to provide an immediate hook. Beyond the thrills, Patterson uses the story to explore toxic masculinity and men's struggles asking for help with mental health, while also processing the political divisiveness of recent years and wrestling with how to love people whose perception of reality differs drastically from your own—themes that make "Apartment 413" resonate as both a relationship drama and a genuinely unsettling psychological experience that leaves audiences debating the ending long after the credits roll.
Five-time Grammy winner BJ Thomas opens up about his remarkable 50-year career that sold 70 million albums worldwide and produced some of American music's most enduring songs, including the Oscar-winning "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head." Thomas shares the serendipitous path that led to that iconic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid moment: after success in Memphis with hits like "Hooked on a Feeling," his label convinced him and new bride Gloria to move to New York with the promise of connecting him with legendary songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David. What followed were regular visits to Bacharach's apartment reviewing songs until the bicycle scene opportunity arose—which Thomas recorded while suffering from acute laryngitis, singing it only three to five times, yet Bacharach never mentioned his throat condition and loved the raspy sound that became instantly recognizable. The song's deeper meaning resonates with the film's themes: outlaws finding a rare moment of peace and freedom, symbolizing that while rain falls on everyone, freedom means not letting it weigh you down.
Thomas's journey began humbly in 1958 when he and friends formed The Triumphs at age 15, dreaming of maybe having a hit record while knowing they probably never would. His 1966 breakthrough with Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" led to an unexpected tour with James Brown—promoters assumed he was Black based on his R&B sound—which proved perfect since his heroes were Ray Charles, Bobby Bland, and Jackie Wilson. A pivotal moment came at 13 when Jackie Wilson's "To Be Loved" taught him music's emotional power and established his lifelong principle of only singing what he personally connected with. After struggling with drug and alcohol problems that led to semi-retirement in 1976, Thomas credits his wife Gloria—his partner of 52 years—with standing by him through the darkest times and helping him find spiritual awakening. His comeback through gospel music created history: the first four platinum gospel albums ever, earning him all five of his Grammys in that genre. Now celebrating five decades of music and over half a century of marriage, Thomas embodies resilience and authenticity, emphasizing the importance of keeping your head up even during life's toughest challenges and treating others the way you'd like to be treated.
Veteran filmmaker Joel Soisson takes listeners on a fascinating journey through four decades of Hollywood filmmaking, from his humble beginnings as a PA in the early 1980s to becoming what one website dubbed "the direct-to-video sequel king." Unlike many of his generation who experienced a "Star Wars moment" that defined their career path, Soisson drifted organically from art school into animation and eventually motion pictures, originally dreaming of becoming a cinematographer before fate intervened. His break into writing came when producer Sandy Howard mentioned wanting to do a family film about a lost dog, prompting Soisson to pitch ideas that led to his first screenplay. What followed was an unexpected career trajectory defined largely by horror films—not because he lived and breathed the genre, but because early successes made horror projects incredibly easy to greenlight while his romantic comedy pitches faced much steeper odds in an industry that quickly typecast him based on what worked commercially.
Soisson shares insider stories from some of his most iconic projects, including A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge, which wasn't just another franchise opportunity but literally a matter of survival for Bob Shaye's fledgling New Line Cinema after Wes Craven had sold away all profit participation on the original film. The story of how Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure got made reveals Hollywood dealmaking at its most wonderfully absurd: Italian producer Dino De Laurentiis, who barely understood English and had no concept of American teenage culture, greenlit the project primarily because he'd made a definitive Napoleon epic and apparently misread "exterior, the world of San Dimas" as "the war of San Dimas." Soisson also provides a sobering perspective on his extensive work with the Weinstein brothers, describing how he spent nearly two decades literally ducking into doorways to avoid Harvey Weinstein after being fired from Mother's Boys, while defending Bob Weinstein against guilt by association and noting the brothers barely spoke during his final five years there. Now focused on reimagining classics like The Magnificent Seven and Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Soisson discusses his proudest work: "My Best Worst Adventure," a family film set in Northern Thailand centered on the dangerous sport of buffalo racing that combines all his storytelling passions into one unique project.
Peter Funt, son of Candid Camera creator Allen Funt and longtime host of the iconic series, joins the show to discuss the remarkable 75-year history of television's original hidden camera program and his new book "Self Amused: A Tell Some Memoir." What began as a radio show called Candid Microphone in 1947 has evolved into a television institution that holds the record as the only entertainment program to produce new episodes across eight different decades—a distinction shared only with NBC's Meet the Press in the news category.
The origins of Candid Camera trace back to a serendipitous discovery during World War II when Allen Funt was stationed at an army base in Oklahoma. His job involved recording messages from soldiers to send home to their families on expensive acetate discs. After noticing that soldiers performed better during rehearsals than when the recording light was on, he secretly disconnected the red light and captured their authentic, unrehearsed moments. This realization about the power of hidden audio led to Candid Microphone on ABC Radio in 1947, and just one year later became the very first program ever televised on what would become the ABC television network. The show retained the name Candid Microphone even on television until moving to NBC in late 1949, when it was renamed Candid Camera—a term that proved far more memorable and alliterative.
Former NFL player and sports analyst Mike Golic joins diabetes education specialist Hope Warshaw to share his personal journey with type 2 diabetes and why he's passionate about the TalkingTypeU campaign. Diagnosed approximately 10 years after retiring from professional football, Golic had to completely reimagine his relationship with food and fitness. After years of eating whatever he wanted as an athlete and knowing he could work it off, retirement brought a stark reality check—especially with a family history of diabetes through his father. Rather than viewing his diagnosis as a setback, Golic approached it the way he approached sports: by building a team. He enlisted his doctor as his coach, his wife as his teammate, and leveraged modern technology including OneTouch glucose meters integrated with programs like Fitbit, Noom, WellDoc, and Cecilia Health to track his progress and receive personalized guidance.
The conversation illuminates a crucial fact many people don't know: type 2 diabetes often presents without the warning signs associated with type 1, making regular health screenings essential for early detection. Warshaw emphasizes that with 34 million Americans living with type 2 diabetes—enough to fill 485 football stadiums—everyone's journey is different, requiring personalized action plans that evolve over time. Golic lives by an 85-15 rule, maintaining healthy habits 85% of the time while allowing himself occasional indulgences, then using his technology platforms to understand how to get back on track. Both guests stress that the key to success isn't willpower alone but rather assembling a support system of family, friends, healthcare professionals, and the right tools. For former athletes facing weight gain and health challenges after retirement, and for anyone navigating a diabetes diagnosis, the message is clear: you don't have to do this alone, and with the right team around you, diabetes is a manageable condition rather than a life sentence.
Undisputed boxing champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields joins host Neil Haley to discuss her thrilling appearance on NBC's "The Titan Games" hosted by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Shields, who was named one of Sports Illustrated's 50 fittest athletes in 2020, explains her remarkable boxing credentials: three-division world champion, undisputed nine-time world champion, all within just ten fights, plus two Olympic gold medals earned since age 17. She emphasizes that while she's been dominant in boxing since her teenage years, stepping onto "The Titan Games" obstacle course pushed her completely outside her comfort zone and tested her in ways that punching and defense never have.
Shields reveals the fascinating dynamic of the show, where professional athletes like herself competed against highly accomplished everyday people—doctors who work out intensely, nurses who are also former Olympians, and other exceptional individuals who may not be household names but possess incredible athletic abilities. She shares humorous behind-the-scenes stories about the professional athletes banding together as a team, creating makeshift training equipment out of wood and water bottles to practice their form before competing. Shields also opens up about her training philosophy, surprising many by revealing she doesn't lift heavy weights and instead focuses on cardio, running six to eight miles regularly, and maintaining balance and hand speed for boxing. She discusses the emotional experience of being challenged by obstacles rather than opponents, and emphasizes one cardinal rule: you don't say no to The Rock. Shields encourages fans to follow her journey on social media at @claressashields and tune in to see how she and fellow professional athletes like Victor Cruz, Tyron Woodley, Joe Thomas, Hannah Teter, and Jesse Graff handle the intense Titan challenges when the show airs May 25th on NBC.
In this inspiring episode co-hosted by Neil Haley and Dr. Christopher Hall, Heisman Trophy winner and former NBA player Charlie Ward shares his extraordinary journey as the only athlete ever to win college football's most prestigious award and go on to play professional basketball. Ward reflects on his upbringing in the small town of Thomasville, Georgia, where he learned essential values of integrity, accountability, teamwork, and commitment from his parents, coaches, and close-knit community. He describes the unique experience of competing hard against friends who attended rival schools, then remaining close off the field, and credits these early experiences with shaping his character and competitive spirit.
Ward reveals the surprising origin of his dual-sport career at Florida State University, explaining that he was recruited solely for football but asked Coach Bobby Bowden if he could also play basketball. After proving himself in intramural games and summer leagues, teammates advocated for him to join the basketball team, and Coach Bowden made the unprecedented decision to allow Ward to practice with the basketball team full-time starting in October of his sophomore year. Ward discusses his decade-long NBA career with coaches like Pat Riley, Jeff Van Gundy, and Greg Popovich, and how a knee injury ended his playing days but opened doors to coaching through relationships he'd built by being a good teammate. Now coaching high school basketball in Tallahassee, hosting an ACC sports podcast, and actively involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Ward shares wisdom about handling adversity, maintaining faith as a foundation, and preparing yourself so that when opportunities arise, you're ready to walk through the door. He encourages listeners to check out his autobiography "The Athlete" for the complete story of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs beyond the accolades.
Actor Atticus Shaffer joins host Neil Haley to celebrate the eighth season premiere of ABC's beloved sitcom "The Middle," where he plays the uniquely endearing character Brick Heck. Shaffer reveals the remarkable journey of growing up on television, having been part of the show since age 8 when the original pilot was filmed, and now at 18 years old, he's experiencing his character's transition into high school. He discusses how the writers have crafted compelling linear storylines that span multiple episodes this season, allowing Brick to mature and face new challenges as he tries to reinvent himself and fit in with a "clean slate" approach to high school life.
Shaffer expresses deep gratitude for being on a show that promotes positive values and provides genuine role models for young viewers. He shares heartwarming stories about fans—both kids and adults—who tell him they look up to Brick because of his uniqueness and the way he handles situations by marching to the beat of his own drummer. The young actor also recounts the exciting experience of filming promotional spots with "The Goldbergs" cast, praising their kindness and down-to-earth nature in an industry where egos can often take over. Shaffer celebrates the show's move to Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern, explaining that ABC and Warner Brothers trust "The Middle" enough to anchor an entire new comedy block, helping newer shows succeed while honoring the veteran series that has become a fixture in American homes for nearly eight years.
Host Neil Haley welcomes celebrity comedian and actor Bill Bellamy to discuss his role in the romantic comedy "The Bounce Back" and reflect on his incredible journey from MTV VJ to Hollywood star. Bellamy credits MTV as the launching pad for his career, placing him at the center of pop culture during its explosive era when he interviewed music legends like Madonna, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Boyz II Men. He explains how that exposure and the connections he made during those formative years helped propel his acting career, with audiences already loving him from his VJ work and making the transition to movies seamless.
In "The Bounce Back," Bellamy plays Terry Jackson, the manager and agent to a relationship guru (played by Shemar Moore) who ironically has no relationship of his own. Bellamy promises audiences "18 laughs per second" when he's on screen and describes the film as perfect holiday entertainment that explores themes of love, relationships, and finding genuine connection when you least expect it. He emphasizes the importance of being the comedic relief in films while maintaining strong values and positive role models, expressing gratitude for being able to make people laugh during the holidays. Bellamy also reveals that one of the show's creators, Eileen Heisler, personally pitched and wrote the clever promotional spots featuring crossovers with other ABC shows.
Join host Neil Haley for an emotional and inspiring conversation with comedian Jo Koy as he celebrates the release of his first Netflix special, "Live from Seattle." Koy opens up about the deeply personal journey that led to this career-defining moment, including the tearful phone call he received the day before Thanksgiving confirming Netflix had given him the green light. He describes staying awake until 1:01 a.m. on release night to watch his special premiere, marking the first time he's watched one of his own performances because of all the "blood, sweat, and tears" he poured into the project.
Koy discusses why Netflix represents such a game-changing platform compared to his previous two specials on other networks, emphasizing how the content lives forever on Netflix's library shelf rather than being a one-night-only event. He reflects on his roots in Tacoma, Washington, where he fell in love with stand-up comedy watching legends like Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, and Bill Cosby. Koy explains his natural gravitation toward family-style comedy, sharing stories about his mother, his son, and his own childhood experiences. He also addresses the evolving entertainment landscape, noting how comedians no longer need to wait for network deals but can produce their own content and bring it to platforms like Netflix for support and massive exposure.
Tisha Campbell-Martin reflects on her remarkable four-decade career in entertainment, from her early days as a child actor through iconic roles in House Party, the Martin show, My Wife and Kids, and currently ABC's Dr. Ken. Campbell-Martin expresses genuine gratitude and humility about her longevity in an industry where the average acting career lasts only five years, crediting her success to a collaborative spirit and team-first mentality. She praises Ken Jeong's leadership on Dr. Ken, noting how his background as a real doctor influences his caring approach to cast and crew, and reveals that an upcoming episode will showcase her original passion—singing—as she performs with C+C Music Factory, bringing her career full circle to her roots as a singer before she became an actress.
The conversation explores Campbell-Martin's philosophy about the entertainment industry and why she considers herself a "comedic actress" rather than a comedian, explaining that she respects stand-up comedy too much to claim that title without earning it. She emphasizes the importance of making fellow performers shine rather than seeking individual glory, a lesson learned from her theater background where entire communities work together to create successful productions. Campbell-Martin discusses the enduring value of family sitcoms that allow audiences to forget their problems while still feeling good afterward, contrasting them with some reality shows that can leave viewers feeling worse. Her insights reveal a generous, team-oriented performer who understands that sustained success comes from lifting others up, making this a masterclass in professionalism, longevity, and the collaborative nature of great television comedy.
Legendary comedian and filmmaker Mel Brooks joins the show to discuss his son Nicholas Brooks's new film "Sam," but the conversation quickly becomes a masterclass in comedy history and social commentary. Brooks shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from his iconic career, revealing that Warner Brothers executives initially considered "Blazing Saddles" too controversial to release, with one executive claiming it would "soil the name of Warner Brothers." The film opened in just three theaters in February but became such a phenomenon that by the July 4th weekend, it was playing in 850 theaters and became a "riotous hit." Brooks explains his creative process of parodying genres he loves, from Westerns to science fiction, and shares a delightful story about sending the "Spaceballs" script to George Lucas, who laughed so hard he spit coffee all over it but requested only one prohibition: no action figures be sold.
Beyond the entertaining anecdotes, Brooks delivers a powerful message about comedy's role in social change. He identifies "Blazing Saddles" as his greatest accomplishment because it broke down racial barriers and challenged audiences to confront uncomfortable truths. His philosophy is simple but profound: "If you can make them laugh, you can make them think." Brooks argues that comedy succeeds where serious preaching fails because laughter opens minds and hearts in ways that soapbox ranting cannot. He also discusses his talented children, including son Max Brooks who wrote "World War Z" and "The Zombie Survival Guide," and announces his upcoming musical adaptation of "Young Frankenstein" set to open in London. This conversation captures the wisdom, humor, and social consciousness of one of entertainment's most influential voices, demonstrating why Brooks's work remains relevant decades after its creation.
Catherine Curtin, known for her powerful performances in Orange is the New Black and Stranger Things, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about her psychological thriller "Camera Obscura" and the essential role of art in society. Curtin passionately argues that theater represents the highest form of artistic expression and celebrates how platforms like Netflix are democratizing storytelling, allowing diverse voices and challenging ideas to reach audiences worldwide. She emphasizes that art is not a luxury but a necessity—food for the soul that nourishes people with ideas, emotions, empathy, and meaning. The conversation explores how horror and thriller genres create "experiential" rather than passive viewing, forcing audiences to athletically engage with difficult subjects in ways that raise empathy and understanding.
The heart of the discussion focuses on PTSD and how "Camera Obscura" tackles this often-misunderstood condition through the lens of a war photographer whose trauma manifests through his camera. Curtin makes the crucial point that PTSD isn't limited to combat veterans—it can affect a teenager being cyberbullied, a survivor of abuse, or anyone who witnesses tragedy, such as someone involved in a fatal car accident caused by mechanical failure. She praises the film for exploring the moral ambiguity faced by whistleblowers who must decide whether to expose wrongdoing despite the personal consequences. Drawing parallels to contemporary figures like James Comey and Edward Snowden, Curtin argues that society is navigating new moral dilemmas about transparency, accountability, and the courage required to speak truth to power. This compelling conversation demonstrates how genre filmmaking can illuminate important social issues while entertaining audiences.