The Sport of Life: Chats w/ Comedians, Filmmakers, Sports Figures, Musicians, & Intellectuals

Illustrator & bestselling author Greg Ruth and four-time Oscar nominated actor, screenwriter, director, and bestselling author Ethan Hawke chat with Trey Elling about MEADOWLARK: A COMING OF AGE CRIME STORY. This is the duo's second graphic novel, following the success of 2016's INDEH. In a conversation inspired by the book, the guys discuss the creative process, the challenges of parenting teenagers as they're discovering you're human, and even favorite Luby's orders from back in the day.

Los Angeles-based writer and bestselling author Geoff Manaugh chats with Trey Elling about UNTIL PROVEN SAFE: THE HISTORY AND FUTURE OF QUARANTINE. The book, coincidentally written before the current pandemic took hold but amended to include the effects of COVID-19, examines the past, present and future of isolation due to unknown perils.

Skateboarder, writer, and Roosevelt University professor Kyle Beachy chats with Trey Elling about THE MOST FUN THING: DISPATCHES FROM A SKATEBOARD LIFE. Questions include: How has the definition of 'fun' evolved, and how does that coincide with the growth of skateboarding? (02:30) Considering how much Kyle gives to skateboarding, what does he get back? (07:18) How do skaters see the world around them differently? (09:37) Is skateboarding an activity that is inherently meant to be won or lost, like in the Olympics or X-Games? (17:49) Is he concerned that Nike will sink its hooks too deeply into the culture, or has it already? (21:48) Which came first...skaters' love of Vans or Vans love for skateboarding, and why is each important to the other? (25:54) Is skateboarding becoming too quantified, like every other sport? (35:40) What is the most important writing lesson he took from covering David Foster Wallace? (43:51) Why does he believe that skateboarding has no journalism? (50:28) Was detailing his marriage difficulties the most difficult thing to write about? (52:48) What will he do when he can no longer skateboard, and how close is he to that point? (1:00:50)

Former undercover law enforcement officer Giovanni Rocco chats with Trey Elling about GIOVANNI'S RING: MY LIFE INSIDE THE REAL SOPRANOS. The conversation includes: Giovanni explains his path to becoming an undercover cop How he initially infiltrated the Italian mob Unexpectedly putting his family in grave danger at his daughter's soccer tournament Continuing to rise through the mafia ranks Accidentally smoking crack The strange moral dilemma he faced when the decision was made to take down several family members

Two-time Grammy-winning blues musician Bobby Rush chats with Trey Elling about I AIN'T STUDDIN' YA: MY AMERICAN BLUES STORY. Questions include: What was it like growing up as a black kid in the deep south in the 1930s and '40s? (02:38) How did a 75-cent ticket to see Muddy Waters perform change Bobby's life? (12:58) When did Bobby realize he was funny enough to use comedy as part of his act? (17:09) How did hanging out with Little Walter lead to Bobby playing more harmonica? (19:19) What meant more...the two Grammys or being inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame? (35:00) Why does he end interviews with, "I crossed over, but I didn't cross out."? (41:28)

Pioneering music educator Joan Koenig chats with Trey Elling about THE MUSICAL CHILD: USING THE POWER OF MUSIC TO RAISE CHILDREN WHO ARE HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND WHOLE. Questions include: What are some ways for parents to connect with their children musically, under the age of 1? (07:09) Regarding musical solutions for an upset baby, what is a strategy known as the first intervention? (13:05) How do the results for in-person learning and video learning differ? (16:50) How does creative play positively impact a child's emotional IQ and social development? (20:44) What is music scribbling? (22:17) Is there a critical age for musical understanding like there is for language acquisition? (24:05) How does music boost self-control, focus, and anticipation, three traits that modern science deems more important than IQ for success and happiness in life? (25:20) Why is Joan less concerned with teaching her young students how to read music? (28:21) Why is improvisation no longer a cornerstone of classical music? (37:10)

Filmmaker Matt Yoka chats with Trey Elling about his new documentary, WHIRLYBIRD: A SPRAWLING L.A. STORY. The film chronicles the rise, fall, and transition of legendary Los Angeles helicopter pilot/reporter Zoey Tur (née Bob Tur). Tur is responsible for well known footage from the '92 LA Riots and OJ Simpson's white Bronco pursuit, as well as popularizing live streams of high speed police chases. But she was also battling an internal struggle that cost her everything, professionally and personally.

Pulitzer Prize winner and former New York Times investigative reporter Barry Meier chats with Trey Elling about SPOOKED: THE TRUMP DOSSIER, BLACK CUBE, AND THE RISE OF PRIVATE SPIES. Questions include: Why does the first chapter of a book on private spies focus on journalism? Who are Glenn Simpson and Fusion GPS? Why did they connect with Michael Steele in 2016 to take Trump down? How did Buzzfeed end up publishing the dossier? Have many media outlets apologized for reporting on dossier claims that turned out to be false? What does Barry think his strength is as as reporter?

It's episode #3 of our 'No Books Required' series, with legendary standup comedian Andrew Dice Clay, ahead of his performances on August 14th and 15th at Vulcan Gas Company in Austin, TX. Questions include: How good does it feel to be out performing standup again? (01:05) Is it nicer to do smaller venues than someplace like Madison Square Garden? (04:52) Did he ever think at the height of his popularity that he'd eventually become an elder statesman for standup? (09:17) Does he recall when the legendary Mitzi Shore passed him at the Comedy Store? (12:43) Did he and Bill Hicks ever cross paths? Is he concerned that 'cancel culture' will infect standup comedy? (19:25)

Former CIA spy Christina Hillsberg chats with Trey Elling on LICENSE TO PARENT: HOW MY CAREER AS A SPY HELPED ME RAISE RESOURCEFUL, SELF-SUFFICIENT KIDS. Questions include: How did she end up working in the Central Intelligence Agency? (01:12) Is there a good way to teach kids how to improvise for becoming better prepared? (11:53) What is 'getting off the X'? (12:51) Why is it important for kids to avoid predictability in being aware of their surroundings? (17:35) What is 'you, me, same same'? (23:12) How has Christina opened her kids' eyes to the world to help build rapport with others? (26:22) Why are analytic lead sentences important for teaching children written communication skills? (32:34) Are there good ways to moderate technology with little kids? (37:18)