

The Back Room with Andy Ostroy
Produced by RFR and Andy Ostroy
The Back Room with Andy Ostroy presents a humorous, honest take on politics and pop culture featuring notable guest interviews, a shit-ton of righteous indignation, and rip-roaring repartee with co-producers Matty Rosenberg and Jen Hammoud. We're havin' a ball, and so will you!
Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com
Leave us a message: 845-307-7446
Twitter: @AndyOstroy
Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud
@ Radio Free Rhiniecliff
Music by Andrew Hollander
Design by Cricket Lengyel
Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com
Leave us a message: 845-307-7446
Twitter: @AndyOstroy
Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud
@ Radio Free Rhiniecliff
Music by Andrew Hollander
Design by Cricket Lengyel
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 18, 2023 • 0sec
Gary Gulman
Actor and comedian Gary Gulman is one of America's most popular comics. A product or Massachusetts, Gary's currently on his "Born on 3rd Base Tour". His most recent stand-up special for HBO, “The Great Depresh,” is a universally acclaimed, tour de force look at mental illness, which is equal parts hilarious and inspiring. He was most recently seen co-starring with Amy Schumer in the hit Hulu comedy series, Life & Beth. His memoir, Misfit, will be published in September.
This rank's among my most favorite pod chats because it's a truly important one. Gary not only takes us back on a wicked funny ride through his impoverished Jewish childhood, his high-school and college years, his early comedy journey and what it means to be a "Masshole"...he's also brutally honest about his life-long struggle with depression and anxiety and how it's impacted his life, his relationships, his work, his sense of self and the message it sends to others who are suffering, and the help and inspiration it's given them.
Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com
Leave us a message: 845-307-7446
Twitter: @AndyOstroy
Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff
Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud
Music by Andrew Hollander
Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 14, 2023 • 0sec
Hilarie Burton
Hilarie Burton is a film and television actor and producer, NY Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, farmer, activist, philanthropist, podcaster and host of AMC's It Couldn't Happen Here. A former host of MTV's Total Request Live, she portrayed Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill from 2003-2009, has appeared in several films including The Secret Life of Bees, Surprised By Love, Summer Villa and A Christmas Wish. She's also appeared in various television shows including White Collar, Grey's Anatomy, Extant, Lethal Weapon, Good Sam and The Walking Dead. Together with her husband actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Hilarie owns Mischief Farm, MF Libations beverage company and are co-owners of Samuel's Sweet Shop in Rhinebeck, NY with Paul and Julie Rudd and Andy Ostroy.
This is a truly don't-miss conversation as Hil takes us back to her conservative roots in Sterling, VA; her early inspiration for journalism and activism; her television program's focus on social/racial/criminal injustice; her strong, passionate views on religion, women's & LGBTQ rights, and abortion; her thoughts on Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Donald Trump; the political tribalism in America today; being outspoken on Twitter; her upcoming book Grimoire Girl; and her newfound role as head of her son Gus's middle-school PTA.
Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com
Leave us a message: 845-307-7446
Twitter: @AndyOstroy
Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff
Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud
Music by Andrew Hollander
Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 11, 2023 • 0sec
Tim Miller
Tim Miller is The Bulwark’s writer-at-large and the author of the best-selling book Why We Did It: A Travelogue from the Republican Road to Hell. He was previously political director for Republican Voters Against Trump, communications director for Jeb Bush 2016, and spokesman for the Republican National Committee in 2012. He is an MSNBC political analyst and host of Not My Party on Snapchat. He has written about politics for Rolling Stone, The Ringer and Playboy. He’s also appeared on several episodes of Showtime’s The Circus.
Tim is super smart, insightful and funny and always a great guest! Join us for a fun, informative chat about the craziness of CPAC; the Rupert Murdoch/Tucker Carlson/Fox legal troubles; Trump and Trumpism; DeSantis and the 2024 presidential election; and his memorable moments with Sebastian Gorka and Kari Lake on last week's Showtime's The Circus!
Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com
Leave us a message: 845-307-7446
Twitter: @AndyOstroy
Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff
Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud
Music by Andrew Hollander
Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 7, 2023 • 33min
Adam Frisch
Adam Frisch is an entrepreneur, former banking executive and former City of Aspen Councilman who recently announced his bid to unseat extreme-MAGA Congresswoman Lauren Boebert in Colorado's 3rd House District. In the 2022 midterms he narrowly lost to Boebert by 546 votes. He currently runs a residential design and build firm and has been involved in the home-health care industry as well as the RV and Campground Park business. He has put his business on hold to focus on the 2024 campaign.
This is an extremely important race and so we're excited to have Adam in The Back Room discussing the issues and sharing his vision for Colorado and the nation. And, he also reveals his dream job. Hint: it has something to do with Bob Dylan!
Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com
Leave us a message: 845-307-7446
Twitter: @AndyOstroy
Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff
Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud
Music by Andrew Hollander
Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 4, 2023 • 0sec
Chris Stein
Chris Stein is the co-founder, songwriter and guitarist of the iconic punk band Blondie. He is also an accomplished photographer, author of two photography books, with a third on the way, and a soon-to-be-published memoir.
Join us as Chris takes us on a fascinating journey through his storied life, music, photography and his thoughts on today's political landscape. It's a conversation you don't wanna miss!
Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com
Leave us a message: 845-307-7446
Twitter: @AndyOstroy
Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff
Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud
Music by Andrew Hollander
Design by Cricket Lengyel

Feb 28, 2023 • 0sec
Bob Gruen
Such a thrill to have legendary rock and roll photographer Bob Gruen in The Back Room studio for a fascinating in-person, in-depth conversation about his illustrious seven-decade career photographing Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Smokey Robinson, Sonny & Cher, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Blondie, Debbie Harry, The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, The Grateful Dead, The Who, Willie Nelson, Tina Turner, David Bowie, The Sex Pistols, The New York Dolls, The Clash, The Ramones, Kiss, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Peter Frampton, Elton John, Queen, Bruce Springsteen, The Beastie Boys, Green Day, The White Stripes, Sean Lennon, Maneskin and so many others.
You don't wanna miss this thoroughly engrossing chat as Bob takes us on a riveting ride back through his personal and professional life and shares incredible stories of meeting, hanging out with and becoming friends with the most celebrated artists of all time while capturing many of the most iconic, recognizable music photos ever including John Lennon's peace sign at the Statue of Liberty and wearing the white New York City t-shirt.
Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com
Leave us a message: 845-307-7446
Twitter: @AndyOstroy
Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff
Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud
Music by Andrew Hollander
Design by Cricket Lengyel

Feb 25, 2023 • 0sec
Elie Honig
Elie Honig is a CNN senior legal analyst and the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and the just released Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It. He’s a former federal and state prosecutor. From 2004 to 2012, he was an assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of New Yorkshire he successfully prosecuted over 100 members and associates of the Mafia, including bosses and other high-ranking members, on murder, racketeering, and other charges. In 2022, he was nominated for an Emmy Award in the category Outstanding News Analysis: Editorial and Opinion. Honig also hosts podcasts and writes for CAFE and Vox Media, teaches at Rutgers University, and is Special Counsel at a New Jersey law firm.
Join us for an hour of Elie's keen insights into Donald Trump's legal troubles; Attorney General Merrick Garland's performance; how in 2012 Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner escaped fraud prosecution; the current controversy involving Georgia J6 Special Grand Jury forewoman Emily Kohrs; the Mike Pence subpoena battle; his years prosecuting the Mafia; and his new book, which analyzes how the wealthy, powerful and connected 'get away with it' and end up above the law. You'll also learn why he doesn't have pets, which musical artists comprise his all-time Top 5, and what this Jersey Boy has to say about the "Springsteen poser!"
Elie's a super-smart, funny, engaging guy and you're gonna love this chat!
Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com
Leave us a message: 845-307-7446
Twitter: @AndyOstroy
Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff
Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud
Music by Andrew Hollander
Design by Cricket Lengyel

Feb 22, 2023 • 30min
Anthony "The Mooch" Scaramucci
Anthony “The Mooch” Scaramucci is the founder and managing partner of global investment firm SkyBridge and founder and chairman of SALT, a global thought leadership forum and venture studio. He’s also an author, he just launched the OPEN BOOK podcast and is best known for the 11 roller-coaster days he served in the Trump White House as Communications Director.
Mooch never fails to be an open, genuine, self-deprecating and very compelling conversationalist. We chat about the emotional toll on him and his family of his time on the Trump crazy train; mental health and depression; accountability; regret and redemption; Trumpism; racism; his prediction for a Trump indictment; Nikki Haley; the Republican threat to Democracy; the new podcast and his love of the NY Mets.
Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com
Leave us a message: 845-307-7446
Twitter: @AndyOstroy
Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff
Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud
Music by Andrew Hollander
Design by Cricket Lengyel

Feb 18, 2023 • 0sec
Fred Guttenberg
Fred Guttenberg is a leading gun reform and political advocate and father of 14-year-old Jaime, who was murdered in the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass-shooting in Parkland, Fla., in which 16 other students and teachers were killed. He is the founder of the non-profit Orange Ribbons For Jaime and author of the books Find The Helpers and American Carnage: Shattering the Myths That Fuel Gun Violence.
My friend Fred is a relentless warrior and American hero who despite the odds and through years of personal pain and grief has successfully battled the powerful gun lobby, NRA and lawmakers to help pass historic gun-safety legislation. He is a true inspiration.
Please join us for this very important, deeply emotional conversation as Fred shares his feelings on the recent 5th anniversary of Jaime's murder; the proliferation of deadly mass-shootings; his new book which shatters the myths about guns and gun violence; and what the future holds for him and his family as they struggle to find the healthy balance between moving forward with life, continuing to honor Jaime and what she stood for, and the ongoing fight for gun reform.
Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com
Leave us a message: 845-307-7446
Twitter: @AndyOstroy
Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff
Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud
Music by Andrew Hollander
Design by Cricket Lengyel

Feb 16, 2023 • 0sec
Matt Friend
Matt Friend is an incredibly talented comedian and impressionist headlining and appearing at clubs across the country. His television and radio appearances include The Howard Stern Show, the Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, NBC's New York Live TV, Good Day LA and Good Day NY. He's also recently voiced characters on The Simpsons and Family Guy.
This is Matt's second trip to The Back Room...and he's with us for almost an hour! Don't miss this marathon of hilarious political and celebrity impressions including his amazing Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Ron DeSantis, Chuck Grassley, Mitch McConnell, Tucker Carlson, Chuck Schumer, Al Franken, Michael Cohen, Howard Stern, Patrick Stewart, Patrick Mahomes, Elon Musk, Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Harry Styles! Plus, a killer Sarah Huckabee Sanders!
Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com
Leave us a message: 845-307-7446
Twitter: @AndyOstroy
Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff
Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud
Music by Andrew Hollander
Design by Cricket Lengyel