Media Path Podcast

We welcome actress Erin Murphy, who spent her first eight years of life charming TV watchers as young Tabitha Stephens on Bewitched. Erin takes us behind the scenes at one of television’s most beloved classics, sharing vivid memories from a childhood spent witnessing the creation of Hollywood magic.Erin and her fraternal twin sister Diane were originally cast together to share the role of Tabitha, following child labor laws which severely limit the number of hours a toddler can spend working. But, as Erin reveals with a laugh, in the 1960s, rules were “suggestions.” Erin was the twin who took to the craft of acting and she was often brought right back to the set while producers pretended to swap her out. Soon, Erin became the show’s singular Tabitha.Erin recalls the delight of working with fantastical props, whimsical effects, and a cast she adored. A natural performer, she memorized not only her own lines but everyone else’s, and she truly cherishes her time on the set. Erin and Diane were treated with kindness and respect and were even given Donna Reed’s former dressing room where the amenities of home gave them space for play and nap time. Erin’s success on Bewitched soon led to appearances on other iconic shows, including Lassie.Erin is coming with “two Darrins” insights. She worked with Dick York and Dick Sargent for three years each and she  shares a touching story about reconnecting with the original Darrin, Dick York, years later through the Kevin and Bean morning radio show. She weighs in on whether Bewitched can be read as a metaphor for being different or even being closeted and she opines on why the show still resonates today as a fun, campy, nostalgic, yet surprisingly modern-feeling classic.Erin also recalls the many rising stars who made early Bewitched appearances and she shares thoughts on why she never truly  connected with Paul Lynde. She reflects on a groundbreaking episode, written by high-school students, that confronted racism. The story involves Tabitha and her best friend Lisa who is black. When told by an adult that they  could never be sisters, Tabitha uses witchcraft to turn them both polka dotted. Erin identifies this as Elizabeth Montgomery’s favorite episode.After her early TV career, Erin enjoyed a normal childhood in Orange County before returning to the entertainment world as a host and reality-show participant in projects like Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Wrestling and RuPaul’s Drag U. She went on to raise six children, including a son with autism, and has devoted herself to community service and volunteerism. Erin even launched her own alpaca farm, and turned it into a thriving business selling knit goods! This TV icon is as endearing as she is inspiring and Erin’s Hollywood and beyond journey is a testament to her grace, charm and character.In current media --Weezy: One Shot With Ed Sheeran on NetflixFritz: The American Revolution from Ken BurnsPath Points of Interest:Erin Murphy on FacebookErin Murphy on InstagramErin Murphy on WikipediaErin Murphy on IMDBOne Shot With Ed Sheeran on NetflixThe American Revolution - PBS

We are taking a heartwarming ride back to Walnut Grove with three beloved Little House On The Prairie cast members: Alison Arngrim, Dean Butler, and Karen Grassle, as they reunite to celebrate the show’s enduring magic and to preview a new documentary and a Simi Valley cast reunion event in December, 2025.We explore why Little House continues to resonate across generations, drawing parallels to Star Trek and its devoted fan culture. Audiences still crave the sense of simplicity, community, and frontier resilience the series embodies.Karen Grassle shares the story of landing her very first series regular role as Caroline Ingalls after eight lean years as a struggling New York actor. The cast reflects on the unexpected typecasting that followed their time on the prairie, and Alison recalls the heady moment when, at age 12, she recognized the deliciously devious nature of her role, Prairie Bitch, Nellie Oleson.We delve into the legacy of Michael Landon, his uncanny eye for casting, his individualized directing style, and why guest stars adored working with him, while Karen offers a candid look at her complicated relationship with Michael  and the challenges she faced as a women on that set.Alison and Dean walk us through the phenomenon of the Little House passport book, that allows Laura fans to mark every museum that celebrates the Ingalls family’s history in their town. And the cast previews what will make the Simi Valley reunion truly special for enthusiasts, including meet-and-greets, photo-ops, breakfast with the cast, a screening of the 'Little House Homecoming' documentary and a tote bag!We also discuss the real, sometimes harsh conditions the actors faced on set, including rain, snow, fire and Victor French leaping into a freezing creek. And we get into the new Netflix limited series currently in production (though the original cast isn’t officially involved, they share their openness to making appearances). And of course we make time for game time. How well does the cast know what takes place in the Books vs. the Series? And we play the IMDB Roulette Sub-Genre,  Were You In it? This is a conversation that celebrates the past, embraces the future and shares the community of Little House.In current media --Fritz: The documentary Being Eddie on NetflixWeezy: Netflix movie, Train DreamsPath Points of Interest:LHOP Holiday cast reunion Dec 12 - 14th, 2025Little House Homecoming DocumentaryDean ButlerDean Butler on InstagramDean Butler on FacebookAlison Arngrim Alison Arngrim on InstagramAlison Arngrim on FacebookKaren GrassleKaren Grassle on InstagramLaura Ingalls Wilder Tour PassportConfessions Of A Prairie Bitch by Alison ArngrimPrairie Man by Dean ButlerBright Lights, Prairie Dust by Karen GrassleBeing Eddie Train Dreams 

We welcome actor John Kapelos, whose unforgettable turns in The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles enshrine him as a John Hughes Universe fixture. From Second City to Shermer High, John weighs in on comedy, character & The Hughes legacy.John takes us back to his youth in London, Ontario, Canada, and his first big leap into show business as a member of Second City Chicago, from where he toured for over three years and studied under the mentorship of John Candy: John Kapelos shares his thoughts on the recent Candy documentary and the warmth and sensitivity of the icon who showed him the way.He shares the magic of an electric comedy scene which included Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Dave Thomas and Catherine O'Hara, and how the Chicago and Toronto improv cultures differed. We also get his perspective on the sexism which permeated the comedy scene.We dive into John’s transition from stage to screen, his admiration for John Hughes’ ability to capture the voices of teenagers, and we get Breakfast Club behind-the-scenes intrigue. How did John manage to enrage Emilio Estevez? And how did he ultimately receive absolution from Martin Sheen on the set of The West Wing? It’s all here.And in a thrilling round of IMDB Roulette, we learn why Desperate Housewives was a piece of (cup)cake and how John sustained an injury on the set of Seinfeld, attempting to not crack up at Kramer!In current media--Weezy: Netflix Limited Series,  Death By LightningFritz: Netflix Movie, A House Of DynamitePath Points of Interest:John Kapelos on WikipediaJohn Kapelos on IMDBJohn Kapelos on InstagramJohn Kapelos on FacebookToo Hip for the RoomDeath By LightningA House Of Dynamite

We’re joined by two authors whose stories illustrate courage, creativity, and the unpredictable tides of adversity and accomplishment, while also uniting us through humanity’s common threads.Greg Cope White is the Marine whose true story inspired Boots on Netflix. His book is called The Pink Marine and Greg takes us behind the scenes on its screen adaptation with the cast going through actual bootcamp to emerge as actors who could realistically portray Marine recruits.In serving as a writer and Executive Producer on the show, Greg had the opportunity to flesh out stories beyond those of himself and his best friend, Dale. Greg’s character is called Cam and he joins The Marines before “Don’t Ask. Don’t Tell,” when it was completely illegal to be gay in The Marine Corps. We quickly learn that every recruit is hiding or trying to prove something. Dale became Ray in the series and he is running from an abusive father, attempting to build pride in himself. We also meet characters who struggle with their weight or have had brushes with the law or have never fit in. Pressure makes diamonds and Marines. Bonds form and Greg reports that the actors in the show are as tight as any fighting unit.Michael Gregg Michaud introduces us to Christopher Jones: Wild in the Streets, his new book chronicling the meteoric rise, and mysterious disappearance, of one of Hollywood’s most compelling shooting stars. From 1960s heartthrob to sudden recluse, Chris’s story is one of talent, turmoil, mental illness and cultural transformation.We hear about Greg's solidarity buzzcut and we learn about the Christopher Jones - Sharon Tate connection, it's an episode brimming with mystery, tragedy and triumph!And in current media-- Weezy: Season 3 of The Diplomat on Netflix Fritz: Mr. Scorcese - A documentary series on Apple TV+Path Points of Interest:Boots on NetflixGreg Cope WhiteThe Pink Marine by Greg Cope White on AmazonThe Pink Marine on TikTokGreg Cope White on XGreg Cope White on InstagramGreg Cope White on FacebookChristopher Jones: Wild in the Streets by Michael Gregg MichaudMichael Gregg Michaud on AmazonChristopher Jones on WikipediaMichael Gregg Michaud on FacebookMichael Gregg Michaud on InstagramThe Diplomat on NetflixMr. Scorcese on Apple TV+

We’re pulling back The Tonight Show curtain, not only to reveal Johnny Carson, but to explore the lore and the legend that were Johnny’s Tonight Show reign.Joining us are Love Johnny Carson author and The Carson Podcast host, Mark Malkoff, along with Carson Tonight Show guest and Leno Tonight Show writer, Jimmy Brogan.Mark’s new Carson book offers a decade-by-decade deep look at the King of Late Night. Through his multitude of podcast interviews with Carson insiders, Mark peels away the stony myth to reveal that the real Johnny was more like the brilliantly charming, funny man you saw on TV and less like the icy, ramrod figure,  of legend, stealing himself from social intimacy. In actual fact, in order to get from points A to B, Johnny had to hold his gaze on the horizon and keep moving or he would attract a crowd. Mark and Jimmy share what made Johnny so important to them and to comedy itself. Jimmy recalls turning down his initial invitation to guest on the show because although his crowd work was extraordinary, you can’t do that with a studio audience and he knew he wasn’t ready.Fritz, a standup comedian who became an NBC weatherman worked upstairs from The Tonight Show. He was groomed by talent coordinator Jim McCawley to appear on Carson and then easily fill in when a guest fell out.Mark’s deep research reveals a Johnny few have seen: the private man behind the poise. We learn about his secret yearning to be a singer. (he took three weeks of lessons to duet with Julio Iglesias as Willie Nelson ), his need for strong boundaries with fans, and his quiet interest in humanism and social justice. Mark also debunks myths about famous feuds with Wayne Newton and Joan Rivers, while Jimmy shares his own Joan Rivers talk show audition story and memories of the bumpy Carson into Leno transition.From Kermit the Frog guest-hosting The Tonight Show to Johnny’s competitive streak, sensitivity and complex charm, this episode dives into the brilliance, insecurity, and humanity of a television legend. Plus, Mark tells us about his own outrageous social experiments, including overcoming his fear of flying by living on an airplane for 30 days, visiting every Starbucks in Manhattan in one day and collecting keys to cities from Mayors across America!In current media --Weezy:  Netflix Documentary, The Perfect NeighborFritz: Apple TV+ documentary, Stiller and Meara: Nothing Is Lost Path Points of InterestLove Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan's Journey To Find The Genius Behind The Legend by Mark MalkoffMark MalkoffMark Malkoff on WikipediaThe Carson PodcastMark Malkoff on InstagramJimmy BroganJimmy Brogan on WikipediaJimmy Brogan on InstagramJimmy Brogan on Mark's PodcastThe Perfect NeighborStiller and Meara: Nothing Is Lost

We welcome Rhonda Shear, an intrepid entrepreneurial trailblazing woman in the fields of comedy, 90s late night TV, and online intimate apparel sales.  Rhonda has so much to tell us!Her iconic USA weekend movie show, Up All Night is coming to Youtube! Her cheeky, late-night, movie marathon antics pulled in big ad dollars and turned B-movies into must-see-TV. But, before finding her voice, Rhonda’s early days in Hollywood were fun but bumpy as she fought to prove that a gorgeous and sexy woman could also be smart and funny. Rhonda’s bold approach was to tear down doors, almost literally. She and her improv partner crashed soundstages to break into their act on the sets of Steve Allen, Merv Griffin and The Smothers Brothers!Rhonda’s adventurous path ultimately brought her back to her junior high school sweetheart, Van Fagan who is now her husband and business partner. Together, they have forged an empire that includes lingerie, loungewear and the celebrated “Ahh Bra. “And like any lingerie mogul who began her career in comedy, Rhonda is thrilled to be returning to her roots with an Up All Night reboot. It’s a collaboration with the Kings of Horror Youtube Channel, combining her production know-how and facilities with their massive 14,000-title B-movie library. The first installment drops on October 25th.Rhonda reflects on a life lived boldly, the lessons she’s learned, and why she proudly calls herself an “accidental feminist.” Plus, IMDB Roulette takes us through Rhonda's bombshell guest spots and a we play a round of Do You Know More Than Google? People Also Ask What? About Rhonda Shear and does she have the answers?In current media recommendations --Weezy: The series Boots on Netflix, based on The Pink Marine by Greg Cope WhiteFritz: The John Candy Documentary on Prime, I Like MePath Points of Interest:Rhonda ShearRhonda Shear - WikipediaRhonda Shear - InstagramRhonda Shear - FacebookRhonda Shear - YoutubeKings of Horror - YouTubeUp All Night: From Hollywood Bombshell To Lingerie Mogul, Life Lessons From An Accidental Feminist by Rhonda ShearJohn Candy: I Like Me - Documentary on PrimeBoots - NetflixThe Pink Marine by Greg Cope White

The Off The Wall Improv Comedy Group has been entertaining audiences for 50 years! Blossoming, in 1975 out of a dance studio next to a West Hollywood hamburger stand, the group has worked with Robin Williams, John Ritter, George Wendt, Chevy Chase, Garry Shandling, and Jim Belushi, with Michael Feinstein at the piano! Original members, Andy Goldberg, Wendy Cutler, and Paul Willson join us to share their unique history and regale us with backstage lore and intrigue. These three became go-to Hollywood players, appearing on Laverne and Shirley, Mork and Mindy, The Golden Girls, Cheers, Hill Street Blues, The Larry Sanders Show, Columbo and so many more! Their improv gifts also suit them perfectly for looping sessions where they fill in the background voices in TV and movie scenes. Listen carefully and you will hear them in Meet The Parents, Monster’s Ball, The X Files, Justice League, and How To Train Your Dragon. Paul, Wendy and Andy take us through the proud history of improv comedy which was born out of theater games taught to children, and has gone on to train and launch  countless stellar careers.  Plus, Andrew Jameson joins us to talk about his doc series, Faces Of The City which is now streaming on Roku.And in current media -- Weezy: The Runarounds on PrimeFritz: Task on HBO Path Points of Interest:The Runarounds TrailerTask - HBOFaces of the CityOff The WallOff The Wall on YoutubeImprov Comedy by Andy Goldberg  Off The Wall on FacebookFanatic Salon Theater

We welcome Moosie Drier, one of the most familiar young faces of 70s and 80s TV and film! Moosie takes us back to a time when child actors were a tight crew who worked and auditioned for roles together, forging friendships, supportive rivalries and shared memories.Alongside fellow child actors like Lance Kerwin, Brad Savage, Ike Eisenmann, and Matthew Layborteaux, Moosie carved out a place in show biz history, beginning with his very first job at age five: dubbing the voice of a tiny actor who was not quite nailing the line in an ice cream commercial. Armed with that professional gravitas, Moosie went on to play Jack Lemmon’s step-son in The War Between Men and Women and John Denver’s kid in Oh, God! starring George Burns. He then delivered the Kid News For Kids on Laugh-In (as young staff writer Lorne Michaels tucked away the whole fake news idea for what would become Weekend Update!)Moosie spills tea on working with Henry Fonda (Hank liked the View-Master. Hated the kids.) Moosie shares how Barbra Streisand hand picked him for a bit part in Up The Sandbox, and evidently, Moosie is gifted with a face you’d want to serenade. Both John Denver and Reba McEntire picked up guitars and sang to him between scenes.Plus we get some Drier family lore. How his family struck out from Chicago for California in search  of industry opportunities. About the tax hole that welcomed Moosie into adulting. And the strange baby name saga that resulted in a boy named “Moosie.” Today, Moosie continues to connect with his peers through his podcast Pop Culture Retro, where conversations are a blend of interviews, fellow child-actor therapy and catching up over lunch.All that, plus a round of IMDB Roulette which takes us from Kids Incorporated to Family Ties to Judy Garland to The Bob Newhart Show to American Hot Wax! It’s a life and career chock full of charm, challenges, and timeless Hollywood moments.And in current media -- Weezy: Sullivan's Crossing on NetflixFritz: The Mark Twain book by Ron ChernowPath Points of Interest:Moosie Drier on WikipediaMoosie Drier on IMDBMoosie Drier on InstagramPop Culture Retro on Apple PodcastsPop Culture Retro on InstagramPop Culture Retro on XPop Culture Retro on YouTubeSullivan's CrossingMark Twain by Ron ChernowMedia PathMedia Path on FacebookMedia Path on InstagramMedia Path on XMedia Path on Bluesky

What happens when a big time movie star gets popped for speeding while rolling through Mayberry? He just may learn the value of connection and community, that’s what!Mayberry Man… first a movie, then a series… was inspired by the reverent fervor that is the annual Mayberry Days Festival which takes place annually in Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina. Producer Gregory Schell and Writer/Director Stark Howell are both second generation Mayberry progeny and their experiences at the festival inspired them to crate the Mayberry Man franchise.Greg and Stark both have dads who made two Andy Griffith Show appearances, Hoke Howell and Ronnie Schell. Ronnie then went on to co-star with Mayberry’s own Gomer Pyle on Gomer Pyle USMC.Greg and Stark join us in-studio to help us welcome Zoom guests, Allan Newsome who plays the Floyd the Barber re-enactor and Chris Bauman, who brings Gomer to life. They share their histories of falling in love with those characters, stepping into their shoes and clothing, meeting festival fans and now sharing their portrayals onscreen in Mayberry Man.Stark’s Dad Hoke was besties with Rance Howard. Together, they pursued their acting and writing careers while Rance’s kids Ron and Clint played little league and created early films with the Howell boys.Stark’s brother, producer Cort Howell, shares how he used crowdfunding, targeted marketing and fan community building to bring Mayberry Man to life. Plus, Greg reflects on growing up in the shadow of an actor/comedian father and Stark shares his earliest screen role, co-starring with Clint Howard, in a 14-year-old Ron Howard’s third Super 8 film classic, Cards, Cads, Guns, Gore & Death.And in current media, Weezy enlightens Fritz as to the internet outrage regarding Big Brother's Rylie and Katharine showmance and Fritz shares his enthusiasm for the new Spike Lee 'joint' Highest 2 Lowest, now in theatersPath Points of Interest:Mayberry Manhttps://www.amazon.com/Mayberry-Man-Brett-Varvel/dp/B0B8NNSYR9https://www.mayberryman.com/home-zMayberry Man The Serieshttps://www.primevideo.com/detail/Mayberry-Man-The-Series/0OW0MU66B6JJM52GUUWO3CQQ8Khttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt24222046/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_lkGregory Schell on InstagramStark Howell on IMDBCort HowellAllan NewsomeTwo Chairs No Waiting PodcastChris Bauman Big BrotherHighest 2 LowestMedia Path PodcastMedia Path on FacebookMedia Path on InstagramMedia Path on XMedia Path on BlueskyLouise Palanker on TiktokFritz Coleman on Tiktok

For 33 1/3 years, Paul Rappaport made history as a rock promotions kingpin at Columbia Records, shaping pathways for the biggest artists of the ’70s, 80s and ’90s to find their audience. Paul has penned 'Gliders Over Hollywood: Airships, Airplay, and the Art of Rock Promotion', a memoir that captures the creative fun and the rich, human connection at the heart of the record business in its golden era.Paul shares stories of big-budget, wildly innovative stunts, like painting a radio station pink for Pink Floyd, sending a terrifying “alien invasion like” laser beam across Los Angeles skies for Blue Oyster Cult and jumping through every station relationship hoop to land Mick Jagger, out of the box, at number one on the charts! Paul reports  that in the records and radio world, it was friendships and reciprocity that made the  engines hum.Paul shares stories of his heart-to-hearts with Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, and Mick Jagger and of his one-of-a-king thank you gift from Pink Floyd… an opportunity to join them on stage in London to shred and trade guitar licks with David Gilmour on Run Like Hell!With a deep reverence for music and the artists who shaped his world view, Paul reflects on the chance he was given to be a part of the effort alongside his boyhood heroes and to help them share their work with the world.Music is ever-evolving and to get radio stations on board with new sounds, Paul would often grab everyone from neighborhood radio stations and record stores and personally initiate them to the glory that is Billy Joel or Bruce Springsteen live and in concert. It worked! He arranged one-on-one interviews, including the time Philadelphia radio personality Helen Leicht looked into the eyes of Paul McCartney and broke into tears.  Sir Paul jumped up and pulled her into a hug. Beatles up close are sob inducing. He gets it.Co-host Weezy, also a radio/records veteran, talks shop with Paul, remembering warmly the kooky and collaborative crusade to celebrate and share the music. They also discuss the future of terrestrial radio. Is there one?In our current media segment, Fritz and Weezy discuss The Law According To Lidia Poet and Titans: The Rise of Hollywood, both on Netflix.Path Points of Interest:Gliders Over HollywoodPaul Rappaport on FacebookThe Law According To Lidia Poet on NetflixTitans: The Rise of Hollywood on NetflixMedia PathMedia Path on FacebookMedia Path on InstagramMedia Path on XMedia Path on BlueskyHelen Leicht Interviews Sir Paul McCartney On WXPN - 8/29/13