Media Path Podcast

Dan Partland has amassed an impressive body of documentary film work including, American High, Intervention, American Style, American Race and Apple’s top selling doc of all time, #Unfit, which studies the dangerous psychology of Donald Trump. Along with Rob Reiner, Dan is now bringing us God + Country, opening in theaters this Friday. Dan joins us to talk about the film which chronicles the current wave of American right wing extremism that is jeopardizing our nation’s governing principles, our humanistic ideals and the Christian faith itself.God + Country visits the pews and pulpits of our nation’s mega-churches from where we learn that right wing Christian extremists believe that America is fulfilling a Messianic prophecy and their God given mission is to see it through, by any means necessary. Dan tells us that this current wave of Christian extremism is rooted in racism and is determined to enshrine white Christians at the top of a cultural caste system.Christian nationalism is the belief that America should be a government mandated Christian nation. GOD & COUNTRY explores how a base of Christians has radically stoked a movement which is erasing the line between Church and State. Dan shares that there are almost 200,000,000 Americans who identify as Christians and many of them now fear that their faith is being hijacked by an extreme right wing political movement.Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Genius: MLK/X on Nat Geo/Hulu/Disney + and Expats on Prime.Path Points of Interest:Dan Partland on IMDBDoc Shop ProductionsDan Partland on Twitter/X#UnfitGod and CountryGod and Country TrailerGod and Country on FacebookGod and Country on Twitter/XGod and Country on InstagramHollywood Reporter Article on God and CountryExpats on PrimeGenius: MLK/X - Nat Geo/Hulu/Disney

If you’ve ever wondered how Beaver’s pal Gilbert turned out, he’s doing real neat. Stephen Talbot moved on from Mayfield to become a broadcast journalist for PBS, making investigative, news-making documentary films for Frontline, Bill Moyers and American Experience. Steve joins us to discuss his boomer journey from the streets of mythical 50s suburbia to counter-culture activism, to groundbreaking documentary journalism.First, Jeffrey Sitcov heads a foundation called Doors of Change. They are positively impacting the lives of homeless kids who find themselves on the streets due to abusive home lives and/or coming out to their families as LGBTQ. Early intervention leads to inspirational success stories for these kids. The organization’s annual Concert of Hope is coming to San Diego in July with headliners, KC and The Sunshine Band. 100% of the proceeds benefit the kids!Next, Stephen Talbot tells us about his lates project, The Movement and The Madman which chronicles the significant impact of the anti-war movement on Nixon and Kissinger’s dangerous escalation towards increased aggression and even possibly nuclear engagement in Viet Nam. If you were protesting the war, you saved lives.Stephen was very eager to enter the family business as a kid. His parents were entertainers. His Dad, Lyle Talbot was a film and TV actor who appeared as Ozzie Nelson’s bud, Joe Randolph as Steve was portraying The Beaver’s bestie, Gilbert Bates. But, as Steve went on to college and became increasingly interested in politics and campus activism, Beaver went into reruns and it wasn’t long before Steve’s rally speeches were interrupted by signs that read, “Gee, Beav. I don’t know.” The blown cover did not deter Steve. He went to work as a reporter at San Francisco’s KQED and then traveled the globe, writing, producing and directing over 40 illuminating documentaries, including: Justice For Sale, The Long March of Newt Gingrich, 1968: The Year that Shaped a Generation, and Soundtracks: Music Without Borders. His next film will tell the story of Clifton Cafeteria’s run-in with true crime and gangsters in the 1930s.We cap it off with a round of Leave It To Beaver Trivia.Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Masters of the Air on Apple + and the We Are The World Doc, The Greatest Night In Pop, on Netflix!Path Points of Interest:Stephen TalbotThe Movement and The MadmanStephen Talbot on WikipediaStephen Talbot on IMDBSound Tracks: Music Without Borders (2010 and 2012)Justice for Sale (1999)The Long March of Newt Gingrich 1968: The Year that Shaped a Generation Leave it to Beaver on IMDBLeave It To Beaver on PrimeArticle About Steve on Best Classic BandsJeffrey SitcovDoors of ChangeConcert of HopeMasters of the Air on Apple +The Greatest Night in Pop on Netflix

We’re going deep with Democratic candidates on the primary ballot for Congress and for the California State Assembly. Gil Cisneros is running to replace a retiring Grace Napolitano for CA 31 in the San Gabriel Valley. And local businessman and Swing Left organizer Steve Pierson is running for the 44th Assembly district in California.Gil is a former Naval Officer who served previously in California’s 39th district and as Under Secretary of Defense in the Biden Administration. Gil and his wife won $266 million dollars in California’s Mega Millions Lottery. They have put the windfall to wonderful use, setting up scholarship funds across the San Gabriel Valley.  We talk to Gil about the great hypothetical question, “What would I do if I won the lottery?” And his ability to stay that course once dream became reality. We ask him why he left the Republican Party in 2008, we discuss the issues that concern his district like immigration, homelessness, transportation, and the environment. Gil is eager to get to work advocating for veterans, gun safety reform, economic opportunity for working families, climate action, defending women’s rights and furthering the diversity programs he credits with his own pathway to success.Steve Pierson came to politics very naturally. His father worked on The Great Society in the LBJ administration. Steve took a detour into the entertainment industry, but after the election of Trump he spearheaded Swing Left, a grassroots organizational effort to flip purple districts blue.Steve’s assembly district will cover much of the East San Fernando Valley and he has already travelled to Sacramento to meet with members, build relationships and discuss future legislation that could best serve his district. Steve tells us that California’s state house super majority allows them to make groundbreaking laws that serve as models for the country in clean energy, transportation, gun safety and health care.  Steve looks forward to using his skills as an organizer and his background in entertainment to build strong teams and work towards passing CalCare – California’s Medicare for All Plan — taking climate action, addressing our homeless crisis and ensuring that those seeking treatment get the support they need.Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Archie on Brit Box and Still on Apple +.Californians! Your primary ballot is on its way. The top two vote-getters for Senate, Congress and Assembly will move on to the general election. Get your ballot in the mail by March 5th!Path Points of Interest:Gil CisnerosGil on FacebookGil on X/TwitterGil on InstagramSteve PiersonSteve on FacebookSteve on Twitter/XSteve on InstagramArchie on BritboxStill - Apple TV

When Fritz and Weezy were developing a Comedy Central pilot with Henry Winkler called, The Couch, their bright, ambitious intern was an up and coming young comic named Eric Schwartz who dutifully made coffee, sandwich and cue card runs. Today, Eric’s comedy special. Delivery, is all the rage on Youtube, and Fritz brought him a sandwich.Eric joins us to discuss his unique blending of his talent palette which includes: comedy, parody, music, dance, impressions and multi-media wizardry. His inspirations include Weird Al Yankovic and his marketing instincts had him trending early on MySpace. In addition to his talent cocktail, Eric’s family background features a mix of influences. He calls himself “a quarter-step-Mexican and infuses his act with a rich celebration of cultura!Weezy comes to this episode armed with photos of Eric before he embraced his hair’s great escape and faced the age-old bald guy dilemma: “drugs, rugs or plugs.” Eric went with smooth and has not looked back.Eric fondly recalls his early work with Weezy at Premiere Radio, where they helped supply morning shows with comedy bits. He points to both Fritz and Weezy as mentors and shares how he has poured his entire heart and soul into this Youtube special.He takes us backstage, talking cameras, equipment and lighting and reveals his inner-crowd-work battle when the chairs started breaking!Having just opened for Jo Koy on his Just Kidding Tour, Eric has some thoughts on Jo’s controversial hosting of The Golden Globes.Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending A Good Person on Prime & MGM+, and Slow Horses on Apple TV+, and Eric has an old school media suggestion of his own!Path Points of Interest:Eric SchwartzEric Schwartz Comedy Special - Delivery Eric Schwartz on WikipediaEric Schwartz Tour DatesEric Schwartz on FacebookEric Schwartz on InstagramEric Schwartz on X/TwitterEric Schwartz on TikTokThe CouchA Good PersonSlow Horses - Apple+Beverly Hills Cop

Best-selling author Chris Whipple’s newest book is The Fight Of His Life and it chronicles the first two years of the Biden administration. Chris’s extraordinary access to White House insiders provided him with an exclusive look into the workings, challenges and accomplishments of Team Biden.Chris’s earlier works include The Gatekeepers and The Spymasters and he is a frequent contributor to The Washington Post, Vanity Fair, and Politico. He’s also a filmmaker who has produced documentaries for Discovery and Showtime.The Fight Of His Life opens on the fraught transition during which Trump would not concede, nor allow for a peaceful passing of critical information to the new administration. However, Chris spoke with a heroic Trump insider who quietly and boldly provided the incumbent administration with the tools they would need to safely lead our country.Chris calls his book, "a political thriller in three acts" and it quickly moves into detailing the challenges immediately faced by Biden: A deadly pandemic, a plummeting economy, an unresolved 20-year war, and the aftermath of an attack on the Capitol that polarized the country. The crises continued in waves… The fallout from the Dobbs decision, raging inflation, and Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.Remarkable access to White House insiders including Chief of Staff Ron Klain, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and CIA Director William Burns allowed Chris to learn and explore internal power struggles and back-room compromises.Chris reflects with us on Biden's accomplishments, from Covid relief to rescuing the economy, to an infrastructure bill, to the Inflation Reduction Act, and preparing NATO for the invasion of Ukraine. He also speaks frankly about the troubled withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and he offers his views on what Biden should do next and which achievements he should proudly proclaim from the campaign trail. We talk about the mysterious pull of Trump, the future of the Republican Party and the mixed reviews on Kamala Harris, whom Biden has called “A work in progress.” Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Once Upon a Time Time In Northern Ireland on PBS and Prime and The Last Movie Stars on Max and Prime.Path Points of InterestChris WhippleThe Fight of His Life by Chris Whipple (paperback)Simon & Schuster Author PageChris Whipple on X/TwitterChris Whipple on FacebookOnce Upon A Time In Northern IrelandSay Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden KeefeThe Last Movie Stars - Streaming

85-year-old Annie Korzen is a TikTok starlet! She’s an actor/storyteller/writer/author and you may recognize her from Seinfeld where she played Doris Klompus but now, she calls herself “an accidental influencer.” Her TikTok channel has over half a million followers and her viral fan base is in their teens and twenties. Our 16-year-old intern, Garrett nearly lost his footing when he walked in and saw her.Annie says that all of what society questioned about her… too ethnic. Too opinionated. Too loud. Too unconventional… are the exact qualities that resonate with followers.Annie joins us in the studio where we get to experience her charm, authenticity and strength of spirit firsthand as she talks about her new book, The Book of Annie: Humor, Heart and Chutzpah From an Accidental Influencer, and her incredible life and career trajectory. Hoping to post some video clips online, Annie’s young friend Mackenzie Morrison suggested TikTok and got her started. It turns out that in a world of carefully curated online images, Annie’s frank, honest, hilarious voice is a welcome hit with the kids! She talks about her most popular videos, her thoughts on connecting with young people and how her opinions of Gen Z/Alpha have positively shifted. Young people yearn for warmth, authenticity and acceptance. Annie also shares some Seinfeld insights, her disastrous appearance on Oprah, some strong opinions on life, society and happiness and how nine years of persistence and practice finally earned her a spot on The Moth Storytelling Hour and Tour.Plus Fritz and Weezy are recommending the Smartness podcast and HBO MAX’s Smartness on the Road and Science Fair the movie and the series on Hulu, Disney + and National Geographic.Path Points of Interest:Annie KorzenAnnie Korzen on TiktokAnnie Korzen on IMDBAnnie Korzen on WikipediaAnnie Korzen on YouTubeThe Book of Annie: Humor, Heart and Chutzpah From an Accidental InfluencerThe Book of Annie on AmazonLA Times Calendar Section Article on AnnieAnnie Korzen on CameoScience Fair SeriesScience Fair MovieSmartless PodcastSmartless on the Road

Comedy and Democracy are on the bill. We are welcoming Congressional Candidate Dave Min from Orange County, CA and comedian Taylor Williamson.State Senator Dave Min is running to fill Katie Porter’s seat in Congress. He has her endorsement and he is entirely determined to keep CA 47 Blue and bring his passion for gun violence prevention, climate action, small business advocacy, and reproductive rights legislation to Congress. Plus, Weezy’s nephew, Jake Palanker is in studio to press Senator Min on his water protection policy ideas.Then Taylor Williamson joins us to talk about his new Youtube special, Live At The Comedy Store. Taylor came in second on America’s Got Talent which was a huge wave to ride and successfully showcase his unique humor brand. Now, he’s crafted his own 36 minute special of perfectly curated hilarity. It’s drawing rave reviews and opening doors to podcasts even more powerful than ours, (for example, WTF with Marc Maron) if you can believe such a thing exists.Taylor shares how social media has changed the standup game, some inside skinny on his crazy AGT ride, Comedy Store love/hate stories (Fritz and Weezy come equipped with their own) and how he’s now opening for Marc Maron!Plus, Weezy is eager to talk about Henry Winkler’s new memoir, Being Henry: The Fonz and Beyond and Fritz is recommending May/December on Netflix.Path Points of Interest:Dave MinDave Min on WikipediaDave Min on FacebookDave Min on XTaylor WilliamsonTaylor Williamson Tour DatesTaylor Williamson Comedy Store SpecialTaylor Williamson on InstagramTaylor Williamson on  TwitterTaylor Williamson on  FacebookTaylor Williamson on YoutubeBeing Henry: The Fonz and Beyond by Henry WinklerMay/December - Netflix

Prepare to be inspired: we're chatting with bold women who are dynamically improving our world for us and for future generations. Dr. Roxy Manning and Sarah Peyton have co-written The Anti-Racist Heart: A Self-Compassion and Activism Handbook. It’s a hands-on approach to teaching anti-racist action, combining neuroscience and mindfulness with social justice. Plus, Assembly Member Laura Friedman is running for California’s 30th Congressional seat and she shares her vision for meeting the needs of constituents.Dr. Roxy and Sarah talk about the neuroscience which undergirds their workbook and how self-compassion is fundamental in working towards a deeper  understanding of race and its effect on our lived experiences. Removing shame allows us to align our anger with the love at its core. What matters most to us and why are we fighting to protect it? Understanding the root of our values will help us create a more equitable world.Then, Assembly Member Laura Friedman has vital March ballot info for California voters. The top two contenders from our March Primary will make their way  onto the November ballot where they will vie for Adam Schiff’s seat. He is currently running to become our next Senator. Laura tells us about her background, her impressive progressive record and how she plans to take her skill set into Congress where she will actively work towards addressing our homeless issue, environmental justice, health care for all, bringing down the cost of housing and removing dark money from elections.Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending The Prize: An Epic Quest For Oil And Money on Prime and Great Photo, Lovely Life on HBO Max.Path Points of Interest:Laura Friedman For CongressLaura Friedman Official Assembly Member WebsiteLaura Friedman on FacebookLaura Friedman on TwitterThe Anti-Racist Heart: A Self-Compassion And Activism Handbook by Dr. Roxy Manning & Sarah PeytonHow to Have Antiracist Conversations  Fierce Compassion PodcastDr. Roxy ManningDr. Roxy Manning on LinkedIn Dr. Roxy Manning on Instagram Dr. Roxy Manning on FacebookSarah PeytonSarah Peyton on LinkedInSarah Peyton on InstagramSarah Peyton on FacebookSarah Peyton on TwitterSarah Peyton on YoutubeGreat Photo, Lovely Life - HBO MaxThe Prize: An Epic Quest For Oil, Money and Power by Daniel YerginThe Prize: An Epic Quest For Oil, Money and Power Documentary Series - Amazon PrimeL.A. VotesL.A. County Voting

We are celebrating the most important gifts of any season: love, companionship and connection. Our guests are author Pilley Bianchi whose book, For The Love off Dog celebrates our rich canine bestie history and invites you to teach your any-age dog some new tricks. And TJ Lubinsky joins us to discuss his newest My Music Presents/PBS Special, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme: Memories of My Mom And Dad.Inspired by the work of her father John W. Pilley, the psychologist whose Border collie, Chaser, charmed the nation with his impressive understanding of language, Pilley hopes to share with you what she learned from her Dad and Chaser and inspire you to to better engage with your dog. She’s written the ultimate handbook designed to teach you how to teach your dog.TJ Lubinsky is eager to tell us about his 20 year journey towards finally making the Steve and Eydie special of his dreams. Teen heartbreak led TJ to sooth his soul with the sound of Steve Lawrence and now TJ has teamed with Carol Burnett, Michael Feinstein and Steve and Eydie’s son, David Lawrence, to bring you a PBS special rich with remarkable musical TV moments featuring his parents singing, I’m Into Something Big, Sunrise Sunset, Blame It On The Bossa Nova, Portrait Of My Love, More, and more! We learn from TJ that management obstruction led to the long delay. We hear about the surprising source of the pristine footage he was able to find deep in a vault and we come to understand the role David's recollections played in the making of this visual celebration of the greatest singing spouse act in American music history. All that, plus TJ shares how his attention to detail pays off in the live shows he produces featuring legacy acts, why he always begins every project with the right intentions and the seemingly serendipitous ways in which he helps artists receive their well earned moments of recognition and appreciation!And Fritz is recommending Napoleon in theaters and streaming, and Weezy was moved by the Charles Blow documentary South to Black Power on Max.Path Points of Interest:TJ Lubinsky on WikipediaTJ Lubinsky on FacebookTJ Lubinsky on InstagramCurrent.org articleSteve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme: Memories Of My Mom And DadSteve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme: Memories Of My Mom And Dad TrailerPBS PassportTreasury CollectionPilley BianchiFor The Love of Dog: The Ultimate Relationship Guide by Pilley Bianchi and Calum HeathPilley on InstagramPilley on YouTubeChaser and JohnChaser on WikipediaChaser and John on YoutubeChaser and John on Sixty MinutesChaser and John on NovaNapoleon - Theaters/HBO Max/PrimeSouth To Black Power on Max

It’s a not entirely merry episode of Media Path with some hard but cautionary truths about guardianships AND, a new Christmas musical that celebrates our festive diversity.Greg Thirloway and Maurice Godin are launching a new musical called Oy To The World, that celebrates the Jewish composers who brought us so many carol classics like Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Oh, Holy Night and I’ll Be Home For Christmas. Then, we're speaking with investigative journalist, Diane Dimond whose new book about the dangers of guardianship is required reading in a Post-#FreeBritney world.Oy To The World: Christmas With A Twist will premiere, December 14-23, at North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre:  Greg and Maurice give us a sneak peak into their new show which takes place at a Catskills lodge where the new owner decides to put on a Christmas show. In so doing, Christmas carol backstories emerge. Did you know, for example that Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer is inspired by writer Bob May being teased as a child about his “Jewish” nose? So, yes, not just Jesus, but also Rudolph was Jewish!Diane joins us to discuss her new book, We’re Here To Help: When Guardianship Goes Wrong. She shares her extensive research into the dangerously secretive and insular “legal” practices which lead to citizens losing control of their finances and their freedom. The guardianship or conservatorship systems in the U.S. are state-run,largely unregulated and increasingly populated by financially motivated predators.As we’ve learned from Britney, anyone who has saved some money or who is earning money is at risk. Diane offers shocking examples of the system’s dysfunction and the victims and devastated family members left in its destructive wake. Diane also offers solutions and tips for keeping yourself and your family members safe. As a generation of Boomers continues aging, it is vitally important that we address, amend and federalize guardianship law.Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending the new Joan Baez documentary on Prime and Apple TV, I Am Noise and a new crazy cult doc mini-series on Max, Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God.Path Points of Interest:Diane DimondWe're Here to Help: When Guardianship Goes Wrong by Diane DimondGuardianship Central ResourcesDiane Dimond on FacebookDiane Dimond on TwitterOy! to the World: Christmas With A TwistUse Code: FRITZ for $5 discount on any performance!El Portal on FacebookEl Portal on InstagramMaurice Godin on IMDBGreg Thirloway on IMDBJoan Baez - I Am NoiseLove Has Won: The Cult of Mother God