Media Path Podcast

Craig Kilborn has indelibly and stylishly stamped his unique, hosty  brand across the worlds of Sports and Late Night Comedy.Mixing a patrician personality, with a razor sharp wit and folding in a pinch of irreverent snark, Lord Kilby has now taken up residency at manner houses in the lands of Instagram and podcasting. A star high school athlete, Craig excelled at basketball, knowing that his future lay in comedy. He blended his strengths as a smart aleck  sportscaster in Monterey, California where he acquired his taste for the fancy which he now celebrates on Instagram and on his podcast, The Life Gorgeous.Craig joins us with action items for those who aspire to live their lives more gorgeously. (You may need a boat.) And despite the adversity of no adversity, he tells us how a tall, handsome, high school jock was able to acquire so sharp a wit. His SportsCenter stint forever changed the tone of sportscasting and, on a personal note, led to a surprise phone call from new fan, Bill Murray!We discuss Craig’s background as The Daily Show's inaugural host, taking over for Tom Snyder on The Late, Late Show, and why he eventually lost his passion for the politics of it all and stepped away. Plus, Weezy shares highlights from the performance of Unforgettable Sunrise, a symphony written by non-verbal autistic teen, Jacob Rock.Fritz is recommending A Haunting in Venice, now in theaters and Weezy strongly advises you to watch the documentary, Torn on Hulu.Path Points of Interest:The Craig Kilborn Podcast: The Life GorgeousCraig Kilborn on InstagramCraig Kilborn on FacebookCraig Kilborn on WikipediaUnforgettable Sunrise HighlightsA Haunting in Venice - In Theaters Torn on Hulu

Craig Shoemaker believes in the power of laughter and he's experienced its transformational force firsthand. The showbiz vet with decades of experience in writing, producing, acting and stand up comedy is fully invested in helping others, through humor with his organization, Laughter Heals. To this end, he speaks frankly, lives courageously and is persistently seeking the higher self that will ensure a reach towards his potential. Craig speaks with raw courage about his painful past, the obstacles he has faced and conquered and those that are currently vexing and challenging him. Undaunted, he understands that laughter is a force more powerful than anger and that positive energy creates a pathway towards healing the wounds of trauma, neglect and abuse.Craig joins us to share his unique and effective blend of levity and love and how his coaching program, Winning With Humor is helping folks from all of life’s walks achieve goals and more fully align with their true selves.We get Craig’s unfiltered take on parenting, marriage, divorce, dating and his unconventional childhood with a “fun mom” and an absent dad. An industrious young Craig found himself looking for dads in all the wrong places, writing earnest “Please Marry My Mom” sales pitches to Paul Lynne and Tim McCarver. It was a hard pass from both.Craig shares how his comedy has saved lives and how his patented “love master” techniques have created them. We learn how cults, coincidences and the call and response of the universe have followed him throughout his life. Laughter being the enduring soundtrack.Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Never Let Him Go on Hulu, The Morning Show on Apple TV+ and John Mills with Orchids in Zoom, live at The Write-Off Room in Studio City on October 9th!Path Points of Interest:Craig ShoemakerCraig Shoemaker on WikipediaCraig Shoemaker on InstagramCraig Shoemaker on FacebookCraig Shoemaker on TwitterCraig Shoemaker on YoutubeWinning With Humor Laughter HealsThe Morning Show - Apple TVNever Let Him Go on HuluJohn Mills at The Write-Off RoomThe Mills Brothers' American Express Ad

In the late 1980's and early '90s, the TV sitcom landscape was dominated by an unstoppable force known as Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions. It’s the creative juggernaut that brought us Soap and Benson in the late 70s, evolving into the force field behind The Golden Girls. A series so iconic, it launched the spin-offs, Nurses, The Golden Palace and Empty Nest, co-starring our guest, David Leisure.This Saturday night lineup featured casts of characters who occupied the same imagined universe and often popped into each other’s shows. David was Empty Nest’s wacky neighbor and he also appeared as Charley Dietz on The Golden Girls, Nurses and another Witt/Thomas/Harris creation, Blossom.Empty Nest, starred Richard Mulligan as Dr. Harry Weston, a widowed pediatrician, much sought after by all the Miami single ladies while riding the emotional waves of his grownup daughters who have refilled his Empty Nest.David gives us an exclusive peek behind the scenes of this memorable time in broadcast television history. Was Bea Arthur really the only Earth human who hated Betty White? What did Bea Arthur hate even more than Betty White? How did David’s show attempt to fill the space left behind in their nest by Kristy McNichol? How did the cast and crew react to her emotional return?David shares his origin story and how he landed two key roles. 1) “First Krishna” in Airplane. (He was willing to shave his head.) And 2) The Joe Isuzu commercials. (He’s an obsequious liar.)We also learn why St. Jude’s hospital is so important to David, how he overcame childhood obesity and the truth about his secret, backstage divorce group therapy sessions with Loni Anderson and Richard Mulligan.All that plus IMDB Roulette and Empty Nest Trivia! And Fritz shares his own personal run-in with Golden Girls Producer Susan Harris. (She’s probably still pissed.) Plus, in recommendations, we’ve got two great books: Blowback - A Warning To Save Democracy From The Next Trump by Miles Taylor and Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.Path Points of Interest:David Leisure on WikipediaDavid Leisure on IMDBJoe Isuzu Commercials:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJMq_7alQpUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_1ASmweXYsDavid Leisure on FacebookEmpty Nest on IMDBSt. Jude's HospitalBlowback - A Warning To Save Democracy From The Next Trump by Miles TaylorDemon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Listening to Radio Luxembourg on his family's transistor as a teen in the British countryside, Simon Kirke  heard the siren song of The Beatles and was instantly hooked. Determined to make music his career, he spent two years in London before a fateful meeting with guitarist Paul Kossoff put him on a course to make his rock 'n' roll fantasy a reality. Along with Andy Fraser and Paul Rodgers, they formed the band Free which led to the mega hit/classic song All Right Now and Free becoming one of England's hottest bands. Then, in 1973, Simon, along with Free-mate Paul Rodgers, co-founded legendary hard rock supergroup Bad Company, a monster band that sold out record bins and stadiums worldwide. Their anthemic hits, Shooting Star, Feel Like Making Love, Can’t Get Enough and Rock and Roll Fantasy remain among the most played songs in radio history.Simon joins us to share (mostly PG!) rock n’ roll stories featuring his iconic bandmates and management and the music venues, record companies and recording studios where so much of his classic rock history played out. Simon tells us the story of Free and how All Right Now was written in desperation, to get the crowd dancing. Simon also details their legendary performance at the Isle of Wight Festival, and how Free stood up to the label that wanted to rebrand them the Heavy Metal Kids.He shares the backstage/pre-show moment when Bad Company's manager gifted them with platinum albums and we discuss the personality types drawn to each instrument. And, a quarter century sober, Simon considers whether productivity and creation may be the greatest high off all.Simon has written a possibly too spicy memoir. He is now scoring films and his pathway to sobriety has inspired an upcoming musical called Rock Bottom.Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending the Max doc series, Smartless: On The Road and The Untold Story of the Investigation Into January 6th by Denver Riggleman and Hunter Walker.Path Points of Interest:Simon KirkeSimon Kirke on WikipediaBad Company on WikipediaSimon Kirke FacebookBad Company InstagramRoad RecoveryThe Breach - The Untold Story of the Investigation Into January 6th by Denver Riggleman and Hunter WalkerSmartless On The RoadSmartless Podcast

eff Melvoin has written an inspiring and comprehensive guide to the art & science of what may be the most momentous, yet mysterious title in Hollywood: Showrunner. At its core, the job is described as a writer/producer hybrid. But it encompasses so much more than just that.Jeff joins us to talk about Running The Show: Television From the Inside, and he shares his unique perspective on what it takes to make it in the TV industry (spoiler: talent will take you only so far!) Coming to his author role with decades of television experience from broadcast to basic cable to the realm of Bezos (whom he refers to as “the Stalin of Streaming”), Jeff’s enthusiasm for mentoring and educating compliment his acumen as an accomplished show runner on Killing Eve, Army Wives, Designated Survivor, Picket Fences, and Northern Exposure. They also serve him well as the writer of a wise, funny, instructive and inside view of his field of expertise.Jeff brings us incredible insight and wisdom on the specific set of skills and personality traits required to succeed at showrunning and leadership in general. We hear his Six Rules, The Twelve P's, His One career-making line (which he wrote for an episode of Remington Steele) and much more. Plus, he’s got stories from the many shows he's worked on, including Remington Steele, NYPD Blue and Alias and he’s bringing the intel on the differences between American and British Productions as learned via Killing Eve. He’s also sharing his views on streaming’s landscape overhaul, the existential nature of the current writers' strike and the need-to-know phrase for responding to a studio exec's notes.Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending The Beanie Bubble on Apple TV+ and San Francisco Sounds: A Place In Time.Path Points of Interest:Running the ShowJeff Melvoin on InstagramJeff Melvoin on WikipediaJeff Melvoin on imdbThe Beanie BubbleYou're Wrong About... with Sarah Marshall and Jamie Loftus Beanie Babies Episode San Francisco Sounds: A Place In Time

On the Autism Spectrum, there are some people who are never able to speak more than a few words. The inability to verbally communicate indicates no lack of intelligence and it can be incredibly frustrating for those who have much to offer but whose thoughts and ideas are locked inside their own minds.Among these shrouded geniuses is 19-year-old Jacob Rock, son of Wild Honey Foundation Founder and Director, Paul Rock. Jacob’s two lone spoken words are “yes,” and “eat,” but during the pandemic he was able to focus on his one finger iPad typing and his inner dialogue began to blossom into multi-syllable, complex thoughts, views and poetry. Jacob also typed that he was composing a symphony.To manifest this vision, Paul solicited the help of Wild Honey Musical Director Rob Laufer. Rob and Jacob began collaborating, composing and mind-melding and the result is a 71 minute symphonic piece called Unforgettable Sunrise which will be performed on September 30th, 2023 with a full orchestra from the USC Thornton School of Music at The Alex Theater in Los Angeles.Jacob’s piece is autobiographical and it chronicles his struggles with distress, discomfort, stomach pain, self harm, frustration and ultimately, peace, finding his voice and the joy of creation.Paul and Rob join us to share their process in facilitating Jacob’s self-expression. Paul brings his fullest heart to a reading of Jacob’s poetry and together, our guests illuminate how we may all be able to learn the most from those who say the least. Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Golda (2023), in theaters and Silo on Apple TV+. And Weezy recaps the Adam Schiff fundraiser she hosted mid hurriquake!Path Points of Interest:Wild Honey Foundation on FacebookUnforgettable Sunrise at the Alex TheaterUnforgettable Sunrise on SoundcloudMusic Connection ArticleL.A. Beat ArticlePaul Rock on YoutubePaul Rock on InstagramRob LauferRob Laufer on InstagramAdam Schiff Event PhotosAdam Schiff's Conversation with Holocaust SurvivorsSilo - Apple TVGolda - In TheatersThe Sunshine Boy/A Mother's Courage Documentary

Robby Benson is living proof that character is destiny, guided by his values, integrity, talent and curiosity, Robby has overcome much to achieve more. He is an actor, writer, producer, director, author, musician, photographer, professor, songwriter, novelist, activist and former teen idol! Robby’s early screen stardom was just scratching his creative surface and Robby’s immense devotion to his wife and family only deepen his appreciation of life and its gifts. Robby joins us to talk about his strong family bonds, his collaborations with his fiercely talented wife Karla DeVito, his extraordinary parents, including his Mom who is Fritz’s upstairs neighbor. We eagerly await that sit-com. For hardcore Robby Benson heartthrob film fans, we do get into Ode to Billy Joe, Ice Castles, Lucky Lady and One on One. Robby also offers a master class in heart health care, sharing his personal journey through four open heart surgeries to correct a congenital defect. In true Robby fashion, he carved his struggle into art, writing the book, “I’m Not Dead…Yet,” which he then adapted into the musical Open Heart.Robby has directed over 100 episodes of network sitcoms and his first novel, “Who Stole the Funny,” is a fictionalized account of one disturbingly harrowing week he spent on the set of a “make-believe” show.Robby also joins us for a spirited round of Media Path's favorite pretend game show, “IMDB Roulette” Robby is currently working on paying tribute to his late father and co-writer, Jerry Segal with a play which will feature their music. Additionally, it’s still top secret but Robby is starring in the second season of Sevarance.Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending The Hollies: Look Through Any Window on FreeVee, Painkiller on Netflix and the Barbie movie.Path Points of Interest:Robby BensonRobby Benson in WikipediaRobby Benson on IMDBModern Love (1990)Robby Benson on YouTubeThe More I Think About It AllBROKEN by Robby Benson with Karla DeVitoBooks by Robby BensonI'm Not Dead...Yet!Who Stole The FunnyThe Hollies: Look Through Any WindowPainkiller - NetflixThe Barbie Movie

A new documentary about actress Vernée Watson is very aptly titled: You Look Familiar, and she does. But only to anyone who’s watched TV in the past five decades! Vernée has been in so many important and iconic series over the years that a journey through her IMDB page requires a packed lunch. And remember to hydrate.Vernee’s resume includes the boomer classics, Welcome Back Kotter, The Jeffersons and Good Times. In the 90’s she earned millennial cred in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (She played Will's mom) and Sister, Sister.Vernée joins us with showbiz stories that star Will Smith, John Travolta, Denzel Washington and beyond! Her Harlem childhood trained her to be prepared and professional and to do the work! Plus, Vernée stood her ground way pre-#MeToo and she has advice for women in any industry. Check out Vernée’s non-profit, Heartfelt Education through the Arts, where she and co-founder Eartha Robinson nurture young talent in a multicultural space. That talent includes Vernée’s son, Josh Johnson who became an Alvin Ailey dancer at the age of 15! Plus, we play IMDB Roulette to hear tasty morsels of showbiz magic from behind the scenes of shows like The West Wing, Big Bang Theory, and The Jeffersons!Also, Weezy is recommending the book, Solito by Javier Zamora and her new reality TV passion, Claim to Fame while Fritz is obsessed with Oppenheimer.Path Points of Interest:You Look Familiar Documentary about Vernée WatsonHeartfelt Education through the ArtsThe H.E.Art on FacebookThe H.E.Art on InstagramVernée  Watson on IMDBVernée Watson on InstagramSolito by Javier ZamoraClaim to Fame on HuluClaim to Fame on ABCOppenheimer - In Theaters

Jerry Mathers may be the most iconic performer in TV child-star history, shouldering the title role in Leave it to Beaver for six groundbreaking seasons. Jerry brought so much heart and relatable innocence to his performance that he has well earned his place in our hearts and in television history.You can partially credit Ward and June for raising such a fine boy but his real-life Mom, Marilyn gets most of the credit and she joins us with Jerry to share the memories of how they managed to blend Jerry’s remarkable show-biz life with his close and grounded family of seven at home.Together, we get into Leave it to Beaver Trivia, a Beaver vocabulary pop quiz, closing credit true facts, backstage secrets and favorite episodes. Also, what color were Beaver’s hat, June’s dresses and Walley’s letter sweater? We have answers!Jerry also tells you how to become a proud owner of your own Beaver hats with his authentic embroidered signature, personalized autographed photos, baseballs, tee shirts and the new Beaver for President hats which will be available soon!Plus, Fritz is recommending Only in Theaters about the Laemmle Theater family. And Weezy found path parallels about the pressures of high performing young people in The Break Point tennis series and Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now, both on Netflix.Path Points of Interest:Beaver Merch WebsiteJerry MathersJerry Mathers on YoutubeJerry Mathers on FacebookJerry Mathers on TwitterJerry Mathers on InstagramJerry Mathers on IMDBLeave it to Beaver on IMDBWhere to Watch Leave it to BeaverRokuPeacockMeTVAmazonRose Hills Industrial Film with Hugh Beaumont and Jerry MathersLeave it To Beaver Group on FacebookOnly In TheatresLewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling NowBreak Point

The nightclub scene was magical in Chicago’s South and West sides in the late 1950s and during that time, white kids from the suburbs were finding The Blues at the end of their radio dials, buying the records, studying the music and traveling down to the clubs to meet and play with their idols!That story is told in the new Bob Sarles film, Born in Chicago. We are joined by musician/bandleader Jimmy Vivino and Blues legend Barry Goldberg who, along with Mike Bloomfield and Paul Butterfield, learned his craft at the feet of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King and Buddy Guy. Barry and Jimmy created the film’s soundtrack and they are steeped in the history of Chicago Blues and loaded with stories and wisdom about class, race, inter-generational guidance and the joy of sharing and celebrating an art form that contains the power to transform us for the better.Barry and Jimmy give us a full account of the evolution of blues and blues rock from the '50s through today. Barry tells us about sitting in with Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf as a teenager and his frenemy relationship with the British invasion acts like The Stones and Eric Clapton who also idolized the Blues greats. He talks about playing in one of our nation’s first racially integrated bands, Electric Flag and his experience on stage with Dylan when he “went electric” at the Newport Folk Festival.Jimmy and Barry describe composing the documentary's soundtrack & more and the blues standards that informed their musical choices.Plus, Fritz and Weezy are recommending Shiny Happy People: Dugger Family Secrets on Prime and Fair Play on Hulu and Prime.Path Points of Interest:Born in ChicagoBorn in Chicago - IMDBQ&A with Directors in Chicago ReaderBorn in Chicago on FacebookJimmy VivinoJimmy Vivino on WikipediaJimmy Vivino on InstagramJimmy Vivino on FacebookBarry GoldbergBarry Goldberg on WikipediaBarry Goldberg on imdbShiny Happy People: Dugger Family SecretsFair Play - Prime/Hulu