Hugh Hefner was the founder of Playboy Magazine. He was not just the publisher, he was the visionary who changed the landscape of media, sexuality, and lifestyle. His career spanned over six decades. Hef helped to bring about sexual liberation, creating a brand that became a global phenomenon. In the 70s I was invited to the Playboy Mansion in Chicago. Hugh was introducing his girlfriend Barbi Benton’s new album. It was a wild party. Beside Barbi Benton, Elton John was there so I had very...

You may know her as the beloved Blair Warner from the iconic TV series “The Facts of Life,” or as a Mouseketeer on the Micky Mouse Club. But Lisa Whelchel is so much more than just a familiar face from your childhood. She’s a talented actress, singer, author, and motivational speaker who has touched the hearts of many with her authenticity and passion. Lisa tied for second place on the reality series “Survivor: Philippines.” And Whelchel was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Inspirational...

Today’s podcast features Nick Reynolds, one of the founding members of the Kingston Trio. They became known for their tight harmonies and lively stage presence. One of the trio’s biggest hits was “Tom Dooley,” which was number one on the Billboard charts and earned them a Grammy Award. The Trio had many more hits, including “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” “Scotch and Soda,” and “Greenback Dollar.” Their music resonated with audiences of all ages, cementing their status as folk music legends. 

Michael Reagan was the adopted son of Ronald Reagan and his first wife Jane Wyman. He had a small role in television on “Falcon Crest” with his mother. Michael grew up in the shadow of his father but found his own path in politics. He was a radio host and public speaker, drawing from personal experiences growing up in a political family. He has promoted the legacy of his father and promoted charitable causes, including the Reagan Legacy Foundation which benefits children and families in need. 

I think we have all seen the television series “Mission Impossible.” Martin Landau and Barbara Bain had leading roles in that series. Martin was also in Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest,” “Cleopatra” and “The Greatest Story Ever Told.”  He won an Oscar, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award for his role as Bela Lugosi in “Ed Wood.” He was the head of the Actors Studio, beating out Steve McQueen and 500 others who applied. Martin acted alongside his wife, Barbara Bain, in “Mission...

Actor Sir Michael Caine was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2000 for his contributions to the arts and received numerous accolades throughout his career including two Oscars and many Golden Globe awards. His distinctive cockney accent got him many film roles including “The Italian Job,” “Educating Rita,” “Hannah and Her Sisters,” “Alfie,” and “Dunkirk.” Maybe you remember his performance as Ebenezer Scrooge in “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” Michael’s talent, charisma, and enduring appeal have...

Pat Boone is a direct descendant of Daniel Boone. He was married to country singer Red Foley’s daughter, Shirley. He hosted 115 episodes of The Pat Boone – Chevy Showroom and appeared in 15 movies. One of his four daughters is Debby Boone. She had a number one record in 1977, “You Light Up My Life.” Pat held the record for spending 220 consecutive weeks on the Billboard charts. In the 1950s Billboard magazine said that he was the only entertainer that could compete in popularity with Elvis...

Julia Child was a larger-than-life culinary icon, known for bringing French cuisine to American home kitchens. She had an infectious personality and unbridled enthusiasm. Her popular TV show “The French Chef” made her a household name. With her distinctive voice and charming demeanor, Julia made cooking fun for everyone. She will always be remembered as a pioneer in the world of food television.

Richard Simmons was an American fitness and health guru loved for his energetic personality and motivational approach to wellness. He rose to fame in the 70s and 80s with his unique exercise programs and flamboyant style. Simmons created the iconic “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” workout videos. He was also known for supporting various charitable causes. Richard had a passion for others and left a lasting impression on generations of fans worldwide. So, get up, get moving, grab your sweatbands, and...

Most young people have never heard of Pat O’Brien. He was a popular actor who appeared in more than 100 films, playing mostly Irish American characters. He played priests, cops, and members of the military. He had starring roles in “Knute Rockne, All American,” with Ronald Reagan playing the part of George Gipp. In the film, Rockne used a slogan that was used in Reagan’s campaign for president in 1980, “Win One for the Gipper.” Pat appeared in “Some Like it Hot” with Marilyn Monroe. And his...

Remember the 1985 TV commercial for Miller Lite, in which Yakov Smirnoff says “In America, there is plenty of lite beer and you can always in a party. In Russia, party always finds you.” Yakov was born in Odesa, Ukraine. He defected to the U.S.A. in 1977. Yakov had a lot of success in the United States which led to his line: “What a country.” Beside stand-up comedy he had roles in “Moscow on the Hudson” in which he helped Robin Williams with his Russian dialogue. He was also in films “Money...

It was exactly 60 years ago today that the Beatles came to play at the Milwaukee arena in front of 11,838 ecstatic fans! September 4, 1964, the Beatles were at the height of their fame at this point and their arrival in Milwaukee was met with a frenzy of excitement.  Once they arrived at the Coach House Inn on 19th and Wisconsin Avenue, the Beatles were quickly ushered inside where they held a press conference in the afternoon. John Lennon was unable to attend due to laryngitis. At the...

Ray Scott was best known for his play-by-play broadcasts of the Green Bay Packers, along with Tony Canadeo. He was one of my all-time favorite sports announcers. With the CBS broadcast team he worked with Pat Summerall. He called the 1965 World Series on NBC television with Vin Scully. He also called the Milwaukee Brewers telecasts in 1976-77. In this podcast he’ll talk about the Packers and give his thoughts on a book “Out of Their League” by former St. Louis Cardinals linebacker, Dave...

The Phil Donahue Show was the first talk show format that included audience participation. He was one of the most influential talk show hosts in television history. His show tackled controversial and taboo topics, giving voice to marginalized voices and sparking important conversations. From politics to social issues, no topic was off-limits, from women’s rights to LGBTQ rights. Phil Donahue was a trailblazer, giving voice to the voiceless.

Until 1976, Dennis James appeared on television more times than any other TV star. He was the first person to raise more than $750 million for United Cerebral Palsy. He hosted the Cerebral Palsy Telethon for 47 years with Paul Anka, Florence Henderson, and others. Dennis started out in radio at WAAT in Jersey City and then WNEW in New York City.  On television he worked on “The Price is Right,” “Let’s Make a Deal,” and “Truth or Consequences.” Dennis guest starred on “77 Sunset Strip” and...

A number of witches were on my show throughout the years, but none as famous as the Wicked Witch of the West, played by Margaret Hamilton in the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” While filming, she was burned on her face and hand during a fiery exit from Munchinland and out six weeks before returning to the set. Margaret told the producer there would be no more fire scenes for her. She did not sue, thinking she’d never be hired to do another film. Hamilton did some radio work and had a part on three...

When you think of Paul Winchell, you think of a ventriloquist, comedian, and actor. But, did you know that Paul invented the mechanical artificial heart? He hosted the Paul Winchell show on TV and appeared on “The Brady Bunch,” “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “The Beverly Hillbillies.” He was the voice of many characters on TV cartoons, including Tigger for which he won a Grammy for his performance in “Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too.” His famous dummies Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead Smiff are in...

This infamous personality was born Elva Miller. You might remember Mrs. Miller, the one hit wonder. She was born tone deaf. She had two records on the Billboard charts, “A Lovers Concerto” and  “Downtown.” As a joke, Capitol Records released her first album as “Mrs. Miller’s Greatest Hits.” She was not happy with the way she was treated, as you will hear in this podcast. Her voice was compared to the sound of “roaches scurrying across a trash can lid.” If you didn’t like her, you can place...

This man set a Guinness world record as the most watched man on television. Maybe you remember David Hasselhoff from the soap opera “The Young and the Restless.” He played Dr. Snapper Foster. He was Michael Knight on “Knight Rider.” The girls loved him as lifeguard Mitch Buchannon in “Baywatch.” He has also starred in the musicals “Chicago” and “The Producers.” And he was a judge on “America’s Got Talent.” And David was a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars.” He and Kym Johnson were the...

Today’s podcast features more nostalgia from the sixties. At that time there was a very popular TV sitcom “Leave it to Beaver.” On the show Ken Osmond played Eddie Haskell, Wally Beaver’s best friend and, at times, his worst friend. He appeared in many of the 235 episodes. Ken also appeared on the television in “Lassie,” “Ozzie and Harriet,” “Petticoat Junction” and “Happy Days.” He later joined the LAPD, working as a motorcycle officer. In 1980 he was hit by three bullets while in pursuit of...

For this Fourth of July, what’s more American than hot dogs? And what’s more hot dog than Oscar Mayer wieners? And I swear, after you finish this podcast, you’ll be singing the catchy Oscar Mayer wiener song all day long. The spokesperson for this famous meat company commercial was George Molchan. The Oscar Mayer plant headquarters was in Madison, Wisconsin. George would travel around the country in the Wienermobile and give away little plastic wiener whistles, shaped like a hot dog, with the...

In the late 50s and early 60s a lot of you watched the very popular “Gidget” movies. Television, film actor, and TV director James Darren was the star of these films, along with co-star Sandra Dee. He played the part of Moondoggie. James was also in “The Guns of Navarone” and “Because They’re Young.” And on TV, he was in “The Time Tunnel” and the police drama “T.J. Hooker.” On WOKY, in the 60s, we were playing his hits “Goodbye Cruel World” and “Her Royal Majesty.”

If you were a game show fan in your youth, you’ll remember Garry Moore. It was on this day in 1952 that the TV panel game “I’ve Got a Secret” premiered.  Garry hosted that show and “To Tell the Truth.” He also had his own program, “The Garry Moore Show.” At that time, he introduced comedienne Carol Burnett. After the show ended, Burnett became a star on her own with “The Carol Burnett Show.” Moore started his career as a radio announcer on WBAL in Baltimore. His popularity on the game shows...

Tom T. Hall wrote twelve no. 1 hit songs including a no. 1 pop crossover hit “Harper Valley PTA.” It won a Grammy, a CMA award, and inspired a movie and TV program of the same name. Even though the song sold in the millions, he only made about $90,000. He had other hits you might remember including “I Love” and “The Year that Clayton Delaney Died.” Tom was born in Kentucky and organized a band called the Kentucky Travelers. He enlisted in the Army and while performing in Germany he wrote...