Not So Famous in NJ - Coffee Talk and Candid Conversations With Lucille

EPISODE 48: Best of. . .Layonne Holmes.. . Lady Sings Whatever She Wants

Is Layonne Holmes a diva? She certainly has the chops. But she doesn't have the attitude. Layonne is one of the most talented yet humble singers I know. But, boy, can she sing! This interview took place at the height of Covid - on my deck - so please excuse the less-than-perfect sound quality. But yes. . . she does sing with me!

EPISODE 47: The Angel of Death Row

Who doesn't love a good true crime story? This week I interview a long time friend whose entire adult life has revolved around true crime dramas. Andrea Lyon, Rutgers alumna and former Deputy Public Defender in Chicago, talks to me about defending guilty people, proving the innocence of death row inmates and helping convince former Illinois Gov. Ryan to abolish the death penalty while exonerating her death row client.
Her stories are fascinating and can be found in her many books, available at https://shorturl.at/beC14

EPISODE 46: Best of 2020 - Are We Eating on This Gig?

Anyone who has ever seen or heard Jose Loo perform knows what an immense talent he is. Since his stroke in June 2023, he hasn't been able to perform, though he is still the same charismatic, good humored man you can hear in this rebroadcast episode, that features a taste of his outsized talent.

EPISODE 45: Best of 2020. . . Lady Sings Whatever She Wants

If you haven't heard - or heard of - Layonne Holmes, I pity you. She is not just an incredible performer, she's also the definition of a diva, without the attitude. Oh, and we do a duet in this first episode of my "Best of Series," recorded outside during the height of Covid.
Yes. I made sacrifices!
Click below to listen.

EPISODE 44: Can Nazis Be Funny?

I invited comedian Jess Alaimo to talk about - duh - comedy, but we strayed  off track, discussing her stint as a political activist, life in Asbury Park and how to get away with murder. It's easier than you think.

EPISDOE 43: Is it Really Cream Just Because it’s On Top?

In this first episode since I decided to run for office, I talk to jazz guitarist Jim Josselyn about how songwriters get screwed, some artists use social issues as marketing opportunities and whether or not those who "make it" really are the cream.

EPISODE 42: Getting a Ticket to the Cookout

Does a DJ do more than just play one song after another? What do they really hate? What can you do if you really, really don't want certain songs played? Tony Paccione - AKA DJ Tony Vito - tells all. Of course, we go off course, into dance, the Tina Turner doll, technology and, yes, race.

EPISODE 41: The Marathon Mama

She's shared the stage with the Beach Boys, the Temptations, even Chuck Berry. She's been on the Broadway stage and done Frank Sinatra tributes. Deb Lyons' career as a singer, actor and singing coach has kept her running.But you may be surprised to learn that for years she was the new Mama Cass. Yeah. THAT Mama Cass.

EPISODE 40: Her Laugh is Fear Inducing

Deseree Spinks is anything but intimidating. . . until she sings. So, in addition to talking about her singing, songwriting and multiple other talents,  in this conversation we delve into everything from Lindsey Graham's take on gay marriage to her growing up with a feeling of "otherness." And, of course, helping me further my own musical career by singing a duet.

EPISODE 39: Scaring People for a Living

Doug Bollinger may be an educator, but scaring people is a bigger part of his life. A filmmaker, actor, director and writer, Doug has terrified millions with his horror films, The Samaritans, Rock Paper Scissors and The Evangelist. In this conversation, he talks about deciding if you want to be a full time actor or combine it with another job, and how artists can have control over their careers - even if it means treating their art as a business.