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

Early in life, Gian Carlo Durland played Arnold Beckoff, the homosexual drag queen that Torch Song Trilogy focuses on. What followed - including a nervous breakdown and a shocking realization - was a turning point in his life.
Rather than breaking him, his struggles became a catalyst for his multi-faceted successful career as a writer, actor, producer and director.
See Carlo's full list of credits here:
 https://www.giancarlodurland.com/

Why do kids love fart sounds? No matter why, Scott Lewis aka Mr Scott the Music Man has figured out that this sound should be in virtually all of his songs. No, he's not weird. He's just a popular performer in the early childhood music and movement field. And after 22 years of making kids dance, sing and laugh until they can't breathe, he knows what he's doing.

Accomplished poet Alise Versella and I talk about her four published books, her goal of toppling the patriarchy and how Ryan Gosling and the Disney Channel introduced her to poetry. We take side trips into fear, homophobia and even Spanish Fly, and she reveals  why she really doesn't want to be too happy.

Vinnie Brand and I continue our conversation with no holds barred. We talk about how comedy can be like baseball, chess and, yes, even sex. We veer into cancel culture, whether or not rape can be funny and the Louis CK controversy. Hold onto your hats!
WARNING: You'll hear profanity, adult themes and the word "sex."

What is it about comedians we love? Vinnie Brand, who helps me figure this out, is the most improbable eye candy you'll ever meet, and we have a rip roaring time talking about our buddy Barry Jay,  bombing on stage and some of the great comedians he's worked with. . . even women! He's not afraid of handling hecklers, but let's see if he can handle me.

Rosemary Conte has a reputation - one that any jazz musician would envy. Mention her name in musical circles, and you'll realize that her instrument - her voice - has made a significant mark on the jazz world. This INTERMEZZO features three cuts from her album, "But Beautiful," recorded in 1987.

From Aretha to Chicago to the Rolling Stones, NJ trumpet player Steve Jankowski has played with the best of them. But what he has to say about making it in the music industry - as well as his take on Joe Pesci's singing - will make you love this extremely talented musician and music producer.

She may no longer be performing (unfortunately), but what better reason to expose you to the sweet sounds of jazz singer Jeanie Bryson - so we can all commiserate over what we're missing. In this Intermezzo I've featured three original compositions by Jeanie's late mother, Connie Bryson: Simple Song, Tonight I Need You So and Skydive. She is accompanied by an array of some the most gifted musicians in jazz today, including Paquito D'Rivera,Ted Brancato, Don Braden and Christian McBride.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000003D4A/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpi_1
 

This interview is one of a kind - just like my guest, Joe Malone, also known as The Joje. There’s almost nothing sacred in my free-wheeling, trash talking conversation with this actor turned DIY filmmaker turned rocker as I “out" Joe - as well as myself - with a long-kept, embarrassing secret we share.
Visit his YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/user/thejojemalone

One of my most-listened to podcasts was my interview with actor Michael Kroll. During a previous Christmas season, Michael performed, as he has many times in the past, his one man show, "Scrooge." This is Michael's own interpretation of that classic story.