The ALL NEW Big Wakeup Call with Ryan Gatenby (Ryan Gatenby)

On this week's episode, Bill McCormick and I took a deep dive into the SpiderVerse, including topics like:

• Why Ryan hasn't seen Spider-Man
• Bill's Inside Spider-Man Sony Sources
• Madame Web vs Dr. Strange
• Spider-Man, The Interrupter
• A Spider-Man & Kingpin Buddy Comedy
• She Hulk's series and potential purple pants
• News about Namor

This weeks' episode is brought to you by Fire.  Hulk says Fire bad.

This week Bill McCormick and I discussed the latest goings-on with Star Wars, including Hatin' on Boba Fett, Disney's no blood no harm no naughty words policy, Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano, and why it's not in one's best interest to irk a Wookie.

This week's episode is brought to you by the maddening itch of wasted opportunity.

On this episode, Bill McCormick and I covered a variety of topics, including:

• Bee Bricks & Bee belly rubs
• DC & Marvel cooperating on Flash & Aquaman's chit-chat
• Land of the Lost
• Evil Dr. Strange
• Peacemaker vs. Justice League

And in response to a nasty, surly, angry email, we offered our standard apology.

This episode is brought to you by that thing we definitely didn't say.

On this episode, we chat with some music greats!

John Oates joins our 6-Timers Club as he joins us to talk about his new tour, "An Evening of Songs and Stories with John Oates Featuring Guthrie Trapp."  Next time we need to get John in the studio and go on an eating tour of Chicago pizza places.  John is hoping to get a Chicago date on this tour for May, so that could possibly happen!

DJ Jazzy Jeff called in for a chat about his career and his new podcast, "Bel-Air, The Official Podcast."

Aubrey Powell and his design firm Hipgnosis created some of the most iconic album covers of all time, including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel, and tons more.  Aubrey might do a cover for my band so that would be a dream come true!

This week Bill McCormick shares the origin story of Namor, the Sub-Mariner, and the litany of lawsuits it might take to get a feature film made.  Plus: Ice holes, Strangling Hitler, Burning body hair, and Nick Cannon of the deep.

This episode is brought to you by Aquaman's concentric circles.

In this episode I chat with some of my favorite authors, all returning guests, including two NEW members of The Big Wakeup Call's Five-Timers Club!

Brad Meltzer joined the club when he called in to talk about his new novel "The Lightning Rod."

Stephanie Wrobel returned to the show for a chat about her latest novel "This Might Hurt."

And Mark Greaney became a member of the club when we discussed his new novel "Sierra Six," the latest in the "Gray Man" series.

This episode is brought to you by vintage word processors.  I don't know why.

In this episode Bill McCormick and I once again discuss things and stuff.  Topics include:

• The return of baseball
• Way too many superhero movie lawsuits
• Russian EDM knife fights
• Boycotting Russian Roulette
• Day Drinking with Bozo

This episode is brought to you by Marshall Brodien's "TV Magic Cards."

In this week's episode we chat about tidbits of whatnot, including:

• Bill McCormick Denies Mansplaining
• Jered Leto's Method Morbius
• The Muslim Miss Marvel
• Moon Knight Man Boobs
• Smilin' Brie Larson
• Central Time Confusion

This episode is brought to you by Dollar Health Club.

This week, Bill McCormick and I discuss boring Morbius, Moon Knight's gift Shop, a Professor X/Magneto buddy comedy, more Miss Marvel, and the Goldfish Effect.  Plus: A box full of kittens!

Legendary Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom returned to the show after 6 years for a lengthy chat about his new podcast, "Rockabilly Confidential."  Plus: his relationship with George Harrison, recording with Dave Edmunds, going to baseball games with Johnny Ramone, and lessons in stand-up drumming!

This week Bill McCormick and I take a break from pop culture & comics 'n' science and stuff for a public service segment about protecting yourself from online frauds and scams.

Children's music Superstar Raffi has been entertaining kids for decades, including all three of my children.  It was an honor to chat with him and thank him for the wonderful music my kids enjoyed so much we wore out two copies of his "Rise and Shine" album.  Raffi joined the show along with acclaimed kids music singer-songwriter Lindsay Munroe to talk about their latest collaboration with their new album, Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times.

In this week's episode we welcome some new listeners to the show from all around the world!  We're so happy you found us.

Topic on this week's show include:

• Ryan misunderstands Passover
• Bill discusses his saving bonds collection
• Batgirl's ice cream suit
• a pump & dump warning
• catching up with Ryan's college buddy, Elon Musk.

In this episode, I'm once again joined by three very fun guests!

Natasha Leggero called in to talk about her new show, Rat In the Kitchen.  Of course we discussed the essential nuances of the UB40 tune.  Plus: I let Natasha know my feelings were not hurt by a bit she did with Anthony Jeselnik trashing morning radio hosts (I actually really enjoyed the bit because 99 percent was true! I am clearly the exception).

Amanda Rettke dialed us up for a chat about her new book HOMESTEAD RECIPES: Midwestern Inspirations, Family Favorites, and Pearls of Wisdom from a Sassy Home Cook.  We discovered we had so much in common, including the great tradition of "supper," the semantics of "hot dish" vs. "casserole" and our unexpected common Minnesota roots. Amanda might also be the first guest to do some research on me! (results were positive)

Randy Rainbow joined the show to discuss his very funny new memoir Playing With Myself, which I very much enjoyed saying on the radio over and over with no chance of getting in trouble or having it misinterpreted or completely taken out of context.  Randy and I also discovered our mutual love of '50s and '60s "Original Cast" albums of Broadway musicals.

This episode is brought to you by my new memoir The Wonderful World of Disappointment,  coming soon to a bookstore probably nowhere near you.

In another fun and exciting segment, Bill McCormick and I chatted about several scattered subjects, including:

• How we get new listeners
• Playing with a bleeping machine
• Moon Knight's minor characters
• Rock Star laundry lists
• Was Bill Plastercasted?
• Bill straying from the script
• #1 New York Times Robot Best-Sellers

This episode is brought to you by a gentle reminder not to use those effing naughty words on the bleeping radio.

In this week's episode, Bill shares his story of becoming victim to an Instagram scam (see, this is why I'm never on there).  Plus: Bill isn't selling bitcoin, Elon  Musk's poison porcupine, Chinese censorship & C&Ds.

On this week's episode, we're once again chatting with authors!

Don Winslow is a #1 International Best-Selling author.  We discussed his new novel, "City on Fire."

A.F. Steadman's debut Young Adult novel, "Skandar and the Unicorn Thief," has already been picked up for a movie deal!

Alyssa Davies is the founder of the two-time award-winning  personal finance blog, "Mixed Up Money."  We talked about her new book, "Financial First Aid."

All of today's titles are now available where books are sold.

On this week's show, John Waters returns to the show for the first time since 2019 to discuss his new book and first novel "Liarmouth."

James Rollins joins our 4-Timers Club (and is just one appearance away from a t-shirt, cap, or mug) for a chat about his new book "Kingdom of Bones," the latest in the Sigma Force series.

And John Michael Higgins also makes his 4th visit to the show as we talk about the new season of "America Says" on Game Show Network.

On this week's episode, listen in with a mix of awe and terror as Bill & Ryan expose the unseemly underbelly of the Cook County jury system. There's also some stuff about underage drinking and real celebrities.

Mary Lynn Rajskub joined the show for what turned out to be of my favorite interviews ever! Mary Lynn called in to promote her new book “Fame-Ish: My Life at the Edge of Stardom” (and did a great job at doing so).  We discussed the heartbreak of a lack of plus-one, being semi-recognized in public, and drinking at the Golden Globes.  Plus: I name-drop Scott Aukerman and Mary Lynn and I get engaged. I think. We’ll ask my wife.  Actually, she’ll ask my wife.  We’ll work something out.

On this week's episode, Bill shares his experience with scammers hacking his Instagram account and using it to sell bitcoins and other ways for you to waste your money.  Also: Marvel's mental illness, Dr. Strange on acid, and Bill's trust issues.

In yet another visit from the World News Center, Bill McCormick and I discussed things and stuff and whatnot, including:

• Bill's dangerous coffee consumption
• Old man complaining
• Disney vs. Daycare
• Obi Wan blows up the canon
• Batman! The Musical
• News on Namor
• The Buddy Rich Tapes.

Enjoy the laughter and hijinks.

This week, Bill and I had a frank and explicit discussion about important issues of the day, including:

• Egyptian Moon Knight
• Secrets of She-Hulk
• Unsupportive Superhero parents
• Miss Marvel's lack of stretchiness
• Bill runs a Miss Marvel focus group
• Bill and Ryan have no pull at Disney

Miss a little, miss a lot!

Today's show included discussions on a wide variety of whatnot, including:

• Bill & Ryan's BTS Love
• Mansplaining Miss Marvel (again)
• A Breaking Blue Beetle Bulletin
• Deadpool's Disney Direction
• Re-casting The Flash?
• A Shazam-Black Adam Slapstick Buddy Comedy

Thank you for listening and PLEASE subscribe & leave us a positive comment. Thank you!

In this week's big, huge, enormous, fun-filled, action-packed segment, Bill and Ryan share fond foggy memories of their mischievous past of high school hijinks that would certainly have them doing some jail time were they done today for TikTok (statute of limitations has long passed now, so don't even think about it).

Topics also include:

• Lightyear's Lesbian Kiss
• Bad TikTok Challenges
• Voyager is having a stroke
• Bill is not a method author
• Ryan unwittingly becomes British royalty

This episode is brought to you by uncomfortable silence.

Our 12th anniversary celebration continues with a visit from perhaps the favoritest of our favorite guests! Scott Aukerman makes his 18th appearance on our show for a chat about the upcoming Comedy Bang Bang World Tour 2022!

Our 12th anniversary celebration continues with a visit from one of our favorite guests: Humorist, Playwright, Author, Comedian and someone who could kick your ass at karate, Dylan Brody!

Dylan's new album "Road Tested" is now available!

The 12th anniversary celebration doesn't stop!  Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan from gofugyourself.com became members of our 12-Timers Club when they called in for a chat about fashion and their origin story!

One of our favorite guests, Ben Gleib (perhaps a member of our 999,999 club) returned to the show to chat about his new comedy special, "The Mad King," now streaming on YouTube.

In this informative episode, small business expert Mark Tina joined me for a lively discussion about economic challenges and how small and mid-sized business can set themselves up for success.  Then, super mom and TV lifestyle host Kathy Buccio shared tips and hacks to take the stress out of managing a busy home. 

On this special 65 minute episode, we open the heavily guarded Big Wakeup Call Vault and bring out some of my interviews with Heavy Metal Legends!

From 10/13/14:  Anthrax's Scott Ian joined the show for a chat about his book "I'm the Man."

From 5/11/15: I visited with Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver) to discuss his book "How to Be a Man (and Other Illusions)."

From 10/19/15: Def Leppard's Phil Collen dialed us up to talk about his book "Adrenalized: Life, Def Leppard and Beyond."

From 6/27/17: Mark Slaughter was a guest on the show to promote his album "Halfway There."

From 9/9/20: Dave Mustaine from Megadeth called in to talk about his book "Rust in Peace: The Inside Story of the Megadeth Masterpiece."

From 12/17/20: I chatted with Twisted Sister's Jay Jay French about his podcast, "The French Connection: The Music Business and Beyond."

From 11/17/17: Skid Row's Sebastian Bach discussed his book "18 and Life on Skid Row"

From 12/13/17: Scott Ian returned to the show to talk about his book "Access All Areas: Stories from a Hard Rock Life."

We kickoff Season 12 of The All New Big Wakeup Call Podcast with another look into the archives, from May 5, 2021.

Minnie Driver is an Oscar and Golden Globe nominated actress best known for her roles in Good Will Hunting, Phantom of the Opera, Grosse Point Blank and The Riches, among others. As a teenager, she began singing and playing guitar in London jazz clubs, while earning her degree in drama from the Webber-Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. In addition to her acting career, she is also a singer-songwriter and has released three critically acclaimed solo albums.  

Minnie called in for a chat about her career and her new podcast, "Minnie Questions with Minnie Driver."

Michael Rapaport returned to the show for the first time in 5 years (we have settled our differences) for a fun chat about the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, and his podcast "I am Rapaport Stereo Podcast."

Michael Rapaport is an American actor and comedian. He has appeared in over sixty films since the early 1990s, and starred on the sitcom The War at Home. He also appeared in Boston Public, Friends, Prison Break, Justified, and Atypical. Some of his notable film roles include True Romance (1993), Higher Learning (1995), Metro (1997), Cop Land (1997), Deep Blue Sea (1999), The 6th Day (2000), Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001), Big Fan (2009), and The Heat (2013). He also directed the award winning documentary Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest (2011).

From 2012: Aubrey Plaza called in to promote the latest episode of "Parks and Recreation" and in doing so became the first guest on my show to use naughty words. I wasn't mad; I was impressed she was able to fit a "s****y" and two "h**dj**s"  in less than seven minutes. I think that's a record.  This episode also features an appearance by my original co-host, JoAnn Genette.

Required disclaimer:
THIS EPISODE CONTAINS EXPLICIT MATERIAL.

From November 17, 2014: Jillian Bell called into the show to ostensibly talk about 22 Jump Street, which had just been released on DVD and Blu-Ray.  It wound up going a little off the rails and is still one of my favorite interviews.

Lisa Loeb is a friend of the show as a member of our 3-Timers Club. This is her first appearance from April 10, 2013, when Lisa called in to promote her newest kids album at time. We wound up also discussing our mutual love for the '70s PBS kids show "Zoom."  It's crazy to think this was 2 years before my daughter was born, and my sons were just 14 and 10, with my youngest only a few years removed from being the #1 Wiggles fan in the U.S.  He also became a Lisa fan after this interview.

From April 30, 2021: Justin Baldoni visited the show for a chat about his book "Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity."  We also showed off our awesome radio voices.

Justin Baldoni is an actor, director, producer, entrepreneur, and changemaker whose efforts are focused on creating impactful media and entertainment. He is the creator and director of CW’s “My Last Days,” an uplifting documentary series about life as told by courageous people living with a terminal illness, and the creator of “Man Enough,” the dinner conversation series which dives into traditional masculinity. 

Most recently, Baldoni established Wayfarer Studios to further create purpose-driven content. He directed and produced Wayfarer Studios’ first film project, “CLOUDS.” which is Disney’s first-ever narrative acquisition on its global platform. 

Next, Baldoni is set to direct “Hold Back the Stars” for Lionsgate. Justin also serves as founder and chairman of The Wayfarer Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the way communities see and respond to the needs of people experiencing homelessness.

From September 2, 2021: Michael Ian Black is a friend (and hopefully) fan of the show as a member of our 6-Timers Club. We had a fun chat about his new book for kids called "I'm Sorry." Michael also gave some questionable medical advice and shared his thoughts on the NFL season from his perspective as an NFL veteran with nine years in the league and two rings.

From August 18, 2021: Andy Summers is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and legendary guitarist for The Police.  Andy dialed us up for a discussion of his book "Fretted and Moaning: Short Stories."  We also talked about biting the headstock off a bass guitar and the mysterious wonders of the D7 chord.

From June 4, 2019: I was very excited to chat with one of my all-time favorite actors, Vincent D'Onofrio, about his new movie (which he directed) "The Kid."  After a brief bit of fan gushing regarding "Criminal Intent," we discussed the film, and then Vincent gave me an impromptu acting challenge, which I more or less failed miserably.

From April 12, 2021:

Dave Parker won two batting titles, an MVP award, three silver sluggers, and played in 7 all-star games.  Of his 339 career homers, I bet at least 100 of those were hit against the Cubs. Dave called in to talk about his memoir, “Cobra: A Life of Baseball and Brotherhood.”  

From November 7, 2018: Former David Letterman writer Bill Scheft called in to talk about his experiences working with Dave and a new book, "The Last Days of Letterman: The Final 6 Weeks," for which he wrote the foreword. Making Bill genuinely laugh right off the bat certainly gave me some confidence I might be slightly humorous.

On this episode, we feature three New York Times bestselling authors!

David Rubenstein joined our 4-Timers club when he called in to discuss his new book "How to Invest: Masters on the Craft."

Kwame Alexander discusses his latest Young Adult fiction book "The Door of No Return."

J.C. Cervantes chats about her new Young Adult novel "The Lords of the Night."

This episode is brought to you by Costco's $1.50 hot dog and soda combo. Who says poor decisions can't be a good value?

In a special public service episode, Dr. Carlos Nunez returned to the show to discuss a "Sleeptember"  for National Sleep Awareness Month and the dangers of sleep apnea.

HGTV's Matt Blashaw joined our 4-Timers club when he dialed in to talk about ways to keep our families safe and warm this winter.

During the 12-year history of The Big Wakeup Call, I've been fortunate enough to chat with nearly the entire cast of Bob's Burgers! These are all from the earlier years of the show (2012-2014) and you can hear I was a little hyper back then!

Sometimes they were on to promote the show, sometimes with other projects, but here are my chats with Bob, Louise, Tina, and Gene!

From December 5, 2014: H. Jon Benjamin

From May 1, 2013: Kristen Schaal

From October 7, 2014: Dan Mintz

From December 14, 2012: Eugene Mirman

National First Responder’s Day is recognized each October 28th to honor brave paramedics, firefighters, emergency technicians, and others who put their lives on the line to keep people safe. During disasters, like the the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, first responders must work fast in the search and recovery phase, even when extreme weather takes out much of an area’s traditional infrastructure.

Maggie Hallbach, President of Verizon Frontline, will discussed how new 5G technology is improving communication during disasters.  She also shared details from an exclusive survey of first responders about the role technology plays in everyday public safety and response to major emergencies. 

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. In fact, the far-reaching impact of climate change affects the future of everything – even what we plant in our gardens and yards. A new tool created by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the Davey Tree Institute reveals how future hardiness zones are shifting dramatically. This means that in some parts of the country, trees planted today, won’t be the same species that will thrive decades from now.

 Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, discussed a new tool that was created in partnership with the Davey Tree Institute to show how "hardiness zones’" are changing now and in the future. As the climate continues to warm, learn how the types of trees and plants that thrive in a particular area will change. This interview also revealed how climate is warming fast enough to change hardiness zones within the lifespan of trees that are being planted today.

On this episode we once again open The Big Wakeup Call Vault (TM) and listen to some of my Halloween-related interviews!

First, from  9/27/21: Cassandra Peterson AKA Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, made her second visit to the show when she called in to discuss her memoir "Yours Cruelly, Elvira."

From 10/30/2014: Tyler Mane, who donned the mask of Michael Myers in "Halloween" and "H2," talked about his movie "Compound Fracture."

From 1/29/2018: Kane Hodder, who played Jason in the "Friday the 13th" series, chatted about his movie "Victor Crowley."

From 10/20/2021: Deborah Vorhees, actress from the "Friday the 13th" series, talked about her new movie and directorial debut, "13 Fanboy."

From 10/27/2017: "Count" Dominick Dicce discussed his book "You're a Vampire - That Sucks!"

And from 10/20/2015: We revisit Elvira's first appearance on the show, talking about her stint as a guest judge on Food Network's "Halloween Wars."

Happy Halloween!

On this episode:
Michael Mehta Webster is an expert in ecology, conservation, philanthropy, and non-profit management. His research interests focus on how organisms and ecosystems adapt to environmental change, how this information can be translated into effective conservation strategies, and the practical and ethical dilemmas that arise along the way.  We discussed his new book "The Rescue Effect: The Key to Saving Life on Earth."

Andrew Fazekas, also known as the "Night Sky Guy" is a science writer, speaker and broadcaster who shares his passion for the wonders of the universe through all media. He writes the popular online stargazing columns for National Geographic and is the author of the bestselling book Backyard Guide to the Night Sky. Fazekas is a syndicated correspondent for television and radio broadcast networks, the communications manager for Astronomers Without Borders and an active sky-watching member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada since 1983. Co-creator of the world’s first open-air, augmented-reality planetarium experience in Canada, Fazekas brings  stars down to Earth in his weekly skywatching livestream shows. He has never met a clear night sky he didn’t like.  Andrew and I had a chat about his new book "National Geographic Stargazer's Atlas: The Ultimate Guide to the Night Sky."

Allyson Johnson is a senior editor for National Geographic books, where she publishes travel, photography, cookbooks, and illustrated reference titles, including the New York Times bestselling Blue Zones Kitchen by Dan Buettner; the top-selling 5,000 Ideas series by Joe Yogerst; NATJA award-winning 100 Dives of a Lifetime by Carrie Miller; best-selling What to Eat When by Drs. Michael Roizen and Michael Crupain; and the upcoming National Geographic The 21st Century. Previously she worked as a lifestyle editor at Every Day Rachael Ray magazine where she covered food, travel, and DIY. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband and two children.  Allyson talked about her latest book from National Geographic, "National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States, 3rd Edition:  400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores."

In this episode:

Shannon Messenger graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, where she learned—among other things—that she liked watching movies much better than making them. She’s studied art, screenwriting, and film production, but she realized her real passion was writing stories for children. She’s the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the award-winning middle grade series, Keeper of the Lost Cities, as well as the Sky Fall series for young adults. Her books have been featured on multiple state reading lists, published in numerous countries, and translated into many different languages. She lives in Southern California with her family—and an embarrassing number of cats.  We talked about her new book "Keeper of the Lost Cities: Stellarlune."

Rebecca Sheir is the author of the Circle Round books, and the host, writer, and producer of the Circle Round storytelling podcast. Sheir has also brought thousands of stories to life as a news reporter on public-radio shows like Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Here & Now, The Splendid Table, and Marketplace. She lives in western Massachusetts with her husband and son. The Latest From Storey Publishing The award-winning Circle Round storytelling podcast for modern kids shares some of their most popular folktales in the new Circle Round picture book series. Each interactive book is colorfully illustrated by an artist from where the folktale originates and is accompanied by storytelling prompts and activities. Her new book is "Circle Round: The Great Ball Game."

During more than three decades as an editor, writer, photographer, and speaker, Joe Yogerst has lived and worked in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. His writing has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, CNN Travel, Islands magazine, International New York Times (Paris), Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and National Geographic Traveler. He has contributed to more than 40 National Geographic books, including the best-selling 50 States, 5,000 Ideas; the 2021 Lowell Thomas Award-winning 100 Drives, 5,000 Ideas; and 100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas. His first U.S. novel, a murder-mystery titled Nemesis, was published in 2018. His first children’s book, National Parks: Where the Wild Things Are! was recently published by Basher/Kingfisher in London.  We discussed his newest book "100 Cities, 5000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to do."

In this episode we discuss National Family Caregiver's Month and how the Parkinson's Foundation recognizes this important month and shares valuable information  for those with Parkinson's and also their caregivers.

I'm joined by John Lehr, President and CEO for the Parkinson’s Foundation, along with Veera Rastogi, Parkinson’s care partner and serves on the Parkinson’s Foundation People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council.

Please visit www.parkinson.org for more information.

Samantha Cole is a senior editor for Motherboard, Vice Media's science and technology outlet, where she covers sexuality, online culture, platforms, and the adult industry. Born on Maryland’s eastern shore, Sam’s decade in journalism spans from hyper-local newspapers to national and international outlets including Popular Science, Fast Company, and Al Jazeera. In 2020, she was nominated for a Writers Guild Award for best digital news coverage. In her spare time, Sam can be found biking around Brooklyn, stress-baking, and spelunking into internet subcultures.  Samantha talked about her new book How Sex Changed the Internet and the Internet Changed Sex: An Unexpected History. Learn more about Sam on her website: https://samleecole.com.

Dossé-Via Trenou is a West African astrologer who has been studying the field since she was 10 years old. In a quest to know herself better, she explored her own birth chart, as well as those of her friends and family, and astrology became her passion. In July 2011, when Dossé-Via was a sophomore at the University of Southern California, she created her Twitter page @ScorpioMystique, where she shared knowledge about her zodiac sign. She has since attracted hundreds of thousands of loyal readers on her social media accounts. Dossé-Via now shares astrological knowledge with all 12 zodiac signs via her platform and app, KnowTheZodiac.  We discussed her book Signs and Skymates: The Ultimate Guide to Astrological Compatability.

It's special episode to help you with your holiday cooking, baking, and shopping!

First, we discuss holiday recipes with Food writer and cookbook author Melissa Clark. Melissa is staff reporter for The New York Times Food section, where she writes the popular column “A Good Appetite” and has appeared in over 100 cooking videos. She is the author of The New York Times bestsellers Dinner in French and Dinner in One, as well as Dinner, Dinner in an Instant, Comfort in an Instant, and Kid in the Kitchen. The winner of multiple James Beard and IACP awards, Melissa earned an MFA in writing from Columbia, and her work has been selected for The Best American Food Writing. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and daughter. 

Then I visit with Andrew Testa, who shares some great goodies and gadgets are popular this season.  Andrew is a technology expert for Verizon.

We're making this a holiday tradition every year as we enjoy Dylan Brody's humorous, poignant, and inspiring reading of his original piece "A Child's Christmas In Brief."  

Comedy Bang Bang!'s Scott Aukerman holds the title of the favoritest of our all-time favorite guests!  In his record-breaking 19th appearance on the show, Scott and I discussed the highlights of the 2022 Comedy Bang Bang Oh No! world tour, memories of the Backyard Era, and his plans for 2023.  Plus: CBB-TV DVDs, searching for MC Hammer, and updates on "Comedy Bang! Bang! The Podcast: The Book!"

If you would prefer reading the interview instead of listening, please check out the transcript!

Meena Harris is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Ambitious Girl, a lawyer, an entrepreneur, and the founder of Phenomenal, a values-driven, 360-degree media company that centers women and historically excluded communities. She currently resides in the Bay Area with her husband and two daughters.  Meena called in to talk about her charming new book (given 1 million stars by my daughter), The Truth About Mrs. Claus.

We open The Big Wakeup Call Vault(tm) and turn back the clock to 2019  to feature interviews from three legendary British singer/songwriters from the 80s new wave!

From August 8, 2019: Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze joined the show on August 8, 2019 to talk about "The Squeeze Songbook 2019" tour.

From October 21, 2019: Mick Hucknall called in for a chat about Simply Red's then-new album "Blue Eyed Soul."

From June 11, 2019: Howard Jones visited to promote his then-new album "Transform."

In this episode, we chat with two best-selling children's book authors!

Lily LaMotte, brilliant author of the graphic novel Measuring Up, an ALA Top Ten, has written her debut picture book about a special Lunar New Year feast, perfect for fans of Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin and I Am Golden by Eva Chen.  CHLOE’S LUNAR NEW YEAR is a tender, warm, and uplifting holiday story about tradition and the importance of being with those you love. There are educational facts about the Lunar New Year celebration in Taiwan and a fun recipe for a delicious fortune cake!

Karen Edwards has worked for over 20 years in educational publishing. She started her career as a writer and editor of Prekindergarten through Grade 6 textbooks. She then branched out into creating print and digital resources for children, parents, and educators. Karen joined Workman Publishing in 2018 as senior editor to work on the cornerstone brands Brain Quest and Big Fat Notebook and to develop educational titles that support and excite students on theirs journey through school.  Karen discussed the first board books of the Brain Quest series.

Holly Geyer, M.D., author of Ending the Crisis, is an Addiction Medicine Specialist at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz. Her work is directed toward helping people with complex illnesses who are in the hospital, with special attention to addiction screening, evaluation and treatment for patients and families with concerns about substance use disorder. A key part of her work focuses on quality of life and the best use of nondrug interventions for diseases such as cancer. In addition to her clinical activities, Dr. Geyer is active in research, patient advocacy and healthcare policy at an enterprise and state level. She is well published in high-impact scientific journals and book chapters and maintains an active international lecture schedule. She additionally serves as a Physician Director of the Mayo Clinic Physician Assistant Fellowship program.

Cassandra Clare is the author of the #1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly bestselling Shadowhunter Chronicles. She is also the coauthor of the bestselling fantasy series Magisterium with Holly Black. The Shadowhunter Chronicles have been adapted as both a major motion picture and a television series. Her books have more than 50 million copies in print worldwide and have been translated into more than thirty-five languages. Cassandra lives in western Massachusetts with her husband and three fearsome cats.  Cassandra talked about the final book in her Last Hours trilogy, Chain of Thorns.

Dean Sheremet, chef & certified nutritionist, is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York City and has worked in Michelin starred restaurants. After a decade spent in the NYC restaurant scene, Dean moved back to California to star in FOX's hit show, My Kitchen Rules, and The CW's Terry Crew Saves Christmas. Chef Sheremet appears regularly on Access Hollywood, CBS The Talk, Fox’s Good Day LA, and Hallmark's Home and Family. He also contributes to Cosmopolitan, US Weekly, and The Daily Meal, and has worked with Michelle Obama’s Chefs Move to Schools initiative. Dean discussed healthy recipes for the new year and the benefits of cooking clean with propane.

Dean Regas called in for a lively discussion about astronomy and his new book from Nat Geo Kids, "1000 Facts About Space."

Dean Regas has been the Astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory since 2000. He is a renowned educator, author, national popularizer of astronomy and an expert in observational astronomy. From 2010-2019 Dean was the co-host of the PBS program Star Gazers. He is the author of six books including "Facts From Space!"and "100 Things to See in the Night Sky". Dean is a Contributing Editor to Sky and Telescope Magazine and a contributor to Astronomy Magazine, where he won 2008 “Out-of-this-World” Award for astronomy education.  Dean has written over 160 astronomy articles for the Cincinnati Enquirer, blogged for the Huffington Post and is regularly featured on television and radio.  Dean is a frequent guest on National Public Radio’s Science Friday with Ira Flatow and NPR's Here & Now. He also hosts an astronomy podcast with Anna Hehman called "Looking Up!" Follow Dean on IG @deanregas or facebook or Cincinnati Observatory

Kurt Braunohler and Scotty Landes joined the show for a lively chat about their popular podcast "Bananas," Kurt's new comedy special "Perfectly Stupid," Scotty's upcoming movie "The Machine" (which you can see the trailer in front of "Cocaine Bear),driving a giant double-sided butt from Los Angeles to New York City to moon the entire country, and more!

This episode is brought to you by America's post-pandemic return to the movies.  Doesn't it feel good to dump your trash on the floor again?

With everyone seemingly groggy from the time change, I called in a sleep expert, Dr. Carlos Nunez, who joined our 3-Timers club when we discussed healthy sleep habits and how to know if you might suffer from sleep apnea.

Every child deserves a safe, clean, healthy ride to school. While there are diverse energy options that can achieve that goal, not all of them are affordable or available today to provide a better tomorrow for more students.

With significant investments being made to clean up the nation’s school bus fleet, like the billions of dollars in funding available through the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, there’s never been a better time to prioritize clean transportation.

Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of the PERC, the Propane Education & Research Council, discussed a cleaner option for the nation’s school bus fleets, and a study that shows low-emission buses are linked to improved test scores. 

Popular author Crispin Boyer joined our 4-Timers Club when he called in to talk about his new book in the "Zeus The Mighty" series from National Geographic Kids, Zeus the Mighty: The Voyage of the Oddest Sea.

Emily Fego is an assistant editor for the National Geographic Kids Books team. Emily called in for a fun chat about a new book, That's Fact-tastic! Mind-blowing, Eye-popping, Jaw-dropping Stuff About Our World . Along with other fun facts,  I learned how we can smell garlic with our feet and had a childhood memory shattered with a revelation about Cookie Monster.

We are back for a BRAND NEW SEASON! 

On this episode, I visit with author, illustrator, screenwriter and filmmaker Brian Selznick as we discussed his new book Big Tree, one of the most anticipated books of the year!

My second guest, Gabrielle Bourne, is an actress, writer and DIY expert!  We discussed her role in the new film Air, and Gabrielle shared some home renovation tips.

Thank you for all of your support so we can bring another season of great guests!

Actor Daniel Kyri from NBC's "Chicago Fire" joined us to discuss the show (streaming on Peacock), his character, filming and living in Chicago, and his appearance at an event at the Paley Center in NYC where his bunker gear will be on display.

Daniel José Older is the award-winning, New York Times best-selling author of works of urban and historical fantasy for adults, young adults, and middle grade readers. In addition to the Outlaw Saints duology, his series include Bone Street Rumba, Dactyl Hill Squad, and The Shadowshaper Cypher, launching with Shadowshaper, which won the International Latino Book Award and was named one of Esquire’s 80 Books Every Person Should Read. He has also written two standalone novels (The Book of Lost Saints and Flood City), three Star Wars novels, and numerous short stories. He became an author after a decades-long career as a New York City paramedic and is also an accomplished musician.   Daniel called in to discuss his new book, Last Canto of the Dead.

Shannon Duncan is an entrepreneur and author. He also penned: “Present Moment Awareness”. Duncan lives in California finding his way to an authentic expression of himself, including and especially his sense of humor, has been the most rewarding aspect of healing from trauma.  Shannon joined the show for a discussion of his new book, Coming Full Circle: Using Psychedelics to Heal Trauma.

On this episode, I visit with Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer Lee Loughnane, trumpeter and original member of Chicago. The band will be performing live on "A Capitol Fourth," broadcast on PBS at 8:00 Eastern/7:00 Central on July 4th. 

Brian "Uncle John" Boone has been a contributor to the "Bathroom Reader" series for more than two decades. We chatted about the newest book in the series, "Strange USA."

And Jean Chatzky, award-winning journalist and host of the "Everyday Wealth" podcast, called in to discuss the financial challenges facing historically under-represented groups.

On this episode, Gaby Dalkin, NY Times Bestselling Cookbook Author, Chef & Creator of  "What’s Gaby Cooking" joined the show to discuss summer grilling.  Gaby was also joined by Josh Archibald from Tillamook, who shared some ideas on cheese pairing and more.

Then I'm joined by Paco Lomeli, firefighter and paramedic for Station 16 in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles.  Paco and the station crew are featured on "LA Fire and Rescue," airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

This episode of The Big Wakeup Call is supported by YES Cacao, chocolate powered by botanicals. YES is organic, raw, wild-harvested cacao blended with function-specific formulas including "Brain Power," "Endurance," and "Bliss Out." YES is dark, wild harvested cacao.  Shop now at https://www.yescacao.com

On this episode, we open the vaults and revisit my 2019 chat with the legendary William Shatner, who was promoting a local screening of "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” on the big screen, followed by a live conversation with the one and only “Captain James T. Kirk.” 

We once again open the nearly filled to capacity Big Wakeup Call Vault and go back to 2020 for a fun conversation with radio legend Cousin Brucie. Brucie introduced the Beatles and others to America as a DJ on WABC in New York City.  Brucie was promoting his new radio show, back at WABC for "Saturday Night Rock & Roll Party ."

On this episode, we re-visit my chats with best-selling superstar author Rick Riordan!

 Rick Riordan, dubbed “storyteller of the gods” by Publishers Weekly, is the author of five #1 New York Times best-selling middle grade series with millions of copies sold throughout the world: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Heroes of Olympus, and the Trials of Apollo, based on Greek and Roman mythology; the Kane Chronicles, based on Ancient Egyptian mythology; and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, based on Norse mythology. Rick collaborated with illustrator John Rocco on two #1 New York Times best-selling collections of Greek myths for the whole family: Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods and Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes. Rick is also the publisher of an imprint at Disney-Hyperion, Rick Riordan Presents, dedicated to finding other authors of highly entertaining fiction based on world cultures and mythologies. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts with his wife and two sons. 

From October 2021: Rick called in for a chat about Daughters of the Deep.
From October 2020: Rick and I discussed his book The Trials of Apollo.

From June 22, 2018, legendary author James Patterson called in to talk about his new novel, The President Is Missing, a collaboration with former president Bill Clinton. Immediately following our show, the book became the #1 best-seller in the nation. While we take no credit, we still think we helped to move a lot of copies.

ABOUT JAMES PATTERSON
James Patterson received the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community from the National Book Foundation.

 He holds the Guinness World Record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers, and his books have sold more than 375 million copies worldwide. 

A tireless champion of the power of books and reading, Patterson created a new children's book imprint, JIMMY Patterson, whose mission is simple: "We want every kid who finishes a JIMMY Book to say, 'PLEASE GIVE ME ANOTHER BOOK.'" '

He has donated more than one million books to students and soldiers and funds over four hundred Teacher Education Scholarships at twenty-four colleges and universities. He has also donated millions of dollars to independent bookstores and school libraries. Patterson invests proceeds from the sales of JIMMY Patterson Books in pro-reading initiatives.

From December 10, 2014, U.S. Senator John McCain visited the show to discuss his book Thirteen Soldiers.

Consumer advocate and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader called into the show on June 10, 2020 for a fun chat about his book Ralph Nader and Family Cookbook.

ABOUT RALPH NADER

Ralph Nader first made headlines as a young lawyer in 1965 with his book Unsafe at Any Speed, a scathing indictment that lambasted the auto industry for producing unsafe vehicles. The book led to congressional hearings and the passage of a series of automobile safety laws in 1966. Nader also went on to found a wide variety of organizations, all aimed at advancing corporate and government accountability. 

An author, lecturer, attorney, and political activist, Nader was cited by The Atlantic in 2006 as one of the one hundred most influential figures in American history; Time Magazine has called him the "US's toughest customer"; and in 1974, a survey conducted by U.S. News & World Report rated him as the fourth most influential person in the United States.

From August 26, 2022: United States Senator Patrick Leahy, currently the chamber's longest-serving senator and President Pro Tempore, called into the show for a talk about his memoir, The Road Taken.

ABOUT PATRICK LEAHY:

 The last of Congress's "Watergate Babies," Patrick Leahy was elected to the United States Senate in 1974 and is currently its most senior member. Leahy was born in Montpelier, Vermont, and grew up blocks from the State House. Senator Leahy is currently the President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate and Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He served for twenty years as chair or ranking of the Senate Judiciary Committee where he remains as the most senior Democrat. He is also the most senior Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee where he previously served as Chair for seven years. Senator Leahy has been married to Marcelle Pomerleau Leahy since 1962. They have a daughter, two sons, and five grandchildren. The Leahys live on a tree farm in Middlesex, Vermont.

From October 5, 2020: The Reverend Al Sharpton discusses his book Rise Up.

ABOUT THE REVEREND AL SHARPTON

Rev. Al Sharpton is the host of MSNBC's "PoliticsNation" and the founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), one of the leading civil rights organization in the world. With over 40 years of experience as a community leader, politician, minister and advocate, the Rev. Al Sharpton is one of America's most-renowned civil rights leaders. Sharpton also hosts the nationally syndicated radio show, "Keepin' It Real", which broadcasts in 40 markets, five days a week. He resides in New York.

From May 24, 2021: Chelsea Clinton called in for a chat about her podcast, In Fact with Chelsea Clinton.

ABOUT CHELSEA CLINTON

Chelsea Clinton is an outspoken advocate for those who need it most. She uses her voice, platform - and unique life experience - to address issues of human rights, public health, the environment and climate change, and to combat the spread of misinformation, particularly online. Chelsea is vice chair of the Clinton Foundation, teaches at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia, holds a doctorate in international relations at Oxford University examining the first decade of the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria and is the co-author of Governing Global Health: Who Runs the World and Why? with Devi Sridhar. She is also the author of several children's books including the #1New York Times bestselling She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World, and the co-author of The Book of Gutsy Women and Grandma's Gardens with her mom Hillary Clinton. Chelsea lives with her husband Marc, their children Charlotte, Aidan, and Jasper, and dog Soren in New York City.

From June 1, 2021: Chris Matthews, former host of MSNBC's Hardball, became a member of our Three-Timers club when he called in for a fun and lively chat about his memoir, This Country: My Life in Politics and History.

ABOUT CHRIS MATTHEWS

Chris Matthews is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit, Jack Kennedy-Elusive Hero, Tip and the Gipper-When Politics Worked, Kennedy and Nixon, and Hardball. He is the former host of MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews.

From April 16, 2019: Jessica Yellin discusses her first novel, Savage News.

ABOUT JESSICA YELLIN 

Jessica Yellen is the former chief White House correspondent for CNN and an Emmy and Gracie Award- winning political journalist for CNN, ABC News, and MSNBC. She is also the founder of Sage, a multi-platform media company. Yellin’s work has been published in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Daily Beast, The Hive, and Entertainment Weekly. She is a fellow with the USC Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership and Policy and sits on the board of the Center for Public Integrity. Yellin lives in Los Angeles, California.

From September 13, 2017: NBC News correspondent Katy Tur talked about her book UNBELIEVABLE: My Front-Row Seat to the Craziest Campaign in American History.

ABOUT KATY TUR AND UNBELIEVABLE: My Front-Row Seat to the Craziest Campaign in American History

Called "Disgraceful," "third-rate," and "not nice" by Donald Trump, NBC News Correspondent Katy Tur reported on-and took flak from-the most captivating and volatile presidential candidate in American history. Tur lived out of a suitcase for a year and a half, following Trump around the country, powered by packets of peanut butter and dry shampoo. She visited forty states with the candidate, made over 3,800 live television reports, and tried to endure a gazillion loops of Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" -a Trump rally playlist staple.

From day one to day 500, Tur documented Trump's inconsistencies, fact-checked his falsities, and called him out on his lies. In return, Trump repeatedly singled Tur out. He tried to charm her, intimidate her, and shame her. At one point, he got a crowd so riled up against Tur, Secret Service had to walk her to her car.

None of it worked. Facts are stubborn. So was Tur. She was part of the first women-led politics team in the history of network news. The Boys on the Bus became the Girls on the Plane. But the circus remained. Through all the long nights, wild scoops, naked chauvinism, dodgy staffers, and fevered debates, no one had a better view than Tur.

When Trump became an unexpected presidential success story, Tur became NBC's unexpected darling of political journalism. Ripped from her expat life in London as a foreign correspondent, she lost a lifestyle (and a boyfriend) but joined a family tradition. Tur's parents were the helicopter journalists who filmed the LA riots and OJ Simpson's fleeing White Bronco. They helped invent the live-obsessed news industry that Trump used for his rise.

UNBELIEVABLE is Tur's darkly comic, fascinatingly bizarre, and often scary story of what it was like to be on the inside a no-rules world where reporters were spat on, demeaned, and discredited. "During the campaign, whenever anyone asked what it was like to cover Trump my go to answer was 'wild ride,'" she says. "Well, now I can tell you what I really thought. And what really happened when the cameras turned off."

Katy Tur is a correspondent for NBC News and an anchor for MSNBC. Tur is the recipient of a 2017 Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. She lives in New York City.

From June 1, 2021: Chicago-raised Veronica Roth was a senior at Northwestern University when she wrote her first book Divergent, the first part of a trilogy that would go on to sell more than 42 million copies and spawn three hit films starring Kate Winslet and Shailene Woodley (Veronica sold the film rights within months of graduating college.). The book series – about a futuristic, dystopian world in which those entering adulthood must choose one of five factions and commit to it for life – is now celebrating its 10th anniversary, and as the films continue to air on TV and streaming services, fans across the world on social media continue to keep the Divergent world alive.

To commemorate the milestone, HarperCollins is releasing new 10th Anniversary editions with exclusive essays from Veronica Roth and reimagined cover art from award-winning illustrator Victo Ngai. 

ABOUT VERONICA ROTH

With more than 42 million copies sold and available in 47 foreign territories, Veronica Roth’s Divergent series has come to be known as one of the foremost dystopian series of its time. Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment brought Divergent, Insurgent, and Allegiantto the big screen in films starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ansel Elgort and Kate Winslet. Meanwhile, the Divergent fandom is still going strong as hundreds of thousands of social media followers keep the Divergent conversations going strong. As the films continue to air on television and streaming services, there’s no shortage of fans eager to dive into Roth’s futuristic world.

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the international bestselling series, HarperCollins Publishers/Katherine Tegen Books will publish brand new commemorative editions. Divergent, Insurgent, and Allegiant, along with the companion novel Four: A Divergent Collection, are now available including exclusive essays from Veronica Roth and reimagined cover art from award-winning illustrator Victo Ngai.

Veronica Roth -- the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant, Four: A Divergent Collection, Carve the Mark, The Fates Divide, The End and Other Beginnings, and Chosen Ones – can discuss how the Divergent books have changed her life and why she feels the characters continue to resonate with fans. 

From October 29, 2021: Tamron Hall, Emmy®  Award-winning talk show host and television journalist, discussed the launch of a new series of crime thrillers, featuring a main character modeled on herself, with AS THE WICKED WATCH: The First Jordan Manning Novel  as the first in the series.

ABOUT TAMRON HALL

From the deeply moving to the purely fun, "Tamron Hall" is a daily destination for all things topical and a platform for viewers to connect with the people who are shaping our world through meaningful, engaging, and entertaining conversations. As a new mom, a newlywed, and a survivor who is proving you can accomplish anything at any age, Tamron Hall brings a refreshing, relatable, unpredictable, and unstoppable voice to television.

Broadcast from New York City featuring a dynamic mix of live and taped shows, "Tamron Hall" airs across the country in national syndication.

Emmy® Award-winning talk show host Tamron Hall is the host and executive producer of the show. Formerly of The Today Show," she has also hosted six seasons of Deadline: Crime on Investigation Discovery. While at NBC, she was a recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award for her report on domestic abuse. Tamron currently serves as an advocate for domestic violence awareness. A native of Luling, Texas, she lives in New York City.

From October 9, 2018: Best-selling author Alan Axelrod discussed his book THE DISRUPTERS: 50 People Who Changed the World.

ABOUT ALAN AXELROD  
ALAN AXELROD is the author of more than 100 books, including the CEO and Real History series. He was the coauthor of The New York Times bestseller What Every American Should Know About American History as well as the Businessweek bestsellers Patton on Leadership and Elizabeth I, CEO). He has appeared on numerous TV and radio programs and in magazine and newspaper articles.

From September 27, 2018: Andrea Canning, correspondent for Dateline NBC, called in to promote the 27th season of the program.

ABOUT ANDREA CANNING

Andrea Canning is a correspondent for Dateline NBC and contributes to all NBC News platforms. Canning reports on major crime stories, high profile trials and breaking news including the Boston Marathon Bombing, Hurricane Sandy, the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, and the terrorist attack at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. Since arriving at Dateline, Canning has also reported hour-long documentaries on campus sexual assault and adoption fraud.

Prior to joining NBC News in 2012, Canning served as an ABC News correspondent since 2004 where she covered the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court and the Iraq War. Canning covered a wide array of stories ranging from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the Casey Anthony case, to her 2011 headline-making interview with actor Charlie Sheen.

Canning previously worked for WCPO-TV, the ABC affiliate in Cincinnati, Ohio, as anchor of their evening newscast. From 1999 to 2001, Canning covered countless stories for WPTV, the NBC affiliate in West Palm Beach, Florida, including the anthrax scare at the National Enquirer buildings, the path of the 9/11 terrorists, the international custody battle of Elian Gonzalez and the 2000 Presidential Election. Canningserved as a reporter and evening news anchor for CKVR Television in Barrie, Ontario from 1997 to 1999. She was also the morning anchor for WXVT-CBS in Greenville, Mississippi. Prior to CKVR, from 1996 to 1997, Canning was an assignment editor and field producer for the television program Extra.

Canning graduated from the University of Western Ontario in London with a degree in psychology. Additionally, she studied radio and television arts at Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto. Canning is married to Major Tony Bancroft, a former F-18 fighter pilot with the U.S. Marine Corps. They have five young daughters.

From April 10, 2019: Nora McInerny talked about her new memoir, No Happy Endings, which she described as "a new book with more heartbreaking AND hilarious meditations on my messy, wonderful, and unexpected life."

ABOUT NORA MCINERNY

NORA MCINERNY IS a reluctant expert in difficult conversations. As the host of American Public Media’s Gracie Award-winning podcast Terrible, Thanks for Asking, Nora brings empathy and wit to difficult subjects from gun control to sexual assault. Nora is a contributor to Elle.com, Cosmopolitan.com, The Minneapolis Star Tribune, Buzzfeed, Time.com, Slate and Vox, where she’s often tapped for her essay pieces highlighting the emotional landscape and humor in complex topics, like the financial impacts of healthcare and grief in a digital age. She founded the non-profit Still Kickin and the Hot Young Widows Club, an online group of people who have lost their significant other. 

From October 30, 2019: NBC News correspondent and MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle called in for a chat about her book Modern Ruhles, where she "brings her characteristic curiosity, empathy and insight to some of today's thorniest, most complex conversations."

ABOUT STEPHANIE RUHLE 

Stephanie Ruhle anchors "MSNBC Live with Stephanie Ruhle" at 9 a.m. ET and "MSNBC Live with Velshi & Ruhle" at 1 p.m. ET on weekdays. Ruhle also appears across all NBC News and MSNBC platforms, including "NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt," "TODAY," and NBCNews.com.

Since joining MSNBC, Ruhle has interviewed titans in politics, business, entertainment and sports including Michael Bloomberg, Serena Williams and more. Ruhle is known for bringing humanity into her news coverage, including her reporting on the migrant crisis at the border in McAllen, Texas and her daily "Good News Ruhles" segment.

Prior to Bloomberg, Ruhle worked at Deutsche Bank, serving as a Managing Director in Global Markets Senior Relationship Management. Ruhle began her career at Credit Suisse, where she was the highest-producing credit derivatives salesperson in the US.

Ruhle plays an active role in women's leadership development, having founded the Corporate Investment Bank Women's Network and co-chaired Women on Wall Street. Ruhle is a member of the board of trustees for Girls Inc. NYC and in 2016 was honored as one of their Women of the Year.

Ruhle received a bachelor's degree in International Business from Lehigh University, living abroad in Guatemala, Kenya and Italy.

NBC Dateline correspondent Keith Morrison visited our show twice to talk about the latest episodes of the long-running program.

Our interviews were on October 18, 2013 and April 4, 2014.

KEITH MORRISON - Correspondent, Dateline
 
Keith Morrison is an award-winning correspondent for Dateline. He joined the program in 1995 after a varied career at both NBC and in Canadian television. He has covered stories worldwide, interviewing everyone from presidents and prime ministers, student protesters under fire in Tiananmen Square, to criminals, teachers, artists, actors and authors.

Morrison began his media career in the 1960s.   He worked for several radio and television stations in Canada's western provinces, before joining the Canadian CTV Network in 1973 where he was a correspondent, producer and news anchor.   While at CTV, Morrison won awards for his coverage of national politics, a middle-east war, and the Boat People refugee saga in the aftermath of the Vietnam War.

In the early 1980s, Morrison was a co-host and political correspondent for the CBC Network’s The Journal, a nightly news and current affairs program. At “The Journal,” he interviewed key newsmakers, both in Canada and worldwide, and contributed documentaries on Canadian political life.

Morrison joined NBC in January 1986 as co-anchor of the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. news on KNBC-TV, Los Angeles. Two years later, he joined NBC News as a West Coast correspondent for NBC Nightly News and Today, among other NBC News programs.

In 1989, Morrison was a key contributor to NBC’s coverage of the student rebellion in Beijing and the resulting massacre in Tiananmen Square. In the following years he contributed award-winning NBC News hour-long documentaries, shorter pieces for various magazine programs, and many stories on Nightly News and Today.

In 1992, he returned to Canada to become host of CTV’s morning program, Canada-AM. In addition he was host of the syndicated program Down the Road Again with Keith Morrison, moderated several panel discussion programs for selected stations of the PBS network, and contributed occasional pieces to NBC News programs.

Morrison returned to NBC in 1995, and since then has covered a wide variety of stories on Dateline, from 9/11 to Columbine, from the peace process in the Middle East to tsunamis in the far east, from wars fought by child soldiers in Africa to the medical miracles that keep other children alive, from the struggle to "Free Willy," to the battle waged over the fate of the little Cuban boy who once dominated headlines, Elian Gonzales.

Recently, Morrison has made a true specialty of the mystery stories Dateline is most famous for.
 
His work has garnered Emmy, Christopher, Sigma Delta Chi and Edward R. Murrow awards among others.  
 
He is married to Suzanne Perry Morrison, a writer and artist. They have six children.

From December 11, 2014: Legendary TV host and comedy writer Dick Cavett called in to talk about his memoir, BRIEF ENCOUNTERS: Conversations, Magic Moments, and Assorted Hijinks.  We discussed Groucho Marx, Jack Benny, John and Yoko, and many more.  At the end of the interview, Dick complimented me on my interviewing style, which is certainly a highlight of my career,

ABOUT DICK CAVETT

Dick Cavett was the host of The Dick Cavett Show on ABC and PBS, and he also hosted talk shows on the USA, HBO, and CNBC cable networks. He appears frequently on stage, screen, and new media, and was nominated for his most recent Emmy Award in 2012. He is the author of Talk Show and the coauthor of Cavett and Eye on Cavett, and he writes an online opinion column for The New York Times. He lives in New York City and Montauk, New York.

From July 2015, legendary comedian and Chicago-area local hero Jim Gaffigan called in for a brief but entertaining chat with me about the debut episode of The Jim Gaffigan Show.

TV legend Bob Eubanks joined the show on June 8, 2021, to talk about the 55th anniversary of The Newlywed Game.  We also had a fun chat about how he promoted the Beatles 1964 concert at the Hollywood Bowl, where he got paid more than they did! In fact, Bob promoted Beatles concerts on all three of their U.S. tours!

Chicago's own Amy Landecker called in on September 22, 2017 to talk about an all-new season (season 4) of her critically-acclaimed and Emmy-Award winning Amazon Prime series Transparent.

ABOUT AMY LANDECKER

Landecker is best known for playing the first-born child in Transparent, Amazon Video’s groundbreaking series about a transgender woman and her chaotic yet lovable family. She stars opposite Jeffrey Tambor, Jay Duplass, Judith Light and Gaby Hoffman. Additionally, Landecker made her directorial debut on Transparent: The Lost Sessions, a 10-episode off shoot of comedic shorts for Funny or Die using Soloway's world of Pfeffermans and the cast of characters surrounding the often dysfunctional family.

Transparent‘s fourth season takes the Pfefferman family on a “spiritual and political journey as they dig deep into their family’s history.” That includes a trip to Israel, where Maura is chosen to speak at a conference and makes a “startling discovery.”

On the big screen, Landecker has completed production on A Kid Like Jake, an independent drama also starring Claire Danes and Jim Parsons, which is based on a celebrated Lincoln Center play about a couple trying to raise a 4-year-old-son who prefers to dress up as a princess instead of G.I. Joe. She most recently appeared opposite Salma Hayek and John Lithgow in Beatriz At Dinner.
 

From August 3, 2020:   Dave Mason and friends have taken the downtime during quarantine to remake one of Mason's most iconic and heavily covered songs since its release in 1968 - "Feelin' Alright." Dubbed "Dave Mason and the Quarantines," the group's new song features Mason singing along with Mick Fleetwood, Sammy Hagar, Michael McDonald, and The Doobie Brothers: John McFee, Tom Johnston, John Cowan, and Pat Simmons. Dave's longtime drummer, Alvino Bennett, also lends a hand as does Pat Simmons Jr., Pat's son, joining in the fun.

ABOUT DAVE MASON

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason's career spans over half a century and encompasses producing, performing and song writing. Fans and critics alike hail Dave as one of the most talented songwriters and guitarists in the world - which is why he is still performing over 100 shows a year to sold-out crowds. 

Mason has been playing guitar most of his life. By 15, Dave had founded two bands: The Deep Feeling and The Hellions. At 18, the Worcester, England native teamed up with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood to form the legendary band Traffic. At 19, Mason penned the song "Feelin' Alright". The rock anthem, first recorded by Traffic and then covered by dozens of other artists (including Joe Cocker), cemented both Dave's and Traffic's legacy and had a profound influence over rock music that continues today.

Mason left Traffic in 1969 to pursue a solo career in the US. Dave has penned over 100 songs, has 3 gold albums: Alone Together, Dave Masonand Mariposa De Oro and a platinum album Let it Flow, which contained the top-ten single "We Just Disagree".

In addition to cranking out hits, Dave has performed on or contributed to a number of famous albums, including: The Rolling Stones' Beggars Banquet, George Harrison's All Things Must Pass, Paul McCartney and Wings Venus and Mars and Jimi Hendrix's Electric Ladyland. Mason is featured playing acoustic guitar in "All Along the Watchtower" on Electric Ladyland, a favorite in Dave's live shows!

Dave, a prolific artist in his own right, has collaborated with an enviable list of the who's who in the music industry. Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Rita Coolidge, Delaney & Bonnie, Leon Russell, Ron Wood, Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, and Jim Capaldi, just to name a few. In addition to his own productions, Mason's distinctive work is featured on numerous gold and platinum albums such as:

Jimi Hendrix Electric Ladyland "All Along The Watchtower" (acoustic guitar) and "Crosstown Traffic" (vocals)

George Harrison All Thing Must Pass (various tracks)

The Rolling Stones Beggars Banquet "Street Fighting Man" (shehnai and mellotron)

Paul McCartney and Wings Venus And Mars "Listen To What The Man Said" (guitar)

Graham Nash Songs For Beginners

David Crosby & Graham Nash, Graham Nash David Crosby

Dave Mason & Cass Elliot (Mamas & Papas) Dave Mason & Cass Elliot

The Spencer Davis Group "Somebody Help Me", "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "I'm A Man" (vocals)

Fleetwood Mac Time(guitar, vocals)

Eric Clapton Crossroads (guitar)

When Dave is not touring, he spends his time writing and producing music in his home studio, as well as tirelessly supporting philanthropic efforts for Rock Our Vets, a non-profit he co-founded.

From October 16, 2020:  Action-packed and full of laughs, LIGHTS, CAMERA, DANGER! (ALIEN SUPERSTAR #2)  is the second book in the New York Times bestselling, highly illustrated middle grade series from beloved writing team Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver. After escaping his oppressive red dwarf planet and landing a role on a popular Hollywood sitcom, Buddy Burger seems destined for high-flying success. His legions of fans love his six eyes, his suction cup feet, and even his excessive need for avocados. It seems nothing can stop his rise to super-stardom-until the arrival of Citizen Cruel, a shape-shifting Squadron member sent from Buddy's home planet to bring him back by any means necessary. Will Buddy conquer this clever and unpredictable enemy? How long can he continue to keep his alien identity secret from his friends and fans? Is there enough guacamole on Earth to sustain him? And chips to go with it? 

ABOUT HENRY WINKLER
Henry Winkler is an Emmy Award-winning actor, writer, director, and producer who has created some of the most iconic TV roles, including Arthur "the Fonz" Fonzarelli on Happy Days and Gene Cousineau on Barry.

From February 18, 2020: Huey Lewis called in to discuss the latest album from Huey Lewis & The News, Weather.  Featuring the group's first new, original songs since 2001's Plan B LP - plus one cover of the classic Eugene Church soul burner "Pretty Girls Everywhere" - Weather was produced in-house by Huey and the guys, just like every record they've made since the early 1980s.

From July 20, 2020: Linda Hamilton of Terminator  fame called in to promote her new film, Easy Does It.

Directed by Will Addison and featuring: Linda Hamilton (The Terminator), Bryan Batt ("Mad Men"), Dwight Henry (Beasts of the Southern Wild), Ben Matheny (Assassination Nation)Best buds, Jack and Scottie (Ben Matheny and Matthew Martinez) are going nowhere fast in their crumbling, Mississippi hometown. They have big dreams and no prospects. When the friends learn of hidden loot in sunny California, they decide to take their shot at the American Dream. However, when their hometown criminal matriarch "King George'' (Linda Hamilton), hears of the windfall, she sends her personal bounty hunter/daughter, "Blue Eyes" (Susan Gordon) to chase them down. Broke and out of gas, Jack and Scottie attempt to drive off with "borrowed" fuel... and wind up staging an impromptu hold-up. The bungled job saddles them with a whiney, accidental hostage named Collin (comedian Cory Dumesnil) and lands them in the crosshairs of a cocky Texas cop and world-weary sheriff (Bryan Batt and Dwight Henry). With no turning back and two thousand miles to go, they have no choice but to rob their way across the Southwest... with the reluctant assistance of Collin. Now the good times are rolling as the ragtag trio's anti-heroics bring about an unlikely friendship with a blossoming Collin. All the while, Blue Eyes and Johnny Law are closing in. It's gonna be a guns-blazin', car-chasin' race to the finish!

From August 15, 2017: Legendary actor Bruce Campbell dialed into the show to talk about his new film, Black Friday:  On Thanksgiving night, a group of disgruntled toy store employees begrudgingly arrive for work to open the store at midnight for the busiest shopping day of the year. Meanwhile, an alien parasite crashes to Earth in a meteor. This group of misfits led by store manager Jonathan (Bruce Campbell) and longtime employee Ken (Devon Sawa) soon find themselves battling against hordes of holiday shoppers who have been turned into monstrous creatures hellbent on a murderous rampage on Black Friday.

Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer John Desmore, legendary drummer for The Doors, joined me for a discussion about his book THE SEEKERS: Meetings With Remarkable Musicians (and Other Artists): 

John Densmore, drummer of The Doors and bestselling author, reveals his personal creative journey and spiritual path alongside some of the iconic people he has known.

Whether it's the curiosity that blossoms after we listen to our favorite band's newest record, or the sheer admiration we feel after watching a knockout performance or reading a masterpiece, many of us have experienced art so pure - so innovative - that we can't help but wonder afterwards: "How did they do that?" And yet, few of us are in a position to be able to ask those memorable legends where their inspiration comes from and how they translated it into something fresh and new. Fortunately, THE SEEKERS: Meetings With Remarkable Musicians (and Other Artists) is here to offer us a bridge.

John Densmore digs deep into his own process and draws upon his access to fellow artists, performers, and writers - including Patti Smith, Lou Reed, Bob Marley, and Robert Bly - in order to explore the origins of creativity itself. Inspired by the classic spiritual memoir, Meetings with Remarkable Men by G.I. Gurdjieff and weaving together anecdotes from the author's personal notebooks and experiences over the past 50 years - from the impact of his artistic mother, to his first impression of Jim Morrison, to meeting the Dalai Lama and Ram Dass - this book takes readers on a rich, thought-provoking, spiritual journey into the soul of the artist.

"On the back cover of my first book, Riders on the Storm, Oliver Stone called me a "survivor and a seeker." I am still on that road. In fact, we all are, whether it's a freeway or a dirt trail, our experience is the same; we have embarked on a journey of spirit in our human bodies as we proceed down our path on Planet Earth. And music is a candle, lighting the way along the road toward the art of living." -John Densmore

Ultimately, the result is not only a look into the hearts and minds of some of the most important artists and iconic people of the past century, but a way for readers to identify and ignite their own creative spark and light their own fire. By understanding creativity's roots, Densmoreultimately introduces us to the realm of everyday inspirations that imbue our lives with meaning.

THE SEEKERS is available in hardcover, e-book, and audio formats. The book's cover art is by famed artist Shepard Fairey. "All creative people have inspirations that become part of their DNA," says Fairey. "John Densmore not only acknowledges his inspirations, but beautifully, powerfully, and lovingly celebrates mentors, heroes, and peers who have impacted his life's journey and become part of his DNA. For the cover, I envisioned a tapestry with multiple epic figures whose threads are intertwined with John Densmore himself, the central beating heart and storyteller."