Vincent Curatola Of The Sopranos Live On Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

#Comedy #Vicki Abelson #Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

1:15:36

In this episode, we welcome back David French, columnist for The New York Times , former constitutional attorney, and author of Divided We Fall . We discuss the current state of American democracy, the challenges of political division, and how we can engage in civil discourse despite deep ideological differences. David also shares a personal update on his family and reflects on the profound trials and growth that come with adversity. 📌 What We Discuss: ✔️ How David and his family navigated the challenges of a serious health crisis. ✔️ The rise of political polarization and the factors driving it. ✔️ Why distinguishing between “unwise, unethical, and unlawful” is crucial in analyzing political actions. ✔️ How consuming different perspectives (even opposing ones) helps in understanding political dynamics. ✔️ The role of Christian values in politics and how they are being redefined. ⏳ Episode Highlights 📍 [00:01:00] – David French’s background and his journey from litigation to journalism. 📍 [00:02:30] – Personal update: David shares his wife Nancy’s battle with cancer and their journey as a family. 📍 [00:06:00] – How to navigate personal trials while maintaining faith and resilience. 📍 [00:10:00] – The danger of political paranoia and the pitfalls of extreme polarization. 📍 [00:18:00] – The "friend-enemy" paradigm in American politics and its influence in Christian fundamentalism. 📍 [00:24:00] – Revisiting Divided We Fall : How America’s divisions have devolved since 2020. 📍 [00:40:00] – The categories and differences of unwise, unethical, and unlawful political actions. 📍 [00:55:00] – The balance between justice, kindness, and humility in political engagement. 📍 [01:00:00] – The After Party initiative: A Christian approach to politics focused on values rather than policy. 💬 Featured Quotes 🔹 "You don't know who you truly are until your values are tested." – David French 🔹 "If we focus on the relational, we can have better conversations even across deep differences." – Corey Nathan 🔹 "Justice, kindness, and humility—if you're missing one, you're doing it wrong." – David French 🔹 "The United States has a history of shifting without repenting. We just move on." – David French 📚 Resources Mentioned David French’s Writing: New York Times David’s Book: Divided We Fall The After Party Initiative – More Info Advisory Opinions Podcast (with Sarah Isgur & David French) – Listen Here 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack David French: 🔗 Twitter | BlueSky | New York Times Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡…

大约1年之前 1:04:43

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Vincent Curatola of The Sopranos Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson I’m not sure how it’s possible to meet a person once on Zoom and feel like they’re a treasured friend that I’ve known forever, but that’s exactly how it is with Vincent Curatola, aka Johnny Sack of The Sopranos, whom before meeting I feared would whack. Me. On this our second sitdown we talked how a businessman who’d nary graced a stage in a few short years under the tutelage of acting coach Michael Moriarty, took on Law & Order, then wrote and starred in his own short film, Dearly Beloved, co-starring Tony Sirrico, and then was soon his Sopranos co-star. Vincent shared the story of that relationship, his casting, and how the work played out. We talked about the Mafia as if there is such a thing, David Chase, James Gandolfini, Ginny Sack, and Sydney Pollack. We talked about acting, how I’ve never caught him doing it, how he was trained, and how he trains, the upcoming reinvention of his short film Dearly Beloved, and his mother, father, grandmother, and Maureen, his dearly beloveds. Vincent’s a warm, thoughtful, whipsmart, entertaining fellow, a great storyteller, whose company I can’t get enough of. Hoping to Zoom into one of his acting workshops one day soon, rehone that skill, and just maybe he’ll write in a fake aging blonde in that upcoming remake. One thing I know for certain, I’m anxiously awaiting his next screen role and our next interaction on Instagram. Love the man! Vincent Curatola Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson Wednesday, December 6th, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my Facebook Replay here: https://bit.ly/3NhcHoN

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Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Vincent Curatola Of The Sopranos Live On Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

published 大约1年之前

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392集单集

#Comedy #Vicki Abelson #Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

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Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

1
Tony Braunagel, Terry Wilson & Snuffy Walden Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 1:17:20

12天之前1:17:20

1:17:20

Tony Braunagel, Terry Wilson & Snuffy Walden Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson What do you get when you Zoom with three amigos from Texas who go back over 50 years? A whole lot of fun, rock stories galore, and a ton of love. The Grammy, Emmy, BMI, and Blues Award Winning trio of Snuffy Walden, Tony Braunagel, and Terry Wilson took us back to the 60s in Houston, playing at the Cellar, a strip club in Houston, Tony and Terry off with Johnny Nash and Snuffy off with Stray Dog to open for Emerson, Lake and Palmer. They all ended up in London, there was Rabbit, Paul Kossoff, Free, Back Street Crawler, Pete Townshend, and Eric Burdon for all of them, at least twice. Some great war stories along the way… there was Michael Ruff, some crashed cars and trashed hotel rooms. Tony took us through his time with Rickie Lee Jones, Bonnie Raitt, and The Blues Brothers backup band, leading to be an actor and musician on According to Jim. Snuffy getting Chaka Khan, Donna Summers and then segueing to TV, Thirty Something and The Wonder Years, his first foray in––both Emmy-winning shows that year, leading to the West Wing and his own Emmy. Terry partnering with Teresa James in music and in life, their Grammy nod, his song-writing, producing through his latest for Back Street Crawler’s Terry Slesser which reunited him with Tony and Terry. They’ve shared many stages and sessions over the years, but it’s their rock-solid friendship borne in decades-long history that sweetens their song. What a joy to be in their joy. A great time was had by all. Lucky me and you to be a fly on that wall. Tony Braunagel, Terry Wilson & Snuffy Walden Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 3/19/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streaming Live on my YouTube & my Facebook Replay YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ArHgeUrToc&t=194s Replay FB here: https://bit.ly/4bNq8b2…

Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

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Jim Vallely Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 1:09:57

19天之前1:09:57

1:09:57

Jim Vallely Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Sitting down with Emmy and WGA award winner, Jim Vallely was a cozy, comfortable, fun, and funny hang. He even told us a joke joke, on request. It’s one he’s been “testing” as part of a sociological experiment of sorts. Win/win, we got a laugh with a lesson. Who knew that having a seizure in 6th grade would lead to a career as a TV comedy writer. Jim takes us through and it makes perfect sense. This accountant studying student just happened to sit next to the right guy at an NYU audition, ask his mother the right question on the right day, marry the right girl, move into the right apartment, partner with the right actor/comedian, Jonathan Schmock, become 1/2 of The Funny Boys comedy team, appear on Johnny Carson, co-star on the sitcom, Double Trouble, and then write on The Golden Girls, one of the most successful sitcoms of all time. Brotherly Love, Ladies Man, Action, Two and a Half Men, My Wife and Kids, The John Larriquette Show, Till Death, Extended Family, as well as Arrested Development, for which he garnered 4 Emmy nominations, and the aforementioned awards, followed. Jim was an executive producer and co-creator with Will Arnett and Michael Hurwitz of Running Wilde on Fox. There’s more. Jim tells a great Carl Reiner/Alan Brady story, tells us how the real Kramer, Larry David, Bill Maher, Callie Khouri, Chris Thompson, Don Reo, Mitchell Hurwitz, Will Arnett, and Jay Mohr factor into his story, gives us the before, during, and after of his career milestones, and speaks with great pride and tenderness about the great loves and joys of his life, his talented wife, Maggie, and his successful daughter, Tannis. We talked about our friends, Taylor Negron and Ron Zimmerman. There is no friend like Jim. His love, devotion, and care for Ron, was a gift he gave all of us who loved him. Jim’s a tender-hearted, special man. And boy, is he funny. A very funny boy, indeed! Jim Vallely Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 3/12/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my Facebook & YouTube Replay here: https://bit.ly/4iCKgPq YouTube https://www.facebook.com/vickiabelson/videos/937526015211102…

Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

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Rosemary Butler Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 35:27

26天之前35:27

35:27

Rosemary Butler Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Part 1 Astrologer Zoe Moon warned it was gonna be a crazy day. I read that first thing this morning but forgot about it until 4:45 pm when things started going sideways. What could have been a non-show disappointment, turned into a delayed, technical bit of a mess, but ultimately delightful chat with the incomparable Rosemary Butler. Just the appetizer for what is sure to be a delightful feast when next we meet, Wednesday, March 26th, promptly Live @5! Instead of what I thought would be a quick hello, sorry, see you next time, Rosemary delighted with some choice stories about where she came from, her two all-girl bands, The Ladybirds and Birtha, opening for The Stones, great stuff there from the Beatles fan who eventually did get to sing with her hero, Paul, who inspired her to be a lefthanded singing bassist, through sheer Moxie, thanks to Kenny Loggins and Peter Asher, a funny Three Dog Night/Chuck Negron tale, a wonderful Ray Charles invitation, Bonnie Raitt, who she credits with changing her life, but we barely scratched the surface there as we did with Jackson Browne. Rosemary has sung, toured, and recorded with everyone who's anyone... Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Carole King, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, to name a few more - those stories and lots more when Rosemary comes back, under more ideal conditions, feather in hand, with her adorable exuberance to amuse and delight us! In addition to being an iconic backup singer whose memorable riffs have scored my life, Rosemary is a renowned vocal coach and gigs regularly. For all things Rose rosemarybutler.com She's beautiful, adorable, has lived a life dreams are made of, with a voice that'll deservedly live forever. Can't wait for more. Rosemary Butler Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Part 1 Wednesday, 2/26/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my Facebook Replay here: https://bit.ly/3XmsoQp…

Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

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Benny Harrison Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 1:23:21

26天之前1:23:21

1:23:21

Benny Harrison Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson What fun to sit down and catch up with keyboardist, singer, songwriter, producer, Benny Harrison, who I’ve known for 5 decades. There was so much I didn’t know. Benny gave us the back story––growing up mixed race from hard-working parents who may or may not have been on the wrong side of the law, but who taught him strong work ethics and appreciated immediately and encouraged his musical gifts. When his brother sold his piano, Benny turned lemons into lemonade, practicing at a local school which garnered him his first professional gig with Henry Gross, which led him to sing onstage with Michael McDonald. When I met up with him, he was sitting in with Mason Reese, and then Phoebe Snow sat in with Benny and The Spydrs. A kickass player and entertainer, Benny was in regular rotation at all the clubs I booked back in the day. Benny tells a great story about a night at Spo-Dee-O-Dee’s and a couple of huge surprise special guests. Benny has played with Vernon Reid; Corey Glover; Joe Walsh; Elvis Costello; Simon Kirke; and Charlie Drayton, among many others and for four years his Spydrs were the house band at The China Club’s famed Monday nights where Bruce Willis, Rick James, Steve Stevens, Linda Perry, Eddie Vedder, Billy Idol, and whoever was in town, would sit in with the band. We talked with mutual zeal of our love for the place, those nights, that time. Benny has been active with Veterans who are either suffering from PTSD, alcohol, drug abuse, or homelessness, in a program called Voices of Valor. It's a 9-week process to write a song with the Vets who have served our country. He produces and creates the musical/harmonic part of the process, and then takes the Vets into a recording studio, where they can experience the process. He shared a most moving sweet story of a silent woman’s transformation. Working on an upcoming Documentary, Back Up Front, it tells the story of players including him who started out in front, worked the backline and are once again stepping out front. Benny’s upcoming album, Pages, drops April 14th. He had planned to perform a couple of the tunes with his producer, Mike Ciro, but that didn’t pan out. He treated us to a few little tastes with an unmiked guitar. A few tech challenges, but as with all things Benny went with it, eventually singing a capella. He’s a pro! To get the album, be at The Bitter End for the album release, and for all things Benny go to BennyHarrison.com. I got an advance listen- it’s fab! I adore my dear friend. It was such a treat to get lost in time and tales with this talented, resilient, fun, and passionate, pal. Benny Harrison Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 3/5/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtfBeq7CsGg&t=3s…

Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

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John Fugelsang Live On Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 1:10:15

5 weeks之前1:10:15

1:10:15

John Fugelsang Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Stop everything! John Fugelsang, a Drama League-nominated actor, comedian & host of Tell Me Everything on SiriusXM, is one thought-provoking, gracious, informed, intelligent, sexy liberal! And boy did fill the hour with passion and hope. With informed insight, John offered us tools when dealing with the maga faux Christian right, which will be expounded upon in his upcoming book, Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back The Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, which will be published this August by Simon & Schuster. We talked this election, John and my belief, or disbelief, I should say. We talked 47, Musk, RFK Jr, Bush, Clinton, Sanders, Obama, Kamala, Vance… there’s meat on these here bones. The son of a nun and a Franciscan brother, quite the story in itself (and John tells it so well), his break from traditional religion at a very early age and his reason for it, which I found particularly compelling, how he got started in the business of show, first making money at it at the ripe young age of eleven. How stage took him to stand-up, and then interviewing. Hearing about what he describes as hs novice 4 hours with George Harrison, where George played on air for the last time, four songs he’d never played on air, and then jetting off to London the next day to interview Paul. Oh my lord! We rounded out the hour discussing our mutual passion for Bob Dylan, John’s 60+ concert experiences greatly different than my one. Our mutual love and admiration for A Complete Unknown, John’s certainty that Timothée will garner an Oscar, and perhaps Edward Norton as well. Me, not so much, even after voting for both of them for SAG Awards today. John is a funny, provocative, thrilling conversationalist. I had a spectacular time in his good company. I highly recommend giving this a watch as an antidote to the current crazy. John Fugelsang Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 2/19/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my Facebook Replay here: https://bit.ly/4350OLc…

Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

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Mark Metcalf On Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 1:16:29

7 weeks之前1:16:29

1:16:29

Mark Metcalf on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson As if sitting down twice with Animal House’s Mark Metcalf was not enough (it wasn’t), thrice was the charm. And, I suspect, just the beginning of many more conversations to come… and that’s exactly what this was… a conversation. Sparked by Mark’s just-dropped memoir, Tim Tim Timmy, which is at once gut-wrenching, heart-stopping, terrifying, life-affirming, informative, entertaining, and inspiring, we talked about suicide, family dysfunction, addiction, mental illness, the differences… Asperger’s, ADD, depression, neurodiverse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar, being on the spectrum, and how one size doesn’t fit all. How a proper early diagnosis can change the course of a life, prematurely ending Tim’s and giving space for Mark’s son Julius to thrive way beyond expectations. We talked about Mark’s life choices, and how they impacted his brother, his marriage, his son, and his career. How a misstep may have led to a seasoning, a reasoning, his ultimate redemption. The beach in Gaza was not lost on us, the scary insanity crept in more than once. We touched on the current state of the business too, self-tapes, and the horror of it all. With a quick streaming recommendation. In the end, it came down to love, responsibility, willingness, and action. That works at home, with our work, and with our nation. I’m hopeful. I’m inspired. I’m better informed. And I adore, even more, Mr. Metcalf. Treat yourself to Tim Tim Timmy. In this dumbed-down mess of times, it’s a smart, sophisticated, thought-provoking, yet accessible and non-putdownable enticing read. https://www.amazon.com/Tim-Timmy-Mark-Metcalf/dp/B0DQ6M7XTV?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER Mark Metcalf Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 2/5/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my Facebook Replay here: https://bit.ly/4aV1vJ2…

Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

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John Conte Live On Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 1:14:37

8 weeks之前1:14:37

1:14:37

John Conte Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson What crazy fun to sit down with my old dear friend, bassist John Conte, whom I hadn’t seen in decades. How is it possible that he appears to have aged barely a day? Seriously! John took us back to childhood days, his jazz-singing mother, Rosemary, his early days on guitar, and his brother Steve at first on drums. Their first band when John was 8 or 9, their early songwriting, including John’s first song, Maryanne, Sittin on a Log, which he gave us a little taste of. He was a boy with a dream of playing arenas with rock stars. He told us how they flipped instruments, with John choosing bass. His college days, jazz-infused, where he gigged around with stellar players like Terence Blanchard. We tripped down memory lane, where we met, in the md-80s at The Rock ’n Roll Cafe on Bleecker Street, 1/2 of The Brothers of Conte, as I affectionately came to call them, with his brother Steve, they were weekly regulars whenever their schedules allowed. John was in Blood, Sweat & Tears, his first major gig, at the time, and told us all about that. Great stories there, including playing Madison Square Garden. Not bad for a 23-year-old. During their tenure at the Rock ’N Roll, late one rainy night they brought in their friend, Phoebe Snow, a life changer for me who had been a diehard fan since high school. The Phoeb’s and I became fast friends, and I have the boys to thank for that as well as for years of amazing live music there, and at Spo-dee-o-dee’s, Woody’s, RockGirl, The Marquee, The Cafe Wha, True Blue and The China Club, where they were also a part of my RockGirl Jam Band. A stellar bassist, with an easy temperament and oh so easy on the eyes, it was always a joy when John was around. I made him tell his requisite Chuck Berry story. At that same time, the Conte brothers, as part of The Hudson River Rats, were laying the foundation for much of the session and road work that was to follow. Like Finding himself in the studio with Tony Visconti and David Bowie. John’s description of hearing Bowie vocalize in his ear gave me goosebumps. He talked about laying down tracks with Peter Wolf and Ian Hunter, getting to jam with loads of his heroes. The Conte Brothers connected with Kyf Brewer and Company of Wolves were borne. They did some showcases, got signed, did a tour with Richard Marx, and foreshadowed John’s future, one with Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes. John talked us through touring with Joan Osbourne (beautiful words here), Roseanne Cash, and Southside Johnny choosing him in 2007, a gig that would take him through to present day. There was a short tour with Billy Joel during his 2012 comeback with our friend, Tommy Byrnes, lovely to hear John’s take on it, and great stories about his tenure playing with The Disciples of Soul, the house band for the American Music Honors where he got to play with honorees, Jackson Browne, Mavis Staples, John Mellencamp and Dion, as well as host, Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt. John’s shared the stage with Bruce numerous times before, memorably for an impromptu 45-minute set with Southside. John’s recounting of that and of playing with Peter Frampton (and Sheryl Crow) at the Sandy Hook Promise Benefit is another moving, goosebump-inducing tale. I loved every single second with my old friend. It’s thrilling to see how his life has played and continues to play out. The young boy living his dream. Southside Johnyy’s future may be unsure, but John’s certainly isn’t. He’s always got multiple projects cooking, his own music in the works - check him out here johnconte.bandcamp.com and here Facebook.com/johncontebass I just adore the boy. He’ll always be a rockboy to me and damn, he sure still looks like one. John Conte Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson ****Wednesday, 1/29/25, 1 PM PT, 4 PM ET**** Streamed Live on my Facebook Replay here: https://bit.ly/4hbKHj6…

Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

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Laurence Juber Live On Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 1:11:07

9 weeks之前1:11:07

1:11:07

Laurence Juber Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson How life-affirming to be back Live with 2x Grammy Winner Laurence Juber. Laurence got us started with his Cobalt Blue. Loved it! What an extraordinary finger-playing guitarist. Gorgeous. We talked the LA fires, the Juber evacuation plan, fortunately not taken to fruition. Animals before guitars, his one-of-a-kind custom shop signature Martin, and a Les Paul were the two that made the cut. Laurence is doing what he can to help, performing at a series of gigs that will donate their proceeds, including Tuesday’s big fundraiser at The Canyon Club. Laurence talked with great pride about his two daughters, both achieving big things in the biz. He also spoke with great love and reverence of his wife, Hope, to whom he’s been married and a true partner in life and oft in art, for 42 years. It’s clear that it’s family first and creating for the Jubers. There’s no sitting around eating bonbons and watching the tube for this high-functioning family. We talked about Laurence’s early days and influences, clarinet his first instrument, finding guitar, and learning to read music in a day. He claims. everyone was doing it. His dream was to be a session player, and he quickly realized it in Abby Road Studios with the likes of George Martin. He gigged around with innumerable bands, quite happy to be doing so, until Denny Laine made that fateful connection. Auditioning with drummer Steve Holley, their lives both changed that day when Paul McCartney asked what they’d be doing for the next few years. A childhood fantasy realized, until a pot bust in Japan. Laurence spoke of his solo work, lots more session work, segueing to TV, which led him to some work with a guy named Snuffy, and ultimately to scoring and composing… writing two musicals with Hope, one, the ever popular, Gilligan’s Island: The Musical. There was a Grammy with Sir Paul for Rockestra, the first instrumental Grammy, and his solo arrangement of The Pink Panther Theme earned him a second Grammy. Laurence has played on innumerable hits, some he’s found out about years later reading about them. He’s an amazing man with incredible talents. This was a much-needed soul-filling reminder of all that’s good and right with the world during troubled and turbulent times. He took us out with guitar perfection. Click here for all that’s Laurence Juber laurencejuber.com including info on where to purchase his own coffee blend, and download his latest, A Day in My Life. Or grab the vinyl! Laurence Juber Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 1/22/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my Facebook Replay here: https://bit.ly/42oDeZq…

Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

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Jim Beaver Live On Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 1:32:35

14 weeks之前1:32:35

1:32:35

Jim Beaver Live On Game Changers With Vicki Abelson by Vicki Abelson

Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

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Jimmy Vivino Live On Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 1:43:26

15 weeks之前1:43:26

1:43:26

Jimmy Vivino Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson It had been six long, 4 1/2 COVID years since last I sat down with my old friend, multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, and long-time musical director for Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Vivino. It was like coming home. Almost the same age, we have many shared (unbeknownst to us at the time) memories of concerts at The Filmore East, Watkins Glen, the glory daze of the NY club scene, and a bounty of mutual friends. Talk about being in one’s comfort zone. Jimmy talked growing up in New Jersey, his carpenter trumpet-playing father, his talented brothers, Jerry and Floyd, and how they began and evolved - he talked Conan, Laura Nyro, Phoebe Snow, Donald Fagen, John Sebastian, Al Kooper, Levon Helm, The Allman Brothers, Albert King, Tom Petty, Prince, Bruno Mars, Michael McDonald, Johnny Johnson, Hubert Sumlin, Stevie Wonder, Muddy Waters, Pinetop Perkins, John Sebastian, The Dead, The Band, Harry Shearer, Paul Shaffer, whom he credits as his mentor, Leader of the Pack, Broadway, Ronnie Spector, Felix Cavaliere, The Rascals, Frankie Valli, Slash, Sly Stone, The J. Geils Band, Elvis Costello, and the James Brown and Friends Set Fire To The Soul with Aretha, Robert Palmer, and Joe Cocker, that he orchestrated. Incredible stories all around, and this special is available on YouTube… wow - Snuff and I just watched it. Spectacular. We talked about COVID and Jimmy joining Canned Heat, currently touring with them, and Bill Murray, as well as still doing shows with Will Lee and The Fab Faux. His first all-original album, Gonna Be 2 of Those Days, is due to drop in February, signed copies are available for pre-sale at jimmyvmusic.com He treated us to a track to close the show. Life is busy, busy. busy… just the way Jimmy likes it. And so do we who follow and adore him. I so enjoyed every second of this. Jimmy needs to write a book and get all these stories down. He knows and has played with everyone. Such fun! Jimmy Vivino Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 12/11/24, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my Facebook Replay here: https://bit.ly/49vuRwT…

Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

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Bruce Vilanch Live On Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 50:21

16 weeks之前50:21

50:21

Bruce Vilanch Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson We were Live with 6x Emmy Winner, Bruce Vilanch, even though he only stakes genuine claim to 2 of them, he’s got 6. Well, he was awarded 6, he gave one to his mother, one to his manager, one to his business manager, and he’s got 2 in his possession. They all still count, Bruce. And they’re all deserved. This human has brought so much joy, and so much laughter to audiences around the globe for decades. Bruce has written for 24 Oscar broadcasts, was head writer for 14 of them, and collaborated with hosts such as Whoopi Goldberg, David Letterman, and Billy Crystal, we talked about all of those: fun with Whoopi, outsider Dave, magic with Billy, and the infamous Rob Lowe/ Snow White monologue, difficult Ellen, no surprise there, wildness with Jack Palance, apologies from James Franco, great stories, all! We talked the Hollywood Squares, which brought Bruce front and center - put him on camera, made him a celebrity, helped him land Hairspray and his star turn as Edna Turnblat on Broadway… how the show worked, great tales about Little Richard, Garth Brooks having the funny, Whoopi, again, John Davidson hosting and the adlib that brought the house down, or was it? Starting as a child actor, always funny, writing the funny for the Chicago Tribune, meeting Bette Midler, a relationship that has spanned 55 years and has been a game and life changer. Writing for Joan Rivers, Lily Tomlin, Robin Williams, Roseanne, Nathan Lane, and pretty much everyone else in Hollywood. The pandemic kept Bruce busy - his book, It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time, drops March 4th and is available for pre-order now https://www.amazon.com/Seemed-Like-Bad-Idea-Time/dp/0914091921 he wrote the book for the Dolly Parton musical, Here You Come Again, which has enjoyed successful runs across the states and is currently readying a run in London’s West End. Bruce is featured in Studio One Forever, about America’s first iconic gay disco, streaming now on Prime. Bruce is everywhere and has done everything. Indefatigable and talented beyond compare, Bruce can get inside the head of just about anyone - be them and make them funny. Funnier. What a gift. He’s a treasure. I adore him and I’m damn grateful he never stops working. Do us all a continued favor, Bruce, stay busy! Bruce Vilanch Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 12/4/24, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my Facebook Replay here: https://bit.ly/3BdtJ4d…

Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

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Bruce Watson Live On Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 1:03:53

18 weeks之前1:03:53

1:03:53

Foreigner guitarist Bruce Watson was having a better hair day, finished his crisp white shirt with a black jacket (I’d intended to do in kind with mine, but I was rushing and couldn’t get my cuffs through my sleeves), and surrounded himself with cool guitars and warm lights. Rockstar! I dig the cut of his jib. Almost as much as I appreciate how accessible, down-to-earth, humble, and lovely he is. Not a likely combination, but oh, so charming. And entertaining! What a great storyteller! Bruce took us through his extraordinary ancestry. The Watsons have been Valley Boys since the 1600s. Not! But they have been in America since then, in LA since the 1890s or so… likewise, his mother’s people, from Cork. Great story there - how and why they got here. We got the skinny on where the passion started - The Monkees - Hey Micky - and Creedance- the dream - to be a rockstar - his first band, Eragon, that no one, including me, could say correctly, covering The Eagles and Zeppelin - hysterical day jobs, great stories there, his first big gig touring with Toto’s Bobby Kimball, then Patty Smyth with Rod Stewart, then Rod hisself. Bruce, although not a “reader,” was getting lots of session work for film, TV, and commercials, one of which was producing a spot with B.B. King- what a poignant, moving story. Recording with a very young Christina Aguilera, her break out, What a Girl Wants, and just out of the box, Sara Bareilles’ Love Song, through Bennett Salvay meeting composer W.G. Snuffy Walden, and giving them just what they needed for their Friday Night Lights, getting the call to fill in for an ill Mick Jones - a temp gig - Bruce was busy, enjoying session work, his home and his family, with no intention of touring - then getting extended… again and again… finally joining Mick and becoming a permanent member of Foreigner. The Rockstar young Bruce dreamt of being realized in full force and boy does he wear it well. A killer player, he’s got the hair, the moves, and the clothes, and I got him to tell us where he shops. I wanna hit the stores with him. It’s all about how he puts it together. Bruce Watson is all that… and a jumbo bag of Cheetos. Talent, looks, genuine sweetness, and fun. Rockers, please take note… you can reach the pinnacle, look amazing doing it, and still be a mensch. Be like Bruce! Bruce Watson Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 11/20/24, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my Facebook Replay here: https://bit.ly/48YTzp0…

Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

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Jack Casady Live On Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 1:56:36

19 weeks之前1:56:36

1:56:36

It turns out it’s not all about the bass when talking with my hero, iconic legend, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Jack Casady, of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna. We did a deep dive into Jack’s family history, which is documented back to 1600s America on one side. There’s Irish, there’s Jewish, smoked whitefish on Sunday mornings whilst being raised Protestant. There are stories aplenty of Jack’s father with whom he shared a passion for music and a complicated relationship. Jack found a banjo and a guitar in their attic, where his musical journey began. Jack shares the details, suffice it to say, his solid work ethic, intelligence, talent, and perhaps his penchant for alcohol took root here. Unlike his father, Jack got to live his passion, and got sober 34 years ago. Bravo, sir! He tells a most poignant tale with a prop of losing his father thisclose to a lovely milestone. One of many very moving moments shared today. Jack took us through his early musical influences and experiences, and a couple of non-musical ones like his paper route… he spoke of Danny Gatton, meeting Jorma, how he went from guitar to bass, the invitation to join Jefferson Airplane, in my top 5 bands of all time, what that was for him creatively - those days, San Francisco, those people, Signe, Marty, Paul, then Grace, Skip, Spencer… and the lifestyle, going club to club, playing and supporting each other, The Dead, Big Brother, Jimi, and recording Voodoo Chile, and the impact Mitch Mitchell had on the music, Jimi, and on Jack. We talked The Filmore, West, and East, the special pull of New York, Woodstock, how that went down for Jack & Jorma, and the aftermath… Hot Tuna, how and why… he and Jorma and why it still works almost 60 years later… SVT, The Starship, KBC… teaching at Fur Peace Ranch, and now virtually - you too can study with Jack! He played Somebody to Love on his signature Diana and almost made me cry, and, at my request, his iconic White Rabbit riff, in my top 5 songs of all time and the reason I picked up a bass 40 years ago. Speaking of Diana, Jack spoke of their life together and their fight to keep his wife alive after her cancer diagnosis. He was visibly overcome and still for a few moments when speaking of her passing over a decade ago. The bright side, he announced he’s betrothed to Debra Evans, who was part of Diana’s care team. Lots of full-circle moments, Jack shares a birthday with my son, Harry. We’re all connected, aren’t we? This was a dream come true for this Airplane, Hot Tuna, loving, bass-playing wanna-be. One for the books. If someone had told me when I was a girl in Queens playing the grooves off Surrealistic Pillow that I would one day sit down with Jack (and Jorma), I would’ve wanted what they were having. I was probably already having it. And look at us now, all three, clean and sober. This old girl is grateful beyond words for this wondrous day with Jack. Jack Casady Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 11/13/24, Noon PT, 3 pm ET Streamed Live on my Facebook Replay here: https://bit.ly/4hOGeUs…

Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

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Steve Postell Live On Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 1:37:25

20 weeks之前1:37:25

1:37:25

Post-election 2024 started out somber, weepy, and kind of hopeless for many of us. Thank goodness for my old pal, singer/songwriter/producer, Steve Postell. A long-time news junkie, he determined this day he was through. He pulled me and the rest of us out of the muck––back into the music, art, and the land of the living. We processed together a bit first and then shifted gears with Steve singing his My Parade, which perfectly spoke to his altered focus with an invitation for us to join him in acceptance, awareness, and gratitude of sorts. He segued into great stories––his relationship with David Crosby and how Our House came to be, The Immediate Family, awaiting a possible Grammy nom this week for their amazing Denny Tedesco doc, how they came to be, and where they are now––when Steve first became aware of the section backing James Taylor, the moment that opened the door to the full circle back around with all of them––being compared to Jackson Browne to befriending and working with hiim––teen art class with Bob Dylan to coming thisclose to playing with him––producing and playing with so many of his heroes, and them playing with him––his current solo record deal, upcoming show, more Our House dates to come, Immediate Family dates as schedules permit… life is rich, life is good, even if we’re Walking Through These Blues––his spectacular song on his upcoming LP that he closed with. Steve and I go back to the heady days of the New York club scene in the 80s. I was booking the Rock 'N Roll Café on Bleeker Street, and Steve was fresh out of Pure Prairie League. I was RockStar struck. I booked him that day and have continued to for the past 35 + years wherever I went and whatever I did. When I had my book launch at The Federal in LA it was Steve’s Night Train Music Club I went to. As he always does, he put together a most kick-ass jam band. A rotation of the best players on the planet, some of whom comprise, with Steve, The Immediate Family. That’s another of Steve’s ongoing passion projects. I went into this evening a semi-paralyzed mess. I leave uplifted, reminded that friendships, music, work, fun, love, and service will see me through. Thanks, Steve! I trust you saved more than me this night. Steve Postell Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 11/6/24, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET Streamed Live on my Facebook Replay here: https://bit.ly/4el9nU0…

Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

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Dan Navarro Live On Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 1:23:27

23 weeks之前1:23:27