Before he became an award-winning standup comedian, Frank Castillo was a high school student in Mr. Bob's social science class in Temecula, CA. Instead of ridiculing his substitute teacher, Frank wrote the following poem about the odd sub:

A MAN, HIS GUITAR AND A FAITHFUL VW BUS...OKAY, WELL MAYBE JUST THE FIRST 2

In a time when everything was repetitive.

and there was not more adventure in the world.

People would get up, go to work, eat, and have the occasional old people sex.

There was a calling.

a calling for someone to make and adventure in this adventure less world.

and someone took that call.

unfortunately he didn't want the job so they got the next best guy.

and he was busy too.

so then there was bob.

and his bus.

he is a lone ranger.

traveling the world.

Creating the magic that wasn't there.

Making the last great adventure.

Hitting all the cities in his way never looking back.

The endless roads are his home.

Meeting people and making a difference in their lives.

Spreading the words of wisdom.

Ok well he's still working on the last part.

Sparking the imaginations of the future.

hearing the peoples call, words, lives, dreams.

Inspiring the young. and helping the old.

Paying it up. Just a man and his dreams.

a scholar of the future.

He is a prophet, or a moses without the jesus powers.

Still with a few drinks in him he could walk on water.

Or awkwardly dance it.

He is a socrates of his time.

instead with a guitar and no long beard.

So this is for him.

and his bus.

May he someday run into you.

And change your life.

Because he has changed mine.

I picked up today's guest hitchhiking on a lonely, dark road one night in southern Oregon back in October of 1997. Alwin de Jonge was a 21-year-old from Holland who loved Clint Eastwood movies and was looking for an adventure when fate put him and his thumb on the road for four months. This is the first time we spoke since parting ways in San Francisco 28 years ago, when I offered to let him stay at my place in L.A.—even though I wouldn't be there.

Molly's Philly-raised Uncle Rick moved to Elgin, TX 50 years ago without a plan. Luckily, the man can spin a yarn.

I was a 27-year-old magazine writer living in Manhattan Beach, CA, looking to do some volunteer work with kids, when I was introduced to a bright, hilarious 9-year-old who'd been dumped at the Hollygrove orphanage in Hollywood a couple months before we met. Over 35 years later, the abandoned boy is family. This is our story.

When not talking Succession and cats, I get to tell our guest about the time we left his brother home alone at our house in Austin.

A little mother/son bonding to kick off Friends & Family FRIDAY. Where it all began.

And for those wishing to send Mama Judy a birthday card—or just a note of encouragement—her mailing address is:

Judy Benoit

P.O. Box 2272

Temecula, CA 92593

It's been about 7 years since I recorded this conversation with Green Thumbs star Fred at our dining room table in Crown Heights. Talking fine dining at Estela, future projects, cutting his hair and the craft of acting.

According to my first AI-generated post-Zoom podcast summary:

"Bob and Larry discussed technical difficulties, personal experiences, and shared interests during their meeting. They explored topics ranging from health challenges and personal growth to consciousness, alien theories, and creative pursuits. The conversation also touched on their past collaborations, future aspirations, and mutual appreciation for their friendship and support."

Sounds about right.

LARRY'S APPEARANCE W/MADONNA @ KID'S CHOICE AWARDS: https://youtu.be/ZStM5czeVww?si=eItlPLEuSMVcTRwP

LARRY'S YOU TUBE PAGE: www.youtube.com/@larryzeno7133