The whole world knows Rick Springfield, the performer, songwriter, idol, rock star, actor, hitmaker....but the real Rick is an introspective deep thinker who has overcome wrenching personal and professional obstacles while remaining true to his purpose and authentic self. Rick joins us this week to talk about a remarkable career trajectory, a new album, a coffee table book and an upcoming national tour!

Rick realized at an early age that he was destined to make art, setting off on a unique journey which began in the suburbs of Sydney, then took him to England during the early days of the legendary British rock scene, back to Australia where he launched his music career and then deep into Vietnam to perform for the troops during the height of the Southeast Asia conflict in the late '60s.

Rick shares astonishing recollections of playing live in an active war zone, ducking for cover in the middle of a set, flying in an Apache helicopter and his nearly fatal encounter with a grenade.

Rick was able to secure a record deal that brought him to America, but while his first single, Speak To The Sky, landed with a flash, he quickly fell into a personal and career rut that lasted 8 years.

Rick spent the disco era sticking true to his hook heavy power pop sound and eventually came up swinging with the instant classic Jessie’s Girl, followed by 16 more top forty hits! Simultaneously, Rick’s side hustle landed him on the soap that was addicting millions, General Hospital. Rick played Noah Drake who he describes as a better kisser than doctor.

Rick’s autobiography, Late, Late at Night is raw and honest about his struggles with bouts of deep depression. Therapy and medication have helped him and he’s gratified that sharing his truth has been a beacon to others but he feels that music is the greatest comfort. That and possibly rum (use responsibly) Rick and Sammy Hagar have launched the Beach Bar Rum company.

All of the above, plus a round of IMDB Roulette which takes Rick from Wonder Woman to Meryl Streep. (Often mistaken for the same person.)

In recommendations--

Weezy: The Four Seasons, Netflix Series

Fritz: Documentary, Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History

Path Points of Interest:

Rick Springfield

Rick Springfield on Wiki

Rick Springfield on IMDB

Rick Springfield on Apple Music

Rick Springfield on YouTube Music

Rick Springfield Shop

2025 Tour Dates

Rick Springfield on Instagram

Rick Springfield on Facebook

Rick Springfield on X

Rick Springfield on TikTok

Lose Myself Video

The Four Seasons on Netflix

The Four Seasons film on Netflix

Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History

Media Path Website

Author, performer, podcaster, interviewer and host Nelson Aspen has covered a lot of ground in his highly prolific career, but he continues to return to one spot in particular, figuratively speaking: 41°43'32" N, 49°56'49" W...better known as the location of the most well known and intensely chronicled sea-faring vessel in history: White Star Line's RMS Titanic.

For Nelson, his interest in the famed ship seems fated - He's felt a lifelong affinity with Titanic passenger, Milton Long! And Nelson shares Milton’s story in a new historical fantasy/semi-autobiographical/reincarnation novel, Kindred Spirits: A Titanic Tale.

We know that Milton met fellow passenger, Jack Thayer aboard Titanic. They were together as the ship went down. One lived. One perished. Is it a gay Titanic love story?

Historical records point to the reality that a budding affection between the two men was developing at sea. As the ship met her fate, only women and children were permitted in lifeboats which were being sent into the water half full. Their only hope was to jump. Jack launched himself into the water and balanced on an overturned collapsable lifeboat for hours before his rescue. Milton slid down the now nearly vertical banister and was sucked beneath the ship where he died.

Titanic and Milton remained with Jack for long after the tragic events of April 14, 1912. Nelson's book builds on a metaphysical premise that allows readers to examine a unique juxtaposition between the constraints of Edwardian morals and the life-affirming spirit of the contemporary LGBTQ community.

We discuss the documentary 'Ship of Dreams: Titanic Movie Diaries' which Nelson worked on with Alexandra Boyd, his co-host on the Titanic Talk podcast, which captures the extent of the impact the 1997 movie made on all who were involved with the production.

Nelson shares his thoughts on why modern audiences continue to gravitate to the liner's ill-fated maiden voyage, his thoughts on collecting Titanic artifacts, why no single person or entity can shoulder the blame for the tragic event, plus where he's heading on his upcoming appearances and the latest installment in his semi-autobiographical series, Dancing Between The Raindrops!

In recommendations--

Fritz: Netflix Series, The Residence

Weezy: The Dark Money Game on HBO

Path Points of Interest:

Nelson Aspen

Kindred Spirits: A Titanic Tale

Nelson Aspen Amazon Page

Ship of Dreams

Titanic Talk Podcast

Nelson Aspen on YouTube

Nelson Aspen on Instagram

Nelson Aspen on X

Nelson Aspen on TikTok

The Residence-Netflix

The Dark Money Game

Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right by Jane Meyer

When family stories become show biz stories, the world listens. Fitting that very bill we’ve got actor Keith Coogan, the grandson of the original child star, Jackie Coogan, whose namesake law in the state of California, is the first to safeguard the rights of young performers in Hollywood. Keith talks about growing up with this legend plus his own iconic roles as a prolific film and TV child actor!

Keith's career proves that show business blood runs thick: He told his mother he wanted to act before he even knew of his family legacy. His great grandfather, Jack Coogan Sr. was a Vaudeville and silent film star. His grandfather, Jackie Coogan was known, in the 1920s as, “the most famous boy in the world!” Keith began booking roles by the age of eight and quickly became a go-to casting choice, for TV guest spots and commercials starring Henry Fonda and Robert Morse.

Keith’s show biz success made his grandfather proud but a little jealous and relieved when Keith developed into a working actor rather than America’s darling.

Keith tells us about the legendary events, which led to The Coogan Act - After Jackie’s father died in a car crash, the young superstar’s hard earned fortune was squandered by his stepfather.

Passed in 1939, The Coogan Law requires that a portion of a child's earnings be placed in a blocked trust account until the child turns 18.

Keith recalls with great fondness his experiences working with stellar casts and crews on the “Babysitter” cult greats, 'Adventures in Babysitting', and Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead. Plus Toy Soldiers, The Waltons and The Fox and The Hound.

We play IMDB Roulette and get into Laverne and Shirley, Mork and Mindy, and Little House!

In recommendations--

Weezy: Netflix series, North of North

Fritz: Book, How Democracies Die by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky

Path Points of Interest:

Keith Coogan

Keith Coogan on Wikipedia

Keith Coogan on IMDB

Keith Coogan on Instagram

Keith Coogan on X

Keith Coogan on YouTube

Keith Coogan on Facebook

Keith Coogan Merch

North of North

How Democracies Die by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky

Media Path Podcast

We have entered an exciting new TV drama era in which creators are immersing viewers in the gritty, heart wrenching details of real life trauma. We are celebrating this provocative and inspiring new chapter by focusing on two of the most buzz-worthy shows in the stream-os-phere, The Pitt on Max and Adolescence on Netflix - Prepare for a fresh frame of reference on the emerging television landscape!

The Netflix show Adolescence is sparking tons of discussion, and we are entering the dialogue via our producer Dina Friedman who watched the limited series with her 13-year-old son, Ryder. As a portrayal of a young man who's accused of murdering a classmate, presented without cuts, Adolescence is a bold, ambitious and unflinching production in both form and content.

As a serving middle-schooler, Ryder offers unique insights into social media, bullying and the relationships between middle schoolers, technology and their parents. Ryder shares his opinion on the online “’manosphere” and incel' culture which Adolescence explores and he talks about the forces currently shaping his peers' friendship and romantic interactions, while Dina provides the parental perspective.

Lesley Boone is also with us to discuss her role as night shift charge nurse Lena on the Max medical show beloved by audiences, critics and medical insiders, The Pitt. Another unique production, The Pitt, which has been lauded as perhaps the most realistic hospital drama to date, is shot in sequence, with star actors, serving as background extras when a scene requires that perspective shift.

Lesley shares behind-the-scenes insights and her views on what makes the show stand out within the medical procedural genre. She tells us how medical professionals and veterans work both on and offscreen, ensuring authenticity. For example: That nurse you see in the background operating a heart monitor or swapping out a fluid bag is an actual nurse!

Lesley talks about the impressive professionalism of Noah Wyle, the medical training received by the cast and she shares the trade secret that allowed an actor with a fork stuck up her prosthetic nose break for lunch!

In recommendations --

Weezy: Netflix documentary Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing

Fritz: The book FIGHT by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes

Path Points of Interest:

Lesley Boone on Wiki

Lesley Boone on IMDB

Lesley Boone on Instagram

The Pitt on Max

Adolescence on Netflix

FIGHT by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes

Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing

The exuberantly effervescent Jo Anne Worley, queen of the quip and paradigm of the pizzazz, turns our studio into a cabaret club this week, dazzling and delighting with stories of show biz daring do… her fearless stage style, her bold reach for brilliance, behind the scenes lore from the set of Laugh-In and a fabulous flurry of anecdotes and memories from an unrivaled career.

The girl from Lowell, Indiana knew she was destined for the business when she distracted the most vicious teacher in her two-room schoolhouse with a hilarious crack that saved the hide of another student.

After high school she hit the ground and then the train running out of her tiny town towards the Pickwick Players and a life in theater, where she literally ate the scenery, salting and snacking on a tomato during a key court scene in The Mikado. Jo Anne built an all singing and dancing nightclub act because, at the time, women did not talk on stage. Her comic gifts so impressed Merv Griffin’s wife, it lead to her frequent appearances with Merv on his show and a chance to audition for George Schlatter, creator of Laugh-In.

Her iconic role on that revolutionary sketch show earned her a permanent spot in pop culture and entertainment history and she shares with us some deep insider info: How John Wayne gallantly lifted her down from the joke wall and that time a mime, Marcel Marceau, perfectly impersonated this vocally resonant performer without a sound.

No one makes an entrance, or unleashes a song parody or lights into a Bob Hope story like Jo Anne Worley! So strap in for hilarity. What did Jo Anne say to Jerry Lewis to earn her spot in his comedy workshop? What’s it like to share a fence with Jonathon Winters? And we’ve got a rollicking round of IMDB Roulette that serves as a masterclass in the glory days of entertainment.

In recommendations--

Weezy: Tetris, Apple TV+ Movie and The Tetris Murders doc Series on Max

Fritz: Hulu Sitcom, Mid-Century Modern

Path Points of Interest:

Jo Anne Worley on Wiki

Jo Anne Worley on IMDB

Actors and Others for Animals

Actors and Others for Animals Ebay Items

Billy Barnes Bash at Catalina Jazz Club on April 27th

Ruta Lee's Birthday on May 30th

Tetris (The Movie)

The Tetris Murders

MId Century Modern on Hulu

Media Path Podcast

We've always suspected that the key to uniting our polarized nation may lie in our shared entertainment, and now we have definitive proof. It comes in the form of comedian Bobby Collins who has toured our nation and beyond, many times over, performing in states of every color, at USO and U.S. embassy shows abroad, and at political events for both parties. He comes to us with insights from the front lines.

Bobby prides himself on bringing his relatable and comforting brand of humor to increasingly divided audiences from one state and one venue to the next and he’s here to talk about how he navigates these politically perilous times, and he’s delivering road stories from touring with the biggest names to ever grace a stage!

Bobby's comedy career seemed predestined when his parents named him after Bob Hope. And Bobby was primed for the spotlight watching his parents’ joyful reaction to the comics who appeared on Ed Sullivan.

After a short detour ( as an executive at Calvin Klein!) he brought a date to the comedy club, Catch a Rise Star, and when she was ready to leave, he called her a cab and stayed to soak in more comedy. He began honing his craft there and was soon asked by the owner if he’d like to MC.

One night, a business card handed to him turned into an invitation to open for Cher. From there, he went on to tour with Frank Sinatra, Julio Iglesias, Tony Bennett and he tells us about his bumpy ride with Dolly Parton who reached out for forgiveness in her book!

Bobby does not shy away from 'doing' politics, but his material seeks our common humanity and gives voice to observations upon which we can all agree, replacing darkness and anger with the welcome recognition of our similarities. After shows, people often tell him how his act brought them much needed healing and comfort, arguably more crucial now than ever.

Also, was Sinatra a good tipper? Why did Cher make Bobby sweat? And how did Julio manage to truncate a dressing room visit from Donald Trump!?

In recommendations --

Weezy: Netflix Series, Adolescence

Fritz: Paramount+ Series, Landman, streaming on several platforms

Path Points of Interest:

Bobby Collins

Bobby Collins Wikipedia

Bobby Collins Standup 90s

On The Inside by Bobby Collins

Bobby Collins - Facebook

Bobby Collins on Youtube

Bobby Collins on Instagram

Bobby Collins on TikTok

Adolescence

Landman, Paramount, Netflix and others

Two artists who have left an indelible mark on American music are, in actual fact, a married couple with a brand new album on the verge of dropping. The Bangles' Vicki Peterson and The Cowsills' John Cowsill join us! Differences between these two abound: New England vs. Southern California origins, 60s family pop vs. 80s girl-band rock, drums vs. guitar; but the parallels are even more striking....

Both Vicki and John were raised by Top 40 Radio, they began performing very young and played in extraordinarily influential bands with their siblings. And so importantly, they share the honor of touching audiences with music that became lifetime soundtracks.

Their new collaborative album, 'Long After the Fire' (including the about-to-drop-on-March 21st-single, 'Is Anybody Here') features covers of songs written by John's late brothers, Billy and Barry Cowsill. It was an uphill battle to acquire the rights to license the music, but thanks to Vicki's tenacity and their producer’s rich industry knowledge, Vicki and John have leaned the expanse of their talent and exquisite harmonies into this very personal project.

Vicki tells us about her rock stardom ride with the Bangles and John shares his early worries that having entered professional show biz at the age of seven, his career chose him and therefore the subsequent attention often felt embarrassing.

We also talk about, 'Family Band: The Cowsills Story’, a documentary that Weezy made about the Cowsills. We discuss John's time with the Beach Boys, Vicki’s collaborations with her sister-in-law, Susan Cowsill and Vicki and John give each other the business with the well-earned nicknames, ‘Child Star' and ‘Rock Star’. Plus, we have a round of IMDB Roulette for the ages and an exclusive, in-studio performance!

Path Points of Interest

Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill

Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill on Youtube

A Thousand Times Video

Vicki and John on Instagram

Vicki and John on Facebook

John Cowsill

John Cowsill on Facebook

John Cowsill on Instagram

John Cowsill on Wiki

Joey's Song

Vicki Peterson on Wiki

The Bangles

Vicki Peterson on Facebook

Norman's Rare Guitars Documentary

Viet Nam: The Way That Changed America - Apple TV

A Golden Age Hollywood star in every sense, at just 16 Ruta Lee was cast in the all-time great movie musical, 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers', subsequently becoming the designated smoldering beauty, spicy sexpot and fiery vixen in iconic TV Westerns, mysteries and dramas of the '50s and '60s.

She is celebrating her 90th birthday in classic Ruta fashion: with a one-woman show, fabulously titled 'Consider Your Ass Kissed! This week she brings her legendary inside showbiz lore and boundless energy to the Media Path studio!

Ruta's story begins with her Lithuanian background and parents who escaped the oppression of the Communist regime to Montreal, Quebec, where Ruta was born, singing and dancing. Her mother reached out to a Lithuanian priest in Los Angeles and thus began the plan to head for Hollywood.

Ruta’s Hollywood High training prepared her to land roles on The George Burns & Gracie Allen Show, The Roy Rogers Show and then iconic films including Funny Face with Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn and Sergeants Three with The Rat Pack!

Ruta recounts her heroic efforts to extract her Grandmother from a Siberian internment camp. She took her request straight to Khrushchev! She tells us about her work with The Thalians, an organization founded by Hollywood actors to help children receive mental health care. Also, what is Audrey Hepburn's keep-slim advice? And what job yielded Ruta the most lucrative income?

And with public speaking being our number one fear, Rick Mitchell joins us to talk about his new book, one of the most crucial reference guides of all time, 'How to Write a Funny Speech for a Wedding, Bar Mitzvah, Graduation & Every Other Event You Didn't Want to Go to in the First Place'!

In recommendations--

Weezy: "Reality Winner Noir" - Reality (2023) on Max and Winner (2024) on Hulu

Fritz: 'Nickel Boys' now streaming on Prime

Path Points of Interest:

Ruta Lee

Consider Your Ass Kissed by Ruta Lee

Ruta Lee in
“CONSIDER YOUR ASS KISSED”
At The Purple Room in Palm Springs, Saturday & Sunday, March 29th and 30th

at The El Portal Theatre, Friday, May 30th, 2025

Ruta Lee on Wikipedia

Ruta Lee on Facebook

The Thalians

Rick Mitchell

How to Write a Funny Speech Buy Links

Nickel Boys (2024)

Reality (2023) on Max

Winner (2024) on Hulu

Media Path Podcast