Episodes

  • 213: John Abendshien KNOWS Movies, Healthcare, Curiosity Gone Wild, Human Nature, Kevin McCallister & Home Alone Home Ownership

    213: John Abendshien KNOWS Movies, Healthcare, Curiosity Gone Wild, Human Nature, Kevin McCallister & Home Alone Home Ownership
    Dec 19 2025
    Imagine your home suddenly transformed into a Hollywood icon. That's precisely what happened to John Abendshien, whose real-life house became the star of "Home Alone." More than just a film set, it turned into a character of its own, filled with traps and slapstick chaos that helped make the movie a global hit. Decades later, the house remains legendary. Tourists visit, merchandise abounds—even gingerbread replicas exist. In his new book, "Home But Alone No More," Abendshien shares the fascinating behind-the-scenes story: how the location was chosen, what filming was like, and the surreal experience of having a blockbuster take over his home—and life. Filming lasted five months in 1990, but the impact never ended. What followed was a mix of magic and madness, as the family's home became a permanent tourist attraction. Blending humor and heartfelt reflection, Abendshien draws parallels between himself and young Kevin McCallister, noting the film's deeper themes of family, independence, and resilience. Over time, the house stopped being just his—it became everyone's house. And as he says, when you're part of something this beloved, you're never really home alone. John Abendshien has over 45 years of experience providing consulting services to healthcare organizations in enterprise strategy, clinical services development, organizational design, and mergers and acquisitions. He has played a key role in the planning and development of some of the country's leading healthcare systems and has conducted 400+ consulting engagements across the United States with a broad range of organizations. John is a frequent speaker and lecturer on strategic planning and organizational change management, and is the author of the book "Health Care in the Next Curve: Transforming a Dysfunctional Industry" (CRC Press, 2018). In 2023, John was recognized by Marquis Who's Who for his contributions to the healthcare industry. John holds an M.B.A. and an M.S. degree in Health Services Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia and completed his administrative residency at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. He also served as an officer in the U.S. Army Medical Services Corps. "ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones" is a podcast that features smart, funny, and heartfelt conversations with celebrities, innovators, and everyday heroes. The show is designed to entertain, enlighten, and offer listeners new insights into the world, others, and themselves. The podcast is hosted by Randall Kenneth Jones, a bestselling author, speaker, and creative communications consultant. The announcer is the celebrated voice actor Susan Bennett, widely known as the original voice of Siri. The podcast offers a unique spin on knowledge and education, emphasizing the importance of conversation, laughter, listening, and critical thinking. It is often described as an "antidote to today's anxiety-ridden media landscape." "ON THE KNOWS" is produced and edited by Kevin Randall Jones. Podcast Highlights: • The only thing John didn't like about the final film was the horrible wallpaper, which didn't match the décor of John's home. • John shared why he waited 35 years to write the book—and John and Randy discuss why that has actually made it a better book. • John's 2nd-favorite memory from the set was time spent behind the scenes learning from production designer John Muto and cinematographer Julio Macat. John ultimately expresses very complimentary sentiments toward John Hughes, Chris Columbus, John Williams, and everyone involved in the movie. • John and Randy discuss their favorite cast members and why they have this honor. John's is Daniel Stern and Randy's is "the great and powerful" Catherine O'Hara. • John describes a childhood in which he was "home alone" much of the time. John and Randy share a hometown in Columbia, Missouri, and are both alums of the University of Missouri-Columbia. John and Randy discuss that neither of them ever "learned how to play." • John shares how his work in healthcare administration relates to his experience with HOME ALONE, both during filming and in the decades following the film's release. • John talks about his wonderful neighbors. • John shares how the film—and the chaos that followed—changed his view of life and how he personally changed over time. Best Quotes: • John Abendshien: "The 'Home Alone' crowd shattered almost every cliché ever said about Tinseltown. Every single person—yes, every last one—was down to earth and surprisingly easy to get along with." • John Abendshien: "We weren't just homeowners anymore; we were unwitting participants in a film production, witnessing the magic of moviemaking firsthand—crazy stunt scenes, a cast and crew who practically moved in, and the utter chaos that came with it all." • John Abendshien: "Kids, left to their own...
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    34 mins
  • 212: Mark Malkoff KNOWS Entertainment, Comedy, Late Night TV, Obsessive Behavior & Johnny Carson

    212: Mark Malkoff KNOWS Entertainment, Comedy, Late Night TV, Obsessive Behavior & Johnny Carson
    Dec 11 2025
    Mark Malkoff is a comedian, writer, and podcast host. He has been featured on Today, Good Morning America, CNN, NPR's Weekend Edition, and for eight years hosted the popular podcast The Carson Podcast. His new book, "Love Johnny Carson," is a wildly entertaining account by one of the world's most obsessed and informed fans of TV icon Johnny Carson, setting the record straight on Carson's legacy and shining a light on the personality behind the legendary comedian and talk show host. Carson aficionado Mark Malkoff has amassed more Carson stories from original sources than anyone in entertainment history, speaking to over four hundred individuals, and now, in "Love Johnny Carson," he sets the record straight in this comprehensive portrait of Carson's life, career, legacy, and character. The book covers the debuts of stand-up comics like David Letterman and Ellen DeGeneres, the never-before-detailed reasons why Johnny stopped talking to Joan Rivers, why he banned guests like William Shatner and Orson Welles, the true origins of Carnac the Magnificent (it wasn't stolen from Steve Allen), the part Johnny played in getting Nixon elected president, the beloved comedian who the Carson writers dreaded guest-hosting, and many other behind-the-scenes stories of the funniest and most beloved Carson moments of all time. "ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones" is a podcast that features smart, funny, and heartfelt conversations with celebrities, innovators, and everyday heroes. The show is designed to entertain, enlighten, and offer listeners new insights into the world, others, and themselves. The podcast is hosted by Randall Kenneth Jones, a bestselling author, speaker, and creative communications consultant. The announcer is the celebrated voice actor Susan Bennett, widely known as the original voice of Siri. The podcast offers a unique spin on knowledge and education, emphasizing the importance of conversation, laughter, listening, and critical thinking. It is often described as an "antidote to today's anxiety-ridden media landscape." Podcast Highlights: • Based on Mark's new book, this episode is an introduction to Mark's outstanding behind-the-scenes look at Johnny Carson's 30 years as leader of The Tonight Show. • Randy introduces a new "game show" entitled "Does Wikipedia Lie?" to introduce Mark and the various comedy stunts he has pulled off with Starbucks, Ikea, Netflix, & AirTran. • Let the name-dropping begin (from both guest and host): David Letterman, Michael J. Fox, Stephen Colbert, Joan Embery, Tiny Tim, Tommy Newsome, Rodney Dangerfield, Merv Griffin, Joey Bishop, Steve Lawrence, Don Rickles, Buddy Hackett, Jennifer Tilly, William Shatner, Diane Carroll, Lola Falana, Redd Foxx, Diana Ross, Gwen Verdon, The Pope, Dick Cavett, Buddy Rich, Steve McQueen, Shirley Jones, Jimmy Stewart, Jack Webb, Jimmy Cagney, Kate Capshaw, Jerry Lewis, Richard Nixon, Joan Rivers, Martin Luther King, Jr., Sammy Davis, Jr., • Mark and Randy both share touching, personal anecdotes about Regis Philbin. • Mark credits Carson's Midwest roots and his "likability" as major contributors to his success. • Randy's take-away from the book: "Carson is a combination of ego, paranoia, compassion, and above all, loyalty." • Mark discusses Carson's pet peeves (being corrected, someone turning their back on him). • The pair discusses the impact of being young white kids and the benefit of being introduced to black entertainers via the show. • The pair discusses their definitions of "star quality." Mark talks about the power of someone's "aura," onstage and offstage. Randy tells his personal story about interviewing Chita Rivera and how she shaped his view of star quality. Best Quotes: • Mark Malkoff: "For thirty years, Carson would become the one man who could calm a nervous nation during those anxious moments between wakefulness and sleep." • Mark Malkoff: He could listen to the guest, anticipate what he wanted to ask next, and, at the same time, scroll through the joke Rolodex in his mind to find the right quip." • Mark Malkoff: "That was Carson's brilliance. He knew what the audience wanted." • Mark Simone: "When you were a little kid growing up, Carson taught you this is how to be an adult. This is how to have a personality. This is how to conduct yourself in life." ON THE KNOWS is produced and edited by Kevin Randall Jones. www.OnTheKnows.com Mark Malkoff: www.MarkMalkoff.com Randall Kenneth Jones: www.RandallKennethJones.com Susan Bennett: www.SusanCBennett.com Kevin Randall Jones: www.KevinRandallJones.com
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    35 mins
  • 211: Robin Hauser KNOWS Documentaries, Egg Freezing, Human Nature & Courageous Women

    211: Robin Hauser KNOWS Documentaries, Egg Freezing, Human Nature & Courageous Women
    Nov 27 2025
    Once a niche medical procedure, egg freezing is now a billion-dollar industry that promises women the ability to pause their biological clocks and extend their reproductive choices. For some, it's a path to empowerment; for others, it's a costly gamble in an unregulated system with no guarantees. Through the experiences of three American women navigating the process, this documentary examines the realities behind the growing trend—who has access, who profits, and what's at stake. With insights from medical experts, ethicists, and industry leaders, the film unpacks the social, economic, and emotional complexities of egg freezing in a world where fertility is increasingly commodified. As more women turn to this technology with hopes of future parenthood, the question remains: What is the real cost—and the real impact—of putting fertility on ice? Robin Hauser is an award-winning director of documentaries, "Thaw," "$avvy," "CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap," "Bias," "Running for Jim," "Tino," at Finish Line Features, LLC. Robin's exploration into implicit gender and racial bias in artificial intelligence led her to present "Can we protect AI from our biases?" on the TED stage. She also presented a widely viewed TEDx talk on "The Likability Dilemma for Women Leaders," which has over 2 million views. Robin is a diplomat for the American Film Showcase; she speaks about fertility, financial literacy, bias, and on behalf of women's rights at The White House, US Embassies, conferences, and corporate headquarters worldwide. She serves on the Advisory Board of Impressia Bank and the Board of Directors of Unleashed Productions. "ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones" is a podcast that features smart, funny, and heartfelt conversations with celebrities, innovators, and everyday heroes. The show is designed to entertain, enlighten, and offer listeners new insights into the world, others, and themselves. The podcast is hosted by Randall Kenneth Jones, a bestselling author, speaker, and creative communications consultant. The announcer is the celebrated voice actor Susan Bennett, widely known as the original voice of Siri. The podcast offers a unique spin on knowledge and education, emphasizing the importance of conversation, laughter, listening, and critical thinking. It is often described as an "antidote to today's anxiety-ridden media landscape." Podcast Highlights: • Randy shared that Robin's film BIAS has had an ongoing impact on how he views his actions and thoughts today. • Robin and Randy share respect for the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion. • Randy shares how Robin's films have helped him be a better mentor and parent to his own daughter. • The majority of the discussion centers on Robin's new film, THAW, which explores the rising trend of elective egg freezing. • Randy and Robin discuss both of their surprises—hers as part of the production process and his as a viewer of the film. • Robin and Randy discuss their definitions of "biological clock." • Robin describes how we are out-evolving evolution. • Robin shares her belief that OB-GYNs should begin discussions on pregnancy goals in the mid-20s. • Randy gets on his soapbox about the importance of men taking the time to understand women's health issues. Best Quotes: • Robin Hauser: "There's the realization of how precarious fertility really is. It's pretty much a miracle that anybody is born with all the right chromosomes in all the right order." • Robin Hauser: "How do we continue to respect women's choices in terms of career, in terms of education, in terms of not settling for being with someone with whom they don't want to be, and this choice of whether or not they want to be a mother? • Randall Kenneth Jones: "As you age together, you are each other's health care advocate. Men must understand women's health issues and vice versa. Gentlemen, get involved. Understand these issues because she would do it for you." • Robin Hauser: "As women, we spend half of our young adult life trying not to get pregnant. We need to be spoken to about our fertility and the chances of us being able to get pregnant early on, even in our mid-twenties. A lot of us take it for granted that we're going to be able to get pregnant." ON THE KNOWS is produced and edited by Kevin Randall Jones. www.OnTheKnows.com Robin Hauser: www.RobinHauser.com Randall Kenneth Jones: www.RandallKennethJones.com Susan Bennett: www.SusanCBennett.com Kevin Randall Jones: www.KevinRandallJones.com
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    32 mins
  • 210: Kevin Goetz and Bob Levin KNOW Movies, Storytelling, Creative Instinct, Audience Insight & Box Office Success

    210: Kevin Goetz and Bob Levin KNOW Movies, Storytelling, Creative Instinct, Audience Insight & Box Office Success
    Nov 13 2025
    Dive into the behind-the-scenes world of the movie business, where entertainment strategist Kevin Goetz reveals the pivotal intersection of creative instinct and audience insight. This is the sweet spot where the business of film meets the art of storytelling. When it comes to cinematic success, every detail matters—from early concept to the final marketing push. "How to Score in Hollywood" is a playbook for guiding movie-making decisions at every turn. Drawing from nearly four decades of experience, Goetz shows how films can be made and marketed to turn a profit by aligning creative ambition with good business practice, all toward the goal of serving up entertainment experiences that audiences will embrace. Whether you're a filmmaker, studio executive, entrepreneur, student, or movie lover, this book pulls back the curtain on the formula for success, revealing principles that apply to any business where creativity must meet consumer expectations. Through his own entertaining examples and stories shared by some of the biggest movers and shakers in Hollywood, Goetz illustrates how audience insights, budget discipline, and marketplace awareness shape a film's financial outcome. Key insights include: • Curating big ideas to build a strong commercial foundation • At the earliest stages, knowing the audience that will be most interested in your movie, and budgeting for its size • Defining why a film should exist and what value it brings to the market • Understanding how digital platforms have reshaped audience behavior • Standing out in a crowded landscape with bold marketing executions • Using audience research to recognize key strengths and identify red flags that will drive smart decision-making • Making sure you have a clear plan for the entire movie lifecycle, especially with creatively risky material Kevin Goetz is the founder and CEO of Screen Engine, a global leader in entertainment research and strategy, serving all the major film studios, television networks, and streaming services. Throughout his career, he has been at the forefront of Hollywood, having personally tested over 5,000 film titles, where his work significantly impacts how movies are made, marketed, and released. In 2024, Kevin received American Cinematheque's prestigious Power of Cinema Award for his contributions to the film industry. He is the author of the bestselling "Audience-ology" and "How to Score in Hollywood," which explores the secrets to success in the movie business. Kevin hosts the popular Don't Kill the Messenger podcast and continues educating the filmmaking community through keynote speeches and global presentations. He has produced twelve TV movies, including the Emmy-winning "Wild Iris," and the 2025 documentary "Children in the Fire." A member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Television Academy, and the Producers Guild of America, Kevin also serves on the boards of six nonprofit organizations. He currently resides in Beverly Hills with his husband, Neil, a producer and former creative advertising executive, and their labradoodle, Kasha. Bob Levin is a legendary movie marketing executive, having for over two decades holding the position of president, worldwide marketing at first Disney, then Sony and MGM. As well as being a key member of each studio's greenlight committee, he led the advertising, publicity, promotion, and research programs that helped launch hundreds of films, breaking numerous box office records throughout his career. Bob came out of semi-retirement when Kevin Goetz invited him to join Screen Engine/ASI as president and chief operating officer, where he has played a pivotal role in the company's continued success. His first book, "How to Score in Hollywood," co-written with Kevin, reveals the secrets to a movie's success and profitability, exploring how smart, data-driven decisions—from development to release—help filmmakers minimize risks and maximize returns. Bob lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Hilda Wynn. Podcast Highlights: • The trio discusses how Kevin's childhood lemonade stand is indicative of the entrepreneurial spirit that has driven Kevin's career. • The trio discusses the importance of involving the audience in the film's pre-production process. • Randy explains how he is personally using their new book, "How to Score in Hollywood," as a how-to guide for his current meetings in Hollywood. He shares his opinion that the book should be read by filmmakers, authors, screenwriters & playrights, film students, business students, actors, film buff, theatre producers and directors. • Kevin and Bob discuss how to position Randy's book, "Ruby, Magic Comes from the Heart," for film success. • Kevin and Bob discuss their view on the "awards circuit." • The trio emphasizes the importance of clear messaging in all communications and interactions. • The trio discusses the importance of creativity as the "secret ...
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    50 mins
  • 209: B.A Crisp KNOWS Empathy, Resilience, Spirituality, Cognition & Ghost Management

    209: B.A Crisp KNOWS Empathy, Resilience, Spirituality, Cognition & Ghost Management
    Oct 23 2025
    This episode will help you start to understand how to embrace your emotional ghosts and transform them into catalysts for healing and growth. Her third appearance with Randall Kenneth Jones, B. A. Crisp is a strategist at Crisp Concepts, Inc., in Herndon, VA. Her professional portfolio ranges from psychiatric assessment specialist to adviser with the Department of Homeland Security's Science & Technology Directorate, where she collaborated on anti-human trafficking research. She also lent her expertise to Homeland Security Investigations on Illicit Finance Crimes and Gangs. In 2015, she was nominated for the Homeland Security Director's Service Award, meeting mandates of both the White House and Congress in the battle against human trafficking. As if that weren't enough, Crisp is a bestselling author too. She wrote The Quanta Chronicles trilogy, a psychological thriller, along with three non-fiction titles: "Loosen Your Lotus," "How to Hug a Ghost," and "A Cosmic Conspiracy"—the latter named a 2025 top new release in Science Essays and Commentary on Amazon. Academically, Crisp earned her B.A. in psychology from Ursuline College, graduating Summa cum Laude. She went on to earn her M.S. from George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management, finishing as valedictorian. Her studies also took her across the Atlantic to Exeter College, University of Oxford, and the London School of Journalism. She's never met a library she didn't like but she can't say the same about a few people. Crisp married her best friend, David Crisp Jr., and while her résumé is stacked, she feels that her most significant contribution to society is her phenomenal children. Podcast Highlights: • B.A. Crisp was not wearing pants during the interview. Regretably, Randy was. • This is a highly unique spin on a Halloween Episode. • B.A. and Randy talk about "who are you when you take away all the perks and the title?"—an indictment on the overuse of labels. • B.A. informs Randy he is "not old" he is "growing in power." • Randy's preferred B.A. Crisp bio from BACrisp.com: "When she's crafting a work in progress, Crisp typically stares at walls, curses more than Anthony Bourdain ever did, and talks to imaginary friends. Moreover, she enjoys covert misadventures, which, she assures, are mostly in her mind. She requests that both the CIA and the NSA not take her internet research history too seriously. Similarly, Crisp writes like Albert Einstein moonlighting as a mystic—equal parts quantum mechanics, consciousness, and chaos theory, with just enough caffeine to bend spacetime. And if Sigmund Freud, Nikola Tesla, and Forrest Gump ever had a love child, her name would probably be B.A. Crisp." • B.A. and discuss their comparsions with Forrest Gump. • B.A. explains that her definition of a ghost, which can be good or bad, but for today's purpose, ghosts are things that haunt you. The majority of the discussion explores how you can embrace their existence and use them as a launchpad for a better life. 
As B.A. whimsically said, these ghosts are "like gas…they pass." • B.A. describes a stunning example of kindness at a Tim Tebow event. • B.A. explains interdependence. Best Quotes (from the book and the podcast episode): • B.A. Crisp: "Put simply, the supernatural is science we don't yet understand." • B.A. Crisp: "Deep-diving into nothingness can be a valuable approach in certain situations." • B.A. Crisp: "Normal doesn't exist. Conformity is rampant. Authenticity is exceptional." • B.A. Crisp: "What a miracle it is to be born! Think of all the events that had to conspire to bring you here, and the infinitesimally small probability that the exact you in this Now, on this timeline, on this planet, exists." • B.A. Crisp: "I have always been cautious of individuals who claim to be "experts" in any field, as it implies that they have reached the pinnacle of knowledge and have nothing more to learn." • B.A. Crisp: "Just be." • B.A. Crisp: "Nothing will get in your way faster than your own ego." • B.A. Crisp: "Every single one of us has a superpower but we allow fear to hold us back. We allow ghoasts to hold us back and keep us chained." ON THE KNOWS is produced and edited by Kevin Randall Jones. www.OnTheKnows.com B.A. Crisp: www.BACrisp.com Randall Kenneth Jones: www.RandallKennethJones.com Susan Bennett: www.SusanCBennett.com Kevin Randall Jones: www.KevinRandallJones.com
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    33 mins
  • 208: David M. Lubin KNOWS Art, Film, Subtext, Motivation, Education, Human Nature & Sunset Boulevard

    208: David M. Lubin KNOWS Art, Film, Subtext, Motivation, Education, Human Nature & Sunset Boulevard
    Oct 16 2025
    This episode will help you understand how art—specifically cinema—can grow in importance over time, and our ongoing exploration of art continues to shed valuable light on the human condition. #ArtIsLife Today, more than 70 years after it premiered, "Sunset Boulevard" remains the finest ever movie made about the pathology of fame: those who lose it, those who abuse it, and those who never attain it at all. Great films are born of great collaborations, and "Sunset Boulevard" represents one of the most extraordinary confluences of cinematic talent in film history. Still, its production was surprisingly fraught, filled with unexpected twists. Why was William Holden, who had never caught fire as a leading man, hired to play Joe Gillis after the fastest-rising star in the business dropped out at the last minute? After Mae West and Mary Pickford turned down the now iconic role of Norma Desmond, how did Billy Wilder convince Gloria Swanson, who had long been absent from Hollywood at this point, to leave her low-paying job as a TV talk show host to join the cast? From the writers' room during Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett's final collaboration to the moment when the film won three Academy Awards, scholar and former Rolling Stone staffer David M. Lubin takes readers on a fascinating journey through film history that proves, once and for all, why "Sunset Boulevard" is one of the most iconic films in cinematic history. By exploring the history of "Sunset Boulevard" in time for the movie's 75th anniversary, from its inception to its making its present-day legacy, READY FOR MY CLOSEUP breathes life into a beloved masterpiece of American cinema, not only marking its influential place in film history, but also proving how prescient it really was in terms of the human costs of relentless technological change and our obsessive quest for fame, youth, and immortality. As an undergraduate, David M. Lubin studied filmmaking at the USC School of Cinema while reviewing music for Rolling Stone. He earned his Ph.D. in American Studies from Yale. Among his seven books is an in-depth study of the blockbuster film Titanic. A professor at Wake Forest University, he has been a visiting professor at Oxford and lectured throughout the United States, Europe, China, and Australia. His Shooting Kennedy: JFK and the Culture of Images won the Smithsonian Institution's Charles C. Eldredge Prize for "distinguished scholarship in American art." Lubin is a Guggenheim Fellow and an NEH Public Scholar. Podcast Highlights: • Randy explains that his favorite thing to do on the podcast is to challenge himself by reading a book and "putting himself on trial" by interviewing its author • David explains how his young students at Wake Forest University actually inspired him to choose "Sunset Boulevard" as a topic for his book. As his students were embarking on their own careers, the "Joe Gillis" character—and his challenges—resonated with them. • David and Randy discuss additional reasons that "Sunset Boulevard" holds up so well. For one, it's the first Hollywood film that explores the "sickness" of fame. The film serves as an indictment of Hollywood's view of aging, which essentially has not changed. • David explains how female students are influenced by the same pressure Norma Desmond feels about her appearance and the importance of looking their best. • David and Randy discuss the concept "reel life" vs. "real life"—1950 vs. today, including the concepts of "reality television" and "being famous for being famous." • David and Randy discuss "Sunset Boulevard" as an exploration of exploitation on a grand scale. • David and Randy discuss Billy Wilder and the character of "Joe Gillis" are both gigolos. • David and Randy discuss how "Sunset Boulevard" explores writers, the writing process, and the exploitation of writers, noting that every character is "writing" something. • David and Randy discuss their concerns over AI's potential impact on true human emotion, education, and thought. Best Quotes (from the book and the podcast episode): • David M. Lubin, READY FOR MY CLOSEUP: "A movie about has-beens and also-rans, about failed comebacks, misguided dreams, and murderous delusions, Sunset Boulevard was made by a raft of exceptionally creative individuals, all at critical/junctures in their careers, several of them playing roles that seemed drawn from their actual lives." • David M. Lubin, READY FOR MY CLOSEUP: "Comedy, crime film, horror story, Hollywood exposé, romantic melodrama, and psychological thriller, "Sunset Boulevard" is above all an unsentimental examination of our innate unwillingness to accept the inevitability of decline, decay, and death." • Randall Kenneth Jones: "I don't see those of us who are beyond our youth doing much to support each other. We have so much power. We have so much knowledge. We have so much to give—and so much to...
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    32 mins
  • 206: Brian Edwards KNOWS Friendship, Loyalty, Entertainment, Media & Brian Edwards

    206: Brian Edwards KNOWS Friendship, Loyalty, Entertainment, Media & Brian Edwards
    Oct 10 2025
    This episode will help you KNOW more about the value of thoughtfully capturing and sharing one's legacy, accepting your past, including the highs and the lows, and giving credit where credit is due. In the mid-1980s, LGBTQ+ trailblazer Edwards carved his path alongside icons like Donna Summer and Joan Rivers. Over the decades, he built a reputation as a multi-award-winning talent executive, client relations rep, producer, writer, and occasional performer – working with some of the most recognizable names in show business: Cindy Crawford, Susan Sarandon, Melissa Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg, Farrah Fawcett, Shirley Jones, Naomi Judd, and Vanessa Williams—just to name a few. His legacy even takes the stage in the Tony-nominated "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," where Edwards is portrayed—reminding us that the voices behind the scenes deserve to be honored just as boldly as those in front of them. Now, Edwards returns with his third collection of life stories, "Come Sit With Me and Let's Talk"—an unfiltered, heartfelt companion to "Enter Miss Thang" (2013) and "I Might Have Been Queen" (2019). This latest volume distills Edwards' singular journey into the intimacy of a heart-to-heart, blending the most memorable stories from his earlier books with fresh recollections, untold chapters, and photos. He shares the triumphs and trials that shaped a career defined by resilience, recognition, and influence—offering perspective, encouragement, and the kind of advice that only comes from living it. A proud godparent to Cariss, Justus, and Ruel, Edwards resides in Los Angeles and remains an active member of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and The Country Music Association, while supporting organizations such as God's Love We Deliver and The UCLA Library. Podcast Highlights: Brian and Randy begin by honoring Naomi Judd and their shared experience learning of her passing.Brian and Randy discuss their similarities and the importance of storytelling.Randy gives thanks to Brian for introducing him to Melissa Rivers, Jenifer Lewis and Ali Landry.Randy and Brian share their love and admiration for Miss Helen Williams, Vanessa's mother.Brian discusses his relationships with his mother and his "second mother," Joan Rivers.Randy shares his opinion that Brian's book is a "love story" and gives a special shoutout to Lena Horne.Brian shares his goal of inspiring LGBTQ youth to learn from his story growing up amidst challenges in a small town.Randy and Brian discuss the positive reaction to his book among today's youth, despite his childhood stories originating primarily in the 80s, including how various teachers handled his personality and flamboyance. Brian shares his views on his own independent nature.Brian shares his admiration for the song "What I Did For Love" from "A Chorus Line" and explains how he relates to its message of sacrifice and joy.Brian and Randy discuss their shared love of Shirley Jones, and Brian shares his lifelong crush on Shaun Cassidy.Brian and Randy discuss their shared love of Pat Benatar with a special shoutout to the new Benatar/Giraldo Broadway-bound musical, "Heartbreaker."Brian discusses the importance of a sense of humor in all aspects of life. Best Quotes (from the book and the podcast episode): Brian Edwards: "Anywhere I go, anything I'm involved with, it's all about the story. It calms my insecurities, and it opens my eyes to my blessings."Brian Edwards: "Success isn't reserved for the conventional. Being unapologetically [yourself] is a strength and not a liability."Brian Edwards: "IT'S A WIDELY ACKNOWLEDGED TRUTH that all gay men have women in their lives whom they cherish deeply—while it may not mirror the way a straight man loves a woman, it's a form of love in its own right."Brian Edwards: "All I ever asked for was opportunities; if that didn't happen, I created them."Brian Edwards: "When you're truly in your element and your work reflects your authentic self, it forms a natural connection. Those who resonate with it will find their way to you."Brian Edwards: "I pride myself on being one of the most supportive people anyone could ask to have in their lives. I love to see people's careers progress. I always have and I always will. It fuels me in so many ways."Brian Edwards: "I learned many years ago, the haters will hate, but… they are taking notes."Brian Edwards: "My loyalty and humor are the greatest gifts that I've shared with my chosen family and with those who've understood me—those who've rallied behind my vision and respected my choices."Randall Kenneth Jones: "I don't interview; I adopt." ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones is a podcast featuring host Randall Kenneth Jones (bestselling author, speaker & creative communications consultant) and Susan C. Bennett (the original voice of Siri). ON THE KNOWS is produced and edited by Kevin Randall Jones. www.OnTheKnows.com Brian Edwards: www.thebrianedwards.com Randall Kenneth Jones: ...
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    32 mins
  • 206: Michael Seth Starr KNOWS Entertainment, Wordplay, Comedy, Exploration & Rodney Dangerfield

    206: Michael Seth Starr KNOWS Entertainment, Wordplay, Comedy, Exploration & Rodney Dangerfield
    Oct 2 2025
    This episode will help you KNOW more about the value of thoughtfully capturing and sharing one's legacy—and giving credit where credit is due. Michael Seth Starr covered television at the New York Post as a reporter, columnist, critic, and editor for over 28 years. He has written a filmography of Peter Sellers and biographies of Rodney Dangerfield, Don Rickles, Bob Newhart, Art Carney, Joey Bishop, Bobby Darin, Raymond Burr, William Shatner, Redd Foxx, and Ringo Starr. He has made frequent appearances on television, including The Today Show, Access Hollywood, Good Morning America, The Early Show, Larry King Live, Extra, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Inside Edition, Entertainment Tonight, and Tavis Smiley. He lives in New Jersey and can be found online at MichaelSethStarr.com. His latest book, NOTHIN' COMES EASY: The Life of Rodney Dangerfield, is the first biography of the "bug-eyed, sweaty, herky-jerky, tie-pulling comedian with the doleful countenance." Dangerfield's indelible beat-down image was played for laughs, but there were sad truths behind his sad-sack persona. Dangerfield and Starr have much to teach us about legacy, persistence, humor, accuracy, and, shall we say, overexposure. Podcast Highlights: • Michael shares his career path in entertainment journalism • Randy shares his respect for previous guests Suzanne Somers, Loretta Swit, Norman Lear and Cindy Williams • Michael's most recent biography is about Rodney Dangerfield. His next biography is about Bob Newhart. • Michael shares his love for the mid-to-late 20th century era of comedy. • Randy shares his admiration for Michael's extraordinary level of research and fact checking. • Michael discusses his commitment to telling a good story. • Michael and Randy talk about Rodney spending a lot of time in a robe with nothing underneath and the subsequent consequences. • Michael shares information about Rodney career arc, including how he achieved success later in life. • Michael discusses Rodney's self-respect, or lack thereof. • Michael shares his goal to give all his subjects the attention they deserve. • Randy shares his admiration for Michael's ability to capture names and moments from entertainment history that otherwise may be lost forever. • Michael shares his definition of comedy. • Michael shares what he learned from his exploration of the life and career of Rodney Dangerfield. (i.e. stick-to-itiveness) • Michael shares what he KNOWS ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones is a podcast featuring host Randall Kenneth Jones (bestselling author, speaker & creative communications consultant) and Susan C. Bennett (the original voice of Siri). ON THE KNOWS is produced and edited by Kevin Randall Jones. www.OnTheKnows.com Michael Seth Starr www.MichaelSethStarr.com Randall Kenneth Jones: www.RandallKennethJones.com Susan Bennett: www.SusanCBennett.com Kevin Randall Jones: www.KevinRandallJones.com
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    29 mins