Billy Aronson on Sparking RENT and Surviving the Creative Struggle
Playwright, author, and creative force Billy Aronson dives deep into his journey, from conceiving the idea behind RENT to writing for iconic kids’ shows and opening up about personal struggles with depression. This candid and humorous conversation explores the ups and downs of a life in the arts, his Emmy-winning work in children's television, and the powerful inspiration behind his new book Out of My Head. Billy shares what it really means to create, collaborate, and keep going, even when the applause isn't guaranteed. Episode Highlights: The origin of RENT and his collaboration with Jonathan Larson What it’s like to watch your concept become a global phenomenon Why failure is more powerful than success — and what it teaches you Behind-the-scenes stories from Peg + Cat, Beavis & Butt-Head, and Short Attention Span Theater Honest talk about depression, resilience, and finding joy in creating You're going to love my conversation with Billy Aronson Billy's book: Out Of My Head - Learning to Reach People Through the Arts SPONSOR: STAMPEDE SOCIAL Drive engagement from your social channels and podcast with Stampede Social's Instagram and Facebook DM automation! Visit https://stampede.social Also check out: Why Instagram + Stampede Social Is the Growth Strategy Podcasters Need in 2025 (and Beyond) Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host): Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter Podcast website Podcast on Instagram Join my mailing list Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!) Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show Ways to support the show: Buy me a coffee (support the show) Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more! Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.
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Why Jaws Still Bites 50 Years Later With Author Pat Jankiewicz
To mark the 50th anniversary of Jaws, author and film historian Pat Jankiewicz dives deep into the legacy of the iconic 1975 film and its ripple effect on cinema, culture, and shark lore. From behind-the-scenes stories and casting quirks to the fascinating inspirations behind the original novel, this episode is a rich tribute to one of the greatest American movies ever made. Pat brings his signature depth of knowledge and love for classic film to share stories that even die-hard fans might not know. Whether you're a lifelong Jaws fanatic or just rediscovering its magic, this episode is a nostalgic thrill ride into open waters. Episode Highlights: Pat Jankiewicz breaks down how Jaws changed the face of filmmaking forever while honoring its legacy 50 years later. Why Jaws holds up despite being a product of the 1970s The real-life shark attacks that inspired Peter Benchley’s novel Casting chaos and the surprising path to Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss Behind-the-scenes drama and technical struggles during filming How Jaws defined the modern blockbuster and inspired Shark Week More Pat? Check out episode 175, where we dive into The Incredible Hulk TV series. You're going to love my conversation with Pat Jankiewicz Hulk Companion Book Buck Rogers Companion Book JAWS Companion Book IMDB More Jaws? Jaws 2 deep dive with Billy Van Zandt Joe Alves - building the shark Carl Gottlieb interview SPONSOR: STAMPEDE SOCIAL Drive engagement from your social channels and podcast with Stampede Social's Instagram and Facebook DM automation! Visit https://stampede.social Also check out: Why Instagram + Stampede Social Is the Growth Strategy Podcasters Need in 2025 (and Beyond) Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host): Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter Podcast website Podcast on Instagram Join my mailing list Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!) Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show Ways to support the show: Buy me a coffee (support the show) Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more! Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.
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Grease is still the word at 47: T-Bird Barry Pearl Remembers the Magic
Barry Pearl, forever known as Doody from Grease, shares an unforgettable journey through the legacy of the film, now nearing its 47th anniversary. In this nostalgic conversation, Barry gives an intimate behind-the-scenes look at life on the Grease set, from bonding with castmates to the little improvised moments that made it to screen. He opens up about his early start in Broadway, his admiration for comedic legends like The Three Stooges, and his love for teaching the next generation through improv. Packed with Hollywood memories, vintage charm, and heartfelt reflections, this episode captures the true spirit behind a cinematic classic. Episode Highlights: Barry’s role as the unofficial Grease “historian” and event wrangler Why the camaraderie of the cast is what made the movie timeless The origin of Doody’s squirt gun and the “pineapple” line Teaching improv and his passion for inclusive filmmaking Working with legends: Sid Caesar, Olivia Newton-John, and Don Rickles Me on the VHS Club show talking GREASE You're going to love my conversation with Barry Pearl IMDB Instagram Cameo SPONSOR: STAMPEDE SOCIAL Drive engagement from your social channels and podcast with Stampede Social's Instagram and Facebook DM automation! Visit https://stampede.social Also check out: Why Instagram + Stampede Social Is the Growth Strategy Podcasters Need in 2025 (and Beyond) Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host): Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter Podcast website Podcast on Instagram Join my mailing list Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!) Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show Ways to support the show: Buy me a coffee (support the show) Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more! Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.
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Judy Stephens on Super Visible and Marvel’s Hidden Heroines
Marvel magic isn't just made by superheroes — it’s built by the incredible women behind the scenes. Judy Stephens, longtime Marvel producer and co-author of Super Visible: The Story of the Women of Marvel, joins this episode for a joyful deep dive into the untold stories of Marvel’s female trailblazers. From cosplay beginnings to comic book breakthroughs, Judy brings the vibrant legacy of Marvel’s women to life, one character and creator at a time. Discover how Judy and her co-authors captured decades of stories, from behind-the-scenes legends to iconic creators who shaped the Marvel universe. Episode Highlights: How Judy’s cosplay journey led to a 15-year career at Marvel The real story behind the Women of Marvel podcast and panel What it took to write Super Visible, including interviews with 120+ women Unforgettable stories from Marvel’s 60s, 70s, and 80s comic book scene Why representation — in the bullpen and in the comics — still matters today 📚 Super Visible hits shelves June 24 — be sure to check it out wherever you buy books. You're going to love my conversation with Judy Stephens Preorder: Super Visible: The Story of the Women of Marvel SPONSOR: STAMPEDE SOCIAL Drive engagement from your social channels and podcast with Stampede Social's Instagram and Facebook DM automation! Visit https://stampede.social Also check out: Why Instagram + Stampede Social Is the Growth Strategy Podcasters Need in 2025 (and Beyond) Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host): Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter Podcast website Podcast on Instagram Join my mailing list Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!) Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show Ways to support the show: Buy me a coffee (support the show) Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more! Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.
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Sara Tomko’s Journey from Stage Dreams to Sci-Fi Stardom on Resident Alien
Sara Tomko brings warmth, wit, and wisdom in this episode, where she talks about her journey as an actor, from early roles with mockbuster studios to her breakout on Resident Alien. With stories about manifesting her dream career, finding family on set, and navigating the ups and downs of showbiz, Sara opens up in a way that’s both inspiring and laugh-out-loud funny. Whether discussing her early love for theater, her time in the trenches with indie productions, or her powerful connection to characters and castmates, Sara’s spirit shines. Episode Highlights: Sara’s imaginative childhood and how pretending at baseball games foreshadowed her acting career Transitioning from indie films and $25-a-day gigs to a major role on Resident Alien How rejection, resilience, and resourcefulness fueled her long game in the industry Deep bonds with castmates, including best friend Meredith Garretson and Aunt Linda Hamilton The unexpected emotional depth of Resident Alien and how sci-fi delivers human stories You're going to love my conversation with Sara Tomko IMDB Instagram Facebook In the Pocket Productions (IG) In the Pocket Productions (website) SPONSOR: STAMPEDE SOCIAL Drive engagement from your social channels and podcast with Stampede Social's Instagram and Facebook DM automation! Visit https://stampede.social Also check out: Why Instagram + Stampede Social Is the Growth Strategy Podcasters Need in 2025 (and Beyond) Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host): Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter Podcast website Podcast on Instagram Join my mailing list Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!) Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show Ways to support the show: Buy me a coffee (support the show) Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more! Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.
Take a deep dive into pop nostalgia with us! Pop culture influencers, TV stars, film actors, comedians, and musicians share inspirational stories about the road to success. Insightful conversations that are part comedy/part drama and are always entertaining! If you love classic TV, you'll love Classic Conversations with your host, comedian, Jeff Dwoskin.
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