Classic Conversations

• Behind the Curtain of The Tonight Show with Andrew Nicholls

  Andrew Nicholls has lived a comedy career most people only dream about, from writing jokes for Rodney Dangerfield and George Carlin to becoming head writer on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. In this entertaining conversation, he shares the wild journey of starting out in Canada with his lifelong writing partner Darryl Vickers, hustling jokes for $4 apiece, and eventually landing one of the most coveted jobs in late-night television. Along the way, Andrew talks about his experiences with legendary performers, the unpredictability of showbiz, and the craft of comedy writing that has carried him through decades of television, theater, and beyond. Highlights The letter from Rodney Dangerfield admitting he used their jokes with a $50 check enclosed Taking a 78-hour Greyhound ride from Toronto to Los Angeles to pursue comedy Collaborating with George Carlin on his HBO special and later his sitcom Landing the Tonight Show head writer job after Johnny Carson personally noticed their material Behind-the-scenes stories of casting, pilots, and why some shows never make it past the network stage Lessons on surviving rejection, persistence, and finding humor in unexpected places   You're going to love my conversation with Andrew Nicholls Website IMDB Facebook Books on Amazon 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 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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• From Elvis to Julia Roberts Bonnie Clevering’s Hollywood Hair and Hidden Stories

  Bonnie Clevering has spent over five decades styling Hollywood’s biggest stars, from Julia Roberts and Hilary Swank to Brad Pitt, Al Pacino, and Jennifer Lopez. Her artistry has graced over 100 films, including Erin Brockovich, Ocean’s 11, The Black Dahlia, Breaking Dawn, and The Santa Clause. Beyond the hair, Bonnie captured thousands of behind-the-scenes continuity photos that became the foundation for her memoir and photo collection, Continuity. In this conversation, Bonnie reflects on her remarkable journey, the Rat Pack to the new Brat Pack, Elvis pranks, Julia Roberts’ favorite recipes, and what it means to preserve Hollywood history through stories and snapshots. Episode Highlights: The path from union apprentice to hairstylist for Hollywood’s elite Priceless stories of working with Elvis Presley and Nancy Sinatra The hidden art of continuity and why it matters on set Memories from iconic films like Office Space, JFK, and Snow White and the Huntsman Cooking for stars like Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, and Kristen Stewart   You're going to love my conversation with Bonnie Clevering IMDB Instagram Buy Continuity Facebook 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 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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• Historian Mitchell Hadley on TV Time Capsules, Classic Shows, and Cultural Echoes

  Mitchell Hadley, author of Darkness in Prime Time, The Collaborator, and The Car, joins the show for a wide-ranging and nostalgic deep dive into the world of classic television. A cultural critic and passionate observer of how entertainment reflects society, Mitchell unpacks the lasting relevance of mid-20th-century programming. From prophetic episodes of The Bold Ones to the absurdity of reboot culture, this conversation connects the dots between yesterday’s tube and today’s timeline. Whether it's the eerie accuracy of old anthologies or the quiet genius of TV Guide as a sociological lens, Mitchell brings history, storytelling, and insight together in a conversation that makes you want to dust off the rabbit ears and rethink everything you thought you knew about reruns. Episode Highlights: How Darkness in Prime Time reveals the haunting accuracy of 50s–70s TV dramas Why The Collaborator and The Car explore faith, identity, and existential mystery Mitchell’s view of television as a cultural “time capsule” — not just entertainment The story behind Reagan’s political rise as captured in early TV Guide profiles What classic shows got right about censorship, privacy, technology, and politics The problem with modern reboots and why nostalgia doesn’t always translate Why The Brady Bunch movie worked while Wild Wild West fell flat A strong case for watching one episode a week, old-school style How TV has lost its communal power in the binge-watching era The surprising seriousness and ambition of forgotten dramatic anthologies   You're going to love my conversation with Mitchell Hadley Website (itsaboutTV) Facebook This Week in TV Guide Books: Darkness in Primetime The Electric Mirror The Collaborator The Car: a novel 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 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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• Larry Wilcox on CHiPs, Stunts, and Second Chances

  A candid, nostalgic sit-down with Larry Wilcox traces the arc from Marine Corps vet and Beverly Hills acting student to character actor on Lassie and, ultimately, CHiPs’ John Baker.   Larry shares how Lassie became a crash course in continuity and stunt work; why CHiPs was his “hardest” role and how he worked with California Highway Patrol advisors to keep the technical details real; and what CHP bike training looked like when he and Eric handled ~90% of the on-camera riding. The conversation turns vulnerable as he recounts Eric Estrada’s near-fatal set accident and the leadership, calm, and compassion required in that moment and later, the choice to reconcile. Wilcox also opens up about producing wins and war stories (Ray Bradbury Theater, rights battles) and the new projects he’s chasing now. Show highlights Early break on Lassie: four “Lassies,” trainer Rud Weatherwax, and a trial by fire in stunts and continuity. Why CHiPs was the hardest role and how he carved depth into John Baker over time. Casting and negotiations that led to CHiPs (and even a near-miss with Miami Vice). CHP technical advisors, realism vs. TV spectacle, and the details of approaching cars, mounting/dismounting, and uniform standards. The raw, human story of Eric Estrada’s on-set crash and the life-and-death minutes that followed—and why forgiveness later mattered even more.   You're going to love my conversation with Larry Wilcox IMDB Larry's website Twitter Instagram Cameo Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host): Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter Podcast website Podcast on Instagram Subscribe to my Youtube channel 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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• How Resident Alien’s Elizabeth Bowen Turns Quiet Roles Into Loud Laughs

  Elizabeth Bowen brings her signature wit and warmth to this conversation, sharing hilarious and heartfelt stories from her acting journey.   Known for her standout role as Deputy Liv Baker on Resident Alien, Elizabeth talks about everything from childhood plays to landing roles in shows like Fargo and Upload. With her deadpan delivery, unexpected path to stardom, and delightful Canadian charm, she dishes on working with Alan Tudyk, handling dialects, and even why she doesn’t mind flying under the fame radar unless it scores a better restaurant table. Episode Highlights: Starred as Deputy Liv Baker in the hit sci-fi comedy Resident Alien Appeared in multiple episodes of Amazon’s futuristic satire Upload Made her mark as Trooper Sue Lutz in the critically acclaimed Fargo Guest-starred on comedy series like Animal Control and Loudermilk Known for her dry, deadpan delivery and sharp comedic timing across all roles  You're going to love my conversation with Elizabeth Bowen IMDB Instagram 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 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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