Best Michael O Neil Podcasts (2025)

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Bonus 15: Fraternally Yours - Perfect Day Discussion 1:04:40

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1d ago1:04:40

1:04:40

On 30th August 2025, the Fraternally Yours group held its inaugural online meeting. Initially focused on group discussions around the Laurel and Hardy short, Perfect Day, the conversation also drifted into other areas, including the 2018 Stan and Ollie movie. Hosted by Patrick Vasey, the group consisted of several of the podcast's patrons from the …

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Cedric Maxwell - 2 Time NBA Champ - Boston Celtics 36:11

27d ago36:11

36:11

Hear first hand from an NBA champion and Finals MVP what it takes to win the biggest prize. Cedric is engrossing as he describes the nitty gritty of what made the Celts Championship run to their 18th banner so magical and what it takes to be an M+NBA champion. Cedric gives a great insider's take on the Celtics teams he played on and on the storied …

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39. Perfect Day (1929) with Chris Seguin 1:45:45

2M ago1:45:45

1:45:45

On today’s show, we're journeying back to early June 1929 and the production of Stan and Babe’s fourth all-talking comedy, Perfect Day. To help Patrick discuss the history of this famous comedy is classic comedy aficionado Chris Seguin, linking up across the Atlantic from his home in Toronto, Canada. In addition to discussing the production and mer…

1
Jerry Bruckheiner, Producer - "F1," "Top Gun," "Armageddon" 19:36

2M ago19:36

19:36

Jerry is one of the most successful film producers in Hollywood history and this is rare glimpse into the production genius of Jerry Bruckheimer. Hear how he consistently produces such mega-hit as he gives us a rare insider's look into his creative process in talking about the major factors that go into his choices of what movies he will make. Jerr…

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John Leguizamo- Emmy & Tony Winner: "John Leguizamo Does America," "John Wick," "Violent Night," "Freak" 21:58

2M ago21:58

21:58

John, as always, is hilarious, passionate and thought-provoking in this really fun conversation about the Latino influences in our culture and politics that has gone largely unnoticed. In a way only John can tell it, he describes his highly acclaimed 2nd season of "John Leguizamo Does America" as we hear about the 6 cities he's visited to take in t…

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Bonus 14: Laurel & Hardy: The Silent Years - 1928 with Chris Seguin 1:05:12

3M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

It's a great time to be a Laurel and Hardy fan, what with all the products and books published recently and still more in the pipeline. This bonus episode of the Podcast discusses Eureka Entertainment's release of their wonderful Blu-Ray, Laurel & Hardy: The Silent Years - 1928. Joining Patrick to discuss the set is returning guest and one of the p…

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Ken Burns - Documentary Filmmaker, "American Revolution," "Civil War," "Baseball" 14:53

4M ago14:53

14:53

An absolutely captivating conversation with the world's greatest documentary filmmaker as he passionately talks about his newest documentary series, "American Revolution," which explores our country’s founding struggle and its eight-year war for independence. Ken is spell-binding as he describes the virtues and contradictions of the war and the bir…

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Spike Feresten - Spike's Car Radio w/Jerry Seinfeld, Writer - Seinfeld, The Simpsons, SNL 24:16

5M ago24:16

24:16

Spike describes his start in comedy - a hilarious story of how getting in trouble in college for a prank led to being one of the best comedy writers in Hollywood. We also talk about his passion for high-end cars, how it started, what makes car collectors a unique breed and his Youtube show he co-hosts with Jerry Seinfeld and much more.…

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38. The Hollywood Revue of 1929 with Randy Skretvedt 1:50:52

5M ago1:50:52

1:50:52

Our coverage of Laurel and Hardy's career as a comedy team brings us to the Spring/Summer of 1929 and their cameo appearance in M-G-M's 'spectacular' feature film, The Hollywood Revue of 1929. This was the boys' first appearance in a feature-length picture and marked a significant moment in their history. To discuss the movie and the stars who appe…

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Alex Wagner - MSNBC, "Trumpland w/Alex Wagner" Podcast 21:38

7M ago21:38

21:38

A deep dive with Alex about her newest project, the podcast - "Trumpland." On “Trumpland with Alex Wagner,” Alex travels the country talking with the people on the frontlines of Trump’s policies and promises. For the first 100 days of the new administration, she’s taking a break from the anchor’s chair to get out into the field to bring you convers…

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Bonus 13: NEW BOOK - 'Collecting Laurel & Hardy' with Danny Bacher and Bernie Hogya 1:38:47

8M ago1:38:47

1:38:47

In this very special episode, I chat with Danny Bacher and Bernie Hogya all about their new book, 'Collecting Laurel & Hardy.' The book is a fantastic and humorous look at all the weird and wonderful pieces of memorabilia and collectibles that have been produced and sold over the years bearing Stan and Ollie's likenesses. Of particular interest are…

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Howie Mandel, "America's Got Talent," "Deal or No Deal" 25:19

9M ago25:19

25:19

An interesting fun look at one of the best known comedians out there. Howie talks about his passion for "America's Got Talent," how it changes the lives of its contestants. He has a funny, great story of how he resisted getting into the game show hosting world but when he did it changed his life forever. Howie gives us a fascinating look into how h…

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Bonus 12: NEW BOOK - 'A True Love Story' with Andreas Baum and Michael Ehret 1:07:25

9M ago1:07:25

1:07:25

This bonus episode celebrates the publication of a brand new, jaw-dropping book entitled 'Laurel & Hardy: A True Love Story: The Pictorial History of Stan and Ollie: Their Lives and Work'. Patrick discusses the book's genesis and its treasures, asks his guests about their earliest memories of Laurel and Hardy, and makes them face the infamous 'Atol…

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Amy Brenneman - FX’s The Old Man, Judging Amy, VEEP 27:50

11M ago27:50

27:50

Amy is absolutely fun and delightful in this wide-ranging interview as she talks about the new season of the hit FX series, "The Old Man." She describes why it is so amazing to work with Jeff Bridges, how she approached her role and character in the series, what she looks for in roles and the challenges she faced first starting out as an actress in…

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37. Men O' War (1929) Part TWO with Glenn Mitchell 1:35:56

11M ago1:35:56

1:35:56

Rounding off our deep dive into the waters of Laurel and Hardy's classic short, Men O' War, Patrick is joined by film historian and author, Glenn Mitchell. Discussions cover a range of subjects from the film's production to the film history of Hollenbeck Park, to other interesting tangents, such as the willingness to tackle dark and heavy themes in…

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Steven Weber, Chicago Med, Wings, Curb Your Enthusiasm 22:07

11M ago22:07

22:07

A really fun interview with Steven who is hilarious as we talk about Chicago Med but mostly his life as an actor and he has an hysterical take on how the importance of fame and wealth in our society and how to get it. Steven and I go on a really funny riff on how it's so easy to be famous these days by not doing much of anything. And hear Steven's …

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37. Men O' War: Just Playing Together with Richard W. Bann 1:05:59

1y ago1:05:59

1:05:59

In this first of two episodes looking at Laurel and Hardy's classic 1929 talkie, Men O' War, Patrick chats with returning guest and Hal Roach Studios expert, Richard W. Bann about his forthcoming book 'Laurel & Hardy as Men O' War: Just Playing Together.' In addition to discussing the book's genesis and content, Richard reads an extract from the ma…

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David Arquette - "Scream," "Friends," "The Good Half" 19:53

1y ago19:53

19:53

David is hilarious in this really fun conversation about his newest project, "The Good Half." David gives us a cool look into his famous, creative family - hear about how his eclectic mother (a former burlesque dancer who David named his nightclub named) and artistic family (sisters Roasanna and Patricia) inspired him to be an actor and hear how fu…

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36. Berth Marks (1929) Part TWO with Richard M. Roberts 1:31:03

1y ago1:31:03

1:31:03

Joining Patrick to complete the deep dive into Laurel & Hardy's second talkie, Berth Marks, is a film historian and author of 'Smileage Guaranteed, Richard M. Roberts. As well as talking about the film's merits, Patrick also asks his special guest about how he first discovered his love for classic comedy, and his earliest memories of Stan and Ollie…

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Mika Brzezinski - Co-Host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and Founder of "Know Your Value," a global initiative. 17:18

1y ago17:18

17:18

A fun, fascinating conversation with Mika about her "Know Your Value" initiative that empowers women to grow their careers and form healthy habits. Hear who some of the amazing women from business, entertainment and more who are on the newest "Know Your Value Forbes 50 over 50 list." Mika also has great insight into the Kamala Harris campaign, the …

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Sal Paolantonio - ESPN NFL Correspondent, NFL Countdown, Host "NFL Matchup" 21:16

1y ago21:16

21:16

A view of football that you've never heard before. Sal talks in depth about his new book, "How Football Explains America," and explains how football originated in America, how football in America was influenced by African American culture, military history and cultural shifts across generations and why the Quarter-Back Position is the most revered …

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Jane Clauss - Emmy Winning Host, CBS Anchor, "The Today Show," Host "Creative Living" 43:31

1y ago43:31

43:31

A really fun conversation with Jane about her amazing career as a host, CBS news anchor and nationally known DIY expert on such shows as NBC’s The TODAY Show, FOX Good Day, and HSN to name a few. Jane explains why being a radio host for 4 hours a day early on in her career was so instrumental to her success on TV. Hear what makes Jane such a GREAT …

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36. Berth Marks (1929) - Part ONE 35:35

1+ y ago35:35

35:35

This episode is part one of a two-part look at Laurel and Hardy's second talking picture, Berth Marks. Following their successful first attempt at 'all-talking' comedies, how would Stan and Ollie handle their first adventure filming, not only, outdoors but on location in a noisy, bustling train station? In this solo episode, Patrick talks about the…

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John Ratzenberger - "Cheers," "Cars," "Inside Out 2" 19:30

1y ago19:30

19:30

John created one of the most iconic characters in television history - Cliff Clavin of "Cheers." Hear the fascinating story how that character was created, how John's 10 years touring Europe as a performer led to him landing the role of cheers, what his huge comedy influences are and much more.By Paul Mecurio

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Tim Blake Nelson - "O Father Where Art Thou," "Minority Report," "Dune Part 2" 21:16

1+ y ago21:16

21:16

Tim is one of Hollywood's most versatile and brilliant actors who gives us an insider's look into his great new movie, "Asleep in my Palm," tells the story of a father and his daughter living off the grid on the outskirts of an elite liberal arts college in northeastern Ohio. Tim reveals why he took on the part, how he chose the incredibly unique c…

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Bonus 11: Leonard Maltin Talking Laurel & Hardy 54:52

1+ y ago54:52

54:52

To celebrate the podcast's 4th anniversary, we welcome the legendary film critic Leonard Maltin onto the show. Leonard discusses his lifelong love for Stan and Ollie, and Patrick asks him to choose his three favourite films. In addition, Leonard recounts his meetings with Buster Keaton as well as Laurel and Hardy co-stars Billy Gilbert and Dorothy …

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Joy Reid- "The Reid Out" - MSNBC 23:43

1+ y ago23:43

23:43

Joy gives a new perspective to the civil rights movement through this fascinating look into the lives of Medgar and Myrlie Evers who were married and considered 2 of the greatest civil rights leaders of the civil rights movement. Joy talks about her new book in which she chronicles this beautiful love story between Medgar and Myrlie. She describes …

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35. Unaccustomed As We Are with Randy Skretvedt and Richard W. Bann 2:17:20

1+ y ago2:17:20

2:17:20

Episode 35 kicks off Season Two of the podcast properly and introduces us to Laurel and Hardy’s talking pictures. Patrick is joined by two of the world’s leading experts in the world of Laurel and Hardy and the Hal Roach Studios. Randy Skretvedt assists in discussing the production history of the boys’ first talkie, Unaccustomed As We Are, and Rich…

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Kyle MacLachlan - Dune, Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, Varnamtown Podcast 23:14

1+ y ago23:14

23:14

Kyle had heard a rumor that Pablo Escobar did a deal in the early 1980s with a remote, coastal Southern town of 300 people called Varnamtown in North Carolina. In exchange for vast wealth and limitless cocaine, Escobar would be allowed to land planes and ships in the area. Over the last 24 months, Kyle and Emmy winning director, Joshua Davis, inves…

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Jeff Benedict & Matt Hamachek - Writer & Director "The Dynasty: New England Patriots" Doc Series - Apple TV+ 52:32

1+ y ago52:32

52:32

An absolutely enthralling conversation with Jeff and Matt about this 10-part brilliant documentary about the rise and fall of the New England Patriot dynasty. Hear how the writer and director discovered magical New England Patriot footage that told them there was a doc to be made, why Tom Brady, Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick were able to build th…

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Bonus 10: Elmer Raguse - Arrival of the Talkies 1:14:19

1+ y ago1:14:19

1:14:19

In this very special bonus episode, Patrick welcomes Craig Raguse to the show. Craig is the grandson of the man who was given the responsibility of converting the Hal Roach Studios into a studio fit for producing talking pictures, Elmer Raguse. Craig discusses Elmer's early life and background, his move from the Victor Company in New Jersey to Roac…

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Bonus 9 (Live): New Book- March of the Wooden Soldiers with Randy Skretvedt 1:36:20

1+ y ago1:36:20

1:36:20

In this special bonus episode, recorded live in front of a Zoom audience of some of the Podcast’s Patrons, Patrick interviews Laurel & Hardy expert and film historian, Randy Skretvedt, all about his latest book, entitled March of the Wooden Soldiers:The Amazing Story of Laurel & Hardy’s Babes in Toyland. To purchase a copy of Randy’s new book, clic…

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Bonus 8: Stan and Ollie's Silent Era Retrospective with Chris Seguin 1:23:06

1+ y ago1:23:06

1:23:06

To round off Laurel and Hardy's silent era, Patrick invites classic comedy expert Chris Seguin back to take one last look at the whole canon. Join us for a fascinating and fun discussion covering all the boys' films, from The Lucky Dog to Angora Love. For more exclusive content and benefits from The Laurel & Hardy Podcast, sign up to show your supp…

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Marlo Thomas - Emmy & Golden Globe Winner, "That Girl," " Oceans 8," St Jude's Hospital 15:27

2y ago15:27

15:27

Marlo is a trailblazer, her show "That Girl" was the first to portray a single career woman and paved the way for actresses to follow like Mary Tyler Moore, Murphy Brown and Moore. Hear how Marlo landed the role of "That Girl" and how she parlayed that into an amazing 45 year-career in TV, film and on Broadway. Marlo is incredibly passionate and el…

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Michael Gelman - Executive Producer "Live with Kelly and Mark" - #1 Morning Talk Show in America 18:55

2y ago18:55

18:55

Michael has been the Executive Producer of "Live" for more than 20 years. Michael holds the world record the most morning talk show episodes produced by the same producer.He shares the secrets to it's long-term success and dominance in the morning talk show landscape. Hear how Michael navigated changing co-hosts over the years, why Kelly Ripa is th…

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34. Angora Love (1929) with Chris Seguin 2:00:41

2y ago2:00:41

2:00:41

With a tear in the eye, episode thirty-four brings Stan and Ollie’s silent period to a close. To discuss Laurel & Hardy’s swansong of their silent era, Angora Love, Patrick welcomes back to the Podcast classic comedy expert Chris Seguin. As well as discussing the film in focus, Chris and Patrick also consider Stan and Babe’s contemporaries, such as…

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John O'Hurley - Host "National Dog Show," J. Peterman - "Seinfeld" 11:56

2y ago11:56

11:56

John gives us a very fun, cool and surprising behind the scenes look at The National Dog Show. Hear how judges make their decisions, all that goes on in breeding and showing a champion canine, what has surprised John over the years about the dog show and the world of dogs and much more.By Paul Mecurio

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Lee Abrams - Founder and Chief Programmer XM Satellite Radio, Created the FM Rock format 1:00:27

2y ago1:00:27

1:00:27

If you've listened to radio, read a newspaper or watched TV, Lee Abrams has affected your life. He has been a pioneer in all areas of media, particularly radio. He co-founded XM Satellite radio, created the FM Rock radio listening format, advised Rolling Stone Magazine as well as major artists like Eric Clapton, Yes and Iron Maiden. Lee gives us an…

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Bret Baier - Fox News Anchor, Author "To Rescue the Constitution - George Washington" 17:43

2y ago17:43

17:43

In discussing his new book about George Washington, Bret takes us through those tenuous and tumultuous days of the Constitutional Convention and the central role Washington played in the convention. This is an absolutely fascinating conversation with Bret because it and his book show a side of George Washington seldom discussed - namely how deft Wa…

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Aaron Neville - Grammy Award Winning Singer/Songwriter 14:11

2y ago14:11

14:11

Aaron is very open and funny talking about his life, how he got started in music through family influences around the house, how he made it out of the projects in New Orleans to become one of the most acclaimed signers this country has generated. Hear the funny story of why as a kid he stole a car (and got arrested) and how that set him straight, w…

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Jason Carr - Jason Carr Drive - Emmy Winning Renowned Detroit New Anchor 56:52

2y ago56:52

56:52

Jason is a great friend. Whenever I perform in the Detroit area I go on his show and it is some of the MOST fun I have ANYWHERE. Jason is very funny and we have a REALLY fun conversation we talk about everything from his early days as a reporter and the crazy news assignments he was given (you have to hear these), ground up beef bullion and why it'…

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Bonus 7: The Last Dance of the Cuckoos with Andy Hollingworth and Matt Holt 1:43:41

2y ago1:43:41

1:43:41

On September 9th, 1953, Stan Laurel and Oliver ‘Babe’ Hardy arrived on a boat direct from the USA into the small harbour town of Cobh, Ireland, ahead of another tour of the theatres of Great Britain. The boys assumed that they would quietly disembark unnoticed by the townspeople - but that couldn’t be further from what happened. In this special bon…

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Brittlestar - Online Media Star 22:25

2y ago22:25

22:25

Known as "The Internet's Favorite Dad" Brittlestar a.k.a. comedian Stewart Reynolds has become an on-line sensation. Every week, hundreds of thousands of people watch his videos on various social media channels. Brittlestar videos have been viewed more than a combined 600 million times. Brittlestar has funny stories revealing how he went viral, wha…

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33. Bacon Grabbers (1929) with Randy Skretvedt 1:39:53

2y ago1:39:53

1:39:53

In Episode thirty-three, Patrick welcomes back to the Podcast Laurel & Hardy expert and author of Laurel & Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies and The Laurel & Hardy Movie Scripts, Randy Skretvedt. Throughout the course of the show, Randy and Patrick talk about a film that is often overlooked in the Laurel & Hardy canon, Bacon Grabbers. Patrick and …

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"Dr. Oakley - Yukon Vet" - NatGeo Wild 22:37

2y ago22:37

22:37

A fascinating conversation with Dr. Oakley about her incredibly unique Vet practice. Michele is very open and fun about the challenges of treating a wide variety of animals, the mistakes she's made in the wild (like the time she got chased up a tree by Bison she was treating), and how having her kids in the wild with her is the ULTIMATE "Bring Your…

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John Tobin - Comedy Show Producer, Club Owner 1:26:44

2y ago1:26:44

1:26:44

John is one of the preeminent comedy promoters in the country. He concentrates on the Boston market. This is an absolutely hilarious conversation about everything comedy. John has hilarious stories about working with some of the biggest comedians in the business (especially the great Boston headliners Don Gavin and Nick DiPaolo). We also talk class…

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32. Double Whoopee (1929) with Glenn Mitchell 2:15:48

2y ago2:15:48

2:15:48

In Episode 32, our attention turns to the first film that Stan and Babe made in 1929, Double Whoopee. Best known for a three-minute sequence starring a young Jean Harlow, Patrick and his special guest, Glenn Mitchell, discuss why the film is so much more than this one scene. In addition, the conversation also looks at the production history of the …

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Andrew Barnsely - Emmy Winner - Exec. Producer - "Schitt's Creek," "Son of A Critch" 15:26

2y ago15:26

15:26

Andrew is really fun and interesting as he talks about his new hit series, "Son of A Critch," his experience on the hit show "Schitt's Creek," how these shows were developed and what it's been like creating two hit comedy series that have taken the world by storm. How they develop story lines each week, why his shows are so quirky and yet relatable…

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Dante Nero - Comedian, "Ray Donovan," "Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn" 1:12:01

2y ago1:12:01

1:12:01

Dante is a close friend, a great comic with an amazing back story. Hear his amazing, hilarious, and at times unbelievable stories of survival growing up in a very rough neighborhood in Brooklyn, his influential Dad who kept him on the straight and narrow, his journey from being on a fencing scholarship in college to becoming a stripper (for 11 year…

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Chef Michael Symon - "Iron Chef," "BBQ USA," "The Chew" 19:59

2y ago19:59

19:59

A really fun conversation with one of America's most accomplished chefs. We talk about what makes great barbecue, how the science of food plays a big part in making great food, how technique separates the good chefs from the great ones, how Michael got his start and what influence his Italian/Greek heritage has had on his choice of career and incre…