Donna Loren takes audio book reading to an innovative new level! In storytelling and autobiography, singer-actress Donna Loren and her collaborator Dr Adam Gerace delve into her life and career at the height of the Swingin' Sixties and what it all means for her today. Included interviews with Special Guests from Donna's past career as well as "Fan" Guests.
…
continue reading

1
Magnet and Steel: Donna and Dr Adam In Conversation with very special guest Walter Egan
1:21:45
1:21:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:45“For you are a magnet and I am steel.” Sound familiar? Those unforgettable lyrics come from the 1978 Billboard Top 10 hit “Magnet and Steel", written and performed by Walter Egan — and in this special episode, he joins Donna and Dr. Adam in conversation! Walter takes us on a journey starting in New York with his surf rock band The Malibooz, followe…
…
continue reading

1
Valentine’s Day, Pop Sixties Style! With special guest Domenic Priore
1:30:22
1:30:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:30:22Come spend Valentine’s Day with Donna and Dr Adam and special guest Domenic Priore! Domenic is a writer and expert in ‘60s popular music and youth culture. In this episode, the trio take a trip down the rabbit hole to 1960s Los Angeles through five of Domenic’s books: Riot on Sunset Strip, a chronicle of the electrifying rise and fall of the Sunset…
…
continue reading

1
Season 6 Finale: Merry Christmas Baby with special holiday guest Gaylord Fields
1:25:04
1:25:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:25:04We think it’s almost Christmas time! In this holiday special and sixth season finale, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by Gaylord Fields! Gaylord is a longtime host on WFMU, a DJ, and writer whose eclectic interests in music span genres and generations. In conversation, Gaylord shares how music has been a throughline throughout his life and career, and…
…
continue reading

1
Girl Group Power! With special guest DJ Glynis Ward
1:27:10
1:27:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:27:10It's time for the Girls! In this episode, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by DJ Glynis Ward, host of WFMU "Crayons to Perfume", a weekly radio show dedicated to girl groups and women artists from the '60s. In conversation, Glynis shares how she became a champion of the girl group sound, having started as a DJ and writer in Canada. Along the way, you'l…
…
continue reading

1
Made in Hollywood: Donna & Dr Adam In Conversation with Scott Morrow & Shannon Allen
1:47:06
1:47:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:47:06Are you a fan of classic film and television? Well, Donna and Dr Adam have you covered when they are joined by two very special guests: Scott Morrow and Shannon Allen! As a child actor during the Golden Age of Hollywood, Scott “Scotty” Morrow played Hope Lange’s brother in the film “Peyton Place” and was seen in classic shows “The Donna Reed Show”,…
…
continue reading

1
A Visit to Alberobello with Donna and Dr Adam
12:52
12:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:52Ep 83 Part 1 Come along with Donna and Dr Adam and experience the famous ancient village of Alberobello in Southern Italy with its well-preserved Trulli houses in this special video episode! From Donna:"In 1967, I found myself in a Warner Bros recording studio in Rome, Italy. I was asked to sing a theme to a movie called "Once Before I Die", starri…
…
continue reading
Ep 83 Part 2 Ciao, Love’s A Secret Weapon community! Fancy a summer vacation in Italy? Back in June and July, Dr Adam was travelling around Europe – and Donna and Dr Adam thought you might like to come along! They caught up twice: once in Alberobello in Southern Italy, and this one in Milan before he headed home. In these two travel diaries, Adam s…
…
continue reading

1
Shindig's 60th Anniversary! "Tales of Shindig!"
1:12:36
1:12:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:36Celebrate Shindig’s 60th Birthday (Sept 16, 1964-2024) on “Love’s a Secret Weapon” Podcast❤️ with a replay of Chapter 7 part 3 of Donna's Memoir: "Tales of Shindig!" But wait! There’s more❣️ If this perks your curiosity, Chapter 7, Parts 1-4 reveal my entire Shindig! Experience ❤️Go Donna and Dr Adam🎊🎉 Onstage and backstage, Donna relishes her role…
…
continue reading

1
JUST THE 2 OF US: Scorpions, Babies & Solar Flares!
1:02:07
1:02:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:07JUST THE 2 OF US: After 20-years there's still so much more to learn about each other. Relationships are incredibly valuable and Dr Adam and Donna have a strong bond they share in the name of Donna's favorite 4 letter word: LOVEIn this rare intimate time together, Donna and Dr Adam share what they’ve been up to over the past couple of months, inclu…
…
continue reading

1
Tuned In and The Power of One: Donna and Dr Adam in Conversation with Jim Wilson
1:32:33
1:32:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:32:33In this episode, Donna and Dr Adam Gerace are joined by musician and author Jim Wilson to talk about his new book “Tuned In: Memoirs of a Piano Man”! Jim has had distinct, but complementary careers as both a musician and performer alongside his work as an expert piano tuner-technician to music royalty, including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Burt Bac…
…
continue reading

1
Hope Thru Music: Donna and Dr Adam in Conversation with Maurice Gainen
1:14:58
1:14:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:58In this special episode, Donna and Dr. Adam are joined by musician Maurice Gainen! Maurice, who is a woodwind musician, producer, composer, and engineer, first worked with Donna to rejuvenate her signature song “It Only Hurts When I Cry” in 2009. He then engineered Donna’s first album in decades, “Love It Away” in 2010, and he provides the distinct…
…
continue reading
“Truth is a mysterious entity. I love it and cherish it. Anytime I can speak the truth about my feelings, a little more of Me comes into focus. All the tears I’ve swallowed flow more freely now and I await the day that I can sing for you again”. In this final chapter of Donna’s memoir… It’s August 14, 2008, a pivotal day that led to Donna deciding …
…
continue reading

1
The Ancestors Who Guide Us: Donna and Dr Adam In Conversation with Natalie Zett
1:14:26
1:14:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:26In a special episode, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by author, journalist, and podcaster Natalie Zett! Natalie has written Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told, a work of historical fiction that draws on her own family’s tragedy. At the center of the story is the death of Natalie’s real-life great aunt, Martha Pfeiffer, who lost her life …
…
continue reading

1
A Balancing Act: Donna and Dr Adam in Conversation with Willie Aron
2:02:33
2:02:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:02:33In this special episode, Donna and Dr. Adam are joined by musician Willie Aron! Willie, who is a Grammy nominee, worked with Donna to bring to life her first concert in over 50 years at Tiki Oasis in 2016. Donna and Willie share memories of that event and, in conversation with Donna and Dr Adam, Willie discusses his wide-ranging and diverse career …
…
continue reading
In this new chapter… Donna reflects on the relationships she had with her adopted father and her mother at the height of her ‘60s career and in their later years. Then, Donna and Dr Adam speak about the importance of understanding the good and not so good of one’s upbringing, so that we may move forward with compassion for ourselves and others. Plu…
…
continue reading

1
Chapter 21: Casting My Spell On You with guests Jo David and Marlow Harris
1:45:59
1:45:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:45:59Welcome to a new chapter of Donna’s memoir! We open with a duet sung by Donna and Bobby Sherman on Shindig, “Casting My Spell on You”. In this episode…Donna takes us back to the early 2000s as her fashion business, ADASA Hawaii, enters a new phase with celebrity clientele and the hottest lines including Juicy Couture, James Perse, Isabella Fiore an…
…
continue reading

1
From the LA Times to "Steel Magnolias": Donna and Dr Adam In Conversation with David Linck
1:37:06
1:37:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:37:06In this special episode before Donna commences reading a new chapter from her memoir…Donna and Dr Adam are joined by very special fan guest, David Linck. David has had a decades-long career in the news and entertainment industry, including at the Los Angeles Times, Box Office Magazine, and CNN. For over 30 years, he was a unit publicist for the maj…
…
continue reading
As this chapter closes… In the shadow of 9/11, Donna is offered the opportunity to open a new boutique in the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next fan guest, Leticia Lopez! Leticia is a journalist, author, and historian who has previously interviewed Donna – and now the tables turn as Leticia tells Donna and Dr Adam a…
…
continue reading
In this episode... After her stepdad’s death, Donna asks her mother to join her in Hawaii. Checking into the Mauna Lani Hotel for one night, Donna’s mother finally shares the truth about a trip she made to Boston when she was twenty years old, where she met the man who was Donna’s biological father. In conversation, Donna and Dr Adam talk about rec…
…
continue reading
As Donna continues reading from her memoir… An opportunity to do a fashion show in Florida leads Donna to create a full collection. But when it’s rained away, a bigger opportunity awaits – a trip to Monte Carlo! Donna, Jered, and many trunks of handmade garments, custom shoes, jewelry, and hats make their way to a fashion show on the Mediterranean!…
…
continue reading
It’s Dr Adam’s birthday, and what a gift he’s been to our Love’s A Secret Weapon Podcast! Turning 40 can be overwhelming, and so on his birthday, Dr Adam shares a reflection with you of how his values have evolved. Incredibly vulnerable and sensitive, here is our doctor of psychology reflecting on how imperfect life is! Donna and Dr Adam utilise hi…
…
continue reading
In this episode…Donna, Dr Adam, & Jered Cargman in conversation! In honor of Donna’s husband’s birthday, we are replaying our conversation from 2022 where Jered joined Donna and Dr Adam! Donna and Jered share memories of their first meeting in 1965 for Donna’s high school Prom, as well as their reconnecting and courtship many years later. Jered als…
…
continue reading
In this episode as Donna continues reading from her Memoir…she begins to work with a team to bring her new clothing designs to life in Hawaii. Utilizing old-world techniques to paint and sew the garments proves cathartic for Donna and the women she works with in her new atelier in Waimea. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next fan guests: Jim a…
…
continue reading

1
Teen Idols Reunite!: Donna Loren in conversation with Paul Petersen
34:28
34:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:28In this very special episode, Donna reunites with her longtime friend – actor, singer, and advocate Paul Petersen! Paul joins Donna and Dr Adam to reminisce about his role on The Donna Reed Show, talk with Donna about their decades-long friendship and to tell listeners about the important work of his organization, "A Minor Consideration", founded t…
…
continue reading

1
Happy Valentine's Day! Donna and Dr Adam with very special guest Margareta Sjödin!
58:41
58:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:41“We’re linking together in the frequency of Love”. Happy Valentine’s Day Love’s A Secret Weapon Community! In this special episode, Donna and Dr Adam speak with Donna’s longtime friend, Swedish actress and artist Margareta Sjödin. Margareta revisits her TV and film career, including her role as the ditsy blonde in the comedy series Partaj, which wa…
…
continue reading
Welcome to Season 5 and a new chapter of Donna’s memoir! In this episode: Moving to the tropics requires a new wardrobe, and when Donna meets some silk painters, she is inspired to start designing dresses for the first time since her ‘60s career – this time, Hawaiian style! Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their first guest for the new season: photo…
…
continue reading

1
Season Finale: We Think It's Almost Christmas Time!
42:43
42:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:43In this 60th episode of the podcast and the fourth season finale, Donna and Dr Adam reminisce about their recent travels, Dr Adam shares some personal news, and the duo give their thanks to you, the listeners, and guests who joined Donna and Dr Adam during the year. And in her holiday message to listeners, Donna draws inspiration from Vietnamese Th…
…
continue reading
In this episode, as Donna continues reading her memoir… Donna and her friend Vicki’s decision to read Shakespeare’s King Lear provides Donna with insight into her own relationships. And when it comes time for the North Kohala Library to move to a modern new building, an old Hawaiian tradition is used. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next fan …
…
continue reading
In this episode… As this chapter of Donna's memoir concludes, Donna decides to write her mother a letter telling her that she finally knows the truth about her Dad. In a far-ranging conversation, Donna and Dr Adam discuss truth and the complexity of family dynamics, as well as how one can emerge from difficult experiences with greater clarity and s…
…
continue reading

1
Chapter 18: Dream World - Part 3 with very special guests Todd Hughes and P. David Ebersole
1:29:03
1:29:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:29:03In this episode... As Donna continues to read from her memoir, the healing energy of Hawaii proves to be the perfect place to process the truth about her Dad. Plus, you’re invited to Lunch with Lizabeth…and Todd! Donna and Dr Adam welcome back Todd Hughes and his partner P. David Ebersole to talk about Todd’s new book, Lunch with Lizabeth – a memoi…
…
continue reading

1
* Special episode * You Got to Have Friends: Meet Donna's BFF Janis!
1:11:00
1:11:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:00In this special episode, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by Donna’s friend, Janis Weitz. Donna and Janis reminisce about their lifelong friendship, from meeting in elementary school to being on the sets of Shindig! and The Dating Game, celebrating milestone birthdays, and more. Revisit some of the stories Donna’s shared on the podcast with someone who…
…
continue reading
In this episode... After Donna returns to Hawaii, she begins to process the revelation that Morey is not her father. Donna and Dr Adam delve into meditation, mindfulness, and the power of 'stillness' when processing life experiences. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by fan guest and pop culture enthusiast Robert Baum. Donna, Dr Adam, and Robert d…
…
continue reading
Donna continues reading her memoir: When Donna returns to L.A. with Jered for a friend’s wedding, the truth is revealed: Morey is not Donna’s father. This revelation spirals Donna into illness. Plus, we have a special treat: Jered Cargman, Donna’s husband, joins Donna and Dr Adam on the podcast! Donna and Jered share memories of their first meeting…
…
continue reading

1
Chapter 17: Ninety Day Guarantee - Part 1
1:31:08
1:31:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:31:08It’s Episode 50…and a new chapter! Seeking to take some positive action, Donna begins working with a professional to help uncover how her early experiences with her parents and career shaped her development. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by their next fan guest, Stephen White. Stephen lives in Melbourne, Australia and he switched careers mid-l…
…
continue reading
As Donna’s time in Sedona ends, she returns to L.A. and rents the former home of a Hollywood fashion icon. Settling back into life in L.A., Donna throws herself into a school musical project with her youngest daughter. Finding her feet after her divorce, Donna meets a producer wanting to bring the life of this former Shindig Girl to the small scree…
…
continue reading

1
*Special episode* Remembering Bobby Rydell
1:03:13
1:03:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:13In a tribute to rock ‘n’ roll legend Bobby Rydell, we replay our episode from 2021 where Donna was joined by Bobby to reminisce about their co-starring roles on 1966’s The Milton Berle Show.
…
continue reading
Echoing an earlier emergency procedure she had at 19, Donna requires immediate surgery. Donna and Dr Adam discuss how family dynamics and life experiences affect our psychological and physical well being. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next guest to the show – Bill Alexander. Donna has previously appeared on Bill’s The Bill Alexander Show an…
…
continue reading
It’s the Call of the Canyon! Donna contemplates a big move to the Red Rocks of Sedona. All the while, she navigates the complexity of divorce. Donna, with the assistance of Dr Adam, explores how we are shaped by our early experiences; and how, with awareness, we can begin to break old patterns. Plus, we continue to invite fans to be on our podcast …
…
continue reading

1
Chapter 15: That's What Love Is Made Of
1:07:01
1:07:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:01As Donna prepares for a big transition in her life, she returns to the recording studio for the first time in over a decade. Looking to promote her music and pondering a potential new direction to her career, she visits her former agent Norman Brokaw. Donna also decides to address an issue that has bothered her since she was a teenager. And the Red…
…
continue reading

1
Chapter 14: So, Do the Zonk - Part 2 with very special guest Bobbie Shaw Chance
1:02:43
1:02:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:43As we start a new year of the podcast, Donna continues telling her story post her ‘60s career. In this episode, Donna turns to her piano and music to express her emotions, frustrations, and the unknowns in her life during the turbulent 1970s. And it’s the Beach Party reunion you’ve been waiting for! Bobbie Shaw Chance, legendary acting coach, and D…
…
continue reading

1
Chapter 13: Let's Pretend - Part 3 with special holiday guest John Hartmann
1:32:07
1:32:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:32:07The holidays are here! And, Donna and Dr Adam have your holiday treat. Over the next few episodes, John Hartmann, Donna’s agent from her time on Shindig, will join her and Dr Adam to reminisce about his legendary career as an agent, manager, promoter, and record executive. John has worked with Sonny and Cher, Joni Mitchell, Peter, Paul and Mary, Th…
…
continue reading
Going from the pressure cooker environment of her parents’ house to a new life takes some adjustment. Donna tries to make sense of it all at the dawn of a new decade. There's even a New Year’s Party where Ry Cooder’s musical vibrations literally smash the heirloom glassware! Donna and Adam break it down, reflecting on dealing with difficult emotion…
…
continue reading
A death, a new life, and a change in direction. Donna rushes home from a Dr Pepper event after getting word that a family member is gravely ill. Continuing to feel pulled between her new life with husband Lenny and her parent's close control of her career, Donna calls the CEO of Dr Pepper and makes a liberating decision. As one chapter in her life …
…
continue reading

1
Chapter 11: Blowing Out the Candles - Part 2 with special guest Bobby Rydell
1:02:47
1:02:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:47Donna is joined by Bobby Rydell ("Wild One," "Volare," and Bye Bye Birdie) to reminisce about their co-starring roles on 1966's The Milton Berle Show.
…
continue reading

1
Chapter 11: Blowing Out the Candles - Part 1
1:08:54
1:08:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:54Donna's moving out of home and into the arms of a new beau. But her bliss is short lived when she must undergo emergency surgery. There's little time to recuperate as Donna begins work on The Milton Berle Show and then lands a prime gig and trip to Washington, D. C. to perform in the Blue Room at the historic Shoreham Hotel.…
…
continue reading
Donna continues to build her acting resume when she is cast as Princess Colette, Davy Jones' love interest on The Monkees. And then, "G-o-l-l-y!", Donna snags a role on Gomer Pyle. Plus, Donna and Adam answer listener questions!
…
continue reading

1
Chapter 10: Ten Good Reasons - Part 1
1:00:55
1:00:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:55"Good gravy!" After taping on location in Hawaii, Donna exits Shindig. But The Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder come to the rescue when she wins the part of Susie the Cheerleader, as the sidekick of The Joker (Cesar Romero) on TV's Batman starring Adam West and Burt Ward.
…
continue reading
Donna wins a plum seven-part guest role on hit show Dr. Kildare starring Richard Chamberlain. But her first dramatic TV turn is overshadowed by a real life-or-death medical emergency on set, and tension hit boiling point in Southern L.A. leading to the Watts Riots.
…
continue reading

1
Chapter 8: Shakin' All Over - Part 3
1:10:46
1:10:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:46Unchaperoned at the Oscars, Grammys, and Deb Star Ball? Where's Donna's father now? And Bingo! Donna appearance in Beach Blanket Bingo gives her a signature song, "It Only Hurts When I Cry", and she is chosen to record the one-and-only soundtrack for the film - her '60s vinyl LP collectable classic, Beach Blanket Bingo. Recorded at Capitol Records.…
…
continue reading
Donna travels coast to coast getting a bird's-eye view of America, while she causes sales to rise for Dr Pepper. Poverty in the Deep South to rural Native American land, this young teenager's personal appearances in all parts of the country give her an education in empathy and connection. Even if a well-known celebrity shows little empathy for the …
…
continue reading