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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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The Zicree Simkins Podcast

David Simkins and Marc Zicree

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David Simkins and Marc Zicree work in television. They realized one day they knew some interesting people so they cajoled them into talking into microphones. Listen in. Hear how TV really works. And doesn�t.
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Step into a dimension of nostalgia, television history, and personal storytelling with legendary writer and historian Marc Scott Zicree. Best known for The Twilight Zone Companion, Marc shares the origins of the book that shaped a genre and defined an era. From sneaking into Rod Serling’s archives to interviewing over 100 contributors to the iconic…
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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 …
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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 breakth…
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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 la…
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Voiceover legend Cam Clarke joins the conversation with over 400 credits to his name, from Leonardo of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Simba in The Lion King II, to the nostalgic Snoopy. Cam dives into stories from his early days as a child performer in the King Family, shares what inspired his massive coffee table book documenting over a century o…
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Tina Cole brings a treasure trove of Hollywood nostalgia, heartwarming memories, and behind-the-scenes stories from her iconic career. From her early days opening for Rowan and Martin in Australia to her unforgettable role as Katie Douglas on My Three Sons, Tina shares the journey that inspired her book My Three Lives. This discussion is filled wit…
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Two iconic cast members from Little House on the Prairie, Dean Butler and Alison Arngrim, reunite to celebrate the show's 50th anniversary and discuss the powerful legacy that still resonates with fans today. From heartwarming stories to surprise revelations, this conversation dives deep into their personal journeys, the wild success of their books…
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Get an inside look at the fascinating niche of trailer music with Brent Daniels, the creative force behind the sounds of some of Hollywood’s biggest hits. From “Bullet Train” to “Black Panther,” Brent’s music has set the tone for countless movie and TV trailers. In this fun and revealing chat, he breaks down how he got started, the art of sync lice…
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From college improv to Studio 8H, Luke Null takes us on a no-holds-barred ride through the trenches of comedy. Known for his musical flair and one wild season on Saturday Night Live, Luke dives deep into the chaotic, cutthroat, and occasionally hilarious world behind the scenes. This episode is equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and brutally honest a…
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Get ready for a chilling journey through one of horror television’s most iconic series. Alan Katz—producer, writer, and creative mind behind the Crypt Keeper’s twisted dialogue—unearths the strange, subversive, and often scandalous stories from the crypt. In this bloodcurdling episode, Katz reveals how Tales from the Crypt survived chaos, Hollywood…
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Barry Livingston, best known as Ernie from My Three Sons, brings a treasure trove of Hollywood stories in this nostalgic ride through decades of TV and film. From early beginnings alongside his brother Stanley to memorable roles in The Orville, Mad Men, Zodiac, and more—Barry shares the ups, downs, and delightful surprises of a lifelong acting care…
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What happens when your sister is a game show icon and you've got stories to tell? Chip White, brother of Vanna White and host of the podcast Relatively Famous, shares how he turned a clever concept—talking to relatives of celebrities—into a passion project. From hilarious behind-the-scenes moments with REO Speedwagon to deeply personal stories of f…
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David Zucker, the legendary filmmaker behind Airplane!, The Naked Gun, and Scary Movie 3 & 4, joins the conversation to dive into his remarkable career in comedy. From his early days with Kentucky Fried Theater to reshaping the spoof genre, David shares behind-the-scenes stories, Hollywood challenges, and the making of his book Surely You Can't Be …
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Buckle up, Monkees fans! Jeff welcomes back John Billings, legendary bassist, and all-around cool guy, to dish on recording "Live at The Troubadour" with Micky Dolenz. From stage jitters to bass lines that matter, John takes us behind the scenes of capturing a once-in-a-lifetime performance. We talk Micky’s timeless voice, the club’s rock-and-roll …
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Veteran actor, comedian, and voice artist Sam Kwasman shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from his decades-long career in Hollywood. From dancing with Patrick Swayze to voicing Little Quacker on Tom and Jerry, Sam’s journey is filled with unexpected twists, famous co-stars, and a whole lot of laughter. NOTE to Listener: This interview was lo…
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Some careers are legendary, and few have left their mark on pop culture like Bill Morrison. From his early days dreaming of being a comic book artist to working with The Simpsons, Futurama, Disney, and even Mad Magazine, Bill's journey is packed with fascinating stories. Whether it's co-founding Bongo Comics, illustrating some of the most iconic ch…
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Hollywood legend Stefanie Powers takes us on a journey through her remarkable career, from starring in The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. and Hart to Hart to working alongside icons like John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, and William Holden. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from her time in Hollywood, including her unforgettable on-screen chemistry with Robert …
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Vic Kaplan’s career is a masterclass in entertainment history. From producing some of the most iconic comedy specials to working alongside legends like Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, and George Carlin, his behind-the-scenes experiences offer a rare look into Hollywood’s golden era. Starting at Dick Clark Productions, he played a pivotal role in sha…
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Dennis Blair’s journey into comedy started by accident—but what a ride it’s been. Originally a musician and songwriter, Blair stumbled into stand-up when his musical parodies unexpectedly stole the show. That moment of unexpected laughter led him to open for comedy icons, work alongside legends like Rodney Dangerfield and George Carlin, and write f…
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Stephen Talbot’s career spans decades, beginning as a child actor best known for playing Gilbert on Leave It to Beaver. His journey includes memorable roles on classic shows like The Twilight Zone, Perry Mason, and Lassie, where he worked alongside Hollywood legends such as Rod Serling and Lucille Ball. Beyond acting, Talbot made a bold transition …
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Jeffrey Weissman, best known for his role as George McFly in Back to the Future Parts 2 and 3, takes us on a whirlwind journey through his fascinating career. From sharing behind-the-scenes stories about working with legendary directors like Clint Eastwood and Robert Zemeckis to his unique perspective on Hollywood controversies, Jeffrey captivates …
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Bonnie Bartlett, a legendary actress with over 70 years in the entertainment industry and two Emmy Awards, shares her extraordinary journey through Hollywood and life. Known for her roles in iconic series like Little House on the Prairie, St. Elsewhere, Firefly, and Twins, Bonnie dives into her memoir, Middle of the Rainbow, revealing the triumphs …
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Annie Korzen, the unstoppable 86-year-old TikTok star, shares her inspiring journey from small TV roles to viral fame. With humor and candor, she reflects on her acting career, her viral "Krispy Kreme Lady" moment, and the empowering mantra that has guided her late-life reinvention. Episode Highlights: Annie Korzen’s rise to TikTok stardom as the “…
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Erik Passoja shares his dynamic career journey, highlighting his experiences as an actor, comedian, martial artist, and voice artist. From playing serial killers and Nazis to embodying the infamous Charles Manson, Erik offers fascinating insights into the preparation and challenges behind such roles. He discusses his passion for martial arts, his t…
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This nostalgic conversation celebrates Rod Serling’s 100th birthday and reflects on his timeless legacy. Anne Serling and Mark Dawidziak join host Jeff Dwoskin to delve into the cultural and personal impact of The Twilight Zone. Together, they explore Rod Serling’s storytelling genius, his ability to craft enduring parables, and how his wartime exp…
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A nostalgic deep dive into the world of one of America’s most beloved TV shows, Happy Days. This episode features legendary storytellers Brian Levant and Fred Fox, Jr., co-authors of 50 Years of Happy Days: A Visual History of an American Television Classic. From their days as writers and producers on the show to the creation of this comprehensive …
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Jim Colucci and Frank DeCaro share a treasure trove of pop culture nostalgia, celebrating timeless television and disco-era legends. Jim offers deep insights into The Golden Girls, The Love Boat, and Norman Lear's revolutionary sitcoms, blending fascinating behind-the-scenes stories with his passion for preserving TV history. Frank adds his signatu…
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A captivating conversation with the legendary Cathy Moriarty, reflecting on her iconic Hollywood career. From her unforgettable Academy Award-nominated performance in Raging Bull to her beloved role in Casper, Cathy shares heartfelt stories, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and lessons learned from working alongside legends like Robert De Niro and Mart…
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Step into the enchanting world of Rankin/Bass, guided by Rick Goldschmidt, the celebrated historian, author, and artist behind preserving the legacy of these timeless productions. From "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" to "Frosty the Snowman" and the unforgettable Miser Brothers, explore the magic that defined generations of holiday cheer. Rick shar…
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William Keck, Emmy-nominated TV producer and self-proclaimed "tabloid bad boy," joins to discuss his latest book, When You Step Upon a Star: Cringe-Worthy Confessions of a Tabloid Bad Boy. In this candid and humor-laden conversation, William shares outrageous behind-the-scenes stories from his time at the National Enquirer and as an entertainment j…
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Jay Johnson, the master ventriloquist and beloved actor from Soap, shares an in-depth look into his extraordinary career, from his early passion for ventriloquism sparked by a childhood Nestlé Quick pamphlet to his Tony Award-winning Broadway show, The Two and Only!. He recounts his time on Soap, discussing the challenges and triumphs of bringing C…
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Marla Pennington, known for her roles on SOAP and Small Wonder, shares her fascinating journey from her family's mattress business to Hollywood stardom. She reflects on her breakout in acting, the dramatic and comedic nuances of working with icons like Richard Mulligan, and the joy of sitcom performances. Marla offers heartwarming anecdotes about S…
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Nicole Eggert, star of Baywatch, Charles in Charge, and Who's the Boss, takes a trip down memory lane, sharing stories from her iconic career. From her early days as Little Miss Universe to becoming a global sensation on Baywatch, Nicole reflects on the ups and downs of fame. She dives into the making of her documentary After Baywatch, revealing wh…
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Linda Purl takes listeners on a fascinating journey through her career in both acting and singing. From her childhood in Japan, where she trained at the prestigious Toho Gyno Academy, to becoming a Hollywood star, Linda reflects on the experiences that shaped her path. She shares stories about her time on iconic shows like Happy Days, Matlock, and …
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Motown legend Mickey Stevenson and his wife, Michelle, share personal stories from their careers in music and their creative partnership. Mickey reflects on his groundbreaking work at Motown, including discovering Stevie Wonder and shaping Marvin Gaye’s career. Together, they offer a glimpse into their journey from collaboration to marriage and the…
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Adrian Zmed takes a nostalgic journey through his career, sharing captivating stories from Grease 2, TJ Hooker, and Bachelor Party. He reveals what it was like to play Danny Zuko on Broadway and how Grease 2 became a cult favorite despite its early challenges. From his dynamic on-set chemistry with Tom Hanks in Bachelor Party to his close friendshi…
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Discover Jane Badler’s journey from pageantry to becoming one of television’s most iconic sci-fi villains. Known for her role as Diana on V, Jane shares the challenges of embodying such a memorable character and the impact that single role had on her career. Jane dives into her experiences on V, including the infamous scene where Diana consumes a g…
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Stanley Livingston, known to millions as Chip Douglas from My Three Sons, opens up about his fascinating journey through Hollywood. Livingston shares an insider's perspective on his career spanning over six decades, from growing up on set to working alongside legends like Fred MacMurray and Charles Bronson. This conversation is a nostalgic ride thr…
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Richard Gurman, renowned TV producer and author of Married with Children vs. the World, shares the inside scoop on the hit sitcom that redefined TV comedy. Gurman recounts the behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs that made Married with Children a cultural game-changer, from casting battles with Fox executives to navigating controversy and cens…
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Geri Jewell shares her trailblazing career as the first actress with cerebral palsy to break into mainstream television. From her early stand-up days at The Comedy Store to her iconic roles on The Facts of Life and HBO’s Deadwood, Geri reflects on the challenges and triumphs of her journey. She opens up about her influential friendship with Carol B…
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Lynne Moody, a legendary actress known for her groundbreaking roles in television, shares her extraordinary journey through Hollywood. From her iconic performances in "Roots" and "Soap" to her time on "Knots Landing," Lynne reflects on the challenges and triumphs of her career. She opens up about the limited opportunities for African American actre…
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TV historian and author Joel Eisner delves into the fascinating world of the Batman '66 TV series, sharing untold stories and insider details from his definitive Official Batman Batbook. Discover how Eisner navigated the complexities of securing rights, his unique approach to documenting the show, and the exclusive insights he gathered from the cas…
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Mike Sacks, a renowned humor writer and author, discusses his unconventional journey in the world of comedy writing. From contributing to Mad Magazine to self-publishing his unique and quirky works, Sacks opens up about the creative freedom and challenges he encountered along the way. He dives into the art of crafting novelizations for non-existent…
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Dean Butler, famously known as Almanzo Wilder from Little House on the Prairie, opens up about his new memoir, "Prairie Man: My Little House Life and Beyond." He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the iconic show, reflects on its lasting legacy, and discusses his experiences on other classic TV series like The Love Boat and Buffy the Vampire Sla…
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Norma Safford Vela, a trailblazing television writer and showrunner, joins the conversation to share her inspiring journey in the entertainment industry. From breaking into Hollywood as a woman when the field was dominated by men to working on iconic shows like St. Elsewhere, Roseanne, Designing Women, and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Norma recounts…
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Bari Alyse recounts her journey from an NBC page to hosting her own successful podcast, sharing unforgettable stories from her time at Saturday Night Live and the David Letterman Show. She reveals the wild and unexpected moments behind the scenes of daytime talk shows like Montel Williams and Carnie Wilson, and offers insights into working with Al …
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Dean Cameron, star of '80s and '90s hits like "Summer School" and "Ski School," shares his incredible journey through Hollywood. From his early days living with future stars like Eric Stoltz and Anthony Edwards to his memorable roles alongside legends like Ray Walston and Carl Reiner, Dean offers a candid and humorous look at his career. He discuss…
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Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with Larry Mathews, best known as Ritchie Petrie on "The Dick Van Dyke Show." Larry opens up about his unforgettable experiences on the iconic sitcom, sharing hilarious and heartwarming stories about working with TV legends like Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, and Carl Reiner. Larry reminisces about the groun…
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Bill Scheft takes us on a journey through his illustrious career in comedy and writing. From his early stand-up days to becoming a key writer for David Letterman, Bill's stories are filled with humor and insight. He discusses his books, his love for classic music, and his recent work in documentaries, providing a well-rounded view of his contributi…
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Dan Bakkedahl, star of the new show "Dinner with the Parents" on Freevee shares insights from his eclectic career, from his beginnings in improv with Second City to his memorable roles in popular TV shows like "Veep," "Life in Pieces," and "The Daily Show." Dan reveals behind-the-scenes stories, the challenges of playing comedic jerks, and the joys…
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