Beloved comedy icon Norman Lear joined Nancy in 2016 to talk about his career, comedy culture, shifts, and the similarities we all share.

Learn more about the late Norman Lear here.

Visit Nancy’s website.

Grammy winner Michael Bublé joined Nancy in 2019 to talk about his music, Super Bowl commercials, and the power of humor.

Get up to date information on Michael Bublé here.

Visit Nancy’s website.

Annette O'Toole joins Nancy to talk about her her role as Hope McCrea in the hit series Virgin River, her creative career from early years as a teen actor appearing in Gunsmoke and portraying David Cassidy’s love interest in The Partridge Family to her adult career in feature films like Superman III and series like Smallville, and her continued love of acting and the theater.

Plus, Annette discusses collaborating with husband Michael McKean including songwriting (their Oscar-nominated song "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow” appears in the 2003 Mockumentary  A Mighty Wind), playwriting, and appearing as a backing vocalist for Spinal Tap.

More films and series featuring Annette O’Toole.

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Catch a laugh with segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com.

Cory B. Savage joins Nancy to discuss his atypical career journey and new role as CEO of new record label One Vision Music Group (1:26), the power of developing skillsets, the importance of brand strategy, and how authenticity can build the best artists.

Plus Nancy talks with custom guitar builder Ron Mason about his later in life decision to become a luthier and begin his business RWM Guitars (32:39).

Find out more about segment sponsor the Finding Brave podcast (1:06).

Find out more about Kree Harrison.

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R&B hitmaker Johnny Gill joins Nancy to discuss the inspiration behind his music and latest album Game Changer II, the debut single “Soul of a Woman” and music video with Tiffany Haddish. And Gill reveals whether we can expect a New Edition reunion (1:23).

Find out more about segment sponsor Rock and Romance Cruise (1:02).

Plus Nancy shares an opportunity for women screenwriters from The Writers Lab— the creative force that is helping to change the age and gender disparity in screenwriting and films (29:51).

Watch the music video for ‘Soul of a Woman’ featuring Johnny Gill and Tiffany Haddish.

Follow Johnny Gill on Twitter and Instagram.

Visit Nancy’s website.

Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and producer Mike Reiss joins Nancy to discuss his career journey including decades with The Simpsons, his books, advice for writers in a competitive industry, (1:37) and upcoming appearance at the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop (35:10). 

Plus Nancy shares a magazine humor column inspired by goats (47:12).

Find out more about segment sponsor Ultimate Disco Cruise (1:15).

Check out other books by Mike Reiss here.

Find out more about the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop.

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Author Amy Ephron joins Nancy to discuss The Other Side of the Wall, the third book in her trilogy for young readers, her creative career, and writing process (1:54). Plus, website developer Rene Morozowich offers some tips and strategies for creating an effective website (31:29).

Find out more about segment sponsor Ultimate Disco Cruise (1:34).

Check out Amy’s other books here.

Visit Nancy’s website.

Comedy Cellar owner Noam Dworman joins Nancy to discuss the history and highlights of the legendary New York City comedy institution, why famous Comedy Cellar alums keep coming back, and the ever-changing world of stand-up (1:27). Plus, television comedy writer, producer and stand-up Joel Madison (Roseanne, Crashing) shares a lesson learned from the comedy stage (37:07).

Find out more about segment sponsor Ultimate Disco Cruise (1:07).

Visit Nancy’s website.

Comedian Wendy Liebman joins Nancy to discuss her stand-up journey from earlier performances to popular late night show appearances and comedy specials, and the importance of mentoring and being memorable (1:48). Plus, a review of the popular Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop (22:00, 25:23) and a humor essay that helped change Nancy’s writing world (37:48).

Find out more about segment sponsor Ultimate Disco Cruise (1:25).

Find out more about the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop.

Find out more about Wendy Liebman’s Locally Grown Comedy.

Watch Wendy Liebman’s Taller On TV.

Visit Nancy’s website.

Emmy Award-winning cartoonist Cathy Guisewite joins Nancy to discuss the history of her daily comic strip Cathy, finding humor in challenging topics, her creative process, why she ended the popular comic strip after three decades, and her new book Fifty Things That Aren’t My Fault (1:45).

Find out more about segment sponsor Ultimate Disco Cruise (1:22).

And to kick off the new year, career success and work-life expert Kathy Caprino talks with Nancy about her love-hate relationship with New Year’s resolutions and how we can maximize the likelihood of reaching our goals in 2020 (38:21).

Check out more Cathy Guisewite books.

Find out more about the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop.

Find out more about Kathy Caprino’s book Breakdown, Breakthrough and her podcast Finding Brave.

Visit our website.

Singer-songwriter Kalie Shorr joins Nancy to discuss her acclaimed album Open Book, the Song Suffragettes and the changing culture for women in music, performing with music idols and finding your unique creative voice (1:31).

Need some last minute gift ideas? Nancy is joined by entertainment writer Megan McLachlan for some entertainment-driven suggestions (29:20).

Find out more about segment sponsor Ultimate Disco Cruise (1:11).

Listen to this episode’s takeaway tip (49:49).

Visit Nancy’s website.

Gift Ideas

Books

The Beautiful Ones by Prince

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

The Way We Work by Bruce Ferber

Letters from Hollywood by Rocky Lang & Barbara Hall

Fifty Things That Aren’t My Fault by Cathy Guisewite

Maybe Kevin by Brian Kiley

Other

Buttered popcorn candle by Stinky Candles

The Anne Bancroft (movie) Collection

Friends-inspired door mat

Frozen-inspired cake pan

Star Wars Porg-inspired pie bird

Game of Thrones-inspired cutting board

Faux fur coat like J. Lo’s in Hustlers 

Classes and Workshops 

Iron City Circus Arts

Handemonium Puppet Making Class

Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop

Vent Haven International Ventriloquism Convention

Master Class

Food Network Kitchen

Karolyn Grimes joins Nancy to discuss her childhood role as Zuzu Bailey in Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life, working with the director and Jimmy Stewart, and how the film came back into her life decades after its release (1:23).

Find out more about segment sponsor Ultimate Disco Cruise (1:02).

Do you have a little family-driven comedy or stress during the holidays? Maybe you’ll recognize a few of these characters from Nancy’s humor column. Every gathering has a few (20:19).

Listen to this episode’s takeaway tip (23:51).

Visit Nancy’s website.

Improv favorite Abby McEnany joins Nancy to discuss her new Showtime series Work in Progress, sharing her very personal story and struggles onscreen, and the importance of creating a dialogue for learning (1:31).

Watch the Work in Progress trailer.

Find out more about segment sponsor Ultimate Disco Cruise (1:07).

Dawn Keezer, director of the Pittsburgh Film Office offers up advice on how to get involved in local filmmaking (32:40).

Listen to this episode’s takeaway tip (38:51).

Get more information: 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Depression 

Anxiety

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Don Felder joined Nancy in 2017 to talk about his music journey from the early years in Gainesville with Stephen Stills and Tom Petty and battle of the bands with the Allmans, to his time with the Eagles, solo projects, and collaboration with other bands like Styx. Plus, Felder discusses how his love for making music has driven his world.

Read the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Essay for the Eagles and Don Felder here.

Get up to date information via Don Felder’s website.

Visit Nancy’s website.

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Amy Grant joins Nancy to discuss her Christmas music, creative growth and finding inspiration in reconnecting with yourself (2:08).

Find out more about our segment sponsor Ultimate Disco Cruise (1:50).

Nancy adds a little holiday humor with her take on greeting cards from her award-winning humor column (34:05). And listen to this episode’s takeaway tip (38:30).

Visit Nancy’s website.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’s David Newell joins Nancy to discuss his role as speedy delivery man Mr. McFeely on the beloved children’s show, his friend, star and show creator Fred Rogers, and the new feature film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (1:37).

Find out more about our segment sponsor Ultimate Disco Cruise (49:30).

Also, Chris Rodell, author of Growing Up in the REAL Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, offers up some travel suggestions if you’re heading to Mister Rogers hometown of Latrobe, PA (49:55).

And listen to this episode’s Mister Rogers-inspired takeaway tip (1:01:30).

Visit Nancy’s website.

Walter Williams, Sr. founding member of the legendary R & B group The O’Jays, (1:16) joins Nancy to discuss his musical journey, the group’s road to success and recent Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame induction. Nancy also shares her 2019 Ultimate Disco Cruise onboard interview with Earl Young and The Trammps (28:36).

Find out more about our segment sponsor Ultimate Disco Cruise. (:56)

Visit Nancy’s website. And listen to this episode’s takeaway tip on revisiting and tackling unfinished projects (36:52).

Guinness World Record-holding juggler Niels Duinker (2:43) joins Nancy to discuss his highly-specialized career and how his juggling hobby became a full-time, thriving, multidimensional business. And broadcast media expert and ventriloquism coach Gary Owen (28:36) offers advice for making practice a habit while maximizing its potential to ignite success.

Find out more about our segment sponsor Ultimate Disco Cruise. (2:19)

Visit Nancy’s website.

And listen to this episode’s takeaway tip on how to get closer to reaching one of your goals (46:54).

Find out more about Niels Duinker’s Juggling Workshop and corporate work.

Check out Niels Duinker’s juggling products.

Get more information about Vent Haven International Ventriloquism Convention.

Visit Seth Godin’s blog (mentioned by Niels).

Actor, publisher, and writer Kathryn Leigh Scott (1:57) joins Nancy for another dose of Halloween as they discuss the longstanding popularity of cult classic show Dark Shadows. Plus Kathryn shares the story behind her new novel September Girl, her strategy for balancing projects, and tips for book writing and jumpstarting your own fiction project. (24:47)

Find out more about our segment sponsor Ultimate Disco Cruise. (1:34)

And listen to this episode’s takeaway tip on productivity. (34:17)

Butch Patrick joins Nancy for a special Halloween episode to discuss the legacy of the popular series The Munsters and his character Eddie Munster, his work building upon his love of the series and cars and creating a career niche that blends both. (1:56)

Keeping with the autumn theme, Nancy shares her not-so-perfect apple picking adventures. (26:48)

Plus, a takeaway tip to add a little twist to your holiday traditions. (30:12)

Comedian Nate Bargatze joins Nancy to discuss his comedy journey, family influences, writing process, the power of Netflix, and upcoming Vegas show. (1:59)

Find out more about our segment sponsor Rock and Romance Cruise. (32:00)

And in our new segment, Stand-Up Strategy, comedian and impressionist Terry Jones shares a life lesson he learned from comedy that can be applied to the real world. (32:20)

Plus a take away tip on the importance of analyzing feedback. (40:00)

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Byrd (Joan Jett and The Blackhearts) joins Nancy to discuss his music, sobriety, and the impact of his work and his album Clean Getaway in the recovery community and beyond. And in our Entertaining Destination segment: Why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a "must visit" online and IRL. Plus, a take-away tip that could make an important difference.

Read about addiction, prevention, and recovery via the National Institute of Health.

Find out more about Rock and Romance Cruise.

Find out more about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame including https://www.rockhall.com/learn educational and teaching programs.

Actor Jon Provost joins Nancy to discuss his career, including his role as Timmy in the beloved series Lassie, and the bottom line about being in the well. Nancy adds a little humor as she addresses school lunchbox anxiety. Plus, a fun flashback tip.

Find out more about segment sponsor Soul Train Cruise.

Jazz pianist and nationally recognized entertainment lawyer David Gurwin joins Nancy to discuss his creative-based career, copyright law, and ways writers, comics, musicians and other artists can protect their intellectual property from misuse.

And author and publisher Donna Cavanagh jumps into our first How To segment with advice for writers before they write, finish, pitch, or sell their books.

Find out more about segment sponsor Soul Train Cruise.

Find out more about HumorOutcasts.com and HO Press.

Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Wynonna Judd and CMA-winning musician Cactus Moser joined Nancy in 2016 to talk about their marriage, creative process, and the story behind their music.

Read the Country Music Hall of Fame Essay for The Judds here.

Get up to date information via Wynonna’s website.

Visit Nancy’s website.

Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker Michael Epstein joins Nancy to discuss his film John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky, capturing the untold story of John Lennon & Yoko Ono’s relationship, and their creative journey that brought the Imagine album to life.

And in keeping with that creative solitude vibe, our Entertaining Opportunities segment features a conversation with novelist and screenwriter Anna Lefler about the upcoming competition, A Hotel Room of One’s Own: The Erma Bombeck/Anna Lefler Humorist-in-Residence Program, that offers writers an opportunity for creative solitude. Plus, Nancy’s take-away tips from this episode.

Find out more about segment sponsor Rock and Romance Cruise.

Find out more about the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop.

Emmy Award-winning comedy writer Brian Kiley joins Nancy to discuss his comedy career including stand-up, over two decades as a staff writer for Conan O'Brien, and new novel Maybe Kevin. And in our new Entertaining Opportunities segment, comedy writer/producer Linda Perret shares a stand-up comedy opportunity. Plus, Nancy's take-away tips from this episode.

Cassandra Peterson, the actress and entrepreneur behind cult favorite character Elvira, joins Nancy to discuss the decades-long success of the popular franchise, her journey, strategies, and important fan connections. And Nancy goes back stage on the Ultimate Disco Cruise to meet R&B/disco group Tavares to talk with Ralph, Chubby, Butch and Tiny Tavares about their entertainment-driven family business.

Find out more about segment sponsor Ultimate Disco Cruise.

Emmy-nominated comedy writer and producer Bruce Ferber (Home Improvement, Sabrina The Teenage Witch) joins Nancy to talk about expressing our creative voices, examining work roles, and his new book The Way We Work: On The Job in Hollywood. Nancy takes a humor detour to analyze yard work and seriously examines a great career lesson from the Vent Haven International Ventriloquism Convention.

Find out more about segment sponsor Soul Train Cruise.

Disco legend Yvonne Elliman joins Nancy during the Ultimate Disco Cruise to talk about her early rise to fame after being discovered by Andrew Lloyd Weber, her hit songs ("I Don't Know How To Love Him", "If I Can't Have You"), strong fan base, and connecting with our past in special ways. And Nancy shares her own rock star experience marked with a bit of comedy, along with a glimpse into her upcoming guest list.

Find out more about segment sponsor Ultimate Disco Cruise.

In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Nancy rewinds to her 2016 interview with legendary moon walking astronaut and adventurer Buzz Aldrin and later identifies one of her out of this world adventures. Plus, we're talking detour suggestions you can add to your to-do list.

Find out more about segment sponsor Ultimate Disco Cruise.

Check out those places in your own back yard that you've been "meaning to visit" but never seem to find time. Below are some of the destinations and detours mentioned in this episode: Jimmy Stewart Museum, Punxsutawney, PA, Johnstown Flood Museum.

Bestselling author and popular podcaster Lian Dolan joins Nancy to discuss the power of connections, mentoring, and supportive communities in our lives and the force behind the thriving podcast Satellite Sisters. Nancy offers up a humorous short-cut for living a wrinkled-free life and updates on a cool summer conference and upcoming appearances.

Find out more about segment sponsor ‘70s Rock & Romance Cruise.

Go to DrNancyBerk.com for more podcast, entertainment, comedy, and travel updates, social media links, and schedule.

Visit EntertainingInsights.com for more podcast details. And check out our past podcast episodes and incredible guests (formerly Whine At 9).

Ways to subscribe to Entertaining Insights with Dr. Nancy Berk:

Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts

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Singer-songwriter Elise Testone joins Nancy to talk about her musical journey, new album This Is Love, and professional growth and shifts beyond her American Idol2012 experience.

Dirty Jobs star Mike Rowe and his author mom Peggy Rowe join Nancy for a special Mother's Day episode to talk about the unique influences of family, Peggy's New York Times bestseller and writing success, creativity, and the power of a strong work ethic. Prepare to laugh and be inspired.

Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum artist Sarah McLachlan joins Nancy to discuss her musical journey, the power of music to effect positive change, and her upcoming Las Vegas performances.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and power couple Pat Benatar and Neil Geraldo joined Nancy in 2015 to talk about their relationship and rock journey, music projects, and the synergy and individuality within their work.

Read the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Essay for Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo here.

Get up to date information via Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo’s website.

Visit Nancy’s website.

Singer/ventriloquist Terry Fator joins Nancy to discuss his fascinating path to success, the 10th anniversary of his hit show at The Mirage Las Vegas, and the power of finding small windows of opportunity to practice your passion.

Don Felder, Grammy winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, and former lead guitarist for The Eagles, joins Nancy to discuss creative success and life lessons, his new album American Rock 'N' Roll, and tales from a rock star life.

NHRA drag racing star John Force and multi-talented wife Laurie join Nancy to discuss their winning partnership, living a racing life, and the power of family and teamwork. Read more in Nancy’s online column Showbiz Analysis for Parade Magazine.

Actress and stand-up favorite Aparna Nancherla joins Nancy to discuss comedy, Super Bowl plans, and her co-starring role in bubly's Super Bowl commercial with Michael Bublé. Read more in Nancy’s online column Showbiz Analysis for Parade Magazine.

Grammy Award-winning hit maker Michael Bublé joins Nancy to discuss love songs, humor, Ed Sheeran, and taking on the starring role in bubly's Super Bowl ad. Read more in Nancy’s online column Showbiz Analysis for Parade Magazine.

Music legend Gary Puckett joins Nancy to discuss the hit music of Gary Puckett and The Union Gap, his busy tour schedule, Vegas concerts, and how music brings us back to our younger selves. Read more in Nancy’s online column Showbiz Analysis for Parade Magazine.

Entrepreneur and Shark Tank co-host Daymond John joins Nancy to discuss Mattel's Silicon Valley Startups game, the use of improv in business, and the power of desire and drive in creating success. Read more in Nancy’s online column Showbiz Analysis for Parade Magazine.

Hugh Bonneville joins Nancy to discuss the incredible experience of narrating Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the beauty of the BYU TV and PBS special. He also expertly dodges Nancy's question about the upcoming and top secret Downton Abbey movie. Read more in Nancy’s online column Showbiz Analysis for Parade Magazine.

Broadway favorite and Tony Award winner Sutton Foster joins Nancy to talk about her experience as guest artist for Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, her holiday plans, and role on the series Younger. Read more in Nancy’s online column Showbiz Analysis for Parade Magazine.

Folk music legend Noel Paul Stookey joins Nancy to talk about his new Christmas album 'Somethin' Special', holiday memories, and Peter, Paul, and Mary journey.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dolly Parton joined Nancy in 2016 to talk about her career, family-driven projects, staying true to herself and her roots, and how gratitude has played an important role in her life.

Read the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Essay for Dolly Parton here.

Get up to date information via Dolly’s website.

Visit Nancy’s website.

Legendary recording artist and performer Engelbert Humperdinck joins Nancy to talk about his extraordinary career and new Christmas album. Read more in Nancy’s online column Showbiz Analysis for Parade Magazine.

Famed restauranteur, James Beard Award nominee, and Iron Chef judge Elizabeth Blau joins Nancy to chat about her cookbook Honey Salt: A Culinary Scrapbook, creating mealtime memories, and the transformation of Las Vegas' culinary scene. Read more in Nancy’s online column for Parade Magazine.

Emmy and SAG-nominated actress Ashley Jensen joins Nancy to discuss the power of quirky characters, her starring role in the popular series Agatha Raisin, and upcoming premiere of Agatha Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham. Read more in Nancy’s online column Showbiz Analysis for Parade Magazine.