Bob Barry's Unearthed Interviews

Welcome to today's podcast. Thanks for being here. Today we shine the spotlight on one of the key figures in music history, Joan Deary. If you know anything about Elvis Presley's music after his passing, chances are Joan had something to do with it. She was at RCA Records for years making sure Elvis' legacy stayed alive through reissues, box sets, and all those projects that kept his music front and center. She's got some amazing stories from behind the scenes.

He's the man whose one-liners have probably made your dad laugh, your uncle steal a joke, and a few presidents sound just a bit cleverer than they really were. And many DJs have used his books, including this podcaster. Writer, humorist, political speech whisperer, the incomparable Bob Orben is on today's podcast. From stand-up-stages to the White House, Bob's career has been a masterclass in making words work – short, sharp and smarter than you'd think. So, grab your cue cards and get ready for a crash course in comedy, timing, and the power of a perfect punchline.

You might not remember the name Constance Towers, but you may have seen her alongside John Wayne in "The Horse Soldiers," and maybe saw her turning heads in "Shock Corridor." And if you are a "General Hospital" fan, you know that when Helena Cassadine walks into the room someone's either getting a sinister warning or mysteriously disappearing. Constance also starred, on stage, in "Showboat" and "The King and I." And, she was the recipient of two Emmy award nominations. Towers will discuss what it was like being married to the ambassador to Mexico, John Gavin.

You know her, and love her, whether it's from her unforgettable role, playing Kristin Shepard, the woman who shook television history in Dallas, or as a member of one of the most legendary showbiz families of all time. That's right, today we're joined by the one who shot J.R. on the hit TV series, "Dallas." And the lady who is the only daughter of the legendary crooner, Bing Crosby.

Welcome to another Bob Barry Unearthed Interviews Podcast, the only podcast that still thinks bell-bottoms were a good idea and believes every family should travel across the country in a psychedelic school bus. Today we're dialing the nostalgia meter all the way to plaid. Joining us are two unforgettable faces and personalities from the grooviest sitcom this side of 1970: The Partridge Family. That's right, we've got none other than Danny Bonaduce, the 12-year-old redheaded rebel bass player, with more sass than a box of studio audience laughs. And Dave Madden, better known as Reuben Kincaid, the band's slightly frazzled but always lovable manager who somehow kept that musical brood from diving off a cliff…most of the time. Hard to believe that today is the 55th anniversary of their biggest hit "I Think I Love You" reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts.

This is the most "off the wall" podcast that you'll hear. I was backstage at the Milwaukee Auditorium with Paul Revere and the Raiders, asking questions and getting some promos for the WOKY announcers and for a great organization, Junior Achievement. The Raiders were known for their wild antics and revolutionary war outfits. This session will reflect the chaos of a band that never took itself too seriously. It started out normal. Next thing I know Paul is shouting orders like a colonial general. At one time they took my mic and replaced it with a banana. Someone said that these guys were like pirates. I was thinking that maybe I should have taken out insurance for this day.

Grab your pearls, straighten your bow ties, and get ready for a conversation as dazzling as a Broadway marquee! Today we welcome a legend, an actress, a singer, a style icon and the undisputed queen of panel shows. You've seen her on the silver screen, you've watched her on "What's My Line" and saw her charm contestants on "To Tell the Truth." And you may have even caught her live on stage, maybe at the Melody Top in Milwaukee. Now enjoy a few minutes in the world of old Hollywood, Broadway and high society with Kitty Carlisle.

Today we mark the anniversary of one of cinema's most iconic journeys beyond the stars. Stephen Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" was released this week in 1977. A film that didn't just entertain, it inspired. It made us look up at the night sky a little differently, and wonder what, or who, might be out there. But for some, the encounter wasn't just on the big screen. Our guest today is a witness. Years ago in a quiet corner of America, she saw something in the sky that changed her life. Lights, silence, a presence, a real close encounter. And she's sharing her story for the first time in a long time. So dim the lights. Keep your eyes on the stars and prepare to listen with more than just your ears.

On today's podcast you'll hear from a Hollywood icon and a woman who's been carried off the set, after a Clark Gable kiss. She was very young when she saw "Gone With the Wind," and fell in love with Gable. She said he was an old man then, but she was head over heals in love with him, even though she was married. Carroll Baker was the star of "Baby Doll" and "Giant," and turned down the role in "Rebel Without a Cause" because she disliked the script. She and James Dean were a pair of snobby method actors on the set of "Giant," until Liz Taylor swooped in and stole the spotlight.

Welcome to the podcast. Thanks for listening. If you're enjoying these memories, please subscribe to our channel or Google the Wisconsin Broadcast Association Museum. Today we're stepping into the glittering world of 1960s Hollywood with a guest who lit up both the Silver Screen and the international stage. Born in Germany and discovered while vacationing in Italy, Elke Sommer became one of the most recognizable European stars to conquer Hollywood, starring alongside legends like Peter Sellers, Paul Newman, and Bob Hope. Known for her striking beauty, quick wit, and undeniable charm, she brought a unique blend of sophistication and playfulness to every role, from comedies to thrillers. Beyond acting, Elke is a talented painter, writer, and a woman whose life is as fascinating as her film career.

For fight fans and lovers of greatness we have the man who floated like a butterfly, stung like a bee and shook up the world, Muhammad Ali. In his career he won 56 fights and only lost five. On Oct. 29, 1960, he made his fight debut, the same year he threw his Olympic medal into the Ohio River after being refused service at a restaurant. On this day we caught up with the champ while he was in the hospital. At the time he said he would fight again, and he did, losing to Larry Holmes in an 11 round TKO and in 10 rounds to Trevor Berbick in 1981. The Holmes fight, they said, contributed to his Parkinson's syndrome. But as you will hear, he always kept his dignity. The photo is from another interview at the Coach House Inn in Milwaukee.

You probably don’t recognize her name but you might remember her as the spunky scene-stealing Tina Molinari from the TV show “Rhoda” or from “Taxi” or “Young Doctors in Love.” Nancy lane has worked alongside some of the biggest names in television, bringing humor and heart to every role she’s played. At the time she was starring with Jim Carrey in a comedy called “The Duck Factory.” If you’d like to see Nancy and the funny cast of this show, you can watch it on YouTube.

Welcome to today’s podcast. Our guest is a master of the well-timed….pause, the raised eyebrow, and the story that sneaks up on you with a punchline you didn’t see coming. He’s a man who could tell a joke so good you’d swear you’d heard it in your own family, but somehow, it’s funnier when he tells it. From the Catskills to the “Ed Sullivan Show,” he entertained America with wit, warmth and a knack for finding humor in everyday life. He’s the legendary storyteller and comedian, Myron Cohen.

Today’s guest is someone who’s been at the center of baseball for decades, not just a fan of the game, but as someone who helped shape the way we know it today. We’re talking about the former Commissioner of Baseball, Bud Selig. He led the league for more than 20 years, through some of the biggest changes and challenges the sport has ever seen. Things like the wild card and expanded playoffs, interleague play, and landmark achievements like record-breaking attendance. Love him, or debate him, there’s no question his time in charge left a lasting mark on the game. But beyond the headlines and history, Bud is, at his core, just a lifelong baseball guy, someone who grew up loving the sport and never let go of it. Today we’ll hear some stories and talk about baseball from the man who lived it at every level.

On today’s podcast we’re joined by someone who really needs no introduction, Ron Howard. You know him from the “Andy Griffith Show,” “Happy Days,” and of course his incredible directing career with films like “Apollo 13” and “A Beautiful Mind.” But today, we’re talking about a project that’s especially meaningful during disability awareness month, his 1980 film “Skyward,” which can be watched on YouTube. It’s the story of a young woman in a wheelchair who refuses to let her disability stop her from pursuing her dream of flying. The film is uplifting, inspiring, and still resonates today. Ron tells about a co-worker who helped him make the film and some of his thoughts on the movie industry.

Today we go behind the movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” We’ll talk with Lula Parker Betenson, sister of the legendary outlaw Butch Cassidy. Now, before you picture tumbleweeds and shootouts, let me tell you, Lula has her own incredible stories to share, from growing up around one of the most famous names in the wild west to befriending Robert Redford. She’ll also reveal some fascinating family history that’s shaped her life. We’re going to dive into those stories, hear some surprises, and maybe even bust a few myths along the way.

Grab your coconut radios and set sail for a nostalgia-packed adventure. Today we have a legend of the small screen, the woman who made the girl next door an island icon…Dawn Wells. We’re talking about “Gilligan’s Island,” and her character Mary Ann. We’ll dive into her incredible career and her love for theater. So, kick off your shoes, pour yourself a drink with the umbrella in it, and let’s get shipwrecked in the best way possible.

Thanks for listening to Bob Barry’s Unearthed Interviews. Today we step back into the golden age of Hollywood with a true screen legend. He was the epitome of charm, the king of the silver screen, and the man who made romance look effortless. We’re talking about the one and only Rock Hudson. We’ll go behind the scenes for the love and laugh-out-loud moments and hear about his latest film, which was, believe it or not, R rated. He’s given us the skinny on the skin flick. So let’s roll back the reel with one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable stars, Rock Hudson.

Today we have an absolute legend joining us on the podcast. She was a trailblazer, sports broadcaster, former Miss America and businesswoman extraordinaire. Phyllis George made history as one of the first women in sports broadcasting, became the First Lady of Kentucky through her marriage to Governor John Brown. And if that weren’t impressive enough, she’s also the proud mother of businesswoman and CNN anchor Pamela Brown. When we interviewed her she had just become Miss America. She talks about that experience and promises to come to WOKY in person, which she did a short time later.

Welcome to another episode of Bob Barry’s Unearthed Interviews. Thanks for joining us. Today we have a truly special guest joining us. You know her as the iconic Valene Ewing from the classic series “Knots Landing.” She was a beloved face in film and television for decades. She’s not just a talented actress, but also a vibrant spirit with a wealth of very different experiences to share. We’ll uncover the stories behind the scenes and the laughter that kept her going. Wait until you hear how she got into showbiz!