Bob Barry's Unearthed Interviews

For today's podcast, we step back into the golden age of radio. Yes, radio, that magical wooden box that once entertained America before we all started staring at our phones and arguing with our wi-fi. Today we're rewinding the clock to when sound effects were made with coconut shells, scripts were held together with hope and caffeine, and one show stopped the nation in its tracks, "Amos' n' Andy." And at the heart of it all was the incredibly talented Charles Correll, the voice of Andy Brown. Actor, writer, producer, sound effects guy and probably if something broke in the studio he might have fixed that too. Charles helped create an era when the only thing streaming was imagination. As one half of the legendary radio duo behind "Amos 'n' Andy," Charles helped create one of the most influential and controversial programs in entertainment history. So, adjust your antenna, mind the static, and let's travel back to when America tuned in together.

Welcome to the Bob Barry podcast, featuring a six-time Emmy and Tony nominee, a film and television legend, and a woman whose voice can command a courtroom or a comedy club. From portraying Golda Meir, to lighting up screens in shows like her role of Deanna Monroe in "The Walking Dead" and Neomi in "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," she brings intelligence, fire, humor, and heart to everything she touches. At the time, Tovah was in Milwaukee, appearing in "The Sound of Music." She has an interesting story about her name and is not afraid to make fun of it on stage.

Many of you who are familiar with our podcast know that music legend Bobby Vinton has been a friend of ours for many years. Recently the Wisconsin Historical Society unearthed an interview with Bobby that hasn't been heard on this program. Those of you not familiar with this chart- topping sensation I only need to tell you he was the voice that defined romance. When the world needed a love song, he gave us one. He's the man behind timeless classics like "Blue Velvet," "Roses are Red," and "Mr. Lonely." And besides all that, Bobby was a television and movie star. And he's a very down-to-earth superstar, as you will hear in this podcast.

Strap in and fire it up. This podcast has the man, the machine, and a quarter mile of pure nerve. They call him Big Daddy Don Garlits, the pioneer who changed drag racing forever. He was a multiple world champion, founder of the legendary swamp rat dragsters and a hall of fame icon, whose name still echoes down the strip every time the lights drop. Garlits helped turn drag racing into a national spectacle – speed, science and fearless determination. (Photo shows WOKY's Barney Pip and I with our trophies won at the Great Lakes Dragway.)

Today's podcast guest is one of those actors where you say, 'Wait a minute, I love her…what do I know her from? And the answer is: Everything. Broadway, film, television, award-winning drama, awkward family dinners – she's done it all. She's been nominated for an Oscar, stolen scenes from Hollywood legends and made us laugh cry and rethink Thanksgiving conversations. If you've ever watched a movie and thought, 'That character feels dangerously real,' chances are it was Celia Weston. You've seen her on "Alice," "Parenthood," Modern Family" and "In the Bedroom," where her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Some of your probably grew up watching Robert Carradine as Lewis in "Revenge of the Nerds." He was the guy who made being smart not just cool, but heroic. But that's just one chapter in a really interesting career, as he will reveal. Bob comes from one of Hollywood's most well-known acting families that included his father John and brother David Carradine. Robert has spent decades working in film and TV, building a body of work that goes way beyond any single role.

Welcome back to the podcast. Today's guest is someone you're going to love hearing from, Kim Morgan Greene. You might remember her from her breakout role on the classic tv hit "Dynasty," or from her many stage and screen performances since then. Kim's an actress, a singer and a storyteller, with plenty of great experiences to share. But trust me, Kim is way more fun than any soap opera plotline. We're going to laugh, trade stories, and maybe even get a little behind-the-scenes-gossip.

If Captain Kangaroo was a part of your childhood, then you'll remember Debbie "Feebee" Weems. She was a regular on the "Captain Kangaroo" show from 1973 to 1978. She acted, sang songs, and was the voice of the puppet character, Baby Duck. This short interview took place during the filming of the Kangaroo show at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. If you Google "Debbie Weems," you'll see that, sadly, her life ended in tragedy.

In March of 1960, Stanley Kramer had the honor of being the first star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Now, nearly 3,000 stars later, this podcast shines a light on one of Hollywood's most fearless filmmakers. Kramer, known as the message movie master, never shied away from tackling the big issues of his time – racism, war, nuclear fear, and social justice. With classics like "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "2001, A Space Odyssey," "High Noon," and "Judgment at Nuremberg," Kramer proved that movies could both entertain and challenge audiences to think. His bold vision and moral courage made him not just a director and producer, but a true pioneer in American cinema.

Today, we're joined by a true legend of country music, a man whose storytelling has shaped generations of songs and singers. With a career spanning over six decades he's given us unforgettable hits like "Detroit City" and "500 Miles From Home," plus one that we'll talk about, that caused some controversy and was banned from play at some radio stations. Bobby Bare has been celebrated as one of Nashville's most genuine voices. He's a Grammy winner and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the master of weaving real life into music.

We're going waaaay back for some Milwaukee nostalgia today. We're cranking up the big band vibes as we welcome none other than the trailblazing bandleader Woody Herman, a true pioneer who led "The Herd" to jazz greatness. He was one of the featured halftime performers at Super Bowl VII. His band appeared for Frank Sinatra's television special "The Main Event" and they performed on the album of the same name. Woody is from Milwaukee and will share some of his memories. He was set to appear at a new venue in Milwaukee. So, get ready to experience the swinging spirit of Woody Herman.

She was the golden voice of the big band era, lighting up ballrooms, radios and TVs across America. She sang two of the greatest big band hits ever recorded: "Green Eyes," and "Tangerine." And, she had a voice that could melt hearts. Helen O'Connell left an indelible mark on American music and culture. She continued to entertain after those sold-out swing crowds faded and she was here in Milwaukee, entertaining with two other golden legends.

Today we've got a real treat. If you've watched sports on TV at any point in the last few decades, you've probably heard this man's voice. He's called everything – Super Bowls, Final Fours, big-time college football games and baseball games. He's been courtside, ringside, trackside, you name it. He's the guy who made us all lean in a little closer to the TV with that classic "You are looking live…" He's a storyteller, a legend in the booth, and a guy who's been right there for some of the biggest moments in sports. We're hanging with none other than Brent Musburger.

Buckle up, because today we're riding full throttle into Hollywood history. He's the rebel on two wheels, the heartthrob of the 80s, and the man who made being a "Renegade" look effortless. Or maybe you were a fan of "Falcon Crest," where he played Lance, the irresponsible grandson of Angela Channing, played by Jane Wyman. In this podcast you'll hear the other side of Lorenzo's life, his incredible journey into the world of childbirth coaching with "Lamas Joy of Birth." Who better teaches breathing techniques than a guy who's mastered the art of staying cool under pressure? Lorenzo still appears on stage and as a commercial helicopter and airplane pilot he often files disadvantaged children to summer camps.

You might not know his name right away, but you've definitely heard his voice, if you were around in the 1960s. He's the man behind the iconic "Call for Phillip Morrris," a sound that echoed across radios, televisions and even theaters during the golden age of advertising. But Johnny Roventini was more than just a pitchman. His birth name is Dale, but the advertising folks thought it would be better to call him Johnny. From humble beginnings as a hotel bellhop to becoming a living, breathing, brand ambassador, Johnny's story is a fascinating journey through fame, loyalty, and the evolution of media. Enjoy a short conversation with a marketing icon.

Today we step back in time to an era of sock hops, chrome diners, and the golden age of variety shows….and meet the man who made the accordion the coolest instrument in America. Dick Contino burst onto the scene in the late 40s and 50s with lightning-fast fingers, movie-star looks, and a charisma that sent audiences swooning coast to coast. Whether it was on the "Ed Sullivan Show," in a packed theater, or playing for our troops overseas, Dick's music captured the spirit of postwar America – energetic, hopeful, and full of swing. Today, we'll revisit the incredible heights, the hurdles, and the unforgettable moments of a career that defined a generation. So, polish up your saddle shoes and pull up a booth at the malt shop. It's time to welcome squeezebox sensation…Dick Contino.

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.