Onstage and Backstage Podcast

Tom DeMichael, author of Baseball FAQ All That's Left to Know About America's Favorite Pastime, spoke with Nick Digilio of WGN RAdio. In honor of Spring Training beginning they spoke about his book, his past works, and more! Listen to what they had to say in the podcast below!   About the BookPart history book, part instructional guide, and part reference manual, Baseball FAQ covers all the bases – from the rules of the game to the ballparks of yesterday and today, from the minors to the major league, from the stats to the food. This engaging, compulsively readable tome offers baseball fans of all ages a wealth of fun facts and anecdotes on America's favorite pastime, including sections on the All-American Girls Professional Ball League, the Negro Leagues, the basic skills of baseball, baseball in the movies, the scandals, and the Hall of Famers.               Tom DeMichael holds a degree in U.S. History and has published numerous books and magazin

George Kennedy, author of Trust Me A Memoir, spoke with Joe Donahue about his career, his book, and who he wished he would've gotten the chance to work with. Listen to the podcast below to learn more about the remarkable George Kennedy!   About the BookI write like I talk. A long time ago I tried making 'talking and telling the truth' one and the same. That isn't just difficult; it means painfully reviewing things you've been led to believe since you were a child. That's very hard to do. Like many, I have marched along adhering to conventions (sex, color, church, party, gang) without examination. There's a wonderful, protective 'togetherness' in that anonymity. You obey or are damned, less joined together than stuck together. You become an echo rather than a voice.This book is about what happens when you stop fearing and think.               George Kennedy has appeared in over 200 films and television shows, including Cool Hand Luke, The Dirty Dozen, Air

Dave Thompson, author of Haunted America FAQ All That's Left to Know About the Most Haunted Houses, Cemeteries, Battlefields, and more spoke with Joel Sturgis and Eric Olsen of After Hours AM. They spoke about his many accomplishments, such as having written over 100 books, and more! Listen to more of what they had to say in the podcast below!   About the BookTake a fast-paced survey of the ghosties, ghouls, and associated denizens of the country's haunted history with Haunted America FAQ. Tracing local ghost stories back to Native American legends and then forward through horror tales both ancient and modern, the book revisits some of the best known haunted locales, as well as some of the most obscure creepy places, in America. Delving deep into the cultural history of American hauntings, Haunted America FAQ includes chapters on ghostly books, movies, and television. Also included is an A-Z of reality-TV ghost hunts and a state-by-state gazetteer of haunted spots.          

John Kruth, author of This Bird Has Flown, was on Talk Radio Europe. He spoke with Dave Hodgson of The Daily radio show. They spoke about the book, The Beatles, and more! The podcast is available below, click play to hear what they had to say!   About the BookThe Beatles' sixth studio album, Rubber Soul, was a game changer. By December 1965, when the album was released, the Beatles had played the first arena rock show at Shea Stadium for 55,000 delirious fans, been awarded MBE (Member of British Empire) medals, and were indisputably the greatest musical phenomenon since Elvis Presley. With their first film, A Hard Day's Night, John, Paul, George, and Ringo laid down the blueprint for everyone who ever wanted to form a group. The movie, entertaining as it was, became an instruction manual for aspiring pop stars of the day on how to play, dress, and act. Richard Lester's 1964 comedy turned out to be the touchstone for every music video that followed.            &nbs

Michael Seth Starr, author of Black and Blue: The Redd Foxx Story, spoke St.Louis Public Radio about his book and about the life of Jon Sanford (Redd Foxx). Click play below to hear more!   About the BookBlack and Blue: The Redd Foxx Story tells the remarkable story of Foxx, a veteran comedian and “overnight sensation” at the age of 49 whose early life was defined by adversity – and his post-Sanford and Son years by a blur of women, cocaine, endless lawsuits, financial chaos, and a losing battle with the IRS. Interviews with friends, confidantes, and colleagues provide a unique insight into this generous, brash, vulnerable performer – a man who Norman Lear described as “inherently, innately funny in every part of his being.”                   Michael Seth Starr is the TV editor for the New York Post, where he has written about television for the past 20 years.  He is a native of northern New Jersey, and

David Pollock, one of the authors of Bob and Ray, Keener Than Most Persons, spoke to Kathleen Dunn on Wisconsin Public Radio. The Kathleen Dunn Show paid tribute to Bob Elliott, who recently passed away by sharing some of his comedic works, and talking about the book Bob and Ray. Click play below to hear more!   About the BookBob and Ray, Keener Than Most Persons traces the origins and development of the pair's unique sensibility that defined their dozens of local and network radio and TV series, later motion picture roles, Carnegie Hall performances, and hit Broadway show Bob and Ray – The Two and Only.                   Bob Elliott is a comedian, actor, and broadcaster, formerly one half of the comedy duo Bob and Ray.  David Pollock is the author of Bob and Ray, Keener Than Most Persons. With his writing parner Elias Davis, he has written for The Steve Allen Show, The Don Rickles Show, The Carol Burnett Show, All in the

John Breglio, author of I Wanna Be a Producer: How to Make a Killing on Broadway...or Get Killed, spoke with Ken Davenport about his career, expertise, and his upcoming book . Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!   About the BookPart memoir, part handbook, I Wanna Be a Producer is a road map to the hows and wherefores, the dos and don'ts of producing a Broadway play, written by a Broadway veteran with more than 40 years of experience. This comprehensive and highly informative book features practical analysis and concepts for the producer – and is filled with entertaining anecdotes from Breglio's illustrious career as a leading theatrical lawyer and producer. Breglio recounts not only his first-hand knowledge of the crucial legal and business issues faced by a producer, but also his experiences behind the scenes with literally hundreds of producers, playwrights, composers, and directors, including such theatre luminaries as Michael Bennett, Joe Papp, Stephen Sondheim, Andrew

Alisha Gaddis, author of Teen Girls' Comedic Monologues That Are Actually Funny, was featured on the I Want Her Job podcast. She spoke about her book series, family, music and lots more! Listen to the podcast below and let us know your thoughts!   About the BookThis cutting-edge, incredibly hysterical monologue book is specifically for teen girls who need the extra bang to land the perfect comedic role. Teen Girls' Comedic Monologues That Are Actually Funny features monologues by writers and comics who have written and/or performed for Comedy Central, Backstage magazine, NBC, Huffington Post, The Onion, Second City, E!, and many more. This book is the answer to the comedic monologue needs of teen girls everywhere!              Alisha Gaddis is a humorist, writer, and Latin-Grammy-winning performer. She is a proud AEA and SAG-AFTRA member, having performed on Broadway, at the sydney Opera House, Comedy Central Stage, and numerous television shows. She is the

John Kenneth Muir, author of The X-Files FAQ All That's Left to Know About Global Conspiracy, Aliens, Lazarus Species, and Monsters of the Week spoke with Joel Sturgis and Eric Olsen of After Hours AM. They spoke about his book and the return of the TV show The X-Files! Listen to more of what they had to say in the podcast below!   About the BookThe X-Files FAQ  explores Chris Carter's popular 1990s science-fiction TV series, which aired on Fox for nine seasons and inspired spin-offs, including feature films, TV shows, toys, novels, and comic books. The book explores the series in terms of its historical context and analyzes how many of the episodes tackle the events of their time: the Clinton era. The X-Files FAQ also tallies the episodes that are based on true stories, selects touchstone moments from the almost decade-long run, and organizes the series by its fantastic subject matter – from serial killers to aliens, from prehistoric menaces to ethnic and religious-based horrors.   &nbs

Laura Wayth, author of The Shakespeare Audition: How to Get Over Your Gear, Find the Right Piece, and Have a Great Audition, spoke with Neva Grant about what inspired her to write this book and why Shakespeare isn't as daunting as it seems. Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!   About the BookHave a classical audition coming up? Don't know the plays or where to start? The Shakespeare Audition is here to help! Classical auditions terrify many actors, and yet they are required all the time. Whether for group auditions or graduate school, every actor needs a good classical piece in his or her arsenal. There have been many books written about acting Shakespeare, but until now there hasn't been a concise, easy-to-access guide to assist the terrified and time-pressed actor in navigating all the aspects of a classical audition. From overcoming the fear of acting Shakespeare to selecting the right material to tips on performing a classical piece – this book is your go-to guide

Mark Clark, author of Star Wars FAQ: Everything Left to Know About the Trilogy That Changed the Movies, spoke with Patrick Phillips host of Pop Culture Tonight. They talked about the book and the effect that Star Wars has had on pop culture, The Force Awakens! Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!   About the BookFrom the books and movies that inspired George Lucas to imagine the Star Wars universe, to early screenplay drafts that were never filmed, to short biographies of many people who made key contributions to the movies' success, Star Wars FAQ explores every aspect of the original Star Wars trilogy (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi). Along the way, it unearths underreported stories and illuminating minutiae often skimmed over or completely ignored in other histories of the legendary film series. Highlights include details about the Star Wars Holiday Special debacle, the Ewok TV movies, the rise of Star Wars fiction and its importance in the revival of

Kit O'Toole, author of Michael Jackson FAQ, spoke with Shane Button of 93.1 Moose FM. They spoke about her book, her favorite Michael Jackson song, and more! The podcast is available below, click play to hear what they had to say!   About the BookMichael Jackson may be the King of Pop, but his influence extends much further. From his childhood years with the Jackson 5 through his astonishing solo career, he consistently broke sales records, pioneered the modern music video, and infused dance into rock and pop. While his life story has been well chronicled, Michael Jackson FAQ explores the stories behind his achievements.               Kit O'Toole is a freelance writer who has written about rock, jazz, and R&B for more than 20 years. Her work has appeared in print publications including Showcase Chicago and Goldmine, and she is a contributing editor for Beatlefan magazine. As a blogger, O’Toole writes for Something Else Reviews, Blinded by

Susan Brumfield, one of the authors of Jean Ritchie's Kentucky Mother Goose, spoke with Michael Stock host of Folk & Acoustic Music on 91.3 WLRN. She spoke about her book, the passing of Jean Ritchie, and teaching children authentic children songs. Click below to hear more!   About the BookJean Ritchie's Kentucky Mother Goose is a collection of songs, rhymes and stories recalled by Jean from her own childhood. The youngest of 14 children in a singing family from Viper, Kentucky, she grew up surrounded by the ballads, hymns, play-party songs, singing games and dulcimer tunes that comprised the Ritchie Family repertoire. Her 1955 book, Singing Family of the Cumberlands, portrays the rich musical life of the Ritchies: Jean's mother, Abigail; her father, Balis, who taught her the dulcimer; “Uncle Jason” a prolific collector of “big ballads” and songs; and her older siblings. Now in her 90s, Jean has returned to the earliest recollections of her songs, and the stories that surroun

Mark Clark, author of Star Wars FAQ: Everything Left to Know About the Trilogy That Changed the Movies, spoke with Betty Jo Tucker host of Movie Addict Headquarters. They talked about the book and about the new Star Wars installment, The Force Awakens! Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!   About the BookFrom the books and movies that inspired George Lucas to imagine the Star Wars universe, to early screenplay drafts that were never filmed, to short biographies of many people who made key contributions to the movies' success, Star Wars FAQ explores every aspect of the original Star Wars trilogy (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi). Along the way, it unearths underreported stories and illuminating minutiae often skimmed over or completely ignored in other histories of the legendary film series. Highlights include details about the Star Wars Holiday Special debacle, the Ewok TV movies, the rise of Star Wars fiction and its importance in the revival of the fra

Dave Thompson, author of Twilight Zone FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Fifth Dimension and Beyond, spoke with Simon Applebaum host of Tomorrow Will Be Televised. They talked about the book and some of the Twilight Zone's well-known episodes! Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!   About the BookThe Twilight Zone FAQ takes the reader back to that halcyon era, looking back on the show and its impact as a force for societal change, via reflections on the manifold topics and controversies that the show took on – from the space race to the Red Menace, from paranoia to madness and beyond. Dave Thompson traces the history of the show – from its earliest flowering in the mind of then-unknown Rod Serling through its slow birth, shaky beginning, and breathless five-season run – and he shows how it became the blueprint for so much of the fantasy television that has followed.               Dave Thompson is the auth

Sanford Josephson, author of Jeru's Journey: The Life & Music of Gerry Mulligan spoke with Mark Lynch host of Inquiry. They talked about the book and the versatility of Gerry Mulligan! Click play below to hear more and let us know what you think!   About the BookJeru's Journey – The Life & Music of Gerry Mulligan vividly recounts all the major milestones and complications in Mulligan's extraordinary life and career, ranging from his early days of arranging for big bands in the 1940s to his chance 1974 meeting with Countess Franca Rota, who would have a major impact on the last two decades of his life. In between were his battles with drugs; his significant contributions to the historic 1949 Birth of the Cool recording; the introduction of an enormously popular piano-less quartet in the early 1950s; the creation of his innovative concert jazz band in the early '60s; his collaboration – personal and professional – with actress Judy Holliday; his breakthrough into classical music;

Bobby Borg, author of Music Marketing for the DIY Musician, spoke with Ryan, host of Break the Business podcast. Bobby Borg talked about how to achieve "career execution" as an indie artist and much more! Click play below to learn more and let us know what you think!  About the Book Music Marketing for the DIY Musician is a book written by Bobby Borg. Written by a professional musician for other musicians, Music Marketing for the DIY Musician is a proactive, practical, step-by-step guide to producing a fully integrated, customized, low-budget plan of attack for artists marketing their own music. In a conversational tone, it reveals a systematic business approach employing the same tools and techniques used by innovative top companies, while always encouraging musicians to stay true to their artistic integrity. It's the perfect blend of left-brain and right-brain marketing.             Bobby Borg is a former Major

Andy Babiuk, author of Beatles Gear All the Fab Four's Instruments from Stage to Studio - The Ultimate Edition spoke with John Fugelsang about why he wrote the book and his extensive knowledge of the Beatles. Listen to the podcast below!   About the BookBeatles Gear - The Ultimate Edition is the ultimate guide to all the gear used by the Beatles details exactly which guitars, drums, amplifiers, and keyboards the Fab Four embraced throughout their brief but revolutionary career, from their earliest days as the Quarry Men to the dissolution of the Beatles in 1970. It provides fascinatingly fresh insights into Beatle history, exploding myths and uncovering dozens of new stories along the way. John, Paul, George, and Ringo's moves from cheap early instruments to the pick of 1960s technology are carefully and entertainingly documented in an easy-to-read narrative, fully illustrated with many previously unseen photographs, a cache of rare memorabilia, and a unique collection of specially photographed instrume

Bobby Borg, author of Business Basics for Musicians: the Complete Handbook from Start to Success spoke with Yann Ilunga of The Jazz Spotlight. They talked about the importance of learning the business side of your music career, and how to set (and accomplish) goals. Listen below to hear more!   About the BookWritten by a professional musician for other musicians, Business Basics for Musicians is the layperson's guide to the music industry. In a conversational tone and an easy-to-scan format, it simplifies five vital areas in which musicians need to succeed: Career Execution, Business Relationships, Pro Teams, Deals and Dollars, and Future Predictions. Everything from copyright to record deals, managers, merchandising, and doing it yourself is covered.               Bobby Borg is a former major label, independent, and DIY recording/touring artist who has worked alongside the most respected managers, producers, and A&R executives in the music industry.

Kit O'Toole, author of Michael Jackson FAQ, visited WGN Radio to speak with Nick Digillo. They spoke about her book, what made her want to write a book about Michael Jackson, and more! The podcast is available below, click play to hear what they had to say!   About the BookMichael Jackson may be the King of Pop, but his influence extends much further. From his childhood years with the Jackson 5 through his astonishing solo career, he consistently broke sales records, pioneered the modern music video, and infused dance into rock and pop. While his life story has been well chronicled, Michael Jackson FAQ explores the stories behind his achievements.               Kit O'Toole is a freelance writer who has written about rock, jazz, and R&B for more than 20 years. Her work has appeared in print publications including Showcase Chicago and Goldmine, and she is a contributing editor for Beatlefan magazine. As a blogger, O’Toole writes for Somethin