My love for comedy and wonderful comedians continues with my guest this week the talented Carmen Lynch. Her professional credits include: Conan, Inside Amy Shumer, The Late Show with David Letterman and more. Carmen has an interesting background having spent many of her formative years living in Barcelona Spain, her mothers home. The story of how her American father met her mom sounds like a romance novel and has left Carmen with a unique view of love and a wealth of material. We also delve into her fascination with death. (and yes, she even makes the subject funny!) Carmen is about to embark on a tour overseas that includes the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as she promotes her new album “Dance Like you Don’t Need the Money”!
Are you miserable at work and think it is the job. Think again!
Dr. Will Miller is back to talk about his new book “Miserable @ Work”.
Ok, maybe you are not miserable. In fact you may enjoy WHAT you are doing but are still depressed and dissatisfied when on the job. Dr. Will Miller has some interesting and surprising reasons why. He also offers way to improve your work experience. As with all conversations with Dr. Will we also veer off into a wide range of other topics like: addiction to social media, stress, spirituality and even near death experiences. And find out the results of an extensive 75 year study on happiness conducted by Harvard University. You might be surprised at what makes most people happy long term. I think listening to Dr. Will Miller is a great start!
To find out more about Dr. Will Miller please go to DrWill.com. You can order his book “Miserable @ Work” at amazon.com
I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with former Kiss and current Grand Funk Railroad guitarist Bruce Kulick and his lovely wife Lisa recently. What transpired may be a surprise to hard core Kiss fans or classic rock fans of GNR.
Seems the Kulick’s have a fondness for the songs of The Great American Songbook or standards. While Bruce’s guitar playing is world renowned, his wife Lisa Lane Kulick has an amazing singing voice. She spent 3 years in a one-woman cabaret show in NYC.
In this interview they talk about blending their two different musical backgrounds into a brand-new single, “If I Could Show You”. Hear the song and find out how this husband and wife became a musical duo.
Will there be more collaborations in the future? Let’s find out.
You can download the song “If I Could Show You” through Apple Music/iTunes and Spotify
For more information on Bruce Kulick: www.kulick.net
First show back from the Spring Break/Leg Break saga and who better than to have as a guest than Marilene Isaacs Kauffman. Marilene is a natural healer, and intuitive counselor (psychic the old term).
She will discuss why my leg is broken, what it means and then will do some hands on “healing”. We get into the discussions on unconditional love, heaven and hell, karma vs dharma, meditation and so much more.
Find out why Marilene hates the term “New Age”. And relive our experience meeting the Dalai Lama (and Steven Seagal) many years ago. I also ask her what she thinks of those who doubt her abilities. So “live in the moment” with us now….
To reach Marilene: centerofpeace.com
I planned to have a new show ready this week; however, due to my leg, a new cast (pictured), and probably a bit of the meds, I'm revisiting my talk with Marc Maron in a Bloomington hotel room. It was an interview that I enjoyed doing and there was so many interesting things we talked about that it's worth a second listen.
Marc takes us through his many ups and downs in life and he is on a BIG up right now. We chat about the stand up process, how this whole comedy thing started, and happiness.
As one of the most successful podcasters in the business we delve into how that came about and some of the famous guests he has talked with in his garage studio in California. He shares what led up to one of the most famous podcasts of all time, The President of the United States, Barrack Obama. And let’s not forget his semi auto-biographical show that just ended on IFC, Maron. After four seasons Marc decided to put an end to the comedy, we find out why.
Next week I'll be back with an all new episode. Until then, Be Kind!
ReBroadcast: Let’s get to the know the newest member of The Bob and Tom Show, Josh Arnold! After "guest hosting" for the past few month it’s official, comedian Josh Arnold has been hired full time to round out the cast of The Bob and Tom Show which also consists of Tom Griswold, Chick McGee and me, Kristi Lee.
This St. Louis native stuck around in the studio after a recent show and talks about how he landed this coveted job. We delve into his career as a standup. (which began with his first joke being told in kindergarten!) His detour to teach English in South Korea for a few years. His interest in Horror films and Romantic comedies. His writing skills which has led him into screenwriting and the making of The Impersonators written by and starring Josh.
There is also the more serious side of Josh. Both he and his father suffer from Panic Disorder or Panic Attacks. He explains how that affects his life and how he deals with it on a daily basis.
And although he claims NOT to have a hidden talent we do find out that Josh is teaching himself to play the harmonica!
All in all, I think you will agree that while Bob Kevoian will NEVER be replaced, Josh Arnold is a wonderful addition. We are lucky to have found him.
A mysterious death connected to the JFK assassination is the subject of a new book by author, attorney, legal analyst and TV personality Mark Shaw. "The Reporter Who Knew Too Much" focuses on the career and death of What's My Line? TV star, celebrated journalist and revered investigative reporter Dorothy Kilgallen.
When Kilgallen was found dead in her Manhattan apartment in November of 1965 of an alleged drug overdose, no investigation occurred despite a staged death scene and suspicions by those closest to her that she had been murdered. Why murdered? Mark's book reveals that Dorothy was covering the trial of Jack Ruby and was the only reporter to actually interview Ruby twice. She also had a source inside the Warren Commission and was convinced that Oswald had not acted alone in the assassination of President Kennedy.
Was her search for the truth and the threatened tell-all book she was writing for Random House the motive for murder? Mark Shaw discusses his true crime "whodunit" book with me and the possibility of the case being reopened after 52 years. Dorothy Kilgallen was denied justice following her death. That is, until now!
For more information on Mark Shaw see his website: markshawbooks.com
For more information on Dorothy and her remarkable career check out:TheDorothyKilgallenStory.org
also
Most of us have been to a concert, not many of us have made it a career. My guest has the envious job of being up close and personal with the top entertainment acts and bands of our time. Meet Steve Gerardi. Steve has worked in the concert business since the early 80’s. A passion that started with his first concert, Edgar Winter, at the age of 15.
Steve has stories about nearly any band you can think of, Motley Crue, Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, Gun’s and Roses, Metallica, Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, you get the idea. We talk about what it was like to work with Chuck Berry, Frank Sinatra, and Aretha Franklin.
Find out which acts are divas and the band he hated. If you love music you will love Steve and his memories. To find out more or to book a band for a corporate event you can reach Steve at Stevegerardi@sg-entertainment.net!
Rock On!
Most of you are familiar with therapist, keynote speaker, professor and former stand up comedian Dr. Will Miller. He was the first guest I ever had on my podcast and you may have heard him on one of his many visits to The Bob and Tom Show; However, his wife Dr. Sally Miller is just as engaging and interesting and she joins us today as well.
Sally is a national authority and speaker on coping with a loss. She has written books on the topic, (Mourning & Dancing: A memoir of grief and recovery), made appearances on TV talk shows, and tours extensively discussing a topic that makes many of us uncomfortable. Not Sally; however, she loves to talk about grief and loss and she speaks from the heart.
At 24 she suffered the tragic loss of her husband unexpectedly. She was left a widow with two children under the age of 4. How did she move on? What tools did she learn that may help you deal with a loss?
We also talk about Will and Sally’s belief in the afterlife. Will's from his near death experience and Sally from an encounter with her first husband Bob after his death. An encounter that happened the day their first grandson, Henry, was born with a serious complication. One that has left Henry with Cerebral Palsy, paralyzed from the the waist down and limited use of one arm.
Now, at 23, Henry is an inspiration to all who meet him. He works for the Purdue Women’s Basketball team as a statistician and is a delight to all of his friends and family. Sally is on a personal crusade to help Henry and others with physical disabilities.
She is spearheading a program to build "Henry’s House" on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.This self-sustaining co-op will be designed so that people with physical challenges yet intellectual abilities would be responsible for their own care. While tenants without disabilities would provide help with simple tasks. The mission is simple give people like Henry the chance to live independently. YOU CAN HELP MAKE THIS HAPPEN. If you would like more information on “Henry’s House” , find them on Facebook, or check out their Go Fund Me page: gofundme.com/ecxunyks.
Also be sure and check out Dr. Will’s podcast at DrWill.com. I hope you find this show as special as I do.
Until next time:
Be Kind!
In 1990 you couldn't turn on the radio without hearing “Same Old Look” by Jimmy Ryser. Fast forward to 2017 and Jimmy has changed to Jim and his “look” is anything but the same. The musician, known for other top charting songs like “Rain Came” and who played with John Mellancamp, Tracy Chapman, and Hall and Oates, is now the Director of the Chronic Pain and Chemical Dependence programs at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN.
In part one of our interview with Jim, we listen to his music and mainly talk about the early days of his and his “taste of rock n roll success”, which would eventually play into the bigger role his life has taken. We get to that portion of his life in part two as we hope to enlighten and enterain you over these two episodes.
For more info on Jimmy Ryser’s music: Google Jimmy Ryser or check Amazon
Jim, himself 17 yrs sober from any mood altering drug including alcohol, has left rock and roll to help others with addiction, mainly to prescribed opioids. With a heroine epidemic touching many of our lives this subject is one that is top of mind. And a calling that hits VERY close to home.
In part 2 of our interview we talk about Jim's spina bifida and how he has endured over 55 surgeries. He received opioid treatment for 18 years and is convinced he was addicted for 17 of those years. In 1999 he decided to get help. He went back to college and acquired a Master’s degree in counseling and human services from John Carroll University and is a licensed mental health counselor and licensed clinical addictions counselor.
He was determined to find a better way to manage chronic pain. Including treating addiction/mental illness with the same dignity that we treat other behaviorally based illness such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure. Very few people “shame” a diabetic for ending up with problems because they forgot to take their insulin or ate too much sugar. Jim believes the same can be done for those suffering from addiction.
Using an Outpatient program that encompasses support groups, a 12 step program and physical and occupational therapy he hopes to keep fighting the war on drugs one recovering addict at a time. This podcast will enlighten and entertain as we talk about the early days of his music and “taste of rock n roll success” to the continuing job of staying sober and helping others. He even pulls out the guitar for a live musical treat.
Since the time spent with Jim was so informative and entertaining we are separating the podcast into 2 episodes this week. Enjoy!
To listen to part 1 click here.
For more info on the Chronic Pain program please email Jim Ryser at Jryser@iuhealth.org
or for immediate assistance call: 317-962-2622
When the blues sound this good you will want them all the time! Singer Tad Robinson has been nominated for 8 Blues Music Awards so far in his career.
Born and raised in New York City, Tad’s first gig was playing at Tavern on the Green in Central Park, Not bad for a kid who was in 5th grade at the time.
With idols that included, Ray Charles, Otis Redding, James Cotton and Sonny Boy Williamson, Tad knew he wanted to be a singer. In the late 70’s he attended Indiana University’s School of Music and started the Hesitation Blues Band.
From there it was off to the vibrant Chicago Blues scene where he fronted the house band at the famous Rosa’s Lounge. During that time Tad also became well known in the commercial jingle business both as a performer and producer.
In 2003 Tad signed a deal with Severn Records and to date has recorded four titles: Did You Ever Wonder? (2004), A New Point of View (2007), Back in Style (2010) and Day into Night (2015).
Also a talented and accomplished harmonica or “harp” player, Tad Robinson is the ultimate bluesman. He and his band have played all over the world and at some of the biggest Blues festivals.
I am honored to sit down with Tad and talk about his career up to this point. And even more importantly share with you a few songs from his work on Severn Records.
Here’s to the Blues…
For more information on Tad Robinson go to tadrobinson.com
Today's show is sponsored by Audible. Get a free audiobook with a 30 day trial at audible.com/kristi
So you made a resolution to “get lean in 2017”. How are you doing? Maybe you haven’t even started, maybe you have fallen off a bit... Well, today’s show will hopefully help keep you motivated or get you motivated to begin a new fitness lifestyle. I have invited my own personal trainer Joe Boggs to join me in discussing what it takes to “be fit”.
Joe studied exercise science at Ball State University, is an HCCS Certified Personal Trainer, American Council on Exercise Certified Health Coach and a Certified Power Plate Instructor.
We explore the options available to those of us who weren’t born to work out everyday for hours at a time. The positive and negatives of the “Big Box Gym," the power of having the right mind set, what to look for in a trainer, nutrition, stretching, bad gym etiquette and STRESS. We discuss the “I have to lift heavy weights to get buff” mentality, one that almost cost Tom Brady his football career, and ladies, yes you can lift weights and not bulk up. I promise.
So pop in your earbuds and jump on the treadmill. Or take a walk outside and listen as Joe and I hold a pep talk just for you! Let’s GET LEAN in 2017 together! You’ve got this! For more information on Joe Boggs check out his website: myconcepttraining.com
The most creative, talented guy I know who hasn’t made it big in show business, yet!
Comedian Henry Phillips has been a favorite on The Bob and Tom Show and the Friends of Bob and Tom Comedy Tours for years.
Today he joins me on the podcast to talk about his comedy, his early years in LA, family, and movies. More importantly HIS movies.
The first, Punching the Clown which was an audience award winner at the Slamdance film festival in 2009. And the sequel Punching Henry that will be released in February of 2017.
The latest film stars academy award winner J.K. Simmons, comedians Sarah Silverman and Doug Stanhope along with Silicon Valley’s Mike Judge. We find out how the films came about and how hard it is to get people in the seats to see them.
We also explore his wonderful Youtube series, Henry’s Kitchen. Which has become a creative outlet for not only his comedy but also his music. (We are including one of those songs in this episode.) Last but not least Henry has the BEST hidden talent story to date. YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS IT!
To find out more about Henry and his work check out HenryPhillips.com or @henlips on Twitter.
Smart, Talented, and Funny! Just a few adjectives to describe this weeks guest, Comedian Nick Griffin, a veteran of Conan, The Late Late Show, Comedy Central and 11 appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman stops by the podcast!
A longtime friend of The Bob and Tom Show, Nick shares with us his how he started in stand up and his upcoming taping at the Comedy Cellar-The Village Underground on the 31st!
We talk about his life in New York City, his love of horror movies, screenwriting and the revelation that he has NEVER taken a vacation. Enjoy spending some time with one of the hardest working comedians in the business and one of my favorites! Find out more about Nick at nickgriffin.net and @thenickgriffin on twitter.
Ralph Harris brings his hilarious, infectious and warm personality to the podcast this week. His credits are many: DREAMGIRLS with Jamie Foxx and Beyonce, EVAN ALMIGHTY, ON OUR OWN, (which can be seen in syndication on TVOne), SEINFELD, THE PARENT ‘HOOD, LIVING SINGLE, IN LIVING COLOR, THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JAY LENO, LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O’BRIEN and more. He has had specials on HBO AND COMEDY CENTRAL. And is a regular guest on THE BOB AND TOM SHOW.
To me, Ralph is family. We sit down and discuss the early days growing up in a very “untraditional” home. How joining the Army led him to comedy. And growing into finding his "voice" on stage. We also talk about his one man show MANISH BOY. And the special relationship he has with Bob Kevoian and his wife Becky. I hope you enjoy this time with Ralph and much as I did. Like I said earlier he is and always will be family.
Step into the world of the Orangutan with Indianapolis Zoo Executive Vice President and Zoo Director, Dr. Robert Shumaker, PH.D. Dr Shumaker or as we like to call him Dr. Rob is one of the foremost authorities on primate behavior, including the cognitive abilities of the highly intelligent orangutan.
In 2009 Dr. Shumaker moved to Indianapolis to open the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center. After opening in 2014 it has become the largest of it’s kind. His main goal is to make people care more about these amazing, intelligent creatures that deserve our respect and the chance to survive.
The wild orangutan habitat is being threatened in the Southeast Asian islands of Borneo and Sumatra. We discuss ways to help replenish forests and keep the species thriving. If we do nothing the orangutan could die out in 10 to 20 years. We also discuss the incredible cognitive skills of the orangutan and the role “Rocky”, one of the orangutans, is playing in the origins of spoken language.
Fascinating insight and conversation with one of the leaders in his field. I hope you are inspired to help these spectacular animals. For more information please go to: indianapoliszoo.com or check out Dr. Rob on twitter @RobShumaker
Get ready to be “knocked out” by my guest this week. He may only stand 4ft 4in tall but comedian Brad Williams packs quite a talented punch. Brad’s comedy specials for Showtime, “Fun Size” and “Daddy Issues” and tours with the likes of Carlos Mencia have catapulted him to the best of the best in the comedy world. He also co-hosts a podcast with comedian Adam Ray called “About Last Night”. He has appeared on numerous TV shows including Legit, Dave Attell’s Comedy Underground, Sam and Cat, Live at Gotham, the Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Mind Of Mencia, and Pitboss. On this episode we cover not only comedy and acting but Brad’s recent engagement and discover his hidden talent! Find out more about Brad at bradwilliamscomedy.com.
I can’t think of a better way to kick off 2017 than with comedian Bert Kreischer! He is the most energetic, happy, enthusiastic person I have ever met. His genuine passion for his work is palatable. Bert began his rise to fame by being the “party guy” at Florida State University. Seriously. His love of having a good time became the subject of an article in Rolling Stone Magazine that changed Bert’s life path. It made him an instant celebrity. He cashed in on his “15 minutes of fame” and is now a star! Standup, movies, tv shows, a book... We dive into as many of these topics as time allows. And maybe the biggest surprise to some is the family side of Bert. Yes this party boy is a happily married father of two girls. Find out how he balances work and home. Let’s jus say, I think he married a saint! To learn more about Bert Kreischer simply go to his website: BertBertBert.com