Fanacek

S3 E11 An Interview with author Burt Kearns

Burt Kearns has written an incredible book about actor Lawrence Tierney.  I read the book.  You should too.  Lawrence Tierney was a film noir actor whose career spanned almost 60 years.  He rose to fame in the 1945 classic Dillinger.  You probably know him best as Joe Cabot in Reservoir Dogs or as Elaine's dad on Seinfeld.  The book meticulously chronicles the life, love, passion, and intensity of a man who lived life his way...which was often detrimental to himself and everyone around him.  It's a must read.
Check out Burt's website: www.burtkearns.com 
Enjoy!

S3 E10 A Conversation With Eddie Deezen

Yes, folks.  You probably know him best as Eugene in the 1978 classic Grease.  He also appeared in classic movies like 1941, WarGames, and The Polar Express.  His TV credits include The Facts of Life, Magnum P.I., and The Fall Guy.  And now his podcast credits include 'ol Fanacek!  Eddie and I have fun discussing his start in stand up comedy and the transition to acting and working with such legends as John Travolta, John Belushi, Robert Zemeckis, Tom Hanks, and Steven Spielberg.  
My wife joins us so she can fan out about Grease and Eddie puts me through the ringer with some Beatles trivia.  Enjoy!
Wanna watch it?  Check out my new YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e01tcgLjhB8 

S3 E9 A Conversation With E. Duke Vincent

This is special.  This is really effin' cool.  I got to speak with the legendary E. Duke Vincent.  He was Aaron Spelling's producing partner.  Together, they re-shaped the landscape of television.  Duke produced Vegas, Dynasty, 90210, Melrose Place, and dozens of other iconic television projects.  We discuss working with Carl Reiner, Shannon Doherty, Heather Locklear, and the late, great Robert Urich.  He reveals what it was like to work with Lucille Ball and which TV show ended up being his favorite.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

S3 E8 Lorne Michaels

Yes, the inspiration for Dr. Evil himself, Mr. Lorne Michaels!  This man is a comedy God...and possibly the wealthiest dude in all of entertainment.  Together we will take a deep dive into his career and explore SNL, The Tonight Show, 30 Rock, Kids in the Hall, etc.  We're also going to talk about my teenage antics in an old Chrysler Cordoba, my connection to Lassie, celebrities I've seen at the Burbank airport, and why I don't get Adele.  I just don't get her.  Like, at all.  Also, we mention Steve Zahn's balls again.  An oldie but goodie.

S3 E7 Talkin’ Movies 2

Yes.  Once again, I failed to do research for the podcast, so I invited a guest to come in and talk movies.  Whatever.  It doesn't make you better than me.  We start with Pretty Woman and make our way to Goodfellas.  Two 1990 classic films with whores.  We also talk about a lady I know who knows Vince Vaughn, Richard Gere's weird acting choices, John Travolta's horrible career choices, secret messaging during commercials for Ghost, and a handsome young podcaster who once played Reba McEntire's husband.  It's kind of okay.

S3 E6 Talkin’ Movies

This episode is a little break from the norm.  Instead of diving deep into the career of a TV legend, I thought I'd invite a guest into the studio and just yap about movies.  The rules are simple.  We each have a movie title written down, we reveal them, and then we talk about them....brilliantly.  We start with As Good As It Gets and then we transition to Catch Me If You Can.  Along the way we'll explore my connections to The Real World and Road Rules, disrespect for the movie Swingers, Heather Graham's acting skills, Connie Britton doin' shrooms, and Steve Zahn's balls.  This episode belongs in the Smithsonian.  And so do Steve Zahn's balls.

S3 E5 Stephen J. Cannell

Stephen J. Cannell is a TV Gawd.  His vanity card at the end of his programs feels like home to me.  Many of us grew up on Mr. Cannell's awesome shows.  The Rockford Files, Baretta, The A-Team, and 21 Jumpstreet are among his many contributions to the boob tube.  As we discuss his life and career, we'll also make sure to talk about the first time I saw porn, my obsession with Robert Culp, getting hit on by a famous casting director, Ben Vereen in a rap song, and my possible involvement in the death of Robert Blake.  

S3 E4 Chuck Lorre

If you've watched TV at ALL in the past 25 years, you know Chuck Lorre's work and contribution to sitcom culture.  Dharma & Greg, Two and a Half Men, Big Bang Theory, etc.  He's a comedy gangsta and we're gonna honor him with his own Fanacek episode.  Whilst talking about Mr. Lorre, I will also broach the following topics: my day on the Warner Brothers lot, my horrible childhood and obsession with The Way Way Back, my very real love of Allison Janney, Go Bots vs Transformers, and my disdain of a child I know who thinks Temple of Doom is the best of the Indiana Jones movies.  It's a real think piece.

S3 E3 Donald P. Bellisario

Donald P. Bellisario is one bad mutha.  He created Magnum PI, JAG, and NCIS.  He also gave us Airwolf, which was loosely based on Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice*.  We're gonna hold our breathe and take a deep dive on this fella's career.  However,  y commitment o you is that I will also discuss the musical stylings of one Telly Savalas, my time on the set of JAG, dogs & cops, the (almost) death of Thomas Magnum, super helicopters, and Quantum Leap references during improv shows.
*That was a joke.

S3 E2 Steven Bochco

Let's discuss Mr. Steven Bochco.  For some of you this will be a review.  For others, an education in television awesomeness.  This guy gave us Hill Street Blues, Doogie Howser MD, L.A. Law, and NYPD Blue among others.  He also wrote 7 episodes of a little known detective series starring Peter Falk.  Steven Bochco is a man amongst men.  I shall discuss his life and work.  I shall also touch on such topics as the chimpanzee on The Today Show, laughing at Tourette Syndrome, and David Caruso's naked ass.  You'll "crack" up.  Get it?  Crack.  Because of the David Caruso ass comment?  Anyway, enjoy the episode.