Celebrities
This page contains shows with celebrity guests. The influence of celebrities goes beyond their entertainment role. In many cases, their public appeal, and the fact that so many people look up to celebrities in general, can enable them to be very helpful and inspiring. The celebrities who have been interviewed on “Coping Conversations” all have stories to tell… stories of personal experiences that can entertain as well as motivate, inspire as well as educate, making the listening experience enjoyable as well as beneficial.
One of the most popular television performers of all time, Ed Asner has won more Emmy awards than any performer, and is the only performer ever to win an Emmy for the same role (Lou Grant) on a comedy (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show”) and a drama (“Lou Grant”). We discuss many things, including his love of performing, how he has dealt with peer criticism and its ramifications as a result of his political views, and how humor helped him to be a better dramatic actor.
This show features world famous novelist Robin Cook, author of the new thriller, “Cure.” In addition to talking about his new bestseller, we also discuss two very important issues covered in the book, the exciting medical breakthrough, induced pluripotent stem cells, as well as the problems caused by medical patents.
In this new show, Tommy James, lead singer of the rock group Tommy James & The Shondells, discusses his hit songs, his rise to fame, and how he dealt with his tumultuous association with Roulette Records and the dark side of the music industry. We discuss his brand new autobiography, “Me, the Mob, and the Music.”
Today’s guest is veteran actor William Schallert, perhaps best known for playing dad Martin Lane on “The Patty Duke Show”. We discuss his lengthy show business career, how he dealt with the mix of performing and family responsibilities, and other issues he coped with during his acting career.
In this show, returning guest, best-selling author Tess Gerritsen, author of numerous thrillers, discusses her new book, “Ice Cold.” We discuss what gives her ideas for her books, how she gets involved with her characters, and how she deals with the trials and tribulations of being a popular author. We also discuss the new television series, "Rizzoli & Isles," based on her characters.
Jodie Sweetin, perhaps best known for playing Stephanie Tanner on TV's “Full House," has gone through a lot in her young life. We discuss her autobiography, “Unsweetined”, which includes stories about her addictions, failed marriages, and her successful recovery, as well as the current joy in her life.
This new show features Alan Young, best known for playing the role of Wilbur on the classic TV show “Mister Ed”, discusses how he coped with being second fiddle to a talking horse, who was originally supposed to play the role of Wilbur, and other fascinating anecdotes, many of which are contained in his autobiography, “Mister Ed, Me, and More”.
Andy Williams is considered to be one of the most popular singers of all time, someone whose voice was called a “national treasure” by President Ronald Reagan, and singer of many chart-topping songs including his signature song, “Moon River.” Still performing at his Moon River Theater in Branson, Missouri, Andy and I discussed how he dealt with the difficulties he encountered on his road to success, the insecurities that were instilled in him at an early age, and how he successfully dealt with a potentially career-threatening throat problem, in this show taped in February, 2010.
In this show, internationally renowned novelist Nelson DeMille, author of 16 critically acclaimed best-sellers, discusses his new thriller, “The Lion.” We discuss his writing career, how he gets ideas for his novels, and the hardest part of being an author.
This show's guest is popular actress Jennie Garth who, among other roles, starred in Beverly Hills 90210 and What I Like About You, and appeared on Dancing With The Stars. We discuss how she has coped with her heart disease, her father’s death, and her daughter’s juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Her positive attitude is key, and something to be admired. We discuss all of this, as well as the work she is doing with the American Heart Association.
One of the most popular singers of all time, Connie Francis was the top charting female singer of the 1950’s and 1960’s. She has numerous hits, including “Who’s Sorry Now?”, “Where The Boys Are”, “Stupid Cupid”, and “Lipstick On Your Collar”. In this new show, taped in February, 2010, we discuss some of the difficulties Connie has had to deal with throughout her life, and how she has coped with them.
One of the most popular mayors in New York City history, Ed Koch is known for his achievements as well as his controversies. He served three terms as New York City’s mayor, and helped to stabilize New York’s financial problems. We discuss his accomplishments as mayor, as well as how his positive attitude has helped him deal with serious medical issues.
Fans of American Idol remember the second runner-up from the 2006 season, one of the favorites that year, Melinda Doolittle. Not only is Melinda a great singer, she has just released a new book, entitled “Beyond Me”. We discuss Melinda’s experiences on American Idol, and the difficult life experiences that has successfully shaped her into the person she is today.
Scott MacIntyre, one of the finalists from the 2009 season of American Idol, discusses his visual impairment, his kidney transplant, and sound advice for how people should deal with their own adversities. We discuss his new album, “Heartstrings” as well as his memories of being a finalist on American Idol.
In this new show, popular nightclub comedian Sal Richards discusses his career, as well as his new autobiography, “Behind the Laughter, Hidden Tears.” We talk about the difficulties he’s had dealing with his medical illnesses and the death of his son, among other experiences.
This show features popular actress Jill Eikenberry, perhaps best known for playing Ann Kelsey in the long-running television program LA Law. Married for more than 30 years to Michael Tucker, who also starred on LA Law, Jill has also spent years advocating for people with breast cancer, as a result of her own experiences with the disease.
This show features popular actor Michael Tucker, who, despite numerous movie and television credits, is probably best known for playing Stuart Markowitz in the long-running television program LA Law. Married for more than 30 years to Jill Eikenberry, who also starred on LA Law, he is the author of three books, the latest of which is entitled, “Family Meals: Coming Together to Care for an Aging Parent.”
In this new show, we welcome popular heavyweight champion (and Olympic gold medal winning) boxer, chef, entrepreneur and author George Foreman. We discuss his boxing career, the most important moments for him in his life, and the lessons he has learned that he wants to share.
Best-selling novelist David Baldacci, author of “The Camel Club”, “First Family” and “Stone Cold”, among many others, discusses his latest thriller, “Deliver Us From Evil”. We also talk about the method he uses to write his books, how he comes up with ideas, and how he deals with reaction from his fans.
Michael Palmer is a well known physician turned author, who has written several best-selling medical mystery thrillers including, “The First Patient,” and “The Fifth Vial.” His new book, “The Last Surgeon” is not only a gripping page-turner, it also gives an insightful look into the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder on military personnel.
This show with veteran Broadway actress (“Company”), movie (“Monster In Law”) and television star (“30 Rock”) Elaine Stritch is both humorous and touching. We discuss Elaine’s alcoholism as well as her diabetes, and learn how her positive attitude has helped her with both… and more.
This show, originally aired in 2005, shows how maturity transformed the popular comedian by enabling him to use comedy both for laughter and for more serious purposes, including the improvement of his own life.
In this archived show, originally aired in February of 1995, Gary Coleman, star of “Diff’rent Strokes”, discusses the few fond memories of the program, what he’s done since the termination of the show, and other topics of interest. Although more than ten years old, this show reflects Gary’s true feelings about a number of things and makes for fascinating listening.
In this show, taped in 1995, popular actress Doris Roberts, perhaps best known for her roles in “Remington Steele” and as Marie in “Everybody Loves Raymond” (which aired long after this show was taped), discusses her career as an actress, and how she coped with the death of her husband to leukemia.
In this show, originally aired in 2003, the popular comedian, actor, chef and author talks about his career, and one of his favorite topics… food! We discuss how food can you help you cope, and how he combines cooking with his comedy talents.
This show with one of the original Golden Girls, originally broadcast in 2002, is almost prophetic in its relevance to today’s issues of breast cancer and menopause, as well as today’s knowledge of the effectiveness of psychological treatments in the alleviation of medical problems.
This show, which was recorded in 2003, illustrates the progression of Bob Dole from young politician to mature and caring public servant. We also discuss how Senator Dole has successfully dealt with a number of medical problems and injuries in his life.
This show with the former ER star and well-respected actress, dating from 2003, shows how adversity strengthened Kellie Martin and led her to become a public advocate for autoimmune diseases and their treatment. It also discusses the efforts of the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), for whom Kellie is the national spokesperson.