Inside The Twilight Zone With Its TV Historian Marc Scott Zicree
Classic Conversations: Pop culture Interviews with Jeff Dwoskin
Release Date: 05/26/2025
Behind the Eye: Lessons from CBS's Legendary President Gene Jankowski
Classic Conversations: Pop culture Interviews with Jeff Dwoskin
Former CBS president Gene Jankowski joins Classic Conversations to share vivid memories from the golden age of television. From the early days of network broadcasting to overseeing cultural icons like Dallas, M*A*S*H, and 60 Minutes, Gene reflects on the creative risks, behind-the-scenes decisions, and human connections that defined CBS’s rise to dominance in the late ’70s and ’80s. His nostalgic insights, in his memoir, , capture an era when broadcast television shaped culture, united families, and delivered unforgettable moments that still resonate today. Episode Highlights ...
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Telma Hopkins on Music, TV Magic, and Her New Family Matters Rewatch
Classic Conversations: Pop culture Interviews with Jeff Dwoskin
From Motown melodies to television magic, Telma Hopkins’ career has defined generations of entertainment. Raised in Detroit, she began as a young singer at Golden World Studios before joining Motown, lending her voice to hits by Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, and others who shaped the soundtrack of an era. Her next act came with Tony Orlando and Dawn — catapulting her from backup singer to international fame during the golden age of variety television. Telma went on to charm audiences in sitcom classics like Bosom Buddies, Gimme a Break!, and as the unforgettable Aunt Rachel on Family...
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From Bill & Ted to Gunsmoke: The Timeless Journey of Dr. Amy Stoch
Classic Conversations: Pop culture Interviews with Jeff Dwoskin
From soap operas and westerns to cult classics and academia, Dr. Amy Stoch has truly done it all. Beloved for her iconic role as “Missy” in the Bill & Ted films, Amy takes us on a heartfelt and humorous ride through her incredible career, from Star Search to Days of Our Lives, Dallas, and Gunsmoke. Along the way, she shares stories of serendipity, persistence, and the pure joy of performing, proving that her passion for acting and storytelling burns brighter than ever. Episode Highlights How Star Search kickstarted her acting career and led to an unexpected PhD promise to Ed...
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Bill Mumy on Lost in Space, The Twilight Zone, and a Lifetime of Creativity
Classic Conversations: Pop culture Interviews with Jeff Dwoskin
From child star to accomplished musician, Bill Mumy’s journey through Hollywood is a tapestry of talent, longevity, and creativity. In this episode, he reflects on his decades-spanning career — from Lost in Space and The Twilight Zone to producing Ancient Aliens and releasing his latest solo album, Wonderworld. Bill shares personal stories about working with legends like Lucille Ball, Walt Disney, and Cloris Leachman, the making of his memoir, and his enduring passion for music that began at just ten years old. Episode Highlights The making of his memoir Danger, Will Robinson: The...
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Grey’s Anatomy Star Anthony Hill Gets Real About Fake Medicine
Classic Conversations: Pop culture Interviews with Jeff Dwoskin
Actor Anthony Hill brings humor and heart to this lively chat about his journey from college football player to beloved cardiothoracic surgeon on Grey’s Anatomy. From growing up obsessed with Halloween costumes to learning the craft of acting through persistence, Anthony shares how he turned creative curiosity into a steady Hollywood career. He opens up about his early TV experiences, how Grey’s Anatomy changed his life, and the fun chaos of playing a doctor who (thankfully) doesn’t perform real surgery. Episode Highlights Finding the Spark: How childhood Halloween costumes inspired...
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Finding His Own Spotlight: The Evolving Career of Jimmy Hanks
Classic Conversations: Pop culture Interviews with Jeff Dwoskin
Jimmy Hanks shares his fascinating journey through Hollywood, from his early acting days and unexpected entrance into the industry, to his decades-long career as a writer, director, and the voice behind one of the most beloved characters in animation. He opens up about building a creative path distinct from his brother, finding fulfillment in storytelling, and how persistence, humility, and humor shaped his long-standing career in entertainment. Episode Highlights: From Reluctant Actor to Lifelong Creative: How Jimmy stumbled into acting while supporting his then-wife’s Hollywood dreams...
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The Untold Hollywood Story of Cesar Romero With Samuel Garza Bernstein
Classic Conversations: Pop culture Interviews with Jeff Dwoskin
Author, playwright, and screenwriter Samuel Garza Bernstein takes us deep into the extraordinary life of Cesar Romero, the Hollywood icon who became the Joker in the 1960s Batman series. In his new book Cesar Romero: The Joker Is Wild, Samuel uncovers surprising family history, reveals how Romero’s career spanned six decades, and shares why Romero embraced being remembered as the Joker. From ballrooms to Broadway, Rat Pack hangouts to Falcon Crest, this is the untold story of a star who never stopped entertaining. Episode Highlights: Cesar Romero’s surprising family connection to...
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Gregory Harrison on Logan’s Run, Trapper John, and Lasting Success
Classic Conversations: Pop culture Interviews with Jeff Dwoskin
For over five decades, Gregory Harrison has graced both the big and small screen, bringing unforgettable characters to life. From his early break in Jim the World’s Greatest to his starring roles in Logan’s Run, Trapper John, M.D., and Falcon Crest, Gregory’s career is a journey through television history. In this conversation, he reflects on his childhood on Catalina Island, his time in the army, and the lessons that shaped his craft and longevity in Hollywood. Filled with behind-the-scenes stories, serendipitous moments, and heartfelt reflections, this episode is a celebration of a...
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Josh Pais on Creativity, Career Lessons, and His New Book Lose Your Mind
Classic Conversations: Pop culture Interviews with Jeff Dwoskin
Actor, acting coach, and author Josh Pais shares a career filled with transformative roles, creative risks, and powerful lessons. From originating Raphael in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to working alongside icons like Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Joaquin Phoenix, and Molly Shannon, Josh has lived at the intersection of art and life. He opens up about growing up in New York’s Alphabet City, making the documentary Seventh Street, and the intense experiences that shaped his artistic journey. Josh also discusses his new book, Lose Your Mind: The Path to Creative Invincibility, a guide to...
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The Last Starfighter’s Lance Guest revisits a career filled with film and theater highlights
Classic Conversations: Pop culture Interviews with Jeff Dwoskin
From Halloween II to The Last Starfighter and even Jaws: The Revenge, Lance Guest’s career is filled with memorable moments that shaped an era of film. In this conversation, Lance reflects on his journey through cult classics, working alongside legends, and the unexpected twists that brought his characters to life. With stories from early sci-fi special effects to Broadway stages, this episode celebrates the nostalgia and resilience of a career spanning decades. Episode Highlights: How Lance landed the role of Alex Rogan in The Last Starfighter and the film’s pioneering CGI effects...
info_outlineStep into a dimension of nostalgia, television history, and personal storytelling with legendary writer and historian Marc Scott Zicree. Best known for The Twilight Zone Companion, Marc shares the origins of the book that shaped a genre and defined an era. From sneaking into Rod Serling’s archives to interviewing over 100 contributors to the iconic series, Marc gives listeners a rare behind-the-scenes tour of how one man’s obsession became a cultural cornerstone.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of The Twilight Zone or just discovering its influence, this conversation captures the magic, depth, and enduring relevance of one of TV’s most groundbreaking shows.
Episode Highlights:
- The childhood spark that lit Marc’s passion for The Twilight Zone
- Exclusive stories from Rod Serling’s private archive and home
- The fascinating truth about ghostwritten Twilight Zone episodes
- How the show influenced decades of television and film
- Why Rod Serling remains a pop culture icon and visionary
You're going to love my conversation with Marc Scott Zicree
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