Deborah Kobylt LIVE
Deborah Zara Kobylt is an award-winning journalist best known for her work on CNN, Fox11 Los Angeles, KCAL9 News, Turner Entertainment, and Deborah Kobylt LIVE, a successful video/audio podcast. Deborah believes everyone has a story to tell, and because of her keen interest in people and community, her guests feel relaxed enough to reveal what they might not tell anyone else. And that’s her gift as a journalist and storyteller. Born in New Jersey, she currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, John Kobylt, a successful radio talk show host, her three amazing sons, and a menagerie of animals. Deborah enjoys hiking, travel, biking, and writing. She’s also a fierce competitor and completed the NYC and LA Marathons. Her passion is to promote women’s causes, mental health, veterans, and animal causes.
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John Kobylt, KFI The John Kobylt Show Host
09/17/2025
John Kobylt, KFI The John Kobylt Show Host
Please welcome our resident political analyst #JohnKobylt to our program today to discuss the recent events in news which have rocked the nation and polarized our country. The #JohnKobyltShow is LIVE weekdays on #kfiam640 from 1-4, and is one of the top podcasts on #iheartradio. John knows local, state and national politics better than anyone I know, and I've invited him to talk about how we can possibly stop the negative rhetoric in our nation and start healing. Is it possible? When I saw people glorifying the cold-blooded murder of #CharlieKirk, I was stunned at the utter stupidity of so many people. It's like when Luigi Mangione shot the United Healthcare executive point blank on the street in NYC - the violence didn't change anything, except perhaps put the killer in the spotlight for a moment in time. I'm trying to not watch the news, even though it's our business. But the complete polarization of this country is hard to ignore, and I think it's important to have these discussions to see what can be done about it. Please join me with John on all platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here. Please invite your friends to listen, too.
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Ted Balaker & Courtney Balaker, Director/Producer, "The Coddling of the American Mind"
09/17/2025
Ted Balaker & Courtney Balaker, Director/Producer, "The Coddling of the American Mind"
The political divide appears to be growing larger in this country, and the so-called American Dream seems to be slipping away from so many, particularly among young people. And while America has always had a conflicted history, the goal has been to bridge cultures and forge a united front of prosperity. But is this the case? Particularly among students in college and high school years, the lines are blurry and the conflict is rising. Please welcome to our show filmmakers Ted and Courtney Balaker, whose film, "The Coddling of the American Mind," is encouraging discussion from left to right and in between. The film is base on the book with the same title, and talks about the disillusionment many young people feel - particularly on college campuses - and how the rhetoric and constant battles are creating a serious mental health crisis in our society. The documentary-style film follows the stories of students from various ethnicities and backgrounds who arrive with wide-eyed anticipation and eventually become despondent and confused. This brings upon the debate - how did we get here, and how do we recover from what's become a mess for a generation who did all the right things and are met with a sense of helplessness. And how do we recover as a society to rebuild our strength while maintaining inclusivity. We'll talk about that, and recent political events that have rocked our nation. Please join our conversation with Ted and Courtney on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, and invite your friends to this important conversation. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here. @coddlingmovie #TedBalaker # CourtneyBalaker #TheCoddlingoftheAmericanMind
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Elex Michaelson, Award-Winning Journalist & News Anchor based in LA
08/18/2025
Elex Michaelson, Award-Winning Journalist & News Anchor based in LA
Award-winning journalist and news anchor Elex Michaelson dreamed of working in the news business since he was a kid. Well, that dream became a reality due to his incredible work ethic, talent, determination, and undoubtedly good-natured personality. But don't let that nice-guy persona fool you. Elex is tough. He can interview CA Governor Gavin Newsom in the morning and President Donald Trump in afternoon, and both will leave feeling like they got a fair interview, largely in part because they did. Elex's skill is that he knows how to ask a pointed question without picking a side, giving his guest the room to answer. And I'm honored to welcome one of the best newscasters in the business and my friend, Elex Michaelson, to our show today. Elex has been the anchor of various nightly newscasts at @FoxLA and host of #TheIssueIs, a smart political round up of the local, state, and national issues of the week. The show's success is largely due to Elex and his A-list Rolodex, including former CA governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (Arnold actually took Elex to the gym to give him work-out tips since), senators, legendary attorneys (Gloria Allred was on Elex's show with my husband, @JohnKobyltRadio, and he got the two to dance on LIVE TV). Then there was the time he traveled with Newsom to China, interviewed Kamala Harris, and so much more. Elex has a way of getting people on opposite sides of the political spectrum to find common ground, and everyone leaves with a handshake and feeling like they got their point across successfully. And ultimately, that benefits the viewer. Before #Fox11, Elex worked for @ABC7LA, and he told me about the time he covered the Democratic National Convention and how he scored interviews with Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump. And that's all Elex's hustle. Then there's his mother's cookies. Crystal Michaelson brings them to every taping of #TheIssueIs, something everyone looks forward to. The two are close, and there's a story behind that, too. So what does Elex do in his off time? We'll ask. Where does he get his cool socks? Well ask that, too. His favorite music? We've got a list. Elex, thanks for having me on your show, too. Enjoyed every minute. It will be weird to turn on the news every night and NOT see Elex, but he won't be far. And his new venture is sure to be exciting. Because he'll make it that way. Please join me in welcoming Elex Michaelson to my show, #DeborahKobyltLIVE on all video and audio podcast platforms. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here.
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Randy Thomas, Announcer for The Oscars, Emmys, Tonys, & Professional VO Actor
08/18/2025
Randy Thomas, Announcer for The Oscars, Emmys, Tonys, & Professional VO Actor
The voice over business is NOT an easy one to break into, but don't tell that to award-winning VO artist Randy Thomas, who's worked the Academy Awards seven times throughout her career, and is the first person to announce the Oscars, Emmys, and Tonys in the same year. Randy is also the first woman ever to announce the Oscars. Her resume is as long as the state of California, including when she made history as the half-time announcer for Super Bowl 44, introducing The WHO. She's been the voice of ABC's Nightline, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Kennedy Center Honors, Democratic Nomination, and more. Please give a warm welcome to Randy Thomas, who joins our show today to talk about her legendary career and sometimes complicated life. Randy grew up listening to NY radio as a kid, and that's exactly where she started her career, on the radio. Needless to say, she's had one of the most successful announcing careers in the business, but as one of the first women, she says it wasn't always easy. And neither was her personal life. Randy's youngest brother was murdered, which turned her family up side down. On top of that, she describes her early years as deeply dysfunctional. She talks about it, and how her career kept her grounded. Today, she continues to work, and is starting her own VO company, too. Unfortunately, she lost her home this year in the Palisades fire, and we'll talk about how she's coping with that, too. Please join #DeborahKobyltLIVE on all video and audio podcast platforms, and invite your friends, too. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here. #randythomasvo #voiceover #hollywood #oscars
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Kendall L. Williams, Author, Reclaiming Your Identity & Podcast Host, Mum's True Tea
08/04/2025
Kendall L. Williams, Author, Reclaiming Your Identity & Podcast Host, Mum's True Tea
Parents and their adult children are a topic I've been reading a lot about lately. In particular, parents who aren't letting go and continuing to make decisions for their adult kids that they should make for themselves. Then there's a second dynamic, adult children who are not just separating in a healthy way, but are disconnecting, leaving some parents confused and looking for answers. Please welcome to our show Kendall L. Williams, author of "Reclaiming Your Identity," and host of the Mum's True Tea Podcast. Her focus: helping moms reclaim who they were before kids, and finding the balance between being a guiding parent or an overbearing one. Some children have chosen to completely cut off communication, leaving with many parents in a panic, and she talks about how to handle this, too. In other words, parents need to let go. Kendall said there's a variety of reasons for this recent dynamic, including social media influence and a culture of disrespect that's been tolerated. But was there trauma in the household that continued without resolve? Did parents get trapped into the "everybody gets a trophy" mindset? Either way, it seems to have become an issue with many millennial and Gen Z kids and their parents, and Kendall says there are ways to deal with it so both kids and parents can feel safe again to communicate with respect. Please find my full interview with Kendall on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, and invite your friends to this important conversation. Whether you're dealing with this or know someone who is, as a parent, we can all benefit from this discussion. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here.
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Davide Fiore, Director, A LITTLE FELLOW: The Legacy of A.P. Giannini
08/04/2025
Davide Fiore, Director, A LITTLE FELLOW: The Legacy of A.P. Giannini
Sometimes, there are films that stay with us, and A LITTLE FELLOW: The Legacy of A.P. Giannini, directed by Davide Fiore, is one of those films, and I'm pleased to present Davide today on our #LittleItalyPodcast. Back in the day, banks were primarily for the wealthy, and the poor and working class immigrants often stashed their savings under a mattress. But at the turn of the 20th century, A.P. Giannini revolutionized the industry with his small bank in San Francisco. A first-generation Italian-American, his goal was to serve “the little fellow” and breed prosperity within his immigrant community. By building trust and giving loans on a simple handshake, he created one of the largest banks in the country – Bank of America. A LITTLE FELLOW tells his story, and it's remarkable. In addition, A.P. Giannini was also one of the first investors in Hollywood, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Hewlett-Packard. His forward-thinking helped the country through two World Wars and the Great Depression. Davide is a native of Torino, Italy, and has made a name for himself directing and editing in the Italian fashion and advertising industry. He eventually started filming music videos, working along side major Italian labels, singers, and DJ's, when he embarked on his first documentary, titled JUST US, about two Italian DJ's. That documentary gained worldwide distribution, and Davide went on to work in Germany, and London. His subsequent photo exhibition, I’VE ALREADY SEEN IT SOMEWHERE, showcased New York movie locations, and has been hosted in Torino, Rome, and Miami, and published by Vogue Italia. His latest film, A LITTLE FELLOW, is blowing up for its incredible vision and artistic expression. I simply loved it, and had no idea about the story of A.P. Giannini. Please join me in welcoming Davide Fiore on all video and audio podcast platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast, & #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here.
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Marianna Gatto, Author, The Italian Americans Of Los Angeles & Museum Director, IAMLA
08/04/2025
Marianna Gatto, Author, The Italian Americans Of Los Angeles & Museum Director, IAMLA
Italians have shaped the culture of America throughout this great nation, and particularly here in Los Angeles. Please welcome to our show an expert in this field, Marianna Gatto, Director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles & Author, The Italian Americans Of Los Angeles. And let me tell you, this book is incredible and comprehensive. Marianna seems to have uncovered every inch of Italian heritage throughout this great city. Since Italians first came to this region, they have been agriculturalists, pioneers, outlaws and dreamers, and have brought with them tremendous culture, science, culinary expertise, and vibrancy to a variety of neighborhoods in Los Angeles, from the ports in Long Beach and San Pedro up to the northern most sections of Los Angeles. Marianna's comprehensive book talks about the trailblazers, winemakers, the original Italian Hall and Little Italy, Hollywood, and of course the secret History that she has uncovered. It wasn't easy being the first Italians to grace the soil here, but hard work, family, and perseverance carried them through. Today, Italians throughout Los Angeles are honored and respected for their many contributions here, much of it heralded at the #IAMLA Museum that Marianna has dedicated much of her life to running in downtown LA. Please welcome Marianna Gatto to our show today on our LittleItalyPodcast, LittleItaly Of LA Podcast and Deborah Kobylt LIVE. I'm your host, Deborah Zara Kobylt, and it's my honor to welcome you here
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Dr. Lynn Ianni, PhD MFT, Family and Marriage Therapist
07/30/2025
Dr. Lynn Ianni, PhD MFT, Family and Marriage Therapist
Have we raised resilient kids? Please welcome to our show Dr. Lynn Lanni, PhD, Family and Marriage Therapist, who joins us to talk about a growing trend in some households - adult children who are limiting communication with their parents, leaving them confused, not knowing how to handle the situation and asking themselves what went wrong. So I've invited Dr. Ianni to help sort things out so families can begin the healing process and start talking again. Dr. Ianni said there's a variety of reasons for this recent dynamic. Was there unresolved trauma? Is it social media influence? Did parents get trapped into the "everybody gets a trophy" mindset and not raise resilient kids? Was there an abusive parent? Could it be recent therapy trends? Whatever the underlying reason, it seems to be an issue particularly with millennial and Gen Z kids with their parents, and Dr. Ianni says there are ways to deal with it so adult children and parents feel safe again to communicate with love and mutual respect. Please find my full interview with Dr. Ianni on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, and invite your friends to this important conversation. Whether you're dealing with this or know someone who is, we can all benefit from this discussion. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here.
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Madison Jennings, Communications Director with the Assistance League of Los Angeles
07/30/2025
Madison Jennings, Communications Director with the Assistance League of Los Angeles
The Assistance League Los Angeles has been dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults in the community through philanthropy, service, and dedicated programs for more than 106 years. Please welcome to our show Madison Jennings, communications director, who joins us to tell us more about the mission of League, in addition to their upcoming fundraiser, Really Big Shoe, a night of comedy being held at The Preseve LA, which is sure to draw a fun crowd while doing good in the community. The Assistance League has improved the lives of more than 22,000 homeless, foster, and impoverished children in Los Angeles, and the need keeps growing, particularly in the areas of education, arts programs, and critical need services. The Assistance League has a variety if focused programs, including scholarships, the foster children's resource center, preschool learning center, theater for children, and operation school bell. We'll talk about each during our interview. As always, the Assistance League is always looking for dedicated volunteers. They also want everyone to know they are transparent with all fundraising and have been since they were founded more than 100 years ago. And I'm proud to say, I'm a member. Please join me on all video and audio podcast platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE on all video and audio platforms. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here.
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Mallary Tenore Tarpley, Author, #SLIP, Life in the Middle of Eating-Disorder Recovery
07/30/2025
Mallary Tenore Tarpley, Author, #SLIP, Life in the Middle of Eating-Disorder Recovery
Please welcome to our show, #MallaryTenoreTarpley, mom, journalism professor at UT Austin, and author of SLIP, Life in the Middle of Eating-Disorder Recovery. Mallary wrote this book to help others struggling with what she calls "the middle," a gray space between sickness and recovery. Her story is a raw one. Having lost her mother at age eleven, she went deep with an eating disorder, being treated for anorexia and spending years in and out of treatment at Boston Children's Hospital and other centers. She said in her book that she felt recovery was not within reach for her, but she works at it every day. There's hope. There's a way to heal, even if you relapse and find yourself in the middle. That's okay. Mallary says she discovered through therapy that she mentally wanted her body to stay at the age she was when she lost her mother. Her father tried everything, fearing he would lose his daughter and eventually had her treated in hospital. But it didn't end there. She talks about the disorder, triggers, treatment, relapse, and brings it to present day, being married with two children. Please join me in welcoming Mallary on all video and audio podcast platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, and invite your friends and family to this important conversation. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here.
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Audrey Hope, Host of Hope For Relationships and Addiction Therapist
07/30/2025
Audrey Hope, Host of Hope For Relationships and Addiction Therapist
Since the beginning of time, life has presented us with challenges, and the big test in life is figuring out how to handle them. But it seems lately, particularly since the onslaught of social media and 24/7 info being blasted onto our phones, we can't get away from the noise. And that creates anxiety, and a slew of other challenges we're faced with. Question is, how? Please welcome to our show Dr. Audrey Hope, trauma therapist and counselor at Seasons Rehabilitation in LA, and Audrey's gift is sifting through the noise, showing us how to find balance and ultimately healing. How? We talk about that. Ultimately, there's various ways to deal with past trauma, but she focuses on healing, not blaming. Shifting, evolving, and forgiving (particularly yourself), with a focus on a health and the future. What do YOU want for your life, where to do you see yourself, and finding skills to get there. Not woo-woo, just hard work, faith, and technique. She calls it soul healing. We'll get into it. Please join my conversation with #AudreyHope on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, and invite your friends, too. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here.
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Deborah Kobylt & John Kobylt : Host of the John Kobylt Show on KFlam640 and iheart Radio & Podcast
07/29/2025
Deborah Kobylt & John Kobylt : Host of the John Kobylt Show on KFlam640 and iheart Radio & Podcast
Please give a warm welcome to our resident political analyst, #JohnKobylt, host of the award-winning #JohnKobyltShow on #iHeartRadio & #KFIam640, talking about the latest in California & LA, and how it is erects all of us. For three decades, John has been presenting all sides of what's happening in our great state and city, and he's been the #1 rated radio and podcast because he holds nothing back. We will discuss the state of the state, the latest with the fires, what jobs are coming and going in #California. We also address the homeless crisis, and it is a crisis in #LosAngeles. Where is the money is going, and much more to talk about. Then there's the fires that consumed thousands of homes. How's the rebuild going? Agree with John or not, if we get up and speak out, we can have a healthier, safer city and state. But it's upon all of us to do something, and sitting back and watch costs increase and quality of life decline should not be an option. And we talk about that. Please join me on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and please give a warm welcome to @JohnKobyltOfficial today. Thanks for joining us.
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Gigi de Manio, Fine Art Luxury Wedding Photographer & Author
07/23/2025
Gigi de Manio, Fine Art Luxury Wedding Photographer & Author
It's wedding season, at least in my family where it seems I'm attending a wedding every other week! It's been wonderful catching up with friends and family and watching how happy couples handle their nuptials. Each has been beautiful and unique. So please welcome to our show a true expert in the field of wedding photography, Gigi de Manio, who joins us to talk about her experience in putting out the event of your dreams and how to have that captured in photos. Gigi has photographed many celeb clients as well, including Chelsea Clinton, and I asked her what it was like capturing the moment her dad, former President Bill Clinton, walked her down the aisle. How do you get the perfect shot that also looks natural and unrehearsed? Gigi gives us some tips and tricks not only during our podcast, but she also talks about it in her beautiful book, SILVER Moments Into Memories, a stunning photo book from some of the weddings she's shot around the world. In fact, her work has been featured in People, Martha Stewart Weddings, Vera Wang on Weddings, Modern Bride and The NY Times, to name a few. Gigi is THE go-to expert when it comes to photographing weddings, and her story on how she got into the business is an interesting one. Let's just say it wasn't planned and that she fell into it during her college days. We'll talk about that, in addition to her growing up in Sarasota, my home town. In fact, I met Gigi through her identical twin sister, Jackie, an accomplished woman in her own right. And of course, being of Italian descent, we'll discuss some Italian traditions and inspirations she can share with us, too. Please join us on #DeborahKobyltLIVE on all video and audio podcast platforms. Our interview will also be simulcast on #TheSarasotaPodcast and #LittleItalyPodcast as well. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and I'd like to thank you for joining us. Hashtags / Mentions @gigidemanio #photographer #weddinphotographer #gigidemanio #luxuryweddingphotography #author
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Suze Yalof Schwartz, CEO and Founder, Unplug Meditation App
06/11/2025
Suze Yalof Schwartz, CEO and Founder, Unplug Meditation App
Knowing when to unplug from the noise in life is critical, and lately in Los Angeles, it's survival. The stress from the recent fires and political unrest is a lot to take on, but we have to find a way to stay balanced and healthy. Please welcome to our show, #SuzeYalofSchwartz, founder of #Unplug meditation and wellness center and the Unplug app. And let me tell you, if you're not near Los Angeles and cent get to her studio, the app is a MUST! First off, it's reasonable, and it's packed with daily practices of breathing and relaxation exercises that are easy, relaxing, peaceful, and critical to bringing us to a place of feeling calm and centered. And if we feel calm and centered, we can tackle almost anything in life, because we're of a clear mind. And that's when the magic happens. Suze lost her home in the #Palisades #fire, and it her daily meditation retreat that's pulled her through. In fact, when I saw her posts almost immediately after the fires, I was stunned at her sense of calm, and she says it's because of her daily practice e of breathing and movement. And we'll be talking about how you can do this, too. Doesn't take a lot of time or money, just a few minutes. And I'm right there with you, because regulating my emotions is a journey I've been on for some time, and these simple techniques really help. Please join my conversation with Suze on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, and invite your friends, too. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and I thank you for joining us. @suzeyalofschwartz @unplugmeditation #meditation #unplug #UnplugMeditation
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Marla Tellez, Award-Winning News Anchor at Fox 11 Los Angeles
06/04/2025
Marla Tellez, Award-Winning News Anchor at Fox 11 Los Angeles
Please welcome to our show, my friend Marla Tellez, award-winning newscaster at Fox11 Los Angeles, who joins us to talk about career, personal struggles growing up, and becoming a mama a few months ago at the age of 48! Growing up, Marla said she never dreamed of becoming a news anchor or reporter. She had other ideas, but when the opportunity presented itself, she grabbed it and never turned back. Now, she anchors along side an incredible team at FoxLA that includes my friends Elex Michaelson and Christine Devine, arguably one of the best newscasts in town (of course I worked there, so I’m biased). Marla has an incredible story of her own, and wait until you hear it. Not an easy childhood, she worked hard to keep strong while navigating some pretty challenging hurdles, particularly with her dad. We’ll ask her about that and what kept her going. Marla is also a runner, which not only keeps her sane, but also fit. Now 49, she had her first baby just a few months ago - Sloane - and I’m so in love with this little girl. We’ll talk about the challenges of pregnancy at a certain age, and how she and her husband are managing, because soon, Marla will be back at work, and we’ll talk about the challenges we all face as new moms. And I had some advice for her! Please find our interview on all video and audio podcast platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.
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Jake Steinfeld, Body by Jake founder, Actor, Entrepreneur
06/04/2025
Jake Steinfeld, Body by Jake founder, Actor, Entrepreneur
Please welcome to our show my friend, Jake Steinfeld, founder of Body By Jake, the phenom fitness lifestyle routine that’s changed bodies from flabby to fit worldwide. But that’s just part of his story. Jake is also a successful entrepreneur and he’ll be talking about a new product that he’s launching. He is also an established actor, and is one of my all-time favorite movies (think Eddie Murphy). In a town rumored to be transactional, he’s anything but, having been married for decades to my beautiful friend, with whom he shares four children. Jake is a family guy, and often referred to as the “Honorary Mayor of Pacific Palisades,” and yes his home, and just about everything in it, burned to the ground in the January fires. But perhaps it’s his resilience that I most admire, always looking ahead, creating new business opportunities, remaining positive, and focusing on rebuilding. And I thought, there’s a lot we can learn from Jake Steinfeld about how to keep going even when the world seems to be going up in smoke, and he joins us to talk about his life, career, family, and incredibly positive attitude that he lives by. And there’s more...we’ll ask him about any possible political ambitions we’re hearing about, too. Please join me in welcoming Jake Steinfeld on all video and audio podcast platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, and invite your friends, too. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.
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Tracey Yokas, Author, Bloodlines: A Memoir of Harm and Healing.
05/28/2025
Tracey Yokas, Author, Bloodlines: A Memoir of Harm and Healing.
May is #MentalHeath Awareness Month, and I’d like to welcome to our show mental health advocate and author Tracey Yokas, whose book, “BLOODLINES, A Memoir Of Harm And Healing,” is gaining attention for its raw portrayal of tackling mental health issues so they don’t consume your life. I met Tracey at a writer’s group I’m a part of, and I was instantly drawn to her story. There are so many struggling with past wounds and aren’t sure how to heal or even where to turn. BLOODLINES shows us it’s possible to recover and lead a healthy life. She talks about her family’s journey with mental illness and healing so people don’t feel they’re alone. We will also discuss Tracey’s early years that led her to this point, and what fuels her. When she isn’t writing about mental health and wellness, Tracey can be found playing with paint, glitter, and glue, and she says it’s art that fuels her passion for connection in community. She is also dedicated to supporting women by creating safe spaces where art, words, and vulnerability meet. Tracey is a former entertainment industry professional, and has lots to share on that, too. Being in the same writing group, I will also ask her what motivated her to finally publish her journey. A bold step I’m still considering. Please join me on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, and make sure to invite your friends, too. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and I welcome you here❤️
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Antonello Pierro, Attorney & Italian Real Estate Expert
05/28/2025
Antonello Pierro, Attorney & Italian Real Estate Expert
Whenever I return from Italy, where my family is from, I wonder why I don’t get a place there for my family to enjoy. But I have no idea where to start, who to call, or what it involves. Please welcome Antonello Pierro, attorney and Italian real estate expert to our show, who can walk us through the steps on how it done. First up, purchasing property in Italy is different than buying a place in the states. So you need to know the rules so that you don’t run around in circles wasting time and spending money you don’t need to spend. Also, once you find that coveted property, what’s involved in terms of contracts, and you need to be fully protected. For example, there’s different types of properties to purchase, and Antonello can walk us through those steps, too. Please join #deborahkobyltlive, #LittleItalyPodcast & #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast on all video and audio podcast platforms. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here. Please invite your friends to listen, too!
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Lavinia Errico, Conscious Entrepreneur. Co-Founder Equinox Founder MoveJoyLife
05/28/2025
Lavinia Errico, Conscious Entrepreneur. Co-Founder Equinox Founder MoveJoyLife
Please welcome to our show a woman I’ve long admired, Lavinia Errico, co-founder/owner of the powerhouse gym #Equinox, in addition to the founder of MOVEJOY, a platform that guides women through movement to heal, rise up, and feel more joy. And that it does! But it’s not just Lavinia’s business chops that are impressive, it’s her sincere mission to help others, whether it’s in the fitness space, spiritual, or change-of-life. Lavinia walks her talk when it comes to building others up so we can all be mentally and physically healthier. I recently attended one of MOVEJOY’s events in Malibu, not sure what to expect. But I came away feeling understood, like there was a genuine sisterhood in that space, acknowledging we were all there to learn and grow. There were interesting speakers with real take-aways, physical movement, art therapy, and friendship. And I mean it when I say people were there from every walk of life to learn, and we did. We will also journey into Lavinia’s background that ultimately led her to create one of the most exclusive gyms on the planet, #Equinox, and how she’s extended her work into the space of healing of wellness. Lavinia is also a sought-after speaker, and we’ll talk about that, too. In addition, she’s Italian from New Jersey, so you can bet we’ll do a little diving there, too. Please join me in discussion with #LaviniaErrico on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast, & #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast, and invite your friends, too. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.
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Adrienne Youdim MD, Author, Hungry for More,3x Board Certified, TEDx.
05/21/2025
Adrienne Youdim MD, Author, Hungry for More,3x Board Certified, TEDx.
Health and wellness has been all the talk for decades now, and Adrienne Youdim, MD triple board certified physician, author, and Tedx Speaker, breaks down what people are hungry for, and how to achieve better balance in our daily lives. Often, it’s about simplicity. Adrienne wrote, “Hungry for More,” which explores what’s really eating at us, why we develop unhealthy habits, and how to break the cycle. She asks, “What are you hungry for? Love? Connection? Belonging?” We’ll talk about that, but also the mental drain so many are feeling now, whether it’s from world events, too much social media where we mindlessly scroll for hours, or for those of us in LA, the aftereffects from the fires here and the mental toll it’s taken on our health. I often wonder if we’ve lost our way, and what’s a simple and organic way to get back into balance. We’ll talk about that, too. Please join my conversion with Adrienne Youdim, MD, on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, and invite your friends. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.
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Barbara Pollastrini, Chef-owner, Da Barbara
05/21/2025
Barbara Pollastrini, Chef-owner, Da Barbara
Award-winning chef, @Barbara_Pollastrini, owner of @da_Barbara_P restaurant in Hollywood, has been cooking up masterpieces in the kitchen since she was a little girl in Rome. And dining at her restaurant here, it’s easy to see why Appetito and Los Angeles Magazine named her one of the top Italian restaurants not to miss in LA. The entire experience is like being in someone’s home. In fact, the kitchen at da Barbara is literally part of the dining space, so you can watch your meal being prepared while enjoying a glass of wine. Please join me in welcoming Barbara to our #LittleItalyPodcast & #DeborahKobyltLIVE, where we will dive into her early years studying in Rome and her dream of coming to California, making a name for herself while competing in shows on the Food Network and Discovery Channel. Clearly her dream came true, as she is not just a famed chef, but also a female entrepreneur. Barbara also serves on the board of the Italian-America Chamber of Commerce West @IACCW_LA, led by president Genny Nevoso and a group of dedicated professionals - all women. Please join our discussion with Barbara on all video and audio platforms of @deborahkobyltlive, @littleitalypodcast, and @littleitalyoflapodcast. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and I thank you for joining us.
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John Kobylt, Award-Winning Talk Show and Podcast Host on KFIam640 and iHeart Radio
05/14/2025
John Kobylt, Award-Winning Talk Show and Podcast Host on KFIam640 and iHeart Radio
Please welcome my resident political analyst, John Kobylt of the award-winning #JohnKobyltShow on #KFIam640 and #iHeartRadio, updating us on issues that matter, from the massive gas price hikes expected in California, to Rick Caruso and his incredibly effective Steadfast LA, which aims to help victims of the deadly January 7th wildfires rebuild more efficiently without government red tape. We’ll also talk about the #StayInLA movement to keep filming here in Los Angeles, a city filled with creative minds and innovators, but in recent years companies have been leaving due to the high cost of doing business in California. We will also talk about the aviation disaster at some of our airports, namely Newark, NJ, where air traffic controllers have walked off the job due to stress over recent equipment failures. It is said that in some airports, floppy disks are still being used, and equipment is severely outdated. The there’s of course the tariffs. One day it’s up, next day it’s down. Where do we stand, particularly with Asia? We’ll talk about that. Join us LIVE on all video and audio podcast platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, and please invite your friends, too. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here. @JohnKobyltRadio @steadfastLA, @stayinLA @kfiam640 @iheartradio
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Heather Hackett, Founder, Local Relief
05/14/2025
Heather Hackett, Founder, Local Relief
When disaster strikes, the chaos that follows can leave communities and individuals feeling overwhelmed and struggling to connect with vital resources. Please welcome Heather Hackett, founder of Local Relief, a nonprofit mobile app designed to connect communities with essential help, services, and information once disaster strikes, serving as a central hub for disaster preparedness, survival, and recovery. Heather is from my home in Sarasota, Florida, which is no stranger to floods and hurricanes, and 2024 proved to be one emergency followed by another, leaving communities and individuals looking for information on how to recover and where to find relief. The Local Relief app connects residents with local authorities and organizations to access life saving resources during crises such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods. Residents can find food services, shelter locations, and recovery assistance, all while communicating directly with neighbors and professional services offering help. That's the heart of Local Relief-turning chaos into connection and resilience. We will talk with Heather about her vision for Local Relief not just in Florida, but in other communities as well, including here in SoCal, clearly no stranger to natural disasters from fires to floods and earthquakes. Local Relief is a boots-on-the-ground nonprofit, and local volunteers are strongly encouraged to get involved, because who knows their community better than its residents? Heather was named Humanitarian of the Year 2024 by the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation. Let’s just say this isn’t her first rodeo in the space of giving back to her community, and we will discuss that as well. We’re stronger when we work together, whether in Los Angeles, Sarasota, or anywhere else we call home. Please join me in welcoming Heather to #DeborahKobyltLIVE & #TheSarasotaPodcast on all video and audio podcast platforms, and invite your friends, too. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here. Also, if you have a story idea, particularly in #Sarasota where we’re looking to grow our podcast, please let us know💚
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Valentina Castellani Quinn and Marvin Williams
04/09/2025
Valentina Castellani Quinn and Marvin Williams
It’s been just 100 years since silent films were all the rage in Hollywood, followed by talkies, moving color, digital, and now AI. Please join me in welcoming two experts in the film world who join us to talk about the ever-changing world of Hollywood, Valentina Castellani Quinn, president of Quinn Studios Entertainment, and Marvin Williams, founder of Big M Entertainment Pictures, discussing their latest venture on the Sony Pictures Studios lot to combine the best of Hollywood with the latest technologies. Valentina’s father-in-law was Anthony Quinn, and she talks about the timing of this venture with Sony, once Columbia Pictures, which produced one of Mr. Quinn’s greatest films, Lawrence of Arabia. The film’s poster hangs proudly in the halls of Sony to celebrate its 100-year anniversary making motion pictures. Marvin, best known for producing “The Jungle Book,” among other classics, said he plans to combine the past with the future of Hollywood projects by merging AI technology with art. He says much like Netflix, Apple, and Hulu, streaming is where it’s at. At least for now. Will they transform older films with AI technology? We be talking about that, too. We’ll also discuss some new ventures, including involvement with the Canne Film Festival and a very “passionate” film development that’s in the works as well. Please tune into #DeborahKobyltLIVE, the #LittleItalyPodcast and #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast on all video and audio podcast platforms to hear our discussion. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and I thank you for joining us.
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Debora Medici-Guetta, Visual Artist, Women’s Rights Advocate, Philanthropist
04/02/2025
Debora Medici-Guetta, Visual Artist, Women’s Rights Advocate, Philanthropist
Debora Medici-Guetta has inspired me since the day I met her. I could feel her intense passion for her work, her support of women, and for being someone not afraid to talk about her journey in life. So won't you please welcome her to our show this incredibly talented photographer & photojournalist, graphic artist, and documentary filmmaker. Debora was born in Rome, and the first time she landed in Los Angeles, she felt at home among other creatives free to express their art unfiltered. She now divides her time between here and Italy. Debora took time off, like many women, to focus on family. Her husband is famed artist #MrBrainwash, aka Thierry Guetta, and that alone is a full time job managing that level of notoriety. But a decade ago, Debora decided to get back into the game and began the intuitive process of reframing who she was, one image at a time. A return to making art meant embarking, in Debora’s words, on “a big, long, introspective journey.” After several years refining her technique and honing her perspective, she would reveal a series of photographs aptly titled, “Out of The Shadow,” a haunting body of images that reflected Debora’s desire to shed the trappings of the past and position herself as an artist in the world. She followed this exhibition with “Landed”, a series of collages that capture the frenetic and freeing energy of the world’s great urban centers. As her vision grew, so did Debora’s interests, so she started working with, and eventually joined, the board of directors for We Do It Together (WDIT), a nonprofit that produces films, documentaries, TV, and new media uniquely dedicated to the empowerment of women. Recently, for International Women’s Day, the group launched “One of Us,” a documentary for which Debora served as honorary set photographer. The film, sponsored by Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles, follows four Italian women who are challenging gender bias and discrimination in their fields of work. We will talk with Debora about her incredibly successful career, and how she encourages women to discover who they are. She says her work “prioritizes emotions over mere moments,” and we’ll talk with her about that, in addition to her life, and of course living with #MrBrainwash himself. Lots to ask there. Please join my interview with Deborah Medici-Guetta on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast, & #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to have you with us.
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Eden Alpert, Partner, Vibrato Grill Jazz
03/26/2025
Eden Alpert, Partner, Vibrato Grill Jazz
Please welcome to our show, Eden Alpert, partner at Vibrato Grill Jazz in Bel Air, which remains one of the most outstanding places in LA to hear LIVE music while enjoying amazing food and drink. But it’s the story behind Vibrato that really steals the show, and it’s all about Eden. Eden grew up in LA, the adopted daughter of jazz great Herb Alpert and his then wife, Sharon. She was adopted through Vista Del Mar, an all Jewish Family and Child non-profit service agency at the time. But as Eden tells it, her early years were far from perfect, describing her mother as a raging alcoholic and drug addict, while her dad was on the road. Which was a lot. Her parents divorced when she was three. But Eden decided she didn’t want to be a victim to her past, she did A LOT of therapy to find peace and balance. She also went on a journey to find her birth mother, but that didn’t quite work out as expected, and we’ll talk about it. When her father opened Vibrato, Eden worked as a hostess, but after her dad saw how customers gravitated towards her, she not only managed the place, she eventually became partner. Let’s just Eden is who people ask for when they walk through the door, she keeps it going as the vibrant, A-list venue that it’s known for. Yet it’s tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, so locals love it, too. Eden has one daughter, the light of her life, and when we spoke she was busy planning her wedding. And she was also on her way to a board meeting. She is big into philanthropy, and serves on four boards. Yet she still found time to call me for a preinterview, because that’s how Eden rolls. Please find my full conversation with Eden on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, and invite your friends, too. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and I thank you for joining us.
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Emanuele Amendola, Director at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles
03/26/2025
Emanuele Amendola, Director at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles
Please welcome to our show, the director of the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di LosAngeles, AKA the Italian Cultural Institute, Emanuele Amendola, and he joins us to discuss the mission of the @iiclosangeles in bringing cultural, scientific, academic, and culinary experiences that highlight everything authentic direct from Italy. The programs are all free, engaging, and open to everyone. Emanuele works closely with our Consul General of Italy in LA, Raffaella Valentini, and together they have forged a partnership that brings us the best of everything from Italia, including products direct from Italy. Each exhibit, talk, and experience is unique. Recently, there was a showing and discussion about the film, Womeness, followed a few days later with the opening and lecture about the Volterra exhibit. There was a Q&A and demonstration with famed chef Nancy Silverton, and the list goes on. So we wanted to know, how does Emanuele select what to present to the public, because the Cultural Institite goes beyond the walls of their physical location in Westwood. Their work extends down to San Diego in addition to nine states, so in effect, they take their work on the road! Also, in addition to top exhibitions, musical performances and more, the @IICLosAngeles offers language courses and incentives for exchange programs. Before coming on board here in Los Angeles, Emanuele was appointed Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Washington DC, where his duties included fostering partnerships between Italian and American cultural institutions. He started his tenure at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles in January 2022. Please give a warm welcome to Emanuele, and join our interview on all video and audio podcast platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast, and the #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.
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Yvonne Scio, Writer & Director of Womeness; Actress & Model
03/26/2025
Yvonne Scio, Writer & Director of Womeness; Actress & Model
As we continue to celebrate #InternationalWomensMonth, please welcome my guest, Yvonne Scio, actress, model, and the writer/director of the documentary, Womeness, which was just recently screened at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles to rave reviews! Yvonne, who was raised in Italy, is also known for her work in the 2006 version of The Pink Panther, in addition to Redline, and Rose Red. She’s appeared on TV in both Italia and the States, including The Nanny. In fact, here’s a bit of trivia for you - her best friend is Fran Drescher, who was in attendance at the screening of #Womeness. Yvonne’s film is a magnificent look into the stories of five extraordinary women, offering a portrait into female resilience, identity, and the evolution of feminism. Womeness unfolds in two parallel narratives: on one side, three women who lived through the formidable season of Italian feminism, who reflect on the battles fought, the victories won, and the challenges that remain. On the other side of the story, and the world, are the lives of two women who defied societal prejudice by following the painter Balthus to Italy, and embracing what became her silent revolution. Through music and performance, they turn art into resistance, amplifying the voices of women from Iran and beyond in their fight to reclaim control over their bodies. The film remains with me, it is extremely powerful. In addition, my dear friend, Lorenza Calamandrei, composed the music in the film. During our interview, we will ask Yvonne about the inspiration behind Womeness, and the impact the film is expected to create throughout the world. Now more than ever. Please find my full interview with Yvonne Scio on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast and #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to have you join us. Please invite your friends as well to this important conversation.
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Petra Van Bremen, Influencer, International Model, Author, Women’s Advocate
03/19/2025
Petra Van Bremen, Influencer, International Model, Author, Women’s Advocate
Petra van Bremen is one of the most beautiful and elegant women I’ve ever met. We were introduced at the Venice Film Festival, and sat next to one other during the gala dinner honoring Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon. That’s where I got to know her, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Petra was born a beauty and has been modeling since she was a young girl in Europe. Last year, she was featured in Vogue, and it seems the older she gets, the more work she gets, too. It’s no longer taboo to tell your age or let your hair go gray or white. Look at Andie MacDowell or Maye Musk. They’re fashion icons, owning this time in life and feeling more empowered than ever, inspiring the rest of us to do the same. And that’s what Petra is doing, too. Working the clothes from top fashion designers, showing the world that there’s beauty in aging. And we talk about that, about her book on beauty, which is currently published only in German, and how we can all feel empowered at any age or size. We just have to believe there’s no rules but our own. Please find my full interview with Petra on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE and please invite your friends, too. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to have you join us.
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Ira DeWitt, Founder, SAINT Candles
03/13/2025
Ira DeWitt, Founder, SAINT Candles
Dr. Ira Dewitt inspires me. And a lot of other people, too. Ira grew up a sickly kid, but she clearly had some devine intervention because she’s healthy now, traveling the globe, and is the founder of something not only beautiful, but truly inspirational, SAINT Candles. And recently, she founded the SAINT app, and she also hosts her beyond SAINT Podcast. Oh, and her husband is Bill Dewitt, President of the St. Louis Cardinals. On top of that, Ira is the proud mama of three children. How does she do it all? She credits her faith, and determination to live life to the fullest. In fact, she lives part-time in Rome, and says she embraces Italian life and culture as if she were born Italian. She’s wasn’t, but she has the spirit of one. We’ll talk about Ira’s faith and how it guides her, also her infamous SAINT candles have became the “it” candles in Hollywood, inspiring a place many say doesn’t embrace faith, but it does. I’ve experienced it firsthand. Her SAINT app offers daily devotionals and inspiring messages, and her beyond SAINT Podcast will have you clinging to your chair. Check it out! Please welcome Dr. Ira Dewitt to #DeborahKobyltLIVE on all video and audio podcast platforms. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and I hope you invite your friends to join us, too! Should be a very inspiring chat🙏🏻
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