DENNIS ANYONE? with Dennis Hensley
"A poodocast about making things up and making things happen." L.A.-based writer-performer Dennis Hensley interviews a different creative person each week about what they do, why they do it, and how they keep it going. Past guests have included authors, actors, photographers, musicians, screenwriters, acrobats and one visual artist who makes cartoons centered around dead houseflies.
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Filmmaker Wes Hurley: "He's Talented, He Couldn't Be Gay"
09/20/2021
Filmmaker Wes Hurley: "He's Talented, He Couldn't Be Gay"
After surviving a breakthrough case of COVID, Dennis returns with this Zoom with filmmaker Wes Hurley whose delightful autobiographical film Potato Dreams of America is currently playing the festival circuit and will be released in 2022. The film tells the story of how he moved from Eastern Russian at 16 when his mother became a mail order bride for an American man in Seattle. He talks about his decision to use magical realism to tell his own story, using two sets of actors to play the mother and son characters and how he came to cast Mean Girls Jonathan Bennett, Orange Is the New Black's Lea Delaria and Love Boat's Lauren Tewes is key supporting roles. He talks about how American movies shaped his childhood in Russia and becoming obsessed with Gregg Araki's gay classic The Living End...but renting it in secret so his stepfather wouldn't find out he's gay. He also recalls what it was like when he first came to the U.S., the challenge of making friends, his mom helping meet other gay people and how he learned English by immersion. Other topics include: Keanu Reeves in tighty-whities, rebelling by listening to Marilyn Manson, Freddie Mercury being huge in Russia, what it took to get the movie made, his Russian grandmother's visits to Seattle, how getting a hotel room from a film festival made him feel legit, the grant he received that changed the game and the times when his mother says, "Stop being so Russian."
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Filmmaker Todd Stephens ("Swan Song"): "All of These Magical Things Kept Happening"
08/07/2021
Filmmaker Todd Stephens ("Swan Song"): "All of These Magical Things Kept Happening"
Dennis is joined via Zoom by Todd Stephens, the writer director of the new film Swan Song, which is about retired hairdresser named Mr. Pat played by Udo Kier who busts out of his nursing home to do one last job, styling the hair of the dead society matron for her funeral. Todd talks about the real-life Mr. Pat who inspired the movie, collecting stories from people who knew the real Pat, and how the character of Mr. Pat was supposed to be in Todd's first film Edge of 17 but got cut. Todd talks about the inspired casting of Udo Kier as Pat, meeting Udo--and his dog Liza Minelli--at his home in Palm Springs, and becoming friends with Udo over a year before shooting. He also talks about why it was important to him for the queer characters in his film to be played by queer actors. He also talks about how meaningful it's been to shoot multiple movies in his hometown of Sandusky, Ohio, the theme of redemption after being counted out and why it was important to him to play gay film festivals with the film. Other topics include: the Variety review that did a number on him, tracking down More cigarettes, including Mr. Pat's favorite songs on the soundtrack, being helped out by the town witch, why he loves teaching film to young people and snagging the Linda Evans portrait from the prop department for his apartment after the shoot.
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Actor Arianna Ortiz ("Nine Days"): "I Got Pizza Hut Socks!"
07/28/2021
Actor Arianna Ortiz ("Nine Days"): "I Got Pizza Hut Socks!"
Dennis is joined via Zoom by actor Arianna Ortiz one of the stars of the new film Nine Days, a unique and moving film about seven souls and the man who decides whether or not they're going to go to earth. Arianna talks about the role she plays Maria, what it's like to create a character with virtually no backstory and what made Nine Days a dream-come-true experience. She recalls how the audition came to her, the thrill of getting the part and what it felt like to shoot the scene in the movie where her character is in the center of a lot of cinematic magic. She also talks about the mind-trip of premiering the film at Sundance to raves and then having the whole world shut down due to COVID and how she processed all that. Other topics include: finding a therapist through the Actors Fund, appearing in super-dramatic commercials, getting swag at Sundance, bonding with co-star Winston Duke and how the Nine Days experience changed her life. https://www.ariannaortiz.com/
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Summertime Magic: w/ filmmaker Carlos Lopez Estrada & actors/poets Paolina Acuña González, Raul Herrera & Marquesha Babers
07/07/2021
Summertime Magic: w/ filmmaker Carlos Lopez Estrada & actors/poets Paolina Acuña González, Raul Herrera & Marquesha Babers
Dennis is joined via Zoom by four of the creative forces behind the new film Summertime; director Carlos Lopez Estrada, and actors / poets Paolina Acuña González, Raul Herrera and Marquesha Babers. Carlos shares the projects origin story, recalling how he saw a live performance of a group of LA poets and was so knocked out by their performances that he came up with the day-in-the-life-of-Los Angeles idea as a way to showcase them all in a feature film. Paolina talks about her poem "Red Lipstick" and the spectacular choreographed dance number the comes out of it in the film. Raul talks about his poem "Clouds," which he wrote years ago and marvels that something he created as a way to cope with grief ended up being immortalized on film in Summertime. And Marquesha talks about her poem, "Shallow" and the heartless man who inspired it. Other topics include: where the title Summertime comes from, how the San Fernando Valley fits into all of this and the joy of creating art for the sake of creating art. https://gooddeedentertainment.com/summertime/
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Comedian Julia Scotti ("Funny That Way"): Very Fine People On Both Sides of the Lincoln Tunnel
06/21/2021
Comedian Julia Scotti ("Funny That Way"): Very Fine People On Both Sides of the Lincoln Tunnel
Dennis is joined via Zoom by comedian Julia Scotti who is the subject of the new documentary Julia Scotti: Funny That Way, which tells the story of how she began her career in comedy as Rick Scotti in the 80's and 90's before transitioning in her late 40's and going back into comedy as Julia. Julia talks about why she chose to trust filmmaker Susan Sandler to tell her story, how she was denied contact with her children for 14 years after her transition, and what it was like to finally reconnect with them. She also recalls her appearance on America's Got Talent and her spur-of-the-moment decision to tell the world that she was trans. Other topics include: the joy of being an abomination, agism in comedy, losing the love of her life after transitioning, her desire to be a mother, her favorite AGT judge and what it feels like to get a great big laugh.
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THE BOYS WHO BRUNCH: w/ writer Sean Abley, actors Bill Brochtrup and Parnell Damone Marcano and sound designer Jeff Gardner
06/14/2021
THE BOYS WHO BRUNCH: w/ writer Sean Abley, actors Bill Brochtrup and Parnell Damone Marcano and sound designer Jeff Gardner
Dennis is joined via Zoom by four of the creators behind the new audio drama 90069: West Hollywood - Brunch, Interrupted, which is one of a series of Zip Code plays produced by the L.A.-based Antaeus Theatre Company. The four guests are writer Sean Abley, actors Parnell Damone Marcano and Bill Brochtrup (who is also the company's Artistic Director) and sound designer Jeff Gardner. The quartet talk about the process of creating the project during COVID and the play's oh-so-current theme of gentrification of gay neighborhoods. Then the group joins Dennis for a rousing round of You Don't Know My Life! where they each submit answers to this question: What's something you've witnessed or experienced where you thought, 'Only in West Hollywood?' The answers range from the hilarious--a shirtless neighbor asking, "Do you have any poppers I could borrow?"--to the poignant--RIP, Silver Spoon and Yukon Mining Company diners. You can listen to the audio play Brunch Interrupted here: https://antaeus.org/special_events/90069-west-hollywood/
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SHAPED BY SYLVESTER: Tiki Spills the Tea - hosted by Steven Reigns
06/03/2021
SHAPED BY SYLVESTER: Tiki Spills the Tea - hosted by Steven Reigns
On this special Pride month podcast, Dennis handles the audio editing on this one as he welcomes past podcast guest Steven Reigns to present a project he produced about the legendary disco star Sylvester's Los Angeles roots. Here's the official synopsis: Born in Watts, Los Angeles, to a middle-class African-American family, Sylvester developed a love of singing through the gospel choir of his church. Leaving the church after the congregation expressed disapproval of his homosexuality, he found friendship among a group of black cross-dressers and transgender women who called themselves The Disquotays. He made an impact in music, fashion, personal expression and also on those he befriended even before his fame. Hear about Sylvester’s influence to a previous West Hollywood resident who grew up with him, Tiki Lofton. Tiki met Sylvester, then known as Dooni, and that friendship influenced her life. Listen to her tales of growing up black and trans in LA in the 60s as a part of the Disquotays with a good friend that soon became a disco superstar. Sylvester biographer Joshua Gamson is featured as well. This program is presented with the support of a grant from the City of West Hollywood’s Arts Division as part of the City's One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival. Steven Reigns, Los Angeles poet and educator, was appointed the first Poet Laureate of West Hollywood. He has two previous collections, Inheritance and Your Dead Body is My Welcome Mat, and over a dozen chapbooks. Reigns edited My Life is Poetry, showcasing his students' work from the first-ever autobiographical poetry workshop for LGBTQ seniors. Reigns has lectured and taught writing workshops around the country to LGBTQ youth and people living with HIV. Currently he is touring The Gay Rub, an exhibition of rubbings from LGBTQ landmarks around the world. His new book A Quilt for David will be published by City Lights in September 2021. Steven Reigns: Joshua Gamson: Sylvester:
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Author Michael Anthony ("Life at Hamilton"): The No-Look Pour Never Goes Well
05/30/2021
Author Michael Anthony ("Life at Hamilton"): The No-Look Pour Never Goes Well
Dennis is joined via Zoom by Michael Anthony, author of the new book Life at Hamilton, which documents his experience as the Bar Manager at the Richard Rogers Theater where the Broadway sensation Hamilton premiered in 2015 and went on to become a global phenomenon. Mike talks about the book’s humble beginnings as social media posts, how they gradually became more and more popular, the time he would spend responding to posts from his followers and how the posts involved into a book. He also talks about what it’s like to be a trained actor and be tending bar in a setting where so many others are living their dreams as performers. He also talks about the lesson his position has taught him: that you can’t always become the thing you’ve dreamed of being…but you can keep finding new things that light you up. He talks about what it was like to be around the Hamilton phenomenon during the Trump Era and recalls the night after the election when Vice President-Elect Mike Pence came to the show. He also talks about his passionate curiosity in what happens after we die and the unlikely butterfly sightings he’s had that make him believe that his father is still with us. He recalls some of the famous people who have come to see Hamilton and shares sweet stories about Amy Schumer, Rosie O’Donnell and Jimmy Kimmel. Other topics include: his first meeting with Hamilton creator Lin Manuel Miranda, what Lin thinks about the book, the moment in Hamilton that always makes him cry, the incredible journey his father made to see him in a show, bartending flashiness, when Obama and Biden came to the show, the incredible power of kindness and what’s the most popular candy at Hamilton.
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Singer-Actor-Dancer-Only Fans Entrepreneur Valton Jackson: "Everyone Should Be Unapologetically Who They Are"
05/15/2021
Singer-Actor-Dancer-Only Fans Entrepreneur Valton Jackson: "Everyone Should Be Unapologetically Who They Are"
Dennis is joined via Zoom by singer-dancer-actor=model-porn star-Only Fans entrepreneur Valton Jackson who just released an EP of remixes for his sexy single "Shirtless" and also posted a spot-on video to Instagram, where he recreates Britney Spears' "Sometimes" video at a water villa in the Maldives. He talks about the making of that video, growing up in Georgia, how he got into performing and what it's like to be in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in the morning...and fly home to have dinner the same day with his family in Georgia. He talks about his decision to get into porn at 28, how doing porn gave him a sense of control after years of being at the mercy of the show business gods, coming up with his porn alter ego Andre Donovan, and how his Only Fans page helped him stay afloat during COVID when live theater work dried up. He also talks about growing up with shame about his sexuality and the process of coming to his own and living his truth, regardless of what people think. Other topics include: the Chorus Line director who pushed his buttons, bringing his acting skills--including tears--to his porn work, the difference between doing studio porn and Only Fans, how stopped compartmentalizing the different parts of his career, what his family thinks about his work, dating while porn-ing and his ultimate Britney Spears dream meet-up scenario. And after the interview, Dennis gives Valton a special BRITNEY SPEARS BIRTHDAY QUIZ. Spoiler alert: Valton crushes it.
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Comedian Jim David (Gay Jokes for Straight Cruisers): "I Finally Found My Niche"
05/06/2021
Comedian Jim David (Gay Jokes for Straight Cruisers): "I Finally Found My Niche"
Dennis is joined via Zoom by his old pal, comedian Jim David to talk about Jim's hilarious new album Gay Jokes for Straight Cruisers, which he recorded on a trans-Atlantic cruise in March 2020. He talks about what inspired him to put the album together, the early-COVID time capsule quality of the album and the thrill of going to Number 1 on iTunes. Other topics include: how edgy the cruise lines that hire him allow him to get, when he thinks cruising will return, when cruise passengers complain about his gay material, how he uses his downtime on the ships, what his 90-year old parents think of his career, the clever nicknames he has for his fans and that time he insulted Trump to his face. www.comicjimdavid.com
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Actress-Singer Kathy Deitch ("Titanique"): "I Was Just Adorable"
04/24/2021
Actress-Singer Kathy Deitch ("Titanique"): "I Was Just Adorable"
Dennis connects via Zoom with actress and singer Kathy Deitch, one of the stars of the comedic musical homage Titanique, which streams live on Sunday, May 2nd at 7:30 PM EST / 4:30 PST. Kathy plays "Kathy Bates as Molly Brown" in the send-up, which originated as a stage production that played both in New York and LA. Kathy talks about how she got involved in the show, her affection for Kathy Bates and Celine Dion and what it's like to sing Celine's money notes in "All By Myself." She also talks about appearing in Magic Mike XXL as the object of Matt Bomer's bumping and grinding in the movie's epic climactic strip sequence, being part of the original Broadway casts of Wicked and Footloose. She also talks about her fat activism, the podcast she hosts on the subject "Plus This! Show" how he relationship to the word 'fat' has evolved and starting a sketch comedy group with like-minded performers called "Fatch." Other topics include: feeling inspired by Ann Wilson of Heart, teaching young people to sing, the children's show scripts that offend her, the myth that show business has to be hard, the power of representation and the real-life Maria Von Trapp who changed her life. www.titanicmusical.com
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Actor Randy Harrison ("Cock"): I Want To Be Challenged and Amazed"
04/06/2021
Actor Randy Harrison ("Cock"): I Want To Be Challenged and Amazed"
Dennis is joined via Zoom by actor Randy Harrison to discuss the play he's currently appearing in, Mike Bartlett's Cock, which is streaming through April 18th through the Studio Theatre in Washington DC. In the play, he plays John, a self-identified gay man who leaves a long-term relationship, begins seeing a woman soon after and ends up torn between the two lovers. Randy talks about the themes of identity, power and desire that drew him to the piece, his desire to someday do it before an audience and what it was like to rehearse and shoot the production during COVID-19. He also discusses his breakout turn as Justin in the American version of Queer as Folk, leaving a summer stock ensemble gig to go shoot it, and how the experience was all of the things; exciting, scary, insane and fun all at once. Other topics include: his decision to be out from the get-go, how the discussion around LGBT roles and actors has evolved recently, his dream gig, why he acts and his favorite memory of shooting Queer as Folk.
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Filmmaker Jon Garcia and actors Ernesto Reyes & Jesse Tayeh ("Luz"): "Love Takes Courage"
03/24/2021
Filmmaker Jon Garcia and actors Ernesto Reyes & Jesse Tayeh ("Luz"): "Love Takes Courage"
Dennis Zooms with the three men behind the new prison romance "Luz;" writer-director Jon Garcia and actors Ernesto Reyes, who plays prison newbie Ruben and Jesse Tayeh who plays his seen-it-all cellmate Carlos. They talk about shooting in a real prison in Oregon, why they couldn't wear blue during shooting and including actual inmates in the film. Jon discusses the strong chemistry between the actors and how he knew they were the right choices and the actors talk about the strong bond they forged working on the film. Jon talks about the culture of machismo that's explored in the film and enlisting his own mother to play Carlos's mother in the film. The trio also talk about their approach to the film's two powerful sex scenes, why they were important to the film and what they were like for the actors to shoot. Other topics include: getting the tortilla-making right, bringing levity to serious work, the kind or unkind ways we speak to ourselves, the way guys razz each other for dumb things like the way they carry their books or drink from a bottle and the gloriousness that is Costco pizza.
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Jackie Beat & Danny Pintauro (Who's Da Boss?): "My Feet Hurt From Paving the Way"
03/06/2021
Jackie Beat & Danny Pintauro (Who's Da Boss?): "My Feet Hurt From Paving the Way"
Dennis is joined via Zoom by writer-performer-drag legend Jackie Beat to talk about Sunday's Zoom event 'WHO'S DA BOSS? THE LOST TAPES'...a loving homage to the classic sitcom Who's the Boss? Halfway through the chat, Dennis and Jackie are joined by actor Danny Pintauro who played Jonathan Bower on the original Who's the Boss? and reprises his role in this stage / Zoom version. Jackie talks about finding ways to stay sane, creative and make money during the pandemic, having plastic surgery on his neck during lockdown and what he hooks into when playing Angela, Judith Light's character on Who's Da Boss? When Danny joins, he talks about what appealed to him about doing the stage show, coming out in The Enquirer, calling Judith Light right after coming out, overcoming the demons of child stardom and coming out happy on the other side. Other topics include: Joan Rivers memories, the upside of doing online shows, doing personalized videos on Cameo, Stanford pride, love of animals, what's cool about Austin, TX, a possible Who's the Boss? reboot, how the world has changed for LGBT actors since the Who's the Boss? days, his friendship with Alyssa Milano, finding love through Tupperware, how drag's place in the gay entertainment hierarchy has changed in the last decade and Tony Danza's sweatpants obsession.
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2020 Movie Wrap Up w/ Glenn Gaylord & Michael Dougherty
02/15/2021
2020 Movie Wrap Up w/ Glenn Gaylord & Michael Dougherty
For the fourth year in a row, Dennis is joined my film buffs Glenn Gaylord and Michael Doughtery to look back on the films of 2020 (and early '21) Glenn is the Senior Film Critic at the Queer Review and Michael is the Director of the Reel Abilities Film Festival. Movies discussed include: The Invisible Man, Shirley, Nomadland, The Painter and the Thief, Assassins, A Thousand Cuts, Collective, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, Promising Young Woman, Butt Boy, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Da 5 Bloods, The Father, I'm Thinking of Ending Things, The Climb, First Cow, Minari, The Vast of Night, Palm Springs, Beanpole, The Assistant, Dramarama, Two Eyes, Crip Camp, Run, Welcome to Chechnya, Time, I Am Woman, Kajillionaire, The High Note, Blow the Man Down, Miss Americana, On the Rocks, Freaky, Color out of Space, Possessor, I Carry You With Me, Monsoon, Breaking Fast, The Pink Cloud and Gunda. Other topics include: the magic of pillow forts and Milk Duds, the moves that drive Glenn's dog Sydney crazy, friends showing up for each other and movies as "empathy machines."
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Actor-Writer Ryan J. Haddad (Hi, Are You Single?): "The Milkshakes Are Here!"
02/01/2021
Actor-Writer Ryan J. Haddad (Hi, Are You Single?): "The Milkshakes Are Here!"
Dennis is joined via Zoom by Ryan J. Haddad the star and writer of the one-man show Hi Are You Single? which is streaming on line all through February (see link below). The show is a funny, smart and moving look his quest for love, connection, or just a decent hookup as a gay man with cerebral palsy. He talks about the origins of the show, why gay men looking for connection can be cruel to each other, and some of the reactions he's gotten to the show. He also talks about coming out to his family, some of the reactions he's gotten to the play, and the profound reaction he had to the Netflix TV series Special, which also features a gay protagonist with cerebral palsy. Other topics include: working with Ben Platt, Bette Midler and Jackie Hoffman on the TV show The Politician, the special dedication at the end of the piece, the frustrating Grindr interface and milkshakes with donuts on top.
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Breaking Fast Filmmaker Mike Mosallam & actor Amin El Gamal: "A Journey That Looked Like Mine"
01/18/2021
Breaking Fast Filmmaker Mike Mosallam & actor Amin El Gamal: "A Journey That Looked Like Mine"
Dennis is joined via Zoom by filmmaker Mike Mossalam and actor Amin El Gaman two of the men behind the new queer rom-com Breaking Fast, about Mo, a devout Muslim doctor in Los Angeles (Haaz Sleiman) who begins a relationship with a All-American-type actor (Michael Cassidy) during the month of Ramadan. MIke is the writer-director of the film and he talks about what inspired him to write it, the challenges of shooting a movie with lots of delicious food scenes and how his love of musical theater found its way into the story. Amin plays Mo's best friend Sam and talks about what drew him to the project, what it's like to play a light, fun Muslim role after playing darker roles on projects like Prison Break and The Newsroom and how moved he was when a relative came out to him after seeing the film. Other topics include: their dream projects, the reactions they've gotten thus far to the film, Superman as an immigrant story and the pop culture moments that helped shape their queer identities.
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Actor-Writer-Director Tom DeTrinis: "You Need To Dance Like Him"
12/29/2020
Actor-Writer-Director Tom DeTrinis: "You Need To Dance Like Him"
Dennis connects via Zoom with actor-writer-director Tom DeTrinis to discuss his one-person show Making Friends, which is available to stream at the IAMA Theatre company website through January 11th. Tom talks about the central theme of the play, specifically his anger and where it comes from, how his road rage figures in, and why he chose to mount the show virtually instead of waiting until it's safe to do live theater again. He also talks about how AOL chat rooms fed his teenage horndog instincts, the inspiring older gay role models he found when he discovered theater as a tween, and the friend TJ who forced him out of the closet. Other topics include: Tom's decision to wear a "uniform" in his everyday life, nipple bars, the magic of caftans, the joy and freedom of dance and the most delicious Ryan Gosling story this side of The Notebook. https://www.iamatheatre.com/
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Deven Green & Ned Douglas: "I'm Not a Farmer. Of course, I'm Going to Get Dressed Up"
12/16/2020
Deven Green & Ned Douglas: "I'm Not a Farmer. Of course, I'm Going to Get Dressed Up"
Dennis connects via Zoom with Deven Green and Ned Douglas, creators of the new Revry game show Versus, where contestants answer questions about their own social media feeds, play silly games like Roosters vs. Snails and try to make sense of what's coming out of emcee Deven's mouth. Deven and Ned talk about how they came up with the idea for the show, how Revry got involved and how they produced the entire thing themselves from writing to shooting to editing to composing the music. They also talk about why they make a good time, staying creative during these surreal times and the free online shows they've been doing every Friday morning at 11 PST since COVID hit. Other topics include: why drag queens are the best performers, Deven's Canadian roots, why they both love L.A., why Poltergeist is terrifying and that Christmas morning where 5 year-old Deven went crazy and opened everyone's presents before they got up.
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Hugh Nini & Neal Treadwell ("Loving: A Photographic History of Men in Love 1850s to 1950s"): The Embrace Heard Around the World
12/07/2020
Hugh Nini & Neal Treadwell ("Loving: A Photographic History of Men in Love 1850s to 1950s"): The Embrace Heard Around the World
Dennis is joined via Zoom by Hugh Nini & Neal Treadwell, the real-life couple behind the remarkable new book Loving: A Photographic History of Men in Love 1850s to 1950s, a gorgeous collection of vintage photos they've collected of male couples in love. Hugh and Neal talk about the day they discovered their first photo, the rush of discovery that comes with every new find, the way their collection quietly grew without anyone else really knowing about it, and what went into choosing the cover photo and the title Loving. The couple also talk about their "50/50" test, which determines whether a photo will be considered for the collection or not, and the one couple featured in the book whose story they actually know something about--it involves a ring and a shoebox and you might cry. Neal talks about the job in cosmetics that allowed him to hunt for photos in different cities and Hugh talks about how the people in these photos didn't face what he calls "the homophobic industrial complex" that emerged in more recent decades. Other topics include: umbrellas as a signifier, the first selfie, how Hugh and Neal first met, their own photo moment at the March in Washington in the 90's and the incredible responses they've gotten from all around the world.
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Writer-Producer Sean Dwyer ("Holiday Rush"): "We Had to CGI The Spring Flowers Out"
12/01/2020
Writer-Producer Sean Dwyer ("Holiday Rush"): "We Had to CGI The Spring Flowers Out"
Dennis connects via Zoom with Sean Dwyer, an L.A.-based writer-producer whose Christmas-themed movie Holiday Rush is currently streaming on Netflix. The film is about a successful New York radio personality and father of four who, just a few years after the death of his beloved wife, abruptly loses his job and has to reimagine his whole life. Sean talks about the origins of the story, shooting a holiday movie in the spring, casting Romany Malco from A Million Little Things as the lead...and scoring singer Darlene Love for the role of the grandmother--and getting her to record a new version of her seasonal classic "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)." Sean also talks about his previous Netflix film Walk, Ride, Rodeo, about a real-life Utah teenager who resumed competitive rodeo months after a paralyzing spinal cord injury...and he recalls his first job in show business, as a driver for legendary TV producer Norman Lear. He also talks about Half Husband, a short film he shot during COVID about a gay man and a straight woman who decide to get married and build a life together. Other topics include: his daily writing process, staying creative during the pandemic, his dream to make a musical and where Norman Lear's enchanting hats.
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Author Paria Hassouri ("Found in Transition"): "Now She's Super-Hugger"
11/12/2020
Author Paria Hassouri ("Found in Transition"): "Now She's Super-Hugger"
Dennis connects via Zoom with his yoga pal and author Paria Hassouri to talk about her new memoir Found In Transition: A Mother's Evolution through Her Child's Gender Change. which documents her journey and her family's journey through the process of her teenage daughter Ava's gender transition. She talks about her initial reaction to her daughter saying she was trans, which was skepticism, and recalls the family Thanksgiving dinner early on when Ava wanted to wear a dress. She talks her own resistance to Ava's first therapist, who was trans, how Ava's journey brought up her own body issues and how Ava's generation seems to be more open around issues of sexuality and gender. She talks getting the troubling phone call that opens the book--from her daughter's school--while being on a yoga retreat in Thailand. Other topics include: becoming an activist, how Ava's doing now and how Ava's coming out as trans dovetailed with her own emergence as a writer.
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Jon Lawrence Rivera & Jon Imparato (Director & Producer of "March"): "It's Only 16 Cars, People"
10/22/2020
Jon Lawrence Rivera & Jon Imparato (Director & Producer of "March"): "It's Only 16 Cars, People"
Dennis connects via Zoom with director Jon Lawrence Rivera and producer Jon Imparato, two of the creative forces behind the new play "March." "March" is not a Zoom-happening. It's an actual live theatrical experience presented in the parking garage of the LA LGBT Center to an audience watching safely from their cars. The play is set in a post-Trump, dystopian, anti-queer future and focuses on three LGBT characters running and hiding and fighting for their lives. Jon and Jon talk about what made them crazy enough to mount a live show during a pandemic, how they crafted the script from the performers' real life experiences and why it was important that the show be hard-hitting and political. Other topics include: the thrill of presenting a new play live at a time when virtually no one else in the country is, the challenge of directing actors whose faces are covered by masks and shields and that time an audience member's car broke down in the middle of the show. https://lalgbtcenter.org/culture-education/on-our-stages
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Filmmaker Nicol Paone ("Friendsgiving"): "The Turkey Leg Was Here and Not Here"
10/20/2020
Filmmaker Nicol Paone ("Friendsgiving"): "The Turkey Leg Was Here and Not Here"
While driving cross country, actor and filmmaker Nicol Paone joins Dennis via Zoom to talk about her debut film as writer-director, the ensemble holiday comedy Friendsgiving. She talks about the getting the inspiration for the movie from a real-life experience, how she got the movie made and working with the cast, which includes Malin Akerman, Kat Dennings, AIsha Tyler, Jane Seymour, Christine Taylor and Chelsea Peretti. She also talks about how getting to step behind the camera changed her approach to her acting career, the challenges of working with a baby and the importance of food continuity in a movie about a big-ass meal. Other topics include: what it's like to release a movie about a big group gather during a time when people can't have big group gatherings, Glenn Close's tendency to be 32% too dramatic and why she loves Thanksgiving. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=an7YTh5LBIs
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Actor-Writer David Pevsner ("Musical Comedy Whore"): "The Only Comment is Puke"
10/03/2020
Actor-Writer David Pevsner ("Musical Comedy Whore"): "The Only Comment is Puke"
Dennis talks via Zoom with actor-singer-writer David Pevsner about his film "Musical Comedy Whore," which is now available on DVD and streaming. It's a filmed version of his stage show about the period of time when he was working as both a musical comedy performer (Party, Naked Boys Singing, When Pigs Fly) and an escort. He talks about what it was like to live that double life, what turned him of about it and the feeling of connection he would often feel with his clients. He also talks about getting over shame and what he's learned about himself and others from posting sexual pictures and videos of himself on line. He discusses what his family thinks about the show. He also recalls how he first got into body building and what it was like to suddenly start getting a lot more attention from guys. He talks about his Only Fans sidehustle (as realguyla) and how it's given him a creative outlet and a little income during COVID. Other topics include: Chorus Boy shaming, being a recovering body Nazi and a recovering narcissist, dealing with haters on Data Lounge and not giving a F about what other people think of him.
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Singer-Songwriter-Actor Levi Kreis: "I Don't Walk Around Showing It To People"
09/10/2020
Singer-Songwriter-Actor Levi Kreis: "I Don't Walk Around Showing It To People"
Dennis connects via Zoom with singer-songwriter-actor Levi Kreis from his home in Knoxville, Tennessee to talk about his latest EP Bad Habit and his upcoming series of virtual concerts (October 20th, November 18th and November 15th). He talks about drawing from his experience as a recovering addict in writing the song "Bad Habit" and shooting its accompanying video. He also discusses his cover of George Michael's and the controversy it stirred up on line. He talks about being outed as gay at his Christian college while signed to a gospel record label and having his whole life blow up...and then ultimately finding redemption just a few years ago. He also talks about playing Jerry Lee Lewis in the hit Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet, winning the Tony for the role...and then getting separated from his phone, his now-husband and his actual award in the crush after the ceremony. He talks about going through eight different record labels before deciding to just put out his own CD and recorded his breakout album One of the Ones for $200. He recalls the profound reaction he had to the Del Shores' play Southern Baptist Sissies and why he went back to see it over 30 times, then ended up writing a song inspired by it. He also shares his earliest memory of music; coming home from his graduation from kindergarten, sitting down at the piano in his basement and figuring out how to play it by ear. Other topics include: the dark, toxic cloud hanging over Los Angeles, getting his big break on the reality show The Apprentice, learning about the music business by shadowing singer Brenda Lee on the road and the undeniable goddess-ness of J.Lo. www.levikreis.com
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Neon Trees Frontman Tyler Glenn: "Elder Glenn Demos Were Floating Around My Mission"
08/31/2020
Neon Trees Frontman Tyler Glenn: "Elder Glenn Demos Were Floating Around My Mission"
Dennis connects via Zoom with Neon Trees frontman Tyler Glenn to talk about the band's terrific new album I Can Feel You Forgetting Me. Tyler talks about the inspiration for the record, his songwriting process, the delicious retro sound of the record and what it’s like to drop a new album when no one can leave the house. Tyler and Dennis also talk about their shared background in the Mormon church. Tyler recalls the crisis of faith that inspired his 2016 solo album Excommunication, the church's "Word of Wisdom" which forbids drugs and alcohol, hearing from young LGBT mormons who he's inspired and how the church felt about his creative ambitions. Tyler also recalls visiting Capital Hill early in 2020 to talk to congress about the evils of conversion therapy and how he met Utah Senator Mitt Romney on the same day that Romney spoke on the floor against Trump. Other topics include: appearing on Broadway in Kinky Boots, the Mormon Bishop who told him his goth hairdo was a distraction in church, how Joey Fatone is the hottest guy N'Sync, coming out about his first tattoo, falling off the stage and breaking his front teeth during a concert, the first time he heard one of his songs on the radio and of course, the Osmonds.
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Comedian Misha D: "I Am A Little Extra"
08/13/2020
Comedian Misha D: "I Am A Little Extra"
Dennis welcomes to the Zoom room comedian Misha D to talk about his debut comedy album Dolphin of the Land, which has just dropped on streaming services like Spotify and iTunes. Dennis and Misha recall the talking-head pop culture TV show they met on Ultimate Countdown that never aired in the states. Misha talks about being drawn to standup after the 2016 election, finding humor in dark subjects, how he deals with homophobic material from other comics and that time he bailed on show and wished he hadn't. He talks about his decision to donate all proceeds from the album to charity, his unique day job in the field of mental health and his plan to move to The Netherlands with his fiance to start a new life...and being thwarted by the pandemic. Other topics include: the show he started with his fiance, Wokelahoma, how anal retentive he is when it comes to crafting his comedy, his first job in LA at Knott's Scary Farm, the mystery of Mike Pence, being told by a frenemy that he's "a little extra" and taking it as a compliment, social media shame, Misha's decision to ditch Facebook and Twitter altogether and the Pinocchio costume that made filled him with jealousy. www.dolphinoftheland.com
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Author Byron Lane ("A Star is Bored"): "This Is Downton Abbey and You're the Downstairs"
07/29/2020
Author Byron Lane ("A Star is Bored"): "This Is Downton Abbey and You're the Downstairs"
Dennis connects over Zoom with author Byron Lane to talk all about his delicious new novel A Star Is Bored, which is inspired by his 3-year stint as personal assistant to actress-author-intergalactic princess Carrie Fisher. He talks about deciding to write the book in the wake of Fisher's passing, what he thinks Carrie would think of the book and recalls how working with Carrie changed his feelings about life and himself. He also gives us and inside look at the lingo and protocols of the celebrity assistant world, from the all-important Assistant Bible, to fraternizing with other assistants, to how crucial it is to simply "be there" for their boss. Byron recalls the trips he took with Carrie that also appear in the novel, from seeing the Northern Lights in Canada to eating exotic sushi in Japan. Dennis shares his own memories of Carrie, from interviewing her in the 90's, to buying her laxatives to going to one of her famous star-studded birthday blowouts. Bryon talks about using the acknowledgements section of his book to pop the question to his boyfriend, author Steven Rowley (Lily and the Octopus), and also discusses how the pair differ in their process as writers. He also talks about the hilarious play he wrote and starred in called Tilda Swinton Answers an Ad on Craig's List, taking the show to the Edinburgh Festival twice and encountering a relative of the real Tilda Swinton. Other topics include: Byron's dark days in TV news, the Siri-ousness of it all, tending to Carrie's dog Gary, and who he would be if he were a character on Downton Abbey.
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Author Matthew Todd ("Pride"): "I Needed to Hear 'Express Yourself' When I Was 16"
06/29/2020
Author Matthew Todd ("Pride"): "I Needed to Hear 'Express Yourself' When I Was 16"
All the way from London, author Matthew Todd joins Dennis via Skype to talk about his beautiful new coffee table book Pride: The Story of the LGBTQ Equality Movement. Matthew talks about how the book came about, some of the unsung heroes he writes about in the book, the similarities between the US and the UK in terms of the movement and how moments in pop culture like gay characters on soap operas and shows like Will and Grace helped move the mainstream culture forward. Matthew also talks about being profoundly moved by Princess Diana's AIDS activism as a teen, recalls how one journalist at the time called her "the patron saint of sodomy" and shares the power of the photo of Diana that appears in the book. Matthew also tells the story of how he was able to score Prince William for the cover of Attitude when he was editor there...and how and why William used the f-word on the record. Matthew and Dennis share what Pride month means to them and how that's changed over the years. Other topics include: the beginnings of P-Flag, the insane state of the world, writing about hot-button gay issues like chemsex and open relationships, Matthew's favorite memory of Elton John, how awesome Madonna was circa Blond Ambition, the British and American Queer as Folk, the sweetness of Love Simon, why the Spice Girls matter, the private George Michael mini-concert he got to attend, his favorite Pride dance song, and that time he drunkenly thanked Sir Ian McKellen for his activism while standing in the bathroom line at the gay bar Heaven.
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