The Los Angeles Breakfast Club: ON THE AIR
Founded in 1925 by business leaders, entertainment figures and politicians, The Los Angeles Breakfast Club is the weekly gathering place for those seeking camaraderie and those who love the history and culture of Los Angeles. “The Los Angeles Breakfast Club: ON THE AIR” is a tribute to the days of yesteryear when The LABC was a fixture on the radio and it's a monthly review and preview of happenings at the Democracy of Ham 'N Eggs. The show is hosted and produced by podcast veteran Phil Leirness, co-host and co-producer of YOUR Chillpak Hollywood Hour and a weekly USA cultural correspondent to the UK’s “Midweek Drive” program on Siren FM and Southside Broadcasting.
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Episode 47
04/26/2023
Episode 47
Since we last joined you in January, there have been big developments at the Shrine of Friendship. One of the Breakfast Club's longest-tenured members, Byron Foote, died. As did a guest speaker who gave one of the best presentations in the modern history of the club, groundbreaking playwright Robert Patrick. Both men are remembered and celebrated in this installment. The host and producer of this podcast, Phil Leirness, retired from his in-person duties at the Breakfast Club, and you will hear his farewell address. This episode's audio time travel exploration into the history, happenings and colorful characters that comprises the now 98-year story of the Los Angeles Breakfast Club will feature a lengthy historic clip from 1966, when our home of Friendship Auditorium was brand new and when Harold Link, the long-serving club manager, retired. In it, Earl Memory and Reverend Jim Brougher, Jr. regale with tales of the club during its "interim" years spent at the famous Ambassador Hotel. Current club manager Christopher Hanson will report on the challenges and pleasures he has encountered since starting in his position a little less than a year ago, and he will preview some of what we can look forward to at the Democracy of Ham an' Eggs in the near future. Reverend Barbara Adams takes us down the path that leads to our continuing "Adventures in Friendship" with some fun facts about Easter that she delivered back in 2017. TCM host and "Czar of Noir" Eddie Muller defines what film noir is and how it came about. And in this episode's long-form interview, we get better acquainted with Breakfast Clubber Todd Lerew and learn all about the terrific "Something in Common" exhibit he spearheaded at the main branch of the public library. As always, there will be history, music, comedy, heartfelt reminescences and plenty of friendship! If that's not something for everyone, you've come to the wrong place!
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Episode 46
01/17/2023
Episode 46
Welcome back! This is our first show since October of 2021 and safe to say, it will be one of the longest installments we we will ever do, clocking it at almost 90 minutes. So, pour yourself a delightful cup of joe, and settle in, as we try to come to terms with all that has happened at the one and only Democracy of Ham an' Eggs since we were last with you, including a second comeback from Covid lock-down, our club’s 97th birthday, the death of our longest-tenured member, the 97 year-old Rex Link, the retirement of our longest-tenured club President, and our current final phase of negotiations with the city of Los Angeles over the club’s continued residency at the hall it built and gifted to the city, Friendship Auditorium. This audio time travel exploration into the history, happenings and colorful characters that comprises the story of the Los Angeles Breakfast Club will feature many clips from 1966, when our home of Friendship Auditorium was brand spanking new and when Harold Link, the man who had saved the club on numerous occasions, and who had served as the club manager for 40 of its almost 42 years, retired. Former club presidents, elected officials, giants of entertainment, and more, take their turns at the microphone. Host Phil Leirness, along with his trusty announcer Marc Hershon, are joined by the recently retired club President Lily Holleman Leirness, current club President Nora Vetter, Breakfast Club emcee Thea Komen, Reverend Barbara Adams, musical director Don Snyder, good ham an' eggers Tom Sanchez, Nick Maiorino, and Eric Kurland, to deliver this epic more than 15 months in the offing, and 97 years in the making! There will be history, music, comedy, heartfelt reminescences and plenty of friendship! If that's not something for everyone, you've come to the wrong place!
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Episode 45
10/30/2021
Episode 45
Welcome to a "spooktacular" installment of "The Los Angeles Breakfast Club: ON THE AIR" as we celebrate Halloween, Hispanic Heritage, and one of the most memorable months on record for the Democracy of Ham an' Eggs! Announcer Marc Hershon gets the ball rolling by sharing a bit of history about Halloween. The supremely talented Olivia Olson sings about "Los Angeles". And Breakfast Club treasurer Kevin Segall welcomes all to the Shrine of Friendship. Birthdays are celebrated, a time travel expedition back to a magic show in 1984 is taken, "guest reverend" Tom Sanchez takes us down the path that leads to our continuing "Adventures in Friendship", and U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff gets initiated into the club as an honorary member! Good Ham an' Egger Casey Schreiner returns to Los Angeles to discuss his new book all about Griffith Park, Hollywood icon Ruta Lee tells an amazing story about Frank Sinatra and how she got cast in Witness for the Prosecution, and comedy legend Martin Olson discusses his earliest efforts to break into show biz. As if all that wasn't enough, the inimitable Ambassador of Americana, Charles Phoenix makes a spooky good guest appearance! Of course, there is also a performance by the Don Snyder Orchestra, Lily Leirness gives her "presidential report" previewing what's in store at the Breakfast Club in November and December, and we get better acquainted with the aforementioned master of the macabre, Kevin Segall!
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Episode 44
09/04/2021
Episode 44
As we celebrate the symbolic end of summer this Labor Day Weekend, we also celebrate the return of the in-person Los Angeles Breakfast Club after its long stay-in-shelter! This Labor Day-themed installment of our audio time travel expeditions exploring the history, happenings and colorful characters that comprise the now 96 year story of the one and only Democracy of Ham an' Eggs is full of laughs, music and the opportunity to get better acquainted with some of our newest members! New Breakfast Club emcee Joe Selph and recent Chairman of the Day Rachel Skytt get the ball rolling by welcoming you to the Shrine of Friendship. Club President Lily Leirness initiates a half dozen new members. Reverend Barbara Adams pays tribute to our longtime and now retired and relocated Master of Ceremonies Richard Gilson. Celeste Hong introduces presenter Christina Rice who thrills us with info about legendary starlet Jane Russell. Jill Masters introduces presenter Beth Pratt who celebrates the resiliency of California wildlife. Steven Smith introduces presenter Mindy Johnson who takes us on a tour of the indelible contributions to the legacy of Disney animation made by women animators. All that, plus Don Snyder selects and performs a very special song to celebrate the return of the LABC, host Phil Leirness gets us better acquainted with good Ham an' Egger Sabrina Parke, and Lily returns to update us on the negotiations to establish a long-term home for the Breakfast Club, to preview the Breakfast Club's upcoming events, and to wish our beloved Maurice Terenzio well in his recovery from surgery.
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Episode 43
07/03/2021
Episode 43
Welcome to a patriotic, heartfelt, hilarious and musical celebration of Independence Day done in the indelible style of The Los Angeles Breakfast Club! Trusty announcer Marc Hershon gets things rolling with some info about the origin of Independence day before longtime club emcee Richard Gilson and club President Lily Leirness lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Breakfast Club choir sings the Battle Hymn of the Republic and then host Phil Leirness takes over to celebrate the re-openings of both the in-person Breakfast Club and the Hollywood Bowl with an historic clip from 1935. Reverend Barbara Adams walks us down the path that leads to our continuing "Adventures in Friendship" by celebrating the lives and careers of those 4th of July icons Jimmy Cagney and George M. Cohan. There is a lot of patriotic and inspiring music, including performances by the Don Snyder Orchestra. There are thoughtful words from the club's Chairman of the Board, Jonathan Reich. There is a deeply touching personal story courtesy of Carole Nese. Esteemed member of the clergy Reverend Will Billow visits via Zoom to offer thoughts on his long career in the nation's capital. We get better acquainted with good ham an' egger Kevin Cartwright. Lily offers up personal thoughts about the club on Independence Day and previews all the exciting programs planned for the coming weeks as we leave zoom behind and head back to the Shrine of Friendship where we hope to bid you a "Good morning" real soon!
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Episode 42
05/30/2021
Episode 42
We are commemorating Memorial Day, Asian-American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Cinco de Mayo and, hopefully, the final stages of the pandemic on this, our last "Covid-19" installment of the podcast! Trusty announcer Marc Hershon gets things rolling with some info about the origin of Memorial Day before host Phil Leirness takes over to celebrate the importance of history and stories, sharing troubling thoughts about how easy it is for these things to become lost forever. After the usual celebration of member birthdays, we take the Audio Time Machine back to 1984 where author Diane Alexander proceeds to take us back even further in time to explore the origins of the Pasadena Playhouse. Not only did that organization make an indelible (perhaps unparalleled) mark on the movie industry, but Ms. Alexander's presentation includes facts that are eerily resonant today and features beloved Breakfast Clubber Will Rogers! Filmmaker Stephen DeBro regales with tales of Eileen Eaton, a remarkable woman who was responsible for the success of the Olympic Grand Auditorium. Andy Lowe from East-West Players tackles the challenges in trying to create a more diverse and equitable world for performers and storytellers. Chaplain of the Day Greg Gonzalez instructs us about Cinco de Mayo. The Don Snyder Orchestra performs two songs. Phil Leirness allows us to get better acquainted with good Ham an' Eggers Jodi Kurland and Kevin Jordan. Lily Leirness wraps things up with her Presidential Report, previewing the Los Angeles Breakfast Club activities for June and offering insight into what we hope July might have in store for us.
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Episode 41
03/30/2021
Episode 41
We are celebrating St. Patrick's Day, April Fools Day, and the life and legacy of our longest-tenured member, the irrepressible Dr. Jim Whitney. Host Phil Leirness, aided and abetted by his trusty announcer Marc Hershon, offers up another bonus-length audio love letter to the Los Angeles Breakfast Club and its members! There is the usual celebration of member birthdays, the return (via our Audio Time Machine) of the Harmony Headliners, a great tale from Ireland by filmmaker and Breakfast Clubber Christopher Monger, an hilarious round of Irish Pub Quiz Trivia, and frank, insightful interviews with club members Christopher Monger, Betsy Zajko, Mike Hain, Jill Masters and Doug Spice. Lily Leirness wraps things up with her Presidential Report, previewing many of the Los Angeles Breakfast Club activities for April and May, as well as offering a heartfelt, lovely farewell to the aforementioned Dr. Jim Whitney.
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Episode 40
02/12/2021
Episode 40
Like Cupid shooting an audio arrow through your ears and straight to your heart, host Phil Leirness offers up a bonus-length love letter to the Los Angeles Breakfast Club and its members on this Valentine's Special! Good Ham an' Eggers Dorothy Rupert and Charles Coulombe get the ball rolling with a couple of New Year's wishes that Phil neglected to include in our New Year's show. Then, after an historic clip about plastic surgery (!), and a celebration of member birthdays, Reverend Barbara Adams offers some truly inspiring words and Lily Leirness offers her Presidential Report. Phil then conducts heartfelt, insightful and frequently hilarious "check-in" interviews with the Nurse's Table's Betsy Zajko and ("Colonel") Christopher Monger, with the Konrad Monti Smoking Section's Joanna Linkchorst, with the 60's Mafia Table's Oleg Korolov, and with the Rooster's very own Mr. L.A., Tom Sanchez. And as if all that weren't enough, Don Snyder performs two romantic songs, announcer Marc Hershon provides a lot of laughs, and Phil pays tribute to longtime Breakfast Clubber (and mother of current club member Paul Currier), Peenie Currier, who died at the age of 97.
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Episode 39
01/01/2021
Episode 39
Make it your New Year's resolution, to ring in 2021 with this brand new installment of "The Los Angeles Breakfast Club: ON THE AIR". Episode 39 is a celebration of the holidays, of friendship, of Los Angeles, and of the one and only Democracy of Ham an' Eggs! Full of comedy, poetry, music and heartfelt expressions, this episode boasts contributions from Don Snyder, Richard Gilson, Adam Mellema, Nick Maiorino, Carole Nese, Jonathan Reich, Steven Smith, Joanna Linkchorst, Sandi Hemmerlein, Joe Selph and Marty Bracciotti. Announcer Marc Hershon provides plenty of laughs, host Phil Leirness curates the affair, and club president Lily Leirness previews all the happenings on tap for the Breakfast Club in January. From stories of the all-time greatest film composer to an inspirational speech given in 1932, from tales of "spooky donuts" to "senior date nights" at Vons this jumbo-sized episode is a New Year's party in audio form!
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Episode 38
11/25/2020
Episode 38
A true feast for the ears, the heart and the funny bone, episode 38 of our almost-monthly celebration of the history, happenings and colorful characters that comprise the more than 95 year story of the one and only Democracy of Ham an' Eggs is an unusual one. Even by 2020's unusual standards! There are mid-pandemic new member initiations, birthday wishes, time travel audio featuring legendary announcer John Milton Kennedy, a preview of forthcoming Breakfast Club events, and Reverend Barbara Adams takes us down the path that leads to our continuing "Adventures in Friendship". Most of the episode, however, serves as a seasonal variety show! Join host Phil Leirness, announcer Marc Hershon, the Don Snyder Orchestra, the Scrambled Egg Sisters, The Roosters, Richard Gilson, Carole Nese, and Konrad Monti as they celebrate the season, friendship and Thanksgiving. Featuring special contributions by Doug Spice and the "Cheerful Philosopher" Burr McIntosh, this month's serving of audio "Ham an' Eggs" in the age of Covid-19 is full of music and laughs. So, dig in, everybody!
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Episode 37
10/04/2020
Episode 37
During this month's serving of audio "Ham an' Eggs" in the age of Covid-19, we inch our way back to normalcy with some reviewing and previewing of happenings that have taken place and that will take place at our virtual "Shrine of Friendship". And for the first time since the pandemic changed ... everything ... Phil conducts a long-form interview with a good Breakfast Clubber! He also conducts a couple of Coronavirus check-ins at the various Breakfast Club tables. In addition to all that and in addition to celebrating the club's 95 year history and current member birthdays, this episode pays special tribute to our dear friend, Konrad Monti, who died this past week at the age of 87. There will be much music, courtesy of the Orville Knapp Orchestra, Lily Leirness and Don Snyder. There will be a lot of laughs, thanks to host Phil Leirness and announcer Marc Hershon. And there will be a whole lot of heartfelt and inspiring personal revelations and insight courtesy of Joanna Linkchorst, Sandi Hemmerlein, Erynn Petrulis, Juliet Beach and Thea Komen. It's a lot to get to in one little audio time travel expedition, so buckle up, pour a tall one and notify the network that we might be running long!
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Episode 36
08/12/2020
Episode 36
Thanks for coming back for more "Ham an' Eggs in the Age of Covid-19"! For the 5th consecutive month of life during the pandemic, we depart from the normal structure of our audio time travel expeditions into the history, happenings and colorful characters that comprise the now 95 year story of the one and only Los Angeles Breakfast Club ... Esteemed Master of Ceremonies Richard Gilson gets things started in his inimitable fashion, introducing Erynn Petrulis, who welcomes all within the sound of her voice to the Shrine of Friendship. The Orville Knapp Orchestra performs many songs in a clip from 1934, including one of their best-selling records! August Birthdays are celebrated. Then host Phil Leirness makes the rounds of the various Breakfast Club tables, starting with the dais table and Chairman of the Board Jonathan Reich, who takes us down the path that leads to our continuing "Adventures in Friendship" by describing how we have all become "Disney Princesses". Phil then drops in at the nurse's table, where he interviews the aforementioned Erynn Petrulis, who offers heartfelt details about her struggles with pandemic shelter-in-place and the lessons those struggles have taught her. The Konrad Monti smoking section's Mickey Corcoran reveals big personal news. The 60's Mafia table's Bill Siefke talks about the travel biz and realizes he has been sitting at the wrong table all these years. Finally, the terrific former Hanna-Barbera animator Dawna Berger rounds things out by making all of our lives a little bit brighter. You will learn things you never knew about these people, you will hear heartening tales of how they are embracing these challenging times, and you will enjoy a lot of laughs. It's a bonus-length episode, because frankly, we all deserve a little bit more audio ham an' eggs!
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Episode 35
07/02/2020
Episode 35
Thanks for coming back for more "Ham an' Eggs in the Age of Covid-19"! For the 4th consecutive month of life during the pandemic, we depart from the normal structure of our audio time travel expeditions into the history, happenings and colorful characters that comprise the now 95 year story of the one and only Los Angeles Breakfast Club ... The show begins with a phone conversation between host Phil Leirness and announcer Marc Hershon about the reasons behind Phil's departure from Los Angeles and the recent death of his father, as well as about an hilarious audio pilot that Marc wrote and produced (and which you can enjoy at Legendary explorer, adventurer and hunter Frank Buck ("Bring 'em Back Alive") was honored at the club back in the 1930's. On this month's show, we offer up a clip from that event, as well as a story Buck tells the assembled ham an' eggers about headhunters in Borneo! Phil makes the rounds of the various Breakfast Club tables, starting with the dais table and Reverend Barbara Adams, who takes us down the path that leads to our continuing "Adventures in Friendship". Phil then drops in at the nurse's table, where he interviews Rachel Skytt. It's then on to the Konrad Monti smoking section for a chat with Adam Mellema. The 60's Mafia table's Dorothy Rupert is visited, and the Roosters' very own Grand Cockelorum, Robert Nichols, rounds things out. You will learn things you never knew about these people, you will hear heartening tales of how they are embracing these challenging times, and you will enjoy a lot of laughs. All that, PLUS the Don Snyder Orchestra takes us on a "Sentimental Journey" and Carole Nese wakes up our brains!
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Episode 34
06/05/2020
Episode 34
Welcome to the "Los Angeles Breakfast Club: ON THE AIR" in the age of Covid-19! For the 3rd consecutive month of life during the pandemic, we depart from the normal structure of our audio time travel expeditions into the history, happenings and colorful characters that comprise the now 95 year story of the one and only Democracy of Ham an' Eggs ... As he did last month, former club president Jerry Zerg gets the ball rolling, this time with the help of longtime club manager Harold Link, who speak of dark days in the club's past, when on more than one occasion, the Los Angeles Breakfast Club was forced to give up their beloved homes. Phil Leirness and his intrepid announcer, Marc Hershon, then guide you through member birthdays and through check-ins with each of the five Breakfast Club tables ... Find out how life is treating the dais table's Lily Leirness (who offers up a Presidential Report for the first time in months), the nurses table's Chicago Chapter (the irrepressible Maurice and Diane Terenzio), the Konrad Monti smoking section's Casey Schreiner (who has a new book AND some sad news to share with his L.A. friends), the 60's Mafia table's Bob De Wees (who updates on the the Breakfast Club's charitable foundation), and the Roosters' very own Rex Link. You will learn things you never knew about these people, you will hear heartening tales of how they are embracing these challenging times, and you will enjoy a lot of laughs. Reverend Barbara Adams provides a few laughs of her own, as she takes us down the path that leads to our continuing "Adventures in Friendship" and the Don Snyder Orchestra gets toes tapping with a song we have not heard played at the Shrine of Friendship in way too long!
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Episode 33
05/02/2020
Episode 33
Welcome to the "Los Angeles Breakfast Club: ON THE AIR" in the age of Covid-19! For the 2nd consecutive month of quarantine, we depart from the normal structure of our audio time travel expeditions into the history, happenings and colorful characters that comprise the now 95 year story of the one and only Democracy of Ham an' Eggs ... Former club president Jerry Zerg gets the ball rolling, offering up good advice for those who have a hard time making it to our early 7 am Wednesday morning meetings in the best of times! Phil Leirness and his intrepid announcer, Marc Hershon, then guide you through member birthdays and two classic clips from presentations past - one from the year 1984, featuring the Harmony Headliners, and the other from 2016 feating a Jet Propulsion Laboratory lecture about Saturn. The bulk of the show involves Phil checking in with each of the five Breakfast Club tables, finding out how quarantine is treating the dais table's Reverend Barbara Adams, the nurses table's Myrtle Nelson, the Konrad Monti smoking section's Celeste Hong, the 60's Mafia table's Carole Nese, and the Roosters' very own Sherry Chovan. You will learn things you never knew about these people, you will hear heartening tales of how they are embracing these challenging times, and you will enjoy a lot of laughs, especially when Phil pays a surprise telephonic visit on announcer Marc Hershon. Former president Zerg wraps things up with the man who for more than 70 years led Breakfast Clubbers down the path that led to their continuing "Adventures in Friendship", Reverend Jim Brougher.
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Episode 32
04/04/2020
Episode 32
Welcome to the "Los Angeles Breakfast Club: ON THE AIR" in the age of Covid-19! This is far from a normal installment of our regular audio time travel expedition into the history, happenings and colorful characters that comprise the now 95 year story of the one and only Democracy of Ham an' Eggs. And that's okay, because these are far from normal times. Fortunately, the Shrine of Friendship is at least as much a state of mind as it is a physical space, and you will be treated to an hour of good music, hearty laughs and uplifting fellowship ... Host Phil Leirness gets the ball rolling with the inspiring "My Resolution" presented at the Los Angeles Breakfast Club at the start of 1942. He and his intrepid announcer, Marc Hershon, then guide you through new member initiations, featuring individually-crafted rituals by club president Lily Leirness, and member birthdays. Foundation president Bob DeWees then introduces Reverend Barabara Adams who takes us down the path that leads to our continuing "Adventures in Friendship" with a remarkably prescient and uplifting reading. Bob then introduces legendary NBC 4 weather forecaster (and longtime stand-up comedian) Fritz Coleman, who brings the funny. Kevin Segall introduces actor-writer Steven Banks, who offers up a song. The 2nd half of the show involves Phil checking in with each of the five Breakfast Club tables, finding out how quarantine is treating the dais table's Richard Gilson, the nurses table's Sandy Boucher, the Konrad Monti smoking section's Christopher Hanson, the 60's Mafia table's Don Snyder, and the Roosters' very own Kahlil Nelson. You will learn things you never knew about these people, you will hear heartening tales of how they are embracing these challenging times, and you will enjoy a lot of laughs.
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Episode 31
03/02/2020
Episode 31
It's our first episode in more than four months, out just in time to celebrate the 95th birthday of the one and only "Democracy of Ham an' Eggs!" Let your host Phil Leirness, and his faithful announcer Marc Hershon, guide you on this time travel expedition exploring the history, happening and colorful characters that comprise the story of the Los Angeles Breakfast Club. Club emcee Richard Gilson and Chicago Chapter member Diane Terenzio get the festivities started. The great Reverend Jim Brougher offers remembrances of the club's founding. Multiple gold-winning diver Pat McCormick regales the club members in 1984 with tales of Olympic glory. The Richard Earl Orchestra offers up a toe-tapping tune. Reverend Barbara Adams ruminates on Valentine's Day while taking us down the path that leads to our continuing "Adventures in Friendship". Club President Lily Leirness initiates new members AND previews what is on tap for March (as well as a Sunday night concert in April that is a yearly tradition no one will want to miss). All that plus a long-ago "banned" song, legendary actress Annette Andre sings the praises of the Breakfast Club, and beloved "Cathy" cartoonist Cathy Guisewite shares humorous pearls of wisdom. This is one birthday party you won't want to miss!
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Episode 30
10/16/2019
Episode 30
During one of our longest episodes ever, we not only celebrate the history, happenings and colorful characters that comprise the 94 year story of the one and only Democracy of Ham an' Eggs, we also say goodbye to our dear friend, and devoted Breakfast Clubber, Darrell Hughes. We get into our audio time machine and journey to 1984 for an orchestral rendition of a song about Darrell's home state of Pennsylvania and to be regaled with humorous anecdotes by multi-Oscar-nominated composer (and conductor) Frank De Vol. Reverend Barbara Adams performs an invocation as she takes us down the path that leads to our continuing "Adventures in Friendship". Magician Michael Borys holds us spellbound. Great L.A. Times communications specialist Darrell Kunitomi offers profoundly stirring remembrances of Darrell Hughes the teacher, educator and role model. Robert Nichols releases Darrell from his duties as one of the Breakfast Club's heckling roosters. Don Snyder performs a breathtaking rendition of "I'll Be Seeing You". Brilliant author, artist, animator and illustrator (and good Ham an' Egger) Tina Kugler discusses her "Picture Book Process". Host Phil Leirness gets better acquainted with the Grand Cockleorum of the Roosters, Robert Nichols. All that plus Club President Lily Leirness initiates new member Tom Sanchez into the Democracy of Ham an' Eggs and previews the upcoming events taking place at the Shrine of Friendship between now and Thanksgiving. The Don Snyder Orchestra closes the proceedings with their final ever performance of Darrell Hughes' official Breakfast Club theme song. As always, host Phil Leirness and his trusty announcer Marc Hershon curate the entire affair.
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Episode 29
09/08/2019
Episode 29
We were all set to release this audio time travel exploration of the history, happenings and colorful characters that comprise the 94 year story of the one and only club of hospitality when word came to us that longtime Breakfast Clubber (and former club president) Darrell Hughes had died. So, this month's show begins with a tribute to Darrell courtesy of our beloved Reverend Barbara Adams. Our exercise guru Carole Nese introduces Doug Spice, who discusses L.A.'s aviation history. Renaissance woman Mandy Lacy introduces Dr. Tilly Hinton, who celebrates the indelible geographical feature that is the Los Angeles River. Globe-trotting academic Charles Coulombe introduces City Controller Ron Galperin, who ... Tells us what a controller does. Renowned 3-D expert Eric Kurland introduces Suzanne Lloyd, the granddaughter of true Hollywood royalty, Harold Lloyd, who regales us with tales of her grandfather's passion for 3-D photography. Pop culture maven Kevin Segall introduces and interviews rock star turned magician Rob Zabrecky. Host Phil Leirness gets better acquainted with special guest Jonathan Reich. All that plus Club President Lily Leirness initiates two new members into the Democracy of Ham an' Eggs and previews the upcoming events at the Shrine of Friendship, and several mystery guests treat us to a rousing musical performance.
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Episode 28
08/09/2019
Episode 28
This month's audio time travel expedition into the history, happenings and colorful characters that comprise the 94 year young story of the one and only Democracy of Ham an' Eggs boasts historic clips featuring the "Cheerful Philosopher", Burr McIntosh, and Co-Executive Director of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Malcolm MacEachern. Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker (and good ham an' egger) Steve Smith discusses Julie Andrews and The Sound of Music. Stephen Schafer describes his archival photography work. Author Andrea Richards details the hidden secrets of Los Angeles. Renowned architect Frank Escher celebrates the legacy of architect John Lautner. Breakfast Clubber Erin Johnson speaks about her work with native plants at the Theodore Paine Foundation. Musician Nicholas Galinaitis displays his virtuosity on the piano with an original composition. Host Phil Leirness gets better acquainted with Samantha and Dinah Kolasa, who are the youngest members of the Los Angeles Breakfast Club and the club's only twins! Club President Lily Leirness initiates new members and previews all that is upcoming in August at the Shrine of Friendship as well as a special Back to the Future tour. Trusty announcer Marc Hershon provides plenty of laughs along the way!
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Episode 27
06/04/2019
Episode 27
Storyteller Adam Mellema opens the proceedings with heartfelt words about what the Los Angeles Breakfast Club means to him before the delightful Sherry Chovan welcomes you to the Shrine of Friendship and to episode 27 of "The Los Angeles Breakfast Club: ON THE AIR" ... Because we have been away for a month, and because we will need to be skip another month, this is an extra-long show packed full of both current members and archival audio! The great Burr McIntosh pays tribute to his friend Will Rogers in the immediate wake of that legendary Breakfast Clubber's tragic death. Breakfast Club Master of Ceremonies Richard Gilson and club President Lily Leirness educate us about newly initiated members Samantha and Dinah Kolasa, Kevin Segall, Manuel Rosales, Oleg Korolov, Jeffrey Burbank, Eric Kurland, and Todd Lerew. Taking us down the path that leads to our continuing "Adventures in Friendship", Reverend Barbara Adams tells us a cat joke! Noted Hollywood historian E.J. Stephens tells of the early days of Universal Pictures and Japanese cinema. Sandi Hemmerlein introduces returning guest presenter Heather Goers who regales with the story of what brought architect Frank Lloyd Wright to Los Angeles and what inspired his concrete block style. Jay Kavoian introduces Professor William Deverell who tells us about Kathy Fiscus, the little girl who fell down a well and transformed post-war Baby Boom America. We get much better acquainted with the aforementioned Adam Mellema, learning about his storytelling, his love of history, his recent far out adventures in the far east, and his good work on the board of the Breakfast Club's charitable foundation. Infamous Japanese diplomat Yosuke Matsuoka offers some mid-1930's remarks, which in hindsight are positively chilling. President Lily Leirness previews all the events on tap at Friendship Auditorium in June as well as some special events the club is offering. She also lets us know how we can enjoy her acting on both stage and screen this month (under the name "Lily Holleman"). Longtime club manager Harold Link was responsible for much of the Los Angeles Breakfast Club's glorious legacy. He wraps up this months' proceedings by introducing some entertainment courtesy of a 1930's stage production of "Rob Roy". Host Phil Leirness and his trusty sidekick, announcer Marc Hershon, curate the entire affair, providing plenty of laughs along the way!
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Episode 26
04/01/2019
Episode 26
World War I hero Captain Forbes-Dennis welcomes you to episode 26 of "The Los Angeles Breakfast Club: ON THE AIR" with heartfelt words about the Breakfast Club, about Los Angeles, about California, and about the optimism of the American people. A short while later, his wife, the popular novelist, Phyllis Bottome echoes those sentiments and tells an hilarious story. Breakfast Club Master of Ceremonies Richard Gilson and Club President Lily Leirness initiate two new members: Anita Brenner and Sabrina Parke. Reverend Barbara Adams treats us to an Irish accent while taking us down the path that leads to our "continuing Adventures in Friendship." Casey Schreiner introduces Todd Lerew, who talks about the lost museums of L.A. Kevin Cartwright introduces Nancy Gneier, who talks about that crown jewel of Griffith Park, Travel Town. One of L.A.'s "Impact Makers to Watch" for 2019, John Girodo, introduces Hadley Meares, who discusses unsolved murders in L.A. history, including that of Jeanne French. All that, plus part 2 of host Phil Leirness' interview with longtime Breakfast Clubber Rex Link, and Lily's preview of all that is on tap for the LABC in April, including four Wednesday morning meetings, and 2 special members-only events.
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Episode 25
03/06/2019
Episode 25
Host Phil Leirness gets the ball rolling on episode 25 of "The Los Angeles Breakfast Club: ON THE AIR" by celebrating the art of making people feel welcome ... Thanks to Musical Director Don Snyder and Super Coloratura Soprano Lucille Milliken, this episode is one of our most musical! Two new club members are initiated, the history of 3-D photography gets discussed by Eric Kurland, L.A.'s urban wild gets celebrated by Lynell George, and Reverend Barbara Adams counts the rings inside a tree while walking us down the path that leads to our continued "Adventures in Friendship"! All that, plus Phil interviews one of the Breakfast Club's most treasured members, Rex Link, who regales with stories of his father, original Breakfast Club Manager Harold Link. Finally, for the first time as "Lily Leirness", the Breakfast Club's president drops by to preview all the happenings on tap for March at the Shrine of Friendship!
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Episode 24
02/09/2019
Episode 24
Historic audio recapping the club's founding and the recent initiation of one of our newest members gets the ball rolling on episode 24 of "The Los Angeles Breakfast Club: ON THE AIR". Join host Phil Leirness, announcer Marc Hershon, club president Lily Holleman, musical director Don Snyder, club chaplain Barbara Adams, and club members Diane Terenzio, Adam Mellema, Erin Johnson, Charles Coulombe and Christopher Monger as they regale you with tales of America's best-selling poet and "Colonel" Griffith J. Griffith (of Griffith Park fame), treat you to historic clips of The People's Poet (Edgar A. Guest) and beloved comedian Eddie Green, teach you some Zen mindfulness (courtesy of a special guest from the Fusho Zen Institute) and along with author Jen Bilik, teach you that "This is (Not) L.A.". All that, plus we get better acquainted with the inimitable ham an' egger Konrad Monti and we preview the next four events at the one and only Democracy of Ham an' Eggs!
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Episode 23
01/02/2019
Episode 23
It's our most unusual episode yet! Because we wanted to provide an audio "Whitman's Sampler" of the seasonal goodness enjoyed by the Los Angeles Breakfast Club, there is no time for a trip in our audio time machine. Nor is there time to get better acquainted with a contemporary Breakfast Clubber. Instead, Phil Leirness, Marc Hershon, Richard Gilson, Don Snyder, the Scrambled Egg Sisters, Maurice Terenzio, Steven Smith, Erynn Petrulis, Kahlil Nelson and Lily Holleman will entertain you with music, comedy and mystery! There are also special appearances by artist Peter Soby, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Rose Queen and her Court, and good ham an' egger Carole Nese, who tells a wonderful story. And rest assured, Reverend Barbara Adams DOES walk us down the path that leads to our continued Adventures in Friendship and Club President Lily Holleman DOES preview the first six events of 2019 (including one "Encore Sunday" evening show) coming your way from the one and only Democracy of Ham an' Eggs!
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Episode 22
11/14/2018
Episode 22
Available later than we like, but with a running time a little bit longer than you might have hoped, the brand new episode of "The Los Angeles Breakfast Club: ON THE AIR" boasts new member initiations, an historic interview clip with longtime club chaplain Reverend Jim Brougher describing how he joined the club in 1930, and current chaplain Reverend Barbara Adams explaining the mythological history of black cats. October saw the Breakfast Club produce an Encore Sunday event and you can enjoy western heritage music performances from that night, a story about the history of chili cook-offs and a tribute to that great western star and good ham an' egger, the legendary Leo Carrillo. Last month, in part 1 of our conversation with outgoing club members Fletch and Nancy Murray, we learned about J. Paul Getty, "life repair", Oklahoma and more. This month, in part 2, we learn about the Murray's camping adventures, their wedding adventure, their grown children, their ongoing filmmaking ambitions and much more. As always, Lily drops by to preview all the events upcoming at the Democracy of Ham an' Eggs for the rest of 2018. The proceedings are brought to you by that miracle drug in a mug - coffee! So, pour yourself a cup of Joe, hit "play", sit back, relax and enjoy!
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Episode 21
10/03/2018
Episode 21
Join your friend in podcasting, Phil Leirness, and his intrepid announcer, Marc Hershon, on another time-travel adventure through the 93 year history of the one and only Democracy of Ham an' Eggs. We start with a tribute to the Cryptogram before enjoying a 1935 musical performance, delighting in a 1990's interview with Reverend Jim Brougher, and learning about "bliss" with Reverend Barabara Adams as she walks us down the path that leads to our continued "adventures in friendship". We hear about the Hollywoodland development, the Trousdale Estates, the Pacific Crest Trail and the history of Silverlake bohemia. We are treated to a breathtaking musical performance by Lily Holleman on the banks of the Mississippi Delta. We learn about J. Paul Getty, Scientology's "Life Repair", and Nancy and Fletch Murray's love of each other, of Oklahoma, and love for the Breakfast Club. All that, plus special appearances by good Ham an' Eggers Erynn Petrulis, Joe Selph, Robert Nichols, Richard Gilson and club President Lily Holleman, who fills us in on all that is upcoming at the Shrine of Friendship in October. As always, the proceedings are brought to you by that miracle drug in a mug - coffee! So, pour yourself a cup of Joe, hit "play", sit back, relax and enjoy!
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Episode 20
09/04/2018
Episode 20
Join your friend in podcasting, Phil Leirness, and his intrepid announcer, Marc Hershon, on another time-travel adventure through the 93 year history of the one and only Democracy of Ham an' Eggs. The Bulldog Marching Band of Pasadena Junior College was a fixture at the club throughout the 1930's and they will regale you with a couple of spirited songs. Reverend Barbara Adams will offer up simple tips on beating stress and staying healthy as she walks us down the path that leads to our continued "adventures in friendship". Diana Tisue of the National Trust for Historic Preservation will describe the adventure undertaken to get Route 66 designated as a National Historic Trail. Darrell Kunitomi of the Los Angeles Times will discuss the financial hard times that befell the famed paper and how the paper was forced to move from its historic home. He also regales us with the good news that has come courtesy of the paper's new owner! The L.A. city councilman for district 4, David Ryu, discusses the importance of the Breakfast Club and efforts to make exploration of our beloved Griffith Park easier and more environmentally friendly. Dr. John McCormack, Director and Curator of the Moore Laboratory of Zoology at Occidental College, will tell the astonishing story of how one home in Pasadena became the last resting place for fifty thousand birds! After the Don Snyder Orchestra regales us with a patriotic number, Phil will allow you to get better acquainted with the Breakfast Club's very own Renaissance woman, Mandy Lacy. Finally, club President Lily Holleman will hip us to all that is on tap in September at the Shrine of Friendship, before treating us to a special song. As always, the proceedings are brought to you by that miracle drug in a mug - coffee!
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Episode 19
07/30/2018
Episode 19
Author, historian and good ham an' egger Charles Coulombe welcomes everyone to the Shrine of Friendship at the start of our most musical episode yet! We take the Breakfast Club way back machine to the 1930's for a couple of songs and an equestrian-themed joke before returning to the present and walking the path that leads to our "continuing adventures in friendship" with Reverend Barbara Adams, who explains Bastille Day. We are then treated to a tasty sampler of July's presentations at the Democracy of Ham an' Eggs, including a musical tribute to the Constitution of the United States, the secret menu at In 'N Out Burger, "Not so famous" views of L.A., and the iconic City Hall building in downtown Los Angeles. As always, the proceedings are brought to you by that miracle drug in a mug - coffee! Host Phil Leirness gives you the opportunity to get better acquainted with the aforementioned Charles Coloumbe who speaks of how he first fell in love with the Breakfast Club, how much that ongoing love affair has meant to him, and why, at the age of 57, he will be going back to school in Austria! Finally, club president Lily Holleman previews all of the happenings at the Club of Hospitality in August as well as a Route 66 meet-up at Clifton's Cafeteria that is sponsored by the Los Angeles Breakfast Club Foundation and which is open to the public.
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Episode 18
07/03/2018
Episode 18
Accordion-playing Breakfast Clubber Mandy Lacy welcomes everyone to the Shrine of Friendship where on this month's episode we hear new members get initiated and we laugh during a new game that involves introducing Breakfast Club guests! We then depart to 1936, where Dr. Donald J. Cowling, the President of Carleton College, delivers a stirring viewpoint on the future of the USA. Reverend Barbara Adams walks us down the path that leads to our continued adventures in friendship to remember the late, great beloved gorilla Koko. We are then treated to a tasty sampler of June's presentations at the Democracy of Ham an' Eggs, where the topics included backyard wildlife in Los Angeles, the architect to the stars during the 1930's, '40's and '50's, and the preservation of the Church of the Epiphany and the critical role that church played in the birth of the Chicano Movement. Through it all, club emcee Richard Gilson drops in from time to time to offer some info and inspire some laughs. The Don Snyder Orchestra takes us on a "Sentimental Journey". Host Phil Leirness gives you the opportunity to get better acquainted with Sandi Hemmerlein who talks about writing, editing, music, winning on game shows, exploring and avoiding regret. Finally, club president Lily Holleman previews all of the July Happenings at the Club of Hospitality as well as a special garden party for club members and their guests before leaving us with a spirited rendition of a beloved sing-along song.
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