Rarified Heir Podcast
Host Josh Mills brings together a wide variety of adult children of celebrities for a fun, funny, bizarre, jaw-dropping, strange and wonderful look behind celebrity, by the people that know them best: their very own children.
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Episode #244: Peter Rafelson (Bob Rafelson) (Part Two)
07/15/2025
Episode #244: Peter Rafelson (Bob Rafelson) (Part Two)
Today on part two of our conversation on the Rarified Heir Podcast, this episode continues our conversation with Peter Rafelson, son of director and producer Bob Rafelson. Recorded the week after part one, this episode delves into some pretty heavy as well as some pretty of the wall stuff. And as you have heard on part one, it seems like that was par for the course in the Rafelson household in the 1960s and 1970s. As one of the leading figures in the American New Wave filmmakers, Bob Rafelson was responsible for producing or directing some classic, seminal films that influenced generations of film makers. It’s quite a resume including films like The Postman Always Rings Twice, Head, The Last Picture Show, Easy Rider, The King of Marvin Gardens, Mountains of the Moon, a film we discuss at length, Stay Hungry as well as an unfortunately named anthology, Porn.com. Beginning with Davy Jones, we also discuss what each member of The Monkees was like off camera, how he spent the Summer of 1975 pumping iron with Arnold Schwarzenegger in Alabama, his role in the Alan Parker movie Fame, how the magazine Psychology Today saved his bacon growing up as a kid and everything in between. We discuss dyslexia, smoking pot with your teachers, trade school, working with his dad scoring a film and much more. So get ready for part two of our conversation with guest Peter Rafelson and learn what it was like having The Monkees instruments in his basement for years after the show ended its run. It’s up next on part two of our conversation with the son of an Easy Rider or a Raging Bull. We’re just not sure which one it was. This is the Rarified Heir Podcast. Everyone has a story.
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Episode #243: Peter Rafelson (Bob Rafelson) (Part One)
07/08/2025
Episode #243: Peter Rafelson (Bob Rafelson) (Part One)
Today on part one of the latest episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast we are speaking with musician, producer, entrepreneur and much more Peter Rafelson. Son of director and producer Bob Rafelson & production designer Toby Carr, Peter spent this episode really digging deep and getting into some intense as well as humorous stuff about growing up the son of an easy rider. Or is that a member of The Monkees? No matter. We get into it all and then some on this episode. Fans of the sixties and seventies counterculture will know the work of Bob Rafelson for his associations with very specific touchstones of American film and television thar forever changed the course of the entertainment industry. From The Monkees to Easy Rider, from Five Easy Pieces to The Last Picture Show, Bob Rafelson along with partners Bert Schneider & Steve Blauner ushered in a new wave of independent film in Hollywood that smashed convention as well as the studio system. Along with writer, star and co-hort Jack Nicholson, Bob Rafelson directed films like The King of Marvin Gardens, Stay Hungry, The Postman Always Rings Twice and many more. Bob Rafelson was in the epicenter of films that brought an independent streak to a staid industry and never looked back. Our conversation with Peter centered around the growing up too fast where he learned about drugs, revolution and the FBI is one for the ages. Along the way we talk about Madonna, Abbie Hoffman, The Black Panthers, Dennis Hopper, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sally Field, how he ended up with the Monkees instruments in his bedroom and the death of his sister under troubling circumstances. Ladies and gentlemen, we bring you part one of the latest episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast with guest, Peter Rafelson. Take a listen.
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Episode #242: Dick Smothers Jr. (Dick Smothers)
07/01/2025
Episode #242: Dick Smothers Jr. (Dick Smothers)
Today on another encore edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to Dick Smothers Jr., son of, who else, comedian & musician Dick Smothers, one half of the comedy team, The Smothers Brothers. On this episode, we explore some pretty intense stuff as we get into what it was like growing up with a famous father and a famous uncle whose comedy was a touchstone for comedians of the 1960s. And while Dick Smother’s was perhaps one of the best straight men in comedy, the story Dick Smothers Jr. tells us story is anything but rosey. We learn about the attention his dad craved and the strained relationship they have to this day. Moreover, we talk about heavy metal and Dick Jr’s 80s band Kamikaze, his fascination with Alister Crowley as well as black magic and his one-time career choice to become an adult actor. Yes, this episode delves into another kind of celebrity, pornography. One we haven’t spoken about this before or acter this episode first aired but we delve into it extensively here. We discuss why Dick Jr. chose to become a porn star, why Dick Jr. didn’t change his name because…well….he already had the best name in blue movies and what it was like talking to the press knowing his famous name would draw attention. And therein lies the rub. Pun intended. This episode is a frank and serious discussion and we learn a lot about why Dick Jr. chose that career path, his relationship with his father, the challenges of being in ‘the industry’ and much more. Puritans beware! So if black magic, pornography and heavy metal were on your Bingo card for this episode of the podcast, you are in luck! Because this is another episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast where everyone has a story. This one is likely one you have never heard before. Take a listen. Yo-Yo Man fans, hang onto your hats!
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Episode #241: Kristi Callan (K Callan)
06/24/2025
Episode #241: Kristi Callan (K Callan)
Today on another encore edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to musician Kristi Callan, daughter of acting lifer, K Callan. Active since 1956, K has had many lives – in the theater, on television, in commercials and movies. In 2019, she co-starred in the hit film, Knives Out, in the 70s she was Cousin Liz in a famous episode of All in the Family, in the 90s she was Martha Kent on the beloved series, Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, she’s pitched Sanka and Anacin and is also the author of several books on acting and the life of an actor that might be her most well-known endeavor. And she’s still going strong in 2025. Kristi talks to us about growing up with a very understanding mom who was nurtured her and her sister’s interest in music while growing up in Los Angeles in the 1970s. In fact, music fans will know Kristi’s various music projects from hither and yon in bands like Wednesday Week, The Roswells Sisters, a Cheap Trick cover band, Cheap Chick and a newer project The Dime Box Band. In fact, her musical world and her mother’s acting career once intersected perfectly on a transatlantic flight involving The Ramones, who were fans of her mother’s. We also hear about long lost LA venues like The Starwood and the Music Machine as well as perhaps one band you have never heard of, Goat Deity with future member of Paisley Underground darlings, The Dream Syndicate. We go the extra mile for your muso’s on this episode. So if movies like Joe or The Onion Field or American Gigolo are your thing, or possibly TV shows like James at 16, St. Elsewhere or It’s a Living float your boat, get ready for a walk down memory lane on this episode. The Rarified Heir Podcast, everyone has a story. Kristi has several of her own and more of her mother as well.
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Episode #240: Kiki Ebsen (Buddy Ebsen)
06/17/2025
Episode #240: Kiki Ebsen (Buddy Ebsen)
Today on another encore edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to Kiki Ebsen, daughter of actor, dancer and singer Buddy Ebsen. Talking with Kiki was a real joy. One of the true joys of doing this podcast is to not only learn about the most known parts of being a child of a celebrity but the more, unlikely one’s as well. What do we mean? Well, of course we hear about The Beverly Hillbillies, The Wizard of Oz and Barnaby Jones. But how many other podcasts ask the tough questions, like, “What kind of car did Buddy drive?” Not many but we hear about it on this episode. We also learn about Kiki’s musical career as a road dog for the likes of Tracy Chapman, Chicago and Al Jarreau as well as her latest endeavor, her tribute to her father, My Buddy, The Other Side of Oz, which we saw and loved after recording this podcast. Along the way we discuss Walt Disney, the Tin Man, Davy Crockett, Matt Houston and what a fantastic person, actor Lee Meriwether was. That being said, was I the only one who didn’t realize that Buddy Ebsen was a dancer and a good one? Or that he and his sister/dance partner were discovered by newsman Walter Winchell during the Roosevelt administration? Whoa. So sit back, take a listen to Kiki Ebsen on this episode and learn more about Buddy Ebsen than you thought possible. Everyone has a story.
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Episode #239: Victoria Price (Vincent Price)
06/10/2025
Episode #239: Victoria Price (Vincent Price)
Today on another encore edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to Victoria Price, daughter of actor and horror movie icon Vincent Price. To say that this episode was a popular one would be an understatement. It’s our most listened to episode. I think it’s safe to say the cult of Vincent was strong with this one. Victoria was a gracious and open guest who talked to us about growing up in Los Angeles with her famous father and mother, costume designer Mary Grant Price. We discussed the issues of not being able to ride your bike in the hills, the lesson she the realities of being a celebrity child when her artwork was selected as a standout, only to be told that likely, it was her famous father’s name and art collection that got her noticed and our favorite part of our conversation involving a car wash & Mexican food you likely won’t hear anywhere else. Along the way we hear what it was like going to the World Series with her dad, her father’s passion for gourmet food, growing up with best friends who were the daughter of Nat King Cole and more. If Broadway, The Witchfinder General or Crème Brule are your thing, this is also your episode. Take a listen to the latest episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast. Everyone has a story. Even a family brand ambassador.
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Episode #238: Bobby Brooks (Jackie Wilson)
06/03/2025
Episode #238: Bobby Brooks (Jackie Wilson)
Today on another encore edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to entertainer Bobby Brooks, whose story about his celebrity parent is like none other. Of all the episodes we have done over the past four years, Bobby’s is totally unique and left us incredulous. You see, Bobby had no idea his father was the late, great singer Jackie Wilson until he was well on his way to his own recording career. And it was because of his voice, his on stage moves and his mannerisms that friends of his father’s made the connection because Bobby, essentially, WAS Jackie on stage but had no clue himself. Bobby tells us about his roots in South Carolina, the physical and financial difficulties he experienced as a child as well as his love of music from a very young age. We discuss his time in the Navy which led him to Hawaii where he performed with a very young, pre celebrity Bruno Mars in the family band, later being discovered by Paul Revere (of Paul Revere & the Raiders fame) and his connections to The Four Tops, The Temptations, Billy Davis and other music greats. So who and how and where did Bobby find out he was the son of Mr. Soul, Mr. Excitement Jackie Wilson? Welp, it’s too good to share here. So take a listen to this upcoming episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast where all will be revealed. You won’t believe it. Everyone has a story. Bobby’s is remarkable.
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Episode #237: Matthew Specktor (Fred Specktor)
05/27/2025
Episode #237: Matthew Specktor (Fred Specktor)
Today on the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to novelist Matthew Specktor, whose new book, The Golden Hour: A Story of Family and Power in Hollywood, is out now and getting rave reviews. Matthew spoke to us about growing up behind the scenes in Hollywood as the son of an icon of the film industry, Fred Specktor, a super-agent of A-list Hollywood talent who is still going strong at 92 years old. With a roster of clients that included everyone from Robert DeNiro, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, Danny Devito and many, many more, Matthew was brought up in and around the film business and had a firsthand look. Part memoir, part biography, part cultural history & part fiction, The Golden Hour has been priases in outlets such as NPR, the New York Times, the Kirkus Review, the LA Times and many more for it’s unique look into Hollywood and the battle between art vs. commerce and much more. As this is his third book based on his take on Hollywood, Matthew is getting name-checked alongside iconic LA based, Hollywood centric authors such as Joan Didion and William Goldman and getting praise from authors like Jonathan Lethem and Griffin Dunne. High praise indeed. We get into that as well as how Matthew formed the book and the basis of his exploration into his family and the city formed him, shortly. Matthew’s behind-the-scenes stories of how Hollywood was created in the second half of the twentieth century at Tinseltown institutions like MCA, William Morris and CAA beginning in the 1950s and where we are today, 70 years later a a large part of this episode. But we also hear personal stories about pranks the pre-rat pack played on him and his best friend Renee Estevez (daughter of Martin Sheen) in high school, what LA restaurants his family ate on special occasions, the cars and vanity plates of super agents in the City of Angelss and the movie theaters and books that shaped his youth on the Westside of Los Angeles. This is the Rarified Heir Podcast and if you’ve never had David Lynch tell you, you were more an artist than a deal maker at 13, take a listen because Matthew Specktor has. Everyone has a story.
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Episode #236: Rodd Bland (Bobby "Blue" Bland) (Part Two)
05/20/2025
Episode #236: Rodd Bland (Bobby "Blue" Bland) (Part Two)
Today on another brand new episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking with Rodd Bland, son of blues legend Bobby “Blue” Bland. As this is part two of our interview, we delve deeper with Rodd, who spoke to us on this episode of some of the more silly and fun things about his dad you may not know about the man. Such as? Well, what kind of car did Bobby “Blue” Bland drive? And what color was it? What burger joint was his dad’s favorite spot in Los Angeles? We hear that too. And not only do we find out what place that was but we hear of a totally bizarre and wonderful coincidence on their very last visit together, on tour. But sorry – you will have to sign up to hear our Patreon episode to find out what soap opera was Bobby’s favorite. We also hear about Rodd’s time behind the drum kit as a band leader and also as a guest with some amazing musicians on a recent gig at the Antone’s 50th Anniversary at Austin at Austin City Limits. We hear how Rodd started playing the drums and how it used to piss off his dad so much, he had to buy him his first drum kit. We also hear about Rodd’s & his dad’s relationship with B.B. King – on the road, at home and just hanging out. In fact, Rodd does one really terrific spot-on impression of the man known as Blues Boy that you have to hear to believe. Moreover, we discuss racism in the south, how Rodd is working on selling official Blue merch on the internet and his father’s advice to him in life and on stage that seemed to be Blue’s mantra for living a good life. It’s all here and it’s next up on the latest episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast. Everyone has a story.
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Episode #235: Rodd Bland (Bobby "Blue" Bland) (Part One)
05/13/2025
Episode #235: Rodd Bland (Bobby "Blue" Bland) (Part One)
Today on another brand new episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we bring you part one of two episodes with Rodd Bland, son of the genius blues, soul, gospel & rhythm & blues singer Bobby “Blue” Bland. Best friends with B.B. King, & called the Frank Sinatra of the Blues – Bobby has more inductions into more museums and Hall of Fame’s than an Amana Radar Range. Known for his soulful voice and his signature phrasing, Bobby was truly one of the greats. He also was also known for a guttural sound he made while singing that we get into on this episode. What started as a cue from a preacher became a sound that the ladies loved. No one did it like Bobby. Our conversation with Rodd dovetailed into many topics, including musicians such as ZZ Top to Pearl Jam, Taylor Hawkins to Jay-Z who were all influenced by “Blue.” We also talk about his father’s late career resurgence thanks to films and television. From Spiderman the Animated Movie, to The Lincoln Lawyer and American Gangster, all roads seemed to lead back to “Blue”’s tunes in trailers, opening scenes in films and the like. Rodd tells us a rather touching story about when his father first heard one of his songs in a film that left us misty eyed. Along the way, we discuss what it was like touring in the Chitlin’ Circuit, we touch on – albeit briefly – Don Robey and the Duke / Peacock years at the beginning of his career and a little known fact about Bobby that perhaps makes this episode an unleavened experience with a singer nicknamed as Sonny Boy that even Rodd didn’t know. We had to call his mom to confirm it and she pretty much did. So sit back, take a listen to this episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast with Rodd Bland discussing everything from “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City,” and “Further Up The Road” “Cry, Cry, Cry” & “I Pity The Fool.” But not, “Member’s Only.” That one we saved for our Patreon page where we hear an exclusive, bonus episode, you won’t hear anywhere else. Another child of a celebrity, interviewed by a child of a celebrity. Everyone has a story.
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Episode #234: Howard Murray (Jan Murray) (Part Two)
05/06/2025
Episode #234: Howard Murray (Jan Murray) (Part Two)
Today on Part two of our conversation with Howard Murray, son of comedian Jan Murray, we find that like the Passover holiday that just ended a few weeks back, this one is full of both Maror and Charoset. Meaning, this episode is full of both the bitter and the sweet. Jan was kind enough to tell us some very funny details about his family’s annual Sedar dinners as well as a truly horrific story that has to be heard to be believed. In between all that, we discuss some his father’s film role like History of the World Part One, Who Killed Teddy Bear, Which Way to the Front, Tarzan and the Great River and more. We also discuss what made his dad laugh, what restaurants he frequented and many more of the comedians that Howard essentially grew up with in the Murray household. Howard talked to us for close to two hours for parts one and two of the podcast and was funny, gracious, reflective, honest and patient with all our questions. All in all, we’d say it was a wonderful two episodes and you can make up your mind for yourself, as part two is coming up right now. The Rarified Heir Podcast. Everyone has a story.
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Episode #233: Howard Murray (Jan Murray) (Part One)
04/29/2025
Episode #233: Howard Murray (Jan Murray) (Part One)
Today on part one of the Rarified Heir Podcast we are talking to Howard Murray, son of comedian and actor Jan Murray. Our conversation with Howard was wide ranging and fun with a few poignant moments we did not see coming. Howard was an effusive and eager guest who really seemed to enjoy talking about his parents and how wonderful they were. This is something we already knew and we get to that when host Josh Mills tells a story about Howard’s mother, Toni Murray that we’ve never told before. Our conversation often harkens back to Howard’s beloved early years in Rye, New York when his father was known for his Borscht Belt years in the Catskills mountains entertaining Jewish vacationers, his years on radio and the early years on television in New York City, not far from his hometown of the Bronx. We talk game shows Jan Murray hosted and sometimes created, meeting ‘uncle’ Jerry Lewis at his MDA telethon on stage and hearing first hand tales about comics like Sid Caesar, Shecky Greene, Harry Ritz, Buddy Hackett and more. This is the Rarified Heir Podcast and there is nothing like hearing about growing up a child of a celebrity, when your father is as terrific as Jan Murray clearly was. (And Toni Murray wasn’t chopped liver either)….and this is just part one.
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Episode #232 : Michael Simmons (Matty Simmons)
04/22/2025
Episode #232 : Michael Simmons (Matty Simmons)
Today on another encore episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast this Earth Day, we are talking to journalist Michael Simmons, son of National Lampoon co-founder & film producer Matt Simmons. We loved talking to Michael because there is so much history in the (almost) forgotten history of American humor magazine turned pop culture juggernaut, National Lampoon. Michael gives us behind the scenes stories about the fabled National Lampoon editorial offices in Manhattan circa 1974 which was a breeding ground for comedy and specifically Saturday Night Live writers and performers. We discuss National Lampoon stage shows with Chevy Chase, Harold Ramis, John Belushi & Gilda Radner that Michael was road manager when it hit the road. We hear about his dad’s strange history as one of the founders the first credit card company, Diner’s Club in the 1950s & how it led to National Lampoon. We even get into the history of how National Lampoon came into existence, birthed out of the Harvard Lampoon and even before that. Michael gives us a firsthand account of what it was like being in the offices of National Lampoon before and after films like National Lampoon’s Animal House & National Lampoon’s Vacation launched the brand mainstream. What’s more we hear stories about Harold Ramis got nervous flyer Gilda Radner on a plane she didn’t want to get on, Wilt Chamberlain giving him a ride on his shoulders and how he became an award winning journalist in Los Angeles writing about vice squad busts and later, music journalism. So sit back and take a listen to a fascinating story about how National Lampoon begat everything from Second City and This is Spinal Tap to SCTV and The Credibility Gap. It’s all here on the Rarified Heir Podcast. Take a listen.
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RHP Episode #231: Jon Klages (Enoch Light)
04/15/2025
RHP Episode #231: Jon Klages (Enoch Light)
Today on another encore episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to musician Jon Klages, grandson of musician and Hi-Fi proponent and record label owner Enoch Light. Our conversation with Jon began with understanding just who his grandfather was. A classically trained musician, Enoch founded his first group, Enoch Light & His Orchestra & later Enoch Light and the Light Brigade before World War II. Wildly popular in upper class New York society, Light went on to found one of the most unique independent record labels, well, ever. Vinyl collectors today will know Light’s Command Records & Project 3 firstly for its unique, minimalist artwork from renowned artist Josel Albers. From classical to pop to Space Age Bachelor Pop to popular soundtrack hits and more, Light was nothing if not proficient. From albums like Persuasive Percussion to The Private Life of a Private Eye, Lights albums were visually stunning first and foremost. But take a listen to any of his albums from composers as varied as Doc Severinson, Dick Hyman, Tommy Mottola & the landmark album from The Free Design, the albums were recorded for the best audio fidelity available. The albums sound terrific. We discuss this with Jon & loved hearing about how his own mother played a role in all these recordings too. If you love the Moog, horns, Bossa Nova and more mid-sixties exotica, you must find these albums for your collection. We also talk to Jon about his experiences in the studio with his grandfather as well as his own recordings. Part of the fabled Hoboken indie scene of the 1980s, Jon release a new album in 2021, Fabulous Twilight and has a new album coming in 2025 as well. We discuss how Jon became a singer/songwriter, how his passion for being around music led to a career in it and much more. Plus, we hear much about Jon’s father, a seven-time Emmy winner for lighting design who worked with everyone from Muhammad Ali to Ernie Kovacs. This is one episode you do not want to miss and it’s happening right now. Take a listen to the Rarified Heir Podcast with Jon Klages, right now.
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Episode # 230: Sara Karloff (Boris Karloff)
04/08/2025
Episode # 230: Sara Karloff (Boris Karloff)
Today on another encore edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast we are talking to Sara Karloff, daughter of the great Boris Karloff. Sara sat down with us to discuss what life was like with her father, one of, if not the most famous of the actors from the golden age of Universal Pictures monster movies along with Bela Lugosi and Lon Cheyney among a few others. Sara talked to us about her father’s love of dogs, his roots in England, his favorite sport as well as his roles in films like Frankenstein, The Mummy and others that made him an icon. Sara has been tasked with guarding her father’s legacy and keeping his name alive. When we spoke with her, that meant, working on a restoration of a silent film, King of the Kongo amongst other things. We even spoke with her about her father’s last American film Targets and how she might looks to animate some of her father’s audio recordings as well. Sara was a terrific guest as she spoke about the past, present and future of her father and his legacy. She’s very much keeping it alive through film, a deal with Legendary comics and much more. So stick around and hear all the dastardly details of growing up with one of the most famous actors of all-time. Another child of a celebrity, interviewed by the child of a celebrity. Take a listen to this episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast. Everyone has a story.
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Episode #229: Deanna Brown (James Brown)
04/01/2025
Episode #229: Deanna Brown (James Brown)
Today on another encore edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to Deanna Brown, daughter of TGOF James Brown. Deanna tells us all about growing up with Mr. Dynamite and his loving as well as his difficult ways. A one woman advocate for the Augusta, Georgia Tourism Board, Deanna gives us details about The James Brown Family Historical Tour, the charity work that the family keeps alive in their father’s name and the James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils along with much more. We hear about Deanna’s years growing up around the man known as The Hardest Working Man in Show Business when he wasn’t on the road. We discuss his business acumen, his work for civil rights and his interest in helping the less fortunate. Deanna was transparent, honest, forthright and candid to say the least. We also hear some very funny as well as some very sad stories too. She really didn’t hold back. From Eddie Murphy and Soul Train to her father’s sudden passing, we hear it all. So sit back and let the daughter of Soul Brother Number One tell it like it is. Or was, growing up with a celebrity known the world over. It’s Mrs. Please, Please, Please, next up on the Rarified heir Podcast. Everyone has a story.
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Episode #: 228: Michael Rivers (Johnny Rivers)
03/25/2025
Episode #: 228: Michael Rivers (Johnny Rivers)
Today on the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to Michael Rivers, son of rock n’ roll icon Johnny “Secret Agent Man” Rivers. Retired and in great health at age 82, Johnny Rivers has lived many lives as one of the groundbreaking musicians in the LA music scene since the early sixties. From session man to Sunset Strip headliner to #1 recording artist to the Monterey Pop Festival, record label owner and publishing mogul and beyond, Johnny Rivers has met and worked with everybody. From Alan Freed to Elvis Presley, from Roger Miller to PF Sloan, from Rickey Nelson to John Phillips, Johnny Rivers knew everyone. Michael was kind enough to join us as a guest today to give us a first-hand look into his father as both a dad and a celebrity. From having a charge account at the flagship Sunset Strip Tower Records to falling asleep in a booth at the ultra-exclusive On The Rox club above the famed Roxy nightclub on the Strip, Michael went with his dad everywhere. From recording sessions on Hollywood Blvd. to dinners at the Strip’s most iconic vegetarian restaurant The Source, Michael was taken everywhere with his divorced dad, even places kids couldn’t usually go. Not many of us remember the smell of the AMPEX tape machine at United Western Recorders in Hollywood like it was yesterday, but Michael can. We discuss how Johnny Rivers biggest hit, the theme song to the aforementioned “Secret Agent Man” came about to what it was like touring with his dad as first a tour manager and then a drummer in the 80s on Summer break. We also hear about how Johnny was a prudent businessman who bought property in Beverly Hills and Big Sur in the 1960s which he still owns to this day. If Gazzari’s on the Sunset Strip, The Whisky A Go-Go and an unmade sequel to Easy Rider are up your alley, hang on, this episode is just around the corner. This is the Rarified Heir Podcast and everyone has a story.
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Episode # 227: Jason Everly (Phil Everly / The Everly Brothers)
03/18/2025
Episode # 227: Jason Everly (Phil Everly / The Everly Brothers)
Today on another edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are Jason Everly, son of Phil Everly of the famed Everly Brothers. We connected with Jason after listening to his radio show on Sirius XM satellite radio on the Fifties Gold channel. It sparked a memory that Jason and host Josh Mills had attended the same middle school together at the Oakwood School in Los Angeles going back to the Carter administration. After rummaging around and finding a school yearbook, we emailed Jason with a photo of himself in 7th grade, asked him to be on the podcast and he graciously accepted. We covered a lot of topics on this episode, from intimidating science teachers to the time Paul Simon called Jason up to find out the best way to approach his dad for potential Simon and Garfunkel / Everly Brothers tour in the nineties. We also discussed the roots of the Everly Brothers, how Phil was a down-to-earth dad who spent a lot of time bonding with his son playing made up games and drawing together. We discussed the how his father and uncle essentially created a genre that became known as country-rock, how Phil helped his friend & arranger Warren Zevon title one of his biggest hits, the time Paul McCartney told Billy Joel that Phil Everly was his musical hero and much more. We also discussed the Everly Brothers infamous split, a famous cousin who was on a wildly popular television show in the 1970s, the evolution of radio performers Little Donnie and Baby Boy Phil, the hard scrabbled life the boys led until they found fame and fortune, Graham Nash, Kitty Wells, which song of the Brothers gets licensed the most, Jason’s acting career and much more. What’s our favorite part? When Jason mixed up our science teacher Sol Rubenstein with guitarist Saul Hudson aka Slash from Guns-n-Roses. Your favorite part is coming up next on this episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast. Everyone has a story.
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Episode # 226: Drew Friedman (Bruce Jay Friedman)
03/10/2025
Episode # 226: Drew Friedman (Bruce Jay Friedman)
Today on another encore edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to illustrator & cartoonist Drew Friedman, son of the great writer, screenwriter and author, Bruce Jay Friedman. Known for his pop culture writing, including screenplays like Stir Crazy with Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor and Doctor Detroit, Bruce Jay was part of the well-heeled Manhattan literary, pop culture and social scene, with his own table at the once-fashionable & paparazzi friendly Elaine’s restaurant in the 70s and 80s. Bruce Jay Friendman was also a novelist with books like The Lonely Guy (which became a film with Charles Grodin and Steve Martin) & as well as a playwright for productions like Scuba Duba &Steambath which became a PBS production in 1973. This literati scene rubbed off on Drew who was always obsessed with drawing and cartoons from a very early age. This passion led to a career as a cartoonist for magazines like The New Yorker, National Lampoon, Spy, Newsweek and many more. In turn, this led to caricature books & illustrations with titles like Old Jewish Comedians, Maverix and Lunatix: Icons of underground Comics and All The Presidents. Drew Friedman became famous for his lifelike if sometimes slightly demented images of B-movie actor Tor Johnson, public access television host Joe Franklin, comedian Ernie Kovacs (ahem) and Groucho Marx and many more. The aptly named Drew Friedman is our guest this week because this is the Rarified Heir Podcast and everyone has a story. This one is fascinating. Take a listen.
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Episode #225: Cam Clarke (King Family) (Part Two)
03/04/2025
Episode #225: Cam Clarke (King Family) (Part Two)
Today on part two of our conversation on the Rarified Heir Podcast is with Cam Clarke, best known as a member of the King Family as well as his outstanding voice over acting career, we delve into some pretty great stuff. Oh sure we talk about his recently released book, Now They’re All Here: the King Family, but also get into some stuff that frankly, makes doing this podcast in the first place, so rewarding. Yes there are laughs, but as you hear, there are also some tears. We discuss everything from fan conventions, B-movie science fiction films his father Robert Clarke starred in, meeting Jeff Goldblum, being mistaken for another celebrity when his car broke down on the freeway and the book Interview with a Vampire among many other things. We also discuss the Mormon / Christian rock album, stage production and film Saturday’s Child, written by his brother Lex de Azevedo that featured Cam at age 16. Along the way, we discuss a heartwarming green room encounter with a member of the cast of One Day at a Time, an Irwin Allen TV show from the 70s, stalkers and why meeting your idols can be either everything you want it to be or a terrible experience. Regardless, Cam was engaging, honest very funny. As always. So take a listen to part two of our conversation with Cam Clarke because this is the Rarified Heir Podcast and everyone has a story.
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Episode #224: Cam Clarke (King Family) (Part One)
02/25/2025
Episode #224: Cam Clarke (King Family) (Part One)
Today on an all-new episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to returning guest Cam Clarke, a well-known voice actor and member of The King Family. While this is part one of two episodes, we begin our discussion around Cam’s new book Now They’re All Here: the King Family. Much more than a coffee table book, this project took years to put together with input from many King family members and comes in at a hefty 300+ pages on this history of America’s First Family of Song. In fact, it comes out today, February 25th so buy one from your local independent bookseller after this episode. Like in our last conversation with Cam, we delve into the 30+ member King Family’s origins, their television series & specials in the 1960s, the familial bonds of working together with your family as well as Can’s place within the dynamic. We also discussed how and why the book came about, why it was Cam who put the book together and somehow that involves another book about a very famous costume designer who happens to appears often on QVC. If you listen, you’ll hear that story too. We also discuss Cam’s career as an in demand voice-over actor, the weird connections he has to about 80 former guests of this podcast as well as the small, but not-so-insignificant details of being the child of a celebrity. What songs did his mother sing to him as a child at bedtime? Doesn’t it just give you all the feels? We hope you enjoy this new podcast episode with Cam because we are again speaking with a child of a celebrity, interviewed by the child of a celebrity. This is the Rarified Heir Podcast and everyone has a story. Take a listen.
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Episode #223: Josh Langsam (Cab Calloway)
02/18/2025
Episode #223: Josh Langsam (Cab Calloway)
Today on another encore edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are speaking with Josh Langsam, grandson of the great Cab Calloway. Our conversation with Josh was full of amazing family connections as well as a terrific lists of firsts from Cab Calloway that was fascinating to learn about. From fashion to language to composing and performing, Cab Calloway was both an entertainer as well as a cultural icon. While many of us knew him first from his appearance as Curtis in The Blues Brothers film, as the basis for both Jake and Elwood. While that film helped bring Cab back into popular culture, Cab’s influence on popular culture in the first half of the 20th century. A song writer and performer whose song “Minnie The Moocher” sold one million copies – the first black entertainer to do so. He was also the first black entertainer to have a radio show and even was made into a cartoon in a Betty Boop short. And if that’s not enough, none other than George Gershwin based the character Sportin’ Life in the smash hit Porgy and Bess on Cab as well. We spoke to Josh about his grandfather’s legacy and how he is working to enhance his legacy in 2025 and beyond. We spoke about Josh’s plans for the estate and frankly, the what’s and how’s of running such an estate. We learned a lot from Josh on this episode as there was a lot to learn. So sit back and take a listen to the Rarified Heir Podcast. Everyone has a story.
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Episode # 222: Jamie Perrett (Peter Perrett)
02/11/2025
Episode # 222: Jamie Perrett (Peter Perrett)
Today on an all-new edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to musician/producer Jamie Perrett, son of singer/songwriter/musician Peter Perrett. Best known as a founding member of the U.K. punk band, The Only Ones, Peter has been a somewhat mythical figure in popular music for the last thirty plus years for reasons you will soon hear. Founded in 1976, The Only One’s released three albums and their standing as one of the classic, first wave punk bands of the time is cemented with Peter’s best known song, “Another Girl, Another Planet.” Called “One of Rock-N-Roll’s great survivors,” in Mojo, Perrett’s recently released solo album, The Cleansing is getting rave reviews for it’s subject matter which The Guardian called a darkly humorous gem and a triumph. Our conversation with Jamie centered around his role as producer and facilitator of The Cleansing, as well as his new single “Glory Days,” which was released the day we spoke. We really dug into things with Jamie who was brutally honest and open about growing up in an unconventional and chaotic household. The stories you will hear Jamie tell are about as raw and frankly, difficult, as you have ever heard on this podcast. Somehow we also get to how Jamie discovered his own music, how making music with and touring with his father is really just a way to explore an unspoken love between them and what it was like growing up & recoding songs about his childhood which included abuse, neglect, fractured relationships and the complexities of growing up with broken promises. This is the Rarified Heir Podcast. Get ready to pick your jaws up off the floor.
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Episode #221: Gary Hall (Huntz Hall)
02/04/2025
Episode #221: Gary Hall (Huntz Hall)
Today on another encore edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to Gary Hall, son of comedian Huntz Hall. If you are a fan of The Bowery Boys or The Dead End Kids, you absolutely know Huntz by his trademark hat and his verbal and physical comedy. Along with his pal Leo Gorcey, Hall made countless films together – there were 48 alone for The Bowery Boys – and even appeared together on Broadway which kicked things off in 1935. They were so indelibly linked together that The Beatles wanted to put them both on the cover of their Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band but only one of them is on there. Hear why on this episode! We also talk to Gary about his often strained if loving relationship with his father who was often at work and play so much there wasn’t much of a bond between father and son. We discuss much of his film career including later films like The Phynx, Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood andValentino. We also discuss how Huntz and host Josh Mills’ mother, actress Edie Adams starred in a production in the late 80s of the classic Arsenic and Old Lace along with Dody Goodman, Jonathan Frid and James Mac Arthur. Whoa, that a trip that would have been! Moreover, we get a dose of classic Hollywood upbringing when we discuss Gary’s involvement with the school administration of The Oakwood School, which Josh attended and many of our podcast guests have come from. This is the Rarified Podcast. Everyone has a story.
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Episode # 220: Susannah Mars (Kenneth Mars)
01/28/2025
Episode # 220: Susannah Mars (Kenneth Mars)
Today on another encore edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to Susannah Mars, daughter of actor and comedian Kenneth Mars. Of course you know Kenneth Mars from his many film roles including Young Frankenstein, What’s Up Doc, The Producers, Radio Days & The Parallex View and many more classic films. What you may not know and we learn from talking to Susannah was that her grandfather was a comic and radio personality named Sonny Mars who released one very tidy LP & that later in life, her father became known for voice over work in tons of animated movies and shows, none bigger than that as King Trident in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Susannah also lets us in on what it was like growing up with her cerebral but wacky father. We hear about his lunches with fellow actors and comedians like The Partridge Family’s Dave Madden which then somehow led us to reach out to another guest, Denise Gaultier after hearing about her father’s somewhat ribald drawings he made for Susannah at those lunches. We also hear about Susannah’s singing career, her documentary film, Mourning Has Broken & how she starred in an ABC after school special with Kristy McNichol & so much more. There is so much love and respect and genuine familial memories about growing up with a father it’s hard not to empathize with her years after his passing. He made funny voices, she got to watch her dad on stage in St. louis at the Muny Theater and how the cult comedy show Fernwood 2 Night still connects with her & her dads fans. Please take a listen to the latest episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast and enjoy our chat with Susannah Mars. Everyone has a story.
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Episode # 219: Ben Model - Unreleased Ernie Kovacs This Week! (Bonus Episode)
01/22/2025
Episode # 219: Ben Model - Unreleased Ernie Kovacs This Week! (Bonus Episode)
Today on bonus edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast we are dropping a special episode in addition to this week’s episode with Brendan Wayne. Our guest today is Ben Model who in addition to being a silent film accompanist, is also the archivist for the estates of Edie Adams and Ernie Kovacs. We spoke to Ben today because (drum doll please) (Add drumroll)*, on Ernie’s birthday, Thursday January 23 at 7pm EST, we will be screening the previously lost, final episode of the Ernie Kovacs gameshow Take a Good Look on the YouTube channel of Clown Jewels. And if you tune in, join the live commentary with Ben and host Josh Mills, the son of Edie Adams and grand poo bah of the Ernie Kovacs estate. The very next day, on Friday January 24, Clown Jewels is releasing a brand new, Ernie Kovacs album of previously unreleased material from his radio show entitled Mayhem in the AM: The Lost Radio Comedy of Ernie Kovacs on all digital outlets. Both these projects are years in the making and we can’t wait to share this with both our podcast fans as well as Ernie
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Episode # 218: Brendan Wayne (John Wayne) (Part Two)
01/21/2025
Episode # 218: Brendan Wayne (John Wayne) (Part Two)
Today on part two of our interview with Brendan Wayne on the Rarified Heir Podcast, we talk to The Mandalorian (literally) about growing up the grandson of acting giant John Wayne. We also get into Brendan’s own acting career in films like Cowboys and Aliens and CSI before he took the lead role of The Mandalorian on the Disney+ hit show. What’s it like to get into acting when your grandfather is John Wayne. Take a listen. We also discuss more of his time growing up around his grandfather, The Duke and some of his most off-beat movies. We hear a terrific story about the film Brannigan which almost got the entire production shut down after an ill-advised explosion on the London dockyards worried authorities that the IRA had planted a bomb. Terrific stuff about the professional and the personal life of a giant of an actor, John Wayne. It’s an very up close and personal conversation about Wayne that only a family member could tell. And we hear it, right here, right now on the Rarified Heir Podcast, pilgrim. Another child of a celebrity, interviewed by a child of a celerity. Everyone has a story.
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Episode #217: Brendan Wayne (John Wayne) (Part One)
01/14/2025
Episode #217: Brendan Wayne (John Wayne) (Part One)
Today on part of one of another encore edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to Brendan Wayne, the grandson of none other than John Wayne. While we share many connections (one of which is that Ernie Kovacs and The Duke starred in the film North to Alaska together) there is a deeper one that’s existed between Brendan and host for some time now. Turns out that while Brendan is literally The Mandalorian on the Disney+ hit series The Mandalorian, he also happens to be the coach of Josh’s daughter’s soccer team. It’s our 4th year working with Brendan in fact. Better yet, Brendan is a terrific father himself whose girls not only play on the team, one of them co-coaches with him! We totally lucked out with our soccer coaches. Wacky stuff indeed, right? Well, it’s no more wacky than Brendan himself who talks to us about anything and everything on this first episode. We discuss his relationship with The Duke, Wayne’s relationship with director John Ford, Brendan hanging with grandpa sans toupee and Brendan’s classical acting training. Still, it’s hard to wrap our heads around the fact that somehow our soccer coach also happens to be The Mandalorian as well as being the grandson of one of America’s most iconic actors. So if Capezio dancewear and the difficulty of dating a girl whose dad only wants to talk about your grandad is something that seems noteworthy, take a listen to this episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast. We promise you will dig it. Everyone has a story.
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Episode #216: Eric Bonerz (Peter Bonerz)
01/07/2025
Episode #216: Eric Bonerz (Peter Bonerz)
Today on another encore edition of The Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to Eric Bonerz, son of actor and director Peter Bonerz. Host Josh Mills goes way back with Eric, who, while slightly older, attended the same Oakwood School that has become somewhat synonymous with this podcast. Like Josh, Oakwood was a Petri dish of children of celebrities and it’s partially the impetus for this podcast. Our conversation with Eric was full of humor, pop culture references, lost LA lore and bizarre interactions with the film, TV, music and the world of animation if you can believe it. Eric recounts his father’s career as a comedic actor coming up in theater in San Francisco in the 60s and takes us on a journey through television in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Best known to fans as Jerry the Dentist on The Bob Newhart Show, Peter Bonerz moved behind the camera and became an in-demand television director with more than 350 credits to his name. So while we discuss shows like Wings and Murphy Brown, we also hear about Eric’s time on the set of the film Catch-22 as well as an evening spent in the Manson house with Nine Inch Nail’s Trent Reznor. Whoa. Somehow on this episode we discuss AMC Jeeps, the Beastie Boys, the band Primus, actor Chuck McCann, actor Keir Dullea, the Jerry Lewis film, The Day The Clown Cried and much more. Eric is a touchstone to so many things, it just feels like he’s in the DNA of the Rarified Heir Podcast. Listen and find out for yourself, right now.
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Episode #215: Deb Scott Studebaker & Stan Warnow (Raymond Scott, Dorothy Collins)
12/31/2024
Episode #215: Deb Scott Studebaker & Stan Warnow (Raymond Scott, Dorothy Collins)
Today on an encore edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to siblings Deb Scott Studebaker & Stan Warnow about their musician/inventor Raymond Scott. Like our good friend Ernie Kovacs, some of you might have heard the name Raymond Scott but don’t really know who he was or what he did. Others however, might be salivating knowing that one of the 20thCenturies musical geniuses is the subject of this episode. Either way, both Deb and Stan graciously sat down together to do this interview & wowed us with tales of their complex genius dad. Vintage cartoon fans might know Scott from his songs “Powerhouse” and “Toy Trumpet,” classic television and radio fans may know him and his orchestra from the show “Your Hit Parade” and others may know him as the Godfather of the modern synthesizer & inventor of the Clavinex & Electronium. A performer, a demanding band leader, a composer and the Director of Motown’s electronic and research department, Raymond Scott was nothing if not prolific. In addition, we discuss Deb’s mother, entertainer Dorothy Collins who was a Broadway star, a nightclub performer and a television star on shows like The Hollywood Palace. We get the lowdown on a father so driven by his creations he gave up performing for tinkering in his office and being one of the founders of electronic music as well as fax machine – decades before it became a reality. It's positively Looney Tunes on this episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast. Everyone has a story.
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