I Couldn’t Throw It Out: Recent Episodes
Michael Small
24 boxes of stuff. Saved for 58 years. And now it’s all gotta go. Listen in as former PEOPLE Magazine reporter Michael Small and co-host Sally Libby rediscover the objects he has saved since he was 7, telling the tales behind them so he can throw them out.
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When I interviewed Stephen King and Peter Straub in 1984 about their fantasy novel The Talisman, their book was breaking records for hardcover sales. But the fame of their collaboration has faded over the years.
Most people recognize King's famous titles -- Carrie, The Shining, The Dead Zone, It, Pet Sematary. And they may be familiar with Straub's 1979 bestseller Ghost Story. But far fewer know about The Talisman.
That's why Sally and I asked renowned horror and fantasy expert Bev Vincent to help us evaluate the never-shared audio tape and notes I've saved for 40 years since I met King and Straub, helping us decide what I should save or toss.
Along the way, we were reminded of King and Straub's strong bond of friendship before Straub's death in 2022 (from complications after an accident). We also learned about the classic poets that they both loved, and we relived the fun time I had with them, as they told bloody stories over breakfast at McDonald's.
Among the insights from Bev Vincent: He discussed the chances of a TV series based on the Talisman by the Duffer Brothers ("Stranger Things") and he shared King's latest thoughts about following the 2001 Talisman sequel Black House with a third book in the series.
Is it time for you to read, or re-read, The Talisman? Listen and find out.
King/Straub photo by Jordan M. Hahn
More info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com
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The best way to honor your mother -- on Mother's Day or any other day? We wanted to figure that out.
So we got expert advice from family and friends, including 98-year-old Barbara Welsh, mother-to-be Emily Libby, the Von Klemperer family, and mom Debbie Baylin.
As we realized, almost everyone -- including you -- has saved some items from mom. You may not even know what you've got. But when those treasures come out of the attic or the closet, something special happens.
Hear what we learned from this Mother's Day ritual, and then try it yourself. Should you keep saving the gifts you got from mom? Listen and find out.
More info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com
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Some of us just can't toss our furry friends from childhood. And we're not talking about a cute new collection of plushies. We're talking about stuffed animals with some history, saved for decades till fur and eyes are missing. Why do we save them? And what do we do with them now? To get answers, we've asked adults to tell us about their much-loved cloth animals, including the tale of two German teddy bears who escaped the Nazis, and brought a precious secret cargo with them. Hear their stories, then tell us about your own stuffed animal. Send us a message on Instagram @throwitoutpod – and we'll share selections so everyone can honor our enduring companions.
More info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com
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When singer/songwriter Melanie Safka died in January, many people remembered her for the #1 pop song "Brand New Key" (also known as the roller skate song.) But those of us who loved her know that her biggest hit never conveyed the richness of her career and her talents.
That's why I asked photographer Maddy Miller to join us on I Couldn't Throw It Out. Not only did Maddy take iconic photos of Melanie, including the cover photo on Melanie's gold album Gather Me, she also was Melanie's close friend for more than 50 years. While sharing some of the gifts she received from Melanie, Maddy tells never-heard stories about their adventures – including an excellent close encounter with The Who's Keith Moon.
Though Melanie released dozens of albums and wrote new songs for six decades, little is known about the full scope of her life and music. Find out what you missed – and what you could still enjoy – as we look back on her performance at Woodstock, and the varied songs that won her a legion of passionate fans.
Plus, I share my never-heard interview with Melanie and my authentic mementoes from the '70s. Will I toss 'em? Let's just say that Maddy figures out what to do with her own treasures. Listen and find out…
MORE ABOUT MELANIE
Maddy Miller's personal collection of Melanie photos: See the gallery
My playlist of favorite Melanie songs: Listen now
More info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com
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Why should you watch Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson in 1967's long-lost-comic gem The Tiger Makes Out?
The surprise reason: After 50 years when you couldn't watch it anywhere, we just discovered that you can stream it for free.
But wait! That's just a start. Before you dive into this satire from another era – which can be a challenge – let us give you a prep session, with help from our special guest: Katherine Wallach, daughter of Eli and Anne.
Katherine shares the back story of The Tiger Makes Out, and her parents' wondrous performances in it. Then she talks about her family life, which included starring with her parents on Broadway, and a babysitter named Marilyn Monroe.
We also point you to the highlights of The Tiger Makes Out, including a cameo by Dustin Hoffman, an unhinged performance by Charles Nelson Reilly, and comic twists hiding in every single performance and every tiny detail of the set.
After decades of frustration when I couldn't share my favorite movie, now everything has changed. I could even throw out the sacred items I saved that remind me of The Tiger Makes Out, right? Well… we'll see about that.
More info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com
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Welcome to the invasion of the most entertaining people in Sweden -- who want all of us earthlings to start thinking about... death. Yup, it sounds kooky. But, in this episode, we have a blast absorbing the wit and wisdom of three experts on Swedish Death Cleaning.
In case you wonder what that means, these Swedes are the hosts of the Peacock TV series The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning (produced and narrated by Amy Poehler). They're the ultimate experts on a philosophy of reducing your possessions in a way that's much more profound than a decluttering with Marie Kondo.
Dialing in from Sweden, psychologist Katarina Blom, professional organizer Ella Engstrom, and designer Johan Svenson help us evaluate a sampling of stuff I've saved for decades, including treasures related to Andy Warhol, Billy Idol, and Joni Mitchell from my years as a People Magazine reporter. So now it's time to let it all go. Okay, maybe some of it...
Along the way, these Swedes showed us how to laugh about death. But they also caught me off guard with a revelation so powerful that... I kind of lost it.
Would a little Swedish Death Cleaning do wonders for you too? Listen and find out.
More info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com
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Covering live Olympic figure skating on TV is no easy task. Just ask Meg Streeter Lauck, who worked for 23 years as a director for ABC Sports and other networks. Her behind-the-scenes tales -- which she shares in this episode -- reveal how her team nabbed the perfect shot of Canadian skating champions Sale and Pelletier at the 2002 Olympics. Plus, she recreates the thrill of first seeing 13-year-old Dorothy Hamill on the ice, and the sadness of a visit to an NYC fire station after 9/11. Will telling these tales help Meg make the leap -- and toss some of her stuff?
More info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com
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How fun was VIP access to Diana's '80s concerts? Very -- if you liked chatting with Andy Warhol, stalking Richard Gere, and dancing with Diana on a party boat at 1:30 AM
More info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com
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With Danny DeVito and his daughter Lucy starring in her play about our favorite topic, Theresa tells us how she cast them, why she wrote it, what she saves, and what she tosses
More info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com
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Tupac Shakur talks about his violent arrest for jaywalking; his Black Panther family; Hollywood hypocrisy; and his program for poor urban kids. Plus, special guests discuss his contradictions (explicit)
More info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com
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Helen Keller’s friend, Hitler’s defier, Woody Allen’s teacher – the dancer who jolted America with moves you now see on TV, movies and music videos told me great tales in 1989.
More info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com
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As Dustin Hoffman, Andy Warhol, and Diana Ross watched, did I ruin the post-screening party for Bill Murray? Former SNL writer Tom Gammill helps us decide.
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Will anything get tossed? Could happen. THANK YOU for listening!
With John Flansburgh's help, Michael tries to toss They Might Be Giants treasures he saved since he wrote the band's first 1985 review in People Magazine.
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Will anything get tossed? Could happen. THANK YOU for listening!
Hear the 1984 interview tape with this random trio: REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin, painter Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Gong Show host Chuck Barris
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Will anything get tossed? Could happen. THANK YOU for listening!
A 45-year-old tape recording leads to revelations about Michael's family, including a kidnapped rabbi, a Johnstown drowning, and Joe Biden's junior high baseball team
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Will anything get tossed? Could happen. THANK YOU for listening!
In 1983, 16-year-old Kiefer Sutherland met me in Nova Scotia to discuss his first big movie role. Hear how he felt about actor dad Donald -- and how I messed up my People Magazine story.
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Will anything get tossed? Could happen. THANK YOU for listening!
Inspired by saved cards and letters, Michael and his wife Cindy share the tale of her survival – and their daily lives – as lupus led to kidney failure and her first two transplants.
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Will anything get tossed? Could happen. THANK YOU for listening!
The tale of Michael's 30-year error – and Cindy's miraculous third kidney transplant – leads to their latest challenge: Can they toss what they saved from a life-changing event?
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Will anything get tossed? Could happen. THANK YOU for listening!
Compton's rap mogul and NWA founder Eazy-E hanging out with nerdy Michael? Unlikely. But it happened in 1991. Hear Dr. Dre (former Yo! MTV Raps host) explain Eazy's huge cultural impact, then hear Eazy's candid talk with Michael.
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Will anything get tossed? Could happen. THANK YOU for listening!
Hip-hop mogul Eazy-E's death from AIDS complications in 1995 was a shock. Hear reactions at the time from Wu-Tang's Method Man and others. Plus, a rare artifact -- the tape of Eazy driving Michael around Compton in 1992 during the L.A. riots.
More info: throwitoutpodcast.com
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Will anything get tossed? Could happen. THANK YOU for listening!
Though Joseph Kanon writes bestselling spy novels – including The Good German – he missed a 1979 case of literary espionage, when he was a book editor and Michael was his assistant. Listen and laugh as Joe learns the truth.
Broadway? Movies? TV? That's nuthin'. Donna Murphy first found fame on the high school literary magazine staff with Michael and Sally. Listen in as they read poems by Donna and others 50 years later -- and get a big surprise.
When 19-year-old Jennifer Beals enrolled at Yale – after starring in 1983's Flashdance -- she couldn't escape an interview with Michael, who tried to impress her with his academic credentials. Listen in as he relives his ridiculous interview tactic.
In 1985, Joni Mitchell gave Michael a multi-hour interview about flunking high school, Woodstock, Bob Dylan, her Chelsea apartment, poetry, painting, and much more. Oh, c'mon. Do not ask him to toss those tapes.
It ain't gonna be easy to throw out never-shared interviews with Joni Mitchell, Kiefer Sutherland and Eazy-E. Can Michael toss these tapes in season one? Get a preview.
You heard the short stuff in Part 1. Now hear Joni Mitchell's longer stories, including how she met Jimi Hendrix, why Jack Nicholson missed his cameo in her song, and a recitation of her 7th grade poem. No wonder Michael saved this treasured 1985 interview tape.
Michael justifies why he -- and many others -- feel the urge to save things. But after reviewing treasures from his days as a PEOPLE magazine reporter, there's no escape. Something gets shredded.