Milling About: Recent Episodes
Milling About
Entertainment Reporter Robin Milling engages in candid conversations with today's hottest stars in movies, theater, music, television, and sometimes we do lunch!....Stay tuned!
Writer Xaque (pronounced Zack) Gruber makes his directorial debut with Sallywood. He wrote the screenplay based on his own experiences as the personal assistant to eccentric award-winning actress Sally Kirkland.Xaque discusses the making of this wonderful odyssey -- an insider look into Hollywood and what the still vital Kirkland faces with getting older in a town where youth is celebrated most.
Emily Young (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) joins me to discuss her performance as Virginia.in Orlando, A New Musical at Theater Row in New York City.Emily talks about the gender-bender tale based on the 1928 novel Orlando, bringing the love story between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville to the stage infused with rock, and pop orchestrations.
To commemorate what would have been John Lennon's 84th birthday on October 9th, director Erik Nelson joins host Robin Milling to discuss the documentary Daytime Revolution which is a treasure trove of footage and interviews.For a week in 1972, John Lennon and Yoko Ono took over co-hosting duties for The Mike Douglas Show with one thing on their mind – to bring their message of peace to an audience of 40 million. It seems unimaginable but they pulled it off, chatting with guests like Ralph Nader, Black Panther Party chairman Bobby Seale, comedian George Carlin, and jamming with Chuck Berry for the first time ever.
Triple threat writer/director/actor Sadie Bones is one to watch. Her debut feature If That Mockingbird Don't Sing is a wonderful exploration into what it means to be a young woman in today's world. Sadie joins host Robin Milling to discuss her thoughts on female empowerment, growing up with showbiz parents Kevin Corrigan and Elizabeth Berridge, and what inspired her tattoo “Go Make Your Movies.”
Suicide Squad star Jai Courtney joins host Robin Milling to discuss his film Catching Dust. Jai portrays Clyde, a shady character who lives off the grid with his wife Erin Moriarty in an isolated and deserted part of Texas. Jai talks about living without creature comforts and what inspired the accent and the fully-bearded look. He tells Robin about a unique gift he left behind for his director Stuart Gatt after the film wrapped.
Celebrity chef Charity Morgan joins host Robin Milling to talk about Unbelievably Vegan with Chef Charity Morgan airing on Max. Inspired by her husband, former NFL linebacker Derrick Morgan to adopt a healthier lifestyle, Charity talks about her own personal journey towards integrating vegan options for herself and her family. Relocating from California to Nashville, she discusses implementing her “Three R” system of “Replace, Replicate, Reveal” with meat-centric restaurants, namely Music City's beloved Germantown Pub, to add vegan dishes to their menu without sacrificing texture and, most of all, taste.
The multi-talented Reeve Carney joins me to discuss his upcoming show on August 18 at The Green Room 42 performing the songs of none other than Prince. Continuing his residency there, he is a wonder to behold live as he masterfully reinvents the artists that have inspired him including Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Queen, Led Zeppelin, and The Divas to name a few, and of course his original music. A skilled and accomplished musician, Reeve talks about his passion for making music, his musical upbringing, and his exciting future projects that are in the works.
William Moseley portrays a US soldier in Murder Company on a mission to smuggle a French resistance member behind enemy lines to assassinate a high-value Nazi target during the D-Day invasion.Shot in Bulgaria, William jumped at the chance to get into the trenches and talks about how his grandparents, both in the military influenced him, handling the rigors of combat, including a daring rescue by Pooch Hall from an unexpected spidey intruder.MURDER COMPANY will be released In Select Theaters, On Digital, and On Demand on July 5th, 2024.
John Buffalo Mailer joins host Robin Milling to discuss How To Come Alive With Norman Mailer (A Cautionary Tale). Directed by Jeff Zimbalist, it's a warts-and-all documentary about his father, where he and most of his nine siblings from Mailer's six marriages, and other relatives look back on their relationship with Mailer, who was infamous and controversial to the public but represented something very different to them.Buffalo, an executive producer on the project, openly tells Robin thoughts and feelings only he could have experienced as the youngest son and only child of Mailer and Norris Church Mailer. He reflects on those moments and hopes the film, which explores Mailer’s ideas about love, anger, fear, and courage will inspire younger generations to tackle their own challenges and perhaps look at society a little differently.
Jason Butler Harner is a consummate actor appearing in film, theater, and television. He is currently starring in The Big Bend on the big screen and talks about filming in the great outdoors, and a real cliffhanger he experienced. In Sugar on Apple TV+ he stars opposite Colin Farrell as his best friend, and portrays Detective Zoeller in the upcoming Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.His credits are too numerous to mention but they include The Walking Dead, The Handmaid's Tale, and Ozark to name a few. Jason reminisces about working with Clint Eastwood in his debut film Changeling, and says he can't wait for a comedy and to get back on the stage in New York City where it all began for him.
Scott Cohen joins host Robin Milling to talk about his latest film The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed, HBO'sThe Girls On The Bus, working with Carla Gugino, and the upcoming The Penguin (HBO) opposite the charming Colin Farrell, well as much as he can!A fellow SUNY New Paltz graduate, we reminisce about famous alumni such as John and Aida Turturro, and his own acting beginnings.
Multi-talented writer/actor/director Sam Benjamin talks about his latest writing project Roommate Regret for The Lifetime Movie Network.Sam shares his own bad tenant nightmares, reveals his musical ambitions portraying his rockstar creation Preston Black, plus many more fun stories from this Liverpool lad.
Let's Do Lunch! visitsZaab Zaab, a taste of authentic Thai cuisine, and semi-finalists of the 2024 James Beard Awards. With locations in Queens and Brooklyn, New York, owners Pei Wei and Bryan offer wonderful hospitality and a delectable menu of Northeastern Thai delicacies. When you enter the main dining room you are greeted by Perry, the prawn hanging from the ceiling, surrounded by a mural of sea creatures.Come with an appetite as the portions are shareable. Some of their classic signature dishes include Larb, minced duck or catfish with roasted rice lime leaves, roasted chili, mint, cilantro, and lime juice served with house greens to cut the heat, and roasted peanuts. Make it a combination with Larb Ped Udon. Their selection of whole fish features a salt-encrusted tilapia, Mieng Pia pow, marinated in cumin garlic and white pepper, stuffed with pandan and lemongrass, and charcoal roasted served with rice noodles. You'll want to suck out the head where some of the herbs and spices are hidden. Their Som Tum offerings feature Tum Ko Lat, a combination of Isan and Thai flavors of sour spicy shredded green papaya, fermented fish with roasted peanuts, and sun-dried shrimp. Don't forget to order a cocktail before you eat; some of which have just the right amount of spicey kick. The Old Siam Fashioned is smoky but tangy with smoked Phraya rum, orange bitter, star anise, and cinnamon. When it arrives at the table, a plume of smoke is literally seeping out of the top. Try their sticky rice served in tiny colorful bamboo holders, but a warning, it is addicting. So much so that they serve it as a dessert underneath juicy slices of mango.
Actor Stephen Moyer (True Blood, Sexy Beast, Elsbeth), also a very talented director joins host Robin Milling to discuss making his sophomore feature debut A Bit Of Light starring his wife Anna Paquin as a recovering alcoholic even further weighted by the separation from her daughters. Stephen's other directing credits have included episodes of True Blood, Flack, Sexy Beast, and directing his first film The Parting Glass. Vowing to shine a light on difficult subjects with Paquin who is also his producing partner is their sort of mission statement. Moyer reveals however that he'd love to come out of the darkness and show his comedic side as well. We'd love to see that too!
Arthur The King is the incredibly true story of extreme adventurer Mikael Lindnord (Mark Wahlberg). Amid an Adventure Racing World Championship he encounters a stray dog who miraculously endures heroic suffering to find him and never leaves his side. Director Simon Cellan Jones (Ballers, Boardwalk Empire, The Diplomat, The Family Plan) talks about what it was like directing the star pooch Ukai, along with hair-raising stunts with the human stars.
Michelle Mylett (Letterkenny) joins host Robin Milling to talk about her latest film American Dreamer opposite Peter Dinklage, Shirley Maclaine, and Matt Dillon.The Candian-born actress discusses what the American dream means to her and reveals how she bonded with her co-stars and love of dance with Shirley Maclaine.
The world knew him as the movie star Cary Grant, but underneath his screen persona was the real man, Archibald Alexander Leach, aka Archie. In the series Archie, currently streaming on Britbox,Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, The Death of Stalin, Mass, The Patriot) takes on the iconic matinee idol from the inside out, exposing all of his insecurities and false bravado that lied behind his trademark square-rimmed glasses and outward suave and sophisticated appearance.Jason joins host Robin Milling to talk about portraying Archie Leach and all his foibles, his conversations with his fourth wife Dyan Cannon, along with getting his famous accent down, and the makeup process of applying his dark tan and dimpled chin, which he describes all as “an indication” of him.
Laurie Kaye joins host Robin Milling to talk about her memoir, "Confessions of a Rock 'n Roll Name Dropper My Life Leading Up to John Lennon's Last Interview." The book weaves tales of her storied life and career in the music business leading up to the ill-fated day when she would forever become known as John Lennon's last interview, one she conducted for RKO radio on December 8, 1980.Laurie discusses the impact that has made on her to this day, and how in many ways music has also saved her life.For more visit Laurie's website https://www.confessionsofarocknrollnamedropper.com
Brian Jones, founder of The Rolling Stones led the band to their early success, becoming an unfortunate casualty of the excesses of rock 'n roll, dying at the age of 27 from a drowning accident.Documentary filmmaker Nick Broomfield joins host Robin Milling to discuss his latest offering, The Stones and Brian Jones, which explores Jones' musical genius and his personal life through revealing interviews with the players, candid chats with his many girlfriends, and the impact he had on the band's legacy. Broomfield also addresses the conspiracy theory surrounding Jones' death. This is a must-see for Stones fans
Noah Wyle, best known as Dr. John Carter on ER, The Librarian, and Falling Skies, joins host Robin Milling to talk about his latest film project, At The Gates. Noah plays the patriarch of the Barris family, whose life is turned upside down when his family hides their housekeeper from El Salvador and her son from a local Los Angeles immigration round-up. Noah talks about hot-button social issues such as immigration and homelessness that he's seen growing up in L.A. and how the power of film can make a difference.
Everyone has a dating nightmare story and Cat Person takes it to the extreme. Drector Susanna Fogel joins host Robin Milling to talk about the perils of dating in the modern world and how her lead actors Emilia Jones (CODA) and Nicholas Braun (Succession) approached their roles, finessing their characters' complicated relationship. Susanna shared stories about shooting their fight scene and her attraction to action.
Mike Sargent joins host Robin Milling to talk about his directorial horror slasher project From The Shadows, inspired by Zoom and the virtual world, Mike talks about working with veteran film and stage actors Bruce Davison and Keith David, and how his various life experiences as a film critic radio broadcaster, storyboard illustrator and sound designer all played a part in his filmmaking talents.What's next for Sargent is a book chronicling the three poignant questions he's done in interviews over the years with filmmakers, and of course, you can expect much more from this renaissance man. From The Shadows is currently playing select theaters
Raconteur rocker John Waite, currently on tour, checks in with host Robin Milling. Celebrating 40 years making music, John is not only a great songwriter, but a wonderful storyteller who reminisces about poignant moments in his career. At 71, John tells Robin he has no intention of letting the years get in the way of what makes him happiest which is performing. He says, “You've got to bring it. It's an eliptical thing. You become 17 again.”
In The YouTube Effect, director Alex Winter (Bill & Ted Franchise, Zappa) goes behind the screen with this documentary delving deep into the social media channel. Winter questions YouTube founder SteveChen, former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, YouTube creators - some who have become stars in their own right - and more, sharing an eye-opening view into the humble origins of the channel, how it's morphed through the years, becoming a staple in our everyday lives and not always serving as a healthy outlet to vent our freedom of expression.
Succession star Brian Cox did his best to provide entertaining anecdotes from shooting Prisoner’s Daughter, but his attention was paid more to working with the cast and director Catherine Hardwicke. What he does remember fondly is having "great fun" with Kate Beckinsale, who played his daughter in the film, and revisiting Las Vegas, where the film was shot, and not because he’s an avid gambler. The desert town was the scene of his wedding day 21 years ago to Nicole Ansari at The Little White Chapel, where a curious bridal song was played.
The Scottish-born actor balks at any type of method to his acting madness. He offered the personal connection he made to his own father that inspired the character of the cancer-stricken Max. Cox also has a bone to pick with the impending sale of Turner Classic Movies, taking his beef to social media, where he is passionate about preserving the classics that have defined cinematic history.
In this cinematic poem Midday Black Midnight Blue, Chris Stack stars as Ian, a loner on the edge of Puget Sound, grappling with long-held grief for a woman he loved Liv who died nearly two decades ago. Co-written and co-directed by Samantha Soule (Liv) and Daniel Talbott with Merritt Wever, it's a contemplative film about love and loss.
Chris talked about how music plays an important role in his acting, and what it was like shooting on Whigby Island in Washington State. A consummate stage and film actor, some may know him as Tom Anderson in Interview With The Vampire, or as Dr. Michael McBain on One Life To Live, where he was shocked to learn of his 121 episodes on the beloved soap opera.
Singer, songwriter, and musical chanteuse Judith Owen has found her joy once again, this time with a new album of jazz standards, "Come And Get It." Judith joins host Robin Milling to chat about making her home in New Orleans to escape the last few years, where she celebrated her creativity and assembled her band of Gentleman Callers for this bold and brash collection. As is her unique quality, Judith owns her sensuality at any age, swinging and cooing selections of her "unsung heroines and role models" such as the title song "Come And Get It Honey," King Size Papa" and "Satchel Mouth Baby," to name a few.To showcase her new CD, Judith will be performing May 10-14 at the McKittrick Hotel (530 West 27th Street, NYC), home of "Sleep No More," in a not-to-be-missed residency in the Manderley Bar.Tickets can be purchased www.mckittrickhotel.com.
Writer, director, and star Todd Flaherty joins host Robin Milling to discuss his wonderful film Chrissy Judy. Todd was inspired to write the story of two drag sisters who find themselves at a crossroads in their friendship when one pursues love in Philadelphia, while the other stays in New York to pursue his dreams as a drag queen chanteuse. Todd tells Robin how he developed his drag look for Judy and the importance of acceptance for the art of performing in drag. Plus, he does all his own singing! Shooting in black and white with his cinematographer brother Brendan in the idyllic locations of Provincetown, Massachusetts, Todd displays a beautiful love story of queer friendship and chosen family which is not often seen this way on screen.
Writer/director Matthew Saville joins Robin Milling to talk about his directorial feature Juniper starring Charlotte Rampling. Matthew tells Robin about the trip he made to Paris from Auckland, New Zealand to "woo" Rampling into playing the role of the grandmother, based on his own father's mother.There was no plan 'B' as she was the "perfect person" for the gin-drinking feisty alcoholic. Saville talks about the wonderful chemistry with newcomer George Ferrier as the rebellious teenaged grandson who must look after her as punishment for his school suspension. Matthew cherishes the experience he had making the film and shares behind-the-scenes moments with Rampling and the ensemble cast and their mutual admiration.
Producer Randy Schmidt takes a deep dive into the real truth behind Karen Carpenter and her battle with anorexia in the poignant documentary Karen Carpenter: Starving For Perfection which premiered at the 38th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Randy spoke with host Robin Milling about the women who knew her best, some of them celebrities such as Olivia Newton-John and Suzanne Somers, and those touched by her music like Kristin Chenoweth, Belinda Carlisle, and Carnie Wilson.Randy tells Robin the one good thing that came out of her death 40 years ago, is the awareness that eating disorders can be cured, and the hopes that this documentary can reach not only the die-hard Carpenter fans but a new audience who will discover her music.
Back in 2003, musical genius Burt Bacharach collaborated on an album with Ron Isley, which resulted in a soulful interpretation of his popular catalog of music, Here I Am: Isley Meets Bacharach. Bacharach was always reinventing himself as he told host Robin Milling.As a tribute to his passing, here is their conversation from that year where Bacharach reflects on his musical beginnings and inspirations for some of his timeless collaborations with lyricist Hal David, including soundtrack favorites Alfie sung deliciously by his muse Dionne Warwick, which he deemed as David's best, What's New cat and The Look of Love.
Linus Roache (Priest, Law & Order) joins host Robin Milling to chat about his new film The Apology. Under the guise of a Christmas thriller, written and directed by Alison Locke, it will no doubt spark conversation. Linus talks about his delight in getting the crap beat out of him by co-star Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad). "It was fun playing a character who gets beaten to a pulp, burnt in the face, hit in the head with a hockey stick and a lamp, and knifed at one point. Best blood ever!" He also reminisces working with his 90-year-old father William Roache in the classic British soap opera Coronation Street, and reveals his special Christmas plans in India.
Sam Benjamin (Doctor Who, Peaky Blinders, I Am Vengeance: Retaliation), co-writer and star of The Payday joins host Robin Milling to talk about everything from his first love scene to Tom Cruise inspired action scenes.
Lots of laughs with the quick-witted Merseyside-born actor who discusses his Bondian moves, collaborating with his bestie Kyla Frye, accents, Shakespeare lessons with Sir Patrick Stewart, his humble beginnings with Walt Disney World and much more
"It became a badge of honor that people got Flanigrammed," said director Cullen Douglas, Billy Flanigan: The Happiest Man On Earth who joins host Robin Milling with legendary Walt Disney World entertainer Billy Flanigan to talk about this heartwarming documentary.
When the world was on pause, Flanigan took to his bike and rode over 7,000 miles delivering songs of cheer to fellow Disney performers. This is the story of his journey spreading happiness and much more.
Operation Seawolf director Steven Luke aka Luke Schuetzle joins host Robin Milling to chat about his new film, and how he was inspired by a family member to pursue his love of making military movies. He reveals the cool special effects of the naval battles, closely working with Dolph Lundgren for several of his films, and the challenges of navigating tiny cramped submarine spaces inside the USS COD!
Currently in Theaters and on Demand, On Digital Oct. 25
They say write what you know and that certainly is the case for Acid Test writer/director Jenny Waldo, whose feature film debut delves into that youthful rebelliousness of high school and her experiences of yes, taking acid, to escape her complicated homelife.
Jenny joins host Robin Milling to discuss the writing, casting and production process behind this very personal and entertaining exploration into young adulthood.
Michelle Danner is a director, acting coach, and founder of Creative Center For The Arts, all in the facilitation of nurturing actors and creating film and theater.
She joins host Robin Milling to discuss her latest film The Runner, her passion for discovering new talent, working with some of the greatest acting legends such as the late Paul Sorvino, and what makes a movie star.
Charlie Rowe (Rocketman, Angelyne, Vanity Fair) stars in Gigi & Nate as Nate which tells the poignant story of a quadriplegic man and his Capuchin monkey who serves as his unique service animal.
Charlie joins host Robin Milling to talk about bonding with Allie aka Gigi and how he came to understand the special connection between humans and primates, becoming "the love of her life." He also talks about learning how to act in the wheelchair which he took out to practice in the real world, observing the different reactions that he got.
Brett Cullen and Lesley Ann Warren star in It Snows All The Time, the poignant true story of Ed Hover and his battle with the devastating disease of Dementia. As a married couple, their chemistry is wonderful, portraying how the family must come together to face the inevitable.
Brett tells host Robin Milling about his deep personal family connection which resulted in his cathartic performance, opposite Lesley who also sought guidance from Jerry Hover, and pours her heart out as the loving matriarch who must keep everyone strong in the wake of the sadness around them. Both actors hope the film brings awareness to understanding how to cope when a loved one has Alzheimer's.
They called it “School” but the education that Spencer Schneider received for 23 years was far from scholastic. Spencer wrote a book, “Manhattan Cult Story- My Unbelievable True Story of Sex Crimes, Chaos, and Survival,” and the title couldn't say any better than what he experienced in this secret society, preying upon the vulnerable, but wealthy, promising them self fulfillment and betterment through the guise of their teachings. “Cults build you up and once you become dependent, then the abuse and the trauma starts. I haven't met a single person who hasn't had some lasting memory, negative memory or trauma. From this group, there is without exception, an extremely harmful group, very harmful, very tricky. They really get under your skin," he tells host Robin Milling.
Writing the book has opened a can of worms with news stories covering deceased cult leader Sharon Gans and the horrific tales of other members who have come forward with their truth. Spencer got out and his unbelievable story should be taken as a cautionary tale.
Eli Horowitz, (The Homecoming) makes his directorial big screen debut with Gone In The Night which stars Winona Ryder, Dermot Mulroney, and John Gallagher Jr.
Eli joins host Robin Milling while on vacation in Istanbul about how he used his personal cabin in The Redwoods to shoot his mystery thriller, what it was like working with the talented cast, and the deeper ageless obsession with youth, underneath the macabre twist. No spoilers here...just watch!
Tom Hughes (A Discovery Of Witches) bonds with nature and his canine companion in Shepherd. When he takes on the job of a shepherd on a remote Scottish island in an attempt to escape his cheating wife's mysterious death, his solidarity spirals into mental madness.
Tom tells host Robin Milling what it was like working on the island and giving up creature comforts like a fancy hotel by staying off the beaten path; plus falling in love with his furry co-star, the Border Collie Shugey.
Garret Dillahunt joins host Robin Milling to talk about starring in Ambulance as police captain Monroe caught up in a high-speed chase after foiled bank robbers (Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) hijack an ambulance. Garret tells Robin what it was like working with director Michael Bay. “He layers in humor to work off the tension a little bit and lets the audience catch its breath and then he's right back with the body blows.” He reminisces about his diversified career in television and film, and humble beginnings house-sitting while going to acting school at NYU. He also shares how he met his wife, “Star Trek: Picard” star Michelle Hurd in their early theater days together.
Garret reveals new projects where he's reuniting with Fear The Walking Dead producer Greg Garcia and Raising Hope co-star Martha Plimpton in Sprung, which he's co-writing and producing. There are no small parts for this multi-faceted actor who will also appear in the upcoming film Blonde in a “small role,” reuniting with Killing Them Softly director Andrew Dominik, who provides an interesting take with Ana de Armas as Marilyn Monroe.
Cara Buono stars in "The Girl From Plainville," now streaming on Hulu. Based on the true story of Michelle Carter's (Elle Fanning) "texting-suicide" case, Cara portrays Elle's mother.
A mom herself, she tells host Robin Milling that the series could spark conversations about the dangers of social media, particularly on young girls. “I was excited to be part of this story which explores technology and mental health and teenage relationships and loneliness.” But especially, she urges, “Don't be a screen zombie!”
Norbert Leo Butz stars in “The Girl From Plainville,” now streaming on Hulu as Conrad Roy, the father of Coco (Colton Ryan). In this true tragic story, he commits suicide egged on by encouraging texts from his girlfriend Michelle Carter (Elle Fanning).
In our conversation, Butz talks about bonding with Ryan over their shared love of theater, how being a father of daughters played into the role, diving deep into the emotional moments of his character, and offers his unique view of parenting and suicide. He tells host Robin Milling, “The stigma and the shame of parental failure is a false narrative that needs to be extracted from the culture. I like that the film takes a stab that mental illness is a human problem and is so multi-faceted. No one person takes the blame.”
Legendary actor Michael Ironside, currently starring in the indie film "Skipping Stones," joins host Robin Milling.
He tells great stories about his colorful upbringing growing up in Toronto, Canada. He tells Robin about bonding with Arnold Schwarzenegger on "Total Recall," why he's known for losing limbs in his 300-plus film career, and buddying up with Tom Cruise in "Top Gun."
The 72-year-old actor says “I'm like a '55 Buick Special. I don't get anywhere as fast as anyone else but I get there eventually. If you're a modern car and you get in my way you might get a little bump here and there but I arrive. I really do feel at the most 29 years old inside.”
Director Martha Coolidge (Rambling Rose, Valley Girl) joins host Robin Milling to talk about I'll Find You, the sweeping historical romantic drama about two lovers torn apart by the German invasion of Poland. “It really is romantic but it lets you see the cost of the war,” she tells Robin.
Martha talks about what it was like to shoot in Poland, casting her young talented musical couple Adelaide Clemens and Leo Suter, and working with the accomplished Stellan Skarsgard. She also shares how her parents influenced her passion for filmmaking and her proud moment of discovering a famous Coppola.
Host Robin Milling welcomes Douglas Hodge, star of the wonderful romantic comedy "A Grand Romantic Gesture." It's the story of two married people who fall helplessly in love while portraying the star-crossed lovers Romeo & Juliet. Douglas reveals his clever tricks to playing 'drunkenness,' his own brush with Romeo & Juliet, and working withElle Fanning& Nicholas Houltin Hulu's "The Great." Douglas also discusses writing music and lyrics for the upcoming musical "101 Dalmatians" coming to The West End.
This spirited conversation from 2006 with host Robin Milling and Meatloaf, whose real name was Marvin Lee Aday, is in memory of the beloved rock singer and multi-faceted performer who died on January 20, 2022 at the age of 74.
The chat was for the release of Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose which featured a duet with Marion Raven in It's All Coming Back To Me Now. Meatloaf tells Robin about the origins of Bat Out Of Hell, his infatuation with Karla DeVito, the praise of his collaboration with Jim Steinman, how his acting played into his interpretation of the songs, and how much he hates birthdays.
The Cleaning Lady star Adan Canto joins host Robin Milling to talk about his stunning starring role in the exciting new series on Fox TV. Adan tells Robin what inspired him to take on this gangster character, who also has a soft spot for the cleaning lady played by Elodie Yong, who will do anything to save her son.
A new father himself Adan related to that fierce protectiveness. He also discusses his own Mexican roots and the underlying theme of immigration. His future projects include collaborating with his wife, creating and directing projects that further reflect stories that move him that he wants to share with an audience. One of which shares his passion with the Old West.
Shattered director Luis Pietro joins host Robin Milling to talk about the exciting thriller starring John Malkovich, Cameron Monaghan, Frank Grillo, and Lilly Krug. Luis tells Robin what it was like to work with this terrific ensemble cast, the challenges of shooting in the frigid mountains of Montana, and much more.
IN SELECT THEATERS AND ON DEMAND: January 14, 2022
ON DVD AND BLU-RAY: February 22, 2022
Writer/director Eleanor Coppola joins host Robin Milling to discuss her latest film, Love Is Love Is Love, a trifecta of vignettes about love in its many different forms. Eleanor tells Robin about her personal experiences that inspired each tale including a Skype date which was filmed on location at the Coppola winery, a sailing excursion, and lunch with friends to honor a loved one where Rita Wilson, as one of the guests, performs an original song “Because Love.” Eleanor says she enjoys making films that appeal to an audience of a certain age.
Aunjanue Ellis joins host Robin Milling to talk about her role in The Subject. It's a pivotal film about a documentary filmmaker (Jason Biggs) whose subject is a black teenager mixed up in gang life, and the tragic consequences the film's aftermath have befallen his mother (Ellis).
Ellis discusses the subject matter's relevance to her personal interests, working opposite Biggs and literally leaving her mark in a slapping scene. A self-described late bloomer, Ellis talks about how she began her award-deserving acting journey, and her career strategy to get there.
Swen Temmel stars opposite Bruce Willis and Chad Michael Murray in the explosive crime-thriller Survive The Game.
Willis and Temmel play partners in the police force. When Willis is injured in a drug bust gone wrong, Temmel pursues the two criminals to a remote farm owned by a troubled vet (Murray). Temmel talks about his history working with Bruce, shooting fight scenes, and revealing his ultimate action hero has claws!
Writer/director/star John Pollono joins host Robin Milling to talk about his film Small Engine Repair about three working-class childhood friends reuniting for a fun-filled boozy night that takes a serious turn.
John talks about what went into turning his successful play into a film, and the poignant #MeToo message underneath the excellent acting by John, his real life buddy Jon Bernthal, and Shea Whigham.
Introducing "Dipping Into The Archives," a listen-back to conversations with celebrities. some have never been broadcast before and some are being revisited,
Hosted by Robin Milling, we dip into the archives 10 years back with Norman Reedus. The Walking Dead star was just beginning what would become his meteoric rise to stardom as Daryl when we had a rooftop chat at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival for the film Meskada.
Writer/director Paul Morrison joins host Robin Milling for 23 Walks. Morrison explores an older couple as they develop a romance while taking their dogs on their daily walks. Morrison tells Robin what inspired this lovely tale, and what it was like working with his canine stars - known in the film as Henry the terrier and Tilly the German Shepherd - who also forge a friendship as well as with their humans played by Alison Steadman and Dave Johns.
We also talk about his memories of the Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film nomination for Solomon and Gaenor, and working with Robert Pattinson as Salvador Dali in Little Ashes. In the works, Morrison says he hopes to make The Leningrad Gig based on a student trip he took to the USSR circa 1964 where he and his mates performed several songs on guitar. Stay tuned for that...
William Moseley joins host Robin Milling to talk about his new film "Saving Paradise," and the premiere of "Land of Dreams" at the 75th Venice Film Festival. William shares such great stories about his career, and the serendipity he looks for when taking on roles. We also talked about being a hippie at heart, debunking IMDB myths, what his hopes and plans are for the future & much more!
In memory of Ed Asner who passed away on August 29, 2021 at 91 years of age, here is my unedited and candid conversation with The Mary Tyler Moore Show star, who will be forever remembered as the lovable curmudgeonly newsman Lou Grant.
We spoke over the phone in 2016 from Los Angeles when he was starring in the one-man show "A Man And His Prostate," based on the true life experiences of writer/creator Ed Weinberger.
This is from Milling About with BJ Thomas, recorded in 2010 from the famed restaurant Lindy's in New York City, in memory...
The pop icon recalls having laryngitis while recording the soundtrack for 1969’s Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid soundtrack, which would yield the Oscar-winning, Hal David and Burt Bacharach-penned megahit Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head. “I had been to the doctor a couple of days before we did the session and I could barely talk, B.J. tells Milling About host Robin Milling. “The doctor didn't want me to even speak for two weeks, let alone sing. He gave me a B12 shot and I got through the song after five times. Burt was quite upset that I wasn't in good shape but the 20th Century Fox guy said, 'Boy this is great. It sounds like maybe Paul Newman was singing! That's a great idea!'”
Hallie Todd joins host Robin Milling to discuss The Last Champion. It's a family affair with Hallie acting, producing, and co-writing with her director/husband Glenn Withrow and their daughter Ivy. Hallie tells Robin the backdrop of high school wrestling comes from Glenn's own personal throw downs on the mat that were actually choreographed by professional wrestlers and given the seal of approval by his idol, former Olympian Dan Gable.
Hallie discusses taking on the role of the aspiring high school wrestler's alcoholic mother– a wonderful performance – and a complete 180 from Lizzie McGuire's mom! Starring Cole Hauser as the coach, wrestling with his own demons of failed glory, Hallie talks about their decision to cast him in the pivotal role, and how all the other members of the cast bonded in rural Washington.
Director Thomas Bezucha joins host Robin Milling to talk about his latest film, 'Let Him Go.' The tense and emotional film follows stars Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as married couple George and Margaret Blackledge, as they try to rescue their young grandson from the clutches of the dangerous Weboy family headed by matriarch Blanche Weboy. (Lesley Manville).
Thomas tells Robin what it was like to direct the famous movie couple who did practically all their own stunts, and horseback riding. A self-proclaimed 'mother to his babies,' he admitted his nerves were frayed about his actors during some of the fight scenes, especially involving real fire.
However they did have great food on the set to offset any anxiety! Thomas says Kevin and Diane particularly loved the movie pot roast, and the pork chops were a big hit as well with co-stars Connor Mackay and Adam Stafford.
Filmmaker Al Bailey in his debut documentary 'DTF'; follows his friend “Christian,” a widowed airline pilot around the world over the course of 18 months, who uses his career in his quest to find new love, through the dating app Tinder.
Al tells Robin that from the start the quest spirals into witnessing first-hand the pilot's sexual predatory behavior and drug and alcohol depravity -- takeing on a whole new unexpected horrific twist in telling his story.
This podcast contains sexual and explicit language that may not be appropriate for everyone.
Director Rod Lurie joins host Robin Milling to discuss The Outpost, a gritty depiction of a unit of U.S. soldiers battling Taliban forces at the remote Combat Outpost Keating in 2009 in the Battle of Kamdesh.
Rod tells Robin how he put his actors – five of whom are related to famous folk - through their military paces at boot camp to help them bond as soldiers in the film. Their surnames include Eastwood, Jagger, Attenborough, Alda, and Gibson. Shot on location in Sofia, Bulgaria, Rod says the film almost didn't get made as his son Hunter Lurie sadly died during production.
The end result, complete with accurate no-holds-barred realistic battle scenes, with the help of military consultants on the set, is a soaring homage to Hunter and the fallen soldiers.
Michael Pitt joins host Robin Milling to talk about his role in Run With The Hunted. Michael tells Robin how he developed his character, giving input to the way he looks, and how he behaves as a Faginesque character (Oscar) who, lost himself, runs a group of lost boys into a life of crime.
Michael is also a musician, a great storyteller, and quite funny; although you wouldn't get that from the roles he plays. Some of those stories involve Kurt Cobain, Joaquin Phoenix, and his co-star Dree Hemingway. An accomplished actor, best known for his role as Jimmy Darmody in Boardwalk Empire, the New Jersey native talks about what it's like to be misunderstood by the media and puts an end to the myths that surround his personal character.
It's been over 40 years since Rocky, the underdog classic film, written and directed by Sylvester Stallone won over our cinematic hearts.
Writer/director Derek Wayne Johnson chats with host Robin Milling about the documentary 40 Years of Rocky: The Birth Of A Classic, a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of Rocky, narrated by Stallone himself. Johnson reveals stories from the documentary that have never been seen or heard about in the making of this award-winning franchise.
If you'd like to see this interview, please visit Milling About on YouTube and subscribe
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During this time of isolation treat yourself to this laugh out loud comedy, Love. Wedding. Repeat on Netflix. Director Dean Craig joins host Robin Milling to talk about this outrageous British farce starring Sam Claflin, Olivia Munn, and a host of superb comedians.
Director Jon Avnet rings in the new year with host Robin Milling to chat about his new film Three Christs. Currently playing in theaters it stars the triumverate threat of Peter Dinklage, Walton Goggins and Bradley Whitford as paranoid schizophrenics who each believe they're Jesus Christ. Led by the calming and spiritual guidance of Richard Gere who portrays the doctor that saves them from certain dangerous medical solutions, and instead treats them with reason.
Avnet shares stories about his long-standing friendship with Gere which dates back to working together on Red Corner in 1997, and how they collaborated on bringing this story to the screen. Avnet - who also co-wrote the screenplay - tells Robin he did his homework, working with reknowned pyschoanalyst Dr. Aaron Stern to get all the details right. He also relates some of the happy accidents that occurred while filming this important cautionary tale about medical abuse.
Veteran movie producer Hawk Koch joins host Robin Milling to talk about his autobiography, “Magic Time: My Life In Hollywood.” Hawk tells Robin how he was bit by the movie bug at just four years old, and shares storied tales about working with acting legends such as Jack Nicholson, Natalie Wood, and Robert Redford, to name a few.
Hawk candidly shares the difficult relationship he had with his own father, the much beloved bigwig at Paramount Pictures, Howard W. Koch. Despite being “the son of:” he talks about making his way in the business from production assistant to President of the Motion Picture Academy.
He reveals to Robin how he claimed his own name at the tender age of 49, and gained his own respect from the Hollywood elite. In lieu of his close relationships with Jack Nicholson and Roman Polanski, Hawk also weighs in on Nicholson's retirement and Roman Polanski's legal troubles
Treat Williams joins host Robin Milling to talk about his role as a doctor circa 1920's in The Great Alaskan Race The true story - written, directed and starring Brian Presley - is about mushers who drove their Huskies 700 miles in 80 degrees below zero to retreve serum to save the lives of children in the small town of Nome, Alaska from diptheria.
While the cast had to brave the stormy weather shooting in Silverton, Colorado, Treat tells Robin, despite being an experienced pilot he had a bout with the altitude. A certified flight instructor, he also reveals some seriously close calls over the course of his time flying multi-engine planes.
Most significantly, this marks the 40th anniversary of the musical film Hair. Treat recalls the harrowing audition process he had to go through to land the iconic role of Berger
Songwriter Stephen Bishop joins host Robin Milling to talk about his new CD, We'll Talk About It Later In The Car. Stephen tells Robin the origins of the title come from a very famous movie Princess. This is just one of the amusing and engaging stories Bishop shares as he's had quite the musical journey spanning almost four decades.
It seems Stephen has a story for everything from his brush with his all time favorite band The Beatles, to the inspiration behind songs such as Almost Home, and Like Mother Like Daughter, which he also performs acoustically from the new CD.
John Buffalo Mailer joins host Robin Milling to talk about his new film The Second Sun. It's a famly affair as it also stars his wife Claudia Maree Mailer, and was produced by his brother Michael Mailer. Yes, John has a very famous name, and it's not just because he is the son of Norman Mailer; it's his given middle name Buffalo which he explains to Robin is a finely kept family secret.
John discusses maintaining his father's legacy his way with a documentary based on the biography "Norman Mailer: A Double Life." It's a daunting task he says, and will be released under the banner of his production company, MTM "with a buffalo head instead of a lion."
The Second Sun is set in the 1950s which also proved to be a challenging task to get the character of the time just right. John reveals how he literally stepped into the role of a lost soul who meets his beshert in post-war Manhattan. What is a soul mate and love at first sight are also topics of discussion in this candid conversation.
Summer is off to a great start at Claude's restaurant in the Southhampton Inn in Southhampton, New York. Let's Do Lunch! experienced a homey but contemporary dining experience with an excellent cuisine prepared by Chef Charlie and served with an accommodating smile by Devan.
Host Robin Milling, along with her three guests, chats with Devan about the eclectic menu featuring a starter of light and airy Chicken Corn Chowder, and spicy and sweet Crispy Shrimp & Calamari. The mains can come from all day dining or the dinner menu featuring tender and juicy Marinated Hanger Steak, the special Catch of the Day which was delcious Montauk caught Yellow Fin Flounder with Pineapple Mango Chutney, and delectable Black Sea Bass with Watermelon Feta salad. Their signature drinks have a fizz and a kick such as the Hampton's Lemonade with Stoli Blueberry Vodka and fresh muddled blueberries.
The restaurant, named for owner Dede Gotthelf's beloved cat has feline photos lining the walls as you enter. Managed by Food & Beverage Director Kirsen Moore, who prepared a surprise cheese plate she personally curated from local selections, She tells Robin her motto for the restaurant is, “our favorite word is yes.”
Just say 'yes' for a yummy and beautifully presented meal at Claude's!
Indie filmmaker Ari Taub joins host Robin Milling to talk about his new movie, 79 Parts, available today on VOD. Ari tells Robin the film was 15 years in the making but worth all the effort.
It might be an indie but boasts the movie star Eric Roberts who took on the role for much less than his usual pay grade. Taub credtis Donna McKenna, the five-borough casting guru for snagging Roberts. Ari tells Robin the well prepared actor has an interesting way of goofing off between takes. Rounding out the cast are Angelica Page, a personal friend of Taub's, Lou Martini, Jr. (The Sopranos) and Sandra Bernhard. .
Ari tells Robin lots of stories behind how the film finally made it to the light of day, which did not include a release date in 2016, according to IMDB. He reveals how he assembled the impressive collection of vintage 70s cars, and giving his father Stanley Taub a cameo - also a filmmaker - who inspired his son to continue this 'crazy career.'
Emily Mortimer, Dolly Wells and Grace Van Patten, the stars ofGood Posture join host Robin Milling at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival. The film features first time director Wells who also wrote the screenplay about a young girl (Van Patten) who moves in with family friend and famed author (Mortimer), after her widower father moves to Paris with his young girlfriend.
It was a labor of friendship and love as Wells and Mortimer are lifelong friends. They talk about that familial connection, easily bringing Van Patten into their inner circle. They've extended those familial ties even further among their children and siblings.
The ladies of Good Posture tell Robin what it was like working together on the film which was shot in Brooklyn, sharing behind-the-scene stories from the set. They reveal a few more gems that only good friends can chatter about.
It's been almost 30 years in the making, but former front man and co-founder of the legendary band YES, Jon Anderson has released a new album. 1,000 Hands is a loving musical embrace featuring a little help from Anderson's friends ranging from Ian Anderson, Chick Corea, and Rick Derringer to former bandmates Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White.
Jon joins host Robin Milling to chat about the new music and reminisce about the classics. Some of the stories behind the lyrics may surprise you.
The one thing that is constant throughout Anderson's life is love and art, and the dedicated determination to continue to meld the two together. Jon candidly shares how music had a hand - pun intended - in shaping his life personally and professionally.
Tom Everett Scott joins host Robin Milling to talk about his new film, I Hate Kids. In real life, that couldn't be further from the truth as Tom loves his two kids, and is happily married. He tells Robin, "when my first daughter was born I thought how much more could my heart take."
Known for such roles as Emma Stone's husband in La La Land, and the drummer in That Thing You Do, Tom is also a triple threat. He is currently starring in I'm Sorry going into its second season for Tru TV, working on a film project with Alicia Silverstone and thinking about returning to the Broadway stage. He reminisces with Robin about his Broadway debut, The LIttle Dog Laughed.
For much more on marriage, kids and a special gift he received from Meryl Streep, listen here!
Most people know the legend of Judy Collins - the blue-eyed beauty - who inspired Suite Judy Blue Eyes by Stephen Stills of Crosby, Stills and Nash. In this candid chat with host Robin Milling, Judy talks about the stories that have shaped her musical history.
Judy tells Robin about her on-going musical collaboration with Stills and their singing union on the CD Stills & Collins. After all these years, they are performing live together enriched even more by their friendship.
She talks about what it's like to have songs written about her and the ones she discovered along the way like Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now that gave her Top 10 success.
Along with those heady times there were demons to battle. Judy unabashedly shares her struggles with alcoholism and how she continues one day at a time to deal with the debilitating addiction that almost cost her career.
At 79, Collins shows no signs of slowing down. She tells Robin about her future plans and what she hopes to accomplish in the worlds of music, books, and possibly even Broadway.
Let's Do Lunch! dines at La Pulperia on the upper east of New York City. The restaurant is a unique and delectable mix of Brazillian and South American flavors with a Latin flair that will tingle your taste buds. Their signature dishes are the Pacu Fish Ribs, Moqueca Mixta and El Salmon Brulee which is the sumptuous one-of-a-kind creation of Executive Chef Carlos Barroz. You normally wouldn't consider sweet and fishy as a match but this salmon tartar topped with a fromage brulee gives this raw bar selection an exciting crunchy flavor.
Host Robin Milling talks with the server Jimy who proudly talks about how each selection was prepared. The bar scene is lively with bartender Cesar shaking up the La Pulperia UES cocktail. It's a marguerita with a Mexican flair featuring homemade tajin salt and a floating chili pepper garnish which Jimy says “I don't recommend you biting it at all!” The Crudo Tasting is a perfect mix of Tuna Tiradito, Shrimp Ceviche and the El Salmon Brulee. Our starter was corn and pork empanadas served with homemade chimichurri sauce that you'll want to sop up with a spoon. For our main dish Cazuela De Pulpo was served; perfectly grilled octopus surrounded by Spanish chorizo on a bed of carrot puree topped with pickled red onion and mole poblano gives it a slight kick. To top off the meal was an unbelievable Mezcal infused Chocolate Mousse.
Let's Do Lunch! is also joined by manager Roman Cervantes who tells Robin the origins of La Pulperia which began with an idea by owners Victor Medina and Carlos Barroz for a “rustic deli store where friends and family can meet up together.” The ultimate is the Drag Queen brunch on Saturdays where you are entertained by the fabulous in New York.
Paul Mecurio joins host Robin Milling to talk about his one-man Off Broadway series “Permission to Speak” now playing at The Actors Temple through December.
Paul tells Robin the inspiration for the show where audience members chat with Paul to reveal their stories, often sharing their inner most thoughts and feelings. “I'm a therapist, a pimp and a comedian all rolled into one,!” he says. His knack for conversation can also be heard on his own podcast, The Paul Mecurio Show.
A former lawyer and investment banker on Wall Street, Paul tells Robin how he switched gears to become a stand-up comedian through the encouragement of none other than Jay Leno. He has since parlayed his comedy writing talents for The Daily Show (with Jon Stewart) and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
The Rhode Island born entertainer talks about how he developed his gift for gab, marrying his high school sweetheart and much more.
Rita Coolidge, one of the most celebrated and reknowned singer/songwriters from the 70s, has released a new CD, Safe In The Arms of Time. The music and the lyrics illustrate how Rita, who was born of Cherokee roots in Lafayette, Tennessee, has come full circle in her life with personal and professional fulfillment.
Rita candidly chats with host Robin Milling. Personally she openly talks about her past loves and the man in her life now who is her forever love. Some of her stories entail her legendary marriage to Kris Kristoferson and where they are today, and the real reason why David Crosby blamed her for the demise of CSN. While others are about professional wrong-doings in a male-dominated music business.
The inspiration behind such songs as The Things We Carry, You Can Fall in Love, and Naked All Night reflect all that is Rita Coolidge.
The smooth soulful stylings of Ruben Studdard are a natural fit for singing Luther Vandross. Ruben joins host Robin Milling to talk about his new CD, 'Ruben Sings Luther,' which is not only a tribute to the late singer but also a special gift to his mother who always played Luther around the house in Alabama when Ruben was just a kid.
Ruben tells Robin about the recording of Luther's music which includes his 'Velvet Tedd Bear' stamp on classics like Here and Now, Always and Forever, and Never Too Much.
Ruben could never get enough of music. He joined a fraternity Phi Mu Alpha from Alabama A&M University that nurtured his love of singing and made lifelong friends.
The second season American Idol winner shares his advice on staying focus well after you make it to Hollywood.
Sharing that feeling of success gave Ruben the desire children who have the same dreams and goals through his foundation for children in the arts: sending them to music camp and setting up invaluable scholarships.
Far beyond the music, Ruben maintains a humbleness and warmth that is contagious.
Christina Hendricks joins host Robin Milling to chat about her upcoming film, "The Strangers: Prey at Night." The thriller also stars Martin Henderson as her husband, Lewis Pullman as her son, and Bailee Madison as her daughter. The family literally have to fight off an intruder in their mobile home.
Christina tells Robin she didn't have to look any further than her own experience with a home break-in to conjure up that fear once again for the film.
Also, starring in the television series, "Good Girls," she is playing a very different kind of empowered mother. Christina discusses her feelings about playing a mom and what it means to her own mother to watch her on screen.
The film opens in theaters March 9 nationwide.
Host Robin Milling chats with The Lodge At Woodloch sommelier Leslie Britt who likes to think of herself as a 'wine slinger.' She jokes with the guests, giving them the proper phonetic pronunciation, as 'som-el-yay'! Leslie is actually a certified specialist in both wine and spirits. Leslie holds a diploma in wine and spirits from the Wine And Spirits Education Trust which is the pre-requisite for a Master of wine out of London.
Leslie believes that wine is an essential part of any dining experience. She hosted a wonderful chocolate and wine pairing – two things that go so well together. Her mantra is wine, chocolate, wine.
The presentation featured Eclat chocolate courtesy of Good & Evil featured a blonde chocolate infused with porcini mushroom and thyme which Leslie paired perfectly with Sherry, Muscat, a fruity Chardonnay or a Moscato d'Asti. The milk chocolate pairs beautifully with Merlot, Pinot Noir, Reisling and the dark at 72% cacao is a winner with Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Port.
She tells Robin she discovered that her family was part of five generations of brewery from the United Kingdom – Black Sheep Brewery. Leslie admits to Robin her passion for beer. She shares her recipe for food and wine pairings with her preference being Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc "going well with any food."
But she doesn't discriminate. She is an “equal opportunity imbiber” as long as it goes with food. Her knowledge of the history of wines and the story behind the label are impressive.
Cheers to Leslie Britt!
Join host Robin Milling for Let's Do Lunch! at The Tree Restaurant at The Lodge At Woodloch where spa cuisine is much more than a peanut on a rice cracker. Their portions are just right and all about healthy nourishment served with wine or homemade 'clean' cocktails; with herbal ingredients grown right on property in their Blackmoor garden. A hive of bees makes their home here providing honey for The Maple Honey cocktail with Bourbon F617; tried and tested by sommelier Leslie Britt.
The lovely server Mallory discusses three courses spaced perfectly during the meal. The White Bean & Kale Soup is creamy with chickpea and roasted red pepper rouille. The Homemade Pumpkin Ricotta Crostini topped with a fig balsamic is yum. The second course is a salad of Willow Wisp Farm Bibb Lettuce sourced locally. The third course offers meat, seafood and vegetarian selections. Mallory recommends Dijon & Panko Crusted Jamison Lamb Rack. The Vegetable-based Roasted Mushroom Stroganoff is made with shitaki, maitaki and oyster mushrooms served over quinoa pasta that melts in your mouth. Roasted Cauliflower Steak is just as satisfying for meat lovers.
Before the meal chef Josh Tomson, who went to French culinary school has incorporated the Amuse Bouche starter, meaning “entertainment for the mouth.” It's a little tiny tasting to awaken your senses for the main course.
Leave room for dessert. The Caramel Apple Cheesecake is made with caramel corn crust from popped corn. For chocaholics don't miss their Black Cocoa Forest Cake.
Milling About visits The Lodge At Woodloch, a destination spa in Hawley, Pennsylvania in the heart of the Poconos, which offers serenity and relaxation in a woodsy environment that not only makes you feel calm, but also invigorated. The focus is to bring nature into the treatment room.
Host Robin Milling chats with Treatments Manager Amanda Clabaugh about their signature massages using herbs grown right on property that are infused into body treatments such as local rosemary in “Rosemary Awakening.” “Chakra Balancing" is a fusion of both energy work and Swedish massage that incorporates seven different oils, relating to each of the chakras. For those of you who like to stick to the classic Swedish; their most popular is the Lodge Massage offered with aromatherapy.
After your treatment experience the eucalyptus steamroom which sends your senses reeling. The hydrotherapy waterfall adds even more massage. There's nothing like the outdoor infinity hot tub on a cold crisp day.
The Lodge at Woodloch is steeped in family history going back three generations. Owner John Kiesendahl who is also known as the “man who wears funny pants;” advised by his 13 grandchildren, shares his childhood memories of the original Woodloch Pines family resort dating back to 1958. John tells Robin it is actually the place where his parents fell in love years earlier when they were just teenagers.
The philosophy behind Woodloch has always been to treat everybody as if they were coming to the Kiesendahl home. Combining luxurious bedding with down to earth comfort; that's just how it feels when you visit The Lodge at Woodloch.
Director Rob Reiner has made films about presidents before as in the Michael Douglas led, The American President. This time he is exploring the real life making of an American president in LBJ starring Woody Harrelson as Lyndon B. Johnson.
Reiner joins host Robin Milling to candidly discuss the making of LBJ from the make-up process Woody had to endure, to how Johnson's children felt about Harrelson's portrayal.
Reiner tells Robin behind-the-scenes stories of using actual locations to recreate the assasination of President John F. Kennedy, A self-described "news junkie," Reiner discusses what this movie might mean to a younger generation.
LBJ opens in theaters November 3.
Back in 1967 Poco was founded by Rusty Young, Richie Furay, George Grantham and Jim Messina. Over the years the band recruited Paul Cotton, Randy Meisner, and Timothy B. Schmidt. Now 50 years later Rusty Young is still making music with his new CD, "Waitin' For The Sun," which includes the familiar and classic Poco sound with his own personal reflections of his life and bandmates who are all still his friends.
Rusty joins host Robin Milling to talk about the inspiration for the songs which were born in his log cabin in Pucky Huddle, Missouri - "population 50" - waiting for the sun to rise over the hill. Rusty tells Robin how the Poco members still have managed to remain like family - even though they've gone their separate ways into other popular bands like The Eagles and Loggins & Messina described in the song "My Friend."
Rusty tells Robin stories behind such songs as "Honey Bee," which featues Messina and Grantham, a tune that pays homage to his grandmother who played piano alongside silent films. "Sara's Song" is a tearjerker that he wrote when his daughter got married, and "Down Home" features his wife Mary who introduced him to the beauty and solitude of country living.
And Rusty reveals how Poco's biggest hit "Crazy Love" almost never got recorded, and some of the weirder places he's heard the song being played.
The collaboration between veteran producer Narada Michael Walden and artist Jennifer Saran turned out to be a magical one. It began in South Africa with the single "Wake Up" - a call to everyone to become aware of what was going on in the world through music. It was during the time of Desmond Tutu's 85th birthday and inspired by the turmoil going on at the time. Saran was then joined by local legends Ladysmith Black Mambazo on the song with all proceeds going to the "Desmond & Leah Tutu Peace Foundation." http:www.tutufoundationusa.org
They enjoyed each other's company so much they later returned to the studio to record even more songs for her new CD, Wake Up. The result is the title track featuring guitarist Carlos Santana and Jennifer's versions of classics from Bill Withers, George Michael and Doris Day to name a few; along with two original songs that honor her family.
Narada and Jennifer join host Robin Milling to talk about how music can affect change and giving back through foundations they've both created so that further generations - including their own children - can thrive.
Never before have Santana and The Isley Brothers, two accomplished musical legends in their own right, collaborated together in the studio until now. Power of Peace celebrates the musical unity between Carlos Santana, Ron Isley and Ernie Isley. The album also marks a familial gathering as they are joined by their wives - Cindy Blackman Santana, Kandy Johnson Isley (Ron's wife) and Tracy Isley (Ernie's wife) singing background vocals with Cindy on drums.
Host Robin Milling spoke with Carlos and Cindy about their musical and romantic union which Carlos describes as spiritual. He added, "We are bananas for each other both on and off the stage." Their connection is palpable having been married almost seven years. Cindy also talks about contributing the song I Remember which came at a time in her life before Carlos so the song resonates a new meaning.
Also joining Robin are Ron and Ernie Isley who discuss their brotherhood with Jimi Hendrix - whose spirit still looms throughout their lives. Ron who lends his soulful lead vocals to such songs as God Bless The Child, What The World Needs Now, and Mercy, Mercy Me discusses the kindred connection to Carlos Santana and how their legacy has been shaped as a result.
Paris Can Wait star Diane Lane and writer/director Eleanor Coppola join host Robin Milling. The two ladies collaboration had been several years in the making -- Lane knows Coppola since she was 17 working with her husband Francis Ford on such films as The Outsiders and Rumble Fish. So when it came time to cast her leading lady in her debut film Lane said 'yes' to the story based on Coppola's food and wine road trip to Paris that she experienced many years ago.
Diane tells Robin any thoughts of maintaining a healthy lifestyle went out the car window as she enjoyed the joie de vivre of eating, drinking and pure joy of making the film with Coppola. Eleanor tells Robin even the catering on the set was just as fine for the crew so they wouldn't feel envious of what the actors were eating and drinking.
Paris Can Wait also stars Alec Baldwin as Lane's husband and French actor Arnaud Viard who introduces Lane's character to a culinary experience she wlll never forget.
If you grew up in the 70s then you would surely have heard the music of Bruce Sudano, Born in Brooklyn, New York Sudano co-founded the band Alive N Kickin’ which featured the Tommy James penned “Tighter, Tighter.” In 1977 he met Donna Summer, who would become his wife of 32 years and together they wrote such popular hits as “Heaven Knows,” and “Bad Girls” to name a few. Bruce always had a solo career of his own.
In this candid interview with host Robin Milling, Sudano talks about his new album 21st Century World which speaks about his social and political concerns and who is accountable to what is going on in society. He tells Robin what inspired such songs as "Coney Island Days;" a nod to the little boy that still lives inside him and "When Cinderella Dies;" his journey of self-discovery entering back into the dating world and the harsh realization of how marriage is viewed today.
Bruce also talks about his talented daughters two of which broke into showbusiness themselves -- Brooklyn stars in the NBC series Taken -- and Amanda fronts the band Johnnyswim. Bruce also reveals exciting new details about the upcoming musical that he is helming which pays tribute to Summer's life and legacy.
Brooklyn-born Donny Most aka the lovable Ralph Malph from Happy Days is now crooning his way into our hearts with a new CD, D Most: Mostly Swinging. Donny joins host Robin Milling to talk about his showbusiness journey from performing in the Catskill hotels as a teenager, to his memories of the Happy Days gang, and his undeniable love for jazz standards and the American songbook which led to his foray into musical recording and performing. Songs on the CD include such standards as Lover Come Back, Blue Skies, Let's Fall in Love, The Tender Trap, Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered, One for My Baby, and I Got it Bad and That Ain't Good. Donny tells Robin about being a number one fan to Bobby Darin and what it meant to him when Kevin Spacey took on the iconic singer in the film Beyond the Sea.
Donny jokes to Robin about how he has the first chapter for his memoirs -- if only he could find them! He also talks about meeting his wife on the set of Happy Days and the wonderful television family that he still keeps close after all these years.
D Most: Mostly Swinging is available on Amazon.com, iTunes and www.summitrecords.com. To see Donny in action visit his YouTube channel http://bit.ly/2pxphDy
Singer/songwriter Judith Owen joins host Robin Milling the day following her album showcase, “Somebody's Child” at the Iridium in New York. This Welsh-born entertainer is a beautiful songstress who weaves personal life lessons and stories throughout each song with a dab of her cheeky sense of humor thrown in for good measure which propel you not only to fall in love with her music, but with her as well. “I told you I was a bottomless pit of need,” she jokes speaking about wanting the feedback from the audience.
Born into a musical family – her father was an opera singer at Covent Garden – where hanging out with Pavarotti backstage seemed common place. She became “obsessed with the piano and singing from an early age;” wanting to experience the same joy her father did when he sang. Unfortunately she inherited melancholy from her mother who suffered from depression. Judith reveals, “Dad's the reason why I can sing and my mother's the reason why I sing and that's absolutely the truth.”
After 10 albums Owen tells Robin she has finally reached a stage in her career where people are appreciating her authenticity and how she has reached a point in her life where she can say, “I've been getting well, I've been getting me sorted. I have never felt more comfortable in my own skin.” Never one for a false note musically or in conversation Judith talks about her journey in turning her life around with the help of her music, her mench of a husband This Is Spinal Tap writer/star Harry Shearer, and the unconditional love from her yellow lab, Doris Day. But that's another story!
Judith is currently on tour with Bryan Ferry.
For more information on Judith Owen visit http://www.judithowen.net/
Writer/director Bart Freundlich joins host Robin Milling to talk about his new film Wolves. The film stars newcomer Taylor John Smith as a rising highschool basketball player who must overcome the challenges of his gambling father (Michael Shannon) and overcompensating mother (Carla Gugino) to excel.
Basketball is in the family as Bart tells Robin he still plays, his son plays for Davidson College, and his daughter for her Junior Varsity team. In fact most of the film's basketball scenes were shot at a local New York school where the classrooms often doubled for dressing rooms.
Bart tells Robin he actually began writing Wolves almost 30 years ago in his own 10th grade highschool English class so on many levels this film is a win-win for him.
Stephen Dorff stars as Wheeler Bryson, a country singer songwriter in the film Wheeler who captures Nashville by storm with his unique talents.
Stephen tells host Robin Milling what it was like to be completely unrecognizable underneath the weathered Wheeler prosthetics and how he managed to fool the people who knew him such as the session musicians he grew up knowing through his famous songwriting father, Steve Dorff.
The Hollywood actor, also an accomplished musician in his own right did all the performing live throughout the making of the film in the infamous Bluebird Cafe; home to patrons who come to hear the newest voice on the Nashville circuit. The recording of the film's music along with Nashville songwriter Bobby Tomberlin is currently available as a soundtrack featuring the single "Pour Me Out Of This Town."
Georgina Pazcoguin, now playing Victoriathe Cat in Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical CATS joins host Robin Milling. For the sake of familiarity, Gina met Robin for an informal chat in Central Park with her adorable black Labs in tow, Jett and Marco, to talk about her turn as the white cat. Gina tells Robin walking in the park is essential for her to wind down on her days off from her hectic Broadway schedule; doing eight shows a week.
A day in the life of CATS for Gina begins with ballet class where she puts on her pointe shoes so she can keep herself in shape for the vigorous Andy Blankenbuehler dance work-out followed by acupuncture and physical therapy. On hiatus as a soloist for The New York City Ballet, she had to learn how to apply her own Victoria make-up which proved to be a learning curve for the self-described “rogue ballerina.” While still working with NYC Ballet, she practiced in her dressing room psyching herself up with songs like Cat Scratch Fever and What's New cat.
Cat themes are all the rage backstage at the Neil Simon Theater where becoming a cat entailed studying videos and channeling your inner feline nature. Gina tells Robin she modelled Victoria after a close friend's cat named Emma, “she is this beautiful white-gray cat who is kind of like a dog. She come when you call. She is a little shy. And kind of my inspiration for Victoria.”
Listen here for more behind-the-scenes stories including “owning her body in a white unitard” and a very special opening night gift Gina gave her CATS cast mates.
Visit Georgina on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/public/Georgina-Pazcoguin
Do you remember how you felt when you first heard Walking In Memphis, the seminal debut from Marc Cohn, which would ultimately become his signature song. Marc joins host Robin Milling to celebrate the 25th anniversary of that song, and talks about his memories and inspirations from his songwriting vault in Careful What You Dream: Lost Songs And Rarities.
A consummate storyteller, Marc tells Robin wonderful stories behind such songs as Ghost Train and Silver Thunderbird, along with oldies but goodies he has released on this newest collection; among them Nowhere Fast, From The Faraway Nearby, and Maestro.
Oddly enough Marc has never been able to read a note of music but the talent for weaving words and music has shaped him into the prolific songwriter he is today. Stay tuned for much more from Marc Cohn, including writing his memoirs some day, a possible Broadway show, and of course, the music.
For more information visit http://marccohn.net/
Gbenga Akinnagbe (pronounced phonetically as Benga Akinabee) joins host Robin Milling to talk about his turn as Agent Matthew Travis to President Whitmore (Bill Pullman) in Independence Day: Resurgence. His background is perfectly suited for the role as he tells Robin there was a time when he actually was interested in becoming President of the United States. He weighs in on Trump, "If I told you 10 years ago if Donald Trump was gonna be one of two people who were definitely gonna be president you would've laughed in my face and called the police to take me away!"
Deciding not to pursue politics, Gbenga became an actor instead, but he still remains passionate about government and citizens' rights. He discusses his theories about gun control, and how seriously he looks at handling weapons in a film.
Ad avid adventurer, he also contributes essays about travel, science and sports for The New York Times. Next he will be starring in the television series, The Deuce, as a pimp amongst the backdrop of the beginnings of the industry in the 1970s.
Milling About Dance visits the production of Monte/Molissa/Margo/Muller – LIVE! At New York Live Arts through June 18. Host Robin Milling chats with choreographer Margo Sappington about her piece Entwined featuring dancers Lillian DiPiazza, Marjorie Feiring, Chyrstyn Mariah Fentroy, Silken Kelly and Marlon Taylor-Wiles, who expertly and sensuously weave in and out of each other's bodies to the serene music of Erik Satie's solo piano compositions, the Gnossiennes.
Margo tells Robin about her ballet beginnings at 17 with the Joffrey Ballet; how Robert Joffrey noticed her when she was just 14 and waited until she finished high school in Houston, thus starting her professional dancing career. She recalls, 'I levitated and floated out of his office!' She danced there for two years before a fated audition for Bob Fosse landed her Broadway debut in Sweet Charity.
Choreography is an aptitude that Margo had back in high school; her first piece was to poetry. Over the years she's created ballets with some very interesting musical collaborators. She tells Robin wonderful behind-the-scenes stories working with William Shatner on his CD Has Been and Billboards set to the music of Prince.
For more information visit http://www.newyorklivearts.org
The Jets vs. The Sharks are back for another rumble at The Paper Mill Playhouse production of West Side Story running June 1- June 26. Host Robin Milling goes behind the scenes to chat with the cast. Michigan born Mikey Winslow (On The Town) as Riff began his career on Broadway dancing in the ensemble of the 2009 revival of West Side Story. He tells Robin, “Working my way up to the gang. I was Baby John, Big Deal; I played Action and now here I am. Maybe someday I'll play Officer Krupke!”
Natalie Cortez reprises her role as Anita. In the 2009 Broadway revival she was cast just after having her first child. She recalls, “Just do West Side Story to lose baby weight! I have a 10-month old so I'm dancing off the baby weight this time too!!” German Alexander (2010 national tour of West Side Story) describes his take on Bernardo. “He plays against his situation either through jokes, humor, or sex. Anything that gets in the way of his relationship with Anita, with Maria is a threat to him just like the Jets are.”
Spring Awakening star Matt Doyle is a newcomer to the Jerome Robbins classic. He says, “I'm talking middle school, high school; I've never done it. I somehow always missed the boat. I'm excited for the opportunity to finally get to play Tony, and hopefully not too late!” Belinda Allyn played Maria before at Riverside Theater in Florida, reuniting with choreographer Alex Sanchez at Paper Mill. She says the story still has incredible relevance and needs to be told to reinforce it's theme of intolerance. “The moral of the story is to not hate and that lesson still hasn't been learned in the world.”
Harry Hamlin joins host Robin Milling from the Tribeca Film Festival to talk about his film Rebirth. It's the story of communication in the modern age and redefining yourself through self-actualization and EST-like retreats. Harry tells Robin he's familiar with pounding pillows amongst the guys to get frustrations out, and also welcomes marriage therapy with his wife Lisa Rinna to "keep their relationship on track and harmony in the household."
Harry plays a sex guru in the film which he says was a perfect role for him at this stage in his career, which has recently included an older gay lover in Shameless and as ad executive Jim Cutler in Mad Men. At 64, Harry is certainly not resting on his laurels. Closing his bricks and mortar clothing store Belle Gray that he developed with Lisa, now available on QVC, has given him that freedom. He jokes that he's embracing his upcoming Medicare status! Listen to how he hopes to celebrate and what's in store for Harry Hamlin.
Graham Nash joins host Robin Milling to talk about his new solo album, 'This Path Tonight.' At 74 years old it's been quite the journey for Nash who celebrates several milestones including his 60th year in the business making music, leaving his home in Hawaii for New York City, and finding love again with Amy Grantham after separating from his wife of 38 years. He tells Robin the story of how they met and how she has become his personal photographer, contributing the solo photos you see here.
Graham candidly talks about how the songs on his new CD are his most personal to date, sharing writing credit with producer Shane Fontayne, who has been a fan of Nash's since The Hollies. Nash never looks back he says, always living in the moment; but he is looking forward to a CSNY Broadway musical and many more years of songwriting to come.
Milling About goes behind-the-scenes with Pump Boys & Dinettes playing The Papermill Playhouse April 6-May 1. Joining host Robin Milling is James Barry (Jim), Julie Foldesi (Prudie), Jason Ostrowski (L.M.), Alysha Umphress (Rhetta) and choreographer JoAnn M. Hunter (School of Rock).
All the action takes place on North Carolina's Highway 57. The Pump Boys at the gas station (James, Jason, Gabe Bowling as Jackson and Sam Weber as Eddie) are a musical foursome, playing all their own instruments in the show with styles ranging from the 30s to the 80s. On acoustic guitar is James who tells Robin he grew up playing in rock bands. He says the music in the show features ragtime to classic country, soul and funk. On piano, percussion, accordian and a 'little tap dancing' is Jason, an accomplished pianist who tells Robin tapping while playing accordian was a challenge, 'It's a funny moment because I'm playing accordian while I'm doing it in cowboy boots!' Jason goes from Sondheim to country rock 'n roll having played piano and bass in Company.
And then there's the Dinettes of the Double Cupp Diner featuring Julie and Alysha as the Cupp sisters. Julie is musically inclined as well playing ukelele, guitar and piano but had to learn accordian and harmonica for the show. She tells Robin, 'I have my own 'Keep Your Eye on Foldesi' band, sort of bluegrassy folk. I have two albums on iTunes and Amazon!' Alysha trades in her taxi medallion in On The Town as a percussive dinette. She laughs, 'I play tubs, a cheesegrater and a whisk. I do oatmeal. Things you never thought could be played, I play!'
Pump Boys and Dinettes premieres April 10 at The Papermill Playhouse. For more information visit www.PaperMill.org/PumpBoys
Music provided by Pump Boys and Dinettes Original Broadway Soundtrack
New York Pops Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke joins host Robin Milling to talk about the upcoming Carnegie Hall concert celebrating the music of 50 Academy Award nominee John Williams from Spielberg to Star Wars. John tells Robin he culled through much of Williams' extensive soundtrack catalogue but narrowed it down to collaborations with filmmaker Steven Spielberg to honor his 70th birthday.
Steven says the music of John Williams is so powerful and visceral that if you close your eyes it just takes you back to the movies such as his most recent score for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. “Even the earliest memories from Jaws in 1975, I remember sitting in a movie theater being very young with my family watching Jaws for the first time and it was fantastic. Every time I conduct or hear that opening theme, 'Baadum, Baadum,' I am transported right back.”
Four of Williams' Academy Award winning film scores will be played by The New York Pops orchestra on April 8 at Carnegie Hall including Jaws, ET: The Extraterrestrial, Star Wars, Schindler's List and much more.
For more information visit The New York Pops www.newyorkpops.org.
Alan Parsons joins host Robin Milling to discuss his personal and professional journey from Abbey Road Studios to The Alan Parsons Project and more. A renaissance man, Alan is also an author of 'Art & Science of Sound Recording' and hopes to pen his autobiography some day. With entertainnment in his family, he is also actively pursuing a career as an actor.
Alan tells Robin how he landed his coveted job as an assistant engineer at Abbey Road Studios and would come to work with The Beatles on such projects as Let It Be, and the Abbey Road album.
Listen for some great behind-the-scenes stories of what it was like to work with The Beatles in the recording studio,andwith Paul McCartney at his home studio. Plus Alan talks about embarking on a 'greatest hits' tour with The Alan Parsons Project, and much more.
For more information visit
http://alanparsonsmusic.com/
Legendary rocker DAVID BOWIE has died January 10, 2016 at the age of 69; just two days after his 69th birthday and his latest album release, following an 18-month battle with cancer. Blackstar, his 25th and final album released January 8th has been described as a 'parting gift to his fans.'
His other most recent musical creation was the off-Broadway show, Lazarus featuring his music and starring Michael C. Hall; based on The Man Who Fell To Earth.
Host Robin Milling dips into the archives to pay tribute to the Thin White Duke in this interview from 1992 with Bowie and Tin Machine bassist Tony Sales.
Taylor Kinney stars in The Forest, the first horror film in 2016. Taylor stars alongside Natalie Dormer as they search the famed Aokigahara suicide forest in Japan searching for her missing twin sister. Taylor tells host Robin Milling what he did during his off-time shooting the film in the Serbian mountains, his upcoming nuptials to Lady Gaga, his pride in playing a fireman in Chicago Fire, holiday traditions, and more.
Movie stills courtesy of Gramercy Pictures by James Dittiger.
Natalie Dormer stars in The Forest, the first scary movie in 2016. Making her horror debut, she takes on double duty playing twins in the story about traveling to Japan to save her sister from impending doom in the famed Aokigahara suicide forest. Natalie tells Robin she tempted fate by visiting the forest prior to shooting the film by stepping off the path for a mere second. Not one to be put off by spirits, insects are another story as she had to fend off the creepy crawlers in the scene where she falls down the sinkhole.
Coming off Cressida in Hunger Games, and playing Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones, Natalie tells Robin about changing her hairstyle for roles, reuniting with her family for the holidays, and more.
Movie stills courtesy of Gramercy Pictures by James Dittiger
Milling About visits a special sneak preview of American Dance Machine where 22 dancers perform classic Broadway dance numbers reimagined by some of the dance world's best choreographers. Host Robin Milling speaks with dancer/singer Lori Ann Ferreri (On The Town, Wicked) who says she felt guided by her mentor, A Chorus Line's Donna McKechnie for her rendition of Music & The Mirror. Tyler Hanes (On The Town, A Chorus Line, Sweet Charity) who performs Tommy Tune's We'll Take A Glass from Grand Hotel, and duets with his favorite New York City Ballet soloist Gina Pazcoguin, says working on the New York stage is a dream come true.
Director Wayne Cilento (Wicked, Sweet Charity revival, The Who's Tommy) who played Mike in A Chorus Line, reunites with the legendary Cassie, Donna McKechnie. They share what it's like coming full circle as dancers to behind-the-scenes, working with Artistic Director Nikki Feirt Atkins to bring a fresh approach to a dance theatrical experience.
American Dance Machine premiering December 21 at The Joyce Theater in New York City, features works from A Chorus Line, Bubbling Brown Sugar, Singin' In The Rain, West Side Story, and The Who's Tommy; to name a few.
Narada Michael Walden grew up as Michael in Kalamazoo, Michigan in a house filled with music always playing. He would beat along on pie tins and table tops, and at five years old when he received his first Toyland drum kit, that set his musical path. Fast forward to 19 when he was discovered by John McLaughlin who introduced him to his guru, giving him the name 'Narada' which means supreme musician. That set his spiritual path.
Producing pop music was just an extension of Narada's listening to what was hot coming up in Michigan, from 'Motown to Johnny Mathis and everything in-between.' He tells Robin how 12 year-old Stacy Lattisaw was his first big break as a producer; putting her and him on the map with Let Me Be Your Angel. He recalls, 'And then my phone started ringing from Clive Davis and you name it. Will you produce this person and this one? And I said yes to everybody. I blew up!'
Narada treats Robin to stories about some of the incredibly talented artists he's worked with over the years including Elton John, Sting and his Rainforest productions, Lionel Richie, Barbra Streisand and Whitney Houston; to name a few. He also talks about his new album Evolution and says the songs were inspired by the changes in him since fatherhood.
Broadway star Kate Baldwin joins host Robin Milling for Let's Do Lunch! at Village Prime in New York City. On stage at 59 E. 59, Kate gets her honky tonk on as Tammy Trip, a former Nashville Grand Ole Opry queen in Songbird; music and lyrics by Lauren Pritchard. She tells Robin she has never been to Music City but studied Robert Atlman's film 'Nashville' to prepare for the role and read up on famous female country artists like Wynona Judd and being a woman in the world of country music. She reveals her ultimate inspiration for the character looking sinewy and fit was inspired by a pop star. Her country twang came from listening to a playlist of several country singers, and one in particular became her model.
At Village Prime, the fresh baked bread on the table was tempting, but Kate abstained as she is keeping her strict carb-free diet that she began with her husband; fellow actor, Graham Rowat, who also got in shape to play a gladiator in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. A foodie herself, she jokes that they may look great but they're 'exhausted and starving!' She tells Robin how they met during a run of 1776 at the Fords Theater in Washington, D.C. playing Richard Henry Lee and Martha Jefferson. Kate says their four and a half year-old son Colin is an equalizer between career and motherhood.
Kate tells Robin her Broadway debut was as a swing in The Full Monty, and then as a dancer in the ensemble of Thoroughly Modern Millie. Learning the line dance in Songbird was plenty for Kate who jokes that she is a 'recovering dancer.'
The menu at Village Prime consisted of Pumpkin Bisque soup, Roasted Salmon with Hudson Valley spaghetti squash and artichoke puree, Vegetable Flatbread with grilled seasonal veggies and mozzarella cheese, and Tuna Nicoise with bonito tuna, hard-boiled egg, haricot vert, potato over mixed greens.
Broadway star Douglas Hodge makes his directing debut on the great white way with Old Times starring Clive Owen, Eve Best, and Kelly Reilly. Douglas joins host Robin Milling, taking time out of his hectic schedule for tea and a chat.
Douglas tells Robin how impressed he was with Clive Owen and company who brought their own memories of loved ones into Harold Pinter's play about jealousy and obsession. He says he would love to make the piece into a film if only he could get the rights to it; taking the cast onto the big screen and opening it up onto the streets of London.
Never settling on one thing, Douglas is shooting Penny Dreadful as Inspector Bartholomew Rusk, in Ireland through March; busy 'chasing Josh Hartnett across the desert!' In between he's off to France to work on a French film. And musically he's keen on performing a couple of gigs, writing a new commissioned musical, as well as anticipating his own musical 'Meantime' in London.
Marty Balin: singer/songwriter, founding member of Jefferson Airplane and hit maker of Jefferson Starship joins host Robin Milling to share 50 years of musical memories with his new CD, Good Memories.
Spanning five decades, whether you grew up in the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or 2000s you'll always remember such songs as It's No Secret, Count on Me, With Your Love, and Miracles; to name a few. Marty tells Robin how they came up with the name 'Jefferson Airplane,' along with his fond memories of Grace Slick, and not so fond memories of playing Woodstock! He says the behind-the-scenes goings on at the festival were much more memorable.
When Marty isn't making music he is making art. His art gallery in St. Augustine, Florida features his paintings and lots of memorabilia for sale.
As a follow up to Good Memories, Balin – who is known as “The King of Love Songs” – will release The Greatest Love; a new album of original music.
For more information visit:
http://martybalinmusic.com/
Steven Beer, author of Your Child's Career in Music and Entertainment joins host Robin Milling. If your child is contemplating a career in showbusiness; this is the book for you. A former artist manager and currently an entertainment attorney, Steven was inspired by his personal journey as a stage parent when his 13 year-old son got his first role. He tells Robin, 'I realized how a prudent parent needs to approach the business. When it happened to my son it made me take a step back because I realized if I had all these questions I could imagine what other parents with kids interested in pursuing a career in music and entertainment might have.' In the book Steven provides answers to the questions a prudent parent may have; as he says there is no real guide or structure available to teach them the best way to go.
Steven has felt like a parent in many ways with his extensive experience mentoring and representing multi-platinum music artists, such as Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Jon Batiste and Stay Human; but nothing could prepare him for the hurdles his own child faced getting into the business. Of course he says with success comes a buffet of seductions so it's important for the parent and child to partner with each other and set boundaries. He talks about the challenges of maintaining objectivity when it comes to your own child's career and remaining vigilant every step of the way, along with keeping a sense of humor. He jokes, 'Justin Bieber's parents could probably write their own book from what they've learned! But You Tube has become the launching pad, the new audition room. And because it's so easy to get discovered it's really important for the parents to understand what goes along with that today.'
For more information visit:
www.stevenbeer.com
Broadway veteran and entertainer Tovah Feldshuh joins host Robin Milling to talk about her new one-woman show Aging Is Optional, inspired by her beloved mother Lillian after passing away at 'over 103.' She tells Robin, “In honor of that event I wrote the show because she was really a beacon of light and died well over a century old without dementia so it was just a miracle.” Her show deals with quantum time with what she calls the memory box.
Tovah is happy to still be in the game of showbusiness where most women of a certain age are put to pasture. Her last role on Broadway was a trapeze swinging grandma in Pippin and she was ready for that! “I wasn't scared because I had a swing-set as a three year old child in Scarsdale in the backyard with two swings and a metal bar with two chains which was like a little trapeze and I would hang upside down!” She's kept her Pippin figure swimming a half mile every day, biking and hiking; most recently up Mt. Kilimanjaro!
Sunday is a double-header for Tovah who not only performs at 54 Below, but continues her role as Deanna Monroe, the head of Alexandria, in the premiere episode of season six of AMC'sThe Walking Dead.
Patrick Wilson and Paul Wilson join host Robin Milling to talk about their film Big Stone Gap. It was a labor of love for the Wilson brothers who's family roots are steeped in the small Virginian town. As children they recall spending summers with their grandparents who lived in Big Stone Gap. They tell Robin it was bittersweet to return to the place of their fondest childhood memories to shoot the movie, even staying in the house where they summered. Patrick says, 'It's really been the most personal project I've ever been a part of.' Paul tells Robin the story of how the Wilson family has been immortalized in the town with 'Wilson Road,' and the 'Paul J. Wilson' bridge named for their grandfather. In fact their grandparents were friends with the parents of writer/director Adrianna Trigiani who waited until Patrick was old enough to play the part, to make the film of her book.
Patrick and Paul's collaboration goes beyond movies, as they also have a band called The Wilson Van along with their brother Mark playing renditions of Van Halen songs.
Big Stone Gap also stars Ashley Judd, Whoopi Goldberg, Jane Krakowski, Jenna Elfman, and John Benjamin Hickey.
Grayson Hugh is Back To The Soul with a new album, returning to his blue-eyed southern soul sound, country and rock roots. Grayson tells host Robin Milling the inspiration for the album and stories behind such songs as the title cut, Rock 'n Roll Man, Getting On With My Life and Already In Love With You; a tribute to his marriage of seven years to wife and collaborator in life and music, Polly Messer.
Grayson says the album is a return to his soul both musically and spiritually. He explains, 'A song like Thank You Lord; I'm very grateful to be alive, be sober 11 years and my gratitude also being happily married finally after many dysfunctional relationships I'm very grateful to my higher power.'
For more information and to buy Back To The Soul visit:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/graysonhugh8
http://graysonhugh.net/
Host Robin Milling is joined by Valerie Smaldone to celebrate the unveiling of the Something Rotten portrait at Tony's di Napoli in New York City.
The event, created by Tony's Bruce Dimpflmaier celebrates the best of Broadway with a one-of-a-kind portrait by artist Dan May. Stars Brian D'Arcy James, John Cariani, Christian Borle and Book, Music and lyricist Karey Kirkpatrick were on hand to unveil the portrait.
Poster copies signed by the stars will be auctioned off at a future event to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
Brooklyn is in the house as consummate entertainer Ben Vereen joins host Robin Milling to talk about his new film, Time Out of Mind, his upcoming stage show From Brooklyn to Broadway and much more.
Ben tells Robin what it was like to portray a homeless man opposite Richard Gere, and how the film affected his personal relationship to homelessness.
He also reveals plans for an upcoming stage show and his long overdue memoirs.
Writer/director horror master Wes Craven spoke with host Robin Milling for the film The Serpent and The Rainbow starring Bill Pullman. In this interview from 1988, Wes revealed to Robin his inspiration for Freddie Kruger, the star of Nightmare on Elm Street and how some of his films came straight out of his personal nightmares.
He tells Robin about his own intrigue, fears and curiosities about death and the macabre, 'there's an age old fascination with death. It's one of those truly unsolved mysteries. Since it's something we're all moving towards and know in the back of our minds that we're going to face; I think that even at the level of a child you're fascinated by it and the ultimate finality of it. When you see a scary movie you're somehow relieved that you survived it. But ultimately it brings everybody down; even the most powerful and the weakest.'
Surprisingly, Wes told Robin he would like to do a comedy, even a love story. No matter the genre, Wes will live on in the movies; always to be remembered for his uncanny abilities to frighten the old and the very young.
** This was recorded on cassette so please excuse the old-fashioned noise in the background.
Patrick Stewart stars as Walter Blunt in the Starz series Blunt Talk; a straight talking newsman who brings his English wit and wisdom to American broadcast news. This is not your Star Trek or Shakespeare Stewart. Blunt is much more politically incorrect; a bawdier, mischievous scalliwag who spoons his female manager, snorts cocaine, suckles prostitutes and makes no apologies for his behavior. And that's just the first four episodes!
Patrick tells host Robin Milling the character is closer to him personally than any other in that he shared his deepest secrets with writer Jonathan Ames (HBO Bored To Death) which made their way fictiously into the series. He even named the character based on his pseudonym.
Patrick talks about his first on-camera sex scene with Elisabeth Shue, guest stars from the Enterprise including Brent Spiner, and throws down a rap about salmon, charmingly revealing there are many hidden talents we have yet to discover about him.
The Bacon Brothers,Kevin and Michael join host Robin Milling backstage at City Winery in New York City to talk about their new album 36 Cents. A blend of folk, rock, soul and country; this band of brothers debuted in 1995 and are still going strong 20 years later.
Their songs have always had a sense of humor, but not always, such as Hookers & Blow which Kevin says has a much darker side. 'With the kind of straight ahead lives that both of us live; being married for a long time we lead pretty normal sort of lives. So when somebody said, 'well how was your weekend my joke is, oh you know it's just the usual, hookers and blow! It's kind of a walk in the shoes of this guy who is messed up.'
Currently on tour, Kevin tells Robin they've played everywhere from The Roxy in Los Angeles to even a pork festival at Fair Oaks Farms in Indiana. Michael says, 'I think we have a really hardcore group of fans that really appreciate the band's music.' The show featured a young musician from WHEELS (Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School) who jammed with The Bacon Brothers on stage using a donated guitar from WQXR's instrument drive. Kevin says, 'Alot of the schools and kids throughout the five boroughs in the New York City school system don't have access to instruments. And they don't get lessons. Music as you know is a really peaceful, healing, brain-making pleasure. We're trying to raise money now on six degrees.org to refurbish some of these instruments that they have.'
For more information visit:
http://baconbros.com/
http://www.sixdegrees.org/
It appears to be a long time since David Crosbyreleased a solo album; 20 years and counting. Croz, named for what his friends call him, is 11 tracks, some of which he wrote with his son James Raymond. It's the amalgamation of the inevitability of time passing. Crosby tells host Robin Milling that time is a theme that has run in his songs throughout his life.
He also reflects on how his near death experience has impacted his life since, and where he is headed. He says, 'I think your time here on the planet is the most valuable resource you have. I came to that from having wasted a great deal of it. I wasted years and years of time just getting loaded or just getting laid or just being a crazy man.'
In this candid, outspoken, provocative and blatantly honest conversation, Croz talks about debunking song myths, what drove CSNY to break up, his Woodstock memories, and where he currently stands with Neil Young to name a few topics. His rants on Twitter exemplify his need to tell it like it is which he says might be a Leo trait he's always had.
No matter how much he may get in trouble for speaking his mind, the music has always been his essential means of communication which he describes as a 'lifting force on the human race.'
For more information on David Crosby visit his website www.davidcrosby.com
What do you do when you're born to legendary comedian Richard Pryor and white Jewish go-go dancer Shelley Bonus in Los Angeles, California, spending your formative years navigating what it's like to be Black and Jewish? You write a show about it! Rain Pryor joins host Robin Milling for a backstage chat about her one-woman show, Fried Chicken & Latkes, now playing at the National Black Theater in Harlem, New York.
On stage Rain tells poignant tales of her childhood, growing up in Beverly Hills in the heyday of the 60s and 70s, expertly weaving in the voices of her mother, her Bubby, her father's grandmother, and her dad. There was the time when she was five and someone called her the 'N' word, and all through her teenage years valley girls bullied her just because she looked different. She tells Robin, 'Growing up in Beverly Hills there weren't kids like me. I think I just wanted to feel normal. It wasn't like I wanted to be white. I didn't want to be black. I just wanted to be OK to be me and it wasn't. I was bullied when kids would chase me down the street throwing rocks at me; that's bullying. It felt like I was running for my life through Beverly Hills! And I literally hid in bushes.'
And then there are the stories of her famous father who had Miles Davis play her a lullaby to send her to dreamland, and when she first realized his comic genius. Father and daughter relationships can be tricky after divorce, but Rain also had to deal with sometimes coming second to her dad's fame and career. She tells Robin how his presence is still strongly felt even 10 years after his death, and dedicates the show to his memory.
It's been 42 years since the original cast and crew of the 1973 film Jesus Chris Superstar have all been in the same room together, and tonight (April 27), Director Norman Jewison, Ted Neeley (Jesus,) Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdalene,) Barry Dennen (Pontius Pilate,) and Josh Mostel (King Herod); to name a few, will reunite for a special screening at the Beekman theater in New York City.
Getting the band back together so to speak would've happened much sooner for Ted whose boundless enthusiasm for what he calls his life-changing role has never left. He tells host Robin Milling, “I've been trying to get this reunion to happen since the film came out. I've been trying to get all of us together to do another production; if nothing else just to hang out for a few days. It's never happened until now. And the fact that we'll all be in the same place at the same time with Norman is a miracle!”
Miracles have been known to happen in the life of Jesus Christ, but it almost didn't happen for Ted who reveals he almost missed out on being cast in the iconic role. He also tells Robin how he met his wife of over 40 years, Leeyan Granger on the set and how their two children have been happily following dad's adventures as a superstar.
Most actors run from one role defining their legacy but Ted has embraced Jesus, still performing the role wherever and whenever he can; most recently touring Italy for a year. He says joyfully, “It completely changed my life, spiritually, personally. So why slap that in the face? And I still love it; every performance is like the first time all over again. That music starts to play and I just lift off the ground, 'ok take me wherever you want me to go!”
Kevin Pollak joins host Robin Milling at the Tribeca Film Festival, now in it's 14th year to discuss his film Misery Loves Comedy. Kevin wrote and directed this insightful documentary about what goes on behind the laughter and what drives today's hottest comedians to get up in front of a roomful of strangers to be the center of attention and tell jokes. Kevin was ultimately curious about the type of person who suffers from 'hey look at me syndrome devoted to acceptance and appreciation.'
He tells Robin he began with a very strict shooting schedule which allowed for a commitment from comedians; most of them his friends such as Jimmy Fallon, Amy Schumer, Christopher Guest, Janeane Garofalo, Bob Saget, Lisa Kudrow, Tom Hanks, Kevin Nealon, and Larry David; to name a few. By the end he had over 60 but one that was sorely missed is the late Robin Williams, a mentor and close friend to Kevin, who unfortunately was not available during the locked-in time. Kevin says they had hour-long conversations which made up for his absence, and when he passed while he was editing the film it was a 'no brainer' to dedicate the film to him in his memory. “It was frustrating for both of us. He wanted me to know how much he wanted to be in the film, how much it meant to him that I was doing this and spoke a great deal about his own journey and misery and happiness and life. All of those things that long-time friends talk about.”
Kevin keeps very busy with his own podcast, Kevin Pollak Chat Show, and has no immediate plans to join his friend Larry David on the Broadway stage in A Fish In the Dark. He tells Robin, “I'm happy for Larry's now historical Broadway success but that is the last thing I want to do!”
Milling About visits Bang Candy Company in Nashville, Tennessee where handmade gourmet marshmallows are the bomb! There's all types of confection creations designed by owner Sarah Souther. Sarah came to Nashville by way of Ireland and the idea for her candy company started over dinner with a friend when her dessert contained a handmade marshmallow. She tells host Robin Milling, 'I thought, wow, people make marshmallows! I went home and I messed around in my cupboard and I found some cardamom and some rose. I thought, ooh I'll make a rose cardamom marshmallow! It's very simple; gelatin, some syrup and you whip it up until it gains volume, cools, traps the air bubbles and then you have this lovely spongy substance.'
A big hit at a potluck party, Sarah was convinced she could make a business out of her designer marshmallows and she did. She jokes how she first would 'deal marshmallows' to friends in parking lots but then expanded to a 'shed on wheels' to cart her sweets around town called The Cocoa Van. Their home now is a former car factory for Marathon Motor cars right next door to the Antique Archeology shop where American Pickers began.
There are literally endless ways to flavor a marshmallow and Sarah has tried them all taking full advantage of her neighboring distilleries including black currant absinthe, maple bacon bourbon and spicy margarita, as well as chocolate chili and toasted coconut almond; then dipped one by one on a diagonal in chocolate. Sarah says it's time consuming but well worth it and encourages anyone to try making marshmallows at home. Recipes are at http://www.bangcandycompany.com/
Let's Do Lunch! visits Lockeland Table in Nashville, Tennessee; a neighborhood restaurant that features delicious and creative cuisine, and gives back to the community it serves. The home of Lockeland Table is steeped in history going back to the 1930s. It's old world charm is preserved with the original facade, and murals of the previous establishments line brick walls. From 4-6pm they offer a Community Hour; a happy hour menu where a portion of the proceeds benefit Lockeland Springs Elementary School PTO and other local organizations. Some of the snacks to share are whipped goat cheese topped with grilled leeks prepared with butter and worcestershire sauce served with grilled pita, homemade vinegar chips soaked for three days for the ultimate flavor where you can't eat just one, and to-die-for New York Cheese pizza with chili oil that rivals it's namesake.
The dishes have a gourmet flair, exquisitely prepared by Chef Hal who hails from West Virginia and was inspired at five years old spending time in the kitchen with his mother. He says, 'I've been practicing and studying the art and science of culinary production for over half my life now.' The signature dish is grilled Hereford NY strip which Chef says is over 20 years old, 'it's a dish I came up with while in college and it's all about the chimichurri;' which you will want to eat with a spoon! North Carolina mountain trout is seared with the skin on, along with crawfish tails for a southern kick from his time in New Orleans. Save room for dessert with their Samoa Torte; a Girl Scout tribute of shortbread, dark chocolate ganache and coconut mousse, drizzled with caramel and toasted coconut crumbles. Yum!
If you can't make it to Nashville stay tuned for a book in the works with lots of their recipes! Visit http://www.lockelandtable.com/
Milling About visits The Big Bungalow in Nashville, Tennessee. Located in historic Edgefield, it's a homey three bedroom B&B, owned and operated by Ellen Warshaw. A native New Yorker, Ellen tells host Robin Milling how she came to Music City with the dream of continuing her career as a singer/songwriter when 'the 80s and MTV killed my careeer'! As John Lennon says, 'life is what happens while you are busy making other plans;' Ellen made a go of it but found her style wasn't in harmony with everyone else's so she set her sights on something new. She says, 'It wasn't my heart. Rock 'n roll was my thing and here it's a different language. It wasn't fun anymore, so you have to move onto the next thing. I write feel songs and country music is story songs and that wasn't my story.'
That next chapter of her story was the hospitality business, specifically a B&B which came to her in a eureka moment one morning. Her philosophy was, 'if you build it they will come and that's what happened!' Her love of music is infused in The Big Bungalow with The Music City Room; covered with her own memorabilia and a country music decor. The other rooms are The Grandiose Suite and The Cozy Room. She also hosts house concerts in her living room where all the local musicians gather to jam.
The other kind of jam is served with the delicious breakfasts such as French Toast Casserole and Spinach and Feta Frittata with homemade fruit and nut bread. Ellen admits it was a learning curve to turn down the fancy. 'In the beginning I was making things like smoked oyster and proscuitto quiche with provolone cheese but nobody ate it!' Now her motto is simple but tasty.
Visit http://www.thebigbungalow.com/
Sam Jaeger explores a different kind of parenthood in the indie short Plain Clothes. Sam wrote, directed and stars as a cop trying to balance the brutality of his work without bringing it home to his family. In real life, Sam is a family man with two boys who married his college sweetheart. He tells host Robin Milliing how the themes of marriage and family have resonated throughout his projects. He says, 'I guess I've always been fascinated by how we are defined by our families. Parenthood was another avenue of that. The construct of that entire show was we're fallible people but we're trying to do better.'
Growing up in the small quaint Ohio town of Perrysburg, Sam says he sought out the movies rather than 'drinking and sledding.' The Dead Poets Society inspired him to become an actor. His passion for filmmaking began in high school where he'd shoot movies on VHS and offer free rentals in the local video store. He says taking control of the stories he wanted to tell was what compelled him to write and direct.
Recently he took his wife and kids to New Zealand to film the pilot Lumen which he says also touches on the realities of family, but with a sci-fi backdrop.
For more information visit Plain Clothes on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/plainclothesmovie
Milling About visits the Urban Wine Trail in Santa Barbara's Funk Zone. Our first stop is Cottonwood Canyon (www.cottonwoodcanyon.com) hosted by Randy. Known for their Pinot Noir, it's the first winery in Santa Barbara county to be put in caves; 6,000 square feet to keep the temperature and humidity constant for fine wines. They also have a European style 2001 Pinot with hints of earthy peat moss, mushroom truffle, caramel smoke and then the berries (in that order). Randy says their 'slap upside the head' perfect prime rib Syrah has red licorice and plum flavors. And their dessert Syrah comes with instructions to go perfectly with chocolate.
Our next stop is the Santa Barbara Winery (www.sbwinery.com) hosted by Shai. It's the oldest winery in the Funk Zone. Their white wine is produced on the premises and their reds are done at Lafond vineyards in the Santa Rita hills. Their Pinot Gris has aromatics of granny smith apple and green pear; Shai recommends it as a cocktail wine. Their Reislings have different levels of sweetness to the amount of alcohol; the less sugar goes well with spicy thai and the sweeter wine is described as a cheesecake dessert.
Our last stop is Riverbench Winery (www.riverbench.com) known for their sparkling wines; hosted by Cassie. Their Blanc de Blanc has notes of apple, kiwi and a toastiness that is attributed to an unfortunate fire but lends itself to a delicious smokey flavor. Check out their Valentine's Day mixer with a never before tasted Pinot and game night where you can taste wine and challenge yourself to Twister!
Milling About visits the Bath Street Inn in Santa Barbara, California. Host Robin Milling chats with co-owner Deborah about this lovely 1895 Victorian home which was gifted by Mr. Hales to his wife Abigail for their 50th wedding anniversary. In fact, Deborah tells Robin that The Abigail Room is the former master bedroom where guests have reported sightings of a white-haired woman sitting on the edge of their bed. This however was 15 years before their time with the inn so Deborah jokes that perhaps she's moved out!
The Bath Street Inn is a mixture of the old and the new with eight guest rooms. We stayed in The Rose Room, aptly named for the wallpaper which has a jacuzzi; perfect at the end of a long day walking downtown Santa Barbara. The newer Summer House with fireplaces and jacuzzis is adjacent to the wisteria covered courtyard where breakfast is also served. And breakfast is a healthier vegetarian alternative which Deborah says was put into place because the former owner wasn't exactly a morning person! Each morning homemade granola with seeds and nuts is served along with fresh fruit complimented by gourmet-style meatless dishes. You will never miss the meat or taste the difference as they are delicious as well as nutritious. During our stay we were served peach-topped croissant french toast, baked pear with ginger sauce, eggs florentine with raspberry muffins, and pain perdu with cherry berry stuffing...yum!
For more information visit www.bathstreetinn.com
Multi-talented performer Sam Harris joins host Robin Milling for a backstage chat about his one-man musical, 'Ham: A Musical Memoir,' now playing at Theater 511 at Ars Nova in New York City. Directed by Billy Porter, featuring pianist Todd Schroeder, the show is based on his autobiography, 'Ham: Slices of A Life.'
On stage Sam expertly tells stories, speaking about his life's journey from boyhood to the present; whether in song or candid monologues. He tells Robin he's embraced the term, 'ham,' recalling his earliest performance at three singing The Star Spangled Banner at a football game in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Sam says performing is everything to him. 'It was my coping mechanism being a little bit of a different kind of kid growing up in rural, Baptist South; the buckle of the bible belt! For a burgeoning gay showbusiness kid it was a little freaky especially being born in the early 60s.'
And for those not born in the 60s, Star Search was the American Idol of it's day, where Sam won the 1983 grand champion singer with his rousing rendition of 'Over The Rainbow.' He tells Robin he accepts the legacy, along with his other accomplishments as an actor, a writer, and a recording aritst.
Sam talks about the cathartic experience he feels exorcising his demons on stage, although some things were left in the book such as his alcoholism; celebrating 11 years sober. Even though the show is personal to his life experience, he tells Robin it's universal. 'I don't think there's anybody who doesn't feel outside. I don't think there's anybody who doesn't need to be told 'you're enough.''
For more about Sam visit http://www.samharris.com/
Thomas Jane brings in the new year with Vice, playing a futuristic cop investigating a resort run by Bruce Willis, where human-like androids (Ambyr Childers) programmed to fulfill a user's fantasy have gone off the grid. Jane tells host Robin Milling he is a Sci-Fi fan so the opportunity to tell the story which might be a cautionary tale of abusing technology in the present, intrigued him.
He admits he is not a fan of social media but got into the game with his own site, http://www.rawstudios.com/ where he can check in occassionally to a supportive forum of like-minded graphic novel enthusiasts. He jokes, 'Nobody has created a fake Thomas Jane account on my forum; at least not that I know of!'
Thomas' plans for 2015 are vast, with a second graphic novel in the works, and a western that he wrote which he hopes to direct. The working title is 'The Magnificent Death From A Shattered Hand.' On the small screen he's got The Expanse for SyFy and the History channel's Texas Rising, which features his daughter making her acting debut alongside her dad. He tells Robin he was amazed by her talent, 'She was kind of uncanny. She must've absorbed it through some mechanism that we're not aware of, yet. There's some kind of morphogenic field out there where you can absorb experience from your parents somehow!'
To celebrate the holidays, Milling About joins the cast of Elf, now playing at The Papermill Playhouse. Based on the film, it's a musical about Buddy, an oprhan who was left on Santa's doorstep in the North Pole and raised by elves. All grown up, he returns to earth to discover his true identity; and in the process learns much more about love and family.
Host Robin Milling asks James Moye (Buddy), Heidi Blickenstaff (Emily Hobbs), Robert Cuccioli (Walter Hobbs), Jake Faragalli (Michael), Kate Fahrner (Jovie), Paul C. Vogt (Santa) and Matthew Sklar (Composer) about five things they couldn't live without if they traveled from earth to the North Pole and their fondest Christmas memories.
Bill Pullman joins host Robin Milling celebrating the 5th Anniversary show of Let's Do Lunch! at Urbo in the heart of Times Square. Just a couple of blocks west, Bill is starring in The New Group's Sticks and Bones at The Pershing Square Signature Center Theater. The play by David Rabe focuses on the devastating toll war can take on a family, and how they deal with their son returning home from the war.
Bill tells Robin of his affinity to the military and the intensity of the play, sharing a dressing room with co-star Richard Chamberlain, and his affection for the rest of the cast featuring Holly Hunter, Ben Schnetzer, Raviv Ullman, Nadia Gan and Morocco Omari.
The conversation with Bill is always delightful, as we discussed everything from his musical family, his adventures in Norway as he's on his way to star in Othello, with his friend and director Stein Winge, his next bow on Broadway, and of course the sequel to Independence Day.
Lunch at Urbo (named for Urban Bohemian), a two-story restaurant featuring an eclectic menu and warm dining with open kitchens was a delicious Chef's Sushi Platter, Autumn Vegetable Bisque and Goat Cheese Ravioli. Urbo not only offers delicious cuisine, but is a great space for events, featuring live music upstairs. Visit http://urbonyc.com
John R. Waters brings his own imaginings of John Lennon through music and stories to the stage in Lennon: Through A Glass Onion. He joins host Robin Milling backstage at the Union Square Theater to discuss his inspiration for the show that began 22 years ago in a pub in Australia. Waters, who was born in London, tells Robin how he got his first theatrical break playing Claude in the original Sydney production of Hair, leading to acting gigs that have made him a famous name down under. The steady work drew him to raise his family there. Waters tells Robin he first discovered the Beatles listening to pirate broadcasting from Radio Luxembourg under the covers when he was a teenager.
Waters doesn't claim to be a Beatles scholar, admitting he didn't do much research on the Fab Four to tell the stories in the show; which he says are his own interpretations of Lennon, and of course Yoko. Her greenlighting the show meant it could come to New York where John says the show belongs. Don't expect to see a Lennon look-alike with the round glasses. Accompanied by Stewart D'Arrieta on piano, John re-imagines Lennon. He says, 'I put a figure up there that represents John Lennon and the audience projects their own John Lennon onto me.'
Author Robyn Webb joins host Robin Milling to discuss her E-book 'The Paris Vacation Apartment Guide.' Inspired by her love of Paris and desire to live amongst the locals, Robyn crafted this how-to guide with detailed instructions on how to find the perfect Parisian apartment for your next visit to the city of lights.
Robyn, who grew up in the hotel business as her parents worked for the famed Concord hotel was like Eloise of the Borscht Belt. A foodie, nutritionist and cookbook author, she changed to apartment renting in Paris for the excitement of cooking her own meals; even buying aluminum foil. She talks about some of the challenges she experienced the first time renting like getting the key into the front door! However she assures that rental agencies provide on-sight assistance when emergencies arise. Private listing services like Air B 'n' B come with a renter beware warning, as Robyn discusses the potential nightmare of being homeless on the streets of Paris when dealing with an owner.
If you've never been to Paris and don't speak a word of French, don't fret as Robyn takes you through the process step by step so that you feel comfortable in your new surroundings without getting scammed!
You can find Robyn's E-book at Amazon
Jonny Orsini (Broadway's The Nance, MacBeth) makes his Off-Broadway leading debut in Almost Home playing a marine who returns home to uncertainties and challenges after his tour of duty. Jonny tells host Robin Milling he went the distance for the role taking on the physique of a marine with lots of pull-ups and push-ups consulted by former marines, co-star Joe Lisi playing his father and playwrite Walter Anderson who based the play on his own experiences in Vietnam. He also had to be mindful of his vegan diet so he reveals the 'eggs' he eats on stage every performance prepared by his mother, played by Karen Ziemba (Bullets Over Broadway), are really tofu scramble made to look like the real thing. Jonny has an affinity for men in service, playing a marine before in the film Cigarette Candy. He says he deeply admires their sacrifice and contribution and is honored to bring their stories to light.
Born in the small town of Cheshire, Connecticut Jonny gave up the saxophone to pursue sports and that fell by the wayside when acting became his passion at college in Boston. Music will always be a part of his artistic expression. He recalls the night when Ethan Hawke picked up the guitar in MacBeth to appease the audience after a technical glitch canceled the show.
Next Jonny is looking forward to starring withLarry David in A Fish In The Dark starting rehearsals in December.
Click here for a free audio book! www.audibletrial.com/millingabout
Milling About visits The Veranda Historic Bed & Breakfast Inn in Senoia, Georgia where tourists and vacationers alike flock to the home of The Walking Dead, now shooting season five. In fact the inn is situated right around the corner from where Woodbury once stood, so owner and innkeepers Rick and Laura Reynolds welcome people from all over the world with their warm southern hospitality, who for no other reason are coming to see the fictitous town. The inn which dates back to 1906 when it was originally The Holbrook Hotel has retained it's original features; Georgian pine floors, ornate ceilings with elegant chandliers, and 11 fireplaces throughout the nine guest bedrooms. There is a wonderful wrap around porch where you can sit back on a rocking chair or a porch swing and take in the sights.
Laura tells Robin some of those sights have included a Norman Reedus (Daryl) sighting flying past the inn, or guests treated to a showdown at 2 AM of walkers vs. Rick and company on the street right in front of the inn. And several cast members have stayed at The Veranda including Laurie Holden (Andrea) and Chandler Riggs (Carl); room three is unofficially named 'The Andrea.' Laura says, 'we've had a great influx of people. And they're so excited when there's a room! It's exciting to see people so happy about a place and they're never disappointed in Senoia. Not only are they seeing Woodbury but they're seeing Senoia and it's a special place.' Make your reservations now at http://verandabandbinn.com/
New Yorkers are so excited for the Broadway musical, "On The Town" opening this fall at The Lyric Theater in the heart of Times Square. Host Robin Milling was treated to a sneak peek performance for the press by the multi-talented cast of dancers, singers and actors who are bringing this show back to the Great White Way bigger and better than ever.
Featuring direction by John Rando and choreography by Josh Bergasse, On the Town is a classic that never goes out of style with music by Leonard Bernstein, book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Based on Jerome Robbins' idea for his 1944 ballet Fancy Free, which he had set to Bernstein's music; it's a story about three sailors on 24 hour leave in New York who are swept away by all the city has to offer, set to dance. Robin chats with Rando and Bergasse about their indelible mark on this quintessential classic.
The show's principal cast featuring Tony Yazbeck as Gabey, Jay Armstrong as Chip, Clyde Alves as Ozzie, Elizabeth Stanley as Claire DeLoon, Jackie Hoffman as Madam Dilly, and Alysha Umphress as Hildy share their stories of coming to New York for the first time, bonding with each other as a family, and why On The Town is still so prevalent for everyone to enjoy 70 years later. It's a helluva show!
Robin Williams was a master at the spontaneous riff. He could just take a topic and go off on several different tangents, making them funnier and funnier as the ideas came to him literally on the spot. In this short chat from 2002 for the film Insomnia, he was in a really healthy and happy place. I have interviewed him over the years since 1982 and he never ceased to amaze and entertain me.
He talks about turning 50, but of course in the way that only Robin Williams can, his return to stand-up after 15 years, and the future of his own Cabarnet wine Chateau Pimm named for his son's middle name, which he loftily gives out to family and friends.
The artistry and comedy of Robin Williams will forever be missed, but never forgotten.
Love Cafe & Bar owner Margarita Abramov greets you so warmly you already feel like family. She brings many of her grandmother's delicious homemade recipes all the way from Odessa, Russia to New York City; one of which is over 200 years old. Margarita proudly claims this one-of-a-kind cheese blintze recipe doesn't exist anywhere on the internet so it's safe within the family.
Love Cafe & Bar is a loving tribute, honoring both her grandparents, bringing in a menu of Russian and European delicacies all under one roof. Her crepes are so delicious you can eat them solo but the Count Amaury with grilled chicken and mushrooms floating in house made Bechamal sauce is a must try! Her pierogies are a slice of crescent heaven, and blini with imported Russian red caviar explode in your mouth. Russian salads include Olivier, a Russian potato salad and Vinegret, a Russian beet salad. For meat lovers there's an irresistable chicken liver pate that's smooth and creamy, and comforting Hungarian Ghoulash served in a bread bowl. Signature stuffed cabbage has a twist; it's mixed with basmati rice. Her chicken wings are her baby and they are to die for with over 1,000 flavors such as garlic parmesan, chili and mango barbecue.
There is a full espresso and juice bar featuring a European flair of Italian sodas, iced macchiato which looks just as good as it tastes; caramel with french vanilla espresso and milk over ice. Margarita says there is Russian sophistication in their Italian drinks.
At Love Cafe & Bar, Margarita spreads the love, making you feel like you're part of the family. Her motto is 'serve the people what you would eat yourself and do it with love which is the main ingredient with every dish we produce!'
Legendary movie star Michael Douglas joins host Robin Milling to talk about his role in And So It Goes. Michael discusses his quirky co-star and love interest in the film, Diane Keaton and working with Director Rob Reiner. He also candidly discusses the parallels between his real life son and movie son and the addictions they both share.
For this and more listen anytime and to receive a free audiobook click www.audibletrial.com/millingabout
Author Antonia Hodgson joins host Robin Milling at Kings Cross bar down in the Bowery in New York City to talk about her new murder mystery, The Devil In the Marshalsea. It's a fitting place to meet as her novel is set in 18th century gritty London where oweing a debt can land you in the city's most notorious prison -- the Marshalsea Gaol, and the Bowery was once home to vagrants and street criminals. Facts meet fiction in this page turner featuring the charming rogue Thomas Hawkins whose gambling habits get the best of him and he is thrown into the gaol where a murderer is still at large.
Antonia tells Robin she spent many hours in the British public library researching prisoner's diaries, becoming fascinated with the debtors prisons where rich and poor alike ironically had to scrounge up money to pay for food and shelter in these seedy surroundings. She decided to set her crime novel in this world where whores, society gentlemen and scoundrels live under the roof of the ruthless governor William Acton who actually ran the Marshalsea almost 300 years ago.
The Devil In The Marshalsea has visuals that are ripe for the screen. Antonia says the book has already been optioned for television to develop a series where her wish casting would include Tom Hiddleston in the role of Hawkins. In her other life Antonia is an editor and works with many actors so she is thinking about writing a part for Rupert Everett in her next book which is a sequel!
Click here for free audiobook www.audibletrial.com/millingabout
Torch song stylist Spencer Day joins host Robin Milling at Henry's restaurant in New York City to talk about his latest release Daybreak; a combination of cover tunes and originals where Spencer blends his signature sultry jazz with a little bit country. He puts his own spin on Nancy Sinatra's These Boots Are Made For Walkin', The Association's Never My Love, Creedance Clearwater Revival's Bad Moon Rising, and Lennon/McCartney's A World Without Love.
Spencer tells Robin his originals such as Naturally and You Don't Know You're Lonely pay homage to Roy Orbison and Dusty Springfield. The writings are a reflection of 'one of the most consistently stable and happy periods' of his life. Spencer candidly talks about his struggles with depression and how he has learned to cope with disappointment in a healthier way. As a result he shares his story, involving himself with organizations such as NAMI (National Association of Mental Illness). He says, 'if you're a sensitive and artistic person the world can be a really hard place to be. If you can channel positivity into your art then what you perceive as your weaknesses can be your biggest strengths.'
Stay tuned for a possible part two of Daybreak which would feature Bobby Vinton's Sealed With A Kiss and Terry Stafford's Suspicion.
Click here for free audiobook! www.audibletrial.com/millingabout
Visit http://spencerday.com
http://www.henrysnyc.com
Milling About visits Senoia, Georgia, also known as the city of The Walking Dead. This sweet little town just outside of Peachtree City, Atlanta with it's Norman Rockwell Main Street, has become the backlot for the most successful television show on AMC. Walking around you see where the Governor lived, Hershel's farm, the railroad tracks and lots of familiar woods where zombies roam. Don't expect to go there and try to hop the fence that was built around the surrounding woods or find out anything about season five currently shooting there as the show is shrouded in secrecy. Scott Tigchelaar, president of Raleigh Studios, which houses the production, and John Hartnett, former president of Riverwood Studios now with Southern Hollywood Film Tour join host Robin Milling with some fun nuggets about the show.
John tells Robin why the homeowner of Hershel's farm was a tough sell and how tourists love to ring the bell of the Fried Green Tomatoes house even though someone lives there! Scott reveals why Senoia is their permanent production home and how the cast, especially Norman Reedus (Daryl), like to surprise Walker Stalkers visiting The Woodbury Shoppe, the official Walking Dead store. There's a great photo on their Facebook page with Norman and manager Carrie happily straddled behind him on the motorcycle which is on display in the store's basement. Here is where you'll find all your Walking Dead swag. Scott promises an upcoming installation of Penny for Penny's Cage by zombie make-up artist Greg Nicotero. They have specialty items like leather eater keychains with ears made of leather; a throwback to Daryl's trophy of zombie ears he wore on a lanyard around his neck.
For more information visit:
http://www.senoia.com/
Start off the summer with the new stars of Grease, Taylor Louderman and Bobby Conte Thornton performing May 28- June 29 at the Papermill Playhouse. They join host Robin Milling during their rehearsal in New York to talk about taking on the beloved roles of Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko. Broadway theater lovers may remember Taylor from Bring It On, but Bobby is making his musical stage debut while still in college balancing musical theater with playing tennis at the University of Michigan.
Bobby tells Robin their show promises to take on more inspiration from the stage version than the movie which starred Olivia Newton John and John Travolta. The one change is adding 'Hopelessly Devoted To You' to their show which wasn't in the original musical. The other classic songs remain the same, but the two actors admit they had to step it up a bit learning the 50s style choreography of 'Hand Jive' by JoAnn M. Hunter. For their homework as members of the highschool gangs the Greasers and the Pink Ladies, they can still recall their former selves in highschool.
Both Taylor and Bobby are the first in their families to make their way into show business. Bobby comes from a family of scientists while Taylor who grew up in Bourbon, Missouri says 'the cattle population exceeds the human population and there's really no theater!' Their families are very supportive of their careers and will no doubt be front row and center to see them starring in Grease!
For more information visit http://www.papermill.org/
Rehearsal photos courtesy of Jerry Dalia
Milling About visits Peachtree City, Georgia where ironically there is not a peachtree in sight. Hop on one of their 10,000 golf carts and drive around 90 miles of designated golf cart paths and you'll soon discover the charm of this southern city affectionately known as 'The Bubble.' Turn 15 and you are gifted a golf cart which Executive Director of the CVB, Nancy Price says, 'can be tricked out!' Celebrities who frequent Peachtree City can be seen cruising around like Bret Michaels; a regular performer at The Fred Ampitheater, a quaint venue celebrating it's 20th anniversary, which Price also manages.
Life is good at 15 mph where golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation. If you stay at The Wyndham Hotel don't miss their photo safari with Frank Murphy where you are given a map, a list of clues and a camera to photograph the answers. Friendly shopkeepers and locals don't even seem surprised when you ask if they have a red Solo cup or if they can model a throw of frisbee golf.
Dolce Hotels and Resorts General Manager Wende Blumberg along with Chef Len Elias and Georgia Shrimp Company restaurant owner Ant Murphy join host Robin Milling to talk about what makes Peachtree City so special. Wende tells Robin how the laidback lifestyle attracts guests. Some are high profile preferring the woodsy privacy of the property. Mums the word but she did fess up to neighboring Pinewood Studios gearing up for Ant Man starring Michael Douglas. Long Island native Dolce Chef Len Elias brings farm to table goodness with a southern flair featuring chocolate espresso shrimp atop grits sprinkled with local goat cheese, and oysters topped with University of Georgia caviar! South African born Ant Murphy puts a peri peri sauce spin on Georgia shrimp like you've never tasted before. And when he's not greeting diners, he's crooning Frank Sinatra standards with the house jazz trio fronted by songstress Toni Byrd.
Candy Spelling joins host Robin Milling to discuss her new memoir, 'Candy At Last,' an insightful look at her life living without her soulmate of 38 years, Aaron Spelling; and reflecting on the beautiful memories they shared together with the rich and famous, while having to move forward. She reveals the role reversal of having to take care of him in the end as he suffered from Alzheimer's.
Candy candidly discusses why her relationship with her TV reality star daughter Tori is constantly tabloid fodder. She tells Robin, 'She's bigger than life and she's my child and sometimes people will have nasty things to say about her. They think they're talking about some notorious reality star and I have to remind them, 'you know that's my little girl you're talking about.'
She also talks about where all the memorabilia has gone to after selling The Manor and what was the most difficult to give up. Through therapy Candy has discovered how to move on, becoming a Broadway show producer plus there's another book in the works featuring her husband's love letters, poems and songs he romantically wrote for her.
Join Pippin stars Kyle Dean Massey (Pippin) and Ciara Renee (The Leading Player) backstage at The Music Box Theatre with host Robin Milling. Boldly stepping into the circus choreography for five weeks of training to take over for Matthew James Thomas and Patina Miller, they are relaxed and eager to perform. Ciara says she picked Patina's brain for some direction before turning out Fosse's jazz hands and learned trapeze with the bruises to prove her hard work! Massey had to master a completely different skill set of acrobatics including a back flip!
Kyle tells Robin there's history as Matthew's girlfriend Jennifer Damiano played his sister in Next To Normal, so passing the chained linked sweater onto him was an honor (and yes it is made of real heavy metal). Matthew even left a photo behind of Damiano which sits on Kyle's dressing room shelf.
Both experienced natural opening night jitters. Ciara, previously The Witch in Big Fish, says she'd never been so nervous on stage before, but with the non-stop action you don't have time for nerves. Kyle agrees, "You're shot out of a cannon literally and you don't stop until the end of the show.” From the first chord Ciara says she can feel the energy from the audience. “Before I come out I have that silhouette moment; you can feel their presence through that curtain. That's an amazing energy and you ride on that till the end.”
For tickets visit http://www.pippinthemusical.com/
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Married couple America Ferrara and Ryan Piers Williams star in X/Y premiering at The Tribeca Film Festival. The film bravely depicts sex scenes shot so tastefully you don't even see a butt cheek or a breast. Ryan tells host Robin Milling he had to convince his own mother he wasn't making a o, but rather implying the visuals for a stronger impact. America says her sister came away with the impact of the journey far more than, 'I can't believe I had to watch my sister and her husband make love!'
Putting themselves out there on the big screen as a married couple, Ryan wanted to make sure the scenes were shot in a tasteful way that got to the heart of the emotion. America adds, 'Sometimes a hand touching a curve on your back is the most intimate thing you can experience. Of course as an actor I appreciated that Ryan didn't get gratuitous with the sex!' And being directed by your husband making out with Common in a bathroom stall can be a little awkward but professionalism always came first. Ryan says it's intense directing your wife in a sex scene with someone and being in a sex scene yourself but it was his job to make everyone feel comfortable to get the best results.
Ryan and America who make their home in New York took advantage of their daily Bikram yoga and Soul Cycle spin class routines for the film as well as using those locations where they work out. Ryan also wants to remind New Yorkers that Far Rockaway is still recovering from Hurricane Sandy, using those beaches for the surfing scenes.
They discuss the trajectory of their relationship from dating, engagement to marriage and how that has impacted their work together, telling Robin their mutual respect and championing of each other creatively and pushing each other's boundaries is what makes the balance work.
Catch the last days of winter at Fireside Sleigh Rides in North Conway, New Hampshire. Joining host Robin Milling are owners Jason and Heather Blakeney; brother and sister equestrian experts who took their love and expertise with horses hitching them to a romantic sleigh ride through snowy trails along the Saco River. Homeschooled, Jason tells Robin they would do their homework on horseback and both have degrees in equestrian studies so starting a business together where horses were involved was a natural progression.
Arrive at a quaint log cabin office where hot apple Cider and hot chocolate awaits to take along on the ride. Jason takes out the sleigh led by Percherons named Freckles and Pretty Face with Freckles' foal in training leading the way or taking a break to nurse! Unnamed at the time, Jason jokes that patrons were all giving their ideas based on his shiny black coat such as Darth Vader for starters. They went with Pecos (like the river that flows through New Mexico and Texas).
There is the private sleigh ride with room for four but two is always better for the full coziness of snuggling under warm wool blankets. Or if you want a party 'Big Red,' the Bob Sled can accommodate 10 adults and eight children. Both rides end up at a fire pit complete with sticks and marshmallows ready for toasting. Or bring your own chocolate and graham crackers and you can make S'mores.
If you miss the snow, trail and wagon rides are available during the summer at their farm in Brownfield, Maine.
For more information visit:
http://www.firesidesleighrides.com/
Singer/songwriter Stephen 'Bish' Bishop, best known for top of the chart hits like 'On And On,' 'Separate Lives,' and the theme from Tootsie, 'It Might Be You,' joins host Robin Milling to play and chat about his new album Be Here Then. A fanatical Beatles fan since seeing them on The Ed Sullivan Show, Stephen tells Robin about his dream of being asked to join the group by John and Paul!
Stephen has come a long way since going door to door to music publishers playing them his music in hopes of getting signed. He tells Robin he even gave Barbra Streisand and her then beau, Jon Peters a private concert in her home when they were shopping for A Star Is Born songs. 'They made out on the couch and I sang songs!'
Stephen performs the first single, 'Pretty Baby,' from his new CD, a beautiful acoustic version of 'Separate Lives,' which was covered by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin, confirming it was written about his break-up with Indiana Jones actress Karen Allen. Writing songs since he was 13 there is one he didn't write, It Might Be You, which he sung for the film Tootsie, and performs here. Stephen also reveals his hidden talents doing a mean Billie Holiday impression.
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Let's Do Lunch! visits Max's Restaurant where guests and locals alike are welcome to dine at Snowvillage Inn in Snowville, New Hampshire. A wood-burning stove sits in the middle of the dining room to warm up diners from the snowy cold. Chef Ben Frieden looks more like a rock star with his tattoos and long hair but his skills are evident, enthusiastically serving a delicious tasting menu starting with Flatbread topped with blueberry infused sauce and pulled pork. Thai influenced, Ben creatively substitutes coconut water for veg stock. The main course was pan-roasted snapper with Tom Kha inspired flavors of jalapeno, lime and coconut over basmati rice. Green-lipped mussels are Ben's favorite with roasted garlic and tomato, and a beautiful split caesar with half a head of romaine, lightly seared on the grill topped with homemade dressing, sweet and sour pickled onions, white anchovies and oh so thin and crispy prosciutto. Dessert was a sinful hot brownie sundae and maple ginger brulee.
Owners Kevin Flynn and Jen Kovach met saving the Eaton Village Country store. The Inn which dates back to 1902 has been welcoming guests since 1948 by Max & Greta Pluss. Kevin tells Robin there is talk that Greta has haunted the Inn, but in a friendly way of course! Ghosts aside, Kevin and Jen make their guests feel right at home, decorating it with family photos. Disconnecting from the hustle and bustle is what it's about at The Snowvillage Inn so there are no TVs but you can snuggle up with a good book hand picked by Jen's mother, 'the book whisperer.' The Presidential mountain range including Mt. Washington which you can see on a very clear day make for gorgeous views. It is a perfect getaway from New York City but also ideal for country weddings, and parents visiting their kids in nearby summer camps.
Kelli O'Hara, Broadway star of The Bridges of Madison County joins host Robin Milling backstage at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater in New York City. Kelli tells Robin her dressing room is decorated with photographic inspirations to put her into the mindset of Francesca like a map of Italy, an 18th century Italian sketch, as well as a picture of the actual Rosamund Bridge in Iowa where Robert (played by Steven Pasquale) and Francesa meet.
Born in Oklahoma on a farm where she chopped cotton and was the 'official lawn girl'; she and her sister would harmonize through the aisles of the cotton fields ironically singing 'Love Could Build A Bridge.' Kelli could tap into Francesca's farm life, but slipping into her lilting Neopolitan accent combined with a bit of Americana happens when she says 'Francesa,' puts on a brown wig over her blonde locks, darkens her eyebrows and wears a farmwife's dress. She also has a ritual on her walk to the stage of reading all the signs on the wall in her accent like, 'stage right,' or 'no toaster ovens please!'
Having a new addition to the family and loving relationship with her husband, Greg Naughton enriches her with love and emotion which she brings into the role of Francesca. She says, “I don't think I could've played this role without having what's going on in my personal life right now. You come to a place in your life where everything is just at the right time.”
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Photos courtesy of Joan Marcus
Jonatha Brooke, currently starring in My Mother Has 4 Noses at the Duke Theater in New York City joins host Robin Milling. Jonatha tells Robin her mother who had four prosthetic noses, ('one for each season,') due to skin cancer, inspired her to write the piece which is filled with tremendously uplifting stories told through song and monologues. It's a Kleenex box worth of tears but you will also laugh along with Jonatha as she relates her journey helping her mother through her declining dementia. In fact the show has inspired so many people to tell their story of sorrow and loss that Jonatha has set up a virtual memory wall on www.fournoses.org for people to share.
A singer, songwriter who toured concert halls for almost 25 years, Jonatha says she comes from a musical family where her father played trumpet and her mother 'played piano rather badly but was passionate about music.' The show is a 'mom and pop operation' produced by her manager/husband Patrick Rains. Jonatha performs select songs from the show including The Wind, How Far You Go For Love, and Scars.
Don't miss this show! It's a universal story where even celebrities can empathize. Edie Falco and Bill Irwin came to the show and cried, sharing their stories afterward with Jonatha. And sometimes she pretends Meryl Streep is sitting in the audience because, 'she's got a great nose and mom would've loved her nose!'
For tickets visit http://www.dukeon42.org/Shows/2014/4Noses.aspx
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Almost Human star Lili Taylor stars in The Cold Lands as a mother living a Bohemian lifestyle in the middle of the woods with her son when her sudden death leaves him to fend for himself. A mother herself, Lili commuted to the set from her house across the river. She tells host Robin Milling that while she loves nature she is not an 'off the gridder,' and encourages the importance to her daughter of existing with others. Fancying herself more of a boyscout than a hippie, she says she could survive the wilderness if put to the test. 'I like to know how to tie a knot and how to build a fire and how to survive because you just never know!' I want to know how to handle a bear if I see one and I want to know how to save someone's life if they're in trouble.' Living for two weeks in the woods with Earth First destroying their equipment so they wouldn't destroy redwood trees gave Lili a taste of what it's like.
Lili likes it old school. Playing a futuristic police captain in Almost Human, she prefers paper and pen to the fancy holograms they use on the show. She confesses she'd like to have more wild weapons like her cop co-stars Karl Urban and Michael Ealy use, and get out of the office more!
Coming up, Lili will grace the stage with Chloe Grace Moretz in The Library directed by Steven Soderbergh.
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Cady Huffman joins Let's Do Lunch! at Gaby Brasserie Francaise to talk about her fabulous one-woman show, Hungry and Horny! Cady tells host Robin Milling about her passion for food which began with her mother and grandmother's homemade meals growing up in Santa Barbara.
Food is life and love to Cady and she performs it all in song for one night only at 54 Below in New York City. In the show she explores her relationship to food such as grappling with the loss of her ex husband's cooking. She jokes, 'After 17 years of marriage I found myself 'divorced and hungry!' Cady talks about her dating escapades and how she's moved on.
Cady talks about her wondrous musical theater career which began as a teenage drag queen in La Cage Aux Folles and most recently as a Burlesque dancer in The Nance. Her dancing accomplishments began with Bob Fosse in Big Deal.
Gaby's Chef Sylvain Harribey, former winner of the Food Network's Chopped serves a delicious tasting and wine pairing. Beginning with butternut squash bisque in a capuccino cup, followed by fois gras delicately rolled with proscuitto and served with a mini beaker of truffle oil to drizzle over it, lamb loin on white bean puree, and an american standard 'Frenchinized,' as Chef puts it -- a hamburger or Franburger served on a crispy baguette with brie cheese.
Andy Garcia joins host Robin Milling to discuss his starring role in At Middleton. Andy plays a father bringing his son to college orientation, who strikes up a relationship with Vera Farmiga, bringing her daughter to the same orientation, played by her real life sister, Taissa.
In real life Andy has two daughters of his own, both of them actors. In fact his daughter Daniella appears in the film. Andy tells Robin what it's like having them follow in his footsteps.
Next he stars in the animated film, Rio 2 and the features Rob The Mob and Kill The Messenger. For his next directing job Hemingway & Fuentes, Andy tells Robin he hired a St. Augustine boat builder to build an authentic Cuban skiff for his boat captain Gregory Fuentes. He also announces a new cast member to replace Anthony Hopkins as Hemingway so stay tuned.
Author Sherill Tippins of Inside The Dream Palace The Life and Times of New York's Legendary Chelsea Hotel joins host Robin Milling for Let's Do Lunch! at The Fourth in the Hyatt Hotel in Union Square. Since 2006 Sherill has been working on the book which tells all kinds of stories about the famous inhabitants that lived there; not to mention the cockroaches living side by side with them!
Through her conversations with former beloved landlord Stanley Bard she writes about the celebrities who called the Chelsea Hotel their home such as Ethan Hawke staying for free under the conditions he get Uma Thurman back. Playwrite Arthur Miller used the hotel to recover from his break-up with superstar Marilyn Monroe to avoid the paparazzi, and where he stayed to write After The Fall about his relationship with her.
And of course there are the famous ghostly inhabitants which Sherill's psychic friend encountered while staying in room 325 with her to research the book. Her friend claims they would all crowd into the room every night from different eras to get their stories into the book! According to her friend one ghost from the 60s named Larry gave Sherill the theme of the book, 'just tell her man, The Chelsea Hotel is not about the art; it's about the life!'
http://www.hmhco.com/shop/books/Inside-the-Dream-Palace/9780618726349
Alice Eve has been on the Star Trek Enterprise in Star Trek Into Darkness, a sexy Irish nanny in Sex And the City 2, and most recently a hooker in Some Velvet Morning. They are all very different characters than who she is in real life, but none so as being a hotel proprietor also running a brothel in Cold Comes The Night. And she gets to be the first actress to work alongside Bryan Cranston post Breaking Bad!
For her role Alice tells host Robin Milling she actually changed dirty bed sheets in motels around the Catskill area where the film was shot to get an idea of a day in the life. Talk about method acting!
This year Alice can be seen in 1:30 Train opposite director/star Chris Evans filmed in New York City last Christmas, and she is reteaming with Neil LaBute for Dirty Weekend opposite Matthew Broderick.
New York Times bestselling author Vivek Tiwary of The Fifth Beatle joins host Robin Milling for Let's Do Lunch! at Giorgio's. A Beatles fan since the womb, it was a passion project 21 years in the making for Vivek to tell the untold story of The Beatles manager and founder Brian Epstein. Through years of interviews with people who knew him, the tale of seeing them at The Cavern Club to bringing them to the world stage unfolds in this graphic novel illustrated by Andrew C. Robinson.
A film is already in the works based on the novel, with Bring It On director Peyton Reed at the helm. Casting is a bit hush hush but there will be plenty of music due to unlimited access to the Lennon/McCartney catalog. What Vivek may have in common with Epstein is not taking 'no' for an answer. He even has the four rejection letters to prove it. He says, “That's what Brian Epstein went through. He got rejected for The Beatles by every single record label!”
'Thumbs up' came from Paul McCartney, Ringo, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison. Vivek was especially pleased with McCartney's review and his warmth about Brian's memory. He did famously say, 'If anyone was the fifth Beatle, it was Brian.'
Visit www.fifthbeatle.com
Watch the book trailer http://vimeo.com/70196926
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'Heeeeere's Johnny!' was the melodious phrase Ed McMahon would say every weeknight for 30 years to introduce Johnny Carson, the beloved talk show host of The Tonight Show. Henry Bushkin, author of 'Johnny Carson' was there beside him for 18 of those years as his lawyer but as he writes, 'his earpiece, mouthpiece, enforcer, running buddy, tennis pal, drinking and dining companion, foil or the quicker picker upper.'
Henry joins host Robin Milling to talk about the ups and downs of representing the most powerful man in show business whether it was dealing with his divorces, the NBC network or his personal happiness or unhappiness off camera. He tells Robin Johnny was not the man the country went to bed with at night joking and cajoling celebrity guests, but rather complex and complicated. He says, 'I've gotten letters and e-mails from people saying they had no idea how he was off the screen compared to who he was on the screen. If he's Mr. Rogers off the air who would be interested in him? I think this book is part of a renaissance for the guy because people are now talking about him because of this book.'
Henry discusses his disappointment with the lack of feedback from late night talk show hosts like David Letterman who've put Carson on a pedestal and chose to not mention the book or invite him on to discuss it. One theory is because he doesn't hold back, revealing an image that is less than rosy, betraying Carson in some way and he's the bad guy. In fact he's writing a second book which explores the affects of the first and the late night talk show hosts will have their own chapter.
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Drew Lachey is dreaming of a charitable Christmas. Drew tells host Robin Milling the many ways he has made someone else's Christmas wishes come true. It all started with 98 Degrees visiting urban neighborhoods for The Boys and Girls Club singing accapella Christmas carols, doo-wop style. That spirit of giving back blossomed into what Drew and his family do today; supplying gifts for the Boys and Girls Club and the Children's Hospital in his hometown of Cincinnati. His children are also learning the love of giving. He says, “My daughter actually gave up getting birthday presents at her birthday party this year for donations for the Children's Hospital raising almost $1,000. That's one of the things as a parent where you're like, 'Yes! I'm doing something right!'”
In fact Drew encourages everyone to make a difference in somebody else's life, foregoing that tie clip or Itunes gift card. That homey feeling is one of the reasons why h'es joined Up, the family friendly network which features shows his seven year-old daughter can watch; like his starring turn in Guess Who's Coming To Christmas. Drew stars as Dax, a jaded rock star who jump starts his image by fulfilling a child's 'Dear Santa' Christmas wish to spend the holidays with them. Drew's image is slightly different these days; he's not interested in being the bad boy anymore. “I'm trying to set a good example for my kids and the people who look up to me and look up to my wife. That's what I'm trying to focus on, spreading that good cheer.”
Drew looks forward to going out on the road again with his brother Nick and the band. Whether it's Dancing With The Stars, Broadway, or film acting; it seems performing is Drew's greatest gift.
It seemed that Spider-Man:Turn Off The Dark, the Broadway musical was doomed from the start with the production suffering budgetary issues, actors getting injured attempting aerial stunts, not to mention personality clashes with the show's directing diva Julie Taymor. Now the story behind the web of chaos and collaboration is told from co-book writer Glen Berger who has penned Song of Spider-Man about what it was like to stand side by side with Taymor helping to create her vision, only to be spun out of control.
Glen tells host Robin Milling how a need to seek vengeance on then President Bush inspired the scene that would get him the gig. He describes, “the Green Goblin is tickling the ivories on top of the Chrysler Building, ending with him pushing the piano off in order to murder the little ants down below, and winding up caught in Spider-man's web.” Ironically he says that scene may have gotten him the job, but ultimately led to Taymor's dismissal.
Glen writes joyously about working with Taymor who he describes as a true artist with a capital 'A' and his devotion to doing whatever it took to realize that artistry. He admits it was a heady experience visiting the Edge and Bono in their Irish homes, watching them orchestrate the musical. Glen observes that problems actually began three months after he joined the project in 2005, six years before opening, when the lead producer Tony Adams dropped dead right as Edge was signing the contract!
To purchase the book visit:
http://books.simonandschuster.com/Song-of-Spider-Man-Special-Signed-Edition/Glen-Berger/9781476776262
Sunlight Jr. writer/director Laurie Collyer joins host Robin Milling to discuss working with her stellar cast which includes Naomi Watts, Matt Dillon and Norman Reedus. Laurie tells Robin how Matt went through rigorous wheelchair training to portray his paraplegic character who is married to Watts in the film. She says he was so convincing in the chair and the way he finessed getting in and out of it that she was surprised when he actually got up to walk in-between takes! Matt also had to practice wheeling Watts around on his lap. That playfulness was captured by an on-set photographer. Laurie says, “They had a lot of fun. One of our publicity stills wasn't shot as that but they were just having fun playing around 10 feet away from the craft service table with Matt wheeling her around on his lap and it's actually the photo that's now our poster.”
And then there's Reedus, red hot from The Walking Dead who contributed his own idea to the look of his character; Watt's risky and wild ex who still has a thing for her. Already inked up and wearing a wife beater, he suggested he come in sporting a new tattoo covered by a bandage. Laurie remembers one fun day on the set. “You never actually see that little Dennis The Menace urinating (tattoo) but we all knew it was there so one day our make-up artist put a sharpee tattoo of that on lots of members of the crew so people were walking around with that guy on the side of their neck, on their arm, on their hand.”
Penthouse publisher Bob Guccione is the subject of Filthy Gorgeous, a documentary chronicling the rise of the media mogul and his magazine. Jane Homlish, his longtime personal assistant for over 30 years who is featured in the film, joins host Robin Milling to talk about a relationship so unique it will never exist for her again. Jane tells Robin she was convinced that Guccione was the right fit for her inquisitive nature as a young traveler who also had a passion for art. When she answered an ad for a receptionist job she quickly moved up the ranks, knowing Guccione would not only be her boss, but her mentor. They connected creatively in their shared love of art, and spiritually searching for a greater truth as Jane, a Catholic school girl, thought she would be a nun and Bob thought he would be a priest.
Jane earned his respect, ultimately overseeing the magazine from cover to cover, curating his massive art collection and his home where 11 pony size Rhodesian Ridgebacks once ruled the roost. They became 'inseparable' working till the wee hours of the morning from his East 67th Street townhouse where Bob lived and worked and Jane had her own private suite to accommodate the hours. She says, “I spent more hours with Bob Guccione than anybody in his entire family including his wife.” Along with the job came managing the photo shoots and sometimes even the Penthouse pets who would do anything they could to get to Bob through Jane. Jane tells Robin she maintained a professional relationship with Guccione, developing a dear friendship, becoming his confidante over the years and the keeper of his secrets; which she cherishes to this day. Bob once told Jane he was convinced they were a priest and nun who knew each other in their past lives. She says, “In fact if that's true I believe I will see Bob again.”
Milling About visits The Evergreen Inn Bed & Breakfast in Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey. Dating back to 1873, it was once a stagecoach stop. Innkeeper Laurie runs the inn like she's hosting a dinner party or hanging with friends at the local Jersey Shore pub. A great storyteller, she entertains her guests at breakfast. If you're still sleeping or even slightly hung over she is the perfect wake-up call! Her juice glasses are on a slant to confuse you even more. She says, 'it's 140 years old so I don't know if I'm the one that's slanted in my 40s or the house is slanted but it works for me!' One wonders if her five year-old daughter is an inspiration, joking she's a 'beard' for her goofiness. Leaving the corporate world she fell into hospitality having a Yureka moment finding a Christmas ornament that said 'Evergreen Inn.' Since 1997, she put her management skills to work with a homey renovation. The rooms are named for evergreens like The Redwood, a tribute to The Eagles' Hotel California and her 'thing' for Don Henley complete with mirrors on the ceiling and pink champagne on ice. It's Halloween so everybody loves a good ghost story. Laurie was busy painting alone on the third floor at 2AM when she distinctly heard her name. She laughs, 'Turns out it was an ex-boyfriend calling from across the street at the 7-11 for a booty call at two in the morning!' Breakfast is the main attraction with names like 50 Ways To Leave Your Lovah French Toast, Brie Rules The World Eggs; one with lobster because hey, it's the beach. Laurie gleefully recites the ingredients as you enter the dining room insisting on seconds.
Author Christopher Rice joins host Robin Milling over lunch at The Cecil in Harlem to talk about his first supernatural novel, The Heavens Rise which is a page-turner featuring a 'Louisiana swamp mind-control parasite atmosphere.' Chris returns to New Orleans he says to give the community a kindness post Katrina. Compared to his first book A Density of Souls, where he trashed everyone he went to high school with, he is now paying homage to the people of the city and their desire to see it thrive. Chris says that of all his novels The Heavens Rise is the most cinematic and he would want to be involved in writing the screen adaptation. He may come full circle as he originally moved to Los Angeles to write screenplays; surprising even himself by writing a book. As the son of Anne Rice and his late father Stan who was a creative writing professor and poet, writing was inevitable. Chris reveals his father read him Tin Tin as a bedtime story while mom favored singing show tunes to lull him to sleep! Lunch with Chris at The Cecil in Harlem, named for the former hotel, was prepared by Chef de cuisine J.J. It's Afro Asian new American cuisine featured Oxtail dumplings, spicy crispy ginger squid, and crispy okra fries. He brought his influences from Ghana, steeping himself in African markets, and preparing meals alongside the locals. At The Cecil he adds green apples to curry, and perry perry sauce to prawns. Save room for dessert with their peanut opera; sponge cake layered with peanut butter and chocolate and flourless chocolate cake with beany seed brittle. And watch for a second supernatural thriller from Christopher set on a plantation in the deep South.
In Broadway Idiot documentary filmmaker Doug Hamilton gets an all access pass to film a behind-the-scenes look at Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong as he observes the cast and crew interpret his music for the stage from day one to opening night of American Idiot. Doug joins host Robin Milling to discuss how he got inside this Broadway world shown from the unique perspective of this musical superstar. He knew he had something special when he captured a teary-eyed Armstrong watching the cast performing his songs for the first time. Illustrating his commitment to the project, Armstrong offered home video footage as a pre-teen singing Send In The Clowns to replace a scene for the film which was already in the can. Doug says, "I had found this old footage of Billy, not what you see in the film, singing Christmas songs at 14 in some hospital. He said, 'this is great but I can do better.' " He had gone to his cousins and gotten that old family footage. I had to remix the film with that new scene but it was so worth it.' Throughout the story Doug weaves concert footage of Green Day with entire numbers from the show. Fans of Green Day who couldn't afford the price of a Broadway ticket will not only see the making of American Idiot the musical in the documentary, but Doug confirms the feature film version is well in the works starring Armstrong as St. Jimmy.
Daniel Radcliffe was once the bespectacled boy wizard of Harry Potter. With a bit of a scruff and near 25 it doesn't seem odd that he prefers Dan. Speaking to him since he's 10, you happily adopt the name as he's permanently left the Hogwarts building. In Kill Your Darlings he may still be wearing Potter-shaped glasses but the comparisons firmly end there. Dan joins host Robin Milling to discuss taking on the role of Beat poet Allen Ginsberg. He tells Robin he modestly dabbled in sonnets when he was 17, but now he's working towards writing screenplays he can direct. To get into the mindset of unrequited heartache for Lucien Carr (played by Dane DeHaan), director John Krokidas, who also joins Robin, suggested he borrow Renee Zelwegger's method of listening to music before the scene. Dan chose jazz singer Jo Stafford while Krokidas turned to bands such as The Libertines with similar torture in their relationship. John, who is well versed in the Beat Generation keyed into Ginsberg for being openly gay in the 40s and taking his freedom of expression all the way to the Supreme Court. He tells Robin he aspires to be that brave and hopes the film will do the same for audiences. 'Maybe,' he says, 'you will take pen to paper and create something revolutionary.'
Veteran Hollywood studio executive David Picker joins host Robin Milling to discuss his book Musts, Maybes And Nevers, an inside look at the movies that were produced during his reign at United Artists Corporation, Paramount, Lorimar and Columbia Pictures. A third generation motion picture producer, Picker was responsible for bringing films to United Artists by any means necessary. He tells Robin the real story behind the James Bond franchise that's never been heard before and how his cousin's husband started the Thunderball rolling if you will by introducing him to Ian Fleming's novels. David orchestrated The Beatles' films A Hard Days Night bringing director Richard Lester on board and was instrumental in starting Steve Martin's movie career with The Jerk. Born in Brooklyn, Picker followed in his family's footsteps loving movies as his father Eugene Picker ran Loews Theaters, and his uncle Arnold Picker was a founding partner in the new 1951 United Artists. He worked alongside some of the greats and not so greats and it's all in the book in black and white. As the legendary director Billy Wilder once told him over lunch, 'There are only three kinds of movies – musts, maybes, and nevers," and that's what inspired the title. The book chronicles a very exciting life of bringing award-winning and classic films to fruition.
Director Kyle Patrick Alvarez releases his sophomore film, C.O.G. which he wrote based on a story by David Sedaris. Kyle tells host Robin Milling getting the rights to the story from Sedaris was a challenge as he regularly passes on the idea of making his stories into films. Determined, Kyle showed up at a Sedaris book signing with his first film, Easier With Practice, in hand. His passion plea was his personal connection to C.O.G.which deals with the intersection of religion and sexuality. Growing up in the Mormon community dealt with that in spades! Four months later Sedaris e-mailed and Alvarez became the first person to adapt his writings for the screen. Kyle is clear that C.O.G. is not a coming out story but more about coming to terms with being seen as a gay person; nor did he want to cast an openly gay actor as a gimmick. Jonathan Groff was just the right person for the job. He says, 'I think Jonathan has the quality of being an openly gay actor for most of his career, arguably his entire career and I think he truly has the opportunity and the possibility to break out and for people to not question him as a romantic lead opposite women. He has the looks and the talent and the charm to handle all of those things you need from a leading man.'
Choreographer John J Zullo joins host Robin Milling to discuss the new season of John J Zullo Dance/Raw Movement featuring three works inspired by memory. A film student at American University, John saw Bill T. Jones Arnie Zane dance company piece Still Here and discovered the emotional impact dance can achieve. Referring to the season as his Memory Suite, All What This Do Has You Happened See? Before is about perception and fragments of memory while This Equisite Diversion/Mysterious Skin is about blocked memories and the process of recovery. Six foot glowing plexi-glass panels play with perception as a metaphor for moving through corridors in the mind. The third piece Project XIII explores varying memories through 12 different versions of one movement. This Equisite Diversion/Mysterious Skin was inspired by Scott Heim's novel Mysterious Skin about two young boys who are sexually exploited. John says, 'it had a really strong impact both in my own personal experiences having been sexually abused at a very young age and then dealing with that.' Also discovering one of his dancers was sexually abused when he was young drove the piece, interpreting moments of the book through movement. John insists it's not a victim piece, but more about navigating through a traumatic experience.The audience will experience it raw and real.
Jonathan Groff has a new philosophy about apples; he may never look at an apple the same way again thanks to his role as an apple factory worker in C.O.G. based on a story by David Sedaris. Jonathan tells host Robin Milling he spent months on a real assembly line alongside workers amazed by what goes into sorting the bright red fruit. Growing up in Lancaster, PA farm country Jonathan was no stranger to menial jobs. For his horse trainer father he shoveled poop out of horse stalls and drove a tractor spraying weeds on the horse farm. His grandmother had many Amish women working her garden so Jonathan would often drive them home after mowing her lawn. He laughs, 'Sometimes I was an Amish chauffeur!' Jonathan who is Mennonite never opened up about his sexuality in high school. It wasn't until he got to New York that he came out. Recently he tells Robin he returned home for his high school musical where many of the students were out and proud. 'They were out living their lives and I thought, 'wow this is so great that this is happening now because the idea of doing that when I was high school seemed just crazy!' Choosing projects where his character is gay like C.O.G., The Normal Heart and Looking for HBO are just happy coincidences. He says, 'I'm thrilled to be doing these gay-themed projects because obviously I have a personal stake in them and it means a lot to me. Kids are able to see more stuff like this on TV and hopefully it makes people more comfortable and as time goes along it becomes a non-issue.'
Let's Do Lunch! visits Novecento in New York's Soho for a traditional Argentinian tasting prepared by Chef Oscar Santana. Celebrating 33 years in the business, Oscar came from Mexico with his wife to pursue his dreams, working his way from washing dishes oddly enough right across the street at Felix, to becoming chef at Novecento. Santanta offered a meat eaters feast starting with pan fried crispy sweet breads that melt in your mouth, served with green beans, mushroom, corn and yuca fries. The appetizer empanadas are enough for a meal. Each flaky serving features a different shape filled with meat, chicken with sweet onions and white wine, spinach and mozarella cheese and ham and mozarella cheese; gooey and delicious. Another traditional dish served at Novecento is Trio Argentino, a threesome of chorizo, blood sausage and sweet breads accompanied with chimichurri sauce that you want to eat with a spoon. And of course it wouldn't be complete without Entrana, Argentinian skirt steak with creamy mashed potatoes complimented with a glass of Malbec. The kitchen is open with a view of the bar so Oscar can see diners enjoying his food. The restaurant opens up to the street inviting passersby to come in; great for people watching on a summer day. For authentic Argentinian cuisine, you can't beat Novecento. Photos courtesy of Antonia Russo
John Schneider is doing double duty on the nighttime soap scene with Tyler Perry's The Haves And The Have Nots and Mistresses. In the former John stars as Jim Cryer, king of the haves, sowing his married oats and gluttonously taking whatever he can have. It's Tuesday night's guilty pleasure on OWN. John joins host Robin Milling from Baton Rouge, Louisiana which serves as the home of his production company, John Schneider's Fairlight Films named for himself of course, and his regal standard poodle. It is also close proximity to Atlanta where the show shoots and Savannah, where his daughter attends college. John tells Robin he can relate to the riches his character possesses having once owned a jet for the convenience of shuttling himself from Thousand Oaks, California to Vancouver during Smallville so he could be home with his kids in time for sports Saturday. The similarities end there as John is a much happier person but says he's having a hell of a time portraying him. The season finale airs tonight but will resume shooting in October. John says, 'Tyler knows how to write a cliffhanger like nobody I've ever seen. When you see this show you will be cringing until you get to see more of them!' During his hiatus, John is busy editing Smothered, his first feature under his production banner which he describes as a 'horromedy.' Starring famous movie serial killers, John says he feels like the champion of the disenfranchised masked killers because he's given them an opportunity to appear without a mask or some weird disguise in his film. Of course the release date will be next December, Friday, the 13 Stay tuned...
Milling About visits Hotel Zero 1 in Montreal, Canada. Senior Marketing Manager Michele Cantin tells host Robin Milling it's an ideal location just steps away from Chinatown and the cultural district Quarter des Spectacles, ripe with art, music and food festivals. For sightseers the Old City and the Old Port are a short walk away. This chic boutique-style property was once home to students attending nearby University of Quebec. The walls are concrete so the renovation focused on the 163 rooms which are stylized for comfort with just enough room for the essentials. The minimalist European aspect might not appeal to Americans looking for lots of space but you soon trade that for efficiency and charm. The beds are the centerpiece with 250 thread count sheets and microfiber duvet and pillows. The cupboards contain kitchenettes with hideaway appliances such as a mini refrigerator and coffeemaker. Cantin is no stranger to the hospitality business having worked at a spa, but jumped at the chance to launch the opening of Hotel Zero 1 just two years ago, named for the address on Boulevard Rene-Levesque. She says being the new player in the city, they are the talk of the town. Their best kept secret is the 5 floor terrace where you can be very French and just take in the views of the city with a bottle of wine. It's a taste of France just six hours drive from New York City.
Milling About visits Blue Sky studio, the creators behind Ice Age, for a behind the scenes tour of the making of Epic, now available on Blu-Ray and DVD. Starring the voice talent of Colin Farrell, Amanda Seyfried and directed by Chris Wedge, Producer John Donkin takes host Robin Milling on a guided tour to the departments that are responsible for making Epic. John says it takes about three years from inception to screen overseeing the creative team for theatrical and home video release. He tells Robin there's nothing more rewarding than when the movie appeals emotionally to parents as well as to kids. They are wary of off-color jokes so Denis Leary, the voice of Diego, had to be wrangled in so his kids could watch. Senior Character Technical Director Sabine Heller's job is to put anatomy into the characters about nine months before the animator puts them in motion. With a click of the mouse she makes Nim Galuu smile or move one of his many arms and legs. Sabine says she does her homework learning everything about caterpillar anatomy to see how they actually move. She also takes nature walks around the property and nearby Audubon Center looking for real life inspiration. Story artist Warren Leonhardt gets a script, a handful of characters, some of the set and literally acts out a dress rehearsal for the director. Part actor, Warren pitches the scene from the storyboard complete with verbal sound effects.
The final step is animation led by Senior Animator David Sloss which he describes as puppetry designing each facial or body movement. Video references are shot by the animators acting out the scene for the director to give his
Let's Do Lunch! visits Isabella's in Lynchburg, Virginia with executive chef Sean Meeks who served up a delicious seafood bouillabaisse brimming with shrimp, mussels, scallops and squid over sun-shaped pasta in a spicy broth. A spoon is well needed to gather every last drop. Sean says it's a dish that is normally served in the fall but the hearty flavors still work in the spring. Most everything at Isabella's is farm to table including the beef for their Sunday brunch burger. 'Getting something shipped in from a third world country just doesn't have the flavor. If you know the farmer, the food just tastes better automatically,' Sean tells host Robin Milling. The dish depends on the season getting fresh local vegetables to inspire the meal. Patrons don't seem to mind if it's summer or winter, ordering signature dishes like lasagna bolognese and walnut crusted salmon and savory parmesan risotto. Save room for dessert as their homemade baby cannolis are a taste of Italy. Living in the south of Lynchburg, Sean grew up growing his own food and helping his mom and grandparents in the kitchen with pickling and preparing. His career actually began at 11 when he started appreciating giving simple foods a twist. Working at his family's concession stand Meeks Hotdogs, he would steam them with onions, celery, and garlic. His lucky break came at 16 while busing tables at a restaurant. One of the cooks cut his hand so Sean stepped in and took over the kitchen. At home he teaches his kids how to chop up vegetables for their pet pig aptly named Chorizo! For the past 13 years Isabella's has become his second home mentoring others and encouraging their culinary education.
The life of lightweight boxing champion Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini reads like a Greek tragedy which is why it makes the perfect movie, 'The Good Son.' During his rise to become a champ he was struck down by the death of his brother Lenny which only propelled him to get back into the ring. Then the worst thing that could possibly happen did - - Duk Koo Kim died following the match that gave him his title at Caesars Palace on November 13, 1982. Any other man might have thrown in the towel; but not Ray. Instead he chose to deal with whatever obstacles life gave him with grace and dignity. In the film you see his life come full circle years later when he meets Kim's family. Celebrating his success at the premiere party he tells host Robin Milling, 'everyone takes their shots and you got to keep moving forward. My faith kept me from jumping off a bridge.' Ray is certainly moving forward. At 52, he has re-invented himself in the wine business launching three new wines from Napa under the name South Paw; named for being a lefty as well as for his last name 'Mancino' which means left-handed. He is also a poet. Writing since he was a kid, his mother would secretly enter his poems into contests. He recalls, 'I'd get in the mail you're an honorary member of the National Poets Society. What's this?!' For everything Ray from wine to memorabilia, visit http://www.rayboomboommancini.com http://thegoodsondocumentary.com/
Not all marriages are meant to last forever – some of them don't make it to a year. That was the inspiration for the comedy about romance, I Give It A Year by writer/director Dan Mazer. Dan tells host Robin Milling he went to an elaborate wedding where the guests were wagering it wouldn't last past six months, and it didn't. Married in Morocco, Dan is going on eight years with his wife which he says works because they are right for each other. Comedy ensues in the film when Rose Byrne, married to the wrong person, is wooed by the stunning Simon Baker who turns out to be Mr. Very Right. Dan confesses he has a huge man crush on Baker who had everyone on set melting over him. “Simon Baker could turn me! Honestly I had feelings that I never felt before when I would be in the room with him. He is mesmerizing. And the hair is something to behold! As Josh the character says, 'I could drink him in!'” Fellow Aussie Rose Byrne tells Robin she actually grew up mooning over Baker watching him play a heartthrob on Australian soap opera, E Street. In the film she was impressed by his unwavering composure when he wines and dines her and doves are flying everywhere. “He was literally unflappable landing on his head, and I was a mess! Luckily nobody got pooped on but that would've been the least of my worries!” Next Rose reunites with Get Him To The Greek director, starring with Seth Rogen in Townies.
Milling About visits Sans Soucy Vineyards in Brookneal, Virginia for a delicious wine tasting hosted by owner Paul Anctil. A French Canadian, Paul says growing up he'd turn anything fruit into wine. His six acre vineyard offers daily tastings from bold and dry reds to light and sweet whites. Once a tobacco farm, some reds take on a smoky tobacco finish like Petit Verdot, with hints of dark cherry and vanilla. There's a dish of semi-sweet chocolates to compliment the bold reds. The wines are named for their pets. Cab, a black Lab dons the label of their stellar Cabernet Franc perfect with T-bone steak. The light summer red is Chateau Weuf de Pup. The family cat is on Chat-O, blending Traminette and Viognier for honeysuckle notes. Paul's military time in the hot summers of Spain inspired the Tempranillo featuring raspberry and blackberry tones; the unique Ginger wine comes from the British Marines, made from whole ginger root. The Bark & Wine festival in June donates their wine tasting fees to a no-kill animal rescue in town. www.sanssoucyvineyards.com
Milling About visits Acorn Hill Lodge in Lynchburg, Virginia. Driving up the path you're greeted by a family of Shih Tzus, followed by their jovial smiling owners Wanda and Robert Crocker. A great couple, their relationship began in 1992 with a chance meeting at Valley View Mall in Roanoke. Nineteen years ago they bought what was to become Acorn Hill Lodge, a 1910 home sitting on five acres. Intending it as a medical massage therapy center, the lure of a B&B was hard to resist. Plus hospitality runs in Robert's family as his grandmother had a boarding house in Brooklyn. A former hospital worker specializing in massage therapy and a talent for construction, he rebuilt the lodge and spa from the ground up. Accented with acorns everywhere, there are 11 suites with a European flair as Wanda was a former nuclear energist who spent time abroad. Wanda and Robert urge New Yorkers to visit as it's a short train ride away. During hurricane Sandy 16 dogs and 35 people did just that!
Jon Tenney continues climbing the TNT ladder starring in his own series King & Maxwell where he and Rebecca Romijn play former secret service agents turned private investigators. Jon tells host Robin Milling he's enjoying the scruff of Sean King compared to clean cut FBI agent Fritz in The Closer, who will be making an appearance in the spin-off show Major Crimes. For King & Maxwell, the fun has begun. Already Jon and Rebecca have been stuffed in a trunk and almost blown up by an exploding building chasing bad guys. Jon says most of the hard stuff is done by stunt men. He's embarrassed to admit he got injured by a camera while running after a suspect! He recalls, 'I did a U-turn into the steady cam and smashed my head open and that wasn't too good!' The chemistry between Romijn and Tenney is undeniable. Jon says throughout the course of the series their relationship may take a 'Moonlighting' turn, but he prefers the question continuing. For those of you who are missing Fritz and Brenda (Kyra Sedgwick), Jon says they remain close friends and may have other projects in the works so stay tuned for that. www.tntdrama.com/King&Maxwell
Let's Do Lunch! visits Main Street Eatery in Lynchburg, Virginia; named for the street it resides on. Serving only dinner, married owners Michaela and Urs Gabathuler, also the chef, came from Switzerland to realize their dreams. Settling in Lynchburg, they fell for the house on Main Street dating back to 1875. Converting it from a men's store with their son's help, they stripped it down to it's original brick making it homey with a romantic glow. The menu features seafood specialties like Sea Bass Velasca with baby shrimp and crabmeat, and all-you-can-eat mussels prepared five different ways. Urs tells host Robin Milling the reigning number to beat is seven courses. He expertly marries Swiss influences with local lamb, rabbit and goat cheese melted on crostinis with chunks of garlic and tomatoes. The veal is Zurich-style with a chardonnay creme fraiche and mushroom sauce. Urs is a people person and welcoming so the kitchen is exposed. The only way to the bathroom is through the kitchen where you are greeted with waves from the sous chef. The ultimate finish is the Viennese table wheeled seductively by with mouth watering desserts made fresh daily so if you snooze, you lose! The chocolate tort has Swiss chocolate like lava dripping on vanilla icecream drizzled with homemade caramel. It's a perfect alpine mountain that you don't want to dig into, but Urs says, 'you don't think you're gonna make it, but most of the people do!'
Milling About visits The Carriage House Inn Bed and Breakfast in Lynchburg, Virginia. Located in historic Daniels Hill, the house dates back to 1878 when it was owned by hardware store magnate Richard Watts who had 11 children. The mansion was restored to it's original grandeur by owners Kathy and Mike Bedsworth. Celebrating their 10 anniversary in the house; it was originally meant for Mike's pet project. He tells host Robin Milling he stripped 1800s paint off the mantels to their original woodwork, keeping features like a winding staircase with coffin corners, and claw foot bathtubs. Hoping to find attic treasures, Kathy says they found 18 inches of pigeon poop! Each of the four rooms is named for a Watts. Mike says a child is haunting the house, "We've had a little girl speak to some of the guests." Paranormal experts recorded her saying, 'Come here...I'm dead.' Staying in Richard Watts' room, Robin swears she felt someone tickling her toes in the middle of the night! It seems the ghosts are friendly and amiable. When Kathy would smell smoke with no signs of fire, they reasoned it was Richard Watts smoking his cigar. They reminded him it was a non-smoking house and the smell went away! Breakfast is seasonal like pumpkin waffles for fall, and gingerbread and chocolate waffles for winter.
Milling About visits with Amanda Selwyn of Amanda Selwyn Dance Theater for rehearsals of 'It's A Game,' celebrating their 13 season at New York Live Arts. Amanda tells host Robin Milling she was initially inspired by Alexander McQueen's exhibit at the Met featuring models dressed as chess pieces. She later learned he was inspired by Harry Potter which spoke to the Potter fan in her, expanding the dance to games asking, 'what it means to roll the dice and have uncertain outcomes.' 'It's A Game' features dancers abstractly moving amongst life-size props of chess pieces and fuzzy dice, becoming inspiration for creative movement. At times the dancers become the chess pieces, bringing them to life. Having very tall male dancers in the duet 'Check Mate' was a plus for the breath-holding lift where the female dancer does a big flip into a swan dive backbend, swirls between his legs and unravels back to the ground! Amanda jokes, 'it gets close to a crotch grab but it has a grandiose look in a big theater!' In Amanda's choreography which is born from her background in theater and dance, there are emotional movements as well mixed with the athleticism. She encourages her dancers to express themselves through partnering or gesturing; each bringing their humanity into the work.
Gary Busey wants you to get into The Busey Zone, interactive webisodes where you ask Gary questions and learn from his unique perspective on life, like 'A Moment With The Hobbits.' Gary tells host Robin Milling he's visited Middle Earth in his dreams through body projection. He says, "I time travel in my dreams." These observations come from a Harley Davidson accident when the curb split his head open and he died after brain surgery, seeing the other side. He jokes, "I could tell you more but it's like explaining an orgasm to a 10 year-old; you can't really discover it all!" There's three books in the works from the mind of Busey including his autobiography, "360 Ways To See An Elephant;" meaning there's more than one way to see something. Plus a two- volume collection of his Buseyisms; Gary takes the letters from a word and creates a definition. His buddy Donald Trump is 'Taking Redirection Understanding Massive Power.' And from the man who played Buddy Holly, will be his book of lyrics 'Song Poetry.' For Busey's outlook on life visit http://www.buseyzone.com
Milling About visits The Sagamore Resort in Lake George, New York, an idyllic property on Green Island in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Everywhere you turn is a view of the lake and the mountains. General Manager Tom Guay who grew up in the area tells host Robin Milling guests can hike the surrounding mountains as well as relax. There's a serenity with the sweet smell of pine permeating from the year-round lobby fireplace. Just outside is the Veranda terrace where brides begin their matrimonial walk down to the lake to say, 'I do.' The 385- room resort in existence since1883 is rumoured to be haunted, especially Room 209. Director of Sales Lori Rehm tells Robin about the resident spirits. There's a 1930s maid whose affair with a guest caused the wife to smother her with a pillow. Lori says some guests have seen someone in a maid's outfit standing in the corner or felt the blankets being tugged down by someone, and when the lights were turned on there was noone there! Visit www.thesagamore.com
Southside Johnny joins host Robin Milling to talk about his new CD Songs From The Barn. Branching out from the Asbury Jukes with The Poor Fools, it features a collection of styles from country to samba, bluegrass to honky tonk. Many of the songs are co-written with Jukes' keyboard player Jeff Kazee which John says he's most proud of to date. He tells Robin the songs are inspired by experiences he's had with a touch of added color. Living in El Paso, Texas back in the 60s, he laments about love lost at the border in Mexicali Waltz. He says, 'we would cross the border to Juarez and try to find trouble and we usually did find it. There were all these beautiful girls there and I was attracted to many of them. We were young and wild so my fantasies would take over and I would dream about these girls for decades to come and write about them in these songs!' After almost 40 years with the Jukes, The Poor Fools gives Southside the chance to play for fun in smaller venues like converted churches. John recalls the old days playing schools, when his dressing room was a kindergarden classroom. 'I just remember sitting on the little chairs! You know you take this stuff humourously because otherwise you'd really get down. It's some of the things you go through just to get on stage for a couple of hours and make music.' John doesn't measure his success by longevity. He looks to the future and will 'keep riding the train until it stops.' Although he may consider looking back on it all when he's 80!
Let's Do Lunch! visits 95 Ocean at The Nonantum Resort with Executive Chef Steve True, celebrating his 10 season, for a food and wine pairing. Food and beverage director Mark Wozny, who just returned from a trip to Italy, to shop for their extensive wine cellar, expertly matched reds and whites to compliment the delicious three-course meal. Chef Steve, who's family is from Maine, began his love for cooking in Connecticut where he began making pizza at 15 and still uses the same recipe for his sauce today. He is a natural having never studied cooking in school; bringing his culinary creations to 95 Ocean. One such delight is Topaz; a chorizo sausage with a fresh date wrapped in apple with smoked bacon topped with a balsamic glaze where sweet, smoke and heat melt in your mouth. Their signature Lighthouse Salad has local greens, dried cranberries, walnuts, and goat cheese topped with warm crunchy onion rings right out of the oven and homemade raspberry viniagrette. Steve deserves bragging rights for his open-faced lobster ravioli stacked napoleon style with chunks of lobster from literally down the road, where the perfect claw meat sits on top, and fresh herbs that he harvests from Nonantum's gardens. Aside from 95 Ocean, Steve passes on his knowledge to No Kid Hungry, founded by Jeff Bridges, teaching low-income families the benefits of healthy home cooking. In the winter he teaches at Southern Maine Community College where he recruits 'young talented cooking stars' to 95 Ocean.
Let's Do Lunch! visits Cappy's Chowder House in Camden, Maine with chef Peter Gelman. Peter is an import from New York City fine dining, bringing style to homier cooking; local blueberries make their blueberry steak sauce. Peter tells host Robin Milling there's an international twist to lobster like Panko Crusted Lobster Nuggets.His love for Vietnamese cuisine is shown in the Pistachio Crusted Salmon, and there's a cajun kick with spicy sausage to Seafood Stew from Peter's time in New Orleans. Cappy's is named for a local ship captain whose portrait still hangs upstairs in a former barber shop where the barber chair still sits. For the best chowder in town visit Cappy's or shop www.cappyschowder.com
Gillian Anderson joins host Robin Milling to discuss The Fall, her first lead investigative series since The X Files. Playing a detective superintendent investigating a serial killer in Belfast, she jokes she's had nine years of medical school as Scully. The Fall is shot in Belfast and the tourism board has Gillian to thank as room 203 in the Hilton Hotel, where her character stays in the series, is booked through the winter of 2014. Gillian tells Robin she's got a bit of an identity crisis, being born in Chicago and moving to London. In grade school she used her English accent to make friends, but kids can be cruel so she adopted an American accent. Now she says she can't escape 'the Britishisms' and calls London home. You can also see Gillian on the NBC series, Hannibal as Lecter's therapist, and the upcoming series Crisis.
Ask anyone where to go in Rockland, Maine for a great meal and you'll hear, Cafe Miranda. Let's Do Lunch! took that advice for Sunday brunch and chef/owner Kerry Altiero didn't disappoint. He's a character well known for his gift of gab, and his gift of cooking. Kerry became a chef out of necessity, joking his mom overcooked La Choy eggrolls! There's always a story to the creative menu items. Homemade hummus sans the tahini was born out of a Thanksgiving party adding chick peas for color, to become 'Hummus Goes To Italy.' The foccacia was a happy accident when loaves caught on fire in his wood-fired oven. Kerry's been doing the farm to table thing 'before it was hip' as all the wood and veggies come from the Headacre Farm where he lives. Cafe Miranda, named for his dog, opened in 1993 when Maine was a culinary wasteland. The fanciest dish was shrimp cocktail so Kerry changed that with classic comfort meals with a robust twist. Beef Groce is Thai-influenced beef salad with just the right kick. Try Fish Cake Bennies with smoked haddock topped with creamy hollandaise, where the egg explodes onto the fish. Kerry's fire-roasted kale pre-date kale chips that melt in your mouth. Visit http://www.cafemiranda.com
Gary U.S. Bonds joins host Robin Milling to talk about his new book, By U.S. Bonds, That's My Story. Written with a foreword by Steven Van Zandt, it's an autobiography that's a love story, according to co-writer Stephen Cooper who helped Gary organize his life into 20 chapters. Impossible as that seems, the stories are classic such as meeting Bruce Springsteen and forming a friendship that still thrives. As Gary recalls Bruce came to his show in New Jersey circa '76 and years later called him to record Dedication. Gary tells Robin he repaid the favor, gifting Bruce a '57 Chevy with 'Dedication' emblazoned on the fender. Bruce still proudly drives it around Jersey. Gary's career began during the racially charged '50s where music might be color blind but the world certainly wasn't. He says he'd perform at all-white clubs, painfully aware of the segregation, but blended in as an entertainer and never had a problem. It was only touring with Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars in the early '60s that he experienced racism when he couldn't stay at the same hotel as white bands like Bobby Rydell. At 74, Gary has lived a life of music and still does celebrating his birthday at BB Kings in NYC where musicians come to honor his musical legacy. There's plenty more story to be told.
Visit http://www.garyusbonds.com
Let's Do Lunch! visits La Bella Vita at The Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. There's more to Maine than succulent and sweet lobster, which host Robin Milling discovered courtesy of the delicious tasting prepared by Executive Chef Tim Pierce. Cooking is not Tim's only talent. He tells Robin about his award winning ice-carving sculptures such as a life-size mammoth, and gingerbread holiday creations. Tim grew up in Boothbay Harbor and says he was hooked by the kitchen with his first job as a dishwasher, joking that he's still doing dishes! He began cooking as a teenager out of necessity due to his working parents with skills so impressive he was making baguettes by nine and preparing dinner parties for the family. At the early age of 20 he became an executive chef. Lobster is a must on the menu but there's always an Italian twist starting with Antipasto Della Casa featuring Italian meats and cheeses garnished with house-made mustardo, fig jam, and juicy raisins still on the vine. The Swedish inspired crispy hand-crafted gnocchi adds a pleasing crunch with wild mushrooms, Italian bacon, and spinach topped with creamy Pecorino sauce. Tim, who has been lobster chef of the year prepared an Italian style surf and turf featuring the sweet knuckle of the butter poached lobster and petite filet mignon topped with Tuscan potato puree. The summer months are perfect for al fresco dining at La Bella Vita, either by night with romantic views of Penobscot Bay or for lunching lazily watching the lobster schooners go by.
Milling About visits The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine which is rich in history dating back to 1884 when Henry Heckman built a stately home overlooking the Kennebunk River to honor his ship's captain brother David, lost at sea. The name Nonantum is Algonquin Indian meaning 'rejoicing;' fitting for the resort celebrating over 125 years. The lobby of the Carriage House is homey with a welcoming fireplace and fresh baked blueberry scones, featuring Maine's finest fruit. The original old-fashioned elevator with iron gated door and manual lever is refurbished, and is still used to ferry guests. General Manager Tina Gordon, celebrating her 21 season, joins host Robin Milling to talk about the hotel's newest finds which have been discovered through renovations such as the original hotel safe, and a priceless stash of letters from guests to the innkeeper found inside horsehair plaster in the walls from the early 1900s. Tina says there is a resident ghost Sadie who likes to hang out by the fireplace, and kitchen spirits who have been known to move pans and throw things off the top of the refrigerator to get the staff's attention!
Innkeeper Jean Ginn Marvin who left a life of politics in Maine legislature for hospitality, makes sure she walks 10,000 steps a day making the guests happy. When at The Nonantum drive along Ocean Drive, and in less than 1.2 miles you'll get a glimpse of President George Bush's summer estate which sits on it's own private little island at Walker's Point. The secret service took some getting used to but Jean says the Bushes are regulars at Nonantum for parties and events and couldn't be more charming and appreciative of their hospitality.
Milling About visits The Samoset Resort in Maine where romance, relaxation and recreation meet at their lovely waterfront property sitting on the edge of Penobscot Bay. Just sit back on a lawn chair and watch the boats go by or play 18 holes of their championship golf course while taking in spectacular views of the ocean. Luxuriate in your renewal journey at The Spa at Samoset after negotiating rocks on the near mile trek on the Breakwater to the Lighthouse. General Manager Connie Russell and Spa Director Julie Slade join host Robin Milling. Connie came to the hospitality business working at his father's motel in his hometown of Orono. Along the property are one and two-bedroom cozy cottages Wind Drift, Spring Tide and Sea Spray, which Connie says are perfect for couples with screened porches and gas fireplaces. The glorious 100 year-old Flume cottage juts out on the rocks boasting an outdoor hot tub on a glass railing deck overlooking Penobsot Bay. Like any historic hotel, The Samoset originally built in 1889, has had it's share of ghost stories like the elevator closing or opening by itself! At The Spa, Robin was treated to an aromatherapy massage deeply inhaling frankincense; the scents are tailored to your mood. Before your massage, breathe in the ocean air while sipping tea in the serenity room with privacy screens so you can walk around freely in their cushy velvety robe. Julie tells Robin the massage mixes western and eastern traditions with reflexology, Chakra work and Swedish. A former owner of her own day spa in Camden, Julie led Colorado whitewater rafting tours before she settled in Maine, and now she comes 'skipping to work!'
One of the most pleasurable reasons to visit St. Simons Island, Georgia is Cap Fendig, affectionately known to all who live there, and if you don't meet Cap you haven't been to St. Simons! Cap joins host Robin Milling at the King & Prince hotel greeting visitors with a clang of the Lighthouse Trolley bell. The Trolley Ghost Tour is a treat through the eerie night. Cap shuts the trolley lights, making his way with boyhood sense memory down St. Simons Park amongst 600 year-old majestic oak trees whose hanging Spanish moss gives you the willies. His tours take you through the nooks and crannies only someone with family generations dating back to the mid 1800s living on the Island would know.There's even Fendig Road named for Cap's family who came from Germany, fell in love with St. Simons and all it's glory and never left.
Visit www.lighthousetrolleys.com or www.capfendig.com
Newcomer Jack Reynor joins host Robin Milling at The Tribeca Film Festival for his film What Richard Did. The Colorado born, Ireland raised actor now makes his home in Los Angeles in preparation for Transformers 4 co-starring Mark Wahlberg. Jack tells Robin he is undaunted and well prepared for the brink of the blockbuster which will ultimately give him tremendous accolades in Hollywood. With his baby face good looks he will no doubt grace the cover of many teen magazines. Thanks to advice he received from fellow countryman Michael Fassbender, he is ready. Growing up in the idyllic town of Humphrystown, Co. Wicklow, he was no stranger to the Transformer toys. Recently he visited his childhood home where he discovered a bag of 'bad ass tanks' in his attic which he gifted to his younger brother and sister. Ironically he got the call for the movie a couple of months later. In What Richard Did, Jack shows off his acting talents to the hilt portraying a star athlete in South Dublin who must face the consequences of wronging the people closest to him. Jumping into icy cold waters in the Irish sea for the beach scenes was just the surface of playing out the emotional arc his character goes through. For more information visit the official website @ http://whatricharddid.ie/
Thomas Haden Church joins host Robin Milling at the Tribeca Film Festival to talk about his film, Whitewash. Thomas, who spends most of his time in balmy Texas, says it was shocking to endure below freezing cold temperatures in the snowy mountains of Montreal. In fact traveling to locations were so remote only snowmobiles could get there. And if the blizzardy conditions weren't dangerous enough, Thomas tells Robin he got frostbite from pelting ice thrown at him from eight-foot turbine fans at 60 miles an hour! Church even considered camping out in the ice cave his character fashions for shelter but the budgetary requirements for looking after him would have been too steep. Church who now spends most of his time on his ranch in Texas makes movies almost as a side job. His next film is Lucky Them co-starring Toni Collette who is on a quest to search for her long lost rock star boyfriend played by Johnny Depp. Thomas who plays her friend documenting the adventure was courted by Paul Newman for the role. He tells Robin the story of how he received a package from Newman after returning home from shooting Spiderman 3. Enclosed was the script and a letter asking him to star in the film saying he was a Sideways fan. When Paul passed another letter came from Joanne Woodward asking him to stay on the project. Sadly he says he never got the opportunity to meet with Newman, but has their two letters framed together as a memento.
Let's Do Lunch! returns to the King & Prince, in St. Simons Island, Georgia celebrating their 78 anniversary with a new executive dining staff. Executive Chef Jason Brumfiel, Chef Baker Sam Hepburn, and Food and Beverage Director Allen Lancaster join host Robin Milling for a weekend filled with superb meals fit for a king or queen, which can only be enhanced by their gorgeous southern hospitality. Chef Jason's love affair with cooking began in Indiana with his dad owning a variety of eateries from 'a little soda shop to an American style pizza place.' Giving up his dream to be a star football player and landscaping job swatting bees and dodging lightning bolts; he made his way to the kitchen as a painter for the Holiday Inn. When the dishwasher was MIA, Chef stepped in and his cooking career began. Since then he's prepared meals for NFL players like Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Stover which no doubt completed his boyhood fantasies. His southern influences from New Orleans are evident in his Georgia Low Country Shrimp & Grits with black-eyed peas, andouille sausage and chorizo flavored grits. Journeying across the pond to the U.K. to be with his wife Amanda, he brought back a taste of Thailand to enhance the King & Prince menu. Complimenting and accompanying Chef is the jovial Chef Baker Sam Hepburn who's Strata and New Orleans Smoky Bacon & Pecan Praline are to die for. Spirits were unleashed by food and beverage director Allen Lancaster who's served high tea to Hilary Clinton. His signature mint julep cocktails go down way too easy! For more information visit www.kingandprince.com
Host and producer Hank Stampfl joins host Robin Milling to talk about his sexy cabaret show Speakeasy Moderne playing monthly in New York at Stage 72. Hank tells Robin the genesis of the show began at a small bistro which grew into it's current offering featuring sexily clad dancers with bodies to die for, torch song singers, and a nasty innocence that teases in a very tasteful way. It's a mix of the old with the new where you walk into the room and feel like you've been transported back into the 30s, but then there's a voluptuous DJ on stage spinning old school jams from a laptop. Hank is a Broadway baby who found a particular love for Cabaret, featuring the opening number Willkommen, and Mein Heir in the show choreographed by Kim Schafer. The two met in college and their mutual love for live theater bonded them. Hanks tells Robin Speakeasy Moderne is Broadway meets Burlesque featuring such songs as Golden Eye sung sultrily by guest vocalist Dina Fanai with a sexy shadow dancer accompanying her. There's a full-on striptease but there have been pastie mishaps where there was more tease than strip! The show must go on and whenever mistakes happen Hank says the company happily roll with the punches. Hank hopes to take Speakeasy Moderne on the road and is happy to do house parties so anyone celebrating a milestone birthday or even a wedding are Willkommen! For more information visit SpeakeasyModerne.com
Patricia Ward Kelly joins host Robin Milling to share her memories and behind-the-scenes stories of her late husband Gene Kelly who directed Hello Dolly, now out in a beautifully restored Blu-ray from 1969. Patricia who was married to Kelly from 1990-1996 tells Robin she recorded his stories over the course of a decade writing his memoirs, and shares some of his more personal Hello Dolly ditties on the Blu-ray feature, 'Gene Kelly Remembered.' Patricia says the well documented riff between stars Barbra Streisand and Walter Matthau was in fact true that Walter didn't want to be there and often thought Barbra was stealing his close-ups. She adds light to the myth that Matthau detested kissing Streisand, chalking it up to 'a chemical reaction that didn't work for him.' Gene also revealed to Patricia that Phantom of the Opera star Michael Crawford almost didn't get to sing It Only Takes A Moment because producers thought his voice was too tiny! Patricia is championing Gene Kelly's centennial year with screenings of Singin' In The Rain accompanied by a full blown orchestra throughout the world. She is currently writing a book about their life together and hopes Kelly's legacy will be remembered as not only a consummate talent but a true romantic.
Director P.J. Hogan joins host Robin Milling to talk about his new film Mental. It's a story that is so fantastic you can't make it up. P.J. tells Robin everything that happens in the film happened to him at 12, when his philandering father, up for re-election as mayor, picked up a hitchhiker named Shaz, played by Toni Collette to watch over his wild brood while his mom was 'on holiday' in a mental institution. Telling stories from his life is not new to the Australian filmmaker whose debut film Muriel's Wedding was all about his sister. P.J. says Mental is a comedy because laughter is the best medicine when you come from crazy. He tells Robin, 'As far as mental goes I'm in the trenches with it because my sister is schizophrenic, my brother is bipolar and I'm the father of two autistic children. So I live with it every day and that's why I made the film a comedy.' P.J. hopes that underneath the laughs there is a serious message that will come across about how to deal with mental illness whether or not it's personal to you and to re-examine what is normal.
Author Gwen Cooper joins host Robin Milling to talk about her new novel, Love Saves The Day which is the story of bridging the gap and cementing the bonds of unconditional love between a mother and daughter, told through the voice of a brown tabby cat they rescue named Prudence. Even if you're not a cat lover, you will relate to this story of how animals can ultimately rescue their humans, which Prudence firmly believes she has done. Gwen who says she is an equal opportunity animal lover has three cats of her own, all of them adopted or rescued. She tells Robin the feline heroine in the book is based on her cat Scarlett who made her debut in her bestselling memoir Homer's Odyssey, about her blind cat Homer who became a celebrity in his own right especially amongst the rescue community who rallied to the book. What is most rewarding for Gwen is how Homer's Odyssey inspired many more adoptions of blind, deaf and special needs pets, namely the Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary in North Carolina who have seen a spike in support since the book was published. She hopes Love Saves The Day has a similar impact, embarking on a tour across the country to 15 no-kill shelters whose outreach in their communities benefit the elderly, the homeless and at risk children. Gwen says the temptation to adopt another cat while she's there will be great but realizes living in a New York apartment; three is the charm!
Minnie Driver joins host Robin Milling to talk about her new film, Hunky Dory. Minnie shows off her musical talents, dueting with the students and playing guitar as a drama teacher in Wales who is keen to put together a rock musical of Shakespeare's The Tempest that would make David Bowie proud. Set in the 70s her students perform hit songs from the era, namely Life on Mars? which Minnie says is perfect timing with Bowie's comeback, The Next Day. Minnie says she can't stop listening to the CD especially when Bowie so graciously lent his music to the film for a song. Minnie tells Robin about her involvement with musical educational programs and the importance of music and the arts in schools. Her five year-old son Henry is already showing a penchant for music taking piano lessons. He was on the set of Hunky Dory getting into the jamming sessions. Minnie says it's been in his genes since before he was born getting an earful of her guitar playing while on tour seven months pregnant. This is the year of the musical for Minnie who will also be starring opposite Meatloaf in the horror musical Stage Fright. She is also releasing a CD of cover tunes in June Ask Me To Dance to follow up her original CD Seastories in 2007.
Jim Sturgess joins host Robin Milling to talk about his new film Upside Down. Jim tells Robin he actually had to practice hanging upside down for the role and got to 20 minutes with the aid of gravity boots; but not before nausea got the best of him! He even has an upside down kissing scene with his co-star Kirsten Dunst who had some previous experience with that in Spider-Man. Jim says he was asked to appear in the Spider-Man musical on Broadway by his Across the Universe director Julie Taymor but opted to help out in the workshop with Bono instead. He prefers playing with a band and writing his own music rather than having back-up dancers behind him on a stage. One band he tells Robin was Saint Faith; a seven-piece outfit he started in Islington which he says never saw the light of day. Music will always be there for Jim, but these days he prefers acting. He talks about working with the Wachowski brothers as an Asian man in the controversial film, Cloud Atlas, and is excited about his upcoming role as real life bank robber Eddie Dobson in Electric Slide.
It'sWellness Wednesday and host Robin Milling welcomes Linden Schaffer, founder and director of Pravassa, a wellness company combining travel to exotic locales and adventure with aspects of healthy living. How could you resist a trip to Bali for local organic meals and yoga classes, or a mother-daughter spa getaway in Palm Springs, CA for Mother's Day? Linden is a certified wellness expert, living what she preaches every day. Through her travels she discovers more about nutrition, spiritual and mental health. Linden says it was her wedding day which propelled her into the wellness field. She married in Estancia, Buenos Aires on an organic working farm where guests were treated to yoga classes, massage workshops, and cultural tours; which Pravassa came to be. Linden hopes to change people's outlook on life and how they view wellness, and expanding her wellness trips to Africa and Asia. Visit www.pravassa.com
Tom Wopat joins host Robin Milling to talk about his new CD,I’ve Got Your Number; a cool collection of classic standards, with renditions of artists like Bruce Springsteen (The Meeting Across The River) and James Taylor (Secret of Life); interpreted with his own panache and style. It’s a big band feel with an orchestra that swings; evoking images of the Mad Men era. Growing up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, Tom tells Robin how he pursued his passion for singing in between milking cows, football practice, and rehearsing for the high school musical. Coming to NYC he discovered a shortage of leading men on the Broadway musical stage and quickly took his place. Who can forget him going toe to toe with Bernadette Peters in Annie Get Your Gun. These days however, he doesn't see much of a future in musicals. Tom’s not singing the blues with plenty of projects on his plate including a Christmas album collaborating with The Dukes of Hazzards co-star John Schneider, with whom he maintains a brotherly friendship. He envisions duets with John accompanied by a horn section swinging your favorite yuletide classics; possibly recording a rendition of Baby It’s Cold Outside. Tom's also working on a double vinyl album of I’ve Got Your Number which he describes, ‘one side will be the party record, the up-tempo songs and one will be the bedroom record, the red wine record with the slow songs.’ There is no slowing down for Tom, who at 61 says he still feels like 16. He’ll be touring more dates in the fall for I’ve Got Your Number, performing on stage as the sheriff in A Trip To Bountiful and has an ABC Family television film Lovestruck:The Musical, out in April. Visit http://www.tomwopatofficial.com
They say you can take the girl out of Brooklyn, but you can't take Brooklyn out of the girl. Let's Do Lunch! guest Susan Collins is testament to that with her one-woman show You Can Take The Girl Outta of Brooklyn (But You Can't Take Brooklyn Outta The Girl), chronicling her East Flatbush upbringing and adventures in the music business through words and music. Susan joins host Robin Milling over lunch at Cornelia Street Cafe, just blocks away from where she got her start, Cafe Wha! in Greenwich Village. She would hitchhike to the club from Brooklyn for open mics, meeting the one and only Jimi Hendrix, who was so taken with the teenaged Collins he asked her sing with his band, Jimmy James & The Blue Flames. Amongst her many claims to fame, Susan penned A Letter To Patty about Patty Hearst for the new show Saturday Night Live, where she became the voice behind Gilda Radner singing Jewess Jeans which is now part of the Jewish Museum. She sang vocals with Todd Rundgren on Hello It's Me, and Odyssey's Native New Yorker. The late Ellie Greenwich is her dearest friend, who co-wrote the theme song for her show. A great storyteller who doesn't hold back which is the Brooklyn in her; telling Robin why she chose not to duet with Bruce Springsteen for starters.
Johnathon Schaech (pronounced Shek) joins host Robin Milling. Currently starring in Phantom, he tells Robin how his role as the master escape artist in the TV movie Houdini helped him to prepare for the claustrophobia on board the submarine. When they weren't in tight spaces the cast and crew kept themselves entertained playing baseball and Schaech even took Pilates classes, courtesy of co-star David Duchovny. You would think by now he would've changed his last name with all the embarrassing ways it's been mispronounced, namely one that starts with an 's' and rhymes with 'lit!;' but Johnathon says, 'they got Schwarzenegger right.' Actually it was Sparrow director Franco Zeffirelli who christened him 'Jon-a-thon' when his real name is John; so it stuck. An avid supporter of the arts, he talks about being recruited by former Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum to joinAdopt The Arts which led to his successful campaign on Capitol Hill, raising $35 million to keep crayons in the hands of first graders. He is extremely passionate about education, working with John Hopkins University to get students to learn math and science skills more creatively through music. Next you can see Johnathon in Ray Donovan where he'll be playing a Tom Cruise-like movie star opposite Liev Schreiber's Hollywood fixer.
Matthew Goode or Goody as his friends call him, joins host Robin Milling to discuss his career turning role as a creepy psychopath in Stoker. Matthew tells Robin some of the belt strangling scenes got a bit dangerous, causing his co-star Alden Ehrenreich to gasp for air, but says Nicole Kidman was a real trooper insisting he go for it! The Watchmen star is also going for it on the small screen, starring in the upcoming Showtime series The Vatican where he'll be playing the papal secretary Bernd Koch opposite Bruno Ganz' pope. He tells Robin he is nervous to be directed by Ridley Scott who's late brother Tony also produced Stoker. Matthew also hopes to grace the New York stage some day in a production of The Glass Menagerie, a play that is dear to him as he cut his teeth on Tennessee Williams' monologue before starting University in England. For more information on Stoker visit http://www.foxsearchlight.com/stoker
David Duchovny joins host Robin Milling to discuss his new movie Phantom where he portrays an extremist KGB agent aboard a Soviet submarine during the Cold War. David tells Robin no acting was required as far as maneuvering through the tight enclosed spaces as they shot on an actual Russian sub from that era docked in San Diego harbor. Had it been out on the water and submerged, David says he might have felt claustrophobic and panicked. Duchovny, who is actually of Polish and Ukrainian descent jokes that his last name made him the only authentic Russian on board with co-stars Ed Harris and William Fichtner. He tells Robin his father actually dropped the 'h' from their last name because of constant mispronunciations and felt Italian for awhile with the last name 'Ducovny.' The Californication star is due back on set in April for season seven playing the irresistible scoundrel Hank Moody. David reveals Moody's appeal reaches women over 70 who stop him on the New York City street declaring their approval. For more information on Phantom visit: http://phantomthefilm.com/ For more information on Californication visit: http://www.sho.com/sho/californication
Let's Do Lunch! visits City Winery in New York City, a heavenly haven for wine, music and food in lower Manhattan. Executive Wine Director Stephanie Johnson and Chef Jeff Haskell join host Robin Milling. Stephanie tells Robin how she began her career mastering wines after 13 years in the publishing business, currently studying at Masters of Wine to further her specialty. Chef Jeff shares his humble culinary beginnings starting off as a dishwasher in a New Hampshire inn to becoming an executive chef. He enjoys redesigning the menu to the different seasons, including such yummy additions as octopus pulpo style. At City Winery Stephanie gets people excited about wine. During wine tasting events the music of bands sound checking for their evening performances wafts in the background. She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to designing a wine cellar and has done so with City Winery which has 400 plus bottles of wine, some made on the premises and stored in their cavernous private barrel room. Stephanie discusses the wine-making program spearheaded by David Lecomte which will have you crushing your own grapes at their Crush parties and leaving with homemade Cabernet. She also hosts an International Pairing Series virtually visiting such countries as Spain, France, Italy, and Chile through flights of their wines, hand picking the selections to compliment the three-course menu designed by Chef Jeff. Robin is treated to a special wine tasting from regions of Spain featuring expressions of Tempranillo and Priorat -- swirling, smelling and especially drinking! For more information visit: www.citywinery.com
Host Robin Milling introduces singer/songwriter Maesa Pullman. Maesa started playing piano and writing songs when she was seven. She grew up in an artistic family whose roots go back to her grandfather who also played piano and sang. Her dad is an actor who's family sang folk songs, her mom is a dancer, and her brothers both play music. In fact her brother Louis plays drums with Maesa's band so when things get going in the Pullman household, she describes it as a 'soul jive.' On occasion her older brother Jack who plays banjo joins the family band, which Maesa cleverly christened, The Pull. On her own Maesa's music is haunting with reflective lyrics; a poetic combination of folk, rock and soul steeped in Americana roots. When listening to some of her songs you can just imagine a horse and rider drifting on the plains. She's an old soul singing about the mysteries of life but her youthfulness shines through some of the darker themes. Maesa performs her songs The Fall, Bells co-written with her cousin Rosa, and Nobody Can Tell joined by Jason Hiller on bass. The Fall has a music video in the works so stay tuned. You can get Maesa's music @ www.maesa.bandcamp.com For more information visit: www.maesamusic.comwww.facebook.com/maesa.rae
Tate Donovan, currently starring in the Oscar nominated Argo, and Deception on the small screen joins host Robin Milling. Some might remember Tate as Joshua, Jennifer Aniston's on and off again boyfriend on Friends, the concerned parent from The O.C., or Glenn Close's loyal law partner on Damages. Deception is the Monday night guilty pleasure which has everyone wondering whether Tate's character murdered his sister. Tate tells Robin how his college days at USC rooming with Grant Heslov, who went on to become production partners with George Clooney, gave him a leg up casting him in Good Night and Good Luck and now Argo. Donovan is rooting for his buddy Grant whose film is sweeping the awards circuit, including director Ben Affleck who Tate says taught him a thing or two about directing. Tate got his break behind the camera with the California based television series The O.C. taking advantage of his free time between takes to shadow the director. Most recently he directed an episode of Deception which brought him back to the scene of his childhood. He says staging a shoot-out at the Bronx bakery where his family frequented from New Jersey with six siblings in tow was a big thrill especially having his mother there on the set.
Host Robin Milling remembers the late Super Freak star Rick James on his birthday with her interview on the cusp of his 2002 tour and 20 anniversary of his number one album on the R&B charts, Street Songs. Growing up in the ghetto as James Johnson, Rick describes it as his 'essence,' saying his experiences there whether positive or negative became the inspiration for Street Songs. He attributes his success to singing about ghetto life. Despite temptation to go down a rougher path, he attributes his mother's strength and influence raising eight 'crazy' children, which he says deterred him from becoming a pimp or a drug dealer. James died in 2004 ultimately from a heart attack, having suffered a stroke in 1998. He tells Robin laying in his hospital bed not being able to see or move was a wake-up call to cherish every waking moment. He was determined to make a comeback and prove he could perform again, wanting to give his fans a taste of the simpler life once again. He talks about his heady success in the 80s as a time he would not want to replicate, preferring to slow down and spend more time with his son. James discusses his memoirs The Confessions of Rick James: Memoirs of a Super Freak which was finally published in 2007 and his hopes to make it into a movie with Terrence Howard possibly portraying him. Eerily Rick said he was excited to see how the final chapter of his life would play out.
2 Cellos Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser join host Robin Milling. The Croatian cellists made quite a sensation on You Tube with their dual cello interpretation of Smooth Criminal. If you haven't seen the video, chances are you live in a viral vacuum as they have gone above seven million hits. Elton John took notice and gave the guys a call. Luka tells Robin he was shocked when he was summoned to the principal's office while attending The Royal Academy of Music in London to be told Sir Elton was on the phone. Since then it has been a whirlwind for them with touring, collaborating with their favorite musicians and meeting movie stars like Johnny Depp backstage at their concert. Their new CD In2ition features notable guest stars Elton John rocking out on Fleetwood Mac's Oh Well, Steve Vai answering their cello with screaming guitars on AC/DC's Highway to Hell, and a reunion with Glee star Naya Rivera on Muse's Supermassive Black Hole. Stjepan jokes they had their two and half minutes of fame appearing on the show with Rivera to play Smooth Criminal. Luka and Stjepan hope to collaborate with Sting and take their music to the big screen which is a natural fit for the emotional depth of their original compositions. Oh, and they also wouldn't mind meeting Nicole Kidman and Halle Berry..to be continued! Visit http://www.2cellos.com/us/home Photos courtesy of Sony Masterworks
Renowned rock 'n roll photographer Kevin Mazur tells the story of the paparazzi and the point of view of the celebrities they hound in $ellebrity. Kevin joins host Robin Milling to talk about issues in the film which include 'are celebrities' children fair game?' Famous folk such as Jennifer Lopez and her then husband Marc Antony and Sarah Jessica Parker weigh in on the 'stalkerazzi.' At the start of his career Kevin says a run-in with Robert DeNiro pissed at him for taking his photo without permission gave him the leg up he needed. By simply asking he's earned an exclusive pass to shoot the biggest names in show business. For more information visit: www.sellebritymovie.com Twitter: @sellebrity Photos courtesy of Kevin Mazur
Folk pop legend Janis Ian joins host Robin Milling to talk about her autobiography Society's Child My Autobiography. Spoken by Ian herself, it has garnered her a Spoken Word Grammy nomination. While listening you are taken through her lifetime, through her childhood growing up on a chicken farm and then in East Orange, New Jersey; a predominantly black neighborhood where witnessing interracial relationships inspired her to write Society's Child when she was only 13. Making her the youngest recording artist of her time at 15, it should have been a happy time but the firestorm of death threats she received caused her to live in a state of constant fear. Wide-eyed you can't stop listening to all 12 hours and 13 minutes of 20 chapters. Some begin with Ian singing, then narrating her uncensored stories of late night jam sessions with Jimi Hendrix, her friendship with Janis Joplin who called her 'the other Janis,' and her surprise LSD trip. Ian doesn't shy away from the unfathomable such as her dentist molesting her and her abusive marriage. She unabashedly recounts her sexual escapades; coming out and going back into the closet, and ultimately marrying the woman in her life. Never afraid to sing about the ugly things, the underdog and the disenfranchised; there was always music, which Ian says saved her. For more information visit www.janisian.com Photos by Peter Cunningham
New York Then And Now photographer Evan Joseph joins Let's Do Lunch! for the ultimate New York dining experience at The Oyster Bar Restaurant in Grand Central Station. One of the subjects in the book, Joseph is not a big fan of oysters but slurps one down for the cause! He tells host Robin Milling how he wrangled an insurance certificate at the last minute to take the photo with his vast camera set-up without causing too much disturbance during the hustle and bustle of Oyster Bar's lunch hour. Armed with an Ipad of historical photos Evan brought the original turn of the century photo into modern times, matching it frame for frame. The book is a collection of New York's most famous structures with Evan painstakingly trying to re-create the past; shot for shot with his present photo. He says his specialty lies in aerial photography where architectural portraits come alive as he's hanging from helicopters sans doors, commando style high above the New York landscape. Ironically he suffers from motion sickness when he gets down, but the perfect results he says are 'well worth the nausea!' When taking these photos such as The New York Stock Exchange, Evan felt the strong presence of the earlier photographers in 1915 who have climbed onto statues with even heavier equipment to get the shot. When he's not risking life and limb to get the shot, Evan shoots the homes of the rich and famous namely John Legend, Lenny Kravitz and Joan Rivers.
Jack Reacher star Rosamund Pike joins host Robin Milling to discuss her role opposite Tom Cruise as an attorney defending a criminal who just might be an innocent man. Rosamund tells Robin her chemistry with Cruise was immediately there. In fact she felt so comfortable with him she dared to tell him to keep quiet during her audition; a bold move which she says won her the role. Their easygoing banter on screen was the result of watching classic slapstick movies together like His Girl Friday. One of the challenges, Rosamund admits is the scene where she had to act opposite a shirtless Cruise! Next Rosamund tries her hand at comedy; something she says she'd like to do more of, starring opposite Simon Pegg inThe World's End. For more information visit www.jackreachermovie.com
Let's Do Lunch! visits Ocean 60 in Jacksonville, Florida on Atlantic Beach, offering a casual atmosphere with an emphasis on a fine dining experience. Jacksonville native Chef Daniel Groshell was inspired to open a restaurant through his world travels as a youth, and his mother's artistic influence. Along with his wife Mariela they are the perfect hosts, making sure you are satisfied in every way. A special Let's Do Lunch! five-course menu was prepared by Chef Daniel complimented by delicious wines from server and sommelier Thomas. The meal featured buttery jumbo diver scallops served with a corn coulis caught by Ocean 60's personal diving team, a scrumptious salad trio of conch, duck, and beets, local grouper served Mediterranean style with pearl couscous, and lamb shank so tender it falls off the bone which Chef says he brings home for his beagle as a special treat. The superb meal was finished off with homemade key lime crème brulee with just enough of a crack on top. What sets Chef Daniel apart from the rest is a desire to give back to the community. Ocean 60 hosts charities such as Habitat for Humanity and The Heal Foundation, started by his brother. He has a no limits philosophy where he'll give anything a shot; perhaps a cooking show is even in the works! Coming soon is his uber healthy raw granola bar, the Good Mood Bar. Visit www.ocean60.com
Let's Do Lunch! visits Jacksonville, Florida to the Casa Marina hotel and their fabulous Penthouse Restaurant. Executive Chef Aaron Webb, celebrating 15 years, joins host Robin Milling preparing a tasting of spicy shrimp saute where you want to sop up the sauce with a spoon, to die for homemade blue chips drizzled with bluecheese and balsamic rosemary reduction, creative crabcakes with Ritz cracker crumbs, and fresh local Mahi Mahi sandwich. The Casa Marina is the place in town for Chef Webb's signature Sunday buffet brunch with it's eyecatching seafood display, and a destination for weddings featuring a delectable menu for the bride and groom to be. Chef tells Robin he began his culinary career washing dishes at 15, cooking comfort style for his young foodie sons at home; even teaching them the fundamentals of preparing seafood. Beverage Director Kyle McManus takes Robin behind the bar for a first on Let's Do Lunch! to whip up two of his signature martinis, featuring Raspberry Lemonade and Moonlight martinis. Guests can enjoy other beachfront cocktails that Kyle designed such as the Cucumber Lichee Martini, and the Ex-Boyfriend, ordering off their light-up menu for what Chef Webb describes as 'sexy little tapas' such as Kobe sliders, chorizo and onion, and mini duck confit.
300 star Rodrigo Santoro portrays 1940s Brazilian soccer player Heleno de Freitas in Heleno. Rodrigo tells host Robin Milling how he got inside the skin of the star player who was also known for his womanizing and excessive lifestyle which ultimately led to his demise, dying of syphilis in a sanatorium. Ravaged with the disease, Rodrigo went there losing so much weight even his mother worried about him! Living the life of a playboy on screen, Rodrigo who is half Italian, half Brazilian relates to the passion of Heleno and says by far it's the most love scenes he's ever had to do for a role. Growing up in Rio de Janiero where the sport is known as football; he also enjoyed filming the soccer scenes which reminded him of his boyhood. For more information visit http://www.screenmediafilms.net/
Jared Dillian, author of Street Freak A Memoir of Moneyand Madness joins host Robin Milling. Jared, who was a former trader at Lehman Brothers spent his first day on the job in Jersey City on 9/11 until it's final years. He tells Robin his time there was anything but rock star status; opting for Men's Warehouse suits instead of Prada and eating at his desk rather than spending hundreds of dollars at client lunches. Jared says his competitive nature was suited to Wall Street but never imagined the difficulty from a psychological standpoint, burning out quickly before he was 40. On the other hand, Jared's battle with bipolar disorder which led to a suicide attempt, wasn't easily diagnosed as a trader's life is in essence a series of ups and downs. He candidly discusses how his time in hospital led to his career as a writer. Jared currently writes a financial newsletter, The Daily Dirtnap www.dailydirtnap.com/ and is putting the final touches on a draft for his second novel. For more information visit www.jareddillian.com
Happily Divorced writer, producer, and creator Peter Marc Jacobson joins host Robin Milling to talk about the new season which picks up where Fran Drescher's Fran is caught between two lovers; noncommittal but exciting Elliot or dependable pizza parlor owner Frankie guest starring Ralph Macchio. Peter tells Robin how the series about a husband played by John Michael Higgins who announces he's gay after 18 years of marriage is based on his real 19 year marriage to Drescher whom he met at 21 years old in Queens. The difference Peter says is he didn't fully come out of the closet until a year after they separated when he was offered a set-up with Sharon Stone and turned it down. That's when he knew! Fran and Peter remain friends who love one another through thick and thin which is evidently mirrored in the series. Other upcoming guest stars include Joan Collins, Cyndi Lauper, Florence Henderson and Robert Wagner to name a few. Happily Divorced airs Wednesdays at 10:30 PM ET on TV Land. For more information visit http://www.tvland.com/shows/happily-divorced
Columbia film school grad Alexander Poe makes his directorial, writing, and acting debut with Ex-Girlfriends. He tells host Robin Milling the idea was born over bagel lunches with fellow film school friends who decided to forgo the studio route and finance their own micro budgeted project. Dexter star Jennifer Carpenter was a great get for Poe coming on board when his lead actress dropped out to film a television show. Carpenter not only stepped in to play an ex-girlfriend in the film, but wound up executive producing as well. Alexander says his family legacy of writers includes Edgar Allen Poe andgrandfather James Poe who was an Oscar winning screenwriter. He recalls hearing stories of his grandfather's mythic antics, and says his love of storytelling was instilled from a young age Christmasing with stars from Hollywood's Golden Age such as Vincent Price and Eva Marie Saint. For more information visit: www.exgirlfriendsmovie.com www.youtube.com/alexanderpoe Twitter: @exgfmovie
Hitchcock stars Danny Huston and James D'Arcy join host Robin Milling to discuss their roles in the film, which goes behind the scenes during the making of Pyscho. Huston plays Whitfield Cook, the screenwriter who will do anything to get Hitch to make his movie. Danny tells Robin he can relate to the mythic legend of Alfred Hitchcock as his father John, also a legendary director lived a man vs. myth lifestyle. He particularly enjoyed filming a dream sequence of the infamous shower scene with Helen Mirren as Alma Reville and Anthony Hopkins as Hitchcock. James D'Arcy plays Anthony Perkins, whose resemblance is uncanny to the late star of Pyscho. He tells Robin for once he was grateful to look like Perkins with a little extra help of colored contac lenses and hair dye. He says they were alot more wearable than the oversized contacs he wore playing the old man in Cloud Atlas. Next Huston continues his role as Ben Diamond aka the Butcher in Magic City and promises to deliver even more deliciously dark insanity. D'Arcy will play a forensic psychologist in a pilot for A&E called Those Who Kill, but is very cagey about who the serial killer will be. For more information visit: www.foxsearchlight.com/hitchcock
Andy Summers joins host Robin Milling to discuss his documentary Can't Stop Losing You: Surviving The Police, which he'd prefer to think of as the working title. He tells Robin it should be called One Train Later named for his memoir which chronicles Andy's journey through life as a musician. Andy says his memories of The Police were pretty much in tact but had to be jarred through photographs he took, books about the band to get the facts straight, and listening to live tracks of the band in the background for inspiration. In the documentary and the memoir Andy is undeniably the former guitar player for The Police and the footage is all there from the interviews and backstage rivalries, to the 2007 reunion; but he is also a father, an accomplished photographer, and the front man for a new band Circa Zero he describes as edgy contemporary rock.
Starlet director Sean Baker joins host Robin Milling to discuss his new film featuring the break-out role of Dree Hemingway. It's certainly in the genes for the daughter of Mariel as Sean tells Robin he was not only blown away by her beauty but her talent as well. A video Skype call won her the role as the adult film star in Sean's docu-style film depicting their lives off screen. Inspired by his interaction with these women who he cast to interact with the puppets on his MTV show Greg The Bunny, Sean was inspired to write the screenplay of their everyday lives off set. For more information visit http://www.musicboxfilms.com
Host Robin Milling explores the vineyards of Lynchburg, Virginia boasting 17 award-winning wineries, highlighting Leo Grande Vineyards & Winery in Goode and De Vault Family Vineyards in Concord. Owner Norman Leo Grande tells Robin he inherited his love of making wine at nine years old from his Italian grandfather who made wine in the basement, having him taste the finished product. The winery sits on 13 acres, producing 1,800 cases of wine a year, specializing in Italian reds and an ice wine frozen right on the vine. Devault Family Vineyards owned by patriarch Terry De Vault is a family run winery set on 32 acres which not only caters to adults, but their children as well. While parents are sipping wine in the barn, converted into a tasting room, their kids can enjoy swimming in their indoor pool. Horses roam free in honor of his father's old-fashioned farming. Those roots were applied to his love of making wine. Combining that with devotion to family, he says his legacy of wine making will be passed on to his eight children! For more information on Leo Grande Vineyards & Winery visit www.leograndewinery.com For more information on Devault Family Vineyards visit www.devaultvineyards.com
Let's Do Lunch! visits The Cooking Channel kick-off reception for Mo Rocca and his show My Grandmother's Ravioli. The CBS News Correspondent tells host Robin Milling how he was inspired by his own grandmother's cooking, wanting to pass on her delicious recipes. On the show Mo meets with grandparents all over the country to learn their family secrets such as 76 year-old Ruth Tieg's Kreplach, 91 year-old Gaetano Varbero's Venison Stew. CBS colleague Gayle King gives her support to Rocca telling Robin how she plans to pass on healthier eating for generations to come. Grandmothers Meena and Mona, friends for 42 years, share their signature Indian dish of cauliflower and peas curry which was a big hit with Mo Rocca. Mo Rocca's My Grandmother's Ravioli airs Wednesday @ 8:30 PM on The Cooking Channel.
The Black Tulip writer, producer, director and star Sonia Nassery Cole, along with her dear friend Natalie Cole, who contributed two songs to the film, join host Robin Milling. Ironically there is no relation between them, but their 18 year friendship and what they have been through together has made them close enough to consider themselves 'sisters of different mothers.' Sonia tells Robin after 9/11 she was inspired to write about a family who open a restaurant/poet's retreat to commemorate their new found freedom from under the Taliban's rule. While shooting the film she feared for her life 24/7, bravely entering into a war torn Afghanistan in 2001; bombs went off right near her hotel and she was even kidnapped. She tells these stories and much more in her book, 'Will I Live Tomorrow? The Making of The Black Tulip.' Natalie calls in for a special follow-up chat. The multi-award winning artist who contributed the songs One Moment In Time and Freedom Song to the film's soundtracks says the basic freedoms of music and art were not lost on her when she visited Kabul with Sonia and entertained the troops. Natalie is also on the Board of Directors for The Afghanistan World Foundation founded by Nassery Cole which provides money to build hospitals amongst many other things and much needed aid to Afghan refugees. For more information visit: www.BreadwinnerFilms.com www.afghanistanworldfoundation.org/ Photo credits: David McFarlane and Sam French
Piano bar meets delicious southern comfort cuisine at Jimmy's On The James in Lynchburg, VA. where crooning saloon keeper and chef Jim Dudley combines his love of performing the classics like Sinatra and piano jazz, entertaining diners while they eat. Jim often honors requests when patrons come in to celebrate a special occassion. Also an actor, Jim tells Robin how the restaurant business fuels his creative side. There are caricatures of famous comedians lining the walls courtesy of his brother-in-law, like Jackie Gleason, Jack Benny and Red Skelton which reflects the period of his favorite music. As for the food, Jim doesn't shy away from butter and olive oil evoking childhood memories like fried oreos and sweet spoon bread. For more information visit www.jimmysonthejames.com
When you enter the front door of the Craddock Terry Hotel in Lynchburg, VA, a wire haired fox terrier named Buster Brown greets you. This charming historic boutique hotel is nestled amongst the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A former shoe factory, the Craddock Terry has hundreds of shoes on display, some dating back to the mid-1800s. There is a shoe adornment tacked to the door of each of the 44 rooms, and an old-fashioned shoe box sits on the bed waiting to be filled with a delicious continental breakfast of croissants, cheese, yogurt and fruit. Director of Sales, Kim Cox joins host Robin Milling to talk about the history of the hotel and it's various shoe-themed events.
Sheila Palomar of The Babcock House joins host Robin Milling to talk about the historic and haunted Bed & Breakfast in Appomatox, Virginia; just moments from the famous surrender site which ended the Civil War. Built in 1884, it was home to the Babcock family who ran it as a boarding house until 1995. Sheila shares spirit stories with Robin including a gentleman who walks the halls whose footsteps she has heard herself. Strange things have been known to occur at The Backcock House like doors closing by themselves and covers getting tugged. A woman named Mary who loved the house so much has literally never left, and there's Claire who likes to hum in the hallway when she dusts. Sheila says she's relieved that they're friendly ghosts! Along with the six-room accommodation, there is a delicious menu prepared by her husband Jerry with specialties such as apple cheddar chicken which was originally created for their daughter's wedding. For more information visit www.babcockhouse.com
Veteran stage and screen actor Tony Lo Bianco joins host Robin Milling to discuss his return as Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia in The Little Flower for a special limited engagement. Tony tells Robin the reasons why he wanted to bring back his one-man show which is the third incantation of the colorful mayor's life. Tony's passion for the leaders of this country is evident as he urges young audiences to see the play running October 23-November 2 at the Dicapo Opera Theater in New York City. For more information visit @TonyLoBianconycon Twitter and Facebook.
Marilyn Monroe tribute artist Erika Smith joins host Robin Milling for lunch at Segafredo's in New York. For the past three years Erika has been wowing audiences from NYC to the Far East with her uncanny spot-on portrayal of MM. Erika tells Robin that on her recent visit to China as Marilyn she felt like a Beatle, as she couldn't go anywhere without getting her picture taken! Ironically, she once performed for Paul McCartney and his then fiance Nancy Shevell. Erika reveals how she developed Marilyn's persona after a booking agent for party entertainers saw her burlesque show as Scarlet O'Hara. Also an actress and writer, she is currently developing her own sitcom for network television which will feature what she knows best -- an actress playing Marilyn. For more information visit: www.ErikaSmith.net www.MarilynMonroeTributeArtist.com www.Youtube.com/erika516 www.Facebook.com/erika.smith.9440 www.Twitter.com/TheErikaSmith
Cabaret performer Tom Judson joins host Robin Milling to talk about his one-night only gig at 54 Below in New York City called Nature Boy: Songs Of The Earth & Sky. Tom will do what he does best, sing songs with the theme of nature accompanied by himself on piano, weaving stories of his colorful life in between. And what a journey Tom has had as he tells Robin stories of growing up on his grandparent's farm in upstate, New York; living this bucolic, protestant lifestyle to many years later shocking everyone with the news that he had made a series of films for grown-ups! Tom says the experience was quite fun actually and was flattered to be asked at the age of 44. You can't say Tom hasn't experienced everything life has to offer and that is prevalent in his multi-talented repertoire. Tom sings Simon & Garfunkel's For Emily: Whenever I May Find Her. For more information visit www.tomjudson.com
Trouble With The Curve star Matthew Lillard makes his directing debut withFat Kid Rules The World. Lillard joins host Robin Milling to talk about the natural progression he's made behind the camera. He tells Robin how jitters didn't even come into the picture as directing and being a family man with three kids have satisfied his life. Lillard says teaching acting prepared him to get a great performance from his actors, but admits he's a little disappointed the coeds didn't crush out on him! Lillard was a fat kid who grew into his lanky body naturally, but says the real story behind the film is about kids who are on the outside looking in. An outsider himself, Lillard was drawn to the stage in high school, but it was a flubbed line that gave him the motivation to succeed. For more information visit www.tuggthefatkid.com
Oliver Platt joins host Robin Milling to talk about his role in The Oranges. It's the story of two families whose friendship is tested when Leighton Meester's character begins an affair with Platt's best friend played by Hugh Laurie. The scenario inspires one of the best lines given by his movie wife Allison Janney. Also a television star, Oliver talks about wanting to reunite with his Huff co-star Hank Azaria and the advantages of working with your friends. Approaching the final season of the The Big C, as Laura Linney's husband, Paul Jamison, Oliver weighs in on former guest star Susan Sarandon's self help guru in the series.
Writer Jordan Okun joins host Robin Milling to talk about the inspiration for his debut novel L.A. Fadeaway, about what it takes to rise up the ranks to become a Hollywood agent. Jordan himself got his start at ICM, one of the biggest talent agencies in Hollywood, and rose through the assistant ranks. Disillusioned with the reality of the job, it was there he began journaling. Those journals became the blueprint for his protoganist, who would achieve the agency status Jordan initially desired. Jordan admits his own guilty pleasure for tabloid gossip can get the best of him, sharing an insider's view into the goings-on in the Hollywood biz. He tells Robin his book is a cautionary tale as well as entertainment. In fact some agents have been 'sniffing' around for possible film and television deals. Jordan would love to see his book made into a film with Andrew Garfield as the lead but first he is working on his second novel, exploring the fraternity world. For more information visit http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Jordan-Okun/84047085
Beloved Carol Burnett Show television stars Vicki Lawrence and Tim Conway join host Robin Milling to talk about The Carol Burnett Show DVD which features 16 classic episodes hand-picked by Carol. Many of us grew up watching these masters of sketch comedy in our living rooms. Vicki and Tim recall milestone moments of meeting their spouses while working on the show, Harvey Korman's relentless laughter, and why audiences were glued to their television sets from 1967-1978. Tim tells Robin what inspired the character of the old man, and Vicki reveals there may be a new chapter on the small screen for Mama! For more information visit TimeLife.com
The Brooklyn Brothers Beat The Best stars Ryan O'Nan and Michael Weston join host Robin Milling to talk about their buddy music film. The two actors tell Robin they became fast friends after meeting on an audition just three months before shooting began. Ryan wrote and directed the film as well as penned several of the soundtrack tunes, now available on CD from Rhino Records. Their first single Come On Girl is featured at the end of the show. Both actors brought their musical talents to the film; Ryan is a guitarist/vocalist for indie outfits such as Against The Wall, while Weston is an accomplished keyboardist but his character's instruments came from his childhood toybox. The story of a musician who wants to graduate from playing for mentally challenged audiences in a fuzzy moose suit is a frustration Ryan and Michael can relate to as they tell Robin about their nightmare gigs.
The line is always long but it's worth the wait at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room in Savannah, Georgia. The history of Mrs. Wilkes dates back to 1943 when a young Sema Wilkes purchased a boardinghouse and began the tradition of feeding her guests family style in the dining room. Her granddaughter, Marcia Thompson joins host Robin Milling continuing that Southern hospitality as she greets you at the door as if you have entered her private home for lunch serving 22 dishes family style with no menu. Marcia talks about her grandmother's special recipes and how she treated everyone the same when you sat down to eat in her dining room. Nothing has changed in 68 years as she tells Robin how everyday folk break bread with famous folk and stand on line waiting their turn, including President Obama, Dennis Quaid, Robert Duvall and Alan Rickman. On any given day little bowls of fresh and tasty vegetables such as collard greens, succotash, black-eyed peas, and butter beans served with plates of fried chicken, mac & cheese and biscuits, topped off with delicious banana pudding are passed around the round table. Talk about feeling like you're at home; you eat until your belly can't take another bite, and everyone returns their own plate to the kitchen! For more information visit http://mrswilkes.com/
Ted Dennard, aka the Honey Bee Whisperer joins host Robin Milling from the Savannah Bee Company in Savannah, Georgia. Ted has a passion for honey bees that is unbridled, insisting they are sweet, no pun intended, until pissed off or provoked; he stopped counting after 20,000 stings! Otherwise,Ted says they go on their merry way buzzing away and supplying the world with goodness and healing as honey works wonders as a moisturizer and antiseptic. The Savannah Bee Company store carries a full range of honey products from bath to baking; he's in the process of developing a line of honey based shampoos and conditioners. And of course the delicious Tupelo and Sourwood honey can be sampled on an apple slice or just licked off a spoon. Speaking of Tupelo honey, Ted testifies that Ulee's Gold where Peter Fonda played a beekeeper is the real deal as it was made on the Apalachicola River from authentic Tupeolo trees. In fact Savannah Bee Company has Tupelo honey from that very same spot where the movie was filmed, and his daughter Bridget has become a steady customer! A former member of the Peace Corp, Ted enjoys traveling with the bees to educate children and give them a new found appreciation for honey bees. You would think with his boyish looks and charm, Ted would be hosting his own reality show but he hasn't had a TV since highschool! He'd much rather be 'bee-hind' the scenes making honey. For more information visit http://www.savannahbee.com
Stratton Leopold of Leopold's Icecream in Savannah, Georgia has two favorite passions; making movies and making icecream. Since 1919 the creamery confection has been in Stratton's family; he took on the family business but didn't give up his dream of becoming a Hollywood producer. Movie posters of films he's worked on like The Big Chill, and Mission: Impossible III,adorn the walls. There's a wall of photos with Stratton and Tom Cruise famously smiling with a vanilla cone. Stratton tells Robin Alan Rickman's favorite flavor is pistachio which at Leopolds is made with all natural ingredients. Props from films he's produced are encased in glass. In the corner is a vintage Panavision camera which Stratton says Ben Affleck gleefully unlocks taking movies of the patrons enjoying their lunch. For more information visit www.leopoldsicecream.com
For Ellen star Paul Dano joins host Robin Milling to talk about his part as a musician who struggles between his role as a rock star and his role as a father. Paul tells Robin he related to his character as he has a band in real life called Mook which he started with high school pals. Paul got deathly ill shooting in the cold winter in Messina, New York as his wardrobe didn't consist of much except leather jeans and a jacket with a wife beater T-shirt. Paul says he was able to use his sickly pallor to his advantage in some of the inebriated bar scenes. Somewhat of a method actor, Paul spent some time hanging out in the local pubs secluding himself from the cast as his character was often lonely drowning himself in alcohol. Paul has a busy slate of films coming up including Looper where he plays a hitman co-starring Bruce Willis and Twelve Years A Slave as a plantation overseer with Brad Pitt.
Milling About host Robin Milling meets with the women of Savannah Inns in Savannah, Georgia. This feisty foursome of innkeepers banded together, each offering their own personal style and hospitality to their historic B&Bs. Meet Teresa of Azalea Inn & Gardens whose tiny terrier Joey greets you with a lick from his lopsided tongue. Dating back to 1885, the inn has 8 rooms, 10 chimneys, a carriage house, and grotto pool. Meet Shannon of Dresser Palmer House, whose 16 room house is the largest of the four. Dating back to 1876, it was the home of Samuel Palmer & Henry Dresser, whose precocious little girl ghost named Madeline, leaves shiny pennies on your carpet. Meet Jackie of the Ziegler House Inn, the home of Solomon Ziegler dating back to 1856. Her 7 room inn was once a bordello with suites only. Meet Diane of Green Palm Inn in the colonial fort district, notorious for sea captains causing a raucous in the local taverns. Dating back to1897, it is the smallest with only 4 rooms, and a fireplace in the bathroom. These lovely ladies tell Robin ghost stories, and stories of guests who were not so welcomed. But they share the love of making their guests feel at home. For more information visit: www.AzaleaInn.com www.ZeiglerHouseInn.com www.DresserPalmerHouse.com www.GreenPalmInn.com
Powerhouse showbusiness couple Michael Biehn and Jennifer Blanc-Biehn join host Robin Milling to talk about their rockin' sexploitation flick, The Victim. It was a labor of love for the Biehns as Michael wrote, produced, starred and directed the film, while Jennifer starred and produced. And as Michael says, they did it on the cheap working long and hard hours in just 12 days with no special effects for zombies and vampires; just good old-fashioned dirty cops, drugs and strippers with a little bit of action and a little bit of torture! What more could you want from a grindhouse film? And there's plenty of grinding and action in The Victim. Michael and Jennifer reveal how being a married couple influenced their sex scenes on screen, and how the sex and fight and scenes were basically unchoreographed. Jennifer jokes she still has the marks to prove her dedication to undergoing multiple takes. Forming their own production company Blanc Biehn Productions, their next project will be Treachery. For more information visit http://blancbiehnproductions.com
Joseph Gordon-Levitt rode like hell in the film Premium Rush and paid for it dearly with 31 stitches! Joe and writer/director David Koepp join host Robin Milling sharing the details of the accident that happened on set. Joe says it was the worst movie injury he's had to date. Even while practicing, things got a little hairy when Joe took off a car's side mirror when he was just practicing. Joe also talks about his preparation to become a bike messenger and the metaphor for life he took away with him while making the film.
Let's Do Lunch! visits Rosemary's in New York's Greenwich Village for a delicious Italian tasting. Named for the owner's mother, it borrows her warmth and hospitality from her home in Tuscany. Executive chef Wade Moises began his career under far less glamorous circumstances, working at a biker bar flipping burgers where the staff was a shady lot on parole from prison. The experience motivated him to study at The Culinary Institute of America where he honed his penchant for Italian cooking. It was the early 90s and Wade was hooked on Mario Batali's cooking show, vowing right then and there to work with the restauranteur. And he did just that sharpening his skills at Batali's Babbo and Lupa. Coming to Rosemary's after his travels through Italy, Wade has fine tuned his creations with such dishes as salami style octopus, orecchiette with homemade pork sausage, and linguini with zesty lemon and chilis which he describes as a sleeper hit. The house made foccacia is draped with a thin sliver of lardo which you can also dress with Wade's caponata made in the traditional Sicilian style topped with pinenuts. Salads are a specialty at Rosemary's featuring celery Caesar salad, crunchy radishes, and rooftop garden salad made from herbs and lettuces grown right on the restaurant's roof, and spicy cabbage which Wade renamed Sicilian kimchi!
Powerhouse vocalist Amy Lynn of Amy Lynn & The Gunshow joins host Robin Milling. Think a little Aretha, a little Tina and a little Mariah and you've just cracked the surface of what Amy sounds like as she brings her own unique soulful belt to these Diva comparisons. And there's nothing like seeing The Gunshow live; her band is led by new hubby Alex Hamlin on sax and an infectious horn section grounded by keys and drums with hot back-up singers. The sound can only be described as an assault on the senses with Amy front and center crooning songs such as Missing You, I Believe To My Soul, You Bring Me Joy and their new single Clearly It's Me featured at the end of the show. As a special treat Amy performs Can't Put My Finger On It accompanied by Alex on baritone sax. For more information visit Amy Lynn & The Gunshow on Facebook, @amylynngunshow on Twitter and http://amylynnandthegunshow.com/
Can a wolf be socialized to be a pet and live like a domesticated animal with other dogs? That is the question behind the documentary True Wolf. Director Rob Whitehair joins host Robin Milling to talk about a wolf named Koani who was an abandoned pup raised by a Montana couple. Koani is trained to walk on a leash albeit quite a long one, and to play nicely with other dogs. The only difference is she eats 1,200 pounds of meat each year and lives in a den; so can a wolf truly live in captivity? But when the wolf is brought into the classroom to educate the students, the local community unleashes their concerns on the wolves' natural instincts as a predator. It's a story of nature vs. nurture, and what does it mean to be wild. For more information visit www.truewolfmovie.com
Linus Roache exits the courtroom and enters the world of high stakes trading in Supercapitalist. Linus reunites with host Robin Milling after being her very first guest on Milling About. He talks about what it might feel like to be super rich and how he would spend his wealth philanthropically. After years on Law & Order, Manchester-born Linus is a bonafide New Yorker, making it official by becoming an American citizen. The star of Batman Begins also weighs in on the Dark Knight Rises tragic shooting, and how movie violence may not be to blame. Next he will make a miniseries in the U.K., The Making of a Lady based on a love affair between an English lord and his housekeeper.
Host Robin Milling caught up with Ballet NY choreographer John-Mark Owen in rehearsals for the company premiere of Triptych, featuring dancers Fidel Garcia and Nadezhda Vostrikov. A dancer himself, Owen tells Robin the dance was inspired by the ups and downs of a former relationship. Raised in Macon, Georgia, Owen began his career as an interpretive sign languager but quickly changed his course when he was wowed by Mikhail Baryshnikov in The Nutcracker. As fate would have it, their paths crossed in the New York dance studio Steps. Owen says he embarrassingly missed the opportunity to tell Baryshnikov of his inspiration in a starstruck moment. Triptych can be seen August 9-11 at the Ailey Citigroup Theater. For more information visit www.balletny.org Photo of Jennifer Goodman and John-Mark Owen in Twilight courtesy of Christopher Duggan
When real estate and media mogul Donald Trump invaded the seaside town of Aberdeenshire, Scotland with a proposal for a multi-billion dollar golf resort on their environmentally sacred stretch of coast, the humble locals with extreme principles were not impressed and let their voices be heard in the documentary, You've Been Trumped. Director Anthony Baxter who joins Robin Milling should be applauded for exposing Trump, greedy warts and all, who can be seen in the documentary calling local Michael Forbes' property 'slumlike and disgusting.' Baxter tells Robin about getting arrested while making the film for asking Trump's workmen a few pointed questions. He hopes the film will get into the hands of Sir Sean Connery, an avid golfer and treasured Scot, to support their cause against any further Trump development. For more information visit www.youvebeentrumped.com/
With the release of the remake of Total Recall, Milling About 'recalls' back to 1990 with Sharon Stone, chatting with her over lunch about her break-out role in the original Total Recall. Stone was extremely candid in her conversation with host Robin Milling where she talked about her initial skepticism to play another action character, and her playful audition for director Paul Verhoeven as the sci-fi seductress who kicks Schwarzenegger's butt. Sharon would reunite with Verhoeven two years later for Basic Instinct. At the time Stone posed for Playboy and reveals to Robin her decision to do it, why it empowered her and how it strengthened her self image. Known for her beauty, Stone shrugs off nudity on camera with a sense of humor, and talks about how modeling was a stepping stone for her acting career. She confidently tells Robin, 'I'm a good actress and I know it.' Now, over 20 years later, Stone has proven that statement over and over, becoming a major movie star.
Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey of Peter Paul & Mary join host Robin Milling for a little reminiscing, a little music, and fond thoughts of their dear friend Mary Travers. Their new children's book It's Raining, It's Pouring illustrated by Christine Davenier features a CD with three songs performed by the trio, tucked in the back cover. Peter and Paul serenade Robin with the song, originally recorded for their debut album in 1961, Peter Paul and Mary, along with their classic hit Leaving On A Jet Plane. They tell Robin where they were in the 60s, how Mary inspired the voice of a strong generation of women, and how their legacy will always live on through that wonderful music. They also introduce a new socially conscious song, Puff The Magic Occupier!
Kenny Loggins enters a new chapter in his life, starting over again with a band called Blue Sky Riders. Loggins tells host Robin Milling it's been an exciting time after being solo for 30 years to have a songwriting trio that gets the creative juices flowing again, and to write about life after 40! Joining the conversation is Gary Burr, a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer who's penned 14 number one hits to date for such artists as Michael Bolton, Ricky Martin and Kelly Clarkson to name a few. Rounding out the threesome is Georgia Middleman from San Antonio who's penned a few number ones herself including Keith Urban's I'm In. The song Dream became something of a theme song for Blue Sky Riders when Kenny was told by a friend that he was 'too old to start over again.' You're never too old to dream and BSR have proved that with brand new music, blending country and pop with a little bit of retro. Listen to Dream at the end of the show and stay tuned for their album coming out in January. For more information visit Blueskyridersband.com, and Twitter @blueskyriders
Mike Doyle, currently starring in Union Square, joins host Robin Milling for lunch at Cafe Blossom in New York's Greenwich Village. Mike chats about his role over a delicious vegan lunch of Quinoa salad with house-made kimchi, tofu scramble and garlic french fries; with signature herbal-infused cocktails like Tootsie Tree Hugger and In The Weeds. A graduate of Julliard, Mike has acted consistently in television and movies. Most recently on the small screen he played an anesthesiologist opposite Patrick Wilson's brain surgeon in A Gifted Man. In Union Square he plays Bill, engaged to Tammy Blanchard's Jenny, who plays Mira Sorvino's estranged sister. Despite being called 'Superman' by Sorvino, Mike's all American good looks have not typecast him. The Bronx born actor also plays the bad guy, dying on screen numerously. He has been featured buying it at least seven times on various television series. Doyle jokes that he calls his mother after his death scenes just to make sure she knows it's not real! Mike has also starred on the big screen in The Green Lantern as Ryan Reynolds' brother and talks about a possible sequel. Next Mike can be seen in the independent film Gayby and will return to television in The Good Wife.
Chef/Restauranteur Jean-Stephane Poinard of Bistro de Leon in St. Augustine takes pure joy in cooking for his guests. In fact his dream one day is to have a restaurant where there is no menu and he just has the opportunity to please. When you walk into his restaurant, which was once a doll shop, you feel like you have stepped into the countryside of France. Pleasure is at the core of his dishes and that mission was accomplished as he prepared a delicious tasting for host Robin Milling of vegetable soup, Ahi tuna Tartar, and scallops which melted in your mouth, plus frothy risotto that Jean-Stephane attributes to love and mastering the fire. Born in Lyon, France, Jean-Stephane is a fifth generation chef who was inspired by his father, as he would feed the local priests morning, noon and night. In return for his father's generosity, when he was sick and couldn't travel to the church, the priests baptized him right in the restaurant. Visiting the Statue of Liberty at 13 years old, Jean-Stephane wished into a wishing well that he would come back to the states. He did years later, moving his family to St. Augustine and feeling right at home with it's European feel. For more information visit www.bistrodeleon.com
Challenge yourself to The Wall of Flame! @ Hot Shot Bakery in St. Augustine. Owner Sherry Stoppelbein joins host Robin Milling where she talks off the scale hotness of their chocolate covered datil peppers, grown locally. The reigning champion consumed 33 and it's become so popular Sherry has started an annual Poppin' Pepper Palooza. Sherry's datil pepper sauce is an international sensation; a customer even sent a case to the boys in Iraq. A short distance from Flagler College, Sherry has named some of their delicious home-made wraps and paninis after several student regulars, namely The Bufis Wrap which is a combination of sausage, potato, tomato, egg, swiss, peppers, onions and spicy Datil Jelly. And, if you still have room for dessert Sherry says her raspberry chocolate tart with fresh datil peppers will 'knock your socks off.' For more information visit Hot Shot Bakery on FB and @HotShotBakery on Twitter
Owner George Chryssaidis (Crasidis) serves up authentic Greek cuisine from his Athena Cafe in St. Augustine, Florida featuring his homemade signature dishes such as creamy hummus, chicken souvlaki, gyro with tzatziki sauce made from his own olive oil imported from family olive groves in Frixa, Greece. Aptly named Frixa, it's only available in Florida which makes perfect sense as it's medicinal qualities are on par with the nearby Fountain of Youth. Other yummy dishes at Athena Cafe include Greek caviar (Taramosalata) to die for and Saganaki, the house special where grilled Greek cheese is drenched in lemon for a mouth watering tanginess. It comes with it's own show as the waiter lights the dish on fire as he serves it shouting, 'Opa!' A self made man, George's humble beginnings began as a dishwasher and through his love of eating reached for owning restaurants rather than working in them. He also owns Cafe Alcazar which is a fancier setting for his home-cooked cuisine, set in the deep end of the swimming pool of the historic Alcazar Hotel circa 1887. Georgie's Diner brought me right back to 4AM memories of Greek diners in Brooklyn serving the fluffiest omelets, and don't be surprised if George visits your table to personally welcome you.
Let's Do Lunch! had a fabulous six course tasting at Meehan's Irish Pub & Seafood House in St. Augustine, Florida. Owner John Meehan had his chef prepare ruben rolls, oysters Meehan, crab, avocado and mango cocktail served in a martini glass, grilled shrimp and chicken with cilantro and spinach, and bronzed fresh local flounder, topped with a trio of desserts. Meehan's is set across from the Matanzas Bay where food and entertainment combine for a memorable experience, not to mention front row seats for St. Augustine's tremendous 4th of July fireworks display. John joins host Robin Milling where he talks about Meehan's menu consisting of homey and authentic Irish fare mixed with upscale seafood and chicken dishes, how they amassed their vast selection of Jameson's Irish Whiskey, and the local talent they attract. The backyard at Meehan's boasts an original Tiki bar where guests can enjoy a pint, tropical drinks, and listen to live music. Sundays are special as Irish musicians from all over the world perform there for impromptu pub sessions. Special thanks to Caleb, our fabulous waiter! For more information visit http://www.meehansirishpub.com/
Milling About visits the Oldest City in America, St. Augustine, Florida. Founded in 1565, the city's quaint brick layered streets lead to The Ponce De Leon Hotel built by oilman Henry Flagler in the 1880s majestically rising above the Spanish Oak trees, now housing Flagler college. Host Robin Milling was given an historical foodie tour of the city by Anthea Manny of City Walks, who's knowledge of the city was astounding. The yummy stops on the Savory Faire tour included creamy homemade hummus at Cafe Alcazar which is nestled in the deep end of what was once the Hotel Alcazar's swimming pool. The Old City House Inn & Restaurant served blue lump crabcake with caviar remoulade. The final stop was Athena Cafe where the waiter expertly set fire to Saganaki, fried Greek goat cheese bursting with lemon. City Walks owner Alice Sutherland joins Robin to discuss her walking tours, among them The Creepy Crawl where alcohol mixes with stories of ghosts still lurking. Robin's visit was hosted by The Casablanca Inn Bed & Breakfast, across from the Matanzas Bay where joggers can be seen each morning at breakfast beating the heat. It is home to the famous Tini Martini Bar where pianist Bob Fraioli plays while guests imbibe martinis like The Windex, made with blue curacao. Owner Michael Miles joins Robin for a chat about the Inn, and what makes St. Augustine a special vacation spot. www.StAugustineCityWalks.com www.casablancainn.com
It's bye-bye 'American Pie' for Jason Biggs who stars in Grassroots as the campaign manager for his best friend's platform; which is to widen the monorail system throughout Seattle. It's a crazy scheme, but it just might work. When it comes to real life jobs, Jason tells host Robin Milling he hasn't been that lucky as he was fired from a soap opera, a commercial with Sarah Michelle Gellar, and a television series he starred in which to his delight was canceled shortly after he was let go. Jason admits he's not very political but is happy the film might encourage young people to start their own grassroots program and make a difference. When it comes to his own platform for change, Jason jokes that he just doesn't have enough crazy ideas to make something happen. Next Jason can be heard as the voice of Leonardo in the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series for Nickelodeon.
Singer songwriter Valerie Ghent joins host Robin Milling to celebrate the release of her new CD 'Day to Day Dream'. A tour de force performer, Val releases an infectious mix of songs infused with blues, soul, jazz and pop; from the bluesy ballad Love Enough For A Lifetime to the South African rhythms of Run, Run, Run that will have you dancing. In fact the audience couldn't help but dance the conga in the aisles when Val had her release party at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar. A New York City native, Val tells Robin how she began her love affair with singing and songwriting influenced by her musical parents, and tells the stories behind the songs on 'Day to Day Dream.' With piano chops to match her impressive three and a half octave range, one wonders whether Val can shatter glass when she hits the high notes! Passing on her musical talents to others, Val recognized the healing power of music helming Feel The Music after the tragic events of 9/11 which continues to bring joy into the lives of children who experience tragedy; raising almost $1 million to date. You can find Val's CD Day to Day Dream on http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/day-to-day-dream/id538637532 and http://cdbaby.com/cd/valerieghent For more information visit valghent.com facebook.com/ValerieGhentMusic twitter.com/valerieghent reverbnation.com/valerieghent youtube.com/valerieghent
Celebrate 4th of July with Casper Van Dien starring in The Pact. Casper joins host Robin Milling for a chat about the horror film, playing a detective who has his own personal demons. Casper tells Robin he can relate as he is thankfully 18 years sober. And what a family legacy he has as the fifth Casper in a long line of Caspers before him. He shares the origins of his name and through his addiction to ancestry.com, he made a startling discovery about his own ancestors. Coming up Casper returns to 'that Starship trooper guy' in the comedy Noobz, and the anime Starship Troopers Invasion which he executive produced. You can find Casper on Twitter @CasperVanDien
Tom Arnold joins host Robin Milling to talk about Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection, as head of a corporation caught in a ponzi scheme. Arnold, who is infectiously gregarious reveals his aunt was a victim of Bernie Madoff's ponzi scheme and how it impacted the family. Tom also weighs in on those invasive X-ray machines at airports, his frustration with over-priced hotel menus, and his unfortunate absence during a special visit from Charlie Sheen to the set.
Let's Do Lunch! travels to the island of Nantucket to the relaxing restaurant Dune for their delicious soft shell crab sandwich on their crispy homemade bun with tomato remulaude, roasted red and gold beet salad with goat cheese mousse with champagne vinaigrette and toasted pistachios, Chatham oysters with chopped mint and diced rhubarb, and Gazpacho topped with a flavorful twist of homemade gelato. Chef and owner Michael Getter joins host Robin Milling for lunch and conversation. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Michael tells Robin how he has come a long way since he prepared his first dish of salami, eggs and swiss cheese inspired by his mother's Jewish cooking. Michael talks about how he comes up with the interesting combinations of flavors that enhance what he describes as simple, comfort food. For more information on Dune visit www.dunenantucket.com
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter stars Dominic Cooper and Rufus Sewell discuss their vampire turns with host Robin Milling. Dominic tells Robin how he learned to wield an ax for the big showdown against Benjamin Walker's Lincoln by practicing in public parks. Rufus, who plays the main antagonist vampire says his bloodsucker was a bit too scary for his 10 year-old son to see, but he did think dad was cool. The coolest thing for both actors was how they prepared to 'munch' on the faces of their costars. Ironically Dominic and Rufus met in their early careers for an exploratory theater workshop, but this film marks the first time they've worked together since.
Former CNN correspondent Kitty Pilgrim joins host Robin Milling for lunch at Jean Georges in The Mark Hotel in New York to talk about her newest novel, The Stolen Chalice. A sequel to The Explorer's Code, now out in paperback, Kitty weaves a tale of international intrigue in The Stolen Chalice with romance and fabulous adventures. No stranger to adventure herself, Kitty tells Robin how her personal explorations as a world traveler have inspired her to create the colorful characters in her book. Her next novel takes her to Capri and exploring volcanoes which Kitty promises to be another page turner. For more information visit www.kittypilgrim.com
Let's Do Lunch! traveled to the city of brotherly love to the Seventh Annual Great Chefs Event where 50 of the world's greatest chefs gathered under one roof to cook for over 1,000 guests all in the name of charity. Host Robin Milling sampled dishes and spoke with famous chefs from New York such as Drew Nieporent of Tribeca Grill, April Bloomfield of The Breslin Bar and Dining Room, and Chef Bill Telepan of Telepan. She spoke with Los Angeles chefs Neal Fraser of The Strand House and The Hungry Cat's David Lentz. The live auction featured a Vetri Dinner for 6 with Danny Meyer and David Swinghamer that sold for $19,000 to two separate bidders, in a tied bidding war, and a five-day, four- night gastro-tour of Piemonte Italy for six with award winning chefs Jeff Michaud & Marc Vetri that sold for $35,000. One million dollars was raised to benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, trying to find a cure for childhood cancers.
Philadelphia cuisine is more than just pretzels and cheesesteaks. Chef Kevin Reardon of Keatings River Grill at Hyatt Regency Philadelpha, Penn's Landing joins host Robin Milling for a special tasting. Chef Reardon prepared delectable comfort seafood selections of Maryland lump crabcakes with black bean corn relish and parmesan potatoes with remoulade influenced by his time in New Orleans, and pan seared Jersey scallops with lemon polenta at the restaurant overlooking the Delaware River. Chef tells Robin how Keatings River Grill often caters rock bands such as The Beach Boys who have concerts at nearby Penn's Landing. Food and beverage director David Cribbs discusses the signature summer bourbon drinks and martini cocktails namely the Mantini with rye, sweet vermouth and specialty bitters and fruit. The Hyatt hopes to introduce the New Concept Market to it's restaurants including Keatings River Grill featuring natural beef and cage free eggs. For more information visit www.pennslanding.hyatt.com
Cooking Channel host Ching of 'Easy Chinese' joins Robin Milling to talk about her healthy recipes for traditional and gourmet Chinese meals. Ching, who spent her childhood in Taiwan living on her grandparent's farm tells Robin how observing her grandmother, a.k.a. 'The Mistress of the Wok,' prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner for the extended family of 25 influenced her cooking. Ching says she really stood out with her exotic Bento box lunches she took to school which contained little rice parcels with pickles, salted duck egg and dried meats! Ching has come a long way since her first preparation of steamed sticky rice stuffed with braised pork belly, peanuts and shallots. She shares her essential ingredients and signature recipe for pearl pork dumplings, yummy! Ching has inspired even the most intimidated like Robin to take on Chinese cooking to 'Wok on!' For more of these recipes, check out Ching's cookbook 'Everyday Easy Chinese.' Watch Easy Chinese every Saturday @ 8:30 PM ET on the Cooking Channel or visit www.cookingchanneltv.com
Angela Bowie joins host Robin Milling to talk about her new book Lipstick Legends. The very candid and provocative ex of David Bowie speaks unabashedly about the early days of Glam Rock and how her friends used drag to express themselves when it wasn't fashionable. Angela recalls what it was like to be traveling through the world in the heady days of rock n' roll shaping Bowie's image and encouraging his success. She reveals why the marriage ended, dispels the myth about the song 'Angie,' and shares fantastic stories. Her next book Pop Sex explores sexuality through the ages. For more information visit www.angiebowie.net
'For Ellen' producer Jen Gatien joins host Robin Milling for a special conversation from The Lighthouse International Film Festival. Jen tells Robin how Paul Dano who recently starred in Being Flynn got so into his character's isolation that he would hang out at the local bar by himself, and retreat to his motel room. Jen talks about using her hometown of Cornwall, Ontario for some of the shooting locations and the perks that come along with that. She also reveals the downside of shooting in Canada in a post 911time, where one crew member was not allowed to enter the country. For Ellen will be released in New York September 5.
Tyler A. Chase joins host Robin Milling for a talk back after a special screening of her film, a work in progress, Touched By Duse for acting students at William Esper Studios in New York. An artist/filmmaker, Tyler discusses what inspired her to tell the story of Eleonora Duse, an actress in the late 1800s known as the mother of modern acting, who inspired Stanislavski to create 'The Method' style of acting. She tells Robin how she gathered followers such as Paul Sorvino and Ellen Burstyn who has an invaluable collection of her memorabilia. Tyler's next step is to take her crew to Italy, the hometown of Eleonara Duse to complete her story. She is also working on a two-film documentary project, A Castle in Brooklyn, King Arthur and the Serfdom of Kent about the preemptive forced eviction of artists from Brooklyn both at the Broken Angel building and 475 Kent.
For more information visit http://www.touchedbyduse.com/
Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford graces the big screen in Peace, Love, and Misunderstanding. Chace joins host Robin Milling to discuss working with movie legend Jane Fonda, and newcomer Elizabeth Olsen. Chace, who plays an organic butcher in upstate, New York says it was a working vacation shooting the film near the idyllic countryside of Woodstock and New Paltz. Chace tells Robin he will miss his Gossip Girl friends when the show wraps this season, but will not miss constantly being under the radar. For future roles, he hopes to shoot a musical biopic some day like his Gossip co-star Penn Badgely, set to play Jeff Buckley. Peace, Love and MIsunderstanding opens in theaters nationwide June 8.
Actor, writer, director, and producer Michael Wolfe joins host Robin Milling to talk about his debut film, Maybe Tomorrow. The multi-talented Wolfe wrote the story tailor-made for his acting buddies of three friends who reunite after 15 years to explore a long-forgotten crime and cover-up that has affected the course of their lives. Wolfe, who's character snorts a line of cocaine from a 12-step brochure, tells Robin the energetic Vitamin B-12 which doubled for the white powder was so realistic that a rehab director at the film's location thought he was really hopped up! Michael jokes about filming the sex scene with his co-star Carolina Ravassa on top of a washing machine is not the most sexiest, but Michael Douglas would be impressed! A native of Long Island, Wolfe is very excited to show his film at the upcoming Hoboken Film Festival in New Jersey. For his sophomore project Wolfe wrote and will perform in I Love You, I'll Miss You, Goodbye, an intense and touching on-the-road comedy. For more information visit Facebook page Maybetomorrowthefilm and http://www.maybetomorrowthefilm.com
Nathaniel Shaw, founder and Artistic Director of The Active Theater joins host Robin Milling on Memorial Day. Nathaniel talks about the provocative play Body Language which explores a woman's dark secret and how she comes to accept it. He tells Robin some of the scenes and nature of the piece can make audiences uncomfortable but that conversation is what fuels the mission statement of The Active Theater, now in it's fourth season; to move the audience. The son of modern dancers, Nathaniel began his career dancing with the Paul Taylor Dance Company and tells Robin how his dance background came in handy when staging his theatrical productions. He also helmed such musical theater classics as Hair, A Chorus Line, Hairspray and Damn Yankees. Nathaniel is looking forward to celebrating The Active Theater's fourth season with a Spring Gala on June 4th He is hoping to bring productions of William Donnelly's No Wake, and the New York debut of Anna Ziegler's Variations On A Theme for season five. Body Language runs through June 10th in New York City. For more information visit www.theactivetheater.com
Movie star, writer, director, and restauranteur Chazz Palminteri joins host Robin Milling to discuss his new film Mighty Fine. Chazz tells Robin he didn't have to look any further than his own Bronx upbringing to tap into his character's violent temper. Chazz witnessed a murder from the stoop of his childhood home, which years later would become the inspiration for his famous play and movie, A Bronx Tale. Chazz also talks about his upcoming projects which include hosting a writer's retreat, launching his own website, www.askchazz.com where you can ask him everything about the movie biz, and his next foray for the stage, Human. Chazz also hopes to expand his Bronx-themed restaurant aptly named for him from Baltimore to Las Vegas.
Paranormal Activity creator Oren Peli joins host Robin Milling to talk about his new adventure thriller Chernobyl Diaries. Oren tells Robin what inspired him to write the story about a group of 20 somethings who travel to the nuclear ravaged town of Pripyat in the Ukraine for an 'extreme vacation.' Oren weighs in on getting flack from Friends of Chernobyl who say he is sensationalizing a very serious happening for Hollywood. To date the mega successful Paranormal Activity has grossed more than $576 million worldwide which Oren hopes to surpass with sequel four. His other future projects include writing and directing Area 51 and collaborating as a producer with Rob Zombie for Lords of Salem. You can check out the trailer at http://www.chernobyldiaries.com/
Donna Summer was the queen of disco so it was very poignant that I spoke with her in the last year of the 80s, the decade where she reigned supreme. Donna had just celebrated her 40th birthday the year before so our conversation was very personal as she spoke about her hopes and dreams for her children, and ironically fears for them as the new decade approached. But most importantly she was looking forward to getting out on the road which she loved most, performing for her fans. My most favorite memory was getting whisked away to her show in Atlantic City in the late 80s by limousine, spending time with her daughters Mimi and Brooklyn, named for her husband Bruce Sudano's childhood home, and then having a private dinner at midnight in the hotel talking, laughing, eating, and feeling like a part of her life in that moment in time. Donna Summer's light may have dimmed, but her music will never be forgotten.
Robin Milling hosts a special conversation with director Rik Cordero for the Big Vision Empty Wallet (BVEW) screening of his new film, Starla starring his real life wife, Nancy Mitchell. BVEW creates opportunities for independent artists to showcase their work.
Cordero is known for his unique music video projects with such top hip-hop artists as Jay-Z, The Roots, Wu-Tang Clan, Wale and Nas. Starla is his third feature, having also directed the documentary The World Is Watching, about the culture of York City high school basketball, narrated by Spike Lee. Rik tells Robin how directing Mitchell in such an emotional role of a mother who loses her only daughter during a botched surgery, only helped to strengthen their relationship. Nancy wasn't as thrilled with acting underwater as she actually went through shock and hypothermia in the freezing waters of the Hamptons in March! His next project will be a supernatural thriller so stay tuned... Watch Starla:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_0Z-zF2xPA For more information on Rik Cordero visit www.three21media.com and for more information on Big Vision Empty Wallet visit www.bigvisionemptywallet.com
Maggie Gyllenhaal joins host Robin Milling to talk about her new film Hysteria. At the time of the chat, Maggie was pregnant with Gloria Ray who was born April 19. Maggie shared her pregnancy cravings and feelings about tabloids infringing on her baby's privacy. In the film Hysteria, Maggie admits to being a bit embarrassed when it came to watching scenes of women coming to orgasm by the invention of the vibrator in the 1800s; especially she says when she practically did an 'S&M' film called Secretary.
Jason Ritter joins host Robin Milling to talk about his very busy movie career including A Bag of Hammers, The Perfect Family and Free Samples, to mention a few! Jason explores fatherhood in A Bag of Hammers, working with the legendary Kathleen Turner in The Perfect Family and flashing unsuspecting passersby in Los Angeles for Free Samples! And if movies aren't enough to fit in, Jason discusses his upcoming pilot County from the writer of Parenthood, where he's brushing up on his CPR skills to play an intern in Los Angeles County Hospital.
MarieBelle owner Maribel joins host Robin Milling for a delightful afternoon at her Soho store for conversation, sampling her signature chocolates with Rodolfo Martinez, and tasting delicious thick Aztec inspired hot chocolate. Maribel tells Robin how her love affair with chocolate began and grew into the Cacao Bar and Tea Salon, spreading internationally to London, Paris and Japan. Maribel shares the secret ingredients that make her chocolate special enough for neighborhood celebrities like Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg and Ralph Fiennes (he orders online from England) to become regular and very satisfied customers. For more information visit www.mariebelle.com
Eddie Izzard joins Milling About host Robin Milling from London to chat about fulfilling his boyhood dream of being a pirate, as Long John Silver for SyFy's Treasure Island. Eddie describes the action adventure swashbuckler as the 'Goodfellas' version of the classic story. He tells Robin his tales of not having to find his sealegs as he wound up getting seasick on dry land! He also offers acting tips for working with his faithful parrot co-star. Eddie mastered hobbling about on one leg with a 1700s crutch which he says will come in handy for Treasure Island two. Watch Treasure Island premiereing Saturday, May 5 on SyFy.
Captain Larry Credle and his son Cliff hosted Let's Do Lunch! on The Lady Jane, a family vessel named after Credle's mom and Cliff's grandmother. All kinds of exotic sea creatures were caught up in the net; some were thrown back such as sea turtles and stingrays, horseshoe crab, and puffer fish. But the shrimps met their fate with Cliff's quick twist, offing the head; a trick he mastered when he was 9. Host Robin Milling chats with Captain Larry and Cliff, while tasting the freshest shrimp caught right from the waters of St. Simons Island. For more information visit www.shrimpcruise.com.
Halyards on St. Simon's Island is the go-to restaurant for seafood lovers. Owner and Chef Dave Snyder prepared a potpourri for Let's Do Lunch! that was a fisherman's feast. The menu included grilled shrimp with salas, sauteed flounder with caramelized vidalia crab scampi butter, cornmeal fried trout, oysters grilled with garlic oil and chimichurri, deviled crabs with remoulade, and good old-fashioned clams casino. Host Robin Milling spoke with Chef Snyder about the Asian influence in his cooking using all the fresh ingredients from the South. Everything you always wanted to know about fish but were afraid to ask; Dave has the answers! For more information on Halyards visit www.halyardsrestaurant.com
Let's Do Lunch! visits Southern Soul BBQ in St. Simons Island, Georgia for some down home southern style ribs and chicken, fried okra, collard greens, and to top it off fried Oreos! Host Robin Milling chats with owner and smokin' chef Griffin Bufkin to find out the secrets behind the best BBQ in the Golden Isles! For more information visit www.southernsoulbbq.com
Southern hospitality was at it's finest at The King & Prince Hotel in St. Simons Island, Georgia as Let's Do Lunch! got the royal treatment. The hotel is an historic landmark which rests on a secluded beach surrounded by majestic ancient oak with Spanish moss flowing from it's branches. The intoxicating aroma of jasmine in the air only complimented the fine cuisine. Host Robin Milling chats with Sales & Marketing director Bud St. Pierre about what The King & Prince has to offer. Food & beverage director Vinny D'Agostino, aka the macerating mixologist shares his signature cocktails from Thirteenth Colony Distillery, accompanied by Artisan Cheeses from Sweet Grass Dairy, Thomasville, GA drizzled with sweet honeycomb. Chef Jeff Kaplan, only 11 days on the job whips up a dazzling display of Southern's finest with Apalachicola Oysters on the half shell, sweet corn, asparagus, tomato and cilantro vinaigrette, Wild Georgia Low Country Shrimp and Grits prepared with Chef Dwayne and the help of Wake & Wander's Will McGough; finished with Candied Peach Crème Brulee. Thanks to everyone at King and Prince and publicist extraordinaire Leigh Cort for making this show possible! For more information visit www.kingandprince.com
Lawrence and Meg Kasdan join host Robin Milling to talk about their film Darling Companion. Dogs rule for the Kasdans who were inspired to write the story when their own beloved companion Mac was lost in the Colorado Rockies. Missing for three weeks, they did everything they could to find him including searching themselves which inspired hiking scenes between movie husband and wife Kevin Kline and Diane Keaton. Lawrence tells Robin how his 30- year plus relationship with Kline began when he auditioned for Body Heat. The role as we know went to Bill Hurt, but Kline was memorably cast a few years later for The Big Chill. Known as a mensch in Hollywood, Lawrence wrote the part for Kevin Costner in Silverado when he graciously accepted the fact that his coffin scene only made it to the cutting room floor.
Kevin Kline joins host Robin Milling to talk about his film Darling Companion. Everyone on set loved Casey, the dog who is the canine co-star except Kevin's character who had to remain neutral for his character. Kevin says the dog was a method actor staying clear of him. In real life, Kevin tells Robin how he rescued his dog Joe during a Broadway run of The Seagull. Directed by his buddy Lawrence Kasdan, their plus 30-year relationship actually began with Kevin auditioning for Body Heat. Kevin says he still gives him a hard time for choosing William Hurt over him! Kasdan would later make up for it by casting Kevin in The Big Chill.
Taken star Maggie Grace joins host Robin Milling as she suits up for the futuristic sci-fi action flick Lock-Out. Grace under pressure is a natural fit for the 5' 9" stunner who tells Robin how she took on the physically challenging role. Grace got on with the boys club antics which included pranks from co-star Joe Gilgun. She also enjoyed working with her hunky co-star Guy Pearce, and took it on the chin literally from the Aussie. Next Maggie tries on her contacs and fangs for Breaking Dawn 2 and reunites with her Taken family for the long awaited sequel.
Harry's Law star Mark Valley joins host Robin Milling. Born in upstate, New York Mark talks about his tour of duty as a West Point cadet, and how his military background oddly gets worked into his roles. Mark tells Robin he actually tried to 'sneak' into the Vietnam War with his uncle at the tender age of six. Acting was his true calling, and we're glad as he cuts a dashing figure in all types of characters from action to the courtroom. Next he'll play an FBI agent on the big screen in Stolen with Nicolas Cage, reuniting with Human Target director Simon West.
In honor of director Francis Ford Coppola's 72nd birthday on April 7, host Robin Milling revisits her 2009 conversation with the famous film maker, when he released the film Tetro. Seventy-two is a special number for Coppola who released his masterpiece The Godfather in 1972. Robin talks with him about how he came to make the Oscar winner. The Coppola patriarch discusses the importance of family whose extended clan has created it's own legacy in show business.
Clive Owen confronts his own fears and nightmares when it comes to his children. Starring in the film Intruders he tells host Robin Milling how easy it is for unwelcomed intruders to make their way through the Internet and how he regulates his daughters' social media. Clive tells Robin how he adopted Madrid as his second home after falling in love with the food, wine and lifestyle of the Spanish people. Making his way to Cuba and Paris, Clive shares how he researched everything Hemingway to portray the mysterious writer in Hemingway & Gellhorn.
We were desperately seeking Susan Seidelman since her last film Boynton Beach Club seven years ago. Seidelman is back with Musical Chairs, a ballroom dancing film where paraplegics get their due spinning on the dancefloor. Seidelman tells host Robin Milling about this fascinating world of wheelchair waltzing, and shooting amongst the Latin community in the Bronx. It's been 25 years since Desperately Seeking Susan featured a then unknown Madonna. Susan reveals how she felt about W.E. and Madonna's directing skills. Almost 60, the self-described forever punk rocker tells Robin how she celebrates middle-aged womanhood and basketball in her just recently wrapped film, Hot Flashes.
Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt join host Robin Milling to talk about their coupling in the wonderful film Salmon Fishing in The Yemen. The chemistry between the Scottish McGregor and the English Blunt is quite sweet. They are obviously still friends, almost like a tag team, as they discuss their adventures in flyfishing and their dream projects. In light of the release of Star Wars in 3D, Ewan who portrayed Obi-Wan Kenobi for the saga has some interesting comments about seeing it again and the bleak future of cinema.
Jason Isaacs joins Robin Milling for a lively and fun chat as always, at Bobby Van's Steakhouse in New York City. The Harry Potter star retired from wizadry, graces the small screen in the fantastic NBC thriller series Awake (Thursdays @ 10pm). Jason plays a detective who grapples with the death of his son from a car crash by living in alternate worlds. Isaacs, who is also producing the series tells Robin how he creates a family atmosphere using cheesy disco music on set. Currently residing in Los Angeles, he took his parents to visit the larger than life billboard in Hollywood, miles away from he lives. However in New York, he only had to go to Times Square giddily taking a picture of himself posed in front.
In memory of Davy Jones, host Robin Milling revisits Milling About with Micky Dolenz who reminisced about The Monkees from the first audition to what made them such a cultural phenomenon. Jones, who left us too soon at the age of 66, once told Robin in a 2005 interview how he'd like to be remembered. He said, 'I don’t want to be remembered as a Monkee or as the Artful Dodger or as an actor or as a singer or as a songwriter. I want to be remembered by each person differently. They all have something they can tell about and things we’ve been intimate over whether it be conversation or whether it be a kiss. I want to retire unknown and anonymous and just fade away. I want to be on a cruise ship or something and when I know it I’ll be overboard before anybody knows and be eaten by a whale. I’ll be back somewhere on some beach somewhere. When my kids go to the ocean I want them to know I’m there. So that would be kind of a romantic (legacy) in my way.'
Marin Hinkle joins host Robin Milling to talk about her Off-Broadway stint in Rx playing a bored magazine editor looking for love and happiness in a pill. Marin who had some scenes wearing just underwear opposite co-star Stephen Kunken, tells Robin about the challenges of the stage when it comes to partial nudity and love scenes. Playing Judith Harper for eight seasons on Two And A Half Men, Marin weighs in on Charlie vs. Ashton. She tells Robin about the unexpected kiss her character shared with Kutcher on the show, and how Charlie and company provided a family friendly environment.
Pyschic to the stars Ron Bard joins host Robin Milling to give his Oscar winning predictions for the 84th Annual Academy Awards. He also weighs in on Oscar nominees Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. Chairman and founder of Psychic Media International, Ron tells Robin he's partnered with Kelsey Grammer to start their own psychic network, The Channel Channel. And, in a surprise twist, he gives Robin an inpromptu reading about what's in store for her! You can find Ron on www.ronbard.com
Stephen Dorff joins host Robin Milling to talk about his new thriller Brake; think a high octane version of Buried in a plexi-glass box! Stephen tells Robin how he had to confront his claustrophobia locked inside the box in the trunk of a car for 10 days. His method acting got the best of him when he almost lost it. Next Stephen is traveling to Israel for the first time to shoot Zaytoun playing an airforce pilot. He says he's looking forward to tapping into his Jewish roots dabbling in a little Hebrew, and visiting relatives while he's there.
Celebrate Valentine's Day with Angelica Page who joins Robin Milling for Let's Do Lunch! at the Lambs Club Restaurant in New York City. Starring Off-Broadway in Psycho Therapy as a fun-loving woman who takes both men she's dating to couples therapy is a hilarious physical comedy where Angelica shines. Angelica brightly shares stories with Robin about love, marriage, and bad boys; she's comfortable being a MILF and a cougar! In fact Page is so secure with her womanhood, she is embarking on playing Richard III. Amongst her many projects in the works, Angelica willl honor the love and strength she got from her mother, the late great Geraldine Page in a one-woman show she wrote based on her book.
Daniel Radcliffe finally sheds the ghost of Harry Potter in The Woman In Black! Daniel who plays a dad in this frightening film talks about making that important transition from a young actor who we watched growing up on screen to a young man. Daniel shares what it was like to act in a scary movie, what scares him and how he's preparing for his next role as Allen Ginsberg in Kill Your Darlings.
Move over Cesar Milan, there's a new dog whisperer in town and his name is William Fichtner! Fresh from Kevin Dillon's agent in Entourage, William delivers a scene stealing performance in the Sundance offering Wrong as dog guru Master Chang. William tells host Robin Milling how he created this uniquely absurd character with his melodic voice and two foot ponytail. And he also shares for what he says is the second time, the significance of a family heirloom he wears to define his character's personalities from film to film.
Traci Lords joins host Robin Milling over coffee and tons of snow at The Sundance Film Festival to talk about her midnight offering Excision. Traci talks about her no-nonsense approach to life, love, motherhood and art. She is a triple threat-- acting, writing and singing with a new single The Last Drag which you'll hear at the end of the show. Check out her scintillating music video http://bit.ly/uKajVJ and website www.tracilords.com
What does an actress who's fed up wiht the superficial Hollywood system do? Why she retreats to the California forest and sets up her own business growing medical marijuana! Blair Witch Project star Heather Donahue joins host Robin Milling to talk about her memoir Grow Girl which chronicles her adventures growing as a person, while growing pot in her own backyard. You can also find all things Heather on her website www.heatherdonahue.com
Twilight star Peter Facinelli gets loose with host Robin Milling to talk about his triple threat of writer, star and producer of Loosies. Peter learned the fine art of pickpocketing to play one in the film and tells Robin how he would often snag wallets from unsuspecting fellow cast members. He also reveals some Twilight trade secrets and much more!
Law & Order Criminal Intent star Vincent D'Onofrio makes his directorial debut with the slasher musical Don't Go Into The Woods. Vincent tells host Robin Milling everyone on the shoot, including himself helped with the special effects. Shooting in the woods of his country home was easy as he traded in his cop connections to shoot hassle-free. For his next project Vincent plays a killer rather than filming them in the upcoming Jennifer Lynch film.
Actress Sara Paxton rings in the new year with horror thriller The Innkeepers. Sara plays a hotel employee of the Yankee Peddler Inn, which was actually known to have ghosts staying there. Sara tells host Robin Milling about strange encounters she experienced while living in the Inn, and an actual haunting she witnessed on a jaunt to New Orleans when filming Shark Night.
Filmmaker Ed Burns joins host Robin Milling to talk about marriage and relationships for his new film Newlyweds. Ed tells Robin what inspired the film's documentary style look at what makes or breaks a marriage. Ed also reveals his next film, Fitzgerald's Family Christmas will harken back to his Brothers McMullen beginnings.
Hell on Wheels star Anson Mount raises hell as a meth addict in Cook County. Anson tells host Robin Milling how he did his homework for the hepped up junkie role and reveals movie magic about what doubles for cocaine! Mount who embodies the hottest cowboy since Clint in Hell on Wheels also talks about getting down and literally dirty to play the foreman Cullen Bohannan in the AMC series.
Actor and musician Jill Hennessy joins host Robin Milling to talk about her rock star role in Roadie. Jill tells Robin she knows the road all too well as she was a struggling musician busking for her supper with her guitar. She even had a band with her twin sister Jacqueline called none other than Jack and Jill!
Tommy director Ken Russell passed away in a hospital on Sunday, November 27, 2011 after a series of strokes. He is survived by his wife Elize. Russell directed several classic British films during his 55-year career, including spy thriller Billion Dollar Brain, The Who's rock opera Tommy, and Oscar-winning 1969 movie Women in Love. Host Robin Milling spoke with Ken Russell for Russellmania, a celebration of his films at Lincoln Center. As you will hear, at 83 he was a man of few words, much preferring his work to speak for itself. Russell does say he'll always be proud of his Bad Boy of Cinema reputation.
Diner director Barry Levinson's son Sam was minus three years old when he father directed Ellen Barkin in her first major role. The irony has not escaped Sam over two decades later that he is now directing Barkin in his feature film debut Another Happy Day.
Beau Bridges, starring in The Descendants tells host Robin Milling he knows how to hang in Hawaii. Turns out Jeff's big brother has a second home on the big island after going to university there. Beau fit right into the long-haired hippie lifestyle of his character!
The Son of No One director Dito Montiel leads an all-star cast including Al Pacino, Channing Tatum and Ray Liotta. Dito tells host Robin Milliing he wrote the story based on his mean streets upbringing in Queens, New York. Dito says he had a pinch me moment directing these heavy hitting actors. "I wrote this hoping somebody would like it and then I get a call, 'Ray Liotta wants to meet me. Al Pacino wants to meet me.' I'm like, 'oh my God, how do I get a picture with them?!' After I gushed and went crazy it turned into, 'wow we're really gonna do something.'"
Chicago actor Dennis Farina returns to his roots in The Last Rites of Joe May playing a down and out hustler. Dennis tells host Robin Milling what it was like to return to his old neighborhood and how he loves to take a little momento from each film. "I have a shirt that was worn by Gene Hackman in The Unforgiven that I wore in a movie. From The Rites of Joe May I have the leather jacket my character wore. When the wardrobe ladies came to me I said, 'this jacket is Joe May.'" Sadly, Dennis Farina passed away July 22, 2013 at the age of 69. On screen he might have played the tough guy, but off screen he was a gentle, soft spoken and lovely man.
David Boreanaz and Carla Gugino join Robin Milling to talk about playing real life couple Ed and Cathy Rush in The Mighty Macs. Carla discusses being inspired by Cathy who became the head basketball coach at a tiny, all-girls Catholic college. David reveals how he actually met Ed when he was going to highschool in Philadelphia.
Stage and screen star Cheyenne Jackson joins Robin Milling to talk about his new film, The Green. Cheyenne shares his excitement about his new marriage to longtime partner Monte Lapka and his acceptance of being a role model to the gay community. Cheyenne talks about why he decided to tweet against 30Rock co-star Tracy Morgan's recent gay rants.
Fast & Furious star Tyrese Gibson is also a best-selling author and R&B crooner. He tells host Robin Milling how he takes to the curves on the new souped up Blu-ray Fast Five. Tyrese admits his love for silk pajamas shooting the video Stay for his upcoming CD Open Invitation, and advises how to navigate through life in his book How to Get Out of Your Own Way.
Hurt Locker star Anthony Mackie joins Robin Milling to talk about his Don King-esque fight promoter in Real Steel. Mackie tells Robin he was so impressed with coach Sugar Ray Leonard he wants to portray his life story on film.
Boxing champ Sugar Ray Leonard joins host Robin Milling to talk about life in and outside the ring. Leonard talks about training movie star Hugh Jackman with all the right moves for Real Steel, giving him an A+ for his jaw smashing punch to WWE fighter Dolph Ziggler. Ray also tells Robin about his memoirs and what inspired him to write them.
In this candid chat from 2011, writing chanteuse Jackie Collins returns to her heroine Lucky Santangelo in her new book Goddess of Vengeance. Jackie joins host Robin Milling to give her take on what she knows best about passion, power, celebrity and revenge!
She had her first book, The World Is Full of Married Men, published in 1968. She went on to write more than 30 novels throughout her career, including 1981's Chances, which introduced fans to her most famous character, Lucky Santangelo.
She also penned Hollywood Wives, which was adapted into a U.S. drama series by TV mogul Aaron Spelling in 1985, starring Candice Bergen and Anthony Hopkins.
She entertained millions of readers and will always be remembered for her romance novels, but most of all her lust for life.
Filmmaker Gus Van Zant joins host Robin Milling to talk about his latest work, Restless. Van Zant, who is known for casting a virtually unknown Keanu Reeves in My Own Private Idaho has done the same thing with newcomer Henry Hopper. Van Zant talks about Henry's famous father, the late Dennis Hopper getting a chance to see his son in action.
WWE wrestling champion Triple H displays his acting chops outside the ring in the film Inside Out. Not one to be pigeonholed as a 'meathead' he tells host Robin Milling that his co-star Bruce Dern gave him invaluable advice telling him a famous tale of being stereotyped.
Web Therapy star Victor Garber stars in the DVD Entitled. A college reunion of three wealthy businessmen takes a violent turn when their children are kidnapped. Victor tells host Robin Milling how watching his Alias co-star Jennifer Garner gave him the tools to deck Ray Liotta in Entitled's fight scene. "I cracked a rib so I'm a stickler for stunt people. I learned all about stunts watching Jennifer (Garner) in Alias do all that. She's suffering some war wounds still from that but it's always a risk. We never had any horrible things happen."
Director/writer John Sayles, a stickler for authenticity, went so far as to purchase the local rice crop and hire the locals as extras for his new film Amigo. He tells host Robin Milling, "We lived on the island of Bohol, about 40 minutes away from where we shot. On the island they still grow rice and still plough by caribou; they can't get a tractor onto this particular bit of land, so we bought their rice crop without a middleman and they got to harvest three quarters of it. It was a good deal for the villagers. Plus, an awful lot of them ended up playing extras because they knew how to harvest rice."
It's a real treat to welcome Treat Williams to Milling About for his new television series, Against The Wall on Lifetime. Treat tells host Robin Milling that he's come full circle playing a cop since Prince of The City and ironically made his film debut playing one in Deadly Hero. "It was James Earl Jones' first film also. He played an African king so James and I had our first film together which I'm very proud of actually. I remember walking the streets in uniform and thinking, 'I hope nobody wants my help because this gun is made of rubber!'"
Across The Universe star Jim Sturgess stars in the romantic tearjerker One Day. Aging 20 years in the film gave Sturgess a taste of where his own life would be in two decades. He tells host Robin Milling, 'It's impossible to say because life is changing all the time. I never expected to be here certainly a few years ago. With acting you're just sort of open for change constantly so I really don't know where I would be in 20 years or want to know. It's nice to play it out as it comes. It's interesting to think where my life would be inevitably with marriage and fatherhood; that stuff is not a million miles away when you start hitting your 30s so that whole chapter of my life is unopened yet.'
Actress/singer Taryn Manning was perfect as the band manager in The Perfect Age of Rock and Roll because of her rocker background, but the role of Manson follower Sadie Atkins in the upcoming Manson Girls could be her Oscar winning performance. 'If I want to win an Oscar which is my intention, I want the part that will stand out and that's Sadie Atkins. I feel like I should have been nominated for Hustle & Flow to be honest and a lot of people feel that way but that's fine and it wasn't my time. I'm one part away from winning an Oscar if it's the right part and that could be playing Sadie Atkins. There are people who don't like her and what she really did in real life and I don't know if I want to sign up for that potential abuse that could come my way from people that are horrified from the murders she committed of innocent people. It's a good problem to have!'
Dominic Cooper trades in his musical chops to chopping off heads as the sadistic Uday Hussein and does double duty as his 'twin' Latif Yahia in The Devil's Double. Dominic tells host Robin Milling how difficult it was to shake off the madman at the end of the day.
This summer's hottest Hollywood star Emma Stone joins host Robin Milling to talk about her new film Crazy, Stupid Love. The soon-to-be Gwen Stacy in The Amazing Spider-Man tells Robin how she doesn't let fame get in the way, although it's pretty surreal that she is now friends with Sir Paul thanks to an introduction from Woody Harrelson! "Woody introduced me to Paul at the beginning of 2009. We went to dinner at his house. Then I wrote him a letter later in the year and he drew three different drawings of blackbird feet on the (reply) letter and my mom, my dad, my brother and I all have it tattooed on our wrist. I've seen him multiple times and Ryan (Gosling) and I went to the concert the other night and we got to go backstage and hang out with Paul McCartney and the tiny harmonica that he hides in his pocket. It was really great. The whole thing is surreal."
Falling Skies star Moon Bloodgood calls host Robin Milling from Comic Con in San Diego. Excited about meeting the die-hard fans, Moon recalls her first time attending the Sci-Fi geek fest. The Terminator Salvation star is kicking a different kind of alien butt called a Skitter which she describes as cool but gross sticking her hand inside a vat of KY Jelly!
Romance coach Daniel Packard joins host Robin Milling at The Museum of Sex where his interactive Live Group Sex Therapy Show plays. Daniel tells Robin how audiences share their inner most sexual fantasies via texting, and the most surprising revelations he's discovered during the show.
Host Robin Milling's favorite cattle rancher, Bill Pullman calls in from his ranch in Montana to talk about his evil turn as a child molester in the American version of the BBC's Torchwood. Bill who loves to veer off track in his career, reveals how he got through the difficult execution scene, his upcoming documentary on exotic fruits and a dance piece he'll be performing with his wife!
Franklin & Bash star Breckin Meyer joins host Robin Milling from Los Angeles Breckin reminisces about Beverly Hills Highschool, but had no clue his former classmate was Alicia Silverstone.