Begleyesque: Recent Episodes
Ed Begley, Jr. & Rachelle Carson-Begley
Begleyesque is a podcast from Ed Begley Jr. and Rachelle Carson-Begley, the (sometimes) loving husband-and-wife actor activist team. Each week they interview Hollywood celebrities, environmental experts, and everyday heroes about how to find happiness, health, and purpose in life.
Comedian and actor Fred Willard (Anchorman, Best In Show, Modern Family) and writer Mary Willard (Fernwood Tonight) have been married for almost 50 years - even after the many times they've worked together. They take a long trip down comedy memory lane, including how they first met, why Fred's sketch got no laughs on The Ed Sullivan Show, how he almost cast himself out of Fernwood Tonight, and why networking in the new age of online content is rather depressing. They also share which charities they support, and revisit their favorite scenes with the Christopher Guest family.
Actress Jenny Gabrielle (Only the Brave, Georgia O'Keefe, Festival in Cannes) is a history buff and a strong believer in science. But her heart is always in the arts, the one thing robots can't do better than humans. Jenny shares what life has offered her so far, including what it was like to have a Republican father who worked on top secret scientific projects, how she lost her voice and (almost) her passport on a Cannes shoot with Anouk Aimee, and why she's become so interested in Queen Elizabeth's poetic spies.
When you sit a Canadian, a Brit, and two Americans at the same table, certain questions are bound to come up. How will Brexit affect the UK in 20 years? What can US lawmakers learn from the British and Canadian healthcare systems? And why are foreigners so darn good at American accents? Ed and Rachelle chat with actor Neil Dickson and writer / filmmaker Charles Dennis about these issues in our political climate, and the iPad filmmaking technique with the lowest production carbon footprint.
When Ed and Rachelle asked for a LEED platinum house, contractor Scott Harris (On Begley Street) couldn't resist the challenge. Even without much knowledge of sustainable homes, he seized the opportunity and studied up on the features that would set this super eco-friendly house apart from the norm. But don't worry, you don't have to be Ed Begley Jr. with pot fillers, Lutron lighting, and a greywater system if you want a house with a low carbon footprint. Scott shares budget-friendly ways to make your own house better for the environment, and take care of your own health by preventing mold from infiltrating your walls.
Moving into a new house can sure be a hassle. But for actors and home renovators Corbin Bernsen ("LA Law," "Psych") and Amanda Pays ("The Flash," "Max Headroom"), uprooting and changing locations is therapy. This Hollywood couple shares how their spending habits have morphed from overabundance to frugality and simplicity, how the nomadic life has strengthened their relationship, and where they look for the best secondhand furniture. Of course, they also challenge Ed to travel with them across international borders, and reveal the houses that they regretted the most.
Has your family ever kept secrets from you? For author Simon Goodman, any family history involving the Holocaust was swept under the rug. But when he discovered that the Nazis took his grandfather's extraordinary art collection, Simon made it his life's purpose to hunt those pieces down. He and his wife actress May Quigley share the long journey of reclaiming a stolen Degas, fighting legal battles, discovering catalogs addressed to Hitler himself, and penning the book "The Orpheus Clock" to keep his ancestry alive.
Susan Anton - actress, Broadway star, and still a singer today - never imagined that she'd go from an apple farm girl to the show opener for Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. But after her boyfriend dared her to try out for a beauty pageant, she became enamored with the entertainment business. She shares how her honest answer on Miss America changed pageant policy forever, what it was like dating Dudley Moore when she was 9 inches taller (and that's without heels), why she started picking up trash after a talk with God, and the best advice she got from Sammy Davis Jr.
Moniqua Plante ("Nashville," "Drop Dead Diva") wears many hats as an actress, producer, writer, and holistic health coach. After a two month-long case of food poisoning, she found the solution in natural healing and she was hooked into the world of self-love, care, and nourishment. She talks with Ed and Rachelle about the dangers of artificial sweeteners, the importance of gut health, and a trick that actors should use to get rid of nerves about auditions.
Laura Faye Tenenbaum has written for NASA's climate website, taught oceanography, and proclaimed herself a "badass." She shares the rundown on topics such as NASA's Earth selfies, coral reef bleaching, and melting ice caps in Greenland and Iceland. Ed also gives another Marlon Brando impression, and they discuss the importance of embracing your own intelligence, and which bugs are huge fans of climate change.
Ashley Ahearn is an award-winning environmental reporter and host of KUOW's Terrestrial, which she describes as the "we're f***ed, now what?" podcast. In this conversation, Ashley explains why she's not an environmentalist and why activist labels could be more harmful for the movement. She also shares why she's jealous of the 1970s environmental movement, why her discussion on human reproduction made people angry, and why we should ask stupid questions.
Burnie Burns - Rooster Teeth co-founder, filmmaker, and producer - has never been afraid of bending the rules. He chats with Ed and Rachelle about his runaway parents, and the legal loophole that helped him buy his Tesla. Burnie also discusses how he survived "The Amazing Race," what the differences are between traditional celebrities and YouTube stars, and how an email address spurred his career into starting an online empire.
This week is a full update from Ed and Rachelle about where they've been, what they've done, and why they're thinking about India for the near future. They share highlights from the fundraiser with Oceana and the Walden Woods Project, where they rocked out with Don Henley and Jackson Browne. Rachelle also explains how she's tackling single use plastic. Then find out about one of their latest projects, Begley Living, which will help you build your own green home and live sustainably.
Ed Asner ("Lou Grant," "Mary Tyler Moore," "Up") is a legendary, Emmy Award-winning actor, a staunch activist, and one of Ed (Begley Jr.'s) huge inspirations. He shows off his incredible memory with anecdotes about not getting invited to hang out with Carrie Fisher and Paul Simon, escaping cows as a child, and realizing that "Mary Tyler Moore" would be a hit. Ed Asner also shares how radio led him to Hollywood, what he thinks about the vaccines debate on autism, and which cast was better - "Lou Grant" vs. "Mary Tyler Moore."
Ed and Rachelle get a special visit from recently retired IT engineer Bruce Fong and his 88 year-old mother, Lois. They travel back in time to discuss the perils of Chinese immigrants, and what it was like to attend USC when tuition was only $375 per quarter. Bruce also starts a competition with his 8 kilowatts of solar, Ed prepares some beets from the garden, and Lois reveals how she's kept her mind and body in such tiptop shape without even dieting.
In honor of Independence Day, Ed and Rachelle give their tips for celebrating this holiday without too much damage to your health, the environment, and your wallet. What grilling ideas won’t weigh down your body or your carbon footprint? Are sky lanterns or nitrogen fireworks better than traditional fireworks? They also share DIY crafts and decorations that save money, pet safety rules, timeless 4th of July movies, and your favorite ways to celebrate America’s day of patriotism.
Comedian Kevin Nealon ("SNL," "Weeds") wishes he had wider aspirations, but the thrill of the comedy scene was too invigorating to pass up. After Dana Carvey helped him get on "SNL," Kevin has maintained a very healthy career on screen and a healthy lifestyle off screen. Find out about Kevin's serial killer demeanor, his initial disdain for activists, Garry Shandling's uninvited monk, and a near-death experience on a morning hike.
Actress Christina DeRosa ("Black-ish," "Bad Moms", "Jane the Virgin") may be piccolina, but her heart and passion for serving others are far from small. Having endured a career-ending injury and a dark battle with eating disorders, these days she follows the "gratitude is the best attitude" to relish all that life has to offer. Christina also chats with Ed and Rachelle about experimenting with cleanses, learning from Italy's slow food movement, and redefining the idea of the suffering artist.
Jared and Karina Rabin are a husband and wife entrepreneur team that created the Hang-O-Matic, a DIY tool to make home decorating much easier. But as a family that is victim to polycystic kidney disease, they're using their business to fund research and fight this potentially fatal condition. They share their inspiring story of building awareness for this little-known disease, taking risks for their dream business and dream family, and surviving a chaotic scene near the 9/11 attacks.
Actress Christina Elizabeth Smith (“Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “Grey’s Anatomy”) is also a dancer, animal activist, writer, and always a student of the world. Inspired by the teachings of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung, she has dedicated her life to make positive changes through her passion of storytelling. She discusses why it’s our responsibility to be a dog’s best friend, how a plane ride resulted in "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and how she’s raising awareness about an issue in the rape investigation process that you’ve probably never heard of.
When actress Nancy Allen ("Carrie," "RoboCop," "Dressed to Kill") lost her passion for acting, she feared she’d never find another career. Then her good friend Wendie Jo Sperber asked her to play golf at a charity event - and Nancy’s life changed forever. Now the Executive Director for the cancer support center weSPARK, Nancy delves into the details on how the environment affects our health, how you can support a friend who has been diagnosed, and what she misses the most about acting.
Actor Scott Takeda (“Gone Girl,” “Dallas Buyers Club,” “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot”) often plays the smart guy in charge with a heart. But he’s also a photographer, director, and above all else - a storyteller. Find out what stories are most important to him, and what he learned from his visit to Japan as a self-described “banana.” They also discuss Denver’s latest composting efforts to go green, his love for cycling and solar panels, and the pros and cons of new technology on human interaction.
Actress Salome Azizi ("Transparent," "Black-ish," "American Wrestler: The Wizard") had to explore several careers and countries before she rediscovered her love for being on screen. As someone who has endured alopecia-inducing stress, the dangers of being an Iranian at the BBC World Service, and the frustrations of Drumpf's Muslim ban, she's coming out the other end, ready to embrace this next chapter in her life. She shares her wonderful experience working with the cast of "Transparent," the story of her first and last time taking a bus in LA, and the one food that's sabotaging her attempt to become a vegetarian.
Nate Butkus, the seven year-old podcast host of “The Show About Science” joins Ed and Rachelle to school you on how to fight climate change. But he also shares how a lava lamp inspired his podcast, and how he spent seven hours getting prepped for a six-minute spot on Ellen Degeneres’ show. You’ll also learn why he thinks teaching is important, and how he’s stepping into Bill Nye’s shoes and competing with Ed to see who can save the world’s species.
Actor Eric Braeden ("The Young and the Restless") is best known for his 37 year-long role as the manipulative business mogul Victor Newman. But his life before hitting the screen was just as, if not more, exciting. He explains how almost drowning in the "river of no return" brought him to Hollywood, and how he ended up as part of Marlon Brando’s elaborate joke. You’ll also hear his argument on why the environment needs government regulation, how he reacted when he first watched "Mein Kampf" as a young German, and how descending from a former Nazi follower has impacted his worldview for the better.
Solar power can get you off the grid, but how the heck does it even work? Ed and Rachelle share the solar energy information you should know, including the potential costs and savings, solar hot water vs. solar electricity, and solar companies that can help you with the installation. Find out what kind of roof you’ll need, which portable solar panel kit they recommend, and how much carbon emission we cut by using this clean energy.
From the rising cost of healthcare to the price of our carbon footprint, Ed and Rachelle explain your options for saving money by eating healthy. How can you get cheap, healthy meals if you’re cooking at home or eating at a fast food restaurant? What are the benefits of buying from farmers markets or CSAs? They also debate which if microwave ovens are bad for the environment, how to find affordable and nutritious food in the supermarkets, how to start a vegetable garden with your own DIY compost, and why veganism is a good option for your body and your wallet.
Keith Addis is a managing mogul in Hollywood, but somehow he also ended up as the president for Oceana’s Board of Directors. Find out how Ted Danson led Keith to one of the best environmental organizations, and how they’re using new technology to combat illegal overfishing. He also explains how Somali pirates have actually helped fisheries, why sustainable seafood probably isn’t in your sushi restaurant, and why selfish people should be interested in saving the planet.
Actor Don Most ("Happy Days," "Glee") has gone from playing Ralph Malph to directing indie films, to finally living out his passion of singing big band swing. But he hasn’t forgotten the memories of the experimental film he and Ron Howard never made, or Jerry Paris’s attempt to mentor to the young "Happy Days" cast. He also shares why he’s involved in the fight against Parkinson’s disease, why he went from Donny Most to Don Most to D Most, and how perseverance will make your dreams a reality.
Nowadays, there are many options for being green on the go - but is one transportation service more eco-friendly than the other? What information should you know before you ride your bike, take the bus, or use a ride share app? Ed and Rachelle also navigate you through ways to plan your short and long-distance trips, and answer a listener’s question about reducing your carbon footprint through Uber vs. public transportation. Thanks to Casper for supporting Begleyesque! Save $50 on a mattress at Casper.com/gogreen and use the code GOGREEN.
Michael Kaliski has worked in the entertainment industry for about 25 years, but fighting climate change has always been in his blood. He launched Good Planet Innovation to lower Hollywood's carbon footprint and bring green products to the screen - and he’s not stopping there. He explains how production studios and other institutions can save money by going green, what it’s like to work in Charlie Chaplin’s editing room, and why he wants James Bond to drink from a reusable water bottle.
Mike Farrell ("MASH," "Desperate Housewives," "Providence") is an actor, producer, author - but above all else, a citizen and relentless fighter for the world’s underdogs. In this journey back in time, he explains why the JFK assassination changed his life, how he joined the "MASH" cast, and how childhood classmate Natalie Wood found out about his big crush on her. He also reveals what he really thinks about the movie "Patch Adams," why he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps for the wrong reasons, and why he doesn’t like the word “activism.” Thank you Wunder Capital for supporting Begleyesque! Earn up to 8.5 percent annually while diversifying your portfolio and combating global climate change. Create an account at WunderCapital.com/begley.
Actress Beth Grant (Donnie Darko, The Mindy Project, No Country for Old Men, Jackie) spills her stories about fighting with James Franco for a nude scene, using almonds to audition for The Mindy Project, and getting a wave back from John F. Kennedy when she was just a girl. But she also lets you in on her secret to happiness and a purpose-filled life. Find out how she and Viola Davis are empowering women with virtual reality, how to improve your communication skills through your attitude, and why we should all listen to the Berenstain Bears’ message about climate change.
Thanks to HelloFresh for supporting our podcast. Go to HelloFresh.com and use the code GOGREEN to get $35 off your first week of deliveries.
Air quality is a worldwide issue, which means we’re all at risk. So what can you do to improve clean air? Where can you throw out your e-waste? Why should you care about VOCs? Ed and Rachelle also discuss the most polluted cities in the US, debate how much an air purifier is really helping the environment, get interrupted by a call from Harry Dean Stanton, and share an email from someone who fell victim to the Volkswagen emissions scandal.
Actress Frances Fisher (Titanic, Unforgiven) shares the top environmental documentaries and the reasons she went vegan. She's a staunch environmental activist and a big fan of Bill Nye - who happens to drop by the Begley household. They dig into the secrets behind the Enigma code and the human rights violations that Frances witnessed at Standing Rock. You'll also learn about the surprisingly nature-loving town of Serenbe and her tips on how to be inspired instead of overwhelmed by the scope of issues and solutions that we all face today. Thanks to Audible for supporting Begleyesque. Listen to Audible’s new original series, Sincerely X. Details at audible.com/sincerelyx. Audible and Amazon Prime members listen free.
Actress Sharon Lawrence (NYPD Blue, Shameless, Desperate Housewives) isn't just an on-screen performer. She's also a citizen who isn’t afraid to speak out about climate change. After growing up in Girl Scouts, listening to Meryl Streep, and joining PADI she put herself on the forefront of the battle against environmental issues. Now a dedicated activist, she shares her ideas on how to support women empowerment, why Hollywood RV trailers need solar panels, and why scientific research could benefit from more holidays.
Thanks Wunder Capital for supporting Begleyesque! Create an account at WunderCapital.com/begley.
Valentine’s Day is coming up - but how do you make this indulgent holiday affordable, romantic, and not too heavy on the carbon footprint? Can you enjoy the flowers, perfumes, and candles without green guilt? Ed and Rachelle share their favorite ideas for eco and wallet-friendly gifts such as homemade cards and used jewelry. They also suggest how to celebrate with a fun, thoughtful, and cheap date that won’t harm the environment, and debate why Ed should hire a limousine on date night to help the planet.
Moby - DJ, musician, vegan, and animal rights activist - was once a meat eater, a drug addict, and an alcoholic. But how did he turn his diet, his habits, and his life around? What were the biggest challenges of adopting a vegan lifestyle? Why is vegan activism the best kind of activism? He also spills his philosophies on his music, relationships, religion, health, his interesting nickname, and the idea that Drumpf is actually helping the progressive movement. Thanks to Casper for supporting Begleyesque! Save $50 on a mattress at http://www.casper.com/gogreen and use the code GOGREEN.
Starting a life of sustainability can be intimidating, but not to fear! Did you know that even the smallest changes can reduce your carbon footprint? This week, Ed and Rachelle share what they first did to aid in environmental protection, and how environmentalists such as Don Henley and Rachel Carson inspired them to take the leap. They also explain why they had to be squatters before they received LEED certification for their eco-friendly home, and read some advice you sent us about improving environmental issues.
Actor Jeff Goldblum starred as a scientist in "The Fly," "Jurassic Park," and "Independence Day" - but what does he really think about mankind’s relationship with other species? In the very first episode of Begleyesque, Ed and Rachelle sit down with their friend to discuss his thoughts on climate change, his involvement in the nonprofit organization Oceana, the latest green features in his eco-friendly home, his review of Leonardo DiCaprio's environmental documentary "Before the Flood," and Hollywood's effort to be more green. You'll also find out which car he'll be buying next, why his parents weren't the best environmentalist role models, how he and his wife Emilie Livingston are raising their son Charlie to love nature, and why one scientist didn't want him in their biopic.
For links to all the topics mentioned in the episode, go to our website begleyesque.com
Thanks to HelloFresh for supporting our podcast! Go to http://www.hellofresh.com and use the code GOGREEN to get $35 off your first week of deliveries.