You Are The Guest Podcast: Recent Episodes
Bill Grady
USA WEEKEND invited 3 celebrities to name their favorite podcasts and tell why they liked them. Alan Colmes, radio personality and best known as the co-host of Fox News Channel’s "Hannity and Colmes" singled out Bill Grady's "You Are The Guest Podcast" saying, "I've always thought that anybody can be made to sound interesting, and, thus, be a good guest. This podcast proves my point - everybody has a story worth telling."
Darius Radmanesh was born in the U.S. to an American mother and an Iranian father. Darius has written a book based on the true life experiences that he and his family endured during the nine years they were held hostage in Iran until he was helped by the U.S. State Department to escape from Iran in 1987. Darius tells about the day Hezbollah grabbed him off the street and sent him to fight in the Iran/Iraq war of the 1980's to show that an American had given his life for the Khomeini regime. Dar also describes how he was able to escape from the Iranian Army and how he lived in the mountains for a year with a nomadic people named the Qashqai.
Filmmaker Sondra Lowell joins us and talks about how she invented the Film Sleepy genre by making films that are made to put the audience to sleep. Sondra talks about what makes a film sleepy and tells about her book How to Make a Movie That Puts the Audience to Sleep. I ask Sondra the difference between a film that's boring and a film that's sleepy, and the difference between being a visionary and being crazy. I also put the new film sleepy movie genre though a few common sense scenarios. Sondra asks me how I would market a movie that puts people to sleep, how I promoted my podcast, and would I be open to watch a movie that puts the audience to sleep.
Lynndi Maddox is a practicing attorney and teacher who has brought forth 2 ACLU cases most notably Maddox vs. Moore, which many would know as the 10 Commandments Case. Lynndi tells about her litigation dealing with the religious monument and how it impacted her profession and her life. Lynndi and I also discuss if the the ACLU is seeking justice or do they just have a political axe to grind, and we have a spirited discussion on attorney talk, the role of lawyers in lawmaking, and why the average American citizen distrusts attorneys in the lawmaking process. I also ask Lynndi her opinion on 2 non-ACLU class action suits to find out why they would be considered good lawsuits and get her thoughts on 10 presidential candidates to see which ones she would consider ACLU friendly. Lynndi asks me why gas prices are so high, what is my opinion of the death penalty, and what would it take to convince Al Gore to run in 2008.
Jon Peder is a 17 year-old high school student from Norway and is the Deputy Chairman of his country's socialist youth organization. Jon Peder talks about his political involvement with his youth group and tells about a recent issue that they took action on. I find out Jon Peder's impressions about America and Americans, and try to dispel some myths about the U.S. that seem to have been generated by his viewing of American mass media such as TV shows and films. Jon Peder asks me what is my view on gay marriage, if I think a third political party will rise to prominence in the United States, if the KKK is gaining ground in America, and if Americans only care about themselves and don't care about what is happening in the rest of the world.
Sam and Deidre are law partners from Alabama and I've asked them to share both their personal and professional opinions on politics, lawyers, attorney ethics, and some potential legal issues surrounding the death of Anna Nicole Smith. I ask their opinion concerning Howard K. Stern's ethical behavior as a practicing attorney and toss out various scenarios to find out if they think there could be grounds for a civil suit if someone wanted to pursue them. Sam shares a couple of stories about how the state bar associations can be selective in who they allow to practice law and who they decide to go after. I also ask Sam and Deidre to share their opinions on 5 Democratic and 5 Republican Presidential candidates. Sam and Deidre ask me what are the three worst problems in the world today and what would I do to change them, why isn't there a larger demonstrative outrage about the Iraqi War, and what three things would I take with me if I were exiled for life to another country.
Danny, the host of the "Wonderful World of Danny" returns to talk about HMO's, universal healthcare, and the Presidential candidates who have thrown their hats into the ring so far. Danny works for what he calls an "evil HMO" and gives us an insider's view to how one HMO tried to rally their employees during a closed-door company meeting. You'll hear Danny's opinions about whether or not the U.S. government should be involved in a universal healthcare plan, and if the U.S. should do anything about high prescription drug prices. Danny and I talk about when the common everyday guy who decides to run for President, and Danny gives his opinions on 5 Democratic and 5 Republican Presidential candidates. Danny asks me if buying and annexing Mexico would be an easier solution to the immigration problem, who my favorite Beatle is, and whether I prefer Hannity or Colmes.
Author Harrine Freeman from Washington D.C. is our guest to talk about an important holiday topic, the credit card business. Harrine and I discuss why the credit card companies target undergraduate students and individuals who will most likely not pay their bills on time. We talk about the root and the size of the problem in the U.S. and I dig into how credit card companies market and prey upon those individuals that are most vulnerable to interest fees and late charges, and you'll hear a credit horror story of how someone became $1,000,000 in debt. We also discuss why the educational system in this country isn't doing enough to teach young people how to manage their finances, and what pitfalls some consumers fall into during the holiday season.
The principles from the Common Sense Political Party join us for one of their first interviews. Midas Welby, their Presidential Candidate for 2008 is the main spokesperson during our conversation and he's supported by his Vice Presidential running mate Larry, and Dee who serves as the campaign manager. I ask them why they are the catalyst for change in the U.S., details about their campaign, and about their solution for the healthcare crisis and the war in Iraq. I also ask Midas, Larry, and Dee about international issues including the trade deficit with China and relations with Pakistan. At the end of our conversation Midas explains their proposal for income tax reform which includes a 4 percent flat tax.
Patrick is known as the Armchair President and has launched a non-traditional political campaign for President of the United States. Patrick and I discuss his non-traditional campaign in depth including his lack of political experience and his solutions for the problems that face our country today. Patrick describes his view of how our Constitution has eroded, and shares whom he would choose as his Vice Presidential running mate if he received the Democratic Nomination for 2008. Patrick asks me which episodes of this show is the most popular with our audience and which is my personal favorite, what I think about the War on Terror, and where would I like to see my podcast be in the future.
Eddie is a 28 year-old native of Dublin and hosts his own vidcast named TedPod. Eddie describes what Dublin is like, and some tips for people who visit Ireland. But the bulk of our conversation centers around Eddie's examination of the 9/11 truth movement and his theories as to who conducted the attacks on the World Trade Center, how they did it, and what their motive was. Eddie talks about the face-less elite, puppet governments, remote control commercial airliners, passengers being gassed, phone calls from the planes being electronically recreated, and the conspiracy that would be conducted by the mass media if someone came forward with information on this plot. Eddie asks me if I believe the attacks on the World Trade Center was an inside job, where do I see the world 10 years from now, and does money make you happier. By the way, you can hear me pounding my head on the desk at the 41:45 mark. Encore presentation from August 21, 2006.
Samuel is a 19-year old blogger and podcaster from Canberra, Australia. Samuel and I talk about forum bullies and he tells of his negative experience with another blogger. Samuel describes the condition of Australia today, we find out what Australians are saying about the war between Israel and Hezbollah, and what is the biggest international concern of Australia. Samuel asks me to share a weird dream that I had recently, what advice could I give to someone that wants to start their own podcast, and if I had the power to change one thing in the world, what would that be.
Imran Anwar is a frequent and popular media guest, including live interviews and appearances on CNN and Fox News Channel as an expert on global business strategy, socio political affairs, and South East Asia. Imran and I go toe-to-toe on Pakistan and their association with North Korea and Iran. Imran describes the terrorist movement in the Middle East, why North Korea has the most dangerous leader in the world, and why the world cannot afford a nuclear armed or an extremely wealthy Iran. I also prod Imran to give me an example of one positive Muslim role model that the world can look up to today. Imran asks me what the average American thinks of Muslims, do I think all Muslims are trying to do the west in or is it just a few, and what can we do as Americans to build bridges throughout the world. By the way, count how many times the word nutjob is used in the show.
There are many unanswered questions about Governor Bill Richardson's relationship with famed artist RC Gorman. In October of 1997, the FBI began collecting information regarding numerous suspected sexual relationships RC Gorman had with children that spanned over 20 years. Did Bill Richardson know about RC Gorman's illegal activities that involved transporting children across state and international boundaries for illegal sexual activities? If he did know, why didn't Governor Bill Richardson do something about it? Award winning journalist Vern Beachy, who conducted his own investigative news reports tells what he learned about RC Gorman back in 1999 and shares brand new information including the depth of Gorman's association with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and several catholic priests.
Brad works in the advertising field and lives in Sydney, Australia and is involved in many things from film making, broadcasting and politics. Brad and I talk about Australian politics, the corruption surrounding the Australian Wheat Board, and we have a very healthy discussion on civil liberties. I prod Brad throughout our conversation with the question of whether there are good people who make bad decisions, bad people who make the occasional good decision, or whether it comes down to just good or bad people. Brad asks me what I'm the most proud about the United States, what I'm least proud about the United States, and what motivates me in my everyday life.
Bazooka Joe is the host of the Small World Podcast and lives in San Diego. Joe and I discuss if regular people are interesting, punk music, anger, politics, liberals, death, and religion. In a nutshell, all the stuff you shouldn't talk about, but we do anyway. Bazooka Joe asks me if I have any re-occurring dreams, what's my favorite part of conducting an interview, if I could fight anyone who would it be, and if I could interview anyone in history who would it be and why.
Derek "The Bandit" is a radio personality and club DJ living in South Africa and hosts his own podcast at Sound Republic. Derek and I talk about radio from around the world, American music, the record business, we trade radio stories, and talk about where podcasting fits into the media world. We also discuss misconceptions about South Africa and myths about radio programming. Derek asks me why I have a podcast named You Are The Guest, what do I do during the weekends to relax, and if I plan on attending the Portable Media Expo this year.
Ghada is a Canadian who has been living in New Zealand for the past 3 years and runs a multimedia company with her Kiwi husband. Ghada and I talk about Canada, the accessibility of technology and the stress it brings to peoples lives, the bad image that Hollywood portrays about America, cellphone etiquette, and the problem of bullying in New Zealand schools. Ghada asks me what is my perception of New Zealand, what's my favorite gadget and why, and if there was an unforeseeable disaster and I could only save one CD, which one would it be.
Erika lives in Cary, Illinois where she started a nonprofit organization called Giving Real Opportunities to Women (GROW) with the goal to provide a holistic service model to help welfare and single mothers pursue a college degree. Erika and I talk about many issues facing the welfare system, the recipients of welfare, and the social workers who provide counsel. We also talk about a Kentucky Derby winner and it's winnings that are presumed buried in GROW's backyard. Erika asks me what question I would want Oprah Winfrey or Bill Gates to ask me, what do I feel is the biggest misconception about welfare, and what do I think is the biggest cause that is being overlooked here in the United States.
Su Maya is a solitary monk who has traveled the world and studied many of the world's religions, developed a unique style of healing that integrates cognitive therapy, spiritual clairvoyance, and natural remedies, and is an accomplished artist. Su and I have a very deep conversation about religion, spirituality, souls, and evil. Su also tells me about my Deja Vu experiences and reads my birth horoscope. Su asks me what is my definition of evil and what do I think will happen to evil people, what is the purpose of my podcast, and what do I hope that listeners will take away from our conversation.
This is a rare interview with an enlisted man in the Singapore military by the name of Malcolm. It is rare because the Singapore Government can sue a citizen for speaking out against them (as explained in this interview) and for that reason many do not share their opinions openly, especially with outside media. But in our interview, Malcolm shares his views on the Singapore Government, gives his opinions on recent events including the execution of an Australian citizen, and explains how and why the Singapore Government controls the media. Malcolm asks me about Black Friday shopping, about the military draft in the United States, how are U.S. relations with Mexico and Canada, and if Americans see themselves as the "gangsters of the world".
Mark Horner is the author of September Sacrifice, a fascinating book about the Girly Chew Hossencofft Murder case. It's a true story about a decent, hard-working woman, her greedy soon-to-be ex-husband who is a master manipulator, and his new girlfriend/accomplice who believed that reptilian shape shifting aliens live among us. Mark asks me what a person needs to start and maintain a successful podcast, if I think the future of traditional radio programming is threatened by podcasting, and if I wonder where my career would have gone had I stayed on-the-air as an announcer.
Peter Reddy is an amazingly talented digital artist who lives in Killcare, Australia. We talk about the similarities between kangaroos in Australia and deer in Iowa, the Cross City Tunnel, loud and fat Americans, which snakes and spiders to stay away from in Australia, and we find out Peter's recipe for tandoori chicken. Peter asks me if I've ever been "star struck", why do Americans want to come to Australia, and if the "fort" at Fort Dodge was like the one from the TV Show "F-Troop".
Charley and Carol host the podcast Israelisms and live in a suburb of Jerusalem. We talk about the wacky things that go on in the country, how safe Israel really is, and the misconceptions most people have about everyday life in Israel. I'm reminded several times that living in Israel is like living in Iowa, and I also learn the Hebrew word for idiot. Charley and Carol are very nice people and are absolutely hilarious.
Chance is an independent and very talented solo artist. We talk about the his music, the Los Angeles music scene, Governor Arnold, and FEMA. Chance also tells the story about his audition for the band Velvet Revolver. We wrap up the show talking about his new songs which will be available for download, the upcoming simulcast concert on October 9th, and play the World Premiere of two "live" versions of "Forgive and Forget" and "Hip Hop High" from the concert.