THIRD YEAR ANNIVERSARY Celebrating Three Fabulous Years of Hollywood Obsessed Podcast - Part 1

HAPPY 3RD ANNIVERSARY, Hollywood Obsessed!
160 episodes. 80 incredible guests. And I’m just getting warmed up!

Three years ago, I hit “record” with nothing but a dream, a microphone, and a lifelong love of movies and television. I had no idea where this journey would lead… and WOW—what an unforgettable ride it’s been! From the very first episode to today, this podcast has grown into something truly special, and it’s all because of YOU—my loyal listeners, amazing guests, and incredible supporters who’ve made Hollywood Obsessed such a joy to create.

Whether you’ve been here since Episode One or just discovered the show, thank you for being part of this wonderful, nostalgic, movie-loving community. Because of you, I’ve had the thrill of sitting down with some of the very stars and storytellers who made us fall in love with Hollywood in the first place.

We’re talking about icons like the dazzling Stefanie Powers—forever our Jennifer Hart from Hart to Hart—and the ever-charismatic Lorenzo Lamas, the rebel we couldn’t resist. I’ve chatted with powerhouse performers like Eric Roberts, television royalty Sharon Gless, Oscar-winner George Chakiris from the classic film West Side Story, and the endlessly entertaining Steven Weber. And who could forget the bubbly charm of Didi Conn—yes, Frenchy herself from Grease!

Each conversation has been filled with unforgettable stories, behind-the-scenes magic, and heartfelt reflections on the roles that made us obsessed with them in the first place.

To celebrate this milestone, I’ve put together a fabulous look back at the amazing guests from the past three years—grouped into fun, binge-worthy categories so you can revisit (or discover!) these fantastic conversations with the very performers who inspired me to chase my own Hollywood dreams.

So sit back, press play, and enjoy the memories, the magic, and the moments that made these three years so special.

And don’t worry… this is only the beginning.

There are many more episodes—and plenty more Hollywood magic—still to come. 

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THE GREASE GANG BINGE

When Grease hit theaters on June 16, 1978, I had no idea it would become the spark that ignited my lifelong obsession with Hollywood—and ultimately set me on the path to follow my dreams all the way to sunny Los Angeles.

That summer, I must have begged my mother to drop me off at our local cineplex every single weekend to see it again… and again… and again. I’m pretty sure I saw it at least ten times! My love for it didn’t stop there—I even had a Grease-themed birthday party that year where I made my brother, my cousins, and all my friends from school show up dressed as either a T-Bird or a Pink Lady. And me? Of course, I was front and center as Danny Zuko.

There was just something about the music, the romance, the humor, and those unforgettable characters that grabbed hold of me and never let go.

So when I launched Hollywood Obsessed, one of the very first things I did was create a “dream guest” wish list… and it’s no surprise that many of those names were connected to Grease—the movie that started it all for me.

Below is a special group of guests from that iconic film for you to binge and enjoy. Whether you were Team T-Birds or Team Pink Ladies, I have a feeling you’ll agree with me after listening…Grease is still the word!

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Barry Pearl

Barry brought the lovable, slightly nerdy Doody to life—one of the T-Birds with a heart of gold and a switchblade comb always tucked in his pocket. His performance added warmth, humor, and sweetness to the gang, and in our chat he shares what it was like being part of a film that would become a pop-culture phenomenon.

Dinah Manoff

As the outspoken and unforgettable Marty Maraschino (“like the cherry!” ), Dinah served up sass, style, and some of the film’s most quotable moments. Her Pink Lady swagger and comic timing made Marty a standout—and she dishes up fabulous behind-the-scenes stories about the cast and the film’s lasting legacy.

Didi Conn

Who didn’t fall in love with Frenchy? Didi’s warm, bubbly portrayal of the beauty-school dreamer gave Grease its heart and innocence. Talking with her feels like stepping right back into Rydell High—filled with laughter, joy, and pure, feel-good nostalgia.

Lorenzo Lamas

Long before he became a television heartthrob, Lorenzo had a small but memorable appearance in Grease as one of Rydell’s cool, good-looking students. It was an early stepping stone in a career that would soar—and hearing him reflect on being part of such an iconic film is a real treat.

Joel Thurm

The legendary casting director behind Grease, reveals how the film nearly fell apart, how John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John bonded on set, why casting “older” actors was exactly the right creative choice, and how a last-minute carnival saved the movie’s now-legendary finale. He also shares with me the real stories behind casting Stockard Channing, bringing in Sha Na Na, and embracing the film’s fairy-tale tone over strict realism. For a lifelong fan like me, it was pure heaven.

Lorna Luft

While my original obsession began with Grease, it naturally carried over to its sequel, Grease 2. Lorna lit up the screen as Pink Lady Paulette—bringing both sexy charm and a tender heart to her search for true love. I was cheering her on (especially with her dreamy Johnny, played by the still swoon-worthy Adrian Zmed!) from start to finish. And of course, as the daughter of the legendary Judy Garland, she’s part of Hollywood royalty—connecting this obsession all the way back to another of my all-time favorites, The Wizard of Oz.

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So go ahead—press play, relive the music, the magic, and the memories, and enjoy this very special “first obsession” group of episodes. Because after all these years… Grease is still the word.

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DALLAS LOVER BINGE

Growing up in the 1980s, I was completely hooked on the delicious drama of primetime soaps—especially the granddaddy of them all, Dallas. I knew every scandalous storyline, every crooked deal Jock and J.R. cooked up, every tear-soaked spiral from Sue Ellen, and every one of Lucy’s headline-making romances. And of course, like the rest of the world, I could barely contain myself waiting to find out who shot J.R.!

So just like my Grease obsession, when I launched the podcast, bringing the stars of Dallas onto the show was at the very top of my wish list. And let me tell you—these conversations were juicier than a Ewing family barbecue and more addictive than a Southfork cliffhanger. So pour yourself a drink, settle in, and enjoy this binge-worthy collection for all my fellow Dallas devotees. Because in true soap fashion… the drama never really fades to black.

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Charlene Tilton

The one and only Lucy Ewing herself joined me for a conversation that was equal parts heartwarming and headline-making. Charlene shared what it was like growing up on screen at Southfork, navigating Lucy’s rebellious storylines, and becoming a global pop-culture sensation practically overnight. She also opened up about the intense fan reactions, the whirlwind of fame, and how the show’s biggest scandals were often just as dramatic behind the scenes. Trust me—this chat delivers more twists than a season finale cliffhanger!

Leigh McCloskey

Leigh McCloskey stepped into Dallas as Mitch Cooper—the kind-hearted law student who fell hard for Lucy Ewing and found himself pulled into the Ewing orbit. In our conversation, he opened up about Mitch and Lucy’s rocky romance, their struggles to make it work, and that unforgettable, lavish Southfork wedding that felt like a fairy tale… until reality set in. Leigh shared how Mitch’s strong moral compass made it nearly impossible for him to accept the Ewings’ immense wealth and the shady deals that came with it—proving that in the world of Dallas, being a “nice guy” often meant being caught between love and loyalty. It’s a storyline that still resonates, and hearing Leigh reflect on it was pure soap opera gold.

Sheree J. Wilson

As the fierce, fabulous April Stevens Ewing, Sheree lit up Dallas in its later seasons—and she brought that same spark to our chat. She shared wonderful stories about joining the cast during a new era of the show, building chemistry with the Ewings, and stepping into a character who could go toe-to-toe with the best of them. From romance to revenge to unforgettable fashion moments, Sheree reminded me why Dallas always knew how to serve glamour, heart, and a little bit of delicious deception.

Joan Van Ark

Soap royalty herself! Best known to many fans as Valene Ewing from Knots Landing, Joan’s connection to the Dallas universe as Lucy’s momma made this conversation an absolute must. She gave incredible insight into the shared world of these iconic shows, the crossover appeal, and what made that era of television so electric. Our chat was rich with behind-the-scenes memories, reflections on the genre’s enduring legacy, and proof that once you’re part of the Dallas dynasty, you’re forever family—no matter which branch of the soap opera tree you come from.

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So go ahead—press play, revisit the betrayals, the boardroom battles, and the bedroom bombshells, and enjoy this very special binge of episodes. Because in the world of Dallas, fortunes rise and fall, hearts get broken and mended… and the next scandal is always just one commercial break away.

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DYNAMITE DYNASTY BINGE 

Speaking of primetime drama… in the 1980s there was no show more decadent, deliciously devious, and dripping in diamonds than Dynasty. It wasn’t just a TV show—it was a weekly event. A champagne-fueled, fur-draped spectacle where backstabbing was an art form, shoulder pads had their own zip codes, and every episode promised at least one gasp-worthy scandal.

They had everything: boardroom betrayals, bedroom bombshells, poison paint plots, perfectly coiffed hair that defied gravity, and of course… the most iconic catfights ever staged in a fountain. (And let’s not forget the out-of-this-world twist that landed on the spin-off The Colbys—yes, aliens really did crash this party!)

Naturally I was obsessed—glued to my TV every week, living for every glamorous, outrageous moment.

So pour yourself a glass of champagne, fluff up those shoulder pads, and dive into this short but fabulously dramatic podcast binge featuring two unforgettable Carrington/Colby men who helped make Dynasty the glittering soap opera legend it remains today.

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John James

When you think of the golden boy of the Colby clan, you think of John James. As Jeff Colby, he was the handsome heir with a conscience—often the only one in Denver not plotting a corporate takeover over cocktails—and his whirlwind romance (and heartbreak!) with Fallon made them one of Dynasty’s most addictive couples. In our conversation, John shares what it was like being at the center of the Carrington vs. Colby chaos, dishes on behind-the-scenes memories from The Colbys, and reflects on the role that made audiences swoon—proving he’s still every bit the charming leading man fans fell in love with.

Gordon Thomson

Every great soap needs a master manipulator—and Gordon Thomson delivered that in deliciously over-the-top fashion as Adam Carrington. Smoldering, unpredictable, and always one martini away from a meltdown, Adam was the Carrington heir you loved to hate, and Gordon had a blast bringing him to life. In our candid chat, he spills juicy behind-the-scenes stories about stepping into one of primetime’s most unhinged roles, reveals why playing the villain was so irresistible, and opens up about the realities of staying closeted in Hollywood at the time—serving it all with the wicked charm and flair Adam himself would approve of.

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If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a world of penthouses, power plays, and perfectly delivered insults—this binge is for you. These conversations are packed with nostalgia, behind-the-scenes secrets, and enough Dynasty sparkle to light up Denver.

So go ahead… press play, grab your biggest shoulder pads, and get ready to relive the glamour, the drama, and the decadence of the most dynamite primetime soap of them all.

Because in the world of Dynasty… subtlety was never invited to the party.

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SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER BINGE

In a previous life—long before I was a Hollywood casting director—I was a nightlife columnist in Miami’s legendary South Beach party scene of the 1990s, writing for local and international publications. My nickname? “Mr. Nightlife.” And yes… it was absolutely inspired by John Travolta’s electrifying turn as Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever—the king of the dance floor who could strut, spin, and steal the spotlight with a single look.

And if I’m being honest… that was definitely me back then.

So when I launched the podcast, I knew I had to pay tribute to that era of my life and to the film that fueled it. I was thrilled to sit down with some of the incredible talents who helped make Saturday Night Fever a cultural phenomenon—plus the director who brought it all to life. (And yes, Travolta is still at the very top of my dream guest list… fingers crossed on that one!)

So lace up your dancing shoes, cue up the Bee Gees, and enjoy this disco-fueled binge. Because on this dance floor… the drama is just as hot as the moves.

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Karen Lynn Gorney

Karen Lynn Gorney—Tony’s smart, ambitious, and unforgettable dance partner Stephanie—joined me for a lively and heartfelt conversation that truly captured the spirit of the film. She shared what it was like stepping into such an iconic role, working opposite Travolta at the height of his rising stardom, and portraying a woman determined to dance her way into a better life. Karen gave beautiful insight into Stephanie’s resilience, the film’s emotional depth, and how Saturday Night Fever was always about more than just disco—it was about dreams, escape, and finding your own rhythm.

Paul Pape

Paul Pape, who played Double J—the slick, fast-talking DJ who kept the 2001 Odyssey pulsing all night long—brought the energy of the dance floor straight into our conversation. He shared fantastic behind-the-scenes stories about filming those legendary club scenes, the electric atmosphere on set, and how the music, lights, and fashion all came together to create pure movie magic. Talking with Paul felt like stepping right into the DJ booth… and trust me, the stories he spins are just as unforgettable as the soundtrack.

John Badham

Director John Badham, the man who turned Saturday Night Fever into a cultural time capsule and cinematic sensation, gave me a masterclass in filmmaking and storytelling. He revealed how he grounded the film’s glitz and glamour in real, working-class emotion, guided breakout performances, and crafted those now-iconic dance sequences that audiences still talk about today. From casting decisions to capturing the raw energy of Brooklyn nightlife, John shared fascinating insights that prove great direction is all about finding the perfect balance between style and soul.

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So go ahead—press play, relive the music, the moves, and the magic, and enjoy this very special “Fever” collection of episodes. Because whether you’re under a disco ball or just dancing in your living room… you should be dancing.

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THE DIRECTORS BINGE

A film director is the creative general of the cinematic battlefield—the visionary who takes words on a page and transforms them into unforgettable images burned into our pop-culture DNA. They shape the tone, guide the performances, control the rhythm, and ultimately decide exactly what we see on that big, glowing silver screen.

When I was younger, I didn’t fully realize these were the masterminds behind the movies that entertained me, inspired me, and honestly… changed my life. Now? I’m completely fascinated by what makes these storytellers tick—and how they bring their wildly different visions to life.

So it only feels right to roll out the red carpet and put these brilliant creatives front and center.

Grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy this director’s cut of Hollywood Obsessed—a fabulous binge lineup featuring filmmakers behind some of the most iconic movies and TV moments of our time.

Lights… camera… action!

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Nicholas Meyer

This celebrated storyteller—who boldly went where few directors dared—had me completely under his spell during our fascinating conversation. If you love smart storytelling with a pulse, Nicholas Meyer is your guy, bringing wit, tension, and emotional depth to classics like Time After Time, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country—and of course the chilling cultural phenomenon The Day After. Thoughtful, witty, and endlessly fascinating, he is every bit the master of intelligent cinema you’d hope he’d be.

Randal Kleiser

The genius who brought one of my all-time favorite films, Grease, to life—so yes, speaking with him was an absolute dream come true! Randal is the ultimate hitmaker of romance, adventure, and unforgettable “summer lovin’,” with a filmography that also includes The Blue Lagoon, Flight of the Navigator, White Fang, and the moving ensemble drama It’s My Party. Warm, passionate, and visually gifted, his work radiates the kind of classic Hollywood magic audiences never stop loving.

Kenneth Johnson

While researching this interview, I realized just how many of his shows I’ve loved throughout my life—he truly is the king of high-concept television who made the small screen feel epic. Long before “event TV” was a thing, Kenneth Johnson was already doing it bigger and bolder than anyone else with iconic series like V, The Bionic Woman, The Incredible Hulk, and Alien Nation. It was an absolute honor speaking with this visionary pioneer of genre television.

Michelle Danner

My conversation with this incredible actor’s director—who brings emotional truth to every frame—was genuinely eye-opening. As an acclaimed acting coach and founder of the Los Angeles Acting School, Michelle has guided countless performers and brings that same sensitivity to films like Hello Herman, You’re on the Air, Starstruck, The Italians, and the powerful true-story drama Miranda's Victim. Insightful, empowering, and deeply devoted to the craft, she creates stories that truly make audiences feel something.

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From blockbuster hits to groundbreaking television to intimate, character-driven films, this Director’s Binge is a celebration of the artists who bring stories to life from behind the camera.

Each episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes magic that will make you see your favorite films in a whole new way.

So go ahead—queue them up, press play, and let these incredible directors show you exactly how movie magic is made.

Because behind every unforgettable scene… there’s a visionary calling “Action!”

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