Celebrity Interviews

Mary Amons, formerly of The Real Housewives of DC, opens up about her experience on the short-lived but infamous Bravo series that was canceled after just one season following the Salahi White House crash scandal. Amons reveals that none of the cast knew the Salahis were planning to crash the White House state dinner, though producers were suspicious enough to break the fourth wall and film them asking for the invitation. She shares behind-the-scenes insights about working with production, including her hands-on involvement in setting up scenes and camera work, which stemmed from her genuine interest in the filmmaking process. Fifteen years later, Amons reflects on how different the reality TV landscape was in 2010, when social media wasn't the powerful platform it is today and Bravo offered no structured support to help cast members leverage their exposure after the show's abrupt cancellation.The conversation takes a personal turn as Amons discusses navigating divorce while raising five children, acknowledging the trauma her reality TV experience caused them—something she learned about in their therapy sessions. She explains why she wasn't ready to capitalize on the opportunities that briefly appeared after the show, admitting she needed time for professional and personal growth. Now, with her children grown and supportive, Amons is focused on her thriving design business and an exciting new partnership with Baker Furniture, where she'll be speaking about timeless design at the Washington Design Center. She's finally ready to launch the lifestyle brand she's envisioned for years, drawing on her classic, Ralph Lauren-inspired aesthetic. With a recent full-page article in Us Weekly marking the show's 15th anniversary bringing renewed attention, Amons discusses the challenges of organizing a reunion with cast members scattered across the globe and her commitment to maintaining a "kinder, gentler" approach to reality television that prioritizes family and authentic connection over drama.

In this heartfelt interview, Lindsay Wagner celebrates the 50th anniversary of The Bionic Woman by sharing the remarkable origin story of how she almost turned down the role that would define her career. Wagner reveals that she initially dismissed the "crazy script" about people jumping off buildings until her mother convinced her to accept the role as a birthday gift for her younger sister, who was a devoted fan of The Six Million Dollar Man. What was meant to be a single episode where Jamie Summers would die turned into a cultural phenomenon after an overwhelming public outcry, including letters from children's hospitals, demanded the character's return. The subsequent episodes brought Jamie back through cryogenic preservation and eventually launched a groundbreaking series that would change television history.Wagner discusses her collaborative creative process with producer Kenny Johnson, revealing how they worked scene-by-scene to ensure Jamie Summers embodied both strength and sensitivity rather than becoming just "a man in a skirt." She explains how the show's mandate to include three or four bionic moments per episode led to innovative storytelling that balanced action with humor and humanity, from cleaning kitchens at super-speed to addressing real-life challenges faced by women. Wagner also reflects on winning an Emmy for Best Actress in a Dramatic Series—not for being an action hero, but for the dramatic depth she brought to the role. The interview touches on modern bionic technology, concerns about losing human connection in an increasingly mechanical world, and the serendipitous timing that led to the series premiere airing on her sister's birthday, making this 50th anniversary celebration even more meaningful for the entire family.

Real Housewives of Dallas stars Kameron Westcott and Kary Brittingham join the Neil Haley Show to discuss their new podcast "Cam and Kary Do Dallas" and their journeys on reality television. Kameron explains how fellow housewife Cary Deuber put her name in the pile for casting after years of volunteering full-time in Dallas charity work, and how she decided to document her journey creating Sparkle Dog Food on television to take her brand to the next level. Kary reveals a similar path, with Cary Deuber wanting her on the show since the beginning, but waiting until season four felt right. Her motivation was clear: financial independence. After four and a half years running her jewelry line Camo by Kary while on a budget and allowance from her husband, she wanted to make her own money and take her business to new heights. Both women candidly discuss the fear and uncertainty of joining reality TV, especially being "unfiltered" and not knowing what would come out of their mouths on camera.The duo dives deep into their podcasting venture, explaining how their frequent phone conversations and complementary energies—Kameron bringing thoughtfulness while Kary brings unfiltered boldness—made launching a podcast the natural next step. They reveal their unique approach of not discussing topics beforehand to capture authentic, natural reactions, and their mission to differentiate themselves by bringing on other Housewives to discuss their entrepreneurial journeys and empower women. Kameron and Kary discuss the unexpected challenges of podcast production, from selecting compelling topics that will interest the majority of listeners to editing hours of rambling content down to 40 entertaining minutes. They emphasize their goal of helping viewers understand the real them beyond the small glimpses shown on the show, and their passion for encouraging women to support each other instead of sabotaging one another—a lesson Kameron sees even among her 13-year-old daughter's peers. The podcast launches January 13th on all major platforms, with new episodes dropping every Wednesday.

Twilight Saga star Kiowa Gordon joins Caregiver Dave on the Neil Haley Show for an extraordinary conversation about his unexpected journey into Hollywood. Kiowa shares the remarkable origin story that sounds almost too good to be true: at 18, his Sunday school teacher Stephanie Meyer (author of Twilight) told him about an open casting call for her next movie, Twilight: New Moon, suggesting he audition to play a werewolf. As a self-described "slacker in high school," Kiowa didn't take it seriously until his mom came into his room a month after the audition to tell him he'd landed the role of Embry Call. He discusses the surreal experience of "wolf camp" where the production put the actors through training to pack on muscle, gaining 10 pounds between getting cast and filming, and reveals they never even made him take his shirt off at the audition—they just assumed he'd look fine under it.Kiowa reflects on the wild fan phenomenon that followed, from receiving fan mail asking for autographs to traveling the country for Twilight conventions where hundreds of fans would show up for hours of meet-and-greets. He describes the "vampire balls" where fans dressed up like they were at prom, and how he and fellow wolf pack members would surprise fans camping out overnight at premieres by playing acoustic guitar and singing songs. Now at 30 and in the best shape of his life, Kiowa discusses his current projects including the CW's Roswell reboot, where he plays a military family member hunting aliens alongside his brother character, and the Netflix World War II miniseries The Liberator. Shot entirely on blue screen to create a graphic novel aesthetic, The Liberator tells the story of Lieutenant Felix Sparks and his company of American and Mexican-American misfits fighting Nazis across Europe. Kiowa also opens up about fatherhood to his six-year-old daughter and witnessing his mother's caregiving journey through family illness and loss.

NBC's Good Girls stars Retta and Mae Whitman join the Neil Haley Show to discuss their dramedy about three suburban mothers who turn to crime to solve their financial problems. Retta explains her character Ruby Hill, a happily married mother of two whose sick child drives her to join her friends in a desperate grocery store robbery, while Mae describes playing Annie Marks, a young mother fighting for custody of her daughter after having her at 16 or 17. Both actresses emphasize the show's unique approach to the antihero concept, presenting complicated women making desperate choices with genuinely good intentions. Mae highlights how the show masterfully blends multiple genres—starting as a grounded family drama before sweeping viewers into a thrilling world of crime, all while maintaining a comedic tone that makes the entire experience both tense and entertaining.The conversation explores why audiences root for these characters despite their criminal actions, with Retta noting the classic antihero formula of doing bad things for good reasons. Mae passionately discusses the importance of seeing unapologetic female antiheroes on television, characters who are complicated, make mistakes, and face consequences while still having good hearts. She contrasts this with the abundance of male antiheroes on TV who rarely face the same scrutiny. Both actresses explain how the show's realism—from robbing a grocery store instead of a major bank to the fact that Annie works there and knows it gets robbed regularly—makes the premise believable and relatable. They invite viewers to tune in Mondays at 10 p.m. Eastern on NBC to follow these women's journey and see where their desperate choices lead them.

Hip-hop pioneer Eric B joins the Neil Haley Show to share the incredible story of how he and Rakim revolutionized rap music in the 1980s. From working at radio station WBLS in New York to assembling a compilation of talented MCs from across the Tri-State area, Eric explains how a chance meeting at a dance in Long Island led to one of hip-hop's most legendary partnerships. He recounts their groundbreaking deals, including being the first rap group to receive a million-dollar album advance and three million dollars for publishing, and shares the dramatic story of turning down Russell Simmons' advice to accept $400,000 from Island Records when MCA offered double at 2 a.m. in a New York nightclub. Eric also discusses their historic world tours, from taking the Concorde to play London and New York on the same day to performing in Helsinki, Finland, where young white audiences showed that music transcends all boundaries.Beyond his music career, Eric B reveals his diverse ventures into boxing management, working with champions like Floyd Mayweather and Riddick Bowe, and his time at All-American Communications learning television and film production. He emphasizes his business acumen, describing how he reads P&L statements "in his sleep" and contracts "for fun," which enabled him to set industry benchmarks that changed hip-hop forever. Eric announces the highly anticipated Eric B and Rakim reunion tour starting April 8th in Boston, describing it as a family celebration where they'll take their kids, friends, and fans who've always wanted to experience tour life. He reflects on the longevity of their legacy, the support from younger artists like Nas, and how he became the "bad guy" among his peers for demanding fair compensation, inadvertently raising the bar for all rappers entering the business.

Actress Michele Greene takes listeners behind the scenes of the beloved legal drama LA Law, where she portrayed attorney Abby Perkins from 1986 to 1991, earning an Emmy nomination in 1989. Greene shares the remarkable story of landing the role at just 24 years old without even auditioning—creator Steven Bochco simply called and offered her the part after working with her on Bay City Blues, his short-lived baseball series. She reveals she had to choose between LA Law and a role opposite Andy Griffith, ultimately making the decision that would define her career. Greene provides intimate character analysis of Abby Perkins, describing her as a nice girl from Ohio trying to balance demanding career ambitions with traditional roles as wife and mother, distinguishing her from other characters who always had snappy comebacks and perfect responses.The interview explores Greene's current life as a published novelist with two books released through Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins, both young adult novels that have been in development for television and film. She discusses her five-year hiatus from acting to focus on raising her adopted son as a single parent, her work as artistic director of an emerging theater, and her extensive theater performances at the LA Shakespeare Center. Greene opens up about her caregiving responsibilities for her 91-year-old mother who lives in an assisted living community and her experience serving as guardian for two elderly cousins who passed away in 2018. She enthusiastically promotes the upcoming LA Law reunion event at the LAX Westin on February 2nd and 3rd, describing the emotional experience of the entire cast reuniting on "The Talk" in September—the first time they'd all been together since the show ended.

In this compelling interview, Michael Harney from Netflix's groundbreaking series Orange is the New Black discusses the show's fourth season launch and its profound impact on representation in television. Harney reflects on his journey to the role after working with creator Jenji Kohan on Weeds, explaining how he immediately said yes when approached for the project because he knew the quality she would create. He shares his initial uncertainty about the show's potential success, never imagining it would become the cultural phenomenon that helped establish Netflix as a major player in original programming. Harney emphasizes how the show's diverse cast gives voice to marginalized communities that have been oppressed and underrepresented, making his work feel like activism within the entertainment industry.The conversation delves deep into the importance of backstory in the show's storytelling approach, which Harney considers essential to its success. He explains how revealing why people wind up incarcerated and why prison workers take certain actions allows viewers to identify personally with the characters and realize "that could be me." Harney thoughtfully discusses the complexities of the justice system, acknowledging that it's not black and white but rather a systemic struggle that often fails to find what really happened in situations. He addresses issues like housing mentally ill individuals in prisons rather than appropriate facilities, expressing hope that the show will raise questions and potentially inspire real-world changes in how society handles incarceration and justice.

Hollywood icon John Schneider joins the show to discuss his bold new venture that's disrupting the traditional film distribution model. Drawing on his extensive career from "The Dukes of Hazzard" to "Smallville" and Tyler Perry productions, Schneider reveals how he's built Cineflix DoD (Digital on Demand)—a distribution platform designed specifically to protect independent filmmakers from being exploited by traditional distributors who offer "pennies on the dollar" and eventually cut creators out of their own deals. Inspired by the wisdom of his "Dukes of Hazzard" co-star Denver Pyle who told him he had "the strength of your ignorance," Schneider explains his tenacious approach to creating a Netflix-style competitor that puts filmmakers at the center of both the storytelling and the financial chain, ensuring they receive most of the profits to fund their next projects without having to apologize to investors.Schneider unveils the premiere of "Like Sun," a psychological crime drama starring Don Shanks (Michael Myers from "Halloween" and "Smothered"), which launches with an innovative collective viewing experience on Thursday night at 8 PM Central. Drawing inspiration from Walt Disney's personal approach on "The Wonderful World of Disney," Schneider has designed a unique interactive event where audiences can stream the film simultaneously to recreate the communal feeling of going to the movies in the 1960s, followed by a live Q&A session filmed from his studio's screening room—just like a film festival. This groundbreaking approach allows independent filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts to ask questions about the creative process, casting, and filmmaking while experiencing the magic of cinema in the digital age. Schneider's mission is clear: transform how people think about independent filmmaking and distribution by putting power back in the hands of storytellers and creating opportunities for diamonds in the rough to succeed without getting exploited by the industry's traditional gatekeepers.

Actress Jasmine Savoy Brown shares her remarkable journey from 600 auditions to landing breakthrough roles on HBO's "The Leftovers" and Freeform's "Stitchers." Brown candidly discusses the struggles before her big break, including couch surfing throughout Los Angeles for over a year, working graveyard shifts at a diner, and booking only a handful of commercials and small co-star roles despite constant auditioning. When she finally received the call about booking "The Leftovers," she immediately began weeping with emotion, catching her team off guard with the depth of her reaction. Her role as Evie Murphy in season two brought a much-needed lightness to the dark HBO drama about 2% of the world's population mysteriously disappearing—her character is a vibrant 17-year-old who sings, plays softball, and is full of life before disappearing with her friends after an earthquake, setting up the season's central mystery.Brown also discusses her contrasting role on "Stitchers" as Nina, a confident comic book store employee and video game nerd who becomes a love interest, allowing her to showcase polar opposite characters from dark HBO drama to lighter Freeform procedural within the same period. She emphasizes the significance of wearing her natural hair on television, revealing she's turned down roles that required straightening her hair because making a statement about the beauty of African American natural hair is important to her. Fans responded enthusiastically to her character breaking stereotypes—being both a proud geek about comic books and video game history while still being portrayed as beautiful and desirable rather than in the typical "unattractive nerd" light. Brown credits the entire production team for creating such a strong character while acknowledging her pride in representing natural hair positively. Though "The Leftovers" season three won't premiere until spring 2017 and "Stitchers" renewal status for her character remains uncertain, Brown maintains optimism, joking that since Nina didn't die, she's assuming she'll return to continue the fan-favorite storyline.

Grammy Award-winning producer and music mogul Jermaine Dupri discusses the success of Lifetime's "The Rap Game" as it enters its highly anticipated third season, premiering Friday, January 13th at 10 p.m. Eastern. Dupri reveals his talent discovery secrets, explaining that finding amazing artists requires constant interest in new talent and genuine listening—he's only had two to three artists fail to meet expectations in his entire career, and those instances occurred when he overestimated their abilities rather than them refusing his guidance. His partnership with Queen Latifah came naturally from their years-long relationship, and together they created something unique that commands attention simply by having both their names attached. The show fills a void in television by providing cultural education about hip-hop that isn't being seen anywhere else, targeting 12-to-16-year-olds while attracting parents who watch alongside their children.What differentiates "The Rap Game" from shows like "American Idol" and "The Voice" is its focus on hip-hop culture, which Dupri argues resonates more strongly with young people than any other genre. Kids are deeply interested in hip-hop lifestyle elements including fashion, sneakers, and the broader culture surrounding the music. Season three promises elevated competition with higher talent levels, more episodes, and increased appearances from Dupri's celebrity friends sharing invaluable industry knowledge. With season four already beginning production just days after this interview, Dupri expresses amazement at his career trajectory from making music and running his own label to now producing a successful television series entering its fourth season. Looking toward hip-hop's future, Dupri hopes the genre returns to celebrating individual artist styles and distinctive sounds, referencing the Tupac versus Biggie era when each artist had completely unique, instantly recognizable music—a separation that allowed them to become iconic rather than today's artists who create indistinguishable records.

Three-time Super Bowl champion and NFL analyst Mark Schlereth joins The Neil Haley Show to provide his expert breakdown of the upcoming championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. Schlereth confidently picks the Seahawks to win, citing their exceptional six-week run leading up to the big game where they've dominated on offense, defense, and special teams. He emphasizes the importance of special teams play as an indicator of team depth, noting that Seattle's ability to cover kicks and execute returns with aggression demonstrates they have more quality players than their opponents. Schlereth also praises the incredible redemption story of Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who was considered a bust after being drafted third overall by the New York Jets and subsequently dumped by Carolina before finding success in Minnesota and ultimately landing in Seattle via San Francisco.When analyzing key matchups that could decide the game, Schlereth focuses on Seattle's defensive front seven against New England's offensive line, which features two rookies on the left side who have given up significant pressures and sacks throughout the playoffs—including 10 sacks total in their first two playoff games. He warns that if Seattle can create pressure and get quarterback Drake May on the ground, they could force turnovers, as May lost three fumbles in those games. However, Schlereth also acknowledges that May's mobility presents a significant challenge for Seattle, noting his 65-plus rushing yards against Denver and his ability to eviscerate man-to-man coverage with his legs. He highlights wide receiver JSN as a potential difference-maker despite running a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, praising his ability to create instant separation at the top of routes and his uncoverable skills that make him phenomenal to watch alongside Darnold.

Philip Winchester joins the Neil Haley Show to discuss NBC's "Chicago Justice," where he stars as prosecutor Peter Stone, a character living in the constant shadow of his father Ben Stone, the main prosecutor from the original Law & Order series. Winchester explains how his character views justice in absolute terms—black and white, right and wrong—but faces constant challenges from district attorney Carl Weathers, an elected official who questions Stone's aggressive pursuit of cases because losses could impact his reelection prospects. He reveals Peter Stone's backstory as a former Chicago Cubs pitcher whose arm injury forced him to fall back on law, creating a complicated and estranged relationship with his famous father that they maintain primarily over the phone from separate cities.The actor discusses tonight's unprecedented three-hour crossover event beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern, starting with a fire at a rave warehouse on "Chicago Fire," continuing with the investigation on "Chicago PD," and concluding with his prosecution on "Chicago Justice," with "Chicago Med" woven throughout all three hours. Winchester praises working with Carl Weathers, joking about their first scene together when he suggested Weathers should have a gatling gun on the wall next to his boxing gloves and wooden hand, references the actor appreciated. The conversation takes an emotional turn as Winchester remembers Bill Paxton, who recently passed away at 61, recalling how Paxton took him and other young actors under his wing during the filming of "Thunderbirds" in London when Winchester was 24, teaching them about camera work, on-set management, and the craft of acting, describing Paxton as an actor's actor who loved the process and wasn't afraid to share his knowledge with the next generation.

Actor Yul Vazquez calls in from a blustery day in New York City to discuss the season finale of NBC's "Midnight, Texas," where he plays Reverend Emilio Sheehan, the oldest inhabitant of the supernatural town and its moral compass who harbors a dark secret—he transforms into a weretiger during full moons. Vazquez explains the fascinating duality of his character, a man of the cloth who struggles to reconcile his violent nature with his religious calling, spending his energy trying to keep his dangerous side in check and ensuring nobody gets hurt when he transforms. He teases that tonight's season finale will have viewers putting on their seatbelts as the demon threat that's been building all season finally comes to a head in what he promises is "a hell of an episode."The conversation turns to Vazquez's enduring association with Seinfeld, where he appeared in two memorable episodes including "The Ribbon" and the controversial Puerto Rican Day Parade episode, noting that no matter how many projects he completes, people still recognize him from that iconic show. He enthusiastically discusses the passionate fan base of "Midnight, Texas," explaining how he and the cast live-tweet with viewers during each episode and how these genuine fans know Charlaine Harris's books better than the actors themselves, often commenting on how the show matches their imagination from years of reading. Vazquez makes an impassioned plea for networks to pay attention to social media engagement and streaming numbers rather than just traditional ratings, arguing that fans are tired of investing in shows only to have them cancelled, and warning that there could be "a riot" if networks don't start recognizing the power of devoted audiences who trend every episode and deliver strong demographic numbers.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine actresses Stephanie Beatriz and Melissa Fumero discuss the show's successful transition to NBC and Beatriz's directorial debut with the episode "He Said, She Said," which tackles the #MeToo movement while maintaining the show's signature comedic tone. Beatriz expresses her excitement about directing an episode that follows her character Rosa Diaz and Fumero's character Amy Santiago investigating a case related to the movement, describing the challenge of balancing serious social issues with comedy and the pressure that comes with wanting to honor important stories while still making people laugh. She credits the episode's writer and the safe, comfortable environment she created on set for allowing the cast to take risks and fully commit to the material.Reflecting on what she learned from directing, Beatriz shares her newfound appreciation for the crew's tireless work, noting how actors receive special treatment with comfortable chairs and breaks while crew members work nonstop from arrival to departure. Fumero praises her friend and co-star's directorial skills, emphasizing Beatriz's ability to communicate clearly about what she wanted to see and achieve, creating a relaxed, "homey" atmosphere that felt natural since it was one of their own behind the camera rather than an outside director. Both actresses express gratitude for the devoted fan community that kept the show alive and followed it from one network to another, with Beatriz joking about how creator Dan Goor invented this pretend world that felt so real, good, happy, and safe that viewers remained loyal through the transition to NBC's Thursday night lineup.

Anne Heche joins the Neil Haley Show to discuss her powerful role as Patricia Campbell, Deputy Director of Defense Intelligence for the United States, in NBC's action drama "The Brave," describing the intensive preparation required to portray such a high-ranking official. Heche explains that her character runs an Omega team—special forces units composed of Delta, SEAL, and CIA operatives—and must make life-and-death decisions that impact operations taking place 5,000 miles away while holding what she describes as an encyclopedia of knowledge about pain and darkness in the world. The show takes viewers to 13 different countries over 13 episodes, exploring how these elite teams work together across international boundaries to combat threats and maintain global peace.The actress reveals that her research included speaking with Pentagon officials who worked alongside Condoleezza Rice, and when she asked if there was anything to smile about in such a position, the answer was simply "no." However, Heche emphasizes that Patricia Campbell is not defined by darkness but rather by hope and the desire to solve the world's problems to create peace. She discusses how the role has changed her perspective on current events and news consumption, noting that someone she met at the Pentagon laughed at her for believing what she read in the New York Times, leading her to search for information in different places and recognize that what the public is told isn't always what's actually happening. Heche stresses the importance of telling stories about military personnel who sacrifice their lives daily, arguing that these teams operating in 136 countries deserve recognition for their service above self.

Broadway legend and Emmy winner Kristen Chenoweth discusses her scene-stealing role as Lavinia Peck in NBC's mockumentary comedy "Trial & Error: Lady Killer" Season 2, where she plays a larger-than-life Southern first lady accused of murdering her husband after 40 years of living in Grey Gardens-type seclusion in her East Peck mansion. Chenoweth explains how she drew on her own Southern upbringing to bring authenticity to the character, noting that Lavinia has adopted the mannerisms and speech patterns of 1930s and 1940s movie stars and refuses to learn anyone's names, simply calling people "Lawyer," "Judge," and "Other person." She describes the creative freedom writer Jeff Astroff gave her through confessional scenes where she speaks directly to the camera, revealing both Lavinia's dramatic flair and her underlying sadness and loneliness.The four-foot-eleven actress discusses her transition from theater to television, emphasizing that she's always simply been an actor who doesn't distinguish between mediums but rather focuses on whether a role is compelling. Chenoweth reveals that the show is loosely based on Robert Durst and that she's been immersing herself in true crime documentaries like "The Jinx" and "Making a Murderer" to prepare for the role, noting her addiction to Investigation Discovery programming during sleepless nights. She expresses her goal of keeping audiences guessing throughout the season about whether Lavinia is a villain or beloved figure, guilty or innocent, while maintaining the show's satirical edge that pokes fun at the true crime documentary genre that has captivated television audiences.

MSNBC's Ari Melber joins Neil Haley to celebrate the one-year anniversary of "The Beat," reflecting on a tumultuous news year covering the Trump administration and discussing how his show has grown to attract 1.3 million nightly viewers—more than any show in the history of its timeslot and surpassing CNN's programming at 6 p.m. and later. Melber explains his unique approach to news programming, which combines breaking news coverage with deeper investigative reports and cultural segments, including recent interviews with both Jay Goldberg (Trump's former lawyer before Michael Cohen) and critics of the president, as well as Broadway star Daveed Diggs from Hamilton. He emphasizes his commitment to providing fair, objective, and thoughtful coverage regardless of viewers' political perspectives.The conversation takes a deep dive into education policy as Melber discusses his critical examination of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and her approach to running the Department of Education. Drawing on his own experience attending a magnet public school in Seattle that had both National Merit scholars and dealt with an on-campus shooting, Melber shares his nuanced understanding of how complex education issues are and why testing alone provides only a narrow slice of what's happening in schools. He and Neil debate the challenges of school choice, charter schools, and voucher programs, with Melber questioning DeVos's admission that she hasn't figured out how to visit and improve lower-performing schools, arguing that as Secretary of Education for America, she needs to be concerned about all schools, not just some of them.

In this important episode of the Total Celebrity Show on the Total Education Network, host Neil Haley sits down with NFL Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders and neurological expert Dr. Greg O'Shanick to discuss their advocacy campaign Tackle PBA, which aims to raise awareness about pseudobulbar affect (PBA)—a little-known neurological condition affecting approximately 2 million Americans, including many former football players. Dr. O'Shanick explains that PBA causes uncontrollable and unpredictable episodes of laughing and crying that are completely out of context with what the person is actually feeling or experiencing. Someone with PBA might laugh uncontrollably during a solemn church service or begin crying during a routine parent-teacher conference, leading to embarrassment, social isolation, and damaged relationships in both personal and professional settings. The condition occurs in individuals who have other chronic neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, concussions, strokes, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease, or Alzheimer's disease. Crucially, Dr. O'Shanick emphasizes that PBA is treatable and that people don't need to suffer in silence or feel stigmatized by their symptoms.Barry Sanders shares his personal connection to the cause through his work with the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, which conducted a survey revealing that one-third of former NFL players exhibit PBA-like symptoms. These findings deeply resonated with Sanders, as many of these players are men he competed with and against throughout his legendary career—athletes who gave everything to the game and deserve access to proper diagnosis and treatment. Dr. O'Shanick notes that family members are often the first to recognize PBA symptoms, as affected individuals may not fully grasp what's happening to them or may attribute their emotional outbursts to grief or sadness related to their primary condition. The Tackle PBA campaign encourages anyone experiencing these symptoms or concerned about a loved one to visit tacklepba.org, where they can take a self-assessment test and find resources for discussing the condition with their physician. Both Sanders and Dr. O'Shanick stress that awareness and education are critical first steps, as PBA has been understood medically for over 100 years but often goes undiagnosed simply because patients and healthcare providers aren't familiar with it. Sanders also reflects on his life after his remarkable football career, discussing how his platform has allowed him to engage in meaningful charity work and advocacy efforts like Tackle PBA while remaining a passionate fan of the game that gave him so many opportunities.

In this fascinating episode of Authors Corner on the Total Education Network, host Neil Haley welcomes cycling legend Greg LeMond and co-author Dr. Mark Hom to discuss their groundbreaking book "The Science of Fitness: Power, Performance and Endurance." Greg LeMond, the three-time Tour de France champion, teams up with Dr. Hom to explore the science behind athletic performance, recovery, and the crucial role of mitochondria in human energy production. Their collaboration brings together LeMond's decades of elite athletic experience with Dr. Hom's medical expertise to create a comprehensive guide that challenges conventional training wisdom.Dr. Mark Hom explains how his personal quest to understand exercise physiology at age fifty led him to focus on mitochondria—the cellular powerhouses that convert food and body fat into energy for muscles, heart, and brain. He reached out to Greg LeMond because the cycling champion's career uniquely encompassed both peak mitochondrial performance and the devastating effects of mitochondrial myopathy that forced his early retirement. LeMond's experience with lead poisoning and its impact on his mitochondria provides invaluable insights into the delicate balance required for optimal athletic performance and the dangers of overtraining.