Celebrity Interviews

Jay Underwood's career encompasses some of the most beloved films of the 1980s, from his breakout role as the non-speaking autistic title character in "The Boy Who Could Fly" to his memorable turn as the despised boyfriend Bud opposite John Candy in John Hughes' "Uncle Buck." Working with Hughes taught Jay the value of improvisation and creative freedom, as the legendary filmmaker would shoot the script first, then keep cameras rolling to let actors experiment and try different approaches. Those formative experiences working with comedy greats and visionary directors provided invaluable lessons about character development, storytelling, and connecting with audiences. Yet perhaps the most fascinating chapter of Jay's Hollywood story remained untold for 25 years: the mystery of Roger Corman's "The Fantastic Four," a completed film that never saw theatrical release despite generating buzz, magazine covers, and a scheduled premiere at the Mall of America.The new documentary "Doom: The Untold Story of Roger Corman's The Fantastic Four" finally reveals the elaborate rights scheme that doomed the production. A German producer needed to maintain Fantastic Four rights before they expired on December 31, 1993, so he funded Corman's million-dollar version simply to keep the rights and sell them to 20th Century Fox for substantial profit. The actors, believing they were creating their breakthrough opportunity, stayed faithful to the comic book characters only to have the film pulled weeks before premiere. Now serving as a full-time pastor in Northern California's mountains, Jay has discovered how his acting skills translate beautifully to ministry—his storytelling ability, understanding of human nature, and animated preaching style all stem from years studying characters and connecting with audiences. His journey from Hollywood to the pulpit reflects a man who followed his evolving faith, declined scripts that conflicted with his values, and found that God had been preparing him for ministry all along, weaving together past and present in unexpected and meaningful ways.

After 13 years of dedicated work and self-funding, Shelley Morrison (beloved for her role as Rosario on Will and Grace) and her husband Walter Dominguez are finally premiering their documentary "Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery" at Pasadena's Laemmle Playhouse Seven Theaters. The film chronicles Walter's personal quest to uncover his grandfather's involvement in the Mexican Revolution and find family members lost for nearly a century. What began as a family history project evolved into a powerful educational tool that examines one of history's most violent revolutions, where one in five Mexicans died between 1910 and 1920. The documentary explores how this conflict drove waves of refugees northward, fundamentally shaping the cultural landscape of the American Southwest and creating immigration patterns that continue to influence policy debates today.The couple's 41-year marriage has been strengthened through this collaborative journey, with Shelley serving as executive producer and learning technical skills while in her late seventies. Early screenings have generated remarkable responses, with young people expressing newfound desire to interview their elders and history teachers incorporating the film into curricula. Shelley's activism extends beyond the documentary, having successfully campaigned to save a historic church in downtown Los Angeles that Walter's grandfather helped establish in 1911. Their grassroots approach prioritizes making the film accessible to educators and community groups, believing that connecting personal family histories with broader historical contexts makes learning compelling and relevant. The documentary proves that understanding our shared past provides wisdom for navigating present challenges, from immigration crises to questions of cultural identity and preservation.

In this heartfelt conversation, actor and comedian Ken Jeong joins The Neil Haley Show to discuss the final season of his ABC sitcom "Dr. Ken," calling it "the greatest year of my career." Jeong opens up about the bittersweet experience of taping the show's final episode and shares insights into his favorite episode of the season, where his character Ken takes his TV daughter Molly and her friends to an M-3 concert in an attempt to reconnect as she pulls away during her teenage years. The episode resonates deeply with Jeong, who has twin daughters of his own approaching similar ages, and he describes feeling genuine emotional pain during scenes where his TV daughter, brilliantly played by Krista Marie Yu, wants him to go away. Jeong also discusses the joy of bringing friends from his previous series Community onto Dr. Ken, as well as working with comedy heroes like Jeffrey Ross, creating a true family atmosphere on set that exemplifies what family comedy is all about.The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as Jeong and host Neil Haley explore the universal challenges fathers face when connecting with their daughters, particularly during the tumultuous teenage years. Jeong reflects on how fathers instinctively treat daughters differently than sons, often overcompensating or becoming control freaks in ways that create more problems than solutions. He draws a crucial distinction between his real-life personality and his TV character Ken Park, noting that while he has self-awareness that allows him to check his controlling tendencies, his character lacks any self-awareness whatsoever, leading to comedic but relatable family conflicts. The discussion touches on the show's authentic portrayal of father-daughter relationships and how men often struggle with the need to "fix" problems rather than simply being present for the emotional journey, offering both laughs and genuine wisdom for parents navigating these challenging but precious years.

Kate Flannery, beloved for her unforgettable portrayal of Meredith Palmer on "The Office," joins the show to discuss her latest role as Principal Saperstein in Hulu's new comedy series "All Night." The unique premise features an entire season taking place during one graduation night at a high school, where students are locked in for their grad night dance without their phones, forced to navigate their final hours together before moving on to the next phase of life. Flannery describes her character as "the human buzzkill," tasked with the impossible job of controlling hormonal teenagers who don't want to listen, while working alongside talented young actors including former Disney Channel stars and Ali Grant from "Suburgatory." She reveals that maintaining continuity throughout the single-night timeline meant the cast couldn't gain an ounce of weight during filming, and fans have already begun binge-watching the series since its recent Hulu release.Beyond her new series, Flannery answers a fan-submitted question about where Meredith Palmer would be five years after "The Office" documentary, playfully suggesting she'd be "four and a half years sober" before joking that Meredith would likely still be drinking, partying, and working at Dunder Mifflin as long as they'd have her—possibly even in a relationship with the guy she was dancing with at Phyllis and Bob Vance's wedding. She also confirms the behind-the-scenes secret that yes, she really did lick hand sanitizer on the show, though it was specially made with clear gelatin and club soda rather than actual sanitizer. Flannery discusses her other recent roles, including the beloved crossing guard Sandy on "American Housewife" (with hints she may return) and Mean Marge on "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," humorously imagining that if all three characters met, "a fist fight would break out" and "television as we know it would never be the same." She also promotes her ongoing Christmas tour with Jane Lynch and their album "A Swingin' Little Christmas," featuring ten classic carols and five original songs, with upcoming performances at the Carlisle Hotel in New York City and Pittsburgh in early December.

Former NFL first-round draft pick and University of Miami legend Randall Hill joins the show to share his remarkable journey from professional football to a distinguished 20-year career in federal law enforcement. Hill, who played seven seasons in the NFL and won two national championships with the Hurricanes, offers a candid look at how he successfully transitioned from the gridiron to becoming a criminal investigator, proving that life after sports can be just as impactful as playing days.Hill credits his parents, both educators, and legendary coach Jimmy Johnson for instilling the discipline and focus on education that prepared him for success beyond football. His connection to law enforcement began during his playing days when he spoke at the FBI Miami Field Office in the mid-1990s, leading to a conversation with former FBI Deputy Director Paul Phillip that would chart the course for his second career. After retiring from the NFL, Hill spent just two months away before joining the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, then quickly moved to federal service with U.S. Customs in 2003, where he served until his recent retirement in December 2024.

Professional dancer Sharna Burgess joins The Neil Haley Show to discuss her recovery from a serious knee injury sustained during Dancing with the Stars dress rehearsal. In a candid conversation, Burgess explains how a seemingly minor wardrobe malfunction—an overly long skirt—led to a grade two MCL tear when she stepped on the fabric and her knee bent unnaturally. The injury is particularly significant given her medical history: 16 years earlier, she suffered an ACL tear that she danced on too soon, ultimately rupturing it completely. This painful lesson has informed her current decision-making process about when to return to the competition floor. Burgess shares that former dance partner and Pittsburgh Steelers player Antonio Brown reached out with support, physical therapy recommendations, and encouragement to prioritize her health, demonstrating the lasting friendships formed through the show.Despite being sidelined from performing, Burgess remains deeply involved with her celebrity partner James, serving as his choreographer and teacher while a replacement partner handles the on-floor dancing duties. She expresses complete confidence in James's talent and work ethic, predicting he'll reach the finals and deserves to be there. Burgess emphasizes that her true passion lies in creating choreography and telling stories through dance, making each day at work a pleasure despite the occasional creative blocks. She acknowledges the difficult balance between her desire to return immediately and the necessity of protecting her long-term career—rushing back could sideline her for six months, affecting not only the current season but potentially the next one as well. Looking ahead, Burgess discusses the upcoming Dancing with the Stars Live tour launching immediately after the season concludes, which she describes as refreshing and liberating since it features professional dancers performing without judges, celebrities, or teaching responsibilities. Fans can follow her journey at @SharnaBurgess on social media and visit dwtslive.com for tour information.

In this captivating conversation, host Neil Haley welcomes Tami Stronach, the actress who captured hearts worldwide as the Childlike Empress in the 1984 fantasy classic The NeverEnding Story. Stronach shares the remarkable story of how a chance encounter with a casting agent at her San Francisco acting class led to three auditions across two continents, ultimately landing her the iconic role at just 10 years old. She opens up about the intense filming experience at Bavaria Studios in Germany, working with director Wolfgang Petersen, and how the grueling but magical shoot instilled in her a lifelong love of fantasy storytelling. Despite the film's massive success and her memorable performance, Stronach reveals the thoughtful family decision to walk away from Hollywood as a child, turning down scripts that didn't align with her values, including some that contained violence and nudity inappropriate for an 11-year-old.Now, decades later, Stronach has come full circle in her creative journey. After dedicating 20 years to professional dance in New York City, performing with various companies, running her own dance troupe, teaching at Marymount Manhattan College, and acting in theater productions, she has launched Paper Canoe Company with her husband. This family entertainment venture creates shows, concerts, and content that echo the whimsical spirit of The NeverEnding Story while involving their daughter Maya in the creative process. Stronach discusses her recent return to the public eye through comic conventions and social media (Twitter: @NeverEndingTammy), expressing genuine surprise and gratitude that fans continue to cherish the film and encourage her to return to screen acting. She reflects on how fantasy stories help us process difficult realities, the formative impact of childhood experiences, and her excitement about potentially exploring film acting again after focusing on live performance for so many years.

Host Neil Haley sits down with Grammy Award-winning country music and southern rock legend Charlie Daniels for an intimate conversation about his iconic career, his surprise mega-hit "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," and what keeps him performing after more than fifty years in the business. Charlie candidly admits he had no idea his 1979 recording would become the phenomenon it did, explaining that you simply can't manufacture or predict that kind of success—you just take your God-given talent and go for it. He shares his amazement that the song still remains the biggest crowd-pleaser at his concerts and continues to receive regular radio airplay decades later, with the fastest chart climb of any record in his career when it was released. What surprises Charlie most is the song's global reach, noting it's become a massive hit even in countries where English isn't the primary language, and that teenagers who have never heard of him instantly recognize "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" when asked about it.Charlie reveals what truly drives him to continue touring and performing at such a high level: a genuine, deep love for entertaining people and walking on stage. After devoting over fifty years to mastering his craft, he explains that performing is one of the few times in his life when he truly feels like he knows what he's doing. He discusses his recent projects, including "Don't Get No Better Than That," a song written specifically for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo that captures the excitement of Las Vegas during rodeo season and celebrates cowboys working all year for their shot at the big time. Charlie also shares the story behind his live album recorded at Billy Bob's Texas, part of a series featuring artists like Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson, praising the venue's incredible atmosphere where audiences arrive ready to party. In a humorous moment, he reveals his unconventional relationship with the fiddle, admitting he's entirely self-taught, never had a lesson, can't read music, and does everything technically "wrong"—but it works perfectly for his signature style, warning aspiring players not to copy his technique or they'll drive their violin teachers crazy.

Host Neil Haley welcomes Spanx founder and Shark Tank guest shark Sara Blakely for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, innovation, and staying connected to your purpose. Sara shares her remarkable journey of starting Spanx with just five thousand dollars from her Atlanta apartment without any formal business training, explaining how this experience allows her to deeply relate to the entrepreneurs pitching on Shark Tank who are betting everything on their dreams. She discusses the unique dynamics of sitting between sharks Kevin O'Leary and Mark Cuban, noting how their numbers-driven, deal-focused approach contrasted with her emphasis on understanding each entrepreneur's "why" and purpose behind their venture. Sara reveals that after seventeen years in business, she attributes her sustained success to remaining connected to the purpose behind each product she creates, rather than getting lost in metrics alone.Sara introduces her philosophy of "finding the white space" in the market and emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurs articulating why they're different from every other option available. She advises aspiring business owners to sell the problem they're solving rather than just the product itself, explaining that if you can clearly define the problem, present your solution, and demonstrate why you're the best option, investors will be all in. Sara also unveils her latest invention, Arm Tights, addressing a gap she noticed in her own closet where sleeveless dresses and tops couldn't be worn during fall and winter months. The innovative crop top made from tights material provides arm coverage while maintaining a sleek silhouette, allowing women to transform sleeveless pieces into long-sleeve looks. As a mother of four children under eight, Sara shares how she balances her roles as an inventor, CEO, and parent, offering authentic glimpses into her struggles, triumphs, and the real challenges of being a working woman through her Instagram presence at Sara Blakely and Spanx.com.

Kerry Frances joins the show to discuss her role in Netflix's latest blockbuster "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," revealing an extraordinary career story that most actors only dream about. Both her role as Tammy the morgue girl in this third Knives Out installment and her original role as Sally (Frank Oz's assistant) in the 2019 film were written specifically for her by writer-director Ryan Johnson and offered directly—no auditions required. Kerry shares the surreal experience of her very first movie being a major theatrical release that became a cultural phenomenon, and the hilarious moment when she admitted to Ryan that she didn't know who Frank Oz was, leading to a friendship with the legendary puppeteer and director. She discusses working with an all-star ensemble cast including Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Kerry Washington, Daniel Craig, and Josh O'Connor (with whom she discovered she shares a birthday), and praises the intelligent writing that refuses to dumb down content for audiences.Beyond her acting success, Kerry is launching her career as a writer, director, and producer with remarkable momentum. Her first short film recently won her Best Actor at an Oscar-qualifying festival (Holly Shorts), and she's currently in meetings shopping five feature scripts and two pilots to studios and networks. Kerry discusses the current state of television, expressing her belief that we'll see a resurgence of 22-24 episode seasons and sitcoms following economic patterns, and shares her theory that sitcoms typically emerge near the end of recessions. She also reveals her music career, having placed an original song in her recent rom-com "Us and Ourselves" and released a Christmas single, both available on streaming platforms. As a self-described "business-minded opportunist storyteller," Kerry is navigating Hollywood without a traditional talent agent or manager, relying on the relationships she's built and the quality of her work. Her final wisdom: "You've got to be on your own team. You have to be your biggest cheerleader" and do the inner work—therapy, somatic healing, and building a strong foundation—to show up as your best self and make your dreams come true.

Thaao Penghlis, the beloved actor with an incredible 44-year tenure on Days of Our Lives, joins the show to discuss his latest passion project—a three-part podcast series called "The Great Escape" available on Spotify and Amazon. Drawing from his nine journeys to Egypt over the years, Thaao shares the profound spiritual experiences that inspired this immersive audio drama about the Holy Family's escape into Egypt and the journey of the three wise men from Persia. The conversation delves into his transformative climb up Mount Sinai, where a monk living in a small church at the summit told him something that changed his perspective forever: "When you walk the path, you keep it alive." This philosophy has guided Thaao's approach to storytelling and his dedication to bringing historical and spiritual narratives to life through his work.Thaao reveals the meticulous research behind the podcast, including his two-week journey visiting eight sacred spaces throughout Egypt and staying overnight at each location to truly absorb their significance. He uncovers fascinating historical details that challenge common assumptions about the nativity story—such as why Herod's massacre of the innocents targeted children under two years old (because the wise men didn't arrive until Christ was nearly two). The actor discusses how Christianity came to Egypt through the Coptic religion, his discovery of the Church of the Palm (named for Christ child's handprint, not palm trees), and recently excavated areas of ancient Heliopolis featured in National Geographic. Beyond the podcast, Thaao reflects on his extraordinary longevity in the entertainment industry, the importance of chemistry on set, playing two characters on Days of Our Lives to keep his work multidimensional, and his life philosophy centered on "the gift of giving" rather than hoarding—a mindset that has brought him riches in life experiences and fulfillment.

Bruce Buffer, the iconic voice of the UFC known worldwide for his electrifying "It's Time!" announcement, shares his extraordinary story with host Neil Haley and co-host Caregiver Dave. Buffer reveals how he discovered at age 28 that boxing announcer Michael Buffer—famous for "Let's Get Ready to Rumble"—was his long-lost half-brother, and how four years later he became Michael's manager and business partner, trademarking the phrase and building an empire around it. After running numerous successful companies as "the Wolf of LA" in telemarketing, Buffer found his true calling at age 37 when he became the UFC's announcer, the same age Michael was when he started. He explains his philosophy of BSC (Balls, Skill, and Confidence), emphasizing that entrepreneurs must monetize their passion to live a lifestyle rather than just work a job, and shares how he wakes up every day reminding himself "it's time to have the best day possible."Buffer discusses his journey from cold-calling the UFC in its early days to becoming an integral part of building the world's fastest-growing sport into a $4.2 billion franchise. He recounts how he convinced Fox to air the first live UFC fight on network television, got fighters on Jay Leno and the Today Show, and created his own distinctive announcing style rather than copying his legendary brother. The conversation takes a touching turn as Buffer shares his caregiving experiences with his 92-year-old mother, whose collapsed lung doctors said would never recover but did thanks to his refusal to give up, and his late father, a Marine veteran who taught him to project his voice and stand tall. Buffer also reveals his latest ventures, including Puncher's Chance bourbon—a premium Kentucky bourbon with a bottle designed in France—and his upcoming cologne and energy product lines, demonstrating that at 63, he remains as entrepreneurial and passionate as ever.

NHL legend Bernie Nicholls takes host Neil Haley on a journey through his remarkable hockey career, from growing up in a tiny Canadian town of 75 people to scoring 70 goals in a single season and playing alongside the greatest hockey player of all time. Nicholls discusses how he broke the LA Kings' goal-scoring record the same year Wayne Gretzky joined the team, and how "The Great One's" arrival transformed not only the Kings franchise but hockey in California, leading to sold-out arenas and the creation of the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks. He explains the concept of how great players see the ice differently—how the game "slows down" for elite athletes with exceptional vision and hockey sense, a gift that cannot be taught but separates superstars from merely talented players.Nicholls reflects on his nine years with the Kings, experiencing the dramatic culture shock of moving from rural Canada to Los Angeles with palm trees and 70-degree weather, and later playing for the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, and New Jersey Devils. He reached the conference finals four times but never won a Stanley Cup as a player, though he found redemption as a coach with the 2012 champion LA Kings. Throughout the conversation, Nicholls emphasizes hockey as the ultimate team sport where selfishness has no place, and discusses his current work on changing California's constitution to create a new sports economy, his passion for hunting, and his desire to be remembered as someone who competed with passion, worked hard every night, and truly loved the game. This episode offers rare insights into the mind of a hockey great and the golden era when Gretzky brought hockey fever to Southern California.

New York Times bestselling author and former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino sits down with host Neil Haley to discuss his book "The Fight: A Secret Service Agent's Inside Account of Security Failings and the Political Machine." Bongino opens up about the shocking 2014 White House fence-jumping incident, explaining how bureaucratic dysfunction allowed a security failure that everyone in the Secret Service knew existed for decades to continue unchanged. He provides a rare insider's perspective on how government agencies are managed and why the same bureaucratic problems plague everything from presidential security to social security and anti-poverty programs, while also highlighting what the Secret Service does right in protecting the most threatened person on earth.In this candid conversation, Bongino discusses the unique challenge of serving as a lead agent on President Obama's detail while holding conservative Republican political views. He explains how he maintained absolute professionalism despite political differences, even transferring to the Baltimore field office for six months before leaving the agency to avoid any appearance of impropriety. Bongino emphasizes the importance of separating personal respect from political disagreement, sharing stories from his congressional campaign where he knocked on 7,000 doors and learned that treating people with dignity—regardless of party affiliation—is essential for productive dialogue. This episode offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of presidential protection and the personal journey of a man who left a prestigious career to fight for his political beliefs while maintaining respect for those he once protected.

Burt Ward, television's original Robin from the legendary 1960s Batman series, joins host Neil Haley to discuss the 50th anniversary of the iconic show and his remarkable journey from crimefighter to animal lifesaver. Ward reveals that he and Adam West have been submitted to the Guinness Book of Records as the only two actors in history to work together 50 years after their original collaboration, and teases an exciting new project with the Dynamic Duo coming later this year. However, the heart of this conversation focuses on Ward's true passion: Gentle Giants Rescue, the organization he founded with his wife 22 years ago that has saved over 15,500 dogs from euthanasia.Ward shares his groundbreaking discovery of how to double the lifespan of dogs through proper nutrition and care, with 24 of his current dogs living between 15 and 26 years old—giant breeds that typically only live seven to nine years. With 50 or more dogs living in his home at all times, Ward discusses the development of Gentle Giants dog food, now available at Walmart and Amazon, emphasizing that he takes no profit from sales and that every bag includes a phone number for free veterinary and behavioral advice. This inspiring episode showcases how Ward has channeled his celebrity into a mission that gives families more precious years with their beloved pets, helping children avoid learning about death at a young age and allowing dogs to live healthy lives well into their twenties.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Emerson Martin joins the Neil Haley Show to share his unconventional path to the NFL and his current success transforming Delaware State University's football program. Martin discusses his decision to attend Hampton University over major Division I programs, prioritizing education with his mathematics degree over football glamor in an era when the NFL wasn't the lucrative career it is today. He provides fascinating insights into Super Bowl XXX, suggesting quarterback Neil O'Donnell's two critical interceptions to the Cowboys may not have been accidental, noting how the Steelers dominated Dallas that day—holding Emmitt Smith under 50 yards—but lost due to those two plays. Martin's reflections on the unique family atmosphere of the Steelers organization under the Rooney family reveal why so many players maintain lifelong connections to Pittsburgh.Now serving as offensive line coach at Delaware State, Martin explains his coaching philosophy rooted in mathematics and geometry, viewing football through calculated angles and strategic positioning. His impact has been immediate and dramatic—transforming a program that won only eight games in four years into an eight-win season in his first year. Martin discusses navigating the transfer portal era, losing talented players to Power Five schools while using his NFL coaching experience and extensive relationships to attract new talent. His previous work with Players and Pros placed over 200 students in colleges nationwide, demonstrating his commitment to mentorship beyond the field. Martin's journey from Kansas City Chiefs rookie to Pittsburgh Steeler, including a memorable conversation with Terry Bradshaw that provided life-changing encouragement, showcases the power of relationships in building both playing and coaching careers.

Tim Smith from Discovery Channel's "Moonshiners" reveals the incredible true story of how he became the face of modern moonshining on national television—and how he manages to stay out of jail while doing it. After a producer from McGill Entertainment showed up at his house looking for his father (who refused to participate and later passed away), Tim called back two months later and offered to show them the 300-year tradition that helped build America. He explains the fundamental economics of moonshining: no taxes, customized products tailored to established customers, and pure profit margins that legal distilleries can't match. Unlike legal alcohol sitting on shelves relying on "pretty labels," moonshine is sold through pre-existing relationships where the product is already contracted before it's even made. Tim has never been arrested despite being on television because he follows one simple rule—only show where you were, never where you are or will be.The interview takes fascinating turns as Tim reveals the extreme measures he takes to maintain his secrecy while starring in a reality show. He uses alias names, has no social media presence, no internet connection, and had to drive 12 miles just to get cell service for this interview. Tim explains how moonshining falls under multiple jurisdictions—local, state, federal, and specialized agencies like the ATF—but law enforcement can only arrest you in the act of committing a crime, not for what you did last year in a different location. He dismisses concerns about the IRS with a wry observation about accountability and knowing who you are, suggesting his hidden lifestyle protects him even while appearing on television. Tim's operation continues a legacy passed down from his father, serving customers who have been buying for years in a cash business that exists entirely outside the system—proving that in America, some traditions are impossible to regulate away.

Actress Melissa Roxburgh joins The Neil Haley Show to discuss the highly anticipated second season of her gripping thriller series about hunting serial killers who are secretly imprisoned rather than executed. Melissa reveals what makes the show so binge-worthy—the perfect balance of gore, personal drama, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, with each episode containing its own subplots while building toward bigger revelations. She discusses the major cliffhangers from season one that get resolved, including what happens to the poisoned character Odell and the shocking discovery that Lazarus herself was a serial killer, evidenced by a barcode found on the bottom of her foot. The actress shares her genuine fascination with criminology, explaining how she once considered becoming a criminologist before finding a way to scratch that itch through acting in crime dramas.Beyond the show's intense subject matter, Melissa opens up about the incredible cast chemistry that makes coming to work feel like hanging out with a big friend group. She describes how the ensemble has developed an intuitive understanding of each other—knowing when someone needs space to sleep or a hug on a tough day, and regularly spending time together off set. Melissa also reflects on her transition from the long-running series Manifest to this new project, discussing how the "weirder and wackier" serial killers this season offer true crime and murder podcast fans exactly what they're looking for. With criminology courses under her belt and a deep interest in understanding the minds of killers, Melissa brings genuine passion to her role in a show that asks the provocative question: what if there really is a secret place where captured serial killers are kept alive?

Jane Seymour discusses her remarkable career spanning from playing Maria Callas to her iconic role as Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman—which still airs in 98 countries globally—while promoting her groundbreaking Playboy spread and Pop TV's comedy series "Let's Get Physical." Jane reflects on her most challenging roles, explaining that playing Callas was particularly difficult because actual footage existed for comparison and she had to convincingly portray an opera singer. She shares how her parents' World War II experiences (her mother in an internment camp, her father opening the gates of Bergen-Belsen) made "War and Remembrance" deeply meaningful, while "Somewhere in Time" remains her quintessential romance and "East of Eden" stands as a classic achievement alongside 160-170 hours of beautifully written Dr. Quinn episodes.The legendary actress passionately advocates that women aren't "dead at 40 or 50" and emphasizes that sensuality comes from within—from feeling comfortable in your own skin without resorting to permanent surgeries. In "Let's Get Physical," Jane plays Janet Force, who inherits her late husband's 1980s aerobics empire after he created the fitness craze that Jane Fonda later popularized. She must revive the old-fashioned business while competing with modern metrics-driven fitness technology and convince her son—a failed aerobics star turned overweight rock musician with substance abuse issues—to win the National Aerobics Championship against his old nemesis Barry Cross. Beyond acting, Jane reveals her incredibly busy schedule managing 14 different design businesses including furniture, jewelry, and her Open Hearts collection, writing books, conducting art shows throughout Florida, and running the Open Hearts Foundation that accelerates smaller nonprofits, all while maintaining an active Instagram presence where she posts daily updates about her multifaceted life.

Mario Van Peebles brings his signature charisma to discussing Syfy's "Superstition," where he serves as director, writer, producer, and actor in a Gothic Americana series that explores the rich tapestry of American supernatural folklore. Drawing from his upbringing in the Van Peebles independent film family business—which he compares to growing up on a family farm where you learn every aspect of the operation—Mario explains how working with Clint Eastwood on "Heartbreak Ridge" reinforced the value of understanding all aspects of filmmaking. He dismisses the notion that his diverse recognition across demographics (from military fans of "Heartbreak Ridge" to brothers who loved "New Jack City" to Broadway audiences) means different things, noting with humor that people who've seen his "early porn work" are disappointed—though he's kidding about that last part.Mario's vision for "Superstition" goes beyond typical monster-of-the-week storytelling, focusing on a loving family running the Hastings Funeral Home while battling infernal demons emerging as humanity damages the planet. He emphasizes incorporating the wisdom his father Melvin Van Peebles passed down, like "luck is preparation meets opportunity" and "it's not the stuff you face that defines you, it's how you face it that reveals you." Working alongside his daughter Morgana (who plays his granddaughter and enjoys calling him "grandpa" to his annoyance) and featuring a diverse cast representing white, Black, straight, and gay characters, the show forces audiences to embrace and learn from the human family that is America. Mario admits he avoids superstitions generally but confesses to recently disposing of his day-of-the-week socks after mixing up Thursday and Friday pairs felt like bad luck, and he definitely wasn't walking under a ladder on Friday the 13th while filming.