Ira's Everything Bagel

Authors, WAIL: The Visual Language of Prestige Records This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira talks with Chris Entwisle and Mark Havens, longtime friends, designers, and authors of WAIL: The Visual Language of Prestige Records—a new book that celebrates the look, feel, and soul of one of jazz’s most influential labels. Watch Full Podcast Video Chris and Mark share the story of how their curiosity about Rudy Van Gelder’s legendary Hackensack studio led them down a musical rabbit hole—uncovering the artistry behind Prestige Records from 1949 to 1960. Along the way, they tracked down elusive first-edition album covers, connected with people who helped shape the label, and discovered how visual design and music fused into one bold creative movement. They also reflect on the magic of Prestige founder Bob Weinstock’s informal recording sessions, the artists who designed covers with the same improvisational spirit as the musicians inside, and why the label’s visual identity remains a touchstone for jazz lovers and designers alike. It’s a conversation that celebrates not just the sound of jazz—but the look of it. Chris Entwisle is an artist and illustrator. For more than 30 years, Chris has used his passion for both jazz and post-war graphic design in his illustration work. He has a BA in Graphic Design from Rutgers University. Chris and his wife live in the Philadelphia area. Mark Havens is an educator, designer and artist with a dual background in graphic and industrial design. Havens’ work has been exhibited internationally and is held in both private and public collections. His first major monograph, Out of Season, was described by the New York Times as “a decade-long elegy.” He is a professor of Industrial Design at Thomas Jefferson University.  Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, Victim #8 (A Luke Steele Novel) This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with bestselling author and former CIA officer Traci Hunter Abramson, whose latest thriller, Victim #8 (A Luke Steele Novel), dives deep into the world of high-stakes intrigue. Watch Full Podcast Video Traci shares how she dreamed up her action-driven hero, Luke Steele—a military aide to the president—and his sharp FBI analyst counterpart. She also reveals her unusual writing habits (yes, she actually writes on a treadmill), why her characters sometimes wake her at 4 a.m., and how she manages to complete three to four novels a year. From a childhood spent creating stories in bed to a career in intelligence that gave her a real-world foundation for fiction, Traci’s journey is as fascinating as her plots. She opens up about her lifelong secrecy agreement with the CIA, her early journaling habit, her ability to multitask at a professional level, and what it’s like to be both a writer and an extrovert. Traci Hunter Abramson, a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer, was born in Arizona and later studied abroad in Venezuela. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the CIA for six years before leaving to raise her family. She credits the agency with providing her with a wealth of ideas for her thriller novels and the skills needed to navigate her children’s teenage years.  Traci has written more than 45 bestselling novels and has received multiple awards, including the 2025 Silver Falchion Judges’ Top Pick – Thriller, the 2024 Whitney Award – Outstanding Achievement Winner, 2022 Rone award finalist, 2021 Swoony Award for Best Mystery/Suspense Romance, and is a ten-time Whitney Award winner, including Best Novel of the Year in 2017 and 2019. Recently retired from coaching high school swimming for twenty-six years, she enjoys traveling and spending her time as a popular writing instructor, keynote speaker, panelist, and attendee at conferences, including Bouchercon, Killer Nashville, Thrillerfest, and ALA. Traci Hunter Abramson                      Website Traci Hunter Abramson                      Facebook Traci Hunter Abramson                      Instagram Traci Hunter Abramson                      X Watch the full Podcast Video

Return of ‘Up All Night’ Ira sits down with the one and only Rhonda Shear—comedian, actress, entrepreneur, former Miss Louisiana, and the unforgettable hostess of USA Network’s cult-classic late-night showcase, Up All Night. After nearly a decade of shaping the midnight movie experience from 1989 to 1998, Up All Night is making its long-awaited comeback, premiering October 25 on Kings of Horror, a YouTube streaming powerhouse with more than 1.5 million subscribers and a massive community of horror fanatics. Watch Full Podcast Video In this episode, Rhonda takes us on a full-circle journey— *From being cast on “Happy Days” and chasing sitcom dreams in Los Angeles *To crafting her hilarious on-screen persona when Up All Night found her *To building a wildly successful intimate apparel empire (yes, the Rhonda Shear brand!) *To going to college before Hollywood ever came calling *To rediscovering love after 40 She also shares how the revival came to life through a new collaboration with Kings of Horror, a channel known for its “blood-curdling family of horror enthusiasts” curating indie gems, cult classics, fresh releases, and fan-fueled marathons—all 14,000 titles deep. Now, Rhonda’s bringing back the laughter—this time with comedy that’s fun, fearless, and refreshingly un-political. She reveals the Hollywood mentors who shaped her journey, how she’s booking directors and actors from the very films she features, and why this reboot isn’t just nostalgic—it’s personal. If you loved staying up late with Rhonda the first time around… you’re going to love her even more now. The late-night hostess with the mostess! For 8 years and more than 450 episodes of USA’s Up All Night, Rhonda Shear kept America UP every Friday with outrageous comedy, over-the-top characters, and campy fun. Known for her big hair, quick wit, and playful style, she introduced a generation to horror, B-movies, and late-night laughs.  In 2017, Rhonda came out with memoir Up All Night: From Hollywood Bombshell to Lingerie Mogul, Life Lessons from an Accidental Feminist. Rhonda Shear             Website Rhonda Shear             Facebook Rhonda Shear             Instagram Rhonda Shear             X Rhonda Shear             YouTube Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, Selected Misdemeanors: Essays at the Mercy of the Reader This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel, Ira sits down with acclaimed author Sue William Silverman to dive into her new book, Selected Misdemeanors: Essays at the Mercy of the Reader. Sue explores the art of the flash essay—short pieces that deliver big emotional punch. Watch Full Podcast Video She shares why she chose to write 71 compact yet deeply resonant essays, and how transforming her life into art helps her make sense of it. Sue opens up about her “upside-down” sister, her love of metaphor as a universal language, and the difference between sharing intimacy on the page versus in person. They also talk about the healing power of writing, how she encourages her students to discover their authentic voices, and the importance of emotional truth in creative nonfiction. And yes, there’s room for humor too—as Sue reveals her father-figure fascination with Pat Boone and her “addiction” to Barry Manilow as a kind of higher power. It’s a lively, revealing, and richly layered conversation about art, memory, and the flashes of insight that illuminate a writer’s life. Sue William Silverman is an award-winning author known for her fearless explorations of trauma, identity, and personal transformation. She co-chairs the MFA in Writing Program at Vermont College of Fine Arts and has appeared on The View, Anderson Cooper 360, and PBS Books. Sue William Silverman    Website Sue William Silverman    Facebook Sue William Silverman    Instagram Sue William Silverman    X Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, An Awesome Bird: The Pelican This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira chats with Rusty Austin — a veteran reality television producer with more than three decades behind the camera and now, the author of An Awesome Bird: The Pelican. Watch Full Podcast Video Rusty shares how he made the leap from shaping unscripted TV hits like Hell’s Kitchen — one of the toughest shows he ever tackled — to writing playful, poetic stories for kids. A lifelong storyteller who started making movies in eighth grade, Rusty now blends clever rhymes, parenting wisdom, and fascinating animal facts, all brought to life with illustrations from middle school students. He talks about how posting short poems on Facebook led to a book series that inspires creativity in children, complete with a hands-on “do-it-yourself” section for young readers. From elephants to pelicans, Rusty Austin proves that whether on screen or on the page, the story always comes first. <b>(Also Watch Full Podcast Video)</b> Rusty Austin was a reality television show producer for more than three decades and now is the author of six published books, including an illustrated children’s book series. His books include: Baseball’s Unlikely: A Constant; Dave and Me (a memoir); and four children’s books: The Carrot IsOrange, The Unicorn Has One Horn, Beware The Grizzly Bear, and An Awesome Bird: The Pelican. Rusty broke into Hollywood as a freelance electrician on dozens of movies, including Terminator 2. After a few years, he decided to give up movies because everything in the lighting and grip department weighs no less than 50 pounds. Rusty then spent 35 years as a freelance reality television producer until he retired in 2018. He worked onHell’s Kitchen for 16 seasons, his final show. His first show was Real Stories of the Highway Patrol. Along the way, he worked on Big Brother, Survivor, Nanny 911, COPS, and others. He graduated from UCLA Film School with a degree in film and television. Rusty grew up in Littleton, Colorado, but was born in Sidney, Nebraska. He now resides in Rancho Mirage, California. Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, The Betrayal This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sat down with Heather Ogden, the young author behind The Betrayal (the first in a planned series of The Lies We Fear). Heather shares how her debut novel—born from a spark she felt in high school after reading Orwell’s 1984—grew into the first installment of a bold new series. Watch Full Podcast Video In this conversation, Heather reveals how she convinced a publisher to take a chance on her story, why magic fascinates her, and how she balances world-building, action, and complex characters with the demands of school and everyday life. She talks about the challenges of writing difficult characters, drawing inspiration from psychology research, and weaving pieces of herself into every character so readers of her generation can see themselves in the story. Heather also opens up about her creative journey—from dreaming of being a YouTuber to embracing her mother’s encouragement that her true gift was writing. With The Betrayal, she blends intrigue, mystery, and a touch of the fantastical into a gripping tale of a young girl uncovering her father’s betrayal and rewriting history itself. It’s a story crafted for entertainment, but one that leaves readers thinking long after the last page. Heather Ogden is a novelist with a passion for fantasy and magical realism. Her debut novel, The Betrayal, combines her fascination with mysterious magic and her love of storytelling. A lifelong reader and storyteller, Heather spent years crafting this book to take readers on a journey through twists, secrets, and the resilience of the human spirit. Heather resides in Tennessee, where she can often be found exploring local bookstores, gathering inspiration for her next story. The Lies We Fear       Website Heather Ogden            Instagram Heather Ogden            X Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, High Hopes Resilience, Rock ’n’ Roll, and a Second Act at 59. This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel, Ira sits down with Anne Abel, author of High Hopes—a memoir that proves it’s never too late to rewrite your story. After decades of battling severe depression and growing up in a home where music and fun were off-limits, Anne made a life-altering decision at age 59: to attend her very first concert. The artist? Bruce Springsteen. Watch Full Podcast Video What began as one night out became a transformational journey. From the raw energy of Springsteen’s performances that made her feel alive, to the discipline and structure she found in following the tour, Anne discovered a new way forward. She shares how storytelling, resilience, and sheer determination helped her not just survive—but thrive. It’s a conversation about courage, unexpected second acts, and the healing power of music. Anne Abel’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to find joy, purpose, and a reason to keep going. Anne Abel is an author, storyteller, and influencer. Her first memoir, Mattie, Milo, and Me (2024), about unwittingly rescuing an aggressive dog, was inspired by her Moth StorySLAM win in New York City. The current memoir, High Hopes, was inspired by her Moth StorySLAM win in Chicago. In January 2025, Anne was featured in Newsweek’s, “Boomer’s Story About How She Met Her Husband of 45 Years Captivates Internet.” She holds an MFA from the New School for Social Research, an MBA from the University of Chicago, and a BS in chemical engineering from Tufts University. Anne has freelanced for multiple outlets over the course of her career and has published on topics ranging from dogs lovable and difficult, to coping with depression, family dysfunction, generational trauma, overcoming writer’s block and being a FaceTime grandmother. She lives in New York City with her husband, Andy, and their cavapoo puppy, Wendell. Anne Abel       Website Anne Abel       TikTok Anne Abel       Facebook Anne Abel       Instagram Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, The Wild Why: Stories and Teachings to Uncover Your Wonder This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author Laura Munson, whose new book The Wild Why: Stories and Teachings to Uncover Your Wonder invites us to reconnect with awe, creativity, and the deeper stories we live by. Watch Full Podcast Video In this inspiring conversation, Laura explores the hunger that drives us to create, the lessons from her Haven writing retreats, and why she refuses to accept the myth that people aren’t creative. She shares how everything we do is an act of creation, how we can move beyond bullet points to live fuller stories, and why the most vital question we can ask ourselves is: What can we create? Together, Ira and Laura dive into reclaiming our childlike wonder, balancing the discipline of writing with the freedom of imagination, and dismantling the “tortured artist” paradigm in favor of a healthier, more sustainable creative life. With more than 1,000 people guided through her retreats, Laura knows firsthand the transformative power of community, curiosity, and awe—and she’s here to help us find it for ourselves. Laura Munson is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the novel Willa’s Grove and the memoir This Is Not The Story You Think It Is. Founder of the acclaimed Haven Writing Retreats, she has been featured or published in Vanity Fair, Elle, Redbook, Time, Newsweek, The New York Times “Modern Love” column, The New York Times Magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine, and many others. She has appeared on Good Morning America, The Early Show, WGN, NPR, London’s This Morning, Australia’s Sunrise, and other global media outlets. She lives in Whitefish, Montana. Buy the book Website Laura Munson             Website Laura Munson             Facebook Laura Munson             Instagram Laura Munson             LinkedIn  Laura Munson             X Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, Relentless Growth: Cultivating a Chef’s Mindset to Professional Fulfillment This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Chef Franck Desplechin—culinary innovator and author of Relentless Growth: Cultivating a Chef’s Mindset to Professional Fulfillment. From his early days as a teenage intern in France to mastering English in Hawaii, Chef Franck has built a career defined by curiosity, resilience, and an unshakable drive to improve. Watch Full Podcast Video In this conversation, he opens up about the stress and intensity of the food and beverage world, why he believes growth should always be “relentless,” and how he’s evolved as both a chef and a leader—learning to listen, set high expectations, and handle everything from difficult customers to personal setbacks. He also shares why he wrote his book, the surprising process of bringing it to life, and one powerful principle he swears by: redefining failure as a chance to learn and grow. Whether you’re in the kitchen, in business, or just looking for a better version of yourself, Chef Franck’s insights on mindset, leadership, and personal growth go far beyond food. Franck Desplechin has been a distinguished figure in the world of Culinary & Food and Beverage operations for more than 25 years. Throughout his illustrious career in the kitchens of several Michelin-star-rated restaurants in France and some of the most luxurious brands around the world, such as St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and Auberge Resort Collection, Franck has exemplified flexibility and adaptability, seamlessly aligning with organizational needs while spearheading teams to unprecedented success. Franck’s unique journey started at the school of hard knocks when he decided to work in kitchens at 15 years old instead of going to high school. His “neurotic” obsession to keep moving forward against all odds and adversities has earned him recognition as a true mastermind in his field.  Today, Franck shares his leadership philosophy through his consulting firm, Incrementum. He is a firm believer that adopting a professional growth mindset will transform an individual to reach career fulfillment. When he is not traveling to assist hotels and resorts around the country, he enjoys hiking the trails of Connecticut with his wife Kristin and his two daughters, Lorena and Camila. Chef Franck    Website Chef Franck    Instagram Chef Franck    LinkedIn Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Nancy Shear, author of the memoir, I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms. Nancy shares how a single free ticket to the Philadelphia Orchestra at age 15 changed the course of her life, igniting a lifelong passion for classical music. From an initial orchestra performance to being swept up by the magnetic influence of conductor Leopold Stokowski—whose vision, charisma, and flair for bringing composers to life shaped her journey—Nancy takes us inside the world of music with fresh insight and contagious enthusiasm. Watch Full Podcast Video In this conversation, Nancy reflects on her decades-long love affair with classical music: the thrill of hearing an orchestra tune before the first note, the joy of spreading the word as an evangelist for the art form, and the painstaking, ten-year process of writing her book. Along the way, she reveals what she hopes readers will take from her story, why the title of her memoir is so personal, and how the power of music has been the defining influence in her life. ABOUT Nancy Shear’s remarkable background includes 20 years as an orchestra librarian for the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Curtis Institute, as well as private work for Leopold Stokowski, Lorin Maazel, and others. Her articles have appeared in major outlets, and she has written two books, The Three Tenors and I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms. Ms. Shear has lectured for the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Caramoor Festival; has hosted broadcasts of the New York Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony, Frick Collection, and Naumburg Foundation; had her own interview programs on WNYC; and served as commentator for the American Public Media. She has taught at New York University’s School of Continuing Education and the Lillian Vernon Center for International Affairs at New York University, and has lectured at The Juilliard School, the Manhattan School, and the Mannes School of Music at The New School. She is the founder and president of Nancy Shear Arts Services, a public relations and event production agency for the performing arts. Nancy Shear     Website Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, Cesar Romero: The Joker Is Wild This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel, Ira sits down with Samuel Garza Bernstein, author of Cesar Romero: The Joker Is Wild. Samuel shares the story behind Romero’s unforgettable Joker laugh—and how Cesar graciously performed it for fans everywhere, from busy airports to city streets. Drawing on his own show business background, Samuel reveals how his agent nudged him toward writing the book, leading to a deep dive into the USC cinema library’s treasure trove of Romero’s early life. Watch Full Podcast Video From suave leading man to versatile Latino character actor, Romero brought humanity to every role—whether sharing the screen with Shirley Temple, playing his most dramatic characters, or stealing scenes as Batman’s maniacal nemesis, leaving “no prisoners.” Samuel recounts Romero’s love of dancing, his reinvention over decades in Hollywood, the surprising truths he uncovered, and the way Cesar supported his once-wealthy family through his success. It’s a portrait of a man who took his craft seriously, lived life with flair, and left an indelible mark on Hollywood history. Samuel Garza Bernstein is a bestselling author, a Stonewall Book Award winner, and an award-winning screenwriter and playwright whose work often reflects the wild intersections of modern life. He, his husband Ronald Shore, and their pack of incorrigible dachshunds split their time between Porto, Portugal, and Los Angeles, California. Samuel Garza Bernstein         Website Samuel Garza Bernstein         Facebook Samuel Garza Bernstein         Instagram Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, Dwelling in a Place of Yes: The Surprising Psychology Behind Fear, Opportunity, and Smarter Choices This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira serves up a thought-provoking conversation with Shane H. Tepper — creative director, content strategist, and a pioneering voice in the emerging world of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Tepper is also the author of Dwelling in a Place of Yes: The Surprising Psychology Behind Fear, Opportunity, and Smarter Choices. Watch Full Podcast Video In this fascinating episode, Shane unpacks how GEO is rapidly redefining online discovery — not by chasing keywords like traditional SEO, but by aligning with human intent, conceptual language, and the way large language models (LLMs) actually think. He dives into the seismic shift from broad searches to specific, purpose-driven queries, and why GEO is engineered for people, not just algorithms. Shane also explores how artificial intelligence models self-train on the vast tapestry of internet content, and how this has changed everything from brand discovery to content strategy. He reveals how his own existential crisis led him into the world of AI — what he calls “joining the machines” — and how business owners must approach AI adoption strategically rather than reactively. From the fast-moving “turnover effect” in AI-driven information, to the clash between knowledge models and commerce models, Shane offers a behind-the-scenes look at the future of digital visibility. He also shares why he wrote his book, how he used AI as a writing partner (without losing his human voice), and what it means to be a “ruthless editor” in the age of machines. This is an episode for anyone curious about the intersection of technology, psychology, and the future of how we search, discover, and decide. ABOUT Shane H. Tepper is a creative director, content strategist, and early leader in the emerging field of generative engine optimization (GEO). He helps brands improve visibility, accuracy, and narrative control across AI-native platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini. With more than 15 years of experience spanning film, advertising, and B2B technology, Tepper operates at the intersection of storytelling and artificial intelligence. He builds content systems designed to be cited by the very models shaping how people search, compare, and make decisions in today’s AI-driven world. His recent work includes authoring a foundational white paper on GEO, leading AI discoverability audits, and designing structured content frameworks optimized for machine ingestion and real-world performance. He advises organizations on GEO strategy, AI-native content development, scalable content operations, and brand positioning for conversational interfaces. Beyond client work, Tepper writes and speaks on AI’s broader implications for work, identity, and economic relevance—exploring what we gain, what we risk, and how we adapt when machines can think. He is also the author of Dwelling in a Place of Yes: The Surprising Psychology Behind Fear, Opportunity, and Smarter Choices (2025), a book that examines decision-making in uncertain times and reflects on his evolving work in content and consulting Shane H. Tepper         Website Shane H. Tepper         LinkedIn Shane H. Tepper         YouTube Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, Vital Mission, a Jake Fortina Series Love Story This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Ralph R. “Rick” Steinke, retired military officer and author of Vital Mission, the latest installment in the gripping Jake Fortina Series: A Love Story. Drawing on decades of experience in international affairs, counterterrorism, and military leadership, Rick shares what inspired him to leave his high-stakes career behind to tell the untold stories—those of behind-the-scenes missions and the families who serve silently alongside the soldiers. Watch Full Podcast Video In this episode, Rick reveals how Jake Fortina, his title character, is two-thirds based on his own life—and one-third pure “Hollywood.” He opens up about how a close friend also helped shape Jake’s identity, and how military discipline gave him the structure to write compelling thrillers grounded in reality. Rick explains how his novels, vetted for classified content, evolved from a single story into a full-blown series packed with danger, heart, and political intrigue. Vital Mission tackles one of today’s darkest topics—children taken from Ukraine and relocated to Russia—and weaves it into a high-stakes global thriller featuring espionage, betrayal, and a standout subplot involving a Russian female army medic. Get ready for a conversation about what it means to write fiction with a purpose, create characters who feel like flesh and blood, and channel real-life experience into page-turning storytelling. Ralph R. “Rick” Steinke is the author of the Jake Fortna novel series, including Jake Fortina and the Roman Conspiracy, Grand Prize Winner, Global Thriller category, Chanticleer International Book Awards (2023), and Major Jake Fortina and the Tier One Threat, a semi-finalist in the 2022 Global Thriller category for the Chanticleer International Book Awards. His third book in the series, Change of Mission, also won several awards. Vital Missionreleases this August. In 2019, he also published Next Mission: US Defense Attaché to France, a memoir (currently out of print, to be republished in 2025 or 2026).  Since Rick’s commissioning from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he has served a lifetime of US national security roles, including 28 years in the US Army and 14 in the Department of Defense. Official duties have taken him to over thirty countries in Europe and Asia, including Afghanistan and Ukraine.  “Rick” Steinke            Website “Rick” Steinke            Facebook “Rick” Steinke            LinkedIn Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, Charlie-Man This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Thomas Cullen, a federal judge and lifelong writer whose powerful debut novel, Charlie-Man, has just been published. A seasoned legal mind with a passion for storytelling, Thomas shares how writing has always been his first love—something he returned to with intensity once he became a judge. With an eye toward judicial ethics about writing about issues that might come before him, he crafted a coming-of-age novel set in the deeply evocative world of a Southern prep school in Richmond, Virginia—a place and time etched into his memory. Watch Full Podcast Video In this engaging episode, Thomas opens up about the inspiration behind Charlie-Man, the emotional reaction from family and friends, and the surprising moment he revealed the book’s existence at a graduation ceremony. He talks about the discipline it took to carve out writing time, how the story began to pour out after a few chapters, and the invaluable feedback from his wife and son—his first readers. From the careful crafting of the title to the emotional resonance that brought his son to tears, Thomas reflects on resilience, the impact of teachers, and the importance of not bearing burdens alone. It’s a candid conversation about creativity, legacy, and the healing power of storytelling. Thomas Cullen is a federal trial judge and former U.S. attorney in Virginia. He is also an accomplished writer, regularly publishing op-eds and essays for national and regional media outlets over the past decade. Thomas graduated near the top of his class from William & Mary Law School and was recently honored as its 2024 Carter O. Lowance Fellow. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Thomas studied history and ran track at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, which recently awarded him an honorary doctorate. Charlie-Man is his first novel. Amazon                    Website Barnes & Noble       Website  Bookshop                 Website     Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, The Call of Wonder This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel, Ira dives into a thought-provoking conversation with Brian Cranley, author of The Call of Wonder. Once aspiring to become a doctor, Brian found himself drawn instead to theology—a path that led him to explore the harmony between faith and science. Watch Full Podcast Video In this deeply personal and intellectually engaging episode, Brian shares: Why he believes science and spirituality aren’t at odds but rather part of the same quest for truth. How his dual love for scripture and science shaped the book. What inspired the title The Call of Wonder and what the Big Bang has to do with belief. How he tackles big questions like evil and suffering without vilifying either atheists or believers. His take on God as the architect of both reason and reality—and why we shouldn’t fear evolving scientific discovery. The importance of finding common ground—even with those who don’t share your faith. How philosophy changed the way he thinks, and why people are craving more depth in the age of shallow scrolling. With warmth, clarity, and curiosity, Brian invites listeners to reflect on their own spiritual and intellectual journeys—and reminds us that wonder itself might be the most powerful bridge between belief and understanding. Throughout his life, Brian Cranley has been fascinated by the intersection of God and the “real world.” This led him to earn a bachelor of science degree in biomedical engineering from Texas A&M University and later a masters of divinity from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Today, he lives in the Texas Hill Country outside San Antonio with his family. When he’s not writing, you can find him running a thriving medical device business and spending time with his girls outdoors. In his free time, he continues his own search for wonder in the worlds of philosophy, theology, and science. Brian Cranley Website Brian Cranley LinkedIn Brian Cranley YouTube Brian Cranley X Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel, Ira sits down with Deb Miller, author of Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness, for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation. Deb opens up about how her memoir—born during the isolation of the pandemic—grew into a powerful message encouraging women to break free from the scripted “fairy tale” and instead craft a life built on authenticity, choice, and joy. She shares how the book became a deeply personal legacy project, something more enduring than a box of old photographs for her grandchildren—an emotional roadmap for navigating life with courage and intention. Watch Full Podcast Video Deb dives into the parallels between modern self-discovery and the classic Disney transformation—except, in her version, the goal isn’t a prince, but purpose. With all three of her adult children involved since the beginning, the memoir also serves as a “love letter” to her family. She reflects on her “apple pie” childhood, the challenges that followed, and the surprises of discovering a multigenerational audience that resonates with her message. From confronting the vulnerability of telling her story to forming a panel on the science and storytelling of happiness, Deb reveals why the journey to fulfillment is less about ideology and more about self-knowledge—and why joy, even in small doses, can change everything. Deb Miller’s life is a tapestry of adventure and achievement, weaving together experiences from her small-town Indiana roots to business opportunities across the globe. Her job as a hardworking Fortune 500 executive led to rappelling the Great Wall and riding elephants in India, all while remaining a devoted mom. Now a part-time marketing professor, she cherishes the opportunity to learn from her global students as well as her children and grandchildren. Deb resides in an enchanted forest outside of Seattle, where the landscaping projects are endless and enjoyable. Forget the Fairytale                Website Forget the Fairytale                Instagram Forget the Fairytale                TikTok Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, The Woke Supremacy: An Anti-Socialist Manifesto This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira serves up a provocative conversation with Evan Sayet, author of “The Woke Supremacy: An Anti-Socialist Manifesto.” Watch Full Podcast Video In this candid and wide-ranging episode, Evan dives into the many twists and turns of his eclectic career—from performing during the golden age of stand-up comedy to becoming a sharp voice in the world of culture and politics. Born and raised a liberal, Evan shares how the events of 9/11 became a turning point in his worldview, triggering a dramatic political transformation. He recounts how fatherhood led him to trade the comedy stage for television writing, and how he discovered his unique edge: a comedic voice from the right—something he felt was sorely lacking. Evan reflects on the rise and fall of political correctness in comedy clubs, the deep motivations behind writing his book, and why he believes wokeism functions as a form of supremacism. Plus, he unpacks the intense animosity toward President Trump — and whether he sees hope or despair on the horizon. Insightful, edgy, and unfiltered—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Evan Sayet has had an incredibly eclectic career. Starting put as a stand-up comedian,he appeared on shows like Late Night with David Letterman and headlined in all fifty states and twenty-five countries. Leter, he wrote and produced for television including The Tonight Show and Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher. After 9/11, Evan segued into the political arena, giving several legendary lectures to the Heritage Foundatiion, advising the Ted Cruz for President campaign and writing five major speeches for first candidate and then President Trump. Evan Sayet                  Website Evan Sayet                  Substack Evan Sayet                  Facebook Evan Sayet                  X Evan Sayet                  YouTube Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, Human History on Drugs: An Utterly Scandalous but Entirely Truthful Look at History Under the Influence This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira dives into the wild, eye-opening world of history and drugs with Sam Kelly, author of the provocative new book, Human History on Drugs: An Utterly Scandalous but Entirely Truthful Look at History Under the Influence. Watch Full Podcast Video In this candid and engaging conversation, Sam shares how a childhood fascination with history evolved into a full-blown quest to uncover the untold stories behind some of humanity’s most transformative — and mind-altering — moments. From deep dives into dusty archives to late-night internet rabbit holes, Sam balanced digital sleuthing with old-school research to bring long-buried facts to light. He discusses the earliest and most recent figures he studied, and explores the complex question: Have drugs helped or hindered us through history? (Spoiler: it’s a mixed bag.) The episode also touches on some riveting highlights — including the secret behind Washington’s famously unsmiling portraits, government drug testing without consent, and the common thread between the Beatles, Steve Jobs, and Pope Leo XIII. Sam argues that drugs are tools — powerful ones — and that education and awareness are essential. He also explains why he chose not to pursue a Ph.D., how writing this book broke him free from academic constraints, and why history, when told right, is anything but boring. Sam Kelly, a history graduate from Stanford University, is on the autism spectrum and his interest and passion for history has become an almost physical compulsion. He loves to dig up forgotten and weird stories from the past and spends hours uncovering every last stubborn detail. As a deep believer that history can be as exciting as any Marvel movie, Sam aims to— whether on TikTok or through a book—make history both engaging and accessible to all. Human History on Drugs is his first book. Sam Kelly   Instagram Sam Kelly   YouTube Sam Kelly   TikTok Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, Over There This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira welcomes Jane Loeb Rubin, acclaimed author of Over There, the powerful third book to her best-selling Gilded City series. Set during World War I, the novel sheds light on a rarely explored corner of Jewish-American history, following a family of Jewish doctors and nurses who bring compassion, courage, and medical innovation to the front lines—all while wrestling with questions of identity, displacement, and rising antisemitism in a still-new homeland. Watch Full Podcast Video In this compelling conversation, Jane shares how her diagnosis of ovarian cancer—and the revelation of a genetic defect—propelled her to begin writing later in life. She reflects on her decision to honor her great-grandmother, a German-Jewish immigrant, and how her structured, Type A personality shaped her disciplined approach to writing. Despite limited energy, she writes each morning with laser focus, showcasing with her ability to transition from a structured professional life to a creative one. Jane also dives into the historical heart of her work, discussing her meticulous New York research and the often-overlooked fact that a high percentage of Jewish Americans—and many from other ethnic backgrounds—served valiantly in World War I. Her stories bridge history and humanity, revealing not only the heroism of those who served but also the resilience of identity in a time of profound upheaval. A cancer diagnosis that uncovered a genetic defect, combined with a lifelong interest in medical history and a successful career as a healthcare executive, inspired Jane to begin her writing journey. Her first book, Almost a Princess: My Life as a Two-Time Cancer Survivor (2009), was a Next Generation Award Finalist and garnered attention through various magazine features. During this time, she actively raised funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) and began exploring her family history, discovering the story of her great-grandmother, Mathilda (“Tillie”), who arrived in New York City in 1866 as a baby. At just 16, Tillie married a man 12 years her senior and later died of what was described as “a woman’s disease.” The details of her life remained elusive, prompting Rubin to imagine a vivid and dramatic life for her ancestor. Her investigation into New York’s medical and legal history, including conservative reproductive laws and the role of midwives, inspired a compelling, fast-paced trilogy of historical novels. These books delve into the dangers of pregnancy, shifting roles in women’s healthcare, and settings such as the notorious Blackwell’s Workhouse, all while highlighting the challenges faced by women in a restrictive era. Jane’s historical fiction series includes In the Hands of Women (2023) and its prequel Threadbare (2024). She also writes a monthly blog, Musings, about her post-healthcare and writing life. She holds degrees from the University of Michigan (BS, MS) and Washington University (MBA), and spent the early part of her career as a speech therapist before retiring from a 30-year healthcare executive role. She lives in Northern New Jersey with her husband, David, and together they have five children and seven grandchildren. A portion of her book sales benefits The Matilda Fund.  Jane Loeb Rubin       Website Jane Loeb Rubin       Facebook Jane Loeb Rubin       Instagram Jane Loeb Rubin       LinkedIn Jane Loeb Rubin       X Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, Finding Happy: A User’s Guide to Your Life, with Lessons from Mine This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira has an inspiring conversation with Peter Samuelson—philanthropist, producer, and author of Finding Happy: A User’s Guide to Your Life, with Lessons from Mine. Watch Full Podcast Video In this uplifting episode, Peter distills the meaning of life into a single, powerful paragraph and shares why he crafted his book with short, digestible chapters—perfect for today’s fast-paced world. He opens up about his life-changing work with First Star, helping teenage foster youth build brighter, more joyful futures. Peter explains how his passion for mentoring stems from deep personal conviction and sharp pattern recognition that helps him guide young adults through life’s turning points. Originally intended as an autobiography, his book morphed into a self-help guide for young readers—fueled by a year of 5 a.m. writing sessions and a desire to blend real-life lessons with actionable advice. He talks candidly about the risks he took, the importance of daring yourself to experiment, and how those leaps of faith led him to joy. Peter reflects on the groundbreaking reality that, for the first time in history, young people may possess more information than their elders—and why applying critical thinking is more important than ever. From confronting the flaws of the foster care system and cultivating resilience, to the moment of epiphany that launched his philanthropic journey, Peter’s stories are both heartening and thought-provoking. He also shares how his background as a film producer shapes his philanthropic impact—and ultimately, what he believes is his true purpose in life. Peter Samuelson is a serial pro-social entrepreneur, known for blending media and compassion to drive social change. He is the co-founder and president of First Star, which operates seventeen high school academies on college campuses for youth in foster care, and the CEO of PhilmCo Media LLC, which produces empathy-driven commercial films. Peter co-founded the Starlight Children’s Foundation in 1982 to provide psychosocial services for seriously ill children, which inspired his next initiative: Starbright World, the first avatar-based social network for seriously ill teens, co-founded with Steven Spielberg. He later founded First Star in 1999, EDAR (Everyone Deserves a Roof) in 2005, and ASPIRE in 2013, a media training program for non-film school undergraduates. Alongside these ventures, he has produced 27 films, raised four children, and remains deeply committed to improving the lives of society’s most vulnerable. The first in his family to attend college, Peter earned a Master’s in English Literature from Cambridge on a full scholarship before moving to Los Angeles. He began his career as a production manager and later produced a diverse range of films, including Revenge of the Nerds, Tom & Viv, Wilde, and Arlington Road. He was a founding board member of Participant Media, known for socially impactful films like An Inconvenient Truth and Spotlight. From 2012 to 2013, Peter served as the founding managing director of the Media Institute for Social Change at USC. Today, he continues to balance his film work with philanthropic leadership, including holding a U.S. patent for a mobile homeless shelter. Peter lives in Los Angeles with his wife of thirty-five years, Saryl, and remains a tireless advocate for abused and neglected children. Peter Samuelson    Website Peter Samuelson    Facebook Peter Samuelson    X Watch the full Podcast Video