Ira's Everything Bagel

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. 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 Betray-al, 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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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. 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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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. 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 our-selves 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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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. 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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

(Photo By David Teubner) 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. 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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

(Photo by Joshua Michael Shelton) 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 unforget-table 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. 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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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." In this fascinating episode, Shane unpacks how GEO is rapidly redefining online discov-ery — 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 in-ternet 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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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. 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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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 be-fore 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. 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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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. 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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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. 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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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.” 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 func-tions 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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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." 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 hu-manity’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 re-cent figures he studied, and explores the complex question: Have drugs helped or hin-dered 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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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, dis-placement, and rising antisemitism in a still-new homeland. 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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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." 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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

Photo by Mary Slater Ira dives into Hollywood history with author Thomas J. Slater, whose new book, "June Mathis: The Rise and Fall of a Silent Film Visionary"(University Press of Kentucky), sheds light on one of early cinema’s most overlooked trailblazers. In this fascinating conversation, Thomas reveals why June Mathis—a powerhouse screenwriter and the first woman executive at MGM—captured his attention from a long list of forgotten female film pioneers. He shares how he unearthed a treasure trove of ar-chival material at USC, including scripts and personal papers, and how silent film star Colleen Moore’s 36 meticulously kept scrapbooks—stuffed with reviews, clippings, and memorabilia—provided a vivid glimpse into Mathis’s prolific career from 1921 to 1936. Thomas was stunned by the sheer volume of work Mathis produced—she was, quite lit-erally, always writing. He discusses how her spiritual, emotionally rich storytelling brought a distinctly female voice to the silver screen—a counterbalance to the brash ex-cesses of the Jazz Age. He also explores the erasure of women like Mathis from film his-tory, describing it as a deliberate act. The episode touches on her personal legacy as well, with insights from her grandniece Diane Mathis Madsen, who contributed family letters and rare photographs. And of course, there’s the story of how Rudolph Valentino credited Mathis with launching his career—and why the tides turned for her as studio control gave way to outside financial interests after 1920. Discover the remarkable rise—and haunting fall—of a visionary who helped shape early Hollywood, only to be written out of its story. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira talks with Adam Haston, author of "The Wonder Effect: An Adventurous Guide for Igniting Your Passions and Pursuing Your Calling." In a conversation brimming with insight and energy, Adam shares his unconventional journey to success—one fueled by curiosity, resilience, and a refusal to accept the limits imposed by outdated systems. He reframes failure not as defeat but as vital feedback, a necessary ingredient in the recipe for growth. “Action plus learning equals experience,” he says—and that philosophy reverberates through every part of his story. Adam explores how traditional education, designed for the industrial era, often narrows our choices instead of expanding them. He challenges listeners to venture beyond their comfort zones—just as artists, entrepreneurs, and filmmakers do—into the unknown where real learning and transformation occur. From battling imposter syndrome to drawing wisdom from his rabbinic background, Adam offers both philosophical depth and practical tools for anyone seeking meaning and momentum in their life. He explains the origins of his book’s title, emphasizes that indeci-sion is a decision, and reminds us that neither age nor illness should keep us from pursuing our calling. Whether you're 18, 80, or somewhere in between, this episode is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to discover your passion and step boldly into your purpose. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

Author, Midnight Train from Georgia This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel, Ira sits down with Lady Dhyana Ziegler, author of Midnight Train from Georgia, for an unforgettable conversation. Watch Full Podcast Video Lady Dhyana shares an intimate look at the life of her brother-in-law, William Franklin Guest—an original member of the legendary Pips.. She recounts how the group blossomed from their gospel roots in Atlanta, emerging from the close-knit families of Ziegler, Guest, and Knight, to become rock icons as Gladys Knight and the Pips. From their early days performing locally to making the bold move to New York, Dhyana walks us through the evolution of the group’s sound, their collaboration with Motown's Berry Gordy, and the masterful choreography lessons from Charles “Cholly” Atkins that turned them into a world-class act. She dives into the heart of what kept them together for an incredible 37 years—shared faith, deep family bonds, and a whole lot of laughter. William, she says, was not only a gifted performer but also a magnetic storyteller. His voice and spirit live on in the pages of her book, which blends his own words with her heartfelt reflections. Tune in for a powerful episode filled with soul, history, and the enduring magic of love, music, and storytelling. Lady Dhyana Ziegler, DCJ, Ph.D., is currently President and CEO of Z/Creators, LLC and Professor Emerita of Florida A&M University, U.S.A.. She has worked in the field of higher education and technology for more than 35 years as a professor and administrator. Dr. Ziegler is the author of four books, more than 60 scholarly publications - including book chapters - and has produced more than 100 videos and other multimedia works. She has presented at numerous national and international conferences. Besides her academic career, Dr. Ziegler is a multimedia writer, digital content producer, and songwriter (to name a few). She serves on several boards and other professional organizations. Lady Dhyana Ziegler   Website Watch the full Podcast Video

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with legendary acting coach Ivana Chubbuck, author of the updated edition of the best-selling book "The Power of the Actor: The Chubbuck Technique"—a groundbreaking 12-step method that transforms scripts into raw, vibrant, and deeply human performances. Ivana opens up about her early dreams of becoming an actor in Hollywood and the frustration she felt with overly theoretical acting books. Determined to create something truly useful, she developed a technique rooted in behavioral science, psychology, and cultural anthropology—designed to help actors channel their pain, fears, and insecurities into powerful tools for performance and personal transformation. She shares insights into her own difficult childhood and how acting became a way to reclaim her voice. What began as a modest 20-page guide evolved into a popular book, now in its updated edition, influencing not just actors but anyone seeking to harness their emotional truth. In this intimate and inspiring conversation, Ivana discusses why real growth demands hard work, how understanding both light and dark emotions is essential for authentic storytelling, and how her unique philosophy helped shape stars like Sylvester Stallone. Most of all, she reminds us that whether on stage or off, we are all storytellers—and there's always more to learn. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira dives into a fascinating conversation with Wade Schalles, America’s unrivaled Pinner, Four-Time NCAA and Collegiate World Champion, Coach, Author, Guinness World Record Holder, and the revolutionary mind behind Funk Wrestling. In this gripping episode, Wade unveils the origins of Funk Wrestling, his game-changing techniques that redefined the sport. He shares how his creative spark shone early in school. Wade drops powerful insights: failure is just a moment, not your identity; life’s about rising every time you’re knocked down; and if you don’t have at least 20 scars by the end, you haven’t truly lived. He reveals why the glass is always half full, how forgetting mistakes fast fuels success, and why the military hunts for wrestlers’ grit. Wade also explores wrestling’s unique pull for kids, its unmatched legacy among U.S. presidents, and his role as Executive Director of the Amateur Athletic Union for wrestling. Plus, he celebrates the surging rise of women’s wrestling. Don’t miss this high-energy episode packed with wisdom, grit, and heart…and a little humor! (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)