Ira's Everything Bagel

Author, The Epic of You This week, Ira spoke with Peter H. Bailey, author of The Epic of You. In this episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” It’s not if life will disrupt your plans—it’s when. Careers stall. Relationships shift. That little voice wakes you up at 5 a.m. and starts whispering doubt. And suddenly, you’re wondering whether you’re falling behind. Watch Full Podcast Video This week on Ira’s “Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Peter H. Bailey, author of The Epic of You, for a powerful conversation about reframing crisis, silencing the “disease of comparison,” and discovering the hero inside ordinary life. Peter draws on a 45-year career in leadership and coaching—and the timeless wisdom of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey—to explain why being heroic doesn’t mean climbing a mountain. It means staying with your challenges long enough to uncover the gift at the end. Every culture tells a version of the same story: someone leaves the village and returns transformed—or a stranger arrives and changes everything. Peter believes that story is a map for your life—past, present, and future. The “call to adventure” isn’t about drama. It’s about growth. And often, the hardest seasons produce the greatest expansion. When Peter couldn’t find a book to guide him through his own turning points, he wrote one. The Epic of You is both a personal processing tool and a leadership framework built on one simple formula: Experience + Reflection = Real Education. In this thoughtful and energizing episode, Peter shares why curiosity matters, why comparison shrinks your future, and why the word “epic” belongs to all of us. Because the chaos we fear may just be the doorway to the life we’re meant to live. ABOUT PETER: Peter H. Bailey is an author, global facilitator, and leadership strategist whose four decades of workhave taken him to more than 50 countries. As President of The Prouty Project, a leadingstrategic planning and leadership developmentfirm, he has guided executives and teams through organizational transformation with a rare blend ofinsight, empathy, and hands-on learning expertise. A TEDx speaker on “Developing Your Heroic Journey Mindset” and award-winning global educator, Peter has delivered leadership programs worldwide and previously ran a corporate training adventure center in Indonesia. He holds a Master’s in Experiential Education, serves on the Board of Voyageur Outward Bound School, and writes regularly on human performance and personal transformation. Fluent in Indonesian and conversational in German, Peter brings deep cultural awareness shaped by extensive travel, including multi-month overland expeditions across Asia, Europe, and Africa. His personal pursuits are as wide-ranging as his professional work—rock climbing, sailing, scuba diving, dog-sledding and fly-fishing. His attempt to learn the instruments of cultures around the world prompted him to learn the didgeridoo from Australia, playing the chanter from Scotland, and the low whistle from his time in Ireland are examples of his curiosity and love for life! Peter H. Bailey     Website Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, The Pain Brokers: How Con Men, Call Centers, and Rogue Doctors Fuel America’s Lawsuit Factory In this eye-opening episode of Ira’s Everything Bagel, Ira sits down with Elizabeth Chamblee Burch, author of The Pain Brokers: How Con Men, Call Centers, and Rogue Doctors Fuel America’s Lawsuit Factory, to expose a hidden industry operating in plain sight. Watch Full Podcast Video Elizabeth takes listeners inside the shadowy world of mass tort litigation—where legal cases are bought and sold like baseball cards, kickback provisions are quietly skirted, and enforcement of existing laws often falls through the cracks. Her investigation began with what she thought was routine research, but everything changed after attending a conference in Las Vegas—followed by a chilling call from a whistleblower who had been there too. At the center of The Pain Brokers are three women whose lives were upended by the system, including patients harmed by pelvic mesh surgeries. Elizabeth explains how failures in regulation—by both the legal and medical professions—allow abuses to continue, and why so much of the problem isn’t the absence of laws, but the lack of enforcement. This conversation is also a call to action. From educating yourself before consenting to surgery, to becoming your own best advocate, to understanding how loopholes could be closed, this episode arms listeners with the knowledge they need to protect themselves—and demand accountability. If you care about patient safety, justice, and how profit can quietly distort both, this is an episode you won’t forget. Elizabeth Chamblee Burch is the Fuller E. Callaway Chair of Law at the University of Georgia. Her groundbreaking work on mass torts and class actions won the American Law Institute’s Early Career Scholars Medal in 2015, the Fred C. Zacharias Memorial Prize for Professional Responsibility Scholarship in 2016, and the Mangano Dispute Resolution Advancement Award in 2019. The author of two academic books, she has published more than 40 articles and essays in legal journals and is a frequent commentator on NPR and in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Economist, and USA Today. In addition to her law degree, she holds an MFA in narrative nonfiction. She lives in Athens, Georgia.  Elizabeth Chamblee Burch     Website Elizabeth Chamblee Burch     Facebook Elizabeth Chamblee Burch     Instagram Elizabeth Chamblee Burch     LinkedIn Elizabeth Chamblee Burch     X Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss What if the biggest career mistake isn’t staying too long in a bad job—but staying too long under a toxic boss? Watch Full Podcast Video This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett, organizational psychologist and author of I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss. Drawing from her own painful experience in a toxic workplace, years of academic research, and hundreds of real-world stories, Dr. Laura breaks down what actually makes a boss toxic—and why the damage often escalates over time. She explains the critical difference between a difficult boss and a truly toxic one, why toxic bosses are not real leaders, and how overt and covert behaviors quietly erode confidence, health, and identity. In this episode, you’ll hear why so many people say “I wish I’d quit sooner,” the eight toxic boss personas (including the dishonest manipulator), and how childhood trauma often shows up in leadership in destructive ways. Dr. Laura also offers clear-eyed options—the pros and cons of staying, confronting, taking medical leave, or exiting—and why fear keeps so many people stuck. Most importantly, this conversation is practical, not academic. Dr. Laura shares actionable strategies: how to document toxic behavior safely, why exit interviews matter more than you think, how to build a network before you need it, and how to prepare an exit plan that protects both your career and your well-being. Because work isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. And staying too long in a toxic environment comes at a cost. ABOUT: Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is an organizational psychologist and thought leader sought-after internationally for her expertise on workplace culture, career development, toxic leadership, and burnout. Along with her 25 years of experience in her field, she holds a PhD in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Calgary, where she is currently an adjunct professor. A passionate entrepreneur, she has founded several psychology practices in Canada and hosts the widely followed podcast, “Where Work Meets Life.”  In addition to I Wish I’d Quit Sooner, she has published two psychological thrillers, Losing Cadence and Finding Sophie, aimed at both captivating readers and raising awareness on important topics around mental health and domestic violence, currently being adapted for a TV series. Dr. Laura is also co-founder of the WITH HER movement, focused on ending violence against women and girls.  She received a “Canadian Women of Inspiration” Award as a Global Influencer in 2018.         Dr. Laura     Website Dr. Laura      Facebook Dr. Laura      Instagram Dr. Laura      LinkedIn Dr. Laura      X Dr. Laura      YouTube    Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, Steep: A Black Neurosurgeon’s Journey From a struggling Boston neighborhood to the operating rooms of Middle America, Dr. Craig Yorke has lived a life that’s as inspiring as it is revealing. Watch Full Podcast Video This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with the author of Steep: A Black Neurosurgeon’s Journey, for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation about ambition, identity, and the hidden emotional cost of success. Craig opens up about what first compelled him to write his book — a moment of “remedy” while browsing a bookstore shelf — and how his story reaches far beyond race. He reflects on growing up in the lower rungs of the Black middle class, shaped by parents wounded by racism in 1920s and ’30s Boston, and raised with the belief that rebellion was never an option. We hear about “the fork in the road” that took him to Topeka, Kansas, a choice rooted as much in ethics as in opportunity, and how success in the world’s eyes came with armor he carried for decades. After writing this book, Craig says, “the armor is finally off.” This isn’t simply a story about breaking barriers. It’s a moving exploration of resilience, healing, legacy, and what it truly means to chase — and redefine — the American Dream. ABOUT: Dr. Craig Yorke was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He received a BA from Harvard College in 1970 and an MD from Harvard Medical School in 1974. His parental directive insisted he avenge centuries of bigotry with a life of infinite success. After a neurosurgical residency at the University of California at San Francisco, he and his wife Mary found their way to an unlikely destination. He practiced in Topeka, Kansas, for 25 years, wrestling with his history and the armored identity, it had imposed. He and Mary raised two boys: Zack who lives in Brooklyn and Chris who calls Seattle home. Craig brews coffee for two each morning in the colonial home they’ve occupied for 33 years. He’s a credible violinist, having played the Bruch G Minor concerto with the Boston Pops at 17, and hits tennis balls with passion. Steep is his first book.  Craig Yorke Website Craig Yorke Facebook Watch the full Podcast Video

Author (along with David Ritz), Love Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan’s Journey to Find the Genius Behind the Legend Johnny Carson wasn’t just the King of Late Night — he was one of the greatest talent-spotters, risk-takers, and quiet humanitarians in entertainment history. And no one has explored that truth more deeply than Mark Malkoff. Watch Full Podcast Video This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Mark Malkoff, author (along with David Ritz) of Love Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan’s Journey to Find the Genius Behind the Legend, to uncover the real Carson behind the curtain. What started as a podcast grew into a full-scale investigation as more and more stories poured in — from Jay Leno to Joan Rivers to people who knew Carson far from the spotlight. Mark shares how he fell in love with Carson as a kid, watched him leave the airwaves as a teenager, and spent years digging into every corner of Carson’s life — from his mysterious New York years to his life after the historic show run. Along the way, Mark reveals why Carson was anything but cold and aloof, how he helped launch Jimmy Buffett’s career, why he kept bringing Don Rickles back even when it was risky, and how he always made his guests look brilliant. This isn’t just a biography — it’s a celebration of a man who believed in talent, generosity, and taking chances. With stories that have never been told this way before, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who ever stayed up late to watch Johnny Carson make magic. ABOUT MARK: Mark Malkoff is a comedian, filmmaker, and digital-age stunt storyteller whose work has been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NPR’s Weekend Edition, the BBC, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He first gained international attention for his viral web series Mark Lives in IKEA, which earned PR Week’s 2009 Campaign of the Year, followed by headline-making projects like visiting all 171 Manhattan Starbucks in 24 hours and setting a Guinness World Record by flying nonstop for a month to conquer his fear of flying. Mark has partnered with major brands including Netflix, Skype, Ford, Microsoft, Disney, and IKEA to create inventive, boundary-pushing comedy videos, and most recently has worked with Edelman developing video concepts for their clients. He is also the host of The Carson Podcast, featuring legendary guests such as Mel Brooks, Carol Burnett, and Michael J. Fox, and lives in New York City with his wife, Christine. Mark Malkoff             Website Mark Malkoff             Facebook Mark Malkoff             LinkedIn Mark Malkoff             Instagram Mark Malkoff             X Mark Malkoff             YouTube Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, Tell Me I Belong: A Journey Across Faiths and Generations What does it mean to belong—to a family, a faith, a history? Watch Full Podcast Video In this episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Dr. David Weill, author of Tell Me I Belong: A Journey Across Faiths and Generations, for a personal conversation about identity, spirituality, and the moments that force us to ask life’s hardest questions. The son of a Jewish father who escaped Nazi Germany and a Southern Baptist mother, David grew up in New Orleans where religion was rarely discussed. Instead, medicine became his calling. But it was inside the hospital—amid life, death, and uncertainty—where his spirituality first ignited. After Hurricane Katrina, David began reading the Bible cover to cover… for three years. His journey took him through Catholicism, then back to Judaism—after discovering that his mother had converted before marrying his father. That revelation sent him searching through generations of family history, ultimately leading him to Germany, where his connection to Judaism and his ancestors took on new meaning. David also opens up about the politics and pressures of hospital life that led him to step away from his role as a transplant surgeon, and how his family supported him as he searched for a spiritual home. This is a conversation about faith found later in life, identity reclaimed, and the courage it takes to ask: Where do I truly belong? David Weill, MD, is the former Director of the Center for Advanced Lung Diseases and the Lung and Heart-Lung Transplant Program at Stanford University Medical Center. A sought-after advisor to various transplant programs across the country, he also serves on the Board of TransMedics, a company focused on improving availability of donor organs. David has also served on several non-profit boards including the Tulane Medical School, Xavier University of Louisiana, SFJAZZ, the Isidore Newman School, the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) Foundation, NextGen Personal Finance, and the Bellevue Literary Review. His writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Salon, Newsweek, the Chicago Tribune, STAT, the Washington Post, The Hill, LitHub, Tablet, The Times of Israel, TODAY.com, and the Los Angeles Times. David’s previous books include the memoir Exhale: Hope, Healing, and Life in Transplant (2021) and a novel, All That Really Matters (2024). He lives in New Orleans. David Weill, MD                    Website David Weill, MD                    LinkedIn David Weill, MD                    Facebook David Weill, MD                    Instagram         Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, A City on the Edge: Pandemic, Protest, and Polarization This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Dennis R. McBride, mayor of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and author of A City on the Edge: Pandemic, Protest, and Polarization. Drawing on his background as a journalist, lawyer, and student of history, Dennis offers a candid, unfiltered look at leading a city through one of the most turbulent periods in modern American life. Watch Full Podcast Video Wauwatosa endured the COVID-19 pandemic, 98 consecutive days and nights of protests, and the trauma of mass shootings at the state’s busiest shopping mall—challenges that made the city a true microcosm of America. Dennis explains why he felt compelled to document these experiences, what it means to govern as a progressive but practical leader, and why he took criticism from both the left and the right. As the city’s lowest-paid employee, Dennis describes the personal toll of leadership, the constant need for vigilance, and the lingering impact of stress that hasn’t fully faded. Yet through it all, he stayed grounded by what he calls his guiding principle: “You follow the North Star—and the North Star is the law.” This thoughtful and timely conversation explores leadership under pressure, short-term crisis versus long-term thinking, why Wauwatosa is truly an “edge city,” and why Dennis believes the path forward requires renewed civility, participation, and dialogue. A powerful episode about democracy, resilience, and finding common ground when it matters most. Dennis R. McBride is the mayor of the Milwaukee suburb of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.  Dennis earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a master’s degree in public administration from Princeton University, and a law degree from New York University. Before becoming mayor, he practiced law with Boston and Milwaukee law firms and the U.S. government, taught part-time at Marquette University Law School, and served on a committee of judges and lawyers which drafted model jury instructions for U.S. district courts in the Seventh Circuit. For his professional accomplishments, he was named a Fellow of the Wisconsin Law Foundation. Dennis co-founded several community organizations, served on the State of Wisconsin Retirement Board, and served several terms on the Wauwatosa city council, including two terms as council president. For these and other civic activities, he received UW-Milwaukee’s Alumni Citizenship Award. He is a two-time marathon winner and a member of his high school and university sports halls of fame. Dennis R. McBride                 Facebook Watch the full Podcast Video

Author, No Overnight Parking This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Juergen Barbusca, author of “No Overnight Parking,” to unpack the remarkable leap that took him from corporate deadlines to life on the open road. After years of long hours draining the joy from his work, Juergen traded (with five years in the making) boardrooms for backroads, embarking on a yearlong, 32,000-mile adventure across the United States and Canada in a van he lovingly nicknamed “The Shoebox.”  Watch Full Podcast Video Juergen shares how an ominous “check engine” light became a regular irritant, why he chronicled every twist and turn without realizing it would become a book, and how the rhythm of road life unexpectedly reflected the pressures of corporate culture. He talks about learning to slow down, savoring museums and small-town curiosities, traveling under the self-imposed countdown of a one-year limit, and how he ultimately discovered the title for his book (hint: Walmart policies played a role). From the roar and mist of Niagara Falls – “a feast for all five senses” – to the serenity of wide-open highways, a surprising buffalo encounter, and an unforgettable meeting with a cross-country walking minister, Juergen’s story is a reminder that sometimes the road doesn’t just take you somewhere… it shows you who you are. Juergen Barbusca was raised in Las Vegas and holds a bachelor’s in German and a master’s in public administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He’s an award-winning communications practitioner whose career has included roles as a freelancer and corporate translator, nonprofit executive, and communications manager. In earlier years, he also took on a wide range of odd jobs—picking pineapples, washing dishes, sorting packages, hanging placards in subway cars, working as an airline ticket agent and restaurant waiter, selling beer from a hawker’s tray, and managing a concession stand at an arena. After fourteen years in the tech world, when long hours slowly squeezed the joy from his work, he traded a computer screen for a camper van. When he’s not behind the wheel or chasing down the next story, he enjoys swimming, cycling, foreign languages, and bad coffee at roadside diners. Juergen Barbusca        Website Juergen Barbusca        Instagram Juergen Barbusca        TikTok Watch the full Podcast Video

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