Bob Barry's Unearthed Interviews

Hugh Hefner was the founder of Playboy Magazine. He was not just the publisher, he was the visionary who changed the landscape of media, sexuality, and lifestyle. His career spanned over six decades. Hef helped to bring about sexual liberation, creating a brand that became a global phenomenon. In the 70s I was invited to the Playboy Mansion in Chicago. Hugh was introducing his girlfriend Barbi Benton’s new album. It was a wild party. Beside Barbi Benton, Elton John was there so I had very little time to visit with Hefner. In that couple of minutes he explained how he put together his first Playboy Magazine cover, featuring Marilyn Monroe.

You may know her as the beloved Blair Warner from the iconic TV series “The Facts of Life,” or as a Mouseketeer on the Micky Mouse Club. But Lisa Whelchel is so much more than just a familiar face from your childhood. She’s a talented actress, singer, author, and motivational speaker who has touched the hearts of many with her authenticity and passion. Lisa tied for second place on the reality series “Survivor: Philippines.” And Whelchel was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Inspirational Performance for her contemporary Christian album “All Because of You.”

Today’s podcast features Nick Reynolds, one of the founding members of the Kingston Trio. They became known for their tight harmonies and lively stage presence. One of the trio’s biggest hits was “Tom Dooley,” which was number one on the Billboard charts and earned them a Grammy Award. The Trio had many more hits, including “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” “Scotch and Soda,” and “Greenback Dollar.” Their music resonated with audiences of all ages, cementing their status as folk music legends. 

Michael Reagan was the adopted son of Ronald Reagan and his first wife Jane Wyman. He had a small role in television on “Falcon Crest” with his mother. Michael grew up in the shadow of his father but found his own path in politics. He was a radio host and public speaker, drawing from personal experiences growing up in a political family. He has promoted the legacy of his father and promoted charitable causes, including the Reagan Legacy Foundation which benefits children and families in need. 

I think we have all seen the television series “Mission Impossible.” Martin Landau and Barbara Bain had leading roles in that series. Martin was also in Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest,” “Cleopatra” and “The Greatest Story Ever Told.”  He won an Oscar, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award for his role as Bela Lugosi in “Ed Wood.” He was the head of the Actors Studio, beating out Steve McQueen and 500 others who applied. Martin acted alongside his wife, Barbara Bain, in “Mission Impossible.” Barbara won three Emmys for her performance in the show. The couple returned to television in the 70s with a British science-fiction series which they will talk about in this podcast.

Actor Sir Michael Caine was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2000 for his contributions to the arts and received numerous accolades throughout his career including two Oscars and many Golden Globe awards. His distinctive cockney accent got him many film roles including “The Italian Job,” “Educating Rita,” “Hannah and Her Sisters,” “Alfie,” and “Dunkirk.” Maybe you remember his performance as Ebenezer Scrooge in “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” Michael’s talent, charisma, and enduring appeal have cemented his status as a true Hollywood legend.

Pat Boone is a direct descendant of Daniel Boone. He was married to country singer Red Foley’s daughter, Shirley. He hosted 115 episodes of The Pat Boone – Chevy Showroom and appeared in 15 movies. One of his four daughters is Debby Boone. She had a number one record in 1977, “You Light Up My Life.” Pat held the record for spending 220 consecutive weeks on the Billboard charts. In the 1950s Billboard magazine said that he was the only entertainer that could compete in popularity with Elvis Presley. Pat had 18 top ten records and six of those went to number one. 

Julia Child was a larger-than-life culinary icon, known for bringing French cuisine to American home kitchens. She had an infectious personality and unbridled enthusiasm. Her popular TV show “The French Chef” made her a household name. With her distinctive voice and charming demeanor, Julia made cooking fun for everyone. She will always be remembered as a pioneer in the world of food television.

Richard Simmons was an American fitness and health guru loved for his energetic personality and motivational approach to wellness. He rose to fame in the 70s and 80s with his unique exercise programs and flamboyant style. Simmons created the iconic “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” workout videos. He was also known for supporting various charitable causes. Richard had a passion for others and left a lasting impression on generations of fans worldwide. So, get up, get moving, grab your sweatbands, and turn up the music as we get some tips from the late great Richard Simmons.

Most young people have never heard of Pat O’Brien. He was a popular actor who appeared in more than 100 films, playing mostly Irish American characters. He played priests, cops, and members of the military. He had starring roles in “Knute Rockne, All American,” with Ronald Reagan playing the part of George Gipp. In the film, Rockne used a slogan that was used in Reagan’s campaign for president in 1980, “Win One for the Gipper.” Pat appeared in “Some Like it Hot” with Marilyn Monroe. And his last role came in a 1982 episode of “Happy Days.” O’Brien was born in Milwaukee and served as an altar boy at Gesu church. He grew up on 13th and Kilbourn in Milwaukee and attended Marquette Academy with fellow actor Spencer Tracy. Pat also attended Marquette University where he decided to take up acting.

Remember the 1985 TV commercial for Miller Lite, in which Yakov Smirnoff says “In America, there is plenty of lite beer and you can always in a party. In Russia, party always finds you.” Yakov was born in Odesa, Ukraine. He defected to the U.S.A. in 1977. Yakov had a lot of success in the United States which led to his line: “What a country.” Beside stand-up comedy he had roles in “Moscow on the Hudson” in which he helped Robin Williams with his Russian dialogue. He was also in films “Money Pit” and “Brewster’s Millions.” He appeared on TV’s “Night Court” and as a guest on the Johnny Carson “Tonight Show.” Smirnoff was friends with President Ronald Reagan and wrote some of his speech material. An example was “In Russia, if you say take my wife please, you come home…and she’s gone!”

It was exactly 60 years ago today that the Beatles came to play at the Milwaukee arena in front of 11,838 ecstatic fans! September 4, 1964, the Beatles were at the height of their fame at this point and their arrival in Milwaukee was met with a frenzy of excitement.  Once they arrived at the Coach House Inn on 19th and Wisconsin Avenue, the Beatles were quickly ushered inside where they held a press conference in the afternoon. John Lennon was unable to attend due to laryngitis. At the Beatles highly anticipated concert, the mostly female audience, was treated to an exciting lineup of warm-up acts.  The night kicked off with the Bill Black Combo, then Clarence Fogman Henry, the Exciters, and finally, Jackie DeShannon rounded out the lineup. In a previous podcast, Jackie told of how she had to arrange her set to please the crowd. After the warmup acts, I thought the Beatles would be taking the stage. They were not in the building, and I had to stall for 15 minutes. The Beatles then put on a legendary performance at the Milwaukee arena.  Their set in order included: I Saw Her Standing There You Can’t Do That She Loves You If I Fell Roll Over Beethoven Can’t Buy Me Love Things I Said Today Boys Hard Days Night Long Tall Sally The fans for the most part had behaved well up until the day the Beatles were scheduled to leave Milwaukee. They knew that they may never come back, so this was their last chance. The Beatles appearance in Milwaukee was a historic moment for the city, and the memories of that night still live on for those lucky enough to witness it. The impact of the Beatles’ music continues to be felt to this day as they remain one of the most iconic and influential bands in music history.

Ray Scott was best known for his play-by-play broadcasts of the Green Bay Packers, along with Tony Canadeo. He was one of my all-time favorite sports announcers. With the CBS broadcast team he worked with Pat Summerall. He called the 1965 World Series on NBC television with Vin Scully. He also called the Milwaukee Brewers telecasts in 1976-77. In this podcast he’ll talk about the Packers and give his thoughts on a book “Out of Their League” by former St. Louis Cardinals linebacker, Dave Meggyesy. It was a very controversial book badmouthing pro football. In the book he writes that pro football is a fraud, racist, with payoffs, drug abuse, and incredible violence. Ray Scott is in the Pro Football and Packers Hall of Fame. He was ranked 28th in the list of the Top 50 Sportscasters of All Time.

The Phil Donahue Show was the first talk show format that included audience participation. He was one of the most influential talk show hosts in television history. His show tackled controversial and taboo topics, giving voice to marginalized voices and sparking important conversations. From politics to social issues, no topic was off-limits, from women’s rights to LGBTQ rights. Phil Donahue was a trailblazer, giving voice to the voiceless.

Until 1976, Dennis James appeared on television more times than any other TV star. He was the first person to raise more than $750 million for United Cerebral Palsy. He hosted the Cerebral Palsy Telethon for 47 years with Paul Anka, Florence Henderson, and others. Dennis started out in radio at WAAT in Jersey City and then WNEW in New York City.  On television he worked on “The Price is Right,” “Let’s Make a Deal,” and “Truth or Consequences.” Dennis guest starred on “77 Sunset Strip” and “Fantasy Island.” On the big screen he appeared in “Rocky III” and others. He was the on-air spokesperson for Old Gold cigarettes and Kellogg’s cereals. 

A number of witches were on my show throughout the years, but none as famous as the Wicked Witch of the West, played by Margaret Hamilton in the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” While filming, she was burned on her face and hand during a fiery exit from Munchinland and out six weeks before returning to the set. Margaret told the producer there would be no more fire scenes for her. She did not sue, thinking she’d never be hired to do another film. Hamilton did some radio work and had a part on three episodes of “The Addams Family.” When she appeared on “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” she attempted to convince the children not to be afraid of the wicked witch. 

When you think of Paul Winchell, you think of a ventriloquist, comedian, and actor. But, did you know that Paul invented the mechanical artificial heart? He hosted the Paul Winchell show on TV and appeared on “The Brady Bunch,” “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “The Beverly Hillbillies.” He was the voice of many characters on TV cartoons, including Tigger for which he won a Grammy for his performance in “Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too.” His famous dummies Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead Smiff are in the Smithsonian Institution. In school his art teacher allowed him to receive credit for creating a ventriloquist’s dummy and that got him started on his career at age 14.

This infamous personality was born Elva Miller. You might remember Mrs. Miller, the one hit wonder. She was born tone deaf. She had two records on the Billboard charts, “A Lovers Concerto” and  “Downtown.” As a joke, Capitol Records released her first album as “Mrs. Miller’s Greatest Hits.” She was not happy with the way she was treated, as you will hear in this podcast. Her voice was compared to the sound of “roaches scurrying across a trash can lid.” If you didn’t like her, you can place blame on disc jockey Gary Owens, from “Laugh-In” for discovering her. 

This man set a Guinness world record as the most watched man on television. Maybe you remember David Hasselhoff from the soap opera “The Young and the Restless.” He played Dr. Snapper Foster. He was Michael Knight on “Knight Rider.” The girls loved him as lifeguard Mitch Buchannon in “Baywatch.” He has also starred in the musicals “Chicago” and “The Producers.” And he was a judge on “America’s Got Talent.” And David was a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars.” He and Kym Johnson were the first to be eliminated. Hof’s biggest musical claim to fame was a huge success in concerts but did not make it on the radio. Did you ever hear of “Looking for Freedom?”

Today’s podcast features more nostalgia from the sixties. At that time there was a very popular TV sitcom “Leave it to Beaver.” On the show Ken Osmond played Eddie Haskell, Wally Beaver’s best friend and, at times, his worst friend. He appeared in many of the 235 episodes. Ken also appeared on the television in “Lassie,” “Ozzie and Harriet,” “Petticoat Junction” and “Happy Days.” He later joined the LAPD, working as a motorcycle officer. In 1980 he was hit by three bullets while in pursuit of a car thief. A bullet proof vest saved his life.