My guest today is Kenneth Watson. He is a military vet, an author, and recently a father, but still insists his primary identifying marker is as an alcoholic. He had his first drink at about 6 years old, and remembers the first time he was drunk,.Kenneth was only 12 years old. Alcohol surrounded most of his life in high school, college and the military. While it would have been easy to become a statistic, he sobered up, wrote a book and is sharing his story with the world with the intention of letting people know there is hope and help. He recently had a son whom he shamelessly brags about – don’t we all! It is a wonderful, touching, hopeful story of overcoming adversity and standing for something.
Hey y’all – Today my guest is long-time friend and personal pilot – Marty Stanton. Marty’s daughter graduated from some college in San Diego – I should know, it is in the show, so he flew out from South Carolina to be with her. And when I say flew out, it is not quite “I just flew in from South Carolina and boy are my arms tired,” but it is "he hopped in his 2 seated, took his wife hostage, and flew his tiny plane from coast to coast." We discuss how he tried (and failed) to earn his father’s respect by following in his footsteps and becoming a pilot. He shares a couple of absolutely terrifying stories of things that went wrong while in the air. And how he goaded me into taking a flight with him up the coast. Anyone who met me as an adult can’t really bait me into doing things I don’t want to do, but somehow, when people know you as a kid, the phrase “come on, chicken, I dare you” still has an undeniable pull. He tells of his 86-year-old dad still flying, but nobody was allowed to fly with him, how much it costs to own a plane, even if you never fly, and how he wooed his wife, or his dad did, sort of, early in the relationship.
Happy New Year! Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? Did you kiss a stranger at midnight? Our guest today had a dream to do just that this year – tune in to find out. Neither our guest Kelly, nor co-host Anna, who introduced her to the show, mentioned she was a widow, so much of my show prep went out the window. Still friends with your ex? Who ended the relationship? … Hear me insert and re-insert my foot into my mouth, as we hearabout getting back into the dating scene after 28 years – without the apps. Technical difficulties, a little microphone rust by yours truly, and lots of promised editing result in a fun jaunt through dive bars and grocery stores. We also talk about clone dating. That’s right, you can create a clone to go on dozens, or hundreds of virtual dates then get recommendations from an algorithm and evaluations of all your “dates.” You can go on virtual dates with other people’s clones, or have your clones date other’s clones or other people's clones! It is indeed a brave new world. We also talk about sending <ahem> private pics, especially from men, and do you get more attention if you can do tricks… seriously. Also, today’s tips – make an effort, especially on your first date. Dress up a little or at least change out of your work clothes, and don’t get too drunk on your first date.
Welcome to ADD – Adult Dating for Dummies we are back after a football season hiatus to discuss the adult dating scene. On this episode we discover there are several AI dating coaches – they review all of your date “chats” and tell you where you went right and where you went wrong and tries to up your game. We also talk about dating during the Holidays and its unique challenges. Today’s guest, Maggie, is back on the market and looking since she broke up with her on-again off-again boyfriend of 9 years. This time, she insists they are never, ever, ever, getting back together. She is also moving this summer, so there is another interesting wrinkle. Turn on your favorite sappy movie, I suggest Titanic, turn down the sound and open a pack of double stuff Oreos and join Anna, Stephanie and I for the latest episode of Adult Dating for Dummies!
Today my guest is a candidate for 79th district assembly. She was born and raised in San Diego. She is a proud SDSU alum where she got her Bachelor’s degree AND and her Ed.d in Education leadership. She is Aztec through and through as her mom worked at the school while she was pregnant with LaShae! We talk about dirty politics and transparency and we (mostly me) joke about an attack ad aimed at her, that I found silly. She is all about community, give a few cool little quotes I found inspiring and will probably steal them as my own in the future. She was a great sport and played along. We find out about her dreams and aspirations and why she chose a super sappy movie in the electric chair question.
Today my guest Genevieve Suzuki is running for La Mesa City Council. This is neither an endorsement nor a hit piece, just a chance to get to know her and what she stands for. She is a parent – we have not had a city council member with school-age children in a long, long time. She is an attorney and wants to foster community. A supporter of first responders and public servants (I hate the term public servant – it sounds like my local paramedic is delivering a pizza be my butler or something…) Anyway – she is for better funding as well as accountability and oversight. She has ambitious plans for a public square, streamlining the website and making information more easily available to the citizens, and transparency and oversight.
Hey y’all Check it out – we have a male representing on ADD! A rare sighting, even though we have only done 4 or 5 episodes, it’s time the men get a shot. We need more open and honest guys… like todays guest, David Walker – Three time Eisner award winner and 2023 inkpot winner and Long time family friend talks about dating while notable, if not famous. What he is looking for now that he is getting a little older – spoiler alert – not being afraid he will be stabbed in his sleep is high on the list. Also not being married, or living with your ex… stuff like that… He shares why did not hit on Pam Greer, Alyssa Milano, or Rosario Dawson while spending time with them. We talk groupies, sycophants, the down side of having a notable internet presence and a few accolades. So grab some dim sum and a comfy chair for this fully illustrated episode of ADD!
On this episode, I get to actually see what real life Tinder page looks like, and we discuss LIVE if Anna should swipe right, and why or why not. The ladies tell me some things that are “Vagina repellant” – a term I never knew and could have gone my whole life without hearing… We answer how many pet guinea pigs is too many, how often you should update your profile picture and information and what is your responsibility to somewhat resemble your current picture. How much revenge is too much?
In this jam-packed episode of ADD – we wonder why the eggplant became the go-to suggestive emoji over the heavily favored banana, compare notes on how to spot an actual hooker, and how the “ordering process” in a brothel look like. We talk about a few uncomfortable taboo fetishes that Anna has been offered to participate in. What are some deal breakers on you profile, and wonder if etiquette still matters in today’s world of dating – do you dress up a little? Be on time? Open the door? Pick up the check… And why these two ladies do not care about your favorite sports team and probably don’t want to camp in the wild… spoiled? They are also a little mean in my opinion to Bill and a couple other dates of Anna’s...
On this week’s installment of ADD – Adult Dating for Dummies, we meet Anna and scratch the surface of her recent dating history. We hear about “Special K” she only uses his first initial for some semi anonymity. We discuss door opening etiquette, good, safe places to meet on a first face to face or “IRL” that’s what the kids call in real life, date. Spoiler alert, an under-construction house with covered windows and plastic tarps everywhere is not a good idea… but that does not stop Anna! I explain what a Masshole is and why it is not as bad as it sounds. We do a PG-13 introduction to “foot guy.” And basically talk about first dates and how much you should share before hand, expect during, and reveal after. So grab a quart of Ben and Jerry’s and a cozy blanket and give us a listen o this week’s episode of ADD!
Hey folks, for those expecting a scintillating interview episode, this is a brand new project, launched under the Tony on the Mic banner. ADD – Adult dating for Dummies. We talk about the new dating frontier – dating apps and how to meet someone in 2024. I am happily married and so naïve to what is out there, I mostly sit mouth wide open as I hear about the wild wild world on online dating, intimate pics, sliding into DMs, swiping, how to choose a profile pic and more. I also get a disturbing bit of info about the brazen-ness of today’s on-line males and share a now infamous photo of a shirtless me with a cat in my lap, trying to look… sexy? Please reach out to the show if you have any horror stories, funny stories, tips or tricks for navigating this crazy new marketplace. It will be an interactive show! In the meantime, tune in, like comment, share and tell your friends. Then get in on the fun!
Today I am joined by San Diego Running legend Paul Greer. He has a new book out – Going the Distance – Strategies from the first stride to the finish line. It is one tip per page over 250 pages – that helps improve, starts, strides, shoes, breath and more! Whether you are just getting started or you’re a seasoned runner, the man the Union Tribune called the Pied Piper of San Diego Running has lots of stuff to make you better! He has run with the Bulls 5 times, (Pamplona, not Chicago) climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro AND Mt Whitney 13 days apart, he is the President of San Diego Track and Field. He has a sub 4-minute mile and was an Olympic team finalist. His credentials are impeccable, and his adventures are amazing. I could list them all, but that is what Google is for! Or you could just listen!
Today my guest is - when you think Bubbles, think Meadow Perry! One of the 124 most prominent bubbles magicians in the world according to OIBA! She was on the CW Masters of Illusion, did a week at the world famous Magic Castle in LA, and got a shout out from Penn Gillette of Penn and Teller! We talk about the genesis of bubble magic, how she got into bubble magic and push back against the notion that it isn’t “real” magic – I mean really? Are there wizards somewhere doing “real” magic? We talk about her theater nerd days in high school, life on the road with kids, and how does her best to never be approached on the road. I remember how our first meeting was completely forgettable for her… I mean, she completely forgot who I was… Also her kid interrupts, so we take a break, we discuss the difference between men and women in the industry, and we talk last meal stuff.
Today my guest is author and inspirational speaker Jonas Royster. He overcame a troubled past, including a few incarcerations, gang banging and a severe alcohol addiction. He is releasing his second book, with 4 more in the pipeline. He is also doing motivational speaking, trying to use his story, struggles and success to point out a road map to what is possible for those in his similar situation. We talk sky-diving, bungee jumping, being a foodie and how to act – and not act when in prison. Check out his book on Amazon “Bangin’ – the Making of a Y.G.” and his next offering “Quotes Off The Wall – 31 Days to Break Bad Thinking habits and Embrace positivity” out August 12th
Today my guest is Lorraine Bardeen, VP and Chief Technology officer at Microsoft! We discuss her journey through life and Cornell (ever heard of it) that led her to Microsoft. We discuss her life through high school and college, and why there are many people in her rolodex she would call before Bill Gates if she needed a tire change. She defends Clippy, the original AI Microsoft assistant, ranks her sisters, and lists keys to success, hiring and what she looks for in a potential fast tracker. She validates my adherence to Atomic Habits. Check out her inspirational and informational blogs on linkedin!
Today my guest is Author Kitty Zeldis. Once an aspiring bun-head (ballet dancer,) she went from publishing almost 40 children themed books and short stories and her last novel, The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights was about a Jewish Prostitute in New Orleans… We cover her journey from one to the other, and lots of stuff in between. She talks about rejection letters, balancing editors and her own vision, and gives some great advice to aspiring writers. How writing novels damaged her reading them, she is often caught up evaluating and rationalizing things in the book that she is simply trying to read and enjoy. She has finally mastered emojis, but fears it may be passe and too late to be cool.
BJ is Married! We sit down and catch up with everybody’s favorite bachelor as he settles down with his long-time love Andrea. We talk about the planning, the execution and the whirlwind that is a wedding. We discuss his podcast revival, the intrusive nature of the internet and its listening – all the time. We set the over under WAY too low for the amount of times he would cry. Is syncronicitious a word? Spoiler alert – no. Is Sapiens a real book? Spoiler alert – yes. Chef Andrew and the group at the Make café and the good work they do. (check them out at www.SDmake.com ) It is a great time, as it always is when we sit down to talk. Listen is as we talk about Juliette Lewis’s band, the simultaneous North Park music festival, Aunt Cindy and Aunt Anne’s wedding, and more! www.alalnteconstructionremodel.com www.lifesabinge.com www.Tonyonthemic.com
Today my guest is a relaxed, recentered and rejuvenated Erica Benisch! She just got back from a week at the famous and exclusive Golden Door Spa in San Marcos – as recommended by Oprah! Door to door shuttle service, daily in-room massage and endless activities. But the most impactful part was getting in touch with herself and accessing years of pent-up baggage and trauma. With daily yoga, meditations and access to various therapy explorations she was able to recenter and continue her journey in life and motherhood. She also did archery, fencing, tap dancing and more! We talk about the process, shout out her kids and I learn to pronounce her last name – after 20 years or so!
Today – My guest Jayden Lombardo just returned from completing the most famous, and some say most daunting marathon: the Boston Marathon, 26.2 grueling miles through the streets of Boston, culminating at Heartbreak Hill! He joined 30,000 other runners and finished just before the rain came down in buckets. I pity those who finished later. We learn why the Unicorn is the official symbol of the Boston Marathon, why I call him Quadzilla or the Quadfather, and how he managed to spend an entire week apart from his girlfriend Schmoopy. He enjoyed his first trip to Boston and saw the sites including learning about the Salem Which Trials, the kings church and fun facts about the Rhode Island state capital. We sample and rate another Whisky and I recall a good chunk of the famous poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” from elementary school – not bad for an old man!
My guest today turned down Oprah, the first time she called, but did Tony on the Mic on the first request! She is Pam Smith and she is fascinating. She had a genealogy friend and they were working together for a few years. They discovered one of her friend’s people, owned – as in slavery – her people. How would your react? She tells us about the emotional whirlwind and how it all reconciled. Spoiler alert: after some tense moments they are still friends 30 years later. She is a long time civil rights activist who has worked with Jesse Jackson, Barack Obama and met Stokely Carmichael by accident! She lived in Africa for a few years, and lived in a monastery (not quite like Sister Act or Sound of Music I found out.) She has lived in the DMV, Chicago, Portland Oregon, spreading seeds of hope and racial reconciliation at every stop. Way too many cool stories for one podcast so we will have her back!