Shows
The Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 39 - Chester MooreMike welcomes the inspirational Chester Moore to the program. Chester is award-winning wildlife journalist, media producer and broadcaster. His passion for wildlife and Great Outdoors, and his walk with Christ, have sent him on an amazing journey. Chester and Mike discuss fishing, hunting, conservation, faith, nature and much more. Don't miss this wonderful conversation. #Conservation #Hunting #Fishing #Bowhunting #Faith #GreatOutdoors
2022-08-241h 01The Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 38 - Tessa FowlerTessa Fowler is a Wyoming-based wildlife photographer and conservationist. She lives her childhood dream of being a "Mountain Girl." She is physically and spiritually connected to Nature and shares her story with us. Tessa recalls her beach community California childhood, heading out to Wyoming at a young age, a soul-searching 6-month trek into grizzly country, her art and attitude towards life, as well as her support of various conservation groups. An amazing conversation with a dedicated, committed, passionate participant in The Great Outdoors. #photography #wildlife #hunting #fishing #hiking #cowboys #bears #wildsheep #mountainliving #Wyoming #guns
2022-06-141h 45The Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 37 - Jill UrchakMike is joined by veteran Chicago broadcaster Jill Urchak for a candid conversation discussing their careers in radio, growing up on the city's South Side, Jill's amazing father, spirituality and politics. They also share eerie paranormal experiences including out-of-body-experiences, visits from the dead, Mike's poltergeist and Jill's haunted Charlie Chaplin memorabilia and more! Don't miss this fun conversation! #radio #Chicago #paranormal #politics #spirituality
2022-06-081h 13The Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 36 - Brenda Valentine"The First Lady of Hunting" Brenda Valentine joins Mike for a chat regarding The Great Outdoors Lifestyle. From filling the freezer in rural Tennessee to traveling the world in pursuit of game, Brenda shares her passion for hunting, including turkey calling tips, food plot planning, her favorite states to hunt and the planning and preparation of bowhunting the formidable Cape Buffalo in Africa. Don't miss this wonderful conversation with the charming Brenda Valentine! #hunting #fishing #GreatOutdoors #archery #bowhunting #safari
2022-05-2353 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 35 - Michael RockertMichael Rockert is a multi-instrumentalist songwriter whose new album, For A Time Such As This, is an epic metal meditation on the current state of the world. He joins Mike Tomano to discuss making the album and the importance music has played in his life, including the impact #KISS had on him. Tomano talks about escaping into music & nature in his teens to avoid bad paths, the influence of John Bonham on his drumming and his friendship with Ted Nugent. The two delve into the creative process, a world gone mad, and much more. An in-depth, casual conversation between t...
2022-04-1955 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 34 - Jim CobbJim Cobb is a professional prepping instructor and has written an excellent book series and countless articles on the subject. He joins Mike to discuss the fundamentals of prepping and survival planning, including home safety and defense, realistic firearm training, financial protection, street tactics, teaching situational awareness to children and much more. Don't miss this exciting and extremely informative episode!
2022-03-2456 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 33 - The Game Changers Part FourMike is joined by his bandmate and longtime friend, Tom "T-Ray" Teare to reminisce about their days in the infamous comedy band Tomanosaurus, and their current collaboration in Chicago's premiere Classic Rock band, The Baked Potatoes. Tom tells great stories about coming up in the 60s & 70s Chicago scene, backing Wolfman Jack, and gives us his "Game-Changer" book, album and films. PLUS! The Tomano in the Morning listeners provide guacamole hacks and Mike remembers Mark Lanegan, Gary Brooker and Sally Kellerman. Enjoy! #comedy #classicrock #Chicago #radio #albums #film #books
2022-03-0947 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 32 - Remembering P.J. O’RourkeMike remembers satirist and journalist P.J. O'Rourke in this mini-episode tribute. P.J.'s work at National Lampoon, as well as his books and articles had a profound impact on Mike and encouraged him when facing adversity in his career. Included is a chat with P.J. from Mike's radio show in 2004. PLUS! From the Vaults: Mike wakes up Glenn Danzig for an impromptu interview. #comedy #PJORourke #music #heavymetal #Danzig
2022-02-2321 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 31 - The Game Changers Part ThreeMike is joined by his radio show partner Rob West for a chat about more books, films and albums that changed their lives. As they're wont to do, they head off on humorous tangents about pets, people, hotdogs and the connection between The Partridge Family and landing on the moon. Enjoy! #music #comedy #film #books #LennyBruce #ScienceFiction #horror #vinylcollecting #ClassicRock #radio
2022-02-1248 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 30 - The Game Changers Part TwoContinuing on the theme of Music, Film & Book "Game Changers," Mike welcomes rocker Dave Bellah back to the podcast. In addition to the topic, Mike & Dave exchange recent "hauls" from record and thrift stores, The Neil Young / Joe Rogan situation, and much, much more! Check out Mike's recent blog: https://www.miketomano.com/single-post/well-i-hope-neil-young-will-remember-or-old-man-take-a-look-at-yourself Enjoy! #AynRand #NeilPeart #LedZeppelin #comedy #music #film #1984 #PunkRock #VinylCollecting
2022-02-0157 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 29 - The Game Changers Part OneBeginning a recurrent theme on The Mike Tomano Happening, Mike talks with friends about "Game Changers": Movies, Music and Film that had great personal impact and rearranged perceptions of their medium. Marty Jay, the first member of The MTH Panel discusses three albums, movies and books that changed him and Mike adds three of his own. Visit www.miketomano.com for podcasts, radio show archives, blogs and more! #music #film #books
2022-01-251h 17The Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 28 - Yusef LateefMike remembers Bob Saget on this episode then heads into the vault for an early 2000s interview with the late musical genius, Yusef Lateef. Yusef's approach to his music and life is truly inspiration. He discusses his life, career, spiritual path, and discusses the musical contributions of Miles, Coltrane, Elvin and Dizzy. If you are a lover of Jazz, a spiritual seeker or enjoy conversations with deep-thinkers, this is a must-hear.
2022-01-1728 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 27: KAT 105.5 ReunionFrom the mid-to-late '90s, The KAT 105.5 made its mark on The Chicago Southlands. A radio station run by a young bunch of rebels that lived and breathed Rock & Roll, breaking every rule in broadcasting. Today, the station is talked about with great reverence, from listeners from "back in the day" to industry folks who recall the "wildest station they ever worked with." Mike is joined by Marielle Salas, Dave Bellah and Steve Touhy for a behind-the-scenes look at those heady days.
2022-01-112h 06The Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 26 - Kelly Carlin & Wavy GravyMike celebrates George Carlin's life, career, creativity and influence on this episode, including a candid conversation with George's daughter, Kelly. PLUS a wild ride with counter-culture icon and ice-cream flavor, Wavy Gravy. Kelly discusses her father's approach to his work, being his daughter and shares insight on his creative process. Wavy talks Woodstock, Lenny Bruce, Thelonious Monk, B.B. King, Hunter S. Thompson, Del Close and more! Don't miss it! #comedy #music #creativity #GeorgeCarlin #Woodstock #RockNRoll #writing
2021-12-2738 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 25 - Steve Dahl & Robert MurphyMike talks about his junior high dreams of becoming a radio personality, and the influence of jocks Steve Dahl and Robert Murphy. Dahl, along with partner Garry Meier, broke every rule and invented personality radio in the late 70s and 80s, influencing all who followed, including Howard Stern. Robert Murphy's radio show was a mixture of coolness and mischief. Both helped Mike shape his idea of what he wanted to do on his own radio show. Murf talks with Mike about changes in the radio landscape and restrictions placed on creativity. The Stever and Mike talk about podcasting and t...
2021-12-2029 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 24: Mickey Dolenz & Don PrestonMike remembers Garey Williams, whose last interview was on Episode 16 of the podcast. Year-End Vault Clearing continues with Mickey Dolenz of The Monkees and Don Preston of Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention!
2021-12-1355 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 23 - Phil Proctor & Murphy DunneThe magic of sketch comedy, particularly on record and radio, is the focus on today's episode as Mike digs into the vault for chats with two legends. Phil Proctor of the ground-breaking psychedelic comedy troupe, Firesign Theater, discusses the group's uninhibited approach to writing and recording their masterpieces PLUS actor/musician Murphy Dunne shares his roots in sketch with Chicago's Second City and counter-culture troupe The Conception Corporation, as well as rooming with Peter Boyle, working with Mel Brooks in High Anxiety and his wild times with Belushi and Akroyd in The Blues Brothers.
2021-12-0655 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 22 - Grace Slick & Jon AndersonMike digs into the vaults for interviews with Rock Legends Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane / Starship) & Jon Anderson (YES). Grace delves into the diverse creative process of Jefferson Airplane, opines on monogamy, and shares stories of Hendrix, Garcia, Zappa and more. Jon discusses preparing material for a solo tour, the various YES line-ups, his spiritual path and what influences his songwriting. Essential listening.
2021-11-2940 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 21 - Ed TyllOne of Mike's biggest influences in radio is Ed Tyll. The talk radio legend visits for a conversation that spans his storied career in radio and television, his current home on Florida Man Radio, wild days at Chicago's AM1000, Howard Stern, Dave Chappelle, Ron DeSantis, Kyle Rittenhouse, Winsome, Dave Chappelle, creativity and drive and much more. This chat is smokin'! Don't miss it!
2021-11-221h 23The Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 20- Dee WallaceMike welcomes actress Dee Wallace to discuss her iconic film and television career, working with directors like Steven Spielberg (E.T), Blake Edwards (10), Peter Jackson (The Frighteners), Joe Dante (The Howling) and Rob Zombie (Halloween, 3 From Hell, Lords of Salem), her work as a healer and new book, "Born". A warm, engaging woman with some wonderful insight and stories, Dee delivers on this 20th episode of The Mike Tomano Happening!
2021-11-1543 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 19 - Dave BellahDave Bellah is a dynamic singer / songwriter and guitarist. His lasted release is "Think Outside The Burning Box," a collection of well-crafted and passionate rock songs spotlighting this diverse talent. Mike and Dave met early in Mike's radio career and worked together at the infamous KAT 105.5. They reminisce about not smoking weed with Willie, gettin' yelled at by Neil Young, keeping watch on Brian Wilson and much more! Don't miss it!
2021-11-091h 20The Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 18 - Scott DavidsonScott Davidson is a Chicago-area musician and one of the founders of Rebel Radio "The Hardest Station In The Nation!" He is a visionary radio programmer and rock jock who has kept extreme music on the air for almost thirty years. Mike had the pleasure of being part of the Rebel Radio air staff early in his career and reminisces with Scott about those heady days, as well as delving into the world of hard rock and heavy metal radio. Scott's dedication to his work is exemplary. Listen. Get inspired. Rock On!
2021-11-0146 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 17 - Halloween Special 2021We unearth some classics from The TomanoLand Vault of Terror! Tipi Hedren on working with Hitchcock! Svengoolie talks Universal Horrors! Dean Koontz & Whitley Streiber discuss writing! Twisted Sister's Dee Snider on his favorite horror films! Director Don Coscarelli on Phantasm! Happy Halloween!
2021-10-2630 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 16 - Garey WilliamsGarey Williams is a professional performing and recording artist, an exemplary drum teacher and an ambassador for drumming. He joins us to discuss...well, drums, drummers and drumming! A must listen for musicians and educators. Garey's YouTube Channel, Drumset Artistry, is a drummer's wonderland, with drum solo analysis, lessons and more. For private instruction and more information, visit his website gareywilliams.com
2021-10-1950 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 15 - Mic FabusMic Fabus was part of a great era in Chicago Rock history. He has written songs for a diverse array of artists and shared stages with giants. Mic is also a music producer, running his own studio, and has worked in numerous capacities in the film industry. Advice and insight from a very engaging guest. Enjoy!
2021-10-1149 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 14 - Ted NugentTed Nugent possesses a fiercely independent spirt that embraces uninhibited freedom in his approach to life and work. In this no-holds-barred conversation, Mike and Ted discuss the current state of America, grass-roots activism, Truth, Logic & Common Sense, the healing qualities of nature, the reward of hard-work and Ted's Zen-like creative process. Essential listening!
2021-10-0459 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 13 - Frank FerranteFrank Ferrante is an actor, specializing in live theater, who has portrayed Groucho Marx for almost four decades. We talk theater, his current show Teatro ZinZanni (which runs through the end of the year in Chicago), and his role in An Evening with Groucho. Frank also shares golden advice for aspiring actors and artists.
2021-09-2855 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 12 - Lothar KellerLothar Keller grew up with a love of music and an obsession with sound. He is the lead guitarist for heavy metal giants The Skull and Sacred Dawn, and Iead vocalist for Divinity Compromised. He also owns his own record label, and is a sound engineer / producer in the music studio and in television. Lothar joins us to tell his story, delving into his innovative spirit, business acumen and drive to succeed. We discuss his early life, robust approach to his career and the recent passing of his bandmate, the inimitable Eric Wagner.
2021-09-211h 26The Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 11 - Dennis PrestonMike discusses "Visualization, Realization and Specialization" in the creative life and is joined by make-up artist / illustrator / filmmaker Dennis Preston. Dennis studied illustration at The American Academy of Art and fell into special make-up by chance. Since then, he has become a sought after contributor to independent films, an acclaimed mask-maker, body artist and director of his own films.
2021-09-1451 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 10 - Mike WattMike heads into the vault for a classic 2005 interview he did with Punk Icon Mike Watt (Minutemen, Firehose, Iggy & The Stooges.) Watt shares his insights on his boundless creativity and balanced approached to life. PLUS musician / sound engineer Mark Doroba shows up for a "Geek Out" on the first 8 Black Sabbath albums.
2021-09-071h 33The Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 9 - Phil AngottiPhil Angotti is a prolific singer / songwriter and musician whose dedication to the craft is an inspiration. He is a tireless performer, bringing his talent to a variety of band settings, solo performances and records. His personality is as charming as his songs. Enjoy our conversation with this fine songsmith.
2021-08-3145 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 8 - Sensei Steve Gross7th Degree Black Belt Sensei Steve Gross caught the Karate bug at a young age. His positive impact has found him as an ambassador for martial arts in the dojo, on movie sets, in tournaments and events around the world. His story is one of dedication, discipline and faith.
2021-08-2451 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 7 - Ron CarterMike welcomes Jazz Legend Ron Carter for an in-depth conversation on life, music, education and more! Ron has played on over 2700 recordings, and has been an integral part of the most ground-breaking and innovative collaborations in music history. Don't miss this wonderful interview with this musical maestro. Ladies & Gentlemen...Ron Carter!
2021-08-1655 minThe Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 6 - Donatas Ramanauskas (Dead Freddie) & Donnie VieMike chats with Dead Freddie's lead vocalist Donatas Ramanauskas about the band's beginnings on Chicago's Southwest Side to their current status as, what Mike deems, "America's Premier Lithuanian Ska-Punk Polka Band!" PLUS...Part 2 with Donnie Vie (Enuff Z'Nuff), as The King of Power Pop tells all!
2021-08-101h 51The Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 5 - Cathy Rich & Gregg PotterBuddy Rich brought drumming to heights yet to be surpassed. His daughter Cathy has dedicated her professional life to keeping his legacy alive, touring his namesake band around the world and introducing his music to the next generation. Gregg Potter has been playing drums since he was a child, when he idolized Buddy. Gregg now sits on the throne of "The World's Greatest Drummer." Get ready for some great stories and lots of laughs with this incredible couple.
2021-08-011h 15The Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 4 - Terry Bozzio & Carmine AppiceLet's "Give The Drummer Some" with this episode of The Mike Tomano Happening. Mike discusses his life as a musician and percussionist and heads into the vault for interviews with legendary drummers Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons, Jeff Beck) and Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Rod Stewart). Not For Drummers Only! If you are interested in creativity, music and the artist's life, this one's for you!
2021-07-261h 04The Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 3 - Tom LeopoldChristopher Guest has said that, when it comes to comedy, Tom Leopold possesses an "extra gene." Tom discusses his career, from his beginnings as a performer and contributing writer to National Lampoon magazine and multiple tv variety shows to Cheers, Seinfeld, Ellen, Will & Grace and other classic sit-coms. Enjoy this in-depth conversation with one of American Comedy's brightest stars.
2021-07-201h 00The Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 2 - Jackie MartlingMike visits with the legendary Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling. A wild conversation covering Jackie's career as an independent performer & entrepreneur, his days as head writer for The Howard Stern show, tales from the road, Rodney, Eddie Murphy, and much more!
2021-07-121h 51The Mike Tomano HappeningThe Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 1- Donnie ViePart One of Mike's chat with Donnie Vie, The King of Power Pop, on life, the creative process, the rollercoaster of a Rock & Roll career and keeping the dream alive. Also, Mike ponders "Science-Fiction Predictions" and welcomes listeners to this new venture.
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