Shows
Fitness ConfidentialAir is Life with Mike Feldstein - Episode 2726Episode 2726 - Vinnie Tortorich welcomes Mike Feldstein to discuss air quality, improving sleep, how air is life, and more. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/11/air-is-life-with-mike-feldstein-episode-2726 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS Pure Vitamin Club Pure Coffee Club NSNG® Foods VILLA CAPPELLI EAT HAPPY KITCHEN YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - @FitnessConfidential Podcast Air Is Life Mike's experience is in remediation after a big disaster, like fire, floods, etc. (3:00) His company, Jaspr, manufactures air scrubbers, and his are especially effective, quiet, not ugly, and made specifically for home use. Vinnie is using the Jaspr air scrubber and loves it. (13:00) He shares a story a...
2025-11-211h 01
Beyond the StretchBTS - Episode 48 - "Thermostat"In this episode, we toe the line of one of the edgiest firehouse roles—acting company officer. Uncle Mike throws down the challenge: Are you the thermostat or the thermometer? One sets the tone, the other just reacts. No fluff, no hand-holding. Just real talk, straight from the bunkroom.🎙️ Hit play, and decide for yourself.
2025-08-0137 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 47 - "AI"Yes, we went there. Uncle Mike was sober before the first sip of bourbon and got serious with AI. Don't worry we make sense of the technology and bring it back to firefighting - sort of.
2025-07-2539 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 46 - "Coordinator"Manager? Naw man, we prefer the title of Coordinator to describe Uncle Mike. Take a listen and we will explain.
2025-07-0349 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 45 - "The Grey"Uncle Mike and Cousin Vinnie share thoughts about the similarities between parenting and leadership in the fire service. Both of these roles require the individual to function in the trivial "grey" instead of the simple black and white which some feel is the ideal state.
2025-06-2845 minFitness ConfidentialAir Quality Matters with Mike Feldstein - Episode 2663Episode 2663: Vinnie Tortorich speaks to Mike Feldstein of Jaspr air scrubbers about health, how much air quality matters, and what you can do about it. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/06/air-quality-matters-mike-feldstein-episode-2663 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS YOU CAN WATCH ALL THE PODCAST EPISODES ON YOUTUBE - Air Quality Matters Mike is the founder of Jaspr, which makes air scrubbers. (3:00) He has been in the remediation business for over ten years, including fire and mold. Vinnie has a question regarding radon gas: Is it a real thing? (6:00) Radon gas is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. (9:00) Vinnie asked about outdoor air qu...
2025-06-271h 14
Living Fearless TodayHow to Trust Yourself and Build Your Confidence with Vinnie PotestivoBuilding trust and confidence in yourself is a journey that many men struggle with. In this episode, I sit down with Vinnie Potestivo, a media industry veteran to discuss how we can develop self trust and authenticity in our personal and professional lives. He revealed strategies for carving out your own path, especially when living in the shadow of your father. Vinnie discusses how he differentiated himself from his dad while still respecting his legacy. Your journey is unique from your father's, learn to appreciate your individual experiences and how they shape your perspective. Vinnie emphasizes the value of...
2025-05-2038 min
The High Level Podcast" People Die Everyday, B! " FT. West Coast Mike Welcome back for episode 57! The show is missing Vinnie P for his final week of paternity leave but don't worry , Kyle and Rayna are here with a very special guest... West Coast Mike!!! Kyles best friend moved back home from Washington State and sits down with the gang for some laughs. Mike talks to us about his experience in Washington on Orca's Island and what it's like to be back in Boston and readjusting to his transition back into " East Coast Mike". Kyle bring some hilarious trash news , one involving a trouble making Woodpecker and another involving a man...
2025-05-011h 01Beyond the StretchBTS - Episode 44 "Everybody"It is everybody's job no matter how small. That's the marching order in 2025 per Uncle Mike.
2025-02-0833 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 41 - "Ghosts Continued"Continuing on with our ghosts content, Mike and Vinnie discuss a fire in Houston, Texas that resulted in the loss of two firefighters from Houston FD. Some good information can be learned, especially in structures that are commonly found throughout our response districts. The NIOSH report is here:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200013.html
2024-07-0146 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 40 - "Rumble Strips"Echoing a leadership analogy used by our friend; The Company Officer, Mike and Vinnie compare company officer interactions to the rumble strips on roadways.
2024-05-1244 min
Comedy @ The Carlson CastMike DambraIn this episode Vinnie is joined in studio by one of Comedy @ the Carlson's favorite comedians Mike Dambra. Mike is home in Rochester for the holidays and will be performing four more shows this weekend. Grab your tickets at Carlsoncomedy.com
2023-12-0835 min
Sisko & Mike PodcastSpinning the Decks with DJ Vinnie Mack: From LA Streets to Radio BeatsStrap in and turn it up for today's electrifying episode of the Sisko and Mike Podcast where we hang out with none other than DJ Vinnie Mack, the king of Cali 93.9's airwaves and a podcast host who knows how to keep the party pumpingGrowing up in Los Angeles, Vinnie didn't just ride the waves at of the LA streets—he surfed the soundwaves, finding his first love in the strums of a Guitar Hero guitar. He'll share how he went from pretend-rock star to real-life DJ hero, and the beats that paved the way from hi...
2023-12-041h 38
The Letterman Podcast080 Vinnie Favale is back and we can mostly hear him! The network exec that was NOT a pinhead!Vinnie Favale returns to The Letterman Podcast and we could not be more excited! The network exec that got to watch virtually every Late Show from the control room for 20 years, Vinnie has so many stories, and from a perspective that is unique to say the least. He and Mike talk about their friend Rick Scheckman and his influence on the show, including when he found the video footage of Harry Smith's colonoscopy--or at least the Late Show version of it. Mike also gets a chance to get a few of his questions for Vinnie off the list, and...
2023-08-1159 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 33 - "Volunteering"Chief Richard Ray joins Uncle Mike for the second consecutive year at the SC Fire-Rescue Conference. Chief Ray talks about his experience and perspective as a volunteer firefighter, which we often forget comprises the majority of firefighters in the USA. Uncle Mike and Chief Ray finish off by talking about recruitment and retention in today's work culture.
2023-08-0738 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 32 - "Saltwater FOOLS"Uncle Mike is joined live at the SC Fire-Rescue conference with Kevin Manhardt. He speaks about his multi-family dwelling class, life as a Squad boss, and what it takes to start a FOOLs Chapter.
2023-07-2422 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 31 - "Truck Brothers"Live from the 2023 SC Fire-Rescue Conference, Uncle Mike is joined by two truck company hard-chargers. Both Ethan Tucker and Ryan Murphy, who happen to be adjust instructors for Truck Co. Ops, share their passion for truck work as they discuss their specific truck company related courses they presented at the conference. They talk about their motivation for developing the instructional content, and answer what job duties they love most on the fire ground.
2023-07-1636 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 28 - "Mr. X"We dabble in some intro music and learn about Uncle Mike’s run in with a rap star. We then transition into talking about uphill battles and what it takes to love the process.
2023-05-1035 min
The Mike White PodcastEpisode 27: Health and Fitness with Vinnie Tortorich #NSNGCelebrity trainer Vinnie Tortorich joins the podcast to dispel common health and fitness myths. Mike has been a fan of Vinnie's since learning about his "NSNG" (No Sugar, No Grains) lifestyle on the Adam Carolla Show in 2015. Since then, Vinnie has continued to educate people about health and fitness - making three documentaries, a PDF/Ebook outlining the fundamentals of NSNG, and surpassing 2,300 podcasts! I highly recommend also checking out Episode 5 to hear more about Vinnie and his incredible life story. Vinnie's Website: https://vinnietortorich.com/ Here you can schedule phone consults with Vinnie, see where...
2023-04-1050 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 27 - "Nicholas Cage"No special guest? Nope, just Mike and Vinnie somehow relating Nicholas Cage to the fire service…
2023-04-0848 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 25 - Capt. Mike Dozier Continued - "Love"TBD - Last episode of season 2.
2023-02-241h 04Beyond the StretchBTS - Episode 24 - Capt. Mike Dozier - "Influence"Squad boss and councilman, Capt. Mike Dozier joins us on the podcast. Author of The Company Officer page, he talks about the vital role a company officer plays inside the day-to-day firehouse life.
2023-02-101h 16Beyond the StretchBTS - Episode 22 - "Planet Fitness"With New Year's resolutions in full swing, Mike and Vinnie discuss the discipline it takes to be successful. Uncle Mike also elaborates on the 21-day process of developing a successful habit.
2023-01-2031 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 20 - "Cold Stone”Closing out the year 2022, Uncle Mike and Cousin Vinnie try their best to define competency throughout the fire service ranks. It isn't as easy as you think...
2023-01-0145 min
The Mike White PodcastEpisode 5: Book Overview - Fitness Confidential by Vinnie TortorichVinnie Tortorich is a fitness trainer, entrepreneur, and author of the book Fitness Confidential. Vinnie defined a way of eating, which he trademarked "NSNG" for "No Sugar, No Grains." He has found that sugars and grains have terrible health effects on the body. Not only that, but there is evidence supporting the idea that cancer feeds on sugar, and Vinnie doesn't want to go through cancer again! I provide an overview of how I found Vinnie, what he means to me, what his book is about, and all the additional resources he has that describe wh...
2022-10-3139 min
Why Are You Laughing?The Man Show w/ Vinnie PaulinoOn this episode Vinnie Paulino joins Mike and Craig to talk about The Man Show.Listen to Vinnie on the Creep-Off, Carlsoncast, and Who Are These Podcasts? wherever you get podcasts. www.blindmike.netListen to The Blind Mike Project, Very Good Show, and Average Nobodies wherever you get podcasts.
2022-09-151h 21
The Letterman PodcastThe Letterman Podcast 024 Vinnie FavaleVinnie Favale has had an interesting career. In fact, Vinnie has had MANY interesting careers, seemingly all happening at once. He's a writer, producer and director (of many disciplines) and was one of the folks to launch what is now known at Comedy Central. He has also worked for MTV, A&E, HBO and even produced and launched his own musical. He was also the executive liaison from CBS to The Late Show with David Letterman for the bulk of the show's run. Does that make him a pinhead? He and Mike discuss that very topic, and many, many...
2022-09-021h 36Beyond the StretchBTS - Episode 14 - Battalion Chief Jonah Smith - "Artwork"The last day of the 2022 SC Fire Rescue Conference makes Uncle Mike go rogue to connect with Battalion Chief Jonah Smith of Hornet Fire Training and The Charlotte Fire Department. A high-energy, positive teacher in the fire service, the two of them discuss challenges in today's fire service before closing with engine company operations.
2022-06-2724 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 13 - Chance Craven - "Imagery"Lucky episode number 13 introduces Mr. Chance Craven of Craven Design Co. A professional photographer who documents firefighters while they train and perform on the fire ground. Also a certified firefighter, Chance describes his mission to capture imagery in the fire service to both Mike and Vinnie at the 2022 SC Fire Rescue Conference.
2022-06-2026 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 10 "Stains or Starch"The roles and responsibilities for mid-level bosses in the fire service frequently change and are challenging. They can fluctuate between administrative and technical. Uncle Mike discusses this as he compares the look of the officer's uniform as either stained or starched.
2022-05-1025 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 9 "Happy Hour”Uncle Mike is keeping it 💯 as he explains while some of us can’t handle our liquor in the fire service.
2022-04-2019 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 8 "Confetti"We all find confetti in our personal and professional lives. Cousin Vinnie uses this analogy to describe how long cultural and professional growth takes to occur, and that sometimes the reminders of the "old way" that still linger can be a positive reminder of your journey.
2022-04-1535 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 7 "The First Five"Uncle Mike and Cousin Vinnie try to answer a listener's email question about incident scene size-ups. They will discuss every aspect of evaluating the incident scene and the implementation of tactics that are associated to what the first arriving incident commander encounters.
2022-04-0858 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 6 "Virtuosity"Cousin Vinnie gets some microphone time explaining why the engine should be considered a specialty company in the fire service. Does heavy rescue and truck loving Uncle Mike agree?
2022-03-2440 minBeyond the StretchBTS - Episode 5 "The Sentinel"Uncle Mike ties our first four BTS episodes together with a story of the Sentinels who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. We reveal what our motivation was to start a podcast, and talk about the vulnerability and risk associated with leadership.
2022-03-1818 minBeyond the StretchBTS Episode 3 - "The Horse, the Gun, and the Cowboy"Uncle Mike picks things back up with his explanation of the episode's title.
2022-03-0222 minBeyond the StretchBTS Episode 1 - "The Calling"Get to know the co-hosts Uncle Mike and Cousin Vinnie as the share their personal experiences discovering the fire service while attempting to get on the job as career firefighters. They will talk about how long the typical hiring process took for applicants in the early 2000's in comparison to today's new hires.
2022-02-0824 min
The Mike Herrera Podcast#319 Vinnie FiorelloVinnie Fiorello is a founding member and chief lyricist of the seminal punk band Less Than Jake. He is the co-founder of Fueled By Ramen Records, a label acquired by Warner Music Group in 2006 that launched the careers of alternative music luminaries like Jimmy Eat World, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, and Panic! At the Disco. His media company, Paper + Plastick, was founded in 2007 and releases music in all formats (including collectible vinyl), books, toys, and other merchandise. Fiorello expanded his entrepreneurial endeavors in 2015 by opening Wunderland Custom Tattooing (named after his successful toy brand, Wunderland War, featuring over 15 characters...
2020-08-031h 05
The Mike Herrera Podcast#314 with Vinnie CaruanaVinnie Caruana - The Long Island NY native, singer/songwriter. Vinnie is a real one. He is the vocalist for Long Island punk band The Movielife and lead singer/songwriter for the indie/post hardcore band I Am the Avalanche Also in recent years, Peace'd Out and Constant Elevation His solo material is on point!! We talk about Vinnie's past, present and future on this episode. Plus music business problems and tactics, songwriting, producing new material, and planning for the future. Find Vinnie online here-> https://www.vinniecaruana.com
2020-06-291h 15
Business and LifeEpisode 0055: Vinnie FisherToday we will be interviewing Vinnie Fisher. Vinnie Fisher has been married to Debbi for almost 25 years and has 4 beautiful children. Vinnie has built many businesses and has had the privilege to grow 4 of them to 8 figures. Today Vinnie is the CEO and co-founder of Fully Accountable which opened in early 2015. With his team, they built an Outsourced Accounting and Finance firm who helps eCommerce and Digital companies get 'Better Data so that they can make Better Decisions' to grow and scale with a greater profit margin. They recently made the INC. 5000 list in 2019 ranking 2626 w...
2020-02-1821 min
A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 45: Pippin Part 1 (Fossepocalypse #8)The Fossepocalypse continues! As we begin our new bi-weekly schedule, we complete Fosse’s 1973 trifecta of drug-induced creativity: PIPPIN. Neither Mike nor Vinnie had ever seen or even really heard of this show until Windy came along with her Fossetastic ways. Even with building up to the show by watching Fosse’s works in chronological order, …
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2019-06-1800 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 45: Pippin Part 1 (Fossepocalypse #8)The Greatest American Showtunes
The Fossepocalypse continues!
As we begin our new bi-weekly schedule, we complete Fosse’s 1973 trifecta of drug-induced creativity: PIPPIN.
Neither Mike nor Vinnie had ever seen or even really heard of this show until Windy came along with her Fossetastic ways. Even with building up to the show by watching Fosse’s works in chronological order, PIPPIN is still breathtaking in its balls-out bonkersness.
Ben Vereen is the only major name from the original cast in this made-for-television recording, and his slithery performance anchors the show. William Katt...
2019-06-1855 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 44: Liza with a Z (Fossepocalypse #7)The Fossepocalypse is lingering at the apex of Fosse’s GOT year (Grammy-Oscar-Tony) as Windy shows Mike and Vinnie the television special LIZA WITH A Z. After SWEET CHARITY flopped, Fosse feared he would never work again and started lining up projects as fast as he could get someone to say “yes” – each one the …
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2019-06-0400 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 44: Liza with a Z (Fossepocalypse #7)I mean, yeah.
The Fossepocalypse is lingering at the apex of Fosse’s GOT year (Grammy-Oscar-Tony) as Windy shows Mike and Vinnie the television special LIZA WITH A Z.
After SWEET CHARITY flopped, Fosse feared he would never work again and started lining up projects as fast as he could get someone to say “yes” – each one the back-up plan to the other. He got the idea for a one-night-only television special watching Liza rehearse all-out during the filming of CABARET and wanted to capture the transient excitement and energy of performing.
Liza had been...
2019-06-041h 19A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 43: Cabaret Part 2 (Fossepocalypse #6.5)Welcome back to our discussion of CABARET, with our stunt film virgin Jenny providing her insights, while Mike and Vinnie discover a deeper appreciation for the film. CABARET marks the end of Fosse and Verdon’s marriage, although they never divorced. (This particular point in their relationship is captured beautifully, and performed masterfully, in the miniseries …
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2019-05-2800 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 43: Cabaret Part 2 (Fossepocalypse #6.5)“Professor, your wife is dancing on the table again.”
Welcome back to our discussion of CABARET, with our stunt film virgin Jenny providing her insights, while Mike and Vinnie discover a deeper appreciation for the film.
CABARET marks the end of Fosse and Verdon’s marriage, although they never divorced. (This particular point in their relationship is captured beautifully, and performed masterfully, in the miniseries FOSSE/VERDON.) It’s also where Fosse dreamed up the television special LIZA WITH A Z while watching Liza Minnelli dance and sing at 110% for every take.
CABARET would ha...
2019-05-2848 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 42: Cabaret Part 1 (Fossepocalypse #6.5)Listeners, the Fossepocalypse continues with (arguably) the high point of Fosse’s film career – CABARET. Since all three of your hosts have seen this film before, we brought in our frequent stunt virgin Jenny. Jenny’s thoughts and reactions alone are worth a listen, but of course we’ve also got Mike making connections to SWEET CHARITY …
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2019-05-2100 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 42: Cabaret Part 1 (Fossepocalypse #6.5)Because “life is a depressing hellhole” didn’t fit the music cue
Listeners, the Fossepocalypse continues with (arguably) the high point of Fosse’s film career – CABARET.
Since all three of your hosts have seen this film before, we brought in our frequent stunt virgin Jenny. Jenny’s thoughts and reactions alone are worth a listen, but of course we’ve also got Mike making connections to SWEET CHARITY and Vinnie questioning what the fuck was wrong with the 70s while Windy tries to keep an accurate catalog of the drugs that fueled Fosse’s incredibly proli...
2019-05-2149 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 40: Sweet Charity Part 1 (Fossepocalypse #5)The poster makes the movie look weirdly…wholesome
Listeners, this week is a real treat – Vinnie and Mike watch Fosse’s film directing debut SWEET CHARITY for the first time ever!
This musical was Gwen Verdon’s combined “come back” and “swan song” – she had taken time off to have a child with Bob and be a mother, and at 41 wanted one last big starring vehicle on Broadway, before she got too old (crazily enough, this was NOT her last big starring Broadway vehicle. That would come nine years later with CHICAGO). By the time the studios wanted...
2019-05-0744 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 40: Sweet Charity Part 1 (Fossepocalypse #5)Listeners, this week is a real treat – Vinnie and Mike watch Fosse’s film directing debut SWEET CHARITY for the first time ever! This musical was Gwen Verdon’s combined “come back” and “swan song” – she had taken time off to have a child with Bob and be a mother, and at 41 wanted one …
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2019-05-0700 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 38: Damn Yankees (Fossepocalypse #4)Gwen Verdon…DAMN, son
Jazz Hams! This week’s episode is the exact same production team delivering the goods – yet again – in DAMN YANKEES. This time with a heaping helping of Gwen Verdon!
(SIDENOTE: Mike’s mic has a weird echo and we do apologize for the odd audio – it eventually corrects.)
Jack Warner made a two-picture deal with George Abbott to bring THE PAJAMA GAME and DAMN YANKEES to the screen faithfully from Broadway (with the help of the inimitable Stanley Donen of the Freed Unit). And god bless him, because this is the only...
2019-04-2354 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 38: Damn Yankees (Fossepocalypse #4)Jazz Hams! This week’s episode is the exact same production team delivering the goods – yet again – in DAMN YANKEES. This time with a heaping helping of Gwen Verdon! (SIDENOTE: Mike’s mic has a weird echo and we do apologize for the odd audio – it eventually corrects.) Jack Warner made a two-picture deal …
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2019-04-2300 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 36: The Pajama Game (Fossepocalypse #3) Part 1Not pictured: bare-chested John Raitt.
Jazz hams, the Fossepocalypse continues with the oft-overlooked, and amazingly entertaining THE PAJAMA GAME!
As we discuss in this episode, the dances created here actually predate MY SISTER EILEEN. It was his work on THE PAJAMA GAME that got him the job on EILEEN, in fact! But the movie version of PAJAMA GAME came after.
Fosse’s signature style is still in development, but when it appears (“Steam Heat”) it is unmistakable. This is sadly the only film record we have of Carol Haney’s Tony-winning performance, and her only f...
2019-04-0949 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 35: My Sister Eileen (Fossepocalypse #2)It’s a Wonderful Town! …wait.
Jazz Hams! It’s time to begin our season of devotion to the master: Bob Fosse.
This is the second episode of the Fossepocalypse because way-back-when (Episode 17, November 27, 2018) we began the Fossepocalypse with KISS ME, KATE. Inspired by the impending miniseries Fosse/Verdon, we have now committed to the Fossepocalypse completely: we will watch his entire musical filmography (plus a few bonus works) in chronological order (or as close to it as we can manage). By doing so, we will be able to track the evolution of his choreography, his direct...
2019-04-021h 21A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 33: The Muppet Movie*flailing Kermit arms*(in German)
Citizens of Jazzhandia! This week’s episode has your hosts (Windy, Vinnie, and Mike) filling in a glaring hole in silent partner Jenny’s filmography – THE MUPPET MOVIE!
If it’s been a while since you’ve watched it, let us remind you how absolutely wonderful this movie is. Featuring some of Paul Williams’ best music, a slew of ridiculous cameos, and groundbreaking practical effects, the movie nonetheless rests on the sweet, pure heart of the muppets.
While we recorded this episode during the holiday season, this is a great mo...
2019-03-191h 15A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 33: The Muppet MovieCitizens of Jazzhandia! This week’s episode has your hosts (Windy, Vinnie, and Mike) filling in a glaring hole in silent partner Jenny’s filmography – THE MUPPET MOVIE! If it’s been a while since you’ve watched it, let us remind you how absolutely wonderful this movie is. Featuring some of Paul Williams’ best music, a slew …
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2019-03-1900 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 29: KismetThis week’s episode features Windy’s beloved Howard Keel and the gorgeous melodies of Borodin – it’s KISMET! Mike and Vinnie literally had no idea this movie even existed. And yet… The Broadway musical ran for over 500 performances. When the film production was announced, the biggest stars of the day vied for the leading role …
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2019-02-1900 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 29: KismetIn a word…LUSCIOUS
This week’s episode features Windy’s beloved Howard Keel and the gorgeous melodies of Borodin – it’s KISMET!
Mike and Vinnie literally had no idea this movie even existed. And yet…
The Broadway musical ran for over 500 performances. When the film production was announced, the biggest stars of the day vied for the leading role of Hajj. It features the exciting choreography of Jack Cole, the father of modern jazz dance. All this, and the musical has been largely forgotten by modern audiences.
Seek this one out, Jazz Hams...
2019-02-191h 14A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 27: The Band WagonJazz Hams, this week’s episode features a pairing that is sure to delight: Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse! THE BAND WAGON is a light, frothy delight featuring iconic and influential dances created by Michael Kidd. Neither Vinnie nor Mike had seen it before, but Windy was downright giddy at getting to revisit this gem. Meta …
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2019-02-0500 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 27: The Band WagonLegs not to scale: They’re even longer in real life
Jazz Hams, this week’s episode features a pairing that is sure to delight: Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse! THE BAND WAGON is a light, frothy delight featuring iconic and influential dances created by Michael Kidd. Neither Vinnie nor Mike had seen it before, but Windy was downright giddy at getting to revisit this gem.
Meta as all hell, THE BAND WAGON tells the story of an aging song-and-dance man (Fred Astaire) who wants to revitalize his career by doing a show. He gets paire...
2019-02-051h 21A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 26: RENTListeners, this week Mike leads us through the movie version of RENT which Vinnie has never seen. The 2005 film unites much of the original cast which seemed like an exciting idea at the time – until you have a close up on a 30-something trying to sell the uniquely narcissistic arrogance of the mid-20s. It …
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2019-01-2900 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 26: RENTENTIRE CAST: “It was easier to play a decade younger on stage.”
Listeners, this week Mike leads us through the movie version of RENT which Vinnie has never seen.
The 2005 film unites much of the original cast which seemed like an exciting idea at the time – until you have a close up on a 30-something trying to sell the uniquely narcissistic arrogance of the mid-20s. It also illustrates how very much “of the time” the musical was in 1996: ten years later and the themes, topics, and music do not age well. A period piece rather than...
2019-01-291h 30A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 25: The Umbrellas of CherbourgCitizens of Jazzhandia, this week we go international with guest Melissa Kaercher who shows us THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (which neither Vinnie nor Windy had seen!). We actually recorded this the same night as THE LAST FIVE YEARS and it made for a surprisingly eloquent double feature about the relationships of youth, and the conflict …
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2019-01-2200 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 25: The Umbrellas of CherbourgFrench. Charming. COLORFUL. (Did we mention colorful?)
Citizens of Jazzhandia, this week we go international with guest Melissa Kaercher who shows us THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (which neither Vinnie nor Windy had seen!).
We actually recorded this the same night as THE LAST FIVE YEARS and it made for a surprisingly eloquent double feature about the relationships of youth, and the conflict between our dreams and our needs.
The movie inspired much of the visual look of LA LA LAND, and wow – is it obvious! Much of our discussion focused on the visuals – hard...
2019-01-2258 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 23: Mary Poppins Returns
LOVELY
Alright, Jazz Hams, it’s an extra giddy, extra squeeful, extra-long episode this week because we all absolutely fell in love with MARY POPPINS RETURNS!
SIDENOTE: We promised to link to the Drafthouse no talking PSA featuring Lin and Emily, but it was not to be found on Youtube. Apologies!
BONUS SIDENOTE: The BMX bikes do not have motors, that is just the spokes whirring.
EXTRA SIDENOTE: That random whirring sound you hear is Windy’s laptop fan getting excited. Not – as Mike has theorized – an alien spaceship beaming us up.
PLAY ALONG...
2019-01-081h 37A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 21: White ChristmasThis week, Holiday Hams, Mike and Vinnie are exposed to that Christmas mainstay WHITE CHRISTMAS. Directed by Michael Curtiz (CASABLANCA) with costumes by Edith Head and filmed in glorious VistaVision, it’s a visual treat. The dance numbers are lavish, and the cast is glorious. The actual plot is… good enough to keep watching for the …
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2018-12-2500 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 21: White ChristmasSongs, dancing, Edith Head gowns…who needs plot??
This week, Holiday Hams, Mike and Vinnie are exposed to that Christmas mainstay WHITE CHRISTMAS.
Directed by Michael Curtiz (CASABLANCA) with costumes by Edith Head and filmed in glorious VistaVision, it’s a visual treat. The dance numbers are lavish, and the cast is glorious. The actual plot is… good enough to keep watching for the next dance number!
This movie is an annual tradition at Windy’s house having grown up with it, but we think it’s worth a watch no matter your...
2018-12-251h 00A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 20: Holiday InnIs there a film genre for “problematic but charming”?
This week, Vinnie and Mike finally take in the seasonal classic HOLIDAY INN, starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, with Windy as their native guide.
It’s a standard romantic comedy love triangle, except that one-third of the triangle is crooner extraordinaire Bing, and another third is one of the best dancers of his (or any) era.
The plot serves mainly as a vehicle to get from one Irving Berlin song to the next, but along the way you get gowns by Edith H...
2018-12-191h 22A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 20: Holiday InnThis week, Vinnie and Mike finally take in the seasonal classic HOLIDAY INN, starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, with Windy as their native guide. It’s a standard romantic comedy love triangle, except that one-third of the triangle is crooner extraordinaire Bing, and another third is one of the best dancers of his (or any) era. …
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2018-12-1900 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 19: Broadway Melody of 1940It’s a super-sized episode this week, Jazz Hams! Vinnie and Mike just couldn’t stop talking about the amazing dance numbers in BROADWAY MELODY OF 1940! Teaming up two of the best tappers of the era, Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell, the dancing is fast and light, just like the banter. The plot is as fluffy …
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2018-12-1100 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 19: Broadway Melody of 1940Not Picture: George Murphy because DUH
It’s a super-sized episode this week, Jazz Hams! Vinnie and Mike just couldn’t stop talking about the amazing dance numbers in BROADWAY MELODY OF 1940!
Teaming up two of the best tappers of the era, Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell, the dancing is fast and light, just like the banter. The plot is as fluffy as meringue, but you’re watching for the amazing dancing anyway. Eleanor Powell doesn’t get mentioned as often as her male counterparts of the era, or even Ann Miller, which is a sha...
2018-12-111h 20A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 18: TangledThis week, Jazz Hams, we dive into our first Disney animated musical with the charming and tuneful TANGLED! Mike was our virgin this week, and he absolutely fell in love with Donna Murphy’s performance as Mother Gothel, and – of course – the sassy sidekicks Maximus and Pascal. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by …
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2018-12-0400 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 18: TangledStockholm Syndrome: The Musical! (but charming!)
This week, Jazz Hams, we dive into our first Disney animated musical with the charming and tuneful TANGLED! Mike was our virgin this week, and he absolutely fell in love with Donna Murphy’s performance as Mother Gothel, and – of course – the sassy sidekicks Maximus and Pascal.
With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater (GALAVANT), the songs are catchy and clever, but it’s the gorgeous animation that really shines, even if Rapunzel’s hair might be sentient??
Mother knows best and she says to tak...
2018-12-041h 15A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 17: Kiss Me KateHow does Tommy Rall not get higher billing than Bobby Van??!
The Fossepocalypse begins!
KISS ME KATE boasts so many amazing things (Howard Keel in striped tights! Tommy Rall defying gravity! James Whitmore as the most adorable thug ever!) that you might forget that this is also the movie that put Bob Fosse on the map.
The movie version of Cole Porter’s masterpiece, boasting some of his most clever and saucy lyrics telling the story of Shakespeare’s biting The Taming of the Shrew, Mike and Vinnie have dubbed KISS ME KA...
2018-11-271h 23A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 14: Thoroughly Modern MillieSo adorable you might even forgive the White Slavery plot.
For this week’s episode, Windy bends Mike and Vinnie’s brains with THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. An all-star cast made this movie a hit at the time, but it has since vanished into cinema obscurity – resurfacing as a hit Broadway musical in 2000!
Starring the inimitable Dame Julie Andrews, along with Mary Tyler Moore, and Carol Channing, this movie has pedigree to spare (check out the director’s other credits, for a start). Julie gets a chance to truly strut her comedic inclinations, with everybody...
2018-11-061h 02A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 14: Thoroughly Modern MillieFor this week’s episode, Windy bends Mike and Vinnie’s brains with THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. An all-star cast made this movie a hit at the time, but it has since vanished into cinema obscurity – resurfacing as a hit Broadway musical in 2000! Starring the inimitable Dame Julie Andrews, along with Mary Tyler Moore, and Carol …
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2018-11-0600 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 13: XanaduThis week, Mike and Vinnie struggle to keep up as Windy lays out several decades of her obsession with XANADU. Mike had never seen it, Vinnie never on the big screen, and it was showing at the Alamo Drafthouse so this was an EVENT, capital “eeeeeeee!” Famous for being a flop, for killing Michael Beck’s …
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2018-10-3000 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 13: Xanadu10-year-old Windy imprinted on this image HARD.
This week, Mike and Vinnie struggle to keep up as Windy lays out several decades of her obsession with XANADU. Mike had never seen it, Vinnie never on the big screen, and it was showing at the Alamo Drafthouse so this was an EVENT, capital “eeeeeeee!”
Famous for being a flop, for killing Michael Beck’s (THE WARRIORS) career, and for being Gene Kelly’s last screen role, this movie also gave us Kenny Ortega (choreographer and director of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL) in his first film choreogr...
2018-10-301h 13A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 12: Disney’s Newsies the Broadway MusicalRaise your hand if you’re too young to remember the movie!
This week, Mike and Vinnie gush about DISNEY’S NEWSIES THE BROADWAY MUSICAL (and Windy sits back and preens with “I told you so”).
Thank god for Harvey Fierstein who restructured and improved the plot and characters, giving us a story with emotional weight, snappy banter, and satisfying interpersonal relationships! It doesn’t hurt that the cast is anchored by the terrific Jeremy Jordan and the sassy Kara Lindsay.
And the choreography. Oh. My. SweetbabygiraffesWHAT!
That’s just astoun...
2018-10-231h 12A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 12: Disney’s Newsies the Broadway MusicalThis week, Mike and Vinnie gush about DISNEY’S NEWSIES THE BROADWAY MUSICAL (and Windy sits back and preens with “I told you so”). Thank god for Harvey Fierstein who restructured and improved the plot and characters, giving us a story with emotional weight, snappy banter, and satisfying interpersonal relationships! It doesn’t hurt that the cast …
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2018-10-2300 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 11: NewsiesThis week, listeners, Windy steers Mike and Vinnie towards NEWSIES, the 1992 live-action Disney musical. Starring a teen-aged Christian Bale (who was mortified to appear in a musical), a scenery-chewing and excessively gesturing Robert Duvall, and Bill Pullman singing and dancing, this is a film oddity worth watching at least once. This also marks the directorial debut …
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2018-10-1600 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 11: NewsiesIt sure looks exciting, doesn’t it?
This week, listeners, Windy steers Mike and Vinnie towards NEWSIES, the 1992 live-action Disney musical.
Starring a teen-aged Christian Bale (who was mortified to appear in a musical), a scenery-chewing and excessively gesturing Robert Duvall, and Bill Pullman singing and dancing, this is a film oddity worth watching at least once.
This also marks the directorial debut of Kenny Ortega, who also choreographed. Kenny established himself as a choreographer with XANADU, and also choreographed for a greatest hits list of 80s teen classics (PRETTY IN PINK...
2018-10-161h 05A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 10: The Music ManThis week, listeners, Mike discovers and Vinnie re-discovers the sweet, simple (yet sly) joys of THE MUSIC MAN. Robert Preston stars as Professor Harold Hill (spoiler: not his real name) in the role that made him a Broadway star, and defined both the role and his career. His charisma and energy is the unstoppable force …
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2018-10-0900 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 10: The Music ManHe’s a what? He’s a what?He’s a flim-flam man!
This week, listeners, Mike discovers and Vinnie re-discovers the sweet, simple (yet sly) joys of THE MUSIC MAN.
Robert Preston stars as Professor Harold Hill (spoiler: not his real name) in the role that made him a Broadway star, and defined both the role and his career. His charisma and energy is the unstoppable force that throws the entire town of River City, Iowa into an uproar. Standing resolutely firm and throwing some old-timey side-eye is Marion Paroo (Shirley Jones...
2018-10-091h 13A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 9: Phantom of the ParadiseI want this Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s next musical.
Listeners! Take a listen as Mike gets his mind blown by PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE!
Brian DePalma’s 1974 rock opera is gloriously garish with literary references galore, Paul Williams’ soundtrack is a smorgasbord of musical styles settling in on glam-prog-rock, and William Finley eats allll the scenery as the titular phantom, Winslow Leach.
DePalma’s second movie, two years before CARRIE, is confident, stylish, and wildly entertaining. Take a listen, and let it bring you to “Life at Last”!
2018-10-021h 06A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 9: Phantom of the Paradise Listeners! Take a listen as Mike gets his mind blown by PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE! Brian DePalma’s 1974 rock opera is gloriously garish with literary references galore, Paul Williams’ soundtrack is a smorgasbord of musical styles settling in on glam-prog-rock, and William Finley eats allll the scenery as the titular phantom, Winslow Leach. DePalma’s second …
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2018-10-0200 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 8: On the TownMore wholesome than three sailors on shore leave really should be.
This week is our first episode featuring Gene Kelly as he sails through Manhattan in ON THE TOWN! Neither Vinnie nor Mike had ever seen it, and this is a classic for a reason.
Based on a ballet created by Jerome Robbins (THE KING & I), and made by the Freed Unit (known for kicking ass in all things musical), it features a delightful cast, TWO ballet segments by Mr. Kelly, and plenty of comedy.
This is a key movie in y...
2018-09-2557 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 8: On the TownThis week is our first episode featuring Gene Kelly as he sails through Manhattan in ON THE TOWN! Neither Vinnie nor Mike had ever seen it, and this is a classic for a reason. Based on a ballet created by Jerome Robbins (THE KING & I), and made by the Freed Unit (known for kicking ass …
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2018-09-2500 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 7: Sweeney Todd (stage)Bakers gonna bake.
If the only version of SWEENEY TODD you’ve ever seen is the Tim Burton one, then Windy has some strong opinions on what you should be watching first chance you get. (Which is literally how this episode happened to Mike and Vinnie.)
Arguably Sondheim’s masterpiece, the 1979 Broadway sensation was recorded on tour in Los Angeles in 1982 with Angela Lansbury recreating her iconic performance as Mrs. Lovett and George Hearn ably stepping into Len Cariou’s shoes as Sweeney. The show was the pinnacle of the Stephen Sondheim (lyricist/compose...
2018-09-1855 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 7: Sweeney Todd (stage)If the only version of SWEENEY TODD you’ve ever seen is the Tim Burton one, then Windy has some strong opinions on what you should be watching first chance you get. (Which is literally how this episode happened to Mike and Vinnie.) Arguably Sondheim’s masterpiece, the 1979 Broadway sensation was recorded on tour in Los Angeles …
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2018-09-1800 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 6: Main Hoon NaSRK in MHN, as the locals would say.
It’s our first Bollywood! I mean, not our first – all three of your hosts have seen at least one Bollywood movie. But it’s our first Bollywood episode and it is the delightful MAIN HOON NA (“Trust Me, I’m Here”)! Windy was super-duper excited to show this one to Mike and Vinnie.
Farah Khan’s 2004 directorial debut is an homage to action tropes with awkward fish-out-of-water comedy plus family melodrama. Shah Rukh Khan, one of Bollywood’s brightest stars, gets to show off wire work, stunts...
2018-09-1158 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 6: Main Hoon NaIt’s our first Bollywood! I mean, not our first – all three of your hosts have seen at least one Bollywood movie. But it’s our first Bollywood episode and it is the delightful MAIN HOON NA (“Trust Me, I’m Here”)! Windy was super-duper excited to show this one to Mike and Vinnie. Farah Khan’s 2004 …
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2018-09-1100 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 4: Yankee Doodle DandyStar-spangled Cagney
This week, Windy introduces Vinnie & Mike to the wonders of a tap-dancing Cagney in YANKEE DOODLE DANDY.
A straight-up, no frills, no unnecessary “plot” or “conflict” biopic of George M. Cohan, legendary songwriter and showman – and ego. Every patriotic song you were taught in 3rd grade was written by George M.
Directed by Michael Curtiz (CASABLANCA, WHITE CHRISTMAS, THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD), the movie is gorgeous and the costumes are stunning. More importantly, it’s perhaps the only record of the particular style of dancing and showmanship that was a Cohan...
2018-08-2855 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 4: Yankee Doodle DandyThis week, Windy introduces Vinnie & Mike to the wonders of a tap-dancing Cagney in YANKEE DOODLE DANDY. A straight-up, no frills, no unnecessary “plot” or “conflict” biopic of George M. Cohan, legendary songwriter and showman – and ego. Every patriotic song you were taught in 3rd grade was written by George M. Directed by …
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2018-08-2800 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 2: The King & IListeners: We apologize for the sound quality on this episode. The quality does improve as the episode goes on.
Episode 2 has us rewinding back to the classic THE KING AND I, starring Yul Brynner (and his chest) (and his
Bringing the smolder
calves) and Deborah Kerr (and her gowns!). Neither Vinnie nor Mike had ever seen the movie version, with its lavish sets and even more lavish costumes. More stunning than either of those is the chemistry between our two stars. Bonus gorgeous: Rita Moreno!
This movie demonstrates the...
2018-08-151h 00A Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 2: The King & IListeners: We apologize for the sound quality on this episode. The quality does improve as the episode goes on. Episode 2 has us rewinding back to the classic THE KING AND I, starring Yul Brynner (and his chest) (and his calves) and Deborah Kerr (and her gowns!). Neither Vinnie nor Mike had ever seen the …
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2018-08-1500 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 1: High School MusicalHere it is! Our inaugural episode! We chose to kick things off with a high-energy modern hit: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. Each week, your trio of hosts – Windy, Mike & Vinnie – will be watching a musical, but here’s the trick: at least one of them will have never seen it before (and where we …
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2018-08-0700 minA Reel Education: The Musical!Episode 1: High School MusicalHigh School Musical
Here it is! Our inaugural episode! We chose to kick things off with a high-energy modern hit: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL.
Each week, your trio of hosts – Windy, Mike & Vinnie – will be watching a musical, but here’s the trick: at least one of them will have never seen it before (and where we have all seen it, we’ll bring in a stunt n00b). For our first foray, Vinnie was our virgin watcher.
This movie launched the career of Zac Efron, kicked off a money-making trilogy for Disney...
2018-08-0752 min
Radioactive w/Mike ZRIP Vinnie Paul from 2008Heart broken like the rest of the hard rock/metal community. After replaying this interview on air Sunday afternoon on 96.7 KCAL-FM, I thought I would post the entire interview with Vinnie from 2008 to celebrate the life and legacy of Vinnie Paul who passed away in his sleep on Friday, June 22 2018.
RIP Vinnie Paul
2018-06-2508 min