When The Belle of the Ball is Bell of it All. Bell of Broadway, Bell of Television, Bell of Motion Pictures, Bell of Animation, Bell of Recordings, Bell of Business, Bell of Children’s Books and Bell of Dax Shepard’s Heart! We refer of course to Kristen Bell. The actress who has created quirky, likable characters on such works as The Good Place and Veronica Mars. She has also placed not so quirky words on paper. Her book, The World Needs More Purple People, is about unity, understanding and much needed kindness. Speaking honestly, in an in-depth interview, she discusses the inspiration behind her book, plus her new cartoon character on Central Park, and discloses an intimate account of how she fell in love with her husband.

Below the Surface with Camille Paglia. Suppose you were to read a book of fiction where a character, who was supposed to be an atheist, advocated for religion to be taught in schools – would you believe it? Suppose the book featured a transgender lesbian, who declared that others had the right to hate her – would you believe that? Well, this is not fictitious, but a reality. Dr. Alan Campbell's guest is perhaps one of the most controversial women in America. Camille Paglia is an author, critic, provocateur and candid voice given to unexpected and unabashed expressions of opinion.

In the form of a Mick Jagger lyrical concept, like a rainbow, she shoots colors all around, as Paglia is a prism of reason and insight, fashioning unexpected rays of perception that beguile, shock and enlighten. In short, one is arrested and tantalized by her pithy and exacting intellect.

In an in-depth interview, Dr. Campbell goes below the surface as Paglia speaks honestly about what she considers to be some of the greatest misconceptions about herself and the world in which we live. We consider her book, Provocations: Collected Essays on Art, Feminism, Politics, Sex, and Education.

From Tugs on the Ear to Tugs on the Heart.

Comedienne, singer and actress, Carol Burnett, is the recipient of a Peabody Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, Golden Globe Award, Grammy Award and too many Emmys to mention. She is also the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. However, she would gladly state that her greatest RE-ward in life is laughter.

She was raised poor, but has always been rich in character and characters. We are delighted to bring you a heartfelt conversation with the inimitable Carol. In an in-depth long-form interview, she speaks honestly about matters that she has not revealed elsewhere. The comedy legend discloses about her early life, her work, the world behind the stage and the tragic loss of her daughter. It is only right that we apologize in advance for Dr. Campbell’s duet with Miss Burnett.

Shooting RAW through the Lens of No-Easy-Answers. Be warned that this particular show may be disturbing to some people. Award-winning photographer Mark Laita has used his skills for clients such as Adidas, Apple and Mercedes-Benz, and his photography has been exhibited worldwide. But he might be doing the most important work of his life on the streets of Skid Row in Los Angeles.

A few years ago, Laita started taking photographs of people living on the street, from drug-addicts and prostitutes to a man with his face blown in by a shotgun. When he began interviewing such persons, he never imagined that his YouTube project, Soft White Underbelly, would garner over a million subscribers. Laita says he can't help all the people he speaks to (though he has tried), but he can raise awareness about the suffering of people we don't regularly meet. The range of his subjects has broadened from a "human-dragon" to the former alcoholic and gospel singer Russ Taff. In an extremely intense and in-depth interview, Mark speaks honestly with Dr. Alan Campbell, discussing his childhood, how he became a photographer, and the painful but powerful work he's doing now.

To Kiss a Kitty and Capture a Robin

It started with a kiss, Dr. Campbell’s fascination with the lady who changed Batman forever - Catwoman. In the late 1960's, Julie Newmar captured the world's attention as the series' first femme fatale. Her credits on stage, television and film are too numerous to list, but they extend multiple decades. Surprisingly, she revised her iconic role as Catwoman in the animated feature "Batman Vs. Two-Face" in 2017. It was 50 years after the role premiered. There is so much more to Newmar than just being the Batman's nemesis. In this episode, Dr. Alan Campbell speaks with her about growing up in Hollywood, her now not-so-secret gardens, and the role that the idea of beauty has played in her life. Speaking honesty, she fulfills in part, Dr. Campbell's childhood fantasy.

A Young Ward Named Dick Ward.

At one time he sported green trunks, a red vest and a yellow satin cape. He was “The Boy Wonder” - the young ward of Bruce Wayne and one half of “The Dynamic Duo”. But today the boy is a man of considerable accomplishment. From high scholastic achievement, to a blackbelt, to entrepreneurship, to canine philanthropy, Burt Ward has succeeded in designing a life that eclipses his role as Robin in the original Batman Television series. Ward is as lively, clever and as funny as ever. In an in-depth interview he speaks honestly about becoming Robin at a young age, his life-long friendship with Batman (Adam West) and reveals backstage secrets and stunts from the show. We bring you part 2 of Dr. Alan Campbell's conversation with Ward in our next episode.

It is rare, but it can happen. In my last show with Burt Ward, we discovered that one hour was not enough to investigate his life after being a superhero. This time, we also hear from his wife, Tracy Posner. The billionaire couple have dedicated their lives to rescuing animals and revolutionizing animal diets.

One Note at a Time for Seemingly All-Time. At the age of eight, Herb Alpert was drawn to the trumpet in a music appreciation class in his elementary school. He went on to master the instrument, earning numerous awards along the way. He recorded his first hit song, The Lonely Bull in 1962. Since then, he has earned five #1 hits, 9 GRAMMY® Awards, 15 Gold albums, 14 Platinum albums and he has sold over 72 million records. He also started one of the most successful independent record labels in music history, A&M Records. The label signed among hundreds of other well-known names; Bryan Adams, George Benson, The Black-Eyed Peas, James Brown, The Carpenters, Joe Cocker, Sheryl Crow, Peter Frampton, Al Green, Richie Havens, John Hiat, Janet Jackson, Elton John, Maroon 5, Sergio Mendes, The Police, Queen, Styx, Supertramp and will.i.am.

Alpert has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and named as one of the Grammy Museum’s "Icons of the Music Industry”. Yet, most significantly, he is also a sensitive soul, who is still madly in love with his wife of over five decades, Lani Hall. In an in-depth conversation, he opened up to Dr. Alan Campbell about some of the most difficult times in his life. Speaking honestly, he conveyed the breadth and width of his artistry and humanity.

Americans Who Loved Living in London. Take a trip to London, as Dr. Alan Campbell journeys "across the pond" to visit Benjamin Franklin's house, Jimi Hendrix's flat, and the reconstructed Globe Theatre, where actor and director Sam Wanamaker labored for years. We hear stories from historians about why these American gentlemen fell in love with London and what they accomplished while living there.

A Gentile Spirit with a Superb Intellect. Because she was a woman, her culture demanded that her femininity be partly mutilated. Yet, with her mind intact, she escaped a forced marriage and made her way to the Netherlands, where she became a member of parliament. Now a women’s rights leader, she has been called by Time magazine, one of the hundred most influential people in the world, but she most enjoys being called an American.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is the author of the book Infidel: My Life, and many others. In this episode, Dr. Alan Campbell speaks with Ali about America, religion, cancel culture, the failures of American universities, and more. Ali was born in Somalia in 1969 and took asylum in the Netherlands when she was 23. Within 10 years, she was a member of the Dutch Parliament. Ali became a U.S. citizen in 2013 and has become an international figure in the conversation on human rights. She is a staunch defender of classical liberalism and western culture from the perspective of an East African asylum seeker. Her book, Prey, explores the alarming rise of sexual violence and harassment in Europe's cities through statistics, criminal cases, and her own personal testimony.

Abbey Road Studios in London provides rare access for Dr. Alan Campbell. Aside from providing an iconic image of the Beatles at the famous crosswalk, Abbey Road Studios has served as an inspirational beacon for American recording artists since 1931 when African-American actor and singer Paul Robeson first recorded there. From Glenn Miller to Kanye West, Americans have selected the studios as their "home away from home". This show examines the historical, technical and aesthetic achievements of what many declare to be the most desired recording studio in the world. In particular, concentration is given to the reciprocal interplay between British and American influences on recording techniques. Additionally, out-takes of The Beatle's recordings are generously provided with the insights of the sound engineers that worked on them. Latterly, discussion addresses Abbey Roads Studios' continued work in innovation for the future development of sound platforms.

When the Dead Ain't Dead

The Grateful Dead is one of the most influential groups in American musical history. Decades after the death of band leader Jerry Garcia, the Deadhead culture, which grew up around the musicians, is still potently viable. Dr. Alan Campbell explores this unique movement with fans and experts who have followed this phenomenon through the ages. Special guests: Dennis McNally, author of Jerry on Jerry: The Unpublished Jerry Garcia Interviews and Rebecca Adams, editor of Deadhead Social Science: You Ain't Gonna Learn What You Don't Want to Know.

Charlie, After the Laughter

Known as one of the greatest entertainers in movie history, Sir Charlie Chaplin rose to fame in the silent films of the nineteen-hundreds and created one of the most iconic characters ever seen on the screen. But his career was derailed after being caught in the crossfire of political turmoil and scandal. As a result, he was exiled from the United States during the post-war Red Scare. Best-selling Hollywood biographer and film historian Scott Eyman takes us behind the scenes of the tumultuous life of this famed cinematic genius. We’ll explore Chaplin’s politics, his controversies, and the relentless pursuit of his artistic vision.

The President, the Poet and the Producer

From his early days in photography capturing President Eisenhower to the gripping tales of Native American lives in The Divided Trail and the environmental masterpiece Chasing Ice, filmmaker Jerry Aronson has had an illustrious career. Aronson has been capturing the stories of others since age 15. One of his best-known films is The Life and Times of Allen Ginsberg, a winner of the International Documentary Association Award in 1993, a finalist for a Peabody award, as well as over 250 national and international awards and screenings. He joins Dr. Alan Campbell to share about his extraordinary career and the challenges and triumphs that shaped his remarkable journey in the world of filmmaking. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most impactful documentaries in cinematic history.

A House for Kings and Exceptional Things

From the Tudors to the Windsors - intrigue, scandals, and power took center stage within the halls of the magnificent and breathtaking Hampton Court Palace. Author, Gareth Russell, takes us through 500 years of history in the palace that was home to such significant events as the commissioning of King James’s version of the Bible, the staging of many of Shakespeare’s plays, and Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation ball. We explore the riveting ups and downs of royal happenings, the exciting victories, the personal tragedies and the historical significance.

Grave Matters for the Famous

Get ready for a spine-tingling journey through the realm of the departed. We’re unearthing the secrets of cemeteries with two exciting guests. YouTuber Arthur Dark is an expert on tombstone tourism and offers video tours of the final resting places of famous entertainers. And author Greg Melville takes readers on a tour of some of the nation's most intriguing cemeteries. Join Dr. Alan Campbell and his guests for an eerie excursion through our nation's graveyards.

Moore or Less - A Matter of Deception

Debbie Melnyk and Rick Caine set out to make a documentary about one of their greatest heroes, filmmaker Michael Moore. What they experienced changed their view about Moore and his films.

Flaming Framing

Brian McDonald is accustomed to telling other people's stories. His books have been prime sources in several television documentaries and the sole inspiration for My Father's Gun, a full-length documentary that aired on the History Channel. In his latest work, Five Floors Up, he explores the history of four generations of a firefighter family. From the days just after the horse-drawn firetruck, to the devastation of the 1970s when the Bronx was Burning, to the unspeakable tragedy of 9/11, to the culture-busting department of today, a Feehan family member has been on duty with the FDNY. In this episode McDonald discusses what he has learned from interviewing these brave heroes.

The Crappy Childhood Fairy

By the time she was in her 20s, Anna Runkle was struggling with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain that seemed to have no cause. Therapist after therapist failed to diagnose what she was experiencing - until one day in 1994, everything clicked for her. Now, she teaches her innovative therapeutic techniques to others. She is known as the Crappy Childhood Fairy, and her techniques have helped thousands heal from childhood trauma. But coach and YouTube sensation Runkle is quick to point out that she is not a doctor or therapist - instead, she is someone who lived out a traumatic childhood and spent years discovering how to heal from Childhood PTSD. She talks with Dr. Alan Campbell about the symptoms of early trauma and the strategies to find healing.

Harping about a Reverend

Author Casey Cep's first book, Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee, is a New York Times Best Seller. Listen to Alan Campbell's conversation with Cep to find out what makes this work so compelling. Reverend Willie Maxwell was a rural preacher accused of murdering five of his family members for insurance money in the 1970s. With the help of a savvy lawyer, he escaped justice for years until a relative shot him dead at the funeral of his last victim.

Despite hundreds of witnesses, Maxwell's murderer was acquitted--thanks to the same attorney who had previously defended the Reverend. Sitting in the audience during the vigilante's trial was Harper Lee, who had traveled from New York City to her native Alabama with the idea of writing her own In Cold Blood, the true-crime classic she had helped her friend Truman Capote research seventeen years earlier. Lee spent a year in town reporting, and many more years working on her own version of the case.

Now Casey Cep brings this story to life, from the shocking murders to the courtroom drama to the racial politics of the Deep South. At the same time, she offers a deeply moving portrait of one of the country's most beloved writers and her struggle with fame, success, and the mystery of artistic creativity.

Fears for Tears?

Why do we cry? Why are there differences between the ways men and women cry? What is the evolutionary benefit of crying? We explore the topic with two experts who have spent their careers studying this distinctly human phenomenon. They share what they know--and what remains a mystery.

Ad Vingerhoets is a clinical psychologist who focuses on stress and emotion. He has spent more than 20 years studying when and why we cry, and how the study of crying may help us obtain better insight into human nature. Randolph (Randy) Cornelius received a BA from the University of Florida (1975) and MS (1979) and PhD (1981) degrees from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In addition to the Department of Psychology, he teaches in the American Culture and Environmental Studies Programs. Together, Dr. Cornelius and Dr. Vingerhoets edited Adult Crying: A Biopsychosocial Approach

Directing a President

Lawyer and pollster Kellyanne Conway was thrust into the spotlight when she became presidential candidate, Donald Trump’s, campaign manager and after a successful campaign, Senior Counselor to the President. In this episode of Watching America, Conway discusses her memoir, Here’s the Deal. In the book, she states that working for Trump was the wildest adventure of her life.

Actor Terry O'Quinn - Lost and Found

Terry O’Quinn, of Lost fame, is one of the most compelling character actors of his generation. Beside his "leading star" status he has appeared in dozens of mainline top-rated series over the last few decades. Dr. Alan Campbell explores the craft of acting with this singular talent by acting in a scene with him. O'Quinn also plays a little guitar as Alan drums in accompaniment

Son of a President - Father of a Dream

The legacy and the promise of John F. Kennedy, Jr. has always been a subject of controversy and speculation in American culture. Now a scholar and friend of Kennedy comes forward with an important book to help unravel the mystery. In America's Reluctant Prince: The Life 0f John F. Kennedy Jr., Steven M. Gillon draws on his scholarship and his personal experience to bring us a portrait of a could-be leader the nation lost before he could achieve his potential. Dr. Alan Campbell discusses this important work with the author.

Above at Mach 1.7

Caroline Johnson could have gone into fashion or filmmaking (she was a debutante), but instead she became an F/A-18 Super Hornet Weapons System Officer. She was one of the first women to fly a combat mission over Iraq since 2011, and one of the first women to drop bombs on ISIS. Dr. Alan Campbell talks to Johnson about what motivated her to join the Navy and what she experienced. Johnson's book is Jet Girl: My Life in War, Peace, and the Cockpit of the Navy's Most Lethal Aircraft, the F/A-18 Super Hornet, written in conjunction with Hof Williams.

Graduate and Postgraduate

Author Mark Harris took on the daunting task of writing a biography of Mike Nichols, the larger-than-life theatre and film actor, comedian, producer, and director. Harris worked on the book for several years, and the product, Mike Nichols: A Life, has been lauded as “meticulous,” “engrossing,” and “superbly written” by reviewers. On this episode of Watching America, Dr. Alan Campbell speaks to Harris about Mike Nichols’ life and work, Harris’ relationship with Nichols, and the difficulties and delights inherent in writing a New York Times Bestseller honestly about a friend.

A Billion Years - Give or Take a Few

Mike Rinder, one of the highest-ranking defectors from Scientology, exposes the secret inner workings of this powerful organization in his new memoir A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology. In this interview with host Dr. Alan Campbell, Rinder discusses growing up in Scientology, why he decided to leave at age 52, the backlash he faced and how he now works diligently to expose the abuses that continue to happen within the organization.

An Underground Boss Above the Law?

John Gotti was the first celebrity crime boss of the televised era. His ability to beat criminal charges inspired one of his nicknames: “The Teflon Don.” John Gleeson was an Assistant US Attorney in Brooklyn who failed to successfully prosecute Gotti in 1987 on federal racketeering prosecutions. But Gleeson successfully led the investigation and prosecution of Gotti five years later. On this episode of Watching America, Gleeson talks about his new book detailing his years fighting the Gambino crime family, The Gotti Wars: Taking Down America’s Most Notorious Mobster.

Don't Burn the Book or the Nation

Don’t Burn This Book by social commenter and comedian Dave Rubin is a New York Times Bestseller. He just released a follow-up: Don’t Burn This Country: Surviving and Thriving in Our Woke Dystopia. On this episode, Dr. Alan Campbell talks to Rubin about issues addressed in the new publication, from hot-button topics like transgender athletics to mental health advice regarding the benefits of regular media fasts.

The Lack of Cleaning and Its Meaning

The impulse to hoard can be devastating to you and everyone around you. Dr. Alan Campbell speaks with Elizabeth Nelson, the spokesperson of Children of Hoarders, about living in a family with people who suffer from this condition. We also hear from Matt Paxton, the founder of Clutter Cleaner and author of The Secret Lives of Hoarders. Paxton tells us about his work helping older people deal with the challenge of downsizing their possessions.

From Ginny to Patsy

Music legend Patsy Cline was born as Virginia Patterson Hensley in Winchester, Virginia. From humble beginnings she rose to become known as one of country music's greatest vocalists. Tragically, her life was cut short at age 30 when she died in a plane crash. In this episode host Dr. Alan Campbell discusses Cline's music and legacy with her cousin Patricia Hensley and Cline's daughter Julie Fudge.

Ars Gratia Artis?

What's the point of art? What can it do for us in times like these? What does it demand, and could it save us? Dr. Alan Campbell digs into these questions and others with doctor-doctor-doctor Jerry Saltz, art critic and author of How to be An Artist.

Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Man?

Author, academic, activist, and self-proclaimed feminist Dr. Warren Farrell says boys are suffering from a lack of purpose. Farrell has written extensively about men’s issues and how true equality between the sexes can be obtained—including in his international best sellers, Whey Men Are The Way They Are, and The Myth Of Male Power. Dr. Alan Campbell speaks to Farrell about his latest book, The Boy Crisis, co-authored by John Gray.

Dear Father in Tinseltown

From devout religious ritual to irreverent monologues played for comedy, what do prayers in motion pictures say about us and about American culture? We hear from Dr. Terry Lindvall, a professor at Virginia Wesleyan University who has considered the matter with depth and insight. He is one of the filmmakers of the new film Hollywood, Teach Us To Pray. He discusses the role of prayer in movies through the decades.

A Love Potion or Love Formula?

Christine M. Bacon, Ph.D. is an author, speaker, trainer and the radio talk-show host of Breakfast with Bacon: The Relationship Doctor. Her book, The Super Couple: A Formula for Extreme Happiness in Marriage, serves as a brave, candid and beautiful account of saved marriages. In her conversation with Dr. Alan Campbell, Bacon explains her belief that every marriage can and should be saved.

Jazz Kat and More Besides That!

Born in Texas, Kat Edmonson was raised on the music and film of the early-to-mid-twentieth century, and she has been writing songs since she was a little girl. The vintage jazzy pop singer is a rare artist who embodies the spirit of the past while remaining resolutely current. She began crafting her signature sound while performing in Austin’s local club circuit for years before releasing her debut album. Today you’ll find her performing on stages across the United States, Europe, and Asia. She joins Dr. Alan Campbell to talk about her life, her music, and what led her to follow this path.

To Fly Like an Eagle

Jeb Corliss has jumped off the Eiffel Tower, the Seattle Space Needle, the statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro, and is considering other such death-defying acts in various locations. If you wonder what makes a daredevil tick, you'll enjoy this conversation between Corliss and host Dr. Alan Campbell about God, death, fear, and the meaning of life.

Friend, Where Art Thou?

In an early conversation with Dr. Peter Boghosian, host Dr. Alan Campbell, discussed his guest's seemingly endless onslaught of attacks from academic critics. The American philosopher, atheist, scientific skeptic and avid adherer to Socratic reasoning, shared how he has managed to persevere in his debunking of spurious scholarship and faulty assessment. In this edition, Boghosian addresses issues found his book, How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide, co-written with his colleague, James Lindsay. Boghossian says society will collapse if people don't learn to communicate freely and truthfully. Host Dr. Campbell speaks to him about the value of conversation, disagreement, and cognitive liberty. Boghossian was a philosophy professor at Portland State University. His fundamental objective is to teach people how to think through what may often seem to be intractable problems. His primary research areas are critical thinking and moral reasoning.

I, Robot - You, Human?

What was once the stuff of science fiction has become reality. Robots are being used today for everything from fixing automobiles to exploring space, and they are increasingly becoming more human-like. Well-known roboticist Dr. Dennis Hong is the inventor of a number of cutting-edge robots including those that can walk, climb, dance, and even play soccer. He also invented the world’s first car that can be driven by the blind. How will this technology change our world? In this episode host Dr. Alan Cambell speaks with Hong about the possibilities and the next evolution in robotics engineering.

Unknown Faces in Dangerous Places

Former secret service agent, Mary Beth Wilkas Janke, who studied abnormal and forensic psychology, discusses her memoir, The Protector: A Woman's Journey from the Secret Service to Guarding VIPs and Working in Some of the World's Most Dangerous Places. Janke shares details of her harrowing adventures around the world along with some tips on how to stay calm in the middle of crisis.

A Series of Fortunate Events

Writing as Lemony Snicket, author Daniel Handler, has given countless children important life lessons about tragic accidents, conspiracies, reptiles, secret societies, doom, and malevolence. He talks to Dr. Alan Campbell about his work and career, and what to do to alleviate boredom. A charming, truly delightful edition to our series of most fortunate events, as both men share mutual memories of favored locations!

Consciously Blessed or Merely a Party Guest?

Author and prominent social critic Os Guinness believes there are moments in our lives that prompt us to search for a deeper meaning. Sociologist Peter Berger described these as "signals of transcendence" that awaken us to unseen realities. How do we find them? And what would happen if we were to follow where they lead? Dr. Alan Campbell explores this idea with Guiness as they discuss his new book, Signals of Transcendence: Listening to the Promptings of Life.

When the City by the Bay is Failing Every Day

Best-selling author Michael Shellenberger is a Time magazine “Hero of the Environment” and writes on environmental issues for various publications, including the New York Times, Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. He graduated from the Peace and Global Studies program at Earlham College.

In this episode we hear about his book, San Fran-Sicko: Why Progressives Ruin Cities. It’s an analysis of homelessness, mental illness, and drug addiction in California’s tent cities. Host Dr. Alan Campbell also asks Shellenberger, who is a longtime progressive, about the subtitle of this work. Shellenberger’s other books include Apocalypse Never, Break Through, and An Ecomodernist Manifesto.

Hits and Drives

Throughout the 1980s, singer/songwriter Holly Knight composed anthems that became the soundtrack for millions of people’s lives. In her new book, I Am The Warrior: My Crazy Life Writing the Hits and Rocking the MTV Eighties, Knight reveals the stars and the stories behind her mega songs, including Tina Turner’s The Best, Better Be Good To Me, Pat Benatar’s Love is a Battlefield, Invincible; Aerosmith’s Ragdoll; Patty Smyth's The Warrior; Animotion’s Obsession, and more. She shares with host Dr. Alan Campbell about her life and career in a male-dominated industry.

Stoicism with Crepes

David Fideler reveals insights from his book, Breakfast with Seneca. The ancient stoic philosopher, Seneca, provided time-tested wisdom in his day. Does any of it still apply? Author and speaker Fideler says it does - and it can help us foster true contentment. Ancient philosophy meets modern relevance as Dr. Alan Campbell speaks with Fideler about his work, Breakfast with Seneca: A Stoic Guide to the Art of Living. Fideler believes these ancient principles can equip you with the tools to face life's challenges head-on. In this intriguing conversation, we explore the art of distinguishing between what you can and cannot control, and embracing a mindset that fosters true contentment. Discover how stoicism's core principles of resilience, self-control and mindfulness can transform your life and help you navigate adversity with grace.

Trumpeting Success

Acclaimed trumpeter Chris Botti has collaborated with some of the biggest superstars on the planet, including Sting, Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and more. He has successfully crossed over from jazz renown to pop stardom and back — with his Blue Note Recordings, he is in many ways getting a fresh start. It is a small group project focused on acoustic jazz and classic standards. “I turned 60 in 2022, at a time that seemed like a restart for so many things in the world,” Botti said. “I wanted to strip away all the orchestral arrangements and special guests and focus more on my playing, the playing of my band, and these jazz classics that we always love playing on stage.” He joins Dr. Alan Campbell to talk about his career and selected works.

All in the (Manson) Family

At 14, Dianne Lake became the youngest member of Charles Manson's "family." She endured manipulation, psychological control, and abuse. As one of the members who was in the family the longest, she saw the darkness that became a national story. Now she tells Dr. Alan Campbell about her memories and her book, Member of the Family: My Story of Charles Manson, Life Inside His Cult, and the Darkness That Ended the Sixties. Be warned that this episode may prove disturbing for sensitive persons.

The "Ooh Lala" of a Prairie Ma

Her fans know her best for her portrayal of “Ma” on the popular television series Little House on the Prairie, but Karen Grassle has also had a far-reaching career in theater and film as well. In her new memoir, Bright Lights, Prairie Dust: Reflections on Life, Loss, and Love from Little House's Ma, she recounts with surprising candor and humor how she faced challenges off-screen, including a battle with alcoholism, and how she found her way to the other side. She joins Dr. Campbell this week to discuss her extraordinary journey.

When Puddles Befuddles

Puddles the Clown is one of the most unique performers on the scene today. He is famous for stunning, sometimes bizarre, often moving reinventions of classic songs. Some say that the alter-ego of the clown is Mike Geier. Dr. Alan Campbell talks to Geier and attempts to unravel the mysteries that surround this phenomenon.

Voices Within and Without You?

Do you hear voices ... inside your head? Well, we all do. The secret, according to Dr. Ethan Kross, is to manage the way we talk to ourselves. In this episode, Kross discusses the research behind his bestselling book, Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It. Kross is an experimental psychologist, neuroscientist, and founder of the Emotion & Self Control Laboratory. After listening to this enlightening conversation, your inner voice might learn to pause a moment before creating its next conversation.

Danger without the "D"!

To varying degrees we are all subject to our emotions. The most consequential one may be anger. Dr. Alan Campbell's first guest is Dr. Ryan Martin, the chair of the Psychology Program at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and an anger researcher. His work focuses on healthy and unhealthy expressions of anger. He teaches courses on mental illness, emotion, and anger and violence. Dr. Campbell's second guest is "Jenny" who has participated in a group chapter of “Emotions Anonymous” in order to gain control of anger issues she has dealt with since childhood. She speaks candidly about how anger nearly ruined her life and about the 12 step program she has followed to gain control.

Sergio - The Brazilian Saint of Feliz

From his pioneering contributions to Bossa Nova to the era-defining Latin-Pop sound of his iconic group Brasil ’66, Brazilian artist, Sergio Mendes, exploded onto the American music scene in the 1960s. He quickly produced many hit songs which earned him spots on some of the most popular television programs of the time and was subsequently invited by Presidents Nixon and Reagan to perform at the White House. He recorded more than 35 albums, many of which went gold or platinum. He was also a three-time Grammy® Award winner and an Oscar®-nominated songwriter. Throughout his six-decade career, he witnessed many musical innovations, but the one thing that never changed was the joy that music in all of its forms brought him, including his work with wilI.i.am and Fergie. In one of one of his last interviews, the late musician discussed with Dr. Alan Campbell his remarkable career.

Daddy as a Baddie

You may know actor Greg Ellis from his role as “Lieutenant Commander Groves” in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. Perhaps you’d recognize him as “Chief Engineer Olsen” from J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek. Or maybe you remember him from Titanic, Forsaken, and countless television roles. However, in this edition, we don’t talk about the roles Ellis has played; instead, we hear about a real-life drama he experienced when ten false words led to the unravelling of his life.

This conversation reveals extreme actions suffered by fathers (and some mothers) in the face of malicious divorce. You’ll hear about Ellis’ book, The Respondent: Exposing the Cartel of Family Law, his podcast, and the nonprofit organization, Parents & Children United (PCU), launched to help families navigate the family law system in the United States.

When You Ain't All You Think You Is!

The “Dunning-Kruger effect” refers to a self-deceiving bias some people hold regarding their cognitive ability. Such individuals lay claim to a high mastery of knowledge and skill without justification. In short, it is when one with limited ability and awareness lacks a realistic (and therefore modest) self-assessment. Dr. Alan Campbell has a fascinating conversation with Dr. David Dunning about the social implications that such folly may produce in society.

Missing Nuance and True Accents

What can we learn from the Southern films of the past? What can be done in the future to make new ones as multidimensional and as vast as the region really is? Dr. Alan Campbell chats with author and film fanatic, Ben Beard, about his new book, The South Never Plays Itself: A Film Buff’s Journey Through the South on Screen, and more. The film industry’s idea of the South never seems to capture the true complexities, differences, and beauties that it holds. Beard and Campbell take a trip through time to discuss some of the genre’s most memorable movies - the good, the bad, and the contentious.

Detached Thinking

Todd Zwillich, NPR’s Washington Correspondent and host on The Takeaway and 1A, crafted an audiobook telling the story of John C. Houbolt, an unsung hero of Apollo 11 and the man who showed NASA how to put America on the moon. According to Zwillich (and many from NASA), without John C. Houbolt, a mid-level engineer at NASA, Apollo 11 would never have made it to the moon.

No One to Frame, But Himself

New York Times best-selling author, Mark Bego, already wrote one book about Elton John: The Bitch is Back (2013). But he brings us now a new expanded biography - Rocket Man: The Story of Elton John. Pegasus Books states that Bego is the “#1 best-selling pop biographer,” with dozens of books to his name, including those that have sold millions of copies on Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Whitney Houston. Dr. Alan Campbell explores with Bego, Elton John's ups and down personas from Reginald Dwight to Captain Fantastic.

Diesel - The Deep-Water Mystery

Acclaimed novelist Douglas Brunt served as CEO of a tech company until he decided to become an author. Now he writes full time and hosts a popular podcast on which he interviews some of the world’s greatest writers — giving a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process. Though he’s best known for his award-winning novels, Douglas’ new work tackles the 100-year-old, real-life mystery of the disappearance of inventor Rudolf Diesel on the eve of World War I. What happened to him? Douglas Brunt shares with Dr. Alan Campbell how he has solved the mystery.

Divine Deliberation?

Dr. Stephen C. Meyer is willing to risk his reputation in his pursuit of furthering matters that have been too easily dismissed. He received his Ph.D. in the philosophy of science from the University of Cambridge and then served as a geophysicist and college professor, who now directs Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture in Seattle. He has dedicated his life to the philosophy of science in an attempt to answer some of the most pressing questions in the universe.

In this special edition, Meyer talks with Dr. Alan Campbell about his book, Return of the God Hypothesis. Meyer asserts that while intellectuals in the 19th century began insisting that science and religion were in a never-ending war, that needn't be the case. To refute this notion, Meyer details three modern scientific discoveries with decidedly theistic implications.

Long-Lasting

The late Dr. Phil Donahue (The Phil Donahue Show) and Marlo Thomas (That Girl) were married for over four decades. They authored a book titled What Makes a Marriage Last, featuring their interviews with 40 famous and renowned couples. Before Donahue's death they shared details about some of their most revealing and tender conversations between themselves and with other lasting couples.

Snip-snip, Clip-clip - Changed Lives

It started with one haircut. "One evening in the spring of 2015, I was on my way to a friend's house after work. I didn't make it. I walked past a man who was homeless at the time. I would often stop to speak with him ... but this time was different ... I remembered that I had my tools in my backpack and asked if he'd like his hair cut. In the hour that followed, he told me his story. The next time we met, he introduced me to some of his friends. Before long I was heading out whenever I could, giving haircuts throughout the streets of London." That's an excerpt from the book Do Something for Nothing, by Joshua Coombes. In this edition, Coombes talks about the impact a haircut and a conversation can make. Expanding the topic, Dr. Alan Campbell explores how one can make a difference with the skills they posses.

No Plane to the Plain

Paul Theroux, prolific writer and traveler, is best known for The Great Railway Bizarre and The Mosquito Coast. His recent book, On the Plain of Snakes: A Mexican Journey, examines cultures on both sides of the US-Mexico border. Listen to a fascinating and intimate conversation between he and Dr. Alan Campbell about his life and travels.

The Biting Truth about Dracula and Vampires

Dr. Alan Campbell had the very special treat of speaking with Bela Lugosi, Jr., one might say the spawn of Dracula himself! However, firstly, we'll hear from author/journalist, Paul Bibeau, about his investigations into the history of vampires in his book, Sundays with Vlad: From Pennsylvania to Transylvania, One Man's Quest to Live in the World of the Undead, and lastly, you won't believe the song that Alan crafted for this show!

Surprised by Terry

From the magical world of Narnia to the thoughtful exploration of the Christian faith found in the pages of Mere Christianity, author, C.S. Lewis made faith accessible to a wide audience. Dr. Terry Lindvall is a distinguished C.S. Lewis scholar, who joins Dr. Alan Campbell to discuss how Lewis answered the toughest questions found in the Christian faith. Dr. Lindvall is the C.S. Lewis Endowed Chair in Communication and Christian Thought at Virginia Wesleyan University. Among other books, he is the writer of Surprised by Laughter: The Comic World of C. S. Lewis.

Are You Actually Actualized?

What if someone told you that Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs was actually just the beginning - a proverbial sail to a massive ship of self-actualization? And what if they suggested the way to realize your best self is to transcend your “self” altogether? Host, Dr. Alan Campbell, explores these ideas in-depth with cognitive scientist, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman. They discuss Kaufman’s journey through Maslow’s work, how his own adolescent experiences lead him to the work he does today, and how it all falls into his new book Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization.

God Bless America - with Mutual Forgiveness

Jason D. Hill is an author, poet and professor of philosophy. He’s earned multiple degrees and has a most interesting background. Originally from Jamaica, Hill immigrated to the United States when he was 20 years old. His academic specialties include ethics and political philosophy, and like Dr. Alan Campbell, he is a shameless fan of the United States. In this edition, Hill discusses his book, We Have Overcome: An Immigrant’s Letter to the American People. His unique perspective and gentle demeanor invite fresh consideration of contemporary issues regarding identity, ethics, and radical forgiveness.

The Picture of Her Past

She is perhaps one of the world’s most iconic figures. Jacqueline Kennedy captivated the nation and the rest of the world with her intelligence, beauty, and grace. But who was she before she became a household name? From her adventures abroad in Paris to her groundbreaking career as a writer and photographer in Washington, DC., join us for a journey into the life of a remarkable woman. Carl Sferrazza Anthony is a writer, screenwriter, and journalist; an expert on Presidents, First ladies, and their families; and the author of over a dozen works of history and biography. He's conducted interviews with Presidents and their wives, wrote speeches for Nancy Reagan, and penned the introduction to one of Hillary Clinton's books. His newest work, Camera Girl: The Coming of Age of Jackie Bouvier Kennedy, unveils the untold story of a headstrong, single young woman trying to figure out who she wanted to be.

Tell Me Your Troubles

Bestselling author, Lori Gottlieb, joins Dr. Alan Campbell to talk about being both the therapist and the patient in the intimate space of psychotherapy. Gottlieb's recent book is Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. She is also the author of Marry Him: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough and Stick Figure.

Here, There and Everywhere

Clarissa Ward is the chief international correspondent for CNN and has collected quite a number of stories during her lifetime of traveling, reporting and teaching others what she knows. Reporting from Afghanistan as the Taliban took control, her compelling journalism from the streets of Kabul brought the reality of the situation to the world. She speaks honestly with Dr. Alan Campbell about her multicultural preparation from childhood and in particular her rearing in the UK and USA. However, she hasens to state that growing up between two cultures - two worlds - can teach a kid a lot. But it cannot teach an innate love and talent for storytelling. Clarissa Ward has both. Dr. Campbell talks with Ward about her childhood, early career, biggest lessons for aspiring journalists, and her new book that ties it all together: On All Fronts: The Education of a Journalist.

A Hunting and Gathering - We Will Go

Did evolution prepare us for modern times? According to two evolutionary biologists, the modern world is out of sync with our ancient brains and bodies. In this edition, Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying, discuss their book, A Hunter-Gatherer’s Guide to the 21st Century: Evolution and the Challenges of Modern Life.

Re-Humanizing Our Opponents

"If we can re-humanize the people with whom we disagree, that takes us a good bit of the way to being able to engage with them outside of this realm of moral purity and moral pollution. What is "moral pollution"? We learn what it is and how it creates divisions between people that are difficult to bridge. Pamela Paresky, Ph.D., is a Visiting Senior Research Associate the the Stevanovich Institute on the Formation of Knowledge (SIFK) at the University of Chicago, and a Senior Scholar at the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI). In this conversation, Paresky talks about her research for the bestselling book, The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt. We also hear about her book, Habits of a Free Mind, a toolkit for engaging across lines of difference without feeling traumatized and without dehumanizing others.

Luis and the Man

To our delight we hear from civil rights activist, Hollywood newscaster, educator, and public speaker, Luis Alberto Rivera Colon. His father was a Puerto Rican migrant worker and his mother, a Puerto Rican entrepreneur. He’s also an old friend of our host, Dr. Alan Campbell. In this intimate conversation, Colon tells stories from his book, Living Between Cultures: From Borinquen to Hollywood, and shares how the death of his beloved friend, Freddie Prinze, impacted his life.

Larry Elder, The Sage from South Central

Dr. Alan Campbell interviews the bold and unabashed, Larry Elder, about his family, his politics, and what he thinks about the state of American culture. Elder has one of the most unique viewpoints in public life. It is a challenging, deeply personal, and provocative conversation.

Walking in their Footsteps

Dinosaurs. When we think of them, they are often relegated in our minds to displays in natural history museums. But few consider the fact that these prehistoric giants once walked where Walmart parking lots exist today. Furthermore, their remains can be found under unlikely places such as airport terminals. Dinosaurs died in one of five periods when the world nearly ended. You've likely heard about the calamity dinosaurs underwent, but author Peter Brannen says that wasn't the worst catastrophe life on earth faced. Brannen talks about the 5 major mass extinctions through earth's history and where we sit now in relation to them. Brannen is the author of The Ends of the World: Volcanic Apocalypses, Lethal Oceans, and Our Quest to Understand Earth's Past Mass Extinctions.

The Root of the Matter

Actor Stephen Root has appeared in nearly countless roles on television and film—from Star Trek, NewsRadio, West Wing, and King of the Hill on television, to O Brother, Where Art Thou?, No Country for Old Men, and Idiocracy on film. Root has worked with HBO on True Blood, Barry, and Boardwalk Empire, and most recently on Perry Mason as Maynard Barnes. Dr. Alan Campbell talks with Root speaks honestly about his childhood, dramatic training, comedy, various roles he’s played, and candidly about various people in the film and television industry with whom he has worked.

A Working Class Hero is Something to Be

Dr. Alan Campbell talks with Michael Patrick Smith, a musician, playwright, and author of The Good Hand: A Memoir of Work, Brotherhood, and Transformation in an American Boomtown. Kirkus Reviews calls Smith's work "a white-hot, fiercely argued case for working rural people in the face of their economically brutal lives." After working countless "in-between" jobs as a stage actor, bartender, junk-hauler, waiter, security guard, legal assistant, and more, Michael Patrick Smith chose to pick up the role of an oil-field hand in Williamston, North Dakota. He had one main goal - to get his share of the oil boom's money. He recorded his trip in a notebook, lived and worked side-by-side with an array of hard-working individuals from all corners of life, and came back with new-found reverence and insight of what it meant to be a "good hand." Hear Smith recount what drove him out to the oil fields of North Dakota, who he met, what he learned, and what he carries with him today

Bailey - Grateful Daily

Michele Bailey has a long history in business. She is the CEO of The Blazing Group and My Big Idea, where she helps businesses build their vision and brands, create strategy-first cultures, and focus on the personal and professional growth of entrepreneurs and employees. Bailey talks with host Dr. Alan Campbell about her book, The Currency of Gratitude: Placing Gratitude at the Center of Your Personal Brand. She shares her struggles as a businesswoman including some she hasn't overcome yet. An instructive listen for business leaders and anyone who wants to get along with others!