Howard Klausner: The Triumphs, Setbacks, and Lessons of Writing REAGAN (Ep. 17)

Howard Klausner: The Triumphs, Setbacks, and Lessons of Writing REAGAN (Ep. 17)

In this new episode of the Making REAGAN series, Mark Joseph sits down with acclaimed screenwriter Howard Klausner for an in-depth conversation about the 20-year journey of bringing Reagan to the screen. Howard goes through his start as a young aspiring actor and musician from Tennessee and how he found his way into Hollywood, broke through with Space Cowboys, and ultimately spent nearly two decades helping shape the biopic for Ronald Reagan. Along the way, he offers a fascinating look at the realities of screenwriting, development hell, Hollywood politics, and the creative process behind turning history into compelling drama. The discussion explores the origins of the film’s unique narrative structure, the creation of the Victor character portrayed by Jon Voight, the challenge of condensing Reagan’s extraordinary life into a feature film, and memorable experiences working alongside Dennis Quaid, Jon Voight, Sean McNamara, and the cast and crew. Howard also reflects on Reagan’s enduring legacy, the importance of optimism and civility in public life, and why he believes America is in need of wisdom, leadership, and a renewed sense of purpose. Own your copy of the REAGAN Movie now on DVD, Blu-Ray, Amazon and Apple TV. Blu-Ray / DVD: https://a.co/d/02Y2zt5v Amazon Video: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DMTJMRWY/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/reagan/umc.cmc.6yum5f9xp7nawka60vvtjh68u REAGAN: The Director’s Cut in theaters on September 18th. Check out producer Mark Joseph’s book Making REAGAN, out now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart. Amazon: https://a.co/d/09Rh66XL Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/making-reagan-mark-joseph/1147150440?ean=9798330201822 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Making-REAGAN-A-Memoir-from-the-Producer-of-the-REAGAN-Movie-Hardcover-9798330201822/15610673227?classType=REGULAR&from=%2Fsearch&sid=eb7a975c-01fc-4fc0-8511-6abe8d336d8c Listen to REAGAN: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, REAGAN: Songs Inspired By The Film, and REAGAN: Original Motion Picture Score, available now to purchase and stream on all major music platforms Songs Inspired By The Film: https://curbrecords.ffm.to/reaganinspiredby Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: https://curbrecords.ffm.to/reagan Original Motion Picture Score: Amazon Music: https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DN78RPQ8?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_ZhsFL12QR0RNZKIkrnd45259N Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/reagan-original-motion-picture-score/1780022720 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7hOEFiaWsWm0LOU0WG9W3f?si=HGZRMCDaT0iOIPLI5ikO4A

Will Wallace: Actor & Director on Hollywood Values, Terrence Malick and Playing Ed Meese (Ep. 16)

Recorded on location during the filming of REAGAN, this conversation features actor, director, and producer Will Wallace in a behind-the-scenes discussion with producer Mark Joseph. Wallace reflects on portraying Attorney General Ed Meese in the film, his preparation process, and what it was like stepping into the world of Ronald Reagan alongside Dennis Quaid and the cast of REAGAN. The interview also explores Wallace’s experiences working in Hollywood, his acting school, and his collaborations with his stepfather, legendary filmmaker Terrence Malick. The conversation also goes beyond filmmaking into faith, patriotism, leadership, and the cultural lessons both men believe can still be learned from Ronald Reagan today. Own your copy of the REAGAN Movie now on DVD, Blu-Ray, Amazon and Apple TV. Blu-Ray / DVD: https://a.co/d/02Y2zt5v Amazon Video: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DMTJMRWY/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/reagan/umc.cmc.6yum5f9xp7nawka60vvtjh68u New Director’s Cut in theaters on September 18th. Check out producer Mark Joseph’s book Making REAGAN, out now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart. Amazon: https://a.co/d/09Rh66XL Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/making-reagan-mark-joseph/1147150440?ean=9798330201822 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Making-REAGAN-A-Memoir-from-the-Producer-of-the-REAGAN-Movie-Hardcover-9798330201822/15610673227?classType=REGULAR&from=%2Fsearch&sid=eb7a975c-01fc-4fc0-8511-6abe8d336d8c Listen to REAGAN: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, REAGAN: Songs Inspired By The Film, and REAGAN: Original Motion Picture Score, available now to purchase and stream on all major music platforms Songs Inspired By The Film: https://curbrecords.ffm.to/reaganinspiredby Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: https://curbrecords.ffm.to/reagan Original Motion Picture Score: Amazon Music: https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DN78RPQ8?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_ZhsFL12QR0RNZKIkrnd45259N Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/reagan-original-motion-picture-score/1780022720 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7hOEFiaWsWm0LOU0WG9W3f?si=HGZRMCDaT0iOIPLI5ikO4A

Amanda Righetti on Reagan, COVID Filming & Hollywood’s Future (Ep. 15)

Amanda Righetti joins Mark Joseph for a new conversation about portraying Ronald Reagan’s mother, Nelle Reagan, in the REAGAN Movie, the challenges of filming during the height of COVID, and the emotional family dynamics that shaped Reagan’s early life. Amanda reflects on researching Nelle’s faith, resilience, and marriage to Reagan’s alcoholic father, while also sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the set; from period costumes and Model T cars to daily testing, masks, and the surreal atmosphere of pandemic-era filmmaking. The conversation also explores Amanda’s journey from modeling in Japan as a teenager to starring in The O.C., North Shore, The Mentalist, and her current work on Scarpetta. Along the way, Mark and Amanda discuss how Hollywood has changed after COVID, the rise of self-tape auditions, female-led productions, AI’s impact on acting, parenting in the digital age, and why deeply human stories matter more than ever. Own your copy of the REAGAN Movie now on DVD, Blu-Ray, Amazon and Apple TV. Blu-Ray / DVD: https://a.co/d/02Y2zt5v Amazon Video: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DMTJMRWY/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/reagan/umc.cmc.6yum5f9xp7nawka60vvtjh68u Check out producer Mark Joseph’s book Making REAGAN, out now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart. Amazon: https://a.co/d/09Rh66XL Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/making-reagan-mark-joseph/1147150440?ean=9798330201822 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Making-REAGAN-A-Memoir-from-the-Producer-of-the-REAGAN-Movie-Hardcover-9798330201822/15610673227?classType=REGULAR&from=%2Fsearch&sid=eb7a975c-01fc-4fc0-8511-6abe8d336d8c Listen to REAGAN: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, REAGAN: Songs Inspired By The Film, and REAGAN: Original Motion Picture Score, available now to purchase and stream on all major music platforms Songs Inspired By The Film: https://curbrecords.ffm.to/reaganinspiredby Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: https://curbrecords.ffm.to/reagan Original Motion Picture Score: Amazon Music: https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DN78RPQ8?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_ZhsFL12QR0RNZKIkrnd45259N Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/reagan-original-motion-picture-score/1780022720 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7hOEFiaWsWm0LOU0WG9W3f?si=HGZRMCDaT0iOIPLI5ikO4A

Michael Sweet: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of Stryper (Ep. 14)

Michael Sweet joins Mark Joseph for a new conversation about the incredible journey of his band Stryper, from rehearsing in a small garage in La Mirada, California to becoming one of the most successful and longest lasting rock bands in history. Michael shares behind-the-scenes stories about the early Los Angeles metal scene, Stryper's breakthrough years, their unexpected success in Japan, the band's unique place between the mainstream and Christian music worlds, and the challenges of staying true to their faith amid fame and controversy. Michael also opens up about personal struggles, the loss of his first wife, health battles, family life, his solo career, and the life lessons he’s learned over four decades in music. Check out Stryper's latest album, When We Were Kings, out now on all streaming platforms. Stryper's Website: https://stryper.com/ Check out producer Mark Joseph’s book Making REAGAN, out now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart. Amazon: https://a.co/d/09Rh66XL Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/making-reagan-mark-joseph/1147150440?ean=9798330201822 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Making-REAGAN-A-Memoir-from-the-Producer-of-the-REAGAN-Movie-Hardcover-9798330201822/15610673227?classType=REGULAR&from=%2Fsearch&sid=eb7a975c-01fc-4fc0-8511-6abe8d336d8c Check out Mark's other books on Amazon, available now. Rock Gets Religion: https://a.co/d/0ios8Jw4 The Rock & Roll Rebellion: https://a.co/d/0aeE0iDl Faith, God & Rock 'n' Roll: https://a.co/d/01CGOUDU

Inside Prince’s Rise: What Dez Dickerson Saw At The Revolution (Ep. 13)

What was Prince really like behind the scenes? In this candid conversation, Prince’s guitarist and long-time collaborator Dez Dickerson joins Mark Joseph to share extraordinary stories from the earliest days of Prince’s rise to global superstardom. Dez takes listeners inside the formation of the band, the creation of 1999, the evolution of The Revolution, and the intense creative drive that made Prince one of the most influential artists in music history. Along the way, he reveals surprising insights about Prince’s perfectionism, songwriting process, stage persona, touring life, and the realities of fame during one of music’s most explosive eras. The conversation also explores Dez’s own spiritual journey, reflecting on the moments that shaped his life both inside and outside the music industry, including his years as a record executive and the powerful personal experiences that inspired his upcoming memoir, Beloved, Betrayed.