Family Bonds Beyond The Screen & TV's Reigning Improv Queen with Wendi McLendon-Covey

Family Bonds Beyond The Screen & TV's Reigning Improv Queen with Wendi McLendon-Covey

From improv stages to some of the most beloved comedies of the last two decades, Wendi McLendon-Covey joins Media Path for a lively, laugh-infused conversation about finding and trusting her voice. Wendi looks back on her Groundlings run where she honed fearless comedic instincts and created characters that would define her career.  Though she always knew she wanted to perform, it took time, and a leap of courage for her to fully pursue it. While holding down a full time job, she signed up for a bunny slope Groundlings class called “Fun Shop” and stayed for ten years, moving all the way up to seven years in the main company!. She shares behind-the-scenes Reno 911 deep dish! like how she created “Clementine Johnson” (based on a Groundlings character who was based on her real-life aunt) and the back stories behind iconic moments like the drunk catwalk and her Ill-fated “lottery win.” Wendi’s favorite Reno 911 movie iteration is The Search For QAnon which was shot on The Queen Mary during the pandemic. And ghosts being vaccinated by death, the ship was still haunted! A Steely Dan fangirl, Wendi recounts how a storyline revealing her Clementine as a groupie led to an unexpected real-life live show invitation, and an onstage shoutout from Walter Becker!  The conversation inevitably turns to The Goldbergs set, where a decade-long run fostered deep bonds among the cast. Wendi reflects on what she misses most, shares what it was like to meet the real Beverly Goldberg, and offers memorable stories about The Goldbergs’ beloved George Segal. Now starring in St. Denis Medical, Wendi tells us how she embraced the role of Joyce and reflects on her career’s ongoing evolution. She also credits her husband Greg as a constant source of support and encouragement throughout her journey. And we learn how Wendi has lent her impeccable comic skill and timing to some beloved and feel-good favorites in a memorable round of IMDB Roulette! Plus, in a perfect Wendi moment, the episode wraps with a roll call of her eight cats! And in current media recommendations, Lisa and Weezy discuss the Netflix comedy competition series, Funny AF with Kevin Hart. Path Points of Interest: Wendi McLendon-Covey on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wendimclendoncovey/] Wendi McLendon-Covey on Wikipedia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendi_McLendon-Covey] Wendi McLendon-Covey on IMDB [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1018488/] St. Denis Medical [https://www.nbc.com/st-denis-medical] Funny AF with Kevin Hart [https://www.netflix.com/title/82054722]

Behind The Golden Era's Glitz & A Real-Life Hollywood Heroine with Mamie Van Doren!

The Golden age, silver-screen legend who lived to tell a tale that could have only unfolded in Hollywood , Mamie Van Doren joins Media Path for a candid conversation about a life shaped by resilience, reinvention, and remarkable twists of fate! The woman who helped define an extraordinary era of entertainment and cultural change has chronicled both her escapades and her conquered adversities in a page-turning new memoir called 'You Thought I Was Dead: My Life of Celebrities, Sex and Champagne.’ Mamie traces her grit back to a hard scrabble, Depression era, South Dakota childhood where poverty and hunger were a daily reality. Determined to escape that world, she set her sights on Hollywood, with a little help from lore, intentionally placing herself at a pharmacy soda counter in the in hopes of being “discovered,” just as Lana Turner had been. She was stunning and it worked. She was also 14! What followed was a series of cinematic turning points. Including a TV role, broadcast from The famed Florentine Gardens and a close friendship with cocktail server Elizabeth Short, who horrifically became known as The Black Dahlia. Her brutal loss has affected Mamie profoundly and permanently. Mamie recounts her rapid rise through the studio system after being spotted by a Universal executive, leading to a seven-year contract and her breakout role opposite Tony Curtis (and some handsome USC football stars) in 'All American'.  She shares the origin of her now-iconic name, coined by an AP reporter and inspired by First Lady, Mamie Eisenhower. Its coining helped a farm girl named Joanie Olander fully embody her new Hollywood persona. After marrying bandleader Ray Anthony and starting a family, Universal dropped her contract, only to see her quickly courted by other studios.  She reflects on love, longevity, and her current 50+ year marriage to Thomas Dixon, as well as the complicated realities of navigating Hollywood at a time when powerful men often operated without accountability.  In a deeply personal revelation, Mamie speaks about a terrifyingly dark encounter with Jack Webb that she kept silent for years. He was selling “law and order” when he drugged, tied up and violated Mamie. She reflects now about how much (and how little) has changed. Stories where Hollywood and history intersect are a common thread in Mamie's adventures, such as a romantic interlude with Che Guevara while filming in Buenos Aires, and a dangerous, self-funded three-month tour to the furthest outposts of the Vietnam War to entertain troops. The gravest danger she faced was an on-stage attack at an officers’ club in Saigon. But her time with the troops remains an experience that shaped her perspective on freedom and sacrifice. And IMDB Roulette this week is raucous, racy and romantic, with a trip to the cutting edge of rock ’n roll! Is Mamie the girl who invented it!? In current recommendations -- Lisa: Documentary (directed by our very own Weezy!) Family Band: The Cowsills Story, streaming on Prime Weezy: TV Land original series Younger, streaming on Netflix Path Points of Interest: You Thought I Was Dead: My Life of Celebrities, Sex, and Champagne by Mamie Van Doren [https://www.amazon.com/You-Thought-Was-Dead-Celebrities/dp/B0FST533SJ/] Mamie Van Doren on IMDB [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0886638/] Mamie Van Doren on Wikipedia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamie_Van_Doren] Mamie Van Doren on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mamievandoren/?hl=en] Mamie Van Doren on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mamie.van.doren.2025] Mamie Van Doren Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/746409919253538/] Family Band: The Cowsills Story [https://www.louisepalanker.com/family-band-the-cowsills-story-documentary] Younger [https://www.netflix.com/title/80031533]

His Music Was A "Mob Hit" & The Legacy Of A Cover King with Tommy James!

From tween garage band beginnings to chart-topping success and a shocking behind-the-scenes story that reads like a Hollywood script, Tommy James, of Tommy James & the Shondells, joins Media Path to share dishy details about his remarkable journey while creating some of the most enduring hits of a generation! Tommy traces his musical roots back to age 12, when he formed his first band, The Echoes, with fellow classmates, a group that would eventually evolve into The Shondells. A job at a local record shop gave him an early education in the retail side of music, and by 14, he was recording his first single. That song, “Hanky Panky,” took on a life of its own when a Pittsburgh DJ began spinning it. From there, it quickly became the biggest record the city had ever seen and launched Tommy’s career overnight. One problem: No Shondells. They had all moved on to college, families and other careers. Tommy club crawled to find Pittsburgh band, The Raconteurs who quickly agreed to become The Shondells. That success led Tommy to shop the record for a deal in New York City. Every top label wanted Tommy. One problem: They had all received a menacing phone call from mobbed up Morris Levy of Roulette Records. Tommy’s dysfunctional mob family relationship provided him with an interesting exchange. He enjoyed complete creative control in the studio, leading to the hits, I Think We’re Alone Now, Mony Tony, Crystal Blue Persuasion and Crimson and Clover… but… Morris pocketed most of Tommy’s money and Roulette’s Genovese Family ties kept The Shondells cranking out hits and selling over 110 million records without complaint. Our conversation explores the stark contrast between the band’s bright, infectious music and the darker realities unfolding behind the scenes, which included ominous intimidation and physical threats. Despite the challenges, Tommy credits that time with giving him an invaluable education in the inner workings of the industry, from production to publishing, lessons that have informed him throughout his career.  Today, he brings that rich perspective to his SiriusXM 60s channel radio show, called Gettin’ Together, where he shares the stories behind the songs, offering context only culled from a performer who lived it. He also reflects on writing his memoir, Me, the Mob, and the Music, which he would only publish after the funeral of Vinnie “The Chin” Gigante, the last Genovese Family mobster. Tommy also shares early details about his story’s upcoming adaptation into a mini-series. Plus we’ve got an IMDB Roulette round that’s immersed in the era when variety shows brought teenage audiences their first peek at the real life musicians spinning around their record players! In current media recommendations:  Marty: Life Is Short on Netflix and Hazardous History with Henry Winkler on The History Channel and Hulu Path Points of Interest: Tommy James [https://www.tommyjames.com] Tommy James on Wiki [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_James] Me, The Mob and the Music: One Helluva Ride with Tommy James and The Shondells. by Tommy James with Martin Fitzpatrick [https://www.amazon.com/Me-Mob-Music-Helluva-Shondells/dp/1439172889] Tommy James Tour Dates [https://www.tommyjames.com/concerts/] Tommy James on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TJandtheShondells/] Tommy James on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvbgfQ4KcWZqQQ5rL5tzCJQ] Tommy James on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tommyjamesandtheshondells/] Hazardous History with Henry Winkler [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt37110450/]

The Roots Of Show Biz Representation & The Seinfeld Alum Club with Phil Morris!

Best known for his unforgettable turn as Jackie Chiles, the fast-talking, high-powered attorney Kramer turns to in Seinfeld, actor Phil Morris joins us for a thoughtful, funny, and full-circle conversation about legacy, identity, and the unexpected paths that lead to a life in show business! Phil shares how his portrayal of the character, famously inspired by Johnnie Cochran, took on a life of its own, leading to national commercial campaigns and even a memorable Honda spot directed by the Coen Brothers.  He recalls his Seinfeld audition, in Jerry’s office with Johnnie Cochran’s  rhythms and intonations fresh in his mind since they shared the same barbershop! But as Jackie Chiles’ spotlight brightened, the line between inspiration and frustration blurred, culminating in an unexpected cease and desist letter from Johnnie Cochran himself and an awkward barbershop encounter in which Johnnie had to concede that Phil is very funny! Our conversation also explores Phil’s remarkable Hollywood lineage. As the son of Greg Morris, star of the original Mission: Impossible, Phil reflects on how his father’s network TV starring role suddenly transformed their family’s life, and handed them all the weight of being a uniquely high profile example of black representation on television at the time.  He shares how a single appearance by his father on The Dick Van Dyke Show helped pave the way for what would eventually become The Cosby Show, and how his own path into acting began almost by accident while working on set as a production assistant. Phil went on to work alongside his father in the Mission: Impossible reboot, and today continues to bring depth to his roles across mediums, from live action to voice work. A devoted comic book fan with an extensive collection, he discusses how his love of superheroes informs performances like his portrayal of Silas Stone in Doom Patrol. Phil also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the unique process of voice acting, whether collaborating in a room full of actors or performing solo, “opposite” himself, plus the emotional impact of meeting fans at conventions who credit his work with making a real difference in their lives. Then we get into an IMDB Roulette that delves deep into some roles while requiring discretion in discussing others! In current recommendations -- Weezy: Movie, Remarkably Bright Creatures in theaters and streaming on Netflix Lisa: Netflix documentary series, Should I Marry A Murderer? Path Points of Interest: Phil Morris IMDB [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0606862/?ref_=nmmi_ov_bk] Phil Morris on Wikipedia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Morris_(actor)] Phil Morris on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thephilmorris/] Phil Morris on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/philmorrisfanpage/] Phil Morris on Cameo [https://www.cameo.com/philmorris?] Remarkably Bright Creatures [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33100314/] Should I Marry A Murderer? [https://www.netflix.com/title/81924891]

Sustaining Success & Conquering Hollywood Ageism with Anne-Marie Johnson

Best known for her roles as Lynn Williams on Hill Street Blues [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_Street_Blues], Alieen Lewis on Double Trouble [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Trouble_(American_TV_series)] and Raj’s wife, Nadine on What's Happening Now!! [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What%27s_Happening_Now!!], Anne-Marie Johnson played Althea Tibbs on In the Heat of the Night [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Heat_of_the_Night_(TV_series)], Alycia Barnett on Melrose Place [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melrose_Place], Sharon Upton Farley on Girlfriends [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girlfriends_(American_TV_series)], Liz Shelton on Tyler Perry's House of Payne [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Perry%27s_House_of_Payne] and Dr. Patel on Days of our Lives [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Days_of_our_Lives]. She was also on In Living Color [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Living_Color] and in this very episode of Media Path Podcast and we do get into it all! Why was her character killed off of Melrose Place? She was told it was because the producers did not know how to write for black characters! Was her experience on Mad About You pleasant? No! Helen Hunt was a nightmare. She absolutely adored working with Raven Simone and with the cast of Diff’rent Strokes. She had a blast collaborating with Keenen Ivory Wayans in the creation of the iconic hooker, Cherry in I’m Gonna Git You  Sucka and Anne-Marie gifts us with a blow-by-blow account of how her Oprah knockoff character on Living Single generated a studio audience laugh that lasted for five minutes! Anne-Marie is starring in a new film called, The Addiction Of Hope, written and directed by her husband, Martin Grey. It’s the story of an aging actress who, as roles diminish, is forced to reexamine her life, her priorities and her choices while her sister faces a health crisis. Anne-Marie takes on a rousing round of IMDB Roulette and in recommendations, Lisa loves the new  Emily Catalano standup special, Weezy is obsessed with the best selling novel, Theo Of Golden by Allen Levi and both of our hosts vow to explore Funny AF with Kevin Hart on Netflix. Path Points of Interest: The Addiction Of Hope [https://www.theaddictionofhopefilm.com/] Anne-Marie Johnson on Wikipedia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne-Marie_Johnson] Anne-Marie Johnson on IMDB [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0424509/] Emily Catalano Unspecial [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY-_4ioQ188] Funny AF with Kevin Hart on Netflix [https://www.netflix.com/title/82054722] Theo Of Golden by Allen Levi [https://www.amazon.com/Theo-Golden-Novel-Allen-Levi/dp/1668236516]