• Lucille Ball in Space: Tony Shares Tales of Lucy & Hollywood, Both Old & New
    Jun 5 2024

    Do you know actors such as William Shatner, Chris Pine, Leonard Nimoy, Kate Mulgrew, George Takei, and others may have Lucille Ball to thank for advancing their careers? Without her, Star Trek may never have happened. And that's a small part of what Tony shares of Lucy's intricate life: a showgirl turned comedic genius turned Hollywood studio president, a feat few could even dream of achieving.

    Tony and Brad's conversation also includes Tony's passionate and insightful tales of Tinseltown's golden era. From his personal journey to LA in the 90s, with nothing more than dreams of an Emmy, to his intimate knowledge of Hollywood's transformation over the years, Tony enlightens us about the evolution of the film industry, the fading era of relationship-focused films, and the impact of CGI. Tony paints a vivid picture of yesteryear's Hollywood, contrasting it with today's ever-evolving landscape. Through his eyes, we see the intersection of glamour and grit, the migration of film studios, and the transformation of classic locations, invoking nostalgia for a bygone era.

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    You can find transcripts, a link to Tony's website, and a link to Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

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    49 mins
  • Diving into “Deadpool”: Screwball Comedy with a Superhero Twist
    May 29 2024

    What do a foul-mouthed antihero the classic screwball comedies of the 1930s have in common? Join Tony and Brad for a hilarious discussion about Tony's first Marvel film experience, "Deadpool" (2016). While Brad shares his insights on the history of the character, Tony can’t help but gush over Ryan Reynolds' irreverent charms. Listen as they dissect the bold contrast between traditional superhero fare and the whip-smart, dirty humor that makes "Deadpool" stand out.

    Marvel Comics’ roller-coaster journey through the 1990s could be an epic tale on its own. From Marvel’s financial woes that led to selling off valuable character rights, to Ryan's dogged determination and some ‘accidental’ leaked footage that turned the tide, with persistence, creativity, and a bit of luck, giving new depth to the Deadpool phenomenon.

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    You can find transcripts, a link to Tony's website, and a link to Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

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    1 hr
  • Oversexed in the City: The Saga of “Baby Face” (1933)
    May 22 2024

    Think films from Hollywood’s golden age are all tame, innocent, and sexless? Well, you haven’t met “Baby Face”! Barbara Stanwyck achieves upward mobility horizontally as pre-code Hollywood's most notorious good-time gal, Lily Powers, who has never met a bed she couldn't man, and a man she couldn't bed. Join Tony and Brad as they discuss her raw portrayal of Lily Powers, a woman who defies her era's norms, leveraging her allure for power and success. Join them for a vivid retelling of "Baby Face's" narrative, embarking on Lily's journey from the speakeasy underbelly of Erie, Pennsylvania, to the towering corporate ladders of New York City. As they navigate through her calculated conquests, they expose the censorship skirmishes that "Babyface" endured, offering a peek into the industry's past censorship battles.

    Will co-star George Brent's character be the one to tame Stanwyck's wanton ways?








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    You can find transcripts, a link to Tony's website, and a link to Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • SURRENDERING DOROTHY: Munchkins, Mysteries & Myths of “The Wizard of Oz”
    May 15 2024
    Don your ruby slippers as we pay tribute to "The Wizard of Oz." Join Brad and Tony for an exploration that celebrates the quirks, confronts the myths, and cherishes the enduring charm of the iconic film.

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    You can find transcripts, a link to Tony's website, and a link to Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

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    50 mins
  • Navigating "Fellow Travelers": A Conversation with Ron Nyswaner, the Creator of the Showtime Series
    May 8 2024
    Showtime's "Fellow Travelers," visionary Ron Nyswaner joins us for a revealing conversation about the series' theme of a clandestine love story which unfolds amidst the tumult of historical events, such as the Red Scare led by Joseph McCarthy, Vietnam War protests, the death of Harvey Milk and the AIDS crisis. Ron pulls back the curtain on the adaptation of Thomas Mallon's novel and has won critical acclaim, including a GLAAD Award.

    In addition, Tony and Brad celebrate with Ron the profound performances of the cast, whose chemistry breathes life into the characters. Ron sheds light on the inclusion of real-world locations, historical figures, and introducing significant black characters absent from the original novel to weave more authenticity to the series.


    Click here to text an opinion or comment & we may respond on an episode


    You can find transcripts, a link to Tony's website, and a link to Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

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    48 mins
  • RED-headed Woman: The real story of Lucille Ball and the Hollywood Red Scare
    May 1 2024
    “The only thing red about Lucy is her hair, and even that is not legitimate” – Desi Arnaz

    Special guest Tom Watson, a friend, fan, and former employee of Lucille Ball and an expert on her life and career, dives into the tumultuous period of the "Red Scare" era in Hollywood and its impact on Lucy's life. He straightens out the wrinkle of history concerning Lucy's brush with accusations of communism, offering a rare peek behind the curtain of her enduring spirit amidst political turmoil. Brad and Tony join in the conversation about the pivotal role of sponsors in shaping the television industry at the time, and how the sponsor of "I Love Lucy" played a crucial part in saving the show from potential cancellation due to political concerns.

    Throughout the conversation, the hosts and guest express the joy Lucy brought them and the entire world.


    Click here to text an opinion or comment & we may respond on an episode


    You can find transcripts, a link to Tony's website, and a link to Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

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    43 mins
  • Howard Bannister’s Rocks: Celebrating “What's Up, Doc?" and "Bringing Up Baby
    Apr 24 2024

    A conversation about the timeless wit of screwball comedies as Brad and Tony pay tribute to the classics "What's Up, Doc?" and "Bringing Up Baby." Join the laughter-filled journey, where they unwrap the clever storytelling that emerged under the 1930s Production Code, and how it paved the way for the hijinks of later gems like Peter Bogdanovich's tribute to the genre. Hear about behind-the-scenes genius, historic film language nuances, and the impact of 1938's "Bringing Up Baby" on Hollywood careers. They dissect the character-driven hilarity in films like "What's Up, Doc?" and examine why San Francisco's charm made it the real star of the 1972 film.

    Click here to text an opinion or comment & we may respond on an episode


    You can find transcripts, a link to Tony's website, and a link to Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • One More Look: Analyzing the legacy of “A Star Is Born”
    Apr 24 2024

    Join us for one more look at the timeless tale of “A Star is Born” as we trace its origins from the unofficial first version in 1932, "What Price Hollywood?", to Lady Gaga's dazzling turn in 2018. Tony and Brad dissect the enduring narrative of ambition, addiction, and the bittersweet dance of rising and falling stars. They pick apart the fabric of each film, from Streisand's rock and roll missteps to the cultural reflections mirrored in every retelling. They offer candid opinions on importance of cut scenes, character motivations, and the romantic and professional dynamics portrayed throughout the film

    They wrap up their tour with their spirited discussions and definitive ranking of each incarnation.



    Click here to text an opinion or comment & we may respond on an episode


    You can find transcripts, a link to Tony's website, and a link to Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

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    1 hr and 15 mins