Entertaining Insights with Dr. Nancy Berk

Comedian and actor Judy Gold joins Nancy to talk about her comedy career and influences, her book Yes I Can Say That: When They Come For The Comedians, We Are All In Trouble, and freedom of speech and what cancel culture means for comedians and the future of comedy. Plus, Nancy and Judy discuss women and sexism in the industry, growing up tall, and standing up to the bullies in life (1:01).

Read an excerpt from Yes I Can Say That.

Firerose joins Nancy to talk about her music journey, the power of collaboration, working with Billy Ray Cyrus, and the inspiration behind her new single “All Figured Out.” Plus, Firerose discusses her songwriting process, performing at the Grand Ole Opry, and pursuing your dreams (1:00).

In the second segment, Nancy discusses writing, crossing genres, family and beach influences, and the new children’s book Ramo to the Rescue wit...

Discovery Channel Gold Rush stars Todd Hoffman and Hunter Hoffman join Nancy to talk about their new show Hoffman Family Gold, the family mission that drove their journey, Jack Hoffman, legacies and family friction, the Alaska fox, determination, and making dreams come true. Plus, Todd and Hunter share some of their projects beyond gold mining including music and fashion (1:26).

In the second segment, Nancy discusses the power of ...

Tom Papa joins Nancy to talk about his creative process, stand-up life, and writing and creating your own material and opportunities. Plus, Tom discusses comedy today, the power of practice, working on his next Netflix special, headlining Wynn Las Vegas, the grounding effects of writing, and his next book (:57).

So—do you have a kitchen junk drawer? In the second segment, Nancy shares her latest magazine humor column and discusses ...

Kent LaVoie, best known as singer/songwriter Lobo, joins Nancy to talk about his music career, writing love songs, his hit songs including “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo,” and the importance of believability in songs. Plus, Kent discusses finding love, his love of privacy, new albums, and the real story behind that dog named Boo (1:07).

In the second segment, Nancy discusses writing, deadlines, discipline, book deals, and the nov...

Golden Globe winner and four-time Oscar nominee Marsha Mason (The Goodbye Girl, Chapter Two, Only When I Laugh) joins Nancy to talk about her acting and directing career, moving between theater, film, and television, and living a creative life. Plus, Marsha discusses mentoring, her work on the scripted audio drama podcast Around The Sun, and the story behind her love of racing (1:07).

In the second segment, Nancy discusses plays a...

Singer, songwriter, philanthropist, and journalist Alya Michelson joins Nancy to talk about her music, career journey, immigration from Russia, and creating positive change in the world. Plus Alya discusses the inspiration behind her new single “Pleasure is Mine” (1:10).

In the second segment, Nancy discusses the Netflix series Emily in Paris and the challenges of building a business in a new country with author and Breakfast in Am...

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Byrd joins Nancy to discuss music and creativity during the pandemic, accepting and adapting to a new normal, his current songwriting process, and his family’s new addition. Plus Ricky talks about his recovery and music groups, album Sobering Times, and music video I Come Back Stronger. Bonus: Ricky gives Nancy a songwriting lesson (1:09).

In the second segment, AXS TV Producer and Host Katie Daryl...

Note: Interviews were recorded in the fall of 2021. Please check venues and protocols for updates.

Rick Gray, General Manager of Entertainment Operations at Wynn Las Vegas joins Nancy to talk about the Vegas entertainment scene, life after the initial shut-downs of the pandemic, entertainment at Wynn Las Vegas and the Encore Theater, and how comedy and music residencies are bringing the best to Vegas. Plus Rick discusses the chang...

Singer and songwriter Olivia Rox joins Nancy to talk about her holiday hit “It’s Christmastime,” homeschooling experiences and growing up on the road with musician parents, her multidimensional creative process, using songwriting as a journal, and her latest single “Princess.” Plus Olivia discusses her professional journey and projects from American Idol to her upcoming novel and collaborating with her parents, music executive Tama...

Singer, television personality, and entrepreneur Carnie Wilson joins Nancy to talk about her life in music, Wilson Phillips, The Beach Boys, and family and parenting. Plus, Carnie shares the scoop on her baking business Love Bites and discusses behind-the-scenes observations of a high profile career (1:08).

In the second segment, Nancy discusses family and sibling dynamics and the new book Sisters! with co-editor Teri Rizvi and Sa...

Fifth Dimension legend Florence LaRue joins Nancy to talk about her career journey with the Grammy Award-winning group, hits like “Up Up and Away”, “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In,” and “Wedding Bell Blues,” and her continued role as lead singer and only original member touring with The Fifth Dimension. Plus, Florence discusses the inspiration behind her new book Grace in Your Second Act: A Guide to Aging Gracefully, life lessons fr...

Elvira Mistress of The Dark creator and actress Cassandra Peterson joins Nancy to talk about The Queen of Halloween, her new memoir “Yours Cruelly, Elvira,” tell-all moments, and writing inspiration and motivation. Plus Cassandra shares her Elvis experience, show business advice, and why she finally chose to reveal her private personal stories (1:08).

Do you have a memoir in you? In the second segment, Nancy shares some tips for wr...

Chi-Lites legend Marshall Thompson joins Nancy to talk about his music journey from playing with Gladys Knight, booking early club talent shows with upcoming artists Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5, to Jackie Wilson’s endorsement, and Chi-Lites hit music including “Have You Seen Her” and “Oh Girl.” Plus, Marshall talks about creative drive and motivation, the Chi-Lites new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, “Have You Seen Her” ...

Former child actors Bill Mumy and Angela Cartwright join Nancy to talk about their new pictorial memoir Lost (And Found) In Space 2, behind-the-scenes stories of Lost in Space, their longstanding friendship, and life beyond the beloved sixties series and the Jupiter 2. (1:11).

In the second segment, Nancy shares some friends and family comedy and baby boomer challenges from her latest magazine humor column (27:46).

Order autographe...

Stand-up favorite Dan Naturman joins Nancy to talk about his creative journey, stand-up comedy experiences during law school, New York’s Comedy Cellar, the HBO series Crashing, and the story behind his comedy-inspired debut novel Ira Spiro: Before Covid. Plus, Dan and Nancy discuss writing shifts, creative and career risk-taking, and finding stand-up success (1:08).

In the second segment, Nancy shares writing and editing tips for ...

Singer and songwriter P.J. Pacifico joins Nancy to talk about his music journey, writing music for television, performing, and returning to his solo roots with the single “Every Little Heartbreak” (1:01). P.J. and Nancy also discuss the process of writing for others and its positive impact on developing skillsets and writing solo projects.

In the second segment, producer/director Chris Hudson discusses the beloved television classi...

Jeff Sherman joins Nancy to discuss growing up surrounded by the legendary music of his father and uncle, The Sherman Brothers, and the world of Disney movies and music. Plus, Jeff shares his thoughts on the impact of early music exposure on creativity and his multidimensional career as a producer, writer, director, and composer (1:18).

In the second segment, Disney fan and Disney World frequent visitor Kim Thomas shares her tips ...

Country music duo Hannah and Lauren Hobbs, The Hobbs Sisters, join Nancy to discuss their music journey, negotiating and navigating a career as a duo and with a twin, and their debut album ‘Turn It Up.’ Plus, the duo discuss their Pittsburgh roots and Steeler enthusiasm, and embracing their new Tennessee Titans-based town (:58).

In the second segment, Nancy reviews her recent visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame (32:32).

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