Ep. 82 Mo Rocca

EPISODE SUMMARY: Humorist, journalist, and actor Mo Rocca shares his inspiring journey through broadcasting, emphasizing the importance of following your passions and cultivating a genuine voice. Discover how his diverse experiences, from children's TV to hosting national programs, shaped his unique perspective in media, journalism, and comedy.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi interviews Mo Rocca about:

1. Growing up in Bethesda, Maryland and the influence of The World Book Encyclopedia on his curiosity
2. The importance of pursuing niche interests and becoming an expert in your passion
3. How early media experiences shaped Rocca's storytelling and comedy skills, including his work on Wishbone
4. The role of authenticity and personality in building a distinctive voice on television
5. Lessons learned from iconic shows and hosts, including John Stewart and Larry King
6. The significance of storytelling and curiosity in journalism and broadcasting
7. His creative process and the value of keeping personal projects alive
8. Advice for young creatives navigating the evolving media industry surrounded by AI and technological changes
9. The power of experimentation and collaboration in producing impactful content
10. How personal experiences, like family and historical interests, influence professional work
11. The importance of maintaining a personal space for creativity and growth

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:Mo Rocca is an award-winning correspondent for "CBS News Sunday Morning," the top-rated Sunday morning news program. He joined the broadcast as a contributor in 2006.

For "CBS News Sunday Morning," Rocca has explored a broad range of subjects, from the life of St. Francis of Assisi to the death of singer Bobby Darin. He's profiled public figures from "Police Woman" star Angie Dickinson to Tony winner Cole Escola to hockey legend Bobby Orr.

Rocca frequently tells stories about American history, with a penchant for former and often-forgotten presidents, usually from the 19th century. Other pieces include the history of the pencil, the origin of the Automat, and the story of the Astrodome. To mark the country's 250th birthday, he's been a chief contributor to the show's "These United States" segments.

In addition to his work at CBS News, Rocca is also a frequent panelist on NPR's weekly quiz show "Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me!"

Rocca is host and creator of the hit podcast "Mobituaries" and co-author with Jonathan Greenberg of the New York Times bestselling books "Mobituaries: Great Lives Worth Reliving" and "Roctogenarians: Late in Life Debuts, Comebacks, and Triumphs." Rocca is also the author of "All the Presidents' Pets," a historical thriller about White House pets and their surprising role in presidential decision-making.

Previously, Rocca hosted the CBS series "The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation." Earlier, Rocca created and hosted Cooking Channel's "My Grandmother's Ravioli," in which he learned to cook from grandmothers and grandfathers across the country.

Rocca has guest-starred on the primetime series "Elsbeth, "The Good Wife" and "The Good Fight," as well as on the CBS daytime series "The Young and the Restless" in the role of Milton the accountant.

Rocca began his career in TV as a writer and producer for the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning PBS children's series "Wishbone." He went on to write for other kids' series, including ABC's "Pepper Ann" and Nickelodeon's "The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss."

He made his on-camera debut as a correspondent on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," where he spent four seasons, a period that included its breakout "Indecision 2000" coverage.

Rocca won a Primetime Emmy as a writer for the 64th annual Tony Awards in 2010, and he earned Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on "CBS News Sunday Morning" and "The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation." And he finished second in the 2024 "Celebrity Jeopardy!" tournament, winning $250,000 for charity.

Outside of television, Rocca starred on Broadway in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Other stage credits include "South Pacific" at Paper Mill Playhouse and the role of Doody in the Southeast Asian Tour of "Grease."

Rocca is a graduate of Harvard University. He lives in New York.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio and broadcast industry and beyond as they share their unique career paths. Hear how a variety of innovati