Media Path Podcast

Media Path
  • 5.0 (96)
  • Film History
  • Updated Biweekly

Have you ever become obsessed with a topic and taken a deep dive into consuming all you could uncover about it? Media Path podcast is here to indulge your obsessions. hosted by Fritz Coleman and Louise Palanker, the show takes you along on a scenic tour through books, movies, TV, podcasts and music related to a given topic of captivation. We are exploring entertainment, politics, history, true crime, world events and all of their intriguing intersections. Fritz Coleman is a legendary Los Angeles weatherman/humorist. Louise Palanker is a filmmaker/columnist and co-founder of Premiere Radio. Hop aboard. Discover more layers, intrigue and substance. Go beyond binging with Media Path.

  1. 4d ago

    Showbiz Tales With The Best Tangents & A Range Of Memorable Roles with Craig Bierko

    Can Lisa and Weezy keep up with Craig Bierko’s nimble (ADHD) mind? You decide as we raise the curtain on an adventurously waggish conversation, loaded with delightful detours, captivating tales and hilarity!  Craig reflects on growing up in Rye, New York, where his mom ran the community theater and he began imagining an acting career after seeing Ben Vereen in Pippin at the age of nine.  Among his first screen credits is the career-making Afterschool Special, The Day My Kid Went Punk from which there was no turning back from a life in the lights. On Sex And The City, Craig played a sexy bass player with ADD years before receiving the very same diagnosis himself. A round of applause goes out to that casting director. Our path takes us through several of Craig’s standout roles including that of Max Baer, the heavyweight heavy in Ron Howard’s Cinderella Man. Craig was asked not to reach out to Max Baer Jr. whose dad was being depicted as the villain. What happened when Craig and Max finally did talk? We’ve got that story. Craig’s mother is very proud of his starring role in The Thirteenth Floor but she has yet to understand the plot which depicts a world inside a world inside a world… But that won’t ultimately matter if we really are a simulation. In Lifetime's acclaimed series UnREAL, Craig played a television producer inspired by the creator's real experiences working on The Bachelor. He talks about embracing one of the darker roles  of his career and how the #MeToo movement’s cultural shift impacted the arc of his character.  We hear what it was like to train alongside real fighters at Gleason's Gym, to work with Ron Howard and to play a sleazy Senate candidate opposite John Forsythe on Norman Lear's The Powers That Be. We also get stories about sharing scenes with Renée Taylor at Marlo Thomas’ house and Craig claims that amidst a sea of Richard Kind impressions, his is the best! Plus in a revelatory round of IMDb Roulette, we uncover a hidden, internet gem entitled, Bathing With Bierko… It is exactly what you are picturing, only now, add John Malcovich. Plus, this rare masterpiece was recorded in Carrie Fisher’s bathroom. (yes you read that right.) Lather up. In current recommendations --  Lisa: Great British Bakeoff Season 17 on Netflix Weezy: The Nanny, on Hulu and other streamers Path Points of Interest: Craig Bierko IMDB Craig Bierko Wikipedia Craig Bierko Instagram Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital  Great British Bake Off The Nanny

    Showbiz Tales With The Best Tangents & A Range Of Memorable Roles with Craig Bierko

  2. Sep 24

    For Each Performance, A Personal Touch & How A Western Set Was Wrangled with Barry Corbin

    From classic Westerns to Emmy-nominated TV and modern-day hit streamers, Barry Corbin is the go-to-pro actor who adds his signature country charm to project after project, upstaging the leads and creating quotable TV and movie memories! Barry joins Weezy to reflect on a remarkable career that began with a childhood dream inspired by movie cowboy Wild Bill Elliott. But Barry understood early that he had no interest in being the cowboy. He wanted to be the actor who plays the cowboy. We revisit Urban Cowboy, discussing the film's enduring cultural impact and how  younger generations still continue discovering it. Barry shares that Uncle Bob's memorable closing monologue was subject to his own rewrite, at the behest of director James Bridges. The conversation turns to Barry's beloved role as retired astronaut Maurice Minnifield on Northern Exposure, which earned him back-to-back Emmy nominations.  He discusses the show's willingness to explore social issues long before those conversations became commonplace. He identifies Maurice as a man shaped by his era, and recounts a hilarious visit to the Smithsonian that ended with museum staff having to pry him out of John Glenn's Mercury capsule after an ill conceived photo op. Barry also looks back on the landmark miniseries Lonesome Dove, sharing backstage  stories about adapting Larry McMurtry's sprawling novel for television and the production's memorable budget battles.  He recalls learning to drive a six-horse stagecoach for Conagher in just two days, talks about a devoted One Tree Hill fan who had Coach Whitey's quotes tattooed up and down her arms, and confesses to some scene-stealing moments opposite Sylvester Stallone in Tulsa King. Plus, Barry previews his latest project, the Apple TV+ comedy Brothers, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson.  And in IMDb Roulette, Barry reveals that Wargames offered another opportunity to add some key lines to the final cut and he takes us behind his memorable scene in No Country For Old Men where the Coen Brothers had no notes for him or Tommy Lee Jones saying, “If you cast it right. There’s no need.” In media recommendations -- Weezy: The Docuseries Murder 101, streaming on Prime Engineer, Mason: (In honor of Barry), the book Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry Producer, Dina: Netflix original sitcom, Leanne Path Points of Interest: Barry Corbin Barry Corbin's Texas History Barry Corbin on IG Barry Corbin on IMDb Barry Corbin on Wiki Chris Corbin Watching My Dad's Movies Brothers on Apple TV+ Murder 101 Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry Leanne

    For Each Performance, A Personal Touch & How A Western Set Was Wrangled with Barry Corbin

  3. Sep 17

    Classic Entertainment Memories & The Life Of A Natural Born Performer with Barry Gordon~

    Before he was one of Broadway's youngest Tony nominees, the voice of Donatello, or a hot tot  recording artist, Barry Gordon was a door-to-door performing toddler, entertaining any neighbor who would answer. Barry joins Weezy and Lisa to reflect on an extraordinary career that began when, at age three, he entered The Ted Mack Amateur Hour and placed second with his heart wrenching interpretation of Johnny Ray’s “Cry.” Barry shares the invaluable lessons he learned from his father, whose instinctive "method" approach to acting and song interpretation encouraged him to search for the deeper meaning inside every performance.  He explains why he considered himself a character actor even as a child, and how that mindset eased his transition into adult roles. As a small boy, Barry shared the stage and held his own with Milton Berle, Jerry Lewis, Elvis Presley, Jack Benny, Danny Thomas and Perry Como. By thirteen, he was starring on Broadway in A Thousand Clouds with Jason Robards and Sandy Dennis. Barry admits that opening night was less terrifying than his Bar Mitzvah.  In the film version of that role, Barry was pushing fourteen and to disguise his growth spurt, Jason Robards wore lifts. Barry’s career included a record deal and the hit Christmas novelty song, “Nuttin’ for Christmas.”  As a young adult Barry starred in sitcoms including Barney Miller, Fish and The New Dick Van Dyke Show before moving into voice work and landing the role of Donatello in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We also take a look at his latest creative endeavor, writing and producing a new musical called Forever, which reimagines Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray as the story of a ‘60s rock star, using race as a modern parallel to the novel's themes of class and privilege. And in IMDb Roulette, we celebrate Leave It To Beaver’s most heartbreaking guest,  child of divorce, Chopper Cooper. And, with 0 degrees of separation, Barry recognizes Lisa as a Curb cast-mate! In media recommendations --  Lisa: The Rory Scovel Netflix Stand-Up Special Weezy: PBS Masterpiece Theatre’s The Forsytes  Path Points of Interest: Forever Musical Forever on Instagram  Forever on Facebook Parson's Nose Theater Barry Gordon on Wikipedia Barry Gordon on IMDB Barry Gordon on Facebook Barry Gordon on Instagram Rory Scovel The Forsytes

    Classic Entertainment Memories & The Life Of A Natural Born Performer with Barry Gordon~

  4. Sep 10

    The Road To The Director's Chair & A Supportive Show-Biz Circle with Danielle Nicolet

    Danielle Nicolet's journey stands as proof that mentorship and community make big dreams possible! This TV and film star’s directorial debut, Long Time Listener is now streaming!  When her mom joined a cult, Dani became emancipated at 15 and began supporting herself with roles in commercials, and on Family Matters, and 3rd Rock From The Sun. In fact, her first TV credit is Urkel’s first kiss! Dani joins Weezy and Lisa to reflect on her scenic path that began with early roles on  Step By Step, Loaded Weapon 1 andThe Jacksons: An American Dream, where she provided Jermaine Jr. with his first kiss! It had become a specialty.  In 2015, Dani began playing Cecile Horton (Virtue) in 107 episodes of The Flash. And since she had already voiced Storm in The X-Men for years, she became one of very few performers to traverse both the D.C. and Marvel universes.  Training for years as a child gymnast established a hard work ethic that met with the encouragement she received from Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart on the set of Central Intelligence, which served as a career turning point. They both believed that she has the mind and the heart of a writer/director. Kevin produced Danni’s first short film, Black Karen which you can now find on Peacock. Dani’s debut feature, Long Time Listener is a thriller about a true crime podcaster who becomes a killer’s target. You will find it streaming everywhere and free of charge on Tubi. Very short on time and budget, Dani was able to pull this film together with a tight group of friends and allies, including her husband, whose talents and support brought depth and breadth to her vision. Plus, What did this true crime junkie learn about the explosive popularity of murder mysteries with women? She’s got theories. In IMDB Roulette we hear about Dani’s front row seat to a Brandi/Leann Rimes sing-off on Moesha,  the mentorship she received from Samuel L. Jackson on Loaded Weapon 1, and we learn why she will never turn down life advice from Joseph Gordon-Levitt! In media recommendations --  Lisa: Showtime reality series, Couples Therapy Weezy: Mr. Burton (2025), available for rent on streaming Path Points of Interest: Long Time Listener Long Time Listener on IMDb Danielle Nicolet on Wikipedia Danielle Nicolet on Instagram Danielle Nicolet on IMDb Couples Therapy Mr. Burton

    The Road To The Director's Chair & A Supportive Show-Biz Circle with Danielle Nicolet

  5. Sep 3

    A Very Special Sitcom Family & A Voice That's A Big Name In Animation with Lara Jill Miller and Brandon Ogborn!

    You may know her face best from her six years as Samantha Kanisky on Gimme A Break but her voice is now everywhere from The Loud House to Digimon Adventure to Doc McStuffins to Clifford’s Puppy Days and well beyond.  Laura Jill Miller was a little girl from Allentown, PA with a big talent who was starring in local dinner theater productions when she stuck her head into a Broadway door playing a familiar tune and earned a part in The Music Man with Dick Van Dyke! Lara traces her remarkable show biz path with Lisa and Weezy, including some shared history with Weezy who was working as a studio page when she first met Lara on Gimme A Break! Lara shares memorable Hollywood encounters, from Peter Scolari teaching her how to juggle and Kim Fields being the only other kid on TV with braces and an early friendship with Sarah Jessica Parker who was filming Square Pegs on the lot. She also reflects on cherished memories of Nell Carter, who took Lara under her wing while Weezy was on the receiving end of a sharp admonition from Nell not tattle on her to The Enquirer. (She didn’t.) Does Lara feel like she got to fully experience her childhood? Why did she leave acting for college and law school and how and why did she return!? That second act led to an enormously successful voice acting career, beginning with Clifford's Puppy Days alongside Henry Winkler and some of the industry's most celebrated voice performers. She gives a hilarious behind-the-scenes look at the realities of voice acting, from performing dramatic falls, injury sounds, and over-the-top video game death cries to discovering the unique voices that bring animated characters to life.  Lara also compares the worlds of sitcom and voice acting, revealing the very different skills demanded by each. And in IMDB Roulette, Lara recalls how Michael Keaton showed up for her 16th birthday party, how to share a stage with The Care Bears while violently ill and the intricate particulars of a death-defying balancing act on Circus of the Stars! Plus, actor, writer, and journalist Brandon Ogborn stops by to discuss his one-man show, Stay At Home Dad, a brutally honest comedy about keeping tiny humans alive when you are dying inside. Brandon shares how and why he constructed his play and reflects on how his choice to parent differently than his own folks has become a deeply healing experience. Path Points of Interest: Lara Jill Miller Lara Jill Miller on Wiki Lara Jill Miller on IMDb Lara Jill Miller on Youtube Lara Jill Miller on Instagram Lara Jill Miller on Facebook Brandon Ogborn on Instagram Stay At Home Dad with Brandon Ogborn - September 5th Show at the UCB Annex Gimme A Break

    A Very Special Sitcom Family & A Voice That's A Big Name In Animation with Lara Jill Miller and Brandon Ogborn!

  6. Aug 20

    Why Elvis Was Driven To Give & A Legacy Of Generosity with Sally A. Hoedel

    Was Elvis Presley’s generosity as epic as his moves and his music? Author Sally A. Hoedel, says, yes! Sally, who joined us back on Episode 82, returns with her latest book, Destined to Give: The Legendary Generosity of Elvis Presley. It’s the third installment in her acclaimed Destined series. Sally traces Elvis' big heart back to his childhood in Tupelo, where growing up in deep poverty taught him that survival was collaborative and it depended upon neighbors helping neighbors.  Elvis' primary goal was not to see his name in lights but to keep the lights on for his parents who had poured their efforts into enabling Elvis to stay in school and become the first member of their extended families to graduate from high school. We explore how Elvis' sudden rise to stardom and riches shaped his life, triggering what Sally calls "sudden wealth syndrome,” a sense of guilt and unworthiness that compelled him to flagrantly share his fortune.  Elvis’ range of charitable acts and deeds ranged from: surprising a widowed neighbor with a private performance, buying new wheelchairs for strangers, and including a teenaged onlooker in a motorcycle splurge for his entourage. Sally offers that giving wasn't something Elvis did, it was who he was. Elvis' insatiable need to share his riches created his posse, “The Memphis Mafia.” Childhood friends who were payed to be his bodyguards, traveling buddies and social circle. The arrangement stifled the development of everyone concerned and limited Elvis’ access to experienced show biz professionals which deepened the entrenchment of con-manager, Colonel Parker. Sally theorizes that, although his gift-giving was impulsive, under the thumb of Colonel Tom, it felt like the one part of his life he could control. Filled with fresh insight and memorable stories, this episode reveals the deeply human and vulnerable side of The King and tells the story of his compassion, his gratitude, and a lifelong desire to share his bounty with those who had provided it.  In media recommendations -- Documentary, Jim Thorpe Lit By Lightning streaming on multiple platforms Path Points of Interest: Sally A.  Hoedel Sally A. Hoedel Books Destined To Die Young Destined To Give signed copy Sally A. Hoedel on Facebook Sally A. Hoedel on Media Path Episode 82: Apple Podcasts YouTube Jim Thorpe Lit By Lightning

    Why Elvis Was Driven To Give & A Legacy Of Generosity with Sally A. Hoedel

  7. Aug 13

    Working On The All-Time Greatest Sets & What Makes A Fandom? with Jim Beaver!

    WARNING: THIS INTERVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR DEADWOOD (and almost for JUSTIFIED, but we caught ourselves!) How do you know you've found your calling? For Jim Beaver, it happened the instant he stepped onto a stage, before even speaking his first line.  Jim joins Weezy and Lisa to reflect on a career that's taken him from sitcoms to Supernatural to Shakespeare and Shakespearean Westerns to some of television's most beloved dramas with the most devoted fans. Jim looks back on his early work, including the network sitcom Thunder Alley with Ed Asner, before discussing the role that became a career-defining institution: Whitney Ellsworth on Deadwood.  Fans of the show won't be surprised to learn that the cast knew they were creating something extraordinary. Jim recalls the emotional experience of learning his character's fate and filming Ellsworth's heart wrenching exit, which quickly led to another collaboration with David Milch on John from Cincinnati. The conversation turns to Supernatural, where Jim's portrayal of Bobby Singer became fertile fan favorite fodder. He explores how the show’s strongest moments had less to do with monster hunting and more to do with characters and relationships. Do you remember an episode called “Weekend at Bobby’s?” Jim shares the exhaustion of carrying the lead and the pride of starring in Jensen Ackles’ directorial debut!   Why are two of Jim’s most beloved characters, on Supernatural and on The Boys, named some version of Robert Singer? It’s an inside joke by creator Eric Kripke, at the expense of his friend, Director Bob Singer. Jim also shares memorable experiences working alongside Timothy Olyphant on Justified, Bryan Cranston on Breaking Bad, and Jonathan Banks on Better Call Saul, and we delve into The Boys’ metaphor which mirrors our current political landscape. Plus, IMDb Roulette is full of gems, from singing nuns to Third Rock From the Sun! Also, we are recommending The Prime series Sterling Point and our own Lisa Arch's appearance on the finale of Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness Path Points of Interest: Jim Beaver on Wikipedia Jim Beaver on IMDB Jim Beaver on Facebook Jim Beaver on Instagram Jim Beaver on Bluesky Life's That Way by Jim Beaver DeadwoodSupernatural JustifiedThe BoysSterling Point Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness

    Working On The All-Time Greatest Sets & What Makes A Fandom? with Jim Beaver!

  8. Aug 6

    The Center Of The 60s Revolution & Finding Yourself Backstage with Pamela Des Barres

    She could not simply listen to the soundtrack of the 60s. She had to find a way inside of it… or, at least backstage. She is Glorious Groupie Goddess, Pamela Des Barres and she joins Weezy and Lisa for a captivating conversation about love, music and the cultural revolution that forever changed us all. Pamela reflects on coming of age as the buttoned-up 50s gave way to the clothing optional 60s, when rock music moved minds, stirred loins and invited adventure. Her “Meet The Beatles” album was not just a revelation. Pamela read it as an instruction. At 14, she and her Beatle besotted besties made their way into the hills of Bel Air, spotted a kid on a bike who looked like he lived there. He did. He was Jerry Lewis’s son, Ronnie, and he let the girls into his backyard where they crawled through the Beatles-mansion-adjacent bushes and remained there all night until they were picked up, in the morning, not by the Beatles, but by the cops. By age 18, Pamela’s tactics had blossomed into: 1) Look cute. 2) Be legally of age. 3) Knock on the stage door. Her subsequent friendships and romances with rock superstars are chronicled in her groundbreaking memoir, I’m With The Band. Here, Pamela reveals remarkable details about her relationships with Keith Moon, Mick Jagger, Jimmy Page, Gram Parsons, Frank Zappa, Jim Morrison and the legends of Laurel Canyon. Frank Zappa was so taken by the music muses that he fashioned Pamela and her fellow fangirls into a dance troupe called GTOs (Girls Together Outrageously). They set the dance tone at The Whiskey and The Shrine, eventually recording their own album!  Today, Pamela continues to inspire new generations through her women's writing workshops, rock-and-roll tours, one-woman shows, and live events.  She also hints at her next book, 'Sex, God and Rock 'n' Roll', revealing how a lifelong interest in spirituality has paralelled her passion for music. Plus, we challenge Pamela with a round of Rock Star Boyfriend Trivia! In media recommendations -- Lisa: Lifestyle influencer Stephanie Joplin, @betterwithchardonnay Weezy: The series, A Woman Of Substance on Britbox Path Points of Interest: Pamela Des Barres Books by Pamela Des Barres Pamela Des Barres on Wikipedia Pamela Des Barres on Facebook Pamela Des Barres on Instagram I'm With The Band by Pamela Des Barres Stephanie Joplin A Woman Of Substance  Media Path Media Path on Facebook Media Path on Instagram Media Path on X Lisa's Upcoming Comedy Dates at Flappers

    The Center Of The 60s Revolution & Finding Yourself Backstage with Pamela Des Barres
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Trailer

5
out of 5
96 Ratings

About

Have you ever become obsessed with a topic and taken a deep dive into consuming all you could uncover about it? Media Path podcast is here to indulge your obsessions. hosted by Fritz Coleman and Louise Palanker, the show takes you along on a scenic tour through books, movies, TV, podcasts and music related to a given topic of captivation. We are exploring entertainment, politics, history, true crime, world events and all of their intriguing intersections. Fritz Coleman is a legendary Los Angeles weatherman/humorist. Louise Palanker is a filmmaker/columnist and co-founder of Premiere Radio. Hop aboard. Discover more layers, intrigue and substance. Go beyond binging with Media Path.

Information

  • Creator
    Media Path
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    279
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Media Path
  • Show Website
    Media Path Podcast

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