Hollywood and Horsepower Show with Mark Otto

Mark Otto
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Through the relationships Mark Otto developed in Thoroughbred Horse Racing and Automotive Racing, during his global travels, the thing that most interested him was the story behind the story, with the famous people he was fortunate to meet. What was it that these people liked to do? How did they get into Hollywood or into Racing? These stories are fascinating! This is what encapsulates the “Hollywood and Horsepower Show”. Bringing you along, we talk to so some of the most interesting people Mark met during his career. Don't be surprised if a few other guests stop by this show. This will be fun! It is where SNL meets The Tonight Show; a perfect mix of talk and comedy.

  1. 6d ago

    Hollywood and Horsepower Show, August 13, 2026

    Hollywood And Horsepower Show with Mark Otto Our guest is Dr. Bryan Waldrige DVM from Mississippi State University Equine Medicinee | College of Veterinary Medicine | Mississippi State University https://www.vetmed.msstate.edu/directory/bw1873 Bryan Waldridge, DVM, MS, Dipl. ABVP, ACVIM, is a veterinarian at Mississippi State University as a Clinical Professor He also continues to serve as a veterinarian at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, where he cares for an aging equine population. He received his veterinary degree from Auburn University, and upon graduation became a faculty member teaching large animal internal medicine at Tuskegee University and Auburn University. He then worked for Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, in Lexington, as an internal medicine clinician. Waldridge also served as a resident veterinarian for Kentucky Equine Research, where he was responsible for herd health of research horses and overseeing nutritional research and new product development. He was also the treating veterinarian at the equine quarantine facility for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Most recently Waldridge worked for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, where he was the treating veterinarian and worked the 2015 Breeders’ Cup at Lexington’s Keeneland Race Course. Waldridge has a special interest in internal medicine and clinical pathology. He and his wife, Sonja reside in Mississippi now on their farm. Behind the Finish Line: Equine Medicine, Racing Legends, and the Healing Power of Old Friends Summary The Healing Power of Old Friends The episode opens with the host promoting Tony's Steak & Seafood and two charitable causes, No Fallen Heroes and Old Friends. The host and guest describe Old Friends not only as a retirement home for notable racehorses but also as a place that can have a powerful emotional effect on visitors and volunteers. Both men recount how time spent around retired horses can help people decompress and recover from difficult periods in their lives. Game On Dude, Silver Charm, Lava Man, and other famous horses are discussed as examples of the personal connections people develop with equine athletes. The guest says the farm became a kind of personal refuge for him, while the host describes how visits there helped him through a difficult period. They also credit the people behind Old Friends with creating an atmosphere of kindness, acceptance, and respect for both horses and visitors. The People and Stories Behind Horse Racing A major theme of the conversation is that horse racing's strength comes from its stories and from the people who work behind the scenes. The guest praises grooms, farm workers, night-watch staff, veterinary technicians, and other workers whose lives revolve around caring for horses that often belong to someone else. He remembers the camaraderie of the racetrack backside and the remarkable stories told by veteran horsemen. The host recalls an older Churchill Downs groom known as Mr. Bones, who could tell stories about horses and Kentucky Derby history for hours. Both speakers argue that racing could attract more people by telling these human stories rather than focusing only on races and wagering. They present the backside culture as hardworking, diverse, humorous, and deeply connected to the horses. Bardstown, Kentucky Roots and a Career in Equine Medicine The guest traces his connection to horses back to Bardstown, Kentucky, where he grew up near My Old Kentucky Home and the Talbott Tavern. He remembers his mother's long career at a drugstore near the tavern, his uncle's involvement with racehorses, and his own early exposure to stalls, hot walkers, and farm work. He later attended the University of Kentucky and found a summer job in an animal pathology and blood-typing laboratory before modern DNA parentage testing became standard. He explains how blood types and inherited markers were once used to evaluate parentage in horses. That experience helped move him toward veterinary medicine and eventually a career that included hospital practice, university work, racing regulation, and international equine assignments. The discussion illustrates how a childhood connection to Kentucky horse culture grew into a lifetime devoted to equine medicine. Breeding, Foaling, and the Work Behind a Thoroughbred The program spends substantial time explaining what happens before a Thoroughbred ever reaches a racetrack. The speakers discuss live-cover breeding, stallion books, pedigree selection, broodmares, foaling, night-watch crews, and the importance of early handling. The guest describes how quickly a normal foaling should progress and why delayed or abnormal delivery can threaten a foal's oxygen supply. He explains the role of farm staff and veterinarians in recognizing dystocia, helping newborn foals stand and nurse, and monitoring the mare after delivery. The conversation also covers imprinting and the practical value of getting foals accustomed to having their legs, ears, feet, and bodies handled. Throughout this section, the speakers emphasize that the glamorous public image of racing rests on a large amount of specialized work that most spectators never see. War Emblem, Charismatic, and American Pharoah Several famous racehorses anchor the episode's most memorable stories. The guest identifies Charismatic as the horse who most took his breath away and recounts the Belmont injury, Chris Antley's effort to support the injured leg, the horse's surgical repair, and Charismatic's later return from Japan. War Emblem is remembered as highly intelligent, difficult, and famously reluctant to breed, a behavior that created a complicated quarantine problem when he returned from Japan. The guest describes assembling a veterinary team to castrate War Emblem so the horse could ultimately live normally at Old Friends. Later, both speakers share personal memories of American Pharoah's historic races, souvenir tickets, clothing, track dirt, garland flowers, and the feeling of witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime champion. These anecdotes reinforce the episode's broader idea that racing is remembered through emotional stories as much as through statistics. Veterinary Progress, Technology, and Racing's Future The final portion of the interview focuses on the extraordinary growth of equine veterinary medicine. The guest contrasts early film X-rays and large, primitive ultrasound machines with modern digital radiography, portable ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and other advanced diagnostics. The speakers discuss the evolution of colic surgery and the improved ability of horses to return to useful or athletic lives after major procedures. They also explore wearable training devices that can collect heart-rate, recovery, movement, and GPS information and potentially reveal patterns associated with injury risk. The host argues that the public often hears about catastrophic injuries without seeing the continuous veterinary research and preventive work happening behind the scenes. The episode closes by returning to Old Friends, Silver Charm's longevity, Japanese equine research and aftercare, and the shared belief that being close to horses can enrich people's lives.

  2. Aug 6

    Hollywood and Horsepower Show, August 6, 2026

    Hollywood And Horsepower Show with Mark Otto Places to go in Saratoga NY, with guest Anthony 'Big A' Stabile from Howard Beach NY 🇮🇹, for those going to there for Horse Racing in August and some old NY 🇮🇹 Stories Saratoga Stories: Racing Traditions, Road-Trip Memories, and the Local Flavor That Keeps Fans Coming Back Summary Saratoga as a Summer Pilgrimage The episode centers on Saratoga Springs as much more than a seasonal racetrack. The host and Anthony “Big A” Stabile describe it as a meeting place where horse-racing fans return year after year with parents, children, siblings, and longtime friends. They discuss the city’s proximity to New York City, Boston, western New York, and Canada, along with lodging alternatives in Clifton Park, Malta, Glens Falls, Lake George, and Albany. Saratoga’s racing history, mineral springs, nearby Revolutionary War sites, museums, lakes, farms, and small towns all contribute to its appeal. The speakers repeatedly return to the idea that Saratoga feels like a summer camp for adults and a pilgrimage built around tradition. A Winning Ticket and a Childhood Memory Big A recalls his first lasting Saratoga memory from 1989, when he found a discarded winning ticket on top of a trash can after eating fried chicken with his father. The bettor who threw it away apparently did not understand that the 1 and 1A were coupled, and the ticket produced a $520 voucher. What began as a planned three-day visit turned into an 11-day stay after his father won approximately $17,000 over Friday and Saturday. The story captures the older Saratoga atmosphere of a four-week meet, simple food stands, and a less commercialized backyard. For Big A, the ticket, the fried chicken, and the nearly empty town after the meet became permanent symbols of Saratoga. Food, Diners, and Local Institutions Much of the conversation becomes an affectionate dining guide built from personal experience rather than formal reviews. The speakers discuss Marino’s oversized sandwiches, Compton’s deep-fried bacon and late-night atmosphere, Country Corner Cafe’s homemade jams, Mamma Mia’s braciole, Caputo’s Italian dishes and pizza, The Olde Bryan Inn, The Heritage, Ferrari’s, and several other local institutions. They also compare racetrack favorites such as macaroni and cheese topped with brisket and bacon, Jewish deli hot dogs, and lobster or seafood rolls. Big A argues that dependable mom-and-pop restaurants can provide better food and value than national chains, especially as fast-food prices rise. The looming closure of Compton’s gives the restaurant discussion an emotional weight, because the place represents decades of friendships and memories. Road Trips, Family, and Vanishing Americana The host describes turning work trips into adventures with his children, Keith and Grace, by traveling through Michigan, Ohio, Niagara Falls, Finger Lakes, Connecticut, coastal towns, New York City, and Saratoga. He remembers letting the children choose towns on a map and building yearly traditions around unplanned stops, local restaurants, and wandering through unfamiliar places. Big A shares a similar love of roadside diners, jukeboxes, old-fashioned Coca-Cola, supper clubs, and hidden restaurants found while driving. Their conversation expands to The Milleridge Inn, Christmas carolers, pot roast, and New England establishments that seem to transport visitors to another era. Both men lament the disappearance of greasy spoons and small family businesses, while celebrating the peace of mind and emotional connection those places still provide. Horse Racing’s Unusual Accessibility The episode also explores what makes horse racing different from many major sports. The speakers say fans can still stand near the rail during morning workouts, encounter famous trainers, share food lines with wealthy owners, and speak directly with leading figures in the industry. Big A contrasts that access with his experience around the NFL, NBA, WWE, and other sports, where players, coaches, and teams are often far more removed from the public. The host tells a story about Bob Baffert agreeing to sign a woman’s large collection only after asking her for an autograph in return. That gesture illustrates the humility and appreciation they believe many prominent racing figures still show toward fans. They hope racetrack owners preserve that openness rather than dividing the grounds into increasingly restricted spaces. The Real Legacy Is the Memory By the end of the conversation, Saratoga becomes a symbol for the way places, meals, races, and family rituals shape a life. Big A points to successful racing personalities such as Mike Repole and Dave Portnoy, whose adult involvement in the sport grew from childhood trips with their families. The host emphasizes that people often return not only for racing but because they remember being there with someone important. Whether the memory involves a winning ticket, a picnic table, a lobster roll, a late-night breakfast, or a road trip with children, the emotional connection is what keeps the tradition alive. The episode closes with the idea that people should deliberately make time to create memories, because the people and experiences attached to a place ultimately matter more than the destination itself.

  3. Jul 30

    Hollywood and Horsepower Show, July 30, 2026

    Hollywood And Horsepower Show with Mark Otto From Casablanca to the Cutting Room with guests Michael Blowen and Buck Wilson From Casablanca to the Cutting Room: Hollywood Stories, Movie Legends, and the Restaurants That Remember Summary Hollywood's Vanishing Creative Community Marc Otto welcomes former Boston Globe film critic Michael Blowen and movie enthusiast Buck Wilson for a wide-ranging conversation about classic cinema, studio culture, and the relationships that shaped Hollywood history. Blowen describes the old studio environment as a working community where writers, actors, directors, and critics could form genuine relationships and help one another. His memories of John Huston, Jack Nicholson, Julius J. Epstein, and the storytellers gathered at Epstein's Beverly Hills dinners reveal a Hollywood built as much on conversation and trust as on formal production. The guests contrast that atmosphere with a modern industry they see as more controlled, compartmentalized, and promotional. They also emphasize that conflict on a set was not necessarily a sign of failure, because strong films could emerge from arguments, creative tension, and competing ideas. Throughout the discussion, collaboration is presented as one of the essential forces behind enduring entertainment. Why Casablanca Became an Evergreen Casablanca becomes the central thread of the episode because it is the favorite movie of both Marc and Buck and is closely connected with Michael's friendship with screenwriter Julius J. Epstein. Michael explains that the screenplay was created through a collaborative studio process involving Julius and Philip Epstein, Howard Koch, Casey Robinson, and other contributors. He recalls that Epstein regarded it as simply another studio assignment and was surprised by its later cultural importance. The group discusses Harvard screenings, the film's gradual growth after its initial release, its memorable dialogue, its wartime themes, and the layered moral conflict beneath its romantic story. Marc also describes production documents and budget information that Michael shared with him, including cast and writer salaries and disputes over the film's moral implications. Their conversation presents Casablanca as a movie whose reputation grew because its writing, performances, music, editing, historical moment, and accidental creative discoveries all came together. Movies That Found Their Audience Later The guests explore how many famous movies were not immediate successes and only later became classics. Michael points to Casablanca, A Christmas Story, and Citizen Kane as films that developed audiences through rereleases, television, college traditions, or long-term critical appreciation. Marc describes his own delayed appreciation of Citizen Kane and compares the experience to learning to hear the complexity of the Beatles. Buck openly says he still does not like Citizen Kane, leading to a discussion of the intangible qualities that make a work connect with one viewer but not another. The episode also touches on Tommy Boy, Three Men and a Little Lady, Home Alone, Billy Jack, The Born Losers, and The Pope of Greenwich Village. Together, these examples show how timing, competition, distribution, cultural context, and personal perspective can matter as much as opening-weekend performance. Deals, Theme Songs, and Unexpected Fortunes The conversation moves behind the business side of entertainment through stories about contracts, percentages, music rights, and studio employment. Buck recounts how Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne created “Three Coins in the Fountain” with almost no information and later discovered that no one had secured the studio's ownership of the song. Michael tells how Alec Guinness accepted a percentage of Star Wars and later said the decision paid for his retirement. He also recalls Richard Brooks narrowly missing the chance to purchase lifetime rights to “Rock Around the Clock” for an additional $500. Marc adds the story of the Cheers theme song becoming an iconic last-minute replacement. These anecdotes reinforce the episode's recurring idea that small decisions, overlooked details, and unplanned substitutions can become some of the most important parts of entertainment history. Restaurants as Places Where Stories Live After Michael leaves, Marc and Buck connect Hollywood history with restaurants, travel, friendship, and personal memory. They discuss Musso & Frank Grill, The Brown Derby, The Palm, St. Elmo Steak House, Malone's, Win Schuler's, Eddie Merlot's, and Tony's Steak and Seafood as places tied to careers, family experiences, relationships, and memorable evenings. Buck recalls disliking formal restaurant outings as a child before learning to appreciate the Brown Derby, while Marc describes teaching his children the etiquette they absorbed from dining with adults. Buck tells the story of marrying Trina during a dinner in the wine cellar at St. Elmo, and Marc explains why The Palm Miami and Eddie Merlot's carry emotional significance for him. The discussion suggests that restaurants often serve as unofficial clubhouses where people decompress after work, exchange stories, form relationships, and preserve the social bonds of an industry. The Invisible Art That Saves a Film The episode closes with Buck's story about a deleted scene from Save the Tiger that Jack Lemmon considered some of his best acting. Although the scene was powerful on its own, it was removed because it interrupted the film's momentum, illustrating the discipline required to sacrifice strong material for the larger work. Marc expands the point by describing editing as an underappreciated art equal in importance to acting and cinematography. He notes that filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Judd Apatow are valued for their ability to recognize useful pieces and assemble them into a coherent whole. The traditional phrase “cutting-room floor” becomes a reminder of the physical process by which film was once cut and spliced. The closing lesson is that audiences often experience only the finished harmony, while the choices, arguments, discarded scenes, and invisible craftsmanship behind it remain untold.

  4. Jul 23

    Hollywood and Horsepower Show, July 23, 2026

    Hollywood And Horsepower Show with Mark Otto Guest: Interview with Jill Baffert, a former Network News Reporter and wife of Hall of Fame Horse Trainer Bob Baffert. Jill Baffert: From the Newsroom to Racing's Biggest Stages Summary A Life Before the Racetrack Jill Baffert describes growing up in Centerville, Tennessee, where an early fascination with television news led her to Middle Tennessee State University and a career in broadcasting. She recalls running inside to watch Peter Jennings, working at a television station in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and later joining a Louisville morning-news team. The demanding early hours prepared her, almost humorously, for the schedule of Thoroughbred racing, even though horses were not a major part of her childhood. Derby Coverage and Meeting Bob Baffert Jill explains how the Kentucky Derby Festival transformed Louisville and became a central part of her reporting work. Her first Derby assignment came in 1997, the year Silver Charm gave Bob Baffert his first Kentucky Derby victory, and she met Bob the following year. She remembers an immediate connection and describes his charisma, intelligence, and approachability, while the host reflects on how carefully Bob studies past races and applies those lessons to future horses. Game On Dude and a Full-Circle Friendship A major portion of the conversation centers on Game On Dude, the host's favorite racehorse and one of Jill's most beloved barn personalities. The host recounts seeing the horse arrive at Old Friends Equine, feeling starstruck for the first time, and later finding emotional comfort beside his paddock during a difficult period. Jill remembers Game On Dude as an effortless front-running competitor on the track and a gentle, puppy-like horse in the barn. Joe Torre, Old Friends, and Racing Legends The host tells a humorous story about meeting Joe Torre without initially recognizing him, only becoming excited after learning that Torre had owned part of Game On Dude. Torre later visited Old Friends, where the host presented him with a custom Louisville Slugger bat and Game On Dude caps. The story illustrates how retired racehorses can connect people from sports, entertainment, and racing while giving their admirers rare opportunities to interact with famous equine athletes. The Art, Teamwork, and Calm Behind Training Jill and the host discuss Bob Baffert's instinct for selecting young horses, his willingness to learn from prior races, and his ability to adjust training to each individual athlete. They emphasize the importance of longtime team members, including Jimmy and Dana, and the unusually calm environment maintained in the barn. The conversation also argues that the condition of horses after retirement reflects the care they received during their racing careers, pointing to healthy retirees such as Silver Charm and Game On Dude. Aftercare, Two-State Racing, and the Road Ahead The interview closes with a discussion of Old Friends Equine, the healing relationship between people and retired horses, and the distinct personalities of horses such as Game On Dude and War Emblem. Jill describes her move from Louisville television to California, her continued support of racehorse aftercare, and the family's plan to divide time between California and Kentucky. With multiple barns, expanding Kentucky operations, and racing continuing year-round, Jill says the future will involve substantial travel and work, but the essential rhythm of their lives will remain much the same.

  5. Jul 16

    Hollywood and Horsepower Show, July 16, 2026

    Hollywood And Horsepower Show with Mark Otto Guest: Interview with Terry Finley - Owner and CEO of West Point Thoroughbreds https://www.westpointtb.com/team/terry-finley/ Terry and his wife Debbie Finley established West Point Thoroughbreds in 1991. Terry, a former U.S. Army officer whose passion developed a passion for racing at a young age. His vision was to create a way for racing enthusiasts to enjoy the ownership experience without the enormous financial burden that typically comes with it. Since our first stakes winner, we've been committed to delivering unforgettable experiences to our partners both on and off the track. Over the years, we've had the privilege of racing some of the finest horses in the sport, including Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming, Grade 1 champion Flightline, and Eclipse Award nominees. We've celebrated victories in some of the sport's most prestigious races, from the Breeders' Cup to international events. But at the heart of our operation is the belief that every horse we race carries the hopes and dreams of our partners. From West Point to the Winner's Circle: Terry Finley on Horses, Leadership, and Racing's Future Summary A Friendship Forged at the Racetrack The episode opens with the program theme, sponsor recognition for Tony's Steak and Seafood, and appeals for Old Friends Equine and No Fallen Heroes. The host then welcomes Terry Finley, recalling that their friendship began when Finley complimented his shoes at Del Mar. Their lighthearted exchange establishes a personal tone before the discussion turns to Finley's background, career, and long involvement in Thoroughbred racing. From Levittown to West Point Finley describes growing up as the youngest of seven children outside Philadelphia, where his schoolteacher father introduced him to racing at Keystone and Liberty Bell. As a young person, he walked hots, rubbed horses, traveled with them, and became captivated by the racetrack. He later entered West Point after being inspired by an older football player who attended the Naval Academy, graduated in 1986, served in the Army, and maintained his connection to racing even while stationed in Germany and later at Fort Dix. Building West Point Thoroughbreds After leaving military service, Finley chose horse racing over a conventional corporate path and credits his wife, Debbie, for supporting the risk. He explains how an early partnership involving his father and brother showed him the excitement that shared ownership could create. Beginning with one horse at Philadelphia Park, he used small advertisements in BloodHorse and became an early adopter of the World Wide Web, eventually using technology to communicate directly with partners and update horse information. The Human Side of Horse Racing The conversation examines the many people whose work affects a racehorse, including trainers, jockeys, exercise riders, grooms, owners, and other barn personnel. Finley and the host emphasize that horses have distinct personalities and communicate in different ways, making judgment, feel, and experience essential. Stories involving Pat Day, Alysheba, Randy Romero, and other racing figures illustrate how trust between horse and rider can influence performance and how owners should give professionals room to make informed decisions. Leadership, Loyalty, and the Long View Finley argues that owners receive better results when they support trainers privately and publicly rather than constantly second-guessing them. Both speakers connect this philosophy to lessons learned from military service, family relationships, and business leadership. They describe effective leadership as listening, clearing obstacles, encouraging people to think creatively, and maintaining loyalty while still addressing performance problems when necessary. An Evolution for Racing's Future Looking ahead, Finley discusses the pressures facing horse racing and calls for evolution rather than revolution. He urges industry participants to move beyond personal attacks, collaborate respectfully, support aftercare and backstretch workers, welcome younger voices, and build both the fan base and wagering base. The discussion closes by considering lessons from Formula 1 and the PGA, particularly their use of media, events, sponsorship, and fan engagement, before the host directs listeners to West Point Thoroughbreds and again highlights the episode's sponsor and charities.

  6. Jul 9

    Hollywood and Horsepower Show, July 9, 2026

    Hollywood And Horsepower Show with Mark Otto Guests: The BBS Twins and Founders of BBS Radio TV - Donald Newsom and Douglas Newsom From Ranch Roads to Radio Roots: The Newsom Brothers, BBS Radio TV, and the Power of Giving People a Voice Episode Summary A Show Built Around the Story Behind the Story Mark Otto opens the episode by framing Hollywood and Horsepower as a program dedicated to the stories audiences rarely hear. He thanks the show sponsor, Tony’s Steak and Seafood, and repeats the program’s support for No Fallen Heroes and Old Friends Equine. From there, he introduces Donald and Douglas Newsom as the founders of BBS Radio TV and the people whose production, distribution, and platform support have helped make Hollywood and Horsepower possible across more than 200 platforms. From Canadian Ranch Life to Early Lessons in Work Donald and Douglas describe being born in Vancouver and growing up in the rugged Chilcotin region of British Columbia, where ranch life included cattle, horses, rodeos, wildlife, harsh conditions, and relentless chores. They recall working from a very young age, painting fences, handling hay, picking berries, and learning that idleness was dangerous to personal growth. Their memories connect hard work, family expectations, and community responsibility as early forces that shaped their later lives. Community, Courtesy, and the Loss of Personal Connection The conversation turns toward manners, community, and the importance of helping people close to home. Mark relates their childhood work ethic to his own farm-adjacent upbringing, while Donald and Douglas speak about courtesy, neighborhood relationships, local businesses, and the danger of focusing only on enormous problems that feel impossible to solve. The guests argue that people can change the world by tending to their own communities, treating others with kindness, and rebuilding personal relationships. Sharing Knowledge Instead of Guarding It A major theme of the episode is the Newsom brothers’ belief in sharing information freely. Douglas explains that knowledge gained through hard experience can be offered without expectation of payment, while Donald tells the story of wanting to patent the systems behind his early interactive internet-radio operation. Douglas opposed that approach, arguing that if others could use the technology to benefit people, it should not be locked away. This belief became central to the BBS Radio TV philosophy. Setbacks, Betrayal, and the Birth of a Broadcasting Mission The brothers recount financial setbacks in mining, oil, and other ventures, including situations where they say major deals were taken from them or reduced through legal pressure. They describe these painful experiences as part of the path that eventually led to BBS Radio TV. Donald explains that depression, unusual personal experiences, and conversations with people who possessed uncommon information led him to create a forum where voices could be heard without censorship, reprisal, or forced silence. The Future of BBS Radio TV and the Meaning of the Work In the final part of the episode, Donald discusses the BBS Radio TV GoFundMe effort and the development of a modernized system, new website, updated app, and tools designed for video distribution, podcasting, broadcasting, and host support. Mark thanks the brothers for helping his show grow and for making complicated distribution work look easy. The episode closes with a shared sense that BBS Radio TV is more than a platform; it is a community built around information, service, conversation, and the belief that honest voices matter.

  7. Jul 2

    Hollywood and Horsepower Show, July 2, 2026

    Hollywood And Horsepower Show with Mark Otto Guest: Top Gun Matthew Buckley, best known as Wiz Buckley From Fighter Jets to Healing: Matthew “Wiz” Buckley on Mission, Trauma, and No Fallen Heroes Episode Summary A Story Behind the Story Takes Flight Mark Otto opens Hollywood and Horsepower by explaining why this replayed conversation matters: Matthew “Wiz” Buckley brings together aviation, service, finance, trauma, and charitable work through No Fallen Heroes. The episode frames Buckley as both a former Navy fighter pilot and a founder focused on helping veterans, first responders, and family members facing serious emotional and psychological struggles. The Neighbor Who Lit the Fuse Buckley traces his love of flying to childhood in New Jersey, where a neighbor in the Air National Guard made fighter aviation feel larger than life. A dramatic F-106 flyover helped cement a lifelong goal: he wanted to fly Navy fighter jets from aircraft carriers, not simply become a pilot. The Navy Pyramid and the Top Gun Standard The conversation follows Buckley through Navy ROTC, Pensacola, jet training, F/A-18 Hornets, deployments aboard the Abraham Lincoln and Kitty Hawk, work as a Landing Signal Officer, and later training connected to Top Gun. He explains the competitive pyramid of naval aviation and the demanding mental discipline required to become both a “good guy” and an adversary pilot. September 11th and the Weight of Readiness Buckley recalls September 11th from the perspective of an American Airlines pilot and Navy reservist who raced to Naval Air Station Fort Worth as the attacks unfolded. He describes the surreal possibility of being ordered to defend American airspace, including the moral weight of potentially intercepting a civilian airliner. From Combat Methods to Marcet Methods After his military career shifted, Buckley entered finance and eventually built Top Gun Options by applying military-style planning, briefing, risk management, and debriefing to trading. He contrasts ordinary financial “education” with disciplined training, emphasizing strategic, operational, and tactical thinking before any trade is made. No Fallen Heroes and the Search for Radical Healing The second half of the episode centers on Buckley’s founding of No Fallen Heroes after personal losses, veteran suicide concerns, and his own experiences with trauma. He discusses psychedelic-assisted therapy, ibogaine, 5-MeO-DMT, family trauma, grief, faith, and the role of integration after treatment, while making clear that veterans, first responders, and family members can all carry wounds that deserve healing. A Call to Heal the People Who Served Otto and Buckley close by discussing the broader failure to reintegrate service members and the need for public awareness, support, and practical help. Buckley directs listeners to No Fallen Heroes and its online resources, leaving the episode with a message that healing, service, and purpose can continue beyond the cockpit, the battlefield, or the uniform.

  8. Jun 25

    Hollywood and Horsepower Show, June 25, 2026

    Hollywood And Horsepower Show with Mark Otto Guest: John Nicholson - President and CEO of Old Friends, a Thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Kentucky as founder Michael Blowen, stepped down after 20 years of leadership. Nicholson, former Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park served as CEO of the Virginia Horse Center. Racing Legends, Retired Champions, and the Future of Old Friends A Career Built Around Horses and Public Experience The episode centers on Mark Otto’s conversation with John Nicholson, now president and CEO of Old Friends. Nicholson traces his connection to horses back to childhood in Winchester, Kentucky, where visits to a thoroughbred farm and early mornings at Keeneland shaped his love for racing and the broader horse world. He explains that although he once imagined becoming a trainer or farm manager, the demands of that life led him toward tourism and public-facing horse institutions instead. From the Kentucky Horse Park to a Global Equine Stage Nicholson describes his years at the Kentucky Horse Park as a period that expanded his perspective beyond thoroughbred racing into many equestrian disciplines. He discusses major international museum exhibitions connected to China and Britain, the role of the International Museum of the Horse, and the successful effort to bring the World Equestrian Games to Kentucky in 2010. The conversation presents the Horse Park as both a tourism destination and a cultural center for the horse world. Michael Blowen’s Vision for Old Friends A major theme is the founding vision of Michael Blowen, whose optimism and persistence helped Old Friends grow from a small retirement farm into a high-profile aftercare organization. Mark and John both reflect on the early uncertainty surrounding the idea, the industry’s gradual understanding of it, and Blowen’s continued presence as a guiding figure. Nicholson compares his role to preserving the founder’s spirit while building systems that allow the organization to continue for future generations. Aftercare as Respect, Not Rescue The discussion strongly distinguishes Old Friends from a simple rescue operation. Both speakers emphasize that the organization celebrates racing and views retired racehorses as accomplished athletes deserving dignified care after their careers. Nicholson explains that Old Friends considers what is best for each individual horse, including whether another job or second career might be appropriate, while Mark stresses that aftercare should be seen as part of the racing industry rather than an adversarial force. The Emotional Intelligence of Horses The conversation becomes personal as Mark shares stories about Game On Dude and the way horses at Old Friends respond to visitors, including people with physical or emotional challenges. Nicholson affirms that the quiet, secure atmosphere at the farm reflects the horses’ comfort and the strength of the human-horse bond. The episode repeatedly returns to the idea that horses communicate through behavior, sense human emotion, and thrive when allowed to be horses. Kentucky, Saratoga, Del Mar, and the Culture of Racing The final stretch broadens into a celebration of racing culture, tourism, and heritage. Mark and John discuss Kentucky farms, Keeneland, Churchill Downs, Saratoga, Del Mar, jockey-horse relationships, and the accessibility of racing compared with other professional sports. The episode closes with encouragement to visit Old Friends, support the horses, and experience Lexington and Georgetown as part of a wider horse-country journey.

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Through the relationships Mark Otto developed in Thoroughbred Horse Racing and Automotive Racing, during his global travels, the thing that most interested him was the story behind the story, with the famous people he was fortunate to meet. What was it that these people liked to do? How did they get into Hollywood or into Racing? These stories are fascinating! This is what encapsulates the “Hollywood and Horsepower Show”. Bringing you along, we talk to so some of the most interesting people Mark met during his career. Don't be surprised if a few other guests stop by this show. This will be fun! It is where SNL meets The Tonight Show; a perfect mix of talk and comedy.

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