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NOV 15

Celebrity Jobber with Jeff Zito - Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom is on Celebrity Jobber with Jeff Zito this week. What type of work would Mitch be doing if not for being an author, sports journalist, talk show host, and philanthropist, with 40 million books sold worldwide? Many celebrities will tell you that if not for that one lucky break or meeting, they would have been scooping up ice cream at Baskin-Robbins like Barack Obama or working as a beautician at a morgue, like Whoopi Goldberg. They may have been just a jobber. Thanks for listening. Please rate, review, and subscribe to the Celebrity Jobber with Jeff Zito wherever you pod.

Nov 15

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22 min
NOV 11

Beyond Mount Rushmore - John Connally The Forgotten Man in Dallas

In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we delve into the aftermath of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, focusing on Texas Governor John Connally, who was also in the limousine that day. While Connally survived the attack, he was left with physical and emotional scars, raising important questions about the events that unfolded. We explore the controversial debate over whether the same bullet struck both Kennedy and Connally, and examine how Connally's experiences and post-Dallas career may have significantly influenced the trajectory of American politics. Join us as we uncover the overlooked stories that deserve to be remembered.

Nov 11

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38 min
NOV 11

Marlon Wayans: The Wild Child of Comedy on Family, Fame & Fearlessness

In this high‑energy episode, Marlon Wayans joins Gentry Thomas to give fans the full scoop on his nationwide stand‑up tour — the “Wild Child Tour.” Want to catch him live? Click here for dates and locations: MarlonWayans.com/live‑shows He shares stories about what inspired the tour, how he crafts his live sets, and what audiences can expect from a night with Marlon. The conversation digs into Marlon’s early days in comedy and film, including his breakthrough roles in Scary Movie, White Chicks, and his beginnings on In Living Color. He also opens up about life’s more serious struggles—watching his older brother deal with crack addiction, learning lessons in brotherhood and responsibility, and how personal pain has shaped his funny, unfiltered voice. Marlon shares one of the wildest stories in his career: when singer Macy Gray angrily jumped on stage at one of his shows over a joke—what went down, how he handled it, and what he learned from it. Family remains at the center of everything. He discusses his relationship with his brothers and how they influenced each other creatively, and what family legacy means in the Wayans clan. This conversation is raw, hilarious, and deeply human—filled with laughter, life lessons, and the kind of behind‑the‑scenes honesty you don’t always get from a comedy star. Don’t miss it.

Nov 11

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15 min
OCT 27

Beyond Mount Rushmore - Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Secrets in the White House

In this episode of "Beyond Mount Rushmore," we delve into the complex and often controversial private lives of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. As hosts, Stan Nawalaniec and Jeff Hickcox explore how their tumultuous marriage and personal affairs not only shaped their relationship but also had a significant impact on the American presidency. From secrets to unexpected housemates, we uncover the layers of their lives that often go overlooked. Join us as we reveal the intricacies of a partnership that redefined leadership in America. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!

Oct 27

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36 min
4D AGO

Chris Matthews Reveals Untold Stories from Washington’s Back Rooms

In this wide-ranging episode, American political commentator, retired talk-show host, and author Chris Matthews joins Gentry to discuss his new book, Lessons from Bobby: Ten Reasons Robert F. Kennedy Still Matters. Matthews lays out why RFK’s moral courage, coalition-building, and willingness to risk political capital still resonate—and what those lessons mean for the country now. Grab the book here: Buy Lessons from Bobby. Simon & Schuster Beyond the book, Chris shares a remarkable story from his younger years hitchhiking across Africa, then pivots to an unflinching conversation about the Kennedy legacy—with a special focus on Bobby. He and Gentry also unpack today’s political flashpoints: the new New York mayor and Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, the evolving crises between the U.S., Israel, and Palestine, and the brutal realities of the Russia–Ukraine war. It’s candid, timely, and steeped in history—an essential listen for anyone who cares about American politics and the ideas that still shape it.

4d ago

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19 min
NOV 8

Celebrity Jobber with Jeff Zito - Jake Tapper

Jake Tapper is on Celebrity Jobber with Jeff Zito this week. What type of work would Jake be doing if not for being the lead Washington anchor for CNN, hosting the weekday television news show The Lead with Jake Tapper, and co-hosting the Sunday morning public affairs program State of the Union? Many celebrities will tell you that if not for that one lucky break or meeting, they would have been selling Ballpoint Pens over the Phone like Johnny Depp, or shucking Corn for $4 an hour like Cindy Crawford. In other words, they may have been just a jobber.

Nov 8

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16 min
OCT 13

Beyond Mount Rushmore - The Mystery of Zachary Taylor

In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we discuss the mysterious circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a president, a moment that left the nation in mourning but also sparked a whirlwind of rumors. We explore theories of poison, conspiracy, and long-buried secrets that have persisted for over a century. The intrigue deepens as we discuss the recent exhumation of the president's body, which has reopened questions that many believed would never be answered. Join us as we uncover the overlooked details that make this historical event unforgettable. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!

Oct 13

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33 min
SEP 29

Beyond Mount Rushmore - The Election of 1876

In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we look at the tumultuous election of 1876, a pivotal moment in American history where the outcome was determined not solely by the votes cast but by a web of shadows, silence, and backroom deals. We explore the complexities of this disputed election, where the winner of the popular vote did not ascend to the presidency, leading to a significant compromise that left lasting scars on the nation.

Sep 29

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27 min
OCT 31

Abby Phillip on Jesse Jackson, Trump Parallels & the Fight for Black Political Power

In this incisive episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, CNN anchor Abby Phillip joins us to discuss her powerful new book, A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power. Dive deep into the extraordinary story of civil‑rights leader Jesse Jackson, his historic presidential campaigns in the 1980s, and how his vision reshaped American politics. Buy the book here: A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power Abby and Gentry explore how Jackson’s strategies—and his underrated influence—mirror present‑day dynamics with figures across the political spectrum. They analyze how extremists and politicians alike believe they’re right in their missions, and why understanding that truth is critical. The conversation also tackles one of the most critical issues of our time: evolving diplomacy between the U.S., Israel and Palestine, and the high‑stakes role debate and the free press still play in democracy. Abby reflects on her role at CNN, the responsibility of journalism in today’s polarized climate, and how the integrity of the story matters now more than ever. Tune in for an in‑depth, thought‑provoking discussion on power, politics, race, and media—only on Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas.

Oct 31

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18 min
NOV 1

Celebrity Jobber with Jeff Zito - Kathy Griffin

Kathy Griffin is on Celebrity Jobber with Jeff Zito this week. What type of work would Kathy be doing if not for being an Emmy and Grammy Award-winning comedian, actress, producer, writer, and activist? Many celebrities will tell you that if not for that one lucky break or meeting, they would have been selling Ballpoint Pens over the Phone like Johnny Depp, or shucking Corn for $4 an hour like Cindy Crawford. In other words, they may have been just a jobber.

Nov 1

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22 min

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