Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Vicki Abelson
  • 4.7 (17)
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  1. Cady Huffman’s Got It - And I Made Her Flaunt It!

    APR 16

    Cady Huffman’s Got It - And I Made Her Flaunt It!

    With a gazillion-dollar smile, easy, absolutely effortless charm, Tony Award-winning Cady Huffman took this adoring fan and turned me into an even bigger one (who knew that was possible), and dare I say (she said), a friend. *Sigh* A masterful storyteller, without even trying, I was delightfully mesmerized, hanging on her every word. Her remembrances of Bob Fosse, auditioning for him, being cast by him, dancing with him (WHAT!), and drinking beside him, left me breathless. Tommy Tune, another genius, and The Will Rogers Follies, her first Tony nomination, her most vivid remembrance of finding out is about the guy she woke up with. So damn human at every turn. I love this woman! And of course, her Tony turn, also winning the Drama Desk Award and the Outer Critics’ Circle Award, for The Producers, where I first witnessed Cady’s stunningly sexy, adorable Ulla, the last preview before opening night. The show against which I’ve measured all others. To date, none have exceeded the laughs, the spectacle, and the non-stop thrills. In a word, it was… perfection! Cady told us about Susan Stroman, Mel Brooks, Nathan Lane. and our mutual friend, Wendy Waring, still in Cady’s world today. We talked Kay Cole, Samantha’s director and OG of A Chorus Line, who sang, At the Ballet, which could have been Cady’s theme song for many of her days, La Cage Aux Folles, her first Broadway play, the wild backstage antics, and auditioning for Cy Coleman, hysterical! Dame Edna! Steel Pier, Sting! We talked about growing up in Santa Barbara, early family struggles, her first play and her first line, ballet, opera, and Cady mastering each. Her brother Linus, childhood friends Anthony Edwards, Eric Stoltz, and the incredible Kathleen Wilhoite, my long-time grown-up pal. Before we signed off, we talked the reals… aging, food, booze, programs, Ozempic, and a little-known side effect that worked for the good. Cady Huffman is living my life. My childhood dream life. Better than I could have ever imagined. Tonight, I got to live it vicariously through her. Thank you, Cady, for that, for everything! Cady Huffman Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wed, April 15th, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET https://youtube.com/live/DmE_USj-UkE

    1h 37m
  2. Elayne Boosler Tales & Tails of Joy.

    APR 9

    Elayne Boosler Tales & Tails of Joy.

    I’ve known comedian/writer/animal activist Elayne Boosler for a couple of decades, but there’s so much I didn’t know! We got loads of juicy bits from the woman who pioneered stand-up comedy for all who followed in her wake. From her earliest days at The Improv in New York, a waitress/hostess, who needed Andy Kaufman’s help to differentiate the brown drinks, to her love/hate relationship with proprietor, Bud Friedman, swooning over 20-year-old Richard Lewis, MC’ing without an act or a net, singing and then not thanks to now partner Andy, who Elayne credits with teaching her “everything.” Tom Waits? Who knew! We got a great story there. Robin Williams, to Bill Siddons, her husband of 30 years, with whom she shares a home in Italy, and a great line to sum up the current state of their union. We got lots on Italy, the when, where, why, and how. Elayne was always a must-see for me whenever she appeared on TV, and hugely impactful when I tried my hands and feet at standup. I could never be as smart, but she gave me permission to let my sass shine. A fan for decades, it was a pinch-me moment when we met on the Facebook and became instant friends. It translated to the reals not long after, over pizza in New York, and sometime after that, with Elayne gracing my living room for Women Who Write. It’s taken 10 years to get this sit down, she was well worth the wait. Despite a couple of tech glitches, I adored every moment, and I’m so grateful for all the laughs, so needed now. I’m about to do a YouTube Elayne deep dive and continue to lose myself in her brilliant shine. Elayne Boosler Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wed, April 8th, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

    1h 18m
  3. Ken Levine's Guilty Pleasures

    MAR 12

    Ken Levine's Guilty Pleasures

    Emmy-winning screenwriter, the divine Ken Levine, was today’s guilty, not guilty pleasure. Rushing off for a next-to-last dress rehearsal before tomorrow’s sole preview, we got a good, healthy dose of the funny, as Ken is wont to do. Guilty Pleasures, his 10th published full-length play, opens this Friday at the Westchester Theatre in Los Angeles for a four-week run. An adult entertainment, no, not that kind, the show’s disclaimer says, “Please note this play is intended for mature audiences, as it contains strong language and sexual content.” Ken adds, no nudity, but I know from experience it’ll be loaded with laughs. Bonus, my pal, Marshall McCabe, is one of the four stars. One of the most successful humans I know, cross-genre, Ken is a multi-award-winning writer of such shows as Cheers, MASH, Frasier, The Simpsons, and Wings. He’s directed over 60 TV episodes and has co-written the movie, VOLUNTEERS, starring Tom Hanks and John Candy; he’s been a radio DJ and the play-by-play voice of the Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, and San Diego Padres. Ken’s hosted Dodger Talk for eight seasons, has hosted his own successful podcast, and wrote one of the 25 BEST blogs, as says Time Magazine. Currently, Ken’s a contributing cartoonist to the New Yorker Magazine and a globally successful playwright. Guilty Pleasures has been enjoying a two-year run in Prague! Why is he focused on the stage instead of the screen when clearly the financial benefits of the latter so greatly surpass the former? Ken tells it. As always, Ken reminded me how wonderful it is to laugh. A much-needed break from the current madness. I could sure use some more. I’ll be heading to the Westchester Theatre this weekend to indulge in some of Ken’s Guilty Pleasures (link in the comments). I’ll be using code Heywestchester for a $5 discount on the $25 tkts. Hell, it’s cheaper than a movie with real live actors making magic just feet away. There’s nothing like Live theatre. Except ballet and opera, but don’t tell Timothée Chalamet. Ken Levine Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson ***Wed, March 11th, 3 pm PT, 6 pm ET*** Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL8RAHvWdfQ

    50 min
  4. Nobu was the brainchild of Drew Nieprorent

    MAR 5

    Nobu was the brainchild of Drew Nieprorent

    Nobu was the brainchild of Drew Nieprorent by Vicki Abelson

    1h 33m
  5. Gregory Harrison Names Names!

    FEB 26

    Gregory Harrison Names Names!

    Despite his decades-long fantastical work in Trapper John, MD, Falcon Crest, Razorback, Logan's Run, Sisters, One Tree Hill, The M Word (the film we did together), recurring roles in 9-1 -1, and General Hospital, as well as scores more, we talked pretty much NONE of that. We talked REAL talk, the hard stuff. The very hard stuff. His sexual molestation at the age of 9 by Johnny Cortes, YES, he named him, for the first time, realizing that, especially now, it’s so very important. Gregory spoke of the toll it took on his psyche for years, and how he enlisted a modicum of “revenge.” But there is no justice when a child is violated by a pedophile. Do you hear that, Congress? Drinking and sexing at 11, self-supporting with a job and an apartment of his own at 14, the first non-religious conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, whose true intention was driven by motives it took Gregory years to realize. There was a suicide attempt, cocaine addiction that almost cost him everything, how he got sober, was betrayed, and miraculously turned that into a win. The spiritual awakening (realized as we spoke) that led to shedding another lifelong addiction, more insidious and perhaps even more dangerous, in a fashion. After years of shame, self-loathing, and damage done, Gregory resurrected his marriage; he and Randi celebrate 44 years and counting, his career, he’s doing some of his best work, 2025 brought him his first Emmy nod and he’s soon to be seen in Grace Period, a feature written and starring his daughter, Lily, directed by her partner, Peter Facinelli. What a family! Speaking of family, Gregory and Randi have 4 children, three grandchildren, and a new puppy named Henry. An avid activist, strong humanitarian, and a caring, loyal friend, Gregory is beloved by everyone who knows him. Including me. 

Gregory Harrison’s story begs to be told. I’m begging him to write it. Gregory Harrison Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wed, February 25th, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

    1h 41m
  6. Live With Danny Kortchmar - Don Henley, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt

    FEB 19

    Live With Danny Kortchmar - Don Henley, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt

    Live With Danny Kortchmar - Don Henley, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt Kootch tells the story of how his and Don Henley’s monster hit, Dirty Laundry was born, how his and Jackson Browne’s, Somebody’s Baby was birthed, and how Running On Empty was recorded Live. This legendary guitar hero, songwriter, and producer, who’s been integral to more hits with more iconic artists than just about anyone I can think of, shared about all of them… James (or Jamie as he calls him), Taylor, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, the aforementioned Don Henley, and Jackson Browne. Kootch talked about his first producing gig - Louise Goffin, and the killer band he put together for her, which included Steve Lukather and Kenny Aaronoff, saying he learned from observing Peter Asher, who produced so many of the albums Kootch played on. He talked about producing Jon Bon Jovi, Toto, and Billy Joel, and the controversy that surrounded that gig. We got a few of his favorite memories through the years, and his shattering heartbreak, losing Lisa Roy, the love of his life, the sad for fans, and the boys themselves, seeming end of his dream band, The Immediate Family, both leading to his leaving LA and relocating to Rhode Island to be near his blood family. We got the hows and whys with little hope of resurrection. We also got his newfound joy playing with his new band, The Back Burners, whom I can’t wait to hear. The band features frontman Rocco DeRosa, Marty Ballou on bass, Vinny Pagano on drums, and Joel Latulippe on harmonica. A departure for Danny, it’s groove-driven soul and blues. Playing small clubs in the thriving local music scene and preparing to record, Kootch is feeling at home with his new band and his new digs. I've been blessed to know Kootch for some years. Thanks to Steve Postell, Danny played at my book launch for Don’t Jump almost a decade ago. He was a pretty serious man of few words for most of the time I knew him. Thanks to Lisa and the bliss of banding with Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkle, his fellow mates of The Section, 50 or so years in the playing, and Waddy Wachtel, whom he’s gigged with for almost as long, as well as Steve Postell, with whom he’s done innumerable projects in more recent years, and appearing in the Denny Tedesco award-winning documentary about them, Kootch was lighter, brighter, and happier than I’d seen him. I hope this move eases recent losses and brings creative and personal fulfillment. I also hold hope that we’ll see Kootch, Lee, Russ, Waddy, and Steve reunited, someday in some way. Danny, thanks for your enormous contribution to the soundtrack of my youth. Danny Kortchmar Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wed, February 18th, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

    1h 5m
  7. The Antidote to Today’s Troubled Times: Tom Bergeron!

    FEB 5

    The Antidote to Today’s Troubled Times: Tom Bergeron!

    Following his triumphant return to Dancing With The Stars and this week’s Hollywood Squares, this marks Tom Bergeron’s return to Game Changers. One of our first and most oft-recurring guests, Tom, remains one of my favorite humans. What a joy to spend time in his good company. We got the moment-to-moment behind the scenes of Tom’s return to DWTS, with Tom and me, and I’m guessing most watching, getting emotional all over again. The response from the audience and all present for the taping of the 20th Anniversary Show was love and goosebumps all around. Tom recounted what caused his demise at the show, gave us info that the powers that be didn’t have, his surprising reunion with Sean Spicer, his about-to-be reunion with Bobby Bones, and how Tom contributed to his returning his Mirrorball trophy, Tom’s thoughts on the current hosts, the celebrities, and what he thinks about the current format. For my money, bring the guy back! Leaning young is one thing. No one has come close to being as entertaining. Tom also gave us the skinny on his Hollywood Squares reunion and how he at first led the contestant to defeat, ultimately bringing her to victory and getting his amazing Gilbert Gottfried impression in. He told us about his long relationship with Whoopi, rekindled recently on The View as if no time had passed, and a warning from dear friend, Carl Reiner, to be careful about Whoopi’s beau. We touched on the current Reiner family horror and how fortunate Carl missed it. There were fabulous stories about his great friendship with “Bill” Shatner, Dick Van Dyke, Larry Fine, Moe Howard, his disastrous Emmy gig, his triumphant Emmy wins, and the ongoing philanthropy that led to the Critics’ Choice Association awarding him the first Sam Rubin award. Tom’s been pivotal in my world for the past 17 years. We touched on the when, where, and whys through the years. As with this show, all the ones before, and pretty much everything he’s ever done, Tom’s downright delightful, warm, and hysterically funny. It’s impossible not to adore the man. In these insanely troubled times, Tom’s the antidote. Tom Bergeron Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 2/4/26, 5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET https://youtube.com/live/k5_GV2j-lHo

    1h 10m
  8. Rob Stoner - The Dylan Whisperer

    JAN 29

    Rob Stoner - The Dylan Whisperer

    The Dylan Whisperer Rob Stoner and I have been in the same city, on the same street, in the same club where I was promoting and he was playing, at the same time, over and over, and somehow we never met. Until tonight. He was worth waiting for. What a fun edutainment! We talked about his heroes, Chuck Berry to Jerry Lee Lewis, Rob’s famous photographer father, who, like Rob’s later boss, Bob Dylan, used art to change our thinking, to his own early days playing with Pete Seeger and Tim Hardin. From high school bands playing keyboards, guitar, and then bass, great story there as to why he picked it up, to his first session with Pete Seeger, another important mind-shaper, to Tim Hardin, and Don Mclean, with his first ill-fated named first album, Tapestry, to his second album and the session which bore his first #1 hit, American Pie. Rob tells the tale, from soup to platinum single. The session with Robert Gordon and Link Wray, recording a not-yet-wildly famous Bruce Springsteen’s first recording of his soon-to-be monster hit, Fire. Where a young Rob Stoner came up with the iconic bass line that Bruce would soon “borrow.” Rob had his own record deal in ’73, meeting Dylan a year later, Bob telling Rob he’d come to call, and how Rob’s band became the backup band for Dylan’s album Desire when he finally did call about a decade later. Rolling Thunder, Rob, the musical director, for Dylan’s long-held dream to put together a traveling carnival show. How it worked, all the moving parts, and the one erratic member. Dylan. Rob told us about their relationship, never knowing if this gig would be his last, and how, thanks to Robert Gordon (and Link Wray), whom Rob would play with for over 40 years, helped Rob to end it on his terms. We talked the pandemic and how Zoom changed the game for Rob (and me, and many of us), who grew his teaching practice and extended his reach globally. His daily Facebook videos, doing what he loves, playing music that he loves, which receive millions of views. A massive Dylan fan since the 60s and enthusiast of most of the artists Rob has played with, it was a thrill to get his take on the Complete Unknown, what it was like for Baez to play with Dylan, why Robert Gordon and Link Wray eventually split up… and so much more. Rob’s been there, done that, and charmingly shares the tales. Loved every moment! Rob Stoner Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 1/28/26, ***6 PM PT/ 9 PM ET*** Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

    1h 11m
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4.7
out of 5
17 Ratings

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Celebrity Maps to Success... people living their dream... the paths they took to get there

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