Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Vicki Abelson
  • 4.7 (17)
  • Comedy
  • Updated Biweekly

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

  1. 5d ago

    Tom Hartman, Tom Hartman

    A rabid Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman fan since its first airing in 1976, never missing an episode in the days before VCRs, DVRs, and streaming, when it took effort and planning… getting to sit down with Greg Mullavey, Tom Hartman hisself, was surreal enough, almost instantly becoming friends via the interweb, and not long after seeing him onstage in The People vs Lenny Bruce, witnessing his gift and transferring said friendship to the reals was downright crazy. I’ve come to adore the human as much as the actor. At this, our third sitdown, we faced some technical challenges at the top and the bottom (hello, unrelenting Mercury retrograde shadow), despite that, we dove straight into real talk… health challenges, family challenges, supplements, exercise, vax misinformation, political frustrations and legitimate fear, before getting to the passing of Louise Lasser, Greg’s co-star and very close friend for well over 50 years. He told us about their first meeting and their last; there are so many memories in between we’ll get to next time. We did get a great naked Jennifer Jones tale, much to the chagrin of his ex-wife Meredith McCrea… with whom Greg was learning the art of fair fighting, although not mastering it then, but finding peace with current wife, Adriana. Greg shared how they chose to marry after over 20 years together, and the whys behind it. Surprisingly, it’s made a big difference for him, in all good ways. Greg spoke of his father, a professional baseball player for the White Sox, the Red Sox, and ultimately, coaching the Dodgers, first in Brooklyn and then in Los Angeles, which is what got Greg here.
 We spoke of Greg’s great love for the theatre, how he segued to TV, the research he did for film, and his current role as caretaker to his brother, his daughter, and a close friend. I trust Greg’s got more thespian days ahead in the future. For all our sakes, I sure hope so. Here’s wishing Greg well with all on this plate, sent with love and gratitude for time well-spent in his thoughtful, generous, sweet company. Greg Mullavey on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wed, August 5th, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

    Tom Hartman, Tom Hartman

  2. Jul 23

    The Sporanos Furio, Federico Castelluccio - A True Renaissance Man

    How is it possible that one human being can be a gifted artist, a world-class savvy collector, a stellar actor, skilled director, and a masterful storyteller, whilst being gracious, funny, self-possessed, and humble at the same time? If that’s not the work of the gods, what is? The quality of Federico’s conversation defied Mercury Retrograde and the moon void. His screen may have been wonky for a few moments, but his glorious remembrances flowed on. From his earliest years in Napoli surrounded by his talented siblings, Federico knew at 3 what he wanted to do. And it wasn’t aspiring to be a key player on one of the greatest shows to ever hit television screens. That was an afterthought. A later manifestation. Earning a full scholarship and his BFA from the School of Visual Arts in NY, Federico never had a day job or a Plan B. He’s had more than a few Plan As - all successfully and respectfully executed. We got a little show and tell with a great George Burns story, how he segued from commercial art to commercial film and television, auditioning for a role he’d never get that eventually led to the life-changer. We got the whole Sopranos audition story complete with a David Chase rarity, prior long-held James Gandolfini admiration, how he landed it, the classes and work in theatre that schooled him, all the while continuing with his art craft to mind-blowing proportions. More show and tell with his latest portrait, of frequent collaborator Chazz Palminteri, that I would’ve sworn was a photograph until it was almost pressed against Federico’s screen. The lips, the smile, the hair, the eyes, the ‘tude, captured as only a rarely gifted artist could. We talked Federico’s multitude of upcoming films in various stages of production… Bad News on The Doorstep with the aforementioned Palminteri, which will be the first to drop, Into The Black with beloved Cathy Moriarity and Peter Green, Lupo, a true-crime story, and Three’s Company Too, where Federico is directing as well as starring. There’s a gallery show of his portraits in the works and Sopranos appearances, which you can keep up with on his IG.

    The Sporanos Furio, Federico Castelluccio - A True Renaissance Man

  3. Jul 16

    Screenshot 2026-07-15 at 7.53.11 PM

    If there’s anyone more entertaining than Adam Chester, please tell me so I can book them now! What a fabulous, fun, afternoon ride! Other than a tech glitch (lost internet for 5 min - which caused this to have a Part 1 and Part 2), this was as close to perfection as a sit-down could be. We got current events; he’s on vocal rest due to a minor health issue, so Adam performed an instrumental with full virtuoso gusto and talked for a good hour and a quarter, also with total fervor. Shhh, don’t tell his ENT. In Part 1, we got Adam’s backstory, which manifested into his life’s headlines. The author of S’Mother held up his mother (hysterical, dark sight gag), who started him on the keys at 3 and got him an upright at 5. Adam walked us into his son Truman’s room to share his first instrument, which he’s moved cross-country and from state to state. Nothing like a good show and tell. We got delicious juicy bits about Adam’s year or so with Barry White, a decision Adam still questions, his piano teacher, Jeff, his manager, Paul, and his life-changing friend and mentor, Davey Johnstone, who opened the door to Sir Elton, a gig still in action, more than 20 years later, post Elton’s retirement, filled with pinch moments and living the dream realities. Adam’s stories about it all are precious, humble, moving, and hysterical. We get the beginning of his Joni Mitchell connection in Part 1, picked up and furthered to greater heights in Part 2, along with a fabulous Miley Cyrus story, and my s’mother nag for Adam to start doing his thing at his regular Georgian Hotel gig in Santa Monica on Wednesdays, 6-9 pm, where historically he plays, sans vocals and his ridiculously entertaining banter. Vocal rest be damned! You can’t keep the unique genius that is Adam down. One shouldn’t! I could not have had more fun, or loved this (both Parts) more! How dare my internet go down before we were through! Sorry, Adam, sorry, ya’ll! Adam Chester Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wed, July 8, 3 pm PT, 6 pm ET Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

    Screenshot 2026-07-15 at 7.53.11 PM

  4. Jul 16

    Adam Chester, The Sir-O-Gate Elton John! Part 2

    If there’s anyone more entertaining than Adam Chester, please tell me so I can book them now! What a fabulous, fun, afternoon ride! Other than a tech glitch (lost internet for 5 min - which caused this to have a Part 1 and Part 2), this was as close to perfection as a sit-down could be. We got current events; he’s on vocal rest due to a minor health issue, so Adam performed an instrumental with full virtuoso gusto and talked for a good hour and a quarter, also with total fervor. Shhh, don’t tell his ENT. In Part 1, we got Adam’s backstory, which manifested into his life’s headlines. The author of S’Mother held up his mother (hysterical, dark sight gag), who started him on the keys at 3 and got him an upright at 5. Adam walked us into his son Truman’s room to share his first instrument, which he’s moved cross-country and from state to state. Nothing like a good show and tell. We got delicious juicy bits about Adam’s year or so with Barry White, a decision Adam still questions, his piano teacher, Jeff, his manager, Paul, and his life-changing friend and mentor, Davey Johnstone, who opened the door to Sir Elton, a gig still in action, more than 20 years later, post Elton’s retirement, filled with pinch moments and living the dream realities. Adam’s stories about it all are precious, humble, moving, and hysterical. We get the beginning of his Joni Mitchell connection in Part 1, picked up and furthered to greater heights in Part 2, along with a fabulous Miley Cyrus story, and my s’mother nag for Adam to start doing his thing at his regular Georgian Hotel gig in Santa Monica on Wednesdays, 6-9 pm, where historically he plays, sans vocals and his ridiculously entertaining banter. Vocal rest be damned! You can’t keep the unique genius that is Adam down. One shouldn’t! I could not have had more fun, or loved this (both Parts) more! How dare my internet go down before we were through! Sorry, Adam, sorry, ya’ll! Adam Chester Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wed, July 8, 3 pm PT, 6 pm ET Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

    Adam Chester, The Sir-O-Gate Elton John! Part 2

  5. Jul 9

    Real Life With Wendy Liebman… but FUNNY

    I met comedian Wendy Liebman years ago, in the early days of comedy clubs. I’m a longtime huge fan of this hysterical girl who’s performed on Carson, Letterman, Leno, Fallon, and Kimmel. We talked about them all. What made each experience special and unique. But first… we talked life. Real life. Minimizing, organizing, prioritizing, purging… with practical tips! How the years are changing us, our shopping styles, the craziest story about designer boots I’ve ever heard, health affecting lifelong habits… letting them fall away (with more than a couple of surprises here). We talked about ongoing struggles and how some of them are easier now. We talked about kids and dogs, and how our dogs are also our kids. We talked what we’re doing… caretaking, binging, and a lot less out in the world post-pandemic. There wasn’t a lot of comedy business discussed other than the late-night appearances, but we did get Wendy’s favorite Hollywood story, and how she’s a part of mine (and Penni Barnetts’). A real game changer. And it was all FUNNY. What would you expect from the American Comedy Awards Best Female Comic, and Howard Stern’s wildcard pick, which took Wendy to America’s Got Talent finals? Always crazy fun, Wendy’s happy, successful, blessed life has not been without its challenges. We got into a few, like her evacuation, gone to the dogs, literally. I so appreciate straight talk, without filters, pretense, or agenda. This was a light, lively convo about some really deep stuff. LOVED it. Love Wendy. Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wed, July 8, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

    Real Life With Wendy Liebman… but FUNNY

  6. Jun 25

    What Would Thaao Do? m4a

    Today, LIVE, Thaao Penghlis, who at first meeting took my breath away. He continues to. Three Emmy-nominated for Days of Our Lives, I well remember him from my soap-addicted daze. I’ve been thrilled to discover that aside from being ridiculously easy on the eyes, with a velvet voice, and that sexy accent, he’s also deeply spiritual, widely wise, passionate, talented in so many ways, and fun! A delicious human. Thaao's first cinematic starring role was in John Avildson’s Slow Dancing in the Big City, followed by Ken Russell's Altered States, with William Hurt, and as Dame Edna’s love interest in Les Patterson Saves the World. He also played the lead, Nicholas Black, in the television series Mission: Impossible, and starred in several mini-series, including Tribe, Memories of Midnight, and Under Siege. Taking the part of Victor Cassadine in General Hospital, Thaao gathered such a strong following that ABC received thousands of letters asking that they bring him back after his storyline ended. Before ABC acted, NBC offered him the part of Count Anthony DiMera on Days of Our Lives, keeping him on the popularity charts for four decades and then some. A master traveler, Thaao had his own podcast, The Lost Treasures, and has authored two books, Places: The Journey of My Days, My Lives, and Seducing Celebrities One Meal at a Time. And returns with his new podcast, The Great Escape. Thaao is super smart, sexy fun. I always walk away enlightened, entertained, and warmed to my core. Can't wait to be reunited and get schooled once again. Thaao Penghlis Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wed, June 24, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET Streaming Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

    What Would Thaao Do? m4a

  7. Jun 11

    Cindy Bullens Sang With Elton, But Cidny Bullens Got The Moves Like Jagger

    Cindy Bullens Sang With Elton, But Cidny Bullens Got The Moves Like Jagger There are more facets to Cidney Bullens than there are to the Hope Diamond… and they’re all fascinating! The two-time Grammy nominee, who sang with Elton John and Bob Dylan, tells how and why he chose to tour with Elton and pass on Dylan. What a choice for a young rocker from Massachusetts to have to make. How he met Sir Elton, and how a momentary encounter led to the gig and friendship of a lifetime, and how youth, and addiction cost him said gig two plus years later. The friendship has endured all these decades. Sobering up in his early 20s, having already had extraordinary success, and then singing with Rod Stewart, long-time pal, Bonnie Raitt, and Don Everly, to name but a few, singing lead on three songs on the 8x platinum-selling Grease soundtrack, earning his first Grammy nod, and his second for Survivor off his first solo album, Desire Wire. He left the biz for a decade to raise a family, then returned with more solo work and formed The Reugees with Wendy Waldman and Deborah Holland. Soon after, Cindy became Cidny. That’s a story… woven throughout his whole story. Cid told the story in his one-man show, Somewhere Between: Not An Ordinary Life, and in his sensational memoir, Transelectric. Cid’s currently resurrecting Somewhere Between and will be touring with it, starting this summer. Has it ever been more relevant and important? Cid told us of always feeling male and how that translated to being a sister, daughter, wife, mother, grandfather, and husband. This is not a simple story, and a far more complex life, made more so by parental tragedy. Cid did not always live with grace, but lessons were learned, and the man who sat before us is wiser, stronger, and… softer. A friend for the last many years, I’ve had the good fortune to bear witness to Cid’s many talents, as an actor in the brilliant new musical, The Civility of Albert Cashier, where Cid portrayed a true-life character whose life in some ways mirrored his own, in concert with The Refugees, and I was honored to be asked to blurb his memoir, Transelectric. Cid is a treasured friend with a story that screams to be heard, especially today. For all things Cid… his show dates, signed copies of his book, and all of his music, visit www.cidnybullens.com - what a life! Cidny Bullens Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wed, June 10, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

    Cindy Bullens Sang With Elton, But Cidny Bullens Got The Moves Like Jagger

  8. Jun 4

    Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits-There’s a Kind of Crush

    It just doesn’t get better than this. I knew, and have known since I was 10, that Peter Noone is easy on the eyes and the ears. Meeting him recently after his show at The Canyon Club in LA, I also knew he was funny, crazy talented, nice to a fault, and charismatic as hell. What I didn’t know was that Mr. Herman’s Hermits, a name chosen for hysterical reasons (he ‘spains), would regale us with story after story, many previously untold (I listened to a load of his interviews today), before tonight, one more precious than the next, each told with wild enthusiasm and almost reckless, but not quite, abandon. We laughed like hell for the entire hour and forty minutes. Reading the comments on Facebook, which we couldn’t see during the broadcast, so did the Live audience. There were a few technical glitches before, during, and it turns out, after, but so what! This show is a gem, a diamond in its glory, nothing rough about it… Well, the tech stuff, but who cares? It’s like having the best slice of pizza and quibbling over a little dripped cheese. Peter, with his 60 million records sold, 7 gold albums, and 14 gold records, has met and has known everybody who’s anybody, and I do mean everybody, and he shares juicy tales from the front, back, and side about so many of them. Friends with the Beatles, Peter’s remembrances of John and Paul are priceless. Likewise, Elvis, Bowie, Mick Jagger, Eric Burdon, Leslie Gore, Graham Nash & The Hollies, The Cavern, meeting his wife at a Hendrix Concert and marrying her on his 21st birthday because… well, I let him tell you, his family foibles, the drinking, more drinking, getting sober, advice on drugging from Keith Richards, hysterical, and the creme de la creme with Richard McArthur Park Harris, worth the price of admission. There was some singing here and there, including a bissel, There’s a Kind of Hush. Speaking of bissel, Peter’s got more Yiddish than I do. The story of his nuptials with his French, Jewish bride in a Roman Catholic church is pure Peter. From the man who gave us, I’m Into Something Good, Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter, I’m Henry VIII, I Am, Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat, Listen People, No Milk Today, we got a treasure trove of bliss. It just doesn’t get better than this! Peter Noone Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson **Wed, June 3rd, 7 pm PT, 10 pm ET**

    Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits-There’s a Kind of Crush
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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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