Celebrity Interviews

Neil Haley

Celebrity Interviews is the number 2 Celebrity Podcast in The World and has over 5 million listeners a week. The Neil Haley Show is syndicated on 150+ stations. Here are some of the stations and markets the show is being played on: Prestonsburg, KY - 1310 AM Tampa Bay Area: 92.1 FM Las Vegas, NV: 1520 AM / 99.5 FM Macon, GA: 87.9 FM Lancaster, PA: AM 1640 / FM 102.1 Boulder, CO: 96.3 FM Milwaukee, WI: 90.3 FM Pittsburgh, PA: 94.7 FM Long Beach, CA: 87.5 FM The Villages, FL: 97.7 FM Colorado Springs, CO: 95.4 FM Jacksonville, FL: 90.3 FM Washington D.C.: 96.7 FM Rock Hill, SC: 89.5 FM

  1. 4d ago

    Kevin's Series of Unfortunate Events: Rex Glensy, Asad Moghal, and Jake Watkins on Their Tribeca World Premiere

    On this episode of The Neil Haley Show, Neil The Media Giant Haley sits down with the creative team behind "Kevin's Series of Unfortunate Events," the buzzy comedy episode making its world premiere at the 2026 Tribeca Festival. Joining Neil are director and co-creator Rex Glensy, writer and co-creator Asad Moghal, and actor Jake Watkins, who stars as the hopelessly optimistic Kevin. "Kevin's Series of Unfortunate Events" is episode four of Patterns, an ambitious eight-episode comedy anthology series co-created by Glensy and Moghal. The concept is unique: every episode stands alone as its own self-contained story, but all eight connect into one shared universe. A minor character in one episode might be the lead in another, so viewers can enjoy a single episode on its own or watch the full series for the complete picture. The episodes span wildly different comedic styles, from traditional sitcom to slapstick to a full original musical, all unified by what the creators call "universal camp," an over-the-top-yet-grounded tone in the tradition of Monty Python and Absolutely Fabulous. In this episode, Kevin braves a relentless string of disastrous dates, convinced that persistence will eventually lead to love. Jake Watkins shares how he first auditioned for the role of Kevin back in 2020, why the character's hope and tendency to see the best in people mirror his own personality, and how Asad Moghal's writing made the role click. Moghal reveals that the dating disasters are drawn from his own real-life dating history, calling the series his own form of therapy, including the date who turned out to be fifty years older than his profile photo. Rex Glensy explains his directing philosophy: comedy was always the line, and the moment a scene stopped being funny and turned threatening, that was a story for another show. Neil even opens up about his own post-divorce dating war stories, proving the episode's themes hit home far beyond any one community. The conversation also explores the rest of Kevin's journey through the Patterns universe. Watkins appears in three of the eight episodes, including episode six, "Back to School," and the season finale, episode eight, a full musical featuring all original songs and Watkins doing his own vocals, structured as a comedic singing treasure hunt with Kevin and his frenemy Foster. The team discusses the thrill of being selected for Tribeca, one of the top film festivals in the world, where only a small number of shows make the TV section out of thousands of submissions. "Kevin's Series of Unfortunate Events" has its red-carpet world premiere in a primetime slot, with screenings on June 7, June 8, and June 14 in New York City, and Q&A sessions at every screening. The second screening sold out so quickly that the festival added a third. Tickets are available to the public through the Tribeca Festival website in the TV section. And there's much more on the way: all eight episodes of Patterns are fully shot, along with an entire eight-episode prequel series, Patterns: Origins, giving distributors sixteen ready-made episodes and roughly eight hours of content. The team expects to announce streaming distribution following the Tribeca premiere. Follow Jake Watkins on Instagram at @jakeybaby, writer Asad Moghal at @asadmoghal, and director Rex Glensy at @rexglensy. For tickets and screening information, visit the Tribeca Festival website and search the TV section for "Kevin's Series of Unfortunate Events." Don't miss this hilarious and heartfelt conversation about modern dating, finding the funny in life's worst moments, and the breakout series everyone will be talking about after Tribeca.

    28 min
  2. 5d ago

    American Gladiators Returns: Chris Rose and Steel Discuss the Reboot, Competition, and What Fans Can Expect

    In this exciting episode of The Neil Haley Show and Celebrity Interviews Live from The Grotto, Neil Haley welcomes two special guests connected to one of television's most iconic competition franchises. Joining the show are legendary sports broadcaster Chris Rose, who serves as commentator for the new version of American Gladiators, and Steel, one of the featured Gladiators and a former professional wrestler. Together, they discuss the highly anticipated revival of the beloved competition series, the incredible athletes involved, and why both longtime fans and new viewers should tune in. The conversation begins with Neil reminiscing about the original American Gladiators phenomenon that captivated audiences in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Chris Rose laughs when asked whether he ever imagined competing against the Gladiators himself. Rather than wanting to challenge the larger-than-life athletes, Rose explains that his dream role was always to be behind the microphone, calling the action and bringing excitement to viewers at home. Rose humorously describes himself as far better suited for commentary than competition, joking about his lack of athletic prowess and emphasizing that the Gladiators are physical specimens unlike anything most people have ever encountered. He credits the show's enduring popularity to the incredible combination of athletic competition, entertainment, and larger-than-life personalities. For Steel, becoming an American Gladiator represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Growing up watching the original series, he viewed the Gladiators as real-life superheroes. Their imposing physiques, charismatic personalities, and athletic abilities left a lasting impression on him as a young fan. Now, as one of the new Gladiators, he embraces the opportunity to inspire a new generation of viewers just as the original cast inspired him. Steel speaks passionately about honoring the legacy of the original Gladiators while helping bring a modern edge to the franchise. He describes the responsibility of stepping into such an iconic role and credits the original stars for paving the way for today's competitors. For him, becoming Steel is more than a television role—it is a chance to motivate people to pursue strength, discipline, and confidence in their own lives. The discussion shifts to the competitors who enter the arena hoping to defeat the Gladiators and win the grand prize. Chris Rose points out one of the biggest differences between the original version of the show and the current reboot: the overall caliber of the contestants. While the original series featured everyday people, today's competitors are often highly trained athletes with impressive physical abilities and compelling personal stories. Rose explains that many contestants arrive with life-changing motivations. Some have overcome significant weight loss journeys. Others are competing for their families, pursuing lifelong dreams, or proving something to themselves after years of adversity. The $100,000 prize certainly provides motivation, but according to Rose, the competition often represents something much deeper. For many contestants, the show serves as the culmination of years of personal growth and perseverance. One particularly memorable example involves a contestant who overcame childhood obesity after a doctor warned him that his health was in serious danger. Through hard work and determination, he transformed his life and eventually became a personal trainer who now helps others achieve their goals. Stories like these give the competition emotional depth and make viewers emotionally invested in the outcomes.

    8 min
  3. 5d ago

    FIRST Championship 2026: How Robotics, STEM, and Innovation Are Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders

    In this exciting episode of The Neil Haley Show, Neil Haley welcomes Christian Hubicki, FIRST alum, robotics expert, and competitor on Survivor 50, along with Liam Twohig, a student participant at the 2026 FIRST Championship. Together, they discuss one of the world's largest and most influential STEM competitions, the impact of robotics education, and how programs like FIRST are preparing students for careers in technology, engineering, business, and beyond. The conversation highlights not only the incredible robots on display but also the life-changing opportunities available to students who participate in FIRST programs around the globe. The interview begins with an overview of the 2026 FIRST Championship, an international robotics competition that brings together students from kindergarten through high school to showcase their accomplishments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With thousands of students, mentors, educators, and industry professionals gathered in one location, the event serves as both a competition and a celebration of innovation. Participants design, build, program, and operate robots while developing critical skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Liam shares his personal journey with FIRST and explains how the program transformed his confidence and communication skills. When he first joined his robotics team in eighth grade, he struggled to speak in front of others and found networking intimidating. Through participation in FIRST, however, he gradually developed the ability to communicate effectively, engage with judges, collaborate with teammates, and represent his team in professional settings. His experience demonstrates how STEM programs can foster personal growth alongside technical development. One of the key themes throughout the conversation is that FIRST is much more than a robotics competition. Christian explains that FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology and serves as one of the leading global organizations promoting STEM education. The program gives students hands-on experience with real-world technology while exposing them to careers they may never have considered. Participants are not simply building robots; they are solving problems, collaborating with others, and learning skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Christian emphasizes that robotics serves as a vehicle for much broader educational experiences. Students must tackle challenges related to engineering, programming, manufacturing, business management, fundraising, marketing, communications, and project planning. Teams often function like small companies, with students taking on leadership roles and managing complex projects. These experiences help participants develop a practical understanding of how organizations operate while preparing them for future careers in virtually any field. The scale of the FIRST community is truly remarkable. Christian notes that tens of thousands of students participate annually, creating one of the largest STEM networks in the world. At the championship alone, thousands of students gather to share ideas, learn from one another, and build relationships that may continue throughout their professional lives. The connections formed through FIRST often lead to internships, career opportunities, mentorships, and lifelong friendships. For Liam, one of the most valuable aspects of the program has been the opportunity to explore his interest in 3D animation and creative technology. Although robotics is often associated strictly with engineering, Liam explains that FIRST embraces STEAM education—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Through his work with 3D printing and design, he has gained skills that align closely with his future career aspirations. The program's emphasis on communication, creativity, and collaboration makes it relevant even for students whose goals

    9 min
  4. Jun 3

    Beth Kobliner on Financial Success for Young Adults: Smart Money Habits for Your 20s and 30s

    In this insightful episode of The Neil Haley Show, Neil Haley welcomes New York Times bestselling author and personal finance expert Beth Kobliner to discuss the newly revised edition of her iconic financial guide, Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s. Widely regarded as one of the most trusted voices in personal finance, Beth shares practical advice for young adults navigating today's increasingly complicated financial landscape. From saving and investing to avoiding debt and resisting financial temptations, she provides a roadmap for building long-term financial security even during uncertain economic times. The conversation begins with a discussion about one of the biggest challenges facing young adults today: saving money. Many people in their 20s and 30s are focused on immediate concerns such as rent, student loans, finding stable employment, and managing rising living expenses. Retirement often feels too far away to prioritize. Beth acknowledges these realities but explains that today's younger generations are facing a unique combination of economic pressures, including concerns about artificial intelligence replacing jobs, volatile financial markets, the influence of social media, online gambling platforms, and prediction markets that constantly compete for their attention. Despite these challenges, she believes there are simple and effective steps young people can take to begin building wealth. Beth emphasizes the importance of automation when it comes to saving. One of her core recommendations is to automatically save at least ten percent of every paycheck before the money can be spent. By directing funds into high-yield savings accounts, retirement plans, or investment accounts automatically, individuals can remove the emotional component of saving and create consistent habits that compound over time. She explains that even small contributions can make a significant difference over the long term thanks to the power of compound growth. The discussion then turns to retirement accounts and investing. Beth explains that many young people are intimidated by terms like 401(k)s and IRAs because they associate them exclusively with retirement. However, she argues that these accounts should be viewed as powerful wealth-building tools rather than distant retirement vehicles. Tax advantages, long-term growth, and employer matching programs make these accounts some of the most effective financial tools available. She encourages young adults to start investing as early as possible, even if they can only contribute small amounts initially. Another important topic covered during the interview is the accessibility of investing today. Beth points out that modern investment platforms have dramatically lowered barriers to entry. Young investors can begin with as little as a single dollar by purchasing shares of diversified exchange-traded funds (ETFs) through reputable firms. By focusing on diversified index funds rather than chasing speculative investments, individuals can steadily build wealth while minimizing unnecessary risk. Her message is clear: investing is no longer reserved for the wealthy, and everyone can participate regardless of income level. Beth also addresses the financial challenges that are unique to Generation Z. While previous generations were often criticized for being careless with money, she notes that many young people today are actually more financially aware than their predecessors. Having lived through economic uncertainty, inflation, and global disruptions, many members of Generation Z understand the importance of financial security. However, they also face new threats, including misinformation spread through social media and aggressive marketing from online gambling companies and speculative financial platforms. This makes financial education more important than ever before.

    9 min
  5. Jun 3

    Michael Tove Discusses Yard Sale-ing, Award-Winning Filmmaking, Storytelling, and Turning Dreams into Reality

    In this engaging episode of The Neil Haley Show and Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto, Neil Haley welcomes award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, and actor Michael Tove to discuss his acclaimed short film Yard Sale-ing, his fascinating journey into the film industry, and the lessons he has learned from decades of pursuing his passion for storytelling. Michael shares how a lifelong love of stories evolved into a successful filmmaking career that has now earned international recognition through one of the most decorated short films on the festival circuit today. Michael begins by reflecting on his roots in North Carolina and how his fascination with storytelling started at an early age. Long before filmmaking entered the picture, he was captivated by short stories and narrative twists, drawing inspiration from legendary storytellers such as O. Henry, Rod Serling, and the classic Alfred Hitchcock anthology series. What fascinated him most were stories that led audiences down one path before surprising them with an unexpected ending. Those influences would eventually become central to his own creative style and are clearly reflected in his filmmaking approach today. His entry into the film industry happened in an unexpected way. While searching for opportunities to learn about filmmaking, Michael answered a casting call for the original film adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale. What began as a simple background acting opportunity turned into a transformative experience. Standing on a professional film set for the first time exposed him to the collaborative nature of filmmaking and ignited a passion that would shape the next several decades of his life. He quickly realized that creating films involved far more than acting and became determined to learn every aspect of the craft. Over the years, Michael immersed himself in screenwriting education. He spent more than fifteen years studying the art and business of screenwriting through workshops, mentorships, coaching programs, master classes, and professional training. He learned from some of the industry's most respected instructors and writers, constantly refining his storytelling abilities. During this period, he also developed relationships with industry veterans, including former Universal Pictures President Tom Mount and veteran director Tom Logan. These connections provided invaluable guidance and helped shape Michael’s understanding of professional filmmaking. The conversation then shifts to Yard Sale-ing, the award-winning short film that has brought Michael widespread recognition. The project originated from an idea he first conceived more than three decades ago. Like many of his favorite stories, the concept began with a simple “what if” question. Over the years, the idea evolved while maintaining its original core premise. Eventually, after extensive script development and collaboration with director Tom Logan, the project moved into production and became the short film audiences are now discovering around the world. Without revealing spoilers, Michael explains that Yard Sale-ing centers on Jim and Sally Marsh, a married couple whose personalities could not be more different. Sally is optimistic, enthusiastic, and convinced that hidden treasures are waiting to be discovered at local yard sales. Jim, on the other hand, is practical, skeptical, and would rather be almost anywhere else. Their conflicting perspectives create the foundation for a story that combines humor, character-driven conflict, and the type of unexpected twists Michael has loved since childhood. As Sally embarks on a quest to uncover hidden treasure, the couple finds themselves pulled into a situation that develops in ways neither of them anticipated.

    28 min
  6. Jun 3

    Hobart Talks I Am Ryan, Ryan Reynolds Comparisons, Music Career, Independent Filmmaking, and Following Unexpected Opportunities

    In this entertaining episode of The Neil Haley Show and Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto, Neil Haley sits down with musician, actor, writer, and filmmaker Hobart to discuss his upcoming comedy feature film I Am Ryan. The conversation explores Hobart’s fascinating journey through the entertainment industry, from performing in bands and touring internationally to acting in national commercials and eventually creating his own feature film inspired by years of being compared to Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds. Growing up in central Illinois surrounded by farmland and small-town life, Hobart always dreamed of building a career in music. In 2012, he made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles and pursue those ambitions full-time. Like many artists who relocate to Hollywood, he quickly discovered that success often requires adaptability, persistence, and a willingness to explore opportunities beyond the original plan. While music remained his primary focus, Hobart soon found himself auditioning for commercials during downtime between musical projects. What started as an experiment quickly became a successful second career. Over the years, he landed campaigns with major brands including Walmart, Microsoft, ZipRecruiter, and numerous others. These experiences helped him become comfortable in front of the camera while providing valuable insight into the entertainment industry. Throughout the interview, Hobart reflects on his extensive music career. He shares stories about performing on the iconic Vans Warped Tour, touring across the United States and internationally, and playing more than a thousand live performances throughout his career. His music has also been featured in major media projects including Deadpool: The Video Game, Rock Band, MTV productions, ESPN broadcasts, and additional television and gaming properties. These accomplishments established Hobart as a versatile creative talent long before he stepped into filmmaking. The centerpiece of the discussion is Hobart’s new comedy feature, I Am Ryan. The film is inspired by a unique reality that Hobart has experienced for years: people constantly telling him that he looks like Ryan Reynolds. Friends, strangers, casting directors, and entertainment professionals have repeatedly pointed out the resemblance. Instead of ignoring the comparisons, Hobart decided to turn them into a comedic concept. The story follows Brian Reynolds, an ordinary man who happens to look remarkably similar to Ryan Reynolds. After being discovered by a questionable manager looking to capitalize on the resemblance, Brian suddenly finds himself navigating bizarre situations, questionable promotional appearances, and opportunities that blur the line between reality and mistaken identity. The result is a comedy that combines satire, celebrity culture, and absurd humor while exploring the unexpected consequences of looking like one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Hobart explains that the original idea for I Am Ryan first came to him in 2017. Although he loved the concept immediately, bringing it to life required years of planning, development, networking, and persistence. Eventually, he connected with producer Carl Jackson, who immediately recognized the potential of the project. Together they assembled the team necessary to move the film into production, ultimately filming the movie in 2025. Neil and Hobart spend considerable time discussing the realities of independent filmmaking. Unlike major studio productions with massive budgets and resources, independent films require creators to wear multiple hats. Hobart not only stars in the film but also wrote, produced, and helped oversee many aspects of the project. He shares how challenging—but rewarding—it was to transform a simple idea into a completed feature film.

    15 min
  7. Jun 1

    From Fashion Executive to “The Donkey King”: Ron King’s Remarkable Journey of Rescue, Purpose, and Joy

    In this heartwarming episode of The Neil Haley Show and Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto, Neil Haley welcomed entrepreneur, animal advocate, and television personality Ron King, better known today as “The Donkey King.” What began as a conversation about a unique television series quickly became an inspiring story about reinvention, purpose, compassion, and discovering what truly brings joy in life. Ron King’s life today looks nothing like the life he once lived. Before becoming one of the nation’s most recognized donkey rescuers, Ron was a highly successful publishing executive who served as the publisher of InStyle magazine. His career placed him at the center of the fashion industry, attending exclusive events, sitting front row at major fashion shows, and working alongside some of the biggest names in media and entertainment. It was a world of glamour, luxury, and prestige that many people dream about. Yet despite his professional accomplishments, life would eventually lead him in an entirely unexpected direction. As Ron explained during the interview, everything changed during a difficult period in his life. After leaving Time Inc., he expected his experience and accomplishments would naturally open doors to another executive position. Instead, he discovered firsthand the challenges that many professionals face later in their careers. At fifty years old, he found that opportunities were no longer appearing as easily as they once had. Combined with the uncertainty and isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ron found himself struggling emotionally and searching for a new sense of purpose. That purpose arrived in the most unlikely way possible—a TikTok video. While scrolling online, Ron stumbled across a video showing donkeys being sold through livestock auctions and ultimately sent to slaughter. The discovery shocked him. He had never considered the plight of donkeys before and began researching the issue. What he learned changed his life forever. Rather than simply feeling sympathy, he decided to take action. Despite having absolutely no background in animal rescue, farming, veterinary care, or donkey ownership, he committed himself to creating a sanctuary dedicated to saving these animals. Looking back, Ron laughs at the fact that he launched a rescue operation before he had ever even met a donkey. After creating a business plan, securing funding, and establishing the foundation for the organization, he suddenly realized he should probably spend some time around the animals he intended to save. His first three rescued donkeys—Goose, Pickles, and Shadow—arrived in December 2020. Those three animals remain part of the sanctuary today and helped ignite a passion that continues to drive Ron’s mission. What followed was one of the most dramatic personal transformations imaginable. Over the past five years, Ron has rescued approximately 450 donkeys, creating a thriving nonprofit organization known as Oscar’s Place. What began as a personal mission evolved into a nationally recognized sanctuary dedicated to providing care, rehabilitation, and adoption opportunities for donkeys rescued from neglect, abandonment, and slaughter pipelines. Today, the sanctuary is home to approximately 220 donkeys spread across two separate properties, each receiving individualized care and attention. The success of Oscar’s Place eventually attracted media attention. A feature segment on CBS introduced Ron’s story to a wider audience and generated an astonishing response. During the brief television appearance, the sanctuary received approximately $200,000 in donations. The experience opened Ron’s eyes to the power of storytelling and television as tools for raising awareness and support for animal rescue efforts. That exposure planted the seed for what would eventually become The Donkey King television series.

    8 min
  8. Jun 1

    Christopher Windom: From Broadway to The Wizard of Oz — A Career Built on Passion, Discipline, and Presence

    In this special simulcast episode of The Neil Haley Show and Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto, Neil Haley welcomed acclaimed actor, choreographer, director, and Broadway veteran Christopher Windom for an in-depth conversation about his extraordinary career in theater, dance, film, and education. From performing on Broadway to choreographing major productions and feature films, Windom shared the journey that transformed a young boy with endless energy into one of the most respected creative professionals in the performing arts industry today. Christopher explained that his artistic journey began in St. Louis, Missouri, where his parents encouraged him to channel his energy into productive activities. Dance ultimately became the outlet that captured his imagination and provided him with focus, discipline, and purpose. At a time when male dancers often faced stereotypes and criticism, Windom pushed through the challenges because he recognized the value that dance brought to his life. Beyond movement itself, dance taught him responsibility, confidence, and perseverance while providing a sense of belonging that would remain with him throughout his career. After years of training and studying musical theater in college, Windom made the leap to New York City. Like many aspiring performers, he arrived with dreams of making it on Broadway. Unlike many, however, success came surprisingly quickly. Within weeks of arriving in New York, auditions began turning into callbacks and callbacks became professional opportunities. Windom credits much of that success to maintaining structure and discipline in his life. Rather than waiting for opportunities to appear, he created his own daily curriculum of dance classes, acting lessons, and voice training, ensuring he was always prepared when opportunities arrived. One of his earliest major professional accomplishments came with the national tour of Damn Yankees. The experience held special significance because he had seen the production as a student and boldly declared that he would someday perform in it. That dream became reality when he earned a place in the touring company. The opportunity validated years of hard work and reinforced the importance of persistence, preparation, and believing in one's goals even before they seem achievable. Windom's Broadway career continued to grow through productions such as Fosse, where he worked alongside legendary theater figures including Ann Reinking, Chita Rivera, Gwen Verdon, and Bebe Neuwirth. Sharing the stage and rehearsal room with such iconic performers provided invaluable mentorship and insight. The experience taught him not only about performance excellence but also about professionalism, storytelling, and the collaborative nature of theater. Working with artists of that caliber helped shape his understanding of what it means to create meaningful work that resonates with audiences. As his career evolved, Windom found himself increasingly drawn toward choreography. While many performers focus exclusively on their own role, he discovered a passion for shaping entire productions through movement and storytelling. Rather than viewing choreography as a position of authority, he viewed it as a responsibility to support other artists and help tell a larger story. His ability to communicate, collaborate, and inspire performers naturally led him into leadership roles within productions. Over time, choreography became as important to his identity as performing itself.

    24 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Celebrity Interviews is the number 2 Celebrity Podcast in The World and has over 5 million listeners a week. The Neil Haley Show is syndicated on 150+ stations. Here are some of the stations and markets the show is being played on: Prestonsburg, KY - 1310 AM Tampa Bay Area: 92.1 FM Las Vegas, NV: 1520 AM / 99.5 FM Macon, GA: 87.9 FM Lancaster, PA: AM 1640 / FM 102.1 Boulder, CO: 96.3 FM Milwaukee, WI: 90.3 FM Pittsburgh, PA: 94.7 FM Long Beach, CA: 87.5 FM The Villages, FL: 97.7 FM Colorado Springs, CO: 95.4 FM Jacksonville, FL: 90.3 FM Washington D.C.: 96.7 FM Rock Hill, SC: 89.5 FM