Media Path Podcast

Big Heads Media
  • 5.0 (91)
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Have you ever become obsessed with a topic and taken a deep dive into consuming all you could uncover about it? Media Path podcast is here to indulge your obsessions. hosted by Fritz Coleman and Louise Palanker, the show takes you along on a scenic tour through books, movies, TV, podcasts and music related to a given topic of captivation. We are exploring entertainment, politics, history, true crime, world events and all of their intriguing intersections. Fritz Coleman is a legendary Los Angeles weatherman/humorist. Louise Palanker is a filmmaker/columnist and co-founder of Premiere Radio. Hop aboard. Discover more layers, intrigue and substance. Go beyond binging with Media Path.

  1. Writing TV's Iconic Women & A Front Seat In The Inner Circle with Stan Zimmerman

    2D AGO

    Writing TV's Iconic Women & A Front Seat In The Inner Circle with Stan Zimmerman

    Co-Host Lisa Arch joins us with our guest, Stan Zimmerman.From a supportive teacher who first recognized his talent to writing some of television’s most beloved episodes, Stan Zimmerman’s journey is a testament to passion, persistence, and perfect timing. He sets it all out in his new book 'The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore,’ which draws from journals he has kept religiously since college, offering a deeply personal look at a life lived inside television history.  In a conversation both heartfelt and hilarious, Stan reflects on how he took school theater as seriously as if it were big time show biz, because to him, it was. Theater kids were his tribe, and storytelling was already his calling. That destiny led him to Hollywood, where in his early 20s, at meeting that had not gone well, on his way out the door, he pitched a Hail Mary Golden Girls story idea that launched his career. The episode he co-wrote with his writing partner, Jim Berg is titled “Blanche and the Younger Man.” It earned the team a Writers Guild nomination and carved the trailhead for a groundbreaking career path.   Working in the 1980s during the height of the AIDS crisis, Stan recalls how even in Hollywood many people were still in the closet, and that while building career relationships, on a show that would become a gay obsession, he felt pressure to hide his personal life.  We also hear stories that could only happen in show business: hanging out with Sandra Bernhard when an answering machine message from Madonna sparked the beginning of their friendship; witnessing Estelle Getty struggle with early-onset dementia on set, and later realizing that Betty White’s jokes to the studio audience, which he thought were at Estelle’s expense, may have been acts of quiet kindness, allowing Estelle space to recover her lines. Stan reflects on the enduring legacy of The Golden Girls, a show whose cultural impact he couldn’t have imagined while he was in the writers’ room. He talks about passing on season one of Roseanne because of a five-year contract commitment, only to later campaign to join the writing staff. (The story behind the “13” on his shirt traces back to that turbulent chapter of his career.)  He explains how Roseanne was never about chasing laughs, a lesson that became clear when he later helped develop a Russian adaptation where producers kept asking why it wasn’t funnier. Stan also discusses his longtime friendship with Dan and Amy Sherman-Palladino and how creative circles overlap in surprising ways that found him on the team creating episodes of The Gilmore Girls. And he shares a moving story about working on a Dreamgirls benefit show which almost derailed over stewing conflicts until Stan suggested that Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine and Jennifer Holiday just talk, on stage, about their shared history… Suddenly, they were singing. Stan’s stories will inspire you to problem solve, dream and achieve.  In recommendations -- Lisa: The Later Daters on Netlflix Weezy: Take That miniseries on Netflix Path Points of Interest Stan Zimmerman The Girls: From Golden To Gilmore by Stan ZimmermanStan Zimmerman on IMDBStan Zimmerman on Wikipedia Stan Zimmerman on Facebook Stan Zimmerman on Instagram Golden Girls: The Ultimate Fan Experience Media Path Interview with Michael Fishman Later Daters Take That  Documentary Series

    1h 10m
  2. Cultural Touchstones & Cult Classics with Adrienne Barbeau

    FEB 5

    Cultural Touchstones & Cult Classics with Adrienne Barbeau

    From her first job right out of high school on a USO tour through Asia during the Vietnam War to Maude to screen queen classics, Adrienne Barbeau has costarred with snakes, rats, bugs, Swamp Things, a man-eating ape and Batman! Adrienne joins us to talk about iconic roles, larger than life co-stars (like Rodney and Reynolds) and how at 80, she's doing everything BUT riding into the sunset. At 19, she moved to New York City with a clear promise to herself: She would give theater her absolute all and settle for her backup plan, if need be, only at age 25. By then she was starring on Broadway as Hodel in Fiddler On The Roof with costar Bette Midler as Tzeitel. Adrienne shares firsthand stories from the birth of Grease (MUCH edgier at its inception), where she originated the role of Rizzo. She recalls the electric audience response during previews, and how, fueled by that enthusiasm, producers pushed forward despite harsh critical reviews.  From there, Adrienne was discovered by Norman Lear and offered the part of Maude’s daughter Carol in the first All In The Family Spinoff.  She found Bea Arthur to be an artist who exemplified collaborative grace,  always putting the show ahead of any individual performance. Adrienne opens up about her curious relationship with Burt Reynolds… in fact, a psychic saw her dating a man who was laying on a bearskin, even before she had met him or he had done that! She then shares stories from the chaotic set of  Cannonball Run, where she was trying to take the work seriously while many cast-mates were mostly taking alcohol.  We talk about her collaborations with John Carpenter and George A. Romero. We delve into Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death (which turns out to have surprising literary roots in Heart of Darkness). We play a sizzling round of IMDB Roulette and hear about Adrienne's latest project, the short film Oddities. The episode closes on a meaningful note as we say goodbye to Fritz in his final episode as co-host, and welcome Lisa Arch, who will be joining Weezy for our next episode. In current media-- Weezy: Song Sung Blue, in theaters and streaming Fritz: Marty Supreme, in theaters and streaming Path Points of Interest: Adrienne Barbeau There Are Worse Things I Could Do by Adrienne Barbeau Adrienne Barbeau on Wikipedia Adrienne Barbeau on IMDB Adrienne Barbeau on Instagram Adrienne Barbeau on Facebook Oddities Adrienne Barbeau Amazon Author Page Song Sung Blue Marty Supreme

    1h 16m
  3. An Iconic Sitcom Star's Formative Years & A Life Of Loving Kindness with Michael Fishman

    JAN 15

    An Iconic Sitcom Star's Formative Years & A Life Of Loving Kindness with Michael Fishman

    Even before he was “DJ Conner,” Michael Fishman was a working-class kid raised by, as he puts it, 'a farm girl from Virginia and an immigrant father'. That blue-collar pride still defines and inspires him today in the important work he's doing within the mental health space. In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Michael takes us back to the moment his life changed forever: the Roseanne audition. While dozens of kids were asked to tell a joke, he was the only one who actually did, and that single moment opened the door to one of television’s most iconic families. Michael reflects on his relationship with Roseanne Barr as one rooted in mutual support, advocacy, and honesty.  He opens up about the infamous National Anthem moment and the dark turning point that followed, when he (along with the entire cast) began receiving death threats, which unfortunately continue to this day.  With tactical training and a sober understanding of celebrity risk, Michael explains why public life can feel like living under a magnifying glass and how quickly admiration can escalate into rage and danger. Michael describes himself as a “young witness” on a highly volatile set, inconspicuous because of his age, yet uniquely positioned to observe the power of a woman who was unafraid to say the hard thing, be a lightning rod, and push conversations forward long before it was fashionable to do so (stay ’til the end for a round of Roseanne 'Guest Star Roulette' where Michael fondly recalls a memorable appearances, by before-they-were-famous stars!) Today, Michael calls himself a “kindness assassin.” His brand is authenticity, no filters, no fake persona, no algorithm-chasing, and he has intentionally built online spaces where people can breathe, be vulnerable, share and heal in community away from the constant churn of politics and vitriol. He speaks candidly about navigating relationships with people whose views differ from his own, including Roseanne, and why he believes compassion does not require agreement.  His message is simple but urgent: find commonality, keep loving the person, and remember that meaningful change often comes from those willing to absorb the lightning. From his child actor start to his director turn on the Roseanne reboot, to his life philosophies on trauma, mental health, and resilience, Michael leaves us with one powerful truth: You are not your scars. You get to define you. In current media --  Fritz: Danny Collins, recently added to Netflix library Weezy: Netflix original film, Jay Kelly Path Points of Interest: Michael Fishman Wikipedia Michael Fishman IMDB Michael Fishman Tiktok Michael Fishman on Instagram Michael Fishman on Facebook The Safe Space Collective Mclusive Media Production Company Danny Collins  Jay Kelly

    1h 22m
  4. When Sitcoms Went Color & How To Stay True To Yourself In Hollywood with Tina Cole

    JAN 8

    When Sitcoms Went Color & How To Stay True To Yourself In Hollywood with Tina Cole

    We welcome actress/singer Tina Cole for a candid and captivating conversation that traces a remarkable life in show business, filled with achievements, close calls, and shocking Hollywood stories. Tina shares her deep entertainment roots that run through The King Family and Big Band history. Her mom is King Sister Yvonne and her dad is keyboard icon Buddy Cole. She and her cousins absorbed their craft playing under the piano as their parents rehearsed. She performed with The King Family on all of their TV shows and specials and she is one of the Four King Cousins.  At just fourteen years old, Tina was asked to screen test opposite Gary Cooper. By age 19, she was co-starring in Hawaiian Eye with Troy Donahue and Robert Conrad! Tina speaks frankly about the perils of navigating Hollywood as a young woman. She was hit on by studio heads, co-stars, The Beatles, Troy Donahue and her Bill Cosby near-miss is truly unsettling. Her safety secret? She doesn’t drink.   Does the previous paragraph really mention The Beatles!? Yes, Tina was hand picked by them to attend an exclusive Bel-Air “party.” Population: Hundreds of pretty girls and The Beatles. Tina laughed off advances from John, Ringo and George as a security guard who knew her family stuck by her side. Parades of women went in and out of rooms, often emerging in tears when their encounter did not appear to be leading to love and marriage. Paul had eyes only for his one date. Perhaps it was Linda. Did you know that Tina had previously guest starred on My Three Sons three times before landing the role of Katie Miller Douglas. The producers auditioned almost every young actress in Hollywood without finding that perfect girl. Desperate, they started looking through previous seasons, found Tina, called her in and as soon as Free MacMurray and his wife signed off on her, she had the role.  And we learn that when it comes to winning the heart of Tina Cole, Don Grady has more game than The Beatles. Yes, Robbie and Katie were a real-life couple! Although, for various reasons, star-crossed, their forever together remains in their hearts. Of course we bring you an IMDB Roulette that turns into a thrill ride through classic Hollywood, plus My Three Sons trivia, Tina's spooky ghost story from a house in Sherman Oaks, which has a warm ending, and, as a perfect full-circle moment, she closes by describing the distinct, individual personalities of the legendary King Sisters. In current media -- Weezy: HBO series, Heated Rivalry Fritz: Netflix documentary film, Cover-Up Path Points of Interest: My Three Lives by Tina Cole Tina Cole on Wikipedia Tina Cole on IMDB Tina Cole on Facebook Heated Rivalry Cover-Up - Netflix

    1h 18m
  5. Hollywood's Most Elegant Era & A Legacy Of Wildlife Conservation with Stefanie Powers

    12/27/2025

    Hollywood's Most Elegant Era & A Legacy Of Wildlife Conservation with Stefanie Powers

    We’re joined by Stefanie Powers for a layered conversation that spans Hollywood’s golden-era traditions, cultural change, and a life shaped by both stardom and purpose. For those in the Los Angeles area, Stefanie, with co-star Patrick Wayne, will be performing 'Love Letters' at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood as a benefit for the William Holden Wildlife Foundation on January 11, 2026! Stefanie reflects on growing up alongside future screen legends at Hollywood High School, and how her lifelong love of animals began at home, thanks to a stepfather who raised thoroughbreds and kept exotic animals.  Her first professional job came at age 15 when she was cast in the film West Side Story, where the young cast prepared by listening to recordings of real New York street kids to capture authentic rhythms and speech patterns. However, Stefanie’s tender age required too many work time restrictions as the production’s intensity ramped up and her part was re-cast.  She describes old school studio system rigors, where actors “sold their lives” for a seven-year contract. Restrictive, yes, but also an entertainment education that taught singing, dancing, acting, and stage presence, alongside publicity essentials. Still under contract with Columbia, she was loaned out to United Artists to make McLintock! and Stefanie shares memories of working with John, Michael and Patrick Wayne. The legendary show biz tales are boundless. Did you know that Natalie Wood, Jill St. John and Stephanie were all in the same childhood dance class? All would, one way or another, be married to Robert Wagner. And, true story: During a painful divorce, Stefanie was offered solace at Roddy McDowell’s house by fellow travelers, Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner. She also recounts the party at Dean Martin’s home where she danced the night away with Bobby Kennedy Sr. as he encouraged her to use her Spanish language skills to become more civically involved with Latino communities here at home. She also speaks candidly about her complex romantic relationship with William Holden, whose influence on her life is ongoing. In his name, she has created The William Holden Wildlife Foundation in Kenya where local youth learn biodiversity, species conservation and alternatives to habitat destruction for humans and wildlife. And of course, we talk Hart To Hart where Stefanie starred with Robert Wagner. She was actually on her way to Broadway when a newspaper strike halted her production of Cyrano, and freed her to take a pilot that would change her life! In current media -- Fritz: (joined by his daughter Carly!) Nuremberg, in theaters and streaming Weezy: The documentary Twas The Fight Before Christmas on Apple TV+ and Prime Path Points of Interest: Love Letters at the El Portal William Holden Wildlife Foundation Stefanie Powers Stefanie Powers on Wikipedia Stefanie Powers on IMDB Stefanie Powers on Facebook Stefanie Powers on Instagram Nuremberg Twas The Fight Before Christmas

    1h 18m
  6. Preserving A Music History Legacy & Voicing Classic Pop Culture Characters with Cam Clarke

    12/18/2025

    Preserving A Music History Legacy & Voicing Classic Pop Culture Characters with Cam Clarke

    We welcome Cam Clarke for a fascinating deep dive into one of the most successful musical dynasties in American entertainment: The King Family. Cam takes us behind the scenes with the legendary singing group, and then Cam, a talented voice actor goes is and out of famous roles as we 'interview' some of his most beloved V.O. characters! Cam is the son of Alyce King, one of the original King Sisters, whose harmonies launched in the early 1930s and eventually grew into a multi-generational act that included children, grandchildren, cousins, and extended family, all uniting in song and populating iconic ABC series and specials throughout the 1960s.  Cam walks us through the group’s vaudeville roots, and their early days singing on the radio, all beginning on a Christmas morning where Cam’s Mom, Aunts and Uncles each received a musical instrument and instructions from their music teacher Dad. His goal was to build a family band. He created a dynasty. We explore how The King Family evolved and rebranded across decades: From a Big Band vocal group in the 40’s to jazz harmonies and the 50’s blonde Hollywood glam look, to the TV friendly family ensemble of the 60s and 70s. Cam shares inside stories about how costumes were passed down from one child to the next and how King Sisters, King Kiddies, and King Cousins all fit into the ever-growing and evolving act. We also discuss Now They’re All Here, Cam’s large and glorious coffee table book on the King Family, inspired by George Plimpton’s oral biography of Truman Capote, and written in the first person voices of King Family members over the past 100 years.  And Cam speaks candidly about his own sexual orientation, sharing how he came out to his entire family at a typical family meal, as the conversation and the timing felt right. His truth was completely accepted. Plus, Jamie Alcroft, who will hold a position of honor on the non profit One Legacy Tournament of Roses Parade float on New Year’s Day, joins us to talk about his important work with the LAFF4LIFE program and his experience as an organ transplant recipient! In current media -- Weezy: Simon Cowell: The Next Act on Netflix Fritz: The movie F1, streaming on Apple TV+ Path Points of Interest: Cam Clarke Now They're All Here: The King Family by Cam Clarke Cam Clarke on WikipediaCam Clarke on IMDB Cam Clarke on Instagram The King Family on Wikipedia Donate Life One Legacy Simon Cowell: The Next Act F1 on Apple TV

    1h 8m
  7. TV's First Responders & Adapting To Showbiz Shifts with Kevin Tighe and Susie Singer Carter

    12/11/2025

    TV's First Responders & Adapting To Showbiz Shifts with Kevin Tighe and Susie Singer Carter

    We are honored to welcome Kevin Tighe, the actor who brought Roy DeSoto to life on the groundbreaking series Emergency! and whose career has spanned stage, screen, and service. Kevin takes us back to his beginnings at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he first stepped into the world of acting at just 10 years old. From there, he trained with legendary teachers Stella Adler and Bobby Lewis, absorbing the craft that would later shape his most memorable roles. He reflects on his early film work, including Yours, Mine and Ours, and shares a warm, behind-the-scenes moment with Lucille Ball.  Kevin then recounts the unexpected and nerve-wracking audition process that led to Emergency! and how a chance encounter with actor David Janssen calmed his nerves and helped him nail the screen test that changed his life. Kevin discusses the legacy of Emergency! notable for the realism brought by on-set medical advisors. The show inspired a surge of interest in first responder careers, and it raised awareness of lifesaving pre-hospitalization, EMS opportunities that inspired paramedic programs throughout the country. Kevin talks candidly about the challenges he faced following Emergency!, including his struggle with fame and his move to Washington State. There, he dedicated himself to community work and played a key role in establishing Hospice of the Northwest. After decades of appearances on big and small screens with memorable roles in Roadhouse, Newsies, Law And Order SUV, Freaks and Geeks, and the list goes on, you can now see Kevin in the new Paul Thomas Anderson movie, One Battle After Another, and he shares a touching moment between himself and P.T. Anderson which allowed Kevin to create a menacing screen moment that will live in infamy.  Kevin also looks back on earning his master’s degree at USC and the students he taught who went on to thrive in their field. And IMDB Roulette this week is full of close calls, career achievements and reflections on the early promise of today's biggest stars. All that PLUS, Emergency! Guest Star Roulette! Also, filmmaker Susie Singer Carter is with us to discuss her movie, No Country For Old People, streaming on Amazon Prime. In current media--  Fritz: The book Injustice by Carol Leonnig and Aaron Davis Weezy: The documentary Paul Anka: His Way on HBO Max Path Points of Interest: Kevin Tighe on Wikipedia One Battle After Another Kevin Tighe on IMDB Hospice of the North West No Country for Old People Injustice  by Carol Leonnig and Aaron Davis Paul Anka: His Way

    1h 2m
  8. Bewitched By Classic TV & Finding Joy After Child Stardom with Erin Murphy

    12/04/2025

    Bewitched By Classic TV & Finding Joy After Child Stardom with Erin Murphy

    We welcome actress Erin Murphy, who spent her first eight years of life charming TV watchers as young Tabitha Stephens on Bewitched. Erin takes us behind the scenes at one of television’s most beloved classics, sharing vivid memories from a childhood spent witnessing the creation of Hollywood magic. Erin and her fraternal twin sister Diane were originally cast together to share the role of Tabitha, following child labor laws which severely limit the number of hours a toddler can spend working. But, as Erin reveals with a laugh, in the 1960s, rules were “suggestions.” Erin was the twin who took to the craft of acting and she was often brought right back to the set while producers pretended to swap her out. Soon, Erin became the show’s singular Tabitha. Erin recalls the delight of working with fantastical props, whimsical effects, and a cast she adored. A natural performer, she memorized not only her own lines but everyone else’s, and she truly cherishes her time on the set. Erin and Diane were treated with kindness and respect and were even given Donna Reed’s former dressing room where the amenities of home gave them space for play and nap time. Erin’s success on Bewitched soon led to appearances on other iconic shows, including Lassie. Erin is coming with “two Darrins” insights. She worked with Dick York and Dick Sargent for three years each and she  shares a touching story about reconnecting with the original Darrin, Dick York, years later through the Kevin and Bean morning radio show. She weighs in on whether Bewitched can be read as a metaphor for being different or even being closeted and she opines on why the show still resonates today as a fun, campy, nostalgic, yet surprisingly modern-feeling classic. Erin also recalls the many rising stars who made early Bewitched appearances and she shares thoughts on why she never truly  connected with Paul Lynde.  She reflects on a groundbreaking episode, written by high-school students, that confronted racism. The story involves Tabitha and her best friend Lisa who is black. When told by an adult that they  could never be sisters, Tabitha uses witchcraft to turn them both polka dotted. Erin identifies this as Elizabeth Montgomery’s favorite episode. After her early TV career, Erin enjoyed a normal childhood in Orange County before returning to the entertainment world as a host and reality-show participant in projects like Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Wrestling and RuPaul’s Drag U.  She went on to raise six children, including a son with autism, and has devoted herself to community service and volunteerism. Erin even launched her own alpaca farm, and turned it into a thriving business selling knit goods! This TV icon is as endearing as she is inspiring and Erin’s Hollywood and beyond journey is a testament to her grace, charm and character. In current media -- Weezy: One Shot With Ed Sheeran on Netflix Fritz: The American Revolution from Ken Burns Path Points of Interest: Erin Murphy on Facebook Erin Murphy on Instagram Erin Murphy on Wikipedia Erin Murphy on IMDB One Shot With Ed Sheeran on Netflix The American Revolution - PBS

    1h 2m
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5
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About

Have you ever become obsessed with a topic and taken a deep dive into consuming all you could uncover about it? Media Path podcast is here to indulge your obsessions. hosted by Fritz Coleman and Louise Palanker, the show takes you along on a scenic tour through books, movies, TV, podcasts and music related to a given topic of captivation. We are exploring entertainment, politics, history, true crime, world events and all of their intriguing intersections. Fritz Coleman is a legendary Los Angeles weatherman/humorist. Louise Palanker is a filmmaker/columnist and co-founder of Premiere Radio. Hop aboard. Discover more layers, intrigue and substance. Go beyond binging with Media Path.

Information

  • Creator
    Big Heads Media
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    253
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Big Heads Media
  • Show Website
    Media Path Podcast

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