Now I've Heard Everything

Bill Thompson
  • 5.0 (25)
  • Arts
  • Updated Weekly

Now I’ve Heard Everything brings you conversations about the turning points that shape extraordinary lives. Hosted by veteran interviewer Bill Thompson, the show features memoirists, biographers, artists, survivors, and cultural figures sharing the moments when everything changed, for themselves or for the people they’ve studied. With more than 30 years of intimate interviews behind him, Bill guides guests into the stories behind their stories: the choices, shocks, breakthroughs, and revelations that define a life.

  1. 18h ago

    The Storyteller CEO

    What does a biotech CEO who has brought eight orphan drugs to market have in common with a bestselling novelist? In this case, they are the same person. Today's guest is Fredric Price, who writes award-winning fiction as David Hirshberg. His newest novel "Crossing the Bronx" completes a trilogy that began with "My Mother's Son" and continued with "Jacobo's Rainbow." Price is living proof that remarkable lives show up everywhere. He’s been a CEO for decades, founded a biotech firm after he thought he had retired, is a book publisher, and only started writing fiction past middle age. In this conversation we talk about why storytelling is the real skill behind both raising millions for a drug and writing a novel, the unforgettable 30-second video he showed the FDA that changed everything, why he uses 1952 and 1955 to talk about 2026, and why he has no desire to write a pharma thriller. This is an episode about second acts, about never actually retiring, and about the idea that the technical details are just the skeleton — story is the muscle, flesh, and eyes.Get your copy of Crossing the Bronx by Fredric PriceAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:51 Fredric Price's Diverse Career and Passions 05:00 The Skeleton and Flesh of a Good Story 07:41 Using History to Reflect the Present 11:11 Themes of Family and Rivalry in His Novels 13:24 Writing Without Being Handcuffed by History 14:45 Comparison of Satisfaction: Novels vs FDA Approval 16:13 Recognition and Success in Writing and Pharma 17:35 Future Projects and Reinventions 18:47 Closing Remarks and AppreciationGuest InformationFredric PriceWebsite1999 interview with Barry Gibbons For more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  2. Aug 15

    How Four Musicians Outwitted the KGB With a Secret Musical Code

    In this episode of Now I've Heard Everything, host Bill Thompson interviews Merryl Goldberg (saxophonist, educator, and activist) and Vince Houghton (NSA Intelligence Historian and author) about their remarkable book, Notes of Deception. In 1985, four young American klezmer musicians from Boston traveled into the Soviet Union on tourist visas. Their covert goal: meet with refusniks—dissidents, activists, and marginalized religious minorities denied emigration—and bring their stories, addresses, and urgent petitions back to the Western world. To bypass strict KGB surveillance and prevent retaliation against the dissidents, Goldberg created a brilliant steganographic music cipher. By encoding Cyrillic and English letters directly into sheet music that visually resembled 12-tone modern classical compositions (such as Bartók or Schoenberg), the team successfully smuggled volumes of vital human rights intelligence past Soviet border control right under the noses of the KGB. Get your copy of Notes of Deception by Merryl Goldberg & Vince HoughtonAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the covert musical operation 02:06 What is a refusnik and why they sought to leave the USSR 03:54 The idea of using music as a secret code 06:13 Creating and disguising the cipher in musical notation 07:57 The security and risks of embedding messages in music 10:00 The story of the Phantom Orchestra and their mission 11:55 The role of the KGB and how the cipher was hidden 14:00 The emotional impact and bravery of the musicians 16:00 Post-mission reflections and the fate of refusniks 18:05 The debate over publicity and safety for refusniks 20:07 The influence of family history and activism 21:47 The story of Pavel and the legacy of the mission 24:07 The mysterious Kevin, the KGB officer 26:10 The enduring importance of trust and human connection 28:01 Conclusion and the legacy of covert art in espionageGuest InformationMerryl Goldberg & Vince HoughtonWebsiteSocial:InstagramDr. Vince HoughtonNational cryptologic Museum Social:X 1995 interview with Luba BrezhnevaFor more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  3. Aug 8

    The Myth of "Normal": A Neurodivergent Mom Championing Neurodivergent Kids

    In this episode of *Now I've Heard Everything*, host Bill Thompson sits down with author, law professor, and creative writing instructor **Katie Rose Pryal** to discuss her book, *Your Kid Belongs Here: An Insider's Guide to Parenting Neurodiverse Children* (Johns Hopkins University Press). Drawing from her personal journey of growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and autism, as well as her experiences raising two neurodivergent children, Pryal examines the systematic exclusion of neurodivergent youth from public life—and how we can rebuild environments where every child thrives. Together, they explore the nuance between identity-first and person-first language, why neurodivergence shouldn't be reduced to a "superpower" or a deficit, and practical guidelines for parenting publicly without compromising a child's dignity or privacy.Get your copy of Your Kid Belongs Here by Katie Rose PryalAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:35 Who Is the Book For? 00:55 Personal Experience with Neurodivergence 03:11 Origins of the Book: Essays and Society 04:35 Systematic Exclusion of Neurodivergent Kids 06:12 The Evolution of Neurodiversity in Public Discourse 08:10 Language: Autist vs. Person with Autism 09:42 The Strengths and Struggles of Neurodivergence 11:43 Neurodivergence and Creativity 13:09 Diagnosis Challenges for Adults 15:03 Supporting Strengths and Acknowledging Struggles 16:43 Identity-First vs. Person-First Language 20:00 Parenting Rules and Social Media 22:45 Supporting Neurodivergent Children in Society 24:39 Reflections on Parenting and SocietyGuest InformationKatie Rose PryalWebsiteSocial:YouTube Facebook Instagram1995 Barack Obama interviewFor more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  4. Aug 1

    The Secrets Behind Adassa's Success: Music, Miracles, and Faith

    In this deeply inspiring episode, host Bill Thompson sits down with singer, songwriter, and voice actress Adassa (the voice of Dolores in Disney’s "Encanto") to discuss her memoir, "Love Keeps Showing Up: Music, Miracle and Messes."Adassa shares her journey through the high-stakes music industry, starting from her childhood performing in Honduras and receiving a record deal at age 17, to facing severe financial struggles, rejection, and a near-fatal illness right before her big break with Disney. Grounded in deep faith, gratitude, and resilience, Adassa’s story proves that remarkable lives aren't defined by fame or wealth — they are forged through perseverance, purpose, and showing up every single day.Get your copy of Love keeps Showing Up by AdassaAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Adassa's Background 02:01 Early Life and Health Challenges 04:03 Music as a Language of Expression 06:54 Early Career and Lessons Learned 10:02 Faith, Resilience, and Opportunities 15:11 Facing Health Crises and Personal Reflection 18:12 Living with Gratitude and Purpose 19:59 Growth, Change, and Future AspirationsGuest InformationAdassaWebsiteSocial:YouTube Facebook Instagram TikTok1990 intervioew with Ronnie Spector For more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  5. Jul 25

    A Remarkable Life on a Fault Line

    In this deeply honest and moving conversation, host Bill Thompson sits down with Tim Smith, author of the memoir *Fault Line Still Standing*. Tim opens up about his childhood marked by extreme instability—including being kidnapped by his mother at under six years old, experiencing neglect, and navigating trauma. Tim shares how he confronted buried memories during therapy to write a memoir defined by candor and unvarnished truth. He discusses the physical and emotional toll of trauma loops and hypervigilance, the pivotal role his grandmother played as a safe harbor of morality and love, and how simple acts of kindness from "little angels" kept him grounded. Now in his fifties, happily married, and living a fulfilling life, Tim offers a powerful testament to resilience: while trauma may shape who you are, it never has to define where you go. His message is a beacon of stubborn, defiant hope for anyone seeking healing from their past.Get your copy of Fault Line: Still Standing by Tim SmithAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:07 The significance of the book's title and subtitle 01:53 The honesty and candor in the memoir 03:18 Memory recall and trauma inhibition 04:22 Therapy and emotional access to memories 13:27 The influence of mentors and strangers 14:21 Parenting reflections and personal growth 15:02 The message of hope and resilience 16:32 Trauma shapes but does not define us 17:08 The balance of happiness and guardedness 18:47 Survivor’s perspective and ongoing vigilanceGuest InformationTim SmithWebsiteSocial:Instagram LinkedIn1997 Jackie Joyner-Kersee interviewFor more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  6. Jul 17

    Halfway Homeless, Fully Healed: Reflecting on 20 Years of "Girlbomb" With Author Janice Erlbaum

    n this episode host Bill Thompson sits down with author, poet, and writing coach Janice Erlbaum to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her groundbreaking memoir, *Girl Bomb: A Halfway Homeless Memoir*. Janice opens up about what it means to be "halfway homeless" as a teenager in 1980s New York City, navigating shelters like Covenant House, group homes, and public school while keeping meticulous diaries. She candidly discusses the privileges that helped her succeed, the ethical mistakes she made along the way, and how she eventually found her center through writing and long-term therapy. Janice also shares invaluable advice for aspiring writers on embracing "ugly first drafts" and explains how she now helps others heal by putting their painful memories safely onto the page.Get your copy of Girlbomb by Janice ErlbaumAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:42 Reflecting on 20 Years of 'Girlbaum' 01:12 Returning to Covenant House 02:24 The Impact of the James Fry Exposé 03:07 The Universality of Youth Running Away 03:28 What Does 'Halfway Homeless' Mean? 06:10 Balancing School and Shelter Life 07:17 The Role of Writing in Her Life 09:05 Honesty About Mistakes and Ethical Dilemmas 10:53 Centering Yourself Amid Chaos 11:58 From Writer to Mentor 15:06 The Writing Process and Embracing Imperfection 18:35 Looking Back After 20 Years 19:40 Reflections on Happiness and Gratitude 21:35 Reconnecting with People from the BookGuest InformationJanice ErlbaumWebsiteSocial:YouTube Facebook Instagram TikTok1994 interview with Susanna KaysenFor more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  7. Jul 10

    The power of Education saved his life

    In this episode, host Bill Thompson sits down with Dr. Pius Kamau, a surgeon, author, and human rights advocate, to discuss his powerful new memoir, *Running with Lions*. Growing up in Kenya under the shadow of British colonialism and the violent Mau Mau uprising, Dr. Kamau’s future was entirely uncertain. Yet, fueled by his father's unwavering belief that education was his "northern star," he once walked hundreds of miles to pursue school. Dr. Kamau shares stories of overcoming systemic racism, surviving a horrific car crash that killed two of his professors and scarred his hand, and building a 38-year career as a surgeon. They also discuss his return to post-independence Kenya, the complex realities of its newfound freedom, and his current mission combating human cruelty as a board member of the Coalition Against Global Genocide.Get your copy of Running With Lions by Pius KamauAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Pius Kamau and His Memoir 03:01 The Journey of Education and Overcoming Adversity 05:54 Racism and Its Impact on Life Experiences 08:51 Resilience and the Will to Succeed 12:06 The Aftermath of a Life-Changing Accident 15:08 Parental Influence and the Value of Education 18:04 Reflections on Post-Independence Kenya 20:49 Advocacy Against Global Genocide 24:10 Closing Thoughts and Future AspirationsGuest InformationDr. Pius KamauSocial:Facebook InstagramCoalitoin Against Global Geocide 1991 interview with Hank AaronFor more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  8. Jul 3

    When the Doctor Needed Her Own Advice

    In this episode of *Now I've Heard Everything*, host Bill Thompson sits down with Dr. Durga Larkin, MD, an ophthalmologist and author of the new book *Timeless Vision: Empowered Aging Redefined*. Dr. Larkin shares how her decades-long career as an eye surgeon inspired her to view aging not as a structural decline or a narrowing field of view, but as a profound opportunity for inner growth and reinvention. Using the physical mechanics of the eye as a powerful metaphor, she explains how unrecognized "blind spots"—societal expectations and limiting beliefs—can hold us back at any age. Dr. Larkin also shares a deeply personal turning point: how a severe wrist injury threatened her dominant surgical hand, forcing her to confront her own identity and ultimately choose to live out the exact advice of her book. Whether you are in your 30s or your 90s, this conversation is an inspiring reminder that you can expand your vision, adjust your trajectory, and embrace life with purpose.Get your copy of Timeless Vision by Durga LarkinAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Timeless Vision 03:01 The Journey of Aging and Perspective 06:14 Blind Spots and Inner Vision 09:01 Generational Perspectives on Aging 12:04 The Importance of Emotional Fulfillment 14:50 Adapting to Life Changes 18:00 Finding Purpose in Later Life 21:01 Resilience and Positive Attitude 24:01 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsGuest InformationDurga LarkinWebsiteSocial:Facebook Instagram ---------------------Kevin Phillips 2012 interview on Now I've Heard EverythingFor more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

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About

Now I’ve Heard Everything brings you conversations about the turning points that shape extraordinary lives. Hosted by veteran interviewer Bill Thompson, the show features memoirists, biographers, artists, survivors, and cultural figures sharing the moments when everything changed, for themselves or for the people they’ve studied. With more than 30 years of intimate interviews behind him, Bill guides guests into the stories behind their stories: the choices, shocks, breakthroughs, and revelations that define a life.

Information

  • Creator
    Bill Thompson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    758
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bill Thompson
  • Show Website
    Now I've Heard Everything

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