Jason Fraley interviews filmmaker Neil Burger about his new spy thriller “Inheritance” starring Phoebe Dynevor of “Bridgerton” and Rhys Ifans of “House of the Dragon.” He describes shooting the movie entirely on an iPhone after his career of Oscar-nominated films like “The Illusionist” and blockbusters like “Divergent.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley’s “Clarion”)
Jason Fraley interviews five-time Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding, who performs live this Sunday at the historic Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. She called in to discuss her acclaimed jazz career, from winning Best New Artist in 2011 to being nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album at next week’s Grammy Awards. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley’s “Clarion”)
Filmmaker Pablo Miralles, lost his home in the Eaton. He reflects on what he lost, what he’s grateful for, the amazing neighborhood he came from in Altadena. He also shares a great story about his film “Can’t We All Get Along”, about Rodney King, whom he actually went to school with at John Muir High School in Pasadena.
Jason Fraley interviews “The Color Purple” author Alice Walker and Busboys & Poets Founder Andy Shallal about the Peace Ball, which will be held in Washington D.C. this Saturday night ahead of Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Walker also shares her memories of the 1985 movie version with Whoopi Goldberg, Quincy Jones and Steven Spielberg. After that, you’ll hear Jason’s previous conversation with Shallal about the last Peace Ball in 2017, reflecting on the two-term legacy of Barack Obama before Donald Trump took office the first time. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley’s “Clarion”)
Jason Fraley interviews Howie Mandel about the virtual auditions for Season 20 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” which will still be held Jan. 24 despite in-person auditions being postponed yesterday in Pasadena due to the Los Angeles wildfires. They also discuss Mandel’s career journey from “Bobby’s World” to “Deal or No Deal.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley’s “Clarion”)
Everette Jordan grew up in Altadena, California. He now lives on the east coast, but he’s still active in that community and has family there. He talks about the heartbreak, the devastation and the resilience of Altadena.
Jason Fraley interviews keyboardist Joel Cummins as Umphrey’s McGee rocks the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Jan. 18. He discusses forming the band at the University of Notre Dame where their band manager appeared in the movie “Rudy” before getting their band name from a tipsy Rodney Dangerfield and even recording music for ESPN’s “Around the Horn.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley’s “Clarion”)
Jason Fraley interviews Broadway star Ari’el Stachel, who kicks off his one-man show “Out of Character” today in Washington D.C. as a co-production of Theater J and Mosaic Theater. He describes writing and performing the autobiographical piece, as well as memories of his Tony-winning role in “The Band’s Visit.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley’s “Clarion”)
Jason Fraley catches up with Jesse Eisenberg, who writes, directs and stars in “A Real Pain,” nominated for four Golden Globes this weekend, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Screenplay. They discuss the acclaimed film and reflect on his career from “Zombieland” to “The Social Network.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley’s “Clarion”)
Jason Fraley catches up with Mario Lopez, who hosts the Big Night DC: New Year’s Eve Extravaganza tomorrow night at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. He called in from his car — and even braved a flat tire — to preview what’s being billed as the “largest and most exciting New Year’s Eve Gala in America!” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley’s “Clarion”)