Entertaining Insights is the podcast that highlights life lessons, laughs, and great entertainment. Join host, clinical psychologist, comic and author Dr. Nancy Berk and special celebrity and expert guests as they discuss their fascinating journeys and insights. Packed with powerful advice, simple suggestions, and a dose of humor, Entertaining Insights will help you create your most positive, fun, and productive to-do lists.
Beloved comedy icon Norman Lear joined Nancy in 2016 to talk about his career, comedy culture, shifts, and the similarities we all share. Learn more about the late Norman Lear here. Visit Nancy’s website.
4/16/24 • 18:02
Grammy winner Michael Bublé joined Nancy in 2019 to talk about his music, Super Bowl commercials, and the power of humor. Get up to date information on Michael Bublé here. Visit Nancy’s website.
3/10/24 • 12:52
Allison Janney Talks Acting, Comedy, Mom, and College Influences: The 2013 Interview - Encore Episode 591
3/10/24 • 16:26
Singer, songwriter, and actor Charles Esten joins Nancy to talk about the story behind his debut country album Love Ain’t Pretty, his music and television career, and portrayal of Deacon Claybourne in the hit series Nashville. Plus, Nancy and Charles discuss the power of music, the impact of Nashville and Deacon, and his work with Musicians on Call and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night. Read Nancy’s story about Charles Esten via Forbes.com Hollywood & Entertainment. Catch up with Charles Esten here. Find out more about Musicians on Call. Find out more about Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night. Visit Nancy’s website. Catch a laugh with segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com.
2/15/24 • 38:48
Billboard-charting artist A.J. Croce joins Nancy to talk about his music journey, discovering the creative influences that he and his father shared, and bringing the Croce Plays Croce Tour to life. Plus, Nancy and A.J. discuss his initial reluctance to tackle his dad’s songs, his decision to build the storytelling-driven tour that also incorporates his music, and the joy that has come from the experience. Read Nancy’s story about A.J. Croce via Forbes.com Hollywood & Entertainment. Check out tour dates and catch up with A.J. Croce here. Visit Nancy’s website. Catch a laugh with segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com.
1/17/24 • 25:56
Songwriter and producer Desmond Child joins Nancy to talk about his unique music journey, hit-making history, new memoir Livin’ On A Prayer: Big Songs Big Life, and upcoming musical. Plus, Desmond shares the stories behind some of his biggest hits with KISS, Bon Jovi, Ricky Martin, and more. And Nancy and Desmond discuss the importance of helping others create their best work. Read Nancy’s story about Desmond Child via Forbes.com Hollywood & Entertainment Hollywood & Entertainment. Catch up with Desmond Child here. Read a sample of Livin’ On A Prayer here. Check out Desmond Child’s skin care line Vida Loca Skinlife. Visit Nancy’s website. Catch a laugh with segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com.
12/16/23 • 44:09
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Beach Boys’ co-founder Mike Love joins Nancy to talk about his journey with the Beach Boys, songwriting, his love of touring, and the 2024 Stagecoach Festival. Plus, Nancy and Mike discuss Beatles and Beach Boys’ moments, the special friendship he had with George Harrison, and officiating at John Stamos’ wedding. Read Nancy’s story about Mike Love via Forbes.com Hollywood & Entertainment. Catch up with Mike Love here. Check out more from the Beach Boys. Find out more about Stagecoach Festival. Visit Nancy’s website. Catch a laugh with segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com.
11/15/23 • 28:49
Emmy Award-winning rapper Frzy joins Nancy to talk about his unusual music journey, cross-genre collaborations, including the hip-hop cover of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood's “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” and his mission to create happiness and build bridges while educating others via music. One of the faces of Steve Madden’s Self Made campaign, the Guinness World Record-breaking rapper shares how Madden and his team have helped him move forward with his vision that also includes a strong fashion component. Plus, Frzy discusses his upcoming albums and work with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) and composer Christian Kriegeskotte for the world premiere orchestration of his new album Success and “The Glorious Succession of Frzy”—the upcoming one-night-only concert collaboration with the PSO. Read Nancy’s story about Frzy via Forbes.com Hollywood & Entertainment. Listen to Frzy’s music on Spotify. Catch up with Frzy on Facebook. Visit Nancy’s website. Catch a laugh with segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com.
10/16/23 • 54:46
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Justin Hayward joins Nancy to talk about his recent visit to Windsor Castle where he received an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for his contribution to the arts, sharing the day with his grandson, and the details and meaning of the investiture experience. Plus, Nancy and Justin discuss the 1972 Moody Blues hit “Nights in White Satin” (written and composed by Hayward) and its recent audio close-up in the 2023 Chanel campaign for its fragrance Bleu de Chanel starring actor Timothée Chalamet* and why the classic song continues to capture and intrigue listeners. Justin also shares his upcoming projects and plans for 2024 including hosting the On The Blue Cruise. *The Chanel campaign film directed by Martin Scorsese is slated for a fall release. Read Nancy’s story about Justin Hayward via Forbes.com Hollywood & Entertainment Hollywood & Entertainment. Catch up with Justin Hayward here. Find out more about the On The Blue Cruise here. Check out more from the Moody Blues. Visit Nancy’s website. Catch a laugh with segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com.
8/31/23 • 28:26
Taylor Hicks joins Nancy to talk about his 2006 American Idol win, life beyond the popular show, his Grand Ole Opry debut, new single “Teach Me to Dance” and upcoming album. Plus, Taylor discusses his career in show business and why he never says “no” to great creative opportunities. Read Nancy’s story about Taylor Hicks via Forbes.com Hollywood & Entertainment Hollywood & Entertainment. Watch the music video for “Teach Me to Dance”. Visit Nancy’s website. Catch a laugh with segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com.
6/27/23 • 26:30
Annette O'Toole joins Nancy to talk about her her role as Hope McCrea in the hit series Virgin River, her creative career from early years as a teen actor appearing in Gunsmoke and portraying David Cassidy’s love interest in The Partridge Family to her adult career in feature films like Superman III and series like Smallville, and her continued love of acting and the theater. Plus, Annette discusses collaborating with husband Michael McKean including songwriting (their Oscar-nominated song "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow” appears in the 2003 Mockumentary A Mighty Wind), playwriting, and appearing as a backing vocalist for Spinal Tap. More films and series featuring Annette O’Toole. Visit Nancy’s website. Catch a laugh with segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com.
5/19/23 • 37:50
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Don Felder joined Nancy in 2017 to talk about his music journey from the early years in Gainesville with Stephen Stills and Tom Petty and battle of the bands with the Allmans, to his time with the Eagles, solo projects, and collaboration with other bands like Styx. Plus, Felder discusses how his love for making music has driven his world. Read the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Essay for the Eagles and Don Felder here. Get up to date information via Don Felder’s website. Visit Nancy’s website.
4/17/23 • 20:24
Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Wynonna Judd and CMA-winning musician Cactus Moser joined Nancy in 2016 to talk about their marriage, creative process, and the story behind their music. Read the Country Music Hall of Fame Essay for The Judds here. Get up to date information via Wynonna’s website. Visit Nancy’s website.
3/6/23 • 27:24
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and power couple Pat Benatar and Neil Geraldo joined Nancy in 2015 to talk about their relationship and rock journey, music projects, and the synergy and individuality within their work. Read the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Essay for Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo here. Get up to date information via Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo’s website. Visit Nancy’s website.
2/10/23 • 23:11
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dolly Parton joined Nancy in 2016 to talk about her career, family-driven projects, staying true to herself and her roots, and how gratitude has played an important role in her life. Read the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Essay for Dolly Parton here. Get up to date information via Dolly’s website. Visit Nancy’s website.
1/10/23 • 11:50
Elvis Presley’s stepbrother Billy Stanley joins Nancy to talk about moving to Graceland in 1960 and meeting his new stepbrother, Christmas at Graceland and the impact of Elvis on his life. Plus, Stanley discusses his new book The Faith of Elvis: A Story Only A Brother Can Tell and the loyalty and kindness of Elvis Presley (:59). Find out more about The Faith of Elvis: A Story Only A Brother Can Tell. Read Nancy’s story about Billy Stanley via Forbes.com Hollywood & Entertainment. Learn about segment sponsor HumorOutcasts.com (:50). Visit Nancy’s website.
12/5/22 • 39:33
Country artist Drake Milligan joins Nancy to talk about life after America’s Got Talent, his new album Dallas / Fort Worth, and his Grand Ole Opry debut. Plus, Drake discusses the impact of Elvis on his career, starring as Presley in the mini-series Sun Records, and the power of collaboration (:56). Listen to Drake Milligan’s album Dallas / Fort Worth. Watch Drake Milligan’s AGT performance. Read Nancy’s story about Drake via Forbes.com Hollywood & Entertainment. Learn about segment sponsor HumorOutcasts.com (:45). Visit Nancy’s website.
11/17/22 • 29:49
Elvira creator Cassandra Peterson joins Nancy to talk about life after the release of her New York Times bestseller “Yours Cruelly, Elvira,” the personal and career impact of her revelations, the positive fan response, and how Elvis changed her career focus. Plus, Cassandra discusses the building of the Elvira brand, the Queen of Halloween’s popularity and why Elvira will outlive her (1:05). Check out the new paperback edition of Yours Cruelly, Elvira. Get an autographed copy. Visit Nancy’s website. Learn about segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com (:49).
10/25/22 • 27:04
Actor, producer, and author Kathy Kinney (The Drew Carey Show, Newhart) and publishing veteran and author Cindy Ratzlaff join Nancy to talk about brand building, empowering others, their Queen Of Your Own Life books and new daily inspiration cards (:58). Plus, the longtime friends discuss their crafting trip to France, adopting the Coastal Grandmother look, the power of Mimi Bobeck, and their work with the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop. Check out Queen of Your Own Life. Get Kathy and Cindy’s books. Find out more about the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop. Find out more about French General. Visit Nancy’s website. Learn about segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com (:49).
10/14/22 • 39:28
Actor Beth Broderick joins Nancy to talk about the legacy of powerful characters, her career journey including her role as Zelda Spellman on the hit sitcom ‘Sabrina The Teenage Witch’ and new projects for HBO and Hallmark, and her motivation for column writing. Plus, Nancy and Beth discuss ageism in Hollywood and beyond and the gaps and misinformation that exist on and offscreen (1:06). Read Beth’s column on Substack. Check out Bruce Ferber’s book I Buried Paul (32:52, 38:42). Visit Nancy’s website. Learn about segment sponsor HumorOutcasts.com (:58, 38:59).
9/7/22 • 40:01
Multi-platinum artist David Nail joins Nancy to talk about songwriting, his new single “Sunset Carousel” and the power of summer music, summer playlists, his professional journey and embracing performance opportunities. Plus, David discusses his personal struggle with depression, the importance of de-stigmatizing mental illness and seeking help to manage the disease (1:11). Watch the lyric video for Sunset Carousel on YouTube. Listen to Sunset Carousel on Spotify. Check out David Nail's YouTube Channel. Important Mental Health Information: National Institute of Mental Health If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Hotline at 988—it’s the new 3 digit dialing code or call 1-800-273-8255 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org. Visit Nancy’s website. Learn about segment sponsor Finding Brave Podcast (:50).
8/10/22 • 38:33
Bellamy Brothers, Howard and David Bellamy join Nancy to discuss 40 Years: The Vinyl Album, their first vinyl in over 30 years, their music-making process, and their journey from #1 pop hit “Let Your Love Flow” to country music stardom. Plus, the Bellamys discuss their early music influences, comedy in music, the power of humor, fans, aging, hanging out with Blake Shelton, and keeping a duo rocking (1:01). Nancy and the Bellamy Brothers also talked about the tragic death and loss of Naomi Judd who had so bravely shared her struggle with depression. They also discussed the importance of addressing mental health issues and helping others find help. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org. Find out more about suicide prevention via the National Institute of Mental Health. More Bellamy Brothers music. Watch Honky Tonk Ranch. Read Let Your Love Flow: The Life and Times of the Bellamy Brothers. Visit Nancy’s website. Like and follow Entertaining Insights Facebook Page. Learn about segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com (:52, 36:02).
7/12/22 • 37:12
Headliner and America’s Got Talent winner Terry Fator joins Nancy to talk about his Vegas residency at New York-New York, his show Terry Fator: Who’s The Dummy Now? and why he loves touring and shining the spotlight on ventriloquism. Plus, Terry discusses his creative process, why he always travels with puppets, and how he continues to build new routines and fan bases (1:12). In the second segment, Axtell Expressions founder and creative visionary Steve Axtell discusses puppet design and creation, animatronics and AI with Nancy and reviews the impact of celebrity ventriloquists on the industry. And Steve shares details about his new education and expert-driven project aimed at helping entertainers build skillsets and sharpen existing ones (33:07). Check out Terry Fator's YouTube channel. Find out more about Terry Fator and his cast of characters. Find out more about Vent Haven International Ventriloquism Convention. Check out Axtell Expressions on YouTube. See the animatronic singing chickens at Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe. Visit Nancy’s website. Learn about segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com (1:03, 33:00).
6/16/22 • 62:55
Comedian and actor Judy Gold joins Nancy to talk about her comedy career and influences, her book Yes I Can Say That: When They Come For The Comedians, We Are All In Trouble, and freedom of speech and what cancel culture means for comedians and the future of comedy. Plus, Nancy and Judy discuss women and sexism in the industry, growing up tall, and standing up to the bullies in life (1:01). Read an excerpt from Yes I Can Say That. Listen to the podcast Kill Me Now with Judy Gold. More Judy Gold books and albums. Visit Nancy’s website. Learn about segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com.
6/2/22 • 55:39
Firerose joins Nancy to talk about her music journey, the power of collaboration, working with Billy Ray Cyrus, and the inspiration behind her new single “All Figured Out.” Plus, Firerose discusses her songwriting process, performing at the Grand Ole Opry, and pursuing your dreams (1:00). In the second segment, Nancy discusses writing, crossing genres, family and beach influences, and the new children’s book Ramo to the Rescue with author and publisher Donna Cavanagh (30:01). Watch the official music video for “All Figured Out.” Check out Firerose’s YouTube channel. Listen to Firerose on Spotify. Find out more about Donna Cavanagh and Ramo to the Rescue. Visit Nancy’s website. Learn about segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com (:49, 29:55).
5/12/22 • 50:59
Discovery Channel Gold Rush stars Todd Hoffman and Hunter Hoffman join Nancy to talk about their new show Hoffman Family Gold, the family mission that drove their journey, Jack Hoffman, legacies and family friction, the Alaska fox, determination, and making dreams come true. Plus, Todd and Hunter share some of their projects beyond gold mining including music and fashion (1:26). In the second segment, Nancy discusses the power of Woodstock and storytelling with Neal Hitch, Senior Curator for the Museum at Bethel Woods. Located on the site of the iconic music festival, the museum highlights the music, history, and voices of the historic event. Neal discusses the museum’s latest focus and how visitors can enjoy a day discovering Woodstock (28:02). Watch Hoffman Family Gold on Discovery and Discovery+. Watch Gold Rush. Watch Todd Hoffman’s “I Can Only Imagine” video on YouTube. Listen to music by Todd Hoffman and Sandy Mule. Check out Todd Hoffman’s clothing brand Seven Cowboys. Find out more about the Museum at Bethel Woods. Plan your Bethel Woods Visit. Share your Woodstock story via the Woodstock Alumni Registry. Visit Nancy’s website. Learn about segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com (1:17, 27:56).
4/28/22 • 56:27
Tom Papa joins Nancy to talk about his creative process, stand-up life, and writing and creating your own material and opportunities. Plus, Tom discusses comedy today, the power of practice, working on his next Netflix special, headlining Wynn Las Vegas, the grounding effects of writing, and his next book (:57). So—do you have a kitchen junk drawer? In the second segment, Nancy shares her latest magazine humor column and discusses why she can’t trust people who don’t have one (30:54). Check out Tom Papa’s Netflix Specials. Listen to Tom on Netflix Is A Joke Radio on SiriusXM. Listen to Breaking Bread with Tom Papa. Read an excerpt from Tom’s book You’re Doing Great! Visit Nancy’s website. Learn about segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com (:49, 30:46).
4/14/22 • 36:34
Kent LaVoie, best known as singer/songwriter Lobo, joins Nancy to talk about his music career, writing love songs, his hit songs including “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo,” and the importance of believability in songs. Plus, Kent discusses finding love, his love of privacy, new albums, and the real story behind that dog named Boo (1:07). In the second segment, Nancy discusses writing, deadlines, discipline, book deals, and the novel Lost and Found in Paris with the author—novelist and podcaster Lian Dolan (34:24). Listen to Lobo’s new digital albums released by Time Life. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow Faithful If I Could Do It Over: The Acoustic Hits Timeless: The Very Best Check out Lobo’s YouTube Channel. Read an excerpt from Lost and Found in Paris. Check out all of Lian Dolan’s books. Listen to the Satellite Sisters podcast. Visit Nancy’s website. Learn about segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com (:59, 34:17).
3/31/22 • 58:41
Golden Globe winner and four-time Oscar nominee Marsha Mason (The Goodbye Girl, Chapter Two, Only When I Laugh) joins Nancy to talk about her acting and directing career, moving between theater, film, and television, and living a creative life. Plus, Marsha discusses mentoring, her work on the scripted audio drama podcast Around The Sun, and the story behind her love of racing (1:07). In the second segment, Nancy discusses plays and podcasts with actor, writer, and Around The Sun audio drama podcast founder Brad Forenza (30:40). Find out more about Lost in Yonkers at Hartford Stage. Read Marsha Mason’s 2002 memoir Journey: A Personal Odyssey on Kindle. Find out more about the podcast Around The Sun. Visit Nancy’s website. Learn about segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com (:59, 30:33).
2/21/22 • 52:47
Singer, songwriter, philanthropist, and journalist Alya Michelson joins Nancy to talk about her music, career journey, immigration from Russia, and creating positive change in the world. Plus Alya discusses the inspiration behind her new single “Pleasure is Mine” (1:10). In the second segment, Nancy discusses the Netflix series Emily in Paris and the challenges of building a business in a new country with author and Breakfast in America restauranteur Craig Carlson, whose restaurant was part of Season 2 of the popular series (25:53). Find more Alya music. Watch Alya’s “American Beauty” Music Video. Find out more about Alya’s philanthropic work. Read Craig Carlson’s books: Pancakes in Paris and Let Them Eat Pancakes. Visit Nancy’s website. Learn about segment sponsor Humoroutcasts.com (1:01, 25:48).
1/31/22 • 57:54
