Reliving My Youth

Ephraim Lewis was on his way to becoming a star. His debut album, Skin, released in 1992, garnered a lot of critical acclaim. It featured the singles, "Drowning in Your Eyes" and "It Can't Be Forever." While working on his second album, Ephraim tragically died 25 years ago. The cause of his death has been conflicting. Sadly, Ephraim's music has been forgotten in the mainstream. Little information can be found online about him. I chat with Hope Silverman, founder of the Picking Up Rocks blog, about Ephraim's place in music.

I catch up with singer-songwriter Robert Tepper, who is best known for No Easy Way Out, which was featured on the Rocky IV soundtrack. Robert talks about how his album of the same name was impacted as a result of the soundtrack. Before landing on the soundtrack, Robert collaborated with Benny Mardones on Into The Night, which charted twice. Robert has released some fantastic albums. His latest, Better Than The Rest, comes out September 27th.

I catch up with actor Jesse Kove. His latest movie, D-Day, depicts a historic battle that many do not know about, “The Battle of Pointe du Hoc.” Jesse is the son of Martin Kove of The Karate Kid fame. Jesse talks about getting in the business, working with his father and seeing The Karate Kid for the first time.

I catch up with Adrian Lee, former keyboardist of Mike and The Mechanics. The band had massive hits with "The Living Years", "All I Need is a Miracle" and "Silent Running". Adrian talks about getting involved with Mike Rutherford and the tragic loss of Paul Young. Prior to his work with the band, Adrian toured with Cliff Richard and was in the band, Toyah. He has produced Stephen Bishop, Joan Armatrading, Chris de Burgh and 10cc. Adrian talks about working with Mark King prior to forming Level 42.

I catch up with actor and screenwriter Tim Stack, who is best known for his roles on Son of the Beach and Night Stand with Dick Dietrick. Tim talks about getting his start in the business and working with improvisational comedy group The Groundlings. Tim explains why Night Stand is not on any of the streaming services and what talk show hosts gave him feedback on his role as Dick Dietrick. Tim wrote several episodes of My Name is Earl and even portrayed "himself" on the show. Tim guest starred on a number of TV shows included Seinfeld, where he played Kramer's optometrist friend Dwayne.

I catch up with Jean-Marc Pisapia, lead singer and founder of The Box. The Canadian band had multiple hit singles in their country including "Closer Together", "L'Affaire Dumoutier (Say to Me)", and "Crying Out Loud for Love". The group broke up in 1992, but a new lineup of the band was founded by Jean-Marc in 2005. Jean-Marc was an early member of Men Without Hats.

I catch up with Darryl Vidal, who played himself in The Karate Kid, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Darryl had an extensive background in the martial arts prior to filming. Perhaps Darryl's great contribution to the movie was the crane technique. He talks about the kick's place in pop culture.

I catch up with Israel Juarbe, best known as Freddy Fernandez from The Karate Kid, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Israel talks about his experience making the movie. Freddy is the only character in the movie to say "the karate kid." Izzy also had memorable roles in Beverly Hills Cop and Angels in the Outfield. We also talk about his product, The Strawji.

I catch up with Mandy Ingber, best remembered for her roles as Polly in Teen Witch and as Annie Tortelli in Cheers and The Tortellis. Teen Witch is celebrating its 30th anniversary. We discuss the cult classic and her famous "Top That' rap. Mandy is now a The New York Times best-selling author of Yogalosophy: 28 Days to the Ultimate Mind-Body Makeover and creator of the yoga-hybrid DVD YOGALOSOPHY, is a celebrity fitness and wellness expert. Her twenty years of teaching experience have attracted such clients as Jennifer Aniston, Kate Beckinsale, Helen Hunt, Ricki Lake, Jennifer Lawrence, Jennifer Meyer, and Brooke Shields.

I catch up with Eliot Sloan, lead singer and founding member of Blessid Union of Souls. Blessid is best known for their hits, "I Believe", "Hey Leonardo", and "Let Me Be the One." Eliot talks about getting involved in music, the industry in general and what song of theirs almost was the theme to a 90's blockbuster movie. He tells me what celebrity mentioned in "Hey Leonardo" reached out to him. We also talk M.A.S.H. and baseball.

I catch up with the legendary Dee Wallace, best known for her portrayal of Mary in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Dee Wallace has earned her 200th movie credits having just wrapped production on "Await The Dawn," as well as "Critters Attack, and " Rob Zombie's "3 from Hell." She is now the only living actress with 200 movie credits. Dee talks about the amazing directors she's worked with including Zombie, Peter Jackson, and Steven Spielberg

I catch up with Aamer Haleem, host of VH1's Bands Reunited. The show was one of my favorites featured on the former music channel. The podcast had the pleasure of interviewing band members who were featured on the show like The English Beat, Information Society, The Motels, and Haircut 100. Aamer talks about his experiences filming the show and which bands were his favorites. He also reveals which other bands were on the list to be reunited.

I catch up Catherine Mary Stewart. The 80's icon is best remembered for her roles in The Last Starfighter, Night of the Comet, and Weekend at Bernie's. All three are celebrating anniversaries. The Last Starfighter is finally getting a sequel! We discuss the legacy the movie. Soap opera fans will remember Catherine as the original Kayla Brady on Days of Our Lives. Catherine talks about the transition from soaps to movies. Catherine recently was featured in the sci-fi movie Imitation Girl.

The Hustle's Jon Lamoreaux is back as we count down our favorite soundtrack songs of the 1990's. This episode is songs 11-20.

I catch up with Andy Rourke, who is best known as the bassist of The Smiths. In a span of just five years, The Smiths became one of the most influential bands of the last 40 years. Andy talks about his time in the band. Naturally I asked the question on every Smiths fan's mind. Andy has a new collaboration with Kav of the Happy Mondays called Blitz Vega. He talks about how the project came about.

I catch up with Ellen Reid of Crash Test Dummies. The original lineup announced in September that they would be reuniting to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their album God Shuffled His Feet, which has sold more than 5.5 million copies worldwide. The hit song, "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm", went to number two. Ellen sang lead on their version of XTC's "The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead", which was featured on the Dumb and Dumber soundtrack.

I catch up with Robert Hays, who famously played Ted Stryker in the Airplane! movies. Airplane will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year. Robert talks about the path it took to get made and his favorite scene. At the end of Airplane II the credits started with "coming soon: Airplane III." The movie was never made, Robert explains why. Families will recognize Robert as the dad in the Homeward Bound movies. Before Robert Downey Jr. suited up as Iron Man, Robert voiced the character in the popular 90's animated series. Perhaps Robert's most underrated role is portraying the title character in the TV adaptation of the Starman movie.

I catch up with singer-songwriter Heather Nova, whose new album, Pearl, came out last week. Heather talks about the album and the expectations for it. Heather’s breakthrough album, Oyster, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. She has a cult following here in the States and a massive following in Europe. Heather talks about her fascinating childhood and her songwriting process. If you’re not familiar with her work, please listen, you won’t be disappointed.

I catch up with Eddie Chacon, formally of the popular duo, Charles and Eddie, the pair had a massive hit with "Would I Lie To You?" back in 1992. Eddie talks about meeting Charles Pettigrew on a NYC Subway, working with him and talks about his passing due to cancer in 2001. Eddie formed The Polyamorous Affair with his wife and released three albums. He left the music business to pursue a career in photography and fashion. Eddie returned to music this year and released the single "Rumors or Lies?".

I catch up with Will Turpin, the bassist and original member of Collective Soul, whose new album, Blood, comes out this Friday. It's also the 25th anniversary of their debut album "Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid" on Atlantic Records. The album featured the smash hit, "Shine". Will talks about the success of the song. Will released his full-length debut album, "Serengeti Drivers", last year. Collective Soul is on tour with Gin Blossoms this Summer.