Reliving My Youth

I catch up with founding member and keyboardist of the 10,000 Maniacs, Dennis Drew. The Maniacs have been going strong for over 35 years now. Dennis tells me about the origins of the band, how Natalie Merchant came into the band, why she left, and why fans think she is still in the band. Outside of the Maniacs, Dennis is the general manager of a radio station in Jamestown, NY.

I catch up with actor Mark Metcalf, who portrayed the legendary Douglas C. Neidermeyer, in Animal House. Mark emulated the character in two Twister Sister video, "I Wanna Rock" and "We're Not Gonna Take It". Mark famously played Bob Cobb on Seinfeld, better known as "The Maestro". Sci-fi fans will recognize Mark from Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Star Trek Voyager.

I catch up with Brian Pastoria, founding member and former drummer of Adrenalin. Brian talks about the band's formation. Their most recognizable song, Road of the Gypsy, was featured in the movie, Iron Eagle. Brian shares the story behind the song. Adrenalin should have hit it big but fell victim to lead singer issues and record company troubles.

I catch up with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's Scotty Morris. BBVD gained national fame from the movie, Swingers. Scotty talks about getting discovered by Jon Favreau and gives his thoughts on the movie. The band performed alongside Stevie Wonder at the Super Bowl halftime show 20 years, which was basically the end of the swing revival. Scotty talks about the decision he and the band made as the 2000s began.

I catch up with Anson Williams who played Potsie on Happy Days. Anson talks about landing the role and how he almost missed the chance to play Potsie. Various Happy Days topics come up, including Chuck, the "Jump The Shark" episode, and Robin Williams. We discuss Battle of the Network Stars and his career following Happy Days.

I catch up with actor Richard Tyson for the show's 100th episode. Richard has played some of the best antagonists in the 80's and 90's. Richard talks about heading to Hollywood and getting the role of Buddy Revell. Find out which line in Kindergarten Cop Richard added during the filming. Richard has appeared in a few of the Farrelly brothers' movies and talks about razzing Ben Stiller.

I catch up with actor/musician Demian Slade, best known for portraying Jimmy Gasparini, the paperboy, in Better Off Dead. Demian also starred alongside Matthew Perry in FOX's Second Chance. Demian talks about playing Screech before there was one. Demian just released the Apotheosis, an album of piano instrumentals.

I catch up with Richie Cannata, who played, most notably saxophone, in Billy Joel's band. Richie talks about how he met Billy, playing at Carnegie Hall and which of Billy's songs was a challenge to play. Richie is the musical director for Bernie Williams and talks about what he thought of the former Yankee great's guitar playing the first time he heard it. Richie, along with Liberty DeVitto and Russell Javors, formed The Lords of 52nd Street. The three members of Billy's original band tour, performing Billy's songs from the 70's and early 80's.

Jon Lamoreaux from The Hustle podcast and Noel count down our top ten favorite 80s movie soundtrack songs. See if your favorites made our list.

I catch up with Lawrence Gowan, the vocalist and keyboardist in Styx. Larry talks about being "the new guy" in the band. Before joining Styx, Gowan was a very successful solo artist in Canada. His hits included "(You're a) Strange Animal", "Moonlight Desires" and "A Criminal Mind." The last is now included in the Styx setlist. Larry tell me which Beatle's house he recorded his "Strange Animal" album. He also tells me why his solo albums were not released in the US and which infamous Styx's song is now back in the setlist.

I catch up with singer-songwriter Emm Gryner. The Canadian artist recently released "Only of Earth,” the first in a planned trilogy she calls Days of Games. She toured in the late David Bowie’s band and more recently helped her friend, the retired astronaut Chris Hadfield, record a version of Bowie’s Space Oddity, which was recorded partly onboard The International Space Station. Emm also talks about the cover songs she has recorded.

I catch up with Scott Valentine, best known for portraying Nick Moore on Family Ties. Scott talks about the adversity early on in his career and getting the role of Mallory's boyfriend. The character was so popular that NBC tried three times to spin-off the character. Scott talks about the experience. He shares some of the regrets in his career and what he is doing now. Scott was one of my favorite guests!

I catch up with Trevor Steel, lead singer of The Escape Club. The band's biggest hit, "Wild, Wild, West", went to number one in America but failed to chart in their native England. Trevor talks about the song and where he was when he found out it went to number one. He also talks about the story behind "I'll Be There." Their last full-length album, Celebrity, came out in 2012. The Reliving My Youth store is now open! Shop for shirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers and even onesies. http://tee.pub/lic/relivingmyyouth

I catch up with Sean Kanan, who played Mike Barnes in Karate Kid Part III. Sean talks about how he landed the role of "Karate's Bad Boy" and tells me how he almost died filming it. He gives his thoughts on Cobra Kai and if he would want to reprise the role. Sean's talents are not limited to acting. He is a stand-up comedian as well as the author of The Modern Gentleman: Cooking and Entertaining with Sean Kanan. http://www.seankananthemoderngentleman.com

I catch up with W Earl Brown, who played Warren in There's Something About Mary. The Farrelly Brothers' classic is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Earl talks about how he landed the role. Earl, who played Dan Dority, gives up an update on the Deadwood movie. He has guest starred on a ton of shows and tells me his experience working on Seinfeld.

I catch up with singer-songwriter Tara MacLean, who has a Hollywoodesque story on how she was discover. Tara toured with Lilith Fair in the 90's and shares some stories. She also tells me where the most interesting place she performed one of her songs. Tara has develop a show called Atlantic Blue, which is a show and an album celebrating Canadian east coast songwriters. She also gave me an update on her new album.

I catch up with singer-songwriter Bree Sharp. It's been 20 years since her song "David Duchovny" was released. Bree talks about meeting him for the first time and the star-studded video. Bree has been busy acting, doing voice-over work, and working with Beautiful Small Machines.

I catch up with Paul Engemann, who fronted the band, Device, in the mid '80s. Paul tells me why Device, who still enjoys a cult following, only released one album. Following Device's breakup, Paul replaced Bill Wadhams in Animotion. He talks about his time in the band. Paul enjoyed a partnership with Giorgio Moroder which featured "Scarface (Push It to the Limit)", from the movie and "Reach Out", the theme to the 1984 Summer Olympics.

I catch up with April Harris-Holmes, who was a member of the female-group Seduction. April talks about how she got involved in the band, who had four top-40 hits, including the number-one dance hit "Two to Make it Right". Their video for "Heartbeat" was directed by a big-time Hollywood director, she tells me which one. April now runs Keeping You Sweet, a baked goods company specializing in all natural and gluten free desserts. keepingyousweet.com

I catch up with Erika Eleniak, best known for her roles in Under Siege, The Beverly Hillbillies and Baywatch. Her first movie role was in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. She tells me how she got that role and her experience working with Steven Spielberg. Erika was featured in Playboy five times and discusses how one of her spread made it into Under Siege.