The Tom Gulley Show Podcast!

In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom dives into the wildly influential, boundary-pushing sitcom Soap — the 1977 ABC comedy that redefined what network television could say, show, and satirize. Created by Susan Harris, Soap shattered sitcom conventions with serialized storytelling, sharp political satire, and fearless social commentary that tackled taboo topics long before mainstream TV was ready. Tom explores how Soap paved the way for modern television comedy, influencing everything from Arrested Development to Desperate Housewives, while also examining the controversy, protests, and network pressure that surrounded the show from day one. From Billy Crystal’s groundbreaking performance to the absurd brilliance of the Tate and Campbell families, this episode breaks down why Soap still matters decades later. If you love television history, classic sitcoms, or the behind-the-scenes stories of how creative risks reshape pop culture, this is a must-watch conversation. Topics include: – Why Soap was cons

In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley examines the mysterious disappearance of Susan Walsh, a New Jersey journalist, single mother, and exotic dancer who vanished in 1996 under circumstances that remain deeply troubling and unresolved. Despite an extensive search and years of investigation, Susan Walsh was never found, and her case continues to raise unsettling questions about what really happened in the days leading up to her disappearance. Tom explores Susan Walsh’s life, her work as a reporter, her personal struggles, and the complex theories surrounding her disappearance — from possible foul play to the controversial speculation that followed her case in the media. The episode also looks at how missing persons cases involving women are often framed, how bias and assumptions can shape investigations, and why Susan’s story still matters nearly three decades later. This episode of The Tom Gulley Show takes a thoughtful, fact-driven approach to one of New Jersey’s most haunting unsolved cases,

In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley examines the Tenerife air disaster — the deadliest aviation accident in history — and the extraordinary chain of events that led to the tragic collision of two Boeing 747s on March 27, 1977. With 583 lives lost, the Tenerife disaster permanently changed aviation safety, cockpit communication, and air traffic control procedures around the world. Tom breaks down what happened at Los Rodeos Airport, including the role of heavy fog, miscommunication, crowded runways, and human factors that turned a routine diversion into catastrophe. The episode explores how this single event reshaped airline training, introduced Crew Resource Management (CRM), and fundamentally altered how pilots and controllers communicate to prevent future disasters. This episode of The Tom Gulley Show goes beyond the headlines, examining not just the tragedy itself, but the lessons learned — and why the Tenerife air disaster remains one of the most studied events in aviation history. If yo

Ring in the New Year with Tom-A-Palooza, a special four-hour New Year’s Eve edition of The Tom Gulley Show, as Tom Gulley takes you all the way to midnight with stories, conversation, pop culture, history, and spontaneous moments you can only get live. This extended broadcast is designed as a come-and-go experience, with a link available so viewers can jump in anytime throughout the night and stay as long as they like. From reflections on the year that was to unexpected tangents, cultural commentary, and classic Tom Gulley storytelling, Tom-A-Palooza is a celebration of conversation, curiosity, and community. Whether you’re watching for five minutes or all four hours, this New Year’s Eve special offers a relaxed, smart, and entertaining way to close out the year and welcome the next one. Perfect for longtime fans and first-time viewers alike, this episode captures the spirit of The Tom Gulley Show: thoughtful, funny, unscripted, and always engaging. thetomgulleyshow.com

In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley explores the extraordinary life and career of Peter Lorre — one of the most distinctive and influential actors in classic Hollywood history. From his chilling breakthrough performance in Fritz Lang’s M to his unforgettable roles in Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, and a long run of genre-defining films, Lorre reshaped what it meant to be a character actor in American cinema. This episode examines Peter Lorre’s journey from Europe to Hollywood, his collaborations with directors like Fritz Lang and John Huston, his association with Humphrey Bogart, and how his unique voice, presence, and intelligence made him both iconic and misunderstood. Tom also discusses how Lorre became a pop culture legend, the typecasting that followed him, and why his influence still echoes through film, television, and modern storytelling. If you’re fascinated by classic Hollywood, film noir, Golden Age cinema, or the true stories behind Hollywood legends, this deep dive into Peter Lo

On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley sits down with the show’s musical director, Leon Kennedy, for a thoughtful and timely conversation about artificial intelligence and its growing influence on music, creativity, and artistic identity. As AI-generated music, songwriting tools, and algorithm-driven creativity become more common, Leon offers a musician’s perspective on what this technological shift really means for artists, audiences, and the future of human expression. The discussion explores whether artificial intelligence can truly create art, how musicians can adapt without losing authenticity, and where the line exists between innovation and imitation. Leon Kennedy shares insights shaped by years of musical experience, breaking down how technology can be both a powerful tool and a creative challenge in an evolving industry. From ethical concerns to creative opportunity, this episode examines how AI is reshaping music, performance, and culture — and what it means for the next generation of

In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley takes a thoughtful, entertaining look at Barney Miller, the groundbreaking television sitcom that redefined the workplace comedy and quietly became one of the smartest shows in TV history. Set inside a New York City police precinct, Barney Miller used humor, character-driven storytelling, and sharp writing to explore social issues rarely addressed on network television in the 1970s and early 1980s. Tom examines what made Barney Miller so influential—from Hal Linden’s understated performance as Captain Barney Miller to the unforgettable ensemble cast, minimalist staging, and dialogue-heavy format that trusted the audience to listen. The episode also explores how the series tackled race, politics, bureaucracy, and American life with intelligence and restraint, and why it remains relevant in conversations about television writing and cultural impact today. Perfect for fans of classic television, TV history, smart sitcoms, and media analysis, this episode offer

In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley examines the strange and unsettling case of David Glenn Lewis, a mystery that has baffled investigators, journalists, and true crime researchers for decades. In 1993, Lewis vanished from his home in Amarillo, Texas under unexplained circumstances—only to be discovered days later thousands of miles away in Yakima, Washington, in a case filled with unanswered questions and troubling coincidences. Tom walks through the known facts, timelines, and theories surrounding David Glenn Lewis’s disappearance and death, including the cryptic evidence left behind, the lack of clear motive, and the investigative dead ends that continue to fuel speculation. Was it a tragic accident, a deliberate journey, or something far more complex? This episode separates verifiable details from conjecture while exploring why the case remains one of the most perplexing unsolved mysteries of the 1990s. Ideal for fans of true crime, unsolved cases, cold case investigations, and long-form

Every Christmas Eve, millions of families around the world track Santa Claus in real time thanks to the NORAD Santa Tracker — but few people know how this beloved holiday tradition actually began. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom dives into the surprising Cold War origins of the NORAD Santa Tracker, the accidental phone call that started it all, and how a military defense command became one of the most wholesome and enduring Christmas traditions in modern history. From its roots in the 1950s during the height of Cold War anxiety to its evolution into a global digital event followed by millions online, the NORAD Santa Tracker is a rare intersection of military history, pop culture, technology, and holiday magic. Tom explores how NORAD leveraged radar, satellites, and later the internet to track Santa’s journey — and why this tradition continues to resonate across generations. This episode also looks at how the NORAD Santa Tracker reflects broader themes of American culture, media trust, and the po

In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley takes a deep dive into Generation Jones, the often-overlooked microgeneration born between the Baby Boomers and Generation X. Too young to fully experience the postwar boom and too old to be true Gen X, Generation Jones occupies a unique cultural space shaped by shifting economics, changing social norms, and a rapidly evolving media landscape. Tom explores the origins of the term “Generation Jones,” the shared experiences that define it—from analog childhoods to digital adulthoods—and how this generation’s cultural identity has been misunderstood or ignored. The discussion covers music, television, advertising, politics, and pop culture touchstones that helped shape Generation Jones, as well as why its influence continues to resonate today. Perfect for viewers interested in generational studies, social history, pop culture analysis, and cultural identity, this episode offers clarity, context, and thoughtful insight into a generation that has long lived in t

In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley explores the legendary Duesenberg car company, the American automaker that redefined luxury, power, and prestige in the early 20th century. From the groundbreaking engineering of the Duesenberg brothers to the jaw-dropping elegance of the Model J, this episode examines how Duesenberg became the ultimate status symbol of its era—and why the name still represents the pinnacle of automotive excellence. The conversation traces Duesenberg’s origins, its dominance in both luxury automobiles and racing, and its close ties to Hollywood royalty, industrial tycoons, and cultural mythology. Tom also breaks down what made Duesenberg cars so technologically advanced for their time, how the Great Depression impacted the company, and why the phrase “It’s a Duesy” entered the American lexicon. Ideal for fans of classic cars, automotive history, American industrial design, and vintage luxury brands, this episode delivers a richly detailed look at one of the most iconic name

In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley is joined by special guest The Reverend Bob Levy for a lively, opinionated deep dive into one of the most beloved films in cinema history: It’s a Wonderful Life. Together, they rate and rank the characters from Frank Capra’s 1946 holiday classic, examining heroes, villains, and everyone in between—from George Bailey and Mary Hatch to Mr. Potter and the unforgettable supporting cast. Blending film criticism, pop culture history, and sharp commentary, this episode explores why It’s a Wonderful Life continues to resonate across generations, how its characters reflect postwar American values, and which performances truly stand the test of time. Whether you watch the film every Christmas or are rediscovering it through a modern lens, this discussion offers fresh insight, humor, and thoughtful analysis. Perfect for fans of classic movies, Golden Age Hollywood, Christmas films, and in-depth character analysis, this episode delivers nostalgia with a critical edge—e

Few television shows reshaped American culture the way All in the Family did. Debuting in 1971, the groundbreaking sitcom didn’t just entertain — it challenged audiences to confront politics, race, class, gender, and generational divides head-on, all from a modest Queens living room. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom revisits the cultural earthquake created by All in the Family, examining how creator Norman Lear used humor as a Trojan horse for social commentary. From Archie Bunker’s blunt worldview to Edith’s quiet wisdom, the show redefined what television comedy could say — and who it could speak to.

Joe Ely is one of the most respected — and quietly influential — figures in American music. From the heart of Texas to international stages, Ely has built a career that bridges outlaw country, folk storytelling, roots rock, and even punk rebellion. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom explores Joe Ely’s remarkable journey: his deep West Texas roots, his early partnership with fellow Flatlanders Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, and his fearless collaborations with artists ranging from Bruce Springsteen to The Clash. It’s a conversation about independence, integrity, and how Ely carved out a singular place in American music without ever chasing trends.

On July 30, 1975, Jimmy Hoffa vanished from a Detroit suburb — and with him went one of the most enduring mysteries in modern American history. On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley examines the facts, theories, and unanswered questions surrounding the disappearance of the powerful Teamsters leader whose influence reached from union halls to the highest levels of politics and organized crime. This episode traces Hoffa’s rise as a labor icon, his fierce battles with the federal government, his imprisonment, and his attempt to reclaim control of the Teamsters after his release. Tom breaks down what is known about Hoffa’s final day, the people he was scheduled to meet, and why no body has ever been found despite decades of investigations, tips, excavations, and headlines. The discussion also explores the most persistent theories — from mob involvement to internal union power struggles — while separating documented evidence from rumor, speculation, and pop-culture mythmaking. It’s a careful look at

What happens when fans don’t just celebrate a classic series — they complete it? On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley explores Star Trek Continues, the acclaimed fan-produced series that set out to finish the original Star Trek five-year mission with remarkable attention to detail, tone, and storytelling. Created by lifelong Star Trek fans, Star Trek Continues recreated the look, pacing, and spirit of the 1960s original series while telling new stories that respected established canon. This episode examines how the project came together, why it resonated so strongly with longtime fans, and how it navigated the evolving relationship between fan creativity and studio ownership. The discussion also looks at the craftsmanship behind the sets, performances, music, and scripts, as well as the broader impact of Star Trek Continues on fan films and modern franchise storytelling. It’s a conversation about passion, legacy, and what happens when a beloved universe is treated not as a product, but as a pr

Gravel-voiced, genre-defying, and impossible to imitate, Tom Waits stands as one of the most singular artists in American music. On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley explores the life, career, and enduring mystique of a performer who turned beat poetry, jazz, blues, vaudeville, and experimental sound into something entirely his own. From his early barroom ballads and late-night troubadour persona to his radical reinvention in the 1980s, this episode traces how Tom Waits reshaped popular music by rejecting convention and embracing character-driven storytelling. The discussion looks at his most influential albums, his collaborations, his work in film and theater, and how his songs became standards covered by artists across genres. Tom also examines the carefully crafted mythology surrounding Tom Waits — the tall tales, the anti-celebrity stance, and the deliberate distance from mainstream fame — and why that authenticity continues to resonate with fans decades later. It’s a story about art over

From sitcom superstardom to one of the most influential directors in Hollywood history, Rob Reiner’s career is a masterclass in creative reinvention. On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom explores how Reiner went from playing “Meathead” on All in the Family to directing some of the most beloved films ever made. Reiner’s work spans genres, generations, and cultural touchstones—often blending sharp wit with deep humanity. This conversation looks at how his storytelling instincts helped define modern American filmmaking and why his movies continue to resonate decades later. In this episode, we discuss: Rob Reiner’s early acting career and All in the Family The unlikely transition from sitcom star to major film director The making and legacy of classics like This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, Stand by Me, When Harry Met Sally…, and Misery How Reiner balances comedy, drama, and emotional truth His lasting influence on filmmakers and pop culture Whether you grew up quoting The Princess Bride or discov

Why is one film rated PG-13 while another earns an R — and who decides? On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley dives into the often-misunderstood world of movie ratings, exploring how a system meant to inform parents ended up shaping filmmaking, marketing, and pop culture itself. From the strict moral code of early Hollywood to the creation of the MPAA ratings system, this episode examines how films moved from “approved” or “banned” to G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17. Along the way, Tom looks at the controversies, inconsistencies, and quiet power of ratings boards — including how a single rating can change a movie’s audience, box office fate, or creative direction. The discussion also covers why PG-13 became Hollywood’s commercial sweet spot, how filmmakers have edited films to avoid harsher ratings, and why some movies seem punished more severely than others for similar content. It’s a revealing look at who draws the lines, how those lines shift over time, and what movie ratings say about the cultur

Before tablets, before touchscreens, and long before “undo” buttons, there was the Etch A Sketch — a deceptively simple toy that became a cultural icon. On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, we explore the surprising history, design brilliance, and lasting legacy of one of the most beloved toys of the 20th century. Invented by French electrician André Cassagnes and introduced to American audiences in the early 1960s, the Etch A Sketch transformed two knobs, aluminum powder, and a gray screen into a global phenomenon. From childhood masterpieces to pop-culture appearances in film, television, and advertising, the Etch A Sketch shaped creativity in ways few toys ever have. Host Tom Gulley looks at how the Etch A Sketch was marketed, why it became an instant hit, the engineering behind its “magic,” and how it managed to survive wave after wave of technological change. This is the story of invention, nostalgia, and why sometimes the simplest ideas leave the deepest marks. If you love pop culture history, cla