A Page in History

On this week's episode of "A Page in History," hear about WNBC's iconic holiday tradition, the talent and employee Sing-Along, plus a lot more!  Our paths first crossed in a different lifetime; we'll discuss this trailblazing experience!  He embarked on his journey as an NBC Page on the East Coast in 1989, marking the beginning of a long and fascinating career! His anecdotes are not only priceless but also timely! Get ready to hear his entertaining tale involving Chevy Chase, and rest assured; it doesn't include falling off a stage; it's a real pisser! Discover how Sam Kinison extended more than just a late-night snack during our guest's stint at the 15th Anniversary celebration of Saturday Night Live! His sense of style was perpetually ahead of the curve, and you won't believe what he did with his polyester uniform! You'll hear how he strutted down "FIFTH AVENUE," always looking impeccable. Get ready as he shares stories about one of my absolute favorite individuals—an iconic television industry veteran! He was the undisputed holder of the singing crown, and if you've tuned into WNBC during the holidays, you know there's one cherished tradition that New Yorkers and employees eagerly await. Our next guest was the pied piper; you'll hear how he managed everyone to play-a-long! He had the prestigious role of playing the bouncer at the legendary Saturday Night Live after-parties! And indulging in Sunday Morning Football is a treat, but our next guest took it to the next level with his mini gambling haven nestled in the heart of 30 Rock! I'll bet you're going to love this story! Also, our next guest IS NOT THE FATHER, but he could be an uncle! Tune in to discover how crossing paths with Maury Povich was life-changing! He'll also share heartfelt memories of a dear friend who left this world too soon. However, after you hear the tales about this friend, there's no doubt he's up there looking down, enjoying a good laugh. Never underestimate NBC security—they've earned their stripes, and their stories pack a punch. Get ready to hear why you should never mess around with the force that is NBC security! He's set to offer a toast to Matt Lauer before the infamous scandal unfolded; hear his unique perspective. In the 90s, crime families held a firm grip on the city, but one man sought to tell their stories for WNBC News. Remarkably, this individual ascended to become the Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism for the NYPD and, before that, he worked for the FBI and ABC News. Our next guest will reveal how his friendship with this man played a transformative role in his life. And if that wasn't enough, you'll hear a tale of how both chased the elusive Zodiac killer! Please tune in to discover the wild story of how he found himself on the receiving end of a memorable beatdown during the taping of Donahue! He boasts an impressive resume as an Executive Producer, Producer, and Writer, contributing his talents to renowned projects such as Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Training Day, Agent X, the TV series Numbers, Arrest & Trial, and even clinching an Academy Award for the impactful film Twin Towers! Don't miss this exciting episode of "A Page in History," featuring Mr. Rob Port! 

Get ready for a journey through the captivating life and incredible experiences of an East coast Page in the mid two thousands—a woman who has rubbed elbows with some of the biggest names in entertainment.  Imagine having Paul McCartney serenade you in an elevator—well, our next guest not only lived it but managed to keep her composure.  Starting her post-page career with USA Network, her assignment paved the way for a fascinating journey that would intertwine with iconic figures and unforgettable moments.  You'll hear how Kenneth the Page from 30 Rock took some pointers from our next guest! Plus, hear how her initial Page interview became a turning point, reshaping her perspective on key moments in her life. She also shares the details of her encounter with her fellow Brookline, Mass native, hear about the encounter with none other than legendary Conan O'Brien. Brace yourselves for tales of late-night adventures, like partying at the Saturday Night Live after-party until the wee hours, only to give a tour at 10 AM the next day. But that's not all—she has a story of keeping Tina Fey from a bathroom-related emergency while she was shooting 30 Rock. And hear what it was like hanging out with WWE stars of wrestling! And on a related note hear how John Cena played an unexpected role in handling a particular Donald Trump situation.  Get ready to be entertained as she spills the beans on what it's like to witness big-name celebrities transform after hair and makeup and how some of them might be shorter than you ever imagined. So buckle up for an episode filled with laughter, surprises, and an insider's perspective on the entertainment world. Without further ado, let's give a warm welcome to the one and only Judith Lupatkin Bernstein!

Get ready for an extraordinary journey in today's episode of "A Page in History" and hear stories from the 1980s! Hear how our next guest made small talk with some lovely ladies and told them the Bandit would be by any minute. To his surprise, the one and only Burt Reynolds did make an appearance.  Hear how our guest faced the amusing trials of inexperience, once preventing an NBC Anchor from entering the building—an unforgettable blunder that speaks volumes about the learning curve of his fascinating journey. From tickling the ivories as a guest piano player on the set of Saturday Night Live, where he shared the stage with the incomparable Eddie Murphy, to becoming a news and sports anchor for affiliates of NBC, CBS, and Fox, his career is a testament to his versatility and resilience. Hear about his encounter with a political figure and the near mishap of almost knocking Ted Kennedy to the ground right before an interview on Meet the Press.  And who could forget the unconventional swim in the fountain at Rockefeller Plaza with none other than the legendary Bill Murray? His journey is sprinkled with memorable encounters, from retrieving a guitar left behind by CHEAP TRICK to escorting Debbie Harry of Blondie on Valentine's Day, receiving a box of chocolates in gratitude.  He even played a pivotal role in helping David Letterman find his dressing room on his first day in NYC, setting the stage for the iconic career that followed. One of the most remarkable chapters of our guest involves sleeping in his car for six straight nights at Cape Canaveral while working as a production assistant for the TODAY SHOW during the lead-up to the first Space Shuttle Launch in 1981.  He sang and played piano for a duet with another NBC employee in the first ALL-NBC TALENT SHOW, held in 8-H. Tom Snyder was hosting. Join us on a captivating journey through the pages of his remarkable life, sharing anecdotes that span from the humorous to the heartwarming and reminding us that sometimes, the most unforgettable moments are written in the margins of history. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Doug Sivco!

Get ready to dive deep into a captivating episode of "A Page in History" that will transport you to the vibrant world of NBC in the late '80s.  Ever wondered what it's like to be the barrier between David Letterman and a TV studio? Our guest not only had to stop the late-night legend from crashing the Live at 5 set but also witnessed a surprising turn of events that left everyone shocked. And it involved cake and ice cream!  From a life-changing assignment in DC to moonlighting as a roadie on Saturday Night Live, our guest's journey is a mosaic of unforgettable experiences.  Imagine rubbing shoulders with David Johanson and other legends at Madison Square Garden—it's not a dream; it's just another day in the life of an NBC Page. But the excitement doesn't end there. Picture this: a snapshot with NBC President Jack Welch and a heartwarming tale of camaraderie with talk show host Phil Donahue.  And our guest spills the foot-stomping story that made him so happy when he received his official NBC Page uniform!  For all you 30 Rock enthusiasts, get ready for a backstage pass as our guest shares how NBC Pages like himself roamed free, exploring the studios, and all their tape machines, cameras, and lighting equipment. His friendship with a Lighting Supervisor even led to an education that rivals the best film schools! But that's not all—he was able to tell Mr. Schwarzenegger, SHE'LL BE BACK! It's not a made-up story!   He worked with the legendary Don Pardo, who he tracked to produce a voice-over for NBC stations nationwide.  From CNBC to the BBC, his journey is a whirlwind of fascinating tales that will leave you hanging on every word. So buckle up and stay tuned for an enthralling conversation with Mr. Benjamin Hoffman!

On this episode of "A Page in History," this guest started her career as a West Coast Page in 1977. Her first job after training was working for Rowan and Martin on the iconic hit show 'Laugh-In.' She has an intriguing story to share about penguins, and it even involves the legendary Robin Williams. Through this memorable encounter, she forged a lasting friendship with Robin Williams and his wife. She'll delve into her experiences with Robin, sharing why he was consistently a genuine gentleman who never failed to drop by and say hello. She even had the privilege of having his number on speed dial. She also had warm words for Jimmy Stewart, and she'll share anecdotes about his incredible generosity and kindness. She once had an unexpected encounter with comedy legends Chevy Chase and Richard Pryor. Tune in to discover the unique circumstances that brought them together and what memorable words they shared." She also had the incredible opportunity to work for one of The Beatles, Ringo Starr. During her time with him, she found herself in a rather unusual situation when Ringo's wife issued a threat. However, Ringo's response was quite remarkable. Stay tuned to hear all the intriguing details. She'll share an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience involving the master insult comic, the legendary Don Rickles. She'll recount how she unexpectedly found herself in his comedic crosshairs, with a barrage of insults flying like rapid bullets. You won't want to miss this incredible and far-out story. During her tenure at 'The Tonight Show' with Johnny Carson, one ordinary day, as she strolled through the show's bustling hallways, she accidentally overheard news that would go on to reshape the world. Listen in to discover the revelation and learn how it profoundly impacted the show's audience members. And now, shifting gears to a different kind of crazy, wild crowd - no, we're not referring to your rowdy pals at the neighborhood bar; we're talking about the unforgettable audience members of 'The Gong Show!' Join us as she recounts her experiences working on the show and get ready to hear a particularly extraordinary story. It's about one banned audience member who refused to accept 'no' for an answer and, shockingly, ended up causing thousands of dollars in damage to the building.  Our next guest also had a close friendship with an actor from 'The Rockford Files.' Prepare to be entertained as she shares an amusing tale of how this actor, along with her and a group of Page buddies, went out to dinner at the renowned Carol O'Connor's restaurant. However, what happened that evening will surprise you, and you'll surely enjoy this hilarious story." Please enjoy this groovy podcast with Lesa Mattingly! 

This guest embarked on his media journey as an NBC Page in the early 80s and has remained deeply entrenched in the industry ever since. His Page career has been peppered with riveting tales that are sure to captivate you. For example, we'll dive into the electrifying moment when Andy Kaufman made a surreal appearance on David Letterman's show, only to have wrestling legend Jerry Lawler wipe the grin right off Andy's face. Brace yourselves for an insider's account of that unforgettable studio encounter from the very person who witnessed it all unfold! And hear how legendary comedian and actor Milton Berle once hatched a plan to make a surprise appearance on David Letterman's live show, but our forthcoming guest had to play the role of gatekeeper. Tune in to discover how Uncle Milty handled the disappointing news and the intriguing backstory behind this unforgettable moment! And he's home, our next guest had the incredible opportunity to meet the iconic Desi Arnaz, all thanks to the encouragement of the unmistakable voice of Don Pardo. But the burning question is, was Lucy just around the corner? And did you know that the bold and uproarious female comedian, actress, and host Joan Rivers had a hidden talent—it's downing shots! Stay tuned to learn about our guest's memorable Tequila shot experience with the self-deprecating trailblazer of comedy. And just in case you weren't aware, talk shows like Late Night With David Letterman are typically recorded "live to tape." This means that they record the show earlier in the day but execute it as if it were being broadcast to you in real-time. They usually don't pause or redo a joke or segment, except for that one memorable occasion when our guest was right there to witness what unfolded when David Letterman was left utterly stunned, prompting an unprecedented interruption of the show! And, do you have a belief in magic? The mystical Magician Doug Henning certainly does, and he also believes in our next guest's extraordinary ability to prevent overzealous individuals from storming the stage. Brace yourselves for a truly bizarre and astonishing tale that you won't believe! And while NBC Pages are primarily tasked with giving tours, you'd be surprised to learn about the unique assignment our guest was handed, which ultimately led to the potential of an abundance of Bacardi Rum. Tune in to hear this fascinating story! And speaking of alcoholic preferences, you'll discover the intriguing tale of how legendary radio personalities Howard Stern and Don Imus developed a penchant for Dewar's White Label Scotch. Then, we'll delve into the contrasting ways some celebrities conduct themselves in public. We're putting old school against new school – it's a showdown between Bob Hope and Sylvester Stallone. Who will shine like a true star in this comparison? Plus, you'll hear his experience with NBC News man Tom Brokaw and many other fun stories, including his exciting life as a TV News reporter, where he currently works at Fox 5 in Washington, DC.  Please enjoy this engaging and interesting conversation with Bob Barnard!

We are thrilled to introduce our next guest, who had the incredible opportunity to work on the Page Desk during Saturday Night Live's 25th Anniversary. He also collaborated with numerous cast members throughout his tenure, including iconic figures like Billy Crystal and Dennis Miller. In fact, he continued to work alongside them for nearly two decades, and he's here today to share all the exciting details of his journey. Can you believe that even a well-known personality like Bill Murray couldn't get past security? Our upcoming guest had to step in and vouch for him! You won't want to miss the wild and entertaining story behind it! Have you ever found the Weekend Update jokes on SNL hilarious? Well, get this: our next guest sold one of his jokes to Colin Quinn. Stay tuned as he shares the joke and reveals how much he made! While Kristin Chenoweth is undoubtedly a talented and delightful performer, can you imagine having her join one of your tours and talking non-stop? Our next guest is here to share the unforgettable 'nails on a blackboard' story from that experience. And Rosie O'Donnell, the fun-loving, candy-throwing talk show host, uniquely prefers riding elevators alone. Stay tuned to hear our guest's amusing encounter when the elevator doors opened and Rosie O'Donnell walked in! Plus, Max Weinberg, the legendary drummer for Conan, not only masters the drumsticks but also wields a pair of barbells like a pro. Get ready to be inspired by his powerful story! And find out how a Writer's assistant wrote an odd note when they tried to pick up our next guest.  And discover why securing standby tickets for Saturday Night Live can often feel like they mean absolutely nothing. And you'll get an inside look at what it was like to meet Monica Lewinsky, the former President's gal pal. Tune in to find out if there were any intriguing new developments or scandals when she visited the set. So get ready to hear about the NBC Page experience, which our guest likens to a summer camp adventure.  This person also worked on a variety of shows, including Conan O'Brien, Forgive or Forget, Curtis Court, Law & Order: Dennis Miller, and a slew of others. Please enjoy this comedic and engaging conversation with Christian Bladt!

On this episode of "A Page in History,” WWE, Madonna’s Kiss, Chris Farley, and more!  Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for a scoop hotter than an NBC Page wearing their polyester pants in late summer! Our next guest may have shared a smooch with Madonna long before she made headlines at the MTV Video Music Awards! Then he'll talk about his memorable experience watching the royal purple one Prince rehearse before his live television appearance.  And most of you know that weathermen and women report in front of a green screen; our next guest spiced things up a notch when the "R" in Green screen took on a whole new meaning.  She may have driven off a cliff, but that's not before our guest could give her flowers, you'll hear the sweet story about his connection to Susan Sarandon.  He also had the experience of partying with the director of the world's most dangerous band, Paul Shaffer; plus, he did the same with America's larger-than-life comedian, Chris Farley! And contrary to most of America, he has some kind words for OJ Simpson, but not for Bob Costas! If you're a fan of NBC NFL football, you'll want to hear this story!  And speaking of sports, Dick Ebersol was the force behind the iconic sports programming on NBC, plus he was the man behind the idea for Saturday Night Live, with a man that powerful, you better watch out for his wrath! You'll hear some scathing stories!  And you'll hear how our next guest used to run his tours in a very unconventional way! And how he developed many lifelong friendships! He worked for WWE, Lorne Michael's Broadway Video, UEG, and ElevenO2.  We are excited to have this guest share his insights into his Page life and beyond; please enjoy this engaging conversation with Doug LeBow!

We have a genuinely remarkable guest whose journey through television and entertainment is extraordinary. Our guest will take us through her early days at WNBC local advertising and promotion, then later onto the Network and beyond! She'll share the excitement of being a talent escort for the iconic "Saturday Night Live," and she'll talk about the moment she realized that network news was not for her once the "Scud Stud" made his appearance! She'll recount her experiences working with local television heavyweights like Chuck Scarborough and Sue Simmons, and she'll reveal how a seemingly simple peppermint lifesaver played a significant part in flipping an internal switch within her. She's been behind the scenes at MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Nick at Nite, TV Land, Lifetime, AMC, and even Sesame Street; she's helped launch beloved shows like "Dora the Explorer," and she worked on iconic programs like "Project Runway."  Stay tuned as we delve into her fascinating experiences, from singing under the Rockefeller Christmas Tree to a fateful lunch that transformed her into one of the iconic NBC Pages.  And don't miss the heartwarming story about why the end of each "Saturday Night Live" episode holds a special meaning with our guest. Join us as we uncover the incredible life and journey of this multifaceted individual whose energy knows no bounds!—Please enjoy this conversation with Vicky Stewart!

I'm an enthusiastic admirer of my upcoming guest, and I promise you're in for an extraordinary experience! This talented individual, along with his dedicated team, possesses a remarkable ability to transport audiences to diverse places, which all help to tell a story!   His artistry entails the intricate design process and the profound responsibility of its creation. You have all seen his work, but today, we'll pull back the curtain and shine a light on the magic he creates!  He's one of the masterminds responsible for conceptualizing and constructing the legendary sets featured on "Saturday Night Live." He played a pivotal role in shaping the current rendition of the "Saturday Night Live" set, with its captivating Grand Central theme and the iconic Opal Timeclock that greets you at the start of every episode. We are going to delve into the intricate, painstaking, and high-pressure process of designing and building these sets for the broadcast live every Saturday night at 11:30. Trust me; it's a conversation you won't want to miss; you will be fascinated at this glimpse into the world of production design and the wizardry that unfolds behind the scenes of this legendary television program. He will also share insights into his journey from starting as an NBC Page to forging a thrilling and fulfilling career in the industry. Furthermore, our conversation will touch upon the iconic figures who have left an indelible mark on "Saturday Night Live," such as the legendary announcer Don Pardo and the influential music producer Hal Willner, who contributed to the unforgettable soundtracks of many beloved sketches and more! We'll explore the inner workings of the film unit, the dedicated crew responsible for creating the pre-recorded videos and commercials that grace the show. And you'll have to stay tuned to discover if there are any exciting plans or tantalizing secrets he can share about the forthcoming 50th-anniversary show! Plus, he's got a treasure trove of many other thrilling stories to share, including his intriguing experiences at CNBC, his stint in NBC's Press & Publicity, and the diverse Page Assignments he took on; plus, you'll hear about his fascinating encounters with legendary talent like Conan and Jay Leno. He'll also take us on a journey through his upbringing in Connecticut and his academic pursuits in architecture, design, and theater. And he'll talk about his involvement with Ragtime and Seussical the Musical!  Moreover, you'll hear about his current passion – a deep and enduring love for crafting and bringing unique puppets to life, which has become a central focus in his creative endeavors. Ladies and gentlemen, it is both an honor and an absolute delight to introduce our distinguished guest. He is a true artisan and a recipient of multiple Emmy© Awards. Please enjoy this conversation with Saturday Night Live's Production Designer, Mr. Joe DeTullio!