Joan Van Ark - "Knots Landing"

Grab your coconut radios and set sail for a nostalgia-packed adventure. Today we have a legend of the small screen, the woman who made the girl next door an island icon…Dawn Wells. We’re talking about “Gilligan’s Island,” and her character Mary Ann. We’ll dive into her incredible career and her love for theater. So, kick off your shoes, pour yourself a drink with the umbrella in it, and let’s get shipwrecked in the best way possible.

Thanks for listening to Bob Barry’s Unearthed Interviews. Today we step back into the golden age of Hollywood with a true screen legend. He was the epitome of charm, the king of the silver screen, and the man who made romance look effortless. We’re talking about the one and only Rock Hudson. We’ll go behind the scenes for the love and laugh-out-loud moments and hear about his latest film, which was, believe it or not, R rated. He’s given us the skinny on the skin flick. So let’s roll back the reel with one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable stars, Rock Hudson.

Today we have an absolute legend joining us on the podcast. She was a trailblazer, sports broadcaster, former Miss America and businesswoman extraordinaire. Phyllis George made history as one of the first women in sports broadcasting, became the First Lady of Kentucky through her marriage to Governor John Brown. And if that weren’t impressive enough, she’s also the proud mother of businesswoman and CNN anchor Pamela Brown. When we interviewed her she had just become Miss America. She talks about that experience and promises to come to WOKY in person, which she did a short time later.

Welcome to another episode of Bob Barry’s Unearthed Interviews. Thanks for joining us. Today we have a truly special guest joining us. You know her as the iconic Valene Ewing from the classic series “Knots Landing.” She was a beloved face in film and television for decades. She’s not just a talented actress, but also a vibrant spirit with a wealth of very different experiences to share. We’ll uncover the stories behind the scenes and the laughter that kept her going. Wait until you hear how she got into showbiz!

On today’s podcast we go inside the dome, literally, with the man who made R2D2 beep, boop, and sass his way into cinematic history. We’re talking about Kenny Baker - actor, icon and the only guy in Hollywood who could say “I am the droid you’re lookin’ for,” and actually mean it. He survived the deserts of Tunisia, arguments with C-3PO and probably more sand than Anakin Skywalker could emotionally handle. Forget the force, this man endured being locked inside a metal garbage can in 100-degree weather for our entertainment. That’s dedication. This is Kenny Baker, the man, the droid, the legend.

Today’s podcast features an incredibly talented and always delightful Catherine Hicks. You might remember her as the loving Annie Camden from “7th Heaven,” the brilliant Dr. Gillian Taylor who taught Captain Kirk a thing or two about whales in “Star Trek IV” and of course, the woman who had the unfortunate luck of buying a doll possessed by a serial killer in “Child’s Play.” But then, we’ve all made questionable shopping choices, right? But, did you also know she starred alongside Bill Murray in “Stripes?” She held her own against one of comedy’s greatest. She’ll comment on that experience.

Today is National Gossip Day. Everybody likes gossip. And there are people who make their living reporting on the juiciest tales from Hollywood. Marilyn Beck was the queen of Tinseltown Tidbits and the insider who had seen it all. She knew things she couldn’t print. Our conversation pulled back the velvet rope with star studded stories, behind the scenes gossip and maybe a few Hollywood secrets you’ve never heard before. We’ll take a rollicking ride through the glitz, glam, and giggles of showbiz.  And, all of this happened before social media made it easy to get the scoop.

Our guest today is a founding member and the original bass guitarist of one of the most beloved bands of that era. The group that gave us; “I’m Into Something Good,” “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter,” and “Henry the Eighth.” Herman’s Hermits from Manchester, England. Karl Green was there when Herman’s Hermits became international stars, charming the world with cheeky humor, unforgettable hooks, and go old-fashioned showmanship. Karl makes reference to his recent appearance at “Let it Be” in Waukesha.

If you grew up watching “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis,” you will remember the man who has been a part of some amazing moments in entertainment. Dwayne Hickman played the charming and relatable Dobie Gillis, one of the most iconic teen characters of that time. On this podcast we’ll talk about his early days as a child actor, his adventures in showbiz and the latest project he had going, which co-starred Michael J. Fox of “Family Ties,” Todd Bridges from “Different Strokes” and Nancy McKeon of “Facts of Life.” The movie was called “High School, USA,” which can be seen today on Tubi-TV.

Today’s podcast features a man who dared to dream beyond the horizon and then made it real. John Glenn was a true pioneer, a man who defied the limits of Earth and rewrote the story of human possibility. Marine, test pilot, astronaut, senator, and legend. He was the first American to orbit the earth and the first to remind us that courage isn’t a moment, it’s a way of living.