Downtown: The Podcast

Our Bruce Pratt talks with University of Maine women's ice hockey coach Molly Engstrom.

Actor and writer Stephen Fry talked with us about his new book, a reimagining of The Odyssey, and why writing about mythological characters gives you a great deal of freedom.

Guests: Peter Ames Carlin, Marc Scott Zicree, Tripp Whetsell Peter Ames Carlin discusses his great new book on R.E.M., Marc Scott Zicree remembers Rod Serling, who was born one hundred years ago this Christmas Day, and Tripp Whetsell talks about his new book on television legend Norman Lear.                                            

Guests: Rosanne Cash, Stephen Tobolowsky Singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash returns to discuss TIME IS A MIRROR, the exhibit celebrating her work at the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the newly-remastered collection, THE ESSENTIAL ROSANNE CASH. Stephen Tobowlosky talks about his work on NOBODY WANTS THIS and THE MADNESS, as well as a film he shot recently with Corbin Bernsen.                                      

Guests: Elizabeth Strout, Mike Thomas Pulitzer Prize winner Elizabeth Strout talks with us about her latest novel, TELL ME EVERYTHING. Journalist Mike Thomas discusses CARSON THE MAGNIFICENT, the new book about Johnny Carson he collaborated on with the late Bill Zehme.                                      

John O'Hurley, Gary Hoey John O'Hurley returns to the podcast to preview this year's National Dog Show, presented by Purina, Thanksgiving Day on NBC. Guitarist Gary Hoey talks about his new holiday single, his Ho-Ho-Hoey Rockin' Holiday Tour, and his annual guitar giveaway.                                      

Elliot Mintz, Chris Smither Broadcaster  and public relations guru Elliot Mintz returns to discuss WE ALL SHINE ON: JOHN, YOKO, AND ME, his wonderful new book on his friendship with the Lennons. Singer-songwriter Chris Smither talks with us about his latest album, ALL ABOUT THE BONES.                                      

Guests: Ken Burns, Luke David Blumm Filmmaker Ken Burns discusses his latest documentary, Leonardo da Vinci, which comes to PBS on November 18.   Actor Luke David Blumm talks about his role as Donn Fendler in the new film, Lost On a Mountain in Maine.                                      

Guests: Joe Posnanski, Josh Karp Author Joe Posnanski returns to discuss his great new book, WHY WE LOVE FOOTBALL. Writer Josh Karp is back to discuss his oral history of THE BIG LEBOWSKI for Air Mail.                                      

Guests: Robert Hilburn, Howard Jones Music journalist and author Robert Hilburn discusses his new book on Randy Newman, A FEW WORDS IN DEFENSE OF OUR COUNTRY. Singer-songwriter-musician Howard Jones looks back on his career and talks about his upcoming tour with Daryl Hall.                                      

Guests: Mindy Smith, Jake Shimabukuro   Singer-songwriter Mindy Smith discusses her new album, QUIET TOWN and ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro talks about his collaboration with Mick Fleetwood on the album, BLUES EXPERIENCE.                                      

Guests: Stephen Tobolowsky, Mike Royce Actor Stephen Tobolowsky talks about his work on Lopez v. Lopez, an upcoming film with Corbin Bernsen, and the One Day at a Time reunion. Emmy Award-winning screenwriter and producer Mike Royce discusses his work on Everybody Loves Raymond, Men of a Certain Age, and One Day at a Time.                              

Guests: Peri GIlpin, Roy Harrington Peri Gilpin returns to talk with us about her work on Sean 2 of the Frasier reboot on Paramount Plus. Comedian Ray Harrington discusses his career and his upcoming show at Bangor's Cross Insurance Center.                                

Guests: Michael Campion, Colin Woodard Actor and magician Michael Campion talks about his new show in Los Angeles, Michael Campion's Haunted Mystery Show of Magic, and performs a little "radio magic" for us. Journalist Colin Woodard discusses threats to both democracy and the environment, which he covered in his Libby Lecture in Natural Resource Policy at the University of Maine.                                      

Guests: Jason Marsden, Kay Hanley & Charlton Pettus Actor Jason Marsden talks about It's Just A Buncha Halloween, coming to Salem Massachusetts in mid-October. Kay Hanley of Letters to Cleo and Charlon Pettus from Tears for Fears discuss their collaboration on the new Disney series, KINDERGARTEN:  THE MUSICAL.                                      

Guests:  David Roth, Gary Tanguay David Roth of Defector and The Distraction Podcast and Gary Tanguay of WBZ in Boston help us celebrate the 13th anniversary of our radio show.                                      

Guests:  Arthur Meyer & Stephanie Drake, Ron Dante Arhtur Meyer & Stephanie Drake discuss their web series, ABC PARENTING. From the Downtown archives, our conversation with singer and producer Ron Dante.                                      

Guests:  Arwen Lewis & Bob Ryan Singer-songwriter Arwen Lewis discusses her new EP, UNDER THE STARS. The great sportswriter, Bob Ryan, covers a wide range of topics, as always.                            

Guests:  Ed Begley Jr & Chelsea Henderson Actor Ed Begley talks about a couple of upcoming projects and shares some stories from his memoir, TO THE TEMPLE OF TRANQUILITY...AND STEP ON IT! Author and Maine native Chelsea Henderson discusses her new book, GLACIAL: THE INSIDE STORY OF CLIMATE POLITICS.                  

Guests:  Julia Duffy & Steve Wiegand Julia Duffy joins us to share memories of her friend and mentor, Bob Newhart, and to discuss her work on PALM ROYALE. Author Steve Wiegand talks about his great new book, THE UNCOMMON LIFE OF DANNY O'CONNELL.