Archives: Episodes

Chef Michael was IN studio today with Steph and Amanda, as the girls talked about Burgers, upcoming events and of course...their favorite topic...what's on the menu at Kokopelli!  Click HERE to make reservations at OUR favorite restaurant!

Todd, Johnny B., and (eventually) Amanda talk Coffee, spelling, and stolen music...

Thurs. 05/29 – Victoria Jones discussing the upcoming North Olympic Discovery Marathon.

2^nd Segment – Business Bits with Small Business Advisor, Kevin Hoult.

Weds. 05/28 – Master Gardeners

2^nd Segment – Bacon Bits – Amanda Bacon interviews amazing people. Today...Ms. Gloria Gaynor!

Todd, Kevin and Amanda talk about the sounds that make people the most angry...and Disney songs.  (note:  they are NOT the same topic...although...)

Anytime I am given the opportunity to speak with former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, I take it.  He is always lovely to chat with and a WEALTH of history and knowledge.

We sat down this time to talk about his new book, "Trump's Triumph: America's Greatest Comeback".  Honestly, I really look forward to chatting with him again.

Here is my interview with the kind, smart, and in-the-center-of-history, Mr. Newt Gingrich.

ABOUT NEWT GINGRICH AND TRUMP'S TRIUMPH: AMERICA'S GREATEST COMEBACK

#1 New York Times bestselling author Newt Gingrich takes readers inside the most significant political comeback in American history and explains where the Trump movement goes from here.

Despite a nine-year effort to destroy him, President Donald J. Trump succeeded in a historic comeback victory in the 2024 presidential election. This was Trump's Triumph. Winning the popular and electoral votes, President Trump became the first president to be nonconsecutively re-elected since President Grover Cleveland.

This all happened because President Trump was never a typical political candidate. He is the leader of a movement, which he recognized in the American people. To be clear: President Trump did not invent the Make America Great Again movement, he intuited it.

Meanwhile, elites in media, academia, government, and politics learned a big lesson: Americans no longer trust them. President Trump assembled a massive coalition of Americans from all backgrounds who were tired of being told what to do, say, and believe. He made historic in-roads with voter groups which have not traditionally voted for Republicans. President Trump survived court cases, impeachments, outright lies - and two assassination attempts. All the while, the elites described a future which every day Americans did not want.

The Joe Biden-Kamala Harris (and later Harris-Tim Walz) tickets represented three failures through which the American people were actively suffering: high inflation, a full-blown immigration crisis, and a prevailing elite ideology which they found at best confusing and at worst insane.

Trump's Triumph puts all this into context, explains how President Trump overcame it all, and describes the future of the Make America Great Again movement.

ABOUT NEWT GINGRICH

Speaker Newt Gingrich is Chairman of Gingrich 360, a multimedia production and consulting company based in Arlington, Virginia. As former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Gingrich is well known as the architect of the "Contract with America" that led the Republican Party to victory in 1994, creating the first conservative majority in the House in 40 years. He was a Republican candidate for President of the United States in 2012.

Gingrich is a Fox News contributor, podcast host (Newt's World), and syndicated columnist. He is the author of 43 books, including 18 fiction and nonfiction New York Times bestsellers. His latest books include Defeating Big Government Socialism and March to the Majority.

Gingrich and his wife, Ambassador Callista L. Gingrich, host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include "Journey to America," "The First American," and "Divine Mercy: The Canonization of John Paul II."

Recognized internationally as an expert on world history, military issues, and international affairs, Newt Gingrich is the longest-serving teacher of the Joint War Fighting course for Major Generals. He also teaches officers from all six services as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar and Professor at the National Defense University. In addition, Newt Gingrich served as a Member of the Defense Policy Board. He was a member of the Terrorism Task Force for the Council on Foreign Relations, and he co-chaired the Task Force on United Nations Reform, a bipartisan congressional effort to modernize and improve the United Nations.

The Gingrich's reside in McLean, Virginia and Naples, Florida, and have two daughters and two grandchildren.

Link to his podcast Newt's World:

Https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-newts-world-30589442/

I have adored Busy Philipps for YEARS.  She's loud, extra, and my kinda pal!  I got to sit down with her today and talk about parenting, her talk show on QVC+ and being an ambassador for women's rights.  Although Busy isn't her birth name...the nickname she was given as a kid for always being on the go...still hold true today. Here is my interview with the amazing Busy Philipps!

ABOUT BUSY PHILLIPS

Busy Philipps is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, activist, writer, and host of the new series, "Busy This Week", which she executive produces with Caissie St. Onge and Michael Gleason.

Philipps is best known from her series of iconic television roles such as Kim Kelly on the beloved series "Freaks and Geeks" from Judd Apatow and Paul Feig; Audrey Liddell on "Dawson's Creek"; and Dr. Hope Bobeck on "ER". Philipps spent six seasons starring opposite Courteney Cox on the hit comedy "Cougar Town" for which she won the Critics' Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Philipps can most recently be seen on the critically acclaimed Netflix comedy series "Girls5Eva", executive produced by Tina Fey and starring opposite Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Paula Pell.

Philipps recently returned as a late-night talk show host on the new series "Busy This Week". Season 1 premiered in May of 2024 on QVC+. Season 2 premiered on May 21. The show features celebrity guest interviews and laugh-out-loud moments, in addition to personal stories and Philipps' favorite curated shopping finds. The show has been picked up for a second season. This marks her return to late-night following her previous series, "Busy Tonight", which ran on E! from 2018-2019, and was executive produced by Philipps with Tina Fey, and Caissie St. Onge.

In 2018, Philipps released a collection of humorous autobiographical essays in her book "This Will Only Hurt A Little" which was a New York Times best seller in its first week. The book offers unfiltered and candid stories and was published by Simon and Schuster's Touchstone division.

In 2020, Philipps launched a podcast called "Busy Philipps is Doing Her Best", with her creative partner, Caissie St. Onge. The show features conversations between the duo and their guests, who reflect on times in their lives when a setback led to better opportunities.

On the big screen, Philipps was most recently seen in Paramount's feature adaptation of the Broadway hit "Mean Girls: The Musical", in the iconic role of "Mrs. George", alongside Renee Rapp, Tina Fey and Jenna Fischer. She can be seen in the STX romantic comedy, "I Feel Pretty", opposite Amy Schumer and Michelle Williams, and directed by Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein. She appeared in Joel Edgerton's thriller "The Gift", alongside Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall. Additional film credits include: Kat Coiro's "A Case of You" opposite Justin Long, Peter Dinklage and Sam Rockwell; Douglas McGrath's, "I Don't Know How She Does It" alongside Sarah Jessica Parker; Ken Kwapis's "He's Just Not That Into You"; Paul Weiland's "Made of Honor" with Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan and the cult classic "White Chicks" with the Wayans Brothers.

In January 2024, Philipps was announced as the newest Artist Ambassador for the American Civil Liberties Union to advocate for reproductive freedom. This follows years of on-the-ground advocacy, from testifying before congress in 2019 on behalf of Planned Parenthood to working with the ACLU in states like Ohio in the successful ballot measure to protect reproductive freedom in the state's constitution and calling on other artists and entertainers to join her in actions to protect bodily autonomy.

Philipps was born in Oak Park, Illinois and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. She attended Loyola Marymount University and lived in Los Angeles until 2020. Philipps currently resides in New York City with her two daughters and her golden doodle Gina

ABOUT BUSY THIS WEEK ON QVC+ AND HSN+ WEDNESDAYS AT 10PM ET

"BUSY THIS WEEK" SEASON 2 PREMIERE ON QVC+ AND HSN+

TIMING/HOW TO WATCH: Season 2 of Busy This Week (http://qvcplus.com/busythisweek) hosted by Busy Philipps will premiere Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10pm EST exclusively on QVC+ and HSN+ as a split season.

o The first 10 episodes will be released weekly on Wednesdays through July 23, 2025, and then four holiday-themed episodes will premiere in November/December 2025 for a total of 14 episodes.

o Fans can stream new episodes live exclusively via the QVC+ and HSN+ TV app and QVCPlus.com, or the next day on demand - all for free!

o In addition, all 14 episodes from Season 1 of Busy This Week are available to stream for free via the QVC+ and HSN+ TV app and QVCPlus.com so viewers can re-visit their favorite moments before Season 2 premieres. .

SEASON 2 KEY DETAILS

o Series Synopsis: The lady with the gift of gab, Actress and Executive Producer Busy Philipps, returns to host Season 2 of her original, late-night talk show series Busy This Week along with Co-Executive Producer Caissie St. Onge, streaming free exclusively on QVC+ and HSN+. Join Busy and Caissie on the couch for a new season of unscripted takes on whatever the heck kept us busy this week. From celebrity guest interviews and laugh-out-loud moments to personal stories - Busy and Caissie are giving everyone something to talk about. Don't miss the late-night talk show where everything is on the table. And if there's not enough room. well, they know where to buy a bigger one.

o Shop the Show: S2 will continue to bring an added unique later of "shoppable entertainment" to the show experience. The Busy This Week show page features shoppable products from each episode including the actual weekly looks worn by Busy and Caissie, set décor, and some of Busy's favorite brands and products which she personally chooses to feature because she loves to share whatever her current obsessions are as she knows her audience will become obsessed, too! Viewers can easily shop the show through the Busy This Week show page on QVC.com. (http://qvc.com/busthisweek )

o Celebrity Guest Stars: Checkout which major celebrity guest stars will be joining Busy & Caissie on the couch during Season 2 Episodes 1-4 of Busy This Week: . Busy's BFF Michelle Williams (5/21 - S2E1); Chrissy Metz (5/28 - S2E2), Stacy London (6/4 - S2E3) and Andrew Rannells (6/11 - S2E4) .

ABOUT THE SAILING OF THE INTREPID: The Incredible Wartime Voyage of the Navy's Iconic Aircraft Carrier

In 1944, the USS Intrepid embarked on its first combat voyage. The mission was abruptly jeopardized when a Japanese torpedo plane struck the vessel, jamming its rudder at a precarious 45-degree angle. Forced to sail in circles amidst treacherous waters, the crew faced an uncertain future.

Despite the daunting circumstances, the ship's Captain initially managed to steer the Intrepid using its engines, but the perilous seas soon overwhelmed his efforts. The crew's perseverance was put to the ultimate test until an inventive crewman devised a makeshift solution-a 3000-square foot sail rigged on the forecastle. Against all odds, this ingenious sail provided the means to steer the ship safely back to Pearl Harbor.

This book is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the USS Intrepid's crew, detailing their remarkable struggle for survival with grit and determination. The story is an inspiring account of how teamwork and innovation can triumph even in the direst situations.

"I am deeply honored to bring the extraordinary story of the USS Intrepid to life in THE SAILING OF THE INTREPID," said author Montel Williams. "This book is a tribute to the incredible bravery and ingenuity of the Intrepid's crew, who refused to surrender in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Their story is one of true heroism and resilience, and I am thrilled to collaborate with David Fisher to share this inspiring narrative with the world. I hope readers will find as much inspiration in their story as I have."

The Intrepid Museum is a world-renowned air and space museum founded in 1982 with the acquisition of the storied WWII aircraft carrier. The Intrepid is a National Historic Landmark and the centerpiece of the Museum's collection on the Hudson River in New York City, which welcomes more than a million visitors annually.

"Today the Intrepid is a great air and sea museum, a living tribute to the men and women who fought for our country," said Kenneth Fisher, co-chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. "This book tells the incredible story of a few days in February 1944 when the crew of the battle-crippled aircraft carrier devised an incredible, ingenious solution that saved their ship."

The Intrepid is a household name, the museum an icon, but so many don't know its story This story is perfectly timed for Fleet Week and Memorial Day - though it's also a timeless story of American heroism, ingenuity, and survival against insurmountable odds Montel is the one to tell it: he served as a naval officer for two decades and has remained active in various military causes

Montel was the first Black Marine to attend the Naval Academy Prep School and graduate from the United States Naval Academy and while serving, he earned numerous commendations. The Sailing of the Intrepid is a unique page-turning narrative with new maps, diagrams, and fascinating insights into the Intrepid's history and its importance today. In an interview, Montel could share the timeline of events of the attack on the Intrepid in 1944 and the ingenious solution of the crew.

ABOUT MONTEL WILLIAMS

Montel Williams served as a Marine and as a highly decorated naval officer for nearly 22 years and remains actively involved in various military causes. He is a member of the Fisher House Foundation Board of Trustees. Montel Williams is best known as the host of the Emmy-nominated daytime talk show, The Montel Williams Show. He currently hosts Military Makeover with Montel and Military Makeover Operation Career on Lifetime.

I love animals.  Like, all of them.  This was such an incredible interview to be a part of.  Listening to Niall tell his story of redemption, hard work and kindness...well it's enough to put a smile on your face and faith in your heart.

ABOUT NIALL HARBISON AND TINA

"Hope taught me the meaning of life, Tina taught me the meaning of love"'

It's not everyday you meet a golden retriever in Thailand.

When Niall came across a dog shackled to a short chain and in a poor state of health something reminded him of his personal battle with addiction. He knew he had to rescue her immediately - golden retrievers are rare in Thailand - but there was just something about this dog in particular that told him she was destined for more.

He named her Tina, and what she did next is an incredible tale of survival, hope and love. Despite her terrible treatment at the hands of humans, she refused to distrust them or feel sorry for herself, and only opened her heart wider - always with a grin (yes dogs can smile) and a reassuring wag of her shaggy yellow tail.

From the minute Tina was free of her chains, she got on with what needed to be done, inspiring a dog hospital to be built and named after her and helping dogs from all over the world - whether they're street dogs from Thailand or rescue pups in Montana. The movement behind Tina has not stopped.

ABOUT NIALL HARBISON

Niall Harbison is a street dog rescuer based in Thailand. Originally from Dublin, Niall moved to Thailand after selling his very successful marketing and PR company. He now lives in the countryside where he spends his days feeding and looking after the thousands of street dogs he comes across. His first book Hope: How Street Dogs Taught Me the Meaning of Life went on to become an international bestseller. This is his second book.

How do you top interviewing the QUEEN of music, Ms. Gloria Gaynor?  I'll let you know if I ever figure it out.  What a joy to talk to this woman...this woman who inspires millions of other women and who anthem "I Will Survive" can STILL be heard in movies and on car stereos to this day!  She is out with a new song, and sounds as amazing as she always has.

Here is my interview with the incredible, Gloria Gaynor...as we talk about her new song, "Fida Known"

ABOUT GLORIA GAYNOR AND HAPPY TEARS

Two-time GRAMMY winner Gloria Gaynor has released the new single "Fida Known", an empowered reflection on a past relationship that serves as a showcase for Gaynor's showstopping voice and effortless vocal charisma. Co-written by Gaynor in Nashville alongside GRAMMY-winning songwriters Chris Stevens and Michael Pollack (Miley Cyrus, Maroon 5), "Fida Known" is Gaynor's first new solo single since the release of 2019's GRAMMY-winning LP 'Testimony', and an emphatic declaration of the power of hindsight when overcoming adversity.

Over pulsing handclaps and synth keyboard stabs, Gaynor opens the track by acknowledging her infatuation with a past lover: "You were drivin' me crazy / The kind of crazy that made me see stars". Her declaration of love then gives way to a wiser Gaynor, who laments her shortsightedness in an instant-classic hook: "Fida known that you never / Woulda loved me forever / I'da found someone better / Who could hold me tight." The track is a return to her recognizable disco sound after the breathtaking rootsy gospel of 'Testimony,' and the production of Matt Bronleewe immerses Gaynor's voice in a funky mid-tempo groove that's tailor made for the dance floor or driving with the top down.

"Fida Known" is the first taste of Gaynor's 'Happy Tears' EP, an empowering groove-filled journey that sees her working with up-and-coming songwriters Sam Tinnesz (Kygo, Fitz and the Tantrums), Caitlyn Smith (Miley Cyrus, Meghan Trainor), and Liz Rose (Taylor Swift). The EP is a continuation of Gaynor's new chapter that began with 2019's 'Testimony' and was followed by a collaboration with Kylie Minogue ("Can't Stop Writing Songs About You") in 2022. "Happy Tears" will be released on May 9th.

A biopic of Gaynor's life and career titled Robin Roberts Presents - I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story aired February 8th on Lifetime. Produced by Robin Roberts, the film depicts Gaynor's rise to fame from her humble beginnings to becoming one of the most iconic voices in music history.

While the Robin Roberts produced biopic focuses on Gloria's early life and career, ending with Gaynor divorcing her husband and reclaiming control of her creative passions; the full length documentary that aired directly after the biopic on February 8th picked up where the biopic leaves off. In the documentary film, we follow Gloria as she realizes her longtime dream of releasing a gospel album.

Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive is a journey of faith, hope and a magnificent second act. The film premiered in 2023 at the Tribeca Film Festival to critical acclaim. It tells the inspirational story of Gloria's recovery from personal and professional struggles to rebuild her life and record the GRAMMY-winning gospel album 'TESTIMONY'. The film - directed by Betsy Schecter - was praised by Billboard as "sublime", while Variety noted it "proves the disco legend still has life to live".

ABOUT GLORIA GAYNOR

Music icon Gloria Gaynor's legendary career spans over 50 years and shows no signs of slowing down. The 2x GRAMMY winner has achieved global stardom with hit songs in the charts in all five decades. She has also shared her talent through roles in film, television, and the Broadway stage. A Lifetime TV Network biopic, Robin Roberts Presents - I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story premiered on February 8th. The film chronicles Gloria's rise to fame, from her humble beginnings to becoming one of the most iconic voices in music history. Dubbed America's "Queen of Disco," the movie features many of the songs that catapulted Gloria to the top of the charts, including her legendary hit "I Will Survive," which became a cultural phenomenon and a powerful anthem of empowerment for millions worldwide. Gloria continues to perform around the world each year with her ten-piece band, appearing at major music festivals and concert events each year along with several high-profile private engagements. Recent performances include the Joy Awards (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Le Bal de la Rose (Monte Carlo, Monaco), the Cannes Film Festival (Cannes, France). Gloria headlined the world-famous Rock in Rio Festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in September, performing to an audience of over 150,000.