It's a holiday tradition, comedian, Bobby Slayton comes through.  

He's doing a big new year's eve series of shows in Hawaii with Bill Maher and Sarah Silverman.

Mark asks Bobby about his work with Woody Allen and how it came about and that leads to talk of Bobby's work in the films ED WOOD, DREAMGIRLS and THE RAT PACK.

The show starts with Michael Shure checking in from the scene of the final Democratic Debate of the year.

00-02:15 Mark intro

2:15-12:48 Michael Shure on Politics

12:48-1:07:50 Bobby Slayton

Reach us at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

As a former top media executive, Joe Ferullo, supervised Judge Judy, Dr. Phil, Entertainment Tonight and a huge menu of other successful syndicated offerings.

Now that he's out of that day to day work he's able to shine a light on the shortcomings and media realities when it comes to covering politics.

The power and, at the same time, the shortcomings of the media leave a divided nation needing a better system.

This episode also features, J. Elvis Weinstein, comedian Jon Ross and political correspondent, Michael Shure.

00-:1:00 Mark offers a pre-intro welcome

1:00-4:00 Mark and J. Elvis Welcome/Intro

4:00-19:55 Mark gets burned out of his house (feat. J. Elvis Weinstein)

20:00-29:04 Michael Shure on politics and impeachment hearings

29:04-47:50 Comedian/Producer Jon Ross visits from New England

47:50- 1:31:15 Former Media Executive Joe Ferullo Exposes Media Flaws on Political Beat

Reach us at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

Bean Baxter and Mark Thompson have been friends for most of their lives and began their careers at roughly the same time.

The two talk about Bean leaving his successful morning show after 30 years and what his plans will be.

They also tell stories from working at a suburban/rural station outside of Washington DC where the two met.

Bean is the only guest in this episode which runs approximately 40 mins.

Reach the show: edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

Atlantic Magazine writer, Derek Thompson, is our guest for a conversation about and around provocative stories and subjects he's written about.

Derek touches on a part of the economy that's doing well but isn't getting any attention, the bizarre reason for the declining population of a few major American cities and the elite sports that give the advantage to rich, white high schoolers. 

Mark and Derek also revisit his book, Hit Makers, the making of a hit idea (the science of popularity)

For the articles from Derek Thompson that we spoke of and more, here's the link: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/derek-thompson/

For Derek's book click here:  HIT MAKERS

Michael Shure visits to talk Mayor Pete, Elizabeth Warren, Iowa polls, the Syria mess and a prediction.

contact the show at: edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

00-:45 show open

00:00:45-00:22:15 Michael Shure on Politics

00:22:15-00:58:00 Atlantic Writer, Derek Thompson

Our own J. Elvis Weinstein has a new comedy album, CHUNKS.

Mark and J Elvis talk about the album and play excerpts.

They also visit about J Elvis's new movie role.

First, political analyst, Michael Shure, breaks down U.S. relations with the Saudis, Turks and a complicated involvement with the Middle East. 

He also looks at Joe Biden, Donald Trump and the state of the current political scene.

Contact the show at:

edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

Legendary Monty Python performer John Cleese has a daughter who is a writer and comedian and whose life with her father John is the source of laughter, frustration and even derision.

She visits with Mark and J Elvis Weinstein and tells stories of growing up with the remarkable Monty Python performer and going on the road as part of her famous father's one man show.

As always, we welcome comedian and documentary filmmaker J. Elvis Weinstein as he sits in with Mark Thompson for the conversation with Camilla Cleese. 

First, Michael Shure talks all things politics!

Contact the show:

edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

:00-02:30 Mark hello/intro

2:30-15:35 Michael Shure on Politics

15:47-1:17:30 Camilla Cleese

Bumdog Torres has been homeless all around the world by deliberate choice.

Mark talks with Bumdog about why he's chosen this life, his journey though life around the world as a homeless person and what it's like to live on the streets.

First, political expert, Michael Shure, breaks down Congress, Trump and an impending impeachment inquiry.

00-03:45 Mark And J Elvis Intro

4:00-20:06 Michael Shure on Politics

20:06-1:28:00 Bumdog Torres

Contact us at : edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

Henri Dauman and his camera lens have been witness to some of the most famous people and memorable events in modern history. 

His photographs splashed across magazines like LIFE, LOOK and  PARIS MATCH in the heydays of those publications and vaulted him to the top of his field.

He visits with Mark Thompson and J Elvis Weinstein and although they begin with discussions of his photography and his iconic photos chronicling American life, the emotional, personal story that is Henri's life is one they discuss in detail as well.

Henri's father was killed by the Nazis at Auschwitz and his mother died in a freakish accident when Henri was only 13.  This, after his mother and be had separated and survived hiding from the Nazis as they rose to power in France.

Henri's work and life is brilliantly put together in a yet-to-be-released documentary called Henri Dauman: Looking Up.  The director of that documentary, Peter Kenneth Jones joins Mark and Josh at the end of the show.

contact us at:

edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

00-03:09 Mark intros

03:09-1:10 Henri Dauman

1:10-1:19:05 Peter Kenneth Jones, Documentary Director

TIME OF MY LIFE is one of the best known songs ever...Franke Previte, at the time a hard rocker, wrote it for the film, DIRTY DANCING.

He takes Mark through the story of where he was and where he ended up after the song hit.

The film. Dirty Dancing, was desperately in need of a key song and Franke wrote TIME OF MY LIFE along with a second hit, Hungry Eyes that's in the movie as well.

The song, TIME OF MY LIFE won an Academy Award in 1987 and Franke also got a Golden Globe and Grammy nomination.

The song has gone on to be used frequently in commercials and other media offerings long after the film it was written for has gone to streaming services.

Meantime, Franke has written many other songs as well.

He visits with Mark from his home in New Jersey.

For more information on Franke's other projects and to hear his original music, including TIME OF YOUR LIFE as he'd recorded it, here are the links.

Original TIME OF YOUR LIFE DEMO as done by Franke

Also:

fridaymusic.com

callingalldivas.com

:00-4:30 Mark intros show

4:57 Mark and J. Elvis Weinstein chat

8:48 -28:53 Tennis Champion Brian Teacher joins in

28:53-37:25 Comic Ron Placone on Net Neutrality

37:25-1:07:00 TalkRadio's John Kobylt on Weaponizing the Word    Socialism

Reach the show at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

It's a special quick conversation with political analyst, Michael Shure, has been on the road for awhile but he swings through for a quick visit and some thoughts on the growing field of Democratic candidates for President.

Michael and Mark also talk about, the recently indicted, Julian Assange and whether or not he's a journalist.  The two also touch on growing tensions around Iran.

 You can reach us at:

edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

This episode features a conversation with Paul Pope, whose father founded the National Enquirer.

But the story of Paul Pope's family is a remarkable one extending well beyond the Enquirer.

Paul's story extends back to his grandfather's arrival to NYC from Italy with no money but with a determination and ambition that would eventually make him a major stakeholder in the future of NYC.

Paul's father became a major media player, starting The Enquirer and driving it to top circulation through a series of strategic journalistic and marketing strategies.

You can get a copy of Paul's book here: 

 The Deeds of My Fathers: How My Grandfather and Father Built New York and Created the Tabloid World of Today

Reach the show at: edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

Political analyst, Michael Shure, joins J. Elvis Weinstein and Mark Thompson to talk about the state of everything from the White House to the enormous field of Democrats running for President.

The conversation begins with some difficulties reaching Michael... 

00:00-01:03 Mark intro

1:03-47:05  Michael Shure joins J Elvis and Mark

Contact the show at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

As third world energy demands increase and worldwide demands expand, there is a need to find clean, affordable energy.

Some have pointed to nuclear power as the answer. 

Former Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Greg Jaczko Speaks with Mark about the misguided hope of nuclear power and the clear dangers associated with bringing more reactors on line worldwide.

Gregory Jaczko has written the book CONFESSIONS OF A ROGUE NUCLEAR REGULATOR you can get it here.

contact the show at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

:00-03:05 Mark welcome

3:05-5:50 Comic, J. Elvis Weinstein and Mark visit briefly

5:50-38:33 Former Chairman, Greg Jaczko, talks with Mark

Having just arrived in the USA, Kate Kember from Manuka Health stops through the show alongside Sam Rubin who has become an enthusiastic consumer of the Manuka Health products.

The crew discusses the physical benefits that extend well beyond their extraordinary, magical honey.

More information on what is talked about in this episode at: http://manukahealth.co.nz

Investigative reporter, Vicky Ward, details for Mark the merging of Jared and Ivanka and the resulting unbridled greed that is now determining much of American policy on the international and domestic stages.

To get Vicky Ward's book click here:  

Kushner, Inc.: Greed. Ambition. Corruption. The Extraordinary Story of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump

To reach us: edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com 

:00-2:00 Show open/Mark intro

2:00-34:00 Vicky Ward on Jared and Ivanka

Mary Kay Place is so good in the new film, Diane..Mark loves the movie.

She visits with Mark and talks about, through the years, collaborating with Norman Lear, doing Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and even making serious, legitimate country music albums with legends of country music like Emmylou Harris.

John Salley may be among the rarest of professional athletes. 

First, he played on three championship NBA teams and those championships came in each of three decades.

Were that all, it would be impressive enough but Salley details a life raised by his mother, a devout Jehovah's Witness, that takes him through obstacles and opportunities.

Salley was a pioneering NBA player from a business standpoint, engineering a buyout of a contract and charting his own future, signing on with the Chicago Bulls to achieve, what at the time was, the winningest season in NBA history.

Then, in his move to Hollywood he created syndicated programming and an acting career plus a life as a series regular on BEST DAMN SPORTS SHOW.

Now, Salley has built out a lifestyle brand that includes everything from cannabis to mineral water to a special strain of marijuana.

Heather Ankeny and J. Elvis Weinstein join Mark Thompson for the conversation with John Salley.

For more information on the products and lifestyle changes John Salley is advocating: johnsalley.com

:00-2:15 Mark intro

2:30- 1:00:00 John Salley

Our guest, Joshua S Goldstein, has a well researched book called, A BRIGHT FUTURE-How Some Countries Have Solved Climate Change and the Rest Can Follow. 

His book suggests nuclear energy holds the key to stopping man-made global climate destruction.

He states it's too big a problem for the incremental and modest advances offered by alternative energy.  The only hope is a commitment to nuclear power across the developing world and the richest, most developed countries.

He wrote the book with research and writing partner Staffan A. Qvist, a nuclear engineer.  So, the two have a foundation of credibility as they look to the successes of other nations who are tackling climate and energy issues using nuclear power grids.

For more information on Joshua's controversial positions and to engage further, go to brightfuturebook.com

To engage further with us on the show: edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

As Senior National Correspondent for ABC NEWS, Jim Avila has seen it all from Washington to Havana to Asia and beyond.

Avila's covered the White House and national crises over decades and offers perspective as to what's changed in the current media environment. 

Jim also discusses his brush with death as a result of his need for a new kidney.

Michael Shure stops through giving us perspective on the voter fraud scandal in North Carolina.

Mark and Michael also discuss Diane Feinstein viral video with kids descending on her office.

Also, the richest cat and Robert Kraft in a massage parlor sting.

Reach the show at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

:00-3:00 intro

3:00-25:00 Michael Shure

25:00-1:08:00 Jim Avila

Writer, Blair Bess, grew up in a family of old-school "pitchmen" (term used generically). 

They went from the Boardwalks to county fairs with elaborate and unrelenting pitches for products as varied as knives and movie cameras.

Blair shares some of that world with us before he talks with Mark about the political realities facing Democrats in the upcoming election cycle.

He also touches on the new realities for Senator Devin Nunes, the de facto Trump surrogate.

J Elvis is a movie star.  He just wrapped a film and tells Mark all about it.

Heather Ankeny (our old co-host) stops by to fill us in on life in the SF Bay Area and the crew reviews one of Heather's key scenes in a TV series.

Contact us at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

Here's a link to guest, Blair Bess's, column

00-2:15 Mark intro

2:15-23:46 Michael Shure on politics and more

23:46-38:35 J Elvis Weinstein is a movie star

38:35-51:20 Heather Ankeny returns

51:48-1:19:00 Blair Bess on growing up Ginsu and the state of American politics in down ballot races.

Tom Arnold is fun, funny and on fire.

Tom tells us stories from his early days in Iowa and then relates how his move to Hollywood almost didn't happen...Coming out to work getting Roseanne's show on the air.

Mark asks about a story in which, supposedly, Tom goes to Beverly Hills to buy jewelry for Roseanne with a million dollars in cash in a shoebox.  Tom confirms it and fills in details. 

Tom also sets straight the details of the hunt for the outtakes/tapes from THE APPRENTICE that contain highly damaging material about Donald Trump. 

Comedian and filmmaker, J. Elvis Weinstein sits in with Mark for the conversation with Tom.

An article in The New Yorker is talked about.  Here is the link to that article https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/01/07/how-mark-burnett-resurrected-donald-trump-as-an-icon-of-american-success

First, Michael Shure on political scandals that threaten careers....Black face, sexual misconduct and a crowded field of presidential candidates.  Also, Les Moonves's new office and the meat producers in a lawsuit.

You can reach the show with comments or questions at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

00-02:45  Mark intro

2:45-20:05 Michael Shure on politics

20:05-1:40:15 Tom Arnold

Our political analyst, Michael Shure, correctly anticipated the way the government shutdown would end and now he's back with his take on the politics of the shutdown and what may follow.

Michael also talks about the Roger Stone indictment.

Then, Director Stan Zimmerman on his new show and new take on a classic play,  THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK.  

J. Elvis Weinstein joins Mark Thompson for the conversation with Stan Zimmerman.

Finally, Mark talks with Ryan Wegner, founder of the new app, AUDM.  

AUDM presents long form articles from leading publications read aloud by leading audio narrators.

Mark has the app and wanted to know the birthing process and what goes in to making it tick.

Tickets for THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK are on brownpapertickets.com

AUDM is available in the AppleStore

You can reach the show at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

00-04:10 Mark welcome and intro

4:10-21:45 Political analyst, Michael Shure

21:45-35:10  Director, Stan Zimmerman, on The Diary of Anne Frank

35:10-52:00 Ryan Wegner, Founder of AUDM

Oceanographer and expert on climate change, Jim Massa, joins us from his research center in Alaska.

First, Michael Shure checks in from the road on politics, the government shutdown and the death of an Animal House cast member.

Then, TYT contributor and frequent Steve Harvey Show guest, Brooke Thomas, shares her personal story of coming to Hollywood from Oklahoma via North Dakota and Texas.

Reach us at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

00-3:00 Mark Intro

3:15-18:51 Michael Shure on politics and more

19:00-45:00 Brooke Thomas talks race and Steve Harvey

45:10-1:08:15 Super Scientific Researcher, Oceanographer Jim Massa

The new voice of Donald Trump on Family Guy is Josh Robert Thompson.

Josh joins J.Elvis Weinstein and Mark Thompson.  Mark talks about his just-completed trip to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.  The two Joshes give Mark a hard time about his social media posting from there.

Writer/Director, Carl Gottlieb (JAWS, THE JERK) joins by phone with reflections on Bob Einstein (Super Dave) who just died and Carl also has thoughts on Penny Marshall whose death hit him hard since the two were romantically involved early in her career and remained friends to the end.

First, Mark Thompson talks politics with political reporter, Michael Shure.  Michael evaluates the candidacy of Elizabeth Warren who has just entered the presidential race.

Then, the two talk about the government shutdown and finish with "news" about one of the Jonas brothers.

 Contact us at: edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

:00-3:00 Mark Intro

3:20-23:15 Michael Shure on Politics and more

23:15-1:29:30 Josh Robert Thompson, J Elvis Weinstein, Carl Gottlieb

Movie, TV and music critic, Michael Snyder takes us on a ride through his best-of list for the just concluded year, 2018 and serves up a couple of hidden gems you won't see on anyone else's lists.

00-1:45 Mark intro

1:45-40:00 Film Critic Michael Snyder

Reach the show at : edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com