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

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

Two brilliant performers join us, Arnetia Walker (Dreamgirls) and Mindy Sterling (Austin Powers), whose credits include stage, film and television. 

Also, the very funny Writer/Director Stan Zimmerman (Golden Girls/Roseanne) is directing them in his play that's in theaters in L.A. for the holiday season.

Arnetia surprises everyone with a story about growing up in the last days of the Jim Crow south and her moment of realization as a child that she wanted to be a performer.

Mindy talks about her pre and post Austin Powers acting offers and about being nominated twice in the same category of the Emmys.  

J.Elvis Weinstein joins Mark Thompson for the talk with Mindy, Arnetia and Stan.

The episode begins with political reporter, Michael Shure, weighing in on the Bush funeral as it relates to the overall body politic and Mark and Michael also talk about the GOP rules change/power grab in Wisconsin.

Then, Sam Rubin stops by to talk with Mark about Les Moonves and Neil deGrasse Tyson and sexual misconduct among powerful, Hollywood men.

In L.A.? You can purchase tickets to YES VIRGINIA here https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3738935

00-:3:18 Mark Intro

3:18- 25:20 Michael Shure politics

25:21-48:47 Sam Rubin on men behaving badly

48:48- 1:38:15 Actors Mindy Sterling and Arnetia Walker and Director Stan Zimmerman

Wanna reach us? Email: Edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

Brown University professor, Corey Brettschneider, has a new book:  THE OATH AND THE OFFICE A GUIDE TO THE CONSTITUTION FOR FUTURE PRESIDENTS. 

It's written as a primer for a new presidents on the constitutional limits and expansiveness of executive power.  But, of course, the book serves to tell us what is acceptable and what's not when you're a President who cares about the Constitution.

President Trump is testing the Constitutional limits of the office.  Mark and J. Elvis Weinstein ask Corey about whether this President is taking us to the Constitutional brink.

You can get Corey's book here by clicking this link

Reach us at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

00- 02:45 Mark Intro

02:45- 23:15  Politics with Michael Shure

23:53- 1:13:20 Corey Brettschneider on Presidential power

Episode starts with J. Elvis Weinstein and Mark catching up on Mark's travel and Josh's coming back surgery.

Then, political analyst and strategist, Richard Greene The Civics Dean  shares his thoughts on the state of elections and what should bring people to the polls. (14:42)

Mark and Richard disagree on the power of the environmental message as a driver of voters.

Richard's column on what voters should remember is here. 

Then, comedians Jon Ross and Tim Bedore have left L.A. where they were writer/producers but have come back for a few days and have thoughts on comedy, aging and more. (43:22)

Finally, builder to the stars, Scott Harris who has built houses and restaurants for some of the most famous people and brands in the world sits in and fields questions on the modern state of the building process.  Plus, Scott has become something of a life coach and describes how those disciplines blend.

Contact us at: edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

00-3:30 Mark Intro

3:42 J. Elvis Weinstein and Mark catch up

14:42-43:22 Richard Greene The Civics Dean

43:22-1:18:00 Comedians Tim Bedore and Jon Ross

1:18:00- 2:04:46 Contractor to the stars, Scott Harris

As command module pilot for the Apollo 15 mission to the moon in 1971, Al Worden flew on what is widely regarded as the greatest exploration mission that humans have ever attempted.

He spent six days orbiting the moon, including three days completely alone, the most isolated human in existence.

During the return from the moon to earth he also conducted the first spacewalk in deep space, becoming the first human ever to see both the entire earth and moon simply by turning his head. The Apollo 15 flight capped an already-impressive career as an astronaut, including important work on the pioneering Apollo 9 and Apollo 12 missions, as well as the perilous flight of Apollo 13.

A good friend of Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood) Al made multiple appearances on the show and, at Rogers' prodding, even wrote a children's book about his mission to the moon.

Here is a link to Al Worden's other books as well.

 Before Al Worden, political analyst and reporter, Michael Shure stops through.  Michael updates the politics of hate and violence and then gives us the races to watch in the upcoming mid-terms.

The show ends with Mark Thompson offering some thoughts on Prop 12, the proposed farm animal confinement law.

00:-5:20 Mark intro featuring Al Worden on Mister Rogers Neighborhood and overview of this episode

5:21-31:25 Michael Shure on politics, mid-terms and the language of hate translated into politics

31:25- 1:25:00 Astronaut Al Worden talks about Apollo 15 mission and his life

1:25:00-1:30:15 Mark talks about Calif's Prop 12 (farm animal confinement legislation)

In a special edition of the show, Mark Thompson welcomes back entertainment reporter Sam Rubin who has is filled with enthusiasm for a product from New Zealand that Sam explains has significant restorative properties.

Sam insists HE is partially responsible for the "Manuka Miracle," the sudden upswing in interest in and use of Manuka Honey from New Zealand.

Recently featured in a special report on "Good Morning America," Sam and Mark are joined live from Auckland New Zealand by Kate Kember and David Campbell, both from Manuka Health, New Zealand's premiere provider of Manuka Honey.

From these two experts, Mark and Sam get full details on the benefits of Manuka Honey for the skin and overall health, learn the special process of bee keeping and harvesting and why Manuka Health's products are sold in over 45 countries worldwide.  Additionally we learn how to be better consumers and how to avoid rip-offs from unscrupulous providers.

Sam maintains the "Manuka Miracle" can change your life, and maybe even make Mark's skin glow.

(The show runs 33 minutes)

Carl Gottlieb is famous for having helping bring the film, Jaws, to the screen.  

Carl also collaborated with Steve Martin on THE JERK having met Martin while they were both writers on THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS SHOW.

Carl takes Mark Thompson and J.Elvis Weinstein through the process of getting those movies completed.

He also visits the film CAVEMAN (starring Ringo Starr) which Carl wrote and directed.

J Elvis asks about Carl's participation in the legendary comedy group, THE COMMITTEE and about the emerging S.F. comedy scene of the 60s.

Before Carl Gottlieb, Michael Shure stops by with THE FAST 15: Politics and More.

Michael talks with Mark about the President's obsession with using pardon power and whether Presidents should have that power at all.

Also, champion teams deciding whether or not to visit the White House..The Supreme Court decision on employees rights to sue.  Then, finally, Miss America says goodbye to swimwear.

You can purchase any of the Carl Gottlieb books by clicking this link. 

Reach the show at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

 00-3:00  Intro

3:00-18:00 Michael Shure on Politics

18:00-1:50:00  Carl Gottlieb on Movies, Music and 60s/70s Culture 

With a background as a writer, researcher and even poetry editor for the New Yorker, planning the funeral of Charles Manson seems like a job television producer, Robin Keats, wouldn't be involved in but Robin is no normal television producer.

Robin shares details of his new documentary focusing on the real family of Charles Manson (not the infamous family involved in the murders and crime spree).

Robin also tells Mark and J. Elvis Weinstein (Josh) about his life as a writer and documentarian which brings him into many worlds. 

Those worlds include being approached to head up a "fake news" organization.

The show begins with THE FAST 15, political reporter and analyst, Michael Shure, fresh from his trip to Arkansas, talks about the evangelical movement in America and it's increasing political power.

:00-3:00 Mark says hello and responds to an email

3:00-18:20 Michael Shure on the Christian right and political power

18:20-1:19:00 Guest Robin Keats on everything from the supernatural to Charles Manson

Our guest, Captain Peter Hammarstedt, tells the story of finding the notorious poaching ship, The Thunder, in what is quite literally the middle of nowhere and how once Sea Shepherd and the crew of The Bob Barker found The Thunder, a pursuit of record proportions began.

For 10 years the illegal fishing vessel, The Thunder, evaded capture and legal authorities.  Meantime, The Thunder and it's crew laid waste to vast stretches of the oceans using drift nets that stretch often 100 miles and they became among one of the worst offenders in the destruction of the oceans.

Captain Peter Hammarstedt took over for Sea Shepherd Captain and founder, Paul Watson and at age 29, Peter has developed a reputation for being passionate, skilled and doggedly determined.  He and his volunteer crew needed all those qualities to pursue THE THUNDER.

Captain Peter tells Mark and J.Elvis Weinstein what was involved in this potentially deadly cat and mouse game. The stakes were so high and the money involved so significant that it was not clear that Sea Shepherd's crew wasn't in mortal danger.  

The Captain takes us through the whole harrowing story .

Sea Shepherd missions to stop illegal whaling, dolphin hunts and plundering of the world's oceans never stop.

For more information on Peter and the Sea Shepherd mission to protect the oceans go to Sea Shepherd's website:  https://seashepherd.org/

Michael Shure kicks the show off with the FAST 15.  He talks with Mark about Trump's fixer, Michael Cohen and what might be in the piles of documents that came out of the raid on his office and home.

The two address former FBI head, James Comey's book tour and what's significant about it.  Should it change anything about the way we see Trump or Comey?

To reach the show email us at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com or leave a comment on our website.

Mark starts the show by acknowledging some email and comments. 

Then, he explains someone responded to the fact that the show was threatened with a lawsuit.  Mark explains.  00:00-4:22 

Mark intros show 4:23-5:40 

J Elvis Weinstein (comedian and documentary filmmaker) joins the conversation with comedian, Laura House. 

Laura describes her boyfriend’s recent marriage proposal, the release of her new album and taking a crowd trough meditation. 5:40-30:28

30:28-1:38:00  Jimmy Dore and Stef Zamarrano join Mark and waste no time ripping into corporate influenced Democrats and Republicans.

Julieanna Hever is one of the leading experts on diet and lifestyle.

Her new book is Plant Based Nutrition.  It is a brilliant reference for those trying to segue to plant based eating, even just sampling that world or those who simply want a solid reference for any number of nutrition based questions.

In this episode:

Show open (:03)

(:03-:28) Michael Shure asks Mark about his film, THE GAME CHANGERS premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. 

The two also touch on Mormons in government and society and then it's on to GOP vs Dems and the government shutdown winners and losers.

(:28) Julieanna Hever, dietician and lifestyle guru, provides a reference for everything from buying organic and how important it is, to "cleanses" and eating schedules.  

Her latest book is, Plant Based Nutrition (you can get it here through this link). And her previous books you can also get through this link.

Julieanna's website it plantbaseddietitian.com

GOP strategist, John Thomas, joins and explains what’s going on with this most unorthodox and, many would say, faltering presidency and administration.

John is a staunch conservative pundit and Mark is, well, not.  Mark and John discuss the environment, regulation and the undoing of everything Obama related.

Then, Derek Thompson (Editor at The Atlantic) stops by to talk about his new book, HITMAKERS The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction.

What makes something, an app, a piece of music, anything, break through the cultural noise and become a hit?  Derek breaks it down in a fascinating conversation.

J.Elvis Weinstein (Josh) and Laura House join Mark for the conversation with Derek.

Sometimes an expert is in your own backyard.

Mark's father is not only a constitutional lawyer but he's written a book with an extensive legal analysis of past presidential impeachment proceedings and even the attempted impeachment proceedings to remove presidents.

But worried it was one of those shouting match shows on cable television, Mark's father, Arnie, initially rejected our show's invitation to join the show hosted by his own son!

After it was explained that we wanted a civilized conversation to address all the impeachment talk, Mark's dad agreed to give us a bit of history and handicap the reality of any actions rising to the level of "high crimes and misdemeanors".

The show starts with a a brief introduction and then The Fast 15 with Michael Shure talking politics, Russia and then making way for impeachment talk.

Comedians Laura House and J. Elvis Weinstein join Mark Thompson for the conversation with his father, Arnie.  

Then they share facts about their own parents including one being eerily near JFK's assassination and the other having tutored Bob Dylan.

As a creator, writer, director and producer of television and film, Dave Mirkin has made quite an impact.

He’s been behind some of the biggest television comedies both from the standpoint of audience and in terms of the impact on the culture of television comedy and entertainment.

From The Larry Sanders Show to The Simpsons and Newhart, Dave takes us through a bit of his world as it emerges through a robust career.

He talks about his good friend Carrie Fisher and their adventure together on a cruise ship filled with the best and the brightest from the arts and technology.

J.Elvis Weinstein joins Mark for this conversation along with comedy writer, Laura House.

Mark starts the show with a 3 minute update from last week's story on the police in L.A. and a community outreach young cadet program that has ended up in an arrest of an officer and cadets.

Comedy writer, producer and host, Spike Feresten is involved in many things...He was a writer/producer on both Seinfeld and David Letterman's show.  He also had his own successful late night talk show on FOX-TV.

How and why that show went away is a story that Spike shares on this episode.

Spike also co-wrote Bee Movie, the Jerry Seinfeld film that was a huge success. He talks about the process of writing that film and thinking through the bizarre world of a bee, or at least the bees in the movie.

This episode was recorded at Mark's home which is up the road from Spike's.  The two neighbors meet though on the wild roads of L.A. as is discussed in this episode.

Michael Shure begins the episode with THE FAST 15, 15 minutes of politics and other items.  This week, Mark apologizes to Michael for diminishing Michael's NHL fan status.

The two also talk London terrorism, animals and Wonder Woman (the Jewish superhero)

One of Mark's favorite podcast hosts is Dan Carlin who does a show called Hardcore History.

Mark pumps him for some historical perspective on what's happening today.

Is the USA a Fading Empire?  How Close Are We to War? How will this moment in time be seen in the view of history?

Dan is a clear mind with a keen historical vision.

We start with THE FAST 15: Michael Shure who is, oddly perhaps, a fan of how United Airlines handled their PR mess after they threw a passenger off one of their flights.

The two also talk Instagram, High Tech Casino Gaming and Famous Amos cookies. 

Jimmy Dore is back and he wants to burn down the whole Democratic party.  A party that he feels has let down the working class it claims to represent.

Jimmy was an advocate for Donald Trump beating the corporatist (as Jimmy puts it) that is Hillary Clinton so Mark asks him if he's happy with the way things have turned out.

Also,  Michael Shure stops in with THE FAST 15, we read a negative e-mail, talk Sean Spicer, cellphone fingerprint technology that apparently isn't secure & Pulitzer Prize winning political cartoonist and columnist, David Horsey, visits too.

Link to David Horsey columns: http://www.latimes.com/opinion/topoftheticket/

Link to Jimmy Dore: http://www.jimmydorecomedy.com/

 Carol Leifer has been involved with a remarkable number of hit comedy shows.  From Seinfeld to the Academy Awards to her own show which was critically heralded as one of the best shows in primetime television. 

The crew asks Carol about some of the shows she’s been involved with a special eye on Seinfeld.

Having come out as a lesbian late in life and after having been married to a man, Carol’s story is both interesting and extraordinary.  The crew quizzes Carol about her wedding and Mark asks Carol about what he calls, “Lesbian World”.  

Mark’s a fan of her books and asks her about her latest book, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY CRYING.

All of Carol's stand-up dates and links to buy her book can be found on her website CarolLeifer.com

Heather Ankeny and J.Elvis Weinstein join Mark Thompson for the conversation with Carol Leifer.

The show starts with THE FAST 15: Politics and more with Michael Shure.  It’s a 15 minute conversation covering the Washington scene and this time Mark and Michael get into the evolution of the ticket broker.

This episode starts with J. Elvis Weinstein having just wrapped up serving as foreman of the jury on a murder trial.   He'll review the facts and what happened in that deliberation room.

Then, Tim Atkins joins us.  Tim was wrongly accused and convicted of robbery and murder and ended up in prison for 23 years before he was exonerated.

What's it like in prison?  What's it like to be there as an innocent man?  How does he survive?

What's the future hold for Tim Atkins and is the state of California ever going to compensate him for the mistaken imprisonment?

Mark Thompson is joined by J. Elvis Weinstein and Heather Ankeny

Bobby Slayton has had a rough year, with the death of his wife of 30 years.

What's happened since?  Bobby fills us in on his new girlfriend who he met--at a funeral.

Then it's dinners with Woody Allen and more.

Josh Weinstein (J Elvis Weinsten) and Heather Ankeny join Mark Thompson

The smoke has barely cleared.  It's less than a day after the polls closed and Emmy and Murrow award winning ABC White House and Senior National correspondent, Jim Avila reflects on what happened.

Why were the media pollsters so wrong?

Jim shares an insider's look and even talks about a memo that was circulated at ABC by the pollsters explaining what went on.

Avila talks about false equivalency and the notion of "fair" reporting in the run up to election day.

Was the media complicit in running down one candidate over in favor of the other.

Plus, a listener who had written to the show in the comments section of our website joins by phone to share a few minutes on why he voted for Donald Trump.

Heather Ankeny joins Mark Thompson

SHEENA EASTON

Michael Shure and Jimmy Dore

Fresh off covering both American political conventions, Michael Shure stops by with a jumbo blast of insider political analysis and stories from the road.  

(But the show begins with a digression about the product BREATH ASSURE)

Then...

Jimmy Dore (who also has just returned from both conventions) lights up the Democrats for ignoring the potential of Bernie Sanders, and laments the loss of liberalism in a Hillary Clinton candidacy.

Then he blasts the media for normalizing everything from Donald Trump

For all the places you can find Jimmy Dore go to JimmyDoreComedy.com

For the conversation with Jimmy Dore, J. Elvis Weinstein (Josh) joins Mark Thompson 

We start with a 10 minute blast of politics from political analyst and journalist Michael Shure talking with Mark Thompson.

Then our guest, Amy Povah…  

When Federal Drug agents burst into her home, Amy Povah was confronted at gunpoint. 

Amy was sentenced to two decades in prison and spent 10 years behind bars because her husband was dealing drugs.  She was not part of his drug dealing.  By the way, the husband pleaded his time down to 4 years.

It was her husband agents were after.  His overseas  ECSTASY drug operation had grown to the point that he was something of a kingpin.

Amy explains to Mark and Josh that she was not part of that operation but was faced with the specter of wearing a wire and becoming an underground informant anyway.  The Feds said that if she didn’t cooperate in that way they’d send her away for a mandatory 24 year sentence.

Worried about the danger etc. she didn’t cooperate in that way and they indeed sentenced her to two decades behind bars.

How she got out after 10 years and how she’s working to help others, often girlfriends and spouses or other family members in jail for sometimes something as little as taking a phone message for a known dealer, is part of what she talks about with Mark Thompson and J.Elvis Weinstein.

Her outreach and clemency program is CAN-DO, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit foundation that advocates Clemency for All Non-violent Drug Offenders.   There’s more information at candoclemency.com

He's won an Academy Award for his documentary, THE COVE, and now Louis Psihoyos has a new film that is both breathtaking and powerful.  

RACING EXTINCTION is about the coming mass extinction unfolding across the planet, during which at least half the species on earth will vanish.

The film deals with examples of the of the Anthropocene extinction, in other words, the effects of the unbridled appetites of human beings(literal and figurative) causing the greatest mass extinction since the KT event, 66 million years ago.

And despite the bleak realities, the film is hopeful, exciting, beautifully photographed and empowering.

The movie takes you undercover to Asia to witness the demand for endangered animal parts in exotic elixirs and culinary preparations and goes from there...

Composer J Ralph, who scored this movie and the Academy Award winning documentary film, MAN ON WIRE  (along with CHASING ICE and other high profile documentary projects of late) joins us also.

But before the guests arrive Jimmy Dore reports to us from from the presidential campaigns of Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump.  There are no two campaigns with more momentum than Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders and Jimmy contrasts the two stump speeches and rallies.

For more information on the film RACING EXTINCTION and related subjects go to http://racingextinction.com/

Heather Ankeny and J.Elvis Weinstein join Mark Thompson

 One of the most famous voices in television and radio takes us through a life onscreen and off.

As the voice and creator of some of the highest profile and innovative advertising campaigns, Shadoe Stevens had doors opened and Hollywood calling.

What happened next is a story of triumph, addiction and re-emergence.

More Shadoe at his website http://www.shadoe.com/

 J. Elvis Weinstein joins Mark Thompson

Tavis Smiley is a successful broadcaster, best selling author, lecturer and political commentator.

His world is populated by a who’s who of modern life and a his mind has a keen sense of the past with a view toward the future.

Much of his life philosophy is in his new book:  50 For Your Future…Lessons From Down The Road 

Tavis’ take on life, future and opportunity may offer insight for many of us.

Josh Weinstein joins Mark Thompson

Radio's champion morning team of Kevin and Bean have dominated since they arrived in L.A. in 1990..They've stared down the best radio shows in the country from Howard Stern on and they're still going.

Bean joins us to tell us about their ride and to make fun of Mark.

Heather Ankeny and J. Elvis Weinstein join Mark

Neil Strauss, the author of THE GAME (penetrating the secret world of pick-up artists) joins us in an unvarnished conversation about love, relationships and sex (some of which is pretty bizarre and out there)

On his website Neil says his new book, THE TRUTH: An Uncomfortable Book About Relationships, is "an attempt to figure out where so many people go wrong, again and again, when it comes to relationships and marriage—and if there’s a better way to live, love, and make love."

He also says, "this, however, is not a journey that was undertaken for journalistic purposes. It is a painfully honest account of a life crisis that was forced on me by the consequences of my own behavior"

And his journey is both fascinating and literally unbelievable.

Heather Ankeny joins Mark Thompson and they both share some adult stories along the way.

WARNING for adult themes

JRT is Back…Talking about his latest TV creation --

Josh Robert Thompson is the man of voices and ideas…

From access TV stardom as a kid to network television and performing voices on Family Guy and feature films, Josh Robert Thompson is a packed warehouse of talent.  

He talks about some of what he’s doing and his latest project.

Josh is a great friend of the show so it’s always fun when he visits.

You can find more information on Josh at jrtvoices.com

Heather Ankeny joins Mark Thompson for this episode of THE EDGE

When Mark calls Marilu a “multi-threat” he’s not kidding.

Marilu Henner (a returning guest to THE EDGE) was trained and excelled as an actress on stage, television and film.  She counts the hit shows Taxi and Evening Shade among the TV shows she’s been part of and she’s starred in feature films opposite John Travolta, Burt Reynolds, Michael Keaton and Steve Martin.

But it’s her work and presence beyond show business that has gotten a lot of attention along the way as well.

Motivated by the early death of her parents, Marilu became educated in health and wellness strategies. She’s lectured and written extensively on those subjects.

When her husband of two months was given a dire cancer diagnosis, the two planned a strategy to beat it without surgery, chemo or radiation. 

Twelve and a half years later he’s around to reflect on that story in a new book that is released in April.  Here’s a link to that book and some of her other work.

Finally Marilu has what’s called, highly superior autobiographical memory, which allows her a perfect memory of places, people and situations that defies description.

The crew talks to her about a lot of what her life has been about with a dash of Celebrity Apprentice, Donald Trump and The Bachelor thrown in as well.

J. Elvis Weinstein (Josh) and Heather Ankeny join Mark Thompson

Discovery Channel premiered its first-ever true crime series titled KILLING FIELDS …Taking viewers inside an active criminal investigation as it unfolds. 

The series follows the hunt for the killer of a Louisiana woman. It's a case that went cold nearly two decades ago in the small community of Iberville Parish, Louisiana, just 15 miles from the state capitol, Baton Rouge. 

In June 1997, Louisiana State University student Eugenie Boisfontaine was last seen near LSU’s lakes. Two months later, her body was found nearby in a watery ditch with evidence of blunt force trauma to her head. 

Who did it and why? Was her murder part of a much bigger string of killings? Between 1997 and 2003, there were 60 cases of missing and murdered women in the area that went unsolved. And to make it even more complicated, the Baton Rouge area had multiple serial killers operating at the same time with two of the their victims living on the same street as Eugenie.  Could these murders be connected?

Detective Rodie Sanchez was assigned to the case in 1997 and hasn’t stopped thinking about it since. He makes the bold decision to come out of retirement and gets permission to re-open the case. Rodie is determined to solve the mystery and make good on a broken promise to Eugenie’s mother: to find the person (or persons) responsible for killing her daughter.

Joining Rodie is a young hot-shot detective, Aubrey St. Angelo, who has a knack for reading people and isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. 

The two work in conjunction with top detectives.  With advancements in forensic science and DNA analysis, a lot has changed since 1997. But will this be enough to crack the case for good? And will Rodie be able to finally rest and move beyond the case that has forever haunted him?

KILLING FIELDS airs on DISCOVERY CHANNEL

Detectives Sanchez and St. Angelo join us in this episode of THE EDGE.

Hosts: Mark Thompson, Heather Ankeny and J.Elvis Weinstein

Mansoor Shams is a Muslim who enlisted in the Marine corps before 9-11 and who wanted to go into combat when the Twin Towers came down.

Now, even though he’s out of “the Corps” he maintains close ties to many in the Marines.

As the climate in America has taken a decidedly anti-muslim tone, he feels the need to try and stop the flow of bad information.  

His frequent periscopes and forays into social media attempt to do that 

Heather Ankeny and J.Elvis Weinstein join Mark Thompson 

Ivy League graduate and former Wall Street investment banker, Sonia Faruqi leaves the business world in the 2008 shake-out.  Then, in an effort to do something totally different ends up at the door of an organic dairy farm.  What happened next would change her life and vault her into the spotlight of food issues for the next generation.

Her adventure takes her on a journey around the world.  A remarkable experience that is chronicled in the new book PROJECT ANIMAL FARM: An Accidental Journey Into the Secret World of Farming and The Truth About Our Food.

From dairy farms in Canada to chicken farms in Indonesia to factory farms in Malaysia, she was not only witness to so much but she turns her business mind loose on what she's seen.  

Then she comes up with a cost efficient alternative way to farm while also perhaps being more humane to millions of creatures.

At the end of the show Angela Daun fills us in on her project.  She is starting a new television show.  The show takes a look around the world at the state of animals (endangered and others).

Angela has a Kickstarter campaign going which you can join by going to Kickstarter and entering the name ANIMAL EMPIRE.

J. Elvis Weinstein joins Heather Ankeny and Mark Thompson

Simpsons Co-Creator Sam Simon's Trust Is Now Battling Over Money Needed For The Dog Left Behind...

With no mention of his dog in his trust, Sam Simon has left behind some bizarre questions about how money is going to be distributed to the causes he cared most about.  Those are likely going to be worked out.

But the oddest and seemingly most straight forward question of all still goes unanswered.  Where is the money to support and maintain the high maintenance dog that Sam loved so much, Columbo.

The Sam Simon trustee says there is none provided for Columbo in any of the documents.

Will Sam's dog go more or less orphaned by the estate?  It's a question we try to answer in this episode.

Columbo's trainer and Sam Simon friend, Tyson Kilmer joins us with his wife, Allison.  He describes in detail the communications he’s had with the estate.

We are also joined by a leading estate and trust lawyer, Jeff Condon.  Jeff explains that the trustee may have legal high ground to leave Tyson and Columbo out in the cold financially.

Jeff Condon has written extensively on subjects of trusts and estates and his books have been heralded as the best books in the field.

Finally, we share a statement from the Sam Simon estate that attempts to set the record straight on this subject but it may leave you with more questions than answers.

Heather Ankeny joins Mark Thompson

THE POPE'S VISIT AND POLITICS

He might have once been a devoted Catholic altar boy in Chicago but Jimmy Dore seems more about rebellion now.  

He’s a comedian and author who is a regular and welcome guest.

Rebelling against religion and mainstream party politics, Jimmy always shakes up the conversation.  

He tells the story of being chased by a molesting priest and how that priest was ultimately handled by the community and the church.

It’s religion and politics for sure but the crew gets to a lot of other things as well…Like the psychology of success and jockeying for position in life.

Plus, now that Heather’s inmate lover is out (he was serving 5+ years in a federal penitentiary for a white collar crime), Jimmy is updated on her situation and shares some tough love with Heather.

Josh gives Mark and Jimmy a hard time over their affections for the app PERISCOPE.

You can find more Jimmy at jimmydorecomedy.com 

Heather Ankeny and J.Elvis Weinstein (Josh) join Mark Thompson 

There's something odd about this call...

Warning for language--

Mark Thompson speaks with and about The Terminator movie on THE EDGE 

Comic/Weather Guy Fritz Coleman

FRITZ COLEMAN is here and we talk about almost everything EXCEPT weather.

Fritz has become a local news institution in L.A. as the weather guy on KNBC-TV.  

All the while, he’s been a writer and comedian who has opened for top performers and and has been a regular at clubs nationwide.

Fritz shares stories and reflections on Ray Charles, James Brown, Johnny Carson and David Letterman.

Before Fritz arrives the crew talks the death of U2’s manager and gets an update on Heather’s fiancé prisoner, his upcoming freedom and his birthday gift to Heather which was a portrait painting of her.

Plus, an update on J. Elvis Weinstein's documentaries, one of which is making into the festival circuit.

Hang out for the conversation

Aron Ralston’s harrowing experience trapped under an 800 lb. boulder in Utah was portrayed by James Franco in the film directed by Danny Boyle, 127 Hours.  The movie was nominated for 6 Academy Awards. 

That the real Aron Ralston survived amputating his own arm with a crude cutting tool is remarkable in itself but to think there are other rich details, involving his mother’s role in miraculously locating him and the kind of unmitigated luck that prevailed to help him survive, that had to be left out of the film brings the discussion to another place.

Ralston talks with Mark and Heather about what actually happened and what it’s like to have your own near death story told on screen.  

How did they decide on James Franco?   Who else was being considered?  How involved was Aron with the creative aspects of the film?

Aron is a lot of fun and he discusses it all with Heather and Mark.

Fat to Fit: The Bizarre, Remarkable Life of Rich Roll-- One of the Fittest Men in the World

Rich Roll had the American dream.  Still he found himself overweight, hooked on alcohol and unable to perform simple physical tasks  without being winded.

Rich resolved to make a change.

His transformation has been so amazing that Rich has gone from huffing and puffing as he climbed stairs to being named as one of the fittest men in the world.

In May 2010, he tackled an unprecedented feat of insane endurance, THE EPIC 5 CHALLENGE - completing ironman-distance triathlons on 5 islands of Hawaii in under a week.

Rich Roll also has a podcast which is wildly popular and Mark is a fan.

Here on our podcast, Rich discusses his life turnaround, some tips for all of us who want to consider even modest changes in our life routines and his new book: 

The Plantpower Way: Whole Food Plant-Based Recipes and Guidance for The Whole Family

Set sail for LOVE—It’s our dating and romance show.

We speak with two dating experts who help navigate the often tricky and scary romantic waters of a first date, attraction and online meet ups.  

Dating after a divorce and how to meet people when you are afraid of rejection..

Miss Solomon is in the dating advice biz and regularly offers up practical and easy techniques for the dating world through website thedatingtruth.com. And details some of what she talks about on the show on her site.

Suzie A. also joins the discussion with additional thoughts and advice which she regularly shares on her website singledatingdiva.com/ask-sdd/

Mark Thompson is joined by Heather Ankeny.

Today we have 3 guests with very different backgrounds and very different experiences with the oil and natural gas business.

5 years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico (the worst and biggest oil spill in human history), we talk with documentary filmmaker Stephanie Kovac, who has just completed the new film LUBE JOB about Louisiana's relationship with big oil. She discusses the lasting effects of the BP oil spill for the entire Gulf region.

Then Roger Cooper joins the group. As someone who represented the natural gas industry in Washington for decades, Roger gives us a sense of what regulations and exploration goes on.  Roger is open and honest about the limitations and compromises that oil and gas production requires.

Finally, Nanette Barragan, Mayor of Hermosa Beach California discusses her battle to keep "big oil" from fracking in her seaside neighborhood just south of Los Angeles.

Comedian and documentary filmmaker Josh Weinstein joins Heather Ankeny and Mark Thompson for much of this show.

Born into a show business family, Jon Cryer is a multi-threat.

He made his name as an actor, tracing his roots back to stage work but his nose for comedy is undeniable.

His show Two and a Half Men is now legendary having run 12 seasons and having included one of the highest profile derailing of a star in history.

Now Jon has a book, So That Happened: A Memoir in which he details much of his remarkable life. 

Jon talks about Charlie Sheen and life on the show after Sheen as Ashton Kutcher took over, Hollywood romance and more.

Heather Ankeny and Paul Goebel (the King of TV) join Mark Thompson.

Sergeant Frank Woods is the character that drives the action in CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS.

Woods is acted by James C Burns, our guest today.  

While Burns has been part of huge films and television shows in the past, it's CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS that's created a cultish following around him.

He’ll detail how the game has exploded in popularity and the fan base that has grown around this highly successful entertainment franchise.

Mark also asks Burns to comment on Heather’s performance in the CBS show BATTLECREEK which we hear a clip of.

Here’s a link to the Sgt Frank Woods Youtube channel that James C Burns mentions during his visit.

Then, we talk to someone who was so obsessed with CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS that he had to go to extreme measures to put the game out of his immediate reach.  World famous professional poker player, Phil Laak joins us for the second part of the show and talks of his obsession.

Mark Thompson is joined by Heather Ankeny and Paul Goebel.

Chris Rubio operates a specialized clinic for young football players to learn the art of getting the football back to punters and place kickers during a game (also called "snapping the ball")

It's a specialized position in football that Mark, Heather and Paul suggest may be the best position on the field.

Also, is NCAA athletics so awash in money and operating so independent of the academic system that it should not be part of the colleges it claims to represent?   Pulitzer prize winning writer Michael Hiltzik reviews his controversial proposal.

 Michael Hiltzik article on NCAA athletics

Paul Goebel and Heather join Mark Thompson

Marilu Henner is like some kind explosion of intellect and positivity.

Her involvement in classic television shows like Taxi and Evening Shade would be enough for us to fill two or three shows.  But Marilu’s work in the area of health and wellness and her extraordinary memory makes her some kind of perfect storm of conversation.  We could have gone on for hours.  She’ll be back.

Enjoy Marilu Henner: Actress, broadcaster, author and advocate.

Note: Heather is away so Laura House and Paul Goebel join Mark.

Show biz talk and also the attempt to live a life of commitment to a cause...

Alexandra Paul had a successful acting career long before BAYWATCH and her activism in the world of animal rights has become in many ways just as high profile.

Mark, Heather and (King of TV) Paul Goebel ask her about film and television projects that she’s part of and then the conversation turns to activism.

Many say the secret weapon in Alexandra’s family from an activism standpoint is her brother Jonathan whose efforts to liberate animals and close down some of the most brutal slaughterhouse operations in the world, landed him in prison.   He is widely recognized as one of the most committed activists in the history of the modern animal rights movement.  Here, his gentle sound and thoughts reflect a heart touched by that world.

Jonathan talks about his time in prison and his life trying to make a difference in a world in which there is so much injustice.

Heather visits her prisoner on Valentine's Day.

Then ABC News White House and National Correspondent Jim Avila helps break down the Brian Williams mess.

What happened and why?  How could this trusted journalist suffer such a horrible fall?  Has he mortally wounded his career?

Jim Avila has operated at the highest levels of both NBC and ABC News and can offer a perspective that is otherwise hard to come by.

Avila is also a straight talking guy who's not one to sugar coat things so he's the perfect one to comment.  He joins the group via Skype.

Josh Weinstein joins with Heather.

WARNING FOR EXPLICIT MATERIAL

Dr. Lawrence Santora is a distiguished cardiologist who has been on the cutting edge of research and authored books.

But when his wife was diagnosed with cancer and physically dessimated by chemo he became desperate to help her.

With her condition continuing to deteriorate they sought out the healing power of Lourdes.

Dr. Santora recounts the bizarre manner in which his prayers turned to action and describes what happened when the two of them arrived in this legendary place of "miracles" called Lourdes.

Jay takes us on a journey from amazing success at an early age to steep decline and career crisis.  Here's a taste..The entire episode upcoming soon