From the road in New Hampshire, political reporter Michael Shure talks about the mess of Iowa, the primary in New Hampshire and the impeachment acquittal of Donald Trump.

Then...

Mark speaks with the director and one of the activists profiled in the new documentary THE ANIMAL PEOPLE: 

(summary from IMDB)

Fifteen years in the making, this feature documentary - Executive Produced by Joaquin Phoenix - follows the journey of six young Americans who find themselves targeted as terrorists by the US government for their involvement in a controversial protest campaign. Seeing the future of social movement organizing, the activists used the then fledgling internet to dramatically magnify their impact as they systematically knocked out the pillars of financial support that kept the company in business. But when letter writing and protests began to mushroom into dead-of-night vandalism and worse by unknown activists, this corporation and the government formed an alliance to destroy the group. The FBI began an unprecedented campaign of surveillance in preparation for prosecution, creating a model that would later be used against Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter. Congress, under corporate influence, rewrote laws and bent the definition of incitement in order to accomplish the prosecution of these six, potentially weakening free speech rights for all Americans. Featuring expansive interviews with the activists spanning over a decade, rare archival footage - including never-before-seen FBI undercover surveillance tapes, wiretaps and government documents, The Animal People is a chilling portrait of what happens when activism rattles the institutions of power.

:00- 2:50  Mark welcome and explains episode

 3:15-17:05  Michael Shure checks in from New Hampshire                Primary...Also talks impeachment vote/acquittal.

17:10-1:15:16   From the documentary film, THE ANIMAL PEOPLE, Director, Casey Suchan and activist, Jake Conroy 

Reach the show at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

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

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

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

: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

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

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 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

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

With his aggressive comedy style and political incorrectness, Bobby Slayton has been called his generation's Don Rickles.

Bobby continues his tradition of stopping into the show at the holidays.   He's joined by iHeart Radio's Lisa Foxx sitting in with Mark Thompson while J. Elvis shoots a movie.

The show begins with political analyst, Michael Shure, and a fresh take on Michael Flynn's dealings with the judge in his case, a look at political and private interests vs the public good and, finally, some thoughts on Penny Marshall.

00-03:40  Mark welcome and intro

03:45-21:25  Michael Shure on Politics and more

21:30- 1:15:00 Comedian Bobby Slayton

Reach the show at : edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

Jane Velez-Mitchell is a long time journalist and social media advocate for animals. 

Jane speaks openly about everything from kicking alcohol to embracing her sexuality. 

Michael Shure kicks the show off with talk of what's happening at the White House and the Nancy Pelosi/Chuck Schumer meeting with Donald Trump.

00-03:32 Mark welcomes and reads mail

03:32-27:02 Michael Shure: Politics, an Indian Wedding and a Spanish teacher

27:10- 1:17:30  Jane Velez-Mitchell

Reach the show at : edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

Georgia's elections are so compromised and vulnerable that it would be ridiculous and funny if it weren't so critical to representing the people's voice in the voting process.

While a recount goes on in Ga. we talk to Jordan Wilkie who was part of the team that broke the story of how broken the Georgia election really is.  His stories can be found at the website http://whowhatwhy.org

Then, director, writer and star of the new movie, Lez Bomb, Jenna Laurenzo, joins J.Elvis Weinstein and Mark Thompson to talk about the comedy.

Contact us at: edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

00:3:40 Mark welcome and intro episode

3:40-24:50  Ga. election story with investigative journalist Jordan      Wilkie

24:50-1:04:00 Director and Star of Movie, Lez Bomb, Jenna Laurenzo  joins Mark and J Elvis Weinstein

Two voices of progressive comedy: Ron Placone and Graham Elwood.

Both on Jimmy Dore's show and also on the Progressive Comedy Tour they get out their viewpoint without the intense harshness that's become commonplace in today's politically charged conversations and performances.

It's not all politics.  Mark asks Graham about his one night marriage to a stripper in Las Vegas and, in a moment with less levity, Graham also talks about his home being foreclosed upon as a result of predatory banking practices.

How do the different crowds nationwide react to the comedy and today's political situation is among what's covered in this episode.

contact us at: edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

00-2:05 Mark welcome

2:05-56:05 Mark speaks with Graham Elwood and Ron Placone

Former Editor-In-Chief at Rotten Tomatoes, Matt Atchity, presided over the website as it became a go-to destination for people deciding what films and television offerings they were going to watch.  

Matt joins Mark Thompson and comic/documentary film director, J Elvis Weinstein on this episode.

Matt explains the power of "Certified Fresh", the limited power of the superhero and tentpole films and studios generally.

Finally, Matt talks about The Young Turks and his goals for TYT.

Matt is one of the hosts of WHAT THE FLICK (which reviews movies and TV) on the TYT network.

Before Matt, Michael Shure returns from Israel and looks at the political aspirations of Jim Jordan as Jordan attempts to succeed Paul Ryan as House Speaker.  One problem Jordan may have is the trail of controversy that's shadowing him.

Mark also asks Michael about the Endangered Species Act and why it's rollback is a priority for Trump and Interior Sec'y Zinke.  Michael explains the politics.

00-3:16 Mark welcome, summary

3:16-26:06 Michael Shure on politics 

26:06-1:21:14 Matt Atchity, J Elvis Weinstein and Mark Thompson

 Email us at: edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

It was an epic week for the most powerful star on television.  In one instant Roseanne Barr destroyed her current show, past show and her standing in show business along with the livelihoods of scores of staffers.

Award winning entertainment journalist, Sam Rubin, from the #1 morning news show in L.A., talks about Roseanne's epic fall.

Then, Michael Shure had a prediction that looks increasingly accurate. 

Plus, Mark and Michael weigh in on the Supreme Court decisions that will legalize sports gambling by state (neither supports it) and a crucial decision against workers' rights to organize.

:00 -:05   Mark with opening remarks

:05-20:40 Sam Rubin joins Mark to talk Roseanne

20:40-48:00  Michael Shure joins Mark Trump-Broidy prediction,                            legalizing sports wagering and more.

Reach the show at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

The show starts with an intro and Mark addressing a Stitcher glitch. (00-4:05)

Then, THE FAST 15 and Michael Shure commenting on everything from John Bolton joining the Trump cabinet to the Iran Nuclear Deal to the worldwide gun rallies and the Scientology television network. (4:30-22:06)

Then Mark is joined by Laura House and J.Elvis Weinstein to talk with playwright Marc Acito.  He talks about his latest production, the George Takei inspired musical, Allegiance. (22:22-34:10)

A brief conversation with Chris DeRose (Last Chance For Animals) follows, remembering our friend, Sam Simon on the anniversary of his death this month.  Sam was the co-creator of THE SIMPSONS and a prolific humanitarian.  The two share memories and two funny audio clips. (34:50-43:00)  Last Chance For Animals is at www.lcanimal.org

Finally, Marc Ching.. Marc has made the infiltrating of the Asian dog meat market and rescuing animals from these torturous situations a life's work.  He's taken that work here to the USA where the IT'S LEGAL TO EAT DOGS AND CATS.

Marc tells us how he got in to this world and what the prospects are for the future. His organization is ANIMAL HELP AND WELLNESS https://animalhopeandwellness.org/marc-ching/

Marc is the last interview in the show.(43:00-1:30:00)

Our email is theedgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

At 15, Nathan Runkle became an animal activist ...But what he built with that activism is Mercy For Animals, one of the leading animal rights organization that exposes and fights the brutal and inhumane conditions in factory farms and animal agriculture.  You can find out more information at mercyforanimals.org

His story is chronicled in the book Mercy For Animals: One Man's Quest to Inspire Compassion and Improve the Lives of Farm Animals.

Nathan Runkle joins Mark Thompson and sitting in are comedians Laura House @imlaurahouse and J. Elvis Weinstein @jelvisweinstein 

The show starts with Mark and some thoughts on Jared Kushner and selling access from the White House inner circle. (00-:05)

Then Michael Shure joins and discusses the NRA and why this national gun conversation is potentially different from others (:05-:22)

Finally, Nathan joins for the rest of the show (:22-1:13)

You can contact the show at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

When Damien Mander completed his service as a Special Operations diver and sniper, he looked for another chapter in his life, a way to make his life purposeful.  

That search ended with a plan to help protect a part of the planet that he saw being destroyed by greed—poachers, looking to cash in by slaughtering the most endangered animals on earth--from rhinos to tigers.

Damien has built an army of WOMEN to help him.  He enlists women from the local community because he’s found them to be the best fighters and the most committed to the cause.  He discusses this all with Heather Ankeny and J. Elvis Weinstein, who join Mark for the conversation with Damien.

To support Damien's efforts to stop wildlife poaching, go to the  International Anti-Poaching Organization website:    https://www.iapf.org/

The show begins with THE FAST 15 which is supplemented by a conversation Michael Shure and Mark have about guns, the NRA and America.

Oscar nominated actress, Jennifer Tilly, is a favorite.  She always brings honesty and fun.  

This time she brings a bottle of win too and the magic gets started right away.

It's an almost 2 hour visit with Jennifer.

The show starts with politics and more with Michael Shure: THE FAST 15.

Michael discusses the tax bill, the new senate seat, the death of net neutrality and the sliding scale of sexual harassment.

Kevin Pollak is a comedian, actor, director, writer and producer and has been part of some of the biggest film and television projects of the last 30 years.

(6 minutes in)  On The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Kevin was a favorite of Johnny’s and he tells us how he never had to do a stand-up monologue on the show (a miraculous fact within the standup comedy world).  Pollak explains how he was able to go directly to panel on the legendary couch alongside Carson on his very first appearance because of a seat of the pants strategy that paid off. 

(37 minutes in) Kevin also tells a never before told story about actor Kevin Spacey.  

(54 minutes in) There is a story from the movie set of The Whole 9 Yards involving per diem payments and Michael Clarke Duncan that is a piece of insanity.

He also takes us inside the Golden Globe nominated and critically hailed series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in which Kevin is a series regular.

J.Elvis Weinstein (Josh) joins Mark for the conversation with Kevin Pollak.

Larry Merchant has spent his professional life writing, commenting and analyzing some of the biggest events in sports.

The world of boxing made Larry Merchant a household name for the way in which his fight analysis pulled no punches (pun sorta' intended) and neither did his post-fight interviews.

Larry joins at 0:17 into the show.

Mark Thompson, J.Elvis Weinstein and Lisa Foxx ask Larry about his life around the ring and about his controversial interview with Floyd Mayweather.

Larry talks about Ali, Foreman, Frazier and a history around the sport. 

Mark asks point blank whether Larry thinks boxing is, at times, fixed.

The show starts with THE FAST 15 with Michael Shure.

Mark talks with Michael about the acquisition of Time Inc by a company controlled by the billionaire Koch brothers.  The two also discuss Al Franken and Roy Moore and the way Congress handles matters of sexual harassment.

Entertainment journalist, Sam Rubin has connections that run deep in both Hollywood and in the TV news business out of New York.

With the news about Charlie Rose and his firing from CBS, Sam comes in and breaks down what is going on and the likely repercussions.

Half way through the conversation, a HUGE bombshell is dropped about a key Hollywood figure and the loss of his job.

Then, our annual visit around the holidays from THE PITBULL OF COMEDY, BOBBY SLAYTON.  

Bobby reminds Mark of his Woody Allen dinner and gives Mark a hard time about being a vegan.

Comedy Producer and Writer, Mike Scully, has created a ton of TV comedy.

He's jumped in to run some of the biggest sitcoms in television history and taken them to new levels.  How he got started and how he got over being intimidated in one of the most formidable of writers' rooms.

Mike Scully produced the Simpsons, Everybody Loves Raymond, Parks and Rec and most recently, The Carmichael Show.

Mike shares a bit of his world and his view on the future of television comedy (with the arrival of Netflix, Hulu and Amazon) and the growing streaming empire.

Mark talks about where Mike and he first met and seems surprised that Mike even remembers it.

J.Elvis gets some love from Mike after Scully realizes who he is.

Michael Shure joins by phone with The Fast 15, covering the Trump pardon of Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the acquisition of Whole Foods by Amazon and the promise of lower prices and Mark and Michael touch on deadly hurricane, Harvey (First 18 mins)

Then, comedian Bruce Smirnoff talks us through a few of the stops on his unusual journey through a show business career that has brought him in contact with some of the biggest names in classic modern comedy and television.

Michael Wood Jr. says reforming the police force is simple.  Of course, his view of simple and yours might diverge.

Michael is part of a movement that is responding to a broken law enforcement model that has led to innocent civilian deaths and cops who are often afraid to patrol.

He walks us through his experience and perspective on how to bring on change.

More information on Michael Wood Jr.’s movement to reform policing: http://civilianledpolicing.org/

J.Elvis Weinstein joins Mark Thompson for the conversation with Michael.

We start with THE FAST 15 during which Michael Shure spends the 15 minutes reflecting on OJ Simpson's parole, Senator John McCain and getting a urine test for a new job.

That leads to urine test stories and questions.

Comedian/writer Laura House joins us for the very start of the show..We love Laura.

The show starts with Mark and an LAPD tale ripped from the headlines.

Then, political analyst Michael Shure stops by for THE FAST 15 with some extra time spent on stories of illegal gaming and even an Angela Merkel sighting.

Then writer, comedian and performer, Laura House ( Laurahouse.com ) sits in with Mark as they speak with a radio reporter turned podcaster, Jo Kwon (from KFI radio in L.A.)

The crew talks about pot (the focus of this season of Jo's podcast) and Jo's podcast generally which is called, Jo Kwon Reporting.

Finally, a former NFL cheerleader who is now a leading primatologist and expert on Madagascar, Mireya Mayor, stops in with husband , Phil Fairclough, who produces wildlife shows for television and film.  It's just a brief visit but enough to get a picture of the vanishing magical habitat that is Madagascar and why it's a tough fight to save it.

Dana Delany rocketed to fame on China Beach, landed on People Magazine's Most Beautiful People issue TWICE, both in 1991 and 2011 (and she comments on how ridiculous that whole thing is on some level).  

Dana has starred in some of the highest profile movie and television projects of the last 25 years. 

Promoting those projects, the randomness of events associated with decisions on what projects to take on and and be part of is something Dana talks about.

The group talks about Dana's trip to Vietnam during the time she's starring in China Beach, a television show about the Vietnam war.  And Mark mentions that he's just returned from a trip there but the group makes fun of him and his trip.

We get to the insane, hormonal shoot that was TOMBSTONE.  Plus, she also gets into the film EXIT TO EDEN directed by Garry Marshall in which she starred.

The episode begins with THE FAST 15: POLITICS AND MORE with Michael Shure, who has just returned from 2 weeks covering Washington in Washington DC.

Shure isn't bothered by Trump pushing his way past other NATO leaders for a photo opp.  He IS bothered by Jared Kushner's back channel attempt to communicate with the Russians BEFORE the incoming administration is in power and Jared's lying on the disclosure form about his Russian meetings at Trump Tower. Finally, Michael makes a pitch for the NHL Stanley Cup Finals.

Heather Ankeny and Josh Weinstein join Mark Thompson for the conversation with Dana Delany.

Tyler Cowen is a noted economist and professor at George Mason University in Washington.  He has published many books on economics and our culture.  

His latest is:

The Complacent Class: The Self Defeating Quest for the American Dream 

His book breaks down this moment in time in economic terms.

We are not as inventive, entrepreneurial, versatile, daring or even productive as past generations.  But within this cultural and economic moment in time there ARE members of society who take chances and make positive economic change happen.

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

Before that, Mark walks us through an Apple lawsuit, Elon Musk's day and a fact about millennials.

You can buy Tyler Cowens books by clicking here.

It's been an eventful period in Washington. Because of that Michael Shure and Mark have a lot to chew on to start the show during THE FAST 15 

Then the master of voices and madness, Josh Robert Thompson, explains his new dominance on Facebook Live.  Josh has turned that platform into a moneymaker and he's done it quickly. 

That doesn't stop him from making fun of some of his viewers but they seem to like being the butt of the joke.

JRThompson also recounts a bit of his old world with Craig Ferguson as the voice of Geoff the Robot and the other characters on the show.

J. Elvis Weinstein (Josh) joins Mark Thompson

Editors note: Since this conversation, Josh has actually moved onto the Youtube Live platform.

We start this episode with a quick Earth Day message from Mark.

Then, Michael Shure shares the political truth about the "flip the 6th" race in Ga.

Plus, he and Mark talk about fishing, whale watching and more.

Heather and Josh then join.

First they beat up on Mark for Steve Martin retweeting him.  Then the crew meets an Uber driver who, months before starting his Uber driving, was a successful lawyer.

Why would anyone give up an accomplished legal practice to move to Vegas and drive for Uber?  He explains.

Andy Kindler is back with a free form conversation that J.Elvis Weinstein (Josh) helps along the way.

Josh and Andy are best friends and so the two play a comedic, verbal ping pong that makes for a fun hour.

Before Andy, we spend time with political analyst, Michael Shure.  

This week Michael talks about Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and how he's been given a wealth of responsibility for extremely important things but he has virtually no record of accomplishments in the spheres he's been charged with navigating.  Also, how the White House is being run like a family business.

Mark talks about how that's not surprising if one looks at the way Trump runs his other holdings.

Before anything, Michael and Mark talk about the newest entry into the plant based food world: The Beyond Burger.  Michael is over the moon for it.

The episode is broken down with the first 22 minutes devoted to everything that's not Andy Kindler and after 22 minutes it's everything that IS Andy Kindler.

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

Happy listening.

IBM Watson is leading the pack in artificial intelligence.

Nish Parekh from the Watson team joins us to bring us up to speed on how the technology is finding it's way into more and more aspects of business and daily interactions.

Plus, Nish's father may have one of the great immigrant stories.  So great that he starts with nothing and his story culminates with him being a high stakes baccarat player.  

Mark of course cannot resist asking Nish about that.

Then, Jeff, talks about his 17 years in prison.  Why was he there and what happens behind bars?  

We know Jeff because Heather's boyfriend spent 5 years in prison and met Jeff during his time there.

The show starts, as it frequently does, with THE FAST 15 with analyst Michael Shure (this time it's closer to 25 mins).

Mark and Michael talk about politics and get around to the confusion of a misplaced Michelin star that ends up bringing a huge crowd to a beer joint in France.

Leading a global movement to protect the world’s oceans is no easy task but Captain Paul Watson has been doing it for 40 years.

As a founding member of Greenpeace, Paul Watson has been an environmental activist from his earliest days.

Watson went on to found SEA SHEPHERD and his work with Sea Shepherd is documented in the show Whale Wars in which Watson hunts down and attempts to stop illegal poaching of whales around the world.  The brutal struggle to stop those illegal activities takes the Sea Shepherd crew into some of the most intense climates and conditions imaginable.

After virtually shutting down illegal Japanese whale hunts, the Japanese government fabricated charges against him to the point that Watson had to remain at sea for over a year to avoid extradition.  He still has to move around the world cautiously because of that warrant.

His work to protect the ocean from illegal fishing and pollution that destroys habitats around the globe continues every day and has continues to make on new forms and faces.

The show begins even before Captain Paul Watson arrives with Heather Ankeny and J. Elvis Weinstein having a post-superbowl conversation which includes Heather walking us through a decadent Super Bowl party.

The first 20 minutes of the show is our conversation with our regular crew of Heather, Josh and Mark and then Captain Paul Watson joins and J. Elvis is traded out for Chris Little from iHeart Radio.

If you live on the west coast you may be aware of the dominance of The John and Ken Show.  

The show is on KFI radio and is top rated on the most listened to talk station in America.

It's known for being a nasty spot to end up if you are a politician and the guy with the nastiest bite in the John and Ken duo is our guest, John Kobylt.  

John describes his background and ascent through the ranks of sports journalism to radio dominance.

Mark Thompson is joined by political reporter, analyst and regular contributor Michael Shure for the conversation with John.

As we finish the year there are titanic changes in the U.S. for the year ahead and beyond.

On this show we ask INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING AUTHOR and TRENDS ANALYST, Gerald Celente, to put it all in perspective.

Gerald is OPTIMISTIC about the effect DONALD TRUMP and his administration may have on the economy.

On other issues besides the economy, the picture is bit less clear.

You can get more information on Gerald Celente here: http://trendsresearch.com/

Before Gerald Celente, Mark Thompson welcomes Michael Shure with THE FAST 15.  They discuss jailing people in India for not honoring the national anthem by standing.  Then Mark and Michael discuss marijuana legalization and it’s positive and negatives.

J. Elvis Weinstein (Josh accompanies Mark for the conversation with Gerald Celente)

What do Bruno Mars, Flo Rida, Ke$ha & Selena Gomez have in common? They are just a few of the artists who have in common our guest, Aaron Bay-Schuck.

Aaron is the President of A & R at Interscope Records and has signed and developed some of the biggest names in music.  He's been a co-writer on some of the biggest hits of the last five years.

The crew discusses how Aaron found Bruno Mars and what goes into building the careers and the creative expressions of so many of our favorite artists.  

Also, how is the music industry changing?

Aaron grew up as the son of actor John Schuck and actress Susan Bay.  Bay then remarried, Leonard Nimoy.  So Aaron grew up as the step-son of Leonard Nimoy and talks about his step-dad and the family since Nimoy's passing.

It's a great hour about music, creativity and a ride through what happens in the new world of the music business.

The show starts with THE FAST 15: Political reporter and analyst Michael Shure owns the fact that he may be wrong about THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE and not just because of the election result.

Heather Ankeny joins Mark Thompson for the conversation with AARON BAY-SCHUCK

Frying the Political System While Getting a Decent Martini 

Guests, Jimmy Dore and Michael Shure

THE FAST 15 with Michael Shure:  We catch political analyst, Michael Shure, between road trips to cover the PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN.  

Of course, the conversation is diverted almost immediately when Michael goes nuts over the Jonathan Gold Best Restaurant List which has just come out.  

Then it' on to the electoral college, which is both explained and defended by Michael Shure.  Mark Thompson is not a fan.

Jimmy tells us about the perfect martini and torches the American political system.

He loathes Clinton and Trump and everyone else who has a whiff of being part of mainstream politics.

It's been a long, nasty political season and this is our big finish.  

Our conversation with Illeana Douglas is broken into two episodes because of it's length. This is part two.

 Illeana Douglas has starred in films from Goodfellas and Cape Fear to To Die For and Alive and TV shows like Six Feet Under.  Plus, she created and hosted her own successful comedy and breakthrough TV show that took place in an IKEA store which she discusses.

Right now, she's hosting a TV series on the TCM network.

Her life in and around movies makes for a world that you just can't hear enough about.

Illeana's grandfather was a two time Oscar winner and yet she grew up going hungry many days in a family that had no money (discussed in the first episode).

Why is Dennis Hopper to blame for this?  Illeana told us about that in the last episode.

Here, she discusses going hungry on the movie, ALIVE and doing a talk show in an real IKEA store

Her book is I Blame Dennis Hopper And Other Stories From a Life Lived In and Out of the Movies.

Josh Weinstein (J.Elvis Weinstein) joins Mark Thompson for the conversation.

Illeana Douglas has starred in films from Goodfellas and Cape Fear to To Die For and Alive and TV shows like Six Feet Under.  Plus, she created and hosted her own successful comedy and breakthrough TV show that took place in an IKEA store.

Right now, she's hosting a TV series on the TCM network.

Her life in and around movies makes for a world that you just can't hear enough about.

Illeana's grandfather was a two time Oscar winner and yet she grew up going hungry many days in a family that had no money.

Why is Dennis Hopper to blame for this?  Illeana tells us.

The conversation with Illeana Douglas is broken into two episodes because of it's length. This is part one.

Josh Weinstein (J.Elvis Weinstein) joins Mark Thompson for the conversation.

As always, we begin with THE FAST 15: Politics and more with Michael Shure sharing thoughts on what's happening with the GOP during this tumultuous time and a story of an Arab Prince who's a reformer but a decadent one.

 Dr. Armaiti May, DVM is a veterinarian in Los Angeles whose award winning activism on behalf of animals has made her an expert witness in many animal cruelty court trials.  She’s involved in one of the highest profile animal rights trials in recent history, in which a woman who offered water to pigs being taken to slaughter.

Our crew of Mark Thompson, J. Elvis Weinstein and Heather Ankeny start with learning about a religion they didn’t know about.  Then, they talk with her about confronting euthanizing a loved pet…How soon is too soon?  How long do you wait?

Dr. May’s activism has led her to create an organization to work for more humane changes within the veterinary profession and their teaching protocol.

The conversation is wide ranging and our crew of Mark Thompson, J. Elvis Weinstein and Heather Ankeny.

For more information on Dr. Armaiti May and her work both as a vet and an advocate for animals, check out these websites:

veganvet.net     vapavets.org 

The show starts with the FAST 15: Political expert Michael Shure gives us the low down on a wild political season and Walmart tries to revolutionize the grocery business

Political Expert Michael Shure and Trump Cheerleaders, Diamond and Silk

Debate veteran journalist and political analyst, Michael Shure takes us into the Presidential Debate press pool during the FAST 15.

We also get caught up with Heather Ankeny and J.Elvis Weinstein.

Then..

Trump super fans Diamond and Silk finish off the show.

Mark Thompson hosts.

Days from the first presidential debate, political analyst Michael Shure tells us what to expect.

Then, Emmy Award winning comedy writer, David Feldman, is getting a divorce and talks about the dirty business of mediation and why his divorce lawyer fired him and charged him for the letter dismissing him as a client.

The show starts with the FAST 15 with Mark and Michael Shure.  

Mark and Michael discuss credit cards and then play the game, HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT YOUR CREDIT CARD?

Then..

DIANE LADD has a free form talk with Mark and Josh (J Elvis Weinstein) about her life in theater and film.

Diane is an actress/writer/director and author and a winner of over 35 international awards, nominated for three Emmy Awards® and three Academy Awards® for the films Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Wild at Heart and Rambling Rose.

She starred with her daughter Laura Dern in Rambling Rose and made Academy Award® history as the first mother/daughter duo to earn nominations for the same film. 

Ladd’s most recent movie is Joy from Director David O. Russell 

She joins us to talk about her most television project, the very popular, CHESAPEAKE SHORES on The Hallmark Channel 

The show starts with THE FAST 15: 15 mins with political analyst, Michael Shure.  

Michael offers some thoughts on the COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF FORUM and the failing of Matt Lauer.

Then our guest, Bill Reiter.  Bill is a journalist whose frankness and honesty has been rewarded as he moved into sports,

He talks about cornering President Clinton for an interview at a urinal in Little Rock Arkansas.  He also reflects on his days as a beat sports reporter in Miami, where he got into a toxic back and forth with Lebron James at the height of his stardom there. 

His bad blood with Chris Paul continues even today.

As you can tell, Bill is used to speaking his mind.

The crew touches on the Colin Kaepernick/national anthem controversy as well.

Bill's new show can be found on the CBS Sports app, ROKU, APPLE TV and at CBSsports.com

J. Elvis Weinstein and Heather Ankeny join Mark Thompson for the talk with Bill Reiter.

COMIC, ACTOR, HOST AND CHELSEA HANDLER BUDDY, BEN GLEIB

A free form conversation with comedian, host, actor and producer Ben Gleib.

ESQUIRE magazine calls Ben one of the comedians most likely to be the NEXT BIG THING in comedy.   Ben is an improv force of nature.

Heather, J.Elvis Weinstein and Mark Thompson knock around on subjects from asking permission to kiss to Johnny Carson memorabilia and late night comedy generally.

Ben’s talks about his hot game show IDIOT TEST on GSN and his newest Showtime special, NEUROTIC GANGSTER.

Did Ben ever try to hook up with best friend Chelsea Handler?   How did he win thousands from Chelsea in ping pong?  These are a couple of questions answered in this episode.

Mark claims he’s been inviting Ben to come to the show for some time but Ben proves him wrong.

Heather gets a TV show but it’s gonna end after this season and she gets trolled on Instagram.  

J. Elvis Weinstein has lunch with a crime reporter.

Mark officiates at the wedding of Dateline NBC’s Josh Mankiewicz and The New York Times gets a key detail about the whole thing wrong.

Then it’s fun stories from REALITY TELEVISION with a REALITY TV PRODUCING KING, Cris Abrego.

Cris is recognized globally as pioneering a new genre of unscripted programming with the breakout celebreality series The Surreal Life and for riding herd over the mega-hits BIG BROTHER, BIGGEST LOSER, MASTER CHEF and many more.  He is co-CEO of Endemol Shine North America.  But has great stories of the beginnings of reality TV from his days on MTV’S ROAD RULES and THE REAL WORLD.

Cris Abrego's rise from the working class LA suburb of El Monte, California to become prominent in the Television industry is nothing short of amazing.

In his book MAKE IT REALITY, Chris offers up lessons he learned from almost twenty years in Television—How to visualize your goals and attain them, dealing with risks and having no limits on what can be achieved.

Mark Thompson, Heather Ankeny and J.Elvis Weinstein join in for the entire episode

Ed Begley Jr. is an actor with a long, long list of credits like, St. Elsewhere (6 Emmy nominations) to features and stage productions and even back to the small screen, BETTER CALL SAUL and a hit Netflix series, LADY DYNAMITE.  

Ed is also a monument to sustainability.  He's been on the cutting edge of living a sustainable life for decades. www.edbegleyjr.com 

Now, he's building a house which is dedicated to conserving energy and keeping the smallest carbon footprint possible.

Ed has enlisted the help of Scott Harris.

Scott is a builder with an impressive and high profile client list: Paul Allen, Taio Cruz, Kevin James, Kevin Costner, John Paul DeJoria, Neil Patrick Harris, the Sultan of Brunel and the Savoy Hotel-London.

 http://www.buildingcgroup.com/content/

The guys talk about little things we can all do to help the cause of sustainability and of course they talk HOLLYWOOD and more.

The episode kicks off with 10 minutes of political talk with regular contributor, Michael Shure.

COURTNEY THORNE-SMITH is one of the most successful actresses in television.   

From Melrose Place and Ally McBeal to According to Jim and Two and A Half Men, her talents have been spread across many years in a career that’s going strong.

You will hear Mark fawn over her and J.Elvis Weinstein chime in along with the KING OF TV, PAUL GOEBEL who joins by phone.  Courtney tells us about the process of auditioning, getting high profile role and working family into the world of a successful acting career. 

Here’s the King of TV website: http://www.thekingoftv.com/

THEN.. 

SANGITA IYER, who has made the documentary film GODS IN SHACKLES, talks about her campaign of awareness to stop the abuse of Asian Elephants in India, a country which claims to revere and celebrate elephants but actually has institutionalized their torture and abuse.

For information on the GODS IN SHACKLES movie and campaign against this cruelty: http://www.godsinshackles.com/

and … 

to attend the red carpet premiere in L.A click here!

Sam Rubin reports entertainment on the top morning news program in L.A.

Sam talks show business and life and generally slops around with Josh, Heather and Mark

Two guests…

The crew of Mark Thompson, J. Elvis Weinstein (Josh) and Heather Ankeny discuss a few things before the guests arrive...Including Heather’s most recent relationship drama and along the way they change gears and welcome BROOKE BURKE-CHARVET and then DAN HARRIS to the conversation.

Brooke Burke-Charvet explains a career path that has taken her around the world, made her a substantial star and helped her manage significant family obligations as a mother.  The blog that she writes can be found at ModernMom.com

The star of DANCING WITH THE STARS talks about her new book in which Brooke stresses simplicity and de-cluttering our lives of STUFF.   The book is called THE JOY OF LESS - 101 STORIES ABOUT HAVING MORE BY SIMPLIFYING OUR LIVES.

Brooke shares a bit of her high flying life with us and fills us in on how to say “no” and how to reorganize, prioritize and downsize.

Then DAN HARRIS joins…

DAN HARRIS  is an award winning journalist and co-anchor of ABC’S NIGHTLINE.

He’s reported from war zones, inside the prison system and far flung villages in Congo.  We ask him about some of those places and stories.

Dan Harris also regularly files reports for “World News Tonight with David Muir,” “20/20” and “Good Morning America”.

In 2014, Harris published the book, 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress without Losing My Edge and Found Self-Help That Actually Works. It went to #1 on the New York Times Bestsellers List and then became an app, designed to teach meditation to skeptics.

As an anchor on GOOD MORNING AMERICA Dan had a panic attack that led to revelations about his life and the power of the mind.

He shares some of his story with our group.

To get more Dan Harris related material, check out these links:

​​10% Happier app website: percenthappier.com

​ ​10% Happier app​

(The app offers a free 7-day trial)

10% Happier Podcast​​

Book: 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works--A True Story

​ ​

Mark's co-host, Josh, grew up in Minneapolis and has some thoughts on Prince.

Music critic Michael Snyder also joins to reflect on and add a story or two about the Purple One.

Plus, Heather tells of dating a gay man and not realizing it until...

Mark Thompson, Heather Ankeny and J.Elvis Weinstein 

HOW NOT TO DIE is the new NY Times bestselling book from world renown medical doctor and researcher, Dr. Michael Greger.

Greger discusses how simple diet and lifestyle changes can extend our lives and actually roll back the damage done by years of dietary and environmental abuse, allowing us to live longer and better lives.

Dr. Greger has testified before congress and his work is meticulously well documented and presented.

You can get HOW NOT TO DIE and other books by Dr. Michael Greger by clicking here.

Plus, Dr. Greger does daily short videos discussing a number of issues and sorting through research.  You can get access to those videos and a bunch of other great information at nutritionfacts.org

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

We are fans of the work of Garry Shandling.

This episode of THE EDGE looks back at his professional life, both personal and professional.  It’s a pretty deep dive.

We include some clips from Garry and we talk primarily about his two groundbreaking shows: IT’S GARRY SHANDLING’S SHOW and THE LARRY SANDERS.

Our guests are two people who knew him.

Jay Kogen joins us to talk about having started as an errand boy on IT’S GARRY SHANDLING’S SHOW in the 80’s and rising to the role of writer and ultimately going on to become an Emmy winning producer, given the Emmy by, Garry Shandling.

Also, we are joined by Linda Doucett, who was Garry’s fiancé and was with him for 7 years.  She talks about her years at THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW and her world around him.

Linda is still raw from the news of Garry’s death, having just spoken to him a week before he died.

After seeing the wildly popular, 10 part Netflix series MAKING A MURDERER, you walk away thinking the man at the center of the trial, Steven Avery, and his nephew, Brendan Dassey, are arguably wrongly accused men, potentially innocent and certainly not deserving of a conviction for the murder of a woman who came to the Avery property to photograph for AutoTrader.

The series leads you to believe the cops railroaded a conviction for any number of reasons.  Among them, Steven Avery was involved in a civil suit against the department for having been wrongly arrested and convicted for rape (having served 18 years)

But Dan O’Donnell’s series REBUTTING A MURDERER — on iHeartRadio — there’s a link to it here  tells the WHOLE story of the trial and evidence and it’s that evidence that you never see in the 10 hours of the Netflix series.

We review many details and give listeners a sense of the series and the more complete picture.

J.Elvis Weinstein (who didn’t see the show), Heather Ankeny (who believes Avery should have been found “not guilty”) join Mark Thompson (who, after hearing Dan’s reports, thinks Avery is 100 percent guilty) 

We start with another quick visit to the world of Donald Trumps’s most fervent new supporters: DIAMOND AND SILK.  

Then we finish with Heather’s story from the Super Bowl in San Francisco.

Diamond and Silk are two women who have exploded on the internet with robust support of Donald Trump.

YouTube videos and stump speeches have made them such favorites of his campaign that they’ve joined him on the stump and they are among the few he’s following on Twitter.

We’ll hear excerpts of their impassioned support and talk to them about where the fire for Trump came from.

Then, Jimmy Dore stops by and shares stories of a great life moment --meeting Dick Van Dyke, Sam Elliot, Randy Newman and Don Rickles—all with different outcomes and reactions.

A couple of key moments from THE GOLDEN GLOBES AWARDS…Bernie Sanders and the Iowa caucuses…

What makes a person happy, universal vibrations and more.

Mark Thompson is joined by J.Elvis Weinstein to talk with comic, Jimmy Dore.

keywords:

Trump, election, vibration, psychic, black, republican, democrat, Iowa Sanders, Clinton, Cruz, Awards

To call the future “uncertain” would be the understatement of the new year.

Someone who has been looking into the future for decades now joins us in this episode to give us a sense of at least one perspective on the future.

Gerald Celente is a future trends expert who has a team that THE ECONOMIST says has a “range of specialties (that) would rival many university faculties.”

 Gerald talks world markets and gives us a window on what he does.

 Then, Heather has an amazing, true life story of HUGE secret kept for years. 

Heather Ankeny and J.Elvis Weinstein join Mark Thompson.

Arguably the top dog in fantasy football is Matthew Berry.  The ESPN Senior Fantasy Football Analyst has turned his expertise into a robust industry.  That industry includes a popular podcast and website for starters, called RotoPass.com.

Andy Kindler is the comic's comic and his reflections on what he's done and what he's doing make this one of those conversations you just sit back and enjoy.

Andy talks EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, THE TONIGHT SHOW, THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN and the standup world in general.

J. Elvis Weinstein (Josh) is Andy's good friend so the two have a conversational shorthand that's fun to be in on.

Heather is away so it's just Mark and Josh and Andy.

Heather, Josh and Mark talk about some of their favorite moments on our show from the last year and beyond...

Clips and highlights make for a great jumbo sampler of THE EDGE-- 

Bobby Slayton is known as the pitbull of comedy for his acerbic, take no prisoners style on stage.

Bobby talks holidays, media, his famous daughter and tells us about meeting Alice Cooper and how he saved Bobby's life.

Bobby Slayton is a fan favorite and ours too.

Heather Ankeny joins Mark Thompson 

Our guest is Billy Ray.  He's fresh off the writing and directing of SECRET IN THEIR EYES, starring Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman and Chiwetel Ejiofor.  

Billy talks about this film as we approach it's opening weekend,  screenwriting in general, his perfect/favorite movies, film writing and directing, upcoming projects and more.

If it sounds like a lot, that's because it is.  

A great episode with award winning writer/director Billy Ray.

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

The term “whale”, when used in Las Vegas casinos, refers to someone who gambles a lot of money— A LOT of money.

Casino hosts make their livelihoods on how many gamblers they bring into the casino and how much those gamblers put in play.  So the hunt for “whales” is critical to those hosts surviving.

When casino superhost Steve Cyr got to the scene, the competitive hunt for those big gamblers and the rules to bring them in changed.

His life in Vegas has taken him though the many changes in Vegas.  The crew talks about the changing face of Vegas and the extent to which Cyr has gone to bring in gamblers to the various casinos he has called home.

The book Whale Hunt in the Desert: Secrets of a Vegas Superhost - Confessions of a Vegas Superhost is all about superhost, Steve Cyr’s Vegas world.  

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

You can pick up a copy of the book Whale Hunt in the Desert: Secrets of a Vegas Superhost here

When 33 Chilean miners were trapped in a horrible mining accident, the prospects of their rescue looked bleak.

The new film THE 33 tells the story of how the world came together to make that miraculous rescue happen.

The writer of that film is our guest.

Mikko Alanne is not only a gifted screenwriter but he's a student of a wide variety of subjects and, of course, films.

What's the challenge of bringing a true story to life in the movies...?

The crew asks him about both THE 33 and then about other true stories that have made it to film.

Heather Ankeny and J.Elvis Weinstein join Mark Thompson

WE TALK PRESENT AND FUTURE WITH THE WATER GENIUS—

PETER GLEICK is a water expert who has written several books about the world's water situation.  He is also, by any yardstick, a genius.  In this episode, he shares insights and thoughts on our world’s water problems.

And, Peter has written a book about bottled water as well.  So we also discuss our obsession with bottled water and whether or not bottled water really is any better.

Here’s a link to Peter Gleick’s books including BOTTLED AND SOLD THE STORY BEHIND OUR OBSESSION WITH BOTTLED WATER

ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:

NBC has just announced that Arnold Schwarzenegger has taken up the role left by Donald Trump on Celebrity Apprentice.  Arnold calls us with a preview of what he’d like to see on the show.

J.Elvis Weinstein and Heather Ankeny join Mark Thompson

Certainly, the questioning and subsequent arrest of Daniele Watts seems as though it was a situation that blew up into more than it should have.   She admits in this conversation she had a hand in that as well.

He's one of the more entertaining and honest figures in all of television, film, music and even Periscope.

Regardless of the medium Andy has enjoyed great popularity

His credits include THE BEN STILER SHOW, NEWS RADIO, LESS THAN PERFECT and more recently DANCING WITH THE STARS and the film DANNY ROANE: FIRST TIME DIRECTOR

His stints in various rehabs never really "took" but he talks about his latest experience in a different way.  One that he seems to be happy with.

J.Elvis Weinstein and Heather Ankeny join Mark Thompson for Andy's visit.

What's it like to have your life turned into a movie?

The film FOXCATCHER is based on Mark Schultz’s life story and he says it's not exactly what he'd expected.

Together with his brother Dave, Mark Shultz built an unprecedented wrestling record.

The Schultz brothers won more NCAA, US Open, World, and Olympic titles than any American brother combination in wrestling history.

In fact, Mark and Dave are the only two brothers ever to both win an Olympic and a World gold medal.

FOXCATCHER was the name given to the wrestling compound that the paranoic, uber-wealthy John DuPont created to “coach” wrestlers although DuPont knew NOTHING about wrestling.

Mark Schultz’s brother Dave was ultimately murdered by DuPont and the depiction of that murder in the film is eerily accurate.

What else is true and what was altered for the film?

Mark Schultz tells his story to Mark Thompson, Heather Ankeny and J. Elvis Weinstein on THE EDGE

Here is a link to the website Mark Schultz talks about during the conversation.

http://www.flowrestling.org/

If you watch TV, go to the movies or see commercials anywhere in the world, you have likely heard the voice of Josh Robert Thompson.  You may even have heard him as the voice of some very famous people.

Josh uncorks Schwarzenegger, Morgan Freeman, his fundamentalist preacher and more.

Our own J. Elvis Weinstein was the original voice of Servo the robot on Mystery Science Theater, and Josh Robert Thompson was the voice of Geoff the robot on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.  Now these two great robot voices meet on The Edge.

More of Josh Robert Thompson is here at http://www.joshrthompson.com/

While most of Hollywood comes and goes, Jackie Collins flourishes.

Having had 29 New York Times best sellers and countless movies and television series come from her writings, Jackie Collins knows how to spin a yarn...a true Hollywood insider who has stood the test of time.

Jackie talks to the crew about her new novel, THE SANTANGELOS and she also dishes with the crew of THE EDGE (Mark Thompson, Heather Ankeny and J. Elvis Weinstein) about celebrities, royalty and what it takes to write some of the hottest best sellers in history.

Jackie’s latest book is available here and her website is jackiecollins.com

WARNING: SOME EXPLICIT SEXUAL REFERENCES

Two notable friends of the show died this week.  

Simpsons creator, Sam Simon whose meteoric rise producing classic television comedy propelled him to the heights of the industry at an unprecedented early age. And classic TV and film creator and Exec. Producer, Harve Bennett.

The crew looks back at these two men and talks about the way they were memorialized with help from Sam's close pal, Emmy-winning comedy writer, Merrill Markoe.

King of TV and pop culture maven, Paul Goebel joins Heather and Mark.

He moves from appearances on late night talk shows to exclusive conferences at Google and United Airlines.. John Collins holds the World Record Holder for designing a paper airplane that has gone further than any in history.

He’s a published author of three books and his latest project is trying to bring money for science programs to underfunded programs nationwide through paper airplanes.

If you want to see John Collins’ World Record distance throw

226ft 10”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wedcZp07raE

 and here’s a link to John’s Kickstarter campaign (deadline is coming up so give him a hand)

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/paperairplane/the-national-paper-airplane-contest  

Doc Paskowitz led the family that's been called the First Family of Surfing...featured in Vanity Fair and publications worldwide.  

Tommy Hilfiger named a line of beachwear after them, saying "there's no one more cool and credible than the Paskowitzes.” 

Sal Paskowitz joins us to remember the leader of that family, his father, Dorian “Doc" Paskowitz who has just died.

Sal talks about his father who threw away a lucrative medical practice, packed his wife and nine children into a van and took them on a continuing surfing odyssey.

While there may be people who drop out of mainstream society and take their family traveling to surf, Doc Paskowitz is the only one who did it his entire life.  

Sal remembers his father’s  life which included working as a doctor in far flung locations and then quickly returning to the best waves whenever he could.   

Doc pioneered the surfer life founding surf camps around the world  (he is credited with bringing surfing to Israel and donating surf boards to Palestinians as recently as 2007—feeling passionately that surfing could help bridge the gaps between people)

Growing up in a small van with 11 people presented huge challenges for the family of course and Sal talks about some of those.

Salvador Paskowitz joins us to talk about his remarkable father just a few weeks after his father’s death.

There are clips in the show from the movie Surfwise available at Amazon.com

Sal joins Heather and Mark in this episode

Aaron Cohen, with a background in the Israeli Defense Force in anti-terrorism, hostage rescue and security, has returned to the U.S. and applied those skills here.

He talks about anti-terrorism policy in the U.S. and launching security details in the homes of Hollywood stars like Brad Pitt.

Josh Weinstein joins Mark.