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  • Bradley Whitford Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

    Bradley Whitford Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson
    Jun 26 2025
    Bradley Whitford Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson It was a sweet reunion when 3 x Emmy-winner Bradley Whitford of The West Wing was surprised and serenaded by composer Snuffy Walden, with the show’s Emmy-winning theme. They share quite a bit of history, having also done Sorkin’s Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Last night Snuff and I binged the pilot episodes of both shows and were astounded by how timely they still are. Bradley and I discussed his storyline in that first West Wing, which could’ve been ripped out of today’s headlines. We also talked about Studio 60 and the irony of Danny Trip’s confession to Matt Albie, played by Matthew Perry, about his drug slip. Bradley’s emotional remembrance of the show, its cast, and specifically Matthew’s comedic brilliance, and the pocket of sobriety for Matt that allowed for some of his best work. Bradley ain’t no Hollywood fluffernutter. Of progressive Quaker stock, his father, who worked at an insurance company, was the local president of Planned Parenthood before it was political, his mother was an outspoken advocate, and his brother, a conscientious objector. Talk about an unusual childhood, he has an 85-year-old sister. Bradley came from a loving, functional home, and still became an actor. Now that’s an anomaly right there. We did a deep dive into the state of the union. Thoughtful, passionate, and in solution, Bradley puts his activism where his mouth is. We talked Trump, Musk, Kennedy, gender affirming care, Biden, Kamala, Hillary, Iran, immigration, how art will not save us, only politics will. And yet much of Bradley’s art is political. We spoke about The Handmaid’s Tale from innumerable angles. For me, arguably perhaps the greatest show ever on television, and his Commander Lawrence, is probably the most layered, complex character he’s portrayed. We talked about Elisabeth and their earlier connection in The West Wing, Anne Dowd, and how her spectacular performance inspired Margaret Atwood’s writing, The Testaments, for her. Bradley was far more interested in talking about current affairs and how essential it is that we do more than talk than he was in talking about his work. But we did squeeze in some time to discuss For Worse, the indie feature his bride, Amy Landecker, wrote, directed, and stars in alongside Bradley. His respect, love, and admiration to Amy are adorable to behold. Making the festival circuit and winning awards along the way, I can’t wait to see the film loosely based on their romance. I’m a fan. A great, big avid Bradley Whitford fan. The last time we met, it was at a big Hollywood soiree. He was equally as open, personable, unaffected, opinionated, and accessible as he was this day. As much as I adore his work, I’m grateful as hell for his humanity and advocacy. I hope to consider “What would Bradley do” a whole lot more moving forward. And speaking of hope, he has it in abundance… mix that with some fun, his learned recipe’s secret sauce, and there’s good reason to trust that there are better days ahead. It’s up to us, all of us, to make it so. This should be essential viewing for anyone in fear and despair. Bradley Whitford Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 6/25/25, 2 PM PT, 5 PM ET Streamed Live FB Replay http://bit.ly/4lv7rfX & YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFMXr8g9yyY&t=187s
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    1 Std. und 31 Min.
  • Kevin Jenkins Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

    Kevin Jenkins Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson
    Jun 19 2025
    Decades later, as if no time had passed, bassist Kevin Jenkins came to call. I met Kevin in 1986ish, when he was playing with Cyndi Lauper at the height of her fame. He had stopped in to the Rock ’N Roll Cafe, sat in, and graced our small stage. Big man on campus, he was pop-rock royalty. Girl just wanted to have fun, so with my Cafe cohort, Steve Principe, we headed to The Stone Pony to catch Kevin with Cyndi. About a decade later, I’d meet up with Cyndi as Upper Westside mommies… but I digress. Kevin continued to come around and sit in, most notably with my beloved Phoebe Snow and Matt Sorum from Guns & Roses, at the Cafe Wha. From Tokyo’s Budokan to London’s famous Albert Hall to NYC’s Madison Square Garden - Kevin’s played them all, with the aforementioned Cyndi Lauper, and Enrique Iglesias, Taylor Dayne, Vicki Sue Robinson, Graham Parker, Lamya, Tom Rush, Maxwell, Roberta Flack, Debbie GIbson and, most recently, Grammy® nominated blues queen Shemekia Copeland, who he’s been with 2005. We talked about them all, as well as the music that influenced him, how he got started, how one meeting led to one gig, which led to another. When imbibing started to interfere, Kevin got sober 38 years ago. We discussed that journey, too. We discussed his highlights, opening for Clapton and Michael Jackson, as well as loss, and love. Kevin filled us in on his solo efforts, Step Inside and True Groove, as well as his latest, She: A Tribute to Joni Mitchell, which will be released in November. Humble and unpretentious to a fault, it was a delightful stroll down memory lane with loads of new info and great stories along the way. Kevin is just as I remember him, except even better. Wisdom, experience, and a clear mind have added to the mix. Adore the man, love his playing, respect his humanity. Kevin Jenkins Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 6/11/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my FB Kevin Jenkins Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 6/11/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my FB http://bit.ly/4kG0LeK And YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eup_wy0SJlM&t=2985s
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    1 Std. und 26 Min.
  • Leland Sklar Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

    Leland Sklar Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson
    Jun 12 2025
    Leland Sklar Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Happy Happy Joy Joy, that’s spending time conversing with our good friend, Leland Sklar, who’s made it all about the bass with everybody on everything, from Phil Collins, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Billy Cobham, Carole King, Hall & Oates, Crosby Stills, & Nash, Barbra Streisand, Joe Cocker, Toto, Lyle Lovett, and the list goes on and on, and on, and on… over 2500 + albums worth. I’m exhausted typing this. How the hell does he do it? An activist, Lee’s stood up, spoken out, and paid the price innumerable times. A voice of clarity, passion, and reason, we got into it big time… the LA protests, the insanity surrounding them, the terrifying regime, our hope for Newsom, the unknowing of how to stop it, or how it will ultimately shake out… the fires, the transition back to living post the pandemic. Of course, we did talk music too. Respects to Brian Wilson and Sly Stone, Lee having played with the former, and influenced by the latter… how health has befallen so many heroes, Phil Collins, Linda Ronstadt, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond… and the wonder of Leland, currently doing 3 hr concerts with Lyle, still standing. That boy has good genes. Levis. The ongoing and upcoming big tour with Lyle and the sad putting aside, for now, of The Immediate Family. We talked about the lads, his brothers, Russ Kunkel, Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel, and Steve Postel, what makes that band so rockin’ special, we talked about James Taylor, Peter Asher, who Lee holds responsible for launching his career, Phil Collins, and his amazingly talented son, Nick, Toto, Stevie Nicks, his book, Everybody Loves Me, which I’m blessed to be in, and Lee’s marriage that has endured for 54 years and counting. Lee’s one of the most universally adored musicians for his playing, his humanity, his humor, and his great big heart. I adore him. Who doesn’t? Well, maybe a couple of fools on Capitol Hill. The man’s a marvel. Leland Sklar Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 6/11/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my FB https://bit.ly/4dZz0Lx And YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU7luUSTrRU&t=22s
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    1 Std. und 21 Min.
  • Gary Stockdale Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

    Gary Stockdale Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson
    Jun 5 2025
    We were Live with my good friend, 2x Emmy nominee, Gary Stockdale. What a joy after a long void. Pre-pandemic, it seems we saw each other everywhere, and often. COVID changed life. A lot. We talked about that and how both of us have Facebook Lives born out of necessity. You’d think with our combined expertise, it would be smooth sailing. You’d think. Tech glitches messed with Gary’s fine art… his singing/playing and songwriting, which we were challenged to present, but Gary persevered and did treat us to two songs from his new musical, Showstopper, and an a cappella treat to take us out that I won’t spoil. Gary took us back to his early days in Glendale, musical theatre at LA City College, his mentor Henry Mancini, Penn & Teller for whom he scored for 25 years. There was Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Aristocrats, Spongebob Square Pants, and lot of Gary music along the way to discuss. Even with the challenges, it was a fun, relaxed ride down Gary’s memory lane. The kind of conversation that happens between friends. Lovely. And Gary’s voice… I don’t know how it’s possible, but he sounds even more incredible than ever. What a gorgeous voice, and what an amazing songwriter! After a particularly crap day, this time with Gary truly healed my weary soul. Gary Stockdale Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 6/4/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my FB & YouTube Links in the comments FB Replay here: https://bit.ly/4kV1oB1 YouTube Replay here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkMYA_Qfz7E
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    1 Std. und 22 Min.
  • Tracy Newman Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

    Tracy Newman Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson
    May 29 2025
    Tracy Newman Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson by Vicki Abelson
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    1 Std. und 42 Min.
  • Rosemary Butler Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Part 2

    Rosemary Butler Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Part 2
    May 25 2025
    Rosemary Butler Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Part 2 Rosemary Butler has sung with everyone on every song I love. Pretty damn close. In this, our 2nd sitdown, Rose picked up where we left off, post Paul & Ringo, The Rolling Stones, and Three Dog Night - see Part 1 for those fab stories, and took us through Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, The Section, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald (her first student, who taught her to create her own unique voice), Neil Diamond (on his Christmas album… to which Neil said, I’m Jewish, why am I doing this) Joe Cocker, Johnny Mathis, The Bish, Willie Nelson, David Lindley (the most fun), Warren Zevon, Alan Parsons, Don Henley, Bruce Springsteen (when he was sleeping under the Jersey pier with his guitar), Billy Joel, Joni Mitchell (her idol), and Paul Simon. Rosemary’s voice intermingles magically with all of them. Stories, stories, more stories about hero after shero. Peter Asher, she credits with opening the doors. Teaching and sharing what she’s learned and what she knows, you too can study with the master - reach out at RosemaryButler.com. And, catch her Live with The Tribe at their 10th anniversary celebration at The Canyon Club in L.A. where it all started. I’m so grateful for this opportunity to traverse a career and a life brilliantly lived. The road, the buses, the food, the fun, and the hit music her iconic voice is synonymous with. Can I ever hear Running on Empty and not think of her… no way. Love the Rosemary Butler! Rosemary Butler Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Part 2 Wednesday, 5/21/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my Facebook & YouTube Replay Links: https://bit.ly/3Fj8Syt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgO9MJHZNj4
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    1 Std. und 15 Min.
  • Alan Zweibel Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

    Alan Zweibel Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson
    May 15 2025
    Alan Zweibel Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Live from the Zoom Room, it’s Alan Zweibel! It was so great to jump back in with the fabulous, funny, and fun Emmy Winner. Alan took us back to his earliest days in the biz, how he made his way in, the first joke he sold, still funny! The Catskill Mountains, Morty Gunty, Freddie Roman, Rodney Dangerfield, maybe his first collaborator… with whom Alan comes full circle, presently. Doing standup with Billy Crystal, leading to years of collaboration, being discovered by Lorne Michaels… SNL, Alan’s game changer. Gilda, a partnership made in heaven - how Roseannne Roseannadanna and Emily Latella came to be, Belushi, Ackroyd, the current film, Saturday Night, where it felt right, where liberties were taken, how it felt to have someone play him. Co-creating It’s The Garry Shandling Show with Gary, how they worked together. Writing Lunatics with Dave Barry, long distance, For This We left Egypt with Dave and Adam Mansbach, and a great story about how that friendship and collaboration began. Broadway with Billy and with Martin Short, and the cute, sweet note after their encounter at the SNL 50th reunion. Alan’s current collab with Barry Levinson, how that started and where it is today, that full circle Rodney story coming to fruition currently… and through it all, Robin. Alan’s love and wife since the early SNL days… and his most fruitful collaborator. Alan’s devotion to his family is what stories are made of, as is his work ethic, resiliency, tenacity, and talent. His storytelling is what good conversations are made of, served up with laughs, lots of them. What an inspiration! Loved every minute of this. And I sure did need the eggs. Alan Zweibel Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 5/14/23, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET Streamed Live Links in the comments Replay on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1uvKClTYdY
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    1 Std. und 13 Min.
  • Nile Rogers of CHIC Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

    Nile Rogers of CHIC Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson
    Mar 31 2025
    Nile Rogers of Chic Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson This sit-down with my old friend, multiple Grammy Winner, Rock & Roll Hall Inductee, Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee, composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist, Nile Rogers, is SOLID GOLD… more like triple platinum. Even though we never exchanged more than a few words in the handful of times he graced my jams back in the day, there was always DHM (deep hidden meaning), as there always is with Nile. This day, we got to that and so much more. STORIES! Oh my lord, No one tells ‘em like Nile. Case in point, his tome, Le Freak, may be the greatest memoir I’ve read. I could not put the thing down. When was the last time I read a book cover to cover in less than 24 hours? A rare score on Amazon these days, Nile’s assured he’ll be updating and republishing. It’s a MUST-read for music fans, flower children, and anyone who loves to sink their teeth into a great story, well-told. Nile covered his very humble early days, his barely older than him mother, the drugs, the bi-coastal extended family, the moves, the schools, early influences from Coltrane to The Beatles, flute to clarinet to guitar… how Bernard Edwards got him to the Hitmaker Strat and chucking, which has become synonymous with Nile’s style. We talked the DHM, the breakdown, the Chic magic as well as the music during and since… producing the top of the top for Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, Madonna, David Bowie, Duran Duran, still winning Grammys and kicking it with Daft Punk, Beyonce, and Cold Play, to name but a few, 750 MILLION albums worth. Say what? We got the sweetest stories about Michael Jackson… a funny with Keith Richards, a Grace Jones impression, and a scary story about Nile’s coke psychosis leading to him bottoming out and getting clean and sober. 31 years worth and counting… That Nile was able to do all that he’s done, and it’s Herculean - aside from the massive number of hits, the films he’s scored, the shows he’s played, there’s the We Are Family Foundation, Chairing the Songwriters Hall of Fame, receiving the 2024 World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award for his extraordinary efforts to make the world a more peaceful, equal, and inclusive place… Nile is a humanist, a gentle soul with a heart of platinum like the records that line his walls. I’ve always admired, respected, and adored Nile. After reading Le Freak, and spending this time with him, I cherish him all the more. What a man, what a man, what a mighty fine man! 

Nile Rogers of Chic Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 4/2/25, 11AM PT, 2 PM ET Streamed Live on my Facebook and on my YouTube FB Replay here: https://bit.ly/4cmPP2u YouTube replay here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q875x2lVyLE
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    1 Std. und 12 Min.