In this special episode of The Locher Room, we dive into Soap Operas, Fandom & More with three voices whose stories highlight why daytime television continues to matter.

Paul Gosselin, Annie Armstrong, and Elisa Smith share deeply personal reflections on growing up with soaps, finding comfort and identity in these stories, and forming emotional connections to characters who felt like family. From Guiding Light devotion and fan letters to academic reflection, personal loss, and multigenerational viewing, this conversation explores how soap operas offer sanctuary, community, and hope.

Born out of the Soap Operas in Popular Culture Conference, this episode goes beyond television to examine the power of storytelling — how it helps us navigate grief, isolation, and change, and why these shows remain meaningful across decades.

Whether you’re a lifelong soap fan or someone who understands the importance of stories that show up for us every day, this is a heartfelt, thoughtful conversation you won’t want to miss.

Hank Northrop joined me in The Locher Room for a meaningful conversation about stepping into daytime television and carrying forward an extraordinary family legacy.

Hank made his Days of Our Lives debut as Liam Selejko in October 2025, and we talked about what it’s been like joining Salem, his first days on set, and learning from daytime icons including James Reynolds and Deidre Hall. He also shared some of the incredible stories he’s heard about his father Wayne Northrop’s time on Days, and what it means to now be part of the same show.

We spent time reflecting on Hank’s upbringing as the son of two beloved soap legends — Wayne Northrop and Lynn Herring — his journey into acting, and how he’s finding his own voice while honoring the paths his parents forged. Hank also spoke openly about his father’s battle with Alzheimer’s and the perspective it’s given him.

It was an honest, heartfelt conversation about legacy, gratitude, and the next chapter in a new daytime career.

In this episode of Conversations with Alan, I’m joined by Ely Winkler, Director of Advancement for Eshel, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about faith, identity, and belonging.

Ely shares his journey growing up Orthodox as the son of a rabbi, navigating the fear and uncertainty of coming out, and searching for a place where he could live authentically without abandoning his faith. He reflects on pivotal moments—from working behind the scenes on a groundbreaking panel at Yeshiva University to feeling disconnected from synagogue life, and ultimately finding his way back home.

We talk about the profound impact of discovering Eshel, what it meant for Ely personally, and how his work there now helps LGBTQ+ individuals, families, rabbis, and communities build more inclusive Orthodox spaces. Ely also speaks movingly about lessons learned from his rabbi father, the power of compassion, and how change often happens quietly—one conversation at a time.

This episode offers thoughtful insight, practical wisdom, and hope for anyone interested in questions of identity, tradition, and what it truly means to belong.