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.

Caryn Richman joined me in The Locher Room for a heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation about a career that spans Broadway, daytime, primetime, film, and beyond.

Caryn shared her early dream of performing on Broadway and the audition that changed her life, landing her in the original run of Grease as Sandy. We talked about what those early years taught her about discipline, storytelling, and finding her voice as a performer.

Daytime fans will love hearing what her three-year run on NBC’s Texas meant to her, both professionally and personally, and what it was like stepping into the role of Lauren Fenmore on The Young and the Restless. Caryn also reflected on the fun of playing the iconic Gidget in The New Gidget, joining television history as part of the Brady family in A Very Brady Christmas and The Bradys, and the joy she found working on Hollywood Safari.

Along the way, Caryn opened up about nearly pursuing a career in psychiatric social work, the mentors who guided her, and how her love of animals shaped a lifelong dream of one day opening an animal shelter. She also talked about her more recent work in film and television, including The Potwins, and co-hosting the podcast Chatterbinge.

It was an honest, nostalgic, and inspiring conversation about following your instincts, embracing change, and staying connected to what matters most.

In this episode of The Locher Room, Alan welcomes dactor Lucas Adams, who recently stepped into the role of Noah Newman on The Young and the Restless. Lucas shares stories about growing up in Texas, the moment he discovered acting, and how his very first television role happened right on the Y&R set years before returning as a series regular.

He reflects on his seven years as Tripp Johnson on Days of Our Lives — a run that earned him two Daytime Emmy nominations — and talks about what it’s been like joining the Newman family in Genoa City. Lucas also opens up about the most exciting news of all: he and his wife are expecting their first child early next year.

A warm, fun, and heartfelt conversation you won’t want to miss.

Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans reunited in The Locher Room to celebrate 60 years of Days of Our Lives and the enduring legacy of Steve “Patch” Johnson and Dr. Kayla Brady.

They looked back on their earliest days in Salem, the twists and turns that shaped their iconic supercouple, and the emotional scenes that became fan favorites. They shared behind-the-scenes memories, reflected on their long-standing off-screen friendship, and talked about the fans who supported them through every chapter.

This episode offered a warm, nostalgic, and intimate celebration of Days, its history, and the magic of Steve & Kayla — a must-listen for longtime viewers and new fans alike.

#DAYS60 #DaysOfOurLives #MaryBethEvans #StephenNichols #SteveAndKayla #TheLocherRoom #SoapOperaLegends #podcastinterview #podcastseries #newpodcastalert

Join me for a fascinating conversation with Emmy-nominated costume designer Mandi Line, whose bold, creative vision has shaped some of television’s most stylish and unforgettable worlds. From her early days designing music videos and red-carpet looks to her breakout work on fan favorites like Shameless and Pretty Little Liars, Mandi has built a career defined by character, storytelling, and fearless design choices.

We talk about the mentors and internships that helped her find her footing, the moment she discovered her own signature style, and how she approaches building visual worlds that are raw, glamorous, or somewhere in between.

Mandi also shares what it’s been like bringing her talent to The Young and the Restless, where she’s spent the past year creating fresh looks for Genoa City — including crafting designs for new characters like Sienna (played by Tamara Braun) and teasing the recent wedding of Danny and Christine.

If you love costume design, character development, or just great behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is a must-listen.

Emmy-nominated actress, author, and advocate Victoria Rowell joins Alan for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation in The Locher Room.

Victoria opens up about her extraordinary path — from learning ballet on a Maine farm and dancing professionally with ABT II to landing her first daytime role as Nella Franklin on As the World Turns in a story that has to be heard to be believed. She reflects on her iconic years as Drucilla Winters in The Young and the Restless, her powerful connection with the late Kristoff St. John, and the passionate fan base that continues to celebrate her work decades later.

Victoria also shares deeply personal memories of her foster upbringing, how it shaped her resilience and advocacy, and what continues to drive her commitment to diversity, representation, and opportunity in the arts.

This is a must-listen conversation with one of television’s most inspiring and multi-talented voices — full of heart, honesty, and hard-won wisdom.

#TheLocherRoom #VictoriaRowell #YoungAndTheRestless #AsTheWorldTurns #DrucillaWinters #DaytimeTV #FosterCare #Representation #Ballet #Inspiration