Ally Sheedy has created some of the angstiest, most heartbreaking, and endearing characters in iconic coming-of-age movies such as “The Breakfast Club” and “St. Elmo’s Fire.” We go through her 40-plus-year acting career just in time for her second season in “Single Drunk Female” (new episodes available now on HULU). Ally explains why she resists rewatching her old movies, enjoys teaching as a creative counterpart to performance, and finds the label “Brat Pack,” a belittling misnomer of her and h...
Apr 19, 2023•32 min
Knoxville, Tennessee may be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but for comedian Leanne Morgan, it was the starting point for a career in standup comedy. Leanne has taken “her doin’s” as a wife, a mother, and a (very young) grandmother and put them hilariously on stage for her first Netflix special, entitled “Leanne Morgan: I’m Every Woman”. Leanne talks about being YouTube famous in her 50s, saying out loud what we’re all thinking inside, and being too darn tired to be inauthentic. The only way...
Apr 14, 2023•41 min
Although she cannot see the ghosts on her new sitcom, “Not Dead Yet“ (Wednesdays on ABC at 8:30 PM), true crime junkie and comic actress Lauren Ash has read enough cold cases to fill a mortuary. On today’s episode, Lauren talks about her process for creating hilarious characters, the rigors of improv comedy, the long, hard road for women in comedy, and why true crime stories are so damn engaging. The only way “Group Text” happens is with YOUR support and support from mm amazing sponsors! ZocDoc:...
Apr 05, 2023•41 min
We take a deep dive into the shallow end as my guest, David Yontef (host of the podcast, Behind the Velvet Rope), breaks down the HUGE Vanderpump shakeup, #Scandoval, as well as dishes on all his Reality TV faves. What did we miss between Tom, Ariana, and Raquel, and what should we keep an eye out for moving forward in this fiery 10th season of “Vanderpump Rules.” The only way “Group Text” happens is with YOUR support and support from mm amazing sponsors! ZocDoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/GROUPTEXT and d...
Mar 31, 2023•41 min
Commemorate 50 years of “The Young and the Restless” with guests Beth Maitland and Tracey Bregman, who have played rivals Traci Abbot and Lauren Fenmore, respectively, for over four decades. As the network celebrates its longest running scripted series’ golden anniversary (starting on CBS on March 23rd at 12:30 pm EST/11:30 am PST), these BFFs dish about scandalous storylines, staying relevant in the cutthroat daytime lineup and achieving “Elvis status” during the Soap Opera boom of the 1980s. Y...
Mar 24, 2023•56 min
In her new book, Be the Calm or Be the Storm, “Below Deck Mediterranean” star Captain Sandy Yawn has written one part adventure memoir of the high seas, and one part leadership guide to successful management. On today’s episode, Captain Sandy discusses the importance of investing in your employees, the need for more women in maritime industries, and why she won’t tolerate insubordination of any kind. Oh, and there’s plenty of Below Deck gossip to get your fix. I’ve been trying Green Chef recentl...
Mar 17, 2023•36 min
As Sunday’s Academy Awards proved, Movies Are Back, baby! And who better to explain all things Oscar than Turner Classic Movies Host, and Entertainment Weekly’s Awards Correspondent, Dave Karger. His encyclopedic knowledge of film – past and present – helps break down all of the categories’ winners and losers. There was a lot of tradition on display during the 95th Academy Awards, but also a lot of firsts. You don’t want to miss this special Oscars Edition of Group Text. I’ve been trying Green C...
Mar 14, 2023•43 min
Today’s guest is a comedian who spends two-thirds of the year performing standup in clubs and concert halls. Kathleen Madigan has made ‘em laugh from Des Moines to Dublin and at all points in between. Her sixth comedy special, “Hunting Bigfoot” is now streaming on Amazon Prime. Kathleen’s observations on being the middle child of seven siblings, keeping busy during the pandemic, and life on the road are guaranteed to make you laugh. I’ve been trying Green Chef recently and I have no idea why I w...
Mar 10, 2023•38 min
Tan France is so much more than simply one handsome fifth of the Queer Eye style squad. In addition to being a dad, a husband, a bestselling author and a brilliant stylist, Tan is confronting the topic of colorism in his new Fuse/Fuse+ documentary, “Beauty and the Bleach,” which aims to take down the global beauty trend of skin lightening. With his signature blend of charm, wit and intelligence, Tan breaks down how this trend can be damaging to one’s self-esteem. Find your forever pieces @jennik...
Mar 03, 2023•48 min
As the elder stateswoman of the Real Housewives of New Jersey (Season 13 now airing on Bravo), Margaret Josephs has earned her confidence and swagger. Example: As a person who chooses not to drink alcohol, The Marge took charge and developed a line of mocktails, aptly named “Soiree,” so she could join in the Housewives debauchery. From her humble roots to her signature pigtails, Margaret breaks down her path to success in business and takes us inside the drama of RHONJ. Find your forever pieces ...
Feb 17, 2023•44 min
My guest, Tony Morrison, is the host of the interview series “Truth Be Told” (season two now streaming on all +Life Media platforms). He says that our stories are our superpowers since they can’t be taken away. A journalist by trade and now the Senior Communications Director for GLAAD, Morrison breaks the chains of shame and secrets by sharing his guests’ personal stories of living their truth. Tony’s own brave account of how he brought a terrifying secret into the light should inspire us all to...
Feb 10, 2023•43 min
What’s it like having a career in show business that’s almost as old as you are? Melissa Joan Hart starred in her first commercial when she was four years old and has kept working ever since. In today’s episode, we cover everything: the importance of family, keeping your integrity in the deceitful world of Hollywood, the joys (and smells) of raising sons, and the strategy to winning the celebrity version of game shows. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial v...
Feb 03, 2023•46 min
In 2010, Lo Bosworth walked away from the sparkle of MTV’s reality TV series, “The Hills,” to discover her true life's purpose. She is now an author and CEO of Love Wellness. As she explains in today’s episode, she’s done all that and so much more. Lo’s new book, “Love Yourself Well: An Empowering Guide to Supporting Your Gut, Brain, and Vagina,” explores the unique importance of the GBV-Axis for women’s health, how a work-life balance is crucial to overall wellness, and self-advocacy and persis...
Jan 27, 2023•37 min
The always effervescent Broadway Diva, Kristin Chenoweth, is back! Her new book, I’m No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts, is on sale now. We talk about family philosophies, the importance of "living in the now," and how worn-out adages can still have meaning if you just apply them in the right way. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other s...
Jan 20, 2023•42 min
Happy new year, and welcome to 2023! My guest is tailor-made for those of us looking to get healthy and fit in the new year. Jillian Michaels has dominated the health-and-wellness world on television and through her Fitness App by Jillian Michaels and her wonderfully frank podcast, “Keeping it Real.” She’s also a personal trainer, a businesswoman, and a mother of two. Today you’ll hear about the benefits of Jillian’s Pyramid of Goals, the importance of Whole Health, and why shallow intentions fo...
Jan 06, 2023•48 min
Besides being a sexual predator’s worst nightmare, Chris Hansen, the host of “True Crime Nation” (on the TruBlu Streaming Network), is first and foremost a journalist. On today’s episode, I get my true crime fix hearing Chris trace the roots of his infatuation with solving crimes to the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa when Chris was a kid in Bloomfield, Michigan. And what advice would he give any correspondent stepping into a “story of the century”? Try not to be overwhelmed by what you’re covering...
Dec 30, 2022•46 min
When it comes to great baking, it’s all about chemistry, and Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith - hosts of the hit TV series, the Great British Baking Show - have it to spare. I’ve been obsessed with this show for years, and now, this dynamic duo of dacquoise finally joins me to talk about their new special, the Great American Baking Show: Celebrity Holiday (now streaming on Roku). These two veterans of Viennoiserie may be able to execute stiff-peaked meringues and self-saucing puddings, but can they...
Dec 23, 2022•37 min
You may know Tamera Mowry-Housley from her hit sitcom, “Sister Sister,” and the Emmy-winning talk show, “The Real.” But did you know she’s also an avid home baker and the host of a brand-new baking competition show, “The Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge,” now streaming on Prime Video and Amazon’s Freevee? Tamera has a lot to say about picky eaters living under her roof, going toe-to-toe with the reigning queen of tablescapes, Martha Stewart, and how Sam I Am and the Cat in the Hat confections can’t he...
Dec 21, 2022•25 min
“In this age of idiocy, it’s important to yell the truth.” That’s the motto of Amanda Seales, a comedian, storyteller, academic, writer, actress, and social-justice activist. In today’s episode, Amanda describes her fascinating comedic process, her Mary Poppins approach to discussing hard topics like race and police brutality (a spoonful of sugar helps!), and what it was like to host the 2020 BET Awards during the pandemic… from her living room… ALL ALONE! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Med...
Dec 16, 2022•45 min
Nearly 15 years ago, Luann de Lesseps took a leap of faith and signed on to a reality show pilot called “Manhattan Moms.” One title changed to “Real Housewives of New York,” and 13 seasons later, Luann is RHONY Royalty. She opens up about her feuds and friendships with the other housewives, her public struggles with sobriety, her mistakes and how they’ve made her stronger, and how it feels to be taken seriously as a cabaret performer in her own hometown. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media...
Dec 09, 2022•38 min
If 90s grunge music screamed, “I’m not ok,” today’s guest, singer/songwriter Jewel, dulcetly asked, “What can we do to feel better?” Her 12-times platinum 1995 record “Pieces of You” is a touchstone of the decade, and paved the way for her long and meaningful career in music, acting, art and advocacy. Jewel still asks, “What can I do…” now with the #NotAloneChallenge which raises awareness and money for mental health resources through celebrity auction items – including a personalized song writt...
Dec 02, 2022•42 min
Sex education has come a long way since “the birds and the bees,” but it seems most adults are still reluctant to talk about sexuality. Not my guest Liz Goldwyn, whose new book, “Sex, Health and Consciousness,” tackles every practical aspect of human sexuality. Liz brings behind-closed-doors topics like pornography and masturbation into the open and also shares how the right vibrator and an iCal schedule invitation can keep things hot and heavy in a sputtering long-term relationship. CLICK HERE ...
Nov 23, 2022•38 min
She may be a Real Housewife of Salt Lake City, but Lisa Barlow’s attitude and accent have a NY zip code for sure! For three seasons on RHOSLC, Lisa has pulled no punches and spoken her mind about business, her friends, and, well, everything. Today she talks candidly about the importance of religion as the foundation for her life, how her family is the center of her universe, and of course, gives us the inside scoop about the drama on RHOSLC Season 3! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is ...
Nov 18, 2022•28 min
How I met Josh Radnor… on this week’s episode of Group Text, that’s how! Josh has been central to some of TVs most entertaining ensemble casts, from “How I Met Your Mother” to “Hunters” and now in “Fleishman is in Trouble” streaming on Hulu (Nov. 17th). A versatile actor with a range spanning from drama to action to comedy, Josh admits he’s always learning from his co-stars, including veteran actors such as Sally Field and Al Pacino. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media a...
Nov 11, 2022•26 min
Jason Ritter, who voices Fox’s Father in the new preschool series “Slumberkins,” (Apple TV streaming Nov. 4th), is not only an accomplished actor in his own right, but comes from a long line of legendary performers. As an “entertainment kid,” Jason talks about the legacies of his grandad, actor and singer Tex Ritter, and his father, John Ritter, who ruled TV airwaves until his untimely death in 2003. Having processed grief and trauma publicly since his dad’s passing, Jason brings unique insight ...
Nov 04, 2022•30 min
Funny man Will Sasso joins me to talk about his hilarious new country-musical podcast, “Uncle Drank,” in which he plays the eponymous fictional title character: a flip-flop-wearing beach-bum rocker whose best friend is a talking blender, that goes missing in the early 90s. Will breaks down his long career in acting and ensemble comedy, which started when he was just 15, discusses humor as a team sport, and suggests that the unsupervised genius of his hit series Mad TV would be nearly impossible ...
Oct 28, 2022•39 min
A literal golden girl, Tara Lipinski made headlines when she took home top honors for figure skating at age 15 at the Nagano Winter Olympics. A self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, Tara has now trained her prowess for pageantry in the world of weddings with her new show WEDDING TALK, now streaming on Chicken Soup for the Soul and Crackle TV. We talk about everything from her difficult decision to leave competitive skating, to finding a second act in TV commentating and fashion with her non-husband...
Oct 21, 2022•36 min
What do you get when you cross the world’s most famous singing preschool dinosaur with the birth of the internet? A rabid mob of men out for purple blood. Director Tommy Avallone takes us inside his astonishing new documentary, “I Love You, You Hate Me,” (now streaming on PEACOCK), about the creation and meteoric rise of Barney the dinosaur and the vitriolic backlash by grownups who just couldn’t handle that much genuine goodness. Along the way, tragedy besets the family of the show’s creators, ...
Oct 14, 2022•32 min
Ricki Lake and I don’t just have a long history…we have a great one. A true show-business insider, Ricki brings us behind the scenes of her original hit cult film “Hairspray,” her two talk shows, and her new podcast, “Raised by Ricki,” which revisits and re-examines old episodes of her 1990s show, which ruled the airwaves for over a decade. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Me...
Oct 07, 2022•42 min
Group text is taking a break this week. In the time that you would be listening to my podcast, I’m asking you to please go to my Instagram @MelissaRiversOfficial to find out more about Hurricane Ian relief efforts. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...
Oct 01, 2022•3 min
