I Couldn’t Throw It Out

Which have been your favourite episodes so far?

The episode with spy novelist Joseph Kanon was so much fun to record. Joe was my boss at my very first job, when I was his editorial assistant at a New York book publisher. In the episode, I had to admit to him all the secret -- and not entirely kosher -- things I did while he employed me. His reaction is priceless.

Which episode are you most proud of?

It's understandable that the interviews with celebrities draw a larger audience, but I'm most proud of the two episodes about the crazy coincidences that allowed me to donate a kidney to my wife. We had many laughs and remembered many nightmares related to her health. I'm really happy that we preserved these memories.

What is your vision for your show?

The goal is to expand and include more guests who share their stories about what they've saved. I also need to TRY to throw out everything I've saved for decades, or give it to someone else who'd value it. So far, not much progress with that. But there's always hope.

What is your favourite other podcast that isn't yours?

Rachel Maddow's Ultra is absolutely riveting. The tone is different from her show, and the history she relates --which I never knew -- is horrifying and enlightening.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I was a reporter for People Magazine for 15 years, then a manager at websites for Wired, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, MSNBC, NBC News and others. I'm also the author of the 1992 book, Break It Down, which includes interviews with more than 60 hip-hop stars. As a storyteller, I've performed many times in New York City's Tale show and my plays have been performed at New York City's International Fringe Festival and the Howl Festival.