Ira's Everything Bagel

Comedy writer, songwriter and actor

This week, Ira spoke with comedy writer, songwriter and actor Bruce Vilanch. In this eclectic (and hilarious) episode of Ira’s Everything Bagel, Bruce talks about his connection to the comedians of the Catskills; his move from the East Coast to Ohio and on to Hollywood; writing for the Academy Awards shows, Joan Rivers and Bette Midler; his relationship with his mother, who adopted him and just recently finding his birth mother; whether the deli will survive; raising funds for charity, including AIDS; why he loves writing and performing, but never wanted to be a producer; aging out in Hollywood; collaborative writing vs writing by yourself; and his new project (a musical), featuring an imaginary Dolly Parton (but with the real Dolly Parton music).

One of the most sought-after jokesmiths in the entertainment industry, Bruce has become a recognizable face in his own right, thanks to the feature-length documentary “Get Bruce!” (1999) and his one-time stint as a regular on “Hollywood Squares” (1998), for which he ( Bruce Vilanch ) also served as head writer.

He began contributing to Academy Awards telecasts in 1989, collaborating with the likes of Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg and David Letterman, and graduated to head writer in 2000. He has roasted celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and President Clinton. His resume also includes “You Made Me Watch You,” the touching Emmy-winning valedictory Midler crooned as a send-off to Johnny Carson.

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Author, Take a Shot at Happiness: How to Write, Direct & Produce the Life You Want

This week, Ira spoke with Emmy Award winning producer Maria Baltazzi, author of Take a Shot at Happiness: How to Write, Direct & Produce the Life You Want. In this happy episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Maria talks about her epiphany while acting as supervising producer of “Survivor”; her journey in self-reflection and exploring her own happiness; everyone’s untapped potential; why she looked at the chapters in her book as a series episode; why action is important; the benefits of journaling; how her book differs from other books on the subject; why she wanted to write a book relevant to her background; how pictures of one thing a day brought her joy; why she considers herself a happiness explorer; how the key to happiness is choice, followed by action; and why happiness can also be defined as resilience.

Maria Baltazzi has climbed the 15,000-foot trail (46 miles) to Machu Picchu, led African safaris, and summited Mt. Kilimanjaro twice among her other adventures. But it was a small television stage lit by tiki torches in the middle of the jungle in the South China Sea, that gave her pause. As supervising producer of CBS’s Survivor for seven seasons, one of the longest-running unscripted series on television, Maria had a front row seat to this bold new era of television filled with drama, tears, machinations, and revelations. While watching the contestants, she had her own epiphany.

Utilizing her own experience as a producer, she channeled her energies into building a healthier state of being for herself and had fun while doing it. Her creative use of her cell phone to chronicle her story, a natural idea for a heartfelt storyteller who made her living envisioning life in snapshots, and her extensive studying, led her to develop a unique viewpoint and path to peace and happiness.

Maria Baltazzi Website

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Author, Scribners: Five Generations in Publishing

Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast welcomes a fascinating guest this week – Charles Scribner III, author of “Scribners: Five Generations in Publishing.” This episode offers listeners a deep dive into the incredible legacy of one of America’s most prominent publishing families, Scribner’s Publishing House, and the influential role it has played in shaping literary history.

Charles Scribner III, a respected art historian and an influential figure in the literary world, shares an intimate look into the Scribner family’s five-generation-long journey in the world of books, literature, and publishing. Through personal anecdotes and historical insights, Charles reveals how the Scribner Book Company Publisher became a cornerstone of American literature. This episode not only explores the illustrious history of Charles Scribner’s Sons but also delves into how literary classics are born, nurtured, and preserved for future generations.

Who is Charles Scribner III?

Charles Scribner III is no stranger to the world of art and literature. Having received his PhD in Art History from Princeton University in 1977, he is a distinguished scholar who has made significant contributions to the field of Baroque art. Beyond his academic pursuits, Charles joined his family’s legendary publishing house, Charles Scribner’s Sons, where he worked alongside his father and contributed to the Scribner Publishing House’s continued success through decades of change and evolution.

Over the years, Charles Scribner III has become a well-known commentator for various television documentaries on iconic authors such as Edith Wharton, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Ernest Hemingway. His involvement in these projects has solidified his reputation not only as a literary historian but also as an authority on the cultural and historical significance of literature. For more insights into his work and legacy, visit Charles Scribner Official Website.

The Inspiration Behind “Scribners: Five Generations in Publishing”

In this episode, Charles discusses the inspiration and motivation behind his latest book, “Scribners: Five Generations in Publishing.” While the book is not a comprehensive historical record, it serves as a memoir that captures the essence of the Scribner family’s unique impact on the literary world. Charles opens up about how he wrote the book in just one month, channeling his passion and dedication to telling the story of his family’s profound influence on Scribner’s Publishing House and the broader New York Scribner literary scene.

According to Charles, the heart of the book lies in exploring how the Scribner Publishing Company has shaped the lives of countless authors and readers. He also reflects on his father’s invaluable teachings and the profound relationship his father had with iconic authors like Ernest Hemingway. Through these personal and historical narratives, Charles paints a vivid picture of the Scribner’s Publisher legacy.

A Glimpse into the Scribner Legacy

Scribner’s Publishing has a rich history of curating and publishing literary classics. From its founding days to the modern era, the Scribner Book Company has been at the forefront of publishing some of the most influential works in American and world literature. In his conversation with Ira, Charles Scribner III discusses the publishing house’s journey through three major ownership changes – Macmillan, Maxwell, and Viacom – and how it navigated these shifts while maintaining its literary heritage.

He emphasizes the role of Maxwell Perkins, whom he regards as the greatest editor of the 20th century, in cultivating the careers of literary giants. Perkins’ editorial guidance helped authors like Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Thomas Wolfe bring their masterpieces to the world. Charles also talks about the future of books and how Scribner’s Sons Publishing is adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the publishing industry.

Charles Scribner’s Role in the Art World

In addition to his involvement with Scribner Publishing, Charles Scribner III is a renowned art historian. He has authored several books on Baroque art, including “The Triumph of the Eucharist: Tapestries by Rubens” (1982), “Rubens” (1989), “Bernini” (1991), “The Shadow of God” (2006), “Home by Another Route” (2016), and his latest, “Sacred Muse” (2023). His contributions to art history have seen him lecture at prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Gallery, Getty Museum, Frick Collection, and Morgan Library.

During the podcast, Charles re...

Deviant Ollam, Physical Penetration Specialist

This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira Sternberg sits down with Deviant Ollam, a renowned physical penetration specialist known for breaking into buildings, gated communities, and “impenetrable” server rooms to test their security. In this unlocked episode, Deviant Ollam shares his journey into the world of security, the intricacies of his profession, and valuable insights into the importance of both physical and psychological security.

From Curiosity to Career: Deviant Ollam’s JourneyBecoming a Physical Penetration Specialist

Deviant Ollam’s fascination with security began at a young age. Over the years, this curiosity evolved into a career as a physical penetration specialist. His primary role involves testing the security of companies and organizations by attempting to breach their defenses. Ollam explains that his goal is often to get caught, providing valuable feedback on the effectiveness of existing security measures. His work highlights how vulnerable many systems are, despite appearing secure.

The Importance of Locks in Society

Symbolic and Functional Roles of Locks

In this episode, Deviant Ollam discusses the dual roles that locks play in society. On one hand, locks serve a symbolic purpose, sending a message that certain areas are off-limits. On the other hand, they provide a tangible layer of security, protecting valuable assets and ensuring privacy. Ollam emphasizes that while locks are essential, they are not infallible and should be part of a comprehensive security strategy.

Low-Tech Security Solutions

When Simplicity Wins

Deviant Ollam advocates for low-tech security solutions, noting that sometimes simplicity is the most effective approach. High-tech systems can be vulnerable to sophisticated attacks, whereas basic, low-tech measures can often provide robust protection. Ollam shares practical advice on inexpensive and effective security tools, such as the best item to use for securing a hotel room.

The Difference Between Being Secure and Feeling Secure

Psychological Aspects of Security

A key topic in this episode is the distinction between being secure and feeling secure. Deviant Ollam explores how psychological factors influence perceptions of safety. He argues that true security involves both physical measures and a sense of well-being, emphasizing that individuals and organizations must address both aspects to achieve comprehensive protection.

Books and Resources by Deviant Ollam

Practical Lock Picking and Keys to the Kingdom

Deviant Ollam is the author of several influential books on security, including Practical Lock Picking and Keys to the Kingdom. These titles are among Syngress Publishing’s best-selling pen testing books and are essential resources for anyone interested in physical security and lockpicking. For more information on his books and other resources, visit his official website.

Lockpick Village and Security Training

Workshops and Conferences

Deviant Ollam has made significant contributions to the security community by founding Lockpick Village workshop areas at multiple annual security conferences. He has conducted physical security training sessions for prestigious events and institutions such as Black Hat, the SANS Institute, DEF CON, the FBI, NSA, DARPA, and military academies like West Point. These workshops provide hands-on experience and education in lockpicking and physical security, helping to raise awareness and improve practices in the field.

Professional Roles and Affiliations

The CORE Group and TOOOL

While paying the bills as a physical penetration specialist with The CORE Group, Deviant Ollam also serves as the Director of Education for Red Team Alliance. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Directors of the US division of TOOOL, The Open Organisation Of Lockpickers. These roles allow him to contribute to the advancement of security practices and educate the next generation of security professionals.

Connecting with Deviant Ollam

Stay Updated and Engaged

For fans and followers who wish to stay updated on Deviant Ollam’s latest projects and insights, you can connect with him through various platforms. Follow Deviant Ollam on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Additionally, you can...

Emmy Award-winning Filmmaker and Author of What You Don’t Learn in Film School

This week, Ira spoke with Shane Stanley, multi Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and author of “What You Don’t Learn in Film School.” In this filmic episode of Ira’s Everything Bagel, Shane talks about growing up in Hollywood; why he chose to become an independent filmmaker; his niche in raising capital for productions and respecting his investors; his open door policy with other filmmakers; why he wrote the book on filmmaking; how relationships are everything in the business and in life; being of Hollywood and yet not in Hollywood, as long as you can deliver content; film vs. digital production; where the power of studios come from today; and the films he’s completing right now: “Night Train,” “Double Threat,” and “Break Even.”

At sixteen years old, Shane Stanley had already received his first Emmy Award for his work on “Desperate Passage,” which starred Michael Landon. Over the next few years he learned filmmaking under his father, Lee Stanley, on what became known as “The Desperate Passage” Series (1988 to 1995) starring Sharon Gless, Edward James Olmos, Marlo Thomas and Louis Gossett Jr.. The self-produced series earned a total of thirty-three Emmy nominations, (winning thirteen) as well as numerous Christopher Awards and CINE Golden Eagles. In 1994, the Stanley’s feature film, “Street Pirates” was a two-time winner of the CINE Golden Eagle Award for best feature documentary and film editing.

In 2001, Shane launched Visual Arts Entertainment, his own production company, most notably credited with “Gridiron Gang,” starring Dwayne Johnson & Xzibit as well as the critically acclaimed independent film, “A Sight for Sore Eyes,” with Academy Award nominee, Gary Busey. The film, (produced for under $10,000) marked Shane’s directorial debut and went on to win the Gold Special Jury Award at Worldfest Houston, Best Dramatic Short Film at the International Family Film Festival, a Telly Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film and Television as well as two Aurora Awards for writing & directing. The film was also invited to Cannes to compete in the annual international film festival.

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