Ira's Everything Bagel

This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, Ira sits down with Mark Richards, a well-known figure in the world of game shows. Mark Richards, who hosted “Starcade,” cable television’s first original game show, worked as a contestant coordinator for “Jeopardy”, and hosted a nightly 3-hour game show on a major Los Angeles radio station, shares his fascinating journey in the game show industry. In this “come-on-down” episode of Ira’s Everything Bagel, Mark talks about his early love for game shows, his encounters with industry legends, and his latest ventures in Las Vegas.

A Passion for Game Shows: Starting at Age 12

Mark Richards developed an intense passion for game shows at the young age of 12. His early fascination with game shows paved the way for his diverse career, including his memorable appearances on numerous shows like “To Tell The Truth” and “Wheel of Fortune.” This childhood passion was not just a passing phase; it was the foundation that led him to become a prominent figure in the game show world.

Competing with Alex Trebek and Joining “Jeopardy!”

One of the most interesting stories Mark Richards shares is his first encounter with the iconic Alex Trebek. They first met while competing in an audition for a game show. Surprisingly, Richards won that competition, which ultimately led to his role as a contestant coordinator on “Jeopardy!”. This experience allowed him to work behind the scenes, helping contestants and shaping some of the iconic moments that made “Jeopardy!” a household name.

Hosting “Starcade” – Cable TV’s First Original Game Show

“Starcade” was a groundbreaking moment in television history as it was the first original game show on cable TV. Mark Richards became synonymous with the show as its charismatic host. His involvement in “Starcade” helped set the standard for many game shows that followed, establishing his reputation as a trailblazer in the industry. Fans of the show can explore its legacy on the Starcade Official Website.

Meeting Game Show Legend Mark Goodson

In this episode, Richards also talks about his biggest thrill in his career: meeting the legendary Mark Goodson, a pioneer in the game show industry. This encounter was a pivotal moment that solidified Richards’ standing in the game show world, inspiring him to pursue various roles within the industry, from hosting to contestant coordination and beyond.

The Future of Game Shows

As a game show veteran, Mark Richards provides insights into his favorite game shows and quiz shows, discussing the unique elements that make them captivating for audiences. He also delves into the evolution of game shows, sharing his thoughts on how they have changed over the years. Despite the changing landscape, Richards believes that game shows have a bright future, especially with the integration of technology and audience interaction, which could redefine the genre in exciting new ways.

Moving to Las Vegas: Hosting, Karaoke, and Video Production

In 1990, Mark Richards relocated to Las Vegas, where he continued his work in entertainment. He hosted a nightly radio game show on KENO-AM and became a well-known figure in the local scene. His versatility was on full display as he took on the role of karaoke host at Harrah’s and produced three weekly half-hour television programs for channel 33/cable 6. He also warmed up audiences for the NBC daytime game show, “Caesars Challenge.”

Richards didn’t limit himself to television and radio; he was active in the main lounges of iconic casinos such as the Riviera, Sands, and the Las Vegas Hilton, hosting audience participation games during the house band’s hourly breaks. His diverse involvement in the Las Vegas entertainment scene showcased his adaptability and expertise in the game show and live entertainment sectors.

Game Show Pilots and Video Production

Mark Richards went on to produce and host two game show pilots, further cementing his legacy in the game show industry. His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there; he started his own video production company specializing in videotaping weddings. This venture demonstrated his ability to diversify his skills and capitalize on opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Current Roles: Advertising and Gaming Innovation

For the past eight years, Richards has served as the advertising, marketing, and promotions director for the Crescent School of Gaming and Bartender, where he utilizes his marketing expertise to promote the school’s programs. Despite his busy schedule, he continues to videotape weddings on weekends, proving his enduring passion for entertainment and event production.

Recently, Mark Richards launched Out of the Box Gaming, focusin...

Finding Peace After Loss: An Interview with Warren Kozak on “Ira’s Everything Bagel” Podcast

This week on the Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira Sternberg spoke with Warren Kozak, author of the acclaimed book, Waving Goodbye: Life After Loss. In this poignant and deeply personal episode, Warren discusses his journey through grief after the unexpected passing of his wife, Lisa.

Coping with Loss: A Book Unexpected

The episode dives into the inspiration behind Waving Goodbye: Life After Loss. Warren candidly shares that the book originated from a place of immense personal pain. He never envisioned writing a book about grief, but after Lisa’s death, he found himself keeping a diary to navigate the overwhelming emotions. “[My brain] just went out to lunch,” Warren recalls of that initial period. Writing, however, became a lifeline, a way to process his experience and eventually, transform it into a resource for others facing similar loss.

Why Waving Goodbye is Different

Warren critiques the traditional grief books he encountered after Lisa’s death. He found them impersonal and unhelpful in his specific situation. This realization fueled his desire to create a resource that was both personal and practical. Waving Goodbye offers honest reflections alongside practical advice, creating a space for readers to connect with Warren’s journey while gleaning valuable tools for their own path through grief.

Short Chapters, Big Impact

The structure of Waving Goodbye is a deliberate choice. Warren opted for short chapters and concise sentences. This approach acknowledges the emotional toll that grief can take, making the book easier to digest in manageable bites. Readers can return to the book in small doses, revisiting sections that resonate most with their experiences.

Finding Solace in Faith and Family

Warren also explores the role of faith in coping with loss. As a practicing Jew, he draws strength from his religious beliefs. The episode delves into how his faith provided comfort and guidance during this challenging time. Additionally, Warren discusses his cherished relationship with his daughter and the importance of maintaining strong connections with loved ones during the grieving process.

The Power of Music

Music emerges as another source of solace for Warren. He reflects on how music offered a unique emotional outlet, a way to express the depth of his grief and find moments of beauty amidst the pain.

A Beacon of Hope

Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast with Warren Kozak is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to heal. While grief is a complex and deeply personal experience, Warren’s story offers a message of hope. Through vulnerability and honesty, he reminds listeners that “it gets better as time goes by.”

Connect with Warren Kozak

To learn more about Warren Kozak and his work, visit his website: Warren Kozak Website. You can also find Waving Goodbye: Life After Loss on各大网店 (ge da wang dian – major online stores) or your favorite bookseller.

Podcast Conclusion

This episode of Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced loss or knows someone who is grieving. Warren Kozak’s journey offers valuable insights and a message of hope for navigating the difficult path of grief.

Links:

• Warren Kozak Website

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Read The Full Transcript

Ira Sternberg: Welcome to Ira’s Everything Bagel, where I talk with intriguing people about everything—their passions, pursuits, and points of view. Death is not only a hard topic to talk about, but also to accept. We all cope with the death of loved ones in our own ways, and one of those ways is to write about grief and how to live after the sorrow. My guest today is Warren Kozak. He’s the author of Waving Goodbye: Life After Loss, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all the usual places. For everything about Warren, go to WarrenKozak.com—that’s W-A-R-R-E-N-K-O-Z-A-K. Warren, welcome to the show.

Warren Kozak: Thank you, Ira, it’s a pleasure to be here with you, and, of course, the bagels.

Ira Sternberg: Always the bagels...

This week, Ira spoke with Burt Kearns, author of SHEMP!: The Biography of The Three Stooges’ Shemp Howard, The Face of Film Comedy. In this slapstick episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Burt talks about why Shemp was put in a very thankless role in The Three Stooges; why he decided to write the book on Shemp; why what most of what we know about The Three Stooges isn’t true; how Moe and Shemp started out as a vaudeville act; how it became violent comedy; why Shemp was the star of the show; why Moe disparaged Shemp; how kids watching TV in the 60’s never took to Shemp; Shemp as a versatile actor; why he feels that Moe was responsible for Curly’s death and Shemp’s death; and the most surprising thing he found about Shemp while doing research.

Burt Kearns is an author, journalist, and “show business and pop culture savant” (Vanity Fair). His books include Lawrence Tierney: Hollywood’s Real-Life Tough Guy, The Show Won’t Go On and Marlon Brando: Hollywood Rebel. Burt has broken major stories as a television and print journalist. As an Emmy-winning television and motion picture producer, director, and writer, he’s written and produced dozens of nonfiction television series (“Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura” and “Kardashian: The Man Who Saved OJ Simpson”), documentaries (“Death of a Beatle” and “Bin Laden’s Escape”) and, with Academy Award winners Albert S. Ruddy and Gray Frederickson, the motion picture comedy, “Cloud 9,” starring Burt Reynolds. He lives in Pacific Palisades, California.

Burt Kearns Website

ShempBook Website

ShempBook X

ShempBook YouTube

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In a recent episode of Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira Sternberg sat down with Dr. Dhaval Desai, author of Burning Out On The Covid Front Lines: A Doctor’s Memoir of Fatherhood, Race, and Perseverance in the Pandemic. During this candid conversation, Dr. Desai opens up about the challenges of being a frontline physician in one of the most turbulent periods of modern medicine. His memoir sheds light on the highs and lows he faced while treating patients, balancing family life, and navigating the psychological impact of the crisis.

The Origin Story Behind Burning Out On The Covid Front Lines

Dr. Desai’s journey through the pandemic became a deeply personal story that needed to be told. As a physician based in metro Atlanta, he witnessed firsthand the extreme demands placed on healthcare workers. Dr. Desai describes his book as both a therapeutic project and a call to action. He explains that documenting his experiences allowed him to process the whirlwind of emotions he endured while also providing insight into the challenges faced by healthcare professionals on the front lines.

“Writing became a way to make sense of it all,” Dr. Desai shared. He also emphasizes that his memoir isn’t just about him; it’s about the countless healthcare workers who struggled to balance their commitment to patients with their mental and emotional well-being. The book underscores the need for systemic change in supporting healthcare workers, particularly during crises.

Adapting to Constant Change in a High-Stakes Environment

One of the defining features of the COVID-19 pandemic was the rapid evolution of medical knowledge and protocols. As Dr. Desai explains, healthcare workers faced an environment of perpetual uncertainty. Guidelines shifted as more was learned about the virus, and medical professionals were often left grappling with incomplete information while caring for vulnerable patients.

Dr. Desai recalls the daily adjustments he had to make, adapting to new protocols and balancing the emotional toll that came with every shift. “Every day was different, and each new guideline was a reminder of how little we knew,” he says. His experiences highlight the tremendous adaptability required of healthcare workers, who were tasked with maintaining professionalism and compassion despite ever-changing conditions.

Coping with Mental Health Challenges and Burnout

The pandemic’s emotional toll on healthcare providers cannot be overstated, and Dr. Desai was no exception. He openly discusses his struggles with burnout, a topic he believes needs to be addressed more openly in the medical field. “Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired,” he explains. “It’s about reaching a point where mental and emotional exhaustion becomes the norm.”

Dr. Desai’s memoir brings attention to the critical need for mental health support among healthcare providers. He argues that hospitals and health systems should prioritize the mental well-being of their staff, not only to reduce burnout but also to improve the quality of patient care. Through his own experiences, Dr. Desai has become a vocal advocate for breaking the stigma around mental health struggles among doctors and nurses.

Race and Representation in Healthcare

Dr. Desai’s journey in medicine is shaped not only by his role as a physician but also by his identity as a South Asian doctor. In his conversation with Sternberg, he addresses the nuances of race and representation in healthcare. He shares moments where his cultural background intersected with his professional life, underscoring the importance of diversity in medicine.

Dr. Desai emphasizes that greater representation is essential for patient trust and understanding. Patients often feel more comfortable when treated by healthcare providers who understand their cultural backgrounds, he notes. His insights serve as a reminder that representation in medicine is not only about inclusion but also about providing compassionate and personalized patient care.

Balancing Family Life and Professional Responsibilities

Dr. Desai’s experiences during the pandemic extended beyond the hospital walls; he also had to balance his role as a husband and father. Married to fellow physician Yogita, with whom he shares two young children, Dr. Desai describes the challenge of juggling professional and personal responsibilities during such a demanding time.

He recalls the difficult moments of being away from his family, compounded by th...

The Surprising Multicultural Origins of a Black Wedding Ritual

This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira Sternberg delves into the fascinating world of Black wedding traditions with Tyler D. Parry, author of the acclaimed book, Jumping The Broom, The Surprising Multicultural Origins of a Black Wedding Ritual (published by UNC Press).

This episode, perfect for anyone interested in African American history, cultural studies, or the evolution of wedding rituals, explores the depths of the symbolic act of “Jumping the Broom.” Prepare to be surprised by the rich tapestry of narratives, مقاومت (muqawama – resistance) against oppression, and the unifying power this tradition holds.

Unpacking the Layers of Meaning: Memories vs. History

Professor Parry sheds light on the contrasting narratives surrounding Jumping the Broom. We often hear personal stories passed down through families, creating a cherished memory for couples. However, Parry’s research dives into the historical context, uncovering the potential origins and evolution of this ritual.

A Paradigm of Resistance: Claiming Agency Through Ritual

The conversation explores the concept of Jumping the Broom as an act of resistance. During a time when enslaved people had little control over their lives, this ritual might have served as a way to claim agency and create a meaningful ceremony outside the constraints imposed by the dominant culture.

Black Writers Reclaiming the Narrative: Reexamining the Ritual’s Significance

Parry discusses the efforts of Black writers and scholars to reclaim the narrative around Jumping the Broom. By delving into historical records and cultural practices, they shed light on the ritual’s deeper meaning and its importance within the Black community.

Beyond Black Weddings: A Unifying Tradition Across Cultures

While often associated with Black weddings, Professor Parry reveals the surprising truth – Jumping the Broom, or variations of it, have been practiced by various cultures around the world. This episode explores the unifying feature of this ritual, transcending specific cultural boundaries.

The Community’s Endorsement: Sealing the Bond with Witness

The discussion delves into the significance of the community’s endorsement after the couple jumps the broom. This act signifies the community’s support and blessing for the newly married couple, solidifying the union beyond just a legal contract.

The Humanity of the Ceremony: More Than Just Tradition

Professor Parry emphasizes the inherent humanity of the Jumping the Broom ceremony. It’s more than just following a tradition – it’s a deeply personal act that signifies a couple’s commitment and the community’s support for their new life together.

A Renewed Interest: The Rise and Fall of Heritage Weddings

The episode explores the revival of interest in Jumping the Broom during the 1960s and 70s, coinciding with the Civil Rights Movement. This period saw a renewed focus on Black identity and cultural heritage. Parry also discusses the booming heritage wedding industry of the 1990s, which further popularized the tradition.

Beyond a Single Origin: The Surprising Multicultural Roots

Prepare to be surprised! Professor Parry debunks the myth of a single origin point for Jumping the Broom. His research reveals a rich tapestry of influences, highlighting the multicultural nature of this enduring tradition.

Listen and Learn:

If you’ve ever wondered about the meaning of Jumping the Broom, its historical significance, or its place within the broader landscape of wedding traditions, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation for this powerful symbol of love, unity, and resilience.

Want to Learn More?

• Follow Professor Tyler D. Parry on Twitter
• Purchase your copy of Jumping The Broom, The Surprising Multicultural Origins of a Black Wedding Ritual by Tyler D. Parry (published by UNC Press).

Podcast Conclusion

Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast offers a thought-provoking exploration of Jumping the Broom with Professor Tyler D. Parry. This episode sheds light on the historical, cultural, and social significance of this enduring Black wedding tradition. So, the next time you witness a couple jumping the broom, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the rich symbolism and history behind this beautiful act.

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