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Vanguard of Hollywood

This uplifting Classic Hollywood podcast offers inspirational insights into the films of the Golden Age & the stars who made them great.

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A Legacy of Grit: An Interview with Patrick Wayne

Patrick Wayne is an actor and former chairman of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. His more than four decade-long acting career includes roles in over 40 films, several of which paired Patrick with his legendary father, John Wayne. Whether starring alongside his dad in such classics as McLintock! (1963) and Big Jake (1971), or swashbuckling his way through cult classics like 1977’s Sinbad and the…

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The Night of the Hunter: An Interview with Foster Hirsch

Shannon is joined by acclaimed film historian, biographer, and interviewer Foster Hirsch to discuss the 1955 cult classic, The Night of the Hunter. Listen as Foster and Shannon discuss the fascinating origins of the film, cast performances, behind-the-scenes dynamics, and religious allegory and faith-based themes that make The Night of the Hunter an enduring classic.

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Hollywood's Asian Superstar: An Interview with Nancy Kwan

Nancy Kwan is an actress, author, dancer, screenwriter, and filmmaker. With films such as 1960’s The World of Suzie Wong and 1961’s Flower Drum Song, Nancy became Hollywood’s first Asian Superstar. Her casting in roles specifically written for Asian actresses, and in non-race-specific roles, was unprecedented, changing the way moviegoers viewed the Asian community and creating more opportunities…

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A Living Legend: An Interview with Engelbert Humperdinck

In an incredible career that has spanned 60 years, Engelbert Humperdinck has sold over 150 million records worldwide, with songs ranging from romantic ballads to movie theme songs, disco, rock, and gospel. These records have earned him 64 gold albums, 35 platinum albums, four Grammy Award nominations, and a Golden Globe. Among Engelbert’s hit songs are “The Last Waltz,” “A Man Without Love,”…

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No Limits: An Interview with Billy Gray

Billy Gray is an actor, motorcycle speedway racer, and inventor. You may know him best as Bud Anderson from the hit television show, Father Knows Best (1954-1960). From his earliest film roles, Billy stood out as a kid actor who consistently brought great depth to the characters he created. Whether playing Doris Day’s mischievous little brother in On Moonlight Bay (1951) and By the Light of the…

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A Disney Original: An Interview with Sharon Baird

Sharon Baird is a dancer, singer, and actress. You may know her best as one of Walt Disney’s original Mouseketeers on the classic television show, The Mickey Mouse Club. As one of only nine Mouseketeers to appear on all three seasons of the show, Sharon proved herself to be the best dancer in the bunch. Beginning her dance training at three years old, Sharon has danced with the likes of Mitzi…

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Elvis’ Leading Lady: An Interview with Cynthia Pepper

As Private First Class Midge Riley in 1964’s Kissin’ Cousins, Cynthia Pepper holds the distinction of being one of Elvis Presley’s leading ladies. In the film, Cynthia lived the dream of countless Elvis fans as she was chased by Elvis, sung to by Elvis, and kissed by Elvis. Even more enviable, behind the scenes, Cynthia formed a true friendship with her legendary leading man. Listen as Shannon and…

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Sweet and Sassy: An Interview with Ann-Margret

Ann-Margret is a living legend. From Bye Bye Birdie (1963) and Viva Las Vegas (1964) to Tommy (1975) and Grumpy Old Men (1993), from her Billboard charting music career to her show stopping TV specials, Ann-Margret’s multi-dimensional talent and charisma are unrivaled. Join Ann-Margret and Shannon as they discuss Ann-Margret’s beautiful relationship with her parents, her incredible career, the…

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Seven Decades in Hollywood: An Interview with Tim Matheson

Tim Matheson’s Hollywood career spans nearly seven decades. From working alongside Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda in 1968’s Yours, Mine and Ours, to his iconic role in the classic 1978 comedy Animal House, to the record-breaking hit Netflix series, Virgin River, Tim Matheson has done it all. Listen as Shannon and Tim discuss Tim’s new book, Damn Glad to Meet You: My Seven Decades in the Hollywood…

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America’s Tap Treasure: An Interview with Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin

Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin is a master tap dancer, teacher, and historian. Reggio began his career as a musician, playing bass guitar for The Lost Generation and opening for such artists as Gladys Knight and the Pips and James Brown. Reggio made the successful transition from musician to tap dancer. He performs and teaches tap around the world, and has worked with countless tap legends,…

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