GENERATION RIPE

Latest Episodes:

The Eighty-Ninth One… and Jacob Soule (The Plant Prodigy) Aug 12, 2022

Episode 89 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is botanist, exotic plants expert and TikTok sensation Jacob Soule.

When people ask Jacob Soule what he did during the COVID pandemic, he has a more interesting answer than most: he became TikTok famous.

His @theplantprodigy account has almost 1 million followers and his short, entertaining, and informative videos about all things plants have over 26 million likes. And it all started by sibling rivalry.

“My brother told me that he was in a viral video that a friend had made. It got half a million views,” Soule said. “He was joking about being TikTok famous. I tried to get big on TikTok to prove him wrong. I didn’t have success at first, but after December 2021, I got the ball rolling.”

Soule, who has autism, has long been interested in plants. He can remember picking daisies with his grandmother. When he was in second grade he read a book that piqued his interest in carnivorous plants and he bought his first one.

“I got a Venus flytrap and a pitcher plant, but they all died,” he said. “They’re not that tricky if you know what you’re doing and I didn’t know what I was doing when I was 9 or 10 years old.”

Like some plant species, his interest in plants went dormant in about 2015. But, it sprang back to life in 2017 when his current collection began to grow. He currently has over 100 plants ranging from philodendron micans to desert rosesand hoya to several carnivorous pitcher plants,which he now grows quite successfully.

TikTok was not his first foray into social media. He has always been interested in influencer culture and he first launched a YouTube Channel after being inspired by one of his favorite YouTubers. He created his Instagram in 2019.

In his videos, he documents his own adventures as a plant owner, while also answering questions from plant parents who share videos of their droopy or browning plants. Some of the videos offer plant-related humor,such as when he stops his aunt from tossing the dregs of her wine glass into a plant pot or when he reacts with horror to atrocities such as people giving their Venus flytrap toothpaste.

He’ll occasionally address issues such as negative comments about his voice or his lack of knowledge about some things with a disarming honesty, saying that his voice makes him unique and he’s proud of having room to grow and learn more.

He hopes to parlay his TikTok popularity into a business of some sort, perhaps starting an Etsy plant shop. He is currently attending Kalamazoo Valley Community College with hopes of eventually earning a Horticulture Degree from Michigan State University.

“Plants were popular before COVID. They exploded after the lockdown,” Soule said. “Why do people like plants? That’s hard to answer. Maybe it’s because of the idea of being responsible and taking care of something without having to put an animal or child’s life at risk. And many studies show that plants can help benefit mental health. Personally, I just like the idea of growing all kinds of unique plants.”

Here are the plants Wendi references in the interview: Gymnarnphora, Trusmadiensis, Miranda, Robcantleyi, and Caesar.

Watch Wendi and Dfernando and their Team GENERATION RIPE: Greg Covey, Shelley McLendon and Ponciana Badia on Season 7 Episode 2 of CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD - now on ABC OnDemand and Hulu and on the GENERATION RIPE website.

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… and guest Jacob Soule, his TikTok, and his Twitter.

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The Eighty-Eighth One... and Pleasant Gehman Jul 22, 2022

Episode 88 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is multi-disciplinary artist, writer, professional dancer, actor, psychic, musician and painter Pleasant Gehman.

A Hollywood rock ‘n’ roll icon, during the 1970s, she was one of the first punks in Los Angeles, documenting the scene she helped create in her fanzine LOBOTOMY, which lead to writing for the top mainstream rock publications. During the 1980s, she toured fronting her three bands, all of whom released multiple recordings: Screamin’ Sirens, The Ringling Sisters and Honk If Yer Horny. Concurrently, she was the talent booker for the seminal Los Angeles “alternative” clubs Cathay De Grande and Raji’s.

Since the early 1990s, under the stage name Princess Farhana, she has appeared internationally as a professional belly dance and burlesque performer and teacher, touring in Egypt, Turkey, China, Australia, and constantly across Europe, the United Kingdom and North America. She’s danced and acted in numerous motion pictures, in music videos and on television shows and has been featured in many documentaries on belly dance and burlesque, performing and as an interview subject. In 2009, she was the star of Steve Balderson’s feature-length documentary UNDERBELLY: A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF PRINCESS FARHANA, released worldwide in theaters as well as on DVD.

A practicing witch, her work as a psychic, intuitive Tarot reader and energy healer has been life-long; she currently shares her gifts with clients worldwide. From the age of sixteen onwards, Pleasant has been a journalist and cultural commentator with literally thousands of articles published nationally and internationally on everything from rock ‘n’ roll to the paranormal, from magic to homeless teenagers. Her memoirs, short stories and poetry have been widely anthologized and many works were recorded on her spoken word CD Ruined.

In March 2020, she launched the popular podcast THE DEVIL’S MUSIC, which explores the intersection of rock’n’roll and the occult. It is available across all podcasting platforms.

Pleasant is the author and/or editor of eight books, including THE BELLY DANCE HANDBOOK and the memoir SHOWGIRL CONFIDENTIAL: MY LIFE ONSTAGE, BACKSTAGE AND ON THE ROAD.

Her latest book ROCK ’N’ ROLL WITCH: A MEMOIR OF SEX MAGICK, DRUGS AND ROCK ’N’ ROLL, is a memoir of her astonishing life, where music and the unexplained have been constants for decades. Her supernatural experiences unfold to a soundtrack of old school punk, 50’s rockabilly, vintage blues, classic rock and girl groups. Stranger than fiction, her true stories of spirit encounters, synchronicity and her own psychic abilities are populated with the friends who also experienced them, including The Go-Go’s, The Cramps, The Germs, The Gun Club, The Blasters and many more. Her writing is riveting, loaded with humor and extraordinary details that will make readers question their own reality.

She authored her own chapters in John Doe and Tom Desavia’s UNDER THE BIG BLACK SUN: A PERSONAL HISTORY OF LA PUNK and MORE FUN IN THE NEW WORLD: THE UNMAKING AND LEGACY OF LA PUNK.
She currently hosts BELL, BOOK & CANDLE - an occult burlesque show at El Cid in Los Angeles that is held every third Wednesday of every month.

Pleasant lives in Hollywood, California, with four spoiled rescue cats.
Also on Episode 88, Dfernando and Wendi celebrate his new status as a new Californian and their weekend attending the play TILDA SWINTON ANSWERS AN AD ON CRAIGSLIST (at Los Angeles' Casita Del Campo) written by past guest Byron Lane and starring (another past guest) Tom Lenk. And Wendi mentions she spoke on Lux ATL's MAKE IT HAPPEN VIRTUAL RETREAT.

Watch Wendi and Dfernando and their TEAM GENERATION RIPE: Greg Covey, Shelley McLendon and Ponciana Badia on Season 7 Episode 2 of CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD - now on ABC OnDemand and Hulu and on the GENERATION RIPE website.

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The Eighty-Seventh One… and Elisa Stancil Levine Jul 08, 2022

Episode 87 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is author and decorative artist Elisa Stancil Levine.

Elisa Stancil Levine spent her childhood in a canyon on the American River, upstream from the site of the California Gold Rush. She left school at sixteen and as a single mother in Sacramento earned a degree in Library Science and studied Creative Writing. Working with partners she remodeled sixteen historic houses and was Home and Garden Editor and feature writer for SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE. At thirty-six she founded Stancil Studios, an award winning, nationwide decorative finishes company in San Francisco.

Elisa’s second book, THIS OR SOMETHING BETTER, is a memoir and takes place in Northern California, Manhattan and Paris. In it she shares the story of “the making of a maker” where she explores the combination of surrender and decisive action, trust and wariness, solitude and human connection, intuition and painstaking self-inquiry, grace and sheer hard labor that lie at the heart of the great mystery of human resilience.

Her essays have recently appeared in ENTROPY MAGAZINE, STIRRING: A LITERARY COLLECTION, THE PENMEN REVIEW, and THE WRITER’S WORKSHOP REVIEW. A third book is in the works.

Elisa’s color and pattern design have been featured in every major American design magazine including TOWN AND COUNTRY, CALIFORNIA HOMES, LUXE, ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST, and VOGUE.

When Elisa is not writing, traveling or consulting on color and pattern she and her husband spend hours immersed in nature, running and riding horseback on Sonoma Mountain.

Also on Episode 87, Dfernando and Wendi have more GORGEOUS LIVING tips: ladies trimming their beards and a TikTok yogurt cake. Plus, Wendi mentions her new water aerobics with the women in her family.

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The Eighty-Sixth One... and a revisit with Joseph La Corte Jun 24, 2022

Episode 86 and Wendi and Dfernando revisit their Episode 20 guest interview with 4-time Emmy Award nominated costume designer Joseph La Corte.

Following his passion for costume design, Joseph La Corte has worked on some of the most groundbreaking projects in film and television. From period and fantasy costumes, to contemporary clothing, Joseph brings his fine-tuned attention to detail and unbridled enthusiasm for design to all of his work.

Joseph has worked on some of the most iconic shows in television including the critically acclaimed and multi-award winning FX limited-series FOSSE/VERDON, for which he received his fourth Emmy Award nomination. His talents can also be seen in many HBO series including THE SOPRANOS, BOARDWALK EMPIRE, VINYL, and DIVORCE. Other notable television credits include SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, LAW AND ORDER: SVU, and the Sci-Fi series from Amazon TALES FROM THE LOOP.

His feature film dossier is no less impressive. Joseph contributed his expertise to the Academy Award winning film THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE OF EBBING, MISSOURI. Other notable film projects include BEL AMI, ALL THE KINGS MEN, SEX AND THE CITY 2, andSCHOOL OF ROCK. Whether the project calls for a modern sensibility, or an interpretation of the past, Joseph brings a true sense of authenticity to every costume he designs.

Joseph’s costume design work has taken him to such diverse locations as Japan, Morocco, France, England, and Hungary, as well as much of the United States and Canada. Joseph is happiest when working and creating and is always looking forward to new costume design adventures that may lie ahead.

During the 2020 global COVID 19 pandemic, Joseph discovered the popular social media platform TikTok. Not being one to stay stagnant during quarantine, as @minettajoe he began to produce and perform in his highly popular solo TikTok video series of recreations from scenes of classic television shows like THE GOLDEN GIRLS to scenes from classic films like GREASE. Each video clip features Joseph inserted into the themed location and lip-syncing in full costume recreations. Though his hectic costume designing career has finally resumed post-COVID 19, his now-iconic videos still survive on his TikTok account, so many will continue to discover them.

Joseph's most recent work can be seen on the acclaimed FXseries UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN, Paramount Plus' GUILTY PARTY, and Amazon Prime's TALES FROM THE LOOP.

And on Episode 86, Wendi and Dfernando talk about his getting ready for his move from New York City to Long Beach, and Wendi brings more of GORGEOUS LIVING, and QUEEN ENERGY with Emma Thompson and her new Hulu film GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE and some body positivity.

On the RIPE REPORT, Dfernandohas the new Cuban-American remake of FATHER OF THE BRIDE, starring Andy Garcia and multi-Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan (now streaming on HBO Max), and Wendi proudly boasts a little about her baby birds saving husband Greg Covey.

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The Eighty-Fifth One... and it's Wendi & Dfernando Jun 17, 2022

Episode 85 and Wendi and Dfernando do some catching up. Wendi shares she had COVID (get your boosters, kids!), revisiting the original Australian comedy series KATH & KIM, and thinking about some new segments to add to the podcast:

First one is: GORGEOUS LIVING - ways that you can live gorgeously.
Second one is: QUEEN ENERGY - when you stand in your power, ladies.

And Wendi and Dfernando discuss her new haircut she did herself, thanks to Jayne Matthews (@jayne_edosalon). Wendi used the Bangs & Layers Bundle to create her new haircut/hairstyle. Visit Jayne Matthews' website for full details and DIY Classes, etc.

Also, there's some updates on past guests: Hayley Orrantia's appearance on FOX TV's THE MASK SINGER and the star-studded production of the Cyndi Lauper Broadway musical KINKY BOOTS at the Hollywood Bowl; and a limited engagement of A STAR IS BORED author Byron Lane's acclaimed play TILDA SWINTON ANSWERS AN AD ON CRAIG'S LIST, starring Tom Lenk as Tilda Swinton.

On THE RIPE REPORT, Dfernando shares 2 of his favorite NYC-based RIPES: CRIOLLAS Baked Empanadas, authentic Argentinean empanadas available at the Turnstyle Underground Market (located underground at the 59th Street/Columbus Circle subway station!), and the old elevated rail line park THE HIGH LINE. Wendi shares a new discovery: the Showtime TV series I LOVE THAT FOR YOU, created and starring former SNL cast member Vanessa Bayer, Molly Shannon, Jenifer Lewis and Matt Rogers, and which takes place in the world of a major home shopping network. Also, take a listen to Matt Rogers' and SNL's Bowen Yang's podcast LAS CULTURISTAS.

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The Eighty-Fourth One... and Mindy Cohn Jun 03, 2022

Episode 84 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is actress and producer Mindy Cohn.

Mindy Cohn was just another student at Westlake School for Girls in Holmby Hills, California when actress Charlotte Rae discovered her while she, the legendary Norman Lear, and the producers of a new NBC sitcom THE FACTS OF LIFE were touring the school as research. Mindy was cast as Natalie Green and portrayed the character for the entire 9 Season run of the series: 1979 to 1988, as well as the few NBC TV Movie Specials.

Mindy continued her acting career outside of THE FACTS OF LIFE. In 1984 she had a leading role as Stockard Channing’s daughter in TABLE SETTINGS. In 1986, she appeared in THE BOY WHO COULD FLY as next-door neighbor Geneva and in 2010 as the lead character Violet in Casper Andreas’ VIOLET TENDENCIES.

On television, Mindy had guest appearances in other popular TV shows, including CHARLES IN CHARGE (playing Buddy's sister Bunny, a young alcoholic in the 1988 episode "Bottle Baby"), and two guest appearances in Season 2 of the cop drama 21 JUMP STREET (playing Rosa in the 1987 episode "Christmas In Saigon" and the 1988 episode "Chapel of Love"). In 2004 Mindy appeared as Maggie in the WB comedy THE HELP, and appeared on the Season 8 premiere of TLC’s WHAT NOT TO WEAR. She has also appeared on HOT IN CLEVELAND, THE SECRET LIFE OF AN AMERICAN TEENAGER, THE MIDDLE, and was the voice of Velma Dinkley in the SCOOBY DOO franchise from 2002 to 2015.

Mindy will be seen in the upcoming APPLE TV+ series DELLACORTE, opposite Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, Laura Dern, Ricky Martin and TV legend Carol Burnett.

A strong supporter of the LGBTQ community, she has a degree in Cultural Anthropology from Loyola Marymount University, and is a founding member of the weSpark Cancer Support Center.

Click here to watch Mindy’s LIVE COMEDY STORYTELLING: What Happens in Vancouver, which Wendi references during the interview.

Also on Episode 84, Dfernando and Wendi are back from their little extended hiatus and Dfernando shares his news that he is relocating from New York City to Long Beach, California. There is no age limit to starting a new chapter in one's life. And Wendi shares being a guest on Sandra Bernhard’s SiriusXM radio show SANDYLAND, Melissa Rivers’ podcast GROUP TEXT, the Season 10 finale of THE GOLDBERGS, Disneyland, and attending a Steely Dan concert and raving about their opening act Snarky Puppy

On THE RIPE REPORT, Dfernando has the new Showtime limited series THE FIRST LADY, starring Oscar winner Viola Davis as Michelle Obama, Gillian Anderson as Eleanor Roosevelt, and Michelle Pfeiffer as Betty Ford, and Wendi shares her new love of the classic Converse Chuck Taylor Platform Heel version, and the new Amazon Prime reboot of the classic late 80s/early 90s Canadian sketch comedy show THE KIDS IN THE HALL.

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The Eighty-Third One... and Erin Gibson Apr 29, 2022

Episode 83 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is Emmy Award nominated actress, comedian, author, podcaster, writer & director Erin Gibson.

Erin Gibson is an expert at mixing social commentary, political satire, and frank sexual talk into nice, neat little comedy packages. Based in Los Angeles, she co-hosts the award winning political absurdist comedy podcast ATTITUDES (formerly titled THROWING SHADE), which has over 6 million downloads and was named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the Top 20 Comedy Podcasts of 2014 and as a 2015 Podcast to listen to by Entertainment Weekly. A web version of the podcast is shot and distributed by FUNNY OR DIE. She tours internationally doing live versions of the show with her comedy partner, Bryan Safi.

Previously, Erin hosted MODERN LADY on Current TV’s INFOMANIA, which comedically criticized the way women are treated by the media.

As a writer and director at FUNNY OR DIE, Erin regularly impersonated Michele Bachmann and Megyn Kelly, in addition to writing and directing sketches starring Juliette Lewis, Jerry O’Connell, Teri Hatcher, Mary Steenburgen, Kaley Cuoco, Natasha Lyonne, and Taryn Manning. Erin created the successful GAME OF THRONES recap show GAY OF THRONES which she wrote and directed, and which starred her real-life hair stylist, Jonathan Van Ness.

As an author, she released the book FEMINASTY: The Complicated Woman’s Guide to Surviving The Patriarchy Without Drinking Herself to Death, which is her collection of hilarious personal essays and political commentary.

As an actress and comedian, she’s been seen on KEY AND PEELE, THE KROLL SHOW, NBC TV’s PARKS AND RECREATION, E!’s CHELSEA LATELY, and clip shows galore. Erin's a regular blogger for HUFFINGTON POST and is better than Taylor Swift when knowing if people are trouble when they walk in.

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The Eighty-Second One... and a revisit with Tracey Cox Apr 15, 2022

Episode 82 and Wendi and Dfernando revisit their guest interview with world renowned sex expert and best-selling author Tracey Cox.

As one of the world’s foremost writers on sex and relationships , Tracey Cox has toured the world as an international sex, body language and relationship expert. She has appeared on Oprah, CNN and The Today Show in the U.S., as well as many prime-time TV and chat shows world-wide.

Tracey has written 17 books. They include many bestsellers like HOT SEX and SUPERSEX and are available in 140 countries, translated into over 20 languages. Her academic background is in psychology and journalism and she’s counseled via the media for decades. She has a weekly column with the MailOnline (Daily Mail) – the world’s largest English speaking news website.

Born in the UK, Tracey grew up in Australia where she was Associate Editor of COSMOPOLITAN Magazine and had a weekly national radio show. She moved back to London to host her first television series and went on to make numerous programs both in the UK and the U.S. about sex and relationships. They include the popular prime-time series WOULD LIKE TO MEET (BBC and Discovery) and THE SEX INSPECTORS (CH4 and HBO).

Tracey teamed up with one of the world’s most popular sex toy retailers, Lovehoney, to create sex toys that look great, work effectively and come with full instructions in stylish packaging. EDGE is for men who want to boost their sexual confidence and performance, SUPERSEX is for anyone who wants maximum sexual satisfaction and more intense orgasms.

Her latest book GREAT SEX STARTS AT 50 is reassuring, honest, funny, and most of all empowering, GREAT SEX STARTS AT 50 is the must-have sex and relationships book for men and women hitting half a century with little sign of slowing down. The book is for those who love sex or dread it, used to love it but have lost enthusiasm, or never got what all the fuss was about but would like to.

She can be heard weekly on her live radio show THE TRACEY COX SHOW on JACK Radio, which is also available on all major podcast platforms.

Tracey is married, is a mom to a step-daughter, and lives in Notting Hill, London.

Also on Episode 82, Wendi and Dfernando talk about Wendi's new BIG LOTS campaign and her unearthing old video tapes of her work on The Groundlings as well as a country music video she appeared in from the early 2000s.

On the RIPE REPORT,Dfernandohas Julie Cohen and Betsy West’s new Julia Child documentary JULIA (now streaming on Amazon Prime), that is a perfect way to prepare for the new HBO Max limited series JULIA (starring England's Sarah Lancashire). Also, Wendi has 2 RIPES this week: Roc Skincare Micro Needle Patches, and SNL alumni and actress Molly Shannon's newly released autobiography HELLO, MOLLY!

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The Eighty-First One... and Mimi Kennedy Apr 08, 2022

Episode 81 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is actress, author, writer, producer, and activist Mimi Kennedy.

Born in Rochester, NY, Mimi first fell in love with acting as a child in community theater, which would lead her to ignite her acting career on stage opposite TV legend Sid Caesar in Neil Simon’s LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS along with multi-Emmy Award winner Doris Roberts, who became a friend and mentor.

Mimi was active in the NYC theatre scene in the 1970’s, cast in plays like Jim Steinman’s DAS RHEINGOLD and Andy Warhol’s legendary PORK – a role she left due to reasons recounted in her 1996 mid-life memoir TAKEN TO THE STAGE: The Education of an Actress (soon to be released as an audiobook on Audible). Steinman would become a life-long friend and Warhol, at least in her case, would be proven wrong about his “15 minutes of fame” quote. In 1976 Mimi made her Broadway debut as one of the Pink Ladies: Jan, in the original Broadway run of the legendary musical GREASE. She was also a member of the original touring production of THE NATIONAL LAMPOON SHOW.

In 1975 Mimi was invited to audition for the original cast (The Not Ready for Prime Time Players) of a brand-new late-night NBC TV sketch comedy-variety series SATURDAY NIGHT (later known as SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE), but Lorne Michaels decided on casting Jane Curtin for that spot.

Her stage career did not end when Hollywood and television came calling shortly after. She has performed the 1-woman play about newspaper advice columnist Ann Landers, THE LADY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS, at both the Pasadena and Cleveland Playhouses. In 2013 she wrote and starred in a 1-woman play about suffragist and abolitionist Matilda Joslyn Gage, MIMI KENNEDY FINDS MATILDA JOSLYN GAGE.

For 8 seasons Mimi portrayed the much beloved character, Marjorie, on the hit Chuck Lorre CBS TV sitcom MOM. She garnered a Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Guest Performer in a Comedy Series before becoming a series regular in Season 2. This was the second pairing of Mimi and Lorre; she played Abby O’Neil on the hit 90’s ABC TV sitcom DHARMA & GREG for 5 seasons.

Her television debut was on the 1977 NBC TV musical-variety mini-series 3 GIRLS 3, also starring dance legend Debbie Allen, and Ellen Foley. The New York Times declared it a hit, however it sadly only aired 4 episodes. You can view all 4 episodes on Mimi’s YouTube channel. 3 GIRLS 3 was quite an introduction to Hollywood allowing her the opportunity to play opposite Bob Hope, Carl Reiner, Flip Wilson, and Steve Martin (in his prime-time TV debut.)

Regular TV sitcom series roles followed throughout the 70’s and 80’s, most notably as Stockard Channing’s sister on the CBS TV sitcom JUST FRIENDS, and co-starring with comedy legend Peter Cook in THE TWO OF US. The 1990’s started with Mimi in a dramatic role portraying a slightly darker side of the affluent WASP-type she had portrayed on sitcoms previously. As Queen-B Ruth Sloan on HOMEFRONT, she netted another American Television Critics nomination,this time as Best Supporting Actress in a Drama. In the 2000’s she recurred as CIA Director and House Minority Leader in HBO’s THE BRINK and VEEP, respectively.

Upcoming television guest roles in 2022 include Netflix’s GRACE & FRANKIE, and the long-running ABC TV sitcom THE GOLDBERGS, as well as a new character on a popular drama series.

Mimi's most notable roles on film include: Woody Allen’s Oscar winning MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, IN THE LOOP, the Oscar winning ERIN BROCKOVICH, PUMP UP THE VOLUME, MAN IN THE CHAIR, THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT, SAVING PARADISE, the recent Tony Hale comedy EAT WHEATIES!, and the upcoming GOING PLACES.

The experience of attending and graduating from Smith College during the Vietnam War era (with Julie Nixon as a classmate) exposed Mimi to new ideas and perspectives. The seeds of an activist and world citizen were born.

Nonviolence is her core political principle, learned in weekly classes after 9/11 taught by Rev. James Lawson, whom Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called “the teacher” for his educating activists in nonviolent theory and practice at the start of the civil rights struggle in the 1960s. Mimi was the founding Advisory Board Chair of Progressive Democrats of America in 2004 and remains on its National Board in a leadership role on the Election Integrity Team. Her work in Election Integrity is nationally recognized, from Capitol Hill to LA County; where she served on the Advisory Panel for LA’s new paper-ballot voting system.

Her 1-woman play about 19th century suffragist Matilda Joslyn Gage wove the spiritual and political activism of Gage with today’s need for reproductive justice and conscious parenting. She was proud to stand with the MOM cast and producers in donating the show’s 2017 Emmy budget to Planned Parenthood.

Mimi and the PDA were instrumental in convincing Bernie Sanders to run in the 2016 Democratic Presidential primary; hosting Sanders’ first LA fundraiser in her home. She has also worked with the Office of the Americas against the covert wars in Central America and Artists United to Win Without War.

Mimi lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband of over 40 years, actor, educator, and musician Larry Dilg. They have two grown children, two grandchildren and an adorable dog.

Also on Episode 81, Dfernando and Wendi are back and touch on things that occurred during their time off: Dfernando's 57th and Greg Covey's 52nd birthdays; Wendi's gift of a week's worth of Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding and pizza; Wendi's new article in NEW BEAUTY Magazine, which includes various photos from their first photo shoot together (one which includes Wendi wearing one of Bob Fosse's own bowler hats); and Wendi talks about her time in Vancouver where she filmed the new Disney Plus film PROM PACT.

On THE RIPE REPORT, Dfernando talks about the new Netflix cake-baking competition show IS IT CAKE?, hosted by SNL's Mikey Day, and Wendi shares a new discovery: Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake and shares a ROTTEN: celebrities licking faces on the red carpet at awards shows.

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The Eightieth One... and Carlos Alazraqui Mar 18, 2022

Episode 80 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is award winning actor, comedian, voice artist, and producer Carlos Alazraqui.

Most may know Carlos Alazraqui as the face of Deputy James Garcia on RENO 911!, but he is also the recipient of the prestigious ANNIE AWARD for Outstanding Achievement in Voice Acting in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production for THE MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN SHOW. He’s also been a stand-up comic for over 25 years, as well as being a known television/film actor and one of LA’s top voiceover actors with hundreds of credits to his name.

Television and film audiences have also seen Carlos as Officer Alvarez in the CBS series KEVIN CAN WAIT, Dr. Moncada on CW’s JANE THE VIRGIN, Sammy Tucker on FOX TV’s BONES, Detective Nash on Tru TV’s ADAM RUINS EVERYTHING, Mr. Foodie on MUTT & STUFF, and Christopher Columbus on THE CROSSROADS OF HISTORY. On the big screen, Carlos played Hector in DANCE BABY DANCE, and Carlo in Neftflix’s TAKE THE 10.

He rebooted his role of Rocko in Nickelodeon’s ROCKO’S MODERN LIFE, played Mayor Temoroso on THE NEW ADVENTURES OF PUSS IN BOOTS for Dreamworks Animation and Netflix, and is the voice of Skylar in Disney’s ELENA OF AVALOR, Jimmy Pierce on Cartoon Network's UNLOVABLE, and Needle in Paramount+’s RUMBLE.

Carlos also partnered with Michael Douglas/Further Films and HBO to develop his own half-hour series based on one of his own characters titled GOOD MORNING IOWA. Carlos is Executive Producer on the prime-time animated series called LET IT BEARD, and FUN SQUAD with CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM’s Tim Gibbons. Additionally he is Creator and Executive Producer with Ryan Seacrest/Endemol Shine on UNCOMMON GROUND.

His other writing credits include THE RIP SQUAD a half-hour live action series for Comedy Central, THE LAST WHITE DISHWASHER (short film), HEAD GAMES (short film), SPIRITOLOGY, DADS IN PARKS, and the film WITNESS INFECTION.

Carlos has provided the voices for Rocko and Spunky on Nickelodeon’s ROCKO’S MODERN LIFE, Mr. Weed on FOX TV’s THE FAMILY GUY, Lazlo on Cartoon Network’s CAMP LAZLO!, Bane in JUSTICE LEAGUE: DOOM, and Mr. Crocker on Nickelodeon’s long running series FAIRLY ODDPARENTS. One of his most famous roles was the voice of The Taco Bell Chihuahua for TACO BELL, which has been documented as one of the most well-known award winnning advertising campaigns of all time.

Carlos also played Bob in THE FUNHOUSE MASSACRE, El Chupacabra, the breakout star of Disney’s PLANES, Amos in the hit film FREE BIRDS, King Magnus on Disney’s SOFIA THE FIRST. You can also hear Carlos as the voice of Nestor, the Latin Penguin, in HAPPY FEET and HAPPY FEET TWO as well as Chuy and General Posada in THE BOOK OF LIFE, and the sexy Brazilian Helicopter Pilot and Dad’s Fear in INSIDE OUT, to name just a few of his film roles.

Carlos also doubles his work for PIXAR as the sound-a-like voice for Billy Crystal as Mike Wazowski of MONSTERS, INC. for commercials and merchandise.

In his free time, Carlos is an avid tennis player and sports enthusiast. Carlos currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two daughters.

Also on Episode 80, Dfernando shares his recent dream of his mother ”La Chela” being a Shirley Bassey-esque singing legend, and Wendi talks about being a presenter at the 2022 Art Director’s Guild Awards and her dislike of doing the red carpet.

On THE RIPE REPORT, Wendi loves those 30-second TikTok cooking tutorial videos and adds a ROTTEN to those same creators with their hair close to the food. And Dfernando has the new 6-part documentary series THE ANDY WARHOL DIARIES, from Executive Producer Ryan Murphy, now streaming on Netflix.

If you’re in and around Tyler, Texas check out J BUDS BBQ & CATERING CO.

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The Seventy-Ninth One... and a Q&A with Wendi & Dfernando Mar 11, 2022

Episode 79 and Wendi and Dfernando do some catching up on upcoming projects, andthe2022 Broadway revivalof FUNNY GIRL,andPamela Andersonmaking her Broadway debutin CHICAGO,and those pooping poolside ducks, and there's the Q&A with Wendi answering some questions - from how to get your confidence up, to how will Murray's absence be addressed on THE GOLDBERGS, to characters Wendi would love to play, to our parent's parenting, to some of her beauty tips, and more.

On THE RIPE REPORT, Dfernando discovers the glorious 24-hour JULIA CHILD Channel on Pluto TV and mentions the HBO Max limited series JULIA, starring acclaimed British actress Sarah Lancashire as Julia Child, and featuring David Hyde Pierce, Bebe Neuwirth, Isabella Rossellini and Judith Light. And Wendi shares her love of listening to actor, comedian, writer, director, and producer Bob Odenkirk's audiobooks on Audible.

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The Seventy-Eighth One… and Emme Feb 25, 2022

Episode 78 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is TV personality, brand spokesperson, podcast host, consultant, author, REVLON spokeswoman, keynote, and creative director of her clothing lines - the iconic Emme.

Known for over two decades as the award winning, iconic American supermodel and trusted voice in the fashion, wellness, beauty and news industries, Emme is globally recognized as the innovative social reformer for women’s empowerment and positive body image.

She is the first celebrity body image and self esteem champion invited to speak before a Congressional subcommittee in Washington, D.C. with a mission to increase public awareness of the dangers of eating disorders and poor body image for women, girls, men and boys.

Named in 2018 by Oprah Magazine as the Godmother of the full figured industry, a TED presenter, Emme has twice been selected to People Magazine’s "50 Most Beautiful People" and Ladies’ Home Journal chose her as one of the "Most Important Women in America" and one of the "Most Fascinating Women of the Year." She has also been honored as one of Glamour Magazine’s "Women of the Year" and as one of Biography Magazine’s “25 Most Influential Women”. Emme is a long time Ambassador to The National Eating Disorders Association, board member of the Model Alliance, honorary board member of Project Heal, and Kent School Trustee.

Emme is a sought-after media, healthcare, marketing and retail consultant, tapping into her invaluable insight from her 30 years in the TV, fashion and beauty industries. She is dedicated to positive body image and celebrating a woman's body™ and is frequently interviewed by the media on a variety of topics relating to eating disorders and body image, fashion & beauty trends, marketing, inclusive fitness, wellness, surviving cancer and women's health. She regularly visits: Today Show, GMA, CBS The Early Show, CNN, MSNBC, HLN, OWN, FOX News, OMG! Insider, Huff Post Live, Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, and others to share her point of view on these topics.

Emme has authored five books translated in a variety of languages, TRUE BEAUTY, LIFE'S LITTLE EMERGENCIES, MORNING HAS BROKEN, WHAT ARE YOU HUNGRY FOR?, and Chicken Soup for The Soul book series: CURVY AND CONFIDENT: 101 STORIES OF LOVING YOURSELF AND YOUR BODY.

Her work receives national and international coverage from The New York Times, Women’s Wear Daily, R29, Bustle, People Magazine, Glamour Magazine, Marie Claire, TIME Magazine, Huff Post, WSJ, Yahoo! Style, People Style Watch, USA Today, BusinessInsider.com, Vogue Italia, Tribune India, MTV, The Daily Mail, among many others.

Emme is the founder of her passion project: Fashion Without Limits (FWL) - a first of its kind in USA, co-founded with Syracuse University’s School of Design – FWL is an inclusive fashion design initiative, teaching future fashion designers how to design for all women size 0-24+ , addressing 100 million women not able to buy clothes that fit and reflect their personality and style in the U.S. alone.

Invited to the US '84 Olympic Trials for rowing, Emme’s passion for nature and fitness fuels her active lifestyle, which includes triathlons, rowing, snowshoeing, boogie boarding, hiking, yoga, swimming and yes, camping.

Raised in Saudi Arabia, Emme is also a mom, passionate traveler, and enjoys creating a deeper and long lasting societal impact by working with leading companies that support the well-being and wellness of their employees and customers.

Also on Episode 78, Wendi and Dfernando rave about the TikTok account: Got2GoNYC, which shares information on where to locate free public restrooms throughout New York City; then there's Wendi's padded bra on RENO 911!, and her new GENERATION RIPE-age landscaper.

On THE RIPE REPORT, Dfernando talks about the 1983 Martin Scorsese film THE KING OF COMEDY, starring Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis, and making her feature film debut: Sandra Bernhard (now streaming on Hulu in the U.S.A.), and Wendi gushes about Kris Jenner's refrigerators.

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The Seventy-Seventh One... and more with Alec Mapa Feb 18, 2022

Episode 77 and Wendi and Dfernando' s return guest interview is with GLAAD Award-winning actor, comedian and writer Alec Mapa.

Ellen Degeneres has called him “smart, hilarious and funny.” VARIETY has said, “Alec Mapa is a freak. No one should be this talented. ” With uproarious live performances and groundbreaking television roles, Alec Mapa has entertained audiences worldwide in every imaginable medium.

Audiences first discovered Alecon Broadway in the original 1988 Tony Award-winning Broadway production of M. BUTTERFLY (opposite the legendary Tony Randall), and he has guest starred on over 40 classic television series, including ALIAS, FRIENDS, ROSEANNE, SEINFELD and NYPD BLUE, among others.

Alecplayed network television’s very first gay Asian series regular role on the CBS sitcom SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS. He then starred on 4 Seasons of the UPN sitcom HALF & HALF, and went on to appear in the ABC hit UGLY BETTY and was a frequent guest star on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and had recurring roles on ABC Family’s SWITCHED AT BIRTH and Lifetime’s DEVIOUS MAIDS. You can see Alec in his recurring roles as Animal Vegetable Mineral Man on the hit series DOOM PATROL (now streaming on HBO Max and DC Universe), and as Tip on the fourth season of the BET+ Original Series THE RICH AND RUTHLESS.

On film, Alec played “N’Cream” in the wildly popular drag queen musical CONNIE AND CARLA. Other films include PLAYING BY HEART, MARLEY & ME, YOU DON'T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN, the action-comedy CHICK FIGHT, opposite Alec Baldwin, Bella Thorne and Malin Akerman, thecomedy QUEEN BEES opposite Ellen Burstyn, Ann-Margret, Jane Curtin and Loretta Devine, and the Peacock Original holiday film THE HOUSEWIVES OF THE NORTH POLE.

An accomplished stand-up comedian, Alec’s WISECRACK comedy special premiered on LOGO in 2005 and has since become a cult favorite. His follow-up comedy specials AMERICA'S GAYSIAN SWEETHEART and NO FATS, FEMMES OR ASIANS aired on the HERE! and LOGO networks respectively.

His Showtime comedy special Alec Mapa: BABY DADDY, is based on his award-winning solo show, which hilariously, irreverently chronicles Alec’s journey to fatherhood via foster adoption.

Alec was awarded the prestigious Davidson Valentini GLAAD Award for promoting equal rights for the LGBTQ community. A tireless fundraiser, Alec has toured the country on behalf of The Human Rights Campaign and The Matthew Shepard Foundation earning him the unofficial title of “America’s Gaysian Sweetheart.”

Aleclives in Los Angeles with his husband Jamie and their son Zion.

Also on Episode 77, Wendi and Dfernando welcome new listeners of GENERATION RIPE and Wendi mentions the Super Bowl LVI Half-Time Show which featured Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, 50 Cent, and Kendrick Lamar. They also discuss Wendi's recent trip to New York City to do press for the 200th episode of THE GOLDBERGS; she shares her encounter with iconic 90s supermodel Linda Evangelista on her flight back to Los Angeles; and plugs Season 8 of RENO 911! on the Roku Channel.

On THE RIPE REPORT, Wendi shares her love for the online home store WAYFAIR.com and shares a ROTTEN - the use of the elastic therapeutic athletic KT Tape on one's face to remove wrinkles. And Dfernando reminds us of the groundbreaking 1970s classic CBS TV sitcom THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW (now streaming on HULU in the U.S.A.).

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The Seventy-Sixth One... and Alejandro Patiño Feb 04, 2022

Episode 76 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is actor and producer Alejandro Patiño.

Alejandro Patiñowas born and raised in Southern California. Since it was expected that he would take over the family business (they owned a successful Market Deli in Compton), he decided to enter college as a Business Major. It was there that he discovered the theater department and dove into acting and dancing. After doing a handful of background work on some classic television series like HILL STREET BLUES, he then chose to take things more seriously and focused on a career as an actor.

On television he is known for his recurring role of Ralph, Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria)’s gardner, on the long-running ABC series DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, as well as Cesar on the FX series THE BRIDGE. He has also appeared on numerous television series including Amazon Prime’s BOSCH, BET+’s THE FAMILY BUSINESS, CBS’ MEDIUM, MY NAME IS EARL, Showtime’s WEEDS, the Coen Brothers’ Netflix THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS, RAISING HOPE, HOUSE, ROSWELL, IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, ER, and THE SHIELD.

On film he is known for his leading role as Ernesto (opposite Matt Bomer) in John Butler’s PAPI CHULO. He has also appeared in numerous films including BOWFINGER, THE HEARTBREAK KID, LOWER LEARNING, FAST & FURIOUS, ROBBING PETER, DREAM, THE RUNAWAYS, IRON MAN 2, THE KID & I, DELTA FARCE, SHELTER, and most recently as Nacho in the multi-award winning SAMLAND.

Also on Episode 76, Wendi and Dfernando do some catching up after a short hiatus and some new announcements: Season 8 of RENO 911! premieres on the Roku Channel and Season 3 of BIG CITY GREENS premieres on Disney Channel(and a Season 4 has been confirmed!). Plus a little behind-the-scenes moment during the filming of an episode THE GOLDBERGS concerning the song "Hard Habit to Break" by the band Chicago.

On THE RIPE REPORT, Dfernando mentions the new HBO Max series THE GILDED AGE, created by Julian Fellowes (of DOWNTON ABBEY), starring Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Louisa Jacobson and a huge roster of Broadway luminaries. And Wendi shares a new sleep aid: CAMINO Cannabis-Infused Gummies - the Midnight Blueberry flavor.

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The Seventy-Fifth One... and a revisit with Randall Slavin Jan 21, 2022

Episode 75 and Wendi and Dfernando revisit their guest interview with Hollywood actor-turned-renown photographer Randall Slavin.

Picking up a camera didn't start out as an artistic pursuit for Randall Slavin. While working a dead end job in a gas station, he wandered into a local photography studio and struck up a friendship with the owner. The owner took the young Slavin under his wing and taught him a few photography basics, then promptly fired him a few months later. With nowhere else to turn, Slavin put one foot in front of the other and never looked back. In the years since and through his lens, he's documented his journey.

As an actor he was seen on numerous classic TV shows: ROSEANNE, CYBILL, BEVERLY HILLS 90210, THE PRACTICE, ANGEL, to CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, and on film in ZOOLANDER, PRIMAL FEAR, and LEGENDS OF THE FALL.

Randall Slavin had his photography debut in the prestigious New York Times Magazine and his work has appeared in Vanity Fair, GQ, Esquire, Rolling Stone and many others. Slavin had his first exhibit in Paris in 2008 and a solo show at Annenberg Space For Photography in 2011. He received the 2011 Hollywood Style Award for "Photographer of the Year."

From the vinyl seats of Hollywood nightclubs in 1999 to glossy cover shoots in New York, Slavin has captured snapshots of it all, encapsulated in his debut photography collection, WE ALL WANT SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL. Featuring stunning portraits and spirited candids of the most recognizable people in Hollywood, Slavin offers us a peek behind the curtain in this ultimately revelatory collection that will last a lifetime.

Also on Episode 75, Wendi and Dfernando talk about the late great fashion icon Andre Leon Talley, and Dfernando shares his experience attending a post-screening Q&A for the 2019 Truman Capote documentary THE CAPOTE TAPES that featured Talley. Wendi shares "procrasturbating" - the art of putting things off till the last minute.

On THE RIPE REPORT, Wendi shares The Republic of Tea Daily Beauty Blueberry Lavender Herbal Tea, and Dfernando discovers the new NBC TV workplace comedy AMERICAN AUTO, created by Justin Spitzer and starring Ana Gasteyer (now streaming on NBC OnDemand, Hulu, and Peacock TV).

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The Seventy-Fourth One... and Lux ATL Jan 14, 2022

Episode 74 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is writer, speaker, cheerleader, and catalyzer of communities for women: Lux ATL.

Lux ATL is a former university instructor and lifelong exotic dancer turned itinerant preacher for women’s empowerment through sensual awakening. Through her workshops, retreats, and digital courses, she helps women reconnect with their desires and boldly pursue a path of pleasure and fulfillment.

She is also a published scholar in the field of women’s studies under the name of Dr. Lindsay Byron. Her short documentary CONJURED and Southern Cultures Magazine’s article REWRITING ELIZABETH reconstruct the lives of women wrongfully institutionalized at an infamous Southern mental hospital in the mid-twentieth century.

She was named Best Stripper in Atlanta in 2015, and competed in the elite Miss Pole Dance America competition in 2016. As an academic expert on women’s issues as well as a long-term sex worker, she brings a unique mixture of historical, cultural, and real-world insights that cannot be found elsewhere.

In 2021 she released her autobiography titled TOO PRETTY TO BE GOOD, and is the host of the podcast HOOKERGATE: Criminals and Libertines in the South, which focuses on a high profile Southern prostitution ring during the early 1970's and the Watergate scandal.

She was also featured on the Epix documentary series SEX LIFE in Season 1, Episode 3: ROPE, TITS AND TEARS.

Also on Episode 74, Wendi and Dfernando talk about Butters the Cat and some new developments, plus Wendi talks about some recent paparazzi photos taken of her on the set of THE GOLDBERGS.

On THE RIPE REPORT, Dfernando rediscovers the 90s CBS TV sitcom CYBILL (now streaming on TUBI TV), and Wendi shares some beauty treatments with BLISS' What a Melon Reviving & DeStressing Overnight Mask.
Watch Wendi and Dfernando and their TEAM GENERATION RIPE: Greg Covey, Shelley McLendon and Ponciana Badia on Season 7 Episode 2 of CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD - now on ABC OnDemand and Hulu and on the GENERATION RIPE website.

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The Seventy-Third One... and Happy 2022 with Wendi & Dfernando Jan 07, 2022

Episode 73 and Wendi and Dfernando celebrate the New Year hanging out in her Long Beach closet and talk about his love of cheese, their peaceful New Year's Eve celebration, Wendi's Annual Rose Pedal Gratitude Walk, Chinese food, and the Vivienne Westwood documentary WESTWOOD, which inspired Wendi to start dressing more eccentric as she gets older.

Wendi also shares some of her favorite style-related TikTok accounts: @carlarockmore, @cara.austine, @modmissy, @advancedstyleofficial, and @fashionbyally.

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The Seventy-Second One... and Toni Basil Dec 24, 2021

Episode 72 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is legendary multi-award winning singer, dancer, actress, choreographer, and film director Toni Basil.
Toni Basil is a multiple Emmy Award winner and Grammy Award nominee and has choreography and directorial credits on over 50 videos and has choreographed and co-directed concerts for Tina Turner, David Bowie, Bette Midler, David Lee Roth, Mick Jagger as well as many others. She has also collaborated with Elvis Presley, Talking Heads, to The Muppets.

In 2008 Toni received Hip Hop International's highest award "Living Legend of Hip Hop." Former recipients include Don “Campbellock” Campbell, Boogaloo Sam, MC Hammer, DJ Kool Herc, and Grandmaster Caz.

Toni is co-founder and one of the 7 original members of the 1970s legendary The Lockers, which now is considered "the group that changed the face of dance." She is recognized as a seminal influence in bringing street dance to the attention of the American public. She is currently writing a book on the history of American Street Dance.

Toni was presented with an Emmy Award for a commercial featuring MC Hammer. She has worked on an incredible range of television programming, from TV Land’s SALUTE TO SOUL TRAIN, NAACP IMAGE AWARDS, NBC TV’s SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, SESAME STREET, and countless music awards shows.

Toni's most notable feature film credits include choreography for such classics as George Lucas’ AMERICAN GRAFFITI, PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED, MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING, to LEGALLY BLONDE. Her subtle choreographic hand was visible throughout Tom Hanks’ directorial debut THAT THING YOU DO!, and more recently in Quentin Tarantino's 2019 film, ONCE UPON TIME… IN HOLLYWOOD, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margo Robbie.

Toni received a double platinum record for her multi-million-selling global smash hit single “Mickey” and a Gold Album for 1981's WORD OF MOUTH album, which also led to Gold Albums in the UK, Canada and Australia. She received a Grammy Award nomination for her WORD OF MOUTH long-form video album, which she conceptualized, produced, choreographed, and directed.

Billboard Magazine's #1 Song for the Month of December 1982, “Mickey” was installed in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as one of the ground-breaking singles of the 1980s. The “Mickey” music video was shown at the Museum of Modern Art in 1992, which earned Toni a place as an American Video Artist in the coveted Museum of Modern Art's calendar.

She starred, co-directed, and choreographed two self-titled BBC-television specials, which were re-aired in record time due to unprecedented audience response, and are credited as launching “Mickey” as a hit single in the U.K. charts and, ultimately, worldwide after appearing in a wide variety of television shows.

Toni has acted in numerous legendary films including EASY RIDER and FIVE EASY PIECES, and has appeared as a dancer in countless films in the 1960s from PAJAMA PARTY to Bob Fosse’s SWEET CHARITY.

Toni has also directed short art films: GAME OF THE WEEK, A DANCE FILM, OUR TRIP, and THE PING PONG MATCH. Pre-dating music videos, these avant-garde pieces found a new audience and were exhibited at the Santa Monica Museum of Art and New York's Grey Art Gallery. The L.A. Times noted that filmmaker Toni Basil's deft editing transformed an ordinary ping pong match between Gray and Stockwell (both noted American actors) into an energetic dance routine.

As a classically trained dancer, Toni continues to dance and attend Locking, Hip Hop, and African dance classes by day, and underground dance clubs at night. She has immersed herself in the Latin music and dance scene, and has guest performed singing, dancing and playing percussion with the top Los Angeles based salsa bands.

She adds to her list of expertise in world dance and partnering Afro/Cuban, Tango, Flamenco, Salsa, East Coast and West Coast Swing.

Continuing in the family tradition (her father: an orchestra leader, and mother: a vaudevillian), she has excelled in every entertainment medium: stage, music, commercials, television, film and video. Her unique form of artistic mastery is at the heart of all of her work. She remains a true pioneer in the dance world, a visionary, and a genuine American treasure.

From judging street dance events internationally to being a trending viral video, Toni has always being on the cutting edge of pop culture, and shows no sign of stopping.

Want to know more? Just do a Google search for Toni Basil and choose from over 69,000 references.

Also on Episode 72, Wendi and Dfernando go into the new RENO 911! film THE HUNT FOR QANON (now streaming on Paramount Plus), 2 of Dfernando's new works: the cover editorial for CLIENT U.S. Magazine and his editorial in YEARBOOK FANZINE Magazine (both now on newstands and on digital download), and Wendi addresses a recent situation over at THE GOLDBERGS, and gives out a few shoutouts to some fans who recently rated and reviewed the podcast.

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The Seventy-First One... and the 2021 Holidays with Wendi & Dfernando Dec 17, 2021

Episode 71 and its the 2021 Holiday Season and Wendi and Dfernando chat about her new film RENO 911!: THE HUNT FOR QANON (streaming on Paramount Plus), her upcoming appearance at SF SKETCHFEST in San Francisco, Heather McDonald, Tova Leigh and her promo material for her new book YOU DID WHAT?, being sent by accident personal adult photos, to Richard Marx and the THE GOLDBERGS' 200th episode.

Also, they both give suggestions on how to spend the holidays if you don't want to (or can't) see family, friends, etc. Dfernando shares his tradition of walking down Fifth Avenue in New York City viewing the lavish window displays at Bergdorf Goodman, the Disney-esque light show at Saks Fifth Avenue, to Rockefeller Center and the legendary oversized Christmas tree. Wendi suggests doing a deep cleaning, purging items you no longer use, HBO's SILICON VALLEY, doing some Christmas Day shopping for sales, and randomly handing out lottery scratch-off tickets.

On THE RIPE REPORT, Dfernando raves about the new Aaron Sorkin film BEING THE RICARDOS starring Oscar winners Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz (streaming on Amazon Prime), and Wendi brings back a ROTTEN with the mispronunciation of the word "women."

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The Seventieth One... and Derrick C. Brown Dec 03, 2021

Episode 70 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is award winning novelist, comedian, poet, and storyteller Derrick C. Brown.
Derrick first discovered poetry as a young man enlisted in the United States Army. He often found himself spending hours in foxholes needing to pass the time. He began rewriting psalms from his military-issue Bible in a more relatable language and, after serving in the 82nd Airborne, continued to explore poetry. He became involved with the Long Beach and Orange County Poetry Slam community, competing at his first National Poetry Slam in 1998, where he placed second in the individual championship. He began touring with his poetry shortly thereafter. Early in his career, Brown often toured solo. However, he has since become known for touring and collaborating with other artists. To date, Brown has written four children’s books, a musical, and eight books of poetry, including the 2013 Texas Book of the Year, STRANGE LIGHT.

In October 2006, Brown teamed up with poet, TV and film actress, and activist Amber Tamblyn for several poetry performances in California called THE LAZERS OF SEXCELLANCE. Brown also collaborated with painter Blaine Fontana for a live reading and gallery opening of new paintings based on Brown’s work. In 2007, Brown toured Europe opening for the band Cold War Kids, chronicled in the documentary film about him, YOU BELONG EVERYWHERE. That same year, Brown performed as a poet on THE TONIGHT SHOW with Jay Leno. In 2011, Brown was commissioned to write a 40-minute-long poem for the prestigious Noord Nederlands Dans Collective. The work, titled INSTRUMENTAL, received rave reviews in the Netherlands and Canada.

In 2014, he was commissioned to write poems about soldiers for the Los Angeles Craft and Folk Art Museum. These poems were later performed by Oscar-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal. The following year, Brown was again commissioned, this time by the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, to create a new work for the J.M.W. Turner Exhibit.

In 2016, Brown toured as the opening act for Greg Dulli of The Afghan Whigs. On his most recent tour in 2017, Brown toured the United States and Europe, opening for rock band Rival Sons. He also often tours and performs with comedians, including David Cross, Kristen Schaal, Jon Glaser, H. Jon Benjamin and Eugene Mirman.

In 2017, Brown wrote, directed, and produced his original musical 300 BONES. Later that year, he performed an original piece called “If You Were God...” in Israel, reading alongside the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company members, Martin and Shani who choreographed their dance program based on Brown’s poetry.

Brown is known for being an innovator in curating unique and creative poetry adventures like the DOUBLE DECKER POETRY BUS PARTY and poetry shows at sea for POETRY CRUISE, which he started in Long Beach, CA. He is also the creator of THE LIGHTBULB MOUTH RADIO HOUR, a literary variety show. PARTY WITH HONOR is his latest literary variety show in Los Angeles, CA.

Perhaps his biggest accomplishment to date is his creation of Write Bloody Publishing in 2004, which FORBES and FILTER Magazine call “…one of the best independent poetry pressed in the country.” The press is known for utilizing a rock & roll, indie record label model, uncommon for a poetry press.

At the center of Write Bloody is the philosophy that to create a lasting career and engage with your audience, you can’t simply publish a book and hope for the best. Every author on the press is required to tour and perform their works to build a lasting fan base. This has proved incredibly successful for the press. To date, Write Bloody Publishing has released 134 volumes of poetry, including books by Sarah Kay, Clint Smith, Andrea Gibson, Anis Mojgani, Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz and Taylor Mali.

Also on Episode 70, Wendi and Dfernando discuss his newly trimmed white beard and her manicurist's assessment of her dressed-down, casual appearance.

On THE RIPE REPORT, Dfernando shares his love for Magnolia Bakery's Banana Pudding and Apple Crisp Pudding, and Wendi shares 23andMe genetic testing, which helped reunite her and her family with a cousin.

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The Sixty-Ninth One... and another with Shelley McLendon Nov 26, 2021

Episode 69 and GENERATION RIPE's interview is a revisit with Episode 30 guest: actress, writer, director, producer, and licensed therapist Shelley McLendon.

Originally from Long Beach, California, Shelley McLendon has lived in the northwest for over 25 years. She is known for writing sketch comedy as well as adapting cult movies into staged parodies that are performed to sold-out audiences.

Discouraged by the auditions she was being called for, Shelley decided her best bet was to write her own material that would highlight her comedic chops. It was her staged adaptation of the 1989 Patrick Swayze film ROAD HOUSE which she co-wrote with fellow writer Courtenay Hameister back in 2010 that was the catalyst for her production company Bad Reputation Productions.

With Bad Reputation Productions, she’s become a driving force in Portland’s comedy scene. Also a talented comedic actor, she’s successfully made the jump into producing and directing other artists. With the opening of The Siren Theater in 2015, she’s added a venue to her growing empire.

Along with her performing art career, Shelley holds a Master's of Arts in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Oregon. In addition to private counseling, Shelley has worked with individuals and groups in alcohol/drug recovery, in college counseling centers and in community mental health agencies, and has taught courses in counseling and psychology as an adjunct university instructor.

Also on Episode 69 Wendi and Dfernando catch up on things, like Wendi's booster Pfizer vaccine and binging on FX’s AMERICAN HORROR STORY: COVEN and the second part of Netflix's TIGER KING documentary series.

On THE RIPE REPORT there's sourdough bread turkey and Christmas time in New York City.

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The Sixty-Eighth One... and Jennifer Irwin (Part 2) Nov 19, 2021

Episode 68 and Wendi and Dfernando continue their interview with Episode 67 guest: actress and writer Jennifer Irwin.

Jennifer Irwin is best known for her roles on television as Virginia Kremp on the long-running ABC TV comedy THE GOLDBERGS, Linda Michaels on ABC TV’s comedy STILL STANDING, Dolly Durkins on the CW’s iZOMBIE, Laurie Neustadt on the NBC TV comedy SUPERSTORE, and as Dee Dee, Moira Rose’s sister on the now-classic multi-award winning comedy SCHITT$ CREEK.

A graduate of Montreal's McGill University, Toronto-native Irwin began her professional career in show business as a child actress in the 1985 mini-series ANNE OF GREEN GABLES and the horror feature THE GATE before joining THE SECOND CITY comedy troupe. Irwin worked with THE SECOND CITY from the mid-1990s, appearing in dozens of varied comedic stage performances including challenging improvisational pieces.

With Canada as a hotbed of film production, Irwin landed supporting roles in many feature films including 1996's MRS. WINTERBOURNE (alongside Ricki Lake, Brendan Fraser, and the legendary Shirley MacLaine), 1998's BLUES BROTHERS 2000, and 1999’s SUPERSTAR - the feature film adaptation of Molly Shannon's SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE character Mary Katherine Gallagher, where her performance earned her a Canadian Comedy Award nomination.

Irwin then set her sights on Los Angeles, where she hoped to launch a career as a comedic actress. Within weeks of arriving, she landed a guest role on the CBS TV’s sitcom THE ELLEN SHOW and a regular spot on the NBC TV sitcom INSIDE SCHWARTZ. Other notable television work has been: SLINGS AND ARROWS, THE GAVIN CRAWFORD SHOW, RAISING HOPE, MICHAEL: EVERY DAY, BREAKING IN, HBO’s EASTBOUND & DOWN, HBO MAX’s HACKS, Netflix’s PHYSICAL, and the animated series CRASH CANYON.

Other films Irwin can be seen in are: NO STRINGS ATTACHED, BAD TEACHER, LONG WEEKEND, and the 2021 Dan Mazer film THE EXCHANGE.

In 1997, she became a performer and co-creator of a parody of musicals from the 1920s. The musical began as a one-night-only stag party for Bob Martin and Janet van de Graaf at the legendary The Rivoli in Toronto, and after various workshops went on to become the now-legendary multi-Tony Award winning Broadway musical THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, which opened on Broadway in May 2006.

Irwin is also co-creator of the KIDSTORY app - an app that lets parents privately share with friends and family their kid’s “story”: their favorites, firsts, quotes, artwork, sports and the photos and videos that go with each moment. An online digital scrapbook that keeps everything organized in one place. KIDSTORY is available for free download at the App Store.

Also on Episode 68, Wendi and Dfernando discuss her new 7E Miyolift microcurrent face mask, her old school datebook, Dfernando launching his Master Class for aspiring fashion photographers, fashion stylists, and others interested in starting careers in the fashion photography industry, and Wendi's new home buyer's remorse moment.

On THE RIPE REPORT, Wendi and her new nutrition chronometer, and Dfernando shares his love for all things by filmmaker Wes Anderson, from his countless international TV commercials, his films THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS, MOONRISE KINGDOM, THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL, to his new 2021 film THE FRENCH DISPATCH.

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The Sixty-Seventh One... and Jennifer Irwin Nov 05, 2021

Episode 67 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is actress and writer Jennifer Irwin.

Other films Irwin can be seen in are: NO STRINGS ATTACHED, BAD TEACHER, LONG WEEKEND, and the 2021 Dan Mazer film THE EXCHANGE.

Also on Episode 67, Wendi and Dfernando are back after a short hiatus and talk about the upcoming Douglas Keeve fashion documentary POLLY, about the legendary Fashion Editor: Polly Mellon; another update on Wendi's new home hunting; the recent gathering at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, TX where thousands awaited the appearance for the late John F. Kennedy Jr. and his father John F. Kennedy Sr. (they obviously were a no-show); as well as updates of 2 past GENERATION RIPE guests and what they have been up to: Cedric Yarbrough and Nia Vardalos.

On THE RIPE REPORT, Dfernando shares a favorite skincare product: St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Green Tea & Bamboo Scrub, and Wendi shares a favorite podcast she has been binging: CELEBRITY MEMOIR BOOK CLUB.

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The Sixty-Sixth One... and more Clips with Wendi & Dfernando Oct 22, 2021

Episode 66 and Wendi and Dfernando talk about late night Taco Bell cravings, Zillow browsing homes, having your aging parents move in with you, to Wendi's recent concert outings with The Rolling Stones and The Doobie Brothers.

Episode 66 also includes another addition to the popular GENERATION RIPE segment: a Clip Show, where Wendi and Dfernando share some of their favorite stories from their guest interviews.

On this latest Clip Show, Alec Mapa talks about his time on Season 16 of Food Network's WORST COOKS IN AMERICA; Bevy Smith shares a career "Bevelation" moment; Tom Lenk talks about working on the 1997 film BOOGIE NIGHTS; and Jann Arden talks about how her hit television sitcom JANN came together.

THE GUESTS:
Episode 14: Alec Mapa
Episode 38: Bevy Smith
Episode 23: Tom Lenk
Episode 54: Jann Arden

On THE RIPE REPORT, Wendi brings back a a little ROTTEN with her "a gallon of water a day" experience, and Dfernando discovered the Netflix reality cooking show COOKING WITH PARIS, hosted by pop culture icon Paris Hilton.

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The Sixty-Fifth One... and Moshow The Cat Rapper Oct 08, 2021

Episode 65 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is with rapper, entertainer and author Moshow The Cat Rapper.

Born and raised in inner Baltimore, MD, Moshow defied the odds to build a name for himself as the Internet’s premiere Cat Rapper. He is primarily known for his songs about cats and women who love them.

He is featured on the “Cat Rappers Delight” episode of the Netflix docu-series CAT PEOPLE, and has been advocating for the rights of cats for many years and works with the Million Cat Challenge to save cats in North America.

Moshow has also released several albums: CAT RAPPER DROPPING HEAT, ONLY CAT PEOPLE UNDERSTAND, CAT LOVE-EP, CAT LOVE-EP 2, as well as several singles.

In addition, Moshow is the author of six books (so far): A NEW CATTITUDE: An Illustrated Guide to Getting thru Tough Times, KITTY LITTY: iAmMoshow’s Guide to Drawing Cats, iAmMoshow THE CAT RAPPER: OFFICIAL COLORING BOOK, iAmMoshow THE CAT RAPPER: Official Coloring Book Meowliday Edition, iAmMoshow THE CAT RAPPER Official Coloring Book Cattastic Edition, and ADOPT A CAT: iAmMoshow’st Lyrical Cat Tales.

His mission is to inspire the world, sharing with others the lessons he has learned. He reminds us to never give up on ourselves, and to follow our dreams, no matter where they take us!

Moshow now calls Portland, Oregon his home with his wife EmSee and their 5 spirited cats: Black $avage, Sushi, Lil Parmesan, Mega Mam, and DJ Ravioli.

Also on Episode 65, Wendi and Dfernando chat non-surgical face-lift options, Hall & Oates and Squeeze at the Hollywood Bowl, and another Butters the Cat update/segment.

On THE RIPE REPORT, there's ABC TV's surfing competition series THE ULTIMATE SURFER (now streaming on ABC On Demand and Hulu) and Wendi shares tips on where to find Hallowe'en costumes for your pets.

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The Sixty-Fourth One... and Kevin Zak Oct 01, 2021

Episode 64 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is writer, comedian, and Lucille Lortel Award nominated actor Kevin Zak.

Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Kevin discovered his love for performing and took it upon himself to find a way of turning that into a career.

While in college he decided to take initiative and started applying for internships. This led to him heading out to Los Angeles for an internship on the 7th Season of THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW. Several months in, he received an offer for a performing job he had auditioned for in NYC prior to leaving for Los Angeles. That offer was to join the cast of the U.S. Tour of the iconic Broadway musical CATS as a swing. As a swing he covered a large portion of the male roles, including Rum Tum Tugger.

After a year touring North America (including Hawaii) with CATS, he segued into various jobs including a year on a Disney Cruise ship playing countless roles in the Disney productions. His performing career had finally kicked-off.

In 2016, Kevin was nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award as Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical for CLINTON: The Musical.

Kevin is creator and co-book writer of BLOODY BLOODY JESSICA FLETCHER, a musical parody of TV series MURDER, SHE WROTE, which is currently being developed by Tony Award winning producer Hal Luftig for the Off-Broadway stage. Tony Award winner Beth Leavel stars as Jessica Fletcher.

HIs other work in the theater: NEUROSIS: The Musical, SILENCE!: The Musical and he most recently was the dance and fight captain (as well as an understudy) in the Broadway musical WAITRESS: The Musical.

On television he was seen on the acclaimed HBO Max series THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT.

Kevin was recently a featured comedian on the 2021 LOLZ Queer Comedy Festival and was also featured in the Top Ten Comedy Countdown on THE BALD AND THE BEAUTIFUL.

Kevin has gained additional attention via his comedic content on his Instagram: @kevinjzak, which covers all realms of pop culture from film, television, music, Broadway to the fashion world.

Also on Episode 64, Wendi and Dfernando chat about the arrival of autumn and early holiday decorating at the Covey's; Butters the Cat breaking into Wendi's neighbor's house; and Devo in concert at the YouTube Theater.

On THE RIPE REPORT, there's the 2021 documentary LADY BOSS: The Jackie Collins Story (now on Netflix in the U.S.), and Wendi shares a few of her current favorite TikTok accounts: @popsthedancer, @dolly_broadway, @jayandsharon, and @auntyskates.

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The Sixty-Third One... and Melissa Peterman Sep 24, 2021

Episode 63 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is actress, writer and producer Melissa Peterman.

Melissa Peterman is best known for her roles on the long-running comedy series REBA (as Barbra Jean) and the ABC Family/Freeform comedy BABY DADDY (as Bonnie Wheeler). She currently can be see on the CBS comedy YOUNG SHELDON (as Brenda Sparks).

Upon graduating from Minnesota State, Peterman was cast as Madeline Monroe in Hey City Theater's production of TONY N’ TINA’S WEDDING. After more than 600 performances, she went on to write and perform at Brave New Workshop, the improvisational comedy theatre in Minneapolis. The theater boasts such alumni as Louie Anderson, Cedric Yarbrough, Mo Collins, and Al Franken. While with the Brave New Workshop, she also performed at the Chicago Improv Festival and the Big Stink Comedy Festival in Austin, Texas.

While still in Minneapolis, Peterman made her feature film debut in 1996 as "Hooker #2" in the Oscar-winning classic Coen Brothers’ film FARGO.

Soon after, she decided on making the major move to Los Angeles where she quickly found work playing small roles on television. Everything changed in 2001 when she was cast as Barbra Jean Booker-Hart in the now-classic comedy series REBA, opposite country music legend Reba McEntire and television veteran Christopher Rich. The series was the most-watched comedy on The WB on its debut season. In 2007, the series ended its run after six seasons but continues to air in syndication on multiple networks and has continued to gain a new generation of fans.

During her summer hiatus from REBA, Peterman began her now-annual THE SOUND OF MUSIC Sing-a-Long at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and her debut comedy special, Melissa Peterman: AM I THE ONLY ONE? premiered March 12, 2010 on CMT. The special was taped before an audience in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 2012, Peterman joined the ABC Family/Freeform sitcom BABY DADDY. Originally cast for only one episode, she was upgraded to a series regular immediately. The pilot was the highest-testing comedy pilot in the network’s history and BABY DADDY finished its debut season as the highest-rated comedy in key demographics. The series ended on May 22, 2017, after six seasons.

Along with her reoccurring role on CBS’ YOUNG SHELDON, she is also a regular guest on the syndicated game show 25 WORDS OR LESS.

In 2020, Peterman began co-hosting with her former REBA co-star Reba McEntire on a new podcast titled LIVING & LEARNING and works with The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company, a non-profit organization helping at-risk youth in the Los Angeles area.

Also on Episode 63, Wendi and Dfernando are back and chat about Wendi's recent trip to Costa Rica, Dfernando's cat-sitting, and Wendi bringing on a coach to get her creative mojo back on track.

On THE RIPE REPORT,there's the Hulu Original Series ONY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez; the biopic THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE starring Oscar nominees Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield as Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker; and the film adaptation of the British musical hit EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE (click here to watch the original British stage production of EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE, starring John McCrea). Also, Wendi shares a ROTTEN: Etsy sellers who pack their shipments with confetti.

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The Sixty-Second One... and its Questions with Wendi & Dfernando Sep 03, 2021

Episode 62 and Wendi and Dfernando answer a bunch of questions.

The co-hosts take turns asking each other the 10 questions that many are familiar with from Bravo's INSIDE THE ACTORS STUDO - the 10 questions that James Lipton asked each guest. These questions originated by French television personality Bernard Pivot on his show Apostrophes, after the Proust Questionnaire.

Continuing with the Questions theme, Wendi and Dfernando answer some listener questions like Wendi's favorite podcasts: JUICY SCOOP with Heather McDonald, RUPAUL: WHAT‘S THE TEE with Michelle Visage, etc. and regrets.

On THE RIPE REPORT,there's Douglas Keeve's 2005 fashion documentary SEAMLESS (watch it here), and Chiemi Karasawa's acclaimed 2013 documentary on the late Tony Award and Emmy Award winning Broadway legend Elaine Stritch: SHOOT ME.

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The Sixty-First One... and Tova Leigh Aug 27, 2021

Episode 61 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is writer, performer and content creator Tova Leigh.

Tova Leigh was born in Israel and practiced Law, working as a Labor Law attorney for two years before moving to the UK in 2006 to pursue a career in acting.

With an MA in Performing Arts and a diploma in Script Writing, Tova went on to write, act and produce several short films and a TV pilot, before starting a family in 2011 with her husband Mike.

She started her successful blog - MY THOUGHTS ABOUT STUFF - in 2015 as a creative outlet and because she wanted to share the struggles she faced as a mom with other women. In less than three years her blog made her into an internet sensation with her blunt rants about motherhood, sex and all things taboo.

Her viral online series MOM LIFE CRISIS, which documents her own mid-life crisis following a health scare, resonated with millions of women across the world and later became a documentary film on Amazon Prime Video.

In March 2019, Tova released her first book F*CKED AT 40: Life Beyond Suburbia, Monogamy and Stretch Marks. Tova takes the reader on her journey of rediscovering who she is after motherhood and beyond the norms society forces upon women, whilst encouraging them to break free and just be themselves. This book is for every woman that has ever felt trapped; a funny, raw and empowering mid-life-crisis. Tova recently released the paperback version which includes a brand new chapter!

In 2021, Tova released her new book titled YOU DID WHAT?. This book is something Tova has wanted to do for a long time and it will be a collection of the best confessions she has heard over the years along with her own stories and insights on the connection between having secrets and feeling shame.

Tova also co-hosts the weekly podcast Till Death Do Us Pod with her husband Mike and has a successful one-woman comedy show which she regularly takes on tour around North America, Canada and the UK. Her latest show YOU DID WHAT?: The Show kicks-off in September 2021 in the UK.

Tova is a mother of three girls and lives together with her family in London.
Also on Episode 61, Wendi and Dfernando are back from a little break and Wendi shares a story of filming the upcoming Paramount Plus film RENO 911!: The Hunt for the QAnon on the haunted Queen Mary luxury liner.

On THE RIPE REPORT,there's Sunday Riley Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence and the perks of subscribing to the Peacock streaming app.

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The Sixtieth One... and Laraine Newman Aug 13, 2021

Episode 60 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is actress, writer, comedian and voice artist Laraine Newman.

An original SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE cast member, Laraine Newman grew up in Los Angeles with movie star neighbors, was witness to the 1960’s music scene, saw the rise of comedy in the early 1970s, and studied mime in Paris under the tutelage of Marcel Marceau.

Already having older sister Tracy pursuing a career in entertainment, "do not go into show business,” was Newman's mother's advice to her. But, when she appeared on the TV show KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS at the age of 4 and got big laughs lying to host Art Linkletter, she knew something was up.

While studying improvisation in the early 1970s with Gary Austin, she co-founded The Groundlings, the now-legendary Los Angeles–based improv and sketch-comedy troupe. Lorne Michaels, then a young producer, took along his friend Lily Tomlin one night and caught Newman's act and cast her for a spot on the 1975 Emmy Award winning THE LILY TOMLIN SPECIAL (Newman's television debut).

Lorne would return months later to The Groundlings to recruit her for his new variety series for NBC, then titled NBC’S SATURDAY NIGHT, where (at 23 years of age) she became one of the original cast members - known as The Not Ready for Prime Time Players - appearing on the show from its inception in 1975 through 1980.

On, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, Newman is best known for her roles as Connie Conehead, Valley girl Sherry, and Christie Christina, the ditzy co-host of E. Buzz Miller’s (Dan Aykroyd) public-access television cable TV show. Newman also played a TV news reporter for WEEKEND UPDATE with anchor Chevy Chase (Season 1) and later Jane Curtin (Seasons 2 thru 5).

As a member of the original cast of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, Laraine Newman was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2017.

On film she appeared in AMERICAN HOT WAX, WHOLLY MOSES!, PERFECT, Woody Allen’s STARDUST MEMORIES, FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS and as Lawanda Dumore in PROBLEM CHILD 2.

On television she was seen as Phoebe’s step-mother on FRIENDS, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, 3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN, AMAZING STORIES, LOS ESPOOKYS, among other hit sitcoms.

As a voice artist she can be heard on MONSTERS, INC., THE OBLONGS, DOC McSTUFFINS, AMERICAN DAD!, THE GRINCH, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, the DESPICABLE ME trilogy, MINIONS, INSIDE OUT, WALL-E, CARS, as well as countless others.

Her acclaimed new Audible book MAY YOU LIVE IN INTERESTING TIMES is not only a fascinating memoir of her growing up in Los Angeles along with her years at SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, but is also filled with incredible backstories and is a detailed snapshot of 1960s Los Angeles and 1970s New York City.

Newman is also the mother of comedian, actress and writer Hannah Einbinder (of HBO Max’s HACKS) and actress and writer Spike Einbinder (of HBO’s LOS ESPOOKYS). Newman is also part of the Advisory Board of SF Sketchfest.

THE RIPE REPORT returns on Episode 61.

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The Fifty-Ninth One... and Taja Feistner Aug 06, 2021

Episode 59 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is model, production designer, sustainability activist and entrepreneur Taja Feistner.
Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Taja Feistner was scouted for modeling while waitressing after dropping out of art school. After spending several years traveling internationally as a model, she realized the environmental impacts of the fashion industry and decided to return to school to study Sustainability at Penn State University.

Taja starred in the episodic fashion film NYLON FARM for PRADA, and has walked countless shows during New York, London, Milan and Paris Fashion Week, which have included LOUIS VUITTON, DOLCE & GABBANA, VIKTOR & ROLF, GIORGIO ARMANI to VIVIENNE WESTWOOD.

As a self-proclaimed hoarder and collector of Americana-style antiques, this has led her into her new career direction as a Production Designer. Her work can be seen for clients like NORDSTROM and CHRISTOPHER JOHN ROGERS to music videos for artists like Joshua Thew.

In 2019, Taja partnered/co-founded with hairstylist, Sabrina Szinay, the sustainable hair care brand named SÁNDOR. Working with U.S. based manufacturers to keep our carbon footprint as low as possible, their ingredients are sourced sustainably and locally within North America and are 100% biodegradable to keep our waterways as clean as possible. SÁNDOR was featured in VOGUE and is available on their website as well as The Real Real.

Based in Brooklyn, NY, she lives with her partner, renown fashion photographer (and Episode 5 guest) Alexander Saladrigas, and their beloved hairless cat/child Pizza.

On Episode 59, Wendi and Dfernando discuss Wendi's costume fittings for her character Deputy Clementine Johnson in the upcoming Paramount Plus film RENO 911!: THE HUNT FOR QANON that begins filming soon. She also brings up a new career option if her current career doesn't pan out.

On THE RIPE REPORT,there's the newly remastered in widescreen HD, Seasons 3 thru 8 of the classic TV series BEWITCHED (now available on the free streaming platforms Tubi and The Roku Channel), the Netflix real-estate series THE PARISIAN AGENCY: Exclusive Properties and Wendi shares her views on the 2021 Summer Olympic Games.

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The Fifty-Eighth One... and Stacey Aaronson Jul 30, 2021

Episode 58 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is author, editor and publisher Stacey Aaronson.

Stacey Aaronson is the product of an exceptionally loving, accepting, and big-hearted family who have always encouraged her to be no one but her authentic self. After a twenty year career in retail leadership roles, she finally uncovered her gifts and soul’s calling in 2011 as a writer, ghostwriter, editor, book and website designer, graphics creator, and publishing partner, and has since been gleefully and gratefully involved in the full or partial production of over two hundred books. She delights in working with authors of multiple genres within her business, The Book Doctor Is In, and as a layout artist for She Writes Press.

Stacey is also author of the just-released memoir, Raising, and Losing, My Remarkable Teenage Mother, which Kirkus Reviews calls “an intimate and moving account of a singular bond,” saying “Aaronson’s approach has a disarming charm and is warmly intuitive.”IndieReadergave it five stars and describes it as “a darn good page-turner that could easily rival any riveting novel” and “a memoir worth relishing.”

Stacey has written several articles and been interviewed on various podcasts and radio shows on topics surrounding her uncommon and mystical GILMORE GIRLS–like relationship with her mom, including Creations Magazine, caregiving.com, Houston Family Magazine, Mystic Living Today, Parentology Magazine, OM Times Radio, and Good People, Cool Things, and now the GENERATION RIPE podcast - with her high school best friend Wendi McLendon-Covey!

Stacey currently lives on Whidbey Island in Washington state with her soul mate and playmate of over twenty years, Dana; their rescued Maine Coon kitty; and the many deer, squirrels, and birds that frequent their property.

Also on Episode 58, Wendi and Dfernando discuss his recent trip to South Florida visiting family, his late groovy dad Daniel, and Wendi getting ready to go back to work on Season 9 of THE GOLDBERGS and the new RENO 911! movie.

On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's SEEDLIP Distilled Non-Alcoholic Spirits, REAL HOUSEWIVES who can't pronounce words, AMC Plus' KEVIN CAN F**K HIMSELF, starring Emmy Award winner Annie Murphy, and people who no self-awareness.

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The Fifty-Seventh One... and it's a Clip Show with Wendi & Dfernando Jul 16, 2021

Episode 57 and Wendi and Dfernando have their second Clip Show episode.

On Episode 50, Dfernando did a Clip Show featuring 4 past female guests so for Episode 57, Wendi and Dfernando decided it would be great to highlight past males guests and some of their stories heard on past episodes. Though most of our guests primarily work in the entertainment world, everyone's journey has been unique and different as you'll hear:

THE MEN & THEIR STORIES:
Episode 15: Cedric Yarbrough
Episode 21: Byron Lane
Episode 22: Kevin Stea
Episode 31: Harvey Guillen
Also on Episode 57, Wendi and Dfernando chat about the new addition to the Covey family: Butters and his contributions to the household, and Mindy Sterling's birthday party featuring many of Wendi's The Groundlings mentors. Also, Wendi announces her July 21, 2021 guest spot on Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon's SiriusXM radio show WHOOOSH!.

On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's the new HBO MAX high definition remastering of all the episodes of the original 1998-2004 run of the now-classic HBO series SEX AND THE CITY, trending TikTok dances, the fabulous Jennifer Coolidge and Wendi's horrible time management.

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The Fifty-Sixth One... and Marci Darling (Part 2) Jul 09, 2021

Episode 56 and Wendi and Dfernando's 2nd part interview with Episode 55 guest: author, belly dancer, teacher and mom Marci Darling.

Marci Darling has worked as a professional belly dancer for twenty years, and danced on tourwith The Go-Go’s, Paul McCartney, The B-52sand many others as well as taught children all over the world and volunteered with terminally ill children for more than a decade.

She has written two best-selling mystery novels set in New Orleans: MARTINI MYSTERY: A Love Letter to New Orleans and THE CHAMPAGNE SCANDAL: The Spirits Are Callingwhich are part of her Martini Mystery series starring a burlesque dancer-turned-amateur detective. In true New Orleans Style, each chapter begins with a cocktail recipe.

In 2017, Marci’s world was shattered when she lost her father to cancer, her marriage to infidelity and her best friend to suicide. She turned to writing to cope, turning her personal memoir essays into a best-selling book DIVORCE DIVA: Navigating Grief with Hope, Humor, and Chutzpah.

After selling her family home, she came across a shoebox full of old photos from her backpacking days, and began to tell her travel stories. These became her most recent book, MAGIC CARPETS, FLYING SHIPS, AND MOONLIT KINGDOMS: The True Travel Stories of Marci Darling.

Marci holds a Masters Degree from Harvard, a BA from UCLA, and a Certificate in Novel Writing from Stanford and is a member of the Mystery Writers of America. She has also written for multiple publications, including Oprah, Louisiana Homes and Gardens, Louisiana Health, Vineyard Style, Martha’s Vineyard Times, Marblehead Reporter, etc.

She currently volunteers with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Horizons for Homeless Children and is the creator of the Diva Writing Workshop, a series of classes designed to teach women how to take back their power by telling their story through writing and dancing.

Marci currently lives in a cottage by the sea with her two teenagers, two hooligan dogs, two cats, and one Ewok in disguise as a cat.

Part 1 of Marci Darling's interview is available on Episode 55.

Also on Episode 56, Wendi and Dfernando chat about his toasty sun tan, Wendi’s return to the legendary Hollywood Bowl and the new addition to the Covey cat family: Butters.

Take a listen to Episode 51 guest Sam Pancake's weekly podcast series THE MONDAY AFTERNOON MOVIE, as Wendi joins him on the latest episode which focuses on the 1973 made-for-television movie THE GIRL MOST LIKELY TO… starring Stockard Channing (in her first film lead role), and which was written by the legendary Joan Rivers.

On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's the new Disney Pixar animated feature LUCA, sun guilt, Stacey Aaronson’s memoir RAISING, AND LOSING, MY REMARKABLE TEENAGE MOTHER and cheeky bathing suit bottoms.

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The Fifty-Fifth One... and Marci Darling (Part 1) Jul 02, 2021

Episode 55 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is author, belly dancer, teacher and mom Marci Darling.

Marci Darling has worked as a professional belly dancer for twenty years, and danced on tour with The Go-Go’s, Paul McCartney, The B-52s and many others as well as taught children all over the world and volunteered with terminally ill children for more than a decade.

She has written two best-selling mystery novels set in New Orleans: MARTINI MYSTERY: A Love Letter to New Orleans and THE CHAMPAGNE SCANDAL: The Spirits Are Calling which are part of her Martini Mystery series starring a burlesque dancer-turned-amateur detective. In true New Orleans Style, each chapter begins with a cocktail recipe.

Marci currently lives in a cottage by the sea with her two teenagers, two hooligan dogs, two cats, and one Ewok in disguise as a cat.

Part 2 of Marci Darling's interview continues on Episode 56.

Also on Episode 55, Wendi and Dfernando chat about upcoming concerts at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, the upcoming Fourth of July and Wendi's new lighter hair color.

On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's the South Coast Botanical Gardens in Palos Verdes, fake big teeth and eye lashes, meatloaf and the insane summer heat of 2021.

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The Fifty-Fourth One... and Jann Arden Jun 25, 2021

Episode 54 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is multi-platinum, award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and author Jann Arden.

Arden has released 14 albums with 19 top ten singles. Her most recent project, HITS & OTHER GEMS was released in September 2020 and features Arden’s hit songs “Could I Be Your Girl,” “I Would Die For You,” and a special live recording of her break-out international hit “Insensitive.”

Arden’s accolades include 8 JUNO Awardsincluding Female Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, 10 SOCAN Awards and 4 Western Canadian Music Awardsto name a few.

This past June 2021, the legendary Anne Murray inducted Arden into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the 2021 JUNO AWARDS, joining the ranks of Canadian music icons including Alanis Morisette, Bryan Adams, Barenaked Ladies, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Joni Mitchell, Shania Twain and many more. Arden has also been inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, has a Star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and has been awarded the Order of Canada.

Arden has also won two 2021 Canadian Screen Awards - one for Best Host, Talk Show or Entertainment News for JANN ARDEN ONE NIGHT ONLY and the other one was for Best Host, Live Entertainment Special for the 2019 SCOTIABANK GILLER PRIZE GALA.

Arden has written five books, the most recent being her new memoir IF I KNEW THEN: Finding Wisdom in Failure and Power in Aging, released October 2020. IF I KNEW THEN follows Arden’s 2017 Canadian best-seller, FEEDING MY MOTHER: Comfort and Laughter in the Kitchen as My Mom Lives with Memory Loss, which spent a combined 44 weeks on The Globe and Mail best-seller lists.

Arden currently can be seen on the CTV hit original comedy series JANN where she serves as co-creator and star of the show where she plays a fictionalized version of herself. Season 1 of JANN was the most-watched new Canadian comedy series of the 2018-19 broadcast season and Season 2 premiered in Fall 2020. Season 3 of JANN is set to air on CTV in the Fall of 2021. Seasons 1 and 2 are now available on Hulu in the U.S.

Whether she is captivating audiences with her heartfelt music, entertaining them with her quick wit or sharing her written word in a boldly honest voice – Arden is a Canadian original – a brilliant multi-dimensional talent.

Also on Episode 53, Wendi and Dfernando discuss men wearing everyday make-up and Britney Spears finally fighting her decades plus conservatorship.

On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT,Dfernando talks about the R.J. Cutler Showtime documentary BELUSHI (on the late comic actor John Belushi), and the no PLAY ALL feature on Apple TV/iTunes. Wendi mentions 5 of her favorite TikTok accounts: @theplantprodigy, @sejsijlija, @mintybongwater, @gaitlin.rae and @solidgolddancers80s as well as her dislike of Justin Bieber's new songs.

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The Fifty-Third One... and Richard Haines Jun 18, 2021

Episode 53 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is fashion illustrator and artist Richard Haines.

Richard Haines moved to Manhattan in the 1970s and proceeded to rack up the La Ronde of résumés. He dreamed of becoming a fashion illustrator, but after discovering that was a dead career, he became a successful clothing designer for the likes of Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis, Bill Blass to J.Crew. In 2008, he lost his job and Fifth Avenue apartment in the financial crash, then reinstalled himself in Brooklyn as a fashion illustrator.

Haine’s career has now come full circle allowing him to emerge as one of today's most sought after fashion illustrators. His illustrations document the clothes and attitudes of New York's every day trendsetters and fashion icons of all ages. Haines is commonly seen seated front row at Fashion Week’s most desirable shows busily drawing on his sketchpad or iPad for clients who hire him to record the nuances that cannot be captured on film.

It is his fascination with the people behind the styles that informs his every stroke. Propelling his work beyond mere sketches and into the world where art and fashion intersect. Haines balances a busy stream of clients while drawing everything he sees from high couture fashion in Europe to the youths in his Bushwick, Brooklyn neighborhood.

Today his illustrations are blown up in store windows, splashed over Criterion Collection covers, used in collaborations with Dries Van Noten and collected in gallery shows like “The History of Beauty,” which presents 25 new pieces alongside work from the masters that inspired Haines, including Jean Cocteau and Paul Cadmus, plus collages and an outsize wall hanging that nods to Christian Bérard, the Parisian set designer who influenced Dior.

Richard Haines' work is on display at Daniel Cooney Fine Art in New York’s Chelsea district and check out his Instagram for his upcoming Illustration Master Classes.

Also on Episode 53, Wendi and Dfernando chat about Wendi's recent first-time visit to New Orleans and her touring the famous haunted Bourbon Orleans Hotel, the Andrew Jackson Hotel and the LaLaurie Mansion, a night-time vampire tour and those gators. They also chat about their recent appearance on Season 7 of ABC TV's iconic game show CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD.

On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT,Wendi and Dfernando rave about the fantastic Canadian comedy series JANN (now on Hulu), starring award winning singer-songwriter, best-selling author and actress Jann Arden, the return of the nightly random fireworks, and when you want to take your bike for a ride and the tires are flat.

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The Fifty-Second One... and Alex Selkowitz May 28, 2021

Episode 52 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is painter and film and television grip Alex Selkowitz.

Alex Selkowitz is a contemporary painter living in Los Angeles. He is inspired by the cities juxtaposition of urban sprawl and green spaces. His process begins with snapshots of his surroundings, which are sketched, and used as studies for his paintings. By the time the image makes its way to canvas, it has undergone various stages of fragmentation to disrupt the linear elements in a composition. The result is a striking image negotiating the balance between physical encounter and a faded memory.

Along with focusing on his painting, Alex is also a well-respected grip in the Los Angeles television and film industry having worked extensively for over 20 years. He currently is part of the production of the long-running ABC TV comedy THE GOLDBERGS and among his vast credits are the classic NBC TV comedy MY NAME IS EARL and Nickelodeon’s DRAKE & JOSH which he worked on for each series entire run.

Also on Episode 52, Wendi and Dfernando discuss Wendi's nails, a little road rage, the new GENERATION RIPE logo (photographed by M. Cooper), Wendi's new Hulu Marvel series M.O.D.O.K., RENO 911! on the Roku Channel app, Andy Cohen's KIKI LOUNGE and BARB & STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR.

On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT,Wendi raves about Ryan Murphy's Netflix limited series HALSON (and Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Dayan and Krysta Rodriguez), feeling a bit blue, the FRIENDS Reunion Special on HBO Max and the currently-in-production documentary on The B-52s.

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The Fifty-First One... and Sam Pancake May 21, 2021

Episode 51 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is actor, writer, improvisor and comedian Sam Pancake.

Sam Pancake grew up in Romney, West Virginia. For over thirty years, he has been one of the very few openly gay continuously working character actors of his generation.

He is known for numerous recurring and guest-starring television roles on countless popular television series. Currently, he can be seen on the ABC drama A MILLION LITTLE THINGS and HBO Max’s SEARCH PARTY. Some of the other television shows he’s appeared on include: THE MICK, Amazon’s TRANSPARENT, MAJOR CRIMES, DOCUMENTARY NOW!, WILL & GRACE, FRIENDS, PUSHING DAISIES, HBO’s CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, COUGARTOWN, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, THE WEST WING, THE KING OF QUEENS and WINGS, among many others.

Sam was a regular on two back-to-back critically acclaimed series: FOX TV's KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL (with Bradley Cooper), as well as Lifetime's improv-based sitcom, LOVESPRING INTERNATIONAL with Jane Lynch and Wendi McLendon-Covey, which he also helped develop.

On film, Sam was seen in Netflix’s DUMPLIN (with Jennifer Aniston); YOU’RE KILLING ME; SPACE STATION 76 - which he co-wrote and which starred Patrick Wilson, Matt Bomer and Liv Tyler; THE HUNGOVER GAMES; OUT WEST; LEGALLY BLONDE 2; BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA 3; OVER HER DEAD BODY; STRAIGHT JACKET; WIN A DATE WITH TAD HAMILTON; HBO’s acclaimed GIA (with Angelina Jolie) and the cult drag hit GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS.

Sam has performed for years on L.A. stages in sketch, improv, storytelling and a wee bit of stand-up. He has written and regularly performs four different one-man shows: THE HEAD IS NOT RELIABLE, about this unusual Appalachian childhood as a Pancake; WASTED ON A BOY, which covers his last thirty years as an out working actor in Hollywood; HOT STICKY AND SWEET, a broad three-character comedy show; and FRITZIE ZIMMER in WHAT’S LEFT OF ME!, in which he plays the world’s oldest openly gay stand-up comedian and cabaret singer, Fritzie Zimmer.

He also hosts the weekly podcast series THE MONDAY AFTERNOON MOVIE, where his love for the made-for-TV movies of the 1970s prompted him to start this podcast. Every Monday afternoon, Sam focuses on a different too-good-to-be-forgotten TV movie, plus he announces in advance which film he will be covering the following week so listeners can watch the films ahead of time, making his coverage all the more fascinating.

In the first season, Sam sat down with eight friends to discuss such campy but captivating TV movies such as SOMETHING EVIL, TRILOGY OF TERROR, BAD RONALD and others.

And yes, Pancake is his real last name.

Also on Episode 51, Wendi and Dfernando catch up on Wendi’s 3 weeks filming the movie PAINT in Saratoga Springs, NY as well as her visit with Dfernando in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there’s Jet Blue Mint, the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, weirdos on the NYC subway, the return of movie theatres post-COVID, the film LIMBO by Ben Sharrock and the trend of series on streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu only being 8, 10 to 12 episodes per season.

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The Fiftieth One... is The Clip Show with Dfernando Zaremba May 07, 2021

Episode 50 and Dfernando is riding solo as Wendi is busy filming the movie PAINT alongside Owen Wilson, Stephen Root, Michaela Watkins and others. Wendi will be back for Episode 51.

Since it's GENERATION RIPE's 50th episode, Wendi and Dfernando decided it would be great to highlight some stories heard on past episodes. Though most of our guests primarily work in the entertainment world, everyone's journey has been unique and different as you'll hear:

THE LADIES & THEIR STORIES:
Episode 19: Patricia Heaton
Episode 11: Hayley Orrantia
Episode 16: Denny Dillon
Episode 7: Kerri Kenney-Silver

And as always, Dfernando has his RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT: the return of Broadway post-COVID and rude and ignorant folks on social media.

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The Forty-Ninth One... and Wendi & Dfernando Apr 30, 2021

Episode 49 and after a little technical snafu, Wendi and Dfernando resume regular podcast duties with Wendi on location in Saratoga Springs, NY filming the movie PAINT opposite Owen Wilson, and they discuss some current topics.

They both enthusiastically discuss Ryan Murphy's upcoming Netflix limited series HALSTON (starring Ewan McGregor as iconic 70s fashion designer Roy Halston), and recommend the 2019 documentary HALSTON and 2012's VERSAILLES ‘73: AMERICAN RUNWAY REVOLUTION if you're interested in some history prior to viewing the series.

Wendi also answers a frequently asked question she receives (SNL related) and they both read post-40 dating/relationship letters.

On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there is Demi Moore's 2019 autobiography INSIDE OUT: A MEMOIR, Wendi's inability to pack for a trip, The Food Network's AMY SCHUMER LEARNS TO COOK and the long 3-week wait for that second COVID vaccine dose.

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The Forty-Eighth One... and Tracey Cox Apr 16, 2021

Episode 48 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is world renowned sex expert and bestselling author Tracey Cox.

She can be heard weekly on her live radio show THE TRACEY COX SHOW on JACK Radio, which is also available on all major podcast platforms.

Tracey is married with a step-daughter and lives in Notting Hill, London.

Also on Episode 48, Wendi and Dfernando catch up with Wendi joining the gym, getting ready to film a movie and visiting Dfernando in the Big Apple.

On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's the Roku Channel and Prince's 1987 concert film SIGN O' THE TIMES, matcha lattés, the FRIENDS Reunion Special for HBO MAX and the ending of the CBS comedy MOM after 8 Seasons.

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The Forty-Seventh One... and it's GENERATION RIPE's One Year Anniversary! Apr 09, 2021

Episode 47 and it's GENERATION RIPE's One Year Anniversary!

Wendi and Dfernando celebrate making it to a year and chat about several topics, including all the things they've learned from doing the podcast -- from discovering that every guest's life journey has been more fascinating than the high profile projects we know them for all the way to the duo learning how to interview guests.

There's also an update on what our guests have been up to since their interviews, some tidbits about Dfernando from Wendi and then some.

And on the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there is the Broadway musical TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, the still-closed Broadway theatres due to COVID, Dfernando's experience with ZzzQuil and Wendi's experience with TapFIT.

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The Forty-Sixth One... and Kate Flannery Apr 02, 2021

Episode 46 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is SAG Award winning comic actress and singer Kate Flannery.

Kate Flannery is best known for her work on television and is most notably known for playing Meredith Palmer on the long-running NBC comedy THE OFFICE and as the voice of Carol on the animated series OK K.O.! LET’S BE HEROES.

A former member of The Second City's National Touring Company, Flannery is an original member of Chicago's Annoyance Theater, where she appeared in over 15 shows including THE MISS VAGINA PAGEANT and THE REAL LIVE ‘BRADY BUNCH.’

The Lampshades, her cult comedy lounge act with veteran improviser Scot Robinson, has been running in Hollywood and in comedy festivals all over the country since 2001 and was seen at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado. The Lampshades was New York Magazine's "LA Pick" for 2006, and was declared "Best Saturday Comedy Show of the Year" by LA Weekly.

Flannery has been touring with Jane Lynch as her sidekick on stage since 2013 in her anti-cabaret show SEE JANE SING with Tim Davis and The Tony Guerrero Quintet, playing the Kennedy Center, Joe's Pub, the Borgata and 30 cities.

On stage, Flannery was in the long-running New York hit, Nora Ephron's LOVE, LOSS AND WHAT I WORE. She also played Neely O'Hara in the Off-Broadway hit VALLEY OF THE DOLLS at the Circle in the Square Theatre in New York City and Los Angeles. Also in Los Angeles, she played the teen prostitute and Blair's sister in THE PHACTS OF LIFE at the Renberg Theatre and in the Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner production of THREE FEET UNDER at The Evidence Room.

Before gaining global attention on THE OFFICE, Flannery appeared on countless television comedies like THE BERNIE MAC SHOW, BOOMTOWN, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, BROOKLYN NINE-NINE, NEW GIRL, YOUNG SHELDON and others as well as being a talent scout on LAST COMIC STANDING with her OFFICE co-star Brian Baumgartner, and she appeared with the cast of THE OFFICE on CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD. She also played Harper's mom on the Disney Channel's WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE as Elaine Finkle, was a contestant on 19 episodes of CELEBRITY NAME GAME and recurred on ABC's AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE as Crossing Guard Sandy. Most recently, Flannery competed on Season 28 of DANCING WITH THE STARS. She was partnered with first-time professional Pasha Pashkov and was eliminated fifth. She joined the show's live tour in 2020, but it was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flannery is featured on Jane Lynch's Christmas album A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS which reached #8 on the Billboard Top 100 charts.

Flannery was a member of the band Mono Puff under the stage name "Lady Puff". She toured with the band and sang on their second album, IT’S FUN TO STEAL.

Also on Episode 46, Wendi and Dfernando are together in Los Angeles so during a drive they chat about their upcoming appearance on Season 7 of CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD, the new HBO documentary about Tina Turner titled TINA and Wendi pays tribute to her GOLDBERGS co-star, the Hollywood legend, actor George Segal. .

And on the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT they both share their hatred for the famous Los Angeles freeway traffic.

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The Forty-Fifth One... and more with Wendi & Dfernando Mar 19, 2021

Episode 45 and Wendi and Dfernando announce an upcoming appearance on a network game show, Wendi’s first Pfizer vaccine shot and her taking up tap dancing, the real Beverly Goldberg’s legendary banana bread, another COVID dating story and Wendi‘s beauty and make-up tips and recommendations.

On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there is THE REAL WORLD: Homecoming reunion reality series, walking, and popped water lily seeds.

Products mentioned on Episode 45:

Make Up Forever Aqua Lip #2C
Maybelline Lipstick #205 "Nearly There"
Living Libations Roseglow Radiant Loverlips
Asha Pops Popped Water Lily Seeds (Chocolate, Chili Lime, etc.)
Lotus Pops Water Lily Seed (Pepper Turmeric, Pink Salt, etc.)

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The Forty-Fourth One... and Steve Basilone Mar 12, 2021

Episode 44 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is writer, actor, producer and director Steve Basilone.

Steve Basilone is known as a producer and writer on the long-running ABC comedy THE GOLDBERGS. After writing an episode for the ABC comedy HAPPY ENDINGS, he soon became a writer on the NBC comedy COMMUNITY and the recent NBC comedy INDEBTED (starring Fran Drescher). He was also co-producer and writer on the THE MICHAEL J. FOX SHOW.

As an actor, he was seen in the films PROZAC NATION and LUKE AND BRIE ARE ON A FIRST DATE.

Steve is now making his feature film directorial debut with the romantic comedy-drama LONG WEEKEND, which he also wrote and acts in. The film stars 2-time Emmy Award nominee Finn Wittrock, Zoë Chao, Casey Wilson, Academy Award winner Jim Rash, Damon Wayans Jr., Jess Jacobs and Wendi McLendon-Covey. LONG WEEKEND is one of the first feature films to be released theatrically during the COVID pandemic.

He lives in Los Angeles with Jenny, his 3-legged garbage-consuming canine companion and hosted the TERRIBLY FUNNY with Steve Basilone podcast.

Also on Episode 44, Wendi and Dfernando read letters received on the topic of post-40 COVID dating, open relationships, dating apps, etc. On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's the 90's NBC sitcom CAROLINE IN THE CITY, the new Paramount+ streaming app, the Showtime documentary on The Go-Go's and a viral video of a brawl-out fight at a Bath & Body Works.

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The Forty-Third One... and Irene White Mar 05, 2021

Episode 43 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is comic actress Irene White.

Irene White was born in Beirut, Lebanon and is best known as Carol on the NBC comedy series SUPERSTORE and countless TV commercials.

She has appeared on countless classic TV shows, ranging from DHARMA & GREG, ALLY McBEAL, 3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN, FRASIER, FRIENDS (as Chandler’s assistant ), WILL & GRACE, SCRUBS, GILMORE GIRLS, MY NAME IS EARL, THE MIDDLE, MODERN FAMILY, to SPEECHLESS and GRACE AND FRANKIE.

On film Irene was seen in THE 15:17 TO PARIS, directed by the legendary Clint Eastwood as well as PAPI CHULO, THE PARTY, THE GREEN HORNET and others.

She performs and coaches improvisation at the iO West in Hollywood.

Also on Episode 43, Wendi and Dfernando talk about their current and upcoming projects and on the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there'sthe Showtime documentary on The Go-Go's, De La Soul's THREE FEET HIGH AND RISING album and those TikTok videos using the "Rasputin" disco song.

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The Forty-Second One... and Mary Lynn Rajskub Feb 19, 2021

Episode 42 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is actress, comedian and writer Mary Lynn Rajskub.

Mary Lynn Rajskub may be best known for playing Chloe on the FOX drama “24” and also Gail the Snail on IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA. You may have also seen her in the films ROAD TRIP, NIGHT SCHOOL, SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED, WILSON, SWEET HOME ALABAMA, MAN ON THE MOON, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, LEGALLY BLONDE 2, JULIE AND JULIA, PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE, MYSTERIOUS SKIN and FIREWALL.

On television she was seen on GREY’S ANATOMY, THE KING OF QUEENS, GILMORE GIRLS, VERONICA’S CLOSET, THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE, THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW, TWO BROKE GIRLS and MR. SHOW WITH BOB AND DAVID.

She has also appeared in the iconic music videos for the songs "The Good Life" by Weezer and "The New Pollution" by Beck.

Having begun her career doing stand-up comedy, she still finds time to perform her live shows in venues across the United States. Most recently as close as her own garage in Mary Lynn Rajskub: LIVE FROM THE PANDEMIC, which is available on Vimeo and where she tries to make sense of her career, home life and love life during the global pandemic.

Also on Episode 42, Wendi and Dfernando talk about COVID dating and relationships. And on the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's the smell of marijuana smoke, the streaming app CW Seed, the SolaWave Wand and Ted Cruz's trip to Cancun.

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The Forty-First One... and Paul Poirier Feb 12, 2021

Episode 41 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is Canadian multi-medalist Olympic ice dancer and linquist Paul Poirier.

Paul Poirier started skating at age five. In standard Canadian tradition, he was put into ice hockey along with his brothers but instead of chasing the puck, he would spin on the face-off dots. Once he was officially enrolled in figure skating, he loved being able to do what he wanted. From ages 9 to 18 he split his time between ice dance and men’s singles; focusing more on ice dance because his career was more established in this form and he liked the artistic freedom it provided.

In July 2011, Poirier teamed up with Piper Gilles. At their first national championships together in January 2012, they won the bronze medal in ice dance but were ineligible to compete internationally that season because Gilles had competed for the United States the year prior. They debuted as a couple on the ISU Grand Prix in the Fall of 2012 and competed at their first World Championships together in 2013.

In May 2013, Poirier suffered a right ankle fracture dislocation and underwent surgery to insert plates and screws. They were able to compete at the 2014 Canadian Championships, but weren’t quite physically or technically ready to take their best shot at qualifying for Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games and missed the Olympic team by one spot. That fueled their fire for the next quadrennial. After winning silver at the 2014 Four Continents Championships, they had one of their strongest seasons in 2014-15, winning a pair of silver medals on the Grand Prix series and qualifying for the Grand Prix Final. They went on to post a career-best finish at the World Championships, placing sixth.

Gaining a reputation as innovative skaters who try to do the opposite of what people expect, Gilles and Poirier had their partial step sequence from the 2015-16 short dance adopted as a new pattern dance by the ISU and dubbed the "Maple Leaf March". They had been struggling with that program all season, tweaking it constantly and changing the music entirely three weeks before the Worlds, where they ended up placing fifth in the short dance to put them into the final flight for the free dance. At the 2017 World Championships they recorded their second straight eighth-place finish. After winning silver at the 2018 Canadian Championships, Gilles and Poirier competed at PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games where they had yet another eighth-place finish. They followed up by matching their career-best World Championship result a month later.

Poirier had a prior successful partnership with Vanessa Crone that included a World Junior silver medal in 2008, a Canadian title in 2011, and competing at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Poirier completed his Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics at the University of Toronto. Passionate about language, he continues to spend time reading and doing linguistics research. He is currently training with Piper Gilles for the 2022 Beijing Olympic Winter Games.

Also on Episode 41, Wendi and Dfernando talk about non-celebratory Valentine's Day, the release of BARB & STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR and those 1970s TV commercials featuring creepy stop-motion dolls. And on the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's the 2012 fashion documentary VERSAILLES '73: American Runway Revolution, Gen Z vs. Gen X, the hilarious Cheri Oteri and slow texters.

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The Fortieth One... and Cameron Silver Feb 05, 2021

Episode 40 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is the King of Vintage, DECADES founder, author and Fashion Director of H HALSTON and H BY HALSTON: Cameron Silver.

Since fashion philanthropist Cameron Silver opened the doors of DECADES in 1997, the dress code in Los Angeles has irrevocably changed due – in large part – to Silver exhorting his frequently-photographed, trendsetting clientele to “dress up!” He is widely recognized for his impact on runway trends from fashion’s new generation of designers in New York and Paris to the way a constellation of Hollywood’s brightest appear on the red carpet. “I think of fashion, of dressing, as art. I’m not about disposable shopping. Even my day wear is glamour,” stated Silver.

With the new guard of so many heritage houses from New York to Milan seeking inspiration at DECADES, it is hardly surprising Silver is frequently tapped both as public emissary and secret weapon to consult on everything from re-imagining a brand’s identity to navigating its global launch. He has served as an official ambassador for Pringle and Boucheron and as creative consultant to Azzaro. Silver also acted as creative consultant for the global launch of Samsonite’s iconic Fashionaire collection with actress Christina Ricci.

In addition to Silver’s work with fashion companies, he curated the MOCA exhibition, The Total Look: The Creative Collaboration between Rudi Gernreich, Peggy Moffitt, and William Claxton, an exhibit that continues to tour. In Fall 2011, Silver showcased his flair for accessory design via the launch of The Haskell for DECADES “Uptown/Downtown” collection, his collaboration with jewelry maven Miriam Haskell. Partnering with Modern Vintage, Silver designed a collection of statement footwear inspired by the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

Named one of TIME Magazine’s “25 Most Influential Names and Faces in Fashion” in 2002, Silver is a favorite pundit on E! Entertainment, the Style Network and “Fashion File.” Pulling looks from Decades’ deep closets, he styles celebrities for major red carpet awards appearances like the Golden Globes, Independent Spirit Awards and the Academy Awards. He has also written about luxury, from shopping to travel to his front row perch at the haute couture presentations, for Harpers Bazaar, C Magazine, Departures, vogue.com, and others leading fashion media outlets. Silver narrated the acclaimed 2012 documentary VERSAILLES '73: American Runway Revolution about the restoration event at the famed French palace that became the fashion showdown that firmly established American sportswear.

Silver’s passion for good design extends beyond the realm of fashion. He was among the first to recognize the disappearing architectural legacy of Los Angeles’ great modernist homes, and scooped up a crumbling hillside 1930 treasure by icon R.M. Schindler which he spent eight years meticulously restoring. The L.A. Conservancy awarded the efforts, the house was landmarked, and it has appeared on the covers of shelter magazines and in several books. In January 2012, The Art of Elysium recognized Silver as the year’s Visionary and creative force behind their Heaven Gala. Silver also has a professional relationship with the Friends of The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In 2010, he served as the Honorary Chair of the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis’ legendary Dada Ball.

As one of the foremost vintage experts in the country and with more than 2 decades of DECADES under his alligator belt, Silver released the coffee table book DECADES: A Century of Fashion for Bloomsbury Press showcasing an unexpected compilation of the most significant 20th century fashions, as well as many of the celebrities he collaborated with over the years. The book, released in 2012, sold out within 48 hours of release and continues to be reprinted.

Silver starred in the Bravo reality show THE DUKES OF MELROSE which premiered in March of 2013. Since September 2015, he has served as Fashion Director for H by Halston (where he appears on QVC several times per week) and H Halston, available at Lord & Taylor, Dillard’s, and Hudson’s Bay.

Also on Episode 40, Wendi and Dfernando discuss the HOLLYBOOB sign and they answer listener questions: beard maintenance, daily morning routines, inappropriate 80s song choices at church services and "bad" art collecting. On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's dill pickle slices, slow sidewalk walkers, Sacha Baron Cohen and social media rumors.

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The Thirty-Ninth One... and it's just Wendi & Dfernando Jan 22, 2021

Episode 39 and Wendi and Dfernando bring up the 2021 Presidential Inauguration, Dfernando's latest fashion editorial work in DESIRE HOMME Magazine and CLIENT Magazine, the last time they both spent time together pre-pandemic, the COVID vaccination along with congratulations to the recent Critic's Choice Awards nominees: SYLVIE'S LOVE, RENO 911!, Tessa Thompson, Harvey Guillén and FX's WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS.

On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's the 7-part Netflix docu-series PRETEND IT'S A CITY with New Yorker Fran Lebowitz, the USPS delays, Amanda Gorman and booty exposed bathing suits.

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The Thirty-Eighth One... and Bevy Smith Jan 15, 2021

Episode 38 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is with muliti-award winning television host/personality, businesswoman and author Bevy Smith.

Bevy Smith is the host of SiriusXM’s BEVELATIONS on Radio Andy and a former co-host of Bravo’s FASHION QUEENS and the entertainment news show PAGE SIX TV. She has been regularly featured on WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE with Andy Cohen, BETHENNY, THE VIEW and with Wendy Williams on WENDY'S STYLE SQUAD. Quintessential Harlem girl and lifelong New Yorker, Bevy was born, raised, and still lives in (and LOVES) Harlem, New York.

Bevy was living what seemed like a glamorous dream as a fashion advertising executive, blazing a lucrative career for herself in the whitewashed magazine world. She jetsetted to Europe for fashion shows, dined and danced at every hot spot, and enjoyed a mighty roster of lovers.

So it came as quite a shock to Bevy when one day, after arriving at her luxury hotel in Milan, she collapsed on the Frette bedsheets and sobbed. Years of rolling with the in-crowd had taken its toll. Her satisfaction with work and life had hit rock bottom. But Bevy could not be defeated, and within minutes (okay, days) she grabbed a notepad and started realizing a truer path—one built on self-reflection and, ultimately, clarity. She figured out how to redirect her life toward meaningful creativity and freedom. At 38, she quit a six-figure job as an advertising executive at ROLLING STONE Magazine to pursue on-camera work. The transition left her “dead broke” for a time, but it was worth it.

In her debut memoir BEVELATIONS, Bevy candidly shares how she reclaimed her life’s course and shows how we too can manifest our most bodacious dreams. From repossessing her bold childhood nature to becoming her own brand to envisioning her life’s next great destination (which will feature natural hair, important charitable giving, and a mid-century house overlooking the Pacific Ocean), Bevy invites listeners along on the route of her personal transformation to reveal how each of us can live our best lives with honesty, joy, and, when we’re in the mood, a killer pair of shoes.

For the past several years, Bevy has hosted “Fashion for Action,” an annual fundraiser for Housing Works, a New York-based thrift store chain and advocacy group that helps find appropriate housing for people living with HIV and AIDS. In 2017, Bevy was named Community Champion of AIDS Organization Harlem United. Additionally, Bevy is on the board of Cool Culture, a charity devoted to raising awareness among underprivileged children. Bevy is also both a formal and informal mentor to many, and she takes great pride in being a part of WEEN (Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network).

And on Episode 38, Wendi and Dfernando talk about the just announced HBO MAX reboot of SEX AND THE CITY, the new comedy film BARB & STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR and the renewal of the Disney Channel animated series BIG CITY GREENS. On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's the new FOX sitcom CALL ME KAT, acid reflux, the 1988 film MYSTIC PIZZA and plantar fasciitis.

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The Thirty-Seventh One... and Michael Soltis Jan 08, 2021

Episode 37 and Wendiand Dfernando's guest interview is with visual artist and home designer/builder Michael Soltis.

Michael Soltis is an American/Canadian visual artist and home designer/builder. He has a Masters Degree in Education, has worked in the business and non-profit sector as a high level manager, and was a film and television actor for several years. His passion has always been the arts and his work has been shown in several galleries throughout North America and been featured in Canadian HOUSE & HOME, HGTV.CA, ANTHOLOGY MAGAZINE, THE ARTIST CATALOGUE, THE VANCOUVER TED CONFERENCE, COMIC CON in Vancouver as well as several contemporary art blogs and articles. He is the recipient of awards from both the Society of Canadian Artists and the Canadian Federation of Artists and his paintings are held in corporate and private collections throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

As a home designer/builder, Michael is the founder of SOLTIS PROJECTS. The combination of Michael’s business mind and artist’s heart offers a unique perspective to home building and design. His enthusiasm for creativity and aesthetics brings a sense of energy and fun to the building process and his administration and management skills ensure that his projects remain on budget and are completed efficiently and within time allotments. With a focus on “building relationships through building homes” he works hard to make the process as enjoyable as possible.

Though he has since retired from acting, his work as an actor can’t be ignored. On film he has appeared in X2: X-MEN UNITED,and WALKING TALL. His extensive work on television includes the acclaimed Steven Spielberg produced mini-series TAKEN, SMALLVILLE, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, ABC’s ONCE UPON A TIME, SUPERNATURAL, Hallmark’s WHEN CALLS THE HEART and STARGATE SG-1.

Michael is dad to Kaya Lucy and Zane Philip.

Also on Episode 37, Wendi and Dfernando kick-off their first 2021 episode discussing Hilaria Baldwin. And on the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's the iconic powdered drink TANG, door slammers, Stonewall Garlic Aioli and oddly outlined lip-liner lips.

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The Thirty-Sixth One... and Goodbye 2020 with Wendi & Dfernando Jan 01, 2021

Episode 36 and Wendiand Dfernando close out the year 2020.

As we all close out 2020, Wendi and Dfernando open the episode with the acclaimed documentary THE BEE GEES: How Can You Men a Broken Heart, things they both did during the Christmas break, Dfernando shares his New Year's Eve Times Square tips and Wendi shares a high school memory.

On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT, Wendi and Dfernando share Top 10 "ripes" and "rottens" they both mentioned on the podcast in 2020 - from Britney Spears' Instagram, Charo, the birth of the "Karens", condescending doctors to the pandemic nightly fireworks.

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The Thirty-Fifth One... and Naomi Ekperigin Dec 18, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's thirty-fifth episode is actress, writer, stand-up comedienne & producer Naomi Ekperigin.

After graduating from college, Naomi Ekperigin spent a year touring with the National Theatre for the Deaf, and she returned to New York in 2007 where she got her start doing stand-up while working a day job at an art magazine. When that magazine folded in 2013, Ekperigin found a position working as a writer's assistant for the acclaimed Comedy Central series BROAD CITY. She was promoted to staff writer in the show's second season and served as a writer on season 3 as well.

In 2015, Ekperigin was a nominee, with the BROAD CITY writing staff, for the Writers Guild of America Award for Television: Comedy Series. Splitsider praised her work as "savvy, smart, funny and politically active" and Essence named her to its list of "8 Black Comediennes Who are 'Ready' for SNL."

In May 2016, Comedy Central announced that Ekperigin would create a half-hour special for the network, taped in New Orleans in June 2016. On September 29, 2016, she made her late-night debut on LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS. Her half-hour special premiered on Comedy Central just two weeks later, October 14 at midnight. Ekperigin also co-wrote a television pilot for Comedy Central with former DAILY SHOW correspondent Jessica Williams. Ekperigin has also written for the Hulu series DIFFICULT PEOPLE and has written for and appeared on TOTALLY BIASED WITH W. KAMAU BELL.

She's been a regular performer on the WNYC podcast 2 DOPE QUEENS, standing out as a fan favorite. Other projects include a pilot for TruTV called INSIDE CAUCASIA, developed with her husband, comedian Andy Beckerman.

In June 2017, she joined the writing staff of the NBC sitcom GREAT NEWS, starring Briga Heelan, Andrea Martin, Nicole Richie and John Michael Higgins. She then went on to write for season 2 of the CBS All Access original series NO ACTIVITY and the HBO limited series MRS. FLETCHER, starring Kathryn Hahn.

She currently co-hosts and produces the podcast COUPLES THERAPY alongside her co-host/husband Andy Beckerman.

Also on Episode 35, Wendi and Dfernando chat about store bought Christmas cookies and Matcha Snickerdoodles. And on the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's Bravo's BELOW DECK franchise, discharging iPhones during winter, Chef Jake Cohen's Instagram and TikTok accounts and more of Instacart's confusing "indulgent items" suggestions.

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The Thirty-Fourth One... and Tim Frost Dec 11, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's thirty-fourth episode is speaker, musician, author, husband/father and award-winning filmmaker Tim Frost.

Along with every mention above, Tim Frost is also an author of hope from firsthand experiences of survival. He emits a positive and light-hearted energy when he speaks to a large crowd or in a one-on-one conversation. You would never know as a young boy growing up in tiny towns of East Texas, he was abused, neglected, became dependant on drugs and believed he had no purpose on this earth. As a kid Tim found an outlet in creating stories and music. Through these, his imagination and humor kept him optimistic and hopeful even when life became almost unbearable. His life stories are full of a boy’s heartache, sprinkled with laughter and sealed with hope. He’s been a drug-dealer, worship leader, hip-hop producer, local business entrepreneur, and short film composer.

A few years ago, after visiting his counselor, Tim began writing down his story beginning with his first memory at the age of three in a dirty trailer house where many unspeakables happened. These are the memories that had been buried deep and purposely, because no one wants to remember, especially tell, anyone about being abused. But slowly, as he began to write, there came the light. He was giving voice to the silenced pain, hidden secrets, and dark memories and he started to change. He shared a few pages of his journal with his wife DeAnda and she, just like many others would soon begin to say: you need to write a book!

In his memoir THE FAMILY PORTRAIT, Tim not only candidly tells of how he fumbles into fatherhood, but he authentically reveals how forgiveness and vulnerability lead to a life full of hope. So what began and was even completed solely for Tim’s personal healing, for readers THE FAMILY PORTRAIT will surprisingly make you laugh, inspire hope, and encourage dreams.

A few months into the global COVID 19 shutdown, on July 21, 2020, Reddit posted an article on Odin and his childhood friend Jordan and their high school graduation after beating all the odds put against them since birth. The articlewent viral and instantly their story was being covered globally by major news outlets from CBS, NBC, FOX, MSN to the UK’s Metro. Overnight, the Frost family was embraced by thousands across the globe which prompted Timto begin sharing on social media the 1-minute video montages he had been making daily documenting each day of the Frost family during the pandemic.

After the suggestion from a friend, he submitted a compilation short film of these daily montage videos to film festivals. The short documentarytitled IT’S A GOOD DAY soon won the WCTE PBS Downtown Film Festival-Tennessee - BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY. Quickly the short film was winning other film festivals like Buzz Vicious Film Festival-Brazil-BEST INSPIRATIONAL FILM along with 9 Film Fest-Bangkok Thailand-Official Selection for Best of the Fest and Reel East Texas Film Festival-Official Selection for Best in Texas.

Today, Tim resides in a little Texas town with his dream-inspiringwife of 20 years DeAnda and their special needs son Odin, who is just as quirky and full of adventure as his dad. They all play music together, hope big together and try to live every day more courageously than the one before.

Take a listen to Tim Frost’s music productions: timfrostmusic.com

Music Colab project: thedreamwalkingsociety.com

And music by the family band FROST, featuring Tim, DeAnda and Odin can be found on Apple Music and Spotify.

Click to purchase the DIFFERENT IS GOOD t-shirt. All profits are donated to Odin and Jordan.

And on Episode 34, Wendi and Dfernando continue the air fryer topic, and Wendi reconnects with a former baby-sitting client. On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's the Netlix documentary MY OCTOPUS TEACHER, instacart check-out impulse suggestions (with no provided coupon), the 8th Season of THE GOLDBERGSand celebrities gushing on their social media about all their free swag.

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The Thirty-Third One... and Renee Cafaro Dec 04, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's thirty-third episode and their guest is former NY Politico, writer, producer, rock singer and U.S. Editor of SLiNK Magazine: Renee Cafaro.

Renee Cafaro is what can easily be called a triple threat: Ivy league educated, politically active and a strong voice for size-inclusive fashion — the New York-based writer and U.S. Editor for SLiNK magazine is using her intellect and political prowess to advance the conversation around plus-size fashion as well as be an advocate for issues including affordable housing to funding the NEA that provides veterans with cultural and arts therapy.

Her passion for public service may only be rivaled by her love of style. She refers to leopard print as a “neutral” and can rock a statement making red suit as easily as most wear sweats. While her stature is small, Cafaro is nothing short of a force, navigating the politics of Washington DC as well as local issues in New York (she was appointed to the Manhattan Community Board) with grace and of course, style.

Among her other countless projects she has brewing, Cafaro is also the front-woman of the rock band Run for Cover.

And on Episode 33, Wendi and Dfernando talk about Thanksgiving and regionalChristimas songs. And on the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT you have theair fryer, viral WASP Mom social media videos, andPlutoTV.

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The Thirty-Second One... and Heather McDonald Nov 27, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's thirty-second episode and their guest is comedian, actress, writer, producer and best-selling author Heather McDonald.

Born and raised in Southern California, Heather McDonald is best known for her work as one of the writers, producers and performers on E! Entertainment’s top rated shows CHELSEA LATELY for its entire 7 year run, its spin-off AFTER LATELY, a mockumentary series on E! Entertainment for its 3 successful seasons, and her enormously popular podcast JUICY SCOOP. With over 300 episodes and over 30+ million downloads, the podcast has over 9,000 Five Star reviews on Apple Podcasts and is ranked in the Top 10 Comedy Podcasts.

As an actress, she has been seen on several hit television series like FRASIER, RENO 911!, MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE and DRAKE AND JOSH. She has also appeared on Bravo’s WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE with Andy Cohen, FLIPPING OUT and both THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY and BEVERLY HILLS. Other television appearances have been on KEEPING UP WITH THE KARDASHIANS, Logo’s RuPAUL’S DRAG RACE, RuPAUL’S BIG GAY GAME SHOW, THE TONIGHT SHOW, THE WENDY WILLIAMS SHOW, THE TODAY SHOW, DR. DREW and is regularly featured on CNN, ABC NEWS NIGHTLINE and REELZ Channel. She was also the host of TLC’S ALL ABOUT SEX and HOLLYWOOD TODAY LIVE.

On film, Heather was a contributing writer and had featured roles in WHITE CHICKS and DANCE FLICK by The Wayans Brothers.

As an author, Heather’s debut book, YOU’LL NEVER BLUE BALL IN THIS TOWN AGAIN: One Woman’s Painfully Funny Quest to Give It Up, spent seven weeks on the New York Times best-seller list, and climbed to the #1 position on Amazon’s “Bestsellers in Entertainment” list. Her follow-up book titled MY INAPPROPRIATE LIFE: Some Material Not Suitable for Small Children, Nuns, or Mature Adults also became a national bestseller.

Her Showtime stand-up special I DON’T MEAN TO BRAG and her most recent Heather McDonald’s JUICY SCOOP Stand-Up Special are both available on Amazon Prime.

Along with her numerous ongoing projects, she continues doing her stand-up comedy, which consistently sell out shows across the country in theaters, comedy clubs and other venues.

And on Episode 32, Wendi and Dfernando talk about his latest fashion editorial in CLIENT MAGAZINE, andGOTTLIEB PUNK's latest single "Trapped in the Doorway". And on THE RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there'sTaraji P. Henson, Randy Quaid, PlutoTV and Tyra Banks.

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The Thirty-First One... and Harvey Guillén Nov 13, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's thirty-first episode and their guest interview is award winning actor, writer and producer Harvey Guillén.

Harvey Guillén’s acting journey began as a six-year-old watching the musical ANNIE on television. He ran over to his mother and said, "I want to be that! I want to be an orphan!" Confused, his mother then explained that those kids were just actors. Guillén’s mother told him in order to be an actor, it would take a lot of money for training - money the financially struggling family did not have. Soon after, Guillén became inspired by a man collecting recyclables out of trash cans to sell to the local recycling center and would go on to do the exact same in order to save for his first acting classes.

On television, Guillén can be seen as Guillermo on the acclaimed FX Network series WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS and as George on NBC’s ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST. He also played Benedict Pickwick on SYFY’s THE MAGICIANS, and has been a series regular on MTV's EYE CANDY and ABC Family's HUGE. He has guest starred on countless televisions series such as RAISING HOPE, CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND, IFC’s DOCUMENTARY NOW!, as well as the Apple series LITTLE AMERICA, HBO's ROOM 104 and DON’T LOOK DEEPER (directed by Catherine Hardwicke). He also served as a recurring guest star on Season 3 of NBC's THE GOOD PLACE and Nickelodeon's THE THUNDERMANS.

On film he is best known for his supporting role alongside Vince Vaughn, Rose Byrne and Owen Wilson in THE INTERNSHIP in addition to the Netflix horror film TRUTH OR DARE.

Guillén is the recipient of a GLAAD Award for his work on RAISING HOPE and produced the award-winning LGBTQ+ web series THE FILTH.

And on Episode 31, Wendi and Dfernando mentiongifts: a new Vicks Humidifier and the weather changing in NYC. And on THE RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's 60's Ye-Ye music, Japanese cheesecake, misleading media reports on the state of NYC, doctors who make you wait forever for your results and French's French Fried Onions.

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The Thirtieth One... and Shelley McLendon Nov 06, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's thirtieth episode and their guest interview is actress, writer, director, producer, and licensed therapist Shelley McLendon.

Originally from Long Beach, California, Shelley McLendon has lived in the northwest for over 25 years. She is known for writing sketch comedy as well as adapting cult movies into staged parodies that are performed to sold-out audiences.

Discouraged by the auditions she was being called for, Shelley decided her best bet was to write her own material that would highlight her comedic chops. It was her staged adaptation of the 1989 Patrick Swayze film ROAD HOUSE which she co-wrote with fellow writer Courtenay Hameister back in 2010 that was the catalyst for her production company Bad Reputation Productions.

Also on Episode 30 Wendi and Dfernando chat about production on RENO 911! and THE GOLDBERGS and gush about Netflix's EMILY IN PARIS. On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's the return of SUPERMARKET SWEEP on the ABC Network, impatient people in check-out lines, David Sedaris' latest book THE BEST OF ME, the Instagram account @officialanneranch and the annoying trend of social media influencers.

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The Twenty-Ninth One... and it's Halloween with Wendi & Dfernando Oct 30, 2020

Episode 29 and Wendiand Dfernando celebrate Halloween.

It's Halloween and the hosts chat about classic Halloween episodes of THE GOLDBERGS, Wendi's return to the set of RENO 911!'s Season 8, Jamie Lee Curtis, and their 5 favorite classic horror films.

And on the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's the Netflix series EMILY IN PARIS, Tyson's Crispy Chicken Strips, and the Amazon film BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIE FILM.

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The Twenty-Eighth One... and the One Year Friend-iversary of Wendi & Dfernando Oct 23, 2020

Episode 28 and Wendiand Dfernando celebrate their one year Friend-iversary.

After months of frequently sliding into each other's DMs on Instagram whenever something of interest came across their desks - like a new film trailer, an fabulous photo, etc, - Wendi and Dfernando finally met in person on Sunday October 20, 2019 in New York City on a photo shoot they both wanted to do together and which Dfernando produced, art directed and styled. The rest is his/her-story.

One instant common denominator they both shared was their appreciation of their life and career journeys and how being 50 plus felt no different than being 20 and how silly everything truly is. He shared with her the mantra he's had since his late teens: "we don't grow up, we just get older."

About a week after Dfernandoreturned to NYC from spending some time with Wendi in California and hanging out with her on the sets of THE GOLDBERGS and RENO: 911!, the COVID 19 pandemic shut the globe down completely. Within a week of quarantine, Wendibrought up the idea of starting a podcast and that is when the seed was planted and GENERATION RIPE was born.

On Episode 28 - the one year Friend-iversary episode, Wendiand Dfernando ask each other 5 Questions, chat about her recent DESIGNING WOMEN Reunion Zoom reading of the Pilot episode and her appearance on Heather McDonald's podcast JUICY SCOOP, answer submitted fan questions, share some stories and there's the weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT.

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The Twenty-Seventh One... and Keri Smith Oct 09, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's twenty-seventh episode and their guest interview is costume designer, writer and producer Keri Smith.

For the past 8 Seasons, Keri has been responsible for all the costumes on the ABC TV comedy THE GOLDBERGS, including the now-iconic 80s sweaters our co-host Wendi McLendon-Covey wears as Beverly Goldberg.

Her costumes designs have also been seen on various television comedies like SCHOOLED, HAPPY ENDINGS, MY BOYS and I HATE MY 30s.

Keri was also costume designer for the Emmy Award winning ABC TV Specials LIVE IN FRONT OF A STUDIO AUDIENCE, where she created the costumes for the recreations of the classic Norman Lear 70s sitcoms ALL IN THE FAMILY, THE JEFFERSONS and GOOD TIMES.

On film, Keri wrote and produced the film short BEAVERTON.

And on Episode 27, Wendi and Dfernando discuss their week as their careers are resuming during the pandemic and on the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT the TikTok account @leighinnyc, Wendi's neighborhood mangy skunk, all 45 seasons of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE on the Peacock streaming platform and Netflix's current trend of cancelling previously renewed shows.

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The Twenty-Sixth One... and Shannon DeVido Oct 02, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's twenty-sixth episode and their guest interview is actress, comedian, singer, producer and writer Shannon DeVido.

On television she played nemesis comedian Andrea Mumford for 3 Seasons on the critically acclaimed Hulu original series DIFFICULT PEOPLE. Other work on television: Netflix's INSATIABLE, Comedy Central's DELCO PROPER, NIGHTCAP, LAW & ORDER: SVU and has appeared on THE NIGHTLY SHOW WITH LARRY WILMORE.

On film she has executive produced and written the short films GOOD BEER and THE SIBLINGS LIEBENCRANTZ, and has appeared in NANCE + SYDNEY, SPECIAL NEEDS, LOOP, AUDITION and CATCHING UP. Upcoming is the SXSW 2020 Film Festival World Premiere film BEST SUMMER EVER, starring opposite Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard.

As a stand up, she's performed around the country, including the Kennedy Center in D.C. with comedian Josh Blue.

Between projects she continues to work with her improv groups Wussy Riot, Hell on Wheels, Axis of Evil and her YouTube channel STARE AT SHANNON breaks societal standards of disability through humor.

And on Episode 26, Wendi and Dfernando do a little catching up on Wendi's non-stop schedule filming Season 8 of THE GOLDBERGS and Dfernando resuming his Art Director work. And on the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT both the hosts RIPE about Ryan Murphy's new hit Netflix series RATCHED, and on the ROTTEN REPORT we have public figure's trolls on social media and the recent Presidential Debate.

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The Twenty-Fifth One... and Dana Moore Sep 25, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's twenty-fifth episode and their guest interview is dancer, actress, teacher and acclaimed Fosse reconstructeur Dana Moore.

Dana is a twelve time veteran of the Broadway stage. She has been featured in countless Broadway musicals, from A CHORUS LINE, DANCIN', THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, ON YOUR TOES, SUGAR BABIES, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, CHICAGO and FOSSE.

Now known for her work with the Verdon Fosse Legacy as a reconstructeur of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon's legendary choreography, she began her association with the legendary duo when she was cast in Bob Fosse's DANCIN'. She continued working with Bob and Gwen in their 1986 Broadway revival of SWEET CHARITY, where she led the iconic "Rich Man's Frug" dance sequence as the lead Frug dancer. She later went on to appear in the Broadway revival of CHICAGO as well as the multi-award winning revue FOSSE, which showcased the work of Bob Fosse's work from stage, film and television.

She served as dance coach and choreographic reconstructeur for several episodes of the multi-award winning FX limited series FOSSE/VERDON, reconstructing Bob Fosse's original choreography for the "Big Spender" number from SWEET CHARITY and the "Who's Got the Pain?" number from DAMN YANKEES.

Dana is also on faculty both at Steps on Broadway and Marymount Manhattan College. Internationally, she has worked as teacher and choreographer in Toulouse, Oslo, Pori, Cypress, Copenhagen (Royal Danish Ballet) and with the Jazz Musical Theatre Program at Jacob's Pillow in Massachusetts and the Open Jar Institute.

And on this 25th Episode Celebration, Wendi and Dfernando introduce the first installment of COMPLIMENT CORNER and on the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT they 'ripe' podcast highlights and on their 'rotten' are missed opportunities with guests, plus there's a little pop culture homage to the 70s THE DONNY & MARIE SHOW.

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The Twenty-Fourth One... and Gala Darling Sep 18, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's twenty-fourth episode and their guest interview is bestselling author, speaker, professional optimist, and founder of The Vortex: Gala Darling.

Gala Darling has been teaching radical self-love — a selection of powerful techniques and tools which help women transform their lives — for over a decade. Her work helps women find their voice, live without fear, and fall in love with life.

Born in New Zealand, she moved to NYC with one suitcase when she was 24 years old, and used radical self-love to heal from an eating disorder and depression.

She is the bestselling author of three books: Radical Self-Love: A Guide To Loving Yourself And Living Your Dreams (2016), Radical Radiance: How To Make Love To The Universe And Manifest Anything (2019), and Hologram Heart: A Radiant Guide To The Romantic Revolution (2020). Her first book, Radical Self-Love, went to #1 in its category and has been translated into five languages.

Her blog, galadarling.com, has been going strong for way over a decade, and features over 2700 articles dedicated to inspiring and uplifting women. She holds workshops, leads international retreats (featured in Vogue), and regularly travels the world speaking to excitable crowds.

In addition to Vogue, she has also been featured in The New York Times, Teen Vogue, New York Post, Elle, Cosmopolitan, The Daily Telegraph, The Age, and countless others. She has been endorsed by Oprah (her book Radical Self-Love was chosen by O Magazine as one of their best on self-love), and has been interviewed on CBS, ABC News, and Hay House Radio. Gala has spoken about radical self-love at SXSW Interactive and dozens of other events across the world, in addition to lecturing at NYU (twice). Her TED Talk has been viewed over 250,000 times.

Gala has worn mouse ears in Iceland's Blue Lagoon, walked the runway at New York Fashion Week, and once danced naked in front of strangers at a self-esteem workshop. She believes in kale and crystals, goal-setting and gratitude, kaleidoscopic colour and kicking ass.

Gala is the founder of The Vortex, a community of babes who are devoted to feeling good and creating sensational lives. The Vortex is an international bad bitch crew, over a thousand strong, who come together every day to learn new skills, support one another, and swap notes on how to live sensational lives.

Also on Episode 24, Wendi and Dfernando mention the California fires and gender reveal parties, the deleted "Shrimp Fork" scenein thenow-classic comedy BRIDESMAIDS, and on the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's I LOVE LUCY and THE LUCY SHOW on Hulu, missing the GAP commercials, Madonna's MDNA The Beauty Roller and celebrities with their misguided weight-loss programs.

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The Twenty-Third One... and Tom Lenk Sep 11, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's twenty-third episode and their guest interview is SAG Award winning actor, playwright and comedian Tom Lenk.

On television, Tom Lenk played Andrew Wells/Cyrus on the long-running series BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, Collin on EASTSIDERS and Hudson Rafferty on WITCHES OF EAST END. Other notable work on television includes Amazon's Emmy Award winning TRANSPARENT, HBO's ROOM 104, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, NCIS: New Orleans, FRESH OFF THE BOAT, BONES, EPISODES, WORKIN’ MOMS and on Ryan Murphy's FX anthology AMERICAN HORROR STORIES.

He made his feature film debut in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1997 classic BOOGIE NIGHTS and has appeared in numerous films including the Academy Award winning ARGO, TRANSFORMERS, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, THE CABIN IN THE WOODS and DATE MOVIE.

On stage, Tom has appeared on Broadway in the rock musical ROCK OF AGES, and regionally in Stephen Brackett's award winning one-man play BUYER & CELLAR. Most recently, he was seen internationally in Byron Lane's TILDA SWINTON ANSWERS AN AD ON CRAIGSLIST (L.A., NYC, SF, London, Edinburgh Fringe).

As a comedian he has performed his solo comedy shows around the globe with sold out stops at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Soho Theatre (London), Comedy Central Stage (L.A.), and Birdland Jazz Club NYC.

Tom's ingenious and hilarious "Lenk Lewk for Less" Instagram photos & videos have hundred's of millions of views, are praised by countless celebrities, stylists and designers - the world over, basically - and even earned him a profile piece in the coveted New York Times Styles section. His Instagram brand collaborations include work with E! Entertainment Television, Hulu, FOX TV and Acne Studios.

And also on Episode 23, Wendi and Dfernando discuss Wendi beginning the filming of Season 8 of THE GOLDBERGS, the upcoming 25th Episode celebration of GENERATION RIPE, plus on the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's the hilariously inappropriate Instagram account @kidsgettinghurt, the end of @minettajoe's popular TikTok account, and the Netflix series LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM.

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The Twenty-Second One... and Kevin Stea Aug 21, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's twenty-second episode and their guest interview is award winning dancer, choreographer, singer & entertainer Kevin Stea.

Kevin Stea has been one of the most well-known and recognized dancers in the industry over the past 30 years. He has been successful in areas as diverse as choreography, modeling, directing, acting and hosting, and has worked with numerous of the world’s top musical artists, directors, photographers and designers.

After only 18 months of training, Kevin was hired as associate choreographer to legendary choreographer Vincent Paterson for Madonna’s BLONDE AMBITION WORLD TOUR in 1990. Shortly after associate choreographing the iconic music video for "Vogue", he was quickly made dance captain and a dancer for the world tour. He eventually appeared in Madonna's groundbreaking 1991 documentary of the tour MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE and performed in Madonna’s unforgettable Marie Antoinette-inspired performance of "Vogue" on the 1990 MTV Music Video Awards. Soon after, he was working with Gloria Estefan, Prince, and Michael Jackson, among others, as associate choreographer/dancer. He won the Grand Prize on the television competition show STAR SEARCH with his dance group New World, who went undefeated, winning a record of 10 shows.

Kevin has modeled for major designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Thierry Mugler, Tommy Hilfiger, Romeo Gigli and Exté, and has worked with iconic photographers: David LaChapelle, Matthew Rolston, Peggy Sirota, Herb Ritts and Santo D’Orazio, at a time when Asians were not regularly featured in fashion publications.

Kevin also appears in numerous films including SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT; as Daryl in the cult classic SHOWGIRLS; as Swifty the Rake in Disney's NEWSIES and as Goldman Girl Yum Mee in Mike Nichols' THE BIRDCAGE, for which he won a SAG Award. He toured Japan as dance partner/singer for Japanese artist Seiko Matsuda and also with Ricky Martin, promoting “Livin' La Vida Loca", and appeared weekly singing, dancing, and acting on the popular Italian variety show BUONA DOMENICA.

Kevin appears in more than 60 TV commercials, including 13 for GAP and OLD NAVY, which notably includes the now-iconic KHAKI A-GO-GO for GAP. 14 Pepsi TV commercials featuring a roster of music artists from Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Beyonce to Britney Spears.

Add over 50 music videos for everyone from David Bowie, Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Jane’s Addiction, Janet Jackson, Cher, Salt n’ Pepa, Whitney Houston, Rihanna, Debbie Gibson to Jack’s Mannequin. He’s also appeared on over 20 award shows and served as character inspiration for animated features at Disney as well as for THE SMURFS and A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

Several years ago Kevin released several singles, five music videos and two full-length albums under the name That Rogue Romeo. He has sung at landmark club venues, and has appeared at various events and Gay Pride festivals worldwide. His first single, "City of Glass" stayed at #1 on the Zurich radioplay chart for 8 weeks and his song "Joy" was chosen as the finale for writer/director Q. Allan Brocka's film EATING OUT: THE OPEN WEEKEND, and songs from the MACHINE & MAGIC album were chosen to air on ItaliaRail train system.

Kevin, along with the other male dancers from Madonna's legendary BLONDE AMBITION WORLD TOUR 90 and her groundbreaking 1991 documentary MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE, are featured in the acclaimed 2016 documentary STRIKE A POSE, directed by Reijer Zwaan and Ester Gould. The documentary follows up on the lives of all the dancers, including Kevin, post-Madonna.

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The Twenty-First One... and Byron Lane Aug 14, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's twenty-first episode and their guest interview is Emmy Award winning author, playwright and screenwriter Byron Lane.

His debut novel is called A STAR IS BORED, about a celebrity assistant struggling to manage his eccentric and hilarious movie star boss, inspired in part by Lane’s time as assistant to beloved actress, author and screenwriter, Carrie Fisher. The novel has received rave reviews in The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Los Angeles Times, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, USA Today, and People Magazine which hails: "Funny, dishy, deeply affectionate... the force is with him."

Lane also wrote and co-stars in the play TILDA SWINTON ANSWERS AN AD ON CRAIGSLIST, a comedy hit having sold out runs in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It's been critically praised by The Guardian, British Theatre, and Broadway World which says, "Hysterical... Lane has written a brilliant tour de force." The play was inspired by his late rescue dog, Tilda.

Lane wrote and co-stars in LAST WILL & TESTICLE, an award-winning web series about his first testicular cancer diagnosis which screened at festivals around the world, was called "fearless" by Cosmopolitan Magazine, and named "New York Television Festival Pilots to Put on Your Radar" by NBC Out. He wrote and co-stars in a feature film called HERPES BOY, starring Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer, which won Best Comedy at Comic Con and an Audience Award from Austin Film Festival. And he wrote and produced a trailer for a series called GAY DIVORCE which was a finalist in Project Greenlight's See Yourself contest.

Lane is a regional Emmy Award winner from his time as a TV News journalist. He's originally from New Orleans and lives in Los Angeles with his husband, best-selling author Steven Rowley.

And also on Episode 21, Wendi and Dfernando's RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT bring up the 2018 documentary DURAN DURAN: THERE'S SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW, Kevin Stea and the 2016 documentary STRIKE A POSE, which follows up on the dancers of Madonna's legendary 1990 BLONDE AMBITION WORLD TOUR and featured in her groundbreaking 1991 documentary MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE. Then there's broken flip-flops, Diet Coke and THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS.

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The Twentieth One... and Joseph La Corte Aug 07, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's twentieth episode and their guest interview is 4-time Emmy Award nominated costume designer Joseph La Corte.

Following his passion for costume design, Joseph La Corte has worked on some of the most groundbreaking projects in film and television. From period and fantasy costumes, to contemporary clothing, Joseph brings his fine-tuned attention to detail and unbridled enthusiasm for design to all of his work.

Joseph has worked on some of the most iconic shows in television including the critically acclaimed and multi-award winning FX limited-series FOSSE/VERDON, for which he received his fourth Emmy Award nomination. His talents can also be seen in many HBO series including THE SOPRANOS, BOARDWALK EMPIRE, VINYL, and DIVORCE. Other notable television credits include SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, LAW AND ORDER: SVU, and the Sci-Fi series from Amazon TALES FROM THE LOOP.

His feature film dossier is no less impressive. Joseph contributed his expertise to the Academy Award winning film THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE OF EBBING, MISSOURI. Other notable film projects include BEL AMI, ALL THE KINGS MEN, SEX AND THE CITY 2, andSCHOOL OF ROCK. Whether the project calls for a modern sensibility, or an interpretation of the past, Joseph brings a true sense of authenticity to every costume he designs.

Joseph’s costume design work has taken him to such diverse locations as Japan, Morocco, France, England, and Hungary, as well as much of the United States and Canada. Joseph is happiest when working and creating and is always looking forward to new costume design adventures that may lie ahead.

During the global COVID 19 pandemic, Joseph discovered the popular social media platform TikTok. Not being one to stay stagnant during quarantine, as @minettajoe he began to produce and perform in his highly popular solo TikTok video series of recreations from scenes of classic television shows like THE GOLDEN GIRLS to scenes from classic films like GREASE. Each video clip features Joseph inserted into the themed location and lip-syncing in full costume recreations.

And on Episode 20, on the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT Wendi talks about her upcoming debut as an author and introduces Compliment Corner. Dfernando mentions the long-running CBS comedy RULES OF ENGAGEMENT with Wendi giving us some backstory on her character Liz and an encounter with a local herd of "Karens" and Dfernando's beef with remote control batteries.

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The Nineteenth One... and Patricia Heaton Jul 31, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's nineteenth episode and their guest interview is 3-time Emmy Award winning actress, producer and author Patricia Heaton.

Patricia Heaton is a multiple Emmy Award-winning actress who has played not one, but two beloved TV moms. Perhaps best known for her role as Debra Barone on the classic CBS series EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, she won two Emmy Awards for the role and was nominated seven times. In addition to her Emmy wins, Heaton is also the recipient of the Best Comedy Actress Award from the Viewers for Quality Television, a SAG Award, and three SAG nominations in the Best Actress category for her role in the comedy. She then starred in the ABC comedy series THE MIDDLE as Frankie Heck, a mom trying to find balance between her family and careerfamily and career in the Midwest. The show ran from 2009 to 2018. She was seen most recently on the CBS comedy CAROL’S SECOND ACT.

While studying acting in New York City with drama teacher William Esper, Heaton made her Broadway debut in the 1987 gospel musical DON'T GET GOD STARTED. Heaton returned to the New York stage in 2006, where she garnered praise for her role as "Stella" in the Second Stage production of THE SCENE by Theresa Rebeck and received a Lortel Award nomination for her performance.

While in New York in the late 80s, Heaton and her fellow acting colleagues formed Stage Three, an acting company that produced plays Off-Broadway. They took one production, THE JOHNSTOWN VINDICATOR to Los Angeles, where Heaton’s Semperformance caught the eyes of casting directors which led to her career on television.

Heaton went on to portray the producer/daughter in the television series ROOM FOR TWO (1992). Her additional television credits include a starring role in the series SOMEONE LIKE ME (1994), a regular role in WOMEN OF THE HOUSE (1995), and a recurring role on THIRTYSOMETHING (1987). She also starred in the highly rated television movie MIRACLE IN THE WOODS (1997), with Della Reese.

In 2001, Heaton co-founded FourBoys Entertainment, a production company that she runs with her husband, actor/director/producer David Hunt. The company produced the Sony Pictures feature comedy MOM'S NIGHT OUT and TNT's production of THE ENGAGEMENT RING, both of which starred Heaton. In addition, she starred in Hallmark Hall of Fame's FRONT OF THE CLASS. Her other credits include the TNT/Neil Simon production of THE GOODBYE GIRL, Sony Pictures' animated THE STAR, and ABC's THE PATH TO 9/11. FourBoys' additional projects include THE CHRISTMAS HEART for the Hallmark Channel, the documentary feature film THE BITUMINOUS COAL QUEENS OF PENNSYLVANIA for Netflix, and the critically acclaimed film AMAZING GRACE, in conjunction with Bristol Bay Productions. FourBoys Entertainment partnered on the web series VERSAILLES for MyDamnChannel.com, which Heaton appeared in, and which was co-created, produced, and directed by Hunt.

Her feature film credits include MEMOIRS OF AN INVISIBLE MAN, BEETHOVEN, THE NEW AGE, SPACE JAM, the animated THE STAR and MOM'S NIGHT OUT.

On the Emmy Award-winning Food Network series PATRICIA HEATON PARTIES, she drew inspiration from her family and travels and invited the audience in while she served up incredible party-friendly foods for her co-stars, friends and family. She brought that same sensibility to print with her first cookbook, PATRICIA HEATON'S FOOD FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS and in May 2019, Heaton launched her homewares line, Patricia Heaton Home, with Walmart.

In addition to her acting and producing credits, Heaton is a best selling author whose book MOTHERHOOD AND HOLLYWOOD - HOW TO GET A JOB LIKE MINE appeared on the New York Times best seller list. Sometimes funny, sometimes touching, the book is a collection of essay's chronicling Heaton's childhood, years of struggle as an aspiring actress, her success on a wildly popular series, and how she balances her career and family.

Her latest book YOUR SECOND ACT - INSPIRING STORIES OF REINVENTION is filled with light-hearted anecdotes and pragmatic steps to help you discover your own path. YOUR SECOND ACT shows us that midlife doesn’t have to be about crisis when you focus on the opportunity. After all, it’s never too late, or too early to stage your second act!

A committed philanthropist, Heaton is the founding member of World Vision's Celebrity Ambassador Network. She has travelled to Rwanda, Zambia, and Syria with the humanitarian organization, which focuses on conducting relief, development and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries.

A mother of four sons, Heaton lives with her husband, David Hunt, in Los Angeles.

And on Episode 19, Wendi and Dfernando remember TV legend Regis Philbin, and Wendi gives us an update from her final installment of those cryotherapy sessions.

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... and our guest Patricia Heaton and her Twitter

Click below to purchase Patricia Heaton’s books:

MOTHERHOOD AND HOLLYWOOD - HOW TO GET A JOB LIKE MINE
PATRICIA HEATON'S FOOD FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS
YOUR SECOND ACT - INSPIRING STORIES OF REINVENTION

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The Eighteenth One... and Marguerite Derricks Jul 24, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's eighteenth episode and their guest interview is 3-time Emmy Award winning choreographer of television, film and stage Marguerite Derricks.

Marguerite Derricksis one of the dance world’s most highly recognized and respected working choreographers. She is the first and only choreographer to have received three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography, and is also the recipient of five MTV Movie Awards for Best Dance Sequence.

Marguerite’s television credits include Amazon's multi-award winning THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL, HBO’s WESTWORLD, Netflix’s GLOW, Netflix’s revival of GILMORE GIRLS: A Year in the Life, Starz’s BLUNT TALK, HBO’s multi-award winning BEHIND THE CANDELABRA, FX’s AMERICAN HORROR STORY, and HBO’s hit series TRUE BLOOD. Her television episodic credits also include popular shows such as SUPERSTORE, CRIMINAL MINDS: BEYOND BORDERS, CROWDED, MASTERS OF SEX, BUNHEADS, SCORPION, CSI: MIAMI, 3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN, WILL AND GRACE, and DANCING WITH THE STARS.

In the world of film Marguerite has choreographed some of the most popular movies of the last 20 years. Her work has spanned from cult hits like SHOWGIRLS, STRIPTEASE and DONNIE DARKO to top blockbuster films such as the AUSTIN POWERS franchise, CHARLIE'S ANGELS, TROPIC THUNDER, MR. & MRS. SMITH, 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, NO STRINGS ATTACHED, 13 GOING ON 30, and A BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS.

Her presence in Las Vegas includes Cirque du Soleil's long running production of ZUMANITY and LE REVE which was voted “Best Production Show” for six consecutive years, as well as CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SHOW at the Wynn Las Vegas.

Her theatre work includes HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL, which won rave reviews for its Los Angeles world premiere and had its Off-Broadway premiere in March 2014. She also choreographed the 2011 Broadway musical WONDERLAND.

Marguerite has choreographed for numerous awards shows including the Critics’ Choice Awards, The Oscars (with Hugh Jackman), The Emmy Awards, MTV Movie & TV Awards, Teen Choice Awards, TV Land Awards and the VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards.

In addition to her television and film work, Marguerite has worked with Grammy Award winning music icon Adele on CHASING PAVEMENTS which was nominated by MTV for Best Choreography in a music video. Other music videos include working with Lenny Kravitz and Katy Perry.

She also has had the pleasure of working with innovative commercial directors on popular spots for Clinique, Target, American Express, Pepsi, HP, Guitar Hero, United Healthcare as well as the iconic favorites for GAP - BOYFRIEND TROUSERS featuring Claire Danes and Patrick Wilson and the iconic KHAKI A-GO-GO commercial featuring Kevin Stea.

In between projects she continues to teach dance at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City as well as online at TMILLYTV and CLI Studios.

Also on Episode 18 there's an update on Wendi's cryotherapy sessions and hot flashes as well as Dfernando's NYC rooftop tanning. And on the weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT, there's Mother Nature's gifts (including baby skunks) and the original 1977 Broadway production of the legendary musical ANNIE.

... and our guest Marguerite Derricks

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The Seventeenth One... and Nia Vardalos Jul 17, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's seventeenth episode and their guest interview is Academy Award nominated & multi-award winning actress, screenwriter, playwright and producer Nia Vardalos.

Born and raised in Canada, Nia Vardalos is an alumna of the Chicago-based Second City comedy repertory company. She gained global attention with her 2002 film adaptation of MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, which she had written and starred in as a one-woman play in Los Angeles. Based on her personal experiences and family, the film was a critical success and remains the highest-grossing romantic comedy film of all time. Vardalos went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Writing (Original Screenplay), a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. The film inspired the CBS series MY BIG FAT GREEK LIFE and led to a 2016 sequel MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2, which she also wrote and starred in and featured the original film’s cast.

Vardalos’ other notable films: CONNIE AND CARLA, which she also wrote and starred in, opposite Toni Collette and David Duchovny; made her directorial debut with the film I HATE VALENTINE’S DAY; MY LIFE IN RUINS with Richard Dreyfuss (the first American production given permission to film at the Acropolis); and co-wrote with Academy Award winner Tom Hanks the film LARRY CROWNE.

She continues to write screenplays, but regularly returns to television. Her first appearances as an actress were on numerous hit television series like THE DREW CAREY SHOW, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, BOY MEETS WORLD and TWO GUYS, A GIRL AND A PIZZA PLACE. Other notable television appearances have been on DROP DEAD DIVA, COUGAR TOWN, GREY’S ANATOMY, LAW & ORDER: SVU, JANE THE VIRGIN, THE CATCH, GRAVES, CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND and most recently the TV movies SAME TIME, NEXT CHRISTMAS, POISONED LOVE: THE STACEY CASTOR STORY and CHRISTMAS ROMANCE AL DENTE. From 2015 to 2017, Vardalos and Ian Gomez co-presented the first two seasons of ABC TV’s THE GREAT AMERICAN BAKING SHOW.

She made her Broadway debut in THE 24 HOUR PLAYS 2006 as Mary in Julia Cho’s THE FIRST TREE IN ANTARCTICA, directed by Andrew McCarthy, followed by the 2009 The Actors Fund's CHANCE & CHEMISTRY, a centennial celebration of Frank Loesser.

A chance meeting with Tony Award & Emmy Award winning director Thomas Kail (HAMILTON, IN THE HEIGHTS, FX’s FOSSE/VERDON) led to her adapting for the NY stage Cheryl Strayed’s 2012 book TINY BEAUTY THINGS, where she originated the role of Sugar. The play had 2 acclaimed runs at The Public Theater in 2016 and 2017 and had a limited run at the Pasadena Playhouse in 2019. On May 6, 2020 Vardalos and the entire original cast of the play did a live-stream reading of the play as a benefit for The Actors Fund.

After thirteen distinct in vitro fertilization attempts had failed, Vardalos’ struggle to become a mother ultimately led her and then husband Ian Gomez to adopt. She went on to tell her journey in her New York Times best-selling book INSTANT MOM, which was published in 2014.

Also on Episode 17, Wendi brings up cryotherapy, hot flashes, and the weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT mentions Comedy Central's Emmy Award winning series DRUNK HISTORY, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Broadway's HAMILTON and Wim Hof's deep breathing method.

... and our guest Nia Vardalos and her Twitter

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The Sixteenth One... and Denny Dillon Jul 10, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's sixteenth episode and their guest interview is Tony Award nominated/CableACE Award-winning actress, comedian and writer Denny Dillon.

Denny Dillon began her professional career six weeks after moving to NYC in 1973 when she made her Broadway debut as Agnes in the highly anticipated 1974 Broadway revival of GYPSY, starring Angela Lansbury. She quickly followed it with the 1975 Broadway revival of Thornton Wilder's THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH. Roles she created on Broadway were in the 1980 Broadway stage adaptation of HAROLD AND MAUDE and Mickey in the 1983 hit Gershwin musical MY ONE AND ONLY, starring Tommy Tune and Twiggy, for which she received a nomination for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She later appeared as a replacement cast member in the 2003 Broadway play ENCHANTED APRIL.

Dillon famously made her big screen debut in the 1977 classic SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, playing Doreen, who asks John Travolta's character Tony if she can wipe his forehead for him. Other films followed, such as GARBO TALKS, SEVEN MINUTES IN HEAVEN, UNITED 93, RACING DAYLIGHT and as the voice of Glyptodon in the classic animated feature ICE AGE. In 2020 she was seen in Academy Award-winner Halle Berry's directorial debut BRUISED as Crazy Esther and in 2022 she will be seen opposite Owen Wilson and GENERATION RIPE's Wendi McLendon-Covey in the film PAINT.

Other notable career highlight was being a member of the first replacement cast on NBC's SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (Season 6 - 1980-1981) during the troubled tenure of producer Jean Doumanian. Sidebar: Denny Dillon was the shortest cast member in SNL history at 4'11".

On television, Dillon went on to win a CableACE Award for her role as series regular Toby Pedalbee, the abusive yet loyal assistant on the long-running HBO sitcom DREAM ON and has appeared on several classic series like DESIGNING WOMEN, NIGHT COURT, MIAMI VICE, FAME and NASH BRIDGES and as a series regular, she appeared on WOMEN IN PRISON and DR. SCIENCE. Most recently she was seen on LAW & ORDER: SVU, FX's LOUIE and HBO's THE OUTSIDER.

She continues acting in regional theatre and was seen in the musical TRIUMPH OF LOVE at Center Stage in Baltimore, Tennessee Williams' plays 8 BY TENN at the Hartford Stage, as Beatrice in the World Premiere of Tom Dudzick's DON'T TALK TO THE ACTORS at Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo, and as Berthe in the comedy farce BOEING-BOEING at Hartford Stage. In 2010, she was part of a new musical in "development" of Roald Dahl's JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH at Goodspeed Musicals in Connecticut, directed by acclaimed director/choreographer Graciela Daniele.

Dillon has headed the IMPROV NATION, based in the Hudson Valley (New York state), since 2006, and is an Artist in-Residence at SUNY Ulster where she teaches improvisation and is on the faculty of Primary Stages.

She's currently writing a book of memoirs and shares her life with partner Barbara Smiley.

And on the weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT, the fabulous Debi Mazar, some words for Meghan McCain, the Criterion Collection release of Robert Zemeckis' 1978 film I WANNA HOLD YOUR HAND, and the curse of that TikTok peach cobbler. Wendi and Dfernando also bring up TV sitcom theme songs and do a little singing themselves.

... and our guest Denny Dillon

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The Fifteenth One... and Cedric Yarbrough Jul 03, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's fifteenth episode and their guest interview is with actor, comedian, voice artist and singer Cedric Yarbrough.

Known for his revered role of Deputy S. Jones on the now-classic comedy series RENO 911!, Cedric Yarbrough has been making people laugh for years. Past television credits for the Minneapolis native include SPEECHLESS as Kenneth Clements, THE GOLDBERGS as Vic, CAROL'S SECOND ACT as Nurse Dennis, RAKE, CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND, BALLERS, THE SOUL MAN, KEY AND PEELE, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM and DICE.

For years he has appeared on the big screen, including the feature film THE BOSS, opposite Melissa McCarthy. Other credits include THE 40-YEAR OLD VIRGIN, MEET THE FOCKERS, GET SMART, FOUR CHRISTMASES, the animated film JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRISIS ON TWO EARTHS and the Sundance favorite BLACK DYNAMITE.

Having a powerful and distinctive voice, he is recognized for the role of Assistant District Attorney Tom Dubois and Colonel H. Stinkmeaner in the Peabody Award-winning series THE BOONDOCKS. He is also heard as Officer Meow Meow Fuzzyface in the series BOJACK HORSEMAN, as Gerald Fitzgerald on PARADISE PD, as well as Broccoli Guy in SKYLANDERS ACADEMY. Additionally he is the voice of Neil Degrasse Tyson in MIKE TYSON MYSTERIES. Other animated shows include FAMILY GUY, AMERICAN DAD, BLAZE AND THE MONSTER MACHINES, MILO MURPHY'S LAW as well as WE BARE BEARS.

Additionally, Cedric is proud to be a part of the long-running sensation THE BLACK VERSION, an improvised show that started at The Groundlings in 2010. The LA Times calls this show "A Winner" and Rolling Stone calls it a "Comedic A-Team." He is also an alumnus of Dudley Riggs' Brave New Workshop in Minneapolis.

And Wendi and Dfernando discuss Britney Spears' trending Instagram postings, whipped coffee and the weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT has Sam Wasson's acclaimed Bob Fosse biography FOSSE, lack of self-awareness, musician Cory Henry and Wendi's personal message to Mark Zuckerberg.

... and our guest Cedric Yarbrough, his Twitter and his Facebook page.
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Visit Dfernando Zaremba's website: dfernandozaremba.com

The Fourteenth One... and Alec Mapa Jun 26, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's fourteenth episode and their guest interview is with GLAAD Award-winning actor, comedian and writer Alec Mapa.

Ellen Degeneres has called him “smart, hilarious and funny.” Variety has said, “Alec Mapa is a freak. No one should be this talented.” With uproarious live performances and groundbreaking television roles, Alec Mapa has entertained audiences worldwide in every imaginable medium.

Audiences first discovered Alec on Broadway in the original 1988 Tony Award-winning production of M. BUTTERFLY (opposite the legendary Tony Randall), and he hasguest starred on over 40 television series, including ALIAS, FRIENDS, ROSEANNE, SEINFELD and NYPD BLUE, among others.

Alec played network television’s very first gay Asian series regular role on the CBS sitcom SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS. He then starred in four seasons of the UPN sitcom HALF & HALF, and went on to appear in the ABC hit UGLY BETTY and was a frequent guest star on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and had recurring roles on ABC Family’s SWITCHED AT BIRTH and Lifetime’s DEVIOUS MAIDS. You can see Alec in his recurring role as Animal Vegetable Mineral Man on the hit series DOOM PATROL now streaming on HBO Max and DC Universe.

His Showtime comedy special Alec Mapa: BABY DADDY, is based on his award-winning solo show, which hilariously, irreverently chronicles Alec’s journey to fatherhood via foster adoption.

On film, Alec played “N’Cream” in the wildly popular drag queen musical CONNIE AND CARLA. Other films include PLAYING BY HEART, MARLEY & ME, YOU DON'T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN, and the action-comedy CHICK FIGHT, opposite Alec Baldwin, Bella Thorne and Malin Akerman and the 2021 comedy QUEEN BEES opposite Ellen Burstyn, Ann-Margret, Jane Curtin and Loretta Devine as well as James Caan and Christopher Lloyd.

An accomplished stand-up comedian, Alec’s WISECRACK comedy special premiered on LOGO in 2005 and has since become a cult favorite. His follow-up comedy specials AMERICA'S GAYSIAN SWEETHEART and NO FATS, FEMMES OR ASIANS aired on the HERE! and LOGO networks respectively.

Alec was awarded the prestigious Davidson Valentini GLAAD Award for promoting equal rights for the LGBTQ community. A tireless fundraiser, Alec has toured the country on behalf of The Human Rights Campaign and The Matthew Shepard Foundation earning him the unofficial title of “America’s Gaysian Sweetheart.”

Alec lives in Los Angeles with his husband Jamie and his son Zion.

Also on this episode, Wendi and Dfernando discuss the latest social media platform TikTok, peach cobblers and once again, the legendary Shirley Bassey. On the weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's the 45th anniversary of the 1975 masterpiece JAWS, salt pipe inhalers and the current nightly fireworks situation.

... and our guest Alec Mapa as well as his Twitter, Facebook and YouTube Channel.

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Visit Dfernando Zaremba's website: dfernandozaremba.com

The Thirteenth One... and Keiko Agena Jun 19, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's thirteenth episode and their guest interview is with actress, artist and author Keiko Agena.

Keiko Agena was a series regular on the FOX series PRODIGAL SON where she played Dr. Edrisa Tanaka. Prior to PRODIGAL SON she was best known for the TV series GILMORE GIRLS, where she played Lane Kim for seven years and reprised the role in Netflix’s 2016 mini-series GILMORE GIRLS: A YEAR IN THE LIFE. In between Agena has been a series regular on Hulu’s THE FIRST and recurring on BETTER CALL SAUL, DIRTY JOHN and 13 REASONS WHY. As a guest star she has appeared on such shows as SHAMELESS, SCANDAL and NCIS: Los Angeles to name a few.

Keiko has recently published NO MISTAKES: A Perfect Workbook for Imperfect Artists through Penguin/Random House. An inspiring creative journal based on mindfulness practices and the “no mistakes” principles of improv.

A graduate of the UCB and iO West improv programs, she has studied at The Groundlings and currently performs with multiple improv teams.

And on this episode, Wendi talks about her upcoming book of essays (no pre-orders yet, folks!) and on the weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT, another bit of pop culture mentions with Bravo's THE RACHEL ZOE PROJECT, Hulu'**s DIFFICULT PEOPLE, Shirley Bassey, Propellerheads, "History Repeating" and the "**Karen"s of the world.

... and our guest Keiko Agena as well as her Twitter.

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The Twelfth One... and Andrew Pescara Jun 12, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's twelfth episode and their guest interview is with disruptor, cinematographer, musician and martial artist Andrew Pescara.
Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Andrew Pescara received a bachelor's degree in film, television, and media from the University of Michigan in 2018. There, he got his start as an interviewer and student videographer at Michigan News, and then worked as an intern at Adult Swim shortly after graduation. He produced a number of original promos for the network before moving to Los Angeles in May of 2019, where he has worked as a production assistant on RENO 911! (Season 7), THE FUGITIVE (2020), SURVIVOR (Season 39), and on music videos for the album ERYS by Jaden Smith.
Inspired both by the psychedelic revolution and the anarcho punk movement of the early 1980s, he puts this style on display for the first time in his debut series AUTO CANNABALISM, an art film/documentary web series structured around interviews with homeless people in Los Angeles county. In addition to a budding film career, Pescara is the lyricist and frontman of the L.A. anarcho punk band Gottlieb, and has experimented with standup comedy and street performance.

And Wendi and Dfernando talk about Wendi's recent spa day, foot festishes and on the weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT, it's all about television: FOSSE/VERDON, AT HOME WITH AMY SEDARIS, THE CAROL BURNETT SHOW and KILLING EVE.

... and our guest Andrew Pescara and his anarcho punk band Gottlieb

Subscribe to Andrew's YouTube channel as well as Gottlieb's YouTube channel and Facebook page.

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Visit Dfernando Zaremba's website: dfernandozaremba.com

The Eleventh One... and Hayley Orrantia May 29, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's eleventh episode and their guest interview is with singer-musician/actress Hayley Orrantia.

While she may be best known as “Erica Goldberg” on ABC’s hit comedy THE GOLDBERGS, Hayley is no stranger to the country music world. Her songs have been featured on many Spotify and iTunes playlists, and on Radio Disney Country. In 2018, she conducted the Strong, Sweet and Southern Tour, her first headlining tour hitting 22 cities across the US. She released her first EP “The Way Out” in the Spring of 2019 chronicling her grief over a traumatic breakup. On the day of its release, it reached #20 on the US iTunes Country Chart and #3 on the UK iTunes Country Chart.

As an only child growing up in Texas, Hayley spent many hours in her room singing along to the music of the great voices of our time. Standing on the stage her father built for her in her bedroom, she sang along to the music of artists from many genres including country, pop and R&B. Although each artist had their own unique style, all made you feel something through their music. Singing since the age of 9, she added songwriting to her list of skills at age 13, and began piano and acting at age 14. Through years of study, practice and performance, Hayley has honed her expressive and soulful style that makes her instantly recognizable to the listener.

After spending nearly five years performing at local festivals and events, Hayley came to national prominence on the 1st season of Simon Cowell’s THE X FACTOR USA. Auditioning initially as a solo artist, she and three other females were assembled by Cowell into a country-pop girl group where they competed in the group category, finishing in 9th place. Her time on the show not only established her musical talent but also her screen appeal, and cemented her desire for a career expressing herself on stage.

Hayley lives in Los Angeles while filming THE GOLDBERGS, but calls Nashville home since moving there in 2013. She spends her time off from THE GOLDBERGS writing and recording, and is honored to be working with many of Nashville’s most prolific songwriters and producers.

Her film credits include the independent film COOPER AND THE CASTLE HILLS GANG and the feature film GOD'S NOT DEAD 2 where her original song "Silence You" was featured.

Listen to Hayley's music

Check out Hayley's merchandise

And on this episode Wendi and Dfernando talk DESIGNING WOMEN and on the weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there'sSeason 8 of THE GOLDBERGS, summer films, RAISING ARIZONA and some other stuff.

... and our guest Hayley Orrantia

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Visit Dfernando Zaremba's website: dfernandozaremba.com

The Tenth One... and Randall Slavin May 22, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's tenth episode and their guest interview is with photographer Randall Slavin.

Picking up a camera didn't start out as an artistic pursuit for Randall Slavin. While working a dead end job in a gas station, he wandered into a local photography studio and struck up a friendship with the owner. The owner took the young Slavin under his wing and taught him a few photography basics, then promptly fired him a few months later. With nowhere else to turn, Slavin put one foot in front of the other and never looked back. In the years since and through his lens, he's documented his journey.

Slavin had his photography debut in the prestigious New York Times Magazine and his work has appeared in Vanity Fair, GQ, Esquire, Rolling Stone & many others. Slavin had his first exhibit in Paris in 2008 & a solo show at Annenberg Space For Photography in 2011. He received the 2011 Hollywood Style Award for "Photographer of the Year."

From the vinyl seats of Hollywood nightclubs in 1999 to glossy cover shoots in New York in 2019, Slavin has captured snapshots of it all, encapsulated in his debut photography collection, We All Want Something Beautiful. Featuring stunning portraits and spirited candids of the most recognizable people in Hollywood, Slavin offers us a peek behind the curtain in this ultimately revelatory collection that will last a lifetime.

And Wendi and Dfernando's weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT where there's mention of HAPPY DAYS and LAVERNE & SHIRLEY (again) and a new love for salmon.

... and our guest Randall Slavin

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The Ninth One... and Sandra Bernhard May 15, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's ninth episode and their guest interview is with the legendary Sandra Bernhard.

Sandra Bernhard is a performer, actress, singer and author. She is the host of the hugely popular Sandyland, her daily radio show on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy channel 102, for which she won a Gracie Award.

A pioneer of the one-woman show, Bernhard brings a completely unique and raucous mix of cabaret, stand-up, rock-n-roll, and social commentary to the stage. Notable shows, which she has performed both on and off-Broadway, include: Without You I’m Nothing, I’m Still Here ... Damn It!, Everything Bad and Beautiful, and Sandra Monica Blvd: Coast to Coast.

Bernhard’s film credits include The King of Comedy, (for which she was awarded Best Supporting Actress by the National Society of Film Critics), Track 29, Hudson Hawk, Dinner Rush, and the live performance film Without You I’m Nothing. Television credits include Pose, American Horror Story: Apocalypse, Sweetbitter, Two Broke Girls, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Broad City, Difficult People, You’re the Worst, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Will & Grace, The Sopranos, The Larry Sanders Show and Roseanne.

Music albums include I'm Your Woman (Polygram, 1986) Excuses for Bad Behavior (Epic, 1994) and the world music album Whatever It Takes (Mi5, 2009). Bernhard has also performed with or opened for other artists including The Pretenders, Cyndi Lauper and The Scissor Sisters. In addition, she is the author of three books: Confessions of a Pretty Lady (Harper&Row, 1988) Love, Love and Love (William Morrow, 1993) and May I Kiss You on the Lips, Miss Sandra? (Rob Weisbach Books/William Morrow, 1998).

And Wendi and Dfernando talk about thei PEOPLE Magazine shoot, Chinese denim jumpsuits and on their weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's more Sandra Bernhard, Wendi's nails and the classic ABC TV sitcom LAVERNE & SHIRLEY.

... and our guest Sandra Bernhard

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The Eighth One... and a Month-aversary with Wendi & Dfernando May 11, 2020

It's been a month since the launch of GENERATION RIPE and Wendi and Dfernando take over Episode 8.

On the podcast's one month anniversary, the co-hosts and bffs discuss Netflix's HOLLYWOOD, the Scotty Bowers documentary, his memoirs FULL SERVICE and mention actors who reached career success later in life. Nothing comes easy so as long as you're loving the journey, keep on going.

Also, the weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT continues with raspberry oil sunscreen, the return of Broadway, Carol Burnett's IN SUCH GOOD COMPANY: 11 Years of Laughter, Mayhem and Fun in the Sandbox, and the real Beverly Goldberg.

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Visit Dfernando Zaremba's website: dfernandozaremba.com

The Seventh One... and Kerri Kenney-Silver May 06, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's seventh episode and their guest interview is with Emmy Award nominated comic actress, writer, and singer-musician Kerri Kenney-Silver.

Kerry Kenney-Silver began her career in New York City, where she not only became involved with the sketch comedy troupe The State at NYU (alongside her friend Thomas Lennon) but also created the acclaimed indie rock girl band Cake Like, where she sang lead and played bass guitar.

The State later became a sketch comedy show on MTV, which segued to her creating and starring in Comedy Central's VIVA VARIETY, then countless TV appearances followed including MIRACLE WORKERS, SUPERSTORE, 2 BROKE GIRLS, Netflix's A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS and LOVE, BOB'S BURGERS to her most well-known role, Emmy Award nominated Deputy Trudy Wiegel on the now-classic RENO 911!

... and our guest Kerri Kenney-Silver

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The Sixth One... and Steve Saiz May 01, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's sixth episode and their guest interview is with designer, artist and skateboarder Steve Saiz.

While attending high school with GENERATION RIPE's co-host Wendi McLendon-Covey, then-teenage Long Beach local Steve Saiz began his pro skateboarder career as part of the vert team of Powell Peralta's "Bones Brigade" (alongside legends Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Mike McGill and Lance Mountain). Steve was part of the late 80s "street style" skateboard revolution and in 1989, his Native American "totem pole" graphic was the second illustrated deck model by newly acquired artist Sean Cliver in 1989.

After incurring numerous skateboarding injuries, Steve chose to focus on his art and design talent which has led him to become Art Director for DC Shoes Inc./Quicksilver Inc., DC Shoes Artist Projects, Imagewerk Agency and Spy Eyewear for a number of years to his current work as Director of Graphics at 3 Ball Entertainment, which have produced countless reality series like BAR RESCUE.

His interest in painting caught the eyes of Grammy Award winning recording artist Pink and director Dave Myers, who commissioned him for the featured paintings in her 2011 music video “F**kin’ Perfect."

As part of his ongoing work as an artist, he is also known for his one-of-a-kind SAIZ FEATHERBOARDS and was recently accepted as an artist for the Starbucks Artist Projects for interior Murals in Starbucks Coffee cafés. These murals, on the boardwalk in Venice Beach, CA, are a tribute to the rich skateboarding history of Venice and honor one of the true legends of the sport Christian Hosoi.

Contact Steve Saiz at: saiz5412@gmail.com

Follow him on his Instagram @saiz5412

Also on Episode 6, Wendi and Dfernando give updates on their upcoming projects, mention the HBO documentary VERY RALPH, the real Beverly Goldberg's THE GOLDBERGS COOKBOOK, Chris Salewicz's REDEMPTION SONG: The Ballad of Joe Strummer and more on their weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT.

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The Fifth One... and Alexander Saladrigas Apr 26, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's fifth episode and their guest interview is with fashion photographer Alexander Saladrigas.

Having begun his professional career in New York City alongside our GENERATION RIPE co-host Dfernando Zaremba, Alexander Saladrigas has gone on to photograph countless cover editorials for VOGUE, ELLE and other major fashion publications, and has photographed super models Lara Stone, Karen Elson, and Alek Wek along with actresses Zoe Kravitz, Oscar winner Kathy Bates, Taraji P. Henson and Lily Aldridge. He has also photographed a global campaign for ISABEL MARANTand works with the brands LOUIS VUITTON, BOBBY BROWN, ARMANI and TORY BURCH.

He is represented in New York by Donna Cerutti.

And on Episode 5, Wendi and Dfernando answer more listener questions, mention Marie Osmond, SHARK LORDS, The Groundlings and more on their weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT.

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GENERATION RIPE
... and our guest Alexander Saladrigas and his FIGHT THRU FASHION - provoking change through conversation in the fashion industry.
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Visit Dfernando Zaremba's website: dfernandozaremba.com

The Fourth One... and Dot-Marie Jones Apr 22, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's fourth episode and their guest interview is with 3-time Emmy Award nominee, actress Dot-Marie Jones.

A former multi-award winning athlete, Dot-Marie segued into a successful acting career appearing on television in MARRIED... WITH CHILDREN, REBA, THE GOLDBERGS and AMERICAN HORROR STORY: CULT, to her acclaimed role as Coach Beiste on Ryan Murphy's musical series GLEE, which earned her 3 consecutive Emmy Award nominations.

She recently made her NY stage debut in the 10th anniversary production of the musical ROCK OF AGES in the role of Dennis Dupree.

Also, Wendi and Dfernando answer listener questions, mention music icons Nile Rodgers, Rick James, Cher and rolling skating and there's another installment of their weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT.

... and our guest Dot-Marie Jones
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Visit Dfernando Zaremba's website: dfernandozaremba.com

The Third One... and Lea Thompson Apr 17, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's third episode and their first guest interview is with director/actress Lea Thompson.

Known to many as an actress in classic 80s films like ALL THE RIGHT MOVES, SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL to the BACK TO THE FUTURE films, her hit 90s NBC sitcom CAROLINE IN THE CITY to her work as a director with the 2018 film THE YEAR OF SPECTACULAR MEN to countless TV sitcoms like MOM, YOUNG SHELDON, SCHOOLED and THE GOLDBERGS.

There's also another installment of the weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT with mentions of FX's WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, the theme song to the film HOWARD THE DUCK to cardboard boxes.

... and our guest Lea Thompson

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And rate & leave us a review by clicking HERE!

Visit Dfernando Zaremba's website: dfernandozaremba.com

The Second One Apr 11, 2020

Wendi and Dfernando's second episode. Listener letters are answered and there is even mention of Britney Spears' Instagram, The Osmonds' "Yo-Yo" and the finale of SCHITT$ CREEK, plus the weekly RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT and Wendi's latest filmBLUSH.

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Wendi McLendon-Covey
Dfernando Zaremba
GENERATION RIPE
Remember to subscribe to GENERATION RIPE

And rate & leave us a review by clicking HERE!

Visit Dfernando Zaremba's website: dfernandozaremba.com

First Time for Everything Apr 09, 2020

In their premiere episode, Wendi and Dfernando lay it all on the table: who they are, how they met and why they are best friends. You'll hear a little bit about Dfernando's life as an art director in the fashion industry, what it was like visiting Wendi on the sets of THE GOLDBERGS and RENO 911!, and the debut of their weekly RIPE & ROTTEN Report.

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Wendi McLendon-Covey
Dfernando Zaremba
GENERATION RIPE
Remember to subscribe to GENERATION RIPE

And rate & leave us a review by clicking HERE!

Visit Dfernando Zaremba's website: dfernandozaremba.com

GENERATION RIPE (Trailer) Apr 09, 2020

A GENERATION RIPE listener is someone who thinks of their age as an asset, not a liability. We are older people with young souls or younger people with old souls. We are a tribe of curious creatives who still embrace new experiences and aren’t afraid of taking risks. Whatever happens, good or bad, at least we’ll learn something new and get a good story out of it. If you’re lucky enough to have your bestie by your side to cheer you on, even better.

Co-hosted by actress/writer/producer Wendi McLendon-Covey
and photo art director/producer Dfernando Zaremba

Follow us on our Instagram:
Wendi McLendon-Covey
Dfernando Zaremba
GENERATION RIPE
Remember to subscribe to GENERATION RIPE

And rate & leave us a review by clicking HERE!

Visit Dfernando Zaremba's website: dfernandozaremba.com