The Back Room with Andy Ostroy

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Julianna Margulies Mar 23, 2023

Show notes

Julianna Margulies is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award winner currently starring as Laura Peterson on Apple TV+'s The Morning Show. She previously starred as Alicia Florrick on the long-running hit CBS show The Good Wife, which she also produced, and was one of the original cast members of ER. More recently, Julianna’s starred on critically acclaimed series including Billions and The Hot Zone..and has added author to her list of credits with the recent release of her memoir, Sunshine Girl: An Unexpected Life. She’s been involved with Project ALS and Erin's Law and is also a board member of the New York City-based MCC Theater company.

Julianna joins me for an intimate, riveting, in-depth conversation about her dysfunctional, chaotic childhood; her early acting journey; her incredible work in television and film; Judaism, anti-Semitism and her Holocaust remembrance advocacy; her fight against child sexual-abuse; and her thoughts on Roe v Wade, politics and Trump. There's also a surprise reveal that her father wrote one of the most famous jingles in advertising history. This is a chat you don't want to miss!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Michelle Williams Mar 21, 2023

Show notes

Michelle Williams is one of Hollywood's most respected actors. Her latest film SHOWING UP will be released in theaters April 7th and is her fourth collaboration with writer-director Kelly Reichardt. Most recently she starred in Steven Spielberg’s THE FABELMANS for which she received her fifth Academy Award nomination as well as a Golden Globe and Critics Choice nomination.

Her other films include Marvel’s VENOM and the sequel, VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE; MANCHESTER BY THE SEA; MY WEEK WITH MARILYN; BLUE VALENTINE; BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN; WENDY AND LUCY and a many other critically acclaimed, award-winning films. She’s won an Emmy for playing Gwen Verdon in FX’s “Fosse/Verdon.” And she’s also a Tony-nominated actor who made her Broadway debut in CABARET.

Please join Michelle and I for this in-depth, honest, emotional conversation about family, life, love, loss, grief and of course her incredible acting journey through film, television and theater.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Gary Gulman Mar 18, 2023

Show notes

Actor and comedian Gary Gulman is one of America's most popular comics. A product or Massachusetts, Gary's currently on his "Born on 3rd Base Tour". His most recent stand-up special for HBO, “The Great Depresh,” is a universally acclaimed, tour de force look at mental illness, which is equal parts hilarious and inspiring. He was most recently seen co-starring with Amy Schumer in the hit Hulu comedy series, Life & Beth. His memoir, Misfit, will be published in September.

This rank's among my most favorite pod chats because it's a truly important one. Gary not only takes us back on a wicked funny ride through his impoverished Jewish childhood, his high-school and college years, his early comedy journey and what it means to be a "Masshole"...he's also brutally honest about his life-long struggle with depression and anxiety and how it's impacted his life, his relationships, his work, his sense of self and the message it sends to others who are suffering, and the help and inspiration it's given them.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Hilarie Burton Mar 14, 2023

Show notes

Hilarie Burton is a film and television actor and producer, NY Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, farmer, activist, philanthropist, podcaster and host of AMC's It Couldn't Happen Here. A former host of MTV's Total Request Live, she portrayed Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill from 2003-2009, has appeared in several films including The Secret Life of Bees, Surprised By Love, Summer Villa and A Christmas Wish. She's also appeared in various television shows including White Collar, Grey's Anatomy, Extant, Lethal Weapon, Good Sam and The Walking Dead. Together with her husband actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Hilarie owns Mischief Farm, MF Libations beverage company and are co-owners of Samuel's Sweet Shop in Rhinebeck, NY with Paul and Julie Rudd and Andy Ostroy.

This is a truly don't-miss conversation as Hil takes us back to her conservative roots in Sterling, VA; her early inspiration for journalism and activism; her television program's focus on social/racial/criminal injustice; her strong, passionate views on religion, women's & LGBTQ rights, and abortion; her thoughts on Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Donald Trump; the political tribalism in America today; being outspoken on Twitter; her upcoming book Grimoire Girl; and her newfound role as head of her son Gus's middle-school PTA.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Tim Miller Mar 11, 2023

Show notes

Tim Miller is The Bulwark’s writer-at-large and the author of the best-selling book Why We Did It: A Travelogue from the Republican Road to Hell. He was previously political director for Republican Voters Against Trump, communications director for Jeb Bush 2016, and spokesman for the Republican National Committee in 2012. He is an MSNBC political analyst and host of Not My Party on Snapchat. He has written about politics for Rolling Stone, The Ringer and Playboy. He’s also appeared on several episodes of Showtime’s The Circus.

Tim is super smart, insightful and funny and always a great guest! Join us for a fun, informative chat about the craziness of CPAC; the Rupert Murdoch/Tucker Carlson/Fox legal troubles; Trump and Trumpism; DeSantis and the 2024 presidential election; and his memorable moments with Sebastian Gorka and Kari Lake on last week's Showtime's The Circus!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Adam Frisch Mar 07, 2023

Show notes

Adam Frisch is an entrepreneur, former banking executive and former City of Aspen Councilman who recently announced his bid to unseat extreme-MAGA Congresswoman Lauren Boebert in Colorado's 3rd House District. In the 2022 midterms he narrowly lost to Boebert by 546 votes. He currently runs a residential design and build firm and has been involved in the home-health care industry as well as the RV and Campground Park business. He has put his business on hold to focus on the 2024 campaign.

This is an extremely important race and so we're excited to have Adam in The Back Room discussing the issues and sharing his vision for Colorado and the nation. And, he also reveals his dream job. Hint: it has something to do with Bob Dylan!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Chris Stein Mar 04, 2023

Show notes

Chris Stein is the co-founder, songwriter and guitarist of the iconic punk band Blondie. He is also an accomplished photographer, author of two photography books, with a third on the way, and a soon-to-be-published memoir.

Join us as Chris takes us on a fascinating journey through his storied life, music, photography and his thoughts on today's political landscape. It's a conversation you don't wanna miss!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Bob Gruen Feb 28, 2023

Show notes

Such a thrill to have legendary rock and roll photographer Bob Gruen in The Back Room studio for a fascinating in-person, in-depth conversation about his illustrious seven-decade career photographing Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Smokey Robinson, Sonny & Cher, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Blondie, Debbie Harry, The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, The Grateful Dead, The Who, Willie Nelson, Tina Turner, David Bowie, The Sex Pistols, The New York Dolls, The Clash, The Ramones, Kiss, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Peter Frampton, Elton John, Queen, Bruce Springsteen, The Beastie Boys, Green Day, The White Stripes, Sean Lennon, Maneskin and so many others.

You don't wanna miss this thoroughly engrossing chat as Bob takes us on a riveting ride back through his personal and professional life and shares incredible stories of meeting, hanging out with and becoming friends with the most celebrated artists of all time while capturing many of the most iconic, recognizable music photos ever including John Lennon's peace sign at the Statue of Liberty and wearing the white New York City t-shirt.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Elie Honig Feb 25, 2023

Show notes

Elie Honig is a CNN senior legal analyst and the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and the just released Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It. He’s a former federal and state prosecutor. From 2004 to 2012, he was an assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of New Yorkshire he successfully prosecuted over 100 members and associates of the Mafia, including bosses and other high-ranking members, on murder, racketeering, and other charges. In 2022, he was nominated for an Emmy Award in the category Outstanding News Analysis: Editorial and Opinion. Honig also hosts podcasts and writes for CAFE and Vox Media, teaches at Rutgers University, and is Special Counsel at a New Jersey law firm.

Join us for an hour of Elie's keen insights into Donald Trump's legal troubles; Attorney General Merrick Garland's performance; how in 2012 Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner escaped fraud prosecution; the current controversy involving Georgia J6 Special Grand Jury forewoman Emily Kohrs; the Mike Pence subpoena battle; his years prosecuting the Mafia; and his new book, which analyzes how the wealthy, powerful and connected 'get away with it' and end up above the law. You'll also learn why he doesn't have pets, which musical artists comprise his all-time Top 5, and what this Jersey Boy has to say about the "Springsteen poser!"

Elie's a super-smart, funny, engaging guy and you're gonna love this chat!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Anthony "The Mooch" Scaramucci Feb 22, 2023

Show notes

Anthony “The Mooch” Scaramucci is the founder and managing partner of global investment firm SkyBridge and founder and chairman of SALT, a global thought leadership forum and venture studio. He’s also an author, he just launched the OPEN BOOK podcast and is best known for the 11 roller-coaster days he served in the Trump White House as Communications Director.

Mooch never fails to be an open, genuine, self-deprecating and very compelling conversationalist. We chat about the emotional toll on him and his family of his time on the Trump crazy train; mental health and depression; accountability; regret and redemption; Trumpism; racism; his prediction for a Trump indictment; Nikki Haley; the Republican threat to Democracy; the new podcast and his love of the NY Mets.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

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