The Edge with Mark Thompson

Latest Episodes:

Our Former Co-Host, Heather, Visits and Talks Stedman and Oprah ..Then, Renowned Trends Analyst, Gerald Celente Aug 15, 2018

Show notes

You've heard Gerald Celente across the media landscape, on Coast to Coast with George Noory and elsewhere. His no nonsense takes on world events makes him one of our favorite guests.

Gerald deconstructs what's happening both in America and worldwide in terms of the wave of populist leadership and the revolt away from traditional political leaders and systems.

What's the net effect of these waves of populism? Gerald answers that question and gives us a guide for the prevailing trends.

Gerald's newsletter is The Trends Journal

First, former co-host, Heather Ankeny, stops by to see Mark Thompson and J. Elvis Weinstein. Heather shares a bit of what's been going on in her life which includes a brush with Stedman Graham and Heather's take on the "Me Too" movement.

Mark shares the story of his mentorship of a foster child.

You can reach us at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

00-2:45 Mark's intro and summary

2:45-29:10 Mark, J Elvis and Heather Ankeny on Oprah and Stedman

29:10-59:20 Trends analyst, Gerald Celente joins Mark Thompson

WORLD SERIES OF POKER CHAMPION: JOHN CYNN Aug 08, 2018

Show notes

Even if you don't play cards, you'll enjoy this episode...

John Cynn is a newly minted poker champion, the winner of the World Series of Poker Main Event.

John takes Mark Thompson and J.Elvis Weinstein through some of what goes into being a good card player and the obstacles he was up against.

From superstition to visualization to not being able to tell your parents about wanting to be a professional poker, John reviews it all.

The guys review a couple of hands and strategies.

John discusses his plans for the future and plans for the 8.8 million dollar prize.

The show run 1hr 4 mins

Special Edition: The New Zealand Manuka Miracle featuring Sam Rubin Aug 06, 2018

Show notes

In a special edition of the show, Mark Thompson welcomes back entertainment reporter Sam Rubin who has is filled with enthusiasm for a product from New Zealand that Sam explains has significant restorative properties.

Sam insists HE is partially responsible for the "Manuka Miracle," the sudden upswing in interest in and use of Manuka Honey from New Zealand.

Recently featured in a special report on "Good Morning America," Sam and Mark are joined live from Auckland New Zealand by Kate Kember and David Campbell, both from Manuka Health, New Zealand's premiere provider of Manuka Honey.

From these two experts, Mark and Sam get full details on the benefits of Manuka Honey for the skin and overall health, learn the special process of bee keeping and harvesting and why Manuka Health's products are sold in over 45 countries worldwide. Additionally we learn how to be better consumers and how to avoid rip-offs from unscrupulous providers.

Sam maintains the "Manuka Miracle" can change your life, and maybe even make Mark's skin glow.

(The show runs 33 minutes)

CERTIFIED FRESH! MOVIES IN THE MODERN AGE: FROM ROTTEN TOMATOES AND TYT, MATT ATCHITY Jul 31, 2018

Show notes

Former Editor-In-Chief at Rotten Tomatoes, Matt Atchity, presided over the website as it became a go-to destination for people deciding what films and television offerings they were going to watch.

Matt joins Mark Thompson and comic/documentary film director, J Elvis Weinstein on this episode.

Matt explains the power of "Certified Fresh", the limited power of the superhero and tentpole films and studios generally.

Finally, Matt talks about The Young Turks and his goals for TYT.

Matt is one of the hosts of WHAT THE FLICK (which reviews movies and TV) on the TYT network.

Before Matt, Michael Shure returns from Israel and looks at the political aspirations of Jim Jordan as Jordan attempts to succeed Paul Ryan as House Speaker. One problem Jordan may have is the trail of controversy that's shadowing him.

Mark also asks Michael about the Endangered Species Act and why it's rollback is a priority for Trump and Interior Sec'y Zinke. Michael explains the politics.

00-3:16 Mark welcome, summary

3:16-26:06 Michael Shure on politics

26:06-1:21:14 Matt Atchity, J Elvis Weinstein and Mark Thompson

Email us at: edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

MEET THE MOB: VEGAS MOB BOSS TURNED GOV'T WITNESS, FRANK CULOTTA...FIRST, THE SUPREME COURT APPOINTMENT AND SECRET SOCIETY CONNECTED TO IT Jul 12, 2018

Show notes

Vegas mobster, Frank Culotta, is out of witness relocation and now telling stories of his days in the Vegas mafia.

Culotta arrived in Vegas from Chicago as an underboss to Chicago boss, Tony Spilotro and explains the mob role in an expanding Las Vegas.

Gambling, "skimming" and killing.. Murder, enforcement for the mob and high end burglary (he ran a robbery crew called the Hole In The Wall Gang) is what Frank's life was about during his mob years.

Frank was also the technical consultant on the movie CASINO. He sat alongside Martin Scorsese for the shooting of the film.

Before Frank, Michael Shure joins Mark to shed light on the new Supreme Court appointment.

The appointment comes from a list prepared by a conservative think tank and the leading advisor to Trump, Leonard Leo, is someone with a tie to a secret society called the Knights of Malta.

The two talk about the Thai cave rescue.

This is a shorter than normal episode so you'll be done in a little over a half hour! Enjoy!

You can reach our show at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

JUMBO POLITICAL EPISODE! 20 year CNN Commentator Bill Schneider..His New Book: Standoff--Also, From Mystery Science Theater 3K, Comedian Frank Conniff, Plus, Political Guru, Michael Shure, on Supreme Court Vacancies, Mid-Terms and Trump Jun 30, 2018

Show notes

Featured guest, Bill Schneider, is a leading political analyst, a professor of government and author.

Bill was CNN's senior political analyst for 20 years and his writings appear everywhere from the LA Times to the Atlantic, Politico and Reuters.

He teaches at UCLA and George Mason Univ. outside of D.C.

Bill's new book is called STANDOFF: HOW AMERICA BECAME UNGOVERNABLE

Before Bill arrives, regular contributor, Michael Shure drills down during THE FAST 15 (politics and more) to discuss how we got to this stage of the Supreme Court.

Michael also punctures a bit of the progressive balloon about the mid-term primaries and defends the oft assailed, Nancy Pelosi as having one of the best 18 months in her political life.

Then, from Mystery Science Theater 3000, TV's Frank, Frank Conniff joins J Elvis Weinstein and Mark Thompson.

Frank is a producer, writer and prolific comedian. Frank discusses life in NYC at Sirius Satellite Radio, his thoughts on MSNBC and FOX NEWS CHANNEL and then Frank stays on to speak with political analyst, Bill Schneider.

You can reach the show at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

00-02:45 Mark welcome and summary of show

2:45-21:45 Michael Shure on politics and more

21:45-34:25 Frank Conniff and J.Elvis Weinstein

34:25-1:24:45 Political Analyst and Author, Bill Schneider

Comedian Jake Johanssen..Also, a Surprise Meeting with The Stanley Cup..Plus, A Question About Animal Trophy Hunting Jun 23, 2018

Show notes

Comedian Jake Johanssen is finishing up an international tour with Russell Peters. He talks about touring with that show and traveling around the world on what can be a brutal performance schedule.

J. Elvis Weinstein joins and the two talk about audiences and politics and what it takes to be a successful comic today.

Jake tells a story about how the talent coordinator for THE TONIGHT SHOW with JOHNNY CARSON thought Jake's style might be interpreted by Johnny as nervousness and it delayed his booking on that show.

Jake and Mark go back to the 80s and Mark's a big fan of Jake's work but this is Jake's first appearance on the show.

Jake has a podcast called JAKE THIS.

J.Elvis Weinstein's podcast with Andy Kindler is called THOUGHT SPIRAL.

We start the show with political analyst and hockey fanatic, Michael Shure, running into The Stanley Cup.

Michael also discusses the crisis on the southern border and asks Mark a question about trophy hunting.

To reach our show just drop us an email: edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

00:00-2:10 Mark welcomes us

2:10- 21:25 Michael Shure on Stanley Cup, Southern Border Drama

21:25-1:38:00 Jake Johanssen

Pardon Me: The New Trump "Obsession" ...Then, Writing JAWS and THE JERK, Screenwriter Carl Gottleib Jun 10, 2018

Show notes

Carl Gottlieb is famous for having helping bring the film, Jaws, to the screen.

Carl also collaborated with Steve Martin on THE JERK having met Martin while they were both writers on THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS SHOW.

Carl takes Mark Thompson and J.Elvis Weinstein through the process of getting those movies completed.

He also visits the film CAVEMAN (starring Ringo Starr) which Carl wrote and directed.

J Elvis asks about Carl's participation in the legendary comedy group, THE COMMITTEE and about the emerging S.F. comedy scene of the 60s.

Before Carl Gottlieb, Michael Shure stops by with THE FAST 15: Politics and More.

Michael talks with Mark about the President's obsession with using pardon power and whether Presidents should have that power at all.

Also, champion teams deciding whether or not to visit the White House..The Supreme Court decision on employees rights to sue. Then, finally, Miss America says goodbye to swimwear.

You can purchase any of the Carl Gottlieb books by clicking this link.

Reach the show at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

00-3:00 Intro

3:00-18:00 Michael Shure on Politics

18:00-1:50:00 Carl Gottlieb on Movies, Music and 60s/70s Culture

Roseanne Gets "Erased" --Sam Rubin comments...Then Our Resident Gamblers, Michael Shure and Mark Thompson, Don't Support The Supreme Court Ruling Legalizing Sports Gambling Jun 01, 2018

Show notes

It was an epic week for the most powerful star on television. In one instant Roseanne Barr destroyed her current show, past show and her standing in show business along with the livelihoods of scores of staffers.

Award winning entertainment journalist, Sam Rubin, from the #1 morning news show in L.A., talks about Roseanne's epic fall.

Then, Michael Shure had a prediction that looks increasingly accurate.

Plus, Mark and Michael weigh in on the Supreme Court decisions that will legalize sports gambling by state (neither supports it) and a crucial decision against workers' rights to organize.

:00 -:05 Mark with opening remarks

:05-20:40 Sam Rubin joins Mark to talk Roseanne

20:40-48:00 Michael Shure joins Mark Trump-Broidy prediction, legalizing sports wagering and more.

Reach the show at edgewithmarkthompson@gmail.com

BREAKING NEWS: "MORGAN FREEMAN" CALLS IN AND EXPLAINS WHAT'S UP May 25, 2018

Show notes

THIS IS ADDED CONTENT-- NOT A FULL EPISODE:

8 women have come forward with reports of inappropriate behavior by actor Morgan Freeman.

Mark Thompson wants to ask Morgan Freeman about these reports.

The segment runs 5:50.

Thanks to Josh Robert Thompson for the voice of Morgan Freeman