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**The Paul Leslie Hour**

For 22 years, The Paul Leslie Hour has been about one thing: helping people tell their stories. From legends of arts and entertainment to today’s cultural voices, Paul Leslie brings conversations you won’t hear anywhere else. New episodes every week.

Latest Episodes:

#1,083 - Lee Smith Returns Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

#1,083 - Lee Smith Returns

Lee Smith returns to The Paul Leslie Hour.

Are you here? That’s our favorite part — YOU! That you’re here, tuned into episode number 1,083 of The Paul Leslie Hour. Welcome!

We’ve got a returning guest, the great author Lee Smith. He’s got a new book The China Matrix coming out October 21, 2025 — published by Center Street.

Oh! Be sure to tell a friend about this episode - share it where you can, okay?

And with that - we’ll bring in, the always riveting Lee Smith.

The Paul Leslie Hour - Helping People Tell Their Stories is a talk show with new episodes every week. Some of the most iconic people of all time drop in to chat. Frequent topics include Arts, Entertainment and Culture.

#1,082 - Lila Downs Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

#1,082 - Lila Downs

International superstar Lila Downs joins The Paul Leslie Hour!

Are you here?

It’s The Paul Leslie Hour, episode number 1,082. We’re pleased to present a personal interview with singer, songwriter, performing and recording artist Lila Downs.

Lila Downs has a new audiobook coming out September 15th, 2025, available on Audible - and furthermore, you’re going to want to see her live. She'll be performing in the United States. Just go right here for tour dates.

And before we bring out our marvelous guest, please keep in mind that The Paul Leslie Hour is made possible by viewers and listeners like you. Just go right here, and we thank you. You can also tell a friend or family member about this episode. They’d love to hear from you.

And now, ladies and gentlemen… it’s time for the tremendous Lila Downs.

The Paul Leslie Hour is a talk show dedicated to “Helping People Tell Their Stories.” Some of the most iconic people of all time drop in to chat. Frequent topics include Arts, Entertainment and Culture.

#1,081 - Gay Talese Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

#1,081 - Gay Talese

Renowned writer Gay Talese joins The Paul Leslie Hour!

Are you here? This is episode 1,081 of The Paul Leslie Hour! Join us for a personal phone interview with Gay Talese, the legendary journalist and author whose iconic Frank Sinatra Has a Cold redefined narrative nonfiction.

Subscribe to Paul Leslie’s YouTube channel for the video version of this interview, complete with captions for nearly effortless listening / reading.

Let’s dive into the show!

#1,080 - Richard Skipper - Third Interview Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

#1,080 - Richard Skipper - Third Interview

Richard Skipper joins The Paul Leslie Hour for this third visit!

Are you here? It’s The Paul Leslie Hour, episode number 1,080. This is the third appearance of Richard Skipper, the Celebrator of Celebrators. Richard Skipper is a skilled entertainer, host, interviewer, and proud celebrator of the performing arts, and joins Paul for a personal interview…

But real quick good people, we would love it if you’d help keep this show going… or maybe you’d like to buy Paul a tea or coffee. Just go here, and we thank you.

And you know what would mean a whole lot? If you told a friend or family member all about this episode. Call them on the phone!

And with that, it’s time for dear Richard Skipper!

#1,079 - Bobby Pierce Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

#1,079 - Bobby Pierce

Bobby Pierce joins The Paul Leslie Hour!

Are you here? Well, that’s a question that is looking like it gets an affirmative answer. Yes, you are tuned into The Paul Leslie Hour and gentle listener, this show has been going for some time now, and it’s all about helping people tell their stories.

Okay, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you’re tuned into episode number 1,079 and we’ve got a top-shelf guest on this one.

Folks, we have an in-depth phone interview with Mr. Bobby Pierce. Now, Bobby Pierce has a number of claims to fame. For one, he wrote a wonderful song called “The Loser’s Lounge” which was recorded by Cal Smith and Ringo Starr of Beatles fame.

Bobby also released an LP with his group, “The Fabulous Bobby Pierce and the Nashville Sounds.” We recommend it.

And everyone out there, before we bring out the fabulous Bobby Pierce, we just wanted to remind you all, that you can and should subscribe to Paul’s YouTube channel. It’s free to do that and you’ll never miss an episode.

And one more thing before we get Bobby on the horn. Would you tell a friend or family member about this episode? It’s a good idea.

So here’s Paul. Here’s Bobby.

Here’s to you, and here’s to me, and here’s to us.

#1,078 - Frank Reddy Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

#1,078 - Frank Reddy

Author Frank Reddy joins The Paul Leslie Hour!

Are you here? We have reason to believe that you are tune into The Paul Leslie Hour. We also have confirmation that this is episode number 1,078 with our esteemed guest Frank Reddy!

Frank Reddy is the author of the acclaimed books Eyes on the Island, Imminent Domain and Cofer Woods. A multi award winning writer, Frank is rapidly becoming a household name in fiction.

And folks, we want to encourage you to help keep this show going… or maybe you’d like to buy Paul a coffee. Just go right here, and we thank you. And you know what would mean a whole lot to us? If you told a friend or family member all about this episode.

Let’s bring out Frank Reddy. If you know him, you love him. If you haven’t met him… here he is.

Support the Show Subscribe to Paul Leslie’s YouTube Follow Paul Leslie on Instagram Explore Frank Reddy’s Work Follow Frank Reddy on Instagram

#1,077 - John Primerano Returns Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

#1,077 - John Primerano Returns

John Primerano returns to The Paul Leslie Hour!

Are you here? Oh, good that you’re tuned into The Paul Leslie Hour because we needed you here. Yes indeed, good sir or madame, it’s episode number 1,077 and we’re pleased to welcome back John Primerano for his second appearance.

Now, Mr. Primerano is a Philadelphia-based pianist, songwriter, singer, recording artist, actor and author. He released a dandy record album called “Somewhere South of Heaven,” and he’s considered royalty around here.

You hear that theme music playing of “The Entertainer”? That’s John playing. Yep.

And folks, we’d like to encourage you to help keep this show going. Just go right here and we thank you. And you know what else you can do? Tell someone who you think would appreciate this episode all about it. We thank you!

Let’s bring out John Primerano. You’re going to love him!

MUSIC CREDITS:

"Deuces" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Poppers and Prosecco" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Airport Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Backbay Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Vibing Over Venus" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Hot Swing" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

#1,076 - Kenny Ascher Returns Jul 06, 2025

Show notes

Kenny Ascher returns to The Paul Leslie Hour.

Are you here? Let’s be honest with one another from the get-go. You’re here, I’m here, we’re all here tuned into episode number 1,076 of The Paul Leslie Hour. For the SECOND time, we’re joined by the great artist Kenny Ascher for a personal interview. We just knew, “we’re going to go back there someday.”

Kenny is the co-writer of timeless songs like “Rainbow Connection” and “You and Me Against the World,” both written with Paul Williams. And Kenny Ascher is also an acclaimed pianist and appeared on recordings from John Lennon, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Carly Simon, and so many others.

Before we bring out the kind Kenny, real quick please subscribe to Paul Leslie’s YouTube channel and ring that bell. Also, consider throwing a buck or two into the tip jar right here.

And with that, let’s start the show.

#1,075 - Joshua Lisec Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

#1,075 - Joshua Lisec

Joshua Lisec joins The Paul Leslie Hour.

Welcome to The Paul Leslie Hour, a show quoted everywhere … from the Library of Congress to The New York Post. Here on episode 1,075, we’re thrilled to present a personal interview with celebrity ghostwriter and persuasive writing coach Joshua Lisec.

Lisec writes books that matter. With Jack Posobiec, he co-authored the runaway national bestseller Unhumans: The Secret History of Communist Revolutions (and How to Crush Them).

There is much you can learn from Joshua Lisec. Get ready to hear from this compelling voice!

Real quick! Please support our mission to share the human story by going right here. Your contributions keep us going. Thank you for your support!

And, off we go!

#1,074 - Douglas Young Fifth Interview Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

#1,074 - Douglas Young - Fifth Interview

Douglas Young joins The Paul Leslie Hour for his fifth interview!

Are you here? It’s episode 1,074 of The Paul Leslie Hour, and we’re thrilled to welcome back Douglas Young for his fifth personal interview on the show!

This time Dr. Young and your host dive into two under-the-radar Bob Dylan albums from the ‘80s, Empire Burlesque and Knocked Out Loaded, as well as explore the truth about so-called gentlemen’s lounges, and then dissect Woody Allen’s The Curse of the Jade Scorpion.

These topics spring from Young’s book, Not Just Political: Essays on Life, Family, Education, Free Expression, the Arts, and Entertainment.

Want to keep the show rolling? Head right here, and lend a hand! We depend on you!

Heeeere’s Douglas Young, back for his fifth spin keeping it real.