Mike welcomes the inspirational Chester Moore to the program. Chester is award-winning wildlife journalist, media producer and broadcaster. His passion for wildlife and Great Outdoors, and his walk with Christ, have sent him on an amazing journey. Chester and Mike discuss fishing, hunting, conservation, faith, nature and much more. Don't miss this …

Tessa Fowler is a Wyoming-based wildlife photographer and conservationist. She lives her childhood dream of being a "Mountain Girl." She is physically and spiritually connected to Nature and shares her story with us. Tessa recalls her beach community California childhood, heading out to Wyoming at a young age, a soul-searching 6-month trek into gri…

Mike is joined by veteran Chicago broadcaster Jill Urchak for a candid conversation discussing their careers in radio, growing up on the city's South Side, Jill's amazing father, spirituality and politics. They also share eerie paranormal experiences including out-of-body-experiences, visits from the dead, Mike's poltergeist and Jill's haunted Char…

"The First Lady of Hunting" Brenda Valentine joins Mike for a chat regarding The Great Outdoors Lifestyle. From filling the freezer in rural Tennessee to traveling the world in pursuit of game, Brenda shares her passion for hunting, including turkey calling tips, food plot planning, her favorite states to hunt and the planning and preparation of bo…

Michael Rockert is a multi-instrumentalist songwriter whose new album, For A Time Such As This, is an epic metal meditation on the current state of the world. He joins Mike Tomano to discuss making the album and the importance music has played in his life, including the impact #KISS had on him. Tomano talks about escaping into music & nature in his…

Jim Cobb is a professional prepping instructor and has written an excellent book series and countless articles on the subject. He joins Mike to discuss the fundamentals of prepping and survival planning, including home safety and defense, realistic firearm training, financial protection, street tactics, teaching situational awareness to children an…

Mike is joined by his bandmate and longtime friend, Tom "T-Ray" Teare to reminisce about their days in the infamous comedy band Tomanosaurus, and their current collaboration in Chicago's premiere Classic Rock band, The Baked Potatoes. Tom tells great stories about coming up in the 60s & 70s Chicago scene, backing Wolfman Jack, and gives us his "Gam…

Mike remembers satirist and journalist P.J. O'Rourke in this mini-episode tribute. P.J.'s work at National Lampoon, as well as his books and articles had a profound impact on Mike and encouraged him when facing adversity in his career. Included is a chat with P.J. from Mike's radio show in 2004. PLUS! From the Vaults: Mike wakes up Glenn Danzig for…

Mike is joined by his radio show partner Rob West for a chat about more books, films and albums that changed their lives. As they're wont to do, they head off on humorous tangents about pets, people, hotdogs and the connection between The Partridge Family and landing on the moon. Enjoy! #music #comedy #film #books #LennyBruce #ScienceFiction #horro…

Continuing on the theme of Music, Film & Book "Game Changers," Mike welcomes rocker Dave Bellah back to the podcast. In addition to the topic, Mike & Dave exchange recent "hauls" from record and thrift stores, The Neil Young / Joe Rogan situation, and much, much more! Check out Mike's recent blog: https://www.miketomano.com/single-post/well-i-hope-…

Beginning a recurrent theme on The Mike Tomano Happening, Mike talks with friends about "Game Changers": Movies, Music and Film that had great personal impact and rearranged perceptions of their medium. Marty Jay, the first member of The MTH Panel discusses three albums, movies and books that changed him and Mike adds three of his own. Visit www.mi…

Mike remembers Bob Saget on this episode then heads into the vault for an early 2000s interview with the late musical genius, Yusef Lateef. Yusef's approach to his music and life is truly inspiration. He discusses his life, career, spiritual path, and discusses the musical contributions of Miles, Coltrane, Elvin and Dizzy. If you are a lover of Jaz…

From the mid-to-late '90s, The KAT 105.5 made its mark on The Chicago Southlands. A radio station run by a young bunch of rebels that lived and breathed Rock & Roll, breaking every rule in broadcasting. Today, the station is talked about with great reverence, from listeners from "back in the day" to industry folks who recall the "wildest station th…

Mike celebrates George Carlin's life, career, creativity and influence on this episode, including a candid conversation with George's daughter, Kelly. PLUS a wild ride with counter-culture icon and ice-cream flavor, Wavy Gravy. Kelly discusses her father's approach to his work, being his daughter and shares insight on his creative process. Wavy tal…

Mike talks about his junior high dreams of becoming a radio personality, and the influence of jocks Steve Dahl and Robert Murphy. Dahl, along with partner Garry Meier, broke every rule and invented personality radio in the late 70s and 80s, influencing all who followed, including Howard Stern. Robert Murphy's radio show was a mixture of coolness an…

Mike remembers Garey Williams, whose last interview was on Episode 16 of the podcast. Year-End Vault Clearing continues with Mickey Dolenz of The Monkees and Don Preston of Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention!By MikeTomano

The magic of sketch comedy, particularly on record and radio, is the focus on today's episode as Mike digs into the vault for chats with two legends. Phil Proctor of the ground-breaking psychedelic comedy troupe, Firesign Theater, discusses the group's uninhibited approach to writing and recording their masterpieces PLUS actor/musician Murphy Dunne…

Mike digs into the vaults for interviews with Rock Legends Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane / Starship) & Jon Anderson (YES). Grace delves into the diverse creative process of Jefferson Airplane, opines on monogamy, and shares stories of Hendrix, Garcia, Zappa and more. Jon discusses preparing material for a solo tour, the various YES line-ups, his …

One of Mike's biggest influences in radio is Ed Tyll. The talk radio legend visits for a conversation that spans his storied career in radio and television, his current home on Florida Man Radio, wild days at Chicago's AM1000, Howard Stern, Dave Chappelle, Ron DeSantis, Kyle Rittenhouse, Winsome, Dave Chappelle, creativity and drive and much more. …

Mike welcomes actress Dee Wallace to discuss her iconic film and television career, working with directors like Steven Spielberg (E.T), Blake Edwards (10), Peter Jackson (The Frighteners), Joe Dante (The Howling) and Rob Zombie (Halloween, 3 From Hell, Lords of Salem), her work as a healer and new book, "Born". A warm, engaging woman with some wond…

Dave Bellah is a dynamic singer / songwriter and guitarist. His lasted release is "Think Outside The Burning Box," a collection of well-crafted and passionate rock songs spotlighting this diverse talent. Mike and Dave met early in Mike's radio career and worked together at the infamous KAT 105.5. They reminisce about not smoking weed with Willie, g…

Scott Davidson is a Chicago-area musician and one of the founders of Rebel Radio "The Hardest Station In The Nation!" He is a visionary radio programmer and rock jock who has kept extreme music on the air for almost thirty years. Mike had the pleasure of being part of the Rebel Radio air staff early in his career and reminisces with Scott about tho…

We unearth some classics from The TomanoLand Vault of Terror! Tipi Hedren on working with Hitchcock! Svengoolie talks Universal Horrors! Dean Koontz & Whitley Streiber discuss writing! Twisted Sister's Dee Snider on his favorite horror films! Director Don Coscarelli on Phantasm! Happy Halloween!By MikeTomano

Garey Williams is a professional performing and recording artist, an exemplary drum teacher and an ambassador for drumming. He joins us to discuss...well, drums, drummers and drumming! A must listen for musicians and educators. Garey's YouTube Channel, Drumset Artistry, is a drummer's wonderland, with drum solo analysis, lessons and more. For priva…

Mic Fabus was part of a great era in Chicago Rock history. He has written songs for a diverse array of artists and shared stages with giants. Mic is also a music producer, running his own studio, and has worked in numerous capacities in the film industry. Advice and insight from a very engaging guest. Enjoy!…

Ted Nugent possesses a fiercely independent spirt that embraces uninhibited freedom in his approach to life and work. In this no-holds-barred conversation, Mike and Ted discuss the current state of America, grass-roots activism, Truth, Logic & Common Sense, the healing qualities of nature, the reward of hard-work and Ted's Zen-like creative process…

Frank Ferrante is an actor, specializing in live theater, who has portrayed Groucho Marx for almost four decades. We talk theater, his current show Teatro ZinZanni (which runs through the end of the year in Chicago), and his role in An Evening with Groucho. Frank also shares golden advice for aspiring actors and artists.…

Lothar Keller grew up with a love of music and an obsession with sound. He is the lead guitarist for heavy metal giants The Skull and Sacred Dawn, and Iead vocalist for Divinity Compromised. He also owns his own record label, and is a sound engineer / producer in the music studio and in television. Lothar joins us to tell his story, delving into hi…

Mike discusses "Visualization, Realization and Specialization" in the creative life and is joined by make-up artist / illustrator / filmmaker Dennis Preston. Dennis studied illustration at The American Academy of Art and fell into special make-up by chance. Since then, he has become a sought after contributor to independent films, an acclaimed mask…

Mike heads into the vault for a classic 2005 interview he did with Punk Icon Mike Watt (Minutemen, Firehose, Iggy & The Stooges.) Watt shares his insights on his boundless creativity and balanced approached to life. PLUS musician / sound engineer Mark Doroba shows up for a "Geek Out" on the first 8 Black Sabbath albums.…

Phil Angotti is a prolific singer / songwriter and musician whose dedication to the craft is an inspiration. He is a tireless performer, bringing his talent to a variety of band settings, solo performances and records. His personality is as charming as his songs. Enjoy our conversation with this fine songsmith.…

7th Degree Black Belt Sensei Steve Gross caught the Karate bug at a young age. His positive impact has found him as an ambassador for martial arts in the dojo, on movie sets, in tournaments and events around the world. His story is one of dedication, discipline and faith.By MikeTomano

Mike welcomes Jazz Legend Ron Carter for an in-depth conversation on life, music, education and more! Ron has played on over 2700 recordings, and has been an integral part of the most ground-breaking and innovative collaborations in music history. Don't miss this wonderful interview with this musical maestro. Ladies & Gentlemen...Ron Carter!…

Mike chats with Dead Freddie's lead vocalist Donatas Ramanauskas about the band's beginnings on Chicago's Southwest Side to their current status as, what Mike deems, "America's Premier Lithuanian Ska-Punk Polka Band!" PLUS...Part 2 with Donnie Vie (Enuff Z'Nuff), as The King of Power Pop tells all!By MikeTomano

Buddy Rich brought drumming to heights yet to be surpassed. His daughter Cathy has dedicated her professional life to keeping his legacy alive, touring his namesake band around the world and introducing his music to the next generation. Gregg Potter has been playing drums since he was a child, when he idolized Buddy. Gregg now sits on the throne of…

Let's "Give The Drummer Some" with this episode of The Mike Tomano Happening. Mike discusses his life as a musician and percussionist and heads into the vault for interviews with legendary drummers Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons, Jeff Beck) and Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Rod Stewart). Not For Drummers Only! If you are intere…

Christopher Guest has said that, when it comes to comedy, Tom Leopold possesses an "extra gene." Tom discusses his career, from his beginnings as a performer and contributing writer to National Lampoon magazine and multiple tv variety shows to Cheers, Seinfeld, Ellen, Will & Grace and other classic sit-coms. Enjoy this in-depth conversation with on…

Mike visits with the legendary Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling. A wild conversation covering Jackie's career as an independent performer & entrepreneur, his days as head writer for The Howard Stern show, tales from the road, Rodney, Eddie Murphy, and much more!By MikeTomano

Part One of Mike's chat with Donnie Vie, The King of Power Pop, on life, the creative process, the rollercoaster of a Rock & Roll career and keeping the dream alive. Also, Mike ponders "Science-Fiction Predictions" and welcomes listeners to this new venture.By MikeTomano