FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is it called Really Famous?

I’m all about getting to know the real person behind the fame.

What’s on your YouTube channel?

It’s filled with celebrity interviews! Watch big interviews with recent guests like Mayim Bialik, Mike Rowe, Tim Daly, Louie Anderson, Talia Shire, Jeremy Wade, Costa Ronin and Julian McMahon; fun 10-minute clips with guests like Dennis Quaid, Cesar Millan, Rhea Seehorn and Steve Zahn, and bonus interviews that didn’t air on the podcast, like Jim Gaffigan, Henry Winkler, Joivan Wade and Randy Rainbow. SUBSCRIBE NOW and tap the notifications bell – what are you waiting for?

Where can I subscribe to the podcast?

On just about every podcast app, like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Castbox, etc. Just search the app for “Really Famous.”

Is there a trailer or video reel?

Yes! Watch it here.

How do you book all these celebrities?

It’s all about trust, I think. I’ve been interviewing film and television stars for years. By now the people I work with, from celebrities to their reps, know what kind of person I am. They understand and appreciate my interviews, so they’re more likely to do the show. I go into more detail about this in many of my media appearances, which you can find here. 

What’s the secret to an engaging interview?

Really, truly listening. And being genuinely interested in your guest. I’m sure there are many other routes you can take, but this is my go-to. It’s natural for me and it’s my approach to all conversations, whether they’re formal interviews or everyday chats with friends.

Who was the toughest guest, who are your favorites, and who kept it 100% real?

All of my favorites are people who kept it 100% real. I sometimes name a few when I’m on air. You’ll have to tune in to hear those little nuggets. But I bet you can figure it out yourself, if you’ve gotten to know me.

Are you still a therapist?

I sure am. But not really. I don’t practice right now, but I suspect the therapist in me seeps into a lot of what I do, professionally and personally.

Where do you record the show?

The show is based in Los Angeles and New York City. Occasionally, I’ll do a remote taping if my guest is based outside of the country (like Gomorrah’s Salvatore Esposito or River Monsters’s Jeremy Wade). I typically tape at my guest’s home. When that’s not convenient, I work with one of my recording partners to tape in-studio or at a cool local venue.

Can I see a show being taped?

You sure can! I kicked off a series of onstage interviews for an audience in 2020 and I absolutely LOVED it. They’re at cool venues, like the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, the Friars Club and 54 Below. We’re getting back to it soon, and I have a bunch of guests lined up, which I’m very excited about. Sign up here to get notified and get tickets.

NSFAQs (not-so-frequently-asked questions)

How do you decide if you want to invite a guest back?

Chemistry! If I feel it, it means my guest does too, which is fun for everyone, including you.

How do you stay focused and calm when you’re starstruck?

Hmm…tough one. Even if I feel a nervous energy before an interview, when we begin I usually get into a zone and relax. Of course, there’ve been times when I suddenly remember who I’m talking to and practically have an out-of-body experience! But I know by now to wrangle it back in so it doesn’t get the best of me.

What guest have you always wanted but haven’t booked?

The list is long, my friend! Watch my original Dream Guests video here and a newer video here. (PS I’ve booked a few and anticipate more!)

Do you ever become friends with guests?

Happily, I’ve stayed in touch with many of my guests (but not all). We touch base here and there. But a handful have landed in my more frequent text/call/talk zone and I’m happy to consider them friends, like Talia Shire, Michael Imperioli, Yul Vazquez, Todd Bridges, Aida Turturro and Patrick Fabian.

Which guest did you have a preconceived notion about that was totally wrong?

I go in with a genuinely open mind. The therapist in me knows there’s so much more to a person than what you see on the surface. In fact, that’s what interests me most—getting to know the real person.

That said, I do research before each interview, and sometimes after I’ve seen other interviews they’ve done, I get a feeling they’ll be a particular way (reserved, smart, funny, etc). And I’ve been wrong, like with Peter Hermann (I thought he’d be totally serious), Daisy Fuentes (I thought she’d want to talk mostly about veganism) and Yul Vazquez (I thought he’d be a tough guy; not the total softie he is in real life, which I love about him).

What’s it like to be really famous?

Wow, do my guests have stories! Fame is different for everyone, of course, but if you want to know about what it’s like to be really famous, tune in. My guests and I often get around to talking about what it’s like for them personally.

How do you prep for an interview?

I watch a few of my guest’s films or TV shows. I research basic facts, scroll through their IMDb page, look for interesting news, jump onto their Instagram and Twitter feeds, then jot down a few topics I may want to get into, even though that often goes out the window. I try not to go too deep, or I’ll end up talking about the same things as everyone else. I decide what to wear (I sometimes match the vibe I get about my guest), gather all my equipment and go!

Do you ever think, ‘Shoot! I should’ve asked about [fill in the blank]!”

Um, yes. Every time. But truth be told, if I stick to the “shoulds,” I’d lose that natural, organic type of conversation I love more than anything else.

What do you do when guests give short, one-word answers?

Sigh. This isn’t easy. Some people are simply more guarded—or less talkative—than others. I try to follow up with questions that ask for more detail or an example. Or if it seems like they’re uncomfortable, I’ll try a different subject or a different approach entirely.

What question do you avoid asking?

What was it like to work with so-and-so? (I don’t want them to feel like I’m more interested in their co-star than them.) Also: Why did you choose that role? (Dullsville.)

Would you ever let the roles reverse and have one of your guests interview you?

Absolutely! In fact, I already did. Twice.

Here’s Jeopardy! and The Big Bang Theory’s Mayim Bialik interviewing me on her show, Bialik Breakdown.

Here’s Younger and Blue Bloods actor Peter Hermann interviewing me. And FBI: Most Wanted, Nip/Tuck and Charmed actor Julian McMahon interviewing me. I think I’m due for a new one, actually. A few guests have offered. And I’ve had a lot more questions from fans than I have room for here, so maybe I’ll get on that soon. Who do you think would be a good choice? Let me know here.

What do you dislike about your job?

The technical aspects. I’d love a staff of people who take care of audio, video, lighting, sound, editing and artwork. Oh, and did I mention marketing? Getting the word out is key, but to be honest, I’d rather be interviewing…

How did you get into celebrity interviewing?

I owe it all to Tim Gunn. Read my story about why I started the podcast here.

I also owe a big thanks to Michael Imperioli. When I interviewed him the first time (he’s been on the show three times), I spontaneously took out my camera, asked him five minutes of extra questions about The Sopranos, then put it on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReallyFamous). It became popular—fast. So now I take videos at all my interviews. And people seem to love it.

Michael also happened to springboard me into doing onstage interviews. One day, he told me I should think about doing the show in front of an audience. Long story short—he and I did a show onstage in New York City in January 2020 and I loved it so much, I booked about a dozen more. Sign up here to get notified and get tickets to new shows.

How did you get your first journalism gigs?

By teaching myself the trade and starting small. I read a ton about how to get published, pitch editors, and get hired. Next, I pitched a unique story idea to my local newspaper, which picked it up. That gave me confidence to step up and pitch a bigger publication. And so on and so forth. I had my eye on glossy magazines – and I eventually got there. But the most exciting moment was getting a call from The New York Times saying they liked my pitch and wanted me to write a story for them. I figured it was a fluke, but I was thrilled. Fast forward a few years: I’ve written dozens of pieces for NYT – and many more for other publications.

Are you available to be my therapist?

Possibly, but probably not. I have very limited availability and at this time, I’m likely not accepting new clients. But you can see the status and hope for the best by clicking here.

Are you available as a mental health coach or consultant?

Yes. Does your TV or film set, production company, studio, network, agency, firm or company need someone to calm the waters, smooth out the edges and help everyone do their job better? I’ve got you. Just say the word. (In other words, fill out the form below.)

Have a question? Run it by me.