Noshing With Marilyn S. Greenwald – September 17, 2026 Author, Jane Fonda: There’s a Great Deal to Say What happens when an acclaimed actress becomes one of America’s most controversial activists? This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” I talk with Marilyn S. Greenwald, author of Jane Fonda: There’s a Great Deal to Say (published by Rutgers University Press) about the complicated, fascinating and often misunderstood life of Jane Fonda. Watch Full Podcast Video Marilyn takes us behind the scenes of her research, including her journey to Fonda’s personal papers at Smith College, where a significant portion of the archive includes her FBI file. Interestingly, Marilyn initially had no intention of writing another Jane Fonda biography. We talk about the origins of the “Hanoi Jane” label, Fonda’s activism and why that controversy has remained part of her public identity for decades. Marilyn explains how activism became such a central part of Fonda’s life—what she describes as roughly 95% of her life—and how Fonda’s experiences in France, the cultural “new wave,” her marriage to Roger Vadim, and her return to the United States helped shape her activism. We also explore Fonda’s marriage to activist Tom Hayden and what she learned from him about being strategic; celebrity activists; the balancing act between Hollywood and political activism; and Fonda’s trip to North Vietnam. Marilyn discusses Fonda’s continuing regret about posing with an anti-aircraft gun, while noting that Fonda has said she does not regret going to North Vietnam. And there are some surprises. Marilyn shares what she discovered about Fonda’s relationship with veterans and the letters she received, along with an important detail about Fonda’s memoir: she really did write it herself, without a ghostwriter, and personally fact-checked it. It’s a conversation about celebrity, activism, Vietnam, controversy, personal history and the woman behind one of the most recognizable names in American culture. ABOUT MARILYN: Marilyn Greenwald is a professor emerita of journalism at Ohio University and the author of five biographies, including those of Leslie McFarlane, the first author of the Hardy Boys series of books;  of social justice activist Eunice Hunton Carter; and of New York Times columnist Charlotte Curtis, “A Woman of the Times: Journalism, Feminism and the Career of Charlotte Curtis,” which was named a Notable Book of the New York Times.  Marilyn Greenwald     Website Marilyn Greenwald     Facebook Marilyn Greenwald     LinkedIn

Noshing With John Barry – September 10, 2026 Author, Power & Peril: Writings about the Fate of the American Republic How do we balance strong leadership with constitutional restraint—and what happens when that balance begins to shift? Watch Full Podcast Video This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” I talk with John Barry, author of Power & Peril: Writings about the Fate of the American Republic, about one of the most enduring challenges facing American democracy: power is always going to be there, but so is the peril when that power isn’t properly restrained. John explains why he wrote Power & Peril and draws on history, national security, leadership and the American political experience to examine what happens when the boundaries of power are tested. We discuss lessons for today’s leaders, why we need to learn from history, and the importance of putting pressure on allies without belittling them. John points to Desert Storm as a model for working with allies, including the importance of maintaining strong relationships within alliances such as NATO. We also revisit Benjamin Franklin’s famous response when asked after the Constitutional Convention whether the new nation had a monarchy or a republic: “A republic, if you can keep it.” For John, the Constitution is essentially a “document of caution”—a framework designed to recognize the presence of power while placing limits on how that power can be exercised. We explore whether America is currently testing those constitutional boundaries, the challenges posed by increasingly autocratic regimes, and why curiosity and an informed citizenry matter. John also discusses what he calls “normalizing deviance”—the danger of gradually accepting behavior that once would have seemed unacceptable. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about American history, constitutional government, leadership, national security, alliances and the future of the American republic. ABOUT JOHN: John L. Barry, Maj. Gen., USAF (Ret.) served more than 30 years in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Major General. A fighter pilot, combat veteran, and graduate of the USAF Fighter Weapons School, he held senior leadership positions during some of the most consequential moments of our time, including Desert Storm, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the strategic transformation of the U.S. military after the Cold War. While serving as the Air Force’s lead strategic planner in the Pentagon, he survived the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He later concluded his military career as Board Member and Executive Director of the Columbia Space Shuttle Accident Investigation following the tragic loss of Columbia in 2003. After retiring from military service, Barry turned his focus to public leadership and institutional reform. As Superintendent of Aurora Public Schools in Colorado, he led a district of 40,000 students and 60 schools through significant transformation, pioneering one of the nation’s early concurrent enrollment programs linking high school students to college credit and workforce pathways. He later served as President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver and then as President and CEO of Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, where the institution gained national and international recognition as one of America’s leading aerospace museums. Today, John serves as Chair of the Air Force Historical Foundation and Vice Chair of the National Aviation Hall of Fame, continuing his lifelong commitment to preserving the lessons of history and connecting them to the challenges of the present. A 1973 Honor Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, John also holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma. He served as a White House Fellow at NASA during the Challenger era and later studied national security leadership at Harvard Kennedy School. His honors include Colorado Superintendent of the Year, induction into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame and the Colorado Titan 100 CEOs Hall of Fame, the White House Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, and the FAA Master Pilot Award.  John Barry      Website John Barry      LinkedIn John Barry      Substack Watch the full Podcast Video

Noshing With Charles B. Kreitzberg  – September 3, 2026 Author, AI Can Make You Smarter: Practical Skills. Sharper Thinking. Business Value. Can AI Make You Smarter? Charles B. Kreitzberg Explores the Human Side of Artificial Intelligence This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Charles B. Kreitzberg, author of AI Can Make You Smarter: Practical Skills. Sharper Thinking. Business Value., talks about one of the most important questions of our time: How can we use artificial intelligence without allowing it to do our thinking for us? Watch Full Podcast Video Charlie discusses the importance of AI literacy, why we don’t want to lose our agency, and why AI should never be treated as an unquestioned source of truth. AI can make mistakes—and learning how to work with it effectively means learning how to talk with it, challenge it, ask it better questions, and even have it ask questions of us. We explore just how enormous the AI revolution may be, why Charlie decided to write AI Can Make You Smarter: Practical Skills. Sharper Thinking. Business Value. and how an unexpected introduction to AI from his nephew helped inspire his journey. Charlie explains why AI is not human, yet says it could potentially become “the best mentor we ever had.” But where is the balance? Can AI truly make us smarter—or are we in danger of outsourcing our brains? We also talk about the importance of human connection, why “we need people—we’re social animals,” the dangers posed by bad actors, concerns about privacy, and why ordinary people—not just technology companies—need to be involved in the conversation about the future of AI. Charlie also shares how he first became interested in computers after literally locking himself out of his room at Dartmouth, and offers practical advice on getting better results from AI. From his SLATE approach to prompting to the reminder that “vague prompts give you vague answers,” Charlie explains why the first answer AI gives you doesn’t have to be the last answer. And perhaps most importantly, we discuss the illusion of understanding—and why thinking critically remains essential in an increasingly AI-powered world. This isn’t about becoming a faster “prompt-jockey.” It’s about learning how to use tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot to strengthen the uniquely human skills that continue to matter most: clear thinking, better decision-making, stronger communication, creativity, and real collaboration. Can artificial intelligence become one of our greatest tools without replacing the thinking that makes us human? ABOUT CHARLIE: Charles B. Kreitzberg is a cognitive psychologist, technologist, author, musician, and user experience designer. He has worked with computers since the 1960s and has spent his career helping people understand and use complex technology. In 1982, he founded Cognetics Corporation, an award-winning user experience design and consulting firm. He later served as Senior UX Advisor at Princeton University. His new book, AI Can Make You Smarter: Practical Skills. Sharper Thinking. Business Value., shows professionals how to use AI to strengthen thinking, learning, communication, judgment, and performance.  Charles B. Kreitzberg             Website Charles B. Kreitzberg             Facebook Charles B. Kreitzberg             LinkedIn Watch the full Podcast Video

Noshing With Terry Chester Shulman – August 27, 2026 Author, Barrymore: The Spectacular, Tumultuous Life of America’s Prince of Players The Barrymore name is synonymous with Hollywood royalty—but long before Drew Barrymore became a household name, there was John Barrymore, one of the most brilliant and complicated actors in American theater and film history. In this episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” I talk with Terry Chester Shulman, author of the acclaimed John Barrymore biography, Barrymore: The Spectacular, Tumultuous Life of America’s Prince of Players published by the University Press of Kentucky). Watch Full Podcast Video Terry Chester Shulman discusses his John Barrymore biography, Barrymore: The Spectacular, Tumultuous Life of America’s Prince of Players, on Ira’s Everything Bagel. Terry spent six years researching and writing his biography, digging beyond the familiar stories of Barrymore’s fame, marriages, alcoholism and personal demons to reveal the remarkable artist underneath the notoriety. He even had the opportunity to interview Barrymore’s daughter, Dee Dee Barrymore. We talk about Terry’s lifelong fascination with Barrymore, beginning with his childhood love of the 1920 film Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Barrymore’s legendary theatrical family—including siblings Lionel and Ethel—and his groundbreaking approach to acting. Barrymore helped reintroduce Shakespeare to 20th-century audiences with his celebrated performance as Richard III, pioneered a deeply personal approach to acting, and successfully transitioned from Broadway to Hollywood. He made six films in 1932 alone, yet never regarded movies as more important than the stage when it came to his artistic legacy. Terry also reveals the fascinating story behind Barrymore’s decision to enter motion pictures, the astonishing salaries he commanded, his rivalry with Lionel and Ethel, his relationship with Katharine Hepburn, and why Terry believes Barrymore was essentially destined to succeed in the sound era. Most importantly, Terry explains the central purpose of his book: to bring John Barrymore out from behind the cloud of notoriety and allow audiences to see the extraordinary actor who was hidden beneath the legend. It’s a fascinating conversation about John Barrymore, Hollywood history, Broadway, Shakespeare, acting, celebrity, family rivalry and the complicated price of fame. ABOUT TERRY: Terry Chester Shulman is an acclaimed film biographer and historical journalist whose work has been featured in a variety of national publications. He is the author of Film’s First Family: The Untold Story of the Costellos. Terry Chester Shulman           Facebook  Terry Chester Shulman Instagram Watch the full Podcast Video

Noshing With Nir Peled – August 20, 2026 Author, Beyond 100%: Rebuilding Life After It Breaks This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Nir Peled, author of Beyond 100%: Rebuilding Life After It Breaks, talks about an extraordinary journey that began with a moment that changed everything. At 49, Nir was a successful Fortune 500 technology executive and former officer in an elite division of the IDF when he suddenly collapsed on the floor of his home office from a stroke. In an instant, he lost his speech, mobility and, in many ways, his sense of identity. What followed was a grueling journey of rehabilitation—and ultimately, a profound process of rebuilding his body, mind, cognitive abilities and spirit. Nir shares the seven rules for rehabilitation that helped guide his recovery, including one that might surprise you: humor. He explains the importance of his 1% rule, why recovery is a marathon rather than a sprint, and how that simple philosophy helped him through some of his darkest moments. We also talk about why Nir dedicated Beyond 100% to his grandmother, whom he calls “the ultimate survivor,” and how a personal recovery journal eventually became a book after his speech therapist encouraged him to tell the story from the patient’s perspective. Nir opens up about the caregiver journey, the reality of pain, his spiritual practices, the challenge of surrendering control, and what he calls one of the most important transformations in recovery: turning “Why me?” into “What now?” It’s a deeply personal conversation about resilience, identity, recovery and discovering what is possible when life suddenly forces you to start over. ABOUT NIR: Nir Peled has survived seven catastrophic events: a bombing, anaphylaxis, a tsunami, a violent kidnapping and robbery in the Amazon, cancer, a motorcycle accident, and a stroke. Across those experiences, he developed Beyond 100%, a practitioner-built system designed not to restore what was lost, but to build something stronger in its place. Unable to speak or move after his stroke, his framework is used by individuals and organizations navigating disruption, crisis, and high-stakes change. Nir Peled Website

Noshing With The Goddess of Slots (aka Lorraine Bencivengo-Ziff) – August 13, 2026 What happens when a viral casino jackpot becomes the foundation for an entirely new career? This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira welcomes Lorraine Bencivengo-Ziff, better known as The Goddess of Slots, as well as an actress, entrepreneur, influencer and one of the gaming industry’s most recognizable personalities. Watch Full Podcast Video Lorraine shares the story behind her viral jackpot win at the Hard Rock in Florida and how a friend helped her recognize an unexpected opportunity within the world of slot players. What began as a moment of luck soon evolved into a powerful personal brand, leading to casino appearances, meet-and-greets, slot machine launches, high-limit room events and even a Goddess of Slots cruise. She discusses how her background as an actress helps her connect with people and improvise on the casino floor, how she maintains her seemingly endless energy, and why surrounding herself with smart business people has been an important part of her success. Lorraine also talks about expanding the Goddess of Slots brand, the business advice she received from Gene Simmons of KISS, and the confidence that helped her turn an idea into a thriving business and media career. The conversation also explores Lorraine’s surprising journey from growing up in extreme poverty and developing what she calls a “survivor mode,” to attending law school, building her business instincts and training in martial arts for the past 26 years—all while proudly remaining, as she says, a “girlie girl.” Plus, Lorraine talks about her acting career and her work on the second season of Unsuited, a funny television series. It’s a fascinating conversation about luck, reinvention, confidence, entrepreneurship, entertainment and the ability to recognize opportunity when it appears. Lorraine Bencivengo-Ziff didn’t just hit a jackpot—she turned one unforgettable moment into a brand, a business and a career. ABOUT LORRAINE: Actress, producer, and entrepreneur Lorraine Bencivengo-Ziff created the Goddess of Slots as a result of a jackpot win that went viral on social media. Now known by the moniker, she has become a formidable influencer in the casino and gaming industry. Her vibrant social media presence captivates her ever-increasing audience with a mix of engaging content, game tutorials, humor, fashion, and exciting promotional activities—all serving to drive widespread interest to the gaming world. In the film and TV industries, Lorraine is known for roles in such films as “Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn,” “Six Gun Savior,” “The Martial Arts Kid,” and “Swing State.” She has also appeared on Netflix’s “Real Rob” as well as a number of HBO television series. The Goddess of Slots    Website The Goddess of Slots    Facebook The Goddess of Slots    Instagram The Goddess of Slots    X The Goddess of Slots    YouTube The Goddess of Slots    Cameo Watch the full Podcast Video

Noshing With Sharon Virts – August 6, 2026 Author, Bargains of Fate (part of The Fields of Honor series) This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira talks with Sharon Virts, author of Bargains of Fate, part of her acclaimed “Fields of Honor series.” Sharon shares her unexpected journey from entrepreneur to historical novelist, revealing how selling her business and moving into a historic, reportedly haunted home inspired her passion for writing. Watch Full Podcast Video She discusses the extensive research behind her novels, how she blends historical fact with compelling fiction, and why Bargains of Fate explores the lasting consequences of our choices. Sharon also offers a fascinating look at her unique writing process—from writing the final chapter first to creating richly developed, character-driven stories that bring America’s overlooked post-Founding era vividly to life. Beyond the familiar stories of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, Sharon’s “Fields of Honor”series shines a light on the generations who inherited the enormous responsibility of shaping a young nation. Through richly layered historical fiction, immersive storytelling, and painstaking research, she brings this overlooked chapter of American history vividly to life. ABOUT SHARON: Sharon Virts is a bestselling author known for richly layered historical fiction that blends meticulous research with psychological suspense and immersive storytelling. A Virginia native, Sharon grew up captivated by tales of the past—stories of forgotten lives, buried truths, and long-hidden mysteries. That early fascination sparked a lifelong curiosity—about the people, events, and places history has overlooked—that now fuels her writing.   Her bestselling novels Veil of Doubt, and The Grays of Truth—and the Field of Honor series featuring Masque of Honor and Bargains of Fate— weave historical accuracy with cinematic narrative and atmospheric tension, crafting stories that linger long after the final page. Veil of Doubt was named a finalist for Best Historical Fiction by both the American Book Fest’s 2024 Best Book Awards and the IAN Book of the Year Awards. The Grays of Truth won the 2025 International Book Award for Best Historical Fiction.    Sharon’s contribution to the arts, preservation, and community service have earned her recognition as one of Washington Life Magazine’s Philanthropic 50 in 2020 and a 2024 Loudoun History Award honoree.   Sharon lives with her husband, Scott Miller, at Selma Mansion in Virginia, a historic estate they rescued from demolition and lovingly restored. There, surrounded by stories of the past, she continues to write the ones still waiting to be told. Sharon Virts         Facebook Sharon Virts         Instagram Watch the full Podcast Video

Noshing With Debra Levine – July 30, 2026 Author, Jazzed, Jack Cole and Twentieth-Century American Dance This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” I sit down with dance critic and author Debra Levine to explore the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Jack Cole, the groundbreaking choreographer widely regarded as the father of theatrical jazz dance. Her acclaimed book, Jazzed: Jack Cole and Twentieth-Century American Dance, uncovers the fascinating story of the visionary whose influence transformed Broadway, Hollywood, and generations of performers. Watch Full Podcast Video Debra shares her own unexpected journey from modern dancer to business executive, and ultimately to becoming one of America’s leading dance writers. She reveals how filmmaker Kenneth Anger inspired her to tell Cole’s story, why “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” remains his masterpiece, and how Cole’s brilliance often went unrecognized despite shaping some of Hollywood’s most memorable dance sequences. We also discuss Cole’s larger-than-life personality, his relationships with studio moguls and stars like Rita Hayworth, his surprising connections to organized crime, why choreographers rarely receive the recognition they deserve, and the unexpected place where Debra uncovered much of her research. It’s a captivating look at an artistic pioneer whose impact on American entertainment continues to resonate today. ABOUT DEBRA: Debra Levine is a Hollywood-fascinated dance critic whose discovery of Jack Cole turned her aesthetic world on its head. The Los Angeles-based writer is the author of dance criticism and feature writing published in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post, La Opinión, Long Beach Press Telegram, South China Morning Post and Dance Magazine. In support of her writing, Debra has produced and hosted many talks, interviews, screening events in the realm of dance/film. Those events have taken place at The Museum of Modern Art in New York, and, in Los Angeles, Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, UCLA Film & Television Archive, Dance Camera West, American Cinematheque, The Soraya, and Hollywood Heritage. She is the founder of artsmeme, an arts blog. Debra Levine     Website Watch the full Podcast Video

Noshing With Anderson Boyd – July 23, 2026 Author, The Lease of Nature This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with award-winning writer, director, producer, and editor Anderson “Drew” Boyd, author of the riveting new techno-thriller The Lease of Nature. Watch Full Podcast Video What happens when one of medicine’s greatest breakthroughs becomes the world’s most dangerous commodity? Anderson’s gripping novel imagines a near future in which 3-D printed human hearts revolutionize transplant medicine—only to collide with the brutal realities of the international black-market organ trade. The result is a suspenseful story that feels less like science fiction and more like tomorrow’s headlines. In this fascinating conversation, Anderson reveals why he chose the book’s memorable epitaph, the inspiration behind writing The Lease of Nature, and how his lifelong passion for storytelling led him into the creative arts. He discusses his early experiences in filmmaking, why he enjoys working in both fiction and nonfiction, and the unique satisfaction he finds in the editing process. Anderson also shares how the story began as a screenplay before evolving into a richly layered novel, allowing him to expand the characters, world-building, and moral complexity. He explains the real-world research behind the “red market” for human organs, why advances in biotechnology make his story increasingly plausible, and how today’s medical innovations could shape tomorrow’s ethical dilemmas. The conversation also explores his writing process—from outlining and drafting to the lessons he learned after prematurely sharing what he jokingly calls his “vomit draft.” Anderson explains why he often writes longhand as well as using a computer, how he developed the novel’s intriguing title, and why editing remains one of his favorite creative pursuits. If you’re fascinated by medical innovation, ethical dilemmas, crime thrillers, filmmaking, or the creative process behind writing compelling fiction, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. ABOUT ANDERSON: Anderson “Drew” Boyd is an award-winning writer, director, producer and editor. Over the past 20 years he’s earned credits on projects ranging from the Oscar-nominated Winter’s Bone theatrically released documentaries and everything in between.  His directorial debut, Well Wishes, exhibited on Netflix from 2016-2018. He has since produced and edited several feature films, shorts and spec pilots. His latest screenplay, the Western odyssey Mescalero, badged as the #1 Western on the Coverfly Red List and finished Top 50 in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences 2022 Nicholl Fellowship. Presently, he’s writing a high-concept farce, The Time Traveler’s Gala.  Anderson is a member of the Producers Guild of America, an affiliate member of American Cinema Editors, a United Arts Council Grantee and 3x Stowe Story Lab alum. The Lease of Nature Website Watch the full Podcast Video

This week on “Ira's Everything Bagel,” Ira welcomes award-winning writer and social epidemiologist Dan Werb, author of "Our Wild Familiars: How Animals Are Adapting to Cities and Reshaping the Natural World" for a captivating conversation about the surprising ways wildlife has learned to thrive alongside us.