Episodios

  • Jerry Ferrara: Celebrating 20 Years of HBO's 'Entourage'
    Aug 6 2024

    Twenty years ago, a little show about four guys navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood hit TV screens and changed the game forever. Entourage wasn't just a TV show; it was a cultural phenomenon, a love letter to friendship, ambition, and the often absurd world of showbiz.

    If you're of a certain age, like me, I'm sure you'll never forget the classic HBO noise (officially called the "static angel"), then the distinct "oh yeah oh yeahs" of the Jane's Addiction theme song while Vinny Chase, Turtle, E, and Johnny Drama cruised down Hollywood Boulevard at night.

    From 2004 to its last episode in 2011, all 96 episodes of the show were appointment television. It was the ultimate bro-bonding experience, a must-watch for anyone who loved the mix of ambition, humor, and cutthroat world of Hollywood. To those obsessed with it in its heydey, Entourage was more than a show; it was a lifestyle.

    To celebrate the show's 20th anniversary, I talked with Jerry Ferrara, the actor legend behind Salvatore "Turtle" Assante. Jerry was fresh off a trip to LA, where he relived the show's glory days.

    How? By cruising around in a new Cadillac Escalade, just like old times.

    You can listen to the conversation as a podcast in the Apple Podcast player or on Spotify. Or read it below.

    We covered a lot of ground in 40 minutes.

    Wild times on set. James Cameron’s cameo giving Entourage street cred in Hollywood at a time when no one knew what to think of it. Jerry shared some unforgettable stories, like Bob Saget playing a raunchy and over-the-top version of himself, or the time a diva dog stormed off set during the iconic Season 5 "Tree Trippers" episode.

    We even speculated on what the gang would be up to now. How would Vince juggle blockbusters in a streaming world? Would Turtle be dabbling in crypto? (Answer: "Yes").

    Jerry also reflected on having a sitting President as a fan, tuning in from the White House. We also contemplate how Entourage paved the way for other modern hustle-and-grind showbiz hits like Hacks and Dave. Shows that dive into the behind-the-scenes chaos of "making it", whatever that means.

    We talked cast chemistry. Real-life inspirations. How Turtle’s journey mirrored Jerry’s own life.

    Time flies. Twenty years? Seriously?! Where did the time go?!

    So buckle up! To an Entourage junkie, this conversation is filled with timeless Turtle wisdom. From Doug Ellin manifesting an Aquaman movie to Arnold the Rottweiler's scene-stealing moments, this interview is like catching up with old friends at Urth Caffé, reminiscing about the good old days and dreaming about the future.

    Thanks for listening and subscribing to Mostly Occasionally.

    Email me: brandon@brobible.com
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    Learn more about me on my website, brandonwenerd.com

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    38 m
  • Del McCoury: A Conversation With A Bluegrass Legend
    Jun 26 2024

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Mostly Occasionally Podcast, hosted by Brandon Wenerd, publisher of BroBible.com. This podcast exists to share interesting conversations, mostly because the guests have fascinating stories and occasionally because they’re featured on BroBible.com, the website I've been writing on for the last 15 years.

    First up, we have the honor of chatting with the legendary Del McCoury, a cornerstone of bluegrass for over six decades. At 85, Del’s journey from a farm in York County, Pennsylvania, to the heights of bluegrass fame is nothing short of inspiring. Captivated by Earl Scruggs' banjo playing, Del picked up the banjo and guitar, eventually joining Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys in 1963. This pivotal moment set the stage for a career that has influenced countless musicians, from Jerry Garcia to Dierks Bentley.

    In this episode, we dive into Del's remarkable life and career, discussing:

    • His early days in Pennsylvania and the Baltimore bluegrass scene.
    • The first time he saw Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs.
    • His time with Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys.
    • The evolution and timelessness of bluegrass.
    • Collaborations with artists like Billy Strings and Steve Earle.
    • Memorable encounters with Willie Nelson and Phish.

    Del McCoury continues to inspire with the Del McCoury Band, alongside his sons Ronnie and Rob. They’ve just released their new album, 'Songs of Love and Life,' featuring covers of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Kenny Rogers, along with collaborations with next-gen talents like Molly Tuttle.

    Tune in to hear Del's stories, his impact on the bluegrass genre, and what keeps him going after all these years. Thanks for listening and subscribing. Let’s get into it!

    Thanks for listening and subscribing to Mostly Occasionally.

    Email me: brandon@brobible.com
    Follow me on Instagram
    Follow me on Twitter
    Read more of my writing on BroBible
    Learn more about me on my website, brandonwenerd.com

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    49 m