Episodes

  • Luke Yankee, Son of Eileen Heckart and Writer/Director of "Marilyn, Mom, & Me"
    Feb 10 2024

    We had the pleasure recently of interviewing actor, director, producer, professor, and playwright Luke Yankee, who wrote and directs, Marilyn, Mom, & Me. Luke is the son of Oscar, Golden Globe, Emmy and Tony-award winning actress Eileen Heckart, who co-starred with Marilyn in the film Bus Stop.

    In this episode of the All Things Marilyn Podcast, you'll hear great stories about Luke's mom and of course Marilyn:

    • What was the relationship like between Marilyn Monroe and Eileen Heckart?
    • What was it like to be the son of an acclaimed film and Broadway star?
    • What impact did Marilyn have on Heckert?
    • How did Heckert respond when she learned of Marilyn's passing?

    In Marilyn, Mom, & Me, Luke tries to unravel his complex, often volatile relationship with his mother by better understanding her intense friendship with one of the biggest movie stars of all time.

    Get more insights into Yankee's play, which is premiering at the International City Theatre in Long Beach, CA on February 16, and much more in this episode of All Things Marilyn.


    ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
    Scott @marilynmonroecollection
    Elisa @la_woman_tours

    Credits
    Artwork by @marilynmexico
    Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor

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    36 mins
  • Michael Arnold, Grandson of Photojournalist Eve Arnold
    Nov 9 2023

    In this episode of the All Things Marilyn Podcast, Scott and Elisa interview Michael Arnold, grandson of photojournalist Eve Arnold, who photographed Marilyn Monroe several times. Eve was more than just another photographer of Marilyn’s, she was her friend and confidant. With this interview, listeners will hear new stories and discover new insights on Marilyn Monroe:

    • Learn about what it was like for Eve to be a female photojournalist in a male dominated profession.
    • Discover how Eve came to first photograph Marilyn, and hear about their very personal and intimate relationship.
    • Hear stories about Eve’s take on Marilyn, and how Marilyn’s trust in others changed over the years.
    • Learn about Eve’s time on the set of The Misfits, Marilyn’s final completed film.

    This interview with Michael aligns with the initial release of three high-quality, professionally printed archival prints of Marilyn shot by Eve Arnold, available for a limited time. The Arnold estate is making these prints available to Marilyn fans at a reduced rate of £280.00, worldwide shipping included.

    To view and purchase the prints, click here.

    Don’t miss this insightful and fascinating interview with Michael Arnold.

    ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
    Scott @marilynmonroecollection
    Elisa @la_woman_tours

    Credits
    Artwork by @marilynmexico
    Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor

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    49 mins
  • The Battle to Save Marilyn Monroe's Final Home
    Sep 11 2023

    In this episode of the All Things Marilyn Podcast, we discuss and share opinions about the recent news that the City of Los Angeles Planning and Development Department approved a requested permit to demolish Marilyn Monroe's home, located in Brentwood, CA. This was the only house she ever owned on her own, and the location where she passed away in 1962. The pending demolition was announced in a New York Post article.

    All Things Marilyn co-hosts Scott and Elisa review and discuss this issue with an elite panel of historians and experts, including:

    • Gary Vitacco-Robles, author of several books on Marilyn, including Cursum Perficio: Marilyn Monroe's Brentwood Hacienda, Icon: The Life, Times and Films of Marilyn Monroe Volumes I and II, and Icon: What Killed Marilyn Monroe Volumes I and II;
    • April VeVea, author of Marilyn Monroe: A Day In The Life and Puffblicity: An Appreciation of Jayne Mansfield; and
    • Remi Gangarossa, writer, producer and director of a forthcoming short film on Marilyn Monroe, titled Marilyn's Dark Paradise.

    This expert panel has extensive knowledge about and history of Marilyn and her home. We chat about everything from how much Marilyn paid for the house in 1962 to what the motivation might be to have the house torn down, together with how fans have reacted and rallied together to save the house.

    Councilwoman Traci Park launched an effort to acquire a stay on any construction and a revocation of the demolition permit, which was unanimously approved by the LA City Council. But, what's next and how can you help?

    Don't miss this fascinating and informative episode!

    ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
    Scott @marilynmonroecollection
    Elisa @la_woman_tours

    Credits
    Artwork by @marilynmexico
    Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • President Kennedy's Birthday Gala: Fact vs. Fiction | What's really true and what's folklore?
    Jun 26 2023

    In this episode of All Things Marilyn we break down the facts and the rumors about President Kennedy's birthday gala at Madison Square Garden in New York on May 19, 1962. What are the facts? What's true and not true? There are so many stories, rumors, legends, and lies about this historic event:

    • Marilyn bought five tickets at $1,000.00 to attend President Kennedy’s birthday gala, even though she was a performer! Who were the other four tickets for?
    • What’s the history of the gown Marilyn wore to the event? Who designed it? How much did she pay for the gown? Was she really sewn into the dress? Is it true that it’s the most expensive dress in the world?
    • Was Jackie Kennedy at President Kennedy’s birthday gala?
    • Did Marilyn really give JFK a gold Rolex watch as a birthday gift that night?
    • There are photos of Marilyn holding an item in her hand at the event. What was it?
    • Was Marilyn really intoxicated when she performed “Happy Birthday Mr. President” for JFK?
    • Did Marilyn and President Kennedy spend the night together after the birthday gala?
    • Did Marlene Dietrich influence Marilyn’s performance that night?
    • Who really did Marilyn’s hair and makeup for the birthday gala?

    Get all the facts here. And, hear Marilyn's own words as she speaks about the event.

    ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
    Scott @marilynmonroecollection
    Elisa @la_woman_tours

    Credits
    Artwork by @marilynmexico
    Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor

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    45 mins
  • Jane Russell Author Christina Rice: It's time to "Tussle with Russell"
    Jun 12 2023

    In this episode of the All Things Marilyn Podcast, we interview Christina Rice, author of “Mean…Moody…Magnificent! Jane Russell and the Making of a Hollywood Legend.”

    We had a wonderful time chatting with Christina about all things Jane.

    • How she was discovered by Howard Hughes and Howard Hawks.
    • Facts about her role in and publicity for The Outlaw.
    • Why she was known as, "The Motionless Picture Actress."
    • The true life parallels between Marilyn Monroe and Jane.
    • Jane's relationship with Marilyn, both on and off the set of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
    • Their cement ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
    • The impact Marilyn and Jane had on each other's careers.
    • WAIF, a private agency that actress founded in the 1950s to promote the adoption of children.

    Tune in for a fascinating conversation about the life and career of Jane Russell, (AKA "Dorothy Shaw,") Marilyn’s co-star in the ultimate girl buddy film, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

    ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
    Scott @marilynmonroecollection
    Elisa @la_woman_tours

    Credits
    Artwork by @marilynmexico
    Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor

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    49 mins
  • All Things Marilyn Interviews Francine Gifford-Deir, Marilyn Monroe's Niece
    Jun 5 2023

    For the Season 2 premiere of the All Things Marilyn Podcast, hosts Scott and Elisa interview Francine Gifford-Deir, biological granddaughter of Charles Stanley Gifford and Marilyn Monroe's niece. Last year, Francine provided a hair sample for a DNA test that proved definitively that Stan Gifford was Marilyn's father.

    In this interview, Francine provides intimate details and stories about her family, and describes in detail what Stan Gifford was like as a person.

    • Was the relationship between Gladys and Stan a fling or a true romance?
    • Why didn't Stan accept Norma Jeane as his daughter?
    • What was Marilyn's father like?
    • What was it like growing up with the stories and rumors that Marilyn Monroe was a member of the Gifford family?
    • How did Charles Stanley (Chuck) Gifford Jr, Francine's father, react to the rumors?
    • Did C. Stanley Gifford ever admit to being Marilyn Monroe's father?

    Learn all the facts about Marilyn's father's family in this revealing, touching, and heartwarming interview.

    ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
    Scott @marilynmonroecollection
    Elisa @la_woman_tours

    Credits
    Artwork by @marilynmexico
    Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor

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    49 mins
  • An Elephant, a Boy, and Marilyn Monroe
    Dec 22 2022

    For this episode of All Things Marilyn, we interview Emmy award winning journalist Marvin Scott, who at 15 years of age photographed Marilyn Monroe on March 31, 1955. She was making her first public appearance following her divorce from baseball great Joe DiMaggio. The event was a charity opening of the Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Listen as Mr. Scott tells us how he gained access to the event and what it was like to be there. Also, hear the story of the personal interaction he had with American's reigning sex goddess. Mr. Scott has received countless awards for the nearly 15,000 reports and interviews he's completed throughout his career. This is the very first time he's ever been interviewed about his experience with Marilyn Monroe.

    ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
    Scott @marilynmonroecollection
    Elisa @la_woman_tours

    Credits
    Artwork by @marilynmexico
    Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor

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    26 mins
  • Rewriting History: Marilyn Monroe and Stanley Gifford
    Nov 23 2022

    In this episode, we announce and discuss the discovery of an undated get well greeting card to Marilyn Monroe from her father, Stanley Gifford. For years it was believed that Gifford was her father, and it was proven definitively through DNA testing earlier this year. However, there was never any evidence that father and daughter had any kind of relationship. The discovery of this greeting card rewrites history. There was indeed some kind of personal relationship between them, and this card proves it.

    "I discovered the card purely by chance while I was preparing Marilyn's personal archives for auction at Julien's Auctions," said Scott Fortner, Marilyn Monroe historian/collector and co-host of the All Things Marilyn podcast, as quoted in a PEOPLE.com news article. "This is the only known documented evidence of a relationship between Monroe and Gifford, which solves the mystery of whether or not she knew or had contact with her biological father."

    In today's discussion, Scott and Elisa cover many topics:

    • What did Marilyn believe and know about her father when she was a child?
    • How did Stanley Gifford and Gladys Mortensen meet, and what was the status of their relationship?
    • Why did Gladys list husband Edward Mortensen on Norma Jeane's birth certificate when she knew Gifford was the father?
    • Who discovered that Gifford actually was Marilyn's father?
    • What were the sources for the DNA testing?
    • How did Scott Fortner discover the card in Marilyn's archives, and where has it been for all of these years?
    • Did Marilyn Monroe ever meet her father?

    Marilyn Monroe's "Get Well" greeting card will be offered for auction at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills on December 17-18, 2022.

    This episode covers many fascinating and revealing aspects of Marilyn Monroe's life and personal history. Don't miss it!

    ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
    Scott @marilynmonroecollection
    Elisa @la_woman_tours

    Credits
    Artwork by @marilynmexico
    Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor

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    36 mins