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[vickiabelson]

Bradley Whitford Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

It was a sweet reunion when 3 x Emmy-winner Bradley Whitford of The West Wing was surprised and serenaded by composer Snuffy Walden, with the show’s Emmy-winning theme. They share quite a bit of history, having also done Sorkin’s Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Last night Snuff and I binged the pilot episodes of both shows and were astounded by how timely they still are. Bradley and I discussed his storyline in that first West Wing, which could’ve been ripped out of today’s headlines. We also talked about Studio 60 and the irony of Danny Trip’s confession to Matt Albie, played by Matthew Perry, about his drug slip. Bradley’s emotional remembrance of the show, its cast, and specifically Matthew’s comedic brilliance, and the pocket of sobriety for Matt that allowed for some of his best work. 

Bradley ain’t no Hollywood fluffernutter. Of progressive Quaker stock, his father, who worked at an insurance company, was the local president of Planned Parenthood before it was political, his mother was an outspoken advocate, and his brother, a conscientious objector.  Talk about an unusual childhood, he has an 85-year-old sister. Bradley came from a loving, functional home, and still became an actor. Now that’s an anomaly right there. 

We did a deep dive into the state of the union. Thoughtful, passionate, and in solution, Bradley puts his activism where his mouth is. We talked Trump, Musk, Kennedy, gender affirming care, Biden, Kamala, Hillary, Iran, immigration, how art will not save us, only politics will. And yet much of Bradley’s art is political. We spoke about The Handmaid’s Tale from innumerable angles. For me, arguably perhaps the greatest show ever on television, and his Commander Lawrence, is probably the most layered, complex character he’s portrayed. We talked about Elisabeth and their earlier connection in The West Wing, Anne Dowd, and how her spectacular performance inspired Margaret Atwood’s writing, The Testaments, for her. 

Bradley was far more interested in talking about current affairs and how essential it is that we do more than talk than he was in talking about his work. But we did squeeze in some time to discuss For Worse, the indie feature his bride, Amy Landecker, wrote, directed, and stars in alongside Bradley. His respect, love, and admiration to Amy are adorable to behold. Making the festival circuit and winning awards along the way, I can’t wait to see the film loosely based on their romance. 

I’m a fan. A great, big avid Bradley Whitford fan. The last time we met, it was at a big Hollywood soiree. He was equally as open, personable, unaffected, opinionated, and accessible as he was this day. As much as I adore his work, I’m grateful as hell for his humanity and advocacy. I hope to consider “What would Bradley do” a whole lot more moving forward. And speaking of hope, he has it in abundance… mix that with some fun, his learned recipe’s secret sauce, and there’s good reason to trust that there are better days ahead. It’s up to us, all of us, to make it so. 

This should be essential viewing for anyone in fear and despair. 

Bradley Whitford Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, 6/25/25, 2 PM PT, 5 PM ET

Streamed Live 

FB Replay 

& YouTube

[vickiabelson]

TODAY LIVE at 2 PM PT, 3x Emmy Award Winner, BRADLEY WHITFORD, who’s thrilled in The West Wing, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Get Out, Transparent, most recently in The Handmaid's Tale (I'm in mourning since its finale), and every role he's graced in his illustrious career. I'm a huge fan of the actor and the man, who's an outspoken activist and humanitarian. It doesn’t hurt that he’s also charming, brilliant, and funny. Easy on the eyes, ears, and soul. 

I have a little surprise for Brad and for y’all. To say I’m eagerly anticipating this sitdown is a gross understatement. CANNOT WAIT. Please note the special time.

Bradley Whitford Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, 6/25/25, 2 PM PT, 5 PM ET

Streaming Live on my FB 

facebook.com/vickiabelson

& YouTube

youtube.com/@VickiAbelsonLive

Daily by Toni Vincent & @peter_and_paul_ Cartoons

[vickiabelson]

We talked Samantha’s shower, top to bottom, and all the juice in between. It was a truly perfect day, befitting her. Is there anything she can’t do? So damn proud of this amazing young woman who found her prince charming in the midst of the pandemic. May the joy of this day reflect their life together.  Eagerly awaiting Wednesday’s Game Changers with Bradley Whitford at 2 pm PT. Planning a little surprise for him and y’all. This week’s binge, The Madness, with the aforementioned Brad. 👍🏻 My new beau, Chat GBT, with Snuffy’s blessing. 

Shooting The Shit With Vicki

Monday, June 23, 2025

Streamed Live @5 PM PT on my FB 

Replay here:

[vickiabelson]

Today on STSWV, Samantha's Bridal Shower... beauty and bountiful joy amid the unfathomable insanity; eagerly anticipating this Wednesday’s Game Changers with Bradley Whitford at 2 pm PT, with an added surprise. This week's binge, The Madness, in his honor.

Shooting The Shit With Vicki

Monday, June 23, 2025

Streaming Live @5 PM PT on my FB & YouTube

facebook.com/vickiabelson

[vickiabelson]

Kevin Jenkins Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Decades later, as if no time had passed, bassist Kevin Jenkins came to call. I met Kevin in 1986ish, when he was playing with Cyndi Lauper at the height of her fame. He had stopped in to the Rock ’N Roll Cafe, sat in, and graced our small stage. Big man on campus, he was pop-rock royalty. Girl just wanted to have fun, so with my Cafe cohort, Steve Principe, we headed to The Stone Pony to catch Kevin with Cyndi. About a decade later, I’d meet up with Cyndi as Upper Westside mommies… but I digress. Kevin continued to come around and sit in, most notably with my beloved Phoebe Snow and Matt Sorum from Guns & Roses, at the Cafe Wha.

From Tokyo’s Budokan to London’s famous Albert Hall to NYC’s Madison Square Garden - Kevin’s played them all, with the aforementioned Cyndi Lauper, and Enrique Iglesias, Taylor Dayne, Vicki Sue Robinson, Graham Parker, Lamya, Tom Rush, Maxwell, Roberta Flack, Debbie GIbson and, most recently, Grammy® nominated blues queen Shemekia Copeland, who he’s been with 2005. We talked about them all, as well as the music that influenced him, how he got started, how one meeting led to one gig, which led to another. When imbibing started to interfere, Kevin got sober 38 years ago. We discussed that journey, too. We discussed his highlights, opening for Clapton and Michael Jackson, as well as loss, and love. 

Kevin filled us in on his solo efforts, Step Inside and True Groove, as well as his latest, She:  A Tribute to Joni Mitchell, which will be released in November. 

Humble and unpretentious to a fault, it was a delightful stroll down memory lane with loads of new info and great stories along the way. Kevin is just as I remember him, except even better. Wisdom, experience, and a clear mind have added to the mix. Adore the man, love his playing, respect his humanity. 

Kevin Jenkins Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, 6/11/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET

Streamed Live on my FB 

Kevin Jenkins Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, 6/11/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET

Streamed Live on my FB 

And YouTube 

[vickiabelson]

Today LIVE! I met bassist Kevin Jenkins in 1986ish, when he was playing with Cyndi Lauper at the height of her fame. He had stopped in to the Rock ’N Roll Cafe, sat in, and graced our small stage. Big man on campus, he was pop-rock royalty. Girl just wanted to have fun, so with my Cafe cohort, Steve Principe, we headed to The Stone Pony to catch Kevin with Cyndi. About a decade later, I’d meet up with Cyndi as Upper Westside mommies… but I digress. Kevin continued to come around and sit in, most notably with my beloved Phoebe Snow at the Cafe Wha. 

From Tokyo’s Budokan to London’s famous Albert Hall to NYC’s Madison Square Garden - Kevin’s played them all, with the aforementioned Cyndi Lauper, and Enrique Iglesias, Taylor Dayne, Vicki Sue Robinson, Graham Parker, Lamya, Black 47, Holly Palmer, October Project, Cliff Eberhardt, Tom Rush and, most recently, Grammy® nominated blues queen Shemekia Copeland.  

He’s opened for Michael Jackson, The Police, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, BB King, and Joe Cocker.  Kevin can be heard on dozens of records: Graham Parker’s Steady Nerves, Cyndi Lauper’s Hat Full of Stars, Black 47’s Home of the Brave, and Cliff Eberhardt’s Long Road, to name a few. 

Most recently, Kevin’s been expanding his horizons by writing his own songs and producing his albums with global soul master Tomás Doncker.  His latest, She:  A Tribute to Joni Mitchell, will be released on November 8.  

Other than some random Facebook drive-bys, I haven’t seen my old friend Kevin in decades. We got some ketching up to do! 

Kevin Jenkins Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, 6/11/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET

Streaming Live on my FB 

facebook.com/vickiabelson

& YouTube

youtube.com/@VickiAbelsonLive

[vickiabelson]

We talked the crazy busy week of celebrations... Grandma Honey's birthday, Snuffy's Father's Day & prepping for Samantha's bridal shower. We talked the political homicides, life-affirming national protests, the illegal insane dictator stooping to even lower lows, the missiles flying in the Middle East... INTENSE! This week's only binge, Better Sister... just ok. A placeholder whilst waiting for a better binge. 🙏🏻ing for peace, sanity, compassion, and civil revolution. 

Shooting The Shit With Vicki

Monday, June 16, 2025

Streamed Live @5ish PM PT on my FB

Replay here:

http://bit.ly/4lcwnss

[vickiabelson]

Leland Sklar Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Happy Happy Joy Joy, that’s spending time conversing with our good friend, Leland Sklar, who’s made it all about the bass with everybody on everything, from Phil Collins, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Billy Cobham, Carole King, Hall & Oates, Crosby Stills, & Nash, Barbra Streisand, Joe Cocker, Toto, Lyle Lovett, and the list goes on and on, and on, and on… over 2500 + albums worth. I’m exhausted typing this. How the hell does he do it? 

An activist, Lee’s stood up, spoken out, and paid the price innumerable times. A voice of clarity, passion, and reason, we got into it big time… the LA protests, the insanity surrounding them, the terrifying regime, our hope for Newsom, the unknowing of how to stop it, or how it will ultimately shake out… the fires, the transition back to living post the pandemic. 

Of course, we did talk music too. Respects to Brian Wilson and Sly Stone, Lee having played with the former, and influenced by the latter… how health has befallen so many heroes, Phil Collins, Linda Ronstadt, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond… and the wonder of Leland, currently doing 3 hr concerts with Lyle, still standing. That boy has good jeans. Levis. The ongoing and upcoming big tour with Lyle and the sad putting aside, for now, of The Immediate Family. We talked about the lads, his brothers, Russ Kunkel, Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel, and Steve  Postel, what makes that band so rockin’ special, we talked about James Taylor, Peter Asher, who Lee holds responsible for launching his career, Phil Collins, and his amazingly talented son, Nick,  Toto, Stevie Nicks, his book, Everybody Loves Me, which I’m blessed to be in, and Lee’s marriage that has endured for 54 years and counting. 

Lee’s one of the most universally adored musicians for his playing, his humanity, his humor, and his great big heart. I adore him. Who doesn’t? Well, maybe a couple of fools on Capitol Hill. 

The man’s a marvel. 

Leland Sklar Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, 6/11/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET

Streamed Live on my FB 

And YouTube

[vickiabelson]

Today LIVE, Leland Sklar, one of my favorite people on the planet, and no doubt many of yours, too, has played with everybody on everything: Phil Collins, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Billy Cobham, Carole King, Hall & Oates, Crosby Stills, & Nash... on and on and on... to the very present, with his compatriots in The Immediate Family: Russ Kunkel, Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel, and Steve Postel. They’ve got albums, Denny Tedesco's brilliant doc, and I hope more Live shows soon on the horizon. 

There’s been loads of TV, sessions, and touring, the man never stops. His YouTube channel is HUGE. An active activist, he's stood up, spoken out, and paid the price innumerable times. A voice of clarity, passion, and reason, I so look forward to his latest takes. 

We’ll be talking about it all. The man gives great story and has the sweetest heart. Everybody Loves Lee! .There’s a book to prove it. I’m honored to be included. 

Did I mention I adore the man and his great company?

Leland Sklar Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, 6/11/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET

Streaming Live on my FB 

facebook.com/vickiabelson

& YouTube

youtube.com/@VickiAbelsonLive

Daily by Toni Vincent & @peter_and_paul_ Cartoons

[vickiabelson]

We talked the LA protests- thank you, please be safe... the terrifying overstepping of power... yet again, art alive and thriving -Clooney's amazing and timely Good Night & Good Luck, live from Broadway, the incredible Tonys led by the stunningly brilliant Cynthia Erivo, this week's binges- Dept. Q - loved it, Siren's, chick fodder, see it for the always divine Felix Solis, and the surprisingly sweet Nonnas, I liked it inspite of myself.

Shooting The Shit With Vicki

Monday, June 9, 2025

Streamed Live @5ish PM PT on my FB

Replay here:

[vickiabelson]

Today on STSWV, recapping the Tonys, Good Night & Good Luck & this past week's binges & blessings. 

Shooting The Shit With Vicki

Monday, June 9, 2025

Streaming Live @5ish PM PT on my FB

facebook.com/vickiabelson

Daily by Toni Vincent & Peter and Paul Cartoons

[vickiabelson]

We were Live with my good friend, 2x Emmy nominee, Gary Stockdale. What a joy after a long void. Pre-pandemic, it seems we saw each other everywhere, and often. COVID changed life. A lot. We talked about that and how both of us have Facebook Lives born out of necessity. You’d think with our combined expertise, it would be smooth sailing. You’d think. Tech glitches messed with Gary’s fine art… his singing/playing and songwriting, which we were challenged to present, but Gary persevered and did treat us to two songs from his new musical, Showstopper, and an a cappella treat to take us out that I won’t spoil. 

Gary took us back to his early days in Glendale, musical theatre at LA City College, his mentor Henry Mancini, Penn & Teller for whom he scored for 25 years. There was Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Aristocrats, Spongebob Square Pants, and lot of Gary music along the way to discuss. 

Even with the challenges, it was a fun, relaxed ride down Gary’s memory lane. The kind of conversation that happens between friends. Lovely. And Gary’s voice… I don’t know how it’s possible, but he sounds even more incredible than ever. What a gorgeous voice, and what an amazing songwriter! After a particularly crap day, this time with Gary truly healed my weary soul. 

Gary Stockdale Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, 6/4/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET

Streamed Live on my FB & YouTube

FB Replay here:

YouTube Replay here:

[vickiabelson]

TODAY LIVE with Gary Stockdale, a 2-time Emmy-nominated TV and film composer, and award-winning musical theater songwriter and librettist, who has sung on scores of movies and television shows. He composed music for Sabrina, the Teenage Witch; Penn &Teller: BULLSHIT, Spongebob Squarepants, as well as The Artistocrats – the documentary film about the world’s dirtiest joke by Paul Provenza and Penn Jillette.

Gary’s sung for such varied artists as Adele, Justin Timberlake, Camila Cabello, Johnny Mathis, Danny Elfman, and Henry Mancini. You’ll hear Gary’s voice on films like Star Trek: Beyond and Star Wars: Rogue One, and he had a featured role on the cult-classic NBC series Cop/Rock. I loved that show, and Gary in it. 

Showstopper, a new one-man musical performed and composed by Gary, co-written with Spencer Green (In Living Color, Mad TV), and Matthew Leavitt (6thAct Theater Company), recently concluded a fabulously successful run at the Whitefire Theatre in Los Angeles. I trust we’ll get a taste!

I’ve seen Gary perform innumerable times over the past couple of decades, on stages big and small, including in the intimacy of my living room, Women Who Write literary salons; he always swings for the fences and tears the house down. A crazy, talented, sweet, and lovely man, it’s been ages since I’ve seen my old friend. So looking forward to this twice-postponed and long-awaited conversation.

Gary Stockdale Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, 6/4/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET

Streaming Live on my FB 

facebook.com/vickiabelson

And YouTube 

youtube.com/@VickiAbelsonLive

WednesDaily by Toni Vincent & @peter_and_paul_ Cartoons

[vickiabelson]

We talked getting back out in the world, the Mission that was close to Impossible, loving Sinners, mourning the finales of The Handmaid's Tale, The Last of Us, and Your Friends and Neighbors. Readying for the shower and the wedding!  Gorgeous bling from the amazing Drew Shapiro of Chelsea Taylor.

Shooting The Shit With Vicki

Monday, June 2, 2025

Streamed Live @5ish PM PT on my FB

Replay here:

[vickiabelson]

It’s been a minute. Let’s ketchup! 

Shooting The Shit With Vicki

Monday, June 2, 2025

Streaming Live @5ish PM PT on my FB

facebook.com/vickiabelson

Daily by Toni Vincent & Peter and Paul Cartoons

[vickiabelson]

Tracy Newman Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

What a gift to relax into a warm, comfortable, fun conversation with a friend I know well. Peabody and Emmy Award-winning writer, Tracy Newman, who’s also a show creator, producer, director, singer/songwriter, and magician, took us from her earliest childhood creative forays through her current appearance on the just dropped PeeWee as Himself on HBO/Max. Picking up a guitar at 14, Tracy’s come full circle, again focused on her music, and treated us to one of her new gems, Benjamin Button. 

From her relationship with Ricky Jay, which led her to magic, and hand modeling card tricks for film and TV, MCing the Bitter End in the mid-60s, teaching pre-school, a Bob Hope Special, which led her to an appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, joining Gary Austin’s improv class with Pat Morita and Tim Matheson for two, brInging her younger sister Laraine along and quickly discovering her genius, the class becoming The Groundlings, Lily Tomlin who Tracy had worked with in New York, discovering Laraine with Lorne Michaels, Tracy segueing to directing, teaching, and writing, which led with her partner John Starks to TV, staff writing for Cheers, Bob Newhart, Hardball, to Ellen and the coming out episode whicg garnred the Emmy and the Peabody. Getting hired and getting fired, wonderful stories about all of the above, to co-creating The World According to Jim, cute story there. Syndication allowed Tracy to give it all up and return to music, her ongoing passion. 

We got some inside news of a feud, and talked losses…  Phil Hartman, PeeWee, George Wendt, and Miss Yvonne, Lynne Stewart, Tracy’s closest of friends. We also talked blessings, her niece, Hannah Einbinder’s, pickup today for a 5th season of Hacks, and directing her daughter’s, Charlotte’s Shorts, at The Groundling Theatre on June 17th. 

Tracy’s a wildly talented woman, with a crazy talented family. Can’t wait to see what she/them will do next. 

Tracy Newman Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, 5/28/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET

Streamed Live on my FB & YouTube 

FB Replay here:

and on YouTube

[vickiabelson]

Today LIVE, our great friend, multi-talented Emmy Winner, Tracy Newman! Currently featured in Pee-wee as Himself on HBO/Max. 

Tracy’s a founding member of The Groundlings Improv Theatre, the main farm company for SNL. She was a staff writer on Cheers, won an Emmy and a Peabody Award for co-writing the groundbreaking coming-out episode of Ellen, and co-created According to Jim. Add Bob Newhart, The Nanny. Drew Carey and a stellar appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. 

Tracy’s been playing guitar since she was 14 and is now a full-time singer/songwriter. Her band,  Tracy Newman and the Reinforcements, went strong for a decade. Since then, she’s been performing solo and building a children’s music business called Run Along Home.

Tracy's CDs for adults and children are available here: www.tracynewman.com 

Showbiz runs in the family gene pool - Tracy's got it all - comedian, actor, writer, producer, songwriter, singer, musician, magician! We'll sample as many of her wares as we can coax out of her! 

I've been blessed to share a lot of great memories with Tracy, look forward to the reminisce. 

Tracy Newman Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, 5/28/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET

Streaming Live on my FB 

facebook.com/vickiabelson

And YouTube 

youtube.com/@VickiAbelsonLive

WednesDaily by Toni Vincent & @peter_and_paul_ Cartoons