Olivia Wilder Times™

Ben Gleib has long been a favorite guest of Olivia Wilder, and this will be his seventh visit. He's here to talk about his new first ever hour-long standup comedy special, premiering on Showtime on June 3 at 10 PM. Years ago, Esquire called Ben Gleib one of 6 comedians who could be "comedy's next big thing." The other 5 were Aziz Ansari, Patton Oswalt, David Cross, Demetri Martin, and Flight of the Conchords. It came true for the other 5, and now it seems to be Gleib's time.  He spent 7 years as one of the most featured performers on Chelsea Lately, going on to host and executive produce "Idiotest," the Emmy nominated game show in its third season as the most watched original show on GSN. (He also helps create all of the show's brain puzzles.)  Gleib is a regular on "The Today Show" with Kathie Lee and Hoda, has made multiple appearances on Comedy Central's @midnight, and recently was even guest co-anchor of ABC News digital, from ABC News world headquarters in New York. 

*ONE LIVE LISTENER WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE COPY OF GREG'S NEW BOOK: "THE SMARTEST BOOK IN THE WORLD!" Listen live for details. Hard to believe, but this marks comic genius' Greg Proops 10th visit to Olivia Wilder Times. My favorite-ever guest returns to talk about his Proopcasts, VODcasts, his busy, busy, schedule traveling all over the world delighting fans and making new fans with his rapier-like wit, and amazing audiences with his immense encyclopedia of knowledge about random and interesting things, and his brand new book, "The Smartest Book in The World." In his own (much better than mine) words: Greg Proops is a stand up comic from San Francisco. He lives in Hollywood. It’s not that bad. Really.The Proopdog is best known for his unpredictable appearances on Whose Line is it Anyway? Professor Proops has a hit Podcast called The Smartest Man in the World. He has recorded it live in London, Australia, New Zealand, Montreal, Edinburgh, Dublin, San Francisco, Oslo, Amsterdam, Austin, Paris aboard a ship in the Caribbean and somehow, Cleveland. Find it at Proopcast.com or iTunes. The Greg Proops Film Club is a popular podcast covering old and new movies also available on iTunes. He records and screens a movie monthly at The Cinefamily in Hollywood. Greg can be viewed on @midnight on Comedy Central. Proople Rain brazenly smokes dope on TV on The Green Room with Paul Provenza on Showtime. Greg has lent his voice to Star Wars the Phantom Menace, The Nightmare Before Christmas and was Bob the Builder. Mr. Proops has been a guest on Red Eye, The Late, Late Show and Chelsea Lately on E! http://www.gregproops.com/blog/ @GregProops on Twitter.  Call 347-215-7536 to talk to Greg and have a chance to win a copy of his new BOOK: "The Smartest Book In The World: A Lexicon of Literacy, A Rancorous Reportage, A Concise Curriculum of Cool."

Welcoming back Ben Gleib, a standup comedian, actor, and host of the TV show "Idiotest," on GSN. He was a round table regular on "Chelsea Lately," on E! throughout its run, appearing on over 100 episodes, as well as a guest star on "After Lately." Esquire magazine named him one o "Six comedians who could be comedy's next big thing." He is the voice of 'Marshall the Sloth,' in the film "Ice Age- Continental Drift," the #2 animated movie of all time internationally. He also voiced the character, 'Dali,' in "The Book of Life." Recently he was seen on Comedy Central's "@Midnight" show. He worked for The Oscars, hosting The Academy's first-ever "Oscar Roadtrip," featured on the ABC Oscar's Pre-Show. Gleib is also one of the stars of the Kevin Smith movie, "Jay and Silent Bob's Super Groovy Cartoon Movie." He also makes appearances as a guest correspondent on CNN, sharing his comedic take on politics. Ben's weekly podcast, "Last Week on Earth with Ben Gleib," on the Smodcast network debuted on iTunes as the #9 comedy podcast in the world, and was #1 on Stitcher for over 20 straight weeks. He has performed to sold-out arenas all over America, opening for Chelsea Handler and Dane Cook. He recently co-wrote and stars in the scripted webseries, "Cinedopes" on YouTube. Additionally, he has starred in the NBC prime time "The Real Wedding Crashers," appeared on "Good Morning, America," "Extra," "Home & Family," "The Late Late Show," "Last Call with Carson Daly," and "Last Comic Standing," among many others. Currently he is on the #BenGleibWorldTour2015, "The Last Week on Earth" podcast, and enjoying his second season every Wednesday on GSN, 10/9 Central, with "Idiotest."

Hugh Acheson is the author of the James Beard Foundation Award-Winning Cookbook "A New Turn in the South: Southern Flavors Reinvented for Your Kitchen," "Pick a Pickle: 50 Recipes for Pickles, Relishes, and Fermented Snacks," and his new book, "The Broad Fork: Recipes for the Wide World of Vegetables and Fruits." He is a chef/partner of the Athens, Georgia, restaurants, 5 & 10, The National, also. the Atlanta restaurant, Empire State South, and The Florence in Savannah. He is a James Beard award winner for "Best Chef Southeast," and was named a "Best New Chef" by Food & Wine Magazine. Hugh competed in Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, Season 3 and currently stars as a judge on Top Chef. *One live listener will be the recipient of a FREE copy of his newly-released cookbook, "The Broad Fork: Recipes for the Wide World of Vegetables and Fruit." @hughacheson (Twitter) http://hughacheson.com/

Sean Kanan stars on "The Bold and the Beautiful," the number one syndicated show in daytime in 120 countries. He plays the deviously sexy Deacon Sharpe, a role that he made famous also on the sister show, "The Young and the Restless."  Recently he starred in "My Trip to the Darkside" and subsequent sequel, "My Trip Back to the Darkside."  Early in his career, Kanan was chosen  by Oscar-winning Director, John Avildsen from over 2000 hopefuls for the role of Mike Barnes in the Karate Kid III. Kanan's popularity in Italy and ability to speak fluent Italian garnered him the lead role in the film "Sons of Italy," and landed him on the in Italian version of the popular show "Dancing with the Stars," for 9 weeks. In conjunction with his acting career, Kanan has had great success as a producer and writer. . On the comedy stage, Kanan has performed at leading clubs, including the Laugh Factory, the Comedy Store, Dangerfield's, the Brokerage, Uncle Vinny's and other venues. In addition, he has performed in Sam Shepard's "True West"stage play twice. Sean's book, "The Modern Gentleman; Cooking and Entertaining with Sean Kanan" is currently available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. Kanan co-hosted a celebrity parenting radio talk show called Kanan's Rules, available for download on iTunes podcast.  He also had a regular role on the series "Camera Cafe," executive produced by Antonio Banderas. He worked under executive producer, Francis Ford Coppola on the prime-time series, "The Outsiders," and he appeared in the miniseries "Wild Palms," executive produced by Oliver Stone. Sean also dedicates much of his time to numerous charitable and nonprofit endeavors including ASPCA and the Anti-Defamation League's anti-bullying campaign.  

Summer Moore, a Colorado native, lived in several states, which gave her life experiences to draw upon for acting and writing screenplays. She began acting at a very young age, performing in theater productions in Colorado, Alabama, and Hollywood. Following graduation in southern California, she landed roles in film, television, theatre, and internet. Some of her credits include on The Doctors, Banzai, The Andy Dick Show, Catch Me if You Can, Just Married, 24, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Her acting abilities cover a wide range of characters, from serial killer to comedic leading lady. She is involved as Host and Spokesmodel for a non-profit organization, "Captive Daughters," to help end sex-trafficking. She has made numerous appearances on their web series, and continuing work as a spokesmodel, she launched the U.S. introduction of a beauty line, "La Rochelle, Paris." As a writer, besides having a non-fiction book accepted for publication, she has a wide assortment of screenplays to her credit, including comedy, drama, horror, and thrillers. She produced a comedic webseries, "Peace and Quiet," which she also wrote and starred in. Realizing she had a knack for producing, she produced a feature that she wrote, "The Warning," a horror film, due to be released soon on VOD and DVD.

Shari Shattuck has appeared in more than two hundred television shows, films, mini-series, movies of the week and commercials on her acting resume.  A few of her acting credits are the television shows, ‘Dallas,’ ‘Sisters,’ ‘Life Goes On,’ ‘The Young and the Restless,’ and ‘Babylon Five.’ Her film credits include “On Deadly Ground” with Micheal Caine, “Spy Hard” with Leslie Neilson, and “A Man of Passion” with Anthony Quinn. In addition, she has performed most of Shakespeare’s major female roles on stage as well as a host of other characters, including the lead role in a hit production of “Cabaret.” Shari has also written and directed for the stage. Daily Variety’s rave review of her play, “In Progress,” said,  “Shattuck’s delightfully romantic comedy not only displays her talent as a stage performer, but also as a writer.” Her many years of acting and directing all contribute to her sense of drama, comedy and story as a novelist. Her first book, “Loaded,” was selected by Publisher’s Weekly as one of the Best of 2003. She has since published seven novels, co-produced the films  “Redemption” and “Scream at the Devil” with her husband, survived two fires, four mudslides, many rattlesnake relocations, and being the class-room-rep-parent-association-member for her daughters’ classes. Her new book, “Becoming Ellen will be released in the summer of 2015. She lives in the National Forest above Los Angeles

Powerful and versatile actor, James Wilder has been garnering awards and shining reviews in his new independent film, "3 Holes And a Smoking Gun," in which he portrays a duplicitous, washed-up screenwriter. He was named Best Lead Actor at the Red Dirt International Film Festival, Best Actor at the Winter Film Awards and Independent Spirit Award at the Garden State upcoming Film Festival. The film was also awarded the prestigious Grand Jury Prize at the Red Dirt International Film Festival and Best Screenplay honors at L.A.'s Downtown Film Festival. James Wilder's indelible portrayals include an ambitious lawyer in the Emmy Award-winning drama "Equal Justice." co-starring Sarah Jessica Parker, and the charming but sleazy drug dealing seducer in the series "Melrose Place." The New York Times said "James Wilder, as Carl Isaacs, is a thoroughly malevolent character, one in whom evil, rather than insanity, prevails," regarding his portrayal of serial killer Carl Isaacs in the acclaimed Miramax film, "Murder One." The multi-talented Wilder started off as a street performer, who took his juggling three chain saws act from San Francisco to New York and Europe. He performed at the legendary Moulin Rouge in his mother's native Paris at the age of 14. He studied at the famed NY Actors Studio . If that isn't enough, Mr Wilder also designs exclusive leather jackets and jewelry, refurbishes vintage furniture that he finds at auctions and flea markets, collects classic cars and commits to acting projects only when it inspires. “3 Holes And A Smoking Gun” is one such project. and is also a formidable architect and clothing and jewelry designer. It seems there is little this dashing actor cannot do.

Karen Pittman is an accomplished American actress and singer, born in Mississippi and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She received her Bachelor of Science in Voice and Opera at Northwestern University and received her Masters of Fine Arts from NYU's Graduate Acting Program. Karen is starring in the Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway play "Disgraced," written by Ayad Akhtar as well as co-starring in the third season of FX's "The Americans." "The Americans" which premiered on January 28, 2015.

Viet Pham grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area with parents who loved food and cooking. His upbringing inspired him to pursue a career in food, and he graduated from the California Culinary Academy in 2002. While attending school, Pham interned at Michelin-­starred Fifth Floor Restaurant in San Francisco, CA under award-­winning chef Laurent Gras. Pham went on to cater local private events before relocating to Provo,UT to secure the Executive Chef position at Spark Restaurant Lounge.There, Pham met his business partner, Bowman Brown, and the pair opened Forage Restaurant in Salt Lake City, UT in July, 2009. Though a unique concept in the Salt Lake City restaurant scene, Forage Restaurant was well-­received by the community and quickly emerged as the top eatery in the area; it won Salt Lake Magazine’s Best New Restaurant in Salt Lake City in 2010, Best Restaurant in Salt Lake City in 2011, and Pham won Best Chef from the magazine in 2012. Pham won Food & Wine Best New Chef in 2011, after receiving a nomination from the magazine the previous year for People’s Best New Chef: Southwest. His scallop sashimi with Meyer lemon confit was also featured in Food & Wine in "The 10 Best Restaurant Dishes" in their 2010 feature story. The James Beard Foundation nominated him as a Semi-­Finalist for Best Chef: Southwest, in 2011, 2012, and 2013. In 2012, Pham participated in Food Network’s show Extreme Chef where he was runner-­up. He also competed on the network’s marquee program, Next Food Network Star in 2013 and defeated Chef Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America. Pham has appeared in Bon Appetit, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, Reuters, and The Salt Lake Tribune. This Spring, 2015, Pham will open his new restaurant, Ember + Ash, in downtown Salt Lake City. Most recently, Pham was seen last month on Food Network's Kitchen Inferno.

ABOUT THIS SHOW: This is the sixth year of my annual two-night family Christmas show, filled with wonderful old rare radio shows, stories, songs, and culminating in the second night (tomorrow) with the old and rare reading by author Truman Capote of his own poignant "A Christmas Memory." You'll hear music by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and others singing holiday classics, as well as old radio performances of holiday classics, and some you've never heard. The stories vary from year-to-year, but always great nostalgic holiday fare. Gather your family around, have a cup of hot cocoa, eggnog, or just a cup of good cheer, and enjoy. Tomorrow night's show will be deleted afterward and only available for listening live each year, when I switch things up and put together a warm and hopefully memorable holiday program for you. Merry Christmas, and happiest of holidays to everyone. I wish you each a new year of good health, and abundant peace. Thank you to all of my listeners from the bottom of my heart.

Joanna Going recently made a huge splash on the small screen starring as 'First Lady Tricia Walker,' opposite Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright and Michel Gill in Netflix's Emmy® nominated series "House of Cards." She returns to television this month, starring in DirecTV's first scripted series, the gritty and highly-anticipated "Kingdom." Going plays hard edged, drug-addled prostitute, 'Christina Kulina,' the estranged wife of 'Alvey Henderson,' (Frank Grillo) and mother to 'Jay' and 'Nate' played by the Jonas Brothers' Nick Jonas and Jonathan Tucker ("Parenthood"). The show is set against the backdrop of a Mixed Martial Arts gym. Before this, she starred as sexy swinging soap opera diva 'Arlene' on AMC's sixth season of "Mad Men," and recurred on Robert Rodriguez's new El Rey Network horror series, "From Dusk Till Dawn." A leading lady on the big screen as well, with starring roles opposite Sean Penn in the Oscar nominated feature film, "Tree of Life," directed by Terence Malick, and alongside John Cusack, Elizabeth Banks and Paul Dano in the soon-to-be-released Brian Wilson/Beach Boys biopic "Love and Mercy," directed by Bill Pohlad ("12 Years a Slave").   Growing up in Newport, Rhode Island, Joanna moved to New York where she graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and soon made her feature debut opposite Kevin Costner in 1994's "Wyatt Earp." Other feature credits include "RunawayJury," based on the John Grisham novel, coming of age drama, "Inventing the Abbotts," opposite Billy Crudup, and "Still Breathing," opposite Brendan Fraser. Joanna devotes her rare free time doing yoga, advocating for Breast Cancer Awareness and her two rescue dogs, Australian Shepherd mix, Maisie, and a Maltipoo named Honey Bee. 

Dr. Annie Kagan is a former New York City based chiropractor and singer/songwriter. In 1996, she left her hectic city life, and moved to a small house by the bay. While trying to figure out what to do with the next chapter of her life, her brother Billy died unexpectedly and began speaking to her about the afterlife. This profound experience took her on a journey that changed the way she thought about life, death, and the universe and resulted in her bestselling debut book “The Afterlife of Billy Fingers: How My Bad Boy Brother Proved to Me There’s Life after Death,” (Hampton Roads). For more information visit www.anniekagan.com. Call 347-215-7536 to speak with Annie. 

Best known for his role in the 1976 cult classic "Breaking Point," Bo Svenson is now utilizing his talents on the other side of the camera as the director of "Don't Call Me Sir!" a biopic of the life and career of groundbreaking judo legend Rusty Kanokogi, starring the 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist in Judo Kayla Harrison and we would love to set up an interview with you to discuss this inspiring film!   Born in Sweden, Svenson's acting career began after moving stateside and joining the USMC. Honorably discharged after six years of service, he soon secured the role of lumberjack 'Olaf Gustaven' in the hit TV series "Here Come the Brides," and cult classic hit "The Inglourious Basterds."  Film roles include his role as 'Reverend Harmony' in Quentin Tarantino's action-thriller "Kill Bill Vol. II", as well as a cameo in Tarantino's 2009 film "Inglourious Basterds" as a tribute to his previous role. In addition, he has appeared in nearly 60 films during his long career, including two of the "Walking Tall" films as Sheriff Buford Pusser; North Dallas Forty, Heartbreak Ridge, Speed 2: Cruise Control, and others.   Besides his acting and directing work, Svenson is an avid martial artist, holding black belts in judo, karate, and aikido. During his martial arts career, he won the 1961 U.S. Armed Forces Far East Judo Championship's Heavyweight division. His involvement in martial arts has earned him a spot in the Martial Arts Masters Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed upon him in 2009.

Tony-nominated actor John Ellison Conlee is currently starring as 'the Commodore' on the fifth and final season of the award-winning "Boardwalk Empire" on HBO.  Most recently on stage, Conlee starred as Watson(s) in The (curious case of the) Watson  Intelligence at Playwrights Horizons (2014 Obie Award), Murder Ballad (MTC/Union Square), and The Madrid (MTC). Broadway: The Full Monty (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle nominations), The Constant Wife, and 1776. Off Broadway includes Pig Farm (Roundabout), Ethan Lipton’s Luther (Clubbed Thumb), The Butter and Egg Man, Once in a Lifetime, and The Bald Soprano(Atlantic).  Recent film and tv work includes the upcoming films "When I Live My Life Over Again," and "Ned Rifle." Other: recurring roles on Parks & Recreation, and Brotherhood (Showtime). NCIS:LA, Common Law, Medium, Dirty Sexy Money, Law & Order, Third Watch, Spin City, and others, and the films "Serendipity," "The Rebound," "Trust The Man," "Kinsey," "Brief Reunion," the recent documentary "Showing Up," and the film "So Close," which he also co-produced.  John received his MFA from NYU and currently resides in NYC with his wife, actress Celia Keenan Bolger.

Former model Manouschka rediscovered her curves and went on to become one of Hollywood's premier celebrity chefs. She appeared in two seasons of Food Network's "Private Chefs of Beverly Hills," in interstitials (ads pre-expected webpage) for the OWN network, and on E! network's "Giuliana and Bill." For five years, she has chronicled her single adventures with people, food, drinks and fab-u-le$$ meals that she whips up in between, teaching other singles how to serve up chic, easy and affordable meals. One of the first celebrity chef contributors to the iPad "Appetites" app of the week pick, she loearned all she knows about cooking from her mother, Jacqueline and her professionally-trained Haitian grandmother, Olga. Chef Manouschka has also used her newfound celebrity to raise money for worthy causes, including over $60,000 for Rwanda and Haiti. She has cooked for numerous celebrities, including, Barbra Streisand, James Brolin, Lorraine Bracco, Selena Gomez, and Meatloaf, to name a few. She can be seen in the new NBC hit show, "Food Fighters," hosted by Adam Richman, on September 2nd. 

Beautiful classically trained dancer and newest star of ABC Family’s groundbreaking hit show “The Fosters” Caitlin Carver, is taking the entertainment world by storm with her outgoing personality, relentless work ethic and sparkling smile that is certain to be a fan favorite this season. Executive produced by Jennifer Lopez, the series follows the lives of the Foster family, consisting of an interracial lesbian couple raising a blended family of biological, adopted and foster children. June 16th  marks the Season 2 premiere of “The Fosters." Born in Monrovia, Alabama Caitlin had big aspirations to travel and learn about various cultures around the world while growing up dancing, acting and playing softball in her small suburban hometown. An early break on “Drop Dead Diva” followed by a summer in Los Angeles just after graduation inspired her to pursue her dance career as she was motivated by the energy and competitive industry in Hollywood. She quickly landed a role on Disney’s “So Random” followed by back-up dancer performances with Beyonce, Pitbull and NeYo and many more. Making her way onto the silver screen she’s appeared on "Glee,” ‘Southland,” “Nashville,” and VH1’s hit dance docu-drama “Hit The Floor,” as a regular cast member last season.   A Southern belle at heart, Caitlin enjoys experimenting with vegetarian versions of her family recipes for southern cooking while staying active in Los Angeles with swimming, hiking and hot yoga. She looks forward to giving back to her dance community by teaching classes for children and nurturing self-esteem in young girls just getting their start in Los Angeles. Her love of fashion and beauty techniques she learns on set and have made her quite the fashionista with her favorite quick tips and tricks for the active girl on-the-go.

Sachin Sahel is making his mark with his commanding performance as Jackson on CW’s newest sci-fi hit, “The 100," Starring alongside Isaiah Washington, in a post-nuclear Armageddon that decimated the planet, it only left a few survivors to live on an international space station. Now 97 years later, the leaders have exiled a group of 100 juvenile prisoners to return to Earth’s surface and test if it’s habitable and leaving the survival of the human race entirely in their hands.    Born in Edmonton, Canada, Sachin grew up watching Bollywood movies which helped spark his love for acting and dancing, but his education was always put first by his hard working Indian immigrant parents.  After graduating from University of Alberta with a degree in Psychology, Sahel was able to pursue his dream and not long after, he landed guest roles in hit shows such as CW’s “Smallville,” “Arrow,” as well as FOX’s “Fringe”.   Having overcome weight issues as a child, Sachin is now a devoted to staying fit and exercising through daily workout regimens, clean eating and playing basketball.  As a huge advocate of anti-bullying and racism, he hopes to use his voice to help inspire and promote change by sharing his stories about diverse upbringing and bringing his childhood bullying dramas to light.

Born in Algeria and educated in London, Austin, and New York former model for Gucci, DKNY and others, actor, and leading man, Ben Youcef, is now taking Hollywood by storm, starring alongside Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji Henson ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button") in "From The Rough," in theaters now. This inspirational true story follows Catana Starks (Henson), who became the first ever African American women to coach an all-men's golf team at the collegiate level. Ben touches hearts playing the role of Bassam, one of the main students of Catana's team; Ben's heartfelt and riveting performance in the film is sure to bring joy and inspiration across the nation, as the film depicts how with true drive and determination, anything is possible. Ben is also writing, producing and starring in the sexy action thriller, "The Algerian,"  which is currently on the major festival circuit. This film is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, as it follows Ali (Youcef) across the world from Algeria to New York, Las Vegas to Los Angeles as this political thriller reveals an international plot from the colliding worlds of the Middle East and America. Ben can also be seen in Steven Spielberg's "Munich," alongside Daniel Craig and Eric Bana. He has also guest starred in "Law & Order." This smart and sexy multifaceted actor truly has it all and is sure to enthrall the masses as Hollywood's next top leading man of 2014.

Eugenia Kuzmina is a Russian Supermodel and Actress. She can currently be seen in the film "Fading Gigolo," starring Woody Allen, John Turturro, Sophia Vergara and Sharon Stone in a cameo appearance. She will also be seen opposite Brad Pitt in the upcoming WWII feature, "Fury." Her modeling career started as a baby, and at fifteen, contracts came for Dior, Loreal, and Hermes to travel to France, Tokyo, London, and New York. "I would wake up in the planes from Amazon jungle to Shanghai, to the Sahara, to New York. That was the most gypsy time of my life," Eugenia says. The blonde bombshell has frequented the pages of Vogue, GQ, Elle, Marie Claire, Allure, Cosmopolitan, and a host of other magazines. She has worked with such designers as Ungaro, Armani, Max Mara, Cartier, Hermes, and others.  When she is not modeling or acting, the talented Eugenia is performing stand up comedy at venues such as The Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip and Flappers, in Burbank. Website: www.eugenia-kuzmina.com