Love's A Secret Weapon Podcast

As Donna continues reading from her memoir… Donna’s couture designs begin to attract attention on the Big Island of Hawaii culminating in a photo shoot in a volcano lava field! It’s Paris in Paniolo Paradise! Plus, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by their next fan guest! Gary Wells is a writer and blogger devoted to mid-century culture, music, and films. Gary joins Donna and Dr Adam to talk mid-century records, cars, and The King of Rock 'n' Roll – Elvis. What’s your favourite Elvis film – the trio discuss! Gary's blog is available at https://soulrideblog.com/

In this very special episode, Donna reunites with her longtime friend – actor, singer, and advocate Paul Petersen! Paul joins Donna and Dr Adam to reminisce about his role on The Donna Reed Show, talk with Donna about their decades-long friendship and to tell listeners about the important work of his organization, "A Minor Consideration", founded to protect the welfare of young performers. You will not want to miss this very special reunion!   Paul Petersen was one of the biggest teen idols of the ‘50s and ‘60s. He started his career as a Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club and played alongside Sophia Loren and Cary Grant in the film "Houseboat", playing Cary Grant's son. From there, he took on his star-making role as Jeff Stone on The Donna Reed Show (1958-1966). Hit records “My Dad” and “She Can’t Find Her Keys” followed, and he even wrote a series of spy-adventure novels!  Paul was a good friend and confidant to Donna during her ’60s career, escorting her to various events including the Deb Star Ball, and they supported each other through the turbulence that can come with having a teen career.  It was Paul’s empathy for the plight of child stars, having been one himself, that led to his founding "A Minor Consideration" in 1991, an organization that supports young performers and advocates for legislation to protect them while they work in the entertainment industry.

“We’re linking together in the frequency of Love”.  Happy Valentine’s Day Love’s A Secret Weapon Community! In this special episode, Donna and Dr Adam speak with Donna’s longtime friend, Swedish actress and artist Margareta Sjödin. Margareta revisits her TV and film career, including her role as the ditsy blonde in the comedy series Partaj, which was based on the American series Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, and providing the voice of Duchess in the Swedish version of Disney’s The Aristocats. Donna and Margareta reminisce about their friendship, which started in Malibu in the 1980s, and Margareta updates Donna and Dr Adam about her work today as an artist.

Welcome to Season 5 and a new chapter of Donna’s memoir!  In this episode: Moving to the tropics requires a new wardrobe, and when Donna meets some silk painters, she is inspired to start designing dresses for the first time since her ‘60s career – this time, Hawaiian style!  Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their first guest for the new season: photographer David Crotty! David, who has photographed some of the biggest Hollywood stars, shares his story with Donna and Dr Adam, taking them and their listeners from New York to Maui, Los Angeles to Palm Springs…and even Egypt!  You can view some of David’s work at Patrick McMullan Company: https://www.patrickmcmullan.com/search/?q=David%20Crotty

In this 60th episode of the podcast and the fourth season finale, Donna and Dr Adam reminisce about their recent travels, Dr Adam shares some personal news, and the duo give their thanks to you, the listeners, and guests who joined Donna and Dr Adam during the year.  And in her holiday message to listeners, Donna draws inspiration from Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, to share her hopes for 2023. Plus hear Donna’s performances of three Christmas songs from her career: "Merry Christmas Baby" from Donna's 2010 EP, Donna Does Elvis in Hawaii; "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" from Shindig in 1964; and the final, "I Think It's Almost Christmas Time", which Donna recorded with Jesse Hodges on Fable when she was 9 years old!

In this episode, as Donna continues reading her memoir…  Donna and her friend Vicki’s decision to read Shakespeare’s King Lear provides Donna with insight into her own relationships. And when it comes time for the North Kohala Library to move to a modern new building, an old Hawaiian tradition is used.  Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next fan guest, music critic and journalist Mark Deming! Mark tells the story of how his fumbling through asking Robert Altman a question at a university lecture led to Mark’s debut acting role in Altman’s A Wedding with Hollywood royalty including Carol Burnett, Mia Farrow, and Lillian Gish. In their chat, Donna, Dr Adam, and Mark discuss a range of music, and Mark provides an insight into his work as a music critic, including his review of one of Donna’s albums!

In this next chapter of Donna’s memoir… As Donna begins to form a new life and friendships on the Big Island of Hawaii, she is visited by someone from her past – her former father-in-law, Si.  Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next fan guest, Kyle Jasper! Kyle is an 18-year-old drummer who joins Donna and Dr Adam to talk about his love of mid-century music, fashion and his own musical influences as the trio delve into the groundbreaking rock opera episode of Shindig called “Shindig Place”.

In this episode…  As this chapter of Donna's memoir concludes, Donna decides to write her mother a letter telling her that she finally knows the truth about her Dad. In a far-ranging conversation, Donna and Dr Adam discuss truth and the complexity of family dynamics, as well as how one can emerge from difficult experiences with greater clarity and self-awareness.  Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next fan guest, Margaret “Peggy” McDaniel to chat gardening, dressmaking, and what it was like for Donna to see herself on a billboard! And, Margaret and Donna share a love of fashion!

In this episode...  As Donna continues to read from her memoir, the healing energy of Hawaii proves to be the perfect place to process the truth about her Dad.  Plus, you’re invited to Lunch with Lizabeth…and Todd! Donna and Dr Adam welcome back Todd Hughes and his partner P. David Ebersole to talk about Todd’s new book, Lunch with Lizabeth – a memoir of Todd’s two decade friendship with film noir legend Lizabeth Scott.

In this special episode, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by Donna’s friend, Janis Weitz. Donna and Janis reminisce about their lifelong friendship, from meeting in elementary school to being on the sets of Shindig! and The Dating Game, celebrating milestone birthdays, and more. Revisit some of the stories Donna’s shared on the podcast with someone who was there! Plus, Janis talks with Donna and Dr Adam about her passion as a special educator.

In this episode...  After Donna returns to Hawaii, she begins to process the revelation that Morey is not her father. Donna and Dr Adam delve into meditation, mindfulness, and the power of 'stillness' when processing life experiences.   Plus, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by fan guest and pop culture enthusiast Robert Baum. Donna, Dr Adam, and Robert delve into their favorite James Bond and Batman characters, and much much more, while also continuing the theme of the importance of understanding and using our past experiences for growth.

Donna continues reading her memoir: When Donna returns to L.A. with Jered for a friend’s wedding, the truth is revealed: Morey is not Donna’s father. This revelation spirals Donna into illness.  Plus, we have a special treat: Jered Cargman, Donna’s husband, joins Donna and Dr Adam on the podcast! Donna and Jered share memories of their first meeting in 1965 for Donna’s high school Prom, as well as their reconnecting and courtship many years later. Jered also shares his memories of being in the band The Fantastic Baggys with lifelong friend and composer, P.F. Sloan ("Secret Agent Man").

Welcome to Season 4, and it’s Donna – Hawaiian style! In this episode, Donna reacquaints with her high school prom date, Jered. Admitting their feelings for each other after so many years, Donna and Jered uproot and decide to make their new home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Living in a rural tropical area with the jungle and ocean all around takes adjustment and, as Donna settles in, she is unaware that a shocking surprise is just around the corner. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their first guest of the new season – Guy Gilchrist. A multitalented writer, artist, illustrator, author, songwriter, and performer, Guy was the writer and artist behind The Muppets newspaper comic strip, which ran in hundreds of newspapers around the world from 1981-1986, and he steered the classic Nancy comic strip for 22 years. Guy reveals to Donna and Dr Adam the early life changing advice he received from legendary cartoonist Walter Lantz (Woody Woodpecker), how his career big break came courtesy of another legend Mort Walker (Beetle Bailey), and what it was like working with Jim Henson, Michael Frith, and Frank Oz to put The Muppets on paper. These days Guy is in Nashville and is making music and art. You won’t want to miss this first episode of the fourth season of Love’s A Secret Weapon!

It’s the finale of Season 3! In this episode, the earth moves! Following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake and the arrest of O. J. Simpson, the relationship between Donna and her parents begins to unravel. While she begins to learn more about her adopted dad, Morey, a dramatic incident occurs that leads Donna to reevaluate the relationships in her life. Taking a leap of faith, Donna calls her longtime friend, Jerry, in Sedona.  And we have another Beach Party reunion! Salli Sachse, actress and artist, and one of the ‘Bookends’ in American International Pictures’ Beach Party film series hangs ten with Donna and Adam. Salli reminisces about how she was cast in the films, her on-set memories, appearances in other films including The Trip with Peter Fonda, and what lead to her joining Crosby, Stills & Nash on the road. Salli also shares memories of her late husband Peter, the musician who wrote a song for her, and how she began painting. You don’t want to miss this Season Finale!

It’s Episode 50…and a new chapter!  Seeking to take some positive action, Donna begins working with a professional to help uncover how her early experiences with her parents and career shaped her development. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by their next fan guest, Stephen White. Stephen lives in Melbourne, Australia and he switched careers mid-life to become an educator.  In both Donna’s reading and in conversation with Stephen, Donna and Dr Adam explore the importance of understanding oneself and how it’s never too late to make a change to live life in line with one’s values.

In this special episode, Donna and Dr Adam speak with Donna's longtime friends, filmmakers P. David Ebersole and Todd Hughes. Todd and David are the documentary filmmakers behind works exploring the lives and careers of luminaries including Pierre Cardin, Trini Lopez, Patty Schemel, Cher and her mother Georgia Holt, and Jayne Mansfield. David and Todd join the podcast on the eve of the release of David's new novel, the noir thriller 99 Miles from L.A. Hear about their work and how Donna became involved as a musical guest in David and Todd's docu-drama, Mansfield 66/67.

As Donna’s time in Sedona ends, she returns to L.A. and rents the former home of a Hollywood fashion icon. Settling back into life in L.A., Donna throws herself into a school musical project with her youngest daughter. Finding her feet after her divorce, Donna meets a producer wanting to bring the life of this former Shindig Girl to the small screen. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam are joined by their next fan guest, Steven O. Sellers. Steven has spent a lifetime on radio, and he provides an insider’s perspective on 50 years of broadcasting having started in radio at the height of Donna’s own career.

Moving to a new place is hard and, as a divorcee, Donna tries to settle into her new community. And what’s that bright light in the sky…is it a UFO?  Donna and Dr Adam discuss how Donna began to navigate the losses that come with divorce and the importance of self-forgiveness. Plus, it’s time for music as Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next guest to the show – musician and multi-instrumentalist, Andy Nazzal. Andy takes Adam and Donna into the world of exotica and tiki culture and Donna reminisces about her own headlining of the Tiki Oasis festival.

In a tribute to rock ‘n’ roll legend Bobby Rydell, we replay our episode from 2021 where Donna was joined by Bobby to reminisce about their co-starring roles on 1966’s The Milton Berle Show.

Echoing an earlier emergency procedure she had at 19, Donna requires immediate surgery. Donna and Dr Adam discuss how family dynamics and life experiences affect our psychological and physical well being.  Plus, Donna and Dr Adam welcome their next guest to the show – Bill Alexander. Donna has previously appeared on Bill’s The Bill Alexander Show and, this time, Donna and Dr Adam turn the tables to interview this longtime radio host and podcaster!

Music is Power! And Love’s a Secret Weapon! In this special episode, Donna and Dr Adam speak with Brad Schreiber, author of Music is Power, a meticulously researched treatment of over 100 years of socially conscious music. Brad shares his thoughts on some of the most influential artists and music that intersected with Donna’s ‘60s career, including The Who, The Beatles, P.F. Sloan, Leslie Gore, and Phil Ochs. Donna reflects on what made Shindig so important and which songs from her catalogue appeal to her the most today. And want to know Jimi Hendrix’s connection to Batman? Join us as we head towards our 50th episode!

It’s the Call of the Canyon! Donna contemplates a big move to the Red Rocks of Sedona. All the while, she navigates the complexity of divorce. Donna, with the assistance of Dr Adam, explores how we are shaped by our early experiences; and how, with awareness, we can begin to break old patterns. Plus, we continue to invite fans to be on our podcast as part of Season 3’s focus on the fans. Please welcome or guest, Jeff Benson, who asks Donna his questions about Shindig and much more! And, as a special treat for our listeners, there’s a preview of a never released collaboration between Donna and a music legend!

As Donna prepares for a big transition in her life, she returns to the recording studio for the first time in over a decade. Looking to promote her music and pondering a potential new direction to her career, she visits her former agent Norman Brokaw. Donna also decides to address an issue that has bothered her since she was a teenager. And the Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona begin to call her. Donna, with the assistance of Dr Adam, takes their listeners into her experiences after she retired from the public eye.

Donna visits Lake Tahoe and then begins a lofty home renovation project while pregnant with her third child, her daughter Katie. However, there are big changes in store for the Dr Pepper Girl as she enters the 1980s. Plus, please welcome our next guest as part of Season 3’s focus on inviting fans to be our on podcast! Plastic EP, pop culture enthusiast and host of the internet series, Plastic EP TV, joins Donna and Dr Adam to discuss Donna’s work on Shindig, The Monkees, and Batman, and all things mid-century music.

As we start a new year of the podcast, Donna continues telling her story post her ‘60s career. In this episode, Donna turns to her piano and music to express her emotions, frustrations, and the unknowns in her life during the turbulent 1970s.  And it’s the Beach Party reunion you’ve been waiting for! Bobbie Shaw Chance, legendary acting coach, and Donna’s co-star, joins Donna and Adam on the sand to reminisce about the classic American International Pictures’ Beach Party film series. Bobbie tells all about working with comedy legend Buster Keaton, shares her experiences as a young woman in Hollywood during the ‘60s, and tells us how she went on to become an acting coach working with the likes of Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds, something she continues to this day along with her son, Richie Chance (www.richiechance.com). You won’t want to miss Donna and Bobbie’s reunion on the first episode for 2022 of Love’s A Secret Weapon!

For the holiday season and end of 2021, Donna shares a special message. Plus, Donna and Dr Adam continue their chat with John Hartmann, Donna’s agent from her time on Shindig. In his legendary career as an agent, manager, promoter, and record executive, John has worked with Sonny & Cher, Joni Mitchell, Peter, Paul and Mary, The Eagles, Buffalo Springfield, Canned Heat, America, Poco, Crosby, Stills & Nash and many, many others. In a continuation of their chat, John tells Donna and Adam about how a visit to San Francisco gave birth to his L.A. nightclub The Kaleidoscope. He then takes us behind the scenes of the music business and how he set out to broker some of the best deals for his artists, including Poco, America, and Crosby, Stills & Nash, as they set about making classic albums and the soundtracks to our lives.

Zonk! Donna continues exploring new healing modalities and faces old fears when she takes up swimming and ballet. And the holidays are here! And, Donna and Dr Adam have your holiday treat. Over the next few episodes, John Hartmann, Donna’s agent from her time on Shindig, will join her and Dr Adam to reminisce about his legendary career as an agent, manager, promoter, and record executive. John has worked with Sonny & Cher, Joni Mitchell, Peter, Paul and Mary, The Eagles, Buffalo Springfield, Canned Heat, America, Poco, Crosby, Stills and Nash and many, many others. In a continuation of their chat, John takes Donna and Adam on to the set of Shindig with Little Richard and The Rolling Stones, backstage with Chad & Jeremy and Sonny & Cher, and tells of how he turned his attention to a new band named Buffalo Springfield.  

The holidays are here! And, Donna and Dr Adam have your holiday treat. Over the next few episodes, John Hartmann, Donna’s agent from her time on Shindig, will join her and Dr Adam to reminisce about his legendary career as an agent, manager, promoter, and record executive. John has worked with Sonny and Cher, Joni Mitchell, Peter, Paul and Mary, The Eagles, Buffalo Springfield, Canned Heat, America, Poco, Crosby, Stills and Nash and many, many others. In the first part of their interview, John tells Donna and Dr Adam about how he moved from the William Morris Agency mail room to working with Elvis’ manager, the formidable Colonel Parker.

Going from the pressure cooker environment of her parents’ house to a new life takes some adjustment. Donna tries to make sense of it all at the dawn of a new decade. There's even a New Year’s Party where Ry Cooder’s musical vibrations literally smash the heirloom glassware!  Donna and Adam break it down, reflecting on dealing with difficult emotions, the importance of perspective, and the gift of having an open and nonjudgmental approach in relationships. Plus, we continue our new segment inviting fans to be on our podcast! Please welcome our next guest, Mike Brown, who asks Donna his burning questions about her experiences of being in the recording studio with the very best musicians.

It's our third season! Newly retired from her professional career, Donna begins to explore her identity as a wife and mother, and what it means to be a woman of the 1970s. As she forges a new path, her home and life is filled with creativity via producer husband Lenny Waronker's artists, such as Randy Newman, Van Dyke Parks, and Ry Cooder. Plus we introduce our new segment inviting fans to be on our podcast! Please welcome our first guest, Professor Howard DeWitt, esteemed rock 'n' roll scholar and academic.

A death, a new life, and a change in direction. Donna rushes home from a Dr Pepper event after getting word that a family member is gravely ill. Continuing to feel pulled between her new life with husband Lenny and her parent's close control of her career, Donna calls the CEO of Dr Pepper and makes a liberating decision. As one chapter in her life closes, she welcomes her first son, Joey.

Somebody's getting married! Donna and Lenny walk down the aisle in front of family, friends, an impatient father-in-law...and 40 additional guests. The bride doesn't even get to taste the cake! Plus Donna and Dr Adam answer listener questions.

Producers Danny Thomas and Aaron Spelling cast Donna in a pilot for her own series, Two for Penny. Donna takes you behind the scenes and tells all about the on-set mishap with co-star Michael Constantine (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), romantic overtures from Bill Bixby, and why to this day she still thinks of director Paul Bogart whenever she brushes her teeth! And will wedding bells soon be ringing for Donna and Lenny?

Pack your suitcases! Donna guest stars on The Dating Game and the prize is a trip to Paris! But she has just enough time to linger in the City of Lights before jetting off to Rome for a screentest to play the daughter of an Italian movie legend. Come with Donna and Adam on this unforgettable European adventure!

Donna joins Reprise Records, Warner Bros.' innovative rock 'n' roll label. And could there be romance on the horizon with an up-and-coming music producer?

Donna is joined by Bobby Rydell ("Wild One," "Volare," and Bye Bye Birdie) to reminisce about their co-starring roles on 1966's The Milton Berle Show.

Donna's moving out of home and into the arms of a new beau. But her bliss is short lived when she must undergo emergency surgery.  There's little time to recuperate as Donna begins work on The Milton Berle Show and then lands a prime gig and trip to Washington, D. C. to perform in the Blue Room at the historic Shoreham Hotel.

Donna continues to build her acting resume when she is cast as Princess Colette, Davy Jones' love interest on The Monkees. And then, "G-o-l-l-y!", Donna snags a role on Gomer Pyle. Plus, Donna and Adam answer listener questions!

"Good gravy!" After taping on location in Hawaii, Donna exits Shindig. But The Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder come to the rescue when she wins the part of Susie the Cheerleader, as the sidekick of The Joker (Cesar Romero) on TV's Batman starring Adam West and Burt Ward.

Donna's in the Capitol Records Tower to record with the likes of Jack Nitzsche, Steve Douglas, David Axelrod, H. B. Barnum, and the legends of the Wrecking Crew. Plus we answer listener questions!

Donna and very special guest, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Darlene Love reminisce about their places in rock 'n' roll history as cast members of TV's Shindig, Darlene's iconic song "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)", and what Donna and Darlene sees as the true meaning of that holiday. Plus a remembrance of their mutual friend, The Supremes' Mary Wilson.

Donna wins a plum seven-part guest role on hit show Dr. Kildare starring Richard Chamberlain. But her first dramatic TV turn is overshadowed by a real life-or-death medical emergency on set, and tension hit boiling point in Southern L.A. leading to the Watts Riots.

Unchaperoned at the Oscars, Grammys, and Deb Star Ball? Where's Donna's father now? And Bingo! Donna appearance in Beach Blanket Bingo gives her a signature song, "It Only Hurts When I Cry", and she is chosen to record the one-and-only soundtrack for the film - her '60s vinyl LP collectable classic, Beach Blanket Bingo. Recorded at Capitol Records...in 14 hours!

Donna travels coast to coast getting a bird's-eye view of America, while she causes sales to rise for Dr Pepper. Poverty in the Deep South to rural Native American land, this young teenager's personal appearances in all parts of the country give her an education in empathy and connection. Even if a well-known celebrity shows little empathy for the Dr Pepper Girl.

We Think It's Almost Christmas Time! In our Season 1 finale, Donna shares a childhood Christmas memory and her wishes for the New Year. With special guests Joan and Gary Gand, concert sound pioneers and founders of Chicago Bauhaus and Beyond.

The sexual revolution; the Vietnam War; the changing of the guard. Donna pays a price for exerting her power, and then is given a window into the brutality of war while visiting a ward for returned servicemen.  Plus, we remember the visionary singer-songwriter P.F. Sloan ("Eve of Destruction"), with special guest Stephen E. Feinberg.

Revolution is in the air at Shindig. And a birthday wish for Donna from Elvis. With special guest David Mallet, Shindig assistant producer and now Grammy-winning concert film/music video director.

Onstage and backstage, Donna relishes her role on Shindig being surrounded by the likes of The Righteous Brothers, The Rolling Stones, Glen Campbell, Marvin Gaye, Tina Turner, and Bobby Sherman.

Music music music! Donna debuts on a little rock 'n' roll TV show called Shindig!

All aboard the Caravan! Donna joins Dick Clark's 1964 Caravan of Stars Tour for 21 days. With special guest Brian Hyland (#1 "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini", "Sealed with a Kiss").

Dr Pepper and Beach Party Movie magic!

The mastermind of an ad campaign had something up his sleeve! With special guest Lana Dale, wife of King of the Surf Guitar, Dick Dale ("Muscle Beach Party").

22 November, 1963. Donna is in Dallas preparing to be introduced as the Dr Pepper Girl. Down the road, President Kennedy's motorcade rides through Dealey Plaza.

Donna and Adam break it down! How much Dr Pepper does it take to film a 1-minute TV spot? What’s it like to co-host a national TV special with Dick Clark? And what went down when Donna was on the bill with Marvin Gaye and The Beach Boys at the Cow Palace?

Donna chats with Alison Martino, founder of Vintage Los Angeles and daughter of Donna's Capitol Records stablemate Al Martino, all things mid-century.

Summer, 1963 - Say Goodbye to school, Donna, and hello to Dr Pepper, Dick Clark, Marvin Gaye, and a star-studded Celebrity Party with Frankie and Annette. Includes a preview of Donna's interview with Alison Martino of Vintage Los Angeles.

Living the American Dream! Donna is chosen as the Dr Pepper Girl.

A bone of contention? As momentum was building with Donna's career, her body was changing and so was her nose. Obligatory cosmetic surgery fixed that!

Down the rabbit hole! Donna takes a trip to magical San Francisco and has a date with a teen idol. With special guest Carl Scott.

Too old for toys, too young for boys. It's awkward being a preteen when the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Plus Glen Campbell, James Burton, and Jerry Naylor - and Donna gets the curtain closed on her mid-performance! 

On "The Mickey Mouse Club", Donna celebrates her 10th birthday.

Swinging on a star? Or would you rather be loved by your mom?

Lies, abandonment, rejection; Donna's spirit rises above.

Holy moly Batman! In this first episode, Donna and Dr Adam talk about Donna's role as Susie the Cheerleader on Batman.