Dystopia Tonight With John Poveromo

Day 279 - Jimmy Tingle Returns!

Jimmy Tingle returns as we discuss the crumbling of society, his upcoming tour and new show, the Boston comedy scene, and more. Enjoy!

Day 278 - Robin Wilson - The Forest Gump of The Geek Underworld

Robin Wilson has been a defining voice in alternative rock for over three decades as the lead singer of Gin Blossoms. With hits like Hey Jealousy, Found Out About You, and Follow You Down, his music became the soundtrack to a generation that continues to resonate today. But beyond his success with the band, Wilson’s journey is filled with incredible stories that span music, pop culture, and personal milestones.

In our conversation, he shared memories of meeting his ex-wife on MTV’s The Jon Stewart Show and having Jon himself get ordained to officiate their wedding. He also reflected on his experiences at Saturday Night Live, getting to play that stage with a number one single on the radio, meeting and hanging with Phil Hartman, and his life as a father—including watching his son carve out his own path in music. We also covered his Arizona roots, his collaboration with Marshall Crenshaw on the soundtrack to Empire Records his work with The Smithereens, and the thrill of getting to front for KISS. On top of that, he’s an avid gamer, something I wasn’t expecting, but we do a deep dive into classic and modern games.

Whether he’s touring, recording, or exploring new creative outlets, Wilson remains as passionate about music as ever. For him, that’s what all of this is about. This conversation offered a look at not just an artist, but a storyteller with a career full of unforgettable moments. Enjoy!

Day 277 - Dave Diamond and Mr. Zero - All Hail The Kings!

The Kings are a legendary Canadian rock band best known for their infectious blend of power pop and new wave sounds that dominated the airwaves in the early 1980s. Hailing from Oakville, Ontario, the band skyrocketed to fame with their hit single “This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ to Glide,” an enduring classic that remains a staple on classic rock radio stations. Formed in the late 1970s, The Kings consist of lead vocalist and bassist Dave Diamond and guitarist and songwriter Mr. Zero. Their debut album, The Kings Are Here, was produced by renowned producer Bob Ezrin (known for his work with Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd, and Kiss), and its success cemented their place in rock history.

Over the years, The Kings have continued to perform and release music, thrilling audiences with their dynamic stage presence and timeless anthems. Join Dave Diamond and Mr. Zero on Dystopia Tonight for a dive into the stories behind the music, their journey through decades of rock and roll, and what keeps The Kings going strong after all these years!

Day 276 - Marv Ross - A Series Of Cords and A Wild Dream

Marv Ross is an American musician, best known as the lead guitarist and primary songwriter for the 1980s rock band Quarterflash. With a distinctive style blending rock, jazz, and blues influences, Ross helped craft the band's signature sound. His work on hits like "Harden My Heart" and "Take Me to Heart" showcased his skillful guitar playing and lyrical depth, earning Quarterflash widespread acclaim. Beyond his success with the band, Ross is also recognized for his contributions as a composer and producer in the music industry.

On this episode of Dystopia Tonight, Marv Ross and I dive into a fascinating conversation about his diverse musical career. He shares stories from recording an album at the iconic Jersey Shore, finding inspiration in John Denver, working with renowned producer John Boylan, and recalls touring with major acts like Elton John, Loverboy, Sammy Hagar, Starship, and Night Ranger. We also touch on his experience writing music for Ron Howard’s film Night Shift, and Marv tells a memorable story about Burt Bacharach’s obsession with Pac-Man. Additionally, he opens up about his time at The Record Plant, with stories of Ron Wood, Rod Stewart, Giorgio Moroder, Randy Newman, Fleetwood Mac, and Dolly Parton come rushing back to memory.

Day 275 - The Unimportant Importance of Paul Reiser

Paul Reiser is a legendary comedian, actor, writer, and producer whose career spans decades of iconic work. Best known for his roles in Mad About You, Stranger Things, and The Kominsky Method, Paul joined me on Dystopia Tonight to talk about his latest projects: his heartfelt and hilarious new movie The Problem With People and his brand-new standup special, Life, Death, and Rice Pudding. Don’t miss this conversation filled with laughter, insight, and incredible stories!

We talk about his return to stand-up, I accuse Paul of being behind the drones in NJ, Mad About You, Stranger Things Season 5, The Thing About My Folks, The authority of John Mulaney, Nate Bargatze and other standups working today, Patti Lupone, Cyndi Lauper, Lyle Lovett, Bruce Springsteen, Yoko Ono, Steven Wright, Jerry Lewis, John Astin, and more. Enjoy!

Day 274 - The Human Interests of Madeleine Smithberg

Madeleine Smithberg is an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television producer, writer, and comedy trailblazer. As the co-creator of The Daily Show, she helped redefine the boundaries of political satire and late-night television. Before her groundbreaking work on The Daily Show, Madeleine made her mark as a segment producer for Late Night With David Letterman, where she was instrumental in crafting some of the show’s most memorable and innovative moments. Her keen eye for talent and comedic storytelling shaped countless segments that became iconic in late-night history.

Beyond her work with Letterman, Madeleine has a storied career discovering and nurturing comedic voices, launching series, and producing stand-up showcases like Comedy Central Presents: Women Aloud. Her passion for comedy continues with her latest endeavor, Lady Girls, a vibrant talk show aimed at celebrating and empowering women over 50.

On Dystopia Tonight, Madeleine shared fascinating stories from her career, discussed her upcoming memoir “Almost Funny”, which explores her remarkable journey through the world of comedy and television, shining a light on her sense of humor, insight, and boundless creativity that remains an inspiration to everyone in the industry. Enjoy!

Day 273 - The Pendulum Swingeth with Mary Kish

As Director of Community Marketing at Twitch, Mary Kish is one of the most dynamic and insightful voices in the streaming and gaming world, so having her on Dystopia Tonight was a no-brainer. We covered everything from feeling our feelings (yes, we’re human, shocking), eating on cam without shame, doom scrolling our way into existential crises, the need for motivational yelling and TikTok monetization systems versus Twitch’s.

We also dove into the implications of AI streamers, VR Retirement Ragers (trademark pending), and our collective craving for something real in a world increasingly fake. Toss in raising money for charity and a deep dive into how we interpret the chaos around us, and you’ve got an episode that’s as thought-provoking as it is hilarious. Mary’s energy and authenticity made this one a highlight for me—don’t miss it!

Day 272 - Craig Northey - Half The Journey is The Ride

Craig Northey is a prolific musician, songwriter, and composer with a career that spans decades of memorable music and dynamic collaborations. As a founding member of the iconic Canadian rock band Odds, Craig made his mark with hits like "It Falls Apart" and "Someone Who’s Cool." He’s currently balancing tours with three distinct groups: the ever-evolving Odds, the Steven Page Trio (with Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies and cellist Kevin Fox), and Trans-Canada Highwaymen, a Canadian supergroup featuring Moe Berg (The Pursuit of Happiness) and Chris Murphy (Sloan). In addition to his work on stage, Craig has established himself as an acclaimed composer for film and television, creating unforgettable scores for beloved shows like Kids in the Hall, Corner Gas, and Corner Gas Animated. Whether he’s crafting a catchy tune or setting the perfect mood for the screen, Craig Northey brings passion, creativity, and a unique sound to everything he does.

Day 271 - Tim Matheson - Damn Glad To Meet Him

Tim Matheson is a veteran actor, director, and producer whose career spans over seven decades in Hollywood. With a journey that began in childhood, Tim has grown from a young actor in beloved classics to an industry stalwart known for his immense talent and versatility. Best known for his role as Vice President John Hoynes on the critically acclaimed series “The West Wing,” Matheson also captured hearts as the charming Otter in the cult classic film “Animal House.” His extensive work includes popular early roles in shows like “Bonanza” and “Leave It to Beaver,” showcasing his range from an early age. More recently, he has become a familiar face to a new generation through his role as Dr. Vernon Mullins in the popular Netflix series “Virgin River,” where he brings warmth and depth to the beloved character.

 

Beyond the screen, Tim has shared countless memories and lessons from his life in show business, reflecting on the relationships and experiences that have shaped him. Tim joins John to talk about his new book, Damn Glad to Meet You, a heartfelt recounting of his rich experiences and unforgettable stories from a lifetime in entertainment. In this episode, we explore tales featuring legends such as Lucille Ball, Dick Van Dyke, John Candy, Clint Eastwood, and Mel Brooks, offering listeners an intimate glimpse behind the scenes of Hollywood’s golden moments. From working with comedy giants to sharing insights on dramatic storytelling, Tim’s reflections are a celebration of an extraordinary career filled with resilience, humor, and cherished friendships.

Day 270 - Cal Dodd - The Best There Is

Cal Dodd is a celebrated voice actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Wolverine in the 1990s animated series X-Men: The Animated Series, a role that solidified him as the definitive voice of the beloved Marvel character. His deep, gravelly voice brought a rugged, powerful edge to Wolverine, capturing the character’s intensity and complexity. Born in Ireland and raised in Canada, Dodd began his career as a musician before transitioning to voice acting. With a career spanning decades, he has worked on numerous animated series, commercials, and video games, earning a dedicated fan following for his versatility and memorable performances. Cal Dodd remains a legendary figure in voice acting, especially revered in the world of comic book animation.