My interview with Alexis Melocchi, host of “The Art of Showbiz Podcast.” This time, I was interviewed, so the tables were turned. I talked about my early career, the struggles, what it taught me. Also about some of the major newsmakers I’ve covered from presidents to the Supreme Court, the Oscars, fires, trials, and more. Hope you’ll listen!
#DeborahZaraKobylt
#DeborahKobyltLIVE
“Moodtopia for Kids: Nurturing Emotional Wellness with Nature’s Remedies” is a guide to help parents balance medical and holistic care for their children, written by Sara Chana Silverstein,” a renowned homeopath and master herbalist. And her research is based in years of research working with children and families, helping to find balance while treating various issues that young people are facing, from neurological to emotional.
The book focuses on supporting a child’s nervous system first to build long-term resilience rather than defaulting immediately to pharmaceuticals.
She talks about how to alleviate day-to-day anxiety, tension, insomnia, anger, depression, and other issues. Sara also talks about how to manage ADHD and other neurological issues to help children grow into functioning adults without the constant need for meds.
Sara also wrote “Moodtopia,” which applies the same principals in adults, and has been wildly successful.
Please find my full interview with Sara Chana Silverstein on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.
What was superstar #MichaelJackson really like when he wasn’t performing, particularly when he was much younger? Darls Centola, who wrote “Finding Truth With Michael: A Memoir of Friendship, Faith, and First Love” takes us there in a way that’s never been done before.
Darls befriended Michael and sister La Toya during their high school years, and she was one of the only friends outside of the Jackson’s performing world to cut through all the noise and just be a friend.
The memoir chronicles the everyday life of the famous Jacksons, from roller skating in Sherman Oaks to joyriding in her beat-up yellow Toyota. It also talks about the faith they shared, and the crush she ultimately developed on the superstar Michael Finding Truth With Michael offers a personal look at Michael away from peering eyes, and is certainly well-timed with the release of the film “Michael,” sharing his nephew Jaafar Jackson.
Please find my full interview with Darls on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE.
I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.
Idanna Pucci’s latest book, “Emilio Pucci: The Astonishing Odyssey of a Fashion Icon,” is a biography co-authored by the niece of the famed designer along with her husband, Terence Ward. The narrative moves beyond Emilio Pucci’s vibrant prints to uncover his harrowing experience during World War II
and his role in postwar Italian reconstruction.
Carefully detailed and researched by Idanna Pucci and her husband, this is an inside look at an extraordinary story of bravery long before anyone knew #EmilioPucci as the fashion artist he became. The authors recount Pucci’s capture, imprisonment, and torture by Nazis following a secret mission to assist the opposition, and they explore his transition from war hero to fashion icon, with details about his shop on the island of Capri. It’s a captivating read, in part because it comes first-hand from family members, most notably Idanna, who grew up in the Pucci palace in Florence and later worked for her uncle at his Saks Fifth Avenue boutique in New York. The biography draws from
intimate family sources, including personal diaries and declassified war records.
Please join me in welcoming #IdannaPucci on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast and the #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.
Let’s rewrite the narrative on aging.
Simply put, as long as we have our health, getting older can be a fun and invigorating, a time to live with no boundaries and try whatever it is we’ve always wanted to do but didn’t because everyday living got in the way. So how do we age with purpose? We invited Beverly Hills psychiatrist Dr. Arnold Gilberg, author, “The Myth of Aging,” to join the conversation.
Dr. Gilbert argues that aging itself isn’t the enemy, disengagement is, and he uses decades of clinical experience to provide a “prescription” for happiness that includes brain health, finding purpose in retirement, and how to cultivate meaningful relationships at a certain age. Not always easy, but Dr. Gilbert shows us how. Dr. Gilberg says emotional and physical well-being work hand-in-hand, and he shows us how to find true happiness as we age, even if we’re alone and living far from loved ones. He talks about finding joy and the energy to “speed up,” as we age, and not “slow down.” His practical methods work, and he’s still working after 60 years helping people find their bliss into the twilight years. Because let’s face it, we’re never too old to embrace our dreams as long as we’re alive. So let’s go for it.
Please find my interview with Dr. Gilberg on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.
I started my summer reading a little early this year with “Bel-Air Confidential,” a futuristic romance by Jeni Lynn, a journalist who has spent much of her career writing about technology and NASA. This is her first novel and series of “Confidential” books, each set in a different historic hotel. I must say, I’m already hooked.
The book takes place in LA in the year 2172, and follows Alex and her boss, Eric, as they navigate a dangerous world where a secret society wants to prevent humanity from leaving earth. In the process, the two develop an epic romance.
This is a clever book with lots of intrigue, and while I don’t often read or interview authors who write fiction, this one caught my eye, particularly for the summer reading season. I ponder a Los Angeles in the future and what it might be like, and she’s got all the elements of possibility here. It kept me turning the pages.
Throughout our interview, I’ll be asking Jeni about her process from journalist to novelist, which isn’t so easy. We’ll also talk about character development, where she got some of her character ideas from, in addition to what’s next in the series.
I hope you’ll join me on this futuristic ride with Jeni Lynn, and please tell your friends, too. I’m your host, @DeborahZaraKobylt, and I want to thank you for joining us today on our podcast, #DeborahKobyltLIVE.
James Conlon is known as one of the most versatile and respected conductors of a
generation, and throughout his career, has cultivated a vast symphonic, operatic, and choral repertoire. Today, we are honored to welcome him to our show.
Since his 1974 debut with the NY Philharmonic, he has conducted virtually every major
American and European symphony orchestra with precision. Needless to say, Mr. Conlon is one of classical music’s most recognized interpreters. We will be speaking with him about his early days in music and conducting, his influences, and how he earned a spot as one of the premiere influences in this genre. His finale with the LA Opera with Falstaff was simply jaw-dropping, an event that will be hard to replicate for even the most seasoned and decorated conductors. Mr. Conlon makes it look effortless, which is part of his magic, because his work and career are nothing short of extraordinary.
Please find our full interview with Mr. Conlon on all video and audio platforms of
#DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast and #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.
Linda Stasi is synonymous with NY media royalty. She’s a well known critic and
columnist for the NY Post. She is also a familiar face on the NY1 News Channel, and
has appeared on the Today Show, The View, CBS Morning Show, among others. And
we’re thrilled to have her join us to talk about her latest book The Descendant: a
historical family saga based on her own Sicilian-American ancestors, following the
Barbera family from Sicily to the Colorado mines and eventually to the Mafia in
Brooklyn.
The story blends real history with folklore, and focuses on the resilience of the family,
particularly strong women, as they navigate poverty, violence, and the American
dream. Let’s just say it’s got all the right elements of adventure, crime, and magical
realism. I see a film here.
Throughout our interview, we will also discuss Staci’s Italian roots and the strong bond
we all share as Italians and Italian Americans. There’s something about Traci that I
totally relate to, perhaps it’s the journalist in me or the Italian family bonds. Whatever it
is, she’s got some incredible stories to share, and I’m thrilled to bring them to you.
Please find our full interview on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE,
#LittleItalyPodcast, #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.
LA Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt means business. He’s pissed and wants
to turn the city he grew up in to a city that functions without debilitating crime,
drugs, homelessness, in addition to helping thousands of Angelenos cut
through red tape so they can rebuild after losing their homes in the LA fires of
2025. It’s a tall order, and he says he’s fired up and wants the job. And he’s
working the streets every day to earn the trust of voters to be their next mayor.
Spencer, a USC grad, is passionate, well-spoken, and killed it in the recent LA
Mayoral debates against incumbent Mayor Bass and Councilwoman Nithya
Raman. He claims their progressive policies have turned Los Angeles into a
walking criminal and drug addicted city that was once the envy of the country,
a place where kids could play outside, walk to the local ice cream store and
feel safe. No more, and I can attest to that. Today, he joins us to tell us his plan
and vision to turn LA around. For anyone who claims a former reality TV star
can’t do the job, I welcome you to listen to our interview. Spencer is a father,
husband, son, and he loves his city. He’s a college grad who is outspoken and
has sensible and practice ideas on how to get this city back on track. And for
anyone who wants the same old politics, I hope you'll listen to our interview
and hear what Spencer has to say. He just might be what LA needs, because
we certainly don’t need more of the same.
Please join my full interview with Spencer on all video and audio platforms of
#DeborahKobyltLIVE. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure
to welcome you here.
Stephen Pishner comes from a small coal mining town in West Virginia, yet he’s always has a deep pride for his Italian ancestry. He’s the founder of the band AMICI, which performs some of the most recognizable
Italian favorites throughout the country, in addition to performing top 40 hits. But it’s his knowledge of traditional Italian music that’s earned him a seat at the table as one of the most formidable musicians in the Italian genre.
What caught my attention about Stephen is his genuine love of Italian music and spreading that joy wherever he goes. He’s played in the Columbus Day Parade in NYC – not an easy gig to get – and has caught the
attention of some of the nations top musicians. Throughout our interview, we’ll also talk with Stephen about family, heritage, and the deep connection Italian Americans have to finding their roots, which Stephen has embarked upon.
He says researching his family history has shaped his understanding of identity, culture, and the legacy of being Italian. We’ll talk about the importance of preserving our collective Italian stories, honoring
past generations and keeping traditions alive. And for Stephen, it’s through music.
Where will he perform next? Listen to our interview to find out where you can enjoy AMICI. Our #DeborahKobyltLIVE & #LittleItalyPodcast are available on all video and audio podcast platforms. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt,
and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.