I met him over 30 years ago when he was a tall, skinny, geeky guy with big hair who went on the radio after my boss, The Real Don Steele. His radio name back then was Beaver Cleaver and he had a motor mouth, just like the rest of the Boss Jocks of the time.
He went on to become a highly respected name in Hollywood, as a writer, director, creative consultant and producer. He has an Emmy for his work on Cheers, and a huge following because of his work, with his writing partner David, as the Head Writers of M*A*S*H.
That might have been the whole story. And indeed, it’s a pretty great story. But Ken Levine knew there was a passion in his heart that went un-pursued. And just when all Hollywood seemed to be at his feet, he changed gears and got into the baseball announcing biz. It wasn’t easy. It was many a hot day in the nosebleed section at Dodger Stadium, calling games into a little tape recorder for a bunch of drunks who sat in the cheap seats. But it paid off. He went on to call play-by-play for the Orioles, the Padres and the Seattle Mariners.
Now the co-host of Dodger Talk, Levine writes a daily blog and leads one-of-a-kind sitcom writing seminars. We’ve only got an hour show with him this week, but we’ll get in as much as we can about baseball, Hollywood, writing, directing, and following your dreams. Play Ball!
A Closer Look has been on radio for over 10 years.
Hosted by award-winning journalist Pam Atherton, this multi-faceted
interview program has welcomed guests ranging from Willie Nelson
and Cher to Senator Ted Kennedy and former Secretary of
State Madeleine Albright. Other guest have included Emmy award-winning
actors and writers, quantum physicists, doctors, lawyers and the occasional
Indian Chief. (well, Alexie Sherman might not be considered a chief…)
With an eye toward solutions and empowerment…
and with warmth, wit and a comfortable style… Pam brings out the
best in her guests. Whether it’s Gerry Spence talking about how
he almost became the lead attorney for OJ Simpson, or Willie Nelson
on how he quit the radio business, Pam gets the backstory on her guests
and the front story that most interviewers miss.
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On Our Next Show
Ken Levine
Ken Levine is an Emmy winning writer/director/producer/major league baseball announcer. In a career that has spanned over 30 years Ken has worked on MASH, CHEERS, FRASIER, THE SIMPSONS, WINGS, EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, BECKER, DHARMA & GREG, and has co-created his own series including ALMOST PERFECT starring Nancy Travis. He and his partner wrote the feature VOLUNTEERS.
Ken has also been the radio/TV play-by-play voice of the Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres. Currently Ken is the host of Dodger Talk after every Dodger game on Talkradio 790 KABC, Los Angeles.
"A
Closer Look" Archives
Nov 06, 2008 at 02:00PM
Georgia Durante
You know how it is… sometimes you meet someone and you just know they are special. That’s how I felt about Georgia Durante. She had just finished writing her book, The Company She Keeps, about ten years ago and I snagged her for an interview. We immediately connected and the interview has remained one of my favorites.
Throughout the years I have interviewed Georgia many more times. She even came to this part of New Mexico to talk about domestic violence. She talked to women in shelters, kids at alternative schools, men and women at the Air Force Base. She connected to so many with her story. And her story is a dramatic one to tell: One of rape, violence, fear… and finally success and joy.
I hope you’ll make time on Thursday to tune in and hear Georgia’s story. Her book has just been brought back out in paperback and it’s a roller coaster of a read. The best part of interviewing Georgia, I think, is the fact that women will email and write after the show, talking about how the story connected with them and how inspirational Georgia is.
Oct 30, 2008 at 01:00PM
Getting Halloweenie!
Have you checked out the website that Nicholas keeps telling us about.. www.diademuertos.net ? (make sure you put .NET). It’s his website that celebrates and helps to create understanding of this cultural holiday, Day of the Dead. We’ll be talking with Nicholas about it next week on the show, the day before the official celebration.
Plus… respected Paranormal Investigator Paul Eno joins us, just in time for the ghostliest of holidays! A radio talk show host himself, Paul has been seen on the History Channel, the Travel Channel and Discovery. We’ll talk about ghosts, parallel universes, and all things unexplained.
And you know that we are just days away from the election. It’s important to vote, no matter what your party or ideology. VOTE. We think it’s so important, we’re having CHER on the program to talk about it! Don’t miss this unusual insight into one of the most intriguing women in our lifetime.
Oct 23, 2008 at 01:00PM
Dr. Jeff Spencer: International lecturer and Life Coach to the Stars
"Jeff is part doctor, part guru, part medicine man… we believed Jeff could fix any and all of our problems… without him, we knew we would never make it to Paris.”
That’s what Lance Armstrong has to say about our guest this week on A Closer Look…Dr. Jeff Spencer.
As a former Olympian, team member of eight Tours de France, renowned chiropractor, international lecturer and Life Coach to the Stars, Dr. Spencer knows what it takes to overcome obstacles, create and execute plans and achieve stardom. Using the knowledge gained from his experience working with NASCAR drivers, Baseball MVP’s, golfers and more, Spencer believes that top performance is a skill that anyone can learn.. And he’s going to share some of his magic with us!
So please join us this Thursday at 1pm PT/4pm ET for a closer look at Turning It Up!! with Dr. Jeff Spencer on A Closer Look with Pam Atherton.
Oct 16, 2008 at 01:00PM
National Boss's Day
Everybody has a story about a crazy boss they worked for at one time or another. So what do you do if you work with someone who is a Pain In The Ass? Dr. Robert Orndorff has some suggestions for us. The author of the PITA Principle (Pain In The Ass), Orndorff talks about those co-workers and bosses who try to get all the credit, who abscond with the power, and who just plain are a pain to be around!
Then, Celebrity Assistant Bonnie Low-Kramen joins us. Having worked with Olympia Dukasis for over 20 years, Bonnie has the inside scoop into the biz. Are all celebrities high maintenance? How do you become a celebrity assistant? And how can being a good assistant make a difference in this time of economic downturn? We’ll get some insider secrets from Bonnie… and dish a little, too!
So please join us this Thursday, October 16th at 1pm PT/4pm ET. That’s when we’ll be taking a closer look at National Boss’s Day with Dr. Robert Orndorff and Bonnie Low-Kramen on A Closer Look with Pam Atherton. To hear the show live, go to www.ACloserLookRadio.com and hit LISTEN (or, if you miss the show, to hear it in archive).
Oct 09, 2008 at 01:00PM
What Does The Constitution Say about Presidential and Vice Presidential Powers? - with David Gray Adler
David Gray Adler is Professor of Political Science at Idaho State University, where he teaches courses on the Constitution and the Presidency.
A former journalist, Adler earned a B.A. from Michigan State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Utah. A prize-winning teacher and writer, Adler has lectured nationally and internationally on the Constitution and the Presidency. Adler's scholarly writings have been published and cited in the top journals in his field.
The author of more than 100 articles, book chapters and essays, Adler's work on war powers, impeachment, treaty making and the pardon power have been invoked by both Republicans and Democrats, and by members of all three branches of government.
His writings have led to interviews with major members of the media, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Washington Times, Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, NPR and the BBC, and his lectures have appeared on C-Span. His books include American Constitutional Law, The Constitution and the Termination of Treaties, The Constitution and the Conduct of American Foreign Policy, The Presidency and the Law: The Clinton Legacy, and the forthcoming, Presidential Power and the Steel Seizure Case.
Oct 02, 2008 at 01:00PM
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE ECONOMY?
An Insider's Explanation from Ed Ross
Ed Ross is a nationally-known real estate trending expert, investor, wealth coach and author. His newsletter and his website www.edsforecast.com reach thousands each month who are looking for purchase, sales and strategy information about real estate. He is a regular news commentary guest on radio and television networks.
Ross holds a Bachelors of Science in Accounting and has been a licensed Real Estate Broker since 1991. Ross made his fortune in real estate. He has over 20 years experience in being a real estate entrepreneur, past director of Asia Pacific for a large multinational software company and a former CEO of a dot com company in Orange County, California. A unique blend of knowledge in business, software and real estate was the basis behind his success in property purchasing and investing.
Ross has managed and owned over 200 properties. He has custom built, renovated and personally rented over 100 houses, apartment and commercial, retail and industrial properties. He still owns and manages a substantial portfolio consisting of single family residences, apartments, retail and commercial buildings.
Ed Ross has first hand experience with the last real estate slow down in the early 1990's. He recognizes that during a slowing real estate trend people need tools that are fast and easy to use. Now he shares his knowledge and tools across the nation to permit others to emulate his success.
Helen Palmer is an internationally recognized teacher of intuition, and the best-selling author of five works in the human consciousness sector. Her two books, The Enneagram: Understanding Yourself and the Others in Your Life and The Enneagram in Love and Work: Understanding Your Intimate and Business Relationships are perennial best-sellers, currently in 28 languages.
Sep 18, 2008 at 01:00PM
The 4-Hour Work Week with Timothy Ferriss
Timothy Ferriss, nominated as one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Business People of 2007,” is author of the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and BusinessWeek bestseller, The 4-Hour Workweek.
Sep 11, 2008
9/11 Remembered, with Col. Penny Bailey (ret)
Penny Bailey, serving in the Air Force and stationed at the Pentagon on 9/11, tells the story of how the day unfolded and what measures she took to find her husband, an Air Force physician, who was also on the grounds of the Pentagon.
*** ALSO ***
We'll be talking with Communications expert Meryl Runion about how to have a discussion about politics without killing each other!
Sep 04, 2008 at 01:00PM
12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery:: Dr. Allen Berger
In simple, down-to-earth language, Allen Berger explores the twelve most commonly confronted beliefs and attitudes that can sabotage recovery. He then provides tools for working through these problems in daily life. This useful guide offers fresh perspectives on how the process of change begins with basic self-awareness and a commitment to working a daily program.
Aug 28, 2008 at 01:00PM
Legendary Musician Bobby Vee
Bobby Vee (born Robert Thomas Velline, April 30, 1943, Fargo, North Dakota, United States) is an American pop music singer. According to Billboard magazine Vee has had 38 Hot 100 chart hits, 10 of which hit the Top 20.
Vee has an amazing story to tell, and Pam Atherton goes the extra mile in tackling even the most sensitive of subjects. A Closer Look with Pam Atherton is pleased to present, BOBBY VEE!
Aug 21, 2008 at 01:00PM
Bill Kurtis: Journalist, documentary host
An acclaimed documentary host and producer, network and major market news anchor, and multimedia production company president, Bill Kurtis is celebrating his fortieth anniversary in the field of broadcasting. Over the years, Kurtis has created a body of work that is virtually unparalleled.
Aug 14, 2008 at 01:00PM
The Makeover Guy - Christopher Hopkins
Entrepreneur, author, makeover artist and entertainer, Christopher Hopkins has inspired, educated and entertained audiences around the world. Through his television and radio appearances hundreds of thousands have used his straightforward advice to look their absolute best.
Pam Atherton will get straight to the point with Christopher in her interview, Thursday at 1 PM PT, finding just what it takes to stage a comeback... looking your best when it matters most.
Aug 07, 2008
Allan Zola Kronzek
Master Card Cheat... magician, and more...
Allan Zola Kronzek is an author, educator, and magician.
His programs The Art of Fooling, The Magician’s Art and Scientific Inquiry, and Exploring the Magical World of Harry Potter have been featured at colleges, libraries, and elementary and middle schools throughout the New York area.
He is the author of The New York Times best seller The Sorcerer’s Companion—A Guide to the World of Harry Potter and A Book of Magic for Young Magicians--The Secrets of Alkazar, an highly-acclaimed introduction to the art of magic.
When not visiting schools or involved in a writing project, Allan performs strolling and close-up magic at private social events, corporate affairs, benefits, and family parties. He has appeared at New York City’s Monday Night Magic and has been featured on CNN. He has published original magical routines for fellow magicians, most recently Destiny, Chance and Free Will. He lives in Sag Harbor, Long Island, NY.
Jul 31, 2008 at 01:00PM
Walter T. Shaw
Considered the world's most notorious jewel thief
Walter T. Shaw is considered the world’s most notorious (former) jewel thief. His long-awaited memoir, A License To Stealm, chronicles the saga of his father, probably one of the most important inventors of our time, who was ripped off by corporate America and the mafia, and how this drove Walter himself to become one of the country’s most famous jewel thieves, having taken an estimated $70 million from the rich and famous from Long Island to Florida. In the forward by Frank Vincent (Phil Leotardo in The Sopranos) writes, “Full of love, fear, violence, hate and the quest for redemption, this book is an unbelievable journey through life.”
A License To Steal, Shaw Jr. maintains that it should have been his father who became famous. Although Shaw Sr. died penniless, he invented and patented several telephonic breakthroughs including the speakerphone, conference calling, call-forwarding and even the “Red Phone” used by the Eisenhower White House to contact the Kremlin. However, as a systems engineer for Bell, the most powerful monopoly of that time, he was stopped from marketing his inventions.
Walter’s revenge on the rich and famous soon began
Dr. Susan Bartell, Patricia Kennedy, and Producer Nicholas Beatty
Who are our first guests as we go worldwide? We’ll re-introduce our good friend Dr. Susan Bartell who will be a frequent guest on the show. We’ll talk about her books on weight loss, how that’s affecting Americans and how much stress has to do with it. Plus, we’ll talk a little about returning veterans and the effects on their families. www.DrSusanBartell.com
Then, Patricia Kennedy will join us live. Called the “First Lady of the Joffrey Ballet,” Patricia is a businesswoman, activist, philanthropist, actress and model who goes about trying to raise consciousness in many areas and bring about a change. Her efforts now are focused on returning vets with her StepUp4Vets campaign www.stepup4vets.org She has also created the Peace One Earth medallion as a way to express gratitude to the defenders of our freedoms while acknowledging the hope for a world at peace. www.PeaceOneEarth.com (BTW, have you seen her jewelry? A collection was featured at the Smithsonian in 2000 and the Russians will take a peek at it this fall at the Kremlin Museum) We’ll talk about why she created the medallion, what she hopes for with Step Up 4 Vets, and what made philanthropy such a large part of her life.
Plus, Nicholas the Producer comes on to give us a preview of who he’s got lined up to join us in the days ahead on A Closer Look.
I hope you will join us every week for A Closer Look live… but if not, we’ll always be in archive! Bookmark this blog for updates about guests, info about cool things we find, and random musings along the way.
And check out www.ACloserLookRadio.com (the home of the radio show) and my personal website, www.PamAtherton.com .
Ken Levine is an Emmy winning writer/director/producer/major league baseball announcer. In a career that has spanned over 30 years Ken has worked on MASH, CHEERS, FRASIER, THE SIMPSONS, WINGS, EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, BECKER, DHARMA & GREG, and has co-created his own series including ALMOST PERFECT starring Nancy Travis. He and his partner wrote the feature VOLUNTEERS.
You know how it is… sometimes you meet someone and you just know they are special. That’s how I felt about Georgia Durante. She had just finished writing her book, The Company She Keeps, about ten years ago and I snagged her for an interview. We immediately connected and the interview has remained one of my favorites. 
Have you checked out the website that Nicholas keeps telling us about.. www.diademuertos.net ? (make sure you put .NET). It’s his website that celebrates and helps to create understanding of this cultural holiday, Day of the Dead. We’ll be talking with Nicholas about it next week on the show, the day before the official celebration. 
"Jeff is part doctor, part guru, part medicine man… we believed Jeff could fix any and all of our problems… without him, we knew we would never make it to Paris.” 
Everybody has a story about a crazy boss they worked for at one time or another. So what do you do if you work with someone who is a Pain In The Ass? Dr. Robert Orndorff has some suggestions for us. The author of the PITA Principle (Pain In The Ass), Orndorff talks about those co-workers and bosses who try to get all the credit, who abscond with the power, and who just plain are a pain to be around! 
David Gray Adler is Professor of Political Science at Idaho State University, where he teaches courses on the Constitution and the Presidency. 
Ed Ross is a nationally-known real estate trending expert, investor, wealth coach and author. His newsletter and his website www.edsforecast.com reach thousands each month who are looking for purchase, sales and strategy information about real estate. He is a regular news commentary guest on radio and television networks. 
Helen Palmer is an internationally recognized teacher of intuition, and the best-selling author of five works in the human consciousness sector. Her two books, The Enneagram: Understanding Yourself and the Others in Your Life and The Enneagram in Love and Work: Understanding Your Intimate and Business Relationships are perennial best-sellers, currently in 28 languages.
Timothy Ferriss, nominated as one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Business People of 2007,” is author of the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and BusinessWeek bestseller, The 4-Hour Workweek.
Penny Bailey, serving in the Air Force and stationed at the Pentagon on 9/11, tells the story of how the day unfolded and what measures she took to find her husband, an Air Force physician, who was also on the grounds of the Pentagon.
In simple, down-to-earth language, Allen Berger explores the twelve most commonly confronted beliefs and attitudes that can sabotage recovery. He then provides tools for working through these problems in daily life. This useful guide offers fresh perspectives on how the process of change begins with basic self-awareness and a commitment to working a daily program.
Bobby Vee (born Robert Thomas Velline, April 30, 1943, Fargo, North Dakota, United States) is an American pop music singer. According to Billboard magazine Vee has had 38 Hot 100 chart hits, 10 of which hit the Top 20.
An acclaimed documentary host and producer, network and major market news anchor, and multimedia production company president, Bill Kurtis is celebrating his fortieth anniversary in the field of broadcasting. Over the years, Kurtis has created a body of work that is virtually unparalleled.
Entrepreneur, author, makeover artist and entertainer, Christopher Hopkins has inspired, educated and entertained audiences around the world. Through his television and radio appearances hundreds of thousands have used his straightforward advice to look their absolute best. 
Allan Zola Kronzek is an author, educator, and magician. 
Walter T. Shaw is considered the world’s most notorious (former) jewel thief. His long-awaited memoir, A License To Stealm, chronicles the saga of his father, probably one of the most important inventors of our time, who was ripped off by corporate America and the mafia, and how this drove Walter himself to become one of the country’s most famous jewel thieves, having taken an estimated $70 million from the rich and famous from Long Island to Florida. In the forward by Frank Vincent (Phil Leotardo in The Sopranos) writes, “Full of love, fear, violence, hate and the quest for redemption, this book is an unbelievable journey through life.”
Who are our first guests as we go worldwide? We’ll re-introduce our good friend Dr. Susan Bartell who will be a frequent guest on the show. We’ll talk about her books on weight loss, how that’s affecting Americans and how much stress has to do with it. Plus, we’ll talk a little about returning veterans and the effects on their families. www.DrSusanBartell.com