Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

I Came, I Faltered, I Recouped, I Read! 

Without intention, I ended up telling a story about a chance encounter at a spectacular star-studded performance of Proof, starring the magnificent Ed Begley and a revelatory performance by his daughter, Hayden Begley, to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation. I started to tell what happened in real time and ended up reading the backstory from Don’t Jump. It’s been ages. It was fun, even with the doorbell ringing midway through. It’s been one of those days in the middle of one of those Mercury retrograde months. Glitches galore up top, but the crazies hung in there and turned it around. Thank you! I really did have fun. We talked Samantha and Tristan’s 1st Anniversary, tomorrow’s bar exam, please hold Samantha in your 🙏🏻s, good thoughts, and hearts. Snuffy and my 1st Getty Image together; only Toni proved it’snot! I sang, sans song, the praises of Cape Fear, arguably one of the best shows to ever stream, the terrific Best Interests with the always fab Sharon Horgan, and stunning Michael Sheen, and interesting Inside Man with David Tennant & Stanley Tucci. Did I mention I had fun?

Shooting The Shit With Vicki

Monday, July 27, 2026

Streamed Live @5ish PM PT on my FB, YouTube, & LinkedIn 

Links in the comments 

FB

YouTube 

How is it possible that one human being can be a gifted artist, a world-class savvy collector, a stellar actor, skilled director, and a masterful storyteller, whilst being gracious, funny, self-possessed, and humble at the same time? If that’s not the work of the gods, what is?

The quality of Federico’s conversation defied Mercury Retrograde and the moon void. His screen may have been wonky for a few moments, but his glorious remembrances flowed on. From his earliest years in Napoli surrounded by his talented siblings, Federico knew at 3 what he wanted to do. And it wasn’t aspiring to be a key player on one of the greatest shows to ever hit television screens. That was an afterthought. A later manifestation. Earning a full scholarship and his BFA from the School of Visual Arts in NY, Federico never had a day job or a Plan B. He’s had more than a few Plan As - all successfully and respectfully executed. 

We got a little show and tell with a great George Burns story, how he segued from commercial art to commercial film and television, auditioning for a role he’d never get that eventually led to the life-changer.  We got the whole Sopranos audition story complete with a David Chase rarity, prior long-held James Gandolfini admiration, how he landed it, the classes and work in theatre that schooled him, all the while continuing with his art craft to mind-blowing proportions. More show and tell with his latest portrait, of frequent collaborator Chazz Palminteri, that I would’ve sworn was a photograph until it was almost pressed against Federico’s screen. The lips, the smile, the hair, the eyes, the ‘tude, captured as only a rarely gifted artist could. 

We talked Federico’s multitude of upcoming films in various stages of production… Bad News on The Doorstep with the aforementioned Palminteri, which will be the first to drop, Into The Black with beloved Cathy Moriarity and Peter Green, Lupo, a true-crime story, and Three’s Company Too, where Federico is directing as well as starring. There’s a gallery show of his portraits in the works; info on that and all news of his art here:  https://www.federicocastelluccio-art.com and Sopranos appearances, which you can keep up with on his IG. 

There are a crazy amount of one-degrees between us, many of which were touched on. It shocks me that there are so many more. Perhaps that’s why it was all so effortless and fun. 

I’m in awe of this man who does it all and does it all so damn well. Federico Castelluccio is truly a modern-day Renaissance Man. And a marvel. Long may he aspire and create! 

Federico Castelluccio Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson

Wed, July 21, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Today, LIVE! It’s easy to see why Carmela fell for Furio. Charming, easy on the eyes, and ears… although the Italian accent was affected for the role. Born in Naples Itlay, Federico Castelluccio grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, an Italian American since the age of 3. As much a fine artist as an actor, Federico earned a full scholarship and his BFA from the School of Visual Arts in NYC. He’s got an incredible story to tell about how art has affected his life and changed his fortune. Also, how some hackers set out to make their own at his expense. 

Federico’s appeared in dozens of films, including Made, with Jon Favreau, Fire with Robert Klein, and 18 Shades of Dust with Danny Aiello, to name but a few. On TV, he appeared in NYPD Blue, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and Another World before his 3 seasons on The Sopranos.  He’s directed award-winning shorts and features, including The Brooklyn Banker, starring David Proval and Paul Sorvino, and more recently appeared as Senator Bodio in Alejandro Monteverde's Francesca Cabrini biopic Cabrini, starring John Lithgow.

Frederico was one of the master painters involved with recreating many museum Impressionist masterpieces for The Thomas Crown Affair reboot. He’s an avid collector and a gifted craftsman. An award-winning artist, Frederico’s paintings have been exhibited in prestigious galleries throughout the United States and Europe. His works are held in the collections of Palazzo Chigi, in Ariccia, Italy, Yale University Museum of Art, in New Haven, Connecticut, Kresge Art Museum, in East Lansing, Michigan, and Tisch Fine Art Collection, NY. His works can be found in major private collections throughout the United States, South America, and Europe. In addition, many well-known actors and celebrities own Federico's original work, including Whoopi Goldberg, Caroline Rhea, and Joe Pantoliano, to name a few.

The last time I sat down with Federico, two and a half years ago, every single word was infused with enthusiasm, passion, and delight. Hours later, I still hadn’t stopped smiling. It was edutainment of the highest order. A true Renaissance Man, I’m his #1 Fan. (Paging Kathy Bates.)

Federico Castelluccio Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson

Wed, July 21, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube &. LinkedIn

Links in the comments 

Daily by Toni Vincent 

FB

facebook.com/vickiabelson

YouTube

The Odyssey Delivers! 

Why Jennifer Hudson & Justin Bieber stole the Cup for me. Ant Attack! I have a tip to share. Barbault's Basket activated today... inviting change. I’ve got personal changes afoot. You? Cape Fear continues to slay; sad that our Bright Lights binge is ending. What’s next? Suggestions? 

Shooting The Shit With Vicki

Monday, July 20, 2026

Streamed Live @5ish PM PT on my FB & YouTube

FB

YouTube

If there’s anyone more entertaining than Adam Chester, please tell me so I can book them now! What a fabulous, fun, afternoon ride! Other than a tech glitch (lost internet for 5 min - which caused this to have a Part 1 and Part 2), this was as close to perfection as a sit-down could be. 

We got current events; he’s on vocal rest due to a minor health issue, so Adam performed an instrumental with full virtuoso gusto and talked for a good hour and a quarter, also with total fervor. Shhh, don’t tell his ENT. 

In Part 1, we got Adam’s backstory, which manifested into his life’s headlines. The author of S’Mother held up his mother (hysterical, dark sight gag), who started him on the keys at 3 and got him an upright at 5. Adam walked us into his son Truman’s room to share his first instrument, which he’s moved cross-country and from state to state. Nothing like a good show and tell. 

We got delicious juicy bits about Adam’s year or so with Barry White, a decision Adam still questions, his piano teacher, Jeff, his manager, Paul, and his life-changing friend and mentor, Davey Johnstone, who opened the door to Sir Elton, a gig still in action, more than 20 years later, post Elton’s retirement, filled with pinch moments and living the dream realities. Adam’s stories about it all are precious, humble, moving, and hysterical. 

We get the beginning of his Joni Mitchell connection in Part 1, picked up and furthered to greater heights in Part 2, along with a fabulous Miley Cyrus story, and my s’mother nag for Adam to start doing his thing at his regular Georgian Hotel gig in Santa Monica on Wednesdays, 6-9 pm, where historically he plays, sans vocals and his ridiculously entertaining banter. Vocal rest be damned! You can’t keep the unique genius that is Adam down. One shouldn’t!

I could not have had more fun, or loved this (both Parts) more! 

How dare my internet go down before we were through! Sorry, Adam, sorry, ya’ll! 

Adam Chester Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wed, July 8, 3 pm PT, 6 pm ET

Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

FB Part 1 

YouTube Part 1 

FB Part 2 

YouTube Part 2

Today LIVE with Adam Chester, The Sir-O-Gate Elton John! **SPECIAL TIME 3PM PT**

Ridiculously talented in his own right, pianist, vocalist, composer, songwriter, and entertainer, Adam launched his career alongside Barry White. Still, his most celebrated role began nearly two decades ago: becoming Sir Elton John’s official band stand-in. Adam steps in for Elton during rehearsals and select live events, including Elton’s historic final U.S. Dodger Stadium concert in 2022 and the PBS Library of Congress Gershwin Prize ceremony in 2024. He also crafts and conducts the choir arrangements for Elton’s productions. He’s known as the Surrogate Elton John. So Sur Elton. 

Adam’s played alongside Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Garth Brooks, Miley Cyrus, and Paul Anka, and he’s a favorite performer at Kate Hudson’s annual Christmas celebrations.

Appearing at the Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica every Wednesday from 6 PM to 9 PM, Adam plays piano in their speakeasy where Dick Van Dyke got his start back in 1947. 

Adam tore down my living room at one of the last Women Who Write Literary Salons, opening for a guy named Snuffy, and Loren Gold, keyboardist for Rush and The Who. Adam, a force onstage. is always a tough act to follow. He’s an audience and personal favorite. I look so forward to catching up! 

Adam Chester Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wed, July 8, 3 pm PT, 6 pm ET

Streaming Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

facebook.com/vickiabelson

Daily by Toni Vincent

YouTube

For someone who hates change, I’m in the midst of a major metamorphosis… in the middle of a Mercury retrograde. Yikes! New nails, new phone case, new hair, new housekeeper, new pet sitter, new stuff for the homestead, new decorator, new meetings… some growing pains in the process… and a hello from Ru. Watching Blue Lights 👍🏻 Cape Fear 👍🏻👍🏻 and Send Help 😳

Shooting The Shit With Vicki

Monday, July 13, 2026

Streamed Live @5ish PM PT on my FB & YouTube

YouTube 

Updating Almost Everything!

Today on STSWV, updating me, our home, help, and life! Asking and receiving. Miraculous. Loving our latest binge. Let's ketchup. 

Shooting The Shit With Vicki

Monday, July 13, 2026

Streaming Live @5ish PM PT on my FB & YouTube

facebook.com/vickiabelson 

YouTube

I met comedian Wendy Liebman years ago, in the early days of comedy clubs. I’m a longtime huge fan of this hysterical girl who’s performed on Carson, Letterman, Leno, Fallon, and Kimmel. We talked about them all. What made each experience special and unique. 

But first… we talked life. Real life. Minimizing, organizing, prioritizing, purging… with practical tips! How the years are changing us, our shopping styles, the craziest story about designer boots I’ve ever heard, health affecting lifelong habits… letting them fall away (with more than a couple of surprises here). We talked about ongoing struggles and how some of them are easier now. We talked about kids and dogs, and how our dogs are also our kids. We talked what we’re doing… caretaking, binging, and a lot less out in the world post-pandemic. 

There wasn’t a lot of comedy business discussed other than the late-night appearances, but we did get Wendy’s favorite Hollywood story, and how she’s a part of mine (and Penni Barnetts’). A real game changer. And it was all FUNNY. What would you expect from the American Comedy Awards Best Female Comic, and Howard Stern’s wildcard pick, which took Wendy to America’s Got Talent finals? 

Always crazy fun, Wendy’s happy, successful, blessed life has not been without its challenges. We got into a few, like her evacuation, gone to the dogs, literally. 

I so appreciate straight talk, without filters, pretense, or agenda. This was a light, lively convo about some really deep stuff. LOVED it. Love Wendy. 

Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wed, July 8, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

Today LIVE! I met Wendy Liebman years ago, in the early days of comedy clubs. I've always been a huge fan of this hysterical girl who’s performed on Carson, Letterman, Leno, Fallon, Kimmel, Ferguson, and Hollywood Squares, at colleges and events, and in comedy clubs throughout North America and England.  

Named the Best Female Stand-up Comedian by the American Comedy Awards in 1997, Wendy has starred in specials for HBO, Showtime, and Comedy Central, and was a Semi-Finalist on NBC's America's Got Talent (she was Howard Stern's wildcard pick). 

Her special, "Wendy Liebman: Taller On TV" is available on Amazon and is hysterical! I was blessed to be at her taping, which ended up being a Game Change for me.

Always crazy fun, Wendy’s happy, successful, blessed life has not been without its challenges. We’ll get into it allish. I adore her on stage and off. Can’t wait to sit down with this cherished friend and laugh! I can sure use the eggs!

Wendy Liebman Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wed, July 8, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Streaming Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

facebook.com/vickiabelson

YouTube

DOGGIE VACCINE TRAUMA! Story told and an appearance from Rufus, hisself.  We talked The Devil Wears Prada 👍🏻 first one only, please, Dutton Ranch 👍🏻 After The Flood 👍🏻 Servant 👎🏻 Bright Lights 👍🏻so far. 

Shooting The Shit With Vicki

Monday, July 6, 2026

Streaming Live @5ish PM PT on my FB & YouTube

YouTube

Mercury's retrograde, a full moon's rising, Jupiter's revisiting Leo, and I'm afraid to open my mouth. But I did! 

Shooting The Shit With Vicki 

Monday, June 29, 2026

Thaao Penghlis is a self-taught scholar, historian, travel expert, master-chef, author, and 3x Emmy nominee. Knowledgeable to a fault about so many things, he credits the great director, Milton Katselas, whom he studied with for 40 years, as being his mentor. 

Listening to Thaao wax poetic about ancient Greece, the must stops there today, Egypt, which he’s visited 14 times, his ongoing quest to uncover ancient treasures, how to pack for an extended vacation, and find the best restaurants, the joie de vivre he assigns to everything he takes on, from the inspired 6-course meal he lovingly served his esteemed dinner guests last night, to the current screenplay adaptation of his podcast, The Great Escape, to his 44 years on Days of Our Lives, and his commitment to healthy living––mind, body, and spirit, no doubt aiding his living his best life, despite recurring health challenges that defy logic. Thaao is a passionate, talented, brilliant inspiration.

Friends for some years, I’m always invigorated after spending time in Thaao’s good company, and always come away knowing more than I did going in. Today was no exception. I was schooled. I took notes! 

A master storyteller, Thaao takes what could be incomprehensible information and makes it deliciously palatable and understandable, another of his gifts, of which he has many. Luckily, he so generously shares them.

Thaao’s search for truth, for answers, serves all in his wake and I trust will keep him questing for a long, long time to come. Long may his curiosity and the expression of what he learns reign! 

Bonus. Could he be easier on the eyes, ears, and heart? I think not! 

Thaao Penghlis Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wed, June 24, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

 YouTube

Today, LIVE, Thaao Penghlis, who at first meeting took my breath away. He continues to. Three Emmy-nominated for Days of Our Lives, I well remember him from my soap-addicted daze. I’ve been thrilled to discover that aside from being ridiculously easy on the eyes, with a velvet voice, and that sexy accent, he’s also deeply spiritual, widely wise, passionate, talented in so many ways, and fun! A delicious human. 

Thaao's first cinematic starring role was in John Avildson’s Slow Dancing in the Big City, followed by Ken Russell's Altered States, with William Hurt, and as Dame Edna’s love interest in Les Patterson Saves the World. He also played the lead, Nicholas Black, in the television series Mission: Impossible, and starred in several mini-series, including Tribe, Memories of Midnight, and Under Siege.

Taking the part of Victor Cassadine in General Hospital, Thaao gathered such a strong following that ABC received thousands of letters asking that they bring him back after his storyline ended. Before ABC acted, NBC offered him the part of Count Anthony DiMera on Days of Our Lives, keeping him on the popularity charts for four decades and then some.   

A master traveler, Thaao had his own podcast, The Lost Treasures, and has authored two books, Places: The Journey of My Days, My Lives, and Seducing Celebrities  One Meal at a Time. And returns with his new podcast, The Great Escape. 

Thaao is super smart, sexy fun. I always walk away enlightened, entertained, and warmed to my core. Can't wait to be reunited and get schooled once again. 

Thaao Penghlis Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wed, June 24, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Streaming Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

We celebrated Grandma Honey's BIG day, while Harry ran back and forth to the bar to watch the Knicks win it! The last time Harry celebrated a New York team championship, he was still in High School. Lots of family stuff this week, we went to the movies, and started a new/old binge.

Shooting The Shit With Vicki Monday, June 15, 2026 Streamed Live @5ish PM PT on my FB & YouTube

There are more facets to Cidney Bullens than there are to the Hope Diamond… and they’re all fascinating!  The two-time Grammy nominee, who sang with Elton John and Bob Dylan, tells how and why he chose to tour with Elton and pass on Dylan. What a choice for a young rocker from Massachusetts to have to make. How he met Sir Elton, and how a momentary encounter led to the gig and friendship of a lifetime, and how youth, and addiction cost him said gig two plus years later. The friendship has endured all these decades. Sobering up in his early 20s, having already had extraordinary success, and then singing with Rod Stewart, long-time pal, Bonnie Raitt, and Don Everly, to name but a few, singing lead on three songs on the 8x platinum-selling Grease soundtrack, earning his first Grammy nod, and his second for Survivor off his first solo album, Desire Wire. He left the biz for a decade to raise a family, then returned with more solo work and formed The Reugees with Wendy Waldman and Deborah Holland. Soon after, Cindy became Cidny. That’s a story… woven throughout his whole story. 

Cid told the story in his one-man show, Somewhere Between: Not An Ordinary Life, and in his sensational memoir, Transelectric. Cid’s currently resurrecting Somewhere Between and will be touring with it, starting this summer. Has it ever been more relevant and important? 

Cid told us of always feeling male and how that translated to being a sister, daughter, wife, mother, grandfather, and husband. This is not a simple story, and a far more complex life, made more so by parental tragedy. Cid did not always live with grace, but lessons were learned, and the man who sat before us is wiser, stronger, and… softer. 

A friend for the last many years, I’ve had the good fortune to bear witness to Cid’s many talents, as an actor in the brilliant new musical, The Civility of Albert Cashier, where Cid portrayed a true-life character whose life in some ways mirrored his own, in concert with The Refugees, and I was honored to be asked to blurb his memoir, Transelectric. Cid is a treasured friend with a story that screams to be heard, especially today. 

For all things Cid… his show dates, signed copies of his book, and all of his music, visit  www.cidnybullens.com - what a life! 

Cidny Bullens Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wed, June 10, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

2x GRAMMY Nominee CIDNY BULLENS - NOT An Ordinary Life

Today LIVE! Two-time Grammy nominee Cidny Bullens is a good friend and a multi-talented performer, of whom I have borne witness, live, as a singer/songwriter and as an actor. Cid has performed with Bob Dylan, toured and recorded with Sir Elton John, sang three lead vocals on the iconic Grease movie soundtrack, and has had a string of acclaimed solo rock/Americana albums from 1978 to the present. He is also part of the long-time trio, The Refugees, with Wendy Waldman and Deborah Holland. In 2016, Cidny wrote his award-winning one-person show Somewhere Between: Not an Ordinary Life, which he performs nationally. Cid's memoir, TransElectric: My Life as a Cosmic Rock Star (with a foreword by Sir Elton John), was released in 2023 by Chicago Review Press to rave reviews and praise from me. Cid continues to write and tour both solo and with The Refugees, appear at book signings, and is bringing back his solo show Somewhere Between, in the fall. I have yet to see it, can't wait, but did see Cidney in the stellar premiere production of The Civility of Albert Cashier, in the title role. Magnificent! 

More than any of that, Cid is a treasured friend, with a story that screams to be heard, especially today. We'll be talking about transitions never before discussed on this show. It's about time. 

Cidny Bullens Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wed, June 10, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Streaming Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn

facebook.com/vickiabelson