Reliving My Youth Podcast

Susan Ottaviano of Book of Love

Noel catches up with Susan Ottaviano, the lead singer of Book of Love. The Philadelphia-based synthpop group is celebrating the 40th anniversary of their self-titled debit album with a newly remastered vinyl. This is the first official vinyl reissue since the album’s original release in 1986. It features the band’s iconic tracks "Boy,” and “I Touch Roses,” Susan reveals when she believes the band started to be taken seriously. The band have had their songs featured in some big movies. "Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes)", was featured in the 1987 John Hughes' movie "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles," and 'Sunny Day" was featured in the 1991 Oscar-winning movie "The Silence of the Lambs" The quartet opened for Depeche Mode on their 1985 and 1986 tours. They released four albums in total and broke up in the 1990s. They reunited and will tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the debut album. Is new Book of Love music on the way? Stay tuned...

Block

Noel catches up with Block. The musician is one of the prominent member of New York's anti-folk movement. Block just released his long-awaited album, Love Crash, his first in 13 years. This is a deeply personal album for Block, it features songs of heartbreak and loss, as well as the wit we come to expect from Block. He talks about why it took so long for the new album and what made him return to music. His cover of Perry Como's Catch a Falling Star," was picked by Drew Barrymore for the opening credits of the movie, Never Been Kissed.

Nick Heyward of Haircut 100

Noel once again catches up with Nick Heyward of Haircut 100. The band is about to release their long, long, long awaited album, Boxing The Compass. The album is the first with Nick in over 40 years. Haircut 100 has performed over the years but has not released new music until now. Nick explains why. Boxing The Compass is a worthy followup to their amazing debut album, Pelican West, which featured the hits "Love Plus One," "Favourite Shirts," and "Fantastic Day."  The band is touring with Squeeze and Adam Ant this summer. 

Stephen Tobolowsky

It's our 9th anniversary! Noel celebrates the milestone with the great Stephen Tobolowsky. The actor is known for film roles such as insurance agent Ned Ryerson in Groundhog Day and amnesiac Sammy Jankis in Memento. Stephen had a memorable role in Spaceballs. Could he be in the upcoming sequel?  Stephen talks about his horrible experience working with Steven Seagal in The Glimmer Man. He guest-starred on Seinfeld as Tor Eckman, an eccentric holistic healer in the season 2 episode, The Heart Attack. Stephen has played more principals than any actor in TV history (not factchecked).  He also played in a band in his hometown of Dallas, which briefly featured the late great Stevie Ray Vaughn. We discuss our kidney stones, Bar Mitzvahs and more!

Paul Durham of Black Lab

Noel catches up with Paul Durham, the frontman and founder of the band, Black Lab. Paul successfully ran a kickstarter for Black Lab's upcoming 7th studio album, their first in ten years.  The first single, Go, off of the upcoming album just dropped. Black Lab debuted in 1997 with their amazing album, Your Body Above Me. The album featured the hit, Time Ago. Paul talks about how P.J. Harvey xo-wrote one of the songs on the album. Black Lab songs were featured on soundtracks to Spider-Man, Can't Hardly Wait, and Varsity Blues. The band went viral for their cover of the Transformers theme song.

Courtney Gains

Noel catches up with Courtney Gains. The actor/musician is pretty busy these days. He has two songs currently on the charts. We discuss his music and how he got Slash of Guns and Roses to play on one of his songs. Courtney also stars in the upcoming movie, Barn Part 3. He also has a song, Fear the Boogie in the movie. Courtney got his start playing Malachai in the horror movie, Children of the Corn. He made a conscious effort to get out of the horror genre following the movie. He did that successfully, having roles in Back to the Future, Colors, The Burbs and Memphis Belle. We also discuss the cult classic, Winners Take All. He also had a memorable guest starring role in “The Smelly Car” episode of Seinfeld.

Roger Clyne (Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, The Refreshments)

Noel catches up with Roger Clyne, the frontman for Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers. The band is out with their latest album, Hell To Breakfast, their first in nine years. Roger talks about the long gap between albums and what "Hell To Breakfast" means. The Arizona native discusses his love affair with Mexico and the creation of the Circus Mexicus music festival. Roger's first band, The Refreshments, are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut album, Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy. The album featured the massive hit, Banditos. Roger discusses the making of the song and his attempt to get Patrick Stewart to be featured in the video. The Refreshments created the theme song to the animated show, King of the Hill.

Gary Marks

Noel catches up with Gary Marks, who might be one of the best singer/songwriters you've never heard of. For five decades, Gary Marks has written songs about power, compassion, and freedom themes that feel strikingly current in 2026. His latest LP, Crossroads, gathers that arc into one body of work, including nine previously unheard songs. The songs on each side of the record are chronological, starting with songs from 1976 and ending with songs in the 2020s. Crossroads was  selected as an official Record Store Day release in the UK/Europe. Gary discusses the process of putting Crossroads together and why he decided to stop touring decades ago. Check out Gary's music, you won't be disappointed. 

Sean Whalen

Noel catches up with Sean Whalen. The actor had memorable roles in The People Under The Stairs and Twister, which are both celebrating anniversaries this year. Sean talks about the legacy of Twister and the truth regarding Aunt Meg's cooking. He also had a role in Never Been Kissed and he reveals which movie he thought would have brought him greater success. Sean starred in the very first "Got Milk?" commercial, which was directed by Michael Bay. Sean talks about how long it took him to enjoy peanut butter following the commercial. Sean directed and starred in the fantastic horror/comedy movie, Crust.

Rhonda Shear

Noel catches up with Rhonda Shear. The comedienne and actress hosted USA Network’s Up All Night in the 1990s. Rhonda is back with Up All Night on Roku. The Up All Night Channel features new and classic Up All Night segments, the Between The Sheets video podcast, content from throughout Shear’s career, movies, comedy specials, music, behind-the-scenes fun, and more. Rhonda talks about interviewing wrestlers and being a part of Wrestlemania X. She had memorable roles in Spaceballs, Married with Children, Cheers, Three’s Company and Happy Days. Rhonda talks about her dismissal from Happy Days. In 2001, she started an intimate apparel business with one of her most successful products being the Ahh Bra.