Ira’s Everything Bagel | US Arts and Culture Podcasts

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Beau L’Amour, the driving force behind "Louis L'Amour's Lost Treasures." In this riveting episode, Beau delves into the enduring legacy of his father, legendary author Louis L’Amour—one of the best-selling writers of the 20th century.
Beau shares why his father, after World War II, chose to specialize in Westerns, how he briefly wrote under pseudonyms, and what his early writing career looked like before he became the undisputed king of frontier fiction. They explore his deep ties to the pulp mag-azine era, his prolific work ethic—writing four novels a year to support his family—and the six or seven typewriters he used throughout his career (which Beau still owns).
The conversation takes a personal turn as Beau reflects on his father’s life, their connec-tion beyond the pages, and how he uncovered hidden gems buried in Louis L’Amour’s paper-cluttered office—leading to the creation of Lost Treasures Volumes 1 and 2. He also reveals his father’s long-term vision to expand the Western genre and why none of his books have ever gone out of print.
From Louis L’Amour’s friendship with Hollywood star Alan Ladd to his disciplined writing habits, this episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the life of a literary giant.
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Noshing With Karen A. Frenkel, March 27,2025

This week on "Ira’s Everything Bagel," Ira sits down with award-winning journalist, author, and documentarian Karen A. Frenkel to discuss her new book, "Family Treasures Lost & Found." In this episode, Karen takes us on an extraordinary journey—one that began with unanswered questions and a deep yearning to uncover her parents' untold survival stories from the Holocaust.
Karen shares the emotional complexities of her quest: why her father refused to talk about his past, the frustration of not knowing her own family history, and the pivotal moment when she convinced her mother to record an oral history. As both a daughter and an investigative journalist, she found herself balancing personal and professional roles, trans-forming what started as a personal search into an investigative mission filled with unexpected twists, moments of luck, and remarkable discoveries.
She reveals the astonishing path her father took to America—his journey spanning Cuba (where a local newspaper documented his ship’s arrival), Mexico (where he volunteered as a doctor while awaiting his visa), and Vienna (where he attended medical school). Karen also recounts her emotional visit to her grandfather’s home, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the surprises she unearthed during her research—shocking revelations she later shared with her sisters and cousins.
We also explore why Karen chose to turn her findings into both a memoir and a documen-tary—initially envisioning a historical novel before pivoting to a deeply personal narrative. She reflects on the challenges of working on the film during COVID, the two game-changing discoveries made in the process, and the importance of sharing these stories with the world.
This is more than a conversation—it’s an invitation to witness a powerful, personal jour-ney of resilience, discovery, and the enduring importance of remembering the past. Tune in to hear Karen’s unforgettable story and why she hopes Family Treasures Lost & Found will resonate with people from all walks of life.
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Noshing With Christopher J. Lewis – March 20, 2025

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Christopher J. Lewis, son of legendary entertainer Jerry Lewis and president of the American Wheelchair Mission, to discuss his book, "Jerry Lewis: On Being A Person."
In this fascinating conversation, Chris opens up about preserving his father’s incredible legacy—both in entertainment and philanthropy. He shares personal stories of idolizing his dad, volunteering for the MDA Telethon at age 14, and witnessing firsthand Jerry’s relentless creativity and perfectionism.
Chris also delves into the treasures of his father’s film and tape archives, his journey in bringing them to the Library of Congress, and why he felt compelled to write this deeply personal book. Featuring more than 300 rare photos and 45 of Jerry’s most memorable sayings, the book captures the wisdom, humor, and humanity of a true icon.
He also reflects on growing up in a showbiz family, his mother’s crucial role in Jerry’s success, the surprising truth about his father’s stage fright, and the profound impact his humor had on millions.
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Noshing With Tony Mozingo – March 13, 2025

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Tony Mozingo, former FBI agent and author of "Beyond the Badge: One Man, Two Lives." In this fascinating episode, Tony shares his incredible journey—from working in foreign counterintelligence to em-bracing his passion for storytelling.
They dive into everything from the meaning behind his unique last name (a Bantu African origin) to his deep admiration for philosopher Mortimer Adler. Tony reflects on what led him to join the FBI, why he volunteered for Russian language school, and one of the most gripping cases of his career. He also reveals how he managed to keep his sense of humor in high-stakes situations and the unexpected role his beloved cats—and border collie—played in shaping his philosophical outlook.
Through lively conversations and thought-provoking insights, Tony weaves together pet stories and FBI adventures that ultimately became his book. He also touches on his interest in stoic philosophy and the power of accepting life as it comes.
Don't miss this compelling episode, where espionage, philosophy, and feline wisdom collide!
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