Ira’s Everything Bagel | US Arts and Culture Podcasts

The Barrymore name is synonymous with Hollywood royalty—but long before Drew Barrymore became a household name, there was John Barrymore, one of the most brilliant and complicated actors in American theater and film history. In this episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” I talk with Terry Chester Shulman, author of the acclaimed John Barrymore biography, "Barrymore: The Spectacular, Tumultuous Life of America’s Prince of Players" (published by the University Press of Kentucky).
Terry spent six years researching and writing his biography, digging beyond the familiar stories of Barrymore’s fame, marriages, alcoholism and personal demons to reveal the remarkable artist underneath the notoriety. He even had the opportunity to interview Bar-rymore’s daughter, Dee Dee Barrymore.
We talk about Terry’s lifelong fascination with Barrymore, beginning with his childhood love of the 1920 film Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Barrymore’s legendary theatrical family—including siblings Lionel and Ethel—and his groundbreaking approach to acting.
Barrymore helped reintroduce Shakespeare to 20th-century audiences with his celebrated performance as Richard III, pioneered a deeply personal approach to acting, and successfully transitioned from Broadway to Hollywood. He made six films in 1932 alone, yet never regarded movies as more important than the stage when it came to his artistic legacy.
Terry also reveals the fascinating story behind Barrymore’s decision to enter motion pictures, the astonishing salaries he commanded, his rivalry with Lionel and Ethel, his relationship with Katharine Hepburn, and why Terry believes Barrymore was essentially destined to succeed in the sound era.
Most importantly, Terry explains the central purpose of his book: to bring John Barry-more out from behind the cloud of notoriety and allow audiences to see the extraordinary actor who was hidden beneath the legend.
It’s a fascinating conversation about John Barrymore, Hollywood history, Broadway, Shakespeare, acting, celebrity, family rivalry and the complicated price of fame.
(Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

BEYOND 100%: NIR PELED ON REBUILDING LIFE AFTER A DEVASTATING STROKE

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Nir Peled, author of "Beyond 100%: Rebuilding Life After It Breaks," talks about an extraordinary journey that began with a moment that changed everything.

At 49, Nir was a successful Fortune 500 technology executive and former officer in an elite division of the IDF when he suddenly collapsed on the floor of his home office from a stroke. In an instant, he lost his speech, mobility and, in many ways, his sense of identity.

What followed was a grueling journey of rehabilitation—and ultimately, a profound process of rebuilding his body, mind, cognitive abilities and spirit.

Nir shares the seven rules for rehabilitation that helped guide his recovery, including one that might surprise you: humor. He explains the importance of his 1% rule, why recovery is a marathon rather than a sprint, and how that simple philosophy helped him through some of his darkest moments.

We also talk about why Nir dedicated Beyond 100% to his grandmother, whom he calls “the ultimate survivor,” and how a personal recovery journal eventually became a book after his speech therapist encouraged him to tell the story from the patient’s perspective.

Nir opens up about the caregiver journey, the reality of pain, his spiritual practices, the challenge of surrendering control, and what he calls one of the most important transformations in recovery: turning “Why me?” into “What now?”

It’s a deeply personal conversation about resilience, identity, recovery and discovering what is possible when life suddenly forces you to start over.

(Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

FROM VIRAL JACKPOT TO GAMING INDUSTRY STAR: MEET THE GODDESS OF SLOTS

What happens when a viral casino jackpot becomes the foundation for an entirely new career?
This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira welcomes Lorraine Bencivengo-Ziff, better known as The Goddess of Slots, as well as an actress, entrepreneur, influencer and one of the gaming industry’s most recognizable personalities.
Lorraine shares the story behind her viral jackpot win at the Hard Rock in Florida and how a friend helped her recognize an unexpected opportunity within the world of slot players. What began as a moment of luck soon evolved into a powerful personal brand, leading to casino appearances, meet-and-greets, slot machine launches, high-limit room events and even a Goddess of Slots cruise.
She discusses how her background as an actress helps her connect with people and improvise on the casino floor, how she maintains her seemingly endless energy, and why surrounding herself with smart business people has been an important part of her success. Lorraine also talks about expanding the Goddess of Slots brand, the business advice she received from Gene Simmons of KISS, and the confidence that helped her turn an idea into a thriving business and media career.
The conversation also explores Lorraine's surprising journey from growing up in extreme poverty and developing what she calls a “survivor mode,” to attending law school, build-ing her business instincts and training in martial arts for the past 26 years—all while proudly remaining, as she says, a “girlie girl.”
Plus, Lorraine talks about her acting career and her work on the second season of Unsuited, a funny television series.
It’s a fascinating conversation about luck, reinvention, confidence, entrepreneurship, entertainment and the ability to recognize opportunity when it appears.
Lorraine Bencivengo-Ziff didn’t just hit a jackpot—she turned one unforgettable moment into a brand, a business and a career.
(Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

BEYOND THE FOUNDING FATHERS: SHARON VIRTS BRINGS FORGOTTEN HISTORY TO LIFE

This week on “Ira's Everything Bagel,” Ira talks with Sharon Virts, author of "Bargains of Fate," part of her acclaimed “Fields of Honor series.” Sharon shares her unexpected journey from entrepreneur to historical novelist, revealing how selling her business and moving into a historic, reportedly haunted home inspired her passion for writing.
She discusses the extensive research behind her novels, how she blends historical fact with compelling fiction, and why "Bargains of Fate" explores the lasting consequences of our choices. Sharon also offers a fascinating look at her unique writing process—from writing the final chapter first to creating richly developed, character-driven stories that bring America's overlooked post-Founding era vividly to life.
Beyond the familiar stories of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, Sharon's “Fields of Honor” series shines a light on the generations who inherited the enormous responsibility of shaping a young nation. Through richly layered historical fiction, immersive storytelling, and painstaking research, she brings this overlooked chapter of American history vividly to life.
(Also Watch Full Podcast Video)