Ira’s Everything Bagel | US Arts and Culture Podcasts

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira dives into a fascinating conversation with Wade Schalles, America’s unrivaled Pinner, Four-Time NCAA and Collegiate World Champion, Coach, Author, Guinness World Record Holder, and the revolutionary mind behind Funk Wrestling. In this gripping episode, Wade unveils the origins of Funk Wrestling, his game-changing techniques that redefined the sport. He shares how his creative spark shone early in school. Wade drops powerful insights: failure is just a moment, not your identity; life’s about rising every time you’re knocked down; and if you don’t have at least 20 scars by the end, you haven’t truly lived. He reveals why the glass is always half full, how forgetting mistakes fast fuels success, and why the military hunts for wrestlers’ grit. Wade also explores wrestling’s unique pull for kids, its unmatched legacy among U.S. presidents, and his role as Executive Director of the Amateur Athletic Union for wrestling. Plus, he celebrates the surging rise of women’s wrestling. Don’t miss this high-energy episode packed with wisdom, grit, and heart…and a little humor!
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Noshing With Diane Christiansen – April 17, 2025

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira dives into glitz, grit, and glamour with Diane Christiansen—dancer, educator, and author of "The Last Real Showgirl: My Sequined '70s Onstage."
At just 13, Diane set her sights on becoming a Rockette. By 17, she nailed the audition and never looked back—rarely needing to audition again, save for a memorable encounter with Jerry Jackson at the Tropicana. From the fine line between dancer and showgirl to becoming one at the age of 18 (no easy feat!), Diane shares how she found joy, strength, and sisterhood in the dazzling world of showbiz.
She opens up about her journey from the chorus line to Las Vegas lights, becoming a “swing girl” for the nudes at the iconic Tropicana, and what inspired her to finally pen her memoir—especially after a reunion of showgirls from multiple generations.
Diane also reflects on why grand showgirl productions may never return, the essential teamwork behind the sequins, the legacy of legends like Donn Arden and Miss Bluebell, staying grounded and grateful, and her passion for mentoring the next generation (as well as current generation) of actors through the Christiansen Acting Academy.
It’s a glittering, heartfelt, and unforgettable conversation you won’t want to miss.
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Noshing With George E. Danis – April 10, 2025

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with immigrant, entrepreneur, and author George E. Danis, whose remarkable journey is chronicled in his book "Go Far, Give Back, Live Greek." With warmth, wit, and unshakable determination, George shares how a sense of humor and a belief in making your own luck have guided his incredible life.
From a childhood realization at just six or seven that he’d need to carve his own path, to a twist of fate that landed him in America via the merchant marine—despite speaking no English—George's story is one of grit, resilience, and relentless persistence. He recounts how survival instincts often reveal strength we didn’t know we had.
In a particularly jaw-dropping moment, George reflects on being jailed in Boston—only to be released thanks to the intervention of none other than Senator John F. Kennedy. He speaks passionately about the value of democracy, the lessons he’s learned from rubbing shoulders with politicians across the spectrum, and why staying politically centered is key to solving real problems.
Though urged to run for office, George chose a different path—one that led him to be honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. His life is a testament to the immigrant spirit, the power of perseverance, and the joy of giving back.
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Noshing With Beau L'Amour – April 3, 2025

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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