Mutual Broadcasting System

12/21/2025

STRAT | 20 Dec 25 | America’s Return to Power Politics in the Western Hemisphere

America’s strategic focus is shifting back to its own neighborhood. In this episode of STRAT with retired Marine Intelligence Officer Hal Kempfer, we examine how U.S. policy in the Western Hemisphere is evolving into what many call “Monroe Doctrine 2.0.” Drawing on history, current events, and hard geopolitical realities, the discussion explores renewed American assertiveness toward Greenland, Canada, the Panama Canal, and Venezuela. The episode traces the origins of U.S. hemispheric dominance, the legal and political legacy of past territorial ambitions, and how those precedents collide with today’s post-colonial world. It also assesses mounting military pressure near Venezuela, the risks of escalation, and the humanitarian consequences of regional conflict. With China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba all shaping the strategic environment, the United States faces difficult choices between action and restraint. This conversation highlights the dangers of unintended consequences and asks whether renewed hemispheric engagement can succeed where recent overseas nation-building efforts have failed.

Audio and Video accessible now at www.STRATpodcast.com

Takeaways:
• The Monroe Doctrine remains central to U.S. strategic thinking
• “Monroe 2.0” reflects renewed hemispheric assertiveness
• Greenland has long been considered strategically valuable to the U.S.
• Annexation rhetoric carries serious diplomatic consequences
• Panama Canal treaties reshaped American power projection
• Venezuela poses military, political, and humanitarian risks
• Escalation could destabilize the entire region through refugee flows
• Great-power competition heightens stakes in the Western Hemisphere

12/19/2025

Check Out who Patrick & Randy have talked with this year in the Corner Booth at Skip's Little Bar!

In 2025, Patrick Evans and Randy Florence invited another four-dozen guests to join them in the coveted corner booth at Goldenvoice co-founder Skip Paige's L...

12/10/2025

STRAT | 7 Dec 25 | U.S. Strategy Signals Major Shift in European Security

In this episode of STRAT, retired Marine Intelligence Officer LtCol. Hal Kempfer breaks down the newly released U.S. National Security Strategy and what it means for America, Europe, and the global balance of power. The Trump Administration’s document outlines a worldview driven by “flexible realism,” the revival of Monroe Doctrine thinking, and a call for Europe to change course or risk “civilizational erasure.” Kempfer explores the reaction across European capitals, from criticism by diplomats calling the strategy extreme, to growing tensions over migration, political identity, and NATO cohesion. We also examine how the U.S. is reasserting influence in the Western Hemisphere, reshaping relations with China, and potentially redefining support for Ukraine. As political alliances shift, Congress may form a new national security coalition that shapes U.S. foreign policy for years to come. Timely, controversial, and significant — this episode offers a clear look at a rapidly evolving world order.

Visit STRATpodcast.com for access to audio or video podcast!

Takeaways:
• The 2025 National Security Strategy marks a major policy shift.
• Europe is warned of “civilizational erasure,” triggering backlash.
• U.S. strategy encourages resisting Europe’s current political trajectory.
• Washington plans renewed dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
• Ukraine peace negotiations could involve territorial concessions.
• China policy shifts toward economic competition over ideology.
• Far-right influence in Europe receives positive recognition in the document.
• Congress may realign into a new security coalition in response.

12/10/2025

Michael Shaw, Dezart Performs | New Theater Space Transforms Historic Church into Arts Hub
In this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. welcomes Michael Shaw, Artistic Director of Dezart Performs, to discuss the exciting transformation of a 1957 historic church into the new Dezart Playhouse performance space in Palm Springs. Michael shares how the organization purchased the structure, carefully renovated it while preserving its architectural significance, and successfully opened with a three-night West Side Story in Concert gala featuring a full orchestra and choir. He walks through the challenges, milestones, and community support that fueled the project, as well as what’s still ahead in Phase Two — including a box office, full bar, studio upgrades, and accessible restrooms. Michael also previews Dezart Performs’ upcoming season with Eureka Day, Destroying David, and Love! Valor! Compassion!, plus future plans to host cabaret, opera, and more community arts programming. An uplifting conversation on creativity, collaboration, and the evolution of theater in the Coachella Valley.

Listen or View at TheDesertScene.com or Subscribe at your favorite Podcast Portal.
Takeaways:
• Dezart Performs purchased and renovated a 1957 church into a theater.
• West Side Story in Concert launched the new venue with great success.
• The building is historically significant and required sensitive preservation.
• Phase Two upgrades include a bar, box office, and ADA-compliant restrooms.
• New programming aims to expand into cabaret, opera, and community projects.
• Upcoming plays include Eureka Day, Destroying David, and Love! Valor! Compassion!
• The space also offers rehearsal rooms and community access.
• Collaboration and support made the renovation journey smooth and timely.

12/10/2025

Paul Feig | Director’s Journey From Standup Nerd To Genre-Bending Hollywood Hitmaker
It’s another fantastic episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar in the corner booth as Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome acclaimed director, writer, producer and gin-maker Paul Feig to Skip Paige’s Little Bar. From his Michigan childhood, standup gigs in Detroit biker bars and early TV roles to creating Freaks and Geeks and directing hits like Bridesmaids, Spy and Ghostbusters, Feig traces the winding path of a career built on smart, character-driven comedy. He teases his twisty new thriller The Housemaid, explains why he loves blending scares with laughs, and reflects on fan backlash, streaming-era shakeups and the future of movies and TV storytelling. Plus: stories of George Carlin, Bob Hope and Gary Shandling, behind-the-scenes TV memories, his obsession with impeccably made gin martinis, the origin of Artingstall’s Gin, his burgeoning Palm Springs icon status, and why he and his wife fell hard for life in the Coachella Valley—Scotty dog Kevin included.
Takeaways:
• How a Michigan kid with comedy-loving parents found his way from magic acts and Detroit biker-bar standup to Hollywood.
• The real-life inspirations behind “Freaks and Geeks” and why it still resonates 25 years later despite its short network run.
• Why thrillers and horror-comedy now excite him more than traditional straight-ahead comedy.
• The fast, budget-conscious whirlwind production of “The Housemaid” and adapting a beloved Frieda McFadden bestseller.
• What he learned from legends like George Carlin, Bob Hope and Gary Shandling about structure, timing and audience connection.
• The story behind Artingstall’s Gin, his love affair with classic martinis and how a childhood Vegas trip sparked it.
• Honest thoughts on Ghostbusters backlash, toxic fandoms, and how streaming has upended TV and film economics.

12/01/2025

Lucie Arnaz | Hollywood Memories, Family Revelations, & Heartfelt Stories Span Generations
This week, Patrick Evans & Randy Florence welcome acclaimed entertainer Lucie Arnaz for a deeply personal, lively, and often hilarious conversation. Lucie opens up about her new book, Lucy and Desi: The Love Letters, a poignant collection of her parents’ intimate wartime correspondence, digitized and preserved over decades. She shares candid stories about family life behind the scenes, including the joys and heartbreaks of growing up in a legendary household. From early Hollywood history to the creation of the documentary Lucy and Desi, Lucie describes what it means to safeguard her parents’ legacy while forging her own remarkable career. She also reflects on marriage, motherhood, performing in top venues, near-misses like Grease, unforgettable moments on the Oscars stage, and her upcoming performances in Palm Springs. Heartfelt, funny, and full of rich storytelling, this episode is a must-hear for fans of theatre, TV history, and genuine human connection.
Access to this wonderful episode is available NOW at www.BigConversationsLittleBar.com and you may subscribe from most major podcast outlets including Apple, Spotify and YouTube Music.
Takeaways:
• How Lucie discovered, preserved, and curated 47 intimate letters between her parents
• The surprising emotional tone and “love language” within Lucy and Desi’s early relationship
• Never-before-heard insights about their marriage, divorce, and co-parenting
• The multi-decade journey that led to creating Lucy and Desi: The Love Letters
• The myths and misinformation fans often spread online—plus Lucie’s humorous reactions
• Career stories from Broadway to game shows, including near-casting in Grease
• Personal reflections on marriage, parenting, and balancing a creative life

11/25/2025

California’s recent wildfire tragedies reveal far more than natural disaster—they expose deep failures in federal oversight, intelligence integration, emergency preparedness, and state-level accountability. In this episode, retired Marine Intelligence Officer Hal Kempfer examines why California continues to suffer catastrophic losses despite receiving substantial federal resources for prevention, mitigation, and consequence-management intelligence. Using the deadly Palisades fire as a case study, we break down allegations of state interference with firefighting operations, incomplete suppression of earlier burns, unfulfilled fuel-reduction promises, and years of misrepresented accomplishments in wildfire prevention. Kempfer also traces the history of federal all-hazards intelligence programs, how they were designed to support state and local decision-makers, and how California’s leadership rejected or redirected critical DHS-funded initiatives—hindering capabilities that could have saved lives and communities. Finally, Hal explores why a comprehensive, long-look federal investigation is urgently needed to address the systemic issues that span multiple administrations and continue to put millions at risk.

Takeaways:
• The Palisades fire exposed major failures in California’s fire-prevention and emergency-management systems.
• New allegations suggest state officials may have limited key firefighting actions before the deadly blaze.
• Investigations show California overstated wildfire-prevention accomplishments by hundreds of percent.
• Fuel-reduction commitments were reduced or delayed despite repeated public claims of progress.
• DHS-funded intelligence programs meant to support emergency operations were halted by state leadership.
• A federal investigation—independent of DHS OIG—is needed to examine systemic misconduct across administrations.

11/24/2025

Kathy & Lance Garver | Sibling Stars Revisit Hollywood Memories, Family Stories & Desert Adventures

Big Conversations, Little Bar goes into Thanksgiving week 2025 with an extraordinary episode recorded at Skip Paige’s Little Bar. This week, Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome beloved actress Kathy Garver, known worldwide as “Cissy” from A Family Affair, along with her brother Lance Garver, whose own career spans acting, commercial real estate, and decades of global adventures. Kathy shares unforgettable memories from The Ten Commandments, Family Affair, and her successful voiceover and audiobook career—including her current Grammy nomination. Lance brings lively, often hilarious stories from his acting days, international travels, and work revitalizing California’s motel and hotel landscape. Together, the Garvers offer a heartwarming and wildly entertaining blend of Hollywood history, family anecdotes, creative journeys, and desert-life connections—along with a preview of their upcoming projects. This episode is rich with nostalgia, laughter, and remarkable storytelling.

Get the show now at www.BigConversationsLittleBar.com or most major podcast portals.

Takeaways:
• How Kathy Garver rose from child actress to Grammy-nominated narrator
• What made A Family Affair a beloved, enduring TV classic
• The surprising way Cecil B. DeMille expanded Kathy’s role in The Ten Commandments
• Lance’s adventures in acting, real estate, and international travel—including brushes with Cold War danger
• How both siblings built lifelong connections to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley
• Kathy’s upcoming projects, including films in Australia, a new podcast, and her book Romancing with the Stars
• Lance’s forthcoming memoir The Adventures of Lance Romance
• The duo’s humorous and heartfelt sibling dynamic that shines throughout the episode

11/17/2025

In this episode, retired Marine Intelligence Officer Hal Kempfer breaks down the newly announced Operation Southern Spear, a major U.S. military action aimed at targeting narco-terrorist networks in Latin America. With the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group and an Amphibious Ready Group deploying to the region, the buildup represents one of the most significant demonstrations of American power in South America in generations. We examine what this force can actually do, what it can’t, and how its presence is being interpreted by Venezuela and regional actors. The episode also explores rapidly evolving Middle East diplomacy: the U.S. envoy’s potential meeting with Hamas leadership, Saudi-Israeli normalization talks tied to F-35 sales, and competing U.N. resolutions shaping the future of Gaza. Could these developments signal the emergence of a much larger geopolitical deal? We walk through the complexities, risks, and potential outcomes shaping the global landscape.

Audio and Video available now at www.STRATpodcast.com or from most major podcast services.

Takeaways:
• Operation Southern Spear signals a major U.S. military escalation in Latin America.
• The USS Gerald R. Ford and Marine Expeditionary Unit form a powerful but non-invasion strike force.
• Venezuela accuses the U.S. of manufacturing pretexts for regional intervention.
• Debate intensifies over whether drug cartels meet the FBI’s definition of terrorist organizations.
• U.S. envoy’s planned meeting with Hamas sparks criticism over timing and intent.
• Saudi-Israeli normalization increasingly tied to F-35 sales and U.S. diplomatic leverage.
• Competing U.N. proposals reveal fractures over Gaza’s future and transitional governance.
• A potential “grand deal” may be forming across Latin America and the Middle East.

11/17/2025

Music industry veteran Eddie Gilreath pulls up to the Corner Booth to trace an extraordinary journey from Philadelphia’s sound to global stages. e recalls faking his first bass gig at 14, serving in Panama during tense Cold War days, then rising through Motown and Warner Bros. to help break artists like the Spinners and George Benson. Eddie shares inside stories about working with icons including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, Bonnie Raitt, Curtis Mayfield, and more—plus why some of the most memorable moments happened offstage. He talks about smashing industry barriers as a pioneering Black executive, his “Black Music Is Green” initiative.. It’s a masterclass in music, marketing, and humanity from a man who quietly shaped the soundtrack of our lives.

Catch this podcast at our home page at www.bigconversationslittlebar.com
Takeaways:
• How a missing bass player at a Philly cabaret accidentally launched Eddie’s music career at 14..
• Moving from musician to executive, rising through Motown and Warner Bros. during the heyday of soul and pop.
• The strategy behind breaking acts like the Spinners and George Benson, including the massive success of Breezin’.
• Becoming the first African American national sales director and vice president at Warner.
• Intimate, often funny stories about working with legends: Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Smokey Robinson, Curtis Mayfield, Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, Cher, George Clinton, and more.
• Creating the “Black Music Is Green” initiative and using hard data and retail relationships to open doors for more Black professionals in the business.
• Reflections on Broadway cast albums, the streaming-era music economy, and why Eddie hopes his legacy is simply that he “did the right things.”

11/13/2025

OH MY! Look Who's Back In Town! Season is officially underway in the Coachella Valley and Bonnie G is back with an all new episode of The Desert Scene! Available at www.TheDesertScene.com in both audio and video formats! And be sure to subscribe and like from any of our distribution partners to be the first on your block to receive each new episode downloaded as soon as they post!

11/11/2025

Trailblazing Hollywood Stories, Grit, and Humor from a Living Legend

From a Phily classroom to Malibu boardrooms, trailblazer Dolores Robinson unspools a life of firsts, grit, and sly humor on this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans and Randy Florence. The first Black female talent manager in film and television recounts launching LaVar Burton after Roots, guiding Martin Sheen post–Apocalypse Now, and negotiating a game-changing million-dollar payday for Michael Clarke Duncan. She shares candid memories of Al Pacino as a surprise “date,” insights on the Will Smith–Chris Rock fallout, and why football isn’t as important as baseball, as she cheers the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers for whom her grandson is employed in their clubhouse. Delores reflects on breaking color and gender barriers, building relationships across Hollywood’s power circles, and reinventing herself after setbacks, from single motherhood to starting at a receptionist’s desk. There are tender turns, too! It’s a funny, human masterclass in resilience, representation, and saying yes to opportunity.
Access this week’s episode now at www.BigConversationsLittleBar.com

Takeaways:
• Dolores Robinson broke barriers as Hollywood’s first Black female talent manager.
• She helped launch LaVar Burton’s career post-Roots and sparked Reading Rainbow.
• Managed Martin Sheen and advocated fiercely for proper billing and opportunities.
• Negotiated a million-dollar deal for Michael Clarke Duncan on The Scorpion King.
• Shared insider perspective on the Will Smith–Chris Rock incident and its fallout.
• Family and community matter: Dodgers loyalty through her grandson’s clubhouse job; deep ties across Hollywood.
• Life lesson: seize opportunities, reject pity, and build relationships that open doors.