The Locher Room

Eric Feltes on Healing Religious Trauma, Unlearning Shame, and Building Confidence, Intimacy, and Self-Worth as a Gay Man in a Powerful, Honest Conversation About Identity and Growth 26.05.2026 1時間 10分

Eric Feltes joined me for a powerful and honest conversation about healing from religious trauma, unlearning shame, and building confidence, intimacy, and self-worth.Growing up in a conservative evangelical environment, Eric shares what it was like to feel that being gay was incompatible with belonging, and how that early messaging shaped his identity. He opens up about the moment everything changed, and the years of work that followed as he began to untangle belief from identity and build a life rooted in authenticity.We talk about the root of shame, how it shows up in everyday life, and what it really takes to move beyond it. Eric also shares insight into why intimacy can be a challenge, and how it’s something that can be learned and rebuilt over time.We also discuss his new program launching in June, designed to help gay men reconnect with themselves, their desires, and their relationships in a more honest and fulfilling way.This is a meaningful conversation about identity, healing, and what it takes to fully embrace who you are.

Jessica Collins & Lisa Melamed on Where’s Big Dog?, Y&R, Loving, Dolly Parton, Friendship, Grief, Healing and the Story Behind a Book Inspired by Loss, Family and the Bond We Share With Our Pets 19.05.2026 1時間 2分

Jessica Collins and Lisa Melamed joined me to talk about their heartfelt book Where’s Big Dog?, inspired by Jessica’s loss of her beloved dog Lucy and the journey of turning that grief into something meaningful for families.We talked about the genesis of the book, how a deeply personal moment became the foundation for a story centered on love, loss and healing, and how they approached creating something that could help both children and parents navigate difficult conversations.Jessica also looked back on her early days on Loving, working alongside Laura Wright and Paul Anthony Stewart, and the lasting impact The Young and the Restless had on her life, including her Daytime Emmy win.Lisa shared her path from Brooklyn to Hollywood, her work as a writer and producer on series like Party of Five, Sistersand Hey Dude, and what it meant to step into a more intimate form of storytelling with this book.We also talked about their friendship, working with Dolly Parton, and so much more.

Diana Malkin & Margaret Gurevich on The Crossing & Yasha’s Amazin’ Bar Mitzvah, Identity, Immigration, Antisemitism, Empathy, and Growing Up Between Cultures—A Meaningful Conversation 12.05.2026 48分

In this episode of The Locher Room, Alan sat down with authors Diana Malkin and Margaret Gurevich for a meaningful conversation about identity, culture, and the stories that shape who we are.Margaret shares the inspiration behind her new novel, Yasha’s Amazin’ Bar Mitzvah, a coming-of-age story set in 1986 that follows a young Russian American boy navigating life between cultures while preparing for his Bar Mitzvah. Drawing from her own experiences, Margaret opens up about growing up feeling “othered,” embracing her identity, and the importance of telling Jewish stories at a time when antisemitism is on the rise.Diana discusses her children’s book, The Crossing, which weaves together themes of immigration, health awareness, and cultural diversity through a deeply personal lens. Her work speaks to both children and parents, offering an accessible and heartfelt way to explore complex topics.Together, this conversation highlights the power of storytelling to build empathy, foster understanding, and help us all feel a little less alone.Yasha’s Amazin’ Bar Mitzvah and The Crossing are both available now wherever books are sol

Carl Tye Evans revisited Guiding Light and As the World Turns as Kristina Sisco Romero surprised him, celebrating ATWT’s 70th anniversary and their unforgettable storyline together. 05.05.2026 1時間 3分

Carl Tye Evans joined me to revisit his time as Alan-Michael Spaulding on Guiding Light and Nick Scudder on As the World Turns, sharing memories from both shows and reflecting on his years in daytime.In a special moment, Kristina Sisco Romero (Abigail Williams) dropped in to surprise Carl as we celebrated what would have been the 70th anniversary of As the World Turns. Together, they looked back on their unforgettable storyline and the moments that still resonate with fans today.We also talked about Carl’s first feature film, Walking on the Sky, and how a deeply personal experience led him to step behind the camera. He also shared more about his life today, including earning his pilot’s license and his love of motorcycles.

Katherine Kamhi reflected on All My Children, Guiding Light, Oprah, Susan Lucci and her journey from daytime television to primetime, including NYPD Blue, Bones and Sleepaway Camp roles 28.04.2026 55分

Katherine Kamhi joined me to reflect on her career across daytime television, primetime, and film. Best known for her roles as Pamela Kingsley on All My Children and Marcy Campbell on Guiding Light, she discussed getting her start at 16 while balancing school and a demanding production schedule during a peak era of daytime television.She shared memories of working with Susan Lucci, her friendship with Jennifer Gatti, and her experience appearing in a scene with Oprah Winfrey early in Oprah’s career. Katherine also reflected on her time on Guiding Light, where she returned over several years in a recurring role that allowed her to play a very different kind of character.The conversation also covered her work in primetime television, including appearances on NYPD Blue, The Practice, and Bones, as well as her role in the cult film Sleepaway Camp.Throughout the episode, Katherine offered insight into her experience working across different formats and how her career evolved from daytime to primetime and beyond.

Rich Burns and the cast of The Disappointments joined me to preview Season 2, now on YouTube. We talked friendship, reinvention, and the heart behind the Humanitas Prize-winning series. 21.04.2026 1時間 10分

Rich Burns, Gedde Watanabe, James Campbell and Chuck Saculla joined me in The Locher Room to preview Season 2 of The Disappointments, the Humanitas Prize-winning series that resonated with audiences for its honest, funny and heartfelt storytelling.We talked about the long journey to bring Season 2 to life, revisiting Season 1 through the Director’s Cut, and what fans could expect as the story continued. From new opportunities and challenges for Ray, Gary and James to deeper themes of reinvention, friendship and purpose, the new season took even bigger swings.Rich also shared why the themes of the series connected with so many people, regardless of age or identity. At its core, The Disappointments explored friendship, resilience and the humor that can be found even in life’s disappointments.Season 2 is now streaming on YouTube.

Damian Pelliccione on Building Revry, Coming Out as Non-Binary During the Pandemic, the Business Case for LGBTQ+ Media, and Why the Drag King Competition Series King of Drag Is Expanding Visibility 14.04.2026 58分

Damian Pelliccione joined me in The Locher Room to discuss the journey behind Revry, the first global queer-owned streaming platform. Damian shared how the idea for Revry was sparked while watching an Apple keynote and how that lightbulb moment led to building a platform focused on LGBTQ+ storytelling and visibility.We talked about Damian’s path from actor to entrepreneur, the early scrappy launch of Revry during San Francisco Pride, and why distribution, marketing, and accessibility became central to the company’s strategy.Damian also reflected on coming out as Non-Binary during the pandemic, the responsibility that comes with being visible as a leader in media, and the importance of creating spaces where diverse stories can thrive.The conversation also explored the growing “rainbow economy,” the real business case for inclusive media, and the excitement surrounding the drag king competition series King of Drag.It was a thoughtful discussion about leadership, identity, storytelling, and building something that didn’t previously exist.

Thom Racina joined me to share Luke & Laura wedding memories casting Patch, and bringing Elizabeth Taylor to General Hospital—plus Snow Angels: a limited series in development! 07.04.2026 1時間 10分

Five-time Emmy nominee Thom Racina joined me for a fascinating look back at a remarkable career in daytime television and beyond.Thom shared behind-the-scenes stories from General Hospital’s iconic Luke & Laura wedding, casting Stephen Nichols as Patch on Days of Our Lives, and what it was like bringing the legendary Elizabeth Taylor to Port Charles. His stories were candid, funny, and filled with history that longtime soap fans will appreciate.We talked about the evolution of daytime storytelling, writing unforgettable characters, and the creative risks that defined his career.Thom also revealed what may be the next exciting chapter. He is currently working with producer Tom Mazza on a limited series adaptation of his thriller Snow Angels. Thom said getting this project made would feel like the perfect capstone to a wonderful career — not only because it is a great thriller, but because it would put a meaningful bow on decades of storytelling.This was a conversation soap fans and lovers of great storytelling won’t want to miss.

Michael Walker and Susan Gomes joined me to talk about The Legend of Juan Jose Mundo, a coming-of-age film drawn from shared memories of suburban New York in 1984. 31.03.2026 36分

Director Michael Walker and writer Susan Gomes joined me in The Locher Room to talk about their film The Legend of Juan Jose Mundo.Set in suburban New York in 1984, the film is built from a collection of real experiences Susan and her friends lived through during their high school years. Together, Michael and Susan wove those shared memories into a story centered on a charismatic Spanish exchange student whose arrival disrupts the emotional world of a group of teenage girls and challenges the myths they’ve built about love, friendship, and themselves.In our conversation, we talked about developing the story collaboratively, balancing memory and emotional truth with humor, casting, locations, music, and what it means to look back at youth from the perspective of adulthood. Michael also shared how this project fit into his career as a character-driven filmmaker, while Susan reflected on seeing something deeply personal take on a life of its own.Thank you for listening to this episode of The Locher Room.

Ellery Capshaw (As the World Turns’ Natalie Snyder) and Ron Stempkowski on Grief, Sobriety, Loss, Love and Their Debut Books Three Walled World and The Luck We Carry 24.03.2026 1時間 1分

In this episode of The Locher Room, Alan spoke with two remarkable debut authors for a thoughtful conversation about love, grief, identity, and the stories that shape our lives.Ellery Capshaw, who daytime fans remember as Natalie Snyder on As the World Turns, discussed her powerful debut poetry collection Three Walled World. In the book, Ellery reflects on growing up on a Brooklyn soundstage, the loss of her father, her struggles with alcohol, and her journey to sobriety while finding her voice through writing.Ron Stempkowski also joined the conversation to talk about his moving new memoir The Luck We Carry: Love, Loss, and the Stories That Shape Us. Through a deeply personal collection of essays, Ron shared reflections on the life he built with his husband Ken, the experience of caregiving, the grief that followed Ken’s death from cancer, and the path toward rebuilding a meaningful life.Three Walled World was released March 24.The Luck We Carry was released March 23, marking the 25th anniversary of the day Ron met his husband Ken.Together, these conversations explored loss, resilience, recovery, and the power of storytelling.

Rodney Wilson & Chris Bruno: 30 Years After All My Children’s Michael Delaney Story, The Pink Triangle Moment, Alicia Coppola’s Push, and Why This Courageous Arc Still Matters Today in The Locher Room 17.03.2026 1時間 10分

Thirty years after All My Children broke new ground with the Michael Delaney storyline, Rodney Wilson and Chris Bruno come together for the first time to reflect on the moment that changed both of their lives.Rodney shares what it meant to come out to his students in 1994 during a Holocaust lesson, the backlash that followed, and how that classroom moment became part of a much larger national conversation. He also discusses founding LGBTQ History Month and why visibility alongside Black History Month and Women’s History Month still matters today.Chris opens up about screen testing while nearly out of money, being flown to New York overnight, and learning from executive producer Felicia Behr that the show was about to tell a story unlike anything daytime television had done before. He reflects on Alicia Coppola’s encouragement to take the role, the death threats and backlash that followed, the support he received from viewers, and the lasting lessons he learned from his father about integrity and courage.Together, they revisit a story that earned critical acclaim, changed daytime television, and continues to resonate three decades later.

Alan Locher sat down with Beyond the Gates stars Ambyr Michelle and Trisha Mann-Grant to talk about their mother-daughter dynamic, Black History Month, faith, and Ambyr’s new book Built in the Chaos. 10.03.2026 1時間 7分

On this episode of The Locher Room, Alan Locher sat down with Ambyr Michelle and Trisha Mann-Grant, who star as Eva and Leslie Thomas on CBS’s Beyond the Gates.Fresh from the set, Ambyr and Trisha talked about building their on-screen mother-daughter dynamic, the audition and screen test process, and what it’s been like stepping into a brand-new daytime series led by an all-Black cast with many Black creatives behind the scenes.The conversation also touched on Black History Month and the significance of Beyond the Gates receiving an NAACP Image Award nomination in its first year on the air. Ambyr shared details about her new book, Built in the Chaos, out now, and the creative and spiritual journey that led her to write it. Trisha reflected on her 2018 book, Amazing Testimonies, and spoke openly about faith, family, and the experiences that continue to shape her life and work, including a powerful moment where she shared a message inspired by her son.From gratitude for the fans to purpose-driven storytelling, this was an honest and heartfelt conversation with two artists deeply grounded in their craft.

Alexander Walters, best known as Mark Kasnoff on As the World Turns, reflected on his time on ATWT, life in ’90s daytime, and his journey from acting to a new career beyond the spotlight. 03.03.2026 1時間 2分

Actor Alexander Walters, best known to daytime fans as Mark Kasnoff on As the World Turns, joined me in The Locher Room for a thoughtful and fun conversation about his unique career journey.Alexander looked back on his time on ATWT, sharing memories from life on set during the ’90s, working with his castmates, and stepping into the fast-paced world of daytime television. He also talked about his early career in modeling, his transition into acting, and the choices that ultimately led him to step away from the spotlight and build a successful second career in construction.Midway through the conversation, Alexander was surprised when his on-screen brother, Shawn Christian, who played Mike Kasnoff, joined us live. The reunion brought laughter, nostalgia, and a genuine moment fans won’t want to miss.This episode was a must-listen for ATWT fans, filled with memories, surprises, and reflections on reinvention, resilience, and finding fulfillment beyond fame.

Jean Leclerc reflected on All My Children, Loving, Broadway’s Dracula, working with Kate Collins and Genie Francis, and a life shaped by theater, television, and unforgettable daytime roles 24.02.2026 1時間 1分

Jean Leclerc joined me in The Locher Room for a charming, funny, and heartfelt conversation reflecting on a remarkable career in daytime television and the theater.Soap fans know Jean best as Jeremy Hunter on All My Children, and in this episode he shared wonderful stories from his time in Pine Valley, including working closely with Kate Collins and reflecting on a memorable era of daytime television that featured many iconic performers.Jean also looked back on starring in the Broadway production of Dracula, discussed his deep love of classical theater, and talked about playing a twin during his time on Loving. Filled with humor, insight, and thoughtful reflection, this episode celebrates the craft, longevity, and joy of a life spent telling stories on stage and screen.

Conversations with Alan: January 6, Radicalization, Antisemitism & Prevention with Arno Michaelis and Dana Grueser of Parents for Peace on Families, Extremism, and Recovery and Healing 17.02.2026 1時間 13分

On the anniversary of January 6, Alan Locher hosts a timely and deeply important conversation about radicalization, antisemitism, and prevention.Joining Alan are Arno Michaelis and Dana Grueser from Parents for Peace. — two voices shaped by lived experience and committed to helping families interrupt cycles of hate before they turn into violence.Arno shares his journey out of violent extremist ideology, how compassion and accountability helped pull him back from hate, and why lived experience matters in disengagement and intervention work. Dana speaks candidly about nearly losing her son to online radicalization, the warning signs too many parents miss, and how guidance and support from Arno and Parents for Peace played a critical role in her son’s recovery.Together, they explore how extremist ideologies — including antisemitism — take root, how digital platforms accelerate exposure and desensitization, and what real prevention, intervention, and healing can look like for families.This conversation isn’t about politics.It’s about awareness, responsibility, and protecting the next generation.

Recorded at the Soap Operas in Popular Culture Conference, this special conversation features Constance McCashin, best known to audiences as Laura Avery on Knots Landing. 10.02.2026 49分

Recorded at the Soap Operas in Popular Culture Conference, this special conversation features Constance McCashin, best known to audiences as Laura Avery on Knots Landing.Constance reflects on being part of the original Knots Landing cast from the very beginning, the friendships that shaped her years on Seaview Circle, and why Laura’s story continues to resonate with fans decades later. She also shares personal memories of first meeting Donna Mills, her work with the late Elizabeth Hubbard on First Lady Diaries, and what it meant to grow up professionally within the world of primetime television.Now a licensed psychotherapist, Constance speaks candidly about her life beyond acting, the choices she made after stepping away from the spotlight, and the perspective that comes with time, reflection, and experience.This is a warm, insightful conversation that blends career reflection with personal storytelling — a meaningful watch for Knots Landing fans and anyone interested in the lasting cultural impact of soap operas.

Thinking about starting a family? Husbands and dads George Moore and Mike Snaric of Families Out Loud, plus Greg Rikaart, share insights on surrogacy, IVF, and finding trusted support. 03.02.2026 1時間 4分

If you’re thinking about starting a family — or supporting someone who is — this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.In this episode of The Locher Room, Alan Locher is joined by George Moore and Mike Snaric, husbands, dads to twin boys, and the co-founders of Families Out Loud, an organization dedicated to providing inclusive, ethical, and trusted education around IVF, surrogacy, and modern family building.George and Mike share their personal journey to parenthood, the challenges they faced finding accurate information in an often overwhelming and unregulated space, and why they created Families Out Loud to help others feel informed, supported, and less alone.Alan also sits down with Days of Our Lives' Greg Rikaart who speaks openly about his own road to surrogacy and becoming a father. Greg reflects on what he wishes he’d known earlier, the questions that were hardest to answer, and what families truly need when navigating this process.This episode is about visibility, education, ethics, and community — and about the many ways families are created today.Whether you’re just beginning to ask questions or already on your journey, this is a powerful and compassionate conversation worth hearing.

Recorded at the Soap Operas in Popular Culture Conference, Kin Shriner reflects on his decades as Scotty Baldwin, soap history, and the lasting bond between daytime television and its fans. 27.01.2026 25分

I’m excited to share this special conference conversation with Kin Shriner, best known to daytime audiences as Scotty Baldwin on General Hospital and Port Charles.Recorded at the Soap Operas in Popular Culture Conference, Kin was candid, funny, and generous as he reflected on his decades in daytime television, the evolution of the genre, and the enduring connection between soap operas and their fans. From the early years of Scotty Baldwin to broader conversations about soap history, fandom, and longevity, this panel captured both the humor and the heart of daytime drama.It’s a pleasure to share this conversation here in The Locher Room — one that honors the legacy of soaps through the perspective of someone who helped shape them.

A heartfelt conversation on soap opera fandom & more. Paul Gosselin, Annie Armstrong and Elisa Smith share how soaps shaped identity, offered comfort, and built community across generations. 20.01.2026 1時間 3分

In this special episode of The Locher Room, we dive into Soap Operas, Fandom & More with three voices whose stories highlight why daytime television continues to matter.Paul Gosselin, Annie Armstrong, and Elisa Smith share deeply personal reflections on growing up with soaps, finding comfort and identity in these stories, and forming emotional connections to characters who felt like family. From Guiding Light devotion and fan letters to academic reflection, personal loss, and multigenerational viewing, this conversation explores how soap operas offer sanctuary, community, and hope.Born out of the Soap Operas in Popular Culture Conference, this episode goes beyond television to examine the power of storytelling — how it helps us navigate grief, isolation, and change, and why these shows remain meaningful across decades.Whether you’re a lifelong soap fan or someone who understands the importance of stories that show up for us every day, this is a heartfelt, thoughtful conversation you won’t want to miss.

Hank Northrop on Joining Days of Our Lives, Honoring Wayne Northrop’s Legacy, Learning From Deidre Hall & James Reynolds, and Finding His Own Voice in Daytime Television 13.01.2026 57分

Hank Northrop joined me in The Locher Room for a meaningful conversation about stepping into daytime television and carrying forward an extraordinary family legacy.Hank made his Days of Our Lives debut as Liam Selejko in October 2025, and we talked about what it’s been like joining Salem, his first days on set, and learning from daytime icons including James Reynolds and Deidre Hall. He also shared some of the incredible stories he’s heard about his father Wayne Northrop’s time on Days, and what it means to now be part of the same show.We spent time reflecting on Hank’s upbringing as the son of two beloved soap legends — Wayne Northrop and Lynn Herring — his journey into acting, and how he’s finding his own voice while honoring the paths his parents forged. Hank also spoke openly about his father’s battle with Alzheimer’s and the perspective it’s given him.It was an honest, heartfelt conversation about legacy, gratitude, and the next chapter in a new daytime career.