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Anthem Of Life
Mean with Stephen C. James
Rainbows. Trees. Critique. Children’s Theater critic Haroldton Westcott breaks down the latest grade school production that he has attended. Whether you think he’s harsh but fair, or just a jerk, Haroldton is willing to open up to Douglas and unpack his complicated life from family to failure to a trip in the Imagination Machine. This is the Anthem of Haroldton.
OUR GUEST: Stephen C. James
Stephen C. James for returning to Anthem of Life and having some fun with us as Haroldton Wescott. Stephen is an improvisor, podcaster, actor, and teacher who has run a middle school theater program for two decades. He can be found performing onstage in any part of Los Angeles that he feels it worth driving to, and can be heard and seen with Super Legit Podcast and The Super Legit Spectacular Find info at @superlegitpod. Stephen is not very active on social media, but if he pops up in your local buy nothing group, a mention of this podcast will certainly guarantee you get whatever he’s trying to offload that day.
THE SONG:
"Mean" is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her third studio album, Speak Now (2010). At the 2012 Grammy Awards, “Mean" won Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance. The lyrics address the critics who questioned Swift's vocal ability following her live performances in 2009 and 2010. She was inspired by her detractors to write "Mean", explaining that although she acknowledged constructive criticism, she was bothered by critics who were "just being mean": "There's a line that you cross when you just start to attack everything about a person." Swift performed "Mean" for the first time as part of NBC’s 2010 Thanksgiving television special, which premiered on November 25, 2010. Taylor has never confirmed who "Mean" is about, but it is believed that she wrote it about longtime music critic and analyst Bob Lefsetz. There was so much speculation that the song was about Bob, he even wrote another piece titled That Taylor Swift Song where he analyzed the lyrics and argued that the song wasn't about him. He also reiterated that he didn't think she could sing. Mean. Link to OfficialVideo
THE SHOW:
Our show is completely improvised and produced by Douglas Sarine, Marypat Farrell and Sarah Atwood Sarine.
Our theme song was produced by the wonderful Ben Wise. benwise.bandcamp.com
Additional music provided by Icarus
Please rate and review the show on iTunes. It helps the show grow and be discovered.
Follow us on Instagram @AnthemOfLifePodcast
You can contact us at anthemoflifepodcast@gmail.com
Enjoy our eclectic AOL Playlist on Spotify.
Special thanks to Spark! Digital Media Lab at the Burbank Public Library
© 2025 Nerdtainment
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311. Atlantic City with Michael Anastasia
25:50||Season 3, Ep. 311Taffy. Tiramisu. Favors. Lifelong resident of Asbury Park Salvatore Ricardi gives Douglas and Marypat a taste of what it’s like to be a real New Jersey boardwalk local. Do us a favor and enjoy the Anthem of Salvatore.OUR GUEST: Michael AnastasiaMichael Anastasia is an actor/writer/improvisor based in Los Angeles. You can keep up with Michael on Instagram @michaelanastasiaTHE SONG:"Atlantic City" is a song written and recorded by Bruce Springsteen. The song first appeared on his 1982 album Nebraska. “Atlantic City” was released as a single in several countries and charted in Canada at #49 but was not issued as a single in the USA. Bruce released the song on the Nebraska album in September 1982, and since he didn’t tour for that album, he wouldn’t perform it live until almost two years later. When the Born in the USA Tour kicked off, “Atlantic City” featured prominently on the setlist from the very first show. Springsteen wrote in his Greatest Hits sleeve notes that he recorded "Atlantic City" in his bedroom "for $1,050 (the cost of the four-track Tascam recorder), mixed through an old Gibson guitar unit to a beat box". He provides the vocals, guitar, harmonica, and mandolin for the song. “Atlantic City” was the first Springsteen song to be made into a music video (not counting live-performance clips). Bruce does not appear in the video. Link to OfficialVideoTHE SHOW:Our show is completely improvised and produced by Douglas Sarine, Marypat Farrell and Sarah Atwood Sarine.Our theme song was produced by the wonderful Ben Wise. benwise.bandcamp.comAdditional music provided by IcarusPlease rate and review the show on iTunes. It helps the show grow and be discovered.Follow us on Instagram @AnthemOfLifePodcast You can contact us at anthemoflifepodcast@gmail.comEnjoy our eclectic AOL Playlist on Spotify.Special thanks to Spark! Digital Media Lab at the Burbank Public Library© 2025 Nerdtainment
310. Son of a Preacher Man with Chris Alvarado
34:00||Season 3, Ep. 310Lots of ladies and zero lies. Billy Ray is a preacher’s son who has found his own unique life and lifestyle behind the scenes of his father’s humble ministry. Billy gives Douglas and Marypat an honest peek into his passions, pursuits and purpose in our anthem of Billy Ray.OUR GUEST: Chris AlvaradoChris Alvarado is an improviser, actor, and teacher. He runs Chris Alvarado Improv Workshops, where he helps people grow through the practice of improv. You can find out all about him on Instagram @chrisalvarado and at chris-alvarado.comTHE SONG:“Son of a Preacher Man" is a song written and composed by American songwriters John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins and recorded by British singer Dusty Springfield in September 1968 for the album Dusty in Memphis. “Son of a Preacher Man" has been covered by many artists, including Elvis Presley, Foo Fighters and Natalie Merchant, but Dusty’s version has remained the most popular. It was her biggest hit, charting at #9 in the US and #10 in the UK. “Son of a Preacher Man" found a new audience when it was included on the soundtrack of Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film Pulp Fiction. There are several cocktail recipes for a drink called “Son of a Preacher Man”. Link to OfficialVideoTHE SHOW:Our show is completely improvised and produced by Douglas Sarine, Marypat Farrell and Sarah Atwood Sarine.Our theme song was produced by the wonderful Ben Wise. benwise.bandcamp.comAdditional music provided by IcarusPlease rate and review the show on iTunes. It helps the show grow and be discovered.Follow us on Instagram @AnthemOfLifePodcast You can contact us at anthemoflifepodcast@gmail.comEnjoy our eclectic AOL Playlist on Spotify.Special thanks to Spark! Digital Media Lab at the Burbank Public Library© 2025 Nerdtainment
309. Killer Queen with Aryiel Hartman
32:11||Season 3, Ep. 309Stolen Cars. Found Humanity. The post apocalyptic digital ruler Killer Queen seems like the gal who has it all and has it all under control, but in one slightly violent conversation and on-the-fly playlist, Douglas and MP explore her literal power struggle.OUR GUEST: Aryiel HartmanAryiel is an actor, singer, and host who has performed all over the world. From running away with the circus to singing at the Sydney opera House to hosting burlesque shows in the heart of Hollywood, she has had quite the varied performance career. Forever having a deep love of musicals, she's performed in many musical comedies during her time at iO West and Second City Hollywood and just finished a run of "We Will Rock You" portraying the fierce Killer Queen. She had the most fun ever getting to put her figurative crown back on to come talk to the AoL team. You can find Aryiel in Instagram @have.a.hartmanTHE SONG: “Killer Queen" is a song by the British band Queen. It was written by lead singer Freddie Mercury and recorded for their third album Sheer Heart Attack in 1974. When released as a single, "Killer Queen" was Queen's breakthrough hit, reaching number two in the United Kingdom and number twelve in the United States. Mercury stated that the song is a fantasy, a product of his flamboyant writing style, and that he prefers people to interpret the lyrics themselves. American pop singer Katy Perry cites "Killer Queen" as an important influence on her, saying it "made me discover music and helped me come into my own at the age of 15". Link to OfficialVideoTHE SHOW:Our show is completely improvised and produced by Douglas Sarine, Marypat Farrell and Sarah Atwood Sarine.Our theme song was produced by the wonderful Ben Wise. benwise.bandcamp.comAdditional music provided by IcarusPlease rate and review the show on iTunes. It helps the show grow and be discovered.Follow us on Instagram @AnthemOfLifePodcast You can contact us at anthemoflifepodcast@gmail.comEnjoy our eclectic AOL Playlist on Spotify.Special thanks to Spark! Digital Media Lab at the Burbank Public Library© 2025 Nerdtainment
308. Rocket Man with Scott Palmason
37:22||Season 3, Ep. 308Fame. Regret. Pepsi. World famous astronaut Griffin “Griff” Archer graciously shares never before heard insights into his incredible life and what might be coming next for him. From navigating a complex relationship with mom and dad to realizing your only true friend is a corporation, this is the Anthem of Griffin Archer.OUR GUEST: Scott PalmasonScott Palmason is an actor, singer, and comedian originally from Seattle, WA. Based in Los Angeles, he tours the country as the Improv Crooner, spinning audience suggestions into instant 80’s, Broadway, and jazz classics in a one-of-a-kind concert experience. When he’s back home, you can also catch him performing weekly as a member of the genre/narrative improv troupe The Bearded Company at Outside In Theatre in Highland Park. You can find out all things Scott on Instagram at: @scottpalmason,@improvcrooner and @beardedcolaTHE SONG:"Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)", is a song written by English musician Elton John and songwriter Bernie Taupin and performed by John. “Rocket Man” was first performed live at Elton’s concert at the Royal Festival Hall on February 5, 1972…nearly two months before its release as a single in the UK. It was released on April 17th 1972 in the US, as the lead single to John's album Honkey Château. The song was released in the height of the Apollo Space Program missions when space travel was on everyone’s minds. Bernie Taupin wrote the song inspired by the Ray Bradbury story “The Rocket Man”, from his book The Illustrated Man. Taupin said “In that book, there was a story called “The Rocket Man”, which was about how astronauts in the future would become sort of an everyday job…so I kinda took that idea and ran with it.” Over the years, the song has become inexorably linked with Elton and became the title for his 2019 Biopic Rocketman. “Rocket Man” has been widely covered and sampled. Spaceman Willian Shatner famously performed a spoken-word version of the song at the 1978 Science Fiction Film Awards. Bernie Taupin did the introduction. Link to OfficialVideoTHE SHOW:Our show is completely improvised and produced by Douglas Sarine, Marypat Farrell and Sarah Atwood Sarine.Our theme song was produced by the wonderful Ben Wise. benwise.bandcamp.comAdditional music provided by IcarusPlease rate and review the show on iTunes. It helps the show grow and be discovered.Follow us on Instagram @AnthemOfLifePodcast You can contact us at anthemoflifepodcast@gmail.comEnjoy our eclectic AOL Playlist on Spotify.Special thanks to Spark! Digital Media Lab at the Burbank Public Library© 2025 Nerdtainment
307. Layla with Ali Maher
23:39||Season 3, Ep. 307Cocaine and Cover Bands. Layla is a woman on a journey of self discovery as long as it leads to her fronting her favorite cover band. Douglas unwittingly uncorks several of the suppressed or willingly ignored memories from her life as we barely escape with our lives in the Anthem of Layla.OUR GUEST: Ali MaherAli Maher was born and raised in Westchester County, New York, where she has been lost in Yonkers many, many times. After coming of age, Ali moved to NYC where she began training and performing at the Upright Citizens Brigade. Ali has also been on house teams at the PIT and Magnet theaters in NY, and most recently, Westside Comedy Theater in LA. Ali now performs live, monthly shows with the lovely folks from the “Super Legit Podcast.” You can follow them @SuperLegitPod on every social platform to see when Ali will be back on her bullshit! THE SONG:“Layla" is a song written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon, originally recorded with their band Derek and the Dominos, as the thirteenth track from their only studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970). Its contrasting movements were composed separately by Clapton and Gordon. The piano part has also been controversially credited to Rita Coolidge, Gordon's girlfriend at the time. “Layla" has, since its release, experienced great critical and popular acclaim, and is often hailed as being among the greatest rock songs of all time. Two versions have achieved chart success, the first in 1972 and the second 20 years later as an acoustic Unplugged performance by Clapton. In 2004, "Layla" was ranked number 27 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and the acoustic version won the 1993 Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. Clapton originally wrote "Layla" as a ballad, with lyrics describing his unrequited love for Boyd, but the song became a "rocker" when, according to Clapton, Duane Allman composed the song's signature riff. Link to OfficialVideoTHE SHOW:Our show is completely improvised and produced by Douglas Sarine, Marypat Farrell and Sarah Atwood Sarine.Our theme song was produced by the wonderful Ben Wise. benwise.bandcamp.comAdditional music provided by IcarusPlease rate and review the show on iTunes. It helps the show grow and be discovered.Follow us on Instagram @AnthemOfLifePodcast You can contact us at anthemoflifepodcast@gmail.comEnjoy our eclectic AOL Playlist on Spotify.Special thanks to Spark! Digital Media Lab at the Burbank Public Library© 2025 Nerdtainment
306. Don’t Stop Believin' with Erica and Ryan Gowland
33:28||Season 3, Ep. 306Romance at work. Big Falls. Ceramics. Anyone that is in a diner and dressed to the nines at 5:00 in the morning has a story. Janet and Alex take Douglas on the complicated journey for their relationship from “accidents,” to investigations to dreams for the future. This is the Anthem of Alex and JanetOUR GUEST: Erica and Ryan GowlandErica Gowland and Ryan Gowland are improvisers and podcast hosts who have performed with Boom Chicago, The Second City, ComedySportz, Improv Olympic, and more. Since 2019, they have been 2/3rds of the hosts of the comedy and film history podcast, The New World Pictures Podcast, which you can find wherever you like to find your podcasts and @newworldpicturespodcast.THE SONG:"Don't Stop Believin'" is a song by the American band Journey. It was released in October 1981. "Don't Stop Believin'" shares writing credits between the band's vocalist Steve Perry, guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain. The band fleshed out the song in the studio and then recorded the instrumental tracks in one take at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California. A top-10 worldwide hit in 1981, "Don't Stop Believin'" became Journey’s signature song and has continued to endure over the years. Decades after its release, in 2012 it became the best-selling digital track from the twentieth century, with over seven million downloads by 2017. The song gained press coverage and a sharp growth in popularity for its use for The Chicago White Sox 2005 World Series championship and in 2007, the famous final scene of HBO’s The Sopranos. Cain had kept the song title from encouragement his father gave him as a struggling musician living on Los Angeles' Sunset Boulevard: don’t stop believin’! Link to OfficialVideoTHE SHOW:Our show is completely improvised and produced by Douglas Sarine, Marypat Farrell and Sarah Atwood Sarine.Our theme song was produced by the wonderful Ben Wise. benwise.bandcamp.comAdditional music provided by IcarusPlease rate and review the show on iTunes. It helps the show grow and be discovered.Follow us on Instagram @AnthemOfLifePodcast You can contact us at anthemoflifepodcast@gmail.comEnjoy our eclectic AOL Playlist on Spotify.Special thanks to Spark! Digital Media Lab at the Burbank Public Library© 2025 Nerdtainment
301. Mr. Bojangles with Pete Gardner
31:07||Season 3, Ep. 301Dogs. Fires. Hand Sanitizer. Beauregard Jangles III is a continual prisoner who lives a hard life and has the vices and tweaked point of view to prove it. But, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t still have dreams. From the crimes of the past that haunt him to the secret ambitions he’s dying to let out, it all gets jingled and jangled loose in the Anthem of Mr. Beau Jangles.OUR GUEST: Pete GardnerPete Gardner was born and raised in Scarsdale, New York. He moved to Chicago to pursue improv and studied at ImprovOlympic with Del Close. Pete was on a house team there for many years, then joined the group ED, which led to creating Jazz Freddy in 1992 at the Live Bait Theatre where he had a vision to do more patient, theatrical improv. He later began directing at Second City. Pete is known for his portrayal of Darryl on the CW's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend for 4 years, but has worked on many movies and TV shows throughout the years. You can find Pete online at mrpetegardner.comTHE SONG:"Mr. Bojangles" is a song written and originally recorded by American country music artist Jerry Jeff Walker for his 1968 album of the same title. Walker said he was inspired to write the song after an encounter with a street performer in a New Orleans jail. In Walker’s book Gypsy Songman, Walker tells the story: “One of the guys in the cell jumped up and said, ‘Come on, Bojangles. Give us a little dance.’ ‘Bojangles’ wasn’t so much a name as a category of itinerant street entertainer known back as far as the previous century. The old man said, ‘Yes, Hell yes.’ He jumped up, and started clapping a rhythm, and he began to dance. I spent much of that long holiday weekend talking to the old man, hearing about the tough blows life had dealt him, telling him my own dreams.” “Mr. Bojangles” was later recorded by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band for their 1970 album Uncle Charlie and his Dog Teddy. A year later, their cover climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Sammy Davis Jr. added the song to his set and would perform it for two decades of his touring career. Link to OfficialVideoTHE SHOW:Our show is completely improvised and produced by Douglas Sarine, Marypat Farrell and Sarah Atwood Sarine.Our theme song was produced by the wonderful Ben Wise. benwise.bandcamp.comAdditional music provided by IcarusPlease rate and review the show on iTunes. It helps the show grow and be discovered.Follow us on Instagram @AnthemOfLifePodcast You can contact us at anthemoflifepodcast@gmail.comEnjoy our eclectic AOL Playlist on Spotify.Special thanks to Spark! Digital Media Lab at the Burbank Public Library© 2025 Nerdtainment
305. Take a Letter Maria with Dana Quercioli
36:28||Season 3, Ep. 305Marriages. Hairstylists. Gyms. Maria is a professional dedicated to helping people with one of the most difficult things in life, ending things. This podcast may never be the same after producing the Anthem of Maria. OUR GUEST: Dana QuercioliDana Quercioli is an actor, writer, teacher and aunt, originally from Cleveland but currently in Los Angeles. You can hear her as Auntie Mags on the improvised podcast, Those Who Aunt, as Giannessa on Hello, From the Magic Tavern, and as the host of the newest Jackbox game, Suspectives. You can follow her on socials @dtotheq or @gumshoes2025 to learn about her half hour comedy pilot now screening at festivals. Dana loves her family very much.THE SONG:"Take a Letter Maria" is the debut single written and recorded by American soul singer R.B. Greaves. It was released in September 1969, and quickly gained regular airplay. The single peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was kept from the top spot by the 5th Dimension’s “Wedding Bell Blues”. “Take a Letter Maria” was the last #2 hit of the 1960s. R.B. Greaves is the nephew of soul singer Sam Cooke. He had one more US Top 40 hit: “Always Something There To Remind Me” written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Link to OfficialVideoTHE SHOW:Our show is completely improvised and produced by Douglas Sarine, Marypat Farrell and Sarah Atwood Sarine.Our theme song was produced by the wonderful Ben Wise. benwise.bandcamp.comAdditional music provided by IcarusPlease rate and review the show on iTunes. It helps the show grow and be discovered.Follow us on Instagram @AnthemOfLifePodcast You can contact us at anthemoflifepodcast@gmail.comEnjoy our eclectic AOL Playlist on Spotify.Special thanks to Spark! Digital Media Lab at the Burbank Public Library© 2025 Nerdtainment