In this intimate and revealing conversation, he opens up about his evolution as an actor, his love for the stage, and the meaningful moments that shaped his journey, from early theater days to iconic movie sets. Get ready for behind-the-scenes stories, unexpected vulnerability, and a heartfelt appreciation of the craft.

Episode Highlights:

• Tales from the early theater days and how they shaped his discipline and craft
• The real story behind Die Hard 2’s infamous nude scene—and how little time he had to pr
• Memories of filming Shawshank Redemption and working with Morgan Freeman
• Why Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey gave him a chance to finally be funny
• William's heartfelt music project “The Kitchen Tapes” which benefits St. Jude Children’s Hospital

• IMDB
• Buy The Kitchen Tapes
• Facebook
• YouTube

SPONSOR: STAMPEDE SOCIAL Drive engagement from your social channels and podcast with Stampede Social's Instagram and Facebook DM automation! Visit https://stampede.social Also check out: Why Instagram + Stampede Social Is the Growth Strategy Podcasters Need in 2025 (and Beyond) Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

• Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
• The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
• Podcast website
• Podcast on Instagram
• Join my mailing list
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!)
• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

• Buy me a coffee (support the show)
• Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
• Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.

This candid and humorous conversation explores the ups and downs of a life in the arts, his Emmy-winning work in children's television, and the powerful inspiration behind his new book Out of My Head. Billy shares what it really means to create, collaborate, and keep going, even when the applause isn't guaranteed.

Episode Highlights:

• The origin of RENT and his collaboration with Jonathan Larson
• What it’s like to watch your concept become a global phenomenon
• Why failure is more powerful than success — and what it teaches you
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Peg + Cat, Beavis & Butt-Head, and Short Attention Span Theater
• Honest talk about depression, resilience, and finding joy in creating

• Billy's book: Out Of My Head - Learning to Reach People Through the Arts

SPONSOR: STAMPEDE SOCIAL Drive engagement from your social channels and podcast with Stampede Social's Instagram and Facebook DM automation! Visit https://stampede.social Also check out: Why Instagram + Stampede Social Is the Growth Strategy Podcasters Need in 2025 (and Beyond)

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

• Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
• The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
• Podcast website
• Podcast on Instagram
• Join my mailing list
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!)
• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

• Buy me a coffee (support the show)
• Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
• Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.

From behind-the-scenes stories and casting quirks to the fascinating inspirations behind the original novel, this episode is a rich tribute to one of the greatest American movies ever made. Pat brings his signature depth of knowledge and love for classic film to share stories that even die-hard fans might not know. Whether you're a lifelong Jaws fanatic or just rediscovering its magic, this episode is a nostalgic thrill ride into open waters.

Episode Highlights:

• Pat Jankiewicz breaks down how Jaws changed the face of filmmaking forever while honoring its legacy 50 years later.
• Why Jaws holds up despite being a product of the 1970s
• The real-life shark attacks that inspired Peter Benchley’s novel
• Casting chaos and the surprising path to Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss
• Behind-the-scenes drama and technical struggles during filming
• How Jaws defined the modern blockbuster and inspired Shark Week

More Pat? Check out episode 175, where we dive into The Incredible Hulk TV series.

• Hulk Companion Book
• Buck Rogers Companion Book
• JAWS Companion Book
• IMDB

More Jaws?

• Jaws 2 deep dive with Billy Van Zandt
• Joe Alves - building the shark
• Carl Gottlieb interview

SPONSOR: STAMPEDE SOCIAL Drive engagement from your social channels and podcast with Stampede Social's Instagram and Facebook DM automation! Visit https://stampede.social Also check out: Why Instagram + Stampede Social Is the Growth Strategy Podcasters Need in 2025 (and Beyond)

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

• Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
• The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
• Podcast website
• Podcast on Instagram
• Join my mailing list
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!)
• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

• Buy me a coffee (support the show)
• Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
• Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.