Talking Travel with Alyssa Carson

Of all the folks I have interviewed on Talking Travel for Global Traveler, none has bigger travel plans than Alyssa Carson. In fact, there might not be anyone alive with bigger plans.

Carson wants to go to Mars, a goal she has had since she was a mere toddler. Currently an astrobiologist, Carson has taken many steps towards her goal and continues focused on a trip to Mars. In our interview, Carson discussed all of this and her other travels on this planet.

The interview ca be found at Talking Travel with Alyssa Carson on Global Traveler. While you're there, please hit the subscribe button to help my numbers.

The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast - Ep. 82 : "Mickie Knuckles"

The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast finally returned and we did it in a big way. We interviewed wrestler Mickie Knuckles, who just released her book. The full interview is at The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast: Mickie Knuckles.

Although still in her prime, Mickie is a legend in wrestling, particularly hardcore wrestling or death matches. Make no mistake though, she isn't limited to just those styles. Those just happen to be her favorites and her expertise.

Tommy and I met Mickie about a decade ago at Resistance Pro Wrestling. Mickie became an RPro Women's champ and main evented several times. Everyone loved her.

As I told her in the interview, previous to interviewing her the first time, I was a bit nervous, based on her hardcore reputation. Once I talked to her, I was immediately relaxed because she was so nice. I don't want to ruin her image, but she really is a sweetheart. Then again, anyone who knows her, knows that.

Mickie's book is available on Amazon and is already #1 in a couple categories. She is open and brutally honest about her life and career. It isn't always an easy read, because of what Mickie has endured, but it is a fantastic read. You don't have to be a wrestling fan to appreciate Mickie's book. It's a story of survival, determination and success.

Interviewing Mickie here was heart-warming. It had been a long time, but it felt like old times at RPro. The best part is Mickie looked and sounded great and said she felt great.

Watch our interview and then buy her book. You will love her and the book like Tommy and I do.

Cards That Never Were: Bucky Dent Topps 1985

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual cards for players missed in various sets over the years. It is a concept I have borrowed from far too many to list, but I appreciate all of them. You can find more of my creations and a lot of other great creations (and not just baseball cards) in the Custom Baseball Cards group on Facebook.
Russell Earl Dent was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 1st round (6th) of the 1970 MLB June Draft-Secondary Phase from Miami-Dade College. Bucky made his MLB debut in 1973. He looked like a future star. After four seasons, he was traded to the New York Yankees (with Bob Polinsky for Oscar Gamble and LaMarr Hoyt). New York looked to be the place for Dent to really ascend to the next level and be a superstar. That didn't quite happen, but he did earn a new nickname. He wa now called Bucky "Bleeping" Dent by Yankees haters. Midway through the 1982 season, he was traded to the Texas Rangers for Lee Mazzilli, another former NY superstar to be. Texas releaed Dent prior to the 1984 season. Dent signed with the Yankees, but was cut vefore he played for them He signed with the Kansas City Royals to finish the season and his career.
All told, Dent played 1,392 games, hitting .247 with 40 HRs, 423 RBIs and 451 runs scored. He was a three time All-Star and MVP of the 1978 World Series, after the playoffs where he earned that interesting new nickname.
For his efforts, Topps gave Dent cards in sets from 1974-'84. His '74 card lists him at 3B, despite him playing only one game at 3rd, while playing 36 at shortstop. He even played more games (3) at 2nd base than at 1st base.
This left only a 1985 "career capper" card for Dent. That void was easy enough to fix.

Natasha Watley and Athletes Unlimited

When Athletes Unlimted debuted their new AUSL softball league, they brought in yhree legends, including Natasha Watley. The other two were Jennie Finch and Jessica Mendoza.

The new AUSL league plays under traditional softball rules, unlike the other AU softball which plays based on a fantasy points system ending in one individual champ. Confused yet? Don'y worry, it confuses a lot of folks, but in the end, ut s still softball.

After starring at UCLA, Watley went on to be a seven-time all-star in the NPF. She also was a two0time medal winner in the Olympics. Perhaps more importantly, she started the Natasha Watley Foundation to benefit the youth. Through her foundation, appearances and more, Watley continues to give back. 

Go to auprosports.com for more info on Athletes Unlimited. Check back here for my recurring coverage.

Natasha Watley and me in Rosemont, IL-June 2025.

Dawn McTeigue at Fan Expo 2024

FanExpo returns to Chicago tomorrow. The wait is soon over!

As usual, there are a lot of big name celebrities set to appear. Ewan McGregor, Paul Reiser, Helen Hunt and John Cena are just a handful of the stars.

While I enjoy seeing them, I spend more time in Artist Alley. One of my favorite creators is Dawn McTeigue.

After seeing her artwork many years ago, I checked out her website and was even more impressed. In addition to a lot more of her art, some of her text made me smile.

She uses her maiden name of McTeigue, because it's not as common as her married name. I appreciate that marketing thought. She also included the proper pronunciation of her last name as "McTeg," although she doesn't seem to be bothered by the long "E" alternative. She also lists a lot of other info, which I found equally interesting.

While I do not see McTeigue listed for Artist Alley, I still hope she is there. Sometimes the website list lags behind reality.

For more info on FanExpo go to fanexpohq.com. Go to dawnmcteigue.com to see all of her fantastic art. Also, check here for my recurring coverage.

Dawn McTeigue and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2024.

Justin James and Elk Grove Rotary Fest

Recently, I have featured a couple interviews with Justin James about Elk Grove Rotary Fest's wrestling event. For more on that, check Elk Grove Rotary Fest Wrestling Recap on the Chicago Patch. Today, I feature the main person behind it, Just James.

I first met Justin many years ago at POWW Entertainment. Justin was a wrestling manager, recovering from injuries which kept him out of in-ring action.

Earlier this year, we reconnected at a POWW show and he told me about Elk Grove Rotary Fest. I offered to help in any way I could.

Justin gave me his time for the interviews, despite being busy with his job, the fest and most importantly, his newborn son, who was experiencing issues. As the fest day approached, Justin also had to deal with the question of storms.

Like magic, the storms, let up and it was a fun day. Even in the middle of the chaos of a wrestling show, Justin checked with me often to make sure I got what content I needed for coverage. He paid similar attention to all wrestlers and folks involved. Despite the craziness, Justin always looked calm, as a true leader should.

I can't praise Justin enough for all he accomplished with the event. An estimated crowd of 1,500 attended, eespite the storms in the area. That was to support the fest, the area and Justin. Upon the conclusion of the 8-man tag featuring Justin and the Mayor, I could see the mix of joy and relief on Justin's face. I told him to be proud and enjoy it, because he earned it.

Meanwhile, Justin's infant son is doing better, but has a way to go. It's not my place to give details, but Owen is a fighter like his dad and he is improving daily. If you believe in prayer, say one for Owen. If not, send positivity his way.

Justin James and me in Elk Grove Village, IL-July 2025.

Meeting Bozo at Nightmare Weekend

When my pal Tony saw Galaxy Con Nightmare Weekend was taking place in Chicago, he let me know and we applied and received media passes. While we had several folks we wanted to meet, Joey D'Auria was tops on that list.

D'Auria is a Chicago legend. He is the second and last man to portray Bozo the Clown, a beloved television staple for many years in Chicago. He replaced Bob Bell, another legend), keeping the essence of Bozo, but making it his own, too. Filling Bell's shoes could not have been easy, but D'Auria did it seemlessly.

When we met him the first day, he told us a few bits of Bozo trivia. He was so engaging, I thought I had a real shot at getting an interview with him the next day. When we approached him again Saturday, he didn't even hesitate. I asked him to repeat a bit of what he told us the previous day and I asked a couple other questions.

After it was done, Tony and I were a bit giddy. "We just interviewed Bozo" became our mantra all weekend. Even if we did nothing else, I think we would have been happy.

We did do lenty more though, but I'll save those stories for future days. For now, I just want to soak in the fact that we interviewed Bozo.

Our interview is at Meeting Chicago Legend Joey D'Auria on Global Traveler's YouTube channel. While you're there, please subscribe!

Joey D'Auria, Tony and me in Rosemont, IL-May 2025.

Friend Encounters: Lou Ferrigno and Jack

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

FanExpo returns to Chicago (Rosemont) this weekend. Since taking over Wizard World, FanExpo has not missed a beat.

Back in the day though, Wizard World was a lot of fun. They usually held a special press reception prior to the weekend of fun. One of those events featured Lou Ferrigno. My interview with him there is at On the Beat with Lou Ferrigno. Among other topics, I asked him about his role on King of Queens. The next day at Wizard World, we thanked him again for the interview. He was kind enough to take a picture with my photo friend Jack and me again. 

I must also stress how nice Ferrigno has always been to me over many conventions. Ferrigno sometimes gets criticized for not-so-pleasant interactions, but I have never experienced anything less than great ones, even when I wasn't part of the press. Maybe I am just lucky or maybe others are unlucky.

It just goes to prove you never know. Regardless of reputation, if you want to meet the celeb, I highly encourage you to do so. I have met hundreds of celebs and athletes and have had very few bad encounters, despite hearing many stories of problems others have had.

Check fanexpohq.com for more info on their events. Check here for my recurring coverage.

Lou Ferrigno and Jack in Rosemont, IL-August 2016.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #753: Jerry DePizzo & Josh Wolf

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing pro jerseys. I continue my season-long march through all MLB teams.

Ohio native Jerry DePizzo is a former Ohio State student and the saxophonist/guitarist in O.A.R. (Of A Revolution), having met founding band members and joining the band while at OSU in 2000. He also owns (or owned?) a couple businesses. The Tampa Rays had DePizzo toss a ceremonial pitch, which landed him on a Celebrity Jersey Card.

Entertainer Josh Wolf was born in Boston, but moved around a bit early in his entertainment career. A cousin of actor Scott Wolf, Josh is a frequent talk show guest, while also having hosted his own show. He tossed a first pitch for the Tampa Rays and landed on a Celebrity Jersey Card.

Cards That Never Were: Henry Cruz Topps 1977 & '79

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual trading cards for players missed in various sets. It is a concept I borrowed from far too many to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts.

Two such creators are Lynn from the Custom Baseball Cards group on Facebook and Gio from When Topps Had (Base)Balls. Today, I am featuring their creations, since they beat me to these specific Cards That Never Were. Lynn made the Topps 1979, while Gio did the Topps 1977. Awesome work from both.

Henry Cruz was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 1971 season. The outfielder made his MLB debut in 1975 and saw action with the Dodgers in 1976, too. He was selected off waivers by the Chicago White Sox and played parts of 1977 and '78 with the team. He played in the minors with Chicago and Detroit through the '81 season. For his career in 171 games, he batted .229 with 8 HRs, 34 RBIs and 8 runs scored. Henry is not related to the Cruz brothers (Jose, Hector and Tommy).

For his efforts, Topps put Henry on a Rookie Outfielders card in 1976 and a solo card in 1978. That left a 1977 and '79 to be created, which Gio and Lynn did beautifully.