I Couldn’t Throw It Out

Does a 1967 elementary school magazine -- or a fifth grade school play -- still have value? Only if you’re looking for lost memories, new insights, and hilarity- - - - - - - - - Somewhere in your home, you might have saved at least one treasure from elementary school. The question is:  Why did you save it? The only way to find out: Hunt for your ancient objects and see what revelations they bring to your adult life. At least that’s what Sally and I decided to do.After I found a play and three copies of a school magazine that I had saved since fifth grade, we used the Interwebs to track down five other people who created those masterpieces with us. Then we made them revive their original roles in the play and read poems, jokes, and gossip from the magazine, all written when we were 10.  They also shared some of their own elementary school treasures, before we determined the fate of everything we’d saved.It might seem absurd for seven adults to go back to their fifth grade writings.  Which is why partly why we did it.  A little absurdity is a lot of fun. But here’s the surprise: we also had revelations about our lives, thoughts that would never have come to us if we left those objects unseen in the attic, waiting for someone to toss them.Oh, and yes, I also saved my fifth grade class photo -- along with a photo of my classmate Nancy (Simms) Sofen, who joins us on this episode.We hope our fifth grade gang will inspire you to start searching for your own elementary school friends. Then stage your version of our kooky reunion, where you just might get useful insights into who you were as children and how it affected you for the rest of your life.Have thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

Hear the rapper and actor talk about crime, Hollywood, racism, and more -- before he was a Law & Order SVU detective and just after he created the metal band Body Count---------In 1991, Ice-T had just appeared in the movie New Jack City -- and his rap albums were defining what was then an unusual style of west coast gangsta rap.That’s why I chose him as one of the top five rappers to lead off my book about hip-hop, Break It Down: The Inside Story from the New Leaders of Rap.Since then, I couldn’t throw out the tape of my interview – which lasted well over an hour. But I hadn’t shared it with anyone, until now.As I listened again, I remembered that Ice-T (whose real name is Tracy Marrow) is one of the all-time most amazing talkers. There was almost nothing I wanted to cut.  So here it is, the interview almost in its entirety.For me, it was surprising to hear Ice-T’s 1991 thoughts on topics that are still relevant.  His commentary on Donald Trump was different from what it would be now.  But our discussion of Clarence Thomas could have happened yesterday. We also talked about education, racism, poverty, crime, the police, censorship, fatherhood, politics, the army, Hollywood, and – of course – the origin of gangsta rap.So much happened in Ice-T's life after our talk. A year later, he caused a national controversy when his metal band Body Count released the song “Cop Killer.”  The song was banned and became an election talking point for the first George Bush and his vice president Dan Quayle. Later, Ice-T appeared in dozens of TV shows and movies – with his most prominent credit being 25 years on Law & Order SVU.Most of all, this flashback interview reminded me of the sharpness and openness of Ice-T’s mind. And his strength, which helped him bounce back from losing both parents as a child and ultimately allowed him to leave his rough street life in South-Central L.A.If you want more about Ice-T's current life, you’ll find links to articles about his wife Coco, his three kids, his exhibit at Harvard, his online bonding with Stephen King, his support of vaccination, his bulldogs, his podcast, and more on the I Couldn't Throw It Out blog.Ice-T Photo by Sven Mandel via Wikimedia CommonsHave thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

When I interviewed Stephen King and Peter Straub in 1984 about their fantasy novel The Talisman, their book was breaking records for hardcover sales. But the fame of their collaboration has faded over the years.Most people recognize King's famous titles -- Carrie, The Shining, The Dead Zone, It, Pet Sematary. And they may be familiar with Straub's 1979 bestseller Ghost Story.  But far fewer know about The Talisman. That's why Sally and I asked renowned horror and fantasy expert Bev Vincent to help us evaluate the never-shared audio tape and notes I've saved for 40 years since I met King and Straub, helping us decide what I should save or toss.Along the way, we were reminded of King and Straub's strong bond of friendship before Straub's death in 2022 (from complications after an accident). We also learned about the classic poets that they both loved, and we relived the fun time I had with them, as they told bloody stories over breakfast at McDonald's. Among the insights from Bev Vincent:  He discussed the chances of a TV series based on the Talisman by the Duffer Brothers ("Stranger Things") and he shared King's latest thoughts about following the 2001 Talisman sequel Black House with a third book in the series.Is it time for you to read, or re-read, The Talisman? Listen and find out.King/Straub photo by Jordan M. HahnHave thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

The best way to honor your mother -- on Mother's Day or any other day?  We wanted to figure that out. So we got expert advice from family and friends, including 98-year-old Barbara Welsh, mother-to-be Emily Libby, the Von Klemperer family, and mom Debbie Baylin.As we realized, almost everyone -- including you -- has saved some items from mom.  You may not even know what you've got.  But when those treasures come out of the attic or the closet, something special happens.Hear what we learned from this Mother's Day ritual, and then try it yourself.   Should you keep saving the gifts you got from mom?  Listen and find out.Have thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

Some of us just can't toss our furry friends from childhood. And we're not talking about a cute new collection of plushies. We're talking about stuffed animals with some history, saved for decades till fur and eyes are missing.  Why do we save them?  And what do we do with them now?  To get answers, we've asked adults to tell us about their much-loved cloth animals, including the tale of two German teddy bears who escaped the Nazis, and brought a precious secret cargo with them. Hear their stories, then tell us about your own stuffed animal. Send us a message on Instagram @throwitoutpod – and we'll share selections so everyone can honor our enduring companions.Have thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

When singer/songwriter Melanie Safka died in January, many people remembered her for the #1 pop song "Brand New Key" (also known as the roller skate song.) But those of us who loved her know that her biggest hit never conveyed the richness of her career and her talents.That's why I asked photographer Maddy Miller to join us on I Couldn't Throw It Out.  Not only did Maddy take iconic photos of Melanie, including the cover photo on Melanie's gold album Gather Me, she also was Melanie's close friend for more than 50 years. While sharing some of the gifts she received from Melanie, Maddy tells never-heard stories about their adventures – including an excellent close encounter with The Who's Keith Moon. Though Melanie released dozens of albums and wrote new songs for six decades, little is known about the full scope of her life and music.  Find out what you missed – and what you could still enjoy – as we look back on her performance at Woodstock, and the varied songs that won her a legion of passionate fans.Plus, I share my never-heard interview with Melanie and my authentic mementoes from the '70s.  Will I toss 'em? Let's just say that Maddy figures out what to do with her own treasures. Listen and find out… MORE ABOUT MELANIEMaddy Miller's personal collection of Melanie photos:  See the galleryMy playlist of favorite Melanie songs:  Listen nowHave thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

Why should you watch Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson in 1967's long-lost-comic gem The Tiger Makes Out?The surprise reason: After 50 years when you couldn't watch it anywhere, we just discovered that you can stream it for free.But wait! That's just a start. Before you dive into this satire from another era – which can be a challenge – let us give you a prep session, with help from our special guest: Katherine Wallach, daughter of Eli and Anne.Katherine shares the back story of The Tiger Makes Out, and her parents' wondrous performances in it. Then she talks about her family life, which included starring with her parents on Broadway, and a babysitter named Marilyn Monroe.We also point you to the highlights of The Tiger Makes Out, including a cameo by Dustin Hoffman, an unhinged performance by Charles Nelson Reilly, and comic twists hiding in every single performance and every tiny detail of the set. Now, after decades of frustration when I couldn't share my favorite movie, everyone can watch it -- including our special guest Walker Stevenson, a friend who has never agreed with me about any movie. Can I transform Walker into a fan ofThe Tiger Makes Out?  Or will he talk me into tossing my treasures that relate to the movie?  Um, don't bet on either of those.Have thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to the invasion of the most entertaining people in Sweden -- who want all of us earthlings to start thinking about... death.  Yup, it sounds kooky.  But, in this episode, we have a blast absorbing the wit and wisdom of three experts on Swedish Death Cleaning.In case you wonder what that means, these Swedes are the hosts of the Peacock TV series The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning (produced and narrated by Amy Poehler).  They're the ultimate experts on a philosophy of reducing your possessions in a way that's much more  profound than a decluttering with Marie Kondo. Dialing in from Sweden, psychologist Katarina Blom, professional organizer Ella Engstrom, and designer Johan Svenson help us evaluate a sampling of stuff I've saved for decades, including treasures related to Andy Warhol, Billy Idol, and Joni Mitchell from my years as a People Magazine reporter.  So now it's time to let it all go.  Okay, maybe some of it...Along the way, these Swedes showed us how to laugh about death.  But they also caught me off guard with a revelation so powerful that... I kind of lost it.Would a little Swedish Death Cleaning do wonders for you too?  Listen and find out.Have thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

Covering live Olympic figure skating on TV is no easy task. Just ask Meg Streeter Lauck, who worked for 23 years as a director for ABC Sports and other networks.  Her behind-the-scenes tales  -- which she shares in this episode -- reveal how her team nabbed the perfect shot of Canadian skating champions Sale and Pelletier at the 2002 Olympics. Plus, she recreates the thrill of first seeing 13-year-old Dorothy Hamill on the ice, and the sadness of a visit to an NYC fire station after 9/11.  Will telling these tales help Meg make the leap -- and toss some of her stuff?Have thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

How fun was VIP access to Diana's '80s concerts? Very -- if you liked chatting with Andy Warhol, stalking Richard Gere, and dancing with Diana on a party boat at 1:30 AMHave thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

With Danny DeVito and his daughter Lucy starring in her play about our favorite topic, Theresa tells us how she cast them, why she wrote it, what she saves, and what she tossesHave thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

Tupac Shakur talks about his violent arrest for jaywalking; his Black Panther family; Hollywood hypocrisy; and his program for poor urban kids. Plus, special guests discuss his contradictions (explicit)Have thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

Helen Keller’s friend, Hitler’s defier, Woody Allen’s teacher – the dancer who jolted America with moves you now see on TV, movies and music videos told me great tales in 1989.Have thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

As Dustin Hoffman, Andy Warhol, and Robert De Niro watched, did I ruin Bill Murray's night at the 1982 post-screening party? Former SNL writer Tom Gammill helps us decide.Have thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

With help from They Might Be Giants' John Flansburgh, it's time to toss treasures that I saved after writing the band's first 1985 review in People Magazine.Have thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

Hear the 1984 interview tape with this random trio: REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin, painter Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Gong Show host Chuck BarrisHave thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

A 45-year-old tape recording about family ancestry leads to revelations about a kidnapped rabbi, a Johnstown drowning, two horrible car accidents, and connections to a hay barn in Lithuania, the New York Times management, Baltimore's symphony hall, and  Joe Biden's junior high baseball team. And, hold onto your ear buds -- perhaps the greatest shock of all:  This is an episode where I actually let go of some possessions and give them away.  Just sayin'. There can be lots of surprises in life, and in family history.Have thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

In 1983, 16-year-old Kiefer Sutherland met me in Nova Scotia to discuss his first big movie role.  Hear how he felt about actor dad Donald -- and how I messed up my People Magazine story.Have thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

When my wife Cindy's health declined after two kidney transplants, how would she find a third organ donor?  The answer -- which involves my 33-year error -- could make you believe in miracles. And it also leads us to one last challenge: Can we toss the items that remind us of what happened?If you missed the first part of their death-defying tale, you'll find it here.Have thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

At 20, my wife Cindy thought she was about to die.  Following a lupus diagnosis at 15, her kidneys had shut down in a way that seemed fatal.  But after devastating years on dialysis, many near-death experiences, and three kidney transplants, Cindy is going strong 46 years later.  Her optimism and determination to survive, and the joy she got from painting and creating art, kept her going through each crushing health challenge.Reminded by cards and letters we saved, Cindy and I share in this episode -- for the first time -- the entire rollercoaster tale of our intertwined lives (including my own highly flawed behavior) after we met as college freshmen.This is part 1 of 2.  Coming up in the second part:  Just when it seemed that Cindy's health would improve, the most dramatic life-threatening challenges began.  And then...  we discovered a error that lasted 33 years.  This was the start of a sort of miracle.  Hear Part 2 wherever you get your podcasts,  or listen here.Have thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.