On a personal note, I want to say a special thank you to Kate Brittle, Jannette Nabinger, Weronika Pogorecka and Herb Longs (ainow.org). Without the four of them, this site would not have been possible.

“Everyone has a Story” and I want to say thank you for being a part of mine.

Always,

Josh

In my interview with Bouska and Parshley, we discuss the inspiration of the first NOH8 picture and why they feel a “silent protest” represents an individual’s take on equality. In a more intimate moment I ask the pair, who were not activists before Prop 8, how this campaign has brought them closer and made the fight more personal. It was refreshing to see two people fight for their love and something they believe in. Parshley and Bouska invite other people who are against gay marriage to reach out to someone they know who is fighting for their love to be recognized.

After I conducted this interview, I joined former withjosh guests Kimberley Locke, Reichen Lehmkuhl, Louis Van Amstel and Kimberly Caldwell in the silent protest for equality. Below you will find my NOH8 picture and the behind-the-scenes footage of my shoot. The tagline of withjosh.com is “Everyone has a story,” and Bouska and Parshley prove that sometimes the greatest story is the one we live; even when words aren’t spoken, they speak loud enough to change lives.

This summer Vanguard/Capitol Records will release Caldwell’s debut album, “Without Regret.” From the in-your-face power anthem “Heart Like Mine,” co-written by American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi and Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger, to the subtle and personal “Human After All,” Caldwell’s pop-inflected rock album is sure to have a strong debut. The songs are addicting and are almost lyrically flawless. It’s obvious that Caldwell and her team have taken the appropriate time in piecing together the right album that would not only epitomize Caldwell but also compliment her raspy, sexy sound.

In part one of my interview with Kimberly Caldwell, we tackle the obvious question about why now was the right time to release her first album. We dive into the message behind her first single “Mess of You” and Caldwell gives me an exclusive acoustic performance. I also introduce a new Idol segment called “Idols Ask Idols,” where I ask questions sent to me by former Idols. Part one ends with an another acoustic performance, but this time Caldwell shines with her favorite song, “Say Love.”

Part two of our interview dives into the meaning behind the songs on “Without Regret.” Caldwell co-wrote four highly personal songs that document the different stages and emotional journeys of her relationships. Her genuine honesty and willingness to share her personal experiences make part two relatable to anyone who has ever loved or lost love.

“Without Regret” is a fantastic debut that not only features her unique sound but Caldwell’s talent as a songwriter. It may have taken seven years to get back to her musical roots, but it was worth wait!

As an outsider, it’s easy to look at news stories indifferently, seeing them as mere numbers or statistics; however, while Lemon was on commercial break, he asked his producers to speak with Rev. Sharpton before they went live on-air. After a few trying moments he got his wish. “Reverend Sharpton?” He asked, “How is the family doing? Are they holding up? This is such a sad story, Reverend.” I was taken by surprise by Lemon’s heartfelt emotional connection with the story. He honestly cared about the people involved and was not just reporting the facts: his concern for humanity makes him a very special journalist.

I was beyond excited when Don Lemon invited me to spend a day with him on the temporary Los Angeles set of his weekend prime-time show, CNN Newsroom. Lemon and his show are based at the network’s world headquarters in Atlanta, where he also serves as a correspondent across CNN/U.S. programming. He has covered many breaking news stories including the Inaugural of the 44th President in Washington, D.C., Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana in 2008, and the Minneapolis bridge collapse in 2007. Last year it was no surprise when Ebony Magazine named Lemon as one of the most influential African American men in America.

In part one of my interview with Lemon, we discuss his journey to CNN. After working at several local news affiliates, Lemon found himself working for NBC in New York as a correspondent for NBC News, The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, MSNBC and as an anchor on Weekend Today. He humorlessly reflects his childhood curiosity and his innate ability to constantly question everything and his need to find answers. One of the most intriguing moments of our interview is when we discuss his interview with Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson’s father, at the BET Awards just days after Michael’s death. Joe Jackson’s notorious and questionable antics did not disappoint.

Part two of my interview takes on the ever-so-touching story of Lemon’s interview with Anne Nixon Cooper, the 106-year old voter President-elect Obama highlighted in his election night acceptance speech after he had seen Lemon’s interview with Cooper on CNN. Lemon gives us a withjosh exclusive and shows personal photos of himself with Cooper, who died right before her 108th birthday.

Don Lemon happens to be one of those people that you hope everyone can meet. He’s funny, sincere, and real. Like every great mentor or role model, Lemon is doing his best with the responsibility he’s been given. He’s so humble and unaffected by the industry that it’s hard for me to believe he truly understands the impact he is currently making on thousands of viewers’ lives. Don Lemon in an extraordinary journalist but while you’re with him, it’s easy to call him friend.

Say what you want about the psychic community, but my job is to feature unusual stories in pop culture and Fraser does not disappoint. As a clairvoyant, Fraser says he has the ability of second sight and is able to read a person’s aura. He first noticed his gift at the age of 8 and by the age of 14, he began to understand that he had to use his ability for a higher purpose. By the age of 20, Fraser was named Best Psychic in Dallas and then had success in New York and Los Angeles.

Fraser has been featured on Dancing With The Stars, Best Week Ever and Good Day Live! He has also been recognized as one of the country’s top clairvoyant/psychics by Spin magazine and The New York Post. Currently based in Los Angeles, Fraser has started what he calls “cosmic coaching,” which is a form of life coaching that incorporates his psychic abilities.

As you will see, my interview with Dougall Fraser is unlike any previous interview featured on withjosh.com. I highly recommend watching the entire interview and witness Fraser reading my aura as I’m conducting the interview. What did my aura say? Was he able to see into my future? I look forward to reading your comments because Dougall Fraser is definitely one of a kind! My head is still spinning.

Soon after his elimination, a fan by the name of Jessica Bongiorno started an online petition to bring Lambert back on the show. Over 19,000 people including celebrities like Demi Moore, signed this petition. But back at home, Lambert didn’t let his elimination get him down. He continued to work on his music and began to develop a strategy on how he could find his way out of his small apartment he shared with his mother and brothers in Texas and get back to Los Angeles.

With all great underdog Hollywood stories (the kind that movies or reality shows are based on!), Lambert’s phone rang and Los Angeles was calling. American Idol’s executive producer Simon Fuller was so impressed by the outpouring of fan support that he offered to give Lambert a second chance with the new web-based reality show If I Can Dream. Fuller’s reality show is a mix between American Idol, The Real World and Big Brother, and features six housemates living with 56 in-house cameras streaming live on the web. The show documents the twenty-somethings as they pursue their dreams of making it in the entertainment industry.

I was a little nervous about interviewing Alex Lambert, who is known for lacking confidence and being a little shy. To my surprise, Lambert was a fantastic interview. He was relaxed, cool, and most of all, honest. I found him refreshing and immediately knew why his fans are so passionate to see him succeed. In a lot of ways, Lambert reminds me of a younger Kris Allen. Allen and Lambert both possess a chill vibe that is embodied with thankfulness.

Does Lambert have a long way to go? Yes, but that’s the fun of it. If we didn’t have the journey, we wouldn’t have growth. Lambert is building a solid personal and professional foundation and we are lucky because we get to witness it and cheer him on. I hope you enjoy my interview of one young man’s amazing second chance. Just let me know when I can pre-order his album!

Oddly enough, Green began attending daily tapings of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She wanted to soak in the experience and learn from Leno’s comedic timing, the celebrity guests, and escape her daily routine. Green spent two years going to every taping of The Tonight Show, taking notes (which turned into her popular blog) and became a hidden gem in The Tonight Show’s behind-the-scenes family. However, after Green began to criticize NBC’s upcoming decision to replace Leno with Conan O’Brien, the network executives made the decision to ban Green from The Tonight Show audience.

Like every great Hollywood story, Green’s ban from The Tonight Show may have been the key to her future success. She began to pour her energy into daily comedic videos that she would post on YouTube. She currently has over 850 videos which range from celebrity and political parodies to her often hysterical daily routines such as encountering someone with bad breath or using wax to remove unwanted hair. Millions of fans around the world are watching her and YouTube has begun to pay for her content.

I recently saw Green’s laugh-out-loud video “Translating Ke$ha’s Tik Tok” on PerezHilton.com. I rarely watch anything twice, but found myself watching this video ten times or more and couldn’t stop laughing. Apparently, neither could Perez Hilton, who just signed a multi-video deal with Green to show her comedic talents exclusively on his website.

Mark my words, GloZell Green is the next big thing. She has conquered personal obstacles and proved that true endurance comes from faith, confidence and laughter. I am beyond honored to show you GloZell Green’s first on-camera interview! Tik Tok Friends!

This season Louis Van Amstel, a twelve-time dance champion and Emmy-nominated choreographer, is in his sixth season of Dancing with the Stars with his new celebrity partner, comedian/actress Niecy Nash. In addition to Nash and Osbourne, Van Amstel has been partnered with Trista Sutter, Lisa Rinna, Monique Coleman, and Priscilla Presley. He is also the only “DWTS” cast member to crossover to choreograph a season of FOX’s summertime dance hit So You Think You Can Dance.

Part one of my interview takes us on Van Amstel’s journey from dancing in Europe as a child to his now successful run with the American version of Dancing With the Stars. We also take a moment to discuss the therapeutic benefits of dance both emotionally and physically. Van Amstel speaks about his initial reaction when he was partnered with Kelly Osbourne and shares how both of their lives were changed forever.

In part two I ask Van Amstel which celebrity he would like to work with in the future on Dancing With the Stars; his answer and reason may surprise you. Then, in a very personal moment, Van Amstel shares his passion and involvement in fighting for issues he believes in. We discuss his new public platform to fight obesity with his new cardio work out, Louis’ Dance Blast. We also discuss his involvement with the Human Rights Campaign and his participation with NOH8 to stand-up for marriage equality. Van Amstel credits former partner Kelly Osbourne for encouraging him to be “visible” and to use his fame to share these important messages.

Finally, in part three, Van Amstel and I change to a lighter note and discuss his new partnership with Niecy Nash on the current season of Dancing With the Stars. I also surprise him with a question from “DWTS” judge Carrie Ann Inaba! You won’t want to miss it.

Louis Van Amstel is honest, passionate, and genuinely wants the best for everyone. At one point he turned to me and said, “[We need to] Step back and see the beauty come out of the person” and although it’s a simple thought, I encourage you to take his advice and see how “visible” you can be.

One of my favorite characters on Saved By the Bell was the principal, Mr. Belding, played by the talented Dennis Haskins. Haskins started the role of Mr. Belding on Good Morning, Miss Bliss -the original title for Saved by the Bell- and has been known as America’s favorite principal for over 20 years! I felt privileged to sit down with him and ask your fan questions. I must warn you, this is a great interview for the ultimate Saved By the Bell fan.

In part one, Haskins and I discuss how he embodied Mr. Belding and transformed the character from the audition for Good Morning, Miss Bliss to the now memorable character from Saved By the Bell. We also discuss his experience working with 6 teenagers that included Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Dustin Diamond, Lark Voorhies, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, Elizabeth Berkley, and Mario Lopez.

Part two of our interview takes us to the actual Saved By the Bell run and the moment it became an international hit. Haskins admits that Mr. Belding wanted to be one of the kids but had his responsibility of being the principal. We also touch upon Dustin Diamond’s childhood on the set and how Diamond was asked to join Haskins for Saved By the Bell: The New Class. Haskins also discusses his favorite Saved By the Bell episode and how he found out the series was over.

Part three tackles Haskins’ life after Saved By the Bell. Six month after the show ended, he was dropped by his agent and had to regroup to start a new career. Since Saved By the Bell, Haskins has been seen on numerous television shows and films. He’s also an avid karaoke singer and launched a brand new DVD/CD Karaoke with Your Favorite Principal Dennis A.K.A. Mr. Belding, where you can sing along with him.

My time with Dennis Haskins was definitely a highlight for me; I grew up watching Saved By the Bell and like many my age, I wished I could be a student at Bayside High. I feel lucky that I was able to sit down with America’s favorite principal…and wasn’t in trouble. “ZACK!”

After spending twenty-five years working in Hollywood, manager/publicist Jay D. Schwartz (of JDS) is my go-to man for solid entertainment advice. He boasts an impressive and eclectic roster of clients that include Danny Aiello, Scott Bakula, Telma Hopkins, Gladys Knight, Cheryl Ladd, Jaclyn Smith, Louis Van Amstel, Kimberley Locke and David Cassidy. Schwartz has also orchestrated successful publicity campaigns over the years for such clients as Drew Barrymore – which included her Guess? Campaign – Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lauren Bacall’s Oscar Campaign, and Christopher Walken.

Jay D. Schwartz is an outstanding publicist, manager and mentor. “It’s who you know, not what you know.” says Schwartz candidly in what may be one of my most brutally honest withjosh interviews. Schwartz’s uncompromising knowledge and passion for the industry is something every actor, singer, and entertainer should take note of before they begin their Hollywood journey. This is a must-see interview for anyone who has ever wondered if they have what it takes to make it.