ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones

Country singer-songwriter Sarah Hardwig has the distinction of being the first blind guest to join Randall Kenneth Jones on ON THE KNOWS. What follows is an honest, funny and deeply moving conversation about America’s Got Talent, music, self-doubt, courage, advocacy and discovering the unique ways we experience the world.

At just 23, Sarah Hardwig has already stepped onto one of television’s biggest stages—and captured the attention of millions with her country music, powerful voice and unforgettable story.

A singer-songwriter originally from Naples, Florida, who now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, Sarah recently appeared on Americ...

Broadway audiences know the shows. Theater insiders know the name behind the music.

In this inspiring episode of ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones, two-time Tony Award winner, two-time Grammy Award winner and Emmy-nominated music supervisor, arranger, orchestrator and conductor Stephen Oremus takes listeners behind the curtain of some of Broadway's most beloved productions, including “Wicked,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Frozen,” “Kinky Boots,” Avenue Q,” “9 to 5,” “Smash” and more.”

But this conversation goes far beyond Broadway credits.

Oremus shares how a childhood love of music, Barry Manilow and...

What if the best way to understand today's world is to step back 200 years?

Award-winning author Sharon Virts joins Randall Kenneth Jones to discuss “Bargains of Fate,” the second novel in her acclaimed “Fields of Honor” historical fiction series. Set in 1820s Virginia and inspired by real people and true events, the novel is filled with political intrigue, murder, scandal, romance, courtroom drama and unforgettable characters—but as Randall quickly discovers, its greatest strength lies in the timeless questions it asks about character, integrity and the consequences of our choices.

Their conversation moves far beyond the pages...

CBS News Senior Meteorologist Rob Marciano joins Randall Kenneth Jones for an eye-opening conversation about the technologies shaping our future—and why we should feel hopeful about them. 

Drawing from his new National Geographic book, "The Next Big Thing: Innovations for a Better, Smarter, Stronger Tomorrow" (co-authored with James Trefil), Marciano explores everything from artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and renewable energy to 3D printing, robotics, and the future of infrastructure.

With warmth, humor, and genuine curiosity, Jones serves as the perfect guide for science devotees and listeners who don't consider themselves "science people," often asking the...

Storyteller Aaron Calafato joins Randall Kenneth Jones for a heartfelt, funny, and deeply human conversation about the power of story, purpose, and connection. From Randall’s unforgettable 1982 singing telegram to Pat Benatar — and the emotional full-circle moment decades later — to Aaron’s revelation about performing for just two audience members as if it were Madison Square Garden, this episode explores why storytelling matters far beyond fame or applause.

Together, Aaron and Randall share lessons learned from conversations with icons including Norman Lear, Erin Brockovich, Stedman Graham, John Quiñones, Suze Orman, and Jennifer Lewis, while ref...

In this vibrant, deeply personal, and laugh-out-loud episode of ON THE KNOWS, host Randall Kenneth Jones welcomes back entertainment insider and author Rob Shuter to discuss his debut novel “It Started with a Whisper”—a story rooted in truth, friendship, ambition, and the complicated world of celebrity gossip.

From the moment Jones attempts to imitate Shuter’s signature “Hello, hello, hello” kicks things off, the conversation blends humor with powerful insight. Shuter opens up about how his childhood quirks shaped his literary voice, how decades in celebrity PR informed his storytelling, and why gossip—often misunderstood—is actually the bir...

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode of ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones, rock icon Pat Benatar joins Jones for an intimate, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about creativity, longevity, and the power of connection.

Benatar dives into the mindset that has fueled her decades-long career. She shares how kindness, curiosity, and being fully present shaped her journey, including a formative early encounter with Jones that left a lasting impact on him.

The conversation explores her transition into children’s literature, co-writing a book inspired by her grandchildren an...

Go beyond the familiar voice and discover the heart, artistry, and insight behind one of technology's most recognizable features, Siri. In this engaging episode of ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones, host Randall Kenneth Jones welcomes not just a legendary guest—but a longtime collaborator and close friend, Susan Bennett, best known as the Original Voice of Siri.

For nearly a decade, Bennett has served as the show's announcer while also sharing a genuine off-mic friendship with Jones—giving this conversation a rare authenticity, warmth, and humor. Their easy rapport fuels a candid discussion that blen...

In this episode of On the Knows with Randall Kenneth Jones, Randy sits down with actor Tina Chiang, who stars as innocent yet spirited Sister Peter on the hit BritBox series "Sister Boniface Mysteries." Known for her compelling stage and screen presence, brilliant facial expressions, and thoughtful approach to storytelling, Chiang discusses her experience bringing complex characters to life in the beloved British crime drama and beyond.

During the conversation, Tina Chiang shares behind-the-scenes insights from "Sister Boniface Mysteries," including what makes the show's quirky sleuthing nun and vintage 1960s setting resonate not just with w...

What does it mean to matter? Why do humans seek meaning, purpose, and recognition?

Award-winning philosopher, public intellectual, and bestselling author Rebecca Newberger Goldstein joins ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones to explore the psychology and philosophy of mattering, human identity, morality, and the search for meaning.

Goldstein is the author of ten acclaimed books blending philosophy, science, literature, and human psychology, including:

36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction

Betraying Spinoza: The Renegade Jew Who Gave Us Modernity

The Mattering Instinct: How Our Deepest...

Listening to the ON THE KNOWS podcast with master interviewer Randall Kenneth Jones as he sits down with acclaimed author Patrick Ryan is a must for fans of literary fiction, family sagas, and deep-dive storytelling. This 2026 interview explores the creative process behind Ryan's expansive 2025 novel, Buckeye, a "Read With Jenna" book club pick that spent multiple weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Patrick Ryan's book "Buckeye" was named the #1 Best Book of the Year for 2025 by Amazon editors. This top honor recognizes his novel as the leading title on their annual list of top books. Why You Should...

Film historian and acclaimed New York Times bestselling biographer Scott Eyman has written the definitive biography of Hollywood icon Joan Crawford, drawing on never-before-seen documents and photos from the Crawford estate. Joan Crawford flourished for decades, working for multiple studios in every genre from romance to westerns ("Mildred Pierce," "Johnny Guitar"), musicals to noir ("Torch Song," "A Woman's Face"), and being directed by a young Steven Spielberg in one of her last appearances. Along the way, she accumulated four husbands, an Academy Award for Best Actress, and the undeniable status of a legend. Scott Eyman is the author or coauthor...

Imagine your home suddenly transformed into a Hollywood icon. That's precisely what happened to John Abendshien, whose real-life house became the star of "Home Alone." More than just a film set, it turned into a character of its own, filled with traps and slapstick chaos that helped make the movie a global hit. Decades later, the house remains legendary. Tourists visit, merchandise abounds—even gingerbread replicas exist. In his new book, "Home But Alone No More," Abendshien shares the fascinating behind-the-scenes story: how the location was chosen, what filming was like, and the surreal experience of having a blockbuster take ov...

Mark Malkoff is a comedian, writer, and podcast host. He has been featured on Today, Good Morning America, CNN, NPR's Weekend Edition, and for eight years hosted the popular podcast The Carson Podcast. His new book, "Love Johnny Carson," is a wildly entertaining account by one of the world's most obsessed and informed fans of TV icon Johnny Carson, setting the record straight on Carson's legacy and shining a light on the personality behind the legendary comedian and talk show host. Carson aficionado Mark Malkoff has amassed more Carson stories from original sources than anyone in entertainment history, speaking to...

Once a niche medical procedure, egg freezing is now a billion-dollar industry that promises women the ability to pause their biological clocks and extend their reproductive choices. For some, it's a path to empowerment; for others, it's a costly gamble in an unregulated system with no guarantees. Through the experiences of three American women navigating the process, this documentary examines the realities behind the growing trend—who has access, who profits, and what's at stake. With insights from medical experts, ethicists, and industry leaders, the film unpacks the social, economic, and emotional complexities of egg freezing in a world where fe...

Dive into the behind-the-scenes world of the movie business, where entertainment strategist Kevin Goetz reveals the pivotal intersection of creative instinct and audience insight. This is the sweet spot where the business of film meets the art of storytelling. When it comes to cinematic success, every detail matters—from early concept to the final marketing push. "How to Score in Hollywood" is a playbook for guiding movie-making decisions at every turn. Drawing from nearly four decades of experience, Goetz shows how films can be made and marketed to turn a profit by aligning creative ambition with good business practice, all to...

This episode will help you start to understand how to embrace your emotional ghosts and transform them into catalysts for healing and growth. Her third appearance with Randall Kenneth Jones, B. A. Crisp is a strategist at Crisp Concepts, Inc., in Herndon, VA. Her professional portfolio ranges from psychiatric assessment specialist to adviser with the Department of Homeland Security's Science & Technology Directorate, where she collaborated on anti-human trafficking research. She also lent her expertise to Homeland Security Investigations on Illicit Finance Crimes and Gangs. In 2015, she was nominated for the Homeland Security Director's Service Award, meeting mandates of both the...

This episode will help you understand how art—specifically cinema—can grow in importance over time, and our ongoing exploration of art continues to shed valuable light on the human condition. #ArtIsLife Today, more than 70 years after it premiered, "Sunset Boulevard" remains the finest ever movie made about the pathology of fame: those who lose it, those who abuse it, and those who never attain it at all. Great films are born of great collaborations, and "Sunset Boulevard" represents one of the most extraordinary confluences of cinematic talent in film history. Still, its production was surprisingly fraught, filled with unexpected twis...

This episode will help you KNOW more about the value of thoughtfully capturing and sharing one's legacy, accepting your past, including the highs and the lows, and giving credit where credit is due.

In the mid-1980s, LGBTQ+ trailblazer Edwards carved his path alongside icons like Donna Summer and Joan Rivers. Over the decades, he built a reputation as a multi-award-winning talent executive, client relations rep, producer, writer, and occasional performer – working with some of the most recognizable names in show business: Cindy Crawford, Susan Sarandon, Melissa Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg, Farrah Fawcett, Shirley Jones, Naomi Judd, and Va...

This episode will help you KNOW more about the value of thoughtfully capturing and sharing one's legacy—and giving credit where credit is due. Michael Seth Starr covered television at the New York Post as a reporter, columnist, critic, and editor for over 28 years. He has written a filmography of Peter Sellers and biographies of Rodney Dangerfield, Don Rickles, Bob Newhart, Art Carney, Joey Bishop, Bobby Darin, Raymond Burr, William Shatner, Redd Foxx, and Ringo Starr. He has made frequent appearances on television, including The Today Show, Access Hollywood, Good Morning America, The Early Show, Larry King Live, Extra, The La...

After listening to this very personal episode, you will KNOW more about the importance of, not just finding, but understanding joy.

For more than 30 years, Bob Burg has been successfully showing entrepreneurs, leaders, and sales professionals how to build relationships, communicate their value, and accelerate their business growth.

Although for years he was best known for his sales classic, "Endless Referrals," it's his business parable, "The Go-Giver," co-authored with John David Mann, that has created a worldwide movement.

While part of a four-book series, "The Go-Giver" itself has sold well over a million...

Adam Levy brings over 25 years of diverse legal experience to the bench, serving as one of three judges on Prime Video's Tribunal Justice, created by Judge Judy Sheindlin.

Podcast Highlights:

• Levy talks about being part of a legal dynasty, including his mother, Judge Judy Sheindlin • Levy discusses how the "rule of law" applied at home • Levy shares the importance his mother's work ethic had on his professional development • Levy shares a funny story of how his mother accepted a job on his behalf early in his career • Levy shares his passionate views on the importance of truth a...

John Quiñones is an ABC News correspondent who reports across "20/20," "Nightline" and "Good Morning America." During his 40-year tenure at ABC News, he has reported extensively for all programs and platforms and served as anchor of "What Would You Do?" and "Primetime."

This discussion focused primarily on his work on "What Would You Do?," which just began its 17th Season on ABC.

Podcast Highlights:

Not long ago, Steven Petrow experienced one of the worst years of his life. He lost both his parents, separated from his husband, and learned that his sister had metastatic cancer. He began to question: how can one find joy during incredibly difficult times?

Award-winning Washington Post columnist Petrow explains that joy is not only around us, but within us. He examines this and so much more in his much-anticipated book "The Joy You Make: Find the Silver Linings--Even on Your Darkest Days."

Steven Petrow is an award-winning journalist and author who is best known...

Geri Jewell started her career as a stand-up comic, and is best known for her role as "Cousin Geri" on the ground-breaking sitcom NBC's "The Facts of Life," and a reoccurring role in HBO's "Deadwood."

Geri has appeared on numerous comedy cable shows such as A&E's Evening at the Improv, VHI's Spotlight, and Comedy Central.

She appeared in the Emmy® Award winning movie Two of a Kind, with George Burns and Robby Benson. She has also appeared in "I Love Liberty," "21 Jump Street," "Sesame Street," "The New Adventures of Lassie," "Strong Medicine," "The Young a...

Today we are celebrating our 200th Episode with the return of a special friend of the podcast, Judge Tanya Acker.

Acker serves as one of three judges on Amazon Freevee's Tribunal Justice, created by Judge Judy Sheindlin. Acker also hosts "The Tanya Acker Show" podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Overcast, and Pocketcasts. Most recently, Acker was a judge on the Emmy-nominated series, "Hot Bench."

Acker is also the author of "Make Your Case: Finding Your Win in Civil Court," published by Diversion Books. In the book, Acker provides readers with curated, targeted information about...

Rolonda Watts' name, face, and distinctive voice have been known by audiences everywhere, thanks to her many award-winning works in television, radio, film, theatre, digital media, stand-up comedy, motivational speaking, and author of DESTINY LINGERS, her award-winning romance suspense novel, endorsed by Dr. Maya Angelou.

Most know her by one name, Rolonda, under which she launched her own internationally syndicated talk show (1994-1998), produced by King World Productions and her Watts Works Productions. An Emmy and Cable Ace Awards Nominee, Rolonda returns to daytime TV as the Announcer and Promo Voice for Sherri, recently serving as a...

Michael Sheldrick is a global gamechanger. A policy entrepreneur, Co-Founder and Chief Policy, Impact and Government Affairs Officer at Global Citizen, he is also the author of the amazing new book, "From Ideas to Impact."

He is a driving force behind the efforts of Global Citizen to end extreme poverty. Michael leads the organization's campaigns to rally support from governments, businesses and foundations to get the world on track to end extreme poverty.

A policy entrepreneur, Michael has worked on campaigns globally with artists such as Beyoncé, Coldplay, Idris and Sabrina Elba, Lady Gaga, Miley C...

Justice Patricia M. DiMango serves as one of three judges on Amazon Freevee's Tribunal Justice, created by Judge Judy Sheindlin. Most recently, Justice DiMango was a judge on the Emmy-nominated series, "Hot Bench."

Justice DiMango was first appointed to serve as a Judge of the Criminal Courts for the City of New York by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. She became the first Italian-American woman ever appointed to that position. Thereafter, she was elected to the New York State Supreme Court bench in the 2nd and 11th Judicial Districts, and again was the first Italian-American woman elected to that...

Peter McGraw is a business school professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. He hosts the podcast "Solo—The Single Person's Guide to a Remarkable Life," writes for Single Insights—The Science of Solos, and hosts The Solo Salon. In 2014, McGraw co-authored "The Humor Code." He has written for Slate, Wired, Fortune, and HuffPost. His work has been covered by The New York Times, WSJ, NPR, BBC, TIME, CNN, The Atlantic, and more. He has been a guest on "WTF with Marc Maron" and "The Joe Rogan Experience."

ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones is a podc...

Dr. Judy Ho is a triple board certified and licensed clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, a tenured associate professor at Pepperdine University, television and podcast host, and published author.

Dr. Judy conducts neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic evaluations, serves as an expert witness in legal cases, conducts clinical research, provides expert commentary to media, and is a sought-after public speaker.

Dr. Judy has appeared on hundreds of television programs and documentaries as a psychology expert, co-hosting the Emmy award-winning show "The Doctors" and the daytime syndicated program "Face the Truth." She also regularly contributes her psychology expertise to...

Kevin Goetz, a well-known personality within the entertainment industry, is currently a leading expert in motion picture marketing and tech-enabled research. He is often the "go-to" person when filmmakers and studios need insights into how to fix or market their pictures.

His company, Screen Engine, is one of the few firms worldwide that conducts specialized research on Hollywood's movies and television content. Goetz has been at the center of the research industry for more than three decades and has worked alongside all the major film studio chiefs, network and streaming platform executives and production company decision-makers.

Barbra Streisand's sister, Roslyn Kind, has been busy over the last few years producing and releasing songs such as "Save the Country," "Light of Love," and "It Only Takes a Moment: Kiss Me Now."

Roslyn is a dynamic, multi-talented entertainer who has forged a successful career in all facets of entertainment, from critically acclaimed recordings to sold-out performances on Broadway and in top concert venues and nightclubs worldwide. She has frequently shared the stage with her sister, Barbra, and her nephew, Jason Gould.

Most recently, Roslyn realized a dream of combining two hits, "Look of...

The celebrated host of AWAKENED NATION podcast, Brad Szollose is a business consultant, former C-Level Executive of a public company, global business adviser, Web pioneer, Generation Y expert and keynote speaker who helps smart companies like Dell and Master Card understand how much technology has transformed corporate culture and behavior—especially the behavior of Generation Y—and how that impacts management, interaction and expectations in today's Information Age. Brad is the award-winning author of the international bestseller "Liquid Leadership," which explores the subject of new leadership styles—mainly how to get the tech-savvy Generation Y and analogue-driven Baby Boomers workin...

The extraordinary Craig Carnelia has had four shows produced on Broadway. Working with composer Marvin Hamlisch, he wrote the lyrics for "Sweet Smell of Success," with book by John Guare, and "Imaginary Friends" with Nora Ephron.

As both composer and lyricist, Craig wrote the score for "Is There Life After High School" and contributed songs to "Working."

Off-Broadway, he wrote the score for "Three Postcards at Playwrights Horizons," with book by Craig Lucas, and contributed to the review "Diamonds," directed by Hal Prince. Regionally, he wrote the score for "Poster Boy" at Williamstown Theatre Festival...

Maria Ho, one of the most notable names in poker today, is the youngest woman ever to be inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame. She is also the 2019 Global Poker Award Broadcaster of the Year winner. Her commentary work includes the WSOP Main Event on ESPN, the PokerGO Super High Roller Bowl on CBS Sports, and WPT's King of the Club on FSN.

Her impressive live tournament resume puts her among the top 5 in the women's all-time money list. You may have seen her mainstream television appearances on The Amazing Race, CNN's Anderson Cooper...

Brandon Mace grew up as a military BRAT doing theatre and choir as his family moved around. He met Randy in Virginia while performing at dinner theatres in the area.

Brandon graduated from George Mason with a degree in theatre before joining the U.S. Army in 2003. He is currently a Public Affairs Lt. Colonel stationed in Chicago at the Army Enterprise Marketing Office, working on their national recruiting ads. In his spare time, he volunteers with True Dungeon, designs games, and writes all sorts of things, including PEOPLE OF EARTH, featured on today's episode.

...

Jen Golbeck is the "internet's dog mom" and creator of the social media sensation The Golden Ratio. A professor at the University of Maryland's College of Information Studies, she is a popular science communicator on issues related to her research on social media and dogs. Her TED Talks have been viewed by millions and she is a popular keynote speaker who has appeared on NPR, The 11th Hour, and more. Her writing has appeared in Slate, The Atlantic, Psychology Today, and Wired.

She and her husband rescue golden retrievers who are senior or who have special medical...

Frank Anthony Polito is an award-winning author and playwright. He holds an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon and a BFA in Theatre from Wayne State. Published novels include BAND FAGS! (2008 "Best Fiction" - InsightOut Book Club), DRAMA QUEERS! (2009 Lambda Literary Award), REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS (featuring the sequel to BAND FAGS!), LOST IN THE '90s, and THE SPIRIT OF DETROIT.

His plays ANOTHER DAY ON WILLOW ST and BFs! (based on his novel BAND FAGS!) have been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit, Omaha, and Annapolis. His other writing has been featured...

Designer Tamara Day is a purveyor of the glam and cozy. This busy wife and mother of four styles for the spirited home, mixing glam, comfort, and family. Tamara's sense of style and eye for what works has created an insatiable demand for her interior design expertise, furniture and décor.

Tamara grew up on the Midwestern plains in Salina, Kansas. Her "do-it-yourself" skill set comes from growing up on a farm. Growing up, she learned all of her hands-on skills from her dad, Ward Schraeder. After getting married, Tamara and her husband took on old, dilapidated h...