Episode 242

We’re joined by two authors whose stories illustrate courage, creativity, and the unpredictable tides of adversity and accomplishment, while also uniting us through humanity’s common threads.

Greg Cope White is the Marine whose true story inspired Boots on Netflix. His book is called The Pink Marine and Greg takes us behind the scenes on its screen adaptation with the cast going through actual bootcamp to emerge as actors who could realistically portray Marine recruits.

In serving as a writer and Executive Producer on the show, Greg had the opportunity to flesh out stories beyond those of himself and his best friend, Dale. Greg’s character is called Cam and he joins The Marines before “Don’t Ask. Don’t Tell,” when it was completely illegal to be gay in The Marine Corps. We quickly learn that every recruit is hiding or trying to prove something. Dale became Ray in the series and he is running from an abusive father, attempting to build pride in himself.

We also meet characters who struggle with their weight or have had brushes with the law or have never fit in. Pressure makes diamonds and Marines. Bonds form and Greg reports that the actors in the show are as tight as any fighting unit.

Michael Gregg Michaud introduces us to Christopher Jones: Wild in the Streets, his new book chronicling the meteoric rise, and mysterious disappearance, of one of Hollywood’s most compelling shooting stars. From 1960s heartthrob to sudden recluse, Chris’s story is one of talent, turmoil, mental illness and cultural transformation.

We hear about Greg's solidarity buzzcut and we learn about the Christopher Jones - Sharon Tate connection, it's an episode brimming with mystery, tragedy and triumph!

And in current media--

Weezy: Season 3 of The Diplomat on Netflix

Fritz: Mr. Scorcese - A documentary series on Apple TV+