Ali celebrates her birthday by sharing memories of birthday parties and traditions growing up.
Birthday Bashes
The Phantom of the Opera
Ali discusses the musical, The Phantom of the Opera, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on the French novel by Gaston Leroux. She reminisces about seeing the musical twice on Broadway and shares which song is her favorite from this dark, captivating, longest-running Broadway show.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia with Casey
Ali and returning guest, Casey, discuss the long-running series, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, created by Rob McElhenney. They discuss favorite episodes, character-defining moments and hilarious quotes, plus their thoughts on the gang’s dynamic and the clever anti-sitcom mentality of the show.
Be sure to also check out Musical Mania with Casey Reed.
“Guardian of the Night”
Ali shares a new short story she wrote called “Guardian of the Night.” She also talks a little about New Year’s resolutions to close out 2019 and ring in 2020.
South Park Christmas Specials
Ali discusses the Christmas specials of South Park, starting with the two animated short films that led to the series, The Spirit of Christmas: Jesus vs. Frosty (1992) and The Spirit of Christmas: Jesus vs. Santa (1995), followed by all of the classic Christmas episodes from the show: “Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo” (season 1), “Merry Christmas, Charlie Manson!” (season 2), “Mr. Hankey’s Christmas Classics” (season 3), “A Very Crappy Christmas” (season 4), “Red Sleigh Down” (season 6), “It’s Christmas in Canada” (season 7) and “Woodland Critter Christmas” (season 8).
Frosty the Snowman
Ali discusses the beloved Christmas special based on the song of the same name, Frosty the Snowman, sharing her favorite moments and why it still makes her emotional every year.
“The Gift of the Magi”
Ali discusses the short story, “The Gift of the Magi,” by O. Henry, highlighting the true act of selflessness despite the irony in this well-known Christmas tale.
The World of Writing with David Steven Cohen
Ali interviews Emmy award-winning writer, lyricist and composer, David Steven Cohen, whose credits include Pee-wee’s Playhouse, ALF, Arthur, Parker Lewis Can’t Lose, Balto and many other projects, including serving as the head writer on Courage the Cowardly Dog. David shares how he got his start, notable moments in his career, favorite episodes and songs he’s written, his experience as the executive producer of the Writers Guild Awards, advice for up and coming writers, what he’s currently working on and much more!
Check out David’s website, dstevencohen.com, and be sure to follow him on Twitter.
Read a few of his Courage the Cowardly Dog scripts: dstevencohen.com/scripts
Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie + “Audaciously Flirting”
Ali discusses the TV movie, Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie, written by series creator, Craig Bartlett, along with Joe Purdy, Laura Sreebny and Justin Charlebois. She recaps all her favorite moments while reliving the excitement of this long-awaited movie. Afterward, she shares another Hey Arnold! story she wrote called “Audaciously Flirting.”
Be sure to also check out Hey Arnold! + “Care.”
The Little Mermaid
Ali discusses the movie that kicked off the Disney Renaissance era, The Little Mermaid. She talks about why “Part of Your World” is her all-time favorite Disney song and recaps her favorite moments from this beloved film.
