Jodie & Shell
SHELL REINISH & THE ECLECTIC MIND
After a taping with Shell, I need all the relaxation I can get. To describe Shell is to say, (High Energy.)
When I first was a guest on The Eclectic Mind, I had no idea I would end up doing the show for ten years. I was on to replace my Mom (see the ABOUT ME page), who was not feeling well. I grabbed some footage and headed to Adelphia, in Van Nuys, Ca. The show went very well and Shell Reinish asked if I cared to do another show? I said, sure. He told me to pick the topic. I thought and came up with Hollywood Professional School. This is the school I went to for 4 years and graduated. The school was built for kids who were performers and only attended school for 4 hours a day. I brought a few year books and showed pictures of some of the famous kids who attended the school.
Shell was looking for a new partner and asked if I would be interested? I thought about it and said sure. He then hit me with, how do you do with embarrassing topics? I said, nothing really bothers me. So, the next show was on Addictions. It was a live call-in and the addictions were mostly sexual. I guess I spoke too soon, for I was embarrassed. I giggled a lot and turned red. After the show, Shell asked, can you keep up the personality that you had with this show? I responded, what personality? Well, this was the start of the dumb blonde syndrome for the show.
Shell thought with the combo of the typical California girl with the big breasts and the Brooklyn Jewish guy, we would be entertaining. So, for 10 years, I have been on TV doing The Eclectic Mind and getting teased from Shell and getting embarrassed. He especially likes to tease me about my upper anatomy. we have had some great fun on The Eclectic Mind and many interesting guests.
Through all the years I've spent on The Eclectic Mind, there are so many guests and memories that made for terrific shows. Fayard Nicholas from the famous Nicholas Brothers dance team was one of my all time favorites. What a talented gentleman he was. And to think, he worked in so many films with my Mom, Dona Massin. Billy Vera from Billy Vera and the beaters, another all time favorite. When he sang his hit "At This Moment" it took me back to when records had a romantic flair and feeling in love was such a high.
We have had our moments with Porn Stars too. Tabitha Stevens joined us a couple of times and with her appearance the phones didn't stop ringing. A sexy show for sure. Eclectic means, we try to do all different kinds of topics. Sexy or serious, we do our best to satisfy our audience.
After my Mom's passing, Shell mentioned to do a show dedicated to my Mom. This was the hardest show to do. My cousin Steve Thomassin put together a video of all her work. After it was shown, everyone on the set had tears rolling down their faces. It was truly a touching moment and one I will never forget. Mom was smiling from up above, I'm sure.
When I decided to do my own show, Jodie, LA, I wanted to have a different image. I wanted a more serious show with a different guests with each show. This is a taped show and I don't have call-ins. It is amazing how many people want to be a guest. There is always someone who has something to say, or something to promote. Since I went to a Professional school, I have been able to get some of my school mates as guests. Eddy Medora, from The Sunrays, his wife Ann Marshall from My Favorite Martian, and over 200 commercials, were such fun guests.
Another show featured Hollywood agent Steve Stevens. He grew up in the business and learned the ropes inside and out. His book, "So You Want To Be In Show Business" explains to the struggling actor the right and wrong way to tackle a career. And now with his new book "King of the Sunset Strip" he takes us down the lane where he is involved with gangster Mickey Cohen.
I grew up watching the Mickey Mouse Club. It was something that was never missed in my home. Never did I think, I would have Mousketeers on my show, Jodie, L.A. Tommy Cole, Lonnie Burr and Doreen Tracey brought back some of my fondest childhood memories.
I've been very lucky to be able to do a cable show and have such talented people. Whether they are in show business, medicine, artists, or writers, they all help to make shows that people like to watch. I'm always looking for the next guest and so far the luck has been with me.