ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones

217: Tina Chiang KNOWS Risk, Reward, Faith, Purpose, BritBox & Sister Boniface Mysteries

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 worldwide audiences but with Tina herself. She also reflects on her personal journey from Denmark to Singapore to the United Kingdom—and her professional journey from actor to bank compliance officer to actor again.   Host Randall Kenneth Jones guides the discussion through Chiang's creative process, her perspective on storytelling, and the collaborative energy behind producing a successful streaming series on BritBox. Fans of British mysteries, period dramas, and character-driven television will especially enjoy this thoughtful and entertaining conversation.   Whether you're a fan of British crime dramas, BritBox originals, or love conversations with talented creatives, this episode offers a fascinating look inside the world of "Sister Boniface Mysteries" and the artistry and joy behind the performances.   Special shout-outs to BritBox, "Absolutely Fabulous," convent schools, The Cotswolds, make-up, costume, and hair designers, casting directors, screenwriters, East Asian Artists, "Under the Tuscan Sun," Agatha Christie, "Father Brown," John Light, "Carry On" film series, reincarnation, Cynthia Rhodes, "Dirty Dancing," "Beyond Paradise," Kris Marshall, and "Sister Boniface Mysteries" series creator Jude Tindall.   ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones is a premier podcast and media platform that delivers "smart, funny, and heartfelt" conversations designed to inspire personal and professional growth. Hosted by bestselling author and creative consultant Randall Kenneth Jones, the show serves as an "antidote to today's anxiety-ridden media landscape" by focusing on the "little truths" that define our world.   Erin Brockovich endorses the show as "The best host and podcast ever," and each episode is introduced by Susan Bennett, the celebrated voice actor famously known as the original voice of Siri.   Best Quotes:   •            "I am always glad that I followed my heart. I didn't want to be on my deathbed regretting a life spent in banking."—Tina Chiang •            "Things take time—and what's for you won't pass you by."—Tina Chiang •            "Only you can tell your story with authenticity and honesty."—Tina Chiang •            "Creativity is my thing—I am nothing if I'm not working on a project."—Randall Kenneth Jones www.OnTheKnows.com  Tina Chiang: https://www.instagram.com/chiang_tina Randall Kenneth Jones: www.RandallKennethJones.com  Susan Bennett: www.SusanCBennett.com  Kevin Randall Jones: www.KevinRandallJones.com

216: Rebecca Newberger Goldstein KNOWS Philosophy, Emotion, Education, Humanities & What it Means to Truly Matter

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 Longing Drives Us and Divides Us In this fascinating conversation, Goldstein and Jones examine why humans are driven by the need to matter—and how that instinct influences everything from personal relationships and self-worth to politics, prejudice, and cultural identity. Goldstein earned her Ph.D. in philosophy of science from Princeton University and has taught at Yale, Columbia, NYU, Dartmouth, and Harvard. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, recipient of the MacArthur "Genius" Grant, and has received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, Radcliffe Institute, Whiting Foundation, and the National Science Foundation. In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded her the National Humanities Medal for her contributions to philosophy and literature. This episode explores big questions about human nature, purpose, philosophy, personal identity, and how the need to matter shapes our lives and societies. About ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones Called "the best podcast and host ever" by recurring guest Erin Brockovich, ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones is a dynamic Society & Culture, Personal Growth, and Arts podcast exploring success, creativity, leadership, books, and human potential. Across 200+ energetic interviews, host Randall Kenneth Jones speaks with celebrity guests, bestselling authors, artists, innovators, and cultural thought leaders about their journeys, insights, and lessons learned. With a frequent focus on authors, books, philosophy, and the humanities, the podcast blends intellectual curiosity, humor, storytelling, and practical wisdom—creating engaging conversations about creativity, purpose, legacy, lifelong learning, and personal growth. Often described as an antidote to today's anxiety-driven media landscape, the show celebrates conversation, curiosity, kindness, laughter, and connection. Host Randall Kenneth Jones is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and communications consultant. The show's announcer is celebrated voice actor Susan Bennett, best known as the original voice of Apple's Siri. The podcast is produced and edited by Kevin Randall Jones. Memorable Quotes from the Interview • "Every living thing is organically driven by a mandate that ensures it matters to itself—which is to say that it prioritizes its own surviving and thriving."—Rebecca Newberger Goldstein • "Do I matter? This is the mother of our mattering questions."—Rebecca Newberger Goldstein • "I used to think I wanted to be famous, but now I know I just want to matter." — Randall Kenneth Jones • "When it comes to our own mattering, we are staunch realists. We don't want feelings. We want the facts."—Rebecca Newberger Goldstein • "Some seek to demonstrate their mattering by diminishing the mattering of others—racism, sexism, classism, jingoism, elitism, and other forms of mattering diminishment."—Rebecca Newberger Goldstein • "There just doesn't seem to be enough mattering to go around, and we scramble like children beneath a piñata."—Rebecca Newberger Goldstein Learn More www.OnTheKnows.com Rebecca Newberger Goldstein www.RebeccaGoldstein.com Randall Kenneth Jones: www.RandallKennethJones.com Susan Bennett: www.SusanCBennett.com Kevin Randall Jones: www.KevinRandallJones.com

215: Patrick Ryan KNOWS Fiction, Wordplay, the Human Condition, Literary Success, Jenna Bush Hager and BUCKEYE

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 Listen to This Episode • Behind the Scenes of a Bestseller: Discover how Patrick Ryan spent eight years crafting Buckeye, drawing inspiration from his own family's history and a shocking decades-old secret involving his grandmother in a small Ohio town. • The Art of "The Know": Host Randall Kenneth Jones is celebrated for his ability to ask "questions no one else can ask," moving beyond standard press junket talk to uncover the "little truths" that define his guests, his characters, and their shared belief systems. • Deep Themes of Forgiveness and Grief: The conversation delves into the heart of Ryan's work, exploring how individuals are defined by their mistakes and how the often unspoken words between loved ones shape generations. • A Journey Through American History: Learn how Ryan uses a small-town Ohio setting to reflect sixty years of American history, from the 1920s to the 1980s, through the intertwined lives of two families. Patrick Ryan is the author of the story collections "The Dream Life of Astronauts" (named one of the Best Books of the Year by the St. Louis Times-Dispatch, Literary Hub, Refinery29, and Electric Literature, and longlisted for The Story Prize) and "Send Me." His work has appeared in The Best American Short Stories, the anthology Tales of Two Cities, and elsewhere. The former associate editor of Granta, he is the current editor-in-chief of the literary magazine One Story. He lives in New York City. Described by recurring guest Erin Brockovich as "The best podcast and host ever," "ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones" is a premier podcast and media platform dedicated to exploring the intersection of professional success, personal fulfillment, and human potential. Through a series of high-energy conversations with celebrities, changemakers, and thought leaders, Jones delves into the minds of entertainment industry icons and beyond to extract actionable leadership and lifestyle insights. With its frequent focus on authors and books, the arts and humanities, the show skillfully balances the glamour of fame, success, and/or the power of influence with the humor and pathos of everyday life, creating a rich tapestry of human nature and shared experience. Listeners are invited into inspiring discussions that prioritize personal growth and the pursuit of excellence, offering a masterclass in creativity and innovation. Host Randall Kenneth Jones is a bestselling author, speaker, and creative communications consultant. The announcer is the celebrated voice actor Susan Bennett, widely known as the original voice of Siri. Often described as an "antidote to today's anxiety-ridden media landscape," ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones offers a fun yet meaningful spin on aging, legacy, lifelong learning, and "edutainment," by emphasizing "the importance of importance," conversation, laughter, listening, and thought. "ON THE KNOWS" is produced and edited by Kevin Randall Jones. Podcast Interview Highlights: • Explanation of how Ryan and Randy "know" each other—through Randy's husband, Derek, and Ryan's mother, Beverly. • Patrick explains how he felt when he learned Amazon voted his book the #1 Book of the Year for 2025, as well as the thrill of being a Read with Jenna Today Show pick. • Randy praises Patrick's gift for language, descriptions, and exposition, and provides specific examples. • Patrick explains his writing process and provides specific examples. • Patrick explains his reasons for choosing this story, these characters, this time period, and these themes. • Patrick shares his personal connection to Ohio, the book's setting. • Patrick shares is view on "the complicated nature of forgiveness." • Discussion on the concepts of aging and the passage of time with Randy's shoutout to Allison Janney, who Randy feels should be in a film firm because shes the U.S.'s version of Judi Dench, she makes everything she's in better. • Discussion on Patrick as narrator, not passing judgment on his characters. • Discussion on the definition of a "villain" and what it means when "life" and "expectations" are the villain. Includes comparisons to Randy's Book "Ruby, Magic Comes From the Heart." Randy shares a personal story about how Cynthia Rhodes from "Dirty Dancing" inspired his book, "Ruby." • Discussion on actual writing/creative process. • Discussion on the non-traditional inclusion of a psychic character in the book, including Randy's reveal of what he learned about Patrick from his personal friend, psychic medium Linda Spellman — www.lightofthephoenix.com • Discussion on grief's impact on the book. • Randy emotionally shares the impact of Patrick's work on his career over the past 20 years. Best Quotes from Interview: • "If we are not conducting our lives in such a way that is geared toward helping other people have better lives, then there's no point." — Patrick Ryan • Excerpt from BUCKEYE by Patrick Ryan: "Bonhomie wasn't nearly so small that everyone knew everyone else, but it was small enough that, sooner or later, most everyone felt as if they'd laid eyes on most everyone else." • Excerpt from BUCKEYE by Patrick Ryan: "The wisdom that comes with age was needling, he found, because it brought the clarity of hindsight without the means to change anything." • Excerpt from BUCKEYE by Patrick Ryan: "Good opportunities sometimes come wrapped in garbage." • Excerpt from BUCKEYE by Patrick Ryan: "People were much nicer when you had a little money. It was like a secret handshake that gained you admission to a friendlier world." • Excerpt from BUCKEYE by Patrick Ryan: "Don't talk to anyone who doesn't seem nice. Don't talk to any man who has his pants hiked up and his business shoved over to one side, on display." • Excerpt from BUCKEYE by Patrick Ryan: "That's the whole point," Becky said. "Is the future knowable? Will our older selves be anything like our younger selves thought we would be? We can only find out by writing it down and then putting it out of our minds and letting life take its course. The unraveling of time should be mysterious, don't you think?" • Excerpt from BUCKEYE by Patrick Ryan: "What is it about time that confounds us? We spend it. We save it. We while it away. We waste it. We kill it. We complain about not having enough of it, or about having too much of it on our hands. We regret what we've done with it. We give it away. We want it back. We say "time and again" when something is bothering us and "it's time" when something is supposed to end. Felix saw it so clearly: all we should ever want of time is more of it. Life was so simple when it was reduced to the barest of necessities: more time; more air; more Duke Ellington." • "A lot of lying on a regular basis would have to start feeling like the truth." — Patrick Ryan • Excerpt from BUCKEYE by Patrick Ryan: "Wasn't it a fair measure of a person, what they did with their mistakes? How they managed to stumble into some of the right steps, after taking all the wrong ones? • "There's no expiration date on our ability to create or our ability to contribute." Randall Kenneth Jones www.OnTheKnows.com Patrick Ryan: www.PatrickRyanBooks.com Randall Kenneth Jones: www.RandallKennethJones.com Susan Bennett: www.SusanCBennett.com Kevin Randall Jones: www.KevinRandallJones.com

214: Scott Eyman KNOWS Hollywood, Perception, Reality, Film History, and Joan Crawford

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 of eighteen books, including the bestseller "John Wayne," as well as "Pieces of My Heart" and "You Must Remember This" with actor Robert Wagner. Eyman, formerly the literary critic at The Palm Beach Post, also writes book reviews for The Wall Street Journal and has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Chicago Tribune. He and his wife, Lynn, live in West Palm Beach. Described by recurring guest Erin Brockovich as "The best podcast and host ever," "ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones" is a premier podcast and media platform dedicated to exploring the intersection of professional success, personal fulfillment, and human potential. Through a series of high-energy conversations with celebrities, changemakers, and thought leaders, Jones delves into the minds of entertainment industry icons and beyond to extract actionable leadership and lifestyle insights. With its frequent focus on the arts and humanities, the show skillfully balances the glamour of fame and/or the power of influence with the humor and pathos of everyday life, creating a rich tapestry of human nature and shared experience. Listeners are invited into inspiring discussions that prioritize personal growth and the pursuit of excellence, offering a masterclass in creativity and innovation. Whether highlighting a household name or a community activist, every episode is packed with life lessons and motivational stories designed to empower individuals to reach their highest potential. Host Randall Kenneth Jones is a bestselling author, speaker, and creative communications consultant. The announcer is the celebrated voice actor Susan Bennett, widely known as the original voice of Siri. Often described as an "antidote to today's anxiety-ridden media landscape," ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones offers a fun yet meaningful spin on aging, legacy, lifelong learning, and "edutainment," by emphasizing the importance of importance, conversation, laughter, listening, and thought. "ON THE KNOWS" is produced and edited by Kevin Randall Jones. Podcast Highlights: • Scott and Randy set a fun tone for the interview by discussing an appropriate quote from Howard Strickling, former MGM Head of Publicity: "Don't let them interview you. You interview them. Find out what they're interested in and ask them about it. Then you can direct the interview in the direction you want." • Scott explains why he chooses the projects he chooses. • Scott talks about how the pandemic led him to write his Charlie Chaplin book before his Joan Crawford book, due to the availability of information online. • Scott begins to explain Joan Crawford's appeal as a book subject. • Randy shares his personal connection with Joan's alma mater, Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. • Randy gives a shout-out to Dr. James Wood, former President of Stephens College, for providing Crawford with three rules for life that, to Jones, still stand the test of time: • Never quit a job until it's finished. • The world isn't interested in your problems. • If you can find you can do a job, move on, because you're already bigger than the job. If the job is impossible, stick with it. You may never accomplish it, but you'll grow in the trying. • Scott discusses Joan's (lack of) classroom education. • Randy and Scott discuss our nation's challenging relationship with identifying the "truth," how Scott defines "truth" in his work, specifically with regards to Joan Crawford, and in the infamous book/movie "Mommie Dearest." • Scott discusses the differences between Joan Crawford, Lucille LeSueur, and Billie Cassin, the three names she was known by in her life. • Scott discusses "Possessed" and why it's his favorite of Crawford's films. • Randy explains his fun connection to two films, having played comedic versions of Jane Hudson in a stage production of "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" and Cousin Miriam in "Hush Up, Sweet Charlotte" in Florida. • Scott and Randy discuss the kinder side of Joan Crawford and what she teaches us today. Being attentive, invested in others, a good listener, committed, and professional—and how these qualities are not unique to the entertainment industry. • Scott and Randy discuss the danger of hearsay and the absence of thoughtful research. • Randy thanks Scott for his sensitive yet honest portrayal of aging. Best Quotes: • Scott Eyman: "As both actress and woman, [Joan Crawford] forged ahead, determined to outrun squalor and damage, to transcend the fear that coexisted with the other primary qualities she brought to the movies, and to her life: courage… sexual energy… vitality… defiance. Joan Crawford learned to love the light, and the light loved her back." • Scott Eyman: "Joan was working-class with no education to speak of but plenty of vaulting ambition and saw no reason to lie about either." • Scott Eyman: "[Joan Crawford] really worked at cultivating an audience because the audience was standing in for all the love she hadn't had." • Scott Eyman: "Underneath the carapace of Joan Crawford, she was still Lucille LeSueur, a distressed worker with a perpetually endangered sense of self-worth." • Scott Eyman "[Joan Crawford] had a sense of herself as a role she must play, that she could play, and it was her best role. She knew how to do it." • Scott Eyman: "My job is to find the humanity in whatever I write about." www.OnTheKnows.com Scott Eyman: www.scotteyman.com Randall Kenneth Jones: www.RandallKennethJones.com Susan Bennett: www.SusanCBennett.com Kevin Randall Jones: www.KevinRandallJones.com

213: John Abendshien KNOWS Movies, Healthcare, Curiosity Gone Wild, Human Nature, Kevin McCallister & Home Alone Home Ownership

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 over his home—and life. Filming lasted five months in 1990, but the impact never ended. What followed was a mix of magic and madness, as the family's home became a permanent tourist attraction. Blending humor and heartfelt reflection, Abendshien draws parallels between himself and young Kevin McCallister, noting the film's deeper themes of family, independence, and resilience. Over time, the house stopped being just his—it became everyone's house. And as he says, when you're part of something this beloved, you're never really home alone. John Abendshien has over 45 years of experience providing consulting services to healthcare organizations in enterprise strategy, clinical services development, organizational design, and mergers and acquisitions. He has played a key role in the planning and development of some of the country's leading healthcare systems and has conducted 400+ consulting engagements across the United States with a broad range of organizations. John is a frequent speaker and lecturer on strategic planning and organizational change management, and is the author of the book "Health Care in the Next Curve: Transforming a Dysfunctional Industry" (CRC Press, 2018). In 2023, John was recognized by Marquis Who's Who for his contributions to the healthcare industry. John holds an M.B.A. and an M.S. degree in Health Services Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia and completed his administrative residency at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. He also served as an officer in the U.S. Army Medical Services Corps. "ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones" is a podcast that features smart, funny, and heartfelt conversations with celebrities, innovators, and everyday heroes. The show is designed to entertain, enlighten, and offer listeners new insights into the world, others, and themselves. The podcast is hosted by Randall Kenneth Jones, a bestselling author, speaker, and creative communications consultant. The announcer is the celebrated voice actor Susan Bennett, widely known as the original voice of Siri. The podcast offers a unique spin on knowledge and education, emphasizing the importance of conversation, laughter, listening, and critical thinking. It is often described as an "antidote to today's anxiety-ridden media landscape." "ON THE KNOWS" is produced and edited by Kevin Randall Jones. Podcast Highlights: • The only thing John didn't like about the final film was the horrible wallpaper, which didn't match the décor of John's home. • John shared why he waited 35 years to write the book—and John and Randy discuss why that has actually made it a better book. • John's 2nd-favorite memory from the set was time spent behind the scenes learning from production designer John Muto and cinematographer Julio Macat. John ultimately expresses very complimentary sentiments toward John Hughes, Chris Columbus, John Williams, and everyone involved in the movie. • John and Randy discuss their favorite cast members and why they have this honor. John's is Daniel Stern and Randy's is "the great and powerful" Catherine O'Hara. • John describes a childhood in which he was "home alone" much of the time. John and Randy share a hometown in Columbia, Missouri, and are both alums of the University of Missouri-Columbia. John and Randy discuss that neither of them ever "learned how to play." • John shares how his work in healthcare administration relates to his experience with HOME ALONE, both during filming and in the decades following the film's release. • John talks about his wonderful neighbors. • John shares how the film—and the chaos that followed—changed his view of life and how he personally changed over time. Best Quotes: • John Abendshien: "The 'Home Alone' crowd shattered almost every cliché ever said about Tinseltown. Every single person—yes, every last one—was down to earth and surprisingly easy to get along with." • John Abendshien: "We weren't just homeowners anymore; we were unwitting participants in a film production, witnessing the magic of moviemaking firsthand—crazy stunt scenes, a cast and crew who practically moved in, and the utter chaos that came with it all." • John Abendshien: "Kids, left to their own devices, are amazingly resourceful. Kids can figure things out and take care of themselves." • John Abendshien: "Despite having managed to take care of myself as a kid, there is a big gap in my upbringing—I never quite learned how to play." • John Abendshien: "It took me a while to realize it, but the truth is, we're all just guests in our own homes, whether we're talking about a house or our own bodies. We're here for a short time, and it's up to us to make room for others, to share our space." www.OnTheKnows.com John Abendshien: www.HomeButAloneNoMore.com Randall Kenneth Jones: www.RandallKennethJones.com Susan Bennett: www.SusanCBennett.com Kevin Randall Jones: www.KevinRandallJones.com