For decades, Mary Jane Popp has built a legacy as one of the most revered voices in radio and television. Photo courtesy of Mary Jane Popp

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - For decades, Mary Jane Popp has built a legacy as one of the most revered voices in radio and television. From working with radio and TV stations across the country to hosting some of the most iconic interviews in media history, Popp’s passion for connecting with people is undeniable.

Now, with the launch of her new podcast, “Popp Star Talk,” Popp is offering listeners a fresh look at the stars they thought they knew.

Popp’s career, which spans multiple decades and a variety of media, has been anything but typical. She didn’t initially set out to be an interviewer but instead was a singer and actress working toward a Ph.D. at Indiana University when a dare changed her trajectory.

From left, Helen Reddy singer famous for “I AM Woman” and Mary Jane Popp. Photo courtesy of Mary Jane Popp

“I wasn’t going to interview people. People were going to interview me,” Popp said. “But then I was dared to audition for a TV show and I went, ‘OK, why not? I got nothing to lose.”

In 1974, Popp landed a gig on WTTV in Indianapolis, where she produced and hosted “Studio Four,” a live television talk show. It was a role that required everything from guest booking to producing, an education that would become the foundation of her expansive career. Popp also hosted “Starlight Backstage” at the same studio which launched her celebrity interviews.

Fast forward to today and Popp is in the midst of her latest project, “Popp Star Talk.”

“I got a call from a dear friend, Kenneth Segura Knoll, who suggested we should do a podcast with all the interviews I had made. I had around 170 interviews,” said Popp.

Lou Ferrigno, actor and former bodybuilder, was in the movie and TV show, “The Hulk.” Photo courtesy of Mary Jane Popp

Launched on April 2, the episodes utilize the vast collection of interviews she has conducted over the years. Throughout each episode listeners can expect to hear updates on the current whereabouts and endeavors of the people Popp has interviewed, giving fans a chance to reconnect with familiar voices, along with the full original interviews.

The podcast brings a unique perspective to celebrity interviews. While many shows focus solely on an entertainer’s latest project or achievement, Popp takes a more personal route, delving into the questions that many others overlook.

“I’m not interested in just promoting someone’s latest book or movie,” Popp said. “I want to know who they are, what drives them, what makes them happy, sad or even what they’d change about their lives. That’s what people really want to know.”

Mary Jane Popp stands alongside Carol Channing, movie and Broadway star. Photo courtesy of Mary Jane Popp

In “Popp Star Talk,” Popp interviews a wide range of celebrities, from actors including “The Birds” star Tippi Hedren to impressionist Rich Little, and from models such as Cheryl Tiegs to “Happy Days” icons Anson Williams and Marion Ross. What sets her interviews apart from the typical soundbites is the depth of the conversation. Popp encourages guests to drop the PR facades and speak candidly about their lives.

“I always tell them I’ll mention your latest project but the real conversation will go beyond that,” Popp said. “I want to know what makes you tick. I ask them, ‘Who are you in 25 words or less?’ and that question always catches them off guard.”

From left are Richard Thomas from “The Waltons," Mary Jane Popp and George Wendt from “Cheers.” Photo courtesy of Mary Jane Popp

What started as an idea to share interviews from her past has now grown into an international success. With Popp’s show available on platforms such as YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts, “Popp Star Talk” is now heard in 17 countries, attracting listeners curious about the untold stories behind the stars.

But it’s not just about the interviews themselves. Popp works tirelessly behind the scenes, researching each guest, ensuring that her listeners are not only entertained but also educated on the people they’re hearing from. It’s a method that pays off; whether it’s a fun anecdote or a deeply personal reflection from an iconic figure, Popp’s audience gets to hear it all.

Here are actor and former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mary Jane Popp in 2006. Photo courtesy of Mary Jane Popp

It’s not always easy. As with any new project, there are challenges, technical issues, scheduling conflicts and finding the balance between entertaining and informing. But for Popp, it’s all part of the process.

“The research is the hardest part. I don’t want to just throw an interview up and call it a day,” Popp said. “I want to add depth. I want to give people more than just what’s on the surface.”

As for her own career, Popp’s love for what she does has only grown over the years. She firmly believes that if you’re doing something you love, it’s never really work.

“People always ask me when I’m going to retire and I tell them, ‘When I drop dead,’” Popp said with a smile. “If you love what you’re doing, you’ll never work a day in your life. There will be frustrations but that’s all part of the game.”

Mary Jane Popp, as a picklelittle lady, is with John Davidson in “Music Man.” Photo courtesy of Mary Jane Popp

Popp has always been known for her down-to-earth nature and her genuine curiosity, qualities that have undoubtedly contributed to her success. She is driven by a desire to connect with her guests in a way that is honest and authentic.

“I don’t need to be the star of the show. The guest is the star,” Popp said. “If you truly care about someone, they’ll open up to you. That’s the magic of it.”

As for her listeners, Popp has one main goal: to entertain and to reveal the true, multidimensional lives of the people they admire.

“I want people to remember these stars for who they really are, not just what they see on TV or in the movies,” Popp said. “Everyone has a story to tell. My job is to help share it.”

Movie star Claude Akins embraces Mary Jane Popp in a hug. Photo courtesy of Mary Jane Popp

With her wealth of experience and genuine care for the people Popp interviews, “Popp Star Talk” promises to continue offering listeners an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the stars who have shaped our culture. Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or catching up with the archives, Popp’s engaging, heartfelt conversations are sure to leave a lasting impression.

To listen to “Popp Star Talk,” visit https://redcircle.com/shows/poppstartalk or find it on your favorite podcast platform.

Each new episode airs every Friday, with archived interviews available for those wanting to explore the wealth of content.

From left are Mary Jane Popp and Molly Ringwold from Sacramento, an actress in multiple movies. Photo courtesy of Mary Jane Popp