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Hollywood And Horsepower Show with Mark Otto

Legends of the Airwaves and the Turf: A Tribute to Ursel Ellis

Hollywood & Horsepower

Episode: Legends, Legacy, and the Silver Screen (May 7, 2026)

EDITORIAL MODE

In Memoriam

Ursel Ellis (1930 – 2026)

"God's personal prototype, not meant for mass production."

Legendary horse racing broadcaster and author (Kentucky Horse Tales).

Known as the "Last of the Storytellers" with a voice that painted pictures.

Owner, breeder, trainer, and mentor to the broadcasting industry.

The Hall of Influence

JP

J.P. McCarthy

The voice of the Great Lakes; defined the morning radio era.

FS

Frank Sinatra

The most generous man in Palm Springs; a genuine legend.

JC

Johnny Carson

The late-night influence that shaped modern broadcasting.

The Casablanca Ledger

H. Bogart

$36,667

I. Bergman

$25,000

Claude Rains

$22,000

Hair & Makeup

$9,100

*Based on historical budget archives shared by Michael Blowen.

Kentucky Insider Guide

📍 Le Relais: 1930s aviation-themed French dining at Taylor Airport.

📍 Wagner's Pharmacy: Iconic breakfast spot across from Churchill Downs.

📍 Tony's Steakhouse: The Kentucky tradition for premier steaks.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit Churchill Downs in May after the Derby for the same vibe without the crowd.

#HorseRacing #OldHollywood #Broadcasting #KentuckyDerby

Estimated Reading Time: 4 mins • Host: Mark Otto

Introduction

In this poignant episode of Hollywood and Horsepower, host Mark Otto pays tribute to the late Ursel Ellis, a broadcasting and horse racing icon who passed away at age 96. The program explores the profound impact of mentors, the fading art of storytelling, and the fascinating intersection of Hollywood history with Kentucky's racing culture.



Detailed Summary

The Legacy of Ursel Ellis: A "One of One" Prototype

The episode is dedicated to Ursel Ellis (1930–2026), whom Otto describes as a mentor and a legendary storyteller in both the radio and thoroughbred industries. Ellis, an author of Kentucky Horse Tales and a long-time broadcaster, was known for his ability to "paint a picture" for his audience, a gift Otto likens to the golden age of radio. Despite his stature, Ellis was celebrated for his lack of competitiveness and his "open-door" policy toward newcomers in the industry, often inviting Otto onto his show to promote various ventures.

In Memoriam: Ursel Ellis (1930–2026)

"God's personal prototype, not meant for mass production."

Broadcasting70+ Year Career

Horse RacingOwner, Breeder, Trainer

LiteraryAuthor of Horse Tales

The Influence of Radio Giants and the Art of Conversation

Otto reflects on other legends who shaped his career, notably J.P. McCarthy of WJR Detroit. McCarthy, known as the "Voice of the Great Lakes," possessed a unique ability to bridge gaps between diverse guests—ranging from Catholic Cardinals to NBA stars—making every listener feel like they were sitting in the room. This segment emphasizes that radio hosts and comedians are the "last of the storytellers," maintaining a conversational intimacy that is increasingly rare in modern media.

Hollywood Trivia and the "Accidental" Success of Casablanca

The discussion shifts to Hollywood history, specifically the production of Casablanca. Otto reveals that the film was originally a low-expectation "contract filler" based on the screenplay Everybody Comes to Rick's. The production was famously chaotic, with script changes occurring the night before filming, leading to missed cues by the actors. Interestingly, the writers expected another film, Mr. Skeffington, to be their major hit, while Casablanca went on to become an immortal classic.

Vintage Hollywood: The Casablanca Budget

A glimpse into the 1942 production costs of a masterpiece.

Humphrey Bogart (Rick)

$36,667

Ingrid Bergman (Ilsa)

$25,000

Total Cast Salary

$69,867

Hair & Makeup (Entire Film)

$9,100

Kentucky Traditions: From Infiltrators to Iconic Eateries

The episode concludes with colorful lore from the Kentucky Derby, including the story of Don Kaiser, a local mechanic who spent decades "bluffing" his way into the Churchill Downs inner circle by posing as a photographer. Otto also provides a curated guide to Kentucky dining, highlighting "must-visit" spots like Wagner’s Pharmacy—where Secretariat was filmed—and Le Relais, a French restaurant located in a historic 1930s airport terminal.



Key Data

Ursel Ellis: Born 1930; Passed away May 6/7, 2026, at age 96.

J.P. McCarthy: Born March 22, 1933; Passed away August 16, 1995.

Casablanca Set Labor: Cost less than $30,000 for the entire production.

Travel Logistics: Lexington and Louisville are approximately 45–60 minutes apart, making them ideal for a combined weekend trip.

To-Do / Next Steps

Michael Blowen will join the show next week to discuss deep-dive movie trivia and his experiences at the Boston Globe.

The production team will work on a way to share archival clips of Ursel Ellis’s stories on a weekly basis to preserve his legacy.

Host Mark Otto is currently in "phone tag" with Jamie McCarthy to schedule an interview about the legendary J.P. McCarthy show.

Listeners are encouraged to visit Old Friends Equine to experience face-to-face interactions with retired racehorses.

Conclusion

As the curtain falls on this tribute, the message is clear: the true value of "legends" lies in their generosity and their ability to connect with others. Whether through a radio frequency or a shared meal at a local Kentucky staple, the legacy of storytellers like Ursel Ellis continues to drive the spirit of Hollywood and Horsepower.

LEO Round Table with Chip DeBlock

S11E089, Man With Machete Goes Insane On Officers After Attacking Three Civilians

What LE leaders should understand about the First Amendment. Author sues big tech companies for $18M for censorship. Suspect with butcher knife fatally shot by officers. Man with machete goes insane on officers after attacking three civilians.

LEO Round Table: First Amendment Rights, Big Tech Censorship, and Urban Policing Crises

LEO Roundtable: Law Enforcement Insights

Analyzing the intersection of constitutional rights, public safety, and political accountability.

CORE ARGUMENT

"The First Amendment protects peaceable assembly, not a generalized license for disruption or criminal violence."

TY

Dr. Travis Yates

Retired Police Major

DP

Dr. Darrin Porcher

Retired NYPD Lieutenant

Key Discussion Pillars



The Censorship Battle

Florida author Chris Courtney sues Amazon, Google, and Meta for $18M over alleged "jawboning"—government-pressured suppression of conservative content.



Tactical Use of Force

Analysis of recent knife/machete attacks in Houston and NYC Grand Central. Emphasis on "Time, Distance, and Cover" and the legal standard of Graham v. Connor.



The Staffing "Sabotage"

Experts argue major cities (NYC/Phoenix) are intentionally maintaining short-staffing to "defund by proxy," leading to massive overtime costs ($98M+).

#FirstAmendment #PublicSafety #BigTechLawsuit #PoliceRecruitment

Host: Chip DeBlock | Episode: 2026-05-07

Full Transcript: leoroundtable.com



Executive Summary
This session of the LEO Round Table features law enforcement experts discussing the legal boundaries of the First Amendment, a high-stakes censorship lawsuit against Big Tech, and the tactical realities of recent officer-involved shootings in Houston and New York City. The panel highlights the growing friction between government influence, private platform policies, and the operational challenges of understaffed police departments.



Detailed Summary

1. The First Amendment and the "Right to Protest"

The panel explored the legal framework of the First Amendment, emphasizing that the Constitution protects "peaceable assembly" rather than a generalized license for disruption. Dr. Travis Yates and Dr. Darrin Porcher clarified that the First Amendment specifically restricts government intrusion, not the policies of private entities or workplaces. They noted a concerning trend where modern protests often bypass the original intent of "petitioning for redress" in favor of confrontational participation. A critical distinction was made: while the government cannot eliminate access to public forums, it can regulate use to prevent violence, trespassing, or criminal activity.

Constitutional Framework: Private vs. Public

✅ Government Restriction: The First Amendment prohibits government actors from suppressing speech or assembly.

🚫 Private Entities: Private businesses, social media platforms, and employers have the legal right to limit or ban speech within their domains.

⚖️ Law Enforcement Gap: Policing operates in the tension between original "peaceable assembly" language and contemporary confrontational expectations.

2. Big Tech Censorship and Government "Jawboning"

The discussion shifted to a federal lawsuit filed by Florida author Chris Courtney against Google, Amazon, and Meta, seeking $18 million in damages. Courtney alleges a coordinated effort to dismantle his career through "shadow banning" and algorithmic demotion following government pressure. The hosts shared personal experiences with "medical misinformation" strikes on YouTube, which led to the loss of over 2,400 archived episodes. The panel criticized "jawboning"—where government actors use proxies like social media companies to circumvent First Amendment restrictions—as a dangerous violation of constitutional boundaries.

3. Urban Mismanagement and the Staffing Crisis

The panel addressed political and operational failures in major cities. In Los Angeles, the discussion centered on Spencer Pratt’s mayoral run and his lawsuit against Governor Newsom regarding the mismanagement of the Palisades fire and homelessness funds. In New York City, Dr. Porcher highlighted a critical shortage of 4,000 to 7,000 officers, arguing that the city is suffering from "defunding by attrition." The experts alleged that some municipalities are intentionally maintaining short-staffing levels to avoid the political fallout of explicit "defund" policies while achieving the same results through recruitment neglect.

NYC Grand Central Machete Attack

Incident Summary: May 2026

3Elderly Victims

2Rounds Fired

100%Victim Survival

Officers utilized Time, Distance, and Cover in a chaotic subway environment to neutralize a suspect claiming to be "Lucifer" after he inflicted skull fractures and lacerations on elderly commuters.

4. Critical Incidents and Use of Force Standards

Two recent shootings were analyzed: a butcher knife incident in Houston and a machete attack at NYC’s Grand Central Station. In both cases, the experts commended the officers' restraint and adherence to the Graham v. Connor "objectively reasonable" standard. They emphasized that "shooting to stop" is the protocol when faced with deadly weapons. The NYC incident was particularly complex due to the crowded mezzanine and the suspect's erratic behavior. The panel noted that political support for officers is vital; when departments back "good shoots," it reinforces officer confidence and public trust.



Key Data

Lawsuit Damages: Chris Courtney is seeking $18 million from Google, Amazon, and Meta for alleged censorship.

NYPD Staffing: The department is currently down upwards of 4,000 officers, with a perceived need for 7,000 more to reach optimal levels.

Phoenix PD Budget: Spent $98 million on "hire backs" (overtime) last year to fill staffing gaps.

Victim Demographics: The NYC machete attack targeted individuals aged 84, 65, and 70.

To-Do / Next Steps

Professional Development: Attend the PLECET Conference (Professionalizing Law Enforcement Community Engagement Training) featuring Chip DeBlock and Dr. Travis Yates.

Charitable Support: Check out and support The Wounded Blue at thewoundedblue.org to assist injured officers.

Agency Recruitment: Agencies facing staffing issues should contact SafeguardRecruiting.com for specialized recruitment solutions.

Equipment Discount: Use discount code Radio15 for 15% off at gaulus.com.

Conclusion

The discussion underscores a period of high volatility for law enforcement, where officers must navigate complex constitutional interpretations and staffing shortages while managing high-stakes critical incidents. The panel concludes that without political backing and honest recruitment efforts, urban safety will continue to decline under the weight of attrition and administrative mismanagement.

Smuggling Nun: Reviving Ireland's Bootleg Poitin Legacy

Poitin, Ireland's ancient unaged barley spirit, was illegally bootlegged for 300+ years until 1997, predating whiskey and inspiring global moonshine culture.

Maura Clare learned a secretive 20th-century recipe with molasses and beet sugar from a retired bootlegger, blending whiskey warmth, tequila aroma, gin complexity, and rum sweetness at 45% ABV.

Named after her nun cousin who smuggled it in a holy water bottle, the Gothic-arch bottle ships to 40 states via smugglingnun.com, perfect for cocktails like Celtic sours or neat sips.

Guests, Seth Barron and Mark Cook

PROMO: NY Post write Seth Barron on his new book - Weaponization - The Left’s Capture and Destruction of America’s Sacred Institutions. And election integrity expert Mark Cook asks is CO GOP gubernatorial candidate Victor Marx “smurfing” donations?

Guests, Lea Llovio and Fabi Paolini