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In this episode of All Things Marilyn, Scott Fortner and Elisa Jordan welcome acclaimed author and photography historian David Wills for a thoughtful and deeply engaging conversation about Marilyn Monroe’s enduring legacy through the lens of photography.

Best known to Marilyn fans for his celebrated books Marilyn in the Flash and Metamorphosis, David shares the personal story behind his lifelong fascination with books, classic Hollywood, and Marilyn herself. From childhood memories of discovering old movies in Australia to working with original photographic transparencies decades later, his journey reflects a passion for preserving visual history and understanding the artistry behind iconic images.

Together, Scott, Elisa, and David explore Marilyn’s instinctive genius in front of the camera, her collaboration with photographers, and how her evolving photographic image shaped public perception. David also offers insight into his upcoming book Marilyn Monroe: Body and Soul, created as a monumental tribute for her 100th birthday year.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• How David Wills first became fascinated with Marilyn Monroe and classic Hollywood
• Why Marilyn’s photographic presence remains unmatched in celebrity culture
• The artistic process of restoring vintage transparencies and negatives
• What sets Marilyn apart from other legendary screen stars in portrait photography
• The inspiration and vision behind David’s new book Marilyn Monroe: Body and Soul
• Why Marilyn’s legacy still resonates worldwide nearly 100 years after her birth

Throughout the discussion, listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for Marilyn’s intelligence, determination, and creative control over her image, qualities that continue to inspire generations of admirers today.

About Our Guest

David Wills is an internationally recognized author and photography specialist known for his visually rich books on film, fashion, architecture, and cultural icons. His Marilyn Monroe titles, including Marilyn in the Flash and Metamorphosis, are widely regarded by collectors and fans as essential visual studies of her image and transformation.

With more than two decades of experience working with original negatives and transparencies, David is dedicated to preserving photographic history and presenting classic imagery with exceptional fidelity. His latest project, Marilyn Monroe: Body and Soul, is a large format tribute volume celebrating Marilyn’s artistry, intelligence, and enduring impact.

About Marilyn Monroe: Body and Soul

AUTHOR: David Wills
FORMAT: Hardcover with dust jacket
DIMENSIONS: 14 x 18 inches

PAGES: 288

MARILYN MONROE: BODY AND SOUL is a celebration and an appreciation of Marilyn—the human being, the woman, the actress, and the icon.

ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
Scott @marilynmonroecollection
Elisa @la_woman_tours

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Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor

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In this first episode of 2026, All Things Marilyn returns to mark a historic milestone: the forthcoming 100th birthday of Marilyn Monroe. Hosts Scott Fortner, historian, collector, and founder of The Marilyn Monroe Collection, and Elisa Jordan, author, tour founder, and Marilyn Monroe historian, reunite to explore the global celebrations, exhibitions, books, and conversations shaping Marilyn’s centennial year.

After a brief hiatus, Scott and Elisa return with renewed focus, setting the stage for one of the most significant cultural anniversaries of the 21st century.

This episode centers on Marilyn Monroe’s worldwide centennial recognition, including major museum exhibitions in Los Angeles, London, and Paris. Scott shares details about contributing personal artifacts from his collection to all three exhibitions, offering rare insight into how institutions curate and present Marilyn’s private life and public legacy for an international audience.

The conversation also turns to Los Angeles, Marilyn’s hometown, where planning for a series of centennial events is underway. Elisa discusses the return of her Marilyn Monroe sites tour, alongside panel discussions, screenings, and fan gatherings timed around Marilyn’s birthday and the opening of major museum exhibitions in Los Angeles, Londoon, and Paris.

A significant portion of the episode is devoted to the many books being released in honor of Marilyn’s 100th birthday. Scott and Elisa discuss new and recent publications, including:

• The Marilyn Monroe Century by Joshua John Miller, grandson of photographer Bruno Bernard
• A forthcoming centennial book by David Wills, following his acclaimed titles Metamorphosis and Marilyn in the Flash
• Dear Marilyn: The Unseen Letters and Photographs, from the Shaw family archives
• Marilyn Monroe 100, the estate’s official centenary publication
• Marilyn Monroe: The Last Photographs, The Lost Interview, produced by Jason Green and Chris Flannery, featuring never-before-published photographs and Marilyn’s final interview transcript

Looking ahead, the episode previews an exceptional lineup of upcoming All Things Marilyn podcast guests for 2026, including:

• Jason Green and Chris Flannery, discussing archival stewardship, unpublished materials, and honoring Marilyn’s final photo session and interview
• David Wills, on creating a centennial book that blends rare imagery with new written scholarship
• Dawn McGovern, author of Murder Orthodoxies, offering an evidence-based examination of Marilyn Monroe’s death
• James Haspiel, who personally knew Marilyn Monroe in New York and documented their time together through photographs and film

Thoughtful, historically grounded, and deeply personal, this episode establishes the tone for a year-long exploration of Marilyn Monroe’s legacy, one rooted in evidence, archival responsibility, and respect for the woman behind the icon.

ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
Scott @marilynmonroecollection
Elisa @la_woman_tours

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Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor

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In this episode of the All Things Marilyn Podcast, hear Part II of Scott and Elisa's conversation with David Stenn. (In Part I, we covered the true origin of Marilyn Monroe's birth name, Norma Jeane.)

In Part II, we talk about an article David authored for the September/October 1982 issue of Film Comment magazine, in which he detailed the incredible mismanagement of Marilyn Monroe's estate after she died, which lasted for 20 years. Through research that started with his review of Marilyn Monroe's probate file, David uncovered astonishing facts about how poorly her will was administered following her death. The people Marilyn wanted taken care of after her death had to wait years for their inheritance from her. It was all due to the negligence of one man. This all started when David asked himself, "Who is it that's making the money from all of the Marilyn merchandise I see?"

We cover the following topics in our conversation:

• Was Marilyn Monroe really broke when she died?
• Who did Marilyn leave her money and her personal possession to?
• Who was Marilyn Monroe's personal attorney, and executor and trustee of her estate?
• Who was primarily responsible for following the direct wishes of her will?
• Were the explicit directions in her will actually followed?

Tune in to learn the truth about how Marilyn Monroe's last wishes were not followed until years after she died.

David is an American television writer, producer, biographer, film preservationist and historian David Stenn. His television credits include Untold Hollywood, Boardwalk Empire, Girl 27, the L Word, 21 Jump Street, Hill Street Blues, and Beverly Hills 90210. He's known for his biographies of Hollywood Stars, Clara Bow and Gene Harlow.

Follow David online here:

Instagram: @realdavidstenn

YouTube: @realdavidstenn

See David's article in the September/October 1982 issue of Film Comment magazine here.

ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
Scott @marilynmonroecollection
Elisa @la_woman_tours

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Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor

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In this episode of the All things Marilyn Podcast, Scott and Elisa interview American television writer, producer, biographer, film preservationist and historian David Stenn. His television credits include Untold Hollywood, Boardwalk Empire, Girl 27, the L Word, 21 Jump Street, Hill Street Blues, and Beverly Hills 90210. He's known for his biographies of Hollywood Stars, Clara Bow and Gene Harlow.

There's a commonly told story that Norma Jeane Baker, a.k.a. Marilyn Monroe, was named after two early film stars: Norma Talmage and Jean Harlow. Is it true? David read one line in the book My Sister Marilyn by Marilyn's half-sister Berniece Miracle, and then he started to do some research. Listen to our interview to find out the truth about the origin of Marilyn Monroe's birth name, Norma Jeane.

This is Part I of a two-part interview with David. Our next topic will be "The Myth and Marketing of Marilyn Monroe."

Follow David online here:

Instagram: @realdavidstenn

YouTube: @realdavidstenn

ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
Scott @marilynmonroecollection
Elisa @la_woman_tours

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Artwork by @marilynmexico
Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor

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For the premiere of season 3 of the All Things Marilyn Podcast, Scott and Elisa spend time with well-known television personality Holly Madison. Holly is the host of Lethally Blonde on Investigation Discovery, and she’s appeared on countless movies and television shows, and of course she was on the wildly popular series The Girls Next Door with Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. Like Marilyn, Holly appeared in Playboy magazine.

She’s an author, a podcaster, a Las Vegas performer and a mom, and Holly is also a lifelong fan of Hollywood’s biggest silver screen star, Marilyn Monroe. In this episode we get to know Holly and learn about her love of Marilyn.

• How she discovered Marilyn and how Marilyn has influenced Holly.
• Her feelings on posing for Playboy considering Marilyn was the first cover and centerfold in the premiere issue of the magazine.
• Holly shares insights around being a famous blonde and working to be successful in the entertainment industry, and she shares her thoughts on Marilyn’s own journey.
• Holly’s favorite films, costumes and Marilyn Monroe books.
• Her favorite “Marilyn Monroe Moment.”
• Holly shares her feelings on Hugh Hefner being buried next to Marilyn.

Holly gets very personal and shares her own experiences with body dysmorphia and also her autism diagnosis.

We loved spending time with Holly and talking about her love of Marilyn. We're sure you'll love this intimate and personal chat with her. Don’t miss this episode!

Keep up with Holly online:

Podcast: Girls Next Level

Instagram: @hollymadison

Facebook: @hollymadison

Twitter: @hollymadison

TikTok: @hollyjeanmadison

ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
Scott @marilynmonroecollection
Elisa @la_woman_tours

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Artwork by @marilynmexico
Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor

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In this episode of the All Things Marilyn Podcast, Scott and Elisa spend an hour with Mr. Greg Schreiner, Marilyn Monroe historian and collector, and President and founding member of the Marilyn Remembered Fan Club. Marilyn Remembered is the longest running fan club in existence today.

Greg is often considered to be the father of the Marilyn Monroe community. He has arranged the annual memorial service for Marilyn for 42 years. He has been interviewed for countless documentaries and is referenced in countless books on Monroe. Greg also arranged monthly fan club meetings for nearly 20 years.

In his role as Marilyn Remembered President, Greg came to know some of the most important people related to Marilyn. In this podcast, Greg shares club meeting and memorial service memories, and he shares his thoughts on many guest speakers from club events, including:

• Jane Russell, Co-star in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
• Tony Curtis, Co-star in Some Like It Hot
• Eli Wallach, Co-star in The Misfits
• Don Murray, Co-star in Bus Stop
• James Daugherty, Marilyn’s First Husband
• Jack Clemmons, Los Angeles Police Officer in 1962
• Sydney Guilaroff, Hairstylist
• George Barris, Photographer
• Billy Travilla, Costume Designer
• Bebe Goddard, Marilyn’s Foster Sister
• Sylvia Barnhardt, First Hairdresser to Dye Marilyn’s Hair Blonde
• John Minor, LA County Prosecutor in 1962
• Nancy Bolander, Foster Sister
• Susan Strasberg, Daughter of Lee Strasberg, Author, and Close Personal Friend

Greg also talks about his extensive collection of Marilyn Monroe’s film gowns and personal property.

You won't want to miss hearing about Greg's fascinating, decades-long journey with Marilyn.

Learn more about Greg here:

www.themarilynmonroesite.com
www.hollywoodrevisited.com

Learn more about Marilyn Remembered here:

www.marilynrememberedfanclub.com

Follow All Things Marilyn on Instagram: @allthingsmarilynpodcast

And podcast hosts:

Scott @marilynmonroecollection | www.marillynmonroecollection.com
Elisa @la_woman_tours

Podcast Credits

• Artwork by @marilynmexico
• Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor

ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
Scott @marilynmonroecollection
Elisa @la_woman_tours

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Artwork by @marilynmexico
Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor

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We had the pleasure recently of interviewing actor, director, producer, professor, and playwright Luke Yankee, who wrote and directs, Marilyn, Mom, & Me. Luke is the son of Oscar, Golden Globe, Emmy and Tony-award winning actress Eileen Heckart, who co-starred with Marilyn in the film Bus Stop.

In this episode of the All Things Marilyn Podcast, you'll hear great stories about Luke's mom and of course Marilyn:

• What was the relationship like between Marilyn Monroe and Eileen Heckart?
• What was it like to be the son of an acclaimed film and Broadway star?
• What impact did Marilyn have on Heckert?
• How did Heckert respond when she learned of Marilyn's passing?

In Marilyn, Mom, & Me, Luke tries to unravel his complex, often volatile relationship with his mother by better understanding her intense friendship with one of the biggest movie stars of all time.

Get more insights into Yankee's play, which is premiering at the International City Theatre in Long Beach, CA on February 16, and much more in this episode of All Things Marilyn.

ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
Scott @marilynmonroecollection
Elisa @la_woman_tours

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Artwork by @marilynmexico
Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor

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In this episode of the All Things Marilyn Podcast, Scott and Elisa interview Michael Arnold, grandson of photojournalist Eve Arnold, who photographed Marilyn Monroe several times. Eve was more than just another photographer of Marilyn’s, she was her friend and confidant. With this interview, listeners will hear new stories and discover new insights on Marilyn Monroe:

• Learn about what it was like for Eve to be a female photojournalist in a male dominated profession.
• Discover how Eve came to first photograph Marilyn, and hear about their very personal and intimate relationship.
• Hear stories about Eve’s take on Marilyn, and how Marilyn’s trust in others changed over the years.
• Learn about Eve’s time on the set of The Misfits, Marilyn’s final completed film.

This interview with Michael aligns with the initial release of three high-quality, professionally printed archival prints of Marilyn shot by Eve Arnold, available for a limited time. The Arnold estate is making these prints available to Marilyn fans at a reduced rate of £280.00, worldwide shipping included.

To view and purchase the prints, click here.

Don’t miss this insightful and fascinating interview with Michael Arnold.

ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
Scott @marilynmonroecollection
Elisa @la_woman_tours

Credits
Artwork by @marilynmexico
Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor