The Musical Innertube

Whether you've never heard of John McPhee - or are fascinated by his writing like Noel Rubinton - there's a lot to discover here, about McPhee and about Noel, who's new book is a study of McPhee's works.

We find ourselves in a very strange place politically in 2025. How did we get here? Are the changes permanent? Here's some insight from political science professor Robert Speel.

Writer, editor, teacher and humorist Gina Barreca is back with a new essay collection, Fast Famous Women.  75 stories about the famous told by women who admire them, study them - even want to be them!  

Megan Timpane is an actress and corporate trainer. Ten years ago, Megan was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma. She dealt with her cancer the way any good actress would - writing and performing a play about her condition.

Conservative thinker Chuck Brightbill can't figure out what all the fuss is about. The way he sees it, rich guys help America.

Writer and podcaster Amy Julia Becker talks about the need for caring in this world, and how caring helps not only those being cared for, but those doing the caring as well.

Dr. Paul Offit is pretty much THE authority on vaccines. He says abandoning them will lead to more outbreaks of child-killing diseases like measles. He'd like to see parents who believe in vaccines speak up. https://standupforscience2025.org

Astrophysicist Asa Stahl says there's lots to see in the night sky during 2025, including meteor showers, Saturn losing its rings, even a star going nova! (But probably not Betelgeuse.) And a dustbuster on the moon.

Dr. Theodora Ziolkowski practices what she preaches! A writing teacher at the University of Nebraska, she's written short stories, a novella, and now a book of poetry, Ghostlit.  Her stories feature women making their way through the world.

It came from the 1980s - musical, jazzy, mellow - it's Yacht Rock! Sean Ross has followed radio trends in his "Ross on Radio" newsletter, and he talks about the birth and development of Yacht Rock.

Celebrate the New Year out in the middle of nowhere, in a hunting cabin with friends, family, food - maybe even a deer! Philadelphia Inquirer writer Jason Nark says this generational way of life may be disappearing.

For Hannukah, we asked bioethicist Art Caplan seven things he'd like to see happen in the world of medicine in 2025. His list includes wishes for cellphones and vaccines, along with several sci-fi Easter eggs.

Pennsylvania music historian Bill Trousdale presents holiday tunes both new and familiar, all with connections to the Keystone state. Relax with some egg nog and enjoy Perry Como, the Philadelphia Brass Ensemble, "Nuttin for Christmas" and more!

Here's a great holiday idea: invite friends over for a cookie baking party! John and Don went to just such a party at chef Joy Stocke's house and recorded this special podcast during the festivities!

In part 2 of our baseball talk with Nick Roman, we look at the career of one of the greatest ballplayers ever, Willie Mays.

In 1981, Fernando Valenzuela became a starting pitcher for the L.A. Dodgers. As Nick Roman tells us, he went on to have a terrific career - and a huge effect on the city and the ballclub as well.

It's Turkey Day! But have you ever tried Peiking Duck?  Or brisket? If you'd prefer the usual turkey & fixin's, here's chef Joy Stocke and Don and John with some delicious holiday recipes!

We've received word that Mykhaylo, an American Special Forces medic working in Ukraine, a friend who talked with us several times on the podcast, died this month in an auto accident in Kiev.

JFK Jr running HHS? Matt Gaetz as AG? Political columnist Dick Polman breaks down how Trump won the election -- and how Harris lost it -- but, more importantly, what we can expect for the next four years.

What do you do when someone says, "I don't care what your facts are, I believe what I believe." Or any one of a thousand variations of that. Journalist and professor Bob Jensen has some ideas.

First and foremost, get out today and vote! Here's a little something to listen to while you're in line to vote: John, Don, and political commentator Dick Polman reflecting on the presidential candidates.

Planning a Halloween get-together?  Chef Joy Stocke says you can knock 'em dead by burying them with birria, slaying them with souffles, and bloodying them with brownies! All the recipes are right here! Bone appetit!

From October 25, 2022, comes folklorist Cory Hutcheson to tell us about the witches that live among us today! (To be fully prepared, grab a bottle of Pine Sol and head for the crossroads!) 

Remember "piling into a car?" Remember "soccer moms" driving minivans? Remember when every other car wasn't a black SUV shaped like a shoe? Writer Ian Bogost talks about the latest changes in cars, and attitudes.

Once again, here's three guys talking baseball.  Nick Roman's Dodgers are in the playoffs, as are John's and Don's Phillies, and they're happy. But there are a lot of other dangerous teams in the mix as well!