Best Mel Powell Podcasts (2024)

1
Heaven McChicken 3:06

3h ago3:06

3:06

In the afterlife--especially for a Wise Fool like Boris the Balagoola--there are different meal plans for "upstairs" and "downstairs," if you know what we mean.... From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell (from a story by Arthur Hamilton)

1
Frequent Schlepper Miles 3:29

7d ago3:29

3:29

Sometimes it's tough for the Wise Fools to get first-class treatment. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Mel Powell

1
Beadle-De-Dumb 2:02

14d ago2:02

2:02

Too much of a good thing? Perhaps, if you're a Wise Fool. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
There’s No Place Like Home (Live) 3:39

21d ago3:39

3:39

Relya, Wise Fool of Chelm, world-traveler, widow, one ungrateful son, is ready for the perfect vacation: a journey to meet The Grand Guru high in the Hermalayas. Recorded live at Bayit Shelanu on September 16, 2023, with gratitude to Rabbi Jan Goldstein. (Early audio issue clears quickly.) Starring guest performer Rena Strober! https://www.renastro…

1
Don't Cry For Me, Balagoola 1:58

28d ago1:58

1:58

The power of prayer has its own meaning...if you're a Wise Fool. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
Episode 51 - 1993: Christopher Rouse, Trombone Concerto 29:49

1M ago29:49

29:49

In this episode, Dave and Andrew consider one of the few concertos to win the Pulitzer Prize, this time for an instrument whose sound some critics claimed grew "tiresome." Will they agree? And what famous composer's music is quoted in the piece? If you'd like more information about Christopher Rouse, we recommend: This interview with Joe Alessi men…

1
"We Have, Your Honor" 2:03

1M ago2:03

2:03

Has the jury of Wise Fools reached a verdict? From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell (inspired by a story from Myrtle Atlas)

1
"Everybody's a Critic" 3:06

1M ago3:06

3:06

To impress your future father-in-law, you'd better have the chops. (From a story shared by the late Dr. Melvin H. Present, a long-time friend.) From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Mel Powell

1
The Cholera of Money 4:16

2M ago4:16

4:16

It isn't easy funding an education system, especially among the Wise Fools. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Mel Powell from a Bud Rosenthal story

1
Episode 50 - 1992: Wayne Peterson, The Face of the Night, The Heart of the Dark 32:35

2M ago32:35

32:35

In this episode, Dave and Andrew address one of the most controversial awards in Pulitzer history. What happened in 1992 and was Wayne Peterson's music worthy of the ruckus that grew around it? If you'd like more information about Wayne Peterson, we recommend: Joshua Kosman's Obituary of the composer in the New York Times. Peterson's professional m…

1
A Husband Like This Doesn't Grow On Trees 2:02

2M ago2:02

2:02

The great Nancy Sullivan returns, to help us understand how best to honor the perfect Wise Fool of a husband after his passing. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
A Bright Future 3:24

2M ago3:24

3:24

Not even a Wise Fool should waste talent on the wrong career. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Mel Powell from a Charles M. Powell story

1
Matzah-Matta-U? 4:33

2M ago4:33

4:33

Wise Fools are Wise Fools, day or knight. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Mel Powell from a Bud Rosenthal story

1
Dances With Dunces 2:27

3M ago2:27

2:27

You had ONE job, no time for sentiment...unless you're a Wise Fool. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
Poetic Justice 3:47

3M ago3:47

3:47

Property values...in and around the tiny village of Wise Fools. An amusing--but this time somewhat poignant--story. [This episode was scheduled many months ago for this date. Our real world is a tougher place these days but the timing of this story is not intentional.] From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback an…

1
Bonus: An Interview with Howard Pollack 39:37

3M ago39:37

39:37

In this episode, Dave and Andrew are joined by Howard Pollack, John and Rebecca Moores Professor of Music at the University of Houston. Dr. Pollack is the author of acclaimed biographies of several Pulitzer Prize winners from the early years, including a recent biography of two-time winner Samuel Barber. About Howard Pollack…

1
Bottoms Up 1:24

3M ago1:24

1:24

In praise of the ordinary, everyday...Matzah. Happy Passover! (We're still a week away from Passover, but this will help you start preparing.) From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
Marital Bliss 2:28

3M ago2:28

2:28

Some things are very important to remember, especially if you are a Wise Fool, or even a Wise Fool Emeritus. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Mel Powell

1
What's-His-Name's Memory Course 4:07

4M ago4:07

4:07

How does a Wise Fool improve his memory? From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Mel Powell from a Lew Horn story

1
Episode 49 - 1991: Shulamit Ran, Symphony 26:26

4M ago26:26

26:26

In this episode, Dave and Andrew explore the second Pulitzer Prize in music won by a female composer, Shulamit Ran for her Symphony, in 1991. What will they think about this fourth freely-atonal work in a row to win the prize? And what snags did they run into researching this episode? As mentioned in the podcast, here is Shulamit Ran performing wit…

1
When You Wish Upon A Tsar 2:16

4M ago2:16

2:16

Fortunately, they escaped the Cossacks...and we'll leave it at that. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Mel Powell

1
Fahrvergnugen 3:37

4M ago3:37

3:37

The Cossacks are mean. The Cossacks are dangerous. The Cossacks are...not smart, even when compared to the Wise Fools of Chelm. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
Why Is This Salesman Different From All Other Salesman 4:00

4M ago4:00

4:00

A Wise Fool knows how to find the best salesperson...for a pitch to the Pope. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
Rich Or Poor Is Not Important (As Long As You Have Money) 3:00

4M ago3:00

3:00

The tiny village of Chelm needs more money. The solution? Worthy of the Wise Fools. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
Secondary Education 3:02

5M ago3:02

3:02

What happens when the Wise Fools ponder the deeper mysteries of life--such as how many seconds there are in a year? From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
The Passover Salesman 3:45

5M ago3:45

3:45

Art is in the eye of the beholder, especially among the Wise Fools. (A note: it's not Passover time yet, that's in a couple of months and we'll have a Passover story ready.) From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
I Got The Horse Right Here 3:41

5M ago3:41

3:41

Wise Foolishness and gambling...not the best partnership. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
The Holiday Spirit 2:39

5M ago2:39

2:39

Jewish Holidays aren't all that confusing...unless you're a Wise Fool. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
Episode 48 - 1990: Mel Powell, Duplicates 29:52

6M ago29:52

29:52

In this episode, Dave and Andrew explore a composer who played with Benny Goodman as a jazz pianist, and then embraced Arnold Schoenberg's musical ideas as a member of the academy. What kind of music does that concoction create? Listen to this episode on Duplicates, Powell's winning piece for two pianos and orchestra. If you'd like more information…

1
The Cereal Killers 2:22

6M ago2:22

2:22

Eat healthy, and live a very, very long life as a Wise Fool of Chelm. As only a Wise Fool can. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
It's All In The Presentation 3:49

6M ago3:49

3:49

Don't just slap the food onto the plate; even if you're among the Wise Fools, present it nicely. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
You're Gonna Love It! 3:43

6M ago3:43

3:43

Need a performer for your big fundraiser? Have we got an act for you! From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Mel Powell

1
Episode 47 - 1989: Roger Reynolds, Whispers Out of Time 30:38

6M ago30:38

30:38

In this episode, Dave and Andrew explore a work for string orchestra that Kyle Gann opined was the first experimental composition to win the Pulitzer since Charles Ives. Given how much Dave loves Ives, how does he react to Whispers Out of Time? How does the piece fit in the context of music written in the late 1980s? If you'd like more information …

1
The Ox-cidental Tourist 3:35

6M ago3:35

3:35

Never, ever drive drunk. Even an ox-cart--you or the ox. But be as clever as a Wise Fool. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Mel Powell

1
The Woodcutter 1:34

7M ago1:34

1:34

Tony and Emmy winner Hal Linden returns to the Wise Fools for the fourth of our four stories with him. In this era, everyone needs a town woodcutter. (We do not condone the environmental result this story presents. We've only got one Earth.) [A little help: a mohel, pronounced "moil" rhymes with "toil," is the specialized rabbi who performs the rit…

1
I Do 3:30

7M ago3:30

3:30

Marry well. Or...not. Or not, but still well. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Mel Powell

1
A Bridge Too Far 3:29

7M ago3:29

3:29

Never talk about the grandchildren during the card game! From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
Today You Are A Man 2:05

7M ago2:05

2:05

The bar or bat mitzvah of a son of daughter is a great day of pride for a parent...even for a Wise Fool. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Mel Powell from a Charles M. Powell story

1
Bonus: An Interview with William Bolcom 24:22

7M ago24:22

24:22

In this special bonus episode, Dave and Andrew talk with 1988 Pulitzer Prize Winner William Bolcom. What is the difference between the Etudes and the New Etudes? What impact did John Cage have on his career? And who is answering the phone? We hope you enjoy hearing from him about these insights and many more!…

1
Boris The Balagoola, Phone Home! 2:38

7M ago2:38

2:38

Never mind Roswell. Never mind Devil's Tower. They visited the Wise Fools of Chelm. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
Killing Time 2:17

8M ago2:17

2:17

Wrist watches--the latest invention by the Wise Fools. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
White Meat Or Dark (Thanksgiving Version) 3:16

8M ago3:16

3:16

This is a real turkey of a story...just in time for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday...with a problem that has a solution only the Wise Fools could create. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Mel Powell

1
Episode 46 - 1988: William Bolcom, Twelve New Etudes 32:26

8M ago32:26

32:26

In this episode, Dave and Andrew discuss the first solo piano work to ever win a Pulitzer Prize. And they try to answer the question–if these are "new" etudes, what are the "old" etudes? They also examine how Bolcom incorporates various styles and techniques into the etudes, and ponder the set's historical place among other etude collections. If yo…

1
The Tooth And Nothing But The Tooth 2:19

8M ago2:19

2:19

We can recommend a great dentist. But not the one in Minsk who takes care of the Wise Fools of Chelm. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
The Great Chelm Convention 3:48

8M ago3:48

3:48

Even among the Wise Fools, does anybody even want this job? From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
Commerce 3:05

9M ago3:05

3:05

Before there were these things called "non-fungible tokens," the Wise Fools were ahead of their time in matters of exchanging "goods." From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
The Proper Send-Off 2:46

9M ago2:46

2:46

Even among the Wise Fools--perhaps especially among the Wise Fools--everyone deserves a proper burial. [Starring the one person perhaps most responsible for keeping these Tales alive, Rabbi Jan Goldstein, with a special appearance by the great Nancy Sullivan. ] From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle…

1
Tales of The South Pacific 2:34

9M ago2:34

2:34

Marooned on a distant, deserted island? Not to worry--even for some Wise Fools. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
What I Did On My Summer Vacation 2:47

9M ago2:47

2:47

For the Wise Fools of Chelm, a "pleasure trip" vacation is what you make of it. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

1
Never An End To Learning 2:31

10M ago2:31

2:31

Here is the only story from the collection based directly on an original tale by Sholem Aleichem himself. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7yBy Charles M. Powell

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Mel Powell Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide