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Classic storytelling can be found around many campfires and in any Disney film. In so many cases, the very best of stories from our personal lives are heard repeatedly over years without ever being recorded. Tim Larson and Liz Wylder knew that WROK radio’s 100th birthday in 2023 would be a great springboard for this project. Future sit downs would certainly rekindle old friendships and, undoubtedly, allow everyone to learn something about the people they thought they knew well. The lightbulb ...
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S1 E82 - BRIAN THOMAS - Professional photographer
1:04:03
1:04:03
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Brain Thomas and Tim Larson have known each other since the late 80's. They met as members of the Ski Broncs Water Ski Show Team in Loves Park, Illinois. They have literally shared life with each other on so many levels...projects, business, campfires, photo shoots and more. Recorded on November 20, 2024 in the twelfth floor bar of the Embassy Suit…
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S1 E81 - RILEY O'NEIL - Veteran Morning show host at WROK radio in Rockford, Illinois
1:46:38
1:46:38
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Tim Larson and Liz Wylder have known Riley O'Neil since the 80's. He celebrated his twenty third anniversary as WROK's morning show host on Halloween 2023. We all grew up in the radio industry together...getting our feet wet, stumbling and setting several broadcasting milestones. Our memories of course are all contributions to the one hundred year …
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S1 E80 - JOHN LOMBARDO of Smashed Plastic Record Pressing in Chicago
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Tim Larson and John Lombardo had only met just before the tour of Smashed Plastic Record Pressing factory in Chicago, Illinois. The recent resurgence of music on vinyl and the need shown by the region bands encouraged John and his two partners to go all in. You'll find it is a very thoughtful and purposeful manufacturing facility. They and others a…
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S1 E79 - SCOTT CHILDERS - WLS Radio historian, announcer, news reporter and more.
2:09:07
2:09:07
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Scott Childers is the definition of a radio station's utility person...he can do everything...and does. Tim Larson spent all afternoon in the WLS studios in downtown Chicago reliving the Big 89 days. It's WLS's 100th birthday! And thanks to Michael Garay for sharing his career from behind-the-scenes. You'll hear many audio inserts from past WLS air…
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S1 E78 - ZOEY NORRIS - Miss Rodeo Kentucky 2024
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Learn all about this twenty two year old rodeo pageant queen. She has four dogs, collects garbage for a living and is a rodeo barrel racer. Oh there's more. It was a very hot day in Kentucky as we set up shop inside her barn. Recorded September 22, 2024.By Tim Larson
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S1 E77 - IRLENE MANDRELL - Musician, National television show host, Model and much more!
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56:21
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Irlene is the youngest of the Mandrell sisters. Tim Larson has known Barbara and Louise for decades, but had only known Irlene for seventeen minutes on the phone before sitting down for this chat in her kitchen. She is personality plus and willing to talk about anything thrown at her. It was 96 degrees that day in Tennessee. Recorded September 20, …
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S1 E76 SAMANTHA HOCHMANN - Deep Inside the Tinker Swiss Cottage
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57:45
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Tim Larson and Samantha Hochmann had known each other for a grand total of sixty seconds, but, as it turns out, their common ground stories stretched for centuries. Robert Tinker was a generous man to the city of Rockford, Illinois. Mary and Jessie followed suit in so many ways. Learn how and enjoy this historical conversation surrounding the mansi…
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S1 E75 KATHI KRESOL - Author of books and articles about Rockford, Illinois history
1:33:49
1:33:49
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Kathi Kresol is the author of Murder & Mayhem in Rockford, Illinois and Haunted Rockford. Tim Larson had only known Kathi for ten minutes and decided to record this episode on 815 Day (August 15, 2024) at the Edgebrook Shopping Center. Since Kathi is a thorough researcher and Tim is a Rockford native, everyone thought it was a safe bet that these t…
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S1 E74 2024 INSPIRATIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS Red Carpet Interviews
1:23:25
1:23:25
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Steve Bridgmon invited Tim Larson to be part of the Media Team at the Inspirational Country Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Tim talked to sixty six people in a little less than two hours just before they stepped onto the red carpet. Recorded May 29, 2024.By Tim Larson
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S1 E73 PHIL STILLERMAN - The King of Birthday Adventures!
1:40:54
1:40:54
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Phil's wife Della does extensive research to find just the right adventure for his birthday gifts. From flyer a glider to driving an Indy 500 car. Learn all about the fun details and how Phil ended up in a film with Matt Damon. Recorded in Indianapolis, Indiana May 31, 2024.By Tim Larson
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S1 E72 CICADAS - The show with a million guests!
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12:05
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This episode was recorded in Tim Larson's backyard as he was surrounded by a countless number of cicadas.By Tim Larson
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S1 E71 SPIFF CARNER - Former WZOK Morning Host with Randy Cook & WROK/WZOK Continuity Director
1:02:42
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Rick "Spiff" Carner is joined by John Strandin along with Tim Larson. Spiff was the director of the commercial writing department and co-host of the WZOK morning show with Randy Cook. Spiff's time with Nolte Communications in Rockford, Illinois was 1981-1986. John was a member of the award winning news department for twenty four years. Recorded in …
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S1 E70 LOUISE MANDRELL - Country music artist and television personality
1:24:58
1:24:58
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Tim Larson and Louise Mandrell first met on her tour bus at a northern Illinois county fair in 1979. They visited again in backstage dressing rooms in 1980 and 1981 before Louise and her sisters, Barbara and Irlene, kicked off their successful variety television show on NBC. Louise and Tim literally bumped into each other backstage at the Grand Ole…
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S1 E69 BILL CODY - Morning man for 30 years on WSM radio in Nashville, Tennessee
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Bill Cody and Tim Larson had only talked briefly on the phone six months prior to sitting down in the showcase studio of WSM Radio inside the Opryland Hotel. Their careers oddly have run parallel so the stories were very easy. Even if you're not a huge country music fan, you are sure to enjoy this conversation. Recorded May 28, 2024.…
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S1 E68 TONY WOLFE - East Tennessee stories from a first cousin
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Tony Wolfe and Tim Larson are first cousins. We can ride around the mountains of east Tennessee in a truck and never have the same conversation twice. Recorded in Tony's kitchen on Memorial Day, May 27, 2024.By Tim Larson
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S1 E67 TIM LARSON - Radio in Charleston, West Virginia 40 years ago!
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Tim decided to set up his equipment on the shores of the Kanawha River in Charleston, West Virginia on the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend 2024. The state capital was over his shoulder as the radio stories from forty years ago poured out. Tim worked at WKAZ/WQBE and WVSR radio stations from 1982-1984 when he was in his early twenties. Recorded M…
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S1 E66 RON ROMERO & DEBYJO ERICKSEN - Illinois Rock & Roll Museum and Hall of Fame
51:23
51:23
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The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum and Hall of Fame sits on Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois! Ron Romero and Debyjo Ericksen are the amazing organizers of this magical project. Hear the stories surrounding the inductees, collectibles, history and community involvement. It's a true testament to the meaning of volunteerism, philanthropy, passion, and the de…
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S1 E65 TIM LARSON - The Story of Arthur and Sanford
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This story aired on WLUV radio in Rockford/Loves Park, Illinois by your podcast host Tim Larson on March 31, 2021. It was written in a Paul Harvey "Rest of the Story" format.By Tim Larson
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S1 E64 EMANUEL LARSON - The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert Service
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Tim Larson's grandfather could recite Robert Service's The Cremation of Sam McGee by memory until the day before he died at the age of ninety six. Emanuel Larson's goal was to verbally paint within your mind with the poetry he spoke. Recorded in Rockford, Illinois June 6, 1979.By Tim Larson
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S1 E63 RACHEL DANIEL - Professional Alaskan Tour Guide
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21:04
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My other stories of the tour of Alaska with Rachel Daniel will be told a hundred more times, but this one of hers is a real gem. More than fourteen people should hear her recollection of her first moose hunt. Recorded on a small shuttle bus somewhere in Alaska in September of 2021.By Tim Larson
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S1 E62 - LARRY KANFER - Professional Photographer and Author
1:23:21
1:23:21
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Larry Kanfer and his wife Alaina were connected to Tim Larson in 2009 through the Aldeen Golf Club barn renovation. Tim's grandfather Emanuel Larson built the barn in 1928 when the property was a dairy farm. The Kanfers were working on their book Barns of Illinois. The two projects intersected and they have been friends since. Recorded March 12, 20…
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S1 E61 STEVE BRIDGMON - Inspirational Country Singer/ Songwriter
1:25:22
1:25:22
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Steve Bridgmon and Tim Larson met on the on the front steps of the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee because of Steve's bowtie tattoo. We were part of the media frenzy and red carpet call of the Josie Awards nominees. They kept in touch and decided to sit down for a lengthy talk on a very rainy day just north of Music City USA. Recorded …
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S1 E59 RIK ANTHONY - Host of Someone You Should Know Podcast
1:17:31
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Rik and Tim decided to "double dip" this episode by uploading the same show on both Storytellers Studio and Some You Should Know podcasts. We meet at Maxim's Diner in Merrillville, Indiana on January 23, 2024 during a day filled with freezing rain driving. These two guys had only known each other for about fifteen minutes after meeting at the Museu…
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S1 E60 ROYCE DeGRIE & BRITT CHAMBERS - Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
1:20:49
1:20:49
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Your host Tim Larson stumbled upon this museum while on a segue tour in Nashville, Tennessee sometime in October 2023. He kept it on his radar for a return trip. After having a three minute conversation with Royce, Tim scheduled a sit down. You will learn a ton! Bring a notebook and pen to this episode. Recorded in the Board Room of the Musicians H…
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S1 E58 WILLIE PARHAM - A Friend of 54 years!
1:37:27
1:37:27
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Your podcast host, Tim Larson, and Willie Parham have been friends since fifth grade in 1970. Learn how Willie has put his positive attitude to work and lived life to its fullest after his accident in 1987. He is the poster boy for "genuine."By Tim Larson
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S1 E57 HEIDI OGNIBENE - Rock River Valley Blood Center
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47:23
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Tim Larson and Heidi Ognibene have known each other since 1988. Their lives have crossed paths eight ways to Sunday. On this episode, you'll learn all about donated blood in an entertaining conversation among old friends. Recorded at RRVBC's founding location on 6th Street in Rockford, Illinois on December 18, 2023.…
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S1 E56 J.R. SULLIVAN - New American Theater
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Tim Larson has known J.R. Sullivan since the early eighties. Tim on WROK radio and J.R. at New American Theater in Rockford, Illinois. Their stories are many and far reaching including the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger in January of 1986. Recorded backstage at the now Nordlof Center December 6, 2023.…
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S1 E55 ABBIE THOMAS - Josie Music Award Female Multi-Genre Artist of the Year 2023
1:12:27
1:12:27
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Abbie Thomas and Tim Larson had only known each other for exactly two weeks when they sat down for some biscuits and gravy...again! It's catch up time at the Goshen Brewing Company in Indiana. Recorded on a bright Sunday morning in Indiana on November 5, 2023.By Tim Larson
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S1 E54 BILL TAYLOR - Former WCFL & KHJ Radio Announcer
1:22:44
1:22:44
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Legendary Chicago radio announcer Bill Taylor and host Tim Larson met in August of 2022 at an impromptu dinner after the Rock Radio Revisited event in near Chicago, Illinois. From there, it was many more radio stories at a birthday party in Michigan. Our third visit is this conversation at Frankie's Deli in Oak Brook Terrace, Illinois. Recorded Oct…
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S1 E53 JEFF SWANBERG of the Stone Front band and the Garwood mansion
55:51
55:51
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Jeff Swanberg has led an interesting life. From Paul Newman to Jimi Hendrix and everything in between. Tim Larson and Jeff have known each other for well over twenty five years on a business level. Learn the personal sides of what interests them and how those topics intersect. Recorded in Rockford, Illinois at Edgebrook on October 17, 2023.…
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S1 E52 JONELLE & TERRY CARTER - River Road Trio
1:30:38
1:30:38
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Tim Larson met Terry and Jonelle Carter during their performance at Edgebrook's Music on the Mall 2023. They hit it off immediately and got to know each other only in fifteen second spurts. During this episode they dug deep on a variety of topics. Three of their songs are included in this show. Recorded in Rockford, Illinois on October 4, 2023.…
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S1 E50 JOHN LANDECKER SHOW on WGN radio with Tim Larson - 8 pm Hour
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In hour two, John Landecker and Tim Larson are joined by Sam Panayotovich of FOX Sports Network for football picks and Marnie Shure from Takeout Magazine for all things new in the food world. Recorded in Studio A at WGN radio in Chicago, Illinois on September 20, 2023.By Tim Larson
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S1 E51 JOHN LANDECKER SHOW on WGN radio with Tim Larson - 9pm Hour
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This is hour number three from Tim Larson's co-hosting opportunity with John Landecker on WGN radio in Chicago, Illinois. You'll hear plenty of late-breaking stories in the Sunshine, Lollipop and Rainbow Newscast...where nothing bad ever happens! Recorded September 20, 2023.By Tim Larson
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S1 E49 JOHN LANDECKER SHOW on WGN radio with Tim Larson - 7pm Hour
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Storytellers Studio co-founder Tim Larson donated to a charity auction conducted by the Museum of Broadcast Communications for co-hosting The John Landecker Show on WGN radio in Chicago, Illinois. This is the first of a three hour show (7pm hour) from that evening on September 20, 2023.By Tim Larson
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S1 E48 CLINT WOOTEN - Former Master Control at WREX-TV & The Nashville Network
1:24:12
1:24:12
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Clint and Tim have known each other since high school (1977). They grew up in radio together and have consistently shared decades of entertainment stories regardless of where they were located. They have worked in virtually every part of the entertainment world and it's very easy to see that the thrill of the industry remains in both of them. Recor…
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S1 E47 BRETT WHITACRE - Muralist and Drummer
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58:09
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As you'll hear, Brett Whitacre and Tim Larson met on a "job site." One thing led to another and here we are...which is the way it works with most artists. Recorded in Rockford, Illinois on September 5, 2023.By Tim Larson
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S1 E46 ART VUOLO, JR. - National Videographer & Radio's Best Friend
1:15:45
1:15:45
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Art Vuolo is a walking, talking media encyclopedia. He has video recorded everything worth watching from Marines and Paul Harvey to University of Michigan football and Dick Biondi. We talk about his Rock Radio Guides, radio reunions, John Landecker and his 29 years at Morning Show Boot Camp conventions. He's known Shotgun Tom Kelley and The Bob & T…
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S1 E45 TED GORDEN SMUCKER - Rewound Radio Chicago Rivals WLS & WCFL
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58:58
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Ted and a team of passionate volunteers have once again gathered WLS and WCFL airchecks from our favorite radio personalities. They have magically made those fifty year old reels and cassettes on-air ready again. You will hear folks like Fred Winston and Lyle Dean doing promos for the more than sixty hour broadcast on Labor Day Weekend 2023. Simply…
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S1 E44 JOHN SCHWEISBERGER - Formerly Chris Kelly on WROK radio
1:34:48
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John worked for WROK/WZOK in the mid to late 70's. He's an ultimate collector of everything radio. He joy to talk to. We made sure he had a two and a half hour lunch on Swedish pancakes for show prep for this podcast. John gave several personal collectibles to Tim Larson for everyone to enjoy. T-shirts, music surveys, station of the year folder and…
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S1 E43 TED O'DONNELL - Dirty Fishnet Stockings lead singer
1:20:02
1:20:02
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Ted is the popular front man for the band Dirty Fishnet Stockings. During this episode, you will learn that host Tim Larson has known Ted since he was five years old. Ted is the powerhouse behind the Festival of Lights and Fourth of July Fireworks both in Rockford, Illinois. And, has a rich history of flying hot air balloons. Grab a note pad. Recor…
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S1 E42 EMILY HURD - Singer/ Songwriter
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1:05:22
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Emily Hurd and Tim Larson are both Rockford, Illinois natives and graduated from the same high school yet only met ten minutes before sitting down for this episode. Tim was drawn to calling Emily after seeing her perform a couple of weeks prior at Anderson Japanese Gardens. Recorded on July 10, 2023.…
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S1 E41 PAM ENZWEILER-PULICE - Director of The Dick Biondi Film
1:08:10
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Pam Enzweiler - Pulice first met WLS radio announcer Dick Biondi when she was thirteen at a record hop near Chicago. Getting to know Dick over the years has resulted in her soon-to-be-released documentary. We recorded our conversation at Frankie's Deli in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois on May 31, 2023.By Tim Larson
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S1 E40 JACK LAMBIOTTE - Former Chief Engineer at WROK/WZOK.
2:34:51
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Jack Lambiotte and Tim Larson reunited after 37 years just outside of Denver, Colorado in a cafe at the top of Lookout Mountain. The stories flowed faster than the coffee. Buckle up for two and a half hours of conversation among two lifelong radio friends. Recorded on April 20, 2023.By Tim Larson
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S1 E39 NEAL ANGELL - Creative Director for Commercials at Midwest Family Broadcasting
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1:01:09
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Neal Angell has been the Creative Director for Commercials at Midwest Family Broadcasting for twenty years. He and Tim Larson have known each other for a long time, but never worked together. Neal does writing and production for several of the company's stations in various cities, but mainly in Rockford, Illinois at 95.3 The Bull WRTB, B-103 WGFB, …
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This is a short recap of just a few of the stories shared by our many guests. Recorded by co-host Tim Larson on March 3, 2023 in Rockford, Illinois.By Tim Larson
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S1 E37 SCOTT Mc MAHON - Former WZOK Sales Executive
1:44:13
1:44:13
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Scott McMahon worked with Liz Wylder at WZOK Rockford, Illinois in the late 80's and early 90's. You'll find his stories about his radio days in Wisconsin entertaining as well. Scott joined us in Rockford, Illinois on February 28, 2023.By Tim Larson
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S1 E36 CHUCK DOYLE (Sit down #2) - Former WZOK Announcer
2:08:41
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Liz Wylder and Tim Larson sat down on January 27, 2023 to gather Chuck Doyle's version of the WZOK radio history guided by a chronological list of morning men from WZOK newsman John Strandin.By Tim Larson
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S1 E35 HOWARD HALL - Former Engineer for WROK and WZOK radio
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Howard Hall was another one of the amazing engineers at WROK and WZOK. Announcers and programmers would come up with hair-brained ideas and people like Howard would figure out a way to make it happen...every time! His sit down was in Rockford, Illinois on January 21, 2023 with Liz Wylder and Tim Larson.…
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S1 E34 LIZ WYLDER - Former WZOK Announcer
1:23:51
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Liz has worked in Hannibal, Missouri; Quincy, Illinois; Memphis, Tennessee; Buffalo, New York and Rockford, Illinois. Hear radio stories from all locations and the people who have meant the most to her career. Larry Bird and Joe Walsh are somehow involved. We sat down with glasses of wine on January 13, 2023 after a fine dinner of Chinese food.…
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S1 E33 SHOTGUN MARK RIVERS - Former WROK Announcer
1:32:05
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Shotgun Mark Rivers (Mike Lamb) and Tim Larson have known each other since 1977. Then Shotgun helped Tim start up a high school radio station after having a short conversation at a prom dance. Fast forward to 2018 and Tim became the first voice on now Mike's SKY7 radio stations. Access via SKY7music.com. This sit down took place in Mesa, Arizona on…
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