The Voice of the Arts

From Mantua to Brooklyn, From Wiseguys to Penguins Nov 13, 2024

Opera, music, movies, and poetry dealing with Italian culture across continents and generations.

Return to Thunderdome Sep 26, 2024

A retrospective of the unique and varied career of director George Miller, along with the story of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher’s battle against ISIS.

The Art of Lowering One’s Standards Aug 15, 2024

How far can one lower their own standards before they’ve gone too low? It seems there truly is no limit.

The Life and Times of Tom Horn May 01, 2024

A brand-new interview with Old West expert Jim Dunham exploring the life of government scout and notorious hired gun Tom Horn, who used his fluency in the difficult Apache language to help capture Geronimo and was played by Steve McQueen in one of his last film roles.

More Fun With a Stranger Mar 28, 2024

Richard Yates’ short story, which captures one third grade teacher’s ability to make the classroom feel decidedly like a dungeon.

The Origins of Office Life Mar 07, 2024

A theory about the invention of work and the office, and a tale of two Henry’s: Henry V and Henry Hill.

Master Thespians and Imaginary Playmates Feb 21, 2024

Thespian, O Thespian! Glenn Close and Jon Lovitz show us their undying devotion for their one true love — acting! And the make-believe continues with young Olivia and her imaginary friend Charlie Ravioli, who is always too busy working to actually play with her.

Early Pioneers of Country Music Jan 24, 2024

Jimmy Rogers and the Carter Family take us on a tour of some of country music’s early pioneers. Plus, the Fanny Farmer Cookbook and a General Motors ad from the 2008 recession: Take this car…please.

The New Year’s Episode Jan 04, 2024

Welcoming you to the new year with a dose of comedy: Jackie Mason talks relationship advice, Simon Rich explores the secret lives of animals, and Bob & Ray attend a spelling bee.

The Thanksgiving Episode Nov 22, 2023

It’s not Thanksgiving without some of the best music from Eastern Europe: Corky Bucek’s “Bing Bong Bing Bong Did a Liddle Liddle.” Plus, the perils of sexual overstimulation, and a story about God’s girlfriend from Simon Rich.

Suffering from Idiocy Again Oct 25, 2023

Ian Frazier explores human fallacy and the pivotal question: Does doing something stupid make you an idiot? Or are you merely someone who suffers from idiocy?

The Broken-Hearted Redux Sep 20, 2023

A collection of early country classics from the lovesick and broken-hearted — Webb Pierce, George Jones, Hank Williams and many others.

Work and Holiday Revisited Aug 23, 2023

Letters of recommendation, job rejections and sales contests — an exploration of the ups and downs of the modern workplace.

A Good Man is Hard to Find Jul 26, 2023

I guess the Grandmother was right — they should have gone to East Tennessee instead. Flannery O’Connor’s brilliant, gothic 1953 short story.

Summer’s Dawn Jun 28, 2023

Getting a tattoo removed isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. A new episode to accompany all your summer fun.

Laughter and Tears May 24, 2023

“Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.” These were Stonewall Jackson’s last words, and they provide a poignant and fitting framework around this week’s episode, which explores love, loss, joy and death, and the ways in which they are all interconnected. From the personal to the poetic to the hilarious, we aim to show that laughter and tears often go hand in hand.

The Real Story Behind Paul Revere’s Ride May 08, 2023

We all know the story of Paul Revere’s legendary ride to warn of approaching British forces during the Revolutionary War, but few remember the real hero of the tale — his heroic horse Oatsy. This week, he finally gets his due. And we pay tribute to Sidney Bechet, a musician who embodied the New Orleans ragtime tradition at its best. As we read from his autobiography “Treat It Gentle” we’ll hear of his public debut on the clarinet and how he tried to convince the father of a pregnant teenager that he was the responsible party even though he wasn’t.

M&M World Apr 20, 2023

Kate Walbert’s 2012 New Yorker short story is set on a buzzing early spring day in Times Square, evoking the unique sense of renewal and energy palpable in New York when the city finally begins to thaw out from a long winter. While dutifully fulfilling her youngest daughter’s wish of visiting the hectic M&M World, Ginny’s day turns tense as she struggles to keep track of her kids and revisits memories of her estranged husband.

Axis Apr 06, 2023

We feature another great short story by Alice Munro titled “Axis,” first published in The New Yorker in 2011. As in many of Alice Munro’s short stories, the characters aren’t like anyone I know, but they never seem contrived or invented. I would say that she loves creating characters and then observing them as they go their own way.

The Renewed Power of Rhetoric Mar 15, 2023

This week we return to an early classic episode, an exploration of the impact of passionate and well-crafted speech. Effective rhetoric can rouse supporters and sway opponents, and aptly chosen words have the ability to pierce and persuade like little else. Featuring some of the greatest masters of the craft — Churchill, Shakespeare, Sorkin, and of course, Jack Handey — we will show how great writers have an exceptional ability to inspire, enrage, and enliven their audiences. We will hear Kenneth Branagh’s rendition of the St. Crispin’s Day speech from Henry V, Winston Churchill delivering his own rousing speech discussing the drumbeat of war building in Germany in 1934, one of Jack Nicholson’s most memorable film speeches of all time from “A Few Good Men,” and Jack Handey’s discovery of Attila the Hun’s least known speech.

Winter Doldrums Feb 22, 2023

In 1954, Frank Sinatra won an Oscar for his performance as a scrappy soldier named Angelo Maggio in the film “From Here to Eternity.” In our Winter Doldrums podcast, we play an audio clip from Francis Ford Coppola’s first Godfather film that details how that role went to Sinatra over the intense objection of Columbia Pictures head of production Harry Cohn. We also have an audio clip from Francois Truffaut’s film “Fahrenheit 451,” adapted from Ray Bradbury’s novel of the same name.

Winter Rain in California Means Snow in the Mountains Jan 03, 2023

A new year brings with it a new episode, with lots to keep you warm during this cold and rainy season. We feature two classic comedy segments, one of which is comedy duo Bob & Ray’s “Two Faces West,” a sketch which might have been based on film heavy Jack Palance’s inability to get on a horse without looking funny. Indeed, the only way he could be convincingly shown mounting one for the famous Western “Shane” was through a bit of movie magic: he’d be assisted onto the horse first, then filmed getting off solo so that the editors could reverse the footage and make it look like he had effortless command of the move.

A Cure for Fevers and Heartburn Dec 13, 2022

Is it humanly possible to have too much cowbell? I mean is it physically, psychologically, emotionally, and morally possible to have too much cowbell?

Haven Oct 27, 2022

“What I mean is, this kind of music? Concerts and the like? They ever pay money to sit down for a couple of hours and wear their bottoms out listening to something they wouldn’t recognize half a day later? Pay money simply to perpetrate a fraud? You ever know them to do that?”

More Bread and More Cowbell Sep 28, 2022

When this episode was first released, we were only 2 months into the Covid pandemic, and many people were homesteading and finding new comforts in simple joys like crafting and baking. Host Joe Weber took this moment as an opportunity to impart some of his well-earned knowledge as a lifelong baker and bakery supplier by giving some highly useful baking tips, which still remain as relevant and useful as they were then. As an accompaniment to the bread course, the menu is packed — two stand-up bits by Jackie Mason, a couple of Cole Porter tunes, a reading from Richard Yates and a visit from Jack Handey. And of course, a healthy serving of cowbell!

Sidney and Bessie Anew Sep 14, 2022

We return this week with another early episode which highlights the life and times of New Orleans musician Sidney Bechet, the legendary jazz saxophonist and clarinetist, and his relationship with Bessie Smith, who he describes as “…the damnedest singer…that would really have the public going.” Featuring bits from his autobiography, we learn of his knack for finding trouble, his stint in prison, and of course his musical journeys with Bessie and others. Full of great songs and wonderful pieces of Bechet history, this is one of our classic episodes.

The Genius Returns Aug 10, 2022

Among his many talents, Irish writer Frank O’Connor had a particular gift for showing the world through the eyes of young, precocious, often naive protagonists, like Larry Delaney of his 1957 story “The Genius.” Larry wants to be the town’s first proper genius and win the affections of Una Dwyer — first, he just has to find out where babies come from. We revisit this timeless story, originally featured in an early episode of the podcast, along with musings from Jack Handey, poetry by Richard Wilbur, and lots of great music.

Another Late Encounter Jul 21, 2022

Continuing with the theme of our last episode, we present another one of Flannery O’Connor’s great short stories, “A Late Encounter with the Enemy.” In this 1953 story, elderly former Civil War veteran George Poker Sash attends his 62-year-old granddaughter’s fateful college graduation, and the occasion leads to ruminations on memory, aging, and mortality. Host Joe Weber leads off the show with some of his own musings on the realities of aging, and as always, music guides the way.

Everything Rises Again Jun 30, 2022

Flannery O’Connor was one of the greatest Southern writers, and one who truly understood the people and nuances of the South. In our second ever episode, we featured one of her classic short stories, “Everything that Rises Must Converge.” Published near the end of her life, it deals with a changing South as seen through the lens of recent college graduate Julian and his old-fashioned mother. This week, we feature the story once again in a return to that early episode.

First Confession’s Second Coming Jun 16, 2022

This week we revisit another of our very first episodes, featuring a wonderful 1950 short story by Irish writer Frank O’Connor entitled “First Confession.” The story explores a seven-year-old boy’s anxieties over having to give his first ever confession at church. It is a show favorite which sharply exhibits O’Connor’s wit and shows real sympathy for his young protagonist.

Anti-Heroes Redux May 12, 2022

You might just want to listen to this re-release of Podcast #22 if you answer YES to the following questions:

Are you so tired of superheroes that even a hero sandwich gives you pause?

Are you a man who can readily observe unique qualities in your spouse such as the ability to save you from a school of man-eating rainbow trout?

Are you a baby boomer who has experienced the heartache of being unable to find a human being anywhere on a customer hotline?

These, and more, explored in this week’s return to “Anti-Heroes”!

April Is the Cruelest Month Apr 27, 2022

A toxic mix of Bob Newhart, Mel Brooks, Dr. Fllambeau, and the best Klezmer band that ever was.

The Late March Early April Podcast Apr 13, 2022

“Paging Mr. Driftwood!” Humor abounds in this episode, brought to you by the likes of Groucho Marx, Bob Newhart, and Flight of the Conchords. A treasure trove of comedy gold all for the low low price of free — there’s no chance you’ll see the bill and say “This is an outrage! If I were you, I wouldn’t pay it…”

Back with the Babes in the Wood Mar 29, 2022

Returning to our very first episode, we feature the short story “The Babes in the Wood” from Irish writer Frank O’Connor, a show favorite whose work often appeared in The New Yorker during his life.

Return to The Sacred and the Profane Mar 09, 2022

This week, we revisit a favorite episode from the past — Episode #15: “The Sacred and the Profane”, in which Simon Rich wonders whether making sure that Orel Hershiser won his game prevented God from relieving half a million flood victims in Southeast Asia.

Geronimo: The Life of the Apache Warrior Feb 01, 2022

Geronimo and the longest armed conflict in U.S. History, including the recently ended war in Afghanistan.

Steve Martin’s 5 Christmas Wishes Jan 13, 2022

The Spirit of Giving, 3 gals crazy for Santa, and Clyde McPhatter’s “White Christmas”.

Stefan Fllambeau: Performance Artist, Spiritual Healer, Life Coach, and Motivational Speaker Graces Us with His Wisdom Dec 29, 2021

Stefan Fllambeau gets to the bottom of Atlanta’s scandal at the DOT. And, the Venona Project, and what we knew but could not reveal about Soviet espionage during the critical years toward the end of World War II and after.

A Thespian Super Bowl Pits Glenn Close Against Jon Lovitz Dec 15, 2021

Acting at its finest, and a story about an imaginary playmate who can’t play because he has to take a meeting.

The Thanksgiving Podcast Dec 01, 2021

Music from Eastern Europe: Corky Bucek’s “Bing Bong Bing Bong Did a Liddle Liddle”. Plus, the perils of sexual overstimulation, and Simon Rich with a story about God’s girlfriend.

**How The Fatigue of Taking Care of Toddlers Forced Early Man to Invent Work and the Office** Nov 16, 2021
A grand mix of the St. Crispin’s Day Speech from “Henry V” and some insight into another Henry: Henry Hill, who helped engineer the largest cash robbery in American history. Plus, the life and music of Jackie Wilson.

Welcome to Thunderdome: Two Men Enter, One Man Leaves Nov 02, 2021

The varied films of George Miller from “Mad Max” to “Babe”, and the story of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher and the battle against ISIS for the city of Mosul.

The Short, Happy Life of a Free-Range Chicken Oct 20, 2021

Free-Range Chicken Number 1: “Life is really great here. The food is fantastic and you really get room to run around and peck others.”

Free-Range Chicken Number 2: “Tell me about it. I’m never thirsty because there’s always water nearby and I hear that when the farmer comes for you, they take you to a wonderful place where you’re taught to fly.”

The Proper Use and Care of Your Shower Curtain Oct 06, 2021

A shake-up in the executive suite at the Waffle and Pancake Council of America. Plus, the sex scandals at Meerkat Manor.

**Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, Leaders of the Lakota** Sep 21, 2021
Jim Dunham discusses the history of the nomadic Native American tribes that followed the buffalo, and the charismatic leaders of the Oglala and Hunkpapa bands that were part of the Lakota people.

The Earl of Sandwich’s First Attempt: One Slice of Bread in Between Two Slices of Bread Sep 01, 2021

Is there really such a thing as pre-natal speech, and did the Earl of Sandwich really invent the sandwich? Podcast 33 reveals the truth with the help of Mel Brooks and Woody Allen.

Join us for some first-rate comedy including Bob & Ray’s “Two Faces West”, plus a variety of music that you won’t typically hear on the airwaves.

Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner Reveal How Humankind First Understood the Differences in Gender Aug 18, 2021

The legendary comedy duo of Brooks and Reiner teach us the secrets of longevity, poet Richard Wilbur whimsically explores the nature of shame, and Stan Grossman tells Jerry Lundegaard, “We’re not a bank, Jerry.”

Whatever Happened to Rock n’ Roll Instrumentals? Have They Simply Disappeared? Aug 03, 2021

The Ventures, Bill Justice and others give us a taste of a bygone art form: rock songs without lyrics where the guitar riffs and driving beats provide all the story we need. And we honor Tony Bennett’s 95th birthday with Alec Baldwin’s hilarious Saturday Night Live impressions of the legendary crooner.

Sigmund Freud and Adelaide’s Lament Jul 20, 2021

Likes mud likes mud, this X means the horse likes mud – “Guys and Dolls”, horse racing, and the great foot race between Jerry and Duncan.

The Legend of Billy the Kid Jul 06, 2021

The blood curdling howl of a schnauzer in a frightful urban legend, and the Wild West saga of Henry McCartey, alias Henry Antrim, alias William Antrim, alias Billy Bonney, alias Billy the Kid.

Book of Dreams Jun 21, 2021

Bruce Springsteen’s song reflecting on his second trip to the altar and Woody Allen wondering how the word “Oldsmobile” showed up in one of the Dead Sea Scrolls found near the Gulf of Aqaba.

The Two Helens Jun 07, 2021

The big band leaders of the 30’s and 40’s referred to them as canaries and saw them as a necessary distraction from what they enjoyed most: elaborate instrumental arrangements. They knew that only their male fans would be left, and perhaps not even them, if they completely abandoned female vocalists like The Two Helens: Forest and Ward.

Lower My Standards?? With Pleasure! May 17, 2021

In Podcast #27, we will explore the questions: Are my standards too high, too exacting for me to be truly happy? Why do I sometimes feel like I should get a “job” or do some kind of “work”? Does thinking about maybe getting a job make me better than other people? Am I worried that if I quit borrowing money from my friends, they’ll think I’m stuck-up?

The Broken-Hearted May 06, 2021

A salute to more early country musicians, especially the broken-hearted like George Jones, “who may not be walkin’ tall but he’s tryin’, and at least he’s learned how to stand on his own two knees.”

Country Music Pioneers Apr 27, 2021

This week you’ll hear from two of the pioneers of country music, plus a General Motors ad from the 2008 recession: Take this car……please.

LaVern Baker and Ernesto Nazareth Apr 06, 2021

She was the second woman inducted into the Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame and today few people remember her name, and he is the most famous composer from Brazil but spent much of his life playing the piano in a movie theater.

Professional Ambition Mar 15, 2021

Which of the following would you consider it advisable to do?

1. Hire Jerry Seinfeld as your life coach…

2. Buy a new automobile from Jerry Lundegaard…

3. Debate Carl Showalter (Steve Buscemi) as to the meaning of the concept of Force Majeure.

Find out on this week’s episode of “The Voice of the Arts”!

Anti-Heroes Feb 16, 2021

You just might want to listen to Podcast #22 if you answer YES to the following questions:

Are you so tired of superheroes that even a hero sandwich gives you pause?

Are you a man who can readily observe unique qualities in your spouse such as the ability to save you from a school of man-eating rainbow trout?

Are you a baby boomer who has experienced the heartache of being unable to find a human being anywhere on a customer hotline?

These, and more, explored in this week’s episode of “The Voice of the Arts”!

A Good Man is Hard to Find Jan 13, 2021

Flannery O’Connor’s chilling tale of a vacation bound family that encounters three prison escapees on a twisting dirt road in South Georgia is the centerpiece of our most recent podcast from “The Voice of the Arts.”

My Oedipus Complex Jan 07, 2021

“Never, never had anyone spoken to me in that tone before. I looked at him incredulously and saw his face convulsed with rage. It was only then that I fully realized how God had codded me, listening to my prayers for the safe return of this monster.” – Character Larry, speaking of his father, in Frank O’Connor’s “My Oedipus Complex.”

Suffering From Idiocy Nov 16, 2020

It is not rare for us fallible humans to make a mistake every now and again, but does doing something stupid make you an idiot? Or are you merely someone who suffers from idiocy? Humorist Ian Frazier struggles with this distinction in his raucous New Yorker essay “What I Am,” one of two Frazier pieces we feature on this week’s episode. Jeff Foxworthy makes an appearance with some of his hilariously acerbic insights into being a Southerner, and show favorite Jack Handey generously presents some ideas for paintings to struggling artists in need of inspiration.

Fun With A Stranger Oct 13, 2020

When, as children, fate can send us into one of two third grade classrooms, we get our first taste of life’s randomness. Richard Yates’ short story “Fun With a Stranger” captures in exquisite detail how one teacher can make the classroom feel like a dungeon.

The Good, the Bad, and Al Dente – Episode 17 Jun 26, 2020

The mythic American West has been depicted in stories and legends for more than 150 years, and the larger-than-life personalities and epic range wars have been commemorated in hundreds of films, books and songs. One country that has had a longstanding fascination with the Old West is Italy. In fact, Clint Eastwood mostly got his start as a famous cowboy actor in Sergio Leone’s classic Spaghetti Westerns. We feature some of the eminently recognizable scores from a couple of those films, composed by Ennio Morricone. Then, we examine Puccini’s Opera “La Fanciulla del West” (“The Girl of the West”), another Italian homage to this storied moment in time. And resident Western expert Jim Dunham discusses the history of William H. Bonnie, otherwise known as Billy the Kid.

The Power of Rhetoric – Episode 16 Jun 18, 2020

A passionate and well-crafted speech is often the most impactful way to rouse supporters and sway opponents, and words can sometimes be the most piercing weapon we have. This week, we focus on rhetoric: the power of effective or persuasive speech or writing, as exhibited by some real masters of the craft — Churchill, Shakespeare, Sorkin, and of course, Jack Handey. Through brilliantly chosen words and striking delivery, these writers have an exceptional ability to inspire, enrage, and enliven their audiences. First up, Kenneth Branagh acts as the conduit for Shakespeare’s peerless words in the St. Crispin’s Day speech from Henry V. Winston Churchill delivers his own rousing speech discussing the drumbeat of war building in Germany in 1934. Jack Nicholson commands his way through one of the most memorable film speeches of all time in the climax of “A Few Good Men.” And Jack Handey presents a comical spin on great oration, with his discovery of Attila the Hun’s least known speech.

The Sacred and the Profane – Episode 15 Jun 10, 2020

In order to understand the spiritual mysteries of the world, it sometimes help to explore the irreverent, as can be evidenced by the title of our first piece on this week’s episode: “A Conversation with God and the Man in a Football Helmet and a Speedo who’s Always Shouting Things Next to the A&P.” Humorist Simon Rich seeks to understand what might motivate some of God’s whims and priorities in this and several other of his pieces, first questioning God’s choice of messenger to Earth, and then the decision between watching Orel Hershiser pitch a game or dealing with some pesky natural disasters.

Leonard Cohen also mined the intersection between the sacred and the secular in many of his songs, such as in the sweeping and powerful “Hallelujah,” which makes reference to the story of King David and Bathsheba, and “Closing Time,” a song about a sometimes rowdy bar which Cohen now describes as “Dead as heaven on a Saturday night.” Alongside these Cohen tunes, we bring you two of the best classic spirituals ever performed, by The Trumpeteers and Ralph Stanley, with a little Chuck Berry on top. We hope you enjoy!

A Mohel and a Cop – Episode 14 Jun 02, 2020

“Seinfeld” was one of the best TV comedies of the ’90s for many reasons. In addition to whip-smart writing by Larry David, an indelible cast of ne’er-do-well lead characters, and outlandish plotlines which were essentially “about nothing,” it was the revolving cast of oddballs and weirdos who circled the world of Jerry and his friends that gave the show its signature flavor. These unique roles were often performed by notable character actors, some of whom had been recognizable faces for many years in the Film and Theater world, and some who caught their big break on this hugely popular sitcom. This week, we sit down with the actors behind two of the show’s most memorable characters: the overly anxious Mohel from “The Bris” episode, played by the late Charles Levin, and Lt. Joe Bookman, the hard-nosed library cop from “The Library” episode, played by veteran film actor Philip Baker Hall of “Boogie Nights” and “Magnolia” fame. In these two wonderful and insightful interviews, we discuss Jerry’s inability to keep a straight face while filming, the network’s lack of confidence in the show at the beginning (they thought it would be a dud), and the struggles of trying to make a living as a supporting actor.

Work and Holiday – Episode 13 May 27, 2020

“First prize is a Cadillac El Dorado. Anybody want to see second prize? Second prize is a set of steak knives. Third Prize is you’re fired!” These are the merciless admonishments of Blake, Alec Baldwin’s unforgettable character in the film “Glengarry Glen Ross,” as he delivers the bitter news to a lacking Real Estate sales team–all but two of them will be given the can. Unfortunately, job uncertainty is a reality for many Americans during the Coronavirus pandemic. It is certainly no laughing matter, but to bring a little bit of levity to a tough issue, we have focused this week’s episode on some pieces that examine the lighter side of work, or lack thereof. Humorists Jack Handey and Kurt Lucks give us some hilarious examples of “Letters of Recommendation” and “Job Rejections” geared toward less than desirable applicants. Phil Hartman appears as a character with an unusual job description, the “Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer” from Saturday Night Live. And just like some folks can’t wait to take a holiday from their normal job, we will be taking a Billie Holiday throughout the episode, letting Lady Day’s wistful tunes whisk us away from the worries of the day.

Sidney and Bessie – Episode 12 May 19, 2020

“Somebody told me this Bessie, she was the damnedest singer, and I asked her to sing, and that’s how it started. Just as soon as she started out I knew her voice was something that would really have the public going.” That’s legendary New Orleans born jazz saxophonist and clarinetist Sidney Bechet recounting memories from his collaborations with Bessie Smith, just one of the sections from Bechet’s autobiography which we feature on this week’s episode. Bechet spent much of his time in Paris, and had a knack for finding trouble. In his own words, we are given a glimpse into his many journeys, a stint he served in prison, and his work with Bessie and others. Of course, we will feature much of his wonderful, energetic music along the way. Before we dive into Bechet, Joe discusses some of the new realities of home based education and introduces a hilarious and prescient New Yorker piece from a decade ago called “Home Colleging,” read here by Barbara Rosenblit.

Bakin’ Tips and Mason Bits – Episode 11 May 12, 2020

This episode marks the 6th edition since the Coronavirus quarantine began, and we hope that it finds you healthy, safe, and finding some joy in a slower, more sedentary pace of life. Many people have been finding outlets for the newfound time at home in cooking, crafting, home projects, new skills, and also baking, a favorite pastime of our host Joe Weber. Joe comes from a long line of bakery suppliers and has been baking bread himself for 50 years, so he thought that this would be a good chance to share some essential tips and techniques learned from his many years of trial and error. But the bread is just the first course of an episode chock full of delectable treats — two classic comedy bits by Jackie Mason, a reading from Richard Yates, some humor by Jack Handey, and a couple of Cole Porter tunes are just some of the menu items on offer. We even feature an appearance from Christopher Walken and his favorite instrumentalist. We hope you enjoy!

Frank O’Connor’s ‘The Genius’ – Episode 10 May 05, 2020

“So far, our town hadn’t had a proper genius, and I intended to supply the deficiency.” So says Larry, the precocious young narrator of Frank O’Connor’s 1957 short story “The Genius.” It is one of several of O’Connor’s stories told from the perspective of a child, and follows our genius Larry navigating the lesser minds around him, questioning where babies come from, and trying not to look dumb in front of his new crush Una. This episode features Joe reading this classic story, along with some musings from another of our favorite deep thinkers, humorist Jack Handey. We also feature Richard Wilbur reading his poem, “The Last One,” and as always, some wonderful music. We hope you enjoy it!

Tales of the 20th Century – Episode 9 Apr 27, 2020

Our episode this week will feature two magnificent recordings of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly,” along with some accompanying commentary about the renowned 1904 opera. We then fast-forward about 50 years with a passage from Richard Yates’ novel of suburban frustration, “Revolutionary Road.” Along the way, we’ll have some great music and poetry to lead you through. Enjoy!

Dukes and Mobsters – Episode 8 Apr 21, 2020

We are back this week with a brand new episode designed to transport you to yet another time and place, this time 16th Century Mantua, Italy. Joe explores the rough lawmakers of the time, in particular the Duke of Mantua, through commentary on a glorious recording of Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” We then move to a more modern telling of Italian-American history, and take a look at another tough bunch, the Corleone family of Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather.” Through some film clips and a couple of pieces of Nino Rota’s indelible score, Joe will draw parallels between the monarchs of hundreds of years ago and the mobsters of the 1940s.

Return to the Old West – Episode 7 Apr 13, 2020

Travel back to a bygone time with host Joe Weber, as he explores some of the legends and tales of the Old West through music and storytelling. Resident Western expert Jim Dunham returns to teach Joe about Wyatt Earp’s gunfights and why it probably wouldn’t have been smart to ask Doc Holliday for a refund if you weren’t satisfied with your dental work. We’ll feature some wonderful country tunes, and also a more modern take on rough and ready outlaws with a clip from the Coen Brothers’ early classic “Raising Arizona.”

Back to the Old West – Episode 6 Apr 06, 2020

This week, your host Joe Weber takes you back on a tour of the Old West with poetry, some classic Western tunes and a fascinating interview about the rivalry between Sheepherders and Ranchers with Cartersville, GA-based expert Jim Dunham. You’ll also be treated to the very first visit to the AM1690 studio of Stephan Fllambeau, Atlanta’s “premiere” performance “artist”, a long running sketch that Joe produced with actor Larry Larson over several years. Please enjoy!

Comedy Roundup – Episode 5 Mar 30, 2020

This week, your host Joe Weber has compiled some of his favorite comedy bits from AM1690, The Voice of the Arts in Atlanta. Comedy was always an essential glue that held together the blend of music, short stories, poetry, and other facets of culture that the station explored. This first edition of our Comedy Roundup features readings, clips from some timeless comedy bits and performers, and a first taste of the kind of original sketches and faux-commercials that were created specifically for the station, with some wonderful music choices to tie them all together. Enjoy!

A Late Encounter With the Enemy – Episode 4 Mar 06, 2020

This week’s episode finds your host, Joe Weber, ruminating on the realities of aging, and features a reading of Flannery O’Connor’s “A Late Encounter with the Enemy”. Written in 1953 and published in 1955 in her short story collection “A Good Man is Hard to Find”, this is O’Connor’s only story dealing with the American Civil War. Enjoy!

First Confession – Episode 3 Nov 04, 2019

On this episode of “The Voice of the Arts,” host Joe Weber offers listeners a reading of Frank O’Connor’s short story “First Confession.” Originally published in 1950, this story uses humor and playfulness to tell the story of a young boy’s fears over going to give his first ever confession at Church. Along with this story, we have a couple other surprises in store this week. We hope you enjoy!

Everything That Rises Must Converge – Episode 2 Jul 31, 2019

The second episode of “The Voice of the Arts” features a reading of Flannery O’Connor’s “Everything That Rises Must Converge.” Originally published in 1961, it won the O’Henry award in 1963. Please enjoy!

The Babes in the Wood – Episode 1 Jun 07, 2019

The first episode of The Voice of the Arts is a reading of Frank O’Connor’s “The Babes in the Wood,” originally published in The New Yorker in 1947 and later included in his short story collection “The Common Chord.”

Enjoy!

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