The Voice of the Arts

Latest Episodes:

Laughter and Tears Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

“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.

First Confession Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

Originally published in 1950, Frank O’Connor’s “First Confession” uses humor and playfulness to tell the story of a young boy’s fears over going to give his first ever confession at Church. This wonderful story sharply exhibits O’Connor’s wit and shows real sympathy for Jackie, his seven-year-old protagonist.

The Genius Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

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 1954 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.

A Late Encounter with the Enemy Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

This week’s episode 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.

Random Comedy Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Bits and pieces from the comedy world, featuring a tribute to the late Larry Larson, a frequent contributor to AM1690 and the man who brought you characters such as Stefan and Anthony Fllambeau.

The Song That Is Too Long May 14, 2026

Show notes

A meeting of great minds: William Shakespeare, Winston Churchill, and the men of Monty Python.

The Curious Connection Between Rick and Jesse James Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

You know him, you love him — Spiritual Healer, Performance Artist, Life Coach, Pool Cleaner, Lawn Care Expert: Dr. Anthony Flambeau, a disciple of Dr. Marvin Monroe.

A Cure for Fevers and Heartburn Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

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

A Thespian Super Bowl Pits Glenn Close Against Jon Lovitz Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

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

Black Bart and Emilio Kosterlitzky Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

Our resident Wild West historian Jim Dunham joins us once again to discuss two characters of the Old West, one an outlaw and the other a lawman.