History's most celebrated playwright isn't who you think he is. 

Forget the stuffy portrait of Shakespeare you suffered through in high school - turns out the Bard was tracking audience reactions like a Netflix algorithm, surviving political dangers that got his colleagues executed, and running Renaissance London's most savvy multimedia enterprise. Welcome to "Shakespeare 360°" – where what you learned in English class was just 37° of the full picture (that's one degree for each of his plays).

In this academic deep dive (that's actually fun!), distinguished Shakespeare scholar Professor Gary Taylor takes us backstage to reveal:

• The most important day in Shakespeare’s career - one that changed it’s trajectory entirely
• Why Shakespeare meticulously tracked audience laughter like a proto-Silicon Valley product manager (and how it made him rich)
• The character name change that literally saved Shakespeare's head when his colleagues weren't so lucky
• How AI and algorithms are helping to study every word to make sense of them all
• The bizarre train scheduling conspiracy still trapping Shakespeare fans in Stratford-upon-Avon overnight (400 years later!)

Whether you're a literary buff, business strategist, or just someone who remembers dozing through Romeo and Juliet in 10th grade, this episode reveals why Shakespeare's works still captivate us centuries later. As Professor Taylor puts it, Shakespeare shows us that "the universe is bigger than we are... and so we'll never get bored with it."

This bonus episode features the full interview that was highlighted in the April 23rd DayStrider episode:  A Midsummer Night Mistake, with additional insights and stories that didn't make the original cut. Perfect for sharing with students, colleagues, or anyone who appreciates a deeper look at creative genius.

Links:

• Professor Gary Taylor at Florida State University
• Various works written and/or edited by Gary Taylor

Text me your favorite time travel movie!!!

~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~

Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: [email protected]

Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link

Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy

If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories!

If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

How long would it take to watch every video on YouTube? (Spoiler: it's mind-boggling!) Our digital landscape, beverage choices, and literary understanding would look dramatically different without the plot twists of April 23rd. Join us for three tales of pivots, blunders, and centuries-old mysteries that prove sometimes the most brilliant successes start with spectacular failures!

• YouTube turns 20 today! Follow the incredible journey from a failed Valentine's Day dating site to a half-trillion dollar empire that's revolutionized how we learn, parent, and entertain ourselves. 

• New Coke's spectacular 1985 crash-and-burn wasn't just a marketing disaster—it accidentally became Coca-Cola's greatest triumph. Discover why Americans stockpiled original formula, poured New Coke down sewers, and sent angry executives scrambling to restore the classic recipe after just 79 days!

• Shakespeare may be history's greatest literary genius...or perhaps its most elaborate front man. Dive into the delicious 400-year-old mystery that has scholars questioning how a grammar school kid from nowhere gained intimate knowledge of royal courts, Italian geography, and advanced legal concepts.

If it's a special day for you or someone you care about, why not learn a little more about today by listening to some fun, engaging tales of the past? You'll find yourself a little smarter and have some great stories you can share while waiting for Mr. Beast’s next mega-video. If you need some great gift ideas, we have those too (along with links to where you can find them on Amazon).

Fun links from today’s stories (these links worked in mid-2025 - not sure how long the links will be available):

• Link to the very first You-Tube video ever
• Link to the Gary Taylor’s bio page at FSU

The rest is under construction!

Text me your favorite time travel movie!!!

~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~

Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: [email protected]

Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link

Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy

If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories!

If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes!  Some hold communities together when tragedy strikes - while others flex their 24 inch biceps!  Either way, our world would be a whole lot different without the heroics that took place on March 27th.  Today’s stories prove that strength and staying power come from the most unexpected places!

• When North America’s biggest earthquake struck, Genie Chance transformed from a part-time radio reporter into Alaska's beating heart during chaos and uncertainty.
• Would you believe that the infamous sleeper hold is actually real?  And that it was used by one of Professional Wrestling’s biggest heroes to actually knock a TV host unconscious - live on air! 
• Finally, we’ll help you solve this fun little riddle:

I'm needed at the ends but not in the middle, Solving my purpose isn't much of a riddle.

I'm handled each day, yet ignored in plain sight. Without me a simple act becomes quite a fight.

Kings had me made of gold to flaunt royal flair, But I’m usually quite plain and paired with a pair.

When I’m broken or missing, things start to fray, and I’m called by a word that you never did say.

If it's a special day for you or for someone you care about, why not learn a little more about today by listening to some fun, engaging tales of the past.  You’ll find yourself a little smarter and have some great stories you can tell while waiting for that sunrise service to finally get going.  If you need some great gift ideas, we have those too (along with links to where you can find them on Amazon).

Fun links from today’s stories (these links worked in early-2025 - not sure how long the links will be available):

• Link to the Thunderlips scene from the Rocky III movie
• Link to the Sleeper Hold scene from the Richard Belzer show

The rest is under construction!

Text me your favorite time travel movie!!!

~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~

Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: [email protected]

Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link

Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy

If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories!

If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

Stubbornness has a funny way of changing history!  Our world would look - and taste -  a lot different without the sweet successes of March 3rd.  Get ready for a triple dose of determination as today’s heroes turn 'no way' into 'my way' as they reveal how failure, family feuds, and frostbite became unexpected pathways to sweet success!

• The Iditarod dog sled race is a showcase of determined mushers and their four-legged athletes.  Current musher Bailey Vitello shares why losing 45 pounds during his rookie run is just part of the adventure.
• Then we'll unwrap the deliciously bitter origin story of M&M's, where Forrest Mars turned family exile into sweet revenge. 
• Finally, we’ll raise our copper mugs to the beautiful collision of three epic failures that created cocktail history.

If it's a special day for you or for someone you care about, why not learn a little more about today by listening to some fun, engaging tales of the past.  You’ll find yourself a little smarter and have some great stories you can tell while standing in the ever longer self-serve check-out lines at the grocery store.  If you need some great gift ideas, we have those too (along with links to where you can find them on Amazon).

Important links from today’s stories (these links worked in early-2025 - not sure how long the links will be available):

• Link to Team Bailey’s dog sponsor page
• Link to the Ickey Shuffle video at the deli counter

The rest is under construction!

Text me your favorite time travel movie!!!

~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~

Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: [email protected]

Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link

Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy

If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories!

If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

What happens when you combine 16 high-energy dogs, a sleep-deprived human, and 1,000 miles of Alaskan wilderness? Hallucinated rock concerts, near-death ice rescues, and a man who lost 45 pounds in 11 days while chasing the ultimate mushing dream. Meet Bailey Vitello, who's been commanding dog teams since age two and now tackles the legendary Iditarod with nothing but determination, his canine family, and—shockingly—zero caffeine.

In this episode, we dive headfirst into the wild world of competitive dog sledding with a musher who:

• Hallucinates Maroon 5 concerts in the Alaskan wilderness (sleep deprivation is a trip!)
• Rolls soaking wet dogs in snow to dry them (it actually works!)
• Shares his chili with his lead dog while sleeping in -10°F temperatures
• Lost a shocking 45 pounds during his rookie Iditarod run

Meet the canine characters in Bailey's 16-dog dream team – from Senator (the teacher's pet) to Wyoming (a loveable wrecking ball) to Tuckerman (the class clown who steals everyone's toys) to YoYa (his sleeping bag heater when needed).

Whether you're a dog lover, adventure seeker, or just curious about what drives someone to race across Alaska in conditions that would make most of us question our life choices, Bailey's story proves that sometimes the craziest dreams are the ones worth freezing for.

Listen now and discover why, as Bailey puts it, "Dogs honestly are just truly the answer to everything."

Links:

• Team Bailey USA: www.teambaileyusa.com
• Sponsor a dog or help pack Bailey's drop bags
• Follow Bailey's 2025 Iditarod journey
• The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Official Site

Text me your favorite time travel movie!!!

~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~

Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: [email protected]

Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link

Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy

If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories!

If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

Before February 12th - the innards of the baseball were out of control, ice skating was seasonal and the shape of our nation would look completely different!

• But along came Albert Spalding - who standardized that ball and invented a few other shapes you are familiar with!
• And year-round ice became a thing at the Madison Square Garden - reshaping the future of the sport of ice skating.
• A few of the largest memorials in the country are shaped after a president who reshaped his face at the urging of an 11-year-old.

If it's a special day for you or for someone you care about, why not learn a little more about today by listening to some fun, engaging tales of the past.  You’ll find yourself a little smarter and have some great stories you can tell while waiting in line at the bank to have your spare change rolled up.  If you need some great gift ideas, we have those too (along with links to where you can find them on Amazon).

The rest is under construction!

Text me your favorite time travel movie!!!

~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~

Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: [email protected]

Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link

Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy

If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories!

If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

Welcome to another DayStrider Bonus Episode.  Battlefield tour guide Steve Smith and I sneak behind enemy lines, and he shares the fascinating stories about the night the Germans began bombing the British with zeppelins!  You’ll hear the truth - but also - you will hear some myths about those first raids.  If you like learning about The Great War, these stories will be right up your alley!  Find a quiet place where you can relax while Steve and I take you back to that fateful night in Norfolk, Britain.   

This DayStrider Bonus Episode features the full-length interview that was highlighted on January 19th: Epic Delivery Routes.  In that episode you will also hear about the greatest beer run ever - a epic tale about a guy named Chickie, Pabst beer and the Vietnam war.  After that, we’ll hear a stunning “origin story” about the world renowned Tour de France.  It’s almost too hard to believe.  

Enjoy!

If you’d like to get in touch with Steve, or learn more about his upcoming book, you can use these links (they worked in early 2025 - not sure how long the links will be available):

• Link to Steve’s blog
• Link to Steve’s new book will be available once he is published

Text me your favorite time travel movie!!!

~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~

Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: [email protected]

Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link

Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy

If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories!

If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

When you think of delivery routes - you probably think of news papers.  But that’s not epic!  January 19th has epic deliveries that you won’t want to miss!

• Like the time a guy named Chickie delivered Pabst Blue Ribbon beers to his buddies in a war zone!
• Or the time the biggest route ever raced on a bike was invented - because of scandal and rivalries.
• How ‘bout the routes taken by zeppelin bombers that took over the British skies during World War 1?

If it's a special day for you or for someone you care about, why not learn a little more about today by listening to some fun, engaging tales of the past.  You’ll find yourself a little smarter and have some great stories you can tell in those awkward silent moments at the next baby shower you attend.  If you need some great gift ideas, we have those too (along with links to where you can find them on Amazon).

Learn more about today’s events here (these links worked in early-2025 - not sure how long the links will be available):

• Link to the Apple TV movie made about the Greatest Beer Run Ever
• Link to the Steve Smith’s guide page and blog post about zeppelin raids

Gift ideas for folks who celebrate January 19th:

• Immerse yourself into the Greatest Beer Run books and movies - and you gotta check out these Pabst Blue Ribbon crew socks 
• There are books and decor featuring the Tour de France - but the winner is this yellow cycling jersey!
• Books about the zeppelin bombings - or about the towns bombed are nice - but so is a desktop zeppelin model.
• Posters & movies of today’s famous folks:  Dolly Parton, Shawn Johnson, Paula Deen and Edgar Allen Poe
• Similarly, there are fun gift options to celebrate today’s holidays: Popcorn Day is fun, Brew a Potion Day

Text me your favorite time travel movie!!!

~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~

Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: [email protected]

Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link

Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy

If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories!

If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

Welcome to another DayStrider Bonus Episode.  Former Radio City Music Hall tour guide Joyce Hancock and I sneak behind the curtains, and she shares some fun stories about her tours - and you can tell, she really admires that building!  She tells a neat story about a Rockette when she was 10 years old - you gotta check that out!  

If you like learning about how places like a theater can create awe and inspiration, you are sure to be entertained!  Find a quiet place where you can relax and enjoy the images of the Rockettes, the mezzanine balconies climbing the walls and hear about a secret elevator!  Cheers!  

This DayStrider Bonus Episode features the full-length interview that was highlighted on December 27th:  “Stages” of Wonder.  In that episode you will also hear about the premier of Peter Pan (and take the Neverland Personality Profile).  After that, we’ll hear a fun story about how the theory of evolution - well, how it evolved!  

Enjoy!

If you’d like to get in touch with Joyce, or learn more about her book, you can use these links (they worked in late 2024 - not sure how long the links will be available):

• Link to Joyce’s LinkedIn page
• Link to Joyce’s book will be available once she is published

Text me your favorite time travel movie!!!

~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~

Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: [email protected]

Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link

Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy

If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories!

If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

Did you know that the powerful forces of creativity and curiosity are what makes December 27th an amazing day?  Whether you dream of adventure, love solving life’s mysteries, or simply crave a little magic, December 27th is here to deliver!

• In the early 1900’s Peter Pan and Neverland itself were magically created and took the world by a storm of pixie dust!
• In the 1830’s, aboard a sailing ship in the uncharted waters of the Galapagos - a discovery was made that changed science forever.
• In the 1930’s, the world’s largest indoor theater took shape and from there the legend soared higher than the Rockettes' eye-high kicks!

If it's a special day for you or for someone you care about, why not learn a little more about today by listening to some fun, engaging tales of the past.  You’ll find yourself a little smarter and have some great stories you can tell in those awkward silent moments at your neighbor’s New Year’s Eve party!  If you need some great gift ideas, we have those too (along with links to where you can find them on Amazon).

Gift ideas for folks who celebrate December 27th:

• A journey to Neverland could be in the form of books, posters and movies!  Peter Pan legos would also be neat - and don’t forget Tinkerbell!!! 
• For those avid readers - books about Darwin are interesting, along with board games - oh! He wrote a book too!
• Wall art depicting the RCMH is unique - as is some decor of the iconic building and the more iconic Rockettes.
• Posters & movies of today’s famous actors:  John Amos, Eva LaRue and Emilie deRavin
• Similarly, there are fun gift options to celebrate today’s holidays: Fruit cakes, Snowflakes and Zoo Day stuff.  

Text me your favorite time travel movie!!!

~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~

Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: [email protected]

Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link

Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy

If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories!

If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)