A sun-drenched May Day brings nostalgic memories flooding back as I gaze out at the Northern California foothills from my studio window. Remember when we'd craft heartfelt gifts for neighbors, place them on doorsteps, then dash away before they answered? Mother called it a "kind version of doorbell ditch" – spreading anonymous joy on the first day of May.
I dive into the rich history behind May Day celebrations – those ancient European festivals marking summer's arrival with maypoles, dancing, and flower gathering. Across cultures, from Germany's "Walpurgisnacht" bonfires to Celtic "Beltane" traditions, people have found meaningful ways to celebrate seasonal transitions together.
Speaking of treasures from the past, today's episode features a rare find from my vinyl collection: a pristine 1967 Peaches & Herb single on green vinyl. This gorgeous limited-edition record reveals fascinating insights about colored vinyl history – originally designating music genres before evolving into collectors' items. Did you know seven different women have played "Peaches" alongside the constant "Herb" since the duo's 1966 formation?
The conversation takes an unexpected turn down memory lane as we revisit those terrifying driver's education films from high school. "Highway of Agony" and "Red Asphalt" – who else remembers being traumatized by these graphic cautionary tales? I share my own bizarre driver's training experience, complete with an instructor who made unexpected detours to show us his pet monkeys before resuming lessons with bourbon on his breath!
Mark your calendars for May 6th when Barry Manilow joins me for a special conversation on the podcast. From May Day traditions to vinyl collecting and unforgettable school memories, this episode celebrates the connections between past and present that shape who we are.
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By Pat Walsh
5
66 ratings
A sun-drenched May Day brings nostalgic memories flooding back as I gaze out at the Northern California foothills from my studio window. Remember when we'd craft heartfelt gifts for neighbors, place them on doorsteps, then dash away before they answered? Mother called it a "kind version of doorbell ditch" – spreading anonymous joy on the first day of May.
I dive into the rich history behind May Day celebrations – those ancient European festivals marking summer's arrival with maypoles, dancing, and flower gathering. Across cultures, from Germany's "Walpurgisnacht" bonfires to Celtic "Beltane" traditions, people have found meaningful ways to celebrate seasonal transitions together.
Speaking of treasures from the past, today's episode features a rare find from my vinyl collection: a pristine 1967 Peaches & Herb single on green vinyl. This gorgeous limited-edition record reveals fascinating insights about colored vinyl history – originally designating music genres before evolving into collectors' items. Did you know seven different women have played "Peaches" alongside the constant "Herb" since the duo's 1966 formation?
The conversation takes an unexpected turn down memory lane as we revisit those terrifying driver's education films from high school. "Highway of Agony" and "Red Asphalt" – who else remembers being traumatized by these graphic cautionary tales? I share my own bizarre driver's training experience, complete with an instructor who made unexpected detours to show us his pet monkeys before resuming lessons with bourbon on his breath!
Mark your calendars for May 6th when Barry Manilow joins me for a special conversation on the podcast. From May Day traditions to vinyl collecting and unforgettable school memories, this episode celebrates the connections between past and present that shape who we are.
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