In episode 30, Chuck talks about Christmas! It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Chuck very briefly talks about some of the history and traditions of this joyous holiday. Childhood memories are shared, and there’s yet another harrowing journey to the desert—that was one rip-roaring flight. There’s a lot of Christmassy stuff that Chuck didn’t talk about, so let him know what your traditions are for the Christmas season!

In episode 29, Chuck talks with his friend, Laurie Fieffer, over the phone. Chuck and Laurie talk about board games! They grew up together and played many board games together. After discussing the history of board games, Chuck and Laurie reminisce about some of their favorites. Chuck learned about German-style board games during his research and then saw some of these games during his trip to Canada! Let them know which board games you used to play and/or which ones you currently enjoy playing!

In episode 28, Chuck talks about Thanksgiving! It’s that time of year when family and friends gather to give thanks for all that they have. Chuck talks about the origins of this American holiday. Remember it’s celebrated in the United States of America and in Canada. Childhood memories of this holiday are brought up, as are memories of one harrowing journey to the desert—that was one turkey of a flight. But seriously folks, let Chuck know what you’re thankful for this year!

In episode 27, Chuck sits down with his friend John Swinford to talk about running! John has been running since 2004 and has since run in many, many marathons. He ran in his 19th marathon, the 2016 Bank of America Chicago Marathon® after we recorded this episode! Did John’s story of why he started running and the positive effects it’s had on his life inspire Chuck to take up running? (Chuck doubts it.) Tell us about your running experiences, and let us know what benefits you’ve received since you became a runner!

In episode 26, Chuck talks about Italian beef! It’s another one of those Chicago things. Like hot dogs, there are plenty of places to get these delicious sandwiches. Dry, wet, or dipped and with or without sweet peppers, mild giardiniera, or hot giardiniera—so many choices! Oh I suppose you can also top it with cheese. One joint is famous for being Jay Leno’s favorite. Let Chuck know which place you think serves the best Italian beef and how you like yours topped!

In episode 25, Chuck talks with his friends Mary Catherine (Britty) Pastoret (the first return guest) and Joe Osowski about Britcoms! These are British situation comedies. We talk about some well-known shows like Fawlty Towers and Absolutely Fabulous and other lesser-known shows like Steptoe and Son and Till Death Us Do Part. These last two became Sanford and Son and All in the Family, respectively, in the United States. We didn’t mention all of these crossovers—one of the best-known ones actually. Let us know which Britcom is your favorite and which one(s) we forgot to mention!

In episode 24, Chuck talks about Sudoku! It’s not “math”! It’s logic! It’s fun for Chuck just about every Saturday after he’s done eating his bagel. What do bagels have to do with Sudoku? Nothing! Leave it to the Japanese to come up with a puzzle that can be simple one day and next-to-impossible the next. Wait…what? Seriously though—give it a go if you haven’t already. It’s a great way to keep you mind active. Have you given any of the variations a try? If you have, let Chuck know about it.

In episode 23, Chuck talks with his friend Gene Varnado about his blog, The Franklin Chronicles! It’s more than a just a blog: there are films, podcast episodes, and music! Speaking of more, there is video to accompany this episode, and it’s the first episode recorded outside of Chuck’s home studio. Did this make Chuck nervous? Listen and watch to find out. Thanks to Gene’s family for sitting by for support. Special thanks to Charles and Suzy Moore for recording the video and audio. You can see the video portion and learn all about The Franklin Chronicles at www.franklinchronicles.com.

In episode 22, Chuck talks about summer Olympics! From the opening ceremony to the closing ceremony and the events in between, there’s…the thrill of victory… and the agony of defeat…. That’s from ABC’s Wide World of Sports—but it’s still fitting here. Chuck does enjoy watching the summer Olympic Games, but does he enjoy the commentary that goes with them?

In episode 21, Chuck talks with his cousins Alan and Adriana Kurtzweg about Brazil! There’s more to the largest country in South America as well as Latin America than beaches and Carnival. The capital is Brasília, not Rio de Janeiro as some silly, scary movie might have us believe. Alan talks about the futuristic architecture of Brasília. Adriana is from the state of Rio Grande do Sul where Fogo de Chão was founded! We talk about Brazil’s use of hydroelectric power and ethanol. And, of course, we talk about Snake Island!