Out of Place | A Short Stories Podcast

Just because the music of life changes its tune, don’t sit the dance out. Find a new song—and keep dancing.

My father never put these lessons into words. He lived them. In “Three Things My Father Never Told Me,” I share what his example taught me about finding purpose, embracing change, and making room for what comes next. 

If you're going to stand in the spotlight, you'd better be ready for the heat. In A Harsh Reality, an unexpected turn of events thrusts Frank into the defining challenge of his career. His path through adversity reveals who he really is. 

Are texts and emojis quietly eroding meaningful communication? Has time begun to dictate how—and with whom—we connect? If the answer is yes, this episode of Out-Of-Place will help reconnect you with yourself… and the people you never meant to lose.

Filtered or unfiltered, the story is the same: nearly half of American adults once smoked cigarettes. In this episode, Frank examines how tobacco companies shaped public perception—turning smoking into a cultural norm and, ultimately, one of the most significant public health threats in modern history.

From a time when the Marlboro Man symbolized rugged masculinity to campaigns that marketed Virginia Slims as a badge of independence for women, this episode traces how powerful messaging influenced generations. It also features candid, on-the-street interviews with smokers, offering personal perspectives on a habit that defined an era.

From the click of a rotary dial to the swipe of a smartphone, this podcast takes a fun spin through how our voices jumped from wires to the cloud—and how each leap changed the way we connect.

What lies hidden in the minds of the characters in Two Black Hearts reveals just how strong bonds can be—until they break. And sometimes, those breaking points turn deadly. Meet Kate and Kim, best friends who share everything… except their true ambitions. Plus, don’t miss our exclusive interview with Dr. David Cale, owner of Laurel Caverns, for a rare glimpse into the mysterious world of caving.

Before screens and software, kids built with Lincoln Logs, Erector Sets and other developmental toys. These hands-on kits sparked creativity and problem-solving—no batteries required. In this episode, Frank takes you back to a simpler time, when play meant building, imagining, and proudly showing off your latest creation!

This episode also includes an interview with Jane Werner, Executive Director of the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.

Frank turns down a lead to sell product to a major retailer.  What follows is an adventure with unexpected consequences.  

Frank invites you to take a journey back to a time when news was NEWS, not sensationalism and hyperbole--when there were only three television networks and Walter Cronkite was the most trusted newscaster in America.

Frank brings to light how wrist watches mark time in a whole new way.