Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a dying breed? As possibly the last local evening talk radio host in America, I've found myself in a curious position reflecting on what success truly means in broadcasting today.

After nearly 12 years hosting my show on KFBK, I've built something special through a deceptively simple formula: treating people with respect, avoiding divisiveness, and creating space for real conversation. It's this approach that's allowed me to thrive while so many local shows have disappeared from the airwaves, replaced by syndicated programming or reruns.

In this episode, I share the untold story of my near-syndication in 2020 – how I was poised to expand to markets like San Diego and Portland before pandemic-related layoffs derailed those plans. But this seeming setback prompted deeper reflection: would syndication truly represent success if it meant sacrificing the creative freedom I currently enjoy? When you syndicate, other voices inevitably enter the decision-making process about content and approach. My measure of success isn't market reach but rather the deep connection with listeners both on traditional radio and through this growing podcast.

I also pay tribute to radio legend Tom Sullivan, who's retiring after four decades of broadcasting excellence. His departure marks another significant shift in our industry landscape, though he'll continue connecting with audiences through podcasting. Additionally, I wade into the controversial topic of California's transgender athlete rules, offering perspective on fairness in women's sports.

The episode closes with a dive into my record collection, featuring Culture Club's massive hit "Karma Chameleon" – though I confess it's never been a personal favorite despite its enormous commercial success!

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Escape to the foothills with us as we journey through the idyllic town of Colfax and experience the final day of the Strawberry Music Festival. Under perfect late May skies, this adventure celebrates the often-overlooked treasures hiding just off the beaten path.

The morning begins with a drive through downtown Colfax, where we discover local gems like Buzz Through Joe's coffee shop and The Basement restaurant. These family-owned establishments represent the heart of small-town America, offering experiences chains simply can't replicate. Just outside town, we explore the Red Frog bar—a quintessential local watering hole complete with vintage jukebox and stunning views of passing trains against rolling hills. These businesses aren't just charming stops; they're the lifeblood of communities that deserve our support.

Nature's beauty takes center stage at the Bear River Bridge, where rushing waters and lush greenery create a postcard-perfect scene. This peaceful interlude prepares us for the festival's final day, where we enjoy performances from Rose's Pawn Shop, the Slow Can Ramblers (performing a bluegrass rendition of Gordon Lightfoot's "Sundown"), and headliner Dan Tyminski. Known for his work with Alison Krauss and Union Station, plus his iconic vocals on "Man of Constant Sorrow" from "O Brother, Where Art Thou?," Tyminski's performance provides a perfect conclusion to the weekend.

As Memorial Day approaches, this episode reminds us to appreciate both the natural beauty around us and the authentic experiences found in small towns. Whether it's community radio like KVMR broadcasting festival performances or riverside moments of tranquility, these connections matter. Discover why sometimes the best adventures happen when you simply turn off the highway and explore what's waiting just beyond.

Hunger leads the way as we explore the Strawberry Music Festival on Saturday, May 24th. With the sun setting and live music filtering through the meadow, we embark on a sensory journey through the festival's food court, where tantalizing aromas compete for our attention. My cousin Nic has come down from Spokane to enjoy the festivities, and along with my longtime friend Jefe, we're making memories among the crowds.

The festival carries its own unique energy on this busy Saturday. We spot celebrity doppelgangers (an Elton John lookalike!), reminisce about past festival experiences in Camp Mather, and celebrate the reasonable food prices that make this festival stand out from others. After enjoying a meal at The Basement in downtown Colfax earlier in the day—featuring what Jefe declares "the best fish tacos" of his life—we're back at the festival sampling coconut curry and pad thai noodles.

What makes Strawberry Music Festival truly special is the sense of community. We discover the Hog Ranch Radio station where young children are adorably interviewing band members, asking questions about favorite foods and musical instruments. As night falls, the trees behind the main stage illuminate in beautiful blue and purple lights, creating a magical backdrop for Chuck Profit's performance. The dance floor fills with festival-goers moving to the infectious rhythms.

The evening takes an unexpected turn when the band begins injecting political commentary between songs—first about gun control, then with disparaging remarks about Elon Musk. This shift from the festival's peaceful, inclusive atmosphere to politically divisive messaging serves as a reminder of how quickly such comments can fracture the unifying experience of live music. For those seeking an escape through music and community, it raises questions about when and where such messaging belongs.

Whether you're a festival veteran or considering your first music festival experience, join us for this authentic glimpse into the beauty, food, music, and occasional challenges of festival life. Share your thoughts on where the line should be drawn between artistic expression and preserving the communal joy of music festivals.

Picture this: golden sunlight filtering through towering Ponderosa Pines, the sweet sounds of acoustic music floating across a meadow, and three grown men with a hidden flatulence machine ambushing unsuspecting festival-goers. Welcome to our adventure at the Strawberry Music Festival!

Nestled in the picturesque Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, this twice-yearly gathering transforms an ordinary fairground into a vibrant community of music lovers. With my cousin Nick visiting from Spokane for his first festival experience, we dive headfirst into what veterans affectionately call "The Strawberry Way" – that special blend of camaraderie, respect, and lighthearted fun that defines this beloved event.

Between spontaneous three-part harmonies of Beatles classics and wandering through food vendors offering everything from tri-tip sandwiches to organic crepes, we explore what makes this festival so special. The meadow fills with approximately 3,000 attendees lounging in low chairs, families play together without electronic devices, and live performances broadcast across the grounds via Hog Ranch Radio.

What strikes me most during our wanderings is the genuine connection happening all around us. Children play with real toys instead of staring at screens. Strangers share laughs and music recommendations. Musicians like Anna Moss captivate the crowd with songs that echo across the sun-dappled field. After 27 years of attending, I'm still discovering new magic in these meadows.

Whether you're a festival veteran or considering your first musical gathering, join us for this audio postcard from one of California's most cherished music traditions. Have you experienced the unique community of a music festival? Share your story with us and discover why some traditions are worth keeping year after year.

Why does Miracle Whip exist, and who thought putting it in a carrot-raisin salad was a good idea? These are the burning questions explored in this delightfully random episode that feels like rummaging through the junk drawer of Pat's mind—finding treasures you never knew you needed.

Remember those awkward childhood moments when you'd be at a friend's house, starving, and their mom would make you a sandwich? The anticipation builds as you watch her prepare it, Dionne Warwick playing softly on the kitchen radio. Then disaster strikes: that first bite reveals the unmistakable tang of Miracle Whip instead of mayo. But politeness prevents you from spitting it out, so you soldier through, betrayed by condiments. Pat paints this universal childhood trauma with vivid detail that will have you nodding in recognition.

The episode takes unexpected turns as Pat reveals that Costco will close all 600+ stores on Memorial Day to honor fallen service members. This leads to an appreciation for the company, despite Pat's humorous observations about bulk shopping ("What am I going to do with a gigantic tub of whatever?"). We also learn about forgotten KFC menu items from the 60s and 70s—buckets of chicken gizzards and livers—complete with a helpful explanation of what exactly a gizzard is (the muscular part of a bird's digestive system, in case you were wondering).

The show wraps with Pat sharing two vintage records from his collection: Phil Harris's 1950 novelty hit "The Thing" and The Jimmy Castor Bunch's 1972 classic "Troglodyte," complete with personal memories of his father dancing to the latter. These musical moments perfectly complement the nostalgic journey through food traumas, retail observations, and random thoughts.

Have you ever experienced the Miracle Whip betrayal? What childhood food memories still make you shudder? Share your thoughts and subscribe to catch more of Pat's wonderfully random observations that somehow make perfect sense.

The spectacular spring weather in Northern California sets the perfect backdrop for reflections on birthdays, community building, and exciting new developments for the podcast. From hosting a birthday gathering in a newly remodeled home to receiving news about Pat's Peeps gatherings at the California State Fair, the podcast community continues to grow in unexpected ways.

• Celebrating a birthday with friends and family in a home transformed through local businesses like Southgate Glass and American River Flooring
• Overwhelming generosity of guests who brought so much Irish whiskey, beer, and wine that another gathering might be needed just to consume it
• Exciting news from radio station bosses about hosting "Pat's Peeps gatherings" at the California State Fair
• Anticipation for the Strawberry Music Festival, marking the 26th or 27th time attending since 1993
• Special birthday message from Randy of Trailer Park Boys, arranged by a thoughtful friend
• Brief discussion of Brock Purdy's massive contract extension with the 49ers, making him the seventh highest-paid quarterback
• Featuring Thomas Dolby's 1982 hit "She Blinded Me With Science" and its lesser-known B-side "Flying North"

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Vinyl records weren't just music to us in 1975—they were essential investments calculated in hours worked. "How many albums will today's shift buy me?" was the perpetual question as I saved for treasures at The Record Factory, where $3.33 could purchase sonic worlds that would last a lifetime.

Fifty years later, 1975 stands as perhaps rock's most extraordinary year. Led Zeppelin's mammoth double album "Physical Graffiti" delivered deep cuts that reflected the band's evolving artistry while Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" captured melancholy perfection. Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" painted vivid American landscapes through cinematic storytelling, transforming a New Jersey kid into rock's poet laureate. Meanwhile, Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," David Bowie's "Fame" (featuring John Lennon's vocals), and Aerosmith's "Toys in the Attic" demonstrated rock's incredible diversity.

The heavy hitters weren't holding back either—Black Sabbath's "Sabotage" delivered what I consider "the hardest rock riff ever," Deep Purple introduced Tommy Bolin replacing Ritchie Blackmore (who formed Rainbow with Ronnie James Dio), and Ted Nugent released his bombastic debut. Innovation flourished with 10cc's groundbreaking production on "I'm Not in Love," while Jefferson Starship, Bob Dylan, Parliament, and ZZ Top all contributed classics that remain influential decades later. This cascade of creativity wasn't just impressive—it was unprecedented, as artists pushed boundaries while remaining commercially viable.

These weren't casual purchases played once and forgotten; they were soundtracks that defined our identities. When you saved your hard-earned money for an album, you discovered every groove, appreciated every lyric, and connected with artists in ways that streaming can never replicate. Share your favorite albums from this landmark year and join the conversation about rock's golden moment when the possibilities seemed limitless and the music truly mattered.

Baseball's all-time hits leader Pete Rose has finally been reinstated by Major League Baseball—though only after his death. In a stunning announcement that shook the baseball world, Commissioner Rob Manfred removed both Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson from the league's "permanently ineligible" list, stating that "a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game."

The timing of this decision gives new significance to my 2017 interview with Rose, which I've shared in full on this episode. During our conversation, Rose displayed remarkable candor about his gambling-related ban, refusing to make excuses or cast blame, instead acknowledging: "I'm not going to complain about not being in the baseball Hall of Fame because I made the mistakes. I'm the one that messed that up." His approach to taking responsibility offers a powerful lesson about accountability and facing the consequences of one's actions.

Beyond the controversy, Rose shares fascinating insights about his legendary career with the Cincinnati Reds' "Big Red Machine" dynasty of the 1970s. He describes the emotional nine-minute standing ovation he received after breaking Ty Cobb's all-time hits record in 1985, and how his thoughts turned to his father, coaches, and mentors who weren't alive to witness the achievement. Rose also offers thoughtful perspectives on other controversial Hall of Fame cases, including steroid-era stars like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, revealing a willingness to forgive that stands in contrast to baseball's long stance toward his own case.

As baseball grapples with its complicated relationship to its legends, Rose's reinstatement raises profound questions about forgiveness, legacy, and whether punishment should extend beyond the grave. Whether you agree with the decision or not, this conversation with the man who collected more hits than anyone in baseball history provides valuable context for understanding one of sport's most complex figures.