Have you ever stopped to consider the quiet power of Wednesday? That overlooked middle child of the week actually carries more historical significance, pop culture references, and practical advantages than you might realize.

Join me on this nostalgia-filled journey as I smoke a cigar and reminisce about the golden age of weekend television. Remember ABC's Wide World of Sports with that iconic introduction? "The thrill of victory... and the agony of defeat." I can still picture those Saturday afternoons with my dad, him nursing a Falstaff beer and Lucky Strike, while we watched in awe as Evel Knievel attempted his death-defying stunts. For a moment in the 1970s, that jumpsuit-wearing daredevil was even cooler than Superman! His slow-motion crash at Caesars Palace might just be the most captivating sports footage ever captured.

But this episode is really a celebration of Wednesday itself. Did you know it was named after Woden, the most important god in the Germanic pantheon? Or that in many Slavic languages, the word for Wednesday literally translates to "middle"? Perhaps most useful of all - research shows bosses are most receptive to requests (like raises or time off) on Wednesdays! We also explore Wednesday's appearances throughout pop culture, from Simon and Garfunkel's "Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M." to the delightfully macabre Wednesday Addams who stole our hearts.

Before you plan your next weekend, take a moment to appreciate this unsung hero of the workweek. Visit patspeeps.com to check out our expanding mall, with food businesses and special coupons coming soon. And next Wednesday, when you hit that midweek point, remember - you're not just on your way to the weekend; you're experiencing a day with its own rich history and significance.

The Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled California's background checks for ammunition buyers unconstitutional, though the California Department of Justice continues fighting to maintain restrictions.

• Rob Adams, owner of Sacramento Black Rifle with locations in California, Nevada, and Idaho, explains the ruling's significance
• Background checks for ammunition purchases previously cost $1 but were recently increased 400% to $5 per purchase
• California imposes an 11% "sin tax" on ammunition and serialized firearm components on top of regular sales tax
• The taxation scheme is more profitable for the state than for gun dealers, threatening business viability
• California DOJ is advising dealers not to ship ammunition directly to consumers despite the court ruling
• The experience of purchasing ammunition in Idaho or Nevada is vastly different, with fewer restrictions and no extra taxation
• Several additional gun rights cases are working through the courts, including challenges to magazine bans
• During COVID, many first-time gun buyers were shocked at California's extensive restrictions
• Constitutional carry states like Idaho report less crime and more respectful public behavior

Please support our local businesses by visiting patspeeps.com and checking out the Pat's Peeps sponsors like Sacramento Black Rifle, located at 8095 Greenback Lane in Citrus Heights.

The legendary Penn Jillette joins the podcast to discuss his new book "Felony Juggler," sharing stories from his adventurous past when he lived the nomadic lifestyle Bob Dylan only pretended to have. Penn reveals how he hitchhiked across America, hopped trains, and worked as a street performer - all inspired by Dylan's fictional autobiography.

• Penn's passion for diverse music and concerns about today's algorithm-driven cultural isolation
• The surprising revelation that Penn actually lived out Bob Dylan's made-up nomadic lifestyle
• How street performing was financially rewarding, paying more than his early Off-Broadway career
• Penn's unique relationship with Teller, revealing they rarely socialize despite 50 years as partners
• Modern clowning and performers like Puddles Pity Party who are reinventing the art form
• The distinction between Penn's chosen nomadic youth and actual homelessness

Join Penn Jillette for a book signing at Capital Books in Sacramento on August 4th at 7pm. Get your tickets at capitalbooksonscom.

Ever wondered what happens when a podcast host's questions make a rock star laugh? In this captivating episode of Pat's Peeps, I sit down with Jesse Valenzuela, founding member and guitarist of the multi-platinum selling Gin Blossoms, for what turns into a refreshingly authentic conversation about music, success, and the journey from Arizona bars to MTV stardom.

The interview begins with a moment of vulnerability as Jesse laughs at my questions, initially causing some paranoia before revealing he's actually enjoying the fresh perspective. We dive into the origins of the Gin Blossoms' distinctive sound, with Jesse sharing how he started playing guitar as a teenager, taught by neighborhood friends Dave and Ed. "All the like-minded people wind up at the same end of the pool," he reflects, describing how musicians naturally find each other.

Jesse offers fascinating insights into the band's evolution - how he transitioned from lead vocalist to guitarist, the story behind their self-deprecating album titles like "New Miserable Experience," and the transformative impact of signing with A&M Records. The most revealing moments come when discussing their "overnight success" that actually took years of touring and persistence. "All of a sudden, MTV plays your records and then it gets attention from radio and the world changes for you quickly," Jesse explains. "In a week, you're filling what used to be a half-filled bar... Then you're moving to clubs, theaters, and then, all of a sudden, you're playing the Greek theater in Los Angeles."

Throughout our conversation, Jesse's gratitude shines through as he acknowledges both the luck and hard work behind their success story. For fans of 90s alternative rock, music history enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates the human stories behind hit songs like "Hey Jealousy" and "Found Out About You," this episode offers a rare glimpse behind the music that defined an era.

Don't miss the Gin Blossoms live at Rocklin Quarry Park Amphitheater on Sunday, August 17th - and be sure to dig deep into their catalog beyond the radio hits!

When was the last time a song stopped you in your tracks? For me, it was rediscovering "Death Wish" by The Police—a track I'd heard before but suddenly connected with on a whole new level. This experience perfectly captures the spirit of this special Saturday podcast, where I take you on a journey through musical rediscoveries and childhood touchstones.

After explaining my brief podcast hiatus (blame those mysterious headaches that knocked me flat!), I share my excitement about reuniting with my former bandmates. There's something magical about reconnecting with musicians you've shared a stage with, picking up almost where you left off. We're exploring classic rock, UFO, Zeppelin, and more—finding our sound and rediscovering the joy of playing together.

The heart of this episode dives deep into Saturday morning nostalgia—the sacred ritual of cartoon watching that defined so many of our childhoods. From The Bugs Bunny Road Runner Show to Fat Albert, The Banana Splits to The Groovy Ghoulies, these weren't just shows; they were experiences that shaped us. I can still hear my mom's vacuum cleaner drowning out the dialogue, my dad yelling from the other room to turn it off so he could hear ABC's Wide World of Sports.

Music and memories intertwine throughout our lives, creating the soundtracks that define our personal histories. That's why I'm thrilled to invite you to be part of our Pats Peeps community gathering at the California State Fair. Join me Tuesday night at 7 PM at the Save Mart Wine Garden for a live broadcast of the Pat Walsh Show. Let's continue building this community together, sharing stories, raising a glass, and creating new memories to nostalgically revisit someday.

What childhood cartoon theme still lives rent-free in your head? Come tell me in person on Tuesday!

Pat Walsh celebrates reaching 302 podcast episodes while broadcasting from the beautiful foothills of Northern California's gold country, sharing personal stories and current events with his signature authentic style.

• Announcing the first annual Pat's Peeps Gathering at the State Fair in Cal Expo on Tuesday, July 23rd from 7-10 PM at the Save Mart Wine Tent
• Recounting a memorable story from his days as a fry cook at Lion's Restaurant when patrons from The Rocky Horror Picture Show entered in provocative attire
• Sharing the chilling connection to Richard Trenton Chase, the "Sacramento Vampire Killer," who lived near his former coworker
• Criticizing MLB's decision to end the All-Star Game with an unprecedented "swing-off" competition after a 6-6 tie
• Highlighting Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath's farewell concert that broke charitable fundraising records with approximately $190 million raised
• Exploring the history of "Farmer John," a 1964 garage rock classic by The Premiers found in his vintage record collection

Join me next Tuesday at the State Fair for our first Pat's Peeps Gathering! I'll be broadcasting live from the Save Mart Wine Tent from 7-10 PM and would love to meet all of you who listen to my radio show and podcast.

We're kicking off the next 300 podcasts with exciting news about our first official Pat's Peeps gathering and the upcoming merchandise line.

• First official Pat's Peeps gathering at California State Fair on July 22nd in the Save Mart Wine Garden from 7-10 PM
• Pat's Peeps merchandise (hats, shirts) coming soon with purchasing available on the Pat's Peeps page
• Exploring clips from around the web including Rob Schneider, Dave Chappelle, and National Lampoon Radio
• Insights on the art of good listening and conversation techniques
• Discussion of the "Solid Snake conversation" trend and why repeating phrases can be effective or annoying
• Important distinction between interviews (question-answer format) and conversations (organic exchange)

Please come out to the California State Fair on Tuesday, July 22nd for our first official Pat's Peeps gathering! We'll be broadcasting live from the Save Mart Wine Garden from 7-10 PM, and it would mean the world to have you there supporting our local businesses.

When we lose a local legend, the impact ripples through a community in ways both profound and personal. In this milestone 300th episode of Pat's Peeps, I'm joined by film critic extraordinaire Ken Dogg Jackman to celebrate two very different icons – the timeless Superman on the big screen and the irreplaceable Mick Martin, Sacramento's beloved blues musician, film critic, and radio personality who passed away at 79 years old.

Ken kicks things off with an enthusiastic five-star review of the new Superman movie, praising its "refreshingly old-fashioned" approach with bright colors and the classic super suit. What stands out most is David Korniswet's performance as Superman, which Ken declares "the best since Christopher Reeve." The film balances emotional depth with humor while avoiding the excessive CGI that plagues many superhero films. Even Ken's superhero-averse wife loved it – perhaps the highest praise possible!

The heart of our conversation shifts to remembering Mick Martin, whom Ken aptly describes as "one of the great renaissance men of Sacramento." Through rare archival footage from 1976, we're transported back to a young Mick Martin appearing on Bob Wilkins' show, displaying his encyclopedic film knowledge while discussing King Kong. Ken recalls how Mick's movie reviews in the Sacramento Union spoke to "regular people" rather than film academics – making cinema accessible to everyone.

Mick's musical legacy with the Blues Rockers spanned nearly five decades, his harmonica skills legendary among blues aficionados. I share personal memories of Mick's recent performance at the Crest Theater and how he had been giving me harmonica playing tips not long ago. His passing leaves an unfillable void in Sacramento's cultural landscape.

Have you been touched by Mick Martin's music, film reviews, or radio shows over the years? Share your memories and join our community of listeners celebrating both this podcast milestone and the extraordinary legacy of a Sacramento icon who truly "breathed legitimate art, whatever he was doing."

Music weaves stories through time, revealing unexpected connections that shape our cultural landscape. In this episode, Pat Walsh takes a refreshing break from political topics to explore the fascinating world of cover songs and their surprising origins.

Did you know the rock anthem "Black Betty" by Ram Jam started life as a 1933 prison work song recorded by convict James "Ironhead" Baker? Or that Manfred Mann's radio staple "Blinded by the Light" was actually Bruce Springsteen's creation from his debut album? These musical metamorphoses demonstrate how art evolves across generations while maintaining its emotional core.

The journey continues with a fascinating "This Day in Music" segment packed with memorable moments: Joe Perry's cardiac arrest during a Hollywood Vampires show, John Fogerty's legal battles with former Creedence bandmates, and the Beatles returning to Liverpool for their film premiere where John Lennon controversially gave Nazi salutes to the crowd. We also revisit the poignant final performance of Jerry Garcia and the dark story of session drummer Jim Gordon, who played on countless hits before tragedy struck.

Pat's enthusiasm for music history shines through as he shares lesser-known versions of famous songs, including the Don Harrison Band's compelling take on "Helter Skelter" featuring former Creedence members. These musical connections reveal the complex tapestry behind songs we thought we knew well.

As Pat approaches his milestone 300th episode, his genuine passion for uncovering music's hidden stories creates an engaging experience for casual listeners and dedicated audiophiles alike. Whether you're discovering these revelations for the first time or revisiting familiar musical territory, this episode celebrates how music transcends time while continually reinventing itself.

Listen to Pat's radio show on KFBK Newsradio and join him for the upcoming Pat's Peeps Gathering at the California State Fair in July. Which cover song surprised you most? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!