Pat's Peeps Podcast

Mark Farner, founder, guitarist, and lead vocalist of Grand Funk Railroad, opens up about his incredible musical journey spanning over five decades of rock history. His genuine passion for music and steadfast commitment to integrity shine through as he shares stories from his legendary career and discusses his newest musical offerings.

• The corporate music industry struggles that led to Mark losing rights to the Grand Funk Railroad name despite writing 94% of their original songs
• How a spontaneous shirtless performance at the 1969 Atlanta Pop Festival launched Grand Funk's meteoric rise to fame
• The story behind "American Band" and how Mark insisted on testing six different cowbells to find the perfect sound
• Creating "I'm Your Captain" after a heartfelt prayer for a meaningful song that would touch people's hearts
• Working with iconic producers including Terry Knight, Todd Rundgren, and Frank Zappa
• Recording his new album "Closer to Home" in the original 432 Hz tuning for a more harmonious sound
• Mark's philosophy of forgiveness toward former bandmates reflected in his new single "Anymore"
• Memories of playing for Vietnam veterans and witnessing how deeply music can heal emotional wounds

Check out Mark's new album "Closer to Home" available now in red vinyl, CD, and digital formats at markfarner.com, where you can also find tour dates and merchandise.

Sacramento radio lost a true original when Chris Collins passed away at age 65 after a brief but intense battle with cancer. Just two days shy of his birthday, Collins left behind a legacy that spans decades of broadcasting excellence, business ventures, sports management, and thousands of grateful listeners whose mornings he brightened.

The shocking speed of his decline caught even his closest friends off guard. As Tony Cox shares in this emotional conversation, Collins was intensely private about his illness, with many discovering he was sick only after his passing. The broadcasting community rallied around him in his final hours – a testament to the bonds formed in radio studios decades ago that never weakened with time.

Collins' approach to radio was revolutionary in its simplicity: be authentic, speak your mind, and never hold back. During his time at KSFM's Morning Zoo in the 1980s, the show achieved the unthinkable – a 50% share of Sacramento's radio audience. Half of all radio listeners chose one station, one show, one team of personalities to start their day. In today's fractured media landscape, such dominance seems almost mythical.

Beyond the broadcasting booth, Collins built an impressive career that included serving as the color announcer for San Jose Sharks hockey, managing three-time champion boxer Tony Lopez, and owning hockey teams. He was a man of strong opinions and stronger principles, refusing to compromise on either.

The stories shared by Pat Walsh and Tony Cox offer a glimpse into a golden era of radio when personalities weren't just voices but cultural touchstones in their communities. From battles with management to on-air mishaps, these tales reveal not just how radio worked but why it mattered so deeply to both the broadcasters and their audiences.

Listen to this tribute to a radio legend whose influence continues through the broadcasters he inspired and the industry he helped shape. If you loved local radio, if you remember when DJs were local celebrities, or if you simply appreciate hearing stories of people who lived life absolutely on their own terms, this episode is your backstage pass to a world that changed how Sacramento woke up each morning.

Sometimes the most profound life lessons come from everyday frustrations. Today's episode explores how an early morning electrical mishap in my home taught me a valuable reminder about the importance of our reactions to life's challenges.

• Morning electrical incident that damaged my washing machine and vintage light
• The Irish temper moment that followed and immediate regret
• Finding help from Bob Stevenson at Robert L Stevenson Electric Service in Grass Valley
• The philosophy that changed my perspective: "It's not about what happened to you, it's how you reacted"
• Importance of supporting local businesses that genuinely care about solving problems
• Brief update on Israel's strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities and military targets
• Nostalgic reflection on music from 1975, including Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds

Please visit patspeeps.com to see all the ways we're supporting local businesses and helping you save money. And if you need help managing emotional reactions, reach out to Melissa at Moon Healing in Auburn for approaches that really work.

Have you ever craved a complete escape from the noise of modern life? The 50th Annual Father's Day Bluegrass Festival in Grass Valley offers exactly that - a sanctuary where time slows down and the only notifications you'll receive come from fiddles, banjos, and mandolins calling you to the next performance.

Walking through the Nevada County Fairgrounds, the first thing that strikes you is the atmosphere - families spread across the meadow on blankets and camp chairs, children playing freely, and the unmistakable sound of virtuosic bluegrass filling the air. It's my 27th year attending this festival, and the sense of community remains as strong as ever.

The California Bluegrass Association, founded in 1974 as a non-profit volunteer organization, has created something remarkable here. From the intimate Vern's Stage (conveniently located behind the beer hut) to the main meadow stage where legends perform, music surrounds you constantly. I watched in appreciation as the Clinton Davis String Band and Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band (performing a surprisingly moving bluegrass version of Paul Simon's "Graceland") showcased why this American art form remains vibrant and evolving.

What makes this festival special isn't just the exceptional performances, though there are many. It's the opportunity to disconnect completely - to sit beneath trees listening to birds between sets, to witness families setting up tents as sunset approaches, to forget about politics and headlines and algorithms for four blessed days. The festival grounds transform into a temporary village where strangers become friends through shared appreciation of this distinctly American musical tradition.

A highlight came when the festival received the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award from the Western Fairs Association, with the CBA President accepting while wearing the hat of founder Carl Pachter - a poignant reminder of how this music creates lasting legacies.

Whether you're a dedicated bluegrass fan or simply someone seeking respite from life's complexities, join us next year. Because in these divided times, there's something profoundly healing about sitting in a meadow as the sun sets, surrounded by nothing but music, community, and the simple joys we too often forget to cherish.

A satirical journey through California's contradictions exposes the "premium state with premium ideas" as perhaps less desirable than advertised. The episode uses mockery and parody to highlight political hypocrisy, failed policies, and the growing exodus from the once-golden state.

• Satirical tourism ad promoting California's "premium" features including highest housing prices, taxes, and gas prices
• Mock political dialogue minimizing riots and crime while claiming "peaceful protests"
• Critical examination of slave reparations policy in a state "that never had slaves"
• Parody of emergency services prioritizing identity politics over competency
• Musical segments about California's wildfires, failed infrastructure, and mass exodus
• Critique of politicians who say "do as I say, not as I do" while dining at upscale restaurants
• Various references to homeless crisis, sanctuary city policies, and environmental challenges

Pat Walsh visits Ivy Park assisted living facility in Roseville, California for heartwarming conversations with residents in their 90s and 100s about their life experiences, wisdom, and everyday routines.

• Introducing the beautiful Ivy Park assisted living community in Roseville
• Conversations with residents about whether they listen to Pat's radio show
• Discussion with a 99-year-old resident about his travels and life experiences
• Meeting a ham radio enthusiast who still communicates with other operators
• Residents sharing what they enjoy about living at Ivy Park, including the staff and dining
• Robert, age 100, reveals his 50s were his favorite decade when "everything was together"
• Visit with Virginia, almost 101, who shares the story of her husband's experience as a WWII POW
• Virginia recounts how her husband returned home to meet their 9-month-old daughter after the war
• Residents discuss their daily activities including happy hour and watching television

Please support our local businesses by visiting patspeeps.com to learn more about our community partners and upcoming events.

We dive into the wild world of radio rebels and broadcasting drama, featuring legendary moments when DJs dared to break format and face the consequences.

• Sharing personal encounters with legends like Hank Aaron, Frank Robinson, and Larry King
• Examining what happens when social media posts trigger unexpected backlash from former colleagues
• Playing Al Barry's satirical political animation poking fun at politicians and representation
• Featuring the infamous Phil Hendry prank call that puts Larry King against a tearful radio station manager
• Showcasing Coyote J Calhoun's 1988 on-air rebellion against corporate radio formats that ended with him being physically removed from the studio
• Highlighting the tension between artistic expression and commercial programming that has defined radio for decades

Join us for future Pat's Peeps gatherings! Check patspeepscom for details on upcoming events.

Sometimes the most memorable moments emerge when we're at our lowest. In this unexpectedly powerful episode, I push through illness to address critical issues demanding attention—proving that passion can overcome physical discomfort when there's something important to say.

The streets of Los Angeles have become battlegrounds as anti-immigration protests spiral into chaos. I dive into the disturbing reality of protesters damaging police vehicles, blocking freeways, and waving foreign flags while officials like Maxine Waters confront ICE agents instead of maintaining order. Most concerning is Governor Newsom's response—threatening legal action against the Trump administration for deploying the National Guard and boldly declaring "Come arrest me." This disconnect between political posturing and public safety demands scrutiny, especially as city infrastructure faces vandalism and destruction.

On a more somber note, we lost a musical pioneer with the passing of Sly Stone at 82. I celebrate the Vallejo, California native who revolutionized funk and soul music by blending psychedelic rock, gospel, and unifying social messages. Through classic tracks like "Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself," "Family Affair," and "Everyday People," we explore how Sly created a unique sound that remains timeless decades later. The episode features rare audio of Sly's early career as a KSOL radio DJ and examines how drugs and personal struggles ultimately led to his band's dissolution despite their groundbreaking success.

What stories make you push through discomfort to speak your truth? Share your thoughts and join me tomorrow for episode 279, hopefully with a bit more energy but certainly with the same dedication to addressing what matters most.

We revisit the significance of June 6th, exploring both the historical gravity of D-Day and the rich tapestry of music history that has unfolded on this date across the decades.

• Honoring D-Day (1944) with stories of the 160,000 Allied troops who stormed Normandy's beaches
• Recounting Private John Steele's remarkable story of survival, hanging from a church steeple while pretending to be dead as Nazis patrolled below
• Visiting Pegasus Bridge, the first bridge liberated in France, and the nearby house where a young girl served Allied forces
• Commemorating musicians lost on June 6th across the years, including Jim Seals, Dr. John, and Billy Preston
• Exploring major music moments like The Beatles' first Abbey Road session (1962) and the Rolling Stones' release of "Satisfaction" (1965)
• Celebrating Steve Vai's birthday and his story of auditioning for Frank Zappa's band with an "impossible" guitar challenge

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