Pat's Peeps Podcast

Barry Manilow, the legendary performer who has sold a staggering 85 million albums worldwide, brings his unmistakable warmth and candor to this intimate conversation about his extraordinary musical journey. 

Despite approaching his 82nd birthday, Manilow expresses genuine surprise at his enduring popularity, noting that audiences are "getting crazier and crazier" at his performances. "You know, at this point I thought, doesn't this end? But it doesn't seem to," he reflects with a mixture of humility and wonder that has characterized his decades-long career.

The conversation shatters common misconceptions about Manilow's live shows. Far from the sedate piano ballad performances many might expect, he describes dynamic, high-energy concerts where he and his singers "run around the stage," delivering fresh, contemporary arrangements of his classic hits. "I think there are some people that don't know what I do. They think I'm going to sit at the piano and play ballads, and it's not that at all," Manilow explains.

Music enthusiasts will appreciate Manilow's candid revelations about his iconic songs and jingles. He shares that "I Write the Songs" wasn't actually his composition but Bruce Johnston's, and that "Mandy" was originally called "Brandy" and performed as an uptempo number before he transformed it into the beloved ballad. Equally fascinating is his discussion of the famous commercial jingles he created, some of which remain instantly recognizable ("I Am Stuck on Band-Aid") while others have faded from public memory.

With a new album on the horizon—potentially his last—and upcoming performances in Northern California, this conversation captures Manilow at a poignant moment in his storied career. Don't miss his shows at the Golden One Center in Sacramento, in Oakland, or at San Jose's SAP Center this July, where you can experience firsthand the electrifying performance mastery that has captivated audiences for generations.

Pat shares his weekend adventure to Miner's Leap Winery while planning a gathering for Pat's Peeps businesses and announcing an upcoming Sicily trip with Conservative Tours this fall. He takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the Strawberry Music Festival with clips from his 2012 documentary featuring interviews with musicians and memories of performances by legendary artists.

• Weekend visit to Miner's Leap Winery in Clarksburg with plans for a Pat's Peeps businesses gathering
• Upcoming Sicily trip October 25-November 5 with Conservative Tours
• Strawberry Music Festival memories from Camp Mather to its current location at Nevada County Fairgrounds
• The documentary featuring the "Fuse of Horns," Birch Lake stage, and interview with Robert Earl Keene
• Brief history of Cinco de Mayo and its cultural significance in the United States
• Exploring a rare Ray Charles 45 record on Tangerine Records from 1971

Please support our Pat's Peeps businesses - check them out at Pat's Peeps. That's what would help us more than anything. Go to our businesses, call them, support them, and get exclusive offers!

What happens when unexpected visitors knock on your door with religious pamphlets in hand? The way we respond reveals more about our character than we might realize. 

On a beautiful Friday morning, while tending to my garden and dreaming of installing an old-fashioned clothesline, I heard that familiar knock at my door. Standing there were Lori and Lori – Jehovah's Witnesses I hadn't seen in about a year and a half. This chance encounter sparked a fascinating exploration into how different people handle religious solicitors.

Some hide behind curtains pretending not to be home. Others prepare theological counterarguments to convert the converters. Many respond with dismissiveness or even hostility. I discovered religious websites advising believers to treat Jehovah's Witnesses as "spreaders of evil work" who shouldn't even be greeted, while online forums debate just how rude is too rude when turning them away.

My approach? The Golden Rule – treating others as I would want to be treated if I were the one knocking on doors sharing deeply held beliefs. This simple principle from Luke 6:31 guides my interactions not just with Jehovah's Witnesses, but with everyone I encounter. I engage in pleasant conversation, listen respectfully, and when appropriate, honestly share my own Catholic faith without argument or condescension.

What's remarkable is how this basic human courtesy builds unexpected bridges. Lori and Lori began listening to my radio show after our pleasant conversations. Not because either of us changed our beliefs, but because genuine human connection transcends doctrinal differences.

Join me for this thoughtful discussion on human dignity, religious differences, and the power of simple respect – all wrapped up with some nostalgic music including Commander Cody's 1971 hit "Hot Rod Lincoln." Subscribe and share if you believe in the transformative power of treating each person with kindness, regardless of differences in belief.

A sun-drenched May Day brings nostalgic memories flooding back as I gaze out at the Northern California foothills from my studio window. Remember when we'd craft heartfelt gifts for neighbors, place them on doorsteps, then dash away before they answered? Mother called it a "kind version of doorbell ditch" – spreading anonymous joy on the first day of May.

I dive into the rich history behind May Day celebrations – those ancient European festivals marking summer's arrival with maypoles, dancing, and flower gathering. Across cultures, from Germany's "Walpurgisnacht" bonfires to Celtic "Beltane" traditions, people have found meaningful ways to celebrate seasonal transitions together.

Speaking of treasures from the past, today's episode features a rare find from my vinyl collection: a pristine 1967 Peaches & Herb single on green vinyl. This gorgeous limited-edition record reveals fascinating insights about colored vinyl history – originally designating music genres before evolving into collectors' items. Did you know seven different women have played "Peaches" alongside the constant "Herb" since the duo's 1966 formation?

The conversation takes an unexpected turn down memory lane as we revisit those terrifying driver's education films from high school. "Highway of Agony" and "Red Asphalt" – who else remembers being traumatized by these graphic cautionary tales? I share my own bizarre driver's training experience, complete with an instructor who made unexpected detours to show us his pet monkeys before resuming lessons with bourbon on his breath!

Mark your calendars for May 6th when Barry Manilow joins me for a special conversation on the podcast. From May Day traditions to vinyl collecting and unforgettable school memories, this episode celebrates the connections between past and present that shape who we are.

From radioactive dirt in beauty products to cigarettes marketed directly by doctors, the cultural landscape of yesteryear provides both amusement and horror when viewed through a contemporary lens. Pat Walsh delves into this time capsule of questionable content spanning the 1940s through the 1980s, uncovering advertising, music, and educational materials that simply didn't stand the test of time.

Broadcasting from the foothills of Northern California, Pat begins by reflecting on his approach to radio and podcasting. Despite industry pressure to focus on serious news and politics, he's discovered his audience craves something different - lighthearted topics that provide relief from the day's heaviness. As Pat puts it, he aims to be "the respite at the end of the day," much like Johnny Carson and David Letterman once made "the world okay" regardless of what was happening in it.

The journey through cultural artifacts begins with a 1980s commercial for "AYDS" diet candies - a brand name that became catastrophically inappropriate with the emergence of the AYDS epidemic. Pat shares childhood memories of his mother storing these caramel-like treats in the refrigerator, creating an unintentionally disturbing memory. We then encounter a 1950s beauty advertisement proudly demonstrating product effectiveness using "atomic dirt" and Geiger counters, housing films enthusiastically promoting asbestos siding, and perhaps most egregiously, cigarette ads claiming "more doctors smoke Camels than any other cigarette." Plus, a hospital visit from "Mr. Cig" who hands out smokes to patients.

The exploration of questionable content extends to music, specifically Gary Puckett and the Union Gap's 1968 hit "Young Girl," with lyrics that raise serious red flags about age-appropriate relationships. In a coincidental twist, Pat concludes by playing another Puckett record from his collection - a rare 1967 promotional copy of "Woman, Woman" that presents another dated perspective on gender relations.

This episode offers more than just a look at outdated content - it's a reflection on how social standards evolve, often without us noticing until we look back. What was once mainstream can become unthinkable in just a generation, raising questions about what aspects of our current culture might seem equally shocking to future audiences.

Subscribe to Pat's Peeps podcast for more thoughtful explorations of culture, music, and the everyday experiences that connect us across time. You can also catch Pat on the Pat Walsh Show on KFBK Radio in Sacramento or streaming through the iHeart app.

The licorice wars have been officially declared, and Pat Walsh is taking a firm stand in the Red Vines camp. "They're the beautiful cousin to the ugly Twizzler," he proclaims, launching into a delightful exploration of candy preferences that somehow connects to one of the funniest movie theater experiences ever shared on the podcast.

His brother Steve's painfully slow unwrapping of a Red Rope candy during a quiet film moment creates an unexpectedly hilarious memory that serves as the perfect gateway into a nostalgia-filled episode. This small moment exemplifies how everyday experiences become the stories we cherish decades later.

Listener submissions transport us through time with clips of Father Guido Sarducci, a glimpse of 18-year-old Karen Carpenter performing with the original Dick Carpenter Trio (sounding nothing like their later incarnation), and the first home run in Toronto Blue Jays history. These cultural artifacts weave together into a rich tapestry of shared memories that transcend their original contexts.

The podcast shifts into high gear when Pat tackles the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's controversial selections. His passionate defense of snubbed legitimate rock bands like Boston, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and Beck contrasted against pop inductees sparks a compelling argument about musical categorization and recognition. "No one was scratching bread or America into picnic tables when cutting school," he argues, painting a vivid picture of authentic rock culture that certain Hall of Fame inductees simply don't represent.

The episode culminates with a musical archaeology expedition as Pat shares Clyde McCoy's 1931 "Sugar Blues" from his rare record collection, connecting this jazz trumpeter to the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud and demonstrating how musical history intertwines with broader American culture.

Have you ever purchased "As Seen On TV" products that ended up collecting dust? Call in tonight on the Pat Walsh Show on KFBK Radio (93.1 FM, 1530 AM, or the free iHeart app) from 7-10 PM to share your experience!

Celebrating a remarkable milestone, our 250th episode takes listeners on a journey through the heart and soul of Pat's Peeps. This special commemorative episode blends gratitude with nostalgia, creating a listening experience that honors both our growth and our roots.

The podcast's journey began with a simple mission: supporting local businesses by connecting them with loyal listeners. Today, that mission continues to thrive as we showcase mom-and-pop shops, entrepreneurs, and local artisans throughout our community. Pat reflects on how these business connections have evolved into something far more meaningful—a vibrant community of friends and travelers who maintain relationships long after our sponsored trips conclude. From WhatsApp groups that keep Italian tour members connected to upcoming dinner gatherings, the human connections fostered through this podcast have become its most unexpected and treasured outcome.

Midway through our celebration, the conversation takes a delightful nostalgic turn as Pat shares memories of America's consumer past—Blue Chip Stamps and S&H Green Stamps that once rewarded shoppers, TV Guide magazines with Elvis recordings affixed to their covers, and the simple pleasure of calling "popcorn" to hear the current time announced. These cultural touchstones, now largely obsolete, remind us how quickly our world changes while celebrating the shared experiences that bind generations together.

Whether you're a longtime listener or discovering us for the first time, this 250th episode encapsulates everything that makes Pat's Peeps special—community, nostalgia, support for local business, and genuine human connection. As we look toward the future and our next milestones, we invite you to visit PatsPeeps.com to learn how your business can become part of our story, or how you might join us on our upcoming Sicily adventure. Thank you for being part of this journey—here's to the next 250 episodes!

Journey through memorable moments in music history as we celebrate Pat's Peeps episode #249. From Elvis Presley topping the charts in 1960 with "Stuck on You" after his Army stint to Harry Belafonte's lasting legacy, this episode traverses decades of musical milestones that occurred on April 25th.

Discover fascinating stories like The Police making their debut on BBC's Top of the Pops with "Roxanne" in 1979, and U2's "Joshua Tree" beginning its chart-dominating run in 1987 on its way to selling over 25 million copies worldwide. Revisit the unexpected collaboration between Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder that reached #1 in 1982 despite our host's personal reservations about the track.

The episode features one particularly ingenious music industry hack: how a band called Vulfpeck released "Sleepify" in 2014 – an album consisting of ten tracks of complete silence – and encouraged fans to stream it overnight while sleeping. This clever exploit of Spotify's royalty system earned them nearly $20,000 before the streaming service pulled the plug for content policy violations. It's a perfect example of musicians adapting to the digital age with creative problem-solving.

We also touch on poignant moments like the auctioning of Jimi Hendrix's Woodstock Stratocaster for a record sum, the Eagles' "Hell Freezes Over" reunion that defied Glenn Frey's earlier proclamation, and the tragic loss of TLC's Lisa Lopez in 2002. There's even the amusing tale of Mick Jagger outranking the U.S. President for a luxury hotel suite in Vienna.

Whether you're a music history buff or simply enjoy entertaining stories from the world of entertainment, this episode offers something for everyone who appreciates the rich tapestry of musical heritage that continues to influence our culture today. Subscribe now and join our journey through the soundtrack of our lives!

Ever wonder how authentic Italian ingredients can transform even the most ordinary meals into something extraordinary? Today's episode takes you right into my kitchen as I prepare a simple but delicious dinner featuring treasures brought back from my recent travels to Italy.

The star attractions are two incredible Italian imports - aged balsamic vinegar from Modena that's so delicious it's actually made me crave salads (a minor miracle!), and 18-year aged Parmigiano-Reggiano that's good enough to eat all by itself. I share the fascinating stories behind these products, including visits to the places where they're made using techniques passed down through generations.

While searing cajun-seasoned pork chops in my trusty iron skillet, I reflect on what makes cooking so special - the way it connects us to places we've visited and people we love. There's something magical about preparing a meal while Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin plays softly in the background, sharing wine and conversation as sunlight streams through the kitchen windows.

Between cooking updates, I take you on a quick tour of my spring garden progress, share my excitement about tonight's NFL Draft (complete with the full selection order), and even explore a bit of Motown history with the story of Shorty Long and his influence on early rap music.

Whether you're a foodie, a football fan, a gardening enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates the simple pleasures of everyday life, this conversational journey through my Thursday afternoon offers a little something for everyone. Join me again tomorrow for more adventures on Pat's Peeps!

From the sunlit foothills of Northern California, Pat Walsh welcomes listeners to another episode of Pat's Peeps podcast with his signature warmth and authenticity. What begins as a simple morning routine – coffee, yard work, and tackling the dreaded mail pile – quickly transforms into a delightful exploration of life's small pleasures and challenges.

As Pat attempts to multitask by smoking a cigar during recording (spoiler alert: it doesn't go well), he shares his disappointment about missing the Lyrid meteor shower despite his seemingly perfect forest viewing location. "I live out in the forest where you can see all the stars," he laments, only to discover his path lighting created too much ambient glow to spot any celestial visitors.

The heart of this episode reveals Pat's passionate commitment to supporting local enterprise through his Pat's Peeps marketplace. Listeners are treated to a showcase of extraordinary small businesses offering exclusive deals – from DC Floral Design's wooden flower arrangements to Ternero Farms' olive oil tastings and Melissa Moon's transformative wellness services. Each business comes with a compelling story and substantial savings for podcast listeners who mention Pat's Peeps when connecting.

What makes this episode particularly fascinating is Pat's clever deep dive into public domain music. He expertly explains copyright intricacies while treating listeners to vintage 1920s tunes from Ruth Edding, Helen Kane, and Duke Ellington – creating the perfect soundtrack for his small business promotions. The episode wraps with fascinating "this day in history" facts about April 22nd across different eras, from baseball's earliest days to significant world events.

Whether you're looking to support local businesses, enjoy a nostalgic musical journey, or simply spend time with a warm, engaging host who feels like a friend, this episode delivers an experience as rich and inviting as that morning coffee Pat can't start his day without. Ready to discover your new favorite local business? Visit patspeeps.com today!