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"

Visit patspeeps.com to support the podcast and local businesses that make it possible.

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.

When rain taps against your window, do you reach for Pink Floyd? When summer heat blazes, does Sublime suddenly sound perfect? This fascinating episode explores how our musical preferences adapt to weather conditions, offering a wonderfully personal glimpse into the psychological connection between climate and soundtrack.

Pat celebrates a record-breaking week for the podcast while announcing an exciting upcoming birthday interview with Grand Funk Railroad founder Mark Farner. The conversation meanders through his brother's frustrating 300-mile journey to a car dealership only to discover Gorilla Glue holding a fender together, launching into hilarious "badger" car salesman commercial parodies that perfectly capture the universal dread of automotive shopping.

The episode's true heart emerges when Pat examines his weather-dependent music selections, sharing how acoustic Jethro Tull feels right on rainy days while Sublime hits differently during summer heat. This leads to a fascinating exploration of déjà vu - that strange sensation we've experienced something before - complete with scientific explanations and personal anecdotes about memory triggers.

Vinyl collectors will appreciate Pat's spotlight on a rare Beach Boys 45 of "Sail On Sailor" featuring the famous original pressing error (missing comma!), demonstrating how deep musical appreciation extends beyond casual listening into historical significance.

Whether you're a weather watcher, music lover, or psychology enthusiast, this episode offers something uniquely thought-provoking about how our environment shapes our listening experience. Have you noticed your own musical weather patterns? Share your thoughts with our growing Pats Peeps community!

Some comedy acts fade with time. Others, like The Three Stooges, become immortal. In this laughter-filled episode, Pat welcomes fellow Stooges enthusiast Ryan Harris for a fascinating journey through the remarkable history of Moe, Larry, Curly, and the entire Stooge ensemble. 

The conversation reveals surprising details about the Howard brothers' Brooklyn upbringing near Coney Island, where they first began performing impromptu comedy routines on the beach. Ryan shares the true origin of Shemp's unusual nickname (his Lithuanian mother's accent when calling "Sam!") and details their contentious split from vaudeville performer Ted Healy, who once threatened to bomb theaters where they performed independently.

Behind the eye-pokes and slaps lies a fascinating technical reality – the Stooges weren't actually hurting each other. Moe aimed for brow bones rather than eyes, props were rubber, and those iconic sound effects came from a newfangled "Foley board." Meanwhile, off-camera, Moe was quietly building a real estate empire across Hollywood while managing finances for his less fiscally responsible colleagues.

The episode explores the Stooges' evolution through various lineup changes after Curly's stroke in 1946, their transition from theatrical shorts to television (which cemented their legacy by bringing them into millions of homes), and the vital contributions of supporting players like Vernon Dent and Christine McIntyre.

This deep-dive conversation isn't just about slaps and nyuk-nyuks – it's about how three brothers from Brooklyn created a comedy institution that has outlasted virtually all their contemporaries, continuing to generate laughter more than a century after they first stepped on stage. Whether you're a lifelong fan or curious newcomer, you'll gain a new appreciation for comedy's most enduring trio.

Ready for more great conversations? Subscribe today and join us next week for another engaging episode!

Taking you along on my adventure to get my Real ID at the DMV before my license expires, including an unexpected health discovery and breaking DMV employee stereotypes.

• Driving with Darlyne "With a Y" to the smaller Grass Valley DMV for a more pleasant experience with shorter wait times
• Detailing the Real ID requirements: two residence documents (I used propane bill and mortgage statement) plus passport or birth certificate
• Discovering during the eye test that my left eye has serious vision problems I never knew about
• Meeting the friendliest DMV employee who used "Vanna White" gestures and broke all negative stereotypes
• Preparing topics for tonight's radio show including the historic selection of the first American Pope
• Sharing music from my rare record collection - Honeycone's 1971 single "Stick Up"

Catch my radio show on KFBK in Sacramento, 93.1 FM, 1530 AM, 7-10 PM Monday through Friday, or streaming on your free iHeart app.

Does our musical curiosity genuinely wither away after age 30? Today's episode challenges this common belief as we dive into the fascinating world of lifelong musical discovery. 

Far Out Magazine recently posed this provocative question about our relationship with music as we age. The article suggests that around age 31, most people stop actively discovering new artists and genres, settling into the comfortable sonic landscapes of their youth. But does this musical cul-de-sac truly represent an inevitable part of aging, or is it simply a choice we make?

Drawing from personal experience, I share my ongoing journey of musical discovery spanning decades. From stumbling upon Jimmy Webb's haunting rendition of "Wichita Lineman" to being captivated by the unexpected collaboration between Sting and Shaggy, these revelations didn't come from actively trying to stay "hip" – they emerged organically through conversations, travel experiences, and maintaining an open ear to new sounds. The Drive-By Truckers became one of my favorite bands after repeatedly catching their distinctive sound on television, while discovering artists like Kruangbin while traveling in Italy and encountering RL Burnside's blues grooves demonstrate that musical horizons can continue expanding well beyond our thirties.

What keeps our musical curiosity alive isn't necessarily youth, but rather our willingness to remain open to new experiences. In an era where algorithms feed us more of what we already know, creating space for musical serendipity becomes increasingly valuable. Whether through friends with different tastes, travel to places with unique musical traditions, or simply taking time to explore unfamiliar sounds, the pathways to discovery remain open if we choose to walk them.

What about your musical journey? Has your discovery of new artists slowed with age, or have you found ways to keep your sonic adventures vibrant and surprising? Share your experiences and favorite recent musical discoveries – I'd love to hear how you're continuing to expand your musical horizons!