Storytellers Studio

Your podcast host Tim Larson had the honor of being part of the Unwound production team...AGAIN! Tim's off microphone duties included photography, video and promotional products. This time Ted Gorden Smucker gathered Chicago radio legends while in town for the National Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Two WLS alum joined that prestigious group...Fred Winston and Charlie Van Dyke.

This episode was hosted by Scott Childers and included studio guests Fred Winston and Lyle Dean and satellite remote guest Jeff Davis from Hollywood, California.

You'll hear airchecks from many familiar voices from the Musicradio era at WLS. Everyone seemed to open their favorite can of worms to reveal the real stories behind the urban myths.

Recorded at the WLS AM89 studios in the NBC Tower in Chicago, Illinois.

October 9, 2026

This episode squarely falls in the category of speical interest. Tim Larson has owned animals all of his life and his wife is passionate about them. Amber Pinnon is the Coordinator for Winnebago County Animal Services in Rockford, Illinois. We hope that this show's information will be very helpful and allows you to adapt it to use in your specific community wherever you are listening in the world.

You'll hear methods of recovery, personal stories and nationwide statistics. The curtain is pulled back.

Recorded October 7, 2026 at the Edgebrook studio in Rockford, Illinois.

Tim Larson mentioned the day Dolly Parton died that her full story will now be told. Dolly was not one to brag about her charitable reach to others. She was, however, a big and bold entertainer on stage, television, radio and at the Grand Ole Opry. She made an impression. Here's Tim's personal tribute to Dolly.

Recorded September 24, 2026

Chuck Knapp gets a lot of nodding heads in most rooms. He's covered many years and several cities as the familiar voice on the radio. From KS95FM in Minnesota to WLS and WCFL in Illinois. Stories are many and easily retrieved. He was one of the first seven announcers who flipped the switch to launch the poplular WRKO in Boston. That's why chatting with Chuck minutes after the final lunch at The Last Conclave was so mcuh fun. Our time together was rapid fire.

Recorded at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bloomington, MN

September 17, 2026

KUBB is a Swedish lawn game that is on fire! Tournaments around the world are growing by leaps and bounds. There's a new documentary out called The Kings of KUBB. Learn all about what your host Tim Larson has loved since 2011. This game has brought Eric and Tim together and the friendship circle is about to widen in 2027 during the national championship's 20th year. See a preview online at usakubb.org.

Recorded in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on September 15, 2026.

Tim Larson and Grant DePorter met just ten minutes before hitting the record button for this episode. Their paths crossed decades ago through the Chicago Cubs. Sports fans often feel like they know each other because of their shared experiences. And, needless to say, this baseball team has given us plenty as they celebrate their National League fanchise anniversary of 150 years.

This show also features recordings of Harry Caray, Cubs fans at Wrigley Field, Bob Costas, Tim Larson's radio friends Scott Childers, Liz Wylder and Doug McDuff. So step up to the plate and enjoy personal heartfelt stories about Cubs radio announcer Harry Caray.

Recorded at Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse in downtown Chicago, Illinois.

September 1, 2026

Your host Tim Larson was on Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful's first Board of Directors in 1987. Since then it's been a passionate partnership in promoting recycling and re-using eveything possible. They have introduced and built unique partnerships between companies thatthrive today. You'll will learn how Rockford, Illinois does it and how you can participate in your respective communites worldwide.

Recorded in the KNIB collection warehouse.

August 20, 2026

Tim Larson has many more songs to share. He has written all the lyrics of every song. He then uses an Ai production company either in London, England or Cambridge, Massachusetts to add vocals and music. Tim has the thoughts, but zero musical ability.

Recorded at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, Wisconsin.

August 17, 2026

Tim Larson has many more songs to share. He has written all the lyrics of every song. He then uses an Ai production company either in London, England or Cambridge, Massachusetts to add vocals and music. Tim has the thoughts, but zero musical ability.

Recorded at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, Wisconsin.

August 17, 2026

Tim Larson will tell you that Candice King is one of the nicest media people he's ever known. She was raised on a dairy farm in northern Illinois and knows firsthand what accurate weather forecasting means to farmers. She shares over seventeen years worth of weather events. Regardless of where you live, you'll appreciate her stories and her take on bringing forecasts to the audience during tense situations.

Recorded at the new studio at Edgebrook: August 6, 2026.