The Radio Reading Room

In this episode of Radio Reading Room, Myron Hieronymus Thomas reflects on the meaning of D-Day and shares powerful firsthand World War II accounts from Mike Engrisano and Arthur Letchford. Through stories of combat, survival, capture, and remembrance, the episode honors the courage and sacrifice of those who served during one of history’s most pivotal moments.

In this episode, we journey through more than a century and a half of Belmont Stakes history—its 1867 origins, its evolution into the longest and most demanding leg of the Triple Crown, and the legends who forged their names across its unforgiving distance. From Secretariat’s impossible 31‑length miracle to the heartbreakers, spoilers, and champions who rose or fell on that final stretch, we explore how the Belmont became known as The Test of the Champion.

Then we turn to 2026, where the race returns to Saratoga for the third straight year during Belmont Park’s massive rebuild. Golden Tempo—the improbable 23‑1 Kentucky Derby winner—arrives fresh after skipping the Preakness, while hometown trainer Cherie DeVaux seeks to deepen her historic breakthrough. Renegade stands as the morning‑line favorite, challengers gather with intent, and Saratoga’s softer tempo threatens to reshape the race’s character.

A storied past meets a wide‑open present. The Test of the Champion awaits.

Hosted by Myron Hieronymous Thomas

The 152nd Kentucky Derby is set: Renegade tops a tightly matched field with Commandment, Further Ado, The Puma, and Chief Wallabee close behind. With no clear standout, the 2026 Derby is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in decades.  Read by Myron Hiernymous Thomas.

This Easter episode of The Radio Reading Room brings listeners into the quiet dawn of resurrection, weaving together the Gospel accounts of that first morning with a gentle, contemplative narrative voice. As Mary Magdalene and the other women approach the tomb at daybreak, the story unfolds through the details preserved in Scripture—an earthquake, an angel in dazzling light, guards trembling, and the stone rolled away.

From Matthew’s thunderous announcement to John’s intimate moment in the garden, this episode explores how resurrection first arrived: unexpectedly, personally, and in the soft light of early morning. It’s a reflection on hope returning after long shadows, on grief giving way to recognition, and on the quiet ways light finds us when we least expect it.

A peaceful, scripture‑rooted meditation for Easter morning—inviting listeners to notice the small resurrections happening in their own lives. Read by Myron Hieronymous Thomas,

 This episode of The Radio Reading Room: Stories of Americana, we explore the history, meaning, and global traditions of Easter. Drawing from Christian origins, folk customs, and personal childhood memories, the episode highlights symbols such as Easter eggs, the Easter bunny, lilies, and the passion flower. It also touches on regional foods, cultural practices, and the spirit of renewal associated with spring. The tone is warm, nostalgic, and reflective, ending with an encouraging message about new beginnings. Hosted and read by Myron Hieronymous Thomas

Some stories stay with us not because we read them as children, but because they continue to speak to us as adults. Margery Williams’s The Velveteen Rabbit is one of those rare works that bridges generations with grace.

Published in 1922, the story explores what it means to be “Real”—not in the sense of fur, stuffing, or craftsmanship, but in the deeper sense of being loved into authenticity. Through the journey of a soft toy rabbit, Williams captures a truth that resonates far beyond the nursery: love transforms us, sometimes painfully, but always profoundly.

In a world that often prizes perfection, The Velveteen Rabbit offers a counter‑message: that wear, vulnerability, and tenderness are signs of a life fully lived.

For our bedtime‑style adaptation on The Radio Reading Room, we leaned into the story’s quiet warmth. It’s a gentle reminder—for children and adults alike—that becoming Real is less about how we look and more about how we love. Read by Myron Hieronymous Thomas.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a journey into Ireland’s ancient heart. The Green Flame of Tara is an original tale blending Irish folklore with the real history of St. Patrick, told through the eyes of a curious young boy who witnesses a moment when legend and truth touch hands. Set among the windswept hills and sacred fires of fifth‑century Ireland, this story captures the courage, mystery, and quiet transformation that shaped a nation.

Following the tale, we step into a brief historical reflection on the real St. Patrick—his kidnapping, escape, return to Ireland, and the remarkable compassion that turned a former slave into one of the most enduring figures in Western history.

Atmospheric, thoughtful, and rich with Celtic spirit, this St. Patrick’s Day episode invites listeners to look beyond the parades and green banners and rediscover the light at the center of the celebration. Read by Myron Hieronymous Thomas.

On a quiet Ash Wednesday morning, Mara steps into a chapel she hasn’t entered in years—carrying grief, doubt, and the weight of silence. What she finds is not judgment, but a gentle invitation: to be honest, to be still, and to begin again.

This original Lenten story from The Radio Reading Room explores the quiet courage of returning, the healing power of ritual, and the way Lent invites us to loosen what no longer serves us. A contemplative tale for anyone walking through the wilderness of their own heart.

Read by Myron Hieronymous Thomas.

This week on The Radio Reading Room, we explore the heart of Lent—not as a ritual of obligation, but as a season of clarity, honesty, and intentional slowing. Lent invites us into the “quiet places” of our lives, where distractions fall away and deeper truths come into view.

The episode reflects on the traditional practices of prayer, fasting, and giving, reframing them as tools for making space: space to return to what matters, space to release what no longer serves us, and space to let compassion take root again.

In a world shaped by noise and constant motion, Lent offers a counter‑rhythm—one that encourages stillness, courage, and renewal. This episode is a gentle companion for anyone seeking a moment of reflection as we move toward Easter.

Read by Myron Hieronymous Thomas.

In this Episode we feature a history of George Washington, we begin with a small but fascinating detail—one that reminds us how even the most familiar stories can shift beneath our feet. An Ai script based on prompt directions from and read by Myron Hieronymous Thomas.