The Rob Burgess Show

Hello and welcome to The Rob Burgess Show. I am, of course, your host, Rob Burgess.

On this our 312th episode our returning guests are Ash Burgess and Jonathan Fowler.

You first heard Ash Burgess and Jonathan Fowler together in Episode 82, which was recorded in 2017. They both returned on Episode 216 in 2022, Episode 266 in 2024 and Episode 307 just a few weeks ago. Individually, they have each appeared on dozens of episodes. For a complete list, check the show notes.

Ash Burgess has a dusty degree in Religious Studies and an appetite for both high and low culture. She strives to celebrate the best of every season with her young children. Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ashburgess/ and subscribe to her YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl2Bis7mhGmekVi0ZioJFOg?app=desktop

Jonathan graduated with a BA in history from Indiana University in 2006. He is an unabashed left-wing political junkie. He has lived and worked in South Korea for over 10 years, trying to help the citizens of that great nation, hopefully, "talk pretty one day."

A quick programming note: On Sept. 20, 2026, the New York Times published “The 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century,” in which “More than 500 influential stars, showrunners and other notable names in the world of TV voted on the best series released since Jan. 1, 2000.” I'm including a link to the article: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/arts/television/best-tv-shows-21st-century.html

And a graphic you can download and print off so you can play along at home as we break down this list on this episode: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/arts/television/print-best-tv-shows-21st-century.html

Also, in this episode, Jonathan asks if Sam Harris' mother created “Gilmore Girls.” In fact, Susan Harris created “The Golden Girls,” not “Gilmore Girls.”

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Hello and welcome to The Rob Burgess Show. I am, of course, your host, Rob Burgess.

On this our 311th episode, our returning guest is Randy Fertel.

You first heard Randy Fertel on Episode 245.

Randy Fertel is a writer and philanthropist dedicated to the arts, education, New Orleans and the environment. Fertel holds a Ph.D. in English and American literature from Harvard University and is the author of “A Taste for Chaos: The Art of Literary Improvisation” and “The Gorilla Man and the Empress of Steak: A New Orleans Family Memoir. Fertel has taught English at Harvard University, Tulane University, LeMoyne College, and the New School for Social Research. He specializes in the literature of the Vietnam War and the literature of exile. In addition to his writing, Fertel is president of the Fertel Foundation and the Ruth U. Fertel Foundation, named for his mother Ruth Fertel, founder of Ruth’s Chris Steak House. He is co-founder of the Ridenhour Prizes for Courageous Truth-telling, now in its 22nd year. He lives in New Orleans and New York.

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Hello and welcome to The Rob Burgess Show. I am, of course, your host, Rob Burgess.

On this our 310th episode our returning guest is Ray E. Boomhower.

You first heard Ray E. Boomhower on Episode 213 and Episode 250 of the podcast.

Ray E. Boomhower is senior editor of the Indiana Historical Society Press. He is editor of the IHS’s quarterly popular history magazine, “Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History.” Boomhower has been with the Society since 1987.

A native of Mishawaka, Indiana, Boomhower graduated from Indiana University in 1982 with degrees in journalism and political science. He received his master’s degree in U.S. history from Indiana University, Indianapolis, in 1995. Before joining the Society staff, he worked in public relations for the Indiana State Museum and as a reporter for two Indiana daily newspapers.

Along with numerous articles for “Traces,” the “Indiana Magazine of History,” and other history periodicals, Boomhower is the author of the books “Jacob Piatt Dunn, Jr.: A Life in History and Politics, 1855-1924” (Indiana Historical Society, 1997); “The Country Contributor: The Life and Times of Juliet V. Strauss” (Guild Press of Indiana, 1998); “Destination Indiana: Travels through Hoosier History” (IHS, 2000); “'But I Do Clamor': May Wright Sewall, A Life, 1844–1920” (Guild Press, 2001); “'One Shot': The World War II Photography of John A. Bushemi” (IHS Press, 2004); “Gus Grissom: The Lost Astronaut” (IHS Press, 2004); “The Sword and the Pen: A Life of Lew Wallace” (IHS Press, 2005); “The Soldier’s Friend: A Life of Ernie Pyle” (IHS Press, 2006); “Fighting for Equality: A Life of May Wright Sewall” (IHS Press, 2007); “Robert F. Kennedy and the 1968 Indiana Primary” (Indiana University Press, 2008); “Fighter Pilot: The World War II Career of Alex Vraciu” (IHS Press, 2010); “The People's Choice: Congressman Jim Jontz of Indiana” (IHS Press, 2013); “John Bartlow Martin: A Voice for the Underdog” (IU Press, 2015); “Dispatches from the Pacific: The World War II Reporting of Robert L. Sherrod” (2017); “Indiana Originals: Hoosier Heroes & Heroines” (History Press, 2018); and “Mr. President: A Life of Benjamin Harrison” (IHS Press, 2018).

His book, “Richard Tregaskis: Reporting Under Fire from Guadalcanal to Vietnam” was published in November 2021 by the University of New Mexico Press.

His book, “Malcolm W. Browne, Thich Quang Duc, and the News Photograph That Stunned the World,” was published in March 2024, also by the University of New Mexico Press.

His latest book, “Wallace Terry: A Reporter's Journey from Selma to Saigon to Bloods,” was published Oct. 6, also by the University of New Mexico Press.

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Hello and welcome to The Rob Burgess Show. I am, of course, your host, Rob Burgess.

On this our 309th episode, our returning guest is… me!

I have done around two dozen previous solo episodes of this podcast. For a complete list, check the show notes.

I am a 45-time award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in print, radio, online and television. I am currently Senior Reporter for ThinkAdvisor. Most recently, I was Reporter for Financial Planning Magazine; Technology Reporter for Wealth Management Magazine; Editor of the Wabash Plain Dealer; News Editor of NUVO; Managing Editor of the Indiana Lawyer; and City Editor, Opinion Page Editor and Editorial Board Member of the Kokomo Tribune. I was also a reporter at WFHB, the Times-Mail, The Reporter-Times, Ukiah Daily Journal and Ukiah Valley Television.

Oh yeah, and I’m also the proprietor of the podcast, The Rob Burgess Show.

A quick programming note: Most of this episode features me playing my ukulele and singing, something I also did on Episode 282 at the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach, California; on Episode 286 at the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas; Episode 296 at the French Market in New Orleans; and on Episode 303 at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida. I did also sing and play guitar near the end of Episode 258 featuring my friend, Mark Rohrer.

This time, I returned to Orange County, California as I busked on Sept. 13, 2026 at the Huntington Beach Pier; Sept. 15, 2026 at the Balboa Pier; Sept. 17, 2026 on Balboa Island and the Newport Pier; and Sept. 18, 2026 again at the Newport Pier.

Here are the songs you'll hear me cover on this episode:

“Sweet Revenge” by John Prine

“On The Road Again” by Willie Nelson

“Pancho and Lefty” by Townes Van Zandt

“The Last Time” by the Rolling Stones

“Top of the World” by The Carpenters

“Paradise” by John Prine

“9 to 5” by Dolly Parton

“A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum

“Blitzkrieg Bop” by the Ramones

“El Paso” by Marty Robbins

“Happy Together” by The Turtles

“She” by Green Day

“Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds” by the Beatles

“You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC

“Heart of Glass” by Blondie

“It's All Over Now” by the Rolling Stones

“Lodi” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

“Flashback Blues” by John Prine

“Runaway” by Del Shannon

“Walking After Midnight” by Patsy Cline

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Hello and welcome to The Rob Burgess Show. I am, of course, your host, Rob Burgess.

On this our 308th episode our guest is James G. Ellis.

James G. Ellis served as Dean of the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California from 2007 to 2019, overseeing the education and well-being of approximately 5,700 undergraduate and graduate students. Prior to becoming dean, he served as USC's Vice Provost for Globalization and held a full-time tenured appointment as Professor of Marketing. Before entering academia, Ellis built a distinguished career in business. He served as President and CEO of Porsche Design’s American operations and owned, operated, or partnered in multiple companies spanning retail, manufacturing, and distribution. A graduate of Harvard Business School and the University of New Mexico, Ellis has received numerous honors for teaching, mentorship, and leadership, including USC’s Golden Apple Award, the Teaching Has No Boundaries Award, and recognition as one of USC's most influential professors. He remains active as a consultant, advisor, and board member, continuing to share insights from more than five decades in business and education. Ellis and his wife, Dr. Gail Ellis, reside in Southern California. Together they have five children and twelve grandchildren.

His new book, “A Journey of Insights: Lessons in Leadership and Legacy,” will be published Sept. 1 by Lyons Press.

To learn more about Jim, please visit: www.jamesgellisauthor.com

A quick programming note: Here is a link to Ellis' June 2019 op-ed published in the Los Angeles Times which we mentioned, “Setting the record straight about my departure from USC”: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-ellis-usc-marshall-business-school-20190630-story.html

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Hello and welcome to The Rob Burgess Show. I am, of course, your host, Rob Burgess.

On this our 307th episode our returning guests are Ash Burgess and Jonathan Fowler. You first heard Ash Burgess and Jonathan Fowler together in Episode 82, which was recorded in 2017. They both returned on Episode 216 in 2022. And again on Episode 266 in 2024. Individually, they have each appeared on dozens of episodes.

Ash Burgess has a dusty degree in Religious Studies and an appetite for both high and low culture. She strives to celebrate the best of every season with her young children. Follow her on Instagram and subscribe to her YouTube channel.

Jonathan graduated with a BA in history from Indiana University in 2006. He is an unabashed left-wing political junkie. He has lived and worked in South Korea for over 10 years, trying to help the citizens of that great nation, hopefully, "talk pretty one day."

Here are all the episodes featuring Jonathan:

A quick programming note: Just as occurred on Episode 266, which I mentioned earlier, this episode contains rampant spoilers for all seven of the movies in the “Scream” series. Also, Jonathan asked me to correct something he says in the episode: Sidney only mentions being married to Mark and having three daughters in “Scream V,” not in “Scream IV.” So, Sidney's other daughters would not, in fact, be high school-aged teenagers.

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Hello and welcome to The Rob Burgess Show. I am, of course, your host, Rob Burgess.

On this our 306th episode, our returning guest is Jonathan Fowler.

Jonathan is the all-time most frequent guest of The Rob Burgess Show. For a complete list, click here: http://www.therobburgessshow.com/2016/07/regular-guest-jonathan-fowler.html

Jonathan graduated with a BA in history from Indiana University in 2006. He is an unabashed left-wing political junkie. He has lived and worked in South Korea for over a decade, trying to help the citizens of that great nation, hopefully, "talk pretty one day."

A quick programming note: Just hours after we finished recording this episode Graham Platner officially dropped out of the Maine senate race. I have included the audio from his announcement in the episode as well.

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Hello and welcome to The Rob Burgess Show. I am, of course, your host, Rob Burgess.

On this our 305th episode, our returning guest is Jonathan Fowler.

Jonathan is the all-time most frequent guest of The Rob Burgess Show.

Jonathan graduated with a BA in history from Indiana University in 2006. He is an unabashed left-wing political junkie. He has lived and worked in South Korea for over a decade, trying to help the citizens of that great nation, hopefully, "talk pretty one day."

You first heard Jonathan Fowler on Episode 2, Episode 10, Episode 20, Episode 21, Episode 29, Episode 30, Episode 31, Episode 32, Episode 34, Episode 35, Episode 43, Episode 48, Episode 51, Episode 56, Episode 64, Episode 74, Episode 83, Episode 92, Episode 102, Episode 103, Episode 104, Episode 105, Episode 106, Episode 107, Episode 108, Episode 109, Episode 111, Episode 114, Episode 115, Episode 116, Episode 119, Episode 126, Episode 127, Episode 133, Episode 137, Episode 140, Episode 146, Episode 147, Episode 149. Episode 153, Episode 156, Episode 158, Episode 160, Episode 162, Episode 164, Episode 167, Episode 168, Episode 169, Episode 172, Episode 173, Episode 174, Episode 179, Episode 180, Episode 181, Episode 185, Episode 236, Episode 247, Episode 249, Episode 251, Episode 261, Episode 264, Episode 270, Episode. 277, Episode 281, Episode 285 and Episode 292.

And on Episode 82 and Episode 216, Jonathan was a guest along with fellow regular guest Ash Burgess.

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Hello and welcome to The Rob Burgess Show. I am, of course, your host, Rob Burgess.

On this, our 304th episode, our returning guest is Ash Burgess.

You first heard Ash Burgess on Episode 16, Episode 26, Episode 27, Episode 39, Episode 58, Episode 63, Episode 77, Episode 86, Episode 91, Episode 100, Episode 124, Episode 130, Episode 136, Episode 142, Episode 143, Episode 148, Episode 151, Episode 154, Episode 165, Episode 176, Episode 184, Episode 191, Episode 196, Episode 198, Episode 203, Episode 209, Episode 214, Episode 219, Episode 222, Episode 228, Episode 231, Episode 238, Episode 239, Episode 246, Episode 253, Episode 257, Episode 269, Episode 272, Episode 276, Episode 287, Episode 290, Episode 291 and Episode 300.

Additionally, and Episode 82 and Episode 216 which also featured regular guest Jonathan Fowler of the podcast.

Ash Burgess has a dusty degree in Religious Studies and an appetite for both high and low culture. She strives to celebrate the best of every season with her young children.

Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ashburgess/ and subscribe to her YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl2Bis7mhGmekVi0ZioJFOg?app=desktop

Follow me on Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/robaburg.bsky.social

Follow me on Mastodon: newsie.social/@therobburgessshow

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Hello and welcome to The Rob Burgess Show. I am, of course, your host, Rob Burgess.

On this our 303rd episode, our returning guest is… me!

I have done around two dozen previous solo episodes of this podcast:

Episode 41 - Rob Burgess

Episode 62 - Rob Burgess [II]

Episode 84 - Rob Burgess [III]

Episode 100 - Rob Burgess and Ash Burgess

Episode 117 - Rob Burgess [IV]

Episode 131 - Rob Burgess [V]

Episode 135 - Rob Burgess [VI]

Episode 182 - Rob Burgess [VII]

Episode 189 - Rob Burgess [VIII]

Episode 194 - Rob Burgess [IX]

Episode 200 - Rob Burgess [X]

Episode 205 - Rob Burgess [XI]

Episode 215 - Rob Burgess [XII]

Episode 220 - Rob Burgess [XIII]

Episode 226 - Rob Burgess [XIV]

Episode 230 - Rob Burgess [XV]

Episode 243 - Rob Burgess [XVI]

Episode 252 - Rob Burgess [XVII]

Episode 265 - Rob Burgess [XVIII]

Episode 267 - Rob Burgess [XIX]

Episode 279 - Rob Burgess [XX]

Episode 280 - Rob Burgess [XXI]

Episode 282 - Rob Burgess [XXII]

Episode 286 - Rob Burgess [XXIII]

Episode 294 - Rob Burgess [XXIV]

Episode 295 - Rob Burgess [XXV]

Episode 296 – Rob Burgess [XXVI]

Episode 302 - Rob Burgess [XXVII]

I am a 45-time award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in print, radio, online and television. I am currently Senior Reporter for ThinkAdvisor. Most recently, I was Reporter for Financial Planning Magazine; Technology Reporter for Wealth Management Magazine; Editor of the Wabash Plain Dealer; News Editor of NUVO; Managing Editor of the Indiana Lawyer; and City Editor, Opinion Page Editor and Editorial Board Member of the Kokomo Tribune. I was also a reporter at WFHB, the Times-Mail, The Reporter-Times, Ukiah Daily Journal and Ukiah Valley Television.

Oh yeah, and I’m also the proprietor of the podcast, The Rob Burgess Show.

A quick programming note: Most of this episode features me playing my ukulele and singing, something I also did on Episode 282 at the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach, California; on Episode 286 at the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas; and Episode 296 at the French Market in New Orleans. I did also sing and play guitar near the end of Episode 258 featuring my friend, Mark Rohrer.

This time, I busked on May 3, 2026 at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida. I only played for about a half an hour before an Orange County Parks Department Employee came up to me.

“Sir, you can play, you just can't be busking, alright?” the guy said, in what sounded like an Australian accent.

“Why not?” I said.

“It's against park rules.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“I called city hall. And I wasn't informed of that.”

“You can play your instrument here, you just can't be busking, asking for money.”

“I don't ask for money. I don't have a sign.”

“OK then. OK cool. Cool.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah no worries.”

But, as you'll hear, I did not think he thought it was cool. So, I left soon after. In this episode you'll hear only one song from the performance, “Why Don't You Love Me” by Hank Williams.

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