Author Al Menendez reveals secrets behind how some of the biggest American Christmas hits were written, including the ones that weren’t meant for the holiday. He discusses how the first U.S. Christmas song was actually written for Thanksgiving, the Jewish origins of some Christian Christmas tunes, and the surprise Grammy award for a Christmas hit. Callers ask about their favorite songs in this 1999 interview from WHO radio in Des Moines.

The authors of ”It’s Christmastime at the Movies” tell the stories behind some Hollywood holiday film and TV classics, as well as taking calls from listeners sharing their favorites. No surprise what is the top pick for the best Christmas movie, but the show’s host doesn’t agree with callers! From WHO radio in Des Moines in 1999.

Learn to create a unique jack-o-lantern from Pumpkin Masters expert Cheryl Stoughton, who carves over 60 pumpkins every Halloween and created unique designs for The Today Show, General Hospital, and Wheel of Fortune. She shares tips on using the right tools, helping kids, how to take a photo of a lit jack-o-lantern, hosting a B.Y.O.P. party, and using Vaseline or pumpkin spice in your carving. From WHO radio in Des Moines, Iowa in 1999.

During August’s International Lefthanders Day, author of ”Left is Right” Rae Lindsay says the consumer and educational world discriminates against those that favor their left hands. Yet some of the most successful people are lefties--Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Clinton, Paul McCartney, and Prince Charles. She even yells at host Stephen Winzenburg for being a typical thoughtless righthander. From WHO radio during the August State Fair in 2000.

Great Tomato Book author Sheila Buff shares the history of the plant, from its origin in South America to it being poisonous to the U.S.  Supreme Court deciding whether it’s a vegetable or fruit (the answer will surprise you)! The 1999 interview on WHO radio in Des Moines includes callers being tested on tomato trivia, tips on how to successfully care for a tomato plant, and a tomato soup cake that doesn’t use eggs.

The Wizard of Weeds Dr. Peter Gail discusses the history of eating dandelions and his books with hundreds of recipes for cooking them. They are now commercially grown and used for medicinal purposes. USA Today called him ”The King of Dandelions” and he’ll give you a different perspective on what’s growing in your yard in this interview from 2001 on WHO radio in Des Moines.

Abraham Lincoln was a great leader who suffered through incredibly difficult personal times in order to achieve his goal of becoming famous. That’s according to historian and Lincoln impersonator Dr. Gene Griessman, a motivational speaker and author of Words Lincoln Lived By. He gives his thoughts on President’s Day, timely lessons all can learn from high achievers, and his exclusive interview with Ronald Reagan. This is from WHO radio in Des Moines in 2001.

Romance isn’t just for Valentine’s Day--make it last all year long with ideas from intimacy games for couples created by Barbara and Michael Jonas. They are the authors of Love, Laughter, and Romance, and have seven card or board games for lovers to use to spark a romantic evening. Play along as callers reveal secret passions while having a lot of fun. From WHO radio in Des Moines in 1997.

Meet Pet ER Doctor George Porter, who shares stories about his years treating animals for emergencies and diseases, including a dog high on angel dust, a puppy that eats bricks and rocks, a cat that can’t pee, and a monkey that goes crazy breaking items in the hospital. WHO radio listeners also call in pet stories on this interview from 2000.

The authors of ”It‘s Christmastime at the Movies” tell the stories behind some of the Hollywood holiday film and TV classics, and take calls from listeners sharing their favorites. No surprise that It‘s a Wonderful Life is the overwhelming top pick for best Christmas movie, but the show‘s host doesn‘t necessarily agree! From WHO radio in Des Moines in 1999.