On A Certain List & Ian Guerin

 There is an old saying that goes, "Sometimes the sun will shine on a dog's ass." Although we are not 100% sure exactly what that means, it does seem to hold a bit of truth when it comes to this show. The fine people at Hollywood Entertainment News put out a list of the "Best/Most Entertaining Podcast Hosts of 2020." As shocking as it was to even make the list, Ric found himself at number 25. 

There are some great hosts and shows represented on that list as well. This turned out to be quite the honor. And to think Ric nearly killed off this show. 

Also in this episode, Ric sits down with R&B hitmaker Ian Guerin for a conversation about writing music and the entertainment life in a pandemic.

NEXT WEEK: 2021 Is Here, Now What? & Jessica Heim

 Here's The List

Merry Sort of Christmas & Wendy Stuart

 As Christmas bears down on us all, this year seems rather muted. Some people are trying to find any joy during the end of this tumultuous year. There is some hope out there and it's just going to be a matter of all of us hunkering down and getting through this together in a sort of distant matter. 

Along those lines, Ric sits down with model and entertainer Wendy Stuart who will bring some cheer to your eggnog , if you know what we're saying. Wendy was a fixture at Studio 54 and other influential New York Clubs as well as her modelling work and a book she has written about her experiences. 

If that wasn't enough, she created a cooking show to keep herself busy through the pandemic. Not bad for a Covid-19 survivor. A story you will hear in this episode.

NEXT WEEK: The Exciting Conclusion of 2020 & Ian Guerin

 

It's Time for Shots & Rocky Kramer

 The time some of us have been waiting on has arrived. The vaccine is here. Naturally, there are those out there who have a problem with this. In this episode, Ric talks about just what manufactured outrage is surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine. 

Also in this episode, Ric sits down with Norway's Ambassador of Rock, Rocky Kramer. They talk about the Norwegian influence on the genre of rock and how the relationship between metal and classical music. 

Plus, more details about the Feed The Blues campaign through the Memphis Blues Society and Radio Memphis.

NEXT WEEK: Wendy Stuart Kaplan

There is Porn in The Parler & Coyote Motel

 A social media "safe space" out there who is rather loud about their non-censorship is having an issue that may well test their own rules. It turns out that Parler is trying to figure out how to deal with an apparent porn problem. They pride themselves in never wanting to delete a post (for whatever reason) and having this little issue, as amusing as it has become, might be testing the very limits of what they consider "free speech". 

Plus a conversation taken from Radio Memphis in The Morning with Ted Drozdowski and his band Coyote Motel from Nashville. You'll also hear a cut from their latest collection of songs.

NEXT WEEK: Rocky Kramer

The Turkey is A Lie & Andrew Cole

It is one of the few times of the year when just about everybody is eating the exact same thing. People will go on and on about how it is their favorite meal of the year. But, is it? If people really liked the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, don't you think they would have it more than one time of the year? If people were to let their traditions down, it would cripple the turkey industry. Let's not even get started about Christmas dinner. 

Also, a conversation with Andrew Cole, a musician originally from Liverpool, UK and now residing in California is trying to make it through the pandemic. His view of the music industry and what the world will look like after this is interesting. Plus, a performance from Andrew Cole and his song Cover Me.

NEXT WEEK: Coyote Motel

Thanksgiving & The Starlite Campbell Band

 As we all make our way to this year's Thanksgiving holiday, there are a few things people are needing to keep in mind about just how different this year's celebrations will be. It has been said, "If you plan on a large Thanksgiving, be sure and plan a funeral for Christmas." Dark and grim for sure. However, those are rather appropriate words as Ric will explain in this episode. 

Also, Ric and Eljay sat down with Suzy and Simon from The Starlite Campbell Band (who are in Portugal at the moment) to have a talk about how Covid is affecting musicians on that side of the Atlantic and to debut a new song.

NEXT WEEK: Andrew Cole is living the hobo dream.

 

Soho Johnny is Your Friend

 There are those people out there who do wonderful things. Not for themselves, but for others. It's not about ego, it's not about fame or fortune. It is a legitimate thing where certain individuals have the ability through clout, finances or whatever gift they can present which can bear down on the public at large for the greater good. One such individual is Soho Johnny. 

In this episode, he sits down with Ric to talk about some of the things he's into as well as an upcoming streaming event you can take part in (free) to see the magic come together for the benefit of others. All the details are right here. Also, Space X went to space, Covid-19 is still a thing and the return of your regular programming (sort of) to Radio Memphis.

NEXT WEEK: The Starlite Campbell Band

Quality Time With Sherry Nelson

 It's not an everyday thing when one gets to spend some real good quality time with a supermodel. That is exactly what Ric did. Sherry Nelson is a supermodel who has graced the pages of Maxim and other publications. She is also the co-host of Brian Sebatian's Movie Reviews and More. 

The conversation starts in the lumber yard and winds up with a discussion of which one was actually wearing pants. The girl really knows her wood. Also, the two play favorites with a new game. 

Plus, Ric has been asked about Parler, a social media thing. He'll explain what that is and how it won't be too long before it turns in to Lord of the Flies. 

NEXT WEEK: Soho Johnny

Talkin' TV with Mickey Burns

 It's a big week in America. There is this election coming up and we are all sitting in the midst of a pandemic. The truth is, we are all a bit tired of the whole thing. If you feel you are getting beat up over the news, you might want to take a look at the phenomenon that is the "Fear of Missing Out" also known as FOMO. 

In this episode, Ric takes a look at that concept. Also, his conversation with Mickey Burns. Mickey is the host of the television show Profiles and was instrumental in the creation of the show COPS. How did that happen? Take a listen.

NEXT WEEK: A conversation with Sherry Nelson. 

Doin' The New Thing & Nate Soundz

 With a show that has been around as long as From Radioland, things have to change a bit. To do this correctly, one should tread carefully into new areas unlike Ric who moves with reckless abandon. This is the "new" show and it's re-tooled format (whatever that means) and as such along comes an interview with a new artist from California, Nate Soundz plus you will hear one of his tracks. 

Also in this episode, Ric gets into some news from Radio Memphis in how the pandemic may have been a kick in the pants at the station, things are starting to return to some sort of "normal" (also, whatever that means) as the original shows begin to return to the air.

NEXT WEEK: The world of television with Mickey Burns

Change is Like the Wind. Sometimes, It Blows

 It's come to this. At least for this moment. After a lot of behind the scenes wrangling, organization, scheduling and copious amounts of adult language, the latest chapter in the tale that is the show of From Radioland, Ric is ready to unveil all the new changes. 

As with any show such as this, you have to make some adjustments. Some of those adjustments aren't that easy. In the end, we hope it's worth it for you in the audience. Not that there were any real secrets here, From Radioland is evolving to it's newest format with the added bonus of one other act of defiance. What is that, you ask? Well, take a listen.

NEXT WEEK: And so it begins... 

It Ain't The Same

 As production of From Radioland begins to shift from it's current format over to a different type of show, Ric takes some time here to talk about what the podcast experience has been like for him this far. There is a notion for anyone getting into this form of entertainment of what they think they will expect. 

For a former broadcaster (presumably from the world of corporate radio), it is a vastly different experience. How so? Mainly, the audience. Yes, you people. This is not a bad thing at all. It's just that so many people who go from one world to the podcasting world will have their preconceived notions shattered. For something that seems so easy and straightforward has now become rather complicated. 

In a couple of words, audience apathy. 

NEXT WEEK: Paving With Good Intentions

Disorganization Skills

As work is underway in re-tooling From Radioland, Ric takes a few moments to talk about one of the facets involved in the production of this show. It should be noted that what he mentions here can (and should be) applied to any endeavor you may partake in should it be your own podcast or your everyday work at hand. 

In the past, Ric has always had issues with dealing with a calendar. Sure, there are some handy digital applications out there which make the whole process easier, except Ric seems to have to make an appointment in his calendar to update his calendar. The frustration can run him and you in circles.

NEXT WEEK: Audience From The Fishbowl

A Fresh Coat of Paint

 Sometimes you have to look at your surroundings and hope to come to the realization that some things have to change. That is the conclusion Ric has come to about this From Radioland. Across the podcast landscape, there are so many shows out there that get stale. Some start out that way with nary a change. 

Keeping it fresh is something that kind of has to happen from time to time. This show is not immune to that obviously. In the past six and a half years, From Radioland has undergone all sorts of change. It's all part of the evolutionary process. 

In this episode, Ric tells you a bit about just what changes are coming and what exactly led to his decision.

NEXT WEEK: Organizing a Sh!t Show

The Post Pandemic Panic

 Of course we are nowhere near a post pandemic situation, but that doesn't stop Ric from taking a look at how some things in our world will change from all of this. Specifically, the change coming from the world of media. We have certainly seen a change in the way certain things are covered and there has been a rise in all sorts of fake news. 

But if it is one thing people can do rather well, it is to adapt. Part of the adaption process will probably see an end to such fake news silliness. Certainly, the term "mainstream media" is already dead. So who do you trust? Simple. The one that is not lying to you no matter where it is coming from.

NEXT WEEK: The Ever Changing World of The Podcast

 

It's All An Act

 Everything you consume through any sort of media is not being honest with you. It's not so much an outright lie as it is just in the manner of presentation. In this episode, Ric is going to lay out the vibe all content creators go with when it comes to the dissemination of any thing. 

From all your news to your music, it's all a big fat lie carefully designed to do one thing. Here's a hint, Ric will explain this by using two bands KISS & Ghost. 

NEXT WEEK: The Post-Pandemic Panic 

Biopicture This

 If it were to seem you are hearing more about biopics being made about your favorite rock acts, you are not alone. There is a reason for this and it is simply because fans of the classic rock genre are getting older and frankly, no one is making any more of that music. There is a solid nostalgic factor at work.

There is an issue when it comes to these things. As Ric will tell you about in this episode, the problem with these films is it gives you the chance to "meet your heroes", if you will. Although this does sort of fly into the face of the notion that you should never meet your heroes, there is an outside chance you might discover that band or musician you had admired all those years was really a giant asshole. 

To prevent this, writers will "Hollywood Up" these stories to show you something quite a bit different. The end result, you aren't getting the whole picture, among other things.

NEXT WEEK: It's All An Act

Meme Me

Those ubiquitous posts the internet version of a cartoon from the Sunday paper (back when they were a thing), the picture with the funny text that isn't all that funny that gets shared and "stolen". The Meme. Most of them have a lifespan of about 3 hours. 

After that, they turn into most things on the internet, disposable content. In this episode Ric delves into the concept. Did you know there are some legal ramifications to the genre of the meme? 

Also, Ric has a rundown of all the things he's involved in plus a new Drinking with Dead People and another YouTube show drops this week.

NEXT WEEK: The Rock & Roll Biopic

 

The Cost of Free Entertainment

 It's the age old question, should entertainment be free? How much advertisement justifies a free show? How much should one pay for advertisement free content? All these questions are basically answered with what the market can bear and what the patience is of the audience. 

There is quite a bit to unpack with this topic especially these days. People spending more time dealing with streaming content are trying to figure out the balance between needing to be entertained and with what discretionary income to pay for such things. 

Also in this episode, Ric visits a Covid-19 overflow ward. 

NEXT WEEK: Meme Me

Video Killed The Internet Star

 It is arguable whether The Buggles were anywhere near correct. To be fair, Viacom killed MTV, so there is that. Anyway, all the talk of Tik-Tok and other such video outlets has now led all of us down an interesting time line. 

First, there was Periscope, then along came Vine, Facebook video was coming along and now there is Instagram Reels. There is something they all have in common. First, they are all platforms for disposable video and the second is that they are not YouTube. Big differences here. 

In this episode, Ric takes you down this timeline and looks at the one psychological thing that is driving all of these platforms.

NEXT WEEK: Subscription Serviced Entertainment

 

Facebook Jesus

 There are churches out there who are deeply concerned with their current business model. Thanks to the pandemic, attendance is down by a large amount as people continue with social distancing. Yes, there are some religious institutions out there who are embracing digital platforms, but by and large, many are not. In this episode, Ric gets a little snarky with this idea of trying to run a church in a cashless society. He have exposed more than meets the eye on this enlightened episode.

NEXT WEEK: Disposable Video Platforms

Shaving With Occam's Razor

In a time where we are flooded with news, opinion and terrible perspectives, we increasingly find ourselves dealing with the dearth of conspiracy theories. It seems, the more ridiculous the theory, the more notoriety it seems to get. 

Why is this? Why can't people simply accept the facts of any story as being the cause, root and solution to any issue being thrust upon society at large? In this episode, Ric takes a look at why these things seem to be getting worse and worse and what can be done to not necessarily stop the flow of false news, but at least what anyone can do to understand all this foolishness. 

NEXT WEEK: Our Lady of The Holy Browser

 

Paint A Rosy Picture

In this day of altered states of media, corporate reigns supreme. When it comes to getting information of either an entertainment nature or educational bent, there are a million sources. One of which Ric is involved in revolves around the print media. 

As odd as it may sound to have a radio guy write a column, he does (so far, as of this publication) for a nationally owned magazine with a syndication in Memphis. Apparently, as Ric explains in this episode, umbrage has been taken on the corporate level because of something Ric wrote. 

NEXT WEEK: The Rise of Lies & Conspiracies

We Have Watched Everything

One of the basic needs of people during a quarantine seems to have been Netflix. The issue is that Netflix hasn't been able to keep up with demand. Not in a connected sort of way. In a content way. It would appear the quality of some of the productions they bought into fairly recently were not all that great.

It presents an interesting problem. Just how long, in this cord cutter society, are people going to suffer through bad shows before they decide they have had enough? It's a viable question for sure. Especially when factor in the simple fact that more people than anyone cares to admit watched all of Tiger King. And let's face it, that was pretty bad for television, even by Netflix standards.

NEXT WEEK: The Copy Writer Blues

 

Facebook's Legitimacy Issue

It's hard to say exactly who thinks Facebook is a legitimate source for anything. Seriously, who takes Facebook seriously at all? That question has since become more valid as time has progressed. That same question is also being asked by major companies who used to give the social media platform money for advertisements. 

There is certainly something to this and it seems to have started when Twitter began labeling certain tweets from the President of The United States as being devoid of any truth. So, why didn't Facebook do the same? They tried and failed. Miserably. Ric knows because he got caught in a weird algorithm that kept posting something legitimate. 

In this episode, Ric takes a look at how that works and why major advertisers seem to be exiting the company that created social media. Also, Ric tells you about an upcoming special guest and the latest from the graveyard.

NEXT WEEK: Netflix, WTF?

 

There Ain't Nothing on The Evening News

We have all had that conversation with people who invariably say they don't watch the evening news. Then there are those who will admit they do but tell you they hate watching. Which begs the question for both of these people, why? 

The answer is really quite simple. There is nothing to see here. In this episode, Ric tells you about his time in the world of television news and what it was once like. Now with the internet hanging around, it seems sort of redundant to have such an institution around. What purpose does it serve? Here's a hint, it doesn't serve the public any more. 

Plus an update from the graveyard.

NEXT WEEK: Facebook's money trouble.

Social Media Toxicity

When one looks at all the different social media platforms out there, you would see they are all fairly different in approach to one another. Ranging from sort of useful to downright bogus, there is a little something out there for everybody. 

However, if you were to look at all these platforms with one particular filter, you find only one as being the single most toxic of them all. Here's the thing, it's probably not the one you are thinking of. In this episode, Ric takes a look at how one platform practically fosters the notion of being able to say anything you want by hiding behind your keyboard. 

Not one of these people would say what they say on the platform to anyone's face without the fear of having to endure an old fashioned Memphis ass beating. 

Plus, Ric's new YouTube show, Drinking With Dead People debuts at midnight.

NEXT WEEK: Just what is the role of television news these days?

 

It's A Big Problem

It is one thing to get into a pandemic, but it is a completely different thing to get out of one. There are so many things to consider and the prudent among us would like to think you should get back to some sort of normalcy in a practical and safe manner. Apparently, a lot of people in power didn't get that memo. 

In this episode, Ric takes a look at what is happening around the country as things begin to open back up. There is a big problem. It appears The United States is not ready. The numbers of infections are rising at a rapid pace as well as the numbers of deaths. 

At the very same time, there are those in power who say otherwise and this puts some people in a bad spot. They need the money and they need the work without getting sick. We are talking about musicians here. 

NEXT WEEK: The granddaddy of all toxic social media.

 

Sponsoring A World Crisis

Corporate America has a knack for being tone deaf. That is a simple fact. There are some ads out there using a protest as a backdrop. In this episode, Ric takes a look at the idiocy of this move. It is yet another point proven when corporate tries to look hip and with the times, they look ridiculous. Now is not the time for anyone to be tone deaf, but here we are. 

The amount of willful ignorance happening around us all is astounding. It's as if there are those out there who want to give people a reason to protest. Frankly, no one has to look terribly far. There are some pissed off people out there. Also, Ric has a problem with his ISP plus, his sinus issues are being dealt with using a torture device. 

NEXT WEEK: The bars, the bands and maybe the crowds.

A Change is Going to Come

Protests and pandemics are all harbingers of things to come. If you spend any amount of time looking at the history of the world, you might see as societies have dealt with very similar things in the past, one valuable lesson that is always learned is that change can be and is often quite difficult. This difficulty with change is rooted in one simple notion and that being fear. 

Everyone who is not accepting of the reasoning behind any type of change are afraid. They are afraid that their lives won't be the same as they were. The fact is, they won't be. In this episode, Ric takes a look at what it means to go home and to know that you can never go back. Progress is fraught with adjustment and this is a good thing. The George Floyd protests are a fine example of that. This is necessary change. 

As is the changes that must come in our society in dealing with an illness we still no very little about. Granted, it is a lot on everyone's plate but, the good news happens to be we will all be better having gone through all of this together. Even if we have to drag the troglodytes with us. 

NEXT WEEK: This Protest is Brought to You By... 

The New Normal

Change is an issue and it is never easy to cope with the inevitable. When something like a pandemic occurs or the other social issues we all face these days, coming through the other side expecting anything to be the way it was before all of these events is a pipe dream. 

We will never be the same after all of this is said and done. That is just a simple fact. The other simple fact, is there will be a select number of people in our society who will reject the first fact. We tried this in 2016 and the results have been nothing short of disastrous. 

In this episode, Ric casts a jaundiced eye at what the future holds for our society and what we as individuals could probably look forward to once the storm of a pandemic passes. Also in this episode, the aftermath of laryngitis even if it was fun sounding like Batman. Plus, a computer tip.

NEXT WEEK: You Can Always Go Home, But You Can Never Go Back

Connection Interrupted

Being connected seems to be bringing about all sorts of innovative tech. All of it is designed to keep you on the platform you are using it from. Be it Facebook, Twitter or Google, none of those companies want you to go anywhere else. As consumers, we certainly do have a bunch of options when it comes to this sort of thing and that can be good. 

Some you pay for (Zoom) and others are free (Facebook & Google). But how would you define "free". Also, as cool as it is to have this technology in your hands, is it really something we all need? Is anybody actually any good at using this stuff? Does it really matter? In theory, you could answer all those questions with a "no". 

Plus, Ric has been in the studio quite a bit this past week. Along with all the extra work he has picked up and the usual slate of shows, his voice is going out. It's the return of the dreaded laryngitis. But he will tell you all about the other things he has on his plate as well.

NEXT WEEK: The New Normal

 

Semper Pie & Meal Team Six

We are all getting weary of this pandemic, it seems. The truth is, we are weary from the coverage of the pandemic. There is a very loud minority of people out there who feel they are being put upon by having to stay at home or having to wear a mask when they go out in public. 

These people are going out to protest and they are doing so with assault rifles and are agitating an already nervous population. On top of this, we are getting information about the pandemic from so many different sources that it seems no one on the right page. One group says this and the other says that and both are pointing fingers at someone else. 

You would think all of this energy could be directed at something constructive like, trying to contain Covid-19. In this episode, Ric is exhausted and we may not even be closer to the end of this situation. It's all a matter of trying to get the madness to stop.

 

 

NEXT WEEk: Connection Interrupted

The Conspiracy of Reality

The longer this whole virus sticks around, the more the conspiracy theorists will have to ply their trade. Frankly, it's got rather nauseating. Some of the things being shoved down people's throats are about as ludacris as one could imagine. The latest was the video that was going around on social media purporting all sorts of wild theories. The difference was this thing was packaged around a rather benign statement and it got a LOT of traction. 

After it was thoroughly debunked by proper scientists (and others), thankfully it was removed. But the whole situation did point out something sort of alarming, the gullibility of people who refuse to believe or understand Occam's Razor. In this episode, Ric will explain all of that and what may give rise to the Conspiraciologist.

NEXT WEEK: Safety VS Greed

 

What, Too Soon?

For some sadistic reason, Memphis reversed its course with Covid-19 and decided to phase in a reopening plan. This has done nothing more than split the city right down the middle. About half the restaurants and businesses here want to go ahead and reopen.

The other half, not so much. As it has been said, the more prudent of those business owners have said something along the lines of, "The safety of my staff and customers is worth more than the sale of a sandwich." In this episode, Ric takes another look at what a post-pandemic world holds for all of us. He'll also layout the trail for you to follow which seems to lead straight back to simple greed.

Also in this episode, Ric elaborates on that pic he shared on his instagram page.




NEXT WEEK: Giant hornets, heavy hurricanes AND a continuing pandemic.

Jesus, The Economy

There is something happening out there that is bigger than all of us. Of course, we are talking about the pandemic. When these sorts of things happen, the best anyone can do is to go along with the flow and to do our best not to rock the boat too much. Especially when it comes to the idea that our actions have certain life or death consequences.

This makes for an interesting observation on our society. In this episode, Ric takes a look at how certain religious aspects are being dealt with. There is a pastor who will more than likely wind up in jail for his reckless actions and yet there is another who is demanding you turn over your stimulus money to him. And to what end?

Also, Kim Jong-Un, his sister with the resting bitch face and what might happen after the virus goes away.



NEXT WEEK: The rise of the video conference.

Time Out. No Sports.

Sports is entertainment. And a bit more. Right now, as society lays low (for the most part) and there people trying to find some sort of entertainment to help pass the time, one of the major factors in that equation is the world of professional sports. With even that world shut down, what is the impact of that having on our current situation. To be fair, not much.

But even that answer depends on what side of the field you sit on. There are those who think this is the worst thing to happen to society than the illness itself. And then there are those who seem the absence of this form of entertainment means very little to them or to anyone at all.

Somewhere in the middle is where the rest of us are. In this episode, Ric takes a look at this missing slice of entertainment and wonders just how much of an impact the world of professional sports has on society in general.



NEXT WEEK: Your televangelist called, he said Jesus needs your stimulus check.

The Things We Lost in The Flood

There was a terrible flood in the Radio Memphis studios. It did some damage. It also brought a few things to mind. In this episode, Ric tells what happened at the Radio Memphis studios last week that could have been absolutely devastating.

Also, for your Easter, if you actually went to a church today, you may be in trouble with the Department of Justice. Which brings to mind how things are going to change after the pandemic is behind us, and it will be. Virtual churches could be a real thing that sticks around. If Houseparty is any indication, it probably will be a thing.

And speaking of Houseparty, Ric shows up late to the party. But at least he brings his own dip.



NEXT WEEK: A life without professional sports.

General Toxicity

Thanks to the pandemic, some people are becoming a bit more toxic than normal. In this episode, Ric tells you about an uneasy encounter with someone in his neighborhood which was a direct result of the current situation. People tend to fall into a few categories. There are those who are pretty freaked out, there are those who trying to be reasonable about all of this and then there are those who feel none of this applies to them. When you take a scroll through Facebook, it is pretty apparent as to which category everyone falls into.

Also, Ric takes a look at what a possible future will be like on the other side of this pandemic and the idea of social distancing sticking around is something he can certainly get behind.



NEXT WEEK: The flow of the news cycle.

Stay The F At Home

There is something to be said for social distancing. The whole idea, of course is to stay away from others. Seems simple enough. Perhaps too simple. Some tough lessons are being learned all around the world because of that so-called simplicity.

There is is this strange notion some people like to lean toward in that the suggestions of staying home and socially distant don't apply to them. For an example, see Italy and Spain. Certain governmental inactions have seemingly contributed to the problem by not being tough enough on the whole simple idea of staying the f at home.

Also, Ric visits an important grave (socially distant, of course) and his observations regarding the reactions of those on social media while offering an activity for those at home. Learning to spell.



NEXT WEEK: Just how toxic can Facebook get?

Everyone is An Epidemiologist

Everytime there is some sort of big breaking story on the minds of society at large, it appears through social media that everyone is now an expert in whatever the topic of the day is laying before us. All of these people are laying out their solutions. "What you ought to do is...", "What needs to be done is ...", etc. It's kind of an amusing thing if you look at this with the jaundiced eye that comes from witnessing such matters.

There is a problem though, most of these so called "experts" offer stuff with zero basis in fact or science. They simply want to point out how wrong everyone else is compared to their own "superior" intellect. Sure, the whole world is on lock down because it decides the narrative you want to cast. Stop it. Plus, the bright side of quarantine.



NEXT WEEK: It got mighty quiet in the anti-vax camp.

Cabin Fever

With all of the talk of the Covid-19 rampaging around the world, there are a fair number of folks who have decided to hide out in the homes to work and try to keep some normalcy as much as possible. With that, we have that internet to keep us company. And thankfully so.

Plus we have the wonderful world of streaming media. This is going to be a good time for that, frankly. With more people staying in, more people are looking for something to entertain themselves with. Notwithstanding the inevitable January baby boom, there are tons of options. Including one that may actually help your favorite musicians.

In this episode, Ric will tell you about a pretty cool site that might come in handy for the house bound entertainer and fan.



NEXT WEEK: Social media is infected... with idiocy.


NOTE: For details on the Stage It site. GO HERE.

Sick of Covid-19

The novel coronavirus is everywhere. Where the real epidemic can be found is in the headlines. There is a LOT of misinformation out there. Also, there is a lot of emotions tied up in this story. Everything from panic to apathy mixed with a fair amount of ignorance for added kick.

In this episode, Ric takes a look at what is happening out there and how all of the emotional coverage of this situation is sitting with the general public. Hint: Not too well. A point is proven in this episode in that whenever something becomes politicized, it becomes worse for everyone involved, whether you have chosen to be or not.

Also in this episode, the Girl Scouts are out trying the old hard sell on the cookes and it leads to Ric's unpopular thought.



NEXT WEEK: Video watching and podcast listening is about to get REAL popular.

Stay tuned...

Phone A Phriend

There was time, not too long ago when people went around carrying a transistor radio. There are still people out there who do that very thing. Although their numbers are dwindling. The simple reason is because of the phone. Everyone has one. It has gone from being a luxury to an outright necessity. And for the people who make these things, it's practically a bullet proof business.

People will pay good money for the latest and greatest device. Even if that device's selling point is functionally useless. For example, the new folding phones. In this episode, Ric will tell you that he knows of no one who ever expressed an interest in such technology. But now that it appears to be the next big thing, people think they have to have it in their pocket.

Plus, a sentence you would never have thought ever being constructed is spoken.



NEXT WEEK: Some of you are wound a bit too tight.

Stay tuned...

Don't Cross The Streams

We get it, you became a cord cutter and now you are finding yourself back in the same boat you were in before you cut the cable. The corporate entertainment providers are finding a way to get you back into that same old boat. And it's getting a little more interesting.

As the fight rages on, you are now looking at what appears to be a couple of very broad lines being drawn. There is the old subscription standards and there are some free options. There is one very large issue looming over all of this though, it's not unlike trying to figure out which "restaurant" has the less mediocre fish sandwich.

The absurdity of it all points at one fairly clear answer. Just take a look at what the Millennials are doing.



NEXT WEEK: The Technology in Your Pocket

Stay tuned...

(Don't) Fear The Memer

As it would seem, your social media feed (specifically Facebook), you are sort of flooded with memes. Most of them are not funny. Nor were they intended to be since by and large (pardon the pun), they are nothing more than a reflection of those who post them. They aren't designed to do sway your opinion in any manner.

Another sort of meme you are exposed to are those who are making a half-assed attempt at some sort of humor. Let's be honest, most of them are not funny at all. Then there are the political memes. It's as if these are the last line of offense for the prevalence of fake news.

In this episode, Ric will take a look at these things and show you how these posts either go absolutely no where or become part of a weird echo chamber. Only the very rare and actually humorous ones attain the status of having gone viral. What a great time to be alive.



NEXT WEEK: You Are About to Crave a Fish Sandwich

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Exclusivity Is A Damn Lie

 It's a catch phrase use far too often in media. "Exclusive". It's up there with "Breaking News". It's tired. Why is this a thing? Simple. You are being told (when you hear or read that) the only source you need is the one that has that exclusivity. It's trust building thing and it's a joke.

Our society is so connected that once you hear about something, you'll find the same exact thing everywhere else. It's always there and it will always be just about everywhere you look. If you are to believe everything you are told through the media, you are going to have problems. Just look around you.

In this episode, Ric will explain how this works and the beauty of filtering your news sources. Also in this episode, Ric discovers this show has just turned 6. And if that weren't enough, he tells you how he makes a tuna salad sandwich.



NEXT WEEK: Fear The Meme

Headline Whiplash

A connected society certainly has it's benefits. It also has it's drawbacks. One of the major drawbacks is dealing with the idea of too much accessibility. In essence, the idea that we can simply look up ANY subject and learn all there is to know about that thing is absolutely a good thing.

The dark side of that means we have to filter out all the untrue things. Hence the objectification of false news. Because of all of this, we have become quite desensitized to all the things happening in the world.

In this episode, Ric will pull from the current headlines to sort out what this means and how it affects everyone.



NEXT WEEK: From Radioland Exclusive, Exclusivity is A Damn Lie.

Stay tuned...

You, Commodity

As a society, we have willingly given up our rights to privacy. On the surface it would seem the trade-off came at no real cost. It was nothing nefarious, it was all done in the name of advertising. You have become the ultimate product.

Your information, who you are, where you live, where you go, what you like (and don't like), what you do for a living, who lives with you and where you go are all bits of very valuable information to those you willingly surrendered. Why? In this episode, Ric will lay out exactly what is happening along with some workable theories as to how it all works including a little history. Also in this episode, the death of Kobe Bryant.



NEXT WEEK: A Case of Headline Whiplash

Here Lies Local Radio 1920 - 2020

It was a good run. Then it was murdered. Seriously, I Heart Media (try saying that with a straight face) brought out the hatchets and administered one of the largest employee bloodbaths in their history. The target this week, air talent.

In this episode, Ric takes a look at what happened and takes a stab at figuring out why. Although, it's not hard to figure out why. Even though Ric had something else planned for this episode, he figured it would be best to address the elephant in the room and give you his take as to what corporate radio has done amidst the lies and motives to their rather twisted actions.



NEXT WEEK: The Commodity That is You

Whither Print

The long standing traditions surrounding the print media industry in this country kind of goes without saying too much. But, has it played out? Is there a place in our world for such a thing? In this episode, Ric takes a look at newspapers, magazines and other such news sources from the perspective of the internet. Is it all just a waste of time and resources to manufacture the paper or the glossy (whatever that stuff is) magazine slickness?

Also, the observation of a man who has just seen his old world slip right on by. Plus, Ric saw a show and he'll tell you about that. And the passing of a great musician as well as this week's unpopular thought.



NEXT WEEK: You Are Being Targeted

New Year, New You... My Ass

For the first episode of 2020, Ric takes a look at how the new year has sorted started off with a bang, of sorts. He talks about what he would like to see happen in this year with a taste of optimism (for a change). As he'll explain, it seems society has had enough of the neverending crap out there and the patience of most people has worn thin enough for these people to actually want to do something.

Also, the charade that is the New Year Resolution gets explored with an amusing anecdote about Ric's time in a gym that lasted about a week. Plus he'll share with you some things that are happening at Radio Memphis.



NEXT WEEK: Whither Print?