The licorice wars have been officially declared, and Pat Walsh is taking a firm stand in the Red Vines camp. "They're the beautiful cousin to the ugly Twizzler," he proclaims, launching into a delightful exploration of candy preferences that somehow connects to one of the funniest movie theater experiences ever shared on the podcast.

His brother Steve's painfully slow unwrapping of a Red Rope candy during a quiet film moment creates an unexpectedly hilarious memory that serves as the perfect gateway into a nostalgia-filled episode. This small moment exemplifies how everyday experiences become the stories we cherish decades later.

Listener submissions transport us through time with clips of Father Guido Sarducci, a glimpse of 18-year-old Karen Carpenter performing with the original Dick Carpenter Trio (sounding nothing like their later incarnation), and the first home run in Toronto Blue Jays history. These cultural artifacts weave together into a rich tapestry of shared memories that transcend their original contexts.

The podcast shifts into high gear when Pat tackles the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's controversial selections. His passionate defense of snubbed legitimate rock bands like Boston, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and Beck contrasted against pop inductees sparks a compelling argument about musical categorization and recognition. "No one was scratching bread or America into picnic tables when cutting school," he argues, painting a vivid picture of authentic rock culture that certain Hall of Fame inductees simply don't represent.

The episode culminates with a musical archaeology expedition as Pat shares Clyde McCoy's 1931 "Sugar Blues" from his rare record collection, connecting this jazz trumpeter to the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud and demonstrating how musical history intertwines with broader American culture.

Have you ever purchased "As Seen On TV" products that ended up collecting dust? Call in tonight on the Pat Walsh Show on KFBK Radio (93.1 FM, 1530 AM, or the free iHeart app) from 7-10 PM to share your experience!

Celebrating a remarkable milestone, our 250th episode takes listeners on a journey through the heart and soul of Pat's Peeps. This special commemorative episode blends gratitude with nostalgia, creating a listening experience that honors both our growth and our roots.

The podcast's journey began with a simple mission: supporting local businesses by connecting them with loyal listeners. Today, that mission continues to thrive as we showcase mom-and-pop shops, entrepreneurs, and local artisans throughout our community. Pat reflects on how these business connections have evolved into something far more meaningful—a vibrant community of friends and travelers who maintain relationships long after our sponsored trips conclude. From WhatsApp groups that keep Italian tour members connected to upcoming dinner gatherings, the human connections fostered through this podcast have become its most unexpected and treasured outcome.

Midway through our celebration, the conversation takes a delightful nostalgic turn as Pat shares memories of America's consumer past—Blue Chip Stamps and S&H Green Stamps that once rewarded shoppers, TV Guide magazines with Elvis recordings affixed to their covers, and the simple pleasure of calling "popcorn" to hear the current time announced. These cultural touchstones, now largely obsolete, remind us how quickly our world changes while celebrating the shared experiences that bind generations together.

Whether you're a longtime listener or discovering us for the first time, this 250th episode encapsulates everything that makes Pat's Peeps special—community, nostalgia, support for local business, and genuine human connection. As we look toward the future and our next milestones, we invite you to visit PatsPeeps.com to learn how your business can become part of our story, or how you might join us on our upcoming Sicily adventure. Thank you for being part of this journey—here's to the next 250 episodes!

Journey through memorable moments in music history as we celebrate Pat's Peeps episode #249. From Elvis Presley topping the charts in 1960 with "Stuck on You" after his Army stint to Harry Belafonte's lasting legacy, this episode traverses decades of musical milestones that occurred on April 25th.

Discover fascinating stories like The Police making their debut on BBC's Top of the Pops with "Roxanne" in 1979, and U2's "Joshua Tree" beginning its chart-dominating run in 1987 on its way to selling over 25 million copies worldwide. Revisit the unexpected collaboration between Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder that reached #1 in 1982 despite our host's personal reservations about the track.

The episode features one particularly ingenious music industry hack: how a band called Vulfpeck released "Sleepify" in 2014 – an album consisting of ten tracks of complete silence – and encouraged fans to stream it overnight while sleeping. This clever exploit of Spotify's royalty system earned them nearly $20,000 before the streaming service pulled the plug for content policy violations. It's a perfect example of musicians adapting to the digital age with creative problem-solving.

We also touch on poignant moments like the auctioning of Jimi Hendrix's Woodstock Stratocaster for a record sum, the Eagles' "Hell Freezes Over" reunion that defied Glenn Frey's earlier proclamation, and the tragic loss of TLC's Lisa Lopez in 2002. There's even the amusing tale of Mick Jagger outranking the U.S. President for a luxury hotel suite in Vienna.

Whether you're a music history buff or simply enjoy entertaining stories from the world of entertainment, this episode offers something for everyone who appreciates the rich tapestry of musical heritage that continues to influence our culture today. Subscribe now and join our journey through the soundtrack of our lives!

Ever wonder how authentic Italian ingredients can transform even the most ordinary meals into something extraordinary? Today's episode takes you right into my kitchen as I prepare a simple but delicious dinner featuring treasures brought back from my recent travels to Italy.

The star attractions are two incredible Italian imports - aged balsamic vinegar from Modena that's so delicious it's actually made me crave salads (a minor miracle!), and 18-year aged Parmigiano-Reggiano that's good enough to eat all by itself. I share the fascinating stories behind these products, including visits to the places where they're made using techniques passed down through generations.

While searing cajun-seasoned pork chops in my trusty iron skillet, I reflect on what makes cooking so special - the way it connects us to places we've visited and people we love. There's something magical about preparing a meal while Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin plays softly in the background, sharing wine and conversation as sunlight streams through the kitchen windows.

Between cooking updates, I take you on a quick tour of my spring garden progress, share my excitement about tonight's NFL Draft (complete with the full selection order), and even explore a bit of Motown history with the story of Shorty Long and his influence on early rap music.

Whether you're a foodie, a football fan, a gardening enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates the simple pleasures of everyday life, this conversational journey through my Thursday afternoon offers a little something for everyone. Join me again tomorrow for more adventures on Pat's Peeps!

From the sunlit foothills of Northern California, Pat Walsh welcomes listeners to another episode of Pat's Peeps podcast with his signature warmth and authenticity. What begins as a simple morning routine – coffee, yard work, and tackling the dreaded mail pile – quickly transforms into a delightful exploration of life's small pleasures and challenges.

As Pat attempts to multitask by smoking a cigar during recording (spoiler alert: it doesn't go well), he shares his disappointment about missing the Lyrid meteor shower despite his seemingly perfect forest viewing location. "I live out in the forest where you can see all the stars," he laments, only to discover his path lighting created too much ambient glow to spot any celestial visitors.

The heart of this episode reveals Pat's passionate commitment to supporting local enterprise through his Pat's Peeps marketplace. Listeners are treated to a showcase of extraordinary small businesses offering exclusive deals – from DC Floral Design's wooden flower arrangements to Ternero Farms' olive oil tastings and Melissa Moon's transformative wellness services. Each business comes with a compelling story and substantial savings for podcast listeners who mention Pat's Peeps when connecting.

What makes this episode particularly fascinating is Pat's clever deep dive into public domain music. He expertly explains copyright intricacies while treating listeners to vintage 1920s tunes from Ruth Edding, Helen Kane, and Duke Ellington – creating the perfect soundtrack for his small business promotions. The episode wraps with fascinating "this day in history" facts about April 22nd across different eras, from baseball's earliest days to significant world events.

Whether you're looking to support local businesses, enjoy a nostalgic musical journey, or simply spend time with a warm, engaging host who feels like a friend, this episode delivers an experience as rich and inviting as that morning coffee Pat can't start his day without. Ready to discover your new favorite local business? Visit patspeeps.com today!

Easter Sunday holds special memories for many, and Pat Walsh takes us on a journey through his own deeply personal connection with this holy day. From childhood recollections of sunshine streaming through stained glass windows to the comfortable ritual of attending Mass as an adult, Pat reflects on how these traditions keep him connected to his parents and faith. As he describes driving with the top down under Northern California's perfect spring sky, we're reminded how sensory experiences anchor our most precious memories.

The episode takes an unexpectedly timely turn with discussion of Pope Francis, who passed away just one day after making his final public appearance blessing 35,000 people at St. Peter's Square on Easter. This poignant "Easter miracle" resonates deeply with Pat, who recently visited the Vatican during his trip to the Italian Riviera. His firsthand description of standing in St. Peter's Square, visiting the Sistine Chapel, and experiencing these sacred spaces creates a powerful connection between current events and personal experience.

Pat shares a delightful trip down memory lane, recalling Easter 1972 with remarkable detail - from white Adidas with black stripes to chain bracelets and those unmistakably wide watch bands of the era. He also celebrates completing his Lenten sacrifice of giving up cigars, reminisces about a Pink Floyd concert from exactly 37 years ago where the rain miraculously stopped and the sky turned pink before the show, and introduces listeners to new music from Johnny Quality. Through these interwoven stories, Pat creates a warm, inviting space where nostalgia, faith, and the simple joys of everyday life come together in perfect harmony.

Pat reflects on the joys of spring yard work and the simple pleasures of life while sharing nostalgic memories and listener contributions on a beautiful Northern California day.

• Spring has arrived, bringing with it the sounds of mowers and the challenge of tackling weeds that grew rapidly during Pat's trip to Italy
• Voice assistants may be convenient but feel intrusive at times, unlike the simpler "Clap On, Clap Off" technology of earlier days
• The NFL draft approaches, prompting memories of historic draft blunders, particularly the Jets passing on Dan Marino
• Listener contributions include vintage radio commercials for Old Spice, The Clapper, and fireworks
• Discussion of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes' "The Love I Lost" leads to Soul Train memories and dance lines
• Pat shares a rare promotional copy of "Come Go With Me" from his record collection, exploring the differences between versions

Wishing everyone a happy Easter weekend. He has risen.

Returning to my childhood stomping grounds at William Land Park brings back a flood of memories from Thunderland, Fairytale Town, and the Sacramento Zoo.

• Exploring Thunderland (now Funderland) where the little train still runs through the expanded amusement park
• Reminiscing about Fairytale Town, which opened in August 1959, with its iconic attractions like Humpty Dumpty's wall, the rabbit hole slide, and pink popcorn
• Sharing memories of the Sacramento Zoo and its memorable exhibits, from the reptile house to the mischievous monkeys
• Reflecting on the zoo's planned move to Elk Grove and how these attractions have always felt connected
• Telling the hilarious story of my first crush at age 12 and how it ended disastrously on the spinning teacup ride at Thunderland

Please check out PatsPeeps.com to see what we're doing with local businesses. We'd love to represent and endorse local mom and pops, welcoming new businesses every day.