Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Radio Waves Podcast #89

Last month I mentioned just a handful of what I consider interesting non-political talk shows, including some on the air and one available as a podcast. This was in response to a letter from reader Evelyn in Sylmar, who lamented a lack of choice regarding many talk shows.

The limited handful was on purpose. I didn’t want to mention many because I wanted to see what you thought. And as always, you came through. Here is a sample:

Michael R. Moore or Duarte, who has been reading the Pasadena Star News for over 52 years (thank you!) wrote, “I could not believe you overlooked one individual. I will assume it was simply an oversight ... I am referring of course to Leon Kaplan's "Motor Man" radio show on KABC every Sunday morning from 8:00 am to 10:00 a.m., where he helps so many callers with their car, truck, motorcycle, and airplane questions. He has been on the air for DECADES. It is a first class show and very educational.”

Saundra Sheffer of San Dimas says: “Anybody who wants humor, stories, memoirs, issues, etc, etc. would do well to check out KPCC (89.3 FM). Weekend programming is different from weekday programming. Try it all! 

“I especially recommend Larry Mantle (weekdays 11 - 1) for issues. The wonderful Click and Clack the Tapit Brothers are still on via re-runs on Saturday mornings, along with the quiz show Wait, wait, don't tell me! Then there's Garrison Keillor and his weekly mix of humor, fake ads, corny jokes, the week in Lake Wobegon, some hymns thrown in now and then--real down home stuff. Science, recipes, you can find it all on KPCC. They strive to be non-partisan and equal when it comes to politics and controversial issues”

Edward Larkin of San Gabriel wrote: “Here is one I enjoy ... it's on Saturday morning 7-9  on KSPN  710 AM) and it's called “Weekend Warrior” and it features an Orthopedic Doctor who answers questions from the listeners on their sports injuries. The show is part medicine and part philosophy ... Give it a try.” (I can use that one).

One reader mentioned Dennis Prager, heard locally on KRLA (1110 AM) 9 a.m. to 12 noon or on KTIE (590 AM) in the Inland Empire 7 - 10 p.m. I had to disqualify his program from the discussion, though, since it is a political talk show (even if it is one of the better of the genre) and this discussion is on non-political shows.

Other shows mentioned by readers include Tim Conway (KFI 640 AM weekdays 7 - 10 p.m., Coast to Coast (KFI weeknights 10 p.m. to 12 midnight), Dr. Drew Midday Live (KABC 790 AM weekdays noon - 3 p.m.), John Phillips and Julian Barberie (KABC  weekdays 3 - 6 p.m.), and a few that I already mentioned including podcast Phil Hulett and Friends available at PhilHulettandFriends.Com.

Of course what column on non-political talk shows would be complete without mention of The Tom Leykis Show? Yes, he does get political -- politics was Leykis’ first entry into talk -- but for the most part it is politically incorrect. Relationship advice from a male perspective (i.e. how to bag a chick) along with ... well, maybe that’s about it ... (BlowMeUpTom.Com).

Have SiriusXM? Talk with your animals with host Sonya Fitzpatrick on Animal Intuition (Sundays 1-3 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m. on Channel 109); and hear Dr. Laura still giving advice to people who should already know what she’s going to say (weekdays 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Channel 109)

Shutting Down


LARadio.Com is shutting down. Again. This time I think it’s for good. It was actually supposed to be gone already but site owner Don Barrett just can’t get radio out of his blood. The problem is the site still makes little money for the time spent reporting and Barrett wants to spend more time with his family. Expect it to shut down by the end of the month, after he is done highlighting radio’s best on and off-air people, and allowing readers to reminisce.

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