Can't Turn It Off

This episode of the podcast looks back upon a failed chapter in suburban Chicago commercial development. What makes Old Chicago so interesting? It was a concept that isn't foreign to consumers today. And an Illinois man who has become the internet's leading Old Chicago historian will share stories and memories of a destination that is long gone. 

A Los Angeles woman shares the story about how she met a Hollywood celebrity. If you have listened to episode 21, you already know more than a few things about the celebrity.

Season 3 of the podcast begins, finally, with an in-studio interview. Although our guest's name may not conjure up memories from the first season, it turns out that he's "Jay," the subject of our very first episode. We'll revisit themes from that first podcast during the interview, and the host will learn something about himself when it's all over. 

The hiatus that never ends finally reaches its conclusion. The host continues his chat with two friends he interviewed during season 2. One is a friend he hadn’t seen in more than 20 years at the time of the interview, the other is a friend he had never met at the time of the interview. And a random co-host from another Jersey Studio podcast (Chuck) chimes in during the second conversation.

The slow churn of hiatus spectaculars continues with additional tidbits from two past guests. You’ll learn why one guest has never appeared on the game show “Jeopardy,” and the host will ask additional questions of a woman he met once, more than 20 years ago.    

It has been nearly three months since the conclusion of season 2, and we’re within two month of kicking off season 3. Until that time, here’s something you’ve never heard before from two of our past guests.

The host winds up the second season of the podcast by reflecting upon a recent odyssey to a small town in Indiana, one that came up in an earlier episode from season 2.

A Florida woman who spent a year traveling throughout the United States with her family during the late 1990s recounts the hows and whys of her trip. She'll do so after the host clumsily explains how a family he met at Minnesota's Mall of America recently reminded him of that late 1990s trip.

The host interviews a Houston man he has never met, but watched on TV earlier this year. The host will also discuss his failed attempt at game show immortality in 2014.

A Minnesota man who sold his soul to rock and roll years ago has lived in southern California for nearly five years. He hobnobs with an eclectic cast of characters in the greater Hollywood area and loves the California weather, but occasionally finds his way back home to land of 10,000 lakes. (He'll be back soon.) Whether he is serving as an emcee, playing the guitar or interviewing a guest on his own podcast, he's always got something going on, and something to say. And he's the first Can't Turn it Off repeat performer. Expect a question or two that follows up the conversations from episode 10. 

A Minneapolis area musician who has had a long and winding career talks about his music, his influences, his passions and his past. And it's a colorful past. The interview follows opening remarks by the host, who discusses the "one-hit wonder" phenomena.

The story of a Hollywood celebrity who personifies "famous for being famous" is the topic of this episode. The host will discuss the odd career of a woman whose Tinseltown credits date back to 1974. She's is a singer and actress, and there's a good chance you've never heard her music or seen her movies. But there's a decent chance you've seen her image, even if you didn't realize it.

In June of 1998, David and Elizabeth Weinlick were married. Their marriage and life after, is an unusual and somewhat famous story. This week's episode looks back upon their wedding day, but the host doesn't ask the Weinlicks to recall their marriage. Instead, he talks to an observer, Christy Hallas. 

An Indiana man shares stories from his life, and pretty good stories, at that. So why was the host interested in Craig Davisson's stories? That will all become clear within minutes of listening to episode 19 of the podcast.

The host examines the life of a man whose creativity should have made him a legend in the comic book industry. (Some would argue that he is, even if his name is not among the top tier of legendary comic book creators.) And as gifted as he was when it came to writing, Bill Mantlo was a sharp legal mind, too. If that wasn't enough, he also proved to be an above average physical specimen, at least when it came to inline skating. Bill Mantlo's name may not mean anything to you, but you already know something about him if you listened to season 1 of the podcast. 

The podcast returns for season two, and the host kicks off the new season with the story of a man whose name is not well known, but his contribution to sports history most certainly is. Today is the 24th anniversary of James Miller's most spectacular moment in the world of sports, and the host also discusses how the world has changed in the 24 years since that night in Las Vegas.

It’s the final bonus episode before season 2 begins. In this episode you’ll hear tidbits about Las Vegas and Minnesota sports, as well as a wacky story about actress Minnie Driver.

The off-season bonus episodes continue. In this episode you'll hear stories about Pee-wee Herman and an angry Pete Rose. And we'll learn something about Minnesota musician extraordinaire Prince that surprises the host.

The off-season bonus episodes are finally rolling out. What will you get in exchange for your time? Give episode 14 a listen and find out. And the host will share details about the kick off of season 2.         

It's the season finale, and the final episode revisits the topic of a previous episode. But this time the host interviews a man who had a key part in the creation of the comic book company discussed in episode 9. Yes, it's the season finale. Season two is not scheduled to begin until November, but this isn't the last time you'll hear new content from the Can't Turn it Off team until then. You'll learn more about what's in store at the conclusion of this episode.