Monthly Archives: September 2022

More Bread and More Cowbell



When this episode was first released, we were only 2 months into the Covid pandemic, and many people were homesteading and finding new comforts in simple joys like crafting and baking. Host Joe Weber took this moment as an opportunity to impart some of his well-earned knowledge as a lifelong baker and bakery supplier by giving some highly useful baking tips, which still remain as relevant and useful as they were then. As an accompaniment to the bread course, the menu is packed — two stand-up bits by Jackie Mason, a couple of Cole Porter tunes, a reading from Richard Yates and a visit from Jack Handey. And of course, a healthy serving of cowbell!

Sidney and Bessie Anew



We return this week with another early episode which highlights the life and times of New Orleans musician Sidney Bechet, the legendary jazz saxophonist and clarinetist, and his relationship with Bessie Smith, who he describes as “…the damnedest singer…that would really have the public going.” Featuring bits from his autobiography, we learn of his knack for finding trouble, his stint in prison, and of course his musical journeys with Bessie and others. Full of great songs and wonderful pieces of Bechet history, this is one of our classic episodes.