Milestone moments and exciting announcements fill episode 297 as we steadily approach the big 300 mark! Broadcasting from the foothills of Northern California with weed eaters working diligently in the background, I'm sharing some truly electrifying news for music lovers.

The legendary Robin Trower—one of my top five favorite rock guitarists of all time—has agreed to appear on the Pat's Peeps podcast! But that's not all. Potential appearances by country icon Marty Stewart and rock band Everclear (whose "AM Radio" I play at the start of every radio show) might also be in our future. These conversations represent dream opportunities for me as both a broadcaster and lifelong music fan.

Media appearances are stacking up as we prepare to promote our Pat's Peeps community events. I'll be on Fox 40's Studio Live with Gary Gelfand and Scott Moak on Thursday, followed by filling in for Sam Shane on The Shane Reaction on Friday. The biggest news? Our upcoming Pat's Peeps gathering at the State Fair, tentatively scheduled for July 22-24 at the Save Mart Wine Bar area. This marks a significant push for the business side of our podcast community.

The episode takes a fascinating turn as I share clips from Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd's recent "Fool Around and Find Out Operation" targeting human trafficking, with his colorful commentary on the 255 arrests made. I also reflect on rewatching the 1971 Clint Eastwood film "Play Misty For Me" about a radio DJ stalked by an obsessed listener—a movie that still sends chills down the spine of anyone working in radio.

As we close with Christopher Cross's "Sailing" (which reminds me of beautiful Portofino), I extend an invitation to join our Pat's Peeps Tour to Sicily this October. Whether you're a longtime listener or just discovering us, there's never been a better time to become part of our growing community. Visit patspeeps.com to learn more and support the local businesses that make our podcast possible!

From heartbreaking local tragedy to musical celebration and surprising marketing history, this episode traverses emotional territory that will leave you thinking long after the final notes fade.

We begin with breaking news about the devastating explosion at a fireworks factory near Sacramento that has claimed seven lives. The Oakdale fire, which burned 78 acres, began with a catastrophic explosion that shook the community and left families grieving. As emergency responders located the victims, we reflect on the fragility of life and the impact of sudden tragedy.

The mood shifts as we celebrate Ringo Starr's remarkable 85th birthday. While many celebrate the Beatles drummer for his contribution to the Fab Four, we dive deep into his criminally underrated solo career. Did you know Ringo scored seven consecutive top ten hits in the United States during the 1970s, including two number ones? We explore gems like "It Don't Come Easy," "Photograph," and "You're 16," showcasing how Ringo's unique blend of musical talent and lighthearted humor created a distinctive solo identity. His collaborations with former bandmates George Harrison, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney demonstrate the lasting creative bonds between these musical legends.

Perhaps most surprisingly, we uncover the dark and fascinating origin of Nike's iconic "Just Do It" slogan. The phrase that launched a billion-dollar marketing empire was inspired by condemned double-murderer Gary Gilmore's final words before his 1977 execution by firing squad. This unexpected connection between advertising history and capital punishment raises profound questions about how cultural touchstones emerge from unlikely – even disturbing – sources.

Join us for this journey through local heartbreak, musical celebration, and the strange intersections of pop culture history. As Ringo would say: "Peace and love!"

We celebrate America's Independence Day with a special episode blending patriotic music, political satire, and powerful historical reflections on the meaning of freedom and sacrifice.

• Opening musical performance celebrating American freedom and unity
• Satirical political sketches addressing contemporary cultural debates
• Examination of border security policies through comedic dialogue
• Musical segments highlighting American patriotism and national pride
• Reflection on the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance and its significance
• Story of "The Ragged Old Flag" connecting American history through our national symbol
• Detailed account of the 56 signers of the Declaration and their personal sacrifices
• Exploration of how wealthy, comfortable men risked everything for liberty

Join us in celebrating not just the founding of our nation, but the ongoing responsibility we all share to preserve the freedom that required such tremendous sacrifice.

Pat Walsh speaks with Allie Kephart, Chief Operating Officer of WEAVE, about domestic violence, available resources, and how the organization supports survivors in Sacramento. Together they discuss the importance of recognizing abuse in all its forms while challenging harmful misconceptions about violent relationships.

• WEAVE was founded in 1978 to provide safe spaces for domestic violence survivors
• The organization expanded to become Sacramento's rape crisis center in 1988 and began supporting sex trafficking victims in 2009
• WEAVE's vision statement is "when everyone acts, violence ends"
• Domestic violence can take many forms including physical, emotional, financial, technological, sexual and psychological abuse
• Financial abuse affects 90-95% of domestic violence survivors seeking help
• WEAVE operates a 24/7 confidential support line staffed by trained advocates at 916-920-2952
• All services are confidential and survivor-centered, empowering individuals to make their own decisions
• The organization runs two thrift stores where donations help survivors rebuild their lives
• WEAVE offers free educational presentations to help community members recognize, respond to, and refer cases of abuse
• Anyone experiencing or concerned about abuse is encouraged to reach out - you are not alone and it's not your fault

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call WEAVE's 24/7 support line at 916-920-2952 or visit www.weaveinc.org for resources and information.

Step into the world of one of America's last surviving local radio talk shows with Pat Walsh's Pat's Peeps podcast episode 292. Broadcasting from the beautiful foothills of Northern California, Pat celebrates his growing audience while delivering a unique blend of news analysis, comedy, and music appreciation that mainstream media simply can't match.

At the heart of this episode is Pat's unflinching coverage of a shocking controversy involving Cudahy Vice Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez, who appeared in a social media video seemingly calling on local gang members to impede ICE operations in Los Angeles. With characteristic directness, Pat breaks down the situation, sharing audio of the Vice Mayor questioning where "all the cholos are at" and why they aren't defending their "hood" against what she calls "the biggest gang there is"—ICE. The Department of Homeland Security's response, describing her comments as "despicable" and noting a 500% increase in assaults against ICE officers, adds critical context to this disturbing story.

The podcast seamlessly transitions between serious commentary and entertainment, featuring classic comedy bits including a parody game show called "Catch It and You Keep It," where contestants attempt to catch items thrown from a ten-story building, and a satirical segment about ghosts receiving social security benefits. These moments of levity showcase the freedom and creativity that independent broadcasting enables—a refreshing departure from corporate radio formats.

Music lovers will especially appreciate Pat's deep dive into Elton John's 1974 hit "The Bitch Is Back," complete with fascinating trivia about its creation, controversy, and musical contributors including Dusty Springfield on backing vocals. Pat's personal anecdote about using the song as a "theme song" for a tired colleague showcases the human connection that makes local radio special.

Join the growing Pat's Peeps community for this blend of commentary, comedy, and musical appreciation that reminds us why independent voices matter in today's media landscape. Subscribe now and catch episode 293 tomorrow—this is radio as it was meant to be!

Have you ever wondered if that expensive college degree was actually worth it? With the average bachelor's degree now costing over $255,000 when you include all expenses, student loan interest, and lost earnings, it's a question worth exploring. While skyrocketing tuition has outpaced inflation for decades, leaving graduates buried in the nation's second-largest debt category, the benefits extend far beyond simply earning potential.

Drawing from personal experience at Chico State, I share how college shaped me beyond academics. It wasn't just about the classes—though I can still explain what a cadmium layer is—but about developing critical thinking, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities that serve me daily. The uncomfortable situations, tight deadlines, and diverse perspectives fostered personal growth I wouldn't trade for anything. Most surprisingly, my entire broadcasting career stemmed from a chance encounter with a job posting while walking through campus—a serendipitous moment that would never have happened without being there.

Speaking of unexpected encounters, I dive into my brushes with fame—some triumphant, others cringe-worthy. From freezing up when Robert Plant walked within inches of me (a regret I still carry), to accidentally stumbling upon Dennis Rodman during his infamous NBA Finals disappearance, to literally bumping into a very tall, very high Bill Walton at a Grateful Dead concert. These organic celebrity moments, unlike planned interviews, reveal how fame intersects with everyday life in surprising ways. I close with a celebration of funk classics, highlighting Kool & The Gang's iconic hit performed by their roadie—proving sometimes the most unexpected voices create the most unforgettable moments.

Whether you're contemplating education choices or just enjoying tales from the road, this episode examines how our paths—planned and unplanned—shape who we become. What unexpected encounters have changed your life's direction?

Dr. Demento, the iconic radio personality who brought us five decades of musical oddities and launched Weird Al Yankovic's career, is hanging up his top hat. At 84 years old, Barrett Hansen (Dr. Demento's real name) has announced his retirement after nearly 55 years of broadcasting novelty songs to delighted audiences worldwide.

Looking out from my studio windows into the beautiful Northern California foothills, I reflect on the enormous impact this quirky broadcaster had on American pop culture. Dr. Demento didn't just play strange songs – he created an entire community around musical curiosities that mainstream radio wouldn't touch. From "Monster Mash" to "They're Coming to Take Me Away" to "Fish Heads," these tracks became cultural touchstones largely because one man believed novelty music deserved airtime.

The second half of this episode ventures into decidedly explicit territory as we explore some of broadcasting's most infamous meltdowns. Tommy Lasorda's legendary response when asked about Dave Kingman's three home runs against the Dodgers leads the pack, followed by Earl Weaver's shockingly profane "Manager's Corner" segment. We also revisit Bobby Knight's halftime fury, Chris Berman losing his cool when people walked in front of his camera, and Casey Kasem's iconic "ponderous" outburst when forced to transition from an upbeat song to a dedication about a dead pet.

These unfiltered moments reveal what happens when the polished veneer of broadcasting cracks under pressure – moments of raw authenticity that have become part of media folklore. From baseball managers to beloved radio personalities, no one is immune to the occasional explosive outburst when pushed to their limits.

Have you ever heard Dr. Demento's show or encountered one of these infamous broadcasting moments? Share your memories and let me know which novelty song still gets stuck in your head after all these years!