Storytellers Studio

S1 E105 WE'RE ALL EARS! - My Days with Disney...It's Show Time!

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0600

Liz chooses a dozen or so items from Tim's vast Disney collection of memorabilia spanning fifty plus years. Hear the stories and bits of trivia connected to the pieces and much more.

Recorded February 17, 2026.

S1 E104 ANDY LITTLETON - Defining "Friendly Confines" at the 2026 Chicago Cubs Convention

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0600

Andy Littleton and Tim Larson were among thousands of Chicago Cubs fans waiting in line for autographs at the 2026 Chicago Cubs baseball convention. Those generic pleasantries went much farther than either expected. They shared the pride of thier baseball card collections and took each other's pictures with our favorite players from the 1970s...Ray Burris and Jose Cardinal. Then it became obvious that they should record these stories and see where it goes.

Recorded January 17, 2026 along the river in downtown Chicago.

Here's more on Andy Littleton...

2000 Miles to Wrigley Project (maybe the book title - not confirmed)

Patreon - www.patreon.com/c/AndyLittleton

Website (future) - www.2000MilesToWrigley.com

Personal Site - www.andylittleton.com

Personal Instagram - @andygramz

Personal Articles / Book list - https://medium.com/@andy_66884

Book direct links

The Little Man: A Father's Legacy Of Smallness

a.co

Limericks For Our Senseis: a not new non-model for leadership development

a.co

Part-Time Pastoring: Leading God’s People by Integrating Faith and Work

a.co

What We Do With Jesus: Reflections on Modern Faith through the History of Tucson's Garden of Gethsemane

a.co

S1 E103 STEVE YORK - Bitten by the radio bug and then the entertainment bug

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Steve York and Tim Larson met through Ted Gorden Smucker in Joliet, Illinois at the Illinois Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction concert. He was representing WCFL radio along with Chuck Knapp and Bill Taylor. Tim knew there was more to Steve's story after hearing about Tony Bennett.

Recorded on Decembe 5, 2025 at Saz's Steak House in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

S1 E102 MELINDA HAGERMAN - Stories about Rockford, Illinois from the center of the city

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Melinda Hagerman and Tim Larson have been friends for decades and it was high time to capture some of their stories centered around Rockford, Illinois. They have always learned something new from each other and neither have no idea where any conversation will go. Today's episode at Benson Stone and Hearth Rock Cafe is no exception.

Recorded December 3, 2025.

S1 E101 - ART VUOLO's 80th birthday party stories

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Twenty two friends contributed to this episode. We were gathered in sunny Michigan for Art's Radio Reunion/Birthday Party. It was a milestone so folks came in from all over the country. Art's passion for radio and his circle of friends is obvious to all who've met him. This is everyone's chance to be a part of the day.

In order appearance: Joey Reynolds, Chuck Knapp, Scott Childers, Johnny O., Don Beno, Andy St. John, Brian Major, Denny Schaffer & Kim Carson, Barry Mardit, Mike Austerman, Phlash Phelps, "Radio's Best Friend" song by Mike Lamb, JoJo Shutty-McGregor, Rob Milford, Ray Brown, John Landecker, Bill Fortune Taylor, Shotgun Tom Kelly, Tim Larson, Lou Simon, Jim Michaels, Ted Gorden Smucker.

Recorded September 27, 2025

S1 E100 MARTY ROSS - The Wrecking Crew and Monkee Mania Radio

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Tim Larson got a call from Marty Ross at 10:42am. Marty was leaving Rockford, Illinois for Los Angeles, California that afternoon at four. Within three minutes, they agreed to meet each other for the first time to do this episode at the Potato Shak diner. They had absolutely no idea where the conversation was to begin and more so where it would end. Buckle up for a tilt-a-whirl of chatter like neither of these guys had ever experienced.

Recorded September 17, 2025.

S1 E99 DAVID TORRETTA - St. Louis based musician, songwriter, producer and engineer

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0600

David Torretta has fifty years under his belt in the music recording industry. From Steve Scorfina of REO Speedwagon and Michael McDonald of The Dobbie Brothers to Chuck Berry! For him, it's very easy to tell the stories when you've lived them. We also talked some baseball among an avid Cardinal fan and a lifelong Cubs fan. Play ball!

Recorded at the Drury Inn lobby in Collinsville, Illinois near St. Louis, Missouri. August 28, 2025.

S1 E 98 DAVID SANDUSKY - Beast Craft BBQ Company in Belleville, Illinois

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0600

When I see the St. Louis Arch it's time to start looking for David Sandusky's BEAST Craft BBQ in Belleville, Illinois. Ribs with his creamy mac and cheese call my name every time.

David is a highly acclaimed chef and pitmaster and knows his way around several television shows on Food Network. His passion is more like an obsession. Throw a bib on and get ready to get sauced!

Recorded at BEAST Craft BBQ Company in Belleville, IL on August 27, 2025.

S1 E97 Celebrating 815 Day in Rockford with short stories!

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Everyone has experienced Rockford, Illinois in a genuinely original way.

Whether you’re 22 years old or 92, you have a very unique short story. To help celebrate 815 Day (August 15th, 2025), your host Tim Larson has collected snippets from longtime friends and complete strangers. This is the ultimate Storytellers Studio podcast episode.

See much more and other shows at timlarsonmedia.com.

S1 E96 - WLS Unwound Radio Reunion show

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0600

The Big 89 WLS radio celebrated the 65th anniversary of the Musicradio format of the 60's and 70's. They were the Rock of Chicago! In addition to an epic party, Ted Gorden Smucker gathered the finest radio announcers of that era for a roundtable conversation and on-air excerpts from the past. It was a beehive.

Scott Childers hosted the show. Guests included Tommy Edwards, Chuck Knapp, Catherine Johns, Chuck Buell and Jim Kerr.

The behind-the-scenes production team included Art Vuolo, Ted Gorden Smucker, Bill Shannon, Tim Larson, Don Beno, Tyler Bravo, Joey Domenick and Kipper McGee.

This show is called Unwound to compliment the WLS/WCFL programming on Labor Day Weekend each year on Rewoundradio.com and the Memorial Day Rewind specials on WLS back in 2007 and 2008.

Recorded at the WLS studios in the NBC Tower in Chicago, Illinois on July 25, 2025.

S1 E95 STEVE SCORFINA - Early legacy member of REO Speedwagon

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Steve Scorfina and Kathleen Sullivan had only met your host Tim Larson two weeks prior to the recording of this episode. They were all attending a charity event at the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, Illinois. One conversation led to another very quickly and the next thing ya know Tim was photographing the REO Speedwagon Legacy Reunion Concert in the city where it all began. Steve's stories are amazing and will leave you saying, "There's no way a person can make this up!"

Recorded the day after the show on the terrace of the I Hotel in Champaign, Illinois.

June 15, 2025.

S1 E94 MARK FINNEGAN - Vets Roll trip to Washington, DC

Wed, 14 May 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Mark Finnegan has directed a caravan of veterans to Washington, DC since 2010. You'll hear about the logistic magic and also that of Bill Hunter. The emotional floods are overwhelming and the partnerships are incredible. Mark lives the passion for our military heroes and you can hear it in his voice.

Recorded at Finnegan's RV Center in South Beloit, Illinois on May 14, 2025.

S1 E93 FRED WINSTON - Chicago Radio Legend

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0600

It was a thrill to visit with Fred Winston in southwest Michigan. I have been a huge fan of his performances on Chicago radio for forty seven years (since 1978). He's very quick witted and an all around good guy. Don't worry. If you're not familiar with Fred since you live far away from Chicago, I will gladly bring you up-to-speed in the first fifteen minutes of the show. Thank you so much to Ted Gordan Smucker for co-hosting this episode and making all the arrangements.

Recorded inside the Public House of the Round Barn Brewery in Baroda, Michigan on April 24, 2025.

S1 E92 DUNCAN GEDDES - Former Head Golf Pro at Aldeen Golf Club

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Duncan and Tim Larson are connect eight ways to Tuesday. You'll find out how during the episode. Learn about The Masters at Augusta, Georgia, Norris Aldeen and the restoration of the golf course's famous barn. You don't have to be a golfer to enjoy this episode. After the exit of the show, listen for the song "Hooked on Hayward" referenced in the conversation.

Duncan is currently the Executive Director at the Park Chamber of Commerce for Loves Park and Machesney Park, Illinois.

Recorded April 15, 2025 in the clubhouse of the Aldeen Golf Club in Rockford, Illinois.

S1 E91 TIM LARSON - Songwriting and Ai

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Your host Tim Larson decided about two months ago to try his hand at songwriting. Actually laying down his thoughts that were scribbled on many small sheets of paper over the previous year. With absolutely no musical skills, he sent the lyrics to London, England. The producers magically use Ai to combine genre, tempo and singer gender choices into a song.

Here are the inspirations and back stories for each of Tim's first nine songs. You have complete freedom to rate these songs as if you were in the audience of American Bandstand with Dick Clark.

Recorded on April 3, 2025 at the Podcast Movement Evolutions 2025 convention at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.

S1 E90 BOBBY ROTH - Veteran Hollywood Film Director

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Bobby Roth and I met briefly just three hours before our conversation. He was conducting a Director's Panel at the Beloit International Film Festival in Wisconsin. He's made films and television shows for over fifty years. You will instantly recognize nearly the entire list. We agreed on an afternoon meeting time and location for recording this episode. After the workshop, everyone rushed off to various film screenings and a quick bite to eat. We reconvened later and within three minutes of pleasantries the microphones were on. Our exchange of stories are close to the length of a feature film. Enjoy.

Recorded on March 30, 2025.

S1 E89 JERRY SVEUM & DAWN STADELMAN - Beloit Art Center

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Learn about the workings, volunteers and the community reach of the Beloit Art Center. There's never a shortage of appealing art in Beloit, Wisconsin. It's easy to be impressed.

Jerry is a long time volunteer and the main gallery bears his name. Dawn is the CEO of this group who fills four galleries in this ever growing southern Wisconsin city.

Recorded March 27, 2025.

S1 E88 KAT WILLIAMS - International Women's Baseball Center CEO

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Kat Williams and her group are spearheading the monumental project of bringing an International Women's Baseball Center to Rockford, Illinois. The Rockford Peaches at Beyer Stadium put Rockford on the women's sports map in the 1940's. The world zeroed in on that compass in 1992 through the film A League of Their Own. Learn about the past and the future of this amazing side to the game of baseball.

Recorded at Movement Fitness in Rockford, Illinois on March 5, 2025.

S1 E87 - WHITNEY MARTIN - Director of Made For Rockford at Visitors Bureau

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Whitney Martin and Tim Larson have known each other for a long time. Sharing the back stories of television and radio is just the beginning. Charity work together, bloopers and dancing. You'll have to tune in to sort it all out.

Recorded at the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau in downtown Rockford, Illinois on January 30, 2025.

S1 E86 - KELLIE OLIVENCIA & LAURA GIBBS-GREEN - ILLINOIS SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION 2025

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Tim Larson founded his promotional advertising company the very same year the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition handed out their first awards. Tim has sponsored, volunteered and supplied trophies even since. Between the three of them, Laura, Kellie and Tim will draw back the curtain and share little know facts about what it takes to conduct this 39 year old winter display.

Recorded in the Rockford Park District Board Room on January 27, 2025.

S1 E85 - TIM JOHNSON - General Manager of KSAM & KHVL radio in Texas

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Tim Johnson and Tim Larson worked side by side at WROK radio in Rockford, Illinois in the med '80s. Our promotional meetings were always a high level of brainstorming. They mastered the art of connecting listeners and sponsors to the overall on-air experience for the good of the station. Say it was simply fun would be a huge understatement. Tim Johnson was also a terrific host in the Houston area when Tim Larson needed it most.

Recorded at the Edgebrook Studio in Rockford, Illinois on December 23, 2024.

S1 E83 - PHIL RAINES - Beekeeper at Raines Honey Farm

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Phil and Sharon Raines have been vendors at Edgebrook's Farmers Market for as long as I can remember. He's never met a stranger and is filled to the brim with bee knowledge.

It was a fun conversation which ranged from "going commando" in a bee suit to selling live bees to veterinarians to treat horses.

Recorded in Rockford, Illinois at our Edgebrook Studio: December 11, 2024.

S1 E82 - BRIAN THOMAS - Professional photographer

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Brain Thomas and Tim Larson have known each other since the late 80's. They met as members of the Ski Broncs Water Ski Show Team in Loves Park, Illinois. They have literally shared life with each other on so many levels...projects, business, campfires, photo shoots and more.

Recorded on November 20, 2024 in the twelfth floor bar of the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Rockford, Illinois.

S1 E81 - RILEY O'NEIL - Veteran Morning show host at WROK radio in Rockford, Illinois

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Tim Larson and Liz Wylder have known Riley O'Neil since the 80's. He celebrated his twenty third anniversary as WROK's morning show host on Halloween 2023. We all grew up in the radio industry together...getting our feet wet, stumbling and setting several broadcasting milestones. Our memories of course are all contributions to the one hundred year history (est. 1923) and legacy of WROK radio in Rockford, Illinois. WZOK-FM still is the sister station and was established in 1949.

Recorded at the Edgebrook studio in Rockford, Illinois on November 8, 2024.

S1 E80 - JOHN LOMBARDO of Smashed Plastic Record Pressing in Chicago

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Tim Larson and John Lombardo had only met just before the tour of Smashed Plastic Record Pressing factory in Chicago, Illinois. The recent resurgence of music on vinyl and the need shown by the region bands encouraged John and his two partners to go all in. You'll find it is a very thoughtful and purposeful manufacturing facility. They and others are housed in the former Hammond Organ plant.

Recorded September 26, 2024.

S1 E79 - SCOTT CHILDERS - WLS Radio historian, announcer, news reporter and more.

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Scott Childers is the definition of a radio station's utility person...he can do everything...and does. Tim Larson spent all afternoon in the WLS studios in downtown Chicago reliving the Big 89 days. It's WLS's 100th birthday! And thanks to Michael Garay for sharing his career from behind-the-scenes. You'll hear many audio inserts from past WLS air talent throughout this conversation. We are very proud to also include a highlight reel from the WLS Rewind Reunion which aired on Memorial Day 2008.

Recorded September 25, 2024.

S1 E78 - ZOEY NORRIS - Miss Rodeo Kentucky 2024

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Learn all about this twenty two year old rodeo pageant queen. She has four dogs, collects garbage for a living and is a rodeo barrel racer. Oh there's more. It was a very hot day in Kentucky as we set up shop inside her barn.

Recorded September 22, 2024.

S1 E77 - IRLENE MANDRELL - Musician, National television show host, Model and much more!

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Irlene is the youngest of the Mandrell sisters. Tim Larson has known Barbara and Louise for decades, but had only known Irlene for seventeen minutes on the phone before sitting down for this chat in her kitchen. She is personality plus and willing to talk about anything thrown at her. It was 96 degrees that day in Tennessee.

Recorded September 20, 2024.

S1 E76 SAMANTHA HOCHMANN - Deep Inside the Tinker Swiss Cottage

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Tim Larson and Samantha Hochmann had known each other for a grand total of sixty seconds, but, as it turns out, their common ground stories stretched for centuries. Robert Tinker was a generous man to the city of Rockford, Illinois. Mary and Jessie followed suit in so many ways. Learn how and enjoy this historical conversation surrounding the mansion on the bluff in the mid 1800's.

Recorded August 20, 2024 in the parlor of the Tinker Swiss Cottage.

S1 E75 KATHI KRESOL - Author of books and articles about Rockford, Illinois history

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Kathi Kresol is the author of Murder & Mayhem in Rockford, Illinois and Haunted Rockford. Tim Larson had only known Kathi for ten minutes and decided to record this episode on 815 Day (August 15, 2024) at the Edgebrook Shopping Center. Since Kathi is a thorough researcher and Tim is a Rockford native, everyone thought it was a safe bet that these tow would have a lot to chat about in our very freeform format. The house lost a truck load of money that day.

S1 E74 2024 INSPIRATIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS Red Carpet Interviews

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Steve Bridgmon invited Tim Larson to be part of the Media Team at the Inspirational Country Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Tim talked to sixty six people in a little less than two hours just before they stepped onto the red carpet.

Recorded May 29, 2024.

S1 E73 PHIL STILLERMAN - The King of Birthday Adventures!

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Phil's wife Della does extensive research to find just the right adventure for his birthday gifts. From flyer a glider to driving an Indy 500 car. Learn all about the fun details and how Phil ended up in a film with Matt Damon.

Recorded in Indianapolis, Indiana May 31, 2024.

S1 E72 CICADAS - The show with a million guests!

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0600

This episode was recorded in Tim Larson's backyard as he was surrounded by a countless number of cicadas.

S1 E71 SPIFF CARNER - Former WZOK Morning Host with Randy Cook & WROK/WZOK Continuity Director

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Rick "Spiff" Carner is joined by John Strandin along with Tim Larson. Spiff was the director of the commercial writing department and co-host of the WZOK morning show with Randy Cook. Spiff's time with Nolte Communications in Rockford, Illinois was 1981-1986. John was a member of the award winning news department for twenty four years.

Recorded in Rockford, Illinois on June 14, 2024.

S1 E70 LOUISE MANDRELL - Country music artist and television personality

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Tim Larson and Louise Mandrell first met on her tour bus at a northern Illinois county fair in 1979. They visited again in backstage dressing rooms in 1980 and 1981 before Louise and her sisters, Barbara and Irlene, kicked off their successful variety television show on NBC.

Louise and Tim literally bumped into each other backstage at the Grand Ole Opry in October 2023. They scheduled another visit just north of Nashville followed by a tasty lunch. It's a truly genuine conversation from the heart among renewed friends.

Recorded May 30, 2024.

S1 E69 BILL CODY - Morning man for 30 years on WSM radio in Nashville, Tennessee

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Bill Cody and Tim Larson had only talked briefly on the phone six months prior to sitting down in the showcase studio of WSM Radio inside the Opryland Hotel. Their careers oddly have run parallel so the stories were very easy. Even if you're not a huge country music fan, you are sure to enjoy this conversation.

Recorded May 28, 2024.

S1 E68 TONY WOLFE - East Tennessee stories from a first cousin

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Tony Wolfe and Tim Larson are first cousins. We can ride around the mountains of east Tennessee in a truck and never have the same conversation twice.

Recorded in Tony's kitchen on Memorial Day, May 27, 2024.

S1 E67 TIM LARSON - Radio in Charleston, West Virginia 40 years ago!

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Tim decided to set up his equipment on the shores of the Kanawha River in Charleston, West Virginia on the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend 2024. The state capital was over his shoulder as the radio stories from forty years ago poured out. Tim worked at WKAZ/WQBE and WVSR radio stations from 1982-1984 when he was in his early twenties.

Recorded May 24, 2024.

S1 E66 RON ROMERO & DEBYJO ERICKSEN - Illinois Rock & Roll Museum and Hall of Fame

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0600

The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum and Hall of Fame sits on Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois! Ron Romero and Debyjo Ericksen are the amazing organizers of this magical project. Hear the stories surrounding the inductees, collectibles, history and community involvement. It's a true testament to the meaning of volunteerism, philanthropy, passion, and the decades of bonds between of music, record companies, radio stations and listeners. You will so be a fan of them all on several levels. Recorded in the museum studio April 3, 2024.

S1 E65 TIM LARSON - The Story of Arthur and Sanford

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0600

This story aired on WLUV radio in Rockford/Loves Park, Illinois by your podcast host Tim Larson on March 31, 2021. It was written in a Paul Harvey "Rest of the Story" format.

S1 E64 EMANUEL LARSON - The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert Service

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Tim Larson's grandfather could recite Robert Service's The Cremation of Sam McGee by memory until the day before he died at the age of ninety six. Emanuel Larson's goal was to verbally paint within your mind with the poetry he spoke.

Recorded in Rockford, Illinois June 6, 1979.

S1 E63 RACHEL DANIEL - Professional Alaskan Tour Guide

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0600

My other stories of the tour of Alaska with Rachel Daniel will be told a hundred more times, but this one of hers is a real gem. More than fourteen people should hear her recollection of her first moose hunt.

Recorded on a small shuttle bus somewhere in Alaska in September of 2021.

S1 E62 - LARRY KANFER - Professional Photographer and Author

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Larry Kanfer and his wife Alaina were connected to Tim Larson in 2009 through the Aldeen Golf Club barn renovation. Tim's grandfather Emanuel Larson built the barn in 1928 when the property was a dairy farm. The Kanfers were working on their book Barns of Illinois. The two projects intersected and they have been friends since.

Recorded March 12, 2024.

S1 E61 STEVE BRIDGMON - Inspirational Country Singer/ Songwriter

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Steve Bridgmon and Tim Larson met on the on the front steps of the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee because of Steve's bowtie tattoo. We were part of the media frenzy and red carpet call of the Josie Awards nominees. They kept in touch and decided to sit down for a lengthy talk on a very rainy day just north of Music City USA.

Recorded in Ashland City, Tennessee on January 27, 2024.

S1 E60 ROYCE DeGRIE & BRITT CHAMBERS - Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Your host Tim Larson stumbled upon this museum while on a segue tour in Nashville, Tennessee sometime in October 2023. He kept it on his radar for a return trip. After having a three minute conversation with Royce, Tim scheduled a sit down. You will learn a ton! Bring a notebook and pen to this episode. Recorded in the Board Room of the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum on January 26, 2024.

S1 E59 RIK ANTHONY - Host of Someone You Should Know Podcast

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Rik and Tim decided to "double dip" this episode by uploading the same show on both Storytellers Studio and Some You Should Know podcasts. We meet at Maxim's Diner in Merrillville, Indiana on January 23, 2024 during a day filled with freezing rain driving. These two guys had only known each other for about fifteen minutes after meeting at the Museum of Broadcast Communications and Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago, Illinois more than a year ago. Rik and his wife Leslie were visiting the museum while Tim and Liz Wylder were setting up for recording an episode of their Lifes3x5s podcast in the Paul Harvey Studio.

S1 E58 WILLIE PARHAM - A Friend of 54 years!

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Your podcast host, Tim Larson, and Willie Parham have been friends since fifth grade in 1970. Learn how Willie has put his positive attitude to work and lived life to its fullest after his accident in 1987. He is the poster boy for "genuine."

S1 E57 HEIDI OGNIBENE - Rock River Valley Blood Center

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Tim Larson and Heidi Ognibene have known each other since 1988. Their lives have crossed paths eight ways to Sunday. On this episode, you'll learn all about donated blood in an entertaining conversation among old friends.

Recorded at RRVBC's founding location on 6th Street in Rockford, Illinois on December 18, 2023.

S1 E56 J.R. SULLIVAN - New American Theater

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Tim Larson has known J.R. Sullivan since the early eighties. Tim on WROK radio and J.R. at New American Theater in Rockford, Illinois. Their stories are many and far reaching including the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger in January of 1986. Recorded backstage at the now Nordlof Center December 6, 2023.

S1 E55 ABBIE THOMAS - Josie Music Award Female Multi-Genre Artist of the Year 2023

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Abbie Thomas and Tim Larson had only known each other for exactly two weeks when they sat down for some biscuits and gravy...again! It's catch up time at the Goshen Brewing Company in Indiana. Recorded on a bright Sunday morning in Indiana on November 5, 2023.

S1 E54 BILL TAYLOR - Former WCFL & KHJ Radio Announcer

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Legendary Chicago radio announcer Bill Taylor and host Tim Larson met in August of 2022 at an impromptu dinner after the Rock Radio Revisited event in near Chicago, Illinois. From there, it was many more radio stories at a birthday party in Michigan. Our third visit is this conversation at Frankie's Deli in Oak Brook Terrace, Illinois. Recorded October 27, 2023.

S1 E53 JEFF SWANBERG of the Stone Front band and the Garwood mansion

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Jeff Swanberg has led an interesting life. From Paul Newman to Jimi Hendrix and everything in between. Tim Larson and Jeff have known each other for well over twenty five years on a business level. Learn the personal sides of what interests them and how those topics intersect. Recorded in Rockford, Illinois at Edgebrook on October 17, 2023.

S1 E52 JONELLE & TERRY CARTER - River Road Trio

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Tim Larson met Terry and Jonelle Carter during their performance at Edgebrook's Music on the Mall 2023. They hit it off immediately and got to know each other only in fifteen second spurts. During this episode they dug deep on a variety of topics. Three of their songs are included in this show. Recorded in Rockford, Illinois on October 4, 2023.

S1 E51 JOHN LANDECKER SHOW on WGN radio with Tim Larson - 9pm Hour

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0600

This is hour number three from Tim Larson's co-hosting opportunity with John Landecker on WGN radio in Chicago, Illinois. You'll hear plenty of late-breaking stories in the Sunshine, Lollipop and Rainbow Newscast...where nothing bad ever happens! Recorded September 20, 2023.

S1 E50 JOHN LANDECKER SHOW on WGN radio with Tim Larson - 8 pm Hour

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0600

In hour two, John Landecker and Tim Larson are joined by Sam Panayotovich of FOX Sports Network for football picks and Marnie Shure from Takeout Magazine for all things new in the food world. Recorded in Studio A at WGN radio in Chicago, Illinois on September 20, 2023.

S1 E49 JOHN LANDECKER SHOW on WGN radio with Tim Larson - 7pm Hour

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Storytellers Studio co-founder Tim Larson donated to a charity auction conducted by the Museum of Broadcast Communications for co-hosting The John Landecker Show on WGN radio in Chicago, Illinois. This is the first of a three hour show (7pm hour) from that evening on September 20, 2023.

S1 E48 CLINT WOOTEN - Former Master Control at WREX-TV & The Nashville Network

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Clint and Tim have known each other since high school (1977). They grew up in radio together and have consistently shared decades of entertainment stories regardless of where they were located. They have worked in virtually every part of the entertainment world and it's very easy to see that the thrill of the industry remains in both of them. Recorded in Rockford, Illinois on September 16, 2023.

S1 E47 BRETT WHITACRE - Muralist and Drummer

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0600

As you'll hear, Brett Whitacre and Tim Larson met on a "job site." One thing led to another and here we are...which is the way it works with most artists.

Recorded in Rockford, Illinois on September 5, 2023.

S1 E46 ART VUOLO, JR. - National Videographer & Radio's Best Friend

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Art Vuolo is a walking, talking media encyclopedia. He has video recorded everything worth watching from Marines and Paul Harvey to University of Michigan football and Dick Biondi. We talk about his Rock Radio Guides, radio reunions, John Landecker and his 29 years at Morning Show Boot Camp conventions. He's known Shotgun Tom Kelley and The Bob & Tom Show from the beginning. Recorded with host Tim Larson in southwest Michigan on August 17, 2023.

S1 E45 TED GORDEN SMUCKER - Rewound Radio Chicago Rivals WLS & WCFL

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Ted and a team of passionate volunteers have once again gathered WLS and WCFL airchecks from our favorite radio personalities. They have magically made those fifty year old reels and cassettes on-air ready again. You will hear folks like Fred Winston and Lyle Dean doing promos for the more than sixty hour broadcast on Labor Day Weekend 2023. Simply go to Rewoundradio.com, listen through the iHeart or TuneIn apps or ask your smart device.

This episode was recorded with host Tim Larson on August 16, 2023 on a deck at sunset overlooking a lake in southwest Michigan.

S1 E44 JOHN SCHWEISBERGER - Formerly Chris Kelly on WROK radio

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0600

John worked for WROK/WZOK in the mid to late 70's. He's an ultimate collector of everything radio. He joy to talk to. We made sure he had a two and a half hour lunch on Swedish pancakes for show prep for this podcast. John gave several personal collectibles to Tim Larson for everyone to enjoy. T-shirts, music surveys, station of the year folder and a little something from the reporting department of the Animal Stories News Team at WLS-AM/FM.

You'll always be surprised from these two brothers from different mothers.

S1 E43 TED O'DONNELL - Dirty Fishnet Stockings lead singer

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Ted is the popular front man for the band Dirty Fishnet Stockings. During this episode, you will learn that host Tim Larson has known Ted since he was five years old. Ted is the powerhouse behind the Festival of Lights and Fourth of July Fireworks both in Rockford, Illinois. And, has a rich history of flying hot air balloons. Grab a note pad. Recorded in the Storytellers Studio at the Edgebrook Shopping Center in Rockford, Illinois August 7, 2023.

S1 E42 EMILY HURD - Singer/ Songwriter

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Emily Hurd and Tim Larson are both Rockford, Illinois natives and graduated from the same high school yet only met ten minutes before sitting down for this episode. Tim was drawn to calling Emily after seeing her perform a couple of weeks prior at Anderson Japanese Gardens. Recorded on July 10, 2023.

S1 E41 PAM ENZWEILER-PULICE - Director of The Dick Biondi Film

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Pam Enzweiler - Pulice first met WLS radio announcer Dick Biondi when she was thirteen at a record hop near Chicago. Getting to know Dick over the years has resulted in her soon-to-be-released documentary. We recorded our conversation at Frankie's Deli in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois on May 31, 2023.

S1 E40 JACK LAMBIOTTE - Former Chief Engineer at WROK/WZOK.

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Jack Lambiotte and Tim Larson reunited after 37 years just outside of Denver, Colorado in a cafe at the top of Lookout Mountain. The stories flowed faster than the coffee. Buckle up for two and a half hours of conversation among two lifelong radio friends. Recorded on April 20, 2023.

S1 E39 NEAL ANGELL - Creative Director for Commercials at Midwest Family Broadcasting

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Neal Angell has been the Creative Director for Commercials at Midwest Family Broadcasting for twenty years. He and Tim Larson have known each other for a long time, but never worked together. Neal does writing and production for several of the company's stations in various cities, but mainly in Rockford, Illinois at 95.3 The Bull WRTB, B-103 WGFB, The X 104.9 WXRX, FM 100 - Rockford's Greatest Hits WXRX-HD2 and Sports Talk 1330 WNTA. This episode was recording at the Storytellers Studio in Rockford, Illinois on March 11, 2023.

S1 E38 First Anniversary Episode Recap

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0600

This is a short recap of just a few of the stories shared by our many guests. Recorded by co-host Tim Larson on March 3, 2023 in Rockford, Illinois.

S1 E37 SCOTT Mc MAHON - Former WZOK Sales Executive

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Scott McMahon worked with Liz Wylder at WZOK Rockford, Illinois in the late 80's and early 90's. You'll find his stories about his radio days in Wisconsin entertaining as well. Scott joined us in Rockford, Illinois on February 28, 2023.

S1 E36 CHUCK DOYLE (Sit down #2) - Former WZOK Announcer

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Liz Wylder and Tim Larson sat down on January 27, 2023 to gather Chuck Doyle's version of the WZOK radio history guided by a chronological list of morning men from WZOK newsman John Strandin.

S1 E35 HOWARD HALL - Former Engineer for WROK and WZOK radio

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Howard Hall was another one of the amazing engineers at WROK and WZOK. Announcers and programmers would come up with hair-brained ideas and people like Howard would figure out a way to make it happen...every time! His sit down was in Rockford, Illinois on January 21, 2023 with Liz Wylder and Tim Larson.

S1 E34 LIZ WYLDER - Former WZOK Announcer

Sat, 14 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Liz has worked in Hannibal, Missouri; Quincy, Illinois; Memphis, Tennessee; Buffalo, New York and Rockford, Illinois. Hear radio stories from all locations and the people who have meant the most to her career. Larry Bird and Joe Walsh are somehow involved. We sat down with glasses of wine on January 13, 2023 after a fine dinner of Chinese food.

S1 E33 SHOTGUN MARK RIVERS - Former WROK Announcer

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0600

Shotgun Mark Rivers (Mike Lamb) and Tim Larson have known each other since 1977. Then Shotgun helped Tim start up a high school radio station after having a short conversation at a prom dance. Fast forward to 2018 and Tim became the first voice on now Mike's SKY7 radio stations. Access via SKY7music.com. This sit down took place in Mesa, Arizona on December 21, 2002...the day after Mike's surprise birthday party and the day before Tim's birthday. Enjoy!

S1 E32 JIM LYKE - Former WZOK Announcer & Former WROK Morning Show Producer

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0600

Jim Lyke and Tim Larson were two ships that passed in the night during dark rough radio seas. You'll enjoy meeting Jim and hearing his stories from 1983-1985. His life after radio should be on a billboard...literally. We'll surely see him on a theater stage in southern Wisconsin very soon. This sit down took place in Rockford, Illinois on December 6, 2022.

S1 E31 ROB CUTTER - Former WFRL Freeport, Illinois Announcer

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0600

Rob Cutter and Tim Larson grew up in radio together in their early twenties. They created on-air stunts as management allowed, interviewed country music's top artists and continue to this day assisting each other with current voiceover and individual radio and podcast projects. These two are the definition of "pick up right where you left off."

Recorded inside the tiny Hilton Gardens Inn business center in Columbia, Missouri on November 11, 2022.

S1 E30 AARON WILSON - Former WROK "Live at Five" host

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0600

Aaron Wilson has rolled out of bed at 2:45 am for the last 25 years and traveled northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin AND the world for 23 News This Morning. Weather has never been so interesting. He also simultaneously (for five and a half years) hosted WROK's Live at Five program. Those were very long days. Tim Larson's son Erik is currently his video photographer. Aaron's sit down took place in Rockford, Illinois with Tim Larson on October 27, 2022.

S1 E0 - STORYTELLERS STUDIO TRAILER

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0600

S1 E0 - The Storytellers Studio Trailer offers the explanation about the origin of this project and podcast. Recorded in Rockford, Illinois on October 25, 2022 by co-founder Tim Larson.

S1 E29 KIPPER McGEE - Former WROK & WZOK Operations Manager

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0600

Kipper McGee manned the WROK and WZOK ship in the mid 80's, but went on to program giant radio stations like WLS in Chicago, Illinois. He was a master at pulling off unique promotions. Enjoy his stories including a long list of the nation's top radio announcers. He traveled to Rockford, Illinois from Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a sit down with Tim Larson and Liz Wylder and then lunch with Bill Shannon, Fred Speer and Doug McDuff on October 19, 2022. We created the "flip jingles" Kipper suggested from our recent days at WLUV in 2021. You'll find them after the exit segment from Jeff Davis.

S1 E28 SKY DRYSDALE - Former WKGL (96.7 The Eagle) Announcer

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0600

Sky Drysdale spent twenty eight years in broadcasting and he has the stories to prove it. He sat down with Tim Larson over glazed donut holes in early October 2022. These two have never worked together at the same radio station, but continue to share common interests. They have truly earned the title of "radio brothers from different mothers."

S1 E27 JOHNNY MARKS - Former WROK and WZOK Announcer

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0600

Johnny Marks and Tim Larson have known each other since 1981 in their college years at Northern Illinois University. This conversation promises to button up all the details of their forty plus year friendship. Tim sums it up this way, "Some people leave a mark. Only with you, we were fishing for the same thing, in the same boat and in the same lake. And, all along the way, we baited each other's hooks."

S1 E26 - KIM CARSON - Former WROK announcer.

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0600

What could possibly happen if Tim Larson connected with Kim Carson, who he listened to on WROK when he was in high school? Better yet, they had never met and ironically both lived in Rockford...Tim in Illinois and Kim in Michigan. Well buckle up and find out. It's conversations like this one that proves once again that the Storytellers Studio is a worthwhile project.

S1 E25 ROCKFORD RADIO REVISITED LIVE ON WIFR-TV23 with Aaron Wilson

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0600

Season 1 Episode 25 - WIFR-TV's weatherman Aaron Wilson is always looking for remote locations to do "live shots" during the morning show. When he literally stumbled upon the Storytellers Studio, Tim Larson got the call to crate a WROK/WZOK morning show party focusing on October 26, 1985! (The date on the dashboard of the DeLorean in the film Back to the Future.) Within days we hit the record button with Liz Wydler, John Strandin, Fred Speer and Tim Larson. During post-production editing, Tim dropped in the songs, jingles, commercials, and custom promos from national radio hosts like Casey Kasem, Wolfman Jack, Paul Harvey, Bruce Williams and Sally Jessy Raphael. Keep in mind, we were all taking cues from TV23's morning show director back at the station during live television so Aaron stepped in throughout the podcast in order to chat with us.

S1 E24 CHICAGO'S WLS & WCFL RADIO BATTLE on RewoundRadio.com

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0600

The best and the brightest radio jocks from the 70's during the battle between WCFL and WLS radio in Chicago, Illinois are captured in sixty six hours of replayed airchecks on RewoundRadio.com. Thanks to Ted Gorden Smucker and his dedicated group of contributors from all over the country. Labor Day weekend 2022. Here are the promos from some very well known voices.

S1 E23 KRIS TUMILOWICZ - WROK Advertiser and Specialty Program Host

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0600

Kris founded Dental Dimensions in 1980 and has been a pillar of community involvement. He hosted Tooth Talk on WROK for many years. Tim Larson also knows him through Loves park Rotary and the Boy Scouts of America's Blackhawk Area Council in Rockford, Illinois. The sit down with Kris took place on August 19, 2022.

S1 E22 PHIL DAVIDSON - FORMER WROK SALES EXECUTIVE

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0600

Phil spent forty-four years in radio sales for WROK and others. He has always been very involved in the Rockford community, both at the stations and personally. This dedication continues today. Doug McDuff and Phil worked side-by-side at both groups of stations on Brendenwood Road and Sandy Hollow Road. Tim Larson joined them on August 19, 2022 in Rockford, Illinois.

S1 E21 TIM LARSON and ROCK RADIO REVISITED EVENT

Sat, 20 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0600

Tim attended the Rock Radio Revisited event on August 14, 2022 in the Chicago area for the Museum of Broadcast Communication. This is his account of the day which turned out to be so much more than listening to a panel of radio legends on stage.

S1 E20 THE KNOLL FAMILY - GARY, STEVE & CAROL - 8-17-22

Sat, 20 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0600

The Knoll family worked at WROK and WZOK in various positions over the years. You may know Steve and Carol by several air names and Gary represented the WROK sales department. Steve is still in the radio industry at the news department at KRMG in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Chuck Doyle, Liz Wylder and Tim Larson joined in on this episode because everyone is a very different puzzle piece to the Knoll's overall time at the radio stations. Our visit was on August 17, 2022.

S1 E19 Kelly Ryan - Former WROK and WZOK announcer & Continuity.

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0600

Kelly climbed her way to the top of Adult Contemporary radio and finished out her career at Lite 102 in Minneapolis. She's a great cook and we treated ourselves to Prince's Paisley Park tour the next day. Our sit down took place in her kitchen in Eagan, Minnesota on the late evening of August 15, 2022.

S1 E18 WROK & WZOK JINGLE PACKAGES (1970-1984)

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0600

From TM Productions Phase II package in 1970 to PAMS Energy Quick in 1975 and JAM Productions Meltdown in 1980. These are sure to bring back memories of your days listening to WROK and WZOK in Rockford, Illinois.

S1 E15 Bob Presman with Ken DeCoster – Former WROK and WZOK News Director & Mr. Baseball.