Monthly Archives: February 2023

Episode 42: How Many Threads Connect us to Iconic Figures? Author Timothy Christian & Thomas Maier



How many threads connect us to iconic figures? On this installment of the podcast, Larry ponders Hemingway with author Timothy Christian to discuss his new book Hemingway’s Widow. Hemingway’s Widow sheds light on the fascinating life of Hemingway’s fourth wife Mary Walsh, who had often been maligned by historians. Timothy and Larry discuss Mary’s influence on Hemingway’s writing process, her work as a wartime journalist and her tense conversation with John F. Kennedy.

Timothy Christian on Twitter

After the break, Larry interviews returning guest and Newsday writer Thomas Maier, author of Mafia Spies about the iconic film The Godfather and surprising multiple Long Island connections. Thomas talks about modern opinions on The Godfather, Francis Ford Coppola’s fight to cast Al Pacino and the impact of The Godfather on Italian American culture.  Thomas Maier on Twitter


Episode 41: How Many Threads Connect a Community to their Own Paramedics? Author Kevin Hazzard and Paramedic John Moon



How many threads connect a doctor to the development of CPR and how many threads connect a community to their own paramedics?  Larry is joined by author Kevin Hazzard and paramedic John Moon to discuss American Sirens: The Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America’s First Paramedics to delve into this incredible story of an African American community in Pittsburgh, and the connection to doctor Peter Safar who pioneered CPR and how John’s path led to the birth of modern emergency medical service.  Larry has John expand on his experiences growing up during segregation, his childhood living in an orphanage and his journey to Pittsburgh in the 1960’s, and Freedom House and its importance toward the founding of emergency medical service as we know it today.  Larry also ponders what would have happened if CPR was not developed and what the medical profession would look like today.

Kevin Hazzard on Twitter

John Moon on LinkedIn


Episode 40: How Many Threads are at the Intersection of Comedy that Binds Us Michael Seth Starr & The Biography of Don Rickles



How many threads are at the intersection of comedy that binds us?  Larry is joined by Michael Seth Starr, the author of Don Rickles: Merchant of Venom.  Michael and Larry explore the life of Don, from his humble beginnings growing up in Queens, New York, his service in the Navy during World War II and his subsequent rise to stardom.  Michael delves into the connection to Frank Sinatra, Don’s studies as a serious actor and the various influences on Rickles’ career.  Larry also talks about the thread between Don and Groucho Marx.  As a writer for the New York Post, there is a spirited discussion on the state of broadcast television vs streaming and how the quality of both have evolved.