Monthly Archives: January 2025

Episode 94 – How Many Threads Connect Us to Relationships? Author Carla Conti and Journalist Daniel de Vise



How many threads connect us to relationships? In this week’s episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry sits down with Carla Conti, author of Chained Birds, a true crime memoir that explores the systemic flaws in the justice system through the story of Kevin Sanders, a former gang member and inmate. Carla shares her personal journey of involvement in Kevin’s defense, sharing her critiques of prison culture, overcrowding, and the limitations of current reform efforts.

In the second half, Larry is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Daniel de Visé, author of The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, the Rise of Improv, and the Making of an American Film Classic. Daniel takes listeners behind the scenes of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s rise to fame, their work on Saturday Night Live, and the making of the legendary film. With insights into the
production process, iconic musical performances, and Belushi’s struggles with addiction, de Visé captures the highs and lows of their famous partnership.

Daniel de Visé | USA TODAY


Episode 93 How Many Threads Lead Us Down the Path of Duplicity? Author Jeffrey Archer and David McCloskey



How many threads lead us down the path of duplicity? On this week’s episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry welcomes international bestseller Jeffrey Archer to discuss An Eye for an Eye, the latest in the William Warwick series. Together, Larry and Jeffrey explore the novel’s themes of art forgery and historical intrigue, including a Rembrandt copy and Thomas Jefferson’s original copy of the Declaration of Independence. Jeffrey also shares his disciplined writing process, insights on translating stories for a global audience, and the evolution of Warwick’s character arc across the series.

After the break, Larry sits down with David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and author of The Seventh Floor. David reflects on his real-life espionage experience, the challenges of crafting a modern mole hunt, and the moral complexities of intelligence work.