Episode 25 – How Many Threads Connect Us to the Movies – Author Kevin Goetz and Commentary by Rev. Gayle Fisher Stewart

February 23, 2022Uncategorizedaudience tester, Audience-ology, Black and Episcopalin, Black History Month, Kevin Goetz, Larry Davidson, Larry Davidson productions, movie making, Reverend Gayle Fisher Stewart, Sachem Public Library, Screen Engine/ASI, Screen testing, screenplays, The Booth at The Sachem Public Library, whitewashingartfulperiscope

How many threads connect us to the movies? Joining the podcast is Kevin Goetz, author and film researcher/audience tester with his firm Screen Engine/ASI. Kevin speaks to Larry about his latest work Audience-ology: How Moviegoers Shape the Films We Love, and how the audience matters and shapes film. Kevin de-constructs the subtitle of his book, discusses the difference between writing a book and film making (even when the movie comes from the book). Kevin shares his journey as a young actor to his role in entertainment today. Larry posits the question “does a mega star influence a movie or does the character they play steer the actor”.

Returning to the podcast with commentary is Reverend Gayle Fisher Stewart, the author of the new book Black and Episcopalian: The Struggle for Inclusion. Gayle discusses how the narratives of history tend to devaluate other races or genders, how the African American heritage has been whitewashed and minimized. She speaks about how the seeds of Black History Month started as Negro History Week and has evolved in spite of whitewashing. Now Black History Month tasks people to recognize the achievements of people of color and recognize the sins of the pas. It also challenges us all to remember and not allow those injustices to be repeated today in a world that is so fractured.

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Episode 24 – How Many Threads Connect Us to History and Heritage – Author Buki Papillon and Charles Lichtman

February 15, 2022UncategorizedAn Ordinary Wonder, Buki Papillon, Charles Lichtman, Larry Davidson, Larry Davidson productions, Nigeria, Sachem Public Library, Sword of David, Temple Mount, Terrorism, The Artful Periscope, The Booth at The Sachem Public Library, The Studio at the Sachem Public Library, transgender, Whaling wallartfulperiscope

How many threads connect us to history and heritage. Joining the podcast in this installment is Buki Papillon and Charles Lichtman.

Buki Papillion, author of her premier novel An Ordinary Wonder, takes Larry on a trip to her childhood growing up in Nigeria, her friendship and mentor Lori Foos, the uniqueness of the Yoruba people and the rate of having twin children, how the Native American concept of “two spirits” is linked to the culture of Nigera, and we even get a reading from Buki’s book! Larry discusses what the thought process is in creating a title for a book and what the promise of America means to new immigrants.

Buki on Twitter

Buki on Facebook

Charles Lichtman, author of The Sword of David jumps into the conversation to talk about writing and when a writer writes, there are always two stories; the story that is in the book and essence of the writer himself. Chuck also talks about growing up as a Jewish American in the midwest and the challenges he faced along the way. He also talks about his book which has been described as a meshing of The DaVinci Code and Raiders of the Lost Ark. He also talks about the research for the book and being moved by the Whaling Wall and Temple Mount. He even discusses his attempts at conducting an interview with Carlos the Jackal.

Charles on Twitter

Charles on Facebook

Charles on Instagram

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Episode 23 – How Many Threads Connect Us to Complicated Family Secrets – Author John Copenhaver & Singer/Songwriter Rorie Kelly

January 17, 2022UncategorizedFull Moon Charm Bracelet, John Copenhaver, Larry Davidson, Larry Davidson productions, Liminal Spaces, Magjck Comin, Monday Night Muses, Phillippa and Judy, Prologue, Rorie Kelly, Rory Vecsey, Sachem Library, Sachem Public Library's The Booth, Savage Kind, Singer songwriter, The Booth at The Sachem Public Library, This Girlartfulperiscope

How many threads connect us to complicated family secrets? In this installment, Larry, along with contributor Rory Vecsey chat with author John Copenhaver about his new book Savage Kind. Larry explores how crafting a purposeful prologue can set the table to manipulate the readers perspective to then make it easier for the author to create plot twists. John discusses 2 characters Phillippa and Judy, 2 teens and the perception of the stereotypical young person in the 1940’s. Not all is what it seems. One of Larry’s favorite topics is discussing “femme fatale” characters and he explores with John the concept of a male in that role. Rory inquires about the power of foreshadowing, along with the use of poetry and mythology in the book.

Joining Larry is singer/songwriter Rorie Kelly. Rory plays 4 original songs, talks about being a “Lady Beast”, how the female voice effects people, and how the guitar is an extension of her body. Rorie talks about her beginnings with her family, the influences in her songwriting. Rosie also does a Facebook Live called “Monday Night Muses“.

Rorie’s setlist:

Magick Comin

Full Moon Charm Bracelet

This Girl

Liminal Spaces

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Episode 22 – How Many Threads Lead Us to Survival – Author Erika Hecht & Rory Vecsey

December 18, 2021UncategorizedAfghanistan, Artful Periscope, Austria, Catholics, conversion, Don't ask my name, Don't ask my name: A hidden Childs tale of survival, Erika Hecht, Holocaust, hopes and dreams, Hungary, Jewish, Jews, Larry Davidson, Larry Davidson productions, Larrydavidsonproductions.com, religion, Rory Vecsey, Rory's Island, Taliban, The Artful Periscope, UK, women of Afghanistan, World War IIartfulperiscope

How many threads lead us to survival? Larry is joined by Erika Hecht, author of the book Don’t Ask my Name: A Hidden Child’s Tale of Survival a story of her life surviving German occupation during World War II and in post war Europe as a Jewish person who converted to Catholicism. Erika discusses mixed traditions and how it saved her and her family’s life.

Joining the Podcast for the new feature Rory’s Island is Rory Vecsey. Rory explores the plight of women in Afghanistan after the Taliban regained control. She also discusses their hopes of a full life an education before the fall of the nation and the fear and courage that they muster in the shadow of Taliban rule.

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Episode 21 – How Many Brush Strokes or Guitar Strings are the Threads of Creativity – Jonathan Santlofer & Karen Bella

September 12, 2021UncategorizedGood Morning, Jack Honey, Jonathan Santlofer, Karen Bella, Karenbella.com, Larry Davidson, Larry Davidson productions, Larrydavidsonproductions.com, Last Mona Lisa, Needle in the Hay, Sachem Public Library, The Booth at The Sachem Public Library, The Studio at the Sachem Public Libraryartfulperiscope

How Many Brush Strokes or Guitar Strings are the Threads of Creativity? Larry is joined by two amazing artists in Jonathan Santlofer and Karen Bella.

Jonathan Santlofer is the author of the book The Last Mona Lisa, a story based on the true events surrounding the iconic painting’s theft in 1912. Jonathan shares his thoughts on the time period the book is set in, along with his life as an artist. He also talks about personal events that have effected his writing and artwork. Larry also shares how his book touched him personally and makes a connection to his own grandmother.

Karen Bella, a talented singer/songwriter joined Larry in studio. She spoke about her connection to her guitars, the differences between performing in a studio vs. a live crowd and where she draws inspiration for her songwriting. Larry explores the concept of the universality of music that transcends generations, from Larry’s love of Jackson Brown to Karen’s love of John Mayer. Karen performs the songs Landslide by Fleetwood Mac, Needle in the Hay, Good Morning and J ack Honey.

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Episode 20 – How Many Threads are Needed To Uncover the Truth – Reporter/Author Arthur Kent

August 7, 2021UncategorizedAdolf Dubs, Afghanistan, Art Kent, Arthur Kent, Cold War, Communism, Investigative reporting, Larry Davidson, Larry Davidson productions, Larrydavidsonproductions.com, Murder in Room 117, Putin, Russia, Sachem Public Library, Sachem Public Library's The Booth, Scud Stud, Soviet Union, Spike Dubsartfulperiscope

How many threads are needed to uncover the truth? Former NBC reporter and author Arthur Kent joins the podcast speaking about his new book Murder in Room 117: Solving the Cold Case that Led to America’s Longest War. Arthur tells the story of Spike Dubs, ambassador to Afghanistan in 1979 who was kidnapped and ultimately assassinated by the KGB. Arthur recounts the tale and his search for the truth behind the international incident that eventually led to the war in Afghanistan.

Arthur Kent is affectionally known by his colleagues as the “Scud Stud” for his coverage of the first Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm for NBC News. He is an internationally known and Emmy Award winning journalist who is well respected in the field. His work can now be seen at skyreporter.com.

Arthur can also be found on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.

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Episode 19 – How Many Threads Connect us to a Series of Events – Author Amanda Fairbanks and Singer/Songwriter Stuart Markus

July 31, 2021UncategorizedAmanda Fairbanks, fishermen, Gloucester Ladies, Larry Davidson, Larry Davidson productions, Larrydavidsonproductions.com, Long Island, Sachem Library, Sachem Public Library's The Booth, South Fork, Stuart Markus, The Lost Boys of Montauk, The Studio at the Sachem Public Library, tilefish, View from the Side of the Roadartfulperiscope

How many threads connect unto a series of events. Joining the podcast is author Amanda Fairbanks, author of the book The Lost Boys of Montauk. Amanda speaks to Larry about the process of writing this story and how it was a labor of love, being a resident of the South Fork of Long Island. We learn about how the Montauk of1984 (a primarily fishing town) transitioned to a playground for the ultra wealthy along with the secrets that can haunt the families of the lost.

Also joining the podcast is singer/songwriter/seachanteyman Stuart Markus. Stuart joined Larry in studio to play some tunes both popular and original, including The View from the Side of the Road and Gloucester Ladies. Stuart spoke about growing up with music in Rochester, New York, his first experiences with music as a kid and what inspires him to write music and perform with his band Gathering Time. You can get more information about where to find Stuart here.

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Episode 18 – What is the Thread that Connects a Writer to a Reader – Authors Paul Vidich, Terry Simone Francis and a Commentary by Tom Clavin

July 10, 2021UncategorizedBlack Film Archive, Indiana University, Paul Vidich, Phil Keith, Soviet Union, Spies, Terry Simone Francis, The Mercenary, Tom Clavin, USSR, What you may not know about your fatherartfulperiscope

What is the thread that connects a writer to a reader?

Larry was joined by Paul Vidich, author of The Mercenary. Paul speaks about growing up during the Cold War with the USSR as the adversary to the United States along with the fall of the Soviet Union and the rise of modern day Russia. Paul also explains how writers have building blocks to engage the reader with detailed descriptions of weather architecture or other examples to set the stage. Larry also discusses the article “What You May Not Know About Your Father” including talk of what the business of spying is all about

Terry Simone Francis, Associate Professor and Director of the Black Film Archive at Indiana University has a lively discussion about her book The Audacious Josephine Baker: Josephine Baker’s Cinematic Prism and about writing. If writing is a dance, who leads? Terry talks about Josephine Baker, what made her a pioneer for African American women in the 1920’s and her migration to France. Larry also had a fun chat about Ethel Waters and how she is not known for being a Blues artist.

With Just a Thought, Tom Clavin rejoins the podcast to eulogize his friend and co-author Phil Keith. Phil and Tom were previous guests in Episode 8, and Tom tells the story of a quiet, complicated and talented veteran of the Vietnam Conflict turned writer.

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Episode 17 – What Are the Threads that Connect Us to a Series of Events: Heather Martin, Jennifer Murphy and Danny Caine

June 20, 2021Uncategorized9-11, Ambulance, and Love on New York City's Frontlines discussing how words move us in relationships, connections and institutions. Jennifer shares her early, Danny Caine, Death, FDNY, First Responder, First Responder: A Memoir of Life, Heather Martin, Jack Reacher, Jennifer Murphy, Lee Child, New York City, NYC EMS, Raven Books, September 11th, Some thoughts and observations, The Booth, The Great War, The Reacher Series, World War IIartfulperiscope

What are the threads that connects to a series of events?

Joining Larry for a chat is Heather Martin, author of The Reacher Guy: A Biography of Lee Child. Heather talks about meeting Lee Child and her inspiration for writing the book. We learn what roles the Great War and World War II had in forming Lee’s perceptions of the world and what fiction stories say about the locations in which they are set.

Jennifer Murphy, the author of First Responder: A Memoir of Life, Death, and Love on New York City’s Frontlines discussing how words move us in relationships, connections and institutions. Jennifer shares her early years, life as a first responder in Brooklyn, New York, a battle with malignant melanoma and dealing with the death of loved ones and colleagues in the wake of 9-11.

Finally, some thoughts an observations, an open letter to Jeff Bazos of Amazon by Danny Caine from Raven Books in Lawrence, Kansas.

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Episode 16 – What is the Thread that Connects Us to the Story Behind the Story: Craig Unger, Ray Rickman & Darin Strauss

April 11, 2021UncategorizedAmerican Kompromat, Darin Strauss, Donald Trump, James Meredith, Larry Davidson, Larry Davidson productions, Larrydavidsonproductions.com, Ray Rickman, Russia, Stages of Freedom, stagesoffreedom.org, Sunflower County Mississippi, The Black Church, Vladimir Putinartfulperiscope

What is the thread that connect us to the story behind the story? In this episode, Larry speaks with author Craig Unger who discusses his latest work American Kompromat, which touches on Opus Dei, how it has penetrated American government especially in the Trump presidency and how Russia has manipulated Trump since the 1980’s. There is also a lively discussion about Wiliam Barr’s controversial actions and departure as Trump’s former Attorney General.

Also joining the podcast is Author Ray Rickman who speaks about being co-founder and Executive Director of Stages of Freedom, the powerful PBS program The Black Church, his personal history marching for civil rights with James Meredith in Sunflower County Mississippi and his Adopt a Doctor Program. He and Larry also have a lively discussion about African American crime fiction writers.

With Just a Thought, Author and Professor Darin Strauss returns to the program with some observations about extremism in modern American politics, the fuel of social media and the product of the cancel culture.

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