Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Then and Way Back Then

Click here to listen to the latest show!

I don't live in the past, but if you are trying to find me, I don't recommend the present. In this–my last audio only episode–I return to an old radio show from the '40s that helped form me as a young man. Then I go way back to ancient
Egypt, where I discover the world of Audio Fossils. Using a new technology, we are now able to hear sounds that were made thousands of years ago.

Special guests include Sarah Silverman, Andy Kindler, Tom Leopold, and Israeli scientist, Jonathan Devor.

Thanks for listening.
Jonathan Katz

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

When bad things happen to good ideas

Click here to listen to the latest show!

"Worst Case Scenario" is an old radio show I loved as a kid. Tom Silver, the host, is interviewing Arthur Köeppler, a leading expert on traffic safety.

"Bring Your Cousin To Work Day" is Sid Steiber's favorite holiday. He loves it so much, he celebrates it once a week.

"Listener Response" is where we get to hear some of Jonathan's favorite responses to the question he posed last week.

For next week’s question, Jonathan talks with Israeli physicist, Jonathan Devor, about the likelihood of audio fossils dating back as far as ancient Egypt. And then he poses the following question: "If you could hear any sound that was generated in the last 5,000 years, what would that sound be, and why?" The number to call in with your response is: 617-866-8000. Thanks for listening.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

The Work Force

Click here to listen to the latest show!

In this episode I deal with the subject of THE WORK FORCE from three different angles; I talk to many hardworking Americans with "thankless jobs." I also asked my old friend Sandy Briscoe -- the British naturalist -- for a letter of recommendation to Cornell Medical School where I have been offered a teaching positiion. And finally, I reflect on a time when I was the principal at my daughter's high school -- a truly thankless job. I also pose the following question: If someone was to offer to donate $10,000 to your campaign, would you: a) accept the money, b) point out that you are not running for office, or c) say something else. I would like to know. Please leave me a message at 617 866-8000.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Women's Lib and Pop Music

Click here to listen to the latest show!

Where do I start? Thanks for your patience. In this episode I have strayed from my usual format because of an interview I did with singer/feminist Helen Reddy. We met years ago in NYC and I interviewed her for my old radio show, "Peas in the Pod." Listening to this latest recording, I was surprised how much and yet how little has changed.

When I do episode 26, I will return to my older format. I'm in it for the long haul.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Growing Up Franklin (Ben Jr.) and My Jewish Roots

Click here to listen to the latest show!

In this episode, I explore my Jewish roots, tracing all the way back to New York City in 1959. I am also proud to introduce "America's Next Top Optician". At least once a week, I pretend that Benjamin Franklin was my dad. Now you get to hear how that works....It works for me.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Good Dreams and Sidney Katz

Click here to listen to the latest show!

This episode, number 23, begins with a relapse. I fall back into my “city and listing” habit and I do it all in the name of one of the dopeyest jokes I have ever made. Then I get in the car and call my favorite local radio show with a question. It might be off subject but it is on my mind. Because of my sense of fair play and good manners I take my answer off the air. Then I go to one of my favorite places: the past. We hear my Dad Sidney talking to his friend Abe Allen in 1979. Trust me, these guys really know how to share a mic. Then I get a little groggy and drift off into a really good dream, a good Dr. Katz dream.

If there are any Little Feat fans that listen to this you may recognize a piece of their music called Old Folks Boogie.

We here at Albion Producitions like to think of this episode as the launch of a new season with a new producer, Katie Covett. We hope you like it.

Monday, June 29, 2009

"HEY WE'RE BACK" Episode 22

Click here to listen to the latest show!

In this episode I pay a visit to a dentist. I learn, once again, that my comedy is not for everybody. She feels the same way about my teeth, but is surprised to learn that my comedy comes with a fee attached.

Then I try once again to heal the wound I created in the heart of my friend Sandy Briscoe. He is the British entomologist whose research I interrupted not so long ago.

Several years ago I managed a high-end audio store in New York City. Even then, people thought my hiring practices were unusual.
Better Safe Than Sorry is a radio show I created about an overcautious detective. In this episode he really rises to the occasion without putting himself in harm's way.

The actors featured in this episode are Wren Ross, Maggie Surovell, Beth Oblongato (as the saleswoman), and author Jonathan Wilson.

Thanks for listening,

Jonathan Katz