Better Than Monkeys

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What (if anything) makes us—Homo sapiens—superior to (or at least distinct from) our close cousins, those happenin' haplorrhine primates? WQLN's premier podcast Better than Monkeys posits that it’s our forays into the arts and sciences that make us, well . . . human. BTM takes a monthly deep-dive b…

WQLN Public Media


    • Sep 19, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 38m AVG DURATION
    • 32 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Better Than Monkeys

    Episode 31: Bradley and Steven Thachuk, the music of Phil Collins and Genesis with the Erie Philharmonic.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 74:03


    This episode of Better than Monkeys features Bradley and Steven Thachuk, as they speak about the music of Phil Collins and Genesis with the Erie Philharmonic.

    Episode 30: NPR's ARI SHAPIRO talks NPR and "OCH and OY: A Considered Cabaret!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2023 16:05


    He has been a question on Jeopardy and an answer in the New York Times crossword puzzle.  As a journalist he has covered stories from the Arctic circle to the cabin of Air Force One.  He's covered conflicts in Iraq, Ukraine and Israel. As a vital part of NPR's journalistic team, he has served as NPR's International Correspondent based in London, he served as NPR's Justice Correspondent for five years during the George W. Bush administration, and he spent 4 years as NPR's Whitehouse Correspondent during the first and second terms of President Barak Obama.    Since 2015 this award-winning journalist has taken up the microphone as one of the hosts of NPR's flagship afternoon news Magazine, All Things Considered. But he is so much more than just a journalist. He's the author of a New York Times Best-seller, a singer with some serious skill, skill which has landed him on stages from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl. And an entertainer who along with Tony and Emmy award winner, actor Alan Cumming, will find his way to Erie, Pennsylvania and the stage of the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center at Mercyhurst University for a one night only tour de force show featuring song, dance, maybe even a few baudy jokes and definitely some memorable stories. This Renaissance man is of course the legendary Ari Shapiro and he's our guest for this episode of Better Than Monkeys! I hope you enjoy the interview! Brian

    Episode 29 Stewart Copeland of the POLICE! Erie Philharmonic Guest Soloist

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2023 22:45


    Sat, Oct 21, 2023 · 8pmSun, Oct 22, 2023 · 3pmWarner Theatre Daniel Meyer conductorStewart Copeland special guest Prepare for an unforgettable evening with The Police Deranged for the Orchestra, featuring legendary drummer from The Police himself, Stewart Copeland. This concert pays homage to the work of rock icon and composer Copeland through orchestral renditions of The Police's most beloved songs. From Roxanne to Don't Stand So Close To Me, and Message in a Bottle to Every Breath You Take, this performance reinterprets these timeless tracks through a symphonic lens, breathing new life into them. Four versatile singers, backed by the rich sounds of the full orchestra, will transform the hall into a sonic landscape brimming with the energy and spirit of The Police's most significant hits. Be part of this unique fusion of rock and symphony that takes the musical genius of Stewart Copeland to a whole new level. Whether you're a rock fan, a symphony lover, or both, this performance promises to be an engaging musical journey you won't want to miss. Here's a brief interview with Stewart. He's funny, self deprecating, and a rock legend. I hope you enjoy this interview! Brian

    Ep 28 - Betty Buckley

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2021 38:03


    In an award-winning career that has encompassed TV, film, stage and concert work around the globe, Betty Buckley is probably best known as the quintessential musical theatre actress. In this episode of Better Than Monkeys, Brian Hannah interviews Betty Buckley. In 2012 Buckley was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame, where her name — engraved on the walls of the Gershwin Theatre — is forever linked with the greatest stars Broadway has ever produced, from its inception to present day.

    Ep 27 - Michael Sachs, Principal Trumpet of the Cleveland Orchestra - 2/2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 73:25


    This episode of Better Than Monkeys is part two of a two part series featuring MICHAEL SACHS, principal trumpet of THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA. Since 1988, Michael Sachs has held one of the premier positions in one of the world's premier orchestras, and on this episode of BTM, he shares his stories, his love of music, his love of sports and so much more. I'd love for you to join me, Brian Hannah, and Michael Sachs for this episode of BTM.

    Ep 26 - Dr. Evan Williams on "Dead White Man Music"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2020 42:55


    This episode of BETTER THAN MONKEYS is a follow up to WQLN NPR's Harry T. Burleigh week celebration in December. Burleigh, born in Erie, Pa in 1866 was instrumental in bringing the African-American spiritual into the mainstream of classical music thru his art songs and for bringing these spirituals to the attention of composer ANTONIN DVORAK who looked to them for inspiration in composing his SYMPHONY NO. 9, "From the New World." Burleigh's legacy lives on thru today's young African-American composers including todays special guest, Dr. Evan Williams. Evan brings us a performance of his composition "DEAD WHITE MAN MUSIC" featuring Thomas Cunningham and the Urban Playground Chamber Orchestra. Join us as we unpack his music, talk about the process of composing, discuss bringing new music to life and so much more on this episode of BETTER THAN MONKEYS!

    Halloween Special: Exorcist Robin Swope

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2020 57:45


    My guest on this Halloween edition of BTM is author, journalist, consultant and EXORCIST, the PARANORMAL PASTOR, ROBIN SWOPE! Rev. Robin Swope is a Writer and has been a Christian Minister for more than 27 years in both Mainline and Evangelical Denominations. He holds a B.A. in Biblical Literature and finishing an M.Div. In Pastoral Ministry with an emphasis on Marital and Family Counseling. He has served as a Missionary to Burkina Faso, and has Ministered to the homeless in New York City's Hell's Kitchen. He is the founder and chief officiant of Open Gate Ministerial Services and former Pastor of St.Paul's United Church of Christ in Erie, Pennsylvania. Presently, he is the pastor of Bountiful Community Church, Bountiful, UT. He is also an author of 7 books, a freelance journalist for Examiner.com, has a column in the Tri-State Senior News and has also written for Fate Magazine.

    Ep 25 - Michael Sachs, Principal Trumpet of the Cleveland Orchestra - 1/2

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2020 63:57


    This episode of Better Than Monkeys is part one of a two part series featuring MICHAEL SACHS, principal trumpet of THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA. Since 1988, Michael Sachs has held one of the premier positions in one of the world's premier orchestras, and on this episode of BTM, he shares his stories, his love of music, his love of sports and so much more. I'd love for you to join me, Brian Hannah, and Michael Sachs for this episode of BTM.

    Ep 24 - Cryptozoologist and author, Loren Coleman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2020 60:14


    He published his first article in 1969, he’s an author of, or contributor to dozens of books. He’s been a consultant to programs such as NBC’s Unsolved Mysteries, A & E’s Ancient Mysteries, the History Channel’s In Search of History, the Discovery Channel’s In the Unknown and more. He also curates and operates the International Cryptozoology Museum located at Thompson’s Point in Portland, Maine. Today’s guest on Better than Monkeys, world re-known Cryptozoologist, Loren Coleman

    Ep 23 - Nancy Duskas, Mortuary Science!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2020 70:21


    On this episode of Better Than Monkeys, Brian pulls back the fascinating, sometimes sad, often funny, but until now, MYSTERIOUS veil surrounding the funeral business! Join Brian and special guests, Nancy Dusckas and Barbara Terrizzi of DUSCKAS FUNERAL HOMES, Inc. as they put the FUN back in FUNeral on this episode of BTM.

    Ep 22 - Violinist Jonathan Moser

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2020 21:56


    In this episode of BTM, we chat with Erie Philharmonic principal second violin Jonathan Moser. We cover how to create a diverse career in music, taking an audition, leading a section, the Suzuki string method and soooo much more! I’d love for you to join me (and Jonathan!) for part one of this two-part episode of Better Than Monkeys! You can connect with Jonathan on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/JonathanRMoser

    Ep 21 - Grammy Award Nominated Harpist Yolanda Kondonassis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2020 42:24


    Fresh on the heels of her SECOND Grammy Award nomination, this time in the best classical instrumental solo category, Yolanda Kondonassis finds time to chat with our Better Than Monkeys audience about her passion for the harp, her newest recording of the Jennifer Higdon Harp Concerto with Ward Stare and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, her passion for the environment, her skills as an author and educator, her not so secret love for her husband and her fixation with coffee and funky music!

    fresh grammy awards harpist grammy award nominated yolanda kondonassis
    Ep 20 - Singer Songwriter, Music Legend Judy Collins

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2019 9:08


    On this episode of BETTER THAN MONKEYS, we get to spend a few minutes talking with a true legend in the music world. A platinum album selling songstress with more than 55 albums created over the course of her illustrious career, her recording of Joni Mitchell's BOTH SIDES NOW is in the GRAMMY HALL OF FAME and her recording of Stephen Sondheim's SEND IN THE CLOWNS won song of the year at the 1975 Grammy Awards. She is author, mentor, social activist and singer/songwriter, JUDY COLLINS.

    hall of fame grammy awards music legends judy collins singer songwriter music joni mitchell's both sides now
    Ep 19 - Political Satirist and Comedian Mark Russell

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2019 43:30


    When Washington politicians see him coming, they run for the hills! or more specifically, FROM the Hill! Capitol Hill, that is! For over 30 years, Mark Russell brought his signature bow tie, star-spangled piano and sharp political humor to America via regular PBS specials. Mark is "mostly" retired now, but still has strong opinions and wit as stinging as ever! On this episode of Better than Monkeys, we sit down with Mark and chat about ruining family holidays, Marines doing target practice in Hawaii, why political humor is so important in our society and OOOOH so much more! I hope you enjoy listening to this podcast as much as I enjoyed recording it!

    Ep 18 - Conductor JoAnn Falletta

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2019 29:53


    Multiple Grammy Awards, 20 years as music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic, the FIRST WOMAN to be appointed to lead a major American music ensemble, a discography of over 115 titles and guest appearances on FRESH AIR WITH TERRY GROSS, PBS' Live from Lincoln Center, CBS Sunday Morning and more...our guest on this episode of BETTER THAN MONKEYS is none other than the dynamic barrier-breaking, music-making Maestro herself, JoAnn Falletta!

    Ep 17 - Bugs Bunny at the Symphony, George Daugherty / Erie Philharmonic

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2019 63:47


    The creator and conductor of "BUGS BUNNY AT THE SYMPHONY," George Daugherty, joins WQLN Radio's Brian Hannah for a fun an lighthearted look at the genius behind the iconic Bugs Bunny cartoons featured in the 30th anniversary production of "BUGS BUNNY AT THE SYMPHONY!"

    Ep 16 - Banjo Royalty Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2019 37:11


    Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn, “the king and queen of the banjo” (Paste Magazine), have a musical partnership like no other. Béla Fleck is a sixteen-time Grammy Award winner who has taken the instrument across multiple genres, and Abigail Washburn a singer-songwriter and clawhammer banjo player who re-radicalized the instrument by combining it with Far East culture and sounds. The two met at a square dance, began collaborating musically and eventually fell in love. YOU can fall in love with the dynamic musical duo on the most recent episode of BETTER THAN MONKEYS and you can catch them LIVE at the Chautauqua Institution on July 26, 2019 (www.chq.org) Join host Brian Hannah as he, Bela and Abigail talk all things love, banjo, banjo love, music love...lots of love to go around!

    Ep 15 - Shonn Wiley - Jersey Boys, Under the Streetlamp

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2019 36:05


    Shonn talks about life on the road, creating a hit musical from scratch, juggling a career on the road and family life as well as UNDER THE STREETLAMP’s July 12, 2019, performance at the legendary CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION!

    Ep 14 - Wynton Marsalis: Yes, THAT Wynton Marsalis!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2019 32:11


    American treasure Wynton Marsalis, aka The Best Jazz Trumpeter Ever, (and also killer classical trumpeter) schools fellow trumpeter Brian Hannah on a thing or two, in this preview of Marsalis's summer 2019 visit to nearby Chautauqua Institution.

    Ep 13 - Chita Rivera - Star of Stage and Screen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2019 20:10


    From Balanchine's School of American Ballet to countless iconic roles on Broadway, the legendary Chita Rivera's career has never ceased to scintillate!

    Ep 12 - UFO Researcher Stan Gordon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2019 32:45


    So, totally normal question: how many close encounters of the third kind have YOU had? And have you ever peered up at the night sky and seen something that looked, well, . . . a little odd? Author, TV & radio personality, and researcher Stan Gordon shares his extraterrestrial insights in this out-of-this-world episode.

    Ep 11 - To the Stars and Beyond! with Jim Gavio, Yahn Planetarium Director

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2019 30:03


    If there's one field in which we humans have hands-down beat those precocious monkeys, it's SPACE TRAVEL - even if that means stargazing from a comfy terrestrial chair. Jim Gavio, director of the Yahn planetarium at Penn State Erie: The Behrend College joins us for a chat about the stars and beyond in this starry-eyed spaced-out episode.

    Ep 10 - Music Therapy with Brittany Barko, M.M., MT-BC, NMT

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2019 29:34


    How can Johnny Cash change your life today? More important, what's your favorite song - and doesn't it make you feel... simply great? Board certified neurologic music therapist Brittany Barko tells us all about her very specialized field and how it integrates into patient care as non-pharmacological pain management, psychological treatment, physical therapy and more.

    Ep 9 - Master Magician Bobby Borgia, Part 2/2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2019 43:52


    The conversation continues with master magician Bobby Borgia! We delve again into the mysterious, the mystical, and the magical behind the science, art, business, and craft of modern magic.

    Ep 8 - Master Magician Bobby Borgia, Part 1/2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2019 31:44


    Modern magic predates ancient Egypt. Don't believe your eyes? Get your bewildered bearings as master magician Bobby Borgia delves into the mysterious, the mystical, and the magical in an enchanting chat about the science, art, business, and craft of his boundary-pushing and intriguing form of entertainment.

    Ep 7 - Grammy Winning Bass-Baritone Mark S. Doss

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2019 39:23


    ". . . [He] is so charismatic he may change your mind about an ultimate destination in the afterlife." (London Financial Times) Grammy Award winning bass-baritone Mark S. Doss takes us on a deep dive into the world of opera - a world in which his silky smooth, luscious voice and keen interpretation can not only reorient your metaphysic, but is in our humble opinion THE reason to listen to opera today. Have a listen. And when you find yourself addicted, we'll happily take the blame.

    Ep 6 - Poet Anna Rose Welch, Part 2/2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2019 30:00


    Back for part 2, award winning poet Anna Rose Welch, Erieite and author of the new collection “We, the Almighty Fires”, gives a mini-reading from the sexy reliquary that will whisper in your ear for the rest of the day. She talks with host Brian Hannah about finding her voice, juggling her day job with her creative pursuits, and her best advice for aspiring writers (Hint: The infinite monkey theorem won’t hack it.). This episode was produced in support of PBS’s The Great American Read.

    Ep 5 - Poet Anna Rose Welch, Part 1/2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2019 30:00


    A poet to make you swoon, make you dream, and make you reconsider the benefit of imposing creative limitations – it’s Erie’s own Anna Rose Welch, Alice James Award winning poet, sharing the magic behind her new collection "We, the Almighty Fires". Anna Rose discusses the symbiosis of wordplay and our humanity including. DISCLAIMER!!! – some saucy language that may not be appropriate for young’uns. (It’s near the end of this episode – between the 28 and 29 minute mark.)

    Ep 4 - Bradley Thachuk, Globetrotting Conductor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2019 30:00


    Our slightly loosey-goosey math tells us that only one out of every 600,000 Americans is an orchestra conductor! As a wee one, Bradley Thachuk dreamed of growing into this rare art profession, and the dream realized took him around the globe. Could a monkey have done it? No, OBV. In this episode, hear Thachuk’s reflections on this dream-come-true.

    Ep 3 - Rock Star Walt Slivinski

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2019 30:00


    We humans are rock stars among our mammalian class-mates. But what's it like to be a REAL rock star? From gigs with Sinatra to rubbing elbow with The Beatles, local music legend, composer . . . and ROCK STAR Walt Slivinski has covered it all in his quest for more meaningful humanity.

    Ep 2 - Archaeologist/Anthropologist Edward Jolie

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2019 30:00


    Who better to delve into that BIG question "What makes us HUMAN?" than a HUMAN-ologist? Mercyhurst University professor and pretty-cool human Ed Jolie focuses on the archaeology of the Americas and the perishable technologies found therein. Grab your favorite perishable treat (banana sandwich, anyone?) and cozy up to episode 2!

    Ep 1 - Erie Playhouse on What Makes Us Human

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2019 30:00


    Welcome to Better than Monkeys! Here we take a monthly deep-dive into the arts and sciences to discover answers to that BIG question, What makes us human? In this premier episode, electrifying Erie Playhouse talent Richard Davis, Christine Daugherty, Jim Griffey, and Shawn Clerkin share their Playhouse experiences, including how much current it takes to make a star of the stage proclaim "Owie"!

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