Muffy Drake

SETLIST: THE ITSY BITSY SPIDER (Nursery Rhyme-Public Domain) JUDE-Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe LAVA LAMP BLUES-Written by Jim Hall GLADYS MALLORY-Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe SONG IN SPITE OF MYSELF-Written by Countee Cullen (Poem-Public Domain) Episode written by Jim Hall Sound Design & Editing by Jim Hall  

In this Episode (#4) of Radio Free Paris: We conjure a new version of a classic nursery rhyme, this time in Swahili.  Then, Muffy Drake is proud to manage the career of The Enchanted Gregorians. You will hear from them about the Cosmic Karma Junk in the Trunk...Amen.  Then, Mother Earth goes toe-to-toe with a Climate Change Denier. Who wins the Singing/Slinging Slug-Fest? You tell us... Then, a song for the Broken-Hearted, from our Hearts here at the base of the Eiffel Tower to yours. Executive Producer-Jim Hall Producer Extraordinaire-Xavier Combe Editing & Sound Design by Jim Hall

Here we are! Episode #8 of-The Lost Bistro Cabaret: Dollop of Kant We hope, to this point, you've been entertained and occasionally enlightened as we look through our Paris perspective Ira Glass darkly. Are we nearing the end of Season #1? Good question. Seems this podcast racket is all about the downloads. Can we talk? Good. We were afraid you might be offended if we continually bring up the subject. We've attempted to grow The Lost Bistro organically, through you, and with a little help from many reach outs to those who are in positions of power and influence in the podcast industry. Muffy Drake has reached out to the Usual Suspects: KCRW/WBEZ/WNET/BBC/Crooked Media/Pushkin Industries/Fat Tony "The Influencer"... But, so far...to quote Joe Frank, "those efforts rendered faithfully over a period of months have been in vain." They wouldn't return our phone calls or answer the many emails sent with a loving nudge...hourly. All we asked of them was to take a listen. Hear for themselves if we could have a seat at one of their small card tables in the backroom. "If a podcast fails in a digital forest, did it ever make a sound in the first place?" Desperate times call for disparate measures.  Maybe one of you, knows someone, who knows someone, who has a cousin named Joey who once played pickleball in the rain with Lady Gaga and is still on speaking terms with them and could reach out to Joey and ask him to champion Muffy. I'm just saying, reaching out continually with no answer is enough to break the Heart of this podcast, but not the SPIRIT.  However, YOU have faithfully answered our call every week and Merci Beaucoup! for that. You know who you are. Here is a list of where you live: France-United Kingdom-Ukraine-Ireland-India-Nepal-Mexico-Taiwan-Greece-Kenya-Latvia-Namibia-Algeria-South Africa-Canada-Pakistan-Poland-Uganda-Portugal-Denmark-Spain-Israel-Japan-Vietnam-Norway-Austrailia-Cyprus-Switzerland-Germany-Italy-Belgium-Cuba-New Zealand-Columbia-Finland-Argentina-Singapore-Netherlands-Uzbekistan-Austria-Chile-Cameroon-Hong Kong-Slovenia-Phillipines-Somalia-Thailand-Trinidad and Tobago & Montana Just know, Muffy Drake will always have a seat for you at the table of The Lost Bistro Cabaret. Drop us a line here: muffydrake@gmail.com We won't GHOST You like the above mentioned Power Brokers. And with that...Enjoy the Show! Au revoir Amigos!

RFP-Radio Free Paris: It's FREE, from FRANCE, no String Cheese attached... In this Ep.#3, we Jitterbug and Cut A Rug in a Syncopated Fashion from song to song...to song. Once again, we have a mystical little number from The Enchanted Gregorians, a new Chanting Choir of Monks under the management of Muffy Drake. (Tour Schedule Coming Soon!) And, other songs folded into this podcast to make an exquisite Sonic Origami.  Sound Design & Editing by Executive Producer Jim Hall 

In this episode of The Lost Bistro Cabaret, Muffy Drake frets about the "Download Situation" and imagines if this trend continues, she will end up on the Podcast Killin' Floor... Stories:  3 Machines-Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Bequeath-Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design & Editing by Jim Hall

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. —Martin Niemöller False Friends-Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Esmeralda Departed-Written by Jim Hall Sound Design & Editing by Jim Hall 

Introducing: RADIO FREE PARIS  A Brand Spanking New Muffy Drake Media Podcast! Featuring Music created by the MotherShip in Paris. This Ersatz presentation relies heavily on Superficial Knowledge gleaned from decades of consuming Insignifica to a saturation point.  In this episode, MD explores the BLUES musical canon in a contrapuntal fashion.  In other words...take a listen.  All songs (except for Baa Baa B.S.) written by Jim Hall  Jim Hall-Editor/Sound Design/Executive Producer Xavier Combe-Producer Extraordinaire   

It's the KING CORONATION Day. But, which King?  The Lost Bistro Cabaret hunkers down as a severe storm Passes Over... Written & Edited by Executive Producer Jim Hall Muffy Drake Media muffydrake.com 

A Podcast can teach, it can illuminate; yes, it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it's nothing but Joe Rogan electing a president... -Muffy Drake Media 

In this Bonus preview of The Lost Bistro Cabaret, we have a front row seat at a REHEARSAL for an upcoming episode. Things are not going well. Always behind schedule. Madame Doreen is told to take center stage for what she thought was going to be a sound check. It was not.  The nightclub is always open, even during the day. People outside the club are busy with their lives, with their thoughts. Some are happy. Some are not. Some feel Lost... Some feel defeated. Like, how are they ever going to get over the recent events that seem to have trumped Love and Hope and Joy. It begins to rain heavily outside the club. There is lightening. It is not safe. The defeated take refuge inside the Lost Bistro Cabaret, where they know, they are always welcome and safe there. 

In this episode the Lost Bistro Cafe & Cabaret sings the songs for the New Frontier. Do we find that New Frontier by slipping the surly bonds of earth?  Or, do we find it by exploring deeper, the inner space of the Human Heart?  Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Produced & Edited by Jim Hall Sound Design by Jim Hall 

In this BONUS EPISODE: The Lost Bistro is LOST in REHEARSALS!!! Madame Doreen would like to stick to the script. This coming Sunday is all about SPACE CADET. Tik Tok...the Broadcast Clock!  The show is behind schedule. There is tension on the stage. EVERYONE is aware, if the Download Situation doesn't head NORTH, it's Lights Out at the Lost Bistro in Paris.  Space Cadet Rehearsal was booked for rehearsal, but suddenly someone flipped the script nimbly and kept it IN THE HEAVENS: "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our STARS, but in ourselves?.." If a Podcast Fails in the Digital Forest...did it ever make a Sound in the first place?  Goodnight? and Good Luck? 

In this episode of The Lost Bistro Cafe & Cabaret: A Blues Guitar is lost in a dice game late at night in the alley behind the club. The owner of the instrument interrupts the show to accuse "Jinny" of stealing his axe. What happens next...well, hit play and find out. Short Stories Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design & Editing by Jim Hall   

Live! From the Lost Bistro Cafe & Cabaret, a brand new Spanking & Sparkling Episode from Muffy Drake. In this episode we uncover the incident that got Xavier & Jim kicked out of Le Cordon Bleu while on scholarship with the marching band. Evidently, "someone" poured Bouillabaisse down Tommy the Tuba Player's Hole... Bon Appétit!! And, other delightful stories and songs prepared in the Absurd & Quirky Kitchen of MD.  Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design & Editing (Tuba Cleanup) by Jim Hall

The Muffy Drake Lost Bistro Cafe & Cabaret drops Episode #2 this coming Sunday-12/08/24 Xavier Combe and Jim Hall have been busy as a Sommelier at a Velveeta Convention desperately seeking the correct wine pairing with this Cheese Product. MD 20/20? Your thoughts?  Listen here to a few clips selected from Episode #2 with this Download. Muffy has a favor to ask, if our Podcast is the Ping to your Pong, could you share the Love with your Fellow (Inner-Ear)Travelers?  We've been told we're reaching a Critical Mass situation with the Download numbers and if they don't rise dramatically in the next few episodes...The Gendarmes are gonna take over the joint... CHECK MUFFY DRAKE OUT ON FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM/BLUESKY/LASCAUX CAVE WALL... OR HERE: muffydrake.com 

In this episode, Muffy Drake invites you to attend the Grand Opening of our new BLUES & JAZZ nightclub (Le Lost Bistro) in Paris. The club serves as a temporal anchor tethering the start of the podcast to the end. And, some Righteous Singing with the introduction of Madame Doreen.  Stuck Smack-Dab in the middle is the story of "Delores said you'd be here..." Do you need to get away? Escape the Madding crowd? Yes?... Then do we have a treat for you with this mysterious tale of an Airbnb rental that will chill your Spine and comfort your Soul... Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design & Editing by Jim Hall muffydrake.com   "CATCHER-OF-THE-WRY" 

Matador Esmeralda enters the ring and faces the Bull, Ernest in The LAST BULLFIGHT. Destiny and fate have brought the two together for this Final  Bloodmatch. Death in the midafternoon... Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design & Edited by Jim Hall  

In this Brand Spanking New episode of Je Ne Sais Quoi, we attempt to make some Waves (SOUND) that undulate and delight as they dance in your ears. If you're new to our podcast please forgive the absence of a playlist. We sort of Jitterbug from Story to Song to Story. A roadmap delineating every turn would ruin the experience we are trying to create. For those who always must read first, on the box cover, the description of the chocolates they are eating...our apologies. Our wish is to let the podcast wash over you in a cleansing syncopated fashion, providing Rich French Food for Thought... So, get your passport ready...it's about to get STAMPED.  Thoughtful and Provocative stories Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design & Superficial Intelligence by Jim Hall  

In this episode of Je Ne Sais Quoi: 1. BURNS BLUES-Muffy takes the words of documentary Peabody Award winner Ken Burns and Tunes  them to the KEY OF "D"... 2. SALTWHISTLE BAY-Enjoy the Favoring Breeze of the Caribbean as you Island Hop, never suspecting the surprise at your Final Stop... 3. TOM-Tom was a kind man. Tom lived a quiet life. Tom, kept a secret... 4. MAINLINE (Song) "J" is on the Mainline. The Call is always FREE...  Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design by Jim Hall 

In this Special Edition of the Muffy Drake Podcast we explore all this new fangled technology and give it our Best with these really GIANT VACUUM TUBES and BLINKING DIODES and stuff. It's a Big Assist and Boost to our Low Brow Bearings... Song List:  1. Pocatello Radio 2. 1958 Rothschild Cabernet Blues 3. A Clear Choice 4. The Verdict is in...

May we introduce to you the New Name of our Podcast: Je Ne Sais Quoi What's in a name? Je Ne Sais Quoi sums it up for Muffy Drake. Take a listen to a short excerpt from the soon to be released full episode. In this sampler, you will hear the story of The Orange Box after an introduction by Xavier Combe and Lola (Mystery Host). Xavier worked for the French version of NPR for decades as a translator. He was the voice (in French) of Nobel Prize laureates and Oscar winners during their stay in France. No kidding. This experience further developed an already advanced worldview only to be narrowed by his Franco-American Alliance with Jim Hall.  The Orange Box Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe French Pilots played by Antoine Herbez & Ivan Herbez Sound design & Editing by Jim Hall  Je Ne Sais Quoi--Executive Producer--Jim Hall  

In the time it takes to listen to this short story, you could boil dozens of eggs...but would they be PERFECT?  Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe-Sound Design by Jim Hall In other Breaking News! Muffy Drake is honored to announce that our short film GAMES PEOPLE PLAY is making its European Premiere in London on March 16th at the Crystal Palace International Film Festival. GPP was first heard on our podcast and now is a Finalist at the festival and will compete to take home the International Prize.  Check it out here:https://cpiff.co.uk/animation/ And, we just had the World Premiere at the DC Independent Film Forum in Washington, DC. So happy to be in attendance at the 25th Anniversary of this cutting edge event. In our block of animation was an Academy Award winner! How cool is that to share the screen with OSCAR caliber work...   Check it out here:https://dciff-indie.org  

This episode "FUN FACTS" is dedicated to all of you out there who find themselves stuck, smack-dab in the middle of this thang we call the Human Condition... Written & Performed by: Xavier Combe Jim Hall Walt Wood

In this full episode of Muffy Drake, we explore encounters of the Glowing Kind. THE GEIGER ENCOUNTER-Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe.  WALT RANT-A portrait of the struggling artist. Written & Narrated by Walt Wood.   TWO KIWIS-A Love Story firmly planted in tender soil that isn't for the birds. Written by Xavier Combe with narration by Jim Hall.  MD Host-"Bobo" sets the table for the podcast and closes out the show.  Sound Design & Music by Jim Hall      

In this episode: PARKING LOT AMNESIA-We've all been there, you park the car and cannot find it later amongst the school of fish feeding on the asphalt. Yours resembles a Koi/Kia. Looks like we're gonna need a smaller parking lot...(Written by Xavier Combe-MD Players: Antoine Herbez & Xavier Combe) SLEEP KILLER BANJO-A Japanese hotel featuring Shoji architectural style paper thin walls and sliding doors is not a great start for a Good Night's Sleep...(Written & Narrated by Jim Hall) WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?-A talk show that wants to solve the problems of listeners leaves everyone in the non-plussed column...(Written & performing all the character voices-Walt Wood) Your host Bobo closes out the show...    

In this episode, we take note of the last line of defense against the aliens who are apparently Green with Envy and finally go on the offensive... Then, Bobo tells us about Aunt Dot and her cats. A symphony of Cat Calls suddenly goes astray... Then, "Mordvin" takes center stage... Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound design by Jim Hall

Charlie Watts died and woe is us who miss his timing and sense of rhythm.  A couple years ago, The Rolling Stones conducted auditions to not replace this legendary rock musician, but rather to mend the broken hearts of band members who knew the beat must go on... Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Soundscape Design by Jim Hall 

Happy Holidays from Muffy Drake! In this bonus episode we explore Giacometti's Walking Man sculpture through the corpulent lens of the Fat Fingers Jewelry shop. Written by Xavier Combe Size 11 Ring character-Xavier Combe Size 13 Ring character-Jim Hall

Muffy Drake is a Big Fan of Jonathan Goldstein and his podcast HEAVYWEIGHT, which was just given the axe by Spotify, and woe is us... So, we would like to reach out to Ross Adams, the CEO of Acast and a true Mensch, and implore him to give that crew a new home with a built-in, erudite audience. Please share this shout out with 1 million of your closest peeps.  Oh...and please enjoy "SALTWHISTLE BAY."  Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Original Music by Jim Hall 

In this brand spanking new "Bonus" episode of MD: Bobo waxes Wall Street with the "Random Walk Theory" of blindfolded monkeys throwing darts at stock picks. Also, talking about a zoo patron who bears an incredible likeness to a famous permanent resident at the Paris cemetery. This Patron is kinda Strange. Likes to Ride on Storms during a Moonlight Drive... Music by Paul Belle

In this sparkling new episode of Muffy Drake, Bobo explores the Stanislavsky Method & Stanley Kowalski as it relates to the 4th wall in theatre... Then, we re-pop the cork on a relationship that's gone flat and suddenly is bubbling once again in our featured story: CHAMPAGNE Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design by Jim Hall 

A smoke break in a dark alley, late at night, leads to an unlikely and absurd encounter with the BLUES... Written & Narrated by Jim Hall Sound Design by Jim Hall 

In this new episode of Muffy Drake, "THINGS" continue to heat up... Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design by Jim Hall

The Madison Avenue advertising machine in the 1960s was focused on Men, Mad with Sexism. It was not a level playing field as women were portrayed as objects of desire, or submissive figures in need of protection by the Alpha Male. Anthropomorphism revved and ruled the game... Written & Narrated by Jim Hall Music by Jim Hall 

In this full episode of MUFFY DRAKE: NORMANDY-Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe  BOBO-Introduction TWO KIWIS-Written by Xavier Combe-Narrated by Jim Hall CHANNEL 2-Written by Xavier Combe-Narrated by X.C. & J.H. BOBO-Closing thoughts... (Sound Design for all stories-Jim Hall)  

Recently, the French passed a law banning some domestic flights in an attempt to address climate change. They encouraged travelers to take the train for trips under two-and-a-half hours to replace short hops in the air.   We encourage you all to consider hopping aboard the MD train. It's chock-full of absurd story after story involving our planet and the people who live there. Although we are carbon based, our footprint is a tiny size 7... Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design by Jim Hall 

"This just might do nobody any good." Sage words from Ed Murrow to begin a rant about the waste land television had become.  This episode is dedicated to another priceless piece of property we are laying waste to...Mother Earth. And, woe is us! How will it all end?   Stay tuned, as they say. Our future will be what we make or break of it. Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design by Jim Hall 

Sometimes you must assume a Different Identity to make it through the day. Rules are rules and strict adherence to them is what separates the--Cleaning Ladies from the Far Right Senators in the French Senate. If you ask me, I think it's time to clean house... Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Exquisite Sound Design by Jim Hall

Homage is a tribute piece to one of the most provocative raconteurs of the 20th century, if we can be Frank with you... Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design by Jim Hall

TASHKENT is from a series of stories that always begins with, "I'm sitting on the toilet..." A unique perspective to examine the human condition and the absurdity of: fill in the ____.  Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design by Jim Hall 

In this full episode of Muffy Drake, we take a deep dive (6 feet under) into the funeral business. You only die once, so why not pay it forward while saving the planet. (Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe-Sound Design by Jim Hall) Then, Muffy tells us all about the penguins in Florida who have tragically lost their coats during a cold spell there. Then, we visit the waiting room at the Doctor's Office. It's a long wait... (Written & Narrated by X.C. Sound Design J.H.) Then, we go shopping for drones with Joe Frank, the most magnificent storyteller the world has ever known. Joe is the True Vine for raconteurs, if we can be Frank with you. (Written & Narrated by Jim Hall)  

What are the odds of winning the lottery? Let's just say you have a better chance of being struck by lightning in the jaws of a Great White Shark, who, oddly enough, has decided at that precise moment to abandon the Vegan lifestyle. But, someone has to win, right?  Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design by Jim Hall 

In this episode of MD: We explore the complexity of the French language. Hats off to Xavier Combe, as he walks us through everything we need to know to pair a rare Cabernet with Velveeta.. Then, Muffy tells a story about a famous actress/schoolmate.  Then, "Fresh Air Freaks" offers up some street cred for our claim MD has a "Literary Bent Vibe." Then, Bobo closes out the episode with a story about the mimes visiting him at his Chateau Bastille in the Paris zoo. Bobo is a talking Orangutan who has plenty to say about the human condition... French Language/Fresh Air Freaks Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design & Music by Jim Hall 

It's always good to get away...escape the madding crowd. Find solitude in that symphony of one called, You!    When the only sound that matters is the key unlocking the door to the rental and what waits for you inside. Written by Xavier Combe & Jim Hall Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design by Jim Hall

You've probably never heard of the British Mountaineer Andrew Irvine, but who hasn't heard of Mount Everest? Over 300 people have perished attempting to reach its summit. Irvine was George Mallory's climbing companion in 1924 for their historic ascent.  Some would say Andrew Irvine peaked at 22, but did he?... Written & narrated by Xavier Combe-Soundscape design by Jim Hall

How do you like your eggs? To most people, it's a simple enough question. Over easy? Scrambled? Boiled? Nothing is easy in the MD kitchen, as we had to break a few eggs in order to prepare this story just for you. Bon Appétit! Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design by Jim Hall  

Recently, we were at the airport and someone came up to us and asked for some change. We reached into our pockets to see what we could give them, and they told us that's not the type of change they were seeking... Terminal CC-Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe  Soundscape Design by Jim Hall Fun Facts II-Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe  Soundscape Design by Jim Hall Lady Bird-Written & Narrated by Jim Hall  Music by Jim Hall Donut Therapy (Tony from Talq Boat Episode)-Written & Narrated by Jim Hall  Invisible Force-Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe

The last bullfight begins and ends with...? You decide after listening to this Muffy Drake epic.  Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design by Jim Hall 

A very important speech has to be given to a large audience. The speaker is terrified to speak in public. Surveys reveal that public speaking is the 'Number One' fear for most of us. The speaker even has a therapist and voice coach who convince him to follow the old bromide about imagining everyone in the audience is naked. And, that is where the negotiations begin... Written & Narrated by Jim Hall 

A Fun Fact: Total number of Popes through history clocks in at 266. Total number of Godfather films chimes in at 3... Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design by Jim Hall 

Only Icarus and Daedalus would've been happier to miss a flight... For most of us camping at the airport, we melt into our seats waiting patiently, sometimes for hours, to hear the announcement that our plane is "Now Boarding".  Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe  Soundscape design by Jim Hall