Ric Chetter - From Radioland

Fifteen months. A lot can happen in 15 months. That's how long it has been since the last episode. The hiatus is finally over. Now commercial free! There have been some other changes, too. In this episode, Ric Runs them down.   Patreon.com/fromradioland

Ric is back in the studio with new episodes of From Radioland. Now that Spring has sprung, there are a lot of new things happening in the world and this show is one of them. For those that are not in the know, Ric is a co-host of Radio Memphis in The Morning. In case you missed any of last week's shows, we have taken a bit from each day to show just how the week went. Also in the episode, new voices. You'll hear Monica who helps Ric & ElJay deal with the show and all of the world events. And if that wasn't enough, Rosie makes her return to the air in this episode. (Hint: You are going to be hearing a lot more of her at Radio Memphis)

In this episode, Ric talks of the impending situation regarding artificial intelligence. Should you worry? Judging by what is being rolled out, probably not. Ric thinks of it as kind of a parlor trick. Sure, it can do a lot of things. But, it doesn't do any of them very well.

Ric takes a look at the coming new year. Sure, we can all speculate. But not like Ric.

First it was radio that was dying. Now it looks like broadcast television is on life support. At the very least local TV seems to be the first to start seeing the throes of closure. 

Dealing with digital personal assistants is not what we were promised.

"If I could do what you do, I wouldn't be doing this." That is a line a lot of us have used over the years when we have met someone with extraordinary skill and talent. Some of us have heard that line said to us as well. That really is a special moment when that does happen. But, understand what our path is life really is supposed to be is what makes us all unique.  NEXT WEEK: Shut Up, Alexa  

The Earthly population has eight billion humans. That is a lot of people. Or, is it? In this episode, Ric takes a look at just how many people that really is and what impact that number has on a few things. Even hopes and dreams can suffer under a number like that. NEXT WEEK: Green with Envy

You might want to re-think the whole traditional Thanksgiving feast. The price of butter alone should make you think twice. If you want to have some real fun, search Butterball Turkey in Amazon. Something certainly seems off this year and it would appear that all of this talk of Avian Flu may just be an excuse to raise the price on the star of your dinner table. Fish sticks anyone? NEXT WEEK: Eight Billion

If it is one thing about corporate America, it is that all of them hate everybody and each other. It is a sad, yet amusing thing and all any of us can do is accept that. In this episode, Ric relates his time with corporate radio and how working for just the paycheck and the experience is never what you hope it is to be. Also, even away from the corporate game, we are all still players in this messed up world. NEXT WEEK: Your Turkey Sucks  

There is a fair amount of upheaval happening in the world of streaming television. All the things we as cord cutters ran from has already re-formed in to package deals some with ads and some without. You know what this is like? Cable television. Just like old times. What is the same is that there is still nothing on. What is different? The content seems to have gotten worse.  NEXT WEEK: Corporate America is Killing All of Us.

Inflation by it's natural definition is an inflated price of things. These days, there is a bit more to the concept. Sure, things have gone up in price for a number of reasons. Could be shipping, supply issues and the like. But, let's call our current situation what it really is. Corporate greed. NEXT WEEK: The Never Ending Streaming Wars  

Journalistic integrity is a lost art. We are all so attuned to bad reporting that some of us wouldn't know good reporting if they actually saw it. What's more is that bad reporting and writing is destroying local newspapers and has made local television news unwatchable. In this episode, Ric delves into this sometimes controversial topic and does his best in explaining what we are all seeing. NEXT WEEK: Call it what it is, Corporate Greed  

It would appear that all things are not well in the Metaverse. For the uninitiated, you are apparently not missing anything. Now with talk there are very few people who are using the platform and more people have shown extraordinary apathy to the thing, Zuckerberg seems to have chosen the hill on which to die upon. Add to the mix that Facebook (Meta) stocks are dropping and the company is losing a lot of cash, one has to wonder if this is truly the end for the once giant monster in the room. NEXT WEEK: Journalistic Integrity... or the lack thereof.

After a 9 week summer hiatus, Ric is back in Radioland with a new episode and regular production schedule. In this episode, Ric not only explains the break but takes this time to take on the phenomenon of the rise of various hate groups in America. It hit home recently when the Proud Boys showed up to protest their perceived menace that was a small group of drag queens. As absurd as that sounds, their perceptions of whatever social dangers they think they see are nothing more than a display of their own fear.   NEXT WEEK: Zuckerberg has issues. 

Ric spent some of his formative years in South Texas. He also spent a little time in Uvalde, Texas. The scene of a horrific school mass shooting. In this special episode, Ric tries to make sense of the situation. He also tries to understand what it was that happened. Join him for a bit of therapy if you need to find the things he's looking for, too. This is the episode that aired on Radio Memphis on 25 May, 2022. NEXT WEEK: 6% of You Are Stupid  

If you have ever spent any time with someone from a previous generation, they might tell you that "the whole world has gone to hell." For some younger people, that is rather off putting. Ric gets it. Here is a little secret. EVERY generation says the same thing to the younger generation. Surprise! Nothing has changed. NEXT WEEK: Uvalde, Texas  

Perhaps an interesting test of the power of an unfiltered internet comes in the everyday coverage of a war. That is precisely what is happening now. Among the cat videos, self-affirmation memes, and random political falsehoods one can find fascinating threads of the war in Ukraine being posted by those actually participating in the thing. The important thing for anyone to remember is the fact that most large events portrayed among the feeds of any social media may either be too much information or merely a reflection of the facts at hand. Ric's advice to anyone cruising this form of coverage should beware, it's like trying to drink out of a fire hydrant. NEXT WEEK: The World is Always Going to Hell.

In a sort of continued thought from last week, Ric talks about the notion that forward progress can be a good thing. However, for that to work, people should lose the things we no longer need. Nostalgia is fun to think about, but sometimes things last only for so long. Drawing from the example Netflix is setting up, some decisions are easier to make than others. If there is one takeaway from all of this, don't let others tell you what you like. NEXT WEEK: War, Social Media Style

Part of an advancement of society means some sort of progress, ideally. Never ending references to the way things used to be have become tiring to many people. Now, we must look to the way things are going to be. In that the world is approaching a post-pandemic situation, the old thing of "the new norm" is now. Most of the world has changed. Some changes are not so great while others are pretty good. Here, Ric takes a look at how the inherent resistance to change tends to slow things down. We aren't going back, and that is not a bad thing. NEXT WEEK: Not all things are worth keeping.

The "rise" of virtual reality seems more like a dud than the latest and greatest thing. Mark Zuckerberg thinks people will come flocking back to Facebook as a result. The issue it seems, is that virtual reality is having the same trajectory as 3D movies have had. Cute trick, but not a necessary thing. Headaches aside, the whole notion of entering a virtual world cut off from real society is just not all that appealing. Then again, is "Zuck Bucks" going to be the right answer? NEXT WEEK: Post Pandemic Norms

The answer to the question on the table would, of course depend on who you ask. It certainly has it's niche audience these days. The problem may be the fact that people in general don't want to be tied to a specific schedule to watch their shows. However, it seems to go deeper than that. Perhaps the real question that should be asked is whether or not the content that is being offered is compelling enough. NEXT WEEK: Augmenting Reality

The sands are shifting in the social media world. One of the biggest indicators seems to be the attitudes of the public regarding its existence. The general public seems to have come to grips with the ins and outs of this monster. Whether it stays or goes is not really the issue. The one fact remains in that the absence of reality is the only thing most people have taken to heart. Well, that and the absolute toxicity of the thing. Where does it go from here? NEXT WEEK: Is network television still a thing?  

There is one facet of journalism that on the surface seems absolutely pointless and devoid of any sort of attention spent on it and that is celebrity news. Unless a TV or movie star dies, most people don't seem to care, Or, do they? In this episode, Ric takes a look at phenomenon of this weird and kind of dirty side of the news. What drives it and do people really care about these people who are so unlike the rest of us? These are valid questions with a simple answer and that may be more sinister than you would want to believe. NEXT WEEK: Social Media Overhaul

A late winter snow thing wasn't enough to knock Ric off his schedule this time around as he talks about the way things are shaping up as we near a post-pandemic world. However, there are a lot of things going on to make our current situation rather complicated. Sure, we seem to be coming through to the end of the Covid 19 pandemic but not without changes in the way we are going to live. Pandemic not withstanding, there is a war going on, runaway inflation, and God help us everyone is freaked out about the price of gasoline. Strangely enough, we are not in a recession. How did that happen? NEXT WEEK: For some strange reason, people think famous people are interesting.

If you aren't aware by now, when you use a product online for free (social media) you are the product. You are the consumer and the commodity. The reasoning and all the things that can be done with your usage of that site or app is spelled out in the Terms of Service. In this episode, Ric takes a look at the Terms of Service for the new social media thing called Truth Social. When you go through that largely (bigly) boilerplate document, you'll see that you are now property of the company. Just like all the other social media sites out there. What's worse is that everything you have heard about this new site/app from them is kind of contradicted by their own Terms of Service. Also, Walmart is about to be the largest healthcare provider in the country. There is something about that statement that seems a little alarming. NEXT WEEK: The Cost of Living & The New Normal  

Two major events broadcast for the world happens and at the very same time, a sporting event and a war become the best and worst shows broadcast. Not necessarily in that order. To be fair, NBC did the best they could with an already doomed shitshow in China with all the weird politics, manufactured snow, and the fact most people have started not caring much about the Olympics. Then again, you have what has arguably become one of the most compelling things to happen on your device. That being the war in Ukraine. That is, if you watch it the way Ric does. In this episode, Ric talks about both of these things. It'll make you think that maybe the advertisers were putting commercials on the wrong broadcast. NEXT WEEK: Terms of Service for Truth

After an unplanned two week hiatus, Ric is back with another episode and this all about the catching up. In this episode, Ric will tell you about the set of circumstances that occurred which prevented business as usual around Studio A. He'll tell about worse it could have been and what ultimately happened when some understandable frustration set in. It is interesting what goes through one's mind while sitting in the dark. NEXT WEEK: The Absolute Shitshow That Was The Olympics

There has been a lot of movement lately among certain buzzwords. "Censorship", "Cancel", and "Spotify". This all relates, of course to Joe Rogan. In this episode (available on Spotify and other places), Ric dives into the topic that seems to be on a lot of consumer's minds. Thanks to Neil Young, many musicians are pulling their stuff from the platform. Noble, for sure. But, when looking at the real problem here, it is not the hack with the bad sense of humor or his rather unlistenable show (Ric's words), there is so much more here in play. Spotify makes its money through podcasts and subscriptions. So, what do they pay musicians vs what do they pay podcasters. It get's kind of complicated. Plus, the Wall Street people are about to suck all the fun right out of cryptocurrency. NEXT WEEK: Consumer Spending. You Know, Pocket Money.

A lot of cord cutters are standing around scratching their heads wonder what the hell just happened? Netflix, within their corporate greed decided to raise their rates. It is kind of a hard pill to swallow. Even though it's just a couple of bucks, $3.6 Billion a month is clearly not enough for this company. The rate hike bit them in the ass, too. Just this week, their stock price dropped 41%. That's a bunch. Some estimates claim they lost $20 Billion in a matter of a few hours. How greedy must you be to put out shitty programming for that kind of money? Also in this episode, Ric explains what happened when I guy got killed near the Radio Memphis parking lot. He caught a train. Apparently, he came a part over the whole thing.  NEXT WEEK: Cryptocurrency Is Not Fun Anymore

Are you a part of The Great Resignation? Have you had enough of "the man" putting the hobnailed boot of corporate oppression on your neck? Join the American movement to stick it to the system! In this episode, Ric takes a look at the trend that is making serious waves among the labor force. It appears that a sizable chunk of you have taken enough of the bullshit. We are all in a situation where capitalism has turned into a hostage situation and we seem to have fallen into the Stockholm Syndrome. It has been a long time coming and it took a pandemic to realize Mondays don't suck, its your job that sucks. It ain't for everyone, but for most the death of the middle class is a stark reminder of just how boned we all are. NEXT WEEK: The Stream is Deep

Ric is apparently getting a new neighbor. Normally, this would not be that big of a deal as he tends to welcome all new businesses in his neighborhood. This one though, seems to come with a built in annoyance. In this episode, Ric will tell you about yet another BBQ joint moving across the street. A Texas style BBQ thing with plans to build a large smoker that will fill the area (and Ric's living room) with the smell of smoked cow. Upon further investigation, there seems to be so much more to the situation than meets the eye. There is an interesting point here to be made for sure. It would appear someone wasn't thinking this all the way through. Not to mention the very true nature of one's reputation preceding himself. As Ric will tell you, this is probably not going to end well. NEXT WEEK: Putting the Nation into The Great Resignation

This is the final episode of the year 2021. As we turn the calendar page over to 2022, Ric has some interesting thoughts going into the new year. One of which is how our everyday language seems to affect those around us. Yes, there are some things that really are better left unsaid. Consider those old faux pas things relics of an uneducated past. However, as the pendulum swings back around, people are becoming a little too sensitive about the way certain things are discussed. Almost to the point where manufactured outrage occurs. It is in this spot where Ric has come to the conclusion that having any discussion with a woman is next to impossible. He mansplains in this episode. NEXT WEEK: The Reckoning of 2022

In this episode, Ric takes a look at the new financial model we are having to contend with. The notion we are subscribed to everything. It would appear that gone are the days when you wanted something, you merely accessed it and then paid for it. Not any more. Now, you can subscribe to just about anything. Nothing is out of reach and nothing is off limits. Even your dog can have a subscription to a monthly delivery of stuff. Think of it as being nickle and dimed to death.  NEXT WEEK: The End of The Year

How many websites do you think the average person visits on a daily basis? For nearly 20 years, our society has had to come to grips with all the things the world wide web had to offer. In this episode, Ric re-visits the notion of what "the information super highway" was supposed to bring to humanity and then takes a comparison of what we all have today. Pretty stark difference. Which begs the question, what lies ahead. Considering how oddly narrow the focus of the internet has become, what the future holds seems just as narrow. NEXT WEEK: Going Deep

We often find ourselves in a position when we feel we need something. Rare is the time when we say something like, "I have everything I need." These days, we all seem to be needing some rather important things. Perhaps, this holiday season we'll be able to get a little better grip on the things we all need. What are those things? In this episode, Ric takes a look at some of the things we seem to need as a society. The problem is, when what we really need shows up, there is always some jackass who makes it known that whatever that thing is, is something we DON'T need.  NEXT WEEK: Tumbleweeds and Dead Cactus

In this episode, Ric asks what has happened to the idyllic world of streaming television. It has (as predicted on this show) devolved into what cable television used to be. Package based television filled with nickle and dime deals where all of a sudden, we are all paying about what we used to pay when we were tethered to the coaxial cable. All for what? The same (if not worse) entertainment experiences. If you really want to get down to the nuts and bolts of the thing, ask a sports fan just how bad it has become. NEXT WEEK: Necessity Truly is The Mother of Invention

It's an unpopular topic to get into but, Ric has decided to take on a little bit of a discussion regarding Climate Change. In the wake of the COP26 Meeting in Glasgow, what got accomplished? Anything? More importantly, what can you do about the situation? Anything? Maybe. There are a lot of questions out there with very few answers. In this episode, Ric ponders these things. One thing that is certainly not in question is that the world we live in has turned into a bit of a dump. NEXT WEEK: Streaming TV Is Getting Out of Hand

Although this episode could have been titled "Don't Eat The Vapo Rub", you are going to hear in this episode is kind of a metaphor. Ric takes a look at how the absolute insane things that are being said about virtually everything has been given some sort of a strange level of credibility. This in not a good thing. Unless you are a comic. But even then, the absolute ridiculous things you see and hear from people have become downright dangerous. Some might say they are frightened by such talk but, as Ric points out in this episode, usually the ridiculous is absolutely amusing. NEXT WEEK: We Live With The Garbage

In this episode, Ric takes a few moments to talk about the passing of Dianna Fryer. Also, a celebration of her life will happen on live radio at Radio Memphis very soon. All the details are in this episode.  NEXT WEEK: The Crazy Parade

Facebook (in their infinite wisdom) has decided to re-brand themselves. In this episode, Ric takes a look at how smart this may be. Or as the conclusion gets drawn here, how very stupid this idea is. After all, lipstick on a pig is nothing more than a pig wearing lipstick. Does this plan ever work? Is changing your name to avoid controversy ever a good idea? The answer to both of those questions is a simple "no". Ric will explain as he has been a part of a very similar thing and the end result was still the same. No matter how far you can run from your roots, you are still the same thing. You might be wearing lipstick while you are running but, you are still a pig. Which brings up the notion regarding social media. You are the product. NEXT WEEK: The Crazy Parade

For over seven years, Ric has sat down and delivered 400 episodes of From Radioland. In this, the 400th episode, Ric takes a look back at how this show has evolved over those years. He also spends a bit of time explaining the importance of a legitimate human connection that can be made through a format such as this or through live radio. Although the internet has been the great leveler of playing fields, the one true notion that remains the same and is just as important than ever is the connection that can be made when one simply listens to another. NEXT WEEK: Gullible

In this episode, Ric sits down with writer, director, and actor Rob Jankowski as he discusses his new film. Attached: Paranormal is out and if you are a fan of horror films, this one is certainly for you. During this conversation, you'll hear how this film was made and what it takes to make a good film within this genre. Rob not only directs this film, he wrote and stars in it which allows him quite a bit of control when it comes to shooting a sizable movie like this. Also, Ric has algebra woes. Plus the idea of this year being the breakout year for the return of Krampus gets floated. NEXT WEEK: This Space For Rent  

Luka James is an artist in a true sense of the term. His medium is music and his approach is rather different. He brings a nice bit of positivity to an otherwise dreary world. In this episode, Ric sits down with the artist to talk about creativity, the songwriting process, as well as the techniques he uses to record his material. You'll also hear about how he became the student of Bobby McFerrin and learn how the impact of one artist can make all the difference. Plus, Ric tells you about the good news coming in regards to the pandemic. Also, the Radio Memphis Merch store is open for business. NEXT WEEK: Rob Jankowski

In this episode, Ric sits down with guitarist Will Crewdson to talk about a number of things. He has a lot going on at the moment between his solo work and the shows he has lined up with Adam Ant. Along the way, they discuss the subtle differences between London's music scene and the same situation in Memphis. Plus, Ric talks about what it would be like if federal judges told businesses who they have to serve. NEXT WEEK: Luka James

If you were to stop and think about it for a moment, a movie would suck a lot if there were no appropriate music in the production. In this episode, Ric sits down with composer and film scorer Randy Edleman to talk about the art of scoring a film and some of the things that goes into the craft. Of course, there is also the business of show business and Randy will lay some of that out for you as well. Also in this episode, Ric tells you about yet another thing he has gotten himself involved in which regards the expansion of Radioland to TV Land... in a way. NEXT WEEK: Will Crewdson

In this second part of our conversation with Duwayne Burnside, you are going to hear more great stories from North Mississippi. Including a hilarious fish story and what really went down when Duwayne was on the run from the man. Also, you'll hear more new music he is working on as well as more live performances in the studio. Plus, Ric lays down the latest news From Radioland including an interesting idea that is in the works for the show. Also, Ric gives an update from the show Drinking with Dead People. NEXT WEEK: Randy Edelman

One of the sons of R.L. Burnside went to the Radio Memphis studios to have some fun with Ric, Natalie and Mark. He debuted some new tracks he is working on as well as some live in studio performances of which you will hear in this episode. Also, some stories from North Mississippi and the world that is Duwayne Burnside. It is a rollicking good time and is one of those shows where everyone was exhausted from all the laughter and great music. Plus, Ric talks about the Covid vaccine and the latest from the graveyard and the ongoing second season of Drinking with Dead People. NEXT WEEK: Duwayne Burnside Part 2

This is the second part of our conversation with Mark "Muleman" Massey. In this episode you will hear more of new music he is working on and some other stories from Mississippi. You will also hear about the time he spent in Parchman Prison and how that led him to be a part of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Plus, you are going to learn how not to skin a goat. NEXT WEEK: Duwayne Burnside Part 1

Our old friend Mark Massey returns to the Radio Memphis studios with new music and stories. He was one of the first people in the state of Mississippi to contract Covid 19. He got it before there was a vaccine and his experience with it is remarkable. He'll tell you what it was like and what life has been like after he recovered from the illness. Also, you'll hear new music from his forthcoming disc as well as a few songs performed live in the studio. NEXT WEEK: Mark Massey Part 2

In this very special and bittersweet episode, a tribute to one of the architects of the Memphis sound and the birth of rock and roll, a conversation about Earl Forest. Contributing to the conversation is Brad Webb, Cam Mtenzi, Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms, and Thomas Clay, Jr. In this episode you will hear first hand stories about the early days of Memphis music by the men who were there. You'll also hear some of those early recordings and what is the very first rock and roll song. A special note regarding this episode is that shortly after this conversation, Thomas Clay, Jr. passed away. This episode marks his final broadcast appearance. Therefore, this episode is dedicated to him. NEXT WEEK: Mark "Muleman" Massey