Classic entertainment radio talk shows that originally aired on WHO radio in Des Moines from 1995 to 2002. The fun feature interviews include authors, game creators, celebrities, health professionals, and trivia experts. There will usually be 3 or 4 podcasts posted each month, with fresh podcasts rotated in the mix.
Barbeque Queen Karen Adler from Kansas City starts the summer off with basic tips on how to grill meats and cook veggies. She covers ideas for fish, lamb, and potatoes, best cuts of meat, types of fuels to use, proper temperatures, and cleaning the grill, along with the impact of weather. They also discuss why the smoke always seems to follow you around when you grill! You'll even have special appearances by WHO Radio's Van and Bonnie in this 1997 Memorial Day episode.
A sleep clinic medical expert gives advice to callers on how to deal with sleep issues, including food to eat before bedtime, exercising, traveling, holiday change in patterns, pillows, snoring, apnea, medications, and insomnia. From WHO radio in Des Moines in 1990. Jo Fisk went on to work at Des Moines Sleep Specialists in Clive.
All you ever wanted to know about fries from the author of "The French Fry Companion." Dave Groulich shares the history of the famous food (hint: they're not from France!), how it is eaten differently around the world, the best type of potatoes to use, and how McDonald's changed how we eat them. In this 2000 interview listeners call in with their favorites ways to make fries, including dipping them in ice cream, salsa, and apple pie. Winzenburg on the Weekend has YouTube versions of each episode.
Queen of Clean Linda Cobb is a New York Times Bestseller that sold millions of books with easy solutions for getting rid of dirt around the house and in the laundry. Her unique Spring cleaning advice includes putting aspirin in the washer, cat litter in the fridge, a slice of bread in the dresser, and Tang in the toilet! In this 2001 audio interview she answers callers' questions about stains and smells involving carpet, clothing, kitchen and bathroom.
Just in time for Lent, discover the unusual ways people eat Tuna. Terra Milligan from Chicken of the Sea tells how the fish company started from a famous baked beans canner, keeps prices low, shares recipes from the "Tuna Fish Gormet Cookbook," and talks with callers about their favorite ways to eat tuna. This 2000 audio-only interview is from WHO Radio in Des Moines, Iowa.
Peanut butter has fanatical addicts, bizarre recipes, strange non-food uses, & even a secret adult peanut butter fan club! The PB Advisory Board's Leslie Wagner explains the product's origins as a health food, the cereal company that has the buttery first patent, and more than a dozen callers sharing their unusual concoctions like peanut butter in a hamburger, ham salad, pumpkin soup and mashed potatoes. March 1st is the celebration of National Peanut Butter Lover's Day! From WHO radio in 2000.
Bestselling author and psychologist Dr. Kevin Leman talks about his books "Growing Up Firstborn" and "Unlocking the Secrets of Your Childhood Memories." His controversial advice includes not making oldest kids babysit, giving the oldest special privileges, and that opposites should attract in marriage. He also evaluates childhood memories of successful people, including Donald Trump. From 1990 on WHO radio in Des Moines, Iowa. "Winzenburg on the Weekend" is available on all major podcast services.
"The Popcorn Princess" shares surprising and hilarious recipes for America's favorite snack. Then callers get a chance to share their odd ways of eating popcorn, including baked goods, salads, and freezing to make popsicles. Author of "For Popcorn Lovers Only" Diane Pfeiffer is interviewed in 1999 on WHO radio in Iowa, which is the largest consumer of popcorn in the world! "Winzenburg on the Weekend" is heard on all major podcast platforms.
Emmy-nominated sitcom star Shelley Fabares talks about "The Donna Reed Show" and the correct way to say her last name! She appears in this 1996 WHO radio interview with co-star Jimmy Hawkins, who went on to become an Emmy-winning producer and shares his memories of appearing at four years old in the classic Christmas movie "It's a Wonderful Life." Then Shelley returns in 1997 to discuss the end of her hit series "Coach." A longer version of this episode can be heard on YouTube.
Lorie Line is one of America's premier concert pianists and for over 30 years has put on spectacular holiday shows. In this fast-paced 2006 interview with Steve Winzenburg on WHO Radio in Des Moines, she talks about her approach to doing new versions of classic Christmas songs and calls herself "musically restless." She has released 50 CDs & owns a record company while traveling with her orchestra by bus to over 30 shows across America between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve each year.
Dr. Itch can help you stop the scratching from winter indoor heat or summer outdoor skin problems. Dr. Stephen Pennisi takes callers' questions in the 1990s and discusses if showers are bad for your skin, whether dry skin is inherited, if mineral oil or glycerin are good moisturizers, the special treatment of diabetic skin issues, how your job could contribute to bad skin, the most and least healthiest places in the U.S. for skin, and the differences between ointments, creams, and lotions.
Think you know the geography of countries of the world? Guess along to this fun world geography quiz from WHO Radio in Des Moines, Iowa starting at the 7:30 mark. Each caller is given either the name of a country and they have to say another country that borders it, or host Steve Winzenburg answers the question and the callers have to say whether he's telling the truth or bluffing. The show starts with guest Roger Andresen talking about creating the WorldWise Geography Card Games.
What's the most-used college sports nickname? What famous professional golfer used to be called Ohio Fats? How was the Cleveland Indians nickname actually meant to be a positive tribute? Who were the Chicago Orphans? What's a New York Nick? And why is Lawrence Berra called "Yogi"? Author Burnham Holmes from "The Complete Book of Sports Nicknames" answers these questions and more, while callers take the nicknames quiz on this quick 1998 show on WHO radio in Des Moines, Iowa.
Something different for the podcast--host Stephen Winzenburg is interviewed on fellow WHO talk show host Jan Mickelson's show for a humorous episode that analyzes a raw meat-eating Iowa couple on ABC's reality show "Wife Swap" that traded farm life with a high-class black family from San Francisco. In the middle of the show former governor Tom Vilsack announces he is quitting his 2007 run for the White House. The conversation turns to how the media stereotype Iowans as "hick" and "rural."
Groundbreaking sitcom "Father Knows Best" premiered 70 years ago, in October of 1954, and Emmy-nominated star Elinor Donahue shares show secrets. In addition to the real-life pregnancy that she had to hide when playing the teenage daughter, Donahue discusses why she left "The Andy Griffith Show," and her roles on "Get a Life," "The Odd Couple," and "Star Trek." Her memoir is "In the Kitchen with Elinor Donahue." This 1999 WHO radio interview is from Des Moines, Iowa.
State Fairgoers from the year 2000 attempt to answer Iowa trivia questions with guest Janice Beck Stock, author of "A Treasury of Iowa Tales." That's followed by a 1996 studio appearance with Stock and her brother Alan, who ask callers questions from their "Iowa Trivia" book. It includes a special appearance by WHO radio's Van & Bonnie. From the state's biggest famous baby to where the first car in America was made, have fun trying to guess the answers.
Des Moines Register writer John Karras helped create the annual Iowa biking event called RAGBRAI and says everyone pronounces the name wrong. He also says he made up a fake story about how cyclists dip tires in the water on each side of Iowa, and that people started copying what was meant to be a joke. Hear surprising stories from Karras and his wife Ann about the history of the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. From WHO radio in Des Moines in 1999.
Master swimmer and Iowa Games Gold Medalist Norman Bower collected hundreds of humorous stories for his book "Swimming Just for Laughs." It's about funny experiences in the water, from kids to elderly, coaches, Olympic medalists, and celebrities. Have fun this summer laughing at the stories callers share on this 1999 interview from WHO radio in Des Moines.
The amazing story of the late Jerry Baker, who went from undercover Detroit police officer to master gardener to media sensation on radio, PBS, QVC, & The Tonight Show. He wrote over 100 books, sold over 26 million copies, and called himself the "horticultural humorist." In this 1997 interview, he talks about fertilizing with beer, Coke and urine, painting bushes, the value of animal droppings, getting married in Des Moines, and answers questions from WHO radio listeners.
John Wayne biographers Herb Fagen and Ronald Davis reveal forgotten secrets about the movie star's life and Iowa roots, including the unusual origin of his birth name and nickname, his huge birth weight, the conflict he had with his mother, being turned down by the U.S. Navy, his surprising college major, his deathbed religious conversion and unusual burial spot. The authors also discuss their interviews with Wayne's family and co-stars such as Gene Autry and Maureen O'Hara. From WHO radio in 1998.
Spring cleaning means tackling the dirt-covered windows, screens and mirrors. Professional cleaners Keith and Lisa Kroehler from I Do Windows reveal that the secret is in the squeegee and not the soap or glass spray or rag or even the amount of water. They discuss how to keep an outside window clean and to make spotless older beveled windows, car windows, and storm windows. From WHO radio in Des Moines in 1997.
Spring cleaning? Summer home renovation? You may be making your family and pets sick with bad household habits. Expert Nina Anderson shares the dangers of toxic cleaners, new carpets, tight windows, and harmful remodeling supplies. Instead choose natural consumable products. The author says pets are the first to discover your home has become unhealthy and can suffer the most damage. From WHO radio in Des Moines in 1997.
Play along with the audience answering trivia questions about 20th Century U.S. Presidents. Who was a trained geologist? Which ones were born under different names? Who never owned a home until he was 60? And what handsome President was called "rat face" as a schoolboy? Gary Ferris, author of Presidential Places, reveals secrets behind where they lived, worked, and housed their libraries. From WHO radio in Des Moines in 1999.
Hear surprising stories behind Hollywood's greatest Christmas films & TV shows from the authors of "It's Christmastime at the Movies." They take calls from listeners that share their personal favorites, including number one "It's a Wonderful Life." But the show's host doesn't always agree! From WHO radio in Des Moines in 1999.
Author Al Menendez reveals secrets behind how some of the biggest American Christmas musical hits were written, including the ones that aren't really meant for the holiday. He discusses the first U.S. Christmas song we all now sing that was actually written for a Thanksgiving Sunday School class, the Jewish origin of some Christmas tunes, and the surprise Grammy award for a recent Christmas hit. Radio callers share their favorite songs as well from 1999 on WHO in Des Moines.
Celebrate Disney's 100th anniversary with Richard M. Sherman, who teamed with his brother to create songs for Mary Poppins, It's a Small World, Winnie the Pooh, Charlotte's Web and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. They are the most successful songwriting team in film history and in this 2006 WHO radio interview Richard explains how he came up with Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, as well as his thoughts on modern rock and jazz versions of his famous tunes, and the Broadway adaptation of Mary Poppins.
Here's the story of Barry Williams, who returns to TV on Dancing with the Stars over 50 years after he became famous as Greg on The Brady Bunch. In this 1995 interview students ask him about show highlights as well as his favorite roles (Broadway) and least favorite (Brady Bunch Variety Hour). Then from 1996 Brady Bunch and Gilligan's Island producer Lloyd Schartz discusses working with child actors and how his home life led to the famous Brady volcano episode.
Stacey Handler is the granddaughter of Barbie doll creator Ruth Handler and the real-life daughter of Ken. She discusses her struggles with her grandmother over body issues and having to live up to the image of her plastic "flawless sister" Barbie. Stacey is the author of The Body Burden: Growing Up in The Shadow of Barbie" and reveals that she did not play with dolls! This interview is from 2000 on WHO radio in Des Moines but fascinating insights in light of the recent Barbie movie.
Great Tomato Book author Shiela Buff shares the surprising history of the plant, from its origins in South America to it being poisonous to the U.S. Supreme Court deciding whether it's a vegetable or fruit. The 1999 radio from WHO radio in Des Moines includes callers answering tomato trivia questions, how to care for a tomato plant, and a tomato cake that doesn't use eggs.
Superman or Batman? Blizzard or Tornado? Butter or Margarine? Cheat on a test or fail? These are from the book titled Or--Is It a Game or Is It Life?, great for trips, holidays, couples, children, teachers & therapists. Authors Arthur and Paula Schechter share how marriage conversations turned into fun, simple questions that generate critical thinking skills. WHO radio listeners from 2001 play along and a 13-year-old caller that admits something he probably shouldn't!
Authors of Chicken Soup for the Golfer's Soul Mark and Chrissy Donnelly share the insight and life lessons that come from the sport of golf. The writers discuss their backgrounds and success in authoring ten humorous and uplifting Chicken Soup books, including some relationship books for couples. This WHO radio interview is from 1999.
Bill Bickley is the creator of Family Matters and the famous character Steve Urkel. For the first time ever he shares the secret of how the nerdy child character was created and how upset the adult actors were that the young star took over the show. Bickley also discusses his experiences producing other 80s and 90s TGIF series, his work on 70s sitcoms Happy Days and Partridge Family, and tells a story he has never publicly shared about work with network TV executives. From WHO radio in 1999.
Author Al Menendez reveals secrets behind how some of the biggest American Christmas hits were written, including the ones that weren't meant for the holiday. He discusses how the first U.S. Christmas song was actually written for Thanksgiving, the Jewish origins of some Christian Christmas tunes, and the surprise Grammy award for a Christmas hit. Callers ask about their favorite songs in this 1999 interview from WHO radio in Des Moines.
The authors of "It's Christmastime at the Movies" tell the stories behind some Hollywood holiday film and TV classics, as well as taking calls from listeners sharing their favorites. No surprise what is the top pick for the best Christmas movie, but the show's host doesn't agree with callers! From WHO radio in Des Moines in 1999.
Learn to create a unique jack-o-lantern from Pumpkin Masters expert Cheryl Stoughton, who carves over 60 pumpkins every Halloween and created unique designs for The Today Show, General Hospital, and Wheel of Fortune. She shares tips on using the right tools, helping kids, how to take a photo of a lit jack-o-lantern, hosting a B.Y.O.P. party, and using Vaseline or pumpkin spice in your carving. From WHO radio in Des Moines, Iowa in 1999.
During August's International Lefthanders Day, author of "Left is Right" Rae Lindsay says the consumer and educational world discriminates against those that favor their left hands. Yet some of the most successful people are lefties--Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Clinton, Paul McCartney, and Prince Charles. She even yells at host Stephen Winzenburg for being a typical thoughtless righthander. From WHO radio during the August State Fair in 2000.
Great Tomato Book author Sheila Buff shares the history of the plant, from its origin in South America to it being poisonous to the U.S. Supreme Court deciding whether it's a vegetable or fruit (the answer will surprise you)! The 1999 interview on WHO radio in Des Moines includes callers being tested on tomato trivia, tips on how to successfully care for a tomato plant, and a tomato soup cake that doesn't use eggs.
The Wizard of Weeds Dr. Peter Gail discusses the history of eating dandelions and his books with hundreds of recipes for cooking them. They are now commercially grown and used for medicinal purposes. USA Today called him "The King of Dandelions" and he'll give you a different perspective on what's growing in your yard in this interview from 2001 on WHO radio in Des Moines.
Abraham Lincoln was a great leader who suffered through incredibly difficult personal times in order to achieve his goal of becoming famous. That's according to historian and Lincoln impersonator Dr. Gene Griessman, a motivational speaker and author of Words Lincoln Lived By. He gives his thoughts on President's Day, timely lessons all can learn from high achievers, and his exclusive interview with Ronald Reagan. This is from WHO radio in Des Moines in 2001.
Meet Pet ER Doctor George Porter, who shares stories about his years treating animals for emergencies and diseases, including a dog high on angel dust, a puppy that eats bricks and rocks, a cat that can't pee, and a monkey that goes crazy breaking items in the hospital. WHO radio listeners also call in pet stories on this interview from 2000.
The authors of "It's Christmastime at the Movies" tell the stories behind some of the Hollywood holiday film and TV classics, and take calls from listeners sharing their favorites. No surprise that It's a Wonderful Life is the overwhelming top pick for best Christmas movie, but the show's host doesn't necessarily agree! From WHO radio in Des Moines in 1999.
The New York Times called Richard Paul Evans "The king of Christmas books" and he has sold over eight million copies of novels like The Christmas Box. He talks about his holiday writings, how success changed his family life, and the Angel Monuments that his books inspired. From WHO radio in Des Moines in 1999.
Author Al Menendez reveals secrets behind how some of the biggest American Christmas hits were written, including the ones that aren't really meant for the holiday. He discusses the first U.S. Christmas song we all now sing that was actually written for a Thanksgiving Sunday School class, the Jewish origins of some Christmas songs, and the surprise Grammy award for a recent Christmas hit. Radio callers ask about their favorite songs as well. This interview is from 1999 on WHO in Des Moines, Iowa.
Meet the man who co-wrote William Shatner's three memoirs, spending hundreds of hours talking with the Hollywood star about his TV shows, movies, and private life. The late Chris Kreske is the one who convinced egotistical Shatner to start making fun of himself. This 1995 interview discusses hatred from his Star Trek co-stars, the first interracial kiss, the original movie death scene, the hairpiece, womanizing, friendship with Patrick Stewart, and that Shatner's public stories are often not true.
Pumpkin Masters expert Cheryl Stoughton carved unique Halloween pumpkin designs for The Today Show, General Hospital, and Wheel of Fortune. She shares tips on using the right tools, carving with kids, how to take a photo of a lit Jack-o-lantern, hosting a "Bring Your Own Pumpkin" party, and using Vaseline or pumpkin spice in your carving. From Winzenburg on the Weekend on WHO radio in Des Moines, Iowa in 1999.
Chris Kreski was head writer for MTV during some of its glory days, including writing for Singled Out, MTV Video Music Awards, and VJ segments in between videos. He shares behind-the-scenes stories of working with Michael Jackson, how the network censored music artists, and why he wouldn't let his kid watch the cable music network. From WHO radio in Des Moines in 1993.
"Berenstain Bears" co-creator Stan Berenstain has sold over 260 million books in 23 languages. In this 2000 interview he talks about tackling school gun violence in his children's book and the surprising part Dr. Seuss had in starting the Bears book series. From WHO in Des Moines.
The 1990s Iowa instrumental recording group Tapestry became overnight successes with its Celtic and Christmas CDs, but most members had no music background and weren't Irish. Learn from lead performers Bob and Judy how the group was formed and how Irish music became contagious for the large crowds they would draw on St. Patrick's Day.
Two-time Super Bowl Champion John Harty from the San Francisco 49ers talks about quitting University of Iowa after two years then coming back to play football again on losing Hawkeye teams, his time in the NFL, becoming president of the failed Westmar University, and his new career selling gelatin to major companies for some surprising uses! From WHO radio in Des Moines in 1999.
Long before WandaVision on Disney+, author Gerard Jones wrote the book on classic TV sitcoms (Honey I'm Home) followed by a book that said violent science fiction fantasy television shows and movies are "good for kids" to watch (Killing Monsters). He even claims "children need fantasy violence," while saying watching old situation comedies can be good for them as well. Both subjects are covered in this WHO radio interview from 2003.
Gilligan's Island star Dawn Wells reveals surprising secrets from her life and the famous TV show. She competed in the Miss America pageant, was a chemistry major in college, taught co-star Tina Louise to cook, designed a clothing line for the elderly and disabled, and was such a bad singer than someone else had to dub her singing voice on the sitcom! From 1994 in conjunction with the publication of her Gilligan's Island Cookbook, when the show was celebrating its 30th anniversary.