It’s Mardi Gras! So what better time to hear stories and thoughts of New Orleans? In this chapter: A Schnook’s Thoughts: “If you don’t like black people…” Anger in the French Quarter A Schnook’s Life: “UNCLEAN!” You wouldn’t THINK you’d catch an illness on Bourbon Street, but here we are. A Schnook’s Music: Traditional New Orleans jazz with a side …

Sean is back with a new chapter in his podcastual memoir. In this installment: A Schnook’s Thoughts on Christmas food A Schnook’s Life of balancing the holidays in different states A Schnook’s Music: live shows in 2023Af Autobiography of a Schnook

This Thanksgiving I am thankful for getting an episode out after a…(checks the calendar)…eight month hiatus. In this chapter: A Schnook’s Thoughts: things that surprised me about London A Schnook’s Life: Don’t meet your heroes — even the ones you meet at a mall? A Schnook’s Music: reflecting on the “final” Beatles song ONLINE BIBLIOGRAPHY: “Now and…

In this long overdue episode, Sean discusses why he will NOT travel in January. He gets pretty cosmic, too.Af Autobiography of a Schnook

Hey, I couldn’t resist doing one more episode for the holiday! This time, I take deep dives into two works of art that are synonymous with this time of year: Seven Christmas Carols – a look into different interpretations of Charles Dickens’ seasonal novella Music for Schnooks: It’s a Super Deluxe Edition, Charlie Brown! A super deluxe edition of th…

This new chapter takes a look back at the year that was 2022. And there. Shortest description ever of one of these episodes. (I think.) ONLINE BIBLIOGRAPHY: The Surfrajettes performing in Evanston, ILAf Autobiography of a Schnook

Been a while since there was a new episode. I guess you could say I took the summer off? Well, in this new chapter, you’ll learn about a few things that took up my time. Why should anybody care? heh. When you find out why, please let me know! I mean…I’m just a schnook! A Schnook and the California Myth – dream vacation or harsh reality? (Or both?) …

After some time off, the schnookery is back as Sean discusses: A Schnook in the Sin City – What happens in blah blah blah Music For Schnooks: Apple’s Biggest Failure – When the nerds at Cupertino try to give the world what nobody would ever want Online Bibliography Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion, the Texas Gangster Who Created Vegas Poke…

In this chapter, Sean sidesteps his autobiography for just a bit with a plea for digital data safety. Also, he comes to the defense of an oft-maligned Beatles compilation. Online Bibliography 9 ways to help Ukrainians amid Russia crisisAf Autobiography of a Schnook

It’s that time of year again: January. Which means it’s not February yet. 31 days to get the January episode on time, and this schnook takes every second to do so! In this chapter: S.A.T. is a Four-Letter Word: a life in test prep Music For Schnooks: Don’t Meet Your Heroes – Nine and a Half Times Blue: an everyday schnook meets one of his musical h…

Aww, as if I was going to let Christmas go by without a present to you? One reason you need to listen: the final mix was not auditioned before release, so you know it’s full of mistakes! Anyway, here’s what’s on tap: Old School Games – a schnook stuck in the past? Music for Schnooks: That Thing You Blast! – a cinematic analysis on managing a band…

December 2021 is over halfway over, just in time for the November 2021 episode! In this chapter: A Schnook on Two Wheels – because biking is always better than driving, right? Music for Schnooks – the significance of rock’n’roll albums of 1971. “Déjà vu,” you say? No, silly, that album is from 1970! And maybe the December episode will be out in tim…

Sean was having issues with Apple Podcasts. He figured he’d better test the feed. Plus, he wanted an excuse to review the new Let It Be box set from The Beatles (on Apple Records). So this special edition episode is all about Apples to Apples. Bibliography: Suzy’s Parlour “Get Back” in German and French?! Jefferson Airplane performs on the roof Pau…

A schnook returns from his summer hiatus with this new chapter, recorded in August 2021 and released in October. Returning to the office in transitional pandemic times, his favorite band selling out, and…just general schnookery! Certain to be a mammoth blockbuster! ONLINE BIBLIOGRAPHY Wilson & Alroy’s Record Reviews…

THIS IS A RE-POST OF CHAPTER 35 because for some reason, the original post did not show up on Apple Podcast. (Yet it did appear in iTunes; go figure.) Supposedly there’s a known bug that’s causing that to happen, but other podcasts have successfully posted new episodes since. But anyway, long story short: 1) What Was I Doing in New Jersey? and 2) M…

The last episode before the summer break! In this chapter: What Was I Doing in New Jersey? – a schnook’s life in the Garden State Music For Schnooks: Blown Perfection – How an almost perfect album blew it Back in the fall! Online Bibliography: Photos from New JerseyAf Autobiography of a Schnook

Due to rather unfortunate circumstances, this episode was recorded in the midst of recording another chapter 34. Possible post-Father’s Day trigger warning. Nonetheless, I am happy to share this episode with you. Memories of my father – Yankees fan, country music liker, and schnook tolerater Music For Schnooks: I Remember Glen Campbell – thoughts a…

Apologies for missing the deadline by a day! But in this May (+1) episode, Sean discusses: Food Memories – if we need it to survive, we might as well enjoy it! Music For Schnooks – a look at psychedelic commonalities among three 1967 albums ONE MORE EPISODE before this podcast takes a summer break!Af Autobiography of a Schnook

For people who like to hear more, here is a two-hour version of the Beatlefest conversation among Sean, Lisa, and Ferg! Entries to the online bibliography will be added soon.Af Autobiography of a Schnook

I may be a schnook, but I ain’t a fool: here’s an episode for April 2021! In this chapter: Pandemic Traveling – My first vacation away in over a year Music for Schnooks – A couple of guests join for an intense conversation about partying with Beatle-people Entries in the online bibliography will be coming soon!…

Getting in under the wire before the month expires, it’s time for another chapter in the life of a schnook! In this episode: New York: It’s complicated. How the Big Apple and a schnook get along…or maybe don’t get along. Music for Schnooks: Four (or more?) from ’84 – the soundtrack of a past life ONLINE BIBLIOGRAPHY: You NEED to watch the full-leng…

After taking a month off, we’re back with a new episode! In fact, after recording the main body, it turned out there was more room for one more story, so in comes a special guest to the rescue! In this chapter: Life in the Armpit – a tour of an early life of schnookery Ridin’ the Rails – riding Amtrak for the first time Music For Schnooks: You want…

Wait…wasn’t there just a new episode a few days ago? Well, yeah, but…let’s talk about 1990. It was a time when we needed to pray just to make it today. (Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.) In this episode: The Year That Was 1990 – and how a teenage schnook deals with a new school and a new job Music for Schnooks – How a simple Christmas pres…

In the first release of December 2020, we look inside the mind of a 14-year Chicagoan, God help us all. In this chapter: About a Schnook – Does he live quietly? What are his personal habits? Music For Schnooks: Rubber Schnook – An approach to a classic Beatles album. British version? American version? A hybrid?…

Just in time for the end of November, a super-sized Schook! In this episode: the best TV episodes ever — or, at least some of them! and a very in-depth review of concerts Sean attended in 2020. A mammoth blockbuster if ever there was one!Af Autobiography of a Schnook

I hope those BOOOOOOOs I’m hearing are because it’s Hallowe’en and not a response to this podcast! In chapter 26: Life as a Software Engineer – a peak into a schnook’s web site job Music for Schnooks – The significance of rock’n’roll albums of 1970 By the way, post-production on this episode took a long time. To get this episode out in time for Oct…

Another month, another episode! In chapter 25: No, my computer is NOT my girlfriend! An exploration into the joys and sorrows of a 13-year relationship Digital Alopecia – What? Does this mean that someone lost finger hair? Well…you’ll need to listen to find out!Af Autobiography of a Schnook

In this installment, we take a look at a beloved part of American pop culture…AND a beloved part of British pop culture! You’re a Schnook, Charlie Brown! – but aren’t we all? Music for Schnooks – my first compact disc Online Bibliography It’s a Podcast, Charlie Brown – an excellent monthly podcast exploring especially the animated world of Peanuts…

A schnook hits the road and shows a rather…annoying side of himself in chapter 23 of this ongoing as-read-by-the-author pseudo-book in podcast form. (But in the actual episode, he refers to himself in the first person.) A Schnook on the Road – It’s road trip season! Music for Schnooks – Adventures of an ***hole Online Bibliography Road trip photo a…

Barely in time for Paul McCartney’s birthday, a new episode that, surprisingly, has virtually zero mention of The Beatles! This chapter begins with some serious thinking I needed to get out. But after that: City of Success — A schnook’s reflections on life in the big city Music for Schnooks — Hopefully better late than never, a long, long overdue t…

Hoping to bring something positive to a really rough time, here’s a new chapter. In this episode: Schnook Radio, Part 3 – the thrilling conclusion of a schnook’s life on the air! Music for Schnooks – I have two ears – don’t tell me to listen to The Beach Boys in mono!Af Autobiography of a Schnook

Get a look into the analog life of a schnook as Sean talks about records: listening, collecting, advice, and clay pigeons. (Well, maybe not clay pigeons.) In this podcast: Growing Up Vinyl – coming of age in a pre-CD era My Weird Record Collection – hypertension, enunciation, and puu puu! Top Ten Favorite Albums to Listen To on Vinyl – does there r…

Stay safe, everybody! In this chapter: How to Do a Podcast – perhaps something to do during your quarantine? Yes, And – tales of an improv dropout Music for Schnooks: “Going” – arguably the most significant lyric in The Beatles’ entire discography Bibliography: The Levelator “Big Booty” – a video to clarify the explanation…

This episode is all about…a schnook’s life with beagles! Snoopy and Spot Ruthie Lola Music for Schnooks: “Belly Rub” Bibliography Photos for this episode “Belly Rub” on BandcampAf Autobiography of a Schnook

I apologize for the delay, friends, but here’s the first episode of 2020! In this chapter: Growing Up Catholic: The Mass — Sean reminisces and makes observations about his experiences sitting in church. Music For Schnooks: A Schnook Goes Underground — Stories of a past life in bootleg trading Bibliography: Saturday Night Live: St. Joseph’s Christma…

No reason for this appendix other than to…tie up some loose 2019 ends. More schnookdom coming in 2020! Bibliography: It’s a Podcast, Charlie Brown – http://charliebrownpodcast.libsyn.com/ Atari Bytes – http://ataribytes.libsyn.com/ The Atari 2600 Game by Game Podcast – http://2600gamebygamepodcast.libsyn.com/ Please Stand By – https://zerbinator.wo…

Sorry, no attempt at a witty write-up this time! In this chapter: Schnook Radio, Part 2 – the thrilling conclusion of Sean’s college radio days! Music for Schnooks – Sean and a special guest review their year in concerts Online Bibliography: Music For Schnooks – the complete, unedited version! Wolfgang’s Vault presents Live from the Vault – with Pe…

Schnooks like to wait for the last minute. Or at least the last hour(s). Such is the case with November! In this chapter: – Schnook Radio, Part 1 – Sean talks about his days in college radio – Music for Schnooks – Comparing two anticipated 50th-anniversary reissuesAf Autobiography of a Schnook

Just in time for October! In this chapter: Oh, jeez…another one of those Facebook things again?! Thoughts on two decades of marriage Blank (perhaps the most unusual Music For Schnooks installment yet) Online Bibliography Needlejuice Records ordering site for Goodbye, My 4-Track Logan Whitehurst’s web site Junior Science Club web site — download Log…

Another chapter in the life story of…a guy nobody’s heard of is available. A bit of a somber tone, but hopefully with some uplifting moments. For this episode: Another one of those silly Facebook Q&A thingies Memories of 18 years ago Just buy the concert ticket. Wonderful World of Wondermints, as autographed by, uhhh….Wondermints! Mike D’Amico (lef…

A special appendix episode commemorating the 50th anniversary of…something very strange! This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Even if you don’t generally like the topic, listen anyway — it’s quite fascinating. Online Bibliography: “Is Beatle Paul McCartney Dead?” – Tim Harper, Drake Times-Delphic – September 17, 1969 “McCartney dead…

As promised, the second episode of August. In this chapter: Aunt Jemima’s Pancakes – somehow about college athletics The Black Triangle – the mystery…the hunt…the marketing!Af Autobiography of a Schnook

Just barely missed the July deadline, but here’s a new chapter! In today’s episode: Sean does another Facebook bullet-pointed list Chicago myth-busting “Dear Ruby,” a tribute to the writings of Italo Calvino and to a source of frustration for some people in Sean’s line of work Bibliography: It’s a Podcast, Charlie Brown Forward March by Carey Anne …

Coming to you live (well…okay, recorded) from the Schnook Nook, a new chapter! In this episode: My SENIOR Year in High School – answering a frequently-posted social media survey The Mysterious Phantom Pac-Man Game – For years Sean has insisted that a sequel in the Pac-Man franchise existed, yet nobody believed him. The Doors Without Jim – What’s th…

Believe it or not, this schnook isn’t just all about Chicago. This episode’s segments: My Secret (?) Happy Place Sean Goes to Prison My Wife, the Enabler PROFANITY ALERT: There are a few uncensored profanities in the preamble. I felt it would be cheap and just plain not right to censor them in the context of what I was saying.…

In this episode: Remembering “Boomer” on his birthday – Too much to say about a popular teacher to fit in one episode, unfortunately. Dick Dale, The Beach Boys, and the “Sloop John B” Myth – Gone at 81, yet gone too young still. And is it true what they say about why California’s harmony band recorded their 1966 hit?…

The wake of St. Patrick’s Day brings the world a new chapter in this as-read-by-the-author book in podcast form. In this episode: Death of The Mad Russian – Six years to the day of his death, we must wonder: why WAS he so angry? Music for Schnooks: The Cliché-Free Love Segment – Sorry, no puns based on the name of the Elektra Records band, but…well…

February is a short month, but not so short that a new chapter isn’t published! In this episode: Growing Up Catholic: Catholic School – Sean talks about his wacky adventures in education under the rule of the Vatican Long Title — Music For Schnooks — Don’t Meet Your Heroes: Talented Dummy Edition – In honor of a recently departed musical hero BIBLI…

So far 2019 has proven very busy for this schnook. In this chapter, we go a little bit past my 90-minute threshold, but not by far. Here’s what I have in store for you: “Good afternoon, this is Sean.” Ever wonder what went on when you called tech support? This might give some insight. The Beach Boys: In Defense of 15 Big Ones: I’m joined by a speci…

Happy 2019! I hope it’s a good one for all schnooks the world over! In this episode: You Can’t Spell “January” Without “Jury” Music For Schnooks: I have two ears – don’t tell me to listen to The Beatles in mono! Bibliography: WGN Channel 9 – Season’s Greetings – “Happy Holidays” (1979) You, The Juror – Cook County jurors’ orientation video…