Music and memories intertwine in this deeply personal episode that takes us from the polo fields of Golden Gate Park to the fictional radio station that sparked a lifelong career.

Pat shares his transformative experience attending Dead & Company's 60th anniversary concert, where among 60,000 fans, he discovered a profound new respect for John Mayer's musical abilities. Watching Mayer channel Jerry Garcia's distinctive guitar style with such authenticity created one of those rare moments where past influences and present experiences collide in unexpected ways.

As the musical journey unfolds, news of Loni Anderson's passing creates another bridge between past and present. Pat reflects on how the beloved sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati" fundamentally shaped his path into radio broadcasting. Anderson's portrayal of receptionist Jennifer Marlowe represented part of a fictional world that made radio seem like the most exciting profession imaginable.

Most revealing is Pat's connection to Tim Reid's character Venus Flytrap, whose nighttime DJ persona directly influenced Pat's approach to his evening radio show. The special intimacy of nighttime broadcasting, the privilege of musical freedom, and the loyal audience that comes with the evening slot all trace back to those early WKRP inspirations.

The episode weaves together concert highlights, childhood television memories, and professional insights about radio broadcasting that reveal how deeply our passions are shaped by the cultural touchstones we encounter. Through these reflections, Pat invites us to consider our own inspirations and how they continue to ripple through our lives decades later.

Don't forget to visit patspeepscom to check out Pat's businesses and look for the upcoming Pat's Peeps Mall with merchandise launching soon!

Nostalgia wraps around us like a warm blanket in this heartfelt exploration of music, memory, and the connections that shape our lives. We begin with a sweet encounter at a children's lemonade stand, a reminder of the simple joys that never fade despite our complicated world. From there, we dive into classic Reagan humor that still lands decades later – proof that some things truly stand the test of time.

The heart of our journey centers on the Grateful Dead's remarkable 60-year legacy as they prepare for their anniversary celebration at Golden Gate Park. I share my personal evolution as a Dead fan, starting with my teenage fascination with their mesmerizing album artwork. Blues for Allah's skeleton with white hair and wraparound red shades playing violin still captivates me as perhaps the greatest album cover ever created. These visual gateways led me to discover music that would become a lifelong companion.

What makes certain bands click with some people but not others? The Dead possess that rare quality – a distinctive sound that creates its own universe of devoted followers while remaining impenetrable to others. I've witnessed countless moments when someone hears a Dead track for the first time and exclaims, "I didn't realize I liked the Dead!" Their unique blend of rock, jam, and experimental sounds creates something entirely their own.

We wrap with a deep dive into the physical artifacts that preserve our musical memories. Pulling a pristine Chicago record from my collection – untouched since April 1975 – becomes a meditation on the tangible connections to our past. As "Old Days" plays, we're transported to a world of Schwinn bicycles, baseball cards, and Saturday morning cartoons that defined childhood for so many.

Whether you're a dedicated Deadhead preparing for the anniversary shows or someone who treasures the power of music to transport us across time, this episode celebrates how art becomes intertwined with our personal stories. What bands have shaped your life? Which songs instantly transport you to specific moments? Share your musical memories with us and join the conversation about the soundtrack of our lives.

Have you ever stopped to consider the quiet power of Wednesday? That overlooked middle child of the week actually carries more historical significance, pop culture references, and practical advantages than you might realize.

Join me on this nostalgia-filled journey as I smoke a cigar and reminisce about the golden age of weekend television. Remember ABC's Wide World of Sports with that iconic introduction? "The thrill of victory... and the agony of defeat." I can still picture those Saturday afternoons with my dad, him nursing a Falstaff beer and Lucky Strike, while we watched in awe as Evel Knievel attempted his death-defying stunts. For a moment in the 1970s, that jumpsuit-wearing daredevil was even cooler than Superman! His slow-motion crash at Caesars Palace might just be the most captivating sports footage ever captured.

But this episode is really a celebration of Wednesday itself. Did you know it was named after Woden, the most important god in the Germanic pantheon? Or that in many Slavic languages, the word for Wednesday literally translates to "middle"? Perhaps most useful of all - research shows bosses are most receptive to requests (like raises or time off) on Wednesdays! We also explore Wednesday's appearances throughout pop culture, from Simon and Garfunkel's "Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M." to the delightfully macabre Wednesday Addams who stole our hearts.

Before you plan your next weekend, take a moment to appreciate this unsung hero of the workweek. Visit patspeeps.com to check out our expanding mall, with food businesses and special coupons coming soon. And next Wednesday, when you hit that midweek point, remember - you're not just on your way to the weekend; you're experiencing a day with its own rich history and significance.

The Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled California's background checks for ammunition buyers unconstitutional, though the California Department of Justice continues fighting to maintain restrictions.

• Rob Adams, owner of Sacramento Black Rifle with locations in California, Nevada, and Idaho, explains the ruling's significance
• Background checks for ammunition purchases previously cost $1 but were recently increased 400% to $5 per purchase
• California imposes an 11% "sin tax" on ammunition and serialized firearm components on top of regular sales tax
• The taxation scheme is more profitable for the state than for gun dealers, threatening business viability
• California DOJ is advising dealers not to ship ammunition directly to consumers despite the court ruling
• The experience of purchasing ammunition in Idaho or Nevada is vastly different, with fewer restrictions and no extra taxation
• Several additional gun rights cases are working through the courts, including challenges to magazine bans
• During COVID, many first-time gun buyers were shocked at California's extensive restrictions
• Constitutional carry states like Idaho report less crime and more respectful public behavior

Please support our local businesses by visiting patspeeps.com and checking out the Pat's Peeps sponsors like Sacramento Black Rifle, located at 8095 Greenback Lane in Citrus Heights.

The legendary Penn Jillette joins the podcast to discuss his new book "Felony Juggler," sharing stories from his adventurous past when he lived the nomadic lifestyle Bob Dylan only pretended to have. Penn reveals how he hitchhiked across America, hopped trains, and worked as a street performer - all inspired by Dylan's fictional autobiography.

• Penn's passion for diverse music and concerns about today's algorithm-driven cultural isolation
• The surprising revelation that Penn actually lived out Bob Dylan's made-up nomadic lifestyle
• How street performing was financially rewarding, paying more than his early Off-Broadway career
• Penn's unique relationship with Teller, revealing they rarely socialize despite 50 years as partners
• Modern clowning and performers like Puddles Pity Party who are reinventing the art form
• The distinction between Penn's chosen nomadic youth and actual homelessness

Join Penn Jillette for a book signing at Capital Books in Sacramento on August 4th at 7pm. Get your tickets at capitalbooksonscom.

Ever wondered what happens when a podcast host's questions make a rock star laugh? In this captivating episode of Pat's Peeps, I sit down with Jesse Valenzuela, founding member and guitarist of the multi-platinum selling Gin Blossoms, for what turns into a refreshingly authentic conversation about music, success, and the journey from Arizona bars to MTV stardom.

The interview begins with a moment of vulnerability as Jesse laughs at my questions, initially causing some paranoia before revealing he's actually enjoying the fresh perspective. We dive into the origins of the Gin Blossoms' distinctive sound, with Jesse sharing how he started playing guitar as a teenager, taught by neighborhood friends Dave and Ed. "All the like-minded people wind up at the same end of the pool," he reflects, describing how musicians naturally find each other.

Jesse offers fascinating insights into the band's evolution - how he transitioned from lead vocalist to guitarist, the story behind their self-deprecating album titles like "New Miserable Experience," and the transformative impact of signing with A&M Records. The most revealing moments come when discussing their "overnight success" that actually took years of touring and persistence. "All of a sudden, MTV plays your records and then it gets attention from radio and the world changes for you quickly," Jesse explains. "In a week, you're filling what used to be a half-filled bar... Then you're moving to clubs, theaters, and then, all of a sudden, you're playing the Greek theater in Los Angeles."

Throughout our conversation, Jesse's gratitude shines through as he acknowledges both the luck and hard work behind their success story. For fans of 90s alternative rock, music history enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates the human stories behind hit songs like "Hey Jealousy" and "Found Out About You," this episode offers a rare glimpse behind the music that defined an era.

Don't miss the Gin Blossoms live at Rocklin Quarry Park Amphitheater on Sunday, August 17th - and be sure to dig deep into their catalog beyond the radio hits!

When was the last time a song stopped you in your tracks? For me, it was rediscovering "Death Wish" by The Police—a track I'd heard before but suddenly connected with on a whole new level. This experience perfectly captures the spirit of this special Saturday podcast, where I take you on a journey through musical rediscoveries and childhood touchstones.

After explaining my brief podcast hiatus (blame those mysterious headaches that knocked me flat!), I share my excitement about reuniting with my former bandmates. There's something magical about reconnecting with musicians you've shared a stage with, picking up almost where you left off. We're exploring classic rock, UFO, Zeppelin, and more—finding our sound and rediscovering the joy of playing together.

The heart of this episode dives deep into Saturday morning nostalgia—the sacred ritual of cartoon watching that defined so many of our childhoods. From The Bugs Bunny Road Runner Show to Fat Albert, The Banana Splits to The Groovy Ghoulies, these weren't just shows; they were experiences that shaped us. I can still hear my mom's vacuum cleaner drowning out the dialogue, my dad yelling from the other room to turn it off so he could hear ABC's Wide World of Sports.

Music and memories intertwine throughout our lives, creating the soundtracks that define our personal histories. That's why I'm thrilled to invite you to be part of our Pats Peeps community gathering at the California State Fair. Join me Tuesday night at 7 PM at the Save Mart Wine Garden for a live broadcast of the Pat Walsh Show. Let's continue building this community together, sharing stories, raising a glass, and creating new memories to nostalgically revisit someday.

What childhood cartoon theme still lives rent-free in your head? Come tell me in person on Tuesday!