Mutual Broadcasting System

10/23/2025

Geopolitical Crossroads: Ukraine Tensions, Gaza Ceasefire, National Guard Ruling
In this STRAT episode, retired Marine Intelligence Officer LtCol. Hal Kempfer breaks down three global and domestic flashpoints shaping today’s strategic landscape. First, he analyzes the latest diplomatic rift between Washington and Moscow, as talks between the U.S. and Russia collapse and Ukraine presses forward with new missile capabilities that could shift the balance of power. Next, Kempfer examines the fragile Gaza ceasefire, marked by violations, humanitarian struggles, and competing political agendas that threaten to reignite conflict. Finally, he unpacks a major Ninth Circuit Court decision authorizing the federalization of Oregon National Guard troops amid civil unrest — a ruling with profound implications for federal versus state authority. From Eastern Europe to the Middle East to America’s own legal battlegrounds, this episode offers critical insight into how military, legal, and geopolitical dynamics intersect in today’s complex world.
View or Listen to this episode at www.STRATpodcast.com or from any of our podcast partners where you may also subscribe free of charge.

Takeaways:
• Russia’s demands in Ukraine remain unchanged despite diplomatic outreach.
• The canceled Trump-Putin summit reflects rising U.S.-Russia tensions.
• Ukraine’s domestic missile production could shift the war’s dynamics.
• Flamingo missiles offer a cost-effective alternative to Tomahawks.
• Gaza’s fragile ceasefire faces violations and humanitarian setbacks.
• Hamas and Israel remain locked in a volatile political struggle.
• The Ninth Circuit Court ruling reaffirms federal control of National Guard.
• Historical parallels emerge between current federalization and 1960s civil rights crises.

10/20/2025

Brian Ellis | Gatekeeper of Glamour Shares Palm Springs' Untold Supper-Club Secrets
Legendary maître d’ Brian Ellis pulls back the velvet rope on five decades at Melvyn’s and the Ingleside Inn, where stars, moguls, and locals mixed like martinis as he opens up on this episode
with Patrick Evans and Randy Florence from the corner booth at Skip Paige’s Little Bar in Palm Desert.. From overbooked New Year’s Eves to Sinatra’s rehearsal dinner, Ellis recounts how front-of-house finesse, unflappable charm, and a well-timed “wave” could turn chaos into magic. He remembers iconic entertainers like Nino Fontana, explains why the Sunday Jam became a civic ritual, and shares why Mel Haber’s old-school rules kept the lights glowing and the legends returning. Ellis also reveals the craft behind saying yes to special requests, the rare moments that warranted an 86, and the human kindness that happened off the record. Finally, he updates us on life at Hotel Paseo and his forthcoming memoir packed with signatures, photos, and jaw-dropping tales. It’s a sparkling masterclass in hospitality, Palm Springs history, and the art of making every guest feel like a headliner.

Hear this amazing episode now at BigConversationsLittleBar.com

Takeaways:

• Five decades at Melvyn’s made Ellis the ultimate Palm Springs gatekeeper.
• Sinatra’s rehearsal dinner at Melvyn’s put the venue on the map.
• Sunday Jam crowds became a valley ritual requiring deft crowd management.
• Mel Haber’s “say yes” ethos—and selective 86ing—shaped service culture.
• Nino Fontana’s showmanship (and breaks!) inspired unforgettable lounge lore.
• Quiet philanthropy surfaced in stories of kindness from famous patrons.
• Classic tableside dishes and upselling sustained quality and profitability.
• Ellis now brings that front-of-house magic to Hotel Paseo—and to his memoir.

10/14/2025

Peace in the Middle East? We'll see. For analysis on this development, listen in as Retired Marine Intelligence Officer Hal Kempfer offers his insight on the latest details.

www.STRATpodcast.com

Or access the show from any of our podcast portal partners.

10/13/2025

Brad Fuhr, Media Entrepreneur | Local Radio, Community Advocacy, and Nostalgia Power a Resilient Desert

From the corner booth at Skip’s Little Bar, this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar explores modern radio, community impact, and the power of local voices. Our guest Brad Fuhr charts a path from teenage on-air shifts to rebuilding KGAY 106.5 as a public-benefit station, acquiring MeTV 103.1, and keeping nostalgia fresh with today’s tools. Patrick Evans and Randy Florence unpack voice tracking and AI, the ethics of synthetic newscasts, and why investing in real personalities still matters. There’s candid talk about safety, Pride season, FCC worries around call letters, and the economics of tourism advertising across the Coachella Valley. We also spotlight Gay Desert Guide’s event hub, visitor map, and business directory that connect residents and travelers to LGBTQ-owned, welcoming places. Plus: producer health miracles, bourbon jokes, and plenty of great music. A lively, thoughtful look at resilience, advocacy, and joy in a very special desert community.

Listen to this week's episode from any of our distribution partners or directly at www.BigConversationsLittleBar.com

Takeaways:
• Producer John McMullen shares a same-day heart-stent success at Eisenhower.
• Guest began radio at 15; lifelong passion led to leadership.
• KGAY 106.5 revived with a mission as a public-benefit corporation.
• MeTV 103.1 brings a nostalgia-driven, locally tuned music format.
• Technology enables remote shows; AI raises ethical news questions.
• Station spotlights advocacy amid safety concerns, FCC scrutiny, and Pride.
• Gay Desert Guide connects audiences to events and LGBTQ-owned businesses.
• Tourism headwinds challenge ad dollars, but community support remains strong.

10/11/2025

Richie & John Season Premiere: News, Rights, Media Shake-Ups & YouTuber Nick DiRamio
After a summer hiatus, the new season kicks off with a 75-minute once-a-week format focused on what matters most to the LGBTQ+ community. Richie & John unpack headline stories: a federal ruling affirming free-speech rights on Ohio vanity plates; workplace clashes over Pride symbols; and a looming Supreme Court fight that could upend state bans on conversion therapy. They examine media power shifts and their impact on LGBTQ+ coverage, plus new crackdowns on school Pride and GSAs in Texas. There’s good public-health news, too: national STI rates are trending down, with Doxy-PEP credited as a key tool. Then they switch gears for a smart, fun interview. Richie Roy and John McMullen kick it with YouTuber Nick DiRamio, who breaks down the creator economy, community-building, and how to avoid the common pitfalls of going viral. Insightful, unflinching, and peppered with laughs, this premiere sets the tone for a season of clear-eyed advocacy and great conversations.

VISIT www.RichieAndJohn.com for audio and video podcast formats. Or subscribe at Amazon, Apple, Audible, Captivate, Spotify or YouTube!

Takeaways:
• Show returns with a streamlined weekly format.
• Court win in Ohio boosts LGBTQ+ license-plate speech.
• Pride displays at work spark policy and culture clashes.
• Supreme Court to weigh state conversion-therapy bans.
• Media shake-ups raise concerns about news integrity.
• Texas schools see clampdowns on LGBTQ+ student groups.
• STI rates decline; Doxy-PEP highlighted as prevention tool.
• Nick DiRamio shares creator tips, ethics, and audience strategy.

10/06/2025

Teddy Grouya, AmDocs Festival | From Statecraft to Storycraft: Building Festivals, Films, and Community

This episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans & Randy Florence dives into how passion, persistence, and service shape a life in film and community. Our guest Teddy Grouya—founder of the AmDocs Film Festival—traces a path from UCLA film studies and foreign-exchange days in Denmark to a State Department posting in Australia, then back to Hollywood and ultimately to creating a globally respected documentary and animation showcase. He explains how AmDocs curates 200+ films, hosts meaningful industry events, and consistently earns top marks from filmmakers. We explore why strong documentaries need more than talking heads, the surge of docuseries on streamers, and the hunt for that elusive story “hook.” He shares personal projects—from a Vivaldi passion piece to the heartfelt short Memory Collector—and his work restoring Palm Springs’ Plaza Theatre. Plus: volunteer opportunities, premieres, and how great festivals are built like great films—one dedicated department at a time.
www.BigConversationsLittleBar.com

Takeaways:
• A global path: Denmark exchange student → UCLA → State Department in Australia.
• AmDocs screens 200+ titles and prioritizes real industry networking.
• Festival success = curation, community, and nightly experiences beyond theaters.
• Submissions: generally completed within three years; 70-mile premiere radius.
• Docs should avoid “talking heads” fatigue—use dynamic visuals and archives.
• Memory Collector spotlights returning lost VHS memories to families.
• Vivaldi project began with curiosity and became a documentary narrative.
• Call for volunteers: drivers, theatre teams, and social media helpers.

08/25/2025

David Church, Author | Uncovering Thomas Edison’s Mysterious Spirit Box and Hidden Inspirations

In this captivating episode, local author and playwright David Church takes listeners on a fascinating journey through history, imagination, and creativity. Best known for his Edison Trilogy of novels, Church reveals how Thomas Edison’s little-known experiments with a “spirit box” sparked his fictional adventures into the supernatural and beyond. He shares with Patrick Evans and Randy Florence on Big Conversations, Little Bar the meticulous research that grounded his novels in historical truth while blending in fantastical elements featuring Edison, Groucho Marx, George Gershwin, and even Noel Coward as unexpected allies. From Edison’s personal tragedies that inspired breakthroughs, to the curious intersection of science and spirituality, Church provides a fresh look at one of America’s greatest inventors. Beyond his trilogy, he discusses his playwriting career, Hollywood screenwriting, and his newest project exploring religion’s impact on human experience. With wit, insight, and vivid storytelling, this episode shines a light on the imagination it takes to turn overlooked history into unforgettable adventures.

Takeaways:

• David Church’s Edison Trilogy blends meticulous research with imaginative fantasy.
• Edison’s rumored invention of a “spirit box” inspired the novels.
• Personal tragedy, including the death of Edison’s nephew, influenced his inventions.
• The trilogy features real figures like George Gershwin, Groucho Marx, and Noel Coward.
• Noel Coward’s secret role as a British spy becomes part of the narrative.
• Church draws inspiration from cinema, especially John Williams’ musical scores.
• His next creative project is a play exploring the power and pitfalls of religion.
• The conversation highlights Coachella Valley’s vibrant artistic community and hidden talent.

08/25/2025

STRAT | August 24, 2025 | Federalized National Guard: History, Law, and Urban Security

In this episode of STRAT, retired Marine Intelligence Officer Hal Kempfer cuts through the heated political rhetoric to explore the real legal and historical foundations of federalizing the National Guard. From the Bonus Army march of 1932 to post-9/11 airport security, from the civil rights era to protests in Washington, D.C., federalized forces have long played a role in maintaining order and protecting federal interests. We examine key cases where presidents deployed the Guard, the constitutional limits of state sovereignty, and the legal framework of Posse Comitatus and the Insurrection Act. We also discuss how federal troops have historically supported civil missions, from firefighting and disaster response to protecting federal facilities. While controversial, deploying federalized National Guard units is not unconstitutional—and understanding what they can and cannot do is vital to an informed debate about today’s challenges in cities like Chicago and New York.

Access: STRATpodcast.com

Takeaways:
• Federalizing the National Guard is constitutional and historically precedented.
• Key deployments include post-Rodney King Los Angeles, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and D.C. protests in 2020.
• Civil rights confrontations in the 1960s highlight the federal role in protecting individual rights.
• States’ rights under the 10th Amendment have legal limits when federal authority is at stake.
• Posse Comitatus restricts federal troops from direct law enforcement, but exceptions exist.
• Washington D.C. presents unique challenges since it lacks state-level authority.
• The Guard and military excel at intelligence, logistics, and supporting federal agencies.
• Military support extends beyond security, including firefighting, disaster relief, and infrastructure.

08/19/2025

STRAT | August 19, 2025 | Peace Talks, Power Plays, and Ukraine’s Uncertain Future

In this episode of STRAT, retired Marine Intelligence Officer Hal Kempfer breaks down the latest developments in high-stakes diplomacy surrounding the Ukraine war. The much-anticipated Alaska summit between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin ended without concrete agreements, though both leaders called the discussions “productive” and “constructive.” Trump emphasized security guarantees for Ukraine and highlighting the possibility of a trilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, European leaders met with President Trump for additional talks in Washington, D.C.. We explore the implications of security guarantees, the risks of assassination attempts, and the strategic challenges facing Putin’s regime. We also examine Ukraine’s rapidly expanding drone and missile programs, including new fiber-optic drones and the powerful Flamingo missile, both of which are reshaping the battlefield. This episode goes in-depth and provides critical background for the issues involved in these talks.

View or Listen to the podcasts directly from www.STRATpodcast.com

Takeaways:
• Alaska summit between Trump and Putin concluded with no firm agreements.
• Both leaders described talks as “productive” but offered no specifics.
• European leaders met with President Trump at the White House.
• Ukraine’s drone production boom, including fiber-optic drones, is game-changing.
• Ukraine’s drone production, including fiber optic drones and the new Ukrainian Flamingo missile are potentially game changing.
• Security guarantees remain central, with uncertainty about U.S./European commitments.
• Putin’s mindset, along with political and economic vulnerabilities, shape his peace calculus.

08/11/2025

Yvonne Bell | Exploring New Horizons for Local Arts & Entertainment: McCallum Theatre's Vision
Show Description:
In this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, Yvonne Bell, the newly appointed CEO of the McCallum Theatre, shares her insights on leading the iconic desert venue with Patrick Evans and Randy Florence. Discussing her transition from Development to CEO, Bell reveals plans for an expanded season and new programming aimed at engaging a broader audience. She highlights upcoming Broadway shows, dance performances, and the exciting integration of jazz and cabaret series. Bell also reflects on her unique career journey and the challenges and rewards of managing a theater. A must-listen for arts lovers and Coachella Valley residents and visitors eager to learn about the future of this cultural hub.
View or Listen to this week’s episode at www.BigConversationsLittleBar.com. Or subscribe to any of our podcast portal partners and automatically have a new episode in your queue each week free of charge!
Takeaways:
• Yvonne Bell discusses her transition from development to CEO at McCallum Theatre.
• McCallum Theatre plans to expand its season, running from September to June.
• Seven to eight Broadway shows are slated for the 2026-2027 season.
• The McCallum aims to reach a more inclusive audience and serve the entire Coachella Valley.
• Yvonne highlights the importance of fostering collaboration with local and national arts organizations.
• New programming includes jazz, cabaret performances, and visual effects integration for younger audiences.
• The Muses’ revitalization has significantly increased fundraising, raising nearly $800K last year.
• Bell emphasizes the importance of donor relationships and creative partnerships for the theater’s success.

Fascinating Coachella Valley residents are featured each week in a one-hour interview from Skip Paige's Little Bar in Palm Desert when Randy Florence and Patrick Evans get up close and personal over a few libations and much laughter. It's an incredible collection of candid conversations with celebri...

07/29/2025

Newsday Tuesday | July 29, 2025 | LGBTQ Rights Under Fire, Activists Fight Back
This week on the Newsday Tuesday episode of Richie & John, Richie Roy and John McMullen break down a wave of news impacting the LGBTQ+ community across politics, activism, and public policy. The Human Rights Campaign launches a bold new tour through Republican-led states, aiming to change hearts and minds with real q***r stories. Oklahoma’s education chief faces scandal over an alleged p**n incident. Kim Davis again petitions the U.S. Supreme Court—still hoping to overturn marriage equality. Rep. Robert Garcia demands answers from RFK Jr. on HIV program cuts. And the Log Cabin Republicans face fresh scrutiny over their support of anti-LGBTQ politicians. With passion and insight, Richie and John spotlight the week’s most pressing issues—and why they matter.

Listen or View this week’s episode now at www.RichieAndJohn.com or subscribe and download from any of our podcast portal partners for the week’s most important LGBTQ+ news and analysis.

Takeaways:
• The Human Rights Campaign launches a nationwide “American Dreams Tour” through red states.
• The tour focuses on storytelling to counter anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and disinformation.
• Oklahoma’s top education official is under investigation after a bizarre meeting-room incident.
• Kim Davis is again appealing to the Supreme Court in an attempt to roll back marriage equality.
• Rep. Robert Garcia demands accountability from RFK Jr. over HIV funding cuts.
• Nearly 600 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in 2024 alone.
• Log Cabin Republicans face backlash for supporting policies that undermine LGBTQ rights.
• Richie and John examine the intersection of policy, activism, and community impact.

07/28/2025

Mary Ann Halpin | Fear, Fame, and Flashbacks: Artistry Through Life’s Lens

In this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, Patrick and Randy welcome acclaimed photographer, author, artist, and actress Mary Ann Halpin for a heartfelt and often hilarious chat. From her beginnings in Chicago to her transformative work behind the camera in Los Angeles, Mary Ann shares how life’s twists—like infertility—led to her groundbreaking photo books, including Pregnant Goddesshood and the Fearless Women series. The trio dives into her viral Super Bowl commercial appearance, her improv roots, and her marriage to piano man Joe Croyle. Along the way, Mary Ann opens up about personal reinvention, creative burnout, and the healing power of joy and photography. With vivid stories about Joni Mitchell and Erin Brockovich, and reflections on aging, identity, and art, this episode is an inspiring testament to fearless living—messy moments and all.

View or Listen to this episode now at BigConversationsLittleBar.com

Takeaways:
• Mary Ann Halpin’s Super Bowl commercial role was a full-circle moment from her early acting days.
• Her photo book Pregnant Goddesshood was born from her personal experience with infertility.
• She has photographed and befriended legends like Joni Mitchell and Erin Brockovich.
• Mary Ann emphasizes the importance of embracing failure as part of creativity.
• She uses her background in acting to draw authenticity from her photography subjects.
• Her Fearless Women books became the basis of a nonprofit and national tour.
• Halpin candidly discusses anxiety, burnout, and the path to mental well-being.
• Humor, self-care, and artistic expression fuel her resilience and ongoing projects.