Autobiography of a Schnook

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?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

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, just listen!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

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

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

• Micky Dolenz singing “I’m a Believer” with Julie Driscoll
• Peter Tork playing “Solfeggieto” (courtesy of a Hohner Clavinet) on 33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

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 special guest to discuss what was supposed to be Brian Wilson’s comeback album with The Beach Boys. Was it really as bad as many fans think?

Bibliography:

• Tales From the Techs – a classic collection of tech support horror stories, that may or may not include an anonymous story from a certain podcast host!
• Full-length discussion on 15 Big Ones
• The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast
• Please Stand By
• IntAriVisions!
• The Beach Boys perform “That Same Song” at the Alexander Hamilton Double Rock Baptist Church
• Sail On: The Beach Boys Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

After a relatively negative chapter, Sean wanted to end 2018 with some positivity. Please enjoy this holiday-themed peek into the life of a schnook!

Bibliography:
∙ Photos of the abandoned Dixie Square Mall
∙ Holiday Special Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

It’s the Christmas shopping season. As such, this episode’s focus has…sort of a shopping bend to it.

• Sean recalls his Golden Age of Malls
• Who is that Masked Man, anyway?
• Music For Schnooks: Chicago Folkies Edition

Bibliography:

• Schnook Schwag! Support this podcast by shopping for Autobiography of a Schnook goodies at Red Bubble!
• Enchanted World of Rankin Bass blog – Clayton Moore at Lincoln Mall
• Old Town School of Folk Music

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

In the first chapter of Autobiography of a Schnook, Sean focuses on Thanksgiving-related topics:
– A Thanksgiving Curse?
– Music For Schnooks: Don’t Meet Your Heroes (Troubled Genius Edition)

Bibliography
In the St. Nick of Time by William Pepper
It’s a Podcast, Charlie Brown
Atari Bytes

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

Sean isn’t anybody rich, famous, heroic, or otherwise remarkable; he’s just a schnook. And he’s here to not only tell his story, but also to refer to himself in the third person.

As with many autobiographies, we begin this one…with a preface.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

Autobiography of a Schnook will be making its debut before you know it! Check your favorite podcast feeder soon!