Is charisma something that can be measured electronically? In this program from January 10, 1973; Shep has news of researchers developing a device to do just that.
While Shep was working in Cincinnati, he called Covington, Kentucky, home. In this program from June 3, 1975; he recalls walking across the Ohio River bridge one evening and seeing one of the country's last paddlewheelers going about its business.
You can't open someplace new without a gala ribbon cutting. In this program from December 27, 1972; Shep tells the story of what happens when someone forgets to bring the scissors.
Giving the wrong gift to a pre-teen boy can brand you for life. In this program from December 21, 1973; Shep describes the mind-boggling Christmas present he once received from his Aunt Glen.
A listener wrote in to tell Shep his theme song is too corny. In this program from December 13, 1973; he introduces its replacement. A theme with the appropriate amount of pompousness befitting the station he works at.
SFC Johancharles Van Boers / The U.S. National Archives
Mail call was a welcome time for Shep while he was stationed away from home during World War II. In this program from December 6, 1974; he recalls a gift one of his tentmates received that caused a stir throughout the camp.
An article about a German automaker trying to develop an inexpensive "throwaway" car has crossed Shep's desk. In this program from November 29, 1971; he recalls some experiences where he wish he had a disposable car.
As a licensed pilot, Shep sometimes encountered danger on the runway. In this program from November 22, 1972; he describes the trouble sometimes caused by turtles wandering into his landing zone. He also tells listeners about the care and handling of an Amazonian blowgun.
Shep reads on editorial from an affiliate station in Seattle that describes the hell awaiting commercial broadcasters when they meet their maker. In this program from November 15, 1965; he talks about one of his early jobs in radio and the sterile nature of the business.
You can get ahead in life without formal education, skills, or even good people skills. In this program from November 8, 1965; Shep reads a piece of mail telling him how success in all aspects of life is possible...if he has the power of the magic twig.
Shep says he's the classic mark when it comes to getting bad service while dining out. In this program from October 25, 1973; he describes his experience in an airport coffee shop that was all pomp and no circumstance.
Shep wasn't just a radio guy. Throughout his career, he presented hundreds of live performances at venues around the world. In this program from October 18, 1972; he recaps his previous night's appearance at New York's famed Carnegie Hall.
If it wasn't for the people who buy Playboy "just to read the articles," some of Jean Shepherd's greatest stories might never have been told. In this program from October 11, 1971; Shep reports on a conference where he and 70 other Playboy contributors met to discuss their craft...as well as have a few bourbons.
Shep witnesses the first ever Papal visit to the United States. In this program from October 4, 2015; he describes the scene as New Yorkers waited to catch a glimpse of the Pope.
An article about the world record holder for being struck by lightning jogs Shep's memories of his own run-ins with severe weather. In this program from September 20, 1973; he remembers his time caddying for golfers who thought they could outrun the storm.
Shep gave away the secrets to his storytelling success when he appeared on Alex Bennett's program to promote an upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall. Originally aired September 13, 1974; Shep and Bennett also took calls from listeners and got a few digs in at Geraldo Rivera.
One of the country's great opera companies got its start in a zoo. In this program from September 6, 1972; Shep recounts some stories of hosting the radio broadcasts from this unusual setting.
Humans are the only creatures who have a need to sell things. Not just products, but also ideologies. In this program from August 30, 1973; Shep looks at the various ways we accomplish this. He also shares some examples from his collection of esoteric commercials.
Shep has caught wind of a film version of the entire Bible that is soon to be produced. In this program from August 23, 1963; he casts some of the roles.
As a licensed pilot, Shep was always amused with tales of amateur aviators having mishaps with home built aircraft. In this program from August 9, 1973; he explains the principle of density altitude...which these rookie pilots seem to have glossed over.
Why do some things not work when you need them to? In this program from August 2, 1973; Shep tells the story of a friend who had everything he needed in his car in case of an emergency...only to find it useless when the emergency actually happened.
In 1957, Hollywood producer Mike Todd threw a massive party at Madison Square Garden that quickly degenerated into a food fight. In this program from July 26, 1973; Shep recalls how he was roped into hosting live coverage of the event.
Shep once unwittingly took part in a television contest scam that involved an advertiser and a beautiful woman. In this program from July 12, 1973; he confesses his sin and hopes the statute of limitations has run out.
Shep is tired of only seeing television programs that originate from New York City or Los Angeles. In this program from July 5, 1965; he goes over the list of places he wants to see shows from. Also, he kicks off an early crowdfunding campaign for a proposed pirate television station.
It's a radio poetry slam. In this program from June 28, 1968; Shep reads poems from T.S. Eliot, Elizabeth Bishop, and Kenneth Patchen...all set to the soundtrack of "2001: A Space Odyssey".
Is there a better way to record your personal history than writing it in a diary? In this program from June 21, 1968; Shep recalls the play, "Krapp's Last Tape," in which the title character records his on audio tape.
