Podcast
Out of Place | A Short Stories Podcast
Hosted by Frank Schiffman · EN
Our lives are like a flowing stream of short stories. Each day is a page, each month a chapter, each year a novel, and one’s life a series of volumes. Yet, only a fraction of pages stays imprinted on our minds until something we see, or something someone says triggers a memory, and suddenly we’re transported back in time to a place or an event we haven’t thought of in years. The Out of Place short stories podcast is that trigger. Listeners are often surprised when the stories rekindle their own memories about a situation they found themselves in, that didn’t feel right when it happened, but worked out in ways that shaped their perceptions and outlooks for the rest of their lives. So why not join the journey now to see if my stories awaken your own?
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Up in Smoke
Mar 1800:33:08Tap to summarizeFiltered or unfiltered, the story is the same: nearly half of American adults once smoked cigarettes. In this episode, Frank examines how tobacco companies shaped public perception—turning smoking into a cultural norm and, ultimately, one of the most significant public health threats in modern history.From a time when the Marlboro Man symbolized rugged masculinity to campaigns that marketed Virginia Slims as a badge of independence for women, this episode traces how powerful messaging influenced generations. It also features candid, on-the-street interviews with smokers, offering personal perspectives on a habit that defined an era.
Transcribe →Cut the Cord
Dec 100:15:54Tap to summarizeFrom the click of a rotary dial to the swipe of a smartphone, this podcast takes a fun spin through how our voices jumped from wires to the cloud—and how each leap changed the way we connect.
Transcribe →Two Black Hearts
Oct 600:46:32Tap to summarizeWhat lies hidden in the minds of the characters in Two Black Hearts reveals just how strong bonds can be—until they break. And sometimes, those breaking points turn deadly. Meet Kate and Kim, best friends who share everything… except their true ambitions. Plus, don’t miss our exclusive interview with Dr. David Cale, owner of Laurel Caverns, for a rare glimpse into the mysterious world of caving.
Transcribe →Boy Toys
Jun 2600:33:18Tap to summarizeBefore screens and software, kids built with Lincoln Logs, Erector Sets and other developmental toys. These hands-on kits sparked creativity and problem-solving—no batteries required. In this episode, Frank takes you back to a simpler time, when play meant building, imagining, and proudly showing off your latest creation!This episode also includes an interview with Jane Werner, Executive Director of the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.
Transcribe →Things Come in Odd Lots!
May 1500:39:02Tap to summarizeFrank turns down a lead to sell product to a major retailer. What follows is an adventure with unexpected consequences.
Transcribe →"Missing Walter Cronkite et al"
Apr 17, 202500:06:07Tap to summarizeFrank invites you to take a journey back to a time when news was NEWS, not sensationalism and hyperbole--when there were only three television networks and Walter Cronkite was the most trusted newscaster in America.
Transcribe →Watches Tell More Than Time!
Mar 16, 202500:04:07Tap to summarizeFrank brings to light how wrist watches mark time in a whole new way.
Transcribe →One Part Fate-One Part Destiny
Feb 2, 202501:02:03Tap to summarizeA chance racquetball match turns into a career changing event for Frank. Before long, he's confronted with challenges and encounters adventures he could never have predicted.
Transcribe →AI Goes AWOL
Jun 11, 202401:22:06Tap to summarizeFiction, folklore and fact intersect in this Out-Of-Place podcast about developing artificial intelligence and unexpected consequences. Join Michael Levy, Ph.D., a celebrated computer scientist leading a team of next generation technologists on their quest to apply AI to two top secret military assignments. Accompany Michael on a journey to enlightenment where he finds that the future of his primary project is wrapped up in lessons of the past.
Transcribe →Not a Plane in the Sky
Dec 12, 202300:45:50Tap to summarizeA routine business trip suddenly becomes an experience of a lifetime for Frank and a colleague when they find themselves far from home during one of America's darkest days.
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