Podcast
The Artful Periscope – The Nimble Art of Storytelling
Hosted by Larry Davidson · EN
Out of the darkness and into the light.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 100
Jun 1101:55:28Tap to summarizeOn this special episode Larry explores the human condition with all its permutations with special guests Thomas Maier Alex Demille John Theissen John Lee Hooker JR and random thoughts and observations from producer Francis Leik. Thomas Maier Alex DeMille John Lee Hooker, Jr. Jonathan Theissen
Transcribe →Episode 99 – Bruce Borgos, Scott McCrea, and Christian Sheppard
May 2200:58:12Tap to summarizeFor episode 99 Larry sits down with writers Bruce Borgos and Scott McCrea to talk about socks, the mythology of the old west and their favorite movies. Followed by a in-depth conversation with Christian Sheppard author of The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball: Lessons for life from Homer’s Odyssey to the World Series.
Transcribe →Episode 98 With Singer Songwriter Pete Mancini
May 8, 202500:38:01Tap to summarizeFor episode 98 Larry sits down with Long Island based singer songwriter Pete Mancini for conversation and some songs from his new album American Equator.Pete’s website is petemancini.com for more information.
Transcribe →Episode 97 How many threads take us beyond the headlines on this? Authors John Lechner and TJ English with Commentary by I.S. Berry
Mar 13, 202501:34:59Tap to summarizeHow many threads can bring us beyond the headlines? In this episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry Davidson welcome journalist John Lechner to discuss Death is Our Business, an exposé on Russian mercenaries and the increasing privatization of warfare. Lechner recounts his experiences in war zones and illuminates the geopolitical forces shaping modern conflicts. After the break, Larry sits down with bestselling true crime author T.J. English to explore The Last Kilo, a gripping look at the cocaine empire that reshaped America and it’s ongoing, though sometimes misguided, war on drugs. English reveals the untold stories behind Miami’s biggest drug traffickers and the systemic corruption that enabled their rise and how two ordinary people can get caught up in running a drug empire. The episode closes with a moving reflection from I. S. Berry on war, trauma, statistics and survival, marking the final recording from this studio. Out of the darkness and into the light, The Artful Periscope signs off with gratitude for the threads it has woven.
Transcribe →Episode 96 – How many loose threads can alter the outcome? Authors Steve Stratton and K.T. Nguyen
Feb 27, 202500:51:53Tap to summarizeHow many loose threads can alter the outcome? In this week’s episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry welcomes Steve Stratton, author of Caribbean Harvest, to discuss the origins of his Shadow Tier series, inspired by real- world cartel violence. Stratton explores themes of justice, revenge, and morality, weaving in his military experience and deep knowledge of intelligence operations. He shares insights on crafting multidimensional characters, including protagonist Lance Bear Wolf, and balancing action with emotional depth. Larry and Steve also delve into some current events including the pardoning of the January 6th rioters, the increasingly removal of oversight in the Trump administration and the how to still make The United States welcome in immigrants in the face of Trump’s policies. After the break, Larry sits down with K.T. Nguyen, author of You Know What You Did, who delivers a powerful reflection on the history and role of public libraries in democracy, literacy, and community-building. As this podcast nears the end of its tenure at its longtime recording home in the Sachem Public Library, Larry reflects on the impact of nearly 200 author interviews and the hope of finding a new space to continue shining a light on storytelling.
Transcribe →Episode 95 – How Many Threads Take Us On An Unexpected Journey? – Authors Joseph Finder and Anthony Gedell
Feb 13, 202501:06:18Tap to summarizeHow many threads take us on an unexpected journey? In this week’s episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry Davidson sits down with bestselling author Joseph Finder about his latest thriller, The Oligarch’s Daughter. They explore the layered dynamics of power, family, and deception, how to weave settings like luxurious yachts and shadowy forests into a gripping narrative, and the current state of American politics. Joseph also shares his insights on crafting morally complex characters and the interplay of CIA and FBI rivalries. After the break, Larry welcomes debut author Anthony Gedell to discuss Love Lies in the Throes of Rhetoric, a philosophical exploration of human struggles and grace. Gedell shares his jazz-inspired approach to writing and critiques modern literature for lacking depth, presenting storytelling as a profound, almost spiritual, act. They also discuss John Steinbeck and Larry shares a brief announcement about the future of the podcast.
Transcribe →Episode 94 – How Many Threads Connect Us to Relationships? Author Carla Conti and Journalist Daniel de Vise
Jan 30, 202500:59:00Tap to summarizeHow many threads connect us to relationships? In this week’s episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry sits down with Carla Conti, author of Chained Birds, a true crime memoir that explores the systemic flaws in the justice system through the story of Kevin Sanders, a former gang member and inmate. Carla shares her personal journey of involvement in Kevin’s defense, sharing her critiques of prison culture, overcrowding, and the limitations of current reform efforts. In the second half, Larry is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Daniel de Visé, author of The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, the Rise of Improv, and the Making of an American Film Classic. Daniel takes listeners behind the scenes of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s rise to fame, their work on Saturday Night Live, and the making of the legendary film. With insights into the production process, iconic musical performances, and Belushi’s struggles with addiction, de Visé captures the highs and lows of their famous partnership.
Transcribe →Episode 93 How Many Threads Lead Us Down the Path of Duplicity? Author Jeffrey Archer and David McCloskey
Jan 17, 202501:03:09Tap to summarizeHow many threads lead us down the path of duplicity? On this week’s episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry welcomes international bestseller Jeffrey Archer to discuss An Eye for an Eye, the latest in the William Warwick series. Together, Larry and Jeffrey explore the novel’s themes of art forgery and historical intrigue, including a Rembrandt copy and Thomas Jefferson’s original copy of the Declaration of Independence. Jeffrey also shares his disciplined writing process, insights on translating stories for a global audience, and the evolution of Warwick’s character arc across the series. After the break, Larry sits down with David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and author of The Seventh Floor. David reflects on his real-life espionage experience, the challenges of crafting a modern mole hunt, and the moral complexities of intelligence work.
Transcribe →Episode 92 – How Many Threads Need to be Exposed Inside a Puzzle Box? Authors Steve Urszenyi and Henry Wise
Dec 27, 202400:42:04Tap to summarizeHow many threads need to be exposed inside a puzzle box? On this week’s episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry welcomes author Steve Urszenyi onto the show to discuss his latest book Out in the Cold, the second book in the Alex Martel series. Together, Larry and Steve discuss Steve’s background as a paramedic and amateur photographer, the in-medias-res opening of the novel, and the female protagonist, Alex Martel. They also discuss the larger geopolitical situation that frames the novel, which is peppered with real historical details like the Scattergood-Thorne Conference Center, The Resolute Desk and the unfortunate use of misinformation and propaganda by governments to manipulate public perception. After the break, Larry welcomes Henry Wise, author of Holy City, to tell a story about his mentor R.T. Smith and the importance of mentorship in the writing community.
Transcribe →Episode 91 – How Many Threads Connect Us to Understanding Suicide? Journalist Rachel Zimmerman and Ann Morrison from AFSP
Dec 12, 202400:51:13Tap to summarizeThis episode includes discussions about suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please consider reaching out for help. In the U.S., you can dial or text 988 or chat via988lifeline.org. For international resources, visit findahelpline.com. How many threads connect us to understanding suicide? On this week’s episode of TheArtful Periscope, Larry welcomes journalist Rachel Zimmerman onto the show to discuss her memoir Us After: A Memoir of Love and Suicide. The book recounts her personal journey of grief and healing after her husband Seth, an MIT robotics professor and father of two, tragically died by suicide in 2014. Together, Larry and Rachel discuss societal prejudices about suicide and mental health, dealing with the feelings of guilt and anger int he aftermath, and the importance of coming together with family and friends in moving forward. After the break, Larry also welcomes Ann Morrison Pacella, the executive director of the Long Island Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).AFSP is a national nonprofit focusing on suicide research, education, advocacy, and survivor outreach. Larry and Ann discuss the prevalence of suicide among middle-aged men, the importance of treating mental health as seriously as physical health and the annual Out of the Darkness Walk at Jones Beach.
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