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The Podcast, by Jim Bartlett

24/4/2020

 
“So this thing, this thing that you do...it’s like the radio, but not really?’

“Yeah,” I say, positioning the mics. “They’re called podcasts.”

“Pod casts.” He does that little twist of his lip, and shakes his head, the twist becoming a smile. “And folks listen to these here things, but not on the radio?”

“Yeah. Radio’s sort of takin’ a downturn. There’s still a lot of talk radio out there, but music wise, big companies have bought up most of the stations and little by little are starting to toss the DJs, going with automation. The younger folks aren’t listening as much, not with Spotify and Apple Music and a number of other things. Mostly, they just listen to the playlists on their phones. So, podcasts have picked up in popularity.”

He shakes his head again and chuckles. “Listen to their phones.” Reaching over, he playfully pats the mic that I’ve set on his side back and forth between his outstretched hands. “So, you talk to ghosts on these?”

“Pretty much.”

“How’d that all start?”

“Not sure, exactly.” I lean back into my chair, watching as he combs his thick black hair. “I was just trying to make a go of it, when one day Thomas Edison walked in.”

“The electric guy?”

“Yeah, him. We talked a bit, he was a bit defensive when I brought up Tesla, but it was fun. Then, the next week, Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee stopped by and we had a nice debate on the Civil War. With that one, my ratings ticked up, which I guess prompted interest by the others.”

“Other ghosts?”

I nod. “Yeah. And that’s when things began to happen. Someone new would show up every week. But...wow, Buddy Holly. He was the tipping point.”

His smile broadens and he stands. With a sway of his hips he begins to sing,

      “If you knew
      Peggy Sue
      Then you’d know why I feel blue
      Without Peggy
      My Peggy Sue-a-hoo...”


His dance brings me a smile. “That was really good.”

“So who was next?” he asks, sliding back into the chair.

“Jim Morrison.”

      “Don’t you love her madly...”

He winks, his lip curling into that twist.


“Then Jimi.”

      “Purple Haze...”

​
He stops singing, turns, and looks away. “I always wondered how he did all that with his guitar.” But then his eyes narrow and he leans forward, setting his elbows on the desk. “Wait...did you say not one of those folks knew they were dead?”


“Exactly. Not a single one. And I made sure to never tell them.”

“Tarnation. They musta been a heap confused on how they ended up here?”

“I’m sure they were. But it’s never come up. So far.”

“Whoa. So, any idea who might be next? Or do they just show up?”

“Mostly they just pop right into that chair. But this time I know who’s next. The King.”

His face goes flush. His eyes widen. His mouth drops open.

“Yup, it’s you, Elvis.”
Sue Clayton
24/4/2020 07:15:14 am

Wouldn't we just love to have these back in our lives making music. Great Story, Jim.

Jim link
24/4/2020 03:16:00 pm

Thanks Sue! Sadly, the flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long (Lao Tzu). They set the stage and so many others have carried the torch.
Thanks so much for the read and comments.
Jim

Marjan Sierhuis
24/4/2020 01:23:28 pm

I agree with Sue. If only we could 'turn back time.' I enjoyed reading your story, Jim.

Jim link
24/4/2020 03:17:52 pm

Thanks so much Marjan.
Funny, my achy joints say that every morning, especially on run days. ;-)
Always appreciate the read and your kind comments!
Take care
Jim

michael mccarthy
24/4/2020 04:24:36 pm

what a great idea! If only it were that easy!
Excellent, Jim.

Jim link
24/4/2020 04:36:27 pm

If only...

Thanks so much, Michael, for the read and comments!!
Take care
Jim

Mike B.
24/4/2020 07:51:26 pm

Great imagination Jim!!! I loved the read!!
When you mentioned the lips, Elvis popped into my head, at thick black hair, I got my hopes up. I can’t think of a better person to start and end with than the king of Rock & Roll...

Jim link
24/4/2020 09:32:27 pm

Thanks Mike! Have you ever caught Arlo Guthrie's cover of Elvis's "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You'? Naturally, with Arlo singing it, the version is like 8 and a half minutes long. But fun.
Thanks so much for the read and comments.
Jim

Gordon Lawrie
24/4/2020 11:06:20 pm

Told you this would go down well, Jim! This is the "showing your age" corner of the site.

Jim link
25/4/2020 12:01:07 am

And I seem to fit nicely in that corner, don't I? ;-)
Yes, indeed, it came out wonderfully!
On that note, I still get an occasion complement on the way that you set up my story, "Like a Rolling Stone." So a second thanks there as well.
Muchos Gracias, Senor!
Jim

Doug
24/4/2020 11:39:10 pm

Great story Jim. Thanks for the stroll down memory lane.

Jim link
25/4/2020 12:02:05 am

Thanks much, Doug. So glad you enjoyed the story, and took a moment for a nice stroll. ;-)
Take care
Jim

Mary Wallace
25/4/2020 05:06:56 am

Just lovely. I sang every one. There are some lines in life that can never be said - they must be sung.

Jim link
25/4/2020 05:14:39 am

Spoken like a true poet. ;-)
And very well spoken indeed.

Thanks ever so much, Mary!
Take care
Jim

Sarah Blum link
24/5/2020 02:30:52 am

Great read as always. Very clever: you and the ghost talker.

Jim link
24/5/2020 03:47:45 am

Thanks Sarah! So glad you enjoyed it!
Take care
Jim


Comments are closed.

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