Hey Dude, on International Podcasting Day my old friend Paula Small reminds me of the inspirational early days of podcasting and the "spiritual experience" I had with Sugarman. CHARACTERS: Individual One,Dan Klass, Joseph Dougherty, Malik Bendj

Anyways Dude, I had a wacky weekend that was thankfully saved when I found the DVD for Searching for Sugar Man. (If you listen closely with headphones, you might hear me have a peak experience.) CHARACTERS: John Wayne, John Ford, Jimmy Stewart, Blayney F

Hey Dude, I had a blast at the book signing of "More Fun in the New World" at Vroman's. I felt a deep connection to the DIY spirit and legacy of Los Angeles, punctuated by a bear hug from John Doe of X. CHARACTERS: John Doe, Tom DeSavia, Bob Dylan, Chris

Hey Dude, the other night I watched the movie While We're Young with Marisol and it was like looking into a mirror...a funhouse mirror...the satire cut deep down into our marrow. CHARACTERS: Sweet Leaf, Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts, Adam Driver, Amanda Seyfr

A humble tribute to our beloved tuxedoed companion Sweet Leaf, who lived a life of rags to riches...and everything in-between. (PLEASE NOTE: This piece was originally conceived for the KCRW's 24 Hour Radio Race for their Independent Producers Project. Th

Hey Dude, my recent binge of The Sopranos wakes me up and reminds me of the time that Richie Aprile cut in front me at the Jamba Juice in Sherman Oaks. CHARACTERS: Sweet Leaf, Michael Imperioli (Christopher), James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano), Lorraine Bra

Hey Dude, a trip to Palm Springs takes me back to the summer of 1999 when I learned I had cancer on the same day The Phantom Menace was released. Also a cool online interaction with John Lurie ties the call together. CHARACTERS: Doctor Dolittle, Garry Pa

Hey Dude, a bootleg photoshoot for a "podcast thing" leads me to wear my "Original Westerley" Pendleton sweater and tap intoThe Dude's mystical energy. CHARACTERS: Sweet Leaf, Dracula, Dr. David Viscott, Frasier, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Quentin Tar

Hey Dude, I finally listened to S-Town as inspiration for my epic L.A. noir-style family history podcast. I also compare and contrast my rejection letters from American Public Media and This American Life. CHARACTERS: "Tricky Dick" Nixon, "Wild Bill" Cli

Hey Dude, the end of my relationship with the Tomboy sends me into dark tunnel of despair and ultimately to the edge of the cliff...literally. LOCATIONS: Reseda, Laurel Canyon, Burbank, Yosemite, Tuolumne Meadows, Camp Curry, Happy Isles, Vernal Fall, Ne