Rick’s Rambles

A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rocky Top, and More! Week of December 2nd

Welcome to the Rick's Rambles Podcast, a place where good news, nostalgia, and positivity come together to make your day a little brighter. In a world that can sometimes feel chaotic, this podcast is my way of spreading kindness, warmth, and gentle reminders that there’s still so much good out there.
This week’s episode is packed with uplifting stories and fascinating tidbits. We’re kicking things off with fun facts about A Charlie Brown Christmas, the timeless holiday special that brings joy to generation after generation. In our Good News segment, we’re exploring practical ways to stave off the aging process. These simple, actionable tips can help us embrace life more fully and age gracefully, enjoying every moment of our golden years.
Next, in the Story Behind the Song segment, we dive into the rich history of the bluegrass anthem "Rocky Top," a tune that’s as iconic as it is beloved. And of course, we’ll close out the episode with our weekly round-up of quirky and fun holidays to celebrate.
Creating this podcast is my small way of making the world a kinder, more positive place. Whether you’re tuning in for good news, a dose of nostalgia, or simply to unwind, I hope it leaves you feeling inspired and uplifted.
If you'd like to support the Rick's Rambles Podcast, you can buy me a cup of coffee, or grab a digital download right here!
 
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As always, I appreciate you listening!

Special Thanksgiving Episode---all about Gratitude!

It’s a very special midweek Thanksgiving edition of the Rick’s Rambles Podcast! This episode is all about gratitude—what it means, how to practice it, and why it matters.
We kick things off with five simple ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily life, followed by a look at the amazing benefits gratitude can bring to our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.
Then, I’ll share heartfelt messages from you, my listeners, as we go through the things you’re grateful for this year. Your reflections remind us all how powerful gratitude can be.
This episode is short, sweet, and straight to the point—perfect for a busy holiday week. I hope you’ll take a few moments during this Thanksgiving season to not just feel gratitude, but to practice it, too.
Happy Thanksgiving, and thanks for listening!

Rudolph, Disco Ducks and more! Week of November 25th

Welcome back to the Rick's Rambles Podcast, your weekly source of good news, nostalgia, positivity, and more! 🎙️
In this episode:🎄 We kick things off with the heartwarming story behind Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a true holiday classic.🛍️ Next, we share practical tips on how to support small businesses this holiday season—because every little bit counts.🎶 Our Story Behind the Song segment dives into the groovy disco era with a look at the quirky hit Disco Duck by Rick Dees.🎉 Finally, we wrap things up with a fun roundup of quirky holidays to celebrate this week!
This week’s episode features a special treat: all the intro, outro, and segment music was recorded by yours truly on mountain dulcimer and guitar. Let me know what you think!
Want to support the podcast? The easiest way is to share it on social media and let your friends know what you’re listening to.
Plus, with Christmas just around the corner, I’m thrilled to partner with MyFahlo—a company that supports wildlife conservation through the sale of animal-tracking bracelets. You can track your own wild animal and support positive content like Rick’s Rambles at the same time. Follow the link below to learn more!
Thanks for tuning in and keeping the Rambles rolling!
 
If you'd like to support the Rick's Rambles Podcast financially, you can purchase your own wildlife tracking bracelet here!
 

Family Ties, Being Kind to Yourself, and more!

Welcome back to another uplifting episode of the Rick's Rambles Podcast! This week, we’re diving into:
🎬 Fun Facts About Family TiesWe’ve been watching this classic sitcom in syndication, and wow, what a gem it is! I learned so much while putting this segment together, and I think you’ll enjoy the trip down memory lane.
💛 Good News of the WeekAs World Kindness Week wraps up, we’re focusing on one of the most important types of kindness—being kind to ourselves.
🎵 Story Behind the Song: "Come On Eileen"We’ll explore the inspiration and story behind this unforgettable 80s hit by Dexy’s Midnight Runners.
🍂 Top 10 Thanksgiving Side DishesWith Thanksgiving just around the corner, we’ll talk about the most popular side dishes that bring flavor and tradition to the table.
🎉 Quirky Holidays of the WeekTo wrap up, we’re highlighting some fun and unusual holidays to bring a smile to your face.
The Rick’s Rambles Podcast is all about adding a little positivity and kindness to the world. Thank you for being part of this journey! 💕
Listen now and join the ramble!

Blondie, Anxiety, and more! Week of November 11th

Welcome back to Rick's Rambles, your weekly feel-good podcast where good news, nostalgia, and positive vibes take center stage! This week, we’re diving into some delightful Blondie trivia—not the rock band, but the iconic comic strip that has been tickling readers for decades. Then, we head to Kansas for the inspiring story of a great-great-great-grandmother who lives by the motto "never slow down," proving that age really is just a number.
In our Story Behind the Song segment, we uncover the moving story behind James Taylor's timeless hit "Fire and Rain." Next, our Life Tip segment shares practical tips on managing anxiety with simple, actionable strategies you can start using right away. And to keep things light, we’ll wrap up with a roundup of quirky holidays to celebrate this week.
Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to share Rick's Rambles on your social media to spread the word and the good vibes.
 
If you'd like to support the Rick's Rambles Podcast, the simplest way is to simply share it on your social media.  If you'd like to support financially, you can do that right here.

Hot Wheels, Blinded by the Light, and More! Week of November 4th

Welcome back to another fun-filled and inspiring episode of the Rick's Rambles Podcast! This week, we're rolling into nostalgia with a Hot Wheels-themed Fun Facts segment. Did you know these tiny cars have a fascinating history? We’re exploring what makes Hot Wheels a cultural icon and why they continue to race into hearts worldwide.
Next, our Good News Story takes us to Boston Medical Center, where rooftop gardens are redefining healthcare! Find out how fresh, locally-grown food from these urban farms is making a difference in the hospital and for at-risk communities—highlighting the power of prevention over treatment.
Then, it's time to get into the groove with our Story Behind the Song feature. This week, we’re diving into “Blinded by the Light,” penned by Bruce Springsteen and popularized by Manfred Mann. Ever wonder who the characters in the song are? We’ll break down the lyrics and reveal the story behind the rock classic.
In a bonus Good News Segment, we’ll chat about simple, effective ways to manage stress—practical tips you can start using today! Finally, we'll wrap up with some quirky holidays you’ll want to mark on your calendar.
Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to share the episode on social media to spread a little more positivity!
 

Special Edition! Deep Grooves Radio with Dane Scott

It's a VERY special edition of the Rick's Rambles Podcast!  I had the great opportunity to chat with Dane Scott, founder of Deep Grooves Radio, a brand no online radio station that is launching on Friday, November 1st.  The hippest music, the best hosts, and more coming to you on Deep Grooves Radio!  We talk about the launch, the inspiration, it's featured artists, and more!  Please enjoy this interview!
 
You can stream Deep Grooves Radio at www.deepgrooves.org and if you'd like to join our Facebook group, here you go!  Deep Grooves Radio | Facebook

Happy Halloween! Creature from the Black Lagoon and more!

Welcome back to the Rick’s Rambles Podcast! 🎃 It’s the week of October 28, 2024, and we’ve got a spooky, insightful, and fun-filled episode for you.
👻 First up, we dive into one of my all-time favorite monster movies, Creature from the Black Lagoon. Get ready for some cool behind-the-scenes facts and fun tidbits about this iconic horror classic!
💭 Then, we shift gears and tackle a more serious topic: grief. We’ve all faced it, and I’ll be sharing some practical tips to help you navigate through tough times.
🎶 In our Story Behind the Song segment, we explore the legendary Kenny Rogers hit, The Gambler—you’ll love hearing about its origins and impact.
And of course, we wrap up the week with a look at some fun, quirky holidays to celebrate! 🌟
Tune in for a mix of spooky fun, heartfelt advice, and music history!

Wales, Good News, and a Chicago Classic. Week of October 21st

In this week's episode of Rick's Rambles, we're kicking things off with an exciting journey to Wales! How much do you know about this beautiful country? Did you know Wales is home to more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe? Or that it’s home to a town with the longest name in Europe? We dive into some fun facts and surprising history that are sure to pique your interest.
Next, get ready for some heartwarming inspiration in our Good News Story of the Week—we share the touching tale of a couple who dedicate their time to cooking homemade meals for cancer patients and their families. This uplifting story highlights the power of kindness and community.
In our Story Behind the Song segment, we break down the classic hit “25 or 6 to 4” by Chicago. Find out the fascinating story behind this iconic tune and what those numbers really mean.
But that’s not all! We’ve got a Bonus Good News Story with practical tips to help brighten your day when you’re feeling down. These easy tricks will lift your spirits and help you reset.
And of course, we wrap things up with our usual fun and quirky holidays of the week. You won’t want to miss it!
Tune in and let’s ramble together!
 
If you'd like to support the Rick's Rambles Podcast, first of all, you can simply share it on your own social media.  It's free, and it really does help!
Also free, you can stream some of my music on any streaming platform!  Here's where you can find me on Spotify.
 
Or, you can simply buy me a cup of coffee,  You can do that here.  

Kansas City, The Devil Went Down to Georgia, and more!

Welcome back to another episode of the Rick's Rambles Podcast, where we bring you a mix of fun facts, nostalgia, and good news to brighten your week! In this episode, we kick things off with a deep dive into Kansas City, a town known for its incredible BBQ, but there’s so much more to uncover! Whether you’re familiar with its jazz heritage, stunning fountains, or its unique position straddling two states, there’s a whole lot about KC that will surprise and intrigue you. From quirky historical tidbits to fun local trivia, we’ve packed this segment full of things you’ll be eager to share with friends.
Next, in our Good News segment, we shift gears to talk about something timely and important—supporting the homeless during winter. Cold weather can be brutal, especially for those without shelter, but there are many small, practical ways we can all lend a helping hand. From donating winter clothing to assembling care packages, we’ll share ideas that anyone can do to make a real difference in their community during this difficult time. Together, we can help make winter a little warmer for those who need it most.
After that, it’s time for one of our most popular segments: The Story Behind the Song! This week, we’re taking a closer look at a Southern rock classic, The Devil Went Down to Georgia by the Charlie Daniels Band. You’ve probably heard that unforgettable fiddle duel, but did you know the song is inspired by an ancient poem? We’ll dig into the roots of the story and explore how it became the iconic song we all know and love today. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Charlie Daniels or just love a good story, this segment will give you a new appreciation for this legendary track.
And of course, no episode of Rick's Rambles would be complete without our Quirky Holidays of the Week! From lighthearted celebrations you’ve never heard of to fun excuses to treat yourself, we’ll highlight the offbeat, whimsical, and delightful holidays coming up. These holidays are the perfect way to bring some unexpected joy and lighthearted fun into your week.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy this jam-packed episode filled with fun facts, heartwarming stories, and a little bit of music history. Thanks for tuning in to Rick's Rambles—we’re so glad to have you with us!
 
If you'd like to support the Rick's Rambles Podcast, the simplest thing to do is share it on your social media and let folks know what you are listening to.  If you'd like to support financially, you can buy me a cup of coffee here.