In this episode, I read a couple of poems, historian and bestselling author David McCullough’s speech excerpts and my new poem, “Evening for Thanksgiving.”
Related Articles, Episodes and Links
A Birthday Poem for Leonard Peikoff
Listen to my thoughts and reading of a birthday poem I wrote for Leonard Peikoff. (Correction: Leonard Peikoff turns 92 years old today).
“Strapped” by Scott Holleran
On this date in history, a religious dictatorship and state sponsor of terrorism attacked America—and America appeased the Islamic state, refusing to defend America and Americans. This is why I’m publishing and posting “Strapped” today.
Buy My Book
Today’s publication day for my first book. Mine’s a collection of 16 previously published short stories. This fiction writing has been published in literary anthologies, journals and magazines for 16 consecutive months in print and online publications from Philadelphia, New Orleans and the Midwest to Africa, Western Europe and the Far East.
“Speakeasy” by Scott Holleran
“Speakeasy,” previously published by a small press in Ohio, depicts a young family and a rogue expression of free speech in dystopia. Read “Speakeasy” in my forthcoming first book, Long Run: Short Stories, Volume One.
Three Poems
I read a few new poems—each written and submitted for publication or contest contention in the past several days—aloud in this episode. This poet, author and storyteller provides context and impetus for each poem. I also offer a description of my recording studio at home in the San Fernando Valley.
“Sesame Flanagan” by Scott Holleran
Listen to this episode for the author’s reading of “Sesame Flanagan,” which debuted in the April 27, 2025 edition of Classic Chicago magazine (read the story here).
Fiction, Facts and Autobiography
In this 16-minute episode (above), I read aloud an untold story of being assaulted by Chicago Police. As I exercised freedom of assembly and speech at the age of 14 while protesting the U.S. vice-president at a labor union rally in Chicago, I was radicalized. For the first time, I’ve written about the siege in a new essay in
Love Poetry
Like politics, and, in a different way, like religion, holidays are uniquely personal to one’s past, one’s childhood—the psychology you develop and create in whatever mysterious way it manifests in you—one’s philosophy. I think this is particularly true of Valentine’s Day. What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?
