Shows
Lifes 3x5sS5 E5 - More Swedish Pancake Toppers at The Full Plate dinerLiz stumbled onto a brand new diner in the Rockford, Illinois area. The Full Plate diner is crisp in decor and hearty on portions. After a very long summer apart, Tim and Liz did a "catch up" show while enjoying breakfast. Recorded October 14, 2025.
2025-10-2540 minLifes 3x5sS5 E4 - A Tiny Piece of the Peace Plaza in Rockford, IllinoisLiz and Tim spent a peaceful morning chatting with chai teas in hand and candy socks on feet. It's true. Liz is going to London and Tim is going to photograph a REO Speedwagon concert. It's all true.Recorded on June 5, 2025.
2025-06-0552 minLifes 3x5sS5 E3 From Fork to Frantic at NED'S DINERWhen we find nice people and good food we squat for a bit and do a show. Strap in for a huge array of topics and recorded inserts. From Paul Harvey and Gil Gross from 1983 to current songs from Tim Larson's pen. Liz takes us to Texas and we introduce our new website!Recorded at Ned's Diner (between Rockford and Belvidere on Business Route 20) May 15, 2025
2025-05-161h 17Lifes 3x5sS5 E2 - The Slow Brew at KATIE'S CUP in Rockford's Midtown DistrictThank you to Katie's Cup in downtown Rockford, Illinois for hosting us. They are a wonderful non-profit coffee shop that serves our community in so many ways. It's nearly impossible to go there and not run into someone you know. Liz and Tim did some major catching up on this episode. They redefined the podcast slogan of "unpredictable conversation."Recorded April 16, 2025.
2025-04-161h 09Lifes 3x5sS5 E1 - Watching The Bread Rise at Panino's Italian restaurantMay Ann and Frank Savitski are celebrating their 35th year as owners of Panino's Italian restaurants in Rockford, Illinois. Liz and Tim chatted about everything under the sun after a wonderful lunch at the East State Street location. It's so great to see locals succeed on this level.Recorded on January 29, 2025.
2025-01-291h 01Lifes 3x5sS4 E 15 - Straddle Everything in the Building at KEGEL Harley-Davidson MotorcyclesFourth generation owner Katrina Kegel joins Liz and Tim for a bit sharing the company's history since 1909. Your hosts have hundreds of motorcycle related stories from their lives, family and friends. Even if you're not a rider, you're sure to enjoy the banter.Recorded at Kegel Harley-Davidson dealership in Rockford, Illinois on January 23, 2025.
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Storytellers StudioS1 E81 - RILEY O'NEIL - Veteran Morning show host at WROK radio in Rockford, IllinoisTim Larson and Liz Wylder have known Riley O'Neil since the 80's. He celebrated his twenty third anniversary as WROK's morning show host on Halloween 2023. We all grew up in the radio industry together...getting our feet wet, stumbling and setting several broadcasting milestones. Our memories of course are all contributions to the one hundred year history (est. 1923) and legacy of WROK radio in Rockford, Illinois. WZOK-FM still is the sister station and was established in 1949. Recorded at the Edgebrook studio in Rockford, Illinois on November 8, 2024.
2024-11-091h 46Lifes 3x5sS4 E14 - Meet You at the Bleachers for BreakfastA beautiful Sunday morning finds us sitting on the bleachers at one of the many baseball diamonds at Rockford's Sports Core One. A special treat: The WROK/WZOK Wine Suck 2024 radio reunion aircheck plays at the end of this episode. Tim and Liz both worked for Nolte Communications in the 80's. Recorded September 15, 2024.
2024-09-151h 34Lifes 3x5sS4 E13 - Trolls For The Day Under the Jefferson Street BridgeA beautiful noon hour spent over the Rock River and under the Jefferson Street Bridge in Rockford, Illinois. A light breeze, temps in the mid eighties, boats, geese and plenty of river stories.Recorded September 12, 2024.
2024-09-121h 08Lifes 3x5sS4 E12 - UPDATE - The Busiest Summer on Record for Tim and Liz.Tim and Liz are in the middle of the busiest summers since they've known each other. We'll be back at making unpredictable conversation after Labor Day 2024. Stay tuned!
2024-08-1200 minLifes 3x5sS4 E11 On My Fingertip Courtside at UW Health Sports FactorySeason# 4 Episode # 11 - Sitting courtside of four basketball games was thrilling for Liz and Tim. They covered playing basketball since fifth grade, talking to strangers at the Bucks/Celtics game, hometown boy Fred Van Vleet, a lesson from the Harlem Globetrotters, the film Personal Foul was basketball themed, the baggers like Tim’s rice pudding, JuJu stopped by to say hi, Liz did “color” commentary, what we believe, eclipse viewing and a powerful lesson from podcaster Mel Robbins. Visit Lifes3x5xs.com and Buy Us A Coffee. Thanks!
2024-04-181h 07Lifes 3x5sS4 E10 What a Racquet at the Rockford YMCASeason# 4 Episode # 10 - We’re always willing to try something old…again. Racquetball was great! Topics include poetry through photos, blue balls, getting the shots, he’s got an agent, getting into a friends group, breaking a record, bike week, “return your tray to its upright position”, duct tape, VIP tour among cars, protect your muzzle, you’ve lost it, gum in your hair, and the best candy ever. Also learn so much more about the Rockford YMCA from Development Director Michelle Gorham. Visit Lifes3x5xs.com and Buy Us A Coffee. Thanks!
2024-03-091h 13Lifes 3x5sS4 E9 Wet Your Hands & Push Right Here at THREE RAVENS POTTERYSeason 4 Episode 9 - When Liz and Tim see people doing good things in northern Illinois and they're a new business, it's an opportunity to help them out. Tom at Three Ravens Pottery fits that bill. It was a very enjoyable afternoon.Recorded in Rockford, Illinois on January 31, 2024.
2024-01-3144 minStorytellers StudioS1 E59 RIK ANTHONY - Host of Someone You Should Know PodcastRik and Tim decided to "double dip" this episode by uploading the same show on both Storytellers Studio and Some You Should Know podcasts. We meet at Maxim's Diner in Merrillville, Indiana on January 23, 2024 during a day filled with freezing rain driving. These two guys had only known each other for about fifteen minutes after meeting at the Museum of Broadcast Communications and Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago, Illinois more than a year ago. Rik and his wife Leslie were visiting the museum while Tim and Liz Wylder were setting up for recording an episode of their Lifes3...
2024-01-291h 17Lifes 3x5sS4 E8 A Full Load of Pinkies at ROCKFORD WASHER LAUNDROMATWhen you're willing to talk about anything while wearing no pants and delicates. You needed to clean a mascot, Isba Snabash, traveling the lower forty eight, uniforms at Disney World, judging another's character, boycotting, small that, make it yourself, and everything goes in one load. Recorded at Rocford Washer Laundromat on North Main Street in Rockford, Illinois on January 17, 2024.
2024-01-181h 02Lifes 3x5sS4 E7 Get Pickled Both Ways at VictorySeason #4 Episode #7 - The Victory Pickleball Center in Rockford/ Loves Park, Illinois is a newly renovated 54,00 square feet. Owner Tim Ancona is our guest. Buckle up boys and girls, because this is the longest episode thus far. The segments are one week apart and with good reason. Hula hooping, Scottish trivia, giving babies away, sleigh bells, Air Force One, wheelchair softball, jobs we can’t do, bold face lies, sexy sunglasses, drinks on flights, Norman Lear, meteors, apps, throwing famous musicians under the bus, Fireside dinner theater, medicals records are overrated and…”What do the inside of our heads look like?”
2023-12-132h 04Lifes 3x5sS4 E6 WGN RADIO's JOHN LANDECKER PLAYS 3x5s with TIM LARSONTim Larson donated to the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago, Illinois during their 40 Experiences at 40 Years fundraiser in April of 2023. He won the bid to co-host John Landecker's show on WGN Radio. John immediately loved the idea of our 3x5s and wanted to play a couple of rounds. Recorded September 20, 2023 in Studio A at WGN in downtown Chicago during the 7pm hour.
2023-09-2309 minLifes 3x5sS4 E5 At the Intersection of K & F – Davis Park in Rockford, ILSeason# 4 Episode # 5 - Davis Park is in downtown Rockford, Illinois. We chose this location to celebrate 815 Day (Rockford’s original area code). Here are some of the topics we tossed around. Autumn, clothing layering, birthdays, going shopping together, celebrity deaths, game shows, attitude, Rewound Radio, “trust me”, Polaroids, Angry by The Rolling Stones, our listeners around the world, Muskie fishing, Liz’s blog, no Twitter for Tim, being annoying, Fred VanVleet, items into space, Sunshine on My shoulders, weather at Sturgis, Coronado Theater, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, and On-The-Waterfront festival.
2023-09-081h 19Lifes 3x5sS4 E4 Fighting Over Dessert at Lucha CantinaSeason# 4 Episode # 4 - Lucha Cantina at Edgebrook Shopping Center is the fastest growing Mexican restaurant in Rockford, Illinois. Josh Binning served us great food and drink for us to share with you. Just a few topics from this episode…Tim can’t even buy food correctly, Mariachi stamps, Tim raves about Liz’s buns, red-tailed hawk, epic dessert, painting murals, inside a diaper, gameshows, food trucks, going to Louisville, The ARC, the need for big hair, spending stupid money, radio in Mexico, speaking pig Latin, writing in code, non-exisiting office machines, and The Mouse Trap restaurant.
2023-07-2057 minLifes 3x5sS4 E3 The White Flag at the Rockford SpeedwayThe Rockford Speedway is waving the white flag during the 2023 season after 76 years. The memories are really revved up during their final season of stock car racing in northern Illinois. Just a few topics from this episode… custom sock monkey statue, why counter clockwise, Mr. Ford riding shotgun, the sheriff says “I know you!”, NASCAR in Chicago, demolition derby, Rick Nielsen’s puce jacket, first meeting Danica Patrick, seventy six years of pictures and videos of the speedway, Was that a fart?”, he spent the weekend with David Letterman and Paul Newman, Googling Gone Wrong, and racing wearing flippers.
2023-06-231h 10Lifes 3x5sS4 E2 Prime Time Picnic at Rock Cut State ParkSeason# 4 Episode # 2 - Just a few topics from this episode… First time picnic ideas, walking barefoot in the grass, food that’s bad for dogs, car meets deer, move before the ice melts, cooking outdoors when it’s ninety degrees, cooler thieves, hummingbirds vs. turkey vultures, hammocks, dumpster diving, you made my day, hey Larry and Fabio, Tim googles an old girlfriend, artificial intelligence, speeding tickets and warning the police that you have to pee.
2023-06-021h 13Lifes 3x5sS4 E1 The Scents of Accomplishment at AR WorkshopSeason# 4 Episode # 1 - Just a few topics from this episode… Pouring custom candles, gift giving rules, senior class pranks, 90th birthday, “that’s your porn name”, when Tim runs for office, slowest & fastest talkers, cold throw, the rich & the homeless, Disney ties and the Coronation party. Bars have TIP JARS and so does Lifes3x5s podcast! Find it on our website and Buy Us A Coffee.
2023-05-0857 minLifes 3x5sS3 E15 Deeper Than The Game of Baseball with the Beloit Sky CarpsSeason# 3 Episode # 15 - Just a few topics from this episode… Old Fashion slushes, Billy Williams, baseball themed movies, triple party day coming up, superstitions, the Jeep wave, sports communities, big league announcers, John O’Leary & Jack Buck, fish slime or dog slobber and our new pets. Bars have TIP JARS and so does Lifes3x5s podcast! Find it on our website and Buy Us A Coffee.
2023-05-041h 33Lifes 3x5sS3 E14 Vintage is Sexy for Antique at Best of Beloit MallSeason# 3 Episode # 14 - Bars have TIP JARS and so does Lifes3x5s podcast! Find it on our website and Buy Us A Coffee. Just some of the topics in this episode – humping Liz’s leg, muscle cars, trains, cereal boxes, difficult names for specific collectors, coyotes, going through Liz’s purse, Tim’s new puppy, Airheads and “shoplifting.” And, many stories connected to what we saw and what we have at home. March 16, 2023 at Best of Beloit Vintage Mall 1019 Gardner Street in South Beloit, Illinois.
2023-03-171h 09Lifes 3x5sS3 E13 First Anniversary Episode RecapTim Larson mentions some of the highlights from Lifes3x5s podcast's first 42 episodes. It may be time for you to catch up on missed shows, listen again, or jot down a location suggestion and submit it to Lifes3x5xs.com on the Contact tap. Please consider supporting our project for as little as $5 and Buy Me A Coffee through our Tip Jar tab.
2023-03-0704 minStorytellers StudioS1 E37 SCOTT Mc MAHON - Former WZOK Sales ExecutiveScott McMahon worked with Liz Wylder at WZOK Rockford, Illinois in the late 80's and early 90's. You'll find his stories about his radio days in Wisconsin entertaining as well. Scott joined us in Rockford, Illinois on February 28, 2023.
2023-03-011h 44Lifes 3x5sS3 E12 Mentally On Stage with the Legends at Nitelite PromotionsSeason# 3 Episode # 12 - Bars have TIP JARS and so does Lifes3x5s podcast! Find it on our website and Buy Us A Coffee. A full blown two hour conversation with our lifelong radio friend Don Kronberg of Nitelite Promotions. We mentally and verbally rubbed shoulders with hundreds of rock stars and comedians spanning his 33 years. Drinking wine in the morning, love for comedians, nervous on stage, B.B. King’s Lucille guitar, showing off the lobby of the Rialto Theater in Joliet, Illinois, a banjo on the wall, The Walking Dead, they cuffed her, Mr. Warmth, they met backstage an...
2023-02-162h 00Lifes 3x5sS3 E 11 We Too Are Aged at Whiskey AcresSeason# 3 Episode # 11 - Bars have TIP JARS and so does Lifes3x5s podcast! Find it on our website and Buy Us A Coffee. Whiskey Acres provided a great backdrop for many stories today…bourbon slushes, drunk stories from the 70’s, betting on Gatorade, the best bar slogan ever, “it tastes like booger”, “Who puked on me?”, the party backwash looked like it was drinkable, shipping corn to Kentucky, running moonshine, farm-crafted and approachable, Tim’s drinking ploy, bungholes galore, bourbon balls, the evilness of sisters, fishing trip vomit, if it could only be easier, if WD40 and Duct Tape had a baby, Foste...
2023-02-0951 minLifes 3x5sS3 E10 Cold Enough to Carve at Lake Geneva’s WinterfestSeason# 3 Episode # 10 - Remember to tell your friends and review rate us on Apple! Visit lifes3x5s.com for each episode’s photo gallery, a way to contribute ideas to our podcast and the Buy Us A Coffee Tip Jar. Here’s a some of the topics from this episode. The National Snow Sculpting Competition, dueling toasts, ice maze, sand sculpting, lending your home to charities, banana peels for your plants, city versus country, creative team names, Tim’s new dog is coming, “Here eat this”, snow ice cream, the Snow Weasels, Braille Playboy magazine, Groundhog Day film celebration, and ch...
2023-02-061h 01Storytellers StudioS1 E36 CHUCK DOYLE (Sit down #2) - Former WZOK AnnouncerLiz Wylder and Tim Larson sat down on January 27, 2023 to gather Chuck Doyle's version of the WZOK radio history guided by a chronological list of morning men from WZOK newsman John Strandin.
2023-01-292h 08Lifes 3x5sS3 E9 Birds of a Feather Do a Podcast at Hoo HavenSeason# 3 Episode # 9 - Remember to tell your friends and review rate us on Apple! Visit lifes3x5s.com for each episode’s photo gallery, a way to contribute ideas to our podcast and the Buy Us A Coffee Tip Jar. Here are some of the topics from this episode. The Rockford Photo Club shoot, turkey feathers on Tim’s dashboard, eagles right over our heads, turkey vultures within reach, see freeze frames when they put a chip in our heads, bird banding, lorikeets, I hit a goose with my van, some bird migrations have been disrupted, eagles in the Bible, de...
2023-01-2552 minStorytellers StudioS1 E35 HOWARD HALL - Former Engineer for WROK and WZOK radioHoward Hall was another one of the amazing engineers at WROK and WZOK. Announcers and programmers would come up with hair-brained ideas and people like Howard would figure out a way to make it happen...every time! His sit down was in Rockford, Illinois on January 21, 2023 with Liz Wylder and Tim Larson.
2023-01-221h 13Lifes 3x5sS3 E8 Our First Anniversary On-The-Rocks at Carlson Artic Ice ArenaSeason# 3 Episode # 8 - It was a nice way to spend the afternoon. Several talented figure skaters practiced their programs for us. Our first episode of January 2023 was also Lifes3x5s podcast first year anniversary! We celebrated by chatting about Mittens versus Gloves, Tim is NOT a trendsetter, childhood skating, Tim’s grandfather’s advice, Olympic skater Janet Lynn, “Google that!”, fake skating, think like a criminal, our favorite toys, dog breeds and naming a pet, hidden hobbies, and a vivid middle school memory. Remember to tell your friends and review rate us on Apple! Visit lifes3x5s.com for each episod...
2023-01-1848 minStorytellers StudioS1 E34 LIZ WYLDER - Former WZOK AnnouncerLiz has worked in Hannibal, Missouri; Quincy, Illinois; Memphis, Tennessee; Buffalo, New York and Rockford, Illinois. Hear radio stories from all locations and the people who have meant the most to her career. Larry Bird and Joe Walsh are somehow involved. We sat down with glasses of wine on January 13, 2023 after a fine dinner of Chinese food.
2023-01-141h 23Lifes 3x5sS3 E7 This Show Requires Huge Balls at Park Lanes BowlingSeason# 3 Episode # 7 - It was a really fun day at Park Lanes Bowling in Loves Park, Illinois. Here are some of the topics we covered after our three games wearing those fancy colored shoes. Dumb asses on two lanes, Tim’s early birthday gifts, Christine McVie died and how Mick Fleetwood entered the room, thirty-two weeks with three four year old kids, not lasting until midnight on New Year’s Eve, betting on bowling, Death Pool, the last time you’ve written a letter to someone, your socially unacceptable plan, Alan Alda’s meaningful question, as an “extra” without a speaking part, the...
2022-12-021h 00Lifes 3x5sS3 E6 Is Somebody Watching Us? at an Undisclosed LocationSeason #3 Episode #6 - Tim and Liz are within a rumored to be haunted house. This episode’s stories are like no other. “Someone” moved our wine glasses and my towel in that hotel, it was as cold as a fridge in mid-July, an orb appeared in Liz’s photos, ghosts at the White House, WYBR radio in the CherryVale Mall, and true stories from Tim’s relatives. “Did you hear that buzz?” Our stones went through those two pale white bulldogs, Tim’s phone rings while on silent mode, the little boy in the basement of the mansion, “Ghosts” on CBS television, the dust i...
2022-11-1553 minLifes 3x5sS3 E5 Riding the Waves of Radio at the Museum of Broadcast CommunicationsSeason #3 Episode #5 - Tim and Liz were pleasantly surprised to be offered to do this episode in the Paul and Angel Harvey Studio at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago, Illinois. So many radio stories were shared within the former WGN Showcase Studio once on Michigan Avenue. It was donated to the museum in 2012. Midwest temperatures unexpectedly plunged into the upper thirties the week of October 20, 2022 therefore we kept our coats on during the show and held back their chattering teeth and sniffles.
2022-10-211h 13Storytellers StudioS1 E29 KIPPER McGEE - Former WROK & WZOK Operations ManagerKipper McGee manned the WROK and WZOK ship in the mid 80's, but went on to program giant radio stations like WLS in Chicago, Illinois. He was a master at pulling off unique promotions. Enjoy his stories including a long list of the nation's top radio announcers. He traveled to Rockford, Illinois from Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a sit down with Tim Larson and Liz Wylder and then lunch with Bill Shannon, Fred Speer and Doug McDuff on October 19, 2022. We created the "flip jingles" Kipper suggested from our recent days at WLUV in 2021. You'll find them after the exit segment...
2022-10-201h 09Lifes 3x5sS3 E4 Driving a Clutch in the Pouring RainSeason #3 Episode #4 - Not often, but the weather can pounce on any one of our remote locations. This would be one of those times. Pouring rain at the Rock River Valley Mustang Car Show. Never the less, our show went on. We chatted about our personal memories of September 11, 2021, an old girlfriend married the officer who busted us, Bravehearts, duct taping a microphone to her head, the sports cars we’ve owned, “I want to buy a BRIGHT convertible”, learning to drive a manual transmission at the age of ten, hitting animals, and “MY car was on fire!” An easy way to contribute...
2022-09-1251 minLifes 3x5sS3 E3 Straight Off the Vine at Thyme and Again FarmSeason #3 Episode #2 - Surrounded by thousands of pumpkins, gourds and squash, we chatted at a picnic table on a beautiful September day. Our podcast, as usual, covered many unpredictable topics – choking on apples, a wet ghost story, “What’s on your lip?”, the wise words of Rod Kramer, pumpkin spice is in bed with everything, Foley sound effects, pie versus cake, “How’s your dog’s poop?”, Dr. Doolizzle, Queen Elizabeth II dies, team sports, 120 mph, and a VW Bug full of Squash. An easy way to contribute to our podcast is to Buy Me a Coffee through our Tip Jar tab. Thanks in a
2022-09-0954 minLifes 3x5sS3 E2 We’re Painted Into a Corner in Loves Park, Illinois.Season #3 Episode #2 - Admiring the new city murals, bird seed, color blind artist, Jim Carey, free t-shirts, senior discounts, crying over a book, pet rock, “It’s good for you!”, nickels, Tim’s painting, not reading labels, latest dumbass moves, raking river rocks and filthy rich. An easy way to contribute to our podcast is to Buy Me a Coffee through our Tip Jar tab. Thanks in advance.
2022-09-0356 minLifes 3x5sS3 E1 Giggles and Moonshine on the River in Liz’s backyardSeason #3 Episode #1 - This is the first episode of our third season. What a free-for-all of topics! Mt. Rushmore, dinner with former WLS radio folks, bison, rescuing wildlife, time-waster, horrible joke telling, fading fads, not shopping together, people our age, regifting, bourbon cookies, plastic surgery, going to Prince's Paisley Park, moonshine shots, Foster Brooks idea and swimming with Liz’s dog. An easy way to contribute to our podcast is to Buy Me a Coffee through our Tip Jar tab. Thanks in advance.
2022-08-231h 08Storytellers StudioS1 E20 THE KNOLL FAMILY - GARY, STEVE & CAROL - 8-17-22The Knoll family worked at WROK and WZOK in various positions over the years. You may know Steve and Carol by several air names and Gary represented the WROK sales department. Steve is still in the radio industry at the news department at KRMG in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Chuck Doyle, Liz Wylder and Tim Larson joined in on this episode because everyone is a very different puzzle piece to the Knoll's overall time at the radio stations. Our visit was on August 17, 2022.
2022-08-202h 39Storytellers StudioS1 E2 Chuck Doyle (Sit down #1) – Former WROK radio announcerChuck worked for both WROK and WZOK for a very long time. He has mentally catalogued hundreds of memories. Former WROK colleague Tim Larson and former WZOK colleague Liz Wylder shared the microphones with Chuck on several occasions over our forty-five year friendship. Chuck’s first visit with us was in Rockford, Illinois on March 11, 2022.
2022-08-021h 29Storytellers StudioS1 E15 Bob Presman with Ken DeCoster – Former WROK and WZOK News Director & Mr. Baseball.Bob has covered every story topic imaginable…from United States Presidents to the world’s top athletes. His love for sports evolved into the amazingly knowledgeable Mr. Baseball on multiple WROK morning shows over the years. Ken DeCoster (also a former WROK/WZOK News Director) guided Bob through their careers together and we all learned something about Bob, who we’ve all known for decades. Former WROK colleague Tim Larson and former WZOK colleague Liz Wylder joined in on the conversation. Bob’s visit was in Rockford, Illinois on July 19, 2022.
2022-08-021h 44Storytellers StudioS1 E9 Dean Ervin - Former WROK Sales Executive and Sports announcer.Dean has always been a bucket of unpredictability. And April 7, 2022 was no exception. Dean was a great conduit between programming departments and clients to weave promotions together. Former WROK colleague Tim Larson and former WZOK colleague Liz Wylder joined him for a free-for-all sit down that surprisingly did not involve any alcohol.
2022-08-021h 42Storytellers StudioS1 E11 Fred Speer with Doug McDuff - Former WROK and WZOK News Reporter and Anchor.Fred’s ability to scoop all other media was uncanny. His stories are fresh in his mind and still link to his emotions. One of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. The definition of radio professional. Broadcasting veteran and good friend Doug McDuff along with Tim Larson and Liz Wylder joined him for a sit down on April 29, 2022.
2022-08-021h 11Storytellers StudioS1 E13 Lisa Fielding, Joe Soto & Jim Mulvaney – WROK/WZOK alumni.Lisa was in the WROK news department. Joe was an announcer on both the WROK and WZOK sides. Jim was the Continuity and Commercial Production Director. We gathered in Chicago, Illinois at WBBM Newsradio. Five live mics with folks who can finish each other’s sentences…Oh my! Former WZOK colleague Liz Wylder and former WROK middays host Tim Larson stirred the pot to get the memories flowing on May 14, 2022.
2022-08-022h 13Storytellers StudioS1 E12 Don K. (Kronberg) - Former WZOK radio announcer.Don’s short radio career was jam packed with great experiences and he tells them in such an entertaining way. His love for music led him into a wonderful career as a concert promoter. Former WZOK colleague Liz Wylder, along with former WROK middays host Tim Larson, joined him for a sit down on May 5, 2022.
2022-08-021h 22Storytellers StudioS1 E14 Tim Larson – Former WROK and WZOK radio announcer.Tim did two tours at WROK/WZOK in the early to mid-1980’s. He is an avid collector of radio memorabilia and audio recordings. Being the middays host and Promotions Director for WROK were the highlights of his career. Former WZOK colleague Liz Wylder not only shared the microphone with Tim for this sit down in Rockford, Illinois on May 27, 2022, but she is also his Lifes3x5s podcast co-host, co-author of an upcoming behind-the-scenes in radio book, and co-executive producer of locally filmed movies. Tim and Liz created the Storytellers Studio on 2-22-22!
2022-08-021h 57Storytellers StudioS1 E17 Bill Shannon (Sit Down #2) - Former WROK radio announcer.Bill told Liz and Tim during his first visit he had enough stories to keep us behind the microphones for three plus hours. They certainly held him to his word. Former WROK colleague Tim Larson and former WZOK colleague Liz Wylder buckled up for more stories about radio in other cities, celebrities and how radio is done today. His second sit down was in Rockford, Illinois on July 25, 2022.
2022-08-021h 22Storytellers StudioS1 E10 John Strandin - Former WROK and WZOK News Reporter and Anchor.John’s quick wit made the transition from a newscast back into programming a joy. A true professional. Just as many stories from both the AM side and down the hall in FM. Former WROK colleague Tim Larson and former WZOK colleague Liz Wylder joined him for a sit down on April 13, 2022.
2022-08-021h 10Storytellers StudioS1 E6 Ken DeCoster – Former WROK News Director.Ken came amazingly well prepared for every aspect of his days at WROK and WZOK radio stations. Former WROK radio colleague Tim Larson and former WZOK colleague Liz Wylder joined him for a sit down in Rockford, Illinois on March 21, 2022.
2022-08-011h 14Storytellers StudioS1 E7 Bill Shannon (Sit Down #1) - Former WROK radio announcer.Bill Shannon is the walking encyclopedia of radio details. He came with a mental scroll reaching far behind his days at WROK and WZOK. Former WROK radio colleague Tim Larson and former WZOK colleague Liz Wylder joined him for a sit down in Rockford, Illinois on March 25, 2022.
2022-08-011h 27Storytellers StudioS1 E8 Lisa Dent - Former WZOK radio announcer.Lisa had been all around this country with country music in her headphones. We were fortunate enough to be able to join here in the downtown Chicago studios of WGN radio. Tim and Liz were thrilled to meet Bob Sirott, John Williams, Ernie in Creative Production Services and Steve Bertrand from News. Former WROK colleague Tim Larson and former WZOK colleague Liz Wylder joined her far above Navy Pier for a sit down eighteen floors above East Wacker Drive on April 5, 2022.
2022-08-011h 00Storytellers StudioS1 E4 Steve Summers – Former WZOK radio announcer, Promotions Director and Program DirectorSteve traveled through an impressive career at WROK and WZOK radio. Everyone poured Moscato wine in order to join their former WZOK radio colleague Liz Wylder for a sit down in Rockford, Illinois on March 15, 2022.
2022-08-011h 04Storytellers StudioS1 E1 Doug McDuff - former WROK radio announcer & Sales ExecutiveDoug McDuff, former WROK radio announcer & Sales Executive, sat down for a conversation with former colleagues Tim Larson and Liz Wylder in Rockford, Illinois on March 4, 2022.
2022-07-3153 minLifes 3x5sS2 E15 When Nature Pulls You in and Keeps You For the Day at Canyon CampSeason #2 Episode #15 - This is the last episode of our second season. Thanks you for joining us at thirty very different locations. Today we’re at the Boy Scouts and Blackhawk Area Council’s Canyon Camp just outside Stockton, Illinois. Conversations about National Park ranger training, the Merlin Bird app, glamping, “a spider crawled across my lips", and winter camping tips. Eagle projects, cooking over a fire, great movie soundtracks, the hardest lesson learned, and berry picking on a hike. Using the EDGE method, when floods hit the canyon, and unique memories and fun conversations with Directors Seth Kannarr and Lee Binkl...
2022-07-111h 15Lifes 3x5sS2 E14 Funny How Everyone Smells the Same in a Barn near Byron, IllinoisSeason# 2 Episode # 14 - We hoisted our equipment up into a hay loft and began to chat. Why is there a kitten in the Tupperware? Animal Stories on WLS radio in Chicago. Parting gifts from the farm, Going down the rabbit hole, seeing UFOs, Think about it and IT will happen, watermelon seeds and Tom Sawyer & Becky Thatcher weekend. What’s your weakness? Reassembling a barn, close up photos at the fair, bull scrotum for sale, hot air balloons, and Princess was a nice horse. Remember to tell your friends and review rate us on Apple! Visit lifes3x5s.com for...
2022-07-0353 minLifes 3x5sS2 E13 Punch Air Holes For Us Before You Ship from Chicago Rockford International AirportSeason #2 Episode #13 - While sitting on the tarmac of the airport’s cargo terminal at high noon! We chat about flying first class, the UPS plane that spun and swept everything off our table, and answer the question, “Are your nuts still warm?” Shipping false teeth, getting packages from Dick Clark and George Lucas, football cards and training dogs. The unpredictability of this podcast is exciting. Enjoy. Remember to tell your friends and review rate us on Apple! Visit lifes3x5s.com for each episode’s photo gallery, a way to contribute ideas to our podcast and the Tip Jar.
2022-06-291h 00Lifes 3x5sS2 E12 - It’s Time to Blow Your Own Horn at the Sinnissippi Music Shell in Rockford, IllinoisSeason# 2 Episode # 12 - The world renowned Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps played the Sinnissippi Park Music Shell in Rockford, Illinois. Illinois is truly in the middle of everything! Listen as our conversation drifts into favorite flowers, a lightning round of Family Feud, who can keep a secret, Utter Tuggers baseball, and the guy who Beat Bobby Flay. A moving performance of Taps by Brandon Colmark. And how Tim’s cousins got 350+ people cross country so the Dobyns-Bennett High School band could play in the Rose Parade. Visit www.regiment.org and also see them compete July 9, 2022 in the Tour of Champi...
2022-06-2359 minLifes 3x5sS2 E12 - It’s Time to Blow Your Own Horn at the Sinnissippi Music ShellSeason# 2 Episode # 12 - The world renowned Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps played the Sinnissippi Park Music Shell in Rockford, Illinois. Illinois is truly in the middle of everything! Listen to our conversation drifts into favorite flowers, a lightning round of Family Feud, who can keep a secret, Utter Tuggers baseball, and the guy who Beat Bobby Flay. A moving performance of Taps by Brandon Colmark. And how Tim’s cousins got 350+ people cross country so the Dobyns-Bennett High School band could play in the Rose Parade. Visit www.regiment.org and see them compete July 9, 2022 in the Tour of Champions a...
2022-06-2259 minLifes 3x5sS2 E11 Running Through the Most Perfect Meadow of Music at Toad Hall in Rockford, IllinoisSeason# 2 Episode # 11 - Toad Hall is a vintage music and book store. You name it they have it…somewhere in the building. Tim has been going there since high school. Somehow Liz and Tim covered these topics. Thousands of albums, hauling equipment to dances, epic quotes about music, clothes that will make Liz vomit, and someone gets means when SHE drinks. And, let’s not forget, “Tim is not anyone’s secretary!” Remember to tell your friends and review rate us on Apple! Visit lifes3x5s.com for each episode’s photo gallery, a way to contribute ideas to our podcast and the
2022-05-1958 minLifes 3x5sS2 E10 When It Comes to the Potato Shak, the I’s Have It! in Loves Park, Illinois.Diners are the very best places for genuine conversation. Tim and Liz talked about their individual trips to Disney World, a reason to get up in the morning, K-mart cassettes, and wise men sitting at the counter. They think they are due for an aircheck session, old weird apartments, lightning rods, disrobing in a diner and major shit about birthdays. Don’t just ask yourself about how Liz and Tim ended up on all of these topics. Join them for more unpredictable conversation! Remember to tell your friends and review rate us on Apple! Visit lifes3x5s.com for each...
2022-05-1752 minLifes 3x5sS2 E9 We Found a Distinctive Bean in Chicago and it Only Took a MillenniumA beautiful day in the Windy City. They arrived early for this episode before recording yet another show for their side project The Storytellers Studio at Newsradio 780 WBBM just a block away. It felt to be a stone’s throw from Cloud Gate in Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois. Tim and Liz met folks from El Paso, Texas; Turkey; Austria; Naperville, Illinois and England. They became impromptu tour agents and chatted about unexpected items in the mail, a haunted house tour, being grateful, a cartoon book with pigeons on the cover and Tim’s (not Liz’s) favorite relative. They b...
2022-05-1548 minLifes 3x5sS2 E8 Our Heads Were in the Clouds at WGN Radio in Chicago.Season#2 Episode #8 - Tim and Liz spent an amazing day at WGN Radio in Chicago with our longtime colleague Lisa Dent. They met Bob Sirott, John Williams and Steve Bertrand. Their unpredictable conversation covered Ken Burns’ Benjamin Franklin documentary, Grammy winners Emily Bear and Abigale Barlow, “her father fixed my middle finger”, transistor radios in a horse pasture, and many personal memories from WGN radio’s 100 year history. On the day prior, they meet the #200 mark co-authoring the upcoming book “Behind the Mic But Never On-The-Air.” At one point, Liz and Tim both looked at each other and said, “They are watching us...
2022-04-0658 minLifes 3x5sS2 E7 Over the Road…Literally at the Belvidere OasisSeason#2 Episode #7 - We were inspired by the interstate traffic under our feet. We talked about family car vacations, motorcycle trips, outrunning a tornado, kid car games, the epic sneeze, a true back-and-forth, state-by-state ping pong match of trip stories, and cruises. Today’s conversation once again proved it’s not always the giant vacations that have the most lasting memories. Visit lifes3x5s.com for each episode’s photo gallery, the Contact tab to offer ideas to our shows and contribute to our Tip Jar.
2022-03-231h 17Lifes 3x5sS2 E6 Radio and Root Beer Ratings at the Storytellers StudioSeason#2 Episode #6 - A thorough explanation of our new project aimed at capturing audio history from former and current employees of WROK radio in Rockford, Illinois. The station’s 100th anniversary is in 2023! Also, unpredictable conversations about favorite albums, comic books, a root beer taste off, a bath in mashed potatoes and gravy, “here it’s good for you”, a recap of the Beloit International Film Festival, mending burns, comedian Foster Brooks and the compelling question, “Why are Tim and Liz drawn to be behind the microphone?”
2022-03-0951 minLifes 3x5sS2 E5 Lights, Camera, ACTION! at the Beloit International Film FestivalThis very same kick off reception to the Beloit International Film Festival in 2020 is where Tim and Liz reconnected and was where the very first domino fell for their many projects. Learn their story, famous lines from films, being a critic, an international creative mentor, details of the 2022 festival, the exciting behind-the-scenes stories, Tim saw a tear drop during the film Ghost, and the magical feelings created in the movies.
2022-02-2545 minLifes 3x5sS2 E4 The One Two Punch at The Storytellers StudioThe phrase “once in a lifetime” often gets tossed around haphazardly, but today it’s rock solid. Twosday, February 22, 2022 at 2:22 pm! Liz celebrates and Tim learns its significance. Also…glaciers, angel numbers, conversation starters, Swedish meatballs, Paczki, palindromes, being derailed, birthdays, divine intervention, and everyone got overheated.
2022-02-2353 minLifes 3x5sS2 E3 This Show Went Right Down the Tubes at Alpine Hills Snow ParkWe bundled up and headed down the hills on frigid tubes. Crazy winter fun in the Midwest. Once we warmed up by the fire with our hot chocolate, the conversation shot out of the gates again. From our underwear and childhood cartoons to ziplines and the Kubb lawn game. From surfing hawks and voicing a cartoon to tossing trash and drawing Goofy over twenty thousand times. We filled up a bag with Americana and alerted the media. Please remember to support our podcast through our Tip Jar.
2022-02-1954 minLifes 3x5sS2 E2 What You Paint is What You Get at 317 Art CollectiveIt was time for us to step out of our comfort zones and do some abstract painting. As usual the conversation “leaped off of the brush” into mistaken suspects, stick a fork in the grave, taboo on display, Babe Ruth’s bathtub, your QR Code when you’re dead, two parking tickets, our ties to the Olympics, board game competition, dressed to the nines and Tim is not a good Googler.
2022-02-1644 minLifes 3x5sS2 E1 As Rehearsal Snuck Up On Us at the Coronado Performing Arts CenterSeason #2 Episode #1 – SPECIAL NOTE: A sampling of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra's show from February 12, 2022 can be heard immediately following our exit music.This is likely going to be one of our most unique shows. In the background, you will progressively hear the individual rehearsals begin for the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. The Coronado Theater has a rich history and provided conversation about John F. Kennedy, music cheat sheets, Liberace, the color of lies, tunnel vision, woodwinds, acts of every kind, a fortune cookie the size of a volleyball and the reason Liz and Tim began taking off their cl...
2022-02-0951 minLifes 3x5sS1 E15 Nothing Left on the Cutting Room Floor at Sounds Classic & Video LabEpisode #15 – SPECIAL NOTE: Several bonus audio segments mentioned in this show follow the exit music.Tim and Liz were surrounded by vintage audio equipment of every kind and brand at Sounds Classic in Rockford, Illinois. From renting to Hollywood and old radio airchecks to giant speakers in dorm rooms and outstanding concerts memories. From smelling musty socks and albums with an extra hole to Beatles trivia and “pants on fire.” Visit lifes3x5s.com for each episode’s photo gallery, a way to contribute ideas to our podcast and the Tip Jar.
2022-01-3154 minLifes 3x5sS1 E14 Yellow Snow is Not Allowed at Illinois Snow Sculpting CompetitionEpisode #14 - Frigid temperatures and huge blocks of snow result in amazing works of art in three days. Liz and Tim have set up a makeshift studio in a minivan to bring you the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition for this show. From tools of the trade and NFL football twins to cars sinking in the lake and sculpting the impossible. Dirty snow and sand sculpting to “I can’t feel my thighs” and the Kilted Snow Weasels. Visit lifes3x5s.com for each episode’s photo gallery, a way to contribute ideas to our podcast and the Tip Jar.
2022-01-3130 minLifes 3x5sS1 E13 How Far Back Do You Wanna Go? at Midway MuseumEpisode #13 – Liz and Tim were so inspired by the Midway Museum in Rockford, Illinois. The stories flowed faster than any other episode. From Estwing hammers and Amerock hardware to the Aldeen Golf Club barn and the Rockford Peaches women's baseball team. Tim bought new jeans and Liz needed socks from Nelson Knitting. Tim pointed out his family heirlooms on display in the museum and there's news about the Camp Grant exhibit coming soon. Visit lifes3x5s.com for each episode’s photo gallery, a way to contribute ideas to our podcast and the Tip Jar.
2022-01-2857 minLifes 3x5sS1 E12 Over Our Dead Bodies at the Nicholas ConservatoryEpisode #12 - Among palm trees and everything green and within a gigantic glass box in northern Illinois, Liz and Tim talked about the smell of death, grubby kids in the dirt, ice skating, models trains, first jobs, plant kaleidoscopes, allergies, koi fish up to your elbow, dead animals, traveling abroad, and dressing in layers. Visit lifes3x5s.com for each episode’s photo gallery, a way to contribute ideas to our podcast and the Tip Jar.
2022-01-2649 minLifes 3x5sS1 E11 We’re in Our Own Big Bubble at Riverfront Museum ParkEpisode #11 – We were within the recording studios at the Rockford Symphony Orchestra offices. It was a day of giggles over the dumbest things. Surrounded by fun and creativity in the Riverfront Museum Park in Rockford, Illinois. From piano lessons and haunted hotels to birthday adventures and hoarding. Going to Liz Camp and inventing golf according to Robin Williams. Remembering reading for the blind and applying temporary tattoos to your toes in Vegas. Visit lifes3x5s.com for each episode’s photo gallery, a way to contribute ideas to our podcast and toss a little something in our Tip Jar.
2022-01-2055 minLifes 3x5sS1 E10 A Scoreboard Full of Celebrities at the Hoffman HouseA very cold and windy January day next to a restaurant’s fireplace surrounded by great sharable food. From wildlife and Betty White to fantasy camp and Harrison Ford. How do our conversations go so many places in thirty minutes or so? From being compared to someone and Dan Marino to recognizing someone from years ago in a split second and the successful folks named Lisa we know. Visit lifes3x5s.com for each episode’s photo gallery, a way to contribute ideas to our podcast and the Tip Jar.
2022-01-1041 minLifes 3x5sS1 E9 We're Ready for Another Hike at Starved Rock State ParkEpisode #9 began with a three-mile hike back to a falls on a beautiful December day in Starved Rock State Park. Kathy Casstevens was our docent host for the day. A comfort food lunch provided the perfect backdrop for a great conversation about the park’s history and plans for the future. From an impromptu birthday song in the bar and snowshoes to twins and a dog named Woody. From boys who seemingly worked for a dollar a day to music via a canyon harp and funeral bagpipes. Buckle up for this one.
2021-12-2143 minLifes 3x5sS1 E8 Not the Brightest Bulbs in the Park at Festival of Lights at Sinnissippi Park in Rockford, IllinoisEpisode #8 - We knew it would be a little risker doing our shows on the road. Weather is the biggest culprit. Our conversation took place in a makeshift studio in a minivan in the middle of a December holiday light festival in the pouring rain. So much fun. From mouth scolding cider and the invention of White-Out to Pentatonix and Santa Claus’ footprints. What to do with things “broken down” and the memorable gifts from our childhoods. We stopped talking when the windows fogged over and we couldn’t feel our feet any longer.
2021-12-2135 minLifes 3x5sS1 E7 No Matter How You Slice It at Beef-a-RooEpisode #7 - Our location for our 7th episode is inside the firehouse location of Beef-a-Roo restaurant in Loves Park, Illinois. They are a local fast-food chain of 50+ years. The stories piled up very quickly. From a radio station bumper sticker to fifth-grade field trip bag lunches. From The Love Boat trip to a jingle singing bartender in Las Vegas. From Tim’s French fries nubbins to a shore lunch of fresh mahi-mahi.
2021-12-2135 minLifes 3x5sS1 E6 Everything Feels Familiar to Us in a Radio Studio at WLUVEpisode #6 - Our show takes place in the WLUV radio studio in Loves Park, Illinois. This is personally close to their hearts because of the live shows they did there in 2021. Shortly after the owner died at the age of ninety-eight, the format changed and the building was renovated. Tim worked in the same studio when he was sixteen years old. Today’s episode is twice as long for obvious reasons.
2021-12-2155 minLifes 3x5sS1 E5 The Show That Never Got Off the Ground from Poplar Grove AirportEpisode #5 - Being at a different remote location for each episode keeps it exciting, but today was thrilling. Three years ago twelve friends dug up some blueprints for a hundred-year-old airplane called the Jenny and decided to build one. Thirty seconds before we were to begin our podcast, they arrived to fly it for only the second time. Our conversation went from our first flight to skydiving, from Oshkosh Air Show to butterbeer and Harry Potter, and The Blue Angels to “Drink up Shriner!” Episode #5 of Lifes 3x5s is ready for take-off.
2021-12-2138 minLifes 3x5sS1 E4 Technically Inside a Shipping Container and Ready to Ship from Irontek Business CommunityEpisode #4 - Our episodes take us places not normally thought of for a talk show. We learn so much and meet great people. Today’s conversation took us from company logos to binge movies to musicals and creamsicles. And then from shipping containers to old photo slides to bedside items and giant cars in tiny garages. It’s a roller coaster of gabbing. Our 4th episode takes place inside a real storage container at Irontek Business Community in Beloit, Wisconsin.
2021-12-2147 minLifes 3x5sS1 E3 I'll Take One of Everything from Edgebrook Farmers MarketEpisode #3 - Our latest Life's 3x5s show took place in the middle of a farmer’s market in the Midwest. Never bored of our locations and it helps kickstart conversations. The farmers dressed up for Halloween and we talked about snoot, baseball caps memories, honey, gorging ourselves without throwing up, the National Restaurant Association, and seeing President George W. Bush. Following the snake trail through our conversation is non-stop and nearly impossible to retrace.
2021-12-2139 minLifes 3x5sS1 E2 A Dollar for the Land with Priceless Sunsets, Olson Forest PreserveEpisode #2 - If you kick a can far enough down the road you’ll run into Roland Olson Forest Preserve. We surrounded ourselves with dogwalkers and prairie fields and chatted until sunset. From foods you dip to questions about plants. From dogs on lame leashes to frog eye salad and the weird items on a McDonald’s menu elsewhere. They could never script it so they don’t because it’s more fun that way for everyone.
2021-12-2130 minLifes 3x5sLifes 3x5s Podcast TrailerCatching Up and Creating It Over Coffee. Our location for the trailer is Meg's Daily Grind in Rockford, Illinois. Locally owned and operated with four locations.
2021-12-0702 minLifes 3x5sS1 E1 Two Colonels in a Cornfield, Roscoe, IllinoisEpisode #1 - Our episodes take place at different remote locations. This personally keeps Tim and Liz off the bored grid and helps kickstart conversations. Hear how detasseling corn can lead to the band Cheap Trick, motorcycling to Sturgis, drinking moonshine, riding horses in the winter, and a famous Japanese garden. None of these topics were scripted or intended except for the very first one written on a 3x5 index card.
2021-11-2430 min