The Artful Periscope – The Nimble Art of Storytelling

On this special episode Larry explores the human condition with all its permutations with special guests Thomas Maier Alex Demille John Theissen John Lee Hooker JR and random thoughts and observations from producer Francis Leik. [https://artfulperiscope.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_4463-300x236.jpg]Thomas Maier [https://artfulperiscope.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_4465-300x270.jpg]Alex DeMille [https://artfulperiscope.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_4467-232x300.jpg]John Lee Hooker, Jr. [https://artfulperiscope.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_4471-246x300.jpg]Jonathan Theissen

For episode 99 Larry sits down with writers Bruce Borgos and Scott McCrea to talk about socks, the mythology of the old west and their favorite movies. Followed by a in-depth conversation with Christian Sheppard author of The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball: Lessons for life from Homer’s Odyssey to the World Series.

For episode 98 Larry sits down with Long Island based singer songwriter Pete Mancini for conversation and some songs from his new album American Equator.Pete’s website is petemancini.com [http://petemancini.com/] for more information. [https://artfulperiscope.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_0452-300x225.jpeg] [https://artfulperiscope.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_0442-300x235.jpeg]

How many threads can bring us beyond the headlines? In this episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry Davidson welcome journalist John Lechner [https://www.johnlechnerauthor.com/] to discuss Death is Our Business [https://www.amazon.com/Death-Our-Business-Russian-Mercenaries/dp/1639733361], an exposé on Russian mercenaries and the increasing privatization of warfare. Lechner recounts his experiences in war zones and illuminates the geopolitical forces shaping modern conflicts. John Lechner (@JohnLechner1) / X [https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1556685848644669443/rFIZB7Vo_400x400.jpg] After the break, Larry sits down with bestselling true crime author T.J. English to explore The Last Kilo [https://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Rhythms-Underworld-T-English-ebook/dp/B09KRXDNSH], a gripping look at the cocaine empire that reshaped America and it’s ongoing, though sometimes misguided, war on drugs. English reveals the untold stories behind Miami’s biggest drug traffickers and the systemic corruption that enabled their rise and how two ordinary people can get caught up in running a drug empire. T.J. English | Author | Journalist | Mob Stories | New York ... [https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615925f3bdaf2c6fb46aaae5/62d17698-6baf-419f-af65-f10ba19341d6/TJ-Suit-72.jpg] The episode closes with a moving reflection from I. S. Berry [https://isberry.net/] on war, trauma, statistics and survival, marking the final recording from this studio. Out of the darkness and into the light, The Artful Periscope signs off with gratitude for the threads it has woven.

How many loose threads can alter the outcome? In this week’s episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry welcomes Steve Stratton [https://www.stevenstrattonusa.com/], author of Caribbean Harvest, [https://www.amazon.com/Caribbean-Harvest-Shadow-Tier-4/dp/1963298144?ref_=ast_author_dp] to discuss the origins of his Shadow [https://www.goodreads.com/series/398674-shadow-tier]Tier series, inspired by real- world cartel violence. Stratton explores themes of justice, revenge, and morality, weaving in his military experience and deep knowledge of intelligence operations. He shares insights on crafting multidimensional characters, including protagonist Lance Bear Wolf [https://www.stevenstrattonusa.com/warriorspath], and balancing action with emotional depth. Larry and Steve also delve into some current events including the pardoning of the January 6th [https://www.govinfo.gov/collection/january-6th-committee-final-report?path=/GPO/January%206th%20Committee%20Final%20Report%20and%20Supporting%20Materials%20Collection] rioters, the increasingly removal of oversight in the Trump administration and the how to still make The United States welcome in immigrants in the face of Trump’s policies. Learn More About Steve Stratton — Steve Stratton | Thriller ... [https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62154f7b6e9895046d79b227/4d418d67-018b-44c6-aa58-9d8dc0765565/stratton-headshot-2024-thumb.jpg]   After the break, Larry sits down with K.T. Nguyen [https://www.ktnguyenauthor.com/], author of You Know What You Did [https://www.amazon.com/You-Know-What-Did-Novel/dp/059347385X], who delivers a powerful reflection on the history and role of public libraries in democracy, literacy, and community-building. As this podcast nears the end of its tenure at its longtime recording home in the Sachem Public Library [https://www.sachemlibrary.org/services-resources/studio/], Larry reflects on the impact of nearly 200 author interviews and the hope of finding a new space to continue shining a light on storytelling. [https://artfulperiscope.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/005_Nguyen-200x300.jpg]