Our latest episode. radiomisfits.com/fk246/
— Rick Kaempfer (@rickkaempfer.bsky.social) April 18, 2025 at 11:36 AM
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Friday, April 18, 2025
Free Kicks
Minutia Men Celebrity Interview
Our latest episode just dropped. This week we talked to the actress who played the evil Nellie Oleson in Little House on the Prarie. She's a stitch, by the way. Very upbeat and funny. radiomisfits.com/mmci174/
— Rick Kaempfer (@rickkaempfer.bsky.social) April 16, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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Monday, April 14, 2025
Publishing Portal--April 14, 2025
The latest news from Eckhartz Press, and a chance to peek into some of the great previous offerings from our humble little publishing company.
=Rick Kaempfer was out and about, making the rounds this week promoting EveryCubEver. First he appeared on Ray Stevens' show on WLS...
My appearance this morning on The Ray Stevens show on WLS-AM 890. omny.fm/shows/ray-st...— Rick Kaempfer (@rickkaempfer.bsky.social) April 7, 2025 at 10:48 AM
=Then he appeared on the podcast The Heart of the Matter.
=And finally, he appeared on John St. Augustine's podcast for WGN radio.
=Remember to check Rick Kaempfer's Facebook Page (Just One Bad Century) and Blue Sky page for daily EveryCubEver updates. Here is one from last week...
=Great piece in the Patch about The Flip Side this week.
=Larry Rosenbaum also appeared on Scott MacKay's show on The River.
=This past Saturday was Record Store day and The Flip Side co-author Larry Rosenbaum made a few appearances promoting the book. Thanks to everyone in Oak Park and Barrington who came out to see Larry and get their copies of his book.
=And this coming weekend you can meet Larry in Joliet. Fellow Eckhartz Press author Mitch Micheals (Doin the Cruise) will be there as well.
=Ken Korber recently optioned the film rights to his series of children's books about Grace. He is one of three Eckhartz Press authors currently working on turning their books into films. Congrats to Ken!
=This week in 2021, Ken got a shout out on Bruce Springsteen's website Backstreets. Ken's book is about a young girl getting to meet her hero, Springsteen sideman Little Stevie Van Zandt.
=How cool is this? Truffle Hunt author Brent Petersen is now a foodie blogger and podcaster, and this photo here just about sums him up perfectly.
=Grun Weiss Vor! co-author Rick Kaempfer was the emcee of a banquet this past weekend, celebrating the soccer club Green White. He gave out MVP awards, crowned a Miss Green White, and helped make the sausage (for real) that was served that night. (Photo: Rick with Donauschwaben president Nicole Herion)
=One year ago this week, Eckhartz Press released JJ Novak's Meta-Stories. Storytelling is part of the fabric of our daily lives. Stories create opportunities to debate, question, inspire, wonder and relate. Meta-Stories I is a series of 18 allegories about life experiences, challenges and human resilience. The main characters include humans, animals and natural objects. Readers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in each story, reflect on inner meanings, and ponder how these stories resonate with them and their own life journey. The 18 stories are meant for all ages, and the author JJ Novak encourages the reader to share the stories with friends, family members, and those they connect with.
=Eckhartz Press author Keith Conrad is celebrating a birthday this week (April 17). Keith had the misfortune of coming out with his inventive novel during the COVID crisis, so he wasn't able to do any events or in-person media interviews. He did do this Q&A, which will give you an idea of how interesting his novel is.
=Two people who contributed to the Loop Files are celebrating birthdays this week, Jack Landreth (April 14) and Seka (April 15). Jack told stories about his days working as Kevin Matthews' producer. Seka was one of the stars of the photo section (shown below with co-host Stan Lawrence).
=Eckhartz Press author Lauren LoGuidice was in town recently performing her variety show/stand-up special.
=This week in 2020 Roger Badesch got the first copy of his memoir The Unplanned Life (photo). It came just one day after what would have been former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington's birthday (April 15). Part of Roger's unplanned life was working for Mayor Washington for a time. There's a memorable story in the book about the time Roger had to set up the stereo equipment at Harold's house.
=This week in 2021 Roger was interviewed by Steve Dale on WGN Radio.
=Roger has an action figure too.
=This week in 2012, Windy City Reviews posted their review of the first ever Eckhartz Press release, The Living Wills. Here's a portion of what they said...
In the preface, the authors note the novel's structure is influenced by the Harold, an improvisational theater form created by Del Close. While the novel does not exactly follow the form, the interwoven stories lend themselves to the influence of improv. Sullivan and Kaempfer set themselves up for a challenge by telling the stories of five main characters each through a different point of view, but each of the story lines is unique, all the characters are clearly drawn, and there is no confusion for the reader. Short chapters advance the plot quickly and keep the reader engaged.
What struck me most about this novel was its sweetness.
What struck me most about this novel was its sweetness. Sullivan and Kaempfer navigate issues of love, loss, and family dynamics with a care that is crucial to the success of the novel. The straightforward, unadorned prose does no work to convey the depth of emotion in the novel; that job is reserved solely for the characters, and they carry the load well. Though each of the characters trend slightly towards the stereotypical, the reader is able to accept them as individuals thanks to Sullivan and Kaempfer's well-placed personal details. Delmar, the toilet salesman, is a salesman to his core, and his application of sales principles to his romantic relationship is at once comic and endearing. Similarly, the scenes in the parking garage with the executive and the attendant are injected with emotion when we learn that “Reed went through the usual charade of offering a smoke to Henry, who always pretended to consider it before declining.” These details elevate the novel from cliché to something much deeper and more satisfying for the reader.
As difficult as it is to wrap up intricately woven narratives, Sullivan and Kaempfer succeed there, as well. On the whole, The Living Wills was a pleasure to read for Sullivan and Kaempfer's deft characterization and effective structural choices. The rich details about Chicago only add to the novel's appeal, and I find myself thinking of Henry, Reed, and Delmar when I pass Waveland Bowl or a parking area on lower Wacker Drive.
Kareem!
=This week's birthday boy Kareem Abdul Jabbar (April 16) appears in three different Eckhartz Press books, Chet Coppock's Your Dime My Dance Floor, Chuck Swirsky's Always a Pleasure, and Ryan Trembath's Signature Shoes.
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=One of the many celebrity fans of Chuck Quinzio's book Life Behind the Camera is this fellow who spent many years in front of the camera, the great George Takei. George is celebrating a birthday this week (April 20).
*420, man
Rest in Peace
=Sad news this week in 2019 (April 17). We lost Eckhartz Press author Chet Coppock. He was only 71 years old when he perished as the result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Eckhartz Press publisher Rick Kaempfer was dispatched to radio and television stations to eulogize Chet. A few weeks later friends gathered for Chet's memorial service and paid tribute to one of the all-time greats.
=Dan McNeil's book about the Chicago Bears includes an entire chapter with obituaries of Bears players, coaches and administrators who have passed away in the past few years. This week in 2024 (April 19) while Dan was writing the book, former Bears player personel director Bill Tobin passed away. Dan writes about him in I Bear Witness.
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Friday, April 11, 2025
Monday, April 07, 2025
Publishing Portal--April 7, 2025
The latest news from Eckhartz Press, and a chance to peek into some of the great previous offerings from our humble little publishing company.
=What a great event at is/was Brewery this past weekend, the book launch party for The Kiss of Night. We sold out of books! Thanks to everyone who came out to help Mark Wukas celebrate the release of his book.
=Reading The Flip Side is like a taking a journey through the Rock and Roll adventures of Chicagoland. This week in 1978 (April 6), REO Speedwagon released their multi-platinum album You Can Tune a Piana, But You Can't Tuna Fish. Naturally their promotional tour included a visit to Flip Side records.
=This weekend Flip Side author Larry Rosenbaum's promotional tour continues. Larry has two appearances scheduled to coincide with Record Store Day (Saturday, April 12), which is like a national holiday for the former co-owner of The Flip Side.
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=Author Vicki Atkinson will be making a bunch of upcoming appearances, including one this week at a book club. More information coming on the library appearances in the coming weeks. She is also part of the Chicago Writers Association Speakers Bureau, if you are interested in booking her for your group. Here are the topics she covers...
“Writing for Wellness” by Dr. Vicki Atkinson
Join author and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Dr. Vicki Atkinson to learn how to unlock your storyteller’s heart and enhance your self-care game at the same time. Learn about Dr. Atkinson’s techniques for improving life satisfaction and relationships and reducing stress – all through developing your voice as a writer. Includes handouts, resources and Q&A.“Navigating Elder Care with Grace and Humor” by Dr. Vicki Atkinson
Join the author of “Surviving Sue” to learn how to navigate the challenges of elder care. Dr. Atkinson’s experience in caring for her mother who suffered from Alzheimer’s, alcoholism, and anxiety taught her lessons about forging ahead with humor. Dr. Atkinson shares tips for caregiver wellness. Includes handouts, resources, and Q&A.“How To Create a Writing Platform” by Dr. Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon
Establish your on-line writing presence with actionable steps to build your writing identity. Authors Atkinson and Leon have interviewed dozens of writers/authors/bloggers and know the terrain. They’ll help participants unlock the keys to build a writer’s life while juggling other roles. With clear how-to’s about getting started, promotion ideas on social media, and encouragement, this session will help you begin your writing journey with confidence. Includes handouts, resources and Q&A. (Virtual only)“AI and for Caregivers: Taking Advantage of a Virtual Assistant” by Dr. Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon
Learn how generative AI can ease the heavy load for caregivers. Authors Atkinson and Leon will inspire you to think creatively about the use of virtual assistants. From building a budget, creating notifications, managing schedules and more, AI can relieve caregivers of burdensome tasks. Even better? We’ll show you how AI can open doors to creative pursuits – like capturing family history and precious stories. Includes handouts, resources and Q&A. (Virtual only)
=This week in 2024, we released one of our best selling books of the year, Last Comiskey. The goal of Last Comiskey is to serve as a permanent companion to the documentary that will provide a physical and tangible reminder of the final surprising season at “Sox Park.” The book blends both Ken Smoller’s photographs along with the content from the “Last Comiskey” documentary film, supplemented by new material to provide greater context. The book is intended to capture the spirit of the documentary and the reflections of the many participants in the interviews Matt conducted for the film.
=One of the players featured in Last Comiskey is Dave Gallagher. He is celebrating a birthday this week (April 12)
=On April 10, 1966, the song "Sweet Talkin’ Guy" was released by the Chiffons. One of the fun things about Pat Motto's book To the Men I Loved is that she suggests musical accompanient to each of her chapters. Chapter 7 suggests "Sweet Talking Guy".
=Two contributors to The Loop Files are celebrating birthdays this week. Happy birthday to Bob Stroud (April 13) and Dorothy Humphrey (April 7). Both played a significant role in the success of Chicago's all-time favorite radio station. (Top Photo: L-R, Looper Tricia Mladic, author Rick Kaempfer, Bob Stroud)
=This week in 2018, the second edition of Kipper McGee's broadcasting book Brandwidth was released. Kipper appeared on the Sound Off podcast to discuss it.
=Yet another Cubs book in the Eckhartz Press library. One of the contributors to that book, best-selling author Scott Turow, is celebrating a birthday this week (April 12).
=This week in 2014, the Beverly Arts Center hosted An Afternoon with Joel Daly. Penny Golden interviewed Joel in front of a large BAC audience.
Records Truly Is My Middle Name
=Just weeks after Landecker's book came out in 2013, his childhood crush Annette Funicello passed away. You can listen to John's interview with Annette here, or you can read the free excerpt from his book (about Annette).
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Here, in an honest sensitive voice, Ann Wilson recalls being yanked out of her 1970’s teenage life in Western Springs, Illinois, when her dynamic architect father is assigned to a two-year project in Hong Kong, transplanting the family. ‘You’re afraid,’ he tells her on their first night in the new vertical city with its teetering apartment buildings and rickety bamboo scaffolding. ‘Of what?’ she asks, and he mumbles, ‘Of the unknown.’ Little does this American teenager know how much her father will become that ‘unknown.’ Wilson looks back and chronicles it all in brave, vivid prose—not just the strange flavors and sounds, but the unanticipated changes in herself and the impact Hong Kong ultimately has on her family.
=It's not often an Eckhartz Press book gets a recommendation from the likes of Chicago author Stuart Dybek (celebrating a birthday this week/April 10), but Don Evans' collection of short stories managed to do just that when it came out in 2018...
Don Evans can get the streets to talk as if they’re telling their own stories. One hears in his work an immediately recognizable offhand tone that rings true, empathetic, street smart, and very funny.
=This week in 2023, Chuck Swirsky appeared on the podcast of old colleague Garry Meier to discuss his book Always a Pleasure. This is what Chuck looked like when he and Garry worked together at the Loop in 1980 (photo by Paul Natkin/from The Loop Files)
=This week in 2018, Beth Jacobellis appeared on WGN Radio to talk about her novel Cameo.
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