The Artful Periscope – The Nimble Art of Storytelling

Larry Davidson

Out of the darkness and into the light.

  1. 06/11/2025

    Episode 100

    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. Thomas Maier Alex DeMille John Lee Hooker, Jr. Jonathan Theissen

    1h 55m

  2. 05/22/2025

    Episode 99 – Bruce Borgos, Scott McCrea, and Christian Sheppard

    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.

    58 min

  3. 05/08/2025

    Episode 98 With Singer Songwriter Pete Mancini

    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 for more information.

    38 min

  4. 03/13/2025

    Episode 97 How many threads take us beyond the headlines on this? Authors John Lechner and TJ English with Commentary by I.S. Berry

    How many threads can bring us beyond the headlines? In this episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry Davidson welcome journalist John Lechner to discuss Death is Our Business, 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. After the break, Larry sits down with bestselling true crime author T.J. English to explore The Last Kilo, 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. The episode closes with a moving reflection from I. S. Berry 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.

    1h 35m

  5. 02/27/2025

    Episode 96 – How many loose threads can alter the outcome? Authors Steve Stratton and K.T. Nguyen

    How many loose threads can alter the outcome? In this week’s episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry welcomes Steve Stratton, author of Caribbean Harvest, to discuss the origins of his Shadow 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, and balancing action with emotional depth. Larry and Steve also delve into some current events including the pardoning of the January 6th 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.   After the break, Larry sits down with K.T. Nguyen, author of You Know What You Did, 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, 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.

    52 min

  6. 02/13/2025

    Episode 95 – How Many Threads Take Us On An Unexpected Journey? – Authors Joseph Finder and Anthony Gedell

    How many threads take us on an unexpected journey? In this week’s episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry Davidson sits down with bestselling author Joseph Finder about his latest thriller, The Oligarch’s Daughter. They explore the layered dynamics of power, family, and deception, how to weave settings like luxurious yachts and shadowy forests into a gripping narrative, and the current state of American politics. Joseph also shares his insights on crafting morally complex characters and the interplay of CIA and FBI rivalries. After the break, Larry welcomes debut author Anthony Gedell to discuss Love Lies in the Throes of Rhetoric, a philosophical exploration of human struggles and grace. Gedell shares his jazz-inspired approach to writing and critiques modern literature for lacking depth, presenting storytelling as a profound, almost spiritual, act. They also discuss John Steinbeck and Larry shares a brief announcement about the future of the podcast.

    1h 6m

  7. 01/30/2025

    Episode 94 – How Many Threads Connect Us to Relationships? Author Carla Conti and Journalist Daniel de Vise

    How many threads connect us to relationships? In this week’s episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry sits down with Carla Conti, author of Chained Birds, a true crime memoir that explores the systemic flaws in the justice system through the story of Kevin Sanders, a former gang member and inmate. Carla shares her personal journey of involvement in Kevin’s defense, sharing her critiques of prison culture, overcrowding, and the limitations of current reform efforts. In the second half, Larry is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Daniel de Visé, author of The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, the Rise of Improv, and the Making of an American Film Classic. Daniel takes listeners behind the scenes of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s rise to fame, their work on Saturday Night Live, and the making of the legendary film. With insights into the production process, iconic musical performances, and Belushi’s struggles with addiction, de Visé captures the highs and lows of their famous partnership.

    59 min

  8. 01/17/2025

    Episode 93 How Many Threads Lead Us Down the Path of Duplicity? Author Jeffrey Archer and David McCloskey

    How many threads lead us down the path of duplicity? On this week’s episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry welcomes international bestseller Jeffrey Archer to discuss An Eye for an Eye, the latest in the William Warwick series. Together, Larry and Jeffrey explore the novel’s themes of art forgery and historical intrigue, including a Rembrandt copy and Thomas Jefferson’s original copy of the Declaration of Independence. Jeffrey also shares his disciplined writing process, insights on translating stories for a global audience, and the evolution of Warwick’s character arc across the series. After the break, Larry sits down with David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and author of The Seventh Floor. David reflects on his real-life espionage experience, the challenges of crafting a modern mole hunt, and the moral complexities of intelligence work.

    1h 3m
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4.4
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Out of the darkness and into the light.

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