DayStrider: Tales from a Time Traveler

Truman Pastworthy

If you are naturally curious, a tad nostalgic, and your range of interests is diverse, then DayStrider is the podcast for you.  Wanna satisfy that 'itchy' need to learn but with a 'scratch' that's laid-back and enjoyable?  A delightful dose of lighthearted and fun stories about this day in the past will make you feel better, become a bit smarter - and you'll have a handy icebreaker to glide right through any uncomfortable social moments you encounter!  Added perk:  each day's path varies - but the journey is always the same great experience.  Each episode will transport you to three different historical events, amazing discoveries or special inventions that happened on this day in the past.  These short stories are sure to make you grin - and will definitely surprise you with a tidbit that you had never heard before!  Bonus content at the end includes brief bio's of some famous folks born on this day as well as customized gift ideas for your someone special who's got today circled on their calendar. You can find more on the website:  https://daystrider.buzzsprout.com

  1. 4D AGO

    Jan 26th: Defying Gravity

    If I told you someone survived a terrorist bombing and a six mile fall without a parachute - would you believe me?  Well, January 26th is full of stories that shouldn't have worked - but actually did!    In 1979, CBS took a gamble on a show about moonshine-running cousins in an orange car with a Confederate flag. Critics hated it, but 40 million viewers disagreed. The Dukes of Hazzard became a cultural phenomenon where the real star got 35,000 fan letters a month—and it wasn't even human.. In 1972, Vesna Vulović wasn't supposed to be on Flight 367. A scheduling mix-up put her on a plane that would explode at 33,000 feet. While 27 people died, she survived the longest fall without a parachute in history. Today is Peanut Brittle Day - and the origin story is lost to history.  Many suggest it was invented by accident.  Here’s my guess:  1891, Georgia, a woman desperate to belong grabbed the wrong ingredient in a moment of panic.  Check out this fun little origin story and see for yourself how the Ladies Auxiliary reacted.  If it's a special day for you or for someone you care about, why not learn a little more about today by listening to some wild, engaging tales about unlikely heroes, impossible survivals, and accidental masterpieces? You'll walk away rethinking what's actually possible when everything goes wrong.  Fun links from today's stories (these links worked in early-2026 - not sure how long the links will be available): 11 minutes of the General Lee jumping gullies, cars, trucks and Rosco P. Coltrain over and over!What the OG Lotus 1-2-3 looked like!Gift ideas for folks who celebrate January 26th: Watch all 7 seasons of The Dukes of Hazzard or show off the General Lee.  Including that fun car horn! Check out Vesna’s life story when her DC-9 exploded. Celebrate Peanut Brittle Day. Posters & movies of today’s famous folks:  Ellen Degeneres, Eddie Van Halen, Wayne Gretzky and Bessie Coleman. Fun gift options to celebrate today’s holidays: Green Text me your favorite time travel movie!!! ~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~ Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: daystriderstories@gmail.com Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories! If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

    46 min

  2. 11/02/2025

    Oct 26th: I'll Be Back

    What if the craziest bet you could make turned out to be the smartest move ever? October 26th is packed with gambles that seemed absolutely insane at the time - but changed everything forever. From a nobody director making an illegal guerrilla film with a bodybuilder who could barely speak English to a struggling shoe company betting half a million on a rookie who didn't even want to be there - today’s crazy ideas paid off big time! I’ll Be Back! This famous movie quote transcended Arnold’s acting career just like the Terminator movie franchise as transformed from a sci-fi action thriller terrifying audiences into a documentary about what AI autonomation is actually capable of 40 years later. They just needed some Air!  In 1984, Nike was struggling, while Michael Jordan couldn’t get the endorsement deal he wanted.  Pair the two together, add a “dash of Delores”, and you have the makings of the greatest shoe line ever - the Air Jordan created billionaires all around!Stonehenge was actually a computer.  Today, I unveil a few of the secrets people have been asking for centuries about this unusual rock formation.  What they were used for, how they got where they are today and more.If it's a special day for you or for someone you care about, why not learn a little more about today by listening to some wild, engaging tales about billion-dollar gambles and ancient mysteries? You'll find yourself thinking differently about "crazy ideas" AND have some incredible stories to share at next week’s halloween party. If you need some great gift ideas, we have those too (along with links to where you can find them on Amazon). Fun links from today's stories (these links worked in late-2025 - not sure how long the links will be available): Text me your favorite time travel movie!!! ~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~ Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: daystriderstories@gmail.com Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories! If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

    45 min
  3. Jul 25th: AC/DC Power Hour

    07/31/2025

    Jul 25th: AC/DC Power Hour

    If you love AC/DC, then you've come to the right place!  Today's episode departs from the normal DayStriding journey to focus all three segments on the best selling rock band of all time!  Today's episode celebrates the day Back in Black was released on this day 1980.  You also can experience TWO Truman Pastworthy originals: My world premier of Thunderstruck on the PVC pipes, andMy list of  "10 AC/DC Songs You Should Add to Your Playlist".If it's a special day for you or for someone you care about, why not learn a little more about today by listening to some fun, engaging tales that are all about AC/DC?  You’ll find yourself in a much better mood AND have some great stories you can tell at your next summer cookout.  If you need some great gift ideas, we have those too (along with links to where you can find them on Amazon). Fun links from today’s stories (these links worked in early-2025 - not sure how long the links will be available): Link to the Two Cellos video performing ThunderstruckLink to the Baby Ryan video and the Thunderstruck remixLink to a video with Whole Lotta Rosie riding a runaway trainThe rest is under construction! Text me your favorite time travel movie!!! ~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~ Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: daystriderstories@gmail.com Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories! If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

    53 min
  4. Bonus Episode: Shakespeare 360 w/ Gary Taylor

    05/13/2025 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: Shakespeare 360 w/ Gary Taylor

    History's most celebrated playwright isn't who you think he is.  Forget the stuffy portrait of Shakespeare you suffered through in high school - turns out the Bard was tracking audience reactions like a Netflix algorithm, surviving political dangers that got his colleagues executed, and running Renaissance London's most savvy multimedia enterprise. Welcome to "Shakespeare 360°" – where what you learned in English class was just 37° of the full picture (that's one degree for each of his plays). In this academic deep dive (that's actually fun!), distinguished Shakespeare scholar Professor Gary Taylor takes us backstage to reveal: The most important day in Shakespeare’s career - one that changed it’s trajectory entirelyWhy Shakespeare meticulously tracked audience laughter like a proto-Silicon Valley product manager (and how it made him rich)The character name change that literally saved Shakespeare's head when his colleagues weren't so luckyHow AI and algorithms are helping to study every word to make sense of them allThe bizarre train scheduling conspiracy still trapping Shakespeare fans in Stratford-upon-Avon overnight (400 years later!)Whether you're a literary buff, business strategist, or just someone who remembers dozing through Romeo and Juliet in 10th grade, this episode reveals why Shakespeare's works still captivate us centuries later. As Professor Taylor puts it, Shakespeare shows us that "the universe is bigger than we are... and so we'll never get bored with it." This bonus episode features the full interview that was highlighted in the April 23rd DayStrider episode:  A Midsummer Night Mistake, with additional insights and stories that didn't make the original cut. Perfect for sharing with students, colleagues, or anyone who appreciates a deeper look at creative genius. Links: Professor Gary Taylor at Florida State UniversityVarious works written and/or edited by Gary TaylorText me your favorite time travel movie!!! ~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~ Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: daystriderstories@gmail.com Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories! If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

    30 min

  5. 04/26/2025

    Apr 23rd: Happy Birthday YouTube

    How long would it take to watch every video on YouTube? (Spoiler: it's mind-boggling!) Our digital landscape, beverage choices, and literary understanding would look dramatically different without the plot twists of April 23rd. Join us for three tales of pivots, blunders, and centuries-old mysteries that prove sometimes the most brilliant successes start with spectacular failures! YouTube turns 20 today! Follow the incredible journey from a failed Valentine's Day dating site to a half-trillion dollar empire that's revolutionized how we learn, parent, and entertain ourselves.  New Coke's spectacular 1985 crash-and-burn wasn't just a marketing disaster—it accidentally became Coca-Cola's greatest triumph. Discover why Americans stockpiled original formula, poured New Coke down sewers, and sent angry executives scrambling to restore the classic recipe after just 79 days! Shakespeare may be history's greatest literary genius...or perhaps its most elaborate front man. Dive into the delicious 400-year-old mystery that has scholars questioning how a grammar school kid from nowhere gained intimate knowledge of royal courts, Italian geography, and advanced legal concepts. If it's a special day for you or someone you care about, why not learn a little more about today by listening to some fun, engaging tales of the past? You'll find yourself a little smarter and have some great stories you can share while waiting for Mr. Beast’s next mega-video. If you need some great gift ideas, we have those too (along with links to where you can find them on Amazon). Fun links from today’s stories (these links worked in mid-2025 - not sure how long the links will be available): Link to the very first You-Tube video everLink to the Gary Taylor’s bio page at FSUThe rest is under construction! Text me your favorite time travel movie!!! ~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~ Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: daystriderstories@gmail.com Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories! If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

    49 min

  6. 03/29/2025

    Mar 27th: Knot Your Average Heroes

    Heroes come in all shapes and sizes!  Some hold communities together when tragedy strikes - while others flex their 24 inch biceps!  Either way, our world would be a whole lot different without the heroics that took place on March 27th.  Today’s stories prove that strength and staying power come from the most unexpected places! When North America’s biggest earthquake struck, Genie Chance transformed from a part-time radio reporter into Alaska's beating heart during chaos and uncertainty.Would you believe that the infamous sleeper hold is actually real?  And that it was used by one of Professional Wrestling’s biggest heroes to actually knock a TV host unconscious - live on air! Finally, we’ll help you solve this fun little riddle:I'm needed at the ends but not in the middle, Solving my purpose isn't much of a riddle. I'm handled each day, yet ignored in plain sight. Without me a simple act becomes quite a fight. Kings had me made of gold to flaunt royal flair, But I’m usually quite plain and paired with a pair. When I’m broken or missing, things start to fray, and I’m called by a word that you never did say. If it's a special day for you or for someone you care about, why not learn a little more about today by listening to some fun, engaging tales of the past.  You’ll find yourself a little smarter and have some great stories you can tell while waiting for that sunrise service to finally get going.  If you need some great gift ideas, we have those too (along with links to where you can find them on Amazon). Fun links from today’s stories (these links worked in early-2025 - not sure how long the links will be available): Link to the Thunderlips scene from the Rocky III movieLink to the Sleeper Hold scene from the Richard Belzer showThe rest is under construction! Text me your favorite time travel movie!!! ~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~ Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: daystriderstories@gmail.com Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories! If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

    48 min

  7. 03/14/2025

    Mar 3rd: Stubborn Spirit = Sweet Success

    Stubbornness has a funny way of changing history!  Our world would look - and taste -  a lot different without the sweet successes of March 3rd.  Get ready for a triple dose of determination as today’s heroes turn 'no way' into 'my way' as they reveal how failure, family feuds, and frostbite became unexpected pathways to sweet success! The Iditarod dog sled race is a showcase of determined mushers and their four-legged athletes.  Current musher Bailey Vitello shares why losing 45 pounds during his rookie run is just part of the adventure.Then we'll unwrap the deliciously bitter origin story of M&M's, where Forrest Mars turned family exile into sweet revenge. Finally, we’ll raise our copper mugs to the beautiful collision of three epic failures that created cocktail history.If it's a special day for you or for someone you care about, why not learn a little more about today by listening to some fun, engaging tales of the past.  You’ll find yourself a little smarter and have some great stories you can tell while standing in the ever longer self-serve check-out lines at the grocery store.  If you need some great gift ideas, we have those too (along with links to where you can find them on Amazon). Important links from today’s stories (these links worked in early-2025 - not sure how long the links will be available): Link to Team Bailey’s dog sponsor pageLink to the Ickey Shuffle video at the deli counterThe rest is under construction! Text me your favorite time travel movie!!! ~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~ Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: daystriderstories@gmail.com Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories! If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

    42 min
  8. Bonus Episode: Team Bailey & Iditarod Dreams

    02/28/2025 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: Team Bailey & Iditarod Dreams

    What happens when you combine 16 high-energy dogs, a sleep-deprived human, and 1,000 miles of Alaskan wilderness? Hallucinated rock concerts, near-death ice rescues, and a man who lost 45 pounds in 11 days while chasing the ultimate mushing dream. Meet Bailey Vitello, who's been commanding dog teams since age two and now tackles the legendary Iditarod with nothing but determination, his canine family, and—shockingly—zero caffeine. In this episode, we dive headfirst into the wild world of competitive dog sledding with a musher who: Hallucinates Maroon 5 concerts in the Alaskan wilderness (sleep deprivation is a trip!)Rolls soaking wet dogs in snow to dry them (it actually works!)Shares his chili with his lead dog while sleeping in -10°F temperaturesLost a shocking 45 pounds during his rookie Iditarod runMeet the canine characters in Bailey's 16-dog dream team – from Senator (the teacher's pet) to Wyoming (a loveable wrecking ball) to Tuckerman (the class clown who steals everyone's toys) to YoYa (his sleeping bag heater when needed). Whether you're a dog lover, adventure seeker, or just curious about what drives someone to race across Alaska in conditions that would make most of us question our life choices, Bailey's story proves that sometimes the craziest dreams are the ones worth freezing for. Listen now and discover why, as Bailey puts it, "Dogs honestly are just truly the answer to everything." Links: Team Bailey USA: www.teambaileyusa.comSponsor a dog or help pack Bailey's drop bagsFollow Bailey's 2025 Iditarod journeyThe Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Official SiteText me your favorite time travel movie!!! ~~~ DayStrider Fun ~~~ Do you want to be mentioned here in the podcast? Or do you want me to do a shout-out for a loved one? All you need to do is send me an e-mail: daystriderstories@gmail.com Better yet, you can record your own shout-out by leaving me a voice message using this SpeakPipe link Do you have a story that you wish to share? Join me as a guest and let’s tell the world together! Once again, just send me an e-mail or find me here on Facebook: Truman Pastworthy If you had as much fun listening as I did creating this episode, please click "follow" in your favorite podcast platform . . . oh . . . and even better - why not share it with a friend (or three)! I’m betting you know just the perfect person who would enjoy today’s stories! If you feel adventurous, how 'bout writing a great review? :-)

    22 min
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5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

If you are naturally curious, a tad nostalgic, and your range of interests is diverse, then DayStrider is the podcast for you.  Wanna satisfy that 'itchy' need to learn but with a 'scratch' that's laid-back and enjoyable?  A delightful dose of lighthearted and fun stories about this day in the past will make you feel better, become a bit smarter - and you'll have a handy icebreaker to glide right through any uncomfortable social moments you encounter!  Added perk:  each day's path varies - but the journey is always the same great experience.  Each episode will transport you to three different historical events, amazing discoveries or special inventions that happened on this day in the past.  These short stories are sure to make you grin - and will definitely surprise you with a tidbit that you had never heard before!  Bonus content at the end includes brief bio's of some famous folks born on this day as well as customized gift ideas for your someone special who's got today circled on their calendar. You can find more on the website:  https://daystrider.buzzsprout.com

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