Wit or Wit-Out

Dennis Valerino

Our Ode to Philadelphia told one story at a time. We interview Interesting Philadelphia area people with intriguing stories. We have a wide array of interest and it will show in our guests.

  1. 4d ago

    Wit or Wit-Out Episode 23 Joe Vallee

    The conversation features Joe Vallee , who shares his experiences growing up in a family with a rich history in entertainment and sports, including his time as a bat boy for the Philadelphia Phillies. The discussion delves into his family background, his passion for music, and the unique stories from his time in baseball, highlighting the connections and relationships he built along the way. The conversation delves into Joe Vallee's experiences as a bat boy for the Philadelphia Phillies, his interactions with players, and his journey through music and family business challenges. It highlights his nostalgic memories of baseball, the dynamics of being in a band, and the struggles faced in the automotive industry. The conversation delves into Joe Vallee's journey from bartending to creating the successful sports website 'Philly2Philly', highlighting his personal struggles, triumphs, and the impact of Philadelphia sports culture on his life. It also covers the challenges he faced in the media landscape, including legal battles and the evolution of his writing career. The conversation explores Joe Vallee's experiences in the media industry, his journey through various roles, and personal anecdotes about his family and projects, including his work on the book 'Rainbow Rabbit'. It highlights his reflections on life, career challenges, and the importance of family and personal growth. Takeaways Rich family historyUnique experiences in baseball Nostalgic baseball experiencesChallenges in music and business Resilience in adversityImpact of sports on identity Media industry insightsImportance of family and personal growth Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Joe Vallee Jr.03:05 Family Background and Legacy05:58 Growing Up in Woodbury, NJ08:53 The Influence of Music11:49 Becoming a Bat Boy for the Phillies18:07 Memorable Experiences with the Phillies24:05 Reflections on the 1993 Phillies Team32:36 Nostalgic Baseball Memories38:34 The 1993 Phillies Team Dynamics41:51 Transitioning from Baseball to Music51:27 Struggles in the Family Business01:08:54 Reinventing Through Bartending01:10:19 The Phillies' Victory and Personal Reflection01:14:34 The Birth of Philly to Philly01:20:08 Challenges and Legal Battles01:30:11 The Success of the First Book01:37:06 Collaborations and New Projects01:47:09 Memories from the Media World01:51:39 The Journey of Writing and Publishing01:55:37 Reflections on Life and Career02:01:08 Finding Love and Building a Family02:04:14 Reviving 'Rainbow Rabbit' and Its Message02:10:54 Future Aspirations and Family Focus

  2. Sep 30

    Wit or Wit-Out Episode 22 Chef Jacquie

    Chef Jackie shares her journey from childhood in Italy and South Philly to becoming a culinary expert. The conversation explores her family dynamics, early influences, and the resilience that shaped her career in the food industry. In this conversation, Chef Jackie Kelly shares her journey from catering to establishing her own food tour company, Streets of Philly Food Tours. She discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic, her community involvement, and the diverse culinary experiences offered through her tours. Takeaways Culinary passion from familyResilience in personal challenges Culinary journey and familyResilience in business during pandemic Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chef Jackie02:48 Childhood in Italy and South Philly06:02 Family Dynamics and Early Influences08:46 Culinary Roots and Education11:53 Mother's Independence and Resilience15:09 Cultural Experiences and Growing Up17:58 Career Path and Transition to Cooking21:01 Culinary School Experience24:06 Family Reunions and Heritage27:11 Professional Journey in the Culinary World30:03 From Catering to Family Life32:56 Reconnecting Through Community Involvement35:11 The Birth of Streets Food Tours39:11 Navigating Challenges and Building a Business43:06 Diverse Culinary Experiences and Tours49:03 Memorable Moments on the Tours52:54 Future Plans and New Ventures

  3. Sep 22

    Wit or WIt-Out Episode 21 Lou Scheinfeld

    The conversation covers Lou Scheinfeld's childhood memories, early work experiences, and his journey into journalism. It delves into his upbringing in Brewerytown, the significance of a phone call, and his experiences working at the Daily News. Lou shares insights into his career as a reporter and the challenges he faced, including an injury that impacted his work. The conversation covers the early days of journalism, the experience of covering city council, meeting celebrities, the involvement of Jerry Walman and Ed Snyder, the naming of the Spectrum, the financial troubles of Jerry Walman, and the reputation of the Spectrum for concerts and events. The conversation delves into the history of the Spectacular Jazz Festival and a missed opportunity with Elvis. It also covers interactions with influential figures and the challenges faced in managing events at the Spectrum. The conversation covers the negotiation with Frank Sinatra, the creation of 'God Bless America,' the impact of Kate Smith's performance, the relationship between Ed Snyder and Lou Scheinfeld, the Flyers' game against the Russian team, and the influence of Lou Scheinfeld on Ed Snyder. The conversation with Lou Scheinfeld covers his remarkable life, from his memories of the Spectrum to his encounters with celebrities, challenges, betrayal, reconciliation, and redemption. It also delves into his work on the Museum of Sports, showcasing his enduring legacy. Takeaways Philadelphia in the 1950sLife as a reporterChildhood memories Journalism and ReportingMeeting Celebrities Spectacular Jazz FestivalMissed Opportunity with Elvis Negotiating with Frank SinatraThe creation of 'God Bless America'The impact of Kate Smith's performanceThe relationship between Ed Snyder and Lou ScheinfeldThe Flyers' game against the Russian teamThe influence of Lou Scheinfeld on Ed Snyder Remarkable LifeLegacy of the Spectrum Chapters 00:00 Growing Up in Brewerytown02:20 Life in the Candy Store03:41 The Importance of a Phone Call04:09 The Value of Money and Childhood Adventures05:05 First Job and Early Work Experiences05:33 Sneaking into the Arena and Meeting Roy Rogers06:55 Getting Married and Early Journalism Career11:11 Working at the Daily News30:52 Injury and Return to Work35:13 The Early Days of Journalism36:35 Covering City Council and Meeting Celebrities38:17 Jerry Walman and Ed Snyder40:14 The Naming of the Spectrum52:30 The Financial Troubles of Jerry Walman01:07:09 The Spectrum's Sound and Reputation01:09:34 The Spectacular Jazz Festival01:12:53 Missed Opportunity with Elvis01:44:10 Negotiating with Frank Sinatra01:45:49 The creation of 'God Bless America'01:46:15 The relationship between Ed Snyder and Lou Scheinfeld01:47:13 The impact of Kate Smith's performance02:11:01 The Flyers' game against the Russian team02:17:45 The influence of Lou Scheinfeld on Ed Snyder02:19:37 Memories of the Spectrum02:21:02 Encounters with Celebrities02:26:00 Challenges and Betrayal02:27:37 Reconciliation and Redemption02:39:33 The Museum of Sports

  4. Sep 16

    Wit or WIt-Out Episode 20 Marsha Levick

    The conversation covers Marsha Levick's Philadelphia childhood, her early legal career, the founding of the Juvenile Law Center, and her civil rights work. It delves into her experiences growing up in Philadelphia, her transition to a legal career, the establishment of the Juvenile Law Center, and her impactful civil rights work in the legal field. The conversation with Marsha Levick covers her legal career challenges, gender bias, and advocacy for juvenile justice reform. It delves into the impact of her advocacy efforts and the need for continued reform in the justice system. Takeaways Philadelphia ChildhoodEarly Legal CareerJuvenile Law CenterCivil Rights Work Legal career challengesAdvocacy for juvenile justice Chapters 00:00 Philadelphia Childhood03:00 Early Legal Career19:00 Juvenile Law Center34:55 Civil Rights Work42:50 Legal Career Challenges and Gender Bias50:09 Advocacy for Juvenile Justice Reform01:13:13 Impact of Advocacy Efforts

  5. Sep 9

    Wit or Wit-Out Episode 19 Chick Goodroe

    The conversation covers Chick Goodrow's life in Philadelphia and Kensington, his involvement in burglary and crime, personal relationships and marriages, encounters with celebrities and mobsters, and his arrests and fugitive status. The chapters explore his early life, criminal activities, encounters with notable figures, prison experiences, personal relationships, and violent encounters leading to fugitive status. The conversation delves into the life of a fugitive, the experience of living in Florida, and the dynamics of marriage and relationships. Chick Goudreau's story provides a unique perspective on these themes, offering insights into a life marked by adventure, risk, and personal relationships. Takeaways Life in Philadelphia and KensingtonBurglary and CrimePersonal Relationships and MarriagesEncounters with Celebrities and MobstersArrests and Fugitive Status Life as a fugitiveLiving in FloridaMarriage and relationships Chapters 00:00 Growing Up in Philadelphia and Kensington00:58 Early Life and Family03:23 Moving to LA and Trouble with Cars04:20 Involvement in Burglary and Crime06:45 Encounters with Celebrities and Mobsters07:42 Burglary Techniques and Operations15:21 Life in Prison and Jail Experiences22:09 Personal Relationships and Marriages34:23 Violent Encounter and Fugitive Status43:42 Life as a Fugitive45:11 Living in Florida47:07 Marriage and Relationships

  6. Aug 5

    Wit or WIt-Out Episode 18 Colin Comstock

    COLIN COMSTOCK has an interesting story to tell. Documentarian, dont call him influencer, is now a big hit on instagram as he tackles the biggest subject of his career - the Philadelphia cheesesteak. This kid , who went to Radnor High , and then Temple, wanted to be in a hit punk band at first. HIs journey, like most of us, has not been linear. Listen to this episode and experiece his journey as only he can tell it.

  7. Jul 29

    Wit or Wit-Out Episode 17 Darryl McCray

    The conversation delves into the life of Darrell McCray, also known as Cornbread, the youngest person to establish an international art movement. It explores his upbringing in Brewerytown, his time at the Youth Development Center, and the birth of the Cornbread phenomenon. The story also covers the impact of poetry, the zoo bombing incident, and the Jackson 5 incident. The conversation delves into the origin of the graffiti culture and its impact, as well as the personal struggles and triumphs of Daryl McCray. It explores the evolution of graffiti art, the challenges of substance abuse, and the enduring legacy of Daryl McCray's contributions to art and culture. Takeaways Graffiti as TherapyThe Birth of a Street Star Graffiti Culture OriginImpact of Substance Abuse Chapters 00:00 The Birth of Cornbread01:25 Life in Brewerytown02:53 The Youth Development Center04:09 The Cornbread Phenomenon05:06 The Elephant Incident06:37 Writing Cornbread Everywhere08:29 The Impact of Poetry10:19 The Zoo Bombing30:38 The Jackson 5 Incident37:38 The Cornbread and Earl Story39:03 The Origin of Graffiti Culture49:25 The Impact of Substance Abuse

  8. Jul 22

    Wit or WIt-Out Episode 16 Eddie Berner

    Remembered Eddie from his TV show on Comcast SportsNet and always thought he was a cool guy. The more I learned about him, the more impressed I became. Touring the United States at just 21 years old took incredible hard work, dedication, and courage. What an amazing journey he's had to this point. It's easy to root for a genuinely good guy like Eddie. Wishing him nothing but continued success!

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About

Our Ode to Philadelphia told one story at a time. We interview Interesting Philadelphia area people with intriguing stories. We have a wide array of interest and it will show in our guests.

Information

  • Creator
    Dennis Valerino
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dennis Valerino
  • Show Website
    Wit or Wit-Out