131 episodes

There’s something about that “Old Man River” which brings out the storyteller. Reflections from the River comes from the banks of the Mississippi River, upstream from Memphis, downstream from St. Louis, where the aircraft carrier sized tows negotiate the twists and bends of America’s artery. In these five to ten-minute vignettes a modern-day Mark Twain, with the occasional O. Henry twist to an ending, holds a mirror to middle America, its challenges and its strengths. Author and speaker, Bill Enyart, draws from the well-springs of working-class Midwestern roots, tempered by his rise from enlisted military ranks to Major General and then US Congressman to tell stories that reveal much of the American soul and the path American military men, women and their families tread. Humor, duty, grief and comradeship share the stage. Audio production by Tom Calhoun at paguytom.com. Cover photo by Staff Sgt Lally Laksbergs, Army National Guard. Email comments or questions to: bill@billenyart Billenyart.com

Reflections from the River Bill Enyart

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.9 • 9 Ratings

There’s something about that “Old Man River” which brings out the storyteller. Reflections from the River comes from the banks of the Mississippi River, upstream from Memphis, downstream from St. Louis, where the aircraft carrier sized tows negotiate the twists and bends of America’s artery. In these five to ten-minute vignettes a modern-day Mark Twain, with the occasional O. Henry twist to an ending, holds a mirror to middle America, its challenges and its strengths. Author and speaker, Bill Enyart, draws from the well-springs of working-class Midwestern roots, tempered by his rise from enlisted military ranks to Major General and then US Congressman to tell stories that reveal much of the American soul and the path American military men, women and their families tread. Humor, duty, grief and comradeship share the stage. Audio production by Tom Calhoun at paguytom.com. Cover photo by Staff Sgt Lally Laksbergs, Army National Guard. Email comments or questions to: bill@billenyart Billenyart.com

    Prospects for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine

    Prospects for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine

    • 6 min
    Southern Illinois ice storms or Be Prepared

    Southern Illinois ice storms or Be Prepared

    • 6 min
    Israel-Gaza: One Hundred Days Later

    Israel-Gaza: One Hundred Days Later

    After one hundred days of fighting in Israel and Gaza, who is winning? Iran. Hamas, Gaza’s ruling political party and its military wing inflicted a stinging blow to Israel when it launched its October 7th attack killing twelve hundred mostly Israelis and taking hostage over two hundred others, about half of whom have now been released. Although a propaganda victory, this attack was not militarily significant. It has, however, become significant as a triggering event.

    • 4 min
    Spring gardens, wilted lettuce leaf salad and real strawberries

    Spring gardens, wilted lettuce leaf salad and real strawberries

    • 7 min
    Six degrees of separation: a curly headed girl from Belleville, Illinois to Prince Charles and a lesson in history

    Six degrees of separation: a curly headed girl from Belleville, Illinois to Prince Charles and a lesson in history

    • 8 min
    Army field jackets, college campuses and Woody Guthrie

    Army field jackets, college campuses and Woody Guthrie

    • 6 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
9 Ratings

9 Ratings

RJRabbi ,

Poignant

Close your eyes and listen to difficult subject matter turned black and white. A walk down Main Street America. An orator draw the most vivid scenes in your mind’s eye. I love it.

T7181 ,

Excellent listening

Thoughtful, home-spun, nostalgic and inspirational are the words that come to mind when listening to General Enyart. He has written and delivered his memoirs in 10 minute bursts of good old-fashioned, midwestern chit-chat. Many of my own childhood memories come back to me along with laughter and occasional tears.

Sellerbrake ,

Well worth the listen!

These podcasts are eloquent, thoughtful, and well-written to begin with. A breadth of knowledge, experience and perspective truly comes through in his reading of these works as well. I have found these podcasts to provoke layers of thought on topics of patriotism, heroism, sacrifice and other themes echoing loudly in our current predicament. Well worth the listen!

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