Theme Machine

John Carney
  • 5.0 (8)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Join us on a journey through the untold stories and cultural conversations that have shaped our world. Each episode of The Theme Machine offers a unique exploration of a single theme, guided by the legendary John Carney.

Episodes

  1. AUG 15

    The Kennedys: Power, Glory, and Grief

    The Kennedys story isn't just one of success; it's also one of heartbreak. Known as the "Kennedy curse," this family has faced unimaginable tragedies. Carney shares original interviews from his own archives from experts who have studied the family extensively, and those who were close to them - some so close they even had blood splatter from the assassination of JFK. Join us as we uncover the stories that continue to captivate the nation—this is the Kennedy dynasty like you've never heard it before. Featured interviews: Chris Mathews  Clint Hill (Part ONE) Mark Shaw Cory Taylor Rosemarie Terenzino Clint Hill (Part TWO) Paul Landis David Hayman David Talbot Find John Carney's ThemeMachine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere else you find podcasts. Check thecarneyshow.com for all episodes of the ThemeMachine, info about CarneysKids and anything else John wants you to see.

    50 min

  2. JUL 31

    Word On The Street: Insights from Writers

    Welcome to another edition of The Theme Machine. This week, we're diving into a topic that's been on my mind—how the people behind our favorite books and screenplays do it all. You know, how they craft stories that resonate with us, inspire us, and sometimes even change our lives. It all started when a friend asked me, 'How do they do it?' And now, here I am, sitting here thinking about it too." This week, I've invited some of the biggest names in storytelling to share their journeys. We're talking about the process, the inspiration, and what happens behind the scenes when writers bring their visions to life. So, let's get started with this week's Theme Machine. Join me as I chat with them about their journeys in storytelling. Augustine Burroughs Anne Rice Mitch Albom Kinky Friedman RL Stein Scott Turrow Dave Barry Thomas Kineely Nora Ephron James Patterson Find John Carney's ThemeMachine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere else you find podcasts. Check thecarneyshow.com for all episodes of the ThemeMachine, info about CarneysKids and anything else John wants you to see. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min

  3. JUL 24

    Laugh Track to Legacy: Sitcoms PART TWO

    (Sitcoms PART ONE can be found in our previous episode.) In PART TWO of sitcoms, John Carney visits with and shares conversations with more stars of the shows we loved...and still do. Rosanne Barr Gabe Kaplan Harry Shearer Ron Palillo John Sebastian BJ Novak Rainn Wilson Al Jean Jeff Garland Find John Carney's ThemeMachine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere else you find podcasts. Check thecarneyshow.com for all episodes of the ThemeMachine, info about CarneysKids and anything else John wants you to see. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    30 min

  4. JUL 24

    Laugh Track to Legacy: Sitcoms PART ONE

    This episode of "The ThemeMachine" delves into the television shows became part of the fabric of our lives and decades later, live on in syndication and YouTube clips. One exceptional highlight of this episode is the story Sherwood Schwartz tells about the creation of the iconic "Gilligan's Island" theme. Also making an appearance: Garry Marshall Henry Winkler Marion Ross Dave Coulier Hal Linden Barry Williams Bob Saget Barbara Eden Be sure to catch PART TWO of sitcoms in our next episode of The ThemeMachine. Find John Carney's ThemeMachine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere else you find podcasts. Check thecarneyshow.com for all episodes of the ThemeMachine and anything else John wants you to see. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min

  5. JUL 10

    Woodstock - Things That Went Wrong

    In this inaugural episode of The Theme Machine, John Carney shares conversations of with people who were pivotal in the event back in 1969. These are the things that you hardly ever hear about - NOT the iconic performances from the big names you know - most of them weren't big names yet - these are some of the things that went wrong at Woodstock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    24 min

  6. JUL 8

    John Carney's Theme Machine ... COMING SOON!

    John Carney, a celebrated St. Louis radio icon, has dedicated his career to capturing the essence of American storytelling. As an inductee into the Radio Hall of Fame, alongside his father Jack Carney, John brings a wealth of experience and a unique interviewing style to The Theme Machine. This podcast is his passion project, offering listeners a treasure trove of cultural narratives and firsthand accounts. From exploring the legacy of the Kennedys to reliving the magic of Woodstock, each episode is a testament to his commitment to preserving the voices and stories that define our culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    3 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Join us on a journey through the untold stories and cultural conversations that have shaped our world. Each episode of The Theme Machine offers a unique exploration of a single theme, guided by the legendary John Carney.

Information

  • Creator
    John Carney
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Theme Machine

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