Rick’s Rambles

🦦 Fun Facts: This week we’re digging into one of nature’s most unique creatures — armadillos! From their fascinating armor to their quirky habits, you’ll learn 10 fun and surprising facts about these little adventurers. 🧠 Mental Health Focus: This week’s segment is one I feel is especially important. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, you might want to grab a piece of paper and jot down a few notes. I’ll be sharing practical, easy-to-follow tips for making time for yourself — and why it’s not selfish to do so. 🎶 Story Behind the Song: We’re heading back to 1959 to explore “El Paso” by Marty Robbins — the song that made country music history and won the very first Country & Western Grammy Award. Learn the story behind this timeless classic and its impact on American music. 📅 Quirky Holidays of the Week: Of course, we’ll wrap up with a fun look at some unique, light-hearted holidays to celebrate this week. ✨ Why Listen: Whether you’re here for a smile, a story, or a moment to breathe, this episode is full of uplifting moments, fascinating history, and heartfelt encouragement.   If you'd like to support the Rick's Rambles Podcast, the easiest thing to do is simply share it on your social media! If you'd like your very own wildlife tracking bracelet, do that here   If you'd like to buy me a cup of coffee, you can do that here.

This week’s episode is packed with fun, inspiration, and a touch of nostalgia. We kick things off with fascinating fun facts about the legendary Lucille Ball, one of the most iconic figures in television history. Next, we dive into a personal reflection on mental health—a heartfelt and honest look at my own journey, reminding listeners they’re not alone. In our “Story Behind the Song” segment, we explore the timeless hit Daydream Believer, made famous by The Monkees—but did you know it wasn’t written by any of them? You’ll love this bit of music history! And of course, we wrap it all up with this week’s quirky and fun holidays, guaranteed to bring a smile to your day. ✨ Tune in, laugh a little, learn a lot, and find a moment of encouragement along the way. 🔸 Topics in this episode: Fun facts: Lucille Ball 🩷 Mental health reflection 🧠 Story behind Daydream Believer by The Monkees 🎶 Quirky holidays of the week 🎉 📢 Rick’s Rambles Podcast is your weekly dose of good news, uplifting stories, and pop culture fun.   If you'd like to support the Rick's Rambles Podcast, the simplest thing to do is share it on your own  social media, and let folks know what you are listening to! If you'd like to pick up one of the wildlife tracking bracelets, you can do that here.   If you'd like to buy me a cup of coffee, you can do that here.   As always, you are appreciated!

It’s another edition of the Rick’s Rambles Podcast—your go-to show for nostalgia, good news, mental health tips, and uplifting stories! Hosted by Rick Garrett, the podcast combines heartwarming memories, fascinating trivia, and practical insights to brighten your day. Each week features four fast-paced segments designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. In this episode, our Fun Facts segment dives into the fascinating world of the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Many of us grew up reading it—but how much do you really know about its origins and surprising facts? Our Mental Health segment focuses on the changing of the seasons and simple, effective ways to cope with seasonal changes in mood and energy. Next, in our Story Behind the Song, we spotlight the classic hit “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden” by Lynn Anderson, exploring its backstory, meaning, and cultural impact. And, as always, we wrap up with our listener-favorite “Quirky Holidays of the Week”—a lighthearted way to celebrate everyday moments. If you love nostalgia, positive stories, and tips for a healthier mindset, you’ll love this episode of Rick’s Rambles Podcast. Tune in now and join our growing community of listeners!   To support the Rick's Rambles Podcast, please share it on our social media and let folks know what you are listening to!  If you would like to support financially, you can buy me a cup of coffee  ..right here

Welcome back to another episode of the Rick’s Rambles Podcast—your weekly mix of fun facts, positivity, and fascinating stories! This week, we set sail with fun facts about the classic TV series The Love Boat, a nostalgic favorite that brought Hollywood stars right into our living rooms. In our mental health segment, we revisit The Andy Griffith Show, highlighting how timeless sitcoms can still teach us meaningful lessons about life, resilience, and caring for one another. Our story behind the song dives into Elton John’s iconic hit “Bennie and the Jets”, exploring the wild lyrics, the mohair suit, and why this track remains one of his most memorable performances. As always, we finish with a lighthearted look at the quirky special days of the week, giving you even more reasons to smile. If you love classic TV, legendary music, and uplifting conversations, this episode is for you!   Don't forget to share the Rick's Rambles Podcast on your own social media, and let other folks know what you are listening to! If you'd like to stream some of my music, you can do that here!

Welcome back to another episode of the Rick’s Rambles Podcast! We’ve got a jam-packed show for you this week: 👉 First up, we take a nostalgic look back at the iconic 80s TV series Magnum, P.I.—the mustached detective, the Ferrari, and the charm that made it unforgettable. 👉 In our mental health segment, I share 4 practical tips on how to stay positive in a negative world. Simple, doable steps that can help you keep your outlook bright, even when life feels heavy. 👉 For our Story Behind the Song, we hit the open road with Convoy by C.W. McCall—a quirky country classic that became a cultural phenomenon. 👉 And of course, we wrap things up with this week’s fun and quirky holidays you won’t want to miss. It’s fun, uplifting, and full of good vibes—just what you need to brighten your day!   If you'd like to purchase one of the Wildlife Tracking Bracelets I mentioned,  you can do that at this link.     And, as always, please share the Rick's Rambles Podcast on your own social media!  As always, you are appreciated!  

Welcome to another episode of Rick's Rambles, your weekly dose of positivity, mental health, and nostalgia! In this episode, we're diving into some fantastic topics. First, we'll ramble through a listener-requested segment all about fun facts from the classic TV show, The Beverly Hillbillies. You might be surprised by what you learn about this iconic series! Next, we tackle the concept of "guilty pleasures." In our mental health segment, we explore what happens when we simply drop the word "guilty" and embrace them as just, well, pleasures. We'll also unpack the story behind the famous song, "You Light Up My Life," made popular by Debby Boone. Do you know who really wrote it and the story behind its creation? You're about to find out. And as always, we'll wrap up the show by celebrating some of the week's most fun and quirky holidays. Tune in to get your weekly dose of good vibes and positive energy!   If you'd like to support the Rick's Rambles podcast, the simplest thing is to share it on your own social media! You can support by streaming my music, and it's free and available everywhere!     Here's a spotify link    Or, you can buy me a cup of coffee.     As always, you are appreciated.    

Welcome back to another edition of the Rick’s Rambles Podcast—your weekly stop for positivity, fun facts, good news, nostalgia, and more! This week’s episode is packed with uplifting stories and fascinating tidbits: 🌟 Fun Facts: We kick things off with surprising trivia about crossword puzzles—their history, quirks, and how they became a worldwide pastime. 🌹 Good News of the Week: A heartwarming reminder about the importance of slowing down and “stopping to smell the roses.” 🎶 Story Behind the Song: We dive into Mrs. Robinson by Simon & Garfunkel, exploring its meaning, history, and cultural impact. 🎉 Quirky Holidays: As always, we wrap up with some fun, unusual holidays to add a little joy to your week. If you’re looking for a dose of positivity, nostalgia, and feel-good fun, this episode of the Rick’s Rambles Podcast is just what you need. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and join us each week for more stories that uplift and inspire.   To support the Rick's Rambles Podcast, please take a moment and share it on your own social media!   If you'd like to buy me a cup of coffee,  you can do that here!

🎙️ A Very Special Edition of Rick’s Rambles Podcast! This week, Rick sits down with Susie Kraeszig, co-chair of the Eagle Creek Folk Festival, to celebrate its 50th anniversary! Happening Saturday, September 13th, from Noon–7 PM at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, Indiana, this long-running festival is a true celebration of music and community. In this episode, you’ll hear about the rich history of the festival, what makes this year’s milestone so special, and why you don’t want to miss it. From folk, bluegrass, gospel, singer-songwriter, and Irish music, to workshops, food, fellowship, and fun, the Eagle Creek Folk Festival has something for everyone. Rick is honored to serve as emcee for this unforgettable event—and he can’t wait to share the excitement with you. 👉 Tune in now and get ready to celebrate 50 years of music, tradition, and community at the Eagle Creek Folk Festival!   To find out more about the Eagle Creek Folk Festival, visit www.indianafolkmusic.org  #FolkFestival #IndianapolisEvents #EagleCreekPark #LiveMusic #Bluegrass #FolkMusic #IrishMusic #CommunityEvents

Welcome back to another episode of the Rick’s Rambles Podcast! This week, we’ve got a packed lineup of stories, fun, and inspiration: ✨ Fun Facts – We’re diving into the history of one of the most iconic American bands of all time: The Beach Boys! How much do you really know about their music and legacy? 💡 Good News Story – Mental health matters. I’ll share why early detection of a mental health crisis is so important and give you some simple, practical steps to help recognize and manage it. 🎶 Story Behind the Song – We take a heartfelt journey into the creation and impact of Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver, one of the most beloved songs in American music. 🎉 Quirky Holidays – And of course, we wrap things up with a look at this week’s fun and unusual holidays you won’t want to miss. Tune in, learn something new, and leave with a smile!   To support the Rick's Rambles Podcast, please rate it on your podcast provider of choice! Also, please share it on your own social media and let folks know what you're listening to! Lastly, if you'd like to buy me a cup of coffee, you can do that here!

Welcome back to another edition of the Rick’s Rambles Podcast! Next year marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, and I couldn’t be more excited to share some fun insights. We kick things off with 10 fascinating facts about Route 66, the legendary “Mother Road” that has shaped American culture for nearly a century. From there, we move into our Good News Story of the Week, highlighting the (almost) lost art of conversation—especially those simple, meaningful exchanges with strangers that brighten our days. In our Story Behind the Song, we revisit Route 66 again, this time through the lens of Bobby Troup’s timeless classic, “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66,” and explore how this song became an anthem for travelers everywhere. And of course, we wrap things up with the fun and quirky holidays of the week—because life is always better with a little celebration! If you love uplifting stories, music history, and positive vibes, this episode is for you. ✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share Rick’s Rambles with a friend!   If you'd like to support the Rick's Rambles Podcast, the easiest thing to do is just share it on your social media! If you'd like to stream my original music, here's the spotify link.     I've partnered with MyFahlo, a company that sells wildlife tracking bracelets.  These are awesome, my wife and I both have them!  You can purchase one here.   If you'd like to buy me a cup of coffee, you can do that here.     As always, you are appreciated!!

Welcome back to the Rick's Rambles Podcast, where stories uplift and good news still matters! In this week’s episode, we kick off with some fun facts about one of Indiana’s most beloved entertainers—Red Skelton, a fellow Hoosier who brought laughter to millions. Then it's on to our Good News Story of the Week, highlighting the surprising mental health benefits of travel. And don’t worry—it’s not just about flying overseas. Sometimes, just stepping outside your own zip code is enough to recharge your spirit. Our Story Behind the Song segment dives into the 1972 hit Brandy (You're a Fine Girl) by Looking Glass—one of the most iconic one-hit wonders of the 70s. We wrap things up with a look at the special days and holidays for the upcoming week! 🔔 A quick reminder: I’ll be off the mic for the next two weeks, but you can still follow my journey from the Emerald Isle on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Blue Sky—just search Rick’s Rambles for updates, photos, and stories from Ireland! Listen now and keep the ramble going! #Podcast #RedSkelton #GoodNews #BrandyByLookingGlass #MentalHealthMatters #OneHitWonders #RicksRambles #TravelBenefits

Welcome back to another uplifting episode of Rick's Rambles! This week, we’re coming to you straight from Dublin, Ireland—well, almost! Our Fun Facts segment kicks things off with some fascinating tidbits about Dublin, the beautiful city we’ll be in while you’re listening. Then, it’s on to our Good News Story of the Week, where we explore how small acts of kindness and doing good for others can have a surprising and healing effect—especially when we’re navigating our own mental health challenges. In our Story Behind the Song, we time-travel back to 1975 to uncover the tale behind Glen Campbell’s unforgettable hit Rhinestone Cowboy. You   might be surprised at how that glittering anthem came to be! And as always, we finish with a look at the special and quirky days being celebrated this week. It’s a warm, encouraging episode filled with good vibes, music, and moments that matter. Thanks for rambling along with me!     If you'd like to support the Rick's Rambles Podcast, please share it on your social media!     If you'd like to buy me a cup of coffee, you can do that here!     If you'd like to stream my music, You can do that here!

Welcome back to another uplifting episode of the Rick’s Rambles Podcast, your weekly dose of good news, music stories, and quirky fun! In this week’s episode: 🦫 We kick things off with some fun facts about one of the most lovable creatures on earth—the capybara! Learn why these social, gentle animals have captured hearts around the globe. 🙏 Our good news story is a special one—Rick reflects on another trip around the sun and dives into the power of gratitude. As he shares, “The more I have to be grateful for, the more I have to be grateful for.” It’s a heartfelt segment that just might change your perspective. 🎵 In our Story Behind the Song, we take a look at the classic track “Taxi” by Harry Chapin—how it was written, who it was about, and the impact it had on pop culture and storytelling in music. 📅 And of course, we wrap things up with this week’s fun, quirky special days you might want to celebrate. ✈️ Plus—a quick update! We’re just two weeks away from our exciting trip to Ireland. The podcast will be on a short break August 4 & 11, but Rick will be sharing updates and behind-the-scenes travel moments on all his social media channels, so stay tuned! 🔊 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share Rick’s Rambles with your friends who love feel-good stories, music trivia, and weekly inspiration.   If you want to support the Rick's Rambles Podcast, the simplest thing to do is share it on your own social media!  If you'd like to buy me a cup of coffee to financially support the podcast, you can do that here.  

Welcome back to another inspiring and uplifting episode of Rick’s Rambles Podcast! This week, we're diving into the fascinating world of chess in our Fun Facts of the Week segment! Discover the ancient origins of this timeless game, how it sharpens the mind, and why it continues to captivate players around the globe. In our Good News Story, we highlight a heartwarming space camp initiative inspired by the legendary Nichelle Nichols, who portrayed Lt. Uhura in Star Trek. Decades after the series first aired, Nichols’ legacy continues to launch dreams into orbit! Then, it's time for The Story Behind the Song — and we're spotlighting a classic: "Close to You" by The Carpenters. Learn about the song’s origins, the creative minds behind it, and the role it played in skyrocketing The Carpenters to fame. And as always, we wrap things up with a smile in our Quirky Holidays of the Week segment! ✨ Tune in for positivity, nostalgia, music, and more on Rick's Rambles Podcast — where every episode is a journey through life, laughter, and learning.   If you'd like to support the Rick's Rambles Podcast, please share it on your own social media and let folks know what you are listening to! If you'd like to support the Indianapolis Ceili Band in their journey to Ireland, maybe purchase a Tshirt, follow them on social media, here is their Linktree! 

Welcome to this very special episode of Rick's Rambles! In just a few short weeks, we’ll be heading to Wexford, Ireland, where Holly and the Indianapolis Ceili Band will proudly represent Indiana at the 2025 Fleadh Cheoil – the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music. 🎻✨ But what exactly is the Fleadh Cheoil? Why is it such a big deal in the world of Irish music? And what does it mean to be selected to compete on this international stage? Today, we're thrilled to welcome Alberta Lathan, one of the founding members of the Indianapolis Ceili Band, to share the story behind the band, the journey to the Fleadh, and the deep roots and joy of Irish music. From lively jigs to heartfelt reflections, this episode is a celebration of culture, tradition, and community. 🎧 Tune in to hear: What the Fleadh Cheoil is all about How the Indianapolis Ceili Band earned their spot Insights from Alberta on the band’s early days Why Irish music continues to bring people together Whether you're a music lover, a supporter of the arts, or just curious about this amazing cultural event, this episode is one you won’t want to miss!     If you'd like to find out more about the Indianapolis Ceili Band, check out their linktree!  You can find where to follow them on social media, and how you can support them in this journey!   Check it out here!  

Welcome back to another fun-filled episode of Rick’s Rambles Podcast, where curiosity meets positivity! In this week’s show, we’ve got a delightful mix of fascinating trivia, feel-good stories, music history, and quirky holidays. 🐾 First up in our Fun Facts segment, we shine a light on the often-overlooked possum. These misunderstood marsupials may be common, but how much do you really know about them? Do they actually "play possum"? We uncover surprising facts that will give you a whole new appreciation for these backyard visitors. 🪨 Then it’s time for our Good News Story of the Week—a nostalgic look back at the invention of the Pet Rock, one of the most iconic fads of the 1970s. Learn how a simple (and silly!) idea changed one man’s life and left a lasting impact on pop culture. 🎶 In The Story Behind the Song, we explore "Midnight at the Oasis", the sultry 1974 hit that stood out from everything else on the airwaves. Discover the story, the artist, and why this tune became such an unexpected success. 🎉 And of course, we close out the episode with a roundup of this week’s quirky and fun holidays, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with friends who could use a little extra joy and wonder in their week!   Supporting the Rick's Rambles Podcast is easy!  Simply share it on your own social media and let folks know what you are listening to!   If you'd like to support financially---which includes supporting our trip to Ireland, that's easy too.  You can buy me a cup of coffee here.

Welcome back to another uplifting episode of Rick’s Rambles! This week, we're celebrating Independence Day with a festive and thoughtful mix of stories, songs, and smiles. ✨ First up, our Fun Facts segment is lighting up the sky with all things fireworks! Discover the surprising history behind these dazzling displays, how they became part of our July 4th traditions, and some fun stats you probably didn’t know. 🥫 In our Good News Story, we shine a light on food pantries—a lifeline for many in our communities. We’ll explore the real impact they have, why there’s no shame in seeking help, and how you can support those in need. 🎵 Then, in our Story Behind the Song, we dig into “Philadelphia Freedom” by Elton John. Often associated with patriotic celebrations, the song's true inspiration might just surprise you! 📅 And of course, we close out with this week’s quirky, offbeat holidays—because who doesn’t love a reason to celebrate the small things in life? Whether you’re relaxing at a cookout, driving to a fireworks show, or just in need of a feel-good listen, this episode is your perfect companion for the holiday week.   If you'd like to support the Rick's Rambles Podcast, please share it on your own social media and let folks know what you're listening to! If you'd like to buy me a cup of coffee, you can do that here.     You can stream my music on all the streaming platforms  Here's a link for Spotify. 

Welcome back to another episode of Rick’s Rambles Podcast! This week’s show is packed with fascinating facts, uplifting stories, and musical memories. 🦩 Ever wonder why flamingos are pink? Or how they got their name? In this week’s Fun Facts segment, we dive into the wonderfully weird world of flamingos—there’s more to them than you might think! 📻 Then, in our Good News Story, we're celebrating National Amateur Radio Week! I've been a proud ham radio operator for over 35 years, and I’ll share why this hobby means so much to me—and how you can get involved. Whether you're into emergency communications, talking to people around the world, or just curious about how it all works, this segment is for you. 🎶 In our Story Behind the Song, we take a closer look at "MacArthur Park", the legendary tune written by Jimmy Webb. From its mysterious lyrics to its place in music history, you'll hear the story that makes this classic unforgettable. 🎉 And as always, we close with some of the quirky holidays you might not know about, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Thanks for listening—and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey!   Please take a moment and share the Rick's Rambles Podcast on your own social media!   Here is a link to the Linktree for the Indianapolis Ceili Band!   Click Here  

Welcome back to another uplifting episode of the Rick's Rambles Podcast! This week, we're brewing up a great start with fun facts about coffee—where does it come from, and is a coffee bean really a bean? You might be surprised by what you learn! Next, we share a feel-good news story about how one birthday gift turned into life-changing adoptions for shelter animals. It's a powerful reminder of how small gestures can create big ripples of kindness. In our "Story Behind the Song" segment, we honor Beach Boys legend Mike Love following his recent passing, with a look at the timeless classic "California Girls"—how it was written, its cultural impact, and why it still resonates decades later. And as always, we round things out with our quirky and fun holidays of the week—because every day is worth celebrating! ☀️ Pour yourself a cup, hit play, and let’s ramble! 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.   If you'd like to support the Rick's Rambles Podcast, the easiest thing to do it share it on your social media!  If you'd like to support financially, you can buy me a cup of coffee!

🎙️ Rick’s Rambles Podcast | Episode Title: “Seasons, Cell Phones & Spreading Kindness” Welcome back to the Rick’s Rambles Podcast! This week’s episode is packed with fun, inspiration, and a touch of nostalgia. 📱 First up—we’re diving into a device nearly all of us carry every day: the cell phone! You’ll learn some fascinating and little-known facts about its invention, including when the very first call was made. (Hint: It’s earlier than you might think!) 💛 Next, we shift gears to something a little more heartfelt: how to help someone who’s hurting. I’ll share six simple, practical tips to support those going through tough times. You don’t need special training—just a caring heart and a willingness to show up. 🎶 Then it’s time for our Story Behind the Song—and this week, we’re revisiting the 1970s classic, “Seasons in the Sun” by Terry Jacks. It was a global hit, but the story behind it is more emotional and surprising than you might expect. 🎉 And finally, we wrap things up with our usual dose of quirky, offbeat holidays to bring a smile to your face and a little joy to your week. Thanks for tuning in—and remember: a little kindness goes a long way. 💫 Subscribe, share, and don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed the show!   If you'd like to support the Rick's Rambles Podcast, the simplest thing to do is simply share it on your own social media and let folks know what you are listening to! If you'd like to support by streaming my music, here's a spotify link.     If you'd like to buy me a cup of coffee, you can do that here.    As always, you are appreciated!