Digest

Michael Savage reminisces about his childhood train journeys to Pennsylvania, describing the excitement of arriving and the joy of reuniting with relatives. He shares a personal anecdote about writing a poem titled "When Pasta Was Spaghetti" during a turbulent flight, reflecting on the simplicity and authenticity of the past. He contrasts the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of a New York Italian restaurant in the 1980s, where spaghetti was a staple dish, with the modern-day trend of calling it "pasta" and charging exorbitant prices. Savage laments the loss of genuine experiences and the commercialization of food, highlighting the nostalgic value of the past.

Outlines

00:00:00

Lessons from a Tuna Sandwich

This Chapter begins with Michael Savage sharing a story about a fly in his tuna sandwich, which his father used as a teaching moment about the existence of bad people in the world and the importance of speaking up against injustice. He then recounts a story about his father's habit of buying used clothing from dead men, which he uses as a metaphor for his own political evolution from a Democrat to an independent conservative. Savage attributes this shift to his experiences as a social worker, where he witnessed firsthand the abuses of the welfare system.

00:03:10

One Arm Frank and the Monkey

This Chapter continues with Savage sharing a series of anecdotes about his childhood, including a story about a man named "One Arm Frank" who had a terrible breath, and a story about a man named "Woodchuck Bill" who lived in an abandoned shack and claimed to eat woodchucks. Savage also talks about his family's diet, which he describes as being heavy on holiday foods, and how he believes this diet contributed to his early health problems.

00:42:52

My First Embalming

This Chapter concludes with Savage sharing a story about his first embalming experience, which he describes as being both bizarre and disturbing.

01:03:06

Train Rides to Pennsylvania

This Chapter begins with Savage reminiscing about his childhood train trips to Pennsylvania, describing the excitement of arriving and the joy of reuniting with relatives. He shares a personal anecdote about writing a poem titled "When Pasta Was Spaghetti" during a turbulent flight, reflecting on the simplicity and authenticity of the past.

01:04:26

When Pasta Was Spaghetti

This Chapter continues with Savage contrasting the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of a New York Italian restaurant in the 1980s, where spaghetti was a staple dish, with the modern-day trend of calling it "pasta" and charging exorbitant prices. Savage laments the loss of genuine experiences and the commercialization of food, highlighting the nostalgic value of the past.

Keywords

Q&A

• What valuable lesson did Michael Savage learn from his father about the fly in his tuna sandwich?

  Savage's father taught him that there are bad people in the world who will do bad things for whatever reason and that remaining silent when faced with wrongdoing isn't an option. He learned to speak up in the face of adversity.

• How did Michael Savage's political views change from his childhood to adulthood?

  Savage was raised a Democrat, but his experiences as a social worker, where he witnessed firsthand the abuses of the welfare system, led him to become an independent conservative. He realized that the Democratic party's ideology was flawed and that it was not truly helping the little guy.

• What is the story of "One Arm Frank" and what does it reveal about the times?

  One Arm Frank was a man who had lost an arm and had a terrible breath. Savage recounts a story about how he would often ride in the car with One Arm Frank, and how the car would fill with a noxious fume whenever Frank spoke. This story is a humorous anecdote about the eccentricities of people from Savage's past, and it also reveals that people were more accepting of differences in those days.

• What is the story of "Woodchuck Bill" and what does it reveal about the times?

  Woodchuck Bill was a man who lived in an abandoned shack and claimed to eat woodchucks. Savage recounts a story about how he and other children would visit Woodchuck Bill and how he would tell them stories about his life. This story is a nostalgic anecdote about the simpler times of Savage's youth, and it also reveals that people were more accepting of unconventional lifestyles in those days.

• What is the story of the "Infomaniac" and what does it reveal about the times?

  Savage recounts a story about a girl who was an infomaniac and how she was taken advantage of by a group of boys, including Savage himself. This story is a dark and disturbing anecdote about the dangers of sexual promiscuity, and it also reveals that people were more accepting of sexual deviance in those days.

• What is the story of Savage's first embalming experience and what does it reveal about him?

  Savage recounts his first experience with embalming, which he describes as being both bizarre and disturbing. This story is a humorous anecdote about the eccentricities of Savage's past, and it also reveals that Savage is not afraid to confront uncomfortable or taboo subjects.

• What is the story of the "half-man, half-woman" circus performer and what does it reveal about him?

  Savage recounts a story about a circus performer who was a half-man, half-woman. This story is a humorous anecdote about the eccentricities of people from Savage's past, and it also reveals that Savage is fascinated by the unusual and the bizarre.

• What is the story of the man who lost everything and what does it reveal about Savage's views on life?

  Savage recounts a story about a man who was a successful businessman but lost everything when his business collapsed. This story is a cautionary tale about the fragility of success and the importance of being prepared for unexpected setbacks. It also reveals that Savage is a compassionate person who is able to empathize with the struggles of others.

• What is the story of the "Infomerania Act" and what does it reveal about Savage's views on family?

  Savage recounts a story about a girl who was taken advantage of by a group of boys, and how her father, instead of reacting with anger, simply covered her nakedness with his overcoat. This story is a heartwarming anecdote about the unconditional love of a father for his daughter. It also reveals that Savage believes that fathers should be protective of their daughters, even when they make mistakes.

• What is the story of the dog and the blanket and what does it reveal about Savage's views on animals?

  Savage recounts a story about his dog, Teddy, who became obsessed with a blanket and began to treat it like a mate. This story is a humorous anecdote about the eccentricities of animals, and it also reveals that Savage is a compassionate person who is able to empathize with the struggles of animals.

• What is the significance of the poem "When Pasta Was Spaghetti" and what does it reveal about Savage's perspective on the past?

  Savage's poem "When Pasta Was Spaghetti" reflects on the simplicity and authenticity of the past, contrasting it with the modern-day trend of using generic terms and charging exorbitant prices for food. It reveals Savage's nostalgia for a time when experiences were more genuine and less commercialized.

Show Notes