Joe Frank: Return Engagement

Joe Frank: Return Engagement

19 min

“Radio noir,” selected from 230-plus hours of Frank's original programs. Each hour can contain a philosophical exploration, an intimate confession, an absurd comedy, a dark tragedy; all of which he takes to the farthest edge while bringing the listener along for the alternately emotional and/or enlightening ride...

All Episodes

For one night only on Saturday, November 13th, Joe Frank, Peabody award winning radio writer and performer, brings his exceptional storytelling style to the Village Recording Studio.

A father and son, and a romantically involved couple, involved in painful relationships.

The longing for love of a landlady and the bitterness of a woman scorned.

An Italian adventurer muses over the high points of his life, and a woman sacrifices herself for her French boyfriend.

A prostitute's dream of spiritual longing, the nature of God, Dial-a-Prayers from around the country, and other stories of religious faith and the betrayal of believers.

Grandiose business failures are celebrated: a ski resort built in the Sahara, an encyclopedic computer chip implanted in the brain; a teleportation booth to solve the problem of…

More from KCRW

Rollins reviews 3 definitely, certainly real 12” records from 2024

from Music Special Programming

For 25 years, race car enthusiasts have had a place to legally test the limits of their machines: the Irwindale Speedway. Now that space will be no more.

from KCRW Features

Point Fermin Lighthouse in San Pedro celebrates its 150th birthday this year. Its storied history includes two sets of female lighthouse keepers.

from KCRW Features

The Latest

Rickey Henderson played for four California teams, and was the all-time leader in stolen bases, runs, and swagger. He passed away due to complications from pneumonia on Friday.

Baseball’s ‘Man of Steal’ Rickey Henderson dies at 65

Rickey Henderson played for four California teams, and was the all-time leader in stolen bases, runs, and swagger. He passed away due to complications from pneumonia on Friday.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The world of 1970s Laurel Canyon is on full display in Ginny Winn’s book, “Grievous Angels, Trout Masks, and American Beauties: 1970s Rock & Roll Photography of Ginny Winn.”

Encore: What it was like being a rock and roll photographer in 1970s LA

The world of 1970s Laurel Canyon is on full display in Ginny Winn’s book, “Grievous Angels, Trout Masks, and American Beauties: 1970s Rock & Roll Photography of Ginny Winn.”

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Critics review the latest film releases: “A Complete Unknown,” “Babygirl,” “Nosferatu,” and “Better Man.”

Film reviews: ‘A Complete Unknown,’ ‘Babygirl, ‘Nosferatu’

Critics review the latest film releases: “A Complete Unknown,” “Babygirl,” “Nosferatu,” and “Better Man.”

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Writer and author Katherine May shares her love for winter, and explains why it is time for both joy and sadness.

Winter wisdom: Katherine May on grief, loss, and the power of celebration

Writer and author Katherine May shares her love for winter, and explains why it is time for both joy and sadness.

from Life Examined

Fluoride has proven so successful that it would be crazy to deprive children of its benefits

A tale of two kingdoms

Fluoride has proven so successful that it would be crazy to deprive children of its benefits

from Second Opinion

Author Carrie Courogen discusses her admiration for Aimee Mann's album, “Bachelor No. 2 or, the Last Remains of the Dodo”.

How Aimee Mann’s unrelentingly honest music was the perfect album for Carrie Courogen

Author Carrie Courogen discusses her admiration for Aimee Mann's album, “Bachelor No. 2 or, the Last Remains of the Dodo”.

from The Treatment

Colman Domingo on “Sing Sing,” Rodrigo Prieto on “Pedro Paramo,” and Carrie Courogen on a rule-breaking artist.

Colman Domingo, Rodrigo Prieto, and Carrie Courogen on The Treat

Colman Domingo on “Sing Sing,” Rodrigo Prieto on “Pedro Paramo,” and Carrie Courogen on a rule-breaking artist.

from The Treatment

The veteran DP tries his hand at directing in the film adaptation of the 1955 novel by Juan Rulfo.

Cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto on his directorial debut, ‘Pedro Páramo’

The veteran DP tries his hand at directing in the film adaptation of the 1955 novel by Juan Rulfo.

from The Treatment