The Tom Gulley Show Podcast!

A Man Called Shenandoah stands apart from most Western television series of its era. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom explores the short-lived but distinctive 1960s TV Western starring Robert Horton, a show that replaced gunfights and frontier bravado with introspection, moral questioning, and a wandering amnesiac as its central figure. This episode looks at how A Man Called Shenandoah challenged traditional Western tropes by focusing on search for truth, conscience, and personal redemption. Tom examines Robert Horton’s performance, the show’s stripped-down storytelling, and why its thoughtful tone made it both unique and difficult to sustain in a television landscape dominated by action-heavy Westerns. The conversation also places the series in its broader television context, comparing it to other Westerns of the time and exploring why A Man Called Shenandoah developed a lasting cult reputation despite its brief run. From its production history to its thematic ambitions, the show serves as an ex

The disappearance of Maura Murray remains one of the most perplexing and widely discussed missing-person cases in modern American history. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom takes a careful, fact-driven look at what is known about Maura Murray’s sudden disappearance in February 2004 and why the case continues to generate debate, investigation, and unanswered questions more than two decades later. This episode walks through the confirmed timeline of events, including Maura’s trip to New Hampshire, the car crash on a rural road, and the narrow window of time in which she vanished without a trace. Tom examines the evidence, the official investigations, and the many theories that have emerged over the years—while separating verifiable facts from speculation. The discussion also explores how media coverage, online communities, and amateur sleuthing have shaped public perception of the case, sometimes helping and sometimes complicating the search for clarity. The disappearance of Maura Murray raises larg

The Magic 8 Ball is far more than a novelty toy—it’s one of the most enduring pop culture objects of the 20th century. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom explores the surprising history, design, and cultural impact of the Magic 8 Ball, from its origins in a spirit-writing device to its place as a worldwide symbol of fate, chance, and tongue-in-cheek prophecy. This episode examines how the Magic 8 Ball was invented, how it works, and why its simple mix of randomness and authority has fascinated generations. Tom looks at its rise through advertising, television, movies, and everyday life, and how it became shorthand for uncertainty, decision-making, and the human desire for answers—even when we know they’re arbitrary. The conversation also dives into the psychology behind why people trust objects like the Magic 8 Ball, how it reflects changing attitudes toward superstition and science, and why it remains relevant decades after its debut. From childhood curiosity to adult irony, the Magic 8 Ball conti

Spider Number 16 holds a remarkable place in scientific history as the longest-living spider ever documented. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom explores the extraordinary life of Spider Number 16, a female trapdoor spider studied for decades by renowned Australian arachnologist Barbara York Main. Discovered in Western Australia and first observed in 1974, Spider Number 16 survived for more than 43 years, quietly rewriting what scientists believed about spider lifespans. This episode examines how Barbara York Main’s patient, long-term field research made this discovery possible, why trapdoor spiders live so long compared to other arachnids, and what Spider Number 16 revealed about survival, adaptation, and longevity in the natural world. The conversation also highlights the rarity of long-term ecological studies, the importance of careful observation over decades, and how one unassuming spider became an unlikely scientific icon. Spider Number 16’s story is not just about age—it’s about persistence,

Keith Moon wasn’t just the drummer for The Who—he was a force of nature who redefined what rock drumming could be. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom dives deep into the life, career, and legend of Keith Moon, exploring how his explosive style, manic energy, and unapologetic excess helped shape one of the greatest rock bands in history. From Moon’s unconventional approach behind the drum kit to his larger-than-life personality offstage, this conversation looks at why Keith Moon remains one of the most influential and talked-about drummers in rock history. The episode examines his musical innovations, his impact on The Who’s sound alongside Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, and John Entwistle, and the darker consequences of fame that ultimately cut his life short at just 32. This isn’t just a story about rock-star antics—it’s an honest look at creativity, self-destruction, and the fine line between brilliance and chaos. Whether you’re a lifelong Who fan or discovering Keith Moon for the first time, thi

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour wasn’t just a variety show—it was a cultural flashpoint that collided head-on with politics, censorship, and the changing voice of a generation. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley revisits the groundbreaking CBS series that pushed television beyond safe entertainment and into open confrontation with authority. Tom explores how Tom and Dick Smothers transformed the familiar comedy-variety format into a platform for satire, political commentary, and musical performances that reflected the turmoil of the late 1960s. The episode examines the show’s clashes with network executives, government pressure, and censors, as well as its willingness to address the Vietnam War, civil rights, and generational rebellion at a time when television rarely did. This discussion also looks at the show’s influence on future comedy and late-night television, its role in launching or amplifying major musical artists, and why its abrupt cancellation became a symbol of creative contro

On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom breaks down Public Domain Day 2026 and the major cultural works that officially became free to use on January 1, 2026 under U.S. copyright law. In the United States, copyright protection lasts 95 years from publication, which means works first published in 1930 entered the public domain in 2026. That single date unlocks a wide range of books, films, music, illustrations, and other creative works that can now be legally copied, adapted, remixed, published, performed, or reimagined by anyone — no permission required. Tom explains exactly how public domain law works, why January 1 matters every year, and how Public Domain Day continues to reshape modern culture, entertainment, education, and media. The episode also addresses common misconceptions about copyright expiration, character rights versus specific works, and how creators frequently misunderstand what is — and is not — truly public domain. This conversation explores why public domain releases remain one of t

The disappearance of Michele Ann Harris remains one of the most troubling unsolved missing person cases in recent American history. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley examines the mysterious circumstances surrounding Harris’s disappearance, the investigation that followed, and the questions that continue to linger years later. Tom walks through the known timeline leading up to Michele Ann Harris’s disappearance, including her contentious divorce, the custody battle over her children, and the evidence that placed intense scrutiny on those closest to her. The episode explores how investigators built their case despite the absence of a body, the role of circumstantial evidence, and how the legal process unfolded in a case defined as much by what was missing as by what was found. This discussion also looks at the broader implications of no-body cases, the challenges faced by law enforcement and prosecutors, and how public perception and media coverage can shape high-profile investigations. Tom add

The 1919 Black Sox scandal remains one of the most infamous moments in sports history, when members of the Chicago White Sox conspired to fix the World Series and permanently altered Major League Baseball. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley revisits the scandal that shattered public trust in America’s pastime and changed professional sports forever. Tom examines how eight White Sox players became entangled with gamblers, why financial exploitation of players made the fix possible, and how the World Series between the White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds became a national controversy. The episode explores the key figures involved, including Shoeless Joe Jackson, the conflicting testimony that followed, and the courtroom drama that ended with acquittals—but lifetime bans. Beyond the scandal itself, this discussion looks at the long-term consequences: the creation of the Commissioner of Baseball, sweeping changes to league governance, and the lasting debate over guilt, innocence, and legacy that s

The Station Nightclub fire stands as one of the deadliest nightclub fires in American history, claiming 100 lives and injuring hundreds more in just minutes. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley examines how a routine concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island, turned into a catastrophic disaster—and why its lessons still matter today. Tom breaks down the chain of events that led to the fire, including the use of indoor pyrotechnics, highly flammable soundproofing foam, overcrowding, and critical failures in fire safety and building code enforcement. The episode explores how panic spread, how exits became bottlenecks, and how small decisions compounded into a tragedy with irreversible consequences. Beyond the timeline, this discussion looks at the aftermath: the criminal charges, civil lawsuits, changes to fire safety regulations, and the long-term impact on victims, survivors, first responders, and the live music industry. Tom also addresses how the Station Nightclub fire reshaped public awareness a

The polygraph test has been called a lie detector, a psychological tool, and junk science—sometimes all at once. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley takes a deep, clear-eyed look at the history, science, and controversy surrounding the polygraph test, from its early use in criminal investigations to its ongoing role in law enforcement, national security, and pop culture. How does a polygraph actually work? What is it measuring—and what is it not measuring? Why are polygraph results often inadmissible in court, yet still widely used in interrogations, job screenings, and high-profile cases? Tom breaks down the mechanics behind the test, the assumptions it relies on, and the reasons experts remain sharply divided over its reliability. This episode also explores famous polygraph cases, common myths about beating the test, and the psychological pressure polygraphs can exert regardless of their scientific limits. Along the way, Tom examines whether the polygraph’s real power lies less in detecting

In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom dives into the wildly influential, boundary-pushing sitcom Soap — the 1977 ABC comedy that redefined what network television could say, show, and satirize. Created by Susan Harris, Soap shattered sitcom conventions with serialized storytelling, sharp political satire, and fearless social commentary that tackled taboo topics long before mainstream TV was ready. Tom explores how Soap paved the way for modern television comedy, influencing everything from Arrested Development to Desperate Housewives, while also examining the controversy, protests, and network pressure that surrounded the show from day one. From Billy Crystal’s groundbreaking performance to the absurd brilliance of the Tate and Campbell families, this episode breaks down why Soap still matters decades later. If you love television history, classic sitcoms, or the behind-the-scenes stories of how creative risks reshape pop culture, this is a must-watch conversation. Topics include: – Why Soap was cons

In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley examines the mysterious disappearance of Susan Walsh, a New Jersey journalist, single mother, and exotic dancer who vanished in 1996 under circumstances that remain deeply troubling and unresolved. Despite an extensive search and years of investigation, Susan Walsh was never found, and her case continues to raise unsettling questions about what really happened in the days leading up to her disappearance. Tom explores Susan Walsh’s life, her work as a reporter, her personal struggles, and the complex theories surrounding her disappearance — from possible foul play to the controversial speculation that followed her case in the media. The episode also looks at how missing persons cases involving women are often framed, how bias and assumptions can shape investigations, and why Susan’s story still matters nearly three decades later. This episode of The Tom Gulley Show takes a thoughtful, fact-driven approach to one of New Jersey’s most haunting unsolved cases,

In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley examines the Tenerife air disaster — the deadliest aviation accident in history — and the extraordinary chain of events that led to the tragic collision of two Boeing 747s on March 27, 1977. With 583 lives lost, the Tenerife disaster permanently changed aviation safety, cockpit communication, and air traffic control procedures around the world. Tom breaks down what happened at Los Rodeos Airport, including the role of heavy fog, miscommunication, crowded runways, and human factors that turned a routine diversion into catastrophe. The episode explores how this single event reshaped airline training, introduced Crew Resource Management (CRM), and fundamentally altered how pilots and controllers communicate to prevent future disasters. This episode of The Tom Gulley Show goes beyond the headlines, examining not just the tragedy itself, but the lessons learned — and why the Tenerife air disaster remains one of the most studied events in aviation history. If yo

Ring in the New Year with Tom-A-Palooza, a special four-hour New Year’s Eve edition of The Tom Gulley Show, as Tom Gulley takes you all the way to midnight with stories, conversation, pop culture, history, and spontaneous moments you can only get live. This extended broadcast is designed as a come-and-go experience, with a link available so viewers can jump in anytime throughout the night and stay as long as they like. From reflections on the year that was to unexpected tangents, cultural commentary, and classic Tom Gulley storytelling, Tom-A-Palooza is a celebration of conversation, curiosity, and community. Whether you’re watching for five minutes or all four hours, this New Year’s Eve special offers a relaxed, smart, and entertaining way to close out the year and welcome the next one. Perfect for longtime fans and first-time viewers alike, this episode captures the spirit of The Tom Gulley Show: thoughtful, funny, unscripted, and always engaging. thetomgulleyshow.com

In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley explores the extraordinary life and career of Peter Lorre — one of the most distinctive and influential actors in classic Hollywood history. From his chilling breakthrough performance in Fritz Lang’s M to his unforgettable roles in Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, and a long run of genre-defining films, Lorre reshaped what it meant to be a character actor in American cinema. This episode examines Peter Lorre’s journey from Europe to Hollywood, his collaborations with directors like Fritz Lang and John Huston, his association with Humphrey Bogart, and how his unique voice, presence, and intelligence made him both iconic and misunderstood. Tom also discusses how Lorre became a pop culture legend, the typecasting that followed him, and why his influence still echoes through film, television, and modern storytelling. If you’re fascinated by classic Hollywood, film noir, Golden Age cinema, or the true stories behind Hollywood legends, this deep dive into Peter Lo

On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley sits down with the show’s musical director, Leon Kennedy, for a thoughtful and timely conversation about artificial intelligence and its growing influence on music, creativity, and artistic identity. As AI-generated music, songwriting tools, and algorithm-driven creativity become more common, Leon offers a musician’s perspective on what this technological shift really means for artists, audiences, and the future of human expression. The discussion explores whether artificial intelligence can truly create art, how musicians can adapt without losing authenticity, and where the line exists between innovation and imitation. Leon Kennedy shares insights shaped by years of musical experience, breaking down how technology can be both a powerful tool and a creative challenge in an evolving industry. From ethical concerns to creative opportunity, this episode examines how AI is reshaping music, performance, and culture — and what it means for the next generation of

In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley takes a thoughtful, entertaining look at Barney Miller, the groundbreaking television sitcom that redefined the workplace comedy and quietly became one of the smartest shows in TV history. Set inside a New York City police precinct, Barney Miller used humor, character-driven storytelling, and sharp writing to explore social issues rarely addressed on network television in the 1970s and early 1980s. Tom examines what made Barney Miller so influential—from Hal Linden’s understated performance as Captain Barney Miller to the unforgettable ensemble cast, minimalist staging, and dialogue-heavy format that trusted the audience to listen. The episode also explores how the series tackled race, politics, bureaucracy, and American life with intelligence and restraint, and why it remains relevant in conversations about television writing and cultural impact today. Perfect for fans of classic television, TV history, smart sitcoms, and media analysis, this episode offer

In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley examines the strange and unsettling case of David Glenn Lewis, a mystery that has baffled investigators, journalists, and true crime researchers for decades. In 1993, Lewis vanished from his home in Amarillo, Texas under unexplained circumstances—only to be discovered days later thousands of miles away in Yakima, Washington, in a case filled with unanswered questions and troubling coincidences. Tom walks through the known facts, timelines, and theories surrounding David Glenn Lewis’s disappearance and death, including the cryptic evidence left behind, the lack of clear motive, and the investigative dead ends that continue to fuel speculation. Was it a tragic accident, a deliberate journey, or something far more complex? This episode separates verifiable details from conjecture while exploring why the case remains one of the most perplexing unsolved mysteries of the 1990s. Ideal for fans of true crime, unsolved cases, cold case investigations, and long-form

Every Christmas Eve, millions of families around the world track Santa Claus in real time thanks to the NORAD Santa Tracker — but few people know how this beloved holiday tradition actually began. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom dives into the surprising Cold War origins of the NORAD Santa Tracker, the accidental phone call that started it all, and how a military defense command became one of the most wholesome and enduring Christmas traditions in modern history. From its roots in the 1950s during the height of Cold War anxiety to its evolution into a global digital event followed by millions online, the NORAD Santa Tracker is a rare intersection of military history, pop culture, technology, and holiday magic. Tom explores how NORAD leveraged radar, satellites, and later the internet to track Santa’s journey — and why this tradition continues to resonate across generations. This episode also looks at how the NORAD Santa Tracker reflects broader themes of American culture, media trust, and the po