Relevant or Irrelevant

The U.S. Post And The Making Of The American West

Cameron Blevins, associate professor of history at The University Of Colorado, in Denver, is the guest for "ROI" episode 491.  The team will discuss "Paper Trails:  The U.S. Post And The Making Of The American West" with him. The host for this edition is Jay Swords, and the history buffs are Terri Toppler and Ed Broders. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or St. Ambrose University.  This program is r...

BONUS: The Safer Foundation Of The Quad Cities

BONUS DISCUSSION:  The "ROI" team welcomes Brian Monroe, assistant director of The Safer Foundation of the Quad Cities, to the 490th edition in the program series. The host for this edition is John Kealey, and the history buffs are Rick Sweet and Jay Swords. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or St. Ambrose University.  This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA...

The Safer Foundation Of The Quad Cities

The "ROI" team welcomes Brian Monroe, assistant director of The Safer Foundation of the Quad Cities, to the 490th edition in the program series. The host for this edition is John Kealey, and the history buffs are Rick Sweet and Jay Swords. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or St. Ambrose University.  This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

How Rocks From Space Led To Life, Culture, And Donkey Kong

Dr. Greg Brennecka, staff scientist and cosmochemist at Lawrence Livermore National Lab, in California, is the guest for "ROI" episode 489.  Dr. Brennecka joins the team to talk about "Impact:  How Rocks From Space Led To Life, Culture, And Donkey Kong." The host for this edition is John Kealey, and the history buffs are Rick Sweet and Jay Swords. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or St. Ambrose Uni...

BONUS: How Rocks From Space Led To Life, Culture And Donkey Kong

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Dr. Greg Brennecka, staff scientist and cosmochemist at Lawrence Livermore National Lab, in California, is the guest for "ROI" episode 489.  Dr. Brennecka joins the team to talk about "Impact:  How Rocks From Space Led To Life, Culture, And Donkey Kong." The host for this edition is John Kealey, and the history buffs are Rick Sweet and Jay Swords. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM...

The End Of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)

Dr. Katie Mack, Hawking Chair In Cosmology And Science Communication at the Perimter Institute For Theoretical Physics (Canada) joins the "Relevant Or Irrelevant" host and history buffs to discuss, "The End Of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking). This episode's host is John Kealey, and the history buffs are Brett Monnard and Terri Toppler. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or St. Ambrose Universit...

BONUS: The End Of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Dr. Katie Mack, Hawking Chair In Cosmology And Science Communication at the Perimter Institute For Theoretical Physics (Canada) joins the "Relevant Or Irrelevant" host and history buffs to discuss, "The End Of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking). This episode's host is John Kealey, and the history buffs are Brett Monnard and Terri Toppler. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or St...

BONUS: Red State Christians: A Journey Into White Nationalism

BONUS DISCUSSION:  The "Relevant Or Irrelevant" team welcomes Angela Denker, Lutheran pastor and veteran journalist, to the 487th edition in this series to discuss "Red State Christians:  A Journey Into White Christian Nationalism And The Wreckage It Leaves Behind." John Kealey is the host for this episode, and Brett Monnard and Terri Toppler are history buffs. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or S...

Red State Christians: A Journey Into White Nationalism

BONUS: How Ending Mining Would Change The World

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Dr. Simon Jowitt, associate professor of Economic Geology at the University Of Nevada, Las Vegas, joins the "ROI" group to discuss how ending mining would change the world. The host for this episode is Jay Swords, and the history buffs are Rick Sweet and Ed Broders. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or St. Ambrose University.  This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose Unive...

How Ending Mining Would Change The World

Dr. Simon Jowitt, associate professor of Economic Geology at the University Of Nevada, Las Vegas, joins the "ROI" group to discuss how ending mining would change the world. The host for this episode is Jay Swords, and the history buffs are Rick Sweet and Ed Broders. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or St. Ambrose University.  This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, I...

The Renwick Mansion, Davenport, Iowa, USA

Sarah and Dane Moulton, owners of the Renwick Mansion, Davenport, Iowa, USA, are the guests for the 485th edition of "ROI" to discuss the mansion, its rich history and future. The host for this episode is Jay Swords, and the history buffs are Rick Sweet and Ed Broders. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or St. Ambrose University.  This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport...

BONUS: The Renwick Mansion, Davenport, Iowa, USA

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Sarah and Dane Moulton, owners of the Renwick Mansion, Davenport, Iowa, USA, are the guests for the 485th edition of "ROI" to discuss the mansion, its rich history and future. The host for this episode is Jay Swords, and the history buffs are Rick Sweet and Ed Broders. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or St. Ambrose University.  This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose Un...

Edgar Allen Poe And The Forging Of American Science

Dr. John Tresch, Milton Chair and Professor of History, Art, Science, and Folk Practice at the Warburg Institute at the University Of London joins the "ROI" team for the 483rd program in this series.  Dr. Tresch will discuss "The Reason For The Darkness Of The Night:  Edgar Allen Poe And The Forging Of American Science." The host for this program segment is John Kealey, and the history buffs are Rick Sweet and Ed Broders. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hos...

BONUS: Edgar Allen Poe And The Forging Of American Science

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Dr. John Tresch, Milton Chair and Professor of History, Art, Science, and Folk Practice at the Warburg Institute at the University Of London joins the "ROI" team for the 483rd program in this series.  Dr. Tresch will discuss "The Reason For The Darkness Of The Night:  Edgar Allen Poe And The Forging Of American Science." The hosts for this abbreviated program segment are John Kealey and Rick Sweet. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts an...

BONUS: Book Production/Monastic Reform In 12th Century Bavaria

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Dr. Allison Beach, professor of Medieval History at The University Of St. Andrews (Scotland) is the guest for "Relevant Or Irrelevant" program #481.  She joins host Jay Swords, and history buffs Brett Monnard and Rick Sweet, to discuss "Women As Scribes:  Book Production And Monastic Reform In Twelfth Century Bavaria." The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or St. Ambrose University.  T...

Book Production/Monastic Reform In 12th Century Bavaria

Dr. Allison Beach, professor of Medieval History at The University Of St. Andrews (Scotland) is the guest for "Relevant Or Irrelevant" program #481.  She joins host Jay Swords, and history buffs Brett Monnard and Rick Sweet, to discuss "Women As Scribes:  Book Production And Monastic Reform In Twelfth Century Bavaria." The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or St. Ambrose University.  This program is reco...

The Weird History Of Resuscitation

Dr. Caitjan Gainty, Historian Of Health And Healthcare at Kings College London (England) and Co-Founder of the Healthy Scepticism Project, is the guest for "ROI" edition #482.  The topic discussed is:  Reversing Death:  The Weird History Of Resuscitation. The host for this program is John Kealey.  The history buffs for this episode are Rick Sweet and Ed Broders. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or ...

BONUS: The Weird History Of Resuscitation

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Dr. Caitjan Gainty, Historian Of Health And Healthcare at Kings College London (England) and Co-Founder of the Healthy Scepticism Project, is the guest for "ROI" edition #482.  The topic discussed is:  Reversing Death:  The Weird History Of Resuscitation. The host for this program is John Kealey.  The history buffs for this episode are Rick Sweet and Ed Broders. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily t...

The 2022 Elections In Iowa

Toby Payone, Uniserve Director for The Iowa Education Association, joins the "ROI" panelists to discuss the 2022 Elections In Iowa.   The host for the 492nd edition in this series is Jay Swords, and the history buffs are Terri Toppler and Ed Broders. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or St. Ambrose University.  This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

BONUS: The 2022 Elections In Iowa

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Toby Payone, Uniserve Director for The Iowa Education Association, joins the "ROI" panelists to discuss the 2022 Elections In Iowa.   The host for the 492nd edition in this series is Jay Swords, and the history buffs are Terri Toppler and Ed Broders. The opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or St. Ambrose University.  This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport...

BONUS: The Fifty Greatest Fictional Deaths Of All Time

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Dan Kois, writer, editor and podcaster at Slate Magazine (New York), joins the "ROI" team to discuss, "The Fifty Greatest Fictional Deaths Of All Time." The host for episode #484 is Jay Swords.  The history buffs are Rick Sweet and Ed Broders.  This is the annual "Halloween" program in the "Relevant Or Irrelevant" series. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

The Fifty Greatest Fictional Deaths Of All Time

Dan Kois, writer, editor and podcaster at Slate Magazine (New York), joins the "ROI" team to discuss, "The Fifty Greatest Fictional Deaths Of All Time." The host for episode #484 is Jay Swords.  The history buffs are Rick Sweet and Ed Broders.  This is the annual "Halloween" program in the "Relevant Or Irrelevant" series. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

German History In Documents And Images Website

Dr. Eric Jensen, associate professor of history at Miami University (Oxford, Ohio), joins the "ROI" team to discuss the topic, "German History In Documents And Images Website." The host for the 480th edition is John Kealey, and history buffs are Rick Sweet and Jay Swords. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

BONUS: German History In Documents And Images Website

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Dr. Eric Jensen, associate professor of history at Miami University (Oxford, Ohio), joins the "ROI" team to discuss the topic, "German History In Documents And Images Website." The host for the 480th edition is John Kealey, and history buffs are Rick Sweet and Jay Swords. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

BONUS: The Campus Confederate Legacy We're Not Talking About

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Taulby Edmondson, Student Engagement Coordinator and Instructor of Religion and Culture at Virginia Tech. University, is the guest for episode #479 in this series.  He joins the "ROI" panelists to discuss his article, "The Campus Confederate Legacy We're Not Talking About." The host for this edition is John Kealey.  The history buffs are Rick Sweet and Jay Swords. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

The Campus Confederate Legacy We're Not Talking About

Taulby Edmondson, adjunct professor of History, Religion, And Culture at Virginia Tech. University, is the guest for episode #479 in this series.  He joins the "ROI" panelists to discuss his article, "The Campus Confederate Legacy We're Not Talking About." The host for this edition is John Kealey.  The history buffs are Rick Sweet and Jay Swords. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

BONUS: The Defense POW-MIA Accounting Agency

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Dr. Dan Davis, professor of Classics, History and Marine Archaeology in the History Department at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, joins the "ROI" team to talk about the Defense POW-MIA Accounting Agency. The host for the 478th episode in this series is Jay Swords.  History buffs are Terri Toppler and Ed Broders. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

The Defense POW-MIA Accounting Agency

Dr. Dan Davis, professor of Classics, History and Marine Archaeology in the History Department at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, joins the "ROI" team to talk about the Defense POW-MIA Accounting Agency. The host for the 478th episode in this series is Jay Swords.  History buffs are Terri Toppler and Ed Broders. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

Echoes In The Hallways

Author James Kenyon joins the "ROI" panelists to discuss his book "Echoes In The Hallways" for the 477th edition in this series. The host for this episdoe is Jay Swords, and history buffs are Terri Toppler and Ed Broders. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

BONUS: Echoes In The Hallways

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Author James Kenyon joins the "ROI" panelists to discuss his book "Echoes In The Hallways" for the 477th edition in this series. The host for this episdoe is Jay Swords, and history buffs are Terri Toppler and Ed Broders. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

Ancient People Of Iowa

John Doershuk, Iowa State Archaeologist and Director Of The State Archaeologist and Adjunct Associate Professor Of Anthropology At The University Of Iowa, is the guest for "ROI" episode 476.  Today's discussion topic is:  "The Ancient People Of Iowa." The host for this edition is John Kealey, and the history buffs are Rick Sweet and Jay Swords. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

BONUS: Ancient People Of Iowa

BONUS DISCUSSION:  John Doershuk, Iowa State Archaeologist and Director Of The State Archaeologist and Adjunct Associate Professor Of Anthropology At The University Of Iowa, is the guest for "ROI" episode 476.  Today's discussion topic is:  "The Ancient People Of Iowa." The host for this edition is John Kealey, and the history buffs are Rick Sweet and Jay Swords. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

Continental Flight 11

Enfys McMurry, Iowa historian and author, joins the "ROI" team to discuss Continental Flight 11 for the 475th episode in this series. The host for this edition is John Kealey.  History buffs are Rick Sweet and Jay Swords. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

BONUS: Continental Flight 11

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Enfys McMurry, Iowa historian and author, joins the "ROI" team to discuss Continental Flight 11 for the 475th episode in this series. The host for this edition is John Kealey.  History buffs are Rick Sweet and Jay Swords. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

BONUS: Butter Sculpture And The History Of Refrigeration

This is the final episode in the 2021-22 season. BONUS DISCUSSION:  Dr. Emily Godbey, associate professor of Art And Visual Culture in The College Of Design at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA, joins the "ROI" team to talk about butter sculpture and the development of refrigeration. The host for episode #474 is Jay Swords.  History buffs are Rick Sweet and Brett Monnard. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

Butter Sculpture And The History Of Refrigeration

This is the final episode in the 2021-22 season. Dr. Emily Godbey, associate professor of Art And Visual Culture in The College Of Design at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA, joins the "ROI" team to talk about butter sculpture and the development of refrigeration. The host for episode #474 is Jay Swords.  History buffs are Rick Sweet and Brett Monnard. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

Cedar County Cow Wars Of 1931

Ed Broders, retired farmer and "ROI" history buff and Jen Broders, teacher at Pleasant Valley Middle School, join the program today to discuss the "Cedar County Cow Wars Of 1931." The host for the 473rd edition of this series is Jay Swords.  History buffs for this show are Rick Sweet and Brett Monnard. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

BONUS: Cedar County Cow Wars Of 1931

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Ed Broders, retired farmer and "ROI" history buff and Jen Broders, teacher at Pleasant Valley Middle School, join the program today to discuss the "Cedar County Cow Wars Of 1931." The host for the 473rd edition of this series is Jay Swords.  History buffs for this show are Rick Sweet and Brett Monnard. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

Patriotism And The Edge Of Violence In A Right-Wing Anti-Government Group

Dr. Sam Jackson, assistant professor in The College Of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, And Cybersecurity at The University Of Albany (New York), joins the "ROI" team to discuss, "Oath Keepers:  Patriotism And The Edge Of Violence In A Right-Wing Anti-Government Group." The host for episode #472 is Jay Swords, and the history buffs are Rick Sweet and Brett Monnard. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

BONUS: Patriotism And The Edge Of Violence In A Right-Wing Anti-Government Group

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Dr. Sam Jackson, assistant professor in The College Of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, And Cybersecurity at The University Of Albany (New York), joins the "ROI" team to discuss, "Oath Keepers:  Patriotism And The Edge Of Violence In A Right-Wing Anti-Government Group." The host for episode #472 is Jay Swords, and the history buffs are Rick Sweet and Brett Monnard. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

BONUS: A Woman's Place Is In The Brewhouse

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Tara Nurin, adjunct Beer 101 instructor at Wilmington University, Beer And Spirits Contributor to Forbes Magazine, and former co-host of the "What's On Tap" weekly television show (Pennsylvania), is the guest for "ROI" episode #471. Tara will discuss, "A Woman's Place Is In The Brewhouse:  A Forgotten History Of Alewives, Brewsters, Witches and CEOs." The host for this edition in the "Relevant Or Irrelevant" program series is John Kealey.  History buffs are Bret...

A Woman's Place Is In The Brewhouse

Tara Nurin, adjunct Beer 101 instructor at Wilmington University, Beer And Spirits Contributor to Forbes Magazine, and former co-host of the "What's On Tap" weekly television show (Pennsylvania), is the guest for "ROI" episode #471. Tara will discuss, "A Woman's Place Is In The Brewhouse:  A Forgotten History Of Alewives, Brewsters, Witches and CEOs." The host for this edition in the "Relevant Or Irrelevant" program series is John Kealey.  History buffs are Brett Monnard and Jay S...

Karpelas Manuscript Museum Collections

Emily VanWaerdhuizen, Rock Island (Illinois) Karpelas Manuscript Museum Collections Coordinator, joins the "ROI" group to chat about this unique manuscript collection.   The host for the 470th show in this series is John Kealey.  Today's history buffs are Brett Monnard and Jay Swords. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

BONUS: Karpelas Manuscript Museum Collections

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Emily VanWaerdhuizen, Rock Island (Illinois) Karpelas Manuscript Museum Collections Coordinator, joins the "ROI" group to chat about this unique manuscript collection.   The host for the 470th show in this series is John Kealey.  Today's history buffs are Brett Monnard and Jay Swords. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

BONUS: History Of The World Written In (Tree) Rings

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Dr. Valerie Trouet, professor in the Laboratory Of Tree-Ring Research at the University Of Arizona, is the guest for "ROI" episode 469.  Dr. Trouet joins the panelists to discuss "Tree Story:  The History Of The World Written In Rings." Rick Sweet is the host for this edition in the "ROI" program series, and Brett Monnard and Ed Broders are history buffs. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

History Of The World Written In (Tree) Rings

Dr. Valerie Trouet, professor in the Laboratory Of Tree-Ring Research at the University Of Arizona, is the guest for "ROI" episode 469.  Dr. Trouet joins the panelists to discuss "Tree Story:  The History Of The World Written In Rings." Rick Sweet is the host for this edition in the "ROI" program series, and Brett Monnard and Ed Broders are history buffs. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

The Last Slave Ship

Ben Raines, award-winning environmental journalist and documentary film maker from Alabama, joins the "Relevant Or Irrelevant" group to discuss "The Last Slave Ship:  The True Story Of How Clotilda Was Found, Her Descendants, And An Extraordinary Reckoning."   Rick Sweet is the host of episode #468.  History buffs for this edition are Brett Monnard and Ed Broders. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

BONUS: The Last Slave Ship

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Ben Raines, award-winning environmental journalist and documentary film maker from Alabama, joins the "Relevant Or Irrelevant" group to discuss "The Last Slave Ship:  The True Story Of How Clotilda Was Found, Her Descendants, And An Extraordinary Reckoning."   Rick Sweet is the host of episode #468.  History buffs for this edition are Brett Monnard and Ed Broders. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

Dinosaurs In Missouri

Dr. Peter Makovicky, professor in the Department Of Earth And Environmental Sciences at The University Of Minnesota, joins the "ROI" panelists to discuss "Dinosaurs In Missouri" for the 467th edition in this program series. The host for this episode is John Kealey, and the history buffs are Jay Swords and Ed Broders. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!