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When I returned to California a few years ago, I started listening to NPR (National Public Radio). I was tired of the same ten songs being played over and over at KRAB Radio and other stations that have since went the way of the dodo.
NPR can be like listening to the TV while driving. They have political debate shows, a world-class daily news program in the morning and evening, science shows, car repair shows, cooking shows, and even a quiz shows. During my trips to Northern California, I try to match my arduous 2.5 hours on I-5 to shows playing on KVPR, the Bakersfield/Fresno affiliate. It makes that boring stretch pass more quickly.
A close family friend, who also listens to NPR and kind of got me interested way back, once asked if I listened to The Thomas Jefferson Hour. This show is broadcast on the local NPR affiliate Sunday and Monday nights at 1900.
“Thomas Jefferson Hour?” I asked, “What’s that?”
“It’s a humanities professor that portrays Jefferson and answers questions as if he were him,” the friend answered.
“HA! That sounds ridiculous!” I responded.
“It does sound ridiculous, but it’s a great show.”
So as skeptical as I was, I listened to the TJ Hour on KVPR. As ridiculous as the concept sounds, don’t let it fool you. That show is magnificent. Clay Jenkinson, the professor, and Bill Chrystal, the host, talk about a wide variety of topics concerning Jefferson. They have discussed Sally Hemmings, Lewis & Clark, the Iraq War, and technology to name a few topics. Chrystal is a former military chaplain and minister. His son is a veteran of the War in Iraq, and one episode focused on him answering questions about that conflict. Sometimes, Jenkinson’s answers questions sent by email or as part of a town hall forum. It is incredible.
Recently, I was talking to Hoat and Adam during a Meeting of the Minds. I told them about the Thomas Jefferson Hour much like my close family friend did five years ago. Not surprisingly, they looked at me like I was nuts.
“It does sound ridiculous, I know, but it is the best show on NPR.”
So if you don’t believe me, and you are out driving around Central California on a Sunday or Monday night at 1900, turn the radio to 89.1 FM. Or, go to the KVPR-FM wesbite and stream it over your computer. Let me know what you think.