JonathanMosen's blog

Introduction from Jonathan Mosen

In the middle of August 2016, Mushroom FM switched to a format showcasing what in my view are the best four decades for popular music, the 1950s through to the 1980s.

As someone who has been a program director and commercial radio, I know that format changes are risky. Then again, I've learned that most of the truly significant things in life can't be had without risk.

What a blast it was to receive such a positive response to last week’s show which celebrated the great Tom Lehrer’s 89th birthday. And yes, I use the word “blast” in the context of this promo most deliberately! It’s nice to know so many of the Mushroom Crowd appreciates his irreverent humour and wit, along with his musical and literary genius.

One of the songs we played on last week’s show is an old favourite of mine, a song about nuclear annihilation done in the style of a rousing gospel hymn, called “We will all go together when we go”.

One of my favourite satirists and comedians of all time, Tom Lehrer, blows out 89 candles on the 9th of April.

Tom Lehrer wrote songs when it interested him, and didn’t when it didn’t. This means that his total body of work is small, but the quality is absolutely superb.

I tell you, it’s no wonder this crazy world in which we live is so full of earthquakes, floods, climate change, and despicable soup of all flavours. We bring it on ourselves by messing on such a regular basis with the elemental forces of time.

The Mosen Explosion is on again for another four forgettable hours. But one thing I don’t want you to forget, if you’re in the UK and Europe where the clocks go forward this weekend, it means that the show is now back to its usual start time, so that’s 7 PM once again in the UK.

This week, we’ve got plenty of fun conversation, which you can participate in via Twitter, email or the listener line. Remember that you can also send in your audio contributions via email.

At this crazy time of year, remember that the Mosen Explosion will still be starting an hour earlier than usual in some parts of the world, including Europe and the UK.

I single them out for mention this week, because on this week’s show, we’re paying tribute to a British national treasure on her very special day. I’m taking advantage of the fact that even though it will be Sunday for much of our listening audience, it will already be Monday 20 March in New Zealand. And Monday 20 March is the 100th birthday of the incomparable Dame Vera Lynn.

If you’ve listened to The Blind Side podcast this week, you will have heard a story involving travel that Bonnie and I recently took that was not as straightforward as it should have been.

While frustrating and taken at a difficult time for us, our most recent travel experience was trivial compared with what American Airlines dished out to seasoned traveller and guide dog handler, Sue Martin. Sue was the victim of repeated federal law violations, as well as plain old bad customer service.

We’re back in crazy times yet again for this week’s Mosen Explosion, where North America has sprung forward, but other countries have not sprung forward or fallen back in sympathy. So mates, mates, the Mosen Explosion may not be on at the same time as usual If you don’t live in the North America. It may be earlier for you. Check our schedule page for details.

It's that crazy time that happens twice a year, where clocks start shifting around at different times.

Mushroom FM keeps US Eastern time as its official time zone, and clocks in much of North America go forward for daylight saving time this Sunday.

If your clocks don't change along with North America, then this means that programs will start an hour earlier than usual in your time zone until your own clocks go forward if you're in the northern hemisphere.

Hi everyone, unfortunately I’m not able to bring you The Mosen Explosion today. Looking forward to being back with you soon, have a wonderful week.