Welcome to the very first TPCHC podcast! Thanks for coming to the pad...uh pod! If you love The Monkees, you have come to the right podcast. Join us as 2nd generation maniac, Al "El Dolenzio" Bigley, and original 1st gen nut, Alan "El Nesmitho" Williams, discuss various and sundry topics pertaining to the TV show, music, movies, and personalities that make up our favorite foursome! In this inaugural episode, you'll meet the aforementioned duo, and a perisistent Nesmith rumor will be answered once and for all! Plus: Fun! facts! Music! Laughs!

Texas Prairie Chicken Home Companion

Show #1! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION

The 20th anniversary 1986 reunion tour! Rare facts about the gargantuan guest-stars of the "Monkees in a Ghost Town" episode! Monkees re-mixes! The recent 2016 Hall or Fame snub! And SO much more! Once again, your hosts Al Bigley and Alan Williams dive into more Monkees memories, in this mammoth and jam-packed episode!

Show #2! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION

Is 2016 the last we'll see of the Monkees? Rare facts and trivia about the guest-stars of the "Here Come the Monkees" pilot episode! Monkees re-mixes ("Love to Love")! Sound effects! Disco dancing! Adam West impersonations! And SO much more! Join hosts Al Bigley and Alan Williams, and dive into MORE Monkees memories, in this fun and fact-filled episode!

Show #3! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION

The famed 1967 HEADQUARTERS LP, and what coulda (or shoulda) been added or removed!  Re-mix of (the TV version) of "You Just May Be The One!" A super-rare Davy Jones re-imagining of "Daydream Believer" from 2000! And: More Adam West impersonations! Jokes! Sound effects! And SO much more!
Hosts Alan Williams and Al Bigley hit another home run! Once again, your hosts Al Bigley and Alan Williams dive into more Monkees memories, in this mammoth and jam-packed episode!

Show #4! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION

The 1986 THEN & NOW reunion LP, and why Davy Jones wasn't happy about this one!  An extended re-mix of "Look Out (Here Come Tomorrow)!" EXCLUSIVE new interview with Micky's sister, Coco Dolenz! And: Fun! Jokes! Sound effects! And SO much more! Once again, your hosts Al Bigley and Alan Williams dive into more Monkees memories and music, in this mammoth and jam-packed episode!

Show #5! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION

The '87 POOL IT! reunion LP! Was it truly so bad? !  An extended re-mix of "Tapioca Tundra!" Part two of our EXCLUSIVE new interview with Micky's sister, Coco Dolenz! And: Fun! Jokes! Sound effects! And SO much more! Once again, your hosts Al Bigley and Alan Williams dive into more Monkees memories and music, in this mammoth and jam-packed episode!

Show #6! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION Monkees Podcast

Alan and Al reveal their personal "Top Five" Monkees picks! Songs! Episodes! Albums! Show guest stars! How do their lists compare to YOURS?

Plus: The inside story of famed "boss jock DJ," the Real Don Steele! His radio tale, and how it ties into the success of the Monkees! Hear Mike speak about it, too!

Plus: A terrific hot re-mix of the blazing '67 (TV version)rocker, "Vallerie!"

More ya need?!

Show #9! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION Monkees Podcast

A very special episode! We cleared the decks to spotlight an exclusive interview with super-fan Fred Velez!

Fred was (and is) the "I was there" guy when it comes to so many Monkees happenings, from early conventions, to photo ops, to behind-the-scenes tales only Fred can tell!

Hear his fun-filled stories of meeting the guys, being a fan in the 60s and 70s, organizing those 70s and 80s conventions, and writing his own great Monkees book!

You'll love this off-beat special spotlight episode!

Show #10! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION Monkees Podcast

To tease and titillate you for the upcoming special TPCHC Halloween episode, this will give you a little creepy clue, as to who will be our guest interview subject on said show!

Show #13 Promo! Ron Masak ("The Count") Speaks!

We skipped a beat to bring you our Halloween-themed unlucky episode #13!

You'll shudder, as you hear our exclusive interview with actor Ron Masak, "the Count" from the famed "Monstrous Monkee Mash" episode! Ron talks about his ad-libbing on that episode, the guys themselves, and his malevolent monster make-up for the role!

He also discusses his many roles in Hollywood, his incredible voice-over work and impersonations, and so very much more!

PLUS: We treat (not trick) you, with a fun and rare early-90s Davy Jones solo tune!

Laughs! Chills! Fun!  And so very much more!

Show #13! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION Monkees Podcast

Our fabulous Happy Holidays 2017 episode #12 is here! (No, your machine hasn't thrown a rod! We back-tracked in our numbering!)

You will thrill as you hear our exclusive interview with super fan and Monkees event organizer and meet & greet liason/agent, Jodi Ritzen,  as she talks about her past and current involvement with the guys, the guys themselves, and upcoming surprise events in Monkeedom!


PLUS: You'll hear a searing re-mix of a wonderful live version of "Sunny Girlfriend," performed by Mike, Micky, Peter, and the band in 2014!

Rare Christmas music! Butch Patrick speaks about his role in the famed "Monkees Christmas Episode!"

Plus: Laughs! Sound Effects, and (most importantly) fun!

Show #12! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION Monkees Podcast

THIS IS IT! Hear us go one-on-one with Mike Nesmith himself, in this exclusive (and very candid) 12/2017 interview!

Mike talks about his exciting new touring plans with the newly-reconstituted First National Band (a line-up that includes a host of Nesmith family members)! 

Plus, memories of playing (and returning to) the famed Troubadour club!

Set list songs you can expect to hear live!

Current upcoming plans revealed, direct from Michael himself!

Not one to be missed!

Plus: Christian Nesmith and Circe Link (both members of the new FNB) call in! Christian talks about working with his dad, playing the "solo songs," and reveals a few surprises! Circe tells of her love for the nifty Nez catalog, her concert involvements, and more!

BUT WAIT-THERE'S MORE! Just when you thought "Al and Alan just can't possibly have any more Monkees/Nez goodness to deliver," we have another surprise! Monkees agent/event coordinator Jodi Ritzen gives us a ring, and lets a few secrets fly! 

So, quit just hangin' 'round, and listen now!

Show #14! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION Monkees Podcast

This is the big (and we mean BIG) one!

Alan and Al swing back into action, with an exclusive new interview with versatile musician John Jorgenson! John played with Mike on many 90s tours (including the wonderful "Live at the Britt" stop), and has many tales of his involvement in music, the wonderful instruments he's played (many on a few Papa Nez solo efforts), and his relationship (and insights into) Mike! You don't wanna miss John recount Mike's first meeting with the Jimi Hendrix experience!

BONUS: Hear a super-rare 70s live Nez tune, along with a 90s live performance of "Total Control!" 

Also-your podcast hosts discuss the best and worst of the multitudes of Monkees merchandise that's been furiously flung our way for the past 50 years! The toys! T-shirst! Dolls (I mean--"action figures")! The books! The Monkeemobiles! Match against YOUR fave choices!

By popular demand--Hear the vocal-less backing track of the controversial Monkees tune, "The Day We Fall In Love!" This fandom-dividing song has been brought back into the spotlight due to the recent Rhino MORE OF THE MONKEES box set, so, judge the virtues of this little ditty for yourself, with this interesting mix!

Also--Monkees agent and event organizer Jodi Ritzen calls in with the very latest from Mike and Micky! Hear the latest news, plans, and how you can be a part of it all!

Plus: Fun! Laughter! Lawyers! Shock-collars! What more could a Monkee-maniac ask for?

Show #15! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION Monkees Podcast

We swing back into action with a fun new episode!

We take another look at the famed 1992 Monkees tribute CD, HERE NO EVIL (first covered in episode 11 right here), complete with an exclusive new interview with the creator and producer of teh CD, Jim Johnson! Jim talks about his long-lived love for the Monkees, the songs picked to tribute, and the makings of this early-90s masterpiece!

We spotlight "Tomorrow's Gonna Be Another Day" from the HNE CD, with a special spotlight on the late (but forever great) Larry Joe Miller!

PLUS-Hear a great rockin' re-mix of "P.O. Box 9847!" Guaranteed-you've never heard it like this before!

AND-Monkees event organizer and agent Jodi Ritzen chimes in with the very latest news on Monkees happenings that may be coming to your town!

BONUS-We announce the wonderful winner of our first ever colossal contest! Is it you?

Add the usually commentary, fun, laughs, and music, and you've got another winning epsiode on your hot little hands!

Come SEE what we discuss on our powerful podcasts, at our fabulous TPCHC blog page! http://tpchcmonkeescast.blogspot.com

Show #17! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION Monkees Podcast

Swing into sizzling summer action, as we celebrate the fabulous 51st anniversary of the halcyon and historical HEADQUARTERS album!

First up-Alan and Al play a great game of "what if?" What if the Monkees never shook off Don Kirshner? How would that work? What would all the later albums sound like? What would HEADQUARTERS consist of? How would this affect concerts? Chart hits? How could Mike ever work successfully with Donnie? Lots of fun, discussing "coulda/shoulda been" scenarios!

ALSO-Hear our exclusive new interview with the man who recorded HEADQUARTERS (and so many other bits of Monkees music), engineer Hank Cicalo! Hank "ran the board" for the HQ album, and has a clear memory of working with the guys! Hear about the challenges, the risks, and the pressures, of being part of the newly-independent Monkees music!

NEXT-Monkees agent and event organizer Jodi Ritzen calls us, with the latest news on the Micky and Mike tour, and Monkees meet-and-greet happenings!

PLUS-A great re-mix of the chart-topping "I'm a Believer!" You can't miss this! 

AND-(Can ya stand even more?) We announce our latest TPCHC contest! Win even more rare 60s treasures! Hear how! It's easy!

Plus-Music! Mirth! Madness! More you can want?

Much more here: https://tpchcmonkeescast.blogspot.com/2018/05/episode-18-hank-cicalo-interview.html

Show #18! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION Monkees Podcast

Episode #20! The Monkees and Politics! Hot "Daily Nightly" Cover Tune! Alan Meets Nez! Contest Winners!

Here we go again, with another awesome epsiode!

This unusual episode finds us recording remotely, at a local restaurant! You'll hear the fevered crowds react as Alan and Al discuss the connections between the Monkees and politics!

Don't worry, this will not be a boring and dry discussion! We talk about how the MONKEES TV show slid sly political references into its framework, HEAD, the songs, the inclusion of political gadfly Pat Paulsen on the show, even what famed social commentator/psychologist Dr. Timothy Leary had to say about the guys!

PLUS-You get to hear a rare and hot cover of "Daily Nightly" by McGrath! Do you know why that Nez-penned tune has political overtones?

NEXT-Alan recalls his recent trip to the Steel City Con Convention to meet Papa Nez face-to-face! You are there!

BONUS-Our latest colossal contest winner is announced! Is it you?

AND-We proudly re-present our incredible exclusive 2017 interview with Mike Nesmith! Hear the highlights here!

NEXT-Jovial Jodi Ritzen, the Monkees' agent and event coordinator, calls in, with the very latest news and reports from Monkeeland!

And of course, what would a recent episode be like without yet another cover of "Salesman?" You get that here, too!

Mirth! Music! Madness! Mastication! We swear on a stack of Lincoln pennies!

Read (and see) so much more here: https://tpchcmonkeescast.blogspot.com/2018/10/episode-20-monkees-and-politics-hot.html

Show #20! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION Monkees Podcast

Get into the happy holiday spirit with this hot new yuletide episode!

We zip right down the chimney with a song-by-song review of the new CHRISTMAS PARTY CD! 

What songs are true gifts to us fans? Which ones just don't deliver the magic? We go toe-to-toe over the Monkees first full seasonal disc!

Next, Alan and Al look back over the past two years, discussing the highlights of past podcasts! The guests! The re-mixes! The discussions! You are there!

PLUS-An exclusive interview with local artist/singer/musician Lindsay Stewart! She's a Monkees fan, and covers "Unwrap You For Christmas," and you'll only hear her amazing performance here! 

ALSO-Hear a wonderfully surprising re-mix of "We Were Made For Each Other!" You'll never think of this '68 song in the same way ever again!

AND-Monkees agent and event coordinator Jodi Ritzen calls in, with the very latest Monkees news! 

BONUS-Yet another maniacal Monkees contest! You could win a ton of rare merchandise! Listen in to find out how!

What more could you ask Santa for? Music! Mirth! Monkees! Madness!

Much more here: www.tpchcmonkeescast.blogspot.com

Show #21! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION Monkees Podcast

Here a great and frank interview with Micky Dolenz, on WBT's THE KEITH LARSON SHOW!

Micky talks about the Monkees, his book, and his then-current broadway run!

He also fields some great call-in questions!

Micky Dolenz on THE KEITH LARSON SHOW 2005

Alan and Al recall their own personal interactions with the great Peter Tork, in this special memorial episode, praising the wonderful musician, friend, and performer.

Much more here: https://tpchcmonkeescast.blogspot.com/2019/02/episode-22-remembering-peter-tork.html

Show #22--Remembering Peter Tork. TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION Monkees Podcast

Peter Tork (with his band Shoe Suede Blues) swung thru Charlotte, North Carolina in 2005! Here are some of the fun radio appearances Peter made, wowing hosts and callers alike!

Peter Tork on Charlotte Radio-2005

Monkees fans know James Lee Stanley as one half of the famed Two Man Band, a fabulous duo that consisted of James Lee and Peter Tork! 

The duo toured widely in the 90s (and beyond), and left us with some amazing live and recorded music!

But, James Lee Stanley is a long-time creator, writer, and musician, crafting his own very fine music for many decades.

We were honored to be able to talk to James Lee, about his decades-long relationship with the late Peter Tork, his own music, and so much more.

More here: https://tpchcmonkeescast.blogspot.com/2019/03/james-lee-stanley-exclusive-2019.html

James Lee Stanley--Exclusive 2019 Interview!

Alan and Al pontificate and ponder over the many rockin' radio hits (from 1968-1973) that a still-united Monkees coulda (and maybe shoulda) recorded! Imagine Micky singing "Mama Told Me Not to Come!" Davy performing "Alone Again, Naturally" Peter singing "Spirit in the Sky!" Mike belting out "Crystal Blue Persuasion?" We make influential arguments for each of our many choices! 

What are some of your picks? Do they match ours? What would you change? Which songs would you add?

BONUS-We discuss the fabulous album, INSTANT REPLAY! It's 50 years old now, and Alan and Al discuss what the LP (and 8-track) meant to them, its highs and lows, and so much more!

THEN-Part one of a very special interview with "the Monkees girl," Valerie Kairys Venet! You know her not only as "Toby," from the famed "Monkees à la Mode" episode  but didja know she appeared in almost every other MONKEES show, too? She was a background dancer, partier, crowd observer, girlfriend, and so much more (including--Davy's stand-in?!) throughout the series! Hear her tell about how she came to the show, her memories and impressions (then and now) of the guys, the producers, and so much more!

NEXT-We announce the winner of our latest colossal contest! Did you win the latest over-flowing treasure chest of Monkees merch and rarities? Listen to find out!

AND-Hear not one, but two riotous re-mixes! Al unleashes his re-mix of the 1966 "TV version" of "Valleri" (of course), as well as a new terrific take of "Gonna Buy Me a Dog," like you ain't never heard before!

PLUS-Laughter! Music! Memories! More!

Much more here: https://tpchcmonkeescast.blogspot.com/2019/03/episode-23-valerie-kairys-venet.html

Show #23! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION Monkees Podcast

YOUR AUNTIE GRIZELDA Re-Mix

Here is Micky, in a very frank and sane 1987 radio interview about his career! From CIRCUS BOY to THE MONKEES (then enjoying a riotous reunion), to his MIKE HAMMER guest turn!

A refreshingly adult and delightful 45-minute chat on the LARRY KING radio show!

Micky Dolenz on THE LARRY KING SHOW 1987

Dive into another fun and frivolously freaky epsiode, as Alan and Al decipher the enduring enigma that is--33/13 REVOLUTION PER MONKEE! What was it about? What worked? What didn't? Fave songs and guest stars? The hosts look deep into this famed (and far-out) 1969 TV special, and you are there!

PLUS-Part two of our incredible interview with everyone's favorite "Monkees girl," Valerie Kairys Venet! Hear her talk about the guys, the show, the set, and so very much more!

NEW-Hear a sizzling rockin' re-mix of the ever-amazing Monkees tune,  "Naked Persimmon!" You've never heard it quite like this before!

AND-Al and Alan tell you about the latest round of rare Monkees merch that you can win! What is it? What ya gotta do to snag it? All here!

THEN-The ever-jocular Jodi Ritzen (Monkees agent and event coordinator) fills us all in on the very last Monkees happenings near (and far from) you! You can't miss it!

ALSO-Laughter, lightness, and love!

Much more here: https://tpchcmonkeescast.blogspot.com/2019/08/episode-24-50th-anniversary-of-33-13.html

Show #24! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION Monkees Podcast

What else could we do for our grandiose ground-breaking 25th epsiode, but cram it full of great stuff?

First, you get to hear Al talk to Alan about his latest road trip to hang out with mighty Mike Nesmith at the fabulous FanBoy Expo! You are there, as Alan relates all!

Next, we dive right into your responses to our last episode, and pick one lucky winner to receive the latest overflowing Monkees prize package! Is it you?

Stay with us as we take a calamitous call from none other than Jerry "the Geator with the Heater" Blavat! You know him from his terrific turn on the "Some Like it Lukewarm" episode! Jerry talks about his history as a famous radio jock, his time on the set of THE MONKEES, his opinion of the guys, and so very much more!

Then we swing into part one of our great new interview with the fabulous Peter Rafelson, son of MONKEES creator and famed director and producer Bob Rafelson! Peter fills us in on his days hanging around with the Monkees (and some group called the Beatles), his famous dad, his opinion on the Monkees and their music, his own creative goings, and so much more!

Before you can catch your breath, we then rush to unspool Al's hot re-mix of "Steam Engine!" It's longer! Better! Stronger! 

More ya want? More we got! Hear Jodi Ritzen tell us of the latest Monkees news! A new 2020 tour! A live album! So much more, direct from the lips of the group's own event manager!

Plus, fun, info, jokes, and everything else you've come to expect from this panic-packed podcast!

Much more here: https://tpchcmonkeescast.blogspot.com/2019/11/episode-25-exclusive-peter-rafelson.html

Show #25! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION Monkees Podcast

Here is a very rare 1992 radio appearance by Frank Gorshin! Frank stops into the WRFX radio station, in Charlotte NC, to talk about his Riddler role on BATMAN, his stand-up career, and so much more! Listen to how easily Frank keeps 'em laughing!

Frank Gorshin 1992 Radio Interview! BATMAN! The Riddler!

This time around we swing right into a new awesome awards show-The Al-y Awards! Named after your two humble hosts, this dynamic discussion has us considering the best of the Monkees' TV moments! Best musical romp/video? Best dramatic moment? Best guest-stars? Best scene with Davy? Micky? The others? How do our decisions stack up against yours?

That leads right into our bold new contest and how you can win even more rare Monkees treasures! Listen in for all the dizzy details!

Then, you'll hear Al's fabulous re-mix of "Through The Looking Glass!" An amazing new way to enjoy this Boyce & Hart Classic!

PLUS-Part two of our exclusive interview with Peter Rafelson! The son of MONKEES creator Bob Rafelson talks about the making of HEAD, the 70s doings of the Monkees, THE NEW MONKEES project, his current relationship with the guys, and so much more!

ALSO-Alan steps into the announcer booth to bring you the most up-to-the-minute Monkees news, direct from their agent/even coordinator, Jodi Ritzen!

It's a pulse-pounding party, with the usual fun and frivolity! Music! Laughs! So much more!

Show #26! TEXAS PRAIRIE CHICKEN HOME COMPANION Monkees Podcast

Who knew one of the famed "Monkees Girls" from the series was one of our podcast fans? Here is our interview the the delightful Roxanne Albee, about her time on the swinging 60s set of THE MONKEES, knowing (and dating) the guys, her continuing relationships with the Monkees family, her other TV and movie work, and so very much more!

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