The Speakeasyradio’s Podcast

Speak Easy · Episode 11
Some stories don't end — they begin again. In Episode 11, hosts Melanie Rae and Ann Wellman welcome special guest Raelyn Franklin, whose powerful Begin Again story is featured in the documentary Sober. Raelyn joins the conversation throughout the show, sharing her journey and talking about Phoenix, a recovery activity group making a difference in the community. Featuring storytellers Stan DeWitt, Daniel Brezenoff, and Frank Trainor — each with a story and a song. Recorded on KLBP 99.1 FM Long Beach — real stories, real people, real life.

Speak Easy · Episode 10
What does it mean to begin again? In Episode 10, hosts Melanie Rae and Ann Wellman continue the conversation with Begin Again Part 2 — welcoming live guest Nancy Luong to the studio to share her own Begin Again story and join the conversation. Featuring storytellers Steven Deeble and Austin Nation. Recorded on KLBP 99.1 FM Long Beach — real stories, real people, real life.

Speak Easy · Episode 9
Pride runs deep in Long Beach — and Episode 9 lets its stories speak. Hosts Melanie Rae and Ann Wellman bring you Pride Part 2, featuring storytellers Jennifer Abod, Tiffany Dawn Hasse, Michael Brunt, Sydney Rogers, Joshua Powell, and Kristian Starnes. Six voices, six journeys — each one honest, personal, and unforgettable. Recorded on KLBP 99.1 FM Long Beach — real stories, real people, real pride.

Speak Easy · Episode 8
Pride is personal. In Episode 8, hosts Melanie Rae and Ann Wellman celebrate the voices and stories at the heart of Long Beach Pride. Featuring storytellers Christine Koenig, Patrick Marston, Doyle Smiens, and Brody Fitzpatrick — each bringing their own truth, courage, and humanity to the microphone. Recorded on KLBP 99.1 FM Long Beach — real stories, real people, real pride.

What does it take to begin again? In Episode 7, hosts Melanie Rae and Ann Welman explore the theme of reinvention and second chances. Special guest Sue Gauthier-Pin shares the story of growing a successful acting career after a major life pivot, featuring storytellers Lisa Ramelow and Sue Perkins. Recorded on KLBP 99.1 FM Long Beach — real stories, real people, real life.

Speak Easy takes the stage. Episode 6 was recorded live at the Long Beach Community Playhouse as part of the Long Beach Community Theater's production of The Best of the Best Stories. Hosted by Melanie Rae and Ann Wellman — Artistic Director of the Long Beach Community Theater — this special episode features storytellers Sue Gauthier-Pin, Giovanna Martinelli, Brody Fitzpatrick, and Alex Stein bringing their most powerful personal stories to a live audience. This is storytelling at its finest.

Settle in for an evening of stories, music, and poetry recorded live at Secret Island in Long Beach. Hosted by Melanie Rae and Ann Welman, Episode 5 features Doyle Smiens, Subject Matter, Tommy Domino, and Acoustic Soul Express in an intimate performance produced by the Long Beach Soul Collective. This is community storytelling at its most alive.

Mixed Tape Confessions comes to the studio. Episode 4 brings storytellers Sue Perkins and Vickie Wippel into the KLBP studio for Part 4 of the Long Beach Community Theater's Mixed Tape Confessions, featuring music by Joni Mitchell and Reba McEntire. Hosted by Melanie Rae and Ann Wellman. Pull up a chair.

Speak Easy heads back to the stage for Part 3 of Mixed Tape Confessions, recorded live at the Long Beach Playhouse. Hosted by Melanie Rae and Ann Wellman, this episode features storytellers Danny Lemos, Ravina Wadhwani, Ida Pickett, and Chad Bishop sharing their most memorable and personal stories before a live audience. Turn it up.

Speak Easy returns for Part 2 of Mixed Tape Confessions, recorded live at the Long Beach Playhouse as part of the Long Beach Community Theater production. Hosted by Melanie Rae and Ann Wellman, this episode features storytellers Gregory Chavez, Sanyon Syprasoeuth, Jesse Soriano, and Liam. Turn it up.