Out of Place | A Short Stories Podcast: Recent Episodes
Frank Schiffman
Our lives are like a flowing stream of short stories. Each day is a page, each month a chapter, each year a novel, and one’s life a series of volumes. Yet, only a fraction of pages stays imprinted on our minds until something we see, or something someone says triggers a memory, and suddenly we’re transported back in time to a place or an event we haven’t thought of in years. The Out of Place short stories podcast is that trigger. Listeners are often surprised when the stories rekindle their own memories about a situation they found themselves in, that didn’t feel right when it happened, but worked out in ways that shaped their perceptions and outlooks for the rest of their lives. So why not join the journey now to see if my stories awaken your own?
If you're going to stand in the spotlight, you'd better be ready for the heat. In A Harsh Reality, an unexpected turn of events thrusts Frank into the defining challenge of his career. His path through adversity reveals who he really is.
Are texts and emojis quietly eroding meaningful communication? Has time begun to dictate how—and with whom—we connect? If the answer is yes, this episode of Out-Of-Place will help reconnect you with yourself… and the people you never meant to lose.
Filtered or unfiltered, the story is the same: nearly half of American adults once smoked cigarettes. In this episode, Frank examines how tobacco companies shaped public perception—turning smoking into a cultural norm and, ultimately, one of the most significant public health threats in modern history.
From a time when the Marlboro Man symbolized rugged masculinity to campaigns that marketed Virginia Slims as a badge of independence for women, this episode traces how powerful messaging influenced generations. It also features candid, on-the-street interviews with smokers, offering personal perspectives on a habit that defined an era.
From the click of a rotary dial to the swipe of a smartphone, this podcast takes a fun spin through how our voices jumped from wires to the cloud—and how each leap changed the way we connect.
What lies hidden in the minds of the characters in Two Black Hearts reveals just how strong bonds can be—until they break. And sometimes, those breaking points turn deadly. Meet Kate and Kim, best friends who share everything… except their true ambitions. Plus, don’t miss our exclusive interview with Dr. David Cale, owner of Laurel Caverns, for a rare glimpse into the mysterious world of caving.
Before screens and software, kids built with Lincoln Logs, Erector Sets and other developmental toys. These hands-on kits sparked creativity and problem-solving—no batteries required. In this episode, Frank takes you back to a simpler time, when play meant building, imagining, and proudly showing off your latest creation!
Frank turns down a lead to sell product to a major retailer. What follows is an adventure with unexpected consequences.
Frank invites you to take a journey back to a time when news was NEWS, not sensationalism and hyperbole--when there were only three television networks and Walter Cronkite was the most trusted newscaster in America.
A chance racquetball match turns into a career changing event for Frank. Before long, he's confronted with challenges and encounters adventures he could never have predicted.
Fiction, folklore and fact intersect in this Out-Of-Place podcast about developing artificial intelligence and unexpected consequences. Join Michael Levy, Ph.D., a celebrated computer scientist leading a team of next generation technologists on their quest to apply AI to two top secret military assignments. Accompany Michael on a journey to enlightenment where he finds that the future of his primary project is wrapped up in lessons of the past.
A routine business trip suddenly becomes an experience of a lifetime for Frank and a colleague when they find themselves far from home during one of America's darkest days.
A beautiful summer day in 1964 is suddenly clouded with fear. Nine year old Frank struggles to cope with possible consequences resulting from his own actions. Will Frank fly under the radar, or be caught red-handed and sent off to reform school?
A surprise call from a former employee sends Frank on a secret mission to explore a massive business opportunity. Suddenly his vision for the future of his company's business is a far cry from sanitizing swimming pool water where images of sunshine, bikini clad women, and kids splashing are commonplace. Will his management share in his enthusiasm or sink the idea?
Frank's corporate bubble is pierced by outside world realities when he is introduced to a new customer by the name of Bud Stocik. Bud's humble background, rough-hewn appearance and heavy stutter leaves Frank in the lurch. How will he ever find a way to connect with Bud?
Frank's entry into the world of higher education yields life lessons he hadn't bargained for.
Frank helps a magazine publisher get into an "invitation only" customer luncheon hosted by his company's chairman. The publisher's return favor lands Frank in a precarious spot that could cost him his job!
Frank helps a magazine publisher get into an "invitation only" customer luncheon hosted by his company's chairman. The publisher's return favor lands Frank in a precarious spot that could cost him his job!
Events leading up to a dream job interview with a premier ad agency throw a spotlight on Frank’s aspirations, and a surprise that rockets him back to reality.
Membership in the Teamsters Union thrusts 19-year-old Frank into a moral dilemma when union representatives and management hit a contract impasse. To strike or not to strike, how will he vote?
Midnight shift in the Pittsburgh produce yards provides an eye-opening experience into the world of manual labor for a Penn State College kid home for the summer.
In this podcast, Frank “takes a swing” at writing fiction and comes up with a whimsical story about the life of a golf ball.
Frank is left with a chilled feeling after being introduced to Jim, a much-revered copywriter at the ad agency where they both work. What Frank doesn’t know is that there is a host of secrets bottled up inside this master of words. As the ice between them melts, Frank learns more than he bargained for.
Our lives are like a flowing stream of short stories. Each day is a page, each month a chapter, each year a novel, and one’s life a series of volumes. Yet, only a fraction of pages stays imprinted on our minds until something we see, or something someone says triggers a memory, and suddenly we’re transported back in time to a place or event we haven’t thought of in years. The Out-of-Place short stories podcast is that trigger. Listeners are often surprised when the stories rekindle their own memories about a situation they found themselves in, that didn’t feel right when it happened, but worked out in ways that
shaped their perceptions and outlooks for the rest of their lives. So why not join the journey now to see if my stories awaken your own?
A life-long relationship unexpectedly goes up in smoke, sparking vivid childhood memories around the storied estate where it all began.