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The most common name in the United States is Smith, and if that's your surname, you'll have around 4.5 million others in the world to share it with.

But just because you have a popular name like, say, Pat Smith, that doesn’t mean that you’re common!

The four Pat Smiths you’ll meet are unique: an environmental activist, an adventurous videographer, an African-American kindergarten teacher in Japan, and a beloved mentor who taught me in 3rd and 5th grade.

Enjoy the Pat Smith Show!

The most common name in the United States is Smith, and if that's your surname, you'll have around 4.5 million others in the world to share it with.
But just because you have a popular name like, say, Pat Smith, that doesn&rsquo;t mean that you&rsquo;re common!
The four Pat Smiths you&rsquo;ll meet are unique: an environmental activist, an adventurous videographer, an African-American kindergarten teacher in Japan, and a beloved mentor who taught me in 3rd and 5th grade.
Enjoy the Pat Smith Show!

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we're often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.

For more: ctpublic.org/audacious

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we're often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.
For more: <a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf">ctpublic.org/audacious</a>

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. 

Audacious with Chion Wolf

Five incredible years. One big, bold list.

Here’s a handpicked top 10 playlist of shows that shook us, moved listeners to write in, won awards, sparked conversations, and made us say: Wow! Some are our most popular downloads. Others are the ones we mention when people ask us what we do for a living. All of them are uniquely, unmistakably audacious.

Five incredible years. One big, bold list.
Here&rsquo;s a handpicked top 10 playlist of shows that shook us, moved listeners to write in, won awards, sparked conversations, and made us say:&nbsp;Wow! Some are our most popular downloads. Others are the ones we mention when people ask us what we do for a living. All of them are uniquely, unmistakably audacious.

The Audacious Hall of Fame: Our Top 10!

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood.

Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we’re often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.

Listen at ctpublic.org/audacious

Support is provided by a generous contribution from Suzanne Hopgood, in Memory of Frank Lord.

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood.
Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we&rsquo;re often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.
Listen at <a href="http://ctpublic.org/audacious">ctpublic.org/audacious</a>
Support is provided by a generous contribution from Suzanne Hopgood, in Memory of Frank Lord.

The One Where All The Guests Are Named Pat Smith

How can a harp be both one of the most intimate - and one of the most enormous - instruments in the world? 

Tony Pederson plays his harp at the bedsides of people who are dying, listening closely to their breathing and responding with music created specifically for those delicate moments. 

William Close invented the Earth Harp, attaching enormous strings to canyons, buildings and skyscrapers, and once stretching them more than 957 feet for a Guinness World Record.

Two musicians, two radically different harps, and a shared belief that music can take all of us somewhere extraordinary. 

 

Suggested episodes:
Aftershocks: Life after getting struck by lightning
Life After Live From Here: A Conversation With Chris Thile
Awe yeah! Exploring the magic of mind-blowing moments 
A drummer, a rapper, and a violinist on disability and the art of adapting 

 

GUESTS: 
Tony Pederson: Music-thanatologist and past president of the Music-Thanatology Association International who has spent more than 30 years playing harp at the bedsides of people approaching death. On social media, his “Today at Death’s Door” posts share stories and reflections from his work.
William Close: Musician and instrument inventor best known for creating the Earth Harp, which uses buildings and landscapes as part of the instrument itself. He’s  installed Earth Harps at Rome’s Colosseum, Seattle’s Space Needle, Shanghai’s Grand Theater and many more places around the world.In 2014, Close set a Guinness World Record with an installation where the strings stretched more than 957 feet. 

How can a harp be both one of the most intimate - and one of the most enormous - instruments in the world?&nbsp;
Tony Pederson plays his harp at the bedsides of people who are dying, listening closely to their breathing and responding with music created specifically for those delicate moments.&nbsp;
William Close invented the Earth Harp, attaching enormous strings to canyons, buildings and skyscrapers, and once stretching them more than 957 feet for a Guinness World Record.
Two musicians, two radically different harps, and a shared belief that music can take all of us somewhere extraordinary.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Suggested episodes:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2023-04-07/aftershocks-life-after-getting-struck-by-lightning">Aftershocks: Life after getting struck by lightning</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/arts-and-culture/2021-05-13/life-after-live-from-here-a-conversation-with-chris-thile">Life After Live From Here: A Conversation With Chris Thile</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2025-09-19/awe-yeah-exploring-the-magic-of-mind-blowing-moments">Awe yeah! Exploring the magic of mind-blowing moments</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2026-07-17/a-drummer-a-rapper-and-a-violinist-on-disability-and-the-art-of-adapting">A drummer, a rapper, and a violinist on disability and the art of adapting</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://accordaschool.org/tony-pederson/">Tony Pederson</a>: Music-thanatologist and past president of the Music-Thanatology Association International who has spent more than 30 years playing harp at the bedsides of people approaching death. On social media, his &ldquo;Today at Death&rsquo;s Door&rdquo; posts share stories and reflections from his work.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.williamearthharp.com/">William Close</a>: Musician and instrument inventor best known for creating the Earth Harp, which uses buildings and landscapes as part of the instrument itself. He&rsquo;s&nbsp; installed Earth Harps at Rome&rsquo;s Colosseum, Seattle&rsquo;s Space Needle, Shanghai&rsquo;s Grand Theater and many more places around the world.In 2014, Close set a Guinness World Record with an installation where the strings stretched more than 957 feet.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

From deathbeds to skyscrapers: The extraordinary power of the harp 

For most people, mini golf is casual. A little windmill, a little ice cream, maybe some light family trash talk. 

But in this episode, you'll meet competitive players who practice for tournaments, a Guinness World Record holder who played 4,941 holes in 24 hours, and a British enthusiast who has visited more than 1,100 mini golf courses. 

Along the way: specialized balls, sore backs, and the surprising life lessons hiding behind fake mountains and tiny castles.

 

Suggested episodes:
A coffee-fueled celebration of passion, purpose, and pursuing an impossible goal 
Below the surface: The stories behind underwater world records 
Extreme ironing, cheese rolling, and shin kicking: The world of weird sports
The minds, hearts (and stomachs) of competitive eaters

 

GUESTS: 
Pat Sheridan: Competitive miniature golfer, tournament organizer, co-founder of The Putting Penguin miniature-golf review site, and part of the organizing team of the American Mini Golf Alliance
Anna and Justin Seymour: married couple from Manchester, CT who both compete in miniature golf tournaments
Mick Cullen: Professor and a former clinical social worker, author, DJ, marathoner, and Guinness World Record-holding miniature golfer who played 4,941 holes in 24 hours 
Richard Gottfried: miniature golfer and Guinness World Record holder who has visited more than 1,100 miniature golf courses across the world over roughly two decades 

For most people, mini golf is casual. A little windmill, a little ice cream, maybe some light family trash talk.&nbsp;
But in this episode, you'll meet competitive players who practice for tournaments, a Guinness World Record holder who played 4,941 holes in 24 hours, and a British enthusiast who has visited more than 1,100 mini golf courses.&nbsp;
Along the way: specialized balls, sore backs, and the surprising life lessons hiding behind fake mountains and tiny castles.
&nbsp;
Suggested episodes:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2024-01-26/a-coffee-fueled-celebration-of-passion-purpose-and-pursuing-an-impossible-goal">A coffee-fueled celebration of passion, purpose, and pursuing an impossible goal&nbsp;</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2023-07-31/below-the-surface-the-stories-behind-underwater-world-records">Below the surface: The stories behind underwater world records&nbsp;</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2023-09-27/extreme-ironing-cheese-rolling-and-shin-kicking-the-world-of-weird-sports">Extreme ironing, cheese rolling, and shin kicking: The world of weird sports</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2026-07-03/the-minds-hearts-and-stomachs-of-competitive-eaters">The minds, hearts (and stomachs) of competitive eaters</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Pat Sheridan: Competitive miniature golfer, tournament organizer, co-founder of The Putting Penguin miniature-golf review site, and part of the organizing team of the American Mini Golf Alliance</li>
<li aria-level="1">Anna and Justin Seymour: married couple from Manchester, CT who both compete in miniature golf tournaments</li>
<li aria-level="1">Mick Cullen: Professor and a former clinical social worker, author, DJ, marathoner, and Guinness World Record-holding miniature golfer who played 4,941 holes in 24 hours&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Richard Gottfried: miniature golfer and Guinness World Record holder who has visited more than 1,100 miniature golf courses across the world over roughly two decades&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Discover a hole lot of life lessons hiding within a mini golf course 

Some people go to the mall to shop or meet up with friends at the food court or get a good walk in. Some people work there.

Michael Townsend secretly lived in a mall.

For four years, Townsend and fellow artists co-opted a hidden apartment inside Providence Place Mall, complete with furniture, dishes, a PlayStation and even a waffle maker, all while trying to stay invisible to mall security.

Then, join Chion as she gets to know the manager of Westfarms Mall. After that, she meanders through Buckland Hills Mall, meeting stuffed-animal builders, a carousel operator, and a candy-store owner whose shelves are stocked with exotic treats from around the world. 

 

Suggested episodes:
What Happens When You Act Like You Belong
I snuck my incarcerated boyfriend out of prison in a dog crate
The art of the prank with the directors of 'Jury Duty' and 'Bad Trip' 

 

GUESTS: 
Michael Townsend: Rhode Island-based artist and driving force behind the Secret Mall Apartment, a 750-square-foot space hidden inside Providence Place Mall. He and fellow artists used the space undetected from 2003 until mall security discovered it in 2007. Their story is told in the 2024 documentary Secret Mall Apartment

Carolyn Edwards: General manager of Westfarms Mall. She has worked in the shopping-center industry for more than 30 years, overseeing everything from retail and marketing to safety and the day-to-day life of the mall
The Shoppes at Buckland Hills: Alex Cabrera and Aleks Wichowski of Build-A-Bear Workshop; Carousel operator, Silas Carlson; Jessica Holbrook, owner of Passport Candies

Some people go to the mall to shop or meet up with friends at the food court or get a good walk in. Some people work there.
Michael Townsend secretly lived in a mall.
For four years, Townsend and fellow artists co-opted a hidden apartment inside Providence Place Mall, complete with furniture, dishes, a PlayStation and even a waffle maker, all while trying to stay invisible to mall security.
Then, join Chion as she gets to know the manager of Westfarms Mall. After that, she meanders through Buckland Hills Mall, meeting stuffed-animal builders, a carousel operator, and a candy-store owner whose shelves are stocked with exotic treats from around the world.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Suggested episodes:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2021-08-13/rebroadcast-what-happens-when-you-act-like-you-belong">What Happens When You Act Like You Belong</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2023-09-01/whyd-you-do-it-i-snuck-my-incarcerated-boyfriend-out-of-prison-in-a-dog-crate">I snuck my incarcerated boyfriend out of prison in a dog crate</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2024-04-04/the-art-of-the-prank-with-the-directors-of-jury-duty-and-bad-trip">The art of the prank with the directors of 'Jury Duty' and 'Bad Trip'</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Michael Townsend: Rhode Island-based artist and driving force behind the Secret Mall Apartment, a 750-square-foot space hidden inside Providence Place Mall. He and fellow artists used the space undetected from 2003 until mall security discovered it in 2007. Their story is told in the 2024 documentary Secret Mall Apartment</li>
</ul>
Carolyn Edwards: General manager of Westfarms Mall. She has worked in the shopping-center industry for more than 30 years, overseeing everything from retail and marketing to safety and the day-to-day life of the mall
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The Shoppes at Buckland Hills: Alex Cabrera and Aleks Wichowski of Build-A-Bear Workshop; Carousel operator, Silas Carlson; Jessica Holbrook, owner of Passport Candies</li>
</ul>

The One Where All The Guests Are Named Pat Smith

The Audacious Hall of Fame: Our Top 10!

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