Fun fact about Hank Phillippi Ryan: Long before she made her name as the author of popular mystery novels, she sued the CIA. Though she lost her bid to obtain agency records, the case entered the popular lexicon through a phrase the government used to defend its secrecy (and its denial of her Freedom of Information request): We can neither confirm nor deny the existence of the documents. She left her stamp on the journalistic world in other ways, winning 37 Emmys and 14 Edward R. Murrow awards as an investigative reporter. But her sole task these days is delivering gripping narratives to the eager true crime and mystery fans of her nearly 20 novels, including the popular Jane Ryland series, her 2025 bestseller, All This Could Be Yours, and her newest book, Mother Daughter Sister Stranger. We talk to Ryan ahead of her local appearance at Happy Medium Books Cafe.
Guest: Hank Phillippi Ryan, former investigative reporter, author of Mother Daughter Sister Stranger
Symphonic beginnings
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra kicks off its fall season with a powerful musical triad, including selections from Tchaikovsky’s tragic but beloved Swan Lake, Guillaume Connesson’s celebratory orchestral overture Maslenitsa and Mozart’s commanding lyrical Piano Concerto No. 22, performed by acclaimed classical concert pianist Evren Ozel, winner of the Bronze Medal of the 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2025. We talk to Symphony director Courtney Lewis about choosing the right sounds to start the season and what to expect from opening night.
Guest: Courtney Lewis, music director, Jacksonville Symphony
Spoke 'n words
What does the future of cycling in Jacksonville look like? An upcoming event at Springfield’s Phoenix Arts & Innovation District features a film screening followed by a panel discussion with community members and transportation planners about what makes for a healthy bike culture, and how Jacksonville can improve its own. The film, 2023’s The Engine Inside, explores the power of cycling to change lives and the planet. The event includes a safety giveaway including free helmets and reflective vests.
Guests:
- Garf Cooper, owner, ZenCog Bicycle Company
- Tanner Pletzke, bicycle and pedestrian coordinator, city of Jacksonville
Spin doctor
After 25 years of spinning the sounds of the past, present and the future, Electro Lounge host David Luckin celebrates a quarter century working the (mostly figurative, but sometimes literal) turntables. The iconic host and mixmaster of a varied, creative, eclectic and always chill playlist will honored at WJCT Studios on Sept. 16. Electro Lounge: Live at 25 will feature Luckin’s trademark musical mix of world, reggae, electronic and nu jazz, accompanied by a special live radio broadcast hosted by the maestro himself. The event is free, but reservations are requested. (If you have a memory to share or a message for David before the event, you can leave a brief message at 904-358-6316.)
Guest: David Luckin, host, Electro Lounge
Topics and guests subject to change.