Words from Vandel

Radio drama: DB Cooper's Last Interview

If you're curious about what happened to DB Cooper (and who in their right mind wouldn't be?) - this news is for you.

Nov 13 • 

Tom Vandel

4

2

Story: Blood

A short 756-word story about blood. Don't worry, it won't hurt a bit. Well, maybe a little.

Nov 9 • 

Tom Vandel

4

October 2025

Safety Card: Good Luck Air

It's a long flight we're on and about to get bumpier. Destination and ETA unknown. Better read the safety card.

Oct 24 • 

Tom Vandel

4

8

September 2025

Essay: Road Report

There are open roads and hotels aplenty out there. And people ready to make your acquaintance and maybe even buy you a beer.

Sep 30 • 

Tom Vandel

8

1

3

Proposal: U.S. Department of Empathy

We’re all mixed up, mad as hell. I'm right, you're wrong. Whatever happened to make love, not war? Where have all those old sayings gone?

Sep 12 • 

Tom Vandel

7

3

August 2025

Poem: Things that trip you up

As a country, our shoelaces are untied. Preamble to a fall. Brace yourself.

Aug 22 • 

Tom Vandel

5

3

Paid Subscriber Bonus: Tiny Quote Book

HUGE thanks to paying subscribers expressed in a tiny way.

Aug 7 • 

Tom Vandel

July 2025

Poem: I am an Oldsmobile

Another year in the dust. Rolling on as the odometer turns.

Jul 23 • 

Tom Vandel

7

3

Red Lodge July 4th riot, 1975

Fifty years ago tonight, Red Lodge went nuts. Time gallops. My story in Distinctly Montana magazine recalls the night. Times have changed, or have they?

Jul 4 • 

Tom Vandel

9

4

June 2025

Poem: Sash and gown

How do we keep history from rearing its ugly head again? Are there no noble knights around? What does hope wear to a rally?

Jun 20 • 

Tom Vandel

6

4

Poem: Rack 'em up, again

We want our kids to achieve success, but sometimes we gotta suffer in the process.

Jun 6 • 

Tom Vandel

8

1

May 2025

Experiment: Frankenstory

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary, I wondered if one could write a decent story using opening lines from classic novels…

May 23 • 

Tom Vandel

5

3

1