WDAF Kansas City, Mo.
1947-65

Conversation

It seems odd to think of it now, but in 1960 the talk show format was a departure for Walt. Already a grizzled news veteran at the age of 40, he was beginning to grow weary of the news beat.

Sometimes I felt like the veteran New York editor who said that news was just the same old stuff happening to different people. On a talk show, you had a better chance of hearing firsthand from listeners, no longer having to guess who they were and what they wanted to know.
(My Times, My Town)

Conversation, co-hosted with Jean Glenn, broadcast at 1:00 pm from Bretton’s Restaurant at 12th & Baltimore in Downtown Kansas City. It is as much a highpoint in the career of Walt Bodine as it is a highpoint in broadcasting. The rapport between the hosts was warm and genuine. They respected each other without becoming lax or fawning. They challenged each other without descending into pettiness. Most importantly, they took their guests seriously and asked serious questions.

It was, in short, everything a good conversation should be. It was also as far as you could get from the pre-scripted book and movie plugging we see on the interview circuit today.

In the five years the show ran, they interviewed an impressive array of local and national figures, including actors, authors, scientists, and statesmen.

Robert Kennedy — Politician
On campaigning (0:53)
On relaxation (1:15)

James Michener — Author
Hawaii: Sharktalking & the hula senator (2:03)
Polynesian fatalism & tornado season (1:16)
Walt's writer question backfires (3:30)
On extremist groups (2:32)

Buddy Rich — Jazz Drummer/Band Leader
Guy Lombardo vs. Lawrence Welk (4:30)
Dean Martin's Honesty (2:32)
Audience Age (2:36)
Jazz in Europe (3:15)

More: Short Clips from (and about) Conversation