Raymond Arroyo

Hey Arroyo Grandees,
We have an amazing Christmas special for you this week...I'll share the hidden stories behind the most beloved Christmas songs of all time. From 19th-century taverns to wartime America, these classics carry stories of joy, loss, faith, and hope that still resonate today.

I'll share the making of my Christmas Merry and Bright album, recorded live with legendary New Orleans big band, The Nola Players.

Along the way, we uncover the unexpected backstory of “Jingle Bells,” the personal tragedy behind “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” and the haunting reason “White Christmas” became the best-selling single of all time.

The episode explores the timeless power of Christmas music—how generations have sung these songs, why they endure, and how they connect memory, tradition, and belief.

Don't miss this yuletide musical treat. See you soon,
Raymond

2 days ago | [YT] | 12

Raymond Arroyo

Hey Arroyo Grandees....

This is show you can't miss. The legendary FRANKIE AVALON joins me for a warm, nostalgic conversation about his remarkable journey—from teen idol and trumpet prodigy to film star and cultural icon. He shares why he first turned down the Teen Angel role in Grease, how the producers persuaded him, and why that performance still resonates today.

Frankie opens up about friendship with Elvis, hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, and the powerful mentorship he received from Frank Sinatra. He also reflects on working with John Wayne on The Alamo, learning to ride a horse on set, and discovering the Duke’s unique blend of toughness and generosity.

He tells the story behind “Venus,” the musical tweaks that made it timeless, and how he knew instantly that it would become a #1 hit. Frankie also discusses his sixty-one-year marriage, the values that have sustained it, and the faith that continues to guide his life.

A heartfelt, inspiring conversation with one of the last true entertainers of his era. Subscribe and dive into this unforgettable episode of Arroyo Grande.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations: Arroyo Grande is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and everywhere you listen, watch & stream.

Click below and tell others to Subscribe!!
Best,
Raymond

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 23

Raymond Arroyo

Hey Arroyo Grandees,
Don't miss a very special Arroyo Grande this week. The legendary Frankie Avalon is my guest. He tells me about his friendship with Elvis, Sinatra and how Lucille Ball saved his act! And wait until you hear the Grease backstory... 

Here's a clip of Frankie and I at my Christmas show in Cleveland. Enjoy and go SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss the show on December 3rd.

Best,
Raymond

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 15

Raymond Arroyo

Hey Arroyo Grandees,
We have a brand new PRAYERFUL POSSE on the channel that you have to see.

Has the Church turned global politics into dogma? In this charged episode, Father Gerald Murray and Robert Royal and I—tackle whether climate change activism and immigration policy have become new “articles of faith” within the Catholic Church. From the Pope’s remarks on immigration and U.S. border enforcement to his global appeals on climate change, the Posse questions whether Rome’s moral focus has drifted from salvation toward social ideology.

We also weigh in on the Vatican’s new rejection of the title Co-Redemptrix for Mary, the ongoing confusion over synodality, and much more.

And make sure to visit our sponsor aura.com/raymondarroyo to try 14 days for free. That’s enough time for Aura to start scrubbing your personal info off these data broker sites, without you lifting a finger.

Enjoy. And keep coming back to Arroyo Grande.
Raymond

1 month ago | [YT] | 20

Raymond Arroyo

Arroyo Grandees,
A Happy All Hallows Eve to you all...

For nearly a century, Dracula and The Wolfman have haunted our imagination. The faces of Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr. defined horror and helped shape Hollywood’s first cinematic universe. But behind the monsters were men of extraordinary artistry and struggle. In this spooky and heartfelt episode I sit down with Lynne Lugosi Sparks, granddaughter of Bela Lugosi, and Ron Chaney, great-grandson of Lon Chaney Sr. and grandson of Lon Chaney Jr., for an intimate conversation about the human stories behind the Universal monsters.

They share personal memories and family truths—why Bela Lugosi was buried in his Dracula cape, how Lon Chaney’s performances captured both compassion and terror, and how both families have fought to protect their legacies. I also explore how Bela Lugosi Jr. changed entertainment law by suing Universal for control of his father’s likeness—setting a precedent that protects all celebrity estates today.

Together, Lynne and Ron confront Universal’s controversial “Dark Universe” revival, which replaced their grandfathers’ images with modern knockoffs, and they reveal how the real monsters of the golden age—Lugosi, Chaney, and Karloff—brought humanity to horror and emotion to legend.

This episode is both a tribute and a reckoning: a look at how family, fame, and art collide across generations, and how two descendants are ensuring that the men behind the monsters will never be forgotten.


Enjoy...
Raymond

1 month ago | [YT] | 17

Raymond Arroyo

Hey Arroyo Grandees,

This week on Arroyo Grande, I sit with House Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss the ongoing government shutdown, his faith under pressure, and what it will take to break Washington’s gridlock. Johnson reflects on his unlikely rise to the speakership, his conversations with President Trump and House Democratic leaders, and how faith and family sustain him amid political chaos. He also shares deeply personal stories—from his father’s heroism as a firefighter to his covenant marriage and the spiritual grounding that shapes his leadership.

Later in the episode, I welcome Gerry and Karen Frigon of Taylor Frigon Capital Management to explore how faith, family, and finance intersect in today’s turbulent economy. They discuss long-term investing, cryptocurrency, and how values-based stewardship can build both wealth and peace of mind. Don't miss this episode and remember to subscribe to the show and share it with others.
Gratefully,
Raymond

1 month ago | [YT] | 14

Raymond Arroyo

Hey Arroyo Grandee, 

This week Country-pop legend Crystal Gayle joins me for an intimate conversation about family, faith, and finding her own voice beyond her sister Loretta Lynn’s towering shadow. From her Kentucky roots in Butcher Holler to her record-breaking crossover hit “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” Gayle reveals how she transformed from a shy small-town girl into a Grammy-winning superstar and international touring artist.

In this candid Arroyo Grande interview, Crystal Gayle opens up about growing up in a musical family, crafting her smooth signature sound with producer Allen Reynolds, and becoming one of the first artists to successfully bridge country and pop decades before Taylor Swift or Shania Twain. She also reflects on her long marriage, faith, and why she still performs today—with the same warmth and humility that defined her rise to fame.

Don't miss this amazing show and thank you for always being there.
Best,
Raymond

2 months ago | [YT] | 13

Raymond Arroyo

Arroyo Grandees,
Actor David Henrie joins me this week for an unforgettable conversation about Selena Gomez’s marriage to Benny Blanco, the revival of Wizards of Waverly Place, and the faith and family values that guide his life. Henrie shares never-before-told stories from his Disney days, his unique bond with Selena, and how becoming a husband and father reshaped his career. From his early child actor experiences to meeting the Pope in Rome, Henrie opens up about resilience, fatherhood, and why faith is at the center of his mission.

Discover how the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Season 2 came to life, what to expect next, and the powerful lessons Henrie has carried from Hollywood to home.

If you grew up watching Wizards of Waverly Place or you’re inspired by stories of faith, family, and second chances, this Arroyo Grande episode is one you don’t want to miss.
See you at Arroyo Grande,
Raymond

2 months ago | [YT] | 5

Raymond Arroyo

Arroyo Grandees!
KATHIE LEE GIFFORD joins me this week for a candid, inspiring episode of Arroyo Grande. A four-time Emmy winner, she reflects on her decades with Regis Philbin and Hoda Kotb, her surprising role in helping Jimmy Kimmel launch his late-night show, and why she believes today’s entertainment culture has lost its kindness and authenticity.

Kathie Lee opens up about the joys and struggles that shaped her life—from her groundbreaking partnership with Regis to the painful scandals surrounding Frank Gifford, and ultimately his passing. She shares how faith gave her the strength to endure, why she calls cancel culture a “cancer,” and how grace, forgiveness, and miracles have guided her through heartbreak and healing.

Warm, funny, and unflinchingly honest, Kathie Lee reminds us why she remains one of America’s most beloved voices.

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Arroyo Grande for more conversations on culture. Thank you for being here.
See you soon,
Raymond

2 months ago | [YT] | 45

Raymond Arroyo

Arroyo Grandees,

During these dark days, on this episode of Arroyo Grande, blues rock legend KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD joins me to discuss his brand-new collaboration with 91-year-old Bobby Rush, the making of Young Fashioned Ways, and how faith and tradition fuel his music.

Kenny tells me about growing up in Louisiana, being inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Muddy Waters, re-recording Trouble Is… and Ledbetter Heights, and what it was like to tour with Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and Van Halen. He also shares how his faith, family life, and six children shape his artistry and legacy.

Plus—I sidle up to THE CULTURE COUNTER, including:
• The push to normalize psychedelic drugs like LSD and ecstasy
• Outrageous fan behavior at sporting events (hello, “Phillies Karen”)
• The airline debate over plus-sized seating policies

Don’t miss this rich conversation about the roots of American music, the spiritual power of the blues, and the lessons Kenny Wayne Shepherd carries forward. See you soon and please support our work if you can by visiting: RaymondArroyo.com.


Gratefully,
Raymond

3 months ago | [YT] | 8