Takin' a Walk

Buzz Knight Channels the Walden Vibe in a Delightful New Podcast Series

BY JENNIFER C. SCHÜNEMANN

It’s an interesting thing—interviewing a professional interviewer. On a warm summer morning, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Concord’s own Buzz Knight. A friendly and unassuming guy, he sits relaxed and smiling on the patio overlooking the fields of Hutchins Farm, ready to chat with me about his latest project. Armed with background research and a list of questions, I was prepared to gather the information for an article. Instead, I found myself entranced in a captivating story.

Buzz has a lifetime of interesting experience ranging from on-air to programming radio stations to overseeing programming for an entire company. Through his work, he has created a fascinating network of artists, writers, comedians, musicians, music label executives, and producers whom he calls friends. When the pandemic hit, Buzz took to taking long walks outdoors to ward off the isolation. Like many of us in Concord, he was channeling the “Walden/Thoreau” vibe and rediscovering the joy of being outside.

“I’ve always loved walking in cities like Boston, NY, or Chicago. There’s just something about going for a long walk with the hum and hustle of the city backdrop that quiets the mind and helps me think,” said Buzz. “Living here in Concord, it’s a delight to discover the world of Henry David Thoreau and Walden Pond. The pandemic encouraged me to discover so many beautiful places to walk and think.”

Rock photographer Bob Gruen (left) Takin’ a Walk with Buzz Knight

© buzz Knight

Then it occurred to him—why not combine that love of ‘Takin’ a Walk’ with the opportunity to share great stories about interesting people? After all, Buzz had already created several successful podcasts over the years. He knew what to do, and he knew some great people to talk with. These unique story segments would invite listeners to vicariously spend some time outside with people they admire.

The result is delightful. With each episode, we follow along with the likes of principal trombonist for the Boston Philharmonic, Adam Hanna (recorded at the North Bridge); or comedy writer and co-host of Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast, Frank Santopadre; or Concord’s own Doris Kearns Goodwin, the internationally beloved presidential historian. A special Greenwhich Village Series of walks includes a great conversation with legendary rock photographer Bob Gruen. Launching this fall, Boston Gems is a special series with local influencers that will reconnect you with great walks around Beantown. The range of talent and storytelling in this podcast is truly amazing.

But it’s the tone of the podcast that makes it so enticing. The lull of nature in the background (or the excitement of a city block) pulls you out of your car or office and into a new mental space. The easy conversation makes you feel like you are right there, alongside celebrities who seem transformed into neighborhood friends. And the topics are deeply interesting.Grammy award winning guitarist, singer-songwriter, band member in Hot Tuna and Jefferson Airplane, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jorma Kaukonen takes us for a stroll around Fur Peace Ranch in Ohio.

The crunching of leaves underfoot (and the sharp ‘bing!’ of a bell from a passing bicycle) transports you to beautiful Litchfield County in Connecticut for a conversation with Allen Kovac, founder of Indie label Better Noise, as he recounts his days managing Blondie, The Cranberries, the Bee Gees, and Motley Crue.

Musical birdsong is heard in the background of Colfax Meadows outside of Los Angeles as Ed Begley Jr. discusses his acting career (Best in Show, Mighty Wind, For Your Consideration) and environmental activism—including his work with the Walden Woods Project.

Buzz has created something very special. In a busy and stressed-out world, a moment of peace, calm, and contemplation is just a podcast away. We’re happy he’s our neighbor and glad to share his beautiful creation with all of you.

Feel like Takin’ a Walk?

Join Buzz every week for a new stroll through a city street or country road with a fascinating celebrity, comedian, writer, historian, musician, or just plain interesting person. It’s easy to subscribe (free!) to the Takin’ a Walk podcast. You can find out more at takinawalk.com or just scan this QR code to jump to the site where you can sign up.