Episode 5

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Published on:

25th Aug 2025

David Church, Author | Uncovering Thomas Edison’s Mysterious Spirit Box and Hidden Inspirations

In this captivating episode, local author and playwright David Church takes listeners on a fascinating journey through history, imagination, and creativity. Best known for his Edison Trilogy of novels, Church reveals how Thomas Edison’s little-known experiments with a “spirit box” sparked his fictional adventures into the supernatural and beyond. He shares with Patrick Evans and Randy Florence on Big Conversations, Little Bar the meticulous research that grounded his novels in historical truth while blending in fantastical elements featuring Edison, Groucho Marx, George Gershwin, and even Noel Coward as unexpected allies. From Edison’s personal tragedies that inspired breakthroughs, to the curious intersection of science and spirituality, Church provides a fresh look at one of America’s greatest inventors. Beyond his trilogy, he discusses his playwriting career, Hollywood screenwriting, and his newest project exploring religion’s impact on human experience. With wit, insight, and vivid storytelling, this episode shines a light on the imagination it takes to turn overlooked history into unforgettable adventures.

Takeaways:

  • David Church’s Edison Trilogy blends meticulous research with imaginative fantasy.
  • Edison’s rumored invention of a “spirit box” inspired the novels.
  • Personal tragedy, including the death of Edison’s nephew, influenced his inventions.
  • The trilogy features real figures like George Gershwin, Groucho Marx, and Noel Coward.
  • Noel Coward’s secret role as a British spy becomes part of the narrative.
  • Church draws inspiration from cinema, especially John Williams’ musical scores.
  • His next creative project is a play exploring the power and pitfalls of religion.
  • The conversation highlights Coachella Valley’s vibrant artistic community and hidden talent.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #McCallumTheatre #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValleyResidents #SkipPaige #DavidChurch #ThomasEdison #SpiritBox #HistoricalFiction #NoelCoward #GeorgeGershwin #GrouchoMarx #CreativeWriting #Playwriting #Screenwriting #CoachellaValleyArts #PalmDesert

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About the Podcast

Big Conversations, Little Bar
Hosted by Patrick Evans and Randy Florence, get up close and personal with fascinating people who live in and visit the Coachella Valley and have made an impact on the region's economy, culture and global appeal as a leading tourism destination.
The series is now in its sixth season and has just launched its third year of production as it reaches the 100th episode mark in the first quarter of 2025! Many thanks to our outstanding listeners from throughout the Golden State, North America and around the world. And, a very special note of gratitude to our friends Skip Paige and Kate Spates for hosting us at Little Bar in Palm Desert, CA, and to Chairman Garry Kief, Digital Content Whiz Leanne McNeil and all the fine staff at the McCallum Theatre, without whose sponsorship this program would not be made possible to bring you every single week. Please support these enterprises as doing so helps support our ability to deliver hours of entertainment each month to our loyal followers.

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