Time Rewind Reporter’s Journal

With more than 50 years of reporting experience between them, veteran broadcast journalists David Mendel and Mike Xirinachs reveal the stories behind the stories. They have shared what was involved in covering major breaking news, including the downing of TWA Flight 800, the first Persian Gulf War, the 9/11 World Trade Center attack, a Ku Klux Klan rally, a city hall hostage standoff and other headline-making events. But they also cut through the clutter to help make sense of today’s news, ranging from the coronavirus pandemic and U.S. Capitol insurrection to a nation grappling with police brutality, racism, voting rights and other hot-button issues. Along the way, David and Mike welcome special guests that are making a difference in the world in their own unique ways.

Listen to the podcast below and be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud, iHeart Radio and Libsyn.

Veteran broadcast journalists David Mendel and Mike Xirinachs

Recent Podcasts

September 11, 2021

As Americans mark 20 years since the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we get a unique perspective on the tragic day from a reporter struggling to make his way to the burning World Trade Center. It’s our very own podcast co-host Mike Xirinachs, who describes the chaos and frustration and, days later, how an encounter with a nine-year-old girl forever changed his life.

August 21, 2021

Last year, our podcast drew its biggest audience ever when we ventured to the steamy side, as host David Mendel interviewed boudoir photographer Alicia Swingle. Alicia celebrates the human form with each shutter snap of her camera. She emphasizes body positivity, empowerment and self-esteem. And it turns out that Alicia is just as gifted in front of the camera as behind it. Don’t miss this special encore presentation.

August 9, 2021

Baylor University journalism major Rachel Royster is shaking things up again. First it was her article that challenged the school for suspending a vital service for disabled students. Now it’s an opinion piece about religious alienation that sparked angry reaction. Rachel returns to the podcast to discuss her promotion to editor on the student newspaper and explain why she is critical of almost everything she reads.

July 17, 2021

It was the most logistically and emotionally challenging assignment of his broadcast news career. Co-host Mike Xirinachs explains what it was like to cover the July 1996 downing of TWA Flight 800 off the coast of Long Island, New York that claimed 230 lives. On this 25th anniversary of one of the worst aviation disasters in history, we bring you a special encore presentation.

July 4, 2021

Co-hosts David Mendel and Mike Xirinachs recall on-air gaffes and listener weirdness from their days in the newsroom and they discuss the risks and rewards of media fame.

June 20, 2021

They covered the news in markets from Boston to Houston. Now, in this landmark 40th podcast episode, veteran journalists David Mendel and Mike Xirinachs hold nothing back as they take a critical look at the state of the news business today and reveal their biggest pet peeves.

June 6, 2021

Co-hosts David Mendel and Mike Xirinachs return after a podcast break that enabled them to hang out in person for the first time since COVID-19 upended the planet. Venturing out into the post-pandemic world, David and Mike discover some unexpected destinations that are helping to restore the sense of normal we all crave. You definitely don’t want to miss this ride!

May 2, 2021

High school senior Sawyer Pennington returns to the podcast as an aspiring entertainment industry executive. Overcoming the challenges and roadblocks thrown in her path by COVID-19, Sawyer has finally committed to a college! She talks about how she did it and shares insights to help others navigate the college application process. Sawyer is keeping all her options open as she aims for career opportunities in Nashville and beyond.

Apr 24, 2021

People the world over were riveted to live coverage as a jury found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all three counts in connection with last year’s murder of George Floyd. Is the verdict a breakthrough for police reform in America or just a one-off, with police continuing to kill Black suspects even as the trial played out? Host David Mendel turns the mic on veteran journalist Mike Xirinachs, himself a victim of racial profiling, for perspective and analysis. One cop convicted of murder. Now what?

Apr 17, 2021

Find out how an actress/playwright is using her theatrical skills to help mold the healthcare professionals of tomorrow. Host David Mendel welcomes Nancie Xirinachs, who talks about the dramatic work she’s doing at three different medical schools in the Northeast. Nancie also shares advice for anyone that may be interested in getting involved with medical improv and the Standardized Patient program.

Apr 10, 2021

Co-hosts David Mendel and Mike Xirinachs discuss their impressive vintage radio collections and offer advice on how to start a collection of your own. Did you know that an antique radio doesn’t have to work to be valuable? David also describes some Cold War-era memorabilia he owns as well as collectibles from the glory days of American rail travel. Don’t miss this lively stroll down Memory Lane with a couple of self-proclaimed radio and pop culture geeks.

Apr 3, 2021

The CDC has begun relaxing domestic travel restrictions for folks who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. But not everyone is ready or able to hop on a plane. Co-hosts David Mendel and Mike Xirinachs let listeners in on their own personal and affordable COVID escapes. One on land. The other on the water. These getaways have opened up amazing new worlds to them while helping preserve their physical and mental health during the pandemic.

Mar 27, 2021

After introducing a huge inflatable heart and other larger-than-life organs that people walk through to learn about their health, Lauren Hill is taking a giant COVID-19 cell out on the road to spread knowledge about coronavirus and the benefits of vaccination. Lauren, founder and CEO of Medical Inflatables, is targeting underserved communities where vaccine access remains a challenge. The cell has been on display in Houston and will appear on The Dr. Oz Show’s April 5 broadcast. Find out how these eye-popping exhibits are making a difference in promoting public health.

Mar 21, 2021

He built a respected broadcast communications training program, launched two radio stations, has taught more than 2,200 students and is the manager and beloved morning host of top-rated 88.7 FM The Pulse in Phoenix, Arizona. And last week, Steve Grosz dropped a bombshell, announcing that he was leaving all that after 24 years. Steve shares how he powered through a stroke to get back into the classroom and on the air, how his late mother inspired him and what lies ahead for himself and radio.

Mar 13, 2021

One year after the coronavirus pandemic turned life as we knew it upside down, veteran journalists David Mendel and Mike Xirinachs share its personal impact. What new routines are here to stay? Which old ones will return? Is the vaccine a miracle or a celebration of science? What about our kids? There are lots of light-hearted moments, too, as the two discuss toilet paper, hand-shaking, distorted selfies and more.

Mar 6, 2021

Ever dream of loading up an RV and setting out to explore America? How about in the midst of a pandemic? Meet Shari and Ken Sloan, who sold their home after retiring in June of 2020 and are crisscrossing the country in an RV with their four beloved pets. From blowouts to boondocking, find out what life on the road is like in the era of COVID. Host David Mendel catches up with these determined warriors as they pass through Texas.

Feb 20, 2021

Millions of Texas homes were plunged into darkness by an Arctic blast that exposed an unreliable power grid. As Texans desperately sought relief, Senator Ted Cruz grabbed his family and jetted to Cancun. David and Mike welcome back broadcast journalist Jerry Barmash to discuss possible repercussions of the Texas tragedy as well as the legacy of conservative talk show titan Rush Limbaugh, who died this week at age 70. Jerry also introduces us to his “Here Now the News” podcast.

Feb 14, 2021

We all need an escape to the past every now and then. In this Valentine’s Day edition, David and radio/podcast host Howard Caplan discuss how their respective broadcast audiences are craving retro content. College radio brought David and Howard together. Today, technology takes their programming to audiences around the world. Howard entertains listeners with the Great American Songbook and other musical favorites. David is introducing a new generation to history and pop culture with his fun and engaging Time Rewind feature. Don’t miss the laughter and love!

Feb 6, 2021

It’s hard enough as adults to make sense of the pandemic, police brutality, the attack on the U.S. Capitol and other tumultuous events. Try explaining it to your kids. As we observe Black History Month, host David Mendel welcomes diversity and inclusion expert and parent Kenya Burrell-VanWormer to the podcast to help us chart a harmonious path forward with the inspiration of civil rights crusaders of the past.

Jan 30, 2021

Meet freshman journalism major Rachel Royster. Her very first story for the Baylor University student newspaper was about the latest Trump impeachment. Her second helped resolve a campus controversy. And more exciting assignments are in the pipeline. Rachel is undaunted by those who cry “fake news” and stoke the fires on social media as she pursues her dream of being a print reporter.

Follow Rachel’s reporting for the Baylor Lariat newspaper HERE.