The Flying Keys, The Singing Brakeman and America's First Black Senator

In Episode 24, Mike takes us to see the parts of Mississippi beyond the Delta. This episode begins with the story of Jimmie Rodgers, the Father of Country Music. Then comes the story of Pushmataha, the Choctaw Chief who always fought beside his American allies until he had to come to Washington to fight for his people. Next up is the story of Hiram Revels, the son of a Baptist preacher who grew up to be America’s first Black senator. After that you’ll hear the story of Columbus, Mississippi native Tennessee Williams who became one of the state’s most famous writers. Finally comes the story of the Flying Key Brothers who, in 1935, kept their airplane in flight for over 27 days. Music for this episode comes from Oxford, Mississippi based singer-songwriter Luke Fisher.

Dionsaurs, Clowns and Half-Smokes at Ben's Chili Bowl

In Episode 22, Mike takes us on another spin around his hometown of Washington D.C. where he waited out the pandemic. This episode begins with the D.C. origins of the world’s most famous clown, Ronald McDonald. Then we’ll hear the incredible story of the Old Brick Capitol and its place in American history. Next up we’ll stop by the iconic and legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street for a delicious Half-Smoke. From there we’ll trace the origin of Washington’s favorite dinosaur, Uncle Beazley, who currently lives at the National Zoo. Finally we’ll hear the story of Native Washingtonian Edward Brooke, the first popularly elected Black Senator in American history. Music in this episode comes from D.C. based singer-songwriter Ken Francis Wenzel’s album …Beneath Potomac Skies.

Eddie Robinson, The Star from Start and The King of the 12 String Guitar

In this episode, Mike takes us to the plantations, football fields and music clubs of North Louisiana. First comes the story of Tim McGraw, the country music legend who got his start in Start - Start, Louisiana that is. Then you’ll hear the tragic story of Solomon Northup, a free black man from New York who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Louisiana. He later wrote the book Twelve Years a Slave based on this experience. Next comes the story of Huddy “Leadbelly” Ledbetter, one of America’s greatest folk musicians and the King of the 12 String Guitar. Then you’ll hear about Luther Divine “L.D.” Knox who legally changed his name to None of the Above to try and bring election reform to Louisiana and the rest of the country. Finally comes the triumphant story of the great Eddie Robinson, at one time the winningest coach in college football history. Music in this episode comes from Louisiana based Singer/Songwriter Joe Sims - find him at www.joesimsmusic.com.

The Plumage Wars, Dry Tortugas and Murder in Groveland

In this episode, Mike makes his way down the east coast of Florida, from Amelia Island all the way to the Dry Tortugas to bring you stories from The Sunshine State. The episode starts with the story of Lynyrd Skynyrd and their meteoric rise from Jacksonville backyard band to super stardom, and how it all came crashing down in 1977. Next you’ll hear the fascinating tale of Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas, the fort at the end of the end of the world for those who lived there. During the Guilded Age, feathers were more valuable than gold, a fact which sparked off what we call the Plumage Wars between feather hunters and environmentalists. That story is up next. Then you’ll hear the fascinating biography of Miami-born Sydney Poitier, Hollywood’s first black leading man. Finally comes the tragic story of the Groveland 4, four young black men tried for a crime they didn’t commit back in 1949. Music for this episode comes from Florida based singer-songwriter Laney Jones.

Annie Oakley, Sloopy and Football in the Buckeye State

In this episode, Mike takes us on a wild romp through Southern Ohio. The episode begins with the story of Hang on Sloopy and how it became the official rock song of Ohio. Annie Oakley was a born sharpshooter, but growing up in western Ohio wasn't easy. Hear the story of her formative years in this episode. In 1884, corruption in Cincinnati led to one of the worst riots in American history. Find out how it started and what future U.S. President was involved in the clean up. You'll also hear about the Portsmouth Spartans, the NFL team who hosted the first night game and played the first playoff game in a hockey rink full of elephant manure. Finally, hear about the early life of Dave Thomas who went on to found the third largest fast food chain in the world which started right here in Ohio. Music for this episode comes from Megan Bee.