Teddy Bears, Muppets and Blues Legends of the Mississippi Delta

In Episode 23, Mike takes us deep into the heart of the Mississippi Delta. This episode starts with the story of Leland native Jim Henson and his fight to bring his Muppets to the world. Then you’ll hear the fascinating story of the ship Star of the West which began its incredible 11 year run as a passenger ship, saw the first shots of the Civil War and ended up scuttled just outside of Vicksburg. Next up comes the story of Holt Collier, one of America’s best hunters, who once guided Teddy Roosevelt on the most infamous bear hunt in our country’s history. Then you’ll hear the story of Blues legend Son House and his incredible return to the stage after decades hidden away from the world. Lastly you’ll hear the tragic story of the Supreme Court case Lum v Rice which challenged school segregation in Mississippi long before Brown v The Board of Education. Music in this episode comes from Mark “Muleman” Massey.

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.