Apple Orchards, Protests and 10 Cent Beer Night at Cleveland Stadium

In this episode, Mike takes us into northern Ohio for another look at the history and culture of the Buckeye State. The episode begins with the 1970 shootings of 4 unarmed students at Kent State and how it shaped an era. From there we journey around the early Ohio frontier with John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. Baseball legend Cy Young is also from Ohio, and his story is next up in this episode. Next, you’ll hear the story of the early life of one of Ohio’s greatest authors: Toni Morrison. Finally, the story of the ill-fated “10 Cent Beer Night” held at Cleveland Stadium in 1974 will definitely put a smile on your face. Music from this episode comes from Canton’s own Hey Monea.

Blackbeard, Gold and an American Coup d'etat

Mike finishes off his time in North Carolina with this lively romp across the south of the state. This episode brings you the story of Wilmington native Charles Kuralt, one of the greatest journalists in American history who spent 20 years and a million miles On the Road. You'll also hear the story of legendary pirate Blackbeard and how he was killed off the coast of Ocracoke. Believe it or not the first gold rush in American history happened in central North Carolina, and you'll get that story too. Mike will also bring you the story of the Wilmington Insurrection of 1898, the only successful Coup d'etat in American history. Lastly, you'll hear about the rise of country music legend Randy Travis. Music for this episode was recorded live at the Drexel Barber Shop where a backroom bluegrass jam has been happening every Saturday for 50 years.  

Carolina In My Mind

In this episode, Mike has moved on to North Carolina. You'll hear the story behind one of North Carolina's favorite songs: Carolina In My Mind by James Taylor. Mike recounts some of the early history of the state, taking us back to the very first British settlement at Roanoke and the story of how it became The Lost Colony. You'll hear about the origin of Pepsi Cola, one of North Carolina's most well known products, the first flight by the Wright Brothers from the Kill Devil Hills, and how Babe Ruth got his first professional home run in Fayetteville. This episode features music from the Last Minute Bluegrass Band recorded live at Priddy's General Store in Danbury.