A River of Grass, The Lizard King and Happy Little Trees

In this episode, Mike takes us back to Florida for more stories from The Sunshine State. First, the story of Bob Ross who spent 20 years in the Air Force before showing the world The Joy of Painting. Next comes the tale of Nuestra Senora de Atocha, a Spanish Galleon lost in a hurricane in 1622 and discovered by treasure hunters three and a half centuries later. Then comes the story of the election of 1876 between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tildon, one of the most contentious in U.S. history. Marjorie Stoneman Douglas was a fearless crusader who helped bring worldwide attention to Florida’s Everglades. Hear her story next. Finally comes the tragic saga of the short life of Jim Morrison, lead singer of the band The Doors. Music for this episode comes from Florida based jump-blues band Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones.

The Swamp Fox, The Mighty Peanut and The Greatest Treasure Ever Found

Mike has moved into South Carolina. This episode brings you stories from the coast and the lowcountry of the Palmetto State. Learn how Vanna White went from small-town cheerleader to letter-turning star. Francis Marion, the elusive Swamp Fox, may have saved the cause of independence during the revolution, and you'll hear the whole story here. In 1858, the S.S. Central America sunk off the coast of South Carolina with millions of dollars of gold on board. It wasn't until 1988 that it was rediscovered. Find out how it sunk and what happened when it was found. You'll hear the story of Robert Smalls and how his daring escape from slavery led to a meeting with President Lincoln and eventually to a seat in the U.S. Congress. Finally the story of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson who was the only woman to have ever pitched in professional baseball. Music for this episode is by Saluda Shoals and was recorded live at Awendaw Green.