Rocky Top, Monkey Town and the King of the Wild Frontier

Mike has spent the last few weeks enjoying the eastern half of Tennessee. This episode begins with the story of Rocky Top, one of the most famous and popular songs in the state. Learn how and where it was written and how it rose from an obscure B-side to one of Tennessee's State Songs. Then hear the story of Franklin, the state that never became a state, but would eventually become Tennessee. Davy Crockett, the King of the Wild Frontier, spent most of his remarkable life in Tennessee, and you'll hear the whole story. Next up is the story of the Scopes Trial, the 1925 trial that challenged a ban on the teaching of evolution in public schools. The Bristol Sessions have been called "The Big Bang of Country Music", and you'll hear why in this episode. And finally, the town of Oak Ridge was built to support a massive project during World War II; Mike will tell you about the town and the project. Music in this episode is from Nashville singer/songwriter Sam Cooper along with Chris Gantry. 

Shoeless Joe, Astronauts and the Godfather of Soul

Mike is now traveling through the upcountry of South Carolina. This episode features stories from the inland portion of the state. Hear about the rise of The Marshall Tucker Band and where they got their name. Learn why Shoeless Joe Jackson wasn't wearing shoes and about his rise from the cotton mills to the big leagues and his subsequent fall from grace. Before there was Brown vs. The Board of Education, there was Briggs vs. Elliott; find out how school desegregation started over a bus. James Brown was the Godfather of Soul; hear his rags to riches story. Finally, Ronald McNair was the second African American to go into space, learn about where he came from and about his tragic death on the Space Shuttle Challenger. Music from this episode comes from legendary Piedmont blues artist Dr. Mac Arnold and was recorded live at a fundraiser for NEXT Charter School at 13 Stripes Brewery in Taylor, S.C. 

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. 

Deep in the Heart of Coal Country

Mike takes us deep into the heart of coal country in this episode, with stories from the central and western parts of West Virginia. This episode features the origins of the NBA logo, the feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys, the inspiration for Mother's Day in the U.S., the Mine Wars which led to the Matewan Massacre and the Battle of Blair Mountain, and the story of Mothman. Look back in time to some of the more difficult chapters in U.S. history. This episode features the music of Rachel Burge and Blue Dawning.