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.

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.

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.

The Brown Bomber, The Ghost Capital and The Day The Stars Fell on Alabama

In Episode 21, Mike takes us back to Alabama with more stories from the Heart of Dixie. First you’ll hear the story of the day the stars fell on Alabama - the day the Hodges Meteorite smashed into a house in Sylacauga. Then comes the story of Old Cahaba, Alabama’s first State Capital, now little more than a ghost town. From there, travel to the Free State of Winston, a Unionist region in the hill country. Next you’ll hear the story of boxer Joe “The Brown Bomber” Louis, one of the greatest to ever step into the ring. Finally comes the story of Claudette Colvin, a 15 year old high school student in 1955, when she defied Montgomery’s segregation laws and inspired Rosa Parks to do the same 9 months later. Music for this episode comes from Mobile native Hannah McFarland and special guest Tommy Ike Hailey.

Moonshiners, Beauty Queens and The Novel of the Century

In this episode, Mike takes us to the track meets, courtrooms, beauty pageants and music clubs of Northern Alabama. Episode 20 begins with the story of the band Alabama and their meteoric rise from their roots in Fort Payne to becoming the biggest band in country music history. Next you’ll hear the story of Jesse Owens and his amazing performance at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Then comes the story of Clyde May, a legendary Alabama moonshiner whose whiskey has been named the state’s official beverage. Next Mike will tell you about Harper Lee and the many challenges she faced in creating the incredible novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Finally comes the story of Deidre Downs, a Rhodes Scholarship Finalist turned Miss America turned MD. Music for this episode comes from Alabama legend Henry “Gip” Gipson who ran the last great Alabama juke joint for nearly 7 decades.