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.

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.

At Home in Our Nation's Capital

In this episode, host Mike Harding takes us on an historical romp through his hometown of Washington D.C. With stories about the city's founding, the boundary stones that mark its border, the origins of the 7th inning stretch, how the Gin Rickey became D.C's official cocktail and of a local businessman who started a global brand, you are sure to walk away wanting more. As entertaining as it is educational. Kick back and enjoy.