The Plumage Wars, Dry Tortugas and Murder in Groveland

In this episode, Mike makes his way down the east coast of Florida, from Amelia Island all the way to the Dry Tortugas to bring you stories from The Sunshine State. The episode starts with the story of Lynyrd Skynyrd and their meteoric rise from Jacksonville backyard band to super stardom, and how it all came crashing down in 1977. Next you’ll hear the fascinating tale of Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas, the fort at the end of the end of the world for those who lived there. During the Guilded Age, feathers were more valuable than gold, a fact which sparked off what we call the Plumage Wars between feather hunters and environmentalists. That story is up next. Then you’ll hear the fascinating biography of Miami-born Sydney Poitier, Hollywood’s first black leading man. Finally comes the tragic story of the Groveland 4, four young black men tried for a crime they didn’t commit back in 1949. Music for this episode comes from Florida based singer-songwriter Laney Jones.

Episode 16: The Plumage Wars, Dry Tortugas and Murder in Groveland

Michael W. Harding

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Annie Oakley, Sloopy and Football in the Buckeye State

In this episode, Mike takes us on a wild romp through Southern Ohio. The episode begins with the story of Hang on Sloopy and how it became the official rock song of Ohio. Annie Oakley was a born sharpshooter, but growing up in western Ohio wasn't easy. Hear the story of her formative years in this episode. In 1884, corruption in Cincinnati led to one of the worst riots in American history. Find out how it started and what future U.S. President was involved in the clean up. You'll also hear about the Portsmouth Spartans, the NFL team who hosted the first night game and played the first playoff game in a hockey rink full of elephant manure. Finally, hear about the early life of Dave Thomas who went on to found the third largest fast food chain in the world which started right here in Ohio. Music for this episode comes from Megan Bee. 

Episode 10: Annie Oakley, Sloopy and Football in the Buckeye State

Michael W. Harding

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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. 

Episode 8: Rocky Top, Monkey Town and The King of the Wild Fronier

Michael W. Harding

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