Nerd Roamer

Leonhard Seppala and Togo deliver the antitoxin to the next driver, and the drivers find themselves in the final stretch of their journey. Gunnar Kaasen and the dog (allegedly) leading his sled, Balto, make the final push into Nome and get the glory. As we wrap up our series on the Nome Serum Run, we'll take a look at the lasting effects of the remarkable journey on those involved, the history of Alaska, and on public health policy.For more episodes of Nerd Roamer, find us and subscribe on your podcast service of choice - we are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and many more! For detailed show notes, pictures and bonus content, check out our website nerdroamer.com. For news and announcements, you can follow us on Instagram or Twitter @nerdroamer

As the epidemic of Diphtheria in Nome rages, a race against pathogen begins. Vials of antitoxin, the only treatment available for the deadly disease must make it to Nome from the outside world. There will not be a single moment to spare. In their time of need, these Alaskans turned to the the most reliable means of winter transport they knew - the dog sled. Teams of drivers are organized into a relay stretching from the town of Nenana, a railway depot in the interior of the state, to Nome on the frozen coast. The most perilous part of the journey will require crossing a twenty-mile stretch of pack ice on the Norton Sound, exposed to the elements in the middle of blizzard in the pitch black darkness of night. There is only one man and lead dog for this job - the indefatigable Leonhard Seppala and his legendary Siberian Husky, Togo.For more episodes of Nerd Roamer, find us and subscribe on your podcast service of choice - we are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and many more! For detailed show notes, pictures and bonus content, check out our website nerdroamer.com. For news and announcements, you can follow us on Instagram or Twitter @nerdroamer

Winter has fallen in the small town of Nome, Alaska in 1925, and the town doctor, Curtis Welch, has made a startling discovery - an epidemic of deadly Diphtheria is spreading though the town's children like wildfire. Cut off from the outside world by the pack ice on the Bering Sea, Dr Welch and the people of Nome are powerless against the pathogen in their midst.In this first of our three part series on "The Great Race of Mercy," we cover the origins of the Nome Diphtheria epidemic that inspired beloved Hollywood movies like Balto and Togo. We explore the origins of the city of Nome, the history and biology of Diphtheria, and the treatments available at the time. For more episodes of Nerd Roamer, find us and subscribe on your podcast service of choice - we are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and many more! For detailed show notes, pictures and bonus content, check out our website nerdroamer.com. For news and announcements, you can follow us on Instagram or Twitter @nerdroamer

Tidal wave! Watch out!Much ado is made about Tsunamis in popular culture. While these massive waves have nothing to do with tidal forces, there is a type of wave that does - a tidal bore. Found in only a few locations around the world, these fascinating waves require a specific mix of elements in order to occur.Alaska's Turnagain Arm is one of these locations, and the tidal bore waves seen there are impressive - sometimes reaching up to 10 feet high! We will explore what makes the geography of this area so unique, and go on some tangents about the colorful figures from the "Age of Exploration" that gave European names to many of the features to which tourists now flock.Pairs well with: Travel to Alaska (especially the Seward Highway) and the Bay of FundyDeep Dives: Alaska Bore Tide Viewing Guide: https://www.alaska.org/advice/alaska-bore-tide

It's October, and that means it's time for some shows that will raise the hair on the back your neck. In this episode, we discuss the fascinating Native American legend of the Wendigo. Stories of the Wendigo originate from Algonquian people of the Great Lakes region such as the Cree and Ojibwe. The cannibalistic creature is said to haunt the cold, northern woods, where it cannibalizes people at night, and uses supernatural powers and trickery to turn others into Wendigoes. We discuss the origins of the legend, and some historical accounts such as the strange events of La Pointe (now Madeline) Island in Lake Superior, as well as the story of Swift Runner in Alberta, Canada.We also touch on modern depictions, such as The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood, the novel Pet Semetary by Stephen King and why the legend has so much staying power and cross-cultural appeal.Listen to the very end if you want to know how to survive your own Wendigo encounter!Pairs well with trips to the north woods - places like northern Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin; as well as Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta i Canada. Goes well with Halloween anywhere, or as part of a binge on topics related to Native American history and culture. In order to stay up to date on all things Nerd Roamer, give us a follow on Instagram or Twitter, where we can be found: @nerdroamerFor links to pictures, videos and show notes for each episode, check out our website at www.nerdroamer.comDeep Dives:Moose Meat & Wild Rice - Basil JohnstonThe Wendigo - Algernon Blackwood

In this Nerd Nugget, we revisit Great Smoky Mountains to share our 4 favorite hikes in the park, and four spectacular places to visit for amazing photos and epic memories. Listen to find out which ones we pick! If you want to share your favorite places in the Great Smoky Mountains, leave a comment on Instagram or send us a Tweet @nerdroamer. Check our website nerdroamer.com out for episode notes and other bonus content. Lastly, be sure to subscribe and leave Nerd Roamer Podcast a review on your Podcast App of choice - it really helps us out! Roam wisely, nerds.

The first in our Nerd Roamer's Guide series. Come with us as we trek deep into the hardwood forests of the Appalachian Mountains to uncover the hidden history and amazing wildlife that makes the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina so special. Whether you just have an interest in history or nature, or if you're planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains and need that sweet background info, we will fill you in on everything you need to know.In this episode, we cover the history of the park from before the arrival of humans to the present day, and also cover the unique ecology, varied habitats, and unique creatures that helped the Great Smoky Mountains attain International Biosphere Reserve Status. Be sure to follow Nerd Roamer on your podcast app of choice so you don't miss out on our upcoming Nugget Episode with our Top 4 Hikes and Things to See in the Great Smoky Mountains - you won't want to miss it!This episode pairs well with trips on US 441, I-40 and to Knoxville, TN, abd Asheville or Cherokee North Carolina.In order to stay up to date on all things Nerd Roamer, give us a follow on Instagram or Twitter, where we can be found: @nerdroamerFor links to pictures, videos and show notes for each episode, check out our website at www.nerdroamer.com

Close your eyes and you can just smell it: the cheese curds frying in oil, french fries, melting ice cream and ... manure? It's fair season! Except not this year. In memory of our beloved agrarian get-togethers, come along as we wax both philosophical and poetic about this timeless tradition. We'll trace the origins of these gatherings from ancient times, to Precolumbian America, to the livestock shows staged by agricultural societies in the Northeast that gave rise to our modern county and state fairs. As a case study, we will take a look at what I consider to be the greatest fair of them all, the Minnesota State Fair, and examine how what started as an exposition to draw settlers to the frontier has morphed into a celebration of the unique mix of things that make a place special. Not to be forgotten will be a discussion of the unique Minnesota celebration of Minnesota's Dairy Princess - Princess Kay of the Milky Way - and her signature butter effigy.  We will wrap up with some fun facts about state fairs around the country, and will sprinkle in some thoughts on fairs from great American writers along the way - and in the spirit of our fairs, we'll do it all together. Theme Song: Places I've Been by Johnny HoggFollow us on Instagram and Twitter @nerdroamerCheck out our website for updates at Nerdroamer.com! Shout out this episode to Candian History Ehx! Prolific source of content on the history of America's upstairs neighbor.

Our two part series on the "New Jersey Man-Eater" of 1916 concludes. In this episode, we dive into the panic and hysteria that followed the five shark attacks outlined in the previous episode, including but not limited to, Woodrow Wilson's "War on Sharks," and the hunt for the shark responsible for the killings.We will also cover how attitudes towards sharks have evolved over the years and the media's role in driving this, as well as the development of various shark attack prevention methods, and how these relate to shark conservation.As before, this episode pairs well with trips to New Jersey and New York in particular, but is also a great companion for any trip to the ocean from Maine to Key West and from Honolulu to San Diego.Knowledge Nugget: Tips from the International Shark Attack File on how to reduce your risk of being bitten by a shark.Deep Dive: The International Shark Attack File has a treasure trove of shark statistics and information - a great source of learning materials for adults and children alike! https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-attacks/Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter @nerdroamer and check out our website at Nerdroamer.com!

The summer of 1916 saw the US engulfed in an oppressive heat wave. An epidemic of polio swept America's major cities as America's families huddled at home, pensively listening to news of "The Great War" and wondering if the USA would get drawn into the conflict. For those of means, the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean promised sweet relief from the summer heat, wide open spaces and fresh air to escape the plague-stricken city, and an opportunity to forget the horrific violence playing out just beyond the horizon. It must have seemed as though no place on earth could be safer - until... In this first episode of two parts, we will review the circumstances of the 1916 Jersey Shore shark fatalities and the terror that gripped America. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we will break down America's response to the attacks, review shark conservation policy over the years, and take a look at what can be done in the present day to minimize human-shark conflicts and preserve these magnificent creatures. Pairs well with: Travel to any ocean or beach area! Especially New Jersey and the Jersey Shore, including US Highway 9 in particular. Knowledge Nugget: Top Five Fun Shark Biology Facts Deep Dive:  Twelve Days of Terror - book by  Richard Fernicola, MD For news and updates regarding Nerd Roamer Podcasts, you can follow us on Instagram and Twitter @nerdroamer. You can also check out our website at nerdroamer.com for show notes, episode collections, and bonus material. If you have a question or comment on an episode, you can reach us at nerdroamer@gmail.com, and you might just find your question featured in our Listener Mail segment! Roam Wisely, Nerds. 

Grab your shovels, rock picks and brushes, because this episode we are headed to Dino Camp! Dinosaurs ruled the land in the Mesozoic Era, inhabiting every continent on earth. The secrets revealed by their fossils can enliven any journey, whether to one of our great science museums, or to one of the actual fossil dig sitesscattered across the US. Let's face it - many of us went through a dinosaur phase during childhood, and in this episode, we'll brush up on all the awe-inspiring reasons why that phase should never end.  We'll brush up on the progression of dinosaurs from small beasts filling an ecological niche after the "Great Dying" at the end of the Permian age, to the rich cast of characters you know and love from the late Cretaceous. After that, a quick detour to highlight fascinating aspects of dinosaur physiology and answer questions like - were they warm-blooded? Did they have feathers? What's their relationship to birds?  We'll finish out the episode by covering a top ten list of my favorite dinosaurs, and delve into the extinction event that led to the end of the Age of Dinosaurs. Along the way, we'll also cover loads of geology and highlight some of the best places in  the US you can go to indulge your inner Dino Nerd. This episode really can pair well with trips just about anywhere in the US. It is especially great if you are headed out on a trip and are thinking of visiting a dinosaur site such as Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado/Utah, Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry in Utah, Two Medicine Dinosaur Center in Montana, or Dinosaur related state parks in Texas, Massachusetts and Connecticut. City trips should not be lost opportunities either, as you might want to brush up before visiting Chicago's Field Museum, or the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. Knowledge Nugget: Radioisotope Dating Deep Dive: The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World by Stephen L. Brusatte Deep Dive - Silly: Dinosaurs! - A Fun-Filled Trip Back in Time! Short film by Will Vinton starring Fred Savage

The race to find the bears responsible for the attacks in August 1967 is in full swing. As rangers consider the events of the Night of the Grizzlies, they must grapple with park policies toward bear management and safety. Many of the reforms made to park practice are still in place today.For today's knowledge nugget, we are going to review safety principles that you can embrace in bear country to avoid having a bad encounter with a bear. We will cover expert advice regarding hiking strategies, response to a surprise bear encounter, and what is the deal with bear spray anyway? All of our tips are practical and come from the National Park Service. Number one piece of advice is to read up on bear activity in ANY area you plan on hiking, and to chat with a park or forest service ranger to get the most up to date information if possible!Our Night of the Grizzlies two-part series pairs well with trips to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. It also pairs well with road trips through the mountains of Montana and Wyoming on roads like I-15, I-90, Beartooth Highway, US-2, US-93, US-191 and US-26. Broadening our horizons a bit, it is also a good listen for travelers in the Canadian Rockies such as those of Alberta, British Columbia, Banff, Jasper, Yoho, etc. as well as anywhere in Alaska.Deep Dive Recommendation: Montana PBS has a fabulous documentary on The Night of the Grizzlies if you want to see more period footage and photographs. It is available here!Be sure to visit our website, nerdroamer.com, for show notes and links to pictures and articles relevant to each episode. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter for pictures, updates and alerts on new episodes. You can listen to our show, subscribe, and download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Podbean.

Glacier National Park - the Crown of the Continent. Its jagged peaks, icy cirques and green valleys have drawn generations to experience one of the most beautiful places on earth. In 1967, the park was as popular as it had ever been. Visitation soared as Americans took a renewed interest in connecting with nature and taking to the open road. The summer had been warm and dry - splendid conditions for hiking and camping. Venturing into the park's backcountry could not have felt safer - in the 57 years since it had been established, not a single serious grizzly bear attack had ever occurred. Visitors clamored to see bears from their lodges and campgrounds as the creatures would come in the evening to sift through the park's refuse. If the beautiful mountains and sheer drop-offs of Going to the Sun Road were the main event, the bears were a worthy encore for most tourists.Then on one night everything changed. In the early morning morning hours of August 13th, two campers on opposite sides of the park would fall victim to separate attacks by bears. In this episode, the first of two parts, we examine the attacks themselves, and consider the history of human development in the park to better place the attacks in historical context. Next episode, we will explore the natural history of grizzly bears, learn about the parks' response to the attacks, and close a summary of bear safety tactics from the National Park Service. Be sure to visit our website, nerdroamer.com, for show notes and links to pictures and articles relevant to each episode. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter for pictures, updates and alerts on new episodes. You can listen to our show, subscribe, and download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Podbean.

Everyone has heard of Area-51, the classified facility operated by the United States government in the Nevada desert. But did you know that just an hour and half from Salt Lake City, Utah has a clandestine government complex of its own?Since 1942, the Dugway Proving Ground as well as the Utah Test and Training range have been critical to the United States' chemical, biological and nuclear weapons programs. Learn about the history of chemical and biological warfare, and how weapons developed at Dugway helped turn the tide of World War II in the favor of the allies. Later in the 20th century, highly publicized testing mishaps at Dugway would change the US policy on weapons testing. While off limits to the public, Dugway continues to serve as a place for government research and development - as well as a lightning rod for conspiracy theorists - to this day. All just 30 minutes south of Exit 77 on I-80 in Utah. Pairs well with trips on I-80 through Utah, particularly the western half of the state. Knowledge Nugget: Vegetable Killer AcidDeep Dives: Visit our website at https://nerdroamer.com for external links to pictures of Dugway from WWII to today! Our website is a great place to catch up on archives of past episodes and show notes.

Continuing on our Season One journey through Utah, we will consider the Salt Lake Valley. For some travelers, it can be nothing more than a spot to stock up on supplies or get a night's rest before venturing on to one of Utah's national parks. Don't sleep on the GSL, though. The Great Salt Lake has a pretty cool natural history of its own. From its predecessor in the Pleistocene, Lake Bonneville, to its modern incarnation as the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, the Great Salt Lake has shaped the land around it in thousands of different ways. Just how salty is it? You'll have to listen to find out.Pairs well with I-80 and I-15, and is perfect for passing through the Salt Lake Valley.Beyond the lake itself, the land around it plays host to thousands of migrating birds, unique endemic species, and a herd of American Bison with a winding controversial history of their own.Knowledge Nugget: The (Disappearing?) Bonneville Salt Flats and SpeedwayDeep Dive: Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place by Terry Tempest Williams 

In exploring the desert southwest, references to the "Anasazi" people are common. For some, the term may conjure up images of cliff dwellers, or creators of striking rock art. Many may associate their society with their sudden and swift disappearance - the so-called "Mystery of the Anasazi." There are much more to these to people than that. The ancestral Puebloans built a rich culture over millennia in one the harshest climates on earth - their legends, petroglyphs, pottery and remarkable structures endure to this day, as do their descendants. Pairs well with Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Western Colorado. Great for drives on I-70, I-15, I-40 and I-25, as well as US 191 and US 160. Knowledge Nugget: Kokopelli - Naughty Door to Door Salesman or Hip Flute Player?Deep Dive Reads:Indian Rock Art of the Southwest - Polly SchaafsmaIn Search of the Old Ones: Exploring the Anasazi World of the Southwest - David Roberts

The first episode in our Season One: Utah. The real story on two mythic figures of the Old West - Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid.Pairs well with trips to Utah, Wyoming, Southern Idaho and Western Colorado. Great for road trips on I-70, I-80 and I-15. Enjoy while cruising to Bryce Canyon, especially.