Woody LaBounty, David Gallagher, and Nicole Meldahl of Western Neighborhoods Project (outsidelands.org) share San Francisco west side neighborhood history with humor, a real fact or two, and much-better-informed occasional guests.
The Outside Lands San Francisco podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the rich history of the West side of San Francisco. Hosted by David and Woody, with the addition of Nicole as a co-host, this podcast offers entertaining and informative discussions on the lesser-known areas of the city. As someone who was born and raised in SF, it's refreshing to hear stories about my hometown, especially my old neighborhood in the Sunset District. The hosts' enthusiasm and hard work shine through, making each episode enjoyable and educational.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the depth of research that goes into each episode. The hosts take their time to explore and explain the history and significance of various places and objects in San Francisco's Western Neighborhoods. From abandoned bunkers along coastal bluffs to mysterious carved stones in parks, they uncover hidden stories that many people may not be aware of. Their meticulous research combined with their engaging personalities make for a captivating listening experience.
Another great aspect is the banter between David, Woody, and now Nicole. Their chemistry is evident, and they bring an element of humor to the discussions without losing sight of the historical content. They strike a balance between being entertaining while still providing valuable insights into SF's past. This dynamic keeps listeners engaged throughout each episode.
While there aren't many negative aspects to this podcast, one critique could be that at times there are significant volume differences between David and Woody's voices. This can make it challenging to adjust volume levels accordingly. However, this issue does not detract significantly from the overall quality or enjoyment of the podcast.
In conclusion, The Outside Lands San Francisco podcast is an excellent resource for those looking to learn more about San Francisco's often overlooked Western Neighborhoods. With thorough research, entertaining banter, and a love for their subject matter, David, Woody, and Nicole create a podcast that is both educational and enjoyable. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the hidden stories of the City by the Bay, this podcast is a must-listen.
Nicole and Rebekah return to the Richmond Banner collection from 1895 one last time in Short Stack #8, wrapping up this chapter as they get ready to explore new stories and sources ahead.
Join us for a rebroadcast of a classic episode on the western themed, Fun-Tier Town which was added to Playland at the Beach in 1960. It featured rides that were designed to be enjoyed by younger children. And for special occasions, there was a large room in a western motif, where parents could purchase a party package (food and favors) that could host 20 or more sugar-fueled screaming kids.
Join Nicole and Rebekah for another Short Stack episode as they dive into major shake-ups at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the California Digital Newspaper Collection (CDNC), exploring the challenges both now face. Plus, don't miss a fascinating photo highlight from the OpenSFHistory collection!
Nicole sits down with Ava Roy, founder and artistic director of We Players, to dive into the inspiration behind their latest immersive production at Fort Point. They explore the origins of We Players, the creative process behind site-integrated theater, and how Fort Point's unique history shapes the current show.
Join Nicole and Rebekah for another Short Stack, as they dig into what's piquing their interest in history right now—and continue their deep dive into an 1895 edition of the Richmond Banner!
This week, Nicole is joined by a distinguished panel to discuss the state of San Francisco's history organizations. Featuring Woody LaBounty (SF Heritage), Mercedes Devine (The Society of California Pioneers), and Frances Kaplan (Lead Archivist, formerly with the California Historical Society, now at Stanford), the conversation is moderated by Amanda Bartlett (SFGate) and recorded live at KALW on Montgomery Street as part of their Bay Agenda series. Together, they dive into what keeps these organizations going and the challenges of preserving the city's rich history in an ever-changing landscape.
Join Nicole and Rebekah as they dive into their latest history fascinations, unravel the current administration's crackdown on selective words, and even explore the story of Monarch the bear. To access the OpenSFHistory photo of Monarch, you can use this URL: https://opensfhistory.org/Display/wnp13.134.jpg
Join Nicole and Drew as they uncover the fascinating history of 2400 Fulton Street, the legendary Jefferson Airplane house.
Join Nicole and Rebekah as they discuss the closure of the California Historical Society (CHS), its impact on the community, and what it means for the future of historical organizations in San Francisco.
Join Nicole as she sits down with Sunset District artists George McCalman and Georgia Hodges in their studio to explore their creative inspirations, artistic journeys, and more.
Join Nicole and Rebekah as they explore another 1895 issue of the Richmond Banner, uncovering the news, gossip, and happenings that shaped the neighborhood over a century ago, in Short Stack #3.
Join Chelsea and Nicole as they explore the histories behind a few notable businesses highlighted in the Richmond Neighborhood Commercial Districts SF Survey Findings.
Join Nicole, Rebekah, and Chelsea as they explore an 1895 Richmond Banner in Short Stacks #2, uncovering fascinating and funny stories along the way.
Join Nicole and Chelsea as they dive into the history of Gaspare's Pizza House, a longtime favorite on 20th and Geary.
Join Nicole and Rebekah as they kick off their new podcast series, Short Stacks, where they dive into their journey so far as historians, the inspiration behind the show, and share some interesting historical tidbits along the way.
Join Nicole, Chelsea, Rebekah, and Drew as they reflect on 2024 and share what's ahead for Western Neighborhoods Project in 2025.
Join Nicole, Woody and David, as they discuss the mid-block skating rink that operated on 48th Avenue between Kirkham and Lawton Streets from the 1920s to the 1990s, in this classic episode of Outside Lands San Francisco!.
Nicole and Drew uncover the history of an infamous art heist at the de Young Museum on Christmas Eve in 1978. Was the stolen Rembrandt painting returned? Was it even a real Rembrandt? Tune into this special holiday episode to find out.
Join Nicole and Sean Connelly as they share the inspiration behind WNP Book Club, launching in 2025, and the shared passion that inspired them to create a space for readers to connect, explore, and engage with literature.
Join Nicole and Isabella Lores-Chavez, the Associate Curator of European Paintings at the Legion of Honor, as they walk around and discuss the “Legion At 100” exhibit commemorating the museum's centennial anniversary!
Join Nicole and Chelsea as they discuss the fascinating history of Fat Boy BBQ, a long-gone Bay Area icon with a personal connection.
Join Nicole and Drew as they look at the legacies of the Gold Rush in the Outside Lands, and share insights from a recent event with the Clement Street Art Walk.
Peter Hartlaub from the San Francisco Chronicle joins Nicole Meldahl to talk about the wreck of the SS City of Rio de Janeiro, the deadliest shipwreck at the Golden Gate.
Nicole Meldahl and Drew Moss head back to their alma mater, the University of San Francisco, for the final installment of this comprehensive campus history from 1906 until 1978.
Nicole Meldahl and Drew Moss continue this now three-part series on the University of San Francisco, covering its time as St. Ignatius College at Hayes and Van Ness until something happened in 1906...
Revisit the Sears Store at Geary and Masonic with this classic episode.
In Part 1 of a two-part episode, Nicole and Drew dig into the history of St. Ignatius Academy, which later became the University of San Francisco.
Nicole and Drew are at Spreckels Lake where they chat with San Francisco Model Yacht Club Commodore Rob Weaver and dive into the origins of a favorite Golden Gate Park feature.
Nicole sits down with Laura Camerlengo, the curator in charge of costume and textile arts for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, to talk about the city's unique fashion history and the current deYoung exhibition, "Fashioning San Francisco: A Century of Style."
Jaimi Holker and Adam Bergeron - the team behind CinemaSF - join Nicole to talk about their work running our beloved west side movie theaters: the Balboa, 4 Star, and Vogue.
It's been 4 years since the Francis Scott Key, Junipero Serra, and Ulysses S. Grant statues in Golden Gate Park were toppled. Revisit our podcast episode from June 2020 where Woody, David, and Nicole discuss the context in which the statues were put in the first place, and the history of the 3 subjects, and their unplanned removal.
Nicole is joined by Mattie Taormina, Director of the Sutro Library, to talk about how the institution got started and all the awesome things you can find there today.
Nicole Meldahl and SFGATE reporter Amanda Bartlett explore the history of the Bridge Theater on Geary and interview drag legend Peaches Christ about her time there as hostess of Midnight Mass during our 25th Birthday Bash at the 4 Star Theater.
Revisit our episode featuring Abbie Dwelle, the owner of Paul's Hat Works, a Richmond District institution for over a century.
David Friedlander joins the podcast to talk about Bay Area radio and television legend (and west side native) Don Sherwood.
Nicole and Chelsea chat about a grant from California Revealed that will let WNP catalog a collection of old Richmond Banner newspapers. Plus, thoughts on jam and exciting news from the past revealed.
Retired NPS ranger John Martini joins Nicole Meldahl and Drew Moss to talk about the Presidio's transition from army post to national park.
Nicole chats with Rich Sucre, Deputy Director of Current Planning at City and County of San Francisco to talk about the SF Citywide Survey.
San Francisco Chronicle Culture Critic Peter Hartlaub and California Academy of Sciences Head Librarian Rebekah Kim join the podcast to talk about their favorite bits of Steinhart Aquarium history. Part 2 of 2.
Nicole and Chelsea are joined by friends and family to remember the First Gentleman of WNP, our dearly departed Arnold Woods.
The California Academy of Sciences Head Librarian, Rebekah Kim, joins the podcast to talk about the history of Steinhart Aquarium. Come for the fish, stay for the manatees. Part 1 of 2.
In honor of the recent makeover of Tradr Sam, please enjoy this classic episode on the favorite west side watering hole.
Learn all about the former street and cable carbarns of the west side with special guest Drew Moss.
Revisit this classic episode to mark the 57th anniversary of the Human Be-In this month.
Stow Lake was just renamed Blue Heron Lake, so let's revisit this classic podcast episode on the lakes of Golden Gate Park.
Nicole announces the untimely passing of podcast co-host Arnold Woods.
How do you solve a branding nightmare like WNP? Nicole talks with new board member Michelle Forshner about her background and tackling the branding issues.
How does one become a San Francisco baseball legend without winning championships? Nicole & Arnold tell the remarkable tale of Dante Benedetti.
The Alexandria Theatre's 100th anniversary is upon us, so Nicole talks with theater preservationist and expert, Gary Parks, about his life and movie palaces.
In November 1928, San Francisco lost a favorite restauranteur, businessman, and benefactor. So, let's revisit this classic podcast about the life of the Gentle Dane, Carl Larsen.
We get lengthy this week as Arnold talks with Casey Dexter-Lee, Russell Nauman, and Professor Charles Egan about the station where immigrants coming into San Francisco used to have to go through.
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