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In this episode, host Matt Tackett sits down with Dr. Joann Massey, President and CEO of the Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) of Memphis and Shelby County. Dr. Massey shares her deeply personal connection to her hometown and discusses how EDGE is leveraging Memphis's unmatched global logistics assets—including the Mississippi River, five Class 1 railroads, and the primary FedEx hub—to drive advanced manufacturing, supply chain efficiency, and major technology investments, such as the xAI data center. Tune in to hear how Memphis is transforming global advantages into localized prosperity through its motto: "Powering progress through partnerships."The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.
Greg Peterson – Machinery Pete – shares a story about the importance of the personal stories behind some of the used equipment that is sold at auctions, plus he reports on some prices recently fetched, and previews a few upcoming auctions. Soy Transportation Coalition executive director Mike Steenhoek talks about the recent unanimous approval of WERDA by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Mississippi River projects, and the latest on the Union Pacific acquisition of Norfolk Southern.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You thought Mississippi was all sweet tea and country roads? Surprise—there's a giant ancient sea monster chilling in the dirt!
Not good news: Bugs are disappearing. Your windshield is way cleaner than it used to be. Hosts Kat and Tiff explore the different factors on why insect decline is happening, along with the (very scary) link between insect decline and food security. Listen to get answers to these questions:Why are insects disappearing? Why do we need insects?What would happen if insects went instinct? What can we do about it?SourcesNPR: https://www.npr.org/2025/09/12/nx-s1-5535551/insect-populations-human-interference-studyFriends of the Mississippi River: https://fmr.org/updates/conservation/why-insects-matter-and-what-you-can-do-about-their-declinePenn State Huck Institute of Life Sciences: https://www.huck.psu.edu/institutes-and-centers/insect-biodiversity-center/why-we-need-insectsOklahoma State Extension: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/beneficial-insectsHuck Institute (again): https://www.huck.psu.edu/institutes-and-centers/insect-biodiversity-center/helping-insectsUC IPM: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/bee-precaution-pesticide-ratings/#gsc.tab=0Patreon: patreon.com/greeningupmyactInstagram: @greeningupmyactFacebook: Greening Up My ActEmail us with questions: greeningupmyact@gmail.comYouTube: Greening Up My Act
Wabasha County Sheriff, Curt Struwe, talks about the tragic accident on the Mississippi River late Saturday night.
House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson talks about the critical importance of overhauling agricultural labor law and how his bi-partisan bill addresses many of those issues in order to secure domestic food production. And Kevin Marcus of Marcus Weather, Inc. shares his outlook through mid-August, warns of risk of crop stress west of the Mississippi River, plus concerns for France and India.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dan Bowman, from ADM along the Mississippi River and the Illinois/Iowa border, joins the program to discuss the how potential looks in his areas crops and analyze early week market movement.Scott Jensen, Lead Financial Planning Consultant with Country Financial's Advanced Markets teams, breaks down a snapshot of the year so far.
National Franks & Beans day. Entertainment from 1999. Last woman executed in Britian, first cat show, Live Aid concerts took place. Todays birthdays - Bob Crane, Patrick Stewart, Roger McGuinn, Harrison Ford, Cheech Marin, Didi Conn, Cameron Crowe, Tom Kenny. George Steinbrenner died.Intro - God did good - Dianna Corcoran https://www.diannacorcoran.com/Franks n beans - Moes HansenIf you had my love - Jennifer LopezAmazed - LonestarBirthdays - In da club - 50 Cent https://www.50cent.com/Hogans Heroes TV themeTurn Turn Turn - The ByrdsMexican Americans - Cheech & ChongSpongebob Squarepants TV themeExit - Take it back - Chris Guenther https://www.chrisguenthermusic.com/History & Factoids about today Playlist on SpotifyHistory & Factoids about today webpagecooolmedia.comcountryundergroundradio.comNational Days Puzzles - JulyGrace & Grit Christian Country Radio
We are in that brief summertime window where college athletics have gone on vacation. The men’s and women’s College World Series ended last month. Football season begins again in late August. I have been reflecting on the ever-changing landscape of college athletics. Even just twenty years ago, the major college sports conferences looked a whole lot different than they do today. Schools have been shifting to new conference locations primarily to maximize revenues. A few have switched conferences primarily to reduce expenses (I’m looking at you, Louisiana Tech!) The question remains as to whether the recent decades of musical chairs has resulted in improvements for college athletic fans and athletes? Or have these changes primarily benefited the wallets of major universities and the media companies who quietly wink and nod after bigger TV markets have been added to the portfolios of the largest conferences. Let’s jump into the Wayback machine today and return 20 years to 2006. We will take a look at each major college athletic conference as it was in 2006 and how it is structured today in 2026. Have these additions been for the better or worse for each conference? Today, let’s examine the top four (by money) major football conferences. We will review the group of “mid-major” conferences in my next report. Southeastern Conference (SEC) New teams: Missouri and Texas A&M (2011); Oklahoma and Texas (2024). Interestingly, each of those four teams moved from the Big 12 Conference to the SEC. Analysis by Team: Missouri – has been a geographic misfit in the SEC from Day 1. The Tigers have not competed at a high level in most sports nor do they have a lot of trophies to show for the past 15 years in the SEC. Grade: D Texas A&M – made a lot of sense coming to the SEC in 2011. The Aggies needed to move along from its constant obsession about being compared to intrastate foe “Texas University”. SEC leaders were able to snag the huge Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth TV markets. A&M has proven it “belongs” in the SEC over its 15 years in the league by earning several league titles and staying relevant annually. Grade: B Oklahoma – The Sooners played in the College Football playoffs last year and just claimed the men’s College World Series title in June. OU’s long history of athletic success has already been felt around the SEC. Grade: B+ Texas – The Longhorns are annually contending for the College Football Playoffs in recent seasons. Texas also brought the growing San Antonio and Austin TV markets into the SEC. The Longhorns have quickly become top SEC competitors in basketball, baseball, and other sports. Grade: B+ SEC overall grade for expansion: B Big Ten Conference (Big Ten) New teams: Nebraska (2011); Maryland and Rutgers (2014); Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington (2024). It took a long time for the stodgy Big Ten Conference to finally invite Penn State to become its 11th team in 1990. Since that time, the poorly named Big Ten has grown to 18 schools today. The league picked-up several large TV markets in New York City and Philadelphia (Rutgers), Washington DC/Baltimore (Maryland), Los Angeles (UCLA and USC), and Seattle (Washington). Those new schools have produced relatively little in terms of sports titles for the conference, though. Analysis by Team: Nebraska – The Cornhuskers left the comfy confines of the Big 12 Conference in 2011 and quickly saw their national stature in sports take a beating in the Big Ten. Despite lofty expectations, Nebraska has been a disappointment. Grade: D Maryland – Ditto. Just substitute “ACC” for “Big 12”. Grade: D Rutgers – Rutgers was lousy at most major sports prior to joining the Big Ten. They were added to the Big Ten simply to attract television viewers from the New York City and Philly TV markets. Athletically speaking, Rutgers has been a Big Ten bust. Grade: F Oregon – The Big Ten’s raid of the former Pac-12 snagged one of the nation’s top football teams in Oregon. The Ducks have given the Big Ten a much needed bolt of energy. However, I can’t give a top grade to Oregon when its athletes must travel thousands of miles just to participate in Big Ten events. Grade: C+ UCLA – The Bruins’ women’s basketball and softball teams have been been excellent. However, the men’s sports programs haven’t made much of a dent in the Big Ten yet. Grade: C USC – There were lofty expectations for the Trojans’ football team. They have under-performed. Like UCLA, USC has not been a difference maker in the Big Ten. Grade: C- Washington – The Huskies’ football team has regressed the past two years with a 14-11 overall mark. Washington’s other sports teams have been nearly invisible in the 18-team Big Ten Conference. This is yet another school spending a ton of money on jet fuel. They are forcing student/athletes to travel across the country to play in athletic events just to grab more money from television. Grade: D- Big Ten overall grade for expansion: D- Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) New teams: Pitt and Syracuse (2013), Louisville (2014), SMU, Stanford, and Syracuse (2024) Exiting team: Maryland (2014) to Big Ten *Notre Dame: The Irish joined the ACC in 2013 but remained independent in football. The current 17-team Atlantic Coast Conference has, by far, the worst geographic fit of any major college conference in America. Twenty years ago, the ACC’s 13 teams (Maryland has since left) were located along the Atlantic coast. Adding SMU (Texas) and West coast entries Cal and Stanford in 2024 has been one of the most puzzling decisions in recent years. Analysis by Team: Louisville – This school (since 2013) has been surprisingly competitive in football but surprisingly non-competitive in men’s basketball recently. Overall, the Cardinals have been a solid addition to the ACC. Grade: B+ Syracuse – The Orange (coming aboard in 2013) has produced just four winning seasons in football after 13 years in the ACC. Some early ACC basketball success has faded in recent years. Grade: C- Pittsburgh – Pitt (which arrived in 2014) had a good run in football a few years ago with Kenny Pickett running the offense. Otherwise, their addition to the ACC has been “OK” at best. Grade: C- Cal (Berkeley) and Stanford – these two Pacific Coast schools (added in 2024) have brought zero titles to the ACC since joining the league. They remain a waste of jet fuel. Grades for both schools: F SMU – The Mustangs effectively bought their slot in the ACC in 2024 with the help of their wealthy financial backers. SMU made it into the 2025 College Football Playoffs but hasn’t been a factor in other sports. Grade: D+ *Notre Dame – The Irish baseball team made it into the College World Series in 2022. Notre Dame’s financially prudent but quite selfish decision not to participate in football in the ACC comes with a marked-down score. Grade: D ACC overall grade for expansion: D Big 12 Conference (Big 12): Only seven of the Big 12 Conference members remain from 2006. Within that group, Colorado left the Big 12 for the Pac-12 in 2011 but returned in 2024. Analysis by Team: Arizona – The Wildcats came to the Big 12 in 2024 as a refugee from the dying Pac-12 Conference. Arizona went 9-4 in football last season. It’s too early to give the Cats a good grade. Grade: C Arizona State – Same story as Arizona. Grade: C BYU – The Cougars came into the Big 12 in 2023. They have rolled-off 11-2 and 12-2 football records in 2024 and 2025. The BYU basketball team has appeared in the NCAA tourney in all three seasons after joining the Big 12. Despite its geographic distance from other longtime Big 12 members, Brigham Young has been a positive addition to its new conference. Grade: B+ Cincinnati – They entered the Big 12 in 2023. The Bearcats haven’t been a major sports factor in their three years in the conference. Cincy has been a good geographic fit for the Big 12, but a sports dud. Grade: D- Houston – The Cougars also came into the league in 2023 along with the valuable Houston television market. The Coogs have been competitive in football and a regular national championship contender in men’s basketball. U of H has been a solid addition to the Big 12. Grade: B TCU – Texas Christian joined the Big 12 in 2012. In addition to bringing the Dallas-Fort Worth TV market into the league, the 2022 Horned Frogs’ football team played in the national championship game (and lost). TCU’s other athletic programs have been regular contenders in the Big 12. Grade: A- UCF – Central Florida (added 2023) hasn’t posted a winning season in football in three years in the Big 12. The other sports teams haven’t been very competitive, either. This school was added primarily due to its enormous size (70,000 students) and the Orlando television market. Despite those pluses, the school is 1,000 miles east of Houston (the nearest Big 12 city). This addition has been puzzling since Day 1. Grade: F Utah – The Utes football team finished 11-2 in 2025 (the school’s second year as part of the Big 12). Utah’s sports programs are generally quite competitive and bring enthusiastic fans. Grade: B- West Virginia – Mountaineers entered the Big 12 back in 2012. In the past 14 years, West Virginia has posted a winning football record 50% of the time. Like Utah, this is a school with passionate sports fans who have been a plus for the Big 12. Grade: B- Big 12 overall grade for expansion: C+ Conclusion – SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 conferences After the questionable addition of Missouri in 2011, the SEC’s expansion to add both Oklahoma and Texas in 2024 has made their conference a bit stronger. OU and Texas jumped from the Big 12 to the SEC in 2024 after huge piles of money were being pushed in their direction to incentivize the move. It still saddens me that these two long-time anchor tenants of the Big 12 Conference aren’t around any longer. Speaking of the Big 12, let’s give that conference credit for adding several new schools within relatively proximity of the league’s Midwestern stalwarts. However, the addition of UCF (Central Florida) made absolutely no sense in 2023. It is still puzzling today. Both the Big Ten and ACC moved to add schools located west of the Mississippi River in recent years. The Big Ten’s addition of four former Pac-12 universities still feels odd. Meanwhile, Cal and Stanford have brought zero value to the ACC. Instead of buying their way into the ACC, SMU should have remained patient. The Mustangs could have bought their way into the Big 12 at some point and be competing with nearby TCU and other regional rivals instead of jetting their athletes up and down the Atlantic seaboard. All in all, expansion has generally served to water-down the four major college conferences – at least on the playing field. The recent moves have all centered on universities pocketing more money from television and media companies. Let’s examine the American, Conference USA, Mid-American, Mountain West, and Sun Belt conferences during our next visit! The post Grading the College Conference expansions – Part 1 appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.
State Services for the Blind has an exciting lineup of opportunities designed to help blind and low vision students build confidence, make friends, and develop real-world skills throughout the summer and fall. In this episode, Transition Coordinator Shane DeSantis and Peer Ambassadors Ava and Preston share upcoming events, including visits to the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind summer program, a volunteer evening with Every Meal, presentations at the ECC summer camp, an accessible camping adventure with Wilderness Inquiry, a canoe trip on the Mississippi River, and a fall technology workshop focused on college and career success. Along the way, they explain how these activities encourage independence, teamwork, leadership, and community involvement while creating meaningful connections with other students who share similar experiences. They also invite students to help shape future activities by sharing their ideas and interests, making this episode both an update on upcoming events and an invitation to become part of Minnesota's growing blind and low vision community. Links of interests: The Spectacle Newsletter Youth Services at SSB To find out more about the services provided at State Services for the Blind, and what they can do for you, contact Shane DeSantis at shane.desantis@state.mn.us or call Shane at 651-385-5205. Full Transcript: Thanks for listening!
Grow Clinton Podcast Episode 248 highlights one of the community's most anticipated summer traditions—the Clinton 4th of July Festival. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Angela Gabel and Dave Helscher, two of the dedicated volunteers behind this growing celebration along Clinton's riverfront.This year's festival is especially meaningful as it marks two major milestones: the 250th birthday of the United States and the 15th annual Clinton 4th of July Festival. What started as a community-focused event has grown into one of Clinton's favorite traditions, bringing families together for a full day of activities—all completely free to attend. That accessibility is intentional. The mission remains simple: create a space where families can celebrate Independence Day together without the barrier of admission costs.The day kicks off with the Red, White & Run 4-Miler at 8:00 a.m., starting at LumberKings Stadium and following a scenic route along the Mississippi River and Discovery Trail. Whether you are running, walking, or bringing a stroller or dog along, it is a welcoming way to begin the holiday.Morning activities continue with a grass volleyball tournament and wiffle ball at 9:00 a.m., followed by a bags tournament at 10:30 a.m. Then at 1:00 p.m., one of Clinton's most anticipated traditions takes center stage—the parade. Featuring local businesses, organizations, classic cars, emergency vehicles, youth groups, and performers, the parade remains a highlight of the day and is still open for entries.The festival officially opens at 2:00 p.m., transforming the riverfront into a hub of family-friendly activity. Attendees can enjoy bounce houses, carnival games, a petting zoo, barrel train rides, pedal tractors, food trucks, and live music. Pocket Constitutions will also be available while supplies last, adding a thoughtful patriotic touch to the celebration.Entertainment continues throughout the afternoon, beginning with the National Anthem performed by Alice Lind, followed by live music from Danny's Book Club from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Wrestling will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., adding another layer of excitement to the lineup.The celebration carries into the evening with a LumberKings baseball game, offering another opportunity for the community to gather before the day concludes with fireworks along the Mississippi River. Widely regarded as one of the best fireworks displays in eastern Iowa, it provides a memorable ending to a full day of celebration.What makes this event truly special is the people behind it. The Clinton 4th of July Festival is organized entirely by volunteers who are committed to building a stronger, more connected community. Their work ensures that this tradition continues to grow while remaining accessible to everyone.To learn more about the festival, get involved, or stay updated, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FourthofJulyClintonIADo you have an idea for a certain topic or special guest to feature on the Grow Clinton Podcast? Email podcast@growclinton.com.Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a conversation with the people who make the Greater Clinton Region AWESOME! - Apple Music- Spotify- Amazon Music- Buzzsprout- Overcast- YouTubeFor more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!
Today on America in the Morning U.S. and Iran Exchange Fire The U.S. and Iran are once again exchanging fire in the Middle East. Correspondent Jon Gambrell reports. Testimony Heard in Case Against Alleged Charlie Kirk Assassin Testimony from Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin's romantic partner was presented today in a Utah court by prosecutors in the case. Correspondent Hannah Schoenbaum has details. U.S. Olympian Pleads Not Guilty A US Olympian pleads not guilty in connection with alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Correspondent Clayton Neville reports. Mexico Seeks Justice for ICE Related Deaths The Department of Homeland Security says the federal agents involved in the shooting death of a Mexican national in Houston on Tuesday were not wearing body cameras. Correspondent Ed Donahue reports the incident has caused tensions to rise over immigration between the U.S. and Mexico. Alleged National Guard Gunman Hospitalized The man accused of shooting two National Guard troops near the White House in November of 2025, killing one of them, has been taken to the hospital after refusing to eat food while in pretrial custody. U.S, Men's Soccer Team Member Breaks Leg One of the players on the U.S. men's World Cup team was injured during their match against Belgium. With details here's Correspondent Sagar Meghani. Wall Street Stabilizes After Week of Ups and Downs Wall Street stabilized on Thursday after seeing losses earlier in the week after the U.S. resumed strikes in Iran. Correspondent Seth Sutel has the market report. Mortgage Rates Tick Up Homebuyers looking for a break in mortgage rates are in for a letdown this week. Correspondent Alex Veiga reports. NY Sues Over Forever Chemicals New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the state against 3M, Dupont, Chemours, and other companies accusing them of harming the environment and people's health by selling forever chemicals that they knew were toxic. Meta to Build Data Center in Canada Facebook's parent company has revealed plans to build a massive AI data center in Canada. Correspondent Donna Warder has details Remembering Wally Funk The oldest woman to travel into space has died. Correspondent Lisa Dwyer takes a look at the life of Wally Funk. Denmark Celebrates Christmas in July Correspondent Karen Chammas reports that in Denmark Christmas in July is more than just wistful thinking. Race to Replace Platner Underway All eyes are on Maine following the decision by Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner to drop out of his race amid controversy. Correspondent Clayton Neville reports. U.S. and Iran Hold Out Hope for Ceasefire The US and Iran traded air strikes once again on Thursday. But neither side appears ready to definitively say that the ceasefire is over. More from Correspondent Rich Johnson. Olympic Athlete Denys Damaging Reflecting Pool Correspondent Sagar Meghani reports a U.S. Olympian has entered a not guilty plea after being charged with damaging the Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. Triumphal Arch Clears Committee Vote President Trump's plans for a Triumphal Arch in D.C. are now one step closer to becoming a reality. Correspondent Ed Donahue reports. News Outlets Accuse OpenAI of Copyright Infringement Major news outlets are asking a judge to sanction OpenAI in a landmark copyright fight. Correspondent Lisa Dwyer has details. Family of Deceased Teen Seek Answers The family of a teen found dead on an island in the Mississippi River say the events around his death don't add up. Correspondent Julie Walker reports they have hired attorney Ben Crump as they search for answers. NCAA Athletes Win in Court Correspondent Haya Panjwani reports a group of NCAA athletes have notched a win in their fight for eligibility. Ukraine Hits Russia's Oil Ukrainian drones have battered Russian oil facilities and set oil tankers ablaze. Correspondent Karen Chammas reports the Russians are starting to feel the effects of the strikes. Insurance Company Hit with Data Breach There's a new data breach exposing driver's license numbers for nearly seven million customers, and privacy advocates are already raising questions. The New Old Tech Guy, Chuck Palm, has more on that story. Sports – Robert Workman World Cup & more. Finally Famous singer Bonnie Tyler has died at 75-years-old. With a look at her legacy, here's correspondent Donna Warder. There's a new Disney live-action remake in theatres this week. Correspondent Kevin Carr takes a look at if the new Moana is as good as the original. America in the Morning from Westwood One Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Damage assessment and cleanup continues in Mower County after the second round of flash flooding there in a week. Parts of the county, including Austin, Adams and LeRoy, received around a half-foot of rain Wednesday. The flooding swamped streets and highways and sent water into basements. The sheriff's office said it had to rescue some people from their homes.St. Paul plans to close homeless encampments throughout the city, citing public health and safety concerns. The first closure will be the encampment at Pig's Eye Park near the Mississippi River on August 5. After that, other encampments will be closed on a rolling basis. Mayor Kaohly Her says the city has been working with partners to help encampment residents transition to safer, more stable housing.The Minneapolis City Council is considering a 75-day pilot program that would have police fly drones to 911 calls. Police leaders say drones will save time and give officers information before they respond to calls. Dozens of residents expressed opposition to the proposal at a public hearing Wednesday. MPD says the program would be designed to comply with the state Department of Human Rights consent decree.Striking Chisago County workers say residents are beginning to feel the effects of delayed services. A union representative says people have come directly to the picket line looking for county staff, including social workers and septic inspectors. Union members voted overwhelmingly to continue the strike. The two sides were scheduled to return to mediation Thursday.The Minnesota State Fair has released this year's list of new foods and vendors. The new foods include savory pickle pie with ranch-and-hot-sauce frosting, cheese curds rolled into lumpia and a Hmong corndog from Union Hmong Kitchen made in collaboration with Kramarczuk's. Nine new vendors are joining the fair this year. The State Fair runs from August 27 through September 7.The weather across Minnesota will be relatively quiet over the next few days, but another heat dome is developing over the upper Midwest. After more typical temperatures Thursday and Friday, the weekend will bring more heat. Highs could reach 90 degrees as early as Saturday, with 90s likely Sunday into much of next week. Heat index values could reach the 95 to 102 degree range.
The city of St. Paul plans to clear a homeless encampment at Pigs Eye Park along the Mississippi River on August 5. Until then, city and county staff will regularly visit the site to try to help the people living there find shelter, according to an announcement the city released Wednesday. The city plans to clear at least two other encampments using what they are calling a “coordinated transition process.” For details on these plans, MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her on Minnesota Now.
In Shoe Workers in Hannibal, Missouri: The Rise and Fall of Manufacturing in America's Hometown, 1890–1970 (LSU Press, 2026), Dr. Gregg Andrews examines the history of factory laborers in a celebrated Mississippi River town. In the late 1890s, shoe manufacturing transformed Mark Twain's boyhood home from a steamboat village to a factory town. By the mid-1920s, the St. Louis–based International Shoe Company, the world's largest shoe manufacturer at the time, controlled all shoe production in Hannibal and continued to do so until it shut down production lines in the 1960s. The company kept a tight grip on the town as it battled to keep out unions and maintain labor at a low cost and in a malleable state. When Hannibal's shoe workers claimed their right to organize under the New Deal during the Great Depression, the shoe corporation was defiant. The company's stance sparked mob violence against outside union organizers, nurtured a company union, pitted unionists against company loyalists, and badly divided Hannibal. At the same time, the town was engaged in yearlong festivities to celebrate the centennial of Mark Twain's birth and the opening of a museum named in his honor. Dr. Andrews's study of shoe manufacturing and its production workers is thick in detail and rich with the human stories of those whose lives were shaped by the rise and fall of the shoe industry in Hannibal. Andrews captures the shoe workers—white and Black, men and women—in their own words as they describe their jobs, family struggles, and battles to unionize. Dr. Andrews examines the prevailing conditions that led the company to close its production facilities in Hannibal, leaving shoe workers and the town to confront the early shock waves of deindustrialization. His study of an industry that has virtually disappeared in the United States leaves a record for the families of thousands of American shoe workers and the citizens of Hannibal to better understand their history and the role shoe manufacturing played in it. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
In Shoe Workers in Hannibal, Missouri: The Rise and Fall of Manufacturing in America's Hometown, 1890–1970 (LSU Press, 2026), Dr. Gregg Andrews examines the history of factory laborers in a celebrated Mississippi River town. In the late 1890s, shoe manufacturing transformed Mark Twain's boyhood home from a steamboat village to a factory town. By the mid-1920s, the St. Louis–based International Shoe Company, the world's largest shoe manufacturer at the time, controlled all shoe production in Hannibal and continued to do so until it shut down production lines in the 1960s. The company kept a tight grip on the town as it battled to keep out unions and maintain labor at a low cost and in a malleable state. When Hannibal's shoe workers claimed their right to organize under the New Deal during the Great Depression, the shoe corporation was defiant. The company's stance sparked mob violence against outside union organizers, nurtured a company union, pitted unionists against company loyalists, and badly divided Hannibal. At the same time, the town was engaged in yearlong festivities to celebrate the centennial of Mark Twain's birth and the opening of a museum named in his honor. Dr. Andrews's study of shoe manufacturing and its production workers is thick in detail and rich with the human stories of those whose lives were shaped by the rise and fall of the shoe industry in Hannibal. Andrews captures the shoe workers—white and Black, men and women—in their own words as they describe their jobs, family struggles, and battles to unionize. Dr. Andrews examines the prevailing conditions that led the company to close its production facilities in Hannibal, leaving shoe workers and the town to confront the early shock waves of deindustrialization. His study of an industry that has virtually disappeared in the United States leaves a record for the families of thousands of American shoe workers and the citizens of Hannibal to better understand their history and the role shoe manufacturing played in it. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies
In Shoe Workers in Hannibal, Missouri: The Rise and Fall of Manufacturing in America's Hometown, 1890–1970 (LSU Press, 2026), Dr. Gregg Andrews examines the history of factory laborers in a celebrated Mississippi River town. In the late 1890s, shoe manufacturing transformed Mark Twain's boyhood home from a steamboat village to a factory town. By the mid-1920s, the St. Louis–based International Shoe Company, the world's largest shoe manufacturer at the time, controlled all shoe production in Hannibal and continued to do so until it shut down production lines in the 1960s. The company kept a tight grip on the town as it battled to keep out unions and maintain labor at a low cost and in a malleable state. When Hannibal's shoe workers claimed their right to organize under the New Deal during the Great Depression, the shoe corporation was defiant. The company's stance sparked mob violence against outside union organizers, nurtured a company union, pitted unionists against company loyalists, and badly divided Hannibal. At the same time, the town was engaged in yearlong festivities to celebrate the centennial of Mark Twain's birth and the opening of a museum named in his honor. Dr. Andrews's study of shoe manufacturing and its production workers is thick in detail and rich with the human stories of those whose lives were shaped by the rise and fall of the shoe industry in Hannibal. Andrews captures the shoe workers—white and Black, men and women—in their own words as they describe their jobs, family struggles, and battles to unionize. Dr. Andrews examines the prevailing conditions that led the company to close its production facilities in Hannibal, leaving shoe workers and the town to confront the early shock waves of deindustrialization. His study of an industry that has virtually disappeared in the United States leaves a record for the families of thousands of American shoe workers and the citizens of Hannibal to better understand their history and the role shoe manufacturing played in it. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
They survived war and prison camps. Then the boat taking them home became the next disaster. The Sultana explosion reveals how danger can look like progress when every choice carries risk.They had survived the Civil War. They had survived prison camps. They were finally going home.On April 27, 1865, the steamboat Sultana exploded on the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee. More than a thousand people died, many of them recently released Union prisoners being transported home after the war.But the Sultana disaster was not only a boiler explosion.It was a disaster after the disaster — a recovery system under pressure. A damaged boiler. A rushed patch. A payment system that rewarded more passengers. A swollen river. Exhausted men with limited information and few good choices.This episode looks beyond the obvious question of what failed inside the boiler and asks why so many risks stacked up without stopping the trip.Sometimes the path that looks like hope can carry danger no one can see.If this kind of story helps you see history a little differently, you're welcome to subscribe and come along for the next one.Chapters00:00 — They Were Finally Going Home00:32— The Sultana Disaster01:31 — The Men Aboard02:30 — Home as Safety03:30 — Transit Thinking04:44 — The Boat at Vicksburg05:05 — Boiler Trouble06:32 — Payment, Pressure, and Overcrowding07:44 — The Swollen River08:32 — The Impossible Choice11:07 — Disaster After the Disaster12:18 — The Explosion14:03 — An OunceReferencesLibrary of Congress — Ill-fated Sultana, Helena, Arkansas, April 26, 1865https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2013647457/Library of Congress — Chronicling America: Sinking of the SS Sultanahttps://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-sinking-sultanaAmerican Battlefield Trust — The Sultana Disasterhttps://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/sultana-disasterU.S. Coast Guard / MyCG — Sultana Fire: A maritime disaster that helped shape the Coast Guard's Marine Safety missionhttps://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/4166478/sultana-fire-a-maritime-disaster-that-helped-shape-the-coast-guards-marine-safe/National Coast Guard Museum — “Written in Blood”: Maritime disasters that shaped the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Missionhttps://nationalcoastguardmuseum.org/articles/written-in-blood/
To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, USA TODAY sent reporters out on the road, and into history, to follow the journeys that built America – from the Underground Railroad and Route 66 to Paul Revere's midnight ride and beyond. USA TODAY reporters Trevor Hughes, Sarah D. Wire and Karissa Waddick join The Excerpt to share what they saw and what those stories tell us about our history and where the country might be headed in its next 250 years.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. Related USA 250 stories: American Flag, Oregon Trail, Space Race, Mississippi River, Paul Revere, Route 66, Underground RailroadEpisode transcript available here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A school district is still grappling with being in the bullseye during Operation Metro Surge. We'll hear from them. Plus, a year after being federally charged for anti-ICE actions, Isavela Lopez has taken a plea deal. We'll talk to her about how the case impacted her life.A new kind of disaster recovery insurance uses sensors and AI to track wind speeds and flood levels. We'll learn about how cities along the Mississippi River are planning to use it.The United States is turning 250 this weekend. We'll hear from Minnesotans on how they think the nation fares and what America means to them.And veterans are celebrating 100 years of a campground in Minnesota made just for them.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Willow Weep For Me” by Bob Davis Quartet and our Song of the Day was “America” by Simon and Garfunkel.
Cities along the Mississippi River are planning to try a budding form of disaster insurance to cover things like flooding. This insurance relies on AI and satellites and sensors. And some are saying it could provide crucial help in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Minneapolis-based journalist Katie Thornton dove into the world of what's called parametric insurance for the magazine WIRED and she joined Minnesota Now to talk more about her reporting.
The bald eagle has been the patriotic symbol of America for 250 years. Most folks can remember the first time they saw this majestic bird soaring in the wild. There was a time when sighting them, even on Lake Superior, was rare, but today these birds of prey are making a comeback. Their return represents one of America's most visible conservation successes. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Ed Hahn, Director of Advancement and Marketing Communications at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota, about the bald eagle's recovery, how to recognize young eagles and what visitors can learn by meeting an eagle ambassador face to face.QuotesEd Hahn says the species has made "a complete and total recovery" and calls that "a truly incredible accomplishment for Americans to take some pride in," adding, "We accomplished that through public action."“But just like everyone else, we truly do wish that they could be living their full lives as intended as wild eagles out in the wild.”“We have to work with them to educate the public and we have to be sharing those birds with the public.”“Bald eagles are covered in approximately 7,000 feathers.”“There's always new things to learn about eagles.”Helpful LinksLearn more about the National Eagle Center:https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/Plan a visit to the National Eagle Center:https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/visit/Meet the National Eagle Center's eagle and raptor ambassadors:https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/the-ambassadors/Watch the EagleWatch Cam overlooking the Mississippi River:https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/eaglewatch-cam/Learn what to do if you find an injured bird:https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/found-an-injured-bird/Learn about bald eagle recovery and management from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:https://www.fws.gov/program/eagle-managementConnect With Us:Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcastFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundationSponsors:Cafe Imports – Minneapolis-based importers of specialty green coffees since 1993, focused on sustainability. Learn more: cafeimports.comNational Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Donate to protect Lake Superior's five national parks: nplsf.org/donate
Matt chats with Michael Harlin about his recent Bassmaster Open win on the Mississippi River and the crazy obstacles that he overcame before lifting the trophy.
Send us Fan Mailbookclues.com. Find me!Looking for a big timely summer read? Dad book extraordinaire! This is it. From LaSalle to Thomas Jefferson, the story of how our country was made in the grand sweep of time. A true American tale as bold as the people who lived the story. Native Americans, Immigrants and enlsaved people. Lives coming together to establish a nation. Four cents an acre. The greatest real estate deal in history. A clean swap that doubled the United States overnight. Those lines are catchy, and they're also wildly incomplete. We sit down with historian Alexander Mikaberidze, author of The Louisiana Purchase: The Grand Bargain and the Making of America, to rebuild the story from the ground up and follow the long chain of events that made 1803 possible.We start where most retellings don't: the Seven Years' War (the French and Indian War) and the imperial scramble it triggered across North America. From LaSalle's sweeping 1682 claim over everything west of the Mississippi River to the hard reality that Indigenous nations already held sovereignty, Louisiana begins as a gigantic, poorly defined idea. That ambiguity fuels decades of rivalry among France, Spain, and Britain and turns places like Natchez and New Orleans into high-stakes borderlands where diplomacy, trade, and military power collide.If you like early American history, Napoleonic history, constitutional debates, and the real origins of US continental expansion, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a fellow history reader, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Find Professor Alexander Mikaberidze https://www.amikaberidze.com/
00:00-01:01: Introduction to the "Weather with Enthusiasm" episode, focusing on the unusual heat moving into Chicago, hotter than St. Louis, and especially significant in Wisconsin.01:01-02:03: Discussion of the developing heat wave, high dew points in Wisconsin (forecasted to hit 80 degrees), and the hidden danger of high dew points making temperatures feel much warmer.02:03-03:06: Explanation of wet bulb temperatures, their dangerous levels (84-86 degrees, with wet bulb globe temperatures possibly hitting 88-90 degrees), and the 95-degree wet bulb temperature as the upper limit of human survival.03:06-04:10: National Weather Service guidance on wet bulb temperatures and human survival, historical comparisons of high wet bulb temperatures in Texas, India, and the Persian Gulf, and the rare occurrence of 95-97 degree dew points.04:10-05:10: Comparison of the current heat wave to typical St. Louis summer weather and the 1994 heat wave, noting higher heat indices this time (close to 110 degrees), and the unique situation in central Wisconsin with 80-degree dew points and 105-degree heat indices despite lower air temperatures.05:10-06:22: Reasons for lower temperatures in some areas (thunderstorm development, cloud cover, "Ring of Fire" effect), comparison to the 1995 heat wave, and the impact of water temperatures (Mississippi River, Lake of the Ozarks) on dew points.06:22-07:25: Geographic areas with highest dew points (cornfields of southwest Indiana, southern Illinois, Mississippi River area between Iowa and Illinois), lack of impact from Ozark Plateau breeze, and expected conditions for St. Louis and Chicago. Mention of Baltimore's drier dew points but more efficient solar heating leading to triple-digit heat.07:25-08:27: The heat dome reaching a record geographical height (600 decameters), comparison to the 1995 heat wave (which was stronger in terms of temperatures and humidity), and the "biggest shocker" being Wisconsin's 80-degree dew points.08:27-09:33: Reflection on previous podcasts and the "spark of enthusiasm," mentioning the "cold blob" in the Atlantic Ocean, and the strengthening of the heat dome affecting Chicago more definitively than initially thought.09:33-10:33: The Baltimore National Weather Service's insights and the common pattern of intense storms breaking the heat dome, especially in St. Louis. Importance of heat safety tips and resources from the National Weather Service.10:33-10:44: Closing remarks, wishing listeners a good day.20 Hashtags:#HeatWave#WeatherEnthusiasm#WisconsinWeather#ChicagoHeat#DewPointDanger#WetBulbTemperature#HeatDome#ClimateChange#ExtremeWeather#HumanSurvival#NationalWeatherService#MidwestHeat#GulfCoastHeat#WeatherUpdate#HeatIndex#SummerHeat#WeatherForecast#HeatSafety#UnusualWeather#PhenomenalHeatBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha
Ellen & special guest, science journalist and host of Radiolab and Terrestrials Lulu Miller, discuss the lifelong impact of science communication, review bald eagles, and share a very special podcast treat. Terrestrials: The Trio originally aired on July 26, 2024: https://radiolab.org/podcast/terrestrials-the-trio240726 From the original episode description: "High above the banks of the Mississippi River, a nest holds the secret life of one of America's most patriotic creatures. Their story puzzles scientists, reinforces Indigenous wisdom, and wows audiences—all thanks to a park ranger named Ed and a well-placed webcam. If you want to spoil the mystery, here ya go: it's a bald eagle. Actually, it's three bald eagles. A mama bird and daddies make a home together for over a decade and give new meaning to our national symbol." Links: Learn more about Terrestrials: https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab-kids For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on Instagram or BlueSky! Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinjustthezoo
Ellen & special guest, science journalist and host of Radiolab and Terrestrials Lulu Miller, discuss the lifelong impact of science communication, review bald eagles, and share a very special podcast treat. Terrestrials: The Trio originally aired on July 26, 2024: https://radiolab.org/podcast/terrestrials-the-trio240726 From the original episode description: "High above the banks of the Mississippi River, a nest holds the secret life of one of America's most patriotic creatures. Their story puzzles scientists, reinforces Indigenous wisdom, and wows audiences—all thanks to a park ranger named Ed and a well-placed webcam. If you want to spoil the mystery, here ya go: it's a bald eagle. Actually, it's three bald eagles. A mama bird and daddies make a home together for over a decade and give new meaning to our national symbol." Links: Learn more about Terrestrials: https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab-kids For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on Instagram or BlueSky! Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinjustthezoo
Title: The Mysterious Cold Blob & the Looming Heatwave Timestamp Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction: The Washington Post article on heat domes and a cold blob. 00:58 How the cold blob connects to weaker jet stream winds and European heat domes. 02:02 Shifting focus to the upcoming US heatwave, potentially Chicago's worst in 14 years. 02:59 Deeper dive into the North Atlantic cold blob and its potential impact on ocean currents (AMOC). 04:15 Explaining the AMOC's critical role in northern European climate. 05:07 The "cold blob" as a potential sign of AMOC weakening and its national security implications (50 below zero winters!). 06:21 Research on AMOC weakening, the IPCC's medium confidence, and the cold blob's significance. 07:46 Natural climate patterns (AMO) and human-driven warming contributing to the cold blob. 09:16 Climate models predict the cold blob will linger, but the "doomsday scenario" is still uncertain. 09:56 Why the Washington Post isn't covering the upcoming US heatwave more prominently. 11:03 The Strawberry Moon and the difficulty finding US heatwave info in the Washington Post. 11:59 European computer model shows Chicago south of the 588 line – extreme heat for the Midwest. 13:00 Forecast details for Chicago: 90s, high dew points, and the "Ring of Fire" possibility. 14:04 High dew points and potential 14-year record heatwave for Chicago. 15:06 Heat indices for Monday and Tuesday in the Midwest (above 100-105 degrees). 16:03 The complex effect of wind on heat index and very high temperatures on the East Coast. 17:09 Forecasted triple-digit heat for Washington D.C. (106-109 degrees) and the extended nature of the heatwave. 18:18 Continuation of heat in the Desert Southwest and a massive European heat dome. 18:48 Acknowledging the blessing of AC and the overlooked health benefits of heat (with caution). 19:35 Mississippi River and Lake of the Ozarks water temperatures as heat indicators. 20:10 Outro and preview of "Weather with Enthusiasm." 20 Hashtags: #ColdBlob #Heatwave2024 #ClimateChange #WashingtonPost #AMOC #NorthAtlantic #JetStream #EuropeanHeatwave #MidwestHeat #ChicagoWeather #NationalSecurityRisk #ExtremeWeather #GlobalWarming #OceanCurrents #ElNino #WeatherForecast #HeatDome #TripleDigitHeat #ClimateScience #WeatherEnthusiasmBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha
The Mississippi River still captures the imagination, though it is today meticulously managed to ensure the flow of a nation's commerce. Changing conditions make that a constant effort, reflecting America's economic growth and transformation. Also: today's stories, including how the legal principle of birthright citizenship, which isn't unique to the U.S, still stands across most of the Americas; how voters are expressing their opposition to the construction of data centers in local elections across the U.S.; and how an annual festival in Cambridge, Massachusetts, instills the idea that dance is for everyone, regardless of ability. Join the Monitor's Stephanie Hanes for today's news.
Did you know that June is National Rivers Month? And Louisiana is home to the delta of one of the more important – and second longest - rivers in the country. The Mississippi River is a vital piece of transportation for the country and the river and Louisiana are home to one of the largest volume ports in the United States. For centuries, the river and the state have been vital to the economy, agriculture, transportation and even heavy influences in literature and other art forms for not only our country but the world at large. This week, I had an amazing conversation with Simone Maloz. Simone is the campaign director of Restore the Mississippi River Delta. Together we talk about the river's importance to our state and the country at large and ways that the organization and its partners are trying to help keep the river healthy and here for generations to come.
Breaking down an amazing Comeback at the Bassmaster Open from La Crosse, WI on the Mississippi River by Michael Harlin. From Day 1 DQ at Sam Rayburn to Bassmaster Classic Qualifier and EQ angler.Learn about Supreme Lending Dream Team - https://bit.ly/DreamBigHBHellaBass LIVE now BOOSTED by Power House Lithium - https://bit.ly/HB-PHL————————————————————————▼ SAVE MONEY & SUPPORT HELLABASS ▼Get 15% off at ARSENAL Fishing w/ code: HELLABASS15 - http://bit.ly/ArsenalShopGet 10% off at OMNIA Fishing w/ code: HELLABASS10 - https://omnia.direct/HBOmnia——————————————************************************** #HellaBass #BassFishing #PodcastDisclaimer: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links you'll help support this bass fishing channel at no additional cost to you. Win/Win!
In Episode 89 we are joined by Matt Hogan for the fourteenth episode of Rattling On. Topics discussed include the Cubs and Twins season so far, early to mid summer walleye fishing on the Mississippi River, and a recap of our turkey season
*Skip the foreplay at around 12:00 (this is a guesstimation due to ad placement by AI and not human beings). When Joyce Klindt vanished from her Davenport, Iowa home in 1983, few could have imagined the horrifying truth that would emerge. In this episode, we examine the brutal murder, the groundbreaking forensic science that helped identify her remains, and the chilling evidence that led investigators to the person closest to her. A shocking case of love, betrayal, and murder. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In 1975, Clinton, Iowa sheriff's deputies responded to a report and found a dead teenager in the Mississippi River, but she could not be identified. After an autopsy, the death was ruled a homicide. The Clinton Sheriff's Office now says Cheryl Lynn Edwards of Waukegan was positively identified through forensic genealogy. Iowa officials says the new technology means the homicide investigation can proceed. Cheryl Lynn Edwards' family has been notified. The Waukegan Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations are asking for any information regarding her disappearance and death 51 years ago.
In 1975, Clinton, Iowa sheriff's deputies responded to a report and found a dead teenager in the Mississippi River, but she could not be identified. After an autopsy, the death was ruled a homicide. The Clinton Sheriff's Office now says Cheryl Lynn Edwards of Waukegan was positively identified through forensic genealogy. Iowa officials says the new technology means the homicide investigation can proceed. Cheryl Lynn Edwards' family has been notified. The Waukegan Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations are asking for any information regarding her disappearance and death 51 years ago.
In 1975, Clinton, Iowa sheriff's deputies responded to a report and found a dead teenager in the Mississippi River, but she could not be identified. After an autopsy, the death was ruled a homicide. The Clinton Sheriff's Office now says Cheryl Lynn Edwards of Waukegan was positively identified through forensic genealogy. Iowa officials says the new technology means the homicide investigation can proceed. Cheryl Lynn Edwards' family has been notified. The Waukegan Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations are asking for any information regarding her disappearance and death 51 years ago.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Matthew Hengst, aka Masochist, an IT-professional-turned-full-time-adventurer who over the past eight-plus years has racked up 20,000 miles hiked, nearly 3,000 miles paddled, 2.5 million feet of elevation climbed, and somewhere north of 300 diving sessions across multiple continents. Masochist walks us through canoeing 2,400 miles down the Mississippi, the time he fell 25 feet in a remote part of the Sierra and laid there for 15 hours waiting for a helicopter, catching COVID and norovirus back to back at 12,000 feet on the CDT, navigating stealth camping across rural America, terrifying encounters with dogs, and his favorite parts of the Eastern Continental Trail. Matthew also makes a strong case for why the Florida Trail and the Condor Trail are two of the most underrated long trails, and explains why he has no plans to stop adventuring anytime soon. We wrap the show with the devastating news that Timberline Lodge has ended its breakfast buffet, debating whether poop pees count as full pees, a sun hoodie review on a product that's maybe not a sun hoodie, the triple crown of words for penis (with Chaunce publicly soliciting micropenis photos), and the best way to move legos across the country. Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15TOPO" at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com. OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com [divider] Interview with Matthew "Masochist" Hengst Matthew's Youtube Matthew's Instagram Matthew's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:05:45 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, join us for Chaunce's live podcast sendoff, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:11:15 - Introducing Masochist 00:13:10 - Tell us about your life prior to backpacking 00:19:00 - Tell us about your spreadsheets 00:23:14 - Did you grow up in the outdoors? 00:24:40 - Tell us about your relationship 00:30:00 - Tell us about your major injuries 00:36:32 - What's the closest you've ever been to death? 00:38:45 - How do you describe yourself? 00:40:00 - What adventure have you done that gets people the most excited? 00:42:00 - Discussion about paddling the Mississippi River 00:48:20 - What's the elevator pitch on floating the Mississippi River? 00:53:30 - How do you decide what your next trip should be? 00:55:30 - Tell us about the Theodore Solomons Trail 00:59:00 - What's the Desert Trail Border? 01:00:50 - Tell us about the Condor Trail 01:03:00 - What are your tips for stealth camping? 01:06:40 - Did Florida put a bad taste in your mouth when starting the ECT? 01:11:20 - Discussion about bad water in eastern Colorado 01:15:20 - Is there more to why you liked the Florida Trail? 01:18:55 - Tell us about the ECT after Katahdin 01:26:00 - Discussion about dog attacks while thru-hiking 01:30:30 - Why'd you hike the Lone Star Trail? 01:34:25 - Are there any underrated trails you're excited about? 01:37:30 - What are some singletrack loops in California? 01:42:20 - What's your elevator pitch on the San Diego Trans County Trail? 01:44:20 - Did the CDT feel easy? 01:48:00 - What are your go to animal encounter stories? 01:55:20 - Tell us about hiking through extreme weather 01:56:30 - How do you maintain the fun element through all of your hikes? 02:02:40 - Give us your highlights and lowlights from the American Discovery Trail 02:10:50 - Tell us about your health issues in 2025 02:15:55 - Do you ever take time off trail to recover and rest? 02:20:30 - How did you pick the Australian trails you've done this year? 02:28:00 - Have you ever considered bikepacking? 02:29:30 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: Timberline Lodge Ends Breakfast Buffet Popular With Generations of PCT Hikers by James Townsend QOTD: Do poop pees count as full pees? Sun Hoodie Review: Fjällräven Abisko Wool Hoodie Triple Crown of words for penis Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. 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States along the Mississippi River basin have surpassed a key federal target for reducing nitrogen flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Hypoxia Task Force. Courtney Briggs, the senior director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the task force is a collaborative effort. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of the world's greatest catfish fisheries is right here in Mississippi — and most people drive past it on I-20 without ever thinking about it. In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, Matt Wyatt sits down with Bob Crosby of Blue Cat Guide Service, a 13-year veteran of guiding on the Mississippi River out of Vicksburg, to talk about what it takes to catch truly giant blue catfish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Big cats used to roam the entire United States. You might know them as mountain lions, pumas, cougars, or catamounts. Though they go by many names, they're actually all the same species. Their current population is mostly confined to the West, and part of Florida, though in recent years they've been spotted in other areas east of the Mississippi River. Most cougars were gone from the Northeast by the 1800s, with the last verified accounts in the 1930s. Mountain lion ecologist Mark Elbroch hopes to reintroduce these big cats back into their previous habitats in New England. But, should we? What are the benefits and drawbacks of reintroducing the apex predator into an ecosystem it's been away from for so long? Guest: Dr. Mark Elbroch is the director of the puma program at Panthera, a big cat conservation organization. Other episodes you may enjoy: Surveying wildlife along Lewis and Clark's route, 220 years later Are Raccoons On The Road To Domestication? Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Follow our show on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Bluesky @scifri and sign up for our newsletters. Got a science question that's keeping you up at night? Call us: 877-472-4374 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Mississippi River has always carried more than cargo. For generations, river workers reported a chilling sight emerging from the fog: coffins drifting silently downstream. The stories became part of Mississippi folklore, but the truth behind them may be even stranger. Floods regularly washed away riverside cemeteries, steamboat disasters scattered victims for miles, and entire communities were forced to recover the dead from the riverbanks. In this episode of The Box of Oddities, Jethro explores the real history behind the legend of the Floating Coffins of the Mississippi and the deadly world of nineteenth-century steamboat travel. Then, Kat investigates some of the longest prison sentences ever handed down in modern history. From inmates who spent more than seventy years behind bars to criminals sentenced to thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of years in prison, you'll learn why courts impose punishments that no human being could ever fully serve. The Mississippi River's floating coffins, steamboat disasters, prison sentences measured in centuries, bizarre nineteenth-century slang, and more weirdness from history await in this episode of The Box of Oddities. #BoxOfOddities #MississippiRiver #FloatingCoffins #SteamboatDisasters #RiverGhostStories #PrisonHistory #TrueCrimeHistory #WeirdHistory #AmericanFolklore #LongestPrisonSentences Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE! PART TWOAlong the banks of the Mississippi River in Wabasha, Minnesota, stands the Anderson House Hotel—a place where the past never seems to rest. Opened in 1856, it is Minnesota's oldest hotel, and for almost 170 years, guests have walked its halls, often leaving with stories they cannot explain.One of the most enduring mysteries is the spirit known only as Sarah. Her story is unclear, her history uncertain—but her presence is undeniable. Guests and staff alike have reported the sensation of being watched, the sound of footsteps when no one is there, and the fleeting glimpse of a woman who vanishes before she can be approached.And she may not be the only one who lingers. For years, the Anderson House was famous for its cats, beloved companions that once padded through its guest rooms. Though the living cats are long gone, many visitors still claim to hear phantom purrs in the dark, feel the weight of something curling at the foot of the bed, or see shadows shaped like cats darting through the halls.Tonight, we step inside the Anderson House Hotel with partner Becky Shaw to uncover its history, its hauntings, and the mysteries that still prowl its corridors.For more information, visit their website at theandersonhousehotel.com.#HauntedHotel #AndersonHouse #RealGhostStories #HauntedMinnesota #TrueHaunting #GhostCats #HauntedHistory #ParanormalStories #GhostEncounters #TheGraveTalksLove real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:
This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE!Along the banks of the Mississippi River in Wabasha, Minnesota, stands the Anderson House Hotel—a place where the past never seems to rest. Opened in 1856, it is Minnesota's oldest hotel, and for almost 170 years, guests have walked its halls, often leaving with stories they cannot explain.One of the most enduring mysteries is the spirit known only as Sarah. Her story is unclear, her history uncertain—but her presence is undeniable. Guests and staff alike have reported the sensation of being watched, the sound of footsteps when no one is there, and the fleeting glimpse of a woman who vanishes before she can be approached.And she may not be the only one who lingers. For years, the Anderson House was famous for its cats, beloved companions that once padded through its guest rooms. Though the living cats are long gone, many visitors still claim to hear phantom purrs in the dark, feel the weight of something curling at the foot of the bed, or see shadows shaped like cats darting through the halls.Tonight, we step inside the Anderson House Hotel with partner Becky Shaw to uncover its history, its hauntings, and the mysteries that still prowl its corridors.For more information, visit their website at theandersonhousehotel.com.#HauntedHotel #AndersonHouse #RealGhostStories #HauntedMinnesota #TrueHaunting #GhostCats #HauntedHistory #ParanormalStories #GhostEncounters #TheGraveTalksLove real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:
Instagram ImdbBioBorn in New Orlean where storytelling flows with the same force as the Mississippi River. It was only natural that Charlie grew up to become a storyteller. He has lived in NYC where he studied improv at the PIT. After that, he moved to Los Angeles to study on-camera acting at UCLA. After graduating, he worked in development under legendary producer Mike Medavoy. His short film "Daddy" is currently running in a couple of film festivals.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/creator-to-creators-with-meosha-bean--4460322/support.
Episode 106 – Bluegrass on the Bluff Recap & Nathan Lynn of The Wheelhouse RoustersOn this episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim flies solo behind the microphone and looks back on the incredible success of the very first Bluegrass on the Bluff Festival held at beautiful Columbus-Belmont State Park in Columbus, Kentucky.Tim shares stories from the day, highlights some of the outstanding performances, and reflects on the overwhelming support from music fans, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and everyone who helped make this inaugural event a success. From the scenic Mississippi River overlook to a full day of bluegrass music, the festival exceeded expectations and plans are already underway for an even bigger event in 2027.Also on the show, Tim sits down with Nathan Lynn of The Wheelhouse Rousters, one of the featured bands at Bluegrass on the Bluff. Nathan talks about the band's performance, their unique style of bluegrass and Americana music, and what it was like being part of the first-ever festival. The conversation also dives into the band's history, influences, and what's ahead for The Wheelhouse Rousters.It's a laid-back episode filled with festival memories, bluegrass conversation, and a look toward the future of one of Western Kentucky's newest music traditions.Thanks for listening and for supporting bluegrass music!Visit: www.timbatts.comFollow: The Hometown Bluegrass Show on Facebook and your favorite podcast platform.
Welcome back to another episode of the unSeminary podcast. Today we're joined by John Plake, Chief Innovation Officer and Editor-in-Chief of the State of the Bible research at the American Bible Society. With decades of experience as a pastor, missionary, professor, and researcher, John brings a unique perspective on how people are actually engaging with Scripture and what we should do about it. The “movable middle” is growing. // One of the most significant insights from recent research is the rise of what John calls the “movable middle”—millions of people who are open to the Bible but not yet engaged with it. This group has grown by approximately nine million people in recent years. They are curious, interested, and even positive toward Scripture, but they lack the tools, confidence, or guidance to engage it meaningfully. This represents a massive opportunity for churches willing to step in and help. People want a guide. // Through focus groups and research, John discovered that many people in the movable middle feel intimidated by the Bible. They struggle with language, context, and navigation. But perhaps most striking is they want help. Contrary to what some leaders might assume, they are not rejecting the church as a guide. In fact, many say, “If we can't trust the church to help us understand the Bible, what good is it?” This creates a clear invitation for churches to step into a more relational, guiding role in discipleship. A surprising discipleship gap. // One of the most sobering findings is that nearly half of weekly church attenders are not regularly engaging Scripture on their own. While churches invest heavily in preaching and programming, many people are not developing personal habits of Bible engagement. John suggests that churches often focus on delivering content rather than equipping people to engage Scripture themselves. The result is a gap between what happens on Sunday and what happens in everyday life. From teaching to equipping. // If churches want to close that gap, they must shift from being primarily content providers to equipping environments. This means helping people develop the skills, habits, and confidence to read and apply Scripture on their own. It also requires understanding the real barriers people face, like time constraints, confusion, or lack of community support, and addressing those barriers with practical solutions. A new tool for churches. // To help leaders take action, the American Bible Society has developed the “Next Step for Church” assessment. This free tool allows churches to measure spiritual health, Bible engagement, and key leadership behaviors within their congregation. Within a few weeks, leaders receive a detailed, data-driven report highlighting strengths, challenges, and suggested next steps. Data that leads to discipleship. // John emphasizes that data is not an end in itself; it's a tool for better shepherding. By listening to their congregation at scale, leaders can identify patterns, confirm instincts, and prioritize what matters most. The assessment surfaces both what's working and where growth is needed, giving churches a clear path forward. It also connects individuals to personalized Scripture engagement resources, helping them take their next step spiritually. Why Scripture engagement matters most. // Nothing has a greater impact on spiritual growth than a person's relationship with the Bible. In fact, Scripture engagement accounts for a significant portion of overall spiritual health. When people consistently engage with God's Word, transformation follows—affecting beliefs, behaviors, and relationships. Signs of hope for the future. // Despite broader cultural challenges, John sees encouraging trends, especially among younger generations. Millennials and Gen Z show increasing openness to Scripture, even if they are still exploring. While overall trends may appear flat, meaningful change is happening beneath the surface. For churches willing to engage this moment, there is real opportunity for impact. To explore the research further or access the free church assessment, visit church.nextstep.bible and begin discovering how your church can better equip people to engage Scripture every day. Thank You for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, but you chose unSeminary, and I'm grateful for that. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the left hand side of this page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they're extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally! Lastly, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live! Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: Risepointe Do you feel like your church’s or school's facility could be preventing growth? Are you frustrated or possibly overwhelmed at the thought of a complicated or costly building project? Are the limitations of your building becoming obstacles in the path of expanding your ministry? Have you ever felt that you could reach more people if only the facility was better suited to the community’s needs? Well, the team over at Risepointe can help! As former ministry staff and church leaders, they understand how to prioritize and help lead you to a place where the building is a ministry multiplier. Your mission should not be held back by your building. Their team of architects, interior designers and project managers have the professional experience to incorporate creative design solutions to help move YOUR mission forward. Check them out at risepointe.com and while you’re there, schedule a FREE call to explore possibilities for your needs, vision and future…Risepointe believes that God still uses spaces…and they're here to help. Episode Transcript Rich Birch — Hey friends, welcome to the unSeminary podcast. I am so glad that you have decided to tune in today. This is one of those episodes that there’s a great resource in it that going to want to make sure you engage with. There’s super helpful content. Plus it’s about an area that I know so many of us are thinking about, we’re wondering about, we’re asking questions about. Rich Birch — So super excited to have John Plake with us today. He is the chief innovator ah innovation officer and editor-in-chief of the State of the Bible Research Series, which comes from the American Bible Society. And they’re on a mission to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford so that all may experience its life-changing message. ABS has really a whole bunch of different tools and approaches, and we’re excited kind of expose a little bit more about that today. John has been in ministry over 30 years. We’ll just call it over 30 years. And it served as a pastor, missionary, professor, researcher. John, welcome to the show. So glad you’re here.John Plake — Thanks so much for having me today. It’s great to be with you.Rich Birch — Why don’t you fill in the picture a little bit? Tell us a little bit about your background. You know, what brings you to your current work?John Plake — Yeah. Closer to 40 years now. Rich Birch — Nice. Yeah, yeah. That’s great.John Plake — It’s a little uncomfortable to talk about that.Rich Birch — That’s great.John Plake — Yeah. You know, I start out like a lot of people in ministry. I grew up in a home that ministry was central. Actually, both my grandfathers were ministers. My father was a minister. Ministry is kind of the family business in a way, but I really did sense a direction from God when I was about 15 years old to to pursue full-time ministry.John Plake — There was some detail around that. Ended up going to Bible college and and then started what turned out to be about nine years of full-time pastoral service. And I hadn’t been in that for very long before I realized that everything I learned in Bible College was preparing me to serve a generation that no longer existed in a culture that was gone. John Plake — And I thought, my goodness, I know God’s word pretty well. And mean, I’m a lifelong learner of God’s word. I love the Bible. And yet, didn’t really know culture very well. And I didn’t develop those tools until just years and years of practice, some missionary service, wonderful teachers at at Wheaton College and graduate school and and just a lifelong journey of learning.John Plake — So at American Bible Society, when I got here, the State of the Bible, program or this research project was already underway. And we’d been helped out by the Barna Group, which does some wonderful foundational work. And eventually it just kind of grew up and it got to a place where we had an internal team that was running it ourselves, now in collaboration with the National Opinion Research Council or NORC at the University of Chicago. We just do, I think, what is the largest ongoing study of Americans’ relationship with the Bible and faith and the church. And we get to talk about it all the time. Rich Birch — Yeah, I love it.John Plake — So, I mean, this is the best job in the world.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s so good. It’s it’s great research, something that I think should be on the kind of list of things that we need to be paying attention to. It’s been a gift to the church for so long and something that we should continue to to pay attention through. Now, let’s talk about you specifically. You spent three plus decades. I didn’t want to say almost 40. You know, I’m not saying that. I’m not saying that. I could say that, you know, a couple years ago, I clicked across one of those numbers with a zero on the end as my birthday. And ever since then, I’m a little sensitive about the the age thing. Rich Birch — So anyways, As a ministry, missionary professor, researcher, you’ve done a lot. How does wearing all of those hats, what do you what does that bring to you as you come to the data? How does that impact you as you think about really the state of the Bible research?John Plake — Yeah, you know, I think research can be dull. You know, it can sound like it’s all about writing questions or it’s all statistics and numbers. But for me, the research is all about the people. Rich Birch — So true.John Plake — It’s all about the people in our communities and in our churches that we’re trying to understand better so we can serve them well with the gospel. I, for years, I’ve used the analogy that that being in gospel ministry is like being a human bridge across a river. I grew up not very far from the Mississippi River in the St. Louis area, and there was a big 100-year flood when I was early on in ministry. And I mean, none of the bridges worked anymore. You couldn’t get from one side to the other.John Plake — And I thought, you know, that’s a tragedy that I encountered sometimes in ministry where maybe I was deeply rooted in one bank of the river, the text, but I wasn’t necessarily deeply rooted in the other bank of the river, which was the context.John Plake — And it’s this lived experience of the people that I was I was serving. And that I wanted to serve in my community, but I needed to understand them better. So I wasn’t just spouting you know Aristotelian logic to them. Or I wasn’t just coming at them with the pat answers that I’d learned. Like I’d never heard anybody in my life walk into my office and say, Pastor John, you got to tell me, what can you describe hamartiology to me from. You know like I had to learn that in school, but that’s not what people struggle with. Rich Birch — That’s so true. Yeah. John Plake — They had totally different questions and I needed to love them and honor them enough to understand their questions and answer them responsibly and reliably from the pages of scripture.Rich Birch — Yeah, love it. Okay, well, we’re going to dig into a little bit of just a couple of the findings just to kind of, we’re trying to whet your appetite, friends, to take steps towards this. So the 2025 data showed, and we’ve seen this, a real bump in Bible engagement, particularly among millennials and men. If I’m reading it correctly, though, we saw 2026, a shift happen, maybe back down. And so what’s going on? Actually, I heard another sociologist in a kind of a related field that was about church attendance talked about the dead cat bounce, that it was like, you know, which I thought, oh, that’s a, but there’s a similarity going on here. Pull this, this finding apart. Help us understand this.John Plake — Yeah, apologies to cat lovers out there.Rich Birch — Yes, exactly.John Plake — We were we were hoping, you know, I think we were really hoping. We looked at 2025. We saw that men in particular were leaning into the Bible in ways we hadn’t seen recently. Millennials doing the same thing. There there were some interesting numbers in 2025. And so when the 2026 numbers came to my desk in late January, I thought, I hope we’re extending I hope it’s going to be a trend. But it wasn’t. It was a blip.John Plake — And there’s more to it, though, than just the fact that scripture engagement didn’t go up. It also didn’t go down. And the level of people in America who are Bible disengaged, meaning they never pick up the Bible on purpose at all, that actually didn’t go up either. What grew was this kind of curious explorer group in the middle that we call the movable middle. And over the last two years, it’s grown by 9 million American adults. Rich Birch — Wow.John Plake — And so what we do see is there’s there’s openness to the Bible. There’s experimentation with the Bible. But people are jumping in and they’re trying it and they’re not being able to get hold of it. And I think that’s largely because of us.John Plake — Because Bible people who are around them aren’t saying, please come do this with me. Let me help you. Let me honor you enough to to respect your questions, to ask what you’re dealing with, and help you explore those issues through the pages of Scripture.Rich Birch — I love that movable middle, man, that feels like the kind of group we want to connect with and reach out to in our community. Any other, when you, when you’ve been thinking about this movable middle, what are some other kind of characteristics of those people or other things that, you know, are kind of telltale signs of this group as we’re thinking about them as it, as it pertains to Bible engagement?John Plake — Yeah, they’re an amazing group, and we’re going talking more about them all year, but they are probably my favorite subject in America. There are 74 million American adults that are in the movable middle.Rich Birch — Wow.John Plake — 74 million of our neighbors who are like…Rich Birch — Wow.John Plake — …and here’s what they tend to say: They love the Bible. They think it’s a great idea. But if you handed them a Bible, they don’t know how to find what they’re looking for. They don’t know how to navigate it. They get confused by the language in in Scripture.John Plake — I remember doing a a focus group with a bunch of people in the movable middle. I was in Chicago. it was an area I was really familiar with. I used to pastor in that area. And we got them talking about their experience with the Bible. And we said, hey, does anything ever stop you or kind of you know make you check out because you’re struggling with what’s going on? John Plake — And one young lady at the table said, yeah, you know the language of the Bible is really really hard for me to understand. It’s it’s a really old book. It uses expressions I don’t understand. And a gentleman sitting across the table from her just kind of chuckled and said, yeah, what the hell’s a mustard seed? And everybody laughed.John Plake — I was behind the glass and I just about fell out of my chair because they didn’t teach me to talk like that in a Assemblies of God seminary.Rich Birch — Yes.John Plake —Things like that, you know, that’s just not the way we roll.Rich Birch — Yeah, yeah. Yes.John Plake — But it was so authentic and he wasn’t being mean.Rich Birch — No.John Plake — He was just saying, boy, I don’t I don’t get it. And then they said, you know, we really want a guide. Rich Birch — That’s good.John Plake — And so we pushed on that a little bit. At the time, there were some clergy abuse scandals that actually there were billboards up in Chicago about clergy abuse scandals that all of us lamented. And so we’re like, OK, listen, do you trust the church to be your guide? Because ee saw these billboards, you know, and it’s your city. And so what what do you think?John Plake — And they said, well, of course we do. I mean, it’s terrible when people in the church abuse their position and abuse others. And that’s not what they’re supposed to do. But if we can’t trust the church to help us understand the Bible, what good are they, really? And so, yes, we’re looking to you, church, to help us connect more deeply with the Bible, understand what it meant to the original hearers and readers and how we apply it to our lives today.Rich Birch — Okay, that’s yeah, that’s really cool. I look forward to hearing more about the movable middle in this coming year. Another thing that jumped out to me, which I feel like, man, I’ve seen this in my church. This is like you you named a group that I see, but it’s surprising, at least it’s surprising on its face. So nearly half of weekly church attenders, weekly church attenders, which is, that’s like really engaged, you know, are not regularly engaging, engaging scripture on their own.Rich Birch — Man, what, so what should we do about that? That’s an interesting, how does, how should that impact our discipleship strategy? What are you encouraging us to be thinking about? And these people that are with us all the time, but they’re not engaged with scripture.John Plake — Well, I think the first thing to do is to just recognize it. Rich Birch — Right.John Plake — You know, a lot of pastors that I’ve talked to, when we talk about scripture engagement, they tell me things like this: Everything we do is scripture engagement. I spend my whole week preparing a scriptural message. I’m, you know, we’re preparing small group curriculum and Sunday school curriculum and all of this stuff. It’s all about the, everything we do is about the Bible. John Plake — Well, okay. But I had a I had a young youth pastor come to me not that long ago and he said, John, look, you were me once a few years ago. If you knew then what you know now, what would you do differently?John Plake — And the answer is I would do everything differently, than the way I ought to do it. Because what, in my tradition, there was a lot of emphasis on the preaching event, and I put a lot of effort into those communication events, but what I didn’t put as much effort into is empowering people in my church to do what I was doing, which was dig into scripture, understand it for themselves, giving them the tools to do that.John Plake — And then in May, we’re going to be releasing a chapter, just in a few few days now, we’re going to be releasing a chapter all about parents. And one of the startling things is the time pressure that moms are under. I mean, it’s incredible. And so we need to understand where they’re coming from and where they have barriers, but also have some compassion on them and help to support them when they’re really facing struggles. Like they don’t have enough time. They don’t have the resources or the community coming around them to help them to engage God’s word ah more fulsomely, more transformatively.John Plake — We know how to do this stuff, but we’re not connecting the dots to everybody that’s coming to hear us talk every…Rich Birch — That’s good. That’s good. I know I’ve in my seat as an XP, um you know, I’ve overseen a lot of what we do on the programming side and what we do on the weekends. And I’ve, you know, it’s like, that i don’t think I’ve ever said this publicly. It’s like the kind of behind the scenes conversation. I’ve sometimes wondered, I’ve said, you know, like, what we do on the weekend to try to make the Bible understandable is so completely different than Tuesday morning in someone’s life. Rich Birch — Like, we pull out all the stops to make it interesting. We get like world class communicators, incredible graphics, you know, emotional music, all of this to try to… But then the question is, okay, so now on Tuesday morning when you’re tired and you haven’t had your coffee yet and you’re just about to go read scripture, man, like that feels like a long ways away. There’s like a gap there that I sometimes wonder maybe we’re making it worse. You know. Maybe we’re making it harder. I said that. You didn’t say that. Rich Birch — So maybe there’s pastors that are listening here and they read this kind of report. They read this kind of finding and they’re like, hey, that’s interesting. But like, how what do I do in my church specifically? So you know we want we don’t want to just leave people with a tough stat.Rich Birch — I think we see that in our church. There’s people in our church that are here all the time. They’re not that engaged. But you’ve actually developed a new tool or ABS has developed a new tool to help us think through that. Why don’t you walk us through it? Tell us a little bit about it. How’s it work? Talk us how it can help us.John Plake — Yeah, so recently we developed two tools that kind of work together. One of them you can find on the internet at nextstep.bible. And it’s just for anybody who’s like, hey, I’m on a spiritual journey. I’m kind of stuck. I don’t really know what to do next. Maybe you’re just getting started exploring what it means to be a Christian. Maybe you’re Jesus’ little brother or sister. Wherever you are in that journey, there’s always a next step for us.John Plake — And so what we’ve done is analyzed along about a million spiritual life surveys. Rich Birch — Wow.John Plake — And from this huge quantity of data, we’ve learned that people are at different places in that journey. They’re at different points on the map. And we want to make sure that they’re equipped to have the right thing at the right time. I think currently there are 21,000 scripture engagement resources available there.Rich Birch — Wow.John Plake — They’re absolutely free. They’re in English, Spanish, and French. So go check it out, nextstep.bible.John Plake — But if you’re a pastor or you’re a church leader, you’re probably wondering, well, what’s going on in my church, right? So I see all the national data, but I think our tendency is to say, well, we’re the exception, right?Rich Birch — So true. Well, that’s not our people. John Plake — I know I know everybody else is struggling, but we’re doing okay.Rich Birch — Yes.John Plake — And and so it’s good to check our assumptions a little bit. They used to say a really sad statistic that 10 o’clock on Sunday morning was the most segregated hour in America, which makes me sad. What makes me sad also is that 12 o’clock noon in America is the most dishonest hour in America. That’s the hour when pastors tend to start greeting their people after the church service closes and they hear all these comments: oh, Pastor, that was the best sermon I’ve ever heard. And it wasn’t. It just wasn’t. All right, let’s face it.John Plake — There’s somebody out there who preaches better than you do and better than I do. They’re available on YouTube. People don’t need you to be the best Bible teacher in the world. They need you to be the best pastor for them. Rich Birch — That’s good.John Plake — And the tools that are all about focusing on their relationship with the Bible, their holistic spiritual formation, and our leadership behaviors. And so for that, we built the Next Step for Church Assessment.John Plake — It’s actually standing on the foundation or built on the engine block, if you want a different metaphor, of the old reveal research that the Willow Creek Association had come out with. It’s no longer available. And we were able to acquire all of their historical learnings, but also add in things like human flourishing and e-pastoral leadership behaviors that lead to churches really being missionally effective and strong. Excellent stuff on Bible engagement and spiritual formation. John Plake — So the the big challenge we had, I was talking with Dr. Ed Stetzer about this because he was at LifeWay Research when the Transformational Church Assessment was being built. And it was always hard because analyzing this kind of data required a lot of human intervention. It’s very expensive to do. It’s very complicated to deliver. And even a small cost can be a barrier for churches that have strained budgets. It doesn’t matter if you’re a church of, you know, 2,500 25,000 or 250. There’s always more places to put your money than there are dollars that are available to do it.John Plake — And so at American Bible Society, we said, you know what, as a gift to the church, because we love the church, we need to make it completely free. And so you can go to church.nextstep.bible and you could sign up today. Literally, we’re recording this on a on a Thursday. You could go there today and by Sunday, you could be launching your survey. Two weeks later, you’d automatically have results in your own online dashboard. You’d get key highlights emailed to you. There’s a place for custom questions. There’s just all kinds of really, really rich information.Rich Birch — So good.John Plake — And it it doesn’t take the place of the kind of learning that you have as a pastor. You learn deeply in relationship with others. You’re observing what’s going on. You have a team that’s around you. But what it does is it provides this valid, reliable sift and sort function. It’s based on well, I don’t know even know how many, well over 3000 churches, well over half a million survey responses went into building this and making it a tool that that is a good benchmark for you to say, you know what, if we want to move from where we are today to where God is calling us, here are the things we need to focus on.Rich Birch — It’s so good. And friends, I want to encourage you to to go there. Just church.nextstep.bible. I know many of us have a heart for saying, listen, we want to measure more than just nickels and noses. The number of people that show up and revenue that comes in. And this a great way to kind of inject at something that’s at the core of what we’re supposed to be doing as a church. So why don’t we just give a little bit more detail?Rich Birch — What is it? You know, what’s it actually measuring? How is it? You know, how could it be helpful? How how could it kind of dovetail with some of the things we’re already tracking? Maybe give us, you know, what kind of insights are we going to gain from this if we if we put our people through this?John Plake — Yeah, maybe it’s worthwhile to just back up and say it’s based on a congregational assessment. So really this kind of work is all about just listening to your congregation at scale. So if you have 25 people coming to church, you can probably have this conversation with them if you know how to ask the right questions. Rich Birch — Right.John Plake — You can go to the website. You’re like, what’s in the survey? There’s a button you can click. You can read the whole survey. It’s fine. We’re not going to try and surprise you with anything. But really simple stuff. How’s your relationship with Jesus? How often are you interacting with Scripture? What difference is that making in your life? We ask the standard Harvard human flourishing questions. We ask about um how the pastoral team or the senior pastor, him or herself, is doing at actually modeling Christlike leadership for you. Rich Birch — It’s so good.John Plake — And all of that reporting then gets brought into a database. It’s all anonymous. So individuals don’t, they don’t have to tell you who they are. They can’t tell you who they are other than by characteristics. And you’re going to get this really good, robust picture of what’s going on at the church. John Plake — Now, what does it take for somebody to do that? It takes about 20 minutes of their time, and time is expensive, right? People always have too much to do. So in return for that investment, at the end of their survey experience, they will have already told us everything we need to know to match them to great resources at nextstep.bible.John Plake — And with their permission, not without it, they can click a button, pass that data over to the individual nextstep.bible platform. They can create an account and right away, they’re going to be finding things like YouVersion Bible reading plans that are just for them.John Plake — If you’ve got people in your church and they’re outliers, they’re they’re way more spiritually advanced than everybody else, or they’re just getting started and everybody else is way ahead of them, these kinds of tools create bespoke pathways for them so they know what to do next. All the while, the church leadership can sit back and say, okay, here’s our results. And as a team, now what do we need to do to serve the whole congregation well?Rich Birch — I love this. You know, this is what incredible tool that you’ve put together here for our churches to wrestle through and to, you know, not only help us as a church as we’re thinking about these issues, but then help individuals in our church. What what would be some of the ways that churches might use the data that’s generated to impact what we’re doing in our programming? How how could we use this to improve what we’re doing?John Plake — Sure. There are really three things we want everybody to do. First, just discover what’s going on. Just just check your assumptions at the door and and say, okay, what do the data tell us about what’s going on in our church life and in our people’s lives? That’s the first thing.John Plake — Second thing is it’s going to surface for you the top three things that you’re doing great. And it’s going to give them to you in the report. And you need to throw a party. Like there are people who make these things happen for you. No pastor is doing this all by themselves. And so plan a party, celebrate what’s going well.John Plake — The third thing it’s going to do is it’s going to give you suggestions about, okay, here’s where your congregation is today. It won’t surprise you, but it might inform you. I’ve never seen a pastor look at the report and go, ah you guys got it wrong. Rich Birch — Sure, right.John Plake — Usually they they see the report and they go, yeah, okay, yeah, you got me.Rich Birch — Yeah. Confirmed some hunches I’ve had. Yeah. Yeah.John Plake — Right? But we don’t we don’t have time. We don’t have the resources. We don’t have the expertise to be able to sit down and and kind of scientifically walk through this process. So we do that for you. We deliver the report. And then we’re going to give you two key action items that we think churches like yours in a similar place have done that have helped move them toward spiritual health and missional effectiveness.John Plake — And that’s really what it’s all about. We want your congregation to be spiritually healthy. We want your your church as a whole to be missionally effective. And when that happens, often there’s numerical growth. Often there’s financial growth. But there’s certainly more missional impact that’s coming through your congregation and its work.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s cool. So if I’m like a church of a thousand people, let’s say, and just round number to picking out of the sky, how how what kind of percentage of my congregation would I need to take this to give me a reasonable, you know, statistical, you know, feeling good about the data for it? What what kind of number um should I be thinking about?John Plake — Well, the first thing is we’ve built in a tool that will tell you how to get to a margin of error of plus or minus 3%. Rich Birch — Love it.John Plake — And that does vary depending on the adult attendance that you have. So let’s say you’ve a thousand adults. And by adults, I mean anybody in high school or older can probably take this survey. Rich Birch — Yep.John Plake — And you can cut the data like by gender or by age. All of that live filtering is in the online platform. Rich Birch — Oh, that’s so good.John Plake — So if you’re the you’re the youth pastor and you’re like, well, wait, tell me about the young people that took the survey. You can just look right at them and compare them to the rest of the congregation, which I bet will be enlightening. But nevertheless, how many do you need if you’re a church of 1,000, it’s about 275.Rich Birch — Okay.John Plake — If it’s a smaller church than that, then you’re still going to need a pretty significant percentage. So if I roll that all the way down to a church of 100, you need 80.Rich Birch — Okay.John Plake — And if you roll that up to a church of 5,000, well, you don’t need that many more than 275.Rich Birch — Interesting.John Plake — So you’re going to report that out to you. It’s very, very doable. And, you know, I’ve pastored at large churches and I pastored a small church. And I’ll tell you, when I pastored a church of under 100, I could have gotten a census of the people, like everybody, to do a survey like this. They would have been glad to tell me these things. Rich Birch — Right.John Plake — And it’s not that I couldn’t have had a conversation one-on-one with most of the adults in the congregation. It was something different in that case. I actually didn’t know what to ask. I used to run into this when I was a campus pastor at a Christian university. And I would have young people walk into my office and I was like, I know I should be able to help them, but the challenge they’re facing is different than anything I’m familiar with. I don’t have any analog for this in my personal experience. And so this sort of takes the mystery away. We don’t ask fluffy questions. We ask research proven questions that are going to give you the information you really need so you can take action.Rich Birch — That’s amazing. That’s think this is such a great tool for people. I can see how, you know, it’d be so helpful for folks that are listening in to, you know, might be be able to plug in grab this experience for their people, help their church, help the folks that are attending. That’s, that’s incredible.Rich Birch — So, you know, you’ve picked an interesting vocation to be connected with the American Bible Society. And because, you know, this is such a critical and important part of developing people’s relationship, obviously, with Jesus; its core to all of it. And we have seen a long historical downward trend, and you’re pushing against that, which is amazing. But what gives you hope in the middle of all of that? What would it when you look at the church around you know, the country, where do you see flashes of just good things going on that are like, you know, when it comes to the relationship with scripture that even, you know, even when we see maybe the overall numbers are not as great as we want them to be, what are some kind of flashes of hope we should, that we could encourage folks with today?John Plake — Well, I’d like to maybe point to just three things that leap to mind. Rich Birch — Yep.John Plake — The first of them is I never talk to anybody in the church who says the Bible is a bad idea. Rich Birch — Sure.John Plake — Everybody likes the Bible. We’re all trying to figure out how to communicate its message better, to understand it more deeply. It’s transforming our lives, and we want to be able to share it with others. John Plake — And that’s great because, number two, there’s nothing that makes a bigger difference in somebody’s spiritual life than their relationship with the Bible. I mean, absolutely nothing. And I’m saying this as a researcher. I’ve tested it. I can’t find anything that makes a bigger difference. John Plake — In fact, when we looked at Christian college and university students, 60% of their overall spiritual health across lots of domains—beliefs, practice, putting faith into action, loving God, loving others, all these things, 60% of the variance in their spiritual health is solely accounted for by their relationship with the Bible.John Plake — So if we can help people have a dynamic relationship with scripture, we win. That’s all there is to it. It’s just that simple. And so that is really encouraging.John Plake — And then the third thing, ah the third thing is how I say this nicely? I'm I’m from Gen X and so to my Baby Boomer friends, I’m sorry, but you guys don’t have the influence that you once did.Rich Birch — Yeah, it’s true.John Plake — And that’s a good thing because there’s new openness among Millennials, and Gen Z and even younger Gen X um that we just don’t see among Baby Boomers. It’s like Baby Boomers made up their minds in the 60s and early 70s and said, this is what I believe and I’m not changing. And they haven’t. John Plake — That’s not to say that someone who’s a Baby Boomer can’t have a a spiritual experience and transformational experience. It does happen. But on the population level, like when we looked at the Bay Area of San Francisco, if you look at the scripture engagement, church engagement, love God, love others data in the Bay Area, it looks like what you’d expect, until you strip out the Baby Boomers. And then suddenly it looks better than every place else in America.John Plake — You’re like, what’s going on? Well, looks like all the unreconstructed hippies that moved to the Bay Area are actually holding a lid on the population numbers. And when you remove that and you go, oh, wait a minute, let me look under the headline and say what’s happening. There’s more going on than is easy to see. And I think this happens in big national trends.John Plake — Oh, is Scripture engagement up or down? Is you know church attendance up or down? Whats what’s going… big national trends. Yeah, okay, those are helpful, and we want those to change. But what’s changing first is below the fold. Things in Gen Z, things among Millennials, things in young men, those things are starting to change, and I think those are the first glimmerings that God is at work in a new way in America, and I can’t wait to see it.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s that’s a great word. And that lines up with what we’re seeing, even just experientially talking to churches across the country. You know we’re so we’re seeing there is something going on with younger generations, which is great to see. I was I was born in 1974, the lowest birth rate year of the 20th century. I am classic Gen X. Like you know I am like statistic I’m the statistical average Gen X and has spent a lot of my time trying to hand stuff from the Boomers to the Millennials. And, yeah, there’s lots of encouraging news there, particularly with the younger generations. Rich Birch — I also want to speak to on the the work I’ve done in the church growth stuff that I’ve done and coaching I’ve done with churches, one of the things that’s just undeniable is churches that have a high view of scripture, that is, they’re trying to get people engaged with scripture. They they talk about it like it’s actually true. How do we say don’t know what’s the best way to talk about that? Those are the churches that are prevailing, and that actually works out statistically. You see that time and again. Talk to us about that dynamic, which is kind of co-related to the things we’re talking about today. From your perspective in the stats and all that, how how have you seen that work out as you’ve looked at churches across the country?John Plake — Yeah, I think you’re exactly right. The churches that are the healthiest in America, that are growing, that where where people are spiritually healthy, have a really dynamic relationship with Scripture. And it kind of it cuts across tradition. Rich Birch — Yep.John Plake — There are some traditional things going on. I was listening to Justin Brierley and his surprising Rebirth of Belief in God podcast, and it was from last season, and he he had someone on, he was interviewing, and what she was saying was there are the parts of the church that seem to be thriving are kind of the, the the older, the ancientness traditions, whether it’s Catholic or Orthodox, that what she called somewhat irreverently, the smells and bells side of of the church.Rich Birch — Sure, sure.John Plake — And on the other side, kind of my end of the swimming pool, I’m, from the Assemblies of God, so the Pentecostal and Charismatic side. And she said, what’s going on is that both ends of that spectrum are totalizing. John Plake — They’re saying, you know what, the the Bible places certain expectations and demands on people. Christ places certain expectations and demands on people. And these parts of the church aren’t sort of shy about talking about that from a biblical perspective. She said, what’s what’s dying is that part in the middle where we’ve reduced church to a PowerPoint and you know an Excel spreadsheet. And she said, that part of the church seems to be dying and no one’s coming to the funeral. Rich Birch — That’s good. John Plake — And I thought, you know okay, right?Rich Birch — Yeah. Yeah, that’s good.John Plake — So if we revitalize our relationship with God through scripture, there’s a next step for every church. It doesn’t matter what, you know whether you’re mainline or evangelical or, you know, Pentecostal or Orthodox or whatever it is, but but reviving our relationship with God through Scripture is really where it’s at.Rich Birch — That’s so good. i Yeah, I call that middle group the just because it rhymes doesn’t mean it’s true group. You know, like the, you know, were just like, it’s all my thoughts. No one wants to come and find us. They want to find God ultimately. Well, I don’t want to pick any fights with anybody that’s listening in, but I really appreciate today’s conversation, John. This has been great. So we want to send people to church.nextstep.bible.Rich Birch — The the promise of in two weeks, your church could have a comprehensive report on spiritual health, on where your church is, spiritual health is at, that’s a huge promise. And so again, this is go to church.nextstep.bible. Any kind of final words as we wrap up today’s episode?John Plake — You know, you might be familiar with Cally Parkinson. Cally was the co-author of all of the Reveal books, every single one of them. She was head of communications for the Willow Creek Association when they were running this. She’s probably had more conversations with pastors and church leaders about survey results like this than anybody I know, maybe than anybody alive. And Cally likes this so much. She said, John, I want to have a personal consultation with the first hundred churches that go through this.John Plake — And so if you want to be in that group, she’s going to offer to spend an hour with you and just walk through your results and help explain it. There are videos throughout the platform that will explain it as well. And you can’t beat talking to Cally. She loves pastors. She says you’re the salt of the earth. And she just really wants to serve you because the work that you do to save people is just so valuable to her. So anyway, just wanted to offer that. And I know you’d probably love to meet Cally.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s fantastic. Well, appreciate you being here today. Thanks for the great work you do at the American Bible Society. John, appreciate you being on today. Thank you.John Plake — Thank you.
What happens when world-class art takes root far from New York, Los Angeles, and other cultural capitals?In this episode of Ojai: Talk of the Town, Bret Bradigan sits down with Mark Weiler, Executive Director of the Nemeth Art Center in Park Rapids, Minnesota, a town of just 4,000 people near the headwaters of the Mississippi River that has become an unlikely hub for contemporary art and artist residencies.Visiting Ojai through a cultural exchange with the Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation, Weiler discusses the growing movement of artists seeking inspiration in smaller communities, the economic and cultural impact of artist residencies, and the surprising similarities between rural Minnesota and the Ojai Valley.Their conversation explores creativity, nature, community identity, and why some of today's most compelling artistic work is emerging far from the traditional centers of influence. We did not talk about northern pike lures, malaria nets or the rising influence of looks-maxxers like Clavicular.Instead, you'll get a thoughtful discussion about art, place, and the power of paying attention.#OjaiTalkOfTheTown #MarkWeiler #NemethArtCenter #OjaiArts #ArtistResidencies #CreativeCommunities
Most farmers spend their time focused on production. Plant the crop, raise the yield, deliver it to the local elevator, and move on to the next task. But what happens after that may have just as much impact on profitability as anything done in the field.In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul sits down with Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, for a fascinating look at the transportation system that moves American agriculture. From trucks and railroads to barges, ports, and ocean vessels, Mike explains how commodities travel from rural America to customers around the world—and why transportation costs can have a direct impact on every farmer's bottom line.The conversation explores aging infrastructure, rural bridges, Mississippi River bottlenecks, rail transportation, global trade disruptions, and why events happening thousands of miles away can affect grain prices in your local community.If you've ever wondered how a soybean grown in Iowa ends up feeding livestock in China—or why transportation matters more than most farmers realize—this episode is for you.MEET THE GUESTMike Steenhoek serves as Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC), an organization established by the United Soybean Board, the American Soybean Association, and thirteen state soybean boards to promote a cost-effective, reliable, and competitive transportation system for agriculture.In his role, Mike works with farmers, industry leaders, transportation providers, and policymakers to improve the infrastructure that supports U.S. agriculture. His work spans trucking, railroads, inland waterways, ports, and global supply chains—all with the goal of helping farmers remain competitive in international markets.Mike currently serves on the U.S. Department of Commerce's Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness and the Iowa Department of Transportation's Freight Advisory Council.Before joining the Soy Transportation Coalition, Mike spent eight years working for U.S. Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa, serving both in Washington, D.C. and Des Moines. His roles included speechwriting, scheduling, and economic development, providing him with a unique perspective on policy, infrastructure, and economic growth.Get to know more about Soy Transportation Coalition here: https://www.soytransportation.org/ABOUT THE PODCASTDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels, and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.
The BOB & TOM Show — May 28, 20266:00 Hour 6:00 — “I Love Summer” discussion with Heywood 6:04 — Tom discusses not letting a toe problem stop him from wearing his favorite shoes 6:11 — Kristi spotted license plate “GNP9” 6:30 — Letter: Listener mows the lawn while looking at the Mississippi River and jokes about not being a communist 6:31 — Letter: Listener met a woman retired from an elevator company 6:32 — Letter: King Crimson fan story involving Robert Phipps 6:35 — Letter: Listener loved “All Creatures Great and Small” 6:36 — Kristi asks Tom if his toad passed away 6:37 — Letter: Listener saw a giant snapping turtle in the driveway 6:47 — Letter: Listener is a fan of “Mr. Roboto” 6:48 — Letter about children ages 6–7 moving around constantly 6:50 — Letter: Everyone chewed pencils in school 6:50 — Letter: Listener used to bite the window pane at home 6:53 — Letter: Elevator company headquarters is only one story tall 7:03 — “She's Come Undone” by The Guess Who 7:05 — Kristi joke segment 7:07 — Discussion about a Bigfoot conference in Florida 7:13 — Josh shares a bar joke 7:27 — Discussion about the Harry Hole movie series 7:29 — “Squonk” by Genesis 7:33 — Sports segment 7:38 — Discussion about the Fouke Monster and Bigfoot 7:50 — Pat talks about having spinal fusion surgery 7:51 — Pat performs song about a nerve block wearing off 7:54 — Pat discusses having his elbow rebuilt in 2008 8:03 — Jess joins the studio 8:03 — During the break, Kristi notices the refrigerator door was left open in the green room 8:04 — Jess says nearly all the creamers, dairy and non-dairy, were used in one day 8:07 — Chick asks Tom if he has ever used the kitchen sink instead of the bathroom 8:10 — Discussion about FIFA ticket prices ranging from $1,000 to $12,000 8:24 — Chick and Tom argue about soccer 8:28 — Driver removes a road-closed barrier and drives into fresh concrete 8:30 — 11,000 pounds of Kit Kat bars spill on a highway 8:32 — Tom says he has never eaten a Snickers bar 8:34 — Candy bar discussion 8:35 — Jess tells Tom he is getting on her nerves 8:50 — Today in History segment 8:54 — Michelin restaurant discussion 9:05 — Al Jackson joins via Zoom for camera discussion 9:14 — Al says he puts toothpaste directly on the brush 9:29 — Kristi says she has never used a sink instead of the bathroom 9:30 — Jess says she has 9:30 — Letter: Listener shares grandfather's final joke about trying to use the sink while dishes were piled up 9:32 — Tom tells a story about showering with an adult woman with red hair 9:35 — Fast food mascot discussion; Tom ranks Colonel Sanders as the #2 mascot 9:50 — Farmer thought an email about his sheep was a scam 9:53 — Discussion about Hugh Jackman not returning 7:00 Hour8:00 Hour9:00 Hour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
One of the greatest threat to early America was piracy, but it wasn’t found in the Caribbean or Gulf Coast. It was pirates on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Samuel Mason fought bravely at the 1777 Siege of Fort Henry, became a Justice of the Peace in the Northwest Territory, then turned Cave-in-Rock into a strategic base for organized river piracy where he lured flatboat crews with promises of "liquor and entertainment" before robbing and murdering them. Mason thrived because the new republic had weak, fragmented control over its western territories. Jurisdiction overlapped between local authorities, territorial governments, Spanish Louisiana, and American claims. He exploited every gap. His story ended when two of his own men killed him, severed his head, and tried to collect bounty money in Natchez, only to be recognized as outlaws themselves and hanged. Today's guest is Carter Smith, author of From Patriot to Pirate: The Outlaw Life of Sam Mason. We discuss why Mason kicked the infamous Harpe brothers out of his gang because their extreme brutality threatened to draw too much attention to his organized operation. Smith explains how the collapse of frontier order after the Revolution pushed respected veterans into outlawry. Mason wasn't a wandering thug. He was organized, strategic, and dangerous. His life reveals what criminal opportunity looked like when the map said one thing but actual control on the ground said something else.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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