Podcasts about Our Town

Episode 110: Our Town by Thornton Wilder Host: Douglas Schatz Guest: Howard Sherman Welcome to The Play Podcast where we explore the greatest new and classic plays. Each episode we choose a single play to talk about in depth with our expert guest. We'll discuss the play's origins, its themes, characters, structure and impact. For us the play is the thing. Playwright Edward Albee described Thornton Wilder's Our Town as "the greatest American play ever written." In fact Wilder's quintessential portrait of rural America in a bygone time has somehow transcended its iconic American setting to become a universal meditation on mortality, community, and how we live our individual lives, wherever that may be. The play premiered on Broadway in 1938, winning Wilder the Pulitzer Prize, and it has been a staple of school, amateur and stock performance ever since. In fact, according to critic John Lahr writing in the introduction to the text of the Penguin edition, "the play is performed somewhere in the world every day." Howard Sherman, author of Another Day's Begun – Thornton Wilder's Our Town in the 21st Century, joins me to explore this American classic.

A community watch party featuring music from The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square on June 26, 2026. The venue will open at 3 PM with bounce houses, giant yard pong, corn hole, and jumbo Connect 4 as entertainment. The show will begin at 7 PM and fireworks will follow.Proceeds from all concessions will be donated to our local charitable organization First Stop,Inc. who is dedicated to helping homeless people move from homelessness to stability.There will also be a special performance from classically trained tenor, Nathan Pacheco, singingthe National Anthem live.In this special episode, we explore a historic moment for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in North Alabama—the creation of the new Sipsey Alabama Stake. The organization of a new stake is often seen as a sign of growth, faith, and strengthening congregations, and this milestone reflects decades of steady development across the region.Through exclusive interviews with President Kariya of the Huntsville Alabama Stake, President Dunford of the Madison Alabama Stake, and President Garcia of the newly formed Sipsey Alabama Stake, we discuss the history, challenges, and opportunities that led to this significant reorganization. Together, they share insights into leadership, ministering to growing congregations, and what this new chapter means for Latter-day Saints throughout North Alabama.Whether you're a member of the Church, interested in the history of faith communities in the American South, or simply curious about how religious organizations grow and evolve, this conversation offers a unique look at a landmark event in Alabama Church history.Visit http://churchofjesuschrist.org for more information on the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcastsFollow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Host Ron Rapaport talks with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, about how a 2012 garage build turned into a nationwide nonprofit that makes and delivers beds for children in need. The episode explores the organization's origin, the chapter model and volunteer build days, memorable delivery stories, leadership lessons, funding, and how listeners can donate, volunteer, or start a chapter. Through the simple mission "No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town," SHP has mobilized communities to deliver tens of thousands of beds and transform lives. Sponsors:    Adam Ferguson, author of "The Things You Have to Do                     Before I Buy You a Phone"                    Barbara Grassey, author of "American Expat, Moving Abroad                     Solo After 60"                    Blue Sky CBD-Click link for a 20% Discount on first order                  https://www.bluesky-cbd.com/pages/_go_?ref=3251:615856&discount=ron   Links:        shpbeds.org                  lukemickelson@shpbeds.org                  https://itsawrapwithrap.com  

Today's guest is Ranae Bartlett, the Mayor of Madison, one of the fastest-growing and most successful cities in the Southeast. Her career spans law, education, corporate leadership, nonprofit management, public service, and municipal government, making her one of the most accomplished civic leaders in North Alabama.During nearly a decade of service, she helped guide one of Alabama's highest-performing school systems through periods of rapid enrollment growth and increasing academic success. She served as Vice President of the Board from 2015 to 2017 and as President from 2017 to 2020, providing leadership during a critical period of expansion for Madison City Schools.Her contributions to education earned statewide recognition. In 2020, she received the All-State School Board Member Award from the Alabama Association of School Boards, one of the highest honors available to school board members in Alabama.Her influence in the chess world grew nationally when she was selected as Executive Director of the United States Chess Federation in 2024. As the leader of the nation's largest chess organization, she oversaw programs serving players, clubs, tournaments, and scholastic chess initiatives across the United States. She held that position until assuming the office of mayor in November 2025.Meanwhile, her local government career continued to advance. In 2020, Madison voters elected her to the Madison City Council representing District 5. During her tenure, she earned the respect of her colleagues and was selected to serve as Council President from 2022 to 2024 and later as Council President Pro Tempore in 2025. Her work focused on responsible growth, infrastructure planning, education, and maintaining Madison's reputation as one of Alabama's most desirable places to live.In 2025, Bartlett launched a successful campaign for mayor, emphasizing experienced leadership, economic development, support for Madison's award-winning schools, infrastructure improvements, and responsible management of the city's rapid growth. She won the election outright with a majority of the vote, avoiding a runoff and becoming the first Asian-American mayor in Alabama history.Since taking office in November 2025, Mayor Bartlett has focused on economic development, strengthening communication within city government, supporting local businesses, investing in public education, and ensuring Madison continues to provide the high quality of life residents expect. Her administration has emphasized strategic growth planning, collaboration with regional partners, and positioning Madison for long-term success.In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mayor Bartlett is a graduate of Leadership Greater Huntsville Class 26 and has been recognized throughout her career for community service and leadership. She received the Women of Distinction Award from the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama in 2013 and has become widely known for bringing a thoughtful, strategic, and collaborative leadership style to every role she has held.From federal courtrooms to corporate boardrooms, from school board leadership to the national chess community, and now as Mayor of Madison, Ranae Bartlett's career reflects a lifelong commitment to public service, strategic thinking, educational excellence, and building stronger communities.For more information on Mayor Bartlett visit https://madisonal.govHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomH Audio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Taylor Reed is a Huntsville engineer, nonprofit leader, and community advocate whose passion for serving others led him to found and lead ShowerUp Huntsville, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring dignity, hope, and human connection to individuals experiencing homelessness. Through mobile shower units, hygiene supplies, and compassionate outreach, ShowerUp Huntsville provides one of life's most basic necessities—a safe, hot shower—to those who need it most. A graduate of The University of Alabama in Huntsville with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Taylor balances a successful career in the aerospace and defense industry with a deep commitment to community service. He has served as a Quality, Safety & Mission Assurance leader supporting advanced research efforts for the Missile Defense Agency while also dedicating countless hours to charitable work throughout North Alabama. Inspired by his faith, family values, and years of volunteer work serving Huntsville's homeless population, Taylor launched ShowerUp Huntsville in 2020 after seeing the impact of the original ShowerUp program in Nashville. What began as a vision to address a critical but often overlooked need quickly grew into a thriving organization that has provided thousands of showers and essential hygiene services to people throughout the Tennessee Valley. Under his leadership, ShowerUp Huntsville became one of the organization's most successful chapters and helped inspire expansion into other cities across the country. Taylor believes that a shower is about far more than cleanliness—it's about restoring confidence, dignity, and hope. Through partnerships with churches, businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers, ShowerUp Huntsville has become a powerful example of how local communities can come together to serve their most vulnerable neighbors. His work has been featured throughout the Huntsville area, highlighting both the practical impact and the deeply human stories behind the mission. On this episode of Our Town, Taylor shares the story behind ShowerUp Huntsville, the realities of homelessness in our community, the lessons he's learned building a nonprofit from the ground up, and why small acts of kindness can have life-changing consequences.For more information on Taylor Reed and ShowerUp visit https://showerup.org Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapA Watch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomH Audio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Welcome to the Nothing Shocking Podcast episode 333 with our guest Chuck Treece (McRad, Our Town, Bing Krosby, The Movement, Underdog, G-Love, Stiffed, Punkadelic, ACTiVATE)..  We discuss his newest collaboration Our Town, his skate punk band Bing Krosby, McRad, Underdog, and more!    Our Town (Eye Can Tell) - Featuring: Chuck Treece, Kieran Treece, and Rachel Anne   For more information: https://www.instagram.com/chucktreece/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/chuck.treece.3/ https://www.pewcenterarts.org/fellow/chuck-treece https://www.instagram.com/mcrad/   Please like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nothingshockingpodcast/  Follow us on X at  https://twitter.com/hashtag/noshockpod.   Libsyn website: https://nothingshocking.libsyn.com For more info on the Hong Kong Sleepover: https://thehongkongsleepover.bandcamp.com Help support the podcast and record stores by shopping local at   Big Stricks Vinyl Records and Sports Cards - https://www.facebook.com/p/Big-Stricks-LLC-61560351678007/

The Payroll Dispute Was Just the Beginning of Our Town s UndoingBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dark-mysteries-the-strange-and-unusual-podcast-2026--5684156/support.Darkest Mysteries Online

Today on the Our Town w/ Troy Bye, we welcome author Charles H. Souther, a storyteller and historian whose life experiences span one of the most transformative periods in American history. Souther is the author of the memoir From the Mules and Wagon to the Space Shuttle, a reflective and deeply personal account of growing up in a rural America that would evolve from horse-drawn transportation and isolated farming communities into the modern technological age of rockets, computers, and space exploration. Raised in the American South during a time when daily life revolved around agriculture, faith, family, and close-knit communities, Souther witnessed firsthand the enormous cultural, economic, and technological shifts that reshaped the nation throughout the 20th century. His writing preserves the memories, traditions, and values of an earlier generation while documenting the transition into the modern world. Through vivid storytelling, Souther recounts experiences from childhood, farm life, community gatherings, wartime eras, changing transportation, industrial growth, and the rise of the Space Age — offering readers a rare bridge between two vastly different Americas. His work resonates with audiences who appreciate oral history, Southern heritage, Americana, and the stories of ordinary people living through extraordinary change. Souther's book is more than a memoir — it is a historical snapshot of a disappearing way of life and a tribute to the resilience, ingenuity, and work ethic of generations who endured hardship while helping build modern America. The title itself symbolizes the remarkable arc of progress he witnessed during his lifetime: from mules and wagons on dirt roads to humanity launching the Space Shuttle into orbit. In this episode, we explore Souther's personal journey, the inspiration behind his writing, the lessons he believes younger generations should remember, and how preserving local stories and lived experiences helps communities maintain their identity and connection to the past. To buy a copy of the book, click here https://www.amazon.com/dp/0980241502?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_ZX3WQW7FBC8XZ9KQEE87 Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomH Audio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Interview with singer songwriter George Usher ! Stevensonville is a 12-part illustrated song-cycle that delves into the myriad goings on in its namesake locale. Each song and illustration represents a different inhabitant of Stevensonville. They sometimes reference each other in the manner of Edgar Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology or Thornton Wilder's Our Town. The characters who people dark, repressed Stevensonville have their own very unusual and pressing issues to cope with, before they can gamble on leaving. George Usher's poetic lyrics and folk-rock and chamber pop musical settings combine with Laurie Webber's colorful, magnetic illustrations for a stunning, unique presentation. George and illustrator Webber first conceived Stevensonville 30 years ago as a literate, artistic, musical project. However, Usher's businesspeople were put off by the projected cost of recording it and manufacturing album packaging that included the hefty booklet of illustrations in view of its likely limited commercial prospects. The song cycle was performed live twice over the years, once at the Bowery Poetry Club in New York City to an enthusiastic audience. Then, it was set aside and forgotten…until now, when Ahoy Larry Pursuits and Strothard Bulldog Productions have joined forces to finally produce the album and booklet for George Usher's Stevensonville, as it was always intended. Stevensonville was produced by Tony Shanahan (Patti Smith Group), with Andy York on guitar (John Mellencamp), Brian Griffin on drums (Brandi Carlile, Black Crowes), Andy Burton on keyboards (Ian Hunter) and David Mansfield on strings (Bob Dylan, others). George Usher has been a vital part of New York City music scene since the late 1970's. The Village Voice called him, “one of New York's best pop craftsmen.” He led or was a member of a number of NYC/Hoboken based bands including The Decoys, Beat Rodeo, The Schramms, and House Of Usher during the 80's and 90's. Usher co-wrote the title tracks to Bongos frontman Richard Barone's “Cloud Over Eden” solo album and River To River EP with Barone. Country chanteuse Laura Cantrell recorded his song, “Not The Tremblin' Kind” and made it the title track of her album debut.   Over the years, George has released seven solo albums; a 2-CD Anthology 12” LP vinyl  is available on Bandcamp. He has recorded two collaborative albums with Edward Rogers as well as two with Lisa Burns, including the critically acclaimed, The Last Day Of Winter. https://www.facebook.com/p/George-Usher-100063555302040/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/0t2r3lAo89AALlzzvpmwwr  

M. Troy Bye is the creator and host of the Our Town Podcast, a long-form interview show centered on meaningful conversations with influential, accomplished, and interesting people from across business, government, sports, education, technology, entertainment, and community leadership. Known for his conversational interviewing style and natural curiosity, Troy has developed a reputation for drawing out compelling personal stories, unique perspectives, and authentic insights from his guests.Based in North Alabama, Troy has built the podcast around the idea that every community — every “town” — is ultimately shaped by the people within it. Through thoughtful dialogue and deep preparation, he explores not only what his guests do professionally, but also the experiences, values, challenges, and defining moments that shaped who they are. His interviews often blend local relevance with broader national themes, creating conversations that resonate far beyond a single geographic area.Under Troy's leadership, the podcast has featured a diverse range of guests including business executives, civic leaders, athletes, educators, entrepreneurs, military veterans, authors, nonprofit leaders, technologists, and public officials. The show's format emphasizes authenticity over sensationalism, allowing guests the space to speak candidly about leadership, innovation, resilience, community, culture, and personal growth.Troy's approach as a host reflects a passion for storytelling and human connection. Rather than relying on scripted interviews, he focuses on creating an atmosphere where guests feel comfortable sharing deeper insights and experiences. His ability to balance professionalism with an approachable style has helped distinguish the show within the growing podcast landscape.Beyond podcasting, Troy has demonstrated strong interests in emerging technology, artificial intelligence, national security, civic leadership, higher education, sports culture, and regional economic development. Those interests frequently shape the themes and direction of conversations on the show, giving audiences exposure to both local stories and larger societal issues.As the Our Town Podcast continues to grow, M. Troy Bye remains focused on building a platform that highlights thoughtful conversation, diverse viewpoints, and the people working to make an impact in their communities and industries.Big thanks to Megan Nivens-Tannett, host of the SheBoss podcast and Owner of Flourish Consulting for helping me turn the tables and doing the interview. It was a ton of fun!Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcastsFollow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Zach Taylor is a Huntsville, Alabama–based author, engineer, and storyteller whose work bridges the worlds of high-stakes technical innovation and raw, character-driven fiction. A graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Taylor comes from a multigenerational family involved in advancing spaceflight and has built a professional career rooted in aerospace and mission-critical systems. In 2015, Taylor was awarded NASA's prestigious Silver Snoopy Award, an honor given to individuals who make significant contributions to human flight safety—placing him among a select group recognized by astronauts for excellence and reliability in the aerospace field. While his professional life has centered on precision, engineering, and safety, Taylor has long been a writer at heart. From an early age—famously selling his own writings to classmates—he developed a passion for storytelling that would eventually evolve into long-form fiction. Today, Taylor is best known as the author of Rockstar Echoes, a debut novel released in 2026 that dives deep into the psychological and emotional realities of the modern music industry. The book explores themes of grief, ambition, identity, and the cost of fame, following interconnected characters navigating the brutal machinery behind rock stardom. Unlike traditional “rockstar” stories focused on glamour, Rockstar Echoes takes a darker, more introspective approach—examining legacy, exploitation, and the human toll of being heard in an industry that rarely slows down. Taylor is currently expanding this vision into a broader Rockstar series, with multiple books already written and scheduled for release, continuing to explore the evolving ecosystem of music, culture, and personal identity through layered, interconnected narratives. Blending his analytical background with creative storytelling, Taylor brings a unique perspective to his writing—one that combines structural precision with emotional depth. Whether drawing from the disciplined world of aerospace or the chaotic energy of rock music, his work consistently explores a central question: What does it really cost to be heard—and who pays the price? Outside of writing, Taylor is a husband and father of three, balancing family life with a growing presence in the literary world and an expanding body of work that continues to push into new creative territory.For more information on Zach, follow him on Instagram @zachtaylorbooksBuy the book here https://www.amazon.com/Rockstar-Echoes-Zach-Taylor/dp/B0G2PM5WQPHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcastsFollow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Seth Burton embodies a lifetime of dedicated service and unwavering commitment. Starting in a humble house on the banks of the Tennessee River, Seth learned hard work and responsibility growing up on a farm. Ultimately becoming a two-time submarine commanding officer, he led complex missions beneath the waves, honing his leadership in high-stakes environments. His distinguished naval career spanned three decades, a period marked by discipline, strategic thinking, and a profound sense of duty to his country.Beyond his command, Seth is a recognized expert in nuclear power, a critical field demanding precision and deep technical understanding. This unique blend of operational leadership and advanced technical knowledge makes him exceptionally prepared to tackle America's most pressing challenges.At home, Seth is a family man who understands the struggles of everyday Alabamians. He and his wife proudly raised three sons on a military income, instilling values of hard work and integrity. Today, as a loving grandfather, Seth is fighting for a future where his grandchildren, and all Alabama families, can thrive.From serving in silence beneath the oceans to stepping forward to serve Alabama in the Senate, Seth's journey is defined by a steadfast commitment to constitutional principles and the foundational values that make America and Alabama strong.For more information on Seth Burton, visit https://sethburtonforsenate.comHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcastsFollow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Marie Waxel is an experienced broadcast journalist and news anchor at WAAY-TV 31 in Huntsville, Alabama, where she plays a key role in delivering daily news coverage to viewers across North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. With a strong foundation in both reporting and anchoring, she has developed a reputation for accuracy, clarity, and a steady on-air presence.At WAAY-TV, Marie anchors newscasts and contributes to editorial decisions, helping shape coverage on major local and regional stories. Her work spans breaking news, severe weather coverage, investigative pieces, and human-interest features that highlight the people and issues impacting the community. She is known for her ability to communicate complex information in a way that is accessible and engaging for a broad audience.Marie's career in journalism includes experience in multimedia reporting, live field coverage, and in-studio anchoring. She has covered a wide range of topics, including public safety, education, local government, and community development. Her reporting often emphasizes accuracy, accountability, and storytelling that resonates with viewers.In addition to her on-air work, Marie is actively involved in the Huntsville community, participating in local events and initiatives that strengthen connections between the newsroom and the public it serves. Her approach to journalism reflects a commitment to integrity, transparency, and public trust.Marie holds a degree in broadcast journalism (or related field), where she developed skills in writing, reporting, editing, and media production. She continues to adapt to the evolving media landscape, incorporating digital platforms and social media to expand the reach and impact of her reporting.Her professional strengths include:News anchoring and live broadcastingBreaking news and field reportingInterviewing and storytellingEditorial judgment and newsroom collaborationCommunity engagement and public communicationMarie Waxel brings professionalism, experience, and a strong sense of purpose to her role, making her a respected voice in local journalism and a valuable contributor to the WAAY-TV news team.For more information on Marie, visit https://waaytv.comHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

In this episode, Caroline speaks with student Gavin Miller about their role in EMU Theatre's next production, Our Town.Hosted by Caroline BuxtonMusic by Cassia Reilly

Bio from Sean Wiswesser's LinkedIn page:"I have spent 30 years in national security, serving with the CIA, State Department, and now in the private sector. My career has been defined by one focus: understanding foreign intelligence services and helping the U.S. and its allies stay ahead of evolving intelligence, defense, and other national security threats.As a senior operations officer with the CIA, I led human intelligence operations worldwide — including in conflict zones and denied areas — while mentoring the next generation of intelligence professionals. I earlier served as a Foreign Service Officer with the State Department and now advise Department of Defense programs as a senior technical consultant. With professional fluency in Russian, a Top Secret/SCI clearance, and decades of interagency experience, I bring both operational depth and strategic perspective. I am published author and lecturer on Russian intelligence, espionage, and the Russian military. My work has appeared in multiple volumes and articles, and I have a forthcoming book on Russian intelligence and espionage tradecraft (early 2026). I am a contributing writer for the CIPHER BRIEF in Washington, D.C., a leading provider of critical reporting and analysis for policymakers, defense and intelligence professionals.I frequently deliver guest lectures at universities and international forums, making complex intelligence topics accessible to students, professionals, and policymakers.Whether helping a defense program translate operational requirements into results or discussing Russian tradecraft with a classroom, I focus on one thing — equipping people with the knowledge to anticipate threats before they become crises.If you're seeking a speaker, writer, consultant, or advisor on issues of intelligence, espionage, or national security, I welcome the opportunity to connect"Order your copy of his book right now: https://a.co/d/03KvHepoFind Sean on X @WiswesserHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Christie Finley is an accomplished education leader and former Superintendent of Huntsville City Schools, one of Alabama's most prominent and rapidly growing school systems. With a career spanning more than two decades in public education, Finley has built a reputation for strong organizational leadership, student-centered decision making, and a commitment to academic excellence in diverse and high-performing communities.Before being named superintendent, Finley served Huntsville City Schools in several key leadership roles, including Chief Academic Officer and Deputy Superintendent. In these positions, she played an instrumental role in shaping district-wide instructional strategy, improving curriculum alignment, supporting teacher development, and expanding academic opportunities for students across elementary, middle, and high schools. Her leadership contributed to Huntsville City Schools maintaining its standing as one of the top-performing districts in Alabama, particularly noted for strong outcomes in college readiness, STEM education, and Advanced Placement participation.As superintendent, Finley oversaw a district serving approximately 23,000 students across more than 40 schools in a city nationally recognized for its ties to engineering, defense, and space exploration. Working in a community closely connected to NASA, Redstone Arsenal, and a thriving technology sector, Finley prioritized initiatives that supported workforce readiness, STEM pathways, and partnerships with local higher education institutions and industry leaders.During her tenure, Finley guided the district through significant challenges facing K–12 education nationwide, including pandemic-era learning disruption, staffing pressures, and evolving expectations around academic performance and school accountability. She worked closely with the Huntsville City Schools Board of Education, educators, parents, and community stakeholders to navigate complex policy decisions while maintaining focus on student achievement and operational stability.Finley is widely recognized for her collaborative leadership style, emphasizing communication, transparency, and strategic planning. Her approach has been characterized by a willingness to engage stakeholders across differing perspectives while focusing on long-term outcomes for students and families. Colleagues often describe her as thoughtful, steady, and deeply committed to the mission of public education.Throughout her career, Finley has been an advocate for continuous improvement in teaching and learning, emphasizing data-informed decision making, professional development for educators, and the importance of building strong school cultures. Her work reflects a belief that successful school systems require both academic rigor and strong relationships between educators, families, and the broader community.Today's conversation explores Christie Finley's leadership journey, lessons learned from guiding a major public school district, and insights into the evolving landscape of education in a fast-growing city like Huntsville. A native of Alabama and graduate of Auburn University, Christie is married to Kirk Finley and they have two sons.For more information on Christie Finley and Leadership Greater Huntsville, visit https://leadershiphsv.orgHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Seth Burton (@sethburtonforsenate) joins me in the Our Town studios for this episode of Patriot to the Core podcast. We dive into his run for U.S. Senate, unpacking the issues that matter most to Alabama and the nation—from security and leadership to economic growth and nuclear energy. Seth shares how his military background and command […]

Camryn Suggs is an emerging leader in the North Alabama small business and culinary community, serving as a driving force behind the continued growth and customer experience at Valentina's Pizzeria. Known for its commitment to quality ingredients, Valentina's has quickly become a local favorite — and Camryn plays a key role in ensuring every guest feels part of the family.Camryn's journey to become the GM at Valentina's was very untraditional. She was a Figure Skater for much of her youth, supported by her amazing family, and then went to study Business and Cyber Security at the University of Alabama-Huntsville. She then decided to attend Law School in Knoxville, TN. She had some amazing internship and clerkship opportunities during her time in law school that really helped her to find the niche she was most passionate about - Family Law. She passed the bar and moved back to North Alabama to begin working. Camryn's transition to working at Valentina's started as just working as a server to earn some extra money to pay down school debt and to have some extra cash. However, she really enjoyed it and approached Joe Carlucci about coming on full-time in a management capacity. It was great timing as Joe had just purchased the land where they would build the larger store where Valentina's now operates. Camryn was all-in and had extensive responsibilities placed on her in the construction, design, decoration, and staffing of the new location.During this episode we also discuss Camryn's recent successes in competing at the the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. This year she won best traditional and non-traditional pizza for the Southeast Region. This makes the 3rd year in a row that Camryn has competed and won at the event.For more information on Camryn Suggs and Valentina's visit https://valentinaspizzeria.comHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

In Jane Stahl's series discussing the literature that informed her life and career, she shares a play that she'd written for a graduate school slide show project featuring characters from a variety of the literature she taught in a class she developed titled "Man's Search for Meaning" in Colorado in the early 1970's. The main characters are Samuel Beckett's bums GoGo & DiDi from Waiting for Godot. They are visited by Franny from Salinger's Franny and Zooey, Emily from Thornton Wilder's Our Town, Sabina and Mr. Antrobus from Wilder's Skin of Our Teeth, Viktor Frankl from Man's Search for Meaning, Meursault from Camus' The Stranger. Each character has advice for the two misfits, advice Jane considered as she discovered herself.

Jacob Ladner is a Decatur, Alabama–based professional whose work and life are rooted in a strong sense of purpose, growth, and community. He earned a History degree from University of North Alabama, where he met his wife, and now serves on the Board of Directors of the UNA Foundation.Professionally, Jacob has built his career in a specialized industry of Financial lending called Factor Lending. Before forming Thirdmark Capital, Jacob spent the majority of his career with Interstate Billing services where he rose through the ranks and learned the business of Factor Lending. Additionally, Jacob was elected to the City Council in 2020 and served as the Chair of the City Council for 5 years before stepping down last year.  Jacob is proud of the work that the and his fellow council members completed in leading several key development projects that have contributed to a stronger and better Decatur. Drawing from both his educational background and real-world experience, Jacob brings a practical and insightful perspective to the table. In this episode, he shares his journey, the lessons he's learned along the way, and how his experiences in Decatur and beyond have shaped his approach to work and life.Learn more about Jacob Ladner and Thirdmark Capital by visiting Website: https://thirdmarkcapital.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thirdmarkcapital/Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLCWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Lindsey Knupp is a dynamic voice in Minor League Baseball and a key member of the Rocket City Trash Pandasorganization. Known for her creativity, energy, and passion for fan engagement, she has helped transform the game-day experience into something that goes far beyond the field.A former collegiate athlete, Lindsey Knupp built her foundation through competition, discipline, and teamwork—experiences that continue to shape her approach in the sports industry today. Her athletic background gives her a unique perspective on both the player and fan experience, allowing her to connect authentically across all sides of the game.Blending sports, entertainment, and storytelling, Lindsey has contributed to elevating the Trash Pandas into one of the most recognizable and fan-focused brands in Minor League Baseball. She represents the evolving landscape of sports marketing, where personality, creativity, and community take center stage.Whether she's developing big ideas or enhancing the fan experience behind the scenes, Lindsey brings an innovative voice and competitive spirit—making her a compelling guest for conversations around sports, branding, and the business of fun.Learn more about Lindsey Knupp and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at http://trashpandasbaseball.comHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLCWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

After many, many years, MusicalTalk Mini returns! In this revived short-form format, David Herzog brings his expert eye to the Welsh National Theatre's touring production of Our Town. With its stripped-back staging, timeless themes, and delicate balance between nostalgia and existential reflection, how does this iconic American classic fare on a contemporary UK tour? David explores the production's creative choices, performances, and emotional impact, considering whether this intimate revival captures the quiet power of Thornton Wilder's masterpiece — or loses its way in translation!

This week on No Script, Jackson and Jacob discuss a play which has been called a combination of "Death of a Salesman" and "Our Town." Emily Feldman, a sharp and theatrical emerging playwright, has always wanted to write a play with a Stage Manager character, like in Thorton Wilder's famous play. Now she has. Her play "The Best We Could" explores some of the same themes and structure as Arthur Miller's classic, while taking place in a highly contemporary world. Listen in.  ------------------------------ Please consider supporting us on Patreon. For as low as $1/month, you can help to ensure the No Script Podcast can continue.  https://www.patreon.com/noscriptpodcast  ----------------------------- We want to keep the conversation going! Have you read this play? Have you seen it? Comment and tell us your favorite themes, characters, plot points, etc. Did we get something wrong? Let us know. We'd love to hear from you. Find us on social media at:  Email: noscriptpodcast@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/No-Script-The-Podcast-1675491925872541/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noscriptpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/noscriptpodcast/ ------------------------------ Thanks so much for listening! We'll see you next week.

Cade Smith serves as the Director of Athletics at University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), where he oversees the university's NCAA Division II athletic programs and the continued growth of Charger Athletics. Since stepping into the role, Smith has focused on strengthening UAH's competitive success, enhancing the student-athlete experience, and expanding the visibility of the university's athletic programs across the Gulf South Conference and beyond.Before becoming athletic director, Smith spent several years within the UAH athletics department, gaining experience in compliance, administration, and sport supervision. His leadership approach emphasizes academic achievement, character development, and preparing student-athletes for success beyond their playing careers. Under his guidance, UAH has continued to build a culture that prioritizes excellence both on the field and in the classroom.Smith is known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to connecting athletics with the broader Huntsville community. He works closely with university leadership, coaches, and student-athletes to ensure UAH athletics reflects the innovation and momentum of one of the nation's fastest-growing technology hubs.As Director of Athletics, Smith continues to guide the Chargers with a focus on competitive excellence, integrity, and providing opportunities for student-athletes to thrive academically, athletically, and personally.Learn more about Cade Smith and UAH Athletics by visiting https://uah.eduHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLCWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Listen below or click here for full show notes Star Trek Honored At Saturn Awards, But No Wins For ‘Strange New Worlds' – TrekMovie.com Away Team Mission (with an appropriate sound effect) Discussion of the Omega molecule, as first seen in “Star Trek: Voyager” season 4, episode 21, “The Omega Directive” Main Mission, Part 1 Star Trek: Starfleet Academy“300th Night”Story by Kristen Beyer & Kenneth LinTeleplay by Kristen BeyerDirected by Jonathan Frakes Main Mission, Part 2 Star Trek: Starfleet Academy“Rubicon”Story by Noga Landau & Gaia VioloTeleplay by Alex Kurtzman & Kristen BeyerDirected by Olatunde Osunsanmi Here are links to 50 additional stories.broken out by series, movies and other categories. CLASSIC TV SERIES (in order of premiere) Star Trek: The Original Series (1966 – 1969) [3 seasons] ‘Star Trek’ Completely Rewrites the Rules of Sci-Fi Television in Just 50 Minutes Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987 – 1994) [7 seasons] Acclaimed Star Trek Director Calls Out Captain Picard's Favorite Hobby As Sadism | GIANT FREAKIN ROBOT Star Trek: Enterprise (2001 – 2005) [4 seasons] What Happened To Scott Bakula’s Captain Archer After Star Trek: Enterprise STREAMING SERIES AND MOVIES (in order of premiere) Star trek: Prodigy (2021 – 2024) [2 seasons] Star Trek: Prodigy Wins Emmy Award Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022 – present) [4th and 5th seasons yet to premier] Star Trek actor teases ‘challenging’ Strange New Worlds season 4 & 5 episodes Star Trek Scouts (2025 – present) NickALive!: Holodeck Rescues #8 | Star Trek Scouts Rescue a Moon Alien! | Star Trek: Scouts Star Trek: Starfleet Academy [2026 – present] [renewed for second season] ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ Episode 8 explained ‘Starfleet Academy”s latest episode reminds us why the Doctor is one of ‘Star Trek’s greatest ever characters | Space Star Trek: Starfleet Academy “The Life of the Stars” Review: Finding Hope in Grief – TREKNEWS.NET | Your daily dose of Star Trek news and opinion Theatre Kids — Star Trek: Starfleet Academy's “The Life of the Stars” – Reactor Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Episode 8 Review – Voyager's The Doctor Finally Gets His Episode – IGN ‘Star Trek' Actor Speaks Out After Receiving ‘Scary' Hate – Parade Recap/Review: ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' Gets Dramatic In “The Life Of The Stars” – TrekMovie.com Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Brings Back Another Discovery Veteran (And She’s A Great Fit) Starfleet Academy Episode 9 Review – Momma, I'm Coming Home Who Stephen Colbert Plays In Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Explaining ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’s ‘Voyager’ Reference, Mary Wiseman’s Return, ‘Our Town’ Homage (Exclusive) ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ Has an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. So Why Are Fans So Divided? – Parade Starfleet Academy Just Brought Back The Worst Thing About Star Trek: Picard | GIANT FREAKIN ROBOT “This Show Has Balls” – Jonathan Frakes Talks Directing Starfleet Academy Episode 9 | Den of Geek Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Finds Streaming Success on Paramount+ ‘Starfleet Academy’ Season 1’s Penultimate Episode Reminds Everyone the Furflies Are Coming ‘Starfleet Academy’ Draws Some Very Big Lines for Its Finale Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Follows The Blueprint Of An Underrated Star Wars Show R'uustai — Star Trek: Starfleet Academy's “300th Night” – Reactor Starfleet Academy season 1 is running out of time to make this character worthwhile After 30 Years, Star Trek Just Quietly Rewrote a Classic ‘Voyager' Episode Star Trek Just Explained a Legendary TNG Villain Perfectly in a Single Line – ComicBook.com 9 Years Later, One Newish Star Trek Character Is Suddenly Part Of The Old Guard Star Trek Finally Gave Voyager’s Doctor a Name (After 8 Failed Attempts) – ComicBook.com Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’s EPs Respond About Whether The Show Will Continue Past Season 2 Star Trek’s Returning Discovery Character Is Almost A Whole New Person Exclusive: ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' EPs Talk ‘Shocking” Season 2 Finale, Series Future – TrekMovie.com Star Trek’s Jonathan Frakes Responds To Negative Starfleet Academy Reactions THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES (in order of premiere) Star Trek: First Contact (1996) Patrick Stewart’s Favorite Star Trek Movie Is One Of The Franchise Greats Trek movies that never were, for one reason or another, [such as Tarantino’s movie] Alec Baldwin Says ‘R-Rated Star Trek’ Is Worst Movie Idea He’s Ever Pitched OTHER MEDIAStar Trek video games/board games NickALive!: Two New Star Trek Games from Beadle & Grimm’s | Beadle and Grimm’s Star Trek Comics/graphic novels/magazines Star Trek Already Has a New Story For Starfleet Academy Fans Star Trek’s Next Big Series Will Ditch Popular TV Trend That’s Holding Starfleet Back MISCELLANEOUS Franchise-wide/Miscellaneous Star Trek is facing a critical moment – here’s how it can survive | Radio Times 7 Biggest Starfleet Losses in Star Trek History – ComicBook.com Why New Star Trek Feels So Different Star Trek Officially Ends an 11-Year Streak & Leaves the Franchise’s Future Uncertain – ComicBook.com 60 years of ‘Star Trek’: The colorful origins of the rainbow warp effect | Space ‘Star Trek’ Turns 60 With a Packed Year: Here’s Everything You Need to Know ‘The Trial of Spock': Star Trek-Inspired Opera Premieres at UCSC The Trial of Spock [Act I] – YouTube Actor Watch Star Trek Legend Teases Return of Legendary TNG Captain – ComicBook.com Star Trek: Starfleet Academy: Jonathan Frakes Discusses Directing the Scene That Made Him Cry – TV Guide Robert Picardo shares surprising reaction on returning to the ‘Star Trek’ franchise End Of Show It’s about time to refill the dilithium chamber and get on out of here. Find Clinton at Comedy4Cast Find Chuck and Kreg at Technorama Podcast If you liked the show, please be sure to tell a friend about it. And subscribe, so you’ll never miss an episode. We’d love to hear from you. Follow us on BlueSky (@thetopicistrek), visit our Facebook page or call us at 816-TREKKER, that’s (816) 873-5537 Don’t put on the red shirt!

Joel Lamp is the Sports Development Manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he leads efforts to attract major sporting events and tournaments to the Rocket City. In this role, Joel works with national sports organizations, collegiate conferences, and event promoters to bring competitions to Huntsville that drive tourism, economic impact, and national visibility for the region.Lamp brings more than two decades of experience in sports management, collegiate athletics, and event operations. Before returning to North Alabama, he spent over 16 years in Jacksonville, Florida, where he held senior leadership roles in collegiate athletics at both Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida. During that time, he helped organize and host multiple NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament rounds and numerous regional and national sporting events.Originally from Decatur, Alabama, Joel returned to the Tennessee Valley to help grow Huntsville's rapidly expanding sports tourism industry. Through his work with the Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Huntsville Sports Commission, he has helped position the city as a premier destination for tournaments, championships, and emerging sports events.Joel is passionate about the power of sports to bring communities together, create economic opportunity, and showcase the unique energy and hospitality of Huntsville.Learn more about Joel Lamp and the Convention & Visitors Bureau and Huntsville Sports Commission http://www.huntsville.orgHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLCWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Episode 8 – “Life of the Stars” Breakdown & ReviewIn this episode of Treknopod, Captain Shoff takes a deep dive into one of the most emotional episodes of the season.Episode 8 brings the return of Sylvia Tilly from Star Trek Discovery, while also exploring a powerful storyline involving The Doctor from Star Trek Voyager and a heartbreaking callback to his holographic family.We also see the cadets struggling with the emotional fallout from the USS Miyazaki disaster, and Tilly introduces an unexpected form of therapy using the classic play Our Town.In this discussion we cover:• Why Tilly's return matters• The emotional arc of The Doctor and Sam• The tragic Voyager storyline that inspired this episode• How Starfleet Academy explores trauma and leadership• Why this might be the most emotional episode of the seasonThis episode of Treknopod also gets personal, as Shoff reflects on how Star Trek storytelling connects to real life experiences of loss, growth, and resilience.If you love Star Trek discussions, episode breakdowns, and deep dives into the philosophy of Star Trek, you're in the right place.

Thad and Chrissie talk about the Starfleet Academy episode "The Life of the Stars" with Donny Winter.Join us in BQN Podcast Collective on Facebook.Or on Discord: https://discord.gg/hNrrY68d59Find us on the socials:The Network: @BQNPodcastsThe Show: @IDICPodcastChrissie: @TheGoddessLiviaThad: @TyranicusOur guest, Donny: @donnywinterBQN Podcasts are made possible by the generous contributions of listeners like you. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Patreon patrons, whose support has been instrumental in producing the network!Chad RidingMei MMischiefCaitG. Haukur GuðmundssonJoe SaporitoMartin MarigomenJaxDaniel EvansLars Di ScenzaSamuel JohnsonJenediahRyan DamonWilliam J. JacksonJonathan SnowJerry AntimanoBe Tellarite, Not TellaWrongShalimar LuisStevenSusan L. DeClerckDavidJason AndersonMatt HarkerDavid WillettCarl WondersVera BTim CooperPeter HongTom Van ScotterJim McMahonJustin OserThad HaitChristina De Clerck-SzilagyiJoe MignoneJoin the Hive Mind Collective at https://www.Patreon.com/BQN and become an integral part of our podcast. Your unique perspective and support will help us continue to produce high-quality content that you love!Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. STAR TREK and all related marks, logos and characters are owned by CBS Studios Inc. “BQN” is not endorsed or sponsored by or affiliated with CBS/Paramount Pictures or the STAR TREK franchise.

After our Mission Log: Reactor review of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Episode 8, "The Life of the Stars," it's time to open the hailing frequencies. On this week's Mission Log Live, John and Jessica welcome callers to share their reactions to an episode that blends Thornton Wilder's Our Town with some deeply emotional Star Trek history. Listeners weigh in on the role of the humanities at Starfleet Academy, whether theater really helps the cadets process trauma, and why the story of The Doctor and SAM struck such a powerful chord. Along the way, we get thoughtful insights from fellow theater kids, teachers, and parents about how art, empathy, and storytelling shape how we understand ourselves and each other.  If you missed our Mission Log: Reactor episode covering "The Life of the Stars," be sure to check it out on YouTube for our full recap and review.   Mission Log Patrons get Mission Log: Reactor a day early! Sign up at: https://www.patreon.com/MissionLog   Then join us every Monday at 7pm PT / 10pm ET for Mission Log Live, our weekly audience call-in show where you can share your thoughts about the latest Star Trek episodes.   Streaming FREE on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/missionlog   For more Star Trek podcasts, videos, and discussion: https://www.missionlogpodcast.com/

As we near the end of Starfleet Academy‘s inaugural season, we see real character growth in our young cadets — as well as in returning characters, including Voyager‘s Doctor. Ken and Staci empathize with Darem and Genesys trying to live up to their parents’ expectations, even if we wonder what makes a pebble identifiably Khionian. And the parallels between Sam, Tarima, and Our Town‘s Emily Gibbs hit us in all the feels, as a returning character from Discovery gives a nuanced and gracious approach to facing trauma and living in the moment. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Starfleet Academy S1E07–08: Ko'Zeine & The Life of the Stars first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

We speak with Mary Kerr about the production of Thornton Wilder's classic play "Our Town," which is being performed this weekend at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Kerr is directing the production.

Starfleet Academy turns trauma recovery into theater—smart therapy tool or off-model Trek? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler weigh Our Town's role, Tilly's authority shift, and Sam's 17-years-in-2-weeks reset.

Starfleet Academy turns trauma recovery into theater—smart therapy tool or off-model Trek? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler weigh Our Town's role, Tilly's authority shift, and Sam's 17-years-in-2-weeks reset. The post The Life of the Stars (SFA) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton read the Coles Notes for Our Town while exploring the eighth episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, The Life of the Stars. From the dramatic return of Tilly to SAM's shutdown and the Doctor's secret trauma, the duo cover all the hot topics!   Join our Facebook page for exclusive content such as videos and bonus episodes. And you can also visit our blog, or follow us on Twitter and YouTube! Send any other questions, topic ideas or feedback to subspacetransmissionspod@gmail.com! Related Podcast Episodes: DSC: "Far from Home" The Best Voyager Episodes   Join us next time as we engage with the ninth episode of Academy, 300th Night!

Amanda Hooten is the Founder and CEO of Blaze Solutions, a strategic marketing and branding firm that helps organizations clarify who they are, how they communicate, and how they grow. She's known for helping leaders and companies turn complex ideas into clear, compelling stories that build trust and drive momentum.Amanda is a strategic, people-first leader with deep experience in the defense industry — guiding programs, teams, and organizations through growth, complexity, and change.Her background blends business strategy, program execution, and financial oversight, with a strong track record of building high-performing teams and delivering results. I lead with accountability, integrity, and a focus on clarity — aligning vision with action and making sure the right people are in the right roles to thrive.Amanda holds an MBA with a focus in Accounting from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and bring over a decade of hands-on experience in program management, contract execution, and operational leadership.Whether it's standing up a new initiative, turning around a challenged program, or scaling what's already working — She's all in.Learn more about Amanda and Blaze Solutions http://www.blazesolutions.comHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLCWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

SAM is not okay, maman. In fact, no one is. Gotta call in Tilly, maman. DO a little Our Town. Emily can't come back, but Tarima can. But what if there are two ghost girls? It's a Real Life tearjerker, maman.

From the space-time weirdness of Kasq to the stage of “Our Town,” it’s a “Starfleet Academy” episode where theater helps process trauma and a certain hologram learns to love again. Oh, and Tilly shows up, reminding us why she’s a top-tier Star Trek character. Come join us in our little one-act play, or as we call it, a podcast. Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

When the cadets are struggling with their trauma and Lieutenant Tilly arrives to help them through some drama, SAM glitches out and has to make an emergency trip to Kasq. But after Tarima joins the cadets and slowly learns the lesson of Our Town, SAM gets a second chance at life with the help of Dr. Mark. Why does the USS Athena have enormous windows? Which play did Caleb pick for class? What do eternals automatically get from each other? It's the episode that puts its quadra-testicles into the canon. Support the production of Greatest Trek Get a thing at podshop.biz! Sign up for our mailing list! Greatest Trek is produced by Wynde Priddy Social media is managed by Rob Adler and Bill Tilley Music by Adam Ragusea Friends of DeSoto for: Labor | Democracy | Justice Discuss the show using the hashtag #GreatestTrek and find us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Bluesky And check out these online communities run by FODs:  Reddit | USS Hood Discord | Facebook group | Wikia | FriendsOfDeSoto.social Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Veteran New York singer/songwriter George Usher returns to action with a new album that's been some 30 years in the making, Stevensonville. Twelve original songs, each about a citizen of the fictional town of the album is named for. Each is accompanied by a full color illustration and lyrics collected in a 12" x 12" 28-page booklet. This is a limited edition, individually numbered 12" LP vinyl pressing of 200, being released March 20 by Strothard Bulldog Productions. Stevensonville is a 12-part illustrated song-cycle that delves into the myriad goings on in its namesake locale. Each song and illustration represents a different inhabitant of Stevensonville. They sometimes reference each other in the manner of Edgar Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology or Thornton Wilder's Our Town. The characters who people dark, repressed Stevensonville have their own very unusual and pressing issues to cope with, before they can gamble on leaving. George Usher's poetic lyrics and folk-rock and chamber pop musical settings combine with Laurie Webber's colorful, magnetic illustrations for a stunning, unique presentation. Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0t2r3lAo89AALlzzvpmwwr?si=vdtz4wXLRKWdGjaX3IThsg social media www.Instagram.com/george.usher About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry. Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh For inquiries, contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell  voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer          

This episode of your podcast opens in peak “we're literally on a starship” mode: live from the middle of the Atlantic with coffee, cookies, and a panel stacked like a Federation briefing room. You set the stage for Starfleet Academy Episode 8, “The Life of the Stars,” and the vibe is instantly different: not a pew-pew chapter, but an emotional ledger coming due. After the spoiler warning, the conversation locks onto the episode's mission statement: the aftermath matters. The panel highlights how the show finally leans into the trauma it previously seemed to brush past, and that choice pays off because the season has been “investing emotional currency” the whole way. The Doctor's opening monologue becomes the big neon sign here, with that Our Town “stage manager” energy used to narrate a sunrise and underline just how depressed he's become. Tarima's return is the other big emotional ignition. The panel unpacks how her reintegration is messy in a very believable way: she's back, but she's not okay, and the environment's responses often miss what she actually needs. You all peel apart the Caleb/Tarima dynamic as a collision of inexperience, trauma, and different ideas of comfort and “safety,” culminating in that debated moment where he leaves and she breaks down. One of the smartest craft choices, according to the panel, is Tilly using theater as a disguised counseling method. Bek's perspective really shines here: theater forces you into someone else's skin, lets you disassociate safely, and then hands you the mirror when you're ready. The episode's theme becomes clear: art isn't a detour from healing, it's the shuttlecraft that actually lands on the planet. As the discussion deepens, the spotlight swings to Sam and the Doctor, and the room goes quiet-loud. You all trace Sam's arc from “sunny anchor” to someone who's been carrying an old wound without language for it, and the Doctor's reactions land as both performance-flex (Picardo props all around) and character reckoning. The panel calls out how the Doctor feels “not quite there” in subtle beats, while Sam's journey starts to look like resilience training with emotional gravity. Finally, you wrap with the fun stuff that still has teeth: the prediction pool. Bubba Joe swings for the fences with Ake getting taken by the big bad by the end of Episode 9, setting up a rescue vibe for Episode 10, and the group gives it enough “feasible” to earn a little victory lap. Then the sign-off arrives in the most scientific way possible: cookies depleted = episode complete.   00:00 – Live from the Atlantic: coffee, cookies, cast-watch energy, and the episode title “The Life of the Stars” 05:57 – First-impressions round: character-focus praise vs “fundamental storytelling” nitpicks 11:54 – Spoiler siren goes off; framing the episode as aftermath processing 17:51 – The Doctor's opening monologue vibes (stage-manager / Our Town energy) 23:48 – Tarima's return: recovery, reintegration, and the weight of “what now?” 29:45 – Tilly's “theater class” as stealth counseling: why art is the delivery system 35:42 – Trauma theme sharpens: resilience, motivation, and doing the thing to get the spark back 41:39 – Cruise-context glow: watching with cast, talking Trek inside Trek (meta levels: maximum) 47:36 – Tarima/Caleb: emotional needs, mismatched coping styles, and bad timing collisions 53:33 – “Female perspective” deep dive: being labeled “too much” when you're actually wounded 59:30 – The hallway pivot: Caleb leaves, Tarima breaks, and the table debates “safety vs filling the gap” 1:05:27 – The Genesis question: jealousy, hopelessness, dependency parallels, and what Tarima thinks she can't be 1:11:24 – Sam's role as anchor: bright surface, deeper undercurrents, and the cost of not processing 1:17:21 – The Doctor's arc takes center chair: grief, love, and what's “missing” in him right now 1:23:18 – Cookies running low; Voyager-protective instincts and why this Doctor pain hits different 1:29:15 – The “hand-holding” moment and the time-jump conversation (17 years of emotional math) 1:35:12 – Sam + Doctor: the reveal that her earliest “belonging” wound traces back to him 1:41:09 – Picardo praise corner: performance details that sell “not quite there” 1:47:06 – Final takeaways: who “won” the episode, what threads feel primed for the endgame 1:53:03 – Prediction pool + send-off: Ake “taken,” rescue setup, cookies gone, two episodes left

We're back with a fresh recap and review of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1, Episode 8, "The Life of the Stars." In this spoiler-heavy discussion, Jessica Lynn Verdi and John Champion set the stage for an episode that stretches from Thornton Wilder's Our Town to SAM's home planet and straight into some of the biggest emotional questions of the season. Trauma, time, theater, and the Doctor's growing existential crisis collide as Academy attempts to reckon with the aftermath of the Miyazaki disaster. Does art heal? Does counseling help? And what happens when a character built to observe life demands the chance to actually live it? If you'd like to watch the full video version of Mission Log: Reactor — and get it a day early — you can join us on Patreon for as little as $1. Sign up at https://www.patreon.com/MissionLog (Patrons get Reactor first thing Thursday morning!) And don't forget: Join us Mondays at 7PM PT / 10PM ET for Mission Log Live, our FREE audience call-in talkback show covering each new episode. Bring your questions, theories, agreements, disagreements — and maybe even written notes. patreon.com/missionlog   For more Star Trek podcasts, videos, and discussion: missionlogpodcast.com

Anthony Ha joins us to discuss the first half of the book The Best of Kim Stanley Robinson. Stories discussed: “Venice Drowned” (10:53), “Ridge Running” (19:25), “Before I Wake” (26:55), “Black Air” (34:18), “The Lucky Strike” (44:23), “A Sensitive Dependence on Initial Conditions” (55:29), “Arthur Sternbach Brings the Curveball to Mars” (1:09:15), “The Blind Geometer” (1:17:30), “Our Town” (1:25:25), “Escape from Kathmandu” (1:28:54), “Remaking History” (1:44:05). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicole Reynolds is the Sales and Production Manager at Apparel Lab, a custom apparel, merch, and printing studio in Madison, Alabama. In her role, Nicole keeps daily operations running smoothly by coordinating sales and production workflows, managing client orders, and ensuring that custom projects are delivered with care and precision. Known for her strong organizational skills and problem-solving mindset, she helps translate customer ideas into high-quality finished products with attention to detail and excellent service. Outside of work, Nicole fuels her energy on caffeine, creative problem solving, and local travel—especially when it involves discovering great food and craft coffee. She also enjoys spending time supporting her daughter's activities and cheering from the sidelinesLearn more about Nicole and Apparel Lab http://www.apparellab.inkHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLCWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Aaron Ryan is a dedicated attorney and partner at Ryan & Rouse, LLC, a respected law firm serving Madison, Huntsville, and the broader North Alabama community. With over 18 years of legal experience, Aaron is known for his relentless advocacy, integrity, and commitment to his clients' well-being. Originally from Georgia, Aaron grew up as an accomplished athlete alongside his twin brother, learning early lessons in work ethic and discipline from his family and coaches. His upbringing—with deep family roots in rural South Carolina—instilled in him values of honor, compassion, and resilience that continue to shape his approach to law. A transformative two-year missionary assignment in rural Mexico further solidified his drive to serve others, reinforcing his belief in fairness, dignity, and community. Aaron earned his Bachelor's degree from Augusta State University and his Juris Doctor from Samford University's Cumberland School of Law. Since being admitted to the Alabama Bar in 2007, he has focused his practice on personal injury law, securing significant verdicts and settlements for clients in cases ranging from vehicle and workplace injuries to underinsured motorist claims. His legal excellence has been recognized by his peers, including being named in Best Lawyers for Personal Injury Litigation. In addition to personal injury work, Aaron handles select family law matters and is known for representing members of the Spanish-speaking community, ensuring language barriers don't stand between clients and justice. Across all his work, Aaron treats every client not just as a case—but as a person deserving of respect, clarity, and strong legal support. Timeline00:00 Start00:45 Legal Expert Interviews02:50 Aaron's Bio06:00 Choosing Legal Track12:30 Owning a Firm16:40 Billboard Attorneys21:21 Case Settlements26:00 Influencing a Jury35:15 ChatGPT Analysis of Ryan & Rouse39:07 Balancing Time, Managing Stress45:30 Divorce Cases52:10 Madison City Judge57:02 Spanish Speaking01:02:14 Game Time - Musical Memory01:18:25 Final ThoughtsLearn more about Aaron and his firm Ryan & Rouse at https://alabamalaw.comHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLCWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

FALLOUT star Walton Goggins takes hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante through his favorite westerns. Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode The Accountant (2001) The Apostle (1998) House of 1,000 Corpses (2003) Chrystal (2004) Miracle at St. Anna (2008) Predators (2010) Lincoln (2012) A History of Violence (2005) Citizen Kane (1941) Once Upon A Time In The West (1968) 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) The Hired Hand (1971) Easy Rider (1969) A Fistful of Dollars (1964) For A Few Dollars More (1965) The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1967) Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) Yojimbo (1960) Seven Samurai (1954) High Noon (1952) The Hateful Eight (2015) The Cowboys (1970) King of Marvin Gardens (1972) Coming Home (1978) On Golden Pond (1981) Our Town (1940) The Long Goodbye (1973) The Wild Bunch (1969) Dillinger (1973) Wild Rovers (1971) Shane (1953) Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid (1973) The Second Civil War (1997) The President's Analyst (1967) Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) Bad Company (1972) Places in the Heart (1984) The Big Lebowski (1998) Piranha (1978) Daisy Miller (1974) The Late Show (1977) The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) Other Notable Items Our Patreon!  The Hollywood Food Coalition Fallout TV series (2024- ) Jonathan Nolan Graham Wagner Geneva Robertson-Dworet Danny McBride The Righteous Gemstones TV series (2019-25) El Compadre restaurant in Los Angeles The Academy Awards Sidney Poitier The Sundance Film Festival The Slamdance Film Festival The Shield TV series (2002-08) Michael Chiklis Hill Street Blues TV series (1981-87) The Wire TV series (2002-08) Justified TV series (2010-15) Sons of Anarchy TV series (2012-14) Vice Principals TV series (2016-17) I'm A Virgo miniseries (2023) Daniel Waters Walter Hill Gregg Toland  The White Lotus TV series (2021- ) Sam Rockwell Ron Perlman Quentin Tarantino Henry Fonda Sergio Leone Woody Strode Tom Hanks TFH Guru Roger Corman Stanley Kubrick Ennio Morricone Jason Robards Charles Bronson Claudia Cardinale Clint Eastwood John Wayne Warren Oates  Bruce Dern Peter Fonda Akira Kurosawa Masaki Kobayashi  Lee Van Cleef Luciano Vincenzoni United Artists James Bond “The Ecstasy of Gold” theme by Ennio Morricone (1966) Eli Wallach  Abbey Road Studios Tim Roth Kurt Russell Harlan Ellison Robert Duvall Ed Harris Chris Cooper Anthony Hopkins Roscoe Lee Browne Mark Rydell William Holden James Arness Alan Ladd Ernest Borgnine Bo Hopkins Ben Johnson Sam Peckinpah Harry Dean Stanton Perry Mason TV series (1957-66) The Rifleman TV series (1958-63) In The Heat of the Night TV series (1988-95) Slim Pickens Richard Boone George Stevens Alan Ladd Paramount Pictures James Coburn Our Man Flint film franchise Errol Flynn The Criterion Collection Sam Peckinpah Gillian Welch David Rollins Kris Kristofferson New Line Cinema Willie Nelson The Roxy in West Hollywood, CA Mick Jagger Robert Benton Jeff Bridges Barry Brown David Huddleston Peter Bogdanovich Art Carney  Lily Tomlin Sam Spade Brad Pitt Anthony Mann Juliette Lewis Geoffrey Lewis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leah Rise is a children's book author and storyteller, best known for Maverick A Million, a heart-centered picture book about courage, inner strength, and self-worth aimed at young readers. The story draws inspiration from her youngest son, Maverick, and carries a message encouraging children to embrace their unique gifts rather than compare themselves to others. Her work blends lyrical, poetic language with themes of emotional growth, confidence, and courage. Leah is also a mom of four adopted children, and her experiences as a parent and caregiver — including her long journey as a foster mom — deeply influence her writing. She uses storytelling as a way to help children navigate big feelings and discover resilience from within. In addition to her author work, her online presence on social platforms like Instagram highlights her roles as a storyteller, family person, and creative voice sharing moments from her life and the inspiration behind her work. Her debut book and its companion coloring book are published under Leah Rise Books and seek to support children ages roughly 4–8 with meaningful, uplifting stories. Follow Leah Rise on instagram @maverick_a_millionBuy the book here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maverick-a-million-leah-rise/114762651000:00 Start02:30 Domain Names05:01 Leah Intro09:03 Foster Mom16:05 Wanting to be a Mother19:00 Australia23:00 The Desire to be a Foster Mom32:58 Trauma & Honesty42:25 Inspiration for Book45:50 Searching for Good51:25 Book Overiew01:02:00 Focus Groups01:12:50 Getting to know Leah01:26:40 Upcoming Guest - Mrs. Alabama01:25:15 STEM company01:35:43 Our Town Podcast IdeaHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Chad Emerson is the Managing Director of Business Operations for Huntsville City Football Club (HCFC), a position he has held since September 2022. He leads local business operations, partnerships, and fan experience for the MLS NEXT Pro team, having previously served as CEO of Downtown Huntsville, Inc. for nine years. Prior to his role with Huntsville City FC, Emerson built a reputation as a key figure in urban development and community leadership: Downtown Huntsville, Inc. (DHI): Served as the founding CEO for nine years (2013–2022), where he is credited with spearheading the revitalization of Downtown Huntsville through placemaking and economic initiatives.City of Montgomery: Acted as the Director of City Development (2011–2013), overseeing commercial and residential growth.Academic Background: Previously a Professor of Law at the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law (2003–2011), specializing in property and land development. Visit the HCFC page https://www.mlsnextpro.com/huntsvillecityfc/00:00 Start01:25 Disney Doctrine to Fan Experience12:05 Ideation Process22:21 2026 Season Schedule Reveal35:00 Themed Nights40:08 Use of AI43:12 ChatGPT's thoughts on MLS Next Pro and HCFC48:50 Academy System54:05 1st Guest at the Triology Hotel57:15 Mt. Rushmore of Snacks01:01:45 ConclusionHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Michael Sheen on the first production of his newly-formed Welsh National Theatre, Thornton Wilder's 1938 play Our Town seen through a Welsh lens. Film critic Larushka Ivan-Zadeh reacts to the Bafta nominations announced today and how they compare with last week's Oscar's list. 100 years since Laurel and Hardy united for their first film, Neil Brand discusses the comedy duo with film historian Pamela Hutchinson.And writer Patrick Charnley discusses his Cornwall-set novel This My Second Life, which came out of his experience being clinically dead for forty minutes, and his subsequent recovery from a life changing brain injury.Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Lucy Collingwood

Send us a textIn this episode of the Treasures of Our Town podcast, hosts Joshua and Craig reflect on their experiences over the past year, sharing personal stories, family updates, and insights into their podcasting journey. They discuss the unique towns and quirky attractions they've explored, engage with their listeners through patron submissions, and celebrate the growth and achievements of their podcast. The conversation highlights the importance of community, family, and the joy of discovering hidden treasures across America. In this engaging conversation, Craig and JJ explore a variety of themes related to travel, geocaching, and unique roadside attractions. They discuss the excitement of March Madness, memorable experiences from the Texas Challenge, and the underrated charm of St. Louis. The duo also delves into quirky topics like the Boring Town Challenge and the whimsical Uranus, Missouri. They reflect on the largest geocaching event in Morgantown, the unique Porcelain Pilgrimage, and the fun of navigating block parties. The conversation wraps up with insights on full-time travel, discovering small towns, and a spooky exploration of the most haunted webcam in America, along with behind-the-scenes details of their GIFF film.Texas Challenge VideoHaunted Library Video Support the showFacebookInstagramYoutube

Marshall began creating his catchy, harmonically thick rock tunes in the early '80s with six major label albums, but went indie in the '90s to record four more as well as several EPs and live collections. We discuss "Stranger and Stranger," newly reworked for From the Hellhole (2025), "Right On Time" from Jaggedland (2009), "Fantastic Planet of Love" from Life's Too Short (1991), and we conclude by listening to Our Town" from Field Day (1983). Intro: "Someday, Someway" from Marshall Crenshaw (1982). More at marshallcrenshaw.com. Hear more Nakedly Examined Music at nakedlyexaminedmusic.com. Support us at patreon.com/nakedlyexaminedmusic. Sponsors: Go to surfshark.com/nakedly or use code nakedly at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN. Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance; connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at rula.com/nem.