Best Ghost Blog Writers Podcasts (2026)

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68: We're All Odysseus | Disney+ Percy Jackson and the Olympians 2.06 (Nobody Gets The Fleece) 1:14:12

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1d ago1:14:12

1:14:12

This week, we're deep diving into episode 6 of season 2 of Disney+ Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Nobody Gets The Fleece. Discussion topics may include: Luke's quest, cyclops history, Percy's dream, Polyphemus, human(?) connections, messy choices, and Aaron Stone. Check us out on Patreon to submit questions for future interviews, and to get early…

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67: We Start Our Own Hero Cult | Disney+ Percy Jackson and the Olympians 2.05 (We Check In To C.C.'s Spa and Resort) 1:19:31

2d ago1:19:31

1:19:31

This week, we're analyzing episode 5 of season 2 of Disney+ Percy Jackson and the Olympians, We Check In To C.C.'s Spa and Resort. Discussion topics may include: solitude, fatal flaws, hero cults, Hylla, human choices, pirate community, and the world Circe has built for herself. Check us out on Patreon to submit questions for future interviews, and…

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Appalachia's Old Christmas, New Year's Traditions and Superstitions, and "Untelling" 6:48

7d ago6:48

6:48

What did you think of this episode? In this edited episode revisit, we talk about Old Christmas (or "Little Christmas) that many Appalachians still celebrate on January 6th. We'll also talk about favorite New Year's foods for luck (like Hoppin' John) and how to avoid bad luck (don't do laundry or sweep.) Then we'll talking about the word "untelling…

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66: Monster Donut Tears Our Family Apart | Disney+ Percy Jackson and the Olympians 2.04 (Clarisse Blows Up Everything) feat. Interviews w/ Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, Charlie Bushnell, Dan Shotz ... 1:39:01

13d ago1:39:01

1:39:01

This week, we're deep diving into the episode 4 of season 2 of Disney+ Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Clarisse Blows Up Everything, featuring interviews with Leah Sava Jeffries, Charlie Bushnell, Aryan Simhadri, Dan Shotz, and Craig Silverstein. Discussion topics may include: Thalia Grace's introduction, choice, responsibility, Cult Half-Blood, S…

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65: We Go Ghost Hunting On The Princess Andromeda | Disney+ Percy Jackson and the Olympians 2.03 (We Board The Princess Andromeda) feat. Interviews w/ Dior Goodjohn, Charlie Bushnell, Rick Riordan, Craig ... 1:22:48

20d ago1:22:48

1:22:48

This week, we're deep diving into the episode 3 of season 2 of Disney+ Percy Jackson and the Olympians, We Board The Princess Andromeda, featuring interviews with Dior Goodjohn, Charlie Bushnell, Rick Riordan, Craig Silverstein, and Dan Shotz. Discussion topics may include: the coffin scene, Luke's taste in paintings, Clarisse and Ares, Clarisse an…

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64: The Chariot Race Ends With A Whimper | Disney+ Percy Jackson and the Olympians 2.02 (Demon Pigeons Attack) 1:12:30

20d ago1:12:30

1:12:30

This week, we're deep diving into the episode 2 of season 2 of Disney+ Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Demon Pigeons Attack. Discussion topics may include: the Great Prophecy, foreshadowing in the chariot race, Percy's empathy, testing boundaries, Chris Rodriguez, betrayal, and Grover being cast as Penelope. Check us out on Patreon to submit quest…

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63: Phoebe Gets Canceled | Disney+ Percy Jackson and the Olympians 2.01 (I Play Dodgeball With Cannibals) feat. Interviews w/ Daniel Diemer, Rick Riordan, Walker Scobell, and Leah Sava Jeffries 1:37:12

1M ago1:37:12

1:37:12

This week, we're deep diving into the first episode of season 2 of Disney+ Percy Jackson and the Olympians, I Play Dodgeball With Cannibals, featuring interviews with Daniel Diemer, Rick Riordan, Walker Scobell, and Leah Sava Jeffries! Discussion topics may include: our set visit, Percy's artistic side, the wild, Camp Rock parallels, getting lost, …

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62: We Begin Our Homecoming | The Odyssey 55:09

28d ago55:09

55:09

This week, we're rereading The Odyssey in preparation for season 2 of Disney+ Percy Jackson and the Olympians! Discussion topics may include: homecoming in The Sea of Monsters, Telemachus parallels, Helen's role in The Odyssey, Calypso's island, guest rights, and metamorphosis. Check us out on Patreon to submit questions for future interviews, and …

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Bless Your Heart: The Journey to Understanding and Embracing Our Appalachian Voiceplaces 32:44

1M ago32:44

32:44

What did you think of this episode? In this episode, I'm joined by an Appalachian artist and fourth-year UVA-Wise student Bailey Lantman who shares her journey of discovering the academic study of her regional dialect and heritage. We talk about the importance of preserving Appalachian voices, the influence of family and regional history on her ide…

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In Conversation with Ron Rash: The Caretaker and Appalachian Narratives 39:40

1M ago39:40

39:40

What did you think of this episode? *This episode first aired in 2023* Bestselling author and Western North Carolinian Ron Rash joins the Talking Appalachian podcast to discuss his latest novel, The Caretaker. Amy explores Rash's extensive body of work, including his contributions to Talking Appalachian (the book), the significance of dialect and v…

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61: Season 2 Predictions! | Disney+ Percy Jackson and the Olympians feat. Gillian Blum 1:00:55

2M ago1:00:55

1:00:55

This week, we're theorizing our way through season 2, joined by our friend, entertainment reporter Gillian Blum! Discussion topics may include: episode titles, flashbacks, fatal flaws, building out Clarisse, Grover, & Luke's storylines, Triumvirate Holdings, the siren scene, and where Monster Donut fits into all of this. Find Gillian on Twitter her…

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Homer Hickam: From Rocket Boy to Bestselling Writer 47:19

2M ago47:19

47:19

What did you think of this episode? Renowned author of 19 books and former NASA engineer Homer Hickam sits down with me and a few students at UVA's College at Wise to talk about his journey from the coalfields of West Virginia to becoming a celebrated author and esteemed engineer. In this episode, Hickam shares his experiences writing Rocket Boys a…

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The Last Run: Molasses-Making in the Mountains 7:42

2M ago7:42

7:42

What did you think of this episode? *From the Season 1 Archive* "Molassey," as that smoky, syrupy mixture is known in central Appalachia, is a dying tradition. Appalachians call the process of making molasses a 'stir-off,' and everybody in the community would come by to help or sit around the boiling pan and talk. The word 'molasses' becomes 'lasse…

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The "Re-Storification" of Appalachia with Jeff Biggers 31:55

3M ago31:55

31:55

What did you think of this episode? Jeff Biggers is the author of The United States of Appalachia, In Sardina, Trials of a Scourge, and many more. You've heard me discuss his work on the podcast, particularly in New England, where we visited the grave of Washington Irving, who first proposed that the country's name be changed from "America" to "App…

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60: We Take The Authors To Court | The Court of the Dead (Live Reaction!) (feat. Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro) 1:32:10

3M ago1:32:10

1:32:10

This week, we're journeying through The Court of the Dead by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro, featuring a short interview with Rick and Mark, predictions, reactions, and a debrief after it all. Discussion topics may include: Hazel Levesque, facing the truth, The Oresteia, Circus Gothica, post-Trials of Apollo existence, and what justice looks like. Ge…

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The Folklore and Custom of "Telling the Bees" 11:23

4M ago11:23

11:23

What did you think of this episode? What does it mean to “tell the bees”? In this episode, we explore a centuries-old European custom carried into Appalachia by Scots-Irish, English, Welsh, and German settlers. Families once whispered news of births, marriages, and deaths to their hives, sometimes draping them in black cloth or feeding them bits of…

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59: Talking The Court of the Dead with Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro! 30:38

4M ago30:38

30:38

This week, we've got Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro here to discuss their upcoming novel, The Court of the Dead! Discussion topics may include: finding the right story for Nico & Hazel, writing Percy from Nico's perspective, crafting Will Solace, justice, choice, and choosing Westport for Luke's hometown. You can find more info on Rick and Mark's Cou…

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58: Things Get Wicked | Greco-Roman Riordanverse Wrap-Up 1:08:26

4M ago1:08:26

1:08:26

This week, we're finally wrapping up everything we've covered so far in the Greco-Roman Riordanverse. Discussion topics may include: a final consensus on Percy's fatal flaw, the Curse of Achilles, the storytellers of the Riordanverse, a ranking of the adaptations, Steve Rogers, and a long detour into Wicked. Listen to Phoebe's PJO/HOO/TOA playlist …

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Talkin' Appalachian in the Digital Space with Appalachian_Bluebird 23:24

4M ago23:24

23:24

What did you think of this episode? If you're following Appalachian digital creators on social media, you've probably come across Appalachian_Bluebird, a vlog created by Southwest Virginia's Brittany Breeding. Inspired by her grandparents and upbringing in Meadowview, Virginia, Brittany shares what she learned from them, including features of her A…

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When "Rednecks" Rose Up: Igniting the Labor Movement in Appalachia and What "Hillbilly" Means to Me 23:49

4M ago23:49

23:49

What did you think of this episode? *This is an edited repost of an August 29, 2024 episode* The word “redneck” might have different connotations today, but its roots tell a very different story. In this episode, we trace the surprising history of the word, from its early association with solidarity among coal miners in the hills of Appalachia to i…

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57: Graphic Novelist Orpheus Collar on Adapting the Riordanverse 51:04

5M ago51:04

51:04

This week, we're joined by graphic novelist Orpheus Collar to discuss his work adapting the Riordanverse! Discussion topics may include: the design process, illustrating Tartarus, creating detailed environments, archeology, favorite scenes, the act of adaptation, and looking to the fans. You can find Orpheus on Instagram here: https://www.instagram…

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Haint Blue, Ghost Walking in the Low Country, and The Disappearing -R in Appalachian Accents 15:05

5M ago15:05

15:05

What did you think of this episode? From mountain mists to coastal marshes, the American South is rich with stories that blur the line between weather, superstition, and the supernatural. In this episode, we explore the colorful world of Appalachian weather lore: old sayings and signs used to predict snow long before the weatherman came on the radi…

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56: San Diego Comic-Con Interviews & Recap | Disney+ Percy Jackson Season 2 1:08:36

5M ago1:08:36

1:08:36

In today's very special episode, we're breaking down our experience at SDCC featuring interviews from our roundtable conversations with Jon Steinberg, Dan Shotz, Craig Silverstein, Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, Charlie Bushnell, Dior Goodjohn, and Daniel Diemer! Discussion topics may include: Thalia Grace, The Diary of Luke Ca…

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Dog Days, the Signs, and More Summer Lore 26:56

6M ago26:56

26:56

What did you think of this episode? *This updated episode first aired on July 3, 2024* Dog Days are upon us in Appalachia, stretching from July 3rd to August 11, but what does this 16th century phrase mean? Many of us in Appalachia have heard that dog days means avoiding swimming, touching bare feet to the morning dew, and taking care to avoid snak…

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Tiffany Williams: Singer, Songwriter, and Appalachian Dialect Coach 37:16

6M ago37:16

37:16

What did you think of this episode? A coal miner's daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter from Eastern Kentucky, Tiffany Williams followed her dreams of singing and songwriting to Nashville. I knew her first as a writer and linguist, specializing in Appalachian dialects, a background that she continues to use in her work as a dialect coac…

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55: We Take Percy To Therapy | Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes feat. Mal from Demigod Debut 1:41:21

6M ago1:41:21

1:41:21

This week, we're back from hiatus and joined by Mal from Demigod Debut for the final book in the Greco-Roman Riordanverse (for now), Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes by Rick Riordan. Discussion topics may include: which heroes Percy chooses to see himself in, where in the Jason Grace timeline we are, morals, fatal flaws, Percy's fandom activities, repr…

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Barbara Kingsolver on Writing and the Recovery Center Built by Demon Copperhead 1:03:08

7M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

What did you think of this episode? *This episode originally aired August 1, 2024* Barbara Kingsolver's novel just keeps on giving: this month she opened the Higher Ground Women's Recovery Residence in my home county of Lee (VA) because, as she says in this episode, what Demon needed most was his mother. In this episode, the eastern Kentucky native…

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The Ballad of Falling Rock and Author Jordan Dotson 37:16

7M ago37:16

37:16

What did you think of this episode? The Ballad of Falling Rock is one of the best novels I've read this year, so I was fortunate to be able to interview its author, Jordan Dotson. Listen in as we talk about his inspiration for the novel (which began with a snow day and no electricity) and the family stories that helped form the historical context f…

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Kendra Winchester of the Read Appalachia Podcast and the Books that Made Us 42:54

7M ago42:54

42:54

What did you think of this episode? This week, I'm collaborating with another podcaster, Kendra Winchester, from Appalachian Ohio. She hosts and produces the award-winning Read Appalachia podcast. Naturally, we're talking about books and authors, but also the way language shaped us, and how we grew into an understanding of what it means to be Appal…

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Season 3: "Let's Discuss" Southern and Appalachian Culture with Landon Bryant 38:21

7M ago38:21

38:21

What did you think of this episode? Landon Bryant, author of Bless Your Heart: A Field Guide to All Things Southern and social media sensation @landontalks, launches Season 3 of the podcast. We'll talk about everything from hollers to waspers, Dolly and Loretta, cornbread and poke cakes, the overlap between deep South and Appalachian culture, liter…

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Is the Southern Accent Fading? 17:56

8M ago17:56

17:56

What did you think of this episode? Southern accents are in the news again (but they've really never left our hearts and minds). Maybe it was Parker Posey's White Lotus character from North Carolina, who stole hearts with her syrupy vowels that created the latest buzz. But the conversation always leads to: are Southern accents fading? The short ans…

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The 1929 Cyclone of Rye Cove, Virginia: Storm, Song, and Suit 19:23

8M ago19:23

19:23

What did you think of this episode? In this episode, we head back to May 2, 1929, when a deadly tornado tore through the small mountain community of Rye Cove, Virginia, claiming the lives of 12 schoolchildren and one teacher and leaving lasting scars on the region. We explore: What happened that spring afternoon in Rye Cove and the impact on the co…

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From the Highlands to the Hollers: Outlander, Scots English and Appalachian Englishes 13:58

9M ago13:58

13:58

What did you think of this episode? Outlander fans will enjoy this episode, where we trace the winding trail of language from the misty Highlands of Scotland to the shaded hollers of Appalachia. Along the way, we unpack double modals like “might could,” trace the evolution of the word highlander and outlander, and reflect on how language becomes a …

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54: We Offend The Gods | Percy Jackson's Greek Gods 1:21:15

9M ago1:21:15

1:21:15

***CONTENT WARNING: Discussions of sexual assault throughout this episode, as well as mentions of suicide 47:06.*** This week, we're finally diving into Percy's post-Heroes of Olympus feelings on the gods in Percy Jackson's Greek Gods by Rick Riordan. Discussion topics may include: Percy's authorial career, which versions of the myths we're telling…

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Appalachian Accents and Speech Recognition Technology 16:52

9M ago16:52

16:52

What did you think of this episode? Have you ever tried text to speech with your accent, only to find your message garbled? In this episode of The Talking Appalachian Podcast, we'll explore speech technology and how AI interacts (and doesn't) with the unique accents found across America, including those in Appalachia. We discuss the 30 most misunde…

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Talkin' Truth with NYT Bestselling Author of The Glass Castle Jeannette Walls 25:49

10M ago25:49

25:49

What did you think of this episode? Jeannette Walls is hailed as one of the world's most gifted storytellers, and she's been sharing her remarkable story of resilience and redemption with audience since her memoir, The Glass Castle, was published in 2005. The book chronicles her dysfunctional and nomadic upbringing, part of which took place in Welc…

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53: We Choose Our Own Adventure | Demigods of Olympus: An Interactive Adventure 1:09:20

11M ago1:09:20

1:09:20

This week, we're playing through the defunct Percy Jackson Choose-Your-Own-Adventure app, Demigods of Olympus, and creating our own godly parent quizzes. Discussion topics may include: heroism, Black Mirror, agency, xenia, the Kim Kardashian app, Columbia and Libertas, temples, Rise of the Brave Tangled Dragons, and the alternate ending of Blood of…

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The Meanings and Mystery of "Melungeon" 16:18

11M ago16:18

16:18

What did you think of this episode? In episode 50, we will talk about the word "Melungeon," its multiple meanings, and the history of a mysterious Appalachian people known as the "lost tribe" (who claim Elvis and Abraham Lincoln among their members.) Appalachian historian Dr. Brian McKnight joins me as we dive into a dark part of Virginia's history…

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The Word "Dadgum" and author Silas House on Defeating Accent Bullies "One Word at a Time" 10:31

11M ago10:31

10:31

What did you think of this episode? Listen to find out what word people are replacing with the euphemism "dadgum." Then, author and Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House reads from his essay "In My Own Country," about how his parents learned to defeat those who were making fun of their accents....one word at a time. Listen to holocaust survivor Yvette…

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52: Joe Tracz on Constructing The Lightning Thief Musical, the London Premiere, and Bringing Percy to Stage and Screen 44:06

11M ago44:06

44:06

This week, Joe Tracz is back, this time to talk The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical! Discussion topics may include: adapting Percy Jackson to multiple mediums, updating the show at The Other Palace, anime, new takes on the PJO characters, double casting, and the Trials of Apollo musical that should and WILL be. Check us out on Patreon to…

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"Them guys," Three Reasons We Will Always Talk Appalachian, and an Excerpt from Lee Smith 11:50

11M ago11:50

11:50

What did you think of this episode? You know the phrases "How do you like them apples?" and "Them's fightin' words!" We'll talk about the Scotch-Irish roots of them for these and those. Then, I'll tell you three of the top reasons why Appalachian speakers won't give up their dialects despite the risk of stigma. Then listen to an excerpt from the es…

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"Here's you a piece of pizza": a common grammar pattern in the South, and Wool as a Verb 6:35

12M ago6:35

6:35

What did you think of this episode? "Here's you a piece of pizza. Where's me some silverware? There's us a table." We'll talk about this common grammar pattern and where it's spoken. Then, we'll switch to the word "wool," a word used as a verb in vernacular southern Englishes since the 19th century, as in, "The little boy is wooling that kitten." R…

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The Best of 2024: Highlights Part 2 31:48

1y ago31:48

31:48

What did you think of this episode? Listen to more of the best clips from 2024's podcast episode, including: Jack Beck talking about the influence of Scots Gaelic; Jane Hicks reading from her book of poetry, The Safety of Small Things; The origins of the word "redneck,"; A conversation with Hillbilly documentary director Ashley York; Adriana Trigia…

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51: Monster Donut Takes London | The Lightning Thief Musical at The Other Palace 1:09:10

1y ago1:09:10

1:09:10

This week, we ventured to London to see The Other Palace's production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Discussion topics may include: changes between Broadway and Off-West End, trying, Castiel quotes, camp counselor Luke, the new staging of The Tree On The Hill, Annabeth as the prime suspect, and Percy's new jewelry. Check us out …

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The Best of 2024: Highlight Clips from Selected Episodes 26:58

1y ago26:58

26:58

What did you think of this episode? This episode includes highlights from some of the best episodes of 2024, which include: my interview with Pulitzer-winning reporter and memoirist Rick Bragg; a study of two letters written a century apart and their dialect similarities; what I learned about an ancient Pictish language during a visit to Ireland; m…

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The Christmas Poke, a Hard Candy Christmas, Old Christmas, and Animals Praying at Midnight in Appalachia 20:19

1y ago20:19

20:19

What did you think of this episode? We're exploring some Appalachian Christmas traditions in this episode from The Christmas poke, or treat bag, to the term "Hard Candy Christmas," made popular in a Dolly Parton song. We'll also talk about Old Christmas, its origins, and why people still recognize January 6th as the one true Christmas Day. Support …

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Graveyards, Famous Houses, and an Inspirational Mailbox in the Middle of Nowhere: Sleepy Hollow to Sunset Beach 28:20

1y ago28:20

28:20

What did you think of this episode? In this places and spaces episode that starts in the northern reaches of the Appalachian plateau, we travel from quaint Sleepy Hollow, New York to the serene sands of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, uncovering stories of history, literature, and connection (in a special little mailbox) along the way. This adventure…

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What Do We Mean by 'Directly' and 'Needs Washed'? 9:07

1y ago9:07

9:07

What did you think of this episode? This episode is about a word and a phrase that are still commonly used in the Appalachian region. First, I'll offer a little refresher on what makes up a dialect and how these words fit in. We'll talk about "directly" as in "I'll be there directly" and the phrase needs + a participle (like washed.) Who uses them …

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50: Rob Rokicki On How The Lightning Thief Musical Works, Adapting Percy Jackson, and Taking The Show To London 55:21

1y ago55:21

55:21

This week, we have the wonderfully talented composer and lyricist behind The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, Rob Rokicki, with us! Discussion topics may include: musical world-building, the inner workings of Good Kid, The Oresteia, motifs, the power of an acoustic guitar, cut songs, philosophies on reprises, and updating the show for it…

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Places and Spaces: Edgar Allen Poe's Baltimore Home and a Reading of "The Raven" 13:27

1y ago13:27

13:27

What did you think of this episode? In this "Places and Spaces" episode, we'll mark the October anniversary of Edgar Allen Poe's mysterious death with a visit to Poe's house in Baltimore and the cemetery where he is buried. Then, listen to a haunting reading of "The Raven" (with audio by Brock Davidson.) Special thanks to Brock Davidson for lending…