Best James Sparkman Podcasts (2025)

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History's Hook EP8 08-16-2025 Freedmens Schools 1:00:01

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10d ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Episode 8: Path to Freedom: Freedmen’s Bureau Schools in Tennessee To assist the formerly enslaved in their transition to freedom, the federal government inaugurated a program called the Freedmen’s Bureau. Created in March of 1865, its initial purpose was to "direct… provisions, clothing, and fuel, as may be deemed needful for the immediate and tem…

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History's Hook RM EP15 08-02-2025 Elias Polk 1:00:01

24d ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Elias Polk was born into slavery North Carolina, but grew up in Tennessee. The majority of his life was spent serving James K. Polk who would eventually become the 11th President. His life, however, spanned some eighty years, through emancipation, where Elias became politically active in Tennessee. Join Tom, Barry, and Jo Ann and listen to Elias’ s…

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I’ll Show You… Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble (GBC, 2001) 58:56

24d ago58:56

58:56

Welcome to another episode of I’ll Show You Mine! This time, James is showing Elyse ‘Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble’ for Game Boy Color from 2001. Another entry in the Kirby franchise that doesn’t follow Kirby going on a grand adventure so much as cast Kirby as the main character in a game that uses a new unique mechanic. In this case, it’s an accelerometer…

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History's Hook RM EP2 07-19-2025 Natchez Trace 1:00:01

1M ago1:00:01

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Episode 2: The Devil’s Backbone: The History of the Natchez Trace History’s Hook’s hosts, Tom Price and Dr. Barry Gidcomb welcome Tony Turnbow, author of “The Natchez Trace in the War of 1812” which was published in The Journal of Mississippi History and most recently, the full length book published by Time Tunnel Media titled, Hardened to Hickory:…

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I’ll Show You… Pretty Woman (1990) 1:15:18

2M ago1:15:18

1:15:18

Welcome to another episode of I’ll Show You Mine! This time, Elyse is showing James ‘Pretty Woman’ from 1990. It’s the Cinderella story of romance blossoming between LA sex worker Vivan and ultra-wealthy capitalist Edward after he plucks her from the streets to become his paid companion for a week. Join us as we talk about the classic romcom qualit…

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History's Hook RM EP41 07-05-2025 Sammy Sparkman 1:00:01

2M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

In this episode Tom and Jo Ann speak to retired professional boxer Sammy Sparkman. Born and raised in Columbia, TN, Mr. Sparkman began boxing when he was just seven years old. Following some time away from the sport, Mr. Sparkman spent six years in amateur boxing before turning pro in 1997. He fought in the ring all over the United States and the w…

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History's Hook RM EP6 06-21-2025 Young Hickory James K Polk 1:00:01

2M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Tennessee boasts three presidents. Host Tom Price begins his three part presidential series by interviewing the long-time director of the President James K. Polk Home and Museum, John Holtzapple. Polk is one of the least-known presidents in American history, but as you will hear, deserves to be remembered as one of the most successful. His accompli…

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History's Hook RM EP49 06-07-2025 Justice Holly Kirby 1:00:01

3M ago1:00:01

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The honorable Holly Kirby is a Tennessean that inspires. After earning degrees in engineering and law, she went on to practice law in Memphis before being appointed to the bench in the Tennessee Court of Appeals, the first woman to sit on that Court. After spending nearly 19 years there, she was sworn into the Tennessee Supreme Court in 2014. Join …

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I’ll Show You… Wolfenstein: The New Order (PC, 2014) 1:38:14

3M ago1:38:14

1:38:14

Welcome to another episode of I’ll Show You Mine! This time, James is back in the driver’s seat showing Elyse a video game, and it’s 2014’s next-gen imagining of the iconic Wolfenstein series, ‘Wolfenstein: The New Order’. Wolfenstein is a WWII game where you fight Nazis, and in this iteration, main character William “BJ” Blazkowicz must join the r…

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History's Hook RM EP55 05-24-2025 Ron Ladd USN Retired 1:00:01

3M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

What does it feel like to be in control of enough firepower to obliterate a continent? Join host Tom Price as he interviews former ballistic missile sub commander Ronald Ladd. After growing up on a farm in rural Maury County, TN, Ron Ladd attended Rice University for math and engineering on a Navy ROTC scholarship. Following his graduation, he was …

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History's Hook EP34 05-10-2025 Imogene Nelson of the Womens Army Corps 1:00:01

4M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

History’s Hook explores the life of Mrs. Imogene Nelson. Raised in Maury County, Mrs. Nelson grew up in Columbia in the 1930’s and 1940’s. During WWII, three of her brothers served in the military, one of them, Shannon, a pilot, died when his plane crashed in Upstate NY. Mrs. Nelson graduated from Columbia Central before entering the Women’s Army C…

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I’ll Show You… Nancy Drew: Message in a Haunted Mansion (GBA/PC, 2000) 1:12:22

4M ago1:12:22

1:12:22

Welcome to another episode of I’ll Show You Mine! This time, it’s another switcharoo as Elyse shows James a video game, ‘Nancy Drew: Message in a Haunted Mansion’ from 2000. The third installment in the Nancy Drew series of point-and-click mystery adventure games, ‘Message in a Haunted’ Mansion follows stalwart girl detective Nancy Drew as she inve…

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I’ll Show You… Streets of Fire (1984) 1:15:20

4M ago1:15:20

1:15:20

Welcome to another episode of I’ll Show You Mine! It’s April again and that means it’s time for our topsy turvy switcharoo episodes! This year, James is showing Elyse ‘Streets of Fire’ from 1984. A “Rock and Roll Fable” directed and co-written by 48 Hrs and The Warriors director Walter Hill, ‘Streets of Fire’ tells the story of Tom Cody, a rough-an…

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History's Hook EP29 04-26-2025 Lyman Johnson 1:00:01

4M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Episode 29: Voices of Segregation: Lyman Johnson Hosts Tom Price and Jo Ann McClellan are joined by Louisville, Kentucky native Lyman M. Johnson. After attending the University of Louisville and spending time in the military, he also attended the University of Kentucky where he studied chemistry. He spent his career as a chemist for Honeywell Corpo…

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History's Hook EP48 04-12-2025 Cecil Whiteside WWII Naval Veteran 1:00:01

5M ago1:00:01

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Episode #48: Centenarian Cecil Whiteside, WWII Naval Veteran Mr. Cecil Whiteside has spent most of his life in Hampshire, Tennessee with the exception of the years 1942-1945, when he was a member of the Navy Armed Guards, protecting cargo ships as they transported men and materiel all over the world. Join Tom and Dr. Gidcomb as they speak to Mr. Wh…

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History's Hook EP40 03-29-25 NegroBBLeague 1:00:01

5M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Baseball is the quintessential American sport. Its long history dates back to the mid-19th century. But the sport has had a fractious history when it came to race relations. Despite quite a large number of African Americans playing in various leagues along-side white players in the early years of the sport, by the turn of the 20th century, complete…

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I’ll Show You… Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) 1:32:13

5M ago1:32:13

1:32:13

Welcome to another episode of I’ll Show You Mine! This time Elyse is showing James ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ from 1973. The movie version of the Broadway show which was itself a version of a concept album by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar was directed by Norman Jewison and covers the Passion, the last few days of Jesus’ lif…

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I’ll Show You… Retro Game Challenge (DS, 2009) 55:41

6M ago55:41

55:41

Welcome to another episode of I’ll Show You Mine! This time James is showing Elyse ‘Retro Game Challenge’ from 2009. The video game homage to Japanese television show Game Center CX, Retro Game Challenge finds you captured by Game Master Shinya Arino and challenged to a gauntlet of games from the 1980s. Join us as we talk about the unique framing o…

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History's Hook EP59 03-08-2025 Dr. BI Naddy 1:00:01

6M ago1:00:01

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Dr. BI Naddy, Arab American, Doctor, Teacher, Philanthropist Dr. B.I. Naddy has lived a life of service. Born in Haifa when it was a port city in Palestine in 1933, He was one of 750,000 Arabs forced to leave during the Arab-Israeli War in 1948, settling in Amman, Jordan. A brilliant student, he received a Fulbright Scholarship to study Chemistry i…

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History's Hook 03-01-2025 RMEP50 Maury or Murry Commander Matthew Fontaine Maury Pathfinder of the Seas 1:00:01

6M ago1:00:01

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Episode #50: Maury or Murry?: Commander Matthew Fontaine Maury, Pathfinder of the Seas Commander Matthew Fontaine Maury, although raised in Tennessee in the early 19th century, had a calling for the sea. His scientific approach to the navy led to him earning the nicknames “Pathfinder of the Seas” and the “Father of Oceanography.” Learn all about th…

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History's Hook 02-22-2025 RM EP19 Columbia Race Riots 1946 Part2 1:00:01

6M ago1:00:01

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February 25, 1946 was a pivotal day in the history of the country, but no one knew it at the time. Gladys Stephenson and her son James had a disagreement with a local store over their treatment, and an altercation ensued that sparked a serious racial conflict in a community that had a history of strained race relations. The governor called out the …

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History's Hook 02-15-2025 RM EP17 Columbia Race Riot of 1946 Part1 1:00:01

6M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

February 25, 1946 was a pivotal day in the history of the country, but no one knew it at the time. Gladys Stephenson and her son James had a disagreement with a local store over their treatment, and an altercation ensued that sparked a serious racial conflict in a community that had a history of strained race relations. The governor called out the …

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History's Hook 02-08-2025 RM EP47 Jefferson Street Sound Origins Lorenzo Washington 1:00:01

7M ago1:00:01

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Jefferson Street in Nashville was a nexus of African American culture, education, and entrepreneurship. The music that emanated from that space from 1950-1970 forever changed American music. Join Tom and Jo Ann as they speak to the curator of the Jefferson Street Sound Museum, Lorenzo Washington.By Tom Price

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I’ll Show You… Fun and Fancy Free (1947) 1:00:51

7M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

Welcome to another episode of I’ll Show You Mine! This time Elyse is showing James ‘Fun and Fancy Free’ from 1947. A Disney animation package film, ‘Fun and Fancy Free’ combines the stories of Bongo the Bear and Mickey and the Beanstalk. Join us as we talk about the music, the classical Disney animation style, and James finds a new hero in Charlie …

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History's Hook 02-01-2025 RM EP42 Jim Rushing 1:00:01

7M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Mr. James Rushing is an accomplished songwriter. He has written hit songs in the genres of country, bluegrass and gospel music. His songs have been recorded by such artists as Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Ricky Scaggs, Charlie Pride, and many others. Mr. Rushing was nominated to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in both 2017 and 2018. Mr. Rushi…

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History's Hook 01-25-2025 RM EP52 Super Bowl 1 with Dave Hathcock 1:00:01

7M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Every boy at some point wishes and pretends that he could play professional football and make it all the way to the Superbowl. This guest actually lived it! Dave Hathcock started football “late” in his life, playing in Memphis. He was pretty good…and was signed to the legendary Green Bay Packers under Coach Vince Lombardi. His rookie year saw him p…

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History's Hook 01-11-2025 EP5 Bob Jones Cold War Spy Part1 1:00:01

8M ago1:00:01

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In 1954, Mr. Bob Jones was just 21 years old, but already an experienced spy for the American National Security Agency. One of the very first NSA field agents, his missions frequently brought him to Europe where he was tasked with gathering information about America’s allies as well as its enemies. His is a story full of intrigue, violence, and esp…

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History's Hook 01-04-2025 EP57 Dez Dickerson 1:00:01

8M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Dez Dickerson was a guitar prodigy. In 1979, he earned the spot of lead guitarist for Prince and was a founding member of Prince and the Revolution. His solo in the song "Little Red Corvette" is considered by Guitar World Magazine to be the 64th greatest of all time. Leaving Prince and the Revolution, he continued his musical career while also foll…

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I’ll Show You… The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974) 1:00:00

8M ago1:00:00

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Welcome to another episode of I’ll Show You Mine! This time Elyse is showing James ‘The Year Without a Santa Claus’ from 1974 for Christmas. A sequel to ‘Santa Claus is Comin To Town’, ‘The Year Without a Santa Claus’ tells the story of one year when Santa Claus is sick and decides to take a holiday for Christmas, while Mrs. Claus tries to keep up …

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History's Hook 12-21-2024 RM EP7 Andrew Johnson 1:00:01

8M ago1:00:01

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Starting life off from the humblest beginnings, Andrew Johnson rose from a simple tailor to a statesman. The only Southerner to remain in the Senate following secession, Johnson was chosen by Abraham Lincoln as his vice-president in 1864. Following Lincoln’s assassination a few months later, Johnson found himself hated by many of his fellow Tenness…

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History's Hook 12-14-2024 RM EP13 Old Hickory Andrew Jackson 1:00:01

9M ago1:00:01

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As part of the series on Tennessee’s three presidents, this episode of History’s Hook focuses on the first of them: Andrew Jackson. Old Hickory, the first populist president changed the face of American politics. Join hosts Tom Price and Dr. Barry Gidcomb as they speak with Marsha Mullin, Vice President of Collections and Research, and chief curato…

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History's Hook 12-04-2024 RM EP6 Young Hickory James Polk Holtsapple 1:00:01

9M ago1:00:01

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Tennessee boasts three presidents. Host Tom Price begins his three part presidential series by interviewing the long-time director of the President James K. Polk Home and Museum, John Holtzapple. Polk is one of the least-known presidents in American history, but as you will hear, deserves to be remembered as one of the most successful. His accompli…

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History's Hook 11-23-2024 RM EP3 Maury County's Hidden Figures 1:00:01

9M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

History’s Hook hosts Tom Price and Jo Ann McClellan discuss the lives of several African-Americans who started life in Maury County, Tennessee and went on to national acclaim in various pursuits. Included are the stories of renowned chef to the rich and famous, Rufus Estes; Moses McKissack, a brick maker whose descendants include some of the most h…

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History's Hook 11-16-2024 RM EP32 Maj Gen William Hickman PT2 1:00:01

9M ago1:00:01

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Episode#32: Study in Leadership: Major General William Hickman, Part 2Onthis episode, we continue our look at the extraordinary life of a manwho has found great success as a career military man. Major GeneralWilliam Hickman spent 36 years serving his country. Born and raisedin Maury County, Gen. Hickman attended local schools before attendingVander…

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History's Hook 11-09-2024 RM EP31 General Willaim Hickman Part1 of 2 1:00:01

10M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Episode31: Case Study in Leadership: Major General William HickmanOnthis episode, we look at the extraordinary life of a man who hasfound great success as a career military man. Major General WilliamHickman spent 36 years serving his country. Born and raised in MauryCounty, Gen. Hickman attended local schools before attendingVanderbilt University. …

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History's Hook 11-02-2024 RM EP55 Cmdr Ron Ladd USN Ret 1:00:01

10M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

What does it feel like to be in control of enough firepower to obliterate a continent? Join host Tom Price as he interviews former ballistic missile sub commander Ronald Ladd. After growing up on a farm in rural Maury County, TN, Ron Ladd attended Rice University for math and engineering on a Navy ROTC scholarship. Following his graduation, he was …

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I’ll Show You… Saw X (2023) 1:15:15

10M ago1:15:15

1:15:15

Welcome to another episode of I’ll Show You Mine! This time Elyse is showing James ‘Saw X’ from 2023 for Halloween. A revival of the original Saw franchise after two reboot sequels, Saw X follows the story of John Kramer, aka Jigsaw, as he travels to Mexico seeking an experimental treatment for his cancer. Do you want to play a game? Join us as we …

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History's Hook 10-19-2024 RM EP26 TN Cemeteries 1:00:01

10M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Cemeteries as we know them today came about in the 1830’s. Prior to that, the dead were typically buried in churchyards and backyards. But with this change, the often elaborate planning of cemeteries resembled park settings, where people went to picnic, hunt, have races…and commune with the dead. Cemeteries were filled with benches and in the absen…

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I’ll Show You… Within a Deep Forest (PC, 2006) 54:04

11M ago54:04

54:04

Welcome to another episode of I’ll Show You Mine! This time James is showing Elyse ‘Within a Deep Forest’ from 2006. An indie platformer developed and published for Windows by Nicklas Nygren aka Nifflas, ‘Within a Deep Forest’ follows a bouncing blue ball trying to stop the mad scientist Dr. Cliché. Join us as we talk about this game’s chill vibes,…

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History's Hook 10-12-2024 RM EP46 The Big Read Beloved Part2 1:00:01

11M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Join Tom, Jo Ann McClellan, and Dr. Barry Gidcomb as they collaborate with Columbia State Community College and discuss the award-winning book Beloved by Toni Morrison. Listen as the hosts and guests break down the literary and historical importance of this critically acclaimed book about the effects of enslavement.…

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History's Hook 10-05-2024 RM EP 45 The Big Read: Beloved 1:00:01

11M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Join Tom, Jo Ann McClellan, and Dr. Barry Gidcomb as they collaborate with Columbia State Community College and discuss the award-winning book Beloved by Toni Morrison. Listen as the hosts and guests break down the literary and historical importance of this critically acclaimed book about the effects of enslavement.…

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History's Hook 09-21-2024 RM EP21 Thomas Flagel Union Occupation 1:00:01

11M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

From 1861-1865 Tennessee was a battleground during the American Civil War. For the majority of the war, much of Tennessee was occupied by Union troops. What was it like for Tennesseans to live in occupied territory? Conversely, what was it like for Union troops to live in a seceded state? In this episode, hosts Tom Price and Barry Gidcomb are joine…

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History's Hook 09-07-2024 RM EP56 Admiral Stephen Barnett USN 1:00:01

12M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

He wasn’t born near the sea. He didn’t attend the United States Naval Academy, yet Rear Admiral Stephen Barnett has had a stellar naval career. From piloting P-3’s during Operation Iraqi Freedom, he held several staff positions before taking command of several Navy Regions. Now in charge of thousands of sailors and trillions of dollars in naval ass…

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I’ll Show You… Oklahoma! (1955) 1:09:15

12M ago1:09:15

1:09:15

Welcome to another episode of I’ll Show You Mine! This time Elyse is showing James ‘Oklahoma!’ from 1955. The film adaptation of Roger and Hammerstein’s most popular musical, Oklahoma tells the story of Laurey Williams, a young woman in the Oklahoma territory who is being pursued by two suitors, Curly the cowboy and Jud the farmhand. Join us as we …

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History's Hook 08-24-2024 RM EP52 Super Bowl 1 with Dave Hathcock 1:00:01

1y ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Every boy at some point wishes and pretends that he could play professional football and make it all the way to the Superbowl. This guest actually lived it! Dave Hathcock started football “late” in his life, playing in Memphis. He was pretty good…and was signed to the legendary Green Bay Packers under Coach Vince Lombardi. His rookie year saw him p…

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History's Hook 08-17-2024 RMEP11 Path To Freedom 2 The Rosenwald School Initiative 1:00:01

1y ago1:00:01

1:00:01

In 1912, Booker T. Washington of the Tuskegee Institute and Julius Rosenwald, philanthropist and president of Sears Roebuck, built state-of-the art schools for African-American children across the South. The effort has been called the most important initiative to advance black education in the early 20th century. At its height, there were some 5300…

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History's Hook 08-10-2024 RMEP8 Path To Freedom Freedman's Bureau Schools in TN 1:00:01

1y ago1:00:01

1:00:01

To assist the formerly enslaved in their transition to freedom, the federal government inaugurated a program called the Freedmen’s Bureau. Created in March of 1865, its initial purpose was to "direct… provisions, clothing, and fuel, as may be deemed needful for the immediate and temporary shelter and supply of destitute and suffering refugees and f…

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History's Hook 08-03-2024 RMEP 53 Jermain Loguen King of the Underground Railroad 1:00:01

1y ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Born into slavery in Davidson County, Tennessee to an enslaved mother and her white owner, Jermain Wesley Loguen would eventually be moved to Maury County, Tennessee before he finally made his escape from slavery to the North. He eventually settled in Upstate New York, where his efforts to assist the enslaved out of bondage, made him known as the “…

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I’ll Show You… Super Monkey Ball (GameCube, 2001) 45:26

1y ago45:26

45:26

Welcome to another episode of I’ll Show You Mine! This time James is showing Elyse ‘Super Monkey Ball’ from 2001. The home version of Sega’s “Monkey Ball,” Super Monkey Ball lets you play as AiAi, Meemee, Baby, or Gongon as you traverse various arcade floors inside little gachapon balls. Join us as we talk about the super cuteness of Super Monkey B…

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History's Hook 07-13-2024 RM EP57 Dez Dickerson 1:00:01

1y ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Dez Dickerson was a guitar prodigy. In 1979, he earned the spot of lead guitarist for Prince and was a founding member of Prince and the Revolution. His solo in the song "Little Red Corvette" is considered by Guitar World Magazine to be the 64th greatest of all time. Leaving Prince and the Revolution, he continued his musical career while also foll…