The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has fostered the construction of public roads since 1911. In 1924, it was chairman Cyrus Avery who played a significant role in the creation of the national highway network. In 1976, the legislature expanded ODOT’s responsibility to managing highways, waterways, and railways in Oklahoma. In this episode, Trait Thompson and Dr. Matthew Pearce explore the growing role of ODOT through the years. Their guest is secretary of transportation and executive director of ODOT, Tim Gatz.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has fostered the construction of public roads since 1911. In 1924, it was chairman Cyrus Avery who played a significant role in the creation of the national highway network. In 1976, the legislature expanded ODOT’s responsibility to managing highways, waterways, and railways in Oklahoma. In this episode, Trait Thompson and Dr. Matthew Pearce explore the growing role of ODOT through the years. Their guest is secretary of transportation and executive director of ODOT, Tim Gatz.

Oklahoma Department of Transportation

Both the book and the movie The Grapes of Wrath are classics that portray a difficult period in American history. The story of the Joad family from Sallisaw, Oklahoma, caused some people to sympathize with the plight of migrant farmers while others saw it as a mischaracterization of reality. In this episode, Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn discuss the history surrounding the circumstances depicted in the book and movie, their connection to Route 66, and the image they presented of Oklahomans. Their guest is film historian Elizabeth Anthony.

Both the book and the movie The Grapes of Wrath are classics that portray a difficult period in American history. The story of the Joad family from Sallisaw, Oklahoma, caused some people to sympathize with the plight of migrant farmers while others saw it as a mischaracterization of reality. In this episode, Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn discuss the history surrounding the circumstances depicted in the book and movie, their connection to Route 66, and the image they presented of Oklahomans. Their guest is film historian Elizabeth Anthony.

The Grapes of Wrath

Almost every town along Route 66 in Oklahoma has a unique building or structure that tells the story of each community and the people who made Route 66 a special highway. In this episode, Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn discuss a few of the theaters, gas stations, restaurants, bridges, and jails that have shaped our experience of The Mother Road through the decades. Their guests are Lynda Ozan, deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, and Michael Mayes, National Register of Historic Places coordinator.

Almost every town along Route 66 in Oklahoma has a unique building or structure that tells the story of each community and the people who made Route 66 a special highway. In this episode, Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn discuss a few of the theaters, gas stations, restaurants, bridges, and jails that have shaped our experience of The Mother Road through the decades. Their guests are Lynda Ozan, deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, and Michael Mayes, National Register of Historic Places coordinator.

Historic Architecture on Route 66

Trait and Bob welcome Dennis Peterson, director of the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, into the studio to discuss the Mississippian mound-building culture prevalent around Spiro, Oklahoma, from 700 to 1500 CE.

Trait and Bob welcome Dennis Peterson, director of the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, into the studio to discuss the Mississippian mound-building culture prevalent around Spiro, Oklahoma, from 700 to 1500 CE.

What is Spiro?

Welcome to A Very OK Podcast reboot! In this episode, Trait and Bob explore the early days of television broadcasting in Oklahoma—with a special focus on the role of women. They also welcome Joyce Jackson into the studio for an in-depth discussion about her experiences as the first Black woman on one of Oklahoma's local television stations.

Welcome to A Very OK Podcast reboot! In this episode, Trait and Bob explore the early days of television broadcasting in Oklahoma—with a special focus on the role of women. They also welcome Joyce Jackson into the studio for an in-depth discussion about her experiences as the first Black woman on one of Oklahoma's local television stations.

Welcome to A Very OK Podcast reboot! In this episode, Trait and Bob explore the early days of television broadcasting in Oklahoma—with a special focus on the role of women. They also welcome Joyce Jackson into the studio for an in-depth discussion about her experiences as the first Black woman on one of Oklahoma's local television stations.&nbsp;

Women In Broadcasting

Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Director Trait Thompson and former Executive Director Dr. Bob Blackburn explore the interesting stories and fascinating personalities that make up Oklahoma’s unique history.

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