In this episode, host Josh Colvin explores the nostalgic world of payphones, sharing personal stories, calling strangers across the country, and reflecting on the cultural significance and decline of payphones in America. The episode also features interviews with phone prankster Brad Carter, a call to Texas cowboy hat expert, an essay called "I Made My Mom a Clay Ashtry in School" by Todd Kashdan, and a musical performance by Rambler Kane.

02:17 Trucker Andy: 1980s Billboard Felines

06:27 Storytelling: Moving Furniture and Other Crimes

13:50 Payphone Diary: Calling Strangers Across America

20:17 Interview with Brad Carter: Phone Pranks and Red Boxing

30:23 Todd Kashdan "I Made My Mom a Clay Ashtray in School"

37:48 Visit to McKinney, Texas: Cowboy Hats and Local Culture

42:30 Musical Performance by Rambler Kane: Gone

Brad Carter's Snowplow Show

Todd Kashdan's Provoked Substack

Rambler Kane's Music

McKinney Hat Company

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin sits down with author, storyteller, and longtime public radio voice Tom Bodett. Known for the iconic Motel 6 tagline “We’ll leave the light on for you,” Bodett reflects on authenticity in storytelling, the surprising journey that led him into radio, and why voices that feel familiar often resonate the deepest. The conversation also explores Bodett’s lifelong appreciation for working with his hands and the cultural importance of craftsmanship and practical skills.

Earlier in the show, Josh makes a call to Trucker Andy out on the road to talk about more truck-driving slang.

Josh also reads a story of his own about growing up in a house full of juvenile delinquents.

Later Tom Bodett returns to read his wonderful essay “Moose Hunting”

Finally, the show closes with a brilliant song from The Milk Carton Kids.

02:00—Trucker Andy Call
09:14 — Tom Bodett on the Power of Voice and Connection
27:54 — Optimism and Trust in Human Nature
37:27 — Getting Started: The Philosophy of Moving Slowly
39:21 — The Deep Roots of Making and Human Nature
41:48 — The Importance of Storytelling and Human Connection
44:42 — Favorite Songs and Small-Town Life
47:45 — "Moose Hunting" by Tom Bodett
52:31 — "A Friend Like a You" by  The Milk Carton Kids

• Moose Hunting by Tom Bodett
• Tom Bodett's Website
• HatchSpace
• The Milk Carton Kids

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin makes a small-town call to the mining town of Goldfield, Nevada and their local radio station KGFN's Program Director, Carl Brownfield. They talk about running an independent radio station, the three things that can get you kicked off the station, and what it means to be the Voice of the Old West. Also, Josh and Trucker Andy talk about Andy's recent "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" trip home and about other favorite 80s movies. Writer Marc Friedman reads his essay "Feb 3 The Night The Music Died." Finally we hear the Daniel Rodriguez song, "Colorado."

00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest

04:44 Trucker Andy on 80s movies of youth

07:14 Storytelling: Tribute to Sports Radio

11:48 Song "Dead Soldiers" by Big Hands Colvin

12:26 The local and global reach of Goldfield's KGFN radio

16:52 The history and significance of Goldfield Nevada

25:52 The station's eclectic programming and community role

32:34 The history of Goldfield and its mines

36:53 Ghost stories, legends, and local lore

43:52 "Feb 3, The Night the Music Died" by Marc Friedman

48:13 Song "Colorado" by Daniel Rodriguez

resources

KGFN Radio Station - https://kgfn.org

Buddy Holly - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Holly

Radio Garden - https://radio.garden

Daniel Rodriguez Music - https://drodriguezmusic.com

Mark Friedman Substack—https://marcfriedmanesq.substack.com/

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin engages in a conversation with immersive journalist Ted Conover, exploring themes of freedom, community, and the human experience. Conover shares his unique approach to journalism, which involves living the stories he tells, whether it's working as a prison guard, hopping freight trains, or living off-grid in Colorado. The discussion delves into the realities of prison life, the romanticized notion of hobo culture, and the challenges and rewards of off-grid living. Josh and Trucker Andy talk about Michigan culture and writer Tony Woodlief reads his essay Home From the Outside. Finally the show closes with a cool song from Clay Street Unit.

https://tedconover.com/

https://tonywoodlief.com/

https://www.claystreetunit.com/

02:45 Trucker Andy

09:15 Storytelling: What Will They Remember

15:00 Song: "Daddy Can We Stay" by Big Hands Colvin

19:30 Ted Conover Interview

1:00:10 Home From the Outside by Tony Woodlief

1:05:37 Song "Rollin'" by Clay Street Unit

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin welcomes back writer Masha Hamilton who takes listeners on a journey through Bisbee, Arizona, exploring its haunted history and ghost stories. Josh and Trucker Andy discuss favorite scary movies, and there's a great essay from Chad Schomber about growing up in a different time. Finally the show ends with a song from the fantastic Austin-based band Briscoe.

Masha Hamilton: www.mashahamilton.com

Chad Schomber: substack.com/@1001paperclips

Briscoe: www.briscoetheband.com

Chapters

02:00 Trucker Andy

08:13 Storytelling: Illegal Rafting Trip

12:15 Song: "Walking Willie" by Big Hands Colvin

15:38 Exploring Bisbee's Haunted History

37:40 Veteran of Growing Up by Chad Schomber

44:42 Song "Hooped Earrings" by Briscoe

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin explores the vibrant lowrider culture through the stories of Lolo and Joan Medina, who share their journey into lowriding, the artistry involved, and the community's commitment to giving back. The conversation delves into the significance of music, style, and the personal connections that define the lowrider lifestyle, while also reflecting on broader themes of Americana and community spirit. This episode also features the essay Instant Nostalgia by writer and photographer Justin Allen and the show ends with the song American Made by Blue Water Highway.

02:25 Trucker Andy

07:37 Storytelling: Songs of My Youth

12:40 Exploring Lowrider Culture with Arthur & Joanne Medina

30:14 The Intersection of Lowriders and Hot Rods

31:38 Family Legacy in Lowriding

32:35 Inclusivity in Lowrider Culture

33:31 Empowering Women in Lowriding

34:51 Community Outreach and Support

38:58 Cultural Hub of Espanola / Chimayo NM

40:19 Connecting Through Art and History

46:41 Dream Cars and Road Trips

49:30 Instant Nostalgia by Justin Allen

57:00 American Made by Blue Water Highway

In this episode American Miles host Josh Colvin talks with journalist and "retrologist," Rolando Pujol. They discuss favorite roadside attractions, the difference between retro cool and just old, what nostalgia means, and how we used to share more of the same culture. Later for the Small Town Talk segment Josh calls Floyd, Virginia to talk to Floyd Country Store owner, Dylan Locke. The show closes with a song from Bella White.

02:22 Trucker Andy

05:44 Storytelling: Junior Olympians Catching Fire

08:30 Interview with journalist and author Rolando Pujol

15:01 Exploring Retro Roadside Stops and Attractions

21:53 What Makes Something Retro Cool?

29:50 Nostalgia and Its Impact on American Identity

34:31 Nostalgia for a Lost Future

39:04 Cultural Monoculture and Shared Experiences

45:35 Small Town Talk: Floyd Country Store

1:03:37 "Just Like Leaving" by Bella White

In this episode of American Miles host Josh Colvin talks with Podcast UFO host Martin Willis. They discuss the latest UFO revelations, skepticism, and Martin's own incredible encounter. There's also an excerpt from YouTube of Colonel Karl Nell speaking at the Salt Conference. This episode also features the author Zachary Michael Jack reading from his essay "The Long Lonely Drive" adapted from his book The Haunt of Home: A Journey through America's Heartland. The show closes with a song by Tim Jones and Truth & Salvage Co.

2:50 Trucker Andy

10:01 Storytelling: The Art of Ditch

17:58 Interview with Martin Willis on UFOs

33:51 The Intersection of Religion and UFOs

37:39 Credible Witnesses and Personal Experiences

40:05 The Roswell Incident and Government Disinformation

43:42 Technological Advancements and UFOs

46:26 Personal Reflections and Life Lessons

49:50 The Long Lonely Drive by Zachary Michael Jack

01:00:27 "24 Hours" by Truth & Salvage Co.

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin talks about fighting and life with professional boxer and bestselling author Edward Latimore. They explore themes of personal growth, the challenges of boxing, the philosophy of stoicism, and dealing with alcoholism. Ed shares insights from his life experiences, including the lessons learned from his only loss in the ring. The episode also features a segment on Franklin, North Carolina, and the Center for Wilderness Cryptid Studies, discussing the local culture and the intriguing topic of Bigfoot. The show closes with a song by Jovin Webb.

02:30 Trucker Andy

07:45 Storytelling: Grandpa Dick Was a Nudist

13:45 Interview with Boxer and Writer Ed Latimore

53:14 Small Town Talk: Franklin, NC with Jeremy Trey Ross

1:07:00 "Drunk on Your Love" by Jovin Webb

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through the heart of America. In a special feature, writer Masha Hamilton shares interviews with travelers from various rest stops along Interstate 95. The conversations explore American values and reveal a tapestry of resilience, optimism, and connection. In this episode Josh also talks to Trucker Andy, and Josh reads his own story called Teenage Travel Agent. Poet Matthew Layne stops by to offer a short reading of his wonderful poem. Later Josh makes a call to the town of Niantic, CT to talk to Book Barn owner Randi White. Finally the show closes with a song from the red-hot band Texas Hill.

05:51 Trucker Andy

07:08 Storytelling: Teenage Travel Agent

12:25 I-95 Rest Stop Conversations with Masha Hamilton

51:30 "If Not" poem by Matthew Layne

53:14 Small Town Talk: Niantic CT

58:55 "Easy on the Eyes" by Texas Hill