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

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through 70s and 80s pop music with feature guest, disc jockey Ron "Boogiemonster" Gerber. The conversation delves into the evolution of music over the decades—from the Rolling Stones to U2, the underrated talents of artists like The Carpenters, and the impact of disco. This episode also includes Josh's story about Dwayne the Rock Johnson, and writer Vince Roman's essay Be Now Be Now. The show ends with Sonny Gullege's song Go Be Free.

Please note: Here is a link to the Spotify playlist of songs to accompany this episode.

01:56 Trucker Andy

08:09 Storytelling: Who's Afraid of Dwayne the Rock Johnson

16:53 Crap form the Past: Ron Gerber's Journey

24:51 The Dichotomy of Music: Good vs. Bad

28:28 Decades of Music: A Personal Perspective

33:28 Disco: A Love-Hate Relationship

34:55 The Evolution of Disco Music

39:15 The Impact of Disco on Other Genres

44:54 The Transition from Vinyl to CDs

50:58 Defining Perfect Songs

55:31 Musical Fads and Trends

57:10 Be Now Be Now essay by Vince Roman

01:02:21 Go Be Free by Sonny Gullege

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through the world of treasure hunting with renowned treasure hunter and author W.C. Jameson. The conversation explores the allure of buried treasure, notable finds, and the ethics and risks involved in treasure hunting. The episode also features a road trip story by award-winning author John Drake Robinson and the song Trumpets from the artist Pennyfloater.

02:25 Trucker Andy

05:33 Storytelling: Beware the Alcatraz Reject

10:13 The Thrill of the Hunt: W.C. Jameson's Journey

19:32 Techniques and Tools of Treasure Hunting

29:10 The Ethics and Risks of Treasure Hunting

37:18 The Art of Treasure Hunting: Tips and Techniques

42:14 Writing and Storytelling: The Journey of an Author

44:02 Excerpt WC Jameson's Song "I Dug the Postholes"

45:40 The Good Badass Samaritan by John Drake Robinson

56:11 Song by Pennyfloater

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through Route 66, exploring its rich history and best stops. The conversation features Route 66 historian Jim Hinckley, who shares insights about the highway's legacy, its international appeal, and the communities along the route. The episode also highlights the small town of Amboy, California, through the eyes of town manager Ken Large, who discusses the town's unique story and ongoing revival efforts. Musical guest Lloyd Jones adds a bluesy touch to the episode, celebrating the spirit of Americana.

02:20 Trucker Andy

06:35 Storytelling: Middle School Class Clownery

11:08 The Legacy and Evolution of Route 66

20:33 Nostalgia and the Cultural Significance of Route 66

22:32 Hidden Gems and Unique Stops Along Route 66

25:46 Preservation Challenges and Future of Route 66

27:14 Exploring Route 66 Diners and Cafes

29:05 Iconic Motels Along Route 66

30:56 Unique Gift Shops and Museums

32:53 Revitalizing Communities on Route 66

34:36 Musical References to Route 66

35:55 The Evolution of Route 66 Radio

36:57 Small-Town Talk Amboy, CA

47:58 Future Visions for Amboy

50:30 Song by Lloyd Jones

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through the heart of America. After checking in with Trucker Andy, he explores the world of pinball with Josh Sharp, the president of the International Flipper Pinball Association. The conversation delves into the magic of pinball, the competitive scene, and the resurgence of this beloved game. Then famous humorist Sean of the South reads his essay A Few Things I Love About America. Later he visits with Michigan Rattlers lead singer Graham Young to talk about the creative process and small town vs big city living. The show closes with the Michigan Rattlers song Evergreen.

Chapters

02:20 Trucker Andy

6:20 Storytelling: Falcons and Firebirds

12:17 Exploring the Competitive Pinball World

23:50 The Art and Science of Pinball Design

29:59 The Resurgence of Pinball in Modern Culture

30:29 The Evolution of Pinball Games

34:04 Nostalgia and Small Town Memories

40:35 Interview w/ Graham Young from the Michigan Rattlers

41:28 The Journey of a Musician

50:50 Evergreen by Michigan Rattlers