Amplified Oklahoma

Everybody has their favorite college story to tell at get-togethers and barbeques. Students from Oklahoma State University's Class of 1959 all have one story in common, the tale of Jimbo the bull. In this episode of Amplified Oklahoma, we'll hear two very different memories of Jimbo from the OOHRP's archives, one from Glenn Taylor and the other from Walter Hackney, two animal husbandry majors. Later, Dr. Mary Larson from the OSU Library talks about the influence of memory and experience on oral history. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-13-a-bull-in-the-elevator

Known to her friends in California as "the Okie Poet," Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel wrote more than 50 books of poetry and stories. So in honor of National Poetry Month, we're going to take a look at her life and work in this episode of Amplified Oklahoma. Listeners will hear oral history interview excerpts from Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz and John Cooper, who shared stories from Wilma's life with OSU's Karen Neurohr. Later, Karen talks about her time working on the project "Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel: Poet and Oklahoma Dust Bowl Emigrant." This episode also includes excerpts from the documentary "Down an Old Road: The Poetic Life of Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel," courtesy of Chris Simon, Sageland Media. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://www.library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-12-mcdaniel.

Spring is finally here and in full swing at Oklahoma State University. The grey days of winter are behind us and summer is edging closer and closer. To help inspire everyone to get out there and get active, we've put together a great episode on health. Listeners will hear oral history interview excerpts from Art Bieri, a long time Stillwater Public Schools educator and benefactor of physical education, and Bianca Boyd, a member of the OSU family who has one of the most inspirational health journeys. Later, OSU's Chief Wellness Officer Todd Misener tells us how he's making OSU America's Healthiest Campus. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-11-health-and-wellness

Nestled in Okfuskee County is Boley, Oklahoma, a quiet town that was once referred to as "the largest and wealthiest exclusive Negro city in the world." This episode of Amplified Oklahoma features the history of Boley and how the town influenced and affected its residents. We'll hear oral history interview excerpts from Henrietta Hicks and the late William Hunt. Dr. Lynne Simpson from the Oklahoma State University Library also joins us to discuss the history of Boley and the importance of education within the community. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-10-boley-oklahoma

What does Bugs Bunny, That 70s Show, and a Lucky Strike cigarette commercial have in common? Square dancing. Square dancing was once a major part of rural life, especially in Oklahoma. This month, we're taking a look at American folk dances. We'll hear oral history interview excerpts with centenarian Jimmy Ray and former square dance caller Donald Banks. In addition, Dr. Louise Siddons from OSU's Department of Art, Graphic Design, and Art History will join us to talk about contra dancing. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-9-folk-dancing

Classes are out and the holiday spirit is in the air! This month we're featuring five short oral history excerpts about Christmas during the Great Depression in Oklahoma. In addition, David Peters with the OSU Archives joins us to discuss the history behind the Edmon Low Library's bell tower, known for playing holiday tunes throughout December. So settle down by the fire with a hot cocoa and enjoy some unique Oklahoma holiday stories. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://www.library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-8-oklahoma-holiday-memories

The presidential election has ended, but that doesn't mean we're ready to be done with political campaigns here at Amplified Oklahoma. This month is all about political campaigns, election nights, and inaugurations. We'll feature oral history interview excerpts with former Oklahoma legislators Vicki Miles-LaGrange and the late Hannah Atkins. We'll also talk with Dr. Jeanette Mendez from Oklahoma State University's Department of Political Science about her research on women in politics. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://www.library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-7-women-in-oklahoma-politics

This month, Amplified Oklahoma brings you Germans in Oklahoma. This episode explores the lives of three generations of German-American women. Listeners will hear oral history interview excerpts from Margaretha Harriman, who was drafted by the Nazis as a teenager, and her niece Margaretha Schwabe, who lived just half a mile from the Berlin Wall. Ilka Heiskell also talks about growing up in Germany two decades after the war. Finally, we'll sit down with Dr. Richard Rohrs from OSU's Department of History and find out why Oklahoma became a center of German culture in the United States. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://www.library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-6-germans

"From the Belly of Our Being: art by and about Native creation" runs from September 27, 2016 to January 28, 2017 at the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art. The exhibition features beautiful pieces of Native American art made by talented artists from Oklahoma and across the country. In this episode, we'll listen to oral history interview excerpts with two of the exhibition's artists, Anita Fields and Shan Goshorn. Listeners will also go behind the scenes of the exhibition with curator Heather Ahtone and learn about the inspiration for "From the Belly of Our Being." Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-5-art

The first week of classes this semester at Oklahoma State University coincides with National Friendship Week, so what better way to start out the school year than to talk about friendship! In this episode, we'll hear from two Oklahoman politicians, Lisa Johnson Billy and Anastasia Pittman, and learn how friendship impacted their lives and political campaigns. Also, Dr. Farida Jalalzai from OSU's Department of Political Science joins us to discuss her research on women in leadership. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-4-friendship