Seems like it was just yesterday that we launched our 50th episode, but we wanted to revisit Jennifer Horne this summer.

In our 50th episode of Coffee & History, Rebecca Todd Minder, Susan Reynolds, and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie welcomed former Alabama Poet Laureate and former Alabama Heritage editorial assistant Jennifer Horne for a lively, wide‑ranging conversation about writing, archives, ghosts, creativity, and the unexpected paths that shape a literary life. From her years researching the enigmatic Sara Mayfield to her work co‑editing landmark anthologies on Southern women and spirituality, Horne shares stories that blend history, art, and personal discovery. The hosts also dive into haunted University of Alabama campus buildings, the magic of the W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, the power of poetry during the pandemic, and the joys of life on an Alabama lake. Warm, funny, and full of literary insight, this episode celebrates the many ways art connects and sustains us.

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

We're going back to our first season this week! Join us as we chat with Lesa Carnes Shaul, an author and an English professor at the University of West Alabama. Hailing from Sand Mountain, Alabama, Shaul dives into the mysteries that surround her hometown, her upcoming feature article in Alabama Heritage magazine, the history of snake handling and Sacred Harp singing. This episode was selected as an Award of Excellence recipient by the AVIA Communicator Awards in 2026.

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you by Windcreek Hospitality.

In this episode of Coffee & History, hosts Rebecca Todd Minder, Susan Reynolds, and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie welcome Chuck Holmes, executive director of the Alabama Humanities Alliance. A veteran journalist whose career has taken him from Jerusalem and Moscow to NPR and public radio in Alabama, Chuck discusses how storytelling shapes our understanding of history, community, and one another. The conversation explores the mission of the Alabama Humanities Alliance, the impact of Alabama History Day, the organization's Healing History initiatives, and the importance of preserving and sharing Alabama's stories. Chuck also reflects on his journalism career, the challenges facing humanities organizations today, and why fostering curiosity and connection remains more important than ever.

In this episode of Coffee and History, we sit down with archaeologist and educator Anna Mullican while on the road in Fairhope, Alabama, for the annual Alabama Historical Association's Spring Meeting. She shares insights from her work at the Oakville Indian Mounds, discussing how archaeology helps us understand Alabama's past, what people really ate centuries ago, and how hands-on experiences make history meaningful for students. It's an engaging conversation about preserving stories, challenging misconceptions, and connecting the past to the present.

This episode was recorded at Coastal Alabama Community College's podcast studio. A special thanks to Mandy Bezeredi and Christi Parent for allowing us to record on the campus.

What can a World War II Holocaust Torah in Mobile, Alabama, teach us about resilience, remembrance, and community? In this special on-the-road episode recorded at the Alabama Historical Association's Spring Meeting in Fairhope, Alabama, hosts Rebecca Minder, Susan Reynolds, and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie sit down with historian Dr. Dan J. Puckett to explore Alabama's Jewish history, the Holocaust's impact on the state, and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations. From the life of Alabama's first known Jewish settler, Abraham Mordecai, to Jewish servicemen in World War II, Holocaust education, Zionism, and the evolving landscape of Jewish communities across Alabama, Dr. Puckett shares powerful stories and insights from decades of research. Plus, hear his thoughts on teaching history in the age of AI, preserving oral histories, and why every Alabamian should visit Montgomery's Equal Justice Initiative memorials.

In this episode of Coffee & History, we celebrate a major milestone—Alabama Heritage's 40th anniversary—and take you inside the Summer 2026 issue. From a special concept cover design to a timeline of Alabama's past 40 years, this issue is packed with stories that honor the magazine's legacy and future. We also preview fascinating features, including a Gilded Age dining experience, a Civil War–era educator's legacy, and the story of an illegal bare-knuckle boxing match.

👉 Subscribe today or give the gift of history at AlabamaHeritage.com

In this episode of Coffee & History, host Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie chats with archivist Caity Bell about the fascinating story of Fort Payne, Alabama—once known as the "Sock Capital of the World." From the rise of the hosiery industry to the preservation of local landmarks like the historic opera house, Caity shares how small-town history connects to larger national narratives. The conversation also dives into her archival work, including uncovering early 20th-century pharmacy records that reveal surprising—and sometimes alarming—insights into medicine before modern regulations. It's a compelling look at how local stories shape our understanding of the past and why preserving them matters.

This episode was recorded at Coastal Alabama Community College's podcast studio. A special thanks to Mandy Bezeredi and Christi Parent for allowing us to record on the campus.

In this episode of Coffee & History, the hosts sit down with archaeologist and historian Raven Christopher to explore the story of Alabama's Old Federal Road. This early route shaped migration, communication, and settlement across the Southeast. Raven shares insights from her extensive research and fieldwork, including tracking the road across ten counties and uncovering the challenges of mapping a path that has changed over time. The conversation also dives into her archaeological work at Fort Mims, her unique career journey from Army nurse to historian, and the importance of connecting communities to their local history.

This episode was recorded at Coastal Alabama Community College's podcast studio. A special thanks to Mandy Bezeredi and Christi Parent for allowing us to record on the campus.

In this episode of Coffee & History, host Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie sits down with archivist and curator Heather M. Adkins at the Alabama Historical Association conference in Fairhope, Alabama, for a lively discussion about history, pub food, and more. Heather shares the powerful story of Alabama A&M University's founding and the legacy of William Hooper Councill, as well as her work revitalizing the Alabama State Black Archives. From uncovering overlooked stories to preserving cultural artifacts and amplifying underrepresented voices, this conversation highlights why local history—and the people behind it—matters more than ever.

This episode was recorded at Coastal Alabama Community College's podcast studio. A special thanks to Mandy Bezeredi and Christi Parent for allowing us to record on the campus.

Join hosts Rebecca Minder and Susan Reynolds for a lively episode of "Coffee and History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage" as they welcome two of Tuscaloosa's most dynamic community leaders—Johnnie Aycock and Lisa Sledge Jones. Discover how this powerhouse duo blends civic leadership, academic insight, and a passion for storytelling on their midday radio show, "The Noon Show," and their new venture, "Bright Path" on Alabama Public Radio.

In this episode, Johnnie and Lisa share the origins of their partnership, the importance of giving a platform to local nonprofits, and how their show bridges the gap between university research and real-world impact. From the economic power of STEM and the arts to the human stories behind the science, you'll hear why building community means translating complex ideas into everyday conversations—and why curiosity is at the heart of progress.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or at AlabamaHeritage.com. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share!