In this week's episode of Coffee & History, we're joined by Exa Johnston Skinner, executive director of the Kentuck Arts Center and Festival, for an inspiring journey through Alabama's creative landscape. Exa walks us through Kentuck's history, its mission to uplift folk and self‑taught artists, and the community programs that keep the arts accessible to everyone.

She shares how her background in dance, yoga, and theater led her into nonprofit arts leadership — and how Kentuck's studios, new location, and the annual festival continue to grow and connect artists across the region. It's thoughtful, energetic, and full of passion for the arts, with a few Shakespearean surprises along the way.

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

In this episode of Coffee and History, hosts Rebecca Minder and Susan Reynolds sit down with acclaimed Alabama author and historian Frye Gaillard—freshly inducted into the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame. From the deep‑rooted history of Bayou La Batre and Coden to the powerful legacy of Alabama's civil rights movement, Gaillard shares stories from his decades of writing, reporting, and interviewing the people who shaped the South. The conversation ranges from Rosenwald schools to Jimmy Carter, from children's books to community memory, offering a thoughtful, heartfelt look at the past and its echoes today.

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

In our 50th episode of Coffee & History, Rebecca Todd Minder, Susan Reynolds, and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie welcome 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.

In this episode of Coffee and History, hosts Rebecca Todd Minder, Susan Reynolds, and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie sit down with Bob Friedman—founder and director of the Birmingham Black Radio Museum—for a fascinating journey through Alabama's broadcasting past. From his New York roots to his decades of community organizing, political work, and radio storytelling in Birmingham, Friedman shares vivid memories of legendary DJs like Shelley Stewart and "Tall Paul" White, the power of Black radio during the civil rights movement, and the evolution of his one‑of‑a‑kind archival project. The conversation ranges from music history to oral traditions, from political campaigns to unexpected moments behind the mic, offering a rich, lively portrait of a man who has spent nearly four decades preserving voices that shaped a community. Plus, Bob shows off his vocal range and DJ impressions.

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

In this episode of Coffee & History, Caroline and Susan sit down with Dr. Sonjia Parker Redmond and Dr. Beatrice J. Adams—co‑editors of the forthcoming book Children of the Struggle and the Ancestors Who Stayed by the University of Alabama Press, 2026. Together, they explore 21 powerful stories of the Tuskegee Institute High School Class of 1964 and the families who remained in the South during the Great Migration. From community resistance to the meaning of land ownership, Dr. Redmond and Dr. Adams share why these stories matter today. Pour a cup and join us for a heartfelt conversation rooted in courage, memory, and place.

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

In this episode of Coffee and History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage, we sit down with Henry Sledge, author, historian, and son of Eugene Sledge—the Marine whose iconic memoir With the Old Breed shaped our understanding of the Pacific War. Henry shares the deeply personal journey behind his new book, The Old Breed: The Complete Story Revealed, which combines never-before-published material from his father's original manuscript with his own reflections.

Join us as Henry talks about growing up with a father who carried the weight of war, the powerful stories of K Company Marines, and the emotional connections forged with families of World War II veterans. From behind-the-scenes insights into HBO's The Pacific to anecdotes about Eugene Sledge's humor and resilience, this conversation is both moving and enlightening.

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

Grab your favorite cup and join us for a lively chat with author and journalist Kelly Kazek, the queen of quirky Alabama tales! From Huntsville's butter-producing cow to the legacy of Kathryn Tucker Windham, Kelly shares stories that celebrate Southern culture, folklore, and roadside oddities. Hear about her writing adventures, her friendship with Fannie Flagg, and why Harper Lee tops her dream dinner list. Plus, discover the secrets behind Alabama's most unusual landmarks and the inspiration for Kelly's beloved books. This episode is in memory of Wil Elrik, husband of Kelly Kazek and contributing author for Alabama Heritage magazine. Our team extends its sincerest condolences to the family. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

Join host Rebecca Minder on Coffee and History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage as she sits down with two of Alabama's most dedicated educators—Jarrod Smitherman, a veteran social studies teacher at J.B. Pennington High School, and Pam Ancelet, digital learning coordinator and virtual history teacher in Albertville. Recorded on location at Lake Guntersville State Park, this lively discussion dives into the evolving world of education: from textbook selection and technology in the classroom to virtual field trips and hands-on learning. Hear their personal journeys into teaching, creative passions beyond the classroom, and even rapid-fire questions that reveal their quirks. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or just curious about how Alabama's history is taught today, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and inspiration. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

Grab your coffee and join us as we preview the Winter 2026 issue of Alabama Heritage! This issue is packed with stories you won't want to miss—life inside WWII POW camps, the mystery of actress Florence Elmore, a rediscovered Civil War grave, and the inventive genius of Max Carl Gritzner. Plus, explore Calhoun County and meet Alabama Makers. Get a sneak peek before the magazine hits your mailbox! Subscribe to Alabama Heritage at alabamaheritage.com Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

Forty-three episodes. Dozens of guests. One unforgettable year. In this milestone episode, Rebecca, Susan, and Caroline share their favorite interviews, behind-the-scenes surprises, and the lessons learned along the way. It's a celebration of Alabama's history—and of you, our listeners. Join us for laughs, gratitude, and a sneak peek at what's brewing for year two! Bonus: We're giving away our favorite Coffee & History mugs! Make sure you listen to the episode to find out more details on how to enter out giveaway. Subscribe to Alabama Heritage at alabamaheritage.com Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.