Welcome to the Old Ozarks with Dr. Brooks Blevins...

Long before we had Instagram call-outs or basketball court boasts, folks in the Ozarks had their own colorful way of throwing down a challenge. And in this episode, we trace that old-school bravado all the way from clanging wetstones in the hayfields to center stage in New York City, where one Ozarks-born marksman took on the world.

In this episode, w explore the forgotten legend of J.W. Akard, a deadeye rifleman from Polk County, Missouri, who traveled the country in the early 1900s putting on trick shooting shows for thousands. Whether he was lighting matches at 40 feet or busting marbles out of midair, Akard was an Ozarker who made a living by literally hitting the mark. That is until time and tragedy hit him back...

What is The Old Ozarks?

The Old Ozarks is your gateway to the forgotten history of the Ozarks. Hosted by renowned historian Dr. Brooks Blevins, the leading authority on the region’s history, this podcast explores the lives, legends, and landscapes that have shaped this unique region.

Whether you’re a native Ozarker, a new resident, or a curious listener, join us as we share the stories that make the Ozarks special and connect us to our past.