Host Blaine Duncan welcomes the ever-charismatic Dave Hill to the show, marking a delightful milestone as he interviews a guest he had no prior connection with.

Dave, a multifaceted comedian, musician, and author, brings a unique blend of humor and insight, sharing captivating stories -- mostly hilarious, very few gross. The two dive into the nuances of social media, with Dave candidly discussing his departure from Twitter and the unexpected liberations that followed, claiming, "I have, like, two extra hours in the day."

Throughout their talk, they explore the complexities of writing for different mediums, and Dave's humorous anecdotes, like his escapades involving monster trucks and his peculiar affinity for goats. At the end, listeners are treated to a whimsical look at what’s “done up real good” for Dave, from Indian cuisine to his love for lavender.

Links referenced in this episode:

• girls5eva
• drunkbus
• davehilldoesntlivehereanymore
• parkingthemoose

John Archibald, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, dives deep into the complexities of race and familial legacy in the latest episode of Short Takes. As he discusses his memoir, 'Shaking the Gates of Hell,' he reflects on his father's role as a minister during the civil rights movement, grappling with the nuances of silence and accountability in the face of racism. The episode offers listeners a unique perspective on how Archibald's upbringing in Alabama shaped his understanding of contemporary issues surrounding race and identity. With a candid exploration of personal experiences, he shares insights on receiving hate mail for his honest reporting and the importance of not remaining silent about uncomfortable truths. Archibald's engaging storytelling and thoughtful reflections invite listeners to consider their own narratives while navigating the ongoing dialogue about race in America, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of personal history and social justice.

Takeaways:

• John Archibald's memoir, "Shaking the Gates of Hell," explores his father's role during the civil rights movement, intertwining personal reflection with historical context.
• The podcast emphasizes the significance of speaking out against silence, particularly regarding racism and social justice issues in modern society.
• Listeners learn about the profound impact of childhood experiences in Alabama on John Archibald's views and writings, revealing shared sentiments among Southern communities.
• Archibald reflects on the complexities of writing about race as a white man, grappling with the weight of responsibility and the quest for authenticity in his narrative.
• The discussion highlights the emotional toll of receiving hate mail for exposing uncomfortable truths about politics and societal issues in Alabama.
• A humorous vision of a funeral party underscores Archibald's belief in the power of storytelling and the celebration of life through shared memories and laughter.

Links referenced in this episode:

• al.com

Taylor Hollingsworth, a Birmingham-based musician, takes center stage in this engaging inaugural episode of Short Takes, where he and the host dive into the essence of creativity and the struggles of being an artist in today’s world. They reminisce about their time in the vibrant music scene of Alabama while tackling the ever-relevant question of what it truly means to create and share art.

Taylor gets into his unique philosophy on creativity, including a heartfelt reminder. As they wrap up, it's always what's done up real good.

Takeaways:

• The podcast dives deep into the enduring significance of creativity, emphasizing the necessity for artists to generate new works daily, akin to nurturing a child into existence.
• Taylor Hollingsworth's multifaceted career as a musician and artist.
• Taylor reflects on the challenges of making a living as an artist, revealing the reality that many successful musicians must engage in gigs they might otherwise overlook or undervalue.
• The discussion also touches on the bittersweet nostalgia of past live performances, particularly during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it influenced artistic productivity.
• Appreciate the depth of lyrical content in music, with Taylor advocating for a more profound engagement with the art beyond surface-level enjoyment.

Links referenced in this episode:

• taylorhollingsworth.org
• corneliachapelrecords.com
• thealabamatake.com

Welcome to the audio version of Short Takes! Listeners may be familiar with the show from the YouTube series, but now it's also as an audio only format as well. Enjoy past episodes and look for new ones! Follow in your favorite podcast app!