The American Morgan Podcast

Some days you wake up with no motivation to do anything and other days you wake up with an urge to write a paper about your favorite decade in American history.

Every so often I’m inspired to reflect on the 60s and all of its unique pieces. My college curriculum led me to learn more about this epic period and encouraged me to continue learning in my own time. There are a couple of favorite documentaries I like to watch where I can see old footage of iconic figures, memorable speeches, and nostalgic moments in America. And then I figured I could take my thoughts on the 10 year period and turn it into a podcast episode!

This is a 40 minute overview of one of the most impactful eras in US history. I go through the transition of the 50s into the 60s that sets the stage for the events that unfold, the characterization of the Baby Boomer Generation that defined the culture, JFK’s presidency, his successor Lyndon Johnson, the Vietnam War, national movements like the Civil Rights which shifted the course of American life, the infamous year of 1968, the Space Race against the Soviet Union, and a small piece about pop culture and music.

WE BREEZE THROUGH A LOT IN THIS EPISODE, but my hope is that it’s informative and helpful in breaking down a decade like no other.

Thanks for listening!

The podcast has taken on a new brand and I wanted a short episode explaining the “why” behind it all. There’s a story behind the reporters holding microphones and a reason I wanted the name to be what it is! All in all, I’m excited to see where this next season of the podcast goes.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

We’ve interviewed fellow squadmates, 3 month racers, a husband and wife, and now we talk to the OG squad leader — Alex Kirby.

Alex was one of the two humble, responsible leaders who led my original squad for the first 6 months of our trip. He’s quite familiar with Adventures in Missions and has participated in virtually everything they offer! His leadership style and passion for people has easily led him from one thing to the next, and now he’s onto the 9 month program called G42.

In this episode we discuss his very vivid dreams, the differences between his two experiences squad leading, and how a Spider-Man movie influenced the timeline of his life.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

I interview a husband and wife?!?!

On this episode I talk to Seth and Anna, an amazing couple who were on my second World Race squad. As newlyweds, they left their careers to pursue missions overseas! I had the honor of getting to know them for a few months before we were sent home because of the pandemic.

During this hour (sorry it’s so long) we talk about obedience, hearing from the Holy Spirit, and being willing to follow God to unexpected places. We also catch up on their life in Minnesota since being home, and where they are headed next!! Hint: Africa.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

An honor and a privilege, really.

This episode I talk to the incomparable Sharon Mosley out in New York. Previously a member of O Squad, Sharon is now pursuing her dreams in the States, taking her experiences overseas and applying them to a future in social work. Join us as we discuss what it was like leaving a full time job to do international missions, going back to her parents’ house, and now getting her masters. Hear about her unique fondness for a certain country that almost no other squad-mate identifies with and stick around toward the end for when we discuss the state of our nation and the upcoming election.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Numba 6. We’re back with a friend from O Squad!

In this episode I’m talking to my friend Victoria out in Kansas. Join us as we eagerly get into the depths of storytelling and creativity, hear about her challenging transition home, and look ahead at her future prospects of returning to Costa Rica.

You can check out her recent blog posts (as mentioned) at vickiepantle.theworldrace.org

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Number five in the series!

Tonight I have the extreme pleasure of talking with my friend Angelica Spence in Hotlanta (Atlanta), Georgia. Unlike the last few friends I’ve brought on the show, Angelica did not do 11 months of the World Race. She was with my second squad that got sent home early from the field due to the Coronavirus!

We dig into the emotions of that tumultuous time and reflect on her life this year since coming home much earlier than expected, and all the opportunities it has brought her way. Angelica’s inspiration and optimism is contagious, and it’s not different when you hear her talk about every unexpected turn of her life in the last 8 months.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

The fourth installment of my new episode series where I talk with people who traveled with me on the World Race, to see where life has brought them one year later after returning to the United States.

Tonight I talk with my friend Amanda in Asheville, North Carolina. I learn more about what brought her to that region and how the race has impacted her life at home in the States. Amanda’s heart for people show through her involvement with young adults and her career. We discuss being obedient to God, the doors that have opened up for her with community and discipleship, and the countries that stick out to her the most!

Hope you enjoy the conversation.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

The third installment of my new episode series where I talk with people who traveled with me on the World Race, to see where life has brought them one year later after returning to the United States.

Today I talk with my friend Jenny in Colorado Springs! Like myself, Jenny started the Race as Treasurer and then served as a Team Leader for the latter months of our trip. She also returned to the mission field just a few short weeks after coming home from our Race, joining a different group of racers as an Alumni Team Leader in South America. Jenny and I talk about the difference between these two seasons and how it impacted her future ambitions in the States. We also discuss what we’ve learned about finances and new responsibilities since coming home and finding jobs — and how our community of friends makes everything better.

Hope you enjoy the conversation.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!