Viva America

Viva America

By Viva AmericaSociety & CulturePlaces & Travel
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Viva America episodes

  • E17: The uniquely pristine beauty of Indiana Dunes National Park | The nightmare of a child being swallowed by the sand on the shores of Lake Michigan

    One of the country’s newest national parks on the coast of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park is a great spot for families to enjoy some time together.  For one family, back in 2013, they could have never imagined the nightmare their family would endure.  Join us as we tell the fairly recent story of a boy that was swallowed into the dune and some of the lessons scientists have learned since.

    The organization we are highlighting this episode is:

    Save the Dunes - Established in 1952, the mission of Save the Dunes is to protect and advocate for the Indiana dunes, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding natural areas for the betterment of the environment and the people who live, work, and recreate in Northwest Indiana.

    Organization Website:  https://savedunes.org/

    BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica

    Our sources for this episode are:

    https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/mystery-why-dangerous-sand-dune-swallowed-boy-180953404/

    https://www.cbsnews.com/news/indiana-sand-dune-trapped-boy-remains-closed-3-years/

    https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-miracle-mount-baldy-met-20140914-story.html

    https://www.nps.gov/indu/learn/news/newsreleases.htm

    https://historydaily.org/sand-dune-swallows-child-freakish-phenomenon-nearly-claims-boys-life

    https://www.kokomotribune.com/news/nation_an_world_news/all-involved-agree-sand-dune-rescue-a-miracle/article_4d8b207c-ed73-50b0-b572-f2b58ab6735e.html

    52 min
  • E16: The San Juan Islands of Washington State | and how their existence as part of the US is related to a murdered pig and a German Kaiser

    The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful parts of our country.  But many who travel there, don't venture farther north than Seattle.  But the San Juan Islands are not to be missed.  Join us this week as Cameron shares the story how their existence as part of the US is related to a murdered pig and a German Kaiser.  We also sneak in a few stories about the Manassas Castle - considered one of the most haunted places on the West Coast.  Enjoy!

    56 min
  • E15: A haunting journey on the Natchez Trace in Mississippi | When they say that it’s like driving through 10,000 years of history, they aren’t kidding.

    There’s something for everyone in today’s episode.  If you plan to check Mississippi off of your travel list, this episode has some awesome ideas for you.  We visit the Natchez Trace itself, a 444 mile scenic drive that almost no one knows about - Rocky Springs - a ghost town that you can visit to this day, Windsor Mansion - today known as Windsor Ruins (for a reason) and the very mysterious place known as Witches Dance.

    The organization we are highlighting this episode is:

    Fuller Center Bike Adventure - building a better world one house at a time.  They host a bike race where participants bike all 444 miles of the Natchez Trace!

    Organization Website: https://www.fullercenterbikeadventure.org/natchez/

    BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica

    Our sources for this episode are:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natchez_Trace

    https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-windsorruins/

    https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-witchdance/

    53 min
  • E13: A cold case murder steps from Acadia National Park | And the unforgettable dog with the red bandana.

    This murder actually takes places JUST beyond the boundaries of the Acadia National Park.  Leslie Spellman had never hiked alone.  What a cruel twist of fate that she would be dead within 24 hours of doing so for the first time.  Though her dog with the red bandana makes it out alive, to this day Leslie’s murder remains a mystery.

    The organization we are highlighting this episode is:

    Friends of Acadia preserves, protects, and promotes stewardship of the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and distinctive cultural resources of Acadia National Park and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of current and future generations.

    Organization Website: https://friendsofacadia.org/

    BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica

    Our sources for this episode are:

    Death in Acadia: And Other Misadventures in Maine's National Park By Randi Minetor

    https://www.darkdowneast.com/episodes/lesliespellman

    https://www.foxbangor.com/news/item/48570-asticou-azalea-garden-1977-murder-still-unsolved/

    https://books.google.com/books?id=FjaPDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA107&lpg=PA107&dq=leslie+spellman+red+bandana&source=bl&ots=HT9rdOGg_5&sig=ACfU3U3kMleIDguWigkgBtH2Wcl89KRx4A&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiZ_tvNnoX2AhVLSTABHTquALMQ6AF6BAgYEAM#v=onepage&q=leslie%20spellman%20red%20bandana&f=false

    https://murderpedia.org/male.H/h/hicks-james.htm

    49 min
  • E11: When tragedy and beauty intersect | The Grand Canyon mid-air collision that you’ve never heard of.

    The Grand Canyon is one of our country’s most popular National Parks and even one of the 7 natural wonders of the WORLD.  When I heard about the mid-air collision of 2 passenger planes in 1956 I was shocked that I had never heard of it.  This episode dives in to the tragedy thanks to Mike Nelson, one of the family members of an unfortunate soul aboard one of the planes that day.

    The organization we are highlighting this episode is:

    Organization description:  Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park and has been supporting the Grand Canyon for over 90 years. Their vision consists of 3 main points. They want to see:

    • A precious natural and cultural resource that is forever safeguarded.
    • Indigenous people and connected communities who are thriving.
    • Memorable experiences that welcome, ground, invigorate, and inspire.

      • Organization Website: https://www.grandcanyon.org/

      BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica

      Our sources for this episode are:

      https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

      The book - “We are going in” by Mike Nelson - more info here: ​​https://wearegoingin.com/

      1 hr 3 min
    • E10: It seems like the last thing the City Museum should be called is a museum | The fascinating history behind the creation of the City Museum and the mysterious death of its creator.

      The City Museum in St. Louise, Missouri is a playground for all ages.  Today we share the result of Bob Cassily's eccentric vision as well as his mysterious death.  Thanks for joining us on this adventure.  



      Sources for this episode are:

      https://www.citymuseum.org/about-us/history/

      https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/city-museum-founders-widow-believes-her-husbands-death-in-2011-was-murder/article_08e16daf-b457-507d-9a38-9a7bccbad21c.html


      1 hr 5 min
    • E9: What do Cayo Costa, Key West and Cameron’s first concert have in common? | Florida might have a lot of crazy, but it’s got a lot of really good vibes as well.
      If you think of sandy beaches, flip flops and sunshine when you think of Florida, this episode is for you. We visit Cayo Costa State Park where visitors can camp in one of Florida’s most natural settings. Throw in how this place connects to Key West and legends like Jimmy Buffet and you’ve got quite and adventure!
      The organization we are highlighting this episode is Singing for Change
      Turning good vibes into good deeds.  Singing for change supports nonprofit organizations, large and small, that provide compelling opportunities for individuals to discover their power to make a difference.
      Organization Website: https://www.singingforchange.org/about-us
      BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica
      Our sources for this episode are:
      ​​https://www.floridastateparks.org/CayoCosta
      https://cabbagekey.com/dining/
      https://www.wanderwoman.ca/cabbage-key/
      https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/wm12P29_Jimmy_Buffett_Captain_Tonys_Saloon_Key_West_FL
      https://www.news-press.com/story/life/food/2020/03/31/cabbage-key-donates-6-000-plus-fallen-dollars-covid-19-charities/5087116002/
      56 min
    • E8: Central State Hospital was once the world’s largest mental hospital | Today it lies in ruins and holds the secrets of over a hundred years of secrets.

      If you have never heard of the Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, GA… well today is the day.  Once the largest mental hospital in the world, it’s history is astonishing and still mostly a secret today.  Join us for a horrible dive into the past of this hospital and the history of mental health itself.

      The organization we are highlighting this episode is: NAMI GEORGIA

      NAMI Georgia strives to :

      • advocate at the county, state and national levels for non-discriminatory access to quality healthcare, housing , education and employment for people with mental illness.
      • educate the public about mental illness.
      • work to eliminate the stigma of mental illness.
      • advocate for increased funding for research into the causes and treatment of mental illness.

        • https://namiga.org/get-involved/donate/

        BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica

        Our sources for this episode are:

        https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional/asylum-dark-past-relived-cycle-ends/uq2OK0dgHCeynhFUGba36O/

        https://georgialibraries.omeka.net/s/central-state-hospital/page/the-beginning

        http://www.peteearley.com/2019/03/15/the-worlds-largest-mental-asylum-from-the-horrors-of-the-back-wards-to-todays-jails-and-prisons/

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5bUS7JMU5s

        1 hr 12 min

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