Watching People Cook

In a rural Iowa town rooted in Transcendental Meditation and home to the microcommunity movement, community-building and intention have been redefined.

A northern Minnesota town, struggling to find its economic identity, gets a little help from an unlikely resident and his uncanny routine. Plus, turtle racing.

To learn more or sponsor the show: www.ouramericanapodcast.com

(Original Broadcast: 11/25/16) In 2013, hundred dollar bills started mysteriously appearing throughout Salem, Oregon; in diaper boxes, tip cups, people's cars. This is the story of the mysterious person hiding them, and how their generosity became contagious.

Take a minute (or seven) to check out the newest podcast to join the Our Americana Podcast Network:

The Karen & Ellen Letters are found correspondence between two teenage girls and their landlord, over a three year period, from the '80s. This podcast is the reading of those letters and a re-telling of my journey to validate their authenticity. Plus, a weekly roundtable of guest commentators.

www.karenandellen.com

"America is what happens when a community comes together to overcome what feels insurmountable."

Our Americana returns on February 28 with 13 episodes over 14 weeks: 9 new towns, roadside attractions, a follow-up on #VanLife, and an update episode.

(Original broadcast: 9/22/16) This episode concludes the story of Luna the Whale and his time in Gold River. The town comes together to save Luna, and the town struggles in the wake of his absence and the lessons learned.

(Original broadcast: 9/15/16) In 2001, the small town of Gold River was adopted by a baby orca. Over the next five years, Luna the Whale would both unite and spark debate amongst the previously segregated town. And he would put this isolated Vancouver Island community on the map and at the forefront of an even bigger conversation about what happens when conservation and humanity collide.

Featured Music: Dave Depper, Lee Rosevere, Cloudjumper, Sergey Cheremisinov, Aaron Mist

This week is Petoskey's Holiday Open House. In our Season Two Finale, I checked in with some old and new friends as they prepare for the big event; including the event coordinator and the local journalist covering it.

Special thanks to Sufjan Stevens, who was raised in Petoskey, for providing the holiday soundtrack.

This week's guests:

Kalin Sheick, Matt Mikus, Katie Potts, Andi Symonds, and Zoe Marshall-Rashid.

Our Americana is produced & hosted by Josh Hallmark.

Learn more at www.ouramericanapodcast.com

Sponsor Our Americana at www.patreon.com/ouramericana

Featured Music:

Sufjan Stevens - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas;

Sufjan Stevens - Silent Night;

Sufjan Stevens - Put The Lights On The Tree;

Sufjan Stevens - I'll Be Home For Christmas;

Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band - Deck The Halls;

Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band - Sleigh Ride;

Seth Partridge - Snow Falling On A Quiet Valley;

Rue Royale - Deck The Halls;

The Nancies - Song For A Winter's Night

Music available at: www.freemusicarchive.com

Our Americana listener Adrienne walks us through her hometown. We talk about how tragedy shaped her, politics and conversation in North Carolina, and life in a town full of memories. Plus, a song about bears.

Our Americana is produced & hosted by Josh Hallmark.

Learn more at www.ouramericanapodcast.com

Sponsor Our Americana at www.patreon.com/ouramericana -or- www.ouramericanapodcast.com

Featured Music:

Rho - Long Drive Home;

Scott Holmes - Childhood Memories;

Luke Pigott - Mourning Breathing;

Ballpen - The Hometown Dream;

Podington Bear - Clouds Pass Softly Deux;

Podington Bear - Little Do;

Podington Bear - Sunset Stroll;

Adrianna Krikl - Know Where

Music available at: www.freemusicarchive.com

In 2013, hundred dollar bills started mysteriously appearing throughout Salem, Oregon; in diaper boxes, tip cups, people's cars. This is the story of the mysterious person hiding them, and how their generosity became contagious.

This week's guests:

Heather Martin, JoAnn Culbertson, and Rob Whelan

Our Americana is produced & hosted by Josh Hallmark.

Learn more at www.ouramericanapodcast.com

Sponsor Our Americana at www.patreon.com/ouramericana -or- www.ouramericanapodcast.com

Special thanks to Night Cadet for the use of their song "Seaside."

Other Featured Music:

Dave Depper - Perspective;

Will Bangs - The Soft Glow of Christmas Lights;

David Szesztay - Take Care;

Dave Depper - Acoustic 2;

Will Bangs - You Make My Heart Sing So Loud;

Dave Depper - Wholesome 1;

Josh Woodward - Thanks for Coming (Instrumental);

Steve Combs - Thank You (Remix)

Music available at: www.freemusicarchive.com