Explore every episode of the podcast Backroad Odyssey : Travel Stories, Van Life & Road Trip Oddities
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| On the Road - America's Flattest State: Which One Takes the Crown? | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:33:30 | |
Welcome to the van! During any road trip, questions are bound to arise as your surroundings change. Today we ask: How and when were speed limits first established? Why do trucks have to stop at weigh stations? What is the worst state to start a homestead in (and why)? And finally, what's the absolute flattest state in the United States? Let's hit the road! Works Cited: https://blog.americansafetycouncil.com/the-history-of-speed-limits-in-america/ https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/Walter-Arnold-Worlds-First-Speeding-Ticket/ https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/january-2/nixon-signs-national-speed-limit-into-law https://history.state.gov/milestones/1969-1976/oil-embargo https://www.nps.gov/home/learn/historyculture/abouthomesteadactlaw.htm https://redemptionpermaculture.com/7-of-the-worst-states-for-homesteading-and-the-reasons-why/ https://www.freightech.us/post/history-of-trucking-in-america https://hdfleet.com/facts-every-fleet-should-know-about-truck-weigh-stations/ https://law-school.open.ac.uk/blog/red-flag-act
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| The Parthenon, Y'all - The Gods Visit Nashville | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:30:45 | |
Nashville has a Parthenon ... why? Nestled into Centennial Park in Nashville, Tennessee, lies an exact-size and detail replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The thrilling story of America's Parthenon might surprise you. Safe travels! Works Cited: https://www.jstor.org/stable/42626877?read-now=1&seq=12#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.jstor.org/stable/42626877?searchText=the+parthenon&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dthe%2Bparthenon%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fspellcheck_basic_search%2Ftest&refreqid=fastly-default%3A9d9ba02e0f9f5e7a7c507ab701fa1ffe&seq=7 https://www.jstor.org/stable/826893?read-now=1&seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.jstor.org/stable/501468?read-now=1&seq=2#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/parthenon/hurwit.html https://www.history.com/articles/parthenon-acropolis-ancient-greece-engineering https://library.nashville.gov/blog/2019/10/nashville-athens-southbut-why https://www.nashvilleparthenon.com/history https://www.stephdavidbaxter.com/the-nashville-parthenon/ https://www.greekmyths-greekmythology.com/athena-vs-poseidon-contest-name/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZDnv110iWo&t=498s https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-rise-and-fall-of-worlds-fairs-180979946/
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| The Fremont Troll - Seattle's Mysterious Resident (Revisit) | 01 Aug 2025 | 00:17:25 | |
In the bustling metropolis of Seattle, Washington - a curious resident claims the shadows beneath Aurora Bridge ... Those who dare to venture into its liar speak of its sheer size, stern gaze and possessive nature. But! Few can tell you the reason for the trolls residency. Noodles and I revisit our exploration into the thrilling origin of The Fremont Troll. Works Cited: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/a-brief-history-of-the-fremont-troll-a-menace-that-evokes-a-smile/
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| Van Life Diaries - America's First National Park City | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:23:45 | |
What's a National Park City? My dog Noodles and I hike the trails of America's FIRST National Park City - Chattanooga, Tennessee - to find out! The answer might surprise you ... We'll also answer listener question at the end - which include:
Works Cited: https://www.jstor.org/stable/24889660?read-now=1&seq=2#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/historyculture/yellowstoneestablishment.htm https://www.history.com/articles/yellowstone-national-park-origins https://www.doi.gov/blog/americas-public-lands-explained https://www.nationalparkcity.org/national-park-cities/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJasV-itdoc https://www.nps.gov/efmo/learn/historyculture/the-ovement-to-create-a-national-park-in-iowa.htm
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| The Story of West Virginia - Almost Heaven: Also Mothman | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:35:16 | |
What's the real story of West Virginia? Why is the state often ignored, stereotyped and forgotten? In what world do these questions explain the flurry of West Virginia Mothman sightings of the 1960's? We answer all this and more as we hike mountain trails and visit the small town of Point Pleasant, a location infamous for its association with the Mothman. Safe travels! Works Cited: https://www.jstor.org/stable/4242460?searchText=the+battle+of+point+pleasant&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dthe%2Bbattle%2Bof%2Bpoint%2Bpleasant%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A37008b1977b34b4942bbe80356d2cc59&seq=3 https://www.jstor.org/stable/27649920?read-now=1&seq=14#page_scan_tab_contents\ https://www.jstor.org/stable/43198067?read-now=1&seq=10#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.jstor.org/stable/26233743?read-now=1&seq=24#page_scan_tab_contents https://wvpublic.org/mothman-legacy-has-ties-to-ancient-folklore/ https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/mothman-point-pleasant-west-virginia https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/history-west-virginia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-VU_Yqadus https://virginiahistory.org/learn/why-there-west-virginia https://wvminewars.org/news/battleofmatewantrial https://www.history.com/articles/west-virginia https://www.britannica.com/place/Point-Pleasant-West-Virginia https://www.loc.gov/resource/gdcmassbookdig.battleofpointple00poff/?sp=11&st=image https://www.archives.gov/legislative/features/west-virginia
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| Van Life Diaries - Blue Ridge Mountains: Beyond the Haze | 06 Jun 2025 | 00:22:11 | |
Today Noodles and I camp in the Haze of the Blue Ridge Mountains to answer the following questions: What are the blue ridge mountains? Why are they worth exploring? Why has this section of the country long been steeped in mystery, supernatural stories and the occasional strain of true crime. We also answer listener questions including:
Recommendations: The absolute best brewery tour of Asheville NC (trust me): https://www.beercitybrewerytoursavl.com/ My personal favorite brewery in Asheville: Great civil war site in Chattanooga, TN: https://www.lookoutmountain.com/ Top 5 places to catch a sunset: https://www.southeasttennessee.com/hiking-to-lookout-mountains-sunset-rock/ Follow our insta for more recommendations - backroad_odyssey Works Cited: https://www.britannica.com/place/Appalachian-National-Scenic-Trail https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/geography-environment/blue-ridge-mountains/ https://blueridgetales.com/tales-of-the-moon-eyed-people/ https://www.nps.gov/blri/learn/nature/mountains.htm https://hendersonvillebest.com/have-you-ever-wondered-how-the-blue-ridge-mountains-got-their-name/ https://friendsofblueridge.org/our-mountains/mountains-history/ https://www.historichotels.org/us/hotels-resorts/omni-grove-park-inn/ghost-stories.php https://www.exploreasheville.com/article/top-10-haunted-spots-asheville
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| Hemingway's Key West - Behind the Persona | 30 May 2025 | 00:29:28 | |
Why should we care about Ernest Hemingway's time in Key West? What did this great American novelist REALLY do and accomplish during his brief residency on the island from 1931 to 1939? My dog and I spend a week on the island to answer these - and more - questions ... Works Cited: Great, concise book about Hemingway's time in Key West: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/104236.Hemingway_s_Key_West https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/guide-hemingways-paris-180950079/ https://www.hemingwayhome.com/his-life https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/july-21/ernest-hemingway-is-born https://www.ernesthemingwaycollection.com/about-hemingway/ernest-hemingway-in-paris https://sloppyjoes.com/history/ https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/hemingway-s-last-penny https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=223742 https://www.hemingwayhome.com/our-cats https://fla-keys.com/keysvoices/hemingway-days-celebrates-legendary-writers-key-west-life/ https://www.clappisonvet.com/resources/blog/september-2017/the-many-cats-of-ernest-hemingway
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| Van Life Diaries - The Lost Coast: California's Last Wilderness | 22 May 2025 | 00:17:50 | |
A singular stretch of untamed wilderness lines Calirfonia's Northern Coast. A landscape so rugged and dramatic that the state's infamous 'route one' avoids it's sheer cliffs and crashing waves. My dog Noodles and I spend three days along this coast - while there we hear a love story. - We answer listener questions at the end, which include:
Recommendations: Black Sands Beach near Shelter Cove: https://sheltercovecalifornia.com/the-lost-coast-trail Beer and Food: Backpacking for the brave - make sure you reserve in advance: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/lost-coast-trail-mattole-to-black-sands-beach Works Cited: https://www.savetheredwoods.org/project/lost-coast-redwoods/ https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28172 https://www.aspireadventurerunning.com/the-lost-coast-the-ancestral-lands-of-the-sinkyone-people/ https://sheltercovecalifornia.com/the-lost-coast-trail https://michaelbass.media/THE-LOST-COAST https://www.visitredwoods.com/listing/shelter-cove-on-the-lost-coast/138/ https://www.visitcalifornia.com/experience/lost-coast/
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| Secrets of Plymouth Rock - The Real Story | 08 May 2025 | 00:27:10 | |
What’s the real story and legacy of Plymouth Rock? Did the so-called “Pilgrims” REALLY step upon that particular rock that fateful Autumn of 1620? Why and how did Plymouth Rock become the defining “Founding of America" Myth? My dog Noodles and I visit the rock in Plymouth Massachusetts to find out! Works Cited: https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv1wxsdq.7?searchText=plymouth+rock&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dplymouth%2Brock%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A613af71a7850d2e61fbd659b9b9eb5f9&seq=6 https://www.jstor.org/stable/41779364?read-now=1&seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents They Knew They Were Pilgrims, Plymouth Colony and the Contest for American Liberty by John G Turner https://www.history.com/articles/the-real-story-behind-plymouth-rock https://www.studentsofhistory.com/comparing-jamestown-plymouth-colonies https://www.britannica.com/topic/Plymouth-Rock-United-States-history https://www.history.com/articles/william-bradford https://www.history.com/articles/king-james-bible-most-popular https://www.history.com/articles/mayflower-compact https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/lawes-divine-morall-and-martiall/ https://plimoth.org/for-students/homework-help/mayflower-and-mayflower-compact https://www.gilderlehrman.org/sites/default/files/inline-pdfs/The%20Mayflower%20Compact.pdf https://www.potawatomi.org/blog/2020/11/25/the-true-dark-history-of-thanksgiving/
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| Van Life Diaries - Skunk Ape Headquarters | 24 Apr 2025 | 00:17:47 | |
Who is The Skunk Ape? Noodles and I take the van to visit Skunk Ape Headquarters deep in the Florida Everglades in search of answers. We’ll also be answering listener question at the end, which include:
Brief Works Cited: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/trail-floridas-bigfoot-skunk-ape-180949981/ https://keysweekly.com/42/keys-history-stories-of-southernmost-skunk-ape/
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| The Enchanted Highway - One Man's Dream to Save His Town | 18 Apr 2025 | 00:14:54 | |
The sparse fields of North Dakota hold a secret … Mysterious scrape metal statues populate the wind-swept landscape. The reason behind their labored construction and the harrowing story of the man who built them - that’s a story worth telling. This is the fable of the Enchanted Highway… Works Cited: https://www.atlasobscura.com/videos/meet-the-man-who-built-north-dakota-s-enchanted-highway https://www.ndtourism.com/regent/attractions-entertainment/family-fun/enchanted-highway https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=the+enchanted+highway.com&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8 https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/enchanted-highway https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2155
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| Van Life Diaries - Understanding Solar and Lunar Eclipses | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:33:52 | |
How much do we REALLY know about eclipses? My answer one year ago would have been - not much. - To amend this, my dog and I witness a total solar eclipse and - nearly a year later - a lunar eclipse in Southern Florida. We use each experience to explore the profound cultural, historical and scientific significance of eclipses. Sit back, relax and join our venture into cosmic happenings well beyond the walls of our small van ... Listener questions at the end of the episode include:
Works Cited: https://www.jstor.org/stable/178278?read-now=1&seq=3#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.jstor.org/stable/4130201?read-now=1&seq=2#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.history.com/articles/solar-lunar-eclipses https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEhistory/LEhistory.html https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/eclipse-maps-halley-18th-century-astronomy https://www.britannica.com/biography/Johannes-Kepler https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEcat5/SE1601-1700.html https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/history/ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20231012-how-solar-eclipses-have-shaped-history https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/geometry/ https://www.planetary.org/worlds/pale-blue-dot https://www.astronomy.com/science/a-history-of-solar-eclipses/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTxz_d2q7Js https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idlq8zCrUkY
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| On the Road - Why Are Barns Red? | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:20:15 | |
Today, Midwestern highways inspire us to ask:
Let's explore the answers as we hit the road! Works Cited: https://blogs.loc.gov/picturethis/2018/05/a-closer-look-why-barns-are-red/ https://dahp.wa.gov/barn-paint-colors https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/why-are-all-swedish-cottages-painted-red-180975914/ https://falurodfarg.com/en/about/the-story-of-the-red-cottage/ https://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/maybe-the-midwest-is-a-state-of-mind/ https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/18/us/midwest-states-harris-trump.html https://www.forbes.com/sites/kionasmith/2021/03/18/this-is-why-hay-bales-are-round/ https://www.vermeer.com/na/balers/history
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| The Crater of Diamonds - Arkansas' Volcanic Treasure Field | 20 Mar 2025 | 00:25:12 | |
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only place in the world where the public can search for natural diamonds at their volcanic source. The 37 acre eroded volcanic crater sees hopeful prospectors prying through loose soil - hoping to find more than just dirt Some do … some do not … Regardless, the history of the park is just as fascinating as the diamonds that litter its ground. My dog Noodles and I visit the field in the hopes of striking it rich! Works Cited: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-curious-case-of-the-arkansas-diamonds-43575867/ https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/john-wesley-huddleston-4732/ https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crater-diamonds-state-park/history https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/articles/discovering-lamproite-crater https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crater-diamonds-state-park/digging-for-diamonds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hvjuOKKX_I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZhRjh3Vg7w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rdm6VFQArU
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| Van Life Diaries - WW2 Finds American Shores | 11 Mar 2025 | 00:35:48 | |
America sleeps far away from the impending conflicts of World War II. Despite this VAST distance, an anxiety lingers in the mind of American President - Franklin D. Roosevelt … My dog Noodles and I scale WWII observation towers along the Delaware coast - and use the story of their construction to illustrate the deep anxieties present in the pre-war American government. All this is to say: The slow buildup to American involvement in The Second World War; is more interesting and deliberate than assumed. Works Cited: https://www.jstor.org/stable/27555685?read-now=1&seq=15#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7591/j.ctt1xx5pk.8?searchText=world+war+two&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dworld%2Bwar%2Btwo%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3Ae8810c8b534d4a6bfb307d1c26a94446&seq=4 https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/s/study-general-board-usnavy-1929-1933.html#:~:text=warships%20should%20be%20built.,during%20an%20eight%20year%20plan.&text=Congress%20was%20not%20ready%20to,plan%20and%20disbanded%20the%20board. https://www.history.com/topics/great-depression/civilian-conservation-corps https://shorebread.com/2013/01/24/the-watch-towers-that-line-the-de-coast-signs-of-world-war-ii/ https://www.jstor.org/stable/27555685 https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/selective-service-and-arsenal-of-democracy.htm https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/fireside-chat-13 https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/churchill/interactive/_html/wc0112.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoaXGUq-l50 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iuQcxXAdfw
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| America's Ghost Towns - Why Did They Leave? | 20 Feb 2025 | 00:20:53 | |
Abandoned towns are scattered throughout the American Landscape. These remnants of bygone eras tempt us to speculate about the lives of those that left … Why did they leave? What makes the American West particularly populated with these so-called “Ghost Towns?” Noodles and I explore the desolate ghost town of Grafton - just south of Zion National Park - to find out! Recommendations: Good reference before visiting Grafton, the detour shouldn't take you more than two hours: https://graftonheritage.org/history-settlement/ Zion Hikes: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/the-zion-narrows-riverside-walk https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/angels-landing-trail Don't Forget Utah's Mighty 5 (easily doable if you plan!) https://www.visitutah.com/places-to-go/parks-outdoors/the-mighty-5 Works Cited: https://www.jstor.org/stable/20589495?read-now=1&seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/24889487.pdf?refreqid=fastly-default%3A69f9058b1c2537ad4427f269f32fac60&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&initiator=&acceptTC=1 https://www.jstor.org/stable/41784569?read-now=1&seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.jstor.org/stable/44671309?searchText=ghost+towns&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dghost%2Btowns%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3Aa083d002fc7d91c16babbaf915c2cd7d&seq=2 https://graftonheritage.org/history-settlement/ https://www.britannica.com/topic/ghost-town https://travel.usnews.com/gallery/americas-15-coolest-ghost-towns-to-visit?slide=16 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7G2DRrxbtE https://www.legendsofamerica.com/gt-hiddentales/
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| Van Life Diaries - Into the Redwoods : Realm of Giants | 15 Feb 2025 | 00:24:52 | |
The Redwoods are home to the world’s tallest trees. WHAT'S the secret to their staggering growth? Why is this unique ecosystem worth visiting? Noodles and I hike deep into the Old-Growth Redwoods of Northern California to find out! - As always, we'll answer listener question at the end, which include:
My Recommendations (details in episode): Avenue of the Giants: https://www.visitredwoods.com/explore-the-redwoods/avenue-of-the-giants/ Trees of Mystery: The Living Chimney Tree: https://aveofthegiants.com/attractions/living-chimney-tree-attraction-grill/ Works Cited: https://www.jstor.org/stable/40608544?searchText=redwoods&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dredwoods%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A63141d001987533dfa9a2e90fec5d121 https://www.nps.gov/redw/faqs.htm https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/tall-trees/2nd-grade/ https://medium.com/@treejer/the-story-of-the-redwood-trees-ac56d4730d9e https://www.savetheredwoods.org/redwoods/why-redwoods/ https://californiacurated.com/2021/03/04/why-are-californias-redwoods-and-sequoias-so-big/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BVHSUMAWR4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9NDI5H2zZM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW9w6eCQQkU
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| Wall Drug - The World's Weirdest Drug Store | 06 Feb 2025 | 00:17:12 | |
What started as a modest drug store now welcomes millions of curious travelers … Welcome to Wall Drug! Home to a Robot T-rex, 6,000 cowboy boots, animatronic singers, a working chapel - and of course, their famous 5 cent coffee … Join my dog Noodles and I as we explore the wild story of Americas largest and most bizarre drug store! Works Cited: https://www.nps.gov/people/tedhustead.htm https://www.maturesolotraveler.com/post/wall-drug-in-south-dakota-has-something-for-everyone https://roadtrippers.com/magazine/wall-drug-south-dakota-western-art/ https://www.roadtripusa.com/the-road-to-nowhere/south-dakota/wall-drug/ https://www.walldrug.com/about-us https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5yDfkrphPU
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| Van Life Diaries - The Manatees of Southern Florida | 30 Jan 2025 | 00:23:27 | |
Southern Florida is home to an aquatic gentle giant: THE MANATEE. But how much do we really know about this wondering benign behemoth? Noodles and I dive deep into the warm springs, rivers and tributaries of Florida to research this fascinating creature. As always we'll answer listener questions at the end, which include:
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| Sun Records - The Birth of Rock and Roll | 09 Jan 2025 | 00:34:48 | |
Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee claims to be the birthplace of Rock and Roll. But just what does it mean to be “The Birthplace of Rock and Roll”? Can we accept such a claim without first diving even deep into the murky depths of American musical history. Noodles and I head to Memphis to find out …
https://www.jstor.org/stable/30003142?read-now=1&seq=7#page_scan_tab_contents
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| Van Life Diaries - 4 Obscure National Park Cryptids | 27 Dec 2024 | 00:17:29 | |
Today we explore just a SMALL sample of the various cryptids and oddities that are said to inhabit our nations most pristine landscapes. What advice would you give to someone thinking about solo travel? What if anything surprised you about the Ave Maria Grotto? Did you do anything else in Scranton while there? Who produces your show? Do you edit it? Does your van ever get stuck?
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| Ave Maria Grotto - A Monk Builds His City | 13 Dec 2024 | 00:20:52 | |
A miniature city crafted from recycled materials lies in the Alabama woods. One solitary Bavarian Monk is behind its construction. Noodles and I join the thousands of visitors stopping to admire this humble monk’s startling creation - This is the story of the Ave Maria Grotto.
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| Van Life Diaries - The Tree That Owns Itself | 05 Dec 2024 | 00:14:10 | |
Can a tree own itself? How much energy does your solar power produce? What happens when Noodles can’t go to a location for an episode?
Any upcoming episodes you’re excited about?
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| The Savannah Story - America's First Urban Experiment | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:28:12 | |
Today, we walk the oak-lined streets of Savannah, Georgia - often referred to as America’s first truly planned city. Savannah’s many parks, measured plots of land, and deeply walkable nature aren’t just an exercise in alternative city planning - the real story of Savannah’s creation might surprise you. The claim we’ll make today is this: Savannah, and Georgia itself to a degree, started as nothing less than a bold experiment challenging the way in which people should live. Curious? Let’s hit the road! Works Cited: https://www.jstor.org/stable/40584446?read-now=1&seq=25#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.jstor.org/stable/40577982?read-now=1&seq=13#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.jstor.org/stable/26413048?read-now=1&seq=41#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.jstor.org/stable/40550186?read-now=1&seq=24#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.jstor.org/stable/26228997?read-now=1&seq=9#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/counties-cities-neighborhoods/savannah/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbyuNHCDdNM&t=78s
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| The Last Blockbuster - The Little Video Store That Could | 29 Nov 2024 | 00:26:26 | |
One solitary Blockbuster Video location remains ...
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| Van Life Diaries - 3 Real Life Locations from "The Office" | 15 Nov 2024 | 00:11:58 | |
Scranton, Pennsylvania is inseperable from the hit-series “The Office.”
Noodles and I stop to visit three such Office locations in Lackawanna County - join us as we explore the wonderful world of "The Office" As always we'll take listener questions at the end!
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| The Black Angel - Iowa City's Cursed Oddity | 05 Nov 2024 | 00:17:02 | |
Explore the darker side of Iowa City ... This - at least - is the reputation of Iowa City's Black Angel.
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| The Real Salem - Road to the Trials (BONUS EPISODE) | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:31:06 | |
The REAL story behind the infamous Salem Witch Trials might surprise you ...
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| Van Life Diaries - The Great Gathering of Vans (Descend 10) | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:12:40 | |
Dive into the vibrant world of van life with us at the Descend Gathering in Oregon! As always we’ll take listener questions at the end, including:
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| Mount Saint Helens - America's Deadliest Eruption | 24 Oct 2024 | 00:23:15 | |
44 years after it's eruption, Noodles and I camp at the base of the - still active - Mount Saint Helens. We explore the tales of Harry Truman, the lodge owner who famously refused to leave despite the looming danger, and David Johnston, a devoted volcanologist committed to monitoring the volcano and saving lives. Works Cited:
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| Van Life Diaries - 3 Essential Comedy Podcasts | 15 Oct 2024 | 00:10:09 | |
We're about to make those long drives a laugh-filled adventure with our all time TOP COMEDY podcast picks.
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| Mysteries of the Utah Petroglyphs - Voices in Stone | 10 Oct 2024 | 00:18:51 | |
Countless prehistoric images populate the landscapes of the American Southwest. Some are meticulously engraved into stone, others carefully painted upon cave walls ... The exact meaning behind many of these illustrations remain illusive. These are the mysteries of the Utah Petroglyphs!
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| Van Life Diaries - 3 Resources for ANY Roadtrip | 04 Oct 2024 | 00:13:53 | |
Every road trip is a story waiting to be told. In my two years of van life, I’ve gathered three resources that have become invaluable in planning and ensuring successful, safe and memorable road trips. Discover how the Road Trippers app can guide you to unexpected treasures like Michael Jackson's birthplace, GIANT leg sundials and other quirky roadside attractions—all without spending a dime.
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| The Fremont Troll - Seattle's Mysterious Resident | 13 Sep 2024 | 00:17:38 | |
In the bustling metropolis of Seattle, Washington, a curious resident claims the shadows beneath Aurora Bridge …. Those who dare to venture below the bridge- more accurately, those that survive to tell the tale - speak of his sheer size, stern gaze and possessive nature… But few can tell you the reason for his residency … and that, my friends is a story worth telling. This is the story of the Fremont Troll Trolloween:
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| Travel Stories - Second Families and Road Trip Air Fryers | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:46:47 | |
Welcome to the van as we dig up travel stories from the DEPTHS of Reddit! Abby (of Hooks.and.hops) joins us to discuss traveling air fryers, solo expeditions, and obvious vacations with second families. Buckle up and enjoy this week's laid-back conversation!
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| Van Life Diaries - Grand Teton National Park - Trip Essentials | 10 Sep 2024 | 00:16:06 | |
Grand Teton National Park has LONG ranked as one of my favorite areas in the nation … Today we explore a brief history of the park and share tips, tricks, stories and recommendations for your next visit. We also answer listener questions, which include:
Below you'll find links to all my recommendations: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=million+dollar+cowboy+bar&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
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| The Flathead Lake Monster - Montana's Aquatic Cryptid | 06 Sep 2024 | 00:16:40 | |
What lies in the murky depths of Flathead lake? Today we dive into its waters.
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| Van Life Diaries - 3 Stunning Short Roads Everyone Should Drive | 03 Sep 2024 | 00:12:38 | |
Here are our TOP THREE picks for beautiful - relatively short - roads everyone should experience at least once in their life.
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| Walden (Part 3) - After the Pond | 29 Aug 2024 | 00:21:23 | |
We’ve explored the reasons behind Thoreau’s decision to leave for Walden Pond, examined the seasons he spent along it’s shore ... and NOW must acknowledge one - unavoidable - fact: Thoreau chooses to leave the pond … Why?
https://www.walden.org/education/for-students/thoreaus-place/
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| Van Life Diaries - The 80/20 Rule of Van Life | 27 Aug 2024 | 00:12:49 | |
Throughout my over TWO years on the road, I’ve had many ups, many downs and everything in between… Every experience has led me to embrace one - inescapable reality of Van Life: 80 percent of your time on the road will not resemble the curated photos and videos circulating online. You’ll instead explore the parking lots, rest stops and Cracker Barrels of the Nation … BUT! It’s this “less-than-ideal” time that makes remaining the views, hikes and experiences worth the effort. Today we talk about this appropriately named “80/20 rule of Van Life”, and share three stories on the road that support this rule. As always, we’ll also take listener questions at the end, which include:
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| Walden (Part 2) - At the Pond | 15 Aug 2024 | 00:31:02 | |
Two years. Two months. Two days. This is the time spent by David Henry Thoreau along the shores of Walden Pond. We now look into his self-proclaimed “experiment in living simply” and ask ourselves two short questions: What exactly did Thoreau do during this time? And maybe more importantly, what did he hope to accomplish while residing at his fabled secluded cabin in the woods? https://www.walden.org/education/for-students/thoreaus-place/
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| Van Life Diaries - On Location Recordings - Behind the Scenes | 01 Aug 2024 | 00:13:10 | |
Today we listen to untouched "on location" recordings. As always, we’ll also take listener questions at the end, which include:
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| Matȟó Thípila (Devils Tower) - A Skyscraper on the Prairie | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:19:55 | |
Rising out of a relatively flat sea of prairie in North East Wyoming, "Devils Tower" - is - to put it lightly - undeniably unique. Noodles and I explore its peculiar plentitude of pillar-like features which baffle geologists attempting to decipher The Towers exact origins. The site remains significant in stories and spiritual traditions of the Crow, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, Lakota and other plains tribes…
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| Van Life Diaries - CAMPING! Paid, Dispersed and Stealth | 26 Jul 2024 | 00:16:39 | |
Today we explore three methods for staying nights in your van - as well as dive into WHEN each method might be necessary. Learning how, when and where to camp on the road is essential in happily and safely living from your van.
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| Walden (Part 1) - Before the Pond | 23 Jul 2024 | 00:21:38 | |
Walden Pond - just 22 miles away from Boston Common - has become synonymous with solitude, retreat and thoughtful reflection. Henry David Thoreau famously builds a log cabin along its shore and describes the assertive tranquility of the water and surrounding area as “Lower Heaven.” It’s here where the Thoreau pens the now classic work, Walden It’s here where, Ralph Waldo Emerson reflects on the national world. It’s here - where people continue to make the pilgrimage to it’s calm shores in the hopes of finding similar solitude … But the real story of Walden Pond is surprising as well as thought provoking; it provokes our settled assumption of Thoreau as a hermit poet and of the lake as his impenetrable retreat. Works Cited:
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| The Driftless - Caves, Hills, and the Myth of Flyover Country | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:21:30 | |
Today, we explore a region shrouded in mystery … An isolated land of rugged hills, carved river valleys, and secluded relics of ages past. The American Midwest. Specifically, a region untouched by the many terraforming glaciers that flattened much of what we now refer to as the Upper Midwest. What we find might surprise you... Recording Locations: Maquoketa Caves State Parkhttps://www.iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/maquoketa-caves-state-park Potosi, Wisconsin https://www.potosibrewery.com/ Governor Dodge State Park https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/govdodge Mines of Spain - Dubuque, Iowa Highway 20, East of Dubuque Works Cited: https://www.jstor.org/stable/30068294?searchText=glacial%20movement&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dglacial%2Bmovement%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A7adbd841d5b02ad978f1d3558444b56b https://www.jstor.org/stable/30054867?searchText=the+driftless+region&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dthe%2Bdriftless%2Bregion%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3Ada2488f7a1a6ca5cd9e7a59f1218795c&seq=1 https://data.wgnhs.wisc.edu/pubshare/ES057.pdf https://eaglebluffmn.org/driftless/ https://www.iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/maquoketa-caves-state-park https://scholarworks.uni.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1430&context=jias https://www.wisconservation.org/the-driftless-region/ https://www.agatemag.com/2021/02/the-driftless-the-land-and-humans/ https://www.rafamedina.com/research/bryda/
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| Van Life Diaries - Anxiety on the Road | 11 Jul 2024 | 00:13:20 | |
Anxiety can be heightened, suppressed, multiplied, or straight up non-existent on the road… I’ve lived with anxiety WELL before I hit the road - so are some stories and reflections from living with that anxiety while living in a van. As always, we’ll also take listener questions at the end, which include: What do you do for internet? Where do I park to see the lone toilet? What episodes are coming up? Where you do record your podcasts? What’s the most interesting fact about Gettysburg you’ve found it your research?
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| U-TURN! - Back Through the Fairy Door | 11 Jul 2024 | 00:14:59 | |
Today we dive into both oral and written Fairy Tales inspired by our last episode on The Fairy Door in Minneapolis. Tales and fables were passed down - not in writing - but through the spoken word …. Changing inevitably and often irreversibly with each retelling. A story might be tweaked to satisfy a particularly difficult audience - or changed entirely by a rebellious storyteller … It was alive - always adapting and growing …
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| Van Life Diaries - Safety on the Road | 04 Jul 2024 | 00:09:44 | |
SAFTEY FIRST! :)
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| Through The Fairy Door - A Portal in Minnesota | 03 Jul 2024 | 00:21:34 | |
Just north of Minneapolis, Minnesota lies a well-kept wooden door at the base of a large tree. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25057792?searchText=the%20origins%20of%20fairies&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dthe%2Borigins%2Bof%2Bfairies%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A72522dc3d6533569a459300965ee7714 https://www.britannica.com/topic/lauma https://www.groveandgrotto.com/blogs/articles/178895815-the-lore-of-fairy-doors https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/elf-door-at-demings-height-park https://www.wildernessireland.com/blog/irish-folklore-fairies/ urban-fairies.com http://urban-fairies.com/background.html https://www.crowsbone.com/blogarchive/the-otherworld-spirit-realms-of-celtic-lore https://www.omega-mgt.com/blog/finding-fairy-houses-in-the-twin-cities/ https://www.today.com/home/fairy-doors-t101165
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