Episodes

  • Ep. 089: A Connecticut Yankee

    Ep. 089: A Connecticut Yankee
    Dec 18 2024
    Andy Fowler, Communications Specialist for the Yankee Institute, joins us for an episode to discuss Connecticut! Although he wasn’t born there, his family has roots in the state that go back to the turn of the 20th century. Garrett & Andy discuss the reputation of Connecticut, its role in the colonial period and the founding of the United States, and the importance of learning about your home state’s history. They also joke about the difficulty of pinning down a defining stereotype for people from Connecticut. If you enjoy pizza, the colonial period, or Gilmore Girls, you’ll enjoy hearing about the Nutmeg State. Additional Resources: Nutmeggers: nickname for people from Connecticut Learn more about Andrew’s work at the Yankee Institute here: https://yankeeinstitute.org/author/andrewfowler/ Hidden in the Oak: https://yankeeinstitute.org/category/hidden-in-the-oak/ Andrew Fowler: @afowlxc on Twitter Milford, CT: https://www.ci.milford.ct.us/ Waterbury, CT: https://www.waterburyct.org/ Hartford, CT: https://www.hartfordct.gov/Home Mystic Pizza https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystic_Pizza Gilmore Girls: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilmore_Girls Fairfield County: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairfield_County,_Connecticut Griswold Inn in Essex: https://griswoldinn.com/ (George Washington visited there.) Silas Deane: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silas_Deane Yale: https://www.yale.edu/ New Haven: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Haven,_Connecticut Yukon Huskies: https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/mens-basketball Connecticut Compromise: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Connecticut-Compromise New England: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England More information about the lack of county governments in Connecticut: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2015/rpt/2015-R-0274.htm Connecticut’s Nicknames: https://portal.ct.gov/csl/research/state-nicknames?language=en_US or https://connecticuthistory.org/the-storied-history-behind-connecticuts-nicknames/ Does Connecticut even have its own accent? https://newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/the-connecticut-accent-or-does-connecticut-even-have-one/ or https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/05/nyregion/accent-what-accent.html New Haven style pizza: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Haven%E2%80%93style_pizza The Stepford Wives: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stepford_Wives The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art: oldest art museum in the US https://www.thewadsworth.org/ Nathan Hale: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Hale Roger Sherman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Sherman Prudence Crandall: https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/prudence-crandall Father Michael McGivney, Founder of the Knights of Columbus: https://www.fathermcgivney.org/ Greenwich, CT: https://www.greenwichct.gov/ (one of the wealthiest places in the United States) Louis’ Lunch: https://louislunch.com/ Pepe’s Pizza: https://pepespizzeria.com/ Lobster Rolls were actually invented in Milford, CT: https://lobsteranywhere.com/new-england-style/history-lobster-roll/ Garrett Ballengee, Host President & CEO - @gballeng Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy Amanda Kieffer, Executive Producer Vice President of Communications & Strategy - @akieffer13 Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy Nate Phipps, Editor & Producer - @Aviv5753 Follow: YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram Support: Donate, Newsletter
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    54 mins
  • Ep. 088: Fishing, Zydeco, Jambalaya, and the Pelican State

    Ep. 088: Fishing, Zydeco, Jambalaya, and the Pelican State
    Dec 3 2024
    Clayton Rasche is a first-generation Louisianan who adores his home state. He joins Garrett on this episode of the Forgotten America podcast to share about the incredibly rich culture of Louisiana. The Pelican State has deep French roots which can be seen in everything from the architecture to the political system to the food. We learn a little bit about the differences between Cajun and Creole culture and about the variety of small and large cities to explore. If you enjoy music, soulful food, and nature, you’ll love this exploration of Louisiana through Clayton’s eyes. Additional Resources Grand Isle, Louisiana https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Isle,_Louisiana Louisiana State Symbols https://statesymbolsusa.org/symbol-official-item/louisiana/state-nickname/pelican-state Zydeco music: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zydeco Buckwheat Zydeco: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckwheat_Zydeco Lana Del Rey & her husband: https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a62103404/who-is-lana-del-rey-boyfriend-jeremy-dufrene/ Parishes instead of Counties: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_parishes_in_Louisiana Cajun: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cajuns Creole: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_Creole_people Some history and differences between Cajun & Creole culture and meaning: https://www.hnoc.org/publications/first-draft/whats-difference-between-cajun-and-creole-or-there-one Mandeville, Louisiana: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandeville,_Louisiana True Detective: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2790174/ Liz’s Where Ya At Diner: https://lizswhereyatdiner.com/ Baton Rouge: https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/listing/louisiana-state-capitol/238/ Tiki Bar in New Orleans: https://latitude29nola.com/ Beach Bum Berry’s Latitude 29: https://latitude29nola.com/ Follow Clayton on Social Media Instagram @claytonrasche Facebook /claytonrasche/ Garrett Ballengee, Host President & CEO - @gballeng Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy Amanda Kieffer, Executive Producer Vice President of Communications & Strategy - @akieffer13 Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy Nate Phipps, Editor & Producer - @Aviv5753 Follow: YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram Support: Donate, Newsletter
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    50 mins
  • Ep. 087: Our Liberties We Prize: Life in the Hawkeye State

    Ep. 087: Our Liberties We Prize: Life in the Hawkeye State
    Nov 19 2024
    Chris Ingstad is the President of Iowans for Tax Relief Foundation and an 8th generation Iowan. He joins the Forgotten America podcast to discuss life in Iowa. Chris explains why he hasn’t seriously considered leaving the state despite its harsh winters, and he talks about the food, culture, economy, and heritage of the Hawkeye state. Additional Resources Follow Chris’s work at Iowans for Taxpayer Relief Foundation: https://itrfoundation.org/staff/ Grant Wood and American Gothic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_Wood University of Iowa Writer’s Workshop: https://writersworkshop.uiowa.edu/ Field of Dreams: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097351/ “Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain.” - Iowa State Motto https://publications.iowa.gov/135/1/profile/8-1.html#:~:text=On%20the%20white%20center%20stripe,in%20red%20below%20the%20streamers Okoboji, Iowa https://vacationokoboji.com/ Garrett Ballengee, Host President & CEO - @gballeng Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy Amanda Kieffer, Executive Producer Vice President of Communications & Strategy - @akieffer13 Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy Nate Phipps, Editor & Producer - @Aviv5753 Follow: YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram Support: Donate, Newsletter
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    49 mins
  • Ep. 086: Top Horror Films Set in Rural America

    Ep. 086: Top Horror Films Set in Rural America
    Nov 2 2024
    For this Halloween Special, Lyndsey Quinlan, Digital Marketing Associate for the Cardinal Institute, and Jessica Dobrinsky, Staff Writer for the Cardinal Institute, join Garrett Ballengee to discuss horror films set in rural locations. They share their favorites and explore themes of folklore, rural horror, and hicksploitation. They also take a deep dive into what makes a good horror film and look at literary themes, the power of music and lighting in film, human psychology analyzed through film, and some history behind scary movie genres. If you enjoy horror films, and even if you don’t, you’ll enjoy this riveting discussion of top horror films set in rural America. Follow Jessica & Lyndsey Follow Jessica Dobrinsky on Twitter https://x.com/jldobrinsky Follow Lyndsey Quinlan on Twitter https://x.com/its_Lynds_ Films Discussed Night of the HunterNight of the Living DeadTexas Chainsaw MassacreChildren of the CornEvil Dead 2 Sleepy HollowThe Blair Witch ProjectThe Witch Additional Resources & Mentions Nightmare Before Christmas - film Hicksploitation – theme/trope Film Noir - genre Harry Powers – serial killer West Virginia Penitentiary a.k.a. Moundsville Penitentiary Horror Film - genre Leaning on the Everlasting Arms – Hymn Once Upon a Time There Was a Pretty Fly – Song White Zombie – film Slasher – genre Head Cheese – food Video nasty – type of film Stephen King – author Carrie – novel Comedy Horror – genre The Evil Dead – film Necronomicon Ex Mortis – fictional book from a film Ash vs. Evil Dead – TV show Sam Raimi – film director Bruce Campbell – actor and producer The Legend of Sleepy Hollow – book Atmospheric Horror – genre Found footage – film technique Flying Ointment Garrett Ballengee, Host President & CEO - @gballeng Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy Amanda Kieffer, Executive Producer Vice President of Communications & Strategy - @akieffer13 Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy Nate Phipps, Editor & Producer - @Aviv5753 Follow: YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram Support: Donate, Newsletter
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    2 hrs and 15 mins
  • Ep. 085: Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Part 2

    Ep. 085: Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Part 2
    Oct 29 2024

    Emma Ayers, a native of East Tennessee and Religion & Culture Writer with the Washington Times, joins us today for the second half of our discussion of Hurricane Helene disaster recovery. She shares her perspective on the culture, economy, and people of East Tennessee and how they are responding to the unprecedented natural disaster of Hurricane Helene. She also shares a little about mule trains and other non-traditional ways that Appalachians are helping each other in their time of need.

    Additional Resources:

    East Tennessee Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources: https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2024/10/10/east-tennessee-flooding-rescues-resources-hurricane-helene-relief/75608482007/

    Tennessee Disaster Recovery Map: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/hurricane-helene-recovery.html

    Barstool Conservatism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barstool_conservatism

    Mule Trains: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/sep/30/north-carolina-residents-use-mule-trains-to-delive/

    Social Trust: https://www.socialcapitalresearch.com/trust-and-trustworthiness/

    Follow Emma’s work at the Washington Times: www.washingtontimes.com

    Ways to Donate & Support:

    Samaritan’s Purse: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/disaster/hurricane-helene/

    Look for actual individuals who live in the area who are looking for help on the ground.

    Garrett Ballengee, Host

    President & CEO - @gballeng

    Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy

    Amanda Kieffer, Executive Producer

    Vice President of Communications & Strategy - @akieffer13

    Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy

    Nate Phipps, Editor & Producer - @Aviv5753

    Follow:

    YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram

    Support:

    Donate, Newsletter
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    34 mins
  • Ep. 084: Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Part 1

    Ep. 084: Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Part 1
    Oct 22 2024
    (We had some unusual technical difficulties when recording this episode. So please forgive any choppiness that may result – we did what we could to edit it as smoothly as possible.) Brooke Medina, Vice President of Communications for the John Locke Foundation, joins Garrett Ballengee to discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene on Western North Carolina and how these Appalachian communities are responding to this unprecedented disaster. Additional Resources: John Locke Foundation: https://www.johnlocke.org/about/team/brooke-medina/ Samaritan’s Purse: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/disaster/hurricane-helene/ Baptists on Mission: https://baptistsonmission.org/ Cajun Navy: https://www.cajunnavyrelief.com/ Donate to Hurricane Helene Refief: https://www.johnlocke.org/help-support-hurricane-helene-relief-efforts-in-western-nc/ Shop to Support Relief Efforts: https://johnlockestore.com/collections/restore-western-nc Carolina Journal: https://www.carolinajournal.com/ Hurricane Helene: https://www.axios.com/2024/10/04/hurricane-helene-deadliest-us-storms-death-toll Garrett Ballengee, Host President & CEO - @gballeng Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy Amanda Kieffer, Executive Producer Vice President of Communications & Strategy - @akieffer13 Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy Nate Phipps, Editor & Producer - @Aviv5753 Follow: YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram Support: Patreon, Donate, Newsletter
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    33 mins
  • Ep. 083: Are there any Scandinavians Lefse in Minnesota?

    Ep. 083: Are there any Scandinavians Lefse in Minnesota?
    Sep 24 2024
    Shawn Peterson, President of Catholic Education Partners and long-time resident of Minnesota, joins this episode of the Forgotten America podcast to weigh in on the selection of Tim Walz as the Democratic VP nominee. He also shares about the political history of Minnesota and its cultural history and shifts. If you’re curious about the Upper Midwest and its Scandinavian roots, Garrett’s discussion with Shawn will be enlightening. Mentioned in this Episode: Red Wing boots from Minnesota https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Borlaug Minnesota Iron Range: beautiful old towns up there that have fallen into disrepair, very hard-working salt of the earth people https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cass_Gilbert Norwegian Lefse https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/18082/norwegian-lefse/ Catholic Education Partners https://catholiced.us/ Garrett Ballengee, Host President & CEO - @gballeng Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy Amanda Kieffer, Executive Producer Vice President of Communications & Strategy - @akieffer13 Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy Nate Phipps, Editor & Producer - @Aviv5753 Follow: YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram Support: Patreon, Donate, Newsletter
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Ep. 082: Is Values-Based Education Still Relevant Today?

    Ep. 082: Is Values-Based Education Still Relevant Today?
    Sep 9 2024

    Dr. Barker is the President of Southern Wesleyan University in South Carolina and joins us today to talk about current challenges in higher education and the importance of an education that teaches values and not just skills. Fun Fact: his home state is West Virginia, so Garrett kicks off this discussion by asking Dr. Barker about his hometown of Clarksburg. Dr. Barker shares stories about the Italian heritage of West Virginia, his time as a military chaplain, and how he came to work in higher education. If you care about the future of post-secondary education and wonder how we got to a place with such a broken system, this is an episode you’ll enjoy.

    Learn more about Southern Wesleyan and Dr. Barker at https://www.swu.edu/about/who-we-are/our-president/

    Garrett Ballengee, Host

    President & CEO - @gballeng

    Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy

    Amanda Kieffer, Executive Producer & Editor

    Vice President of Communications & Strategy - @akieffer13

    Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy

    Follow:

    YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram

    Support:

    Patreon, Donate, Newsletter
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    1 hr and 6 mins