Ohio River Podcast Recommendations
I'll show you mine—will you show me yours?
Now that summer’s over (sigh) you may be ready to get into a new podcast or two. Scroll down for a list of recommendations. I'd love to hear what you're listening to that comes from any of the 981 miles of the Ohio River.
Did you know that the narrated version of my newsletter goes out in a podcast? Here’s a linked list to services that carry The 981 Project podcast:
Apple. Audible. Amazon Music. Audacy. PlayPilot.
The Road to Now
Here’s a podcast I never miss, The Road To Now. It’s not focused on a particular era, region, or theme, but it always holds my attention and makes me reconsider something I thought was settled fact. Hosted by Dr. Benjamin Sawyer, a history professor (and stand-up comedian!) and Bob Crawford, a founding member of The Avett Brothers band, their banter is intelligent and well informed.
In light of my recent newsletter on Tecumseh, I was buzzy listening to the latest episode: Tecumseh and William Henry Harrison’s Struggle for a Nation.
The episode features an interview with author Peter Stark, whose book about Tecumseh and Harrison is out this week.
Calling for Ohio Valley Regional Podcasts
My search for 981 Project-related podcasts is incomplete. Will you help? Give me your best recommendations so I can share them in a future update.
Mysteries of the Ohio Valley is a short-form podcast averaging 10 minutes—perfect for taking the dog around the block. This is the only one I’ve found that overlaps with the region I’m covering, but with a narrow focus on mysteries. Everyone will enjoy this one on The Mothman, a folklore figure that played a role in the collapse of the Silver Bridge connecting West Virginia to Ohio between Point Pleasant and Gallipolis.
Ohio Versus The World doesn’t cover the entire Valley, but the seven seasons of archives are terrific. Lawyer Alex Hastie looks at moments in history and Ohio’s role in that history, as well as Ohio-focused topics like Ten Cent Beer Night in 1974 when over-served Clevelanders stormed the Cleveland Indians field and attacked the players.
Kentucky History Podcast has 100+ episodes worth browsing. A good bit of local (county) history, which I always find fascinating. Has a community radio station vibe that feels earnest and comforting.
General History Podcasts
The Rest is History is worth listening to for the rapartee alone! Historian and author Dominic Sandbrook and popular historian Tom Holland (both Brits) are serious scholars with a jocular chemistry. I love them. You’ll find a diverse range of subjects and eras. Here’s one about the American Revolution from an English perspective that includes ground I’ve previously covered here about the French and Indian War (featuring George Washington).
Slate Presents: One Year. The people and struggles that changed America—one year at a time. The current season, focused on 1955, just concluded. I’m writing a novel with roots in 1942, a year with its own season.
I’ll be back after Labor Day, hopefully to share your podcast recommendations from the Ohio Valley. You can reply to this email or comment below. Thanks in advance!