In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin talks about fighting and life with professional boxer and bestselling author Edward Latimore. They explore themes of personal growth, the challenges of boxing, the philosophy of stoicism, and dealing with alcoholism. Ed shares insights from his life experiences, including the lessons learned from his only loss in the ring. The episode also features a segment on Franklin, North Carolina, and the Center for Wilderness Cryptid Studies, discussing the local culture and the intriguing topic of Bigfoot. The show closes with a song by Jovin Webb.
In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through the heart of America. In a special feature, writer Masha Hamilton shares interviews with travelers from various rest stops along Interstate 95. The conversations explore American values and reveal a tapestry of resilience, optimism, and connection. In this episode Josh also talks to Trucker Andy, and Josh reads his own story called Teenage Travel Agent. Poet Matthew Layne stops by to offer a short reading of his wonderful poem. Later Josh makes a call to the town of Niantic, CT to talk to Book Barn owner Randi White. Finally the show closes with a song from the red-hot band Texas Hill.
05:51 Trucker Andy
07:08 Storytelling: Teenage Travel Agent
12:25 I-95 Rest Stop Conversations with Masha Hamilton
51:30 "If Not" poem by Matthew Layne
53:14 Small Town Talk: Niantic CT
58:55 "Easy on the Eyes" by Texas Hill
In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through 70s and 80s pop music with feature guest, disc jockey Ron "Boogiemonster" Gerber. The conversation delves into the evolution of music over the decades—from the Rolling Stones to U2, the underrated talents of artists like The Carpenters, and the impact of disco. This episode also includes Josh's story about Dwayne the Rock Johnson, and writer Vince Roman's essay Be Now Be Now. The show ends with Sonny Gullege's song Go Be Free.
Please note: Here is a link to the Spotify playlist of songs to accompany this episode.
01:56 Trucker Andy
08:09 Storytelling: Who's Afraid of Dwayne the Rock Johnson
16:53 Crap form the Past: Ron Gerber's Journey
24:51 The Dichotomy of Music: Good vs. Bad
28:28 Decades of Music: A Personal Perspective
33:28 Disco: A Love-Hate Relationship
34:55 The Evolution of Disco Music
39:15 The Impact of Disco on Other Genres
44:54 The Transition from Vinyl to CDs
50:58 Defining Perfect Songs
55:31 Musical Fads and Trends
57:10 Be Now Be Now essay by Vince Roman
01:02:21 Go Be Free by Sonny Gullege
In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through the world of treasure hunting with renowned treasure hunter and author W.C. Jameson. The conversation explores the allure of buried treasure, notable finds, and the ethics and risks involved in treasure hunting. The episode also features a road trip story by award-winning author John Drake Robinson and the song Trumpets from the artist Pennyfloater.
02:25 Trucker Andy
05:33 Storytelling: Beware the Alcatraz Reject
10:13 The Thrill of the Hunt: W.C. Jameson's Journey
19:32 Techniques and Tools of Treasure Hunting
29:10 The Ethics and Risks of Treasure Hunting
37:18 The Art of Treasure Hunting: Tips and Techniques
42:14 Writing and Storytelling: The Journey of an Author
44:02 Excerpt WC Jameson's Song "I Dug the Postholes"
45:40 The Good Badass Samaritan by John Drake Robinson
56:11 Song by Pennyfloater
In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through Route 66, exploring its rich history and best stops. The conversation features Route 66 historian Jim Hinckley, who shares insights about the highway's legacy, its international appeal, and the communities along the route. The episode also highlights the small town of Amboy, California, through the eyes of town manager Ken Large, who discusses the town's unique story and ongoing revival efforts. Musical guest Lloyd Jones adds a bluesy touch to the episode, celebrating the spirit of Americana.
02:20 Trucker Andy
06:35 Storytelling: Middle School Class Clownery
11:08 The Legacy and Evolution of Route 66
20:33 Nostalgia and the Cultural Significance of Route 66
22:32 Hidden Gems and Unique Stops Along Route 66
25:46 Preservation Challenges and Future of Route 66
27:14 Exploring Route 66 Diners and Cafes
29:05 Iconic Motels Along Route 66
30:56 Unique Gift Shops and Museums
32:53 Revitalizing Communities on Route 66
34:36 Musical References to Route 66
35:55 The Evolution of Route 66 Radio
36:57 Small-Town Talk Amboy, CA
47:58 Future Visions for Amboy
50:30 Song by Lloyd Jones
In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through the heart of America. After checking in with Trucker Andy, he explores the world of pinball with Josh Sharp, the president of the International Flipper Pinball Association. The conversation delves into the magic of pinball, the competitive scene, and the resurgence of this beloved game. Then famous humorist Sean of the South reads his essay A Few Things I Love About America. Later he visits with Michigan Rattlers lead singer Graham Young to talk about the creative process and small town vs big city living. The show closes with the Michigan Rattlers song Evergreen.
Chapters
02:20 Trucker Andy
6:20 Storytelling: Falcons and Firebirds
12:17 Exploring the Competitive Pinball World
23:50 The Art and Science of Pinball Design
29:59 The Resurgence of Pinball in Modern Culture
30:29 The Evolution of Pinball Games
34:04 Nostalgia and Small Town Memories
40:35 Interview w/ Graham Young from the Michigan Rattlers
41:28 The Journey of a Musician
50:50 Evergreen by Michigan Rattlers
In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through the world of professional gambling with legendary gambler Anthony Curtis (from the Las Vegas Advisor,) who shares insights on strategies, team dynamics, Las Vegas, and the realities of making a living through gambling. The podcast also explores the nostalgic charm of drive-in theaters, featuring an interview with Jen Spalding from the Motor-Vu Drive-In in Idaho Falls, discussing the appeal of drive-ins, what films are most popular, and whether people still try to sneak in. Josh also talks with trucker Andy Patterson, and at the end of the show there's a great song from Americana star Melissa Carper.
2:15 Trucker Andy
5:45 Playing the Ponies Story
12:05 The Journey of a Professional Gambler
24:10 The Art and Science of Gambling
32:30 Strategies for Success in Gambling
34:48 Big Wins and Losses in Gambling
39:10 The Evolution of Vegas and Its Culture
42:54 Navigating Vegas: Tips and Recommendations
45:05 Nostalgia and the Drive-In Movie Experience
49:37 The Appeal of Drive-Ins in Modern Times
52:15 Challenges and Growth of Drive-In Theaters
58:00 Programming and Movie Selection Strategies
1:05:40 Somewhere Between Texas and Tennessee
In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through the heart of America, exploring themes of culture, travel, and personal stories. The conversation features trucker Andy Patterson sharing tales from the road, and an interview with writer A.M. Hickman, who reflects on his life and the duality of American culture. The episode also delves into the romanticism of hitchhiking, the challenges of modern travel, and a love letter to America. There's also a Small Town Talk call to Littleton, New Hampshire, and a great new song from the Americana artist Hunter Gatherer.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to American Miles
02:02 Breaker 1-9 with Andy Patterson
05:27 Storytelling: King of the Hard Cases
13:02 Interview with A.M. Andy Hickman: A Writer's Journey
17:54 The Duality of American Culture
27:10 Hitchhiking: A Journey of Discovery
32:09 Traveling Beyond Automobiles
34:30 The Relay Race of Life
37:19 Resignation and Reflection on American Identity
39:40 Travel Recommendations and Personal Favorites
42:00 The Impact of Modern Convenience
43:30 Small Town Talk: Littleton, NH
50:50 A.M. Hickman Reads Excerpt from Deep Canyon Elders
01:00 Song: The Big Empty by Hunter Gatherer
In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through the heart of America, featuring conversations with truck driver Andy Patterson and professional driver and race organizer, Brock Yates Jr. who raced in the first ever Cannonball Run.
Josh asks Andy about the three ways truckers use their headlights to signal drivers and what drivers can do to stay safe around trucks.
Brock Yates Jr. talks about that first ever Cannonball Run and about the accuracy of the Burt Reynolds movie based on the race. He also talks about his One Lap of America event and he gives Josh some tips for teaching his 16-year-old daughter to drive.
Later, author and sports journalist, Jay Busbee checks in to read his wonderful tribute to the late Jimmy Buffet, a story called Partygoers Depart but the Party Goes On. (Read more of Jay's writing here as well. )
Finally, award-winning country singer Joey Canyon shares his song Real Strong Stuff with American Miles listeners.
00:00 Introduction to American Miles
05:47 Understanding Trucking Communication
08:00 Storytelling: UFOs and Exploding Toothpaste
12:09 Driving Safety Tips and Insights
17:56 Brock Yates Jr.'s Journey in Motorsports
24:08 The Evolution of Road Racing
29:52 Driving Training and Safety Education
35:39 Demonstrating Driving Skills
36:09 Choosing a Safe Vehicle for Young Drivers
37:08 Memorable First Date at High Speed
38:57 Exploring America's Best Driving Roads
40:41 Nostalgic Trends and Fashion from Youth
41:38 Favorite Small Towns in America
43:05 Ideal Vehicles for Cross-Country Road Trips
44:49 A Toast to Jimmy Buffett
45:04 The Essence of the Jimmy Buffett Experience
47:01 The Melancholy Side of Margaritaville
49:40 Passing Wisdom to Future Generations
52:03 Breathe In, Breathe Out: Life Lessons from Buffett
In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through the heart of America, featuring conversations with truck driver Andy Patterson and author and adventurer Neal Moore who crossed the entire United States by canoe.
Josh asks Andy for stories from the trucking life and also whether truckers still use CB radios.
Neal shares the inspiration behind his voyage, daily life on the water, and the lessons learned from nature and human interactions along the way. He reflects on the liberating feeling of minimalism while traveling, and the beauty of encounters with diverse individuals.
For the Small Town Talk segment Josh calls Madison, Indiana for a discussion with local, Michael Fortunato, owner of Crawdaddy Music Center. They discuss Madison's rich history and vibrant music scene.
Later, Neal Moore reads an excerpt from his book, Down the Mississippi and for the Songwriter Series, Dan "Big Hands" Colvin performs his song "Margarita."
00:00 Introduction to American Miles and Neil Moore's Journey
02:00 Insights from Trucker Andy: Life on the Road
08:30 The Loneliness of Trucking and Stories from the Road
11:40 Storytelling: Tooty and a Nip Off That Tipple
16:33 Neil Moore's Epic Canoe Journey Across America
27:01 Challenges and Encounters in the Wild
34:08 Reflections on Nature and the Journey's Beauty
36:00 The Beauty of Nature and Human Connection
38:52 Living Unplugged: A Journey of Minimalism
42:00 Reflections on Small Towns and Personal Experiences
42:56 Exploring Madison, Indiana: A Local Perspective
54:57 The Wisdom of Wildness: Reading from Down the Mississippi
59:00 Big Hands Colvin: Hey Margarita
