Dear Diary...Pop Off

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://heavenlynotice.com/2021/08/12/americana-dirt-road-diary/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kevin-l-bowers/support

With a reading from Claire LeDay's soon to be released debut #novel "Diary Of A Teenage Dirt Bag", as read by Emma Ballentine. Check out Claire on the IG and Twitter @ClaireLeDay85

In the debut of Marty Smith's America The Podcast, Marty chats with friend and co-host of Marty & McGee, Ryan McGee, sits down with country superstar Jason Aldean to talk about his kids, his love for the outdoors and whether he is over Georgia losing the National Title game (28:30). Plus, we hear from a loyal caller from Marty & McGee as Leighton talks about the rodeo (43:30).

In this episode, we discuss the danger of hyper-conservative media and its impact on American democracy. This danger is particularly noticeable by the way that extremist messaging on terrestrial radio in rural areas has poisoned political discourse in the United States. Fear and intolerance has been magnified and weaponized. So how do we fight this disturbing trend? There is a new idea emerging that will directly challenge extremism on the radio; it’s called Dirt Road Radio. By making use of new technology, Dirt Road Radio will easily broadcast its radio content nation-wide. The content won’t consist of screaming at folks from far away, but it will come from the heartland itself. Dirt Road Radio will focus on building a strong community by bringing to light many wonderful stories from the heartland - stories told by rural folks themselves. This effort has been launched, but we still need a lot of help. Have a listen to this podcast and see if you might be interested in participating in an effort to turn the tide in American democracy!