PODCAST · society
American Anthology
by Michael W. Harding
American Anthology follows host and professional tour guide Michael Harding on a multi-year journey around the United States. Travelling slow, Mike hopes to spend at least a month in each state to seek out the most interesting and intriguing stories and share them with you here. Fascinating, thought provoking and sometimes hilarious stories await around every corner. Each episode will take you deep into that state’s history and culture and look at them through a modern lens. Mixed in with these tales from our past, you’ll hear great music from today’s local bands. Sit back, put your feet up on the dash, and come along for the ride.
Episodes
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The Flying Keys, The Singing Brakeman and America's First Black Senator
In Episode 24, Mike takes us to see the parts of Mississippi beyond the Delta. This episode begins with the story of Jimmie Rodgers, the Father of Country Music. Then comes the story of Pushmataha, the Choctaw Chief who always fought beside his American allies until he had to come to Washington…
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Teddy Bears, Muppets and Blues Legends of the Mississippi Delta
In Episode 23, Mike takes us deep into the heart of the Mississippi Delta. This episode starts with the story of Leland native Jim Henson and his fight to bring his Muppets to the world. Then you’ll hear the fascinating story of the ship Star of the West which began its incredible 11 year run as…
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Dionsaurs, Clowns and Half-Smokes at Ben's Chili Bowl
In Episode 22, Mike takes us on another spin around his hometown of Washington D.C. where he waited out the pandemic. This episode begins with the D.C. origins of the world’s most famous clown, Ronald McDonald. Then we’ll hear the incredible story of the Old Brick Capitol and its place in…
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The Brown Bomber, The Ghost Capital and The Day The Stars Fell on Alabama
In Episode 21, Mike takes us back to Alabama with more stories from the Heart of Dixie. First you’ll hear the story of the day the stars fell on Alabama - the day the Hodges Meteorite smashed into a house in Sylacauga. Then comes the story of Old Cahaba, Alabama’s first State Capital, now little...
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Moonshiners, Beauty Queens and The Novel of the Century
In this episode, Mike takes us to the track meets, courtrooms, beauty pageants and music clubs of Northern Alabama. Episode 20 begins with the story of the band Alabama and their meteoric rise from their roots in Fort Payne to becoming the biggest band in country music history. Next you’ll hear…
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Eddie Robinson, The Star from Start and The King of the 12 String Guitar
In this episode, Mike takes us to the plantations, football fields and music clubs of North Louisiana. First comes the story of Tim McGraw, the country music legend who got his start in Start - Start, Louisiana that is. Then you’ll hear the tragic story of Solomon Northup, a free black man from…
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The Fat Man, The Rougarou and The Day The Civil War Was Put On Hold
In this episode, Mike takes us on a romp through the cities, swamps and bayous of South Louisiana. First up, hear the story of the Rougarou, the legendary man-wolf that preys on Cajun children out past their curfew. Then comes the story of the German Coast Slave Revolt of 1811, the largest slave...
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A River of Grass, The Lizard King and Happy Little Trees
In this episode, Mike takes us back to Florida for more stories from The Sunshine State. First, the story of Bob Ross who spent 20 years in the Air Force before showing the world The Joy of Painting. Next comes the tale of Nuestra Senora de Atocha, a Spanish Galleon lost in a hurricane in 1622…
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The Plumage Wars, Dry Tortugas and Murder in Groveland
In this episode, Mike makes his way down the east coast of Florida, from Amelia Island all the way to the Dry Tortugas to bring you stories from The Sunshine State. The episode starts with the story of Lynyrd Skynyrd and their meteoric rise from Jacksonville backyard band to super stardom, and…
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Little Richard, The Weeping Time and The Midnight Train to Georgia
In this episode, Mike makes his way from Macon out to the Georgia coast to bring you more stories from the Peach State. The episode starts with the story of the song Midnight Train to Georgia and how it started as something else entirely. Then you’ll hear the tragic story of The Weeping Time, the...
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Jackie Robinson, Stone Mountain and Georgia On My Mind
In this episode, Mike makes his way across the north and west of Georgia to bring you stories from The Peach State. He starts with the story of Georgia’s State Song: Georgia On My Mind and how it was written in Brooklyn but perfected by native Georgian Ray Charles. Then comes the story of the...
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Daniel Boone, Sweet Evening Breeze and the Coal Miner's Daughter
In this episode, Mike heads across Southern Kentucky to bring you more stories from the history of the Bluegrass State. First up is the story of Loretta Lynn, the Coal Miner’s Daughter. Then we’ll hear about the life and times of Kentucky’s first legend: Daniel Boone. The Day Law, passed in 1904…
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Frontier Justice, Bloody Monday and the Diamond Hoax of 1872
In this episode, Mike heads deep into Kentucky to bring you these stories from the Bluegrass State. My Old Kentucky Home is Kentucky’s State Song and a wonderful old ballad by America’s first professional songwriter Stephen Foster. This episode starts with his story. Then we’ll hear about an old...
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Apple Orchards, Protests and 10 Cent Beer Night at Cleveland Stadium
In this episode, Mike takes us into northern Ohio for another look at the history and culture of the Buckeye State. The episode begins with the 1970 shootings of 4 unarmed students at Kent State and how it shaped an era. From there we journey around the early Ohio frontier with John Chapman…
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Annie Oakley, Sloopy and Football in the Buckeye State
In this episode, Mike takes us on a wild romp through Southern Ohio. The episode begins with the story of Hang on Sloopy and how it became the official rock song of Ohio. Annie Oakley was a born sharpshooter, but growing up in western Ohio wasn't easy. Hear the story of her formative years in…
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Sun Records, Casey Jones and the Fastest Woman on Earth
Over the last few weeks, Mike has been traveling in West Tennessee to find the stories for this episode. The episode begins with the story of 3 time gold medal winning Olympic sprinter Wilma Rudolph. Then Mike will tell you the true story behind legendary train engineer Casey Jones and his…
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Rocky Top, Monkey Town and the King of the Wild Frontier
Mike has spent the last few weeks enjoying the eastern half of Tennessee. This episode begins with the story of Rocky Top, one of the most famous and popular songs in the state. Learn how and where it was written and how it rose from an obscure B-side to one of Tennessee's State Songs. Then hear...
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Shoeless Joe, Astronauts and the Godfather of Soul
Mike is now traveling through the upcountry of South Carolina. This episode features stories from the inland portion of the state. Hear about the rise of The Marshall Tucker Band and where they got their name. Learn why Shoeless Joe Jackson wasn't wearing shoes and about his rise from the cotton...
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The Swamp Fox, The Mighty Peanut and The Greatest Treasure Ever Found
Mike has moved into South Carolina, the Palmetto State. This episode brings you stories from the coast and the lowcountry. Learn how Vanna White went from small-town cheerleader to letter turning star. You'll also hear why it's called the Palmetto State and other tales from the state's early…
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Blackbeard, Gold and an American Coup d'etat
Mike finishes off his time in North Carolina with this lively romp across the south of the state. This episode brings you the story of Wilmington native Charles Kuralt, one of the greatest journalists in American history who spent 20 years and a million miles On the Road. You'll also hear the…
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Carolina In My Mind
In this episode, Mike has moved on to North Carolina. You'll hear the story behind one of North Carolina's favorite songs: Carolina In My Mind by James Taylor. Mike then recounts some of the early history of the state, taking us back to the very first British settlement at Roanoke and the story…
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Deep in the Heart of Coal Country
Mike takes us into the heart of coal country in this episode, with stories from the central and western parts of West Virginia. This episode features the origins of the NBA logo, the feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys, the inspiration for Mother's Day in the U.S., the Mine Wars which led…
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Almost Heaven, West Virginia
Host Mike Harding hits the road, his first stop: West Virginia. Mike takes us deep into the history and culture of the Mountain State. The episode features the origins of John Denver's song Take Me Home, Country Roads, West Virginia's origins as a state during the Civil War, infamous rebel spy...
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At Home in Our Nation's Capital
In this episode, host Mike Harding takes us on an historical romp through his hometown of Washington D.C. With stories about the city's founding, the boundary stones that mark its border, the origins of the 7th inning stretch, how the Gin Rickey became D.C's official cocktail and of a local...
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Four American Travel Stories
This episode is an introduction to the host of American Anthology, Tour Guide Michael Harding. Mike takes you back into his past with stories from his travels around the United States to help you get to know him better. A near death experience at Grand Canyon, a triumphant hike in Alaska,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
American Anthology follows host and professional tour guide Michael Harding on a multi-year journey around the United States. Travelling slow, Mike hopes to spend at least a month in each state to seek out the most interesting and intriguing stories and share them with you here. Fascinating, thought provoking and sometimes hilarious stories await around every corner. Each episode will take you deep into that state’s history and culture and look at them through a modern lens. Mixed in with these tales from our past, you’ll hear great music from today’s local bands. Sit back, put your feet up on the dash, and come along for the ride.
HOSTED BY
Michael W. Harding
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does American Anthology have?
American Anthology currently has 25 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is American Anthology about?
American Anthology follows host and professional tour guide Michael Harding on a multi-year journey around the United States. Travelling slow, Mike hopes to spend at least a month in each state to seek out the most interesting and intriguing stories and share them with you here. Fascinating,...
How often does American Anthology release new episodes?
American Anthology has 25 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to American Anthology?
You can listen to American Anthology on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts American Anthology?
American Anthology is created and hosted by Michael W. Harding.
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