The Oklahoma Today Podcast

Subscribers to Oklahoma Today have likely already seen our glorious new May-June issue celebrating all things Route 66 during this centennial year. The cover features a fantastic original work by Clint Stone jam-packed with all sorts of landmarks and Easter eggs from the state's stretch of the Mother Road. But it's much more than a magazine cover, it is a print you can treasure forever. A poster insert is included in each copy of the magazine. You can also order your own copy (or several) at OklahomaToday.com. Clint joins us in the studio this week to talk about the work that went into creating this new piece and what about the great open road inspires his creativity.  Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss what Oklahoma scenes they think would also make great posters, and podvents pumps us up for Stillwater's annual Calf Fry. You won't want to miss it!

One of Oklahoma City's favorite springtime traditions will celebrate its sixtieth year this week. The Festival of the Arts, organized by Arts Council Oklahoma City, will occupy downtown's Bicentennial Park April 23-26. Thousands of revelers will embark on the area near Civic Center Music Hall to peruse all the art vendor booths, enjoy live music, and sample delicious bites from the many food vendors. Organizers Richard Forshee, Sarah Frank, and Justin Newton join the Oklahoma Today Show to let us know what we have to look forward to for this anniversary year. Did somebody say drone show??? Also on this week's show, the editors discuss which foods simply taste better outside on a sunny day, and podvents preps us for the return of Norman Music Festival. You won't want to miss it!

Get ready for an inspiring and one-of-a-kind conversation on the Oklahoma Today Show as we welcome our first-ever international guest, Enric Casacuberta of Catalonia, Spain. Enric is taking on an extraordinary challenge—running the entire length of historic Route 66 over five months—not just for the adventure, but to honor a friend he lost to ALS and to raise awareness and funds for a devastating disease. Recently named an Official Route 66 Centennial Project, “Running for ALS” blends personal purpose with a deep love for one of America’s most iconic highways, all while supporting local communities along the route. In this interview, Enric shares the emotional story behind his journey, what Route 66 means to him, and how this ambitious run aims to make a real difference. Also on this week's episode, the editors ponder on what other aspects of Oklahoma culture they hope we are still celebrating 100 years from now, and podvents gets us partying like it's 1889. You won't want to miss it!

Traditionally, America's great stretches of rural highway have not been a haven for culinary conquest. You grab a soda and a bag of chips or maybe a hot dog from the easy mart and you hit the road again. Well, that norm is starting to change a bit. Fueling stations and truck stops are upping their food game, and those who once maligned the name of "gas station food" are starting to be more open minded. The Oklahoma-based Love's Travel Stops has embarked on a series of limited-time hot food offerings that could be found at their locations—foods like a spicy breakfast burger and a pork sandwich with honey mustard barbecue sauce on a gourmet pretzel bun. We visited Love's Culinary Innovation Center to try out some of these new creations and see if Love's reaches the ever-rising bar of road trip food. Also on this week's episode, the editors share their own go-to snacks for the road, and podvents tells us where to get the freshest German verenika. You won't want to miss it!

For fifty years, the Tulsa-based nonprofit organization Up With Trees has been beautifying the community with thousands of trees planted annually. They not only put the tree in the ground, they are committed to the care of that tree for its entire life. On this week's Oklahoma Today Show, Up With Trees Executive Director Steve Grantham talks about the history and logistics of organizing Up With Trees' efforts to extend the city's canopy. Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss their favorite places in Oklahoma to go for a walk, and in podvents brings spring color with an exciting Holi event. You won't want to miss it!

Do heroes still exist? We can think of one. Oklahoma Today editor-in-chief Nathan Gunter reflects on his personal upbringing in Western Oklahoma and the inspiration he took from Thomas P. Stafford, the NASA astronaut who was born in the same town he grew up in. Today visitors to Weatherford, Oklahoma, can check out the Stafford Air and Space Museum, a loving tribute to the history of aviation and Stafford's work to advance scientific and cross-cultural understanding.  Also on this week's show, the editors keep the Western Oklahoma love going by listing off some of their favorite places to eat there. And podvents dare us to follow the red brick road. You won't want to miss it!

Celebrating its twenty-fifth year, the annual Momentum art exhibition by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition showcases the work and talents of artists under thirty. Attending is always the best opportunity to learn about up-and-coming artists and add to your personal art collection. This year's Momentum is March 27-28 at Yale Theatre in Oklahoma City's Calle Dos Cinco Historic Capitol Hill district. On this week's episode of The Oklahoma Today Show, we spoke with two of the show's three spotlight artists—Kayla Marie Anley and Mack Brim—about their work in this year's event. Also on this week's show, the editors discuss their favorite works of public art in Oklahoma, and podvents is here for the arrival of the spring season. You won't want to miss it!

Ever visit the zoo and think, "Wow, I wish I could stay here the whole day." Well now you really can! Just book a stay at OKC Zoo's new Baobab Lodge, a fabulous new glamping overnight in the heart of the Exhibition Africa area. Wake up to the sound of lion roars and giraffes greeting the morning sun. Best of all, those who stay get exclusive access to the zoo grounds for a few hours before and after close. It's the kind of stay the builds the memories of a lifetime. Also on this week's episode, the editors share which other Oklahoma overnights they think include an amazing view, and podvents provides us with Paddy's Day plans. You won't want to miss it!

There's not much like Oklahoma's Big Meat Run. Thousands of growling ATVS and off-roading vehicles descend upon Disney, Oklahoma, and the South Grand Lake Recreation Area for a truly one of a kind event. Organizer JT Taylor joins the show to set the scene for this weekend of rock scaling, mud flinging, and outdoor community fun to celebrate Oklahoma springtime. Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss what they are looking forward to this spring season and podvents gives some serious shine to a tasty mollusk. You won't want to miss it!

It's a great time to visit the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City! On this week's episode of the Oklahoma Today Show we caught up with David Davis, chief curatorial officer at the museum, to hear about their new exhibition Route 66: From Trails to Truck Stops, on display now through May 3. This beloved hub of culture and history actually sits on Route 66 itself, and a good amount of the Western story is tied up with the Mother Road. In addition to the Route 66 exhibit, guests can also stop in to see The Cowboy: An Immersive Journey, a 360 treat for the senses developed by the team responsible for the Immersive Van Gogh experiences.  Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss some of their favorite places in Oklahoma to get a steak (there are a lot to choose from) and podvents keeps the coals burning with a cool Dutch oven event. You won't want to miss it!

Beverly Whitcomb has long had a fascination with antique and vintage dolls, but has not always had a place to display them. Then she got a job at the historic Fred and Addie Drummond Home in Hominy, and now she has a place to display her antique German, French, and American Girl dolls dating as far back to the U.S. Civil War. Ben travelled out to Hominy to see Beverly's collection firsthand—even making a few new friends in the process. Also on this week's episode, the editors share what other old things they really admire. And in podvents is touching me, touching you! You won't want to miss it!

The timeless and action-packed love story of Romeo & Juliet by OKC Ballet will grace the stage at Oklahoma City's Civic Center Music Hall February 20-22, making tickets a great gift to surprise that special someone on Valentine's Day. With music from Sergei Prokofiev and choreography from Devon Carney, this production brings the classic play from William Shakespeare into vibrant kinetic life. OKC Ballet Director of Communications and Development Whitney Cross tells Ben all about this production and what else is in store for the ballet company in 2026. Also on this week's show, the editors give their best date night tips for this Valentine's Week, and podvents gives us all sorts of ideas for where Cupid might make an appearance. You won't want to miss it!

Tulsa-based visual artist Ebony Iman Dallas is releasing her memoir Through Abahay's Eyes this spring—but it's a work that has been decades in the making, if not over the course of her entire life. Dallas grew up without knowing her birth father, or even the true story behind his death. Through a series of unlikely events, she was eventually able to connect with her father's family and embark on a new journey of cultural- and self-discovery. Dallas joins the Oklahoma Today Show this week to talk more about her milestone new literary work and how readers can snag a copy for themselves. Also on this week's episode, the editors think of other Oklahomans with fascinating life stories, and podvents let's us know the best music to play when raising a virtual turnip. You won't want to miss it!

Are you the very model of a modern major general? Probably not, but guests are welcome to pretend for a moment when they go to see Tulsa Opera's production of The Pirates of Penzance at the University of Tulsa's Lorton Performance Center this Friday and Sunday. Sung in English with musical accompaniment from the Tulsa Opera Orchestra, this classic swashbuckling romance and slapstick comedy from Gilbert & Sullivan tells the story of a love-struck former pirate trying to evade his past. Jason Zacher, who portrays the Pirate King in Tulsa Opera's production, joins the show to talk about this can't miss show and how he gets into character as a bureaucratic buccaneer.  Also on this week's show, the editors discuss their favorite Mexican and Tex-Mex food options in the state, and podvents tells a tale as old as time. You won't want to miss it!

Historic Route 66 celebrates its hundredth birthday in 2026! This is big news for Oklahoma tourism, as the state hosts more drivable miles of the Mother Road than any other state. It likely won't be the last time you hear about the centennial celebration on our show this year, but we need someone to set us up for the year's long international observance. The perfect person for that job is Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. Martin joins us in the studio this week to talk about the historical significance of the highway, how and when to celebrate this year, and what we can expect from Route 66 in the future. Also on this week's show, the editors give some advice for those who are trying to stick to their healthy eating goals in the New Year while still supporting local business, and podvents challenges viewers to find Ben out in public. You won't want to miss it!

Pigeons and humans have been in close contact for thousands of years. In fact, pigeons are among the very first birds to be domesticated. There is no doubt that people have formed a special relationship with these birds, and that is especially apparent to anyone who goes to visit the American Pigeon Museum & Library in Oklahoma City. That's exactly what Ben did for this episode, meeting with museum employee Ashlee Mikesell for a quick tour and meet-and-greet with some special live birds. Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss their own favorite museums and educational centers across the state, and podvents wishes a happy eightieth birthday to a music icon. You won't want to miss it!

Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you our inaugural Okie Awards show in its entirety. In lieu of our regular program, here is an event the whole Oklahoma Today team put a lot of hard work into making possible. Held December 11 at the Chicken Shack on Route 66 in Arcadia, this was our award show honoring some of the most Oklahoma things of the year. It was also a good time to look back at some of the things we had done on the show in 2025. If you couldn't make it, you missed a great party, but you can at least enjoy the event virtually on YouTube. Keep an eye out for the Faux-kies—awards that aren't quite official but are a lot of fun!

As the new year approaches, many are thinking about curbing all the holiday excess and starting 2026 off on the right foot. Well, the best way to do just that is with a visit to an Oklahoma State Park for a traditional First Day Hike. Dozens of state parks will be participating—Roman Nose, Great Plains, Lake Murray, and more! Oklahoma State Parks head naturalist Torie Thompson tells us where to go to start the year with activity in nature. Also on this week's show, the editors discuss their New Year's resolutions for 2026, and podvents tells us about Bingo with a twist. You won't want to miss it!

Oklahoma cities and towns large and small go all out for Christmas, and Chickasha takes special pride in its own holiday celebration. This week on the Oklahoma Today Podcast, Ben ventures out to the Chickasha Festival of Light to see one of the top light displays in the nation. More than three-and-a-half million twinkling lights dazzle drive- and walk-through spectators in this winter carnival atmosphere throughout Shannon Springs Park. We meet with Festival of Light coordinator Matthew Stockman to learn all about this winter wonderland. Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss the most memorable gifts they recall receiving, and podvents lets us know where to bring your Wranglers this holiday. You won't want to miss it!

This week we're honored to have the one and only Cowboy Kent Rollins, the famed chuckwagon chef, author of Amazon bestselling cookbook A Taste of Cowboy, and the larger-than-life personality behind one of the most beloved food channels on YouTube, as well as the Food Network and Outdoor Channel. Known for cooking over open fires, telling unforgettable stories, and keeping cowboy traditions alive, Kent has built a massive following by blending practical cooking, humor, and heart. We talk about his journey from southwest Oklahoma to national fame, what tips he has for new outdoor cooks, and why it's OK for cowboys to love sushi too. Also on this week's episode, the editors share which gifts are perfect for any Okie, and podvents makes a suggestion for where Hallmark should film their next Christmas movie. You won't want to miss it!

Mary Eddy's Italian Grill in downtown Oklahoma City has long been known for exquisite dining, but have you ever sampled their brunch menu? If not, there has never been a better time to try, because the eatery located inside the Fordson Hotel is unveiling several seasonal creations to accompany their already stellar lineup of indulgent morning fare. Mary Eddy's executive chef Ryan Kolk joins Ben from inside the restaurant to talk about their 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday brunch offerings. Also. on this week's show, the editors discuss their favorite baked goods in the state, and podvents lets us know what happens when Christmas lights get . . . creepy. You won't want to miss it!

Oklahoma is now heading full throttle into the holiday season, and for many in the state that means it's time for the famous holiday jingle from B.C. Clark Jewelers to ring on the radio, TV, and just about everywhere else—including endlessly inside our own heads. Many are familiar with the song, which became a quick hit for the iconic Oklahoma City family jeweler when it debuted in the 1950s. But why, exactly, did this particular jingle go down in history? Where did it succeed where others did not? Is there something going on musically that has helped etch it into the Oklahoma holiday canon? On this week's show we're joined by Mitchell Clark, president of B.C. Clark Jewelers and great-grandson of B.C. Clark himself, and Patrick Conlon, associate director of the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma in Oklahoma City. Together, we will attempt to get to the bottom of what has made the jingle an endearing holiday hit on par with any other classic Christmas song.  Also on this week's show, the editors share what signals the start of the holiday season in their eyes, and podvents lets us know where to go to get our chocolate fix. You won't want to miss it!

Welcome back, dear followers of the Oklahoma Today Podcast! Happy Thanksgiving Week for those watching on the week this episode debuts. We like to think of Oklahoma Today as a family, so for this special holiday episode we are giving you a tour of our "home" at the Oklahoma State Tourism and Recreation Department offices in downtown Oklahoma City. See all the familiar and behind-the-scenes faces behind the magazine and get a sense of our day-to-day activities while the staff shares what they're thankful for.  Also on this week's show, the editors share their favorite non-traditional Thanksgiving side dishes, and in podvents life . . . finds a way. You won't want to miss it!

Experience the thrill of A Christmas Carol without all the paranormal encounters with a visit to Dickens on the Boulevard, November 22-23 in downtown Claremore. Charles Dickens penned the holiday classic in 1843, years before the modern town of Claremore was even founded. That doesn't stop the downtown from transforming into a wintertime Victorian wonderland for a celebration that will includes street dancing, nineteenth century wardrobe and food, historic tours, carriage rides, and more. Ben investigates this unique Oklahoma tradition this week on the show. Also on this episode, the editors discuss their personal favorite literary classics, and podvents includes an event that rocks in more way than one. You won't want to miss it!

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve near Bartlesville is an Oklahoma institution. Once the private ranch and retreat of legendary oilman Frank Phillips, the 3,700-acre property now houses a world-class museum of Western and international art with a wild-life preserve including bison, elk, ostriches, and more. This year marks 100 years since the ranch's founding, and Woolaroc is celebrating with an amazing art exhibition and sale featuring some of the world's most high-profile contemporary artists, including Thomas Blackshear II, Bob Kuhn, William Alther, Mian Situ, William Acheff, and many more. Frank Phillips Foundation CEO and Woolaroc operating officer Kevin Hoch joins the show this week to talk about the incredible exhibition on display through December 31. Also on this week's episode, the editors ponder how they'd celebrate their hundredth birthdays, and podvents points us to one of the biggest Veterans Day parades in the state. You won't want to miss it!

We needed to give our inaugural Okie Awards winners something special to take home, and we think Yukon Trophy & Awards did the trick! On this week's episode of the Oklahoma Today Podcast we visit with Bea Johnson, who leads the business which has been family owned and operated since 1971. Yukon Trophy & Awards has gone from a garage business to a trophy maker that has touched the lives of thousands in its history, we get an inside look at this local treasure. Also on this week's show, WE'VE GOT AN ALL-NEW SET! See it for yourself on video on the Oklahoma Today Magazine YouTube channel. The editors also share some of their own personal favorite keepsakes. Plus podvents gives us the best place to find baklava this week. You won't want to miss it!

Congratulations to the Curbside Enterprises organization in Oklahoma City for winning our inaugural Clayton I. Bennett Oklahoma Standard Award! They are one of many Okie Awards winners listed in Oklahoma Today's new November-December issue. Curbside Enterprises includes the Curbside Chronicle publication (you might see their vendors in green vests at various OKC intersections), the Curbside Flowers floral shop, and other initiatives that provide vocational support for people experiencing homelessness. On this episode of the Oklahoma Today Podcast, we speak with Ranya Forgotson, chief programs officer for the Homeless Alliance, and Nathan Poppe, the Curbside Chronicle's editor-in-chief.  Also on this week's episode, the editors observe Halloween week by sharing the things that truly scare them. Plus, podvents tells us where to hear the most iconic spooky season song of all. You won't want to miss it!

OKC Thunder fans might still be coming down from all the popped champagne after the team's NBA championship win in June, but a new season of basketball is already upon us! For part two of our Thunder preview spectacular, we ventured out to Thunder Media Day to talk with reigning NBA and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander alongside teammates Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins. The three players can be found featured on Oklahoma Today's new November-December magazine cover. The Thunder are arguably the most fashionable team in basketball, so while they were with us it felt right to have them break down the fashion of some other well-dressed Okies . . . and some of their fellow teammates.   Also on this week's episode, the editors share their own Oklahoma fashion icons, and podvents breaks down Oklahoma sorghum facts. You won't want to miss it!

You may or may not know the name Thundor, but if you have seen any Oklahoma City Thunder game on national television you have certainly seen him. He's the big shirtless guy in a luchador mask trying his hardest to get the opposing team to take their mind of their free throws and onto the man with the megaphone. Thundor (a.k.a. Garrett Haviland) is a celebrity in his own right, but how did he come to be the Thunder's most iconic fan? What was his reaction to the team's landmark championship win? And what does he say into that megaphone anyway? We'll get all our questions answered in the first part of our two part Thunder basketball special, plus maybe we will convince Alex Caruso to finally give Thundor his kegger. Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss which Oklahoma brands they are a superfan for, and podvents introduces us to a pumpkin patch that doubles as an excellent tongue twister. You won't want to miss it!

Tulsa-based, Emmy-winning puppeteer David Bizzaro has impressive show credits that include Sesame Street, The Muppets, Waffles + Mochi, and much more. And now, you have the chance to learn from a master! David is our featured guest on this week's Oklahoma Today Podcast. He talks all about his unique career and how you can sign up for one of his in-person classes, where you too can learn the secrets behind this captivating art form.  Also on this week's episode, the editors share which creative skill they'd like to learn, and podvents announces the annual opening of one of Oklahoma's favorite corn mazes. You won't want to miss it!

What is fringe theater? A better question might be what isn't it. The annual Theatre Crude festival is returning to Oklahoma City this week, bringing dozens of small-scale, non-traditional productions to the community. Want to hear from a misanthropic goldfish? Or maybe a MacBeth musical with lightsabers is more your speed. Theatre Crude co-founder Jenny Brand joins the podcast from The 4801, one of the festival's three venues, to talk about what fans can expect.  Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss what they're looking forward to this Oklahoma fall, and podvents takes a moment to pay tribute to our "deer" friends. You won't want to miss it!

Journalism has never seen anything like it. There are tough interviews to get and then there are interviews that are darn near impossible. Today host Ben Luschen did something no one has ever done before: interview the elusive raccoon—and not just one of them either. Scout and Little Bit are the names of the raccoon animal ambassadors at the Bernice Nature Center in the Bernice Area of Grand Lake State Park, and they agreed to go on the record for the first time from their spacious enclosure under the condition of copious provided snacks. Though Ben was able to get some good answers out of them, Scout and Little Bit aren't much for jabbering, so luckily nature center manager Amanda Markey was on hand to fill in the blanks. Learn everything you could ever want to know about raccoons, and then some, in this week's interview. Also on this weeks show, the editors share what question they'd ask their own favorites animals, and podvents lets us know where NOT to take your cows this week. You won't want to miss it! 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go to school in a one-room schoolhouse? Well our very own host Ben Luschen got a taste of life as a student in the pre-statehood nineteenth century. The Edmond Historical Society recently opened up Edmond's 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse to host a mock school day for adults. History, penmanship, recitation, and arithmetic are all on full display during this little piece of the past. Let's just hope Ben stays out of trouble . . .  Also on this week's show, the editors take the time to reflect on the best invention since 1889, and podvents tells us what to do with our worries. You won't want to miss it! 

Once a real, functional firehouse in the city of Norman, the Firehouse Art Center is now a hub of the creative arts in its community. In addition to a variety of creative exhibitions, Firehouse offers classes and workshops in a wide range of mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, jewelry making, and all sorts of skills to turn the wheels of the mind. Andy Couch, executive director and curator for the art center, is our guest of the week. Also on this week's podcast, the editors discuss their favorite green spaces in Oklahoma, and podvents gives us the lowdown on this year's State Fair (hot chicken donut, anyone?) You won't want to miss it!

It's a bug's world, we're just living in it! The famous Cirque du Soleil organization returns to Oklahoma City's Paycom Center September 11-14. They are bringing their world renowned OVO show (Portuguese for egg) to the state, which takes inspiration from insects—showing off high flying acrobatics, incredible contortion, and the heartwarming tale of a ladybug in love. Show publicist Janie Mallet joins the show this week to let local fans know what they're in for and to reflect on Cirque's recent performance in OKC for a performance during the NBA Finals.  Also on this week's show, the editors reminisce on the most amazing performances they've seen in Oklahoma, and podvents lets us know what legendary outlaw Jesse James and Cement, OK, have in common. You won't want to miss it!

Spark OKC is a relatively new player in the crowded Oklahoma burger scene, yet it already feels like they've been around forever. The concept is a spur of The Social Order, the restaurant group that started as The Jones Assembly and has also umbrellaed to include local Dave's Hot Chicken and Fuzzy's Taco Stand locations. CEO Brian Bogert has been there from the beginning, and he sits down with editor-in-chief Nathan Gunter to catch us up on this exciting new brand, reminisce about his history in the restaurant world, and even talk about the time The Jones hosted a pre-superstardom Chappell Roan. Also on this week's episode, the editors give their elevator pitches for their own dream restaurant concepts, and podvents will help explain why there are so many lemonade stands in Tulsa this week. You won't want to miss it!

Tiare Jennings—an OU softball legend who was part of a national championship winning team every year she was on campus in Norman—is our special guest this week. Jennings will be reuniting with teammates Jocelyn Alo and Kinzie Hansen to compete against former Major League Baseball players like Nick Swisher and Adrian Gonzalez in the Home Run Derby X competition, set for August 23 at Oklahoma City's Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. This traveling, MLB-sanctioned event teams professional baseball and softball players together in a unique event where teams score points for both hitting and fielding. Home Run Derby X's stop in Oklahoma City will feature Jennings, Alo, and Hansen together on an all-OU Sooners team, marking the first time an all female team will compete in the event. Jennings joins the show to talk about what fans can expect that night in OKC while also sounding off on her first year in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League and softball's return to the Olympic games. Also on this week's show, the editors share their personal Oklahoma heroes, and podvents fills us in on a unique sport happening in Beaver. You won't want to miss it! 

When it comes to bird conservation, organizations don't get much more impactful than the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center in Bartlesville. It is not that uncommon to see a majestic bald eagle out in the Oklahoma wild these days, and that is largely due to the efforts of Sutton Center to hatch and raise a new population of eagles in the state. But the Sutton Center's work doesn't end at the bald eagle. On this week's episode of the Oklahoma Today Podcast we paid a visit to the Sutton Avian Center's headquarters in Bartlesville to check out their efforts in masked bobwhite quail conservation and meet some other bird friends. We also learn more about this month's Wild Brew event at the Arvest Convention Center in Tulsa, which is a key fundraiser supporting the center's research and wildlife efforts.  Also on this week's show, the editors share where in the state they like to go with a BIG appetite, and podvents lets us know where to find the real comedians this week. You won't want to miss it! 

There are few greater joys in life than a juicy steak grilled to perfection. It seems like it wouldn't be the hardest thing to do on your own, but there are a lot of ways home steak preparation can go wrong. Fear not, though, because we've called in an expert. Editor-in-chief Nathan Gunter met with Jonas Favela, executive chef at Stock & Bond in Oklahoma City, to learn how prime cuts of beef are treated at one of the best and trendiest steakhouses in the capital city. Warning: New kitchen inspiration might follow.  Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss their own cooking skills, and podvents lets us know where in Oklahoma to get our '90s nostalgia fix. You won't want to miss it! 

Tulsa R&B songstress Branjae is one of Oklahoma Today's 10 Oklahoma Artists to Know, as mentioned in our July-August 2025 issue. If you've ever seen Branjae perform, you know she puts as much work into crafting her stage presentation as she does on the songs themselves. That's why it shouldn't be any surprise that she takes inspiration from some truly generational performers like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Dianna Ross. For this episode of the Oklahoma Today Podcast, we met with Branjae at Tulsa's Studio Records. We not only caught up with one of the state's brightest artists, but we let her pick out some records that were key to her artistic development.   Also on this week's show, the editors work together to build an Oklahoma Today playlist, and podvents gets CRAZY! You won't want to miss it!

Oklahoma City's OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark has been a heavily anticipated project since the day it was announced, and this summer it's finally here! With expansive indoor and outdoor aquatic fun, an arcade, spa, food, and so much more, this is not only an attraction that will draw fun-seekers from all over the world, but the perfect destination for Oklahomans who want an escape without the hassle of long-distance travel. Today's guest on the show is Laura Rudicel, OKANA's director of marketing, who gives us a tour of the incredible facilities. Ben's in vacation mode, so it might be hard getting him back to the office again. Also on this week's episode, the editors share their ideal Oklahoma staycations, and podvents lets us know where to score a chicken salad sandwich this weekend. You won't want to miss it!

Jurassic World: Rebirth is one of this summer's biggest blockbusters, and the movie has a surprisingly adorable Oklahoma connection. The movie features a rabbit-sized herbivore known as the Aquilops americanus, a species of dinosaur the world knows about thanks to the work of scientists at the Sam Noble Museum in Norman. Editor-in-chief Nathan Gunter talks with Dr. Jacqueline Lungmus about the little dino that is stealing hearts this summer in the cinema, as well as some of the other prehistoric creatures in the museum's collection. Those who venture out to Sam Noble this Saturday will have the thrill of celebrating Aquilops Day, a day of learning, fun, and activities centered around the dynamic, diminutive dinosaur.  Also on this week's podcast, the editors discuss their must-haves for an Oklahoma cookout, and podvents lets us know how to enjoy two different local peach festivals in the same week. You won't want to miss it!

Cute animal friends call Hulbert's Sequoyah State Park home. Beavers, a coyote, a fox, and more can be encountered at Sequoyah's nature center. These are animals who, for various reasons, are unfit to live in the wild on their own. Thanks to the efforts of state park naturalists like Sierra (our human guest of the week), these creatures get a new lease on life thanks to the animal ambassador program. It also gives park attendees a chance for a closer meeting with these critters than they are likely to ever get in the wild. Also on this week's show, the editors discuss which creature would best serve as their personal animal ambassador, and podvents lets us know the best place in Oklahoma to find haggis this weekend. You won't want to miss it!

Thunder up, baby! A day many in this state have long dreamed of came to fruition on June 24, 2025, when the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrated their NBA championship with a parade through downtown that attracted more than half a million happy fans. Our very own host Ben was one of them, and he went out into the streets on this special occasion to get the local reaction to this momentous occasion (and maybe get his own glance at the legendary Larry O'Brien Trophy). Also on this week's episode, we poll Thunder fans about who their favorite player is, and podvents tells us where the best place in the state for huckleberries is. You won't want to miss it!

Fresh berries are one of the best benefits of summer. There are plenty of places where locally grown blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and more are available for purchase in convenient packages, but it's pretty much scientific fact that berries taste better when you pick them off the bush yourself. So we did just that! Ben and Chris ventured out to the Thunderbird Berry Farm just outside of Broken Arrow to get their blueberry fix and learn more about this family business currently in the midst of its 20th u-pick season.  Also on this week's episode, the editors share their favorite Oklahoma-grown fruits and vegetables, and podvents lets us know where to celebrate Independence Day a week early. You won't want to miss it!

Cruising down Route 66 is the American dream, but it can be a time-consuming one. If you're looking to get some of those famous kicks in under an hour, might we suggest a visit to Puttin' the Park in Elk City? They have totally revamped their miniature golf course in Ackley Park to mimic travel down the famous Mother Road. Featuring Oklahoma icons like the Golden Driller of Tulsa and the Pops bottle in Arcadia (plus a number of other famous photo ops), it's a fun detour no matter which direction you're driving. Our guest this week is Marnie Tosh, who helped design the new course for Elk City. Our fearless host Ben tests his golf course against the person who made it.  Also on this week's show, the editors share their dream car for a trip down 66, and podvents tells us where to find a free Big K.R.I.T. concert. You won't want to miss it!

Toys: They teach us a lot as we're growing up. They teach us to value our possessions, to use our imaginations, and how much our parents don't like it when we leave them all over the floor. It's no wonder we end up putting a lot of nostalgic value into them, or that there is a museum dedicated to them in south-central Oklahoma. The Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley has thousands of figures on display, including those from franchises like Marvel, DC Comics, Star Wars, and more. Museum founder Kevin Stark is our featured guest today, giving us a tour of the site's impressive collection and helping us realize why our playtime heroes are worth preserving.  Also on this week's episode, the editors share their own favorite toys of the past, and podvents tells us where to catch a cat by its tongue. You won't want to miss it!

June has arrived in Oklahoma, which can often mean that a dark room with air conditioning is very appealing. Thankfully an abundance of opportunities for just such an activity is headed for Oklahoma City. We're talking about the return of deadCenter Film Festival, the summertime favorite set to celebrate its twenty-fifth year June 11-15. Our guest this week is deadCenter's founding executive director Cacky Poarch, who tells us all about this year's Icon award winners, how it feels to see the festival at a quarter of a century, and why we can expect to see dinosaurs around downtown OKC.  Also on this week's episode, the editors share their favorite comfort movies, and podvents let's us know what happens when youth meets opera meets Tolkien. You won't want to miss it!

When it comes to local restaurant brands, 84 Hospitality Group is a heavy hitter. Empire Slice House is known far and wide, and Goro Ramen and Burger Punk have large followings of their own. There is a new name to add to that lineup now. Elisabetta Fine Italian & Wine is now open on North Western Avenue in Oklahoma City. Editor-in-Chief Nathan Gunter had a sit-down conversation with 84 Hospitality's Rachel Cope to talk about the new addition and what else is new from her line of delicious eats. Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss the "green flags" they look for in a restaurant, and podvents teaches us a little something about magnolias. You won't want to miss it!

It's the oldest historically black rodeo in the country, and it's back for another year! The Boley Rodeo, in the historic black town of Boley, got its start in 1961. The event has seen ups and downs over the years, but has seen a resurgence under organizer Karen Ekuban. We headed out to Boley to talk with Karen and get a firsthand look at a new art project which will make its debut at this year's event. The Boley Rodeo is Saturday, May 24, and tickets are $20. Also on this week's episode, the editors recommend their picks for summer vacation activities in the state, and podvents let's us know where to find the most happening 150th birthday party around. You won't want to miss it!