PODCAST · society
Wayward Stories
by Justin Minor
Wayward Stories is the podcast dedicated to the stories of our wandering and wonderings. Everyday is an adventure in self-discovery and discovery of each other. Mine just so happens to be set against a backdrop of travel and the great outdoors. I strive every week to show you that awesome adventures and meaningful connections don’t have to come with an obscene price tag…they’re right outside your door. It’s a magical world y’all…let’s go exploring!Check out www.waywardstories.com for more info, my youtube channel, links to all of my social media platforms and so much more! If you’d like to get in touch just shoot me an email at [email protected] Stories is proudly brought to you by Bendetti Optics. Head over to www.bendettioptics.com and grab a pair of sick shades with a price tag that won’t make you scared to wear ‘em on your next adventure. Make sure and let them know the ol’ Wayward Son sent you!
Episodes
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Black Hills, Bad Lands, & Bangin’ Bison Burgers
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! Tonight we’re going to take one banger of a road trip, and explore some 2,500 miles of the upper west! I recently had the opportunity to take a driving tour of Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota and all of the National Parks along the way!...
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Before Route 66 - Beale’s Road
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! Tonight we are, yet again, going to embrace that Nomad Spirit, Sedentary Life energy we harnessed a couple of years back when school had me unable to go pretty much anywhere. As we talked about in the last episode, I’ve recently been working on some itineraries…
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On the Trail of the Southwest Explorers - The 1821 Fort Smith to Santa Fe Trade Expeditions
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! Tonight we’re going to get back onto some of that Nomad Spirit, Sedentary Life energy we harnessed a couple of years back when school had me unable to go pretty much anywhere. I’ve recently been working on some itineraries for road trips from our national historic...
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Blue Highways - Rulo, Nebraska
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! Tonight we’re going to explore some more blue highways as we take a little day trip to Nebraska. Just because. I awoke at 5 am on my day off a few weeks ago and thought: “what the heck am I gonna do today?” And then realized…I’d never been to Nebraska before. That...
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Blue Highways - Jefferson, Texas
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! Tonight we’re going to explore a concept wholly new to me, ‘cause apparently I live under a rock. Blue Highways. It’s been a philosophical concept of American road-tripping since 1978, but I’m just now hearing about it. The idea is simple: stay off the interstate....
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Forgotten Places
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! Tonight we’re going to explore some of the forgotten and abandoned places deep in the mountains of Arkansas. We’re going into the Ozarks to bushwhack our way to the abandoned Shore’s Lake Civilian Conservation Corps camp, look for the vestiges of the Combs, Cass…
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Exploring the Wild, Wild West - Kansas City
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! Tonight we’re going to explore yet another location significant to America’s Wild, Wild West! We’re going to take a trip to Kansas City and explore the Arabia Steamboat Museum, as well as some of the jumping off locations for the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California...
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Exploring the Wild, Wild West - Hell on the Border
In tonight’s show we pick back up on a little “series within a series” I started a couple of years ago entitled “Exploring the Wild, Wild West.” We previously explored Coffeyville and Dodge City, KS as well as the Santa Fe Trail. In tonight’s episode, we’re going to explore one of the very…
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Here’s to you, my gearest friend…
In tonight’s show, we’re going to talk about long-lived pieces of gear in our kit and the role they can play in the story-arc of our lives. As I prepare to retire a backpack that has accompanied me across tens of thousands of miles or roads, rivers, and wildernesses, it only seems fitting to look...
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Turn the Page…
Tonight we’re taking a deep dive into the biggest road trip I’ve ever made in my life. It is that time of year again, with Thanksgiving and my birthday upon us, but this year there’s a wild card in the mix…. my commencement and the conferral of my degree in Manchester New Hampshire. We’re going…
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Road Trip Therapy - Calico Rock, AR.
Welcome Back to Wayward Stories! Who’s in the mood for a little day trip into the soul? Tonight’s show finds us taking a little bit of a philosophical journey into the value of roadtrips as little mini-therapy sessions for the good of the soul. Fear not intrepid wayfarers…we will indeed explore a...
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Spooky Season 2025 - Arkansas H’aints
Welcome Back to Wayward Stories! WHAT’S UP WITCHES?!?!? It’s spooky season once again, baby! My favorite time of year! For our 2025 installment, we’re going to take some legend tripping adventures through the Arkansas hills and hollers. From creepy cryptids to inexplicable spooky lights, and from...
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Route 66 - Texola to Tucumcari
Welcome Back to Wayward Stories! This week we are once again going to explore America’s Mother Road, Route 66. This iteration takes us from from Texola to Tucumcari. This little adventure qualifies as Baby Bear’s Birthday Bash - 2025 edition. This stretch of 66 plays host to multiple iconic sites...
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Route 66 - Tulsa to Texola
Welcome Back to Wayward Stories! This week we’re going to explore America’s Mother Road, Route 66, from Tulsa to Texola, the little town that sends Oklahoma’s portion of 66 on into Texas. Oklahoma hosts not only its own state museum for 66, but also the National Route 66 museum, as well as…
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Route 66 - Springfield, MO. To Baxter Springs, KS.
Welcome Back to Wayward Stories! Tonight we explore an often overlooked section of America’s iconic Route 66 - Southeast Kansas. Kansas hosts only 13.2 miles of Route 66, but that 13.2 miles is all original and hosts one of the most widely recognized service stations and characters in all of…
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Towards a Philosophy of Wilderness
Welcome Back to Wayward Stories! This week we finally find ourself at the oft-mentioned episode “that was coming eventually”. For our 100th episode and belated 4 year anniversary, it seems fitting to look back at how far we’ve come and where we’re heading next! Listen in now to hear all about it!...
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Exploring Where the Red Fern Grows
This week we explore northeastern Oklahoma’s “green country”…the Ozark foothills where Wilson Rawl’s classic work is set. Science folks might try to convince you there’s no such thing as a red fern in the American interior highlands, but we natives know better than that… Join us tonight as we...
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Colorado Dreamin’…
…on such a winter’s daaaaayyyy…. Welcome Back to Wayward Stories! This week we recap my holiday adventures and take a quick trip to a Christmas-light-bedazzled theme park with my daughter as well as a 3-day adventure to southeastern Colorado. There will be gold fields, backcountry byways, people...
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A Holiday Message from Wayward Stories
I hope you all have a great holiday season!
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Exploring the Santa Fe Trail - Raiders, Traders, and Chili Cheese Taters
Welcome Back to Wayward Stories! This week we explore the famous Santa Fe trail through Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico. Outlaw hideouts in the Oklahoma panhandle, trading posts on the trail, abandoned mining camps, infamous cemeteries, and my new favorite food (until I find the next one) are…
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Exploring the Wild, Wild West - Coffeyville, Kansas
Welcome Back to Wayward Stories! This week we explore some locations associated with what we would know today as “the Wild West”, or perhaps the very early American Frontier during the days of westward expansion. There will be shootouts, there will be soldiers, there will be forts, and there…
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Wayward Spookums
Weeeeeellllllll…hi guys! It’s been a minute or two…months. I’m still alive, spooky season is here…so let’s hang out for an hour and a half and tell some creepy stories! Remember, ghosts are going to stalk you no matter where you are, so you might as well get off your tail and go out and look for...
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Poverty Point, Vicksburg, & the McRaven House
Welcome Back to Wayward Stories! It is my daughter’s birthday month. So this week’s show is going to line out her birthday gift.… a big 3 Day Weekend road trip! Of all the options she was given to choose from she chose the absolute nerdiest, much to my delight. Check out tonight’s show to hear…
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True Hidden Gems - Ouachita Mountains
Welcome Back to Wayward Stories! It’s been a long six week hiatus, but we’re back! Life has been crazy and I’ve been running like a maniac trying to keep things on track, but excuses aside it’s time for a new episode. This week we’re going to talk about some truly hidden gems…since modern travel...
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Seize the Moments
Welcome Back to Wayward Stories! This week I embark upon both literal and philosophical adventures as I contemplate the importance of seizing the moments of our lives before they disappear like dust in the wind (see what I did there?). In addition to this philosophical sidetrack, we talk about…
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An Idiot’s Guide to Hot Springs National Park
Welcome Back to Wayward Stories! This week we explore Arkansas’…and America’s…First* National Park…Hot Springs! Listen in now to hear all about it! If you’d like to get in touch with me, just shoot an email to [email protected] -or- Head on over to www.waywardstories.com Thanks for listening!
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Total Eclipse of the Ark(ansas)
Welcome Back to Wayward Stories! This week…well, we all know what happened this week. It was the much anticipated 2024 total solar eclipse, and it scurried its way right over my head in this great state of Arkansas. This week’s episode details my adventure to find a wilderness setting in which to...
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Arkansas Backcountry Byways
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! A little sidetrack adventure a few weeks ago inspired an idea within me…more of a question really, at first. Why doesn’t Arkansas, with all of our glorious forestry roads and backcountry trails, have designated backcountry byways? A short fact-check indeed…
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Nomad Spirit, Sedentary Life Vol. 2 ~ Bend, Oregon
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! This week we continue a series we started last year and digitally explore Bend, Oregon! Join me this week as I look at the many incredible aspects of Central Oregon and discover why Bend belongs on top of everyone’s bucket list! From waterfalls to the Cascades,...
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California Dreamin’ Vol. 3 -Pacific Coast Highway
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! This week we wrap up a series we started about this time last year, and head back to Cali for the final installment! Join me this week as I reminisce on exploring some of the beaches and sights to see along California Highway 1 from Watsonville to Point Reyes...
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Same Wayward, Different Wilderness
This week we take our yearly philosophical sidetrack and explore the direction of the podcast, the outdoor sub-culture at large, and purpose in production, as it were. No new wilderness adventures this week, save perhaps the wilderness of the soul… I want to thank you all for tuning in, and...
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Exploring the Civil War in the Ozarks
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! This week we take a road trip to several different Civil War battlefields located throughout Western Arkansas, Eastern Oklahoma and Southern Missouri. They range from NPS National Historic Sites to State Parks, museums to driving tours, and each one has a potent...
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Route 66 - Albuquerque to Petrified Forest NP
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! This week we pick up where we left off when last we met. In this show we talk about the glancing blow we landed on Arizona, committing 1 day of our 5 day trip to exploring Route 66 from Albuquerque to Petrified National Forest. After that we wrap up the show...
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Exploring Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Beyond
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! Our holiday adventure is complete, and this week we’re going to talk about the adventures we found! Tales of back country drives through tunnels in dramatic box canyons, ancient cultural relics, petroglyphs, national monuments, Route 66 and the Big Chili Cartel...
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Exploring Arkansas Archeological State Parks
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! This week we’re going on a road trip into the past! I recently took a couple of weekend road trips to Little Rock and Eastern Arkansas to explore Plum Bayou Archeological State Park, Hampson Archeological Museum State Park, and Parkin Archeological State Park.…
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Rail Trail Bucket List -WV, NV, VT & WA
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! This week we’re going to explore some bucket list Rail Trails from every corner of the US! Rail Trails are an awesome option for you to get outside and see some amazing landscapes! You can find them across the US, and they offer easy hikes or rides for all...
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Fuzzy Butts and Falling Water - Ozark Mountains
Welcome back to the Wayward Stories Podcast! Happy Thanksgiving Y’all! This year, circumstance dictated that I had to stay a little closer to home for my yearly thanksgiving adventure, so I set off into the Ozarks to chase some waterfalls and epic bluffs. Listen in tonight to learn about a...
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Creepy Legends of the National Parks
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! It’s spooky season once again! This year we’re going to take a dive into some creepy legends and folklore from some of our great national parks! From the Grand Canyon to the Smokies, the Ozarks to the Great Lakes, tonight’s show is chock full of things that go…
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Late Night Rescue on the Ozark Highland
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! This week we’re going to talk about a very recent rescue our team effected in the backcountry on the Ozark Highland Trail. A hiker had a mishap and was unable to self-rescue, and we, along with other responding agencies, were able to execute a successful…
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Riding the Rails through the Ozark Mountains
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! This week, we explore my recent opportunity to ride a passenger excursion train on a 150-mile round trip through the gorgeous Boston Mountains of Northwest Arkansas. It’s a full day ride featuring trestles that tower 125 feet about the valley floor, a 1702’ long...
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Route 66 - Baxter Springs, KS. to Tulsa, OK.
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! This week we take a weekend road trip back in time! Come along with me as we take a little journey down America’s Mother Road, Route 66 through Oklahoma’s beautiful Green Country. From kitschy road side attractions of a bygone era to thriving community gathering...
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Listener Submission - Epic Southwest Road Trip!
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! This week we’re going to explore some new territory and share a listener submitted itinerary for an epic road trip through our great American Southwest! This trip covered some 2,900 miles over 8 days, touched 7 states and no less than 5 National Parks amongst many...
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Robber’s Cave State Park ~ Oklahoma
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! After a dark week catalyzed by an egomaniacal geology professor with a penchant for sadism, we’re back with a brand new episode about one of Oklahoma’s best state parks! Robber’s Cave State Park is an area deep in the San Bòis Mountains of SE Oklahoma filled with...
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California Dreamin’ Vol. 2 - Santa Cruz Mountains
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! This week we head back out to Cali to dream another dream. In this installment of the California Dreamin’ series we explore some beautiful Santa Clara County Parks located in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains and take a little day trip east into Yosemite.…
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Devil’s Den State Park - Arkansas
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! This week we spend the first half of the episode catching up on the archeological dig that necessitated dropping a classic episode last week, and talk about some new adventure ideas for you guys, like geocaching and a Native American museum to explore. In the…
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CLASSIC: Exploring Central Colorado
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! Rather than have a couple of dark weeks due to an exciting opportunity I must seize upon, I’ve chose to drop another classic episode. Listen y’all…this weekend I get to go do archeology! Lifelong dream! But I promise you, for all of you who haven’t listened to the...
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Route 66 - St. James, MO. to Springfield
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! After spending the last week maligned with Satan’s head cold, aka Covid-19, our Memorial Day weekend was looking pretty bleak. But with a slight upturn in health, and the reality of a 3 day weekend being wasted a real possibility …decisions were made. Roadtrips…
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Duckies, Yuppies & Camper Van Quandaries
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! In this week’s show we kind of meander about a bit. Much like my adventures, I just go where the road takes me! This time around we take a look at a recent trend that’s highly detrimental to the natural beauty of the Buffalo River, fake people, and my thoughts as…
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A Weekend at the Historic Crescent Hotel
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! In this week’s show, we take a little side trail from the my usual adventures and live a little of the high life! I recently collaborated on a series of short articles for the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa in beautiful Eureka Springs, AR…and tonight’s show is all…
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California Dreamin’ Vol. 1 ~ Big Sur Coast
Welcome back to Wayward Stories! This week we go back to day dreaming about bucket list trips of the future. This time around we’re heading out to the redwoods, dramatic cliffs and crashing surf of Big Sur California, for a little road-trip through some of the most beautiful country you can find...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Wayward Stories is the podcast dedicated to the stories of our wandering and wonderings. Everyday is an adventure in self-discovery and discovery of each other. Mine just so happens to be set against a backdrop of travel and the great outdoors. I strive every week to show you that awesome adventures and meaningful connections don’t have to come with an obscene price tag…they’re right outside your door. It’s a magical world y’all…let’s go exploring!Check out www.waywardstories.com for more info, my youtube channel, links to all of my social media platforms and so much more! If you’d like to get in touch just shoot me an email at [email protected] Stories is proudly brought to you by Bendetti Optics. Head over to www.bendettioptics.com and grab a pair of sick shades with a price tag that won’t make you scared to wear ‘em on your next adventure. Make sure and let them know the ol’ Wayward Son sent you!
HOSTED BY
Justin Minor
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Wayward Stories have?
Wayward Stories currently has 115 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Wayward Stories about?
Wayward Stories is the podcast dedicated to the stories of our wandering and wonderings. Everyday is an adventure in self-discovery and discovery of each other. Mine just so happens to be set against a backdrop of travel and the great outdoors. I strive every week to show you that awesome...
How often does Wayward Stories release new episodes?
Wayward Stories publishes regularly with 115 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Wayward Stories?
You can listen to Wayward Stories 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 Wayward Stories?
Wayward Stories is created and hosted by Justin Minor.
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