Across The Tracks

PODCAST · society

Across The Tracks

Two friends who grew up on opposite sides of the tracks in small-town America reconnect to share the stories that shaped them. From childhood memories and hometown characters to careers, travel, and life lessons gathered around the world, they explore how different beginnings led to unexpected common ground. Honest, reflective, and often humorous, this podcast is about friendship, perspective, and the long road from where you started to where life takes you.

  1. 204

    Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.

    This episode has a Kentucky Derby recap, and discusses the Supreme Court rules on Voting Rights, U.S. Troop reduction in Germany, 3rd assassination attempt, Spirit Airline service ends, and the UAE leaves OPEC.

  2. 203

    A Biblical and Administrative Okey-Doke

    This episode explores how religious language & Hollywood has merged into misguided Biblical ignorance, new judge hirings, the Iranian War, Oklahoma City bombing and memorials of a famous International basketball star & one of our local hometown business personalities.

  3. 202

    First Lady, Failed Talks, Hip-Hop Losses, & Lunar Leap

    Melania Trump steps into the spotlight, U.S.-Iran diplomacy falters, hip-hop mourns and Artemis II makes historic journey.

  4. 201

    Rescues, Rockets & Respect

    Tonight's Across The Tracks covers the ousting of Pam Bondi, the rescue of U.S. pilots, rising threat to Iran , the launch of Artemis II, and controversy surrounding Dawn Staley. A fast-paced look at politics, global tensions, space exploration, and sports debate.

  5. 200

    Honors, Hoops, and Headlines.

    A rapid-fire discussion that covers a United Nations resolution tied to the Transatlantic Slave Trade, debate over presidential symbolism on U.S. currency, rising pay momentum in the WNBA, and the excitement as the NCAA Final Four is set.

  6. 199

    From March Madness to Political Madness

    A chaotic week takes center stage: allies push back against Donald Trump, tensions rise from U.S. airports to Cuba, and the frenzy of March Madness collides with shocking headlines involving Robert Mueller and Chuck Norris.

  7. 198

    Power, Progress, and the Price of Respect

    The head of the DHS is fired, an Iranian School is bombed, the Federal Government vs. Anthropic AI, Disrespect shown toward fallen soldiers, a hometown friend inducted into the KY High School Basketball Hall of Fame and the death of Watergates Alexander Butterfield .

  8. 197

    The World Is A Ghetto

    This episode discusses another senseless war, reflects on the state Of The Union address, U.S. treatment of Cuba, Senate primary race in the state of Texas, and the passing of song writer and performer Neil Sedaka.

  9. 196

    Crumbling legacies & the passing of an Icon

    This episode explores the sharp political insights of George Will, examines the developments surrounding Prince Andrew’s arrest, highlights significant Black history milestones from past Olympic Games, and reflects on the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson following his passing.

  10. 195

    American Crossroads: Patriotism, Protest, & Political Pressure

    In this episode a Black History moment is covered, Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies in Congress, Olympic athletes are criticized, Gallup Poll pivots and a memorial to Actor Robert DuVall.

  11. 194

    Potpourri '26

    In this episode Wayne and Steve discuss what's on their minds (various topics from the week before).

  12. 193

    Legacy, Loss & the Lines Being Drawn

    This episode unpacks the Don Lemon arrest and releases, Nicki Minaj's surprising political stance, and the return of 5-year-old Minnesota child. We also mark the start of Black History Month, reflection on legacy and loss with the passing of act Demond Wilson and the last surviving Member of the Navajo Code Talkers from World War II.

  13. 192

    Headlines, History, and Superbowl 60

    In this episode we discuss the first female Coast Guard Real Admiral appoint of Zieta Merchant, Hollywood Walk of Fame awardees The Isley Brothers, mathematical Gladys West and The Dukes of September (Fagen, McDonald & Scaggs).

  14. 191

    Prestige, Power & Principles

    This episode examines a debate over a secondhand Nobel Peace Prize and tariff threats tied to Greenland, to reflecting on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. might view today's global and social climate. We also turn to the NFL playoffs, asking whether IU can complete it unlikely journey and honor the passing of civil rights pioneer Claudette Colvin, whose courage reshaped history long before it was widely acknowledged.

  15. 190

    "From the Streets to the Stadium: Politics, Protest & Playoff Dreams"

    This episode covers ICE-related shootings in Minnesota and California, U. S . - Iran tensions tied to domestic protests, the NFL playoff picture Teddy Roosevelt's 1908 Grand Canyon designation, and the passing of Bob Weir and Aldrich Ames.

  16. 189

    Venezuela, the Constitution & the passing of a Gospel giant

    This episode examines rising tensions involving Venezuela, questions whether the U.S. Constitution still restrains power at home and abroad, and reflects on the passing of gospel legend Richard Smallwood and his enduring spiritual legacy.

  17. 188

    Past Legacies & Present Storms

    The 84th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Navy names an aircraft carrier in honor of World War II hero Dorie Miller, POTUS remarks on Somalian-Americans, National Park service revision of free admittance on MLK day, and the passing of Stax record label giant Steve Cropper.

  18. 187

    Crisis, Courtrooms & Cultural Legends

    A turbulent week unfolds with National Guardsmen shot, Comey and James indictments thrown out, Trump attacks on women reporters & we memorialize civil rights & musical giants.

  19. 186

    Punked Presidents & Political Pretzels

    Politics, contradictions, memorials , and a few Jaw-droppers are all packed into this weeks episode.

  20. 185

    Shutdowns, showdownds, & Soul Classics

    In this episode we break down a turbulent week in American life. The Democrats cave to pressure in government funding. We dig into the Epstein files and then pause to honor the lives and legacies of Lenny Wilkens and Michael Ray Richardson. Finally, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth, Wind & Fire’s legendary album Gratitude, a soul classic that still lifts us today.

  21. 184

    Politics, Poverty & Pennants

    We start this episode with a Kentucky GOP official's social media post about the Obamas, we cover the suspension of SNAP for millions of Americans, Trump Threatens Nigeria and we end with the Los Angeles Dodgers World Series victory.

  22. 183

    The Spin Cycle

    In this weeks Across The Track episode we unpack how money, power, and Chaos collide. We discuss the NBA betting scandals, Trump's destruction of the White House East Wing, and Indiana's possible political reshuffle.

  23. 182

    "From Command to Chaos"

    An Admiral steps down, Bolton’s indicted, and the “No Kings” movement grows louder. This week on Across the Tracks, it’s all about power, protest, and perspective.

  24. 181

    Peace, Triumph and Growth

    The United States VP's visibility concerns, Recent Israeli and Hamas peace agreement, 2025 WNBA Championship, the passing of Diane Kenton and Hometown (E-town) progress & growth.

  25. 180

    "Reunions and Reckonings: From Chicago Streets to the Super Bowl Stage"

    This week, we look our nation wrestling with identity and accountability — from sharp words between Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump, and America’s flag officers, to WNBA stars calling out their own leadership for progress long overdue. As National Guard troops touch down in Chicago and Diddy faces sentencing, culture and consequence collide once again. And while MAGA fans rage over Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl spotlight, we close on a more personal note — reflections from our own 50-year reunion weekend, where old friends, shared memories, and the passage of time.

  26. 179

    Fault Lines

    We unpack the latest drama at the US Open, California's Shake-up of its congressional maps, and the heartbreaking school shooting in Minnesota. Plus, the political fight over moving Space Command from Colorado to Alabama, and powerful testimony as Epstein's victims speak out.

  27. 178

    Faith, Fairness & Fallout

    Trumps thoughts on Heaven, Carnival Cruise Lines new policies, the attack on the Smithsonian Museums and the backlash to the new Cracker Barrel logo.

  28. 177

    To be-or not to be

    We break down the Trump-Putin summit and what it means for global politics, spotlight the rise of Black British actors in Hollywood and beyond, and reflect of the life and legacy of Danielle Spencer-beloved for her role as Dee on the TV series What's Happening!

  29. 176

    Walkouts, Warzones, & Farewells

    There's political drama in Texas, Israel's push to control Gaza and a discussion on Yacht Rock.

  30. 175

    You Dropped The Bomb On Me

    In this episode we kick things off with memories of our Elizabethtown High School Class of 1975 reunion. We covering the U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. In sports, the Oklahoma City Thunder clinch their first-ever NBA Championship. We honor the life and legacy of Kevin Yarbrough an R & B Icon. And finally, we lighten the tone with a spirited debate over two classics from The Commodores — “Zoom” vs. “Just to Be Close to You” — comparing vocals, vibe, and timeless soul power

  31. 174

    Protests, Parades, and Peril

    This episode covers Protests across the country, Trumps military parade, the shooting of Minnesota's legislators, Israeli attack on Iran and the passing of Brian Wilson.

  32. 173

    Schadenfreude

    Musk and Trump feud, Job Corp is dissolve, Air Force Academy graduation altered, Ukraine attacks Russia and Coco Gauff wins the French Open Tennis championship.

  33. 172

    "Exit Doge, Enter Rose".

    Elan Musk leaves Washington, Peter Rose is reinstated back into Major League Baseball, Trump's obsession with a 747 airplane and the Indiana Pacers advance to the NBA championship series.

  34. 171

    A Nation in Motion and Voices Rising

    Coast-to-Coast protest, Corey Booker's Marathon Speech, and Music of the Moment.

  35. 170

    Shadows of Power

    Trump targets the Smithsonian Museums, Classified war plans, the administration trying to take over Greenland, the Voice of America being silenced memorials of both Roy Ayers and George Foreman.

  36. 169

    Politics,Tariffs & Tributes

    There was a White House Ambush of Ukrainian President Zelensky, Rev. Barber's describes his Vision of America in response to Trump and remembering Angie Stone.

  37. 168

    Shifting Tides

    In this episode dive into the cancellation of The ReidOut, the firing of Gen. CQ Brown, and the upcoming February 28 economic boycott. Plus, we analyze the new NBA All-Star Game format and break down the Delta crash in Toronto. Finally, we honor the legacies of music icons Jerry Butler, Roberta Flack, Chris Jasper, and Gwen McCrae.

  38. 167

    From the Battlefield to the End Zone

    NASA eliminates recruiting black engineers, Super Bowl 59 recap, Mitch McConnell sudden gain of conscience, Elon Musk overshadows Trump in a press conference and the passing of music producer Irv Gotti.

  39. 166

    Power Plays and Backlash

    A discussion is held about the current big NBA trade, a Purge of Federal Government employees, the dismantling of US AID organization, Beyonce's Grammy win, the Backlash on Snoop and Nelly's performance at the Trump inauguration.

  40. 165

    Turbulence in America

    A discussion about DEI Under Fire, Coast Guard Shake-up, ICE Raises, Airline /Military Tragedies, and the Future Under Trump 2.0

  41. 164

    Echoes of the Past, Shadows of the Present

    This episode covers the anniversaries of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, The attack on Pearl Harbor, the passing of the last Buffalo Soldier, the Killing the a healthcare CEO, new leadership in Syria, pardoning of Hunter Biden and more.

  42. 163

    Milestones and Memories

    Steve and Wayne capture cultural, sports and career-related topics in this episode offering a dynamic discussion on the new Go-Go museum, the snubbing of Tim Scott and Byron Donald's by Trump, the retirement of Hubie Brown, Geno Auriemma's becoming the NCAA's winningest basketball coach and the passing of Bob "Butterbean" Love.

  43. 162

    Cabinet Choices, and a Journey to Justice

    This episode explores Trumps cabinet choices, the 15 year sentence of a guardsman for sharing classified documents, the Tyson/Paul 8 round fight and Steve's reflection on his visit to the National Peace and Justice Memorial in Montgomery AL.

  44. 161

    Two Guys Reflect

    Wayne and Steve navigate the aftermath of Trump's Election and Honor Quincy Jones' Legacy.

  45. 160

    Turbulent Times

    In this episode, we dive into tensions that have risen with North Korea's unexpectedly sending troops to Russia, we recap this week in the Presidential election, MLB's World Series and discuss the legend of Fernando Valenzuela pitcher for the LA Dodgers and remanence about Sunday night TV in the 1960's.

  46. 159

    Silence and Legacy

    This episode encapsulates the intense weather event (Hurricane Milton), the political discourse with voters questioning former President Obama's concern about black men's hesitancy of voting and the passing of baseball's Louis Tiant and music legend Cissy Houston.

  47. 158

    Bad Times And Good Times

    This episode covers the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, reflections on the 2024 Vice-Presidential debate, and memorials to John Amos, Kris Kristofferson, Diembae Mutombo, and Pete Rose.

  48. 157

    Union Divide, Controveral Campaigns And Legends Lost

    Steve and Wayne discuss a Tumultuous Week in Politics and Pop Culture.

  49. 156

    Clash Of Leaders

    Steve and Wayne discuss the Presidential debate between Harris and Trump a Cinematic Milestone, and a farewell to Legends: James Earl Jones & Frankie Beverly.

  50. 155

    From Tragedy To Triumph

    Wayne and Steve discuss the Georgian Mass Shooting, Sci-Fi Cinema, the Trump vs. Harris Presidential debate, the WNBA Indiana Fever, the new NFL Season, and Farwell to Sergio Mendes.

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

Two friends who grew up on opposite sides of the tracks in small-town America reconnect to share the stories that shaped them. From childhood memories and hometown characters to careers, travel, and life lessons gathered around the world, they explore how different beginnings led to unexpected common ground. Honest, reflective, and often humorous, this podcast is about friendship, perspective, and the long road from where you started to where life takes you.

HOSTED BY

Across The Tracks

CATEGORIES

URL copied to clipboard!