All Across America: Recent Episodes
All Across America
Podcasting from Portland East to Portland West, from Big Pine Key to Pacific Beach, from San Juan to Guam. AllAcrossAmerica.net
Joel Parkyn, PhD, is a professor of theology at Holy Apostles College and Seminary. He is the author of "Exotheology: Theological Explorations of Intelligent Extraterrestrial Life." He is a former U.S. Marine infantry intelligence analyst and cartographer.
Don is one the leading experts on the Roswell incident and is the co-author of two best-selling books on the event. He was a former co-director of the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies, where he served as director of special investigations for ten years. He is also a founder of the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell.
In celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States, this episode features Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Beverly Gage, author of "This Land Is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History." Beverly is the John Lewis Gaddis Professor of History at Yale University.
A fifth-generation Nebraskan, JT is the creator of The Corn Belt, a social media platform showcasing small towns, local culture, and overlooked experiences across the state of Nebraska. @thecornbelt
The author of "Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church," L. Michelle Smith is a gospel singer, keynote speaker, and executive coach. lmichellesmith.com
When lights go out, lineman turn the power back on. Matt Horan is a journeyman lineman with two decades of experience and an instructor at the Lineman Institute of the Northeast. linemeninstitute.com
An auctioneer for 50 years, Mike has conducted over 4,000 auctions. He is a National Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame inductee and the 1998 International Auctioneer Champion. Mike owns three of the nation’s largest auctioneer training schools: America’s Auction Academy in Texas, World Wide College of Auctioneering in Iowa, and the Nashville Auction School. mikejonesauctiongroup.com
Daniella grew up as a third-generation member of the Children of God cult. After leaving the cult, she served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army, completing two combat deployments to Afghanistan. Daniella is the author of "Uncultured," and her most recent book, "The Culting of America."
Elizabeth is a professor at the University of Georgia School of Law. She is the author of "The Pain Brokers: How Con Men, Call Centers, and Rogue Doctors Fuel America's Lawsuit Factory."
Erica is a third-generation doctor who practices family medicine in Santa Fe. Known as the "health detective," she specializes in treating chronic illness. Author of the recently released memoir “From Doctor to Healer," Erica was the first American woman to summit Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere.
Trail name "Mighty Blue," Steve Adams is now attempting his third thru-hike of the 2,000 mile Appalachian Trail, walking north with spring. He is the host of the podcast "Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail," and the author of a series of books chronicling his hikes.
Andrew is the founder and team leader of Backcountry Unit Search & Rescue (BUSAR), serving the Great Smokies Mountains National Park. He is also a Wilderness Survival Instructor and member of the park's Wild Boar Eradication Team. He received the Department of the Interior Valor Award and the Tennessee Conservation Hero Award for his life-saving work. Teambusar.org | bigpigoutdoors.com
Jonathan is a mentalist, performer, and influence architect. A longtime mentee of The Amazing Randi, he vetted every entry submitted to the One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge, a prize that was ultimately never claimed.
David is The Texanist, the author of the long-running advice column that appears in every issue of Texas Monthly, "the National Magazine of Texas."
Blake is an explorer of abandoned places and a multidisciplinary artist. He is the creator and host of abandoned: The All-American Ruins podcast. *This episode was recorded on location from Blake's house.
Victor is a funeral director and the author of "Now Departing: A Small-Town Mortician on Death, Life, and the Moments in Between."
Jack is a distinguished professor of history at the University of Florida and a Pulitzer Prize–winning author of many books, including his latest: "The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America's Bird."
Author of "School Yearbook: The Untold Story of a Cringey Tradition and Its Digital Afterlife," Kate is a professor of culture and media at The New School.
The world's leading authority on prepping and preparedness, Jim is the author of "How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It," and is the founder of Survivalblog.com. He lives in an undisclosed location in the inland Northwest.
Micah and Blessing spent the season as fire-tower lookouts from the 100-foot tall Walde Mountain tower in the Clearwater National Forest. In the New Year, they will embark on a cross-country adventure in a converted ambulance. @theschweplerlife
Santa John has spent more than 25 years bringing the magic of Christmas to life, appearing at over 80 events every holiday season. He is a longtime member of the New England Society of Santas and the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas. *This episode was recorded on location from Santa's kitchen table.
Shari helped create the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988 Lifeline. She has worked as a crisis counselor for over 25 years and has trained thousands of people in crisis intervention. Shari is the Vice President of Crisis Care at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, the oldest organization of its kind in the United States.
*If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Crisis Counselors are available 24/7 nationwide.
Aaron has directed the University of Michigan's Debate Program since 2002. Under his leadership, the team won the National Debate Tournament in 2024.
Rob is on a quest to meet 10,000 people. *This episode was recorded on location at the Warehouse Cafe.
The Grateful Dead are one of the most influential bands in American history and San Francisco tech pioneers. Their innovations in sound are brought to life in Brian's book "Loud and Clear: The Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound and the Quest for Audio Perfection." A writer and editor at VICE, The Atlantic, and Vox, Brian teaches journalism at Northwestern University.
Tom is custom home builder and the owner Construction Services Unlimited. He and his crew have built dozens of high-end homes along the Long Island Sound since 1991. *This episode was recorded on location from Tom's shop.
Kris is a science writer and the senior producer of the Academy Award nominated Lyme disease documentary "Under Our Skin." She is also the author of the acclaimed book "Bitten."
Marco is a Freemason and the Worshipful Master (President) of Jerusalem Lodge #49 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
Andy is a ghost hunter, paranormal investigator, and author of "Ghosthunting Southern New England. *This episode was recorded on location at the Tavern on Main, a haunted location featured in Andy's book.
A New York Times reporter for over 60 years, Ralph is among the longest-tenured writers in the newspaper's history. He co-authored the explosive New York Times article "Glowing Auras and Black Money: The Pentagon's Secret UFO Program," widely credited with sparking a renewed global interest in UFOs.He is the author of many non-fiction books, including "The Believer: Alien Encounters, Hard Science, and the Passion of John Mack," and with his wife, Debra, the children's book: "UFOhs!: Mysteries in the Sky."
Jenna is the founder of Above & Beyond With U, a disability and accessibility advocacy organization, and the author of “Within My Spokes.” She has been a full-time wheelchair user since the age of seven. aboveandbeyondwithu.org
A 25-year Army veteran, Colonel Cummings is the author of "A Soldier’s Life" and an inductee into the Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame. Her advocacy to honor the 6888th Battalion secured the unit a Congressional Gold Medal, a story featured in the Netflix film "The Six Triple Eight."
Dave is a traveling sign-painter and pinstripe artist who spends seven months a year on the road. His artwork has been exhibited at the American Sign Museum, the Carnival World Museum, the RV Hall of Fame, and on thousands of vehicles crisscrossing America’s highways. letterfly.com
Released 20 years to the day Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, this is the true account of my life in the city and the people I came to know.
Iceman hosts the Motorcop Chronicles Podcast. A full-time Sheriff’s Deputy, he has served as a police officer since 1995. motorcopchronicles.com
Mary is a national correspondent for Indian Country Today News and the author of “Medicine River: A Story of Survival and the Legacy of Indian Boarding Schools.” She is a citizen of the Red Cliff Band of the Wisconsin Ojibwe.
A backcountry guide in Alaska and the Grand Canyon for over 25 years, Michael is the author of many books, including "Arctic Traverse: A Thousand-Mile Summer of Trekking the Brooks Range." michaelengelhard.com
A writer and humorist, Felipe is a staff writer for the Late Show with Stephen Colbert and the author of "America, Let Me In: A Choose Your Immigration Story.“
Ross is a Revolutionary War reenactor. He leads the 6th Connecticut Regiment, portraying Lt. Asa Lay. *This episode was recorded on location from the Keeler Tavern. A cannonball fired from the 1777 Battle of Ridgefield is still lodged in a supporting post of this historic landmark. Keelertavern.org | 6thConnecticut.org
Lauryn Salazar is a third-generation mariachi musician, competition judge, and ethnomusicologist. She is an Associate Professor of Music at Tarleton State University and the Founding Director of the Mariachi Institute, set to launch this fall.
Michael is the Dean of the School of Public Health at Boston University, and a primary care physician. His is the author of many books. His latest is "A Living: Working-Class Americans Talk To Their Doctor."
Chuck is the North Dakota State Troubadour. He is a folk musician, songwriter, and working farmer. *This episode was recorded on location from Chuck's farm.
Dave is the Division Manager of New Alliance, a bean and grain elevator operator. The farmer-owned cooperative has been serving growers in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming since 1942. *This episode was recorded on location.
Sheila hosts Growing Small Town Nebraska, a podcast focused on revitalizing rural communities. She is a fourth-generation Nebraskan and former radio personality with two decades on the air. *This episode was recorded on location.
Kristin is a civil engineer at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, and is the co-founder of Mothers for Nuclear. mothersfornuclear.org
Boyce is the author of "The Great River: The Making and Unmaking of the Mississippi," and the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the magazine Southlands.
The coaches coach for Team USA, Guy is the Associate Director of Coaching Education at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. He spent 15 years as a coach for USA Archery and represented the United States in archery as an athlete.
Ajani is the chair of the Languages & Humanities Department at Northern Marianas College. He is an editor of the book: "A Marianas Mosaic: Signs and Shifts in Contemporary Island Life."
Amy is a veterinarian and founder of City Pets, which for over 30 years has been the premier house call veterinarian practice in New York City. She is the author "Pets and the City: True Tales of a Manhattan House Call Veterinarian." *This episode was recorded on location from Amy's place.
After serving over 20 years in the United States Air Force, Allen retired from active duty. Now stationed on the remote South Pacific outpost of Wake Island, he is an electronics technician for an Air Force contractor. He is also a HAM radio operator and has made nearly 9,000 contacts around the world under the callsign KH7AL.
Anita is a travel writer who has researched and written more than 20 Lonely Planet Travel books, including "Offbeat North America." anitaisalska.com
Keith Norton is a voice actor whose work spans everything from cartoons to commercials, with clients ranging from Google to the Golden State Warriors. In the second half, we turn to Keith’s journey living with long COVID for five years.
Nancy is a psychic detective who has helped solve countless crimes. For nearly 50 years, she has assisted local police, the FBI, and international agencies. www.nancyorlenweber.com
Cary is the author "Down on the Corner: Adventures in Busking & Street Music." A Los Angeles–based music publicist for 40 years, Cary has represented many of the greats in rock, blues, and Americana.
Duncan is the Assistant Director of Public Works for the city of Keene and manager of the Solid Waste Division. He is the author of "Everyone's Trash: One Man Against 1.6 Billion Pounds." As a boy, Duncan was the voice of the Peanuts character Charlie Brown. He now makes appearances at comic cons across the country. *This episode was recorded on location from the Keene Recycling Center and Transfer Station.
Carol is the 14th Editor-in-Chief of The Old Farmer's Almanac. Founded in 1792, it is the oldest continuously published periodical in North America. *This episode was recorded on location from Yankee Publishing headquarters.
Joey is a radio DJ and General Manager of South Seas Broadcasting, overseeing four radio stations and two TV stations on American Samoa. Joey holds the Samoan Talking Chief title "Pauga." South Seas Broadcasting
Called the world's greatest negotiator, Herb has advised four United States presidents, helped develop the FBI's hostage negotiation program, and is the author of the classic book: "You Can Negotiate Anything." *This episode was recorded on location from Herbie's place in Brooklyn Heights.
Colin is the founder of Taste of New Haven, connecting people with the food and culture of the pizza capital of the United States. A native of New Haven, Colin is also an architectural historian and National Register of Historic Places consultant. *This episode was recorded on location from Ernie’s Pizzeria, with a guest appearance by Pat DeRiso, the second generation of the family to run the business.
Devin is the author of "So Many Ways to Lose: The Amazin' True Story of the New York Mets—The Best Worst Team in Sports." He is a contributing writer for ESPN the Magazine, New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, and Esquire. He was also an executive editor at GQ and an editor at Newsweek.
Known in the blues world as Mr. Sipp, Castro Coleman is a Grammy Award-winning blues musician and gospel singer. He is the youngest person ever to be honored with a Mississippi Blues Trail marker.
A sixth-generation native of Wheeling, Laura is the author of "Deep & Wild: On Mountains, Opossums, & Finding Your Way in West Virginia," released by Autumn House Press. She is a research writer at West Virginia University, the state's flagship university.
Frank comes from a family with deep ties to the mafia, and was part of the Gallo crew of the Colombo family. He is the author of many books including "President Street Boys" and "Red Hook," and is the publisher of Mob Candy Magazine. *This episode was recorded on location from the basement of a members only social club in Gravesend.
Known as The Inked Magician, Remy is a magician, mentalist, and storyteller. Last year he performed over 1,000 shows across the country. @inkedmagician
Erica is a third-generation doctor who practices family medicine in Santa Fe. Known as the "health detective," she specializes in treating chronic illness. Author of "Mountains to Medicine" and "Medicine and Miracles in the High Desert," Erica was the first American woman to summit Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere. ericaelliottmd.com
Sara is a certified nurse midwife with WHA Midwives, affiliated with Yale Medicine. She has delivered over 500 babies into the world. *This episode was recorded on location from Sara’s place.
Franz Nicolay plays keyboards in the band, The Hold Steady. He is the author of “Band People: Life and Work in Popular Music,” a book on the lives of working musicians in rock and roll. He is also an instructor of music at Bard College. *This episode was recorded on location from Franz's dining room table.
Glen is the founder of the ultralight outdoor gear company, Gossamer Gear. His book on minimalism: "Take Less. Do More.: Surprising Life Lessons in Generosity, Gratitude, and Curiosity from an Ultralight Backpacker," is available now.
Matt is the Executive Director of Greater Idaho, a movement for the Oregon counties east of the Cascade Mountains to secede from the state of Oregon and join Idaho. GreaterIdaho.org
Pete served in the United States Army in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan as a spy with over 1,000 combat patrols. He hosts the Break It Down Podcast, where the ground truth collection techniques he mastered as a spy have helped draw out the best in guests across more than 2,000 episodes.
Stephen is a Park Avenue doorman, writer, and salsa dancing instructor. He is the author of the book "Building Material: The Memoir of a Park Avenue Doorman." *This episode was recorded on location at Stephen's place on 89th Street.
Benjamin is an Independent Party candidate for Congress, campaigning to represent Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District. *This episode was recorded from my dining room table.
Vikki is a bilingual ventriloquist. Her show can be seen at county and state fairs, corporate events, and schools all over the West Coast. @ventriloquistvikki
With her current role as Pearl on ABC's General Hospital, Andy mimics her actual QVC guest host experience. She is also the host of the podcast "The Dating Lab," author of the international bestselling book "Style on a Shoestring," and inventor of the style accessory GirlyGoGarter.
Chuck is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker who has written and directed feature films, documentaries, movie trailers like the original Star Wars, and montages for twenty Academy Awards presentations. His film "Precious Images" won an Academy Award for Best Live Action short.
Joel is an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which operates the James Webb Space telescope, the world's largest and most powerful telescope ever launched into space. Joel is an expert of the formation of young stars, and is the author of the book "Black Holes," published by Norwood House Press. joelgreen.net
Warren Berkowitz is a Board Member of The Good Life Center. Its mission is to perpetuate the legacy of Helen and Scott Nearing, pioneers in organic farming and the back-to-the-land movement. *This episode was recorded on location.
Punchy is a sound engineer, tour manager for a heavy metal band, producer, and musician. His work in the music business has taken him to five continents over a four decade career. His latest album, "For All Nerdkind," is available now. cosmicpunch.com
Lee is the author of "A House Restored: The Tragedies and Triumphs of Saving a New England Colonial," on the restoration of his home from the year 1702, known as the Loring House. He is a the owner of Helve Historic Trades—a restoration contractor. *This episode was recorded on location from Lee's dining room table.
Josh has been a golf caddie for nearly 20 years at the greatest course in the United States, Pebble Beach Golf Links. He is also a fine artist with an extensive portfolio of paintings. @caddie_whisperer
Known as Mossin' Annie, Annie Martin is the author of The Magical World of Moss Gardening, the definitive guide on the subject. She is the owner of Mountain Moss Enterprises, which provides innovative landscaping alternatives.
www.mountainmoss.com
Mike runs four Mister Softee ice cream trucks, two hot dog trucks, a Nathan's/Mister Softee store, and four summer concession stands. He's made over one million ice cream cones, and counting. Mike is a retired detective with the Westchester County Police, where he was also a member of the bomb squad. *This episode was recorded on location.
Avi Loeb is an astrophysicist and professor of astronomy. He is the head of the Galileo Project, founding director of Harvard University’s — Black Hole Initiative, and the former chair of the astronomy department at Harvard University from 2011–2020. He is the bestselling author of the books "Interstellar," and "Extraterrestrial." *This episode was recorded on location.
Author of the recently released memoir "The Blond with the Balls," Patty has been a fixture in the art world in New York and Los Angeles for 50 years. She has worked as a curator, dealer, artist's agent, and opened her own gallery at 25-years-old—the Hamilton Gallery of Contemporary Art in New York. She is also one of the founding members of ArtTable, an organization dedicated to advancing the leadership of women in the visual arts.
(Diners) George Psarofagis is a restaurateur and owner of the Holiday Diner. The second-generation of his family in the business, George has worked in diners since he was seven years old. *This episode was recorded on location in booth #3.
(Entertainment lawyer) Nina is an attorney representing creatives and influencers for over 20 years. She is the founder of Ameri Law, with entertainment industry clients across the United States.
(Commercial fishing/shipwrecked) Rory is the author of "Down at the Docks," on the characters and community of the largest fishing port in the United States. Rory has sailed solo across the Atlantic four ½ times. He’s written books on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, journeys the Himalayas, and meeting with Osama Bin Laden in Sudan. *This episode was recorded on location.
(Gospel music) Eddie and Rita are members of the gospel group The Joy Wonders. Eddie is the founding member of the group and one of the top gospel promoters on the East Coast. Their 24th anniversary show is March 9th at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. *This episode was recorded on location at Glendale Baptist Church, 128th Street.
(Hypnotist) Kevin is a hypnotist and the star of the longest running hypnosis show in Las Vegas, "Hypnosis Unleashed." He is the author of "Deep Into My Eyes: From Victim To Vegas Headliner."
(Guam) Farron is freediving instructor, adventurer, and conservationist on the island of Guam. He is also the host of TheGuamGuy Show podcast. linktr.ee/theguamguy
(Cannabis industry) Suehiko is an attorney in the cannabis industry and pioneer in outdoor cultivation in the Northeast. He is the Director of Business Development for Hepworth Pura, a New York adult use processor and cultivator. *This episode was recorded on location.
(Python huntress) Amy is a professional python hunter. She leads guided hunts in the Everglades for the invasive Burmese python and created her own line of leather products. www.pythonhuntress.com
(Preppy culture) Matthew runs The Official Preppy Handbook fan club. He is a cultural anthropologist at Yale University and a lecturer at the University of Connecticut.
(Motorcyles) Larry is an emergency semi-truck mechanic and motorcycle collector and builder. Read more about his cross-country motorcycle journey in his forthcoming book "2 Miles Too Many."
(Cloistered nun) Sister Marie Paul is a cloistered, contemplative nun. She is a member of the community of the Dominican Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary. Founded in the year 1206, the Dominican Order is over 800 years old. *This episode was recorded on location.
(Roswell incident) Don is one the leading experts on the Roswell incident and is the co-author of two best-selling books on the event. He was a former co-director of the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies, where he served as director of special investigations for ten years. He is also a founder and board advisor of the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell.
(Roswell incident) As one of the leading experts on the Roswell Incident, Kevin has conducted over 600 witness interviews and published widely on the incident. Kevin was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, served in the Iraq War as an intelligence officer, and retired from the Iowa National Guard in 2009. A prolific author, he has written over 100 books. The latest, “1973,” is available now.
Mason is a blues musician and singer-songwriter. His songs and harmonica blues have been heard at festivals and theaters all over the world. *This episode was recorded on location: Leonard Park, Mount Kisco.
Support the show
Mason is a blues musician whose harmonica playing has been heard around the world. *This episode will be recorded on location in downtown Mount Kisco.
Support the show
Mike is storyteller, historian, and journalist. He is the producer and host of the podcast Amazing Tales from Off and On Connecticut's Beaten Path. Mike was News Director of CT radio stations i-95 (WRKI-FM) and WINE and spent 7 years in government, including as Press Secretary for the Mayor of Danbury.
Support the show
Niels is an eight-time Guinness World Record holding juggler. He is an author of "Unbalanced: The Rise and Fall of Anglo the Juggler." Niels is currently performing six nights a week in Array – Variety Show at the Mountain Entertainment Theatre, Dollywood.
April Davis is the founder and president of Luma - Luxury Matchmaking, a nationwide matchmaking service with clients in over 40 states. She has been featured on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Orange County and has made media appearance across the country. www.lumasearch.com
Support the Show
April Davis is the founder and president of Luma - Luxury Matchmaking, a nationwide matchmaking service with clients in over 40 states. She has been featured on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Orange County and has made media appearances across the country. www.lumasearch.com
Support the show
Matt is the founder of North Bridger Bison, a family run bison ranch in the Shields Valley of Montana that provides grassfed, field harvested bison meat. He is the former director of the Bozeman office of the Natural Resources Defense Counsel.
Seven years into a 50,000 mile circumnavigation of the planet without motors of any kind, Markus is now in the Caribbean. He will sail to Florida in late January and head north overland. He plans to hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to the Hudson River, then paddle to the Erie Canal for the final stretch to Toronto, where his journey began in 2015. Routesofchange.org
Support the show
Olivia is an author, playwright, chef, and entrepreneur. Her memoir, Travel North Black Girl, was published by Woodneath Press in May. She is a recipient of the Lorraine Hansberry Award from the Kennedy Center for her play, "Mother Spense."
Support the show
Founder of the Baby DJ School, Natalie is a musician, DJ, and playwright. Her opera, "Borderland," premiered in May. *This episode was recorded on location.
Support the show
Called a "Florida literary legend," Craig has written six books on Florida, including "Oh, Florida!: How America's Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country." For 30 years he covered environmental issues for Florida's largest newspaper, the Tampa Bay Times. He also co-hosts the "Welcome to Florida" podcast. A native of Pensacola, his family has lived in Florida since 1850.
Support the show
Jim has been an automotive journalist for over 25 years. He is a regular contributor to US News & World Report and Cars.com; and was a long-time staff writer for Consumer Reports and Car and Driver.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/AllAcrossAmerica)
Author of "People I Met Hitchhiking on USA Highways," Eric is a writer, poet, and folk musician. His newest book, "The So-Called Poems," will be released by Westphalia Publishing in April 2022.
Support the show
Author of "Sermons in Stone: The Stone Walls of New York and New England," Susie Allport's interests have taken her from stone walls to her latest book on Omega-3s. She is the founder of Susie's Smart Cookies, available nationwide. *This episode was recorded on location.
Support the show
A national news correspondent, Jonathan covers the American West for CBS News. He regularly appears on CBS Sunday Mornings and as a host of 48 Hours.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/AllAcrossAmerica)
The Father of CRM Software—he build the world's first—Mike sold his company, raced Ferraris, flew wooden biplanes across America and Europe, then settled down (somewhat) to coach entrepreneurs, perfect his pool game, and appreciate the Pacific sunsets from his patio.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/AllAcrossAmerica)