Middle America: Recent Episodes

View Details

1. Wendell details some artists and venues from the history of the Peoria, Illinois underground punk music scene including Bloody F. Mess.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Instrumental Version)”
Chips Patroll “Sick of the 60s”
Cherry Lane “Mike’s Big Day”
Caustic Defiance “One Million Stares”
Angry Gods “Pressure Contained”
Bloody Mess & Hate “Spit On My Face”
Jared Grabb Among Thieves “Lydia (Instrumental)”
Jared Grabb “Jimmy Paid the Price”
Scouts Honor “Buried”
Scouts Honor “Where We Fit In”
Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music”

The featured music for this episode was “Sick of the 60s” by Chips Patroll, “One Million Stares” by Caustic Defiance, and “Spit On My Face” by Bloody Mess & Hate. All three songs are released this week on the Punks in Peoria vinyl LP released by Alona’s Dream Records out of Chicago. Everything else was created by Jared Grabb along with Brett Conlin on guitar, Chris Anderson and Ernesto Castillo on bass, and Thomas Satterfield, David Dobbs, and Neal MacCannell on drums.

The Punks in Peoria book, written by Jonathan Wright and Dawson Barrett also releases this week and was the primary source material for the first three quarters of this episode.

All of Jared Grabb's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP).

Editing assistance was provided by Becca Taylor.

patreon.com/midamericapod
facebook.com/midamericapod
instagram.com/midamericapod
twitter.com/midamericapod
midamericapod.bandcamp.com
middleamericapod@gmail.com

This episode is sponsored by Podcorn - www.podcorn.com

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/midamericapod)

View Details

1. Wendell remembers the man who pioneered whiskey distilling in Peoria, starting the trend that would create "The Whiskey Capital of the World" in the late 1800s. Wendell also discusses a painful creative split.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
CHISongwriter “I Own It”
Tina Sparkle “Business Ruins Friendships (Middle America Remix)”
Scouts Honor “Pillar of Faith”
Jared Grabb “Lay Down Your Arms (Instrumental)”
Jared Grabb “We Drink Whiskey (Acoustic – Instrumental)”
Jared Grabb Among Thieves “We Drink Whiskey”
Scouts Honor “Vultures”
Jared Grabb “3030 Origins (Demo)”
Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Version)”
Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music”

The featured music for this episode was “I Own It” by CHISongwriter. The episode also utilized a storytelling remix of “Business Ruins Friendships” by Tina Sparkle. Everything else was created by Jared Grabb along with help from Thomas Satterfield and David Dobbs on drums, Chris Mackey, Chris Anderson, and Ernesto Castillo on bass, and Brett Conlin on lead guitar.

All of Jared Grabb's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP).

Editing assistance was provided by Becca Taylor.

patreon.com/midamericapod
facebook.com/midamericapod
instagram.com/midamericapod
twitter.com/midamericapod
midamericapod.bandcamp.com
middleamericapod@gmail.com

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/midamericapod)

View Details

1. Wendell discusses the woman who sparked the second wave of American feminism, Betty Friedan along with his own domestic depression during a pandemic.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Sarah & the Underground “The Lions”
Jared Grabb “Untitled (Folk Song Starts 1)”
Jared Grabb “This Land Is Your Land (Woody Guthrie Cover)”
Jared Grabb “Untitled (Western and Thirds)”
Jared Grabb “Middle Years”
Jared Grabb “Wipe Your Eyes”
Jared Grabb “Exodus”
Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Instrumental Version)”
Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music”

The featured music for this episode was “The Lions” by Sarah & the Underground. Everything else was created by Jared Grabb.

All of Jared Grabb's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP).

Editing assistance was provided by Becca Taylor.

patreon.com/midamericapod
facebook.com/midamericapod
instagram.com/midamericapod
twitter.com/midamericapod
midamericapod.bandcamp.com
middleamericapod@gmail.com

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/midamericapod)

View Details

1. Wendell discusses Central Illinois's ugly history of white supremacists through the story of Matt Hale and World Church of the Creator.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Version)”
Scouts Honor “I Lost Myself Even Before I Lost My Love”
Scouts Honor “True Blue”
Scouts Honor “Mother Nature”
Jared Grabb “Cold, Hard World”
Scouts Honor “Canvas”
Angry Gods “Pressure Contained”
Scouts Honor “Devils’ Serenade”
Vin Chilz “No Cake (Radio Version)”
Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music”

The featured music for this episode was “No Cake” by Vin Chilz. Everything else was created by Jared Grabb with help from Kent Wagenschutz, Bob O’Neil, Thomas Satterfield, Dustin Addis, Jeremiah Lambert, Nick Schone, Chris Mackey, Brent Levitt, Nate Kappes, Mark Perez, Pat Nordyke, and Sean Dileonardi.

All of Jared Grabb's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP).

Editing assistance was provided by Becca Taylor and Grant Reynolds.

patreon.com/midamericapod
facebook.com/midamericapod
instagram.com/midamericapod
twitter.com/midamericapod
midamericapod.bandcamp.com
middleamericapod@gmail.com

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/midamericapod)

View Details

1. Wendell discusses the life of the first non-indigenous permanent resident of Chicago, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, as well as the events leading to his own life inside and outside of Chicago.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Jared Grabb “To the Waves”
Jared Grabb “Movies With No Camera (Instrumental)”
Jared Grabb “Patch of Green”
Jared Grabb “Arise (Middle America Version)”
Jared Grabb “Half-Empty Cup”
Jared Grabb “Be a Working Man”
Matt Cobillas “You Give Me”
Matt Cobillas “Ghost Inside My Head”
Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music”
Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Version)”

The featured music for this episode was “Ghost Inside My Head” and “You Give Me” by Matt Cobillas. Everything else was created by Jared Grabb with help from Thomas Satterfield on drums and Chris Anderson on bass guitar.

All of Jared Grabb's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP).

Editing assistance was provided by Becca Taylor.

patreon.com/midamericapod
facebook.com/midamericapod
instagram.com/midamericapod
twitter.com/midamericapod
midamericapod.bandcamp.com
middleamericapod@gmail.com

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/midamericapod)

View Details

1. Wendell recounts his life events on September 11, 2001 while also discussing the destruction of French Peoria (La Ville de Maillet) during the War of 1812.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Scouts Honor “Prison Bars”
Jared Grabb “The Traveling Salesman”
Jared Grabb “Bronzeville Gate (Instrumental)”
Angry Gods “Undertow”
Jared Grabb “Untitled (Folk Song Starts 1)”
Minsk “To You There Is No End”
Minsk “To the Garish Remembrance of Failure”
Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music”
Scouts Honor “Living On Theories”
Jared Grabb Among Thieves “Absent Parties”

The featured music for this episode was “To You There Is No End” and “To the Garish Remembrance of Failure” by Minsk. Everything else was created by Jared Grabb with help from Thomas Satterfield, Anthony Abbinanti, Neal MacCannell, Justin Miller, Nate Kappes, Brent Levitt, Pat Nordyke, Mark Perez, Dustin Addis, Jeremiah Lambert, Nick Schone, Chris Anderson, and Brett Conlin.

All of Jared Grabb's, Angry Gods', and Scouts Honor's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP).

Editing assistance was provided by Becca Taylor.

patreon.com/midamericapod
facebook.com/midamericapod
instagram.com/midamericapod
twitter.com/midamericapod
midamericapod.bandcamp.com
middleamericapod@gmail.com

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/midamericapod)

View Details

1. Wendell discusses winter holidays as humanist and atheist while reading pieces by famous 19th century orator Robert Ingersoll.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Jared Grabb “Christmas Bars (‘Prison Bars’ Xmas Version)”
Jared Grabb “Untitled (Folk Song Starts 1)”
Jared Grabb “The Straying Atheist (Middle America Version)”
Jared Grabb “You Are Home”
Sadface Killer “’03 Hoopin”
Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music”
Jared Grabb “Christmas Bars (‘Prison Bars’ Instrumental Xmas Version)”

The featured music for this episode was “’03 Hoopin” by Sadface Killer. Everything else was created by Jared Grabb.

All of Jared Grabb's and Scouts Honor's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP).

Editing assistance was provided by Becca Taylor.

patreon.com/midamericapod
facebook.com/midamericapod
instagram.com/midamericapod
twitter.com/midamericapod
midamericapod.bandcamp.com
middleamericapod@gmail.com

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/midamericapod)

View Details

1. Wendell tells the story of Richard Pryor's comedic coming-of-age in Peoria and his leap of faith in heading to NYC. Wendell also discusses his early attempts to tour full time with his college band.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Version)”
Jared Grabb “Down by the Riverside” (traditional)
Tina Sparkle “Through Your Unkissed Hazel Eyes”
Tina Sparkle “Reprise (Through Your Unkissed Hazel Eyes – Instrumental Version)”
John Bellows “Happy Talk” (from South Pacific)
Tina Sparkle “Oh Redheads”
Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music”
Scouts Honor “I Am the Dust”
Tina Sparkle “Protecting What Matters (Instrumental Version)"
Jared Grabb “Whitewashing (Middle America Version)”

The featured music for this episode was South Pacific’s “Happy Talk” performed by John Bellows and “Oh Redheads” by Tina Sparkle. Everything else was created by Jared Grabb along with Chris Mackey in an appearance on bass guitar and Thomas Satterfield in an appearance on drums except for the instrumental versions of “Through Your Unkissed Hazel Eyes,” “Reprise,” and “Protecting What Matters,” which are all by Tina Sparkle. “Down by the Riverside” is an unattributed traditional spiritual.

All of Jared Grabb's and Scouts Honor's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP).
All of Tina Sparkle's music is published by Sleeze For Sad Sacks (ASCAP).

Editing assistance was provided by Becca Taylor.

patreon.com/midamericapod
facebook.com/midamericapod
instagram.com/midamericapod
twitter.com/midamericapod
midamericapod.bandcamp.com
middleamericapod@gmail.com

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/midamericapod)

View Details

1. Wendell tells the story of how Lydia Moss Bradley built monuments to her lost loved ones, providing Peoria with a park system, a university, a hospital, and more. Wendell also builds a monument of his own for a lost fellow musician.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Brett Conlin “Good Old Days”
Jared Grabb “Untitled (Sludge Folk 2017)”
Scouts Honor “Ballad of the Blind Man”
Jared Grabb “Untitled (Drop D Melodic 2017)”
Scouts Honor “True Blue”
Scouts Honor “I Lost Myself Even Before I Lost My Love”
Scouts Honor “Call and Response”
Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music”
Jared Grabb “Patch of Green”
Jared Grabb “I Will Always Sing For You (Middle America Version)”
Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Instrumental Version)”

All music besides "Good Old Days" is written by and copyrighted by Jared Grabb, except "Ballad of the Blind Man," "True Blue," "Call and Response," and "Prison Bars" which are written by Jared Grabb and Thomas J. Satterfield and "I Lost Myself Even Before I Lost My Love" which is written by Kent Daniel Wagenschutz and Jared Grabb.

All of Jared Grabb's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP).

Editing assistance by Becca Taylor.

patreon.com/midamericapod
facebook.com/midamericapod
instagram.com/midamericapod
twitter.com/midamericapod
midamericapod.bandcamp.com
middleamericapod@gmail.com

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/midamericapod)

View Details

1. The narrator, Wendell Bauer, continues the story of the early French in Illinois, picking up from episode 1. He also discusses how the names we give to people and things affect what they are.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Jared Grabb “Through the Dark”
Jared Grabb “Bronzeville Gate (Instrumental Version)”
Scouts Honor “Devil Between (Instrumental Version)”
Scouts Honor “Soul Man”
Terribly Happy “Special Skeletons”
Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music”
Jared Grabb “Electricity and the Way of Things”
Jared Grabb “Path for Walking”
Jared Grabb “Untitled (Beasty Boyz Snare)”
Scouts Honor “Lovable Mama”
Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Version)”

All music besides "Special Skeletons" is written by and copyrighted by Jared Grabb, except "Through the Dark" which is written by Jared Grabb, Thomas J. Satterfield, Chris Anderson, and Brett Conlin, "Devil Between," "Lovable Mama," and "Prison Bars" which are written by Jared Grabb and Thomas J. Satterfield, and "Soul Man" which is written by Jared Grabb, Thomas J. Satterfield, and Chris Mackey.

All of Jared Grabb's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP).

Editing assistance by Becca Taylor.

patreon.com/midamericapod
facebook.com/midamericapod
instagram.com/midamericapod
twitter.com/midamericapod
midamericapod.bandcamp.com
middleamericapod@gmail.com

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/midamericapod)

View Details

1. Simon Trefzger, Jr.'s journey to America is recalled along with the early happenings at Peoria's Trefzger's Bakery. The narrator discusses the journey a son makes in outgrowing his father's shadow.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Version)”
Jared Grabb “Roots In Gasoline (Middle America Version)”
Jared Grabb “Untitled (Drop D Melodic 2017)”
Denim Dragon “Father Soil”
Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music”
Jared Grabb “Two Paths (Instrumental)”
Jared Grabb “The Potter’s Son (Acoustic Demo)”
Jared Grabb “Untitled (Open Tuning Lullaby Background)”
Jared Grabb “Movies With No Camera”

All music besides "Father Soil" is written by and copyrighted by Jared Grabb, except "Prison Bars" which is written by Jared Grabb and Thomas J. Satterfield, and "The Potter's Son" which is written by Jared Grabb, Thomas J. Satterfield, Chris Anderson, and Brett Conlin.
All of Jared Grabb's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP).
Editing assistance by Becca Taylor.

www.patreon.com/midamericapod
www.facebook.com/midamericapod
www.instagram.com/midamericapod
www.twitter.com/midamericapod
midamericapod.bandcamp.com
middleamericapod@gmail.com

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/midamericapod)

View Details

1. The Shelton Brothers' Gang is introduced, with a focus on the youngest brother and muscle of the gang, Bernie Shelton. The narrator discusses the differences between fantasy and reality.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Jared Grabb “Best”
Jared Grabb “Untitled (Doctor’s Office)”
Fancy Hawk “Looks Fancy”
Jared Grabb “Half-Empty Cup (Instrumental)”
Scouts Honor “Like Death, I Will Come For You”
Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music”
Angry Gods “Slow Burn”
Scouts Honor “True Blue”
Jared Grabb “Thank the Day”
Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Version)”

All music besides "Looks Fancy" and "Slow Burn" is written by and copyrighted by Jared Grabb, except "Prison Bars" which is written by Jared Grabb and Thomas J. Satterfield, and "Like Death, I Will Come For You" which is written by Jared Grabb, Thomas J. Satterfield, and Chris Mackey.
All of Jared Grabb's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP).
Editing assistance by Becca Taylor.

www.patreon.com/midamericapod
www.facebook.com/midamericapod
www.instagram.com/midamericapod
www.twitter.com/midamericapod
midamericapod.bandcamp.com
middleamericapod@gmail.com

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/midamericapod)

View Details

1. This episode starts to look at historic race and gender relations in Central Illinois through the life and work of the abolitionist Mary Brown Davis. Nat Turner's slave rebellion is discussed to give context (for more consider viewing the 2016 version of "The Birth of a Nation"). The narrator then discusses the idea of what it takes to give of yourself for another or to all.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Planes Mistaken for Stars “To All Mothers”
Angry Gods “Pressure Contained”
Scouts Honor “Other Side of Town”
Jared Grabb “Untitled (Lay Down Your Arms)”
Jared Grabb “Untitled (Western and Thirds)”
Jared Grabb "I Am The Dust (Middle America Version)"
Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music”
Jared Grabb “Goddamn Blessed Man”
Jared Grabb “Untitled (Montrose Ramp)”
Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Instrumental Version)”

All music besides "To All Mothers" and "Pressure Contained" is written by and copyrighted by Jared Grabb, except "Prison Bars" which is written by Jared Grabb and Thomas J. Satterfield, and "I Am The Dust" which is written by Jared Grabb, Thomas J. Satterfield, and Chris Mackey.
All of Jared Grabb's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP).
Review assistance by Becca Taylor, Grant Reynolds, and Ezra C. Daniels.

www.patreon.com/midamericapod
www.facebook.com/midamericapod
www.instagram.com/midamericapod
www.twitter.com/midamericapod
midamericapod.bandcamp.com
middleamericapod@gmail.com

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/midamericapod)

View Details

1. This first full episode of "Middle America" on January 15, 2019 marks the 339th anniversary of Fort Crevecoeur, one of the earliest European settlements in the American Midwest. Elements of this story set in a seemingly inconsequential small town in a fly-over state found its way into both Leonardo DiCaprio's "The Revenant" and Christian Bale's "Hostiles."

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Version)”
Jared Grabb “That Ring (Instrumental Version)”
Scouts Honor “I Lost Myself Even Before I Lost My Love”
Jared Grabb “Untitled (Open Tuning Finger Chords 2017)”
Jared Grabb “Two Paths”
Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music”
Jared Grabb “Untitled (Drop D Melodic 2017)”
Scouts Honor “Highway Son”
Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Instrumental Version)”

All music is written by and copyrighted by Jared Grabb, except "Prison Bars" and "Highway Son" which are written by Jared Grabb and Thomas J. Satterfield, and "I Lost Myself Even Before I Lost My Love" which is written by Jared Grabb, Kent Wagenschutz, and Bob O'Neil.
All music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP).

www.patreon.com/midamericapod
www.facebook.com/midamericapod
www.instagram.com/midamericapod
www.twitter.com/midamericapod
midamericapod.bandcamp.com
middleamericapod@gmail.com

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/midamericapod)

View Details

Jared Grabb vinyl LP Kickstarter through 6/3/21! Please show your support.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jaredgrabb/jared-grabbs-ex-scouts-honor-6th-solo-lp

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun. Please join me, Jared Grabb, on the journey. 

The first full episode goes up on January 15, 2019, which is the 339th anniversary of Fort Crevecoeur, one of the earliest European settlements in the Midwest. This story set in a seemingly inconsequential small town in a fly-over state found its way into both Leonardo DiCaprio's "The Revenant" and Christian Bale's "Hostiles."

Music in this trailer:
Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Version)” (originally recorded by Scouts Honor)

www.patreon.com/midamericapod
www.facebook.com/midamericapod
www.instagram.com/midamericapod
www.twitter.com/midamericapod
midamericapod.bandcamp.com
middleamericapod@gmail.com

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/midamericapod)