American Road Trip Talk

Encore Presentation: Jamie Jensen, growing up in Southern California when car culture was then standing up to ride the wave of the future, became permanently enchanted with the open road early on; especially the lure of two-lane highways. Listen to a man who knows whereof he speaks.

In West Tennessee, the adventure starts in soulful Memphis but does not end there. The rural areas beyond the famous city are uncrowded, tranquil and inextricably linked to American history. You can feel the connection in this episode.

Everyone has a favorite car from the sensational (sometimes campy) days of television in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. The Batmobile, perhaps? How about that jalopy The Monkees drove around town? Or maybe The General from The Dukes of Hazzard? Geoffrey Mark visits with inside stories of the rides that brought style and muscle to TV shows of days gone by.

When “kitsch” was first considered by art critics and historians, the prevalent view was that gaudy roadside attractions were good for a laugh and a bit of banal gratification thanks to sentimentality. Motoring visitors to the Pacific Northwest, however, are inclined to perceive such icons as a quirky welcome to the neighborhood. Harriet Baskas shares her appreciation of these beckoning behemoths.

An ingenious tech generation is hard at work developing alternative fuels for zero net carbon emissions on the highways. Mark Greene of Cars Yeah, our car culture maven, briefs us on a bold sector of science that is helping to shape the future out of thin air.

Utah has long been celebrated for having the “Greatest Snow on Earth and the Greatest Earth on Show”. Erika Nelson went there to find out for herself. What she discovered was a land of ancient grandeur and spellbinding wonders. Her tour of Capitol Reef National Park and elsewhere revealed miracles of Nature, some retouched by human hands.

Planning to travel with your pet this year? Dr. George Melillo believes results reward research. There are many pet carriers on the market and the best depend on what meets the individual needs of your companion. Good carriers should be waterproof and easy to clean; they should also be clearly marked with emergency contact information for the owner. Dr. Melillo joins us with expert advice on mastering the challenges of taking off while taking your pet along for the ride.

JoAnne Worley's instinctive comedic timing and irrepressible laugh make her a favorite of audiences everywhere. Her work includes television, movie and stage productions to game shows, talk shows, commercials, cartoons and opera. For more than 40 years she has been involved with the organization Actors and Others for Animals (founded 1971), which funds spay-and-neuter programs, and provides veterinary financial assistance to pet guardians in Southern California. Since 2007, JoAnne has served as president of the organization. Her expertise in safe, enjoyable travel with pets is well-trusted. Encore Presentation.

In honor of Elvis Presley's birthday, Cory Cooper shares his authoritative knowledge on the places where The King's feature films were shot. Including settings as diverse as New Orleans, Seattle, Hawaii and Las Vegas, hear the details of where, when and how Elvis made movie magic. (Encore presentation)

Happy New Year! In our last episode of 2021, we look back for inspiration to beloved literature with its roots in the American saga as we anticipate open-road adventures to come. As always, the highway is calling!

Holiday light displays in Puget Sound are a blend of the traditional and the downright quirky. Matt Shea returns with his first-hand account of some of the outstanding works created by neighbors who never stop trying to outdo each other, in the spirit of Christmas of course.

Welcome to Seneca Falls, the Real Bedford Falls! Each year, the town celebrates an It's A Wonderful Life Festival the second weekend in December. But the Museum is open all year round. Memorabilia abounds in this magical place of seasonal mirth and endless goodwill no matter when you come to town. We wanted to know more about The 75th Anniversary Celebration of “It’s a Wonderful Life”.

Festive holiday magic has returned with Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, running through Jan. 2. The South Puget Sound tradition boasts more lights than ever, with more than 800,000 lights illuminating the zoo at night. Tessa Miller, Media Relations and Communications Coordinator, is our guest.

The driving distance between Oatman and Bisbee in Arizona is 433 miles. It takes a little over 7 hours. In between, you traverse the vibrant center of the state including Phoenix and Tucson. Jamie Jensen, one of America’s foremost Road Warriors, has stories to tell and advice to offer for rugged individuals who want to motor their way through starkly contrasting views of the West, old and new.

In the past year, several visionaries of the automotive world have passed on. Their accomplishments are a wonderful legacy to all who celebrate the beauty of innovation and stylish performance. Mark Greene of Cars Yeah joins us to pay tribute. (Photo: clarewalshcounseling.com)

Labor economists were right. The prediction of a drastic shortage of drivers in the trucking industry has been borne out. This crisis has long-term implications for American consumers and the overall economy. Will a large increase in wages be enough to lure men and women into the rigs that bring goods to our communities?

World War I is referred to as the Great War or more ironically, 'the war to end all wars.' Influences of that terrible conflict resonate today. An historical presentation, with unrivaled exhibits and an unsurpassed collection of artifacts, are found in Kansas City, Missouri at The WWI Museum and Memorial. CEO Matt Naylor and Curator of Education Lora Vogt share their perspectives. An Encore Presentation

Everything old is new again with the rapid rise in electric cars. Actually, the visionary history of their development goes back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mark Greene of Cars Yeah joins us to survey the timeline of an automotive revolution; one that continues accelerating at a startling pace.

From Maine to Florida and on the Pacific Coast as well, historic lighthouses shine their beacon to safely beckon sailors home. According to maritime lore, however, many of them house spectral residents who prefer the darkness. Matt Shea researched legendary lighthouse ghosts for this episode. Pictured: St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida.

Approaching the December 14th Centennial celebration of The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL near Chicago, holiday-themed beauty abounds at this famous public garden. The lights of Illumination are a warm diversion from chilly nights and other special displays make for a glorious family-friendly trek in the suburban woods during the most glorious time of year. Preston Bautista, Vice President of Learning and Engagement, is our guest.