American Miles: A Roadtrip Podcast

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through 70s and 80s pop music with feature guest, disc jockey Ron "Boogiemonster" Gerber. The conversation delves into the evolution of music over the decades—from the Rolling Stones to U2, the underrated talents of artists like The Carpenters, and the impact of disco. This episode also includes Josh's story about Dwayne the Rock Johnson, and writer Vince Roman's essay Be Now Be Now. The show ends with Sonny Gullege's song Go Be Free. Please note: Here is a link to the Spotify playlist of songs to accompany this episode. 01:56 Trucker Andy08:09 Storytelling: Who's Afraid of Dwayne the Rock Johnson16:53 Crap form the Past: Ron Gerber's Journey24:51 The Dichotomy of Music: Good vs. Bad28:28 Decades of Music: A Personal Perspective33:28 Disco: A Love-Hate Relationship34:55 The Evolution of Disco Music 39:15 The Impact of Disco on Other Genres44:54 The Transition from Vinyl to CDs50:58 Defining Perfect Songs55:31 Musical Fads and Trends57:10 Be Now Be Now essay by Vince Roman01:02:21 Go Be Free by Sonny Gullege

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through the world of treasure hunting with renowned treasure hunter and author W.C. Jameson. The conversation explores the allure of buried treasure, notable finds, and the ethics and risks involved in treasure hunting. The episode also features a road trip story by award-winning author John Drake Robinson and the song Trumpets from the artist Pennyfloater. 02:25 Trucker Andy05:33 Storytelling: Beware the Alcatraz Reject10:13 The Thrill of the Hunt: W.C. Jameson's Journey19:32 Techniques and Tools of Treasure Hunting29:10 The Ethics and Risks of Treasure Hunting37:18 The Art of Treasure Hunting: Tips and Techniques42:14 Writing and Storytelling: The Journey of an Author44:02 Excerpt WC Jameson's Song "I Dug the Postholes"45:40 The Good Badass Samaritan by John Drake Robinson56:11 Song by Pennyfloater

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through Route 66, exploring its rich history and best stops. The conversation features Route 66 historian Jim Hinckley, who shares insights about the highway's legacy, its international appeal, and the communities along the route. The episode also highlights the small town of Amboy, California, through the eyes of town manager Ken Large, who discusses the town's unique story and ongoing revival efforts. Musical guest Lloyd Jones adds a bluesy touch to the episode, celebrating the spirit of Americana.02:20 Trucker Andy06:35 Storytelling: Middle School Class Clownery11:08 The Legacy and Evolution of Route 6620:33 Nostalgia and the Cultural Significance of Route 6622:32 Hidden Gems and Unique Stops Along Route 6625:46 Preservation Challenges and Future of Route 6627:14 Exploring Route 66 Diners and Cafes29:05 Iconic Motels Along Route 6630:56 Unique Gift Shops and Museums32:53 Revitalizing Communities on Route 6634:36 Musical References to Route 6635:55 The Evolution of Route 66 Radio36:57 Small-Town Talk Amboy, CA47:58 Future Visions for Amboy50:30 Song by Lloyd Jones

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through the heart of America. After checking in with Trucker Andy, he explores the world of pinball with Josh Sharp, the president of the International Flipper Pinball Association. The conversation delves into the magic of pinball, the competitive scene, and the resurgence of this beloved game. Then famous humorist Sean of the South reads his essay A Few Things I Love About America. Later he visits with Michigan Rattlers lead singer Graham Young to talk about the creative process and small town vs big city living. The show closes with the Michigan Rattlers song Evergreen. Chapters02:20 Trucker Andy6:20 Storytelling: Falcons and Firebirds12:17 Exploring the Competitive Pinball World23:50 The Art and Science of Pinball Design29:59 The Resurgence of Pinball in Modern Culture30:29 The Evolution of Pinball Games 34:04 Nostalgia and Small Town Memories 40:35 Interview w/ Graham Young from the Michigan Rattlers 41:28 The Journey of a Musician50:50 Evergreen by Michigan Rattlers

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through the world of professional gambling with legendary gambler Anthony Curtis (from the Las Vegas Advisor,) who shares insights on strategies, team dynamics, Las Vegas, and the realities of making a living through gambling. The podcast also explores the nostalgic charm of drive-in theaters, featuring an interview with Jen Spalding from the Motor-Vu Drive-In in Idaho Falls, discussing the appeal of drive-ins, what films are most popular, and whether people still try to sneak in. Josh also talks with trucker Andy Patterson, and at the end of the show there's a great song from Americana star Melissa Carper. 2:15 Trucker Andy5:45 Playing the Ponies Story12:05 The Journey of a Professional Gambler24:10 The Art and Science of Gambling32:30 Strategies for Success in Gambling34:48 Big Wins and Losses in Gambling39:10 The Evolution of Vegas and Its Culture42:54 Navigating Vegas: Tips and Recommendations45:05 Nostalgia and the Drive-In Movie Experience49:37 The Appeal of Drive-Ins in Modern Times 52:15 Challenges and Growth of Drive-In Theaters58:00 Programming and Movie Selection Strategies1:05:40 Somewhere Between Texas and Tennessee

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through the heart of America, exploring themes of culture, travel, and personal stories. The conversation features trucker Andy Patterson sharing tales from the road, and an interview with writer A.M. Hickman, who reflects on his life and the duality of American culture. The episode also delves into the romanticism of hitchhiking, the challenges of modern travel, and a love letter to America. There's also a Small Town Talk call to Littleton, New Hampshire, and a great new song from the Americana artist Hunter Gatherer. Chapters00:00 Introduction to American Miles02:02 Breaker 1-9 with Andy Patterson05:27 Storytelling: King of the Hard Cases13:02 Interview with A.M. Andy Hickman: A Writer's Journey17:54 The Duality of American Culture27:10 Hitchhiking: A Journey of Discovery32:09 Traveling Beyond Automobiles34:30 The Relay Race of Life37:19 Resignation and Reflection on American Identity39:40 Travel Recommendations and Personal Favorites42:00 The Impact of Modern Convenience43:30 Small Town Talk: Littleton, NH50:50 A.M. Hickman Reads Excerpt from Deep Canyon Elders01:00 Song: The Big Empty by Hunter Gatherer

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through the heart of America, featuring conversations with truck driver Andy Patterson and professional driver and race organizer, Brock Yates Jr. who raced in the first ever Cannonball Run.Josh asks Andy about the three ways truckers use their headlights to signal drivers and what drivers can do to stay safe around trucks. Brock Yates Jr. talks about that first ever Cannonball Run and about the accuracy of the Burt Reynolds movie based on the race. He also talks about his One Lap of America event and he gives Josh some tips for teaching his 16-year-old daughter to drive. Later, author and sports journalist, Jay Busbee checks in to read his wonderful tribute to the late Jimmy Buffet, a story called Partygoers Depart but the Party Goes On. (Read more of Jay's writing here as well. )Finally, award-winning country singer Joey Canyon shares his song Real Strong Stuff with American Miles listeners. 00:00 Introduction to American Miles05:47 Understanding Trucking Communication08:00 Storytelling: UFOs and Exploding Toothpaste12:09 Driving Safety Tips and Insights17:56 Brock Yates Jr.'s Journey in Motorsports24:08 The Evolution of Road Racing29:52 Driving Training and Safety Education35:39 Demonstrating Driving Skills36:09 Choosing a Safe Vehicle for Young Drivers37:08 Memorable First Date at High Speed38:57 Exploring America's Best Driving Roads40:41 Nostalgic Trends and Fashion from Youth41:38 Favorite Small Towns in America43:05 Ideal Vehicles for Cross-Country Road Trips44:49 A Toast to Jimmy Buffett45:04 The Essence of the Jimmy Buffett Experience47:01 The Melancholy Side of Margaritaville49:40 Passing Wisdom to Future Generations52:03 Breathe In, Breathe Out: Life Lessons from Buffett

In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin takes listeners on a journey through the heart of America, featuring conversations with truck driver Andy Patterson and author and adventurer Neal Moore who crossed the entire United States by canoe. Josh asks Andy for stories from the trucking life and also whether truckers still use CB radios.Neal shares the inspiration behind his voyage, daily life on the water, and the lessons learned from nature and human interactions along the way. He reflects on the liberating feeling of minimalism while traveling, and the beauty of encounters with diverse individuals. For the Small Town Talk segment Josh calls Madison, Indiana for a discussion with local, Michael Fortunato, owner of Crawdaddy Music Center. They discuss Madison's rich history and vibrant music scene. Later, Neal Moore reads an excerpt from his book, Down the Mississippi and for the Songwriter Series, Dan "Big Hands" Colvin performs his song "Margarita." 00:00 Introduction to American Miles and Neil Moore's Journey02:00 Insights from Trucker Andy: Life on the Road08:30 The Loneliness of Trucking and Stories from the Road11:40 Storytelling: Tooty and a Nip Off That Tipple16:33 Neil Moore's Epic Canoe Journey Across America27:01 Challenges and Encounters in the Wild 34:08 Reflections on Nature and the Journey's Beauty36:00 The Beauty of Nature and Human Connection38:52 Living Unplugged: A Journey of Minimalism 42:00 Reflections on Small Towns and Personal Experiences42:56 Exploring Madison, Indiana: A Local Perspective 54:57 The Wisdom of Wildness: Reading from Down the Mississippi59:00 Big Hands Colvin: Hey Margarita