Old Kentucky Tales

Brent and Jason speak to author James Markert about his new novel called Midnight at the Tuscany Hotel. His latest book is historic fiction, building on personal stories and incorporating magical elements in a very readable style. Markert has guested on the podcast before to discuss his other works. Check out the linked episodes below to hear his two previous appearances. Fake History Sponsors are the 1950s Tele-Tray and Candy Cathartic Cascarets. Share comments here or on Apple Podcasts, iTunes or NPROne. OKT is produced by sound engineer Todd Birdsong at WKCTC's Paducah School of Art and Design.

Brent, Jason and guest Emma Spychalski discuss a summary of what tourists can expect when visiting Kentucky in 1935. The New Deal's WPA program hired writers for travel information (fair or not) for visiting other states. This episode also features Fake History Sponsors for a county fair with .75mm gunfire for the youngsters and the veggie plate with corn cake and buttermilk at the Atlantic Saloon. Share comments here or at Apple Podcasts, iTunes or NPROne. OKT is produced by sound engineer Todd Birdsong at WKCTC's Paducah School of Art and Design.

Brent puts Jason and college student John Gordon to the test to see who can pass a Kentucky 1912 high school entrance examination, with too much laughing and something to be learned. This episode also features two new Fake History Sponsors - Herbine Brand Liver Cure and Kellogg's Corn Flakes Burger! And why have you not left a comment right here, on Apple Podcasts or iTunes? OKT is produced by sound engineer Todd Birdsong at WKCTC's Paducah School of Art and Design.

Brent and Jason host a special edition of the podcast with a live audience for the 50th episode, a game show edition of OKT held on the campus of West Kentucky Community and Technical College. This episode features 3 different games of historic characters and challenges with our student contestants. Fake History Sponsors include an ad for Dr. Thatcher's Worm Syrup and Early Times & Jack Beam whisky. Leave us your comments on iTunes and Instagram. OKT is produced by sound engineer Todd Birdsong at WKCTC's Paducah School of Art and Design.

Brent and Jason look an account of the 1779 winter from Daniel Trabue's first-hand account in his narrative Westward in Kentucky. Next week, you can here the special live audience recording event for our 50th episode, a special game show edition of OKT. Leave us your comments on iTunes and Instagram.   

Fake History Sponsors include an ad for 1898's Elastic Starch and a personal appearance by "Granny" of The Beverly Hillbillies. OKT is produced by sound engineer Todd Birdsong at WKCTC's Paducah School of Art and Design.

Brent and Jason are joined by history professor Duane Bolin, who built upon the earlier research he received from his own college professor to write a new book about Adolph Rupp, the famed coach of University of Kentucky basketball.  They also listen to another random Long Lunch and discuss Fake History Sponsors such as 1919's Karo Syrup and a 1974 ad for the Dick Smiley Porsche dealership.  You can leave comments on Instagram, iTunes, NPR.org or right here. OKT is produced by sound engineer Todd Birdsong at WKCTC's Paducah School of Art and Design.

Jason and Brent are joined by McCracken County Library historian Nathan Lynn once again, who brings along some new photos to discuss - this time of 1950s people and places in the Paducah area.  They focus especially on the first buildings at our own West Kentucky Community and Technical College.  You can check out more many images at our Instagram account.  And leave comments on Instagram, iTunes, NPR.org or right here. 

This episode features Fake History Sponsors for the 1950s Oldsmobile Rocket 8 and the Bel-Air Drive-In Theatre double feature with Anne Baxter and Clark Gable.  OKT is produced by sound engineer Todd Birdsong at WKCTC's Paducah School of Art and Design.

Here is a previous episode with Nathan about the 1937 flood:  https://www.wkms.org/post/old-kentucky-tales-s3-ep7-stranded-jc-penneys-stories-1937-flood-nathan-lynn

  Brent and Jason discuss examples of the wit of President Abraham Lincoln and wife Mary Todd Lincoln.  Fake History Sponsors include an ad for a 1935 cure for the husband's complaining, on-edge condition.  Also included is an 1918 efficiency cabinet for the kitchen. OKT is released on Tuesdays and you can add your comments at wkms.org, iTunes and Instagram.  This podcast is produced by sound engineer Todd Birdsong at WKCTC's Paducah School of Art and Design.

  Jason and Brent speak to a new guest, author Ann Creel.  Her new book is called The River Widow, about a murder that gets covered up by the 1937 flood.  In five weeks, we will release a special live recording event for our 50th episode.  OKT is released on Tuesdays and you can add your comments on iTunes and Instagram.   

Fake History Sponsors include an ad for the 1875 book exposing the life and escape of Brigham Young's 19th wife.  Also included is an old ad for men's chincilla and melton hats and boots.  OKT is produced by sound engineer Todd Birdsong at WKCTC's Paducah School of Art and Design.

   Brent and Jason finally discuss a longtime symbol of Kentucky and marketing icon, Col. Harland Sanders.  Born across the river in Indiana in 1890, Sanders went on to start KFC and star in countless commercials and promotions.  Tell us what you think about OKT with comments on iTunes and Instagram.  You can also here us on the Amazon Fire podcast app and at NPR.org. 

This episode features Fake History Sponsors: a 1915 ad for ladies' brassieres and mail order wigs from the 1850s. OKT is produced by sound engineer Todd Birdsong at WKCTC's Paducah School of Art and Design.