Ozarkian Folk Chronicles - Your Podcast About the Ozarks

Mary Parler, professor of English at the University of Arkansas and wife of Vance Randolph, was an extraordinary folksong and folktale collector in her own right. Dr. Justin Hunter, an ethnomusicologist at the University of Arkansas, is determined to see Mary take her place in the Pantheon of Ozarks folklorists. Join the Chronicles for a glimpse into the life of this fascinating woman, and you'll see why we include her in the Renegades of Folk!Check out Mary in this clip from The Search on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JX5vQFDln4&t=10s

Kylee Cole has done her homework on one of the strangest, unsolved mysteries of the Ozarks: a rash of cattle mutilations that took place in Arkansas during the 1970s and into the 80s. When a makeshift altar was discovered near one of the mutilated animals, the hysteria reached a fever pitch--and rightfully so. Ranchers would go out to discover a previously healthy cow with her blood drained, her uterus surgically removed, and often an ear or an eye missing. Perhaps most puzzling was the absence of any blood around the animal. Who or what would do such a thing and why? Kylee has written on this fascinating and disturbing topic for the Encyclopedia of Arkansas and joins the Chronicles to discuss one of the Ozarks most famous enigmas.

As editors, writers, and publishers of the "Ozark Homesteaders Almanac" and the "Ozarks Agrarian News," Destiny Homer and Jeffery Goss have dedicated their lives to studying and practicing agricultural in light of the phases of the moon and the positions of the stars. Passionate about natural living and organic farming, Destiny and Jeffery share their years of experience in gardening here on the Chronicles. As they write in the Editorial Note of the Almanac: "The primary mission of this Almanac is to empower its readers to be better stewards of Creation by understanding and living in alignment with the divinely ordained cycles that govern it." For all who love the earth, clean food, and healthy living, this episode is for you! For more information you may write to Destiny and Jeffery at 51 Oran Mor Lane, Squires, MO, 65755.

Back in 2010, Hayden sent the script and lyrics for a musical version of Shepherd of the Hills to longtime SDC music director, Stan Beard. Stan caught the vision, and how! In a marathon of musical composition, Stan wrote the melodies for Hayden's songs, and Shepherd the Musical was born. Then came the journey: From the stage of Gittinger Auditorium at College of the Ozarks to the magnificent home of Rick and Dee Uebel to San Diego and finally, to the Ripley Rehearsal Center in New York City, Stan and Hayden went all in on a story they love and wanted to tell. The dream is still alive as this episode of the Chronicles clearly demonstrates, and we know that in the end, you'll also believe in Shepherd the Musical.

For a time in the early 20th century, Garber, Missouri, was the epicenter of tourism in the Ozark hills of Taney County. All that's left now are a few shabby buildings returning to the soil. However, John Fullerton, local historian and popular entertainer, has immersed himself in the history of Garber and is able to bring the town back to life through master storytelling. Join John on the Chronicles and drift back to a time of homesteads, settlers, and stories that will live forever in the Ozarks.

Warning: This episode has drug references, violence, and some language. It is intended for a mature listening audience.When Russ Mack posted a reply to our episodes on Dave McElyea and Ralph Baker, we knew we had to have him join us to get his perspective! Russ was Dave's brother, and he was part of the whole marijuana moonshining scheme in Madison County. Join the Chronicles for yet another perspective on Sheriff Baker, Dave McElyea, and the adventures of the brothers from Michigan. Though the story concludes with Dave taking his own life, the ride until then was more comedy than tragedy. Join the Chronicles for this front row seat into the shenanigans and personalities of Ralph and Dave!

Gary Groman has written under the pen name of the Ole Seagull for over thirty years in Branson newspapers. During that time, Gary has seen leadership come and go and witnessed great change over more than three decades in the area. Join the Chronicles for our in-depth interview with Gary for his insights into Branson's political machinery and his recommendations for the future of Branson.Brush Arbor Ghosts, Part One

Reverend Nicholas Inman is a force in his community of Marshfield, Missouri. He is not only the Executive Director of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, but for over twenty years, he has led the production of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Nicholas and his team bring celebrities, historical figures, and descendants of Presidents together in the only celebration of its kind in the Ozarks and perhaps in the country. If you want to see what's possible in your community, give this episode a listen! The Chronicles is proud to bring you Nicholas, his story and vision!For more information, click here: Cherry Blossom Festival, April 23-26Read more of Pursuing Daisy Garfield