The Oklahoma Today Podcast

Season 7, Episode 27: MAHT's Kevin Lee is Oklahoma City's newest culinary celebrity

For those who have not been to MAHT in Oklahoma City yet, get in line now because there is a wait! Chef Kevin Lee's new American-style steakhouse with Korean flare in the Uptown 23rd District is as delicious as it is popular. Lee became a hot commodity locally with the buzz around the Birdie's Korean-style steakhouse in north Oklahoma City and grew in profile nationally with regular appearances on Food Network shows like Tournament of Champions and Guy's Grocery Games. Chef Lee is our special guest on this week's episode, where he details his long grind to culinary stardom and desire to use his platform to shed light on other good local food.

Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss which Oklahoma chef they would like catering for their next party (we can dream, right?!) and podvents let's us know where to celebrate Christmas in July. You won't want to miss it!

Season 7, Episode 26: To celebrate America250, Enid Symphony Orchestra prepares a special park performance

A longstanding tradition in Enid is the annual July 4 concert by Enid Symphony Orchestra, with gorgeous accompaniment by a spectacular fireworks display. As the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence from England, the ESO is preparing an extra special production, titled The Night Sousa Came to Town. American composer and conductor John Phillip Sousa, known for his military marches, performed several times in Enid back in the day. Enid Symphony Orchestra's artistic director Douglas Newell joins the Oklahoma Today Show in our home studio this week to talk about the annual July 4 performance and his company's deep connection to the Enid community. 

Also on this week's show, the editors discuss what Oklahoma attraction they believe every American should see at least once, and podvents lets you know where to spot fireworks this week (there are a lot of options). You won't want to miss it!

Season 7, Episode 25: Mary Beth Babcock shows off fantastic finds at Meadow Gold Mack's in Tulsa.

For travelers across Route 66, Meadow Gold Mack's in Tulsa is a must-stop. The twenty-foot-tall Bunyan-esque fiberglass muffler man out front is more than enough reason on its own, but head inside to see a collection of gifts and collectibles both quintessentially Oklahoma and unlike much else you'll encounter along your travels. Owner Mary Beth Babcock, Oklahoma Today's 2011 Oklahoman of the Year, is one of the key personalities to meet along the Mother Road. On this week's episode, we let Mary Beth show us around this shop of wonder with the kind of charm and cool that only she can muster. 

Also on this week's episode, the editors share their favorite places to check out while in Tulsa, and podvents puts some heat on blacksmithing. You won't want to miss it!

Season 7, Episode 24: OKC's Route 66 boutique has watched the Mother Road's renaissance unfold

The Oklahoma Today Show is continuing its year-long celebration of the Route 66 centennial with a visit to an Oklahoma City boutique named, simply, Route 66. Owned and managed by Jeanette Koenig, the store inside the 50 Penn Place shopping center has been selling Mother Road and travel themed art and merchandise, among other carefully curated items like soaps and lavender, for years. We spoke with Koenig to gain some insight into the vision behind this fun shop full of character. Stay tuned after the interview to hear about a special Route 66 giveaway!

 

Also on this week's show, the editors discuss must-play songs on any summer road trip playlist, and podvents lets us know where in Oklahoma we can catch a monster-sized catfish with no rod required. You won't want to miss it!

Season 7, Episode 23: Perry's iconic Kumback Lunch celebrates 100 years

Much of this show's time and energy this year has been dedicated to honoring the hundredth birthday of The Mother Road, Route 66. This time, we are tipping our cap to a different sort of centennial. The historic Kumback Lunch in Perry observed its triple-digit birthday in April. In its day, the classic diner has seen everything from a legendary visit by Pretty Boy Floyd to the capture of Timothy McVeigh and plenty of community ups and downs. Shae Boschee, who recently purchased Kumback with her husband Scott, joins the show to talk about what the historic milestone means to the Perry community.

Also on this week, the editors share some of their other favorite Oklahoma diners, and podvents welcomes the return of deadCenter Film Festival. You won't want to miss it!

Season 7, Episode 22: We fried our own onion burgers at El Reno's Sid's Diner

The El Reno onion burger is one of Oklahoma's greatest contributions to the American culinary landscape, and no trip down Route 66 is complete without trying at least one. The town of El Reno has no shortage of options, but Sid's Diner is one that is known worldwide for this regional burger variety. Adam Hall, owner of Sid's Diner, joins the show today to teach Ben and I Ate Oklahoma's Greg Elwell (who wrote a great story on the history and present of El Reno's burger culture in the May-June 2026 issue of Oklahoma Today magazine) how to make their very own authentic onion burgers.

Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss every burger's best friend: fries, and podvents kicks off its Sunday shoes at the Footloose Festival. You won't want to miss it!

Season 7, Episode 19: The Black Wall Street Rally brings rolling thunder to Tulsa

Recently named a top national cultural event by USA Today, the Black Wall Street Rally will bring thousands of motorcycles and motorcycle enthusiasts to the Tulsa area. But the event is so much more than just a motorcycle rally—it is a celebration of historic Black Wall Street's endearing entrepreneurial legacy and an opportunity to bring multiple communities together and stronger than ever. Organizer Byron Perry joins the show to let us know about everything that is planned for this new annual favorite, which returns May 14-16.

Also on this week's show, the editors imagine which Oklahoma town they'd like to visit on a motorcycle, and podvents keeps an eye on walleye. You won't want to miss it!

Season 7, Episode 18: Writer Michael Wallis on the Route 66 centennial, working with Pixar, and stopping to smell the roses

You can't tell the Route 66 centennial story without talking to Michael Wallis. The Pulitzer-nominated nonfiction writer published Route 66: The Mother Road in 1990, and the start-to-finish guide to the highway is still considered an essential resource. His connection to the Route is so legendary he even earned a role as The Sheriff in the Cars movie when Pixar set out to make its own Mother Road inspired movie.

Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss their plans for Mother's Day and podvents takes us through strawberry fields. You won't want to miss it!

Season 7, Episode 17: Oklahoma artist Clint Stone celebrates Route 66 (get your print now!)

Subscribers to Oklahoma Today have likely already seen our glorious new May-June issue celebrating all things Route 66 during this centennial year. The cover features a fantastic original work by Clint Stone jam-packed with all sorts of landmarks and Easter eggs from the state's stretch of the Mother Road. But it's much more than a magazine cover, it is a print you can treasure forever. A poster insert is included in each copy of the magazine. You can also order your own copy (or several) at OklahomaToday.com. Clint joins us in the studio this week to talk about the work that went into creating this new piece and what about the great open road inspires his creativity. 

Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss what Oklahoma scenes they think would also make great posters, and podvents pumps us up for Stillwater's annual Calf Fry. You won't want to miss it!

Season 7, Episode 16: OKC's Festival of the Arts celebrates 60 years

One of Oklahoma City's favorite springtime traditions will celebrate its sixtieth year this week. The Festival of the Arts, organized by Arts Council Oklahoma City, will occupy downtown's Bicentennial Park April 23-26. Thousands of revelers will embark on the area near Civic Center Music Hall to peruse all the art vendor booths, enjoy live music, and sample delicious bites from the many food vendors. Organizers Richard Forshee, Sarah Frank, and Justin Newton join the Oklahoma Today Show to let us know what we have to look forward to for this anniversary year. Did somebody say drone show???

Also on this week's show, the editors discuss which foods simply taste better outside on a sunny day, and podvents preps us for the return of Norman Music Festival. You won't want to miss it!