The Oklahoma Today Podcast

Season 6, Episode 51: A Chickasha Christmas at the Festival of Light

Oklahoma cities and towns large and small go all out for Christmas, and Chickasha takes special pride in its own holiday celebration. This week on the Oklahoma Today Podcast, Ben ventures out to the Chickasha Festival of Light to see one of the top light displays in the nation. More than three-and-a-half million twinkling lights dazzle drive- and walk-through spectators in this winter carnival atmosphere throughout Shannon Springs Park. We meet with Festival of Light coordinator Matthew Stockman to learn all about this winter wonderland.

Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss the most memorable gifts they recall receiving, and podvents lets us know where to bring your Wranglers this holiday. You won't want to miss it!

Season 6, Episode 50: Cowboy Kent Rollins shares chuckwagon wisdom

This week we're honored to have the one and only Cowboy Kent Rollins, the famed chuckwagon chef, author of Amazon bestselling cookbook A Taste of Cowboy, and the larger-than-life personality behind one of the most beloved food channels on YouTube, as well as the Food Network and Outdoor Channel. Known for cooking over open fires, telling unforgettable stories, and keeping cowboy traditions alive, Kent has built a massive following by blending practical cooking, humor, and heart. We talk about his journey from southwest Oklahoma to national fame, what tips he has for new outdoor cooks, and why it's OK for cowboys to love sushi too.

Also on this week's episode, the editors share which gifts are perfect for any Okie, and podvents makes a suggestion for where Hallmark should film their next Christmas movie. You won't want to miss it!

Season 6, Episode 49: Sampling Brunch at Mary Eddy's Italian Grill

Mary Eddy's Italian Grill in downtown Oklahoma City has long been known for exquisite dining, but have you ever sampled their brunch menu? If not, there has never been a better time to try, because the eatery located inside the Fordson Hotel is unveiling several seasonal creations to accompany their already stellar lineup of indulgent morning fare. Mary Eddy's executive chef Ryan Kolk joins Ben from inside the restaurant to talk about their 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday brunch offerings.

Also. on this week's show, the editors discuss their favorite baked goods in the state, and podvents lets us know what happens when Christmas lights get . . . creepy. You won't want to miss it!

Season 6, Episode 48: Why the B.C. Clark jingle will live forever

Oklahoma is now heading full throttle into the holiday season, and for many in the state that means it's time for the famous holiday jingle from B.C. Clark Jewelers to ring on the radio, TV, and just about everywhere else—including endlessly inside our own heads. Many are familiar with the song, which became a quick hit for the iconic Oklahoma City family jeweler when it debuted in the 1950s. But why, exactly, did this particular jingle go down in history? Where did it succeed where others did not? Is there something going on musically that has helped etch it into the Oklahoma holiday canon? On this week's show we're joined by Mitchell Clark, president of B.C. Clark Jewelers and great-grandson of B.C. Clark himself, and Patrick Conlon, associate director of the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma in Oklahoma City. Together, we will attempt to get to the bottom of what has made the jingle an endearing holiday hit on par with any other classic Christmas song. 

Also on this week's show, the editors share what signals the start of the holiday season in their eyes, and podvents lets us know where to go to get our chocolate fix. You won't want to miss it!

Season 6, Episode 47: The Oklahoma Today Office Tour

Welcome back, dear followers of the Oklahoma Today Podcast! Happy Thanksgiving Week for those watching on the week this episode debuts. We like to think of Oklahoma Today as a family, so for this special holiday episode we are giving you a tour of our "home" at the Oklahoma State Tourism and Recreation Department offices in downtown Oklahoma City. See all the familiar and behind-the-scenes faces behind the magazine and get a sense of our day-to-day activities while the staff shares what they're thankful for. 

Also on this week's show, the editors share their favorite non-traditional Thanksgiving side dishes, and in podvents life . . . finds a way. You won't want to miss it!

Season 6, Episode 46: Claremore goes Christmas Carol for Dickens on the Boulevard

Experience the thrill of A Christmas Carol without all the paranormal encounters with a visit to Dickens on the Boulevard, November 22-23 in downtown Claremore. Charles Dickens penned the holiday classic in 1843, years before the modern town of Claremore was even founded. That doesn't stop the downtown from transforming into a wintertime Victorian wonderland for a celebration that will includes street dancing, nineteenth century wardrobe and food, historic tours, carriage rides, and more. Ben investigates this unique Oklahoma tradition this week on the show.

Also on this episode, the editors discuss their personal favorite literary classics, and podvents includes an event that rocks in more way than one. You won't want to miss it!

Season 6, Episode 45: Woolaroc celebrates 100 years with world-class art show

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve near Bartlesville is an Oklahoma institution. Once the private ranch and retreat of legendary oilman Frank Phillips, the 3,700-acre property now houses a world-class museum of Western and international art with a wild-life preserve including bison, elk, ostriches, and more. This year marks 100 years since the ranch's founding, and Woolaroc is celebrating with an amazing art exhibition and sale featuring some of the world's most high-profile contemporary artists, including Thomas Blackshear II, Bob Kuhn, William Alther, Mian Situ, William Acheff, and many more. Frank Phillips Foundation CEO and Woolaroc operating officer Kevin Hoch joins the show this week to talk about the incredible exhibition on display through December 31.

Also on this week's episode, the editors ponder how they'd celebrate their hundredth birthdays, and podvents points us to one of the biggest Veterans Day parades in the state. You won't want to miss it!

Season 6, Episode 44: And the Winner Is . . . Yukon Trophy & Awards

We needed to give our inaugural Okie Awards winners something special to take home, and we think Yukon Trophy & Awards did the trick! On this week's episode of the Oklahoma Today Podcast we visit with Bea Johnson, who leads the business which has been family owned and operated since 1971. Yukon Trophy & Awards has gone from a garage business to a trophy maker that has touched the lives of thousands in its history, we get an inside look at this local treasure.

Also on this week's show, WE'VE GOT AN ALL-NEW SET! See it for yourself on video on the Oklahoma Today Magazine YouTube channel. The editors also share some of their own personal favorite keepsakes. Plus podvents gives us the best place to find baklava this week. You won't want to miss it!

Season 6, Episode 43: OKC's Curbside Enterprises wins our Oklahoma Standard Award

Congratulations to the Curbside Enterprises organization in Oklahoma City for winning our inaugural Clayton I. Bennett Oklahoma Standard Award! They are one of many Okie Awards winners listed in Oklahoma Today's new November-December issue. Curbside Enterprises includes the Curbside Chronicle publication (you might see their vendors in green vests at various OKC intersections), the Curbside Flowers floral shop, and other initiatives that provide vocational support for people experiencing homelessness. On this episode of the Oklahoma Today Podcast, we speak with Ranya Forgotson, chief programs officer for the Homeless Alliance, and Nathan Poppe, the Curbside Chronicle's editor-in-chief. 

Also on this week's episode, the editors observe Halloween week by sharing the things that truly scare them. Plus, podvents tells us where to hear the most iconic spooky season song of all. You won't want to miss it!

Season 6, Episode 42: SGA, Lu Dort, and Aaron Wiggins join us at OKC Thunder Media Day

OKC Thunder fans might still be coming down from all the popped champagne after the team's NBA championship win in June, but a new season of basketball is already upon us! For part two of our Thunder preview spectacular, we ventured out to Thunder Media Day to talk with reigning NBA and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander alongside teammates Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins. The three players can be found featured on Oklahoma Today's new November-December magazine cover. The Thunder are arguably the most fashionable team in basketball, so while they were with us it felt right to have them break down the fashion of some other well-dressed Okies . . . and some of their fellow teammates.

 

Also on this week's episode, the editors share their own Oklahoma fashion icons, and podvents breaks down Oklahoma sorghum facts. You won't want to miss it!