The Oklahoma Today Podcast

Season 5, Episode 29: COWS! with Wakita's Twister Movie Museum

Don't ask to see Aunt Meg's place when you venture out to Wakita in far-northern Oklahoma—if you remember Twister well enough, you know the house doesn't make it to the end credits. But die-hard fans of the 1996 cult-classic disaster film won't be disappointed when they visit the tiny town's Twister Movie Museum—dedicated to telling the story of Wakita's brush with Hollywood since before the movie even premiered. As the long-awaited sequel Twisters hits theaters across the country this week, we venture out to the museum for an interview with its caretaker, Linda Wade. With Twister fever back at a fever pitch, visitors from all over the world are making the trek out to Wakita.

Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss which movies they have seen the most in their lives, and podvents tells us the story of two peaches. Plus Karlie is back! You won't want to miss it!

Season 5, Episode 28: Celebrating 100 Years of Cain's Ballroom with Chad Rodgers

Downtown Tulsa is home to one of the most storied live music venues not just in the state, but in all the country. Cain's Ballroom, first made famous in the 1930s as the home of Bob Wills' radio broadcasts, celebrates 100 years in 2024. The springy wooden dance floor is one of the best places to see a show, but don't just take our word for it. Ask the parents of pop star du jour Chappell Roan, who recently relayed their affection for the place to Cain's co-owner and operator Chad Rodgers. Chad joins the podcast this week to reflect on his journey as an owner of this historic gem and how the live entertainment industry has evolved in the past couple of decades. 

Also on this week's show, the editors give their picks for Oklahoma buildings that should be preserved forever, and podvents brings us a Christmas celebration . . . in December? You won't want to miss it.  

Season 5, Episode 27: Patriotic Parades with Pawhuska Freedom Celebration

The July Fourth holiday is here again, and there are countless ways to celebrate in Oklahoma. One of the best is with a trip to Pawhuska and scenic Osage County for the Pawhuska Freedom Celebration and The Pioneer Woman Mercantile's Patriotic Party on the Prairie. Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce director Mike McCartney joins the show to talk about the full day of activities planned in the town for Independence Day.

Also on this episode, the editors share their plans for the upcoming holiday and Ben gives a booming rundown of July Fourth celebrations in podvents. You won't want to miss it!

Season 5, Episode 26: An Edith Head Summer at Oklahoma City Museum of Art

One of the most iconic crew members from Hollywood's golden age is the focus of a new standout exhibition at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Edith Head—the eight-time Academy Award winning costume designer who worked with a who's who list of stars including Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, John Wayne, and Elvis Presley—has seventy of her career costume work on display in the exhibit Edith Head: Hollywood's Costume Designer, which is open at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art now through September 29. This is an exhibit years in the making, and in no small part comes to fruition thanks to the work guest curator Catherine Shotick. Shotick joins the show to talk about costuming as an artform, the evolution of Head's role in the film industry over time, and the work that went into developing this intricate overview of an iconic designer.

Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss the go-to colors in their wardrobes, and podvents takes us to a free showing of an essential Oklahoma classic. You won't want to miss it. 

Season 5, Episode 25: Diving into Democracy at the Bristow Historical Society and Museum

Many trains have come through the old Bristow train depot over the years, but now a new touring exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution is making its stop. Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is on display at the Bristow Historical Society and Museum now through July 13. The multi-part walk-through display incorporates interactive components and historical artifacts to take viewers through the history of voting and access to democracy in the United States. Bristow has made the exhibit its own with the help of a local collector, who is loaning the museum a collection of historical documents and prints the include the actual signatures of Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and more. 

Also on this week's episode: Oklahoma State Parks social media coordinator Chad Crow joins the show as a guest host. Together with editors Nathan, Kiersten, and Ben, the team discuss their go-to ice cream favorites. You won't want to miss it! 

Season 5, Episode 24: Welcoming Tito Jackson to Oklahoma

Tito Jackson is a lot of things: an original member of the Motown legends Jackson 5, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, and father of three talented sons. And now there is one more label he can add to that list: Oklahoman. That's right, for the past year Tito Jackson has been living on several acres out in northeast Oklahoma, and Oklahoma Today was fortunate enough to sit down with Jackson at his new residence for a quick Q&A. In the interview, Jackson shares the reason for his new place of residence, including the Jackson family's surprising connection to the Sooner State. He also shares stories from the early days of the Jackson 5 band and talks about what to expect from his upcoming keynote speaking engagement at the Claremore Museum of History's upcoming Juneteenth celebration, set to take place Saturday, June 15. 

 

Also on this week's episode, the editors share who they think should be the next celebrity to move to Oklahoma, and podvents takes us into dad joke territory. You won't want to miss it!

Season 5, Episode 23: Going to Bat with USA Softball's Craig Cress

The ding of the bat. The chants from the dugout. The thud of a fastball against the catcher's mitt. There is nothing like a ballgame at the Women's College World Series. It is no secret that the state of Oklahoma loves its softball, and the fact that USA Softball and their Hall of Fame Museum are based in Oklahoma City certainly has something to do with it. The sport is already widely popular, but does it still have some room to grow? USA Softball CEO Craig Cress is the perfect person to answer that question, and he is today's guest for the Oklahoma Today Podcast. Before you take in the rest of the action of this year's World Series, hear what Cress thinks is in store for the sport. 

Also on this week's show, the editors discuss their favorite memories from childhood summer vacations, and podvents sees Karlie put a special twist on an ice cream rap. You won't want to miss it!

Season 5, Episode 22: Bugging Out with OSU Insect Adventure

For however many people are on Earth today, it's a drop in the bucket compared to all the insect, spiders, and arthropods that also populate the world around us. There is no avoiding them, so we might as well learn to coexist. When we put our prejudices aside, the lives of these critters can be quite fascinating. There is no one better equipped to spread enthusiasm for bugs than Andrine Shufran, director of OSU Insect Adventure, the Stillwater home to a fascinating menagerie of beetles, centipedes, and so much more. With summer vacation upon us, there is no better time to plan your trip for some hands-on educational encounters.

Also in this episode, the editors share their personal favorite bugs, and podvents takes us to Ponca City for a one-of-a-kind mural festival. You won't want to miss it!

Season 5, Episode 21: Talking Nature Centers with Oklahoma State Parks' Torie Thompson

This is a special episode of the Oklahoma Today Podcast, because our guest joins the editors' roundtable to speak with us in person. One of the best parts of visiting many of our state parks is a visit to their on-site nature and interpretive centers and a chat with a knowledgeable naturalist. As coordinator of interpretive programs for Oklahoma State Parks, Torie Thompson helps guide and coordinate a lot of the interesting and educational activities these centers engage in all year. So what's going on this summer? Which state park nature center do you need to check out next? These questions and much more will be answered.

 

Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss some of their favorite food products of Oklahoma origin, and podvents will guide listeners through the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. You won't want to miss it. 

Season 5, Episode 20: Skate Party with Twister City Roller Derby

A full contact sport that requires speed, agility, strength, and plenty of teamwork, roller derby is a sport that wouldn't be for the faint of heart even without the skates. When it comes to Oklahoma, the Twister City Roller Derby is the league to know for fans and players alike. Their 2024 season is already underway with regular meets held at Edmond's Arctic Edge Arena. Those interested can check out the next set of games on May 18. Twister City president Cheyenne RIggs joins the podcast as guest this week to explain the sport to newbies and offer information on how others can get involved in the league.

 

Also on this week's episode, the editors offer up an appetizer in their discussion of the best chips and queso on offer in the state. Plus podvents takes flight in a vintage trimotor. You won't want to miss it!