Join Thomas and Becky Repp as they team up with Gary Mantz to bring you a new road trip adventure each week. American Road Trip Talk is your chance to discover the backroads that embody true Americana. As the owners and producers of award-winning American Road magazine, Thomas and Becky want your future road trip to be both interesting and exciting. By teaming up with veteran radio broadcaster, Gary Mantz, they offer up valuable road trip planning information.
Happy Independence Day! Join guest host Matt Shea for a survey of July 4th celebrations in Puget Sound and Western Washington. Large or small, there is a venue you and your loved ones are sure to enjoy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Fallon, Nevada is known as the "Oasis of Nevada" due to its fertile agricultural land and vibrant community, despite being located in a desert environment. It's also famous for Naval Air Station Fallon, which plays a significant role in the city's identity and economy. Additionally, Fallon is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities. Civic leaders Jane Moon and Pam Yost are our guests. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privac...
The DSA-2000 project, what will be the world’s most powerful radio telescope, is being built by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) outside of Ely, NV. Chosen because White Pine County hosts some of the darkest skies in visible light, the area also offers some of the darkest skies in radio wavelengths. This year, they have partnered with the Northern Nevada Railway to provide Caltech astronomer volunteers for Sunset, Stars, and Champagne train rides on Thurs. and Sat. nights. Dr. Ka...
“History Comes Alive" 2025 is a summer program from June 6 through August 9 in Springfield, Illinois, bringing the city's history to life through interactive events, reenactments, and costumed interpreters. Visitors can meet characters like Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd, learn about their lives, and participate in historic activities at locations like the Lincoln Home and the Old State Capitol. Food and beverages of the era are available too. Springfield also remains intimately connected to hist...
Want to get far away from the noise and haste of daily life on your next vacation? Isle Royale National Park is a great destination for those seeking unspoiled beauty and unhurried adventure in the wild. Our guest is Jim DuFresne, a Michigan travel and outdoor expert who has been writing on where to go and what to do in the Great Lakes State for over 30 years. Encore presentation originally published July 19, 2024. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at ...
Twenty-eight federally recognized tribes stretch across Nevada. These tribes are all unique, with traditions that span many generations. But like the intricate strands that form a beautiful basket, these tribes are one, and their culture is strong and tightly woven together. Ben Rupert, representing Nevada’s Indian Territory leadership team, joins us to share his expertise and experiences in service to these sacred lands. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Not...
Western Washington is ready to honor the courageous men and women who gave their lives to defend and protect America in wartime. Again this Memorial Day weekend, gratitude, pride and love are the hallmarks of commemoration. Regular contributor Matt Shea joins us in studio for a detailed survey of sites and events held throughout the region. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
In late September of 2024, Hurricane Helene struck, reaching Category 4 intensity in the Big Bend region of Florida and making landfall as a Category 4 storm. As it moved inland, Helene weakened to a post-tropical cyclone over Tennessee. One of the hardest hit areas was Pigeon River, stretching across North Carolina and East Tennessee. The welcome news is that the region is coming back better than ever with a variety of activities centered around its natural beauty and recreational opportunities...
Tony Clemente aka Tony from Jersey has worked on all manner of cars for decades. His word is his bond and his skill is legendary. Ask the legions of drivers who trust him with their classics. To them, he is family. Everyone should have a Tony to count on but how many do? As you plan your 2025 summer road trip, remember the advice you hear in this episode and you will collect fond memories instead of scary stories on the highway. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priv...
Hurricane Helene severely impacted the Appalachian Trail, requiring extensive efforts to clear downed trees, repair infrastructure, and restore impacted areas. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), along with partner organizations like the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, is leading the recovery efforts, with significant volunteer and professional saw crews assisting with cleanup. Nobody does more with available resources than some dedicated Tennesseans with their expertise and ...
The Pony Express was a fast mail service operating from 1860 to 1861 that used relays of horse-mounted riders to deliver mail between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California in about 10 days. It was a significant means of communication before the advent of the transcontinental telegraph. Ron Bell, poet and raconteur of this short-lived but critical time when storm clouds of Civil War were gathering, is our guest. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Not...
In this edition, we feature a new exhibit at The Hollywood Museum. Iconic Rides: A Drive Through Time brings the past forward with famous cars that were like family friends on shows like The Dukes of Hazzard, Scooby-Doo and The Love Bug. Today, they are nostalgic reminders of what pop culture was like “back in the day.” Geoffrey Mark, The Walking Encyclopedia of Classic Hollywood, is our guest. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pri...
In this episode, we visit with Mark Greene, Founder of the Cars Yeah podcast. You've heard Mark on American Road Trip Talk over the years, sharing his passion for cars and car culture. Listen for information about exciting events and places to inspire the automotive enthusiast in you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival 2025 is underway in Washington state and frequent contributor Matt Shea joins us for his annual survey of the venues and activities that have made the monthlong event a great Pacific Northwest tradition. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Amy Beadle, Marketing and Advertising Manager for Visit Springfield, returns with news of upcoming events that demonstrate why the Illinois Capital city is where “History Comes Alive.” The 63rd Annual International Carillon Festival is coming May 22-25, 2025 at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon. First held in 1962, the prestigious Festival has earned an unsurpassed tradition of presenting the world’s finest carillonists/carillonneurs. Exclusive Route 66 Art Exhibition: Celebrating the Iconic Art...
An emerging trend in the car collector world features vehicles reimagined by builders who bring famous marques into the 21st century including Mustang, Camaro, Shelby Cobra, Porsche 911, Broncos, Toyota Land Cruisers and others. Instead of building them exactly like they were in the 60s and 70s, these classic beauties have been given entirely new underpinnings. The chassis, drivetrains, engines (gas or electric), brakes and interior features make them faster, safer and easier to drive than the o...
Lucas, Kansas is preparing to host APRIL FOOLS-A-PALOOZA, a vibrant local art festival, where the town's artists and organizations come together to showcase their work. This event is held annually on April 1st and features open houses where visitors can meet and interact with artists in their studios. In addition, the Lucas Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting vendor booths at Lucas Community Center, where visitors can browse and buy. Erika Nelson joins us to talk about the community, its history...
Take a ferry ride back in time to Michigan’s Mackinac Island, the car-free destination in the Straits of Mackinac where the Great Lakes Huron and Michigan meet. Here, the streets are lined with Victorian-era buildings, and getting around is by foot, horse-drawn carriage, or bicycle. In 100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die, experienced travel writer and photographer Kath Usitalo helps you explore this historic island. She is our guest on this episode. See Privacy Policy at https://a...
Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985 after being replaced by the interstate highway system. Nevertheless, The Main Street of America’s hold on several generations of road-trippers, including people not yet born when the last section of U.S. 66 was bypassed, has endured. Thanks to civic and individual efforts, the legacy of our Mother Road retains its neon glow and monumental status. Joey Madia visits with a survey of sites where nostalgia and artistic expression fuel the imagination. See Privacy ...
Famous cars owned (or driven) by famous people: how could they disappear? An aura of mystery shrouds the fate of some legendary autos; all with a unique story to tell that nevertheless remains incomplete without sure knowledge of their whereabouts. Classic car aficionado Karl Petry guests with strange accounts of phantom rides that may be out of sight but are definitely not out of mind. American Road Trip Talk airs Fridays at 1:00 pm Pacific on 1150 KKNW Seattle and 1150kknw.com See Privacy Poli...
For Valentine’s Day, we include a bonus episode for your enjoyment. Suzanne Mitchell joins us as co-host, having discovered towns whose name says it all. Then we acknowledge the Commonwealth of Virginia for their legendary slogan that made marketing history. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On Valentine’s Day, we turn to our friend and regular contributor Matt Shea for examples of romantic artistic creations to be found at various locations around America. They offer proof that love is all around us if we just know where to look. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
“California, Here We Come!” The Ricardos and Mertzes began their cross-country drive to the Golden State on the January 10, 1955 episode of I Love Lucy. What could possibly go wrong? Suffice it to say, hilarity ensued. This week, Geoffrey Mark aka The Walking Encyclopedia of Hollywood History visits with a trove of information about Lucy, Desi, Fred, Ethyl and one of the most famous road trips in television history. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...
This week, we tackle the topic of how to form a mutually trusting relationship with your auto mechanic. Tony Clemente, owner of Silver Lake Auto Service in Belleville, New Jersey is our guest. Tony provides top-flight service to a loyal clientele that puts a premium on his expertise and experience. What does every customer have a right to expect from an automotive service provider and what does a mechanic have a right to expect in return? Tony has discovered plenty from 30 years in the trade. Hi...
Whether your tastes run to roughing it in the evergreen wild, packing up the RV for a long weekend trip or indulging in the rustic luxury of “glamping,” wintertime in Western Washington is no impediment to all the thrills you can discover on the open road. In this episode, Matt Shea is back with news of several resorts that put you in close touch with nature and offer year-round recreational opportunities to rugged individualists and families alike. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privac...
"Throw Me Something, Mister!" This phrase is famous in Bayou country; it is what people say as they get caught up in the Mardi Gras spirit. On this edition of American Road Trip Talk, you’ll learn why this is the perfect time to plan a visit to the land of “lagniappe” and see for yourself why the people, parades and special events in Louisiana's Cajun Bayou are tough to beat. Cody A. Gray, President & CEO of Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Tourism, is our guest. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.c...
This week’s episode features historic Springfield, Illinois and another star turn for Amy Beadle, Marketing Manager of the Springfield Illinois Convention & Visitors Bureau. Tune in or download and hear about events planned for 2025 in the Land of Lincoln. The 63rd International Carillon Festival, held in beautiful Washington Park, will be moving to Memorial Day Weekend this year. Springfield is also gearing up for the 16th Annual History Comes Alive season June 6 – August 10 with live histo...
Our first episode of 2025 is a tribute to Jimmy Carter, America’s 39th President and beloved citizen of Plains, Georgia. Erika Nelson joins us to share her memories of visiting the church where Mr. Carter taught Sunday School as well as her appreciation for the people in Plains and the diverse modes of living to be found in rural Georgia. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Our last episode of 2024 features Mark Greene of Cars Yeah fame with In Memoriam tributes to four car culture legends who passed away this year. Also, we offer a retrospective on Mark’s successful podcasting career as owner and host of Cars Yeah as he slows his roll and hands over the wheel to a new host. Over the past ten and a half years, Mark has talked with over 2,550 Inspiring Automotive Enthusiasts™, sharing their lives, careers, businesses, and ideas. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.c...
Cameo Waters, Tourism Director of Jonesborough, Tennessee is our guest this week. Rich in regional history, Jonesborough attracts heritage tourism because of its status as Tennessee's oldest town and its proud architectural tradition, thanks to local historic preservation efforts. Among the landmarks is the Chester Inn, built in 1797, which still stands impressively downtown. Beyond all that, the small hospitable city is known as The Storytelling Capital of the World! See Privacy Policy at https...
