Episode description

Welcome to part three of our series with renowned photographer Richard Sharum.

As someone deeply rooted in the study of history, especially the tumultuous Civil War era, Richard showcases an intense drive to understand the divisions that plague modern America. He discusses his transformative journey to unravel the mystery of the Central United States, an area often dismissively labeled "flyover country." This stretch of land, primarily covering states like Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas, has, for many, become a blind spot—overshadowed politically, socially, and culturally.

Motivated by global perceptions, historical events, and, notably, the shocking Capitol storming on January 6th, Richard embarked on a mission to capture the heart and soul of these regions, free from the constraints of political bias. His project, "Spina Americana" (Latin for "American Spine"), sees him traverse a 100-mile wide corridor stretching from the US-Mexico border to the US-Canadian border. Through his lens, Richard hopes to offer a fresh perspective, allowing the world to see the people of this region as they genuinely are—diverse, complex, and unequivocally American.

Join us in this compelling episode as Richard shares anecdotes from his travels, his approach to spontaneous photography, and his undying passion for discovering the hidden depths of his homeland. Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a history buff, or someone seeking to understand the multifaceted narrative of America, this episode promises enlightening insights and thought-provoking conversations.

See more of Richard’s work at https://richardsharum.com

Follow Richard on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/richard_sharum