Confessions of a Podcast Junkie
Podcasts, I love them. I have a confession to make I am a podcast junkie. There is so much to learn, so many interesting stories, unique perspectives and a lot of laughs to be had in the podcast world. However, one podcast, that I thought was about the Civil Rights movement in Selma AL and solving a 50-year-old murder turned out to be about Wyoming.
The podcast produced by NPR follows journalists Andrew Beck Grace, a University of Wyoming Alumni, and Chip Brantley as they follow the story of the Reverend James Reeb who was murdered in Selma, Alabama in 1965. Reeb, a Unitarian minister, was there to lend support to the civil rights marches. He was attacked and subsequently died. Three men were tried for his murder and were acquitted. No one was held accountable.
What, you may ask, does the 1965 Civil Rights marches in Selma Alabama have to do with Wyoming? The Rev. James Reeb had ties to Wyoming. He graduated from Casper, WY and upon his death his wife and children returned to Casper to be near family. Many of his descendants live in Wyoming today. The Rev. James Reeb gave his life in support of the civil rights movement, has deep ties to Wyoming and I had no idea. I have lived here my entire life and how did I not know this?
NPR’s Grace and Brantley set out to Solve the 50-year-old murder and uncover the pain that lingers in Selma, AL today as a result. They uncover decades of racism, lies, secrets, and the pain that is ever present beneath the surface when justice is left undone. In the process they also uncover a Wyoming native, who stood up against racism. His valiant stand cost him his life and forever changed his family.
I invite you to listen to this podcast and join us for multiple events beginning with Dining and Discussion where we will listen to episodes of the podcast and discuss over a free lunch provided by Wellbeing & Accessibility and Student life. The hosts will be presenting at the Shepard Symposium for Social Justice virtually on April 16th. Then on April 21 at 6:30 PM Andrew Beck Grace and Chip Brantley will Zoom to Western to discuss their experiences making this podcast, the truths they uncovered, and the impact this murder continues to have today.
Check out the following social justice resources and events:
https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510343/white-lies
http://www.shepardsymposium.org/
My Other Favorite Podcasts:
Actor Dax Shepard and one of his besties, Monica Padman host celebrities to academics to industry and thought leaders. Get to know Dax and Monica and you will love them!
https://armchairexpertpod.com/
Are you a fan of Arrested Development or Will and Grace? You will love listening to the actors Sean Hayes, Will Arnett, and Jason Bateman interview a weekly surprise guest.
https://smartless.simplecast.com/
Join siblings Kate and Oliver Hudson as they delve into what can be complicated family relationships. Entertaining but full of love for family.
https://sibling-revelry.simplecast.com/
Ok this is my favorite, by far. Malcom Gladwell looks into things “often forgotten or misunderstood”. It is fascinating.
http://revisionisthistory.com/
Inspired by the music subjects he tackled in earlier Revisionist History podcasts, Malcom Gladwell teams up with music producer Rick Ruben to bring you “liner notes for the new age”. Great for music lovers.
https://brokenrecordpodcast.com/
Challenge yourself to think differently and listen to an opposing view. Check out The New York Times podcast, The Argument.
https://www.nytimes.com/column/the-argument
Do you like the strange, the unusual, the paranormal, aliens or even bigfoot? Check out these fifteen-minute excerpts from longtime overnight talk show host George Norry.
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/coast-to-coast-18899828/
You can find these shows and more anywhere you listen to podcasts. Get to listening!
