Posts Tagged ‘Al Letson’

Five All-New Episodes Coming in June

Friday, May 4th, 2012

SOTRU’s new season of five episodes will be available for download beginning on June first. For the first half of season three, we traveled to Vermont, Maryland, Missouri and Washington State.

And in a series first, we are exploring a community based around a medium, instead of a location, for our much-anticipated Comics Book Episode.

Here is more information about our upcoming Episodes:

Comics episode The Community of Comic Books

Despite the outdated stereotype of a solitary nerd holed up in his bedroom, burying himself in a world of fantasy, comic books serve as the connection point for a diverse community of people, who are drawn to them for all manner of reasons. And sometimes, comics become the vehicle for people to take action within the community itself or inspire individuals to make a difference in the wider world.

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Vermont – The Small Town State

Quaint storefronts along Main streets, covered bridges over clear streams, cows from dairy farms dotting green valleys: across the state, these are the iconic images of Vermont. But beyond its pastoral beauty, this is a place that prides itself on its independent spirit. Not only in the ways you might have heard of—first state in the nation to legalize same sex civil unions, say—but in the way Vermonters take on everyday life, and the challenges of it.

Southeastern Washington Southeastern Washington – The Unlikely Perfect Place

The Tri-Cities of Washington are Richland, Pasco and Kennewick—three cities clustered near one another in the vast plains and deserts of Washington state, to the east of the Cascade Mountains. It’s a region that seems like it would have little to attract newcomers—it’s largely remote, prone to dust storms, not close to any major city. But, over the decades, this area has drawn people from the world over for reasons as various as nuclear bombs, wine-making, and harvesting sugar beets.

Missouri’s Ozarks

The Ozarks have long been an isolated place—steep mountains break up the landscape into hills and hollows, making each little town its own microcosm.  Outsiders might know little beyond the stereotypical hillbillies, generations of poverty, and an infamous meth problem, one of the worst in the country. But people in the Ozarks are pushing for ways to build community with few resources, to hold on to what is authentic about their identity while bucking stereotypes imposed on them by the outside world.

Baltimore Interview Baltimore, MD – Outsiders In

Baltimore is a city of many neighborhoods, and of intense racial divides not easily overcome. But this it’s a place with more dimensions than the impression cast by the headlines and the TV series The Wire. Those images often overshadow the passion and dedication many Baltimoreans have for their city, and for taking on what’s wrong with it in ways small and large.

Kids Behind Bars

Monday, April 16th, 2012

Wyoming: Second in the Nation for Kids in Jail

Source: Andrew Bardwell from Wikimedia Commons

When we were researching our Wyoming episode in the summer of 2011, we came across a striking statistic: Wyoming has the nation’s second highest rate of juvenile incarceration. Why would more kids in Wyoming go to jail than pretty much every other state?

In this podcast, producer Laura Starecheski tracks down the story behind that number, finding out what happens to the kids who’ve been through the system… and why that system is so resistant to change.

 

Want to hear more of Wyoming? Check out our hour-long episode of stories on the New Old West.

For more from State of the Re:Union, subscribe to our podcasts on iTunes and look for a new podcast every two weeks.

Cellar Door Records

Monday, March 12th, 2012

Entrepreneurs at Work in Cleveland, Ohio

Courtesy: Cellar Door Records

Courtesy: Cellar Door Records

When we visited Cleveland last season, we found a city full of a new generation of entrepreneurs that were making their dreams a reality.

Today, we continue our podcast series with a soulful story from senior producer Tina Antolini. Tina takes us back to the rust belt city to learn about about a refreshing addition to the music scene.

 

For more about Cleveland, check out our hour-long episode, chock full of stories about the new generation of entrepreneurs taking over the city. And for more information about Cellar Door Records visit their website.

For more from State of the Re:Union, subscribe to our podcasts on iTunes and look for a new podcast every other Monday.

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Staying in Sacramento

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

It’s a happy ending for one of the stories from our second season of episodes.

The Sacramento Kings will be staying in Sacramento. The city and the team reached a tentative deal yesterday to build a new arena in downtown Sacramento. You can read the full story in the Sacramento Bee.

SOTRU and Carmichael Dave

Host Al Letson and Producer Laura Starecheski speak with Sacramento radio host Carmichael Dave

If you remember the story from our Sacramento show last fall, we told you about the diehard fans that came together to save their Kings. They rallied together and reacted powerfully when the owners put a plan in motion to move the team to Anaheim. We followed the ups and downs as the dramatic — and at the time, possibly final — season through the voices of local radio host Carmichael Dave, Mayor Kevin Johnson and others. Listen to the drama that led up to yesterday’s big decision.

Listen Here

To hear more of the Sacramento show, visit our episode page.

New Podcast: The Bravest Thing

Friday, February 24th, 2012

Podcast Series Debuts Today!

The State of the Re:Union (SOTRU) team is proud to announce our new podcast series, making its debut today! Our faithful listeners have told us that they love our episodes, but they want more cowbell SOTRU in between the times the shows are released. So twice a month, Al or one of our talented producers will be releasing a short podcast. From ancillary stories that we didn’t have time to include in the radio show to Al’s random conversations with strangers, these short podcasts are sure to entertain, education and enlighten your day.

We kick off the new podcast series with host Al Letson, who asks filmmaker Steve Bognar a fairly simple question… but wasn’t prepared for his answer.

 

Subscribe to SOTRU’s podcasts on iTunes and look for a new podcast every other Monday from Al and our producers, Tina Antolini and Laura Starecheski.

If you enjoyed this story, please consider making a donation today to State of the Re:Union. Your tax-deductible contribution helps keep our show on the air.

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Summing up the SOTRU Drive

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

As you might have seen mentioned the past few weeks, State of the Re:Union is continuing on in its yearly funding crusade. October started our month-long fundraising drive, and while we still have some dollars to go to reach our goal, we believe that with help from SOTRU Superheroes like yourself, we’ll have be able to raise the funds needed to continue telling amazing stories of people building community from coast-to-coast.

Summing Up the SOTRU Drive

State of the Re:Union Live at MOCA Jacksonville

Our yearly fundraising event, ‘State of the Re:Union Live’ happened in Jacksonville, FL this past Saturday, October 22nd. Host Al Letson, entertained and informed with an incredible multimedia performance that mixed videos and radio segments from a variety of episodes with performance and narration. Our deepest thanks to all who attended and supported the event for creating an incredible sense of community under one roof.

Saturday night’s efforts helped make a dent in our fundraising needs, but we’ve still got a healthy portion of fundraising to go. Unlike the majority of public radio show’s, SOTRU is not presented by a specific station, and independently responsible for raising the funds needed to continue. We’re confident, that with your help, we can make it.

Grassroots and gumption: That’s what sets our listeners aside from others. You have the ability to help us make a change in the lives of millions more throughout the U.S. The one common thread we have seen throughout SOTRU listeners is the ability to make things happen, and that spirit is what we are counting on. You can help by making a simple donation. If you enjoy the episodes and want to hear more of what communities across America are doing to keep it going, your tax-deductible donation – from $5 to $500 – will help with just that. Click here to help to lend a hand in helping us bring things back together.

Want to get involved beyond you’re cash contribution? There are other ways you can help:

Summing Up the SOTRU Drive Host a Listening Party

For those who weren’t able to attend our State of the Re:Union Live event, have no fear. You can participate and enjoy the fun while showing off your mad-hosting skills. Through throwing a State of the Re:Union Listening Party.

We’re asking our loyal listeners to become SOTRU Superheroes by gathering their friends to come together to listen to a State of the Re:Union episode while helping raise much-needed funds to continue producing this program. Click here to find out more on hosting your own event.

Underwriting Support

From radio episode underwriting to podcasts and website advertising, SOTRU has a variety of underwriting opportunities to fit your business or organization’s budget. Our episodes reach an average audience of more than half a million listeners each week and are aired in more than 200 markets across the country. In addition to maximizing national exposure for your organization, you’ll reach civic-minded individuals and influential decision makers who believe in the power of community.

Please email Brie at brie(at)stateofthereunion(dot)com for more information.

Grants & Foundational Support

Does your foundation or organization to support public media, arts programs, educational initiatives or community-oriented projects? SOTRU is always looking to expand our partnerships and support network.

Summing Up the SOTRU Drive

State of the Re:Union Live at MOCA Jacksonville

For those who attended our fundraising event in Jacksonville, thank you. We also want to thank all of our amazing sponsors, volunteers and guests that made “State of the Re:Union Live” such a successful event. A special thank you to Mossfire and O’Brothers restaurants for the delectable treats that were insanely delicious. We would also like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful people at MOCA Jacksonville for hosting our event, and to the supporting sponsors who helped bring it all together: PB&J Jacksonville and Tommy Hobin at Mind Jar Media. Our gratitude goes out to Folio Weekly and the Times Union for helping to get the word on the event.

We would be remiss not to mention the wonderful silent auction items contributed by: Tiffany Manning Photography, Orsay Restaurant of Avondale, Fly’s Tie Irish Pub of Atlantic Beach, Belk Regency, Ananda Kula of Avondale, Green Man Gourmet of Avondale, and The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens. Thank you. Bids from these items nudged us closer to our goal. and to those already offering their support, we are truly grateful for your endeavors. We are a thankful bunch, and have so much more appreciation to give, so thank you in advance for helping us continue journeying into America’s communities, hearts and stories.

And to those already offering their support, we are truly grateful for your endeavors. We are a thankful bunch, and have so much more appreciation to give, so thank you in advance for helping us continue journeying into America’s communities, hearts and stories.