The Forgottonia Project » Podcast

Joe Brewer
  • 5.0 (9)
  • EDUCATION

Welcome to Forgottonia, a high school classroom project that seeks to honor our rich history of rural America and examine the social problems we currently face. This project is produced by students and led by History teacher, Joe Brewer, at Cuba H.S. located in Fulton County, 1 of 16 rural counties in the western part of the state. Our title, Forgottonia, refers to a tongue-in-cheek movement in the 1970s.

  1. 11/26/2025

    Keeping Local News Alive: Interview with Josiah Chatterton of The Forgottonia Times

    "It’s tough to quantify what’s been lost as more small-town newspapers disappear... but we’re trying to bring back stories that matter most to the people who live here.” — Josiah Chatterton, The Forgottonia Times In This Episode In this episode of The Forgottonia Project, we sit down with Josiah Chatterton, founder of The Forgottonia Times; … Continue reading "Keeping Local News Alive: Interview with Josiah Chatterton of The Forgottonia Times"

    27 min

  2. 08/06/2025

    Designing a Better Rural School with Dr. Cory Steiner

    “When we asked the community, they didn’t care if their kids went to Harvard. They cared about the kind of people they were.” -Cory Steiner In This Episode As rural schools prepare to welcome students back this fall, many educators and communities are reflecting on what’s working—and what needs to change. In this episode, we … Continue reading "Designing a Better Rural School with Dr. Cory Steiner"

    30 min

  3. 07/22/2025

    Illinois: A State Apart – Episode #5 – The Republic of Forgottonia (1973)

    “We feel we need all the counties to really lend credence to what we’re trying to say (which is to make and approve a petition to withdraw & form a 51st state)... I feel that Phase Three is about ready to begin, and I can step down as governor of Forgottonia. I think the time … Continue reading "Illinois: A State Apart – Episode #5 – The Republic of Forgottonia (1973)"

    37 min

  4. 07/10/2025

    Childhood on the Farm: Work, Play, and Coming of Age in the Midwest – a Conversation with Author Pamela Riney-Kehrberg

    "For rural children, work was at the top of the triangle, followed by school, and only then came play... Play wasn’t a luxury—it was a survival skill. Children turned goats, chickens, and old carts into their playground." -Pamela Riney-Kehrberg On This Episode Historian Dr. Pamela Riney-Kehrberg joins us to discuss her book Childhood on the … Continue reading "Childhood on the Farm: Work, Play, and Coming of Age in the Midwest – a Conversation with Author Pamela Riney-Kehrberg"

    38 min

  5. 07/03/2025

    Reimagining History Education in Rural America: A Conversation with Rory Dunn and Dr. Ariel Cornett

    "Oftentimes rural places are cast from a deficit perspective, they're portrayed as places where people leave. That can be pretty harmful for students that are growing up in these places. Local history has a real power to draw students in, to help them feel civically engaged and empowered." -Rory Dunn On This Episode Joey Brewer … Continue reading "Reimagining History Education in Rural America: A Conversation with Rory Dunn and Dr. Ariel Cornett"

    36 min

  6. 06/26/2025

    How the World’s Fittest Man Was Forged in Forgottonia: A Conversation with Joe Decker

    “Greatness comes from within. It doesn’t matter if you’re from a town of 100 or 100,000—if you believe in yourself and work your butt off, you can do anything.” Joe Decker On This Episode We talk with Joe Decker, Guinness World Record Holder and “World’s Fittest Man” who is a native of rural Forgottonia (Smithfield, IL). … Continue reading "How the World’s Fittest Man Was Forged in Forgottonia: A Conversation with Joe Decker"

    33 min

  7. 06/05/2025

    Every County in Illinois: One Teacher’s Journey Across the Prairie State

    "Rural towns may be losing population, but there’s a beauty of history there. If you take the time to look, there are hidden gems everywhere." Bob Chikos On this episode Host Joey Brewer visits with Bob Chikos—an educator, map enthusiast, and Teach Plus alum—who recently completed a remarkable personal quest: visiting all 102 counties in … Continue reading "Every County in Illinois: One Teacher’s Journey Across the Prairie State"

    38 min

  8. 05/23/2025

    The Power of Play: How Rural Schools Can Lead the Way in Play-Based Learning, with Lisa Hood and Paul Larson

    "Play activates neural pathways—it helps children develop emotionally, socially, physically, and cognitively. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity." Lisa Hood, Director of Research & Evaluation at Regional Office of Education #17 On this episode Host Joey Brewer chats with Lisa Hood and Paul Larson to explore the impact of play-based learning. The conversation touches … Continue reading "The Power of Play: How Rural Schools Can Lead the Way in Play-Based Learning, with Lisa Hood and Paul Larson"

    38 min
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About

Welcome to Forgottonia, a high school classroom project that seeks to honor our rich history of rural America and examine the social problems we currently face. This project is produced by students and led by History teacher, Joe Brewer, at Cuba H.S. located in Fulton County, 1 of 16 rural counties in the western part of the state. Our title, Forgottonia, refers to a tongue-in-cheek movement in the 1970s.

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