Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage

Alabama Heritage
  • 4.8 (13)
  • History

Welcome to Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage, an award-winning weekly podcast where our hosts will share the most fascinating stories in Alabama's historical community over a hot (or cold) beverage of your choosing.

  1. 5d ago

    Preserving Alabama's Stories: Veronica Henderson, Black Archives, and Hidden Histories

    In this episode of Coffee & History, hosts Rebecca Todd Minder and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie travel to Huntsville to speak with Veronica Henderson, director of the State Black Archives Research Center and Museum at Alabama A&M University. As an archivist, educator, and public historian, Henderson is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of African Americans who helped shape Alabama and the nation.    From the civil rights movement and local Huntsville history to Buffalo Soldiers, Alabama A&M University, and the power of family storytelling, Henderson discusses how archives connect communities to their past and ensure that important stories are not forgotten. The conversation explores the role of HBCU archives, the importance of oral histories, and how local stories often reveal a deeper connection to major events in American history.

  2. Sep 22

    Genomics, Peanuts & the Future of Alabama: A Conversation with Dr. Neil Lamb

    In this episode of Coffee & History, hosts Rebecca Todd Minder and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie head to Huntsville to sit down with Dr. Neil Lamb, president of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Known for making the world of genetics accessible to everyone, Dr. Lamb explains how HudsonAlpha uses genomics to solve real‑world problems—from rare disease research to agricultural innovation across Alabama.   The conversation explores HudsonAlpha's groundbreaking Wiregrass Initiative in Dothan, where high school students extract DNA from peanut plants and help develop new varieties tailored to local farmers. Dr. Lamb also discusses statewide STEM education, the legacy of George Washington Carver, and how biotechnology is reshaping Alabama's economy. The episode closes with a powerful look at HudsonAlpha's Alzheimer's research, including emerging biomarkers, lifestyle interventions, and the hope offered by new scientific breakthroughs.   Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

  3. Sep 15

    Mind the Gap: Kristin Scroggin on Generations, Communication, and the Modern Workplace

    In this episode of Coffee & History, hosts Rebecca Todd Minder and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie sit down with Kristin Scroggin, founder of GenWHY Communications and a nationally recognized expert on generational communication. A Northport native and former communications lecturer, Kristin has spent more than two decades helping organizations understand how different generations think, communicate, and work together.    From Baby Boomers and Gen X to Millennials and Gen Z, Kristin explains how historical events, cultural shifts, technology, and workplace expectations have shaped each generation's perspective. The conversation explores everything from remote work and social media to parenting, leadership, and the future of the workplace. Filled with humor, insight, and plenty of relatable moments, this episode offers a fascinating look at why we sometimes struggle to understand one another and how we can build stronger connections across generations.    Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

  4. Sep 8

    Digging Into Alabama: Archaeology, Podcasts, and the Past with Daniel Rhodes

    In this episode of Coffee & History, hosts Rebecca Todd Minder and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie take the podcast on the road to Huntsville for a conversation with archaeologist, podcaster, and public historian Daniel Rhodes. As host of Archaeology After Dark, president of the Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society, and a leader within the Alabama Archaeological Society, Daniel is dedicated to making archaeology accessible, engaging, and fun for audiences of all ages.    From Alabama's colonial past and public archaeology projects to podcasting, ancient artifacts, and the surprising ways archaeology connects people to their own identities, Daniel shares the stories and experiences that have shaped his career. Along the way, the conversation explores archaeological discoveries, museum education, the challenges of preserving history, and why understanding the past continues to matter in the Rocket City and beyond.

  5. Sep 1

    Preserving Huntsville: Donna Castellano on Memory, Community & Connection

    In this on‑the‑road episode of Coffee & History, hosts Rebecca Todd Minder and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie take listeners along for a scenic drive through North Alabama before settling in Huntsville to chat with Donna Castellano, executive director of the Historic Huntsville Foundation. Donna shares insights from her decades of work preserving Huntsville's historic resources, from the legacy of Harrison Brothers Hardware to the powerful story of Black builder Daniel Brandon, whose craftsmanship shaped the city's downtown.   The conversation explores Huntsville's women's history walking tours, Reconstruction‑era storytelling, and the importance of elevating lived experiences through community‑centered interpretation. Donna also reflects on the discovery of Brandon family records, the role of inclusive preservation, and how Huntsville's past—from early political cooperation to modern cultural investment—continues to influence its rapid growth today. It's a thoughtful, moving discussion about memory, identity, and the people who built Alabama's history.   Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

  6. Aug 25

    SUMMER RE-RELEASE: Katharine Armbrester Talks Southern Stories & Strong Women

    In this week's summer series, we bring back one of our top episodes of 2026. Since 2022, Katharine Armbrester has been a  a contributing writer and editor for Alabama Heritage magazine, sharing her passion for literary history. From uncovering the life of writer Sara Haardt to spotlighting artists through the Alabama Makers department, Katharine shares how her love of literary history, folk art, and hidden Southern creatives has guided her work. Listeners will hear about her research adventures, her deep ties to Alabama's artistic communities, her involvement with the Jane Austen Society of Alabama, and her growing passion for exploring neurodivergence in the lives of artists. This is an episode you won't want to miss. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

  7. Aug 18

    SUMMER RE-RELEASE: Fossils, Moundville, Museums and More with Dr. Bill Bomar

    This week on Coffee & History, we revisit one of our favorite conversations of the year. Dr. Bill Bomar, executive director of UA Museums, sat down with Susan and Caroline to discuss all things interesting! From fossils and dinosaurs, to museum fun facts and meteorites, this episode highlights the ways UA Museums provide to connect with natural Alabama.

  8. Aug 11

    SUMMER RE-RELEASE: A Life in Letters, History with Jennifer Horne

    Seems like it was just yesterday that we launched our 50th episode, but we wanted to revisit Jennifer Horne this summer.   In our 50th episode of Coffee & History, Rebecca Todd Minder, Susan Reynolds, and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie welcomed former Alabama Poet Laureate and former Alabama Heritage editorial assistant Jennifer Horne for a lively, wide‑ranging conversation about writing, archives, ghosts, creativity, and the unexpected paths that shape a literary life. From her years researching the enigmatic Sara Mayfield to her work co‑editing landmark anthologies on Southern women and spirituality, Horne shares stories that blend history, art, and personal discovery. The hosts also dive into haunted University of Alabama campus buildings, the magic of the W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, the power of poetry during the pandemic, and the joys of life on an Alabama lake. Warm, funny, and full of literary insight, this episode celebrates the many ways art connects and sustains us. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

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4.8
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Welcome to Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage, an award-winning weekly podcast where our hosts will share the most fascinating stories in Alabama's historical community over a hot (or cold) beverage of your choosing.

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