American Miles: A Roadtrip Podcast

Josh Colvin
  • 4.6 (103)
  • SOCIEDAD Y CULTURA
  • CADA DOS SEMANAS

Interviews, nostalgia, music, small-town talk and roadside attractions. Join me for a trip through the heart of America.

  1. 28 ABR

    Basketball, Poverty, and Fame: Sherman Alexie Interview

    In this episode, host Josh Colvin interviews writer Sherman Alexie, exploring his writing, upbringing, and the cultural significance of basketball in Native American life. They discuss poverty, college, nostalgia, and fame. Also in this episode, Josh calls Trucker Andy to ask about his love of the open road, and then Josh reads his story "The Right Kind of Dog." Later in the show Sherman reads his essay "Blue Light Special." Finally the show closes with a great song, "Snowed In" by the Droptines. 02:30 —Trucker Andy 05:40— Storytelling: The Right Kind of Dog 10:50 —Song: "Soon" by Big Hands Colvin 13:00 —Sherman Alexie Interview 15:00 —Sick Dog Story from Book 23:00 —Leaving the Reservation School 25:40 —Poverty 27:55 —Words and Violence 29:30 —Basketball 42:00 —College These Days 50:00 —Fame 54:00 —His Favorite Towns and Most Memorable Road Trip 58:30 —"Blue Light Special" by Sherman Alexie 1:02:50 —"Snowed In" by The Droptines • Sherman Alexie: https://shermanalexie.substack.com/ • The Droptines: https://www.thedroptines.com/

    1 h 7 min

  2. 9 ABR

    Payphone Diary

    In this episode, host Josh Colvin explores the nostalgic world of payphones, sharing personal stories, calling strangers across the country, and reflecting on the cultural significance and decline of payphones in America. The episode also features interviews with phone prankster Brad Carter, a call to Texas cowboy hat expert, an essay called "I Made My Mom a Clay Ashtry in School" by Todd Kashdan, and a musical performance by Rambler Kane. 02:17 Trucker Andy: 1980s Billboard Felines 06:27 Storytelling: Moving Furniture and Other Crimes 13:50 Payphone Diary: Calling Strangers Across America 20:17 Interview with Brad Carter: Phone Pranks and Red Boxing 30:23 Todd Kashdan "I Made My Mom a Clay Ashtray in School" 37:48 Visit to McKinney, Texas: Cowboy Hats and Local Culture 42:30 Musical Performance by Rambler Kane: Gone Brad Carter's Snowplow Show Todd Kashdan's Provoked Substack Rambler Kane's Music McKinney Hat Company

    48 min

  3. 8 MAR

    Familiar Voice: Tom Bodett Interview

    In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin sits down with author, storyteller, and longtime public radio voice Tom Bodett. Known for the iconic Motel 6 tagline “We’ll leave the light on for you,” Bodett reflects on authenticity in storytelling, the surprising journey that led him into radio, and why voices that feel familiar often resonate the deepest. The conversation also explores Bodett’s lifelong appreciation for working with his hands and the cultural importance of craftsmanship and practical skills. Earlier in the show, Josh makes a call to Trucker Andy out on the road to talk about more truck-driving slang. Josh also reads a story of his own about growing up in a house full of juvenile delinquents. Later Tom Bodett returns to read his wonderful essay “Moose Hunting” Finally, the show closes with a brilliant song from The Milk Carton Kids. 02:00—Trucker Andy Call 09:14 — Tom Bodett on the Power of Voice and Connection27:54 — Optimism and Trust in Human Nature37:27 — Getting Started: The Philosophy of Moving Slowly39:21 — The Deep Roots of Making and Human Nature41:48 — The Importance of Storytelling and Human Connection44:42 — Favorite Songs and Small-Town Life47:45 — "Moose Hunting" by Tom Bodett52:31 — "A Friend Like a You" by  The Milk Carton Kids Moose Hunting by Tom BodettTom Bodett's WebsiteHatchSpaceThe Milk Carton Kids

    1 h

  4. 26 FEB

    Voices in the Static

    In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin makes a small-town call to the mining town of Goldfield, Nevada and their local radio station KGFN's Program Director, Carl Brownfield. They talk about running an independent radio station, the three things that can get you kicked off the station, and what it means to be the Voice of the Old West. Also, Josh and Trucker Andy talk about Andy's recent "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" trip home and about other favorite 80s movies. Writer Marc Friedman reads his essay "Feb 3 The Night The Music Died." Finally we hear the Daniel Rodriguez song, "Colorado." 00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest 04:44 Trucker Andy on 80s movies of youth 07:14 Storytelling: Tribute to Sports Radio 11:48 Song "Dead Soldiers" by Big Hands Colvin 12:26 The local and global reach of Goldfield's KGFN radio 16:52 The history and significance of Goldfield Nevada 25:52 The station's eclectic programming and community role 32:34 The history of Goldfield and its mines 36:53 Ghost stories, legends, and local lore 43:52 "Feb 3, The Night the Music Died" by Marc Friedman 48:13 Song "Colorado" by Daniel Rodriguez resources KGFN Radio Station - https://kgfn.org Buddy Holly - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Holly Radio Garden - https://radio.garden Daniel Rodriguez Music - https://drodriguezmusic.com Mark Friedman Substack—https://marcfriedmanesq.substack.com/

    59 min

  5. 8 ENE

    Americans at the Edges: Ted Conover Interview

    In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin engages in a conversation with immersive journalist Ted Conover, exploring themes of freedom, community, and the human experience. Conover shares his unique approach to journalism, which involves living the stories he tells, whether it's working as a prison guard, hopping freight trains, or living off-grid in Colorado. The discussion delves into the realities of prison life, the romanticized notion of hobo culture, and the challenges and rewards of off-grid living. Josh and Trucker Andy talk about Michigan culture and writer Tony Woodlief reads his essay Home From the Outside. Finally the show closes with a cool song from Clay Street Unit. https://tedconover.com/ https://tonywoodlief.com/ https://www.claystreetunit.com/ 02:45 Trucker Andy 09:15 Storytelling: What Will They Remember 15:00 Song: "Daddy Can We Stay" by Big Hands Colvin 19:30 Ted Conover Interview 1:00:10 Home From the Outside by Tony Woodlief 1:05:37 Song "Rollin'" by Clay Street Unit

    1 h 11 min

  6. 29/10/2025

    The Ghost Town That Never Died: Masha Hamilton in Bisbee

    In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin welcomes back writer Masha Hamilton who takes listeners on a journey through Bisbee, Arizona, exploring its haunted history and ghost stories. Josh and Trucker Andy discuss favorite scary movies, and there's a great essay from Chad Schomber about growing up in a different time. Finally the show ends with a song from the fantastic Austin-based band Briscoe. Masha Hamilton: www.mashahamilton.com Chad Schomber: substack.com/@1001paperclips Briscoe: www.briscoetheband.com Chapters 02:00 Trucker Andy 08:13 Storytelling: Illegal Rafting Trip 12:15 Song: "Walking Willie" by Big Hands Colvin 15:38 Exploring Bisbee's Haunted History 37:40 Veteran of Growing Up by Chad Schomber 44:42 Song "Hooped Earrings" by Briscoe

    49 min

  7. 04/10/2025

    Lowriders: Joan & Arthur LowLow Medina Interview

    In this episode of American Miles, host Josh Colvin explores the vibrant lowrider culture through the stories of Lolo and Joan Medina, who share their journey into lowriding, the artistry involved, and the community's commitment to giving back. The conversation delves into the significance of music, style, and the personal connections that define the lowrider lifestyle, while also reflecting on broader themes of Americana and community spirit. This episode also features the essay Instant Nostalgia by writer and photographer Justin Allen and the show ends with the song American Made by Blue Water Highway. 02:25 Trucker Andy 07:37 Storytelling: Songs of My Youth 12:40 Exploring Lowrider Culture with Arthur & Joanne Medina 30:14 The Intersection of Lowriders and Hot Rods 31:38 Family Legacy in Lowriding 32:35 Inclusivity in Lowrider Culture 33:31 Empowering Women in Lowriding 34:51 Community Outreach and Support 38:58 Cultural Hub of Espanola / Chimayo NM 40:19 Connecting Through Art and History 46:41 Dream Cars and Road Trips 49:30 Instant Nostalgia by Justin Allen 57:00 American Made by Blue Water Highway

    1 h 3 min

  8. 31/08/2025

    UFOs: Martin Willis Interview

    In this episode of American Miles host Josh Colvin talks with Podcast UFO host Martin Willis. They discuss the latest UFO revelations, skepticism, and Martin's own incredible encounter. There's also an excerpt from YouTube of Colonel Karl Nell speaking at the Salt Conference. This episode also features the author Zachary Michael Jack reading from his essay "The Long Lonely Drive" adapted from his book The Haunt of Home: A Journey through America's Heartland. The show closes with a song by Tim Jones and Truth & Salvage Co. 2:50 Trucker Andy 10:01 Storytelling: The Art of Ditch 17:58 Interview with Martin Willis on UFOs 33:51 The Intersection of Religion and UFOs 37:39 Credible Witnesses and Personal Experiences 40:05 The Roswell Incident and Government Disinformation 43:42 Technological Advancements and UFOs 46:26 Personal Reflections and Life Lessons 49:50 The Long Lonely Drive by Zachary Michael Jack 01:00:27 "24 Hours" by Truth & Salvage Co.

    1 h 8 min
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Interviews, nostalgia, music, small-town talk and roadside attractions. Join me for a trip through the heart of America.

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