Middle America

Wendell Bauer/Jared Grabb
  • 4.9 (42)
  • HISTORY
  • MONTHLY SERIES

“Middle America” is a podcast and radio show using history, storytelling, and music to discuss the world that surrounds us. Narrated by the fictional protagonist Wendell Bauer, episodes give both true history of the Central Illinois area and fictional memoir of a resident. Locally created music complements the stories to provide further emotional impact and insight.Topics discussed by “Middle America” thus far have included Illinois abolitionists, the French origins of the Midwest, philanthropist Lydia Moss Bradley, Chicago’s earliest settlers, Prohibition-era gangsters, and comedian Richard Pryor, among others. Along the way there are outlaws, adventure, murder, mutiny, loss, charity, love, and finally progress. www.patreon.com/midamericapod www.facebook.com/midamericapod www.instagram.com/midamericapod www.twitter.com/midamericapod midamericapod.bandcamp.com middleamericapod@gmail.com

  1. Middle America - Fort Crevecoeur and Where I Began

    EPISODE 1

    Middle America - Fort Crevecoeur and Where I Began

    1. This first full episode of "Middle America" on January 15, 2019 marks the 339th anniversary of Fort Crevecoeur, one of the earliest European settlements in the American Midwest. Elements of this story set in a seemingly inconsequential small town in a fly-over state found its way into both Leonardo DiCaprio's "The Revenant" and Christian Bale's "Hostiles." "Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.   Music in this episode: Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Version)”  Jared Grabb “That Ring (Instrumental Version)” Scouts Honor “I Lost Myself Even Before I Lost My Love” Jared Grabb “Untitled (Open Tuning Finger Chords 2017)” Jared Grabb “Two Paths” Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music” Jared Grabb “Untitled (Drop D Melodic 2017)” Scouts Honor “Highway Son” Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Instrumental Version)” All music is written by and copyrighted by Jared Grabb, except "Prison Bars" and "Highway Son" which are written by Jared Grabb and Thomas J. Satterfield, and "I Lost Myself Even Before I Lost My Love" which is written by Jared Grabb, Kent Wagenschutz, and Bob O'Neil. All music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP). www.patreon.com/midamericapod www.facebook.com/midamericapod www.instagram.com/midamericapod www.twitter.com/midamericapod midamericapod.bandcamp.com middleamericapod@gmail.com Support the show

    24 min
  2. Larger Love - Mary Brown Davis and Devotion

    EPISODE 2

    Larger Love - Mary Brown Davis and Devotion

    2. This episode starts to look at historic race and gender relations in Central Illinois through the life and work of the abolitionist Mary Brown Davis. Nat Turner's slave rebellion is discussed to give context (for more consider viewing the 2016 version of "The Birth of a Nation"). The narrator then discusses the idea of what it takes to give of yourself for another or to all. "Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.   Music in this episode: Planes Mistaken for Stars “To All Mothers”  Angry Gods “Pressure Contained” Scouts Honor “Other Side of Town” Jared Grabb “Untitled (Lay Down Your Arms)” Jared Grabb “Untitled (Western and Thirds)” Jared Grabb "I Am The Dust (Middle America Version)" Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music” Jared Grabb “Goddamn Blessed Man” Jared Grabb “Untitled (Montrose Ramp)” Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Instrumental Version)” All music besides "To All Mothers" and "Pressure Contained" is written by and copyrighted by Jared Grabb, except "Prison Bars" which is written by Jared Grabb and Thomas J. Satterfield, and "I Am The Dust" which is written by Jared Grabb, Thomas J. Satterfield, and Chris Mackey. All of Jared Grabb's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP). Review assistance by Becca Taylor, Grant Reynolds, and Ezra C. Daniels. www.patreon.com/midamericapod www.facebook.com/midamericapod www.instagram.com/midamericapod www.twitter.com/midamericapod midamericapod.bandcamp.com middleamericapod@gmail.com Support the show

    26 min
  3. Underworld – Bernie Shelton and Loss of Innocence

    EPISODE 3

    Underworld – Bernie Shelton and Loss of Innocence

    3. The Shelton Brothers' Gang is introduced, with a focus on the youngest brother and muscle of the gang, Bernie Shelton. The narrator discusses the differences between fantasy and reality. "Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.   Music in this episode: Jared Grabb “Best” Jared Grabb “Untitled (Doctor’s Office)” Fancy Hawk “Looks Fancy”  Jared Grabb “Half-Empty Cup (Instrumental)” Scouts Honor “Like Death, I Will Come For You” Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music” Angry Gods “Slow Burn” Scouts Honor “True Blue” Jared Grabb “Thank the Day” Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Version)” All music besides "Looks Fancy"  and "Slow Burn" is written by and copyrighted by Jared Grabb, except "Prison Bars" which is written by Jared Grabb and Thomas J. Satterfield, and "Like Death, I Will Come For You" which is written by Jared Grabb, Thomas J. Satterfield, and Chris Mackey. All of Jared Grabb's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP). Editing assistance by Becca Taylor. www.patreon.com/midamericapod www.facebook.com/midamericapod www.instagram.com/midamericapod www.twitter.com/midamericapod midamericapod.bandcamp.com middleamericapod@gmail.com Support the show

    26 min
  4. Versions – Simon Trefzger Jr. and Rising Sons

    EPISODE 4

    Versions – Simon Trefzger Jr. and Rising Sons

    4. Simon Trefzger, Jr.'s journey to America is recalled along with the early happenings at Peoria's Trefzger's Bakery. The narrator discusses the journey a son makes in outgrowing his father's shadow. "Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.   Music in this episode: Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Version)” Jared Grabb “Roots In Gasoline (Middle America Version)” Jared Grabb “Untitled (Drop D Melodic 2017)”  Denim Dragon “Father Soil” Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music” Jared Grabb “Two Paths (Instrumental)” Jared Grabb “The Potter’s Son (Acoustic Demo)” Jared Grabb “Untitled (Open Tuning Lullaby Background)” Jared Grabb “Movies With No Camera” All music besides "Father Soil" is written by and copyrighted by Jared Grabb, except "Prison Bars" which is written by Jared Grabb and Thomas J. Satterfield, and "The Potter's Son" which is written by Jared Grabb, Thomas J. Satterfield, Chris Anderson, and Brett Conlin. All of Jared Grabb's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP). Editing assistance by Becca Taylor. www.patreon.com/midamericapod www.facebook.com/midamericapod www.instagram.com/midamericapod www.twitter.com/midamericapod midamericapod.bandcamp.com middleamericapod@gmail.com Support the show

    32 min
  5. Names – Le Rocher Saint-Louis and Shadows Cast

    EPISODE 5

    Names – Le Rocher Saint-Louis and Shadows Cast

    5. The narrator, Wendell Bauer, continues the story of the early French in Illinois, picking up from episode 1. He also discusses how the names we give to people and things affect what they are. "Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.   Music in this episode: Jared Grabb “Through the Dark” Jared Grabb “Bronzeville Gate (Instrumental Version)” Scouts Honor “Devil Between (Instrumental Version)” Scouts Honor “Soul Man” Terribly Happy “Special Skeletons” Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music” Jared Grabb “Electricity and the Way of Things” Jared Grabb “Path for Walking” Jared Grabb “Untitled (Beasty Boyz Snare)” Scouts Honor “Lovable Mama” Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Version)”  All music besides "Special Skeletons" is written by and copyrighted by Jared Grabb, except "Through the Dark" which is written by Jared Grabb, Thomas J. Satterfield, Chris Anderson, and Brett Conlin, "Devil Between," "Lovable Mama," and "Prison Bars" which are written by Jared Grabb and Thomas J. Satterfield, and "Soul Man" which is written by Jared Grabb, Thomas J. Satterfield, and Chris Mackey. All of Jared Grabb's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP). Editing assistance by Becca Taylor. patreon.com/midamericapod facebook.com/midamericapod instagram.com/midamericapod twitter.com/midamericapod midamericapod.bandcamp.com middleamericapod@gmail.com Support the show

    26 min
  6. Monuments - Lydia Moss Bradley and What We Make of Loss

    EPISODE 6

    Monuments - Lydia Moss Bradley and What We Make of Loss

    6. Wendell tells the story of how Lydia Moss Bradley built monuments to her lost loved ones, providing Peoria with a park system, a university, a hospital, and more. Wendell also builds a monument of his own for a lost fellow musician. "Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun. Music in this episode: Brett Conlin “Good Old Days” Jared Grabb “Untitled (Sludge Folk 2017)” Scouts Honor “Ballad of the Blind Man” Jared Grabb “Untitled (Drop D Melodic 2017)” Scouts Honor “True Blue” Scouts Honor “I Lost Myself Even Before I Lost My Love” Scouts Honor “Call and Response” Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music” Jared Grabb “Patch of Green” Jared Grabb “I Will Always Sing For You (Middle America Version)” Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Instrumental Version)” All music besides "Good Old Days" is written by and copyrighted by Jared Grabb, except "Ballad of the Blind Man," "True Blue," "Call and Response," and "Prison Bars" which are written by Jared Grabb and Thomas J. Satterfield and "I Lost Myself Even Before I Lost My Love" which is written by Kent Daniel Wagenschutz and Jared Grabb. All of Jared Grabb's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP). Editing assistance by Becca Taylor. patreon.com/midamericapod facebook.com/midamericapod instagram.com/midamericapod twitter.com/midamericapod midamericapod.bandcamp.com middleamericapod@gmail.com Support the show

    29 min
  7. Leap – Richard Pryor and the Power of Belief

    EPISODE 7

    Leap – Richard Pryor and the Power of Belief

    7. Wendell tells the story of Richard Pryor's comedic coming-of-age in Peoria and his leap of faith in heading to NYC. Wendell also discusses his early attempts to tour full time with his college band. "Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun. Music in this episode: Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle America Version)” Jared Grabb “Down by the Riverside” (traditional) Tina Sparkle “Through Your Unkissed Hazel Eyes” Tina Sparkle “Reprise (Through Your Unkissed Hazel Eyes – Instrumental Version)” John Bellows “Happy Talk” (from South Pacific) Tina Sparkle “Oh Redheads” Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music” Scouts Honor “I Am the Dust” Tina Sparkle “Protecting What Matters (Instrumental Version)" Jared Grabb “Whitewashing (Middle America Version)” The featured music for this episode was South Pacific’s “Happy Talk” performed by John Bellows and “Oh Redheads” by Tina Sparkle. Everything else was created by Jared Grabb along with Chris Mackey in an appearance on bass guitar and Thomas Satterfield in an appearance on drums except for the instrumental versions of “Through Your Unkissed Hazel Eyes,” “Reprise,” and “Protecting What Matters,” which are all by Tina Sparkle. “Down by the Riverside” is an unattributed traditional spiritual.  All of Jared Grabb's and Scouts Honor's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP).  All of Tina Sparkle's music is published by Sleeze For Sad Sacks (ASCAP). Editing assistance was provided by Becca Taylor. patreon.com/midamericapod facebook.com/midamericapod instagram.com/midamericapod twitter.com/midamericapod midamericapod.bandcamp.com middleamericapod@gmail.com  Support the show

    29 min
  8. Sermon – Robert Ingersoll and Good, Free Days

    EPISODE 8

    Sermon – Robert Ingersoll and Good, Free Days

    8. Wendell discusses winter holidays as humanist and atheist while reading pieces by famous 19th century orator Robert Ingersoll. "Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun. Music in this episode: Jared Grabb “Christmas Bars (‘Prison Bars’ Xmas Version)” Jared Grabb “Untitled (Folk Song Starts 1)” Jared Grabb “The Straying Atheist (Middle America Version)” Jared Grabb “You Are Home” Sadface Killer “’03 Hoopin” Jared Grabb “Middle America Ad Music” Jared Grabb “Christmas Bars (‘Prison Bars’ Instrumental Xmas Version)” The featured music for this episode was “’03 Hoopin” by Sadface Killer. Everything else was created by Jared Grabb. All of Jared Grabb's and Scouts Honor's music is published by Roots In Gasoline (ASCAP).  Editing assistance was provided by Becca Taylor. patreon.com/midamericapod facebook.com/midamericapod instagram.com/midamericapod twitter.com/midamericapod midamericapod.bandcamp.com middleamericapod@gmail.com Support the show

    23 min
See All Season 1 (15)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

“Middle America” is a podcast and radio show using history, storytelling, and music to discuss the world that surrounds us. Narrated by the fictional protagonist Wendell Bauer, episodes give both true history of the Central Illinois area and fictional memoir of a resident. Locally created music complements the stories to provide further emotional impact and insight.Topics discussed by “Middle America” thus far have included Illinois abolitionists, the French origins of the Midwest, philanthropist Lydia Moss Bradley, Chicago’s earliest settlers, Prohibition-era gangsters, and comedian Richard Pryor, among others. Along the way there are outlaws, adventure, murder, mutiny, loss, charity, love, and finally progress. www.patreon.com/midamericapod www.facebook.com/midamericapod www.instagram.com/midamericapod www.twitter.com/midamericapod midamericapod.bandcamp.com middleamericapod@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Wendell Bauer/Jared Grabb
  • Episodes
    15
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Jared Grabb
  • Show Website
    Middle America