Viva America

Viva America
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  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Travel | True Crime | History Hi! I'm Marilyn. After traveling with my family to all 50 states, I am fascinated by the stories this country has to tell. The good ones and the bad ones. The Viva America podcast won’t just share the morbid, terrifying and haunting stories of this nation, but the inspirational, wholesome and inspiring stories as well. Balance is good. Join my son, Cameron, and I as we reflect on the places that we have visited and share stories that fascinate us. Or horrify us. Or inspire us. Or fill us with despair. Or make us want to head out on another adventure.

  1. 04/18/2022

    E17: The uniquely pristine beauty of Indiana Dunes National Park | The nightmare of a child being swallowed by the sand on the shores of Lake Michigan

    One of the country’s newest national parks on the coast of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park is a great spot for families to enjoy some time together.  For one family, back in 2013, they could have never imagined the nightmare their family would endure.  Join us as we tell the fairly recent story of a boy that was swallowed into the dune and some of the lessons scientists have learned since. The organization we are highlighting this episode is: Save the Dunes - Established in 1952, the mission of Save the Dunes is to protect and advocate for the Indiana dunes, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding natural areas for the betterment of the environment and the people who live, work, and recreate in Northwest Indiana. Organization Website:  https://savedunes.org/ BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica Our sources for this episode are: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/mystery-why-dangerous-sand-dune-swallowed-boy-180953404/ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/indiana-sand-dune-trapped-boy-remains-closed-3-years/ https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-miracle-mount-baldy-met-20140914-story.html https://www.nps.gov/indu/learn/news/newsreleases.htm https://historydaily.org/sand-dune-swallows-child-freakish-phenomenon-nearly-claims-boys-life https://www.kokomotribune.com/news/nation_an_world_news/all-involved-agree-sand-dune-rescue-a-miracle/article_4d8b207c-ed73-50b0-b572-f2b58ab6735e.html

    51 min

  2. 04/04/2022

    E16: The San Juan Islands of Washington State | and how their existence as part of the US is related to a murdered pig and a German Kaiser

    The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful parts of our country.  But many who travel there, don't venture farther north than Seattle.  But the San Juan Islands are not to be missed.  Join us this week as Cameron shares the story how their existence as part of the US is related to a murdered pig and a German Kaiser.  We also sneak in a few stories about the Manassas Castle - considered one of the most haunted places on the West Coast.  Enjoy!

    55 min

  3. 03/21/2022

    E15: A haunting journey on the Natchez Trace in Mississippi | When they say that it’s like driving through 10,000 years of history, they aren’t kidding.

    There’s something for everyone in today’s episode.  If you plan to check Mississippi off of your travel list, this episode has some awesome ideas for you.  We visit the Natchez Trace itself, a 444 mile scenic drive that almost no one knows about - Rocky Springs - a ghost town that you can visit to this day, Windsor Mansion - today known as Windsor Ruins (for a reason) and the very mysterious place known as Witches Dance. The organization we are highlighting this episode is: Fuller Center Bike Adventure - building a better world one house at a time.  They host a bike race where participants bike all 444 miles of the Natchez Trace! Organization Website: https://www.fullercenterbikeadventure.org/natchez/ BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica Our sources for this episode are: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natchez_Trace https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-windsorruins/ https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-witchdance/

    52 min

  4. 03/08/2022

    E14: The secrets of the Bermuda Triangle | It's legendary for a reason.

    We have probably all heard of the Bermuda Triangle, but join us this episode to explore what makes it legendary. From its sheer size and scope to all the things that make it unimaginably unique.  The triangle is the final resting place to many.

    1h 4m

  5. 02/21/2022

    E13: A cold case murder steps from Acadia National Park | And the unforgettable dog with the red bandana.

    This murder actually takes places JUST beyond the boundaries of the Acadia National Park.  Leslie Spellman had never hiked alone.  What a cruel twist of fate that she would be dead within 24 hours of doing so for the first time.  Though her dog with the red bandana makes it out alive, to this day Leslie’s murder remains a mystery. The organization we are highlighting this episode is: Friends of Acadia preserves, protects, and promotes stewardship of the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and distinctive cultural resources of Acadia National Park and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of current and future generations. Organization Website: https://friendsofacadia.org/ BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica Our sources for this episode are: Death in Acadia: And Other Misadventures in Maine's National Park By Randi Minetor https://www.darkdowneast.com/episodes/lesliespellman https://www.foxbangor.com/news/item/48570-asticou-azalea-garden-1977-murder-still-unsolved/ https://books.google.com/books?id=FjaPDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA107&lpg=PA107&dq=leslie+spellman+red+bandana&source=bl&ots=HT9rdOGg_5&sig=ACfU3U3kMleIDguWigkgBtH2Wcl89KRx4A&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiZ_tvNnoX2AhVLSTABHTquALMQ6AF6BAgYEAM#v=onepage&q=leslie%20spellman%20red%20bandana&f=false https://murderpedia.org/male.H/h/hicks-james.htm

    49 min

  6. 02/07/2022

    E12: Meet the rest of the family! | On our first Family Reunion episode we revisit our previous stories to get some perspective from the rest of the family.

    We decided to invite Adam and Lexie onto the podcast today to give their perspective about the stories we have shared and the trips we have been on.  Get to know our family a little better with today's episode.  Enjoy!

    47 min

  7. 01/31/2022

    E11: When tragedy and beauty intersect | The Grand Canyon mid-air collision that you’ve never heard of.

    The Grand Canyon is one of our country’s most popular National Parks and even one of the 7 natural wonders of the WORLD.  When I heard about the mid-air collision of 2 passenger planes in 1956 I was shocked that I had never heard of it.  This episode dives in to the tragedy thanks to Mike Nelson, one of the family members of an unfortunate soul aboard one of the planes that day. The organization we are highlighting this episode is: Organization description:  Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park and has been supporting the Grand Canyon for over 90 years. Their vision consists of 3 main points. They want to see: A precious natural and cultural resource that is forever safeguarded. Indigenous people and connected communities who are thriving. Memorable experiences that welcome, ground, invigorate, and inspire. Organization Website: https://www.grandcanyon.org/ BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica Our sources for this episode are: https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm The book - “We are going in” by Mike Nelson - more info here: ​​https://wearegoingin.com/

    1h 3m

  8. 01/24/2022

    E10: It seems like the last thing the City Museum should be called is a museum | The fascinating history behind the creation of the City Museum and the mysterious death of its creator.

    The City Museum in St. Louise, Missouri is a playground for all ages.  Today we share the result of Bob Cassily's eccentric vision as well as his mysterious death.  Thanks for joining us on this adventure.   Sources for this episode are: https://www.citymuseum.org/about-us/history/ https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/city-museum-founders-widow-believes-her-husbands-death-in-2011-was-murder/article_08e16daf-b457-507d-9a38-9a7bccbad21c.html

    1h 4m
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About

Travel | True Crime | History Hi! I'm Marilyn. After traveling with my family to all 50 states, I am fascinated by the stories this country has to tell. The good ones and the bad ones. The Viva America podcast won’t just share the morbid, terrifying and haunting stories of this nation, but the inspirational, wholesome and inspiring stories as well. Balance is good. Join my son, Cameron, and I as we reflect on the places that we have visited and share stories that fascinate us. Or horrify us. Or inspire us. Or fill us with despair. Or make us want to head out on another adventure.

Information

  • Creator
    Viva America
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2022
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Viva America
  • Show Website
    Viva America