Amplified Oklahoma

Cold weather, football games and pumpkin patches are things to look forward to in October. But most of all, we have Halloween, spooky ghost stories and cemeteries to explore. In this episode of Amplified Oklahoma, we’re delving underground in the Oklahoma towns of Hugo and Okeene. We'll hear oral history interview excerpts from Barbara Miller Byrd featuring a unique resting place for circus workers and Anthony Felder shares a local legend. Later, we'll sit down with Dr. Alyson Greiner from the OSU Department of Geography to learn more about necrogeography. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: https://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-18-cemeteries

Frank "Pistol Pete" Eaton was a true cowboy, the epitome of the Old West with a colorful past. He also happens to be the man Oklahoma State University's mascot is modeled after. This episode of Amplified Oklahoma is all about Pistol Pete and the students who bring the legend to life. From the oral history archives, we'll hear from two former mascots, Bill F. Smith and Phil Glasgow. Later, OSU Pom Coach and Spirit Coordinator Beki Jackson and current mascot Kyle Foreman share more about what it takes to become Pistol Pete. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: https://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-17-pistol-pete

The Oklahoma State University campus during the 1950s was a very different place than it is today. Hideaway was just getting its start, the Edmon Low library was brand new to the campus skyline, and, strangely enough, an alligator lived in Theta Pond. This episode of Amplified Oklahoma is all about Alligator Sam of Theta Pond. We’ll hear three oral history interview excerpts about Sam from Norma Crane, Robin Duncan Robertson, and Richard Dermer. Later, Mike Nelson, Craig Barnes, and Jennifer Sanders from OSU Landscape Services tells us more about the campus landmark. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-16-sam-the-alligator

While Phi Beta Kappa is known as a prestigious academic honor society throughout the United States, it is relatively new to Oklahoma State University. After several attempts, a chapter was finally installed at OSU in 2013. This episode of Amplified Oklahoma features oral history interview excerpts with OSU faculty members Dr. Perry Gethner and Dr. Robert Miller as they describe the trials and tribulations in the process of establishing the Gamma of Oklahoma chapter at Oklahoma State University. Later, we’ll sit down with Dr. Charles Abramson to talk more about OSU’s chapter, as well as the resulting oral history project. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-15-phi-beta-kappa

Women were once heavily outnumbered in the law school classroom. Upon graduation, many faced challenges in securing and maintaining employment. While the legal landscape is much different today, this episode of Amplified Oklahoma looks back on some of the early adversity women faced in the profession. We'll hear oral history interview excerpts from Judge Stephanie Kulp Seymour who serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit along with former Oklahoma County District Court Judge Nancy Coats-Ashley. Author and retired lawyer Patsy Trotter also joins us to talk more about the history of Oklahoma women and the law. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-14-women-in-the-legal-profession

Everybody has their favorite college story to tell at get-togethers and barbeques. Students from Oklahoma State University's Class of 1959 all have one story in common, the tale of Jimbo the bull. In this episode of Amplified Oklahoma, we'll hear two very different memories of Jimbo from the OOHRP’s archives, one from Glenn Taylor and the other from Walter Hackney, two animal husbandry majors. Later, Dr. Mary Larson from the OSU Library talks about the influence of memory and experience on oral history. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-13-a-bull-in-the-elevator

Known to her friends in California as “the Okie Poet,” Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel wrote more than 50 books of poetry and stories. So in honor of National Poetry Month, we’re going to take a look at her life and work in this episode of Amplified Oklahoma. Listeners will hear oral history interview excerpts from Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz and John Cooper, who shared stories from Wilma’s life with OSU's Karen Neurohr. Later, Karen talks about her time working on the project “Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel: Poet and Oklahoma Dust Bowl Emigrant.” This episode also includes excerpts from the documentary "Down an Old Road: The Poetic Life of Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel," courtesy of Chris Simon, Sageland Media. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://www.library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-12-mcdaniel.

Spring is finally here and in full swing at Oklahoma State University. The grey days of winter are behind us and summer is edging closer and closer. To help inspire everyone to get out there and get active, we’ve put together a great episode on health. Listeners will hear oral history interview excerpts from Art Bieri, a long time Stillwater Public Schools educator and benefactor of physical education, and Bianca Boyd, a member of the OSU family who has one of the most inspirational health journeys. Later, OSU’s Chief Wellness Officer Todd Misener tells us how he’s making OSU America’s Healthiest Campus. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-11-health-and-wellness

Nestled in Okfuskee County is Boley, Oklahoma, a quiet town that was once referred to as “the largest and wealthiest exclusive Negro city in the world.” This episode of Amplified Oklahoma features the history of Boley and how the town influenced and affected its residents. We’ll hear oral history interview excerpts from Henrietta Hicks and the late William Hunt. Dr. Lynne Simpson from the Oklahoma State University Library also joins us to discuss the history of Boley and the importance of education within the community. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-10-boley-oklahoma

What does Bugs Bunny, That 70s Show, and a Lucky Strike cigarette commercial have in common? Square dancing. Square dancing was once a major part of rural life, especially in Oklahoma. This month, we’re taking a look at American folk dances. We’ll hear oral history interview excerpts with centenarian Jimmy Ray and former square dance caller Donald Banks. In addition, Dr. Louise Siddons from OSU's Department of Art, Graphic Design, and Art History will join us to talk about contra dancing. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-9-folk-dancing

Classes are out and the holiday spirit is in the air! This month we’re featuring five short oral history excerpts about Christmas during the Great Depression in Oklahoma. In addition, David Peters with the OSU Archives joins us to discuss the history behind the Edmon Low Library's bell tower, known for playing holiday tunes throughout December. So settle down by the fire with a hot cocoa and enjoy some unique Oklahoma holiday stories. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://www.library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-8-oklahoma-holiday-memories

The presidential election has ended, but that doesn’t mean we’re ready to be done with political campaigns here at Amplified Oklahoma. This month is all about political campaigns, election nights, and inaugurations. We’ll feature oral history interview excerpts with former Oklahoma legislators Vicki Miles-LaGrange and the late Hannah Atkins. We’ll also talk with Dr. Jeanette Mendez from Oklahoma State University's Department of Political Science about her research on women in politics. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://www.library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-7-women-in-oklahoma-politics

This month, Amplified Oklahoma brings you Germans in Oklahoma. This episode explores the lives of three generations of German-American women. Listeners will hear oral history interview excerpts from Margaretha Harriman, who was drafted by the Nazis as a teenager, and her niece Margaretha Schwabe, who lived just half a mile from the Berlin Wall. Ilka Heiskell also talks about growing up in Germany two decades after the war. Finally, we’ll sit down with Dr. Richard Rohrs from OSU's Department of History and find out why Oklahoma became a center of German culture in the United States. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://www.library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-6-germans

"From the Belly of Our Being: art by and about Native creation" runs from September 27, 2016 to January 28, 2017 at the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art. The exhibition features beautiful pieces of Native American art made by talented artists from Oklahoma and across the country. In this episode, we’ll listen to oral history interview excerpts with two of the exhibition’s artists, Anita Fields and Shan Goshorn. Listeners will also go behind the scenes of the exhibition with curator Heather Ahtone and learn about the inspiration for “From the Belly of Our Being.” Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-5-art

The first week of classes this semester at Oklahoma State University coincides with National Friendship Week, so what better way to start out the school year than to talk about friendship! In this episode, we’ll hear from two Oklahoman politicians, Lisa Johnson Billy and Anastasia Pittman, and learn how friendship impacted their lives and political campaigns. Also, Dr. Farida Jalalzai from OSU’s Department of Political Science joins us to discuss her research on women in leadership. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-4-friendship

Whether it’s "Hamilton," "Mad Men," or "Saving Private Ryan," everyone loves a little bit of history packed in with their entertainment. In this episode, we’re focusing on how the OSU Library transformed the Oklahoma 100 Year Life Oral History Project into "The Centenarian Play." We’ll hear from OSU student Trey Phipps and talk about his experience portraying centenarian Delmar Hopkins in the performance. Dr. Alex Bishop from OSU’s College of Human Sciences joins us to discuss the use of oral history interviews in his classes. Finally, writer and director Dr. Julie Pearson-Little Thunder from the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program shares her thoughts on creating performances based on oral history interviews. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-3-the-centenarian-play

In this episode, we’re discussing love. June is always a popular wedding month across America, so let’s take a look at some unique Oklahoma love stories. Listeners will hear oral history interview excerpts from Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Vance Trimble and Tulsa Public Schools educator Chloe Brown. We’ll explore some of the neurobiology of mammalian monogamy and parental bonding in prairie voles with Cornell University’s Dr. Alex Ophir. Listeners will also enjoy love in the OSU Library with a special engagement story featuring OSU alums Anna McDougal and Matthew DeKoning. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-2-love

In this episode, we’re talking tornadoes. May is typically an active weather month in Oklahoma. Devastating storms such as the May 3, 1999 and May 20, 2013 tornadoes will be explored through oral history interview excerpts with Gayland Kitch, Moore, Oklahoma’s Director of Emergency Management and Gary England, longtime Oklahoma City meteorologist. Listeners will also hear from Dr. Alex Greer with OSU’s Political Science Department about his experiences conducting quick response fieldwork after the May 20th storm. Also, Dr. Tanya Finchum will join us to talk about the Oklahoma Mesonet Oral History Project. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://www.library.okstate.edu/podcast/episode-1-tornadoes-in-oklahoma

In this episode, we introduce you to the OSU Library’s latest podcast, Amplified Oklahoma. Every month, Amplified Oklahoma will share voices from the OSU Library’s oral history collections, and visit with experts, students, our interviewing team, and others as we examine a variety of topics related to Oklahoma history and culture. In this episode, listeners will learn more about the Library’s background in developing audio programs and explore what goes into a good name. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://www.library.okstate.edu/podcast/episode-0-introducing-amplified-oklahoma