Public Radio Hour Podcast

Public Radio Hour 'A Sundial Christmas' 12/22/22 Dec 20, 2022

The Public Radio Hour teams up with the Sundial Writers Corner to present a hour of holiday stories with A Sundial Christmas! Featuring Monita Soni. Sara McDaris, Sara Belanger, Doreen Fulcher, Rosemary McMahan, Judy Cameron, Michael Guillebeau, Melissa Ford Thornton and two never-before-broadcast stories from Kathryn Tucker Windham.

Public Radio Hour 'Science Of Music & Ghost Story' 10/27/22 Oct 30, 2022

What started as the Huntsville Science Festival has this year grown into the Alabama Science Festival … an annual week-long celebration of science and technology that culminates this weekend with two big events. Saturday (10/29/22) at the VBC in Huntsville, it's STEAMFest from 10am-5pm; a day of dinosaurs, Tesla guns and other activities and demonstrations for all ages. This Friday night (10/28/22) at 7 at UAH’s Roberts Recital Hall, the Festival is hosting a live show called The Science of Music, which features four music professionals and four stories of how science helps them create their art. In this Public Radio Hour, we’ll meet them … Emilio Palame, Steve Trash, Adara and Chris Vrenna. At the end of the show, we’ll carve out some time for a ghost story from Kathryn Tucker Windham.

Public Radio Hour 'Orion Update, SluiceFest, Funny You Should Ask' 8/11/22 Aug 30, 2022

On this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we get an update on what's happening at Huntsville's Orion Amphitheater from Orion general manager Ryan Murphy, Invisible City host Brad Posey sits down for a lively converstaion with SluiceFest local music festival organizers Ashleigh Jackson and Christina Nava, and Arts Underground host Katy Ganaway delivers another fun-filled edition of 'Funny You Should Ask' with local comedian Christy Montgomery.

Public Radio Hour 'Meyer, Lift Every Voice, Young Musicians' 3/24/22 Apr 06, 2022

On this episode of the Public Radio Hour, we talk with Marshall Space Flight Center’s new associate director Rae Ann Meyer about battles with shyness, the Near Earth Asteroid Scout, and about her optimism in the new generation of engineers and scientists. We’ll talk with Jason Max Ferdinand and Patricia Hacker about a new community-wide choir festival hosted by Huntsville Master Chorale on Saturday June 4th at 530pm at Trinity United Methodist Church. And we’ll hear from young local musicians, trying to find their way in this crazy world and learn about what’s known as a “Music Performance Assessment”. We'll also make a visit to the Sundial Writers Corner for a big announcement!

Public Radio Hour 'The CAC, Ogre, Horse Dreams' 3/3/22 Mar 22, 2022

On this episode of the Public Radio Hour, Dorrie Nutt brings us some Sundial Writers Corner fun from Danielle Kirkland, as she revisits her dream of being a cowboy. We’ll also hear Katy Ganaway's latest Funny You Should Ask episode, as we meet a hilarious gentleman named, Ogre, who by his own account, likes to ‘kill’ on stage. And as part of her award-winning series called The Hard Part, Katy also talks with Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council, (known as the CAC) chairperson Jonathon Rossow …

Public Radio Hour 'History Makes the Future at NASA' 2/24/22 Mar 03, 2022

On this episode of the Public Radio Hour, we meet two African American women playing key roles at Marshall Space Flight Center in helping humankind get back to the Moon, and to Mars. Tawnya Laughinghouse is the manager of Marshall’s Technology Demonstration Missions … also known at NASA by the acronym TDM … which involves a variety of projects, including propulsion, deep space optical communications, in-space robotic satellite servicing, and entry/descent/landing . Also joining the conversation is Dr. Ruth Jones, an associate manager for Marshall Space Flight Center’s Human Exploration Development & Operations, where she helps manage operations on the International Space Station (ISS) and leads teams working to develop the next generation of rockets, spacecraft, and other technology that will help humans explore the solar system. As we will hear, both women had an early love of numbers and started on career paths much different than where they are today. And both gained the confidence to walk that path because they saw just enough people who looked like them, to make them believe it was possible … something they hope to do for younger generations.

Public Radio Hour - Exploring Huntsville's Civil Rights History' 2/10/22 Mar 03, 2022

On the February 10th episode of the Public Radio Hour, we explore the importance of African American history in Huntsville. Dr Beth Patin, director of Rocket City Civil Rights, talks about 'cultural competence' and gives us directions for a cool driving tour of local historic sites. NASA's Acting Chief Historian Brian Odom helps us understand the impact of the civil rights movement on Huntsville’s NASA legacy and how it affected Historically Black Colleges and Universities. And Donna Castellano, executive director of the Historic Huntsville Foundation, explores the lives of six women who were part of an early fight for voting rights in Huntsville.

CLICK HERE to listen to the award-winning documentary 'One Giant Leap: How The Integration Of NASA Helped Mankind Reach The Moon'

Public Radio Hour 'A Sundial Christmas' 12/23/21 Dec 27, 2021

On this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we hope to boost your holiday spirit with a special selection of stories from members of our Sundial Writers Corner. We'll hear tales and poems from master storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham, Rosemary McMahan, Melissa Ford Thornton, Cathie Mayne, Sam Mitchell, Judy Cameron, Rosalind Fellwock. We'll also have a few funny Christmas tree memories from WLRH staff members Ginny Kennedy, Jessie LouAllen, Julie Williams, Elaine Oakes, Nate Emery, Katy Ganaway, Tom Froehlich and Dorrie Nutt. And all the love in the world to Alabama Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame member and most beloved WLRH host (now retired) Judy Watters, who cofounded Sundial with her husband, Harry, back in WLRH's earliest days. We hope you enjoy the show!

Public Radio Hour 'STEAMFest 2021 Preview Special' 10/28/21 Nov 04, 2021

On this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we explore the evolution of STEM learning and preview STEAMFest 2021, presented by the Huntsville Science Festival, Saturday October 30th from 10am to 6pm at the Von Braun Center's East Hall. We'll talk with Huntsville Science Festival creator and director Joe Iacuzzo, YouTube star and host of Smarter Every Day Destin Sandlin and Northrop Grumman's K-12 STEM and Workforce Development lead Dr. Erica Hopkins.

LINKS TO THINGS YOU HEARD IN THIS EPISODE

CLICK HERE for The Huntsville Science Festival

CLICK HERE for Smarter Every Day on YouTube

CLICK HERE for more info on Northrop Grumman's STEM efforts

Public Radio Hour - The Power of Storytelling - 10/22/21 Nov 03, 2021

On this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we explore the power of storytelling through history, music, dance and spoken word. We'll talk with Historic Huntsville Foundation's Donna Castellano about a historical marker dedication honoring six African-American women who worked for voting rights. The dedication is Sunday, October 24th 2pm at William Hooper Councill High Memorial Park in Huntsville. We'll also hear from Huntsville Ballet choreographer Stephanie Braley-Beutjer about their presentation of 'Carnival of the Animals' October 22-24. Melissa Ford Thornton fills us in on a live storytelling challenge happening at The Princess Theatre called 'StorySlam' Sunday October 24th at 2pm. And master storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham reminds us to leave room for the silence and other tips to help you tell a great story.

Public Radio Hour - Artemis w. Dr. Dale Thomas, Chad Emerson, FYSA - (10-14-21) Oct 25, 2021

On this episode of The Public Radio Hour ... we've got our minds on the moon as we talk with retired NASA program manager and UAH eminent scholar Dr. Dale Thomas. Downtown Huntsville Inc CEO Chad Emerson updates us on downtown Huntsville activities, including Artemis on the Square on November 6th. And producer Katy Ganaway delivers another exploration of Huntsville's comedy scene in the latest edition of Funny You Should Ask where we'll meet Elliott White.

Public Radio Hour 'Neil Lamb, Kimberly Wilson, Chamber Music' 9/9/21 Sep 19, 2021

On this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we'll introduce you to local comedian and co-founder of Shenanigans Comedy Theatre Kimberly Wilson in the latest edition of Funny You Should Ask. Kevin Lay and Erin Huelskamp-Bohn will preview a unique chamber music concert this Sunday at 3pm at Asbury Church titled ‘Palestrina to Poulenc’. And Dr. Neil Lamb, vice president of Educational Outreach at the Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology delivers words of wisdom and hope about COVID's Delta variant.

Public Radio Hour 'Amphitheatre, Young Writer, Epic Comedy (7-29-21) Jul 28, 2021

In this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we get the latest on Huntsville's $40-million, 8000 seat amphitheatre, which is finally under construction. We'll also catch up on the latest episode of Funny You Should Ask and meet local comedian and co-creator of Epic Comedy Hour Scott Eason. And we'll shine the light on winners from this year's Huntsville Literary Association Young Writers contest with an award-winning entry from Madeline Rathz.

Public Radio Hour 'Hard Part, Young Writers, HCMG Restarts' (6/10/21) Jun 29, 2021

On this episode of the Public Radio Hour, our award-winning interview series, The Hard Part, talks with David Person of the Rosa Parks Day Committee of Huntsville/Madison about their request that the Department of Justice take a closer look at Huntsville Police Department operations. We’ll also visit with Robin Pesca and David Brown of the Huntsville Chamber Music Guild. And the WLRH Sundial Writers Corner celebrates three winners of the Huntsville Literary Association’s Young Writers Contest. Zayna Killedar, Jon Macri and Bryan McNeal read their prize winning poems.

Find the full interview with David Person here.

Find other interviews in our series The Hard Part.

Public Radio Hour 'Belly Laughs, Opera Fun, Memorable Teachers' 6-3-21 Jun 04, 2021

On this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we'll laugh along with the latest episode of Katy Ganaway's Funny You Should Ask series as we meet Huntsville comedian Ty Funny. We'll also talk with Ars Nova's Arianna Maloney and Twickenham Fest's Susanna Phillips and make a stop in the Sundial Writers Corner for a story of a memorable teacher from Sarah Belanger.

Public Radio Hour - Vaccines, Spaceline, Kling, Choral Champs - 4-29-21 Apr 29, 2021

On this episode of the Public Radio Hour, producer Dorrie Nutt pays a visit to the 2021 All-State Choral Festival in Huntsville. We'll also talk with Pat Ammons from the US Space and Rocket Center, and Dr. Neil Lamb with the Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology answers the latest COVID vaccine questions. In the second half of our show, our coverage of social justice discussions in Huntsville continues with a new installment to our interview series, The Hard Part. Producer Katy Ganaway talks with Councilman Bill Kling about his plans to respond to a public report from the Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council on aggressive defensive tactics used by local law enforcement during social justice protests in downtown Huntsville, Alabama on June 1 and June 3, 2020. (a special episode of the Public Radio Hour discussing responses to the HPCAC report is in production. Find the full HPCAC report here).

Public Radio Hour - Rayna Cahill, War and Treaty, JM Ferdinand - 4/22/21 Apr 22, 2021

In this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we hear a new episode of Funny You Should Ask (from The Arts Underground) featuring Huntsville comedian Rayna Cahill. We'll also get a preview of Panoply weekend with a conversation from The War and Treaty. And Dr. Jason Max Ferdinand launched a new choral group recently at the Live from London Festival. We'll hear about The Jason Max Ferdinand Singers.

Public Radio Hour - Mountain Lakes, Local Lineup, AI, the Didge - 3-11-21 Apr 08, 2021

On this episode of the Public Radio Hour, we'll hear how businesses and local makers are finding success thanks to north Alabama's amazing trails and lakes. Then, we'll dive deeper and explore how Alabama's workforce is changing and evolving with the rise of automation and artificial intelligence. We'll also continue our local music stage check-ins at Mars Music Hall and we hear about the Local Lineup public concert series. And after all that wandering, we'll end up in The Invisible City drifitng on the ancient sounds of the didgeridoo.

Our guests are Tami Reist, president and CEO of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association President and CEO Tami Reist; Assistant Director of the Von Braun Center Mike Vojticek; Alabama Commission on Higher Education Director of Instruction and Special Projects Dr. Robin McGill; musician Bradley Edwards; and WLRH producers Katy Ganaway and Brad Posey.

INFO LINKS FOR THE 4/1/21 EPISODE

Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association ... website < northalabama.org >

Mars Music Hall Local Lineup Series ... Third Rock Stage ... AL.COM article on Third Rock Stage

Alabama Commission on Higher Education - automation and AI info

Didgeridoo music from ... Yothu Yindi ... David Hudson ... program page / playlists from The Invisible City

Public Radio Hour - Singing River Trail, Princess Theatre, FOR - 3-11-21 Apr 08, 2021

On this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we’ll connect communities across north Alabama, from Bridgeport to Sheffield, with a massive greenway called Singing River Trail. The Arts Underground is spotlighting Huntsville’s comedy scene with a series called Funny You Should Ask … we’ll relive Brandon Ijames *Eyems* first time on stage. And while our amazing performing arts scene faces continued COVID struggles, people are making it work, and that includes The Princess Theatre in downtown Decatur. And we’ll also hear about the new Friends of Rescue Thriftique on Winchester Rd. Thanks for listening.

click here for more info on Singing River Trail

click here for more info on Funny You Should Ask on Arts Underground

click here for more info on The Princess Theatre

click here for more info on Friends of Rescue and their new Thriftique

Public Radio Hour - Ghost Stories & Aeolians Evade a Bus Fire - 10-29-20 Nov 17, 2020

On this spoOo0oOoky edition of The Public Radio Hour, Sundial Writers Corner contributor Sara McDaris regales us with a traditional Scottish tale of how a weeping widow found her lost love... Buckle up, because Theatre Huntsville will scare the pants off of you when you hear about the revenge of Aunt Jenny... and they will oblige us with a fable from local legend, master of storytelling and Jeffrey the ghost’s best ghoul-friend, Kathryn Tucker Windham, “The Phantom Steamboat of the Tombigbee...” We also hear from Oakwood University Aeolians conductors and producers of a new self titled CD, Jason Max Ferdinand and Steven Murphy. They join Morning Blend host Dorrie Nutt to talk about narrowly avoiding an untimely death, as well as their new music- so good, it’ll lift your spirits.

Theatre Huntsville YouTube series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmqX_bCNFP3BG4gdQe9o1__t21mDUKeVD

T.H.'s Aunt Jenny: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-GLs6dUD8w&ab_channel=TheatreHuntsville

Support WLRH during our Fall Fund Drive- Thank You Gifts page: https://aptv.org/support/wlrh-premiums/

Public Radio Hour - Election, Science Fest, New Trail, The Hard Part - 10-22-20 Oct 29, 2020

Our series, 'The Hard Part,' continues this week, where Katy Ganaway talks with Huntsville Police Captain Dewayne McCarver, exploring paths to unity and healing, following the lasting mark made at June protests in Huntsville. That conversation was recorded in our studios Oct. 2, 2020; John Carroll, chairman of the Alabama Fair Ballot Commission, delivers an Election Day primer of the ever-convoluted proposed amendments to our state's constitution; October 24-31, the Huntsville Science Festival goes virtual in its inaugural year... Joe Iacuzzo stops by to tell us about engaging virtual workshops, and free, interactive sciences and art kits; And John Kvatch with the Singing River Trail stops by to talk about the new 70-mile greenway, connecting Huntsville and other nearby Tennessee Valley cities.

*Correction: Capt. DeWayne McCarver has served with H.P.D. for 26 years, not 22 as we initially reported.

Public Radio Hour - Citizen Journalist - 9-3-20 Apr 20, 2021

This week, we continue our coverage of the racial justice movement here in Huntsville, and we hear from folks who were present at the protests in downtown Huntsville in early June. Local photographer Aaron Surratt tells us about capturing on film the shift from a peaceful rally to looming clouds of teargas June 1 and 3. Citizen journalists J'Que Ellis and Rita Burkholder join media historian Dr. Butler Cain for a panel discussion. And Eric Edwards reunites with Andrew Kruspe, both of whom attended the June 3 protest in downtown Huntsville. They recount their personal experiences that night and the circumstances in which they met. WLRH's Brett Tannehill hosts this week, with Katy Ganaway.

Episode image by Aaron Surratt

LINKS:

-Aaron Surratt's Protest Photos and Interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kfo_W73n0hE&list=PLu_BvXJ4JJEnpDlHYDO5c3N1kx_C0XRif

-Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council Public Hearing Aug. 12, ft. Rita:

https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/videos/huntsville-police-citizens-advisory-...

-Andrew Kruspe's Correspondence w/ HPD & City Officials:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bghowxfcgkzy2l7/AABdBKZVXcr93RvPO2fFzaoUa?dl=...

Public Radio Hour - COVID Masks & Tests; White Lies; Sundial - 7-23-20 Aug 02, 2020

Last week, we concluded a special NPR podcast series, 'White Lies.' This week, we follow up with the show’s co-host, Andrew Grace, on works in progress and get a behind the scenes account of the making of the series. And we’ll hear a captivating work of prose by Sundial Writers Corner contributor and Huntsville Literary Association Young Writers Contest winner, Calvin Engstrom. WLRH's Katy Ganaway hosts this week, with Brett Tannehill producing.

Want to know more about the stories featured in 'White Lies'? Click here: https://apps.npr.org/white-lies/

And explore how the 'White Lies' podcast was made by clicking here: https://apps.npr.org/white-lies/index.html#evidence

Check out Huntsville Hospital's regularly-updated COVID-19 statistics here: https://www.facebook.com/HuntsvilleHospitalFan/

Public Radio Hour 'Alabama's New Normal pt. 4' 5/28/20 Jun 20, 2020

In this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we continue to explore Alabama's New Normal, as the state tries to reopen businesses and resume daily life as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to grow. We'll talk about the challenges of reigniting live music and the performing arts with Purple 19 founder Judy Allison, discover the joys of curbside service with Alyx Kim-yohn of the Huntsville Madison County Public Library, learn about efforts to keep the mission alive at Redstone Arsenal with Garrison Commander Colonel Kelsey Smith and talk with vendors and patrons at Greene Street Market at Nativity.

Related links:

A.C.H.E. COVID Info. - https://ache.edu/COVID19.aspx

Land Trust N. AL Activities/ COVID-19 Info. - https://www.landtrustnal.org/explore/

Hsv./ Madison County Chamber 'Get Your Gift On' Site - getyourgifton.org

Local Distancing Project Info for Businesses - https://www.localdistancing.com/about

Shareable Science Videos from HudsonAlpha - https://vimeo.com/hudsonalpha

WLRH Resources for Students and Families page - http://wlrh.org/News/resources-students-and-families

WLRH How to Help in the Tennessee Valley page - http://wlrh.org/News/how-help-tennessee-valley

WLRH Info. About COVID-19 in North Alabama - http://wlrh.org/News/info-about-covid-19-north-alabama

Public Radio Hour - Trailblazing Women of North Alabama - [4/23/20] May 07, 2020

This week, we honor women in North Alabama, finding their voice and taking their "Seat at the Table." You'll hear about the world in which women are working to improve here in the Tennessee Valley- in manufacturing, STEM, music, and more traditionally male-dominated lines of work.

Photos by Kavolshaia Howze.

Links related to this episode:

Women's Fund of Greater Birmingham: https://womensfundbirmingham.org/

Reckon AL: https://www.al.com/reckon/

NASA profile for Dr. Joyce Neighbors: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/history/dr-alice-k-joyce-neighbors...

Valley Sounds page: http://wlrh.org/series/valley-sounds

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.A., Inc.: https://www.findabetterjob.com/MazdaToyota

Judy Allison's Initiative to Support Local Musicians: https://www.facebook.com/purple19hsv/

The Public Radio Hour - COVID Testing 1..2..3.. - [4/16/20] Apr 29, 2020

In this episode of The Public Radio Hour... You're feeling sick with symptoms of the novel coronavirus, so you go get a test-- you get the swab up the nose, and then... you wait in isolation. What's happening while you're waiting, and what does the future look like for coronavirus testing? Host Brett Tannehill talks with Dr. Neil Lamb, vice president of educational outreach at the Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology about testing, herd immunity and how we might eventually establish a new normal. We'll also hear from Thrive Alabama CEO Mary Elizabeth Marr about her agency's experience providing COVID19 tests to the public and efforts to work with Huntsville's homeless community. WLRH producers Katy Ganaway and Sarah Williamson also share insights into their recent experiences with quarantines and isolation.

HudsonAlpha's Shareable Science Video Series: https://hudsonalpha.org/shareable-science/

Thrive Alabama: https://thrivealabama.org/

The Public Radio Hour - Stories of Love - [2/13/20] Feb 28, 2020

This episode of the Public Radio Hour is packed with tales of love- lost, found, unrequited, and everything inbetween. Our Sundial Writers Corner regales us with stories of the extraordinary lengths one would travel for love, being stood up in purple footie pajamas, pondering the origins of love and where it grows, and so much more. We hope you settle in with someone close to you and enjoy "Stories of Love."

The Public Radio Hour - A Clean Slate - [1/30/20] Feb 18, 2020

From conquering drug addiction to contributing to a cleaner Earth, folks in the Tennessee Valley are kicking off the new year with their chins up and their ambitions high. In this episode of the Public Radio Hour, we take you to A Partnership for a Drug-Free Community, to tour their brand new Recovery Resource Hub of Huntsville. They've recruited peer support specialists and consultants who will help match those suffering from substance use disorder, addiction and mental illness with resources available in our community.

Jake Snavely, owner of Bio-One Huntsville talks with us about helping families with loved ones who are ready to give up their hoarding habits, among other services provided by the decontamination and cleanup company.

WLRH's Brett Tannehill thinks about starting with a clean slate in the garden, as our dormant flowerbeds are preparing to spring to life. He talks with members of the Tennessee Valley Garden Association about the 8th annual Community Seed Swap, this Friday at 6 PM, at Church of the Nativity in downtown Huntsville.

And Executive Director of Solid Waste Disposal Authority Doc Holladay stops by as well to go into detail about the new SWDA program, RANA, or Recycling Alliance of North Alabama, and how our community is rethinking how they recycle.

Links/ Info. related to this episode! >>

Bio One Huntsville: https://www.bioonehuntsville.com/

Partnership for a Drug Free Community: http://www.partnershipforadrug-freecommunity.org/ (Office Number: 256-539-7339)

Recovery Resource Hub Helpline: 1-844-307-1760

SWDA: http://swdahsv.org/

RANA: https://recycling-alliance.com/

Seed Swap/ TVCGA: https://www.facebook.com/tennesseevalleycga

PRH - Aging Gracefully and the Challenges of Elder Care - (12/12/19) Jan 31, 2020

On this week's Public Radio Hour, our Elder Care Series comes to a crescendo with three separate views on getting older and the issues that come with it. We hear how Huntsville's Monte Sano Mountain community innovated an alternative to assisted living, with a neighbors-helping-neighbors, village culture. We'll pull our bikes off the rack in the garage to roll alongside folks at Tweed Ride; we'll ask them how they'd like to age. And on our elder care panel, three advocates for resolving elder care issues discuss relevant topics like elder abuse, phone and email scammers and more.

Info. from our panel on the Strategies and Training to Advance Greater Elder Safety held in Aug. 2019: https://www.ioaging.org/services/education-training-caregivers

Toll-Free Hotline to report Elder Abuse: 1-800-458-7214

To learn about Monte Sano Village: https://montesanovillage.org/

To learn about Village to Village Network: https://www.vtvnetwork.org/

Public Radio Hour 'Stories of Haints, Greed and Dagger-Teeth' (10/31/19) Nov 17, 2019

In this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we bring you stories of the macabre-- blood, knives, and the supernatural. Our newest staff members, Korey Wilson and Stephenie Walker, read stories by Kathryn Tucker Windham that are sure to chill your bones. Bonnie Blagg makes us all hide under the covers with her story, featured on Snap Judgment’s Spooked series. Benny Pitsinger-from our latest Local Aliens CD- tells a cautionary tale of greed about an old blind jazz harpist and a thief. And we step into a dark part of the Sundial Writers Corner, as Jamie Dodson, a former intelligence officer, tells us about the time his family was visited in their sleep by a most frightening ghost, drenched in red ...

Public Radio Hour 'Spooky Skies, Local Aliens IV, Sally Ride' (10/17/19) Oct 28, 2019

In this epic episode of the Public Radio Hour, we board our audio spacecraft to venture into an extraterrestrial realm of local music, also known as Local Aliens IV. Host Brett Tannehill and Valley Sounds producer Nate Emery chat about this year's lineup and preview a few songs featured on the CD. The Blank on Blank podcast shares an ultra-rare interview from 1983 with Sally Ride, the first American female astronaut in space. Ride talks with feminist icon Gloria Steinem about her views on sending women into space, her predictions on a second moon mission and much more. And president of the Von Braun Astronomical Society Beth Bero stops by to talk with Brett about Astronomy Day 2019, as well as her upcoming presentation at the planetarium- “Spooky Skies: Things from Space that Can Kill You.” Get in our orbit, and click the play button!

VBAS-- http://vbas.org/

Sally Ride/ Gloria Steinem talk animated-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9eZ5HktBiI

Local Aliens/ Valley Sounds Meet and Greet Info-- http://wlrh.org/valley-sounds-meet-and-greet

Public Radio Hour 'Energy, Candy Bomber, Team Rubicon, etc.' (9/26/19) Oct 07, 2019

In this hour, our WLRH Community Newsroom explores why solar power for homeowners in Alabama is a losing proposition, with Daniel Tait of Energy Alabama. Producer Brett Tannehill gets the Tennessee Valley caught up on the state's upcoming bicentennial events, in a conversation with Huntsville Madison County Bicentennial Committee executive director Sally Warden. Ed Carr, the Alabama State Ambassador for Team Rubicon, an international disaster aid nonprofit, talks with WLRH's Katy Ganaway about what it takes to sign up with the organization, and why having military experience adds value to a volunteer. And the Goethe Institut and KCRW Berlin's The Big Pond Podcast, bring us the story of how U.S. military vet Gail S. Halvorsen brought joy to children living in the somber times of the Cold War.

Public Radio Hour '20th Anniversary Chandra Observatory' (8/29/19) Sep 23, 2019

On this episode of the Public Radio Hour, we mark the 20th anniversary of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Marshall Space Flight Center for X-ray astronomy Dr. Martin Weisskopf joins MSFC historian Brian Odom to talk about Chandra's history and discoveries. We also look ahead to the future of X-ray observation with research astrophysicist and NASA study scientist Dr. Jessica Gaskin ...

Public Radio Hour 'Twickenham Fest, Recycle Pt2' (8/22/19) Sep 27, 2019

This episode of The Public Radio Hour, we hear the latter part of Planet Money's exploration into why we take part in residential recycling, and whether that practice is hurting or helping the Earth... Plus the co-creators of Twickenham Fest, Susanna Phillips and Matt McDonald, drop by our studios to discuss the big event for classical music lovers, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year!

Public Radio Hour 'DeQn Sue, Recycle pt1, Theater pt3' (8/15/19) Aug 23, 2019

This episode of The Public Radio Hour feature part 1 of 2 special podcasts from Planet Money on recycling. Valley Sounds producer Tim Miller sits down for a visit with musician DeQn Sue. Executive director of the Huntsville Madison County Bicentennial Committee Sally Warden stops by for her monthly update on upcoming bicentennial events. And WLRH Community Newsroom producer Dan Pawlus has the final installment of his interview series exploring challenges faced by Huntsville's theater community as he talks with Vivienne Atkins of Independent Musical Productions.

Find the Planet Money recycling podcast "A Mob Boss, A Garbage Boat and Why We Recycle" HERE

Explore Huntsville's amazing local music scene through the Valley Sounds podcast archive HERE

Hear music by Deqn Sue HERE ... and check out her NPR Tiny Desk Concert HERE

Find events celebrating Alabama's Bicentennial HERE

Public Radio Hour 'Willie Ruff, Public Transit, Local Theater Pt. 2' (8/8/19) Aug 15, 2019

In this hour, the WLRH Community Newsroom presents part two of a three-part interview series exploring Huntsville’s theater community-- we hear from Leslie Gates of Theatre Huntsville. Morning Blend Host Dorrie Nutt talks with Jazz artist Willie Ruff about his musical influences and his Kepler Project, which Carl Sagan commandeered to add to the Golden Record aboard Voyager I. We also take a ride on Huntsville's public transit system. We take a look into the five-year, five-phase plan that kicked off July 1, 2019, and how it will affect locals who depend on the system.

Public Radio Hour 'Local Theater Pt1, Auto Jobs, Toot, Sundial' (8/1/19) Aug 08, 2019

In this hour, we’ll have two entries from the WLRH Community Newsroom, as we talk music and audio production with Charles ‘Toot’ Snoddy, and begin a three-part interview series exploring Huntsville’s theater community as we talk with Luz Latilano and Beth Keys of Lyrique Music Productions. The Sundial Writers Corner will also introduce us to Olivia Fox, one of this year’s winners of the Huntsville Literary Association’s Young Writers Contest. And WLRH's Katy Ganaway talks with Mark Brazeal, VP of Administration for Mazda Toyota, about how the company is investing in local training initiatives to round out its workforce...

Public Radio Hour 'One Giant Leap: Integration at NASA' (7/25/19) Feb 03, 2022

This episode of The Public Radio Hour features the original WLRH documentary 'One Giant Leap: how integration at NASA helped mankind reach the moon'. We'll retrace how the integration of Werner von Braun's German rocket team, women and minorities into NASA's workforce was necessary for America's successful lunar mission. We'll hear from Joyce Neighbors, Jeanette Scissum, Ravindra Lal, Arthur Hullett, NASA chief historian Bill Barry, Chasing The Moon filmmaker Robert Stone and Marshall Space Flight Center historian Brian Odom.

Special thanks to Brian Odom for helping us gather interviews through the WLRH Community Newsroom for this project.

Public Radio Hour 'Creepy Apollo, Elder Care, Bicentennial' (7/11/19) Jul 18, 2019

In this hour, we travel back in time as we continue to celebrate Alabama’s Bicentennial, head down to the pond for adventure with Meigan Bailey in the Sundial Writers Corner, and we’ll get stranded on the moon in a creepy radio drama that imagines what would happen if the Apollo 11 mission never made it home. We also launch our newest series of stories exploring the challenges many of us will face with elder care. WLRH's Katy Ganaway introduces us to Lee Judge and her mother, Allene Henderson. Lee and Allene share their elder care story about a difficult decision that had to be made after years caring for Allene’s sister, Juanita...

LINKS FOR HELP WITH ELDER CARE and DEMENTIA

National Alliance on Mental Illness Huntsville chapter ... https://www.namihuntsville.org/

Huntsville Madison County Senior Center ... http://www.seniorview.com/

Public Radio Hour 'Sunfish, Bicentennial, Estonia Cyber' 6/20/19 Jun 24, 2019

On this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we'll talk cyber security with Estonian ambassador and former Minister of Cyber Defense Jonatan Vseviov, learn about new protections for the rare Spring Pygmy Sunfish from conservationist Michael Sandel and preview upcoming Bicentennial events with Huntsville Madison County Bicentennial executive director Sally Warden ...

Public Radio Hour 'Listen Local, Clotida, Z. Suara, NextFlex' (6/6/19) Jun 19, 2019

On this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we’ll hear about the discovery of a former slave-trading vessel, "The Clotilda," learn how Next Flex hopes to expand its student training efforts in advanced manufacturing to north Alabama, discussing the dangers of a too-common ‘Us Versus Them’ mentality with Zulfat Suara, and get an update on the 'Music From The Moon' songwriting contest and Tangled String Fest with Alan Little and John Schmidt from Listen Local Huntsville.

Public Radio Hour 'Apollo 50 at HMCPL, Bicentennial Events' (5/30/19) Jun 06, 2019

On this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we hear a special episode about Ramadan, the holiest month of the year in the Muslim religion, from 91.3 FM KBCS in Washington's podcast, 'Unmute the Commute.' We hear a touching performance from- and a talk with- retiring harpist of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, Katherine Newman. We also talk with local librarians about their collaborations with NASA, and we hear about all there is to do in the month of June, celebrating Alabama's Bicentennial in Huntsville and Madison County.

Public Radio Hour 'Mother's Day Musings with the Sundial Writers' 5/9/19 May 21, 2019

In this episode of The Public Radio Hour, the WLRH Sundial Writers Corner honors Mother's Day with a series of stories, poems and commentaries. Featured writers include Rita Monteiro, Terri French, Sri Bhooshanan, Chris Ferguson, Mariah Beachboard, Monita Soni, Rose Battle, Peggy Tucker, Margaret Vann, Rebecca Harbor Jones, Nancy Rohr, Sally Estes and Cindy Small. And a shout out to the Mother of Sundial and Hall of Fame broadcaster Judy Watters!

Public Radio Hour 'Chasing The Moon, Arthur Hullett' (5/2/19) May 10, 2019

On this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we talk with Robert Stone, producer, director, writer and co-editor of a new PBS American Experience documentary series titled 'Chasing The Moon', which premieres on public television July 8th-10th. The series explores the social, political and technical challenges of the Apollo 11 lunar mission. We'll also hear from Arthur Hullett, one of the early African-Americans working in a technical field at Marshall Space Flight Center during the Apollo program.

Public Radio Hour 'Statehouse Update, Microplastics, Cancer (4/11/19) Apr 19, 2019

On this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we get an update on the Alabama Legislative Session from Capitol Journal's Don Dailey, including information on the General Fund and bills related to the Anti-Road Rage Act, the Hands-Free Bill, Common Core, a proposal that would ban local governments from banning or restricting the use of single-use plastics, and the likely death of a controversial state ethics revision. WLRH Community Newroom producer Kathy Jones talks with Tennessee Riverkeeper executive director David Whiteside about microplastics and other pollution in the Tennessee River and other regional waterways. Ginny Kennedy shares information about a new study on gynecological cancers with Lilies of the Valley executive director Regina Parker and Susan Leighton with the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.

Link to information on ovarian and other gynecological cancers from Lilies of the Valley ... and the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance

Link to the podcast archive for Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television (airs Mon-Thur 1030pm and Fri 8pm)

Link to Tennessee Riverkeeper

Public Radio Hour 'Von Braun, A Smart Place, Legislative Update' (4/4/19) Apr 11, 2019

On this episode of the Public Radio Hour. NASA chief historian Dr. Bill Barry and Marshall Space Flight Center historian Brian Odom discuss the legacy of legendary rocket scientist Werner von Braun’s and provide some context to his connections to the Nazi party and desegregation in Alabama. We’ll learn about efforts to connect high school students with jobs at the Mazda Toyota plant, and Georgina Chapman with the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce talks about job hunting on the 'A Smart Place' website (asmartplace.com). And Capitol Journal host Don Dailey gives us a legislative update on proposals regarding Common Core, abortion, prison reform and medical marijuana ...

Public Radio Hour 'Race to the Moon pt1' (3/28/19) Apr 05, 2019

In this episode of The Public Radio Hour, we'll have the first of a two-part discussion with NASA's chief historian Dr. Bill Barry and Marshall Space Flight Center historian Brian Odom about America's 'Race to the Moon. We'll also explore the legacy of Werner von Braun, and his connection to the Nazi party and to desegregation in Alabama. We'll also preview Bicentennial events around Huntsville with Sally Warden, executive director of the Huntsville Madison County Bicentennial Committee. And we'll close out Women's History Month with a series of commentaries from the WLRH Sundial Writers Corner.

CLICK HERE for information on Bicentennial events in Huntsville and Madison County

CLICK HERE for information on The Race to the Future 5K

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