Best Pop Rocks And Soda Podcasts (2025)

1
An Appalachian Preacher’s Fall: Bigamy, Abduction and Deceit 14:18

4d ago14:18

14:18

A preacher with five wives, a kidnapped teenage girl, and a cross-country manhunt. This isn’t fiction, it’s the unbelievable true story of Joseph Herman Johnson, a Primitive Baptist minister whose lies and crimes unraveled in an East Tennessee courtroom in 1927. From bigamy to abduction to a bizarre promise of Hollywood stardom to his victim, this …

1
Beyond Bristol: The Legacy of the Johnson City Sessions 12:39

11d ago12:39

12:39

In this episode we explore the lesser-known but historically rich Johnson City Sessions of 1928 and 1929. While the Bristol Sessions are often credited as the “Birthplace of Country Music,” Johnson City played a vital follow-up role in capturing the authentic sounds of Appalachia. Frank Buckley Walker, a Columbia Records talent scout, recorded loca…

1
114 Steve Taylor - Squint 2:38:34

13d ago2:38:34

2:38:34

https://www.instagram.com/excompod/ https://open.spotify.com/show/5WYfTqA2EK48nfcdC1PL8S?si=507d06949fe24d29By Clifton Stuckey

1
Appalachia’s Iron Lady: The Story of Nannie Kelly Wright 15:50

18d ago15:50

15:50

Nannie Kelly Wright ran an iron furnace at a time when most women weren’t even allowed near one. Born in Kentucky, raised on the Ohio River, and later married into the iron industry, Nannie became one of the few women in American history to manage a furnace operation herself — traveling weekly, overseeing workers, and building a fortune. Once rumor…

1
The Lumber King of Appalachia 16:58

25d ago16:58

16:58

William McClellan Ritter didn’t just cut down trees, he built an empire. In this week’s episode, we tell his story, from Pennsylvania farm boy to head of one of the world’s largest lumber companies. He built railroads, ran coal mines, advised the U.S. war effort in World War I and once gifted $3 million to his workers. But that story also includes …

1
113 Disciple - My Daddy Can Whip Your Daddy 1:35:35

27d ago1:35:35

1:35:35

We did it! After a long, slow descent into Christian music-induced madness, we've finally found where the sea floor drops off into oblivion thanks to an album so aggressively dull, so devoid of anything resembling intrigue or artistic value, that it’s left us staring into the yawning void of our own psychosis. Congratulations to Christian music’s c…

1
Tragedy on the Frontier: The Corbly Family Massacre 13:16

1M ago13:16

13:16

On a quiet Sunday morning in the spring of 1782, Pastor John Corbly and his family were headed for church when he realized he’d forgotten his Bible and turned back alone to get it. That action saved his life when his family was ambushed by Indians. In this episode of the Stories podcast, Steve and Rod tell the chilling true story of the Corbly fami…

1
The Story of Gus McCoig, Appalachia's Little Dillinger 22:42

1M ago22:42

22:42

On this episode of the Stories podcast, we tell the dramatic tale of Gus McCoig, a Jefferson County boy who became one of East Tennessee’s most notorious Depression-era outlaws. McCoig’s story starts with his chance encounter with outlaw Clarence Bunch in a jail cell, followed by their escape and his later capture and conviction for crimes he commi…

1
112 Black Cherry Soda - Grin 1:28:18

1M ago1:28:18

1:28:18

https://youtu.be/kbQKs3dV-yE?si=uITkyNhR6IzR1bS_ https://cmnexus.org/profiles/Black_Cherry_Soda https://downthelinezine.com/cue/black_cherry_soda https://www.discogs.com/release/2285596-Black-Cherry-Soda-Grin https://boottohead.com/bth101.html https://palmbeachbookery.com/products/black-cherry-soda-grin https://christiantapeunderground.wordpress.co…

1
fuck Spotify 1:32

1M ago1:32

1:32

If you listen to our podcast on Spotify, it might be time to change thatBy Clifton Stuckey

1
Tennessee’s Gilded Getaway: The Rise and Fall of the Tate Springs Hotel 12:30

2M ago12:30

12:30

Step back in time to the golden era of Appalachian luxury as we explore the rise and fall of Tate Springs, a once-famous resort in Bean Station, Tennessee. Known for its healing mineral spring, lush golf course, and elite clientele, including the Rockefellers and Fords, Tate Springs was the South's hidden gem. Discover how this jewel of East Tennes…

1
The Thousand Mile Yoyage: The Appalachian Roots of Nashville, Tennessee 19:39

2M ago19:39

19:39

In the winter of 1779, a determined group of Appalachian settlers set out on a thousand-mile journey by river, led by Virginia surveyor John Donelson. Battling disease, starvation, ambushes, and the raw forces of nature, they pushed westward down the Holston River, into the Tennessee River, the Ohio and then up the Cumberland River, all through hos…

1
111 Puller - Sugarless 2:00:41

2M ago2:00:41

2:00:41

https://tenkillermusic.com/pages/meet-the-band https://open.spotify.com/artist/234Gp7UTsuxdJxNsusLSE8?si=QiEoXHPoSZqwM_q-R6Na4A https://youtu.be/nvIWChfB66U?si=14dxXQ6wtGMNLjms https://youtu.be/-uQ89CgBLhU?si=lnuOYxLIbaR-uHip https://tenkillermusic.com/pages/meet-the-band https://web.archive.org/web/20010811220029/http://www.pullerrock.com/history.…

1
Land, Power and a Little Fish: The Tellico Dam Story 14:26

2M ago14:26

14:26

Today we tell the story of the battle over the Tellico Dam, the last major project of the Tennessee Valley Authority. TVA's ambitious plans for the Tellico project included not only a dam and lake but also the development of a brand-new city to be called Timberlake. However, the project faced fierce resistance from landowners who were being forced …

1
The First Tennesseans: William and Lydia Bean 13:44

2M ago13:44

13:44

Nearly twenty years before Tennessee was a state, William Bean built a cabin along the Watagua River and planted roots. In this episode, we tell the story of his journey from longhunter to settler, his friendship with Daniel Boone, and his wife Lydia’s dramatic rescue from execution by Cherokee Beloved Woman Nancy Ward. It’s the story of Tennessee’…

1
110 Hokus Pick - Brothers From Different Mothers 1:21:35

2M ago1:21:35

1:21:35

https://web.archive.org/web/19980206194618/http://www.hokuspick.com/bio.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_z-9zlmuhE&ab_channel=RagamuffinArchive https://www.bezartshub.com/events-calendar/2024/9/27/hokus-pick?fbclid=IwY2xjawJWZllleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHaOsUJORDm7EhfFvCTFrZp4T2FEQs1t7D86wEPgH-sDn2PutEQG25TXeEA_aem_VPMIVEQI47cx2S5okeC8Cw https://www.f…

1
The Story of Isaac Cline, Appalachia's Weather Man 14:08

2M ago14:08

14:08

This week, Steve and Rod bring you the remarkable story of Isaac Cline, a Tennessee-born son of Appalachia who rose to become one of America’s most respected meteorologists. From his humble beginnings in a two-room log cabin near the Great Smoky Mountains to his fateful role during the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, Cline’s life was marked by groundb…

1
Standoff in Jefferson County: The Haunting Case of W. B. Johnson 16:20

3M ago16:20

16:20

In this episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the story of a shocking event in January 1927 in Jefferson County, Tennessee. That was when a prominent county businessman named W.B. Johnson turned from respected community member to notorious outlaw. This tale unfolds with a fateful meeting involving Johnson, two women, and a tragic dispute that e…

1
109 Freeto Boat - Hindsight 20/20 1:41:38

3M ago1:41:38

1:41:38

https://ehrmanblog.org/did-christians-invent-charity/ https://freetoboat.bandcamp.com/ https://web.archive.org/web/20001012122144/http://www.freetoboat.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-Nw8cPqEoE https://www.discogs.com/artist/3445734-Freeto-Boat https://unleaded.tripod.com/freeto.html https://www.indievisionmusic.com/news/freeto-boat-are-back…

1
Jellico's Darkest Day: The Explosion That Rocked Appalachia 17:53

3M ago17:53

17:53

In this episode, we tell the harrowing story of the Jellico explosion, a catastrophic event that shook the town of Jellico, Tennessee, on September 21, 1906. What began as a normal morning quickly turned into chaos when a shipment of 11 tons of dynamite detonated, leveling the downtown area and leaving the community in ruins. Join Steve Gilly and R…

1
Kentucky's Packhorse Librarians 23:06

3M ago23:06

23:06

In this episode, we tell the inspiring story of the packhorse librarians, a group of determined women who brought literacy and hope to the remote hollers of Eastern Kentucky during the Great Depression. As families struggled to survive, these brave librarians on horses (and mules) navigated rugged terrain to deliver books and educational materials …

1
108 Blenderhead - Prime Candidate for Burnout 2:44:21

3M ago2:44:21

2:44:21

https://punklottopod.simplecast.com/ https://billypower.com/By Clifton Stuckey

1
The Strange Disappearance of Polly Feltner 10:35

3M ago10:35

10:35

In this episode, we tell the strange tale of Polly Feltner, a young woman from Hyden, Kentucky, who vanished in 1897 under mysterious circumstances. What began as a search for a missing person quickly escalated into charges of murder, a frenzy of suspicion and mob justice, targeting an innocent man. As tensions rose and a near-lynching unfolded, th…

1
The Dunkards of Appalachia: A Story of Faith and Survival 16:11

4M ago16:11

16:11

In this episode, we journey back to the mid-1700s to uncover the story of the Schwartzenau Brethren, also known as the Dunkards, who established one of the earliest settlements in the New River Valley of Virginia. Join us as we tell the story of this fascinating religious community, their unique beliefs, and the challenges one family of Dunkards fa…

1
107 Fanmail - The Latest Craze 1:54:46

4M ago1:54:46

1:54:46

https://www.discogs.com/release/445594-Fanmail-The-Latest-Craze https://www.amazon.com/Latest-Craze-Fanmail/dp/B00000J802 Scott Silleta: Following his departure from Plankeye in July 1998, Silletta formed the Christian pop-punk band Fanmail that year. In 1999, Fanmail released an extended play, Here Comes Fanmail EP, and their debut studio album, T…

1
Whiskey, Dynamite and Faith: An Appalachian Preacher's Fiery Battle 13:36

4M ago13:36

13:36

In this episode of the podcast, we tell the story of Reverend William Riley Rickman, a steadfast preacher who took on the liquor industry in Pocahontas, Virginia. Join Steve and Rod as they tell you about Rickman's fervent battle against alcohol in that Appalachian coal mining community. Rickman’s tireless efforts resulted in Pocahontas becoming a …

1
The Battle of Kings Mountain 18:30

4M ago18:30

18:30

Today, we tell the remarkable story of the Overmountain men, Appalachian frontiersmen from the far western parts of North Carolina and Virginia. As tensions escalated in the South, these settlers took a stand against British forces at Kings Mountain, on the South Carolina/North Carolina border. Their bravery in that decisive battle was instrumental…

1
106 Aunt Bettys - Aunt Bettys 1:49:17

4M ago1:49:17

1:49:17

Jay and Clifton celebrate the successful funding of the rerelease of Aunt Bettys self titled debut on Lost in Ohio!https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lostinohio/reissuing-the-aunt-bettys-debuthttps://multi-biome.com/music/tag/Aunt+Bettyshttp://www.basement.crucifyd.com/pages/records/html/discog-ART/Aunt%20Bettys.htmlhttps://www.patheos.com/blogs/…

1
Ballads from the Mountains: The Life and Legacy of Jean Ritchie 19:24

4M ago19:24

19:24

Today we tell the story of Jean Ritchie, the "Mother of Folk." Born in the small town of Viper, Kentucky, Jean captivated audiences worldwide, influencing legends like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash along the way. Join Steve and Rod as they tell the story of her remarkable life, from her roots in the mountains to her role in the folk revival of the mid-…

1
Revenge on the Frontier: The Tragic Tale of Old Tassel and the Kirk Family Massacre 18:18

5M ago18:18

18:18

Old Tassel, a prominent figure among the Overhill Cherokee, was a staunch advocate for peace during a period of conflict between them and the settlers moving into East Tennessee. Despite his efforts to forge treaties and maintain peace and harmony between the two groups, the rise of tensions ultimately led to tragedy for both. The killing of the Ki…

1
105 Big Tent Revival 1:33:48

5M ago1:33:48

1:33:48

Aunt Betty's Kickstarter https://www.chicagotribune.com/2005/05/06/big-tent-rocker-moves-into-a-big-church-role/ https://www.klove.com/music/artists/big-tent-revival https://www.huffpost.com/entry/from-big-tent-revival-to_b_862065 https://web.archive.org/web/19991128083040/http://www.bigtent.net/biography.htm https://www.instagram.com/wigbone/p/Co2…

1
Ale 8 One, Appalachia's Homegrown Soda Legacy 15:16

5M ago15:16

15:16

Discover the fascinating story of Kentucky's unique soft drink, "Ale 8 One," in this episode of Stories of Appalachia. Join Steve and Rod as they tell the history of this Appalachian soda, which has been a staple in Eastern Kentucky since 1926. From its origins in northern European ginger recipes to its modern-day variations like Cherry Ale-8 and A…

1
Feud and Fury: The Dark Legacy of Bad Tom Smith 27:30

5M ago27:30

27:30

By request of one of our listeners, this week we tell the story of Bad Tom Smith, a notorious figure at the very heart of the French-Eversole feud in Kentucky. As he grew up an orphan, he was regularly in trouble, until he crossed paths with two powerful rivals, Joseph C. Eversole and B. F. French, an encounter that would shape his life. Be sure to…

1
104 Pep Squad - No Doy! 1:56:27

5M ago1:56:27

1:56:27

Jay and Clifton got a Jesus candle and they don't know why. But you know! It's Pep Squad's debut NO DOY!By Clifton Stuckey

1
Chief Nimrod Jarrett Smith: How One Cherokee Leader Changed History 13:37

5M ago13:37

13:37

Nimrod Jarrett Smith, born in 1832 near Murphy, North Carolina, was a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee who played a crucial role in shaping the tribe’s future. His life was marked by his dedication to his people during a time of immense change and challenge. As principal chief of the Eastern Band, he guided them to self-government on West…

1
Philippi, West Virginia- The First Land Battle of the Civil War 13:54

6M ago13:54

13:54

At the beginning of the Civil War, the small Appalachian town of Philippi, Virginia, now West Virginia, became the site of the first organized land action of the conflict as the Union made a move into Confederate territory. Despite its strategic importance, the battle is sometimes humorously referred to as the "Philippi Races" due to the swift retr…

1
103 Kosmos Express - Now 1:50:02

6M ago1:50:02

1:50:02

https://labelmintjellyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/rob-goraieb-antenna https://youtu.be/MjyRKOJuf-c?si=QXTRnO_CA3UXfpLc https://christiantapeunderground.wordpress.com/2018/09/21/cia-cia/By Clifton Stuckey

1
Even If It Kills Me's Super Producing Team 51:22

6M ago51:22

51:22

In the latest episode of Columbia House Party, hosts Jake Goldsbie and Blake Murphy anoint Motion City Soundtrack as the show's second two-time episode band, joining blink-182. The episode is primarily about Even If It Kills Me, but there is plenty of My Dinosaur Life talk, as well. Find out more about what changed for Motion City Soundtrack coming…

1
Bloody Harlan: W. B. Jones and the Battle of Evarts 16:59

6M ago16:59

16:59

In the late 1920s and early 30s, the coal fields of Harlan County, Kentucky, became the backdrop for one of the darkest chapters in labor history. Known as Bloody Harlan, this tumultuous time saw miners fighting for justice and fair treatment during a time of economic despair and corporate greed. At the heart of this struggle was William B. Jones, …

1
Hawthrone Heights: Six Degrees of Screamo 48:56

6M ago48:56

48:56

In the latest episode of Columbia House Party, hosts Jake Goldsbie and Blake Murphy discuss Hawthorne Heights' 2004 album The Silence in Black and White. We almost said their debut album, which would only be kind-of true, as A Day In The Life changed their name and jumped to Victory Records for this successful next step. Find out more about why Ohi…

1
The Spruce Pine New Years Eve Blast 11:23

6M ago11:23

11:23

On New Year's Eve 1959, the quiet town of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, became the stage for a teenage prank that would put the town in newspapers all around the country. Join us as we tell the story of two local teenagers armed with dynamite bought at the town’s hardware store who decided to ring in the new year with a bang—literally. Be sure to su…

1
Best of 2024, a compilation 1:04:41

6M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

Jay and Clifton's best songs we covered in 2024By Clifton Stuckey

1
102 2024 2:01:22

6M ago2:01:22

2:01:22

Jay and Clifton take a look back at 2024. The good, the bad, and the beautiful.By Clifton Stuckey

1
Kacey Musgraves: Emo Goes Country 50:28

6M ago50:28

50:28

After garnering attention from her debut 'Same Trailer Different Park', the small-town-Texan continued her observationalist approach to song writing with Pageant Material. It was certainly a new challenge for both Blake and Jake, as the album leans country and it isn't exactly the 2000s emo we're all used to, but there are a lot of familiar connect…

1
The Frontier Trailblazer: Elisha Wallen, Longhunter 14:25

6M ago14:25

14:25

Elisha Wallen was more than just a man of the frontier—he was a trailblazer who left an mark on the region's history. Today we tell the story of this legendary long hunter, a man who traveled alongside Daniel Boone through Southwest Virginia and into Eastern Kentucky. From his beginnings in Prince George County, Maryland, to his adventures across t…

1
101 the broken christmas 1:15:09

6M ago1:15:09

1:15:09

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_Records_(record_label) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8-G6oGEWH8&list=PLPcTOx34g9XQ8LgRhpJRrkki_I7FBKoyG&index=2 https://christiantapeunderground.wordpress.com/2018/04/27/level-heads-flirting-with-the-world/ https://www.discogs.com/artist/2649989-Level-Heads https://youtu.be/iUX6or66UtQ?si=ajWWsSit_KZGRWLS htt…

1
Emergency & I: A Turning Point in Indie Rock 1:01:27

6M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

In the latest episode of Columbia House Party, hosts Jake Goldsbie and Blake Murphy discuss Emergency & I, the 1999 album from The Dismemberment Plan. More than two decades later, it remains held in the highest of indie esteem. Find out more about the best rhythm section in indie rock, what Jake feels is maybe THE best song (period!), which band me…

1
The 1902 Quarter House Battle 18:25

6M ago18:25

18:25

Nestled in Mingo Hollow, six miles west of Middlesboro, Kentucky, the Quarter House was no ordinary saloon. Its unique position on the Tennessee state line allowed patrons to evade the law by simply stepping across a painted line on the floor. Built like a fortress with heavy railroad timbers and a log stockade, it became a notorious hotspot for ga…

1
Tegan & Sara: Twins Powering Indie Pop (ft. Lauren Denitzio) 51:38

7M ago51:38

51:38

In the latest episode of Columbia House Party, hosts Jake Goldsbie and Blake Murphy are joined by Lauren Denitzio of Worriers (@worriesmusic) to discuss Tegan and Sara's 2007 album The Con. Yes, we're finally getting back to the one remaining winner from the Patreon CanCon arc voting. Find out more about how The Con came to hold such a special plac…

1
The Night of Endless Rain: The Flash Flood of 1924 11:39

7M ago11:39

11:39

On the night of June 13, 1924, what appeared to be a summer thunderstorm in Carter County, Tennessee, transformed into one of the most devastating flash floods in the state's history. Join us as we tell the harrowing story of this natural disaster. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast. You’ll find us wherever you get your favorite podcasts o…

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