Conversations on The Road

Rappie pie is a traditional Acadian meal. Its name is derived from the French “patates râpées” meaning “grated potatoes”. Potatoes are grated and the water removed, a hot broth made from chicken or pork is then added along with meat and onions and then layered over with more of the grated potatoes to make a casserole-like dish.

It is said to be Acadian “comfort food” to be found these days in an area of Southwest Nova Scotia – in the Clare area – towns such as Yarmouth, Pubnico and Wedgeport.

In this area the food is a staple at home and in restaurants, but travel in any direction 40 miles, it is probably not to be found nor will you find many who even know what it is.

We speak with Nicole Boudreau from Clare, Nova Scotia about Rappie Pie, its role in history &  Acadian culture, and just what makes and keeps it so unique to this area. 

 

 rappie pie [10:48m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an international exposition of living cultural heritage annually produced outdoors on the National Mall of the United States in Washington, D.C., by the Smithsonian Institution’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.The Festival takes place for two weeks every summer overlapping the Fourth of July holiday. It is an educational presentation that features community-based cultural exemplars. Free to the public, like other Smithsonian museums, each Festival typically draws more than one million visitors.Initiated in 1967, the Festival has become a national and international model of a research-based presentation of contemporary living cultural traditions. Over the years, it has brought more than 23,000 musicians, artists, performers, craftspeople, workers, cooks, storytellers, and others to the National Mall to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and aesthetics that embody the creative vitality of community-based traditions. We speak with Steve Kidd from the Smithsonian about the Festival from its origins to this year’s edition to how they plan years in advance.

 

 Smithsonian [13:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 Milton Berle would have turned 100 on July 12, 2008 (He died on March 27, 2002).

Berle (born Mendel Berlinger on July 12, 1908) was an Emmy-winning comedian and actor. As the manic host of NBC’s Texaco Star Theater of  from 1948–1955, he was the first major star of television and as such became known as Uncle Miltie or Mr. Television to millions during TV’s golden age. 

We speak with former network executive, now author and television historian, Tim Brooks about the life and legacy of Milton Berle.

 

 Uncle Miltie [18:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Oatman, Arizona has undergone a renaissance of sorts in recent years thanks to burgeoning worldwide interest in Route 66. 

In addition ot the old Route 66, Oatman is famous for the wild burros freely roam the town . They can be hand-fed carrots and “burro chow,” both readily available in practically every store in town.  The burros are descended from pack animals turned loose by early prospectors, and are protected by the  US Department of the Interior.

Oatman is also famous for its unique Independence Day celebration that includes a contest where participants attempt to cook an egg on the sidewalk with the aid of solar devices.

We spoke with Jackie Rolands of Oatman about how they fry eggs at High Noon on July Fourth, what it means to the town and the burros who hang out there too.

 

 Egg Frying [11:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Conversations On The Road International correspondent, Jeremiah Tittle steps away from overseas discussion in order to speak with Brian Franzen of ReelSportsFan.com about Don Larson’s perfect game fifty years later.  Relive an important moment in the history of the game of baseball as the full game will be shown with all the classic commercials and never before seen footage on July 10th at BB King’s in New York City. Find more details at www.ReelSportsFan.com.

 

 Jeremiah Baseball [7:54m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Summer at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville, NC is a little different. A little special.

Like many places there is music filling the summer air. The music reflects the region – bluegrass, folk and old-time music.

But there’s more before the concert – specifically an authentic Appalachian community dinner of homemade mountain favorites.

In this conversation, we go to the hills to learn more about a summer of community music and food at ”An Appalachian Evening Concert Series”. 

 

 Appalachian Summer [11:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download