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Frank Stanford was a poet's poet who lived his life and wrote his verse with an unbridled passion. At long last, a biography has been written that captures Stanford's passion: James McWilliams, Professor of History at Texas State University, author of The Life and Poetry of Frank Stanford, and 2026 Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, joins the Chronicles to discuss the life and work of one of the Ozarks' most enigmatic poets. From his free verse epic, The Battlefield Where the Moon Says I Love You, to his shorter lyrics, Frank Stanford demonstrates a poetic genius that will endure as long as there are readers who will risk the ride. Join the Chronicles for this special episode with James McWilliams! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Lauren Willette, Folk Arts Field Work Coordinator at the University of Arkansas, wrote her dissertation on Billy Joe Tatum, a woman of many contradictions, and Lauren presents Billy Joe in all her complexity, While Billy Joe was best known for her books on Ozarks herbs and wild edibles and the preparation thereof, she was also famous for hosting fabulous parties at her home near Melbourne, Arkansas, and infamous for her appearance on the Johnny Carson Show. Join the Chronicles for an in-depth look at a fascinating Renegade of Folk, Billy Joe Tatum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we take you back to a simpler time of tall tales on the front porch, square dances in the barn, and good times among friends. Noel Scott is legendary around these parts for fiddling and storytelling, and we are excited that he and Hawken Boldman joined us, not only to remember what used to be but to reassure us that the fun will never pass away. This live recording took place in Jeff Michel's restored cabin on his Centennial Farm. You can't get more Ozarks than this! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Accidental Ozarkian herself, Barbara Baird, and her husband, Jason, join the Chronicles to talk about the most nostalgic and beautiful remnants of Ozarks architecture, the mills. Their fascination with Ozarks mills led them to write Milling Around: Exploring 26 Mills in the Missouri Ozarks, a book that belongs on the shelf of every lover of the Ozarks. Barb also talks about her Ozarks website, "The Accidental Ozarkian," and how a newspaper column turned into one of the most widely read blogs about the Ozarks. Barb is the writer, Jason the photographer, and together they promote not only Ozarks mills, but Ozarks artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. This episode of the OFC will take you into the heart of the Ozarks with the Bairds as your two capable guides! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ozarkian Folk Chronicles has its roots in folktales, which is pretty obvious from our name, but those roots sometimes go down into mythology, sometimes psychology, sometimes sociology, and occasionally, history. Vance Randolph's "Naked as a Jaybird" is a tale with its roots in history, and Curtis Copeland did a deep dive several years ago and came up with, well, I'm not sure I would call it gold, but he sure uncovered a crazy story! When Oscar Stockton and his band of naked followers burst from a canebrake and into the streets of Forsyth, Missouri, Oscar also burst into Ozarks folklore. Join the Chronicles for one of our most outrageous stories, "The Naked Holy Rollers of Bull Creek Country"! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Randy Pace researched the 1890s Meadows/Bilyeu feud and wrote the definitive book on the subject: Blood Feud on Bull Creek. While feuds are part of the Ozarks stereotype, they also belong to Ozarks history, and when the Meadows/Bilyeu feud erupted in gunfire on May 28, 1898, three men fell dead. What's remarkable about the story is just how intertwined the two families were with marriages and children; there were Bilyeus that fought on the side of the Meadows and vice versa. Bull Creek experienced its fair share of violence, and this particular event may be the most notorious. Join the Chronicles for another fascinating look into Ozarks history! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this musical episode, David Scrivner, Joel Hinds, and Nathan McAlister, aka The New State of the Ozarks String Band, talk about what may be the most popular expression of Ozark culture, mountain music and square dancing! These three musicians have poured their lives and energies into preserving and perfecting these traditional songs, and they recently recorded their album, "Favorite Tunes from the Missouri Ozarks." Here is your chance to hear them live and in person on the Ozarkian Folk Chronicles! This is another "can't-be-missed" episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From hospitals and orphanages to Bald Knobbers and Boy Scouts, the Masons have played a colorful and significant role in the history of the Ozarks. Tim Thomas, past Grand Master of the Missouri Masons, is remarkably open about the "secret society" that has been romanticized and vilified since its inception in the 1700s. Join us for a fascinating look into this special episode of the Ozarkian Folk Chronicles. otisbuflinch.com/barndance bransonglobe.com bigfootfunpark.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kylee Cole, Chronicles co-host and long term planner for the city of Fayetteville, returns with a wild tale of mysterious sightings in Lake Conway, Arkansas. Soon after the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission built the 6,700 square acre lake, sightings of a strange frog-like, monkey-like, turtle-like creature that would thump boats and break fishing lines were reported. Some of these reports even came from folks who were sober. Thousands of people began to visit the lake to see the critter, but, alas, you had to be at the right place at the right time. As always, Kylee's research and passion for the topic delivers, and we know you'll enjoy this episode about the Lake Conway Monster! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earlier this year, Benjamin Hale, writer in residence at Bard College in New York, published his book Cave Mountain with Harper Collins. In the book, he tells several stories, but the first two captured the imagination of Kylee, who reached out to Ben and his cousin Haley Zega to bring them on the Chronicles. The first story is about Haley, who at the age of six was lost near Hawksbill Crag for three days while the most massive search party in Arkansas history up to that point combed the mountainside for her. The second story concerns a bizarre cult that drove up that same mountain, Cave Mountain; got stuck; and perpetrated a horrible crime against a little three-and-a-half-year old girl. Haley's story took place in 2001; the cult story in the 70s. So what's the connection? That's a question that both Ben and Haley have grappled with, and after you listen to the podcast, you'll be grappling with it, too. Don't miss this fascinating, disturbing, and perplexing episode of the Ozarkian Folk Chronicles! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gordon McCann passed away on July 17, 2026, at the age of 94, but his legacy will endure as long as these hills still stand. According to his obituary, Gordon was "a nationally recognized preservationist of traditional Ozarks fiddle music and other facets of Missouri-Arkansas culture." To those who knew him, Gordon was a mentor, teacher, and friend. Gordon poured his life into Ozarks culture, and we are all richer because of his persistent recording, attention to detail, and careful collection of notes and anecdotes. For all of us who share Gordon's passion, his example remains an inspiration. Rest in peace, Gordon McCann, and tell Vance we said, "We miss you." We miss you both. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connie Yen, our favorite Greene County archivist, makes good use of the records at her disposal, and on this episode, she recalls the murder of Hiram Christian in Springfield, Missouri, in 1867. John Thompson and Sam Hasley made the long trek from Texas, across Arkansas, and into Missouri with one purpose in mind: The execution of Hiram Christian, a judge and Union sympathizer. The murder of Christian reminds us that wars rarely end when the surrender is signed. The hostilities born of war long outlive the men who fought and died, and the desire for revenge might persist forever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1880, Thomas Campbell was digging a well when he discovered the petrified body of an infant girl in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The baby was an instant sensation, and within a year, she was being shown around the country and attracting curious viewers . . . at thirty-five cents a peek. Who or what was this petrified baby? Kylee Cole, co-host of the Chronicles, has dug deep into the story of the Eureka Springs baby, and she brings to light another crazy tale from the Ozarks. You gotta believe! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melissa Carper, Rebecca Patek, Brian Martin, and Joe Sundell make up the one and only Sad Daddy, one of the most beloved roots bands in the Ozarks, and they are on the Chronicles! Their songs are a trifecta of strong melodies, whimsical lyrics, and heart, and we are proud to host them and their music on this special episode. In addition to their music, we also have in-depth interviews with each of the members of the band. So tune in but wear your dancing shoes when you do! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Lynn, long time law enforcement officer with the Sheriff's department in Polk and Greene counties, tells the horrific story of the Young Brothers Massacre. From petty theft to grand larceny to the deadliest attack on officers in American history before 9/11, the Young Brothers are among the most notorious criminals in Missouri history. Join the Chronicles at the Wire Road Brewing Company for another riveting tale from the Ozarks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.