Advertise on podcast: Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage

In this episode of Coffee & History, hosts Rebecca Todd Minder, Susan Reynolds, and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie welcome Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association. A University of Alabama graduate and lifelong student of American history, McLaurin shares fascinating stories about the White House, its occupants, and the efforts to preserve one of the nation's most iconic landmarks.    The conversation explores the origins of the White House Historical Association, founded by Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961, as well as the role the organization plays in preserving the White House's historic interiors, collections, and traditions. McLaurin discusses everything from White House Christmas ornaments and state dinners to presidential transitions, hidden features of the executive mansion, and the challenges of balancing preservation with a modern presidency. Along the way, he shares stories about presidents, first ladies, civics education, and why the White House truly remains "The People's House."    Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Creek Indians.

In this episode of Coffee & History, host Rebecca Todd Minder sits down with Emily Blejwas, executive director of the Alabama Folklife Association and author of The Story of Alabama in Fourteen Foods. Their conversation explores how food can reveal deeper stories about Alabama's history, culture, and identity, from Lane Cake and boiled peanuts to bananas, wild turkey, and the traditions that connect communities across generations.    Emily discusses the research behind her book, the history of women's cookbooks, the evolution of Southern foodways, and some of the surprising discoveries she made along the way. The conversation also highlights the Alabama Folklife Association's work, including efforts to preserve traditions ranging from Decoration Day celebrations and Mardi Gras customs to Jewish folklife and traditional arts across the state. Filled with stories, laughter, and plenty of discussion about Alabama food, this episode offers a fascinating look at the traditions that shape who we are.    Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

In this episode of Coffee & History, host Rebecca Todd Minder travels to Mobile for a conversation with Dr. Lonnie Burnett, former president of the University of Mobile and current vice president of Coastal Alabama Community College. A lifelong educator, historian, author, and leader, Burnett reflects on nearly five decades in education and the experiences that have shaped his remarkable career.    From navigating the challenges of higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic to leading institutional growth and financial transformation, Burnett shares stories from his time as president and discusses the evolving role of community colleges in Alabama. The conversation also explores his work as a historian, his research on Civil War-era journalism and politics, his involvement with the Alabama Historical Association, and his passion for helping students discover the value of history. Along the way, listeners will enjoy plenty of humor, local Mobile history, and reflections on a life dedicated to education.   Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

In this special episode of Coffee & History, hosts Rebecca Todd Minder and Susan Reynolds take listeners behind the scenes of Issue 162, Fall 2026 of Alabama Heritage magazine. As Alabama Heritage concludes its yearlong celebration of its 40th anniversary, Rebecca and Susan discuss the fascinating stories featured in the newest issue and offer a glimpse into the research, writing, and image hunting that bring each edition to life.    The conversation highlights a wide range of Alabama history, including William Weatherford's evolving legacy, the Fair Hope Benevolent Society's historic Foot Wash festival, a Civil War raid on Pollard, and a compelling legal chapter connected to the Scottsboro Boys case. Listeners will also hear about the magazine's popular departments, from Alabama Counties to Alabama Makers, and learn how the staff works to uncover and share stories from across the state. It's a fun and informative look at the people, places, and history featured in the latest issue of Alabama Heritage.    Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

In this episode of Coffee & History, hosts Rebecca Todd Minder and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie travel to Huntsville to speak with Veronica Henderson, director of the State Black Archives Research Center and Museum at Alabama A&M University. As an archivist, educator, and public historian, Henderson is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of African Americans who helped shape Alabama and the nation.    From the civil rights movement and local Huntsville history to Buffalo Soldiers, Alabama A&M University, and the power of family storytelling, Henderson discusses how archives connect communities to their past and ensure that important stories are not forgotten. The conversation explores the role of HBCU archives, the importance of oral histories, and how local stories often reveal a deeper connection to major events in American history.

In this episode of Coffee & History, hosts Rebecca Todd Minder and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie head to Huntsville to sit down with Dr. Neil Lamb, president of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Known for making the world of genetics accessible to everyone, Dr. Lamb explains how HudsonAlpha uses genomics to solve real‑world problems—from rare disease research to agricultural innovation across Alabama.   The conversation explores HudsonAlpha's groundbreaking Wiregrass Initiative in Dothan, where high school students extract DNA from peanut plants and help develop new varieties tailored to local farmers. Dr. Lamb also discusses statewide STEM education, the legacy of George Washington Carver, and how biotechnology is reshaping Alabama's economy. The episode closes with a powerful look at HudsonAlpha's Alzheimer's research, including emerging biomarkers, lifestyle interventions, and the hope offered by new scientific breakthroughs.   Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

In this episode of Coffee & History, hosts Rebecca Todd Minder and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie sit down with Kristin Scroggin, founder of GenWHY Communications and a nationally recognized expert on generational communication. A Northport native and former communications lecturer, Kristin has spent more than two decades helping organizations understand how different generations think, communicate, and work together.    From Baby Boomers and Gen X to Millennials and Gen Z, Kristin explains how historical events, cultural shifts, technology, and workplace expectations have shaped each generation's perspective. The conversation explores everything from remote work and social media to parenting, leadership, and the future of the workplace. Filled with humor, insight, and plenty of relatable moments, this episode offers a fascinating look at why we sometimes struggle to understand one another and how we can build stronger connections across generations.    Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

In this episode of Coffee & History, hosts Rebecca Todd Minder and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie take the podcast on the road to Huntsville for a conversation with archaeologist, podcaster, and public historian Daniel Rhodes. As host of Archaeology After Dark, president of the Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society, and a leader within the Alabama Archaeological Society, Daniel is dedicated to making archaeology accessible, engaging, and fun for audiences of all ages.    From Alabama's colonial past and public archaeology projects to podcasting, ancient artifacts, and the surprising ways archaeology connects people to their own identities, Daniel shares the stories and experiences that have shaped his career. Along the way, the conversation explores archaeological discoveries, museum education, the challenges of preserving history, and why understanding the past continues to matter in the Rocket City and beyond.

In this on‑the‑road episode of Coffee & History, hosts Rebecca Todd Minder and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie take listeners along for a scenic drive through North Alabama before settling in Huntsville to chat with Donna Castellano, executive director of the Historic Huntsville Foundation. Donna shares insights from her decades of work preserving Huntsville's historic resources, from the legacy of Harrison Brothers Hardware to the powerful story of Black builder Daniel Brandon, whose craftsmanship shaped the city's downtown.   The conversation explores Huntsville's women's history walking tours, Reconstruction‑era storytelling, and the importance of elevating lived experiences through community‑centered interpretation. Donna also reflects on the discovery of Brandon family records, the role of inclusive preservation, and how Huntsville's past—from early political cooperation to modern cultural investment—continues to influence its rapid growth today. It's a thoughtful, moving discussion about memory, identity, and the people who built Alabama's history.   Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

In this week's summer series, we bring back one of our top episodes of 2026. Since 2022, Katharine Armbrester has been a  a contributing writer and editor for Alabama Heritage magazine, sharing her passion for literary history. From uncovering the life of writer Sara Haardt to spotlighting artists through the Alabama Makers department, Katharine shares how her love of literary history, folk art, and hidden Southern creatives has guided her work. Listeners will hear about her research adventures, her deep ties to Alabama's artistic communities, her involvement with the Jane Austen Society of Alabama, and her growing passion for exploring neurodivergence in the lives of artists. This is an episode you won't want to miss. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

This week on Coffee & History, we revisit one of our favorite conversations of the year. Dr. Bill Bomar, executive director of UA Museums, sat down with Susan and Caroline to discuss all things interesting! From fossils and dinosaurs, to museum fun facts and meteorites, this episode highlights the ways UA Museums provide to connect with natural Alabama.

Seems like it was just yesterday that we launched our 50th episode, but we wanted to revisit Jennifer Horne this summer.   In our 50th episode of Coffee & History, Rebecca Todd Minder, Susan Reynolds, and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie welcomed former Alabama Poet Laureate and former Alabama Heritage editorial assistant Jennifer Horne for a lively, wide‑ranging conversation about writing, archives, ghosts, creativity, and the unexpected paths that shape a literary life. From her years researching the enigmatic Sara Mayfield to her work co‑editing landmark anthologies on Southern women and spirituality, Horne shares stories that blend history, art, and personal discovery. The hosts also dive into haunted University of Alabama campus buildings, the magic of the W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, the power of poetry during the pandemic, and the joys of life on an Alabama lake. Warm, funny, and full of literary insight, this episode celebrates the many ways art connects and sustains us. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

We're going back to our first season this week! Join us as we chat with Lesa Carnes Shaul, an author and an English professor at the University of West Alabama. Hailing from Sand Mountain, Alabama, Shaul dives into the mysteries that surround her hometown, her upcoming feature article in Alabama Heritage magazine, the history of snake handling and Sacred Harp singing. This episode was selected as an Award of Excellence recipient by the AVIA Communicator Awards in 2026. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you by Windcreek Hospitality.

In this episode of Coffee & History, hosts Rebecca Todd Minder, Susan Reynolds, and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie welcome Chuck Holmes, executive director of the Alabama Humanities Alliance. A veteran journalist whose career has taken him from Jerusalem and Moscow to NPR and public radio in Alabama, Chuck discusses how storytelling shapes our understanding of history, community, and one another.   The conversation explores the mission of the Alabama Humanities Alliance, the impact of Alabama History Day, the organization's Healing History initiatives, and the importance of preserving and sharing Alabama's stories. Chuck also reflects on his journalism career, the challenges facing humanities organizations today, and why fostering curiosity and connection remains more important than ever.

In this episode of Coffee and History, we sit down with archaeologist and educator Anna Mullican while on the road in Fairhope, Alabama, for the annual Alabama Historical Association's Spring Meeting. She shares insights from her work at the Oakville Indian Mounds, discussing how archaeology helps us understand Alabama's past, what people really ate centuries ago, and how hands-on experiences make history meaningful for students. It's an engaging conversation about preserving stories, challenging misconceptions, and connecting the past to the present.  This episode was recorded at Coastal Alabama Community College's podcast studio. A special thanks to Mandy Bezeredi and Christi Parent for allowing us to record on the campus.